Why Do Cats Roll Over Into Their Backs But Not Let You Touch Their Bellies?
It’s common knowledge dogs love to have their tummies rubbed when they freely lay down before you and roll onto their backs. But, if you’re also familiar with cats, you know that when they roll onto their backs with their bellies exposed, rubbing the belly will most likely result in bleeding. So why do they do this? advertisement An expression of trust Cat behaviorists will likely answer that it’s a sign of trust when cats roll over and expose their bellies. That is true, indeed. But is it also a request to rub their bellies? The fact that your cat
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Cat Adjectives That Make Good Names
Getting a new kitty friend is great but sometimes thinking up a good name that’s a little unique but still descriptive is hard. So here’s a cheat sheet of adjectives to describe kitties which also make great names. advertisement 1. Casual This is number one on my list because I once named my cat “Casual.” It was very descriptive. Casual was super laid back and was a male Calico. If you know cats, you would know calicos are supposed to be females, so Casual was a rarity, but a super loving kitty. He was a rescue cat. I took him in when he didn’t look so great and with a little love he became gorgeous and all the people who didn’t want him were jealous of my beautiful calico kitty Casual. 2. Mellow Mellow is right in there with Casual. If your kitty is nonchalant and never you mind then Mellow would be a good name. Cats love to say hello with slow blinking eyes. A friendly cat who does this a lot would be great for wearing the name Mellow kitty. 3. Beloved Not just a novel by Toni Morrison. Beloved is a great cat name. You probably already call your cat this anyway. For all those cat lovers whose kitty is the treasure of their lives, Beloved seems a most fitting name. 4. Chubby Chubby, Chubbers, Chubs, … you get it. If your kitty has a few extra pounds and loves his Meow Mix making him especially adorable, this name’s for you. Chubby kitties are super cute and adorably awkward. Why not embrace it with a name to fit their physique? 5. Cuddles Any cute kitty who likes to cuddle up. Let’s face it cuddle time is why we humans love our cats so much. They naturally want to rub noses and get close. Makes nap time so much better when a human is there to provide a warm pillow and some gentle petting. Just not the tail; leave my tail alone! 6. Fluffy Fluffy, Fluffers, a cat with a lot of poofy hair. Any long-haired kitty could qualify for the name Fluffy. 7. Grump(y) Grump, Grumpy, Grumps, Mr./Miss. Grumps. It’s a great name for a cat who doesn’t really fit the “Cuddles” moniker. Some cats just aren’t gonna be in a good mood. Their grumpy disposition isn’t always negative, though. Grumpy cats can be hilarious. You reach to pet them and they let out that merrrooowwweerrrrooommm that says don’t you dare touch me. Grumpy cats are scenery; look, don’t pet. advertisement 8. Precious This is in there with Beloved. If you say it with the voice of Smeagol from Lord of the Rings, that’s ok. Precious takes up all our devotion. This name is reserved for kitties who are gonna be pampered, and I mean with a capital “P.” Precious is going to get the best food, the best toys, the best kitty accessories, and the best place in the household because with a name like Precious
Your Cat’s Not Nocturnal, She’s Crepuscular
We cat owners have all been here before. As you lay in bed, you drift off to sleep, but suddenly, your feline friend wakes you up. The problem is, it’s 3 am. You lay there exhausted, hoping that your cat would calm down. As a result, you probably think your cat is nocturnal. The truth is, they aren’t. Your cat is crepuscular. Are you not convinced? You may want to keep reading. advertisement Nocturnal, Diurnal, Crepuscular Most of us are familiar with the word nocturnal; we associate this word with hooting owls, howling wolves, and musical crickets: the creatures of the night. However, animals, such as humans, who are most active during the day are called diurnal. More specifically, nocturnal animals have adapted to thrive best when there is little to no light. For example, bats have terrible eyesight, but with the help of echolocation, they do not need vision (which is a sense that relies on light to be effective) to hunt and catch their prey. It’s unknown if nocturnal or diurnal came first — it’s theorized that nocturnal creatures became night dwellers to escape the day roamers or vice versa. But what about this third category: crepuscular? Cats are crepuscular because they are most active at dawn and dusk (low light hours). Crepuscular animals are not limited to our feline friends. Other crepuscular animals include rabbits, ferrets, ocelots, bobcats, deer, and African wild dogs. So what is crepuscular, and why is my cat crepuscular? Crepuscular animals thrive when the light is low, which means the time of day they’re most active can vary depending on the amount of available light so that they may be active on a bright moonlit night or an overcast day. Animals have adapted to be crepuscular for two reasons: to adjust when their prey is most active and to avoid competition from other animals. For example, on the Santa Cruz islands, the short-eared owl is crepuscular to avoid the prominent predator, the Galapagos hawk. However, the same owl species that live on the Galapagos Islands are active during the day. advertisement It’s in the eyes Even though this behavior is instinctive to each species, the structure of an animal’s eyes determines its nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular behavior. Crepuscular creatures like your cat have large eyes compared to their skulls, allowing in more light compared to our smaller human eyes. They also have a layer of cells at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light to the retina, enabling them to see very well in low light. While this information may not help you at 3 am when your cats are keeping you awake with their crepuscular zoomies, we hope this gives you some additional insight into why it’s happening. Just remember, it’s not because they’re trying to bother you; they’re just succumbing to their primal instincts with the hunting urge kicking in, even if it’s just hunting their stuffed toy mouse.
Thinking of Getting Your First Cat?
Deciding to welcome a cat into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Cats are such wonderful companions. They are loving, funny, and full of personality. You just can’t help but fall in love with them. If you have never in your life owned a cat, it would be smart to learn about the care of cats and what to expect when bringing them home. Here is a list of things to consider before making a commitment to become a cat owner and what you need to get before you bring your new feline friend home. advertisement What you need to think about before bringing home a new cat Decide where you are getting your cat from Deciding where to get your new friend from is a task all on its own. Do you want to adopt from a local shelter? Look online for a kitten? Do you want a specific breed, color, or gender? Once you figure out where you want to get your cat from, it’s time to reach out to those places to start the process. Get everything you need before bringing your cat home Once you have decided to welcome a cat or kitten into your life, you should figure out what you need to buy. Create a shopping list and have everything purchased before you bring your new companion home. You don’t want to bring your new pet home and have no food dishes or a safe space for them to hide. Some things to consider when buying for your new cat are: Food dishes and food Litter boxes, litter, mat for the box to sit on, scope, and liners if you want to use them. Grooming supplies. Brush, nail clippers, etc. Toys Bed Treats Scratching post This list may vary depending on the cat you are getting. If you are getting an older cat with special needs, then you will need to accommodate those special needs. Whereas if you are getting a kitten, lots of toys are a good idea. Cat proof everything Before you bring your cat home, it’s a good idea to get down on the floor and look at your house at a cat’s eye level. Look for anything that might be harmful to your cat. Plants, electrical cords, unsteady furniture, and move it to a spot your cat won’t be able to access. You may also want to cover your furniture to save it from being used as a scratch post, Prepare a spot for your cat You can dedicate a corner to your cat or a whole room if you have the space. Your new cat will need somewhere it feels safe while it adjusts to your home. Especially if you are getting your cat from a shelter, it might be a bit nervous. Setting up a corner in a room away from where you spend a lot of time will give the cat a feeling of security while adjusting to its new surroundings.
10 Most Famous Cats in History
All cats are loveable and hard to resist, but over the years, there have been a few cats that have captured the hearts of people all over the world. Cats are spectacular creatures, from the tips of their precious ears to their magical toe beans. It’s easy to see why the world has fallen in love with cats. All cats are precious and deserve to be celebrated, but here is who we consider 10 of the most famous cats in history. advertisement 10 Most famous cats in history Tardar Sauce aka Grumpy Cat Grumpy cat rose to stardom in 2012, and before she knew it, her adorable yet grumpy mug was all over the internet. She may have been one of the most famous cats in recent history. Tardar Sauce had a form of dwarfism and an underbite, giving her a grumpy appearance. According to her owners, she was an incredibly happy girl. Tardar Sauce died at age seven from complications of a urinary tract infection in May 2019. Lil Bub Lil Bub captured the heart of millions with her unique appearance. She had a rare form of dwarfism that stunted her growth. Her limbs were shorter than normal, and her bottom jaw was abnormally short, making her adorable little cat tongue hang out. However, She suffered from a bone disorder called Osteopetrosis, and Lil Bub died at the age of eight when she ultimately lost a battle to a bone infection in December of 2019. Tommaso Tommaso is a stray cat who wandered the streets of Rome until he met a woman named Maria Assunta. Tommaso captured Maria’s heart and quickly became spoiled beyond his wildest imagination. As it turns out, Maria Assunta was a very wealthy woman, and when she died at the age of 94, Tommaso the cat was left with an inheritance of $10 million. Making him the world’s wealthiest cat and becoming one of the most heartwarming stories of very poor to very rich. Tabby and Dixie Many believe that Abraham Lincoln was the best President to ever sit in the oval office. The 16th American President was also a cat lover. The secretary of state at the time gifted two cats, Tabby and Dixie, to the President. These cats went on to live a spoiled life. When people talk about the President and his cats, one story often told is of Tabby wandering into a dinner the President and his wife were hosting for high-ranking Government officials. The President feeds the beloved Tabby from his plate, much to his wife’s embarrassment. All Ball Everyone knows Koko, the gorilla. She learned to communicate with humans using sign language, and Koko learned over 2,000 words and over 1,000 signs. Koko asked for a pet, a cat in particular. A male Manx kitten was given to Koko, and she immediately loved the tiny kitten. Taking care of the kitten, Koko named him ‘All Ball’ and loved him like he was her own baby. Unfortunately, All Ball escaped
How to Teach a Cat to Fetch
Playing a game of fetch isn’t something only dog owners can enjoy. You can teach your cat how to play fetch as well. Cats are clever animals, can be taught many tricks, and enjoy the attention they get while playing with you. Teaching your cat to fetch might be easier than you think it is. It will require that you make a commitment and a consistent effort, but eventually, you will be successful. You can show off your cat’s cleverness to guests at your house. Cat’s playing fetch isn’t something you see every day. Here is an easy process you can use to teach your cat how to play fetch. advertisement Steps to teach your cat to fetch Choose the right space. Begin by finding a quiet spot in your house where you can play with your cat without any distractions. If you have kids, other pets, or any other distractions, it might be a good idea to use a room with a door that closes. You don’t want anything distracting your cat while you are teaching it how to play fetch. You will also want to consider what is in the space you are using. You don’t want your cat to be jumping over furniture or other objects. Use a clear space so you can easily see the toy and your cat while training. Pick a good time for your cat. If you have noticed your cat is high energy in the morning, then the morning would be the perfect time to teach your cat to fetch. Trying to use a time of day that your cat sleeps typically isn’t likely to yield any results and will likely leave you frustrated. Use a toy your cat likes. This might be a trial-and-error process. Trying toys with different weights and textures to find one your cat likes the best will make them want to fetch the toy much more than a toy they consider subpar. You can try crinkle balls, fake mice, balls, or even crumple up a piece of paper to try. Try to make it something that is on the lighter side and easy for your cat to pick up and carry around. You can hit a pet store or get creative with what you use for a toy or anything your cat finds enticing. Use catnip. Rub a little catnip on a toy to entice your cat into going after the toy. If your cat is being sassy and doesn’t want to run after its toy when you throw them, rubbing a little catnip on the toy might be all the encouragement your sassy feline needs. Let your cat get a smell of the catnip before you throw the toy, so they know what they are going after. You would be hard-pressed to find a cat who can resist the allure of catnip. Use lots of praise. When your cat feels playful, grab your kitty’s favorite toy and call your cat over to you. When your cat
Cats and Superfecundation
Did you ever wonder how kittens could look so different from each other and their mother? Sometimes a kitten will be calico, while others will be pure black. One could have short hair, and the other, long hair. Despite being from the same litter, how can they look so different? It turns out it’s possible that kitten siblings to have the same mother cat but different fathers! It’s called superfecundation. advertisement Wait, but how? When a female kitty is in heat, she can breed with different males numerous times. As soon as the female’s ovaries release eggs, a process triggered by mating, the male’s little swimmers can get trapped in her reproductive tract and fertilize the eggs, leading to multiple donors. There is the possibility of various fertilizations from different sperm donors if the female releases more than one egg, which can survive for up to 24 hours. It would be impossible to determine if superfecundation occurred if a female cat mated with a male of the same breed since the physical characteristics would be too similar. Therefore, a DNA test is the only way to confirm the parentage of a kitten. So how can you know? What is the telltale sign when there is more than one father in a litter? If their appearances are drastically different such as colors, shapes, and even different sizes. Although true, littermates can look vastly different and share the same father. Cats carry dominant and recessive genes, such as blue eyes and short hair, resulting in kittens with different eye colors and fur lengths. The fact that kittens from the same litter look so different can still be a head-scratcher. It is necessary to consider the mother cat’s lifestyle to allude to superfecundation. For example, she’s more likely to have a variety of baby daddies if she’s a stray with easy access to many tomcats while in heat; it’s more common than you might think. advertisement Other interesting facts about cats and pregnancy include: Littermates, fathers and daughters, and mothers and sons can mate; incestuous relationships between cats don’t matter in the feline world. In spring and autumn, cats come into the heat. When a female doesn’t mate during her heat cycle, the process begins again a week or two later. This is why March through October is considered “kitten season.” Females can be fertile for up to seven days or as little as one day. Cats have an average gestation period of 65 days. Females can become pregnant as early as four months old. It is not uncommon for pregnant cats to experience “morning sickness” like pregnant humans. As a result, there is a possibility that they will vomit or refuse to eat. There can be as few as one kitten or eight kittens in a litter. There are usually four kittens per litter on average.
Greebles and Cats: The Origin and the Meaning
You may have seen an internet sensation concerning cats labeled “greebles.” Feel out of the loop? We’re here to help you. In 2019, Reddit user /user/literallyatree commented on a Reddit post about a cat that looks like it’s trying to slap a ghost. This user commented: “My family calls things only cats see greebles. I imagine they’re sorta like tiny goblins that like to mess with cats.” This comment went viral, and the subreddit /r/greebles was created; the description is: “You know when cats see something that’s not there? That’s a greeble. Only cats can see them. They’re like invisible gremlins that like messing with cats.” With over 200K members of /r/greebles in only three years, it’s not surprising why this term caught on so quickly. So many cat parents can’t help but notice when their cat seems to spaz out over what seems like nothing. It’s not a stretch to imagine they’re battling something only they can see and is invisible to the human eye. So why does this happening, really? Is it greebles, or is it something more scientific? advertisement Cats Have Ultraviolet Vision The sun’s rays damage human retinas, so our eye’s outer surface (the lens) protects them from highly damaging ultraviolet light. However, the retinas of cats are much less vulnerable to UV damage, which allows ultraviolet light to penetrate their lens more easily. As a result, cats are more sensitive to subtle differences in brightness due to their ultraviolet vision. Her UV vision could be to blame if your cat is intent on staring at the wall. Some insect species reflect UV light, so your cat may watch a tiny bug crawling up the wall that you can’t see. Seeing Subtle Movement The eye consists of two primary components: cones and rods. A well-lit room allows us to see colors across the spectrum, thanks to cones. By contrast, rods enable us to see in dim lighting, identify shapes, and detect motion. In general, cats have six times more rods than humans, so even though your cat may have difficulty distinguishing colors like you, she can see much better in the dark, thanks to her extra rods. A cat also has about 20 degrees more peripheral vision than a human, meaning she has a wider field of vision. Your cat’s eyes may not be tricking her if she seems to be staring at something that isn’t there. For example, your cat may have seen a bird fly across the yard, a bug crawl down the hall, or just a large piece of dust float through the air. advertisement Something Is Making Noise With their heightened sensitivity, cats’ ears can hear sounds and noises you don’t even know are there. Their hearing range is much broader and includes much higher pitches than humans. With this skill, cats can also pick up ultrasonic vocalizations from rodents such as rats and mice. Your cat may not see anything if she’s staring full force at something you don’t see. For
Incredible Historical Cats: Unsinkable Sam
Unsinkable Sam, the black and white cat, was initially named Oscar but soon earned a historical reputation. Sam’s story began in the Nazi regime’s fleet and ended in the British Royal Navy. While all three ships sank, Sam survived them all: the Bismarck, the HMS Cossack, and the HMS Ark Royal. advertisement Bismarck In the beginning, Oscar belonged to an unknown crew member of Bismarck and was on board on May 18th, 1941, when Bismarck set sail on Operation Rheinübung, Bismarck’s only mission. The British battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Hood engaged the German battleship Bismarck and her escort the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in a battle where Hood was completely destroyed and Bismarck suffered an oil leak. Due to the oil leak the British were able to find Bismarck again and torpedo biplanes from the British carrier Ark Royal disabled Bismarck’s rudder making her unable to escape. The ship sank, and only 118 of its 2,200 crew members survived. Oscar was found clinging to a floating board and rescued from the water by the homeward-bound British destroyer HMS Cossack hours later. Unsinkable Sam had officially switched sides from the Nazis to the Allied forces, but his luck didn’t change much. HMS Cossack During the next few months, Cossack performed convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. While things went well for a time, 139 of the destroyer’s crew members were killed when a torpedo damaged the ship. The Cossack eventually sank 30 miles west of Gibraltar, and Sam was found clinging to a piece of plank. After surviving the ordeal, he was brought to Gibraltar’s shore establishment. In light of what had happened, British officers renamed him Unsinkable Sam, but his adventure wasn’t over yet. HMS Ark Royal The crew of the HMS Ark Royal then adopted Unsinkable Sam – ironically, the same ship that helped sink the Bismarck. The Ark Royal survived several near misses and earned the reputation of being a ‘lucky ship.’ Sadly, the luck didn’t last, and on November 14th, 1941, a U-boat torpedoed this ship, too, while returning from Malta. advertisement Sam’s Retirement This time, Sam was found on a floating plank by a motor launch and described as “angry but unharmed.” Sam had had enough by this point. After being transferred to a job on land, he hunted mice in Gibraltar’s Governor General’s building. His final years were spent at a ‘Home for Sailors’ in Belfast, where he remained until he peacefully passed. Some question Sam’s story, calling it a ‘sea story.’ Bismarck’s sinking was a horrendous affair as the British threw everything they had at it, making survival especially unlikely. However, we can easily imagine a British soldier saving the cat. For now, we’ll take the story as it is, regardless of whether it’s true. It can be taken in any way: as a legend, a myth, or a simple fact. Sam’s legacy shows that even in the direst circumstances, even when everything around you is crumbling, you
Should I Give My Cat Milk?
No one could hold it against you if you believed milk was good for your cat, but the truth is that it is a myth. Milk is not the most nutritious drink for cats and may even cause digestive distress. Your cat may find comfort in milk as it reminds them of nursing from their mother. Cats certainly love their milk, even though most are lactose intolerant. Let’s explore this topic further and why you should not offer your cat milk regularly. advertisement Should I give my kitten milk? Cats, like other mammals, rely on their mother’s milk when they are first born. Kittens are born with the digestive enzyme called lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose, aka milk sugars. As the kittens are weaned from their mother’s milk, they naturally stop making lactase since, as they continue to grow, their body doesn’t need milk. Once the lactase is no longer in the stomach, your kitten may become lactose intolerant and experience symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, and gas when they consume milk. Their stomach cannot break down the lactose, and it ends up in the colon, where it ferments and causes digestive distress. Giving your cat milk While your cat would be pleased to lap up a bowl full of milk, their tummies may not be happy afterward. With that said, most cats can tolerate small amounts of milk from time to time. If you find your cat is ok with milk, offering a tablespoon or so every now and then would be fine. Please don’t push it through. You don’t want to give your feline friend too much and end up with a sick kitty on your hands. Are cats allergic to milk? While most cats are lactose intolerant, it is not an allergy but a lack of the proper enzymes in your cat’s stomach to break down milk sugars and process them properly. Food allergies aren’t very common among cats, but if you notice that your cat is experiencing hair loss, watery eyes, and itchiness after consuming milk, they may very well have a milk allergy. Milk doesn’t offer cats the nutrition they need You may think giving your cat will round out their diet nutritionally, but that is not the case. Cats get very little nutrition from mil past their kitten years. Giving your cat a well-rounded diet and water will keep them healthy and not cause any digestive issues like a diet that contains milk. Are there any safe kinds of milk I can give my cat? If you are stuck on giving your beloved cat milk as a treat. You can buy lactose-free milk as an occasional treat. There are also kinds of milk you can find online or in pet stores formulated with cats. They would be much easier on your cat’s digestive tract and can be given as a treat. Again, as mentioned earlier, these will give your cat a well-balanced diet and should be considered a treat. Why
5 Cat Books to Read
Cat books can be educational, uplifting, entertaining, or a nice mix of all three. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the world of cat lovers, have loved cats for a long time, or just looking for an enjoyable read; you are sure to find a cat book for you. There are endless books available to help people like you and me, cat enthusiasts, understand why our furry felines do the things they do and how to better care for them. There are just as many funny books about cats, and some are even written by cats. That’s right; cats out there are so clever they have written and published books. You will also find a fair share of books full of inspirational stories that leave you feeling uplifted and like this world is so much better, thanks to the cats who make it that way. We have gathered five fantastic books that cat lovers should add to their reading list. These books range from funny, inspiring, and guides on cats and how to care for them. advertisement 5 Cat books to readadvertisement A street cat named Bob A true story that is sure to warm your heart and leave you feeling better about the world: Bob is an orange tomcat that James Bowen, the author of the book, found. James found Bob injured, and even though James was in no position to take on the responsibility of a cat, he couldn’t just leave him to suffer. James nursed Bob back to health and sent him on his merry way. However, life had different plans, and Bob claimed his human. The two became attached at the hip. The book follows this duo through adversity and a magnificent healing journey for the author and his furry friend. You will laugh, cry and cheer this duo on throughout their journey. This book is uplifting, inspiring, and just what the world needs now. James has written a whole series about his beloved Bob. Each book is just as good as the last. Some other titles by James Bowen are: The world, according to Bob A Christmas gift from Bob The little book of Bob: Everyday wisdom from street cat Bob Bob is no ordinary cat For the love of Bob Conclusion Being an avid reader and a cat lover is a wonderful way to live your life. These five books are a great read and are must-haves for any home library.
