The easiest way to introduce a cat and a dog is to bring them together when they are both young and new to the family. But this is not always possible. However good your intentions are, even the best of friends can get into a squabble. But don’t allow it to escalate into a real […]
Cat Behavior
Have you ever wondered why your cat behaves a certain way? In recent decades, scientific research has shed light on many aspects of cat behavior. This information can be used to improve our relationships with our cats as well as to improve their quality of life. Although some behaviors are common to all cats, each cat has an individual personality which influences his behavior. Cat behavior includes body language, sounds, eating patterns and social behavior.
How to Manage with Multiple Cats
Having more than one cat, you’ve discovered that cats are different than dogs. Dogs usually enjoy the company of other canines as they are pack animals. Cats don’t mind being loners, some even prefer it. Cats are territorial to boot and each will claim a space as their own. Dogs are usually just happy to […]
OCD and Cats
Does your cat act strangely, such as grooming continuously, beyond normal limits? S/he may have OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cites environmental and social stresses as the main factors causing OCD in cats. It’s normal for cats to groom themselves, even in stressful situations. But when grooming continues well after the […]
A Kitten’s Developmental Stages
Here are some tips I gleaned from the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) about what to expect of your kitten during the different stages of development. As with all animals, humans included, early socialization increases skills in all areas of development. In their first 2 weeks of life, kittens respond to sound. By two […]
Laser Pointers-Good or Bad for Cats
Cats appear to enjoy chasing the laser beam but are they really having fun. Playtime for cats is a learning experience as well as fun. Mother cats play with their kittens to teach them to hunt, exercise their muscles and give them mental stimulation. Kittens also learn when they’ve crossed boundaries and how to socialize […]
Taming Feral Kittens/Cats
A feral cat is one that has had little or no human contact. Feral cats face all the hazards that accompany living wild outdoors. There were originally abandoned by their families and became what we call strays, to fend for themselves and have learned to mistrust humans. The resulting kittens born into this environment are […]
Train Your Cat to Come When Called
Training your cat to come when you call may be easier than you think. Cats can be motivated by food they love just as dogs are. When you open a can of cat food or rattle a bag of treats, does your cat come running? You can use this action in training. Cats have an […]
Cats Marking
All wild cats mark their territory. And domestic cats still retain the urge to stake out their claim, especially if they feel like their territory is being imposed upon. Cats communicate through scent. They have scent glands in their cheeks, flanks and foot pads. They rub these parts of their bodies on whatever they feel […]
Why Dogs and Cats Sleep Curled Up
Have you ever watched your pet curl up on a winter’s day, feet tucked in, tail curled round covering the nose? While it may not look like the most comfortable position for your pet, it offers warmth and comfort. The curled position conserves body heat and while our dogs and cats usually have their own […]
Separation Anxiety in Cats
We usually hear of separation anxiety in dogs, but cats can become upset when left too even if other pets are in the home. Cats may not demonstrate their anxieties the same way as dogs, but nevertheless, some are stressed. Separation anxiety occurs when there is a feeling of being abandoned or a fear of […]