Author: Wendy Rose Gould

In the wild, cats are both predators and prey, and that “prey animal” mindset has never left your domestic cat.    Instinctively, cats are wired to be hyperaware of their surroundings because their survival depends on it, explains Sarah Cortright, DVM, veterinarian and chief medical director for the Underdog Community Project in Los Angeles. This includes movements, sounds, and smells.    “Sudden changes or unfamiliar objects often trigger their startle reflex, which is a survival technique meant to keep them safe from potential threats,” Dr. Cortright explains. “This is why even the most confident cat can dart away or puff up when surprised. It’s just biology doing its job.”    Common instinctual fears include:   Loud or sudden noises (like vacuum cleaners or fireworks)   Fast or unpredictable movements    Strange objects or environments (including cucumbers, bananas, and tinfoil)   Large animals or even unpredictable humans (like toddlers)   Being approached from behind, like when they’re snacking    ,Ah, the unassuming cucumber—friend to salad lovers, spa goers, and pickle fans, but potential foe to the feline nation.    They’ve shown up at farmers’ markets, in healthy bowls, and as falafel garnishes, but they’ve also been used as props in viral videos starring unsuspecting cats. But why are cats scared of cucumbers? And is there any harm in seeing how your cat reacts to one?   

In the same way you take safety measures in your home for babies and toddlers, it’s important to know how to cat-proof your house when you’ve got a curious kitten poking around, sniffing things out, scratching, and biting whatever they can find.   “Kittens are inquisitive and do not know better at this point in their lives,” says veterinary behaviorist Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, FFCP, based in Walnut Creek, California. “They will be exploring and getting into all kinds of mischief.  Kittens are at the phase in their life where they are going to try things out and learn from those experiences, so pet parents need to help the kittens so they don’t get seriously injured or fall ill.”   We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on kitten-proofing a house to help you keep cats safe in your home.  ,Kittens! Yes, they are the cutest creatures to ever grace this Earth. But if there’s one thing we know about these little fluffballs, it’s that they are as curious as can be—and will get into just about anything. So if you’re a new kitten parent, it’s important to know how to kitten–proof your home to ensure these cuties stay out of trouble.  

Q: My cat has a habit of looking at me intensely at random times, like when I’m asleep, sitting on the couch, or just arriving home. So why does my cat stare at me like this? Is it normal?  A: Yes, it’s perfectly normal for cats to stare at you. In fact, staring is one of a cat’s primary ways of communicating with humans, observing their surroundings, and expressing themselves. Cats make eye contact for many different reasons, and most of the time, it’s simply a natural part of how they interact with us.  We spoke with a certified cat behaviorist and a veterinarian to learn more about cat staring, a sometimes confusing—but undeniably adorable—feline behavior. 

If your sweet feline struggles with anxiety, a cat calming aid may be just the thing to help your sensitive friend feel less stressed. While talking to your vet should always be your first step, cat calming aids can be a useful tool for managing everything from separation anxiety to stressful situations, like vet visits, loud thunderstorms or having company over. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best calming aids for cats as rated and reviewed by Chewy pet parents like you. These best-selling and top-rated calming products have helped provide stress relief for cats who need a little extra help coping with their anxiety—so you both can enjoy less stress and more cuddles.

The typical cat pregnancy ranges from 60 to 65 days. Like humans, cats don’t “show” right away, which can make it challenging to know their exact due date unless they were intentionally bred.  However, at around the two- to three-week mark, vets can sometimes feel a cat’s abdomen and tell that they’re pregnant. The kittens’ heartbeats can show up around week 3 or 4, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that kittens can be seen on X-rays around week 6.  ,When the “cat distribution system” has a preggo feline show up on your doorstep, one of the first questions you’ll want answered is, “How long are cats pregnant?”   At just a little over two months, cat gestation periods are far shorter than a human’s. Knowing the exact timeline is key to making sure your cat gets the right care.