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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How Did Cats Become Domestic?
How Did Cats Become Domestic? Almost all animals that humans care for as pets nowadays—dogs, birds, and cats—were once wild species that wouldn’t even dare to go near humans. However, thousands of years of evolution have proved that humans and animals can not only coexist but even share special bonds that last a lifetime. The Felis Catus species, the modern-day domestic cats, has been traced by scientific research to have come from Felis silvestris, a species of wildcats still residing in Africa, southern Asia, and Europe up to this day. The research also revealed that cats might have been domesticated some 12,000 years ago in the Near East. advertisement Agriculture Brought Humans and Cats Together For thousands of years, humans and felines simply coexisted as there was no real need for interaction between the two species. All this changed when humans started settling in agricultural communities in the Fertile Crescent of the Near East. Humans grew and stored grains as food, but this, in turn, brought lots of mice into the communities. This appeased the cats as mice were an easy-to-hunt food source for them hence commencing a beneficial relationship between felines and humans. Humans started keeping cats to control mice infestation in the farms and storage houses while cats enjoyed the unlimited source of prey they got. advertisement Cats Choose Humans, Not the Other Way Around House cats who have arisen from wildcats are not “domesticated” the way dogs, and other animals were. Genetic analysis shows that the DNA of modern-day domestic cats, including their form and behavior, is nearly identical to that of wildcats. Simply put, pet cats remain perfectly capable of surviving in the wild, and some even revert to a feral existence as it is in their nature after all. But even when cats are good on their own, years of living alongside humans have made them consider humans as trustworthy companions. Hence, they choose to stay as pets.
Top 5 Cat Cafes in the United States
A cat cafe is basically a cafe, restaurant, or dining place where there are cats present. Essentially, you can order coffee, chat with a friend, or work on your laptop while your pet wanders around, plays or naps in the cafe. If you are looking for the best cat cafes in the country, here are some notable places to visit with your fur baby. advertisement Crumbs & Whiskers in Los Angeles, California Located on Melrose Avenue in LA, Crumbs & Whiskers is a by-appointment-only cafe where you can choose to stay for 15 minutes or 70 minutes. It is one of the most popular cat cafes in the country because it is common to see celebrities with their cats in there, such as Jennifer Garner and Drew Barrymore. Give Purrs a Chance in Berkley Springs, West Virginia Give Purrs a Chance is a non-profit cat adoption center and cat cafe operating since May 2017. At present, the center has adopted out about 500 cats into homes. Featuring Victorian architecture, this two-story cafe is known to be the largest cat cafe in the US. Eat, Purr, Love Cat Cafe in Columbus, Ohio Eat, Purr, Love is located in Central Ohio, offering delicious coffee and baked goods while you sit back and relax with a book or board game. While reservations are recommended, the cafe also accepts walk-in customers with their fur babies. advertisement La Gattara Cat Café and Boutique in Phoenix, Arizona This relaxing café gives you a chance to play cards or board games, read books, or go to one of their many events such as cat yoga. La Gattara is a non-profit organization with adoptable kitties that took their inspiration from the original cat café in Tokyo. Pounce Cat Cafe + Wine Bar in Charleston, South Carolina Cat cafes don’t serve coffees only. At Pounce Cat Cafe + Wine Bar, you can enjoy the soothing effect of a glass of wine, especially if paired with cat cuddles! Since the place serves wines, only customers 12 years old and above are allowed. So, the next time you’re traveling across the country with your cat, you know which cat cafe to visit.
What is Feline AIDS?
Feline immunodeficiency virus or cat FIV, more commonly known as “feline AIDS,” is a retrovirus infection among cats. It is called cat FIV or AIDS because its effects are similar to that of human HIV, except it specifically affects felines. advertisement Understanding Feline AIDS This viral infection, first detected in the US in 1986, works by targeting a cat’s white blood cells, damaging its immune system. This three-stage illness progressively weakens the immune system of felines, making them vulnerable to secondary infections. Feline AIDS, like HIV in humans, is contagious. The virus can be passed on from one cat to another when: An infected cat bites a virus-free cat. Outdoor cats are more vulnerable to FIV as they may be involved in territorial disputes with infected cats. An FIV-positive mother cat passes it on to her kittens. Neutered or spayed cats have a lower chance of contracting the infection. The blood of an infected cat is transfused to an uninfected feline. The virus can invade the body easily through blood cells transferred during a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, FIV-positive cats may have the virus inside their bodies and are already damaging their immune system for years before it can be detected. The first stage of FIV is usually characterized by a lack of symptoms making it hard to diagnose pets with the virus. advertisement Common Symptoms of Cats with AIDS Once the infection progresses into the 2nd stage, infected cats will start manifesting these symptoms: Respiratory problems Poor skin and coat condition Urinary tract infections Recurrent fever Appetite loss Lack of appetite Mouth and gum inflammation Constant diarrhea Persistent eye problems Seizures Behavioral and neurological changes FIV-positive cats in the active or second stage may still recover completely with proper veterinary care. Once the infection reaches the third stage, however, there won’t be a cure. This third stage is known as the “AIDS stage,” where felines typically develop chronic illnesses or cancers. Cats with feline AIDS can still live a good quality of life for years as long as they receive constant veterinary care and live indoors.
Why Do Cats Rub?
Cats are adorable pets, but they have behaviors, which may intrigue, perplex, or even frustrate you if you don’t understand their reasons for doing those things. One such common behavior is rubbing up against you and other people. This movement may involve their foreheads and cheeks or sometimes their entire body. Most owners appreciate and approve of this behavior and interpret it as something positive. Let’s learn the real reasons why cats rub. advertisement Common Reasons Why Cats Rub There are a few reasons for cats’ common behavior of rubbing. 1. They communicate their affection. Ramming its head into your side is a cat’s method of showing affection for others. Rubbing this body part against one of yours, which is called bunting, is a way of identifying you as one of its friends. This is according to pet behavior researcher Gayle Hickman. 2. It is a territorial behavior. Aside from bunting against you, your cat also likes to bunt against things around the house. Cats have a lot of scent glands located in their cheeks, forehead, chin, ears, and at the base of their tail. These scent glands are activated when they bunt against things. This is their way of marking their territory and claiming ownership of their environment. 3. It is a means of social bonding. Cats’ scent rubbing behavior towards humans or other cats is thought to be a feline means for social bonding. They also greet other cats they know with a head rub or bunt to show their affiliation with the group. 4. They are looking for information. When a cat meets someone for the first time, it may rub up against the visitor in greeting and as a way to get information about the new person, like where they come from and if they have animals of their own. advertisement Understanding Cat Behavior Like humans, cats have their way of communicating. Their rubbing behavior is a way of showing their affection to us, social bonding with their group, and staking their territorial claim. Now that we understand this particular common behavior, we can better tolerate our pet cat the next time it does it.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cat Breeds
Whoever said cats and dogs couldn’t get along certainly doesn’t have these friendly cats in mind. If you’re looking to get a cat that will love to be around your dog, consider getting these breeds. advertisement 10. Turkish Angora Playful and assertive, your dog will love the Turkish Angora’s friendly affection and commanding confidence. 9. British Shorthair This big and heavy cat can play physically with your dogs. It’s also easy-going, so it usually just goes with the flow. 8. Japanese Bobtail A fun-loving cat that likes to keep busy, this smart cat wants to be included in every activity, including playing with other pets in the house. 7. Bombay Although it tends to be a bit bossy, the Bombay cat easily forms attachments and shows affection to all members of the household, including the dog. 6. Abyssinian Social, active, playful, and easy-going, the friendly Abyssinian loves playing with humans and dogs alike. 5. Birman If you’re looking for a pal for your dog, the Birman is the perfect companion. They like to chase, play, and fetch with other animals, especially dogs. 4. Ragdoll Another breed that shows dog-like demeanor and interests, the Ragdoll, is docile, active, affectionate, and playful with both humans and other furry animals. advertisement 3. Maine Coon With its dog-like temperament, it may compete with your dog on a game of fetch, but your dog will surely love this affectionate and easy-going cat. 2. Siberian Confident, curious, and a natural leader, the Siberian, will happily accept and play with other pets in the house. 1. American Shorthair This affectionate, mellow, and confident breed has a good temperament to playfully get along with your dog. There are plenty of cats that get along with dogs, but always remember that every cat is different. Consider the personality of your dog and the cat. You want to know whether they will have a harmonious friendship when they live in the same home.
Top 10 Best Cat Accounts to Follow on TikTok
Tiktok is one of the best platforms to entertain yourself with cute and funny content on cats. If you’re looking for the best accounts to follow for your daily dose of cuteness, check out these cat accounts that are oozing with fun and endless adorableness. advertisement @jackthecat1 With over 1.1 million followers on Tiktok, Jack’s cleverness and assertiveness certainly has won over the affection of cat lovers and other Tiktok users. @coolestpotatoe Who knew that being a couch potato would land Mr. Potato almost 2 million followers? Being irresistibly lovable helped a lot, too. @one_eared_uno Over 1.4 million people are entertained by this account dedicated to the many adventures of Uno, a cat with one ear. @catsinpots If you want to feel happy, join this cute and playful cat to explore the world and enjoy all things from cat plays to Disney movies. @kieselbrothers Remi and Hercules are cat brothers who love playing dress-up and doing their funny take on Tiktok trends. @mikeymoments This pretty kitty attracted more than half a million followers for his funny antics and the hilarious way he “talks” to his paw parent. @kittykottage This account features adorable foster cats doing what they do best: playing, relaxing, and being cute. It is no wonder the account has amassed almost 500k followers. @walterbishopthecat If you’re a fan of cats and games, you’ll definitely enjoy playing ‘where’s Walter’. You can’t help but laugh at his genuine facial expressions. advertisement @chaoticpaco This account chronicles the everyday lives of three unbelievably lovable kitties as they go about their day in classic Tiktok fashion. @eloisefluffca Eloise, a fluffy Ragdoll cat with piercing blue eyes, will make you fall in love with her one adorable video at a time. Cats on the Internet are certainly a popular pastime for a lot of people. If you’re creating content with your cat in the spotlight, don’t force them to do things they don’t want to do just for content. Make sure that you’ll always have their best interest in mind.
Top 5 Cat-Friendly Birthday Treats
Pet parents can be pretty generous when it comes to their babies. Aside from showering her with toys, many cat owners also spend on special treats when their cats celebrate their birthdays. If you are looking for birthday goodies for your little feline baby, here are some cat-friendly treats you may want to consider advertisement 1. Purina Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats A perfect party treat for cats, this Friskies bag contains mixed crunchies that have different but appealing flavors, such as turkey and chicken. 2. Whole Life Pet Pure Salmon Fillet How can cats resist this delicious human-grade salmon? Freeze-dried to perfection, this cat birthday treat is protein-rich, grain-free, and loaded with omega fatty acids that help make their skin and coat healthy. 3. Inaba Churu Lickable Cat Treats If your cat loves to lick, these creamy treats are purr-fect! With flavors that come in tuna, chicken, or scallop, these goodies can be consumed directly from the tube or squeezed on top of your cat’s favorite food. 4. Blue Buffalo Kitty Cravings with Chicken Because cats love chicken, these tasty treats will be a hit! It features delicious chicken as the main ingredient with a crunchy and palatable texture that will delight your feline baby. advertisement 5. Remy’s Kitchen Just Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats Ideal for cat training or snacking, these yummy treats come in freeze-dried turkey hearts that are easy to bite and full of nutrients and natural flavor. Remember, for our sweet and cuddly little cats, it’s always the thought — and the taste — that counts.
Why Do Cats Like Boxes So Much?
Cats can be so mysterious. For instance, they always prefer to stay in a plain old cardboard box than on their soft new bed. They play with a box more than their shiny new cat toy. What is it with cats and boxes, anyway? Vets and animal behaviorists have weighed in on the reasons why cats love boxes. advertisement Comfort and Fun Cats love to stay warm. Their ideal temperature is around 98.6°F, and a box helps them insulate from the cold and conserve their body warmth. Furthermore, a box makes for a comfortable, warm, and safe sleeping area for your cat. Some cats find it enjoyable to scratch and chew on the cardboard for their exercise and to relieve anxiety. Leaving their scent in the box as they scratch marks their territory is giving them a space that they own. advertisement Safety and Security Even domesticated cats still retain their predator instincts. Cats have a natural tendency to find an enclosed space that will hide and protect them as they hunt their prey, and boxes are perfect for that. A snug box shields their body from every angle, and any potential contact would come directly into their visual field. A recent study also found out that boxes help cats adapt to their surroundings. It helps them recover faster and deal with anxiety better. Cats are smart and curious; providing them with new toys and spaces that they can explore, even as simple as a box, will make them happy, well-adapted, and satisfied. Just make sure that you check the box for adhesives, staples, holes, or rubber bands that can potentially choke or harm them. Making your cat happy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just make sure to always care for their happiness and wellbeing, and you’ll have a happy cat in your home.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Really Work?
Millions of people in the United States love cats but are unable to have one because of allergies. Many people who suffer from allergies hear about hypoallergenic cats and think getting one will be the solution. advertisement Are Some Cat Breeds Better for Allergies than Others? People who suffer from cat allergies react to the Fel D 1 protein found in cats’ saliva, skin, and urine. After your cat licks himself, the Fel D 1 protein becomes airborne, and you breathe it in. Both Siberian and Balinese cats have less Fel D1 protein, which means they are a better choice for people who suffer from cat allergies. Other cat breeds that are labeled as hypoallergenic and better for people with allergies are: Russian Blue Bengal Sphynx Cornish Rex Devon Rex Oriental Shorthair If you have an allergy to cats and are looking to welcome one into your home, you should look for a cat that has short fur. The less fur your cat has, the less of the Fel D1 protein they produce by licking themselves. Other anecdotal evidence suggests that males produce more Fel D1 protein than females, cats with dark fur produce more protein, and kittens produce the least Fel D1 protein of any cat. This isn’t entirely proven yet, but if you have a cat allergy, a short-haired, light-colored female may be the best choice for you. Can I Stop My Cat from Producing Fel D1 Protein? There is preliminary evidence that incorporating eggs with the IgY antibody in them decreases your cat’s production of the Fel D1 protein by 97%. The problem is that eggs don’t naturally contain the IgY antibody needed to reduce your cat’s saliva production. So scientists genetically modified the egg to have the antibody. As of right now, you can’t do anything to reduce the amount of Fel D1 protein your cat produces, but that might change in the future if scientists can mass-produce a food source that decreases your cat’s saliva production. Can I Stop Being Allergic to Cats? Not yet, but scientists are working on different ways to prevent the Fel D1 protein cats produce from affecting humans. A vaccine containing purified cat allergens is in phase II of clinic trials and shows a 70% effective rate. There is no data yet on how long the vaccine lasts, but it is a promising step for people wanting to own cats but have allergies. advertisement Conclusion Sadly, the conclusion of the conversation around whether hypoallergenic cat breeds exist or not is no, they do not, but there is hope for the future. If you have mild cat allergies, you may find you’re less bothered by female cats with light, short fur. You may even be able to find one that doesn’t bother your allergies and be able to welcome him into the family. If, however, you have severe cat allergies; unfortunately, no cat will work for you. This is because all cats produce some amount of the protein humans are allergic to. Until science catches up and can either drastically lower cats’ production of
How Often Should You Bring Your Cat to the Vet?
Many cat owners are not sure how often they should bring their cats to the vet. It’s important for your cat to get regular checkups and vaccines, but it can be hard to determine when is the right time. The best way to know whether or not your cat needs a visit with the vet is by closely monitoring her behavior and health. If she has any unusual symptoms, take her to the vet as soon as possible so that she can receive appropriate treatment. Cat illnesses usually don’t show up until it’s too late, so if you’re worried about anything at all, take her to the vet from time to time. Here is a step-by-step guide to how often one should bring the cat to the vet. advertisement Kitten Visit To The Vet As soon as your kittens open their eyes, they will be old enough to visit the vet. Your veterinarian recommends a monthly checkup until they are five months of age. People often neglect during first vet visits to discuss the cat’s potential future health care needs like the type of food they should eat, heartworm medicines that protect against parasitic diseases, etc., so make sure to ask your vet about that. Adult Cat Vet Visit Cats should be taken to the vet at least twice a year for their checkups. A lot can happen in six months, so the best way to keep your cat healthy is with regular checkups from the vet. Dental cleaning is a necessary part of any cat’s health regime. This includes inspecting the gums and teeth, as well as giving your kitty distemper and rabies vaccines to ensure they are protected against deadly diseases. Cats that stay indoors also need these vaccinations no matter how long they’ve been living indoors. These vaccine shots are good for almost three years. Senior Cat Vet Visit Your cat will need to see the vet more often as she gets older. Be sure you take her in for an annual checkup every year and pay regular visits three to four a year if your cat has any symptoms that concern you, such as weight loss, obesity, or increased thirst. Once your cat reaches ten years old, they need extra care. Some cats will require more frequent vet visits because of the increased risk for health problems that come with aging, and age-related diseases like blindness or arthritis can make it hard to maneuver around a house safely. advertisement Conclusion Do you have a vet visit scheduled for your kitty? If not, it’s time to make one. You may want to bring her in for an annual checkup and sometimes more regularly if they are sick; this is just common sense when taking care of any pet. Regular vet visits are crucial to your cat’s health. Going in for regular appointments, cats will be monitored, and any potential problems can be caught early on before it becomes too serious or impossible to treat.
