Cats are instinctively driven to hide suffering, so it can be hard to tell when they're in pain writes JaneA Kelley. She lists subtle signs to help identify a sick cat. The article is good for social media posts and e-newsletters. Source: Catster, May 22, 2019. Link. Kelly lists these 9 common signs of a sick cat: A sick cat may exhibit changes in behavior … [Read more...]
Why cats bite
They can be lying there purring, docile and without warning, cats sometimes start biting. Cat behavior expert Dusty Rainbolt shares a few reasons why cats bite: Health problems and pain Aggressive play Defense and offense Love bites and petting If the ears go back and the tail starts moving, stop petting the cat. – Dusty Rainbolt Source: Catster, May 21, 2019. … [Read more...]
Behaviorist tells how to stop cats from scratching furniture
Marilyn Krieger discusses scratching behaviors of cats and how cat owners can train them to scratch in acceptable places. She reminds us that scratching is natural and instinctive to all felines. They scratch because: Scratching objects is one of the ways cats communicate. Scratching is a displacement behavior After napping, there is nothing as fulfilling as a slow … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets becoming part of long-term eldercare
A Google search produces dozens of visiting pet organizations that provide pet therapy visits to elder care facilities. The results are positive and the organizations require visiting pets to be trained for such activities. Ramona Marek reviews a growing trend of allowing seniors to bring their pet from home when they enter a care facility. I’m supportive of fur, feathers … [Read more...]
Catnip basics, the original feline high (includes videos)
It turns out there are some psychotropic affects going on when your cat gets into the catnip zone, writes Phillip Mlynar. According to science buffs, cats react to catnip after a volatile oil in it called nepetalactone interacts with the nasal tissue. Once the catnip has been engaged, it starts to replicate pheromones that, in turn, switch on feline receptors and make all sorts … [Read more...]
The best way to feed a cat
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the best way to feed cats is to replicate normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging),and to feed frequent small meals that the cat can savor alone. Source: Catster, March 25, 2019. Link. Also see: How to Feed a Cat, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals … [Read more...]
Quiz: Are you a cat at heart?
Just for fun, see if you have the personality of a cat. Tally your answers to five questions to determine what kind of cat personality you possess and what type of cat would be your best match! Source: Modern Cat, March 21, 2019. Link. Also see: Video: Cats Chasing Shadows! Link. Check out this funny compilation of cats playing with shadows! … [Read more...]
Explaining cat behavior problems and how to handle them
Cats, like us, have their good days and not-so-good days. Cat behavior problems almost always have an underlying cause, writes Angela Lutz. She identifies frequently seen cat behavior problems and offers ideas to handle them. Aggression toward humans or other cats Litter box problems Excessive vocalization Urine marking Source: Catster, March 13, 2019. … [Read more...]
She’s not pregnant. That cat is fat!
Overweight cats are at risk for a host of health issues. Sassafras Lowrey shares five health risks for overweight cats worthy of sharing with cat owners: DiabetesHigh blood pressureBone/joint damageFatty liver diseaseSkin problems Cats who are overweight are known to have shorter life spans, and the associated health problems can be deadly to the cat. Not only that, … [Read more...]
Cats groom each other for good reasons
Grooming each other, called allogrooming, is one of three ways cats express cohesion in colonies. The other two ways are allorubbing and transmitting scent signals. . . . scientists have studied allogrooming behaviors in domestic cats, lions, primates and many other species. Source: Catster, January 1, 2019. Link. Allogrooming appears to be a sign of social … [Read more...]
Cold season and cats
Its cold and flu season. The sneezing, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes that make us miserable are also symptoms of cat colds or upper respiratory infections. Dr. Arnold Plotnick reminds us that feline herpesvirus (FHV) and the feline calicivirus (FCV), both viruses, cause 80 percent of feline upper respiratory infections. He discusses cat colds using relatable language … [Read more...]
Clearing the air about feline flatulence
Most cat farts are normal, and almost all are odorless, writes Angie Bailey. Some common causes of kitty toots are: Diets that are high in fiberDairy ingestionEating too fast and swallowing excessive amounts of airConsuming spoiled food or garbageHairballsDietary changes, especially ones that aren’t gradual Source: Catster, December 14, 2018. Link. Although it’s perfectly … [Read more...]
Cat scooting causes and actions to take
Usually seen in dogs, cats also scoot or drag their butts on the ground. Jackie Brown addresses what causes the itchy posteriors and what to do about it. Source: Catster, December 21, 2018. Link. Brown discusses these reasons for cat scooting: WormsAllergiesAnal gland issues INSIGHTS: We would add poor backside grooming to the list. Consider this article for … [Read more...]
Pheromones effective at decreasing feline aggression
Hiss, yowl, sphftt, thump, pow, schzip! In multi-cat households the sounds often remind owners of superhero TV. Owners now have a stress-reducing options. A recent study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery looked at the effectiveness of using pheromone diffusers for aggression in multi-cat households. They discovered that cats exposed to feline-appeasing pheromones … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
Caterwauling, what and why
There’s nearly always a reason behind caterwauling, the higher pitched, drawn-out, melodic yowling sounds cats sometimes express, writes Angie Bailey. She shares some reasons for it, and what might help remedy the situation. Cats caterwaul: because they’re in pain as a signal they want to breed to alert us to outside activity when they are feeling insecure or … [Read more...]
Cat scratch fever and prevention
Referring to a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria, not Ted Nugent’s hit song of 1977, Sandy Robins reviews cat scratch fever also known as cat scratch disease. Zoonotic, cat scratch fever is preventable if you understand feline behavior and ensure pets are protected from fleas. The article includes good information about avoiding scratches and dealing … [Read more...]
How much do you feed a cat?
A 2011 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that more than 50 percent of cats were obese or overweight. So, what is happening that predisposes our domestic felines to a life of sedentary obesity? The answer is multifactorial but to simplify, just remember this: any individual mammal will gain body weight if it consumes more calories than it burns as … [Read more...]
Natural cat litter alternatives may benefit the environment
JaneA Kelley compiled a list of six natural cat litter alternatives touted to be better for the environment. The argument for litter made from plant material is that it is friendlier to the environment, it generally weighs less than clay litters and cats like it. Here’s the list: Corn Grass Green tea Walnut shells Wheat Wood pellets Source: Catster, July … [Read more...]
9 tips to keep kitties cool
JaneA Kelley shares tips about keeping cats cool and comfortable when the weather gets hot: Cool your cat down with ice Add a home-made air conditioner to the cat’s favorite lounging spot Elevate the cat’s bed Provide a fan for the cat Pet cats with a wet towel Close curtains Avoid cooling gel packs Postpone play time Never, never, never leave a cat … [Read more...]
Understand why cats fight to stop fights
At least 55 percent of cat homes in the U.S. are multi-cat homes. So, it is no wonder that cat fights occur. A cat fight is actually a natural behavior, and the key to get cat fighting to stop is to understand why the cats are fighting in the first place. How cat owners handle the fighting can determine lack of trust and aggressiveness vs. harmony. Source: Catster, June … [Read more...]
7 hypoallergenic cats breeds help reduce allergies
Low-allergen, or hypoallergenic cats, are those that typically produce fewer allergens than regular cats. The operative word here is fewer. A protein, Fel D1, is the allergen in the cat’s saliva that causes problems for cat allergy sufferers. Some cat breeds produce less of it than others, making them hypoallergenic. Seven breeds are featured in this article Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Fading kitten syndrome is real. Not all born alive will live.
There is now a scientific explanation for kittens born alive, but don’t live long. Dr. Eric Barchas says it is fading kitten syndrome. He explains, a staggering proportion of kittens succumb to fading kitten syndrome before they reach nine weeks of age. Fifteen percent to 27 percent die before nine weeks of age even in well-managed catteries. Source: Catster, May 10, 2018. … [Read more...]
Regional guide to fleas and ticks on cats
Fleas and ticks on cats aren’t a one-size fits-all problem. Catster’s team surveyed pros across the U.S. to get information on regional pests and specific cat flea and tick treatments for by area. “It is a common misconception that fleas and ticks have a season,” Dr. Michelle Matusicky, DVM, says. “They have a life cycle that is constantly replicating.” Source: Catster, May … [Read more...]
A guide to shots for cats
Steve Dale, CABC, provides a well-positioned discussion of feline vaccination needs, challenges and the impact of not vaccinating. Most cat owners need this reinforcement to keep their cats vaccinated. Share it on websites, in newsletters and in social media posts. Source: Catster, March 28, 2018. After reviewing literature regarding feline vaccines, Dr. Margie Scherk comes … [Read more...]
Polydactyl cats and their many toes
Domestic cats normally have 18 toes; five on each front paw and four on each hind paw. However, polydactyl cats can have one or two extra toes, usually on their front feet. Sandy Robins reviews this fairly common trait. Source: Catster, March 27, 2018. Because of the variability in the expression of polydactyly in cats, some extra toes have a tendency for ‘ingrown’ claws,” … [Read more...]
Feline serenading indicates heat (includes videos)
If you grew up before air conditioning you’ve probably been awakened by the tell-tale sounds of a tom cat and his girlfriend singing to each other. Angie Bailey shares videos and discusses spay and neutering as the only way to stop all the caterwauling, yowling, lugubrious meows and thunderous purrs. Source: Catster, March 28, 2018. The only way to truly prevent female cats … [Read more...]
Feline heartworm discussions are important
Our feline friends are true masters at falling asleep any time, any place and under any circumstances writes JaneA Kelly. She offers some perspective about them: All that sleeping is in your cat’s genes Cats aren’t always sound asleep Cats do sleep deeply and even dream Some cats do snore when they sleep A change in your cat’s sleeping habits could be a sign … [Read more...]
If cats pee on the bed or couch, there’s a reason
Marilyn Kreiger writes that cats aren’t bad or purposely being naughty, nor are they seeking revenge when they urinate on couches and places we sleep. They should never be punished. There are legitimate reasons for the unwelcome behavior. Cats’ urinating in the wrong places sends a message to everyone there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Source: Catster, March … [Read more...]
Cats need to knead
Kneading is but one of the common, quirky behaviors of cats. It is a motion cats make by pushing in and out with their paws, alternating between right and left. Some cats knead with claws completely retracted, while others will extend their claws as they push in and retract as they pull back. It’s an instinctive behavior that likely helps calm the cat. It is important for … [Read more...]