When it comes to feline behaviors and mannerisms, it can often be difficult to tell whether something is a cause for concern or just normal. One movement you might notice your cat making is twitching their nose. While this can have totally benign causes and could be a totally normal reflex caused by external factors, if your cat’s nose is twitching constantly or you notice other symptoms, it could be something more serious. If you’re trying to work out why your cat’s nose is twitching, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to be going over all of the most common causes, from mild allergies to more concerning conditions you should be aware of. Common Causes of Nose Twitching in CatsTo start with, we should clarify that your cat’s nose twitching doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong. The occasional nose twitch could just be a fleeting itch or minor irritation. Just as our noses will occasionally get itchy, the same is true of your cat’s nose, and it’s usually not something you need to worry about. Here are some less concerning causes of nose twitching in cats:
More Serious Reasons Your Cat’s Nose Might be Twitching While a twitchy cat nose isn’t usually something to panic about, especially if the twitching is infrequent, it’s important to bear in mind that there are some more serious causes. If your cat’s nose is twitching a lot for an extended period of time or if the twitching is accompanied by other new symptoms, you should see a vet as soon as possible because it could be one of the following conditions: Hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia is a calcium deficiency that can be the result of lactation in female cats. However, it can also occur in male cats as a result of vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, or pancreatitis. The main symptom of hypocalcemia is neuromuscular irritability, which might manifest as facial twitching (including the nose and whiskers) along with random muscle contractions and a nervous disposition. Other symptoms include lethargy, heavy breathing, weight loss, stiffness, or even seizures. Since hypocalcemia is usually a symptom of another problem rather than the sole cause of twitching, you should take your cat to the vet if they are exhibiting these symptoms. Hyperesthesia More commonly known as rolling skin disease, hyperesthesia is most often diagnosed in Siamese cats, but all breeds can potentially suffer from this condition. If your cat’s nose twitching is accompanied by skin rippling on their back and erratic behavior (such as suddenly biting their tail, anxiety, or aggression), hyperesthesia might be the culprit. Other symptoms include seizures, increased vocalization, and touch-sensitivity. You should see your vet if you suspect feline hyperesthesia. If your cat is having seizures, they will need anticonvulsant medication. Even if seizures are not a concern, hyperesthesia can lead to self-mutilation and the other symptoms are indicative of anxiety and stress. Your vet will be able to guide you through making changes to your cat’s routine or environment to reduce their stress levels and hopefully ease the symptoms. Poison Facial twitching, which includes twitching of the nose, can be an indication of toxicity or poisoning in cats, especially if it’s accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy, drooling, trembling, convulsions, or loss of coordination. If you think that your cat has ingested a harmful substance, contact your vet’s emergency line immediately. If you have recently applied flea treatment and your cat is drooling along with nose twitching, it’s possible that your cat has got the product on its nose and in its mouth, which could be causing irritation. If there are no other symptoms, calling the emergency line at this point might not be necessary, but you should still inform your vet immediately and follow their advice, which may be to monitor your cat and call again if other symptoms present themselves. Final ThoughtsThere are many potential causes of feline nose and facial twitching. Some of them are benign whereas others can be more serious and even life-threatening. Any consistent twitching of any part of your cat’s body, including the nose, is worth a trip to the vet. This is particularly true if other symptoms are present as well. It may be nothing to worry about, but it’s always worth taking the time to rule out serious conditions and ensure the wellbeing of your furry friend.
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Cat harnesses are a great and safe way to get your cat outdoors. A harness can keep your cat safe while also allowing them to explore. However, fitting a cat harness isn’t always the easiest task. In this article, we will look at how to put on a cat harness. We’ll give instructions for the most common types of cat harnesses. Why Should You Use a Cat Harness?Letting your cat outside to stretch its legs is a great way to provide them with some exercise as well as physical and mental stimulation. However, allowing them to roam free can be dangerous to both your cat and the other wildlife in the area. This is where using a harness comes in. They’re more secure than a collar and a leash and they can allow your cat to safely explore the environment. How to Put on a Cat HarnessFor many cats, this is unfortunately not as simple as merely fastening the harness onto your cat. Many cats will react badly to being put into a harness so there are several steps you should take before you attempt to put the harness on. 1. Acclimatize Your Cat The first step is to get your cat used to the harness before trying to put it on. You should leave the harness out somewhere for your cat to inspect it to their heart’s desire. It’s best to leave it in a spot that your cat frequents and likes, such as near their food dish or in their favorite napping spot. Give them plenty of time to sniff and get used to the presence of the harness. You can even try giving your cat treats whenever it approaches the harness so that the cat associates it with good things. Be aware that this process could take a few days. You can’t expect to put the harness down and have the cat get used to it within 10 minutes. Once your cat seems used to the harness, you can try to put it on. The methods for putting on a harness depend on the type of harness you purchase. Always take care to ensure your cat isn’t getting stressed and if it starts biting or scratching, consider trying again another day. 2a. Fitting A Figure-Eight Harness Figure-eight style harnesses are so-called because they have a loop that goes around the cat’s head and one around the body. The harness looks like a figure-eight when it’s not on the cat. The first step is to slip the small loop over your cat’s head. The place where the two loops connect should be on the cat’s back and sit just above and between the cat’s shoulder blades. To fit the larger loop, you will need to unbuckle this first. Make sure the ends aren’t twisted at all and slip it around your cat’s body before fastening the buckle. It should fit below the cat’s front legs but in front of the back legs. The harness should be snug to your cat’s body but should still allow enough room for you to comfortably fit two to three fingers between the harness and the cat. The harness should have some adjusters that will allow you to individually tighten or loosen the loops. 2b. Fitting An H-Style Cat Harness H-style cat harnesses are quite similar to figure-eight ones as they also feature two loops. The big difference, however, is that there is a long straight piece that connects the two loops. When placed on the cat, this straight piece will run down the cat’s back. Pick up the harness by the straight strap and ensure that the loops are hanging down. Slip the smaller loop over your cat’s head and make sure the straight strap sits neatly along your cat’s back. Unbuckle the larger loop and wrap the two ends of the loop around the cat’s body, behind the cat’s front legs. Fasten the buckle and check the fit. As with the figure-eight harness, a H-style harness should be snug but with enough space for two to three fingers to be inserted between the cat and harness. 2c. Fitting A Vest Harness Fitting a vest harness is pretty straightforward and isn’t much different from putting a vest on yourself. Make sure all of the fasteners on the vest are open and then place it on your cat’s back. Wrap the ends of the vest around your cat and fasten the clips, starting from the neck and working down. Some vests have their fastenings on the cat’s stomach and others on their back but the method remains the same. As before, the vest should be snug without being restrictive. Check that your cat has enough room by ensuring you can fit a couple of fingers between the cat and the harness. Make sure there is enough space at both the neck and the bottom of the vest and adjust as necessary. 3. Let Your Cat Wear The Harness In The Home First Even after you get your cat safely and snugly in the harness, you shouldn’t rush outside. The harness will feel strange for your cat at first so allow your cat some adjustment time in the home. Don’t be worried if your cat flops to the floor at first as the weight of the harness will feel strange to the cat until they get used to it. Let your cat roam around the home in the harness until it's moving as freely and quickly as it would do without the harness. Final ThoughtsIn this article, we looked at why cat harnesses are important and how the most popular styles should be fitted. It’s important to take your time when putting on a cat harness for the first time so that your cat gets used to it and doesn’t become stressed. If you follow the steps in this article, you and your cat should be able to enjoy the great outdoors together. Cats are one of the best animals to have as a pet in the world, and owning a cat is often filled with joy, mischief, and fun, which is why so many people decide they want to have one of these feline companions for themselves. However, whether you’re an experienced cat owner or a first-time owner, all cats will agree that there are some things about cats and how they behave that are just a complete mystery! One of the things about cats that confuses people the most is their tails, especially when a cat begins to wag its tail. Most people know what it means when a dog wags its tail, but what does it mean when a cat does it? It may surprise you that a cat wagging its tail differs from a dog wagging its tail. So, if you want to learn more about why cats wag their tails, then read on, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know! Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails While Lying Down?One of the first times you may have noticed your cat wagging its tail is whilst it was lying down next to you, but what does this mean exactly? Some people might mistake it as a sign of the cat being happy and wanting more attention, which isn’t the case. In fact, when a cat is laying down and wagging its tail, it can mean one of two things. The first is that your cat is overstimulated, whether you’ve been playing around or petting it, your cat is now ready to relax and is letting you know that it is overstimulated, so you should leave them to calm down before you interact again. Alternatively, it might also mean that your cat is ready for playtime! So if you’ve been cuddling, and you notice that your cat is getting excitable, why not reach for their toy and begin to play with them? This not only helps to stimulate your cat’s brain but also to prevent your hand from getting scratched by your excited feline friend. Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails While Sleeping?If your cat is lying down and asleep, then you might also notice that its tail wags then too. If you notice your cat doing this, the likelihood is that your cat is simply sleeping deeply, and their tail just happens to be twitching as a result of the dream they’re having, similar to how we humans are known to twitch and move around in our sleep too! Your cat might not be sleeping deeply, however, so if you call its name out and they don’t wag, but its tail begins to wag, then there’s a chance that your cat is actually awake, but is trying to make up its mind on whether or not it should disturb its rest to come and see you. It’s essentially a way of signalling to you that they know you’re there! Do Cats Wag Their Tails Whilst Hunting?Natural predators, if you allow your cat to regularly explore the outside world, then there’s a good chance that they will begin to go hunting, as this is their natural instinct, and if you ever happen to see your cat attempting to hunt, you’ll notice that as it is lying down, their tail will wag ever so slightly, so why do they do this when they’re trying not to be seen? Well, the tail has an important role to play for cats and their mobility, as it helps them to balance and maintain their high-agility whilst climbing, running, and of course, hunting! So don’t be surprised to see your cat’s tail wagging or thumbing whilst it tries to channel its inner tiger chasing rodents and birds! Why Else Do Cats Wag Their Tails?Aside from these reasons, there is actually another cause for cats and their tail wagging, and although we said that tail wagging meaning happy was more of a dog trait than cats, is it possible that cats will also wag their tails when they are happy too? Whilst we understand that the difference between a dog’s wagging tail and a cat’s wagging tail is incredibly different, with a dog’s tail often wagging frantically and with little restraint, which makes a load of noise if they find themselves against a wall or a hard surface. Your cat’s tail will wag much more softly, and will never make more than a soft thump, and it’s not unknown for a cat to wag its tail when it is happy! When your cat is confident and content, it’s not unusual to see your cat strut around the house with their tail high in the air, with the end of its tail, most notably the slight curve that can occur towards the tip, and wag it ever so slightly as it walks, and whilst it’s not as obvious or clear cut as it is for dogs, it’s a good way to know that your cat is happy. You’ll notice that your cat’s tail will also wag whilst they play with toys, and it will swish from side to side, this includes playing too, even with other cats, so if you’re ever worried about whether your cat and another is play fighting or fighting seriously, then a great way to tell is to simply look at the tails of the cats. If they’re swishing and wagging their tails, then you know that they’re just playing around, whereas if their tails are puffed up and tense, that the fight is real! SummarySo, there are a whole bunch of different reasons why your cat might be wagging their tail whilst lying down, so if you do notice your cat doing so, don’t worry, nothing’s wrong. Thanks for reading, and we hoped that this helped! As cat owners, especially as first-time cat owners, it’s essential to get to grips with all of the things your cat will experience as they grow older and mature, so you should try to research as much of this information as you can before you receive your adorable new feline friend. Some of the most common questions surrounding cats, especially female cats, are about them experiencing “heat”, which simply means that she is undergoing their estrus (reproductive) cycle, and is particularly receptive sexually. If you have a female cat, you might notice that she “sprays” her urine against tall or vertical objects in order to mark her territory, but is this a sign of heat? Well, to find out more about your cat spraying, and whether or not it means it's in heat, then continue to read this article and allow us to explain all you need to know! The Signs Of EstrusYou might be wondering as an owner if it’s at all possible to spot when your female cat might be undergoing their estrus cycle. Well, most of the signs that your cat is in heat are purely in their behavior. Most cats will become extremely affectionate during this period of time and will make a point of consistently rubbing up against their owners or objects and demanding attention. There’s also a chance that if you rub along their back and spine, they will lift their rear into the air and tread solely with their back legs. Female cats will also become incredibly vocal during this period, which is known to drive unsuspecting owners crazy! Do Female Cats Spray When In Heat?One of the more common signs that a female cat is in heat is that it will actually begin to urinate more, or even spray its urine against walls and objects. They do this because their urine contains both pheromones and hormones, which to cats, is a type of reproductive signal which helps the queens to attract the tomcats (male cats) to mate. This usually tends to be the first sign that your once adorable kitten has finally reached puberty, and before long you’ll have all sorts of feline visitors in your backyard attempting to mate with your cat! When Do Female Cats First Get Their Estrus Cycle?Typically, female cats will undergo their first estrus cycle upon reaching puberty, this can vary between individual cats, and mainly depends on the time of the year, due to the varying daylight hours, but this typically happens at around six months old. What many people refer to as the heat cycle is also what's known as the estrus, and whilst this cycle has several different stages, the estrus or “heat” stage is when a female cat is at her most sexually receptive point, which is more commonly known as being in heat. How Often Does A Female Cat Experience Heat?Cats are actually polyestrous, and during the breeding season, they can undergo multiple different breeding cycles. When the breeding season occurs is actually all depending on a number of different geographical and environmental factors, for example, the breeding season in the Northern Hemisphere tends to occur between January all the way to the later end of the Fall season. However, if a cat lives in a more tropical region in the world, then the cycle can last all year round, which is due to the increased daylight hours. It’s also worth noting that a cat that lives predominantly inside can also experience a lengthened breeding season! How Long Does Estrus Last In Cats?The period of time a cat experiences their estrus/heat cycle varies significantly, and whilst the average period of time tends to be around 7 days, the period can last anywhere from a single day all the way to three weeks! If a queen (the name for an unneutered female cat) doesn’t get mated with during her heat, then she will typically go out of heat for a period of time, again this period of time tends to only be seven days long, but it can be as short as two days, or as long as 19 days! When Can Cats Get Pregnant During Their Estrus Cycle?As an owner, having your cat suddenly become pregnant isn’t great, especially if it’s unexpected, which is why it’s so good to know exactly when your cat will be able to be bred and become pregnant during its estrus cycle. Unfortunately, queens are actually able to fall pregnant at any point during their estrus cycle, and there’s no specific period in which they’re able to fall pregnant easier than the others. Cats are induced ovulators, and it’s the breeding process that actually begins to cause the initial release of the eggs in the first place, so it’ll take a queen and a tomcat three to four matings throughout a 24-hour period in order to successfully begin ovulation. It doesn’t take long for cats to mate, and most mating sessions don’t last any longer than 2 minutes, so it’s common for cats to mate multiple times during a short period of time. In addition to this, it’s not uncommon for queens to mate with multiple different tomcats during their ovulation, so a litter of kittens can actually have multiple different fathers! Upon the end of her ovulation, the queen will then go out of heat for a couple of days. SummarySo to summarise, a female cat spraying is a sign that your cat is in heat, and they do this in order to help attract tomcats in order for them to mate, as their urine contains hormones and pheromones which the male cats will find attractive. Your female cat spraying is also probably one of the first signs you will see as owners that will indicate that your cat has reached puberty. We hope this helped! Having a cat as a pet is an amazing experience, but there is so much to learn and prepare for when you first welcome your new cat into your home that it can be daunting, particularly for first-time owners, so it’s always a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of cats before you decide on one for your new family member. Cat behaviors are part of the reason so many people decide they’d like one as a pet, but as any experienced cat owner will tell you, it’s not all fun and games, as cats have their fair share of annoying traits that you need to prepare for. So, from chewing and scratching furniture, to constantly demanding attention, these are all things you’ll have to prepare for. One of the most annoying things your cat will likely do is spray against the walls! It does this when it’s in heat, so for many people, the answer is simply to get your cat neutered. But does this work? So, to find out if neutered cats spray, read on, and we’ll tell you all you need to know! What Is Spraying? Spraying is something done by cats for a number of reasons and involves them depositing little amounts of urine onto walls and other vertical surfaces they can find around the home. The cat will do this by backing up towards the area they want to spray, and then proceeding to urinate, with no crouching, and only a little quiver of their tails. Cats can also decide to spray on horizontal surfaces, but this is a much less common occurrence. Which Cats Spray?Cats will spray, regardless of whether they’re male or female, but using their urine to mark territory is most commonly seen in intact (un-neutered) male cats, and when a tomcat does spray a surface, you will smell it instantly, as it has the typically pungent and strong odor that so many people refer to when they talk about the odor of cat urine. Do Neutered Cats Spray?Despite popular belief, neutered cats can still spray! Whilst neutering or castration your cat can have a dramatic effect on the smell of your cat’s spray, as well as reducing the overall enticement for your cat to spray in the first place, around 10% of male cats that been neutered and 5% of female cats that have been spayed, will still spray! Spraying tends to occur more often in a house of multiple cats, it can still happen in a household with just one cat too. How Do I Stop My Cat From Spraying Or Marking?When it comes to trying to find the best way to prevent your cat from spraying or marking, there are a number of factors that need to be analyzed and considered before you can begin to weigh up your options. These include: where your cat is urinating, how often they’re urinating, as well as how many different locations they’re urinating in. In addition to this, you also have to consider any potential changes in the environment that have occurred and the social patterns of both the animals and the humans in the household too. Neutering is one of the most common methods of trying to prevent your cat from spraying or marking, but another option would be to improve litter box usage and hygiene, and ensure that your cat(s) are using the litter tray as much as possible, whilst checking for any reasons why they might be avoiding it in the first place. Why Do I Keep Finding Small Patches Of Urine?Spraying is the most common reason why owners will often find small, sometimes even tiny, patches of urine dotted throughout their home, and this is because cats will use their urine in order to mark their territory, and they’ll tend to do it in the same sorts of places where you would typically expect your cat to spray, which includes windows, close to doors, around new possessions, as well as their more favored places in the house. But it’s also not unusual for them to be found on items belonging to their owner too, such as their clothing! Many people will despair at the fact that a cat will return to the locations in which they have marked or sprayed even after it has been cleaned up, which is because the entire purpose of them spraying and marking is to mark that area with its odor, so if the odor is removed, then it won’t be long before they return to the spot to remark their territory. So whilst you might simply try to clean away any sign that your cat has marked or sprayed somewhere in your home, it’s ultimately a losing battle, as they will soon return to remark what they claim as their own! Finding small amounts of urine deposited outside of their litter tray with increasing frequency is a sign of disease in the lower urinary tract, or a sign of litter box avoidance altogether, which can have numerous causes. The same goes for finding stool unexpectedly outside the litter box in such frequency too, which can be a sign of constipation, colitis, or other conditions. If this is the case, then you should ensure that you schedule an appointment with your vet in order for them to give your cat a complete physical examination, as well as run some laboratory tests, which should help them to determine what the issue is. SummarySo, whilst neutering is one of the most common methods to dry and demotivate your cats from spraying or marking, some neutered cats will still spray and mark their territory, so before you jump to castration, you should consider the various factors that lead your cat to spray to begin with. Cat ownership is great, and can be extremely rewarding, but it’s important to care for you cat the best you possibly can, which means that you should always be keeping an eye on your cat’s behavior and health, as even the smallest little thing can cause a drastic change to your cat’s health, so it is vital that you ensure that your feline friend is healthy at all times! Cat’s are curious animals, so it’s natural for them to go exploring in and around your home, and whilst cats are usually particularly cautious animals, there are times where they might manage to injure themselves on their adventures. So, if you notice that your cat is limping, then there can be a number of reasons why this is the case, so to understand more about what might be causing your cat to limp, as well as what you can do to help them, then read on as we provide you with all of the information you need to know about cats limping! Before We StartBefore we begin to look at the reasons why your cat might be limping, it’s worth knowing that cats are actually really good at hiding their pain, which means that if your cat is visibly limping, then whatever the problem is must be severe enough if your cat to be unable to hide it, which means you should try to help it as soon as possible in order to ensure a full recovery. Lameness And Limping SignsOne of the reasons why your cat might be limping is because it has something lodged or stuck in its paw pad, which would make it uncomfortable for it to walk on naturally, alternatively, your cat may have a suffered a minor muscular or soft tissue injury, which will also be enough to make your cat visibly limp too. If your cat has been limping and is now lying down, then you should be able to very gently examine their injured leg to try to see what the problem is, some of the things you need to be looking for include:
If your cat is exhibiting any of these signs, then you should make an appointment with your cat’s veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can evaluate your cat’s injury and help it to the best of their abilities. It’s worth noting that if you suspect that your cat has a broken or dislocated leg, that you should not make any attempt to examine or inspect their leg any further, as this can cause extreme stress and might even make their injury worse. Other Reasons Your Cat Might Be LimpingYou may never fully discover exactly why your cat has been limping if it’s managed to injure itself, but there are also a few other reasons why your cat might be limping that will be easily answered once they’ve been seen by a vet, so if your cat is limping but doesn’t seem to have any visible signs of injury, then here are some of the possible causes for your cat’s limp. Big Jumps And Leaps As we all know, cats love to explore, and this often involves them finding a high place to perch on and relax. Whilst this is natural behavior, it can also end badly for your cat if they fall, and whilst cat’s are notorious for landing well, a significant drop can still have a massive impact on your cat if they’re small or elderly. So, you should always ensure that you leave the highest windows in your house closed whilst you’re not in to monitor your cats, and you should always install window guards to prevent your cats from falling out of windows onto the ground below. Arthritis Much like us humans, as cats begin to get older, they become a little less mobile, but did you know that if a cat is showing signs of limping and stiffness as they go about their daily lives, that it can actually be a sign of arthritis? So if your cat is limping and it lasts for more than a full 24 hours, then you should make an appointment with your vet in order to get your cat seen. Cardiovascular Disease It might surprise some people, but Cardiovascular disease can have a big effect on a cat’s mobility, especially in their hind legs, the disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM for short) thickens the heart muscle, which in turn means that the blood can clot, and prevent blood flow to their rear legs, this actually has a specific name, and is known as feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE). If you notice that your cat’s hind legs aren’t working properly, or your cat is limping as a result of its hind legs, then you need to take your cat to the vet immediately in order for them to be treated. Neurological Did you know that cats can also suffer from neurological conditions that can affect their movement just like humans? These include things such as a stroke, or even compression on the spinal cord (referred to as IVDD). So if there’s no evidence of a physical injury, the vet might consider checking for neurological issues! SummaryOverall, understanding exactly why your cat might be limping can be difficult to know, and the reality is that if it’s simply an injury that occured because of their curiosity and exploration, then you never know. But there’s also a few conditions and other possible causes for your cat to be limping. So, just remember that if you notice that your cat is limping, and has been limping for over 24 hours, then you should make an appointment with the veterinarian to have them examined! Owning a cat is a beautiful experience, and there’s no better feeling than sharing your home with a feline friend. However, for first-time cat owners, cat ownership is often shrouded in mystery and full of questions, and it’s important to learn everything you can about your new pet in order to provide them with the best care and companionship possible. So, if you want to learn more about a Maine Coon Cat’s shedding pattern, how much they should be shedding, and what to do if you think your Maine Coon Cat is shedding too much, then keep reading on as we provide you with all the information you need to know. Maine Coon Cat Shedding PatternLike some other breeds of cat, such as Siberian cats, or Norwegian Forest cats, the Maine Coon comes from a cold climate area, originating from Maine, which is the easternmost state in the USA, which is why they’re a larger breed of cat, with a much fluffier fur coat than others. In fact, a Maine Coon cat’s coat is much more incredible than you would initially think, as they actually have a double coat, there’s the inner layer, which has denser hair to help provide insulation by trapping air, and then the more medium-length coat on the outer of its fur helps to repel water and snow from sticking in the inner fur. It’s common for Maine Coon cats that live in colder climates to shed their fur twice a year, once during spring, and again in the autumn time. Despite this, however, these cats don’t shed their fur all too much due to the thickness of their coat, to begin with and the kittens won’t begin to shed any fur at all until their adults too. However, if your Maine Coon lives inside, then you can expect this shedding pattern to be disrupted quite badly, and whether your Maine Coon sheds right the way through the year, or doesn’t shed at all, is completely random. Typically, a healthy Maine Coon that lives and is kept indoors should experience a low level amount of shedding all year round, much like any other house cat. But, it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of fur your Maine Coon is shedding, as unexpected shedding or unusual shedding patterns could be a result of something wrong with your Maine Coon! Chronic Shedding In Maine Coon CatsIf you find large chunks of fur all over your house because your Maine Coon cat is shedding, then it could be a sign that something is wrong, there are five major factors that are known to affect the shedding pattern of a Maine Coon:
Let’s delve into each of these categories to see if we can help you to figure out exactly why your Maine Coon cat is shedding so much! Heat And HumiditySince a Maine Coon’s fur is a form of regulator for its temperature no matter what season it is, an increase in either humidity or heat will cause them to begin to shed drastically in order to cope with the new climate. So, if the space that your Maine Coon lives in is insulated, then it won’t actually need its heavy undercoat anymore, which is why its body’s reaction is to shed it off as soon as possible. When this happens, however, their overcoat often remains in place. To help your cat in this situation, you should just brush their fur regularly, which should ensure that they stay on top of the hairy mess! IllnessA cat’s coat is often one of the best ways to tell whether or not it is healthy, a coat that is dull and has patchy shedding can indicate that something is wrong with the cat, and it could be just a single issue or multiple! Here are some of the things that could be causing your Maine Coon to shed so much:
Anxiety And StressExcessive shedding could be an indication that your Maine Coon is stressed or anxious, along with other signs, such as:
Nutritional/Food IssuesBad quality pet food is one of the biggest contributors to a cat’s excessive or patchy shedding, and whilst the signs of malnutrition and other flaws in a cat’s diet aren’t particularly obvious at first, they can have a detrimental effect over time!
SummarySo, to summarise, if your Maine Coon cat is an outdoor cat, then its bi-annual shedding is completely natural. But if your Maine Coon cat is kept inside, then you can expect there to be a slight disruption to its shedding pattern. As cat owners, we often get to spend many joyful moments with our feline friends, however, we all know that suspicious sound of footsteps on a surface where they shouldn’t be, and although you can sometimes find your cat in some rather funny places, ultimately if you don’t want your cat to be walking around on your furniture, then it can be a hassle having to shoo them off every time they get up there. Trying to keep your cats off your furniture is a difficult task, they’re curious animals and are incredible climbers, so they’re naturally going to make their way up your furniture at some point, but if you’ve decided that you don’t want them to become regular visitors, then you need to quickly lay the ground rules about them staying on the floor. So, if you’re looking for some of the best ways to keep cats off furniture, then simply read on, and we’ll provide you with everything you need to know! Preventing Furniture AdventuresWe’ve come up with three ways that you can try to prevent your cat from adventuring and finding their way onto your furniture, depending on the cat, these methods will either work or they won’t, so it’ll be a case of trial and error in order to figure out what works best for your feline friend! Put Things They Hate On The Counter Or Furniture We’ll admit, this method is somewhat petty, but one of the best ways to prevent your cats from climbing onto things that you don’t want them to is to simply place things they don’t like on top of the furniture. Things such as unusual textures or unpleasant smells will all help to deter your cat from trying to make its way up, and it’s the best way to do so that doesn’t involve directly punishing the cat too! Some of the best things that you can place on top of these surfaces include aluminum foil, which cats are renowned for hating due to the texture and sound it makes when they find themselves on top of it, so adding some strips of foil to the edges of your furniture might be the perfect solution to your cat's curiosity. If the foil isn’t working, you can always try double-sided tape, as cats tend to hate anything with a sticky texture, but although it’s affordable, there are some potential downsides. The first is that you’ll likely need to replace it quite often, and secondly getting the leftover residue from the tape off of your furniture can be a struggle. So use it on hard counter tops only, and avoid using it on your couch! The final option is to use some plastic carpets, especially the ones that have small nubs on the top, since most cats hate this feeling, they won’t spend much time on top of them, which should help to deter them from jumping up there in the first place. It’s worth giving these methods a try first, as it’s not you directly that is scaring your cat, which will help to ensure that your cat doesn’t become scared of you, just the furniture! Give Them Something Else To Climb Making their way up to higher ground and climbing up things is typical cat instinct, it’s something they did for thousands of years in the wild before they were domesticated, so we can’t really extinguish this instinct entirely, so instead of completely banning them from climbing altogether, why not provide them with something of their own to climb? Cat trees, as they're known, are one of the best investments you can make for your curious climbing felines, and the tree will allow them to scratch, climb, and explore to their heart's content, all without damaging your lovely furniture. This is a great way to give your cat some high ground and will save you the hassle of having to chase them off every countertop or couch in your home. This might not be enough to appease your cat, however, as one of the reasons that cats sometimes try to find their way onto furniture is in order to find food, so if this is the case, and your cat is currently at a healthy weight, you could attempt to free feed your cat, however, this isn’t recommended if your cat is overweight, so instead you should maybe try to feed them more frequent, but smaller meals throughout the day. Spraying Your Cat If your cat is really mischievous and is constantly making its way onto places where it simply shouldn’t be, and you’ve tried the other methods extensively, then your final option is to use a spray bottle to spray your cat when it misbehaves. But, this should be done as an absolute last resort, and depending on the cat, it can cause severe stress, so start out with a small spray of water, and see how your cat reacts to it. If water isn’t proving to be effective, it might be time to begin to make your own solution to help deter your cat from jumping and climbing onto the furniture, and this spray can be sprayed onto the furniture itself, as opposed to spraying your cat. Things such as vinegar or citrus smells are two things that most cats will seriously dislike, so mix some citrus oil or apple cider vinegar with some water to create your own solution, and you’ll be ready to go. It’s worth testing this solution on a small patch of furniture that you can’t see usually, just to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or spots on the furniture itself ConclusionWe hope this guide has helped you to keep your cats off the furniture in your home, thank you for reading, and good luck! Overall, owning a cat is an extremely joyful experience, however, the one thing that every cat owner will agree on, is that having to clear out your cat’s litter box is absolutely terrible, and is quite easily the worst part about sharing your house with a feline friend. Even worse still, is if you happen to own two or more cats, as cleaning out multiple litter trays at once is a chore, and smells disgusting too. It’s unfortunately one of the things we must do if it means we get to share our company with these adorable creatures, but if you own multiple cats, do you ever wonder if there’s any easier way to organize your litter boxes? For example, could your cats share a litter box with each other? It would make cleaning up much easier and would take up less space, so is it possible to do? So, if you want to find out whether or not cats can share a litter box, then keep reading onwards, as we’ll provide you with all of the litter box information you need to know! Litter Box Golden RuleBefore we begin to explain exactly what the deal is with cats and sharing litter boxes, there’s actually a litter box golden rule when it comes to cats, and that is that there should be one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. And although it is possible for you to simply have one litter box per cat, this golden rule actually makes your litter boxes much more hygienic, and easier to clean, as well as reducing the chances of your cats fighting. Allow us to explain Why Should Cats Have Their Own LitterboxAs helpful as it would be for your cats to be able to share a litterbox, there are a couple of reasons why you should ensure that your cats at least have one litterbox to themselves each, although ideally you should follow the golden rule, and have 2 litter boxes per cat. Hygiene Arguably the most important reason why multiple cats should never share the same litter box is due to hygiene. If two cats or more are making use of the same litter box, then the litter box is going to fill up much, much faster than it would if just a single cat was using it, which means that it will need cleaning more, otherwise, it would quickly begin to overfill, and smell! So, if you happened to be away from home for an extended period of time in the day and were unable to clean the litter box, it might mean that the cats would stop using the litter box, and would instead just poo anywhere they liked. But this isn’t the only issue, as having that much faeces lying around could also lead to the spread of harmful bacteria, which could be dangerous to your cats. Behavior Another reason why you should never let two cats share a litter box is that it can cause some behavioral problems. By nature, cats are extremely territorial animals, and by making them have to share their litter box with another cat, you might be causing them stress and anxiety, which will ultimately lead to your cats fighting, which no one wants to happen! There are numerous ways that this could lead to problematic behavior too, for example, the more dominant cat might prevent the others from using the litter box altogether, which would force your cats to urinate and poo in parts of the home that you wouldn’t want them to. Or even worse, it might lead your cats to delay their urination, which could cause serious health problems over time, especially with their kidneys. Can They Share A Self-Cleaning Litter Box?You might think that if you have a self-cleaning litter box, that your cats might be able to share it without you having to worry about the additional pile-up of faecal matter, and there would therefore be less of a chance of any health issues flaring up too, right? Well, this unfortunately is not the case as there’s a good chance that these self-cleaning litter boxes actually wouldn’t be able to keep up with the amount of mess that would need clearing up, so the spread of bacteria could still pose a problem to your cats’ health, as well as the territorial behavior that would still ensure as well. Litter Box PlacementThe placement of your cat’s litter boxes is also important too, since your cats should have separate litter boxes anyways, having all of your cats’ litter boxes in the same space ultimately defeats the purpose of them not sharing a litter box in the first place, and it could still lead to territorial behavior and fighting. For the best results, you should try to keep the litter boxes in entirely separate areas in your house, and a middle litter box between the two of them would be a good idea as well. It’s understandable that this might be a hard task in a smaller home, but it’s the best way to ensure that your cat is using the litter boxes as much as possible. You should try to make sure that the spots you pick for your cat’s litter boxes are private and quiet areas, as well as being accessible for them too. If one litter box is in a better location than the other, you’ll likely find that your cats will fight for the use of the better litter box, so you should make sure that both litter boxes are in decent locations. SummarySo to summarize, you should absolutely not make your cats share litter boxes with each other, as it can lead to both hygienic and behavioral problems in your cats, so make sure they have their own litter boxes! Ragdoll cats are very popular. And a kitten won’t come cheap either. But considering they are one of the cutest, laid-back, loveable, and social cats going, it’s not hard to see why they are so sought-after by cat owners. They are well-known for their personalities and they are also very popular for their looks too. To look at a ragdoll is to love them. How can you not when those adorable bundles of fluff look up at you with those large and vibrant big blue eyes? And then, of course, when you hold them they go limp which is where they get their name. If you’re looking for a kitty to snuggle on the sofa, then you can’t get much better than a ragdoll kitty. Being a cat lover, there is nothing worse than nature trying to get in the way of your bond through allergies. I couldn’t think of anything worse than being allergic to those little bundles of fluff. But people are. And there’s often a rumor circulating around that if you’re allergic to kitties you should opt for a ragdoll because they are hypoallergenic. And as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news, and I really do, unfortunately, these cats are not hypoallergenic. They may not shed as much hair as some other cats, which is where the rumor may have surfaced from, but they will still cause allergic reactions if you’re allergic to cats. WHY AREN’T RAGDOLL CATS HYPOALLERGENICJust because ragdolls don’t shed that much hair, it doesn’t make them hypoallergenic. The only reason they tend not to shed hair is that they have no undercoat. But cat allergies don’t actually develop from the cat's hair. Allergies to cats actually come from their skin, saliva, and urine. When a cat grooms itself, their saliva is all over their fur, and then their fur gets everywhere. Honestly, especially in long-haired cats, you’ll find cat hair in every possible crevice of your home. And if you’re allergic, it means that those allergens are going to be all over your home. ARE ANY CATS HYPOALLERGENIC?I really wish I could give you some good news, but there really isn’t such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat. As we mentioned above, it’s not actually the hair of the cat that you’re allergic to, it’s their urine and saliva, which just cannot be avoided. You’ll find that there are cats that are lower on the allergy list. These cats can sometimes be referred to as hypoallergenic. But they’re not, not really, they’re just less likely to cause a reaction. Even hairless cats can cause a reaction in those that are allergic to cats. DO RAGDOLL CATS HAVE LESS DANDER?Dander is something that cats' skin can produce. Many that are allergic to cats are allergic to their dander. If you’ve heard that ragdolls have less dander, I hate to deliver even more bad news, but that simply isn’t true. Ragdolls are the exact same as any other cat breed in terms of producing dander. They also contain the Fel d 1 protein in their dander and their saliva, and this protein is known to cause allergic reactions in those that suffer from cat allergies. HOW CAN I LIMIT SHEDDING?The best way to minimize shedding is to keep a strict and consistent grooming schedule for your pet. Now, these cats don’t tend to shed as much hair as other breeds, but they should still have a good brushing a minimum of twice a week. They will also shed more during the spring and fall seasons when the weather changes. Ragdolls have very soft hair, but this hair is also quite thick. This means that you’ll want to ensure that you are using the correct type of brush for their hair. Pin and bristle brushes are always a good option. It may be necessary to bathe your ragdoll once a month, but if you’re planning on doing this you’ll want to acclimatize them to the water fairly early on in their lives. As we are all aware cats and water don’t tend to mix together very well. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ALLERGIC TO CATS?The worst way to find out that you’re allergic to cats is to find out once you’ve adopted one. There is already a crisis with cats without homes, so before you consider bringing one permanently into your home, it’s worth trying to spend some time around cats beforehand. You’ll want to stroke, hold, or cuddle a cat and then keep an eye out for any developing symptoms. If you find that you have a runny nose, sneeze, cough, itch your eyes, or have red skin from the contact, it may be worth reconsidering homing a cat. HOW CAN I TREAT CAT ALLERGIES?For some, not having a cat is out of the question, allergies be damned. And I can’t say I blame you, I couldn’t live without my kitties. If you are sure that you are happy to just manage your symptoms, here are some ways you can make things a little easier for yourself.
FINAL THOUGHTSUnfortunately, Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic. And even worse, neither is any other breed of cat. If you are unlucky enough to be allergic to cats, you only really have two options. Don’t own a cat. Or manage the symptoms of the reaction. There’s nothing quite like worry. And when you have pets I tend to find you worry about everything. And that’s probably because we can’t relate symptoms to ourselves. For example, if our eyes start to water, we know it’s probably because we’re tired, we’ve got something in our eye, or we’re crying. Either way, it’s usually pretty obvious when there’s an issue in humans. But cats? Who knows why their eyes water? Is it okay? Is it normal? Are they sick? Are they okay? These are all anxiety-riddled questions that flood through your mind on a daily basis when your kitty does something different or new. If your kitty’s eyes are weeping or watering, unfortunately, there probably is some form of issue. How serious this issue is can vary. Sometimes it can be something as simple as an allergy but it could also be an indication of something a little more serious such as a respiratory infection. Throughout this article, we’ll go over some of the main reasons why your feline friends eyes may be weeping. However, I will say now, that if your cats eyes have been excessively weeping, it’s probably best to take them to the vets to get checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. REASONS FOR WATERING/WEEPING EYESCats often produce tears or water in their eyes to protect them. The fluid will help to remove anything in their eyes, it keeps their eyes moist and even provides essential nutrients. So some water, or the occasional crusting around the eye is no immediate cause for concern. However, if they water excessively, or you notice a mucousy discharge from the eye it can be an indication of a more serious issue. Reason 1: Conjunctivitis Your cat may have conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which is causing your babies eyes to weep. This is actually a fairly common eye issue for cats. It’s not a very nice thing for them to experience, though. Conjunctivitis can cause painful inflammation around either one or both eyes. This inflammation will turn the eyes red and they may swell too. Cats with this condition are usually fairly sensitive to light as it hurts their eyes. With conjunctivitis cats can have watery eyes that appear very teary although sometimes they will produce a thick mucus. You cat may have conjunctivitis for several different reasons. Their eyes may be fighting an infection, they may be expierencing an allergy, or they may have a lot of dust in their eyes. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, take them to the vets straight away. Conjunctivitis is very contagious and so it may spread to other cats in the home. Also, poorly eyes in cats can deteriorate at incredible speeds and so the sooner you can get treatment the better. Reason 2: Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Weepy eyes can also often be a symptom of a respiratory infection. There are many different types of respiratory infection, and the symptoms for each can be really varied. In most cases, your vet will need to do lab tests to find the cause of the problem. Upper respiratory infections can also lead to conjunctivitis. If your cats eyes are watery and they show visible signs of being under the weather and poorly, I would recommend taking them to see the vet. Reason 3: Allergies Cats are more like us than you may realize, and they are often allergic to many of the things that we are. And these allergies can cause watery eyes just like we get too. For example, common allergens such as pollen, mould, mildew, dust, perfumes, and cleaning products can all set off cat allergies. So if you’ve made a change in your house, or the seasons have changed, this could be the cause of watery eyes in your feline. If you do suspect that your cat has allergies, you should take them to the vets where they can discuss how to move forward. Reason 4: Eye Ulcers If the watery eyes is also accompanied by a whole lot of squinting, your cat may have eye ulcers. This is when there is damage to the cat’s eye. You can usually tell if this is the problem, as your cat will rub their head often and their eyes will become very red and sore. There are several different reasons why your cat may have eye ulcers. It could be that they’ve scratched their eye, they have an infection, or they have been exposed to certain chemicals. If you suspect this is the issue, you must take your cat to the vets immediately. Eye ulcers can be extremely painful for your cat and in more extreme cases, it can even cause the eyeball to rupture. Reason 5: Epiphora Sometimes cats eyes can weep because there is a problem with the drainage of their tear ducts. This is known as Epiphora. This is usually caused by the tearducts getting blocked. If left untreated this can cause rhinitis or sinusitis and this causes the tissue in the area to swell which can be pretty painful for your cat. WHEN TO SEE THE VETWhen it comes to any signs of eye pain or discomfort, it is always best to see your vet immediately. The issue with eye problems is that they rarely get better alone, and they can worsen at incredible speeds. Plus, most eye problems can be seriously painful for your pet and no one likes to see their pets in pain and distress. FINAL THOUGHTSCats eyes need a certain amount of water to protect them. So a small amount of water being noticeable isn’t a major cause for concern. However, if your cats eyes are weeping or particularly watery, you should take them to see the veterinarian. It is often the first symptoms of an eye issue which can deteriate the eyes very quickly. And it is always best to be safe than sorry, and double check. A fast diagnosis is the first step towards a speedy recovery. As humans, we have our own ways of displaying affection. Whether it’s a cuddle, hand-holding, cooking, or kissing, we’re not afraid to show our love to those that matter most to us. Although these actions are commonplace to us, they can look pretty strange to other species that have their own ways of communicating. Our feline friends are just one case in point. We may love to give our cats the occasional kiss, but do they understand what it means? DO CATS LIKE KISSES?We get it - cats are cute. Sometimes, a head scratch or a cuddle isn’t enough. We want to be as close to them as possible! But do they understand and appreciate the gesture? Well, first off, all cats are different. While some cats tolerate (and maybe even love) your kisses, not all cats are so accepting. Remember: like humans, each cat has its unique personality, so don’t feel too disheartened if your cat isn’t a huge fan of human kisses. After all, it must be pretty intimidating to have a big human getting so close to your face, right? However, most cats will allow a small kiss on the head from their humans, and although there’s limited research into the subject, it seems likely that they understand the gesture. Even cats that don’t like kisses probably get what you’re trying to do. It may just be that that specific display of affection isn’t right for them. Cats show their love differently to us (we’ll explore this more a little later), but they can still appreciate our own displays of affection. IS IT OKAY TO KISS CATS?Although no specific rule forbids owners from kissing their feline friends (that’d be a bit mean, right?), your main priority should be your cat's emotions. If your cat appears happy and accepting of your kisses, it’s okay to give them a small kiss on the head from time to time. However, there are also some pretty clear indicators that your cat isn’t as welcoming of this affection. If your cat is showing any signs of distress, don’t use kisses as a way to show your affection. Here are some clear signals that your cat may not enjoy your kisses:
HOW TO KISS CATS (THE SAFE WAY)Before you go in for a kiss with a feline friend, you need to know how to do it safely - for both you and your cat. Here are a few things you should know about kissing cats. Never Kiss a Cat on The Lips Cats need their space, too. For example, a kiss on the lips can feel incredibly invasive for any feline, and this display, no matter how affectionate the cat, may trigger your cat to react negatively. Also, cats can sometimes carry parasites and bacteria in their saliva - this is especially true for kittens and any cat that hasn’t been having its regular checks and injections. For the safety of you and your cat, lip kisses should be avoided. A small head kiss should suffice! Discourage Children From Kissing Cats Kids love to be up close and personal with animals - after all, it’s in their nature to be loving and curious. However, some children can be heavy-handed in their approach, which can cause some animals, including cats, significant distress. Some cats may also have less tolerance for children. You should discourage your child from kissing a cat on the lips and educate them on the signs of happiness in cats so that they can show their affection in a welcoming way. Never let your child attempt to kiss or hug a cat that is showing signs of distress. This puts your child at risk of significant harm. Don’t Kiss Unfamiliar Cats Although it may be tempting to kiss your friend's super cute cat on the lips, don’t attempt it. Not all cats appreciate this closeness. Just because your own feline friend enjoys your kisses doesn’t mean all cats will feel the same. Unless a cat's owner gives you permission, don’t attempt to kiss an unfamiliar cat - even on the head. HOW DO CATS SHOW AFFECTION?Cuddles and kisses may be the universal human sign of affection, but this isn’t the case for cats. There are plenty of ways that our feline friends show their favorite humans affection, including:
FINAL THOUGHTS Cats and humans aren’t built the same. Aside from the obvious differences between our species, we also show affection in different ways. While your cat may understand the reason behind your kisses, they probably don’t appreciate them all the time. Always ensure your cat is comfortable with receiving affection before you go in for a kiss! Any cat owner has probably noticed that their cat sticks their tongue out from time to time. In fact, any cat owner probably has about 500 photos in their camera roll of it happening - it is seriously cuteness overload to see. And hey, hundred and thousands of people must agree, #TongueOutTuesday doesn’t trend on Instagram each and every week for no apparent reason. However, most cat owners still wonder exactly why it happens. Are they just sticking their tongue out at you playfully? Is it just a harmless thing, or is it a sign of an issue? I think every cat mom and dad instantly worry whenever they see something they may not understand. Those pawrental instincts are pretty strong - after all our pets are family. I know that I class my kitties as my babies, and I’m sure you feel the exact same way. So in this article, we’ll have a look at some of the main reasons that your feline friend may be popping their tongue out of their mouth. WHY YOUR CAT STICKS OUT THERE TONGUEThere are actually lots of reasons why your cat can stick their tongue out. So we’ll take a look at some of the more common reasons now. Reason 1: Blepping What in the world is a blep? A blep is when your cat has stuck their tongue out for whatever reason, be it eating or grooming, or something else, and has just forgotten to pop it back where it belongs. How adorable. Blepping is generally no cause for concern, so you can just revel in its absolute adorableness guilt-free. The only time to really worry about your cat blepping is if they seem in immediate distress, or if it never really used to happen but has started to happen 24/7. Blepping is literally just a case of your cat not realizing that their tongue is still out. They may forget to pop that tongue back into their mouth because they’ve been startled, or their mind has wondered while eating or smelling something. However, if your cat is particularly old, it can be a sign of cat dementia. If the behavior is new and fairly excessive, though, you may want to get it double-checked at the vets. Reason 2: They Are Sleeping Or Relaxed You know how sometimes when you’re really chilled out and having a snooze you can wake up with your mouth gaping wide open, drooling a little, with your tongue hanging out your mouth? Well, kitties can have this deep relaxed, and drooly sleep too. When your kitty is asleep her muscles will relax and this can cause their mouths to open agar slightly and when that happens their tongues can roll out too. If you’re really lucky you might even get to witness them dreaming and making adorable little sleepy sounds while their tongue is out. This is very rarely a cause for concern, so you can get that camera out and record the cuteness unveiled before your eyes should you wish. Reason 3: Something Is Stuck To Their Tongue I have two long-haired very fluffy cats, so finding hair in every crevice possible isn’t something uncommon for me. And it won’t be for them either. Cats have this tiny hook-like structure on their tongue so getting a bit of their hair stuck on their tongue happens fairly frequently. So your feline friend may be popping out their tongue trying to get rid of the hair. We’ve all had hair in our mouths at some point, and I think we can all agree that it’s not exactly a pleasant experience. Reason 4: Your Cat’s Breed Is Predisposed To It Certain cat breeds are more prone to a poking-out tongue than others. Most brachycephalic (short-nosed or flat-faced) cats will poke their tongues out more than others. Breeds such as Persian kitties, Himalayan cats, and Burmese felines will often be seen with their tongue hanging out their mouths. Basically, what this means is that their anatomy isn’t quite right for keeping their tongue inside their mouths all the time. You’ll find cats with malformed jaws or a few missing teethies will also roll their tongue out of their mouths. Reason 5: Your Cat Has Motion Sickness, Is Stressed, Or Is Anxious If you notice your cat's tongue comes out more when they are traveling in the car, perhaps to go to the vets, for example, it could be because they are feeling a little motion sick. Unlike dogs, cats don’t tend to be too keen on traveling in a car and it can make them feel pretty anxious and stressed which can cause motion sickness. Reason 6: Your Cat Is Nauseous Cats are more like us than you probably even realize. And yes, they can get nauseous too. Sometimes when your cat is feeling sick they’ll flicker their tongue or lick their lips excessively. There are lots of different reasons why your cat may be feeling nauseous. If you’ve changed their diet recently, this could be the reason. They may have overeaten or eaten too quickly. They may have licked something they don’t like the taste of, they could have hairballs, or they may just have allergies. You’ll probably be best checking with your vet if they get nauseous quite often. Reason 7: They’re Hot If you notice your cat panting, you may think that it’s normal, since dogs pant all the time. But a cat panting isn’t normal. If they’re sticking out their tongue and panting heavily then you’ll need to find them a cool place and some water immediately. If this continues and they become distressed, or collapse, take them to the vet immediately as these are signs of heatstroke. FINAL THOUGHTSFor the most part, a cat occasionally sticking out their tongue is no real cause for concern. Most of the time, they’ve just become distracted and forgotten that it’s not back inside their mouth. However, when it happens all the time, it can be a sign of an issue or problem, so I would advise speaking to your vet if it continues or if you are concerned. Something which often concerns cat owners everywhere is seeing their cats uncontrollably shaking. This can make you worry about your cat’s health, and not knowing the source is even more worrying. This shaking will either be isolated in a single area, most commonly; the head, tail, or the legs, or it can be the whole body trembling instead. There can sometimes be a very simple explanation for why a cat is shaking, but there is also a chance that this shaking is actually a sign of an underlying issue which is something you will want to know as soon as possible. No matter what the cause of the shaking is, it is something that you will want to sort out as soon as possible. So, if your cat is shaking, and you want to know why so you can help out your cat, keep reading! REASONS WHY YOUR CAT COULD BE SHAKINGThere are quite a few different reasons why your cat could be shaking which are all quite different from each other. For example, it could be a behavioral issue, but it could also be a reaction to the environment they are in, or it could even be a reaction to a medical issue which you will want to get sorted as soon as possible. This section will go over how to identify what the reason is for your cat shaking and how to cope with this, so read carefully! Hypoglycemia One of the most common explanations for why your cat could be shaking is that they are suffering from hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia means that your cat has a deficiency in their glucose levels, this means that their blood sugar levels could be dangerously low which will result in the shaking or shivering which you have noticed. This shaking could either be a sign of the disease, or it could just be a milder version of this and your cat has simply not eaten in too long. This is actually quite a common issue for kittens specifically. This is because the very small body of kittens are not always able to fully work out how to process the gluten in their system, leading to symptoms of hypoglycemia like shaking. This is why it is so important for kittens to have a nutritious diet, as well as making sure they have a warm diet to stay in so they will not develop the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are dealing with an older cat who is displaying symptoms of hypoglycemia like shaking, you can solve this by giving them some drops of either maple syrup or honey once every 6 hours. This is a good way to calm down their shaking as it will help raise their blood sugar levels. If you want to make the process more effective, you can put the maple syrup or honey directly onto the gums of your cat as this will help the sugar get to their bloodstream much quicker. If after this you recognize that your cat is still shaking as well as still not eating as they should, this is when you will want to contact your vet. They will hopefully be able to do blood tests to work out the problem. Fear Or Anxiety Similarly to us humans, cats will feel anxiety and get scared and this will lead to them shaking just like it can for humans. Cats are also capable of developing their own phobias which will then develop into anxiety which can affect cats severely. There are some common fears and phobias which you will want to make more bearable for your cat, this can include thunder and fireworks which can be too loud for your cat to deal with. This will be worse for cats because they have a higher sensitivity when it comes to vibrations than humans can do, and because of this and their powerful hearing, loud events like this can be very difficult for the cat. There are other situations where your cat can get anxious and shake, for example, your cat may have experienced a traumatic event, or may suffer from separation anxiety. There are signs of this anxiety outside of the shaking, these include the cat hiding quite often, or suffering from diarrhea. If your cat seems to be anxious more often than not, this is an issue which you will want to get a vets consultation for. Irregular Body Temperature Another one of the most common reasons for a cat shaking is that they are not in their standard body temperature. The normal temperature for a cat’s body is between 100.5 Fahrenheit and 102.5 Fahrenheit. If the cat is going over this temperature, this is a sign that they could have a fever, and if it is under this range, they may be suffering from hypothermia. Both going over and under can lead to the cat shaking. Hyperthermia will be when the cat’s body temperature is unnaturally high and this can happen in an environment having a high temperature like a hot car. A fever is often a symptom of having a higher body temperature and if you are not able to regulate the heat of your cat, they could suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. But just like a high temperature can affect the cat, so can a low temperature with hypothermia also being a serious issue. You can help this by giving your cat a regulated heat source, or blankets to raise the temperature. If your cat has either too high or too low temperature to an extreme degree, you will want them to see a vet as soon as possible. HOW TO HELP YOUR CAT STOP SHAKINGAll of the reasons we have mentioned can be the source of a cat shaking, and occasionally it is not these reasons, but usually it will be one of these. If you want to help the cat, use the advice we have provided in each section, but if you are not getting results you will want to closely look after your cat until they can get to a vet. Cats are funny little things. I’m a firm believer that if someone says that they’re not a cat person, this is simply because they’ve never had one. To have one is to love one - they’ll win you over in seconds. Unlike man’s best friend, the dog, you have to earn the right to see the softer and loving side of our feline friends. They don’t show their personalities to just anyone, it’s usually reserved for their owners who they trust. It is also our canine companions that we often associate with big and adorable slobbery drooling faces, but you may be surprised to learn that just like dogs, and even humans, cats are susceptible to drooling from time to time. Particularly when they’re having a good cuddle and a pet, that leaking saliva can sometimes be seen dangling from underneath their chin. When you see this, you may be wondering why it’s happening. After all, it’s not something cats are known for doing. And as pawrents, we reserve the right to worry over every last little thing - they are our babies! Well, worry no more, because, throughout this article, all of your wonderings, worries, and questions will be answered. DO CATS DROOL? Yes! Lots of animals drool, it’s a pretty common thing, think about it, even most humans are prone to a bit of drool when their head hits the pillow. All drool really is, is excess saliva which is a liquid part of digestion. This part of digestion pours out through our salivary glands and collects in our mouths. Drool is just when too much saliva collects in your mouth while it’s open and thus escapes. For humans, drool is most common during sleepy slumber, but for our feline friends, it is slightly different. When it comes to drooling pets, you probably automatically picture a slobbery dog. That’s because dogs actually have four pairs of salivary glands so there’s a lot more saliva trying to find its way out of their mouths. However, surprisingly cats actually have even more salivary glands than dogs. Cats have five. They do not tend to produce anywhere near as much drool as their canine counterparts, though. WHY DO CATS DROOL?A small amount of drool is a pretty normal thing for your kitty cat. They may drool for many reasons that are similar to humans. They may drool when they’re pretty peckish or when they are flat out with their mouths hanging open wide. An excessive amount of unrelenting drool though is probably a good indicator that there is some sort of problem or issue. These problems can range in severity from the drool being caused by emotional stimuli to issues such as inflammation or an inability to swallow food. If your little furbaby does seem to be drooling a little too much, I would recommend taking them to see the veterinarian. WHY DOES MY CAT DROOL WHEN I PET THEM?A cat drooling while they’re getting a good old fuss is another story. Strong emotions can cause your kitty to start drooling. They often drool when they are upset or afraid, but it’s more likely in this case that they are extremely happy. Chilled-out and relaxed cats often equal drooling kitties. Being incredibly relaxed and happy can cause a physiological reaction such as drooling. So if your cat drools when you’re giving them cuddles, it is probably because they feel very safe, and secure, and are just really loving those cuddles. DOES DROOLING MEAN MY CAT IS POORLY?One thing I think all pet owners can relate to is hating watching their little fluffy babies in pain. Having a sick kitty can sure be a worry. So does drooling mean that your cat is sick? It really depends on the amount of drool. If it’s a little bit here and there there’s probably no immediate cause for concern. If your kitty seems to be drooling fairly often, or in particularly large amounts, then it can be an indication that your pet is sick. Drooling is a common symptom of dental diseases, oral cancer, and other kinds of mouth infections. Dental disease tends to be the most common culprit with a whopping 85% of kitties over 3 years old having some form of gum or tooth disease. If you notice the excess saliva contains blood or has a foul odor then it’s likely dental disease is the issue at hand. You’ll want to make an appointment with your vet, as soon as possible, if this is the case. CAN ANYTHING ELSE CAUSE CAT DROOL?There may be a few other reasons why your cat is drooling, some more worrisome than others. For example, your cat may drool should they have a viral respiratory condition that causes ulcers in your kitty’s mouth. It could be a case of your cat eating something that they shouldn’t have. A foreign body may have got lodged in their mouths and the excess drool is to help wash it out as such. It could also be something stuck in their belly and the drool is part of their efforts to sick it back up. FINAL THOUGHTSThere can be lots of different reasons why your cat is drooling. If it’s only a little bit here and there, it’s perfectly normal. They are most likely drooling in their sleep or when they’re feeling hungry much in the way that we humans do. If they’re only drooling when you're petting them, it is most likely that you’ve cuddled them into a relaxation coma, and they are simply snoozing away very, very happily. However, if your cat is drooling excessively, you may want to take a quick trip to the vet. This is because excessive drooling can be a symptom of something a little more serious. And I would always advise it better to be safe than sorry. Catching something early is always the better option, so I would advise just making sure that they are okay. Cats aren’t able to tell us when they’re feeling unwell, so it’s up to us to recognize the symptoms. That can sometimes mean we start worrying about things that are actually perfectly normal. Cats are warmer than humans, and their ears can heat up as they regulate their body temperature. Hot ears are rarely a sign for concern. However, a change in behavior as well as hot ears might be an indication of an infection or illness. Read our guide to learn more about why your cat’s ears might be hot. CATS ARE NATURALLY SLIGHTLY WARMEREnjoying a snuggle with your cat only to notice that their ears feel a little warm? It might seem a little alarming, but the first thing you need to know is that cats are naturally slightly warmer than humans. The average human body temperature is 98.6°F, with anything over 100.4°F being a concern. Cats are slightly different. They have a typical body temperature range between 100.5°F and 102.5°F. So, a temperature that would be a fever for humans is actually perfectly normal in a cat! Cat ears aren’t protected by much in the way of fur or fat, so the temperature has a tendency to fluctuate. YOUR CAT IS COOLING DOWNIt might sound slightly contradictory — heat as a result of cooling — but this is how cats keep themselves comfortable. Ears play a key role in how your cat regulates their body temperature. Their ears are filled with blood vessels that can dilate and constrict. When your cat wants to cool down, these vessels dilate, allowing the blood to travel quickly. Without much fur or fat, the heat can be quickly released, and the body cools. The opposite happens when they want to get warm. The vessels constrict, so less blood passes through, and the body stays warm. On a hot day, or if your cat has been lying in the sun, then their ears are likely to be warm as they maintain body temperature. YOUR CAT HAS AN ALLERGYAllergies are surprisingly common in cats, and can result in symptoms such as itchiness, sneezing, vomiting, and runny eyes. Allergies can be caused by insects, foods, dusts, pollen, and molds. If you’ve noticed your cat has hot ears, itchy skin, and red patches, then they might be suffering from an allergy. Pay close attention to when these symptoms appear, in case there is a common cause. If you think your cat is suffering from an allergy, speak to your vet. YOUR CAT HAS A FEVERHot ears can be an indication that your cat is suffering from a fever. This doesn’t automatically warrant a reaction, as the fever might be a sign that your cat’s immune response is kicking in. If this is the case, then they’re likely to find a cool place to lie down, as their body fights off the infection. The ears aren’t the best way to monitor a cat’s temperature — as mentioned above, they use the ears to cool down. Instead, check the underarms and stomach. If these are warm as well, then your cat might have a fever. If it persists for two days, contact a vet. The most effective way to check a cat’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer. Anything above 104°F, and you should contact your vet. YOUR CAT HAS EAR MITESEar mites are incredibly uncomfortable for a cat. An ear mite infection can cause your cat to rub and scratch at their ears more, bringing the temperature up. Ear mites love to eat the oils that are found in a cat’s ears, leading to an intense itch and inflammation. Cats with ear mites will often rub their head against the furniture, and scratch their ears more than usual. If you suspect your cat has ear mites, take a look inside their ears. Black and grainy ear wax or a darker discharge indicates an infection. Ear mites need to be treated, so take your cat to the vet. YOUR CAT IS STRUGGLING WITH AN EAR INFECTIONEar infections are quite common in cats, and they’re most frequently caused by mites. However, yeast and bacteria, as well as trapped foreign objects, can also result in an ear infection. Hot ears aren’t a common symptom of an infection, and they’re more likely to be a side effect from itching and scratching. Other symptoms to look for include troubles with balance, a bad odor from the ears, and excess ear wax. Your cat might also struggle with chewing, and opening their jaws. If your cat has an ear infection, then it will need to be treated by a vet. An untreated ear infection can lead to hearing loss, and even deafness. MY CAT HAS HOT EARS — WHAT SHOULD I DO?The first thing to do when you notice your cat has hot ears is to stay calm. It’s unlikely to be a serious issue, and it might be that you’ve simply never noticed before how warm their ears can get. If it’s a hot day, then warm ears are probably a result of your cat getting comfortable. You can help your cat cool down further by providing them with lots of fresh water, creating cool spaces within the house, and stroking them with a damp cloth. If you’re still feeling worried, then check for other symptoms. Hot ears alone aren’t a sign of illness. However, if your cat is scratching or rubbing their ears a lot, then they might have an infection, or an allergy. Check for other symptoms, and contact a vet if you’re concerned. If there are no other symptoms, keep an eye on your cat's temperature over the next few days. You’re likely to notice it fluctuates naturally. FINAL THOUGHTSCats are naturally warmer than humans, and as their ears are used to regulate body temperature, then you might notice they feel hotter than the rest of the body. This is rarely a sign for concern, unless accompanied by other unusual symptoms. Check for itching and redness, if you’re worried about your cat’s temperature. We love that our cats are relatively independent creatures; it’s one of the things that gives them such unique personalities. But, whether they want it or not, sometimes they need our help. When they’re ill, for example, human intervention is crucial to getting them on the road to recovery. Of course, besides the odd flea infestation, illness in cats is rare, but one particularly unpleasant kitty ailment you may run into down the line is a clogging of the anal glands. Thankfully, though, it’s pretty clear when our furry children are having this issue. Even though cats aren’t quite as transparent with their illness as dogs, there will be some pretty clear signs that something’s not right and that their glands may need to be expressed. Here’s what you should be looking for. SYMPTOMS OF FELINE ANAL GLAND ISSUESCats often display idiosyncratic, sometimes hilariously silly behavior, especially if they’ve come down with a severe bout of the zoomies, but if you ever notice any of the following behaviors or symptoms, it’s time to be concerned. Scooting We often associate this behavior with dogs, and truth be told, cat owners can go their entire lives without witnessing one of their feline friends scooting, which is why it should be taken seriously when it does happen. For the uninitiated, scooting is when a cat or a dog drags their bum along the ground by splaying out their hind legs and using the front legs to pull themselves forward. It’s a silly pose, but in many cases, it’s no laughing matter. It’s a sign that your cat has an extraordinary itchy anus — Sort of like when a bear rubs its back against a tree, but in this scenario, the itch is localized to the bum. The reason your cat’s anus is so itchy all of a sudden is that their anal glands are blocked. Obsessive Licking Of The Anus To reduce irritation, your cat may also lick their anus furiously. Now, we all know that cats lick their nether regions on a daily basis as a part of their normal grooming regime, but if they seem to be focusing on that area more than ever, consider it a red flag. If this is the case, keep observing your cat. If they engage in other activities only to wind up licking their rear end again, it’s a sign that whatever’s going on down there has grown severe enough to become a major distraction. Bad Smells Cat toots can be toxic, but - praise be - cats tend to be rather polite with their gas, expressing it elsewhere, so a bad-smelling cat is something of a rarity. In fact, almost any time a cat has a lingering foul odor, it’s typically a sign that they’ve been somewhere that shouldn’t or that there’s a health issue going unnoticed. Swollen, blocked, or infected glands are just one of the possible causes of a smelly cat. Missing The Litter Box Most cats miss the mark every now and again, and, to be fair, it’s usually because they object to some aspect of their litter tray. Perhaps you’re trying out new litter that the cat doesn’t feel comfortable with, maybe it’s already quite full of cat poops and peeps, or maybe the litter box is too close to a noisy appliance, like a tumble dryer. But if everything seems A-okay with their toilet tray, it’s time to consider the possibility of gland issues, especially if their defecating outside their litter box coincides with any of the other symptoms on this list. Sore Or Swollen Anal Glands Cats aren’t shy of showing off their bums, so, much to our chagrin, we often get a good look at what’s going on back there. Should you notice any peculiarities on either side of the rectum, i.e. redness or swelling, it’s a dead giveaway that something’s up with their anal glands and that the glands might need expressing in the near future. Where are the anal glands of a cat, you ask? Well, if we imagine that your cat’s bum is a clock face, you can expect the glands to rest at about 4 and 8, so just to the side and down of center. WHAT ARE CAT ANAL GLANDS FOR?Cat anal glands serve one duty, to express a stinky, milky liquid during defecation that marks out the territory of the pooping party, letting all other fluffy poopers know that this area is strictly out of bounds. However, these glands can become overfull with glandular fluid, and much like pores in human skin, blocked by gunk and swelling. Consequently, the fluid can’t get out, and the glands become impacted, often causing constipation. If the problem persists, bacteria quickly builds in and around the glands, leading to infection, which is when things get very, very itchy for our feline family members, and we’ll begin noticing one or more of the aforementioned symptoms. WHAT’S THE INITIAL CAUSE OF CAT ANAL GLAND ISSUES?If there’s an addressable cause, remedying it can sometimes alleviate the issue without the need for manual expression. Your veterinarian may also prescribe your cat pain relievers to help them cope while the glands recover, or antibiotics to speed the process along. However, it’s quite possible that the only solution will be regular manual expression of the glands. How Are Anal Gland Issues Treated? If there’s an addressable cause, remedying it can sometimes alleviate the issue without the need for manual expression. Your veterinarian may also prescribe your cat pain relievers to help them cope while the glands recover, or antibiotics to speed the process along. However, it’s quite possible that the only solution will be regular manual expression of the glands. FINAL THOUGHTSIf you notice any of the red flags discussed in this post, I’d recommend booking an appointment with your veterinarian immediately, as the issue is unlikely to resolve itself, and will get progressively worse, leaving your fluffy child irritable and in pain — Healthy bum, happy cat! Cats are our lovable little guys that always seem to pride themselves on their self-reliance. While the exact details are a little different depending on how clingy your cat is, our feisty feline friends generally prefer to live life at their own pace. This often means that we can miss when our cats are uncomfortable or not well. But when your cat starts to act strange or seems like it’s uncomfortable, or even in pain, you have to act fast. One of the things that often worries people is how hot or cold their cat should be when looking after them. What temperature is ideal for them? What do they do when they are too hot? What temperature is too hot for them? What happens when they get too hot? Well, that’s what we’re going to answer for you here! In his guide, we’re going to show you how cats stay cool during the hotter times of day or year, as well as what temperature they should normally be most of the time. HOW HOT IS TOO HOT FOR YOUR CATNow, we would love to be able to give a simple and clean answer that covers virtually every cat. However, the temperature that a cat should be at can vary massively, depending on the breed, their age, their size, their general health, what environment they are normally used to, and even their temperament! Body Temperature However, one consistent thing we can measure is the internal temperature that cats usually have. If the outside or environment temperature is too close to or above the cat’s internal body temperature, then you could find that the cat is going to be much more uncomfortable or ill. What Is Considered Hot For Cats? Generally speaking, a cat that is older than 4 weeks old should have a body temperature of around 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.5 to 39.17 degrees Celsius) Any temperature around or above 90 degrees is likely to make your cat feel uncomfortable, where their normal bodily functions will struggle to keep them cool. Above 90 degrees, you may even start to see your cat pant like a dog to remain cool. However, no matter how morbidly cute this little act might be, it is also an indication that your cat is too hot to be healthy. Other Factors That Affect How Hot Your Cat Is Outside of simply air temperature, what else can cause cats to feel too hot? Well, in the same way, that humans tend to suffer in high heat, high humidity can also hamper your cat’s ability to cool off. Humidity is the measure of water that is in the air in an evaporated or microscopic form. In higher humidity, the body cannot lose heat as effectively as it would in a less humid environment, even if the air temperature is technically lower. This is because water is a very good and excellent conductor of heat energy, and retains and holds on to that temperature for a while. (Interestingly, it is also why sweat is an effective way of cooling down for humans) When the temperature and humidity in the air are high, it stops the body’s ability to lose heat by sweating, creating that clammy heat that hits you in certain parts of the world for people. Cats face the same problem, they can only sweat through their paws! DO CATS LIKE HOT TEMPERATURES?It’s hard to say what an animal does and doesn’t ‘like’, exactly. However, cats generally do prefer warmer temperatures than humans do. They can certainly survive warmer temperatures than people, that’s for certain! Cats surviving at 90 degrees Fahrenheit with little to no discomfort certainly beats out many people’s comfortable range! HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAT IS TOO HOTSo, as we’ve established, the temperature is probably the most accurate way to tell how hot your cat is. However, considering that taking your cat’s temperature is about as easy as herding… well, cats, that isn’t going to be an easy option for you. Fortunately, there are a few changes in behavior that cats show when they start to approach their max temperature that you can pick up on with a keen enough eye. Panting As we’ve already established, and you’ve probably noticed, cats do not normally pant, especially not in the way that dogs normally would. So, if you have noticed your cat panting in that way, you can be pretty confident that your cat is visibly uncomfortable, as they try to get cooler air into their lungs to cool down faster. Change In Appetite A slightly less noticeable, but still useful change in behavior, is if your cat’s feeding habits change. Cats tend (though not always) to have pretty big appetites, at least for their body size. If you notice that your cat is visibly eating less than they normally do, then you can bet that something is up with them. Even if they aren’t too hot, it can often be a sign of some underlying illnesses that are ruining their appetite. More Saliva Than Normal On a slightly more unsightly note, your cat producing more saliva than normal, or dribbling more than normal, could also be a sign that they are too hot. Similar to how panting reduces heat in cats and dogs, excess heat can be absorbed by saliva. WHAT THIS MEANSThere are a few reasons, why your cat could be too hot, even when the air temperature isn’t that high.
FINAL THOUGHTSIn short, your cat being too hot is never a good sign for anyone. If the air temperature or humidity is too high, spray some room temperature water around to help slowly and safely keep them cool. If this doesn’t work, take them to your vet as soon as possible. CAN CATS SMILE? Yes, cats can smile - however, evidence suggests that our feline friends may use their eyes to do it. Psychologists from the United Kingdom suggest that our furry friends may actually use their eyes to form the ‘slow blink’ - AKA, the cat smile. So, if your cat has ever narrowed its eyes when looking at you, there’s a good chance it's been giving you the cat equivalent of a human grin. If you narrow your eyes and return the sentiment, it’s believed that they’ll know you’re smiling back at them, too. However, some cats DO seem to look like they’re grinning - is this a smile? Well, some breeds may just have the right mouth shape to look like they’re displaying a grin, even when they’re not. The slow blink is a pretty powerful form of feline communication. The study even discovered that when strangers performed the slow blink at a cat, it was more likely to approach the stranger and accept their hand. So, if you want to build a bond with your feline friends, perfecting the art of the slow blink may be the way to go! HOW TO TELL IF A CAT IS HAPPYThe cat smile (aka the slow blink) is just one way that our feline friends communicate with us. There are plenty of other indicators to suggest that your cat is feeling happy. So, if you want a few more signs that your cat is in good spirits, look out for the following: Pointy Ears (And Other Ear Signals) If your cat's ears are pointing straight to the sky, it’s a good indicator that they’re feeling happy. In fact, the positioning of a cat's ears can tell us a great deal about how they’re feeling. Although point ears are a sign of happiness, if the ears are positioned straight up and slightly forward, they are normally on high alert and paying close attention to their surroundings. It is also common to see if your cat is hunting or playing - they’ll want to absorb as much auditory information about the situation as possible! If their ears are flat and positioned sideways, they’re likely feeling nervous or frightened. This is not a good time to smother your cat with attention, as their fear could lead to aggressive behavior. Instead, give your cat some privacy, and respect their space. If your cat's ears are low rather than flat and facing outwards, it indicates that they could feel unwell. Cats are masters of disguise, especially when it comes to feeling unwell, but this could be a key indicator that something’s up. Kneading Kneading is another sign that your cat may be feeling super happy and affectionate. Kneading, affectionately known as ‘making biscuits,’ is often accompanied by purring and closed eyes. The kneading motion stems from kittenhood when young kittens would nurse on their mothers. Unless accompanied by signs of nervousness or agitation, this super cute motion gives you the all-clear to go in for a cuddle or some head scratches. Purring Purring is arguably the ultimate tell-tale sign that your cat is feeling happy and willing to snuggle up close with you. Although purring is usually an indicator that your cat is happy, it can also mean other things. For example, some cats purr when they are nervous or in pain. Some cats even purr as a way of smiling! However, if your cat is purring and making attempts to gain your attention, they’re more than likely feeling affectionate and seeking out a bit of quality time with their favorite human. Meowing One of the most notable ways that cats communicate with us is through meowing. Cats can meow for all sorts of reasons. However, cats can be chatty when they’re happy. If your feline friend is following you around and making a point to meow at every available opportunity, they’re probably just seeking attention in the most obvious way they know how to. Flattened Fur If your cat is feeling nervous or agitated, you may see it become a little ‘puffed up.’ You’ll usually see this if you look at your cat's tail, which can quickly puff up and resemble something that looks more like a toilet brush than a tail. However, if your cat's fur isn’t puffed and sits mellow and comfortably on their skin, they’re probably feeling neutral. If this is accompanied by purring, a slow blink, kneading, or any other sign of affection, your cat is probably feeling calm and content. Feel free to give them a bit of fuss - they’ll probably appreciate it! THE FLEHMEN RESPONSE Some breeds have naturally smiley faces, but for others, what looks like a smiley face can actually be the Flehmen response. Cats have a super strong sense of smell. Sometimes, specific odors (especially if they’re right in pheromones) can encourage the Flehmen response. This happens when your cat moves the scent to the roof of its mouth to analyze it. When this happens, your cat will usually squint their eyes, curl their lips, and even tilt their heads - although this may look like a happy behavior, it’s simply your cat analyzing its surroundings! Although your cat isn’t likely to attack you if you try to give it attention in a Flehmen response state, it’s probably not going to reciprocate the affection if it’s busy checking out its surroundings. Camera
I don't know what's up with my human the last while, but she keeps shoving her tapping mini flat box in my face. It seems like she wants me to do something, but I don't know what. She doesn't always do it, but sometimes she is weird. She mostly does it when I play, eat, cuddle, sleep or hunt. Oh wait, that is always! Okay, so I guess she always does it! She does it the most when I play in bags or boxes! It is awkward to play while a tapping box is in your face and makes an annoying clicking sound the whole time. When I try to do something, my human distracts me with this box thing. Sometimes I try to dig a hole, attack flowers, or hunt, but when I see the box, I don't know what she expects of me and try many tricks to entertain mommy. Sometimes my servant is just in my way! I don't always like to please her. She is supposed to please me or serve me food. I like it when they are my servants. She can use this time to move the stick so that I can catch my fake mouse. When she has this box, she follows me everywhere! Inside, outside and sometimes in between the bushes to see what I am doing. I kind of like the attention! I like it when Mommy and Daddy are close to me. Humans are very nosy and curious creatures. They don't like to miss out on anything and always watch us doing everything! My kind only follows humans around when we want food or treats. It is too much work to watch their every move. I always get confused and try to figure out what the box is supposed to do. It doesn't do anything else. It makes a bright light and a clicking sound. Then I figured it out. When the box makes a clicking sound, I am supposed to attack and kill it! I need to concentrate and wiggle my bums to jump now! Bye Garden Service
I don't like the man that visits the garden. I don't know him well, but he is scary. I love to play outside. While he is here, I am not allowed to play outside. I always tried to sneak past him when he opened the gate. So now I'm not allowed outside with him anymore. I always try to watch him through the window to see what he is up to, but sometimes he goes around the corner, and I can't see him anymore. I wish I could be outside to see what he is doing. I beg Mommy to open the door, but she ignores me. While he uses the scary noisy grass eater, I try to hide away! I hate things that make noise! What if he eats me? My humans won't survive without my love and cuddles. The tree chopper is scarier and makes even more noise! The garden visitor likes to mess everything up. He always interferes with my garden and rearranges everything. He picks up my toys and puts them on a pile. He digs up the collections that I steal from inside and takes them back in, and he destroyed my graveyard! As soon as he is gone, I can't wait to go outside! I meow at my humans non-stop until they open the door. When the door opens, I hurry to go outside! I need to inspect the whole garden to see what has changed. Why do humans always need to change things? I smell every plant and roll in the garden to feel if it is any different. When the garden man is gone, I love to inspect the garden. I like to smell every piece of grass! I love to play with all the new plants and flowers. There are certain plants that I don't like, but he removes them for me. I am still frustrated with my graveyard that is gone. I made a pile of trophies, and now they are gone! I guess I am going to have to start over again. Mommy hates my graveyard, but it makes me proud of my hunting skills. Oh, I need to go now, there is a yummy bird in the tree! Meow Several cat owners might put their feline under the "pukey" category. However, recurrent vomiting in a cat is not something that should happen or something that happens normally. So, what should you do if your cat is throwing up undigested food? Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food?Vomiting is regarded as a vaguely defined side effect. It can be linked to a variety of health issues. If your cat throws up undigested food, this could indicate a more serious disease. Hairballs, internal blockage, pancreatitis, consuming food rapidly, bowel problems, digestive problems, pathogenic organisms’ infections, intoxications, aggravation, distress, or even anxiousness are examples of such symptoms. Before trying to seek a veterinarian's assistance, it's critical to understand the reason that your cat is throwing up its food and how you might be able to treat it. What Should I Do If My Cat Is Vomiting Undigested Food?Regular puking, which is anything that happens several times weekly, is certainly an issue. If your feline is puking its undigested food, try feeding it puzzle toys or smaller portions more often. When you see that your cat is puking undigested food multiple times in a day or week, and when it is doing so in tandem with other side effects like decreased appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will begin with a medical examination, assessing your cat's heart rhythm and gently massaging its belly. Once they have carefully examined your pet, they might also need to do a few tests, such as testing a fecal sample, doing some blood testing, and taking some X-rays. Tiny indications of parasitic infections can be detected in a stool specimen. The blood tests that will be performed on your pet are to ensure that there is no evidence of hepatic or kidney damage, along with red blood cell and erythrocyte levels. An X-ray examination will look for any fluid retention that might be blood, as well as any enteric gas aspects that may indicate blockages. How To Treat Your Cat Based on the conclusions of your veterinarian, your cat might require medical attention for fluid therapy and therapeutic interventions, or it might only need home therapies and oral meds. In case your veterinarian discovers that your cat has a GI tract blockage, then your little one might need an operation to remove the blockage. What Is The Distinction Between Vomit And Regurgitation?Vomiting is not always vomiting; it can sometimes be regurgitation and making the distinction between the two can guide your veterinarian and assist them in making the right diagnosis. Regurgitation is frequently confused with puking; however, in contrast to food that your cat has vomited, regurgitated food is that which has not sat in the stomach to be absorbed with the help of gastric acid. So, when we say that a cat regurgitated its meal, we mean that it has only spit the food that was in its mouth or esophagus. Meals, fluids, as well as other consumed objects, end up coming back up before even getting to the stomach, with no abdominal work occurring. Regurgitation is a passive activity that does not involve sounds or puking: the cat simply brings down its head and water or its meal falls to the floor. It usually happens in 2 hours from the moment it has eaten or drunk something. Likely Reasons Your Cat Is Vomiting or Regurgitating Its FoodIt Is Eating Too Quickly Several cats eat too fast, so they keep regurgitating undigested food. Try to feed your cat with a food puzzle toy to teach them how to eat more slowly. Food puzzles are one valuable resource and there are many food puzzles available that arouse the cats' predatory and scavenging urges. These puzzles are perfect for cats that frequently vomit their meals as they slow down the time they spend chewing their food, preventing them from eating too fast and becoming ill as a result of it. Food Allergy As previously noted, several cats could eat too quickly or even have a food allergy. If your cat is prone to throwing up or has a bowel sensitivity, it might throw up partly digested or undigested food. If your veterinarian has ruled out every other health problem and believes that it is the meals it had that it is throwing up, they might recommend that you try a bowel-friendly cat food product. If your cat is still throwing up this bowel-friendly food, you might need to introduce it to a rigorous dietary plan with hydrolyzed protein. Hairballs Cats are inherently fastidiously clean animals that spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves. While grooming, tiny hook-like formations on your cat's tongue catch hair, which will then be ingested. A large percentage of this hair goes through the gastrointestinal tract without any mishaps, but occasionally hair remains in the stomach and creates hairballs. Hairballs can lead to a cat vomiting up undigested food. Even though a cat throwing up a hairball occasionally is common and not a reason to worry, hairballs are not supposed to show up frequently or cause pain or difficulty for your cat to pass. Get some food supplements to prevent future hairballs and get your cat used to you brushing them and collecting all the dead hair so that they can avoid ingesting hair when grooming themselves. Nutritional And Dietary Modifications If your cat's eating timetable changes, if it skips its breakfast or you feed it earlier than usual, it could regurgitate undigested food. The same goes for any changes in its diet and nutritional intake. If you get them a new can of food with different nutritional properties, their digestive system could react, and your cat could regurgitate or even throw up. Gastritis If your cat has a habit of getting into stuff they don't need to, they will probably end up with an irritated stomach and start vomiting undigested food as well as blood. Contact your veterinarian for advice in this case. The Bottom LinEThere are many reasons why your cat is throwing up its undigested food, but you should never ignore any such incident. The best thing to do is contact your veterinarian and ask for some advice before acting on it. So, be wise and take good care of your little pet! Generally, cats are known for their low-maintenance tendencies. So, when your cat becomes clingy it can sometimes be a shock to the system. Apart from providing your cat with meals, they are usually pretty self-sufficient. From bathing, using the bathroom, and even relaxing, a cat will have no getting about its needs. Having said that, despite their independent nature, there are a few instances where your cat can become needy. For the most part, signs of your cat becoming overly clingy is a clear indication that something is up. Although, the precise problem can differ from cat to cat. With all this in, this article will be exploring all the possible reasons why your cat is so clingy. Let’s get straight into it! Cat Clinginess ExplainedIt is without a doubt that cats can form an emotional attachment to their owners. Although, unlike dogs, or any other animal, cats aren’t particularly expressive in showing their affection. Therefore, when a cat starts to get overly clingy to the point where it is disturbing your everyday life, then there is cause for concern. Cat clinginess can sometimes be the result of anxiety issues, new household situations, or even health problems. Although, with the right care and action you can help reduce these potential issues. Signs Your Cat Is ClingyNew cat owners may find the distinction between a clingy cat and a normal cat hard to decipher. Therefore, below, you will find some common signs your cat is being overly clingy.
5 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Being So ClingyBelow, we will be looking into the five most common reasons behind your cat’s clinginess. 1. Separation Anxiety Cats can sometimes become overly clingy due to separation anxiety, or any other nervousness-related issue. While cats don’t typically experience separation anxiety as commonly as other animals, some sensitive cats can get anxiety through a manifestation of clinginess. To avoid separation anxiety in your cat, you’ll want to pander to them while they’re young. In most cases, it occurs as a result of feeling insecure or unprotected in their earlier lives. Frequent contact will help prevent this issue from arising. Like all animals, cats can benefit from lots of love and affection. Even if you’re out running errands, it’s recommended to keep your fur baby cuddled up and cozy, so they won’t miss you while you’re away. 2. Health Problems Cats can go to great lengths to conceal any injuries or sickness; however, not all domesticated cats will do this. On the contrary, some cats are quite expressive about it which can be translated into the form of clinginess – they’re looking for safety and help in their owner. If you think your cat’s clinginess is due to health problems, then you need to look out for signs of illness. Lack of appetite, seizures, weight loss, and lethargy are all common symptoms found in cats suffering from illness. If you’re concerned, look for these symptoms to determine if the clinginess correlates. Clinginess in older cats is extremely common as they begin to develop cognitive deficits. This includes your cat losing its coordination, hearing, sight, and other abilities. Here, clinginess takes the form of guidance. Although, having said that, not all clinginess is a cause for concern. For instance, female cats tend to become more clingy when first pregnant. Regardless of this, if you believe your cat to be experiencing health concerns, the best thing to do is seek professional advice and guidance from a veterinarian. 3. Stress Cats are routine animals. Any sudden stressful changes in their home environment can cause your cat to become clingy to regain a sense of normalcy. Whether there is a new visitor in the house, a storm happening outside, or a firework display taking place, your cat may look to you for protection. When determining whether or not your cat’s clinginess is caused by stress, the best way to do so is to understand the times at which they are clingy. If you notice infrequent and random bouts of clingy behavior, it is likely due to a common stressful event happening in the house. 4. New Family Member In some cases, the introduction of a new family member can cause your cat to become clingy from stress. As previously mentioned, cats detest change in their routines. Thus, a new family member is a huge shift in their routine that can cause your cat to become stressed and feel less appreciated. This is a much easier cause to detect in your cat. For instance, suppose your cat experienced a 180 change in behavior after meeting a new family member. In these cases, they are more likely to become clingy as a result of feeling less appreciated and more stressed due to a new family member. 5. Boredom While clinginess can be a sign of some serious health-related issue, sometimes, it can simply be a sign of boredom. Cats crave mental stimulation. Without it, they are forced to receive this mental stimulation elsewhere. If they’re bored, you can cling to them in the form of touching or trying to play with you in some way. Final Thoughths Unlike dogs, cats generally aren’t overly clingy animals; therefore, when they are it can sometimes be concerning. Whether they’re experiencing separation anxiety, health-related problems, stress, or even boredom, knowing what is triggering your cat's clinginess is beneficial for both you and your cat. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on why your cat is so clingy – so you can stop worrying and start enjoying some quality time with your furry pet. There’s no doubt that cats make our lives happier. Whether you own a little fluff ball of joy or you just like to google cat videos, they can instantly turn a frown upside down. Entertaining, loving, and often moody, it’s no surprise that we attribute human emotions to our feline friends. But, we mustn’t forget that they are another species. Cats are unique and act in very different ways to humans and other animals for that matter. That being said, if you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably found that your cat has some human-like characteristics, such as being sensitive, smart, outgoing, and friendly. But, can the same be said about physical traits? Do cats cough like humans? Do they sneeze like humans? Well, they certainly do many things similarly to humans, such as coughing and sneezing (the latter being super cute). So, cats must also hiccup, right? Well, the truth is, yes, cats can get hiccups, and like humans, they can come on at any age. However, they are more common in kittens. Let’s find out more about cats and hiccuping with our fun guide below. We will discuss why cats may hiccup, what they sound like, and look at ways which could help stop this annoying body “malfunction” for your cat. Can Cats Get Hiccups? If you have heard your cat making some unusual noises which sound a bit like hiccups, they probably have hiccups. Just like us and other mammals, cats experience these involuntary contractions of their diaphragms, too. Although cats can get hiccups, it’s more common in kittens. In the grand scheme of things, though, hiccuping is quite common and usually nothing to worry about. It’s very similar to when humans get hiccups. Yes, they’re annoying, but eventually, they will pass. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm and the muscles between the rib cage start to suddenly contract with force. Then, the glottis, which is a small flap that acts as protection of the airway whilst wallowing, closes, trapping any air inside. This is all involuntary, so once the process starts, there’s not much you or your cat can do about it. Because of these involuntary movements, it is believed that the nerve that runs to the diaphragm is irritated, leading to hiccups. Now, let’s discover what a cat’s hiccups sound like. Cat Hiccups: What Do They Sound Like?All of us have experienced, or at least heard someone else with hiccups. That sound is like nothing else. After all, it is named after the “hic” sound you make as your epiglottis closes and traps air, making you hiccup immediately. In cats, however, the sound of a hiccup is rather different from a human. Most of the time, a cat’s hiccup is closer in sound to a “chirp” or a “gulp.” If you want to hear a cat hiccuping, check out this video. As you can see, it's because the cat has been greedy and eaten too much, too quickly. Anyone else thinking of Garfield? Too much lasagna! What Causes a Cat to Hiccup?In most cases, hiccups are caused by the diaphragm contracting involuntarily, whilst the glottis simultaneously closes. As we mentioned above, this, in turn, is typically caused by irritation to the nerve that runs to the diaphragm. But, this involuntary action must occur for some reason. In cats, there are plenty of reasons why they may suddenly experience the onset of hiccups. The same applies to humans. The most common reasons tend to be:
Cats don’t tend to chew their food properly every time. Therefore, they end up swallowing additional air. This can then lead to spasm within their diaphragm. Hairballs are another common reason for hiccups in cats. As a cat’s throat attempts to dislodge the fur ball from within, it can often become irritated, leading to hiccups. If you notice that your cat has been hiccuping for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of something more serious, especially in older cats. Prolonged hiccups may be a symptom of asthma, heart disease, a tumor, or parasites. It could also be because of food allergies or foreign body ingestion. If you are concerned, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for a thorough checkup What is the Normal Length of Time of Cat Hiccups?In a healthy cat, the usual span of hiccups should never be longer than a day. Most of the time, the hiccups will disappear on their own. If you find that your cat gets hiccups regularly after eating, it is probably because of overeating or eating too quickly. However, you should still monitor them closely to ensure nothing too serious is present. If the hiccups last for longer than a day and become frequent, get your furry friend checked out by a veterinarian. Can You Stop Cat Hiccups? If you have ever experienced hiccups, someone has probably tried to scare or shock you to get rid of them. But, we do not recommend going down this route with your cat. Instead, simply offer them some water. The best method is to try and prevent the hiccups from occurring in the first place. Try to slow your cat’s eating habits. You can do this by using a puzzle feeder, or an automatic feeder. You can also try to push their wet food to the bottom of their food bowl. Once your cat starts to eat more slowly, there is a lower risk of them ingesting extra air and suffering from hiccups. And, you can also try to prevent hairballs by regularly brushing your cat (whether they like it or not). Try to make this a routine and after some time, you and your cat may start to enjoy the relaxation of it. In Summary Cats can get hiccups but, most of the time, they are completely harmless. On rare occasions, though, prolonged hiccups can be a sign of more serious health issues. Keep an eye on your cat’s hiccups to see if they are the result of a greedy cat or something possibly more serious. Bringing a new kitten into your home is always an extremely exciting time, but first-time cat ownership can also leave you brimming with questions, especially when it comes to figuring out how exactly to best take care of your new family member. But don’t worry, it’s not too difficult to learn how to care for your new kitten, just make sure you always seek advice if you need it! One of the most popular questions about kittens is how much do kittens sleep? When we think of kittens, we often picture them curled up and asleep, but is this always true? Learning how much sleep your kitten needs is essential to taking good care of them. So, if you’re unsure about how much sleep your new kitten needs, then read through our guide to learn everything you need to know about kittens and their sleep patterns! HOW MUCH SHOULD MY KITTEN BE SLEEPING?The reputation of kittens sleeping for large amounts of the day is actually true, so don’t worry if you think that your kitten is sleeping too much, as they need that sleep in order for them to grow! How much your kitten sleeps will depend on how old they are, as younger kittens will tend to sleep much more than a kitten that’s a few months old will, so don’t be too surprised when your young cat begins spending less and less time asleep. Typically, your kitten will spend anywhere between 16 to 20 hours sleep per day, so you’ll quite commonly find them asleep somewhere warm, but if you feel like your cat is exceeding that amount of sleep and you’re concerned, then don’t be afraid to take them to the vet, because even if nothing is wrong, at least you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that everything is okay. Between being a newborn and two weeks old, a kitten will average about 22 hours of sleep a day, and then from three weeks to a month, your cat’s senses will begin to develop, which is why they’ll tend to sleep a lot less. It’s at this point that they’ll sleep for around 18 hours a day, which is similar to an adult cat. It is worth noting that if your cat is asleep that you don’t disturb them too much, as this can have a detrimental effect on their health if it’s done repeatedly. So to recap, don’t be surprised if your kitten ends up spending a lot of the day and night sleeping, as it’s quite natural for them to sleep for anywhere up to 20 hours a day! But if you do feel like your kitten isn’t getting enough sleep you take them to the vet and get them checked over! Do Kittens Sleep At Night?Much like when you have a baby, it’s probably best to be somewhat realistic about whether or not your kitten is going to sleep overnight, of course, you would hope that they would simply get comfortable and sleep in the night just like we do, but the reality is that your kitten might find themselves awake in the night whilst you’re asleep. It’s also actually quite common for younger kittens to be awake during the later hours, so if you find that your kitten is awake overnight, then there’s no need to panic too much. Kittens do sleep a lot, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that this is done whilst you sleep too, so it's likely that there will be a period of time where you’re asleep and your kitten is actually wide awake! In fact, dusk and dawn are probably your cat’s most active hours, and when you factor in that your cat is in an entirely new environment, you have to give them some time to settle into your routine and sleeping hours! What Should I Do If My Kitten Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep?If you feel like your kitten isn’t sleeping enough, there are a few things that you can do to help boost their sleep, but a visit to the vet should also be the first thing you do. If the vet has given your kitten the all-clear but they still aren’t sleeping enough, then thankfully there are a few ways to help ensure that they’ll get the sleep they need. So try some of these steps to help your kitten sleep:
It is important that no matter how tempting it is, you don’t let your cat sleep in bed with you, as you may accidentally injure them if you move in your sleep! the sleeping patterns for a kittenKittens, much like human babies, require a lot of sleep. However, their sleep patterns differ quite a bit from mature cats. Here's a general overview of a kitten's sleeping patterns:
What should I do if my kitten isn’t sleeping enough?If you suspect your kitten isn't sleeping enough, it's essential to first determine whether there is genuinely a problem. Kittens are often very playful and curious, and during their awake periods, they can be incredibly active. However, there are some steps you can take and things to consider:
Remember, each kitten is unique. Some may naturally be more active than others. It's crucial to understand your kitten's individual personality and habits. If they seem healthy, are eating well, and are active and playful when awake, they are likely getting the rest they need, even if it seems less than expected. Does my kitten need to have their own bed?Kittens don't need their own bed, but they often benefit from having a designated safe and cozy space. Whether your kitten sleeps in its own bed or with you is a personal decision, and both options have pros and cons. Benefits of Providing a Bed for Your Kitten:
Benefits of Letting Your Kitten Sleep with You:
Things to Consider Before Letting Your Kitten Sleep with You:
A Compromise: Some cat owners choose to provide a cat bed in the bedroom, but not on their own bed. This way, the kitten is close by and can benefit from the bond and security while still having its designated space. Ultimately, the decision is personal. Some cat owners cherish the experience of snuggling with their feline companions at night, while others prefer to set boundaries from the start. Whatever you decide, make sure it works for both you and your kitten. How to get a kitten to sleep at nightGetting a kitten to sleep at night, or at least be more calm during nighttime hours, involves a combination of environmental manipulation, scheduling, and patience. Here are some steps to encourage your kitten to sleep during the night:
If you've tried multiple strategies and are still having difficulty, you might consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or a feline behaviorist to ensure there are no underlying health or behavioral issues. ConclusionOverall, it’s common for your kitten to sleep for most of the day and the night, especially when they’re still very young, and if your cat is struggling to sleep, then you can follow some of our helpful tips to help them out! |