​Some cat owners love to accessorize their beloved pet with a collar. Cats don’t tend to be as forgiving as dogs when you dress them up, so a collar is often all you can get away with. But do cats actually like wearing collars?

Sometimes cats need collars to identify them if they get lost. Indoor cats often don’t need collars at all, then get confused when you try putting one on them for the first time. 

Most cats will tolerate collars, although some who have never had to wear them before might not be happy with them. To make sure that your cat tolerates collars, you should train them how to wear them at a young age. 

Today we’re looking into whether cats like collars or not, and how to make your cat tolerate their collar.

The answer to this question will differ from cat to cat. Just like not all cats will enjoy the same food, not all cats will have the same opinion on collars. Cats are unique with their own personalities and therefore some will enjoy collars more than others. 

Ohio State University conducted a study on 506 cats, who continuously wore collars for six months. The results suggested that cats will tolerate a collar, even if their owners are skeptical about their feelings. 

Almost 60% of cats had a higher tolerance for collars than their owners assumed they would have. 

We’re sure that you can agree here if you have ever tried to put a collar on a cat that isn’t used to them. You assume that your cat is going to scratch it off, snap it, or wriggle free from the collar.

​However, they’ll often surprise you. Our cat certainly did when we introduced her collar for the first time this year!

The study also showed that cats often were not subjected to collars due to their owner's feelings about them rather than the cat’s feelings. If you think that your cat will hate their collar, then you’re most likely not going to make them wear one. 

However, the study showed that it’s more of a you problem than your cat’s. They most likely don’t care if they have a collar on or not. 

Now that we have got you rethinking whether you are the root cause of your household’s stress around collars, you might be wondering whether you should have been letting your cat wear a collar all along. 

Don’t worry - you haven’t been doing them a disservice by not allowing them to wear a collar. Most cats don’t care if they’re wearing a collar or not, and if you don’t need one on your pet, then why bother? 

Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of cat collars.

​Benefits Of Collars

The main benefit of collars, and why anyone puts them on their pets, is identification. Putting your name and number on the collar easily allows anyone to contact you should your cat go missing. 

A passerby is much more likely to spot a cat with a collar on and approach them. Once they find your details on the collar, they can contact you to tell you where your cat is.

If a cat isn’t wearing a collar, they are less approachable. Even if they were to be approached, how would the stranger know how to contact you?

Many people think that microchips are a better form of identification when it comes to lost cats, but this requires a special reader for microchips.

The stranger would have to take the cat to a professional vet to get identification, and the stranger is much less likely to do this than to just read a collar. 

So, collars can be extremely beneficial if your cat likes to wander off on their own.

Drawbacks Of Collars

As with anything, there are also drawbacks to cat collars as well. Many vets will discuss the safety of the common collar at length.

Collars are easily caught on things - especially when being worn by cats, who like to climb high and fast. If a cat gets its collar stuck on a fence or tree, it could get stuck itself. 

However, nowadays there are collars that come with breakaway mechanisms to prevent your cat from getting in a tough situation. 

Similarly, if your cat does not like its collar, it might get its paw or face stuck in it while trying to remove it. This wouldn’t be too much of an issue if it happened inside the house, as you could help them free. However, the true issue arises when this happens outside. 

A study for the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association saw that, out of 538 cat studies, 3.3% of them (18 total) got their collar stuck on their paw, an object, or in their mouth. 

Unfortunately, since cats cannot talk to humans, it can be difficult to know whether a cat is happy in their collar or not. However, it is pretty obvious if your cat hates its collar, as they will continually scratch at it to get it off. 

In fact, they will do almost anything to get it off. If you see this type of irrational behavior from your cat, the best thing to do is remove the collar and calm them down.

You can try collar training again at a later date with treats, affection to take their mind off the collar, or timed wearing sessions.

We hope that this article has helped you determine whether or not to give your cat a collar. Studies have suggested that it is actually humans that put such a stigma around cat collars - most cats don’t mind wearing them at all! 

Just make sure that you’re listening to your cat when introducing a collar. Don’t let them get too stressed over wearing a collar for the first time!

Cats are known to be very clean creatures. They actually spend at least half of the hours they are awake grooming themselves or grooming other cats, such as their kittens. 

However, as much as they like to be clean, they cannot clean every body part themselves, and thus some parts of their body do get missed.

​Take, for example, a cat's ears. Cats will not be able to reach their ears by themselves, and therefore will not clean them as well as other parts of their body. 

But, does this mean that they can get parasites like ear mites? 

We will tell you all in this article, so read on for more! 

While they are not as prone to ear mites as outdoor cats, indoor cats can still get infected with them. Indoor cats will catch ear mites if they play with the toys, or lie on the bedding of other cats that are already infected with ear mites.

​Cats can also get ear mites directly from other cats since they can also spread through direct animal contact. 

So, if you have multiple cats, then they are more likely to get infected with ear mites. 

Additionally, ear mites can infect multiple animal species, not just cats. So, it is entirely possible that your cat can get ear mites from a dog.

​But what exactly are ear mites? Well, these parasites are almost microscopic and can infect dogs as well as cats. They look like teeny tiny dots that are white in color and difficult to see with just your eyes. 

Ear mites typically live on the skin of ear canals and will eat skin oils and ear wax. Ear mites can reproduce very quickly, and adult ear mites will typically live for two months. 

Ear mite eggs take just four days to hatch and just three weeks to become adults. After becoming adults, they will breed more ear mites and the cycle will continue. 

The most common type of ear mite is the Otodectes cynotis. 

Ear mites are extremely contagious for cats and can cause itching, discomfort, head shaking, and infections. So, it is important to seek out treatment for your cat as soon as possible if you suspect them of being infected with ear mites. 

Not only that, but you should make sure your other pets, including dogs, have not caught ear mites from the infected cat. The best thing to do is isolate your infected cat from your other pets to make sure the ear mites do not get passed on.

Here are the most common signs that your cat has ear mites. 

• There is a lot of redness around or inside your cat’s ears 
• Your cat scratches their ears or shakes its head violently 
• There is a bad-smelling, dry, coffee ground-like substance in their ears 
• There is a wax-like  debris in your cat’s ears
• Because of the constant scratching, your cat has evident hair loss and sores 

It is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your cat of being infected with ear mites.

​If left untreated, ear mites can cause cats to develop a secondary fungal or bacterial ear infection that will require medication. If the problem is still left untreated, this can cause hearing loss in your cat. 

Luckily, there is a range of treatments available to remove ear mites from your cat’s ears. Let’s check them out below!

Spot-On Treatment

​Spot-on treatments traditionally used for fleas can be helpful when it comes to ear mites, too. Use this medication exactly as prescribed and make sure you follow the advice of your veterinarian when it comes to how often you use it and how long you use it.

​Ear Drops

Another great treatment for ear mites in cats is ear drops. These drops can help to soothe any inflammation or pain your cat is experiencing because of the ear mites.

Please ensure you follow the advice of your veterinarian when it comes to how often you use it and how long you use it. 

Aside from medication, here are some things you can do to help treat an ear mite infection in cats.

Deep Ear Cleaning

This step should happen before the medication process. Your vet will clean your cat's ears in order to help the medication work.

Cleaning The House

Ear mites can survive on the bedding of cats, as well as your furniture and your carpets. So, to ensure that they do not reinfect your cat, it is a good idea to give everything a deep clean once a week while your cat is receiving ear mite treatment.

Treating Other Pets

​As previously mentioned, if you have other pets in your home then it is important to ensure they do not have ear mites either by taking them for a check-up with the vet.

Follow-Up Exam

One month after your cat's ear mite treatment begins, you will need to take them for a follow-up exam to ensure the infection has cleared and has not returned. 

​Although it is rare, humans can sometimes catch ear mites from their cats. However, because the ear mites that affect humans are different from the ones that affect cats, the chances of this happening are very low. 

Keep an eye out for any rashes on your skin if you find out your cat has ear mites or if they are showing signs of being infected with them, and speak to a doctor right away if you find out you are indeed infected with ear mites from your cat.

Indoor cats can catch ear mites, whether it is directly from another animal or from an infected animal’s bedding, toys, etc.

​Luckily, the signs of ear mites are easily identifiable and treatable, so your cat can be rid of these pesky mites in no time! 

​
My friends
​
I have a lot of friends to play with! Some of them are more annoying than others. I have
friends that are big and small. Friends are fun to play with, even when they don't make sense.
They aren't the same as my kind, but they are also playful!

The very first friend that I made was Tinkerbell. She's a bit weird. She also has 4 paws. She
makes loud, barking noises that I do not understand. She also plays with toys, but hers are
boring. She likes to lick me, and I play by biting her, but she never bites back.

Her sister Lucy became my friend as well. She looks the same as Tinkerbell, but she is much
bigger! She was scared of me, so she didn't want to play. We played once, and I accidentally
scratched her. Now she isn't afraid anymore.

I had another friend Leah. She looks the same as Lucy, she came over to visit me, and we
played a lot. She always poked me with her nose and played with her paws, but she was very
gentle. Suddenly she got a baby brother, but I was scared of him.

I made a new friend! She is my neighbor. She looks the same as the rest, but she is much
smaller. She makes a high-pitched barking sound, which is annoying. We never play in the
same yard. We play underneath the gate with our paws. I would like to play with her one day.

My favorite friends are my humans because we can play every day, and they never leave me
alone for too long. We also play with the same toys and like to do the same things. We
always spend time together, and they don't make barking sounds, bonus!

I also have a friend that is the same as my kind with the name Baby. I don't know why,
because he is old already. We have a love, hate relationship. We played a lot, but I always
annoyed him. Mostly we would play only a little bit and then go to sleep.

I'm going to check where my neighbor is. Meow

Cleaning with Mommy

I love to help Mommy with chores in the house, and one of my favorite things to do is
cleaning. I like it when Mommy is busy. It keeps me active. I like it when my servants clean
my house for me, I try to help in the best way possible, and it is lots of fun!

I like it when mommy cleans the kitchen and packs the cabinets straight! I always help by
trying to open doors and getting into the cabinet to show her where to put things. She can also
leave it empty for me to play in every day. I won't mind if she does!

I like packaging away clothes as well. While Mommy folds the clothes, I play on the pile and
shed my hair all over it. This way, my humans can be reminded of me wherever they go! I
also get into the cupboard when it is empty and play, chase my tail, or sleep in there.

Mommy wipes the objects down with a wet cloth. While she is busy, I try to get into as many
objects as possible for her to clean. This way, I can entertain her the whole day! It is fun to
try and fit into all of the objects. I like to hide in it to scare my humans.

Some things I don't like to help with, like drowning the dishes or objects in soapy water. I
always sit on the counter and watch how mommy drowns them, but I will never help. As you
already know, I don't like getting wet! Mommy's paws always get wet.

Oh! and I don't help mommy suck up dirt and hair. I don't like it when that big, sucking
monster screams in my ears. It's scary and noisy! Whenever mommy brings out the monster, I
run away and hide outside where it can't find me. It never goes outdoors.

It is fun to clean! Afterward, Mommy and I get snacks and watch the movement on the big
black box to relax. As soon as it gets dark, I know Daddy will be home soon. He is always so
proud of me for cleaning. A clean house is just the best!

I'm going to go help pack the cupboards meow.

​Stupid rules.

I don't know why, but Mommy and Daddy have rules in the house. I don't like rules. I like to do
whatever I want and when I want to do it. I should make all the rules in the house because I am the Queen.

Rule number one is that we are not allowed to scratch and break objects in the house. Where is the fun in that? I am allowed to bite and play with my toys and scratch a cat pole, but I prefer to attack the big spongy object that humans sit on. That is fun!

Rule number two, we are not allowed to get onto the table or counters. I love getting on to the table because that is where humans eat, and they make food on the counters. There are also a lot of objects to play with on tables and counters!

Rule number three, I am not allowed to pee in the house. Although Mommy and Daddy do, I'm not allowed. I have a box with crystals that I pee in. I don't like to make poopies in it. It stinks! I rather poop outside between the plants.

Rule number four, I am not allowed to bring my trophies into the house. All I want to do is show
Mommy and Daddy that I am a good hunter! Instead of rewarding me, Mommy screams at my
trophies. Humans only like fake mice and birds for some reason.

Rule number five, I must go inside the house when it gets dark. I don't know why I'm not allowed to talk to the moon or scream at my intruders while my humans sleep. I always try to hide in the best way possible so that Daddy can't find me.

Rule number six, I am not allowed to play with noisy toys at night while humans sleep. Noisy toys are fun to play with and echo at night! I am allowed to play with my mouse and my small black wire. The rest gets locked away, even my white, heavy ball with dimples on!

The dumbest rule I have ever heard is that soft, special kind of food is only allowed when Daddy gets home. Can you believe it? During the day, I only get pellets and treats. The only other time I get soft food is when it is hot, so sometimes I try to fake it!

I don't know why there must be so many rules in the house. Do they really believe that I am going to follow those rules? Come on, I am a cat! And not just any cat, but I am the Queen! Rules are made to be broken anyway.

Cheoww! I am going to go attack the spongy thing now.

Most cat owners want to make sure that their pet is healthy and happy at all times. However, because they cannot verbally communicate with us, we are left to use body language and physical symptoms to ensure that our furry friends are okay.

One of the most common things that cat owners are concerned about is their cat’s nose and whether it should be wet or dry. On the whole, a cat’s nose should be moist but not dripping wet, it should also not be completely dry.

A nose that is too moist or too dry may indicate that there is an issue with your cat’s health. In this article, we will look at why cats’ noses are wet and what falls within the realm of normal in terms of how wet your cat’s nose is.

​Cats’ noses are naturally wet or moist to some degree. The amount of moisture that is present on your cat’s nose will vary from other cats’ noses, but after a few weeks of ownership, you will be able to work out what your cat’s baseline nose condition is.

Some cats have a naturally more moist nose than others, whereas other cats can have a naturally drier nose than others. As a base, these are perfectly fine, every cat is different in terms of what is normal for them.

​It is when you notice significant and prolonged differences in the moisture of your cat’s nose that it could be indicative of illness or discomfort for your furry friend. 

​Cats, much like dogs, do not sweat in the same way that humans do.  Instead, they often cool themselves through strategic grooming. This method allows them to remain cool during warmer weather without covering their coat in sweat.

However, cats do have some small areas of sweat glands that can produce sweat when necessary. Commonly, these sweat glands are located around the anus, on the paws, the chin, and around the nose.  

It is important to note that cats do not produce sweat when the temperature is high, rather they begin to sweat when they are anxious, scared, or excited. 

One of the reasons why a cat’s nose may become more wet than usual is because of illness. In fact, one of the most common reasons for a cat’s nose to be dripping is because they have caught a feline cold.

Much like humans, when fighting the cold virus, cats will develop a runny nose to help clear the virus and protect against further illness.

You are likely to observe your cat sneezing more often if they have a cold virus. Another cause could be allergies that your cat is suffering such as hay fever. 

An increase in moisture and sneezing are common symptoms of illnesses that don’t require intervention, however, if you notice more serious symptoms in your cat alongside the wetter nose, you should seek medical advice.

Some concerning symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in appetite and behavior. Similarly, if your cat has an unusually wet nose for a period longer than 10 days, it could be indicative of a more serious problem and you should seek advice from a vet.

You may notice that your cat’s nose becomes wetter when they have been rubbing their scent on you or other objects in the house. The scent they produce is very important to cats, it is the main source of communication between local cats and can help them to mark their territory. 

There are many things that cats communicate with each other through the act of rubbing their scent on things.

They can communicate how they are feeling, such as calm or safe which helps others know what areas are safe and which are not.

They can also be alerting other cats in the area to the fact that they are in season and are looking to mate. Although this is much less likely to happen if your pet is spayed or neutered.  

Your cat may also begin scent rolling indoors to mark territory and let other cats in the area or even in the house that this is their space and to stay away. If your cat is only scent rolling in front of you, it may be a sign that they are looking for attention and affection.  

When a cat's nose becomes wetter during scenting or exploring other scents it should return to normal shortly after they have finished.

​An obvious reason why a cat’s nose might be wet is that they have just been drinking water and have got some on their nose.

​If this is the cause of your cat’s unusually wet nose, they are likely to either lick it off themselves or will wipe it with their paw as they are cleaning their face and ears afterward. 

​In general, your cat’s nose should not always be wet, there are many factors that affect how moist a cat’s nose is and it is something that often varies throughout the day.  The same thing happens to humans, at certain times during the day our skin or mouth may be drier than at other times.  

The main factors that affect how wet your cat’s nose is throughout the day include, the time of day, the activities your cat has been engaging in such as scenting, playing, or sleeping, and when they last had a drink.  

If your cat’s nose is particularly dry or remains dry for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of illness or dehydration and you should seek advice from a trusted vet. 

Although a cat’s nose is generally somewhat moist, it can actually vary throughout the day and still remain perfectly healthy and normal.

​However, if you notice a prolonged change in the moistness of your cat's nose either way, you should seek veterinary advice.

​Even though they do not intend to, your cats are prone to litter tracking from time to time. This can feel frustrating for you, but there are ways you can prevent it from happening! 

In this article, we will discuss the various ways you can prevent your cat from litter tracking. So, if this is of interest to you, read on for more!

Here are 10 different ways you can stop your cat from litter tracking!

Option 1: Use A Bigger Litter Box

Cats will bury their feces and urine in their litter box, so they are more likely to kick the litter out of the box if the box is too small for them.

So, if you want to reduce litter tracking, then it may be a good idea to buy a bigger litter box. So, when your cat buries their feces or urine, the litter will be contained within the box.

Option 2: Invest In A Tracker Wrap

There are many litter boxes out there that have tracker wraps built-in. These wraps are situated around the edges, and their purpose is to absorb litter that is stuck to your cat’s paws.

It may be a good idea to find a litter box that has one of these tracker wraps, which will help to reduce the tracking of litter around your home. 

Option 3: Double-Boxing

Another great way to stop litter tracking is to put your litter box inside another. This will allow the litter to drop into the other box, and all you will need to do is clean the litter from the bigger box, as opposed to your floor!

If you do not want to invest in another box, then you have the option of using a cardboard box instead! 

Option 4: Use A Litter Box With A Cover

Litter boxes with covers will help to reduce your cat tracking litter because they are walled. Therefore, the amount of litter your cat kicks out of the box will be significantly reduced. 

However, there is still a chance your cat will be able to kick litter from the front of the box, so this may not be the best choice. 

Also, it is important to note that cats are not fond of litter boxes because they will smell and are very confining. So, you can try to incorporate one into your cat’s routine, but be aware that they may not like it or use it. 

Option 5: Find A Top-Entry Box

Another way you can try to stop your cat from litter tracking is to invest in a top-entry litter box. These boxes are closed on every side, so your cat needs to enter the box from the top. However, much like covered litter boxes, your cat may not take to top-entry litter boxes. 

This is especially true of cats that may find it difficult to get in and out of the box. 

Option 6: Use A Scatter Mat 

​A scatter mat is similar to a floor mat. To prevent litter tracking, you can place a scatter mat under the litter box, which means your cat needs to wipe its feet once it exits the box. A scatter mat will remove the litter from the paws of your cat. 

You can choose between one mat or placing many mats around the litter box. On top of this, there are many mat options you can choose from, such as a sisal mat, a plastic mat, or a basic floor mat.

Option 7: Use Different Litter

Fine–grated litter is the preference for cats. However, if the litter is too fine, then it may get stuck to your cat's paws. So, it may be better to use a coarser litter. 

There are two main types of cat litter, non-clumping, and clumping. However, when it comes to the materials used to make the litter, there is far more variation, such as: 

• Clumping litter: This type of litter will lump around the urine which makes it easier to scoop the litter from the box. This is the most popular litter type, but you will find that it will also be made from corn. Litter made from corn does not lead to as much tracking as litter made from clay.
• Non-clumping litter: Non-clumping litters come in the form of wheat, sawdust, pine, and clay. Sometimes, these litters come in large pellets or particles, which makes it more difficult for them to be tracked from the box.

Option 8: Place Less Litter In The Box

You do not need to use a lot of litter in a litter box. This is what increases litter tracking. You only need to fill the litter box with 1-2 inches of litter. This is enough litter for your cat and will help to reduce litter tracking.

Option 9: Clean Around The Litter Box

To reduce litter tracking, it is recommended that you clean around the litter box daily, either by sweeping or vacuuming.

By doing so, you are reducing the amount of litter that your cat is tracking around other areas of the house.

Option 10: Toilet Training

If none of these options have worked and your cat is still tracking litter, then it may be best to toilet train your cat! If your cat is not arthritic or elderly, then this may be your best option! 

To toilet train your cat, then it is best to use equipment that will help! For example, it is a good idea to place a training seat over your toilet bowl. 

It is also important to note that toilet training your cat takes a lot of patience and time. If you do not have time, then it is best to continue using the litter box. 

​Litter tracking can cause frustration, but there are many ways to reduce or stop it altogether! Follow one of these steps to reduce litter tracking in your home. 

We hope this article told you all you need to know about stopping litter tracking!

​Catnip is the herb that makes cats go a little bit wild! They love to roll around in it, eat it, and hate when it gets taken from them! Cat owners all over the world love to buy it for them as a little treat that can be enjoyed sparingly. 

However, cat owners should be aware of catnip basics before they can think about giving it to their cat to ensure their cat’s safety and well-being. This includes understanding what it is when to use it, and if it expires. 

So, in this article, we will discuss whether or not catnip expires and more. If you’re a first-time cat owner or have a general interest in cats and catnip, then read on! 

​Catnip, sometimes called catmint, comes from a plant that looks similar to mint known as Nepeta cataria. Nepeta cataria is native to Asia and Europe, but can also be found growing in North America along the highways and roads. 

Catnip is a gray-green colored plant that has slightly jagged leaves shaped like hearts. It has thick stems that are covered in hairs.

No, catnip does not expire! Catnip will not go bad and is suitable for your cats to eat no matter when you bought it. However, catnip does gradually become less potent and therefore has less of an effect on cats.

​So, it is best to use it sooner, rather than later. This is because catnip is a herb, so it is best enjoyed when it is new, dry, and fresh. While it will never expire, the longer it sits in your cupboard, the less your cat will enjoy it.

A great way to extend the shelf life of the catnip you purchase is by keeping it in a tightly-sealed bag (typically plastic) or container.

Yes, catnip spray can go bad or lose its potency over time. Catnip spray contains the essential oils extracted from the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria), which is what attracts and affects cats. As with many natural oils and extracts, its potency and freshness can diminish with time and under certain conditions. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Expiry Date: Many catnip sprays will have a recommended use-by or expiry date. It's a good idea to adhere to this date, as the effectiveness of the spray may decrease after it.
2. Storage: Exposure to direct sunlight, heat, or air can degrade the essential oils in catnip spray faster. It's best to store it in a cool, dark place and ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use.
3. Smell and Appearance: If the catnip spray develops an off or rancid smell, it's a sign that it has gone bad. The appearance of mold or any other discoloration also indicates spoilage.
4. Cat's Reaction: One of the most obvious signs the catnip spray might be past its prime is if your cat shows diminished or no interest in objects sprayed with it, especially if they used to react strongly before.
   
5. Ingredients and Preservatives: Some catnip sprays may contain preservatives to extend shelf life, while others might be all-natural. Check the product's label for information about its contents and any specific storage recommendations.
   
   ​It's always a good idea to purchase catnip spray from reputable brands and sellers to ensure the quality and safety of the product. If in doubt, refreshing your supply can help ensure your cat gets the maximum enjoyment out of the catnip experience.
   

Dried catnip can retain its potency for varying lengths of time depending on how it's stored, but typically, its effective shelf life is between 6 months to 2 years. Here are a few factors that affect the shelf life of dried catnip:

1. Storage Conditions: Keeping dried catnip in a cool, dark, and dry place can maximize its shelf life. Exposure to moisture can lead to mold, while light and heat can degrade the essential oils that give catnip its potency.
2. Packaging: An airtight container or sealable plastic bag can help prevent the catnip from getting stale and losing its potency. Vacuum-sealed packaging is especially effective for longer storage.
3. Potency Over Time: While dried catnip might still be safe for cats to consume after its peak potency, its effectiveness in eliciting a response from your cat may diminish over time.
4. Smell: Fresh and potent dried catnip has a distinct aroma. If the scent is weak or non-existent, it's likely that the catnip has lost its potency.
5. Appearance: If you notice any mold, discoloration, or other signs of spoilage, discard the catnip.
6. Cat's Reaction: As with catnip spray, one of the most telling signs of the potency of dried catnip is your cat's reaction to it. If they show little to no interest, it might be time to replace your stash.
   ​

To get the most out of your dried catnip, consider buying it in smaller amounts that you'll use up within a few months. This ensures that you're always offering your cat a fresh and potent treat or toy. If you grow your own catnip and dry it at home, make sure to store it properly to maintain its effectiveness for as long as possible.

​Yes, you can absolutely grow your own catnip! Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family and is relatively easy to grow. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow catnip:
1. Choose a Location:

• Catnip prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
• It isn't too particular about soil quality, but well-draining soil is ideal.

2. Planting:

• From Seeds: Start catnip seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant them just below the soil surface. Once seedlings are a few inches tall and all risk of frost has passed, transplant them outside, spacing them about 18-20 inches apart.
• From Seedlings or Plants: If you buy young plants or have started your seeds indoors, plant them in the ground after the last frost.

3. Watering:

• Catnip doesn't require a lot of water. Watering it once a week should suffice unless you're experiencing very dry conditions.

4. Maintenance:

• Catnip can become invasive in some gardens. To prevent it from overtaking other plants, consider planting it in a pot or container.
• Regularly harvest the top third of the plant to encourage bushier growth. This will also delay flowering, which can help increase the potency of the plant.
• If you let your catnip flower, consider deadheading spent blooms to prevent excessive self-seeding.

5. Harvesting and Storing:

• You can harvest catnip leaves at any time, but the potency is highest just before flowering.
• To dry catnip, tie bunches of stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. Once dried, strip the leaves from the stems and store in an airtight container.

6. Pests and Problems:

• While catnip can repel certain pests like aphids and squash bugs, it might attract cats, which can be both a joy and a challenge. Some cats might roll in, chew, or otherwise damage the plants. Consider placing a protective barrier or cage around your plants or planting some catnip away from main garden areas as a decoy.
• Catnip can also be susceptible to certain fungal diseases, especially in areas with high humidity.

7. Propagation:

• Catnip can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.

​
Growing your own catnip is not only a fun gardening project, but it also ensures that you have a fresh and organic supply for your feline friend. Whether you use it for toys, teas, or just enjoy its fragrant blooms, catnip can be a delightful addition to your garden.

​Inside catnip, you will find a psychoactive chemical compound known as nepetalactone. Nepetalactone will bind to a cat’s nose receptors which causes a neurological response in cats, very similar to the neurological response a cat has after pheromone exposure. 

Cats will behave in a different way when they are exposed to catnip because the area of the brain that will respond to catnip is responsible for controlling emotions and behavior. 

Sadly, scientists do not yet know why nepetalactone inspires such a strong reaction from cats.

A catnip high can last anywhere between ten minutes to a whole hour, and it depends entirely on your cat. Catnip will not affect every cat, and this seems to be an inherited trait.

So, if the parents of your cat did not feel the impact of catnip, then there’s a high chance your cat will not, either. 

Around 70% of all felines like catnip, and it can even affect wild cat species, such as tigers! 

An important fact to note about catnip is that it does not affect kittens before they are three months old. Sometimes, it will not affect kittens until after they are six months old!

​After this time, something changes with their development (although, it is not known exactly what!) and this permits their brain to react to and enjoy catnip!

​The potency of catnip in a toy largely depends on various factors, including the quality of the catnip, the toy's material, how often the toy is played with, and the storage conditions. Here's a general overview of how long catnip might last in a toy:

1. Duration of Potency: The effects of catnip in a toy can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Over time, the essential oil in catnip that induces the euphoric response in cats (nepetalactone) tends to dissipate, especially if the toy is frequently played with. When this happens, the toy becomes less enticing.
2. Factors Affecting Duration:
   • Quality of Catnip: Premium, high-quality catnip tends to be more potent and may last longer in a toy compared to a lesser-quality variant.
   • Toy Material: Some materials may preserve catnip's potency better than others. For instance, a tightly sealed toy might retain the scent longer than a loosely woven one.
   • Play Frequency: A toy that's frequently played with will likely lose its potency faster because the physical action releases the essential oils and causes them to dissipate more quickly.
   • Storage: If you want to prolong the effectiveness of a catnip toy, consider storing it in an airtight container or bag when not in use. Some pet owners even store catnip toys in the freezer to help maintain potency.
3. Refreshing the Toy: If you find that the catnip's effect is waning, you can "refresh" the toy by adding more dried catnip or spraying it with catnip spray. Some toys come with a refillable pouch that allows you to add fresh catnip.
4. Alternatives: As mentioned previously, not all cats respond to catnip. If your cat is among those that don't, consider trying toys filled with alternative enticements like silver vine or valerian root.

In conclusion, while the exact duration catnip remains potent in a toy can vary, proper storage and occasional refreshment can extend the life and attractiveness of your cat's favorite plaything.

Let’s check out some of the best ways you can use catnip!

Playing

Catnip is most commonly used when trying to encourage cats to explore their surroundings or play.

Training

Catnip can be very useful when it comes to training your cat.  For example, If you place a little catnip on your cat’s scratching post, it can encourage them to scratch it. And, placing some catnip inside their carrier will help your cat go inside it. 

Reduce Anxiety

Catnip can actually help your cat to relax, and reduce their levels of stress or anxiety. Catnip can even help relieve any mild pain your cat may be experiencing!

All catnip is the same, but you can get it in different forms, such as:

• Dried catnip 
• Fresh catnip
• Toys filled with dried catnip 
• Catnip bubbles/sprays 

If you find that your cat gets an upset tummy from ingesting the herb, then investing in a catnip spray may be a good option for them to still enjoy it!

​With a catnip spray, you will be able to spray their scratching post, cat tree, or favorite toy, and this will allow your cat to enjoy the effects of catnip without the upset tummy afterward.

No, catnip is nontoxic, and therefore not harmful to cats. However, there is a chance that your cat could overindulge in catnip, and this can make them quite sick, causing diarrhea and vomiting. This can result in dehydration for your cat. 

So, if you notice that your cat seems a bit too interested in catnip, then it may be a good idea to limit their exposure to it. 

Additionally, it is important to note that if your cat has asthma, then it is important to check with the vet before allowing them exposure to catnip.

​This is because dried catnip in particular has been known to result in breathing problems for cats who are asthmatic.

Catnip, when given in moderation, is generally safe for cats and can provide them with a lot of enjoyment. Here's a general guideline for offering catnip to your feline friend:
​
          Frequency:

1. Occasional Use: For most cats, offering catnip once a week or even less frequently is sufficient. This occasional exposure helps ensure that your cat doesn't become desensitized to catnip's effects. If a cat is exposed to catnip too often, they may become less responsive to it over time.
2. Response Monitoring: Observe how your cat reacts to catnip. Most cats exhibit behaviors like rolling, rubbing, purring, jumping, or even mild aggression. These reactions typically last for about 10 to 15 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily "immune" to catnip's effects for a while.
3. Different Forms: Catnip can be provided in various forms: fresh, dried, in sprays, or as a stuffing in toys. If you're using catnip spray or toys filled with catnip, your cat might be exposed to it more often, but the intensity of the response might vary.
   
   Things to Consider:
4. Age: Not all cats respond to catnip. The reaction to catnip is hereditary, and about 30% to 50% of cats lack the gene that elicits a response. Kittens and senior cats are also less likely to respond to catnip.
5. Safety: While the effects of catnip are harmless and temporary, ensure that your cat has a safe environment to enjoy their catnip experience. Some cats can become overly excited or aggressive, so it's a good idea to supervise them, especially if there are other pets around.
6. Quantity: More isn't necessarily better. A small pinch of dried catnip or a spritz of catnip spray is usually enough to induce a reaction.
7. Health Benefits: In addition to the euphoric effects, catnip can serve as a form of environmental enrichment, helping to reduce stress and prevent behavior problems. Some cats may also chew on catnip, which can aid in the removal of dental plaque.
8. Alternative Plants: If your cat doesn't respond to catnip, you might try related plants like silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, or valerian root, which can have similar effects on some cats.

​
In conclusion, while catnip is safe for cats, moderation is key. Providing catnip as an occasional treat can keep the experience fresh and enjoyable for your feline companion.

Catnip is a herb that comes from the Nepeta cataria plant. It comes in many forms, including dried, fresh, sprays, or inside toys.

Cats love to eat, roll around in, and play with catnip, and it has an effect on them that causes them to go a bit wild. Or, in some cases, calm down their stress and anxiety. 

One of the best things about catnip is the fact that it does not expire! So, you can keep it for long periods of time and won’t have to worry about it going off.

​However, it is best used fresh because it can lose its potency over time, which means it is less effective for cats. It is a good idea to keep your catnip in a tightly sealed container to prolong its shelf life.

Cats make great family pets and companions, however, they can be extremely adventurous by nature and whether they are indoor or outdoor cats, they can get themselves into mischief.

Unfortunately, there are lots of different types of mischief that our beloved family pets can get themselves into that result in a mess, either in our homes or on the cat itself.

When your furry friend knocks over a houseplant or comes back inside covered in all manner of things, it can be quick and easy to reach for a baby wipe to get them cleaned up. However, you might want to think twice before cleaning your cat with one.

​In this article, we will look at whether baby wipes are harmful to cats and whether we should be using them to clean our beloved pets.

The act of cleaning an unwanted substance off of your cat's fur with a baby wipe is not overly harmful to your cat, however, there are other risks involved.

The main source of harm for your cat that can be caused by baby wipes is the risk of ingestion. Cats are incredibly quick and have incredibly sharp teeth, this means that they are likely to be able to get hold of the wipe when you are using it and ingest at least some of it.  

Baby wipes are not designed to be ingested, therefore they are not easily digested when they are swallowed. This means that they can become lodged in your pet's throat or at any other point in their digestive tract.

​This sort of blockage can be very harmful and cause severe injuries if medical attention is not sought.

In the event that your cat ever does get hold of a baby wipe or part of a baby wipe, there are some signs that you should be on the lookout for. If you observe any of the following signs in your cat after baby wipe ingestion, you should seek advice from a vet. 

Cats that are suffering from intestinal blockage can become uncharacteristically lethargic and might begin sleeping a lot more often or being less playful than usual.

They may also refuse to eat or drink because they are in pain or discomfort as a result of the blockage. Another important symptom to look out for is a lack of bowel movements. It is easier to notice if your cat is having fewer bowel movements if they use a litter box.

​Your furry friend may also begin crying when they are trying to lay down due to the pain and discomfort caused by the errant baby wipe. One of the most obvious physical signs of an intestinal blockage is a swollen abdomen in your cat.

Even if your cat is not the type that will try to steal the baby wipe from your hand or try to eat the wipe, there are other reasons why baby wipes are not a great option to wash your cat with.

Although many baby wipes are manufactured with as few harsh chemicals and ingredients as possible, they do still contain them.

Unlike a baby who is unlikely to ingest any of the baby wipes or the liquid, cats are far more likely to manually clean their fur after you have wiped it and will end up ingesting the chemicals.  This can cause your cat to feel sick or uncomfortable. 

Before using a baby wipe on your cat, you should check the ingredients list to see if there are any chemicals or other ingredients that should be avoided.

If the wipes contain any fragrances or ingredients that are not fit for human consumption, they should not be used to wash your cat.

​Many of the ingredients listed in baby wipe liquid are not likely to be fatal if swallowed, however, they will still have some adverse effects on your pet.  Below is a list of common ingredients and the effect that they can cause.

• Citrus - citrus oils that help to give baby wipes a fresh fragrance can irritate your cat’s skin and even cause painful rashes.  Cats also have a strong dislike for citrus smells and having it on their fur will drive your pet crazy.
• Surfactants - surfactants are the main cleaning agent used in baby wipes.  They are designed to make dirt clump together to aid its removal from your baby’s skin or surface.  However, they have also been known to weaken the skin of animals which can allow bacteria to permeate the skin and cause infections.
• Sodium Citrate & Castor Oil - both of these ingredients are well-known laxatives.  Ingesting too much will result in stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.  
• Phenoxyethanol - this is a preservative that is present in many baby wipe brands.  This ingredient can cause irritation, rashes, and itchiness for your cat.

If you want to use wipes as a means of cleaning your cat when necessary, it is best to purchase wipes that have been designed to be used on animals.

These types of wipes will not contain ingredients that are harmful to your animal, although they still shouldn’t be ingested. Pet-friendly wipes are available from most pet stores although they are often more expensive than baby wipes.

Although cats don’t often require human intervention when it comes to keeping themselves clean as they are very hygienic naturally, sometimes you will need to clean your cat yourself.

In these instances, if the mess is big and covers a large portion of your cat, the best course of action is to give your cat a full bath with pet shampoo products.

​If the mess is smaller, a soft cloth that has been dampened with warm water should do the trick. 

As a general rule, it is best not to use baby wipes to clean your cat.  If you are in a pitch, you should check the ingredients first. Pet-friendly wipes or a damp washcloth are better choices to clean your cat.

If you’re a cat owner yourself, then you know that your feline friend will engage in a whole host of strange behaviors that we human beings struggle to explain. One of the strangest behaviors that cats engage in is appearing to sleep whilst their eyes are wide open. 

Seeing your cat sleeping with their eyes open can not only look incredibly creepy, but it may cause you to feel concerned if you’ve not witnessed them doing this before.

​There are a few common questions that might pop into your head, including whether or not this might be a medical condition. 

If you want to find out more about this peculiar behavior, keep reading, as we take a look below.

Let’s dive straight into the topic at hand and answer whether or not it is possible for cats to sleep with their eyes open.

​The simple answer is, yes. Cats are able to sleep with their eyes open. Not all cats will engage in this kind of behavior, and you may just do it one in a while.

​It is reassuring to know that finding your cat sleeping with their eyes open, although it can appear jarring, is not a cause for concern most of the time. If you’ve had your cat for a while, and they’re approaching old age, you may have noticed them doing this for the first time. 

This is very normal, as scientists have found that older cats tend to sleep with their eyes open as opposed to younger cats. 

If, however, you notice that your cat is engaging in other strange behaviors whilst they’re asleep, such as twitching, then this could be an important sign that you need to take them to your local veterinarian. The reason being because your cat might be experiencing seizures. 

Most of the time however, this isn’t the case. Cats have incredibly heightened senses, including eyesight, and so like to be present and aware of their surroundings all of the time, so this behavior could just be a continuation of these instincts.

A reason why your cat might be sleeping with their eyes open could be due to their sleeping patterns. Domestic cats can sleep for very long periods of time, up to 20 hours a day even. Despite their love of snuggling up next to a warm fire, they’re also hard wired to be predators. 

Because of this hard wiring in their DNA, your cat might still be on high alert even whilst they’re asleep. When they hear anything moving around in the house, it is not uncommon for them to wake up immediately and spring into action. 

Their eyes might be open because they’re not yet in a very deep sleep, and haven’t reached the REM portion of their cycle, as a result their eyes might not be closed. 

The stage of this sleep cycle is known as the slow wave sleep, or SWS. This is the shallowest form of rest possible. Keeping one or two eyes open allows them to react to their environment as soon as possible. 

After they move into the REM portion of the sleep cycle, or rapid eye movement, you may notice your cat's eyes shutting, demonstrating that they are in a deeper sleep.

​This isn’t always the case, however, and your cat's eyes may stay awake whilst they’re in this stage of the sleep cycle. Their eyes may as a result move to the back of their heads, or may twitch a little.

Another less common reason why your cat may have their eyes open whilst they’re sleeping is because they have sustained an injury. You may be aware that cats actually have a third eyelid, as opposed to humans.

​As a result, if this eyelid sustains an injury, your cat may be unable to close their eyes whilst trying to fall asleep. 

If you notice any other symptoms that your cat might be experiencing pain, then you should take them to your local veterinary clinic as soon as possible. If they have indeed sustained damage on their third eyelid, then they will probably require surgery to resolve the issue. 

Some other symptoms of this issue include:

• Pawing at their eyes
• Redness
• Cloudiness 
• Noticeable scratches on the eye
• Discharge or water
• Inflammation of the area
• Erratic behavior

Another reason why your cat might be sleeping with their eyes open is because they’re actually keeping an eye on you.

​You might have a very strong bond with your cat, and they like to be with you at all times. If this is the case then they might not want to leave you out of their sight, quite literally. 

Your cat will likely see you as their protector, and if this is the case then they’ll keep an eye on you to make them feel more secure.

​If they see that you get up to go to another room, then they’ll likely get up and follow you around.

​A common question asked by people is why cats have a third eyelid in the first place. The reason why they have this special feature is to protect the cornea from injury when they attempt to capture their prey.

One of the main reasons why cats sleep with their eyes open is because of the stage in their sleep cycle that they’re in. It is completely normal, especially in older felines. If you notice other symptoms however, such as redness or swelling, it could be due to a medical issue.

​Lazy day.

The sun is shining too bright, and it is too hot outside. Sometimes my skin gets wet between
my fur, my mouth stays dry, and my feet are wet. I don't like getting too hot. I can't cool
myself down with water because I don't like it.

Mommy tried to drown me with soapy water once, so I had to use my nails to hold on tight. I don’t think she loved me too much at that stage. Luckily, for her own safety, she didn't try it again!

On bright shiny days, I don't like to do much! I prefer to lay on cool sheets or the hardwood
floor or in the shade under the cave that is made from wood and grass. I don't have a lot of
energy when I get hot. Mommy always tries to keep me active, although I refuse to play. I
only want to sleep!

Mommy tries to play by wiggling my toys around. Firstly she attempts to play with the
mouse and birdie on a stick, but I don't have the energy to entertain her now. When she fails,
she brings out all my favorite toys. Even my small, black wire! But I'm not easily fooled, so I
just stare at her. I wonder if she thinks I am stupid!

I only get up to eat my delicious food to keep my tummy full and to drink lots of water with
those see-through cold cubes, when my mouth goes dry. I like to catch the cubes, but my
paws always get wet. Mommy always makes cold water and soft food on a sunny day. Oh,
and I will get up for those delicious fish-shaped treats!

The sheets on the bed keep me cold. I love to push my sharp nails through the sheets.
Sometimes I knead with my front paws or scratch the sheets with my back paws to get
comfortable. I don't cuddle with my humans when I get hot.

I usually sleep the whole day when it is hot and play outside when the moon rises, and it gets
dark and cool. I love to have lazy days! All I worry about is sleep, food, and water.

Sometimes the big black box with movement is on to keep me busy. I have a great life

I'm done talking meow. I'm getting lazy!

Home alone.

I hate it when my humans have to leave. I wish that they could stay at home forever to
give me attention, cuddles, and more food. Although I am independent and can survive
on my own, I miss my humans when they are not around. They play with me and keep
me active during the day.

I don't like being alone, but at least I can still play with my toys, hunt, and talk to the
moon. While keeping busy, I still wonder when my humans are coming home. I have a
whole cave to myself. That is a lot of space!

As I get bored, I start playing with objects in the house to keep myself busy. I tip them
over and wack them around with my paws until it goes underneath the big objects. I
like playing with the clingy thing that unlocks doors, oh! and caps that go onto human
drinks. That is a lot of fun!

My humans have small pieces they put into each other to create a big picture, and I love
to help build it! I just don't entirely know how to help and end up playing with the
pieces. I sometimes hide one away to keep my humans entertained. It works! They
search around for the missing piece.

I think I should take a nap. I am tired after hunting and hiding objects. I will lay on my
blanket until I fall asleep, and hopefully, my humans will be back to give me lots of food
and attention. I love my blanket! It's so soft and cuddly. Now I can purr myself to sleep.

Yawn, I have been sleeping forever, and I am still home alone. What takes those
humans so long? I hope they bring me lots of gifts and food for waiting so long! I am
going to sit at the door and wait until it opens. No matter how long it takes! Usually, it
takes a few years.

Finally! I hear the sound of the big thing on wheels that we always travel in. Mommy
and daddy are home. Let me go and call them from the back gate and follow them to the
front. Meow. Hi Mommy and Daddy, I have been a good Queen. I didn't break or
scratch anything, so I deserve treats!

I'm going to go get all my cuddles now!

Late night out

My favorite time of the day is when the sun set and the moon rises. My vision gets even
better so that I can hunt and play easier! I love to hunt for all types of bugs, reptiles, and
insects at night, except the eight-legged ones. They're just too creepy. I think they sleep
during the day and play at night.

What I also like about nighttime is guarding my humans against intruders of my kind. They
jump over the fence to hunt my bugs like they don't have bugs in their yard! I need to ensure
they don't go inside the house and eat my or my human's food. I can't share my food. I need a
lot of protein.

I love to run around in the yard and play in between the plants at night. It is even more fun,
and it is more difficult for humans to find me. I like to carry my toys outside to keep me busy
in case the bugs are hiding. I enjoy playing with my mouse the most at night. It makes me
feel like I am hunting.

Once I am outside, I stay out, and those humans must try to stop me! I don't like to be inside
the house at night cause then my servants are sleeping, and my toys aren't moving. It is too
quiet inside. The crickets try to communicate with me while I'm out. I don't understand what
they are saying, but don't tell them. I wish that windows and doors didn't exist!

Every night my humans come outside to try and find me, but I am good at playing hide and
seek. Sometimes they notice me. I think they practice searching all day. Maybe that is what
work means. When they find me, I run away so that then they chase me. Can you believe they
like playing outside at night too?

The only time I will go into the house is when the raining devices outside turn on. Can you
believe that all of them turn on at the same time? I hate getting wet, and I hate rain! After my
humans dry me, I cuddle up in the blankets until I fall asleep.

Okay, Have a purring night!

Cat in the bag.

Bags is one of my favorite things to play in. My whiskers are another one of my superpowers.
You won't believe me, but I can measure spaces with my whiskers to know if I will fit. If I fit
in, I sit! It doesn't work if you are out of shape, so I must stay active.

My humans always worry about work and money, whatever that means, but apparently, that
is where they get my food, so I don't mind! If I can eat, I am more than happy. My humans
spend too much money on toys, but my favorite toys don't cost money. Like spiral wires,
boxes, and gift bags. They can use all those monies on my hungry tummy.

I love all kinds of bags. My humans always bring plastic bags for me. Unfortunately, it comes
with human food. Sometimes my food is in there as well, but not always. I love to get into
plastic bags. It makes a lot of noise and is great for hiding and attacking humans
unexpectedly!

Sometimes my humans bring paper bags instead, which is even better than a plastic bag! It is
stiff enough to sit up straight and crackles when it moves. I sometimes even chase my tail
inside of it or hide my toys in there. When I get tired, I just tip over and sleep. Potato bags are
also fun to play with, it is much longer, and I can hide even deeper.

Whenever more humans come over, they always bring gifts, and gifts come in bags. How
great is that! Every time they get a gift, I get one too! It is similar to paper bags, but there are
two small ropes to play with. Gift bags come in all shapes and sizes to try and fit in. I love it
when humans visit me! I deserve gifts because I'm the Queen.

I also love boxes! It is a lot bigger and has enough place for a blanket too! It is great for
hiding out, and no one ever knows where I am hiding. There are holes for my paws and head
to push through, and I can catch my toys that move from the outside, and no one knows that it
is me playing with them.

I could chat more, but I have some attacking to do!

Meal Planning.
​
I love food a lot! If I have to choose between my servants and my food, I won't be able to. I
need food, and I need my servants to give me food. I wish I could learn where to find that
food, but apparently, it is a secret.

I don't know which one is better, breakfast or dinner. Every morning when dad gets ready to
work, he gets out his portable typing device and starts typing. When he is finished typing, he
usually makes breakfast.

Dad takes a box, shakes it until human food comes out, and tops it with delicious milk. I
know that staring at him while he eats will make him give me some, so I start staring, but he
ignores me. I have a plan B. As soon as he takes the last bite of food, I push my head into the
bowl and drink the milk. It worked! Dad hisses and gives the rest of the milk to me.

In between the day, I get a snack called a treat! It is the shape of a fish but tastes different
than the fish in a tin, but it is still delicious. Sometimes I get more than one if I am being
cute! I wonder in which pond these come from so that I can go get some more.

Lunch is more boring than breakfast and dinner. Lunch is the same old cross pellets as
always, but my favorite flavor is chicken. Sometimes my humans bring me round pellets or
other flavors, but then I refuse to eat and starve myself. They will eventually feel guilty and
get me my favorite food.

Dinner is the best food ever! It is the soft, special kind that I love so much. I even get to
choose the flavor, but sometimes I choose the wrong one. My favorite flavor of soft food is
also chicken. Maybe Daddy likes me more because Mommy always gives me the same food!
I always hunt my midnight snack myself. The best place to find small reptiles with long tails
is in the bushes. Don't tell my secret to the others of my kind. They will hunt all of them! But
somehow, Mommy always finds me hunting and takes me away. I'm going to start taking
their snacks away!

That is all for meow, I’m getting hungry!

I'm Obsessed with the moon.
 
Oh my, how I love the moon!
The moon calls my name every night. It is so bright and beautiful.
I love the moon so much that I can stare at it until it fades away. 
I sleep so peacefully during the night when you protect me.
It feels like you listen to every conversation I have with you.
 
I hate when my humans separate me from you. I wish that I could open doors myself. 
As I stare out the window and communicate with you, my humans get out of bed and cover
the windows so I can talk to you no more. Why they don't like you, I don't know. But I wish I could Meow at you all night. You should come and visit me more often! 
 
As I look at you, I wonder what you do. Can you talk or move? Why is your shape changing?
I wonder what flavor you would be. Humans believe that you are cheese. 
I love cheese, milk, cream, and everything dairy! Sometimes I wonder if there is really a
human standing on you like humans say. I wish I could have a tiny human. We would play
even better!
 
You are pure white, like cotton. Are you a cotton ball that I can play with?
I love to play with cotton, wool, and anything soft and fluffy. 
Oh, I wish I could tear you apart with my sharp claws. I wonder if you can bounce like a ball
or if you could roll so that I can chase you around.
You will be my favorite toy if I can only reach you, so close but yet so far!
 
I believe that I have a superpower. I must practice staring at you enough to pull you closer
with my night vision eyes. One day you will be here in my very own home without being
able to escape. Someday I am going to catch you! 
 
It's getting late now. I need to practice my superpowers!

My favorite toys.

Oh, how I love to play! I have a lot of toys to choose from, and I even have servants to move
them around for me. I play a lot with my humans during the day to keep them active and in
shape.

When my Mommy is busy tapping on the keyboard and Daddy is at work, I get bored and
make games up to keep myself active. Like attacking the big spongy thing my humans sit on
or tipping over the see-through, shiny thing they drink out of, sometimes it scares me by
breaking.

One day Mommy came home with a birdie on a stick. I am sure it is dead, but it squeaks
when I play with it. Mommy and Daddy move the stick around so that I can catch the bird. I
know it doesn't move by itself, but I need to keep them entertained by playing to make them
happy.

Oh, Mommy also gave me feathers on a stick, which look the same as the feathers on birds
but don't taste the same. It also has a bell that makes it easier to know where my human is
hiding with it. Daddy brought me a mouse as a present after I went to the Vet, but it was also
dead. Although I would prefer a real-life mouse that I can hunt, I still love to play with it. I
gift my humans by bringing them mice and birds, but then they only yell at me.

I keep bringing the same old toys to them to play with now, the dead ones that they like. I
also found a white, heavy ball with dimples in Daddy's office. I love to play with it. It makes
a lot of noise on the hardwood floors. I especially like to play with it while my humans are
sleeping. Usually, they get up to play with me, but then they misplace the ball. Humans can
be stupid sometimes.
 
Daddy opened a gift box once and found a gift hidden in the box for me. A small black wire!
It is my favorite toy and I play with it the most. Whoever hid the wire in there is clever. I
bring it to Daddy a lot to shape it into a spiral to roll around. It makes it easier to play!
 
Enough meowing! I need to search for my toys now.

We all know that cats are incredibly intelligent and sensitive creatures, but how much do they actually know about human emotions?

​Cats have a very heightened ability to pick up on disease and illness, and this is actually why they make such fantastic companions to their human friends. 

If you are a cat owner yourself, or just curious about our feline friends, you might want to know more about their capacity for empathy. If this is the case, then keep reading, as we take a look below. 

This is a question that has been asked by many people for decades, but do cats actually have a sixth sense? The simple answer is - not in the traditional sense.

Cats do however, have superior senses to ours in almost every aspect apart from taste. They can see, feel, hear, and smell much better than human beings can. 

Sight

Cats are able to see very well in lighting that human beings can't. So for example, in dimmer light. This is due to their lifestyle and that they spend many hours wandering around in the dark. 

They also have another feature in their eyes that human beings do not. This is called a tapetum, which is a layer that allows them to absorb light.

Smell

Cat’s are also incredibly good at sniffing out treats! This is actually the second best of all their senses. The sense of smell that cats possess is actually fourteen times more powerful than that of human beings. They have an incredible 200 million scent receptors in their noses. 

Along with these receptors, they also have organs which can be found at the very top portion of their mouth at the roof, that act as a secondary sensor for smelling things. 

Hearing

This is actually the strongest sense possessed by our feline friends. They can actually hear at the same capacity as human beings and dogs, but in addition to this, they can hear high pitched sounds inaudible to humans.

​This is why if you’ve found yourself lounging with your cat and they appear to perk up, even with no immediate noises to be heard. This allows them to both hunt prey themselves and protect themselves from impending predators.

This is an interesting question. Cats may actually be able to tell if their human companion is feeling ill. This is due to their sense of smell that we covered above.

​They can pick up on hormonal and chemical changes within human beings that occur when we’re not feeling our best. 

When you are feeling unwell, just by rubbing up against you, your cat will be able to tell. They are often incredibly intrigued by new scents, so if you’re giving off something different on account of your feeling sick, they will be interested.

Although cats are not as attuned on picking up on whether or not somebody is sad like dogs can, they are able to sometimes read social cues associated with depression. For example, if you cat continually observes your smiling, they will begin to associate this as a positive emotion. 

Some of the more obvious symptoms of depression can include feeling fatigued, lackluster, less sociable and tired. It is not just human beings that can pick up on these feelings, your cat will be able to too if it affects the way you interact with them. 

Perhaps you are less enthusiastic about the way you pet them, or simply do not give them the same attention as you used to. Your cat will pick up on this and gather that something is amiss.

​Very loving cats will become more sympathetic as a result, and try to be a comfort to their owners during times of distress.

Because cats are always hyper aware of predators, they are never fully relaxed. This means that fear is one of the most prominent feelings that cats respond to.

If human beings display any changes in body language, or facial expressions associated with fear, cats will be able to tell.

​They will also be able to detect this through bodily functions themselves, such as an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and shaky muscles.

This is an interesting question too. Cats are in fact able to recognize the chemical and hormonal changes associated with death. Just like when you are ill, cats will be able to smell the changes in the body of someone who is dying. 

Perhaps this is why in many cultures cats are seen as bad luck, because they seem to have such a superior and almost supernatural ability to sense big events. 

Many cats who sense that their owners are approaching the end of their lives will tend to be very sympathetic and loving. Choosing to stay with them steadfastly at their bedside. 

Kind of! Because their paws are so sensitive, their little pink pads can tell if there are any vibrations in the ground.

​This is because of the nerve endings that they have in their feet, which are called Pacinian corpuscles. Your cat will let you know if they sense impending danger by pawing you and purring.

Cats are truly remarkable creatures, they sense far more than human beings are aware of. Because they are able to sense when humans are unwell, either emotionally or physically, they make great companions that provide a lot of love and support to their caretakers.

​Although they do not technically have a sixth sense, their superior senses attune them to a wealth of different emotions.

​Cats are incredibly affectionate creatures that have proven to be enduringly beloved pets for multiple generations.

The problem is that cats can also be very solitary creatures that often enjoy their alone time, and they often also have incredible survival instincts that allow them to be very independent. 

This means that, sometimes, it can be hard to tell exactly what a cat is trying to communicate with its behavior.

Where it’s immediately clear what a dog’s wagging tail communicates, it is a little harder to tell what a cat’s wagging tail communicates. 

One common cat behavior that many people find themselves mystified by is winking. Have you ever noticed your cat winking at you?

​Ever wondered what it might mean? If you have, then you have come to the perfect place. Let’s dive right in and find out what your cat might be trying to say!

There are actually numerous reasons why your cat may be winking at you.

One of the reasons may be to show gratitude or love, whereas other reasons may be because your cat is suffering from some kind of problem with their eye.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the reasons that cats wink at you.

To Show Affection

Cats are very affectionate, and can prove to be very loving and loyal pets, however, this affection needs to be earned, as, unlike dogs, cats will not simply show affection to just anyone. 

If your cat has ever winked at you, it is most likely because they are trying to show affection for you.

This behavior often goes hand in hand with slow blinking, which can also be used to show affection to owners. 

The reason that cats wink and blink slowly to show affection is because they are showing that they feel safe in your company, as by closing their eyes they are leaving themselves vulnerable, but they trust you not to take advantage of that.

Cats also do this with other cats, to show that they do not believe them to be a threat.

The reason why cats sometimes wink instead of slow blinking is often unclear, but it is most likely just a simple quirk of their biology, and not likely a sign of any deeper meaning!

The Nictitating Membrane

You may or may not be aware that cats actually have a third eyelid that closes independently from their exterior ones.

This is called the nictitating membrane, and it is a translucent membrane that moves diagonally across the eye, and keeps it moisturized.

You may not have even known that your cat had one, because they tend to use them so quickly that they can easily go unnoticed!

However, if the nictitating membrane is ever impacted, then it can cause irritation to a cat, which may cause it to blink more frequently in an attempt to clear the issue up.

Things that can cause issues with the nictitating membrane include whiskers, strands of fur, or even small bits of dirt or debris. 

If you see your cat winking at you rapidly, and they look as though they are in discomfort, then it is possible that there may be something irritating their nictitating membrane.

If you believe this to be the case, allow the cat some space to sort the issue out for themselves, but if it persists for a considerable amount of time, and your cat continues to wink in discomfort, then it may be worth contacting your veterinarian. 

Eye Problems

Another reason your cat may be winking, though a little less likely, is that it may have an eye infection or some other kind of physical problem.

You’d be able to tell if your cat’s eye is injured or infected by looking to see how often they do it.

If your cat continues to blink frequently within a short space of time, then it is likely that it may have an eye problem.

You’ll be able to tell if it is a large problem because, unlike with an irritated nictitating membrane, your cat will continue winking for hours at a time.

Common eye problems that affect cats are issues such as conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane.

​It may also be caused by an infection, either viral or bacterial, which can cause the eye to become very red, and may also cause the cat to sneeze excessively. 

Less frequent causes can be things such as cataracts, glaucoma, and allergies.

If you ever notice that your cat is winking excessively and that the behavior does not let up, make sure to contact your vet.

​Why Does My Cat Wink At Me With One Eye?

Your cat may wink to show affection, or in order to remove an irritant from its eye. Sometimes cats can accidentally poke themselves in their eyes, which can cause them to wink.

How Do You Tell Your Cat You Love Them?

If your cat is being affectionate, and you want to also prove your affection, you can show it by slow blinking back at it. Most cats will be incredibly receptive to this, as it shows you trust them.

Do Cats Know Their Names?

Research has shown that cats actually can recognize their own names, and that they just simply choose to ignore them sometimes, which creates the belief that they do not! 

​As you can now see, the most likely reason that your cat has been winking at you is simply because it is trying to show affection towards you!

Winking and slow blinking shows that a cat feels comfortable in your presence, and that it does not consider you a threat! 

On the other hand, if you notice that your cat is winking excessively, and more often than usual, then it could be that it is suffering from some kind of irritation in the eye.

​If you notice your cat winking more than usual, make sure to contact your vet as soon as you can.

​It is not uncommon to find that your cat is scratching the door. Not only does it ruin your painted or glossed wooden doors, but the sound is annoying too. 

Not only that, it is the kind of behavior that you will want to nip in the bud, afterall, you don’t want your cat to keep scratching at the door with its sharp claws - you likely can’t afford to replace the door a few times a year, nor would you want to!

It isn’t surprising then that you have ended up here.

​If you have a worn out door or two, and are exhausted from having to get up early due to the scratches on the bedroom door in the morning, fortunately there are a few things you can do.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at them. 

​One of the things you will want to work out is why your cat has begun scratching its claws along the door. Doing so can help you to understand why and to identify the correct solution.

Territory

If you are the type of cat parent who at one point let their cat roam freely around the home, and now you keep them in only a room or two, then there is a good chance that they might begin scratching at the door in the hope you will let them back in.

For example, maybe you used to let them sit in your living room or bedroom.

If you suddenly do not let them in anymore, then they are likely going to scratch at the door until you open it and let them inside. 

Attention

Despite cats preferring to sleep in the day and play at night, they are quite social animals - well, if you call curling up with you sociable.

As it happens, if your cat enjoys interact with both other animals and humans, they might want extra attention if you leave them.

This could involve something like scratching their claws across the door, asking to be let in.

​This is very similar to the territory option, except this doesn’t happen because you have cut the cat off from a specific room. 

Curious Behavior

Cats are naturally curious animals. For this reason, they may scratch on a door because they are wondering what is on the other side, and might want to know what a smell is, for example. 

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can stop your cat from scratching the door if it has become a problem you cannot solve. Here are some ideas (you may need to try more than one):

Use A Cat Safe Deterrent

There are a few different scents that cats really dislike such as rosemary, cinnamon, and citrus smells.

For this reason, you can use them to deter your cat from going near the door which will stop them from scratching it.

To do this you will need to create a spray and spritz it at the door a few times a day. To create, mix one tablespoon of the mentioned essential oils with three tablespoons of fresh water. 

Do keep in mind that the ones mentioned are safe to be around a cat, however not every essential oil is safe.

If you are concerned, even about the ones mentioned, speak to your veterinarian first to avoid any problems. 

Distraction Is Key

Catnip is a good way to distract a cat from scratching, but it isn’t something you can do all the time.

Fortunately, catnip is very safe and is a weed that belongs to the family of mint, and is considered non-toxic.

However, cats absolutely love the stuff and it can cause them to purr, roll around and salivate. 

To use, rub a toy such as a scratching post with some catnip to distract your cat. This will keep him or her distracted for at least ten minutes. 

Let Them Play With A Scratching Toy

Speaking of a scratching post, if you haven’t already got one for your cat, this could be an ideal solution.

That is because there is a chance your cat could be scratching a door out of sheer boredom. 

A few things to think about when purchasing a stretching post is that you want it to be large enough to be used by your cat, or small enough if they are tiny.

Place it in an area that your cat spends most of his or her time. 

If you find that the cat is still scratching the door, try putting it closer to the door to see if they become distracted by the scratching post instead. 

If your cat prefers a bed to scratch, then that is a great option too. Just see what works and hopefully they will stop scratching those doors.

Tire Them Out

Another thing you can do is to tire them out so they won’t want to scratch the door. This one is also great to try if they scratch to get your attention. 

Playing with them by using some of their favorite toys is a great way to give them your 100 percent attention.

​This means that your cat will have your attention, but also feel too tired to want to scratch the door. 

If All Else Fails, Protect Your Door

If you struggle with any of the above solutions, you could try and change the door instead by adding a glass panel or a different material so that they won’t enjoy the scratching.

Just make sure that whatever you use is safe around your cat.

​When a cat starts to scratch the door, not only can it be annoying, but it will also ruin the door.

​There are reasons as to why your cat may be doing it, as well as solutions to try and stop them from scratching.

​Have you ever wondered whether cats really enjoy wearing collars? Well, they don’t seem to mind at all. In fact, some even wear them 24/7.

Cats love being around other animals, especially dogs. They also enjoy playing games with their owners.
If you want to give your pet a little extra attention, then you might consider buying him or her a collar.

A cat collar is designed to prevent your cat from scratching furniture and walls. The material used to make these collars is usually nylon or leather.

Some collars come with bells attached to them. This way, your cat won’t be able to scratch anything without alerting you.

​Also, this way, you can keep tabs on the safety of your cat when they go roaming around outside for hours on end. 

​The most common type of collar for cats is the buckle-style collar. It has two parts: a headband that goes over your cat’s neck and a buckle that fastens on top of it.

You can choose between different sizes depending on how big your cat is.

Another type of collar is called a slip collar. These are similar to buckles, but they have no metal pieces. Instead, they have a plastic part that slips onto the cat’s neck.

Slip collars are easier to put on than buckles because there is less friction when sliding them over the cat’s skin.

You can buy any kind of collar you like as long as it fits your cat properly.

​However, if you want to get one that will last longer, then you should opt for a durable collar. Your cat may start to chew on it after a while.

​We often wonder how to find out what size collar is appropriate for your cats. And, more particularly, how tightly should a cat collar be worn?

The great news is that Noggins & binks offer a wide range of collars for cats, designed to suit every type of pet owner.

Their collars come in many sizes and styles - ranging from simple, plain collars to ones with bells and lights.

But, most importantly, they're all adjustable, meaning that you'll always be able to ensure that your cat wears their collar comfortably and safely.

And, while there's no one 'right' way to wear a collar, they do recommend that you follow some basic guidelines.

For example, make sure that your cat's collar fits snugly around their neck without being too tight.

Also, remember to check that the buckle is securely fastened. If your cat starts pulling against the collar, then it could lead to injury.

Finally, don't forget to adjust the collar regularly. You should be checking your cat's collar daily.

​If you'd like to know more about how to choose the correct collar size, please contact their team!

​If you are looking for a custom size cat collar, then you'll need to tell us how big your pet's neck is.

We recommend using a flexible tape ruler (like those used by tailors) or placing a piece of string snug but not too tight around your cat's neck.

Mark the spot where the strings meet and lay it on a flat surface. Use a standard ruler or tape measure to the mark.

You do not need to measure perfectly because there are teams of experienced seamstresses that can work with a range on either side of your measurement.

​This ensures that you get the best fit possible for your pet. Just visit your local pet store or an equivalent to get it done!

​Cats are very independent animals, and sometimes they do things without us knowing about them.

They can wander away from home without our knowledge and cause themselves harm.

For example, if you lose sight of your cat while out walking, you could find him or her lying injured somewhere and unable to move.

If your pet does stray, there are some steps you can take to try and bring him or her home again safely.

You can use a tracking device such as a GPS tracker, microchip, or collar to locate your lost cat.

​Once you know where your cat is, you can call local animal shelters or veterinary clinics to see if anyone has reported missing cats.

You can also contact your vet to ask whether they have seen your cat recently. Your vet will be able to tell you whether your cat needs medical attention.

If you think your cat has been taken in somewhere, you must report it immediately to the RSPCA or another relevant organization.

These organizations will keep your cat safe until you decide what to do next.

Once you have located your cat, the first thing you need to do is make sure that he or she is comfortable.

To do this, place your cat inside a warm room or wrap him or her up in a towel. Make sure that your cat is drinking water regularly and eating well.

Next, you'll want to fit your cat with a collar. A good quality collar will be easy to wear and won't pinch or chafe your cat's skin.

However, you'll also need to consider how long your cat will be wearing the collar, as some are designed to be worn for several days.

The size of the collar you choose depends on the size of your cat.

​Smaller breeds tend to have smaller necks, so you may have to go down a size to prevent the collar from being too tight around your cat's neck.

​Your cat can be a great companion. It's important to look after them properly so that they don't end up in a shelter or, worse still, at risk of injury or death.

When choosing a collar for your cat, remember that they're individuals, and you should always select one based on your individual cat.

​Be careful when selecting a collar, though, as many collars are made cheaply and poorly.

​When you do get kittens and begin raising them, it can be an exciting time. It is also crucial that they grow and are given the correct nutritional support.

Though an average and healthy-sized kitten can last up to two days, or perhaps longer, without food, it is generally accepted that they need to be fed often.

​At this point, kittens do not require huge portions and as long as they are fed little but often they should grow healthy.

In this guide, we will look at why your kitten may not be eating, what to do if they aren’t, and how long they can go without food. 

​The death of a kitten’s mother shortly after its birth can mean that a kitten has no food source.

This can prove difficult and the kitten may not be eating as it is not yet able to digest solid food.

The reliance on the mother’s breastmilk is to sustain its early life and with that gone, it could prove fatal within a couple of days.

At this early stage in a kitten’s life, it is vital for the mother to be around at all times or the responsibility falls on the owner to feed it. 

Another reason for the kitten not to be eating is that, even with the mother around, it could still fail to nurse.

The mother could reject one kitten in the litter or the kitten could fail to jockey for a position to feed itself.

Just like newborn babies, kittens need to be fed at regular intervals and this is typically around a maximum of four hours as any longer could risk hypoglycemia. 

There could be a medical concern that means that your kitten is not eating too.

​If they are simply not feeling well due to a clogged nose, intestinal parasites, or are constipated then you should be contacting a veterinarian to find a way to alleviate the concern. 

​There are several underlying causes of a kitten’s failure to eat though every effort should be used to ensure it gets a feeding.

This can include searching for a suitable foster mother, particularly if the kitten is under eight weeks old.

Your veterinarian may be able to help though you could also try a local cat shelter to find a suitable candidate.

The cat needs to be lactating already and have a small litter that your kitten can suckle from relatively conveniently. 

Bottle-feeding is another option if you cannot find a lactating cat with a litter of its own.

This may be the only available option should the mother not be around during that crucial eight-week period after which the kitten has been weaned.

You should opt for a specific kitten formula and not just general milk as cats are lactose-intolerant and will fail to digest it.

​Sweet water can also be another good choice though check the kitten beforehand as if it seems cold then those fluids may give them chills.  

​Once a kitten has been completely weaned from the litter then the responsibility for feeding falls onto the owner as the mother’s work is largely done.

That means frequent feedings of small portions during the day as the consequences of a single missed day could be crucial.

Even if you have to leave the kitten unattended as you leave for town, any kittens would need to be looked after in your absence. 

The older that the kitten gets then the longer it can go without food. At eight weeks, it can go a full eight hours, or even half a day, without a feed.

A fully grown cat can go a whole two days without food, that is as long as they have a supply of fresh water too.

A lot of that depends on the size of the cat as the smaller they are then the shorter their window of going without feed. 

There is also the prevailing possibility that the kitten could starve itself and die. That is an extreme case yet is increasingly possible if they are under eight weeks old.

​Particularly if medical conditions cannot be solved within two days or so then they may lose their appetite or are unable to digest their food.

What Do I Do If The Kitten Feels Cold?

Should the kitten feel cold, you should try to warm it up before feeding it any formula to prevent chills from occurring.

You only need to use your body heat to sufficiently warm up a kitten and you can rub it gently for around half an hour and then check its footpads.

Only when the kitten has warmed up should you try to bottle-feed it and you can either use a bottle with a small opening or a syringe that comes without a needle. 

How Long May An Eight-Week-Old Kitten Survive Without Food?

At eight weeks old, a kitten should be fully weaned and away from the litter. As it is stronger than you could argue at four weeks, it should be able to feed and defecate all on its own.

​However, the longest period of time that an eight-week-old kitten should be without food is still only around eight hours though that can be pushed to half a day.

​If you still cannot get your kitten to feed after a day then you should consult your local veterinarian as it should be serious enough by then.

This may be your first time looking after a kitten and it is typically a time to learn. The veterinarian can offer advice on what to do in such situations and examine the kitten. 

It could be an aspect of the bottle feeding, another part of routine care, or simply stimulation.

​That period after 24 hours is critical as hypoglycemia could set in and the veterinarian may be the only option to save the kitten.

​You won’t be surprised to hear that a cat’s sense of smell is pretty amazing.

​It is likely that they can smell their dinner before they have had a chance to see it. This might have gotten you thinking about how far a car can actually smell.

To put it simply, cats are able to smell things up to a distance of 4 miles, which is around 14 times of a bigger range than us humans. Impressive, right?

The reason they can smell so far away is down to having evolved as a species, and it means they are great hunters of prey.

So, with all this in mind, let’s take a look at a cat’s sense of smell in more detail. 

​When it comes to a cat’s nose, they have around 200 million sensors that detect odors. In comparison to us humans, we only have 5 million.

Think about all those smells we would be picking up whilst running an errand - it would get too much!

They are officially called olfactory receptors which cats have a fair few million of unlike us humans who don’t.

This means that your cat will be in the same room and be able to detect scents that we will never be able to. 

Because a cat’s nose can pick up smells much better than us, this means they have a scent range of around 4 miles.

​No wonder your kitty always smells her lunch before it even ends up in the bowl.

​Olfactory receptors are really important when it comes to detecting the smells around us.

They help the connection between the nose and the brain to figure out what it is that is being smelt.

Once a cat sniffs at something and takes up the molecules of odor, they begin to dissolve as soon as they reach the mucus in the canal of the nasal cavity.

​The olfactory cells in this area use something called cilia to make sure the mucus reaches the olfactory receptors.

As soon as the molecules reach the receptors and bind together, this then sends the signal all the way to the brain so the smell can be linked with the actual thing that is being sniffed at. 

​Once the kitten is born, they have their ability to smell.

Whilst they are blind at this stage, they use their noses to figure out the world around them, but most of all to seek out the milk from their mother.

Just like they did at birth, they will continue to use their sense of smell to find and seek out food, whether that is in the wild of the backyard, or inside the home. 

Not only that, a cat also has an organ connected to the nasal cavities called the vomeronasal which lives in the mouth.

You may have noticed that when your cat sniffs an object, they also have their mouth slightly open.

This is because they are not only using their nose but the organ too.

It can help to identify and smell something, and it has the ability to pick up pheromones, but also a wide variety of scents which humans cannot detect.

Because a cat has a unique pheromone, it means that they can use it to mark their own territory.

​They use the vomeronasal to pick up the pheromones of other cats. This isn’t just about territory either, a male cat can smell a female cat who is in heat a few miles away. 

​A cat may find a new smell a threat to them which can keep them pretty safe whilst they are wandering outdoors.

This means that they also use their amazing sense of smell to protect themselves too. 

This is because whilst they are outdoors, they will be using their sense of smell before their own sight to navigate.

If there is a smell that is not familiar, they will be very cautious as it cannot be trusted. 

For example, if they can smell another cat, it is likely they will attempt to defend themselves and their territory.

​Sometimes however, they may just show caution to the new cat. 

​Just like we said above, a cat can smell their owner around 4 miles away, but did you know they can also recognize who you are just by your scent? Of course you did!

You may notice that your cat spends a lot of time sniffing you and getting to know you. This way they learn your scent and become familiar with it in order not to feel threatened.

​Doing this means they can trust you, and know you will not become a threat to them.

Over time, once a cat becomes familiar with a scent like that of their owner, they relate it to feeling safe and protected. 

​You may find that your cat goes missing from time to time, but then shows up out of the blue as if nothing has happened - or has a present for you in the shape of a mouse.

It is said that cats have a natural instinct to find their way home, though some cats have a stronger sense than others.

​However, it is also said that some cats struggle with this and can never find their way home. More studies are needed.

Even so, cats can smell their owners from up to 4 miles away, which can help them to find their way back home. 

​Cats have an amazing sense of smell, with being able to detect scents from up to 4 miles away.

​This means that it is not surprising when kitty appears at the kitchen door when you are opening up her favorite can of cat food.

​The social lives of animals can often seem confusing to humans.

They have families in the same way we do, they make friends whether it be within their species or outside, and they seem to remember each other even after long periods of separation.

Cats are fairly social animals who are some of the best companions seen throughout human history.

But if you’ve ever owned a cat you’ll know that telling what they’re thinking can be difficult.

So just how social are cats? How close are their family ties? Do they remember their siblings after a long time apart?

If you find yourself asking questions like this, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article we’re going to be breaking down everything there is to know about cats and their siblings.

​We’ll explore how cats interact with each other and how much family means to them. We’ve also included a short FAQ to break down some of the more technical terms used in this article.

So let’s get right into it!

​If you’ve recently bought or adopted a brand new kitten, you’ll probably know a little something about the litter they come from.

Cats tend to be born in litters of around four to eight.

This means they are bound to have at least one or two siblings, and that they’re likely to have lived the earliest stages of their life in their company.

You might be thinking that this would surely cause massive psychological problems for your new pet.

After all, if you were separated from your siblings at an early age, you’d likely still have memories that would haunt you as you grow up.

But cats are slightly different, and they have much less reliance on their blood relatives than humans do.

Take for example a cat's relationship with its Father.

It is very normal for a cat to never meet their father, and whilst they are going to follow their mother for a while, cats soon become fairly self-sufficient animals. 

When it comes to siblings, the normal lifecycle of a domesticated cat will see them interacting with them for around 8 weeks.

Before this time, a kitten needs to feed from its mother’s milk, meaning that it will have to stay close to its siblings.

​After this, kittens will usually be sold to good homes and separated from their littler. 

​But what about their siblings? Do cats remember their littermates as they grow older? Well, the answer to this question is - in most cases no.

To better understand this, we need to examine how a cat remembers things a little closer. 

Cats are actually very good at remembering. Whilst they’re not the smartest of all animals in the world, they do possess impressive long-term memory capacity.

This means that they can easily remember who feeds them, who is safe to be around, and who might annoy or be a danger to them.

If you’ve ever had a cat before and left it for a long period of time, you’ve no doubt noticed how excited they are to see you. 

If we compare cats to dogs in this area, dogs have much less impressive memories. It is thought that a cat has up to 200 times more long-term memory capacity than a dog has.

However, cats are more likely to remember things that are beneficial to them, meaning they are more inclined to remember those who fed them or gave positive benefits to their lives. 

So then - if they have a good long-term memory, why don’t they remember their siblings? To answer this, a good starting point is to consider how humans remember their infancy.

As a baby, you don’t form so many memories as you do in your later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

This is because your mind is still developing, and the first eight weeks (four years, in reality) are much more likely for you to be able to retain concrete memories.

And cats are no different in this regard. The first 8 weeks of a cat’s life are likely not to be remembered.

As their brains develop further, they begin to get the capacity to remember things for a long time.

​So in this case, it’s likely that a cat will have almost no memory of its siblings or even their mother. The cat you’ve had since a kitten is likely to remember you instead of their blood family. 

Are Cats Social Animals?

Because cats are much more independent pets than dogs, you may be wondering if they can be considered social animals.

Whilst cats will sometimes search for food and hunt alone, they are still social animals. If you were to find a group of cats in the wild, they are likely to keep together in social groups.

This would usually consist of female cats and their litters. Male cats tend to be a lot more solitary, only socializing to mate. 

Should I have 1 Or 2 Cats?

Whilst this question depends a lot on the individual context of your situation, either can be fine!

Cats do well with companions (especially if they have grown up together) but can also be fine as a solitary animal.

​One thing to note is that cats can be quite territorial, so you’ll have to be careful when introducing a new cat into the home of an already established cat.

​So whilst cats are unlikely to remember their siblings from the earliest parts of their life, they do have the capacity to remember things once their minds have developed.

If they have a sibling grow up with them, the ties between them are likely to be strong.

However, it’s important to note that the social connections and bonds of cats are fairly different to humans, so you should keep this in mind when considering this topic.

We hope that this article has explained everything you wanted to know about whether or not cats remember their siblings and that you now understand a little more about the topic.

​If you still have some questions, check our Frequently Asked Questions section below!