Cats

WRITTEN BYHannah Hart, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health…,Though the house cats we know today have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still retain many innate features of wild felines. Cats in the wild are predators and are hard-wired to attack prey such as birds, mice, and reptiles. But their small stature makes them vulnerable to attack by larger predators such as coyotes, eagles, and owls. Because of this, cats have a natural aggression response to perceived threats. Aggression in cats is defined as any violent behavior cats may use to protect themselves by intimidating or expressing dominance over another individual, whether human or animal. Most indoor cats do not face the same threats to their safety as their wild ancestors did, but they can still exhibit aggressive behaviors toward people and other household pets when they feel afraid. It’s crucial to understand your cat’s fear aggression behavior, both to prevent injuries and to keep your kitty feeling safe and comfortable. What Is Fear Aggression in Cats? Fear aggression is one of the more common causes of aggressive behavior in cats. This violent behavior is a response to an unfamiliar and potentially threatening stimulus, such as a new person or animal in your cat’s environment or a loud noise nearby. Fear-based aggression can also develop when a cat has a stressful, unpleasant experience in a certain location and develops a negative association with that place. For instance, at a grooming facility where the cat may have been physically restrained.

Most cats will continue to groom themselves, or self-groom, throughout their lifetime. Some are more enthusiastic about it than others, but most cats take a significant interest in their personal hygiene. When a cat no longer shows an interest in grooming, it’s important to look for the underlying causes, as an old cat with matted fur may have an underlying health issue.,Jump to section Why Does My Senior Cat Have Matted Hair? The Importance of Keeping Your Senior Cat Well-Groomed How To Groom an Old Cat

6. Growling and Hissing A growl is a low, rumbling sound used to warn or scare off a threat. It can be directed toward humans or other cats or animals. Growling is an indication that a cat feels threatened, frightened, or is about to become aggressive. This sound often increases as the cat’s fear grows. A hiss is a low, drawn-out sound produced by rapid exhalation of air from the mouth. A hissing cat will have their mouth open and teeth exposed. It’s often an involuntary reaction that occurs when a cat is surprised by a perceived threat or enemy. Like growling, hissing is used as a warning. Both are often accompanied by fear-related body language, including an arched back, flattened ears, twitching tail, and puffed-up hair—the classic Halloween cat posture. When a cat growls or hisses, they are saying they do not give consent to whatever action is happening, like if a person is trying to pet them. They’re essentially telling you, “hey, back off. I don’t like this.” If a cat growls or hisses at you, move away from them. If you see your cat hiss at something else, like another animal or an object, then remove the perceived threat. Family members should not attempt to pet or pick up a growling or hissing cat, as the kitty can become so scared that they may resort to aggression.,7. Spitting A spit is a sudden, short, explosive burst of noise, often accompanied by a quick, lashing-out movement. The spit is basically a more intense variation of a hiss and, like hissing, it’s an involuntary reaction in response to a perceived threat or enemy.,Like humans, cats have a vast vocabulary. Up to 21 different feline vocalizations have been described in scientific research, but their vocal repertoire probably contains even more. Cats can use these vocalizations to create complex phrases—sort of like sentences created by people—and there are many reasons for why they speak up. And while not all cat breeds are chatty (Maine Coons tend to be much quieter than talkative Siamese cats), knowing about cat sounds (along with reading a cat’s body language) allows pet parents to better understand their kitty’s needs, moods, and intentions. Here are some common cat noises and what they mean. 1. Meowing Meowing is synonymous with cats and is a distinctive and common high-pitched call. Kittens meow to attract their mothers, but in adult cats, the meow is almost exclusively used to communicate with humans. So what do cat meows mean? Felines make this sound for many reasons, including when: Greeting someone Soliciting play Expressing excitement or frustration Asking for something, such as attention, food, or access to a particular space (such as to come inside or to be let into a room) But sometimes a cat meow can indicate anxiety, boredom, frustration, or even illness, particularly if it’s lower-pitched and more drawn out compared to the short, high-pitched meow that often signifies a greeting or a want. If your cat is meowing more than usual or if their meows start to sound different, call your veterinarian.

D.J. Bornschein, founder and president of Catsbury Park, an adoption cafe in Asbury Park, N.J., says he would never push for compensation if something he owned was ruined by a friend’s pet. Instead, he says he would want to do anything in his power to reduce the friend’s feelings of remorse. “I suffer second-hand embarrassment very easily,” he says. What about the flip side? What if one of the cats in his care damaged something belonging to a customer? (As the owner of an establishment where felines roam free, he does admit there have been times when one of the cats up for adoption have knocked over a patron’s coffee or scratched something.) As a business owner, there is a different standard, he says, explaining he will refill a coffee and offer to pay for any damage unwittingly wrought by a feline in his cafe. Robin Sklar, a television industry professional living in New York City, acknowledges that most pet parents think only the rosiest things about their canine sidekicks. With that said, what if her well-behaved Pug was having an off-day and chewed up one of her friend’s handbags? “Paterson would not do that,” she says with a smile. “But if she had, I would definitely offer to pay for the bag.” And if the friend refused? “I would find some other way of making it up to her, such as taking her out to lunch.” And to avoid a repeat scenario, Paterson would not be invited to that get-together, Sklar jokes. Nancy Maddock, a professional organizer and owner of Ready. Set. Let’s Organize in Greater Boulder, Colorado, says she keeps an eye out for visitor belongings at all times and warns out-of-towners to close the door to her guest room when they move about the house—lest her Italian Greyhound gets into their luggage. And what if, hypothetically, her energetic 3-year-old dog was the houseguest and, say, peed on a host’s rug? “I would wipe down the spot immediately and offer to have it cleaned professionally,” Maddock says. There would likely be a peace offering also, explaining: “If they insisted ‘Don’t worry about it … the carpet’s a mess anyway,’ I would probably send them a few bottles of wine.” With all of this in mind, I’m betting you’ll keep closer tabs on guest belongings in your home the next time around. On the off chance your Westie still wreaks havoc despite your best preventative efforts, popping open a bottle of wine to ease guest and host tension may not be a bad idea. But if you and your pup are in someone else’s abode, please do me a favor and don’t spill your wine on their carpet, lest we head right back to square one.,A friend visited our home recently and without thinking, left her designer handbag in our entryway. While she and I were catching up in the living room, our year-old Westie found the handbag and tore it to shreds. I apologized profusely of course and even offered to pay for it; to my surprise, she accepted. What is the etiquette for hosts and guests when a pet destroys someone’s things?

Imagine yourself sitting comfortably in your home, minding your own business, when in walks a complete stranger. He introduces himself as your new roommate—one you didn’t agree to—and starts moving into your coveted living space. How would you feel? Well, if you’re friendly to newcomers and this new roommate seems nice, you might not mind so much. But if you were happy with your home as it was and don’t love meeting strangers? Look out, new guy. The same is true with cats. “When you are considering getting another cat, you really must consider the needs of the resident pet,” says Dr. Amanda Rigterink, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with Veterinary Behavior of Indiana in Carmel . “Certain cats have certain personalities. Some prefer to be alone and some are quite social.” Domesticated cats originated thousands of years ago from the African Wildcat, a solitary hunting animal, Dr. Rigterink says. Through domestication, cats have evolved and socialized, but for some, those ancient instincts remain. If your cat has reacted aggressively toward other animals or people in the past, those instincts could be the reason why—and they may react similarly should you get another cat. That’s not to say that all cats are destined to be loners. Research has shown that cats who are littermates or otherwise related to each other have an easier time getting along, Dr. Rigterink says. On the flip side, an age difference can work against you. “When you have an adult cat, who may not be as playful, and you introduce a young kitten, you have to be very careful,” Dr. Rigterink says. “You need to make sure you’re giving the younger kitten plenty of opportunities for playing. And the key, with any introduction, is ensuring they each have their own space.”,Let’s be clear: You love your cat. That sassy little furball is the light of your life. But lately, you’ve been wondering if there’s room for another kitty in your heart. Maybe you think your cat needs a friend. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with your neighbor’s foster feline. Whatever the reason, you’re finding yourself wondering, “Should I get another cat?” The prospect of growing your animal family can be exciting. But before you make any permanent decisions, remember that adding another cat to your crew is no small task. Caring for a new pet is a big responsibility, even for an experienced cat parent like yourself. So how do you know if you’re ready? Answer these five questions to determine whether you should get another cat—or if you’d be better off just loving the one you’re with.

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4. Make Leashed Introductions Once both pets are comfortable being around each other on either side of a divider, they’re ready for their first true introduction. Controlled introductions should start in common areas of the home with the dog on a loose leash. As the pet parent, it’s important to be aware of both your dog’s body language and your cat’s body language during these interactions so you can quickly identify any warning signs. The dog should have a loose body and tail position and easily reorient toward you when called. The cat should have forward-facing ears, a neutral tail position, and a soft gaze with narrow pupils. They should be allowed to come and go, investigating the dog as they are comfortable. If you see your dog moving slowly, stiffening, or becoming fixated on the cat, it’s time to create more distance or take a break. Similarly, if the cat crouches, freezes, swishes or flicks their tail, pins their ears back, or if their pupils begin to dilate, they are showing signs of stress and need a break from the interaction. If your dog is barking or lunging at the cat, or if the cat is hissing or growling or their fur begins to stand up, it’s best to separate the pets and return to the previous successful step once they’ve had a chance to relax. After numerous positive leashed introductions, allow the cat and dog to coexist with the dog dragging the leash. This gives the pets more freedom to interact while maintaining an added safety measure in case they need to be separated promptly.,5. Decrease Supervision When you are confident that the pets are getting along well, slowly allow them to be together with less supervision. To start: Try leaving the room briefly while still being within earshot. As they continue to do well, you can be absent for longer periods of time. It’s important to give the cat elevated surfaces where they can easily seek refuge from the dog, such as cat trees and cat shelves. This will decrease stress and give the cat a safe escape in case of a problematic interaction. It’s recommended to keep pets separated when you are out of the home, even when they are doing well together. It’s not uncommon for the introduction process to take a couple weeks to a few months, depending on the individual pets. Progress is not always linear, and it’s OK to take a step backward at any point if you start to see signs of stress. The safety and well-being of both pets is always the biggest priority, so avoid putting this process on a timeline. It’s also important to recognize that not every dog-cat pairing is a good fit. If you feel one or both pets are having a difficult time adjusting or if you are feeling overwhelmed, bringing in a qualified positive reinforcement-based trainer may be the best option. Featured Image: iStock/Olezzo Illustrations by Lili Chin,When it comes to introducing a new cat to your dog, a slow and careful introduction process sets everyone up for success. It’s essential to progress at the speed that both pets are comfortable with and to continually monitor them for any signs of fear, anxiety, or stress. The goal is for both pets to have nothing but positive interactions with each other.

If you’ve ever noticed a raw, red, hairless sore suddenly pop up on your cat’s skin, it could be a hot spot. Cats get hot spots in response to allergic reactions. They are itchy, painful and need prompt veterinary attention.

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On the surface, it seems obvious: National Cat Day is a holiday for celebrating your cat, of course! But when you really think about how your bond with your cat has impacted your life, you might realize this holiday is deeper than it seems. After all, our cats brighten our lives daily, whether they’re cracking us up with their quirky antics or purring on our lap at the end of a long day. Cats make us happier humans—so they definitely deserve a little spoiling in return! (Just ask your cat and they’ll tell you so.) That’s why, ever since the first National Cat Day in 2005, cat parents nationwide have reciprocated by showering their kitties with love. But National Cat Day isn’t just for your cat—it’s for all cats, including those waiting to be adopted at shelters and rescues. Consider the ripple effect of telling the world about how much happiness your cat brings to your life. You just might inspire someone to open their home to a cat in need, too. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Cat Day than that!,Jump to section What Is National Cat Day? When Is National Cat Day? How to Celebrate National Cat Day