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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Plants and Cats: Which Ones are Unsafe for Cats?
It can sometimes happen that our feline friends can be a little too curious about our house plants that they nibble them. Generally, cats are safe to play with most plants, but there are some that can pose serious dangers to your cat. If you are planning on buying your next plant, make sure you keep an eye out for those that should be kept away from cats. advertisement Plants that are harmful to cats You don’t have to be concerned about cats eating everything, since they don’t just chow down on anything the way dogs like to gnaw on an assortment of things. Their curiosity, however, can sometimes get the best of them, so it is best to keep these plants away from them so they don’t nibble on them. Aloe vera Azalea Castor bean Chrysanthemum Cyclamen Daffodil Daisy English ivy Hyacinth Kalanchoe Lilies (Stargazers, Tiger, Easter) Lily of the valley Marijuana Oleander Poinsettia Sago palm Tulip Your cats could get in trouble with one lick on these plants or even just by drinking the plant water. Avoid growing them in your house or garden altogether to ensure the safety of your pet. Cat-Friendly Plants Don’t worry! You can still keep some greenery in your home to make it look aesthetic. Just stay clear of the dangerous plants for cats listed above and go for safer plant options instead. Cats love catnip and cat grass plus they are completely free to munch on these types of plants as much as they want to. Consider growing these plants instead. If you’re looking for more ornamental plants, these are safe for your kitty, too: American rubber plant Areca palm Bamboo Basil Echeveria succulents Boston fern Cilantro Money tree Phalaenopsis orchid Roses Spider plant Sunflower Be vigilant of how much your cat eats off these plants, though, as too much of them can upset their stomachs. advertisement What to do if your cat ate a plant you’re unsure about You should consult your vet immediately if your cat eats a plant you are unsure of. Put your cat in a safe confined space (well away from the plant), remain calm, and remove any plant fragments around your cat’s mouth, paws, or fur. Head to the vet as soon as possible. If your cat has ingested a plant, identify it, then call your veterinarian or emergency vet if it’s after hours. Inform them of the situation and that your cat will be seen by the vet soon. You can also bring a sample of the plant or vomit containing the plant material to your vet if you are unsure which plant your cat ate. Identifying the plant your cat has eaten is crucial when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. A vet needs to run a series of tests to diagnose which poison your cat has ingested if you are unable to identify the plant or provide a sample of the plant matter. Cats can live harmoniously with your plants, and you can
Why you need a cat backpack
Many cats make a beeline for their favorite hiding place as soon as they see the cat carrier come out. Cats in their carriers are prone to sliding around because of the constant shuffle and movement, making it frightening for your poor kitty. The result is that cat backpacks are becoming increasingly popular and constantly trending on social media. There are a few things you should know and prepare for if you want to jump on this trend with your cat. advertisement Give them a chance to hide Don’t buy your cat a backpack that is completely transparent. You should be able to allow your cat to hide in the backpack if they wish. We recommend backpacks with lined mesh areas so your cat can be seen if they want to be seen. Get the right size When your cat is in its backpack, it’s very important that there are plenty of holes for fresh air to circulate. Furthermore, cat parents and guardians should also ensure their cats can fit comfortably in the backpack so that they can move about freely. When closed, your cat should be able to turn around and stand up comfortably in the backpack. How to get your cat comfortable with the cat backpack It will take your cat some time to get used to the idea of their new backpack, just like with anything else you introduce to them. Here are some tips to help ease the transition. Don’t force your cat to try anything new, especially a cat backpack or carrier. Instead, let your cat walk up to the backpack and sniff it on its own. Another tip is to wear the backpack a few times without your cat so your cat will smell your scent and feel more comfortable. You can also spray the backpack both inside and outside with Feliway spray. You can hide some treats inside the backpack or in compartments inside or outside. You can close the backpack for a few minutes at a time if your cat does not seem to mind being inside it with their treats. If your cat wants to come out, let them. If your cat is comfortable inside the backpack, put it on and take a walk around the house or backyard so they become accustomed to the change in movement. Reward your cat with their favorite treat after the short walk. She should be ready to take a ride in the car or bike ride with you in their new cat backpack after a few successful short trips. advertisement Don’t skimp on your comfort too Picking the right cat backpack is important for your cat’s comfort, but it’s just as important for you! When choosing the right cat backpack, look for adjustable straps that are padded for your comfort. If you have or have had a neck, shoulder, or back injury, talk to your doctor before buying a cat backpack. Cat backpacks can actually relieve your cat’s anxiety when going to the vet,
Ways to Connect Elderly People With Cats That Need Homes
With so many stray cats needing a home and many elderly folks having so much love to give, connecting seniors with cats is a win-win. Getting seniors their own pet benefits both the senior and the adopted animal as they can find companionship in each other and science has proven there are real health benefits of having a cat. advertisement Understanding Cats and Seniors Cats generally make ideal pets for people of all ages and from all walks of life. But they make especially good companions for the elderly for a number of reasons. For one, cats can improve the mood of seniors as being isolated can make them feel depressed. Having a pet to talk to and care for reignites their sense of purpose in life. Felines also require minimal care so even elderly people who have physical limitations can care for cats. They might even get more exercise with a cat around and improve their physical condition. Where Can Seniors Get a Cat? If you have a senior in the family or know an elderly person who is looking to get a cat, you can assist them by connecting them to cats that need homes through these sources: Shelter Adopting instead of shopping for pets is our recommended way of getting a pet for seniors. Adoption is less expensive than buying a cat plus seniors can enjoy extra discounts on adoption fees which most shelters offer. advertisement Fostering By giving rescues a temporary home, you are socializing them which raises their chances of getting adopted. You are also helping the shelter make space for more cats to be taken in and saved. For elderly folks who are unsure if they want to commit to a new furry friend, this is a great way to help your local pet shelters and to give pet parenthood a try without committing to a pet for life. Pets For the Elderly Organizations like Pets For the Elderly connects with shelter and help connect senior folks more easily with pets by helping with any shelter fees, pre-adoption veterinary exams, and spaying/neutering. Reach out to any of their participating shelters to learn more. Seniors may need help beyond finding and adopting a cat for themselves. Be ready to assist them in getting the necessary pet supplies and provide them with follow-up support as needed.
5 Charitable Ways to Give Back to Our Kitty Friends
“If only I could adopt all the cats in the world” is probably a thought that has crossed the minds of all cat lovers at least once in their journey as fur parents. While it is physically impossible to care for the millions of stray cats across the globe on your own, there are ways you can still extend your help to them. advertisement 1. Foster cats. By giving rescues a temporary home, you are socializing them and teaching them how to co-exist with other pets which raises their chances of getting adopted. You are also helping the shelter make space for more cats to be taken in and saved. 2. Sign up for charity events. Fun runs and pet contests are the usual fundraising activities for animal shelters. You can contribute to the cause while bonding with your pet at the same time by choosing to participate in charitable events like those. 3. Start a fundraiser for cat rescues. If you have a network of cat lovers like yourself, you can encourage them to give back as well by collecting their donations to be donated together to your local animal shelter or chosen charitable institution for cats. advertisement 4. Share the links for cat charities on your social media. The more people that know about a cause, the higher its chances of getting donations and reaching its goal. By simply clicking the share button on Facebook or Twitter, you can help charities get to their fundraiser goal faster. 5. Donate to charities for cats. If you just don’t have the space to foster cats or the time to participate in charitable events yourself, the least you can do is wire your donation to the charity. Any amount matters and will go a long way in saving the lives of many cats. Our favorite is Alley Cat Allies. ACA is a very reputable charity that is responsible for many Trap-Neuter-Returns (TNR) which saves the lives of feral cats and helps reduce the stray/feral cat population. If you want to learn more about stray cats and what to do if you come across one, check out this article! Giving back the love and joy you found in your pet doesn’t only feel nice on the inside, but it is also literally making a difference in the world. Even through the simple charitable ways we suggested above, you can be the hero a lonely cat out there has been hoping for.
What to Do if You Find a Stray Cat
Cats are adventurous creatures. Even when they have a cozy home with unlimited food and water supply, they still can’t help but go on a bit of quest by themselves. So coming across a cat on one of your travels is not unusual. But if you can’t stop worrying about the cat, then there are some steps you can take to help her. advertisement Is the Cat Feral, Stray, or Owned? To know what the best next step to take is, first, identify whether the cat is a stray, feral, or if he could have an owner nearby. A cat is most likely someone’s pet if he has a collar, appears to be well-groomed, and healthy. Stray cats look disoriented and lost, but they can still be friendly when encouraged. Feral cats are not socialized to humans or the domestic environment, so they act more like wild animals and will not come close no matter your effort. What to Do with a Found Cat? Now that you know the cat’s status, you can move forward with helping her. 1. If the cat is feral, don’t attempt to touch her. Feral cats may result in violence when threatened by human presence. Leave her alone or report her to your local cat protection agency. Organizations like Alley Cat Allies can help with “Trap-Neuter-Return” programs, which reduce the feral cat population and thus reduce the number of cats ending up in shelters. If you notice the cat is ear-tipped, meaning a portion of their ear is missing, you can leave her alone. Ear-tipping is the universal sign she is vaccinated, spayed, and doesn’t need the help of a “Trap-Neuter-Return” program. 2. If the cat is friendly, check for identification tags. Tamed cats may let you pet them, so use the chance to look for tags with the owner’s contact number and inform them of their cat’s whereabouts. Some cats may have an identification chip embedded in their skin. Even if the cat doesn’t have a collar, she may still have a home. You can take her to your local vet or animal shelter, where they can check for a microchip. advertisement 3. Don’t feed the cat unless it seems weak and underweight. Even if the cat has an owner, it might keep returning to you once you feed it. Unless the cat seems to need nutrition, fight back the urge to give her a treat. If you begin putting out food and water for a stray or feral cat, then expect that cat to eventually come back on a regular schedule expecting to be fed. Unless you want to commit this daily chore, this is not recommended — it is hard to stop once you start. Also, if you start, other cats may begin to come around, and soon you will be on the hook for many neighborhood cats. 4. Contact your local animal shelter. If the cat looks abandoned or if you can’t find the owner’s contact number, call your local animal
Meet the Sparkle Cats: Polar Bear
Meet Polar Bear, the loyalist cat you’d ever meet. He’s 19 pounds of pure ferocious feline animal muscle. He may look like he can take on any big dog that comes along, but you would be surprised to learn his nature is calm, cool, and collected. Of course, he can be a scaredy-cat when the lawn crew comes through. This guy likes to keep on to a schedule. Breakfast at 6 am and dinner at 5 pm. Any deviation, and he will be sure to let you know by waking you up if you are sleeping or interrupting whatever it is you are doing. What he really wants, though, is to carried around the house like the king he is. advertisement His dad adopted Polar Bear through the same place he volunteers in Chandler, Arizona! With so many feline friends going without homes, please consider adoption before taking out your wallet for a designer breed. If you’re around Chandler, pop in on the weekends to say hi to Polar Bear’s dad at Saving One Life Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.
How to Properly Train Your Cat Without Screaming or Hitting
There’s no doubt that you love your feline friend, but you can’t deny that his unruly behavior is getting on your nerves. Out of frustration from trying to train your cat in every way you know but to no avail, it might be tempting to lash out at him. But doing so worsens things as they already are. advertisement Why Yelling or Striking Your Cat Won’t Work? Raising your voice to make a point may work in other scenarios to gain attention, but your cat speaks a whole different language from you. Screaming will scare your cat and break the bond between you that you worked so hard to build. Attempting to train your cat through physical punishment won’t work either, so don’t even think about it. Felines are very intolerant of physical dominance from humans and are not very good at associating punishment with bad behavior. So hitting them won’t benefit you in any way and might cause your pet to withdraw from you. The Right Way to Train Your Cat Muster as much patience as you can before attempting to train your cat because our feline friends aren’t known to be the most obedient species. 1. Praise your cat for good behavior. While cats can’t process punishment well, they are good at recognizing positive reinforcement. So give them treats for every good behavior they do. advertisement 2. Redirect your cat’s attention when manifesting bad behavior. You don’t have to jump into action immediately as soon as your cat exhibits bad behavior. Instead, take the passive approach by slowly redirecting his attention with toys or other activities. 3. Consider your cat’s health in the equation. If you can’t get your cat to use the litter box or you notice that he has been more irritable than usual, schedule a visit to your vet. There could be an underlying issue that’s been causing his misbehavior. If you receive a clean bill of health, check out this post for a more in-depth guide to solving litterbox woes. Like humans, cats are unique in their way. Take time to know your cat’s personality and preferences to train him more effectively. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family or pet trainers if things get out of hand.
Do Cats Like Music?
Music soothes the human soul. It brings a feeling of contentment, relaxation, and an overall good time that cat parents just want to share that with their fur babies too. But doesn’t it seem like cats show little to no interest in music? Do they really not care for music at all? advertisement What Researchers Say A study in the Applied Animal Behavior Science Journal takes a deeper look into whether cats like music and if they do, what kind of music they like. According to the research, cats display no interest in music that most humans listen to. But that doesn’t mean cats don’t care for all kinds of music either. In fact, the researchers of the study say cats love music. They just have a different taste from us, humans, because their language and way of interacting is on a different level. The Right Music for Cats Further research led to the discovery that music is, in fact, species-specific. Humans relate to music when it uses tempos that fall to the beat of the human heart as well as acoustic and vocal ranges that we can process. It makes sense why human music doesn’t appeal to cats—they have a different biological makeup and have different senses than humans. advertisement The composer David Teie has scientifically created music just for cats. The “Music for Cats” caters to the cats’ senses such as their ability to sense vibrations in the air through their whiskers. It uses classical music as its core with layers of purring and suckling sounds which cats find pleasing because these are familiar and comforting for them. If you want your cat to love music, play sounds that are calming and light such as classical music. Avoid heavy metal music as it can raise feline stress levels. Now that you know cats do love music, you can bond better by listening to music that is right for both you and your feline friend.
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
