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...]
5 signs of cat dental disease
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...]