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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Laser Pointers and Cats: Are They Safe to Use?
The chasing of red dots, also known as laser pointer projections, is a favorite pastime of many cats. But why do they like lasers so much? Do they cause harm to cats? Laser pointers are popular among cats for many reasons. However, when appropriately used, lasers can be beneficial to your cat. advertisement What Makes Cats Like Lasers? Natural predators, cats often exhibit a high prey drive and instinctual drive to catch rodents, birds, and bugs. You can see it in the way your cat stares at little bugs crawling on the floor before pouncing on them or how he looks longingly at the birds at the birdfeeder. Occasionally, your outdoor cat may leave you “presents,” like birds, lizards, or mice on your doormat. What are the effects of lasers on cats? Maybe you have heard that laser pointers are not safe for cats. But all you need to do is make sure you use the laser pointer in a way that fulfills your cat’s hunting instinct without causing stress. Here are some approaches on how to use a laser safely with your cat: Avoid overworking your cat or allowing them to hurt themselves with the laser. Try starting slow, for instance, if your cat tends to be on the lazy side. Be careful where you point the laser pointer. Avoid shining the laser directly into your cat’s eyes, and do not aim it high up on the wall. If your cat attempts to jump higher than it should, it can cause injuries. It would help if you occasionally let your cat catch laser pointers and other chasing toys. Building confidence is one of the benefits of this. Nobody likes to play a game they can’t win, and the same goes for your cat. It can help make the game more fun if you let your cat chase the red dot for a while, then shine the pointer on a favorite toy for them to catch. It can feel like the cat has successfully completed a hunt making it more fun for both of you! advertisement What are the benefits of laser pointers for cats? Laser pointers can be excellent for helping cats lose weight and stimulate their minds. They can also teach cats to play with each other while building their self-confidence. Most housecats lead sedentary lives, resulting in boredom, obesity, and aggression towards their housemates and humans. Obesity is a common problem for pets; pets need a proper diet and regular exercise. As pet parents, we can take advantage of our cats’ natural prey drive to keep them mentally and physically healthy. With a good diet and a laser pointer, you can get your cat moving. Laser pointers can also be helpful for bonding cats. For example, when trying to introduce a new cat to your family, laser pointers can serve as an effective distraction while the cats are in the same room. Laser pointer lights that move in opposite directions should be given to each cat to
Cat Leg Whiskers: AKA Carpal Whiskers
Whiskers on cats are adorable, but few people know that they serve a purpose far more significant than aesthetics. Whiskers may look like fur, but they are sensory organs that play an essential role in how cats interact with their environments. You’ve probably noticed that cats have whiskers on their face and eyebrows. In addition, cats have carpal whiskers located on their front legs that provide vital information about the objects in their grasp and are very important when hunting. advertisement What is the purpose of whiskers? Consider that cats must be able to hunt and defend themselves even at night or in dark places. Even if they can’t see, cats must still be able to move and hunt, and their whiskers provide them with the necessary information. Sensory organs like whiskers act like a cat’s GPS or radar. Even cats with long coats have whiskers that are much longer than their fur. However, their length isn’t random. A cat’s whiskers cover a distance almost equal to its body’s width on both sides of its mouth. When hunting, cats must be able to move quickly. To accomplish this, they need to be able to make quick decisions regarding their location and their actions. As a rule, a cat can fit in any space as wide as the length of its whiskers. This is because their whiskers allow them to determine if an area is too small for them quickly, preventing them from getting stuck. advertisement What Is the Purpose of Cat’s Leg Whiskers? Some people call leg whiskers ‘cat elbow whiskers’ because they are located on the underside of the cat’s wrist area. They provide information about objects within the cat’s grasp, such as prey. Cats use their forelegs to hold their prey when they catch it. Cats cannot see very close objects in great detail; they have their leg whiskers. Cats’ whiskers contain a robust nervous system that transmits information to their brains. When a cat holds its prey, the leg whiskers can provide very detailed information about the prey’s position and movement. As a result, it helps the cat react very quickly to the direction of its target, which allows it to be a better hunter. While its forelegs are specialized in grasping prey, its hind legs are specialized in another part of hunting, killing, and disemboweling prey. Based on information from the carpal whiskers about the position of the quarry it is grabbing, its hind legs can kick and scratch at its prey’s belly area. Cat owners are very familiar with this type of movement of the hind legs, also referred to as pumping. To immobilize the prey, they use their forelegs, while their hind legs are used to pump and pump. Perhaps you have seen your pet cat do this with toys, pillows, or even your arm. The cat’s hunting abilities give rise to this type of behavior we call playing. While it may look cute, remember this is your cat ripping its pretend meal to
Things You Must Know About Clicker Training Your Cat!
A “clicker” is a tool for marking and rewarding desirable conduct in animals that relies on behavioral psychology. A “clicker” marks desirable behavior by making a short, distinct sound when the animal does the right thing. advertisement What Is Clicker Training Cats Clicker training is a safe, effective, and humane method to teach a cat or any animal any desired behavior with clear communication and positive reinforcement. As your cat becomes accustomed to the sound of the clicker, she becomes much more likely to repeat the behavior you want. Be sure to use high-value rewards. ‘If you give your cat a treat she really enjoys – like chicken – then she’ll work harder for it. How to Clicker Train A Cat It’s important to remember that for all sessions, you’ll need patience, treats, and a cat that’s hungry and energetic. Train your furry friend only for five minutes at a time to keep it fun. Start out by sitting on the ground and holding the clicker out of her sight while holding a treat in your other hand. Once she comes to you for a treat, ‘click’ and reward her immediately. Repeat the process for one week. You will eventually train your cat to associate the clicker sound with the reward she will receive when she performs the correct behavior. The clicker can be used to call your cat in from the garden once she has mastered Step 1. Once your cat reliably comes to you at least nine times out of ten, you can use the clicker to call her in from the yard. Call her from short distances at first, and gradually increase the distance. A few different training tricks can also be introduced, for example, ‘give me your paw’ or ‘sit.’ advertisement The Easiest Tricks You Can Teach Your Cat Cats will learn to sit and give paws if they’re given the right motivation, and this is nothing more than expanding their natural abilities. Here are some easy tricks you can teach your cat. Fetch Throw her favorite toy just out of reach and rub some water from a tuna can on it. Your cat will begin to hunt for it. Give your cat a treat when it approaches the toy or picks it up. You may need to repeat the session a few times until your cat gets the idea. Sit Keep the clicker and treat out of sight of your cat while sitting on the floor. Once the cat acknowledges you, call it. Keep the treat just above your cat’s head. Once the cat sees the treat, she’ll sit automatically. Once she’s sitting, click and reward. Reward your cat only for excellent sitting when he or she becomes proficient. Add the word ‘sit’ to your pet’s vocabulary when he consistently sits 9 out of 10 times. High-five Make your cat come to you by rewarding him with a high-value reward, such as a piece of chicken. When your cat reaches up for the treat, you
Tips on Keeping Long-Haired Cats Mat-Free
The more hair, the fluffier and cuddlier your cat can be. Many pet owners prefer long-haired cats because of their adorable appearance and smooth fluffy texture. What most long-haired cat owners aren’t prepared for, however, is how prone to matting their cats can be. Matted hair isn’t only an eyesore for pet owners but is especially uncomfortable and even painful for cats. If you own a long-haired cat or plan to get one, here’s what you should know about keeping them mat-free: advertisement 1. Introduce brushing when your cat is still young. You’re at a real advantage if you have your cat while he is still a kitten. Make sure to get him used to brushing at grooming at a young age. 2. Use the right kind of brush to groom your cat. Depending on the hair type and length of your cat’s fur, use brushes and combs designed specifically for cats. You can use a combination of both too. 3. Use a mat breaker. As soon as you see mats on your cat’s hair, detangle them right away to prevent them from worsening using a mat breaker tool. 4. Make sure to groom the undercoat. Brush through your pet’s topcoat enough that you are able to get into the undercoat smoothly. The undercoat is where matting usually begins. 5. Feed your cat a well-balanced diet. What your cat eats may also contribute to the quality of fur he has and how prone it is to mats. Feed him top-quality cat food and give him vitamins too. advertisement 6. Hire a professional groomer. If your cat’s fur is matted beyond your control, don’t hesitate to take him to a professional groomer. They have the skills and tools to help your cat. 7. Get your cat checked by the vet. Matted fur is sometimes more than just a sign of poor hygiene or lack of proper grooming. There could be underlying health issues your pet is suffering from which causes his hair to mat easily. If you want to keep a happy, calm, and playful kitty in your household, do your part in helping him stay healthy and well-groomed. Follow the tips above if your feline friend is a long-haired fellow.
10 Cat Facts You May or May Not Know
Cats can recognize your voice. So if you think your cat is ignoring you when you call, rest assured, she is. Cats are actually more popular in the United States than dogs. There are about 88 million cats in the US vs. 75 million dogs. advertisement Cats can solve much more complicated cognitive problems than dogs. Cats are capable of learning new information, integrating it with existing information, recalling it, and using it in other contexts. Sorry, don’t blame the messenger. Cats and humans have nearly identical parts of the brain that control emotions. A cat’s brain also contains temporal, occipital, frontal, and parietal lobes. In addition, cats also have gray and white matter in their brains, and their brain connections appear to be similar to those of humans. Cats can move both of their ears separately. Not only that, but the position of a cat’s ears is an easy barometer of her mood. If her ears are back and flat, that’s one scared or mad cat. When cats bring you a dead animal, your cat thinks you’re a helpless kitten who can’t hunt for themself. While this tends to be a gross gesture, it’s nonetheless a gesture of love. To learn more about what to do when this happens, check out this post! Cats greet each other by touching noses. To mimic this, try extending your finger if you’re first meeting a cat and see if she touches the tip of your finger with her nose. Cats are far-sighted. This explains why she can see a fly across the room but a treat inches from her face can get lost (they can’t focus on anything a foot in front of their face). advertisement Cats have free-floating clavicle bones. This means if their head can fit through something, the rest of their body follows suit. It’s part of the reason why cats are liquid. If you’re allergic to cats, you’re not allergic to their fur, you’re allergic to their saliva. People who suffer from cat allergies react to the Fel D 1 protein found in cats’ saliva, skin, and urine. More about that and why hypoallergenic cats may or may not be a thing.
Why You Should Adopt a Black Cat
A variety of fallacious reasons lead to black cats getting a bad reputation. The myths surrounding black cats are simply false. However, we’re spreading the truth, so leave your preconceived notions of black cats behind. advertisement The History of Black Cat Myths Black cats were believed to be witch familiars or shape-shifting witches in animal form during medieval Europe. Black cats on a sickbed were thought to bring death in 16th-century Italy. When a cat crosses your path from right to left, it’s considered bad luck in Germany. Black cats have traditionally been considered an evil omen in most Western cultures. In contrast, if you live in the UK or Japan, a black cat crossing your path means good fortune is on its way. Those who own an older, uglier, and blacker cat are considered luckier in China. Scottish people believe that seeing a black cat at their door is a sign of wealth and prosperity. Black kitties near grain bins signify a bountiful harvest for Latvian farmers. Black cats: The Real Story Sadly, the apparent truth isn’t always the most popular belief. As a result, black cats are often given a bad rap despite their beautiful coats and intelligent, loving personalities. It is a common myth that black cats are less likely to be adopted in animal shelters and rescue centers. On the contrary, black cats are less likely to be adopted than pets of other colors. Black cats are entering rescue facilities in more significant numbers than cats of other colors, and they are being adopted in an equal number. But even though more animals are adopted, they are also euthanized in the end. In addition, because more black animals are admitted to facilities, there are more black cats than other colored cats in facilities, which causes a higher rate of euthanasia. The Benefits of Adopting a Black Cat They may live longer. Scientists have theorized that black cats might be more resistant to disease than other felines. Researchers have discovered that the genetic mutation that causes a cat’s fur to turn black can also protect it against certain diseases. This information is also being used to study human diseases. Scientists believe studying cats could help humanity combat illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer’s since cats experience many of the same problems as humans. Black cats are easy to find if you’re looking for a new kitty for your family. Black cats occupy one-third of all shelter and rescue spaces in the US. Therefore, there’s a good chance you’ve got a furry companion just waiting to meet you right now! In addition, many facilities offer discounts when adopting a black pet, which is an even stronger incentive to adopt one in need. advertisement Black Cats Deserve a Chance Perhaps the most important reason to adopt a black cat is that you can save a life. It is a myth that black pets are less likely to be adopted than lighter-colored animals; it is also true that there are
Why Do Cats Do That Little Butt Wiggle Before They Pounce?
Every cat owner must have gotten used to the odd behavior cats do daily. Cats are indeed fascinating creatures and an endless source of entertainment for the people they live with. However, one of the most common habits among cats is the butt wiggle they do before pouncing on their prey. Ever wondered why they do that? You’re about to find out. advertisement Do All Cats Wiggle Their Butts Before Pouncing? The truth is that pre-pounce butt wiggle is not just a housecat thing. Big wild cats were also observed to wiggle their behinds before jumping on their prey. Lions, tigers, jaguars, and tigers look intimidating on the outside, but perhaps, they can’t help but manifest their inner kitty sometimes. Why Cats Wiggle Their Butts Experts have conducted studies and experiments on why cats wiggle their butts before pouncing (yes, people study these things). And many conclusions depend on who you ask, but the most popular and globally accepted explanations are: Cats are propelling themselves on their hind legs when pouncing. To exert maximum force when pouncing, cats need to propel themselves on both their hind legs, which they position precisely during their butt wiggle move. Cats are testing the strength of the ground before leaping. Cats are cautious creatures who have an innate instinct always to ensure survival. So when cats wiggle their butts, they may also be checking if the ground is strong enough to take their forceful leap. advertisement Cats are checking their balance before launching their attack. Cats wiggle their behinds before jumping to balance their bodies and ensure that they make it to the other side in one go. Cats are preparing their muscles for significant movement. According to some experts, butt wiggles may be warm-ups for kitties. However, their way of preparing their back muscles for some significant action is soon. Your cat may be wiggling his butt before pouncing due to one of the reasons above. Or maybe he is just an innocent feline who can’t help but look adorable in everything he does. Who knows? What we do know is that those little butt wiggles cats do make them more lovable and cuter.
Capital of the Cats: Istanbul! True Lords and Ladies of the City
The City Ruled by Cats: Istanbul You may have heard how much cats are loved in Turkey, especially in the city of Istanbul. If you haven’t heard, you will be quite surprised when you read this article! Because the real owner of this city is cats. Turks’ love for animals actually dates back to ancient times. Before the Turks migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia, they lived almost as nomads on horseback. Therefore, especially horses have great importance in Turkish culture. At the same time, Turks also show great respect to wolves due to their traditions from Central Asia. Welcome to the Kingdom of Cats. World’s First Animal Hospital The Turks’ respect and love for animals continued to increase when they came to Anatolia. In fact, the world’s first animal hospital in the Ottoman period, the “House of the Fallen Storks” was opened in the city of Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was forbidden to spoil the birds’ nests, meat was bought and distributed from the butchers for cats and dogs every day. In the travel books of European travelers, the love of the Ottomans for their animals, the foundations and treatment centers they established for their care, and the laws they enacted to protect animals were mentioned with admiration. In the same period, there was no animal rights law in European countries, and in the 16th century, Paris had a dark history in which all stray cats were stuffed into sacks and burned on a certain day of the summer every year, and the people celebrated this day in a festive mood. Ottoman Officers in Charge of Taking Care of Animals: Mancaci’s Ottoman Officer: Mancaci Mancaci, a profession that emerged from the love of animals in the Ottoman Empire, regularly fed stray animals. Particular attention was paid to the care of mounts and beasts of burden. Horses, cats, dogs, pigeons were all cherished and protected under the law. In the 17th century, the traveler Jean du Mont wrote in his travel book that “The benevolence of the Turks applies even to animals. They are especially kind to dogs. It is a crime for Turks to kill animals that are not fed for their meat, such as cats, dogs, and horses.” After briefly talking about the love and respect Turks have for animals, let’s take a look at Istanbul, which is ruled by cats today! Mancaci is on duty! Welcome to City of Cats: Istanbul! Are you curious about cat life in Istanbul? When we return to the present day, we can easily see that this attitude towards animals continues. You can see hundreds of cats on the streets of Istanbul every day. The cats of this place are just as respected as citizens of the human species, perhaps living a more luxurious life than other citizens. Many associations for stray cats operate in Istanbul. Thanks to donations, these associations treat sick and injured stray cats and feed them. Istanbulites share the streets of the city with approximately 125 thousand cats. Moreover, these are just stray
Tips on How to Take a Family Photo with Your Cat
No family portrait is complete when a family member is missing from it. For most pet owners, their cats are family too so there is no reason for them to be left out of the family photo. However, photoshoots with human subjects aren’t nearly as challenging as taking photos with your pet. It is especially a chore to take family photos if you have multiple pets that are just restless and won’t stop playing with each other. With these tips, you can take professional-quality family photos at home without stressing your pet or yourself too much: advertisement A little bribery never fails. First, make sure that your cat is just as ecstatic to do a photoshoot as you are. If your pet is in a bad mood, forcing him won’t do you both any good. However, giving him his favorite treats might alleviate his mood enough to enjoy a photo session with you. Consider having an extra set of hands. If you are shooting with multiple pets, getting someone to help you can make things much easier for you and your pets. It is ideal to have someone with who your pets are already familiar and comfortable, so they won’t be stressed by that person’s presence. Gather photo inspirations. Having a vision of how exactly you want the photos to turn out, in the end, will help you get through the photoshoot quickly and smoothly. Look up family photos with pets on the internet to help you plan out your background, props, and poses. Use burst mode. You’ll have a better chance of capturing your pet’s actions in a photo if you use your camera’s burst mode. You will have plenty of options to choose from later on instead of limiting your shots to one at a time where you’ll have to perfect the timing. advertisement Be patient with your pet. Just enjoy the moment! Your pet can feel any negative feelings you may have and might cause him to become stressed as well. Take it easy and be open to a more spontaneous experience with your fur family. Taking family photos with your pets requires a lot of patience but the results can be very rewarding, and the photos will last you a lifetime too. So, seize the moment to be with your beloved pets and keep a positive outlook during your photoshoot. If you’re still looking for more tricks and tips, check out our post 5 Useful Tips on How to Properly Photograph Your Cat
What Foods Are Toxic to Cats?
As humans, we like to share almost everything we have with our family members including our pets who we treat as part of our family too. However, feeding your cats human foods can sometimes harm them even if you had a good intention in sharing your food with them. Some human foods will not only cause your cat an upset stomach but can even be fatal to them so make sure never to give these foods to your feline friends: advertisement 1. Alcohol Foods and drinks containing alcohol can cause certain health problems to your cat including vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and even death. 2. Chocolate Chocolates contain methylxanthines which are substances that are toxic to cats. The concentration of these substances varies per chocolate with cocoa powder having the highest concentration of methylxanthines. 3. Coffee Like chocolate, coffee also contains methylxanthines, specifically caffeine, that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and death. 4. Citrus Lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits contain citric acid and oils that can cause health problems in cats. Small amounts may only cause an upset stomach, but large doses can lead to death. 5. Coconut Coconut water and flesh contain high levels of potassium which are not safe for cats and other pets. It can cause them serious digestive problems. 6. Dairy Most cats are lactose intolerant, so they aren’t able to process dairy found in milk, cheese, and yogurt. Feeding them to your pet can cause digestive problems. advertisement 7. Grapes and Raisins While the reason why grapes and raisins are poisonous to cats and dogs remains unknown, hard evidence exists that they can lead to kidney failure. 8. Nuts Most nuts such as macadamia, almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain rich oils that can cause a digestive upset in pets and even pancreatitis in cats. 9. Raw Meat Raw or undercooked meat such as chicken, fish, pork, and even eggs contain Salmonella and E. coli bacteria that cause food poisoning in both cats and humans. 10. Certain Vegetables Some vegetables are safe and even healthy for cats but onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, shallots, chives, and foods that contain them must never be fed to cats. Before putting your cat on a new diet or giving them food you are unsure is safe for cats, ask your vet first to ensure your pet’s safety and good health.
