Helping Your Cat Age Gracefully
Popular opinion dictates that a happy, contented cat will be largely indifferent to humans. Most cats will acknowledge an owner upon sight, and then return to their business. A cat following you from room to room should be an exceptional circumstance, not the norm. If your cat is following you around, it wants something. Ensure that you have not missed a scheduled meal or playtime. The cat may want more attention, especially if bored. Some […]
A cat’s tail is a vital part of feline anatomy. Cats use their tails for balance and to communicate. If your cat cannot or will not lift its tail, something is wrong. This issue could physical or emotional in nature. If the cat is willfully holding its tail low, it is emotionally distressed. The cat could be anxious, agitated or afraid. If the action is unwitting, your cat is hurt. Bites and scratches to the […]
Cat allergies are complex. You may suffer from an allergic reaction to some cats, but not others. This does not mean that you are only allergic to certain cats. It just means that you are not noticing the reaction in your body. Cat allergies are not caused by the mere presence of a feline. The cat’s dander is to blame. Dander contains a glycoprotein called fel d 1. This is what sparks an allergic reaction. […]
Cat urine has a strong, distinct scent. This is due to urea, which is the primary component of cat urine. Left uncleaned, urea decomposes and undergoes a series of chemical reactions. Chief among these is the release of ammonia into the atmosphere. Even the smallest amount of ammonia creates a distinct, unpleasant smell. The odor is stronger in unfixed male cats. Dehydration, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and food sensitivities can also lead […]
Conventional wisdom dictates that a purring cat is a happy cat. It’s true that cats purr when contented. As cats enjoy being petted, the noise often accompanies stroking. Just be aware that this is not always the case. Cats purr for two different reasons – pleasure and pain. Stroking your cat will initially release endorphins. Your cat may even grow so relaxed that it dozes off. You may be mistaking snoring for purring. Also, petting […]
Toilet training is something that many cat owners take for granted. Even rescue cats seem to instinctively know how to use a litter tray, having copied their mothers. Some felines may not have experienced this essential socialization, though. So, older cats may need to be toilet trained from scratch or they will defecate outside of their litter trays. Don’t use a covered litter box as this may intimidate a cat that’s unfamiliar with the process. Use […]