List of articles № 1
Instruction: how to teach a cat to respond to its name if it ignores it.
Cats often ignore their names because owners rely on inaccurate ideas about feline behavior. These misconceptions shape training methods and reduce effectiveness. Cats are indifferent to human speech and cannot learn name recognition. Ignoring a name signals deliberate defiance rather than lack of association.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to knock things off tables and shelves so much.
Cats exhibit a striking tendency to dislodge objects from tables and shelves, a behavior that has puzzled owners and researchers alike. The phenomenon stems from a combination of sensory, predatory, and environmental factors that trigger innate responses.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is healthy by its whiskers.
Understanding whiskers is essential for evaluating feline health. Each whisker, or vibrissa, is a highly innervated hair rooted deeply in the follicle. The follicle contains a blood supply and nerve endings that transmit tactile information about the environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of moving.
Feline mobility anxiety often stems from specific environmental and physiological cues that signal threat or uncertainty to the animal. Recognizing these triggers enables targeted interventions that reduce fear and restore confidence in movement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a cat considers you its equal.
Understanding the dynamics of feline social perception is essential for owners who aim to build mutual respect with their cats. Cats assess companionship through specific behaviors that signal acceptance, trust, and parity. Recognizing these cues enables a more harmonious relationship and reduces miscommunication that can lead to stress for both parties.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat tries to «wash» your face.
Cats possess a strong innate grooming drive that extends beyond self‑maintenance. When a cat repeatedly contacts a human’s face with its tongue or paws, it is reproducing the same behavior it uses to keep its own fur clean and free of debris.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to get a cat to love being brushed.
Cats that resist grooming often carry memories of unpleasant encounters. Recognizing these experiences allows owners to redesign the brushing routine and foster a positive association. Typical adverse events include: Rough handling that pinched the skin or pulled fur.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has started drinking too much water.
When a cat begins consuming noticeably more water than usual, subtle cues often indicate that a medical condition may be developing. Key indicators include: Frequent trips to the water bowl, often accompanied by larger volumes per visit.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat is a little tyrant.
A “tyrant cat” is a domestic feline that consistently imposes its will on humans and other animals, using dominance, manipulation, and intimidation to secure resources and control. The label does not imply malicious intent; it describes a pattern of behavior where the cat treats the household as its personal territory and expects obedience.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat hisses at family members.
A hiss functions as an immediate alarm that a cat perceives a threat to its safety or personal space. When a family member approaches a resource the cat guards-food, resting spot, or a favored toy-the animal emits a sharp, breathy sound to signal that further proximity is unwelcome.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to feed a cat correctly so it doesn't gain weight.
Essential nutrients provide the building blocks cats need for health while supporting a stable body condition. Protein supplies amino acids that maintain lean muscle mass; without adequate protein, cats may lose muscle and increase fat proportion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is always hiding.
Cats that spend most of their time concealed often do so because they are experiencing stress or anxiety. Recognizing the signs-trembling, excessive grooming, avoidance of interaction, and changes in litter‑box habits-helps differentiate emotional discomfort from physical illness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a cat sees you in its dreams.
As a veterinary neurologist, I observe that feline sleep is divided into distinct phases that mirror those of other mammals. The cycle begins with light drowsiness, progresses to non‑rapid eye movement (NREM) stages, and culminates in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which most dreaming occurs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat always chooses the most uncomfortable place to sleep.
Cats consistently select sleeping spots that appear uncomfortable to human observers. This behavior derives from evolutionary pressures, sensory priorities, and physiological needs. From an evolutionary standpoint, ancestors of domestic cats survived by exploiting narrow crevices and elevated perches.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a cat of the habit of biting heels.
Cats often target moving feet because the rapid motion triggers their predatory play drive. When a kitten learns that a swift ankle is a source of excitement, the behavior can persist into adulthood, manifesting as heel biting. Understanding the underlying play instincts allows owners to replace the undesirable action with appropriate outlets.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat does not get along with another cat.
When two cats display tension, the first step is to recognize the subtle signals they emit. These cues often precede overt aggression and provide a window for intervention before injuries occur. Slow, deliberate blinking directed at the other cat indicates a tentative attempt at calming communication.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a cat is proud of you.
As a feline behavior specialist, I explain the observable signals that indicate a cat regards you with confidence and pride. Cats display specific body language when they feel secure and valued. The following markers are reliable: Tail held high, often with a gentle upward curve;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat «talks» to you when you come home.
Cats employ a limited but purposeful vocal repertoire when their owner returns. Understanding these sounds clarifies the apparent “conversation” and reveals how felines communicate need, recognition, and emotional state. The most common vocalizations include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what words your cat understands.
Cats detect sounds between roughly 48 Hz and 85 kHz, a range that far exceeds human speech frequencies (≈85 Hz‑8 kHz). Within this band, the most informative cues for feline comprehension are the fundamental frequencies of spoken words and the high‑frequency harmonics that convey stress and intent.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has stopped being playful.
When a cat suddenly ceases to engage in play, the change may signal health concerns, environmental stressors, or age‑related adjustments. Recognizing the distinction between normal behavioral shifts and symptoms that require intervention is essential for responsible pet ownership.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has dental problems.
Dental health is a fundamental component of a cat’s overall well‑being. Poor oral condition leads to pain, reduced appetite, and weight loss, which can quickly progress to systemic disease. Bacterial infection from inflamed gums or infected teeth may enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat always lies on your sore spot.
Cats choose soft, warm areas for resting, and a sore spot on a human provides both. The skin is slightly elevated, creating a shallow depression that mimics a nest. This geometry offers a stable platform where a cat can distribute its weight evenly, reducing pressure on its own limbs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly introduce a cat to a new person.
Preparing a cat for interaction with an unfamiliar person requires a systematic approach that minimizes stress and encourages confidence. Begin with a health assessment; confirm the cat is up‑to‑date on vaccinations and free of parasites, as discomfort can amplify anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has eaten something spicy.
Cats possess a highly specialized oral and digestive system. The tongue contains papillae that detect sweet, salty, and umami flavors, but lacks receptors for the pungent compound capsaicin found in chili peppers. Consequently, cats cannot perceive spiciness as a taste;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a cat considers your bed its territory.
Understanding feline territoriality requires observation of specific behaviors that indicate a cat has integrated a location into its personal domain. Cats establish ownership through scent marking, physical presence, and defensive actions. When a cat repeatedly chooses a surface for resting, deposits facial pheromones, or guards it against intruders, the area is likely recognized as part of its territory.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat is constantly grooming itself.
Veterinary specialists recognize that a cat’s frequent self‑grooming primarily serves to preserve hygiene and coat condition. Each lick removes loose hair, dust, and environmental contaminants that could accumulate on the fur. By eliminating debris, the animal prevents matting, which would otherwise impair mobility and increase the risk of skin irritation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the perfect scratching post for a kitten.
Choosing an appropriate scratching surface directly influences a kitten’s physical and mental well‑being. A well‑designed post supports musculoskeletal development, maintains claw integrity, and mitigates stress‑related behaviors. Muscle and joint health - Vertical or angled surfaces encourage natural stretching, strengthening forelimb muscles and promoting flexible spine movement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat constantly conflicts with a dog.
As a certified animal behavior consultant, I explain that most confrontations stem from competing claims over space. Cats view any area they have marked or regularly occupy as exclusive, while dogs often perceive the same spots as open for exploration.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a cat senses your mood and is trying to help.
Cats convey emotional states through body language, vocalizations, and tactile signals. A relaxed posture, slow blinking, and gentle purring often indicate comfort, while flattened ears, a swishing tail, and a tense body suggest stress. When an owner appears upset, many cats respond with specific behaviors that aim to provide reassurance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a cat to stop its nighttime crying.
Cats vocalize at night for several distinct reasons. Understanding these motives is essential for any professional seeking to modify the behavior. Hunger or low blood‑sugar levels - An empty stomach triggers a strong urge to be fed, especially if the cat’s last meal was early in the evening.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of unfamiliar sounds.
Cats react strongly to unexpected noises because their auditory system is highly tuned for detecting subtle environmental changes. The following factors most frequently trigger sound sensitivity: Rapid frequency shifts - Sudden high‑pitched sounds such as alarms, whistles, or electronic beeps exceed the normal hearing range and can startle a cat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat is your personal psychotherapist.
The calming presence of a cat can serve as a reliable indicator that the animal functions as a personal therapist. When an owner experiences heightened stress, the cat often initiates contact without prompting, positioning itself close to the person and maintaining steady eye contact.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat loves to sleep on electronics so much.
Cats often choose electronic devices as sleeping spots because these items generate measurable warmth during operation. A typical laptop can raise its surface temperature by 5-10 °C above ambient, while a gaming console may reach 30 °C or higher on the chassis.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly feed a cat a raw diet.
Feeding cats a diet composed primarily of uncooked muscle meat, organs, and bone delivers several measurable health advantages. Improved dental health - chewing raw meaty bones mechanically reduces plaque accumulation and stimulates the gums, decreasing the incidence of tartar buildup.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat does not drink water from its bowl.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s refusal to drink often stems from the bowl itself. The following factors commonly interfere with hydration: Material - Plastic can retain odors and develop scratches that harbor bacteria;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat is a true artist.
As a feline behavior specialist, I define the creative spark as a pattern of purposeful, novel actions that extend beyond instinctual play. When a cat consistently modifies its surroundings, experiments with materials, or produces reproducible visual or auditory effects, the behavior reflects artistic intent rather than random activity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat loves to play with your hair so much.
Cats treat loose strands of hair as moving prey. Their hunting repertoire includes stalking, pouncing, and rapid claw strikes-behaviors triggered whenever an object mimics the erratic motion of a small animal. When a person brushes or tosses hair, the filament oscillates, creating visual and tactile cues that activate the feline’s visual cortex and the part of the brain responsible for predatory drive.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a cat of the habit of scratching.
Cats use scratching to deposit scent glands located in their paws, reinforcing territorial boundaries. When a feline repeatedly scratches furniture, it signals a need to mark an area as its domain. Addressing this behavior requires redirecting the marking impulse toward appropriate outlets while neutralizing the original surface.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid to stay in the car.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s reluctance to remain in a vehicle manifests through distinct signals. Recognizing these cues enables targeted intervention before escalation. Ears flattened against the head or rotated sideways.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat sees you as funny and clumsy.
As a feline behavior specialist, I explain how cats evaluate human actions and reveal whether they regard you as amusingly awkward. Cats rely on visual cues, motion patterns, and auditory feedback to form judgments about their companions. Observational indicators that a cat perceives you as funny or clumsy include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59