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
Latest Articles
Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
Many cats seem to go out of their way to eat dog food. Sometimes the grass is greener on your neighbor’s lawn, and sometimes the food on someone else’s plate looks better. While you probably wouldn’t spoil your neighbor’s property or steal food from someone else’s plate, cats probably would. Even if the tasty morsel is in a large dog’s food bowl, a cat may gently eat it when the dog’s attention is distracted. It seems counterintuitive that cats should not have dog food. There are cases where cats prefer dog food, and it appears to be essentially the same. Could it be a problem if you feed your cat dog food? Are other issues than provoking an identity crisis? advertisement Would it be okay for a cat to eat dog food? The most straightforward answer is: not daily. The more detailed explanation is that dog food does not contain all the necessary vitamins, nutrients, and amino acids that cat food does. It’s not healthy, it’s not moist enough, and it’s not even tasty. Why is dog food harmful for cats? Cats and dogs are two very different animals. This does not only refer to temperament or appearance. They are entirely different on a biological level and have different nutritional needs. A dog may prefer meat but is an omnivore. A cat is an obligate carnivore. Cats also need more moisture, which is not enough in most dog foods. Cat food is formulated for a cat’s nutritional needs, and dog food is prepared for a dog’s dietary needs. A comparison of ingredient labels reveals three fundamental differences between cat food and dog food. Dog Food Lacks Vitamin A Cats need vitamin A. A deficiency of vitamin A in cats can lead to night blindness, poor fur, and weak muscles. The cat’s immune system needs vitamin A daily. Kittens especially need vitamin A to promote growth and neurological development. Vitamin A is found in the liver, fish oil, and egg yolks. As a carnivore, a cat has a greater tolerance to vitamin A than an omnivore and a greater need. The recommended daily vitamin A dose for cats is between 650 – 850 IU (international units). Dog Food Lacks Taurine Taurine is an essential amino acid mainly found in organ meats. Cats cannot provide their taurine and must be fed taurine-rich foods. This essential nutrient is typically lacking in dog food. Taurine is required for cats’ eyes, ears, and hearts to function correctly. To aid digestion, taurine binds to bile acids. Similar to a vitamin A deficiency, a cat with a taurine deficiency may experience night blindness and weak immunity. Dog foods often do not contain taurine, nor are they necessary because dogs can make their own. Dog Food Contains Too Little Protein Cats have a higher protein requirement than dogs. The minimum protein content in dog food is 18 to 24 percent; this percentage is used globally. The available amount of protein that should be present
Why Does My Cat Loaf?
There is something curious about a cat’s behavior when it lounges around. Why does a cat loaf? Scientists have been studying this question for years, and while they have not come to a definitive answer, they have uncovered some interesting facts about cat loafing. For one, cats tend to loaf in areas where they can easily see their surroundings. This allows them to keep an eye out for predators or prey. Additionally, cats often use body language to communicate while loafing. For example, when a cat is relaxed and comfortable, it will lay its head down with its eyes closed. So why do cats’ loaf? The answer remains a mystery, but scientists continue to study this fascinating behavior! advertisement What is cat loafing? A common resting position for cats involves tucking their forepaws underneath them to form an almost-perfect rectangle. The reason this shape might be called “loafing” comes from the fact that they often take up most space when in such a seated pose – like with our furry friend here who has chosen instead to sit tall on his haunches so you can see all four paws at once (plus some)! This means he is contented but not stressed enough for anything other than lounging around doing nothing, really Cats are often lazy, but it is hard to know why they do certain things. You must understand what this behavior looks like and how you can figure out whether your cat is loafing when they appear uninterested in everything around them! What does the cat loaf position mean? You might see your kitty lounging in a prone position because they are just looking to take it easy. Cats like nothing better than catching up on some zzzs and lying down allows them this luxury! While we humans cannot quite understand what goes through their furry heads when choosing how best to lie down for an evening’s rest- after all, our bodies are quite different from those of cats – there could be many reasons one would choose such positions as opposed. Cats are much more careful when they feel threatened. For example, if you show its claws or try to corner them in an area where there is no escape route available for a quick escape, the behavior will occur as well so it can keep safe from any harm coming towards itself. Suppose a cat keeps both front paws underneath its body while sitting with legs extended outwards at right angles. This suggests that he feels secure enough not to engage in high-intensity behaviors such as playing around, etcetera. When cats are mobile, they typically keep a low profile. They will not stretch themselves fully or let their belly show for fear of being caught by predators who might want to eat them! Thermoregulation Mammals have difficulty regulating their body temperature because of how it is structured. For instance, cats can lose up to 98% of heat through their paws and feet when lying down
Does My Cat Know When I’m Sad?
Cats can develop an emotional bond with their owners that many people believe is unmatched by dogs. While some cats will sleep near or on top of you in the morning, this may be because they want warmth from your body temperature rather than showing love for what is going through a rough spot; however, even these breeds have emotions too! Whether our feline friends can sense when we are sad does not seem so simple – while most show affectionate behaviors at certain times during the day. advertisement Cats can tell by how we behave if something is wrong with us, and they want to help! Not only will they come closer while rubbing against our legs or sitting on top of us, but sometimes it might even seem like their mood changes too: one minute he will be happy as could be, whereas minutes later, all his energy seems focused at staying away from humans. Cats are like us in many ways, including their attachment to humans. A 2019 experiment testifies that cats with favorite owners displayed less stress when they were around them than those without special bonds or relationships – this is like how children feel about their parents! Cats also seem capable of distinguishing between happiness and sadness though we cannot say for certain if felines understand what makes one emotion versus another. The undeniable connection between humans and cats has always been mutual adoration. Still, our feline friends not only understand what makes you happy but sad- they may even be able to distinguish between different emotions! Anecdotal evidence suggests this possibility with many stories about how cats’ behavior changes depending on their moods. Of all the animals in our lives, cats have been most strongly associated with humans. They have lived alongside us for 12 millennia. During this period, they have taught themselves what it means when a human voice sounds sad or angry from across the room – even if said person is not speaking any language that translates into “I’m feeling down today.” Cats understand emotions because both parties know exactly how each other feels without having to elaborate on their feelings through words or actions–it is just understood! This understanding can also be seen by watching feline movements, which will change depending on whether an individual is happy/unsure. Cats can read people’s emotions because they are close to their owners. If your cat likes you, it will be following all the things that make its owner happy and sad or angry too! A lot about being a pet goes into understanding what these animals need from us for them not only to survive but also thrive as companions–and there is no better judge when figuring out if something seems amiss than our furry friends themselves. Cats are naturally inclined to take notice of their owner’s daily habits and routines. As soon as you deviate from your usual schedule, the cat will immediately sense that something is off kilter in
How to Safely Get Your Cat in a Carrier
Although cats are the most common type of pet, they are taken to the veterinarian much less frequently than dogs. It can be challenging to educate a cat to go into its carrier if it does not get out very often (unless it is an outdoor cat, which is not the case). As a cat owner, you are certainly well aware that your cat may sometimes be pretty obstinate. When it comes to getting them to do something they don’t want to, it’s nearly impossible to win them over. This may make some cat owners have a tough time putting their feline companions into their carriers. This is the page for you to read if you’re looking for advice on how to get a combative cat into a carrier. We will discuss ways to make your cat more peaceful so that you can put them in their carrier with less yelling and clawing. advertisement The First Method: Accustoming Oneself To The Environment Suppose you don’t have enough time to educate your cat on how to use the carrier. Read Step 2 for advice on how to force your cat into the carrier regardless of whether or not they want to get in there. However, remember that doing anything like this to your cat can produce exponential amounts of stress, which can be detrimental if they are already unwell. If your cat is already ill, exposing them to further pressure could worsen its condition. If your cat is already sick, putting them through something like this could worsen its situation. Before the patient goes to their next checkup, it is in everyone’s best interest to devote the necessary amount of time and care to acclimating them to their carrier. To get started, find a visible spot in your house to put the carrier your cat will be travelling in. The majority of cats are brilliant animals. Your cat will likely anticipate what will happen if you only take out the carrier when you intend to transport it somewhere. Instead, get into the habit of letting it sit there without interfering with it. Helping your cat become accustomed to its carrier by associating it with positive experiences is one of the most effective methods. Follow the instructions below to prepare your cat for its trip in the carrier, whether for a trip or a trip to the vet. If you know your cat needs to be in their carrier, follow these steps. Clean the carrier well two weeks before you plan to transport your cat to get rid of any smells it could find irritating. Chemical odours could be present if the item were not rinsed well enough, or musty odours could be present if it had been stored for too long. Place the carrier in an area your cat frequents and where your pet may easily see it. Keep the door to the carrier open, so interested individuals can look inside if they want. Include a blanket or bed that smells
How To Prepare For Kittens With Your Pregnant Cat
Are you ready for the adorable queen you care for to give birth to her kittens? Is this the first time you’ve seen your cat give birth? Although it is ideal for letting a mother cat do her job when it comes to giving birth to her kittens, you should still be familiar with how to care for kittens before they are born. You can get your cat ready for pregnancy by ensuring that she is up to date on her vaccines before she becomes pregnant. However, if it is too late, you should consult a veterinarian for assistance. Your veterinarian will give you advice on the most effective approach to getting your cat ready to give birth, including how to treat worms and fleas in a way that is safe while she is pregnant. In the last three to four weeks before she gives birth, your cat will need to consume an additional 25 percent of her normal amount of Food while continuing her regular feeding regimen. She will need different Food to sustain herself till the kittens are weaned. You’ll see a change in how she acts during the week before she gives birth to her kittens. She’ll most likely be looking for the ideal place to give birth. Prepare your cat for birth by providing a clean, warm, and secluded area for her to give birth to her kittens. Warm blankets and clean linens should be provided, which can be washed and replaced. Before, during, and after birth, your cat should have free access to fresh water. To keep the kittens from drowning, ensure her water source is safely out of reach. Things That Should Be Done Immediately After the Birth of a Newborn Kitten When the time comes for your cat to give birth, observe her from a distance while she is in labor. You don’t want to disturb or put her in an awkward situation, do you? It usually takes anything from five to thirty minutes after your cat starts pushing before the kittens are born. In a typical case, you will not be required to step in, but if any difficulties emerge, you will be available to assist her. advertisement Learn how to assist a pregnant cat in giving birth by keeping an eye out for the following issues: When a kitten is still being delivered, its mother is too exhausted to continue giving birth. If the kitten has not entirely expelled its stool within a few seconds, use clean hands to very gently pull it out downwards, and then contact a veterinarian for help. If the mother does not successfully cut the umbilical cord, you need to take over. Using clean sewing thread, tie off twice, leaving a gap in between, and then tie again further out. Start the first tie-off around three centimeters from the body of the kitten. After that, rip between the two knots carefully using very clean hands. If the mother does not clean the kitten, you can
What Are Signs My Cat May Have Cancer
Cancer is a scary diagnosis for a beloved cat. If caught in its early stages you can expect to have good treatment options, and your cat can go on to live a happy life for many years. Knowing the signs of cancer in cats is vital. Science has made a lot of advancements when it comes to treating cancer in cats; it isn’t a guaranteed fatal outcome. There are very successful treatments available. advertisement Signs your cat may have cancer Swelling or lumps. You may find a new lump on your cat’s body or notice a swollen area on your cat, and neither seem to clear up on their own, or they are getting bigger and changing shape. Reoccurring digestive problems. Your cat may have reoccurring vomiting and/ or diarrhea. Changes in urine or feces output. You may notice a difference in how much your cat has been going to the bathroom. It may be a dramatic increase or a very noticeable decrease in output. Weight loss. Even if your cat’s appetite hasn’t changed, you notice a significant change in their weight. Difficulty swallowing or eating. You may notice that your cat is no longer interested in their food, or they are choking a lot while they are eating. Trouble breathing or a persistent cough. A continuous, dry cough could signify a much bigger problem for your cat. Bad breath. This sign could indicate a couple of problems, and cancer is one. Swollen lymph nodes. The lymph nodes behind your cats’ knees and under their jaws are easy to find and might be the ones you notice swelling in. Change in temperament. If your friendly, loving cat is suddenly very grumpy and doesn’t want to be touched, it may be a sign that it is in pain. If your cat seems to be more tired than usual or has a hard time getting up, that might be a sign of cancer. Cats are known to hide when they are not feeling well. It is a survival instinct to hide away, so they are not easy prey to predators. Sores that don’t heal. You may notice your cat has a sore, and if it takes a long time to heal or does not heal at all, it might be a sign that something else is going on. Unexplained bleeding. If your cat’s gums, nose, mouth, or private areas start to bleed with a cause, it might mean that your kitty has cancer. Common types of cancers cats get Soft-tissue Sarcoma This cancer forms in the connective tissue and will form malignant tumours. Lymphoma A blood cancer and the most common cancer in cats. It is commonly known to affect the lymph nodes, intestines, kidneys, and liver. Squamous cell carcinoma A skin cancer that affects areas of a cat that don’t have any hair like the eyelids, nose, and ears. Cancer treatment for cats You will need to have the vet do a physical exam to get a diagnosis for
Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
Overweight cats make up more than half of all pet cats. And, while it’s easy to dismiss a few extra ounces as just extra-fluffy fur, excess fat has serious consequences. Whether it’s the risk of a shorter lifespan, an increased risk of health problems, or simply mobility issues, even a few extra pounds can significantly impact your cat’s health. advertisement Why Do a Few Pounds Matter? When your veterinarian says your cat could lose two pounds or so, it’s easy to dismiss the importance of weight loss. After all, two pounds make little difference to humans. But, with the average cat weighing 10 pounds, two pounds is a substantial issue! Consider the average 160-pound person versus the average 10-pound cat. Two pounds on that cat is the same as 32 pounds on that 160-pound human. And if the average cat had an excess of three pounds, that equates to nearly 50 pounds of excess weight on a human frame. Choosing How Much Weight to Lose Humans frequently refer to weight loss in terms of pounds because we often use weight-based guidelines to determine our ideal body type. However, BMI charts and other procedures that work for most humans do not work for cats. We recommend using body condition scoring to determine the best body type for a cat. Body condition scoring for cats is on a scale of 1-5 or 1-9. If your cat scores above the ideal range, a scale can help track monthly weight loss goals, but you should still use the visual check as you approach your cat’s goal. Cats with a healthy weight are generally happier, more agile, and live longer. So if you work with her, your fat cat can become a small, lean, ribbon-chasing machine this year. Here are our top suggestions for this year to help your cat reduce weight. Vet Visits & Food Intake The optimal initial step is to discuss your pet’s health with the veterinarian. They will be able to aid you in identifying the beginning point for your cat as well as any health issues that may hinder the development process. Look into diet food: There are “diet” cat food varieties; you read that right! If you decide to switch, you should do so gradually over about two weeks so that your cat does not go on a hunger strike. The new foods typically have fewer calories and more nutrients than the old ones. Keep track of your caloric intake: Did you know that the average indoor cat only needs 20-30 calories per pound of body weight per day? Examine your cat’s current diet’s nutritional value to see how it compares to others, and start measuring the food at each meal. L-Carnitine should be added: Several studies have shown that L-Carnitine supplements boost cats’ metabolism by interacting with fatty acids in their liver to help convert fat cells into energy. Consult your veterinarian to determine whether L-Carnitine (or other supplements) is appropriate for your cat. Canned products: Is it
Why Do Cats Hate Water?
Cats have a complicated relationship with water. Some cats enjoy swimming, while others avoid it like the plague because they are afraid of getting wet or drowning if Lake Michigan is ever flooded! However, you feel about your feline friend’s aquatic tendencies. Whether fascinated by bath time activities like dipping their paw in the tub or eagerly awaiting baths each week without fail- it turns out there might be more going on than we thought. Cats are well-known for their love of water but may not be as amphibious. The first is evolution; while wild cats in warm climates might go for an occasional refreshing dip to cool off (most domestic ones come from felines that lived near or on dry land), most domesticated cat’s ancestors were descended by Arabian lineage–their forebears had never needed learn how to swim because there was no advantage gained by doing so at any point during human history until now! It turns out cats are still a little wilder than we thought. Despite thousands of years living alongside us, they retain their instincts. They can be considered semi-domestic because when wetted down from fighting or fleeing an attacker, in case there is one around, you will find the importing through your home at any given time! How these furry felines move changes drastically; not only does agility suffer, but so does weight distribution leadingly, making it easier prey for bigger predators. advertisement Bad experiences Sometimes cats do not like water because they have had bad experiences. For example, if a cat were only ever forced into the rain or traipsed through its owner’s pool on accident, which could make them not want to go near anybody of standing liquid at all! Cats are creatures of habit, and they typically don’t enjoy surprises, so if your cat doesn’t seem too keen on trying out water in general, it might just be that this is something new to them if you have cats who love taking baths already or those whose attitudes towards getting wet changed after some time spent with practice sessions at home, great! But for others? It is best not to force the issue; instead, let felines explore what H2O has available without any pressure whatsoever (including playtime!). This way, both parties get comfortable faster while avoiding injury from improper handling. What is more unpleasant than wetting yourself? Getting your fur all messy and smelling like an animal shelter. That is if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to chemicals in tap water! There’re so many reasons why cats avoid bath time; they spend nearly half their lives grooming themselves (for a good reason), which means even spending five minutes under these circumstances isn’t going make them happy—plus, there are standardized scent glands on feline bodies that produce pheromone compounds used for marking purposes when we use scented products such as shampoo and conditioner. Why do cats splash in their water bowls and watch so intently at bathwater? It turns out they
Dry Food Versus Wet Food, What’s Better?
Should I use wet cat food? When you walk into the supermarket or pet store, you are bombarded with different types of cat food: wet, dry, complete, and specific for a breed or age. There is so much choice. But is it better to give your cat wet or dry food? That is a frequently asked question, and there are advantages and disadvantages to wet and dry food. advertisement The Benefits of Wet Food Cats are obligate carnivores (flesh eaters). Wet food is much closer to a cat’s natural diet than kibble. Cats are native to desert areas and respond to a low-water diet by concentrating their urine and not drinking more water. A cat’s natural food (small prey animals) has a water percentage of 60%. The water content of wet food is also 60% or more. Feeding wet food is a convenient way to ensure that cats get more moisture. Wet Food and Its’ Uses Urinary Tract Health (Kidneys and Bladder): Eating a lot of wet food causes the cat to produce more water (less concentrated urine), reducing the risk of bladder problems. Any inflammatory cells are also excreted faster; Energy regulation: Many cats cannot properly regulate their energy intake; when eating dry food, these cats quickly become too fat, with an increased risk of diabetes or cystitis. Feeding wet food can prevent this to a large extent. Lose weight: Water has no calories, so wet food always has fewer calories than dry food. On average, dry food contains 3 – 4 k cal/g, while damp food contains an average of 0.8 – 1.5 k cal/g. Because wet food is also more filling, it can ideally help prevent obesity or lose weight; Constipation (hard stools): Dehydration is often (partly) a cause of constipation in cats. By feeding wet food, the cat receives more water than if it were to eat dry food because it naturally drinks little; Cats are adapted to living in dry surroundings, and in response to eating foods with low moisture content, they produce more concentrated pee rather than drinking more water. It has been argued that giving cats wet food rather than water to drink would be a more appropriate strategy to provide them with water because prey for cats often has a moisture content greater than 60 percent. Dehydrated cats are at an increased risk for developing several ailments, including kidney disease. On the other hand, it is not apparent if consuming dry food results in inadequate hydration or poorer hydration than when consuming wet food. Several research studies have been carried out to examine the effect of feeding dry versus wet diets on the water status of cats, and the findings have been contradictory. Wet foods are beneficial for the following: Wet foods promote more dilute urine, which may result in a lower concentration of inflammatory components in the bladder. This may be beneficial for the prevention of urinary tract problems. The hypothesis is that since wet foods promote more dilute urine, this
The Unique Anatomy of Cats
Cats are one of the most fascinating animals that we have the pleasure of calling a pet, companion, or even best friend. On top of being utterly adorable and cuddly, they are also scientific marvels! Their anatomy, characteristics, and physical attributes are what make them some of the most unique creatures! advertisement Skeletal Structure Cats are indeed very flexible due to their highly unique skeletal structure. The cat’s skeletal design is remarkably like ours, although there are two significant differences. First, a cat’s spine or backbone contains more bones than ours, mainly because of the tail. Their vertebrae are not as tightly connected as ours. Their vertebrae have a special, flexible, elastic cushioning on the disks which makes their spine rotate more than the spines of most other animals. Cats also have no actual collarbone, which allows them to squeeze through the tightest of places and the ability to respond very quickly when falling. The ‘collarbones’ they have are buried in their shoulder muscles. Due to their uniquely built skeletal structure, flexibility is one of the most well-known characteristics a cat has. Speaking of bones, cats have an astounding 230 bones while humans only have 206. An example of this is, cats are supposed to have 18 toes – five toes on each front paw; four toes on each back paw. The front inner toes being responsible for grasping. There are cats who have more than 18 toes. These extra-digit felines are referred to as being polydactyl. Skills & Characteristics There are many unique attributes that cats have and often show off. For example, when eating meat, if the meat is on a bone cats’ rough tongues can lick a bone clean of any shred of meat. They are also near-sighted but in comparison to humans, their peripheral vision and night vision is significantly better. As previously mentioned, cats’ paws are already unique since they have 18 toes, but have you noticed that cats make very little noise when they walk around? This is due to the thick, soft pads on their paws that allow them to sneak up on their prey — or you! They also move both of their right feet first, then move both of their left feet. No other animals walk this way besides camels and giraffes. advertisement Physicality There are a lot of physical abilities that cats possess and frequently display. One of the main ability’s cats are known for is their ability to jump high, get into narrow spaces, and their reflexes. When jumping, cats can jump up to six times their length! Again, as previously mentioned cats have no collarbones, so this is what allows them to squeeze in narrow spots. Therefore, you may find your cat curled up in a unique position when sleeping. A house cat’s genome is 95.6 percent tiger, and they share many behaviors with these wild animals! These behaviors include scent marking by scratching, prey play, prey stalking, and pouncing. Just like their tiger ancestors, cats are
