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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Vacationing and Cat Parenting: What You Should Know When Traveling with or Leaving Your Cat
Everyone needs a break—yes, even busy fur parents! Some pet owners can’t bear to go on an adventure without their feline friend, while others have no other choice but to leave their kitty at home as they go on a trip. With the tips we offer for both scenarios, you’re sure to worry less about your pet and enjoy your long-awaited vacation more! advertisement Traveling with Your Cat If you plan on bringing your cat with you on your trip, here are the tips you need to keep in mind. Prepare a pet travel kit. Ensure you have everything in the bag—your pet’s food, water, beddings, litter box, medication, and toys. Ensure that your pet is microchipped. Get your cat an updated microchip or identification tag with your address and contact number. Feed your cat at least 3 hours before the trip. Never feed pets in a moving vehicle as they might get dizzy or have an upset stomach and make a mess in your car. Keep your kitty in the backseat. Your cat is safest in the backseat as he can be seriously injured when in the front seat if an airbag deploys. For a more in-depth guide to traveling with your cat, check out this article, and if it’s a cross-country road trip, this article could come in handy. advertisement Leaving Your Cat at Home Meanwhile, if you will go on a vacation without your furry friend, here’s what you need to know. Never leave your pet alone for too long. Cats get lonely, and they can be in real danger if you leave them on their own for too long. If you’re planning on being away for more than three days, it’s a good idea to get a pet sitter. Prepare enough food and water. Make sure your pet has 24/7 access to clean food and water while you’re gone. An automatic feeder can help with that. Make your home cat-friendly. Your cat should not be able to access dangerous things at home while you’re gone. Play music or turn on a channel your cat may find interesting. Videos like Cat TV can give your cat something to be interested in from time to time while the house is empty. Many fur parents are hesitant to go on vacation because leaving their pets behind is upsetting, and bringing them along can be overwhelming too. But it doesn’t have to be that way as long as you stick to our tips on being a responsible cat parent on vacation.
Litter Box Woes: What To Do if Your Cat Poops or Pees Everywhere but the Litter Box
It can feel very frustrating when your cat will just refuse to use the litter box! What is happening here? Are you doing something wrong, or is your cat just stubborn? We’ll help you find a fix to it in no time so just read on! advertisement Why is your cat peeing and pooping outside the litter box? Before blaming your cat for refusing to use the litter box, you should know the reasons that could be causing him to soil your house instead. There are only two ways to explain why your cat doesn’t use the litter box: Your cat is having medical problems. If your pet pees or poops inappropriately, then it’s best to talk about it to your vet. Your cat could have a urinary medical issue that causes him not to control his bladder well. Your cat has a behavioral issue. If your cat is clear from any medical issues, then the culprit for his litter box-refusing behavior could be stress, a dirty litter box, or old urine smells that are still present in some parts of your home, which he prefers to pee on. How to set your cat up for success Make sure the litter box is clean. If your litter box still has dirt and debris, your cat may be refusing to use it because he doesn’t find it sanitary. Use unscented cat litter. The scent of the kitty litter you are using might be too much for your cat. Opt for unscented ones instead. Place the litter box in a quiet area. Cats love their privacy when doing their business. So designate a quiet yet accessible space in your home for them. Get one litter box per cat. Most vets recommend getting multiple litter boxes to prevent competition among cats if you have many cats and for them to separate urine from poop. advertisement What if even that doesn’t work? If your cat received a full bill of health and you’re doing all you can by keeping the litter boxes clean and accessible, it can be very frustrating if your cat is still pooping or peeing outside the litter box. Your cat is an animal of habit with a very keen sense of smell, and some – especially un-neutered male cats – can be extremely territorial. Even if you only have one cat, your cat may feel the urge to mark his territory if stray cats come slinking around the outside of your house. If that’s the case, we have a solution for you. Identify all the places your cat might be spraying Using a Blacklight Pet Urine Detector can help you spot all the areas you’ll need to address. It’s essential to be thorough and check behind furniture and all the corners in your home. If your cat can reach it, you need to check it. Thoroughly cleanse all the problem areas Cat urine can be very stubborn and very potent. Regular soap and water are not enough to clean the enzymes
What Really is Catnip and Why Does My Cat Love it so Much?
If you’ve ever seen a cat on catnip, then you’ve probably witnessed some hilarious cat antics. Catnip makes cats go crazy, and cat owners know no feline can resist catnip when they see one. But, have you ever wondered what makes catnip so addicting to our feline friends? You’re about to find out. advertisement What Is Catnip? Catnip or “catmint” or “catswort” is scientifically called “Nepeta Cataria.” The mint family has a very fragrant smell and is native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and even North America. There are over 250 catnip species across the globe, and they can grow up to two to three feet in height with heart-shaped leaves and blue, white, pink, or purple flower buds sprouting from them. The plant can affect cats whether they are given fresh or dried up and ground to pieces. advertisement What Does it Do to Cats? A catnip plant’s leaves and stems contain “nepetalactone,” an oil that stimulates cats’ special chemical-sensing receptors when they smell it. The effect that this oil has on cats is the same as that of hallucinogenic drugs on humans. Nepetalactone creates a chemical reaction in the cat’s body that gives them an overwhelming sense of euphoria or happiness. Cats often paw at catnip, rub it, lick it, and chew it. Some cats even growl and drool when smelling catnip. However, the effect of catnip wears off after a few minutes, and you can expect your feline friend to be back to his old self after that. Catnip affects cats differently. Some may go a little crazier than others when smelling or eating catnip, while kittens and older cats are less likely to be affected by it. The plant is safe for cats; no evidence shows otherwise. Be careful not to give your kitty too much, though, as they can get an upset tummy from eating a lot of it.
Guide to Take My Cat on Walks
Cats love the outdoors as much as dogs do but you can only wish for them to be just as easy to take out on walks. Cats can be really stubborn, and it can be quite the challenge to put them on a leash and take them for a nice energizing walk. No worries! We got you some tips on how to make walks with your cat better: advertisement 1. Use a cat harness and leash, not a collar. Cats, slick as they are, can easily wriggle out of a collar and escape when something frightens them during your walk. Invest in a good harness that fits them snuggly yet comfortably. 2. Give your kitty enough time with the leash. If it’s your pet’s first time to be leashed, allow him to get comfortable with it first by letting him lounge in his favorite spot at home. If they seem agitated, don’t force them, and remove the leash. 3. Be sure to bring lots and lots of treats. Positive reinforcement is key to making your cat love walks. Reward him with a treat for every milestone such as putting up with the leash, having the leash removed without a fuss, and walking outdoors for the first time. advertisement 4. Let your feline friend lead the way. Let your cat go where he wants to on his first walk. Allow the leash to drag behind him for a while before picking it up and guiding him when you see that he is already comfortable with the set-up. 5. Make sure it’s a good day for exploring. Check the weather and the streets, it should be a sunny peaceful day with not a lot going on such as loud music or other pet owners walking their dogs. Anything that can scare your cat might prompt him to back out instead. Finally, the best tip on walking your cat is to make sure he is ready for it. Don’t force your cat as that will only cause him stress. Trust that, in time, your kitty will love to go on walks with you and we hope that the five tips we offered will make that time come sooner. If you’re looking for more ways to teach your cat to walk on a leash, check out our friend Mia’s YouTube and get some harness lessons, Bengal style!
Adventure Cats! Best Instagram Accounts with the Most Adventurous Kitties to Follow
Eat, sleep, play, repeat—these aren’t the only things these felines do daily. While some cats are content with lounging around all day and getting snuggles from their humans, these kitties prefer to live life on the edge. Check out these Instagram-famous felines and follow their exciting adventures: advertisement Mia the Adventure Bengal Cat (@outdoorbengal) Mia is a Bengal as her title suggests — like many Bengals, she loves the outdoors and adventure. Along with her cat dad Albert, Mia loves to venture snow and surf alike, be sure to give them a follow! Bodhi the Adventure Cat (@bodhi_theadventurecat) Bodhi is a Maine Coon who can do anything from kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. Bodhi’s fur parents love to take pictures of his adventures and he loves posing for the gram too. Gary the Cat (@greatgramsofgary) Watch as Gary the Cat and his four other furry siblings go on adventures together on mountains, lakes, and many more. Gary adorably poses for the camera on his adventures and his human just loves snapping photos of him. Reinhardt the Siberian Cat (@siberian_reinhardt) This adorable little Siberian kitty is a part-time cat and part-time adventurer based in Vancouver, CA. He loves to explore the snowy peaks, lush forests, and clear lakes along with his human and two cat siblings. advertisement Teddy the Grumpy Cat Explorer (@theoretically.teddy) Teddy is ready for an adventure any time! Just don’t expect him to always be in the best mood though, “terrible three” is real even for cats. Follow Teddy as he goes camping and hiking through diverse trails. Gibson the Cat Explorer (@thegibsonchronicles) Gibson loves to sleep all day in his warm cozy home—he’s still a cat after all! But when adventure calls, he just can’t refuse but go and explore the outdoors with his fur parents and human sibling. Hamish Van Schneider: Adventure Cat (@hamishadventurecat.aus_) There’s nothing Hamish loves more than exploring the outdoors and posing for his 11,000 followers on Instagram. But Hamish would never say no to snuggles! He loves them just as much as he loves adventure. Go give these precious yet daring kitties a follow on Instagram and they’ll take you with them on their next big adventure!
Will My Cats be Okay in a Small Apartment?
Is a home’s floor area a requisite for a happy cat? Cat behaviorists maintain that cats can be perfectly happy in small spaces. But, according to them, many cats that want privacy and stress relief purposely tuck themselves into tiny crevices. However, that’s not to say that you need not do anything, even if you live in a small space with your pet cat. advertisement Creating a Cat-friendly Environment in Your Small Space It’s not a question of the size of your space but what you do with it to make your cat adapt and thrive in your small living quarters. As a parent to your furry pet, you should take the time to dish out care and attention while creating an enriching environment for your feline friend at the same time. You can try these ideas: 1. Put your cat’s litter box in an ideal spot. Find the perfect box to suit your apartment and put it in an accessible spot away from other pets, food, or laundry equipment. 2. Install a cat hammock. Mount a cat hammock in a spot where your pet will appreciate abundant sunshine and a front-row seat to the outdoors. 3. Provide the cat with scratching posts. Scratching posts will entice your cat to sharpen its claws and exercise similar to what it does outside. advertisement 4. Let your cat play with toys. Use toys that stir excitement and motivate your cat to practice its hunting instincts, such as laser pointers and toys that simulate moving prey. 5. Install shelving on the walls. Structures with bridges and landings allow your cat to explore and perch for an encompassing view of the surroundings. 6. Let the cat enjoy exercise. Equipment pieces, like a cat exercise wheel, will allow your cat to enjoy a high-energy workout. Living in a small apartment should not discourage you from sharing a small space with your furry pet. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can create an environment that allows you and your feline friend to live happily and coexist harmoniously!
Beware of these symptoms meaning your cat might be sick
Cats in the wild have learned to hide their illness to protect themselves from predators. Although in a completely different environment away from lurking dangers, today’s house cats have also adopted this instinct to self-protect. As a cat owner, you should be sensitive to changes in your pet’s behavior to detect early any health issues your cat may have. advertisement 1. Vomiting or diarrhea While occasional vomiting or coughing up a hairball is normal, your cat vomiting every few days is a concern that may be affecting your pet’s digestive system. 2. Appearing lethargic or no inclination to play If your cat seems to be sleeping more than usual, lying around a lot or has a low energy level, there is probably something wrong with your pet that you should discover. 3. Sudden changes in eating or drinking habits Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, or even intestinal cancers are possible health issues with your feline. In addition, if your pet lacks eating even for a few days, severe problems like fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis could be the issue. 4. Litter box issues Litter box issues could indicate one or more disorders from urinary tract infection to kidney disease or bladder stones. 5. Limping or injuries Trouble walking or jumping up are signs of an injury or a disorder like arthritis with your pet. 6. Bad breath Bad breath in your pet is a strong indicator of dental issues, including periodontal disease or tooth pain. Dental diseases must be treated immediately to prevent more serious issues such as heart, kidney, or liver conditions. advertisement 7. Rapid breathing or shortness of breath Changes in breathing, including wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and raspy breathing, may require you to take your pet cat to an emergency clinic. 8. Increased or less vocalization These changes in your cat’s behavior may mean she is in pain, stressed, or bored. It is important to rule out health issues with your pet first before you explore the behavioral side of this particular issue. Changes in your cat’s behavior and demeanor are indicators of something going on with your furry pet. Taking your pet cat to the vet is the most prudent action you can take to prevent any more serious health issues with your cat. We all want what’s best for our family members, and it’s normal to be extra worried when we’re looking out for our pet’s health. So be sure to keep your baby’s vaccines up to date and provide clean water and regular food and, of course, lots and lots of love, and your kitty will be sure to live a long, happy, healthy life.
Meet the Sparkle Cats: Domino
Here at Sparkle Kitty, we have an entire family of furry, lovable kitties, and we’d like you to meet them all! This week is featuring Domino! Domino is a domestic shorthair who was adopted at the Arizona Humane Society by his mom along with his brother Gremlin, September 2016. Let’s learn a little more about Domino: advertisement Domino’s Favorites Domino loves running around and playing with his brother Gremlin. Dom and Grem have been together since birth and are inseparable. Domino is bigger than Gremlin, but he’ll sometimes let him pin him down to be polite, of course! Domino also loves his human toddler brother Logan but doesn’t like it so much when Logan screams “CAT!” We’re working on it! Domino also loves treats, lots and lots of pets, and chasing any prey he can find, even when it’s just a reflection on the wall. He often hides from new people at first, but then he’s quick to make new friends. He’s one brave kitty! advertisement Domino’s Least Favorites Vacuums. Oh boy, does Domino hate vacuums. Adoption Saves An essential part of Domino’s story is his mom found him at an animal shelter. He and his brother came from a family who was hoarding animals, and they needed a healthier home. They’ve been part of a growing family, and they’re treasured members of that family. Unfortunately, approximately 860,000 cats go unadopted every year, and they need your help to give them a loving, safe home. Visit your local pet shelter or read more from trusted sources such as the ASPCA for more information about adopting.
7 Tips for a Cat-Friendly Holiday Season
Holiday time is family time, and our pets are part of the family. The holiday season is best celebrated with our best feline friends around. However, kitties can get too excited as they see a tree being put up, decorations hung up, and delicious food cooked in the kitchen. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a holiday celebration that is safe and enjoyable for everyone—including your cats. advertisement 1. Anchor your tree securely. The more beautiful you make your tree, the more attractive it becomes in the eyes of your cat. Secure it to a post or a solid base so your cat doesn’t knock it down. 2. Choose holiday plants wisely. Live plants always spice up homes for the holidays but consider what plants to get if you have a cat around. Poinsettias, holly, lilies, and amaryllis are toxic to cats. 3. Keep candles away from your cat. A candle’s bright flickering light will no doubt capture your kitty’s attention. So place your candles somewhere your cat can’t reach to avoid fire accidents. 4. Hang lights and electric cords in a high place. Shiny objects and stringy things especially entice cats. So never place your holiday lights low on the ground where your cat can access them. 5. List the foods your cat can’t have. There’s nothing wrong with extra treats for your cat during the holidays, but it could be a disaster if a guest feeds him something toxic. Avoid serving foods that are unsafe for cats and remind your guests not to feed your cat. If you’re looking for extra special treats for your kitties, check out our favorites! advertisement 6. Don’t go overboard with the costume. A bulky reindeer costume or a heavy elf hat can make your cat feel stressed. If you must dress up your cat for the holidays, go for simple light accessories instead. 7. Take lots of pictures! It’s always a good idea to slow down and capture life with family and friends. Try a fun photo shoot with Santa, or pose your kitty with the elf on the shelf. Pets are valuable family members, so it is only fair to treat them with extra care and love during the holidays. Remember our tips when preparing for your holiday celebration, and you can enjoy the season knowing the whole family will be safe and happy.
How to Prepare Your Cat When You’re Expecting Your First Child
As a cat owner expecting your first child, there are several steps you can take to get your cat ready to greet a new, small, and vulnerable member of the family. Here’s how you can have a smoother transition so your baby and cat can live safely and harmoniously together. advertisement Acclimating Your Cat to the New Family Member If your cat is used to being the only recipient of your care, then they will need to get used to the fact that they have to share their carer’s attention and space with a little one. To get them used to living with a baby before the baby arrives, introduce some recorded baby sounds in the house, which may include loud crying and screaming. Gradually get your cat used to the sounds so that they remain calm when the baby makes noises. Introduce baby smells like baby lotion, shampoo, powder, and products that you intend to use on the baby. The more familiar the baby smells, the less threatening the cat will perceive them as. Make sure the cat learns which areas of the house are off-limits by putting sticky tape on areas that will be solely for the baby. Placing double-sided tape around the areas like the crib or playpen will teach them to avoid such areas. advertisement Things to Watch Out For Always make sure that the cat is healthy and hygienic before and after the baby arrives. Supervise every interaction between baby and cat so you can watch out for potential dangers like cat’s scratches and bites, potential ingestion of cat hair, or suffocation. Your special attention and patience are needed to create a safe environment for both your baby and cat to develop a friendship.
