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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Depression in Cats: Symptoms and Causes
Many people unfairly believe that cats are aloof and unemotional creatures with no particular attachment to their owners, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, cats and humans have nearly identical parts of the brain that control emotions, implying cats could feel emotions similar to how we feel emotions. So it’s important to be able to identify when your cat is feeling blue and how to help her feel better. advertisement There are many reasons why cats can become sad or depressed. Cats are often dissatisfied for various reasons, including illness, boredom, grief over a lost family member or pet, and injury. Some cat owners shrug off a decrease in play or a cat sleeping more than usual as typical signs of getting older. When in reality, these are common symptoms of feline depression. Keep an eye on your cat if it becomes unusually reserved or quiet. Discover the most common causes of depression in cats, as well as the signs to look for and the best thing you can do. How to tell if your cat is sad or depressed Suppose your cat meows more or less than usual. In most cases, unhappy noises are low-pitched, mournful yowls. A purr does not always indicate happiness, and an unhappy cat might purr to comfort itself. Normally vocal cats may become quiet, while quiet cats may become louder. You can sometimes tell if your cat is unhappy by their body language, which includes her eye, ear, fur, and body positions. You can tell your cat is unhappy by their ears are back, her tail is tucked, her hair stands on end, and other body signs. Your cat may be sad if their behavior changes result in them being scared or aggressive. Loss of interest in the things that used to be a favorite pastime, become reclusive or hide from people. When cats are sad, they may become clingy or demanding, and their fear of strangers may be heightened. Normally, cats sleep more than humans, but sad or depressed cats sleep even more. This can also indicate sadness if a favorite nap spot has moved, especially if the new sleeping spot is hidden or out of the way. Grooming changes or poor grooming can indicate unhappiness or illness. Depressed or unwell cats often stop grooming themselves, leaving their coats looking unkempt. When your cat stops eating or changes its appetite suddenly, it may be unhappy about something. Cats who are sad may snub foods they previously enjoyed and even lose interest in their favorite treats. Spraying or changing bathroom habits: A sad cat may urinate in inappropriate places to feel better. Stress, depression, and sadness are among the top reasons for urinating outside the litter box. It is common for cats to urinate in high-value areas like lookouts, bedrooms, or where the scent of a deceased pet or missing person is. You should also be concerned if your cat soils outside the litter box. A sad or depressed cat
Vikings and Their Love of Cats
Throughout history, cats have played an essential role in many cultures. People have used them for practical purposes, owned them as domestic companions, and sometimes attributed spiritual or mystical attributes to them. What about the Vikings? Cats were used in a variety of ways by the Vikings. When the Vikings traveled, cats killed mice and rats on ships, preserving their food and preventing disease. During Viking raids, they served a similar purpose. In addition, cats were traditionally given as wedding gifts due to their association with the Norse goddess Freya. Cats on Viking ships The Vikings owned pigs, dogs, and birds, among other animals. Cats, however, were especially valued and used both as working animals and household companions. Cats were carried on Viking ships when they sailed around Northern Europe and when they raided. Even as they stormed enemy shores, Norsemen often took cats on their longboats. As a result, cats usually served to control mouse and rat populations on such lengthy and arduous journeys. advertisement Cats as pets When they were home, the Vikings were peaceful and simple farmers who worked hard for a healthy crop. Viking villages were mainly located near rivers, lakes, and streams, which were prevalent in Scandinavia, so rats were a constant problem. Vikings used cats to drive hungry rats from the fields to protect their food supply. Kittens as gifts to brides Many Vikings gave kittens to their brides as a symbol of their new life together. Also, because cats are associated with the Norse goddess Freyja, brides would often receive them for their weddings. Young men always favored women who loved cats at the time. According to some people, couples who love cats were likely to have a happy marriage. According to a Scandinavian legend, Thor, the Norse god, gave Freyja cats as a gift. In another story, Freyja rode a cart pulled by big cats, specifically the Skogkatt, a large and strong Forest cat. Freyja was well known for her love of cats, and she was the goddess of luck, which could determine someone’s future. Vikings believed that their crops would flourish if Freyja passed through their fields. Furthermore, it was believed that Freja’s cats would bless their produce and bring them good luck if they left milk for them. advertisement What Cat breeds did Vikings have? Skogkatt, or “Forest Cat,” was believed to be the cat breed of the Vikings. Southern European shorthaired cats probably came to Norway from other parts of Europe. Cats with particularly thick coats and other adaptations to a cold climate survived due to natural selection imposed by the strange and hostile climatic conditions. They were also much bigger, likely because their food source (rats and mice) was abundant. In the Viking Age, cats held a special place. The cats of this era were adored, loved, and respected. Freyja was associated with cats, as stated above. She was known for her beauty, femininity, and nurturing nature. In the same way as the goddess, cats are beautiful creatures.
The Amazing Power of Your Cat’s Sense of Smell
Compared to humans, cats have a 14x stronger sense of smell. This is because the cat’s nasal organ has a larger capacity than the human’s and is probably the most important sensory organ of a cat is her nose. The sense of smell is vital to the survival of cats. In addition to sniffing out food, mates, and enemies, cats also use scent to mark the boundaries of their territories. Scents and odors are the cat’s world. advertisement Smell and food Kittens are born blind and use their sense of smell to locate their mothers right after birth and latch onto their teats to eat. As a result, a cat’s sense of smell will always lead it to food, even if it is in an unlikely location, such as high tree branches or kitchen cabinets. Any cat with an active upper respiratory infection or an aging cat with a limited sense of smell may stop eating their food because taste is closely associated with smell. To stimulate its appetite and increase the odor, warming the cat’s food can help. Smell and reproduction Cats in heat (in the estrus cycle) exude a powerful sex pheromone that males can smell from a mile away. You’ll appreciate this phenomenon if you’ve witnessed lusting tomcats outside your home while your unspayed female cat tries to escape. It is also possible for female cats to scent out a preferred mate by smelling his territorial markings. Smell and territory Male cats mark their territories with urine or pheromones from glands on their faces and feet. Frequently they will travel their territorial boundaries, sniffing at their markings and reapplying when the odor diminishes. As other male cats smell the markings, they will either respect the territory or try to take it over by introducing their scent markings. Have you ever seen a cat enter the outdoors with its head held alert, whiskers twitching, and nostrils wide open? During this stance, the cat sniffs out potential harm and gathers information about recent passersby. With the help of olfactory accessory organs, their nose can tell if another cat has recently ventured near or if there is fish in the delivery truck next door. The Jacobson’s organ The vomeronasal organ of cats (as well as snakes and a few other mammals) is also known as Jacobson’s organ. Located in the nasal septum, just above the roof of the mouth, it connects the nasal cavity to the rest of the body. Cats can open Jacobson’s organ ducts by wrinkles and lifting their lips. It is sometimes described as a slightly open-mouthed “smile” when the cat brings air into the Jacobson’s organ, known as the flehmen response. No matter the size or species of a cat, the Jacobson’s organ appears to play a significant role in their sense of smell. advertisement Nose Care It depends on the cat’s genetics and basic coloring, whether its nose leather is black or pink. The surface of the nose is tough and leathery, but it is living tissue
How to Allow Your Indoor Cat Safely Experience the Outdoors
As a cat parent, you might feel guilty about never allowing your indoor cat outside, especially if she shows interest. But, unfortunately, most cats ‘ask’ to go outside without understanding what awaits them. Some pet parents alleviate this craving by creating a stimulating indoor environment for their cats by using enrichment activities, lots of windows, cat-friendly plants, and some outdoor solutions we’ll get to later. As you probably already know, there are a lot of risks involved in letting your indoor cat go outside; your cat’s safety should always be your top concern. So here are some helpful tips for allowing your cat to explore the outdoors safely. advertisement Outdoor vs. indoor cats Many cat rescues require potential adopters to keep their cats inside, and veterinarians recommend it — for good reason too. When it comes to your cat’s safety and well-being, a full-time indoor cat is typically the safest cat. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine reports that indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats. Indoor cats live an average of about 10 to 15 years, and outdoor cats live a much shorter average of two to five years. Cats can encounter many outdoor hazards, including parasites and diseases, fights with feral cats, cars, predators like coyotes, toxins, and other animals. Your cat is protected from these potential harms when you keep them indoors. You also spend more time with your cat, which allows you to identify possible health issues sooner rather than later. Your cat is also less likely to get lost, picked up by animal control, or mistaken for a stray by other humans if you keep them inside. It’s also essential to protect natural wildlife since even well-fed cats hunt birds and other small prey for fun, which can seriously impact the wildlife around you. Annually, domestic cats kill over 2 billion birds in the US alone. How to let your cat explore outdoors safely By having access to a sunny windowsill, a cat who spends all her time inside can still enjoy the benefits of experiencing the outdoors. Hang a hammock bed in front of your cat’s favorite window so they can watch the birds and squirrels from a cozy spot. If you want to provide your kitty some extra entertainment, install a bird feeder. If the weather permits (and if you have a screen installed), open the window so she can enjoy the breeze. If you still want to let your cat explore the outside, do it as safely as possible: Walking your cat outdoors with a harness and leash You can find a lot of roomy and secure outdoor cat enclosures online (you can create or buy a ‘catio’ or mesh cat enclosure). Remember to keep your cat up-to-date with flea/tick and heartworm medications, and tell your vet if your cat spends time outdoors so they can get the necessary yearly screenings. Supervise your cat’s outdoor time and never leave them unattended. advertisement Keep in mind: once you start exposing your cat to the
Feral Cats: Who They Are, and Why They’re Not Considered Stray Cats
You may have heard the term “feral” used interchangeably with “stray” or “outdoor” cats, but this isn’t accurate. So what exactly is a feral cat? Feral cats have unique characteristics; they are considered wild and are often unable to live indoors. Due to this, they usually live outdoors their entire lives, which can be controversial. advertisement What is a Feral Cat A feral cat is an offspring of a domestic cat that has never been exposed to humans. Experienced handlers must treat them with extreme care when they are near humans because of their intense fear of humans. Feral cats usually live in colonies with other feral cats and avoid most human contact. Because of these factors, feral cats are a specific type of stray and tend to show extreme fear around humans. If a cat was previously kept in a home or was socialized by humans as a kitten, it is more likely that it will respond to human attention and be able to live in a home again, even if it takes some time to regain confidence and readjust. It is not feral if a stray approaches you on the street, lets you pet them, or purrs and vies for attention. How to support them Feral cats are considered wild animals, so they do not quickly adapt to living indoors. Any handling or close interaction with humans can be highly stressful for feral cats. Feral cats forced to live in captivity can suffer physical and emotional problems. A colony of feral cats is the best place for feral cats to live since they can avoid most human contact. Colonies often form near garbage dumps or livestock barns where they have a steady supply of food and can hide from cold, rain, and extreme heat. Humans can help feral cat colonies by providing food, water, and shelter and trapping, neutering, and releasing them. Trap, Neuter, & Release Programs Through programs known as trap, neuter, and release (TNR), animal shelters and rescue groups can provide primary healthcare and sterilization to feral cats. In these programs, feral cats are humanely trapped and spayed or neutered before being released back into their colonies. As a result, feral cat populations can be controlled while allowing them to live their lives in their colony. Trapped cats may also receive basic vaccinations and deworming while sedated. The community is thus prevented from becoming infected with contagious diseases. Additionally, the tip of their ears is surgically clipped while sedating, so they can be easily identified as cats who have already been spayed or neutered. In the future, they will not be trapped and sedated unnecessarily. Wildlife at risk Feral cats can also be the subject of controversy. Wildlife and other animals are at risk from feral cats and stray or outdoor cats. Cats are excellent hunters and will kill small rodents and birds, including domestic chickens, when they have the chance. Some community members do not want cats around because they are avid birders or keep
All You Need to Know About the Beautiful Calico Cat
Regardless of their fur pattern or coloring, all cats are unique in their way. So you might wonder why some cats, like calico cats, are more eye-catching than others. We’re here to help you learn more about calico cats, whether you’re looking to adopt one or want some fun facts to impress your friends. advertisement The coat pattern of calico cats is distinctive. A calico cat can be any domestic cat breed with a tri-color coat, usually black, orange, and white. The white coloring can make up 25-75% of their fur. There are also variations in calico cat coats, such as cream, blue-black, brown, and reddish-orange. Since torties have black and orange in their coats, they are often mistaken for calico cats. This is because tortoiseshell cats have a black-based coat, while calico cats have a white-based coat. There is a possibility that calico cats came from Egypt. Cats with calico patterns have been around for a long time. The origin of calico cats is unknown, but one study traced them along shipping trade routes in Europe and Northern Africa. The orange mutant gene found in calicos likely originated in Egypt and was traced to port cities along the Mediterranean Sea in France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. In order to prevent mice and rats from infesting their vessels, Egyptian merchants took calico cats aboard their ships. With the ships sailing from port to port, the cats spread their genetics and unique fur and coat patterns worldwide. Almost all calico cats are female. In general, calico cats are almost always female since a cat’s coat color is genetic. The X chromosome is associated with black and orange fur, and female cats have two X chromosomes to have both colors simultaneously. Male cats usually have only one X chromosome, so they are either black or orange, but not both. Male calico cats are very rare and can only occur if the cat has a genetic abnormality with XXY genes. Maryland’s official state cat is the calico cat. Maryland adopted the calico cat as its official cat in 2001. Why? Its orange, black, and white fur colors are similar to those of the Maryland state bird, the Baltimore oriole, and the Maryland state insect, the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. Only three states in the U.S. have official cat representatives as their official state mammal: Maine, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Maine’s official cat is the Maine Coon, and tabby cats are the state cat of Massachusetts. Many cultures consider calico cats to be good luck charms. Calico cats serve as good luck charms in many cultures. They are sometimes called “money cats” in the United States because they are believed to bring good fortune to their owners. (This may be an offshoot of “the lucky cat.”) It’s also said that Japanese fishermen brought calico cats onto their ships to protect them from harsh storms (and ghosts). According to Irish folklore, rubbing the tail of a calico cat on the affected area can cure warts. advertisement A
Aoshima (Cat Island)
Known as “Cat Island,” Aoshima, Japan, is a sleepy island in the Ehime Prefecture, with feline residents outnumbering humans by about eight to one. Aoshima was once a bustling fishing island, but now only a few human residents are left. However, the cat population is thriving. They were initially introduced to help fishermen keep the mouse population in check, but now they are YouTube sensations and the island’s star attraction. advertisement Despite being semi-feral, the cats on Aoshima are accustomed to human visitors. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find a crowd of tourists trying to befriend the kitties as a result of the recent boom in publicity. Fortunately, there are over 100 felines living on the island, so you won’t have to compete too hard for their affection! If you give them food and undivided attention, these fluffballs will play with you and let you take photos. The island’s community center has a designated feeding area just a few minutes walk from the port, so if you wish to feed the cats, please do so there. Likewise, locals often overfeed the cats, especially the elderly, to develop companionship with the creatures. However, no cat lover can blame them for that. There are also cat islands worldwide, not just in Japan. For example, there were at least 18 cat islands in the United States and 15 in Australia. However, it’s often the topic of conversation to eradicate the cat populations in these U.S. and Australian islands. Though some people think culling the cat population on Aoshima is also a good idea because large groups of cats can create stress. It has been discovered that cats in Aoshima form hierarchies, with males competing for territory and females competing for food. However, despite so much competition, cat researchers argue that living conditions in this so-called haven are anything but heavenly. Often, kittens die before adulthood due to starvation, disease, or a type of infanticide previously observed only in lions due to so much interspecies competition. In the warm seasons, tourists bring food to the cats, but no one comes when it gets cold, and the sea is rough. It is sometimes impossible for boats to cross rough seas. In 2016, a plea for food led to a plethora of donations. advertisement The Aoshima Human Residents Aoshima Island was once a thriving fishing village with 900 people in the mid-1940s. Only a few elderly residents who didn’t relocate after World War II left. There were only six full-time residents as of 2019. A photographer known as Fubirai has been documenting the island’s cats for several years on his blog. With the help of Buzzfeed, the photos went viral in 2012, leading to a small tourism boom. Apart from that, Aoshima isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot. There are no hotels, restaurants, shops, or even vending machines. Bring all your supplies and take all your garbage home if you plan to visit Aoshima. Respect the elderly residents and be kind to the felines on
8 Famous Cats in Movies
There has been a love affair with cats in cinema for more than a century, dating back as far as the 1901 silent short film The Sick Kitten. Of course, there are times when cats are cute, and there are times when they are creepy, but a movie is almost always more interesting when they appear. We think so too, so here is what we consider our favorite eight cat characters in cinema. advertisement “Jonesy” from “Alien” My favorite kitty from movies. Jonesy wasn’t just extra scenery for the film but provided a window for us to look through, the witness. So much of the movie was left to the imagination, and Jonesy provided the lens for us to see what was occurring. As he calmly watches one of his humans being devoured, you can see what is happening in Jonsey’s eyes. He also provides Ripley with someone to care about, so her escape isn’t just about survival but is also about the bond she and Jonsey share. Interesting fact: to get the fear reaction from Jonesy in the scene where he witnesses Samuel Brett’s death, they had a German Sheppard behind a screen and removed the screen to get Jonesy’s genuinely fearful hiss. “Cat” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” I simply love Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Any Audry Hepburn fan is well-versed in this movie. But “Cat” steals the show as the main character. “Cat’s” real name was Orangey. He was central to the plot showcasing Holly Golightly’s cavalier and laissez-faire persona. You are entirely in love with Holly Golightly until she abandons a cat in an alleyway. Then, like “Fred,” the narrator, you fall out of love when she does this mean thing for selfish reasons, even though that is in keeping with her character all along. But you forgive her when she comes to her senses and goes to find the cat, wet and cold in the rain, and all is well. https://sparklekitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Breakfast-At-Tiffanys-GIF-Find-Share-on-GIPHY-1.mp4 “Vito’s Cat” from “The Godfather” The Godfather is an all-time film classic. Everyone is familiar with Don Vito petting his cat while discussing terrible things with people seeking favors on his daughter’s wedding day. I’m unsure if anyone knows the cat’s name, so he is referred to as Vito’s Cat. The cat was wandering around the studio during filming, and director Coppola had an inspiration and placed the cat in Marlon Brando’s lap. Movie magic was born. The cat’s presence made the things being discussed all the more terrifying because it was all so normal. It wasn’t special that they were planning violence. It was an everyday activity. And Don Vito petting the cat made this clear. “Salem” from “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Salem, the cat, is a witch’s familiar. This series is a remake of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” starring Melissa Joan Hart. In the original series, Salem is played by a puppet. This was fine since it was deliberately a little corny and tongue-in-cheek. The newer version is much darker and more serious. Salem
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 exposes her tummy to you means she trusts you, but that doesn’t mean she wants her belly rubbed. One or two tummy rubs will get her to leave or attack your hand quickly. Some cats do not roll onto their backs and expose their tummies. This is because most cats feel vulnerable in this position. You might be able to pet their undersides for a few seconds, but they quickly right themselves. A cat’s preferred area for petting There is a good reason why cats protect their bellies. There are vital organs there, first of all. The second reason is that they are more vulnerable in this position. While they’re still able to scratch and bite, it is much more difficult for them to do so. Due to their flight-or-fight response, they can’t run or jump from this position. In contrast to their defensive posture, rolling onto their backs is the exact opposite. Whenever cats are afraid, they rise on all fours with their backs raised, tails erect, and fur standing on end. You are more likely to find cats lying on their sides and letting you stroke their exposed sides. Additionally, they are likelier to stick out their chins since they love to have their cheeks and chins rubbed. Cats like to have their back nearest their tail scratched so that they will stick up their behinds. However, few cats will lie on their backs, and those who do will turn back if you rub their belly. The real meaning of rolling behavior In specific circumstances, cats roll for other cats. According to a 1994 study and subsequent studies, that’s the case. “Domestic Cats and Passive Submission,” published in Animal Behaviour, was authored by Hilary N. Feldman of Cambridge University’s Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour. An 18-month study was conducted on reproductively intact cats from two semi-feral cat colonies. In her study, researchers attributed rolling behaviors to a defensive response before an attack or counterattack in cats. However, Hilary concluded that cats roll for a variety of social reasons. She described a cat rolling onto its back, with forepaws cocked, legs spread, and abdomen exposed. The posture reminded her of dog-like behavior, and the position was held for several minutes. 79% of rolling behaviors were performed in front of another cat. The researcher believes the rolling cat approached the other cat rapidly and then rolled rather than responding to the
Why Does My Cat Turn In Circles Before Laying Down?
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? advertisement First things first, why do cats sleep so much? Cats are known for enjoying a good nap. The average cat sleeps between 12 and 16 hours a day. However, all cats sleep often, not just old, tired kitties. Cats sleep for two-thirds of the day, even when they are young and healthy. The weather, hunger, cramped muscles, or an ailing joint may occasionally disrupt cats’ sleep time, but cats love to sleep regardless of these interruptions. Your housecat’s sleeping habits are inherited from generations of their wild ancestors. When cats lived in the wild, their survival depended on their ability to hunt. A successful hunt usually results in the cat sleeping for a long time after a filling meal, just as humans nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner. If a hunt were unsuccessful, wild cats would sleep to conserve energy. In either case, naps were important. Even though domestic cats don’t hunt, their sleep-centered lifestyle hasn’t changed much. Theory 1: Cats circle before sleep to regulate their temperature A cat’s ritual of circling before lying down for a nap has many possible explanations. According to one theory, cats circle around and tightly coil their bodies to conserve body heat. When the weather was cold, cats in the wild wound their bodies into tight balls to stay warm—generally, the tighter the tuck, the warmer the cat. In addition, other family members compacted their bodies together to share body heat effectively. In hotter climates, wild cats scratched the ground to remove soil and grass that retained and radiated heat from the sun. By removing the topsoil and grass, the sleepy cat gained some relief from the heat. Thus, cats optimized a biological reason to turn around before sleeping in cold or hot climates. Theory 2: Cats circle before sleep to position their bodies to protect themselves from danger To keep a close eye on their surroundings and potential predators, cats position themselves most advantageously while most vulnerable. They aim to position themselves so they can quickly detect the scent of an intruder by following the wind patterns. As cats travel in packs, they place alpha cats outside family circles to protect the young and elderly. As a result of this nesting procedure, unwanted inhabitants, such as deadly snakes or insects, were also exposed. Moreover, moving grass or leaves indicates to other wild cats in the area that this spot had been claimed for the night, which decreased territorial disputes. Despite living indoors, domestic cats still follow the sleeping ritual of their ancestors, regardless of predators or inclement weather. advertisement Can the circling be a warning sign? Seeing our cats turn around before bedding down is amusing, but it can also signify something is wrong. For example, when
