Has it ever caught you off-guard?
I've felt that lots of times, and it seems that its a kind of natural behavior for our beloved felines.
It maybe because your pet kitty is trying to tell you something or some other reason.
In this article, we're going to be taking a look at why your cat maybe licking you and biting without a warning. Let's get started!
Cats, and not just our domestic ones- even the big ones like tigers and leopards are into grooming their dear ones.
It seems that this adorable behavior is also common in birds as well as dogs, and apes too!
A cat doesn't have access to a good-old fine-toothed comb to prune themselves but they do have their tongue with serrated papilla. This helps pick up loose strands of hair as well as any dust from their fur.
Licking and biting on fur is also a way for them to reduce hairball by reducing the amount of loose hairs they ingest.
Your kitty licking you and biting may just mean that your cat likes you enough to think of you as family!
In some ways, cats really are like kids. They are quite smart and like playing around. Imagine a kid that doesn't need to do any homework, gets free food and tasty snacks and literally naps most of the day!
Growing cats have a lot of energy to spare.
You may have noticed young kittens assuming a playful arched position all ready to pounce. Old cats do not have much energy but young ones have a lot of stamina!
A cat may want to play with you and so, may be trying to get you stop lazying around by licking and biting you.
As much as our feline friends enjoy goofing around and sleeping on our laps, they are also natural predators.
We tend to forget that they are powerful creatures fully capable of surviving in the wild alone. Odd as it may sound, sitting around and lazying can get boring for them too.
You excessively petting them or rubbing their ears also doesn't help the fact that they need some alone time.
Like humans, cats can also get anxious and sad.
If your kitty hasn't had enough to eat or adequate play, or is just gloomy, it may act out by biting you.
Cats don't like change at all. A sudden change in your routine, like you coming late or you inviting your friend over can worry them.
Cats literally wait for you to show up consistently and can even get sick just from worrying about your messy routine.
Mating time can also be why your cat is feeling stressed. Even if your kitty is neutered, the feline can still feel urges and not being able to act on them while being cooped up to you can cause them to feel upset.
There is absolutely nothing for you to worry about your cat licking and biting you. It's most likely a sign that your cat is into you!
Seriously though, our feline friends like grooming their close ones. They learn this from their mamma while they're still tiny kittens.
A mother cat licks and bites her young ones to remove any loose hairs and to groom them, and this behavior is passed on to a cat when it grows.
Cats probably think of us as chill big cats that take care of them, so they try to be there for us too.
So, it's nothing to be concerned about, but, if your kitty also shows her teeth and seems angry, you may have done something wrong. Cats do not hold grudges but it's a great idea to look into what the cause of that behavior might be.
Now that we've established that your cat licking and biting you is fairly normal unless your cat seems aggressive, let's talk about if your cat's licking should feel hurtful.
Well, it depends. Your kitty's tongue has pointed papillae which sure hurt a bit but not much.
A playful cat doesn't bite too deep, so it shouldn't be an issue to you.
If your cat really wants to hurt you by biting, you should monitor your kitty for behavioral issues and try to figure out if something is wrong.
It can be serious sometimes, and taking your kitty to a vet is also a good idea.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
Your kitty licking and biting you is probably nothing and your beloved pet just wants to shower you with love or play with you.
There's also a slim chance that it's because you are annoying your cat by petting excessively, so you might want to pay attention to that.
]]>While cats have been domesticated pets, there's still a lot of things about them that remains a mystery. Here, we will discuss cats behaviour and why they expose their bellies.
Cats are well-known for being the most illogical and unpredictable pets. Cats, like humans, are individuals with distinct personalities and strange quirks.
When a cat lies on its back and shows you its belly then the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn't feel threatened. They feel safe enough about being attracted.
What's the backstory? When they simply roll over as you approach.
Cats lying on their backs with their bellies exposed are a sign of disrespect or a way of saying "Hello, human!"
Showing a furry little belly is our furry pet's body language that they are very comfortable with their owners and this is the adorable message that every cat owner everyone loves.
It's very easy to know if your kitty is mad or simply playful.
When your cat shows you its belly, you can do belly rubs softly.
Many cats, and especially your cats- love belly rubs as they feel warm and happy.
And of course, they only love it if they are in a certain calm and good mood. They also have to be gentle strokes, right when he/she is in the calmest mood.
You caressing your kitty helps them relax, and it's comforting for you too!
While some cats might enjoy belly rubs, some cats who with anxiety hate belly rubs. It all depends on your cat's unique personality.
If you notice your cats exposing their belly and rubbing their bodies as if itching, this could be a warning sign. Itching could be a sign of an allergy or another medical condition.
Your cat is rubbing themselves unsatisfied. You should then take them to a veterinarian to check for allergies or skin conditions.
I recommend that you first get to know your cats and form a strong bond with them. Discover whether or not your furry friends enjoy belly rubs and being touched.
So, don't bother intruding or you'll be attacked by your furry friend. You must understand that cats require their own space, so be cautious, my friend.
Cats like being petted but they are easily overstimulated and as their bellies are areas that are most vulnerable- if you touch them, their instinct for self- protectiveness tends to take over.
Cats know that predators often go for their soft belly during an attack. Their belly is weak, so, naturally, they want to protect it.
If you try to touch a cat's belly when they're not expecting it then they will sink their claws into your arm. Or they might start kicking you with their hind legs.
In some cases, cats often expose their bellies as a sign of trust as it is an important part of their body.
But like all pets. It depends on the cat and how you brought them up.
The feelings cats get stem from the activities that have been important throughout the time that they evolved.
Have many reasons that, the cats expose bellies: Mothers expose their nipples to nourish their young. Cats of both sexes may expose it to express their highest degree of intimacy.
Another reason could be that the cats trust you and they will be calm, content and feel comfortable.
If a cat's playful, it will be running and bite you reach down because they think you're play fighting- due to this they will happy and gentle.
Cat owners may be aware that their feline companions enjoy having their heads petted. As a cat guardian, you may have noticed that your furry friend has scent glands near the chins and checks where there are very sensitive parts that they like to be petted and scratched.
In addition, cats may expose their tummies/bellies for no reason other than relaxation.
If your kitty is content and at ease with everything, they will show you their bellies and become completely open and comfortable.
Although belly exposure is generally a positive thing, it can be the point of defensiveness in a cat.
If cats are scared and threatening, and they believe they have no way out. They may assume a belly position to fully utilize defensive tools, particularly retracted claws.
When a cat is in this state of protectiveness, cats certainly not feeling cuddly. You should look out for growling and hissing from your beloved cat to know if they're feeling aggressive.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
Usually, the cats roll around before you'll see his/ her tummy. So, a belly pose is a display of affection and fondness to cats.
Sometimes, cats are similar to humans, some cats have been known to sleep on their backs with their bellies to the sky.
One of the confusing things/aspects is that about their position. Mostly, you should have to know your cat's position. You have to understand your cat's position. If they see you and shows their belly, it is almost certainly friendly meaning and expresses that they want you to play with them.
As a cat guardian, you may enjoy rubbing their bellies and touching them if they come to you. However, you may have received biting or scratching from them several times while attempting to touch their bellies. And you may have noticed that it is their typical reaction or natural behavior. And you're already unconcerned if they bite or scratch you.
Since the belly is a most vulnerable area on cats, cats will only sleep in this position when they feel safe, healthy and content.
If you see your cute kitty sleeping this way, understand this as a sign that you've provided your dear / cherished pet with a comfortable cat habitat . So, these are the reasons why cats shows their bellies.
]]>One moment they are kneading on your lap, and the next they're biting at your finger like it's some snack. As a fellow cat owner, you already know that it's harmless most of the time.
In this article, we dive further into this peculiar behavior of cats to better understand why they do it.
Let's get on with it!
Most of the time, I enjoy playing with my beloved cat, which for me is giving them my finger and watching them licking and suddenly gets bite it. It's baffling to me why they like it so much, and I think you're all here to find an answer to those questions.
If you're a pet owner with more than one cat, you might have noticed that the cats suddenly start licking and biting you.
You may be curious as to what happened; they didn't enjoy the petting you were giving in return; what is behind such erratic behaviour; and animal-wise.
It's not always simple to grasp what our cats are trying to say, even for experienced guardians, therefore it's critical that we learn about ethology and visit our veterinarian if we notice anything unusual in our cat's body language.
There's no single way to interpret licking and biting in cats, even when they happen at the same time, which is why we'll try to explain the reasons for each of these species-specific behaviours in-depth.
When a cat licks us, especially our hair, they are grooming us in the same way they would groom another cat. It's a highly good social action that strengthens the link with the owner and demonstrates a desire to make us feel more at ease.
Cats lick as a gesture of affection, but prolonged and severe licking can indicate that something is wrong, indicating stress and worry.
Like licking and biting can have a variety of meanings. It could be just straightforward play or an aggressive sign.
When I play with my kitty, she bites me and then licks the bite. It's almost as if she's apologizing by telling me it's a play bite.
It's a show of great trust and a sign of affection if a cat purrs and then stares into your eyes and gives you a light bite.
Your cat has initiated you into their pride, and you should be honoured.
Your cat will win you over no matter how "evil" it is. One of the oddest yet most fulfilling relationships is that between a cat and a human.
Biting can be used to express affection, but only in more regulated and repetitive ways.
When a cat is terrified or angry, its body language is constricted, hard, and bristling. This is frequently accompanied by hissing warning meows and bent backs.
This is not the same as biting done during play. When they become out of control, cats may also offer warning bites to ask us to leave them alone.
Cats bite after licking humans as a warning to stop caressing them, while others do it as a sign of continuous affection, and yet others do it as part of the grooming habit.
When cats groom each other, they lick a nibble to guarantee full hygiene, thus it's perfectly normal for our cat to bite us a little while grooming us.
Bitting is a sign of love offered by cats, according to the sign of guesswork.
Cats, like other cats, enjoy playing with us and seek out a company to do so. Cats' affection is common during a snuggling or petting session.
Cats, as social animals, like to express their feelings to their owners by licking, pouring, biting, and rubbing them. It is their means of getting closer to their owner. It's even more common during a petting session.
If there is no pain during the bite and your cat continues to play, then it is a love bite. And if the bite hurt and your cat is aggressive, you should stop playing because it is not a normal love bite that you can enjoy.
And cat love bites are perfectly normal; you can feel the teeth but will not be hurt or have your skin broken. They are simply expressing their love for their owners.
You should avoid playing with cats if they are hissing, growling, or clawing. Their bites may be aggressive and may injure you.
If these types of body actions are absent, the cat is expressing love, and the bites are love bites, which is very normal behaviour for cats expressing affection to owners.
To avoid aggressive biting, every cat owner should be aware of and understand cat body language. Aggressive bites are a warning sign that they should be left alone. A cat in pain will often try to hide the discomfort from its owner.
They may play aggressively, grab fingers and hands, and even bite, as they did as kittens.
Body language is a form of communication used by cats and is a natural behavior.
With wild ancestors, cats have excellent instincts. They have a great response if you teach them, and even if you quickly put your hand to teach, they can easily grab you and bite you, so be careful.
If you like cats, nipping for affection is endearing. If you're a cat lover, these behaviors are extremely enjoyable, and love bites from cats are exactly what you're looking for.
People who do not like this type of behaviour should avoid cats, not consider it negative, and should not punish the cats. This is their natural behaviour, so don't be aggressive with them.
Cats express their affection for their owners by giving them gentle nibbles and nips.
Cats lick for a short period of time and may bite you in the fingers or hands with their incisors.
When you play a rough or long play, they may bite you a little and you may wonder if they are done with you.
We must understand their body language; it is a form of communication that they share with us. If your cat bites you, it could be because they are overstimulated or overexcited.
The absence of aggressive body language such as hissing, growling, and clawing indicates that your canine companion is truly giving you a love bite. If you teach them by quickly removing your hand, they may bite you.
This is their natural instinct as wild predators because they can track movement and easily capture fast moving objects.
If your furry friend are in a bad mood, I strongly advise you to stay away from them and leave them alone for a while. It's because when they're in that mood, they really bite you deeper and scratch you a lot, as I've seen firsthand.
If your furry friend exhibits this type of behavior, consult a vet. It could be due to their diet, boredom, or a problem they are experiencing.
This behavior may have developed during their kittenhood if they were having a tough time at the time. Such aggressive behavior can be modified through training, care, and medication.
Difficulties include the fact that we pet owners may not be aware of their pets' moods, making it difficult to determine whether or not it is a love bite.
So, how do you tell the difference between a tender nibble and a bite?
Cats bite you because they are frustrated and bored if you play for an extended period of time.
Most bites during play are not harmful and are only a love bite.
If cats bite and break your skin, be cautious and clean it if it is infected.
Most of the time, a furry feline friend's bite is a sign of intimacy, so there is no need to be concerned.
If you don't like being bitten or if your furry friend bites are harder bite, simply train them not to bite if they want to play with you.
As a cat owner, you must observe and learn their behavior so that you can interact with them easily.
And bites from them represent their love and affection for me, which is a very enjoyable love bite. These are all natural behaviors with no negative connotations. They just do it and it's so adorable.
Liz Stelow, a well-known veterinarian, has also stated that cats are naturally relaxed animals that can become tense and bite you.
To avoid bites, observe their body language. If they are in discomfort, they may make a sign such as turning their ears to the side or twitching their tail.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
It's not that hard to tell if your kitty is biting you as a way to bond with you or if you're annoying her. You can look for tail movements and body language for further clues.
If you really love your cat and want to have a strong bond with them, learning more about them is a great idea.
Consult a veterinarian if you want to learn more about your cat's body language or behavior.
]]>Or do you want to adopt a kitten and don't know when a kitten can be separated from her mother?
Are you afraid that the kitten may not do well without its mother? Found a stray kittens and don't know what to do?
Here, we will discuss about all your doubts regarding how long a mother cat can be away from her kittens.
A mother cat loves her kittens as much as we humans do to our children. A cat mother's presence is necessary for a proper development of kittens both nutritionally and socially.
Being a mommy cat around, helps newly born kittens to regulate their body temperature and provide them with food, love and affection. Moreover, the babies will grow in a secure environment cause a mom knows what's best for her children.
But due to some reasons, mommy cat can wander off sometimes leaving her kittens behind. She can leave her kittens for a few minutes at a time for a visit to the litter box or to eat and drink. As the baby grows older, the mum will spend more time away from her kittens.
Well, the amount of time a mother cat spend away from her kittens depend on the age of the kittens. To a new born baby, a mother cat will always be with them most of the times than with a toddler one.
Let's look and compare between the timeline of kittens' growth during which mother cats will go away for long time.
For a cat who has just given birth to her little ones, will stay with them the most. She will be out from the nest only to eat, drink or litter and inspect any possible danger.
During this period, beside food, new borns are fully dependent on their mum for their physiological mechanism like regulating body temperature and stimulation of potty.
So, leaving a litter can along with food and water nearby will help out mommy cat with nursing her babies properly.
Now the babies eyes are fully opened and can walk short distances. Mother cat will stray for a longer period of time. Even though she will come back and nurse her children for a shorter period of time.
Babies will also want to explore around the nest but mother cat will always look after them.
At this time period the mother cat will start to wean her infants. She can bring a prey from the outside and make her little ones to feed on them. The cat owner can assist the mother by providing mashed foods.
The amount of time spent away will increase to some hours. But she will always come back and protect her kittens.
The babies are young at 8 weeks and start learning basic skills from their mother. Although mother cat will be away from her kittens spending large amount of time being alone, hunting or playing outside.
She will impart feline skills like littering, hunting meowing etc to the babies.
During this period, human interaction can also help them with socializing.
Above 12 weeks, they become an adult. But if you want to separate a kitten from its mother, wait until it is 16 weeks older.
In those extra months the adult cat will develop feline skills fully and will become more of a confident one.
Now that we know that its normal for a mother cat to leave her kittens frequently, lets discuss about things you should not do during those times.
Even though a new born baby is always looked after by her mom, you shouldn't leave the babies unattended. A frequent weight check up and inspection of fleas in the nest would be better.
If you have just found stray kittens and you are willing to take it home, don't. Their mother might be nearby hunting. Instead you can keep an eye on them.
Wait for the mommy cat to return for a day or two. If there is no sign of a mommy cat, you can take them home.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Having momma around is very necessary for tiny kittens. Not only does it offer them safety and emotional support, it also helps their mental growth and helps prevent traumatic childhood experiences.
A mother cat can certainly feel sad if her young ones are snatched from her, and the same goes for young kittens. So, it's best to not separate the duo for too long.
]]>In general, I adore cats and now have one of my own. Because she constantly plays with me, she is like a partner to me. It's a lot of joy for us to spend time together.
It may have bugged you what the Bible says about cats, and it can be quite surprising to see what cats meant in the holy scriptures!
Everyone who grew up going to the church is aware of the Bible and believes in its teachings. And the majority of pet owners have considered what the Bible actually says regarding their pet.
So, I'm concerned about it as well, and I'd like to know what the Bible says about my cats.
History, tradition, culture, and numerous religious leaders who interpret sacred writings for us shape our beliefs. As far as I can tell, the Bible describes the creations of the earth from its beginnings to the people who live on it.
According to the Bible, every living animal was created by God, therefore I was curious to see what the Bible had to say about my cats.
Despite our want to know the answer, we are hesitant to ask the believer this question. So, if you're looking for an answer to this topic on your own rather than asking a believer, don't worry, you're not alone!
Most people believe cats are evil because of their perspective, and some religious folks believe cats are a sign of evil. Notice how I expressly stated that cats are my favourite pets. This is embarrassing to me as a human, but cats are my favourite pets over dogs. I'm sorry if that offends you, but cats are my favourite guys.
Because many people have preconceptions about cats, I'd want to provide an intriguing take on biblical symbols linked to the animal kingdom, specifically the cat.
Regarding the biblical symbol of the cat, it is not an evil omen, and this will clear up any ambiguities.
As far as I know, the bible is about Christ and his teachings, and as I've studied the bible, I found no evidence that Jesus Christ said anything negative about cats.
And it's terribly unjust that people are criticizing cats without any data or justification.
Knowing the Bible, the references to our beloved pet cats are frankly missing out. There are several animal references in the Bible, however, the cat is absent. There is a word "cattae" mentioned.
Cattae is a Latin term that, according to popular belief, refers to female cats. It's a somewhat obnoxious moniker for our feline friends.
Regrettably, the Bible has nearly no references to our beloved cats. It's almost as if cats were unheard of as domestic animals at the time, and they aren't as common now. Cats appeared to be more untamed in those days, as opposed to the cats who purr on our hearths today.
Cats are not mentioned in the Bible as companions, but they are mentioned in other Christian teachings. The cat's eye is mentioned in various Christian verses as a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
There are also some instances of cats being associated with the Virgin Mary and being used as Annunciation pictures. Many Christians believe in God's creation and treat their pets, including cats, with great care.
According to Pope Francis, all of God's creation will one day return to the holly mountains, and all pets, including cats, will also go to heaven.
We cat lovers feel a strong bond with our cats and wish to keep them even after they pass away. So we all wonder if our cats' spiritual bodies will be with us in paradise once we die.
Because the Bible records the origin of the world, we can assume that our answer will be found there as well. However, a dissatisfied bible is also deafeningly silent on the subject.
And it is mentioned somewhere that animals, like people, are a part of the life-death-rebirth cycle, which means that cats' souls may join new human bodies and be human in the future life. The writer does not go into great detail, although he does highlight a few things.
In Abrahamic faiths, cats are more popular than in Christian faiths. The Qur'an has a lot of nice things to say about cats. Judaism considers cats as good pets and companions because cats are regarded to be among the most ritually clean physical body animals in the animal kingdom. According to Jewish folklore, Adam may have possessed a housecat.
Animals are either ritually pure or unclean, according to the Bible. Our beloved pets, mostly felines, are exceptionally clean in religious situations, as well as in maintaining a clean body in accordance with biblical beliefs. Animals are frequently mentioned as figures of speech in the Bible.
There are few references to companion cats in the Bible, but wild cats are mentioned. They are also significant as a symbol of wilderness and desolation, as described in the Bible.
As you may have noticed, the leopard is mentioned in the Bible as a sign of ferocity and predation. The lion is a biblical symbol of kingship and might.
In Baruch 6.21 of the Protestant Bible, there is a reference to cats.
We can notice that most of the areas in Egyptians have a spiritual and symbol of many cats, indicating that the Jews are quite familiar with cats.
Wild cats and hyenas will coexist in the biblical Book of Isaiah, according to Isaiah Zephaniah.
We cat lovers were taken aback when we discovered that our beloved cats are not mentioned in the Bible, and we have no idea why.
It's also worth noting that we're talking about domestic cats here, as the lion is referenced in the Bible. The Bible refers to the lion as the most powerful of all beasts on multiple occasions.
Even during the time of Jesus Christ, cats were very common.
The Old Testament also mentions it. Even though they are fairly prevalent, they are less popular in the setting of the Holy Bible.
People are divided over the correct place of domestic cats in the Bible, and many have formed their own hypotheses, many of which lack any facts. Some of them compare the lives of cats and god, claiming that cats have nine lives but god only has three. This leads them to assume that God isn't a cat person, which is why domestic cats aren't mentioned in the Bible, which is rather amusing.
Cats are mentioned in the Book of Baruch from another Christian teaching, but it is unclear.
The reality is that cats in the Bible are mystifying since they are not clearly defined in the Bible or may have been overlooked during ancient translation.
And there is no mention of domestic cats in the Bible, so we can only speculate.
This is entirely by the author, which he may or may not want to include, depending on his state of mind of writing.
The Hadiths of the Koran mention the prophet's love for domestic cats and his status as an ailurophile.
Seeing so many animals mentioned in the Bible and having a desire to learn more about our dear companion upset us greatly.
Humans and cats have a symbiotic relationship, although it's unclear whether it's a domestic or wild cat.
There is ample evidence that cats and humans have coexisted for many years.
Domestication of felines is thought to have begun 6000 years ago.
A new study found that cats have been living with their owners for over 9000 years.
Whether wild or domestic, there is zooarcheological evidence that cats coexisted in biblical Israel's ancient times.
The absence of feline representation in Israelite literature is even more remarkable. In Egypt, Israel's neighbour, cats have proven to be socially and religiously significant.
There's a cat mummy in the British Museum that shows how important cats were to Egyptian religion.
Before the time of Christ, cats were popular in Egyptian society.
Cats were a great buddy and played an important role in Egypt's ecosystem by helping to save crops.
Interactions between human and domestic cat ancestors have existed since that time, with cats used for hunting and saving harvests for farmers.
Cats are divine figures or symbols in Egypt, where they are recognized as the goddess Bast.
And it's apparent that Egyptians have a deep affection for cats.
But the question remains unanswered for us: why isn't the cat mentioned in the Bible?
Egyptians used to adore cats and consider them to be Gods of fertility as well, so it's fair to assume that felines were seen in high regard in the past.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
There are many things that different cultures around the world have to say about cats. Some fear them as creatures that lurk around in the dark while some respect and pray cats as a symbol of might, fertility and cunning.
The bible doesn't say much about cats but one thing's for certain- Christ sure would've loved a cat on his lap!
]]>You don't have to worry about anything bad happening if your cat licks Vaseline.
Except when they sit on it and eat a large amount of food, that is okay.
Cats are obnoxious when it comes to grooming their fur. They would lick various parts of their bodies, including the place where treatment had just been applied as if they felt forced to clean up.
In this post, we'll look at why vaseline may or may not be safe for your beloved cat, and why you should be concerned if we can't apply/use vaseline.
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly as it is more often known, is used to keep skin moisturized. It moisturizes and prevents dry skin. They work well as a lip balm, a moisturizer for chapped hands, skin, or feet, and a therapy for other skin irritations.
An unsweetened vaseline is an appropriate option for some cats that are prepared to eat it. We don't advocate administering minerals oil on its own because it is easily breathed by cats and can cause deadly lung poisoning
Is vaseline safe for cats, and if so, how much should you use/give your cat?
Vaseline is a good internal lubricant because it coats hairballs and makes them easier to move through the intestine.
If the cat has sensitive skin, there may be some mild skin irritation, as well as an upset stomach if a large amount of vaseline is consumed.
More intake has a detrimental impact on the stomach and might result in loose stools or diarrhoea.
If your pets were wet for a long time and licked them the most, slight irritation or upset stomach may occur if the pet owner applied a big amount of cleaning goods like mineral oil and some excess jelly of vaseline to their skin. As a result, in order to provide better care for your pet cats, cat owners must be extremely sensitive.
Sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction to the goods or substances, causing mild skin irritation, but there aren't many negative side effects for your cats.
There are many suggestions for treating cat hairballs, and vaseline is one of them. Vaseline lubricates the gastrointestinal tract of cats, thus it can be used to treat counter hairball.
A flavoured mixture of white petroleum jelly and mineral oil provides an oily lubricant that helps hair travel through the digestive tract, preventing cat hairball.
Vaseline can also help cats with hairball problems. So that we can make sure it's safe to use on animal skin, such as your pet cats' skin
You can also attempt the Vaseline trick: rub Vaseline on your cat's nose, which will be licked off instantly, addressing your lubrication problem.
Your cat's wound can also be treated with Vaseline. Because the skin around the wound is generally fragile and easily damaged, you must be careful. To provide quick relief to your pet cat put a little bit of vaseline to the wound.
The most important thing every cat owner should know is that do not clean wounds with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Bandages can be used to prevent contamination or obsessive licking of closed wounds, and they are harmless for your cats.
A small amount of Vaseline applied to the wound initially can assist capture any stray hairs, which can then be gently removed. A fast-absorbing and deeply penetrating emollient like Vaseline can be beneficial, especially if your cat has dry skin, cracked, or bleeding.
When applied to the cat's skin or fed to them in acceptable amounts, they are not poisonous.
Because of the way Vaseline is created, it passes through their digestive system relatively undamaged when they lick or ingest it.
Vaseline is safe for cats because of this. Many veterinarians prescribe Vaseline for hairballs because it helps the moggies slide away from the obstruction.
As suggested by veterinarians, a small amount of vaseline mixed with cat food dishes can be used as a stomach lavage.
However, if an excess amount is used, it may cause issues such as loose stools.
So, rather than using a petroleum-based substance like gasoline, there are a variety of natural remedies, such as Plantago seeds or others, that are highly helpful for immediate relief, so consult your veterinarian for good cat care.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
If you're not sure what's causing your cat to lick vaseline, consult a veterinarian.
Alternatively, if any effect is observed, you should take your pet cats to a veterinary clinic for a checkup.
While most animals prefer to be left alone while they eat, our furry friends seem to love having their favorite humans around. It may seem odd but behaviors like this are pretty common in domestic cats.
In this article, we're going to dive deep into why your cat might want you to watch her eat.
Like humans and most animals, young kittens are highly impressionable and much of their adult life is influenced by their exposures during early kittenhood.
If you used to hold young kittens in your lap and hand-feed them, that's what your cat will expect. It's normal for them to want to see you while they eat because that's what they're used to.
Cats are most vulnerable when they sleep and feed. So, it's natural for them to want company and comfort knowing that you're right there.
The affection-seeking behavior also serves a major role in their survival.
When cats are young, they aren't very strong and cannot defend themselves, so they stick to thier mother for protection as well as food. The cute behavior for reassurance is very helpful for the cats to get free food and a safe place to say!
If your cat has experienced trauma in the past, it can resurface in the form of fear of abandonment and rejection.
Your beloved kitty can see you throughout the day and feels safe and loved thanks to that. They may feel abandoned when they don't see you while eating. So, they want to make sure you aren't going anywhere.
In a way, a kitty just wants to eat her favorite food in peace, knowing full well that nothing can hurt her if you're there.
Cats share food with their pals in the wild. Animals like dogs and wolves also care for weaker members of the pack.
You may have noticed your kitty trying to smell your human food while you eat. Sometimes, cats also place their bowl of food near you so they can savor their treat while watching you.
Cats are very vulnerable while resting or taking a bite of food, so having you nearby also serves as a protection.
So, while your kitty wanting you nearby when eating food may not necessarily mean that your cat wants you to eat that food, it certainly means that they trust you!
Cats can get especially needy when they're experiencing pain or discomfort.
If your cat feels difficulty swallowing during meal time, your cat may be signaling that something's wrong. If you pay a little attention to your kitty's behaviors, you should have no problem figuring out what's wrong.
Cats do not show you their food to show off. It's an instinctive behavior for felines to eat where they feel safe and free from competition.
In fact, your cat wanting you to watch her while she eats her favorite snack is good for you too! You can monitor what your cat eats and also check if there are any signs for loss of appetite.
Having you around while a kitty eats is also an easy safeguard against potential dangers like predators.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
It's very normal for cats to want you around while they eat. They do it because they feel safe and loved.
It also gives them a sense of security, so there's nothing to be worried about.
Pet parents just need to take out some time from their busy schedule to look after their kitties.
]]>Ever wondered how wild cats stay warm in freezing colds?
Furry mammals have something underneath their cute furs called a winter coat that helps them stay warm and cozy.
Cats also do the same when placed outside, but do indoor cats grow a winter coat?
In this article, I’m going to be walking you through everything you need to know about winter coats, and if indoor cats can grow them.
Let’s get on with it!
Simply put, it’s like a thick fluffy natural undercoat for your kitty.
A cat has cute long hairs, right? Those are called guard hairs which also give a cat their distinctive appearance. Beneath that fur coat, a cat has a dense layer of fur which helps your cat survive through extreme colds.
While the outer fur is mostly colored and attractive, the undercoat is grayish and rather plain looking. The undercoat gets thicker when a cat needs more warmth, like during the winter.
Cat hair is influenced by light intensity more than it’s affected by temperatures.
An outdoor cat receives more daylight and hence, grows brighter, and thicker hair as compared to an indoor cat that receives little light.
If you’ve got an indoor-only cat, it will grow a winter coat for sure. But it won’t be as thick as a cat acclimated to stay outdoors.
It also depends on the cat breeds. Some breeds are more likely than others to grow a thick coat.
That’s because your beloved kitty already has a safe favorable environment indoors while an outdoor cat needs to stay warm throughout the cold winter nights.
Winter coats may not be distinguishable sometimes.
If you keep your cat with you in your home, you do not need to worry about your cat being cold.
Cats have adapted to stay outdoors and can withstand lower temperatures than we can.
If you like, you can put on a warm blanket over them or just have them snuggle with you on your bed to make sure that they are nice and cozy.
You may want to pay some attention to balanced cat food and regular brushing your cat to make sure that it stay itch free and fluffy.
If a cat’s uncomfortable, it will tell you by meowing or biting on you, or by doing something. It depends on their individual personality but you can rest assured that they’ll always choose to stay in warm places- like your lap or by the fireplace.
So, they won’t be cold at all.
Unlike us humans who need to put on heavy overcoats and furry scarves to survive going out in the colds, our furry friends have furs as a natural layer of insulation.
You don’t necessarily need to put on a thick blanket over your kitty, but you may want to consider the things that may cause your kitty to shiver. And this doesn’t just apply to your cat- it also applies to any furry pets you might have.
Cats, like humans, go through different stages of hair growth. A tiny hair grows from a follicle on the skin of your cat, and slowly grows longer.
Over time, it matures, gains color pigments and falls off. A new hair will later grow back in it’s place.
It’s important to understand that this cycle repeats twice every year- in the winter when your cat grows a thick hair to protect itself from low temperatures during colder months, and shedding occurs in the spring.
You can care for your cat by gently combing their hairs. It not only helps get rid of the excess hairs on your sheets but also helps reduce the amount of loose hairs they ingest while grooming.
It also helps you stay healthy as cat hair contains some allergens that can cause respiratory issues in humans.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
Winter coats are necessary for cats to survive adverse conditions. Indoor cats do grow their own version of a lighter coat but it’s not as thick or dense as outdoor cats.
It’s very necessary for you to comb their hairs every once in a while. It not only helps your cat stay adorable but also helps with their (and your) health.
Cat owners do not need to worry if their cat's hair seems to look different during different months. It's pretty natural for new hairs to be slightly different in texture and color.
]]>Pet owners have to deal with lots of strange things. Most of those are harmless and quite fun, but some can be distressing.
Cats throwing up suddenly is one such issue that can seriously worry you. Sometimes its quite serious and other times, there's nothing to worry about.
We naturally associate red and pink colors to something deeply wrong, so we get scared when we see our pets vomiting pink or red.
It's not every day that your kitty throws up fluids that are not colorless, right?
In this article, we take a look at why your cat may be throwing up pink liquid and if you should be worried about it.
The most common culprit is blood.
Sometimes, your cat may also have eaten fabrics or colored yarn that released color while inside your kitty.
Anything that your cat has swallowed can irritate its throat and cause inflammation in esophagus.
If it doesn't get passed on to the outside via your cat's digestive tract, it will be regurgitated.
Vomiting can easily cause damage to your kitty's throat. It can cause scratching and lead to blood that gets mixed up with the regurgitated fluid.
If your cat has a habit of chewing on anything it can find, it may have tried nibbling at some pointed object and injured its cheek.
Cats are pretty skilled at hiding injuries, so need to check if your kitty's cheek looks unusual.
Cheek injury isn't a serious problem and just heals within a few days.
While not that common in young cats, older cats can have a variety of health conditions from kidney disease to hyperthyroidism.
Even if your cat has a history of getting sick, you shouldn't take your kitty throwing up in a light manner.
Major roundworm infection can also get your cat to get very sick. Vomiting with or without blood can be a sign of infection and should not be ignored.
Blood in your cat's puke can mean something wrong in their internal organs that needs immediate medical attention.
Sometimes, cats can get their teeth into something inappropriate to eat. Our furry friends have sensitive stomachs and if they've eaten something they shouldn't have, it's very likely to cause them distress.
Synthetic color may be the reason why their puke appears red or pinkish.
Well, it depends on what caused your kitty to puke pink liquid.
You may've noticed that a cat throws up occasional hairball that it has ingested while grooming.
It could be something as harmless as cheek injuries or something very serious like an ulcer in the intestines of your cat. Cats can also get food poisoning and an upset stomach if they indulge in processed human foods.
If you find your cat suffering from chronic vomiting, it's something that needs serious attention.
If you don't exactly know what may have caused blood to show up, you should always consult with vets. Those guys are trained at looking into issues like this one and will help make sure that your kitty is in tiptop condition.
Being sick is painful, and your kitty will certainly appreciate your generous treat.
While you may be tempted to feed them protein-rich foods, it's usually a bad idea to feed them heavy foods.
Your cat can end up puking again if you let them eat fishes. Sticking to light food items like plain rice and boiled chicken is a good idea.
Throwing up causes your cat to lose tons of body fluid. It can be harmful and serious very soon if your furry pal is dehydrated.
It's essential that your cat is feeling safe after vomiting, and you give them enough liquid so they stay strong.
If your cat doesn't like plain water, you can try feeding them bone broth.
You may be tempted to feed your cat as much as you can when you find that your kitty is weak. A hydrolyzed protein diet or a prescription diet is great for getting your kitty back to health in no time.
If you sense that something is wrong with your cat, a visit to the vet is in order.
Some owners make it a routine to get their pets checked once a month and I tend to stick to that. I sometimes forget and things come up every now and then, but I try to get my kitty checked if I sense that something's wrong.
I'd recommend you to visit the Vet once every 2 - 3 months even if nothing is wrong about your kitty's health.
When your kitty pukes, it can leave quite a mess in your living space. Cleaning the surfaces thoroughly with a disinfectant is good for both you and your cat.
Feline saliva can contain allergens which are not good for your health. And doing so immediately will mean that there remain no nasty stains which is great.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Pink fluid when your cat throws up can be due to many reasons and sometimes, it can be quite serious.
It's fascinating to pet parents that cats know by instinct how to cure an illness if it's not too serious. Kitties sometimes nibble on grasses and vomit to clear their digestive tracts.
It's pretty serious if your kitty also has loss of appetite and a weak appearance, and you should immediately get an experienced veterinarian to check your beloved pet.
It's necessary to look into it as it could be due to food allergies or stomach ulcer as well, both of which are quite serious.
]]>Since cats cannot speak, their body language is pretty much the thing that tells us how they’re feeling and if something’s wrong. They can also meow, but it can mean a wide variety of things.
Just like a dog wagging its tail when he sees his favorite human, cats also respond involuntarily when they’re happy or scared.
A puffed-up tail can mean any number of things, but if you have some background information as to what may have caused it, figuring out how your kitty is feeling can be a piece of cake. Your kitty’s tail- combined with its body language can tell a lot about the situation.
In this article, we take a look at the reasons why your kitty may puff his tail.
It’s not surprising that when your kitty gets scared, it assumes a defensive stance with its pupils dilated and legs stretched. It helps your feline assess the situation better.
A traumatized cat may seem withdrawn and uninterested in playing or moving around.
Wild cats also do this instinctively. They do this in order to appear larger to any predators or competitors as a display of dominance.
When your cat is afraid, it also assumes a fearsome stance showing its teeth and claws, and arching its back, ready to defend itself.
A puffed up tail and arched back are also common signs of trauma and fear. So, you should be attentive and careful to not scare your kitty and check if there's something disturbing their peace of mind.
Flight or fight response is a normal reaction of mammals to threats.
Cats also get ready to fight by puffing up their tails either vertically upwards or downwards. Cats of some species are less concerned about defending and more into fighting their opponents.
As a display of power and aggression meant to deter as well as injure their enemies, cats will puff up their cute tails and make it clear that they don’t want any trouble.
They may also be using their tails to communicate with their feline friends.
If a cat’s not scared, it just stretches its body and tries to look intimidating. But it doesn’t back down from a fight. Kitties may not look the part but they are pretty brave!
If you’ve annoyed your cat by petting when not appreciated or wanted, your kitty will puff its tail and look fiercely at you, ready to scratch you.
While you may associate cats puffing up their tails with being scared or battle-ready, they may simply be trying to play.
It can also be said that you can read a cat just by their tail!
Most kittens like to play around, and they puff up their tails, arch their backs and jump around playfully just as if they were pouncing at a prey.
It’s not hard at all to know if your cat’s happy or furious. Just observe their behavior and you’ll be fine. As a pet owner, you’ll find it very easy to know when your cat’s in a bad mood versus when the kitty is feeling happy or playful.
Puffed tail is a normal thing and doesn’t mean anything serious.
If your cat seems to be scared quite often, then it could mean that something’s wrong and you need to find what’s triggering the fear in your kitty. It could be a deep underlying issue due to past trauma or stress. If that’s the case, you need to care for your kitty even more.
Mostly, it’s just your kitty being playful and there’s no reason for you to be worried.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
Your kitty’s puffed tail is just an instinctive reaction to fear or a playful gesture.
Cats are fascinating animals and a puffy tail is nothing to worry about.
]]>If you're fond of cats like me, you may have a cute family of cats.
It’s soothing to watch your favorite pet quietly fall asleep to your petting. I don't know what I'd do if not for the cats in my life.
Our feline companions usually just get cozy on our laps and lazily blink when we pet them. But sometimes, our furry felines can act strangely to our touch.
You may've wondered what causes a cat to behave this way. But before we get into that, let's talk about normal cat behavior to help you understand your pet better.
Cats are pretty darn smart and they tend to stick together. Like tigers and leopards which are often called big cats, wild cats stay together and stay safer that way.
As such, they are used to touch and like wolves, are used to rubbing their bodies together. Not only does it help them stay warm on chilly nights, it also brings them a sense of comfort.
They are predators as well as prey, so if you see your kitty ready to pounce on something out of the blue, that's normal.
Cats also sometimes bite their humans, which is something you may want to look into if it happens often.
I'm sure every pet lover would agree with me that petting your kitty and spending quality time snuggling together is a routine if you've got a kitty at home.
It's also healthy for your cat and obviously a way of comfort and relaxation for you, so there's no reason not to pamper your kitty with loving touches.
Cats like being touched on their necks, around their ears and on their paws. It’s also an individual thing, so you should try petting your cat to see what they like and what they absolutely hate.
Cats, especially female ones, are very sensitive in the areas under their bellies.
Female felines get stimulated when they get touched there because of the numerous nerve endings.
So, a female will raise her body and arch her back as a sign that she's ready to mate with a male kitty.
It may seem strange to you that cats would respond to us like their mating partner but they probably think of us as big cats that take care of them. It’s a good thing that your kitty trusts you, right?
Felines are quick to defend themselves when they sense some danger lurking around. If your kitty is startled or afraid, it will assume an aggressive stance to get ready to run or fight back.
Scaring your cat is not a good idea as it can cause them trauma and suffering.
An arched back can also be a sign of anger. If you've annoyed your cat, they can get defensive and furious.
If you're used to working in an office most of the day, you know just how boring that can get. Moreover, your arms and back feel sore from sitting all day. If you're lazy like me, you know how good it feels to finally stretch our bodies after lazying around.
Cats feel the same way too!
As cats are lazying around most of the time, they need to stretch their tiny muscles. Arching their backs and stretching their arms is a way for them to stay alert and comfy.
Cats cannot speak, so they meow for us. If your kitty is trying to tell you something by arching its back and growling, it may be hereditary skin conditions or allergies causing them discomfort.
Felines have characteristic personalities- so while some may simply sit beside you to let you know something's off, some just arch their back and make eye contact.
Most pets feel the need to make solid bonds with owners. Cats are no different, and want constant affection from cat owners.
Your cat may just want your attention, and your response means a lot to them.
You can tell if something's wrong by looking at their tails and body language too. A straight-up tail usually means that your kitty is happy.
It largely depends on the individual. Being neutered will make your kitty wanting less in terms of their physical needs.
But animal behavior is a complex matter and your kitty may still feel sexual urges. Innate desires simply resurface when they are in the right environments.
So, while your spayed kitty certainly won't run away at night looking for a mate, he/ she will still arch their backs when stimulated.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
To sum up, cats arching their back is nothing unnatural. Male cats are less likely to do so but might still demonstrate that.
It's also a sign of trust when your kitty arches her back or that its just stretching- so there's no reason to worry.
]]>As our beloved animal companions, cats do not leave some of us at all. My kitty would even follow me to the bathroom and always want me there while she was enjoying her meal.
Cats sometimes run away due to various reasons, all of which we’ll be going through here.
If you knew just how your pets feel and why they run away, you may be able to get them to stay, right?
In this article, we take a look at the obvious reasons behind your cat running away from home.
A growing cat has specific nutritional requirements. If you only feed them a certain type of food, say fish, they may be craving for something else.
A low-protein diet can also be the culprit behind your kitty's unmet dietary needs.
If you don't feed your kitty enough, they'll meow in front of you till you give them food. It's only natural for them to go out in search of food if their human neglects their dietary needs.
How you prevent your kitty from starving is simple. You watch them eat and note down what and how much they consume every day.
Then, you compare that to a cat’s daily diet requirement and see if they are not eating as much as they should.
Cats are predators, and skilled at hunting at night. They also have an acute sense of sight and hearing that suits them well.
A cat kept at home doesn't have much to do except lazily sleep on warm comfy places. They don't have to go out hunting or worry about safety, so they're pretty relaxed.
This means that the kitty will have lots of energy at night and will try going out for walks.
Another very common reason why cats (or any pets for that matter) run away is because of poor treatment. If the owner is abusive and doesn't take proper care of their pets, the unfortunate pets feel unloved and unwanted.
Childhood trauma can also manifest later in life and seriously affect your pets' personality.
Your home is supposed to be your furry friend's safe space. If a cat doesn't feel comfortable at home, it will try to tell you that something is wrong.
You may be doing it unknowingly as a pet parent- behaviors that seem normal to you like you yelling at them or lifting them up can feel abusive to your pets. If you’ve got a pet, you should be polite and caring.
I am against anybody who yells at their pets. Your adorable kitty is not something to help you vent our anger.
Cats are pretty smart, and if you've got several pets in your home, kitties may feel like they're not receiving proper attention.
You can think of it as your furry feline being jealous that they have to share precious time with you with other pets.
Cats are mammals and like humans, feel strong sexual urges. The paws of your kitty have scent glands which release pheromones to entice potential mates of the opposite sex.
A cat in heat, specially a female- can leave powerful stimulation for males near them.
That's why, male cats are strongly drawn towards females during the mating season.
Cats usually return after mating. So, it’s not something to be worried about.
If you’ve got a female and you’re not sure if you could take care of a litter financially and emotionally, you should look into spaying/ neutering or adoption options, whichever you see fit.
Individual cats have unique personalities and while they like spending time with their humans, they may still want to be alone sometimes.
It’s similar to how we sometimes need some quiet time to recharge. Being petted and lazying around seems great but can monotonous pretty easily, and cats may be going out for adventure.
Getting locked up in your apartment all day doesn't sound much like fun, right? Cats have natural hunting instincts, and so, they maybe going out for some fun.
If your cat has gone out because it’s bored, it’ll return pretty soon, so there’s nothing to worry.
Addressing underlying kitties can be tricky, and it's best to start out with simple guesses.
Does your pet cat get enough play during the day? If a cat's not getting enough activity, it may be active at night.
Making sure that your kitty gets to eat loads of nutritious food is also important.
If your cat is up to it, you can even take a walk with your kitty.
Cats have many emotional needs apart from nutritional ones, and they can get very sad if they feel unloved. So, it’s very important that you shower them with love and make them feel wanted.
As a last resort, you can also try putting a safe quick-release collar on your cat.
Make sure that's it's not too tight and comfy for your kitty. A tracking device is also a good idea if your kitty tends to go out for long hours.
I would advise against it, but you can also look into some comfy outdoor cat enclosure. That can make your kitty feel like it's their territory and safe haven.
If you've got many pets, you should put in some effort to let your kitty know that you love your furry pet a lot. A tasty snack or a bone broth with fishes will do the trick!
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
It's pretty normal for cats to go out at night considering the fact that they're nocturnal predators. If you keep an eye out for things that may be responsible for your cat's strange behavior, you might be able to get it to stay at home.
You should be paying attention to whether your kitty feels like an indoor-only cat or an indoor-outdoor cat.
But if your cat has run away with no intention of returning, it’s likely a sign that you did something wrong.
]]>It's very easy for tabby cats to get quite overweight if you aren't careful about their diet and level of activity. While large tabby cats look cute, they may also develop health problems.
Fat cat owners are very conscious of their pet kitty’s health condition. These cats have massive amount of hunger and eat whatever is served before them.
This habit of overfeeding increases their tendency of weight gain more easily and can ultimately lead to some serious complications in cats.
When tabby cats put on some weight which is over the limit of healthy weight, their humans start worrying about it. So, today we will get to know if it is normal for tabby cats to have fat body type or not.
Let’s get started!
But before jumping right into the topic let's understand what tabby cats are.
Domestics cats having striped and mottled like coat types are considered as tabby cats. This specific pattern of fur is common in almost all types of breed of pet cats.
Moreover, the detailed design of such kind of coat type can be distinguished with a distinctive 'M' shaped marking on its forehead and presence of dark stripes on light background across its body.
Striped coat pattern looks pretty cute and it’s not hard to see why we want them as pets.
Generally, tabby cats are not fat. Well, it depends on the body frame of the cat as well as what they do all day.
Our animal friends getting fat depends more or less on the individual itself. Sometimes, breed can also be the contributing factor.
Some breeds like Mane coon can weight a lot (around 25 pounds) and are still considered healthy. While some breeds do tend to weigh a little less, it can be said that body weight mostly depends on the individual’s feeding habits as well as their level of activity.
The average weight a healthy tabby cat can have is around 10 pounds. But female tabbies weight 2-3 pounds lesser than male tabbies.
As valued family pets, tabby cats are often quite well-fed and cared for, and American ones- even more so! So, it's not surprising that they build a layer of fat underneath their coat.
A cat’s weight is determined by their feeding habit and amount of calories intake in their food.
Let’s walk through some reasons why tabby cats are fat.
The major reason for a tabby cat to increase its weight is overfeeding. Tabby cats are very much active and play around a lot which corresponds to their massive hunger.
They can eat anything which is served before them and they eat a lot frequently. Such eating habit leads to obesity in cats and can health complications.
It’s not only over-eating that’s the problem in most cases. Pet owners like to spoil their pets by treating them to tasty snacks often, and it’s no different for a cat owner. If anything, I like to think that we are good at spoiling our cats.
In the wild, cats need to hunt their way around, and this leads to them spending tons of energy. Domestic cats get tasty snacks without moving and that just means that our beloved kitties literally don’t have to move a muscle to get fed.
Just like any other living beings cats also need to burn calories by doing some activities. The huge amount of calorie intake might result in the accumulation of fat inside the body in absence of exercise.
If your kitty’s not getting enough physical activity throughout the day, they can have serious problems like hypertension and heart diseases.
So, tabby cat owners should always monitor their activity and make them indulge in doing some exercise.
Not able to move around can also cause the tabby cats to gain weight. Small spaces in the house are not enough to keep tabby cats active.
Cats are predators- so they need to get their share of moving around to stay healthy and happy.
They need to move around now and then. It will be better to provide them with enough space.
If you stay indoors a lot, you may have seen your kitty staring outdoors. You can take them out for a nice walk often.
The underlying health conditions can have a great impact on the weight of tabby cats. Such complications can make tabby cats keep them gaining on weight.
If you sense that something’s off, an appointment with an expert will help solve the problems.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Adorable kittens look great when a little chubby but that's not very desirable in adults, mostly due to the health risks such body poses.
A correct balanced diet should be provided to the tabby cats as they are much prone to gain weight more easily. The owners might want to look into their cats’ calories intake and monitor them accordingly. Otherwise it may lead to obesity in cats.
You can maintain a daily routine exercise and help your cat stay fit as well! That way, not only does your cat stay fit, you can also lose some extra pounds!
Being a pet parent is great but it also comes with some responsibilities.
Periodic visit to a vet might also add up to a happy, active and healthy life of your tabby cat.
]]>
]]>
Shedding hairs is pretty normal for all cats. Some varieties of cats naturally shed more hair, like the longhair varieties.
In this article, I'm going to dive deep into the reasons why your cat may be shedding more hair, if it's harmful for the kitty and what to do about it.
Well, the domestic part just means that the cat is meant to stay at home with you and not a wild/ feral one that hasn't learnt to socialize with humans.
It's hard to tell what you're talking about just from the short-hair thing unless you're talking about a certain specific breed.
It just means that the kitty has short hair and fur and an unknown breed history.
It can mean a wide range of species with variable fur characteristics. Short-hairs can have any fur colors or patterns.
These short-hairs may be large or small and can have any temperaments. The term is often used very loosely leading to further confusion.
Well, it depends. All mammals shed their hair periodically.
Some mammals even have thick hardened hair (the horn of a rhino is just hair!) and all shed hairs on a regular basis.
If you’ve had furry pets, you may know that they shed a lot. Furry dogs and cats leave many hairs if you put them on your couch or bed. Some owners sleep with their cats, so they know the struggles of having to manage loose hair strands every day.
Just like human hairs fall periodically and get replaced by new hairs over time, feline hairs also grow from hair follicles, get old and get replaced.
Hair shedding can depend on lots of things like hair density, age as well as season. If a cat has dense hair, it’s more likely to shed more hairs than one with thinner hair. Long-haired cats shed even more than short-haired cats with dense fur.
Hair growth depends on the time of the year as well.
Cats grow thick hair in the winter and pet owners need to be pretty careful in the spring as that’s when cats lose their furs.
Cats shedding more hair may also be due to certain allergies or skin conditions.
Lack of certain nutrients in diet can also be a reason behind your cat losing more hair.
The unexpected amounts of fur loss can be due to something as simple as flea irritation or can be a serious issue. Cat flea – Ctenocephalides is responsible for pesky allergies in most cats.
The constant irritations can lead to cats scratching excessively and that can cause rashes and spots on cats where hair density is reduced.
Quality protein leads to keratin formation which is vital for healthy hair. Cats don’t need generous snacks or treats but a balanced diet is important for maintaining their fur coat.
Hair loss can also be sign of a serious medical condition called alopecia that leads to chronic hair loss. It is usually psychogenic meaning that it’s caused by stress and/ or trauma.
If your little kitty has faced a stressful childhood or has had abusive owners, it can also lead to mental scars in adulthood that can cause alopecia.
Most pet owners do not mind a little hair as they’ve gotten used to fallen cat furs around their living place.
If you’re allergic to cat fur however, it can be a serious issue and cause respiratory issues as well as rashes.
Fel D1 protein is an allergen commonly found in cats, and it can cause serious allergies and irritation in humans.
It’s a non-issue for most cat owners but if it’s a problem for you, you should try reducing cat fur that lies around. Fewer fallen hair means that you are less likely to be exposed to Fel D1 and so, won’t experience any symptoms of allergy.
Most of the time, your kitty’s hair loss is seasonal and perfectly natural. The fur will grow back as good as new, and so, it’s nothing to worry about.
But sometimes, your kitty may have serious health conditions triggered by stress or anxiety or some severe allergy.
The best way to care for your furry feline’s health is to make sure that their living place is free of germs. Tidying their bed and couch twice a week is a great idea to make sure that they’re free from allergy-causing fleas.
Washing your cat with anti-dandruff shampoo is also a nice idea. Just make sure that you’re not using a product that irritates your kitty’s skin.
Addressing any underlying stress and anxiety is also nice. A shy withdrawn kitty needs lots of time and attention and you should put in some effort to make sure that your kitty feels loved.
Combing your kitty thoroughly once every week or so is also a great idea as it helps get rid of the loose hair before they fall off. Some pet owners also use a portable vacuum to pull in hairs but I recommend against this.
Using a wet wipe is a quick and easy way. You can also bathe your kitty with a non-allergenic soap or just plain water.
You should always keep washing your kitty to a minimum as it strips away the natural oils on their skin. It can also cause them irritation, so you should only wash them when you feel like they’re dirty.
If the fur loss still persists, a visit to the vet is a quick way to fix it.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Some fur shedding is perfectly normal for cats. It may be due to seasonal changes and there’s nothing to be concerned about.
However, if you notice large amounts of hair, you should go to your vet for a thorough checkup.
]]>Cats only meow in front of their humans! Wild cats make hissing or growling sound with other wild cats. They have other wide ranges of communicating sounds depending on their mood and health status.
But sometimes, a cat's owner might be worried about these different varieties of sounds their cats make and ponder upon what they are trying to convey. Especially a squeaking sound might leave people having pet cats more concerned.
In this article, we take a look into why your cat may not be meowing, and if it’s something you should be concerned about.
Behavioral changes and defects in the body parts of cats greatly affect in the making of a sound.
The reasons behind cats squeaking can be of a great concern or sometimes simply a preferred mode of communication for cats.
So, these are the main reasons for the cats to only squeak but not meow.
‘Moody- squeaks’ are temporary. Cats make squeaking sound when they are in need of attention and food.
Is your kitty hungry? Is he/ she getting enough play? You may also want to look into any injuries on your kitty as they’re pretty good at concealing injuries.
Checking their fur thoroughly while giving a bath is a great idea. You should also look under their lips for any signs of damage to their gums.
Most of the time, cats just want you to notice them and play with them.
So, people who own cats don't have to worry about this kind of squeak. Just serve them good food and don't make them feel lonely, and you’re good!
Cats only meow for their humans, and some cats may be too shy when growing up that they didn’t get used to meowing.
If that’s the case, such cats won’ t meow often and simply squeak when they need something.
It’s hard to tell just why some cats just won’t meow. Either way, a kitty that doesn’t meow is still a great pet.
Vocal cords are the main sound producing organ in cats as well as mammals. Any infirmity in these organs also affects in the kind of sound generated.
This type of impairment may be by birth or due to some accidents in the early age.
The destruction of vocal cords and infections also causes cats to squeak. A quick visit to a nearby veterinary can help you understand the issue better.
A healthy diet is necessary for proper maintenance and metabolism of an organism.
Any kind of deficiency in the daily diet causes improper growth of any living beings including cats. Being able to produce a sound is hampered by lack of nutritive food.
So, if your kitty isn’t getting essential nutrients in their diet, they may just squeak instead of meow. You can feed them tasty snacks like fishes or cat food combined with nutritious bone broth every now and then.
Cats are skilled predators but can turn into goofballs for no reason!
If you’re not taking care of your kitty, it might be another reason for cats to squeak. Cats should be handled with care during their growing phase. Grabbing, holding them tightly, mishandling or squeezing their throat will cause some critical internal injury.
Cat owners should be more careful while around young kittens. They may unknowingly hold the cats in wrong manner and cause harm to the kitty.
Some known diseases of cats like Hyperthyroidism, UPI (Upper Respiratory Infection), laryngeal paralysis, and tumor or polyp make obstructions in sound generation. In critical situation, cats make a little squeak or produce no sound at all.
If your cat has previously been diagnosed with some disease, it could also be a possible reason.
If you sense that something’s wrong with your kitty, you should immediately seek medical attention as it could be something very serious.
Remember when I said that cats only meow for their humans?
Feral cats stay away from humans and don’t know how to socialize with us. As such, they do not know how to "meow" while pet cats are able to "meow" imitating humans or adult cats.
If you are introduced with a new pet cat and it squeaks instead of meowing, you don’t need to be worried.
Just make you pet cat familiar with the "new- mew"!
Being a person who owns a cat/s might make you want to learn cat sounds and understand what they are trying to tell you. If you observe your cat deeply you can understand if the condition is serious or not.
Stray and hungry cats squeak for only a short amount of time. If that's not the case, some serious injury or illness can be the reason for squeaking.
If you cannot confidently say what may’ve caused your kitty to stop meowing, you are better off asking somebody who can figure it out, right?
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Cats not meowing can be due to something as simple as your kitty not being in the mood. But sometimes, it can be quite serious and needs medical attention.
If you don’t know what may’ve caused your beloved cat to not meow and just squeak, a certified veterinarian can help you with that.
]]>We all know good having a furry feline on our lap feels. The kneading, sweet purring and the warm embrace are something every cat owner gets used to.
Researches also show that cat owners are happier- if you ask me, that's probably due to cat hugs!
When you care for your cat a lot and your kitty seems to always avoid you, it can feel terrible. There's a part of us that wants to be trusted and loved by our cats and it's very necessary too.
Let's get into why your cute feline might be running away from you and how you can prevent that.
Cats like being the center of attention but time to time, they can feel distant and not want to be petted.
This unsettling animal behavior can have many reasons.
Your cat may be afraid of sudden movements. In the natural order, cats are both predators and preys.
Animals bigger than cats always pose a threat to them, so they stay on guard against anything suspicious. While you may not be trying to harm your kitty, being touched without warning or being lifted can scare them.
Some cats are also afraid of people due to past experiences or lack of those.
Like humans, the minds of cats are shaped during early kittenhood. It should be no surprise that most of the habits and behavior of cats are formed during the first month after their birth.
In short, if your kitty had a solid bonding period with humans as a young kitten, she would feel at ease around humans. She would probably think of you as a bigger cat and not be fazed by you. On the contrary, if a cat has no exposure to humans during the early period, they are fearful and avoid human contact.
Wild cats stay away from humans as kittens, so they are fearful of humans throughout their life.
It's a deep psychological issue but you can try letting your cat know that you are harmless.
Certain cat breeds are more huggable than others!
Ragdoll cats, for example, are the ideal lazy cats that love to stay near people and don't mind you playing with them. In fact, they approach people and love laying on your lap.
Even if you have a cat from a breed generally thought to be not shy, your cat can still be pretty shy. The reason for this individual behavior can be quite complex.
It may be because the feline is afraid of your touch, or hasn't had a similar experience or simply because they prefer to not be touched by somebody who doesn't have an emotional bond with them.
Your presence may trigger the trauma associated with physical contact in your kitty. If you notice behavioral stress when you're near the furry feline, it's probably a sign of trauma.
The cat will seem withdrawn and keep their distance from you. A traumatized cat will stick to darker isolated places like cardboard boxes and not go out much.
Even a harmless human contact might trigger painful episodes, and that may be why the cat avoids you.
Pet parents should not try forcing themselves on their cats to avoid a bad experience for the cat.
Your cat maybe in heat and that maybe the reason why your cat doesn't seem friendly one day.
Most cats are neutered or spayed before they're handed to owners but you may have a cat with reproductive organs still functioning. Cats experience strong hormones during mating period and if there's a female in heat nearby, your male cat will prefer her to you!
The behavior is only natural.
Young kittens are generally more affectionate and seek out playmates. They are also more impressionable and you can easily bond with them.
Older cats, on the other hand, have less energy and so, prefer to spend their time napping rather than play with you.
So, an older cat may avoid you to nap peacefully!
Think of it like bribing your cat! Cats love to indulge in tasty snacks, and if you happen to be the one providing them that, you might as well become a favorite human for the cat.
Fish, Canned tuna, meats and cat food can be great inexpensive treats.
It can be daunting too get your cat to bond with you.
It doesn't happen overnight, so you will need to be patient with your kitty and wait for her to come to you.
Trying to hold or carry her is also a bad idea as that can frighten your cat. Start with small steps, do not look directly into their eyes and give them a lot of time.
Cats are territorial creatures and as much as you'd like your cat to socialize and play with you, cats would rather spend their time napping in their favorite cardboard boxes.
Providing a comfy bed, tasty snacks and chew toys is a great way to get your cat to relax. Also, make sure that the litter box is away from their food as cats prefer litter boxes far away.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Even if you're a loving cat parent, your kitty can still want to have some space. You needn't be worried about the behavior but you should tend to your cat when they need you.
If you'd like your pet to instinctively come to your lap, you'll need to build a positive interaction with the feline. Be sure to put in a lot of time so it happens gradually.
]]>A cat scratching around the floor before the water bowl is also one of those common traits of their own kind. However, it doesn’t indicate any sort of problems or weird things
It is an involuntary action for cats to scratch on the floor. It is also called floor pawing.
They show this behavior for other things as well, such as marking territory, protecting and disposing of food or while being insecure.
Let’s dive into why cats might do this!
Cats do this purely based on their impulse to locate their food or water. They can easily find their food and water hence they try pawing or digging into the bowl.
It is also because they feel ease and comfortable in their surroundings when they scratch the floor before drinking. It can be taken as their action of contentment.
Some of the cats could show their dislike by burying things. If your cats have this habit and are scratching before water then they may be unhappy about the water.
You should consider the change in water, water contents and its location. It is better to pay more attention towards your cat behavior to find out its displeasure and distaste.
Cats tend to be nosy creatures. New and younger cats could be curious and intrigued about the water in the bowl mainly if it is clear.
Therefore, a cat showing their curiosity by scratching the ground around the water bowl could lead to its paws digging in the bowl.
Cats are territorial animals, and they mark their territory by spraying their scent in different corners of the house. It might be marking its domain around the bowl.
A cat has scent glands on its paws and rubbing them together is an easy way to spread their scent. By scratching the floor, the kitty may be declaring that it’s his territory and no strangers are welcome!
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
A cat scratching the floor before drinking water is nothing out of the ordinary. It is just being catty as it actually is.
If your kitty scratches on itself however, it can be a serious issue needing immediate vet attention.
]]>Cats are comfortable with their natural surroundings and can get anxious and even sick in unfamiliar places.
Bath and body works are air fresheners that are available in various fragrances, scents and some with additional essential oils. They are used to maintain a clean, healthy and pleasant environment in rooms.
Although humans prefer to use these products, animals are also more relaxed in spontaneous atmospheres.
Pets are highly sensitive towards their ambiance hence usage of strong artificial fragrances could stir up their mood and health.
These products contain various chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and artificial colours. Such chemicals could directly or indirectly affect the health of pets.
It is reported usage of bath and body works for washing cats could lead to constant throwing up or puking. Some other problems are irritations to the skin and eyes, nausea, drowsiness and respiratory problems.
Vets have also advised that artificial and strong room fragrances trigger asthma attacks in cats and coughing spasms because the toxic compounds present in products have a harmful effect directly on the respiratory systems of your cats
As you find these symptoms in your cats, it is better to run to the vet.
If you persist in using air fresheners, alternatives are available. These must be of natural origin so they don’t affect our furry friends. Some of the option we cat owners have are:
Cats like having plants around but you should take care not to startle your cat with sudden changes. Kitties also like chewing on things, so you should avoid plants that are not safe for your cat.
Essential oils are an easy allergy-free alternative to harmful chemicals.
An essential oil is just a plant extract usually obtained by distillation of flowers or aromatic parts but sometimes, whole plant may also be used to extract oils.
Lavendar and chamomile oil are safe for cats, and if you feel like it- you can also use these to massage yourself!
If you have a granny, she probably still uses baking soda when your room gets damp and smelly.
Baking soda is a cheap non-toxic substance that you just leave out for a few hours, and it will magically absorb any foul odours.
Regular but careful usage of these things aids to an amiable atmosphere in home.
Thorough cleaning of cats, getting rid of cat litter, and finding pet-friendly products are proper ways to groom your cats.
Hence, B&B products are not healthy and safe for your furry friends. They are highly susceptible to any other strong perfumes. It is better to rely on natural mild fragrances for the safety of our feline.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat cave.
]]>Cat owners cannot expect their cats to be as expressive as dogs or other pets. Cats often dislike being touched and petted. But if your cat unexpectedly doesn’t want to be touched then it is time to be cautious.
Although it is impossible to guess the cat’s behavior some probable causes could be as follows:
You may be petting your cat at the wrong moment just when it doesn’t want to be disturbed.
Most kitties like to spend some time playing with their food alone. Or they are feeling annoyed by your constant petting.
This may sound odd but cats can be bored by you stimulating them in just one area.
Cats may be experiencing personality change with its coming up age such as adolescent cats (more than 6 months).
It also depends on the individual cat. So, while some cats may prefer to grow distant when they grow, others might never show that behavior.
You may be touching your cat at the wrong place. Usually cats prefer to be touched on the neck, behind the ears, their chin’s underside, and the base of the tail.
Most of the cats don’t like to be touched on their belly.
The base of the tail has lots of nerve endings, so they can get very easily stimulated if you touch there. The place is also an erogenous zone for female felines- so look out for aggressive behavior as well.
Your cat may be suffering from pain and health issues. External and internal wounds, bruises, fractures, illness, burns, swollen areas, etc. could be the reasons for their sufferings.
You must your kitty to the vets as soon as you find this. Timely care can help reduce suffering and prevent injuries from getting severe.
Your cat may be experiencing some traumas. Abandoned, lost and adopted cats have major emotional and mental health issues.
You must be patient and extra affectionate towards them. Letting your cat come to you is a great idea!
Your cat may hate some scent or fragrances you touched. Cats might pick up some unpleasant and unusual scents from lotion, hand creams and soaps which could lead to avoidance of your touch.
Every cat has unique characteristics. As the parent of your cat you should be patient and observant.
You can follow some of these tips to reduce the alertness of your kitty:
You should avoid loud music, noises, strong scents and other external stressors in home.
Cats tend to get easily scared by sudden noises and unfamiliar surroundings can cause them to get anxious and sick.
Regular checkup and vet appointments are a great way to ensure that your kitty stays in top shape.
You should also take care of your cat’s health at home and watch what they’re eating. Any unusual habits like your cat not eating should be addressed immediately as cats are very susceptible to liver failures if they starve themselves.
Treats for your cats as positive aids is also a good idea.
Cats like dried meats and fishes, so pampering your cat once in a while helps them know that you love them!
Stop shouting and physically hurting your cat!
You got a kitty to care for it. Taking out your frustrations on your cat is a terrible thing to do.
I’ve never laid a finger on my cat but I’ve heard people doing horrible things to their pets. If you cannot stay polite to your pet, you don’t deserve a pet. As simple as that.
I always recommend patiently waiting for your pets to come to you and touch them carefully and slowly. It helps them know that you won’t hurt them and they will trust you in time.
These are several points you can keep in mind while waiting for your cat to open up to you. You should never force your cat in your lap or try to lift them if they don’t want to be near you.
Being insensitive is a sure way to degrade relationship with your cat.
]]>Cats have timid personalities. Sudden change in environment and companions can stress them in extreme ways.
In this article, we try to explain this sudden change in your cat’s behavior. Let's get started!
It seems that our furry friends love having a fixed routine.
The change in decorations, furniture and their location could affect the comfortable environment for your cat. They may feel anxious and will take some time to get accustomed to the new unfamiliar surroundings.
It may not be a big deal to you if one of your friends decides to stay in for a week, but your cat- it’s a very serious matter.
You may’ve noticed your cats waiting for you to come home or looking at you with a fixed glare when it’s their meal time.
Cats thrive in environments where they know what’s happening. And as fantastic members of your family, you should put in effort to make them as comfortable as possible.
A sudden change can not only make them anxious but also very sick.
You sticking to a well-structured routine is not only great for cats but also help you stay organized and productive!
Cats are timid creatures and their lack of social exposure leads them to be fearful of newcomers.
Think of them as children- they are shy to face strangers at first but later, get accustomed to their presence. Cats can also get very playful once they know that the stranger in their home is not a threat.
Any sudden movement that might have hurt the cat could be the reason for their abrupt behavioral changes.
Loud noises can also scare them badly.
Cats are both predators and preys. When they’re startled, their survival instincts kick in, and depending on the circumstances, they flee or get ready to defend themselves.
Some of the actions you do can easily make your cat feel threatened, leading them into this situation. Loud music, noises, unintentional hitting could easily make your cat act scared.
Your cat might be suffering from illness and sickness thus it is hiding away from you. Proper examination and care is needed for it to be back to normal.
Sometimes cats are very good at showing that they are experiencing discomfort. This can be in the form of chewing on stuff like cardboard or not wanting to be touched.
Even if you don’t think the cause is serious, a quick visit to the vets can help diagnose anything causing pain to your kitty.
Your cat might have sensed the danger from the new animal or person in the surrounding area. The proper inspection of the area and actions around the vicinity is a must.
To soothe and calm your cat, you must be cautious and patient.
Owners must be calm and chill to make their pets comfortable and any abrupt behaviors must be avoided.
Enough food and treats should be provided for your cats in their own space.
After observing the situation, the cat must be appointed to the vet for their medication.
Get them to play with you to rebuild your bond. You must wait for them to come close to you, sniff the toy and only after that, play with them.
]]>If you’ve gotten yourself a cute cat, you’ve probably caught it red-handed chewing on cardboard. One of my cats would sink her teeth into pretty much any box of cardboard she could find laying around.
It may be surprising to find felines nibbling on an old piece of cardboard piling up a mess of paper shreds but it's pretty normal for cats to do. They engage on such activities very often, as I've found.
But is the behavior harmful? Let’s find out!
Dental problems are very common in cats above the age of three. A furry feline on a wet diet is even more susceptible to teeth problems.
It can be painful for the kitty to eat cat food and they can experience severe discomfort while chewing fishes or meats.
Cats chew on cardboard or other soft things as a means to relieve their pain.
Cats are strange yet have a classy taste in things!
Cats are known to be quite creative when it comes to finding ways to relax, and chewing cardboard can be one of them.
If your kitty feels that the cardboard box is too uncomfortable to sleep in, the feline will carve their home into something that feels cozier.
They may even make holes in their boxes to see outside of their home while laying down.
While cats may look like mannered gentlemen with their adorable tails and pointed ears, they are certainly not!
These guys are brave predators and their natural instincts often drive them to destroy things. I've often found my cats ripping pillows to shreds when I came back home.
Messing things up may also be because a cat has excess energy that contributes to the restless behavior.
If you're going to have delicate objects around, I highly recommend taking out the time to train your cats to not damage them.
Cats can be very picky eaters at times. When it comes to food, some kitties just won't eat something they don't like even if they're very hungry.
They would rather sulk and walk away than taste what they don't find tasty enough.
A hungry kitty readily chews on cardboard to show that they aren't full, and sometimes may eat parts of the boxes too.
Just chewing on cardboard is not a sign of pica. However, chewing and eating cardboard can be a serious indicator of the cat's feeding habit.
Having pica means that your dear kitty will chew and eat a wide variety of things including plastics and harmful stuff. If you find such behavior, you should take your kitty for a quick vet exam.
It's always better to stay on the safer side when it comes to cat health.
Just chewing on cardboard or other things is not that serious. If, however, your cat is consuming anything it can find, it may be due to an uncommon condition called pica and be quite serious.
The ingested non-food items can sometimes get clogged in your kitty's intestines and also cause food poisoning. Chewing on things like paperback books doesn't cause much discomfort to cats but it may be sad for you to see your favorite book in shreds.
If your kitty is always nibbling at something, it's something you need to look into as soon as possible. Chewing on nonfood items may not be serious most of the time but it also means that your cat may chew into things like power cables and headphones.
Prevention is always better than cure, right?
You can use bitter sprays as a means to tell your cat that something is off limits. Apple spray or a simple spray of water can also be a harmless thing to try and dissuade your kitty from chewing on stuff.
It's necessary that you do not talk loudly or scare your cat when you want to teach them stuff as it can be traumatic for the kitty.
There may be many reasons as to why your cat likes chewing on cardboard. Anxiety, stress and unsatiated hunger can be one of those.
A bored cat may also indulge in such behaviors, so it's important that you figure out if your kitty needs a playmate. If you're not spending enough time with the cat, getting a second cat can also be a nice option.
Once you have a diagnosis, it's fairly easy to get your cat to stop chewing on stuff.
What do you do if your cat just won't stop making messes out of cardboard boxes?
You keep them distracted!
Giving them dental treats or tasty snacks is a great idea as it keeps the cat occupied. It also helps them relax and feel at ease.
Tearing and chewing on things is just a part of the feline primal instinct and isn't something that poses a serious threat to cat health. However, if you notice that your cat is also fond of eating other nonfood items, you should be concerned.
Even if there's nothing serious going on, a vet visit for dental checkups or routine checks is always a good idea.
]]>Ever had a craving for dark chocolate at the middle of the night? You're certainly not alone.
We've all felt that way on a variety of occasions. Do cats crave for sweets? Ice cream? That's an interesting discussion for another time.
In this article, we see if cats can eat whipped cream and if it's safe to let your cat binge on tasty treats every now and then.
It's not surprising that something as simple as fluffy cream made by whipping cream (usually from milk fats) is a household delicacy since it's available in many flavors. It usually tastes sweet with a vanilla flavor but the flavor and texture can vary according to manufacturers.
It's probably the simplicity of the food item that it has a special place among every body with a sweet tooth. It's also free of artificial sweeteners and harmful food dyes, so you can enjoy it without risking exposure to toxic chemicals.
It's probably one of the most popular dairy products we consume on a day to day basis, right up there with cheese and yoghurt.
Cats are picky eaters and don't give much attention to human foods unless it's meats or fishes.
Some owners give kittens whipped cream when giving vaccine injections or treatments to keep them distracted.
Cat's favorite food is raw fish but these furry felines will indulge in whipped cream if they find it laying around. Adult ones don't seem to be much curious about the taste of new things but young ones will certainly nibble on anything they can get their tiny teeth on.
If you let kittens wander around in your kitchen, you may've noticed them nibbling on bits of chocolate and anything else they can find.
Your cat can get fussy over a stranger near them- so it's a nifty treat to make sure that they do not act strange.
It's perfectly okay if you choose to include whipped cream as an occasional treat to your cat but you really shouldn't be feeding your cat on that most of the time. There won't be life-threatening adverse reactions but why risk your precious cat's health over some cream, right?
Young cats feed on cat milk- so kittens can snack on whipped cream sparingly. An adult cat should not be eating whipped cream as the digestive system of these little guys is unable to digest lactose in whipped cream.
Mammals are breast-fed and like us, our furry little friends are also fond of their mamma's milk in the growing years. Turns out, the lactose in milk is only digestible to young kittens and adults are lactose-intolerant since adults do not produce the all-important enzyme lactase to digest lactose.
You may've gotten some lactose intolerant friends in your circle as well - so you may already know just how severe the symptoms of digestive upset can get. It all boils down to absence of enzyme lactase in mammalian adults and it's not something that depends on a lot of factors.
Not having enzyme lactase just means that your cat will have undigested sugar in their digestive tract which, in simple words, is a bad thing.
Feeding a grown up cat lots of whipped cream is a sure fire way to give them abdominal pain and digestive issues. If you're feeling mad because your cat chewed on your favorite mattress, by all means- take it out on them by giving them whipped cream. (I'm kidding here!)
While it's somewhat okay to give them cream from time to time, the majority of their diet should consist of meats. As cats are carnivore predators, their stomach is supposed to feed on meaty snacks, right?
As a curious pet owner, you may've wondered if it's okay for cats to indulge in dairy. You may've been tempted to give your cat some cheese slices while you were binging on that.
You're better off not giving any dairy products to your adult felines. Avoiding things that upset digestive health of cats is a great idea, and I'm sure you're also concerned about your kitties just like me.
I prefer keeping my cats on a healthy diet free so my kittens do not feel any inconvenience. For that, you should carefully read ingredient labels for the food you buy for your cat to make sure that it's free from dairy.
If you know you cat has consumed some dairy, you don't need to be worried. The kitty will probably not experience anything out of the ordinary and worse case, they'll have an upset tummy for a couple days.
If you feel like that hurts the cat, you can always feed the cat lots of water and visit the vet in your area to see what's causing the problem.
If for some reason you really want to treat your kitty to generous servings of whipped cream, you can get non-dairy whipped cream. But these are full of chemicals and your cat can have nasty allergic reactions to some of these.
It's not hard to think of something else to feed your cat that won't give it digestive issues. You can give your kitty anything from a chew toy to some raw fish, and your kitty will instantly still know that you love them.
Just substitute any dairy product for a non-dairy product that you know is healthy for them.
Crunchy treats to show love to your best pal also sound great! These are available at any pet-shop or malls near you for pretty cheap.
Normally speaking, whipped cream or milk products are not unsafe for cats but you should keep your cat's cream consumption at a minimum if you don't want your kitty to a tummy ache.
You can use whipped cream as a reward for cats or to keep them distracted when they're anxious.
Cats probably prefer an oily fish or alternative snacks just as much, if not more than they like having whipped cream. So, you can happily limit the intake of whipped cream and stick to nutritious cat food to make sure that it stays healthy.
]]>
These felines can engage in many strange quirks, from goofing around in cardboard boxes to scratching and utterly destroying your favorite pillow cases, and still- we find them very adorable!
I'm particularly fond of cats as they're quieter and more affectionate than most dogs.
Cats seem to be very sensitive at the base of their tail and act strange when you touch them there. All cats I've owned share this behavior in common.
In this article, we get into why your cat likes the base of tail scratched and lifts up his behind as in approval.
Cats have a lot of nerve endings at the base of their tails, and that's why when somebody they trust touches them there, they feel good. You can see that they raise their butt to let you stroke them easier.
It's actually a great sign that your cat trusts you a lot.
Remember how you feel when you need to scratch your back? Satisfying, right?
Your feline friend usually has fur at the base of their tail and they have difficulty scratching that part. So, they let you tend to them.
Both male and female cats tend to love getting their backs scratched but females seem to get more excited by it.
Female felines associate you touching the base of their tail with mating behavior, and rightfully so. They probably think of humans as big cats and mating is a natural instinct.
You touching them below their tail provides sexual stimulation to your female cat, and that's probably why they like it so much.
Even if you've got a neutered/spayed female, her feline body language while you're rubbing her back and base of tail tells it all.
Females arch their back and knead with their forelimbs- a sign that she is ready to engage in mating with her partner. It's not strange at all- since cats are not meant to be held captive but rather, stay out as independent predators. So, when they feel aroused, they just get ready to mate.
If you're not ready to have a litter to care for, spaying is a great option for you.
Young kittens receive a lot of love from their mother. Similar to pruning behavior of birds, cats also groom their loved ones.
As a kitten, your cat probably got pampered a lot, so your cat being sensitive to touch is a normal response and nothing unusual.
Cats are very susceptible to skin diseases. There are many bacteria that can attack your kitty and make them very uncomfortable.
You can also find signs of dandruff, irritation, signs of inflammation and dull fur. The best thing to do if you suspect that your pet might have an itchy skin is to take them to a vet and let the vet figure out a solution.
While cats like human touch and enjoy quality bonding time with their favorite person, excessive tail petting is probably not good. Gentle strokes and careful petting go a long way to let your cat know that they're loved.
]]>If you have a fur baby, you may've woken up to the cat kneading on your blanket. This feline behavior may come off as odd to you but it's actually very natural.
In this short article, we take a look at the reasons for this behavior in cats.
But before we get into that, let's get familiar with the normal behavior of wild cats.
Cats are territorial creatures and the compulsive behavior in kittens to seek warmth and comfort is an evolutionary advantage for their survival.
A defenseless kitten in an unfamiliar territory can get attacked by wild cats and other predators. Wanting to be cuddled and staying close to their mamma is a perfect way of staying safe and cozy.
Wild cats also tend to stay closer together so they can feel protected.
It's pretty obvious that cats being territorial creatures feel the need to mark their areas with their scent.
It's an instinctive behavior in cats to touch and spread their scent on nearby objects to make it clear that it's their territory.
It's no surprise that cats like staying warm and cozy.
Nibbling on something makes your cat happy. I guess it's engrained in them from a very early age to suckle on their mamma.
This makes them happy, and no doubt, that behavior has lasted on to adulthood.
Does your cat have serious issues?
The common feline behavior of biting on soft things can have deeper reasons.
Pica is a condition in cats when cats chew on any non-food items they can find. Nibbling on a soft wool blanket can be harmless but if the cat keeps his habit of licking and chewing common materials, it can quickly become a recipe for disaster.
Harmful chemicals, plastic, toxins and fabric are some things that your cat just might eat. These can cause serious digestive issues and cause pain to your kitty.
Another common cause of the chewing issue is a problem in your cat's oral health. You can look for common symptoms of tooth pain, and better yet, take your kitty to a vet.
Fabrics can contain many chemicals, so it's a no-brainer that if you let your cat bite on clothes, they might get allergies.
Cats sometimes also eat what they are chewing and that can cause them to take in harmful substances.
Now that we've talked a bit about why cats indulge in the seemingly common behavior of chewing on stuff, let's talk about how to stop your cat from doing that.
Chewing on things is a natural instinct for most cats and it's not easy to make them stop. One approach you can take- is to let them chew on chew-toys or catnips so they stay happy and relaxed.
Anxiety can be one of the major causes behind chewing behavior of cats.
Whether your cat's just scared of sudden changes or doesn't feel safe around strangers, helping your cat relax can be very helpful when trying to change it's habit of chewing on stuff.
If you have a lot of time on your hands and feel that you are patient enough, you can try discouraging your furry feline when it engages in the quirky act.
Anti-anxiety medication can also do wonders!
Your cat chewing on a blanket or a soft fabric is just something that makes it feel comfortable as it used to be with the mother cat. The answer to why your cat does it is not that simple as it may be because of many things.
If you're concerned about your kitty chewing on blankets, you can try weaning your cat to chew on toys instead.
]]>They probably feel mixed emotions about it. While it is just free food for them, and let's be honest- cats don't really do much work.
Cats just sleep around lazily in the coziest places. But who wouldn't want to get pampered with exotic treats every once in a while, right?
If you're wondering what option for cats there is in place of plain water, you're at the right place!
Trying out new things and exploring new treats for cats sounds great in theory, but you can run into problems real soon if you aren't careful of the ingredients. Cats have unique physiology, very different from us, and could easily get poisoned by human food.
So, it's very important that you give only those things that you know won't do any harm to your cat.
In this article, we take a look at healthy alternatives to spice up the taste of water.
As you already know, our furry friends are carnivores. Cats have evolutionally achieved sharp pointed teeth and physiology that is uniquely adapted for digesting animal meats.
As such, a healthy cat diet consists of fishes, pieces of chicken, dried meat and things along the line. If you're a cat owner, which you probably are- you already know about healthy cat-foods found in supermarkets.
While that probably does the trick, I like feeding my cat lots of meats and try to keep the diet varied. Since I do a lot of research before I give my cat anything new, I've almost always managed to avoid giving it an upset stomach.
Kittens eat a lot of liquid food when they're young. Most of their diet consists of their mamma's milk which is rich in nutrients.
The cat milk is very healthy for young ones but for adult cats, it's not a viable choice. That's because apart from sourcing cat milk, which is going to be hard on it's own; cats are lactose intolerant. Your cat shouldn't consume milk or dairy products as they don't have the enzymes to process them.
It's pretty obvious that water is something that all animals drink. Afterall, it's necessary for even little furry ones to stay hydrated.
Cats need plenty of fresh drinking water to meet their daily water intake requirements.
It's unhealthy for cats to drink polluted water as they can contract various diseases. So, you should watch out what your cat eats and monitor it's feeding habits..
Kittens will only drink their mamma's milk till they grow up. Young ones even have enzymes to digest lactose in dairy- so they don't have any digestive issues.
However, adult cats should not be fed generous amounts of milk and if you want to feed them milk, you can opt for lactose-free milks like oat milk. Plant-based milk is a great alternative to animal-based milk it's good even for adult cats with allergies to milk.
What do you do if you have a kitten to feed but her mamma is nowhere around? You feed them milk formula.
Milk formulas are specially prepared substances meant to act as milk-substitutes for regular milk. It's also very convenient as you just mix them in water according to the instructions and you can check the ingredients to see if your cat is allergic.
While it's great for young cats, you shouldn't be feeding milk formula to adult cats. A lactose free-milk would be a much better option for them.
While it may sound odd, goat milk is a great alternative for regular milk. The need for choosing alternative milks is actually because of the facts that adult milks are lactose intolerant.
So, if you feed your furry feline dairy, it will cause them indigestion and serious digestion issues.
Goat milk has slightly lesser amounts of lactose which makes it a nice choice if you're looking for a savory liquid for your cat. You still want to limit your cat's intake of goat milk however, as it still contains some lactose as it can cause serious issues in larger amounts.
Bone broth is probably the favorite of cats and many humans alike.
Thick savory broth is an essential part of tasty dishes like ramen or Chinese-style noodles. What's nice about bone broth is that since you're using leftovers anyway, there's no added cost. Except cooking the broth, of course, which can consume a lot of time.
Chefs usually let the broth simmer for days on end and doing that can be troublesome. So, you can buy ready-made broth at stores and skip the trouble.
You do need to lookout for labels however- as you should only get broth that says it's specifically for cats. Cats are highly allergic to certain foods like onion and garlic, and you should stay away from foods that include them.
What else can you feed cats? The most obvious answer is tuna!
Cats love tuna! They can smell the wonderful aroma of canned tuna from any corner of the house. Tuna is also rich in protein and omega - 3 fatty acids which makes it a great choice for cat snack.
You just blend tuna and serve your cat the drink or add in the extract to lots of water, and that's it. You probably shouldn't overdo it as your cat can get mercury poisoning from canned tuna in large amounts.
It's nice to add variety to your furry pal's diet once in a while but you need to be careful what you feed your cat.
Water is a healthy choice and if you're going to substitute that with something, you need to make sure that it's free from chemicals that can give your cat allergies.
Watching out for lactose on the ingredients list is also a great idea as it will help you avoid foods that can give your cat a tummy ache and digestive issues.
The best way to know what works best for your cat is to experiment with different treats. Some cats prefer bone broths while some will just stick to plain water.
]]>Cats are lurking predators and so they choose the places where they can hide and get a good view of their prey.
A cat has that natural instinct to look for closed spaces like cardboard boxes as those are the comfortable places for them.
If you own a cat, you might have found him/her sound asleep in weird places and wondered if your cat is alright (I can relate to you as I’ve found mine in odd places).
Cats are usually found sleeping inside a cardboard box if you own one.
They can be seen doing their favourite thing which is napping and relaxing in high perches, under a blanket and on the lap of their owner (if you are a lucky one!).
Sometimes you might find your cat sleeping or spending more time inside the litter box as well.
It is not good but you should not imagine the worst-case scenario without proper consultation with the vet.
Aside from doing their own business, some cats tend to spend extra time inside the litter box and there are various reasons for it.
So let’s get into why they sleep, play or spend more time in the litter box out of all the other places they can find at home.
This might be because of the medical conditions or the behavioral reasons of cats.
There might be diverse medical conditions responsible for this action of your cats. Some are listed below:
Urinary tract infections: Cats with urinary tract infections have inflammation in the lining of their bladders.
So, even if their tiny bladder has very small amounts of urine, the infected kitty will have frequent urges to urinate.
As they have to use the litter box frequently, they opt to spend more time in the litter box or just stay near it.
Bladder stones and Urinary crystal formation: If a urinary crystal is formed inside a cat’s urethra, he/she will have the repeated impulse to urinate leading to the frequent visit to the litter box.
This is similar if a cat has bladder stones too. But, in both conditions, a cat won’t be able to produce any urine because of the obstruction by the crystal and stone.
Diabetes: Cats with diabetes will have an increment in water intake and as a result, increased urination trip to the litter box as well.
Pregnancy: Feline mothers, when they are about to give birth, have that instinct to seek safe places distant from noises and crowded places. Even though the litter box is not an ideal place for her to have kittens, it is her comfort place and thus pregnancy might be one of the reasons for her napping in the litter box.
If your cat is checked by the vet and does not have any medical conditions, then behavioural reasons are responsible for your cat’s litter box napping. Those behavioural reasons might be because of:
Stress/ adjustment anxiety: If there are not any medical complications in cats, stress/ adjustment anxiety might be a common reason for their sleeping and hiding habits in the litter box.
Having a new person in the house, adding a new pet to the family or certain changes in the surrounding of cats might lead to them retreating to one of their comfort places, the litter box and spending time there.
Territorial guarding: Cats have the natural instinct to mark their territory with their urine. If there are more than one cat in the house and only one litter box, spending more time in the litter box marking their territory might be one of their ways to claim it.
As the litter box is one of their comfort places, they tend to treasure and defend it as their own territory.
Still learning (kittens):
As little ones learn everything from their mothers, using the litter box is also learned from her. But as small ones don’t have the actual idea, some keep on burying their things and eventually fall asleep after being tired of the continuous hard work.
Safety: To feel secure and safe is a cat’s natural instinct. Even if a cat has been living in a certain place for a long time, he/she can spend more time inside the litter box.
A cat does so in order to feel safe from any perceived threats as the litter box is something that is theirs only.
If your cat has any medical issues, you might want to address them and get your cat healthy. But if there are not any medical issues then you could make various changes.
Like: investing in some more litter boxes if you have more than one cat in the house. Also, getting a cat cave can be a good alternative instead of the litter box for your cat as their hideaway when they are stressed.
Does your cat seem uncomfortable? Is it incapable of finding itself around you or doesn't play around much? These problems can be solved with cat caves. Get to know more about how your adorable little friend can benefit from cat caves.
Being a cat owner, no one wants their cat to sleep or spend any extra time in their litter box. If there are no medical issues then this habit of your cat might not be anything threatening but just some behavioural issues.
Therefore, you should not panic and jump to conclusions yourself without proper medical consultation.
If your cat does not have any health problems then sleeping in the litter box might not be that big of a problem. Your cat might be guarding the litter box, a little stressed or might just be napping because the litter box smells like her.
Yes, as the litter box is not an ideal clean place to sleep, sleeping in the dirty litter box can lead to various health problems in your cat.
The general guideline for replacing cat’s litter is twice a week. However, depending upon the amount and the circumstances involved, you may need to change it frequently or less often than what the guideline suggests.
]]>You may have thought about it if you guys are like me and spend most of your time with beloved cats giving them their favourite belly rub.
Even though we have that curiosity to know the answer, there is that slight bit of hesitation preventing us from asking this question to the vets. So if you are searching for the answer to this question by yourself instead of asking your vets then rest assured cause you are not the only one!
We all cat owners can relate.
Cats are mammals and thus it is not out of the ordinary for them to possess nipples. On average, cats have between 6-8 nipples.
However, some might have extra nipples and some might have fewer than that. Therefore the number of cat nipples, either even or odd, is not really a matter of concern as the number does not affect their health in any way.
Now that your subject of stress is out of the way, why not dive deeper into this intriguing topic ?
Let’s continue on!
If yes, nothing to be shocked or afraid of. Like most mammals, both male and female cats have nipples on them even before they become a part of this world.
As nipples are formed before gender is determined during the early formative stage / fetal development of cats inside their mother’s uterus, all cats are born with nipples.
As the female cats can give birth to cute little kittens, only nipples on them are functional and can produce milk to feed cute young ones. Therefore, male cats are not able to milk feed the kittens.
This might make you think that only female cats are prone to breast cancer as the male cats have a vestigial nipple. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. Breast cancer in male cats is extremely rare but cannot be perceived to be impossible as well.
When searched, cat’s nipples can be found on their belly. It might be a little difficult to find the nipples of the cats with more fur but don’t worry it is there.
The positioning of a cat’s nipples is unlike humans’ and is found near the pelvis area. As cats have more nipples, they are found in rows of nipples either in even or odd numbers.
It is considered somewhat normal when mother cats have swollen nipples as the nipples do tend to get swollen during pregnancy. Breast swelling is common during pregnancy.
The size of the female cat’s nipple increases at day 35 of her pregnancy. But swollen nipples are not normal when it comes to your male cat.
If only one nipple of your male cat is swollen then a local injury like scratches or bruises might be the reason for it. But if there is swelling in all nipples of your male cat and if your queen isn’t pregnant then you might want to take them to the vet for a proper check-up as they can have some health complications like mastitis, mammary cancer, galactostasis, feline mammary hypertrophy and mammary hyperplasia.
Yes, the leakage of milk from your queen’s nipple does indicate that she is pregnant and is ready to give birth. But it is not true for all female cats.
Yes, the non-pregnant female cat and even spayed females can produce milk. The hormones are responsible for milk leakage and are called false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy.
It can be concluded that no matter how many nipples a cat has, the number does not affect its health nor its function. Therefore, you might not want to stress yourself about this matter. I guess the more nipples our queen has, the easier it will be to raise the cute little male and female kittens and satisfy their hunger right?
Also in case of any uncommon changes or abnormalities, visiting a vet is the right option in order to prevent any big mishap.
This is a frequently asked common question and the answer is no! The sex of a cat cannot be determined by only looking at their nipples because the nipples of both male and female cats are similar in appearance. The only case where you can distinguish them by looking at their nipples is when a cat is pregnant.
Yes, they sure can have an extra nipple. As the nipples of cats are arranged in rows, we are familiar with cats having an even number of nipples.
But the cases of cats with an odd number of nipples cannot be denied and it is not a health issue. Thus, this is totally normal so you need not need to worry about it.
No, they don’t. The number of nipples is not a gender-specific thing. Even though the nipples of male cats don’t serve any purpose, they have a similar number of nipples as females have.
Absolutely not. Nipples are formed when they are still inside their mother’s uterus and thus it is impossible for them to grow or develop extra nipples after they are born.
Yes, the color and size of a cat’s nipple changes when she is pregnant. The nipples tend to get plumper and bright pink in color.
]]>Not an easy question, right?
The number of kittens that a cat can have depends on the breed you have. It also depends on the circumstances around the pregnancy and birth. Multiple factors may affect the number of kittens a cat can have in a litter.
Let’s briefly get into the cat’s reproductive life.
Female cats- “Queens” can get sexually mature from just the age of four months. If the queens are not spayed, they start to show estrous cycles or heat cycles.
The heat cycles repeat every two to three weeks until the cat becomes pregnant. The start of the estrous cycle simply refers to the time your cat is in its puberty and has gained full sexual maturity.
With the beginning of the heat cycles, cats start to show specific characteristics to attract the male. Activities like restlessness, calling and wailing, squirming, rubbing, and presenting the rear in attempts to attract a male is normal in the breeding seasons.
Such periods of reproductive activity last a few days and recur every few weeks during the breeding seasons. The breeding season usually runs from February until August.
During these estrous cycles, a female (queen) will be very attractive to an unneutered male. The queens liberate characteristic reproductive scent or pheromones which a male can detect from several miles away. The male will make a great effort to reach the queen.
Every heat cycle consists of several stages; each stage is called estrus which refers to when the queen is sexually receptive or in heat.
Queens are not selective in their choice of mates, unlike other birds. They will accept advances made by any males around, even their relatives. That’s unsettling.
Allowing an unneutered female to spend time outdoors or indoors with an unneutered tom may risk her and any resulting kittens.
There’s a high risk of infectious and communicable cat diseases that unneutered roaming toms may carry.
The gestation period in cats lasts approximately. 63-65 days, i.e. around nine weeks.
The vets can diagnose the pregnancy by using abdominal palpation from three to four weeks of conception. Ultrasound is also an option.
The teats enlarge and get pinkish around three to four weeks of pregnancy. You can see a change in the behavior of your cat in the last week of pregnancy. It starts searching for a suitable place to give birth.
We cannot always predict the exact number of kittens a cat can have. They have an average of four to eight kittens per litter.
Sometimes the cat may give birth to just a single kitten while it may be over ten in other times. Various factors control the number of kittens a cat can have.
A record of 19 kittens in a litter has also been seen in 1970 where all fifteen were surviving male kittens and four were stillborn. A female cat is able to give birth to a litter of kittens at least twice a year.
The average lifespan of a cat is about 15 years. The queens can basically reproduce throughout their entire life. But considering the health of mama cat, it is recommended to spay the queen after the kittens arrive and when your vet approves if your cat’s ready.
This helps to extend the life of the cat and ultimately reduces the crowd of kittens in the house.
Cats are polyestrous animals. This means they have multiple heat cycles during the breeding seasons.
They also show a wide range of promiscuity which means both the male and female cats mate with multiple individuals. If the heat cycle is not stopped after the first conception, the female may mate with other males too.
If mating occurs again during the pregnancy, new fetuses are being conceived and kittens with different fathers are born the same litter. They carry genes from different parents which make them unique with different patterns and coats.
Behavioral changes are seen in the late stage of pregnancies of the queen. The queen may be in search of a suitable place to give birth that is safer for its babies.
The pregnant queens should be introduced to a quiet, clean, and warm area away from any other family disturbing them. They’re always in search of warm, cozy, confined surroundings.
So, you should prepare their home of desire free from any pests to reduce the chances of infections.
You should also provide them warm blankets and washable clean sheets and replace them as necessary.
The queen needs to eat more than usual, especially in the last three or four weeks of pregnancy. Helping your cat to regain its strength with a balanced diet is a great idea!
Kittens should also be fed regular meals. You need to ensure that your kittens are free from fleas.
Remember how your high school teacher always went on about hygiene? That’s because it’s important.
Hygiene is important for cats too- so make sure your cat lives in a clean place and doesn’t engage in things that could cause problems later.
You should seek a piece of advice from a vet before allowing your cat to breed again. It’s easy to forget to vaccinate your data- so you should mark your calendar for that.
It’s better to spay your cat for a long lifespan. If your cat is already pregnant, advice on its health, specific care, feeding and worming, and treating it for fleas should be discussed with the vet.
]]>Is having a pet troublesome? Yes, it is for sure and I can say it given my experiences of being around them since my childhood.
In the current situation of staying home, having pets around does really help uplift the mood and definitely bring some smiles to faces.
I know that my fellow pet owners will also agree with me on this. Nowadays, having pets is not limited to a certain category of animals and birds only.
People have started to explore and have proved that with proper care and being mindful about the animals, a good bond can be formed with them to be kept as pets.
When it comes to pets, our innocent, friendly and ridiculously funny feline friends; dogs and cats are the ones most loved.
Some of us like dogs while some like cats cuddling on their laps. When it comes to me, I adore them both but have a slight bit of biases towards cats.
I won’t necessarily say being a parent is on par with having pets. But having pets does really give a sense of being a parent as the responsibility of those innocent lives lies in the hands of the pet owner themselves.
As a fellow pet owner, I can agree there are many things to consider when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of our pets.
The things that are normal to our health can on the other hand be really dangerous for our pets.
Certain plants, medication for humans, household cleaners, pesticides, chocolates, onion, garlic, chives, glow sticks and even pet medication can be poisonous for our beloved cats.
Some of the common and beautiful household plants safe for your furry feline friend are:
Gloxinia
Spider plant (Chlorophytum)
Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis)
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Peperomia
Haworthia
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
Cast-iron plant
Cats have the instinct to chew on things and all plants are not safe for the cats. Thus, having plants in the house is always a matter of concern for those who are plant and cat lovers.
Some of the common poisonous household plants for cats with their effects are listed below :
Peace lilies (Spathyphyllum):
It can cause vomiting, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, excessive drooling and in severe cases difficulty in swallowing and breathing upon ingestion
Aloe vera:
It can cause lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Monstera Deliciosa:
It can cause burning of the lips and mouth, excessive drooling, oral swelling and vomiting upon ingestion.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
It can cause burning of the mouth and lips, vomiting and oral swelling upon ingestion.
Jade Plants (Crassula):
It can cause vomiting, lethargy, depression and incoordination upon ingestion.
Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata):
It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea upon ingestion.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta):
It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even liver failure and death upon ingestion.
English Ivy (Hedera helix):
It can cause weakness, vomiting, throat swelling, excessive drooling, dermatitis, rash and ataxia upon ingestion.
DumbCane (Dieffennbachia):
It can cause vomiting, burning of the mouth, oral irritation, swelling, and in severe cases difficulty in swallowing or breathing upon ingestion.
All these above-mentioned names are only some of the plants which are toxic and non-toxic to cats.
If you are a pet owner planning to plant some plants other than those mentioned above, you might want to check the list of all the toxic and non-toxic plants to cats provided by ASPCA.
There are over 20,000 species of orchids and on top of that 100,000 hybrids. Some varieties are considered to be non-toxic and some toxic for cats. ASPCA has assured that orchids are non-toxic to cats.
Even though researches have shown that most orchids are considered safe for cats, it cannot be considered fully safe.
Upon the ingestion of orchids by curious fuzzballs, they can have a tummy ache and vomit up to a certain extent.
This is similar to the effects upon ingestion of grass and thus it can be said that ingestion of orchids is not that much of a serious problem.
Teething in kittens might also be one of the reasons responsible for their chewing. Yet, boredom is considered the top cause of chewing in pet cats.
In order to save our curious little canine from chewing on wrong things and risking their life, various methods can be taken into consideration.
Playing with the cats more and providing some additional stimulation like dangling toys, laser pointers and some chew toys might distract them from chewing your other valuable belongings which includes your plants.
Placing plants out of reach of cats is one of the first steps you can take to prevent their consumption.
Using the food puzzles that provide enrichment and stimulation for a cat that chews out of boredom or stress can decrease their chewing.
Also, providing cats with catnip sprinkled scratching posts or cardboard scratch pads can divert cat’s attention from chewing things.
Spraying some bitter apple on the area of leather items and fabric where your cat usually chews can prevent it from chewing.
Also spraying the mixture of vinegar and water, the dusting of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to your plants and flowers is a good option to keep your cats from eating them.
Despite the fact that studies have proven that most orchids are safe for cats, they cannot be regarded as completely safe.
Because your cat's natural urge to nibble on leaves and flowers may affect grass intake, it may be inferred that orchid swallowing is not a big concern. However, it can do considerable harm to your plant collection.
If you truly care about your cats, you may provide plenty of cat toys to keep them occupied and happy without chewing or eating orchids or harming ornamental plants.
]]>