List of articles № 18
Sensational Study: Dry Food Dehydrates Your Cat.
Water is a non‑negotiable nutrient for felines; without adequate intake, physiological processes deteriorate rapidly. The renal system relies on a steady fluid supply to dilute urine, preventing crystal formation and kidney strain. Cardiovascular function depends on plasma volume maintained by regular hydration, influencing blood pressure and tissue perfusion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is secretly controlling you.
Cats often communicate power through minute actions that escape casual observation. Recognizing these signals helps determine whether a feline is influencing household routines rather than merely coexisting. Persistent stare: a steady, unblinking gaze that precedes a demand for food, attention, or access to a specific room.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats «knead» blankets with their paws and what it really means.
Cats kneading blankets derives from a behavior observed in newborn kittens. When a kitten presses its paws against its mother’s abdomen, it stimulates milk flow. The motion becomes a learned pattern that persists into adulthood, even when the animal no longer requires lactation support.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to decipher your cat's tail language from «A» to «Z».
Understanding the structure of a cat’s tail is essential for interpreting its communicative signals. The tail consists of three primary components: vertebrae, musculature, and the skin‑covering fur. Vertebrae: A typical domestic cat has 19 to 23 caudal vertebrae.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat suddenly starts ignoring the litter box.
When a cat abruptly stops using the litter tray, underlying health problems are often the primary cause. Identifying medical issues early prevents discomfort and reduces the risk of chronic conditions. Common disorders that disrupt normal elimination include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to distinguish a regular meow from a cry for help.
Understanding feline vocalizations requires attention to acoustic patterns, physiological cues, and situational variables. A typical meow used for routine interaction exhibits a steady pitch, moderate volume, and brief duration, often accompanied by relaxed posture and normal eye contact.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: deadly houseplants that are present in almost every home.
Indoor greenery captivates homeowners because it merges visual appeal with functional advantages. Lush foliage creates contrast against built‑in surfaces, softens architectural lines, and introduces natural texture that remains visible year‑round.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to give a cat a pill without stress and avoid getting scratched.
Administering oral medication to a cat calmly while preventing scratches presents several inherent difficulties. Cats perceive pills as foreign objects, triggering instinctive defensive reactions. Their natural agility and sharp claws increase the risk of injury during restraint.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what should never be said to a cat, even as a joke.
Loud noises and sudden movements are among the most detrimental stimuli when communicating with a cat, even in jest. Cats possess acute auditory receptors that detect frequencies far beyond human perception; sudden, high‑decibel sounds trigger a fight‑or‑flight response, causing immediate stress and potential aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to know if your cat loves you, even if it carefully conceals it.
Understanding a cat’s affection requires careful observation of subtle cues that differ from overt displays common in other pets. Cats communicate devotion through body language, vocalizations, and routine interactions that often appear neutral to an untrained eye.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats sleep on people and how to choose the «right» spot.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that cats seek human contact primarily for thermal and tactile benefits. Their normal body temperature hovers around 38 °C; a human’s torso or lap provides a stable heat source that reduces the metabolic cost of maintaining warmth.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to get a cat to drink more water before kidney problems start.
Adequate fluid consumption is the single most effective preventive measure against feline renal disease. Cats evolved from desert ancestors, so their natural thirst drive is low. When daily intake falls below the physiological requirement, the kidneys must concentrate urine more intensely, increasing intrarenal pressure and accelerating the loss of functional nephrons.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: the main feeding mistake made by 9 out of 10 cat owners.
Improper feeding is the most frequent error among cat owners, with nine out of ten failing to provide a nutritionally appropriate diet. The mistake typically involves relying solely on dry kibble or offering excessive human food, both of which lead to imbalanced nutrient intake.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is in pain, as it will never show weakness.
Cats conceal discomfort as a survival mechanism. In the wild, displaying vulnerability invites aggression from predators and competition from conspecifics; domestic felines retain this instinct, masking injury to avoid being targeted or abandoned.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why a cat brings you dead mice and how to react.
Cats bring dead rodents to their owners because the act is rooted in innate predatory and social behaviors. The hunting sequence-stalk, pounce, capture, kill-exposes the cat to the prey’s body. After the kill, the animal’s instinct to secure food triggers a transport phase, during which the cat carries the catch to a safe location.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to choose the perfect scratching post that your cat will love more than the sofa.
Selecting a scratching post is not a decorative decision; it directly influences a cat’s physical health and behavioral stability. When a feline has a suitable surface for claw maintenance, nail overgrowth is prevented, reducing the risk of painful injuries and the need for veterinary intervention.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what it means when a cat looks into your eyes and blinks slowly.
As a feline behavior specialist, I interpret a cat’s slow blink as a deliberate communicative act. When a cat fixes its gaze on a human and gently closes its eyelids, the animal is signaling trust, relaxation, and a desire for social connection.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to stop a cat from scratching furniture once and for all.
Cats scratch to maintain claw health, communicate, and adapt to their environment. The behavior fulfills three primary physiological and behavioral needs. Claw maintenance: Scratching removes the outer nail sheath, exposing a sharper inner layer.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why your cat is afraid of the vacuum cleaner and how to fix it.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that most feline anxiety toward vacuum cleaners originates from acute auditory sensitivity. Cats possess a hearing range extending to 64 kHz, far beyond human perception. The high‑frequency whine produced by motorized devices falls within this range, triggering a startle response that can quickly become a conditioned fear.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to play with a cat so it doesn't use your hands as a toy.
Play provides felines with physical exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to practice hunting instincts. Without regular, structured activity, cats may redirect predatory drives toward human limbs, interpreting hands as convenient targets.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what is hidden behind your pet's nighttime «zoomies».
Understanding the sudden bursts of activity that pets display after dark requires precise terminology. Researchers label these episodes as Frenetic Random Activity Periods, abbreviated FRAPs. FRAPs describe brief, high‑intensity bouts of movement that lack a discernible pattern and often occur during the night when animals are otherwise at rest.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to prepare a cat for a trip so that it doesn't turn into a disaster.
Traveling with a cat introduces a set of physiological, behavioral, and logistical obstacles that differ markedly from those encountered with other pets. Cats are territorial by nature; displacement can trigger stress responses that manifest as aggression, urination outside the litter box, or refusal to eat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why you should not look a cat directly in the eyes.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s visual communication differs fundamentally from human expectations. Direct, unblinking gaze is interpreted as a challenge; the animal perceives it as an assertion of dominance. When a cat feels threatened, it may freeze, flatten ears, or flick its tail rapidly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to trim a cat's claws and stay alive.
Trimming a cat’s claws is a preventive measure that protects both the animal and its human companions. Overgrown nails can cause pain, mobility issues, and self‑injury. Sharp, unchecked claws may snag fabrics, furniture, or skin, leading to accidental scratches that can become infected.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat sharpens its claws on your favorite carpet.
Cats scratch because they need to maintain nail health, communicate, and fulfill instinctual behaviors. The act removes the outer sheath of the claw, exposing a sharper edge that improves hunting efficiency. Scratching also deposits scent glands located in the paw pads, marking territory without aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to introduce a cat to a dog and avoid eternal war.
Cats communicate primarily through body posture, ear position, tail movement, and vocalizations. A relaxed cat displays ears forward or slightly rotated, a gently swishing tail, and slow blinking. Conversely, flattened ears, a puffed tail, and hissing indicate fear or aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats love boxes and bags so much.
Cats are drawn to boxes and bags because these objects provide a compact, enclosed environment that satisfies their innate need for security. The confined space limits visual exposure, reducing perceived threats from predators and unfamiliar stimuli.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat considers you its property, not its owner.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that cats treat humans as resources rather than companions when specific patterns dominate their interactions. Recognizing this dynamic helps owners adjust expectations and improve welfare. A cat that views you as property displays consistent entitlement behaviors:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: which human foods can kill your cat.
Cats possess a physiology that processes nutrients differently from humans, making many common foods hazardous. Their liver lacks sufficient glucuronidation capacity, limiting detoxification of certain compounds. Additionally, feline taste receptors do not recognize some bitter substances that signal danger to other species, reducing natural avoidance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to choose the perfect litter box filler that will suit both you and the cat.
Choosing a litter substrate that protects both feline health and household hygiene requires attention to several measurable criteria. A low‑dust formulation reduces respiratory irritation for cats and minimizes allergens that can affect owners.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if your cat bites you while being petted.
When a cat bites during a petting session, immediate wound care prevents infection and reduces discomfort. Begin by removing any jewelry or clothing that might trap debris. Rinse the area under running water for at least 30 seconds to flush out saliva and foreign particles.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is bored while you are at work.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that boredom often manifests through actions that damage property or the cat’s own well‑being. Recognizing these signs early prevents escalation and protects both the animal and the household. Typical destructive patterns include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats rub against legs and furniture.
The Mystery of Feline Rubbing Cats press their bodies against human legs and household objects for several well‑documented reasons. First, the behavior deposits scent from facial glands onto the target, creating a personalized fragrance that signals ownership and reduces anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to make your apartment safe for a curious kitten.
Ensuring a home environment is free of hazards is the first step in protecting a inquisitive kitten. A systematic inspection reveals the most common sources of injury and allows targeted mitigation. Loose cords and power strips: kittens chew on electrical wires, risking shock or fire.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why some cats are afraid of cucumbers.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that the fear some domestic cats show toward cucumbers originates from deeply rooted instinctive mechanisms. When a cucumber is placed silently behind a cat, the sudden visual intrusion triggers the startle reflex, an ancient neural circuit that prepares the animal for immediate flight.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to tell if your cat has depression.
Cat depression refers to a prolonged condition in which a feline exhibits markedly reduced motivation, diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, and noticeable alterations in routine behaviors. Unlike temporary lethargy caused by a single stressor, depressive states persist for weeks and are not alleviated by usual environmental enrichment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: why cats sleep so much and when it becomes a worrying sign.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I explain that feline sleep consists of two distinct phases: brief catnaps and prolonged deep‑sleep episodes. Recognizing the physiological differences between these phases clarifies why cats appear to rest continuously and when the pattern may signal pathology.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to litter train a kitten in three days.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I emphasize that initiating litter training within the first weeks of life dramatically improves success rates. Kittens possess a natural instinct to eliminate in sand‑like substrates; early reinforcement channels this instinct toward a designated box, preventing the development of inappropriate habits.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: what to do if a cat constantly begs for food.
Cats that repeatedly demand food have often developed a habit loop: cue (owner’s presence), behavior (meowing, pawing, circling), reward (treat or meal). Breaking this pattern requires consistent control of the environment and the cat’s expectations.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58
Instruction: how to cool down a cat in the summer heat.
Recognizing overheating in a cat is the first step toward effective temperature management. Cats cannot sweat; they rely on panting, grooming, and limited paw pads to dissipate heat, so visual and behavioral cues become critical indicators. Common signs include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:58