List of articles № 16
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has worms and what to do about it.
Roundworms (Toxocara spp.) are the most common intestinal parasites in domestic felines. Adult worms measure up to 10 cm, reside in the small intestine, and release eggs that pass in the feces. Typical signs include: Visible worms or egg‑like specks in the stool, often after a bowel movement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats eat grass and whether it should be forbidden.
Cats are frequently seen biting blades of grass in gardens, balconies, or indoor plant pots. The behavior occurs across breeds, ages, and living environments, indicating a widespread natural tendency rather than an isolated oddity. Observers consistently note that the act is brief, often followed by a rapid bout of vomiting or retching, after which the cat resumes normal activity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to prepare a cat for the arrival of a baby in the home.
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Amelia Hart emphasizes that a cat’s reaction to a newborn is governed by instinctual priorities: safety, territory, and routine. When a baby enters the household, the animal evaluates changes in scent, sound, and human attention.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat sleeps at your feet and not on your head.
Cats choose the area near a human’s feet because it offers a stable, low‑profile surface that aligns with their instinctual need for security. The floor provides a solid base that limits movement from the owner, reducing the risk of accidental displacement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat has gained excess weight.
As a veterinary professional, I emphasize that excess body fat in felines is more than a cosmetic issue; it directly threatens physiological stability. Elevated weight interferes with metabolic processes, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of guests.
When a cat shows signs of anxiety around visitors, recognizing specific behavioral cues is essential for effective intervention. Typical indicators include: Flattened ears pressed against the head, signaling heightened alertness. Dilated pupils that remain enlarged even after a brief pause, reflecting fear rather than curiosity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to make the carrier a favorite place for a cat, not a torture chamber.
Cats treat carriers as threats because the enclosure removes their ability to flee, removes visual control, and often introduces unfamiliar sensations. A feline’s survival instincts prioritize escape routes; a closed box eliminates that option, triggering anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat buries its food bowl.
Cats cover their food bowls as a direct expression of ancestral survival strategies. In wild environments, felids concealed their prey to protect it from scavengers and competing predators. This instinct persists in domestic cats, prompting them to hide the visual and olfactory cues of a meal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to choose a kitten so you don't regret it later.
Choosing a kitten begins with honest self-assessment. Before visiting shelters or breeders, identify the daily routines you can sustain. List work hours, travel frequency, and typical household activity levels. Compare these facts with the care demands of a young cat-feeding schedules, litter‑box maintenance, and playtime requirements.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if cats in the house are fighting.
Understanding how cats convey intent is essential for preventing and managing confrontations in a shared environment. Felines rely on a combination of visual cues, audible signals, and olfactory markers to establish territory, assert dominance, and express discomfort.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has ear mites.
Ear mites are microscopic, eight‑legged arachnids that colonize the external ear canal of felines. The most common species in domestic cats is Otodectes cynotis , which feeds on skin debris and ear secretions. Adult mites measure 0.2-0.3 mm, are translucent to pale gray, and reproduce rapidly:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats hiss and what they are trying to say.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that hissing functions as a rapid, audible warning. The sound conveys discomfort, fear, or a demand for distance, and the cat’s body language reinforces the message. Typical situations that provoke this response include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to care for an elderly cat to prolong its life.
Elderly felines exhibit specific physical and behavioral changes that signal the onset of age‑related conditions. Recognizing these indicators early enables timely veterinary intervention and adjustments in care that can extend the cat’s lifespan.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat has eaten something poisonous.
When a cat has ingested a toxic substance, the first critical step is to determine exactly what was consumed. Accurate identification directs appropriate treatment and can be the difference between recovery and irreversible damage. Begin by surveying the area where the cat was found.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to teach a cat the «sit» command.
Cats rely on subtle body language to express willingness, discomfort, and interest. A relaxed posture, forward‑facing ears, and slow blinking indicate receptivity, while a tucked tail, flattened ears, or sudden darting movements signal stress.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat licks your hair.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s decision to lick a person’s hair stems directly from its innate grooming repertoire. Cats devote a large portion of daily activity to cleaning their own coats, a process that serves hygiene, thermoregulation, and coat maintenance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is a genius.
Assessing feline intelligence requires observable behaviors that indicate problem‑solving ability, adaptability, and social awareness. An expert observes patterns rather than isolated incidents, focusing on consistency across contexts. Key indicators of a highly intelligent cat include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat is marking territory in the apartment.
When a cat begins marking inside the home, the first step is to determine whether the behavior is spraying or ordinary urination. The distinction influences treatment, environmental changes, and veterinary assessment. Spraying is a purposeful, low‑volume discharge aimed at the vertical surface.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats should not be given milk, contrary to stereotypes.
The belief that cats enjoy milk originates in 19th‑century domestic literature. Early pet‑care manuals, such as those published in Victorian England, described milk as a “gentle nourishment” for felines, often accompanied by illustrations of a cat lapped from a saucer.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to care for a cat's teeth at home.
Dental disease affects a large proportion of feline patients; studies show that more than half of cats develop plaque or tartar by age three. Accumulated debris harbors bacteria that irritate gums, erode enamel, and create pockets for infection.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat bites your legs when you walk by.
Cats often target a passer’s ankles during movement because they interpret rapid foot motion as an invitation to engage in a short, high‑energy play session. The behavior falls under the category of playful aggression, a blend of hunting instinct and social interaction that manifests as brief, controlled bites and pounces.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to choose the perfect name for a cat.
A well‑chosen name does more than label a feline companion; it shapes daily interactions and long‑term care. When owners use a clear, distinct name, the cat learns to associate the sound with attention, feeding, or veterinary visits, which reduces stress and improves compliance with routine procedures.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if you find a stray kitten on the street.
When you encounter a kitten wandering alone, the first priority is to assess the situation without disturbing the animal. Maintaining a safe distance allows you to gauge its condition and behavior accurately, reducing the risk of stress or injury.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to know that a cat completely trusts you.
Trust in cats is a measurable relational state that reflects a feline’s assessment of safety, predictability, and the reliability of a particular human. It emerges from repeated positive interactions, consistent care, and the absence of threats.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats love valerian so much and whether it is dangerous.
As a veterinary pharmacologist, I examine the constituents of valerian root that attract felines and assess any health risks. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) contains a complex mixture of volatile and non‑volatile compounds. The most biologically active agents include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to train a cat not to wake you up at 5 AM.
Cats wake owners early because of innate biological and environmental drivers. Their circadian rhythm peaks at dawn, a time when wild ancestors would begin hunting. Domestic cats retain this pattern, prompting activity when light increases. Hunger also plays a role;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: signs that your cat hates you.
Veterinary behaviorists have identified several persistent myths that cloud owners’ understanding of feline affection. Misconceptions often lead to misreading a cat’s behavior, especially when a cat displays signs of hostility. Myth 1:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is pregnant.
Understanding the initial phase of feline gestation helps owners recognize pregnancy before obvious physical changes appear. During the first three weeks after conception, hormonal fluctuations produce subtle behavioral and physiological cues.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat ignores you when you call it.
Cats respond selectively because their ancestors evolved as solitary hunters. In the wild, a predator’s survival depended on focusing on prey rather than on conspecific signals. This pressure shaped a nervous system tuned to prioritize immediate, tangible stimuli over distant vocalizations.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to protect the Christmas tree from your cat.
Cats view a decorated conifer as a towering playground, a scenario that quickly becomes hazardous. Their natural instincts drive them to climb, swat glittering ornaments, and investigate dangling ribbons, while the tree’s fragile structure and electrical components present immediate danger.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat swallows a thread.
Cats are naturally attracted to slender, movable objects; string presents a unique hazard because it can become entangled in the gastrointestinal tract. When a cat ingests even a short length, the material may form a tight loop that adheres to the intestinal wall, obstructing passage and compromising blood flow.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has fleas, even if you don't see them.
As a veterinary specialist, I advise a systematic visual and tactile inspection of your cat’s coat and skin to detect hidden flea infestations. Begin the examination under bright, natural light. Part the fur in sections, starting at the neck and moving toward the tail.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats groom themselves so thoroughly after being petted.
Cats respond to tactile stimulation by initiating a cascade of autonomic and behavioral processes that culminate in meticulous grooming. The act of petting activates mechanoreceptors in the skin, sending signals to the hypothalamus, which regulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to make a toy for a cat with your own hands in 5 minutes.
Creating cat toys at home yields measurable advantages for both feline health and owner resources. As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe the following benefits: Enhanced physical activity - Hand‑crafted toys can be tailored to encourage specific movements, such as pouncing, climbing, or swatting, which improves muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat refuses to eat dry food.
Cats that turn away from kibble often signal underlying health problems. Recognizing medical causes enables targeted intervention and prevents nutritional decline. Dental discomfort ranks among the most frequent triggers. Periodontal disease, fractured teeth, or oral ulcers create pain when the cat chews hard pellets.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is manipulating you.
Understanding how cats influence human behavior often suffers from inaccurate beliefs. Experts observe that many owners interpret ordinary feline actions as deliberate manipulation, leading to misguided conclusions. A cat’s sudden disappearance is frequently labeled as a strategic avoidance tactic, yet the behavior typically reflects a need for privacy or a response to environmental stressors.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat thumps its tail on the floor.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that the tail functions primarily as a visual and tactile signal. When a cat strikes the floor with its tail, the motion creates a rapid, audible vibration that serves several communicative purposes.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to get a cat used to a harness and leash.
Training a cat to accept a harness and leash yields measurable advantages for the animal’s health and behavior. A properly fitted harness prevents accidental escapes while allowing the owner to maintain control in unpredictable environments.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of loud noises.
A cat that reacts to sudden or persistent loud sounds exhibits distinct behavioral cues that signal distress and the need for intervention. Recognizing these signs allows owners to implement effective coping strategies quickly. Ears flattened against the head or turned sideways, indicating heightened vigilance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat has allergies.
Allergies constitute an immune system reaction to substances that most animals tolerate without effect. When a cat encounters such a substance-referred to as an allergen-the body produces specific antibodies (IgE) that bind to mast cells. Subsequent exposure triggers mast cells to release mediators, chiefly histamine, which generate inflammation and the clinical signs associated with allergy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58