List of articles № 15
Instruction: how to understand who is the boss in the house — you or your cat.
Understanding authority within a household inhabited by a cat requires observation of specific behaviors, resource control, and response patterns. The following criteria, derived from ethological research and practical experience, provide a reliable framework for identifying the dominant party.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat sleeps curled up in a ball.
Cats adopt a tightly curled posture during sleep because natural selection favored traits that enhanced survival in harsh environments. By folding the hind limbs against the torso and tucking the head, a cat reduces the surface area exposed to cold air, conserving heat and lowering metabolic demand.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a cat after sterilization.
After a cat undergoes sterilization, the immediate environment determines the speed and comfort of recovery. The enclosure should be isolated from household traffic, loud noises, and other pets. Choose a small room or a large carrier that the animal can enter voluntarily;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat hisses at guests.
As a feline behavior specialist, I explain that a cat’s hiss toward visitors signals fear. Fear arises when the animal perceives an unfamiliar presence as a threat to its safety, territory, or routine. Managing this response requires reducing the perceived danger and gradually building confidence.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is happy.
Understanding feline contentment is not optional for responsible caretakers; it directly influences physiological stability, behavioral expression, and the human‑animal bond. A cat that experiences positive emotional states exhibits more robust immune function, reduced stress hormone levels, and lower incidence of chronic ailments.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats rub their faces on objects.
As a feline behavior specialist, I explain that facial rubbing is a chemical communication process mediated primarily by pheromones. When a cat presses its cheek, forehead, or chin against a surface, specialized glands release scent compounds onto the object.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to discipline a cat correctly without ruining the relationship.
Cats exhibit undesirable behaviors when underlying needs are unmet, when environmental cues trigger instinctual responses, or when stress disrupts normal functioning. Nutritional deficiencies, lack of stimulation, and insufficient litter hygiene create discomfort that manifests as inappropriate elimination or scratching.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat licks walls.
Cats lick walls for several documented reasons. Nutritional gaps, particularly a shortage of minerals such as calcium or iodine, can drive a feline to seek non‑food sources. Pica-a behavioral condition prompting ingestion of inedible objects-often emerges when an animal experiences stress, boredom, or a lack of environmental enrichment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has a toothache.
Dental health directly influences a cat’s overall condition. Inflammation of the gums and decay of teeth generate chronic pain, disrupt normal feeding patterns, and can trigger weight loss. When a cat avoids chewing, nutrient intake declines, leading to secondary health problems.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to lie in ambush so much.
Cats trace their hunting strategy to a lineage that evolved over millions of years in environments where stealth offered the highest survival probability. Early felids possessed elongated bodies, flexible spines, and retractable claws, adaptations that allowed precise, low‑profile movement and rapid acceleration from a concealed position.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a cat not to be afraid of the carrier.
Cats often react negatively to carriers because the device represents confinement, unfamiliarity, and potential threat. Their innate survival instincts drive them to avoid enclosed spaces where escape is limited. When a carrier is introduced, the cat perceives loss of control, which triggers stress hormones and heightened vigilance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat doesn't let you sleep at night.
Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This biological rhythm often clashes with human sleep schedules, prompting cats to seek stimulation during the night. When a feline repeatedly interrupts rest, the underlying cause usually falls into one of several categories.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand that your cat senses your mood.
Cats and humans form a reciprocal relationship built on subtle communication cues. When a person’s emotional state shifts, physiological changes-such as altered breathing, voice tone, and body language-emit detectable signals. Cats, equipped with acute auditory and visual perception, interpret these cues and adjust their behavior accordingly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat lies on a person's sore spot.
Cats often choose to rest on a human’s tender area because several innate drives converge on that behavior. Their bodies are programmed to seek out warmth; a sore spot typically radiates extra heat from inflammation, making it an attractive micro‑environment for a cat’s thermoregulatory needs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose food for a kitten that will lay the foundation for its health.
Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a kitten’s development, influencing growth rate, immune competence, and long‑term health outcomes. During the first twelve weeks, kittens transition from mother’s milk to solid food; this period demands a diet that supplies all essential nutrients in bioavailable forms.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat does not get along with other animals.
When a cat displays tension around other animals, the first step is to recognize the specific indicators of discord. Accurate observation prevents escalation and informs appropriate interventions. Typical conflict signals include: Stiff posture - back arched, tail puffed, ears flattened against the head.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is too fat and how to help it.
Feline obesity poses a serious health threat. Excess body fat impairs insulin regulation, leading to type 2 diabetes. Fat accumulation around joints increases the risk of osteoarthritis, which limits mobility and reduces a cat’s ability to hunt, climb, or groom.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat hides when guests arrive.
Cats retreat when unfamiliar people enter the home because their survival mechanisms trigger a need for concealment. The instinctual drivers are rooted in evolutionary pressures that shaped felines as solitary hunters and cautious prey. Territorial defense - A cat perceives the household as a personal domain.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to make moving less stressful for a cat.
When a cat must travel, the carrier becomes the primary environment it will experience. Introducing the carrier slowly reduces fear and promotes calm during relocation. Begin by placing the carrier in a familiar room where the cat spends time.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a kitten vomits after eating.
Veterinary experience shows that vomiting in kittens rarely signals a single problem; multiple physiological and environmental factors can trigger the reflex. Recognizing the most frequent origins helps owners intervene promptly and seek appropriate care.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is not getting enough of your attention.
Cats require a balance of physical, mental, and social inputs to thrive. Essential components include regular interactive play, consistent affection, opportunities for safe exploration, and access to comfortable resting spots. Adequate stimulation prevents boredom, reduces stress, and supports healthy behavior patterns.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats like to drink water from the toilet.
Cats frequently choose the water bowl inside a toilet for several physiological and environmental reasons. Their instinct for moving water stems from an ancient survival mechanism: flowing sources are less likely to harbor bacterial growth than stagnant containers.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a cat of the habit of begging.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that begging is a learned response rooted in the cat’s natural feeding instincts and social dynamics. Cats associate human presence with food delivery; repeated reinforcement creates a predictable pattern that the animal exploits.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has a dry and hot nose.
A cat’s nose is a dynamic organ that reflects the animal’s physiological state. In healthy felines the nasal surface remains moist, with a thin layer of clear mucus that prevents crusting and facilitates scent detection. Moisture is maintained by a network of small blood vessels and glands;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is jealous of you with another person.
Jealousy in cats is a specific emotional response triggered when a feline perceives a threat to its access to valued resources such as attention, food, or territory. The reaction originates from the animal’s innate drive to protect its social standing and secure essential needs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to protect houseplants from a cat's encroachment.
Cats target houseplants for several biologically rooted reasons. The behavior aligns with natural hunting instincts, sensory preferences, and dietary gaps. Movement and texture: Leaves that flutter or have fine hairs mimic prey such as insects or small rodents, prompting a predatory response.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is terrified of water.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that feline aversion to water rarely stems from a single factor; multiple influences converge to create a strong fear response. Past trauma such as being forced into a bath, accidental immersion, or exposure to harsh cleaning agents can imprint a lasting negative association.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is experiencing stress.
Feline stress represents a physiological and behavioral response to perceived threats, changes, or discomfort. Cats, as highly sensitive mammals, react to both overt disturbances-such as loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, or relocation-and subtle shifts, including altered routines, diet modifications, or reduced environmental enrichment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat has suddenly become aggressive.
Understanding normal feline behavior is essential when evaluating sudden aggression. Cats are solitary hunters by nature, yet they form social bonds with humans and other animals under specific conditions. Their communication relies heavily on body language, vocalizations, and scent marking.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for the fur of a Persian cat.
The Persian cat’s coat distinguishes itself through several anatomical and physiological features that directly influence grooming protocols. The outer layer consists of long, silky hairs that lie flat against the body, while an exceptionally dense undercoat provides insulation and contributes to the breed’s characteristic plush appearance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat does not let itself be petted.
As a feline behavior consultant, I recognize that a cat’s refusal to allow petting often stems from previous trauma or adverse encounters. Negative experiences-such as rough handling, painful medical procedures, or exposure to aggressive animals-can create lasting associations between touch and discomfort.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly introduce a kitten to an adult cat.
Introducing a kitten to an adult cat without a structured plan jeopardizes the welfare of both animals. Unmanaged meetings trigger heightened stress, which can manifest as aggression, urinary problems, or loss of appetite. Persistent tension often forces owners to separate the pets permanently, increasing the risk of relinquishment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to scratch wallpaper so much.
Claw maintenance is a primary driver behind felines’ attraction to wallpaper surfaces. When a cat’s claws become blunt or covered with debris, the animal instinctively seeks a texture that can restore sharpness. Wallpaper offers a relatively firm, fibrous plane that enables the shearing action required to file the outer keratin layer and remove loose sheaths.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand your cat's temperament.
Feline temperament refers to the relatively stable patterns of emotional reactivity, social interaction, and problem‑solving that distinguish one cat from another. These patterns emerge from genetic predispositions, early developmental experiences, and ongoing environmental influences.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to switch a cat to a new food without harming its digestion.
Transitioning a cat to a new diet requires a gradual approach because the feline gastrointestinal system is highly sensitive to abrupt changes. Sudden switches can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, or reduced nutrient absorption.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats love to sleep in the sink.
Cats frequently select kitchen or bathroom sinks for rest because the shallow basin creates a micro‑environment that satisfies two primary physiological needs: temperature regulation and ergonomic support. The stainless steel or porcelain surface conducts heat away from the body, keeping the animal’s core temperature lower than ambient air.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to know when it's time to say goodbye to a pet.
When a companion animal’s body begins to fail, physical signs often provide the most reliable indication that the end of life is approaching. Recognizing these cues helps owners make humane decisions and avoid unnecessary suffering. Weight loss that occurs rapidly despite a steady appetite signals metabolic breakdown.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat eats litter box filler.
When a cat has ingested litter material, the initial response must be a systematic assessment of the animal’s condition. Observe the cat immediately for signs of distress: coughing, retching, excessive salivation, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to pet a cat correctly to give it heavenly pleasure.
Understanding a cat’s signals is essential for delivering strokes that feel blissful rather than intrusive. An expert observer watches the following cues before approaching, during contact, and after the session. Tail position - A relaxed tail that gently sways or rests loosely indicates comfort;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat has stopped purring.
Cats generate purring through rapid, rhythmic contractions of the laryngeal muscles, which control the opening and closing of the glottis. Each contraction forces air to pass over the vibrating vocal cords, producing a sound frequency between 25 and 150 Hz.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58