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Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

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This week I wanted to share information about declawing our feline friends. Too many folks think this procedure – called an onychectomy – is simply the removal of a cat’s claws. It’s so much more than that! So, I felt motivated to compose a post to educate cat lovers about what declawing actually entails for cats. I hope you find the information educational and will share it with other ailurophiles you know. Happy reading!

Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

What is declawing?

To understand declawing, you need to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of a cat’s paw. Each toe has three bones or phalanges – the proximal phalanx, middle phalanx, and distal phalanx.

Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

The normal basic anatomy of the cat’s toe

The distal phalanx is the bone associated with the claw. When a veterinarian performs an onychectomy, they remove more than just the claw. They remove the entire third phalanx. In other words, they perform a partial digit amputation. Think about what an onychectomy would look like on a human hand. It’s not just removing a fingernail. The procedure is equivalent to amputating each finger at the first knuckle.

Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

Is declawing ever medically necessary?

Although declawing is not medically necessary in most instances, there are some medically justifiable reasons for declawing cats, including:

  • Phalanx fracture
  • Infection resistant to antimicrobial therapy
  • Cancer affecting the toe(s)

Some believe declawed cats pose less of a risk for transmission of zoonotic diseases, that is diseases transmitted from animal to human, especially to immunocompromised individuals. However, there is no evidence to support this. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not list declawing as a means of preventing disease in healthy or immunocompromised individuals.

What are the risks?

Onychectomy is associated with several potential surgical complications, including:

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Chronic pain
  • Nerve damage & paralysis
  • Distal limb ischemia (aka compromised blood flow) due to improper bandage application
  • Tissue necrosis (death)
  • Claw regrowth
  • Wound dehiscence

For these reasons, major veterinary organizations have published position statements on declawing:

“The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly opposes declawing (onychectomy) as an elective procedure. It is the obligation of veterinarians to provide cat owners with alternatives to declawing.” American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

“The American Animal Hospital Association strongly opposes the declawing of domestic cats and supports veterinarians’ efforts to educate cat owners and provide them with effective alternatives.”American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

“The AVMA strongly encourages client education prior to consideration of onychectomy (declawing). It is the obligation of the veterinarian to provide cat owners with a complete education with regard to the normal scratching behavior of cats, the procedure itself, as well as potential risks to the patient. Onychectomy is an amputation and should be regarded as a major surgery. The decision to declaw a cat should be made by the owners in consultation with their veterinarian.”American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Declawing is banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.

What are the alternatives?

I feel it’s important for cat lovers to remember scratching is a normal behavior. Indeed, it conditions the claws and is a means of stretching. Scratching also serves as a visual and scent mark. Obviously, inappropriate scratching – behavior that results in injury to humans/other animals and/or destruction of property – is unacceptable.

Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

Scratching posts can be placed in homes to encourage appropriate scratching

Veterinarians understand declawing is often a perceived last resort to relinquishment, outdoor housing, or euthanasia. Indeed, it’s for these reasons many veterinarians still perform declawing. Thankfully, there are many steps cat owners may take to prevent inappropriate scratching, including:

  • Acclimate cats to having their nails trimmed at a young age
  • Train cats to scratch in acceptable areas (i.e.: scratching post) and reward them with treats or catnip for using these areas
  • Provide toys that can be batted or pounced upon
  • Confine the cat when you can’t supervise them
  • Use Feliway® pheromone spray
  • Apply plastic nail coverings (i.e.: Soft Paws®)
  • Avoid rough play
Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

Plastic nail coverings can be applied to nails to prevent inappropriate scratching

An alternative surgical procedure is a deep digital flexor tenectomy. During this procedure, a veterinarian removes a section of the deep digital flexor tendon from each toe. When performed properly, a cat can no longer protrude their claws. Claws still grow, and therefore still need to be trimmed to avoid problems associated with overgrown claws.

Employing tactics that make inappropriate scratching unpleasant may also help. Possible manipulations include:

  • Covering areas you don’t want a cat scratch with less appealing material (i.e.: aluminum foil)
  • Hanging tin plates from furniture arms so they create noise & breeze when a cat scratches
  • Applying special tape (i.e.: Sticky Paws®)

Declawing Cats – Not Exactly a Manicure

Cat lovers need to remember their feline friends must have an appropriate alternative scratching area to maximize the likelihood one of these deterrents will work.

The take-away message about declawing in cats…

Declawing or onychectomy is so much more than simply the removal of cat’s claws. The procedure is actually a partial digit amputation and is a major surgical procedure. Declawing is rarely a medically justifiable procedure, and many tactics can be employed to discourage inappropriate scratching.

Source: CriticalCareDVM

CriticaCareDVM

 

 

The Meaning Behind Your Cat’s Meow: 5 Distinct Cat Sounds & Noises

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The meaning behind your cats meow

When you share a home with a feline friend, you hear many different cat sounds throughout the day. And although the meaning of some noises is easily discernible (circling her food dish while looking up at you, for example), it’s not always that obvious. In some cases you may be the pet parent of a particularly chatty kitty. This is especially true with older furry friends, as cats become more vocal as they age or their hearing worsens.

Here’s what they are expressing with the following distinctive cat sounds:

Meow
As a pet parent you already know your cat emits a classic meow for a variety of things. But cats don’t do this between each other, so what are they trying to tell you? They may use her meow for a food or water refill, greet you when you return home, or request a soothing pet or tummy rub (they’ll roll over for that one). Cats also speak to you with different kinds of meows depending on the situation, such as “I want that spot on the couch”–something they always seem to want.
Although incessant meowing when eating, using the litter box, or a similarly odd time could mean they’re not feeling well, your furbaby is usually just coming over to say hi.

Purr
Life doesn’t get much better than when your cat snuggles up to you, nuzzling and purring at the end of a long day. Purring is how kittens who are born blind and deaf communicate with their mom, but all cats use this method throughout their lives–even with you. Pay close attention to your own cat’s purrs and you’ll notice subtle changes in tone and vibration, all of which help her express that they’re happy and doing just fine.

A lesser-known motive: Cats may also use this vocalization to comfort themselves when they’re scared, so be sure to give your furbaby lots of love when you hear her little motor running.

Hiss
When a cat hisses and or even growls, it’s not because they’re being mean; they are frightened and therefore defensive. Your pet may hiss at a stranger who visits your home (or, for that matter, someone they know but just doesn’t like) or even at another cat as a warning to “back off.” Ultimately they’re reminding everyone who the real boss is (hint: It’s not you).

“If you can,” advises Animal Planet, “ignore the hissing instead of yelling or staring down your cat.” Just allow time and your inherent affection for her to resurface, and the hissing will dissipate. Giving them the space they need to calm their nerves will always help them feel more secure.

Howl
If you think howling is just for dogs, think again! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) points out that “some breeds of cats, notably the Siamese, are prone to excessive meowing and yowling,” so you may just have a loud little girl. Any cat who is “reproductively intact” will howl to attract a mate as well.

If your cat doesn’t fit these criteria, they may howl because they’re in an emergency situation, perhaps trapped somewhere or even injured. In other scenarios, cats howl because they want you to come right now to see the prey they brought you (and it’s not always a toy). In any case, give your vocal housemate your immediate attention to ensure everything is alright.

Chirp
This is one of the odder cat noises reserved for very special occasions. Oftentimes your cat will chirp, or trill, to alert the household when they see a bird, squirrel, or bunny outside the window. It’s not a full-length meow but rather a command kittens learn at a young age, according to The Humane Society, when their mom uses the sound to keep her babies in line. If you have more than one cat, you may also hear them converse with one another the same way.

They’ll eventually use this trick on you to lead you to her food dish or herd you to bed.

Paying close attention to these cat sounds will create an even more meaningful bond between you and your best pal. It will also help you better understand their needs so you can provide them with everything they need to feel happy, healthy, and safe.

Source: Hills Pet Nutrition
Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Do Cats Like to Be Petted?

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Do Cats Like to Be Petted?

A few years ago, the journal Frontiers in Psychology confirmed what pet parents already knew: that positive interaction with animals reduces stress in humans. This is great news for your health and longevity, but if you have a cat, you may wonder if the feeling is mutual. Do cats like to be petted? Do cats like to be held as much as we like to hold them?

If you do it correctly, the answer is yes. Many cats, despite the common and persistent myth that they are aloof, welcome affection from their people. In fact, petting and holding your cat helps build a loving relationship between the two of you.

Approaches to Petting
Petting your cat can be a tricky business. It’s easy to misread a kitty’s signals and end up touching them the wrong way or in a spot where they don’t like to be touched.

Do Cats Like to Be Petted?

Let’s say, for example, they roll around on the floor and expose their tummy. This is their way of showing that they trust you. If you try to rub your cat’s angelic belly fluff, however, they will probably respond with a scratch or a bite. You may think (with good reason) that your cat hates you, or that it’s their way of telling you they don’t want to be petted at all. In reality, they are telling you that they just don’t want you to pet them right there, right now. Some cats do love a good belly rub, explains Petful, but you have to approach it with finesse, and only when they’re calm and relaxed.

In 2013, a study from the journal Physiology & Behaviour was widely misrepresented as proof that petting cats stresses them out. John Bradshaw, director of the Anthropology Institute at the University of Bristol, England reassures National Geographic that it was something in the cats’ lives and not the act of petting that contributed to the animal’s anxiety. (The experiment actually looked at how cats that live alone experience stress differently from those in multi-cat households.) Petting can comfort your kitty, so go ahead and snuggle up.

Head, Shoulders, Cheeks and Nose
So, in which places do cats like to be petted? The head, chin and neck are often their favourites. While some cats enjoy having their tails touched, others will recoil and even experience pain from a tail stroke. Take it slowly, paying close attention to your cat’s reactions to your touch and always respecting their preferences.

When approaching your kitty, the most important trick is to allow them to take the lead, Animal Planet’s Jackson Galaxy tells Petcha. Let your cat sniff your index finger and touch their nose against it first. If they want to cuddle, they’ll push their face against your hand and direct you to their ears, chin, or wherever they want to be petted. Going slowly will create a more relaxed, warm-hearted environment. If they start nudging you with their head or rubbing their cheeks against your body, it’s a good sign, says Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Bunting” behaviour is how cats transfer the scents in their cheek glands to beloved surroundings and family members.

In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they’re typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up. Be sure to secure all four of their legs so that they don’t dangle. If they feel safe in your arms, they’ll be more inclined to stay there. If they squirm and want to get away, set them down gently and try again later. Learning to snuggle takes baby steps (and occasionally a tasty reward for not mauling your arms on the way down).

Do Cats Like to Be Petted?

Does Breed Matter? What About Age?
Some cat breeds are more receptive to pets and hugs than others. The Siamese, for example, is a playful and fun-loving breed that will demand attention from you, as will the affectionate Ragdoll.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat resists physical attention. It may just be part of their personality or upbringing. If a kitten isn’t socialised with humans at an early age, they may be reluctant to accept affection. They may also need more coaxing if you adopt them as an adult and don’t know their backstory. You can acclimate your kitty using some of the strategies above, but some cats simply don’t enjoy being picked up, preferring to be a nestle-next-to-you cat instead of a lap cat.

Building trust is a gradual process in any relationship. When you invest your love and affection, you’ll be rewarded with a feline best friend (and maybe even a belly rub).

Source: Hills
Writer: Christine O’Brien
Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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Cat Jumping? How to Keep Her Paws on the Ground

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In a cat’s world, nothing is off limits: the inside of boxes, underneath a bed, on top of your keyboard. It’s all fair game to a cat that wants to play, rest, hide, or is just plain curious.

That cat privilege extends—in their mind—to perches on the top of your counters, the upper reaches of a bookshelf, and even the top of the refrigerator. After all, cat jumping skills are top-notch. Cats can easily exceed altitudes six times their height. A study in the Journal of Experimental Biology reports that cats are superior jumpers because of the limb length and muscle mass of theCatasir back legs. Cats start a jump in a very deep crouch, then lift their front legs before “an explosive extension” of their back legs.

While there is no argument that a cat’s jumping ability is impressive, it can also be annoying (and dangerous, as Vetstreet notes cats don’t always land on their feet) to have cats regularly leaping to spots in your home that are high above their heads.

How can pet parents keep cats off furniture, shelves, counters, and anywhere else in the home where they don’t belong?

Clean off Shelves

Cats are naturally curious. A pen, a set of keys, or a fragile knick-knack can catch their attention and tempt them to jump up to explore this “toy” that has been left for them to find. By keeping shelves clear of clutter, you can also lessen your cat’s interest in exploring places you don’t want them to go. This can also be beneficial to you as cats are known for knocking things off shelves, and unfortunately they aren’t good at handling a broom and dustpan to clean up the mess after themselves.

Cat Jumping

Keep Food off Kitchen Counters

A cat’s sense of smell is much better than yours, so if they smell something tasty, they are likely to jump up to try to sneak a nibble. That can be dangerous for them, depending on what the food is. By keeping counters clear of food and crumbs, you’ll discourage your kitty from leaping onto your kitchen counters. If you find that your cat is intensely curious about what you’re making for dinner—and won’t stay off the counters while you’re preparing it—simply shut your cat in another room until the kitchen is clean.

Shut the Blinds

Cats like to jump to window sills to take in the outdoor view. If there’s a windowsill that you don’t want your cat to use, simply shut the blinds to take away the kitty TV. But make sure you give your cat at least one spot to look outside, as cats enjoy watching the world go by.

Give Them an Alternative

A cat jumping condo gives your furry friend a place to jump, exercise, and explore. Keep it interesting for them by rotating the toys, boxes to hide in and even crumpled pieces of paper to bat around. Be imaginative! Cat trees are also an excellent way to let your cats jump and climb to their hearts desire. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t completely eliminate your cat’s ability to jump. It’s part of their innate behaviour built into their DNA from their ancestors, where they would climb trees to escape predators as well as stalk their prey from high above before pouncing. Providing an approved place for exercise and jumping will also help keep your cat off of other high areas where they might not be welcomed.

Use Double-Sided Tape

Cats hate the feel of double-sided tape on their paws, so it can be a good deterrent for a cat who continues to jump to a place you don’t want them to go. If it’s a spot you use frequently, attach the double-sided tape to a place mat so it’s easily movable.

Understand Their Jumping Behaviour

It’s true that jumping is coded in your cat’s DNA. They are hardwired to enjoy being up high where they are safe, but it is also good as the parent to understand the need to be hidden away from everyone. If you notice your cat jumping up high more frequently or shying back in hard to reach areas like cabinets or the top of a closet it might be because they are stressed or not feeling their best. Because of their ancestral lineage, cats that are sick or injured will hide themselves away to keep out of reach of predators. They might also be trying to get away from some other sort of danger if they feel afraid. It’s helpful to understand what they might be fearful of to help remove it from the environment. Slowly, as your cat starts to feel safer, they will come back down to your level and interact more.

Cats are natural jumpers so you shouldn’t discourage the behaviour altogether. But with a little training, you can teach your cat where not to leap.

Source: Hills
Writer: Kara Murphy
Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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The tales the cat tail tells

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Your cat’s tail can tell you about what’s going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat’s behavior and you’ll start to get a feel of the tales the tail tells.

 

Position: high.
When your cat holds her tail high in the air as she moves about her territory, she’s expressing confidence and contentment. A tail that sticks straight up signals happiness and a willingness to be friendly. And watch the tip of an erect tail. A little twitch can mean a particularly happy moment.

Position: curved like a question mark.
You might consider taking a break from your daily business to play with your cat if you notice a curve in her tail. This tail position often signals a playful mood and a cat that’s ready to share some fun with you.

Position: low.
Watch out. A tail positioned straight down can signal aggression. A lower tail is a very serious mood. However, be aware that certain breeds, such as Persians, tend to carry their tails low for no particular reason.

Position: tucked away.
A tail curved beneath the body signals fear or submission. Something is making your cat nervous.

Position: puffed up.
A tail resembling a pipe cleaner reflects a severely agitated and frightened cat trying to look bigger to ward off danger.

Position: whipping tail.
A tail that slaps back and forth rapidly indicates both fear and aggression. Consider it a warning to stay away.

Position: swishing tail.
A tail that sways slowly from side to side usually means your cat is focused on an object. You might see this tail position right before your cat pounces on a toy or a kibble of cat food that’s tumbled outside the food bowl.

Position: wrapped around another cat.
A tail wrapped around another cat is like you putting your arm around another person. It conveys friendship.

Source: Hills Pet
Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way

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Image: Pixabay

When training your cat, you’ll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behaviour and discourage the bad. But can you train a cat the same way you might train a dog? Yes and no. Cats are highly independent animals so might appear aloof or uninterested in following your commands. That doesn’t mean you can’t influence their behaviour. If you’re patient and consistent, your new kitten or older cat can be trained in no time.

What Do You Want to Train?
First, determine what you’d like your cat to learn, then move towards achieving it in small steps each day. Before you start training your cat consider which commands you’ll use and what types of behavioural actions you want to teach.

Some common objectives include:

  • House training or litter training.
  • Coming to you when you call or gesture.
  • Staying calm and still for grooming.
  • Interacting with you, other people, or other animals.
  • Playing with toys, with you, or with another cat.
  • Calm travelling (getting into a carrier and riding in the car).

There are many important reasons to train your cat. But above all it will help your cat become social and content around humans and other animals. Training is also important for your own well-being; if your cat learns to be calm during nail-trimming or travel, there will be no anxiety for either of you. The better mannered your cat is, the better your relationship will be.

Image: Pixabay

Keep Each ‘Session’ Short and Natural
Having determined which lessons you and your cat will master it’s time to get down to business. First and foremost, your cat’s attention span is shorter than yours. Let your cat dictate how long they’re willing to be trained.

Because some kittens take to potty training quickly, (or even before coming home with you) by watching their mother use a litter box, this type of training may be brief. However, you may still need to lead your kitten back to the litter box in the early stages to remind them where it is. If you’re training your kitten to play with toys (and you) the lessons might be more gradual. Cats often prefer to explore new toys on their own, which means your role should be to respect their space while remaining approachable during exploration. Once acquainted with a new item you can participate.

Start Small
If you’re excited about training, you may want to jump right in and teach your cat everything at once. To be successful it’s better to practice one lesson at a time. Once your cat has mastered one you can move to the next training exercise. When bringing a new kitten home you may decide to start with litter training. Once done with that you could work on the interaction with other pets, then calm grooming, and so on.

Don’t Limit to One Area
Once your cat has learned a command, practice in different areas of your home. If you’re introducing a kitten to other pre-existing pets and you only bring them together in one room, your kitten may believe the other animals only exist in that space. This isn’t a problem if your other animal is a fish, but if your kitten is meeting a dog, they need to understand that they will encounter the dog in other areas too.

Much like litter training, some types of training may require using different areas of your home. If you are house training a cat, it’s sometimes necessary to have more than one litter box available. Keeping cats from scratching the carpet and furniture will also warrant a more comprehensive lesson.

Image: Pixabay

Involve Other People
If the only two residents are you and your cat, you don’t have to worry too much about involving others in the training process. You do still want your cat to learn to be social, not territorial. Shortly after bringing your cat home, invite friends or family members over to socialise with your new pet. Just remind them not to be too forward with their introduction. Just as you practice training in small spurts, you should allow your pet the same leeway.

If you’re bringing a kitten into a larger family, it’s even more important to involve everyone in the training process. There are many reasons why the entire family should get involved, but it’s most important for consistency and relationship-building. Everyone should be clear on the training goals and which methods you’ll employ to be successful.

Use A Reward System
Rewards to reinforce good behaviour are great motivators, especially during training. There are two types of rewards for your furry new friend to test out. First, know you cat will enjoy any positive praise you have to share. Speak in a kind, upbeat voice and remind them how proud you are. Give praise while petting so they know these gestures mean well.

Cats also respond well to treats. Reward with small kibbles of Science Plan cat food when the commands you’re working on are correctly mastered. One way to do this is to use a “clicker” system. When your cat performs the right behaviour or action, sound a tool that clicks, and then give a treat that signals a job well done. Hearing this noise each time will reinforce the good behaviour you’ve trained.

Image: Pixabay

If It Isn’t Working
Training doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes your cat will make a mistake. Can you train a cat to bounce back from it? Of course, but before you begin, you should come up with a plan for how to correct or guide when they seem reluctant to catch on. Punishment doesn’t work when you’re trying to train a kitten because your cat simply won’t understand why they’re in trouble. In fact, it could make the situation worse and your cat more reclusive.

You should never slap, shake, or physically correct your kitten during training, and don’t forget to keep your voice calm. If your cat feels threatened, not only will training begin to fail, but they’ll also learn to be afraid of you.

If you do need to redirect bad behaviour (like scratching furniture) try making a quick, sharp noise. It’ll also help if you say the same phrase, such as “Bam!” “Whoa!” or “Yow!” The point is to make your cat alert, and distract from the current action or behaviour. Avoid words that you regularly use, like “no!” or “hey!” as your cat will get confused when they hear it in a different context.

Learning how to train your cat can be a fun experience for your entire family. Just remember to be patient and positive, and you’ll both get there.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? Can it Become Excessive?

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Lick

Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? Can it Become Excessive?

Have you ever seen your cat licking their paws and body and wondered what the reason is for the peculiar habit? It turns out that they don’t just do it to be clean. As dedicated followers of a regular grooming routine, cats spend a lot of time making themselves look good, but this grooming behavior is also tied to your kitty’s physical and emotional well-being.

Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws?

Paw licking is one way that cats clean themselves — distributing saliva all over their body helps them with grooming. And primping takes up a lot of a cat’s time: “Cats typically spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves, says Dr. Pamela Perry, a veterinarian and an animal behavior resident of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Because evaporating saliva helps cats cool off when they’re overheated, licking their paws provides the added benefit of cooling relief in high temperatures.

According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, one other reason that cats lick themselves is that licking — and grooming in general — releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormone. It’s a calming activity.

Excessive Paw Licking

If your cat is paying too much attention to their paws (or other parts of their body), it likely indicates an underlying medical issue. Instead of trying to stop the habit itself, bring your kitty to the vet, so they can identify and treat the issue behind your cat’s behavior.

There are several physical and psychological issues that can lead to excessive grooming, explains the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, including:

Causes of cat anxiety include being separated from their pet parent; environmental changes, like moving into a new home; and perceived threats, such as having another pet in the household.

Lick

Diagnosis and Treatment

Is your cat licking too much? If you think their behavior is excessive, keep a closer eye on them. Take note of when they lick their paws or other parts of their body and how long they spend doing it. Note any changes to their skin or fur, such as irritation or hair loss. Additionally, check for any signs of pain. If you notice any of these changes make sure to bring them in to their veterinarian. This information will help your vet determine whether your kitty is licking too frequently or too abrasively.

At the appointment, your vet will complete a physical exam of your cat. They’ll probably run a few tests to help determine the cause of and treatment for their behavior. Treatment will vary based on what your veterinarian diagnoses, but may include skin cream or shampoos, oral or injected anti-inflammatory medicine, changes to your cat’s food, flea and tick prevention medicine, pheromone therapy or environmental modifications, says Vetwest.  Adding that antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine may also be an option in some cases..

Environmental modifications, or enrichments, are opportunities for your cat to get more activity and stimulation within your house. This can be as simple as feeding them using a food puzzle, providing them more opportunities to utilize their climbing instincts by installing cat trees or shelves, and having them hunt for their toys.

Your vet may also refer you to a cat behaviorist if they think that environmental or social modification could help, notes International Cat Care.

In general, your cat licking their paws isn’t cause for concern. But if they show signs of excessive licking, speak with your vet as soon as possible. Together, you and your vet can determine the best treatment for your furry friend.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Do Cats Fart?

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Cats

Do Cats Fart?

Do cats fart? Although not necessarily the best topic for the dinner table, cat farts are an important topic for pet parents to learn about.

Like other gastrointestinal functions, flatulence (wind) is a natural occurrence in animals. Though not as often (or as loudly) as dogs and humans, the dignified cat does indeed pass gas. Excess wind can be a sign of digestive issues such as diarrhoea or runny poo. As lots of cats go to the toilet outside, sometimes excess gas may be the most obvious clue that something isn’t right.

Why Do Cats Fart?
Flatulence typically results from a buildup of gas in the digestive system, which is then released from the body. In most instances, cat flatulence is normal. However, excess wind may happen if your cat swallows too much air.

Food allergies or sensitivities can contribute to excessive gas, too. In fact, food is considered one of the main causes of cat farts. In its nutritional guidelines, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) includes flatulence as an “altered gastrointestinal function” in its global “Nutritional Screening Risk Factor” checklist for veterinarian nutritional assessment. WSAVA’s nutritional assessment accounts “for snacks, treats, table food, foods used for medication administration, and dietary supplements” — basically, anything your cat puts in their tummy.

Food and Cat Farts
Choosing the right cat food for your feline friend is a great first step for managing their flatulence. Select a meal plan that includes the necessary vitamins and minerals and fits their size, age and activity level. Fibre, for example, is great for a cat’s digestive system, but certain fibres can cause excessive gas. In certain cases, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic cat food that is specially formulated for proper feline digestion.

Also, cat farts are just one reason that you generally shouldn’t give your cat human food. Though your cat can tolerate some human food, it’s best to stick to food that’s formulated for your furry friend, as emphasised by the RSPCA. They caution that most human food won’t meet your cat’s nutritional needs, and some foods may even be poisonous.

Always contact your vet before feeding human food to your cat to ensure that it’s safe for you to do so. Remember to keep these treats to a minimum, too.

Flatulence and Health Issues
In rare cases, cat flatulence may be caused by a serious illness such as Tritrichomonas foetus. The University of Liverpool says that in cats affected with this intestinal parasite, flatulence may be accompanied by “malodorous” diarrhoea. If your cat shows other signs of gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhoea and vomiting, and their gas has a strong smell, take them to the vet right away so they can check for an underlying health issue.

Rest assured, most cat farts are not a cause for concern. They won’t pass gas frequently, and when they do, they’ll probably be just as surprised as you are. Cats are elegant creatures; you won’t always hear it or smell it, as most gas is odourless — dainty and delicate, just like your cat.

Most of the time, a toot is just a toot. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your vet. He or she can also make recommendations on quality food for your cat to ensure that you are properly feeding their digestive health.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood

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Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood

Cats are expressive creatures who use verbal and nonverbal language to communicate with their pet parents. Learning how to interpret your feline friend’s behaviour will reveal a lot about their cat ear emotions and the important role ears play in conveying information.

Just as cat tail language reveals what a cat is thinking and feeling, cat ears move with emotion, too. “Like a sophisticated satellite dish turning to pick up a signal, the cat’s external ear, or pinna, rotates up to 180 degrees to locate and identify even the faintest of squeaks, peeps or rustling noises,” said Animal Planet.

With close observation, you’ll notice a pattern of various cat ear emotions revealed by even the subtlest gesture.

Neutral
When a cat’s just being a cat, their ears are facing forward in what’s called the neutral position. Neutral ears indicate that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed and wants to chill out. When your cat’s ears are in neutral, it’s a great time to take advantage of their friendly mood, so now’s the time to carefully pick up that cat and get your snuggles!

Straight Up and Forward
A cat will move its ears into this alert position when they want to pay closer attention to what’s going on around them. Your cat wants to know, “What’s that noise? Who’s there? What’s going on?” Sometimes, their ears are even facing different directions! Cats who are inclined to patrol their home exhibit this ear position and make great guard cats. In addition to “confident, curious cats,” pointed out PAWS Chicago, “a cat who is hunting or playing will also keep [their] ears forward to collect as much auditory information as possible to execute a successful pounce.” Are your cat’s ears pointed up? Engage them in some fun.

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Twitching
A cat whose ears rotate with quick, sudden movements is a cat who is on a mission. As an extension to the “straight up and forward” move, a cat will move their ears back and forth (and shake their backside) when they’re ready to execute the attack. This is another great opportunity to indulge your cat’s hunting instincts, being sure to direct their attention to toys and not your feet. If your cat twitches frequently and paws at their ears, contact your veterinarian to rule out ear mites or other underlying health problems.

Low and Sideways
If your cat’s ears are flattened against their head in “airplane mode” — as if they’re about to take off in flight — it means that they’re frightened or nervous, and it could lead to aggressive behaviour. When a cat’s ears are in this position, the cat is telling you that they’re uncomfortable and need some space. Your cat may hide in their favourite spot until they’re feeling more secure, so it’s important to respect their bubble and their privacy.

Low and Facing Out
In this position, a cat may be signalling that they’re not feeling well, said Best Friends Animal Society. Cats are experts at hiding an illness, but this ear position helps to identify if they’re under the weather. If you suspect that your cat isn’t feeling so hot, pay close attention to other possible signs of illness, including observation of their eyes and tail, and share your concerns with your veterinarian.

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Low and Flat
There is no doubt about which cat ear emotions are associated with this position. Basically, it translates to “step off” and is indicative of potential aggressive behaviour to come, including biting or scratching. In multiple cat households, you may see this when cats are tussling. If it happens, keep an eye on the cats and discourage aggressive play. It’s in the best interest of humans to walk away from a cat when their ears are in this position, or you could risk getting injured.

When it comes to understanding a cat’s body language, the ears have it. Cat ears move with emotion and purpose, opening up the lines of communication between you and your furry friend.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Weird Things Cats Do & Why We Love Them

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Cats

Weird Things Cats Do & Why We Love Them

Most cat parents agree that they adore their feline friends because of the weird things they do. The unpredictability of funny cat behavior (Why do cats love boxes? And why do they zoom around at 3 a.m.?) livens up any household. But what you see as silly and entertaining is just your cat following their instincts.

Here are six weird things cats do and the science behind them.

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1. Kneading

One of the most common and distinctive catlike displays of affection is kneading. You climb into bed or curl up in your favorite chair, and they show up to massage you and the blankets. Nursing kittens knead to stimulate their mother’s milk flow. Cats may also use the behavior to scent-mark a beloved human, create a comfy bed or express contentment. It’s a trait kittens carry into adulthood, notes the American Animal Hospital Association, often used to calm themselves during times of anxiety. In the cat world, kneading equals love and safety.

2. Presenting Their Tail

A cat showing their bottom to you feels like one of the least charming weird things cats do. This often happens when they leap into your lap for attention, pacing back and forth as you pet them. Instead of a face-to-face interaction, your kitty turns around and sticks their nether regions in your face. Gross!

Well, not to the cat. Scent rules the feline world: Cats identify each other by smell. Presenting the tail end first shows you your cat trusts you. That high-held tail position offers a friendly greeting. Does your pet consider you a fellow cat? No, but they’re communicating the way they would to other cats, Discovery explains. Consider it a friendly invitation for a “howdy” sniff. (You don’t have to accept the invitation, of course.)

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3. Countertop Cruising

Cats love lounging on countertops, shelves and other second-story territories. The higher the perch, the better. That poses a hygiene and safety issue for cats who stroll across the stovetop. But you can’t stop this natural inclination.

Pet cats, though no longer wild, inherit the instinct to seek high ground, notes Feline Behavior Solutions. They’re hunters, sniffing out and stalking that tasty butter dish but also prey. Finding the highest ground in your house offers a nifty lookout, far from dog-sniffing and kid-poking range. Plus, it has the added perks of food rewards. To redirect your cat’s natural urge, put away tasty temptations, make counters unattractive and give your climbing kitty a cat tree or other perch higher than the counters.

4. Staring at Nothing

Cats tune in to their environment. They hear and see things people can’t, like that dust bunny floating through the air 30 feet away. It may freak you out to see your kitty sitting in a corner staring at something invisible, but rest assured, those feline eyes are trained on something important.

According to Cats Protection, cats hear things in the ultrasonic range that humans can’t. They also have an eight-octave hearing range, hearing higher and lower than many other mammals. We can’t know if they watch ghosts move across the room. But, more likely, your cat tracks the sound of insects behind the walls or mice in the ceiling.

Your cat also sees things differently than you, explains Live Science. Humans see light in a spectrum of colors from red to violet. But some animals (including cats) see the ultraviolet spectrum invisible to us, notes Live Science. Rodents use this ability to see and follow urine trails. We don’t know what cats see, but when they act as though something enthralls them, it might just be invisible.

5. Zoomies: Running Around the House

Zoomies could be the weirdest of the weird things cats do, and they do it a lot. One moment, they’re sitting there, quiet and unassuming. Then, they dart across the room at top speed to chase … nothing. Zoomies (properly known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPS) can startle us, especially in the middle of the night. This normal cat behavior has several potential causes.

In most cases, zoomies express pent-up energy or counteract kitty boredom. Kittens and young adult cats indulge more often. Even older felines can burn up the house from time to time. According to Pet Health Network, other cats zoom after using the litter box because they feel so good after emptying, or they zoom when they experience discomfort eliminating.

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6. Hiding in Boxes and Small Spaces

Have you ever wondered, “Why do cats love boxes?” Is there anything cuter than seeing an adorable face sticking out of a paper bag? Or finding your cat curled up in a tiny cardboard box that’s three times too small? Cats love seeking small hiding places. Although this behavior is endearing, it also makes cats feel safer. They seek comfort, security and warmth in spots that seem so odd to you, like a shoebox or the bathroom sink.

As predators, cats instinctively find hiding places from which to stalk prey. But as prey themselves, they also appreciate defensive hiding spots to stay safe. More than that, the swaddling effect that comforts human babies also benefits cats. They can create this hugging benefit by squeezing into boxes to calm their stress, explains Live Science.

These are only a few of the weird things cats do to bring love, fun and comfort into your world!

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition