May 2024 - Page 5 of 5 - JustHappyPetsPaw.com

Why do cats fight? They’re not just being jerks

The real reasons your cats fight.

When cats display behaviors that we humans consider socially unacceptable or quirky, the temptation is often to say, “Cats!” or “What jerks.”

Sometimes, these statements are all in good fun and tongue-in-cheek. Think: Is my cat plotting against me when they stare? Does Kitty want me to get fired when they hop on my work-from-home virtual meeting? The truth is that cats don’t display behaviors out of spite, though. Instead, behaviors are a form of communication — a clue into your pet’s feelings and challenges.

When asking the question, “Why do cats fight?” — finding the correct answer is important. Catfighting can prompt pet parents to re-home pets or return them to shelters. Fights can also become unsafe for humans and pets in the house. Cat fights can break out for various reasons. Below, we’ll go over the common reasons for catfights and what to do.

Why do cats fight?

Catfights can break out for various reasons, ranging from territorial concerns to play aggression. The trigger is pet-specific, so as you learn more about common ones, consider what your cat was experiencing before the fight occurred.

Territorial concerns

Cats are naturally territorial. In the wild, this was a life-saving behavior. In your home, you may not think cats need to be territorial. However, you can’t take the “wild” out of the cat. Kitties may feel the need to defend their turf — a favorite window perch, their dishes, the litter box, and even access to their favorite human (you, of course). Territorial aggression is common when introducing new cats, especially if you go too quickly. Ensuring cats have access to their own creature comforts, such as giving each one their own litter boxes and dishes in separate spaces in the home, is a great way to prevent this issue — ditto for gradual introductions that start with scent swaps.

Fear or stress

A scaredy cat isn’t simply a figure of speech. Cats can experience fear and stress that can trigger them to lash out at other cats. As with territorial aggression, anxiety and stress can also pop up during the introduction process. A cat may be afraid of a new kitty. The new family member may feel scared or stressed in an unknown environment. Other times, a dominant cat may play the role of a bully, which can be stressful. Eventually, the submissive cat may lash out. Again, slow introductions and separate spaces can help, as can pheromone products that might lower stress levels.

Play aggression

Cats aren’t pack animals like dogs. However, some felines enjoy rousing play sessions, including with one another. Sometimes, play goes too far. A cat may get a bit too rough. Play aggression can happen in cats that are poorly socialized at a young age or under-stimulated kitties that could use more physical and mental activity during the day. Providing plenty of opportunities for enrichment, such as through toys, is huge.

Redirected aggression

This form of aggression can send pet parents for a loop and feel unexpected. A cat displaying redirected aggression experienced something within their environment, such as a loud noise, a stray dog, or a kitty invading the yard. Since the pet can’t direct their anger at the source of the noise or intruders, they may turn around and go after a housemate. Cue fights. You can try to reduce access to triggers, such as keeping stray animals out of your yard or blocking views from windows that let your pet see these intrusions.

Hormonal

Not neutered or spayed cats may show aggression as they desire to mate. You can prevent this aggression by Spaying or neutering your cat.

How to stop catfighting

Catfighting is stressful. Your natural inclination may be to run into the proverbial fire and rip kitties apart. However, the safest bet is to try to distract them with a loud noise. If catfights are frequent, speak with your veterinarian. They may be able to suggest products and medications that can help calm one or both cats down or perform spay/neuter procedures.

Closing thoughts

Why do cats fight? There are several reasons. Cats might fight as a response to stress/fear, territorial concerns, hormones, and rough play. Sometimes, cats may redirect aggression from stress caused by a source they can’t access (like a car backfiring) toward a cat. Cat fights can be stressful and dangerous to kitties and humans alike. Try to separate cats in the middle of a fight without using your hands, such as with a loud noise to distract them.

Giving each kitty their own food, toys, and litter boxes can ward off fights. A vet can help you with your worries. Manage expectations, though. Your cats may not be best friends like you hoped (human siblings aren’t always, either). However, multiple cats can often live peacefully under the same roof.

Why do cats fight? They’re not just being jerks Read More »

What does it mean when cats purr? It’s more scientific than them simply being happy.

Cats purr is supposed to signal happiness, although it can have a couple of other meanings.

You’ve probably heard that purring means a cat is happy. And in many circumstances, that is correct. Cats frequently purr while engaging in enjoyable activities, such as getting patted in a difficult-to-reach location or taking a sleep in the sun. However, purring can have other meanings and causes than signalling enjoyment.

Scientists are still attempting to completely understand this feline behaviour, and new theories regarding the reasons for purring are emerging. So, why do cats purr, and what exactly does it mean? Although new information is being released on a daily basis, what we currently know can help you better understand your cat.

Are cats really delighted when they purr?

We’ve always believed that purring signifies a cat’s happiness, and this may be accurate. Cats frequently purr when humans pet them or when kittens nurse from their mother. As a result, purring is commonly recognised as an indication of a cat’s contentment.

Cats Purr, however, can imply a variety of things. Some cats purr when they are stressed or nervous, and many cat owners have been drawn in by a purr only to be slapped away by enraged paws.

According to Scientific American, there could be another purpose to your cat’s purring. Researchers discovered that the frequency of a cat’s purr can aid strengthen bone density and even encourage healing. Purring may assist stimulate the muscles and bones without forcing the cat to exert significant energy, as cats spend a lot of time relaxing and sleeping. This could also explain why cats purr when worried or injured. It’s possible that your cat is naturally trying to mend and soothe itself.

Why do cats purr, then bite you?

Cats can purr when they are agitated, so if your cat purrs and then bites you, you may be misinterpreting what the purring means. When your cat purrs, pay close attention to their body language for clues as to what they are truly saying. If you observe tension in its face, a tightly curled body, or a flicking tail, it generally does not want to be petted.

It’s also possible that, despite the fact that your cat wanted you to pet them and was purring as a sign of enjoyment, they’ve decided they’ve had enough of the attention. Cats may be extremely sensitive, not to mention fickle, and if you were petting your cat in an unappreciative manner, they may feel compelled to bite you in order to convey their message.

Can cats control their purr?

Not necessarily. According to New Scientist, purring is an automatic response. Your cat may not even realise they are purring, and this behaviour is likely to occur naturally in many contexts.

Why do cats purr so loudly?

Your cat may purr loudly for a variety of reasons. Some cats inherently purr louder than others, but as your cat ages, their purr may deepen and become louder. If your cat is actually, sincerely happy, they may purr more vigorously and increase the volume.

The same thing can happen if your cat is extremely stressed or injured. They may purr even louder in reaction as their body attempts to comfort itself. Essentially, the purr grows in proportion to the intensity of the emotions!

Physical difficulties might also raise the volume of your cat’s purr. If your cat is overweight, it may purr louder. Cats with a respiratory infection may purr louder; look for additional signs such as a runny nose or watery eyes.

When should you take your cat to the vet for changes in purring?

Assume you see sudden, clear changes in how your cat purrs. It’s a good idea to bring them to the veterinarian for a checkup. A sudden change in purr volume, tone, or intensity may suggest a health problem that you should rule out just in case. As previously noted, a variety of physical ailments and changes can alter a cat’s purr, ranging from weight gain to respiratory sickness, and determining the underlying cause can be difficult.

You might also consider calling the vet if your cat’s frequent purring suddenly ceases. In general, any significant or rapid change should draw your attention, but because purring is a form of communication, any odd shift is especially crucial. Cats are stoic creatures, and sometimes a meow or purr is the sole sign that something is wrong!

Purring is a fascinating cat behaviour that humans are still working to completely comprehend. We now know that cats can purr for a variety of reasons. They purr when they’re joyful, but they also purr when they’re worried or disturbed, implying that this behaviour may be self-soothing.

The greatest thing you can do to figure out why your cat purrs is to carefully observe him and hunt for additional indications. Consider what happened shortly before your cat began purring, such as whether they were surprised or had fallen asleep. The more you observe your cat, the more you will come to understand them, including why they purr when they do.

What does it mean when cats purr? It’s more scientific than them simply being happy. Read More »

How frequently should I feed my cat? Here is everything you should know about cat feeding regimens.

There’s a lot more to consider about cat feeding.

Finding the right food for your cat can be difficult—just ask any cat owner who has a picky eater at home. The shops and internet provide a limitless variety of delicious and nutritious options, but purchasing the best food for your cat is only half the battle; your cat’s feeding schedule is another code to crack. If you’ve ever wondered, “How often should I feed my cat,” you’re in right place.

Cats can be fed anywhere from one to five times each day, depending on their specific needs. After all, it’s no secret that each cat has a unique personality, right? Regardless of how frequently you feed your cat, their feeding schedule can affect their digestive system, energy level, and overall contentment, so finding the right balance for them is critical. Cats, like many other animals, enjoy routine, and once they figure out their food plan, they’ll gladly remind you of it.

There are several aspects to consider when deciding how frequently you should feed your cat. Continue reading to learn what to keep in mind.

Consider your cat’s age.

A cat’s age influences how frequently they should be fed.

Kittens should be fed more frequently during the day.

They need more food per pound of body weight than adult cats since they are in a critical growth phase. If they do not obtain enough nutrients and calories, it can stunt their growth and lead to difficulties later on. Kittens under six months of age should be fed four or five times per day, whereas kittens beyond six months of age require three feedings each day for the healthiest growing rate.

Adult cats may eat less regularly.

When kittens reach one year of age, you can reduce their feeding schedule to once or twice a day. Feed your adult cat at the same time every day. If you feed your cat twice a day, it is recommended that you feed him once in the morning and once in the evening to assist preserve his digestive health. A consistent eating schedule also makes it easier to detect any discrepancies that may suggest an underlying medical condition. You should always call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Overall, it’s important to consider your cat’s age when deciding how frequently to feed them because each stage of life has varied needs. Whether you feed your cat once a day or your kitten four times a day, keep the timing consistent for best results.

Health concerns may have an impact on the feeding requirements.

There are numerous health concerns that can influence cats’ diets and appetites. In these circumstances, the diet and feeding frequency must be tailored to their individual requirements.

Diabetes: If your cat has diabetes, you may need to feed them at the same time that you administer insulin. You will need to plan your cat’s eating schedule around insulin shots.
Hyperthyroidism: This illness causes your cat to desire to eat continually. An overactive thyroid gland can make a cat feel extremely hungry and eat more than they need. You may keep your cat comfortable with regular, modest meals, but you should avoid overfeeding them. If your cat shows signs of hyperthyroidism, seek veterinary attention.
Dental issues: As cats become older, their teeth and gums become more delicate and tender. Wet cat food can help with this problem. When feeding elderly cats, consistency is essential since their digestive systems are sensitive, and even minor changes might cause stomach trouble.

Consider your personal schedule.

You can’t feed your cat while you’re at work, therefore it’s fine to plan your cat’s feeding schedule around your schedule. If you have a consistent daily routine, you may easily feed your cat in the morning and at night. If you have a more hectic schedule, a late-night or early-morning feeding once a day may be more convenient. Regardless of your schedule, try to feed your cat at the same time each day so they know what to expect.

Consider using an automatic feeder to keep things consistent.

Those who work long hours, have nighttime shifts, or travel frequently may require more advanced feeding methods. There are a variety of reliable automatic feeders that can ensure your cat is fed at the same time every day, but you will only be able to use dry food for these meals. Some cats will not mind at all!

To use an automatic cat feeder, load it with numerous servings of food, tell it how much food to distribute every meal, and programme the time for each meal. The machine will take care of the rest! Many of the’smart’ feeders on the market can also connect to an app, allowing you to always know when supplies are running low. As an added bonus, app control allows you to offer your pet an extra gift!

Select the meal that best suits your cat’s specific requirements.

Many cat owners feed their cats a combination of wet and dry foods. A dry food diet is acceptable, but select a high-quality alternative that is balanced and nutritious. Additionally, ensure that your cat has constant access to fresh water, as dry food is not nearly as hydrating as wet food. Of course, felines that eat predominantly wet food require a fresh and filled water source as well.

However, dry food tends to survive longer than wet food. If you leave wet food out for too long because your cat did not complete his meal, you will have to throw it away. Your best bet is to experiment with your cat to learn what he enjoys most. simply make sure your cat isn’t overeating; obesity isn’t simply an issue for humans. If your cat is overweight or underweight, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Final thoughts

Caring for a cat might be tough, but it is also rewarding. Cats are creatures of habit, so they benefit from a constant diet and feeding schedule. Consider your cat’s age, underlying health conditions, and your schedule when developing the ideal feeding pattern for your cat. You’ll find yourself enjoying the constancy just as much as they do.

How frequently should I feed my cat? Here is everything you should know about cat feeding regimens. Read More »