Author: Lisa Galek

When a cat’s tail is in motion and looks fluid and soft, it’s “swishing.” Generally, this indicates a cat who’s relaxed or calmly interested in what’s happening. At this point, no alarm bells are going off in the cat. They also aren’t sleepy. They may be alert but aren’t worried or concerned about anything around them. With a contented cat on your hands, it’s usually best to just let them hang out and enjoy themselves.,Our feline friends don’t communicate with us solely through vocalizations like meows and purrs. A cat’s tail holds a complex language all its own. Every swish, wag, flick and curl contains a hidden message, and understanding cat tail positions and movements can give you deeper insight into your cat’s personality and feelings—leading to a deeper bond with your furry friend, as well as a better sense of whether your cat is sick or in pain. Dr. M. Leanne Lilly, DVM, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist at the Behavioral Medicine Clinic at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, is an expert in decoding cat tail signals. Here’s what she says our feline friends are communicating with their cat tail movements.

Almost all snakes need to be handled at some point, whether it’s being moved from one area to another for a medical procedure or feeding. However, petting is different. This activity is done solely for the enjoyment of both the snake owner and the reptile. But do snakes actually enjoy it? According to Kourtney Grimm, DVM, veterinarian at Pekin Animal Hospital in Pekin, Illinois, and vice president of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, different snakes have different likes and dislikes. Some reptiles have more docile personalities, which could mean they’re more open to being pet. She recommends ball pythons, corn snakes, and king snakes, which make good pets because of their calm personalities. While that’s not a guarantee they’ll enjoy a good pet from time to time, it may help your chances. When you bring a new snake home, Dr. Grimm suggests immediately taking them to a reptile veterinarian. During that initial exam, you can discuss safe handling and petting procedures. Consulting with an experienced reptile veterinarian can be especially helpful if this is your first pet snake.,Jump to section Do Snakes Like Being Pet? How To Pet a Snake: Step-by-Step Instructions Where To Pet a Snake Areas To Avoid When Not To Handle Your Snake What If Your Snake Doesn’t Like To Be Pet? FAQs About Petting Snakes

Can you really repair leather yourself? The short answer: maybe. According to Rachel Wilson of Hub Leather Repair & Restoration in Framingham, Massachusetts, the best way to repair scratched leather is to leave the job to the professionals. “We’ve just seen too many DIY disasters,” she says. That’s because the process of repairing leather is long and complex. The most difficult steps are sanding and color-matching. If you sand too hard, you can damage the leather, and matching the exact shade of your leather chair or couch is also a challenge. Sunlight and moisture affect the color of leather furniture over time, making it difficult to get an exact match. Even the type of leather can add difficulty to the DIY project. For example, if your furniture is made from aniline leather, it’s dyed, making it harder to recolor and repair. If you’re interested in custom leather repair, be prepared for an investment. According to HomeAdvisor, leather sofa repairs start around $100 for a single cat scratch, while more complex fixes can cost thousands. Quality leather repair is an art form, so it’s always best to ask for local recommendations from family and friends. You can also check reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, or Angi. On the other hand, if you have a knack for DIY projects and want to try fixing that scratch yourself, read on for tips.,Jump to section DIY Vs. Professional Repairs Types of Cat Scratches on Leather How to Repair Cat Scratches From Kneading How to Repair Cat Scratches Caused by Swiping Can Olive Oil Fix Leather? Preventing Future Leather Damage

In 1998, Taiwan introduced the world’s first cat cafe, sparking a global trend in feline-friendly coffee venues. Want to check out some cat cafes on your travels within the USA? The coolest spots have: Perks for human patrons Safe animal amenities and adoption policies Easy access to a major city While we aimed to feature a cat cafe from every state, some locations lacked options, while others had tons to explore. Happy travels!