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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Why Cats Always Land On Their Feet
Have you ever wondered why cats are so nimble and can always land on their feet? Repeatedly, we have seen cats fall from great heights but always manage to save themselves just in time. Cats are incredibly agile creatures, but even still, it is always surprising to see them land on their feet after jumping from high surfaces. So how is all this possible? There are many factors as to why cats can do this amazing feat and it may just surprise you. The main trait we associate with cats is flexibility or nimbleness. Cats are indeed very flexible due to their highly unique skeletal structure. However, there are three known and main factors that attribute to this special skill; Flexibility, righting reflex, and instinctual behavior. advertisement Flexibility Due to their uniquely built skeletal structure, flexibility is one of the most well-known characteristics a cat has. Their vertebrae have a special, flexible, elastic cushioning on the disks which makes their spine rotate more than the spines of most other animals. This elastic cushioning allows for them to rotate their body 180 degrees left or right while humans can only rotate their torso 90 degrees. To picture this, a cat can make it so that their head and front legs are facing the opposite direction of their hips and back legs. Cats also have no collarbone, which allows them to squeeze through the tightest of places and the ability to respond very quickly when falling. Righting Reflex The righting reflex is one of the biggest factors as to why cats always land on their feet. It is defined as a cat’s innate ability to orient itself as it falls in order to land on its feet. Cats have a unique ability to realign and fix their body while falling. This is due to their inner ears being their compass for balance. This allows them to know when they are right side up while falling. Due to the combination of their flexible spine and no collarbones, they can react very quickly while falling as adjust as needed. It is believed that cats develop this reflex as kittens, and it is fully developed in as little as 7 weeks. advertisement Instinctual Behavior A cats ability to land on their feet after a fall is an instinctual behavior! This means that when a cat is falling it automatically responds to falling by turning it’s body midair. Cats naturally have this behavior ingrained into them so they aren’t taught this skill over time. As previously stated, It is believed that cats develop this reflex as kittens, and it is fully developed in as little as 7 weeks! There are obviously other factors that make it so cats don’t always land on their feet. This could be due to age, weight, and other overall health factors. 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,
What is the Effect of the Full Moon on My Cat?
Ever wonder if the full moon has anything to do with strange behavior in cats? Have you ever noticed a pattern? advertisement So, does the moon affect cats? It certainly seems to be the case in our experience! During the full moon, we’ve noticed cats who exhibit uncharacteristic, quirky, and rebellious behavior. There are many posts, blogs, and questions from cat owners about strange full moon behavior, all with their own stories to tell and answers to seek. Behavior of cats during full moons According to cat owners and veterinarians, the full moon certainly seems to make cats more mischievous. Cat owners have observed the following behavioral characteristics during the full moon: Their cats seem more likely to hide Symptoms of restlessness Mischievousness and playfulness increase Keeping company with other cats Noisier and more meowing According to various statistics and studies, the full moon period is associated with an increase in veterinary clinic admissions. An unfounded study claimed a 23% increase in cat visits to the vet during a full moon and a 28% increase in dog visits. According to research at the University of Colorado’s College of Veterinary Medicine, cats are 30% more likely to become injured during or near full moons. Maybe because cats spend more time outside at night with the help of the bright moonlight, which poses a higher risk of injury for pets, or due to some unknown effect of the moon is unclear. The moon may influence the circadian rhythms of cats and other animals. Circadian rhythms refer to the physical, mental, and behavioral fluctuations and variations throughout the day. Circadian rhythms can be found in most living things, including heart rate, sleep patterns, hormones, body temperature, and blood pressure. The moon affects Earth’s gravity and nighttime light, which affects cats, dogs, and humans. If my cat exhibits strange behavior during a full moon, what should I do? Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much you can do to curb this strange behavior. Tracking the lunar cycle may help you become aware of these changes and not be surprised. An easy fix is to keep your cat indoors over the full moon. Moon Phases and Cats A full moon is only one phase of the lunar cycle. According to many astrologers, other moon phases may affect your cat, humans, and pets. New Moon Moon phases begin with the new moon. This happens when the Earth and the Sun are on opposite sides of the moon, and the Sun is aligned with the moon. It occurs every 29.5 days, and the moon is only visible when silhouetted during a solar eclipse. A new moon is a time of intention and to tune wholly into nature. During this phase, cats seem to relax naturally. Supermoon Supermoons occur when the moon is closest to Earth. Cats use their instincts during this period to stay away from danger and where they feel safe. Waning Moon A waning moon occurs after a full moon and before a new moon
Do Cats Recognize Their Own Names?
Did you ever wonder if cats knew their names? Unlike dogs, cats don’t typically come when called. However, the fact that your cat doesn’t move an inch when you call their name doesn’t necessarily mean he or she doesn’t know it. Cats do recognize their names, according to a study published in Scientific Reports in 2019 by Atsuko Saito from Sophia University, which shows that cats can recognize the voices of their owners. Cats living in ordinary homes and cats living in cat cafes were observed for the name recognition study. Cafe cats could distinguish their names from general nouns but not those of other cats living in the cafe. On the other hand, house cats could distinguish their names from general nouns and those of other cats in the house. Researchers concluded that cats can distinguish human language content based on phonemic differences. advertisement So Then, Why Does My Cat Ignore Me? Why don’t cats come running when we call them if they recognize their names? It’s just a cat being a cat. We tend to compare cats and dogs, but these two very different species shouldn’t behave similarly. Cats are more independent and aloof than dogs, so they don’t always respond when we call them. It is true that some cats run when their names are called. Congratulations if you have a cat like this! As a result of their extra devotion to their owners, such cats are often described as “dog-like.”. When renaming your cat, be patient. In some instances, a cat may not know her name, such as when she was a kitten given her first name or an adult cat who has been adopted and given a new name. It’s understandable if adopted adult cats aren’t responding immediately to their newest name, especially if they are on their third or fourth. If your cat doesn’t seem to react when you say her name, she may not know it. It’s good news that cats can easily learn new names. Although your cat will probably learn her new name eventually, there are ways to speed up the process. The Best Way to Teach Your Cat Its Name Try not to use your cat’s name too often. Repeating your cat’s name repeatedly can cause your cat to tune it out like background noise. If you are teaching your cat a new name, use it during training sessions. Her name should become more familiar to your cat after a while. advertisement Pair your cat’s name with a tasty treat to create a positive association. Whether it’s small pieces of plain chicken or a favorite treat (try to keep it small), give your cat something she enjoys. Give your cat a treat as soon as you call its name. Give your cat another treat after saying her name again. Take a break after doing this about 10 times within a few minutes. During training sessions, mix your cat’s name with other words and talk normally, but only reward her with
Why You Shouldn’t Declaw Your Cat
You may consider these arguments against declawing a cat or declawing along with neutering if a veterinarian suggests it. However, before deciding on your pet’s surgery, have all the facts. Declawing is not Nail Trimming Declawing involves amputation of the first joint of the cat’s toes. Whether this procedure is performed with a scalpel, guillotine-type cutter, or laser, it is a major surgery. advertisement Declawing is Painful It is equivalent to 10 toe amputations (if only the front feet are declawed). In the early stages, pain medications may help, but phantom pain may persist as nerve endings heal. In contrast to neutering, declawing can be excruciating for an animal and lead to serious behavior problems. Cats do not benefit from declawing Declawing has no positive effects on the cat, unlike neutering, which is beneficial health-wise and behaviorally. Most owners do it out of convenience. A Cat’s Chief Weapon of Defense is Robbed The typical counter-argument is, “My cat is indoors only.” But, unfortunately, even indoor cats sometimes escape. If a cat is declawed, it cannot stand a chance against a large dog, a larger cat, or a predator. Even though it still has teeth, a declawed cat wouldn’t stand a chance against a predator. Litter Box Problems May Result From Declawing Due to their natural tendency to bury waste with claws, most cats use litter boxes relatively quickly. A declawed cat will likely associate the pain associated with digging in litter or other substances with the litter box. As a result, they may not use the litter box at all. Biting problems can sometimes occur after declawing If cats cannot give a quick warning scratch, they often rely on the next line of defense: their teeth. A declawed cat may resort to biting when in danger or feeling scared. Toes and claws provide cats with exercise Observe a cat stretching on a carpet or vertically with a scratching post. Using its claws, it will grab the carpet or sisal, pulling and stretching its muscles. Claws play an essential role in cats’ muscle tone and agility. Declawing could lead to joint problems later on Cats walk on their toes — also known as digitigrade. Your cat will walk differently if the first digit of its toe is removed, and its joints may be affected. Your cat may eventually develop arthritis in its hips and other joints. Your cat’s long-term health can be seriously compromised if you remove its claws. advertisement Declawing Has Humane Alternatives Before making such a drastic and permanent decision, consider your cat’s needs seriously, and there may be more humane alternatives. For example, vinyl nail caps are a healthy and relatively easy alternative. Smooth caps that glue over your cat’s claws come in various colors, including clear, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark. The nail caps are generally well tolerated by cats, but they may take some time to get used to. Each set of caps lasts four to six weeks as your cat’s claws grow.
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
