List of articles № 17
Instruction: why cats hide when they are unwell.
Cats retain instincts inherited from wild predators and prey. When healthy, they roam, hunt, and display dominance; when ill, they adopt concealment to reduce exposure to threats. This shift mirrors the survival strategies of both predator and prey species, which prioritize safety over foraging when vulnerable.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to apologize to a cat if you have offended it.
As a feline behavior specialist, I emphasize that successful reconciliation with a cat depends on interpreting its non‑verbal signals. A cat’s posture, ear position, tail movement, and eye expression reveal whether it feels threatened, receptive, or still upset.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat has eaten a houseplant.
Identifying the exact species the cat consumed is the first critical step because treatment protocols differ widely among plants. Begin with a thorough visual inspection. Capture clear photographs of the whole plant, individual leaves, stems, flowers, and any fruit.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to entertain a cat if it is bored.
Cats display specific signals when they lack stimulation. A flattened ears, sluggish tail swishes, and a lingering stare at empty spaces often indicate disengagement. When a feline repeatedly circles a single spot, paws at the floor without catching anything, or repeatedly meows without an obvious trigger, these actions point to a need for interactive diversion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats purr not only from pleasure.
Cats produce purring vibrations for purposes that extend far beyond simple contentment. Neurological studies reveal that the brainstem generates rhythmic motor patterns which activate the laryngeal muscles, creating a sound frequency between 25 and 150 Hz.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to know if a cat is ready for sterilization.
Sterilization refers to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs that prevents a cat from producing offspring. In females, the procedure-commonly called spaying-involves excising the ovaries and usually the uterus; in males, neutering entails excising the testicles.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat has fallen from a great height.
When a cat lands after a high fall, the first priority is to protect both the animal and the responder. Immediately pause any instinct to pick up the cat; sudden movement can worsen hidden injuries. Observe the animal from a safe distance, noting posture, breathing, and any visible trauma.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats love sitting on the windowsill so much.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that the windowsill serves as a strategic perch for monitoring external activity. From this elevated position, a cat can scan a broad field of view, detect movement of birds, insects, and small mammals, and assess potential threats or opportunities.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to organize a cat's litter box to avoid odor in the house.
Cat litter boxes emit unpleasant odors primarily because of the chemical transformation of urine and feces. When a cat urinates, urea is broken down by bacterial enzymes into ammonia, a volatile compound with a sharp smell. Fecal matter provides a nutrient source for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which generate additional malodorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide and indole.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what a «gift» in the form of a dead bird on the doorstep means.
A dead bird left on a doorstep can be interpreted through two complementary lenses: the biological circumstances that led to the bird’s death and the cultural symbolism that assigns meaning to such an offering. The biological perspective focuses on factors that cause avian mortality.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat thinks of you as its mother.
Understanding the relationship between a domestic cat and its human caretaker requires examining the animal’s innate social cues. When a cat treats a person as a surrogate mother, its behavior aligns with the caregiving patterns observed in wild kittens.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat «bunts» you with its head.
Cats use head‑butting, also called “bunting,” as a deliberate signal directed at humans and other animals. The action deposits scent from the cat’s facial glands onto the recipient, marking the individual as part of the cat’s social group. This tactile cue conveys trust, invites interaction, and reinforces a bond that the cat perceives as mutually beneficial.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to check a cat's health at home before a vet visit.
Veterinary professionals advise regular at‑home health checks because they provide the first line of defense against serious illness. Early detection of abnormalities-such as weight loss, changes in appetite, or altered grooming habits-allows prompt intervention, which often improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for extensive veterinary procedures.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat is constantly sneezing.
Veterinary experience shows that persistent sneezing in felines rarely occurs without an underlying trigger. Identifying the source is essential for effective management. Environmental irritants - dust, scented candles, cleaning chemicals, or strong air fresheners can inflame nasal passages.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats steal food from the table and how to deal with it.
Cats approach table‑top food because it triggers their innate predatory drive. The rapid movement of a hand placing a morsel, the scent of protein, and the visual contrast of a stationary object on a raised surface all resemble prey captured by a hunter.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat likes having its belly rubbed.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s reaction to ventral contact provides reliable indicators of pleasure. When a cat welcomes a belly rub, the following behaviors appear consistently: Purring at a steady, low pitch - sustained vocalization signals contentment rather than distress.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what a cat sees when it looks in the mirror.
Cats possess a visual system optimized for low‑light environments. Their retinas contain a high density of rod cells, which detect luminance and motion, while cone cells-responsible for color discrimination-are relatively few. The feline cone population includes two types:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to train a cat not to chew on wires.
Cats chew on cords because the behavior satisfies innate drives. The material mimics the pliability of small prey, prompting a predatory response. The tactile feedback from biting releases sensory stimulation that reinforces the action. Young felines experience teething discomfort;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat sleeps on your things.
Cats possess a highly developed olfactory system that guides much of their social behavior. When a cat settles on a personal item-such as a shirt, laptop, or pillow-it deposits facial pheromones from the glands located around the cheeks and chin.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat has heart problems.
Early detection of cardiac disease in cats dramatically improves treatment success and quality of life. When a veterinarian identifies heart dysfunction before severe symptoms develop, therapeutic options such as medication adjustment, dietary modification, and lifestyle management can be applied while the organ still retains functional reserve.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat is wheezing.
Observation and assessment constitute the initial response when a cat exhibits wheezing. Accurate identification of the problem relies on systematic monitoring of respiratory patterns, behavior, and environmental factors. Begin by positioning yourself at a comfortable distance to avoid stressing the animal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats don't like closed doors.
Cats repeatedly attempt to cross a closed door because their behavior is driven by innate hunting, territorial, and social instincts. When a barrier blocks access to a room, the animal interprets it as an interruption of a scent trail, a potential prey pathway, or a separation from a companion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to create the perfect «obstacle course» for a cat in an apartment.
When designing a feline obstacle course inside a compact dwelling, the first step is to map the available floor area with precision. Measure the length, width, and height of each room, noting any irregularities such as protruding radiators, built‑in shelving, or window sills.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat sheds all year round.
Cats lose hair throughout the year; the pattern determines whether the loss is typical or problematic. Normal shedding reflects the hair‑growth cycle, with a steady turnover of old fur that is replaced by new growth. Healthy cats display a modest amount of loose hair on pillows, clothing, or grooming tools, and their coat remains dense and smooth after brushing.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to recognize the signs of urolithiasis in a cat.
Monitoring a cat’s litter box behavior provides early clues to urinary stone disease. Subtle changes often precede more serious complications, and a systematic observation can differentiate normal variation from pathology. Frequent trips to the box with only small volumes of urine suggest irritation of the urinary tract.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat «talks» to itself.
Cats communicate through a limited but highly functional vocal repertoire. Each sound reflects a specific physiological or psychological state, and understanding these signals clarifies why felines appear to converse with themselves. Meow - directed primarily at humans;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Why Chicken-Based Food Can Cause Skin Problems in a Cat.
Common skin disorders in felines present with itching, redness, hair loss, or lesions and frequently serve as early indicators of dietary intolerance. Allergic dermatitis, the most prevalent form, manifests as pruritic papules and erythema, often localized on the face, ears, or ventral abdomen.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
This Type of Fiber in Food Provokes Gastrointestinal Problems.
As a gastroenterology specialist, I evaluate soluble and insoluble dietary fiber for their distinct impacts on gastrointestinal function. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a viscous gel that slows gastric emptying and modulates nutrient absorption.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Shock: Dangerous Bacteria Found in Baby Food for Cats.
Feline nutrition is defined by a strict reliance on animal tissue. Cats require high‑quality protein to supply essential amino acids, particularly taurine, arginine, and methionine, which are insufficient in plant sources. Adequate dietary fat provides energy and supports absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
How Food Affects Your Cat's Character and Behavior.
Essential nutrients form the biochemical foundation of a cat’s physical health and directly influence temperament, activity level, and social interactions. Adequate protein supplies the amino acids required for muscle development and neurotransmitter synthesis;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
This «Vitamin Complex» in the Food Is a Placebo.
The health claim attached to fortified foods often suggests that added micronutrients will prevent disease, improve vitality, and compensate for dietary gaps. Scientific reviews show that, for most consumers, these assertions do not translate into measurable physiological improvements.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Why You Shouldn't Buy Food That Is Sold Next to Household Chemicals.
As a food‑safety specialist, I have seen numerous incidents where groceries displayed beside cleaning agents become vectors for foodborne illness. Chemical vapors from detergents can settle on fresh produce, altering pH and creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
The Only Indicator in the Composition You Can Trust.
Ingredient lists present a persistent obstacle for consumers seeking to evaluate product composition. Labels often contain ambiguous terminology, such as “fragrance” or “natural,” without disclosing the specific chemicals involved. This opacity hampers direct comparison across brands and obscures potential allergens or irritants.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
A Food That Even the Fussiest Cats Love Has Been Found.
As a veterinary nutrition specialist, I have examined the health patterns of domestic felines for decades. Recent research has identified a highly palatable formulation that even the most selective cats accept, prompting a closer look at the dietary problems that frequently undermine feline wellbeing.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
What Happens if You Feed an Adult Cat Kitten Food.
Veterinary nutritionists emphasize that kitten formulas contain markedly higher protein percentages than most adult diets. Typical kitten foods range from 35 % to 45 % protein on a dry‑matter basis, whereas adult maintenance diets usually sit between 30 % and 35 %.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
The Whole Truth About Taurine: Why It Is Needed and Where It's Lacking.
Taurine is a β‑amino sulfonic acid rather than a protein‑building amino acid. Its molecular structure contains an amine group attached to a sulfonic acid moiety, which distinguishes it from the twenty standard amino acids incorporated into polypeptide chains.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
This Cheap Component Is Passed Off as a «Unique Additive».
The practice of presenting a low‑cost ingredient as a proprietary or exclusive additive constitutes a clear violation of ethical marketing standards. Companies achieve this by altering packaging, assigning invented trade names, or emphasizing unsubstantiated performance claims, thereby creating a false perception of uniqueness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
The Food That Turns Your Cat Into a Lethargic and Apathetic Creature.
A diet lacking the nutrients cats require can produce the sluggish, indifferent behavior many owners attribute to low‑quality food. Taurine - supports retinal health and cardiac function; deficiency leads to vision loss and heart failure.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
How to Decipher the Mysterious Symbols on Cat Food Packaging.
Understanding the symbols printed on cat food labels is essential for maintaining optimal feline health. Each icon conveys specific nutritional or safety information that directly influences dietary decisions. Protein indicator - a stylized “P” or a paw print denotes the minimum crude protein percentage required by the animal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
This Food Is the Number One Cause of Struvite Stones in Cats.
The feline urinary tract is highly susceptible to mineral precipitation when urine chemistry is altered by diet. A diet high in magnesium, phosphorus, and certain organic acids provides excess substrates that combine with urinary calcium to form magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals, commonly known as struvite stones.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58