JaneA Kelly reminds us the American Veterinary Dental Society says almost 70 percent of cats start showing signs of oral disease by their third birthday. Because cats hide their pain, cat owners may not know a cat’s mouth is hurting until its oral disease becomes severe. Of course, a preventive care program consisting of brushing your cat’s teeth daily is recommended. The … [Read more...]
Treat cat bites and bite infections properly
It’s inevitable that those working or living with cats will need to deal with cat bites and the likely infection of the bite wounds. Andee Bingham offers perspective on cats that bite and treatment options for bite wounds. Source: Catster, January 26, 2018. Cat bites are exceptionally dangerous and prone to infection because a cat’s needle-like teeth can push bacteria deep … [Read more...]
Cats’ eyes reveal moods
The model for marbles since the 1940s, cat’s vertical slit pupils are fascinating. JaneA Kelley shares perspectives about how reading a cat’s eyes can be helpful in getting along with the feline. She says: Narrow pupils signal an aroused cat Wide pupils signal an excited or scared cat Pupils of different sizes signal the need to see a DVM Veterinary teams and … [Read more...]
Ideas for cats who won’t eat
Finicky cats were made famous by 9 Lives’ spokescat Morris in the 1970s. JaneA Kelley offers some tips for getting today’s Morrises back on feed. Information on this common issue will be appreciated in social media posts, newsletters or as website content. Source: Catster, January 17, 2018. Here are some things to try when a cat won’t eat: Make sure the cat is healthy … [Read more...]
Cat flehmen response or cat stinky face is highly scientific
The cat stinky face isn’t necessarily a snooty sneer. It’s way more scientific than that. “The flehmen response is a type of sniffing, but instead of using their nostrils, cats inhale the air through their open mouths,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons says. “Cats use the flehmen response to detect chemical stimuli, such as pheromones, that are present in urine and feces, or areas that cats … [Read more...]
What to know about bathing cats
Bathing a cat sends chills to most cat owners and veterinary teams alike. Still cats sometimes truly need a good bath. JaneA Kelly looks at five times you should wash your cat and how to make cat baths as stress free as possible. Source: Catster, December 26, 2017. In some cases, you can just clean your cat using unscented, hypoallergenic wipes or dry shampoos rather than … [Read more...]
It’s not always safe to rub cat bellies
Dog lovers who visit homes with cats often get fooled by cats offering their bellies. There are lots of places cats like to be petted, but if you try to pet a cat’s belly, you’ll likely be met with claws and teeth. Source: Catster, December 8, 2017. There are some cats who love belly rubs, but they’re few and far between. The cat belly is a very vulnerable place. Unlike … [Read more...]
Cat kisses send real messages
The cat kiss is much different from anything humans do, says Denise LeBeau. But, cat owners know their feline friends show their affection toward us, and each other, quite often. LeBeau explores cat kisses, whether real or perceived. Source: Catster, November 22, 2017. The best way to show your cat how much you love him is to not plop a big kiss on his face. It’s best to … [Read more...]
Headbutting shows affection
Watch most team sports and you’ll see a common cat behavior exhibited after a great play, the headbutt. Similar to our human use of this action, cats have used head butting for eons for bonding and social purposes. More appropriately, this action is called head bunting. Source: Catster, November 8, 2017. Cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett says, “For the cat to place his … [Read more...]
Satisfy cat hunting instincts appropriately
Lisa Radosta DVM, Dipl. ACVB, reminds us that predatory behaviors that cats exhibit outside do not go away when they are kept indoors. She says indoor cats need stimulation and environmental enrichment. Some cats simply become bored at home, while others become frustrated by the inability to do what comes naturally: explore, exercise and hunt. That frustration can lead to … [Read more...]
Ask a Cat Lady belts out feline distemper (includes video)
Sarah Donner, the Ask a Cat Lady personality, shares feline distemper facts, including a song she composed and performs on video. Sometimes known as ataxia or the cat plague, FPV spreads through fluid or fecal contact, in utero or via fleas. This virus can survive years in a stable environment, and it can be devastating when it breaks out. Source: Catster, October 26, … [Read more...]
Humping is normal feline behavior
Cat humping is a behavior that can freak people out. Jane A Kelly assures cat owners that this behavior is normal for male and female cats. She addresses some of the reasons for humping and offers ideas about how to productively stop the behavior. Source: Catster, September 19, 2017. If a cat suddenly starts humping, he may feel stressed by changes in his home environment, … [Read more...]
Avoid things that kill or hurt cats
Client education is a continuous challenge in veterinary practice or in a retail environment. Many new pet owners have little or no awareness about common risks. Articles like this that review risks to cats at home make good content for websites, social media posts or new pet kits. Source: Catster, September 5, 2017. The three most common cat injuries are represented by … [Read more...]
Respect a cat’s hiss
Jane A Kelly shares perspectives on why cats hiss. Some feline behavior experts believe that the cat learned how to hiss by imitating the sound of snakes. Mimicking the sound of other species is a survival technique used by many animals, and there’s no mistaking the distinct warning given by a hiss. Source: Catster, August 21, 2017. Ultimately, the cat hiss is designed to … [Read more...]
Understand feline sexual aggression
There are good reasons to neuter a male cat during the first six months or so of his life. In addition to population control, neutering eliminates or at least reduces the occurrence of some undesirable sex-related behaviors. Source: Catster, August 2017. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, notes that about 10 percent of neutered cats will continue to display unwanted behaviors. “Owners … [Read more...]
How much food to feed a cat
Feeding a cat is not complicated, but is based on many variables. These include its weight and age, food-type selection, its activity level, and whether it is pregnant or nursing. Source: Catster, June 19, 2017. Cat owners are often puzzled by the question: “How much should I feed my cat?” Catster unpacks information needed about feeding a cat. INSIGHTS: Animal health pros … [Read more...]
Cat butt questions answered
Dr. Arnold Plotnick answers common questions about the posteriors of our feline friends including scooting, anal gland expression and wiping. Source: Catster, July 27, 2017. Fortunately, cat butt problems are a minor issue in cats. But, there are some conditions that can be serious, such as infections, tumors and anal gland abscesses. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this … [Read more...]
Harness the cat and go for a walk
Sandy Robins shares ways to train a cat to walk on a leash. Doing so enriches the cat’s lifestyle by safely allowing her to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way of revving up her exercise routine. But, not all cats take to the harness and leash easily. Robins says kittens are easier to train than adults. Source: Catster, June 20, … [Read more...]
Why cats lick
Jane A. Kelly offers reasons cats lick their owners. She shares when your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress, or more. Consider using this information in social media posts, websites and newsletters. Cat owners will appreciate the perspective. Source: Catster, June 13, 2017. Kelly shares these reasons: Cats lick as a means of social When your … [Read more...]
Dr. Marty Becker talks cool cats
Dr. Becker offers tips for keeping cats cool in summer and how to prevent other seasonal hazards, such as bug bites, heartworm and sunburns. This makes good content for blogs, social media and newsletters. Source: Catster, June 12, 2017. While cats descend from desert animals and are more tolerant of heat than dogs, they have some special needs when the temperature rises. … [Read more...]
3 essential summer tips for cats
Karen Nichols says hydrate, furminate and educate are three important tips to keep cats comfortable, healthy and safe as summer begins. This content will help cat owners if presented on social media posts, blogs, websites and newsletters. Note the discussion of hydration and senior cats. Source: Catster, May 26, 2017. Heatstroke is life-threatening, and knowing proper first … [Read more...]
Convert an outdoor cat into a happy indoor cat
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger says cats can gradually be transitioned to living indoors by making their homes more appealing than the great outdoors. Here’s how: Bring your cat to the veterinarian Motivate your cat with food Provide a sanctuary room Teach litter box skills Enhance your cat’s indoor worlds Exercise your cat’s inner predator Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Cats’ tails tell tales
Our team couldn’t resist the pun. Cat blogger Jane A Kelly shares eight ways cats talk with their tales tails. Source: Catster, May 11, 2017. A cat’s tail is an amazing and beautiful thing. Not only is it an anatomical wonder, it’s an excellent tool for feline self-expression. Even the most obtuse of humans can learn the secrets of this behavior — “tail talk,” if you will — … [Read more...]
Therapy certification for cats
Caroline Golon offers the basics of the therapy cat certification process. To train as an official cat therapy team, you need to meet minimum requirements, which vary by the certifying organization. Most programs also require that the cat be able to wear a leash and harness, mostly for the cat’s own safety. Source: Catster, May 4, 2017. Obviously, not all cats make good … [Read more...]
Trichobezoars debunked
Hairballs are disgusting, especially when you step on one with a bare foot. Dr. Eric Barchas discusses hairball myths and fallacies. This article would make good content for a website, newsletter, social media or blog post. Source: Catster, April 23, 2013. Swallowing hair in and of itself is not what causes hairballs. They’re occurring because the gastrointestinal tract … [Read more...]
Lilies are toxic to cats
Spring brings lily season inside and out and with it dangers for cats. Every part of the plant is toxic. A cat who walks through lily pollen and then grooms his paws is at risk. The toxin (or toxins — there may be more than one) is unknown. Share this with clients. Source: Catster, April 11, 2017. The lily’s toxin(s) appear to be rapidly absorbed, so affected cats might … [Read more...]
Euthanasia, a vet’s perspective
Dr. Eric Barchas shares that euthanasia is the hardest and most emotionally challenging part of his job. And, he says, it has not gotten any easier as the years go on. He explains his approach and reasoning when it is time for a cat’s life to end. Source: Catster, March 14, 2017. Behavioral problems are a leading cause of euthanasia in cats. And by behavioral problems I … [Read more...]
Cats have to play
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger reminds us that playing is a lifelong activity for cats. She says playing is intrinsically rewarding. If it wasn’t, cats wouldn’t play. Source: Catster, February 24, 2017. Cats of all ages should be encouraged to play — but always within their limits. Playing is a lifelong activity that teaches skills, promotes health, fights boredom and is fun. … [Read more...]
Catster promotes vet visits
Consumer media sources don’t often tell pet owners the importance of veterinary visits. Not so with this Get-your-cat-to-the-vet for a checkup article. Source: Catster, January 4, 2017. Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness. Just because your cat doesn’t seem sick doesn’t mean she isn’t. She could have dental disease — by three years of age, most cats have signs of … [Read more...]
Help ensure cats play with safe toys
Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant, offers points to consider when choosing hazard-free toys for feline pets. These tips can be used by animal health pros in kitten kits, on websites, in newsletters and blogs. Source: Catster, October 21, 2016. Encourage cats to play! It enriches their lives and is a fun source of physical, mental, and emotional … [Read more...]