List of articles № 12
Instruction: what to do if a cat gets motion sickness in transport.
Cats experiencing motion sickness often display distinct behavioral changes that signal discomfort and can compromise their safety during travel. Recognizing these signs enables prompt intervention and reduces stress for both animal and handler.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is hot.
As a veterinary specialist, I assess a cat’s thermal status by observing direct physiological cues. Elevated body heat manifests in several measurable signs. Warm, dry ears and paws that feel noticeably hotter than the surrounding environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats like to rub against your legs after a shower.
Cats communicate through a combination of scent, touch, and body language. When a cat presses its flank or head against a human’s lower limbs, it deposits facial pheromones from the glands located around the cheeks and chin. This act signals affiliation, marks the person as part of the cat’s social group, and reinforces a bond that the animal perceives as safe.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a cat not to drink from your glass.
Cats approach liquid containers because their instinct drives them to explore and investigate potential water sources. This behavior stems from a natural need to locate safe hydration, combined with a predatory curiosity that treats any reflective surface as a possible prey item.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has bad breath.
Halitosis in cats signals oral or systemic health issues that require prompt attention. Dental plaque accumulation, periodontal disease, and tartar are the most common oral sources. Untreated infections produce volatile sulfur compounds, creating the characteristic foul odor.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat really misses you.
I have observed countless feline owners misinterpret independent behavior as indifference. Scientific studies show that cats display attachment through subtle signals, not through overt displays typical of dogs. The most persistent misconceptions are outlined below, followed by evidence that clarifies each point.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat sleeps in the litter box.
Cats sometimes settle down for a nap inside the litter tray. This introductory overview examines the underlying drivers of that behavior, drawing on veterinary research and feline ethology. Key factors influencing the choice include: Thermal comfort - The substrate retains heat, offering a warm microenvironment that appeals to cats seeking to conserve body temperature.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to brush a cat correctly to avoid mats.
As a veterinary grooming consultant, I observe that regular brushing directly reduces the formation of tangles and protects the cat’s epidermis from irritation, infection, and alopecia. Tangled hair pulls on follicles, impedes airflow, and creates micro‑abrasions that become entry points for bacteria and parasites.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has eaten an earthworm.
Cats are obligate carnivores with a strong predatory instinct that drives them to chase and capture moving prey. Earthworms fit this instinctual profile: they crawl low to the ground, emit subtle vibrations, and present a soft, easily manipulable body.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is teasing you.
Cats engage in play to develop hunting skills, reinforce social bonds, and maintain physical health. When a cat initiates a game, it often employs rapid movements, sudden pauses, and exaggerated gestures that signal a desire for interaction rather than aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to hide so much.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s propensity to conceal itself originates in its ancestral hunting strategy. Predatory instincts drive the animal to position itself where prey cannot detect movement, maximizing the element of surprise.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a cat to walk in the yard and return home.
Effective outdoor training for a cat relies on sustained mental engagement. A cat that is mentally stimulated during yard excursions is more likely to follow cues and return reliably. Start each session with a brief puzzle that requires the cat to solve a problem before stepping outside.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is choking.
When a cat begins to choke, the first signs appear quickly and demand immediate attention. Look for sudden coughing or gagging that does not resolve after a few breaths. A high‑pitched, strained sound while the animal attempts to inhale indicates airway obstruction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is choleric.
Understanding feline temperaments is essential for accurate behavior assessment. A cat displaying a choleric disposition typically exhibits a consistent pattern of irritability, heightened reactivity, and low tolerance for perceived threats.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat hisses at its reflection in the mirror.
Cats react to mirror images with hissing because their instinctual response system interprets the moving silhouette as an unfamiliar intruder. The visual cue-rapid head turns, flashing eyes, and synchronized movements-triggers the same neural pathways that fire when a potential rival appears in the territory.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to prepare a cat for a show.
Understanding and adhering to breed standards is the cornerstone of effective cat show preparation. Judges evaluate each entrant against a detailed rubric that defines the ideal physical and behavioral characteristics for the specific breed.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat's canine tooth suddenly falls out.
When a cat’s canine tooth is suddenly absent, the first priority is a rapid, systematic assessment. Begin by observing the animal’s demeanor: signs of distress such as panting, vocalization, or reluctance to move indicate acute pain. Note any changes in eating habits;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand that a cat is «talking» to the birds outside the window.
The chirp‑trill combination is a distinct vocal pattern that cats employ when they direct attention toward avian activity beyond a pane of glass. In this form, a short, high‑pitched chirp merges seamlessly with a rapid, rolling trill, producing a sound that differs from ordinary meows or purrs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat doesn't like to play with you.
Cats exhibit selective play behavior rooted in innate predatory and survival mechanisms. The following natural instincts shape their willingness to engage with humans: Stalk‑and‑pounce drive : Domestic felines retain the urge to ambush moving prey.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to secure windows if there is a cat in the house.
Cats are naturally curious and often investigate open windows, which creates a risk of accidental falls. Securing windows while preserving ventilation requires a combination of physical barriers, behavioral controls, and regular maintenance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of dust.
Cats that react to dust exhibit specific signals that reveal the level of distress and guide effective intervention. Recognizing these cues prevents escalation and promotes a calmer environment. Flattened ears pressed against the head indicate heightened anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that your cat is trying to imitate you.
Imitation among animals functions as a mechanism for skill acquisition, social cohesion, and environmental adaptation. Researchers define it as the observable replication of another’s motor patterns after a brief exposure, without direct reinforcement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat suddenly jumps up and runs away.
Cats exhibit a sudden leap followed by rapid retreat primarily because of their prey drive. This innate hunting instinct triggers a rapid assessment of any moving stimulus-such as a fluttering insect, a shifting shadow, or a rustling object-as potential prey.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose vitamins for your cat.
When selecting a multivitamin for a cat, begin by confirming that the product supplies the nutrients the species cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities. Feline physiology requires specific amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that must be obtained from the diet.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat chokes on a bone.
When a cat is obstructed by a bone, rapid recognition of distress signals can determine the outcome. Gasping or labored breathing, often accompanied by audible choking sounds. Sudden cessation of normal panting, with the animal appearing to struggle for air.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat wants a second cat.
As a feline behavior specialist, I identify a socially oriented cat by observable patterns that signal openness to companionship. When a cat consistently initiates interaction with humans or other animals, it demonstrates a baseline tolerance for shared space.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat always lies on clean clothes.
Cats repeatedly choose freshly laundered garments as resting spots. Observations from veterinary behaviorists reveal two primary drivers: residual scent and physical comfort. Residual scent originates from the owner’s skin cells, sweat, and natural oils transferred to clothing during wear.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to relieve a cat's stress after a visit to the vet.
Recognizing stress in a cat after a veterinary appointment is the first step toward effective calming. Cats display physiological and behavioral cues that differ from their baseline demeanor. Identifying these signals enables targeted intervention before anxiety escalates.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat scratches you to the point of bleeding.
When a cat’s claw breaks the skin and bleeding begins, the first priority is to cleanse the wound thoroughly. Clean water eliminates debris, while soap disrupts bacterial membranes, reducing infection risk. Run lukewarm water over the scratch for 30 seconds to remove surface blood.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is a leader, not a follower.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that the notion of an “alpha cat” originates from outdated wolf pack studies and does not reflect domestic cat social dynamics. Cats establish relationships through individual preferences, resource access, and mutual tolerance rather than a strict dominance hierarchy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love laser pointers so much and why it's dangerous.
Cats chase laser points because the moving dot activates their predatory instinct. The visual system of felines is tuned to detect rapid, small, high‑contrast movements that resemble the flight of insects or the scurry of small mammals. When a laser beam sweeps across a floor, the cat registers a target that fits the size, speed, and erratic trajectory of natural prey.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to get a cat used to a robot vacuum cleaner.
Cats typically display a limited set of behaviors when a robot vacuum first appears in their environment. Understanding these responses helps owners anticipate and manage the transition. The most frequent reaction is cautious investigation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat starts eating soil from flower pots.
Cats consume soil for several physiological and behavioral reasons. Nutrient deficiencies often drive the behavior; a lack of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or iron can prompt a cat to seek alternative sources. Gastrointestinal discomfort may also lead to pica, where the animal attempts to soothe irritation by ingesting non‑food material.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is feeling guilty.
Understanding feline behavior is essential for interpreting a cat’s emotional state. Cats do not experience guilt in the same moral sense as humans, but they can exhibit signs that suggest they recognize a breach of expectation and respond with anxiety or appeasement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat opens doors and cabinets.
As a feline behavior specialist, I explain that instinctual drives underpin a cat’s propensity to manipulate doors and cabinets. Predatory curiosity compels exploration of enclosed spaces where prey might hide. The act of opening a barrier provides sensory feedback that reinforces the hunt‑related impulse.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly introduce a cat to a newborn.
Introducing a newborn into a household with a cat requires the feline to become accustomed to the auditory and olfactory cues of the infant. A cat that recognizes baby sounds and smells as non‑threatening will display fewer stress responses, reducing the risk of aggressive or fearful behavior.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a spot appears on a cat's eye.
When a feline presents a discoloration or opacity on the cornea, precise identification is essential before any treatment is considered. Observe the following attributes: Location: Determine whether the spot is central, peripheral, or involves the entire surface.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand that your cat sees you differently than you think.
As a feline behavior specialist, I address the most persistent myths that shape how owners interpret their cats’ actions. These misconceptions often lead to misreading signals, creating friction in the cat‑human bond. Cats are aloof because they dislike people.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat doesn't play with new toys.
As a feline behavior specialist, I examine the interaction between innate predatory drives and the objects cats encounter. Domestic cats retain the hunting sequence of stalk‑capture‑kill‑consume, a pattern encoded in their nervous system. Effective play must imitate prey movement, texture, and sound that activate the visual, auditory, and tactile pathways linked to this sequence.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a cat not to get into the refrigerator.
Cats approach refrigerators for several biologically driven reasons. Their keen sense of smell detects cold air carrying faint scents of meat, dairy, or fish, which trigger instinctual hunting and foraging behavior. The metal surface remains cool even when the door is closed, offering a tactile contrast to warm household furnishings and satisfying the feline preference for cool resting spots.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59