Pet parents may be familiar with smells that cats hate, like citrus or a dirty litter box. But what smells do cats love? We’ll share eight scents that most cats find simply irresistible, but first, let’s cover some feline olfaction basics.  

Why Do Cats Have a Strong Sense of Smell? 

Cats have an exceptionally developed sense of smell, with 50 to 80 million odor-sensitive cells. In comparison, humans have just 5 million of these cells (2). 

Felines also possess a special scent-detecting organ called the vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ. Located in the roof of the mouth, it allows cats to taste-smell certain pheromones, offering additional information beyond what their nose detects. Cats are pulling pheromones into this organ when they exhibit the “flehmen response,” a peculiar, open-mouthed grimace cats make to enhance their perception of a scent.

Cats rely on their keen sense of smell to interpret their environment, recognize fellow felines, choose food, and identify potential threats, such as predators or toxins. This reliance on scent harks back to their evolutionary past as wild predators.

Why Do Cats Like Certain Smells?

Many of the smells cats are drawn to reflect their basic needs, such as food and safety.

Cats have far fewer taste buds than humans—about 470 vs. 10,000 respectively (1). As a result, cats use their sense of smell far more than taste in deciding what to eat, explains Stephen Quandt, a certified feline training and behavior specialist and founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates.

Pheromones, which are chemical substances produced by animals for communication, also play a significant role in shaping a cat’s scent preferences. They’re scentless to humans but have profound effects on animal behavior. Scents that mimic these pheromones can be attractive to cats. 

When a cat is attracted to a smell, they may rub their face against the source, roll over it, purr, try to eat it, or exhibit a flehmen response. On the flip side, if a cat doesn’t like a smell, they tend to retreat, run away, or show signs of distaste, like wrinkling their nose or shaking their head.

While there are certain scents that most cats tend to enjoy, not all cats react to smells in the same way. Just as humans have personal likes and dislikes, cats also exhibit individual variations in their scent preferences. 

What Smells Do Cats Love? 8 Aromas That Attract Felines

Since scent serves as a fundamental aspect of a cat’s sensory and communication experience, it’s important to provide our feline friends with a variety of appealing and safe smells to explore and enjoy. 

In doing so, we can enhance their indoor environment and fulfill their instinctual need for curiosity, discovery, and engagement, says Quandt. 

Let’s explore eight aromas cats generally favor and why they appeal to our whiskered companions.

1.    Catnip 

Catnip, an herb in the mint family, is well-known for its intoxicating effect on many cats. This effect is due to nepetalactone, a compound in the plant that may mimic the structure of a feline pheromone associated with mating behaviors. This explains why cats under the influence of nepetalactone exhibit behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, purring, and leaping. In rare instances, cats may become aggressive. 

When a cat encounters nepetalactone, the compound enters the cat’s nasal tissue and binds to receptors that stimulate sensory neurons in the brain, explains Quandt. The effect is a harmless “high” that lasts about 5 to 15 minutes. 

Interestingly, not all cats go cuckoo for catnip. Sensitivity to catnip is likely inherited, and 1 out of every 3 cats lacks the genetic predisposition to it (3).

Catnip can be administered via catnip-filled toys, catnip spray, solid catnip balls, fresh catnip plants, or dried catnip that can be sprinkled on toys, scratching posts, and other items.

2.    Valerian Root 

Valerian root is an herb that works much the same as catnip, creating a euphoric effect in most cats—at least initially. After a few minutes, the hyperactive effects wear off, leaving cats feeling calm and drowsy. 

Valerian root’s effects lie in a specific compound it contains: actinidine. Like catnip, it’s thought that this compound stimulates the same receptors in the cat’s brain that respond to feline pheromones. 

Never give your cat human valerian root supplements. Instead, stick to cat toys filled with valerian root or a small sprinkling of dried, finely minced root. 

3.    Vanilla 

Anecdotally, many cats seem to like the aroma of vanilla. Because of this appeal, some supplements and medications, such as Credelio CAT, include vanilla to entice picky felines. 

Credelio CAT is an oral flea and tick treatment for cats that starts working in as little as 8 hours and prevents reinfestation for one month (4). This small, chewable tablet is a great choice for cat parents who struggle with topical flea applications. In a U.S. field study, cat parents successfully administered the tablet 99.5 percent of the time (5). Nearly 47 percent of the cats voluntarily accepted the tablets when they were offered by hand, on the floor, in an empty food bowl, or with food. 

4.    Yeast

If you’ve ever noticed that your cat tries to steal bites of bread, this is because cats are attracted to the scent and taste of yeast. One study showed that cats preferred foods with a yeast extract added (6).

Cats can occasionally eat small amounts of baked bread, but it shouldn’t be included as a regular part of your cat’s diet. Ensure any breads you let your cat taste don’t include toxins like garlic. 

In addition to vanilla, Credelio CAT includes yeast in its oral tablets to further entice our furry companions to consume this flea-and-tick-zapping medication. 

5.    Silver Vine 

Also known as matatabi, silver vine is a plant native to Japan and China that often attracts cats with its irresistible scent. The smell of silver vine elicits a similar response to catnip in many cats. 

However, “studies have shown that silver vine is more likely to affect cats than catnip,” says Quandt. This may be because it has additional chemicals that cats respond to, such as actinidine, iridomyrmecin, and isodihydronepetalactone (3).

Silver vine is commonly available as sticks or powder. 

6.    Olives 

You might be surprised to learn that some cats enjoy the scent of olives. This is believed to be due to a group of chemicals in olives known as isoprenoids, which are similar in structure to the nepetalactone found in catnip, says Quandt. 

If your cat likes the smell of olives, they might enjoy the taste too. You can give your cat a tiny piece of an olive (not a whole one) a couple of times a week. Just ensure it’s thoroughly rinsed of salt or seasoning, and that the pit has been removed.

7.    Animal Protein  

For many cats, nothing beats the tantalizing scent of fish or meat. These aromas are incredibly attractive to cats because they’re obligate carnivores, which means they require meat to fulfill their nutritional needs. 

Smelling fish or meat can provoke behaviors like licking their lips, meowing, and showing increased alertness or excitement. Many cats will try to reach for the source of the aroma, drawn by the tantalizing scent of their preferred prey. 

8.    You! 

It might surprise some pet parents to learn that one of the smells cats love most is the scent of their human companions. 

“Cats create community scent by transferring their scent to us and taking some of our scent on them,” says Quandt. This essentially signals that you are a part of their “colony” and helps them feel safe and secure.

Your cat achieves this scent exchange by rubbing parts of their body that contain social pheromones (cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth) against you and objects in your home, explains Quandt. 

Similarly, if your cat enjoys sleeping on your clothing, it’s often because they’re attracted to and feel comforted by your scent.

Smells Cats Like: Why It Matters

Knowing which smells your cat loves can significantly improve their quality of life and even their health. Here are some ways to apply this knowledge: 

• Create a safe, comfortable living environment: Scent can be used to help your cat feel more comfortable, calm, and safe in certain situations. For instance, placing an unwashed article of your clothing in their cat carrier can help relax them when traveling to the vet. Another example is adding a loved scent  to a new bed or carrier to make it more inviting, ease transitions, and reduce stress.
• Assist with medication administration: Getting cats to take necessary medication can sometimes be challenging. Some medications, such as Credelio CAT, have been formulated with enticing scents or flavors to make administering them easier. 
• Adding enrichment: Scents like catnip, silver vine, or valerian root can be used to stimulate play and exercise, which is crucial for your cat’s physical and mental health. Sprinkling some of these enticing aromas on their toys or scratching posts can motivate them to engage in play behavior, reduce boredom, and potentially mitigate behavioral issues like inappropriate scratching. 
• Use for training purposes: Scents that appeal to your cat can be used in training for positive reinforcement scenarios. For example, a catnip-sprayed toy or a tasty salmon treat can serve as an excellent reward for a successful training session. 

How to Help Your Cat Have Positive Experiences with Scent  

Understanding your cat’s scent preferences can be a fun journey of discovery. Here’s how you can decode your feline’s favorites:

• Do a “sniff” test: Present your cat with a variety of scents, one by one, and watch your cat’s reaction. Positive responses can include purring, cheek rubbing, kneading, or even rolling around in delight. Signs that your cat doesn’t like a scent may include hissing, backing away, turning their head away from the item, shaking their head, gagging, or appearing agitated. Never force a smell on your cat, and always let them retreat if they wish.
• Monitor for changes over time: Cats’ preferences can change as they age or experience changes in health. Regularly retesting your cat’s favorite scents can help you stay attuned to their preferences.
• Use your judgment: Just because your cat is attracted to a smell doesn’t mean it’s safe or beneficial for them. For instance, some cats may be drawn to the smell of substances like antifreeze or lilies. However, these substances are highly toxic and potentially lethal if ingested, even in small amounts. Always prioritize your cat’s safety and consult a professional if you’re unsure if something is safe for cats. 
• Use in moderation: Potent scents like catnip and silver vine should be used in moderation, as too much exposure can reduce their novelty and, therefore, their effectiveness. Always monitor your cat’s reactions to ensure they’re enjoying the experience and not becoming overstimulated.
• Consult your vet if you notice sudden changes: If your cat suddenly seems repelled by a smell they once loved, it could be a sign of a health issue, especially if accompanied by other changes in behavior, eating, or litter box habits. Always consult your vet if you’re concerned.

Your cat’s love of certain smells is not just a cute quirk—it can be an important aspect of their care and well-being. By paying attention to their scent preferences and using this knowledge wisely, you can help make your feline friend’s world even more enjoyable. 

References

1. Ahmet Yavuz Pekel, Serkan Barış Mülazımoğlu & Nüket Acar (2020) Taste preferences and diet palatability in cats, Journal of Applied Animal Research, 48:1, 281-292, DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2020.1786391
2. Douglas, Kate. (2009). The great pet showdown. New Scientist. 204. 32–37. 10.1016/S0262-4079(09)63262-0. 
3. Bol, S., Caspers, J., Buckingham, L. et al. Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). BMC Vet Res 13, 70 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6
4. Wright I. (2018). Lotilaner – a novel formulation for cats provides systemic tick and flea control. Parasites & vectors, 11(1), 407. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2970-x
5. Chappell, K., Paarlberg, T., Seewald, W. et al. A randomized, controlled field study to assess the efficacy and safety of lotilaner flavored chewable tablets (Credelio™ CAT) in eliminating fleas in client-owned cats in the USA. Parasites Vectors 14, 127 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04617-5
6. Oliveira, Rúbia & Haese, Douglas & Kill, João & Lima, Anderson & Malini, Pablo & Thompson, Guilherme. (2016). Palatability of cat food with sodium pyrophosphate and yeast extract. Ciência Rural. 46. 2202-2205. 10.1590/0103-8478cr20151651.

The post What Smells Do Cats Love? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

So, if grooming is such a normal behavior for cats, why do some cats groom too much? And how do you know if your cat is grooming too much? Read on for everything you need to know about cat overgrooming, including why it happens, what signs to look for, and how to handle it.

Excessive Grooming in Cats: How Much Is Too Much?

Grooming is essential for cats to maintain skin health, remove shedding fur, get rid of parasites like fleas, and cool off. Cats will groom by licking, chewing, and nibbling on themselves. They use their paws and tongues, contorting their bodies into many different poses to reach every square inch. Cats may focus on one area of the body or cover the entire body head to toe. When grooming each other, cats tend to focus on the head and neck – the hardest places to reach themselves.

Cats groom approximately 15 percent of each day, which equates to an average of 4 minutes every hour. Exactly when or how frequently they choose to groom themselves varies from cat to cat, and when they become dirty, they groom for longer.

Most cats groom after resting and eating. Cats will also groom immediately after stressful situations – when they get scared, they’ll run off, suddenly stop, and furiously but briefly lick themselves. This could be a way of trying to calm down.

Overgrooming is essentially when cats groom so much that they remove healthy fur. This results in alopecia, or abnormal fur loss. The fur loss may cause your cat to be completely bald, develop bald patches, or have an unusually thin fur coat through which you can see skin. Because a lot of the excessive grooming can occur in secret, most cat parents don’t realize they have an overgrooming cat until fur is missing.

Cat Overgrooming: Why It Happens

Around 75 percent of cats with overgrooming issues have underlying medical conditions. Only 10 percent of cats overgroom strictly due to behavior, while the rest of the population (around 15 percent) have both medical and behavioral concerns [1]. All in all, if your cat is overgrooming, there’s most likely a medical cause.

There are three general causes of cat overgrooming:

• Painful conditions. Any source of pain or discomfort could lead to cat overgrooming. Conditions such as bladder inflammation (cystitis), back pain, or full anal sacs have led to overgrooming. Cats may overgroom in specific areas depending on where the discomfort is coming from.

• Pruritus (itchiness). Parasites like fleas, skin infections with bacteria or a fungus, or an allergy to something results in overgrooming. Allergies or hypersensitivity can include fleas, food, or environmental, such as pollen or dust.

• Psychogenic (behavior-related and not medical) issues. Stress can lead to overgrooming, and it can be caused by an ongoing issue like fights between cats or be triggered by something specific, such as the addition or loss of a person (or animal) in the home. With some medical conditions (i.e. hyperthyroidism), cats can be hyperactive, which also leads to overgrooming. Siamese cats and other Asian breeds, such as Himalayan cats, are more likely to overgroom for psychogenic reasons.

Signs of Overgrooming in Cats

Cats who are overgrooming for medical reasons do not have a typical pattern but may focus on a painful area. Cats who are overgrooming for psychogenic reasons typically overgroom their sides, often symmetrically.

Signs of overgrooming are different for each cat but can include:

• Complete fur loss or baldness anywhere on the body
• Thinning fur coat
• Redness or crusts on the skin
• Tufts of fur found near your cat’s resting areas
• Less or more activity
• Decreased or increased appetite

Cat Overgrooming Treatment

Pet parents must seek veterinary help to identify and manage the underlying cause of cat overgrooming. Even if your cat is not damaging his skin to the point of needing immediate medical care, it shows that your cat is uncomfortable and should be treated. 

Veterinarians will do a thorough exam and recommend testing of both the skin and your cat’s overall health. Looking at fur or a skin scrape sample under the microscope can identify mites, lice, or ringworm. Doing blood and urine testing will screen for underlying medical causes for pain or discomfort.

If your cat has an allergy, testing for what they’re allergic to can be challenging to interpret. Most cats with allergies go through a food trial, meaning they eat a prescription diet that only has one animal source as the protein for at least two months with no treats, no people food, and no other cat foods. Antihistamines like cetirizine may be an option, and monthly flea preventives are crucial to avoiding flea bites.

For the 10 percent of cats with behavioral (stress) concerns that lead to overgrooming, management typically involves increased enrichment, attempting to limit or get rid of any stressors, and possibly medication such as fluoxetine. Without changes in the environment, medical care will not be effective in these cases.

How to Stop a Cat From Overgrooming

If your cat is overgrooming, in most cases, you should not actively attempt to stop them. Shouting at your cat to stop or adding collars that prevent normal grooming will not be effective long-term. If the reason for overgrooming is stress, either one of these things would make your cat’s stress increase. And if the reason is medical, their desire to groom will not cease until it is treated.

Veterinary guidance on how to best treat underlying issues should eventually lead to improvement. Methods such as Elizabethan collars should be used short-term if your cat is damaging their skin and creating infection or other issues. Medical treatment of overgrooming often takes place over months, and improvement is gradual.

Even if you and your veterinarian suspect medical causes for the overgrooming, consider increasing enrichment for your cat in case stress is involved. Offer food puzzles or activities such as snuffle-mats or balls that dispense food when rolled. Actively play with a variety of wand toys with your cat each day. Offer fresh catnip weekly. Ensure your cat has a variety of toys, and cycle through them a couple at a time so a toy is not out in the house for more than a week at a time (you can bring them back out during a different week). Cat videos, music for cats, and pheromone diffusers or sprays are all great enrichment options as well.

The post Cat Overgrooming: Why it Happens and What to Do appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Zoomies are common, cute, and generally harmless – but not always. Turns out, there’s a lot more to it than crazy kitty behavior, and too much of the zoomies could signal a problem requiring a visit to the vet.

You may have wondered: why do cats get the zoomies? What can I do to minimize zoomies and keep my cat safe? And what actually are cat zoomies?

Read on to find out all this and much more as we zoom in for a closer look at zoomies. 

What are Cat Zoomies?

The technical name for the zoomies is “frenetic random activity periods,” or “frapping.”

Zoomies are sudden bursts of high energy that tend to happen at three points in the day – dawn, dusk, and after using the litter box. They also follow long periods of sleep, when a freshly recharged kitty is ready to hunt.

What Do Zoomies Look Like?

Unlike standard cat play, like chasing a feather toy, zoomies look more like your cat is reacting to an annoying, invisible little brother who’s teasing her just out of view. She’ll pounce on nothing in particular, chirp, or yowl – and if your feet are on the floor, she might ambush your socks. Her pupils will dilate, her ears will sweep back, and her head and tail will flicker and jerk like she’s trying to find something she can’t quite catch. 

In most cases, again, these bouts of frenetic random activity are harmless – and usually hilarious to watch. But they’re definitely not quite as random as you might think. Zoomies only seem random to us because we might not know what’s causing them.  

Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?

On the whole, it’s typically indoor cats who get the zoomies. The key reason for this has to do with the fact that all cats, domestic or not, are hunters.

Predators without prey. At its simplest, with domesticated cats, we’ve taken the tiger out of the jungle, but not the jungle out of the tiger. “Cats have to hunt,” says Linda Hall, a certified cat behaviorist in Ohio. And outdoor cats get to do that. For them, “dinner is not served on a platter,” Hall says. “And they don’t run around looking for dead birds. They hunt.”

Indoor cats, Hall says, are predators with no prey. There’s nothing to chase, nothing to pounce on, but the instinct to do so is as sharp as that of any feral cat or tiger in the jungle.

“Cats are ambush predators,” says Marilyn Krieger, a.k.a. The Cat Coach, a certified cat behaviorist in California. “[Outdoor cats] use short bursts of energy [that] our little indoor guys don’t get the opportunity to release.” Except as zoomies, of course.

Age matters. Age can also play a factor when it comes to the zoomies. Older cats can get them sometimes for medical reasons, which we’ll discuss in a moment – but those bouts of erratic racing around tend to be much more common in kittens and younger cats.

“Age does affect the zoomies,” says Rita Reimers, a certified cat behaviorist in the Charlotte area. For one thing, age slows down cats as much as anyone, but “cats over 10 may have arthritis,” Reimers says, which would certainly put a damper on too much zooming.

Time of day matters too. Contrary to common belief (and to those zoomie sessions in the overnight hours), cats are not actually nocturnal. They are crepuscular, which means they’re most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, when their natural prey are most active.

The main reason cats sleep so much, Krieger says, is to store up energy for those short bursts of blinding speed needed to catch darting rodents and fleeing birds when the sun comes up or goes down. So when indoor cats wake up from a long nap with “a bundle or neurotransmitters” firing, but nothing to hunt, that energy gets released as sudden, frenetic activity. 

Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies at Night? 

Generally, cats get the zoomies after they wake up. Indoor cats often adjust their sleeping habits around their feeding schedules, but also around your schedule.

In other words, your cat might be sleeping during the day so that she can spend more time around you when you’re home. But that might mean she wakes up in the wee hours of the morning, looking to find something to pounce on that isn’t there.

Why Does My Cat Get the Zoomies After Pooping? 

Every cat parent knows the pattern: your kitty visits the litter box, scratches to bury her business, and then rips through the house as if she’s been set free from jail.

It might be simple relief that causes cats to run after using the litter box, but it also could be a digestive issue, such as irritation or infection. Constipation, going outside the litter box, or vomiting could be signs of an infection in the colon, rectum, or urinary tract. (This might also be true for cats that zoom around before pooping.) If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian.

Additionally, while you’re cleaning your cat’s litter box, Krieger says, it’s always smart to inspect what’s in there. “You want to make sure to check the feces,” she says. “Make sure [your cats] are not constipated,” and make sure there is nothing out-of-the-ordinary about the droppings. Look for changes of color, spots of blood, and the size of droppings compared to what is normal.

Are Cat Zoomies Normal?

Short bouts of the zoomies, lasting for five or ten minutes, once or twice a day, are not uncommon and generally aren’t cause for concern. But like any otherwise normal pet behaviors, too much of the zoomies could be a sign of distress in cats.

Pain. “They may have a little pain or are itchy,” Krieger says. “If you see [excessive scratching or licking accompanying zoomies] you have to get the cat to a vet.”

Hyperthyroidism. Unusual bouts of frapping could be stemming from feline hyperthyroidism. This is especially common in middle-aged cats. If your cat is acting strangely or losing weight, take her to the veterinarian.

Feline cognitive dysfunction. Another condition affecting older cats is feline cognitive dysfunction, which is often accompanied by disorientation and long bouts of staring at nothing in particular. Cats with cognitive dysfunction might wake up startled and start bolting around the room. If you see this behavior, it’s time to see a vet.

Less medically serious and much more correctible (and probably more likely) is that your cat isn’t getting enough exercise. More on that in a moment. First, let’s look at ways to keep zooming cats from hurting themselves.

Keeping Cats Safe During Zoomies

For the most part, a healthy cat zooming around the place is pretty safe. But there is still potential for your cat to get hurt, especially on things like throw rugs or slippery floors. It’s best to keep small rugs and other slippery things secured if you have a cat who likes to bolt around the room.

Reimers also cautions against leaving bags out. Cats love playing with and hiding inside of bags, but looped handles can find their way around their necks or legs, which could lead to injury. For that same reason, try to keep strings on blinds out of kitty’s reach too.

And don’t forget to tuck away loose items and toxic foods cats can swallow when they’re keyed up:

• Raisins or grapes
• Sugar-free gums or candies
• Prescription pills

“Be really careful not to leave that stuff around,” says Hall. “Cats don’t stop to investigate. If they’re in hunting mode and they’re zooming, we don’t know what they’re going to get into.”

Krieger says that it helps to think of zoomie-proofing as baby-proofing. Try to keep sharp, breakable, and loose things protected, secured, covered, or better yet, out of the way. 

How to Stop Cat Zoomies

There are a few things you can do to stop, or at least lessen, the zoomies.

As mentioned, a big reason your cat might get the zoomies is because she’s bored and under-exercised. So the first thing cat parents can do is play with their fur baby to help burn off some of that energy.

Feather or pole toys, or anything cats can chase work great, says Hall. But if you utilize a laser pointer, Hall has some advice. Cats don’t just need to hunt, she says, they need to catch what they’re hunting. But a cat can’t catch a laser, and that could affect her self-confidence. If you do use a laser pointer, Hall recommends pointing it at something she can chase or catch.

Krieger says a great way to head off the zoomies is to “have your cat hunt more for their food. Roll a treat and let them chase and catch it.”

Another option is a “treasure hunt,” which is also great for getting cats to spend zoomie energy constructively (and at more convenient times). These hunts also mentally stimulate cats by getting them to find solutions. Put some food inside boxes or couch cushions or someplace where she will have to seek it out. 

Hall adds that treat balls and food puzzle toys also mentally stimulate cats and get them expending would-be-zoomie energy.

Bottom line? “Make them work for their food,” advises Krieger.

The post Cat Zoomies: What They Are and Why They Happen appeared first on Great Pet Care.

For some people, especially young kids, being tickled can cause a giddy and giggly reaction. For many others, it’s an action they despise – likely because it stimulates the same area of the brain as both our pain and fight or flight responses. But whichever camp they fall into, humans are all familiar with the concept of tickling.

And as it turns out, other animals may respond to it, too. Tickling can make apes laugh just like (some) people do. It can prompt a dog to “smile” by lifting up the corners of their mouth. It’s even been found to decrease anxiety in rats. But what about our feline friends? Are cats ticklish? 

Are Cats Ticklish? Experts Weigh In

The short answer: we’re not sure if tickling a cat causes any real reaction.

We do know that mammals tend to experience two types of ticklish touch: 

• Knismesis: a light, almost itchy-feeling sensation (and the one that dogs, horses, sharks, meerkats and others respond to)

• Gargalesis: causes humans (and gorillas and rats) to dissolve into writhing laughter

With that said, no one is fully sure whether cats can be tickled or what it might feel like to them. 

“It’s really hard to tell if animals are ticklish or not, because they do not react like we do to tickles: laughing, giggling, wiggling around,” says Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison, a certified animal behavior consultant and owner of High Five Animal Training. “Ticklish, to me, sounds like a very human concept.”

Wachowiak-Finlaison also notes that since “most of their body is covered in fur, cats are not really going to feel a very light touch the way we do on our skin.”

All that hair makes Dr. Marci L. Koski, certified feline behavior/training consultant and owner of Feline Behavior Solutions, further question whether cats can feel a ticklish touch. “Having fur all over their bodies could create a tickling kind of feeling if cats were sensitive to that, which could be problematic for them,” she says.

Common Cat Tickle Spots

Wachowiak-Finlaison believes that the most ticklish way a cat reacts is the little twitches and flick-away response they have when you lightly touch the tips of their ears. She also suspects that a cat is more likely to feel a tickly sensation in other spots where their skin is exposed, like the nose.

For general touch and petting, she says most cats enjoy it when you gently rub the tips or backs of your fingers along their jawline, which mimics the way cats greet each other. “This is the polite place to pet them,” she says. “If I’m touching a new cat, I always let it rub against my fingers.”

The chest is also a preferred spot for most cats, she says. Just stay away from the belly, as almost all cats hate having it touched. 

Do Cats Like to Be Tickled?

Whatever sensation cats are getting from a light, tickly touch, Wachowiak-Finlaison says how they feel about it is “definitely an individual thing,” just as it is for humans. Cats all have different preferences for the type of touch they like best, where they prefer it to be, and how much they like to be touched in general.

“That’s why it really pays to know your cat’s body language,” she adds, noting that Sphinxes may be one cat breed that has even more distinct reactions to touch since they aren’t covered in long hair.

How to Tickle a Cat Without Creating Stress

Whether you’re tickling or just petting a cat, it’s important to monitor their response carefully. Wachowiak-Finlaison even recommends a “consent test,” which works like this: pet your cat a few times, then stop. Leave your hand hanging and see what the cat does next. If they lean into it again, asking for more, then you know they’re liking it and can keep going.

Wachowiak-Finlaison also underscores the importance of touching (or tickling) cats more softly than you would a dog, as well as always “watching for any tiny sign that the cat isn’t enjoying it.” If you see any indication that your cat isn’t into the way they’re being touched or tickled, stop right away.

When NOT to Tickle a Cat

You certainly don’t want to test out tickling if your cat is scared, upset or has already made it clear that they’re not in a hands-on mood.

Even if your cat is relaxed and calm – and seems to enjoy petting in a particular moment – it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs that things have shifted. Wachowiak-Finlaison says the first signal that a cat is not enjoying your touch is usually a twitch at the tip of their tail. Also look out for them pushing back or flattening their ears slightly, or shifting their body weight away from you. Ideally, you’ll have gotten the hint before they get to larger signs of dismay, like hissing, spitting, and big tail swishes.

“My most important message is to learn your cat’s body language and always watch your cat,” Wachowiak-Finlaison notes. “Don’t just keep petting your cat mindlessly. Pay close attention to the small signs.”

The post Are Cats Ticklish? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Samantha Bell, a cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization in the U.S., says the flehmen response in cats is like “smelling in super hi-res.”

That’s because this behavior activates numerous receptors in cats’ mouths that put their sense of smell into overdrive.

So how do flehmen responses in cats work? And why do cats make these funny, sneering faces in the first place?

What Is the Flehmen Response?

Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care of Bond Vet, says that ​​cats use flehmen response to gather information.

“Cats learn a lot about the world around them by scent, and the flehmen response helps them ‘read’ even more scents and pheromones,” she says.

Bell says that cats acquire this scent-derived information by “opening two tiny ducts on the roof of their mouth behind their front teeth.”

“Those ducts go through the roof of their mouth and connect to the Jacobson’s organ,” says Bell.

The Jacobson’s organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ, is located between a cat’s hard palate and nasal septum, with tubes that run to the nasal passages and mouth.

In his book Cat Sense, cat expert John Bradshaw says the vomeronasal organ is packed with chemical receptors that allow cats to process scent differently than if they smelled through their nose. 

Humans do not have this same ability, but Bradshaw says the vomeronasal organ’s function “lies somewhere between our senses of smell and taste.”

“Appreciating how cats make use of this faculty requires a leap of imagination,” he writes in his book.

Bradshaw adds that cats likely process a wide range of smells since their vomeronasal organ contains at least 30 different receptors. Dogs, on the other hand, only have nine.

While humans cannot generate a flehmen response, other animals besides domestic cats can. 

“This flehmen response is very common in the animal world,” says Bell. “It’s most often seen in domestic cats and horses. But giraffes, goats, llamas, hedgehogs, rhinos, pandas, big cats like lions and tigers, and many other animals do it, too!”

Cat Flehmen Response: What Does It Look Like?

Cat flehmen response is frequently called cat sneering. Yet Bell says it looks more like a grimace than a sneer.

“A sneer usually has one side of the lip raised, and this face has the whole lip up,” she says. “I know a lot of people call it ‘stink face.’”

Specific body language often accompanies a flehmen response in cats. For instance, Bell says it usually happens when cats raise their heads after looking down to sniff something. 

“The cat’s head goes from down (while sniffing) to up, sometimes held high, while exhibiting the flehmen response,” she says. “They also look like they’re in a daze for a couple of seconds while their body works to investigate the scent.”

Dr. Fadl describes the flehmen response in cats another way—“as if they’ve just smelled something stinky.”

However, she adds that cats are not “expressing an opinion on what they’ve just smelled,” but making that funny face to “boost their detection of scents and pheromones.”

Most people find cat flehmen responses quite amusing, too. “I laugh every time I see it!” says Bell.

What Does the Cat Flehmen Response Mean?

In Cat Sense, Bradshaw says that cats use their vomeronasal organ to “detect the smells of other cats.”

“Male cats perform it after sniffing urine marks left by females, including during courtship, and female cats will do the same toward urine marks left by tomcats, although only if the tom is not present,” he writes.

Bell says that male cats display this behavior more often than females, likely because they’re sniffing out chemical substances called pheromones that give information about mating. She says that even neutered males are known to show the flehmen response. 

Based on her experience, Bell also says that some cats seem to display the flehmen response more than others, but she isn’t aware of any scientific research to explain this.

“One of my cats does it daily (usually after sniffing his brother’s butt), and I’ve never seen the other one do it,” she says.

Dr. Fadl says that a cat may exhibit the flehmen response more regularly due to anxiety about a potential threat in their environment. Or, she says it could be a “signal of concern for a different cat in the household.”

“For example, maybe another cat in the home suddenly starts urinating inappropriately, which might be due to a urinary, kidney, or other health problem,” she says. “The cat that smells their housemate’s urine might exhibit flehmen as a response.”

What to Do About the Cat Flehmen Response

Is a flehmen response a cause for concern? Bell says it isn’t.

“It’s a perfectly normal part of being a cat and just means they’re quite curious about the world around them,” she says. 

However, consult your veterinarian if you notice your cat breathing with an open mouth and you’re doubtful whether it’s a flehmen response. In some cases, this behavior could be a sign of upper respiratory distress, says Bell.

Dr. Fadl agrees that while flehmen response isn’t usually a cause for concern, you should consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual or sudden behavior change in your cat.

“It’s important to ensure it actually is a flehmen response and not a symptom of illness that might look similar,” she says. “For example, a cat with nasal irritation or a respiratory infection might draw their face up in a similar way, especially right before sneezing. Any additional symptoms besides just flehmen (for example, inappetence, changes to body weight or bathroom habits, sneezing or coughing, etc.) should prompt a veterinary visit, too.”

But if your cat is indeed displaying a flehmen response, take a moment to be amazed. Your feline companion is experiencing smell in a way you never would be able to. 

And let’s admit it—it’s also quite funny to see your cat curl her lip and display that good ‘ole stink face.

The post Flehmen Response in Cats: All About Cat Sneering appeared first on Great Pet Care.

“My one cat would sit on the side of the bathtub and turn her head to the side and crunch, crunch like she was hole punching the shower curtain with her teeth,” says Johnson of Fundamentally Feline, a cat behavior consultation company. “She didn’t even rip it—there are just little holes. For her, it was a sensation thing.”

It might seem strange for a cat to like chomping on plastic, but Johnson says this behavior is surprisingly common. When cats chew on or lick plastic, she says it’s often harmless. But if your cat eats plastic, you have a reason to be concerned. 

But what is it about plastic that attracts cats? And is it dangerous for cats to clamp their canines on this stuff?

Why Do Cats Eat Plastic?

Here are a few potential reasons why your cat may be eating, chewing, or licking plastic.

It reminds them of hunting prey

Johnson says cats are mainly drawn to plastic because it appeals to their hunting instincts.

“They like the texture, they like the crunch,” Johnson says. “I think the sensation and the tactile feel on the mouth mimics some of what they’re lacking in the inability to kill prey. You know, like crunching through small bones, flesh, and feathers.”

For this reason, she says cats often seek out plastic with crunch appeal: crinkly plastic bags, cat kibble packaging, and even glossy photos.

Dr. Stephanie Sheen, a veterinarian at Fuzzy Pet Health, says cats may also be interested in plastic cords because they look like mouse tails. Or they might like plastic bags because of the way they move with the wind, resembling prey. 

They’re curious—or just plain bored

But there are many other reasons why cats chew, play with, or eat plastic, says Dr. Sheen. Cats of any age might turn to plastic out of curiosity or boredom.

“When a cat does not receive enough mental stimulation through toy play, access to the outdoors, or other environmental enrichment, they can search for ways to interact with their environment to keep themselves entertained,” says Dr. Sheen. “If it continues habitually, chewing plastic can become a compulsive behavior and self-rewarding, a condition called pica.”

They mistake it for food…maybe

Another hypothesis as to why plastic entices cats is because of what it’s made of. Some shopping bags and other plastic products contain animal-derived ingredients, which might make them smell like food, says Johnson.

“This is all speculation,” she says, “but one of the theories is…that cats can still smell and taste some degree of the animal fat or protein in the product, so they’re actually attracted to it for both taste and scent.” 

Your cat is a particular breed 

Dr. Sheen says some cat breeds might be more predisposed to eating things they shouldn’t, including plastic.

“Oriental breeds, such as Burmese and Siamese cats, are among those, suggesting some genetic component to the behavior,” she says. “However, these breeds tend to prefer cloth items, such as wool, with plastic being less commonly ingested.”

A medical issue may be to blame

According to Dr. Sheen, some medical issues might also make cats more interested in plastic.

“Certain medical conditions that significantly increase appetite, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, can cause cats to eat non-food items like plastic,” she says. “Chronic intestinal disorders that interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites, may also increase the likelihood of a cat ingesting plastic. Some cats with dental problems may chew plastic—as well as curious kittens, especially if teething.”

Dangers of Cats Eating Plastic

So your cat likes to bite plastic. Is this behavior harmless? Or dangerous? It depends, says Johnson.

“If you know that your cat does not eat plastic and they just chew on it, and they have a history of being trusted, then I’ve allowed it,” she says. “But I’ve allowed it to happen based on the item. The grocery bags are too risky for me. Larger things like chewing on a bag of pet food or the shower curtain don’t bother me.”

But if a cat does eat plastic—either intentionally or accidentally—it can be a problem, says Johnson. She says shopping bags are one of the most dangerous types of plastic, because they can easily shred and end up down your cat’s throat.

“Usually, it makes its way into the stomach,” says Johnson. “The problem becomes when it gets stuck in the stomach or the intestine, and then they cannot eat and pass stool because they have a foreign body in their GI tract that is affecting digestion and the ability for things to move through.”

Dr. Sheen says it’s also dangerous for cats to ingest pieces of hard plastic with sharp edges, which can puncture the soft tissues of your cat’s stomach or intestines. In some cases, this can lead to a severe infection in the abdomen called septic peritonitis.

“Swallowing plastic, especially if it has sharp edges, can cause punctures or blockages in the stomach or intestinal tract, which can require surgery,” says Dr. Sheen. “Even if a piece of small plastic is able to be eliminated, it can cause quite a bit of irritation as it passes, resulting in diarrhea or bloody stools.”

Besides gastrointestinal issues and infections, plastic ingestion could harm your cat’s health through chemical toxicity. Plastic is manufactured with all kinds of harmful chemicals—including endocrine disruptors like BPA—and these substances are known to cause health issues in humans and animals. According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), dogs and cats contain high levels of chemicals found in plastics, food packaging, and other products. While the health risks of these chemicals have largely not been studied for our pets, we cannot assume they are completely harmless.

But it’s not just ingesting plastic that can harm your cat. According to Dr. Sheen, rigid plastic can damage cats’ teeth or gums; plugged in electric cords can cause severe mouth burns or lung injuries through electrocution; and plastic bags can suffocate your cat if they crawl entirely into them.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Plastic

If you notice your cat eating plastic, it’s best to take him or her to a veterinary clinic for an in-person appointment, or to get advice through a veterinary telemedicine service, says Dr. Sheen.

“It’s helpful to know the type and size of the piece that has been eaten and the approximate time it was ingested,” she says.

In many cases, you won’t see your cat eating plastic, but you might see signs that plastic ingestion has occurred. These include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Low energy

Johnson says you might also find some bits of plastic in your cat’s stool. “That would be a red flag that there might be more in there,” she says.

After seeking medical advice and care for your cat, you should talk to your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist to learn how to protect your cat from plastic in the future.

How to Prevent Cats from Eating Plastic

Johnson says an easy way to get your cat to stop eating plastic is to provide dry kibble, especially dental kibble that requires your cat to crunch.

“If cats don’t have anything to crunch, they are going to find it,” Johnson says. “So I think it’s important for cats to have some degree of dry food to mimic the feathers, flesh, and bone of what they would be crunching through in the wild. That’s why I actually personally like dental kibble or any kind of oral care type diets that are big kibbles designed to make them crunch and help mimic that sensation and satiate that need.” 

Keep in mind that some dental diseases or a recent dental procedure may prevent your cat from being able to chew hard food. If this is the case, always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Johnson also suggests giving cats silver vine sticks, which creates a euphoric effect similar to catnip, but also allows them to chew and crunch.

“That’s a very appropriate and great option for cats that might be otherwise chewing on something inappropriate to give them a good outlet,” says Johnson.

While rawhides can be dangerous for your cat to chew on, especially if they swallow large pieces, you may try products like no-hide chews, some of which are made specifically for felines.

Dr. Sheen says it’s also essential to ensure that your cat doesn’t have access to plastic that could harm their health if they are inclined to chew or eat it.

“You should keep plastic bags in cupboards and place gates or wraps around cords they have shown interest in,” she says. “Promptly throw away any used plastic cutlery or plastic bottles and bottle caps. If removal or access restriction is not possible, products such as bitter apple spray (which can be found at your local pet store) sprayed on the items can be a deterrent but are not 100 percent effective.” While bitter apple spray may be an option for many plastics, it should not be sprayed on electric cords.

You should also look at improving your cat’s environment, especially if your cat only lives indoors. Dr. Sheen suggests varying your cat’s toys every few days to encourage interaction, providing different kinds of scratching posts, using food dispensing toys, and ensuring they have perches that allow them to look outside.

“Try to incorporate 15-minute play sessions daily with interactive toys to strengthen your bond and provide variety,” says Dr. Sheen. “Keeping your cat’s mind occupied will make them less likely to search out destructive opportunities—and makes them happier cats in general!”

The post Why Do Cats Eat Plastic? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But why do cats bring you dead animals? Why not consume it or leave it elsewhere out of our sight? 

To understand what goes on between our kitty’s pert little ears, we have to start to think like a cat.

Understanding a Cat’s Prey Drive

In the wild, cats hunt between 10-20 times daily, accounting for up to 80 percent of their awake time. Dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter released upon anticipation of a reward, is released while a cat hunts, even more so when a cat catches its prey. 

Each attempt at hunting is only successful less than half of the time. Therefore, cats also use hunting experiences as a means of practicing to be an even better predator, and playing with their prey helps felines sharpen their skills. Cats may also play with their prey to disorient or tire out these wild animals to make killing them easier, conserving energy for the cat. 

Although our cats don’t need to worry about where their next meal is coming from, our pets still harbor a well-ingrained hunting instinct that has been passed down evolutionarily from their big cat relatives.

Small prey items that a domestic cat can safely conquer primarily include rodents (mice, rats, moles, shrews, chipmunks, squirrels), birds (especially songbirds), small reptiles and amphibians (snakes, lizards, frogs), and the occasional rabbit or insect. Hunting also encourages a cat to naturally exercise, and the way in which a cat catches small prey items lends itself to the natural eating preference for our domestic cats: multiple mini meals (or grazing) throughout the day.

When domestic cats are not allowed to hunt or if they lack simulated hunting such as through playing and other environmental enrichment exercises, behavioral and health problems can occur. Cats can become bored, frustrated, and stressed. Obesity, urinary disorders, as well as behavioral issues such as aggression and household destruction have been linked to cats that lack mental and physical stimulation.

While all domestic cat breeds may engage in hunting activity, some kitties have a higher prey drive than others. More active hunters include the Siamese, Maine Coon, Bengal, Abyssinian, and Burmese. Breeds that are more relaxed and tend to be less interested in hunting include Himalayans and Ragdolls.

Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals?

Although cats are sometimes solitary animals, big cats often hunt in groups, and stray domestic cats live in colonies. Therefore, sharing prey with their pack is a typical behavior. 

Since our house cats regard us as part of their posse, many cats will bring us dead animals (often intact) as a sign of affection. Cats may also do this as a method of storing their prey for later consumption, to try to share their knowledge with us on how to hunt (much like a mother cat teaches her kittens), or to pass on a gift to us as a recognized member of their group.

Our cats view us as family, and they wish to provide for our survival – mistakenly yet kindly thinking a dead mouse offering is to our palate’s liking. 

Mother cats often resist fully killing their prey to bring home injured animals to their young to help them practice killing so they can hunt later on when they’re older. Morbid, yes, but it’s an evolutionary means of survival wired in our cats’ brains from their ancestors. They may amusingly think we humans need to brush up on our hunting skills. 

Though this instinct does not mean that our kitties are evil, cold-blooded killers, their hunting behavior should be controlled.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Brings You a Dead Animal?

If your cat presents you with a prey animal that is still alive but injured, safely transporting the animal to a local veterinarian (ideally, a wildlife vet) or certified wildlife rehabilitator is recommended. 

Wear thick gloves when picking up the animal to prevent any bites, place the animal in a box with air holes for ventilation, and keep it warm. Avoid trying to feed or nurse the wild animal yourself as more harm than good may inadvertently result, despite one’s best intentions.

If the prey animal is dead, wear disposable gloves to place it in a plastic bag that you can tie and place in your outdoor garbage bin for disposal. Use a soapy solution to clean any blood or entrails left behind, and follow up with a disinfectant to kill any germs.

If you observe your kitty consuming a prey item, a checkup with your veterinarian may be warranted. Firstly, wildlife can transmit fleas, ticks, and other parasites and infections to your cat, such as roundworms, toxoplasmosis, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and plague. Some of these diseases can be zoonotic, meaning they can be spread to humans, so having your cat examined by your vet and trying to prevent your cat from acquiring these diseases in the first place are important. 

Secondly, allowing your cat to hunt outdoors may result in other injuries, such as small mammal or snake bites. Additionally, if rat bait (or a rodenticide) is used near your property, the rodent that consumed the poison can make your cat very sick if your cat eats the rodent. Therefore, have your cat examined by your veterinarian if you notice your cat has been hunting.

How to Stop Your Cat from Bringing You Gifts

Not only is the sight of dead animals unsightly for a squeamish cat parent, but the impact on local wildlife populations and biodiversity is even more reason to keep our cats from hunting outdoors.

Songbirds are especially at risk from cats. The American Bird Conservancy reports that outdoor cats are responsible for killing approximately 2.4 billion birds in the United States each year and have contributed to the extinction of 63 various species of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles around the world.

So what can pet parents do if cats bring them dead animals?

Keeping your cats strictly indoors or with only supervised access to the outdoors in a secured area or by using a harness and leash are the best ways to prevent unwanted hunting activity and subsequent “gift giving.” Training cats not to hunt is not very effective, and punishment can lead to negative behavioral consequences (including stress, distrust, and displaced aggression).

If you are going to let your cat outdoors, fitting her collar with a bell will help reduce her ability to sneak up on potential prey. Keep bird feeders up high (or avoid installing them at all) to prevent cats from climbing them. Additionally, avoid letting your kitty outside at night and in the early mornings when most wild animals, such as small mammals and birds, are most active. Having your cat spayed or neutered is also strongly encouraged, in part to reduce their likelihood of straying and expanding their kill zone radius.

Environmental enrichment is key to keeping indoor cats healthy and happy. Cat trees placed by windows for outdoor viewing, games that mimic a cat’s prey drive, or interactive toys can keep cats fulfilled. 

Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder, created by veterinarian Dr. Liz Bales, is one of the best tools out there to engage your kitty’s hunting instinct. This indoor feeding system also boasts health benefits, such as reducing obesity, regurgitation after eating (i.e. “scarf and barf”), and urinary issues, and is the next best thing to hunting for helping your cat feel rewarded.

The post Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

There are cats with short tails, cats with long tails and cats with no tails. But why do cats have tails? 

Regardless of the length of the tail, the appendage is pretty amazing and serves a number of functions, ranging from communication to balance. Let’s take a deep dive into learning more about your cat’s tail. 

Cat Tail Anatomy

Cat tails are complex structures made up of vertebrae, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves, according to Dr. S. Ellen Everett, clinical assistant professor of community practice at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Cat tails are an extension of their spines,” Dr. Everett explains.

Cats have 18 to 23 vertebrae in their tails. The vertebrae are largest at the base of the tail and get progressively smaller toward the tip of the tail. The vertebrae allow cats to move different portions of their tails.

Cats also have six muscles on each side of the tail. The muscles help with flexion and extension, allowing cats to hold their tails up high or tuck them underneath their bodies. These muscles also allow your cat to move their tail side-to-side, so know that these muscles are working when your cat swishes their sassy tail around. [1]

Why Do Cats Have Tails?

A feline’s tails is used to help with balance, communication, and marking.

Communication

Cats hold their tails in different positions to communicate their feelings. A confident, content cat holds their tail high while a cat that holds their tail low could be feeling stressed or agitated. A puffed-up tail is a sign to back off. When your cat thrashes their tail or thumps it on the ground, they are feeling irritated.

“You can see changes in their tails that go along with changes in their body language,” Dr. Everett says.

Learning cat tail language can help you better understand a cat’s mood and give you cues about whether to approach cats or give them some space.

Balance

Cats depend on their tails to help them balance when running along the back of the couch or climbing on top of the refrigerator. In fact, research shows that the neurons in the brain that respond to vertical, lateral, and angular movements also influence tail movements [2].

“There are some cats who are quite athletic that don’t have tails [because of genetics or injuries] and have learned to balance without it,” says Dr. Everett. “Their balance is better when they do have tails.”

During falls, cats appear to rotate their tails in a direction opposite the rest of their bodies to help maintain their equilibrium.

Dr. Everett notes that our feline friends use their tails like we stick out our arms for added balance, adding, “It helps with their kitty gymnastics.”

Scent Marking

Cats mark with urine and feces but also use gland secretions from their facial and tail areas as a means of marking [3]. Males are more apt to rub up against objects to leave their scents, but females do it, too.

Why Do Some Cats Not Have Tails?

Some cats have short tails, and some cats have no tails at all. Five modern cat breeds – Japanese Bobtail, Manx, American Bobtail, Pixie-Bob and the Kurilian Bobtail – are all born with “abnormal” tail lengths.

If you’ve ever wondered, “why does my cat have a short tail?” the answer could be a genetic mutation. There are 144 genes linked to short or kinked tails in cats. Cats with the genetic mutation often have short or bobbed tails.

“Depending on how many vertebrae are missing, cats [without tails] can have problems,” Dr. Everett says. “It affects the nerve that goes to their anal sphincter and bladder and can cause urinary or fecal incontinence or trouble using their back legs.”

Sometimes, injuries require amputation. Dr. Everett admits that losing a tail might impact communication, balance, and scent marking, but that “most cats adapt well.”

Cat Tail FAQs

Can cats control their tails?

The cat has conscious control of the muscles in their tail, allowing cats to control their tail movements just as they control the movements of other parts of their bodies. . The muscles on each side of the tail and the progressively smaller vertebrae allow the cat to move their tail in many directions. Dr. Everett notes that cats might be so used to controlling their tails (to keep them from getting slammed in doors) that some cats don’t like to have their tails touched.

Do cats wag their tails?

Cats can wag their tails. Unlike dogs, who typically wag when content or excited, cats tend to use small flicks of their tail to signal indecision or excitement and broader, swishing movements as a sign of potential aggression or predatory behavior. Thrashing tail movements often signal irritation.

Why do cats chase their tails?

It’s not just dogs who chase their tails. Tail chasing is a popular pastime for cats, too. The behavior starts with kittens who might be chasing their tails as a means of practicing their hunting and pouncing skills. Adult cats often outgrow the behavior but it’s still possible to see mature cats engaged in games of tail chasing for entertainment [4]. 

Do cats have bones in their tails?

Cat tails are made up of a combination of bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. Most cats have 18 to 23 vertebrae (small bones) that are larger at the base and smaller at the tip.

Can a cat break its tail?

Just as other bones can break, the bones in a cat’s tail can break, too. The vertebrae in the tail are small, making them more fragile but Dr. Everett notes that it takes “pretty good force” to break a cat’s tail.

“More often, when a cat gets their tail caught in something, it ends up being fine,” she says. “If there’s enough force, the tail can break.”

Cats have feeling in their tails and a broken tail will be painful – but amputation is rare unless the vertebrae are crushed or the skin is too damaged to grow back to cover the bone. Your veterinarian may just recommend pain management and monitoring.

In cases where amputation is necessary, the end of the tail may lose feeling and the skin from the injury to the end of the tail may dry up. Amputation may also be recommended if your cat cannot feel the end of their tail after an injury, as they may not know if they catch their tail in a door, sit their tail on a stovetop burner, or run their tail through a candle.

Cats with kinks in their tails often had some sort of trauma, like a broken bone, which has healed out of alignment. Typically, these felines do just fine despite their bent tails!

The post Why Do Cats Have Tails? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

So, you might wonder: why does my cat stare at me? 

Experts say that staring is a way for cats to figure out the workings of their world and communicate what they’re thinking and feeling. You can learn to interpret your cat’s wide-eyed gapes by considering the context and noticing other non-verbal cues. And, as it turns out, cats have a lot to tell us.

Cat Non-Verbal Communication

Research suggests that cats have lived alongside humans for at least 10,000 years as pest controllers and companions. But remarkably, we only scientifically began to study cat behavior a few decades ago — and there are many things we have yet to understand about our feline friends.

We have learned that cats communicate in several ways: through vocalization, body language, tail movement, and of course, eye contact. For instance, an angry cat might hiss, stand with an arched back, thrash his or her tail, and stare with dilated pupils. A happy cat, on the other hand, might purr while maintaining a relaxed body posture and an upright tail with a soft curve at the end. He or she might also hold your gaze while slowly blinking.

So when trying to figure out what your cat is saying with their wide-eyed looks, you always need to consider your kitty’s other non-verbal cues. It’s also essential to think about context, says  Jane Ehrlich, a feline behaviorist based in Arizona and owner of Cattitude Feline Behavior.

“Has the cat just been fed? Has the cat been sleeping all day, and you think it may want food?” asks Ehrlich. “When the cat is staring at us, what is the body language? You don’t take one aspect of body language and make an assumption — you take in the whole thing.”

Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior expert at Feline Minds and author of the forthcoming book, “Play with Your Cat,” takes a similar view.

“It’s impossible to know by just a stare what your cat wants,” says Delgado. “You have to take into consideration what else they are doing — are they relaxed, active, agitated?”

Why Does My Cat Stare at Me?

Nicholas Dodman, a professor emeritus at Tufts University and the chief scientific officer at the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, says that a cat stare isn’t always about communication.

“They stare at prey when they’re in hunting mode,” says Dodman. “And sometimes they just stare at things, objects. They might stare at a wall because they hear something inside the wall, and they’re scanning and trying to triangulate with their ears, but their eyes are focused on the spot, too.”

But a cat often stares to communicate something. Experts say it often has to do with one of four things: contentment, aggression, curiosity, or boredom.

Contentment

When cats are content, their stares are often accompanied by slow, steady blinks — sometimes called “cat kisses.”

Scientists have confirmed that a cat’s slow blink is a form of positive emotional communication between feline and human, particularly when you blink back at your cat. 

Delgado says that when we blink at our cats, we can put them at ease.

“That lets them know you’re friendly and trustworthy,” said Delgado, “and often, they will blink back.”

Ehrlich says that people commonly interpret a slow blink as the cat saying, “I love you,” but she questions this interpretation.

“I think the cat is saying, ‘I’m comfortable with you,’ which is huge anyway,” says Ehrlich. “It’s our human lens that says, ‘we need to feel loved,’ so we’re going to get any signal we can and translate it into, ‘Oh, the cat feels affection and love for us.'”

Dodman notes that research has shown that when dogs and humans gaze at each other, both parties release oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” While Dodman says he isn’t aware of any similar research on cats, Dodman hypothesizes that mutual blinking would generate similar effects.

“Cats only look directly into the eyes of the people they trust and love,” he says. “I imagine they’re having a chemical reaction inside their body — a release of this neurohormone — oxytocin — which is bonding in both directions.”

Aggression

In some situations, a cat may stare at you because they’re frightened, leading them to act defensively.

“Say a veterinarian is trying to make friends with the cat — ‘Here kitty, kitty’ — and sort of walks up to it while it’s on the floor of the practice,” says Dodman. “The cat might back itself into a corner and look at the person directly because it doesn’t want to take its eyes off this threatening target. In that case, the pupils are dilated — widely dilated — big black holes — and the ears sometimes press back. Body posture is tense — they often draw their legs into the center, almost like an elephant standing on a platform in a circus, and the tail might get puffy.”

But a cat might also stare at you in a more predatory way. Maybe you’re sitting in their favorite spot, and they’re feeling territorial. Or perhaps they simply don’t like you.

“If a cat has it in for you … they hold the look, their pupils are slits,” says Dodman. “Their ears would probably be forward, and tail would be low and slightly swishing from side to side, and … they kind of walk like a model, with one foot in front of another, and slowly advance on you.”

Whenever this happens, watch out! A cat might be getting ready for a confrontation.

Curiosity

According to Dodman, cats may stare at their pet parents as they try to figure out what they’re doing.

“My cat does that sometimes,” he says. “I’ll be at the sink washing up, and water’s running, which is an attraction to the cat, and she comes up to see what’s happening … but then I’m doing something with a dish, and I’ve got a dish scrubber in my hand and she kind of looks at me [and seems to say], ‘What on earth are you doing?’”

Ehrlich says that feral cats may stare at humans to suss us out.

“I think a reason they still stare at us is to check out if we’re OK, because it’s natural that we are still a predator,” says Ehrlich.

Ehlich adds that ferals tend to stare less as they become more comfortable in your presence.

“I find that as the feral gets closer to me, she stares a little bit less,” she says. “So it seems like the amount of time of staring has decreased as trust has increased.”

Boredom

Cats will also stare when they’re bored. Or hungry. Or both.

“My cat will stare at me when he wants something to happen,” says Dodman. “Something happening could be, ‘Here, I’m over here. Have you noticed that it’s time for you to feed me? Did you think about that? I’m here. Can you see me?’ Or sometimes you wake up in the morning and find that your cat is right above you staring right at you, and that means, ‘Get out of bed,’ and it usually also means, ‘and feed me.'”

Ehlich says that if a cat knows that he or she will get food when they stare a you, he or she will continue to do it.

“It’s back to the old: I do this behavior, and I get this response,” says Ehrlich. “So I don’t think there’s a mystery there.”

Should You Worry About Cat Staring?

Delgado says that if you notice a significant change in your cat’s behavior, this could indicate that something is wrong.

“If your cat is showing other signs of distress, such as hiding, not eating, hissing or growling, or not using the litter box, it’s worth making sure there isn’t a medical issue by taking them to the veterinarian,” says Delgado.

Ehrlich says that you should also be on the lookout for changes in your cat’s staring behavior.

“If her staring has changed at all — is it longer, shorter, wider, or have the pupils changed sizes? — then I would check it out,” says Ehrlich.

Older cats can also get feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD, which some experts think can cause them to fixate on objects or simply into space. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), FCD affects more than 55 percent of cats between the ages of 11 to 15 and more than 80% between the ages of 16 to 20.

But in most cases, there is nothing you should worry about. If you catch your cat staring, it’s just a cat being a cat.

The post Why Does My Cat Stare at Me? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

If this happens, would you recognize the signs your cat isn’t getting enough love? Not feeling loved can look a lot like unwanted or bad behaviors to us, explains Samantha Bell, cat enrichment and behavioral expert at Best Friends Animal Society.

“Cats don’t bite and scratch and climb and chew things because they’re ‘bad.’ They need to do all these things,” Bell explains. “So, we need to provide appropriate outlets for these behaviors so they can live the best life possible. Simply understanding this will improve your bond with your cat.” And that’s love, she adds.

Here are 8 signs your cat isn’t getting enough love.

She Attacks Your Feet                  

Your cat isn’t ambushing as you pass because she’s mad at you. “Cats’ instincts tell them to attack things, so it’s just in their nature,” Bell says. But attacking inappropriate things—like your feet or another pet—is an indication that your cat is seeking more love in the form of species-appropriate play.

What to Do

“Cats were born to run and chase and bite and scratch,” Bell explains. “If you give them the opportunity to perform these behaviors in an appropriate way, you’ll see your cat’s confidence increase, their stress levels go down, and your bond with them will grow even stronger.” According to Bell, just 15 to 30 minutes of play a day will meet you cat’s needs.

There are a lot of great cat toys on the market. But, Bell says, wands are a must-have for every cat toy bin. Wand toys mimic natural prey and because you’re at the other end causing erratic movements, it’s a fanatic bonding activity for you and your cat. “They’ll feel so satisfied and love you so much for providing them with that experience,” she adds.

She’s Meowing More Than Usual 

“Cats purr when they’re around us to show that they’re happy, content, or even needy,” Bell says. “Cats meow to get our attention.” Whether you had a late night at the office or you haven’t had the time for your daily play and cuddle session, your cat might be feeling a little neglected if you notice them meowing more than normal.

What to Do

“Cats are known to entertain themselves well, but that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from play and attention,” says Dr. Lindsay Butzer, consulting small animal veterinarian for PetMeds, “Cats, like dogs, need daily love and affection to feel happy.”

If your cat is bored and asking for attention, engage in play with her favorite toy, brush and pet her, or provide her with a tasty mental exercise that includes a puzzle toy.

Of course, there could be other reasons for an increase in vocalization, like hunger, thirst, or discomfort. If you’re unsure of what your cat is trying to say, watch for other changes in behavior or appearance. If the meowing persists, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.

She’s Overweight

A cat’s stomach is the size of a ping pong ball, Bell says. Extra treats, another scoop of food, or biologically inappropriate food could easily lead to excess weight gain. Even if you think you’re showing love by giving your cat extra treats, it’s never a good idea to let your cat over indulge. Extra weight restricts your cat from doing her favorite things, like jumping to her favorite window perch. It also increases her risk for life-shortening conditions like diabetes.

“Besides playing with your cat, ensuring they have an appropriate diet is the best way to enrich a cat’s life,” Dr. Butzer says.

What to Do

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than feeding your cat a species-appropriate diet. Your cat’s love language includes being fed by their favorite human, and they’re hoping for a high-protein, complete and balanced meal in their bowl. If you’re not sure how much or how often to feed your cat, there’s no one better to ask than your trusted veterinarian.

As a rule of thumb, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie needs. “And by finding creative, species-specific ways to serve their food, like using food puzzles and licky mats, you’re enriching their life,” Bell adds. “These are all ways of showing love.”

She Pees or Poops Outside of the Litter Box

If your cat is relieving herself everywhere but her litter box, first visit your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. With a clean bill of health, it’s time to do some detective work to figure out what’s causing the problem and how to solve it—without unnecessary punishment.

“The best approach is to be patient with your cat and put in the time and effort to figure out how to help them. We need to show them love by solving the problem,” Bell says.

What to Do

Start by evaluating your cat’s bathroom setup. She might not like the type of litter that’s provided, or that the box itself is dirty. It’s also possible that your cat doesn’t like the location of her litter box—if it’s in a noisy or busy area, she may feel like she can’t do her business in peace. Place a litter box on each floor if you live in a multi-story home and provide your cat with at least one litter box per cat, plus one.

If your cat’s litter box setup checks all the boxes, it’s time to take a closer look at her behavior. If she’s acting stressed or anxious, these feelings could impact her bathroom behaviors.

“Make sure your cat has lots of interactive play and environmental enrichment, which will help reduce their stress by helping them to feel confident,” Bell offers. Provide them with spaces they can call their own, like a cozy bed, and reduce exposure to anything that could cause extra stress.

She Pees on Your Belongings

Peeing outside the litter box can feel frustrating. But if your cat pees on your belonging, like a favorite sweater or your bed, it can feel like a personal attack. Your cat isn’t mad at you, Bell says, they’re just seeking extra love while you’re away from home.

“To cats, peeing on your belongings is all about mingling their scent with yours while you’re away so they feel secure,” she explains.

What to Do

The first step in helping your cat feel loved when you can’t physically be there is to place something that smells of you in your cat’s favorite lounging spot. Bell suggests using your favorite blanket that is as cozy for you as it is for your cat. “I’d also try pheromone diffusers,” Bell recommends.

Pheromones work like this: cats have scent glands all over their bodies that release scent communicators called pheromones. Many species release pheromones (including humans) but they can only be detected by members of the same species. Cat pheromones are important in cat-to-cat communication—they mark territory and signal to sexual partners, but most importantly, they help cats bond, create familiarity, self-soothe, and signal happiness [2]. 

“Feliway and Comfort Zone make synthetic pheromones that mimic the comforting facial pheromone secreted by cats,” Bell explains. “A mother cat secretes this pheromone to calm her young, so these pheromones have a soothing effect on cats. When cats sense the facial pheromone in areas around their home, they are less likely to urinate outside the box in those areas.”

She Scratches the Furniture

Scratching is a natural and important behavior for cats. Your cat feels her best when she can dig her claws into an appropriate surface. Scratching stretches her muscles, maintains her nails, and leaves behind pheromones. When cats aren’t provided with appropriate surfaces to scratch, they may resort to scratching the furniture.

What to Do

Provide your cat with plenty of appropriate scratching surfaces like cat trees, scratching posts, and corrugated cardboard surfaces. Help her feel extra loved by sprinkling them with catnip, silver vine, or spraying them with calming pheromones. Both will delight her senses and encourage her to use the new scratching surfaces rather than your couch.

Her Fur is Unkempt

According to Dr. Butzer, if your cat is feeling unwell mentally or physically, she may stop grooming herself. If your cat’s coat becomes greasy, unkempt, or matted, first, talk to your veterinarian to rule out underlying conditions. Then help her feel and look her best with extra love.

What to Do

Spending quality time with your cat doesn’t just mean exercise and play. Cats express love by grooming each other—and their favorite humans. Return the favor with regular grooming sessions that will keep your cat’s coat healthy and mat-free. Brushing a cat a few times a week also minimizes loose fur and reduces hairballs.

She Hides Under Furniture

Some cats prefer cozy cubbies and boxes rather than perches and high-up shelves. “Hiding is actually a form of enrichment for cats. Cats in the wild hide,” Bell explains.

If your cat is hiding under furniture, she may be asking for more love in the form of enriching cat-appropriate cubbies. If your cat is hiding out of stress or anxiety, there are ways your love can help her through that, too.

What to Do

Providing your cat with various cubbies, boxes, and cat tents will enrich her life and make her feel loved. Plus, hiding places give your cat a quiet, secluded place of her own to decompress when she feels stressed.

If your cat seems anxious when hiding (dilated eyes, tight or couched body posture, flat ears), don’t try to force her out of hiding. Instead, try talking to her in a calm, higher-pitched tone. Cats do know their names, and they can recognize tones of voice. So, say their name sweetly or use a certain phrase that expresses love.

In Conclusion

If you notice these signs in your cat – don’t stress. You didn’t do anything wrong. Simply carve out some special time for your feline family member every day and make sure you’re providing your cat with attention, enrichment items, an appropriate litter set up, and healthy food and treats. Making the effort to spend time with your cat and engage with her in activities she loves won’t go unnoticed! 

The post 8 Signs Your Cat Isn’t Getting Enough Love appeared first on Great Pet Care.

We might not fully understand what is going on in their furry noggins as they nap, but cat-loving experts agree—the feline sleep cycle is like mine and yours. You might even catch your furry BFF’s paws haphazardly swatting like there’s an invisible mouse.

So, what does it mean if you see your cat twitching in their sleep? A team of veterinarians get to the bottom of these questions. Plus, they’ve outlined the tell-tale signs that indicate when twitching in cats could be a cause for concern.

What Does Cat Twitching Look Like?

Sleep twitching in cats, like movements in humans when sleeping, can vary. But Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster, says there are a few hallmark signs that indicate a cat twitching while sleeping isn’t out of the ordinary:

• The twitching stops if you wake your cat up
• It only happens occasionally and only happens when sleeping
• Your cat is acting completely healthy otherwise

A cat’s rapid eye movement (REM) cycle lasts about six minutes, “so harmless twitching could be expected to last this length of time,” says Dr. Alex Avery, a New Zealand-based small animal veterinarian. During this time, you might hear your cat making sleep noises, see a cat tail twitching, or notice that your kitten is trying to suckle.

“Because each cat’s sleep movements vary so much, the best indication something else could be at play is knowing your cat’s normal sleep characteristics and therefore be able to recognize when something out of the ordinary happens,” Dr. Avery says.

Why Do Cats Twitch in Their Sleep?

Humans can experience a range of movements during sleep. When we first fall asleep, we might experience hypnic jerks, or what some call a sleep start. At the end of each 70 to 100-minute sleep cycle, we enter REM sleep—a sleep defined by increased brain activity (aka dreams) that might be accompanied by sleep talking and/or sleep twitching. Some people even experience a sleep disorder that occurs somewhere between wakefulness and sleep, known as sleepwalking.  

“Thankfully, cats don’t ever appear to sleepwalk,” Dr. Avery says. But cats can experience hypnic jerks [2] and have a physiologically similar REM cycle to humans [3].

According to Dr. Cathy Barnette, the notable difference between a cat’s REM stage and a human’s REM stage is timing. While humans have longer periods of REM sleep spaced relatively far apart, cats cycle in and out of REM sleep more quickly.

“During REM sleep, a cat’s body normally goes into a state of complete muscular relaxation, the extent of which varies by individual,” Dr. Avery explains. Some nerve signals might make their way through the sleep paralysis and that’s when you’ll see the twitch of a paw or whisker.

Do Cats Dream?

Cats and humans alike have a specific part of the brain to thank for sleep muscle relaxation. In the 1950s, sleep research pioneer Michel Jouvet took a hands-on approach to manipulate this area of the brain to answer the question, “do cats dream?”

Jouvet’s findings were this: without paradoxical sleep (complete muscular relaxation), cats acted out movements that appeared to mimic waking life activities like walking, stalking prey, and grooming. He called these sleep movements oneiric behavior [4]. Jouvet couldn’t be sure, but because there weren’t outside stimuli causing the movements, he theorized that a cat’s oneiric behavior is a reaction to a dream-like state. 

“Because we can’t yet talk to our cats, we can’t be sure that what they are experiencing during their REM sleep is the same as us,” Avery says. “They may dream in a different way or may be experiencing a similar physiological state in the absence of dreaming.”

In his book “The Paradox of Sleep: The Story of Dreaming” Jouvet concluded, “How can we wake a cat during paradoxical sleep and ask it questions? We cannot, but the discovery and analysis of oneiric behavior would lead us to believe that cats do dream.”

Cat Twitching: When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Dr. Myers and Dr. Avery agree: most sleep twitching is completely harmless. Signs of something more are “generally too profound to be confused with regular sleep twitching.” If your cat is showing any of the following signs, it’s best to schedule a visit to the veterinarian:

• The twitching is involuntary and doesn’t stop when your cat wakes
• The twitching occurs when your cat is asleep and awake
• The twitching is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty walking, excess drooling, collapse, seizures, or sensitivity when touched near the tail

Dr. Avery adds that cat twitches in sleep could be a sign of feline allergies, like itching from a flea bite. “While your cat may appear completely oblivious to the outside world while they are sleeping, the body is still able to receive messages of what is going on in their surroundings,” he says. “A cat who is itchy while they are sleeping is one who will certainly be itchy when they are awake.”

Cats can also twitch when they’re awake Dr. Myers says. This could happen when they’re excited or stalking their favorite toy mouse. “These types of twitching are all voluntary and can be interrupted,” she says. If your cat is twitching while awake and the twitch can’t be interrupted, your cat could be suffering from toxicity poisoning, a calcium imbalance, epilepsy, or feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

Wondering if your cat twitching in their sleep could be a seizure? “While it’s possible for a seizure to occur when a cat is sleeping, most seizures in cats occur during periods of excitement, such as while eating, during play, or while falling asleep or waking up,” Dr. Myers explains.

Signs that your cat could be experiencing a seizure include:

• Staring into space
• Loss of consciousness
• Collapse onto one side
• Violent spasms of the entire body
• Paddling of the legs and chomping of the mouth
• Excessive salivation
• Uncontrollable urination and/or defecation

“The length of time a seizure lasts depends on what’s causing it,” Dr. Myers explains. “If you think your cat is having a seizure, try waking them up. If it’s sleep twitching, the cat will wake up and act normal.”

If you think your cat is having a seizure, or you’re unsure if your cat’s twitching could be more serious, Dr. Myers suggests writing down observations and recording a video when possible. “The veterinarian will also want to know how often it happens and if your cat is showing any other symptoms. Also tell the veterinarian about any medications, supplements, pesticides, or natural products you use on or around your cat,” she says.

Otherwise, enjoy curling up with your favorite napping feline. If she’s twitching, she’s likely just dreaming of catching mice, eating her favorite meal, or cuddling with you.

The post Cat Twitching in Sleep: Why it Happens and What to Do appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Unlike playtime and purrs of admiration, which are pretty clearly signals of affection, your cat making a habit of laying on your chest may have you wondering … is this a sign of love? Are they just cold? Is this comforting in some way? Why does my cat lay on my chest?  

It’s not uncommon for cat owners to find their felines laying on their chest, so here’s what to know the next time it happens.

Cat Sleeping or  Laying on Your Chest: What it Looks Like

A cat making themself comfortable on their owner’s chest looks pretty much like it sounds, but there may be other characteristics or body language signals that go along with it. For example, “when cats are relaxing, they are often purring and kneading, and their eyes may be closed or partially closed,” says Dr. Wystrach. 

They also often curl up and may participate in a little bunting — when a cat butts or rubs its head against other things — when settling into a desired position as well, Dr. Wystrach adds.

Why DOES My Cat Lay on My Chest? 5 Reasons 

Why do cats lay on your chest? You won’t exactly find just one answer to that question. 

There are a few reasons that your cat may lay or sleep on your chest, all of which have to do with you being their favorite person. “Some cats are certainly more likely to engage in this behavior than others, and this really comes down to personality,” says Lauren Parsch, a certified cat behaviorist and practicing cat behavior consultant. “Some cats just prefer to be close and have a lot of physical contact, and some cats get overstimulated very quickly and aren’t big fans of too much physical contact, but most cats are somewhere in between.”

If your cat is a chest cuddler, here are some of the reasons they might enjoy this activity:

They love you. Cats are wary of strangers and aren’t likely to show affection to people they don’t know or like. If your cat likes to lay on your chest, it’s likely because they don’t perceive you as a threat, and they’ve learned to love you.

They’re trying to bond and/or are possessive of you. Cats use scent as a sign of territory and possession, and a cat that likes to lay on your chest may be attempting to leave their scent on you as a marking or a sign that you belong to them.

They trust you. Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, and they are at their most vulnerable during that time. A cat that chooses to sleep on your lap or chest is showing how much they trust you.

It’s in their nature. Cats are naturally wired to do comforting things that remind them of their mother’s affection. Laying on the chest of someone they love and trust fits the bill.

They’re seeking warmth and/or a beating heart. Cats that have imprinted on their owners often seek out the nurturing feelings of warmth and a beating heart as signals of connection. 

You may also have heard of the term “cat pillowing,” which is just another term to describe similar behavior. “It’s reflective of how kittens lay on top of each other when they are little, using each other as ‘pillows,’” Dr. Wystrach explains.

Signs Your Cat Has Imprinted on You: How to Tell

Cat imprinting occurs when a cat feels strongly bonded with another animal or human, and when they feel secure and don’t perceive any threat. This is often done when cats are extremely young, but a cat that has imprinted on you may be more likely to lay on your chest. 

“Cats often seek affections that remind them of being nurtured by their mothers,” says Dr. Wystrach. “Kneading is a behavior that kittens will do when nursing to stimulate milk let down, and seeking to be near warmth and a beating heart are also behaviors that make them feel connected, safe, and taken care of.”

Other signs of a relaxed, happy cat include closed eyes and elevated tail. Purring, kneading, bunting, curling up on a lap or chest, and talking are all also signs of contentment and happiness. Alternatively, “tail twitching is often a sign of discontent, as is biting or swatting,” says Dr. Wystrach.

Is it Safe for a Cat to Sleep or Lay on Your Chest?

A cat that likes to lay on your chest is exhibiting perfectly normal behavior and isn’t in any danger. However, “animals are creatures of habit,” notes Dr. Wystrach.  “As veterinarians, we pay close attention to what is routine behavior and what has changed. Sometimes an increase in clinginess, excessive vocalization, or biting can indicate something is ‘not normal.’” As long as you’re keeping an eye out for anything that seems off with your cat, you should be fine.

Cat owners have a special bond with their feline friends, even if we don’t always know what their actions are trying to tell us. But what we can deduce is that a cat snuggling up for some chest cuddles is almost certainly a positive thing. So the next time your cat decides to curl up and rest on your chest, you can at least know that you’ve made it to the top echelon of their affection. And what’s not to love about that?

The post Why Does My Cat Lay on My Chest? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

A member of the mint family, catnip is related to basil and oregano. Sniffing tends to cause more excitement in cats while chewing the plant results in more sedation. Cats often rub on catnip products to release more of its essential oil to heighten their “high.”

While the majority of cats experience a pleasant response to catnip, approximately 30 percent are unaffected, largely due to genetics or personality nuances. Kittens, particularly those under 3 months of age, also lack a response. 

So if kittens do not typically respond to catnip until they’re older, can they still be offered catnip? Is it safe? Let’s find out.

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

While catnip exposure is safe for kittens, kittens do not respond to the effects of catnip until they are at least 3 to 6 months old. Others may take as long as 9 to 12 months before responding to catnip.

Cats typically reach sexual maturity at 6 months of age. Prior to this, their brains are not yet developed enough to react to nepetalactone, the active ingredient in the catnip plant that mimics the scent of a female cat in heat. Spaying or neutering will not alter this response since the reaction tends to be based on brain maturity and not the presence of sex hormones.

So when can you give a kitten catnip? Pet parents may wish to introduce catnip to a kitten anytime between 3 to 6 months of age. If the kitten does not initially respond, try again each month until a response is elicited. 

You might also be wondering how much catnip to give a kitten compared to an adult cat. While catnip is very safe, only a small amount (about the size of a half dollar) of fresh or dried catnip or a toy containing catnip is recommended for a kitten to sniff or chew. A little goes a long way.

Catnip for Kittens: Benefits and Risks

Once a kitten is old enough to respond to catnip, occasional use can be beneficial to reduce anxiety and boredom as well as provide your kitten a fun, pleasant sensation. Since this natural herb is non-addictive and non-toxic with no significant ill side effects, it is safe to offer to young kittens.

If your kitten experiences separation anxiety or is stressed during short car rides or vet visits, offering some fresh or dried catnip to consume can offer a calming effect to reduce anxiety. 

Catnip also serves as a fantastic training tool for felines. You can offer it as a reward for good behaviors or when teaching new tricks. If your kitten is scratching inappropriate items like furniture, you can use catnip to redirect your cat by placing it on an appropriate item like a scratching post.

Kittens and adult cats cannot overdose on catnip, and consuming a small amount is safe so long as no pesticides were sprayed on the plant. However, eating too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness in some cats. Fortunately, most cats self-regulate well and do not tend to consume enough to the point of inducing gastrointestinal upset. 

Secondary injuries may be sustained if a kitty becomes over excited while enjoying catnip and starts running around chaotically, potentially resulting in a fall or knocking something over. Thus, kittens should be supervised during catnip exposure. 

Additionally, kittens with known preexisting seizure disorders should avoid use of catnip unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian or veterinary neurologist. Catnip can potentially worsen seizures in cats who are already affected.

How to Give a Kitten Catnip

Our feline friends can become immune to the effects of catnip after a period of time, resulting in a two-hour refractory period. As such, do not grant constant exposure. Instead, introduce catnip for about 15 minutes two to three times a week to ensure your kitten will continue to enjoy the effects.

The most potent levels of nepetalactone are found in the leaves and delicate pale purple flowers of the catnip plant; lesser amounts are found in the stem and stalk. Therefore, offer your kitten products that feature more leaves or blossoms.

When choosing a product, you can look for raw amounts of the fresh or dried plant, sprays, tinctures, or toys.

You can grow the fresh catnip plant in a small pot inside your home or outdoors. Cats enjoy munching on either the fresh or dry plant. To dry it, hang the leaves, stems, and flowers upside down in a dark room and then freeze or store it in an airtight container once dry. This will help prevent the plant from becoming stale and losing its effect. Consuming the fresh or dry plant is the best option for helping reduce a kitten’s stress and anxiety.

Catnip sprays or tinctures that contain at least 50 percent or more essential oil of the catnip plant are helpful to use for training a kitten. You can spray or drizzle these products without causing a mess.

Catnip toys (such as toy mice, balls, or even an old sock stuffed with the herb) are the best option to offset a kitten’s boredom. Toys provide environmental enrichment, exercise, and elicit more of a fun, playful response in kittens. Common brands include Kong and Yeowww! Look for refillable products that allow you to top up the catnip. This will help prevent staleness without having to replace the entire item. 

Ready to give a kitten catnip? Remember to start slow and see how your kitten responds!

The post Can Kittens Have Catnip? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But why do cats hate water? And what can you do if your cat dislikes getting wet but needs a bath? We answer these questions and more information about felines and water below. 

Do All Cats Hate Water?

Most typical domesticated cats hate getting wet, but there is some nuance. Being submerged in water could be a cat’s worst nightmare, but playing with a stream of running water from a faucet is perfectly suitable for many cats.

Interestingly, several cat breeds actually like the water and even enjoy swimming (yes, cats can swim!). Here’s a list of cat breeds that don’t mind getting in the water:

• Bengal
• Bobtail
• Abyssinian
• Maine Coon
• Turkish Van
• Turkish Angora
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• American Shorthair

These breeds have water-resistant coats, making it easy to spend time in the water without getting soaked. 

Why Do Cats Hate Water?

There are various reasons why cats hate water:

Evolution

Cats’ wild ancestors lived in dry, arid environments and thus had little contact with water. Fortunately, these wild ancestors got enough hydration from eating their prey, so being far away from a water source was not a big problem. 

Over the lengthy timeline of cats’ evolution, cats have not changed much regarding their relationship with water. Today’s domesticated cats have very little evolutional pull to get in the water.

Lack of Familiarity

Because cats don’t have a strong need or desire to get in the water, they’re generally not familiar or comfortable with it. Some cats could even be afraid of water. Also, since cats are meticulous groomers, they can keep themselves clean without needing a bath.

The best time to get a cat familiar with water is during the socialization window of kittenhood—between about 3 to 16 weeks of age. If kittens are exposed to water and have positive experiences with it during that time frame, they’ll be familiar and comfortable with water and might not mind a bath or dip in the kiddie pool.

Lack of Control

When a cat dips their paw in a stream of running water, they fully control the situation and their interaction with water. Being fully submerged in a tub of water is another matter, with the cat no longer being in control. 

Discomfort 

A wet cat is generally an unhappy cat. A cat’s grooming process distributes healthy oils through the skin and coat. However, oil and water do not mix. If a cat gets completely wet from a bath (or gets stuck in the rain), it will get soaked down to its skin.

Being completely soaked weighs down a cat, making them less agile. In addition, a drenched coat will take hours to fully dry, leaving a cat uncomfortably wet and cold for a long time.

Punishment

Cat owners will sometimes use a squirt bottle to deter or punish bad behavior in cats. For example, a cat that jumps up on the kitchen counter may get a squirt of water to the face as punishment. This type of punishment creates a negative association with water, increasing the likelihood of a cat hating, or possibly fearing, water.

Aversion to Scents

Cats can smell 14 times better than a person can. So, what may smell like a lovely scented shampoo or conditioner may be overkill for your cat, making them not want to take a bath.

Cats can also detect chemical scents in tap water, but there are varied opinions about whether these scents are off-putting for cats.

What to Do if Your Cat Hates Water

Having a cat that hates water does not need to be a source of great concern. Providing your cat with a comfortable and controllable level of water exposure may be all you need to do to keep your cat happy.

If you have a young kitten, consider gradually exposing them to water when they are 3 to 16 weeks old (you can follow the steps below for bathing a cat). Your kitten may not fall in love with water, but at least they will be comfortable in it if they ever need a bath.

How to Bathe a Cat Who Hates Water

Certain situations may make it necessary to bathe a cat. For example, arthritis or serious illness can make it difficult for cats to groom and keep themselves clean. 

But how do you bathe a cat that hates water? The key is to acclimate your cat to bathing and make bathing enjoyable. Let’s break down how to do this:

Acclimate your cat. Baths aren’t an emergency for cats, so take plenty of time to get your cat used to bath time. 

First, place some of your cat’s favorite toys into an empty tub. You can even spread a tasty treat like anchovy paste on the bottom of the tub so your cat can lick it (clean your tub first).

After your cat is acclimated to being in an empty tub, add an inch or two of warm water and place your cat’s toys in the water. Give your cat lots of verbal praise as she plays in the water.

Create a comfortable bath environment. Bath time should be pleasant for your cat and you. Gather all of your supplies, including a fluffy towel, cat-specific shampoo and conditioner, and a non-slip tub mat. You’ll also need a cup for pouring water on your cat’s head and special treats and toys. Keep the room quiet so your cat can feel more relaxed.

Bathe gently. Depending on your cat’s temperament, you may want to have someone gently hold your cat and keep them calm. Minimal restraint is ideal when bathing a cat.

Bathe your cat gently with the shampoo and conditioner, carefully avoiding the face. Consider using a warm washcloth to wipe and rinse your cat’s face. Encourage your cat with verbal praise.

Dry off your cat. After the bath, wrap your cat immediately in a warm towel and dry them off. Your cat will need some extra time to dry off fully, but the towel will remove most of the wetness. Give your cat lots of verbal praise and offer them a treat as a tasty reward.

In Conclusion

Cats aren’t big fans of water, but that’s not necessarily bad. Find fun ways for your cat to interact with water. If your cat does need a bath, make it a pleasant experience for both of you.

The post Why Do Cats Hate Water? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Our experts say there are sound reasons for the behavior, rooted in feline survival instincts. By understanding the natural reasons why cats love boxes, we can provide more cat furnishings that provoke happiness in our favorite felines – or just more boxes. 

Cats and Boxes: A Tale as Old as Time

It’s a common problem: You bought the most lavish toy, bed, or tree for your cat, but she’d rather hang out in the cardboard box it came in. As a proud cat parent and a feline behavioral clinician in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Katherine Pankratz gets it. 

Like many cat parents, Pankratz has found herself “constructing the most elaborate cardboard castle” for her cat. Only to find him happily snoozing in a shallow cardboard box tossed aside for recycling. “And that was alright,” she concludes. 

You might never change your cat’s affinity for the tried-and-true box, and the truth is, maybe we shouldn’t try to. Before we try to change a cat’s behavior, it’s important to understand it. When considering why so many cats swoon over boxes of all shapes, sizes, and wear-and-tear, consider what needs they might be fulfilling with the box.

Do All Cats Like Boxes?

Each individual cat has their own preferences. While many enjoy snoozing or hiding in a box, not all cats will want to be confined. 

Samantha Bell, cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, describes cats as “tree-dwellers” and “bush-dwellers.”

Bush-dwelling cats gain confidence from all four paws on the ground, ready to pounce from their hiding spot at a moment’s notice. In comparison, tree-dwelling cats love to stalk from high-up places, like a wild jaguar surveying its forest. 

Cats don’t always fit into just one of these boxes (pun intended). So, Bell says that it’s thoughtful to provide your cat with bush-dwelling spaces like boxes for cats, tents, and beds and tree-dwelling spots like cat trees, shelving, and perches. The more you get to know your cat, the better you can furnish the space just for her.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

We may never know exactly what your cat is thinking or why she prefers one spot of the house over the other. But, based on existing research and years of sharing our homes with the domesticated feline, Dr. Brian Evans, veterinarian at Dutch, has some thoughts about why cats love sitting in boxes, playing in boxes, and sleeping in boxes. 

Safety

Cats are fierce hunters. But while they’re hunting prey, a predator could be hunting them. This might not be exactly true for your happy housecat, but your cat hasn’t lost touch with their wild instincts to seek out safety.  

“Small spaces provide comfort for cats,” Dr. Evans explains. “There is less chance they can be attacked from behind if they are in an enclosed space.”

In fact, the use of boxes as a comforting space was put to the test by a group of researchers and Dutch shelter cats. The study found that cats with access to cardboard boxes acclimated to their environment faster than cats that were not given the boxes. This insight could be useful for cat parents planning a move. “In times of stress, cats like to hide,” adds Dr. Evans. “So, providing a safe place for them to sneak away can be very helpful.” 

Hunting

Boxes that are readily available and easily accessible make a convenient hideout for pouncing at prey. No matter the shape or size of a box, a cat can seemingly melt into it like a liquid (or at least they think they can). It’s here that they believe their human companion or play mouse can’t see them crouching, waiting to strike. 

Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious creatures, in part due to their unique placement in the food chain. They have an instinct to observe, investigate, and learn. This includes “exploring the nooks and crannies of their environment,” Dr. Evans says. 

Warmth

Is your cat always seeking out the nearest sunspot or the coziest cardboard box? A cat’s normal body temperature (4 weeks and older) is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees, just a few degrees higher than ours. Generally, cats are the most comfortable when temps linger between 60 and 80 degrees.

When a cat’s body temperature drops below 99.5 degrees or inches above 102.5 degrees, warm and cold receptors throughout the body shoot signals to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus decides if the body is too cold or too warm, then triggers biological reactions (shivering or sweating through the paw pads) and behavioral responses (moving towards heat or away from heat sources). 

What does this have to do with a cat in a box? “Cardboard has natural insulation that helps to keep your cat warm and snuggly, making it an ideal place to nap,” Dr. Evans says. 

Kitten Instincts

When your cat was born, they likely arrived in a cozy nest of blankets placed in a box or other small, enclosed space. Even if they were born outdoors without humans, mother cats (known as queens prepare) a cozy nest about 63 days into their pregnancy. 

It’s here in their nesting box that your cat spent their first few weeks of life, being dotted on and cared for by mom. A snug box might feel like a happy kitten experience. It’s even thought that the feeling of an extra-small box pressed against a cat could stimulate the release of endorphins, or the feeling of happiness and reduction of stress. 

Are Boxes Beneficial for Cats?

Pankratz didn’t feel frustrated when her cat chose a box meant for the trash over her thoughtfully chosen castle. “Providing for your cat’s environmental needs through their individual preferences can significantly decrease their stress and improve their welfare,” she says. 

Sure, a cardboard box isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as enriching furniture that boasts style and function, but boxes are cheap (or free) and they make your cat happy. 

If it’s time to toss your old boxes, Dr. Evans says to look for cat trees with cubbies, to spoil your feline with her own cat tent, or simply leave the cat carrier out with favorite blankets. “The added benefit of using the carrier is when you need to put them in it for a trip, they are already comfortable with the spot.” Rather than forcing your cat to lounge in the new spot, encourage them to explore on their own with the help of treats, catnip, and play. 

Box Safety for Cats

Before leaving a box out for your cat’s enjoyment, there are things you should do to ensure your feline’s safety. Follow these tips:

Remove potential dangers. Take the time to remove any sharp edges or objects like staples, cut off any loose tape your cat could ingest or stick to, and double check that all of its contents have been removed – like packets of silica gel or plastic bags.

Keep it on a steady surface. “If you keep empty cardboard boxes on top of an unsteady side table, your cat may not find the tumble to the ground very relaxing,” Dr. Evans adds. So, ensure it’s on a sturdy surface or planted on the ground. 

Make sure cats can exit the box. While we can’t guarantee your cat won’t want to spend all their time in your thoughtfully placed box, keep it clear of any obstructions that could cause your cat to become trapped inside.

The post Why Do Cats Like Boxes? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But if you pay careful attention and know exactly what to look for, you’ll discover that cats do offer subtle signs when they need our help or attention. Here’s how to figure out exactly what your cat may be trying to tell you through his behavior.

Cats: Masters at Masking Emotions

“Almost all animals will hide their pain,” says Sue Bulanda, a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. And that certainly includes cats. Bulanda says this masking of pain or distress is all about survival instincts and self-protection. 

“The natural world is a dangerous place for felines,” adds Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant at The Cat Coach and author. “Displaying pain visually or verbally will attract other animals. Felines who are injured are weaker, slower, and easier to catch.”

Although most pet cats enjoy cozy lives far removed from any real danger—unless the vacuum counts as a predator—Krieger says that house cats are not truly domesticated, and still have “two paws firmly planted in the wild.” This explains why those masking instincts are still so strong.

Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying for Help

So how do cats cry for help when there is often no actual crying involved? Bulanda and Krieger offered their insights into the signs that a cat is sick, in pain, depressed, stressed, or otherwise struggling.

Sudden changes in behavior or routine. There are plenty of specifics to keep an eye out for, but in general, Bulanda says it’s crucial to observe your cat’s everyday behaviors when he’s healthy and relaxed. That way you’ll be able to spot any big changes, which may indicate that something is amiss.

Hiding or withdrawing. Cats who hide or withdraw from interactions with their family are often not feeling well, whether it’s due to anxiety or a physical illness. If your cat is suddenly sneaking away more than normal, it may be time to evaluate potential stressors or schedule a veterinary visit. 

Changes in appetite or thirst. If a cat is suddenly eating or drinking significantly more or less than their usual amount, it could be due to depression, stress, or sickness. Different illnesses can lead to an increase in thirst and urination or inappetence, so it’s important to monitor your cat and call your vet if there are changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits.

Notable differences in gait. Changes may include how your cat is walking, jumping, sitting, lying down and getting up. These can all be signs that a cat is experiencing muscular or internal pain, Bulanda says.

Avoiding the litter box or using it more often. The litter box is a surprisingly revealing place for any issues. Some cats may snub the litter box when expressing their annoyance or stress, but changes – like urinating outside of the litter box – can also indicate a medical concern.

A sudden decrease in activity. A gradual decrease in activity is normal as cats age, but if your pet is suddenly and uncharacteristically lethargic, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

Changes to the condition of his coat. In particular, keep an eye out for dullness or more hair loss than usual. These can be symptoms of a medical problem. Keep an eye out for mats, too. Cats are usually great at self grooming, so an unkempt coat can indicate that pain is preventing normal grooming habits. 

Sudden aggression toward other household animals or humans. If a normally docile pet is suddenly showing aggression, it may be time for a trip to the veterinarian to make sure she isn’t ill, injured, or experiencing other issues.

Overgrooming. Cats normally display healthy grooming habits. But if a cat is grooming themselves more than normal, this can indicate there’s an underlying issue. Overgrooming can signal pain, skin allergies or parasites, or a high level of stress.

Low-pitched yowling. Your cat may be literally crying for help. Mournful howls can be a sign that your cat is feeling sad or depressed, or that they’re experiencing pain.

What to Do If Your Cat Exhibits These Warning Signs

Bulanda says that any changes in a cat’s behavior – especially those listed above – that last for more than a few days should prompt a visit to the veterinarian. 

“Cats are subtle,” Krieger notes. “Chances are that when you notice the changes in behavior, the problem has been occurring for a while.”

7 Tips for Keeping Cats Happy

If everything checks out at the veterinarian, your cat may just be looking for more attention or could be searching for stress relief. Tune into your cat and do what you can to give him the very best life possible. Here are some ways to help:

Give them an outdoor outlet. “One of the most important ways to keep a cat healthy and safe,” Bulanda says, “is to not allow the cat to be an indoor/outdoor cat. Every time a cat is allowed to roam, they are exposed to many risks, some of them life-threatening.”

Instead, she recommends creating an outdoor cat enclosure if possible so your pet can spend time outside while staying safe. “This will keep the cat entertained, allow them to sit in the sun and shade, and explore,” she says. Just be sure to check in periodically and don’t leave a cat outside alone for long periods.

Prepare them for what life will hold. Bulanda also recommends acclimating your cat to all the things he may encounter in daily life: handling, going inside a carrier, riding in the car, and meeting strangers. Having him used to all of that will help take the stress out of trips to the veterinarian or groomer. 

Offer choices. Krieger says that choice is important to cats, so offer it whenever you can. This might revolve around treat choices or toy choices. Let your feline friend make the call. 

Make him feel safe. This includes not ever forcing your cat to be petted or cuddled when he’s not feeling it, Krieger says. And don’t punish him, even if you don’t like his behavior. Instead, figure out the reason he’s doing that behavior and try to address it.

Teach them tricks. Bulanda says teaching your cat tricks and working on training can be a great way to bond with your cat and keep him active.

Find high-quality food. Bulanda stresses the importance of a high-quality diet for cats—something she says you won’t often find in supermarket or big-box store options.

Provide plenty of enrichment. Whether it’s vertical territory, scratching posts, or chew toys, filling your cat’s home with fun and stimulating objects is essential to their general well-being, according to Krieger.

The post 10 Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying for Help appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But why do cats assume this body posture, and is it ever something to cause a pet parent concern? Let’s dive in.

Cat Loafing: What Does It Look Like?

When a cat sits with all four paws tucked underneath itself and its tail also tucked or wrapped around its body, it resembles a compact rectangle with rounded edges, much like a loaf of fresh bread. The resemblance is even more pronounced when a cat assumes this position in a too small box with its top spilling over the sides like risen dough. Thus, the term “cat loaf” was born.

The term “cat loaf” (or “catloaf”) has been used widely since 1999, when it first appeared in Usenet news groups. It then morphed into a meme that rose in popularity in the 2010s on Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook. Similar terms include “bread cat,” “potato cat,” or “tugboat cat.” 

Cats really have become Internet rock stars, and an entire website (kittyloaf.com) is devoted to curating images of cats in this adorable loaf-like posture. Curious what a cat in the loafing position looks like from underneath? A quick search for “hover cat” on a glass table will be sure to give you a nice hit of serotonin for the day.

Types of Cat Loafs

A cat is usually relaxed while loafing, but they tend to use this position while observing their surroundings. A cat’s head will be upright, and its eyes will often be fully open or half-closed. While we can all recognize the classic loafing position, several variations exist. A cat or kitten of any age can assume these various positions.

When a cat is in a full loaf, all its feet are tucked underneath itself, and its tail is either also tucked or wrapped tightly around its body.

A cat’s elbows may be slightly out in the partial loaf. The front paws may either be tucked or flat on the ground.

When one elbow is extended more than the other, a cat is in a loaf boat position.

A cat may also be sitting flat on its abdomen and resting on its back haunches with one or both of its front limbs slightly extended, assuming the Sphinx pose as named after the ancient Egyptian monument it resembles.

If a cat is especially sleepy, its head may start to dip downwards, causing it to face loaf. However, the face loaf posture can also be an indication that your cat is ill.

Why Do Cats Loaf?

The way a cat tucks in its extremities while lying on its abdomen carries a different meaning than when it’s merely sitting upright, lounging with its limbs and tail out, curled in a ball on its side, or about to pounce. So what exactly does a cat loaf mean?

Your cat is relaxed. Cats assume this compact, cozy position for comfort and relaxation when they still wish to engage with their surroundings but are not planning to jump or run away. Loafing cats exhibit trust and submission, but this posture still allows them more security and protection than lying on their back or side and exposing their belly. 

Your cat doesn’t feel threatened. Pet parents are paid a compliment when a cat loafs in their presence: your cat does not feel threatened and therefore does not feel the need to be on the defense. Loafing cats may be a bit drowsy but are not tired enough to sleep fully – they want to observe and be entertained by the happenings in their environments. They often simply enjoy the company of their humans while they sit in a loaf.

Your cat is trying to retain heat. Furthermore, cats have also learned evolutionarily that they can retain heat without having to move and expend precious energy while they assume the loaf position. Energy can thus be stored for periods of activity when cats need it. This tactic is especially important to kittens and short-haired breeds who can easily lose heat. Cats can regulate their temperature better in this compact, self-huddled position.

Your cat is getting comfortable. Since the loaf posture helps take pressure off a cat’s legs and paws, it may be assumed merely for comfort, much like us humans taking our shoes off and elevating our feet after a long day. 

Your cat might be in pain. While a cat loaf position is usually associated with positive feelings of relaxation and comfort, it could indicate pain in certain scenarios. If a cat is spending the majority of its time in a loaf, this is a red flag. If a cat is consistently sitting hunched with its paws flat on the ground or perched up on its toes, foot or limb pain may be the culprit.

Is Cat Loafing Ever a Problem?

Cat loafing is a normal behavior in the majority of cats, especially if your kitty assumes this posture on a comfortable and warm spot such as on the carpet where a ray of sun is beaming in through the window or on a cozy pile of laundry fresh from the dryer. 

However, if your cat is repeatedly found randomly loafing in the middle of the floor or on a cold, uncomfortable surface, it’s time to investigate further. If your cat is experiencing other worrisome signs such as hiding, decreased appetite, litter box issues, lethargy or weakness, abnormal gait (such as limping), vocalizing in pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s time to call your veterinarian and have your pet examined for potential illness or injury.

So long as your cat is still active at other times during the day, he or she can enjoy cat loafing without pet parents worrying their cat is not getting enough exercise or is losing mobility. However, if a cat primarily spends its day in a loaf position without moving or being active, your cat may be experiencing foot or leg pain. 

Cats are experts at masking pain. If your cat is constantly loafing, they may be trying to protect a front paw injury or hide signs of pain from an ingrown nail. Signs of pain in cats include guarding its paws or else not being able to fully tuck them in (which may indicate osteoarthritis), lowering its head, keeping its eyes shut or displaying exposed third eyelids, licking its paws, limping, or the other signs mentioned above.

Additionally, cats with heart or lung diseases may sit hunched with their elbows extended outward and their heads lowered to make breathing easier. Cats with abdominal pain, such as liver disease or chronic kidney disease (CKD) may also sit in the loaf position in order to help take pressure off internal organs.

Cats with CKD may not feel their best, therefore spending more time in a comfy loafing position. CKD is a relatively common medical condition in geriatric felines. Between 30-50 percent of cats over 15 years of age are estimated to have CKD. Early detection via regular bloodwork and urinalysis is key to initiating prompt care. Though CKD cannot be cured, certain therapies can slow its progression and improve the quality of life of affected cats while increasing longevity. Eating a prescription veterinary renal diet, regulating high blood pressure, and maintaining hydration can help improve the quality of life of cats with CKD.

Most loafing cats will hold their heads upright. However, if your cat is holding its head down and face planting, this can be an indication of illness. For example, cats with hypokalemia (low blood potassium), may experience cervical ventroflexion, or weakness when trying to lift the head. Causes range from chronic kidney disease to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

If your cat is experiencing any of the issues described above, or if you’re ever in doubt that your cat’s behavior is abnormal, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. 

The Conclusion on Cat Loafing

While some cats in the loaf position may have underlying medical issues that need to be addressed with your veterinarian, the majority of the time, pet parents can rest assured that the cat loaf posture is generally normal and indicates trust and contentment in the presence of the pet guardian.

So the next time you slather a layer of butter onto the slice of warm homemade bread fresh out of the oven, you can smile – not only at the carb-y goodness in front of you, but also at the reminder that your loafing kitty is the cutest pet in the world.

The post Cat Loafing: What It Is and Why They Do It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

There are also official entities that have acknowledged feats of feline athleticism. In 2018, Guinness World Records awarded Waffle the Warrior Cat the world record for longest jump by a cat when he managed a 7-foot horizontal jump!

But a cat’s physical abilities aren’t a simple party trick – cats are ideal hunters, and many of their physical features make it easier to hunt and catch prey. These same features also protect cats from injury in the event that something goes wrong, like falling out of a tree or even off a building. In fact, there was a cat who survived a 32-story fall in New York City!

While cats can do many impressive things, today we’re going to talk about vertical jumps. So, how high can cats jump, anyway? Spoiler alert: It’s high, and very impressive. 

How Do Cats Jump So High?

Before we get into measurements, let’s break down how and why cats are spectacular jumpers. “A cat’s ability to jump comes from their powerful leg muscles, the flexibility of their spine, excellent balance, and a strong ability to judge distances and heights,” explains Dr. Christina Montalbano, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation who works for NorthStar VETS Veterinary Emergency, Trauma, and Specialty Centers. “For bigger jumps, cats will crouch down, which allows them to use their legs and their spine in a spring-like fashion. Just as a compressed spring releases potential energy and bounces in the air when released, so does the cat in response to the forceful contractions of their leg and lower back muscles.”

Cats will often use their jumping skills to get to a high vantage point, which, according to Dr. Emily Swiniarski, medical director of the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, is a natural behavior for felines. “Cats like to view potential predators and prey from a safe place, which is why they like to go up high,” she says. “Heights also offer a nice, comfortable, and – most important – safe resting place.”

How High Can a Cat Jump? 

Dr. Swiniarski explains that the average cat can jump 9 times their height. “However, every cat is different, and factors like age, breed, and health can impact how high a cat can jump,” she adds. 

Dr. Swiniarski explains that she’s seen some impressive jumps from cats over the years, but the one that sticks out in her mind was a shelter cat who managed to jump straight up from the ground and balance on top of a door. “We pulled up the security footage because we found the cat up there and couldn’t figure out how he did it. It was just crazy.”

How High Can Kittens Jump?

Kittens can’t jump as high as adult cats. This is because they are still developing their strength and balance. “As they grow, kittens start to attempt vertical or distance jumps and may have many misses before gaining enough strength, balance, and good judgment of distances [to land correctly],” Dr. Montalbano explains. 

She says that kittens need opportunities to practice jumping, or it could affect their future abilities. “Cats lacking these opportunities are more likely to be land-bound as adults,” she says.

Other Factors That Impact a Cat’s Jumping Ability

Young adult and middle-aged cats have the greatest jumping prowess. “Older cats are less likely to be able to jump as high, because 90 percent of geriatric cats have arthritis,” says Dr. Swiniarski. “If their knees, backs, hips, are arthritic, that greatly reduces jumping ability.”

Further, if a cat has any medical conditions that affect their bones, joints, or muscles, that could impede jumping ability. Neurological conditions that impact balance could affect a cat’s ability to jump. There are also certain breeds, like Munchkin cats, which are bred to have shorter legs, that cannot jump as high.

How Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

Cats are amazing at jumping, so it makes sense that they would also be amazing at falling. Cats have a “righting reflex,” which allows them to instinctively put their feet below them when they fall. 

“There are two factors that contribute to why cats are so good at landing on their feet,” says Dr. Swiniarski. “The first is that they have very specific structures in their inner ear that help with balance. There are three of them, and they are all at 90-degree angles from each other. Because of that, any direction a cat flips, their body can instantly tell that the cat is off balance and can send impulses to the brain that help the cat right herself.”

The other factor has to do with how a cat’s muscles and joints work. “Once a cat knows she’s off balance, she can deal with that information and rotate her body very quickly. Their strong muscles and flexibility are key here, but the other piece is that their shoulder joints are connected with muscle, not bone,” she adds. “That means they’re able to throw the front half of their body in the direction they need to land without much issue.”

However, Dr. Montalbano cautions that it’s not true that cats always land on their feet. There are a few factors in play. If a cat falls with her feet up, she needs a certain amount of time to flip over in mid-air to be able to land on her feet. So, a short fall may not give cats enough time to right themselves before the landing. However, if the fall is too great, there are other dangers. “While they might be able to right themselves and land on their feet from a higher fall, this can cause excessive forces to their body and cause injury,” Dr. Montalbano explains.

Cats and Jumping: Helpful Tips for Around the Home 

Jumping and climbing are definitely among cats’ favorite activities, and there are ways to ensure that your feline can engage in these feats around your house safely. 

“We can’t expect cats not to climb and jump because it’s a natural behavior,” Dr. Swiniarski says. “So, we need to take the initiative and create safe spots for them, whether it be a shelf or a cat tree, that lets them get up high and view the entirety of the room.”

Dr. Montalbano suggests installing cat furniture, like a sturdy cat tree, next to a window so that your kitty can enjoy the view from their high perch. But cat trees just scratch the surface (pun intended). 

“For households that are all about their cats, installing shelving is another option. Commercial cat shelves are available, as are DIY instructions that can provide guidance on building your own – how many shelves are needed, and how far apart to space them,” she says. “Shelves should be sturdy and properly installed into walls. They should also offer good traction, like carpeting.”

If you can’t install cat furniture, at the very least, make sure that items like bookshelves and cabinets are securely screwed into the wall. “Even though cats aren’t that heavy, they will climb, and they will jump, and if they miss and have to scramble, it could throw furniture off balance, causing it to tip over and break and possibly injure your cat,” Dr. Swiniarski says.

Both Dr. Swiniarski and Dr. Montalbano say there’s no way to stop cats from climbing and jumping, so creating a safe space for them to do so is a good idea for your entire household.

The post How High Can Cats Jump? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Does your cat not respond because she doesn’t know her name, or is she well aware but just can’t be bothered?

Cats are independent and self-efficient creatures who evolved as lone hunters. However, they are also social beings. While they may come across as aloof at first glance, we humans simply need to learn to read their specific feline language and accept them as the unique beings that they are. 

Do Cats Know Their Names?

Spoiler alert: Yes, cats do know their names. Cats often associate their name with either a reward (such as food, attention, petting, or play) or punishment (being scolded or put in a carrier). Thus, they may recognize the word as holding an important meaning but may not necessarily attribute that word to themselves. But how do we know for sure?

What the Research Says

A 2019 Japanese study showed that cats can decipher their own name from three other similar-sounding words, demonstrating that cats can discriminate between specific words and sounds that are phonetically different. The cats in the study moved their heads and ears differently in response to their own names in comparison to the other words spoken to them. Therefore, cats have been proven to possess the intelligence and capability to understand humans and our words.

Cats have also been shown to recognize the names of other cats in their household, especially their closest feline companions, as exhibited in a 2022 study. However, this differentiation and recognition was not as strong in a cat café setting where cats get attention even if they respond to another cat’s name and where they hear different cats’ names pronounced differently by various visiting humans.

This 2022 study supports the findings of a 2013 study from Japan in which cats were demonstrated to recognize the specific sound of their owner’s voice and know that their name is different from that of other cats. Cats also respond to other people (including strangers) who say their name but less so than if their owners say their name. This study also provided evidence that cats may associate their name as a positive verbal signal rather than self-identify with it.

While these studies show insight into behavior and cognition in cats, more research about these subjects is significantly lacking in cats. Cats are very intelligent, but they choose to focus on what they value to be the most important thing at that point in time, which may not always be what humans deem valuable. 

Another reason why scientists have a difficult time quantifying feline intelligence is because many cats don’t typically enjoy experimental studies and choose not to participate. If they don’t feel like engaging with humans, are bored, or are preoccupied with something they deem more important, they may not respond. 

This finicky cat behavior holds true whether during a research study or at home when a pet parent is calling out a cat’s name: a cat’s prerogative is to decline a response if the reward of obeying is less enticing than what the cat is doing (be it eating, sleeping, or playing). Cats know what to do when a command is given but don’t always see the value in providing humans with feedback.

How to Tell if a Cat Knows Their Name

While some cats (often termed “dog cats”) will gladly trot over with a greeting when their name is spoken, not all cats will come when called. In fact, only about 10 percent of cats come when called. As previously discussed, cats know their names but don’t always feel the need to offer a response.

Therefore, pet parents should observe the (sometimes subtle) body language cues that show that cats understand their own names. 

A cat may become increasingly alert, especially close to feeding time, when a pet parent says their name. A subset of cats may meow in response to their name being called, like a game of Marco Polo. Most felines will move their body, head, or ears in the direction of a person when they hear their name being called.

But look closely or you might miss these signals. Certain cats may only quickly perk or twitch the ears, much like an ephemeral head nod. Some kitties may simply offer a sudden swish of the tail as evidence of acknowledging their name being called.

Many cats also show more of an affinity to names that end in a “y” or “ie” sound, resulting in a stronger response when this name is called. This may be because it sounds more like a mewing sound that kittens make. Therefore, you may notice your cat responds to the nickname “kitty” far more readily than to their actual name.

How to Teach a Cat Its Name

Cats may, at first, ignore the sound of their names or command to come when called if there isn’t anything rewarding in it for them. Therefore, part of the art of training cats is teaching them to pay attention to something. 

The key is to use positive reinforcement to help a cat associate its name with something pleasant, such as a treat, toy, or petting (if a cat enjoys physical contact). 

Avoid punishment, especially when saying your cat’s name to ensure your kitty does not begin to associate their name with something negative. If this happens, your cat may stop responding altogether.

When you first start teaching your cat their name, don’t say your cat’s name except during training sessions or else your cat will begin to filter out its name as background noise.

How to Do It

Step 1: Start by saying your cat’s name clearly once and then give a treat or praise within 3 seconds. Easily consumed treats your cat really enjoys, such as small bits of plain chicken or Churu treats, are best. 

Step 2: Repeat this about 10 times in a minute and then offer your cat a break. You may also pair this lesson with clicker training. If a cat seems bored or unwilling, stop and try again later. Be consistent, and your cat will begin responding to its name in no time. Remember to watch out for body language cues that signal your cat is comprehending its name.

Step 3: Once your cat is consistently responding, you may start to mix saying her name with other words and sounds during your training sessions to ensure your cat will be able to decipher her name from other words. 

Eventually, you can cut out treats every time your cat responds to her name and only offer them on a random, occasional basis. If your cat starts to slip, it may be time to brush up with a training reminder.

If you have a young kitten or newly adopted older cat that had a previous name, be patient when trying to teach those kitties their new names. Ideally, try to use a pet’s old name to help them transition to their new home environment. Once that pet is comfortable, you may then start to teach a new name.

More Important Than Name Recognition: Bonding with Your Pet

What a bummer when you put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect name, and your cat doesn’t respond! However, if your cat never seems to learn or care about its name, don’t sweat it. Your kitty is perfectly smart enough and will display its bond with you in different ways. 

The majority of cats merely tend to communicate and respond in a largely non-verbal way. So just let cats be cats and appreciate them for the unique species they are.

If you need validation regarding your cat’s feelings for you, look for relaxed body language as proof your cat is content and cared for. For instance, if your cat is exposing their belly to you, they feel safe and secure in your presence. A cat loaf position, in which a cat is snuggled on her abdomen with her feet and tail tucked underneath her, is another display that your cat is likely comfortable and relaxed around you. 

Your cat may also seek attention by following you or wanting to play or be petted and may curl up in your lap or near you – all signs your cat is enjoying your company. Some cats may also head butt, knead, or lick their pet parents. Kitties may also look at you with soft, slow blinks; this behavior is analogous to your cat blowing you a kiss and is a strong sign your feline friend adores you.

Pet parents can help strengthen their bond with their cats by providing for their basic needs. These steps include providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, clean litter boxes, and setting aside play time. It’s also important to use positive reinforcement when training and avoid punishment. If a cat’s needs are met and you build a strong bond, they’ll likely respond to you when you call out their name. 

The post Do Cats Know Their Names? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But what is that poop telling you, exactly?

Here’s what you need to know about your cat’s poop to ensure they’re as healthy — and regular — as they should be.

How Often Do Cats Poop?

Every cat will be different, but for the most part, your cat should poop once or twice a day. The more important thing is that whatever the normal number is for your cat, “if you monitor your cat’s bathroom habits, the number of times they poop a day should be consistent,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital. 

The size and breed of your cat won’t really play into how often they poop, either.

How Often Do Kittens Poop?

Kittens may poop a little more frequently than once or twice a day, but they’re also usually eating a little more often than older cats. “As your kitten gets older, they also decrease the frequency that they are pooping,” Ochoa explains. 

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Pooping?

Believe it or not, most cats can go a few days without pooping before you need to worry. In fact, Ochoa often sees cats go a day or two without pooping if they aren’t eating regularly, or if they were put on a fasting diet to prepare for surgery.

Cat Not Pooping: Common Causes

Constipation — or the act of not pooping — can be caused by several factors. Some common ones include:

Diet. If your cat is eating a diet that is too high in fiber, then they may also not be pooping, says small animal veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten.

Dehydration. Cats can easily become dehydrated if they aren’t drinking enough water. This in turn can cause them to become constipated.

Blockage. Mischievous cats may eat things that they shouldn’t, like string or their cat toys. “This can cause an obstruction, causing them to not be able to poop,” Ochoa says. Consuming bones or hair can also cause constipation, Wooten adds. 

Other causes of constipation can include:

• Lack of exercise
• Dirty litter box causing them to ‘hold it’
• Stress from a hospital visit
• Certain medications
• Neurological conditions like sacral nerve trauma or spinal cord disease
• Hormonal or electrolyte imbalances
• Narrowed pelvic canal due to incorrectly healed pelvic fracture
• Tumors of the rectum
• Rectal diverticulum
• Anal sac disease
• Bite wounds or trauma to anus

What to Do if Your Cat Isn’t Pooping

If you’ve noticed a change in your cat’s fecal movements, or if they haven’t pooped in several days, there are some things you can do to try to help. First, try adding some cat laxatives to their diet. “You can get this at the pet store, and it’s often sold as hairball medications,” Ochoa says. 

Another option is to give your cat MiraLAX. “MiraLAX works by increasing the water in your cat’s colon, helping the poop become softer,” Ochoa says. “Adding a small amount [generally ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon] to their food will help them poop more easily.” However, before giving your cat laxatives, it is always a good idea to talk to your vet first. 

Certain pain medications can also cause constipation. If you believe this could be the reason for your pet’s poop problems, consult with your veterinarian about decreasing, or even stopping, the medicine to help clear it up.

If your cat hasn’t pooped for more than two days, it’s best to pay your veterinarian a visit. “Your veterinarian will want to take X-rays to see if they are constipated, and what their intestines look like,” Ochoa says. “They may also give your cat an enema to help alleviate this constipation.”

Products to Help Cat Poop Problems

Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you’re worried about a change in your cat’s pooping consistency or frequency, as over-the-counter products won’t help when a more serious issue is at play. If you’re interested in trying out some products at home to help your cat poop more regularly, ask your veterinarian about fiber, prebiotic and probiotic supplements that can provide digestive support.

The post How Often Do Cats Poop? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But this feline behavior – called bunting or head rubbing – is quite common and happens for a variety of reasons. 

Why Do Cats Rub Their Face on Things?

Cats rub their faces on things for many reasons, depending on the context or object being rubbed.

Leaving Scent Marks

Cats have multiple scent glands on their heads. They have glands located around their mouths, chins, sides of the face, neck and ears. When a cat rubs his face on an item, he leaves his scent behind. The act of a cat rubbing his head on objects is called “bunting.” The height of the object determines which part of his head a cat will use to leave a scent mark on an item. Cats also tend to choose conspicuous objects, such as a corner that sticks out, whether it’s a wall, the edge of a coffee table or sofa, or even the corner of a book or box. Male cats tend to bunt on more items than female cats. Cats also tend to bunt over the scent marks left by other cats.

Marking Territory

Cats sometimes bunt to inform other cats of their presence in the vicinity. Bunting may also be a form of “time stamping,” meaning that other cats may be able to determine by the age of the marking how recently another cat was there. If the mark is relatively fresh, they may want to leave the area soon to avoid conflict. Some cats bunt when they are anxious. Spreading their scent around may be a way of coping or making themselves feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Showing Affection

Cats who rub their faces on humans may also be demonstrating a sign of affection or greeting behavior. Cats who live in social groups often rub on each other as a form of greeting.

Picking Up Information

Rubbing on objects may also be a way to pick up scent. When cats bunt on their owners, they not only deposit their scents but also pick up scents from the owner.

Looking for a Mate

Cats rubbing on objects is one way sexually intact cats provide visual cues to other cats during mating season. Males are more interested in female bunt marks during the mating season, which indicates the female’s scent changes to entice male interest.

The post Why Do Cats Rub Their Face on Things? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Stomach issues don’t discriminate. If you are a cat parent, you probably know your cat has her fair share of gas and bloating issues. But, do cats fart? Here’s everything you need to know about cat gas.

Do Cats Fart?

“Everybody farts, including cats. Most of it passes without notice, though,” says Dr. Julie Sanders, veterinarian and director of operations at Heart + Paw. 

As for how often cats fart, that’s dependent on factors like your cat’s nature, as well as your cat’s diet. 

“It’s no less common in cats than in dogs or people, but it tends to be less noticed, possibly because cats are a bit more private,” adds Dr. Sanders. “Cats, as obligate carnivores, also consume less fiber – which is one of the sources of healthy intestinal gas.”

What Causes Cat Gas?

If your cat is digesting her food properly, gas is a natural byproduct.

“Fiber is digested by ‘good’ gut bacteria, producing butyrate which feeds the cells of the colon,” explains Dr. Sanders. “The gasses passed from this part of a normal, healthy metabolism largely go unnoticed.”

One possible cause of cats farting more than normal could be due to a recent diet change.

“A sudden dietary change can be harmful despite the best of intentions,” says Dr. Sanders. “A gradual diet change and diet trial might be a useful part of diagnosing and/or treating excessive, malodorous gas, and should always involve a consultation with your veterinarian first.”

However, if your cat has particularly smelly farts, it could signal a more significant digestive issue. 

“Malodorous (very smelly) or frequently noticeable farts from cats can be a sign of diseases ranging from intestinal parasites to dietary intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease,” says Dr. Sanders. 

What to Do If Your Cat is Farting a Lot

If you notice your cat is excessively farting, it’s time to call or visit your vet. 

“It may seem counterintuitive, but starting with diagnostics and finding the underlying cause can achieve comfort for your pet sooner, and ultimately save you time, money, and stress,” says Dr. Sanders. “If you have a good relationship with your vet and visit us for regular wellness care (at least every 6-12 months), we may even be able to start with a remote consultation (video or phone).”

Dr. Sanders notes that your vet may recommend: 

• A thorough physical exam
• Testing a fecal sample for intestinal parasites 
• Bloodwork (to look for conditions like thyroid disease, among others, that can affect digestion)
• Imaging, such as abdominal ultrasound (used to see changes consistent with inflammatory bowel disease, dietary intolerance, and cancer) or x-rays (to rule out foreign material and partial obstructions)

The post Do Cats Fart? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Do Cats Get Sad?

Pet parents tend to attribute human characteristics to their pets. You might describe your cat as friendly and spontaneous or standoffish and lazy; the same tendency applies to emotion.

Even though it’s impossible to know for certain whether cats experience sadness, it appears likely. 

“We surmise that cats can feel sadness,” says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. 

It’s also unclear whether there’s a biological reason for sadness and depression in cats. Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, believes that the cause might be different in cats than in humans.

“Most likely, depression in cats may have less to do with serotonin, which is our ‘happy’  hormone, and more to do with cortisol released by stress,” he explains. “An increase in cortisol can lead to all sorts of physical changes.” 

What Causes Cat Sadness?

There are a number of factors that could put your feline friend in a funk, from moving to a new home to the addition of a new pet. Cats can also react to loss, notes Weitzman.

“Cats create strong bonds with their loved ones and they certainly experience that loss, sometimes leading to stress, unhappiness, and depression,” he says.

Stress might also be to blame. Weitzman believes that some of the behaviors that cat owners interpret as grief might be stress-related. 

“Cats are creatures of habit and don’t appreciate change if they are happy with their current situation,” Weitzman says. “The longer a cat feels stressed, the more likely they are to become depressed.”

Some illnesses – including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), diabetes, kidney disease, and dental disease – can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, and a feeling of overall melancholy. Sedative medications and chemotherapy can cause similar symptoms that may be perceived as sadness.

“If you notice signs, visit the vet to make sure there’s not a health problem causing the symptoms,” says Kornreich.

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sad

Cat sadness can be difficult to detect. Some cats will sleep more often or lose interest in their favorite activities, while others will have decreased appetites. For this reason, Weitzman notes that it’s important to know what’s normal for your cat, and to be on the lookout for changes to their behavior.

Common signs of sadness in cats include:

• Increased sleep
• Low energy levels 
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Changes in grooming behaviors
• Decreased appetite
• Increase in litter box accidents
• More vocalization
• Hissing, biting, growling or other aggressive behaviors

Diagnosing Cat Depression

Sadness that lingers (and becomes chronic) might be diagnosed as depression.

There is no blood test or scan to diagnose sadness or depression in cats. Instead, veterinarians will rule out potential physical causes for the symptoms and rely on information from owners about behavior changes that could signal depression.

“If your cat starts acting differently, be extra attentive to identify those behaviors and consult your veterinarian,” says Weitzman. “The first thing you want to do is rule out an illness, injury, or pain. If your vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, start looking for lifestyle changes or environmental factors.”

Cat Depression Treatment

To help your cat overcome depression, start with enrichment.

Providing new cat toys and games, installing a new window perch or cat tree, or building a “catio” can provide stimulation to help alleviate sadness. Remember to dedicate time to play and grooming, too, because bonding activities can decrease stress and allow your cat to rediscover happiness. Other options include synthetic cat pheromones and cat-safe food supplements.

If your cat is still refusing to eat or interact, or showing other signs of sadness, your veterinarian may recommend an antidepressant.

“There are rare cases where cats may benefit from drugs to alter their behavior,” says Kornreich. 

Your vet might prescribe antidepressants like buspirone, trazodone and gabapentin, clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine to treat symptoms ranging from urine marking and hypervocalization to obsessive compulsive behaviors in cats. 

Cats taking antidepressants can experience side effects such as lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy; more severe side effects, including seizures and liver toxicity, can also occur. 

It is extremely important to never give your cat antidepressants (or any medication) prescribed for a human. Only give your cat the exact medication and dosage prescribed by your veterinarian. 

How to Prevent Cat Sadness

It’s normal for cats to experience sadness during their lives. Your role as a pet parent is to ensure that your cat has the tools to manage transition and to minimize stressors that could lead to sadness and depression whenever possible.

Weitzman suggests maintaining consistent times for meals and enrichment, providing lots of love and affection, and scheduling regular health checkups with your veterinarian to rule out possible physical illnesses. 

Provide toys that allow cats to exhibit natural behaviors like hunting, pouncing, swiping and swatting; offer scratching posts and perches to keep cats from becoming bored, which can lead to stress and sadness.

You should always be on the lookout for signs of behavior change.

“By knowing your cat and checking in on them often, you will be able to catch if your cat is stressed and acting depressed,” Weitzman says. “The sooner you notice, the sooner you can start helping them turn things around.”

The post Cat Sadness: Causes, Symptoms and How to Help appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Some cats do this occasionally, and others frequently—perhaps every day. Is that frequency normal? What can you do to decrease scooting? And is it a sign of discomfort or a health problem? Read to find out.

Why Is My Cat Scooting?

Cat scooting is a natural behavior, and it is normal to see it on occasion—perhaps a couple times per week at the most and for a short amount of time during each scoot. 

The most common reasons cats scoot are either to clean poop from their butts, or to stimulate their anal glands. Anal glands are right on the anus, the opening from the rectum (large intestine inside) to the outside. The glands are full of stinky liquid that serves to mark territory each time your cat poops.

But if your cat scoots every day (or maybe several times a day), or the scooting starts to increase, there could be several medical reasons why:

• Dermatitis (skin inflammation) in the area of the butt
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina in female cats)
• Proctitis (inflammation of the end of the large intestine a.k.a. the rectum)
• Anal gland disease
• Tapeworm infection
• Bladder or urethral inflammation (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD)

Obesity often leads to dermatitis around the butt, since your cat cannot properly groom the area. Allergies cause inflammation in a variety of places on your cat including the inside of the rectum. You may notice diarrhea if your cat has proctitis. Flea infestation can result in tapeworm infection. Tapeworm segments can be seen in poop or on the butt itself and are off-white and rice-sized. If you notice your cat is urinating outside of the litter box or there is a change in the urine such as having a red color, your cat could be experiencing FLUTD.

Anal gland disease in dogs is relatively common; it is fairly uncommon in cats and likely not the cause of scooting. 

As you can see, there are a number of things that can cause a cat to scoot. Keep veterinary costs from adding to your list of concerns by having a pet health insurance policy in place. The folks at Lemonade offer customizable plans that start as low as $10. Everything from signing up to making a claim can be done on their mobile app.

What Should You Do If You See Your Cat Scooting?      

If your cat is scooting, allow him to finish. But if you see your cat scooting, and wish for him to stop, do not yell or “punish” him negatively in any way. Since scooting is a natural behavior, this will frighten your cat and lead to other issues. Try to distract him with his favorite toys or treats instead.

After your cat is finished scooting, lift his tail and look closely around the butt. Is there any poop or debris in the fur? Does the skin around the butt look red or crusty at all? Is there any fur missing? If so, you should schedule a veterinary examination. 

Using a warm washcloth or unscented pet wipes, you may gently try to wipe away debris. However, if your cat reacts strongly, or you would have to press a bit to get something off there, do not attempt to clean any further and call your veterinarian.

Do not attempt to express your cat’s anal glands at home! Most cats will not allow this and a person trying to do so could cause more harm than good.

If your cat begins to increase how often he scoots, you should schedule a veterinary examination even if the skin around the butt looks normal. Most of the causes are not apparent to us. Other clues as to what might be causing the scooting include a history of allergies or itchy skin, changes in urination such as red urine or peeing outside the litter box, diarrhea, and rice-sized off-white granules in the poop.

Cat Scooting Treatment

The first way to treat cat scooting is to keep your cat’s butt clean. If any poop is stuck to the fur, your cat will often scoot. If this does not resolve the issue, veterinarians will often try a variety of remedies that may help your cat with symptoms. 

Examples of treatments for cat scooting include:

• Steroids such as prednisolone. These decrease inflammation and are especially useful in cats with allergies.

• New diet that is protein restricted. Beef, chicken, and fish are the most common causes of food allergies in cats. Prescription diets are created to avoid these common allergens and decrease inflammation.

• Antibiotics. If there is anal sac disease, a skin infection, or your veterinarian suspects an infection of the bladder, urethra or vagina, she may prescribe antibiotics to combat most common bacterial infections.

• Anal gland expression. Not all cats allow examination of anal glands, which requires your veterinarian to put a gloved finger into your cat’s butt. Expressing them can help your veterinarian discern if the glands are infected or not. Expressing the liquid content of the glands may help relieve symptoms, although it is unlikely. 

• Topical ointments, mousse, or shampoos. For any areas of the skin that are inflamed, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription shampoo to combat infection and inflammation.

• Tapeworm medication. The most common medication is praziquantel, and one dose would be enough to kill tapeworms.

• Pain medications. Sometimes, just to rule out pain or discomfort from the bladder or other places, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications to see if they help your kitty feel better.

Home Remedies for Cat Scooting

There are many things you can do at home to try and help your cat’s scooting issue:

Wipes intended for humans with hemorrhoids. Gently wiping your cat’s butt keeps it clean, but these wipes are medicated to provide relief from inflammation and discomfort. Ask your veterinarian before using a human wipe on your cat. 

Feed a high-quality canned diet. Increased water intake may help if your cat has urinary (bladder) issues. Canned cat food diets have less carbohydrates than dry food diets, and this may help decrease diarrhea in some cats.

Increase fiber intake. Psyllium fiber can help “bulk up” your cat’s poop, allowing the anal glands to express more frequently. Start with ¼ teaspoon twice daily and monitor for a response over a couple weeks. Fiber supplements for cats may also be beneficial.

Apply monthly flea preventive. This will prevent fleas and thus tapeworms!

Control how much your cat eats every day. If your cat becomes overweight or obese, he will not be able to groom properly, and this may lead to dermatitis and scooting. If your cat is currently overweight, speak with your veterinarian about the amount of food your cat should eat to lose weight.

Cat Scooting: The Bottom Line

Cat scooting is a normal behavior but can be a sign of discomfort if it is frequent. Most of the time we cannot see the reason why our cat is scooting, and you will need your veterinarian’s help. 

Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight, and ensure your cat is keeping his butt clean. Monitor your cat for any other concerns such as changes to his poop or urine habits.

The post Cat Scooting: Why It Happens and How to Stop It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

One mode of communication pet parents might not know about is the slow blink. This action, which involves your cat narrowing her eyes at you and blinking very slowly—and, ideally, you do the same back—indicates a positive relationship between a person and their cat [1]. Some studies show that cats in shelters who slow blink at humans are adopted faster than those who don’t [2].

But what about other eye movements, like cat winking? Does a wink mean that your cat wants to communicate, or is it just a twitch? And are there times that winking may be a sign of something serious? Let’s break it down.

Cat Winking: What Does It Look Like?

A cat “wink” is the same as a human wink, closing one eye at a time instead of both. That said, human winks are often intentional, while cat winks are more likely an involuntary eye movement. 

“A cat ‘wink’ can be as simple as closing the eyelids slowly to more of a spastic, fluttering closure of the eyelids, depending on its underlying cause,” says Dr. Terri Baldwin, a veterinarian at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. She adds that winks are within the range of a cat’s normal eye movement, but a spastic, fluttering closure indicates an abnormality in the eye.

What Does it Mean When a Cat Winks at You?

Winking is not a typical cat behavior, but it does happen and can be a show of affection. 

“Cats often close both eyes at the same time in a show of comfort or intense affection,” Baldwin says. Sometimes, the cat may only close one eye rather than both, which has the same meaning as the aforementioned “slow blink.”

There are several theories about why cats slow blink. Some believe it was a learned behavior reinforced by humans that reacted positively to the slow blink. In contrast, others suspect that slow blinking emerged as a way for cats to break a stare, which could be interpreted by other animals as a threat. Regardless of origins, the consensus is that the slow blink—or wink—is a sign of affection and trust between cats and humans.

However, some winks and blinks are less innocuous. If a cat is consistently closing just one of her eyes, or if that blinking motion isn’t slow and controlled, it could mean she may have a medical condition.

How to Decode Cat Winking and Blinking

So how to tell the difference between a “good” wink and a “bad” wink? Good winks, the ones that have the same meaning as a slow blink, come with specific bodily cues. Your cat will be relaxed and calm, not anxious or fidgety. She’ll be making prolonged eye contact. Also, your cat may not close her eyes all the way—a half-closed eye can count as a good wink. 

When is Cat Winking a Problem?

If you notice that your cat is winking a lot, especially in a jerky and irregular way, you should be on the lookout for other symptoms of an eye infection, including:

• Eye redness and swelling
• Discharge from the eyes
• Eye cloudiness
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Your cat is withdrawn
• Your cat is not engaging in normal grooming behaviors
• Your cat is not eating

Abnormal cat winking may also be caused by neurological issues, since nerves control a cat’s ability to blink. Although uncommon, facial nerve paralysis may cause a cat to be unable to blink one eye, which can appear as winking. 

“You should take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice one eye is closed more often than the other eye, especially if the blinking is a spastic, fluttering closure or it is accompanied by discharge,” Baldwin says. “You should also take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice a change in behavior, decrease in appetite, or weight loss.”

She strongly cautions against treating your cat with any over-the-counter medications or eye drops before seeking out the advice of a veterinarian. 

“Cats are susceptible animals and can have allergic and even anaphylactic reactions to certain medications. Therefore, it is best to only give your cat eye drops based upon the advice of a veterinarian that has examined your pet,” Baldwin says.

If your cat consistently blinks or winks at you slowly and with control while you’re hanging out, it’s a good thing. It’s a sign of trust and affection, and you can even slow blink back at her to let her know that you feel the same.

Adversely, if the winking or blinking is uncontrolled and presents in a spastic or fluttering manner, see your veterinarian.

The post Cat Winking: Why They Do It and What It Means appeared first on Great Pet Care.

If your kitty is constantly frolicking in puddles or jumping into a full bathtub, you might be wondering if it’s time to take the plunge (pun intended) and let her have a proper swim. But would that be safe? Can cats swim? And what sort of precautions should you take?

Do Cats Like Water?

Generally speaking, cats are not fans of water. This may have to do with the fact that domestic cats originated in the desert and didn’t have many opportunities to swim in their native environment [1]. However, some cats are drawn to water and may enjoy taking a dip. Certain breeds are known for liking water (more on those later).

According to Dr. Maranda Elswick, a Florida-based veterinarian and founder of The Meowing Vet, LLC, enjoying the water isn’t necessarily an innate trait but something that cats can learn if you introduce them early enough. “You should start when your cat is young. That’s the best time if you want your cat to learn how to not only swim but also enjoy the water,” she says.

Elswick warns that if a cat isn’t introduced to water at their own pace, they could panic, which is extremely dangerous. “It’s the panicking that causes cats to drown, not necessarily that they don’t know how to swim,” she notes. 

Can Cats Swim?

Short answer: Yes, cats can swim.

Cats have webbing between their toes, meaning they should instinctively know how to swim if needed. That said, you don’t want to toss a cat into a large body of water to see if she’ll swim. It’s best to start slow and ensure that your cat is well-equipped to paddle around.

“I would start in shallow water, just a couple of inches,” Elswick says. “Let them get used to the water before increasing the depth. You always want the cat to feel comfortable. Don’t push it and stop immediately if your cat starts to panic.” 

Once your cat is comfortable in shallow water (Elswick recommends starting with a warm bathtub), try holding her in deeper water and gently letting go to see if she’ll start swimming. Make sure to supervise the process from start to finish.

With some diligence in training, most cats will learn to swim, says Elswick. “if you stick with it and are patient as your cat acclimates to the water, chances are she’ll learn,” she adds. “However, some cats are never going to like water, and you should never force your cat to swim if she doesn’t enjoy it.”

Swimming Cat Breeds

Certain cat breeds enjoy the water, notably Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats. 

Maine Coons are a long-haired breed known for their easy-going disposition, large stature and shaggy coats. The Cat Fanciers’ Association notes that Maine Coon cats are particularly known for their love of water and may join you in the shower or “help” you wash the dishes [2]. 

Norwegian Forest Cats (known affectionately as “Wegies”) look like Maine Coons and share their affection for water. This could be because they have a double coat with a water-resistant outer layer that protects a warm undercoat. Their double coats help them survive cold winters in their native Norway and make playing in the water more appealing. 

Elswick mentions a few additional breeds that like the water, including Bengals, Turkish Vans and even some Manx cats. She does add, though, that liking water doesn’t necessarily mean your cat will want to go swimming. “A lot of them may just want to put their feet in, walk around in a puddle or just play in the bathtub or sink. They may also be easier to bathe,” she says.

Cat Swimming Safety Tips

Even if your cat loves water and is a proven swimmer, pet parents should keep some important safety tips in mind. 

First and foremost, cats shouldn’t be swimming in any body of water with a strong current or tide. “And if they are in a large body of water, they should be wearing a leash or harness so that you can get to them quickly if there are any issues,” Elswick says.

While many pet parents may consider life jackets for their cats, Elswick doesn’t necessarily recommend them. She says that wearing any type of clothing, including a life jacket, may make your cat panic in the water and can limit movement, making it more difficult to swim.

If your cat takes to the water like a fish, there are still a few potential pitfalls to consider. First, water can upset the balance of oils on cats’ skin and in their coats. 

“This can cause dry skin and dry fur. It could also lead to overgrooming as your cat tries to fix that balance,” Elswick says. This is especially true if your cat is swimming in a pool with chemicals like chlorine. Other health issues to look out for are GI upset, coughing and respiratory problems. 

For pet parents with a pool or a pond in their yards, ensure there’s a gate or safety fence surrounding that water. “A pool alarm, which should alert you if a small child falls into the pool, is a good idea if you have pets,” Elswick says.Finally, Elswick says all pet parents should learn pet CPR. “Whether your pet likes to swim or not, is a strong swimmer or a weak one, it’s just a good thing to know.”

The post Can Cats Swim? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

When you look over at your crazed kitty, her eyes may glow an eerie dim blue-yellow light even when most lights have been turned off. So what is the reason for this glow, and why do cats have a fantastic ability to see so well in the dark?

Can Cats See in the Dark?

Yes. Cats can see in the dark and have much better night vision than humans do. Humans need six times more light than cats to see in the dark. Cats can see well when it is dark, but there needs to be some light.

Although cats can be active at night, cats are not nocturnal animals. Instead, cats are crepuscular. Crepuscular animals are most active at dusk and dawn. Cats evolved from desert animals, and dusk and dawn are the coolest times of the day. For this reason, cats are most active at those times.

How Do Cats See in the Dark?

Light enters an eye through the cornea, the pupil, and the lens. A cat’s cornea, or the clear part of the front of the eye, is larger than other species and can catch more light when it’s dark outside. A cat’s pupil, or the black center of the eye, can open very wide and round and allow the lens to catch more light. A cat’s lens, or the clear curved structure behind the black pupil, is also larger to supply more light to the retina behind it.

A cat’s retina, found at the back of the inside of the eye, has a special layer called the tapetum lucidum. This layer is made up of reflective cells that allow light to bounce off the back of the eye, increasing the chance the eye will absorb the light. Think of the tapetum as a mirror reflecting beams of light. This layer is the reason cat eyes appear to glow in the dark! Cat eyes allow six times more light to be processed by the retina than humans, giving them excellent night vision.

Photoreceptors called rods and cones sit in the retina. Rods improve vision when it is dark and detect movement, while cones are responsible for seeing color and sharp images in the daytime. Compared to other species, cats have way more rods—three times as many as humans. Rods are also responsible for detecting movement, which explains why cats are excellent hunters at night. However, the number of cones in a cat’s eye is lower, so cats cannot see as many colors or very well in the daytime.

How Well Can Cats See in the Dark?

Cats can see very well in the dark. Based on the high number of rods and the tapetum layer in their eyes, cats can see better at night than humans, dogs, and many other animals. The trade-off is that cats cannot see well in daylight. Cats have many more rods than they do cones, which are necessary to see clearly in daylight. Also, a cat’s eyes are so reflective that when light enters the eye, it bounces back and forth until it lands on receptors to take the signal, resulting in less accurate vision in the daytime.

Surprisingly, there are other ways cats can “see” without using their eyes. Their sense of smell, hearing, whiskers, and paws can be used to navigate without seeing well. Whiskers sense vibrations or changes in air current, which helps cats determine the size, shape, and speed of moving objects near them. Their paws feel for vibrations on the ground, which also assists cats when it is dark.

Cat Night Vision: Other Interesting Facts

• Cat’s vision equates to 20/100. Their sharpness of vision is less than dogs or humans.
• Cats can see yellow and blue colors, but red and green are viewed as various shades of gray.
• Vocalizing at night is common in cats when they become senior, and it is often tied to medical concerns such as loss of vision or hearing.
• A cat’s tapetum layer reflects 130 times more light than human eyes.
• Cats can see up to 120 feet away, but many cats cannot see things within a foot of their nose.

The post Can Cats See in the Dark? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Our guide contains all you need to know about why cats yawn, how their yawning differs from ours and our canine companions, and when yawning may mean something is off. 

If anything seems out of step (like your cat is yawning excessively or it’s accompanied by other symptoms) contact your veterinarian.

Do Cats Yawn?

Yes, cats do yawn. Yawning is a universal behavior present in humans and most animal species, including our felines. Cats yawn similarly to how humans and other animals yawn: they open their mouths wide, take in a deep breath, then follow up with a shorter exhalation.  

Though the technique is similar, it’s believed that a cat’s yawn doesn’t last quite as long as a human’s, which scientists chalk up to brain size and gray matter. The theory is that yawning delivers additional “cooler” blood to the brain as a way to keep the temperature optimally balanced. Animals with larger brains and more neural connections need more “cooler” blood to get rid of the heat. 

Why Do Cats Yawn?

Scientists can’t say with absolute certainty why cats (or humans, for that matter) yawn, but they have some solid theories. 

Contentment

If you live with both a cat and a dog, they may be yawning for different reasons. Yawning in dogs can signal fear or anxiety, says Dr. Lisa Goin, a partner doctor with Heart + Paw in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, however “yawning in cats typically indicates they are relaxed and content, especially if they are in their normal environment.

Sleepiness and Boredom

Cats yawn when they’re tired or feeling bored, just like we do. Yawning increases blood flow to the head (in both humans and birds) to cool the brain in an attempt to achieve alertness. This may help explain why humans tend to yawn more in the afternoon or evening, when body temperatures are often higher.

Behavioral Causes

An excited or nervous dog might yawn, says  Dr. Cathy Lund, a veterinarian with City Kitty Veterinary Care for Cats in Providence, Rhode Island. Though, “Cats do not appear to have the same reaction to excitement and their yawns appear purely linked to sleep time or waking.”   

Cats may, however, yawn when conflicted over something or to indicate to other cats that they’re not a threat, says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of The Cat Coach in the San Francisco Bay area. 

Medical Causes

Yawning is a natural, involuntary behavior that on its own, doesn’t coincide with any major illnesses. A cat yawning a lot, on the other hand, can indicate a medical condition like oral ulcers and resorptive lesions. If this is the case, pet parents may notice their cats vocalizing in pain when they yawn, dropping food, and a loss of appetite.

“Other signs that yawning may be due to a medical condition rather than behavioral include excessive drooling, difficulty eating, or rubbing at the face,” says Goin 

Does Cat Yawning Cause Other Cats to Yawn?

There’s strong evidence that humans and other animal species—including dogs, chimpanzees, and budgerigars—yawn as a reaction to seeing members of their own species yawn. Scientists say that this occurrence—called contagious yawning—is tied to empathy and strong social bonds. 

Contagious yawning has been observed in lions, and is thought to be a way for them to form cohesion and synchronize movements. As for whether our own cats yawn contagiously is still open for debate. Cats appear to yawn for the same reasons as we do, says Lund. “Although we don’t know if one cat’s yawn might stimulate yawning in their companions.”

Does Human Yawning Cause Cats to Yawn?

Though dogs are known to yawn contagiously after seeing their humans yawn, the behavior doesn’t seem to be replicated in cats. 

“One theory about why yawns aren’t contagious with cats is they are mostly solitary, not pack animals,so another animal yawning won’t trigger the yawn response,” says Krieger. It might also be that dogs have been domesticated longer than cats and are more dependent on humans. 

The science on this is still open, though. In fact, the University of Sussex in the U.K. is conducting a new study to determine if cats yawn contagiously from their humans.  

Cat Yawning: What It Means

Cats who are content and at ease in their environments will yawn, says Lund. “So if your cat is yawning, that means he or she is feeling pretty calm and unthreatened and not worried about any dangers, which is a very positive thing.”

Yawning that’s excessive or that coincides with other signs of sickness however, may indicate a possible health issue.

Yawning can also be situational. A cat yawning a lot during car rides, for example, might have motion sickness, which can cause an array of symptoms associated with nausea, including yawning.  

You know your cat best, so if something seems amiss, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian.

Should You Worry About Cat Yawning?

Cat yawning is usually not a cause for concern. In fact, “Relaxed and happy cats will yawn with tiredness or on awakening,” says Lund. “Stressed or tense cats will not generally yawn. Their alertness will literally prevent that behavior.”

There are, however, two situations that should prompt a visit to your veterinarian.  

Yawning that is accompanied by other signs of sickness. A cat experiencing other changes in breathing should be evaluated immediately, says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. This includes, she says, abnormal noises, panting like a dog, blue or pale gums, faster than normal breathing, or exerted effort when moving air in and out the lungs. Additionally, “If the cat is not eating well, lethargic, having excessive vomiting or diarrhea, or drinking more water, or hiding more, then they should be checked out by a veterinarian.” 

Excessive yawning. “Whenever there are any changes in behavior, even increases in yawning frequency, cats need to be examined by a veterinarian,” says Krieger, as that can be a sign of an underlying illness.

The post Cat Yawning: Why They Do It and What It Means appeared first on Great Pet Care.

While some cats hide to take a break from stimulation or people, other cats may hide when they are experiencing fear, stress, pain or an underlying health problem. 

Learn why your cat may be hiding, when to consult with a veterinarian and how to get a cat out of hiding. 

Cat Hiding: What It Looks Like

If your cat shrinks away from you, sprints into other rooms, or doesn’t show up for her usual routine (like mealtime and potty breaks), she’s probably in hiding. 

To determine whether she’s truly hiding or just relaxing somewhere, pay attention to her body language. 

“If a cat’s just hiding because she wants alone time, she will look more relaxed, lying down on her side with her paws out,” says Dr. Marci L. Koski, certified feline behavior consultant and founder of Feline Behavior Solutions. Koski says this is normal, healthy behavior, so respect her desire to be left alone.

If your cat is hiding because she’s afraid or something else is going on, you may notice the following:

• Widely dilated pupils
• Ears back or flattened to the side
• Body tucked tight into a small ball or loaf shape, with her tail wrapped around her

In this case, it’s important to identify what’s at the root of this hiding behavior. There’s no specific breed, age, or type of cat that’s generally more prone to hiding than others, says Koski. Ultimately, reasons for hiding come down to the individual cat’s personality, health status, personal history, and potential triggers. 

Why Is My Cat Hiding? 

Cats can hide for many reasons, some of which can cause concern. Here are a few common triggers:  

• They’re somewhere new. If your new cat is hiding, know this is common. This could be due to perceived threats such as a busy household, loud guests or children, other animals or even unusual sounds or smells.  

• They’re stressed. Hidden-away spots feel safe to cats, so they often hide to feel better when stressed out. 

• They’re afraid. Cats can become fearful for numerous reasons and may retreat until they feel safe again. Things like a washing machine, a jittery A/C unit or a roommate who has a bad habit of slamming doors could all be scary things to a cat.

• They’re overstimulated. Cats are just like us; they need alone time to recharge and relax. If play time’s gone on too long or kids overwhelm your kitty with attention, she may scurry away for a much-needed catnap.  

• They feel trapped. Felines are predators and prey in the wild, so hiding spots are essential for cats to exhibit their natural inclinations. If there are no safe spots or quick exits available in your space, your cat may try to hide wherever she can. 

• They are being bullied. If you’re in a multi-animal household, your cat could be hiding because she’s not getting along with another dog or cat. 

• They are in pain. It’s not uncommon for older cats to develop aches and pains or arthritis. Cats hide signs of weakness in the wild by staying out of sight, so domesticated cats may also hide when they’re in pain.

• They’re sick. Wondering why your cat’s hiding suddenly or acting strange? Sometimes, this is due to a health condition in need of treatment. 

Whenever your cat abruptly changes her behavior or begins hiding for prolonged periods, it’s good to reach out to your veterinarian for a checkup to make sure she’s alright, says Koski. 

Where Do Cats Hide?

Warm, dark spaces are premier hiding spots for cats, says Koski. You’ll often find a cat hiding underneath your bed or couch, behind the washer and dryer, beside the water heater, inside closets, below the house or deck or curled up against something warm. 

Because cats like different spots for hiding, relaxing and escaping, you may find yours has a few favorite places depending on what she’s running from or looking to do, says Koski. It’s common for cats to wander around dawn and dusk since they’re crepuscular (active at night), so you might also notice your cat hides away more often during the day. 

How Long Will a Cat Hide?

Cats can hide for hours, days, or even weeks, which can feel scary for pet parents. As far as how long is “normal” for a cat to hide, it depends on why your cat’s hiding. 

“If, for example, she’s new to the home, sometimes cats who are less social and tend to be more insecure and fearful might hide for days,” says Koski. “I’ve also seen cases where cats have hidden for weeks.” 

Here’s how to determine when you should worry and what to do. 

Is Cat Hiding a Cause for Concern?

Cats each have their patterns and preferences for normal hiding behavior. However, when their hiding habits shift or suddenly change, it’s important to pay attention, says Koski. 

If your cat’s hiding behavior is accompanied by other symptoms such as decreased appetite or refusal to eat, vomiting, or not using the litter box, it could be a major signal that something is wrong. Contact your veterinarian for a prompt checkup. 

Your veterinarian will be able to assess whether your cat’s hiding behavior is related to a health or medical issue or whether it may be a good idea to schedule a consult with a cat behaviorist. 

How to Get a Cat Out of Hiding 

It’s important to know what not to do to get a cat out of hiding. Don’t reach in and grab them or drag them out. 

“That’s taking away a cat’s choice and when they lose the option to choose for themselves, you may end up being injured because the cat is afraid or angry,” says Koski. 

You also want to avoid yelling, startling them, or squirting them with water, which will only make them more afraid and could hurt your relationship. 

Instead, try the following strategies:

Identify and address potential threats. Could your cat be hiding due to triggers such as loud noises coming from your TV, a particularly intense candle or too much attention from little hands? Dial down these disruptions for a calmer, safer space. 

Bribe her with a few of her favorite things. Try to entice your kitty to come out with gentle coaxing, cat toys or treats. Each time she emerges from her hiding spot, reward her with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement.

Bring resources to her. If your cat won’t even venture out for food or water, make sure they’re available nearby and gradually move them to their usual spot until she’s comfortable coming out for them regularly. 

Make your space more cat-friendly. For a happy home, cats need numerous exits for speedy runaways, high and low hideout spots, lounging areas and plenty of toys. If possible, create secluded spaces to make her feel more comfortable and secure. 

If you’re still struggling to get your cat to come out, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist for help. 

How to Prevent or Minimize Hiding Cats 

While occasional and periodic hiding is normal for cats, there are a few ways you can reduce problematic hiding behavior. Here are our top recommendations to soothe angsty cats and provide safer hangout spots:

Try a Calming Product

Sometimes, you cannot remove your cat’s source of anxiety, whether she doesn’t get along with your dog, kids, loud city noises or all of the above. In this case, using a calming product may be beneficial. These can include things like hemp oil, calming vests, calming treats, or pheromone diffusers. 

Provide a Safe Place for Her to Hide 

A hiding spot in the center of your living room rather than inside an unreachable, dangerous part of your home? Count us in. Try a pet tunnel to give your cat a safe and accessible place to hide from time to time without resorting to unapproved hideaways.  

Make Her Space Warmer

Cats often hide to seek warmth from sources like a dryer or heater because your house is too chilly for them or it helps soothe pain from arthritis. But this can be dangerous or lead to excessive time curled up in a hideaway. If you suspect this could be what’s going on, help your cat stay warm by investing in a heated cat mat, suggests Koski.

Get Your Cat Used to Her Carrier

Many cats dread the sight of the cat carrier, but keeping one accessible at all times can help reduce hiding behavior. 

“You want to make it cozy and throw some treats in there occasionally to help your cat feel like the carrier is a safe space where she can go to relax,” says Koski. 

As a bonus, traveling and trips to the veterinarian could go more smoothly since she feels more secure and at ease. 

The post Why Is My Cat Hiding? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

To help you restore harmony on the home front, we’ve provided evidence-based suggestions on how to stop a cat from spraying. Part of finding a solution is to understand the problem, so we’ve also dedicated sections to explain why cats spray. 

It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before trying new techniques, and to get a proper diagnosis. 

Why Do Cats Spray?

Spraying urine is how cats communicate with each other. “Cats prefer to avoid physical confrontations whenever possible so they often use scent communication to relay messages,” says Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Nashville-based Cat Behavior Associates. “Cats are master communicators and scent is one of the most important methods for them.” 

Sprayed urine contains pheromones, the chemical that facilitates this communication. Pheromones “tell other cats vital information about the sprayer, including status, sex, mating availability, and territorial claims,” says Bennett. 

Changes in a cat’s environment can also lead to spraying, says Dr. Lisa Goin, a veterinarian with Heart + Paw in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. “Spraying that is occurring near doors or windows can indicate an outside stressor such as seeing other cats outside,” she says.  “Spraying in other areas of the home can indicate stressors from inside the home such as new pets, people, and construction.” 

In multi-cat households, competition for resources can cause anxiety that leads to cat spraying. Some studies suggest that the likelihood of spraying increases in proportion with the number of cats in the home. 

Do Litter Box Setups Contribute to Cat Spraying?

Cat spraying often has little to do with the litter box itself, says Bennett, which is why a spraying cat may still use the litter box for elimination. “Spraying is usually the result of some environmental dynamic. Cats who spray may also regularly use the litter box for normal urination and defecation.”

The difference is the location of the urine—puddles of urine on furniture or rugs are more likely to be associated with litter box problems. Urine on vertical surfaces such as walls and furniture is true urine spraying and is about communication.

If you have a multicat household, cats may spray if there aren’t enough litter boxes present. You should aim to have one litter box per cat, plus one additional one to help relieve stress or territorial issues around litter box habits. 

Do Male Cats Spray?

Intact males will spray because they’re ruled by their hormones, says Bennett. “Spraying may help males avoid physical confrontation which could lead to injury. Males may also spray in an unfamiliar environment. Spraying is the safest form of exchanging information.”

Intact males use spraying to mark their territory.

Do Female Cats Spray?

Though spraying is more prevalent in males, some intact females will spray as part of their normal mating behavior, says Goin.

Female spraying is in many respects similar to male cat spraying. “A female may spray to let males know her mating availability status,” says Bennett. “Females may also spray when feeling threatened or in an unfamiliar environment.”

Do Neutered Cats Spray?

Neutering may greatly reduce the occurrence of cat spraying, but it doesn’t guarantee that the behavior will never surface. It’s estimated that about 10 percent of neutered males and 5 percent of spayed females continue to spray. If your cat is already spraying, sterilization surgery may not eliminate the problem, especially if they have been practicing the behavior for a long time.

Spraying from a neutered (or spayed) cat may be a warning sign that he feels threatened or concerned, says Bennett. 

“It could be that you’re rushing a new cat introduction or that you’re missing the building tension in your multi-cat household. It could even be that the new furniture you bought has an unfamiliar scent and your cat needs to establish it as part of the territory. The bottom line is that you need to determine the cause in order to effectively address the behavior.”

Cat Spray Vs. Pee: What’s the Difference?

Cats pee to eliminate waste. Soiling issues like peeing right outside the litter box are usually due to a poor litter box setup, underlying diseases, cognitive decline, or old age. Though some of these can factor into spraying behavior, cats generally spray to communicate mating status, establish territory, and respond to anxiety. 

Here are some tangible ways to tell the difference between cat spraying and regular peeing. These are just guidelines, so it’s best to have your veterinarian make a proper diagnosis if you’re unsure.

Is it a Squirt or Stream?

A cat who sprays will produce a smaller amount of urine than you would normally see with regular elimination. Put into perspective, healthy adult cats normally produces 28 milliliters of urine every 24 hours. In contrast, sprayers usually squirt less than two milliliters. 

Does the Pee Land on the Floor or Wall?

Goin says sprayers usually aim for vertical surfaces, which is why you may notice urine on walls, fences, or the sides of chairs. Cats with inappropriate urination issues, she says, will usually pee on horizontal surfaces (like floors and walls). This is not a hard and fast rule, though. Some cats will occasionally spray on horizontal surfaces. 

Is the Cat Standing or Squatting When He Pees?

A cat usually stands to spray on a vertical surface, while a cat who’s eliminating will squat, Goin says. Another sign that a cat is spraying is that he will often turn his arched back to the target then raise and shake his tail. 

Spraying Smells Worse Than Regular Cat Pee

The cat spraying smell from an intact male is noticeably more pungent than female and neutered male urine. This is because “intact male cats have higher levels of hormones (like testosterone) in their system compared to neutered male cats, so that is why their urine smells stronger,” explains Goin. 

A neutered cat’s urine can stink, too, but not for the same reason. “With neutered and spayed cats, the reason the smell is more noticeable to cat parents is because it is often deposited on objects repeatedly where it stays and dries, for example, against a wall or piece of furniture,” says Bennett. “After a few repeated visits to the same area, the dried spray becomes quite offensive to the human nose.”

When Do Cats Start Spraying?

You might start to notice cat spraying behavior when your cat reaches sexual maturity, which generally occurs at around 6 months of age, says Bennett.

When cats become socially mature at about 2 years old, they may begin challenging each other, says Bennett. “Spraying may start to be seen at that time.”

A cat can spray at any age, however. “Any change in the environment that causes a cat to feel threatened or concerned can result in spraying at any age in an adult cat,” says Bennett.

How to Stop a Cat From Spraying

It’s important to rule out medical issues (like cystitis) before considering behavioral modification techniques. 

If your vet does not diagnose your cat with a medical condition, you can try the following tips to help stop a cat from spraying. 

Consider Neutering or Spaying Your Cat

Neutering or spaying a cat is the best way to dramatically reduce spraying behavior, says Bennett. “If a cat hasn’t been neutered or spayed, talk to your veterinarian about when this should be done. If a male cat isn’t neutered then it will forever be a losing battle to combat spraying.”

Provide a Stable Home Environment

Cats don’t like change, says Bennett. “They take comfort in familiarity and their social structure is built around the availability of resources.” Sometimes change is unavoidable—work schedules rotate, people move out of the house, or you adopt a new pet. However, “Keep these things in mind so you can provide the most security and emotional comfort for your cat,” adds Bennett.

Examine Your Litter Box Setup

Though spraying is not an elimination problem, providing an attractive litter box setup can reduce conflicts—and thus anxiety—especially in multi-cat households. 

Veterinarians recommend maintaining one litter box per cat plus an additional one. So a home with two cats would need three litter boxes, and a three-cat household would require four boxes. The litter boxes should be large enough for a cat to move freely and be kept in quiet areas. The type of litter you use is important, too; cats tend to like soft, unscented clumping litter. 

If you have a multi-level home there should be at least one litter box per level that your cat has access to.

Reduce Your Cat’s Anxiety Level

Removing or reducing stressors can help alleviate cat spraying. Inside the home, synthetic pheromones such as Feliway can reduce anxiety,” Goin says. Pheromone diffusers contain synthetic chemicals that mimic natural pheromones. They’re easy to use: just plug it into an electrical outlet and occasionally replace the cartridge. 

If your cat becomes anxious from seeing cats outdoors, experts recommend preventing visual access by drawing blinds, using a motion-activated sprinkler, or other deterrents. 

Thoroughly Clean Soiled Areas

Cats will return to marked areas, so cleaning up any remnants can prevent spraying in that area. “Any urine marked areas should be cleaned regularly with an enzymatic urine cleanser to reduce the habit of marking frequented areas,” says Goin.

To be sure you’ve cleaned up every last drop of urine (it’s not always visible to the human eye) use a black light, an ultraviolet light that causes urine to glow in the dark.

Ask Your Veterinarian About Medications

Veterinarians may prescribe medications like Clomipramine or Fluoxetine in cats with anxiety issues. Drug therapy is intended for use in conjunction with behavior therapy, the theory being that it reduces anxiety enough for the cat to be receptive to change. Ask your veterinarian if this is a good option for your cat, and work with a professional behaviorist skilled in techniques like operant and classical conditioning, which teach cats to refocus their attention. Punishment is never an acceptable option and can even make the spraying worse.

The post Cat Spraying: Why It Happens and How to Stop It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

With insights from veterinarians, we help explain what may be motivating your cat’s behavior, then offer solid tips to help you address it. We’ve also added proven cleaning tips so you can spend more time bonding with your cat instead of worrying about messes. Always check with your veterinarian for recommendations and to get a proper diagnosis.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Everywhere?

There are a number of potential reasons that may explain why your cat keeps peeing everywhere, from behavioral and medical issues to an uninviting litter box. Here are a few common causes. 

The Litter Box is Not Up to Your Cat’s Exacting Standards

If the litter box is dirty, your cat will likely not use it. “Cats prefer freshly ‘flushed’ litter boxes similar to how people like to use restroom stalls that have been flushed by the previous user,” says Dr. Ashley Barnes, medical director at Louisville Family Animal Hospital in Louisville, Colorado. 

A cat might also hesitate to use a litter box that’s too small and cramped, is hard to climb in and out of, is uncovered (or covered), is in a noisy location, or contains off-putting litter. 

I Moved and Now My Cat is Peeing Everywhere  

Anything that deviates from a cat’s normal routine can cause anxiety. “This can be stress from another animal or kids in the house, stress from moving, having work done on the house, not enough perceived resources, or change in routine, or not enough or dirty litter boxes,” says Barnes. Even being overly affectionate with a cat can cause stress, as can boredom and loneliness.

The Cat Has a Medical Condition

Here are a few your veterinarian might want to check for.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI is a bacterial (and sometimes fungal) infection that develops in the urinary system. It creates inflammation, which in turn causes pain and urgency, says Barnes. “When cats have pain on urination, they tend to associate this with the litter box and will go elsewhere in an effort to make urination more comfortable.”
• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): FIC is a recurring bladder inflammation usually caused by stress or low water intake. It’s most common in middle-aged to older male cats, says Barnes. “The inflammation causes pain and urgency similar to a urinary tract infection.”
• Urinary Stones: Urinary stones develop in the urinary system when the minerals contained in urine clump together (1). “Stones cause inflammation which causes pain and urgency, as seen with UTIs and FIC,” says Barnes.
• Diseases That Increase Thirst: A cat who drinks too much water may not make it in time to the litter box, says Barnes. “Or they may use the litter box so much it becomes too ‘dirty.’” Examples of diseases that cause increased thirst, says Barnes, are kidney disease and diabetes mellitus.

Other diseases linked to a cat peeing everywhere include hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and heart disease, says Dr. Katie Pagan, a partner veterinarian with Heart + Paw in Fells Point, Maryland.

Your Cat is a Senior

An old cat peeing everywhere may be suffering from chronic pain associated with arthritis. “If a cat has arthritis in their hips, lower back, and/or stifles (knee joints), this can make it painful to get into the litter box and/or posture,” says Barnes.

Bladder tumors, which Barnes says usually occurs in older cats, can also cause urinary difficulty. “Depending on where the bladder tumor is, it can either obstruct part of the tract making it more difficult to pee but can also cause pain.”

Do Cats in Heat Pee Everywhere?

Some female cats in heat may pee more frequently or spray smaller amounts of urine on specific areas around the house. This is because cat pee contains pheromones and hormones, which females use to signal their availability to males (2). It is also common for unneutered male cats to urinate in the house.

Cat Peeing Everywhere: 10 Tips to Address the Mess

If you’d like to know how to get your cat to stop peeing everywhere, the following tips might help. The best person to talk to about your cat’s individual urinary issues is, of course, your veterinarian. 

Rule Out Any Medical Issues

If your cat pees everywhere but the litter box, the first step is to consult with a veterinarian. “This can include a physical exam, urinalysis, imaging of the bladder or joints, and/or blood testing,” says Barnes. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. “This can include antibiotics for UTIs, pain medication for FIC, bladder stones and/or arthritis, prescription diet for stones and/or FIC,” Barnes adds.

Maintain Yearly Veterinary Appointments

Yearly checkups are important for catching issues early on, says Pagan. “I always recommend yearly blood work for my feline patients and even will perform this twice a year for my older patients. Frequent vet checks are imperative to catch issues early. I will always run a full urinalysis as well if an owner states that a cat is peeing outside of the box. Your veterinarian may also order X-rays to rule out any underlying diseases.” And, of course, when in doubt, schedule a veterinary appointment ASAP.

Keep a Spotless Litter Box

Not only is a clean litter box more enticing to a cat than a dirty one, it also lessens his risk for developing feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). 

To maintain a clean box, “A cat’s litter box should be scooped daily and litter should be replaced once weekly,” Pagan recommends.

Keep the Litter Box in a Stress-free Area

Keeping the litter box in a quiet area could help your cat feel more secure. “Make sure the litter boxes are not next to noisy machines such as a washer and dryer, and not in high traffic areas. We all want a little privacy to pee,” says Barnes. Pagan also recommends not relocating litter boxes too often. 

Provide Additional Litter Boxes

One litter box isn’t enough, even if you have just one cat. “The general rule of thumb is the number of litter boxes should be the same as the number of cats plus one. So if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes,” says Barnes. They should also be kept in separate locations, she says. “Two litter boxes next to each other look like one litter box to the cat.”

Rethink Your Litter

Though there are a variety of types of litter on the market, cats tend to like theirs unperfumed and soft, like that of clumping clay litter. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, so you might have to try out different types before finding one your cat approves of. Also, “Stay consistent as well with the type of litter you buy,” adds Pagan.

Consider using a product like Cat Attract Litter or Cat Attract Litter Additive, says Barnes. “This is pheromone-impregnated litter that makes cats want to urinate on it.”

Provide Your Cat With Regular Enrichment

The more resources a cat has, the less stressed they will be, says Barnes. These resources, she says,   include an adequate number of water bowls, high perches, scratching posts, and toys. “Again, you want to make sure they are in different locations if there are more than one cat in the household. Play sessions daily also help with environmental enrichment which decreases stress.”

Manage Your Cat’s Stress Levels

Given that stress can lead to a cat peeing everywhere, it’s beneficial to keep his anxiety at bay. Investigate and correct potential stressors, whether it’s originating from another pet or person or is tied to a recent move or inadequate resources. 

Another option is to use a pheromone diffuser, says Barnes. “This is a synthetic pheromone that is anti-anxiety to cats. The diffuser should be in the room the cat spends the most time in.”

Give Your Senior Cat Extra TLC

For cats with arthritis who may have trouble getting around, place at least one litter box on each level of the house where they spend time so they can avoid climbing stairs, recommends Barnes. “You can also purchase a low-profile litter box or cut a square in the litter box so the cat doesn’t have to climb in.”

Encourage Water Intake

The more water a cat drinks, the more dilute their urine will become, says Barnes. “This can help in preventing medical causes such as UTIs, FIC, and bladder stones. More dilute urine is also less irritating to the bladder.”

If you use water bowls, keep several in different locations, says Barnes. “Some cats prefer fountains. If your cat prefers a dripping faucet, you can place a container to collect the water not drunk to use to water plants.” Another way to increase water intake, she says, is to feed your cat canned cat food.   

Cleaning Up When Your Cat Keeps Peeing Everywhere

When it comes to cleaning up cat pee, it’s essential to think in terms of eliminating the odor as well as the stains. If your cat keeps peeing in the same spot, it’s likely because he smells proteins in the urine that act as a cue to mark territory.

So what can you use to remove both the stain and odor that originates from cat pee? “If your cat does have an accident, my favorite type of cleaner to use is an enzymatic stain and odor eliminator,” says Pagan. 

Veterinarians recommend enzymatic cleaners because they break down stains and odors instead of just hiding them, and because they can be used on a variety of surfaces. They also don’t contain harsh chemicals, and instead rely on beneficial bacteria to break down organic matter for their food. 

Veterinarians also recommend investing in a good black light, an ultraviolet light that makes it easier to spot cat pee. 

The post Cat Peeing Everywhere: 10 Tips to Address the Mess appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Here we offer actionable, veterinarian-approved tips (many are surprisingly simple!) for how to stop your cat from pooping outside the litter box. We also uncover the top reasons cats miss the mark, and offer tips for easy cleanup. Though these tips can be quite effective, we do recommend contacting your veterinarian if your cat is not pooping in the litter box.

Why Does a Cat Poop Outside the Litter Box?

If you have other pets, it’s quite possible your cat isn’t even the problem. “Other pets (usually dogs) can move the fecal material from the box to the favorite snacking location,” says Dr. Virginia Sinnott-Stutzman, senior staff veterinarian, emergency and critical care, at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

Once you’ve ruled out other pets as the culprits, or if you only have a cat, the next step is to determine what’s causing the behavior. Here are a few possibilities to consider.

An Underlying Medical Condition

Constipation is one of the most common medical causes for a cat pooping outside the litter box, says Sinnott-Stutzman. “They started in the box, but the poop dropped outside the box as they wandered around trying to push it out.”

An old cat pooping outside the litter box may have arthritis, which Sinnott-Stutzman says can limit a cat’s ability to climb over the side of the box. 

Diarrhea can result in accidents and can be a symptom of a range of diseases, including hyperthyroidism,  kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Behavioral Issues

Most often, haphazard pooping can be attributed to a behavioral issue, says Dr. Katie Pagan, a partner veterinarian with Heart + Paw in Fells Point, Maryland. “Cats are creatures of habit and any deviation from their normal routine can lead to stress. When cats get stressed they can poop (or pee) outside of the box.”

Common causes of stress, Pagan says, include relocating to a new home, introducing a new pet to the family, and loud noises. Other potential sources of anxiety include new smells, new people, conflicts with other cats, and even boredom.

Issues with the Litter Box

Cats can be quite particular about where they poop and what they poop in. Here are a few factors that can contribute to an unattractive litter box in their view.

• A dirty litter box: This is commonly why cats poop next to the litter box, says Sinnott-Stutzman, who is board-certified in veterinary emergency and critical care. “They want to go in the ‘appropriate’ place, but it is undesirable to them, so they go right next door.” 
• Poor location: This is a factor in some cases but not all, says Sinnott-Stutzman. “Placement generally becomes an issue when cats cannot see out from the box while using it (which can make them feel vulnerable), whether other cats or the family dog can access the box, and thus disturb them while using it.”
• An inaccessible litter box: This is especially an issue for senior cats “if the box is placed somewhere where elderly or mobility challenged cats cannot reach it, such as the bottom (or top) of stairs,” says Sinnott-Stutzman. Also, she says, a cat pooping right outside the litter box usually means the cat made an attempt but failed. 
• Not enough litter boxes: Cats are territorial creatures, so they’re not inclined to share their litter box with other cats. A scarcity of litter boxes in multi-cat households could pose a problem.  
• The litter box is too small: A larger litter box allows cats to move freely and feel more secure. In one study, cats showed a strong preference for litter boxes that were larger than those they usually used at home (2).
• Unappealing litter: Cats tend to prefer litter with a soft, fine consistency, like clumping clay. With their sensitive noses, perfumed litter can also be a turnoff.

Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box: 8 Tips to Stop It

Living with a cat pooping outside the litter box is not a good situation for anyone in your household. By applying these relatively simple tips however, it’s possible to restore order to your home. 

Keep in mind that when it comes to litter boxes, preferences can vary by individual cat, so you may have to work by trial and error. Also, because there may be different dynamics at play, experts recommend contacting your veterinarian when you start noticing that your cat is not using the litter box.

Rule Out Underlying Health Issues

An essential first step is for your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues, says Sinnott-Stutzman. “Most cats will resume their use of the litter box once the health issue has been resolved.”

Keeping those annual wellness checks is a good way to prevent future occurrences of pooping outside the litter box. “I always recommend yearly blood work for my feline patients and twice-yearly blood work once they are a bit older. Frequent checkups can catch these diseases early,” says Pagan.

As your senior cat ages, you may notice they begin to soil outside the litter box more and more. If you geriatric kitty is consistently pooping outside the litter box for no apparent reason, an underlying age-related health issue may be to blame.

For instance, if your cat has mobility issues due to osteoarthritis, stepping over a tall litter box or squatting to defecate may be very uncomfortable; arthritic toes may also feel unstable and painful in shifting litter. If your cat has diarrhea due to underlying GI disease, they may not be able to make it to the litter box in time. Senior cats with feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), similar to dementia in humans, may occasionally forget to use the litter box properly. Furthermore, senior cats who may be very lethargic due to an underlying health issue (such as dehydration from chronic kidney disease) may feel too weak to climb into a litter box, instead taking the path of least resistance to do their business.

Speak with your vet if your older cat begins avoiding pooping in the litter box to rule out health disorders.

Keep a Clean Litter Box

Cats can become stressed when the litter box isn’t clean enough, says Pagan. “While awaiting your cat’s vet appointment for a checkup, I would first make sure you are cleaning the box enough.” 

Pagan and other veterinarians recommend scooping the litter once daily and replacing it once per week. Some litter boxes are designed to automatically scoop the poop or minimize your cleaning time.

Consider Buying a New Litter Box

A litter box that works for one cat may fail with another. Fortunately, litter boxes come in a variety of styles—including covered and uncovered—and sizes to suit even the most finicky of kitties. 

Any litter box you choose should be large enough to enable free movement. The general rule is that the box be at least as long as the length of the cat’s entire body.

Provide an Adequate Number of Litter Boxes 

Follow the N+1 rule for litter boxes, recommends Sinnott-Stutzman. “This is the rule that you should have one more litter box in your house than you have cats (where N= the number of cats in your home), and every floor of your home should have a box. A multi-story home could mean you have more than N+1 litter boxes.”

Consider Litter Box Location

Cats are sensitive creatures who react to what they perceive as potential danger in their environment. The resulting stress can result in pooping outside the litter box. To reduce potential stressors, Pagan recommends consistently keeping the litter boxes in a quiet, stress-free area. Remember, cats may become stressed over things that don’t necessarily affect us. So while you may know that the humming and hissing from your faulty refrigerator is innocuous, your cat doesn’t.

Consider Switching Cat Litter

It may not be the litter box your cat objects to. It’s a good idea to switch to an unscented clumping litter, as cats generally prefer it, says Sinnott-Stutzman. “However if you know your cat’s preferred litter and are not using it currently you should switch back to what you know your cat likes.” 

Once you do find a litter your cat likes, try sticking with it. Pagan recommends not frequently changing out the type of litter you use.

Look For Recent Changes Within Your Home 

To pinpoint the reason for your cat’s stress—and thus litter box issues—Sinnott-Stutzman recommends asking the following: 

• Have you recently changed your own habits? For example, working from home or returning to the office after long stretches of working from home?  
• Has the litter box been moved?  
• Have you changed the type of litter that you use? 
• Has your once small kitten grown too large for the box?  
• Have you added another cat (or dog) to the home?

“Tackling these questions is key to getting your cat back on track,” she says.

Make Sure Your Senior Cat Can Access the Litter Box

Arthritis causes pain and mobility issues that make it difficult for an older cat to climb in and out of a litter box. In this case, “Litter boxes with ramps, or lower sides may be helpful here,” recommends Sinnott-Stutzman. 

When to Call Your Vet About Pooping Outide the Litter Box

If you’ve found your cat popping outside of his litter box, don’t panic. This behavior is rarely a sign of a medical emergency. Stress, environmental changes, and new litter box anxiety can all lead to this behavior. However, if your cat continues this behavior on a regular basis for several days, call your vet for further instructions.

Pooping outside of the litter box can sometimes point to a medical condition. Your vet will help you determine whether your cat has an underlying illness as well as how you might be able to get your cat to poop in his litter box again. Keep track of any changes or notable patterns of behavior you’ve noticed in your cat so you can provide your veterinarian with the most complete, accurate information.

How to Clean up Cat Poop from Carpet, Beds, or Couches

Veterinarians recommend enzyme-based cleaners to remove poop stains and their accompanying odor. Enzymes are effective because they break down the molecules in poop, making it easier to clean. And instead of just masking the odor, they break it down and eliminate it. Enzymatic cleaners can be applied to a variety of surfaces, so they’re also convenient to use. 

“An example would be Nature’s Miracle, which is widely available and does an excellent job removing stains and smells from surfaces that include floors and rugs, but also beds,” says Sinnott-Stutzman. If your cat had an accident on the bed, Sinnott-Stutzman also recommends washing and drying the bedding.

Whichever product you use should be non-toxic and safe for pets and people.

The post Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box: 8 Tips to Stop It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Meowing at humans is a normal behavior, but what can you do if your cat meows excessively all the time, or has recently changed from a quiet cat to an overactive talker? 

Cat Meowing: How Much is Normal?

Cats use meowing to communicate with us. The most common normal reasons a cat meows are because they want something from you including attention, play, food, to go outside, etc. 

A cat will also meow to say hi or to announce their presence. Some cats will meow to themselves as they walk around the house, or they may meow because they are lonely. Female cats in heat will meow to attract a mate. 

The amount a cat meows varies between individual cats and between breeds of cats. Bengals, Abyssians, and Siamese cats, for example, are known to be ‘talkers,’ and meow more than your average domestic cat. 

When it comes to how much meowing is too much, it is less about the amount of meowing and more about overall changes in your cat’s behavior. Some cats just meow a lot, just like some dogs bark a lot. If your cat has been a lifelong talker, then that is likely normal for your cat. However, if your cat has started meowing more recently, or if your cat’s voice is suddenly louder or softer or different in any way, then something might be going on that is causing excessive meowing. 

Why is My Cat Meowing So Much?

If your cat has had a recent uptick in meowing, there is likely something that has changed in your cat’s world. There are many things that can cause increased meowing in cats, including:

Medical conditions. Certain conditions such as hyperthyroidism or general pain can cause cats to vocalize more than usual. In addition, hyperthyroidism causes a cat to be hungry, which can cause increased meowing if your cat normally meows at you to get food.

Boredom or loneliness. When cats are bored or lonely they often use meowing as attention seeking behavior.

Stress or anxiety. If you have had changes in your household or your cat has been stressed for any reason it can lead to increased meowing.

Advanced age. Senior or geriatric cats are more susceptible to old age diseases, including arthritis,  hearing loss, vision loss, and dementia, which can lead to increased vocalization especially at night. 

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If your cat has suddenly become a meowing over-achiever and it is due to a problem, cats will often drop other clues which can help you understand why your cat is communicating with you more than usual.

Excessive meowing due to a medical condition may include other symptoms such as:

• Changes in weight
• Changes in appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased energy
• Increased energy
• Hiding more than usual

If your cat is older and starts vocalizing more, watch for signs of:

• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Dementia

Stress may cause cats to develop cystitis or a urinary tract infection. Watch for the following symptoms of urinary problems in addition to meowing:

• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
• Straining in the litter box
• Bloody urine

Stress, separation anxiety, or loneliness may also cause cats to display the following behaviors:

• Over grooming that leads to bald patches
• Litter box problems
• Increased hiding
• Acting jumpy or clingy
• Following you more than usual

If your cat is meowing more than normal, it is always a good idea to note any behavior changes and get your cat checked out by a veterinarian to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause.

How to Get a Cat to Stop Meowing So Much

While vocalization is normal and healthy for cats, if excessive meowing is interfering with your quality of life then there are strategies you can use to reduce the amount of meows coming from your cat. 

If underlying medical problems have been ruled out, then the best thing to do is ignore your cat when they start meowing at you to get something. Do not reward the meowing with treats or attention because this will reinforce the behavior. 

Instead, ignore your cat when they are meowing at you and reward them with whatever it is they want when they are being quiet and polite. This may be hard to do in the beginning but eventually they will get the idea. 

Additional strategies to reducing excessive meowing include: 

Environmental Enrichment

If your cat is bored, invest in environmental enrichment to reduce stress. This involves things like plentiful vertical and horizontal scratching opportunities, increased vertical space and climbing opportunities, outdoor time on a leash or in a Catio, food puzzles and hunting opportunities, etc. 

Stress Reduction

Evaluate your cat’s environment for stressors, such as stray cats, overcrowding of cats, not enough resources, etc. and remove or reduce stressors if possible. If you aren’t sure what stresses your cat, here is an educational resource on all things that can stress cats out. 

Litter Box Maintenance

Have one more litter box than the number of cats to ensure good litter box hygiene and habits. Clean boxes daily and make sure they are in accessible areas so your cat can easily find them.

Exercise

Increase daily play and exercise sessions to wear your cat out. Cats will be less stressed and lonely if you make sure they get plenty of interaction and activity throughout the day.

Maintain Routine

Cats don’t like changes, so keep feeding, play time, bedtime, etc. at the same time every day as much as possible so your cat knows what to expect and when to expect it. 

Utilize Calming Aids

Utilize calming aids for stressed cats, including pheromone diffusers, thundershirts, or Assisi loop technology.

Try Calming Supplements

Calming supplements such as CBD oil, or products that contain l-theanine, milk protein, or tryptophan which can help reduce anxiety that contributes to excessive vocalization. Some cats also benefit from catnip.

Adjust Feeding Schedules

If your cat is bugging you at night for food, try giving your cat a small high protein snack before bed, and consider getting an automatic feeder that will dispense a pre-measured amount of food at the time you determine.

The Conclusion on Excess Cat Meowing

By knowing why your cat is meowing and then employing the strategies listed above you should be able to reduce excessive vocalization in most cats. If you are still hitting a wall, reach out to your local veterinarian for additional tips and tricks that will help your cat be less vociferous.

The post Why Does My Cat Meow So Much? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Any change in your kitty’s behavior can be alarming, and you will want to know: when should I be concerned, and when should I reach out to my veterinarian? Here we describe when cat head bobbing is normal, the many causes, and when to talk to your veterinarian.

Cat Head Bobbing: Is It Normal? 

Head bobbing is normal when cats are very sleepy and are about to fall asleep. When cats are fighting sleep, they can sometimes bob their head as they begin to fall asleep but aren’t quite there yet! If your cat only experiences head bobbing when they are trying to sleep, and the bob is very subtle, this is likely not a cause for concern.

Also, blind cats may have a subtle head bob as they explore new surroundings—when their whiskers touch something, they may move their head back in an exaggerated way because they cannot see, and then immediately approach something again. This is a normal way of exploring new things.

However, cat head bobbing in other circumstances is rarely normal and almost always indicates other issues. Head bobbing can be very subtle or very obvious. Usually other symptoms are there too—like twitching of other parts of the body, increased urination or thirst, changes in your kitty’s fur coat, or changes in the way your cat walks.

Causes of Cat Head Bobbing

There are many potential causes of head bobbing in cats. These include:

• Ear infections
• Brain inflammation or structural issues
• Metabolic disease
• Seizures
• Skin Disease
• Mouth Pain
• Feline Hyperesthesia
• Anesthesia

Cat head bobbing is often accompanied by other symptoms as well. Noting the other symptoms, along with the head bobbing, can help your veterinarian figure out what is wrong.

Ear Infections

When cats develop ear infections, they often have inflammation of the inner or middle ear as well as the outer ear. The inner inflammation affects a nerve that connects to the brainstem (central brain) and can result in head bobbing. 

Usually other symptoms of ear infections in cats include:

• Discharge of one or both ears
• Redness of one or both ears
• Scratching of the ear when rubbed, or vocalizing as if in pain
• Walking in circles
• Constantly tilting the head to one side
• Stumbling a little during walking

Ear infections are frequently treated with medication externally in the ear, as well as antibiotics and possibly steroids to decrease inflammation. Deep ear infections can take 1 to 2 months to resolve.

Brain Inflammation or Structural Issues

The brain contains the cerebellum, which controls movements of your cat’s body. When the cerebellum is affected by inflammation of any kind, head bobbing or tremors will likely be seen. The rest of the brain, called the cerebrum, doesn’t control movements quite the same way as the cerebellum. However, inflammation in this area of the brain can affect a variety of neurons, or electrical connections, that affect your cat’s behavior and reactions.

There are a multitude of conditions that can cause inflammation in the brain and lead to head bobbing. 

Examples include:

• Congenital conditions (born with a slightly different brain structure)

• Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup occurs in the center of the cerebrum, causing the brain to bulge, affecting the cerebellum and cerebrum)

• Trauma (any accident that affects the head)

• Vascular incident (stroke). This can occur secondary to trauma, systemic (full body) disease or congenital issue like an abnormal vessel in the brain.

• Cancer. This is much more common in senior cats. Cancer that affects the brain usually starts in the brain itself, not spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

• Infection. Infections can be caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, or fungi.

• Bacteria. Any systemic issue could cause a bacterial infection to spread to the brain, but it is rare. This may occur with severe inner ear infections.

• Parasites: infection with Toxoplasma gondii or the spread of parasites to the brain such as Cuterebra spp. from the skin or Dirofilaria immitis from the blood.

• Viruses: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can be direct causes or secondary causes since these viruses affect many areas of the body. Feline panleukopenia virus can infect mother cats and their unborn kittens. When this occurs, kittens are born with abnormal cerebellums. Rabies virus is rare in the United States but does occur months after bites from wildlife.

• Fungal infections. Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides spp., Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. are fungi that could affect a cat’s brain. The most common is Cryptococcus, although in general fungal infection of the brain is rare.

• Inflammatory disease. Meningitis or meningoencephalitis refer to inflammation of the brain or the outer layer of the brain and spinal cord. Infection (as listed above) or your cat’s immune system can cause this inflammation.

• Degenerative conditions. Rarely, certain cells in a cat’s brain will prematurely degenerate (breakdown) and stop functioning

When your cat’s brain is affected, there will typically be other neurologic symptoms that occur along with the head bobbing, such as: 

• Walking in circles
• Stumbling during walking
• Change in consciousness. Seems “spaced out” or less aware of his surroundings.
• Increased aggression or increased passiveness
• Change in size of the pupil (black central part of the eye) – bigger or smaller than usual, and may not change in the dark or bright light
• Abnormal movement of the eyes, almost like twitching of the pupil, when not looking around
• Seizures
• Twitching or pain of any part of the body
• Decreased activity and/or appetite

Treatment of these conditions varies widely depending on the cause. Infections are treated with specific medications and usually take a few months to resolve. Trauma and vascular incidents are usually treated with supportive care to keep your cat feeling generally healthy while allowing your cat’s body time to heal. Inflammatory or degenerative disease may be treated with medications that decrease the overactive immune system and are lifelong. There are not many treatment options for cancer, but it depends on which type of cancer your cat has.

Metabolic Disease

There are many causes of systemic (i.e. full body) illness that can lead to head bobbing in cats, whether it affects the brain directly or not. This occurs with any imbalance of electrolytes (key elements in the body like sodium or potassium), blood sugar, or insulin. These imbalances affect nerves and muscles. 

Examples of metabolic disease in cats include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Liver disease like portosystemic shunts
• Hyperthyroidism
• Dietary insufficiency (i.e. lack of thiamine)
• Hypertension i.e. high blood pressure
• Congenital myasthenia gravis (in Sphynx and Devon Rex breeds only)

Cats often have other symptoms of illness when they have metabolic disease, including:

• Increased urination and thirst
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Decrease in weight
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Treatment varies depending on the condition. Some conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and hypertension are treated with specific lifelong medications. Chronic kidney disease typically involves special diets, hydration, and supplements to support your kitty for the rest of his life. Liver disease may require supportive care and supplements or possibly surgery if a shunt is present, and the condition is lifelong. Dietary insufficiency will resolve within weeks once your cat’s thiamine has been supplemented and his diet has been improved.

Seizures

In general, seizures can be due to the causes listed above or they can be idiopathic, meaning no known cause can be found. Only about 2 percent of cats are diagnosed with seizures [1]. Epilepsy, seizures of unknown origin that happen with some frequency, occurs in 1 in 3 cats diagnosed with seizures and typically begins between the ages of 1 and 4 years old.

Focal seizures are when only part of a cat’s body has abnormal movements or twitches, such as certain limbs, eyelids, or parts of the face. Many times, cats do not lose consciousness during these seizures. Head bobbing can be classified as a focal seizure, but not always.

Generalized seizures are when a cat loses consciousness, and their entire body dramatically twitches and moves for seconds to minutes. Head bobbing can be a neurologic symptom that eventually progresses to generalized seizures.

If there is a specific underlying cause of the seizures, treatment is dependent on the cause. If no cause is known, seizures are often treated with lifelong anti-seizure medications. If seizures are very frequent and uncontrolled, it can cause life threatening damage to the brain over time.

Skin Disease

When cats experience itchiness, it can look like head bobbing due to overstimulated nerves. Cats often hide when scratching or grooming themselves, so knowing your cat is itchy is challenging. 

Symptoms include:

• Change in fur coat especially fur loss or shortened fur
• Scaly skin
• Redness to skin
• Oily or bad smelling fur

Treatment involves addressing the underlying inflammation and infections, and frequently includes a special diet.       

Mouth Pain

Cats with severe dental problems can be seen head bobbing due to pain and overstimulated nerves in the mouth. Even cats with apparently normal looking teeth can have painful dental issues hidden under the surface that can only be diagnosed with X-rays. 

Other symptoms of mouth pain in cats include:

• Foul breath
• Discoloration of teeth i.e. brown or gray teeth
• Severe redness of the gums or other tissue in the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vocalizing when eating
• Preference to eat only soft (canned) food
• Decreased appetite

Treatment involves a dental procedure under anesthesia at a veterinary clinic.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

This is a complex behavior disorder that is triggered by fleas, stress, seizures, pain, or brain inflammation. Cats with this syndrome have overactive nerves, which results in twitching or head bobbing as well as many changes to behavior, including when brushing or petting your cat. Treatment is highly variable depending on cause, but often includes medications given lifelong to help your cat’s behavior.

Anesthesia

If your veterinarian had to anesthetize your cat (i.e. give medications to make your cat sleep while undergoing a medical procedure), he/she may have used ketamine. In rare cases for unknown reasons, cats begin head bobbing afterward but this should resolve completely within 48 hours.

When to Call Your Veterinarian 

If you notice head bobbing in your cat that is not when your cat is falling asleep, take a video of the behavior and call your veterinarian right away. 

If it occurs while your cat is falling asleep, monitor your cat closely for an increase in how often it occurs or if it becomes more dramatic. If frequency increases or it becomes more dramatic, a call to your veterinarian is recommended.

Be prepared to answer your veterinarian’s questions that may target specific causes. Questions may include:

• What if any other symptoms or changes you have noticed in your cat?

• Does your cat have a history of trauma?

• Did your cat eat anything toxic, such as human foods with xylitol, household cleaners, rodent poison, or antifreeze?

• Was your cat recently anesthetized at another clinic?

• What does your cat eat? Is it a well-balanced diet sold at pet stores, or do you make your cat’s food? (Home cooked diets are much more likely to cause issues.)

Your veterinarian will need to perform a wide variety of tests to rule out causes for the head bobbing. These may include:

• Bloodwork including complete blood count (CBC), chemistry and thyroid levels
• Urine testing, i.e. urinalysis and possibly culture
• Blood pressure
• FeLV and FIV testing

If these tests do not demonstrate anything, more advanced testing may be recommended including:

• Parasite testing (Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus, Dirofilaria)
• X-rays
• Advanced imaging with a neurologist such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Cats may bob their head for a variety of reasons, and some can be serious issues that need veterinary intervention. By paying close attention to additional symptoms, your vet can start your cat on a treatment or management plan to address the cause of the head bobbing behavior. 

The post Cat Head Bobbing: Why It Happens appeared first on Great Pet Care.

One of the ways cats puzzle and delight humans is in how they cling to us and seemingly shadow us at all times. If you’re wondering: “Why does my cat follow me?” you’re not alone. Let’s get to the bottom of why they do it, what they are trying to communicate, and when it’s a problem.

Following Behavior in Cats: Why it Happens

In most cases, a cat following you around is considered normal behavior, especially when they share a close bond with you. 

Cats follow humans for multiple other reasons, including:

• Curiosity
• Attention-seeking behavior (they want cuddles and pets)
• Boredom
• Hunger
• Wanting to play
• Territorial behavior

Some breeds, including Ragdolls, Bengals, Maine Coons, Persians, Siamese, Tonkinese, and Sphynx are considered to be “velcro cats” that bond closely to their humans and may follow them more than other breeds. 

Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?

You are the center of your cat’s world and the keeper of all their resources, so it makes sense that your cat follows you around. In addition, your cat shares a strong bond with you, may be curious to what you are doing, may have insecurity, may want your attention, or may think that you will feed or play with them. They may also want access to a part of the house they are normally barred from entering. 

These are all normal reasons why cats may seemingly follow you everywhere. In some cases, your cat may follow you because they feel stressed or anxious about being separated from you. However, most of the time, your cat follows you because they want something or they are just curious about what you’re doing. 

Why Does My Cat Follow Me to the Bathroom?

While we don’t know for certain why cats like to follow people to the bathroom, there are some theories that make sense based on feline behavioral tendencies. One theory is that cats are territorial mammals that want to know what is going on inside their territory. And the bathroom (like the rest of the house) is considered part of your indoor cat’s territory. 

But cats may also venture into the bathroom with you because—let’s be honest—bathrooms have lots of fun things (including you) in them. Things like toilet paper rolls, dripping sinks, blinds on the windows, water in the toilet, towels on the floor, may be looked at as play things for our feline friends. Plus, in the bathroom, you’re a captive audience. 

Cats may also like the bathroom because it is full of things marked with your scent, which can be comforting. Another comforting and cozy part of the bathroom? Yep, the sink is often an alluring spot for your kitty to snooze. 

If your cat’s habits of following you to the bathroom are a problem for you, talk to your veterinarian or a feline behavior specialist on how to retrain your cat. 

My Cat Follows Me Everywhere and Sleeps with Me

If your cat follows you everywhere and sleeps with you, this is a sign that your cat is strongly bonded with you and, dare I say, loves you. In general, this isn’t an issue, but if your cat exhibits any signs of separation anxiety (see below) or if it is annoying to you, talk to your veterinarian or a certified feline behavior specialist on ways to get your cat interested in things other than you. 

Cats who sleep with their family should be given a monthly dewormer to reduce the risk of transmitting parasites to their family.

My Cat Follows Me Everywhere But Won’t Cuddle

Cats that follow their owners but don’t want to cuddle can be frustrating, especially if you want to get in some snuggles. 

Some reasons a cat may not enjoy physical contact include individual personality variations, a lack of adequate socialization during kittenhood, a history of being feral, or a previous negative experience associated with human physical touch. 

If this is the case, talk to a feline behavior specialist on how to help your cat become more comfortable with human touch. 

Why Does My Cat Follow Me and No One Else?

Cats form strong social ties with people and places. It could be that your cat shares a strong bond with you but hasn’t formed that bond with anyone else in your household. Other reasons may be that your cat is curious about what you are doing, may have insecurity or separation anxiety, or may associate resources, including food, play, treats, and toys, only with you and not other people. 

Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat Following You?

In general no, following behavior is considered normal feline behavior. One reason to be concerned is if your cat exhibits sudden, clingy behavior that wasn’t present before. 

This is usually due to something that is bothering the cat, and can include separation anxiety, something that has frightened the cat, or an underlying medical condition. 

Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, chronic pain from any source, or neurological conditions can all cause clingy, abnormal behavior. So, if your cat suddenly starts acting overly clingy, have your feline checked out by a local veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.  

How Can You Tell if Your Cat Has Separation Anxiety? 

While separation anxiety in dogs is a well documented condition, less is known about separation anxiety in cats. Separation anxiety in cats is triggered by being separated from a human or other animal with which the cat has a strong bond. Separation anxiety can range from mild to severe. Mild forms of separation anxiety may go unnoticed by humans, and severe forms can be misinterpreted as bad behavior—which it is not. 

You can tell if your cat has separation anxiety if you notice that your cat behaves differently when you prepare to leave. If your cat hides, meows more, follows you more, or tries to block you from leaving when you pick up your keys or purse, then your cat may have separation anxiety. 

Cats with separation anxiety are also known to exhibit the following behaviors when they are left alone:

• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box.
• Loud and frequent meowing.
• Destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture, curtains, or knocking things over.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Excessive eating or not eating.
• Increased aggression with other cats in the household. 
• Excessive grooming, resulting in bald patches.
• Overly enthusiastic greeting when you come home.

The post Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Shows of affection are a great thing, but a cat demanding attention on a regular basis could be symptomatic of anxiety, stress, fear, or an underlying medical problem—all of which merit a call to your veterinarian for further consideration and treatment. We asked cat experts to help explain the difference between an overly affectionate cat and one who’s become too dependent on you, what may be causing the clinginess, and ways to address the behavior. 

Can Cats Be Obsessed With Their Owners?

If you sometimes feel as if your pet is your shadow, it may not be a sign of obsession as much as it is your cat’s need to feel safe and secure. 

This was one of the findings of the OSU study, in which researchers had each cat spend two minutes in a room with their human, followed by two minutes alone, then two minutes back together as a reunited team. About 65 percent of the kittens studied were labeled securely attached based on their ability to balance their attention between their human and the room. However, the rest of the cats displayed more signs of stress and either avoided their humans or clung to them—classic signs of insecure attachment.

Cats differ in how they show affection, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant, best-selling author, and owner of Nashville-based Cat Behavior Associates. “Some cats enjoy being physically close and display obvious signs of attachment, such as licking, cuddling, rubbing against their human, bunting, or curling up in a warm and cozy lap. Some cats show attachment and affection by being near their human or at least being in the same room. They may not feel the need to be in physical contact with a family member, but enjoy the companionship and connection.” 

If your cat wants your attention, that isn’t necessarily a problem. But if your cat needs your attention because they’ve become overly dependent on you, that could be a problem. “Some cats can show a concerning amount of attachment to their human and, as a result, experience separation anxiety when that person isn’t present,” says Bennett. 

Why Is My Cat So Clingy?

There really aren’t all that many studies on clinginess and separation anxiety in felines, but our experts offer a few thoughts on what may be causing your cat to cling.

An Underlying Illness

“Cats can be more clingy when underlying medical conditions are making them feel ill and they seek out comfort,” says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. 

While a kitty curled up by your feet for long stretches of time may just be enjoying your company, such behavior might also be due to lethargy, which could be a sign of any number of illnesses, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, plant poisoning, and anemia.  

Changes in the Home Environment

“Changes in the home environment or confusing changes to the family may lead a cat to attach too much to one person,” says Bennett. Cats are super sensitive to change, so what may seem insignificant to you can be a big deal for your cat. Even a litter box that’s been moved from its usual spot can cause stress in cats.

According to Bennet, other potential factors to consider include a schedule or relationship change, a new baby or pet in the home, or disruption affecting the person who typically responds to the cat’s solicitations and requests. 

If that response pattern changes—say, if you suddenly return to a job outside the home after spending lots of time with your pet during the pandemic—it may be confusing and unsettling to your cat.

Stress and Trauma 

Kittens who were orphaned, weaned, or separated from littermates too early are at a higher risk of displaying clinginess, says Bennett. Other causes of cat anxiety include stress or fear resulting from former abuse or a lack of proper socialization during kittenhood, especially during the first two to three months of life. 

More recent or immediate trauma may also be the culprit. “Cats can become clingy or needier for emotional reasons, such as if they are afraid of an animal outside, a storm, construction, or had a recent traumatic event,” offers Gibbons. Fireworks displays are notorious for sending a cat’s anxiety levels skyrocketing, so to speak. 

Not Enough Enrichment

In a study published in the scientific journal PLoS One, researchers discovered that cats without access to toys often displayed behavior consistent with separation anxiety (2). Toys help cats express their hunting instinct, which is an important part of who they are. 

Toys alone probably won’t fix an insecure cat, though. Being left alone too often may cause a cat to become too attached to a human and feel secure only when that person is around, says Bennett.

Too Many Cats in the Home

“In a multi-pet environment where a cat doesn’t feel safe or secure, that may cause them to find comfort only when a pet parent or family member is nearby,” says Bennett.  

This is one of the reasons why experts recommend that pet parents provide ample hiding spaces, separate litter boxes, and food dishes for homes with more than one cat. If basic needs for food and shelter are met, cats are more likely to feel secure.

Clingy Cat: Is It Normal?

There’s a difference between an occasionally demanding cat and outright dependence. One way to tell the difference is to observe how your cat acts when you’re not in sight. “There are a wide variety of ways cats and humans share a close bond, and it stays within the guidelines of being healthy if the cat can still display normal, secure behavior when the human family isn’t present or in sight,” Bennett says. 

Also, pay attention to other potential signs of stress and illness. “Look for changes in litter box habits, changes in appetite, activity level, vocalization, sleeping patterns, and grooming. Look at the cat physically for signs of over-grooming, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary,” offers Bennett.

Another warning sign that something is amiss is if a normally secure cat is suddenly clingy, says Gibbons. “Other symptoms that can go along with underlying illness include a change in appetite, change in normal activities, an increase in the frequency of vomiting or diarrhea, change in breathing, or excessive thirst.” 

How to Deal With A Clingy Cat

Given that over-dependence on a human can lead to depression, separation anxiety, and illness, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes and find ways to remedy the behavior. “A cat can be very affectionate and connected with their human, but if they cross over into being clingy, then it’s important for the family to look at the overall picture and see what can be done to create more confidence and security,” says Bennett. 

Here are a few guidelines to help you improve life for your needy cat and your family.

First Things First: Talk with Your Veterinarian

“If it is a medical issue, often addressing the underlying cause will help. If it is a behavioral issue, veterinarians often have many suggestions on how to keep your kitties calm,” says Gibbons. Ask your veterinarian if it would be beneficial to work with a veterinary behaviorist or certified cat behavior consultant.

Why is My Cat Being Clingy? Study Your Own Behavior

Despite your best intentions, there’s a chance you could be contributing to your cat’s clinginess inadvertently by constantly rewarding their behavior. “Cats may find the only relief comes from being in physical contact with their human, and in most cases, they get rewarded by getting the much-needed attention,” says Bennett.

Look for Changes Within Your Home

Is there anything in your cat’s environment or schedule that may be causing their insecurity? “Look at relationships between pets, how much time a cat spends alone, what changes can be made to create more environmental enrichment, and also start working on addressing separation anxiety,” recommends Bennett. 

If you’ve recently added a new cat to your home, be sure each has access to their own litter box and food dish, and that there are plenty of places for each to hide.

Work on Building Confidence in Your Cat

The goal is to instill a sense of balance. “Their security and confidence should come from their relationship with family members but also from feeling comfortable in their home environment,” offers Bennett. 

How do you accomplish this? “Something as simple as engaging in twice-daily interactive play sessions with your cat can go a long way toward building confidence.” During this type of play session, Bennett says, you’re nearby but the cat is also independently “hunting” her toy. (We have you covered if you need suggestions on the best types of chew toys and kicker fish toys.)

“You’d be surprised by how well cats respond to environmental enrichment and the correct behavior techniques to bring out their feline best,” says Bennett.

Finally, Ease Your Cat through Life Changes

This is especially important if you know your cat has a tendency to become anxious, says Bennett. “In general, cats don’t like change, so unless it’s something that can’t be avoided, take baby steps when it comes to helping your cat become comfortable with new pets, new people, and other changes in the home.”

It may not happen overnight, but with patience and consistent reinforcement, you can help a clingy cat feel secure enough to develop a healthy sense of confidence and independence.

The post Why Is My Cat So Clingy? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Some smells, like mice or catnip, attract cats, while others can be upsetting or even harmful. But both are evolutionary examples of how cats’ hypersensitive noses help them survive. 

“Cats use their sense of smell to help them feel more secure in their environment, detect potential predators or danger, find food, locate mates, and distinguish familiar from unfamiliar cats,” says Dr. Marci Koski, a certified cat behavior and training consultant based in Vancouver, Washington. 

Who knew there was so much to know about cat noses? But these aren’t just fascinating facts. Learning why a cat’s sense of smell is so powerful and what smells cats hate can actually help you be an even better pet parent. 

Understanding a Cat’s Sense of Smell 

“Cats’ noses developed over time to help them navigate their world and keep them safe,” says Dr. Lindsay K. Merkel, an associate professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Cats evolved behaviorally and developed their unique scent-processing anatomy in a way that was very different than humans, dogs, and other animals. Essentially, felines vacuum scents into their noses where specialized organs process them as either friend or foe (1). 

“Most of the scents that are considered unpalatable or unfriendly to cats are considered so because they’re associated with danger,” says Merkel. In particular, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—gases released into the air from a variety of products and processes—often serve as scent-based clues that tell cats to stay away from certain foods, substances, or plants (3, 4, 5).

While some of the things cats hate to smell make perfect sense (like another cat’s urine marking their favorite spot), others might come as a surprise. 

What Smells Do Cats Hate? 

Here are the top seven things cats hate to smell, along with scientific explanations about why they might make a big stink about them. 

1. Essential oils 

While the soothing scents of many essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus might be great for your self-care routine, kittens and cats may not share your enthusiasm (6). That’s because exposure to large amounts of essential oils can be distressing and even toxic for cats due to potentially hazardous VOCs. Cats’ aversion to these oils can quite literally save their lives, says Merkel. 

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it’s time to turn off your diffuser and move a cat into fresh air if you notice your pet showing any of these warning signs: a watery nose, drooling, trouble breathing, and coughing. (Pheromone diffusers, on the other hand, can help calm cats.)  

2. Citrus fruit 

Other smells that cats don’t like include the strong, acidic scent of citrus. That’s because oils from citrus fruits like oranges, lime, lemon, and grapefruit are toxic to them (7, 8, 9, 10), says Koski. As many gardeners can tell you, citrus peels are a tried-and-true natural cat deterrent often scattered around plants to keep kitties out (11, 12).

3. Hot peppers 

Capsaicin—the special molecule that gives chili peppers their pungency and spiciness (13)—is also associated with potentially toxic VOCs, says Merkel. 

As such, their scent can deter cats if there’s something you don’t want them to eat or an area you’d prefer they stay away from (like that houseplant potter they keep using as a restroom)! For this reason, capsaicin is often found in cat repellents (14, 15).  

4. Herbs and plants 

Carefully chosen greenery can also keep kitties away from certain areas, says Koski. In particular, cats hate the smell of rue, lavender, marigolds, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme. 

So if you have a problem with curious kitties or strays in your yard, consider planting these specimens throughout your garden or along the edges of flowerbeds to serve as a natural cat deterrent (11, 14). 

5. Vinegar 

“Most cats despise the scent of vinegar,” says Koski. “It’s usually not toxic and can be used safely for cleaning or to deter cats.” (14)

But pay attention to how your kitties respond to it. Sometimes, cleaning up cat urine with vinegar may actually compel a feline to urinate on top of the area again, presumably in an attempt to overpower the unwanted scent, she says. 

6. Ground coffee

There’s a reason why you rarely have to worry about a kitten getting into your morning cup of joe. “Most cats do not enjoy the smell of coffee, which is a good thing because even just a small amount of caffeine can be toxic to cats,” says Koski. (16)

Some people use coffee grounds to keep cats away from gardens and plants (14). But since cats could accidentally ingest coffee grounds on their paws or fur when grooming, other options would be safer, she notes. 

7. A dirty litter box

Because cats are solitary beings who come together only to mate and raise young, their urine has scent markers or pheromones. These allow them to mark their territory and keep others from encroaching on their personal space, explains Merkel. “This can be good in the wild, but bad if your cat decides he or she needs to do this in your Manhattan loft,” she says. 

If your cat is sensitive to the scent of their own urine, or you have multiple cats and not enough boxes, your cat could start urinating in places like your bed or briefcase instead. Make sure you have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household (i.e., three litter boxes for two cats) and clean them daily, suggests Koski. 

Scents Cats Hate: Why It Matters to You

Knowing which scents cats hate doesn’t just help you get to know your cat better. Pet parents can use the list above to keep cats safe, deter them from chewing on things they shouldn’t be chewing on, and avoid behavioral problems in the future. You can also use smells strategically to keep cats out of feline-free spaces. 

“The most important thing is to make sure that any scented product you’re using around cats is not toxic or harmful,” says Koski. Since essential oils in particular can be dangerous for cats when inhaled or eaten, don’t use them in your home unless you’re sure they’re safe for your pets. An easy rule to follow: “When in doubt, don’t use it!”

The post What Smells Do Cats Hate? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

The Journal of Pediatric Nursing has noted increased empathy, decreased separation anxiety, and improved social interaction among children with autism who have a pet cat (2). Similar benefits can be seen in children with Down syndrome. 

In addition to the emotional and social advantages that growing up with a pet can provide, children may benefit physically, as well. Pediatrics medical journal states that pets in the home may boost a child’s immune system (3). The presence of a cat or dog during a child’s first year of life can decrease the number of respiratory infections and help reduce the development of allergies and asthma later on.

Benefits of Pets for Children

Here’s a closer look at how pets can benefit the children who care for them: 

• Pets can help children develop a heightened sense of empathy. As a general rule, children tend to focus on their own feelings. But caring for a pet encourages children to imagine how their pet is feeling. Developing this perspective early on encourages children to apply the same concern for the feelings of their peers.
• Pets teach children to be good caretakers. Kids learn how to be courteous, kind, nurturing, gentle, careful, compassionate, and patient.
• Pets can improve social skills. In many cases, pets play the role of a child’s first best friend. Children often talk to their pets, which helps them develop language and conversational skills. 
• Taking care of pets fosters a sense of self-worth. When children help with pet care, they learn about responsibility, cooperation, obedience, and sharing. That helps them develop a sense of achievement and value. 
• Pets can help boost kids’ self-esteem. Nothing embodies unconditional acceptance like a purring cat or devoted dog who is a child’s #1 fan.
• Pets can help combat feelings of loneliness. Long-haired, short-haired, and even hairless pets often act as a living security blanket, offering physical comfort, loyalty, love, and affection when kids need it most. 
• Some pets can be specially trained to support children recovering from trauma.
• Pets can act as a natural mood stabilizer, helping children work through behavioral and learning problems.

While the 2021 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association indicates that more U.S. households have dogs than cats (4), families with small children may be more inclined to consider adopting a cat. Felines are relatively low maintenance and easy to housetrain, making them perfect companions for busy homes. Furthermore, quieter, more introverted children may be better suited to owning a cat rather than a pet of another species.

Do Cats Bond with Humans?

Cats may have the (undeserved) reputation of being aloof and unaffectionate, however, this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats simply express affection in ways different from their canine counterparts. 

Cats are more independent, so their displays of affection are often more subtle. However, a 2019 study published in Current Biology revealed that adult cats and kittens display signs of secure attachment to their owners, similar to the bond human infants have with caregivers (5). The majority of cats in the study were less stressed and more willing to explore new surroundings while in the presence of their pet parents, from whom they drew comfort and security. 

Cats can bond with children as strongly as they can with pet parents. We humans just need to learn how to recognize that bond to understand the extent of their love for us. To avoid disappointment, misunderstanding, or hurt feelings, children especially should be educated on the unique ways in which independent felines display affection.

For starters, learning feline body language, particularly how to interpret the position and movement of a cat’s tail, is vital to building clear communications and a solid bond with your cat. For instance, while a wagging tail in a dog can indicate friendliness, a tail flip in a cat typically indicates annoyance. That’s an important distinction!

Cats show us their affection in a variety of unique and endearing ways, which include:

• Purring
• Vocalizing, including meowing, mewling, chirping, or trilling
• Kneading
• Headbutting (a.k.a. head bunting), cheek rubbing, or rubbing on your ankles. Cats spread their pheromones (scent markers) in this manner to inform other cats that you belong to them.
• Licking or grooming you
• Displaying their belly or rolling on the ground in front of you. Cats only display their abdomens if they’re extremely comfortable around you.
• Sitting in your lap. Cats will curl up on or next to you to indicate that they feel safe and comforted by your presence.
• Following you around and wanting to be in your presence
• Wandering around and exploring in your presence. While you may think your cat is disinterested in you, cats tend to only explore when they feel secure. Take this action as a compliment!
• Engaging in play activity
• Hunting and bringing toys or prey as gifts
• “Love bites” (nibbles) or pawing at you
• “Eye kisses” — when cats stare at you and then slowly blink their eyes to tell you they love you. Try mimicking it back to them!
• Greeting you at the door upon your arrival home

Now that you’re fluent in the language of cats, be sure to share your newfound knowledge with your child to set their kid-cat relationship up for success.

Best Cats for Kids

When it comes to choosing a cat who’s likely to be a good fit for a household with children, there are some key personality traits that can help. For a harmonious home life, look for cats that are:  

• Well socialized
• Friendly
• Gentle
• Patient
• Comfortable with being handled
• Tolerant of noise and sudden movement
• Not overly nervous, timid, or aggressive when unprovoked

While the prospect of adopting an adorable kitten can be hard to resist, be aware that younger children (particularly those under the age of 5) may be unpredictable or too rough with a fragile kitten. They could unknowingly injure the young cat or even cause the kitten to develop into a more fearful and timid adult cat. Training a kitten can also be more time-consuming, which may prove difficult in a busy home with rambunctious toddlers. 

If you have young children, adult cats around 2-3 years of age are a great choice. Older children can do well with cats of every age, from kittens all the way to senior cats. What’s most important is to find a cat that is comfortable around children. Consider searching for adoptable cats that are kid-friendly using online sites such as Petfinder, which can match you to available cats at a shelter near you.

Don’t forget that personal chemistry is a crucial part of any pet decision. Be sure to visit the shelter, breeder, or rescue center as a family and observe how comfortable a potential pet is with your child. You may also want to consider fostering a cat for a short time before committing to adoption to ensure the fit is good for everyone involved. 

Best Cat Breeds for Children (of any age)

Provided they have the right temperament, any breed of cat can be a great match for a household with children. However, some cat breeds are more likely than others to possess kid-friendly characteristics and traits.

Here are some cat breeds generally considered to be calm, tolerant, and great with kids of all ages:

• American Shorthair or British Shorthair
• Ragdoll
• Birman
• Persian or Exotic Shorthair
• Burmese
• Maine Coon
• Manx
• Siamese
• Siberian

Best Cat Breeds for Older Children

These cat breeds tend to be more energetic and adventurous, so they may be better suited to households with older children.

• Abyssinian
• Bengal
• Cornish Rex
• Munchkin
• Sphynx

Cat Breeds to Consider with Caution

While some individual cats within these breeds may be perfectly suited to children, most tend to be more subdued and not as tolerant with kids.

• Himalayan
• Russian Blue
• Turkish Angora or Turkish Van

In addition to these breeds, individual mixed breed or non-pedigree cats can also make fantastic pets for kids if they have the right temperament.

Introducing Kids to a New Cat

Once you’ve found your family’s new forever cat, parents can help encourage a successful bond between kids and cats from the very start. When bringing the cat home for the first time, choose a day when you know your household will be calm and less busy. Leave the cat in their carrier for a few hours in a quiet room, such as a bathroom. Then let them out to roam in a safe, enclosed space for about a day. After the cat has developed a sense of security in their new space, it’s time for slow and gentle introductions.

Instruct children to offer their hand initially for the cat to sniff, then they can start to pet the cat lightly. If the cat tolerates this attention, your child can try to pick up the cat (provided they can support the cat’s body weight), or you can encourage your child to sit on the floor and try to set the cat gently on their lap. 

You can increase the frequency and duration of these interactions at the cat’s own pace until the cat feels more comfortable with your child. Parents should continue to supervise all interactions between kids and cats as their bond develops.

10 Ways for Cats and Kids to Bond

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, GreatPetCare may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

With proper coaching, parents can encourage a strong bond to form between kids and cats through a variety of fun, safe activities, as well as age-appropriate caretaking tasks to help instill a sense of responsibility. Children should be taught that pets cannot be ignored just because they are busy or not in the mood to take care of them. Cats and other pets are lifelong commitments.

Here are some ideas to help children and cats bond and develop mutual affection:

Naming the new cat 

Once your family has found the purr-fect new addition, involving your child in the naming process is a great way to get them emotionally invested in their new pet.

Shopping for toys, food, and bedding 

If you encourage a child to pick out things that will help a cat get comfortable in their new home, they’ll be more inclined to use them to make the cat feel welcome.

Helping out at mealtime

Younger children can assist parents by measuring out food and water at mealtime, but should never be left unsupervised around your cat’s food and water bowls. By age 10-13, children can be assigned to feed and water a cat on a regular schedule. Though it’s always a good idea to double-check from time to time to make sure your cat is being fed consistently.

Cleaning and litter box care

Waste disposal is best reserved for older children who understand how to do it safely and are sure to wash their hands afterward. Though it’s not an appropriate chore for very young, encourage them to accompany you while you do it to get them accustomed to the task. 

Giving treats

Occasional cat-safe treats can be used as a positive reinforcement to further strengthen the human-feline bond.

For example, lickable cat treats or purees, like Catit Creamy Lickable Cat Treats, can promote extended interactions and longer bonding sessions, because you hold the treat tube in your hand while your cat licks away at the yummy puree. Catit Creamy Lickable Treats come in three low-calorie flavor options — chicken & liver, salmon, and tuna — so you’re sure to find a healthy lickable treat to tempt the taste buds of your favorite feline.

Grooming 

Not every kitty likes to be brushed frequently, but children can be taught how to safely and carefully brush their cat.

Reading

Books can be an excellent way for children to learn about cats. Younger kids may enjoy storybooks about cats, while older children can discover important skills, like how to train a cat or decode feline behavior and “tail language.”

Book idea for younger children (Pre-K – grade 3):

“How to Care for Your Cat: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids” by Janet Skiles

“Kitten (ASPCA Pet Care for Kids)” by Mark Evans

Book ideas for older children:

“A Kid’s Guide to Cats” by Arden Moore

Playing

Designating a 15-minute playtime for kids and cats twice a day is a great way to socialize cats, encourage exercise, and foster bonding. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many children who were attending school remotely had more time to spend with their pets. Now that in-person learning is increasing, you can help maintain the bond between kids and cats by maintaining a consistent, after-school “mini-break” for kids to spend time playing with, grooming, or feeding their pets. (Cats like after-school snacks, too!) 

It’s important to teach children how to play appropriately with cats, to avoid the risk of accidental scratches and bites. Some cat-friendly ideas: a feathered wand cat toy, cardboard box fort, or a smartphone app designed specifically to engage cats. Avoid playing with strings and ribbons, which can pose gastrointestinal linear foreign body risks if ingested. You can also make mealtime more fun with Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder.

Training and tricks

Teaching cats tricks can be a fun and rewarding way for older children to bond with a new kitty.

Visiting the veterinary clinic

Annual check-ups and even sick visits to the veterinarian are great opportunities for kids to learn more about what it takes to keep a cat healthy…and may even help them become better caretakers. Ask your child to pay special attention to your cat’s behavior and overall wellbeing at home. You may be surprised to learn about signs and symptoms they pick up on before you do.

Kids and Cats: Safety Tips

With proper preparation, education, and supervision, kids and cats can learn to get along with each other pretty easily. Even so, both kids and cats can be unpredictable at times. So it makes sense to have some guidelines in place to ensure everyone in your home stays healthy, happy, and unharmed.

Here is a helpful list of DOs and DON’Ts you can follow to keep kids and cats safe:

• DO emphasize to children that cats are not toys. To avoid accidental scratches or bites, teach kids how to handle cats gently and appropriately. 
• DO encourage children to use quiet voices around cats and avoid shouting or screaming.
• DO limit jumping, running, and sudden movements…especially those meant to startle or frighten the cat.
• DO remind kids that most cats do not enjoy belly rubs or being held for too long of a time. Suggest other ways they can show their love, like head scratches or playing with a special toy. 
• DO remind kids to open and close doors carefully. This can help prevent cats from getting injured, getting locked up where they shouldn’t be, or escaping outdoors accidentally.
• DO allow cats to escape to a quiet room or “safe space” if they need a break from activity. Baby gates can be great boundaries.
• DO teach children how to read cat body language so they know how to recognize fearful or angry body posture or tail movement. But remember that adult supervision is often required to detect these behaviors and halt the interaction before injuries can occur.
• DO keep your cat healthy and ensure their vaccinations and preventative treatments are up-to-date to prevent the spread of potential zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between humans and animals). Your cat should be regularly dewormed and treated year-round with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention product. Consistent flea prevention can help prevent the spread of Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever).
• DO keep young children away from cat litter (as well as any sandboxes where a cat may have defecated) to prevent contact with harmful bacteria and parasites such as intestinal worms and Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis. 
• DO teach children of all ages to wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with pets, used food or water bowls, and pet waste.

• DON’T allow cats to sleep in a crib or the same room as an infant to prevent accidental smothering.
• DON’T permit a child to pick up a cat unless they can fully support a cat’s weight using both hands.
• DON’T allow children to rough-house, wrestle, corner, or taunt the cat. No hitting. No grabbing. No pulling of the fur, tail, ears, or feet. If you observe your child repeatedly abusing the cat in this way, consult your pediatrician or a child psychologist.
• DON’T let children play games with cats that focus on the hands or quick finger movements. Underneath it all, your loveable furball still has the instincts of a predator, and those wiggly, fast-moving fingers might look a lot like prey. 
• DON’T punish a cat for hissing, growling, biting, or scratching, as punishment will only make the behavior worse. Proper training with positive reinforcement to prevent the escalation of fearful or aggressive behavior is more effective. 

By following these simple safety precautions, you’re not only protecting your child and your pet, you’re also fostering a lifelong bond and rewarding relationship that will bring them both years of happiness.

The post Kids and Cats: 10 Tips to Promote Bonding appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Learning to recognize your cat’s emotions through her body and tail language is important for building trust in your relationship, assessing her response to situations, and getting help when she needs it. 

The good thing is that cats don’t lie. They may not be upfront about their feelings but if you know how to interpret their cues and signals then you will have a window into their emotional state. 

Why Do Cats Crouch?

A crouching cat generally means some kind of discomfort—fear, aggression, or even pain. The rest of their body language and the context of the behavior give us hints as to what your cat is feeling. 

For example, a cat crouched with her ears flat and her head low while hiding in the corner is being defensive. She probably feels trapped and wants you to back away. A cat who crouches does not necessarily require a trip to the veterinarian but may benefit from some changes to her environment such as places to hide or moving food somewhere quieter. 

It is important to distinguish crouching from a cat who is relaxed but sitting with their feet tucked under them and their ears softly up, as these are signs of comfort. This distinction highlights why it is important to interpret your cat’s body language in the context of her surroundings.

Cat Crouching: What to Look For

Crouching cats have their bodies tucked and their tail wrapped around them. This differs from a relaxed cat who may have her tail out long or splay her body out (for easier petting). Details about her body language including her facial expression and ear position are important for understanding why your cat is crouching. 

Defensiveness or Aggression 

Cats may take a crouching posture when they feel antagonized. Along with her crouched body, her tail is wrapped around her, her ears are flat, and her eyes are fixed on you. The cat is saying “back off or else.” 

Fear or Stress

Her body is crouched and her tail is wrapped, but her ears may be up and her face more relaxed. She may look at you or avert your gaze. She may back away when you come near. She is asking for help because something is making her scared. Do not assume she wants to be picked up to be comforted, but rather try to figure out what is causing her fear or stress so that it can be eliminated. 

Pain or Discomfort

This can be the most difficult kind of crouching to interpret because it depends what hurts. Her facial expression may vary depending on how much pain she is in. A cat with abdominal (stomach area) pain may crouch, walk very slowly while staying low to the ground, and not go very far between breaks. A cat with muscle or joint pay may move from her crouched position very slowly and be very careful and deliberate about placing her feet to walk. A cat in pain should always be seen by a veterinarian.

What To Do About Cat Crouching Behavior

If you notice your cat is crouching, start by asking yourself some questions about the behavior. Answering these questions can help you figure out why your cat is crouching and what you can do about it. 

Some questions include:

• What else was going on in that situation where your cat was crouching? Did you have friends over, was it storming, or maybe something else? Is it only when there are loud noises?

• How long has your cat been crouching? Is it a new behavior or has she done it for a long time? Did something change in your household at the same time? Have you noticed any other changes in her behavior?

• How often is she crouching? Did it used to be occasional and now it’s more frequent? Is it after playtime or mealtime? Is it anytime someone comes near her or only people wearing heavy shoes?

Asking yourself these and other probing questions may help you come up with a solution. For example, maybe your cat needs more safe spaces to hide. Or maybe she doesn’t want to be touched when the loud dishwasher is running. Eliminating table scraps or a diet change might help if that’s what you can associate with painful crouching. For fear or anxiety, maybe supplements like CBD can help. 

If you’re unsure why your cat is crouching, don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian for help. This is especially true if the crouching is new or increasing in frequency as it could be due to pain or escalating aggression. If you can bring a video of the behavior that will be very helpful. 

Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and you will have the opportunity to talk about tools to make your cat more comfortable in your home, no matter the cause of your cat’s crouching. 

Cats give many clues to their emotional state. It is our job as pet parents to learn to read their body language and provide them what they need. 

The post Cat Crouching: Why They Do It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Why do cats roll in dirt, exactly? While there’s limited research about this topic, our experts offer insights into what may drive cat dust bathing, how to manage it, and potential dangers to take note of.

Why Do Cats Roll in Dirt?

Why do cats roll around on anything? Studies are limited, but our experts shed some light on this common behavior.

They’re Motivated by Scent

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to communicate with other cats. In fact, they have scent glands in their paws, cheeks, and around the tail, says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. These glands, she says, “emit odors that signify to other cats that the space is claimed.”

Cat dust bathing may also be a survival method. “Rolling in dirt that another predator has left his scent in may be a way to disguise the more vulnerable cat’s own scent,” says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of The Cat Coach in the San Francisco Bay area.

To Cool Down

On a hot day, a cat rolling in dirt might be a way to seek relief from the heat and sun. You might notice your cat loosening the top layer of dry soil to reveal the cooler layer beneath, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant, author, and owner of Nashville-based Cat Behavior Associates. “It’s common to see the cat lounging on the cool soil afterward.”

To Relieve an Itch

If your cat has a hard-to-reach itch—which might be a sign of a flea infestation—it may feel good to stretch and roll in the dirt, says Krieger. “The texture of the dirt is perfect for satisfying that itch.”

A Form of Play

A cat rolling in dirt might be trying to initiate play, says Bennett. “Cats don’t have one official play solicitation gesture but a common one seen is rolling from side to side.” If you happen to be outdoors, a cat may roll around in the dirt or grass as a way to initiate play. 

A Response to Catnip

Rolling is a common reaction to encountering catnip, says Bennett. Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which can elicit euphoric behavior, including rolling in the dirt. 

As Part of a Courtship Ritual

A female cat may roll on her back, including in the dirt, to show interest to male suitors. This behavior may be accompanied by purring and rubbing up against an object.

Do Cats Roll in the Litter Box?

It’s not as common as frolicking outside in the dirt, but when cats roll in the litter box it’s often for the same reasons.

“Rolling in the litter box is one way a cat may spread additional scent to claim ownership or create a familiar scent,” says Bennett. It’s more common when the box has just been cleaned and contains fresh litter, she adds.

It can occur more frequently in multiple cat households where conflicts are present, Krieger says. “The cat who is being picked on or is the low cat on the totem pole may roll in the litter box. Rolling in litter boxes deposits the scent from the other cats on them.” 

There could also be a perceived payoff to performing this behavior. “This has not been researched, but from a behavioral perspective there would be something about the behavior that the cat finds reinforcing, either while they are performing the behavior or immediately afterwards,” says Valli Parthasarathy, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with Synergy Behavior Solutions in Portland, Oregon.  

Are There Dangers for Cats Rolling in Dirt?

Dirt is not necessarily an issue unless it contains hazardous materials. Here are a few to watch out for.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can lurk in your soil. “For example, feline roundworm eggs can be found in the soil. If ingested through grooming this can lead to infection. Fleas or ticks can hop or crawl on board if the cat is rolling or resting in the dirt,” says Parthasarathy. Get your cat on flea and tick preventive medication to avoid parasites. 

Toxins and Poisons

Any type of chemical solution you use on or around your soil—including pesticides, insecticides, and rodenticides—has the potential to make your cat sick. Weed killers for example, often contain glyphosate, which veterinarians say can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, respiratory issues, and even death. Always use a pet-safe weed killer if your feline likes to explore outdoors. Even seemingly innocuous flowers like tulips, lilies, and daffodils can be toxic for cats. 

“Cats are such efficient self-groomers so if there are any contaminants or chemicals in the soil, there’s a risk of ingestion,” says Bennett. If you’re concerned about your cat being exposed to toxins, she says gently wiping her down with a towel before she starts grooming can help.

Debris

Even if you’ve done due diligence in cat-proofing your own yard, do you know what’s in your neighbor’s yard if your cat should accidentally wander away? Remnants of glass or pull tabs from cans, for example, can cause injury. 

How to Stop Your Cat From Rolling in Dirt

There’s no way to train this behavior out of a cat, says Dr. Liz Stelow, chief of service of clinical behavior service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at University of California, Davis. “So, it’s all down to management.”

One obvious solution is to keep your cat indoors. “Provide the cat with textured objects they can rub,” offers Krieger. You’ll often find these objects on cat trees or other cat toys. 

What to Consider If You Do Let Your Cat Outside

Since a cat rolling in dirt can be exposed to a number of potential dangers like pesticides, parasites, and predators, taking some preventive steps can help reduce these encounters. 

For example, consider building a solid cat enclosure or catio. Or invest in a good cat harness and leash. “This gives the owner control to direct the cat away from dangerous areas outside,” says Gibbons. And it goes without saying, always be nearby to supervise.

“Realistically, the best way to change behavior is to prevent access and then teach an alternative behavior,” says Parthasarathy. “If you are with your cat in an enclosed area, or on leash, you can try redirecting their attention with a toy or treat and moving them away from the dirt.”

If your cat does roll around in the dirt, avoid punishment, says Krieger. Instead, “Give them other things to do that satisfy the reasons for rolling in dirt.” 

If you suspect fleas or itchiness is the cause of your cat’s rolling, it’s best to schedule a veterinary appointment to help your cat find relief. If the rolling is an attempt to stay cool, provide other options like fresh, cool water and shaded areas, Bennett offers. “But best of all, keep your cat indoors where you can control the climate for comfort.” 

Always check with your veterinarian or a certified cat behaviorist if you have questions or are concerned about your cat’s health or behavior.

The post Why Do Cats Roll in Dirt? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Understanding the natural reasons behind why cats bite can help us humans in preventing and perhaps decreasing this behavior in the future.

Why Do Cats Bite?

There are several natural reasons that cats bite. Cats are very social creatures but prefer to hunt alone. Cats bite when hunting in order to capture and kill their prey. In fact, cats are one of the few animals that hunt even when they are not hungry.

Cats also bite when they perceive a threat or have a high level of fear and are unable to flee. This is a normal, instinctual behavior in order to protect themselves. Cats experiencing this level of fear demonstrate their fear in other ways such as hissing, growling, ears going flat, swatting, and spitting.

But not all biting is part of a cat’s instinctual prey drive or brought on by fear. Biting is also a natural part of play between cats. This type of biting should never result in wounds or injury. Cats mark their own scent on objects in their environment. On occasion, when marking a human with their cheek, cats may bite lightly. These behaviors are all learned from a very early age through interactions with cats and sometimes humans.

Why Do Cats Bite Their Owners?

There are several reasons that cats may bite their owners.

Frustration or Fear 

Sometimes pet parents do things to their cats that they do not like. For example, a pet parent picks up his/her cat, but she does not like to be picked up. When she is trying to get away but cannot or she is feeling afraid, kitty may bite. This is a normal behavior in response to fear.

Pain 

Cats hide symptoms of pain very well. Even when pet parents do not recognize that their cat is in pain, kitty may bite from the discomfort. Over 90 percent of cats that are 12 years old and older develop painful arthritis. Dental disease can be very painful and may lead to biting. 

Petting 

Some cats will bite to signal they have had enough petting. Sometimes this is due to overstimulation where the cat is in a state of high arousal due to prolonged petting or play. It could be due to pain but does not have to be.

Redirected Aggression

In some cases, a cat will perceive a threat and remain in a hypervigilant or state of hyperarousal—meaning her adrenaline is pumping and she is feeling panicked or super excited. A pet parent (or sometimes other cats) may cross paths with this cat, and she bites him/her. The hardest part about identifying this type of aggression is knowing ahead of time that the cat is overly aroused.

Conflict

On occasion, a cat will bite a pet parent that creates conflict between them. For example, if a cat jumps onto the counter and the pet parent tries to “shoo” her off of the counter, she may bite. Cats naturally appreciate being in control of their environments and interactions, and this may be related to creating a sense of controlling the situation. Keep in mind that punishing your cat for biting in these circumstances will make this behavior much worse.

Understanding Play Biting in Cats

Cats are very social creatures and, from approximately 3 weeks of age until 16 weeks, they engage in social play with both cats and humans that will shape their interactions for the rest of their lives. 

Biting is a natural part of play, and with appropriate social play with other cats, cats learn bite inhibition. Bite inhibition means that cats learn how hard they can bite without causing injury. It would be inappropriate for a bite to break skin and cause injury when the cat is intending to play.

While play biting is normal and expected between cats that play, many pet parents accidentally encourage this behavior between themselves and their cats causing bites. These bites can be very mild including barely feeling a play bite or painful resulting in red marks on the skin.

Play aggression occurs in cats that were never properly socialized as kittens during the crucial social play period and is one of the most common causes of aggression to people. If cats did not learn appropriate play with other cats, they are unlikely to have learned bite inhibition and will bite pet parents very hard in an attempt to play. These bites can even break skin and create small wounds. Kitty may even claw her pet parent, having never learned how to sheathe (put away) her claws. These bites often occur on feet, legs, hands, or arms.

Pet parents should stop all play biting—it should not be encouraged or allowed at any time. Play biting could lead to firmer and firmer bites that eventually cause harm to the pet parent. 

Cat parents are encouraged to:

• Play daily with their cat to ensure kitty is getting enough play and attention, and atleast twice daily if the cat is less than a year old.
• Use wand toys or other items that keep hands far away from the cat during play.
• If a bite occurs, immediately stop the interaction. Slowly remove whatever appendage was scratched or bit from the situation, and slowly leave the area to signal you are done with play. Most of the time, kitty is very aroused and will need a distraction to stop play—have a small, favored toy on hand to toss away from you when ending play.
• Give 1 or 2 treats to kitty after a great play session that did not involve any bites.
• Never punish your cat for biting—no physical or vocal punishment. This can create fear and decrease the bond between the pet parent and cat.

Remember to stop play and walk away whenever a cat is interacting with you in an inappropriate way.

Is There Such A Thing As a Cat Love Bite?

Cats are very scent motivated and often mark their own scent on objects in their environment to decrease their stress and indicate their territory. Marking is typically done by rubbing the cheek, chin, or tail base against an item repeatedly. On occasion, some cats that are very involved in marking a human with their cheek may bite lightly. Pet parents often describe that the cat “mouthed” them or that they felt the graze of teeth.

These soft bites during times of marking are typically called “love bites.” Cats that mark by rubbing are often content and when interacting with their pet parents may be purring, trilling, tail vibrating, eyes partially closed or demonstrating other cues that kitty is very pleased with the interaction. These gentle bites do not need to be stopped necessarily but they should also not be encouraged. Pet parents that are used to these gentle bites may be startled and upset if their cat suddenly bites harder. While these bites do not often progress to injury, it is possible. If a cat begins gently biting, it would be best to calmly and slowly walk away from kitty to avoid any mishaps.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Biting

If your cat is biting you, it can be quite upsetting. Sometimes the bites are painful but do not cause wounds, and other times it can result in wounds that can become infected. 

The first thing to do with your cat is make an appointment with the veterinarian. Keep a daily log of the when the bites occur and record the day’s events. Were there any visitors that day? Did your routine change? Was there anything different about the environment, including a shipment of packages or construction noise outside?

The reason to make an appointment with your veterinarian is to immediately rule out medical causes. If your cat is approximately 7 years of age or older, or the behavior has suddenly started occurring, medical causes are quite common. Remember, cats hide symptoms of pain and discomfort—so issues such as chronic bladder inflammation, painful dental disease, and arthritis can lead to sudden changes in behavior and increased bites to pet parents. If your veterinarian does not find a medical cause, he/she will offer tips to try at home or refer you to a cat behavior specialist if there is aggression occurring.

The best solution to all biting is prevention. If your cat bites you during petting, find other ways to interact with your cat without petting or stick to very few (3 or less) pets for every interaction. If your cat bites you every time you pick her up, do not pick her up.

Behavior modification is the practice of recognizing unwanted behaviors like biting and modifying them. Modifying behavior never involves punishment of any kind. Instead, cat parents can work on the following:

Meet Your Cat’s Natural Needs 

Your cat should have access to scratching that is both vertical and horizontal. Cat trees can provide an area for scratching and climbing. A variety of play toys should always be available and changed out at least weekly. Fresh water should be available at all times. Food should NOT be available at all times—cats are used to hunting their food in smaller quantities throughout the day. Litter boxes should be large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and dig in with soft substrate. Cats need places to hide, and higher-up places to climb.

Increase Your Cat’s Enrichment

Cats need a lot of variety and excitement in their environment to meet their behavioral needs. Play should be daily and never involve hands or very small toys that could result in bites to hands. Think of all your cat’s senses—taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. Does your cat have a new sensory experience every day? Try food puzzles at mealtimes, play cat-friendly videos on a computer or TV, or leave out a paper bag for your cat to rustle in.

Reward Welcome Behavior

Have treats handy. If your cat uses the cat scratcher instead of your armchair, immediately give kitty a treat!

Redirect Your Cat’s Biting When Possible

If your cat is focused on your feet every time you sit in your office chair, place a few treats or favorite small toys near the office chair that you can calmly reach for. Toss treats or small toys away from you to distract your cat to chase something else and avoid the situation which may lead to bites. If she is sitting on your lap and kitty is biting you, slowly stand up so that kitty has to jump down on her own instead of you needing to lift her.

The post Why Do Cats Bite? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Compared to dogs, “cats are more subtle in the way they express emotions,” says Dr. Marci L. Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant who runs Feline Behavior Solutions. “But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have the capability of loving humans and having close connections with them.”

So how do you know your cat loves you? As pet parents, it’s our job to learn the subtle—and sometimes surprising—ways that cats show us their affection. Understand these signs of cat love, and you’ll no longer be left wondering does my cat love me, or just see me as his can opener?  

Do Cats Love Their Owners?

“Most certainly,” says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant and the author of Naughty No More! “Cats can really bond with their people.”

According to Krieger, cats can become so attached to their pet parents that they often spiral into grief if a favorite human dies or even just goes away to college. “The grieving can be so extreme that the cat stops eating,” she says. It’s a heartbreaking situation, but clear proof of just how deeply a cat can love a human.

Studies have also found that most cats would rather interact with a person than food or toys [1], and that they display similar attachment styles to their human caregivers as dogs and other humans do [2].

But just like us, every cat has her own personality, and that includes how—and how often—she chooses to show her affection. “There are people who are huggers and kissers and show their love readily. Cats are no different,” says Sue Bulanda, a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. And just like people who are more reserved but still love deeply, some cats “can seem to be standoffish but actually love their owners very much,” Bulanda says.

11 Signs Your Cat Loves You

Figuring out if your cat loves you is easier than you think. Just watch out for these signs. 

Your Cat is Omnipresent

Cats who are less physically affectionate can be tougher to read, but here’s an easy clue: how often do you spot them nearby? “A good way to tell if your cat loves you is how much she stays near you,” Bulanda says. She notes that sticking close by—or even trailing you from room to room—is a sign that your cat trusts you, which further translates to feelings of love and bonding.

And if your cat often sits nearby with his back towards you, “don’t think that she’s giving you the cold shoulder,” Koski says. “She simply trusts you to ‘have her back’ and doesn’t need to keep an eye on you as she relaxes.”

They Give You Eye Kisses 

If your cat looks at you with half-closed eyes, then squeezes them closed in a slow blink, congratulations: you just got a cat kiss. 

Krieger suggests sending your own eye kiss back in response. Your cat may respond again “if they’re feeling warm and fuzzy toward you.” She notes that all cats innately know this form of communication, and they may even do it with each other. Koski says the slow blink means your cat is relaxed around you and trusts you—there’s no need to be on wide-eyed alert with you.

They Groom You 

When cats are feeling particularly loving toward their humans or to each other, they will often lick or groom the object of their affection, Krieger says. Through this licking, “they’re putting their scent on you so that you have a familial scent—you’re part of the family,” she adds. “That’s one way they identify their family members and kittens: by licking them and mixing their scent.”

Your Cat Rolls Over

If your cat rolls onto her back in front of you, belly fully exposed, it’s not an invitation to touch her tummy, Koski says. Instead, “be flattered, because she’s telling you that she trusts you enough to expose her vulnerable belly,” she adds. 

Bulanda agrees that this gesture is a sign of complete trust for cats—but she says some do actually like having their bellies rubbed while they’re at it.

They Knead and Purr

According to Bulanda, the most common sign that a cat accepts, loves, and is bonded to her owner is when she kneads and purrs. “This is a very deep feeling for a cat,” Bulanda says. “It is a nursing behavior from when they were kittens and they never forgot the reward and comfort.” Kneading is also one way your cat claims people or objects as his own, since a cat has scent glands on the bottom of his feet. 

“A cat will only knead something that they feel very safe with and that they love,” Bulanda adds. “Doing it to their owners is almost like telling their people that they feel as close to them as they did their mother.”

She Brings You “Gifts” 

Many pet parents assume that when their cat delivers a “gift”—either an actual prey animal they hunted or just a toy—it’s a sign of affection and bonding. “That may be,” Koski says, “but it could also be that your kitty thinks that you’re not a very good hunter and she’s trying to teach you how to hunt for yourself.” Either way, “these gifts are likely a sign that your cat has warm feelings towards you,” Koski adds.

Your Cat’s Tail Tells You

Your cat may use her tail to transmit a surprising number of messages—including that she loves you. Koski says that when your cat approaches with her tail straight up in the air, it’s likely a signal that she’s happy to see you. “A little curl at the end of the tail is a friendly gesture,” she adds, “and a vibrating tail indicates excitement.” 

Some cats have also been known to wrap their tails around a pet parent’s arm or leg. “I feel that this is a cat hug,” Bulanda says. “It is a way to show bonding and love.”

They Head Bunt You

Cats use head bunting (which many of us incorrectly call head butting) as a way to mark something with their scent. The subtext of that claim is clear: “They are saying ‘you are mine,’” says Bulanda. 

Koski notes that with head bunting, your kitty is “essentially claiming you as part of her family.”

Your Cat Talks to You 

Your cat’s “talking” can take any number of forms. For Krieger, quiet back-and-forth meows with her cat are a way of sharing affection. Other cats may chirp or trill when they greet you—which, according to Koski, is yet another way they announce their love.

She Nibbles Your Nose

One of the more surprising signs of a cat’s affection is when she nibbles or gently bites the tip of your nose. According to Bulanda, this is your cat saying she loves you—and if you gently touch her nose, “she will know that it is a sign of affection from you,” she says.

They Try to Hang On

Some cats will wrap their front paws around your arm or leg, or even grab your ankles when you’re walking away. Bulanda says all of these can be signs that your cat wants you to stay close or doesn’t want you to leave.

How to Make Your Cat Love You More

Once you’ve learned the signs of cat love, how can you foster an even deeper bond with your cat? 

First, prioritize playtime—whether it’s a game of drag-and-catch using a pole toy, an interactive cat kicker fish toy for your cat to hunt, or a food puzzle for her to figure out. Grooming, soft talking, and clicker training to learn tricks can all be further bonding opportunities, according to Bulanda.

Krieger suggests taking a towel, rubbing your scent onto it, and putting that near your cat’s food so that she associates you with food (one of her favorite things). She also encourages letting your cat sleep with you—and if you don’t want her in your bed, try putting a big cat tree in your bedroom for her instead.

Don’t yell at or punish your cat, since “this will break the bond and create a very stressed and fearful cat that’s afraid of its owner,” Krieger adds.

And in general, always let your cat come to you first. “With cats, especially ones that are new to your family, it’s generally best to let them set the speed of building a relationship,” Koski says. “Let them approach you and learn about you on their own terms. When your cat is given the ability to call the shots, that cat will learn to trust you and other members of your family.”

The post Does Your Cat Love You? 11 Ways to Tell appeared first on Great Pet Care.

While animal cognition experts have learned quite a bit about what’s going on in the minds of dogs over the years, the cat brain remains a black box of sorts. Little research has been done to figure out what cats are actually thinking. Part of this is because our feline friends are basically “the world’s most uncooperative research subject,” as science journalist David Grimm puts it.   

Chances are, this comes as no surprise to you if you’re a pet parent. What many of us love so much about cats is that they’re an endless source of intrigue. Although we still have a lot to learn about what exactly goes on in the brain of a cat, what we do know is super interesting. 

Read on for 12 of the most fascinating cat brain facts, with insight from expert veterinary neurologists and behaviorists. 

Your cat’s brain is about the size of your pinkie finger. 

The average cat brain size is only about five centimeters or two inches long! Smaller than you expected? “I have always marveled at how easy it is to overestimate the size of an animal’s brain,” says Dr. Serene Lai, a veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center of Tufts University. 

Because much of your cat’s skull is taken up by thick bone as well as her eye sockets, jaw, and mouth, that leaves little room for her cranium—the part of the skull that contains the cat brain. (1)

It weighs less than half of a plum. 

That teensy brain is also pretty lightweight. The average cat’s brain weighs in at a mere 30 grams or about 0.06 pounds. Compare that to a great white shark’s brain which is only a little heavier at 34 grams (0.07 pounds) or a newborn baby’s brain—which is already over eleven times as heavy as a cat’s brain at 350 grams (0.77 pounds). (2) 

Cats’ brains are oriented front-to-back rather than top-down. 

Think of it this way: Cats and dogs stand on four feet on a horizontal plane, while we stand on two feet on a vertical plane. As such, it makes sense that the sections of our brains would be oriented top-down while cats’ and dogs’ brains would be front-to-back, explains Lai.

Cats and dogs also have more elongated brains while ours are more round or oval-shaped, she notes. (3)   

The overall anatomy of a cat’s brain is pretty similar to ours. 

While our brains are different in size and shape, cat brain anatomy resembles ours in many ways, says Lai. To name a few structures, cats, dogs, and humans all have a cerebral cortex (for cognition, memory, planning, emotions, motor function, and more), cerebellum (key for balance and regulating movement), and brainstem (which helps regulate essential body functions like temperature and heart rate).

But the size and number of brain cells can differ quite a bit. 

For example, as humans, pet parents have a far larger prefrontal cortex compared to cats because that area pertains more to planning, short-term memory, and complex behaviors, says Lai. On the other hand, cats have a proportionally larger cerebellum, which makes sense since body awareness, balance, and coordination are key for their day-to-day needs like jumping, hunting, climbing, stalking prey, and watching the world below from great heights. 

Because of these differences in brain structure, what fascinates a cat isn’t necessarily what might fascinate a dog or you. “Think about the cat toys that never fail to capture a cat’s attention—this mimics their natural drive to attack prey and feeds their curiosity and fascination with hunting birds and bugs,” says Lai. 

In light of this, it’s important to provide your cat with activities and an environment that allow her to express her essential ‘cattiness.’ During play time, allow her to ‘hunt’ for interactive wand toys and make sure your home has plenty of cat trees and shelves for her to hide away from predators and look for potential prey from a safe vantage point, suggests Dr. Marci L. Koski, certified feline behavior consultant and founder of Feline Behavior Solutions.

A cat’s brain ages just like any other organ.

Therefore, some elderly cats may begin displaying behavioral changes attributed to feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), similar to dementia in geriatric humans. Most cases develop gradually and worsen with advancing age. Cats with cognitive dysfunction may become more agitated, experience anxiety or restlessness, become disinterested in activities once enjoyed, meow aimlessly, become disoriented, soil outside the litter box, or develop changes in appetite.

Cognitive dysfunction can mimic other health disorders, so always consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. While cognitive dysfunction is not curable, it can be managed with certain supplements (such as Senilife), medications (like selegiline, aka Anipryl), and healthy lifestyle management. Maintaining a healthy weight and proper dental health can help reduce the severity of cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, keeping your kitty on a routine, playing with mentally-stimulating toys, and spending quality time with your cat are additionally important.

A cat’s brain shares similarities with the brain of a brown bear.

Cats have about the same amount of brain cells in their cerebral cortex—the information-processing center of the brain—as brown bears. 

Despite having cerebral cortexes that are ten times smaller than those of brown bears, cats have about the same amount of brain cells with 250 million to brown bears’ 251 million, per a 2017 study in Frontiers of Neuroanatomy. 

In comparison, dogs have about 400 to 600 million neurons in their cerebral cortexes, depending on their size and breed. Pet parents, on the other hand, have a whopping 21 to 26 billion, according to recent estimates. This is the main difference between the cat brain and ours. 

“The human brain is more complex and contains significantly more neurons, specialized cells designed to transmit information to other cells and muscles throughout the body,” says Dr. David Weinstein, a veterinary neurologist at the BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. 

Cats can recognize your voice. 

Often, cats get a bad rap for ignoring their pet parents while dogs are eager to please, no matter the command. But your cat is listening to you—she just might not show it. Case in point: In a 2013 study published in Animal Cognition, researchers played cats recordings of either their pet parents or strangers calling their name. The cats were most responsive to the voices of their pet parents. But rather than meowing or getting up to find them, they just moved their head or ears around. Ahh, yep, that’s my mom!

Cats may also pick up on your body language.  

Again, just because a cat doesn’t respond to you doesn’t mean she’s not aware of what you’re trying to communicate. In another study, cats were presented with two bowls—one empty, the other filled with food that they couldn’t see. When researchers pointed toward the bowl with food in it, nearly all cats made a beeline for the correct bowl with food for their reward.

It’s possible for cats to become attached to their pet parents. 

Another common knock on cats is that they’re aloof. People think they put up with you, but they don’t love you like dogs do. However, recent research published in Current Biology suggests cats can actually bond with their pet parents after all. 

When kittens and cats were separated from their pet parents and then reunited with them, they displayed “distinct attachment styles toward human caregivers.” Many were more relaxed and willing to explore the room when their loved one was nearby—behaviors that indicate a sense of attachment to their human makes them feel secure. 

Cats can get brain freeze. 

If you’ve seen the adorable yet cringy Youtube videos of kitties licking popsicles only to freeze up in a moment of cold-induced pain, you know that cat brain freezes are definitely a thing. The phenomenon—formally known as “sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia”—occurs when cold exposure rapidly constricts the blood vessels in your mouth or throat, resulting in that all-too-familiar ice cream ache. (4) 

But this is one viral trend you’re best off skipping for your cat’s well-being. “Humans don’t like how brain freeze feels, and it’s likely that cats don’t, either,” says Koski. And since cats are lactose intolerant, ice cream is a no-no anyway, she notes.  

Cats seem to dream.   

If you’ve watched your cat’s paws twitch as she snoozes, you’ve probably lovingly imagined her dreaming of chasing mice or kneading dough. While it’s impossible to get into the mind—or dream journal—of a cat, our feline friends do experience rapid eye movement sleep (a.k.a. REM sleep), the same stage of sleep during which we have dreams, per a review published in the Journal of Sleep Research. 

Like us, their eyes flutter and their muscles relax as they sleep, presumably to prevent them from acting out whatever wandering or hunting they may be up to in their little dreamworld.

The post Your Cat’s Brain: 12 Crazy Facts You Didn’t Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Cat hissing is one behavior that indicates fear and acts as a way to warn off others, but it’s also associated with other negative feelings like anger and distrust. It can even signal a health issue. 

Understanding the science behind hissing places you in a better position to decipher cat communication, and ultimately help your cat thrive.  

Cat Hissing: How to Identify the Sound

If you’re a feline parent, chances are you’re already familiar with the cat hissing sound. It’s similar to a snake hiss or the sound of air being released from a car tire as it goes flat, which is precisely what’s happening, says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut.  “A hiss is made by cats forcing air through their mouth during exhalation,” she explains. 

Hisses are different from other cat noises like the high-pitched chirp, trill, or meow, which are generated in the vocal cords, Gibbons says.

The cat hiss is a powerful burst, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Nashville-based Cat Behavior Associates. “And if you’re close enough to the cat’s face you can actually feel the force of air coming out.” 

Just as voices differ in people, hissing sounds differ in individual cats, says Dr. Lauren Demos, chief veterinary officer of Pettable, a veterinary telemedicine service. 

“Just as everyone has a unique pitch and timbre (tone) to their voice, so do cats, which includes the sound they make when they hiss,” she says. “And the hiss can also vary based on the intensity of the situation-from a silent, open-mouth hiss that is more a visual indication of displeasure, to a full-on ‘spit’ sound.”

Why Do Cats Hiss?

It may be tempting to believe that your cat is hissing for no reason, but it’s generally associated with negative emotions like distrust, anger, annoyance, uncertainty, pain, or a combination of these, says Demos. “Hissing is one of the few sounds that contain little ambiguity: [it means] back off, buddy!”

It’s used as a defensive warning to deter an oncoming opponent, says Bennett. “Experts believe hissing is meant to sound like a hissing snake to scare off attackers. Mimicry is a common survival technique used by animals and insects.”

Why Do Cats Hiss at People? 

Cats hiss at people because that cat feels an immediate threat, says Bennett. “His first instinct is to hiss in the hope that you will back off,” she says. “Hissing at you usually means you’ve moved too quickly toward the cat or he’s unsure about what you’re about to do.” 

Even a cat you share a close bond with might hiss at you, she says. “Hissing is a reaction to an immediate situation and doesn’t mean the cat dislikes you,” Bennett adds.

Humans can unintentionally trigger hissing in a number of ways, says Dr. Liz Stelow, chief of service of clinical behavior service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at University of California, Davis. 

Some of these, she says, include the following.

• Nail trims and grooming
• Being forced into a carrier for travel
• The pet parent smelling like the neighbor’s dog or cat after playing with it outside
• Vacuuming or using some other scary household appliance

Cats Hissing at a New Kittens or Other Pets

Given that cats base their social structure on available resources, a new pet can be seen as a threat to those resources, says Bennett. “Since cats don’t like to have physical confrontations, they often use the hiss as an initial warning with the hope that no physical fighting will be needed.”

A cat hissing at a new kitten or cat isn’t unusual. “Cats may hiss at new kittens to establish boundaries, generally when the established cat’s boundaries are being pushed,” adds Demos. “A hiss is a quick means to tell the kitten to stop.”

What To Do If Your Cat Is Hissing

Cat hissing is a warning, reminds Demos. “This means you do not want to push the interaction any further—so no touching, no petting, no picking them up,” she says. “Generally, hissing is the last warning you will get prior to physical contact such as a swat, or a bite. So find ways to de-escalate the situation. Stop making direct eye contact, back away, don’t try and touch or pet this cat.”

Bennett recommends giving the cat time to settle down, and providing an escape option. “If a cat feels there isn’t any choice, that’s when aggressive behavior might be displayed,” she says.  

Additionally, Bennet explains that it’s important to never punish a cat for hissing or you’ll increase your feline’s fear and aggression.

How To Stop a Cat From Hissing

Rewards like toys, treats, or canned food can sometimes help relieve the anxiety and stress associated with cat hissing, says Demos. “Try to do this at a distance, not up close and in the face of any cats involved in the situation,” she says. 

Additionally, if you have a multi-cat household make sure each cat has their own bowls, toys, and space. “Give them separate dishes to eat from, separate toys to play with, and preferably, in separate rooms or at least out of visual range,” adds Demos.

How To Prevent a Cat From Hissing

Bennett says cat hissing often occurs because a pet parent isn’t paying attention to other signals that indicate possible discomfort. “Pay closer attention to your cat’s body language and also, provide choice when it comes to interaction so your cat never feels backed in a corner.”

Examine Deeper Causes of Cat Hissing

A cat who hisses frequently at people or other pets may be very anxious, says Stelow, who is board-certified in veterinary behavior. “This anxiety should be addressed so that the cat feels more comfortable in its environment,” she says. “A visit to the vet or a veterinary behaviorist should be the first stop.”

If cats frequently hiss at each other, it’s possible to improve their relationship with behavior modification. “But owners should be aware that they may never actually get along,” Stelow adds. “Aggression can arise suddenly between cats that have been fine together for months or years.” 

Regardless of the circumstances, excessive hissing is a sign of fear, Stelow says. “This should not be overlooked and a cause and solution should be found.”

Cat Hissing: When to Worry

A cat who hisses frequently should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out internal pain or discomfort, says Gibbons. “An animal behaviorist may be consulted if the hissing is determined to be from psychological origin.” 

And of course, this applies to signs of obvious distress. “If your cat appears to be in pain, have an injury, or is at risk of injuring another pet or person in the house, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help,” adds Demos.

Other signs that could indicate that the hissing may be due to a medical problem include the following, according to Gibbons.

• Poor appetite
• Low energy
• Reclusiveness or other changes in behavior

A cat who normally doesn’t hiss, then suddenly starts up may be a cause for concern, says Demos. “The first step is generally to try and get a video whenever it comes to unusual or new behaviors,” she says. “That way you can show your vet to get their specific thoughts on what is happening.”

If you’re in doubt about what the hissing means or you see behavior that’s out of the ordinary, check with your veterinarian, advises Bennett. “Any change in a cat’s behavior or normal routine should be viewed as a potential red flag.”  

The post Cat Hissing: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Cats also communicate with scents such as rubbing their cheek onto housemates, objects, or pet parents, or even by urine spraying.

The vocal forms of communication in cats are varied. Subtle differences between individual meows cannot be distinguished by humans but can be by other cats as well as other species. A single cat may have dozens of different meows with different meanings. Cat trilling, on the other hand, is luckily more straightforward.

What is Cat Trilling?

Cat trilling is a vocal form of communication that cats use to “talk” to other cats, to humans, and even to other animals (particularly within their household). It is a high-pitched, repetitive noise that comes out in short bursts. Trilling is also known as chirping. Cat trilling occurs with the mouth closed, not open like many other forms of vocalizing. 

Trilling is a natural social behavior with other cats, and kittens begin learning key social behaviors between 2 and 7 weeks of age. Kittens that were housed without other adult cats after the age of 6 weeks may never learn trilling.

Trilling vs. Other Cat Sounds

Trilling differs from other recognizable cat sounds like purring, meowing, yowling, and hissing. In order to better understand the differences, it’s helpful to know the three categories for cat vocalizations. They are as follows: 

Closed mouth. These vocalizations occur with the mouth closed and include trilling and purring. Purring is a constant noise, almost like a vibration. It can be a variety of pitches depending on the cat. Purring is associated with both positive associations such as pleasing attention from a pet parent, or extreme pain. Purring has been theorized to perhaps be a way for cats to seek care, although it is much more frequently tied to positive things. Unlike purring, which is a continual noise, trilling is characterized by short, repetitive, high-pitched noises. 

Open mouth then closed. These vocalizations are meows. The cat’s mouth is open for the meow but ends the noise by closing the mouth. Meows are similar in sound to how the word is pronounced—they can be long and drawn out or short. Meows are very nuanced. Each cat may have dozens of different meows with different meanings. Pet parents may learn some of their own cat’s individual meows. Mating calls from both females and males are also included in this category.

Open mouth. These are all fear-based or aggressive vocalizations made with the mouth open. Hissing, growling, yowling, snarling, and spitting occur with the mouth open. Hissing is a constant muted noise that is typically very short. Growling is typically a low-pitched, constant noise of varying length. Yowling is a very dramatic, sharp vocalization that almost sounds like a very loud meow but is more like a “raow”. Spitting is a very quick vocalization, only tenths of a second, that sounds like a rush of air and a person trying to pronounce the letter “F.” Spitting is often accompanied by some flying saliva, as the name would suggest.

Why Do Cats Trill?

Cats trill when they see or approach a familiar and well-liked person, cat, or other animal. Studies show it is specifically associated with positive and familiar situations (1). A person they know may be offering treats or bringing out a favorite toy, but the reason for the trill is the specific person, not the activity itself.

Keep in mind that just because a cat doesn’t trill does not mean a cat is unhappy or doesn’t like their pet parents. Some cats trill much more than others because they are generally more social cats. 

Hormones may also influence this type of vocalization, as female cats that are in heat (trying to find a mate) tend to trill frequently.

Cat Breeds That Trill

There are no cat breeds known for trilling more frequently than others. Cat trilling is a communication common to all cats, and different individual cats will trill more than others.

Cat Trilling All The Time: Should You Worry?

There should be no concern with a cat that trills frequently. Some cats are just more social than others! 

Trilling is a common, natural, and healthy form of communication from your cat. If your cat is female and intact (not spayed) she is likely to trill more frequently due to her hormones causing her to wish for a mate. 

On rare occasions, a female cat that was previously spayed and months later is heard to be trilling frequently may be experiencing symptoms of being in heat. Discuss any other symptoms of being in heat with your veterinarian, including vocalizing in general much more frequently and demonstrating a stance with her tail held high, front half of the body low, and back half of the body held up with the back feet moving slightly. 

These cats have what we call an ovarian remnant. Rarely a surgeon will mistakenly leave a very small piece of the ovary (organ that produces hormones in females) and it will continue to create hormones leading to heat cycles, even if the female cannot possibly become pregnant due to the lack of a uterus after spay.

The post Cat Trilling: Why They Do It and What It Means appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Cats want to be understood, yet they speak an entirely different language than us humans, and their language is complex. 

To deepen our bond with our cats and provide for their quality of life, we pet parents must become multilingual by learning cat tail language so we may “chat” with our cats.

Understanding Your Cat’s Tail: The Basics

A cat’s tail position is one way a cat communicates with humans as well as other cats and animals. 

The long swishy tail of a feline is an important structure. The tail is a continuation of the spine, comprising between 18 to 20 caudal vertebrae in most domestic cat species. A cat’s tail anatomy is made up of fur, skin, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and a small amount of muscle. The nerve supply of a cat’s tail controls it in response to stimuli. 

Some cat breeds are born with a shortened or absent tail (such as the Manx). Evaluating the behavior of these cat breeds is trickier since relying on tail positioning is not possible.

A cat’s tail does not function solely in communication. It is also important in balancing when running or jumping or as a counterbalance when a cat is walking on a narrow surface or suddenly changing direction when running or tracking prey. After all, cats are vertically-inclined creatures. When they’re not sleeping up to 18-20 hours per day, they’re often jumping and climbing, whether they’re in the wild or at home.

Cat Tail Health

A healthy tail is important to a cat’s overall wellbeing, and tail injuries can cause severe pain, discomfort, and stress for our cats. 

Though the spinal cord itself ends before the tail, nerve damage to the tail (such as damage caused by tail pulling) can cause traumatic spinal injuries in cats. Tail fractures can also occur. 

Severe or non-healing injuries to the tail may require amputation by a veterinarian. Fortunately, this surgical procedure is well-tolerated by the majority of cats. 

Cat Tail Positions and What They Mean

Cats communicate in many ways. They vocalize by meowing and hissing, and they display non-verbal cues through body posture as well as eye and ear positioning. 

Additionally, cat tails are very expressive, and the position of your cat’s tail is another method by which your kitty can “speak” to you—communicating his preferences, emotions, and even signs of illness or injury. 

So what exactly are all your domestic cat’s different tail positions trying to tell you? Here’s a helpful breakdown.

Standing Straight Up

A cat with an upright tail pointing towards the sky is a happy feline. This tail position is similar to a human smile. A tail that stands straight up is a common greeting display, revealing that a cat is confident, content, and willing to interact with other cats or humans. 

Amicable cats with this tail posture show other felines they are non-confrontational, reducing the possibility of a conflict. 

You may also notice that the tip of the tail may rapidly quiver or buzz while in this upright posture, indicating that your cat is particularly joyful. Pet parents should reward these happy kitties with attention and praise.

The Curled Question Mark

Depending on their surroundings, cats with a hooked or bent tail resembling a question mark may be feeling either playful or otherwise doubtful. If something stressful is occurring, give your cat some time to gauge the situation. If your cat seems comfortable, try to encourage play with a dangly feather toy.

Curled Around the Body

If your cat’s tail is curled around itself while seated, your cat may be feeling submissive or a bit nervous. Give your cat some space to act on his own accord when ready. If your cat’s tail is curled around itself while he is sleeping, your cat needs a break and prefers to be left alone.

Wrapped Around You or Another Pet

Cats may also curl their tails around the body or tail of another cat as a sign of friendship and affection. You may notice that when your cat is especially relaxed in your presence, he may wrap a tail around your arm. This is your cat’s way of saying, “I love you.”

A Loose, Wagging Tail

If your cat’s tail is loosely and slowly swaying from side to side, your kitty is focusing intently on something, is bored, or is otherwise feeling playful and feisty. He may be preparing to stalk or pounce on prey, a toy, or a bit of food. Cat parents should allow their cats to continue to focus on whatever is holding their attention.

You may also notice that your cat may gently swish his tail when napping, meaning that this kitty is resting yet is remaining alert to what’s happening in the environment. Sometimes, a feline in a deep sleep may swish his tail when dreaming.

The Quick Flick

While a loosely wagging tail can be a sign of focus or playfulness, a rapidly whipping tail that is lashing from side to side more forcefully is a clear indicator that your feline friend is feeling fearful or aggressive. 

A quick flick of the tail is a warning to other cats and humans to back off. These cats are agitated and may become aggressive if stressed further. The stronger the movement, the stronger the emotion. Pet moms and dads should back off and allow their cats to retreat. Avoid petting your cat to prevent petting-induced aggression.

Tail Held Straight Back

Depending on the circumstances, a cat holding its tail straight back may be either relaxed, slightly concerned, or else interested in something. Some cats that hold their tails down, especially at a 45-degree angle, may be feeling serious, somber, and slightly suspicious. However, for other kitties (particularly long-haired cat breeds such as Persians), a tail held back or down can be interpreted as a relaxed, neutral expression.

Always look for context based on your cat’s surroundings, body posture, eyes, and ear position to determine what your cat is sensing.

Tucked Tail

When your cat is frightened or submissive, he may tuck his tail tightly around the body or between the legs. Your cat may attempt to shrink to the smallest possible size, lowering his head and crouching his body. Cat guardians should try to reduce the source of their cat’s stress or insecurity and avoid upsetting the situation further.

Furthermore, a cat with a tucked tail may be experiencing pain. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure your feline companion does not have an illness or injury causing this behavior.

Puffed-Up Tail

While some cats may act submissive in the face of danger, other situations may require a cat to defend itself. In an attempt to look as large as possible to ward off a predator or other threat, your cat may bluff by bristling its hair through a smooth muscle action known as piloerection, causing the tail to puff up. 

When your cat is this agitated or frightened, his back may also arch up to resemble a “Halloween cat” or “scaredy cat” posture—another means of appearing larger. 

When your cat is afraid enough to be bristling his fur, you should carefully try to diffuse the distressing situation and avoid triggering your cat further, allowing your cat to retreat to avoid escalating the situation.

Your Cat’s Tail Language: Look for Context

Feline body and tail language is complex, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be on your way to becoming quite the pet interpreter. If ever in doubt of the meaning behind your cat’s tail position, look at other cues for indications of intent. 

Here are some helpful hints and questions to ask:

Vocalization: Is your cat vocalizing by pleasantly purring or growling in anger or distress? 

Overall posture: What is his body posture: relaxed, cowering, or about to pounce or attack? 

Your cat’s eyes: Are his eyes soft and blinking, suggestive of a calm mood, or are they open wide and staring, more likely to be interpreted as alert, fearful, or aggressive? 

Your cat’s ears: What about your cat’s ears? Are they relaxed and forward-facing or else aimed backward to suggest an irritated or angry feeling? 

Any non-verbal feline behavior is best interpreted with what is happening in the environment and the overall appearance and actions of your cat. Full understanding is best gained by pairing together all these observations to decode how your cat is feeling.

By paying attention to your cat’s non-verbal cues such as tail positions, you’ll be fluent in feline language in no time and better able to understand and communicate with your furry best friend.

The post Cat Tail Language: Decoding Your Feline’s Flick appeared first on Great Pet Care.

While some cats are laidback and happy to roll with (or snooze through) almost anything, others are easily frazzled by all sorts of situations and experiences. From trembling to hiding, skipping the litter box to excessive meowing, vomiting and even aggression, your cat may be showing you she’s anxious more often than you realize. 

Here are some tips and advice on how to calm a cat who’s scared, stressed, or even just hyper. 

Understanding Cat Behavior: Anxiety, Fear, and Hyperactivity

“There are many things that can stress out cats,” says Christine Calder, a certified veterinary behaviorist and the director of behavior services for Midcoast Humane. By nature, cats are both prey animals and predators, so “fear is a hardwired emotion in cats,” Calder notes. As a result, many are easily rattled.

Calder says the most common situations that trigger the need to help calm a cat are run-ins with other cats, unfamiliar people, dogs, noises, new environments, car rides, visits to the veterinarian, and even handling. 

Other times, you may need to calm a cat for reasons that have nothing to do with fear. For instance, when he goes on a late-night, hyperactive rampage while you’re trying to sleep.

 Whether it’s fear or just hyperactivity, there are steps you can take to help calm a cat down, whatever the root cause.

How to Calm Down a Cat

In general, Calder says it’s best to give cats plenty of space and provide ample hiding spots and vertical territory where they can retreat, relax, and calm down when they’re anxious or scared. 

Jennifer Van de Kieft—a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs the consulting company Cat Advocate LLC—also notes that when it comes to cats and stress, “it’s so much easier to prevent fear than it is to treat it.” 

That means pet parents should not only have foresight into what could frazzle their cat, but also work on advance training and familiarization for situations you know will arise in the future—like a trip to the veterinarian.

How to Calm a Cat at Night

Knowing how to calm a cat down at night may be the key to getting a good night’s rest yourself. Again, this is less about a stress issue for cats, and more about an uneven match between their natural schedules and ours. Since cats see best in low light, they’re hardwired to be most active at dawn and dusk.

“I get this one all the time,” Van de Kieft says. “It’s astounding to me how often people are not sleeping” because of their cat’s behavior. “Cats sleep a lot during the day, especially if you’re at work,” she adds. “Then maybe they’re running around at midnight or up at 4 a.m. and expecting you to feed them.”

Van de Kieft recommends upping your cat’s daytime enrichment options so that he plays on his own during daylight hours instead of saving his energy to rampage through the house at night. Young and adult cats need at least two play sessions a day, she says, in the morning and evening. Senior cats need scheduled playtime once a day, too.

 “Cats have a normal rhythm: hunt and then eat what they hunted, relax, and go to sleep,” Van de Kieft says. She suggests playing with your cat close to your own bedtime and providing a dry food snack afterward—or even leaving it out in a food puzzle to give your cat something to work on overnight.

“If all that doesn’t work,” she adds, “get a timed feeder. If the cat starts meowing at 4 a.m., have a snack set to go off at 3:45.”

Calder also recommends food-dispensing and puzzle toys for cats in the evening to foster a calm night. She says that night waking in older cats can also be due to cognitive or sensory decline.

Whatever the cause, “it is important not to try and stop or correct the behavior, as this can sometimes be reinforcement,” Calder says. Instead, “keep the cat busy with other things to do.”

How to Calm a Scared Cat

When your cat is scared, one of the best things you can do is give her space. Don’t try to pick her up or move her, Calder says, since some cats may redirect their stress onto you and become aggressive.

Instead, Van de Kieft recommends quickly removing the source of stress and then closing your scared cat off in one room, dimming the lights, and even putting on some stress-reducing cat music (2)—specially designed tracks with purring layered over soothing tunes. Make sure the room has all your cat’s essentials inside: litter box, food, and water. Then give her time and space to decompress. 

“Sometimes when cats are upset, it can take a couple hours to calm down,” says Van de Kieft. 

If you’ve worked on it in advance, Calder says it may also be helpful to try redirecting your cat’s focus with a behavior they’ve learned, such as “touch” or “targeting” (when a cat learns to touch their nose to a finger or target stick).

Van de Kieft notes that play can help too, especially for young cats, since “exercise makes you forget about what’s going on.” 

 For cat-scaring moments that can’t be avoided in the future—such as running the vacuum or going to the veterinarian—she suggests working on positive associations. For instance, try doling out treats anytime you vacuum. 

And if your cat is still young, Van de Kieft says the best thing you can do is expose her to as many varied situations as possible. “Have friends over, have kids over, get them used to different experiences—it builds resilience,” she says.

How to Calm a Cat in the Car

Whether it’s a quick trip to the vet or a long-distance vacation, car rides can be stressful for cats. 

Addressing that stress begins with advance training, Van de Kieft says. She recommends starting with the cat carrier. Many people stow carriers in their basement or closets, only bringing them out for car trips—most often to the veterinarian’s office. As a result, “your cat knows that when the carrier comes out, something bad is going to happen,” she says. 

Van de Kieft says the best thing you can do is leave your carrier out all the time. Make it a safe, secure spot where your cat can hang out whenever he chooses. Stock it with treats, fresh bedding, catnip, food and toys. “This way, their carrier can become a place of safety,” Van de Kieft says. “When you travel, it’s like taking a piece of their home with them.”

To further those happy carrier feelings, Van de Kieft recommends taking a short walk with your cat in his carrier around the house, then in the hallway, then outside. You can reinforce with treats if you’d like. 

Next up: a short drive in the car in which nothing bad happens and the treats are plentiful.  

By doing this, “you get ahead of the fear before it actually happens and create positive associations with the carrier,” Van de Kieft says.

When it’s time for an actual drive somewhere, she suggests bringing along cat snacks and making sure there is good airflow in the car. It can also help to bring something soaked in your cat’s scent, like a towel you’ve left out for her to sleep on in advance.

For cats who are still overly anxious in the car, Van de Kieft and Calder both recommend pheromone sprays—products that mimic the natural cat pheromones linked to calm and peaceful feelings. (These happy pheromones are what come off when your cat rubs her face against the couch base, for example.) You can spritz this cat calming spray onto a towel or straight into the carrier itself.  Calder also recommends securing the carrier and covering it with a towel to help your cat feel safer on the road.

For cats that need some extra help while in the car, Calder sometimes prescribes gabapentin as a cat anxiety medication for car-induced stress. 

Other supplements, including hemp-oil products for cats, may alleviate stress and anxiety during car rides, but make sure to speak with a veterinarian before giving your cat a new product. 

How to Calm a Cat After Moving

Relocating to a new home or apartment can be very difficult for cats, who love routine and familiarity. If you’re moving with cats, Van de Kieft says this isn’t the time to buy a new cat tree or debut a different cat bed. Since a new place will smell different already, “bring as much stuff as possible that smells like the cat, so there are familiar things there,” she says.

Van de Kieft also suggests plugging in a feline pheromone diffuser a few weeks in advance of arriving with your cat, if you can, to get those soothing scents into the air.

Calder and Van de Kieft both recommend designating a single “safe haven” room for your cat when moving into a new place. Fill it with all her familiar belongings, and make sure there are separate areas for using the litter box, resting, eating and drinking. Let her get comfortable and used to that room before slowly introducing her to the rest of the new home, ideally one space at a time.

Meanwhile, stick to her usual schedule for feeding and playtime as much as possible. 

Cat Calming Products to Consider

There are a number of products on the market designed to help calm down anxious cats. 

In addition to pheromone products that are available as diffusers, wipes or sprays, Calder sometimes recommends nutritional supplements that are designed to help anxious cats. You should always speak with your own veterinarian first before adding or changing your cat’s diet.

 For some cats, Calder will prescribe medications to help reduce fear and anxiety.

Something Calder doesn’t suggest to pet parents as a cat anxiety treatment? Essential oils. “Essential oils can be toxic to cats, especially if ingested.”

The post How to Calm a Cat: Tips and Advice appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t just purr when they are content. A domesticated cat may purr when tickled or pet, but felines also purr to communicate with those close to them, express needs like hunger, and when they are nervous or not feeling well.  

Mama cats use purring vibrations to guide kittens to their warmth and comfort, while kittens purr to communicate and bond with their mothers and littermates. Purring—instead of making other vocalizations—makes it more difficult for predators to locate recent moms and kittens in the wild. 

For pet parents, research shows that the low frequency of purrs brings on relaxation, helps relieve anxiety, and decreases high blood pressure. There’s even been a purr-like vibration device patented for use in therapeutic healing.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a cat purr and how a cat purrs, here’s a guide to everything you need to know about this specific vocal feature. This includes information on the meaning of different kinds of purring and when to be concerned.

How Do Cats Purr?

Domestic cats and smaller wild cats such as pumas, cheetahs, ocelots, and bobcats have the mechanics to purr. Interestingly, very big cats like lions, jaguars, tigers, and leopards are not able to produce this feline vocalization. 

Dr. Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff of Small Door Veterinary in New York City, explains that a cat’s purring involves the brain, larynx (the throat), and diaphragm (the muscle responsible for breathing, separating the chest and abdominal cavity). “This complex process starts in the brain, which signals nerves to the larynx and diaphragm to oscillate, causing tension on the glottis, which contains the vocal cords,” she says. “When the cat then breathes in or out, a purr results due to the tension/relaxation on the glottis.” 

A cat’s laryngeal muscles can flutter at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz (vibrations per second), producing a low, continuous buzzing that is both audible and palpable. These low frequency vibrations are known to heal bones and relieve pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. If you find your cat purring away as she rests or after a fall from a fence, she’s helping herself heal. 

Purring is a complex process that benefits both the cat and those around her. As a palpable and auditory communication signal, it is important in cat’s social lives.

When Do Cats Learn to Purr?

Cats learn to purr from a young age and the mechanism is vital to their survival. “A kitten’s natural instinct to purr starts from as early as two days old,” says Richardson. “This helps them communicate with their mother and between littermates.”

 A mother cat communicates with her newborn babies through the purring vibrations to let them know that she’s there, as the babies are born without sight or hearing. Purring, in lieu of meowing or other cries, helps vulnerable new moms and newborns stay safe from predators who are less likely to detect the vibrations.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Purring expends energy, and both domestic and wild cats would not have evolved to purr if it didn’t serve a purpose. Up until the 2000s, it was widely believed that cats used purring as a communication tool. Studies since have confirmed that felines purr as a way to express contentment and anxiety, self-heal injuries, and to get the attention of mothers and littermates. 

There are a host of reasons behind different types of purring. Richardson says, “Happy/content purrs have been described as ‘melodious,’ whereas sick/stressed purrs are more monotonous.” 

When a cat wakes you up in the morning with purring intermingled with whining (similar in frequency to that of a human infant’s cries), she’s hungry and alerting you to feed her. Pet parents are conditioned to feed cats before even having their own breakfast, showing how this type of purring can produce immediate results. 

What Does it Mean When a Cat Purrs?

The behavior exhibited by a kitten at an early age to get the attention of her mom oftentimes continues into adulthood. The cat expresses hunger and the need to be fed by way of purring with a high frequency cry. 

A study spearheaded by Karen McComb, PhD at the University of Sussex in Brighton, U.K., explored the relationship between insistent purring and the animal’s needs. The study of 10 felines revealed that cats often embed a cry within their purr (known as a solicitation purr) that is “more urgent and less pleasant” (like a baby’s cry), which is less likely to be ignored by humans. 

In fearful or stressful situations, when arriving in a new home or placed in a carrier to visit the veterinarian, cats purr as a comfort mechanism. 

A study by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, a bioacoustician from the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina, published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, concluded that not only do cats purr when expressing contentment, but also “when they are severely injured or frightened.” According to the study, the specific frequency at which a cat purrs (25 Hz and 50 Hz) is able to promote the growth of bones and heal fractures. Thanks in part to the healing properties of this specific vocalization, cats seem to rebound more quickly from injuries than other animals. 

Understanding Your Cat’s Purring 

To better understand why your cat is purring, look to her body language and behavior. Richardson suggests that if the cat is kneading with her paws, butting her head, or rubbing up against you, she is happy and content. If a cat is crouched low to the ground and looks at you with dilated pupils, she is likely afraid or anxious. 

When a cat looks lethargic or shows symptoms of malaise, she is likely not feeling well and needs medical attention. 

Cat Vocalizations: When to Be Concerned

Cat noises, even purring, can signal a health issue. Richardson suggests that when you notice your cat being sluggish or exhibiting increased lethargy or tiredness while purring, it is time to go to the veterinarian. A change in the loudness, tone, or clarity of a purr can indicate a medical problem.

“Loud vocalizations can also occur when a cat is in pain. The most classic example of this is when a cat is having urinary issues,” she explains. “Often, they will be in and out of the litter box trying to urinate and vocalizing, which should signal a prompt visit to the veterinarian.”  

The best thing pet parents can do is pay attention to body language associated with any sounds cats make. “If vocalizations are concurrent with any clinical symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, breathing problems, or difficulty urinating/defecating—a trip to the veterinarian is warranted,” Richardson says.

The post How Exactly Do Cats Purr? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

While cats may be more equipped than their canine counterparts to handle a long stretch of alone time, it’s important not to overestimate their coping skills. Cats are social animals, and they notice when you’re gone.  

So, how long can you leave a cat alone and what does yours need while you’re away? Read on for everything you need to know about leaving cats alone, including ten things not to do before you go and what to do instead in order to set your cat up for success. 

Do Cats Get Lonely?

“Yes. Cats can and often do get lonely when their guardians are gone for varying lengths of time,” says Dr. Marci L. Koski, certified feline behavior consultant and founder of Feline Behavior Solutions. “Cats aren’t nearly as independent as people have historically thought them to be.” 

 In fact, research shows that cats bond to their owners. They feel safer and more secure when their pet parents are around, and may even experience stress and separation-related anxiety when you’re gone (1). 

While a lonely cat can be difficult to identify, severe loneliness or cat separation anxiety could cause house soiling or other behavior changes in response to stress, says Dr. Heather Graddy, a relief veterinarian and cat behavior consultant in Englewood, Colorado. 

Boredom can be another problem for cats, and kittens are especially prone to it. With nothing to do and no company all day, a bored cat might just find her own ways to entertain herself, from batting a roll of toilet paper to destroying your houseplants (2).  

In order to keep your cat out of trouble and free of anxiety, it’s key to know just how long is too long when it comes to leaving cats alone. 

How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone? 

Every cat is unique, but most healthy adult cats are fine to be left alone for the average eight-hour workday, says Koski. However, if you’re regularly gone for 10 to 12 hours a day and don’t have much time to spend with your cat when you are home, your cat may need supplemental care. 

When traveling, make sure that someone can check up on your cat every day to refill food and water, maintain their litter box, and provide them with some sure-to-be welcome attention. Koski recommends hiring a professional pet sitter if possible, since they’re typically more responsible and prepared in the case of an emergency. 

Before you leave, make sure all of your bases are covered and avoid some of the most common mistakes pet parents make when they leave their cats home alone. 

What Not to Do When Leaving Your Cat Alone 

When you’re leaving cats alone at home, you want to make sure they’re comfortable and at ease. Sometimes, though, your go-to checklist before a trip can actually set your cat up for increased stress and anxiety. 

On this note, here are ten things to avoid doing when leaving your cat home alone and what to do instead. 

Don’t Neglect to Arrange a Pet Sitter 

You might be tempted to let your cat “rough it” because it’s only a weekend trip or she seems just fine when you come home late from work. But for your peace of mind and your cat’s well-being, you should hire a pet sitter. 

If you regularly work 10-12 hour days or you’re headed out for a vacation, find a professional pet sitter who seems trustworthy and can provide references, suggests Koski. It never hurts to have a back-up pet sitter just in case your regular pet sitter is booked up, too. 

Another option: Ask around in your neighborhood for a reliable pet sitter or exchange favors with a friend who’s also a pet parent, says Graddy.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Litter Box 

It’s simple: No one wants to use a dirty toilet, says Graddy. When you’re gone, the last thing a stressed cat needs is a dirty litter box, as it can be yet another cause of anxiety.

The fix: Make sure to clean your cat’s litter box before you leave, and instruct your pet sitter to scoop the box daily. If that’s not possible or you’re often gone for an extended period of time, set up an extra box or two around the house, suggests Graddy. 

Don’t Put the Toys Away 

It’s tempting to put everything away before you leave your cat alone because it’s nice to return to a clean house. But your cat needs opportunities for enrichment while you’re gone—a bored cat will find her own sources of entertainment if need be. 

What to do: Leave out a few toys that you know will excite your cats and place them in areas they visit throughout the day. You can also instruct your pet sitter to have interactive play sessions with your cats while you’re gone to make sure they get some exercise, says Koski. 

Just don’t leave out wand toys with strings while your cats aren’t being supervised, as they could be a choking hazard or get tangled around your cat. 

Don’t Close Your Shades 

It’s another common before-you-go task. After all, closing your shades can keep your energy bill down and keep outsiders from looking in.  

Why you might not want to do that: “For many cats, a window perch can be an endless source of entertainment,” says Graddy. If your cat loves taking in birds and squirrels outside or basking in the sunlight, leave a few of your shades open for her benefit. 

Don’t Turn the AC or Heat Way Down 

It’s another cost-effective choice if you’re going to be gone for a long time, but it could also be a dangerous move. Cats may be susceptible to heat stroke or other complications if they have pre-existing health conditions, explains Koski.

While it’s fine to leave the house a few degrees warmer or cooler than usual, indoor cats are accustomed to climate control, so aim to keep the temperature of your home in a comfortable range, says Graddy. 

Don’t Turn Off the TV or Radio 

Some cats enjoy watching TV, and others may find comfort in listening to relaxing classical music or talk radio while you’re gone, says Graddy.

For an easily stressed cat, some entertainment—albeit, at a fairly low volume—may help keep their anxiety down until you return or a pet sitter checks in.   

Don’t Leave Food in One Big Pile 

Of course, you want your cat to have access to plenty of nutritious food while you’re gone. But if you pile a weekend’s worth of food into your cat’s bowl, she may overeat and become sick or run out of food on the final day of your trip, says Graddy.

Instead, have your pet sitter feed her according to her regular schedule and distribute snacks in multiple food toys and hiding places. A “treasure hunt” of sorts will keep your cat busy and ensure that she doesn’t overdo it in one sitting, either.

Don’t Change Your Cat’s Routine 

Just as you love your morning cup of joe and lunch break, cats thrive on predictability and routine. If your cat tends to be anxious, try to find a pet sitter who can adhere to her normal routine as much as possible, says Graddy. 

For example, if your cat is fed three times a day, make sure that still happens. Here, an automatic feeder can be helpful, but you still want to make sure that your pet sitter is coming in to check on your cats, play with them, and clean the litter box according to a set schedule every day, says Koski.

Don’t Board a Cat Who Is Better Off With In-Home Care 

Keep in mind: Sometimes, boarding your cat in a kennel is the best option, particularly if she has a medical condition that requires regular medication or monitoring. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, you might also consider a cat hotel with a large suite and scheduled play times in order to ensure that your cat is getting the social interaction she needs throughout the day, says Koski.

That said, most cats are understandably happier and more comfortable in their own homes, surrounded by familiar scents, toys, and hangout spots. Ultimately, whether or not you board your cat or keep her at home is a personal decision. Make sure to weigh your cat’s social and physical needs and the duration of your time away before you hire a pet sitter or board your cat, suggests Koski.

Don’t Panic

A stressed cat is no fun, but neither is a stressed pet parent. Remember: Your cat will likely be just fine while you’re gone, and leaving her with an enriching environment and professional pet sitter or boarder is a great way to make sure she’s in good hands while you’re away.

The post 10 Things to Avoid Doing When Leaving Your Cat Alone appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Read below to know this process well enough to successfully pick up almost any cat you come in contact with.

Picking Up a Cat: Why Technique Matters

Learning the appropriate way to pick up a cat—starting with the correct approach—is very important. Cats that experience stress may desperately attempt to get away if picked up awkwardly, resulting in a high level of fear and possible injury to the cat. 

Cats have some level of memory—while they will not remember dates, times, and exact details, a stressful event like being picked up wrong could leave a lasting impression against interacting with a particular person. 

Cats may even scratch or bite out of fear, so keeping yourself safe is another important reason to learn how to properly pick up a cat.

How to Approach a Cat

Every cat appreciates a proper introduction. First, approach the cat only if she is relaxed and when she is not asleep—it can be startling to be woken up. 

You can tell a cat is relaxed when:

• Her eyes are not open wide, and her pupils (the black center of the eye) are not super big or dilated
• Her body is in a relaxed position. For example, she is sitting or laying down calmly with minimal movement
• Her tail is still (not twitching)
• Her ears are facing forward
• Her fur is not on end, and the tail is not puffed up
• She is not growling or vocalizing loudly

If the cat you wish to pick up appears relaxed, approach the cat calmly and quietly. Speak in a normal voice—one that is not raised. You also shouldn’t approach with laughter or strange noises. Walk up steadily—don’t run or perform other quick movements.

The next step is to allow the cat the opportunity to sniff you. Hold out your hand fairly slowly and place it a couple inches from the cat’s face. Many times, cats will sniff your hand and choose what to do next. 

If you notice that she leans away from your hand, adjusts her body so she is now facing away or flinches, do not approach. The cat is trying to tell you she is NOT interested in any interaction whatsoever. If the cat does not sniff your hand and just stares, you should also not approach—cats that choose this are usually very tense and more apt to swat at you.

If the cat sniffs you and continues to appear relaxed, greet her appropriately by gently petting her a couple times on the top of the head and/or the cheek. Do not pet anywhere lower than the top of the head. Stop after a couple of pets and reassess her body language. Did her tail start to twitch? Did she open her eyes wide to stare at you? Did she sit up from laying down? If the signs of relaxation change, the cat does not wish for you to continue. However, if the cat appears relaxed still—and maybe even begins to purr—she is likely to accept more pets.

After several more pets on the head and face, run your hand gently and smoothly, once, from head to tail. If the cat’s relaxation changes—especially if she turns her head suddenly to stare at your hand, swats, opens her eyes wide, or tail or body twitches—she is unlikely to allow you to pick her up. If the cat appears unfazed, you might be able to pick her up!

How to Pick Up a Cat

Picking up a cat appropriately is more challenging than people realize. Read these steps to ensure the cat is comfortable and safe in your arms. 

Remember that with each step you should remain calm and quiet. Move smoothly and a little slower than you might normally.

 Step 1: Placement of your hands and arms. Place one hand and part of your arm under the cat’s front legs and the other underneath her back legs. She needs to feel supported under her rear end especially.

Step 2: Lift the cat. Once you lift her up, immediately bring her close to your body, against your chest or stomach. Do so as soon as possible during lifting, even before you have fully stood up.

Step 3: Hold the cat securely. Many times people will move to wrapping their arms around the cat. This is fine, as long as you continue to hold the cat against you, and her rear end is always supported. Some shy cats may choose to hide their face in the crook of your arm; allow them to do this.

Step 4: Continue monitoring body language throughout carrying the cat. While she may have enjoyed it initially, when a cat becomes tired of being held she will give cues such as tail twitching or thrashing, growling, tensing the body, squirming in your arms or stopping purring. If any of these things occur, put the cat down right away in a safe way (see the next step).

Step 5: Put down the cat in a quiet area away from activity. Even though cats can jump from high places, it is safer and more polite to assist the cat in meeting the height to which she is to jump. For example, if you want to set her on the ground, kneel down so she can jump from a lesser height. If you wish to set her on a surface, bring her close to the surface both in height and proximity. This is particularly important to avoid getting scratched by her back claws as is common for cats when they leap out of your arms.

How to Pick Up a Kitten

Kittens should be given the same process as is outlined above for all cats. Even though most kittens are outgoing and have less fear, ensuring they have a positive experience with being picked up is critical. Kittens form life-long assumptions and associations with experiences at a young age.

Kittens are more tricky to hold once they are picked up. If the kitten is small enough that you can use just your hands (not your arms) to lift them under their front and rear legs, this is appropriate and may offer better control. 

Kittens tend to squirm when in your arms for long periods of time, as they are very active. If a kitten becomes difficult to hold onto, immediately lower them safely toward a place to set them down. This is important to avoid frustrating the kitten, to avoid getting scratched, and to ensure you do not accidentally drop the kitten.

Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Up a Cat

The most common mistake made when people pick up a cat is that she gave clear signs she did not wish to be picked up. Watching body language each step of the way is key. 

Other common mistakes include:

• Picking up a cat before finishing the introduction process (i.e. allowing the cat to sniff then immediately picking them up)
• Picking up a cat by the scruff, or the skin on the back of the neck and shoulders
• Not holding a cat close to your body so she feels insecure
• Holding onto a cat too long
• Allowing a cat to jump out of your arms from a distance or considerable height
• Allowing children to carry a cat for long periods, incorrectly or unsupervised

Why Doesn’t My Cat Like to Be Held?

Not every cat likes being held. In fact, some pet parents are never able to hold their cat! 

It is natural for some cats to dislike being held and there may be no explanation. For other cats, this dislike could be because of a traumatic event in the past, or repeated negative interactions while being held. It could also be true that as a kitten this cat was not held often and has no experience with being held. Some cats do not like their stomachs touched for any reason and being picked up requires the stomach area to be touched. 

Some of these cats can be slowly conditioned (in a sense trained) to enjoy being held. Keep in mind that no matter what you do, never scold your cat during this process, as it will make matters worse. 

Follow these steps carefully and slowly. If at ANY time your cat bites or attempts to bite, howls, urinates or defecates on you or runs and hides for a considerable period of time afterward stop making these attempts. Some cats may never enjoy being held and you shouldn’t force it.

 Step 1: Find a favorite treat or toy. If there is a small piece of something to eat that is highly enjoyed such as tuna (cooked) or a particular pet store treat, use this. Some cats are not very fond of treats but are very interested in play – have a favorite toy on hand during conditioning. If using a toy as incentive, you must play with your cat for at least a couple minutes as her reward.

Step 2: Ensure a quiet environment. Only perform conditioning when there is limited to no other human or animal activity, in familiar environments (i.e. at home) and when things are generally quiet.

Step 3: Take time for introductions. Always start with a proper introduction, and if your cat’s response is that she does not want attention, do not force it.

Step 4: Lift and reward. Gently place your hands under the rear legs and behind the front legs, lift about 1 inch from the ground and immediately return her to her original spot. Immediately follow (within a couple seconds) with the treat or toy.

Step 5: Repeat. After this has been done several times, and you do not notice any signs of stress (i.e. biting, scratching, growling, hiding), try lifting several inches off the ground. Repeat the same steps as above and do this several times over.

Step 6: Hold your cat against your body. Once your cat seems comfortable with being lifted off the ground and rewarded, the next step is to pick up your cat and hold her against your body for a second. Do this and then return her to the ground safely to immediately receive her treat or toy. Do this numerous times, and do not move on until there are no signs of stress.

Step 7: Try a hold lasting a few seconds. The final step is to pick up your cat and hold her a few seconds, talking softly and petting her. Continue to repeat this process until she is held for longer and longer periods of time.

It is VERY important that if at any time during this process your cat shows signs of wanting to get down—such as squirming or growling—you must immediately put her down. Forcing your cat to stay in your arms may ruin the work you have done to condition her to tolerate or (hopefully) enjoy being picked up. 

The post The Right Way to Pick Up a Cat: A Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on Great Pet Care.

“Cats are fastidious about cleanliness,” explains Dr. Marci L. Koski, certified feline behavior consultant and founder of Feline Behavior Solutions.

Flexible felines spend up to 50 percent of their waking hours on grooming, bending, and stretching to make sure that all of their fur—from the tips of their ears to the ends of their tails—is groomed to perfection.

In multi-cat households, some cats groom each other, offering a few quick licks behind the ears or a full bath for their feline friends.

Cat Self-Grooming: An Overview

Grooming is an essential cat behavior. Felines groom themselves to remove dirt and debris from their fur; distribute the oils in their skin to keep their coats silken and smooth; swipe away dead skin cells; remove parasites; and keep injuries clean and prevent infection from setting in. For outdoor cats, grooming also helps remove scents that could reveal their locations to potential predators, according to Koski.

“Grooming is also soothing behavior,” she adds.

Since cats are dependent on grooming for both health and survival, their tongues are designed for the task. Koski notes that cats have papillae on their tongues. These are hooked hairs that give their tongues the feeling of sandpaper and serve as bristles designed to “comb” their fur, removing mats and keeping them clean.

Why Do Cats Groom Each Other?

Mother cats start grooming their kittens at birth, moving their rough tongues over their newborns to stimulate breathing and bowel movements.

“A cat’s mother will groom them not only to keep the kittens clean but to teach them proper grooming for when they are older,” explains Jessica Watson, certified animal training and enrichment professional at Best Friends Animal Society.

The act of cats grooming each other, called allogrooming, does not stop when kittens take over their own grooming.

Part of the reason cats groom each other might be for practical purposes. Koski notes that cats tend to focus their mutual grooming around the head and neck, which are spots that are difficult for cats to reach on their own.

Cats also groom each other as a sign of affection. Allogrooming is most common in cats that are related or have strong social bonds.

The higher likelihood of mutual grooming among related cats led researchers at the University of Georgia to recommend that those considering adopting more than one cat (or bringing an additional cat into their homes) were more apt to engage in this important social, bonding behavior.

While it is uncommon for cats in shelters to engage in mutual grooming, Watson notes that cats living in the same household who are not related but are comfortable with each other may also groom each other on occasion.

What if Cats Fight After Grooming Each Other?

When cats groom each other and then fight, it is not a sign of dominance, mating behavior, or acting territorial—and the “fighting” might not be fighting at all.

“When cats fight after grooming it may be because one cat is done with the affection and wants to be left alone, like a hug that lingered too long,” Watson says. “Or, they may not be fighting at all—they may in fact be playing. Cats like to wrestle and it’s an important part of how young cats learn to hunt and defend themselves that carries on into adulthood.”

The grooming-wrestling-fighting cycle is normal and there is no need to step in to stop it—unless one cat has an illness or injuries that make mutual grooming a bad idea, or bite or scratch injuries resulting from the fighting. For example, cats with skin injuries or stitches following surgeries or other medical procedures need time to heal. In these situations, allowing self grooming or allogrooming could cause irritation.

“Unless there is a medical concern, this behavior is natural and there is no need to stop or discourage it,” Watson says.

The post Why Do Cats Groom Each Other? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

After all, cats average between 15-20 hours of sleep a day. Some of them spend part of that time sleeping in closets, on windowsills, and behind laundry baskets.

However, some cats enjoy sleeping on your chest, between your legs, or even on (or near) your head. While some people don’t mind this closeness, others would appreciate a bit more space. And some cat parents are simply perplexed and amused by these seemingly odd sleeping choices.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about cats,” says Dr. Laura M. Holland of Circle of Life Veterinary Clinic in New Britain, Pennsylvania. “It’s a complicated question of why they want to sleep with or on us.”

If you’re wondering why your kitty chooses your chest, head, or legs as prime sleeping zones, read on. Additionally, if their sleeping habits are interrupting your sleep, then you’ll find ideas for retraining below.

Why Do Cats Lay on You?

If you imagine kittens sleeping together, then it may make sense that cats like cuddling. “When cats are born, they pile together. Think of a basket of kittens,” says cat behaviorist, Dr. Marci Koski of Feline Behavior Solutions in Vancouver, Washington. “They’re warm and secure and the scent is there. It’s natural they’d seek out their family members to sleep with.”

Laying on you also provides cats with a sense of security. As predators, there’s a natural sense of safety to sleep near others in their family for protection. “When they’re asleep, they’re vulnerable. They want to sleep in a safe area. So, what could be safer than sleeping between their human person’s legs?” says Koski. “Plus, the bed smells like you. Smells are important to cats. It helps them feel secure.”

Koski also explains that cats sleep on humans because they want to get warm. She says that it comes down to a cat’s thermoneutral zone, which is a temperature range where the body doesn’t need to expend energy to heat or cool itself. In humans, the thermoneutral zone ranges between 64-72 degrees but for cats it’s 86-100 degrees.

“Cats really like heat,” she says. “At night, they seek out the warmest spots, so they’ll often seek their human companions.”

Is This a Sign of Affection?

Holland looks at cats sleeping with you as a bonding signal. “If you let your cat sleep with you it’s a bond. We’re part of their colony,” she says.

Since it’s not uncommon for cats to sleep on one another, they’re simply treating you as one of their own. “If you have a loving relationship with your cat, they’re going to come to you for pets and to snuggle,” says Koski. “It’s a rewarding behavior.”

But what about snuggling up on top of your head, against your face, or on your chest? Is your cat trying to tell you something when sleeping in these positions?

Favorite Cat Sleeping Positions

“Cats always sleep in the same position,” says Holland. “Some sleep on their backs with their feet in the air. Some curl up. Some cover their faces.”

Cats tend to curl up in the following spots:

• Between your legs
• On your chest
• On your head
• Right next to you in bed

While experts don’t know exactly why these cat sleeping positions and spots are popular, Holland thinks it ties back to cats wanting warmth. When you think about it, cats tend to gravitate towards warm spots. Napping in the summer sun, curling up next to the fireplace in winter, or lounging on a pile of clean laundry are all warm spots where cat parents often find their pets snoozing.

While your cat may find warmth and comfort from sleeping on or next to you, this behavior could interrupt your own sleep patterns. If that’s the case, read on for some tips on how to fix the problem.

How to Get Your Space Back

It is possible to reclaim your bed and even your bedroom if you don’t want your cats interrupting your sleep. It just takes some retraining.

Koski says to set up a nice, warm spot and reward your cat for using it. She suggests a heated cat bed with a blanket that smells like you or that has your cat’s own scent on it. “Praise and pet them when they snuggle down into it,” she says. “That way, you’re reinforcing the behavior.”

You can also help your cat calm down for bedtime by recognizing that cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk. Koski explains that if you give your cat a good workout for 15-20 minutes prior to bed followed by a small snack, they’ll be more inclined to wind down for the night.

If you’re having difficulty with your kitty sleeping on your head, chest, or otherwise disturbing your rest, try talking with your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist for guidance. Every cat is different, but with the right training techniques you can both get back to a restful night’s sleep in no time.

The post Why Does My Cat Sleep on Me? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Could my cat be afraid of heights?

Fear of heights is unlikely, but not impossible. Some cats love to climb, while others are content to stay closer to the ground. Unfortunately, so many cats have such little fear of heights that “feline high-rise syndrome” has become the description for the many cats who are unafraid of high places and end up falling from windows, balconies and similar.

Most cats do love to jump, so if your Olympic jumper is suddenly avoiding the stairs, your bed or countertops you should look for other likely causes, such as pain.

Signs of mobility issues in cats

Here are some signs to look for that might mean your feline family member is having mobility issues and/or pain:

• Your cat no longer hangs out in their favorite high spots. They’ve stopped visiting the best bird-watching high spot or the top of the refrigerator, wherever your cat used to like jumping to.
• Your cat hesitates before jumping down.
• Your cat avoids stairs, or goes up them more slowly, perhaps using the same leg to lead with.
• Your cat has become a hide-and-seek pro. Hiding can be a sign of pain or illness.
• Your cat doesn’t let you pet them in certain places anymore. Cats may try to avoid letting you touch them because they don’t want a petting to accidentally create more pain. Cats that go from love-bugs to handling-haters are probably hiding something that’s upsetting them.
• Your cat doesn’t seem interested in you or your life. Even if your cat was never super cuddly, they probably come to check out what you are doing once in a while. Cats in pain may show less interaction with their humans.
• Your cat becomes aggressive when you least expect it.

These are only some of the signs that your cat may be in pain or struggling with mobility. Keep in mind, each cat and situation are different. If you suspect your cat is in pain, give your veterinarian a call.

Medical conditions that may stop cats from jumping

Of course, your cat may simply not want to jump and that’s perfectly fine. If you’ve been working on training with your cat, maybe it’s finally paying off. However, if non-jumping is consistent, there are a few things to consider before you celebrate a training win.

Specifically, there are some medical conditions that may be a contributing factor, including:

• Osteoarthritis or other causes of joint pain: If your cat is in pain every time they jump, they’re less likely to keep trying. Osteoarthritis is visible in about 90 percent of x-rays of cats over 14, meaning most cats are masters at carrying on like everything is normal. If your cat is younger, joint dysplasia or an old fracture may be causing issues.
• Vision trouble: An inability to see around them can cause a cat to be more cautious in their movement. Your cat may have been born blind or may have an eye problem. Cats with high blood pressure can become blind, too.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease may cause your cat to feel less sturdy or weaker over-all. If your cat is feeling weaker, they may not be jumping as often or as freely. Cats may pause climbing the stairs or even pant like a dog—a sign that something is seriously wrong.
• Muscle weakness due to kidney disease: Cats with kidney disease will urinate more often. They lose protein in their urine, and the body often tries to mobilize protein from the muscles instead- what we call catabolism. Kidney diseases are very common, and usually start with drinking more and urinating more.

What can I do NOW to help my cat?

You’ll want to really examine your cat’s body and behavior for obvious signs of discomfort that might be impacting your cat’s ability to move. Don’t forget that your cat may be uncomfortable—if he or she looks worried or like they might bite, it’s best to leave the examination to your veterinarian.

1. Check your cat’s paws for broken or ingrown nails. Look at the pads to make sure there isn’t an obvious injury that may be impacting your cat’s comfort with walking and jumping. The dew claw commonly overgrows in older cats, so don’t forget to check there, too.
2. Check for limping. Start watching your cat more closely, particularly when using the stairs or jumping. Do they hesitate? Use other ways to get around the house? Getting video may help your vet with a diagnosis. You should also consider keeping a journal of the changes you’ve noticed, so you have lots of information when you go to the veterinarian.
3. Ask your vet. Any injury, seen or unseen, could be stopping your cat from jumping, so have your veterinarian give your kitty a once-over to be sure you don’t miss something. With so many possible causes, it’s important you get to the vet to have a thorough examination. Pain can be hard to pinpoint, so giving your veterinarian as much information as possible can help.

Questions to ask veterinary and behavior professionals

If you suspect or are unsure if your cat is in pain and want to learn more about why your cat is finding mobility a challenge, it’s important to talk about it with your vet.

You might ask your vet:

1. My cat suddenly avoids jumping up and down from favorite spots. Are there medical issues that could be causing this? What else should I look for?
2. My cat isn’t as agile as before. Are there supplements that could help?
3. How can I help my older cat to be more comfortable?

The post Why Isn’t My Cat Jumping Any More? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Unfortunately, this leads to many cat parents thinking that their cats don’t care when they leave for days on end or even work long hours. But, just like dogs,  cats depend on their humans for companionship.

If you’re considering leaving your cat alone a lot and are afraid your cat will be lonely if you do, consider the following:

FACT: Cats bond strongly to their people and animal companions.

While many pop-culture depictions of cats show them as aloof or unattached to their humans, research shows otherwise. A 2019 study discussed in Science Daily found that cats attach to their people more than previously thought.

The experiment briefly separated cats from their caregivers, and the reunion was documented and classified by attachment style. The results showed that while every cat may have a different attachment style, the majority of cats look to their caregivers as a source of security, especially when in an unfamiliar environment. The study suggests that “about 65 percent of both cats and kittens are securely bonded to their people,” meaning 65 percent displayed calmer, more relaxed behavior in a new environment when their person was present.

Cats also have the ability to mourn a loss and experience grief. A 1996 study called the Companion Animal Mourning Project found that 70 percent of cats who lost a companion cat showed signs of grieving by becoming more or less vocal than normal. Many surviving cats also became more affectionate towards their pet parents, another sign that they were in mourning.

Stories like this counter the myth that cats barely realize when their humans leave. Vets even recognize separation anxiety as a condition in cats.

FACT: When left to their own devices, cats sometimes live in social family groups.

While most species of cats are solitary (lions being the only exception), feral domestic cats will sometimes be found living in groups when there is enough food, water and shelter to go around. The groups are usually formed of large families of inter-related cats.

How long can I leave my cat alone?

Now we know – cats enjoy your company! They may also enjoy the company of other cats. Concerned cat parents who understand this often ask me how long their cats are ok to be left without company. However, there’s no hard and fast answer for every cat.

Cats, social or not, thrive on their routines. They like their day to be predictable. When planning to be away, it’s important to figure out the best way to keep your cat as close to their routine as possible. Of course, you can’t always be there to execute the routine perfectly, so consider finding a sitter or friend who would be willing to keep your cat company if you’re working late or leaving on vacation. Pet sitters can offer one-on-one attention and usually have flexible schedules in order to accommodate specific routines.

If you or your sitter notice signs of separation anxiety in your cat, your cat may need some additional enrichment and company until you’re able to return.

Would a boarding facility for my cat be better?

The vast majority of cats find boarding facilities stressful  They are environments that smell like other animals and are new to your cat, making them quite scary places. As we’ve seen, if you’re not there to comfort your cat they’ll likely find it harder to cope.

On the flip side, if your cat requires very specific medical attention, boarding may be a valid option for you to help ensure your cat gets the medical care they need while you’re away. Many veterinary offices offer boarding, so having the peace of mind of a doctor’s watchful eye could be wise.

If you do board your cat, bring along some items from home to make the transition easier—a blanket they love to sleep on, some socks you wore, or their favorite toys. These can help give your cat a sense of home. Smell is really important to cats, so don’t worry too much about washing the items—they scent will help cats to feel calm.

Should I get a second cat if I am away a lot?

There is no cookie-cutter answer to this. Getting a second cat can work wonders for some lonely felines, while it can create havoc and increase stress for others. Many, many medical disorders in cats are caused by the stress of having extra cats in the home. If your cat is one that might be accepting of a new feline friend, there are potential benefits to adding one. A pair of cats can stimulate each other’s brains through socialization and play, which can lead to less destructive behaviors. They could also help each other de-stress through mutual grooming and exercise.

But how do you know if it’s a good idea for your cat? If you can, discover how your cat has reacted to cats in the past. If your cat’s history involves hissing, hiding from other cats, or showing a general disdain for other felines, they may prefer to remain in a human-only home.

If your cat has lived with other cats before, they may be more likely to accept a new companion. But decoding whether they just tolerated the other cat or actually got along is tricky. Grooming one another is the most reliable indicator of a cat ‘friendship’—unfortunately sharing beds, food bowls and laps may simply be a truce rather than friendship!

It’s important to keep in mind that adding a second cat to your home does NOT eliminate the possibility of separation anxiety. While there is a chance it could help, it’s not wise to assume separation anxiety will disappear with the addition of another cat to your household.

And there are risks to adding a cat, even if your cat seems to superficially get on with other cats. Once in a confined space, cats may react differently, or even find themselves being bullied by the other cat, causing signs of stress like urinating outside the box, scratching the furniture and hiding away.

How can I help my cat be less anxious when they are alone?

There are things you can leave behind to help keep your cat entertained and calm while you’re away. Consider adding:

• Puzzle feeders that make your cat “work” for treats
• A cat tree or perch where your cat can enjoy a view
• A few of your cat’s favorite toys that are safe to play with alone
• A cozy bed in a sunny window
• A paper bag or box to jump in (with any strings removed)
• A toy rotation, where old cat toys get marinated in catnip and then brought back out as “new”
• Cat tunnels or shelves where they can enjoy a different perspective
• Anything else that can help make the day fun for your feline

Some cats may need a little extra help to calm their anxiety. If this is the case, try using a calming pheromone plug-in to help your cat. Some cats are also soothed by leaving the television on a low volume because it makes the environment feel more like it would if you were at home.

It’s important to remember that cats are complex creatures and categorizing them as indifferent towards their humans is untrue. Cats do bond with their pet parents and therefore miss them when they’re away. Knowing this about your cat will help you to take the proper steps to alleviate their anxiety and keep you both purr-fectly happy in the long run.

The post Do Cats Like to Be Alone? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Stereotypically, cats are seen as more aloof and independent than dogs. So, you might not think you need to focus on building your relationship with your cat. However, having more time with your cat can lead to a better lifetime bond if you do a few simple things, like play with them and observe their needs.

Do Cats Bond with Humans?

Experts say that yes, cats do bond with humans.

“There is, of course, a high degree of individual variability in the amount and type of attention that cats enjoy from humans,” says Dr. Marci Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant at Feline Behavior Solutions. “But even cats who prefer less attention can still share a bond with humans.”

What’s more, they do enjoy our company and are generally very social, albeit on their own terms, says Dr. Jill Sackman, owner of Animal Behavior Consultants.

How to Bond with Your Cat: Tips and Advice

Bonding with your cat doesn’t have to be a difficult process, though it will likely take some time up front to discover what your cat really enjoys.

“The best way to bond with your cat is to figure out what your cat likes and enjoys, then do that thing,” Koski says. From food and treats to the large variety of toys available, your cat likely has a preference. If these preferences are something you’ve never noticed, that’s a good place to start.

Just as important as things they do like, you should know what your cat doesn’t enjoy. Koski says that your interactions with your cat should be predictable and you should know things like where they like to be petted, and for how long.

“One important thing to keep in mind is that trust is a big deal to cats,” Koski says. “They need to know that when it comes to their humans, they have a choice of whether or not to interact with you, and when those interactions occur, they must be positive.”

You may love to pet and cuddle your cat while watching TV, but if your cat darts away after a short time, let them. Never force affection and interaction on your cat.

“If your cat doesn’t want to be touched, respect that choice,” Koski says. “When your cat is done being handled, let them go. That will give them a sense of choice, control, and trust with you.”

Easy Ways to Bond with Your Cat

Building on your cat-human bond doesn’t need to involve fancy, expensive toys. For the most part, it just takes some time for interaction—something many folks have in abundance during a worldwide pandemic.

“Cats know when you are paying attention to them—cats can follow your gaze, and know when you are talking to them,” Koski says.

Here are 6 ways to help improve a cat’s bond with humans:

Observe Your Cat

Both Koski and Sackman agree that the most important thing for the cat-human bond is doing activities your cat actually enjoys. Chances are your cat has a favorite toy, a favorite treat, a favorite place in your house to hang out.

If you’re not familiar with your cat’s preferences, now would be a good time to simply observe what your cat does all day.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about what they really enjoy,” Sackman says. “We have to get in their heads. They’re not little humans, they’re not little dogs.”

Make Time for Focused Play

Yes, everyone plays with their cats, but it might often be a more mindless activity than a focused one that benefits both parties.

“Cat families don’t spend nearly enough time, focused play time, with their kitties,” Sackman says. She suggests setting aside 10 minutes two or three times a day to play and just generally interact with your cat.

What toys you’ll use will depend on your cat’s play style. Many cats enjoy wand toys because they can play out a “prey sequence,” which is something they’d naturally do outdoors.

“The prey sequence consists of staring, stalking and chasing, pouncing, grabbing, and performing a kill bite,” Koski says. “If you’re using a wand toy, your cat is not going to associate you with prey but she’ll still know that you are the one who brings the prey out to be played with, and that can help build your bond with your cat.”

Offer Your Cat a Favorite Treat

Sometimes bonding with a cat can be as simple as offering food and treats.

“If you haven’t found a treat that your cat likes, it can be really fun to try and discover what tickle’s your kitty’s taste buds,” Koski says. “When you find something your cat enjoys, you can use that treat as a reward, or just any time you want to help build that bond with your cat.”

Offer Getaway Spaces

As we’ve established, cats generally do enjoy the company of humans. But just like humans, sometimes they need a little time away. Letting them have that time and offering the space to do so could help enhance your bond.

Koski says that homes should have spaces for cats to nap and be alone. However, she suggests using a space where cats can feel hidden but still be able to see the room so they know what’s going on around them.

“It’s important to respect that cat’s private space,” she says. “Designate certain cat caves and cubbies as ‘no humans’ zones and respect your cat’s space when she is in them.”

Pet Your Cat the Right Way

What’s the right way to pet a cat? However your cat enjoys it, and never for too long. Always watch for signs that your cat seems uncomfortable or is trying to get away.

Sackman says that many cats enjoy being petted around the forehead, face, and ears. The long strokes that humans often do aren’t something cats would do in the wild, she says.

Try Your Hand at Training

Pet parents often think about training dogs, but you should know that cats are trainable, too–and it can be a great way to bond with a cat of any age.

“Training strengthens the way a person communicates with their cat and is usually enjoyable by both parties,” Koski says.

To start, you only need something your cat considers to be a very tasty treat (for some, that could even be their kibble) and a clicker device or the ability to make a clicking sound with your mouth. The clicker or clicking sound will let the cat know they’ve done something you like.

Sackman recommends starting with a behavior your cat already does: “You want to have your cat offer the behavior and then recognize it, mark it, and treat it so they start to make that association.”

She says that most cats are food-motivated, so the best time for training is in the morning before feeding them breakfast or in the evening before feeding dinner. While many cats enjoy treats, Koski noted that others might prefer to be rewarded with praise, petting, or play.

The post 6 Easy Ways to Bond with Your Cat at Home appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But what if your cat suddenly starts to act afraid of using the stairs or is avoiding the stairs in a new place?

It’s important to keep in mind that any sudden change in behavior, even if it’s something as simple as refusing to use the stairs, should never be ignored. Stair avoidance may signal underlying medical issues such as:

• A painful condition making movement difficult, like osteoarthritis.
• An injury from something like a fall
• A visual or balance impairment, causing your cat to be uncertain of where they’re going

If you notice your cat starting to avoid your staircases, don’t assume the reason is anxiety or fear. First, get your cat checked out to be sure nothing is physically causing the avoidance.

Once physically cleared, there are a number of factors that might stop a cat from loving a good-’ole staircase, which we examine more below.

HOW TO SPOT IT: How can I tell if my cat has a fear of the stairway?

If your veterinarian rules out physical pain as a factor in your cat’s avoidance, it’s time to look for other potential causes. These may include:

A previous trauma. “As a kitten, my cat wiggled through the banisters over the balcony, slipped and fell to the hardwood floor below,” says well-known author, behavior consultant, and industry spokesperson, Amy Shojai, CABC. “Luckily, she wasn’t injured and never acted fearful of the stairs, but that type of accident can change the cat’s attitude for life.”

If your cat’s been chased around the stairs, fallen in the past, or otherwise had an experience that caused recurrent or intense fear near or involving a staircase, she may associate that area of your home with the bad feelings and choose to avoid it altogether. This can happen even after the thing that caused the trauma has been removed.

A territorial claim by another cat. If you live in a multi-cat household, territorial issues could trigger one cat’s stair avoidance.  “The tops of stairs make a great lookout and often are preferred feline real estate for the top ‘boss’ cat. This top cat may guard his/her territory to keep others from using the stairs,” says Shojai. “A confident cat can guard and keep other cats away simply by staring at the owned territory from across the room (or from the top of the stairs).”

Territorial claims may not include obvious signs of aggression, like hissing, swatting, growling or chasing. So, pet parents should be on the lookout for subtle signs.

Unpleasant or loud sounds and smells. “The cat’s sense of smell is very sensitive,” says Shojai, “so you may not be bothered by the smell of bleach, or carpet spray, but that could be off-putting to kitty.” Basements smell especially different than the rest of your house, and the loud clothes dryer in the corner probably won’t be a welcome sign for kitty.

Shojai also explains that cats may hear startling noises that cause them to avoid stairs, such as critters scurrying in the dark or gurgling water in pipes.

Unsure footing or too much spacing between stairs. Cats with balance issues (like Cerebellar Hypoplasia or inner-ear problems) may feel insecure about a staircase that is slick or lacks risers behind each step. Things can be done to help these cats feel more secure, but understanding the physical causes for their hesitation is a first step.

THINGS TO CONSIDER: Is it possible to change my cat’s mind?

All cats react differently to training and behavior modification. And if your cat has a fear of the stairs, it may take some time to get your cat comfortable with using them again.

“It’s possible to change the cat’s perception,” says Shojai, “but it takes time.”

FIRST STEPS TO TAKE: How can I help my cat be more confident going up and down the stairs?

Check their footing. Whether it’s a stair issue or a foot issue, be sure to address what might be deterring your cat’s stair mobility. Overgrown nails or overly hairy paw pads could be irritating to your cat or make stairs especially slick. Trim your cat’s nails and paw hair regularly. If your stairs are slippery, or your cat seems nervous about the flooring, consider getting carpeted stair runners to make them more comfortable. If your cat seems uncertain about a lack of risers, consider adding a temporary cardboard backing, which you can remove as your cat gets more comfortable.

Consider their age and medical status. You’ve been to the vet, you’ve taken all things into consideration, and it may be time to eliminate stairs from your cat’s life for their sake. That’s okay! Your cat can still live a perfectly comfortable life on one floor. As their pet parent, it’s your job to make everything they need accessible to them, including food, water and litter boxes they can easily climb into.

Combat the sources of their anxiety. “First, try to figure out WHY the cat avoids the stairs,” says Shojai. “Is kitty truly fearful, or does she use this as an excuse to be held and carried? If another pet guards the area, don’t try to force the shy cat to trespass. Instead, confine the guard cat temporarily in another room to give the fearful cat private stairway time to learn how to use them.”

Give them all the fun things, on the stairs. “For cats that react to catnip or silver vine, throw a sniff-party at the foot of the stairs,” suggests Shojai. “Often, the herb helps cats overcome inhibitions and act a bit more brave. Feather or fishing pole lure toys can entice cats to follow up the stairs, and discover that it’s not such a tough obstacle after all. Also, try placing a very high-value treat on small plates set on several of the stairs, so the cat must climb in order to munch.”

Take the edge off with pheromones or supplements. You may want to consider asking your veterinarian about supplements to help ease your cat’s anxiety or try using a pheromone diffuser near the base of the stairs. While these don’t work for all cats, some cat parents report positive results.

HOW TO GET HELP: Questions to ask veterinary and behavior professionals

1. My cat has recently stopped using the stairs. I’ve also noticed [other new behaviors that are occurring]. Are there medical conditions that might be causing this change?
2. We just moved into a two-level house after living in a single-floor apartment, and my cat won’t use the stairs. We’d love to have [Cat’s Name] sleep with us. How can we help my cat get over this fear?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Is Your Cat Slowing Down from Cornell Feline Health Center

Loving Care for Older Cats from Cornell Feline Health Center

The post Why Is My Cat Avoiding the Stairs? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

“Cats are viewed as solitary in nature, so people often assume they are perfectly happy without companionship—but that is generally not the case,” says Irith Trietsch Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, KPA CTP, VSPDT, CBATI, VSDTA Faculty, DWA Faculty, CCPDT Board Member and Director of Training at The Sophisticated Dog. “Like many animals, they communicate mostly using body language, and not everyone has the experience or knowledge to interpret that communication.”

When their favorite person leaves—for an hour, a day or longer—cats can experience separation anxiety just as dogs can. “It presents a little differently, though, and is just now starting to be understood,” says Bloom.

HOW TO SPOT IT: What does separation anxiety look like in cats?

Cats have unique personalities and what separation anxiety looks like for each individual cat can be different. Likewise, the symptoms of separation anxiety in cats have yet to be fully defined.

However, some common signs of separation anxiety in cats include:

Clingy, possessive or aggressive behavior. This often becomes obvious when your cat’s favorite person, or the person who triggers their separation anxiety, is preparing to leave or recently returns. They “might hide, meow repeatedly, follow the person around, or keep walking back and forth between the person and the doorway, for example,” says Bloom. “Some cats even attack their human when their human is near the door and about to leave!”

Excessive grooming. You might notice bald patches beginning to show on your cat’s legs, stomach or elsewhere.

House soiling. No, this is not your cat getting back at you or exacting revenge. “While we do not understand house soiling in cats perfectly, house soiling in cats with separation anxiety may be a way of self-soothing—their own scent is thought to make them feel more comfortable,” says Bloom. “Some also theorize that mixing their scent with yours helps cats feel closer to you. Another possibility is that the cat is leaving his scent around to make it easier for you to find him—after all, your scent is one thing your cat can follow to find you!”

Vocalization. Distressed cats often meow more than normal or even become excessively vocal. And if other medical problems are ruled out, separation anxiety could be the reason for your cat’s vocalization. In fact, a study published in the Journal of of the American Veterinary Medical Association cited excessive vocalization as one of the main behavioral problems triggered by separation anxiety in cats.

Vomiting. Either stress alone or stress-related behaviors like over-grooming can cause a cat to vomit more frequently.

Destructive behavior. Even if they are house trained and have appropriate places to scratch, cats who experience separation anxiety may scratch or claw at doors or other places you don’t want them to.

Poor appetite. While this can be a signal of other health problems, cats may lose their appetite if they are suffering from stress and separation anxiety.

“None of these signs in and of itself definitively indicates separation anxiety,” cautions Bloom. “For example, destruction while you are out may simply indicate your cat is not getting enough interaction and exercise, and excessive self-grooming can be the result of a skin disorder. But if you are seeing these kinds of symptoms and are concerned about your cat’s well-being, it’s a good idea to discuss the situation with a veterinary behaviorist or other cat behavior expert.”

Of course, any change in eating habits or litter box use should be checked out by your veterinarian to rule out potential medical issues before you assume separation anxiety. If a medical condition is present, you’ll want to treat that before starting behavioral therapy to increase your chances of success.

THINGS TO CONSIDER: What causes separation anxiety in some cats but not others?

Nobody knows for sure what causes separation anxiety in cats. “We don’t know all the risk factors for separation anxiety,” says Bloom. “It’s likely there is a genetic component in some cases, while in other cases environmental factors are likely to blame.”

Bloom explains that kittens who were orphaned or weaned too early may be more prone to separation anxiety. Cats who don’t receive adequate socialization between the ages of about two and seven weeks may also be more susceptible to separation anxiety than other well-socialized felines.

Cats can also pick up on our anxieties and take them as cues. “If we act anxious when we are about to leave, the cat can pick up on that,” says Bloom. “And if we consistently reward needy behavior, that can teach the cat to act more needy.”

FIRST STEPS TO TAKE: What can I start doing NOW to help my cat?

Separation anxiety is a fear that can be managed. While the gold standard is a desensitization protocol where you gradually change your cat’s perception of the triggers with the help of a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, even small changes can sometimes help a lot. If you suspect your cat is suffering from separation anxiety, try out some of these quick tactics to see if your cat responds positively.

Rule out a medical condition first. Remember, your first bet is the vet. If you see any of the signs of separation anxiety in your cat, schedule an appointment to help rule out a medical problem. Other tactics like training and behavior modification are unlikely to succeed if an underlying, untreated medical condition is the cause.

Make leaving and returning no big deal. “Stay calm as you exit and when you return,” says Bloom. “Wait to cuddle with your cat until she is relatively calm, rather than picking her up when she is greeting you frantically.”

Make sure your kitty has a clean litter box. Cats like to keep the litter box clean and will use the bathroom somewhere in the house if the box isn’t up to their standards. Consider getting multiple litter boxes for each cat in your home and cleaning them at least once per day.

Place treats around the house for your cat to adventure for and find. This will keep kitty’s mind mentally stimulated with a sweet treat at the end of the game.

Leave your scent behind. Consider giving your cat access to a t-shirt or other piece of clothing you’ve been wearing. You can also try store-bought pheromone sprays to help calm your cat when you leave.

Schedule quality playtime, every day. Try to play at least ten to fifteen minutes per day. Playing with your cat daily may help ease separation anxiety because they’ll be able to get some reliable one-on-one fun time and TLC with you. “But not right before you leave or after you return,” warns Bloom.

Find other ways to enrich your cat’s environment and life. Bring in some new items for stimulation like a new scratching post in a great viewing area, a vertical climbing platform and other toys.

Try leaving the TV on your normal channel or adding soothing music. Cat TV videos abound on YouTube and Animal Planet. Try letting this cat-based programming play out while you are outside of the house.

HOW TO GET HELP: Questions to ask veterinary and behavior professionals

If you suspect your cat is suffering from separation anxiety, get the conversation going with your vet and trainer to start managing it and getting kitty some relief. “Separation anxiety is believed to be a panic disorder, and the stress is definitely very real,” says Bloom. “Rather than letting your cat suffer, get help.”

Things you might ask are:

1. My cat is exhibiting [name new behaviors you’ve been noticing] and seems upset when I leave. How do I know if these changes are caused by a medical or a behavioral issue?
2. What steps can I take to reassure my cat that I will return and that they don’t need to be upset when I leave?
3. I’ve tried a lot of interventions to help my cat [name them]. Are there any medications or other things I can try to help?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Separation Anxiety Syndrome in Dogs and Cats from AVMA

2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines from AAHA

The post Do Cats Get Separation Anxiety? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

As a result, you might wonder: Do cats sweat? And if not, how do cats cool down?

Keep reading to learn whether or not cats sweat and how they manage to keep cool no matter the weather, with insight from experts in feline physiology.

Do Cats Sweat?

First, know this—although you might not be able to see it, cats do indeed sweat, says Dr. Kristi Flynn, an assistant professor in the department of veterinary clinical sciences at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota.

But as it turns out, the overall answer is somewhat complicated, says Dr. Joseph Taboada, associate dean for curriculum and academic affairs and professor of companion animal internal medicine at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge.

There’s a reason you’ve never seen your cat shake off beads of perspiration in the summertime. Exactly where, why, and how cats sweat is a little different compared to humans.

Do Cats Have Sweat Glands?

Like us, cats have sweat glands, but theirs aren’t located all over their body. Rather, cats’ sweat glands are found in only a few relatively hairless areas such as between their foot pads, around their lips, and on the skin surrounding their anus, says Taboada.

So, how do cats sweat? This is where it gets a little complicated. Cats don’t typically sweat in the same way that we do to cool off—often, it’s more of a response to stress, Taboada adds.

When a cat feels scared or stressed out, her body releases stress hormones which in turn trigger her sweat glands to release sweat. “Because of this, a stressed cat in the clinic will sometimes leave little wet pawprints on a stainless steel table,” he says.

Still, even though cats don’t sweat so much to beat the heat, they do need to maintain a stable body temperature. All mammals—humans, dogs, and cats alike—need to keep their body temperature in check as a part of homeostasis, or the body’s internal balance necessary for essential chemical processes. A cat’s body temperature needs to stay within a normal range of about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees.

How Do Cats Keep Cool?

“The primary way that cats cool themselves is by licking themselves,” says Taboada. This is why you may notice your cat grooming herself more often throughout warm spring and summer months, he says.

As it turns out, your cat doesn’t just lick her fur coat to remove stray hairs or pests like fleas. With every sweep of her tongue, she leaves behind saliva which helps cool her off as it evaporates off of her skin, according to a 2018 study in PNAS.

Cats also cool themselves by retiring to cooler areas and taking a break from play and other activities when it’s hot. “They’ll find a cool spot and hunker down, using less energy and, as a result, making less heat,” explains Taboada.

An important note: While dogs often use panting to cool down, cats don’t, says Flynn. You might notice your kitten or cat panting after particularly vigorous play (which is fine), but if there’s no apparent cause for her panting, it could be a sign of a deeper health issue like feline asthma. If you find your cat panting, she could be in serious distress, so take her into see a veterinarian immediately, says Flynn.

Tips for Helping Your Cat Stay Cool

As a pet parent, it’s pretty easy to keep your cat safe and healthy throughout the year.

Make sure your cat always has a full water bowl to rehydrate, as well as access to a cool and shady area inside in order to escape the heat, says Flynn.

And if you see wet paw prints that could indicate anxiety in your cat, consider asking yourself why your cat might be feeling stressed out.

The post Do Cats Sweat? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Unfortunately, many signs of anxiety in cats (like increased aggression toward other pets or people, lack of appetite, urine-spraying outside of the litter box, and scratching up furniture) only make life harder for you and your pet (1). 

While some cat stressors make perfect sense (like dogs and fireworks, for example), others are easy to miss because they simply don’t seem like significant sources of stress to pet owners. 

If you’re wondering what’s gotten under your cat’s skin, read on to learn some of the most unexpected cat stressors you might encounter. Plus, learn how to deal with them to give you and your cat a better life.

Understanding Stress in Cats

To understand why cats are so prone to stress, it’s important to remember how they evolved. Cats are highly reactive because they are simultaneously predators looking for prey and prey to other animals as well, says Danielle Gunn-Moore, Ph.D., chair of feline medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. 

When a cat is threatened by something unpleasant or potentially dangerous in her environment, this naturally triggers a flood of the stress hormone cortisol as part of her short-term stress response. This is called the fight-or-flight response, explains Dr. Bruce Kornreich, Ph.D., director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. 

However, it doesn’t just take a growling dog to scare your cat. Any sudden shift in your cat’s environment—even a clean litter box that’s not placed to your cat’s liking— could cause cat stress and anxiety. Over time, if left untreated, chronic stress could lead to health issues like urinary tract problems, weight loss, and infections (2).  

8 Surprisingly Stressful Things for Cats

“Cats are creatures of habit and do not like change,” says Dr. Karyn L. Collier, medical director of wellness medicine at Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey. As such, minor changes to your environment that might not bug you could send your cat into a stress spiral. 

Here, a few surprising sources of cat stress and how to help your cat relax:

A Boring Kittenhood

A sometimes lesser-known cause of chronic cat stress is a lack of socialization in the first eight weeks of life, says Gunn-Moore. That’s the key window for introducing your kitten to everything she could possibly come across for the rest of her life, including pets and people of all shapes and sizes, lots of toys, and indoor and outdoor play areas.  

If a kitten has a relatively uneventful upbringing, she is unfortunately more likely to grow into a stressed-out cat in adulthood. 

How to help: In this case, the best thing you can do is provide your cat with an environment that has as few unexpected and sudden changes as possible, and do your best to ease her into new situations very slowly, says Gunn-Moore. 

Unexpected People

For cats, any change in your inner circle can trigger stress. This includes people leaving the household (due to death, divorce, or going away to college) and new people joining the household (thanks to romantic relationships, marriage, new children, or older parents moving in). In fact, a visit from a stranger was the single most common source of stress for cats, according to a review in the Scientific World Journal.

How to help: Again, try to keep your cat’s world as close to normal as possible during times of transition with a fixed feeding schedule and a safe place to retire if she needs to step away, says Gunn-Moore. Gradually introduce her to new people by involving them in play sessions with lots of treats to create a positive connection. 

New Smells

The smell of your favorite scented candle, lemon-scented cleaner, and even freshly-laundered clothes might make you feel relaxed, but your cat might not feel the same way (2). Why? Because cats have such a powerful sense of smell, an offensive odor that they cannot escape can become an unexpected trigger, says Gunn-Moore. 

How to help: Avoid citrus scents (which seem to stress out cats in particular), consider non-scented detergent, or just keep a well-ventilated home with fans or cracked windows when you’re cleaning. 

Mirrors

Like dogs, cats lack self-awareness, which means that when they gaze into a mirror, they see another cat staring right back at them, says Collier. For some cats, that reflection means another cat is invading their territory, she explains. 

How to help: If possible, keep your cat out of mirror-filled rooms or lift floor mirrors onto the wall outside of your cat’s line of sight. Removing the stressor should help keep your cat calm.

Conflicts Between Cats

It might seem like your cats are just playing, but in a multiple-cat household, inter-cat conflict is a common problem, especially if essential needs like the litter box and food are shared. This can result in a battle over resources, explains Kornreich. As it turns out, this is a common problem—one study found about a quarter of cats don’t have their own food bowls and more than half had to share their litter box with other cats. 

How to help: Make sure you’ve got enough litter boxes (the number of cats you have plus one) and consult with your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist about how to avoid conflicts at feeding time. Sometimes, separate feedings can help calm down stressed-out cats, says Kornreich. 

Outdoor Distractions

In her research, Gunn-Moore witnessed a cat struggle to pee in her litter box inside because cats lounging on a wall outside her window were watching—and having an audience stressed her out too much to go. While what goes on in your neighbors’ lives might not matter to you much, changes outside your home could trigger cat stress when something out of the ordinary happens. 

How to help: Again, making sure your cat has a safe, quiet place to retire or use the litter box can help. This should be away from foot traffic, from loud noises and from doors. Creating welcome distractions (like classical music over the sound of construction or traffic outside) could also do the trick, says Gunn-Moore.

A Change in Your Work Life

If you get a new job, change shifts, or start getting home later than usual, your cat could start to pick up on these changes and get nervous. The reason is simple—cats like for life to go according to schedule, and any change can trigger stress.  

How to help: If possible, ease your cat into your new schedule by making gradual adjustments, or help her ride out the transition process by making sure she has access to a place where she feels safe and lots of playtime when you are home, says Gunn-Moore.  

Too Much Affection

Unfortunately, pet parents are often an unexpected source of stress for cats, says Gunn-Moore. This may be because you’re being overly affectionate. Often, pet parents want to nuzzle their cats or squeeze them close when their cats would be content with the occasional ear scratch. 

How to help: Learn how to love your cat in a way that makes her more comfortable, says Gunn-Moore. Learn how to read your cat’s body language and respect her space if she seems anxious. There are plenty of ways to show affection—like play time and treats—without smothering her. 

Cat Stress Relief: Tips and Tricks

In order to provide your cat stress relief, Kornreich recommends pet parents do the following:

• Establish a schedule and try to adhere to it.
• Remove known stressors from your home.
• Avoid sudden changes in your cat’s environment. 

If you can’t remove a stressor (like another cat in your home), consider keeping them in separate rooms and then gradually reintroducing them in a neutral space, which can sometimes help ease cats into a better relationship, says Kornreich. 

Beyond this, make sure to provide plenty of environmental stimulation—such as interactive toys and puzzle feeders—to prevent boredom and offer your cat a place to climb and hide away, like a comfortable basket on a shelf, says Collier. 

If you’re concerned about a stressed-out cat in your household, remember that chronic stress can lead to health issues over time. In order to figure out the best cat stress relief solution for your situation, call your veterinarian and consider asking for a referral to a cat behavior consultant. 

Sometimes, pheromone sprays and diffusers as well as prescription medications can help treat more serious cases of cat stress. 

The post 8 Surprising Things That Stress Cats Out appeared first on Great Pet Care.

In addition to basic functions like tasting, cats’ tongues serve as super-advanced combs in their frequent grooming sessions. They help them lap up drinks. Studies have even found that papillae can help cats hold onto dense meat while they eat (1). 

But cats’ tongues aren’t only about utility. Many felines also use their tongues to show affection by licking their pet parents. Here, we break down what it means when a cat licks you and what to do if it ever becomes a problem.

What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?

“Licking is a very natural behavior for cats,” says Jennifer Van de Kieft, a certified feline training and behavior specialist and the owner of Cat Advocate LLC consulting company. She notes that when kittens are born, their mothers lick them for the first three weeks of life, then begin teaching them the art of self-grooming. 

Beyond grooming, cats also lick as both a calming behavior and to show their affection. In these displays of affection, “cats will lick each other, their humans, and even other pets,” says Susan Bulanda, a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. “It is also a way to claim the object of their affection as theirs.”

Common Types of Cat Licking

According to Van de Kieft, cats typically go for pet parents’ hands, arms, and faces when licking them—partly because those areas aren’t shielded by clothing, but also because they’re the areas that they typically have the most interaction with.

Those same areas can also hold traces of tastes and smells that cats like. Van de Kieft has found that her five cats are all eager to lick her son’s hands when he has “butter fingers” after eating a bagel.  

If your cat likes to hang out nearby while you shower, you may also be in store for some licking on your legs and feet afterward. According to Bulanda, that’s your cat trying to dry you off in the same way he’d lick himself when he gets wet.

Is Cat Licking a Sign of Affection?

“I think mostly it’s a sign of affection when they lick you,” says Van de Kieft. “They’re saying that they like you, they know you, you’re part of their family. It’s really a compliment when they lick us.”

“One of the highest forms of affectionate display from a cat,” adds Bulanda, “is if they lick the end of your nose.”

Problem Licking in Cats

While having a cat who occasionally licks at your hands or face is completely normal, there are some licking behaviors that may signify a health or behavioral problem. Watch out for these signs:

Obsessive Licking in Cats

Van de Kief says cats also lick as a way to soothe themselves. If your cat suddenly ramps up her licking, it could be a sign of boredom or stress, or simply a way to ask for more of your attention. 

Van de Kief suggests considering what may have triggered the behavior and working on ways to calm your cat. Did you recently move? Has a new baby joined the family? Did you introduce another pet? Have there been any drastic shifts to your usual schedule and routine?

If your cat seems stressed and is licking more than normal, try providing more attention, interaction, and playtime. Or see if products like pheromone sprays or calming treats provide benefits. If you feel stuck, consult a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist to talk about options. 

Excessive Licking at Certain Body Parts

Overgrooming can sometimes indicate an underlying medical concern. For example, a cat who begins licking her stomach may have a stomach issue that’s causing her pain. Both Van de Kief and Bulanda recommend contacting your veterinarian if you notice your cat licking a certain area more than normal, licking an area so much that they look bald, or if sudden behavior changes occur.

Cats Licking Then Biting

One minute your cat is gently licking your fingers. Then suddenly: snap. He goes in for a bite. What’s the deal?

Van de Kief says cats have different kinds of bites, and often when a nip follows licking, “it’s more of a love bite.” Other times, your cat may simply be letting you know she’s had enough. 

There’s also another possibility that may explain a cat that licks and then bites. “Cats that are becoming sexually aroused will want attention and then bite,” Bulanda says. “If you see signs, stop petting them. Once you know your cat, you will know how long to pet them and when to stop.”

Any cat who may bite will show a combination of signs such as tail twitching, ears back or to the side, eyes wide, pupils (black center of the eye) big, fur on end on the back or tail, growl or low vocalizaiton, and even a tense body that looks like the cat could run away at any moment.

Whatever the root cause, if you’d rather not be on the receiving end of pointy cat teeth, Van de Kief suggests squealing “ouch!” anytime it happens. She says it’s similar to what a mother cat does: a quick yelp when her kitten does something that hurts. Van de Kief likes to follow the ouch up with “no biting.” 

“Then you get up and walk away,” she says, “because they want your attention. You don’t want to reward that behavior with more petting or even scolding. Any response that you give could be reinforcing the behavior.”

How to Stop Cats from Licking

If you suspect that your cat is licking due to boredom or stress, Van de Kief suggests adding a play session or a food puzzle to their daily routine. “Cats need a lot more environmental enrichment than we give them,” she says. “Exercise and mental stimulation can really go a long way.” But again, she emphasizes that it’s best to speak to a veterinarian first if you notice unusual behaviors. 

Van de Kief also recommends redirection. “If you know your cat comes and sits on your lap and is going to start licking you and want attention, what’s another way you can give attention?” she says. Turn that time into interactive play or work on some training cues. 

Even if you don’t appreciate your cat’s licking, you shouldn’t punish your cat, says Bulanda. “If you do, your cat may learn not to trust you and become fearful.”

The post Why Does My Cat Lick Me? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

In fact, science says dogs take on our stress.

How we feel impacts our dog’s daily stress and hormones

You read that right—triggers from work, personal relationships, or just trying to do everything all the time can be picked up by your pup. Not only that, but this chronic stress may change their cortisol levels too. (You’ve probably heard about cortisol before—a hormone that’s related to stress.) So when you’re stressed out, you’re changing the chemical makeup of your dog!

Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden recently looked at 58 pet parents with either a Border collie or Shetland sheepdog. They were studying the cortisol levels in the hair of both the parent and dog.

What they found was pretty interesting—the researchers reported “dogs, to a great extent, mirror the stress level of their owners.”

Competitive dog/dog parent combos are even more synched

When humans work together to accomplish something, the duo start to vibe together. Whether you have a stressed-out boss who makes you feel more stressed or a trainer who is helping you train for a marathon, you tend to harmonize closely the more you work together.

Just like humans can, competition dogs are more likely to have their cortisol levels sync up with their handler. The kicker? It doesn’t even matter if the dog takes home a prize! And it doesn’t matter how the handler interacts with the dog post-competition. They still sync up.

Lina Roth, one of the researchers from the study, shared a few theories about this with the New York Post: “‘The bond formed between owner and competitive dogs during training may increase the canines’ emotional reliance on their owners,’ she said. ‘That, in turn, could increase the degree of synchronization.’”

But why do dogs pick up and mirror our stress?

The pressure of life can be too real. Balancing work, relationships, career and pet parenting—we often deal with so much stress that we can get worked up and forget to just breathe.

Whenever you have periods of prolonged stress—unemployment, too much exercise, depression—your body shows the signs of it through cortisol production.

• For most dogs, you are their whole world.
  For humans, we have so much more going on. While our dogs may struggle to pee higher on the local lamppost as a form of climbing the social ladder, we’re often spending one-third of our lives at work, potentially competing and working hard to move up. That stress builds up.
• Dogs can literally smell your fear.
  Researchers presented dogs with human sweat samples from subjects who were happy, neutral or stressed. Dogs who sniffed the stress-sweat were more likely to show stressful behaviors.
• Dogs are excellent at reading body language—and
  Along with their olfactory prowess, dogs beat out chimpanzees in a Harvard study of how well the two picked up human body language. Another study found “evidence that dogs are sensitive to the human’s attentional state when producing facial expressions.” In layman’s terms, the researchers point out that the cute faces our pups make back at us could be intentional attempts to communicate back.
• We pick up their stress—and get more stressed because of it.
  Turns out many dog and cat parents get stressed at the thought of vet visits in anticipation of their pet’s stress. This gets more complex when our dogs then pick up our stress about the visit and get more stressed because of it. This makes us more stressed and less likely to take them to the vet and everyone loses.

Break the stress cycle!

Don’t worry. A huge part of the battle against stress is recognizing that it’s there at all. #quickwin

Getting out of the vicious stress cycle is 100% possible, and you and your dog will both be better for it.

Check out four proven methods to help your dog fear-bust and make sure you’re adding in a little self-care in your life, too. After all, de-stressing your own life WILL de-stress your dog’s, too. Science proved so.

The post Do Your Anxieties Match Your Dog’s? appeared first on Great Pet Care.