 As adventurous as your cat can be, there is a chance that it can pick up infections and viruses that can stay hidden on many surfaces and get into contact with your cat, especially ringworm, which can be highly contagious. For this, you’ll need to quarantine them for around 2 to 4 weeks, and here you need to isolate them to prevent spreading the infection, which can travel in spores. Read further below to find out how ringworm is treated and the measures you can take to prevent the spread. Why A Quarantine Is Necessary Once your cat has become infected, the spores that come from this can survive up to 20 months, so during this time, this can pose a threat to you and other animals in your household and cause hair loss and scarring in your pets. You also don’t want it to spread to yourself, which can cause unwanted rashes or a scattering of bumps that can be unpleasant to have and deal with, and in cases where the nail and scalp are affected, treatments like uni-fungal creams will need to be applied. This fungus is most common in kittens and older cats as they have weaker immune systems, so if you have either, be sure to be vigilant if you notice any changes in their skin or fur. How To Treat Your Cat For RingwormYou can use anti-fungal treatments that work as remedies for fungal and bacterial issues your cat has so that you can get a cotton swab or ball and apply it to the affected areas, and you’ll need to do this 2-3 times a day which can take up to 6 weeks to disappear. You can use disposable gloves and spare clothes so that after you apply the treatment, you can disinfect your clothes immediately in hot water and dry them on the highest setting to remove any spores that may have spread to them. During this time, you want to wash your hands thoroughly and use medicated shampoos for your other pets, so the ringworm doesn’t spread to them, and these won’t dry out their skin or cause any discomfort if you’re worried about the prolonged use of it. How To Prevent It from Spreading  The first thing you can do is separate the cat and keep it in one area, like a playpen, so it can move around but be less a risk of spreading the ringworm, so every time you enter the area, you can clean and disinfect the area easier, which you can do daily. Make sure toys, bowls, and brushes are separated and can be cleaned daily if your cat still uses these. Below are more specific ways you can reduce the risk of it spreading. Clean The Area Around You Any rugs, pillows, throws, or sheets that your cat may have come into contact with should be cleaned, and this applies to any cloths you use to clean out the area your infected cat is in, so anything that cannot be cleaned, you may want to throw away. If you do this daily, there won’t be many places for the fungus to hide and spread even further, and it is even more essential if you have young children in the house who could pick it up from any untreated areas. Be Careful When Using Disinfectant When cleaning the pen your cat is in, it might be tempting to use bleach, Lysol, or any products containing ammonia, or benzalkonium chloride, as these can irritate your cat’s paws while in heavy use. Some of these disinfectants can be toxic. When looking for anti-bacterial sprays, find ones that are pet friendly and if you do have to use bleach, make sure you rinse the area with plenty of water and let it dry before your cat goes near it. You may be able to dilute the mixture of your disinfectant, and for others, you may have to put the cat in another room and let the treated area completely dry before putting them back. This is especially the case for disinfectants that have a strong-smelling odor. Give Your Cat Medicated Baths You’ll want to do this twice a week, and you can use lime sulfur or anti-fungal shampoo, and even though the lime solution is usually the most popular way to treat ringworm, it can dry out your cat’s skin and leave areas irritated. Whichever method you choose, you could use a spray bottle to apply it easier, and you want to make sure this covers all the areas of the cat, but avoid spraying the head, and for this area, you can use a small sponge and gently dab the ears and face. When you finish the bath, you want to return the cat to fresh bedding and a sanitized area that is completely dry, and if you’re treating a kitten, make sure you use a heating pad, as letting them dry off naturally can cause their body temperature can drop quickly. Use Other Treatments If you contact a veterinarian, they can point you to over-the-counter medications you can use after their baths, usually topical ointments. On other days you can clean any areas and apply the ointment as required. As for the frequency, this can depend on the severity of the ringworm, and you may be given a prescription that deals with the inflammation and allow the skin to heal. Some of these medications are based on the cat’s weight, so make sure you use the optimal amount. In SummaryThis might sound like a hassle, but to ensure the safety of your cat and others around you, these measures can prevent the spread of ringworm and allow for a much easier and, hopefully, speedier recovery, which is the best outcome for your cat.
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 Siberian cats can be a fun and playful breed that can be easy to maintain if their coat is brushed and maintained, but one thing that can be frustrating with these cats is their shedding, which can get in many places and be a task to clean. Knowing how often they do this can be helpful, so they do this twice a year to prepare for the winter and summer seasons, so this cat is considered to shed moderately, so they may not leave as much hair after they’ve made contact with a surface. This cat has a lot of other characteristics, which we can look at in more detail below, and it may convince you to have one as a pet if you haven’t already. Siberian Cats: An OverviewWhen you think of these cats, you might see them with a thick white coat, but these cats can come in different colors, some of these being grey, black, brown, sable, lilac, lavender, ebony, or even silver colored. With this, you have a solidly-built cat that can be highly active but can take it easy as they can be pleasant and kind with people, so if you want a cat to play with, this is a perfect choice. The only real issue with these cats is their hair, which can put some people off, but if you don’t mind grooming your cat more often than usual, you two should get along, and what makes this more of a plus is that its hair is hypoallergenic so more people can own them. However, when something is hypoallergenic, it doesn’t mean that some people will be completely free of allergies. Symptoms might be reduced, so if a cat triggers your allergies in a particular room, you may want to consider this. Caring For Your Siberian Cat If you already own this cat, you’ll already have an idea of what the caring and maintenance this cat requires, and surprisingly, it can be a cat that isn’t too demanding, as you only need to brush its fur once or twice a week to avoid tangles or matting. As they molt more at the end of winter and have some light molting in the summer, you can brush them during this time, and you can focus on areas like the armpits, lower belly, under the chin, or behind the ears, as these are places that can get matted. When it comes to health issues, the main one for this breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease in cats that can be detected early if you have screenings of your cat a few times a year. If you’re thinking of getting one, it may be a good idea to have another cat or pet which it can accompany, as these cats are a social breed that thrives with other cats, so your cat may get jumpy or easily excited otherwise, which may be something you don’t want. What About Cleaning A Siberian Cat? There is a good reason why these cats are so low-maintenance, and one of these is due to their thick coats, which have three layers, so you rarely have to give it a bath, but you can consider other things like keeping their nails trimmed and making sure their ears and eyes are clean. If you are considering getting your cat trimmed, consider its role during that time of year, as in the summer, these cats can lick and cool themselves down, so the fur can keep out both the heat and cold. If your cat seems uncomfortable, you could get them trimmed, but you can focus on the belly area so they can lay on a colder or warmer surface while having the properties of their coat, and if your cat likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, it could get sunburnt. Are There Any Other Considerations? If you intend to keep your cat indoors, this can be a good thing, but you want to ensure that you have enough climbing areas and toys for it to play with, as this cat can be pretty energetic, so any fragile items you have in your house should be moved. Be sure to keep an eye on its food levels, as indoor cats have a higher chance of becoming obese, but you also want a balance in their nutrition, so you can use some high protein types as your cat is likely going to be active wherever they are. If You Have To Clean Cat Hair In Your House If you have a few pets, you know how frustrating they can be, so if your Siberian cat does leave some hairs, you can do things like drape their favorite lounging areas with a removable fabric covering so you can put it in the wash every so often. If your cat makes many areas of its lounging spot, you can use lint rollers or duct tape, which should make easy work of things, and for rugs and carpets, you can mist them with some water and brush any thicker clumps of hair before you use the vacuum. You can do this alongside switching up the direction of your cleaning, so rugs with patterns or grooves can have the most effective cleaning, so no bits of hair remain afterward. For any odors, you can sprinkle some baking soda onto the rug before you vacuum. Closing Thoughts Your Siberian cat can spread a lot of joy in your house as they don’t mind the occasional cuddle, and with this affection comes an energetic cat that can be difficult to keep up with. There’s no doubting how fun and easy these cats can be to care for, as this can be a change of pace for those who have other more demanding cats.  Genetically speaking, humans and cats are quite similar, so it may be tempting to think that we share some of the same illnesses, especially when we look at conditions such as hemorrhoids. So do cats suffer from this as well? Even though some of the symptoms can look the same, cats don't experience hemorrhoids the same way we do, instead is known as rectal prolapse, which can come in different forms and be just as painful and uncomfortable for your cat. Find out what the symptoms are and how they can be treated below. Types Of Rectal Prolapse In CatsWith humans, there are four grades of hemorrhoids, but cats are confined to two main groups, and the first is known as incomplete, which is rectal tissue that protrudes when your cat tries to defecate, and the tissue goes back to its original position. The second type is complete, where all layers of the rectum extend through the anal opening, as the rectum's inner lining is always visible. This type requires immediate veterinary intervention. What Are the Causes Of Rectal Prolapse In Cats? It can be caused by conditions or behaviors that cause the cat to strain more while pooping or peeing; over time, this weakens the tissue that supports the rectum. These causes include constipation, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, rectal mass, and urinary or colon obstruction by a foreign object. They can even affect cats that have given birth, while some cats may have tail amputations, making them more prone to this. How Is It Treated? If you notice any reddening or swelling around your cat's anus, and if your cat is struggling to do its business, it's a good idea to get them checked out so the issue can be treated early, as complete prolapses usually require surgery. Once you take your cat to the vet, they will look into any underlying issues with it, especially if there are intestinal parasites, masses, or an enlarged prostate. These can be looked at to solve the rectal prolapse issue. For A Simple Prolapse The tissue around your cat's anus will be carefully cleaned if it's a simple procedure. If there is any swelling, they can use a solution to help decrease the inflammation, and after the rectum is flushed out, it can be lubricated and replaced in the pelvic cavity. Once this has been done, a stitch is made to make the anal opening smaller, so there's less of a risk for the rectum to prolapse again. For Advanced Prolapse More invasive surgery will be needed here, especially if the tissue around the rectum has turned black and is dying. Here is where healthy rectal tissue is reattached to more healthy tissue if any remains. If rectal prolapse is a persistent problem for your cat, a procedure called a colopexy will be required to remove the dead tissue, so the rectum will be attached to the abdomen wall with a suture, which will prevent any repeat prolapses. What Does The Recovery Look Like?  After the surgery, your cat can be prescribed painkillers and stool softeners, which will depend on the health of the rectal tissue, and epidurals can be used with cats with the urge to strain when they do their business. If your cat has undergone an intensive treatment plan, their rest and recovery will likely be longer, but with other more straightforward cases, they can be brought home the same day, and here is where you'll want to keep an eye on your cat. At home, your cat will likely need a collar to prevent them from licking the area or trying to remove the suture where it could become infected. Be sure to limit your cat straining by using soft foods and stool softeners so the area can heal. Depending on the prolapse's severity, this can last around 14 days or longer. There is a chance for complications where the sutures can come out, or the prolapse can reappear, leading to incontinence or infection if not treated. How Do I Prevent Rectal Prolapse In My Cat? While there isn't a sure way to prevent this from happening, you can look for signs of underlying issues, such as parasites or constipation, which can cause prolapse. For this, you can use deworming medication and stool softeners. Even though cats can be good at healing and often hide illnesses pretty well, rectal prolapse won't heal on its own. This will need some intervention, whether through surgery or antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection. You can also prevent prolapse from becoming an issue if you spay your cat, especially in females, where giving birth can cause the rectum to extend from the anus, and you can do this when the cat is four months old. Can My Cat Become Incontinent?It is quite rare for a cat to become incontinent after this surgery, but it can depend on how severe the prolapse is and how much tissue is healthy. If this becomes a problem, you may be given muscle stimulants or antibiotics for your cat. With older cats, there isn't any way to prevent this as it is linked more to cognitive impairment, so you should aim to make the cat as comfortable as possible with more regular cleaning to avoid issues with their skin. Conclusion It can be challenging to notice the prolapse until it is near the complete stage, so you want to make sure you look for signs in your cat that indicate that they're struggling to go to the bathroom, plus any sudden changes to your cat. Of course, many of these issues can be dependent on the cat’s age, so for older cats, you want to be sure that you check them over for any issues which can be managed and allow your cat to remain comfortable.  Even indoor cats can have their moments when they run around like crazy playing, so it should come as no surprise that on occasion, accidents do happen. What’s more, cats can often be super quiet, so it can be pretty easy to accidentally hurt them, whether by stepping on them or opening a door on them. And if your cat is particularly accident-prone, it can make owners like us quite anxious about what to do if they accidentally get a bad head injury. So in order to ease your worries, it makes sense to want to find out what can happen if your cat has a head injury, and more specifically, whether they can get a concussion, and if so, what’s the best way to handle the situation. And that’s exactly what this article is going to cover. Please feel free to scroll ahead to any section that jumps out at you. What Exactly Is A Concussion?A concussion is basically a mild, yet traumatic brain injury. It is commonly assumed that a concussion is a loss of consciousness following shaking or a blow to the head. But the truth is, a concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness. Despite being described as a mild brain injury, a concussion can lead to temporary cognitive symptoms, and several other symptoms besides. This includes headache, confusion, memory loss, sleepiness, excessive fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, lack of coordination, and ringing in the ears. How Serious Is A Concussion?Thankfully, however, because a concussion is defined as a mild brain injury, it is not usually life-threatening. Sadly, however, symptoms can last for several weeks. And worse yet, about 20% of sufferers could get post-concussion syndrome, which lasts for over 6 weeks. Can Cats Get Concussions?Unfortunately, yes, cats can get concussions. Even something as simple and “minor” as being stepped on can be all it takes to cause a severe head injury and bring about a concussion. How Do You Tell If A Cat Has A Concussion?The truth is, it can be really hard to spot when your cat has a concussion. Even if they could, they probably wouldn’t tell you anything was wrong. Their instinct following injury is simply to hide away to recover on their own. Thankfully, however, there are a handful of more obvious symptoms to look for. These include unresponsiveness, trouble walking, seizures or vomiting. A frequent symptom of concussion is a loss of consciousness, but that can frequently be mistaken for simple napping, which is very problematic for assessing whether your cat has a concussion. If you’re not entirely sure of whether or not your cat has a concussion, we would recommend a “belt and braces” approach, where you take all the measures you can, just to be on the safe side. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry. What To Do If Your Cat Has A Concussion?If, in the worst case scenario, you suspect that your cat has in fact suffered a concussion, you need to take action immediately. You must contact your veterinarian’s office right away for the cat’s condition to be first assessed over the phone through a series of questions. There is a good chance that the veterinarian will ask you to bring your cat to their office, so that they can keep a close eye on your cat to monitor their condition and recovery. How Do I Know If My Cat Hit His Head Too Hard? Here follows a quick run down of some of the most common symptoms of head trauma in cats:
What Should I Do If My Cat Hits His Head?Whenever your cat gets hit on the head, by anything, you should keep a close eye on them for at least the next 24 hours, because their condition can change rapidly from one moment to the next. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of conditions laid out earlier in the article. And if you have any suspicion whatsoever that your cat may have sustained a concussion following an injury to the head, you should seek assistance from a veterinarian with immediate effect, for close monitoring and pain relief at the minimum. If your veterinarian is unavailable, for whatever reason, then it is down to you to keep an eye on the cat, and monitor their condition, On return from the veterinarian, it is strongly recommended that you keep the cat indoors, so that you can keep an eye on them and make sure that they don’t do anything that may make their condition worse, such as hitting their head on something again. How Does A Veterinarian Diagnose A Concussion?If you bring your cat to the veterinarian with suspected concussion, they will typically check your cat’s blood pressure, occasionally give oxygen, and if deemed necessary, order an MRI brain scan. How Is A Concussion In A Cat Treated?Thankfully, there are several things that a veterinarian can do to help a cat with concussion. The nature of the treatment applied will vary according to the type and severity of the head injury. There will be pain relief provided in the form of IV fluids, and anti-inflammatory medication to bring down any swelling. Wrap UpSo, unfortunately, cats can get concussions, and they are more common than you might think, not to mention very easy to accidentally cause. There are some obvious signs to look for, as mentioned earlier. And it is not always accompanied by loss of consciousness. But it can be tricky to diagnose because cats often like to hide when they are in pain. If you suspect that your cat may have incurred a concussion, it is imperative that you seek the help of a veterinarian as soon as possible. And you must monitor their condition. Although concussions aren’t usually fatal, they can be very serious and cause a great deal of pain.  Many owners choose to have their cat spayed for a number of reasons, however, it might be that your cat has gone into heat before you’ve had the chance to. If this is the case, then you might be wondering: can a cat be spayed while in heat? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about spaying your cat during heat and everything else you need to know about your cat’s heat cycle. So, let’s dive in. Can A Cat Be Spayed While In Heat?While it's not recommended, veterinary experts claim that it is possible for a cat in heat to be spayed during this time. Veterinarians are a little cautious to do this surgery on a cat while it is in heat because during heat, blood vessels and tissues might swell, increasing the risk of excess bleeding during surgery. What Happens During A Heat Cycle?When a cat's body is hormonally prepared and receptive to becoming pregnant, they enter a heat cycle. When they are in heat, some cats might urinate more frequently or spray urine on vertical surfaces. This is because of the hormones and pheromones in their pee, which actually aid in attracting male cats. Feline dating customs are peculiar, but they do work! Even stranger male cats may begin to emerge in your yard when your cat is in season. Your cat may become more vocal at night during the cycle if she senses potential mating partners outside and wants to approach them. She may also be more receptive to being petted on the behind and may rub it on her owners. Thankfully, cats do not bleed when they’re in heat, unlike dogs. If your cat does, then you should contact your local vet straight away. How Long Does A Heat Cycle Last?An indoor cat will cycle into heat every two to three weeks, with each cycle lasting three to five days if she isn't spayed. Until your cat is spayed or becomes pregnant, the heat cycles will continue. It is advised that cat owners have their cat spayed around the time she turns six months old since the cycles begin when the cat is four to five months old. How To Calm A Cat In Heat It can be quite agitating dealing with a cat in heat; they become very excitable, loud, and often messy. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to calm your cat during a heat cycle:
Spaying Your Cat During A Heat CycleYour cat will try to mate if she is in heat because her hormones and instincts are telling her to. She will therefore take tremendous measures to escape the house and find males to mate with. Living with a cat who is in heat can be frustrating. You can ask your vet about having her spayed as soon as possible if you don't believe you can handle her behavior for about a week. Although spaying a cat during heat is not recommended, it is possible. There are certain drawbacks to this, though. Some veterinarians choose to avoid doing surgery on a cat in heat because of these risks. The blood vessels that supply the reproductive organs and the tissues around them grow swollen with blood when a cat is in heat, which increases the susceptibility of the tissues to tearing. This means that your cat will undergo a procedure that is more involved and time-consuming than a standard spay. Additionally, it will cost more due to the additional labor and materials required. If you have arranged a spay procedure for your cat in advance and discover that she has begun her first heat cycle just before the surgery, be sure to call your veterinarian for guidance. Postponing the procedure can be more advantageous for you, your cat, and the veterinarian. Spaying Your Cat Before A Heat CycleIf the cat is not in season, an ovariohysterectomy, sometimes known as spay surgery, is regarded as a regular, low-risk procedure. To make things easier, you should ideally spay your cat before her first cycle. By the age of six months, veterinarians typically advise spaying kittens. This is due to the fact that most female kittens begin to go into heat between the ages of six and nine months. Though it's rare, some kitten cats might go into heat as early as four months old. In animal shelters and rescue organizations, kittens as young as eight weeks old are frequently spayed to prevent unintended pregnancies. If you are concerned about having your cat spayed before her first heat, you might want to discuss having the procedure done early with your veterinarian. Final ThoughtsPlanning is essential if you choose to wait to neuter your cat while she is in heat. Keep in mind that cats will remain in heat until they mate, and a new cycle could start within a few weeks or even days. It can be challenging to find the ideal window. Ask your veterinarian about the optimal time to arrange the spay because they might not be able to accommodate a last-minute operation. Be sure to tell your vet as soon as possible if your cat begins to exhibit indications of heat a day or two before the planned surgery. To summarize, you can spay your cat while she's in heat, however it is not ideal for you or your cat. It's best to stick out the heat cycle and wait until she's between cycles before getting her spayed.  If you notice a fall in temperature, there’s a good chance that your cat will notice too, and even though they are adaptable pets, there are times when even they struggle in these environments. That is why keeping the temperature around 90ºF or higher is essential. This way, your cat won’t have to resort to drastic measures to stay warm, especially if they have short hair or are kittens that struggle to regulate their body temperature. You can find out how to see if your cat is too cold and how you can keep them warm by finding out more below. Why It’s Important To Keep Cats WarmYou might have a cat with a lot of fur or prefers the outside, so they are resilient to any conditions. While this sentiment sounds convenient, cats can get chilly just like us, and it could get to the point where it can become uncomfortable. Just like us, cats can get hypothermia and heatstroke, and while we can cope with lower temperatures more efficiently than cats, this does mean we have to consider their temperature needs as well. So we know when we are cold, but for cats, it may be harder to notice, which is why there are some signs to look out for that your cat may be too cold, which we look at below. What Are the Signs If A Cat Is Too Cold?One of the main signs is that your cat will try to snuggle up more in colder temperatures and seek warmer areas of your home, which could be out of character for your cat. As well as this, your cat can be cold to the touch, especially around their ears, tail, and footpads, while you may notice they are shivering, dilated pupils, have weak movement, have a low heart rate, or have slow and shallow breathing. You can also see if your cat is too cold, as they may want to snuggle on your lap and be reluctant to move, or they may try to burrow under blankets and covers, as cats like to huddle together to stay warm. This drop in temperature can be a painful and stressful change, which could lead to fevers, which may reflect in their habits as they may eat less. In extreme cases, this can lead to hyperthermia, where the cat can look lethargic and pant excessively. How To Warm Up A Cat? One of the best ways you can keep your cat warm up is by offering nesting areas around your home where it can nestle up and bring its temperature up, and if you want to help out a bit more, you can turn your thermostat to 70ºF or higher to help them out. You could also place cat beds around your home, so your cat has a choice of where to rest and you could use heating pads as an option if your cat likes to be in multiple areas, so you can slip it in under them, making sure it doesn’t get too hot. There are other things you can do, like setting up a bed near a porch or window that receives sunlight, feeding them a bit extra, and for hairless cats, you may want to get them a sweater or covering that they don’t try to get out of and are more comfortable. When To Take A Cat To The Vet We don’t like to go to last resort, but if some of the symptoms above get worse and your cat is struggling to breathe, you will want to take them to see a veterinarian, who can determine the severity of any issues and take any measures needed. One of these may be simply covering your cat in blankets or warm towels, and their temperature can be recorded. Hot water bottles and other sources can be used if your cat’s temperature is worryingly low. IV fluids can be used for a hypothermic cat, and even a warm water enema will be used to raise the cat’s temperature. Any other contributing factors like colds and illnesses will be addressed with medication. Keeping Your Kitten WarmWe’ve mentioned cats, but kittens need that extra help as they aren’t as adept as adult cats in maintaining a good internal temperature. So, during the colder months, you’ll have to keep watch on them more often. If the kitten is under five weeks old, you can set up an area for them to stay nice and toasty. So you can use a crate, a heating pad, or a snuggle-safe disk on one half of the bottom so they don’t get too warm. To make it more comfortable, you can put a folded towel over the heat source to cover the whole floor while making a small nest with a fleece blanket or an equivalent. If you want to make this easier, you can put them in a warm and quiet room and keep the temperature around 80-85ºF, which will be ideal until the cat reaches the 8-week age. What If My Cat Likes To Go Outside? Your cat will still try to get outside and wander around, whatever the weather. This can be concerning for owners as temperatures can reach freezing, so here you can provide an outside shelter so your cat can warm up during these unforgiving temperatures. For those colder nights, keep the cat indoors, as temperatures can reach dangerous lows, so if your cat has options, there is a better chance that it can stay warm. Conclusion If you maintain your cat’s temperature, not only will they be happier, but there’s no telling where they may end up, so if it’s bitter cold and your cat is wet for some reason, you’ll want to dry them and keep them as warm as possible.  Having a male cat can be both comforting and sometimes stressful if your cat likes to wander, and these genders of cats can have some exciting features which can discern them from females. Male cats are often referred to as Tom-cats which may have been popularized due to publications naming them so, and before this, they were called boars or rams, and some people may agree with these names. Read on to find out more about these cats and how you can identify the gender of any cat, as there may be other considerations you need to make. Are There Other Names For Male Cats? Quite interestingly, if a male cat fathers a litter, it is referred to as a sire, and if your cat is neutered, it is referred to as a gib, and this distinction may be used because of the notable differences between the two. For example, a neutered cat is less likely to be territorial and will prefer the indoors to wander around, as they won’t have the same hormonal changes as Tom cats, so they will be less aggressive. That is why many people decide to neuter their cats to avoid them getting injured in a fight or reproducing, which can be frustrating for any owner. This can be done when the cat is usually around 6-12 months old when they reach sexual maturity. How To Tell The Gender Of A Cat This is very simple and can be done by lifting the cat’s tail, and if the space under this looks like a colon (:), you have a male cat, and this is similar when sexing older cats, as they will have more apparent genitals and they are usually more prominent. You can also identify the gender by looking at other features like their faces, as males tend to have fuller and more rounded faces than females and the cheek pads are more developed, giving them a jowly look. However, neutered male cats can have a less masculine look and, instead, have more fragile faces like female cats, so it isn’t always easy to identify them in this way, and this is the case if the male cat was neutered during puberty. You can also tell by their size, as male cats can be heavier and stockier-looking than females as they have broader shoulders and sturdier limbs. Some colors are specific to certain genders, as more orange-colored cats are male than female. Which Gender Is The Best As A Pet? There aren’t that many differences between the genders, but you may experience different habits or behaviors that you may prefer over the other, so female cats can be docile and easier to handle. At the same time, males can be affectionate once they have gotten used to you. This will depend on whether your cat will be neutered or not, as it is generally recommended to do so as both genders can change in temperament when in heat, as males can spray. At the same time, females can be very noisy, as both can be inconvenient. If you want a more independent cat, you may want to get a female. On the flip side, they can also be quite moody or unpredictable sometimes, so you don’t want your cat to lash out at you if it’s having a bad day. It can all be down to personal preference, as each has its own benefits and, if cared for right, can be docile and willing to be picked up or played with, so if you have a specific preference, you can go with it and see what your relationship is like. Is Neutering A Male Cat Necessary?Some may feel that a Tom cat may be less happy when they are neutered, and this isn’t the case as it can make them healthier, so they are less likely to pick up any diseases that an unneutered cat can get while wandering or getting into fights. If you want to make your male cat an indoor one, you will want to get it neutered, as spraying can become an issue where you’ll have to deal with some strong and unpleasant smells, which can happen more often when seeking female cats in heat. They can also be quite aggressive and unapproachable, so you want to do this if you want a more affectionate cat or if you have children around who could get an unexpected scratch or bite when they try to play with the cat. What If I Want To Breed A Cat?For this, you’ll have to keep both cats healthy and be sure that you can manage both cats that will go through many changes, as you may not be able to approach either cat during this process, plus it can be a timely and costly undertaking. You also have to ensure that the female cat doesn’t get into contact with other Tom cats, as there may be an illness or genetic problem that gets passed down to the kittens, and for pedigree breeds, you will have to register. However, it can be a very rewarding process as you have a litter of kittens that you could sell, but during the early stages of their development, they will have to be watched so you can ensure that they get the right amount of nutrients. The Bottom Line Male cats, as we have seen, can be docile and friendly, but there are the unneutered kinds that can bring a lot of mess and inconvenience that many aren’t prepared for, so the earliest you can get it neutered, the better. With this, you can identify a male cat if you happen to come across one with its features, which can be hard to do in some instances, but in general, you can get a pretty accurate assessment.  It’s no secret that cats are infamous for being independent beings who often don’t show much affection. But what does that say about their loyalties? It can be a tricky question to answer, but in this article, we will give you our thoughts on whether or not cats are loyal. What we do know is that cats love their owners but sometimes don’t show it. Cat owners understand this because it is a normal temperament and personality trait of their feline friends.But whether or not a cat is loyal to its owner is much harder to understand. So, let’s take a look at how loyal they really are. The Definition Of LoyaltyLoyalty is defined as providing or demonstrating unwavering and steadfast support for or allegiance to a person or institution. We have to give our cats some credit, even though they certainly don't come to mind first when considering the meaning of loyalty. Cats do show loyalty in unique ways; it just might be a little unconventional. So, Are Cats Loyal?Someone who is constantly available to us may come to mind when we think of someone who is loyal. Cats tend to be more individualistic and see you more as an equal than as the alpha. Consensual partnerships are the foundation of many cat relationships. They must feel as though they are on an equal footing with you, and you must be given the go-ahead to communicate with them. Cats are loyal, but only when it's convenient for them. Like most things, cats only show devotion when it is reciprocated, and they often show respect after they feel like you've earned it. Cats like having rules established for them and exercising their free will. They are fiercely independent beings that require space to thrive, but these characteristics do not lessen their devotion to their owners. They display their commitment to you in a variety of ways, including by observing your feelings, rubbing up against you, and giving you love. They know you take care of them as their owner, so that is where their loyalties lie. Do Cats Care About You?Cats actually care about the people who own them. Many people assert that cats only like who is feeding them, but data suggests otherwise. It has been established that cats are able to experience emotions and form relationships with their owners. While being the one to provide for them does contribute to loyalty, it goes deeper than that. Cats and humans develop intricate bonds, defined as secure attachments. Cats consider you to be their guardian. On the other hand, they also feel like they look out for you, which strengthens the mutually beneficial relationship. How Cats Show Their Love Cats can express their love through rubbing, purring, and snuggling. Cats are known to feel safer and more cherished when they are with their owners. Cats communicate through body language, and if you pay attention to it, you can often gauge how they’re feeling. Any of these actions are a positive sign that your cat is happy, loves you, and is loyal to you: Following A cat that follows you enjoys having you around. They have complete faith in you and see no difference between you and themselves. Your cat imagines that you two are on an adventure as you go about your regular activities. Gifts Cats will bring us what they believe to be gifts. However, they serve more as decorations for the cat's home than they do for humans. A cat will bring the outside in if she is content with her surroundings. Purring A happy cat purrs when it sees you. They feel comfortable and secure around you because they trust you. This is a very good indicator of loyalty because a cat usually only purrs when it is giving birth to kittens. Staring Staring at you is a good indicator that your cat is happy and loves you. Even better is if they slowly blink at you. This is like a kiss to your cat, so make sure you blink back! Kneading When a cat is content and at ease, it will knead you. The cat first used the motion of kneading to coax milk from its mother's teat when it was a very young kitten. Like when we suck our thumbs, your cat's kneading is an indication of emotional pleasure. Loyalty: Cats Vs. DogsWhen compared to dogs, many people believe that cats are disloyal. But it's important to realize that they are entirely different species, and so cats and dogs behave extremely differently. They each have unique responses to the other organisms in their immediate environment. Dogs show their owners that they are devoted to them by guarding them from danger. If you've ever been in an argument with your dog, you may have noticed that they are quick to defend you. Cats do not appear to have the same basic reaction or understanding as dogs. However, they truly aren't to blame for it. They might be internally committed to you, but they won't attack someone at your command, and that is where the difference between a cat's and a dog's loyalty is apparent. According to research, a human-dog relationship is similar to one between a child and a parent, whereas a human-cat relationship is far more similar to that of best friends. This might be explained by how independent cats are compared to dogs. Final ThoughtsCats can be incredibly loyal companions, despite the fact that they cannot display loyalty the way we are accustomed to. To believe that cats must act in a specific way in order to gain our attention is unfair. They should be accepted for who they are, and we should allow them to act as they please.  If your cat gets fleas or gets a bit dirty to the extent that they can’t clean themselves, a bath is an option, but these can be stressful for both you and the cat, as cats and baths don’t go well together, and you may be putting it off. However, there are ways you can prepare your cat for this experience so it feels calm and patient enough for you to get them nice and clean, but getting your cat used to this change is essential. Below you can find ways to make bathtime for your cat less stressful and prevent you from getting all scratched up. Prep Your Cat Before The Bath Before you do anything, a good idea is to trim your cat’s nails, as it’s likely that when they are in the bath, they will do anything to get away from it. Plus, you can keep yourself scratch-free for the most part. As well as this, make sure you untangle any of the hairs on your cat so you have an easier time when trying to clean them, and once you’ve done this, you can get your cat used to the environment by having them in the same room while you fill-up the bath. Prepare The BathThis can be a daunting part, but it doesn’t have to be, as you can prepare the bath by using a towel in the bathtub so your cat has a good grip and can become used to it more, and for the water, it only has to be a few inches and keep the temperature very mild. If your cat is skittish around running faucets, you can fill up a bucket and fill the tub that way, and for the shampoo, you can find ones that are made for cleaning cats, as other kinds could be harmful to your cat. Once you’ve done this and your cat has adapted to its surroundings, you can begin cleaning it. Clean Your CatFor this step, you want to be as patient and reassuring as you can to your cat, as any hesitation could be picked up on by your cat, which will make them uneasy, and if you are feeling doubtful, ask someone else who the cat recognizes to help keep the cat in position. If you’re struggling to get them in, place their toys in the tub, or if they dip a paw, reward them for taking that step and be sure to wash them gently and avoid any sudden movements, and by assuring them, they will be a lot more comfortable. When washing them, scoop some of the water with your hand and pour it over your cat, being sure not to get any water into their ears, eyes, or nose, and you can do this until they’re wet down to the skin. With the shampoo, you want to work it into your cat and avoid its eyes, and once it’s applied, you can rinse it all off and use a towel to dry any excess water. Let Your Cat Dry Now your cat is nice and clean, you can let them dry out on its own by placing the cat in a warm, draft-free room where it can air dry, and if it has longer fur, you may want to put a comb through it to avoid any of it getting tangled. Some cats will let you dry them off with a towel or hairdryer, which you can do quickly, but make sure that your cat has the temperament and can take a sudden change, as it’s unlikely that nervous cats will let you do this. What If My Cat Refuses A Bath? There are those cats that no matter what you try, there’s no chance you can reassure them enough to get them to stay in place, and if so, there are other alternatives. One of these is by finding a cat-friendly dry shampoo that you can work into your cat and should dry off pretty quickly, or if you’re afraid of fleas, you can use flea and tick spot for cats, which is something you can put on the back of your cat’s neck. You can do this every 30 days, and if you want to prevent these from being a problem in the future, you can spray your carpets, rugs, and yard so that they can repel any critters that are lurking around, as your cat can find itself in many different places. Can I Train My Cat To Like Baths? This can only be done if the cat is a kitten, as you can get them used to the bath easier. As they get older, they can get used to it, and there are many scenarios where this isn’t possible, so all you can do is be as patient and reassuring to your cat as possible. As kittens, though, they can be more fragile, so you want to take extra care when bathing them and dry them off quickly with a towel to maintain their body temperature. Part of getting your cat used to baths is by the proper introduction, so be sure to remove any distractions from the room and use a diffuser that can give off pheromones that can reassure your cat that they are safe. Conclusion Cats can sometimes be unpredictable, so you want to expect any outcome when introducing them to this environment. One of these is that your cat is going to try to escape, which is something that can be frustrating. As long as you keep them as warm and comfortable as possible, there’s a chance your cat can get relaxed while in the water, and while you may have to be patient for this, you may be rewarded with some perseverance.  One thing is undeniable: the flexibility, speed, and height that cats possess, so this is made possible by their unique bone structure. So looking at the spine and legs of a cat, we can see that this gives them good footing and agility while giving them the power in their legs to reach high areas. While a cat has somewhere around 230-245 bones in its system, depending on the type, you might be thinking about how all of this works, so to find out more, we'll look closely at each section to remove the air of mystery that surrounds your feline friend. An Overview Of A Cat's Skeletal SystemWe know that a human has around 206-213 but starts with 270, so you can get a good idea of how this stacks up, and this is made possible by a human's bones fusing as they grow, but what if we want to take a closer look? You can find out how each section of the skeleton is made up, so this can be seen as:
How Tough Are A Cat's Bones?You can see from many examples that a cat's musculoskeletal system can absorb quite a lot of shock from falls or damage, so it's going to take some considerable shock or sustained pressure to break or fracture a bone. However, cats do experience broken leg bones more often than any other part of the body, and there are usually signs that your cat shows that there could be a fracture or break.
Are There Any Interesting Aspects Of A Cat's Skeleton? The way the structure remains light while allowing them to walk on the tips of their toes and sneak around is more to do with sneaking up on prey, although the domestic cat doesn't need this and is similar in explaining why they spend so much time sleeping. What's more interesting is that a cat's skeleton is made up of four distinctly-made types of bone, and these are known as the long bones, irregular bones, short bones, and flat bones, which all work to keep everything in place and allow movement. This all means that a cat can jump as high as 4-5 feet, which is five or six times its height on average, and through their evolution, they have developed a righting reflex that has made landing easier for them with retractable claws that assist them. Are There Any Limits To How Far A Cat Can Fall?The thing here is that there isn't a definitive answer, and you'd not want to put it to the test, but it is said that a cat fell 32 stories and suffered a damaged tooth and a collapsed lung, but don't worry, the cat was discharged after two days. There have also been stories of cats that have fallen seven and even 19 stories and received minor injuries, with a relatively large surface area in proportion to its weight, and can slow their descent if you compare this to humans. This means that your cat can go wondering up trees and high balconies and have gained a fundamental instinct for being able to sense which way is down, so cats are more adept to these kinds of environments than what we initially expect. Final ThoughtsYou love your cat, and now you know more about them, you can perhaps work out why they act the way they do, as this is something that has puzzled many and may feel like spontaneity instead of instinct. The bond that exists between you and your cat is something you cherish, so picking up on these behaviors is an excellent way to identify issues that may arise with your cat, plus you two make the best of friends.  For a cat owner, seeing your feline best friend throwing up white foam can be really distressing, and you’ll no doubt wonder if there’s something seriously wrong with them. While hairballs on occasion are common for cats, if your pet is repeatedly throwing up white foam, it may be more of a concern. Does A Cat Throwing Up White Foam Mean They’re Sick?There can be many reasons why your cat might be throwing up. The causes can range from completely harmless to potentially life-threatening in its severity. If your cat is throwing up white foam it’s usually an indicator that it’s throwing up on an empty stomach, with the foam being the natural mucus present in the stomach. It’s not entirely unusual, but can be a good starting point for figuring out what might be wrong with your little feline! If your cat has only thrown up once, and hasn’t done so since and is otherwise in good health, it’s likely just an isolated incident caused by an irritated stomach due to something it ate or a minor illness. If, however, it’s recurring frequently, it may point to an underlying issue. There’s a great many potential reasons that your cat might be throwing up, so it’s important to remember that you’re unlikely to find the cause through your own research based on it alone, or through the internet. If you’re really concerned about your cat’s condition, always contact your vet to be safe. When Should I Get Concerned About My Cat Throwing Up?Your cat vomiting once isn’t likely to be a sign of concern, as long as they are otherwise healthy and acting normal. In this case, it’s unlikely you will have to call a vet, and you should instead just keep an eye on your cat for the next couple of days to make sure their behavior is normal and there are no other signs of sickness. If you notice other signs of illness, such as diarrhea, tiredness, or your cat refusing to eat, then it’s likely time to consider talking to a vet. You should also contact your vet if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours. Your vet can help you find a diagnosis for your cat through tests and physical examinations, so always go to them for any potential issues. They can also help you treat any issues that might arise from your cat vomiting frequently, such as dehydration from loss of fluid. Vomiting cats can also develop fatty liver disease from being on an empty stomach. Your vet can prescribe fluid therapy to rehydrate your kitty and also reduce the risk of disease through treatment. Can’t I Get Medicine To Treat My Cat’s Throwing Up At Home? In short, no. There aren’t any over-the-counter medications to help stop your cat from throwing up. Most human medications aren’t safe for cats to consume and are toxic to them. This can cause issues much more severe than vomiting, so you should always stay away from any home remedies to treat your cat. If you think your cat is sick, always contact your vet for proper treatment. How Is Throwing Up Diagnosed?Your vet should be able to diagnose the cause of your cat throwing up white foam. They will give your cat a physical examination for any issues, such as insect bites that might be infected or have caused disease. They will check the hydration levels of the cat, measure its heart rate, check to see if they’re breathing properly, and check the abdomen for any internal issues, such as masses that could point to a tumor, and to see if there are any intestinal blockages. After this, your vet will likely recommend some sort of diagnostic test depending on what they find. This might be a blood test or a test of a sample of your cat's poop to check for parasites, and possibly an x-ray. If your vet cannot find a cause after these tests, they may do more advanced tests, such as an ultrasound. They may also put your cat on a temporary hypoallergenic diet, to make sure that it isn’t being caused by any food allergies you might not know about. The last resort would be a biopsy of your cat's intestines to check for cancer or bowel diseases. How To Treat Cats Throwing Up White FoamIf your cat has vomited but seems relatively stable afterward, and there is no obvious underlying cause, then your vet will likely simply prescribe anti-nausea medication in the form of a tablet or an injection to help settle your cat's stomach. They may also tell you to keep your cat on a diet of bland, prescription foods that are unlikely to upset your cat's stomach. This is often all your cat will need to get over an upset stomach and they’ll be feeling better in no time! If the issue is more severe, and the vomiting is ongoing, then your cat may need to be hospitalized by your vet. This way, they can keep your cat on an IV drip to keep them hydrated, while also being able to keep them medicated and safe and watch over them to help monitor any changes. Once your cat is hydrated and your vet has managed to stop them vomiting, you’ll be able to take them home again while your vet continues to give you medication for treatment. It’s impossible to say what this treatment will be until your cat has been diagnosed, but it will most likely involve some oral medication and further follow-up visits to your vet for check-ups and injections. If you see your cat throwing up white foam, always watch to see if this is an isolated incident or if they continue to be sick. An isolated incident of throwing up white foam is unlikely to mean anything serious, and won’t warrant a call to the vet if your cat is otherwise healthy. If your cat is vomiting frequently, however, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will work with you to create the best treatment possible for your furry friend.  Persian cats are one of the most distinctive cat breeds in the world. Their squashed faces and incredible long-haired coats truly make them stand out from the crowd. When considering introducing a feline friend into your home, it’s important to think about your allergies and which breeds are hypoallergenic. If a Persian cat is at the top of your list, then you need to know exactly what that entails. In this article, we’ll answer the question: “Are Persian cats hypoallergenic?” This way, you can be confident in your choice when it comes to bringing a Persian cat into your home. So, Are Persians Hypoallergenic?The short answer to this question is no; Persian cats are not hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, not even the hairless Sphynx cat. And with their long coats and frequent shedding, Persian cats are definitely not ideal for allergy sufferers. However, that doesn't mean you can’t have a Persian cat as the perfect pet. With a few household changes and the proper care, this flat-faced beauty can be an incredible companion that won’t make you sneeze every ten seconds! What Makes Them Not Hypoallergenic?Most assume that Persian cats aren’t hypoallergenic because of their thick coats, but this isn’t actually the cause. The issue is the dander, not the hair. Dander is the dead skin that falls off your cat's skin, and it can spread around your home and become airborne for extended periods of time. Other than dander, allergies can also be triggered by a Persian’s salvia, urine, feces, sweat, mucus, and tears. This is why grooming and bathing your Persian cat regularly is essential to keep dander at bay. They carry more dander than other breeds, so even though they hate water, they’re going to need to get in that tub! How Bad Are Persians For Allergy Sufferers?Before adopting a Persian cat, you should be aware that males produce more allergens than females. Furthermore, neutered cats also produce fewer allergens than intact ones. How bad these cats are for your allergies really depends on how severely you suffer from them. Before adopting a Persian, it’s best to spend a day with one so you can monitor your reactions. If you have no reaction, or just a mild one, it should be safe to adopt a gorgeous Persian cat. A mild reaction consists of the following symptoms:
However, if your reaction is severe, then it’s better to choose a different breed, or maybe a different pet altogether. A more extreme reaction would manifest in the following ways:
How To Minimize Persian Allergies If you suffer from allergies, caring for a Persian cat might be challenging. Thankfully, you can alleviate some of your symptoms by focusing on your environment, grooming, diet, and personal hygiene. Environment Creating the ideal environment and taking care of your home is essential for controlling your allergies. Dander is airborne and can cling to furniture in your home, so to make sure your space is allergen free, you should:
Grooming Every Persian cat owner will tell you that their cat’s beautiful coats are extremely high maintenance. This is why a regular grooming routine will not only keep your cat’s coat looking shiny and soft but also help prevent an allergic reaction. The more you groom your Persian, the less dander will build up around your home. You can keep those allergens away by:
Diet To avoid shedding and associated skin issues, preserve their general health, and lengthen their lifespan, you should follow your cat's natural diet. The right diet will help to prevent allergens. It ought to include:
Personal Hygiene Practicing good personal hygiene can also help you combat allergies. You can keep them at bay by:
Final ThoughtsWhile Persian cats aren’t hypoallergenic, there are ways to control your mild allergic reactions when owning one. With the right environment, diet, grooming routine, and personal hygiene practice, there’s no reason why you can’t have a Persian cat as your new feline companion.  If you’re here to find out if our furry little friends can get headaches then your answer is yes! Well, we think so… there is no clear-cut evidence for cats getting headaches and it's not like we can ask them. However, vets believe that they can get three types of headaches: tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. If you think your cat is suffering from one of these, then there are things you can do to help. DETERMINE IF YOUR CAT HAS A HEADACHEAs humans we have the ability to communicate if we are feeling unwell, sadly our furry friends don't have this luxury, so we need to be on the lookout for them. What Is A Headache? A headache is most commonly known to be pain or discomfort inside your head or around your face. What Do Headaches Look Like In Cats? Due to cats’ survival l instincts, they tend to seclude themselves when they are feeling unwell because they don’t like to show weakness. Therefore, they hide their pain from us. This is why it is important to look out for any changes in your cat's behavior because otherwise, we may miss when they are suffering from a headache in silence. Behaviour Changes to be on the look-out for:
In general, look for any changes to your cat's usual behavior, because this will help determine that something is wrong. Causes Of Headaches In CatsSimilar to us humans, there are many reasons why your cat could be suffering from a headache. Main Causes:
How To Treat A Cats Headache?Just like we would treat our own headaches, pain medication can be given to our cats to help treat their headache. Although, this should not be done without consulting with your vet prior. A vet will be able to diagnose what is wrong with your cat, and hopefully discover the trigger. They will be able to conduct an exam and run blood tests or scans. Medications that are generally safe for cats include; Corticosteroids, Opioids, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline. But, please consult your vet before offering your cat any of these medications. If you're wanting a way to initially help your cat before seeking medical advice, a kind way to help your little friend is to find a dark place, that's nice and cool, as well as quiet. Bright lights will only make a headache worse, especially if it's a migraine. Offering a dark relaxing atmosphere will help your cat to relax and heal. Make sure you keep your cat fed and hydrated. Offering some gentle petting may also help your furry friend to calm down and feel better. How To Prevent A Cats Headache? The best way to prevent your cat from having a headache is by keeping it healthy as possible. This can be done by making these regular checks on your cat: Eating Habits Don’t let them skip meals, cats will starve themselves if they don’t like the food you’re giving them. They’re fussy and very stubborn animals. Make sure they like the food that you feed them, to ensure they get the nutrients they need to live a healthy lifestyle. Staying Hydrated Dehydration is a common issue in cats and causes many problems for their health. Many cats ignore the water in their drinking bowl because they are only attracted to running water. So consider buying your cat a water fountain or introducing them to your kitchen tap! Mood We don’t realize how important it is to play with our cats. Playing keeps their brains and bodies active. Whether it be with catnip, some string, or a toy they love. Regular Check-Ups Make sure you're taking them to the vet at least once a year so that no irregularities are missed. Protect Against Parasites Keeping your cat healthy and itch-free. If you notice any itching, check your cat for ticks and parasites and get them treated as soon as possible. Parasites can lead to stress, which of course we know leads to headaches. Does Your Mood Affect Your Cats Health?Yes. Cats are extremely mood sensitive. They know when we are sad, they know when you are happy, they know when we are angry and they know when we are stressed. Your home is your cat’s colony, therefore emotional signals are important because any signs of distress will have a lasting effect on your cat. Our stress can therefore be passed on to our little fury friends, which as a result could cause a headache! Managing our emotions, will not only help our own emotional well-being and physical health, but it will help our cats' health too. Final thoughtsOur furry friends sadly can get poorly in the same way that we can, and unsurprisingly their headaches are caused by the same things that cause our own headaches. There are always ways to treat headaches, but the most important thing for cats is to try and avoid the cause of the problem. By keeping your cat well-fed, hydrated, clean, and happy, your furry friend is unlikely to suffer from a headache.  Cat grass, often referred to as pet grass, is an annual plant that is safe and nutritious for consumption by both humans and animals. This mixture of cereal grasses can be grown indoors or outdoors and provides a natural way to increase the amount of vitamins in both your and your pet's diet. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to grow your own cat grass for yourself and your feline friend. WHAT IS CAT GRASS?A variety of grasses known as cat grass are primarily grown from the seeds of barley, rye, oat, or wheat. Wheatgrass, barley grass, oatgrass, and ryegrass are the four most popular varieties of cat grass. Cat grass is well-liked among cats and other animals as a digestive aid. Although cats like both catnip and cat grass, the two are not identical; catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family that when taken causes a behavioral response in cats. What You’ll Need To Grow Cat GrassBefore you get started, you’ll need the right equipment for the job. Most of these items can be found around the house or at your local garden store or pet store. To grow cat grass, you will need:
How To Plant Cat GrassYou can try growing your own cat grass or purchase kits from a nearby pet store. Check out the steps listed below to learn how to make your own cat grass from seeds of oat, barley, rye, and wheatgrass:
How To Look After Cat GrassOnce you’ve planted your cat grass, you need to make sure you care for it properly. To ensure your cat grass continues to grow, follow these steps:
Why You Should Grow Cat Grass? For pet owners, cat grass is especially beneficial. It gives animals a healthy, fibrous snack while also acting as a laxative to help their digestive systems and a vomit-inducer to make it easier for them to cough up indigestible substances. This kind of grass can keep animals away from your houseplants and the vegetables in your garden, in addition to providing a healthy salad mix for your pet. Cat grass is also consumed by people because it contains vitamins. It has chlorophyll, niacin, folic acid, and vitamins A and D. A variety of cat grass called wheatgrass is frequently added to smoothies or used as a shot by those looking to increase their vitamin consumption. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Long Does Cat Grass Last? Due to the insufficient sunlight, cat grass grown exclusively indoors may barely live one week. On the other hand, cat grass that is grown outdoors can thrive for three weeks. Cat grass should be planted every two weeks for maximum results, so that there is always a new crop available for the cats to snack on. To encourage growth, you can also clip your cat grass. However, it will ultimately die off, so it's best to just keep sowing new seeds. What’s The Difference Between Cat Grass And Catnip? Catnip is inedible and has strange effects on your cat, but cat grass refers to young shoots that cats can eat. The latter is used in many cat toys due to its stimulating qualities. So long as your cat isn't insensitive to it, you can give them a toy that contains catnip and watch how they react. Your cat may roll, rub, sniff ferociously, purr, or perform other behaviors when under its influence. In fact, they might behave euphorically and like they're high as a result. Your cat, however, is experiencing a period of great joy, which is quite normal. Is Cat Grass Safe? Cat grass is a risk-free substitute for certain houseplants that can be toxic, as well as outdoor grass that may be sprayed with weed killers or other pesticides. It also gives your cat a chance to engage in their usual behavior. An indoor garden offers outside kitties a nutritious substitute to the neighbor's potentially pesticide-laced lawn, and it gives indoor cats a tantalizing taste of the great outdoors. Final ThoughtsThe first shoots will grow in only a few days if you follow these easy instructions, and the mature plant will appear in about 10 days. Before you know it, your cat will have an amazing treat that they are sure to love!  As a cat owner, it is crucial that you understand the process of deworming your furry friend. To discover everything you need to know from cause to treatment, and most importantly, how long after will the worms be gone, keep reading on. HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAT HAS WORMS?How To Tell If Your Cat has Worms?There are many signs which could indicate that your cat is suffering from worms. Signs of Worms
If you are suspicious that your cat may have worms, the best thing to do is to take a poo sample to your vet for it to be tested. What Do Worms Look Like?There are typically four species of worms that infect cats: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Unfortunately, only two of them are visible: roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms look like spaghetti and these move around - gross! Tapeworms look like little grains of rice - look out for these in the litter box or around the tail. How Do Cats Catch Worms?Worms are carried by insects, flies, and mosquitoes, as well as other small animals, such as mice. When our cats come into contact with something that is infected, the worms can be passed on to our cats. For indoor cats that are less likely to come in contact with something which is infected, a way in which they can catch worms is through worm eggs which can be brought into our house on the soles of our shoes, from the street, causing them to catch worms. Catching worms is unpreventable, the majority of cats will catch worms at some point. Luckily, with regular worm control, we can remove any further threat to our cat’s health. Treatment for Worms The most effective and safest treatment to deworm your car is to see your vet and have them prescribe the best medication. Oral Treatment Available in liquid form and tablet form, oral medications are easier to administer when given in your cat’s food. Topical Treatment Oil-based topical medication can be applied to the back of your cat's neck. Please ensure that your cat doesn't get wet for 24 hours after the medication is applied. Can I Deworm My Cat At Home?You can deworm a cat at home, as treatment is available to order online. However, it is not recommended, especially with kittens. It is always best to get your cat checked at the vet so the safest and most appropriate medication can be prescribed. Can Cat Worms Transfer To Humans?Yes, some worm infections can be transmitted to humans. Ensure you wash your hands after playing with your cat if you suspect that it might have worms. To avoid further transmission, ensure the litter tray is always cleaned after each use to reduce the risk of re-catching the worms, If you worry that you have caught worms from your cat, then contact your doctor as soon as possible for medical advice. Side Effects of A DewormerAfter deworming, many cats do become temporarily ill, but this shouldn't be a big concern as it is normal. Common side effects may include: Sensitive stomach, diarrhea, increased Salivation, and loss of appetite These side effects tend to last between one to two days, but if it goes on much longer then please take your cat back to the vet. Cats can poop out worms after being dewormed - alive or dead worms could be found In your cat’s litter tray. Please don’t be alarmed, this is perfectly normal! Whilst this is a gruesome image it is a positive thing as it suggests the worms are no longer inside your cat. How Long After Deworming A Cat Are The Worms Gone?So, to answer your question most medications can kill adult worms within 24 hours of intake. In some cases, it takes up to 4 days to kill the worms. Some dewormers will work faster than others. On average, the worms will usually be gone within 2 to 3 weeks of the first dewormer. It may need a second dose, a few weeks later to get rid of all the worms. Unfortunately, even after your cat has been dewormed, it can get infected again, and this is highly likely. To be on the safe side, it might be necessary to deworm your cat once a month, especially if they like to hunt because they are more likely to become re-infected. Final ThoughtsWorms can be a cruel and nasty infection for a cat to suffer with. Symptoms must be spotted sooner than later to avoid our furry friends suffering longer than needs be. Once dewormed, our job isn’t done, as it is super important to keep an eye on our cat for signs of re-infection, which is extremely common amongst cats. To avoid reinfection, it is sensible to have your cat dewormed regularly. Speak with your vet for advice on how regularly your cat should be dewormed.  Changing food portions may not be the solution you need, as there are many factors that can affect your cat's weight; from health conditions to access to their food, you might be led to ruling out different things. Before making any decisions, though, it is essential to have your cat checked over by a veterinarian who can help you plan how to make your cat healthy. There is the question of the type of food you feed them and what portions these are in. That's why, below, we give you some ways that you can introduce food that is not only adored by them but has all their nutritional needs packed in as well, and this, in turn, will get your furry friend all excited about mealtime. First Of All, Determine If Your Cat Is UnderweightThis can be done simply by feeling your cat's ribs by gently running your hand over their side, and if it feels like a layer of fat is over them, this might be ok, but if it's quite a thick layer, they could be overweight. If you feel just the ribs, your cat is underweight, and you can also check along their spine. Where if you only feel vertebrae and no layer on top of them, they are definitely underweight, and you can take some steps to change this. As for the reason, well, it could be a number of things, from dental issues to reduced appetite, or disease and even hyperthyroidism, and this is where getting a comprehensive check-up of your cat is important, especially as they get older. Create A Feeding PlanOnce you've figured out the issue, if it's a treatable condition, you can make a plan with your vet to ensure the diet works to their needs and specific medical condition and can help you get the right balance of micronutrients and macronutrients in your cat's diet. Part of the issue could be that your cat needs more meals per day, but it is provided in a way that makes it palatable and inviting, so your cat has access to food that they have a preference for, as many cats do, especially with textures and flavors of food. When calculating how much to feed your cat, you should aim for your cat's metabolic needs, so as most cats consume 200-250 calories per day, the resting metabolic rate is measured by it being 84 times the metabolic body weight, which you can find out from your vet. You then want to feed them that amount of calories plus 20% more, and you usually don't need to go higher than this unless your cat's weight is very dire, which we hope it isn't. What Should I Feed My Cat To Gain Weight?  You don't have to change your food type drastically, as this may have the opposite effect where your cat avoids their food altogether, so stick to a food that you know they enjoy and aim for small and frequent meals scattered throughout the day. One tablespoon of your chosen food every few hours should be tolerable. Your cat should be able to consume this and not vomit afterward, and it's important to keep an eye on how your cat interacts with their food to identify any behavioral changes as a result. There are ways you can prepare the food to make it more inviting, so you could try warming it up or opting for a different consistency to make your cat more drawn to it, as long as it's not too hot. What If My Cat Still Doesn't Eat? There could be a range of different reasons why your cat may be hesitant to try your chosen delicacy, and it could be something as simple as moving the food bowl to a different location, as your cat could be nervous and requires a quieter feeding spot. This could be due to the bowl being near a washing machine, air conditioner, or other pets like dogs that could be nearby, or it might be that your cat has a particular taste, so you may have to try different flavors of wet and dry food, and find what they enjoy best. If this doesn't work, you can try offering snacks between meals like cat treats or pieces of chicken breast, as long as this is balanced and doesn't upset your cat's stomach too much, so your cat has some variety without it being too much. Does Mood Affect My Cat’s Appetite?There's no secret that cats have emotions too, and the simplest of changes to your home environment or even the type of bowl you feed your cats with could cause behavior changes, and a symptom of this can be a loss of appetite. You also could have a nervous and unsociable cat that doesn't like the fuss of mealtimes, so picking out a corner somewhere and leaving them to it can be helpful in some situations, especially if you have other cats who like to protect their food. You'll notice if there are any changes in your cat as new behaviors will emerge that you aren't familiar with, so you can identify what you need to change, and, in extreme cases, you can access the medicine that accelerates your cat's appetite. Final Thoughts Before making any significant changes, the vet is always the best place to go to get recommendations for your cat, which is vital if your cat were to develop a condition you have no knowledge about, so you can treat it and have a happy cat in the end. It's worth taking the time to spend some quality time with your cat and make them as fulfilled as possible, so eating for your cat is the best part of the day while being healthy as well.  Welcoming a new kitten into the home is always an exciting time. There’s no denying that these little balls of fluff are totally adorable, and they are super fun to have around too. Kittens really are great. But as well as being totally adorable, and bringing joy to your life, kittens will need you to look after them. Unfortunately, a big part of looking after your kitten is monitoring their bowel habits to ensure that they are remaining healthy. When cats are kittens, it is critical that you spot any issues early because if left untreated it can be detrimental to your kitten’s health. As kittens are babies, it is not uncommon for them to have stomach issues from time to time. These creatures are still growing and developing, and this can cause them to have sensitive stomachs. If you notice that your kitten is a little constipated, you might be wondering how to make a constipated kitten poop. Find out how in this guide. SIGNS YOUR KITTEN IS CONSTIPATEDAs we have said, it is really common for kittens to have sensitive stomachs when they are young. As well as growing and developing, kittens will need to adjust to different types of food when they are young, and they also require regular worming as it is common for kittens to get worms. All of these things can cause your kitten to have a bad tummy. In addition to getting diarrhea, it is fairly common for kittens to become constipated from time to time. This is especially common if you have recently brought your kitten home to their forever home as the change of environment can affect their bowel movements. But what are the signs that your kitten is constipated? Well there are lots of things to watch out for that may suggest your kitten is constipated. These include:
The last one can often be difficult to spot, especially in kittens, as it is sometimes tricky to tell if they are trying to pass feces or urinate. If there is liquid or mucus around the anus, or redness and swelling of the anus, this is a sign that your kitten is constipated. Is it Common for Kittens to Become Constipated?As we said earlier, while constipation isn’t exactly common in kittens, it isn’t that rare either. Just like human beings, a kitten’s bowel movements are affected by a number of things, and this can cause them to become constipated from time to time. When kittens are newly born, they do not have the ability to urinate or defecate on their own. The responsibility of this falls to their mother. Mother cats are supposed to lick the anus of their kittens to allow them to defecate, however sometimes mother cats can struggle to do this. Especially if they have large litters and this can cause kittens to become constipated. This is often why humans have to step in and help out. As kittens grow older, there are a number of things that can cause them to become constipated. As we have said, often kittens will take a while to urinate and poop when they first leave their mothers to go to their new homes. The ability to poop can also be affected by changes in diet and the presence of intestinal parasites (most commonly worms). This is why it isn’t that rare for kittens to become constipated from time to time. How to Make a Constipated Kitten Poop If you notice that your kitten hasn’t passed feces for a while, then there is a good chance that they are constipated. Regularly checking the litter box will help confirm your theories. If you know that your kitten is constipated, you might be wondering how you can help them poop, so let’s take a look. De-Worm The Kitten If you suspect that worms may be the cause of your kitten’s inability to poop, then deworming them is a good place to start. Roundworms in particular are common for kittens, so regularly de-worming your kitten is crucial. Keep The Kitten Hydrated If your kitten is not drinking enough, then this could cause them to become constipated. Ensure that your kitten is drinking a sufficient amount, and provide an electrolyte solution if needed (if the kitten is still bottle fed). If your kitten is on kitten food (rather than milk), try adding a splash of water to their bowl as this will increase the amount of water they are consuming. Try A Probiotic or Laxative If you consult with your vet, then they may recommend giving your kitten a probiotic or laxative. Probiotics can help improve gut health through the use of good bacteria, and laxatives will help move your kitten’s bowels. These should only be given after seeking veterinary advice. Keep The Kitten Active and Moving Moving around is really good for your bowels, and the same principle applies to kittens. To help promote healthy bowel movements in a constipated kitten, try massaging their tummy, bicycling their hind legs and get them walking about and playing. This should help get things moving in their tummy. When to Seek Veterinary HelpMost of the time, you will be able to treat a constipated kitten at home without having to visit a vet, so don’t panic! However, there are some circumstances in which you should seek veterinary advice. The main sign that you should seek veterinary attention is if your kitten hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours. You should also seek advice if your kitten is displaying signs of distress (lethargy, distention of the tummy, and crying in the litter box). If you are worried, it is best to speak to your vet. SummaryIn short, it isn’t that rare for kittens to become constipated from time to time.
If you suspect that your kitten is constipated, try out the methods above and this should encourage them to poop. If they don’t work, it is best to speak to your vet. Thanks for reading!  Even though it has been argued whether a bobcat and a domestic cat have ever mixed, there have been reports that at least seven hybrid types have been found in the US. These can be done naturally or purposefully to get different fur patterns or characteristics. If you have a cat that you have either found as a stray or in a shelter, you may know less about your cat and are wondering about the nature of its breed, which is especially useful if it has a mix of a wild cat breed. With this in mind, we’ll look over some ways you can identify whether your cat is a hybrid of this species and if there are any implications for owning it in the first place, just in case you are interested in getting one. Signs To Look Out For In Your CatThere is a good chance that you can tell if your cat is a hybrid by looking at and observing them. Still, it is unlikely that you’ll own one of these as bobcats are unsociable felines who rarely interact with other animals except when hunting them. However, if you have a kitten, you might notice some characteristics that may make you think otherwise, which we look at below. Physical Features This is easier to see in a kitten as bobcat kittens are usually double the size of a normal kitten, and if you have one to compare it to, you’ll notice this size which is a sign that your cat has some aspects of a bobcat in their make up. Their fur is also a good indicator as bobcats have a distinctive spotty coat with stripes on the legs, which is more noticeable in cats with shorter hair, so raised ears and tufts, and the stumpy black-tipped tail is a crucial way of identifying your cat to this breed. Behavior As we know, bobcats are known as wild and exotic cats and don’t like to be domesticated, and this is evident by looking at their aggression, so if your cat overtly shows tendencies like this, that is another sign there may be some wild blood in them. You might confuse this with playfulness or curiosity, but knowing that wild bobcat kittens tend to be very aggressive, this might have you second-guessing and is mainly due to the kitten lashing out in fear. You’ll also notice evidence of this breed if your cat takes to water very quickly, as they don’t have an intense fear of it like domesticated cats, and while your cat won’t be a fully-fledged bobcat, you’ll see signs of a wild heritage, and it may have more needs as well. Am I Allowed To Own A Bobcat Hybrid?Even though it is possible to own a bobcat outright, there are restrictions to this, and it is illegal in some states, but for hybrid species, as they aren’t considered medium-sized cats, they should be allowed to be kept as pets as permitted by local laws. There does remain an ethical issue as domestic cats and bobcats are forced to reproduce by breeders for capital gain, so keeping the offspring as a pet can seem counterintuitive to their standards of living, as these hybrids more than likely want to be able to roam freely. This is why researching the cat you have or hope to get is essential, so if any surprises such as crossbreeding come up, you can provide the cat with the proper diet and environment for it to thrive, where more effort than you had expected could be used up. Similar Cat Breeds  There is one breed of cat that is a natural blend of a domestic cat and a bobcat, and this is the pixie-bob, which is native to the United States and resembles that of a wild cat, and also has a lively personality, so these are more tamer than what you’d expect. These cats have identifying features such as short fur, a spotted pattern, and a distinct bobtail, and they can live up to 15 years, but they are rare and expensive to buy due to their exotic features. They can also get quite heavy, but if this doesn’t put you off, they can be rewarding cats to own as they can be playful and get along with other cats and dogs, and happily greet any guests that visit your home. Are Hybrid Cats Easy To Care For?This all depends on the hybrid type, as it has been known that some hybrids, especially Bengal ones, as some of these types can be very destructive to furniture, clothing, flooring, and personal items, so many owners may be unprepared for this. They can also be harder to tame and may have foul-smelling urine, which can be used to mark their territory, so you may want to consider getting a natural hybrid if this doesn’t sound like something you could accommodate, as beautiful as they look. You also might find that it’s harder to cater to their diet, as some hybrids have a defect where they cannot properly digest food, and abandoning these kinds has been linked to a growing feral cat problem in the US, as these can be detrimental to wild cat populations. Final Thoughts However you feel about hybrids, many conservationists of wild cat species feel this crossbreeding should be banned, as they see that there isn’t a redeeming reason why these cat breeds should be crossed in the first place. We’ve seen a natural example that can be a great addition to any home, especially if you have young children, and as long as you are attentive to common issues with this breed, you should have a happy and healthy cat that can add a bit of joy to your day.  You find a stay cat or kitty and go through your cupboards in a panic looking for food that will give them a balanced meal, and while you may have the best of intentions for this cat, the food you give them might not be what they need. While there are a few options of what you can feed a stray cat, this is made easier if you already have a cat of your own, as you can start looking for food options from there. Find out below more about what you can give a cat to keep it going and how you can appreciate these felines more, or if you simply love cats. WHAT DO STRAY CATS EAT?If you live in a big city, there's a good chance that there are groups of stray or feral cats, and while there is a distinction between the two, it's the stray cats who are more likely to seek food and help from humans, and it's feral cats who look to whatever's convenient to survive. While feral cats are those who are less sociable around humans and prefer to be active during the night, there are quite a few things they will eat, even garbage. Out of all the things you'll see cats hunting, the most common ones are:
Things You Can Feed ThemWith everything that you hear about stray cats and how they decimate populations, this may be an issue in some locations, but at the same time, it balances out the ecology of an environment. Before you go pick one up and take it home, you should find out what foods are best for a cat when they are in real need of some nutrition, and these are:
Things You Should Avoid Feeding ThemWith this in mind, you might have an idea of what you want to feed a stray cat but not have any idea of what you think may be harmful to a stray. These are but are not limited to:
How To Improve Your Bond With A Stray Cat  You've seen a stray cat and are wondering how you should approach it, and while the cat seems harmless, there are many things you may not have considered. Below, we explore a few of these. Look For Signs From The Cat One sign that a cat trusts you is by meeting you at the same place to receive food, and another thing you might notice is that it follows you around or near your home and may even stop by your front or back door and wait to be fed. If this sounds like your situation, you can leave food outside for the cat and even somewhere relax if you find they spend a while at your property, and they may even meow at you and brush up against you to gain your attention and care. If You Can't Feed The Cat You might be in a position where you cannot feed or have a cat come around to your property, and if the cat looks healthy, it's ok to leave it as it is. If you think it looks underweight or in pain is a time when you should get advice from an animal welfare organization that can walk the area and find out where the cat is and whether it's part of a group or not, as cats aren't everyone's favorite. Adopt One If Possible You might be able to take a stray cat in as long as it's healthy and is safe to be around people, and even if you don't let it indoors, you can feed it from a front porch area, and your cat will be just as thankful for your hospitality. If you find a stray cat, be realistic and don't get your hopes too high with the idea of taking it in straight away, as the process for the cat to trust you can take a while. The Bottom Line With this advice, you can approach any cat while keeping yourself safe, and who knows, you may make a new friend who you can meet on occasion and feed, if possible, so as long as you are gentle and friendly, you shouldn't have any issues except if the cat is feral.
Helping Mommy With WorkMommy works every day to make those monies. Mommy was sick for a while and stopped working. Now she is working the whole day until it gets dark outside. Usually, Mommy plays with me multiple times a day, but now she only plays every now and then when she is not busy on the tapping box. I miss getting all the attention, but at least when Daddy gets home, he gives me my favorite food and plays with me. In the morning, I cuddle Mommy until she gets up. When she gets out of bed, she has breakfast and gives me attention and food. After breakfast, she sits on the wooden frame with a cushion, taps on the long tapping box, and stares at the big, black, flat movement box. She keeps tapping until she gets hungry, then she gets lunch and plays with me a bit. After lunch, she goes back to working on the tapping box. She works until Daddy gets home. While Mommy is working, I play outside with the bugs and chase around birds. I also play with my toys, the new one's as well! I got used to most of the toys. I play the most with the ball and the wool mouse while alone. My favorite is still to play with my humans! When I get bored, I try to help Mommy by getting on her books, eating her file, making art with my muddy paws on her papers, tapping on her tapping box, and chewing her writing stick. I also cuddle Mommy throughout the day when she doesn't want me to help her with work. Sometimes I even fall asleep on Mommy's lap or arm, the table, the books, or the tapping box. I like to sleep by Mommy when I get tired. She is so calming, and I feel so safe sleeping with Mommy. I can't wait till Mommy has time to play with me again. I miss spending time with her during the day. When Daddy gets home, Mommy and Daddy will eat dinner, and Daddy will give me food. After eating, Mommy carries on with work until it is dark and she gets tired. I always wait up for Mommy until she gets into bed. When Mommy gets into bed, I cuddle her and keep her warm. I love to cuddle her at night. It is the only time I have left to spend with her and to get her attention. I am going to cuddle her until the sun comes up. Bye, I want to cuddle with Mommy and Daddy now!
I have feelings too!Our kind is brave, independent, and strong. Some humans get confused and think that we don't have feelings and that all we want is food. This is not true! We are brave but need to feel safe as well. We are independent and can easily survive, but we also need love and affection. We are strong and can fight, but we can't always defend ourselves from humans and the obstacles around us. Yes, we love and need food, but we love our humans even more! Do I have feelings? Well! I also wait at the door for my humans to get back home. I also get excited to see my humans. I also get scared of the unknown. I also love to play with humans and toys, but some humans don't always realize it because we are independent. I love to learn new tricks and to have human interaction. I also need to be active and get stimulation. I love to cuddle my humans. I like to get a massage and lots of love from my humans. I also love to make new friends and play with them often. So yes, I do have feelings! I love to see my humans happy! I love it when they are active and playful. I can feel it when Mommy or Daddy is angry, irritated, frustrated, sad, or stressed. I don't like to see them this way. I always try to make them feel better by cuddling up to them, purring on their chest, playing around to make them laugh, or licking their face or hands. I hate when my humans are sick. When humans are angry or fighting, It makes us nervous and scared. When they are irritated, we don't know where to be and try to find a place to stay out of the way. When they are frustrated, we feel the same because we don't know how to help them. When they are sad, we try our best to make them feel better and to take the pain away. When they are stressed, we calm them down and look out for any danger. We try to heal humans with our purring superpowers when they are sick! I don't like to be alone! I love to have my humans nearby all the time! I love to follow them around to see what they are doing. I always sleep with Mommy or Daddy at night and cuddle multiple times during the day. They keep me busy and give me fun activities while they can not play. When they leave the house, they always hide alot of treats for me inside the house to keep me active. The toys are also always ready for me to play with. My humans make me feel safe and loved. Bye! I need to give all my powers to Mommy so she can feel better!
Mommy and Daddy bought me new toys. I am so excited! I love toys and can't wait to play with all of them. There is plenty of toys to play with, but I don't know where to start! They are all different and have different purposes. They all have a funny smell, and I don't know if I like them yet. It is a bit new to me. I got small wires with them as well! How exciting! So I've got a weird soft toy on a string with a long fluffy tail. It looks scary, but I like to play with its tail. The face is big and a bit weird too. So I don't want it too close to me all the time. I love it when Daddy pulls the string so I can chase it and catch its tail. I like it to entertain Daddy! When it lies still, I am a bit afraid to play with it or walk past it. I only like it when it moves. I also got a new small ball to play with, and I love it! I immediately knew how to play with it and liked it immediately. It is nothing new to me as I already have a similar one. It is easy to play with, and I don't need humans to play with it. All I need to do is to tap it with my paw until it rolls, chase it and repeat! I also like it when my humans throw it around so I can run after it and show off how fast I am! There is also another ball that has spiky rubbery things all over it. It doesn't hurt, but it looks too scary to play with. I tried to inspect it, but it's got a weird texture, smell, and taste. Sometimes it makes me gag! Mommy put took it away because I am scared of it. And the taste makes me nauseous. Some of my kind like the smell of the flavor inside, but I am not a big fan. Then the last gift was a dead mouse with a wool texture and a tail. I don't know what I am supposed to do with the mouse because it is not alive. And it doesn't move at all! It doesn't even have a string for my servants to pull around for me to chase it. The mouse also has a funny smell like the rest. I like this toy the least! I don't know why anyone would give you a dead mouse! I like my old toys the most! I am familiar with them and know what to do with them to entertain my humans. I like the smell of my old toys. It smells like my humans and like home. My favorite toys are my mouse on the stick that my humans can move for me to chase and the small black wire that keeps me busy even when I am alone! The new ball is also now one of my favorites. Cheow, I am going to attack my mouse now!
I decided to sneak out of the yard to explore the neighborhood and make friends. The Garden service cut a branch off for me so that it is easier to escape. I think I like him now! I sneak out only at night when my humans can't see me very well. Otherwise, they will try to get me inside. I like the feeling of freedom. I haven't felt it before! My humans are overprotective, but my kind like to take risks. I made a few friends on my way out, but I also made enemies. It looks like some of my kind don't like to make friends and Meow at me in a screaming way! It is a little bit scary to be out here now. Usually, my humans are always there to protect me. Although if I am inside the house the whole time, I won't be able to make new friends. When I'm scared, I run and try to find my way home back to my humans. There are too many moving travel things on wheels! I don't like other people, too much movement, and those angry ones of my kind. How I wish I could be home right now! While I struggle to find my way back, I hear my humans calling me. I decided to follow the voices until I reached home. It is early morning, and it is cold and raining. I am so glad to be back. I will never escape again! I cuddle up to my humans under the soft blankets to get warmth. Oh, how I missed them! I am so tired of all the stress. It is dangerous out there, just like Mommy and Daddy warned me! As I fall asleep, I realize that I am hungry! On my way to eat my same old food, I spot Mommy's delicious dairy treat in a mug. Mommy fell asleep, and now it is my chance to eat her dairy! I hope she doesn't see me eating it. I know I'm not allowed to eat human food, but it looks delicious. Oh no! Mommy woke up and caught me eating the dairy! Bye! I need to run away again before I get into trouble!  Cats are strange but wonderful creatures – having many unusual habits that make them truly unique. One such habit includes sucking on blankets. Whether you find this endearing, with your cat snuggled up in your blanket, or maddening, after you’ve found your favorite woolen sweater wet, knowing the reasons behind your furry friend’s behavior can be beneficial. While your cat sucking on a blanket isn’t something that is generally a cause for concern, understanding what is influencing this behavior will only improve the connection between you and your pet. With all this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about your cat sucking on a blanket and whether or not this is good for them. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it! So, Who Do Cats Suck On Blankets?If you find your cat sucking on blankets or any other warm, fuzzy material, then you shouldn’t be concerned; it is a natural behavior of most cats! However, to help you understand the reasons behind these habits, below, we have outlined some different factors that may influence this behavior. 1. Comfort Since cats are extremely independent animals, so it should come as no surprise that they self-soothe during times of illness or even stress, and one way of doing this is by sucking on a blanket. By doing this, they are able to make themselves feel better due to the comforting nature of the action. You may even notice them beginning to purr, which too is another method of relaxation. 2. Natural Instinct Cats rely on their mothers for everything when they are kittens. To get their food, they suckle on their mothers, this provides them with the required nutrition while strengthening their bond. Plus, it also provides them with happy hormones such as oxytocin, which can put them in a trance-like state – helping them to relax. One reason you may notice your cat sucking on a blanket is due to natural instinct. They may suckle and knead on something that reminds them of the same safe and warm feeling they would get from their mothers. 3. Marking Their Scent While sucking on the blanket, you may notice your cat kneading the wool using its claws. This can be another instinctual instinct whereby kittens would knead on their mother's stomach while feeding to stimulate milk production. However, while doing so, they are also transferring their scent onto the material and surrounding areas. Cats contain many scent glands, especially surrounding their paws and faces. Therefore, this behavior may work as a way to mark their territory and comfort them with a familiar scent. 4. They Feel Close To You  Now that we have outlined that this behavior can sometimes be rooted in instinctual nursing habits, it can be understood that cats may reserve this behavior for the ones they love. So, if you notice your kitty curling up on your blanket, then it may be their way of saying I love you. It could mean that you have a strong bond, your cat feels close to you, and they are comfortable around you. Not only are you their favorite human but you may act as a substitute mother for them. While this may seem adorable, it could also be a sign of separation anxiety, so make sure to keep a close eye on their behavior. 5. It’s In Their Breeding Certain breeds of cats are more likely to exhibit this behavior than others. For instance, breeds such as Birman and Siamese are known to suckle on blankets – which you may or may not have already known! 6. They’re Content While cats may suck on a blanket to make themselves feel better, it is also a sign that they are contented and happy. After all, behaving as they would a kitten is showing their vulnerable side, so this could be their way of saying they’re comfortable, secure, and relaxed in their environment. Frequently Asked Questions Is Blanket Sucking Bad For Your Cat? You may be wondering if your cat sucking on a blanket can lead to any adverse effects. As long as the behavior doesn’t become destructive or obsession, there should not be anything to worry about. However, if they begin sucking on materials they can ingest, then this may be cause for concern. For instance, they could eat materials that can cause internal damage and blockages. So, ensure your cat is safe at all times, whether or not the behavior seems cute. How To Prevent Your Cat Sucking on Blankets? If this behavior is becoming obsessive or destructive to your cat, then you may want to remove the materials they are suckling on. Make sure not to punish your cat as they may become confused and hurt over their natural instincts. When To Call the Vet? For some cats, sucking on blankets is just an occasional habit. As long as they are only doing this once in a while and aren’t ingesting any harmful materials, then they can continue doing so. However, if the behavior becomes compulsive, then you may want to look at consulting the opinion of a professional veterinarian to make sure your cat doesn’t have any underlying health conditions that may prompt this behavior. Whether this involved adjusting your cat's diet or assessing their teeth, there could be many factors influencing the habit. Final Thoughts…Cats are extremely adorable creatures. However, they can sometimes have some questionable behaviors that set them apart from other animals. One such behavior involves sucking on blankets. While this isn’t usually a cause for concern, it could be a sign of underlying issues if you aren’t careful. That being said, it usually just means they are comfortable. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about why your cat may be sucking on a blanket.  One thing we know for sure about our Love4Cats community is that we all love our feline friends. Cats are fascinating, intelligent, and adorable creatures, which is why so many of us across the world choose to share our lives and homes with them. With that being said, there’s one thing some cats have a tendency to do that drives even the most tolerant cat owners to distraction: peeing on clothes. If your cat pees on your clothes, whether it’s frequently or just on occasion, you’re probably desperate for a way to make the mess and the smell stop. There are a few different reasons why your cat might be peeing on your clothes, and while some of them are actually pretty understandable and have easy fixes, others might point to a serious problem. Keep reading to find out why your cat is peeing on your clothes and what you can do to stop it. Reasons Why Cats Pee on Clothes (And What to Do)If Fluffy has peed on your favorite sweater (again!) you might be feeling frustrated and confused. However, we can assure you that they’re most likely not doing it to spite you. Here are the main reasons why a cat might pee on your clothes instead of in the litter box: 1. Unsuitable Litter Box One of the most common reasons for a cat to choose to pee on a pile of clothes is simply that they don’t like something about their litter box. It could be that the levels of cat litter in the box have dropped too low and they don’t feel comfortable using it. In this case, simply topping up the box with more litter might help. If you have recently changed the type of litter you use, this could also be the cause of the inappropriate urination. A very common situation is that cat owners will switch to a scented cat litter to cover up unpleasant odors, but the scent is off putting to the cat, so they choose to go elsewhere. A change in the texture of your cat’s litter could also drive them to find somewhere more comfortable to pee. If you have changed the litter you buy for your cat, try switching back to the old cat litter and see if their bathroom habits return to normal. With that being said, if your cat has always been fine with their litter box and you haven’t changed anything, but your pet has suddenly started urinating on your clothes, the litter box is probably not the cause. 2. Emotional and Biological Causes  Cats, particularly male cats, like to mark their territory with urine. If you have recently introduced a new pet to the home, or if there are other animals roaming around outside (other cats or even dogs), your cat might respond to a perceived threat to their territory by peeing in places they shouldn’t. Inappropriate urination in cats may also be a symptom of anxiety, which can stem from territorial issues, negative interactions with other animals or people, or even something scary in the home (vacuum cleaners and washing machines are common culprits). If your cat has been fighting with other pets in the household, try separating them and see if this has an impact on their urination. If they seem disturbed by an animal outside the home, you could try providing your cat with more elevated places to sit. This way, they will feel more confident because they have the high ground and may not feel as threatened or anxious. Try to keep noise in your home to a minimum and watch your cat’s responses to certain stimuli when you’re around. If they run and hide when you’re vacuuming and you later find cat pee on your clothes, for example, there might be a connection there. 3. Medical Conditions Unfortunately, if your cat starts peeing on your clothes seemingly out of nowhere, it could be caused by a medical condition. If you haven’t changed anything in the litter tray and anxiety doesn’t seem to be a factor, you should take your cat to the vet for an examination. Inappropriate urination in cats can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are more serious than others. A common medical cause of inappropriate urination in cats is a urinary infection. This might lead a cat to pee on clothes because they are looking for a softer place to relieve some of the discomfort. Luckily, this is an issue that can often be treated inexpensively with antibiotics if it’s caught early, but a urinary infection can spread to the bladder and kidneys or turn into a life-threatening blockage if left untreated. Other medical reasons behind your cat peeing on clothes include bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. In some cases, it may even be caused by stress-related inflammation. Unfortunately, without veterinary knowledge, it’s quite difficult to tell what specific issue might be causing the problem, which is why we recommend making an appointment with your local vet at the earliest opportunity. It’s best not to assume that your cat’s urinary issues are stress-related or caused by something minor since this symptom is associated with numerous life-threatening conditions. A check-up is the best way to put your mind at rest and get the most effective treatment for your cat’s problem, whether it’s anxiety or an infection. Final Thoughts There are many reasons why your cat might be peeing on your clothes, ranging from litter box changes, anxiety and stress-related inflammation to serious problems such as kidney disease or a urinary blockage. Some causes of inappropriate urination can be life-threatening, so it’s important to take this symptom seriously and not write it off as stress or anxiety straight away. If your cat has started peeing on clothes and you can’t identify a clear external cause, please see your vet at the earliest opportunity. This is the best way to ensure the health of your furry friend and keep your clothes pee-free in the future. |
