Behavior & Training Articles
Recent Study Finds Cats Have At Least 276 Distinct Facial Expressions
November 20, 2023
The stereotype of cats as distant and mysterious animals has been challenged by a recent discovery: cats possess at least 276 distinct facial expressions, shedding light on their capacity for emotional expression and communication. This unexpected finding goes against the common belief that cats are unresponsive and uninterested in human…
New Study Suggests Cats Respond to Owner’s Baby Talk
November 13, 2023
Most of us can’t resist adopting a baby-like tone when communicating with our feline friends. We raise our voices, elongate our vowels, and ask repetitive questions like, “Whooo’s a good boy?” or “Whooo’s a pretty kitty?” Studies have shown that dogs tend to appreciate this “caregiver speech” and pay more…
Tips for Owning a ‘CH Cat’
November 6, 2023
Cerebellar Hypoplasia, often referred to as CH, is a neurological condition that affects cats and dogs, leading to unsteady movements, tremors, and difficulties in coordination, reminiscent of ataxic cerebral palsy in humans. Cats with CH frequently experience challenges with balance and may even struggle to walk altogether. Notably, CH in…
Do Food Puzzles Help Cat Activity Levels?
August 14, 2023
At Sparkle Kitty, we’re passionate advocates of food puzzles as an excellent enrichment option for our feline friends. Considering their natural predator instincts, cats have evolved to work for their food. However, as indoor pets, we’ve handed them food in a bowl, essentially taking away their natural foraging jobs. Like…
Understanding Cats’ Fascination with Licking and Biting Tape and Plastic
July 17, 2023
Cats, our beloved furry companions, are notorious for their curiosity when exploring objects they shouldn’t consume. From clothing and coins to phone cords and floss, there is no limit to what a cat might attempt to nom on. Among their preferred “snacks” are tape and other adhesive materials, often resulting…
Why Humans Should Never Scruff Their Cat
July 3, 2023
When it comes to handling cats, one technique veterinarians strongly advise against is scruffing. Grabbing a cat by the folds of skin on their neck, known as scruffing, may seem like a natural response to restrain or discipline them. Scruffing can lead to anxiety, stress, aggression, and a breakdown of…
Cat Affectionate All of a Sudden? Here are Possible Reasons Why
June 5, 2023
If your cat suddenly acts affectionate, you probably wonder what’s happening. Unfortunately, cats don’t commonly change their behavior unless it’s experiencing specific changes in its life. We’ll unpack the possible causes of sudden kitty affection and how to deal with this behavioral change. Your Cat Might Suffer from Stress or…
National Hug Your Cat Day: Understanding Cats and Hugging
June 4, 2023
In celebration of National Hug Your Cat Day, it’s important to delve into whether or not hugging your cat is genuinely a gesture they appreciate. While some cats may seem content with being hugged, others may react negatively, making understanding their preferences and boundaries crucial. So, should you hug your…
Do Cats Suffer From Separation Anxiety?
May 15, 2023
Cats are known for their independent nature but also form strong bonds with their owners. When these bonds are disrupted, such as when a cat is left alone for extended periods of time, she may experience separation anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not cats can suffer from…
Cat Meows: What Are They Telling Us?
April 10, 2023
Body postures, scent signals, and vocalizations all contribute to cat language. Most cats’ communication consists of tail talk and ear signals, which humans often overlook. Our undivided attention is drawn to feline yowls, growls, hisses, and purrs, especially at 5 a.m. But what are they trying to say? Meowing types…
Why Does My Cat Loaf?
March 13, 2023
There is something curious about a cat’s behavior when it lounges around. Why does a cat loaf? Scientists have been studying this question for years, and while they have not come to a definitive answer, they have uncovered some interesting facts about cat loafing. For one, cats tend to loaf…
How to Safely Get Your Cat in a Carrier
February 27, 2023
Although cats are the most common type of pet, they are taken to the veterinarian much less frequently than dogs. It can be challenging to educate a cat to go into its carrier if it does not get out very often (unless it is an outdoor cat, which is not…
How To Prepare For Kittens With Your Pregnant Cat
February 13, 2023
Are you ready for the adorable queen you care for to give birth to her kittens? Is this the first time you’ve seen your cat give birth? Although it is ideal for letting a mother cat do her job when it comes to giving birth to her kittens, you should…
Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
January 30, 2023
Overweight cats make up more than half of all pet cats. And, while it’s easy to dismiss a few extra ounces as just extra-fluffy fur, excess fat has serious consequences. Whether it’s the risk of a shorter lifespan, an increased risk of health problems, or simply mobility issues, even a…
Why Cats Always Land On Their Feet
January 2, 2023
Have you ever wondered why cats are so nimble and can always land on their feet? Repeatedly, we have seen cats fall from great heights but always manage to save themselves just in time. Cats are incredibly agile creatures, but even still, it is always surprising to see them land…
What is the Effect of the Full Moon on My Cat?
December 26, 2022
Ever wonder if the full moon has anything to do with strange behavior in cats? Have you ever noticed a pattern? So, does the moon affect cats? It certainly seems to be the case in our experience! During the full moon, we’ve noticed cats who exhibit uncharacteristic, quirky, and rebellious…
Why Do Cats Roll Over Into Their Backs But Not Let You Touch Their Bellies?
October 10, 2022
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…
Why Does My Cat Turn In Circles Before Laying Down?
October 3, 2022
Unlike humans, cats rarely lie down in bed before making a fuss. Instead, before snuggling in for the night, they prepare their bed carefully. You may have noticed cats turn around in circles like a dance before settling in. Why do they do this? First things first, why do cats…
Your Cat’s Not Nocturnal, She’s Crepuscular
September 5, 2022
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…
How to Teach a Cat to Fetch
August 15, 2022
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…