Cats

The bulk of a chicken’s diet should be a high-quality, balanced layer feed (or grower feed, depending on their age), but these little omnivores also enjoy tasty snacks via fruits and veggies, protein sources such as insects or mealworms, and supplements that promote a happy gut and top-notch eggs.    With so many options, it’s worth asking: Can chickens eat pineapple? This tropical fruit is packed with water and nutrients, but is it a good choice for your flock? Let’s explore.   Before introducing any new food into your chicken’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

How to Stop Cat Fights To stop cats from fighting, you’ll want to redirect their attention. You can do this with a short, sudden noise, such as hissing from a can of compressed air (not directed at the cats). You could also redirect play behavior toward an appropriate toy, such as a wand toy. You should never use physical punishment, yelling, or loud, sustained noises because these can increase fear, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors in cats. You also don’t want to put your hand or any other part of your body between cats that are fighting or try to pull them apart, because you can get injured.,Having cats that fight with each other in a multi-pet household can be stressful. This is especially true if you’ve just adopted one cat and had hoped that your resident cat would be happy to have another cat around. If the introductions are not going as planned, here’s some insight on what’s behind the cat-to-cat aggression and some things you can try to keep the peace.

Aggression between Cats   Bringing a new cat into a home where there is already a cat, or cats, can cause some problems — both passive and active aggression. Females will usually live peaceably with each other. However, if aggression and conflict rear their ugly heads in a household of formerly nonviolent female cats, it’s probably because one has reached the status of social maturity, which occurs at around four years of age. In addition, non-neutered males will aggressively compete for mates. When the cat is introduced to your other pets, the most typical behavior is active aggression — the resident cat goes after the intruder, biting, hissing, and scratching. Some cats are very confident and will not back down, regardless of the size of the other cat. Also, very confident cats will often use passive aggression. In this case, a stare and a lowering of the head are all that are required to bring the other cat into submission. Symptoms and Types  Overt Aggression   Overt aggression is any hostile behavior that is obvious. The most clear sign of aggression is attacking and fighting, but before that there are other signs that can be observed; clear indications that there is going to be trouble. If you become aware of this behavior, you can be sure that without intervention, there is going to be a fight. Behavior typical of the aggressor includes staring the other cat down, hissing and swiping at the other cat, raising its back and hackles (the erectile hairs on the back are raised), and thrashing its tail back and forth. Involuntary physical reactions to aggression will also show. The ears will be flattened back against the head, and the eyes will be dilated. The aggressor will mark areas of the home to establish its dominance, either by using the scent glands under its chin, or by urinating. Covert Aggression   Covert aggression is less apparent. The aggressor will use different methods to keep its rival away from resources like food and water, the litter box, and sleeping areas. Human attention will also be an opportunity for the aggressor cat to show its dominance, as it will block the other cat from receiving attention or even getting near to people. Favored areas of the victim cat may be marked by the aggressor, causing the victim to avoid those areas. The victim will urinate and defecate in other places in the house if it is kept away from the litter box.

In This Article Getting Your Cat Used to a Cat Door View 3 More +

Kittens may be tiny, but their immune systems have a big job to do. Kittens, particularly those under 6 months old, are especially vulnerable to viruses and infections, which is why following a proper kitten vaccine schedule is so important.  Vaccinations help protect against life-threatening illnesses, such as feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and feline leukemia virus, among others.   This guide covers everything you need to know about kitten shots, from when to schedule them to which ones are considered essential (and which are optional). 

There are several human foods safe for cats, but they should still be considered a treat. That means all treats combined should account for no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced cat food. That said, here’s a list of human foods that cats can eat, along with their benefits and any precautions to keep in mind.,As a cat parent, you may wonder, what human foods can cats eat safely? While cats have specific dietary needs, there are certain human foods that can be a tasty and nutritious treat for them in moderation. However, not all foods are safe—some can be harmful or even toxic. Before sharing your meals with your feline friend, it’s important to know which human foods are safe, which should be avoided, and how to serve them properly. Before introducing any new food into your cat’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

In This Article Do Cats Get Bored? View 3 More +

Just like humans and dogs, cats are susceptible to oral disease. They can experience kitty cavities, plaque/tartar buildup and gingivitis (gum disease). If dental issues are causing cat drool, “you may notice a discoloration and rough areas on your cat’s teeth that would normally be white and smooth,” notes Ferguson. Bad breath; pawing at the mouth or face; and reduced appetite are other symptoms. You should brush your cat’s teeth daily (it’s not as tricky as it sounds). Your vet may also recommend a professional cleaning or tooth extractions.,From picky eating to post-litter box zoomies, our kitties have all sorts of silly quirks that leave us guessing. Drooling is another cat behavior that some felines experience, and the cause can range from minor concerns to health conditions that require more urgency. “There are several reasons your cat may be drooling,” says Terrence Ferguson, DVM, a veterinarian based in Bonaire, Georgia. “It may be something as simple as your cat not liking the taste of their prescribed medication to more serious health concerns.” Call your vet if persistent, excessive drooling does not resolve after two to three hours. Trying to figure out why your cat’s drooling and if it’s time for a vet visit? Review these causes of cat drool so you can make an informed decision.

In This Article What Is a Cat Body Condition Score? View 2 More +

For those of us with cats who love to live their best lives in the great outdoors, protection against fleas is especially important. Because outdoor cats face more year-round flea exposure—from interaction with other cats to the locations they may explore, they’re at a higher risk for fleas. We talked to two vet experts to break down the types of flea treatment for outdoor cats.