Although cats have earned a reputation for being independent and aloof, cat lovers know that this generalization is not entirely accurate. Many cats are extremely affectionate with their favorite human companions, and some are outgoing and friendly with just about anyone. If you long for a friendly cat to be your new best friend, certain pedigreed cat breeds are known...
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Many experts recommend keeping cats indoors to protect them from the dangers of the outdoors. Staying inside may help to keeps cats safe, but an indoor-only lifestyle has some downsides. Let’s examine the pros and cons of letting your cat outside. Indoor Vs. Outdoors The outside world poses many dangers to cats, whether related to human activity, other animals or...
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Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed short is a necessary task, but one that is daunting for many cat owners. Like human fingernails, a cat's nails grow continuously. Although some cats wear their claws down, other cats (especially indoor cats) don't wear their toenails down much. If you don’t trim the nails regularly, they can snag on things and tear, causing...
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Even though cats are carnivores, many cats like to nibble on plants or grass. However, eating grass and plant material isn’t always good for cats. Some houseplants and flowers are toxic to cats, and grass from your lawn can contain dangerous fertilizers, pesticides and weed killer. Luckily, there’s a safe alternative: cat grass. What Is Cat Grass? Cat grass, sometimes...
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Cats are quirky creatures with many curious habits, but one odd behavior that has long puzzled cat lovers is grass eating. Though indoor-outdoor cats obviously have more access to the green stuff, even indoor cats are known to nibble on blades of grass if they go outside for some fresh air or to explore. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means...
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If you dream of making your pet cat a service cat, you might be disappointed to learn that legally, cats are not considered service animals in the United States. Though cats are amazing animals that can provide people with many emotional and mental health benefits, only dogs may be legally classified as service animals as outlined by the Americans with...
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The feline tongue is a specialized organ unlike any other tongue in the animal kingdom. Read on to learn 10 fascinating facts about cat tongues. 1. A Cat’s Tongue Is Covered In Spines If you’ve ever wondered why your cat’s tongue feels rough like sandpaper, it’s because the surface is covered with hundreds of tiny backward-facing spines, called papillae. A...
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Cats spray urine to communicate with other cats. When a cat sprays, it lifts its tail straight up and shoots a stream of urine, sometimes quite a distance, generally on vertical surfaces. Urine marking is how cats claim their territory or send warnings to other cats to back off. Spraying also lets other cats know if a cat is available...
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Though dogs pant all the time, panting (rapid breathing with the mouth open) is seen far less frequently in cats. Let’s look at some of the common causes of panting in cats and explore issues that may be cause for concern. What Causes Cat Panting? Infrequent, short-lived panting in cats may be normal, but some causes of panting in cats can...
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Cats generally do not have a natural requirement for trimming or shaving. Although certain dog breeds have hair that is always growing and needs regular trimming, a cat’s hair isn’t the same. As long as you brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent tangles and mats from forming, a cat’s coat can usually be left alone. Even...
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