Cats

Reviewed and updated on August 7, 2018 by Jennifer Coates, DVM. The best way to avoid cat bites is to learn the cat behavior signals that indicate that a cat is starting to feel uncomfortable in a particular situation. By understanding your cat’s body language, you can avoid scenarios that create stress and ensure that your relationship with your cat gets stronger and healthier. “Oftentimes, cat aggression and cat biting is caused by miscommunication between species,” said Russell Hartstein, certified pet behaviorist and CEO of FunPawCare in Los Angeles, California. Cat behavior and body language signals are great indicators of a cat’s mood, and they can alert you to your cat’s comfort level in the moment. The Danger of Cat Bites Although dog bites grab most of the headlines, cat bites are not without consequence. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 to 80 percent of cat bites become infected. Cat bites can be serious even if they initially appear mild. Besides the risk of cat bites becoming infected, contracting rabies is also a cause of concern. The CDC states that in 2014, over four times more rabid cats were reported than rabid dogs. This disparity is attributed to cat owners not bringing their pet to see a veterinarian for proper vaccinations (including for rabies) as often as dog owners do. That is just one reason why providing your cat with regular veterinary care, including any necessary vaccines, is such a vital part of being a responsible cat owner.

If you have an indoor kitty, interactive cat toys can be your best friend. “Cats do not get enough exercise, especially indoor cats,” says Susan Bulanda, a certified animal behavior consultant in Westminster, Maryland. “They need mental and physical stimulation as much as anyone else—both human and animal.” And that means hunting, or at least engaging in hunting behaviors. “Cats need to stalk, pounce and kill, which is what their instincts drive them to do,” Bulanda explains. “By engaging in these behaviors, they feel a sense of accomplishment, and it feels natural and good to them.” That is where interactive cat toys can come in. “They help cats move, promote playing and keeps their mind active,” Bulanda says.

Technically, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic.  Cat allergies are caused by a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in cats’ saliva, skin, and dander. When cats groom themselves, this protein spreads onto their fur and into the air. However, some cat breeds naturally produce less of the allergen or have coats that shed and spread it less widely. These “hypoallergenic” cat breeds can be a better fit for sensitive pet parents.,If you love cats but sneeze every time one curls up nearby, you’re not alone. While no feline is completely allergen-free, some “hypoallergenic” cats produce fewer of the proteins that trigger allergic reactions.  These cat breeds could make life a little easier for people who want to share their home with a furry friend.

Just like you definitely wouldn’t hand over adult food to sweet gurgling babies, kittens shouldn’t be fed adult cat food before they’re ready. That’s because cats have different nutritional needs depending on their stage in life. So how do you know when to switch from kitten food to cat food?  As kittens, they eat nutrient-dense food that helps them grow, but as they near the end of their growth period, it’s important that their diets change to meet the demands of their new, almost adult bodies. Switching from kitten food to cat food—at the right time and in the right way—is the best way to do this. 

Cats have two thyroid glands in their neck. Hyperthyroidism occurs when one or both of their thyroid glands are overactive and produce excess hormone. The overproduction of thyroid hormone results in an increased metabolic rate, which is why cats with hyperthyroidism typically lose weight despite having an increased appetite. This differs from hypothyroidism in cats, where the thyroid is underactive and isn’t producing enough hormone. “There is a great deal of research being performed on hyperthyroidism in cats,” says Dr. Sadek, which will help veterinarians better understand what causes the thyroid’s malfunction. What veterinarians do know is that excessive thyroid hormones are typically produced by a benign growth called a thyroid adenoma in one or both thyroid glands located on a cat’s neck. Occasionally, there is an ectopic thyroid tissue in the cat’s chest, and rarely, about 1–3% of the time, there’s a cancerous thyroid tumor. No definitive research pinpoints what causes these growths, but potential contributors may include age, genetics, diet, and environmental factors.,Jump to section What Is Hyperthyroidism in Cats? Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats Hyperthyroidism Treatment in Cats Life Expectancy for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism in Cats FAQs

Most experts agree that indoor and outdoor cats have exactly the same nutritional requirements—it’s just that indoor cats may need to get their nutrition in different ways because of lower activity levels. Typically, indoor and outdoor cats can eat the same diet, but the indoor cat might gain more weight because they’re not as active. That’s one of the main reasons why, if your cats are indoor pets, you might want to consider changing their food to an indoor cat formula. We speak to vet experts on the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food and if you should buy indoor formulas for your own feline friend.

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Should you give peaches to you cat? While the flesh of peaches is nontoxic to cats, that doesn’t mean it’s an ideal treat for your kitty. Before you slice a piece for Fluffy, there are important factors to weigh. First, let’s look at the risks associated with giving peaches to cats.,Jump to section Risks of Peaches for Cats Benefits of Peaches for Cats How Much Peach Can I Give My Cat? FAQs About Peaches and Cats

WRITTEN BY Janelle Leeson Freelance Writer,Picking up a cat and holding them in a way that they’ll appreciate is a skill you can learn at any time, whether you’re a new or experienced cat parent. However, there’s one thing you should never do: picking them up by the scruff of the neck, or “scruffing” them, says Julie Liu, DVM, an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional and Cat Friendly Veterinarian. While kittens are often picked up this way by their mothers, many adult cats will find this painful and scary. Instead, as you’re learning how to hold a cat, pay attention to your cat’s body language to ensure they feel safe and comfortable in your arms. While not all cats enjoy being held, practicing positive handling and teaching your cat to accept handling for nail trimming, fur brushing, and toothbrushing will keep your cat happy and healthy. Here’s how to pick up a cat the right way.

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