We get it - cats are cute. Sometimes, a head scratch or a cuddle isn’t enough. We want to be as close to them as possible! But do they understand and appreciate the gesture? 

Well, first off, all cats are different. While some cats tolerate (and maybe even love) your kisses, not all cats are so accepting.

Remember: like humans, each cat has its unique personality, so don’t feel too disheartened if your cat isn’t a huge fan of human kisses. After all, it must be pretty intimidating to have a big human getting so close to your face, right? 

However, most cats will allow a small kiss on the head from their humans, and although there’s limited research into the subject, it seems likely that they understand the gesture.

​Even cats that don’t like kisses probably get what you’re trying to do. It may just be that that specific display of affection isn’t right for them. 

Cats show their love differently to us (we’ll explore this more a little later), but they can still appreciate our own displays of affection.
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Before you go in for a kiss with a feline friend, you need to know how to do it safely - for both you and your cat. Here are a few things you should know about kissing cats.

Never Kiss a Cat on The Lips 

Cats need their space, too. For example, a kiss on the lips can feel incredibly invasive for any feline, and this display, no matter how affectionate the cat, may trigger your cat to react negatively. 

Also, cats can sometimes carry parasites and bacteria in their saliva - this is especially true for kittens and any cat that hasn’t been having its regular checks and injections. 

For the safety of you and your cat, lip kisses should be avoided. A small head kiss should suffice! 

Discourage Children From Kissing Cats
 
Kids love to be up close and personal with animals - after all, it’s in their nature to be loving and curious.

However, some children can be heavy-handed in their approach, which can cause some animals, including cats, significant distress. 

Some cats may also have less tolerance for children. You should discourage your child from kissing a cat on the lips and educate them on the signs of happiness in cats so that they can show their affection in a welcoming way. 

Never let your child attempt to kiss or hug a cat that is showing signs of distress. This puts your child at risk of significant harm. 
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Don’t Kiss Unfamiliar Cats 

Although it may be tempting to kiss your friend's super cute cat on the lips, don’t attempt it. Not all cats appreciate this closeness.

Just because your own feline friend enjoys your kisses doesn’t mean all cats will feel the same. Unless a cat's owner gives you permission, don’t attempt to kiss an unfamiliar cat - even on the head.
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Any cat owner has probably noticed that their cat sticks their tongue out from time to time. In fact, any cat owner probably has about 500 photos in their camera roll of it happening - it is seriously cuteness overload to see.

And hey, hundred and thousands of people must agree, #TongueOutTuesday doesn’t trend on Instagram each and every week for no apparent reason. 

However, most cat owners still wonder exactly why it happens. Are they just sticking their tongue out at you playfully? Is it just a harmless thing, or is it a sign of an issue? I think every cat mom and dad instantly worry whenever they see something they may not understand.

​Those pawrental instincts are pretty strong - after all our pets are family. I know that I class my kitties as my babies, and I’m sure you feel the exact same way. 

So in this article, we’ll have a look at some of the main reasons that your feline friend may be popping their tongue out of their mouth.
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There are actually lots of reasons why your cat can stick their tongue out. So we’ll take a look at some of the more common reasons now.

Reason 1: Blepping

What in the world is a blep? A blep is when your cat has stuck their tongue out for whatever reason, be it eating or grooming, or something else, and has just forgotten to pop it back where it belongs. How adorable. 

Blepping is generally no cause for concern, so you can just revel in its absolute adorableness guilt-free.

The only time to really worry about your cat blepping is if they seem in immediate distress, or if it never really used to happen but has started to happen 24/7. 

Blepping is literally just a case of your cat not realizing that their tongue is still out.

They may forget to pop that tongue back into their mouth because they’ve been startled, or their mind has wondered while eating or smelling something.

However, if your cat is particularly old, it can be a sign of cat dementia. 

If the behavior is new and fairly excessive, though, you may want to get it double-checked at the vets. 

Reason 2: They Are Sleeping Or Relaxed

You know how sometimes when you’re really chilled out and having a snooze you can wake up with your mouth gaping wide open, drooling a little, with your tongue hanging out your mouth? Well, kitties can have this deep relaxed, and drooly sleep too. 

When your kitty is asleep her muscles will relax and this can cause their mouths to open agar slightly and when that happens their tongues can roll out too.

If you’re really lucky you might even get to witness them dreaming and making adorable little sleepy sounds while their tongue is out. 

This is very rarely a cause for concern, so you can get that camera out and record the cuteness unveiled before your eyes should you wish. 

Reason 3: Something Is Stuck To Their Tongue

I have two long-haired very fluffy cats, so finding hair in every crevice possible isn’t something uncommon for me. And it won’t be for them either.

Cats have this tiny hook-like structure on their tongue so getting a bit of their hair stuck on their tongue happens fairly frequently. 

So your feline friend may be popping out their tongue trying to get rid of the hair. We’ve all had hair in our mouths at some point, and I think we can all agree that it’s not exactly a pleasant experience. 

Reason 4: Your Cat’s Breed Is Predisposed To It
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Cats are funny little things. I’m a firm believer that if someone says that they’re not a cat person, this is simply because they’ve never had one. To have one is to love one - they’ll win you over in seconds.

Unlike man’s best friend, the dog, you have to earn the right to see the softer and loving side of our feline friends.

They don’t show their personalities to just anyone, it’s usually reserved for their owners who they trust. 

It is also our canine companions that we often associate with big and adorable slobbery drooling faces, but you may be surprised to learn that just like dogs, and even humans, cats are susceptible to drooling from time to time.

Particularly when they’re having a good cuddle and a pet, that leaking saliva can sometimes be seen dangling from underneath their chin. 

When you see this, you may be wondering why it’s happening. After all, it’s not something cats are known for doing.

​And as pawrents, we reserve the right to worry over every last little thing - they are our babies! Well, worry no more, because, throughout this article, all of your wonderings, worries, and questions will be answered. 
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Yes! Lots of animals drool, it’s a pretty common thing, think about it, even most humans are prone to a bit of drool when their head hits the pillow.

All drool really is, is excess saliva which is a liquid part of digestion. This part of digestion pours out through our salivary glands and collects in our mouths.

Drool is just when too much saliva collects in your mouth while it’s open and thus escapes. For humans, drool is most common during sleepy slumber, but for our feline friends, it is slightly different. 

When it comes to drooling pets, you probably automatically picture a slobbery dog.

That’s because dogs actually have four pairs of salivary glands so there’s a lot more saliva trying to find its way out of their mouths.

However, surprisingly cats actually have even more salivary glands than dogs. Cats have five.

​They do not tend to produce anywhere near as much drool as their canine counterparts, though.
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A small amount of drool is a pretty normal thing for your kitty cat. They may drool for many reasons that are similar to humans.

They may drool when they’re pretty peckish or when they are flat out with their mouths hanging open wide. 

An excessive amount of unrelenting drool though is probably a good indicator that there is some sort of problem or issue.

These problems can range in severity from the drool being caused by emotional stimuli to issues such as inflammation or an inability to swallow food.

​If your little furbaby does seem to be drooling a little too much, I would recommend taking them to see the veterinarian.
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One thing I think all pet owners can relate to is hating watching their little fluffy babies in pain. Having a sick kitty can sure be a worry.

So does drooling mean that your cat is sick? It really depends on the amount of drool. If it’s a little bit here and there there’s probably no immediate cause for concern. 

If your kitty seems to be drooling fairly often, or in particularly large amounts, then it can be an indication that your pet is sick.

Drooling is a common symptom of dental diseases, oral cancer, and other kinds of mouth infections.

​Dental disease tends to be the most common culprit with a whopping 85% of kitties over 3 years old having some form of gum or tooth disease.

If you notice the excess saliva contains blood or has a foul odor then it’s likely dental disease is the issue at hand. You’ll want to make an appointment with your vet, as soon as possible, if this is the case.
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There may be a few other reasons why your cat is drooling, some more worrisome than others.

​For example, your cat may drool should they have a viral respiratory condition that causes ulcers in your kitty’s mouth. 

It could be a case of your cat eating something that they shouldn’t have.

A foreign body may have got lodged in their mouths and the excess drool is to help wash it out as such.

It could also be something stuck in their belly and the drool is part of their efforts to sick it back up.
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Enjoying a snuggle with your cat only to notice that their ears feel a little warm? It might seem a little alarming, but the first thing you need to know is that cats are naturally slightly warmer than humans. 

The average human body temperature is 98.6°F, with anything over 100.4°F being a concern. Cats are slightly different. They have a typical body temperature range between 100.5°F and 102.5°F.

​So, a temperature that would be a fever for humans is actually perfectly normal in a cat!

Cat ears aren’t protected by much in the way of fur or fat, so the temperature has a tendency to fluctuate.
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It might sound slightly contradictory — heat as a result of cooling — but this is how cats keep themselves comfortable.

Ears play a key role in how your cat regulates their body temperature. Their ears are filled with blood vessels that can dilate and constrict.

​When your cat wants to cool down, these vessels dilate, allowing the blood to travel quickly. Without much fur or fat, the heat can be quickly released, and the body cools.

The opposite happens when they want to get warm. The vessels constrict, so less blood passes through, and the body stays warm.

On a hot day, or if your cat has been lying in the sun, then their ears are likely to be warm as they maintain body temperature.
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Allergies are surprisingly common in cats, and can result in symptoms such as itchiness, sneezing, vomiting, and runny eyes. Allergies can be caused by insects, foods, dusts, pollen, and molds.

If you’ve noticed your cat has hot ears, itchy skin, and red patches, then they might be suffering from an allergy.

​Pay close attention to when these symptoms appear, in case there is a common cause. If you think your cat is suffering from an allergy, speak to your vet.
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Hot ears can be an indication that your cat is suffering from a fever. This doesn’t automatically warrant a reaction, as the fever might be a sign that your cat’s immune response is kicking in.

​If this is the case, then they’re likely to find a cool place to lie down, as their body fights off the infection.

The ears aren’t the best way to monitor a cat’s temperature — as mentioned above, they use the ears to cool down. Instead, check the underarms and stomach.

​If these are warm as well, then your cat might have a fever. If it persists for two days, contact a vet.

The most effective way to check a cat’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer. Anything above 104°F, and you should contact your vet.
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Ear mites are incredibly uncomfortable for a cat. An ear mite infection can cause your cat to rub and scratch at their ears more, bringing the temperature up.

Ear mites love to eat the oils that are found in a cat’s ears, leading to an intense itch and inflammation.

Cats with ear mites will often rub their head against the furniture, and scratch their ears more than usual. If you suspect your cat has ear mites, take a look inside their ears.

​Black and grainy ear wax or a darker discharge indicates an infection. 

Ear mites need to be treated, so take your cat to the vet.
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Ear infections are quite common in cats, and they’re most frequently caused by mites. However, yeast and bacteria, as well as trapped foreign objects, can also result in an ear infection.

Hot ears aren’t a common symptom of an infection, and they’re more likely to be a side effect from itching and scratching.

​Other symptoms to look for include troubles with balance, a bad odor from the ears, and excess ear wax. Your cat might also struggle with chewing, and opening their jaws.

If your cat has an ear infection, then it will need to be treated by a vet. An untreated ear infection can lead to hearing loss, and even deafness.
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The first thing to do when you notice your cat has hot ears is to stay calm. It’s unlikely to be a serious issue, and it might be that you’ve simply never noticed before how warm their ears can get. 

If it’s a hot day, then warm ears are probably a result of your cat getting comfortable.

​You can help your cat cool down further by providing them with lots of fresh water, creating cool spaces within the house, and stroking them with a damp cloth.

If you’re still feeling worried, then check for other symptoms. Hot ears alone aren’t a sign of illness.

However, if your cat is scratching or rubbing their ears a lot, then they might have an infection, or an allergy. Check for other symptoms, and contact a vet if you’re concerned.

If there are no other symptoms, keep an eye on your cat's temperature over the next few days. You’re likely to notice it fluctuates naturally.
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Cats are naturally warmer than humans, and as their ears are used to regulate body temperature, then you might notice they feel hotter than the rest of the body.

​This is rarely a sign for concern, unless accompanied by other unusual symptoms. Check for itching and redness, if you’re worried about your cat’s temperature.
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We love that our cats are relatively independent creatures; it’s one of the things that gives them such unique personalities.

But, whether they want it or not, sometimes they need our help. When they’re ill, for example, human intervention is crucial to getting them on the road to recovery.

Of course, besides the odd flea infestation, illness in cats is rare, but one particularly unpleasant kitty ailment you may run into down the line is a clogging of the anal glands.

Thankfully, though, it’s pretty clear when our furry children are having this issue.

Even though cats aren’t quite as transparent with their illness as dogs, there will be some pretty clear signs that something’s not right and that their glands may need to be expressed.

​Here’s what you should be looking for.
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Cats often display idiosyncratic, sometimes hilariously silly behavior, especially if they’ve come down with a severe bout of the zoomies, but if you ever notice any of the following behaviors or symptoms, it’s time to be concerned.

Scooting

We often associate this behavior with dogs, and truth be told, cat owners can go their entire lives without witnessing one of their feline friends scooting, which is why it should be taken seriously when it does happen.

For the uninitiated, scooting is when a cat or a dog drags their bum along the ground by splaying out their hind legs and using the front legs to pull themselves forward. It’s a silly pose, but in many cases, it’s no laughing matter.

It’s a sign that your cat has an extraordinary itchy anus — Sort of like when a bear rubs its back against a tree, but in this scenario, the itch is localized to the bum.

The reason your cat’s anus is so itchy all of a sudden is that their anal glands are blocked.

Obsessive Licking Of The Anus

To reduce irritation, your cat may also lick their anus furiously.

Now, we all know that cats lick their nether regions on a daily basis as a part of their normal grooming regime, but if they seem to be focusing on that area more than ever, consider it a red flag.

If this is the case, keep observing your cat. If they engage in other activities only to wind up licking their rear end again, it’s a sign that whatever’s going on down there has grown severe enough to become a major distraction.

Bad Smells

Cat toots can be toxic, but - praise be - cats tend to be rather polite with their gas, expressing it elsewhere, so a bad-smelling cat is something of a rarity.

In fact, almost any time a cat has a lingering foul odor, it’s typically a sign that they’ve been somewhere that shouldn’t or that there’s a health issue going unnoticed.

Swollen, blocked, or infected glands are just one of the possible causes of a smelly cat.

Missing The Litter Box

Most cats miss the mark every now and again, and, to be fair, it’s usually because they object to some aspect of their litter tray.

Perhaps you’re trying out new litter that the cat doesn’t feel comfortable with, maybe it’s already quite full of cat poops and peeps, or maybe the litter box is too close to a noisy appliance, like a tumble dryer.

But if everything seems A-okay with their toilet tray, it’s time to consider the possibility of gland issues, especially if their defecating outside their litter box coincides with any of the other symptoms on this list.

Sore Or Swollen Anal Glands

Cats aren’t shy of showing off their bums, so, much to our chagrin, we often get a good look at what’s going on back there.

​Should you notice any peculiarities on either side of the rectum, i.e. redness or swelling, it’s a dead giveaway that something’s up with their anal glands and that the glands might need expressing in the near future.

Where are the anal glands of a cat, you ask? Well, if we imagine that your cat’s bum is a clock face, you can expect the glands to rest at about 4 and 8, so just to the side and down of center.

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Cats are our lovable little guys that always seem to pride themselves on their self-reliance.

While the exact details are a little different depending on how clingy your cat is, our feisty feline friends generally prefer to live life at their own pace.

This often means that we can miss when our cats are uncomfortable or not well. But when your cat starts to act strange or seems like it’s uncomfortable, or even in pain, you have to act fast.

One of the things that often worries people is how hot or cold their cat should be when looking after them.
What temperature is ideal for them? What do they do when they are too hot? What temperature is too hot for them? What happens when they get too hot?

Well, that’s what we’re going to answer for you here!
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In his guide, we’re going to show you how cats stay cool during the hotter times of day or year, as well as what temperature they should normally be most of the time.
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So, as we’ve established, the temperature is probably the most accurate way to tell how hot your cat is.

However, considering that taking your cat’s temperature is about as easy as herding… well, cats, that isn’t going to be an easy option for you.

Fortunately, there are a few changes in behavior that cats show when they start to approach their max temperature that you can pick up on with a keen enough eye.

Panting

As we’ve already established, and you’ve probably noticed, cats do not normally pant, especially not in the way that dogs normally would.

So, if you have noticed your cat panting in that way, you can be pretty confident that your cat is visibly uncomfortable, as they try to get cooler air into their lungs to cool down faster.

Change In Appetite

A slightly less noticeable, but still useful change in behavior, is if your cat’s feeding habits change.

Cats tend (though not always) to have pretty big appetites, at least for their body size.

If you notice that your cat is visibly eating less than they normally do, then you can bet that something is up with them.

Even if they aren’t too hot, it can often be a sign of some underlying illnesses that are ruining their appetite.

More Saliva Than Normal

On a slightly more unsightly note, your cat producing more saliva than normal, or dribbling more than normal, could also be a sign that they are too hot.
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Similar to how panting reduces heat in cats and dogs, excess heat can be absorbed by saliva.
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In short, your cat being too hot is never a good sign for anyone.

If the air temperature or humidity is too high, spray some room temperature water around to help slowly and safely keep them cool.
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If this doesn’t work, take them to your vet as soon as possible.
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Some breeds have naturally smiley faces, but for others, what looks like a smiley face can actually be the Flehmen response. 

Cats have a super strong sense of smell. Sometimes, specific odors (especially if they’re right in pheromones) can encourage the Flehmen response.

​This happens when your cat moves the scent to the roof of its mouth to analyze it. 

When this happens, your cat will usually squint their eyes, curl their lips, and even tilt their heads - although this may look like a happy behavior, it’s simply your cat analyzing its surroundings! 

Although your cat isn’t likely to attack you if you try to give it attention in a Flehmen response state, it’s probably not going to reciprocate the affection if it’s busy checking out its surroundings. 
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If you have ever experienced hiccups, someone has probably tried to scare or shock you to get rid of them. But, we do not recommend going down this route with your cat. Instead, simply offer them some water.

The best method is to try and prevent the hiccups from occurring in the first place. Try to slow your cat’s eating habits. You can do this by using a puzzle feeder, or an automatic feeder. You can also try to push their wet food to the bottom of their food bowl.
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Once your cat starts to eat more slowly, there is a lower risk of them ingesting extra air and suffering from hiccups. 

And, you can also try to prevent hairballs by regularly brushing your cat (whether they like it or not). Try to make this a routine and after some time, you and your cat may start to enjoy the relaxation of it. 

If you feel like your kitten isn’t sleeping enough, there are a few things that you can do to help boost their sleep, but a visit to the vet should also be the first thing you do. 

If the vet has given your kitten the all-clear but they still aren’t sleeping enough, then thankfully there are a few ways to help ensure that they’ll get the sleep they need. So try some of these steps to help your kitten sleep:

• With kittens being as sleepy as they are, then it means that they can’t really just sleep when you want them to sleep. But, you can help by creating a routine for your kitten, and sticking to it, you’ll help bolster their sleep! 

 

• Ensuring that your cat has a comfy place to sleep is important, keep it warm and cozy and the chances are your cat will love it! 

 

• You can help to tire your kitten out by playing with them whilst they’re awake, just be sure not to overdo too much, so if your kitten seems exhausted, then let them get some sleep. 

 

• If your kitten isn’t sleeping through the night it could be due to hunger, so try feeding them their dinner a little later on in the day. 

 

• Sleep toys are a good idea, a toy or blanket that smells like their mother or their previous home is a good way of getting them to sleep as they adjust to their new home. 

It is important that no matter how tempting it is, you don’t let your cat sleep in bed with you, as you may accidentally injure them if you move in your sleep!

When you first bring your new cat home, whether it’s a kitten or an adopted, older, cat, it can always be slightly nerve-racking when it comes to deciding whether or not you should allow your cat to venture into the outside world.

​A lot of cats love the freedom they get from being able to explore their surroundings, especially as they’re naturally curious animals. 

However, as an owner, it can be terrifying to think that your cat is out there and having to fend for themselves in the wide world, as you won’t be able to protect them if there’s something out there that could hurt them. 

It’s important to know the potential dangers to your cat before you decide whether or not they can explore your neighbourhood. One of the risks to your cat is raccoons. And some people even say that raccoons will eat your cat!

Will a raccoon eat a cat? Are they dangerous to your pet? Read through our guide below to find out more!

Typically, a raccoon shouldn’t be a danger to your cat, and it’s unlikely they will actively try to hurt, attack, or eat it. But, it doesn’t depend on the situation in which your cat and the raccoon find themselves.

​Raccoons are really scavengers, and will tend to survive and thrive off eating rubbish and thrown away food, and aren’t really an animal that will go out of their way to hunt, especially a difficult animal to catch like a cat. 

But, a small kitten might just be seen as potential prey to a raccoon, and even to older cats, a raccoon still poses plenty of danger. If you want to know more, then find out why below.

Raccoons and cats are similar in the way that they’re both nocturnal animals, so both of these species are much more active in the nighttime.

​But, whilst your cat gets to enjoy the comfort and warmth of your home, raccoons have to survive and fend entirely for themselves, and are wild creatures, so they won’t stop looking for food if they're hungry! 

When it comes to a raccoon’s senses, they’re extremely sharp, so if you’ve thrown away a load of leftovers, there’s a good chance that a raccoon will be finding its way to your home in order to try and find something to eat, so you should be careful when you place stuff into your trash cans, and should ensure that you have a way of securing them and keeping them shut overnight, just in case a raccoon happens to come sniffing!

Alternatively, pet food is another thing that can attract a raccoon to your backyard, so if you feed your cats outside of your house you should be careful you don’t leave any laying around in the nighttime!

Territory
Once a raccoon finds its way into your garden, this is where the problems will begin to arise. See, cats are naturally incredibly territorial, so if your cat likes to roam outside, it probably views the backyard of your house as its own domain, and a wild raccoon coming around looking for food will undoubtedly anger your cat! 

Although it depends massively on your cat’s personality, it is likely that your cat might decide to protect its territory against the trespasser and attack the raccoon, which will then lead to a nasty fight. So whilst a raccoon might not attack your cat, your cat will probably attack the raccoon!

Size
As everyone knows, a larger fighter is almost always going to be a smaller fighter, and it’s absolutely no different when it comes to a fight between your cat and a wild raccoon. 

Although your cat will more than likely be the better fighter due to its sharper instincts and reflexes, a raccoon is much too big for your cat to take on in a fight and win successfully.

Thankfully, it is unlikely that a raccoon will go as far as killing a cat in a fight, with most fights lasting a few quick moments before one of the parties gets deterred by the premise of a full-blown fight. 

But, as you’ll find out below, a raccoon doesn’t have to kill your cat in a fight for it to be considered dangerous. 

Illness
If there was a fight, then there’s a good chance that both your cat and the wild racoon endured some bites and scratches, which might seem fine at first, but in reality this is where the real threat from raccoons comes from.

You see, raccoons are known to carry a varied number of diseases and parasites that could cause some serious harm to your cat, and in some circumstances, could even be fatal. Most notably, some raccoons can be found to be carrying rabies, which is an incredibly bad disease for your cat to have, and will lead to them being put down. 

So, if you know that your cat has been in a fight with a raccoon at all then you should immediately make a visit to the vet, otherwise there is a high risk that you cat will contract one of the of the nasty diseases from the raccoon and their wound will become infected, and without proper care, then they’ll likely die. 

Raccoons don’t do most cats as prey, and most mature cats will understand the sort of threat an animal like a raccoon poses. But, they are wild and unpredictable, and also opportunistic predators, so they might attack a kitten unprovoked.

Overall though, raccoons are simply looking for scraps, so they’ll likely just be looking to find their scrap foods, and then disappear!

Raccoons might not want to eat your cat, but they can cause a dangerous infection if they fight, so you should watch out!

Cats are one of the most loved animals in the world. Alongside dogs, these furry friends have been kept as pets for thousands of years, with the Ancient Egyptians worshiping them as Gods (some of us still do that!)

Cats and humans have a lot in common. We both love affection and companionship, and a quick (or long) cuddle with your cat can ease stress in both you and them.

Because we spend so much time with cats, it is easy to look for human characteristics in them and human-like connections. And, whilst cats seem to have the same kind of moods as us, such as being content, happy, and, of course, moody, it’s important to remember that they are unique animals.

The behavior of cats can be linked to humans, but sometimes this behavior can seem a little different to other cats. 

Many pet owners have wondered if their cats have autism, due to how they act. Of course, the autism spectrum is wide and varied, but the behaviors found on this spectrum can often be exhibited by cats. 

But, can cats actually have autism? Research into autism has mainly been centered around human behavior but experts and cat owners have noticed similarities between cats and people with autism. 

Read on as we discover whether cats have autism and the behavior that is attributed to this developmental disability.

Autism represents a wide range of different conditions, caused by variations in the brain. Most of the time, these conditions are signified by issues involving someone’s social skills, nonverbal communication, speech, and behaviors that are repetitive.  

The autism spectrum is wide and there can be a significant difference in the severity and type of issues experienced. One person’s autistic symptoms may be hugely different from someone else, however.

The clinical term for autism is “autism spectrum disorder” but many experts prefer to call it “autism spectrum.” This is because some people with autism only experience very slight issues, whereas others require extensive care for their entire lives. 

Because it is a developmental disability, autism tends to affect a person’s thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ability to learn. As for physical appearance, there are rarely any physical characteristics that show someone is autistic. This is why it has been so difficult to diagnose autism throughout the past, and even today.

Because it is challenging to diagnose people with autism, it can cause issues for those who are not diagnosed with it early in life. They may not know why they think or behave differently from others and because there are no physical clues to the condition, others do not know the person has autism. 

There is a wide range of behaviors that can be present in someone on the spectrum. Some of these can be found in cats. The main behaviors include:

• Wanting to be left alone and avoiding eye contact
  
• Not wanting to be cuddled, touched, or held
  
• Having difficulty relating to others
  
• Repeating the same actions time and time again
  
• Having trouble adjusting to changes in routines
  
• Having an interest in others but not being able to play or communicate with them effectively 

Generally speaking, cats can not have autism. Nevertheless, they can be diagnosed with certain conditions and can have special needs. 

Special needs in cats usually stem from physical disabilities or physical issues attributed to old age. For example, a cat who is missing a leg is classified as one with special needs. 

Other examples of special needs in cats include:

• Deafness
• Blindness 
• Entire immobility 

As well as physical impairments, some cats with special needs have mental impairments. Whilst most of these conditions are from birth defects, some occur after an accident or a serious illness. 

You may also be wondering if cats can have down syndrome. Well, some have been found with symptoms of this condition, such as wide-set eyes, unusual facial features, behavior that is not common in others, and issues with vision and hearing. 

If you believe your cat has any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should visit the veterinarian to find a cause. Therefore, you can start to care for your furry friend properly going forward. 

Many cat owners have noticed autistic-like behaviors in their pets. Maybe you have seen your cat getting obsessed with catching certain items or animals. Or, your cat likes to spend most of its time alone (although this is quite normal for most cats).

Maybe your fur ball gets spooked easily by bright lights and noises or is easily overstimulated. Try to show affection and they get spooked by this as well?

Cats tend to like having a routine and are generally an intelligent species. Therefore, changing their routine can have an effect on their behavior and is not necessarily a sign of a deeper issue.

Cats may also make unusual sounds from time to time. Therefore, many cat owners start to think their feline may have autism. However, cats tend to make different sounds for a variety of reasons and these can differ from one breed to another.

​All of these are similar behaviors to those who are on the autistic spectrum, but are also typical behaviors found in cats. Therefore, it is hard to conclude that cats can have autism.

​Nonetheless, if you have noticed that your cat is acting differently or very strangely, you should call your vet for a wellness check.

​This can often put your mind at ease but, if issues are present, your veterinarian can identify them and help you in caring for your special needs cat in the future.

A cat’s typical behavior can easily be attributed to autism. Although further research is required, experts do not believe cats can have autism but, if they are acting differently, you should get them checked out by your vet for clarification on any possible issues.

As much as we all try to be the best possible pet owners for our feline friends, situations can and do arise where we worry our cats will hold a grudge. 

Maybe your cat is being standoffish with you after you’ve returned from vacation, or perhaps you’ve accidentally tripped over them or stepped on their tail (it happens). 

Regardless of why you feel your cat may be upset with you, you’re probably eager for the dynamic to return to normal, which begs the question: how long does a cat hold a grudge?

Cats have a short-term memory span of about 16 hours. This means that generally speaking, cats don’t remember small slights or accidents after the 16-hour mark. 

So, if you’ve done something minor to upset your cat, such as making a loud noise and accidentally scaring them, you can expect them to return to their normal, affectionate self within a few hours - 16 hours at the most.

Here are some examples of things that your cat is likely to forgive you for quickly: 

• Picking them up. If you pick up your cat, they may let you know that this kind of interaction is unwanted with a scratch or a bite, and they might give you the cold shoulder for a few hours. However, this type of incident is usually quickly forgotten about.
  
• Excessive petting. Similar to picking up your cat when they don’t want it, petting your cat excessively can lead to them reacting out of annoyance, and this can extend to a few hours of avoidance or general grumpiness. This is especially true if you touch some of your cat’s more sensitive or vulnerable areas like their belly or the pads of their paws.
  
• Sleep deprivation. We all know how annoying it can be to have our sleep disturbed. If you interrupt your cat’s nap time, expect some grumpiness for a while. However, this is a minor transgression that is typically forgiven quite quickly as long as you let your cat go back to sleep and leave them be.
  
• An accidental hit/kick. Accidents happen. Flinging out an arm or walking around without watching your feet can result in accidentally hurting your cat. Naturally, this is very unpleasant for your pet, and you probably feel awful about it, but as long as your cat doesn’t seem to be injured, try not to worry too much. Cats are sensitive to their emotional environment, so they can usually tell when there’s anger or malice behind an action and when something is an accident. Because of this, they will most likely forgive you for this one within a day.

While cats will typically forgive their owners for unintentional upsets within 16 hours, or 24 at most, there are some things that our feline companions won’t forgive so easily. The following things are likely to result in your cat holding a prolonged grudge against you:

• Stepping on their tail. As we mentioned earlier, your cat will probably understand that you stepping on their tail was an accident, but they may still hold a grudge. The tail is a very sensitive area for felines and they depend on it for balance and mobility. Therefore, if you accidentally hurt your cat’s tail, they might feel threatened and avoid you or behave aggressively for a few days.
  
• Punishments. Most experts in cat behavior will tell you to refrain from punishing your cat in any way because they can perceive it as a threat and become avoidant for anywhere up to several days after such an incident.
  
• Abuse. It should go without saying, but being violent or aggressive with your cat is abusive. If you abuse your cat, they will avoid you, become anxious, and develop behavioral problems.

If you’re not sure whether your cat is mad at you, here are some telltale signs that you have some reconciliation to do:

• Avoidance or aggression. If your cat is running away or hiding from you, or giving you the cold shoulder when you try to be affectionate, they are probably upset and holding a grudge. Similarly, if your cat lashes out physically, they are likely feeling scared and annoyed after what happened.
• Looking annoyed. Cats have expressive eyes and faces. If your cat is fixing you with a haughty, irritated look, it’s possible that they’re holding a grudge.
• Body language. Tail switching, a puffed-up tail with an arched back, and flattened ears are all signs of an unhappy cat.
• Bathroom issues. If you’ve done something to upset your cat, they may start urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, either due to anxiety or in protest.

After upsetting your cat, you probably feel sad and guilty, but don’t be tempted to overcompensate by getting in your cat’s space to give them affection since this could backfire. Instead, sit somewhere accessible with your cat’s favorite blanket or toy near you. This will encourage your cat to approach you. 

Other ways to get back in your cat’s good books is to give them their favorite food and speak softly to them while still giving them space so they know you’re not ignoring them. 

After a few hours, try approaching your cat gently and offering a treat or a toy. By this point, they may be ready for love again. 

Most of the time, cats will hold a grudge for a maximum of 16 hours due to how their short-term memory works. However, in some cases, such as if you step on their tail or punish them, cats might hold a grudge for several days. 

Signs your cat is holding a grudge include aggressive or fearful body language, avoidant or aggressive behavior, or bathroom problems. 

You can speed up reconciliation with your cat by giving them space, speaking softly, and giving their favorite food, treats, or toys as peace offerings.

When it comes to cat ownership, there are often a lot of questions that can be raised by prospective or first-time cat owners, especially when it comes to the more niche stuff, like a cat’s anatomy. 

In fact, one of the questions we see asked rather frequently is regarding a cat’s nipples, and whether or not male cats have nipples. Although it might sound rather strange at first, it’s a very valid question to ask, especially if you’ve never spent much time with a male cat before. 

So, if you’re a new cat owner, you’re thinking of owning a cat, or perhaps you just have some questions about a cat’s anatomy, then here’s our guide to everything you need to know about a cat’s nipples!

It might shock some people, but the answer to this question is actually yes! Male cats do indeed have nipples. 

The nipples of a cat are developed whilst they are in the early stages of growth as they reside in the mother cat’s uterus, and much like most other animals that have nipples, their nipples are formed long before the sex of the cat is determined, which is why both male and female cats have nipples!

A male cat’s nipples are much less pronounced than a female cat’s nipples, which might be why you’ve never seen a male cat’s nipples before, but it’s worth noting that a female cat’s nipples aren’t especially large either!

It might be obvious as to why cats have nipples, but just in case you’re still not sure, allow us to explain!

Cats are mammals, which means their babies grow inside of them and are then birthed, which means that these babies (called kittens) then need to be fed by their mother, which is done through the milk produced by the mother, which the kittens take through the nipple.

Unlike female cats, male cats can’t actually produce any milk at all despite having mammary glands, which means that when it comes to feeding a litter of kittens, it’s all up to the mother cat to do her job and ensure that her young are fed and healthy!

Mother cats (which are called queens) often give birth to numerous kittens at once, so it’s important that they’re able to feed them all when they need it, which is why they have so many nipples!

Typically, a cat will have 6 or 8 nipples on average, but it’s not impossible for a cat to have more or fewer nipples than others, so don’t worry if you notice that this is the case with your cat!

​Despite this, what is interesting is that cats will always have an even number of nipples and that the variation in their number of nipples is actually completely random, and isn’t down to anything to do with their gender, breed, health, or age! So it’s totally random for each cat!

​No matter whether your cat is a male or female, their nipples will always be in two rows, that will run parallel to one another on the underside of the cat’s abdomen, and how close they come to the pelvis depends entirely on how many nipples your cat has, it’s not impossible for your cat’s nipples to run all the way from the front to back!

Unsurprisingly, male cats can’t get pregnant, so their nipples will be no indication at all as to whether or not they are pregnant. 

When it comes to female cats, the answer is somewhat complicated. At first, no, the nipples will provide no sign or indication that your cat is pregnant.

​However, if you believe that your cat is pregnant, then from week 3 onwards you’ll be able to tell as their nipples will be enlarged. 

In addition to their nipples being slightly enlarged in comparison to normal, you will also notice that your pregnant cat’s nipples will also change their color slightly, becoming either darker or even pinker.

This change usually happens at the same time as the enlargement too, so you’ll soon be able to tell whether or not your cat is pregnant!

If you notice that your pregnant queen’s nipples are leaking then at first it can be extremely concerning, however, there is absolutely no need to panic at all!

​If the nipples are leaking just a little bit of milk, all it means is that the queen’s body is just increasing the production of milk in anticipation of the arrival of her kittens!

A cat’s pregnancy is on average around 9 weeks long, and it's between days 60 and 70 that the kittens are usually born, and whilst leaking nipples definitely isn’t a sign that the kittens are due to be birthed anytime soon, you will notice the queen’s nipples becoming much larger and more prominent as the birth draws nearer. 

It’s also completely natural for milk to start flowing from the queen’s nipples a couple of days before the birth, so this is a sign that your queen might be ready to be giving birth soon if you do notice it. 

In addition to milk flowing, there’s a good chance that your queen will begin licking around her nipple area if they happen to leak. Again, there’s nothing to worry about, as it’s completely normal, all she is doing is grooming and cleaning herself, so it’s completely natural!

So to summarise, yes, male cats do have nipples. We hope you’ve enjoyed this small guide to a cat’s nipples and anatomy! 

​
​Regular Preventative Treatment
​
As we mentioned earlier, your vet will recommend preventative treatment moving forward to stop future lice infestations. However, you shouldn’t wait until you have to take your cat to the vet for lice before you start this treatment.

Cats should have at least one routine check-up per year, starting at the age of nine weeks, so you should discuss preventive flea, lice and worm treatment with your vet at your cat’s first appointment.

​If you have multiple cats, it’s vital to make sure that all cats are up to date on their treatment to avoid the possibility of lice spreading from one to another.

​
Washing Bedding
​​​​
In addition to living on skin and in fur, lice can jump around and multiply in your cat’s bedding, so it’s important to wash this on a regular basis, even if your cat is receiving preventative lice treatment, to be on the safe side.

​Experts recommend washing your cat’s bedding every other week. It’s also a good idea to vacuum the bedding between washes and supplement your cleaning routine with some pet bedding spray.

​
​Frequent Grooming
​
Most cats can benefit from grooming to some extent, but this one is particularly important if you have a long-haired cat breed. Grooming won’t actually prevent lice, but it will help you to notice changes in your cat’s fur and skin earlier, which is key to quick and effective treatment if lice are discovered.

Grooming also helps to prevent matting, which can make lice harder to spot, so grooming your cat on a regular basis is one of the best ways to monitor for the presence of lice.

When it comes to cat ownership, there can be a lot of questions raised, especially if you’ve never owned a cat before, and simple things such as how often to feed them and how to litter train them can go from being the simplest of tasks to a complicated one!

One of the more popular questions we get asked about caring for our feline friends is how often should I take my cat to the vet? It’s understandable that people want to make sure that their cat is visiting the vet enough, and is being checked regularly to ensure that they are healthy, but the dilemma is often about how often you should visit!

​So, if you’re wondering how often you should take your cat to the vet, then read on through our simple guide in order to learn everything you need to know!

Cats are quite expressive animals, so you’ll soon know if something is wrong, but even if your cat seems completely fine and healthy, it’s still a good idea to take your cat to the vet at least once a year.

​This will allow your local vet to give your cat a basic health check to ensure that there is nothing minor that might be missed or unnoticed until it develops into a bigger problem. 

​If you allow your cat to roam around outdoors, you might also need to pay a visit to keep them up to date with their core and non-core injections, and they may need additional ones too, as this will help to protect them from the conditions and things they might come across during their adventures outside your home. 

The age and maturity of your cat also plays an important role in determining how often you should take your cat to the vet as well, so check the guidelines below to see how often your cat visits the vet:

• Kittens: If you have a kitten, aged between 6 to 16 weeks, then you should make sure that your kitten visits the vet at least once a month. This is mainly so that they can receive all of the vaccinations they need, but it’s also a great time for you to discuss things such as spaying or neutering, and microchipping your cat.
• Adults: Once your cat is an adult, between the ages of 1 to 7 years old, then you shouldn't really need to have to take them to the vet too often, as long as they’re healthy that is. So you should just be sure to take them for an annual checkup to ensure that everything is going well and that there are no underlying problems. A typical annual checkup will include things such as a full physical check, some blood tests, as well as some other forms of testing too.
• Seniors: If your cat is getting older, and is into its senior years, which is from 7 years old and beyond, then they would probably benefit more from visiting the vet around twice a year. Cats do have quite long lifespans, but two checkups a year will ensure that any developments with health issues or age-related problems will be caught in enough time which means they can be treated easily before they become problematic.

If your cat is healthy, then there should be no reason for you to take them to the vet for just a regular checkup more than once a year.

However, if you have any concerns about your cat’s health for whatever reason, then you should absolutely take them to the vet.

Unless it’s an emergency, where your cat has eaten and swallowed something they shouldn’t have, or if it has been hit by a vehicle, then you’ll probably have to book and schedule an appointment with your vet before your cat can be seen.

​There are a few things you should look out for with your cat that might be a sign that they need to visit the vet:

• Coughing and sneezing: This could be a sign of a respiratory infection, such as feline herpes, or even feline calicivirus. These are both highly contagious but can be solved easily if you contact your vet. 
  
• Changes in appetite and drinking: If your cat isn’t eating or drinking enough, or is eating too much, then you should definitely schedule an appointment.
  
• Changes in activity, grooming, or sleep: If your cat is sleeping too much or too little, there could be something wrong. If your cat is less active it could be a result of an injury. And a lack of grooming could be a sign your cat is ill, and has something such as gum disease.
  
• Vomiting and weight loss: If your cat is losing significant amounts of weight or is vomiting, then you should take them to the vet as soon as possible as there is something severely wrong.
  
• Avoiding the litter box: If your cat is avoiding the litter box, is straining to urinate, or isn’t eliminating at all, it could be a sign of an undiagnosed health issue, so you should take your cat to the vet.
  
• Shivering: If your cat is shivering regularly, then it could be a sign of something such as hypothermia, so you should try to schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible in order to get them checked out.

Overall, taking your cat to the vet is something that you should ensure you do at least annually, this will mean that your cat is kept healthy and happy, so be sure to look after them!

​I love my Daddy

Mommy adopted me when I was a kitten, and I love her a lot as well. She has always been around.
Mommy only met Daddy when I was a teen. I don't really accept anyone in my life. I like people, but
only to a certain point. When I met Daddy, I loved him a lot from the start. I knew that he loved me
as well. We understood and accepted each other immediately.

A while after I met Daddy, I visited Daddy alot. I loved it when we played at his place! He has a big
house and a yard with lots of space, grass, trees, and bugs. It is the best house ever! Eventually, we
moved in, and it is now also my home. Daddy and I are best friends now. He loves me and others of
my kind as well! He is a cat lover, or should I say a cat servant. Mwahaha!

I like to play with Daddy a lot! He always plays with me. Sometimes we play with my toys. I also love
to play by chasing and attacking his hands or feet. He also plays hide and seek! Mommy trained him
to play it, and he is a quick learner. How cool is that? Daddy also follows me outside to see what I am
doing. Mostly we end up playing afterward!

Daddy always brings home toys to play with. Sometimes he brings paper bags, boxes, and toys on
strings home and plays with me with them. The other day he bought home a small red dot that runs
on the wall! Sometimes it just disappears and reappears, but it is alot of fun to play with!

Daddy loves to cuddle a lot! Especially at night before we go to bed! I love cuddles and sleeping on
top of him. We always get into bed, watch TV, and then cuddle until we fall asleep. I don't like it
when Daddy moves around or gets up while I sleep. Sometimes when I bite him softly, he usually
lays still. Dad also gives me my favorite food. He is the best Dad ever!

I am going to attack his feet now!

Locked out of the house
​
I got locked out of my own house. Can you believe that my own servants kicked me out? I am so upset at them right now! I hate it when they lock me out. I like to have the choice to be inside or outside. I don't get kicked out of the house often, but when I do, I ignore my humans for a few days!

As I stare into the window and meow, I see mommy spraying that stinky stuff in the house to kill the bugs. I prefer to be outside anyways because the spray stinks, but I like to have the option to go in when I want to. The better option is not to spray that stinky stuff at all. My servants never listen!

I understand they want to kill the bugs, but I have much better options. I can kill them myself! It is actually really easy for our kind. All I have to do is watch their behavior! When they sit still, I wiggle my bums, get out my sharp nails, run as fast as possible, and catch them! Sometimes I eat or kill them, then my servants can clean the mess I made afterward!

I wish I could come inside now, but I have to wait outside until all the stinky spray is gone! I Meow and scratch at the windows and doors to be sure that Mommy hears and sees me! I'm begging her to come in, and she says she is sorry, but I don't believe her. If she felt sorry for me, she would open the door for me to come in and help kill the bugs!

Mommy still loves me because she left me water, food, and toys outside to play with. I just wish I could come in now to get attention from my servants. Finally, Mommy is busy cleaning up her mess now. She is wiping down all the big objects and mopping the floors. I wish I could help her mop! I am great at it! I always sit on the ropes while Mommy moves the stick around. It goes quicker that way!

Finally, Mommy opens the doors and windows. I rush inside to see what Mommy has done! The house is clean and doesn't stink of bug spray anymore.

The only sad thing is that all th bugs are gone now! No more hunting bugs in the house anymore, It’s all Mommy’s Fault. I guess I am going to spend more time outside catching bugs now.

Now that I have a choice, I am going to go play outside again!