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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What is Ringworm in Cats and What Can I Do About It?
Ringworm is a zoonotic infection that can transfer from cats to humans and vice versa. The fungus that causes ringworm can infect various animals and it can be quite an annoying condition when your indoor cat gets afflicted. Here’s everything you need to know. advertisement What is Ringworm in Cats? Dermatophytes are a group of microscopic fungi that cause ringworm. Contrary to what the name suggests, ringworm is not caused by worms. Ringworm is characterized by red ring marks that go around the inflammation on the skin. The fungi feed on skin, hair, and nails. For cats, the most common areas of infection include the face, ears, forelegs, chest, and feet. Symptoms of ringworm in cats include bald spots with some lesions; rough deformed claws, ashy dandruff, and frequent grooming and scratching of an area. Cats can catch ringworm when they get in contact with other infected animals or humans, or from spores that are living on surfaces like bedding, carpet, furniture, and others. advertisement What To Do When You Suspect Your Cat has Ringworm? Ringworm in cats is often confused with other skin conditions like flea allergy or dermatitis. It’s important to get your cat diagnosed as soon as you observe a symptom. Do not try home remedies or anti-fungal medication before you are sure that your cat’s condition is ringworm. Your vet may prescribe oral or topical medication that you need to consistently adhere to if you want the best result in the shortest amount of time and prevent reinfection. Your cat will potentially remain contagious for about three weeks after medication so ensure to keep the environment clean to decontaminate the surroundings. Keep them isolated with minimal contact during this time. With some time and patience, your cat will recover completely.
Do Cats See Color?
If you’re wondering if your beloved cat sees the colors of the world just like you do, then you’re like the many scientists who have researched cats’ color vision. Here are the results of various studies. advertisement Cats’ Color Vision Cats and humans have three types of color-sensitive cells in the retina called the “cones”, however, the number of cones differs significantly between humans and cats. Since cats have fewer of these cells, their color vision is not as rich, vibrant, and saturated as that of humans. Scientists argue that a cat’s color vision can be compared to that of a color-blind human. A theory suggests that cats only see shades of blue and gray and other colors like pink and red are perceived as green while purple appears like blue in the eyes of the cat. Other researchers suggest that cats also see shades of yellow, similar to members of the dog family. advertisement Other Properties of Cats’ Vision To compensate for their lack of range in the color vision department, cats have stronger motion and night vision, both qualities they need when hunting prey. They also have a wider visual field of 200 degrees as opposed to the human’s 180 degrees. In terms of visual acuity, cats are nearsighted. Images from more than 20 feet away will appear blurry in their eyes. Learning this information about how your cats see the colors of the world can help you provide them with more stimulating toys and games that they will enjoy. Colorful toys are not as interesting to them as moving toys that engage their vision and their instincts. Furthermore, it can help you protect them and other creatures when you understand that their bodies are built for hunting and capturing anything that moves especially in low light environments.
What Can I Do If My Cat Is Aggressive?
Surveys suggest that most people get cats because they expect them to be the calm and cuddly pets the media makes them out to be. However, the truth is that no two cats are the same, and some felines may be just a tad bit more irritable than others. Unfortunately, most cats who end up in the shelter are cats who have been given up by their owners for being too aggressive. But all cats can become gentle kitties if only all owners take the time and patience to understand their combative behavior as well. advertisement Signs that Your Cat is Aggressive Before getting into the to-dos of dealing with an aggressive cat, first, you should know what the warning signs of cat aggression are: Your cat has dilated pupils. The hair on the back of your cat’s neck stands up. Your cats’ whiskers and ears are directly pointing down or straight out. Your cat flashes his tail. Your cat is constantly hissing and growling. Your cat backs up and crouches in an attempt to look as big as possible. advertisement Tips on Managing Cat Aggression If you are convinced that your cat is exhibiting aggressive behavior, you can effectively calm him down by following these tips: Provide them with a safe space. Even if your cat gets along with your other pets, he still needs some alone time. Get him a cat condo or his own shelf where he can retreat to. Have your cat checked by the vet. Aggressive behavior can be a warning sign for an underlying health condition especially if your kitty has always been gentle and sweet and has suddenly become combative. Keep your voice down. Yelling does not work on cats, unlike dogs. Experts say that cats don’t respond to anything negative so your best shot at calming your pet down is calming down yourself. Small kids shouldn’t play with cats unsupervised. Most cats are not very tolerant of ear-pulling and skin-pinching and can respond aggressively. Save your cat from the stressful situation and prevent trips to the ER with your kids by keeping them away from your pets. If none of these tips seem to be working on your feline friend, don’t hesitate to ask help from a professional to understand your cat’s needs and health better.
Is Running Water Better for Cats?
Like humans, animals have their own preferences when it comes to food, water, and daily lifestyle. This is rooted in natural animal instincts that they may have carried with them as they evolved as a species. Our feline friends are no exception to this. You may have noticed that your cat would rather drink from faucets instead of the clean water you provided him with. Why do cats do this, and should you do something about it? advertisement Why Do Cats Love Running Water? You may be convinced that your cat is just too stubborn about drinking from his water bowl, but your pet isn’t the only feline who refuses to drink from still water. And they have their reasons too: 1. It is in their nature. Domestic cats have evolved from wild cats who live in Africa. As hunters, cats have a sharp sense of smell and can even smell water. They can tell if any impurities are present; hence they have developed the instinct of sourcing clean, fresh water, which usually comes in the form of running or flowing water. 2. Their whiskers collide on the sides of the bowl. Cats have long whiskers that may not entirely fit inside their water bowl when they bow down and take a sip from it. This is uncomfortable for them, so naturally, they prefer running water. 3. They have poor close vision. Felines can’t see very clearly up close, so they usually end up dipping their noses into the water when they drink from water bowls which they can find annoying and disorienting. They prefer water they can see and sense better than still water. advertisement What You Can Do About It It’s clear that your fur baby’s preferred way of drinking is through running or flowing water. No, that doesn’t mean you need to keep your faucet running 24/7 just to provide him with a water source he likes. Invest in a pet drinking fountain instead and your pet is guaranteed to be the happiest little feline on the block!
What Should I Do If My Cat Brings Me Dead Animals?
Remember the first day your cute little harmless-looking feline brought home a dead squirrel? Or was it a dead bird or mouse? All pet owners can surely relate to the horror of realizing their adorable and cuddly pet is not as innocent as they think. Randomly finding dead animals in your home can be disturbing but don’t condemn your cat just yet. There is actually a reason behind why he brings you dead animals, and it might just melt your heart. advertisement What Does It Mean When Your Cat Brings Dead Animals? When cats bring you dead animals, it is a manifestation of their prey-catching behavior and has nothing to do with being hungry. So don’t think that your cat is unsatisfied with the food you give because the reason they hunt vermin and birds is primarily instinctive. Cats enjoy the hunt and chase, so they simply cannot resist the urge to hunt for prey. But why do they bring it to you? Felines are pack animals. Most cats, especially females, want to share their bounty with their family as a way of nurturing them and teaching them how to survive in the way they know best. Simply put, your pet cat considers you his family, so he brings you his catch to share it with you and ensure your survival. advertisement How to Deal With It Because cats have a natural prey drive, it is senseless to try and suppress their urge to hunt. Instead, you can redirect this behavior into an activity that will still satisfy his instincts without giving you a heart attack. Get your pet a mentally stimulating toy to satisfy his prey drives such as feather wands, laser pointers, remote-controlled mice, and the like. And don’t forget to give your pet more playtime so he can release all the energy he is craving to burn.
Why Do Cats Pant?
Dogs pant all the time, so there is no reason for pet owners to be alarmed when they see their dogs panting. But what are the odds that you catch your cat panting? Unlike dogs, it is quite unusual to see a cat panting as they are usually in a very calm and relaxed mood. This doesn’t mean, however, that cats don’t pant at all. Like many other animal species, cats also pant from time to time, and as a pet owner, it is important that you know when it becomes a medical emergency. advertisement Is It Normal for Cats to Pant? The short answer is yes. Heat exchange in humans is very different from that of animals, especially cats. Unlike us, our feline friends can’t sweat through the pores all over their bodies. Instead, these sweat pores are concentrated on the pads of their paws, where they experience minor sweating. Sometimes, this sweating is not sufficient in releasing heat from your cat’s body, so they need to pant to aid the heat exchange process. It is important to remember, though, that cats don’t pant consistently and certainly don’t pant the way dogs do. advertisement Other Causes for Panting in Cats Here are potential reasons your cat pants excessively. Your cat is stressed. Traveling or being in a pet carrier can induce stress in cats. Make sure to remove your pet from a stressful situation to reduce panting. Your cat can be manifesting a sign of a heart issue. Young cats can have genetic heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, that may develop as they age. Senior felines are prone to heart problems too. Your cat may have a respiratory disease. Cats may not be getting enough oxygen, so they breathe through their mouths to get more air. Take them to the vet at once if you suspect this. Your cat could be overexerting himself. Kittens can become overly active and play too much that they become out of breath. Help your cat calm down and encourage him to take a break from playing. Seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat struggles to breathe and if his tongue turns into hues of blue or purple.
Wine and Dine Your Cat in All the Right Ways
When it was Pumpkin’s birthday, you know we needed to spoil her. But what’s a cat parent to do when you have a lady as refined as Pumpkin? That’s when we found Meowsling! A purrrfectly crafted cat wine that will delight your feline’s fancy, made with filtered water, infused with catnip, and enriched with salmon oil. This kitty treat was a huge hit! Not only that but fish oil has been proven to be great for your cat! advertisement Good for the brain Supplementing puppies with DHA increased their ability to learn and retain specific skills compared to those not receiving additional DHA, according to a Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2012 study. Older pets suffering from cognitive dysfunction had improved recognition of family members and other dogs when taking fish oil. Great for your kitty’s heart Fish oil helps reduce your cat’s vulnerability to developing an irregular heart rhythm, called atrial fibrillation. If your kitty has heart disease, it can also prevent blood clots from forming. Good for the skin Especially if your kitty has allergies, fish oil decreases the body’s production of cytokines which stimulates inflammation and can be itchy and uncomfortable for your fur baby. The less scratching, the better it is for their skin. advertisement Eases kidney disease If your poor little is diagnosed with kidney disease, you must start her on fish oil. Cats who were given fish oil on average lived ten months longer than kitties who weren’t given a supplement. Helps arthritic joints Remember that bit about cytokines? The same is helpful for arthritic joints, the less inflammation your cat experiences, the better for her joints.
Cat Halloween Costume Ideas
If you know anything about cats, you know that their tolerance for costumes is not high in the least. So what’s a cat parent to do when celebrating Spooktober? Here are a few ideas of fun ways to dress up your kitty without getting dressed down: advertisement Wings Funny or spooky wings are always a hit when it comes to cuteness and your cat tolerating something on their back. You may notice they’ll roll over or slump when you put them on, and that’s normal! They’ll eventually get used to it, and if they don’t, well, you tried. Some cats aren’t the costume-wearing type. Collar Cats are typically used to something around their neck when they wear a collar, so try something like a flower or this funny bread collar. You can even keep it simple with a bow tie or a necktie. advertisement Headband For the more tolerant of cats, a headband or hat can be a show stopper. Beware, this head adornment may not last long, but it sure will be adorable! Front Walking Costume You can’t deny the hilarious nature of the front walking cat costume. What’s better than this pirate cat? https://sparklekitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wwBa9MW.mp4 Full Body Costume And of course, for the sweetest and most tolerant cats, the pièce de résistance, the full-body costume. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to try putting this on any cat, but when it does work, boy, does it work. To send you off, dear reader here’s a bonus video of our own Toner and his rough and rowdy cowboy: https://sparklekitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SuM3ERh.mp4
How To Safely Introduce A New Kitten When You Already Have Cats
Bringing home a new kitten to be the newest member of your feline family can be very exciting—at least for you. Cats are territorial animals, and most often than not, they can’t instantly befriend the new cat you just brought home to occupy their personal space. Some pet owners swear by simply putting the new and old cats together in one room for them to “work it out” on their own. But not only is this a risky way of introducing your cats, but it can also be very stressful for everyone in the household, especially for the cats. advertisement The Do’s of Introducing Cats to Each Other To make sure none of your cats lose an eyeball or gets scratched in the face, follow these tips on introducing new cats to your existing ones: Isolation spaces are mandatory. Provide your new and old cats with a safe space that they can retreat to whenever the transition becomes too overwhelming or stressful for them. This also gives you a chance to observe the initial reactions your cats have towards each other. Be prepared to respond to aggression. Always be on the lookout for warning signs and get ready to spring into action if needed. When your cats start to hiss, arch their backs, or manifest any aggressive behavior, distract them with a loud noise or toy to allow them to retreat. Stay patient throughout the introduction phase. Most cats learn to live together, but you must give them enough time to get used to the new setup at home. It usually takes about a week for cats to adjust, but others take longer, depending on their temperament. advertisement What Not To Do Whatever you do, don’t force your resident cats to get along with your new cat right away, or vice versa, if it is clear that they are not yet ready for that. Pushing your cats to bond instantly can do more harm than good and even cause the introduction phase to be longer than needed. With a little work and lots of patience, your cats will enjoy each other’s company in no time and feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your home.
Tips on Driving Cross-Country with a Cat
Whether it’s taking your pet to the vet, traveling for a vacation to the countryside, or moving to a new home across the borders, cat owners will experience driving with their cats as passengers at least once. While road trips sound exciting to humans, it’s not exactly the same for felines. Being away from their home turf, especially for the first time, can be very stressful for cats and may cause them to act strangely inside your car. It’s not only bothersome to see your cat acting weird but, more importantly, it is dangerous to drive with a restless cat onboard. Don’t worry because we have curated the top hacks for cat owners to ensure a smooth ride filled with nothing but happy memories for you and your best bud to share forever. advertisement 1. Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Before taking your cat on a cross-country road trip, make sure to visit the vet and check if his vaccinations are still valid. Some states will require you to provide certifications that your pet has been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, and viral infections, to name a few. 2. Register a microchip online. Just in case the worst happens, you can easily locate your cat using its registered microchip. Otherwise, it would be almost impossible to find him, especially when you are not in a familiar area. 3. Pack your necessities calmly. When you’re stressed, cats can tell right away and will start to feel stressed too. Make sure to keep positive energy while packing, don’t miss your cat’s feeding time, and pet him a lot to assure him that everything is okay. advertisement 4. Choose the right pet carrier for your car. Carriers will not only keep your cat still throughout the ride, but they will also secure him safely. Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your car model, fits your cat’s size, and is soft and comfortable enough for long hours of driving. Soft ones like these are especially recommended for nervous kitties who could hurt themselves on a hard carrier: 5. Bring comforting smells. Your cat may start to feel homesick just a few hours after leaving home. Bring an old blanket, stuffed toy, or anything that smells like home to relieve your pet’s anxiety and stress levels. There’s nothing a little planning and lots of love can’t fix. As long as you stick to this guide, you and your fur baby can get through that big cross-country trip together, and he’ll be back to his old happy and playful self in no time.
