Cats

Bearded dragons come from the arid deserts of Australia, where the ground is dry, loose, and full of textures to explore. Choosing the right substrate for their enclosure can help them feel at home, encourage natural behaviors like digging, and support their overall health.   Let’s dig into the best (and worst) substrates for your dragon—whether you’re setting up a simple tank or building a full bioactive habitat. 

There’s something undeniably charming about cats with big round faces, expressive eyes, and adorable smushed noses. And while flat-faced cats are undeniably cute, they also have unique personalities that are just as endearing. However, the physical features that make flat-faced cat breeds popular can lead to certain health considerations. Doing your research on a specific breed’s needs before bringing home a kitten can help you find the perfect companion—and equip you to provide the best possible care.

Snakes are among the world’s most interesting creatures, and with over 4,000 species worldwide in every color imaginable, it’s no surprise. These unique reptiles make terrific pets, but pet parents often wonder about the lifespan of their scaly pal—with one of the most common questions among snake keepers being “how long do snakes live?” Because snakes can have slightly different lifespans, depending on lifestyle, diet, and species, there is no single answer. However, every snake’s lifespan can be maximized with good care, including proper diet and habitat.

The first step to helping your cat is understanding why they are vomiting. Vomiting is common in cats, caused by conditions that are sudden or short term (acute) or long term (chronic), says Christen Fout, DVM, a veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group in Dublin, Ohio. “While no vomiting is considered normal, some cats are more prone to occasional episodes of vomiting than others.” Causes of a cat throwing up include: ● Hairballs ● Eating too quickly ● Upset stomach from eating food or treats that are too rich ● Ingesting foreign material (such as string, toy parts, etc.) ● Ingestion or exposure to toxins/poisons, like certain toxic foods for pets ● Internal diseases (kidney disease, liver, and gallbladder disease) ● Digestive disorders (pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], ulcers in the digestive tract) ● Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) ● Food sensitivities/allergies ● Side effect of certain medications ● Infection from internal parasites or from viral, bacterial, or fungal disease ● Diabetes mellitus ● Cancer,Jump to section Causes of Cat Throwing Up Cat Vomit Color Chart When To Take a Cat to the Vet for Throwing Up Treatment for Cat Throwing Up What To Do for a Kitten Vomiting How To Prevent a Cat From Throwing Up Cat Vomiting FAQs Talk to Your Veterinarian

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably been guilty of leaving your cat alone for an extended period of time—but there are some good reasons why you shouldn’t do it, according to the experts. “Sadly, there are many people who decide to get a cat rather than a dog because of the perceived convenience of being able to leave the pet for days at a time,” says Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and best-selling author. As for why cat owners think leaving a cat alone is okay, Johnson-Bennett has a few theories. “Because cats use litter boxes and don’t have to be walked outdoors, it leads many people to believe that their cats will be fine alone for the weekend or longer,” she says. “Many cats are free-fed, as well, meaning dry food is left out in an endless supply. Add to that the myth people believe that cats are aloof and independent, and you have the perfect misguided recipe for cat parents leaving Fluffy in an empty home with a mountain of food, a big bowl of water and access to the litter box.” If you’ve left your cat alone before and she’s been totally fine, that’s lucky, because there are a few risks you should be aware of, says Johnson-Bennett. For starters, when you leave your cat alone, you have no way of knowing if a medical or emergency issue arises. “The cat could have problems in the litter box, or get injured jumping down from an elevated location,” says Johnson-Bennett. “What if the cat gets sick? Depending upon the length of the cat parent’s absence, the litter box may not be clean enough for the cat to use, and even self-cleaning boxes can malfunction or get jammed, leaving the cat confused about where to eliminate.” There is also a big stress factor and confusion that the cat can experience when left alone, Johnson-Bennett adds. “Cats are creatures of habit, and when cat parents are gone overnight or for several days, it may leave a kitty stressed and frightened,” she says. So, what’s a pet parent to do when vacation time comes? Here are a few good options:

Jump to section 16 Beautiful Cats 12 Beautiful Rare Cat Breeds

Are you noticing your cat bumping into furniture or hesitating before jumping up on their favorite perch? It might be more than just a clumsy moment. Cat blindness can sneak up slowly or happen suddenly, and either way, it can be tough to watch your once-confident kitty seem unsure of their surroundings.  The good news is that, in some cases, cat blindness can be reversed. But even when it can’t, blind cats can still live full, happy lives with a bit of extra support from you.   In this guide, we’ll cover the signs and causes of cat blindness, along with practical tips to help your visually impaired kitty feel safe, confident, and cared for. 

Like humans, our feline friends can develop allergies when their immune systems become hypersensitive to allergens. More pets encounter allergies than many people realize, and an estimated 10 to 20 percent of our four-legged friends experience food allergies, says David McGuffin, a board-certified veterinarian at Riverside Drive Animal Care Center in Dublin, Ohio. In the world of cat allergies, food ranks third, following flea and inhalant allergies.

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.

4. Bengal Photo by SolStock/E+ via Getty Images Weight: 8–15 pounds The Bengal has the exotic looks and athletic prowess of a leopard. While they love to nap as much as any cat, they’re extremely active and require ample vertical space for jumping. The Bengal likes to hunt for food, so puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can help to satisfy their predatory instincts and keep them entertained. ,Looking to welcome a supersized feline into your home? Some big cat breeds weigh up to 25 pounds—more than double the size of the average house cat. While their larger size means there’s more to love, these cats require special care and consideration—like extra-sturdy cat trees and carefully measured food portions, because keeping them from gaining too much weight is important.  Here are 10 big domestic cat breeds to get to know and love.