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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other examples of special needs in cats include:

• Deafness
• Blindness 
• Entire immobility 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​I love my Daddy

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

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

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

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

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

I am going to attack his feet now!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​Kittens are tiny, adorable, and love to play with other cats and their owners! However, that entertaining and endearing behavior can become frustrating when it reaches midnight. 

The energy levels that little kittens have are unmatched, which can be a problem when you want to get to sleep, but they just want to play. 

If your new little addition to the family is getting in the way of your much-needed shut-eye, then you need to spend your day tiring them out. 

There are a number of ways you can do this, and this article is going to give you a few tips on tricks on how to do this properly! 

​Instead of only playing with your kitten once or twice a day, if your schedule allows, try and divide these play times into more frequent sessions for less time. 

Try playing with them around 4 to 6 times a day for around 20 minutes each time.

​Kittens have a lot of pent-up energy, and the best way to get rid of it is to allow them to exercise as much as possible - this means playtime! 

Socializing is very important for your kitten, so if you’re fortunate enough to work from home, allow them to be in the same room as you with enough toys, so they can entertain themselves but still be near you. 

​You really need to make these play sessions count in order to tire out your kitty. This means you need to play games that involve a lot of exercise and energy. 

This tires them out, but also bonds you together! You can try games such as hide and seek, fetch, using a feather wand, or teaching them tricks. 

​Cats are highly intelligent, and your kitten will display this too. Therefore, they need a good amount of mental stimulation in order to avoid them becoming bored and displaying destructive behavior. 

A good way to do this is to have them solve a food puzzle. You can purchase certain food bowls that have patterns and crevices within them.

​The food will fall within these crevices, and your kitty must work hard in order to retrieve it. 

There are puzzle food bowls for all levels of mental stimulation, so be sure you are purchasing one that is specifically for kittens, as you wouldn’t want to give them something that is too challenging for them. 

You can also purchase other kinds of games that adhere to their hunting instincts, such as treasure hunt games. 

​Walking your cat is not the first thing cat owners think of, but allowing your kitten to explore the outdoors (once the vet deems them fit to do so), is a great way to satisfy their curiosity and get the exercise they need. 

If you feel uneasy about the idea of your cat exploring on their own, then you can get them a cat leash and take them for a walk around the neighborhood. 

It is important to note that some cats will not like this and will hate using a leash, but others will welcome it. 

Begin to slowly introduce their harness to them and lay some treats around it, so they can have a positive association with it.

​Then, you can put them in their harness, but let them wander around the house for a few days with it on, so they can get used to the feel of it on them. 

When you feel they are ready to brave the outdoors, start slowly by allowing them to wander around your front door. If your home has an outdoor porch, this is even better! 

Allowing your kitten to go outside with a leash will allow them to explore and burn off some of that energy while taking you with them! 

​If your budget allows it, then you could consider getting a second kitten. This is especially useful if you work long hours. 

The two kittens will play, wrestle, chase each other, and most importantly, tire each other out! You’ll soon find them both cuddling together for a good sleep in no time. 

You also won’t need to feel guilty about leaving your kitten home alone, as this new buddy will keep her/him company.

However, this does not mean that you no longer need to make the effort to play with them.

​While they have each other, they will both need mental stimulation, and above all, attention from you in order for you all to bond. 

​You should be feeding your kitten small meals throughout the day at regular intervals, around 6 times a day. 

Like humans, once they eat, they can become sleepy, so if you find that your kitten has a lot of pent-up energy at night, you should consider delaying their last feed until just before you go to bed. 

This means they’ll be finishing their dinner just as you’re getting into bed, so they’ll likely want to sleep straight after this! They may also follow you into bed, so you’ll find yourself with a new little cuddle buddy! 

​To conclude, kittens are tiny little balls of energy, and while this behavior is very cute, it can interfere with your sleep. 

However, there’s no need to feel frustrated, as all your little newcomer needs is some good energy burning throughout the day. 

As we’ve discussed, kittens need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, which they can get from several different games and enough play time from their owners. 

You could also consider getting them a leash and harness, and letting them explore the outdoors with you by their side. 

Lastly, if you work long hours and spend a lot of time away from home, you could consider bringing home another kitten as a buddy. 

Your two cats will play together and fall asleep together, providing each other with enough energy-burning activity to last a lifetime! 

​Cats have something of a reputation for being solitary, aloof animals who are perfectly happy enjoying their own company, and who prefer to eschew the affections and attention of others.

​But is this really true, or do cats enjoy the company of other cats, and of humans? We took a closer look into the psyche of cats to help us understand more about them.

​Cats are generally regarded as solitary creatures, but there’s no denying that they like to be around people, and even other cats.

They may not seek out human companionship on a regular basis, but they will accept it when offered. In fact, many cat owners report that their pets seem happier with other cats than with their owners!

The reason for this apparent contradiction in behavior is simple: while cats prefer to hunt and eat alone, they are, for the most part, social animals.

They need the company of other cats to feel safe and secure, and they also enjoy interacting with other species.

​This means that they can get lonely without other cats, just as we can get lonely without our friends and family.

​Despite the reputation for preferring solitude, cats don’t always want to be alone. Many cats enjoy spending time with their owners, and some even enjoy playing games with them.

If you play fetch with your cat, for example, she might actually enjoy having her favorite toy thrown for her, rather than simply chasing after it herself.

​Even if she doesn’t actively participate in these activities, she still enjoys watching them from the sidelines and will be happy just to be in your company and sharing your space.

​There are several factors that influence how sociable a particular cat is, and these include:

Personality

Personality plays a major role in how sociable your furry friend is. A shy cat may find interaction with another cat intimidating, whereas an outgoing cat may welcome the chance to interact with other cats.

Personality traits such as boldness, curiosity, and independence all contribute to whether a cat is likely to approach new situations and make new friends.

Age

As cats age, they can often become less active and playful, so younger cats tend to be more sociable than older ones.

However, this isn’t always the case and is not a hard and fast rule - as you are likely to have experienced yourself, older cats can be just as friendly as young kittens, and vice versa.

​As a rule, however, you can expect kittens to be the most sociable, curious age group.

Breed

Some breeds of cats are naturally more sociable than others, and this includes domestic short hairs, Maine Coons, Persian cats, Siamese cats, and Abyssinian cats.

These breeds tend to be very affectionate and friendly, even towards strangers, and they often enjoy playing with other cats.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and environment can also play a key role in how sociable your cat is, though again, this is not a hard and fast rule.

As an example, if you live in a busy household, where there are lots of people coming and going, your cat may be less inclined to spend time with you or other members of the household, preferring to find peace and solitude where they can to escape the everyday chaos.

​Conversely, if you live in a quiet home, with little traffic outside, then your cat may be more likely to enjoy being around other cats.

If you think your cat needs a bit more attention, try giving him a treat every day, or play with him regularly. You could also consider getting him a kitten buddy to keep him company.

​The best way to encourage your cat to get along better with other animals is to provide plenty of opportunities for socialization.

​This means exposing your cat to different types of people and places and encouraging her to explore new environments.

It is also important to ensure that you socialize new cats properly, and there are a number of steps you can take to achieve this, including:

Introduce Your New Friends Carefully

When introducing two cats together, it is essential that both cats are introduced at the same time, and in the same place.

It is also helpful to introduce them slowly, by leaving one cat in a room while the other comes into view.

Once your cat has had a good look at the newcomer, he should be allowed to come closer, before finally approaching each other.

Keep Them Separated Until They Trust Each Other

You should never allow your cats to be alone together until they trust, or at least tolerate, each other.

If you do this, you will avoid any potential problems later on down the line, and reduce the risk of one cat becoming injured through a fight.

Give Them Time Together

It is important to allow your cats to spend some quality time together, rather than rushing things. Give them time to get used to each other, and don’t force them to interact too soon.

Playtime is vital for bonding between cats, and it is important to give them regular opportunities to engage in games and activities together.

Try Not To Force Socialization

Socializing your cat doesn’t mean she has to become friends with everyone who crosses her path.

In fact, it is usually best to avoid forcing your cat to interact with unfamiliar people, as this can lead to aggression or panic.

​Instead, focus on providing her with positive experiences, such as spending time with family members, and allowing her to meet new people gradually.

​Despite their reputation for solitude, many cats do in fact experience loneliness if they do not have other cats around.

​Managing these relationships can be tricky, but making sure that you have the basics in place in the early days will help ensure that your kitties live in harmony for years to come.

​For many animals that we can keep as pets, keeping them in a cage at night has many useful benefits including teaching them discipline, taming them if they’re a bit restless and also to just provide a safe space that can leave a pet feeling more comfortable around the house and with their owner.

Kittens however are a unique case since while they will soon grow up to the independent and territorial grown cats that we all know and love, when they are kittens they can be much more irritable or sometimes upset when left alone for too long. 

If you are thinking of keeping a kitten in a cage at night to keep them secure and safe, here are a few things that every owner should always consider first. 

​Kittens who are up to a year old are perfectly safe to keep in a cage at night, in fact it is very common among cat owners especially for kittens who love nothing more than roaming around their new environment.

As a pet owner, the idea of keeping your small companion locked up overnight can seem cruel, however there are actually a good number of benefits of using these capsules when it's time to go to bed.

Litter Box Training 

Not only do kittens love roaming around, they also won’t hesitate to leave behind any nasty surprises around the house for when you get up in the morning.

This is because kittens have immature bladders and bowels and while more mature cats can sometimes have trouble with their bodily functions, it's even worse for kittens.

If you keep their cage close to a litter tray, this will quickly train your cat where and how to relieve themselves when they need to and can usually only take 3-4 weeks depending on how disciplined the kitten is. 

Improved Sleeping

Kittens are known for being restless, so keeping them in the routine of going into a cage with comfortable bedding at night can help them develop a sleeping routine.

The first year of a kitten's life is when they are most formative and where they will begin to frame their behavior and characteristics based on what they see and understand around them. 

When they learn that the nighttime is time for sleeping and they recognize that their cage is their personal spot for resting during the end of the day, it can massively improve kittens sleeping patterns and allows them to feel more refreshed and energized when they wake up the morning after which is important for keeping them healthy.

Bonding Between A Kitten And Its Mother 

While a kitten is very formative in their first year, there is no one they will copy more from than their mother which can help them bond much easier since after giving birth the mother will often be too exhausted to move very far so a cage keeps them together a lot more.

By simply being around their mothers, kittens can learn how to take care of themselves, how to clean themselves, what to eat and in general how to survive as a cat which actually saves a lot of time for the owner.

The mother will need time to themselves to exercise and roam around independently in the day which also makes the cage great for encouraging that bonding time between the kitten and mother in the night time.

Stopping A Kitten From Chewing 

Similar to young dogs, there’s not much that kittens love more than having a good chew on whatever they find whether it be shoes or even the sofa.

Many kittens will enjoy chewing on random objects while they’re teething but can even do it well into adulthood when they are restless or bored.

A cage can quickly teach a kitten not to chew around the house so they won’t get into the habit when they grow older.

​It can even be a good idea to put just a small chew toy in their cage with them just in case they get that itch but you don’t want them finding a snack around the house.

​Putting a kitten safely into a cage so that they can learn how to be disciplined and sensible is a great way to encourage them to grow out of the many bad habits that come with being young, however there are a few very important points to consider when using this method overnight.

Choose The Right Size

While at first it can seem like the best idea to get a smaller crate for your miniature feline companion, it’s often a better option to get a medium to large sized cave only because you will need to fit in bowls, bedding and any toys into the cage, along with allowing enough space for exercise which is vital for kittens.

Make It As Comfortable As Possible

You want your kitten to see the cage as a safe space, which is why placing a small kitty condo or cushy bed is the perfect way to keep them comfortable and relaxed.

This is important because the steel and isolated design of cages can sometimes make kittens feel anxious, so allowing them to rest easy is very important.

Respect Your Cats Wishes 

While there are multiple benefits to keeping a kitten in a cage overnight, if you find that they are being very resistant or if they scream, shout or flee when close to the cage, don’t force them in as this can only make them feel even more uneasy. 

If you’re finding it hard to make them comfortable, try spritzing the cage with synthetic feline pheromone to make them feel a bit less stressed and more at ease. 

​Keeping kittens in a cage overnight is a great way to teach them discipline and keep them from chewing up the house, just always make sure you make it as comfortable and accessible as possible so they don't end up getting too stressed or restless.

​If you are feeding your cat one brand of wet food and another brand of dry food, you might want to reconsider.

A lot of people think that mixing up the brands is fine and some people believe it is best to stick with one brand.

Conversely, there are some benefits to switching around brands, such as getting a variety of nutrients and trying out new flavours, but there are also risks associated with doing so.

​In general, cats prefer to eat the same brand of food over and over again, especially when it comes to dry foods. Switching brands could upset their eating habits and make some sensitive cats less likely to eat. 

​If you do decide to switch brands, keep in mind that the ingredients in each brand are slightly different.

Some cheaper brands contain additives that aren’t safe for cats, like corn syrup, artificial colours, and preservatives.

Also, some brands come in larger bags this makes it easy to give your cat too much food. Overfeeding is dangerous because it leads to obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and even death.

As far as how often you should switch up the brands, experts recommend sticking with one brand for the majority of the week. However, every once in awhile it’s okay to try something else.

​For example, if you go away for a few days, you can introduce a new brand of food for your cat. But don’t stop feeding the old brand entirely; you could try mixing it in. 

​You can also experiment with different types of food. Dry food doesn’t always taste good to cats, so you may want to try canned food or frozen treats.

Your cat may enjoy the crunchy texture of freeze-dried dog food. Or maybe he loves chicken nuggets as an occasional treat. 

​Whatever it is, find out what your cat likes and start experimenting with different kinds of food.

​Certain studies have found that cats become less picky about their diets over time.

Researchers observed that kittens' preferences shifted toward one type of food over another, while adult cats showed little interest in switching brands.

In fact, some cats become completely indifferent to certain foods if their food is changed regularly. 

However, some cats favour certain foods making it difficult to change brands.

​This shift likely happens because cats develop a taste for a particular flavour or texture, and once they like it, they don't want to try anything else.

So how do you help your cat overcome his pickiness? If she likes wet food, rotate her favourites initially before introducing new brands.

You could even give her a few different types of canned food and let her choose which she wants each night.

If your cat doesn't seem to care much for any brand, consider giving her a variety of treats rather than relying solely on one. As long as you're offering something she likes, she'll probably eat it.

​A recent study found that cats fed a mixture of dry foods had better overall health than those fed a single brand.

​Researchers believe that cats are less likely to suffer from digestive issues because different types of food stimulate different parts of the stomach.

They also found that cats fed a variety of foods had fewer cases of urinary tract infections.

The study involved 200 cats, most of whom lived outside. All of the animals received a similar amount of exercise.

Half of them are three different brands of wet food every day, while the others ate one brand exclusively.

After six months, researchers checked the cats' weight, blood pressure, heart rates, urine samples and faecal matter.

They discovered that cats who ate a mix of dry foods weighed less, had lower blood pressures and a healthier metabolism. Additionally, they were less prone to developing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Contrary to popular belief, many types of allergy are caused by introducing too many different allergens into the body. This is why it is important to introduce a variety of foods into your cat’s diet.

Some cats do better eating one type of food while others do better eating another. By providing your pet with a range of diets, you will ensure that he does not develop allergies to certain foods.

Of course you will want to check and make sure that your cat doesn’t have any food sensitivities before changing food.

If you suspect that your cat has developed a food sensitivity, there are several ways to test your theory. One method involves giving your pet a small amount of the suspected food and observing how he responds.

​Another option is to use a blood test. These tests measure levels of specific proteins associated with the development of food allergies.

​You can change the wet cat food brand without changing the ingredients because there are many different types of wet foods for cats that are similar. 

However, depending on your cat's health and age, you may want to gradually transition over a week or more, just like you would do with dry food, to ensure no digestive problems occur.

Does the temperature of food make a difference as to whether our cats will have digestive upset or not? When comparing refrigerated options to room-temperature food, we found that some cats prefer the latter.

​As long as you don't keep the food too cold, you won't cause any negative effects on your cat's digestion. Simply let the food sit out for about 15 minutes before feeding it to your pet.

If you're having trouble finding a specific type of wet food, try looking online. Many stores offer free shipping for purchases over $25.

​There are many different brands of cat food available today. It is important to choose a brand that fits your cat's needs and is no harm in switching it up if needed. 

​Remember to always consult your veterinarian first before making changes to your cat's diet. Your vet knows what kind of food is right for your cat based on their medical history and current condition.

​Cats have an incredible sense of hearing thanks to their superb ears which can allow them to hear frequencies three times higher than that of humans, however also similar to humans they use their ears for other purposes including regulating their body temperature. 

A cat's ears can therefore be a good indicator of how healthy a cat is and if it has picked up any illnesses which will in turn affect its body temperature, so it’s never a bad idea to lightly touch your cat's ears to see how they are feeling and is why it's always important for any owner to know what their cats ear temperature means for their overall health. 

If you find that your cat's ears are a little warmer than usual, here is everything you need to know and if you should be alarmed. 

A cat's ear temperature will adjust to their surroundings, as well as how active they are in that environment.

For example if they are running around and exercising in the sun or even lounging around by a windowsill as the heat shines down, it is very normal for their ears to get warm or even hot.

Therefore, if you find that your cat's ears are a little warm, this is nothing to worry about and simply means that their body is adjusting to the temperature around them.

​It is also important to remember that a cat's natural body temperature is several degrees hotter than a humans so while this warmth may feel a little odd to the human touch, to cats it is perfectly suited to their body.

​Majority of the time your cat will be completely healthy when they have warm ears and simply means that they are just adjusting their body temperature to their surroundings, however if you do want to cool them down a bit just in case they get a little too hot the go-to solution is to provide a good amount of ventilation near their usual resting spot. 

Even if they go to do some exercise in the garden, a cat will almost always return to its favorite spot so keeping this area cool with a few bowls of water around is guaranteed to keep them chilled out. 

If you find that your cat has warm ears then it is not a sign of concern especially if they are as energetic or lazy as they usually are and are not acting anxious or irritable.

If however you find that your cat's ears are quite hot and that they also have a few other symptoms of having an illness, it can indicate that they may be sick. These symptoms include:
​

• Rapid breathing 
• Vomiting 
• Arched posture 
• Loss of appetite 
• Diarrhea 

If you are really worried that your cat's ears are too hot or if they seem a little too warm despite the environment and temperature being a bit colder or mild, check the cat's stomach and underarms first.

If these feel hot too, then this can be a sign that the cat has a fever since they will experience this throughout the entire body. 

Additionally, rather than checking the temperature of your cat's ears, a clearer way to tell if they are ill  is not by checking the temperature but by either looking in the ear or paying attention to how much your cat is scratching them.

​Otitis externa is a common infection of the outer ear that many cats can pick up as they grow older, however they could also simply have ear mites or a yeast infection. 

If a cat does have an ear infection of some kind they will often rub the ear much more than normal which can make it red but also quite hot, so if you notice your cat is doing this a lot it could be a good idea to just get them checked by a vet to make sure they are healthy.

​The bottom line is that if you find that your cats ears a little on the warmer side, this is not a huge cause for concern and is completely normal especially when the temperatures are a lot higher outside or even in the house, however there are a few other reasons that are a bit more rare for why a cat's ears could heat up.

One is that they are experiencing sunstroke which can lead to them constantly panting to try and regulate their temperature.

As humans, we have sweat glands in almost every part of our body making it easy to cool down when the warm weather arrives, however cat’s only have a few of these glands in their feet and nose, as well as having big coats of fur which can make them quite susceptible to sunstroke.

The best way to cool your cat down if they might be experiencing sunstroke is to keep them in a well ventilated area of the house and provide easy access to drinking water.

Warm or hot ears can also be the sign of an allergy especially if the ears have a red appearance.

​Unlike us humans who will cough and sneeze when responding to an allergy, cats will instead have parts of their appearance change and redden and this is especially the case with their ears.

Common cat allergens that can lead to red hot ears include fleas, a food in their diet or even simply dust or particles, so as soon as you notice what the allergy is, keep it as far from your feline companion as possible. 

​Warm ears are nothing to be worried about when it comes to cats, just make sure the ears themselves are not red and that your cat doesn’t have any other symptoms alongside them as this could indicate they might have a fever or infection.  

​Cats are known for being independent creatures who don't always want to follow orders, prefer to run their own life, and have no time for anyone who gets in their way.

​But are they really lazy, or are they just misunderstood? We took a closer look.

​Cats are often seen as lazy because they spend their time sleeping or lounging around instead of working.

In reality, cats are highly intelligent animals who enjoy playing games and solving puzzles. They also love exploring new places and meeting new people.

The reputation for laziness comes from the fact that cats like to be left alone when they're not busy doing something else.

This is why they can sometimes seem uninterested in interacting with humans and can earn them a reputation for being lazy.

But it's important to remember that cats aren't lazy by nature; they're simply individuals who choose to do what makes them happy.

​If you give your cat plenty of space and freedom to explore, he'll probably find ways to keep himself entertained.

​There can be a few indicators that you have found yourself a lazy feline, and these include:

Being Reluctant To Play With Other Cats

If your cat seems reluctant to play with other cats, this could mean he doesn't get along well with others.

He may feel threatened by another cat's presence, which could make him shy away from social situations.

If, however, your feline shows no obvious signs of fear, intimidation, or wariness, then a lack of interest in socializing could simply be down to one thing: good old-fashioned laziness.

Spending More Time Sleeping Than Playing

Another sign of laziness is spending more time sleeping than playing.

It's normal for cats to sleep up to 16 hours a day, but if your pet spends most of his waking hours asleep, there might be an underlying reason.

If you have any concerns, always contact your vet to alleviate any worries, but if your kitty receives a clean bill of health, they may just be a lazy bones!

Not Showing Interest In New Things

Your cat may not show any interest in new things, such as toys, treats, or even food.

This could be due to boredom, but it could also indicate that your cat has become accustomed to certain routines and activities.

​If your cat isn't interested in anything new, it could be because he's bored with the same old routine, so try adding something new to help liven them up and get their mind active and curious.

​You can encourage your cat to be more active by introducing new experiences into their lives. For example, you could take them on walks every morning, or offer them a variety of different foods to eat.

These small changes will hopefully lead to bigger ones, helping your cat develop a more active lifestyle. Some key options to try and make your cat more active include:

Try New Toys

Cats love to play, and they don't need much encouragement to start having fun.

Try giving your cat a toy that they haven't played with before, or introduce them to a brand-new game. 
Other ways to keep your cat active include:

Introduce Them To Different Foods

Cats are naturally carnivores, meaning that they prefer meat to vegetables - but this does not mean that their diet has to be dull and repetitive.

Introducing them to a wider range of foods will help them gain a broader diet, which will, in turn, increase their energy levels.

Play Games Together

Playing games together is a great way to spend some quality time with your cat. They'll enjoy being able to interact with you, and this can help you to bond, as well as keep them active.

Make Sure They Get Plenty Of Fresh Air

Fresh air is essential for keeping your cat healthy, especially when it comes to its respiratory system.

​A lot of cats suffer from asthma, so ensuring that they're getting plenty of fresh air each day will help prevent this condition from developing.

You should also ensure that your home is kept free of allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and dander.

​Another factor that can play a key role in making cats appear lazy is that they tend to enjoy getting plenty of sleep - on average, cats will sleep for around 14 hours each night, though many will exceed this figure!

It is important to note, however, that if your cat is constantly tired, this could be a sign that they're suffering from stress or anxiety, or another health issue is present.

​If you notice that your cat is struggling to stay awake during the day, it could be worth checking out why they're feeling exhausted - your vet will be able to provide advice on how best to address these issues.

You can ensure that your kitty gets enough sleep by ensuring that they have access to a comfortable bed and that they receive regular exercise and stimulation to move their body and keep their mind sharp and active.

​If your cat appears to be lazy, then it's likely that they're simply doing what comes naturally to them.

However, if you suspect that there is a deeper cause behind their apparent lack of activity, then it's important that you seek professional medical assistance.

​If your feline friend comes back with a clean bill of health, then you can rest assured that your cat simply enjoys a slower pace of life - and there is nothing the matter with that!

​There are a number of undeniable advantages to owning a cat; you benefit from unconditional love, a furry friend on the end of your bed, and a constant companion to greet you when you walk through the door after a long day.

​There are, however, some less-than-savory elements to cat ownership: and this includes disposing of their poop when they are done.

Fortunately for you, we have put together all you need to know about disposing of cat poop safely and effectively - and in a way that minimizes the smell and general unpleasantness of the task!

​When dealing with cat feces, there are a number of methods of elimination that are best avoided - but too many cat owners will still use these as their preferred method of disposal. 

Some of the main ways to not dispose of cat poop include:

Don't Flush It

It is important to resist the temptation to flush cat waste - no matter how logical this method may appear.

There are a number of products that claim to be biodegradable and flushable, but even these should be avoided - flushing cat litter can have a number of unwanted consequences, including clogging up drains, causing flooding, or overflowing toilets, and creating an environmental hazard.

In addition, both cat poop and cat litter will contain pathogens and toxins that are harmful, and this includes substances such as Toxoplasma, which can cause serious health problems if ingested by humans, and cause a lot of damage to sea and marine life.

These pathogens cannot be filtered and removed by municipal waste plants, meaning that they will make their way back into waterways and cause serious health hazards and risks to wildlife and humans.

Don't Compost It

Once again, there are certain brands of cat litter that claim to be safe to compost, but this is not a good idea for the most part.

The reason why is because cats produce a large amount of urine, which contains ammonia, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and other compounds that can create a toxic environment within your compost bin.

This means that it's better to avoid composting any form of cat litter at all, rather than risking the potential harm that could come from doing so.

Don't Bury It

This is another common practice amongst pet owners who don't want to deal with the mess associated with disposing of cat poo.
​
​Burying cat waste can cause the toxins mentioned to leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, and also creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and parasites.

​There are several options available for disposing of cat poop, and each has its own pros and cons. Here are just a few of the more popular ones:

Send It To Landfill

The first option is to simply send your cat's waste to a landfill, scooping the poop into a bag and placing it into your bin for collection to be taken to landfill.

While this may seem wasteful, you can reduce your environmental impact by choosing bags that are biodegradable - this will boost the chances of the waste breaking down properly, and will reduce the rubbish that is sent to landfill.

Choose A Sustainable Litter Box

Another option is to choose a sustainable litter box that is made from recycled materials and is designed to break down quickly once it reaches landfills, and the litter box has reached the end of its life. 

​If you're looking for some tips on how to clean up after your cat, then here are some helpful hints!

Use A Good Scoop

A good scoop is a crucial piece of kit when it comes to cleaning your cat's tray; the right scoop will allow you to remove any solid sections, leaving the clean litter intact, and this will save you money and avoid waste.

Make Sure You Use Enough Litter

It's important to use enough litter in your cat's tray, as well as to make sure that you change out the litter regularly.

If you do not have enough litter in your tray, this will encourage your cat to go elsewhere to relieve itself.

Clean Your Cats Tray Regularly

Cleaning your cat's tray is an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and happy, and it should be done every day. Make sure that you keep your cat's litter clean, and that you replace the litter frequently.

Wash Your Hands

You should always wash your hands before handling your cat's waste, as this will prevent the spread of diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), as well as help to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Keep Litter Trays Away From Food And Drink

Your cat's litter tray should never be placed near food or drink containers, as this can lead to contamination of both.

​Your cat is also unlikely to eat their food or drink if it is too close to their litter tray, as they may find it unpleasant.

Avoid Using Chemicals

Chemical cleaners can damage your cat's sensitive skin, and they can also contain chemicals that are harmful to humans.

Instead, try using natural products like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and water. Natural products are often safer for your cat than chemical products, and they can also be less expensive. 

Feed Your Cat The Right Diet

When feeding your cat, make sure that you give them the best diet possible. This will ensure that they stay healthy and active throughout their lives.

​Foods such as wet foods, dry foods, raw meats, and canned foods all provide different nutrients to your cat, so make sure that you feed them something appropriate for their age and health needs.

​It is important to take care when disposing of your cat's waste and to ensure that you follow these guidelines to avoid causing harm to yourself or others.

​By following these steps, you will be able to dispose of your cat's waste safely and effectively, keeping everyone safe, happy, and healthy.

​While some will say that cats cannot be considered ‘romantic’ animals especially with how independent they are in nature, they are certainly affectionate and can grow a close attachment not just with their human owner, but also with other cats.

Cats are also known to mate fairly frequently compared to many other animals, but are they as faithful to one partner?

​Or are cats a little more mischievous than we once thought? We’ve taken a look into this long pondered question to get to the bottom of if cats mate for life, or if a one night stand is more their style.

​As nice as it would be to imagine cats having a romantic partner to grow old together and have kids with, unfortunately the reality is that cats do not mate for life and instead will breed numerous times with different partners. 

While many species of birds are monogamous and will seek out a partner for life, the majority of mammals are not with only a handful of species finding the right partner to mate with for the majority of their life. 

During a mating season or heat cycle, female cats will be sired by multiple males during this period which is why a litter of kittens will often have various fathers. 

In fact, cats will usually wander off and potentially never see each other again after mating and the male will provide no support for the kittens when they are born or during the period where the female is pregnant.

​Both cats have also been known to fight right after mating, as if it couldn't get any less romantic. 

 If you’ve ever heard the expression ‘Out catting around’ it refers to the behavior of cats who love to find a mate when it’s the right time of year to mate and never see again, so unfortunately there will be no stories of cats finding their long lost love any time soon. 

​The main reason cats will part ways almost immediately after mating in most scenarios is because they simply will have no emotional attachment to others after mating.

For cats, sex is distressingly hormonal, and it actually goes against their regular behaviours and typical nature.

Cats are known for being hostile or at least not very friendly with cats that they don’t know, and usually if it's a feline they haven’t grown up with from birth who they haven’t been forced to live with by their owner, they usually won’t get along with any cats at all.

This is why getting to the point of mating and being so personal with another cat can be out of character for them, so they won’t choose to stay around and will prefer to split and live on their own.

Cats also prefer to live solo simply because they don’t have a social survival strategy or pack mentality such as wolves for example who will arrange themselves in big groups and value loyalty and bonds.

​In contrast, cats are far more territorial and like to be alone a lot of the time, however if they spend too much time away from seeing other cats or if they are alone as a kitten, this can cause them to become upset from being too lonely on some occasions. 

​When a female or male cat is ready to mate, they will let out a high pitched noise known as caterwauling.

At first this noise can be quite alarming, like an unusually loud meow that sounds as if the cat is in distress or pain, however it is the most common way for cats to attract a mate, especially the females.

Once a female cat's callings catch the attention of a male, he will approach the female and begin slowly circling around her.

​Other signs that both cats are about to mate is if they are rubbing their heads against their fur or are carefully patting the head of the other. 

​While cats will not maintain a romantic partnership with one another after mating, they can stay around each other for a few hours to a few days to keep mating, this is especially common when a cat is in heat or going through puberty. 

Both cats will often mate several times during these periods and can even mate with the same partner up to 20 times in a day, however this can also be with multiple other cats throughout the day.

A common occurrence that many female cat owners come across however is when a male cat is continuously roaming around the female to mate again but the female is tired or not really in the mood.

​When this is the case, she will often entirely ignore the male or will even flatten their body on their side to signal that they don’t want to be mounted. 

​While it’s impossible to know exactly how many mating partners a cat will have throughout their very secret love life, it is know that in the mating seasons female cats can mate with anywhere up to 50 tomcats, who are sexually mature unsterilized males. 

This is of course until the cat gets pregnant as it is not guaranteed they will get pregnant each time they mate, cats will instead usually mate with multiple cats over a few days when in heat or mating season and are then most likely to become pregnant.

​While we can often see cats as the independent loner animals that prefer their own company most of the time, this is also the case when it comes to partners so while cats will certainly mate a lot throughout their life, it is never with the same partner so don’t expect any cat equivalent of Romeo & Juliet. 

​For those of us who have a dog around the house, we know how irritable they can get when there is thunder and lightning outside and it can take a long while before they calm down again, however while this is well known with dogs does thunder affect cats in the same way?

There are many differences between the two animals including how heightened their senses are and how they react when in a frightened state, so their reactions to what’s going on around them can vary quite a bit and this includes their reaction to thunder.

We have taken a deep dive into if and why cats may be scared of thunder, and what the best method of calming them down is. 

​Because of how bright, loud and sudden thunder is paired with how good a cat's hearing is, they will commonly get frightened from thunder just as they can from heavy gusts of wind or rain storms.

While cats are often seen as the more independent pets that will proudly strut around the house, thunder will often cause them a lot of anxiety.

​This goes the same for all types of cats, there are no variants that are more resistant to the sound of thunder than others.

Because pets such as cats are not trained to know that typically thunder will strike with a loud bang after lightning, it can easily catch them off guard and put them into an anxious state with recent studies even suggesting that cats will start feeling uneasy an hour or two before the thunder even strikes as they react to a change in barometric pressure.

Cats will usually react in a much different manner to the sound of thunder than dogs who will usually start barking and become really restless as long as it lasts.

Cats will instead show their fear by hiding under the furniture or a bed or even hiding in the closet until the thunder stops completely. 

Because of their ability to detect a sudden fall in atmospheric pressure thanks to their ears, cats can even start to hide away an entire hour before the storm even starts.

​The good news is that this fear of thunder will not develop into a phobic stage as it does with dogs between 5 to 9 years where it can create a phobia of harsh weather in general, cats will instead simply wait out the storm and come out of hiding when they feel comfortable to roam around again. 

Therefore, while cats will not make their fear and anxiety of thunder as visible and apparent as dogs, they will almost always be bothered by the noise so it's important to help them feel as comfortable as possible until the storm is over. 

​While they may not make it obvious, thunder is incredibly stressful for cats so if you know a storm is around the corner, try to keep them as calm and comfortable as possible until they can roam around freely again. 

​It is common knowledge that dogs are protective of their owners, but what about cats? 

There’s a stereotype that cats are aloof and standoffish, but cats are social creatures who enjoy spending time with their favorite humans. They can also be just as protective of their owners as dogs can. 

Previous research has shown that the relationship between cats and humans is almost identical to bonds between humans. So, this begs the question, do cats have protective tendencies? 

Cats are territorial and observant, so when you notice them quietly perched in their favorite spot, they’re likely to be paying very close attention to what is around them in order to protect themselves and their owners. 

While we may romanticize our cats coming to our rescue, if they do protect their owners, it is more out of instinct. 

​Interestingly, cats prefer to avoid physical confrontation.

They will puff up and arch their backs if they feel threatened, but this is done in order to send signals to their offender in order to reduce the risk of getting into a physical altercation. 

Their natural response is also to flee from threatening situations, especially if the threat is physically bigger than them. 

However, that does not mean to say that a cat will not defend its owner. If they were to see them being physically attacked, some cats may have their ‘fight’ instinct awoken.

​They could begin to bite, scratch, or hiss at the attacker. 

It is important to note that this behavior may not be instigated in all cats. This will depend on the individual cat, and the situation itself. 

​Some cats may be very protective of their owners, to the point that they display aggressive behavior too much of the time. 

If your cat is showing signs of being overprotective, then pay attention to your surroundings, so you can determine what is causing them to feel threatened.  

If they are in protection mode, they may have pointed ears, and dilated eyes. Their stance will appear crouched, and their tail may be making sharp and quick movements. 

You may also notice they have exposed their teeth and claws, and they may begin to hiss and growl. 

​A cat that is protective, is a cat living in fear, and this can be very distressing for both you and your kitty. 

When they go into their protective mode, you must treat them calmly in order to reduce their aggression. 

You should never approach your cat when they become protective, as this could lead to them attacking you.

Always avoid rewarding them for this behavior, as positive reinforcement will show them that this behavior is acceptable. 

You should also never back away in fear, as this will give your cat the idea that they have power over you. The best thing to do, is ignore them and go about the rest of your day.

If you do this, your cat will eventually calm themselves down, especially as they see there is no danger around them. 

​It is your cat’s instinct to sense when danger is nearby, as in their need to go on the defense when they feel threatened. 

As mentioned earlier, cats are very observant and are always looking and sensing what is going on around them - this can be seen as their own way of protecting you. 

However, it is important to remember that cats do not think like we do. Their protective tendencies are more a way of their own survival, rather than protecting you. 

They know you are their food-provider, so they know you need to survive too. Therefore, you should not expect your cat to act like a guard dog, and you should ensure that your home is safe in other ways. 

Do Cats Protect You While You Sleep? 

Have you wondered why your cat sleeps by your feet, as opposed to on your belly or by your head? This is because they are protecting themselves, and you. 

Cats know they are vulnerable while they sleep, and sleeping at the foot of the bed gives them the best view of the room in order to sense any potential dangers. 

In the case of any intruders or danger, this position is perfect as the cat is able to become alert, and then escape or alert you about what is going on.
​

When we think of cats, we typically associate them as quiet balls of fur that like nothing better than cuddling up next to the fireside?

​So why has your usually quiet and reserved feline friend suddenly become a fierce ball of energy, darting around the house incessantly? 

If this has happened recently, you’re probably wondering what the cause might be, especially if your cat is no longer a kitten. It is normally a regular old case of the zoomies, where your cat is expelling pent up energy, but it can be sometimes linked to other causes too. 

If you want to find out more about your cat's recent bursts of energy, keep reading, as we take a look below.

Usually, as we touched on briefly above, you can safely presume that your cat's recent hyperactivity is due to some pent up energy that they’re harboring. Depending on the age of your cat, those that are of a younger age may be more hyperactive than those who are older. 

Older cats can still get the ‘zoomies’ however, when they haven’t had enough play time during the day. If they haven’t had the opportunity to exercise, this pent up energy will come out in the evening time, when they should be relaxing.

Medical Causes

Although not often, medical causes may be responsible for your cat being hyperactive. One of the most common disorders attached to this is when there is too much of the thyroid hormone being produced. Medically this is called hyperthyroidism. 

When there is an excessive amount of the thyroid hormone in your cat's body, this will cause them to have an increased amount of energy. 

Another common medical cause that could be causing your cat to be hyperactive is fleas. The reason why fleas could be making them hyperactive is because if they are bitten by one, it will send them into a state of disease and rouse them. 

These are not serious and a visit to your local veterinarian can help to solve this problem. Nearly all cats will get fleas at some point in their lives, so this might be what’s plaguing your feline friend. 

Finally, another medical condition that might be responsible for causing your cat discomfort and sending them into a hyperactive state is an urinary tract infection.

This can be particularly painful for your cat and send them into a state of panic which might present itself as hyperactivity. 

One of the things that you can do to figure out if this is the issue is to observe when your cat is behaving in a hyper manner, and if it’s right after they’re seen using the litter tray. 

Their Instincts

Another common reason why your cat may be presenting as hyper recently is because of their predatory instincts. These are hardwired into their DNA, and are something that they have no control over. 

Perhaps you have a mouse lurking in your house that you don’t know about. Because cats have an increased sense of hearing as well as sight, they will be able to spot this far quicker than you are able to. 

Cats can become incredibly frustrated when they don’t manage to catch their prey, so if they fail to catch whatever they’ve been chasing in your house, they may become hyperactive as a result. 

If you are sure that there is nothing in your house, they may just have seen or heard something outdoors which has roused their instincts.

Don’t interrupt them if this is the case, as when they are in a predatory state of mind they can become aggressive. This anger could be redirected towards you if you interact with them, so wait until they’ve calmed down. 

They Are Bored

Just like we human beings tend to get bored when we have no outside stimulus to keep us occupied, your cat will try to amuse themselves.

If you don’t have very many toys around the house, or don’t engage in play with your cat very often, it might be time to invest some time and money into keeping them entertained. 

Although cats are commonly thought of as being incredibly independent, they can get bored too, and this is a very common cause of why your cat may be hyperactive.

​They might engage in unwanted activities, such as scratching the furniture, so it’s important to try and rectify the situation.

One of the first things you can do to calm your cat's unwanted behavior is simply setting aside some time each day to engage in play. These sessions should last for approximately 20 minutes, or until your cat appears satisfied. 

Another thing you can do to calm them is to simply take them for a walk, where they can expend some of their energy.

​Taking your cat for walks will also help to prevent them from developing obesity which can occur as a symptom of inactivity. 

Finally, if you are able to invest your time and money in getting your cat a new companion, this might help to solve your cat's hyperactivity.

Cats are social creatures, and having another feline companion around to occupy their time will likely be highly beneficial.

Your cat's hyperactivity can be due to a whole host of different causes, but most of them are not serious and can be solved easily.

​Most of the time, the reason why cats appear hyperactive is due to boredom, or their predatory instincts kicking in. 

More rarely, it can be due to a medical condition such as fleas, or hyperthyroidism, so if you suspect that these might be the cause, take your cat to your local veterinarian.

Cats are renowned for engaging in all sorts of strange behaviors, and sometimes we’re not sure if they’re signs of affection or not.

​Cats' tongues are an important part of their composition, after all, that’s how they clean themselves. You might be wondering then, if your cat is attempting to clean you, or if this behavior is assigned to something completely different. 

In order to get to the bottom of why your cat is licking your nose, keep reading, as we take a closer look at the topic below.

First of all, it’s important to note that licking is a behavior that is ingrained within the DNA of your cat. When they are born, they will be socialized to lick one another in an act of cleanliness from their mothers. 

The rough texture of their tongue exists because it allows them to get excess first off of their fur. As they grow, and become a part of your family, they might begin to lick you because they now see you as one of their clan. 

To find out more about the various reasons behind why your cat is licking your nose, keep reading, as we take a look at some of the most common causes below.

They Are Trying To Get Attention

One of the most common and obvious reasons why your cat might be licking your nose is because they’re trying to grab your attention.

Perhaps you’re otherwise occupied, and are engaged in a TV show, or your mobile device, if this is the case, your cat might be feeling left out. 

They might want your attention for a whole host of different reasons, one of the most common being that they’re feeling hungry and need you to fill up their bowl. 

Not all cats will lick as a way of getting attention, but if you’ve engaged with them in the past and granted them attention after they’ve licked you, they might take this as a sign that this is the best way to make you pay attention. 

The Taste

Another strange reason why your cat might be trying to lick your nose, is because they enjoy the taste of your skin. Cats are known for liking the way that human skin tastes, so it is not uncommon for them to lick your nose for this reason. 

Perhaps you’ve recently put on some kind of moisturizer, it then means that your cat probably enjoys the taste of this. 

If you’re not wearing anything that may provide a scent, however, then it’s likely the saltiness of your skin that’s attracting your cat. All animals, including human beings, require salt to survive, for this reason, cats will crave salt as it signals survival. 

If you’ve recently partaken in an intense workout that’s caused you to sweat profusely, or the weather has been particularly hot outside, then you will notice that your cat will want to lick your face more than usual.

This does not however, mean that your can has a nutritional deficiency, so don't worry. 

Marking Their Territory

Another reason why your cat might be licking your face is because they are attempting to mark their territory, in other words, you. Your cat may be licking your face to try and leave their scent behind, thus showing that you belong to them. 

Although this may seem like typical cat-like behavior, it is actually quite uncommon. The more normal way that cats will mark you as their territory is by rubbing their scent glands located on their paws and cheeks against you. If you’re a cat owner, then you’ll be very familiar with this. 

Sometimes, obsessively marking territory can be a sign of stress. If your cat feels like they’re losing control, then they’ll begin to mark their territory, including you, as well as engaging in some destructive behaviors.

If your cat is scratching up the furniture, or is acting in a hyperactive manner, then this could mean that they’re feeling stressed. 

Feeling Anxious

Another emotional reason why your cat might be licking your nose and face is because they’re feeling particularly anxious. Perhaps they’ve recently undergone a big life change, such as moving house, and they’re still trying to get used to things. 

Even something as seemingly insignificant as changing their regular meals could cause your cat to feel anxious. They may not seem very big to us, but cats can be incredibly sensitive to change.

Although most cats can adjust to change very quickly, depending on your cat's temperament, they could take longer to get used to things. 

Licking your nose in a repetitive manner might mean that your cat is feeling stressed out, and is engaging in this act as a method of distracting themselves. 

Cleaning

Finally, probably the most common reason why your cat is licking you is because they’re attempting to clean your face. This might be slightly confusing to us humans, because we may feel like pointing out that our nose isn’t dirty, therefore it doesn't require cleaning. 

If you however, have any facial creams or other items on your face, your cat won’t be able to differentiate these from dirt, and so will try to clean them off for you.

There are many reasons why your cat might be attempting to clean your nose. One of the most common reasons being that they’re trying to clean you.

​This is a behavior that has been instilled in them since they were kittens, and so is a part of their DNA. 

On the other hand, another reason why your cat might be licking your nose is because they’re stressed or anxious, so pay attention to their other behavior to check if this is the cause.

Cats are known for being able to twist their bodies into all kinds of shapes. They are able to fit through the tiniest of gaps in the door, and seamlessly weave through obstacles and furniture. 

However, the way cats can change their body shape does not just say a lot about their determination. It also says a lot about how they actually feel.

​Cats will use their bodies as a way of expressing themselves, as well as a way to communicate with other cats and their owners. 

In this article, we will explore in more detail the meaning behind a cat’s arched back. So, if this is of interest to you, read on for more!

There are many reasons why cats arch their backs. Let’s check out this list in more detail!

Reason 1: Stretching

A cat can arch its back because it is stretching. This usually happens when a cat has woken up from being asleep.

Reason 2: Being Playful

One other reason a cat may arch its back is that they are being playful! A cat may arch its back when it is playing with you, another cat, or its favorite toy.

A good indicator that your cat is arching its back because it is in a playful mood is if the arched back comes along with pouncing and hopping.

If a cat has a close relationship with you, then they are likely to show you affection in this way. It is a good indicator that they are comfortable in their environment.

​Reason 3: A Defense Mechanism

A common reason that a cat arches its back is that it is afraid, and is therefore being defensive. If a cat arches its back in this way, it feels threatening and is trying to make itself look bigger and more threatening.

Piloerection may occur if this is the reason for a cat’s arched back. This is when a cat’s hair stands up from its body in a bristle-like way. This response comes from the nervous system of the cat and is not voluntary.

As well as arching their backs when they feel threatened, cats may also bare their teeth, yowl, or hiss.

If you see a cat arching its back, then it is important to know why. This involves checking out the environmental cues and inspecting other aspects of the body language of your cat.

For example, if your cat has just woken up from a nap, then it is likely it will stretch, and this is the cause of its arched back. 

If your cat has an arched back in a comfortable environment where there is no visible threat, then it is likely because they feel playful. Other indicators of this are pouncing and skipping.

​However, if your cat is making an odd noise, acting defensive, and raising its back, then it is likely that it feels threatened and this is why its back is arched. 

Cats are more likely to feel defensive if another cat enters the backyard or someone new comes into your home.

Your reaction to your cat's arched back depends entirely on the reason why their back is arched.

Stretching

If your cat has an arched back because they are stretching, then there is not much you need to do. Although, it may be nice for you to stroke them.

Playfulness

If your cat is arching its back because it is in a playful mood, then you should play with it! If there is no other cat in the house they can play with, then you can encourage them to play with toys or with you. Most of the time, cats are quite happy to play by themselves.

​Defensiveness

If your cat has arched its back because it feels threatened, then you should try your best to remove the threat. So, if your cat is afraid of another cat in your backyard, then you should shoo this cat away. 

However, it is often best to not approach your cat if it has arched its back out of fear. This is because when piloerection has kicked in, cats can be aggressive. So, when you approach them, they may view you as a threat, too. Consequently, they may attempt to bite or scratch you.

Cats can arch their backs a lot because they have a very flexible spine, we definitely could not do the same as they can! The reason cats have a flexible spine is so they are able to escape, leap, hide, and climb in the wild.

​It is very natural and normal for a cat to arch their back, and they are able to do so thanks to their flexible spines - a result of needing to hide, leap, climb, and escape out in the wild!

Cats will arch their back for a plethora of reasons. For one thing, an arched back is a cat simply stretching after a nap, and you do not need to do anything except stroke them.

​Cats will also arch their backs because they want to play, so you should find them their favorite toy or play with them yourself. Alternatively, if you have another cat at home, then they can play together. Cats are typically content to play alone, though! 

Cats also arch their backs when they are afraid as a defense mechanism. They do this so they appear bigger to whatever they feel threatened by, whether it is another cat in the backyard or a person in your home. When this happens, you should remove the threat. 

However, you should also stay away from your cat, because they may have gone into piloerection and could bite or scratch you as a result because they see you as part of the threat.

Cat hair falls out naturally throughout the day, much like human hair. It is why our clothes and furniture get covered in our cat’s hair when we interact with them.

However, there are situations where your cat may lose larger amounts of hair than is normal or will need to have their hair removed through shaving.

In these instances, it can be natural to worry about whether your cat’s hair will grow back afterward. In this article, we will look at whether your cat’s hair is likely to grow back after various illnesses or treatments.

One of the main concerns of pet owners whose animal has had to have some or all of their hair removed is how quickly their hair will grow back. On average, a healthy cat’s hair will grow back from nothing in around 12 weeks.

However, it is perfectly normal for it to take a little longer or grow back sooner. Things that affect the speed of regrowth include the overall health of your cat, how healthy their coat was before, and how long their fur is.

For example, a short-haired cat that had an area shaved for surgery will be back to normal in 12 weeks or less. Whereas, a long-haired cat that was shaved because of matted and neglected hair may take a little longer than 12 weeks to grow back.

Ear mites can cause your cat to scratch at their ears incessantly, which can lead to hair loss in that area. Once you have successfully treated your cat for ear mites and the itchiness has calmed down or has gone completely, the hair on your cat's ears can begin to recover.  

The hair should regrow fairly quickly as the follicles should not be too badly damaged if you have treated the mites in a timely manner.

​The mites only attack the inside of the ear, the hair loss on the outside is a direct result of your cat scratching themselves. The hair is short so should be back in less than 12 weeks.

​As with ear mites, your cat’s hair should easily grow back after they have had fleas.

Again, the speed of the regrowth is likely to depend on how quickly the fleas were dealt with and how badly your cat has been scratching. It really only takes one flea bite to cause your cat to scratch their skin until their fur falls out.  

However, once the fleas have been treated and the itchiness has decreased, your cat’s hair can begin to recover.

The only thing that will prevent your cat’s hair from growing back the same as it was before the fleas are if they have scratched to the point that they have damaged the hair follicles or have caused scar tissue on their skin.

​This is only likely to happen if the fleas are not dealt with properly and quickly and are left to become an infestation.

The hair loss that occurs with a ringworm infection is a little different from that caused by mites and fleas. With mites and fleas, hair loss is a result of your cat scratching themselves rather than the bugs themselves.

With ringworm, however, hair loss is the result of the lesions that are caused by the infection. If the infection is identified quickly, which can be helped by the bald patches that develop, and is treated properly, cat hair can grow back fully.

However, if the infection is not identified or treated in good time with an aggressive enough treatment, the damage to the skin can become more severe and your cat’s hair might not grow back as it was before.  

To avoid risking permanent hair loss in your cat, it is important to identify infections such as ringworm quickly. One of the best ways to do this is to check your cat’s skin for round lesions regularly, especially if they spend a lot of their time outside and out of your sight, 

If your cat has a scar from either a fight with another cat or from surgery, their fur will never grow back in the location of the scar.

If the scar is small enough it may be covered adequately by the surrounding fur and will only be noticeable occasionally. However, if the scar is large or not linear, it is more likely to be visible at all times.  

Cat hair will not grow back over a scar because scar tissue does not have any hair follicles in it.  This means that the scar will remain hair free for the rest of your cat’s life. 

If your cat has to be shaved for any reason, whether medical or to fix matting issues, its hair will grow back fully.

In short-haired cats who have been shaved down to the skin, it will take on average, three months for their hair to grow back to its full length.

If you have a long-haired cat, full regrowth could take as long as four to six months due to the extra length.  

It is important to note that fully shaving your cat should be avoided wherever possible. Cat hair plays many roles such as temperature regulation and the removal of this can cause discomfort and anxiety for your pet.

​If your cat has matted hair, a professional groomer should be employed to fix it.

In general, cats’ hair should grow back in a relatively short amount of time. There are some instances where their hair will not grow back but these are avoidable and rare instances.

​Fully shaving your cat should be avoided where possible as it is not pleasant for your animal.