List of articles № 7
Instruction: what to do if a cat bites its nails.
Overgrown claws often lead cats to chew the tips, resulting in bleeding, infection, or painful injuries. Prompt intervention prevents further damage and restores comfort. Examine the paws daily; look for length extending beyond the toe pad, splitting, or rough edges.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that your cat is actually a dog in a cat's body.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I examine feeding patterns to differentiate a feline that displays canine traits from a typical cat. The following observations are reliable indicators. Preference for high‑protein, meat‑centric meals commonly associated with dogs, such as raw chicken, beef chunks, or commercial dog kibble, rather than the small, frequent portions of wet or dry cat food.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat likes to sleep under the blanket.
Cats frequently choose the space beneath a blanket for rest. This behavior reflects a combination of physiological needs and instinctual preferences that can be explained through detailed observation of feline patterns. The primary drivers are:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize food poisoning in a cat.
Food poisoning in cats, also known as acute enteric toxicosis, occurs when a feline ingests substances that irritate the gastrointestinal tract or release harmful metabolites. The condition results from bacterial contamination, spoiled food, toxic plants, chemicals, or improperly stored pet food.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what the «loaf» position in cats means.
The “loaf” posture-where a cat sits with its paws tucked neatly under its body, resembling a loaf of bread-communicates a specific set of internal states and environmental assessments. Recognizing this position allows owners to interpret a cat’s comfort level, vigilance, and readiness for interaction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a cat not to play with toilet paper.
Understanding why a cat attacks bathroom tissue requires a focus on instinctual behavior. Cats are natural hunters; they respond to rapid, fluttering movements and to textures that mimic prey. The loose, crinkly nature of toilet paper triggers predatory stalking and pouncing, which appears as playful destruction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has started ignoring you.
As a feline behavior specialist, I identify five reliable indicators that a cat has withdrawn its attention. The cat consistently avoids eye contact, turning its head away or blinking slowly when approached. It moves to a different room or hides under furniture the moment a human enters the space.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a cat is trying to sing along with you.
Cats communicate through a limited but expressive vocal repertoire. Recognizing which sounds indicate an attempt to join a human melody requires distinguishing ordinary calls from those that synchronize with musical cues. Typical cat vocalizations include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat has such a strange smell.
As a veterinary specialist, I examine the anatomical structures that generate feline odor. The primary sources are specialized skin and glandular tissues that release volatile compounds detectable by humans. The most relevant olfactory glands include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a cat suffering from arthritis.
Arthritis, medically termed osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, formation of bone spurs, and inflammation of the joint capsule. In felines, the condition progresses slowly, often becoming apparent when the cat’s mobility declines or pain signals increase.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has started to attack you.
Understanding a cat’s aggression is the first step in neutralizing an attack. Experts differentiate several distinct patterns, each requiring a specific response. Fear‑driven aggression - triggered by perceived threats; the cat may hiss, swat, or bite when cornered.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that your cat remembers all your mistakes.
Cats possess a memory system that blends episodic recall with associative learning, allowing them to retain specific events that involve negative outcomes. Neurological studies reveal that the feline hippocampus processes contextual cues, while the amygdala tags experiences with emotional weight.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to lie in the sun so much.
Cats have evolved a physiological preference for warm surfaces because heat aids in thermoregulation, especially for small mammals with high surface‑to‑volume ratios. Exposure to sunlight raises core temperature, reducing the metabolic energy required to maintain homeostasis.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a kitten not to bite hands and feet during play.
Kittens instinctively use their mouths to explore objects, siblings, and moving targets. This predatory drive translates into playful bites on hands and feet, which can be mistaken for aggression but is a natural behavior pattern. Understanding the biological basis of this instinct allows owners to redirect it effectively.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what sounds calm cats down.
Recognizing stress in a cat is essential before selecting auditory cues that promote relaxation. A cat under tension displays observable changes in posture, vocalization, and behavior. Ears flattened or rotated sideways Tail rigid, thumping, or twitching rapidly Dilated pupils, especially in bright light Hunched body, lowered head, or crouched stance Excessive grooming or sudden avoidance of grooming Frequent meowing, hissing, growling, or silent stare Urination. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has started giving birth.
When a queen approaches parturition, early signs appear hours to a day before active labor. Recognizing these cues enables timely preparation and reduces stress for both animal and caregiver. Restlessness: frequent pacing, vocalization, and attempts to escape the usual resting area.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is actually an alien.
As a feline behavior specialist I evaluate the oddities that set domestic cats apart from other pets and assess whether those anomalies could suggest an otherworldly origin. Unusual vocalizations that include frequencies beyond typical cat meows, often resonating at ultrasonic levels.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat sleeps covering its face with a paw.
Cats exhibit a polyphasic sleep architecture, dividing rest into multiple short episodes throughout the 24‑hour cycle. An adult feline typically accumulates 12-16 hours of sleep daily, with kittens and senior cats extending this range to 20 hours.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to safely give a cat a sedative.
When a cat must remain calm for a medical procedure, a veterinarian‑prescribed sedative can be the safest option. Choosing to sedate should be based on clear clinical indications rather than convenience. Typical scenarios that warrant sedation include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has stopped playing.
Observing a cat that no longer engages in play reveals several clear indicators. The animal may remain motionless for extended periods, choosing to lie down in a single spot rather than wandering or exploring. Interactive behaviors such as chasing a toy, pouncing, or batting at moving objects disappear;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that a cat is mad at you and how to earn its forgiveness.
Cats communicate displeasure primarily through tail posture. A rigid, upright tail signals agitation; the cat is prepared to defend territory and may be hostile. When the tail is puffed out, resembling a bottle brush, the animal is frightened and aggressive, often accompanied by hissing.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat touches your face with its paw.
Cats use their paws to convey precise messages. When a cat places a paw on a human’s face, it signals a combination of attention, affiliation, and mild dominance within its social hierarchy. The gesture aligns with other affiliative behaviors such as head‑butting and cheek rubbing, indicating that the cat regards the person as a trusted companion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to create the perfect sleeping spot for your cat.
A dedicated sleeping area offers cats a predictable environment that supports their physiological and behavioral needs. Consistency reduces stress because the animal can retreat to a familiar spot without competition from other furnishings. Temperature regulation improves when the space is insulated and positioned away from drafts, allowing the cat to maintain body heat efficiently.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat constantly licks the same spot.
Cats devote a significant portion of their daily activity to self‑cleaning. The act of licking removes loose hair, distributes skin oils, and helps regulate body temperature. Grooming sessions usually last a few minutes and occur several times throughout the day, alternating between different body regions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that a cat despises you.
As a specialist in feline behavior, I observe that cats communicate disdain through a consistent set of signals. Recognizing these cues prevents misinterpretation of ordinary independence for hostility. Tail held rigidly upright, then flicked sharply toward the owner.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat doesn't bury its waste in the litter box.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that a cat’s decision not to cover its waste stems from innate survival mechanisms rather than convenience. In the wild, felines rely on scent to convey territorial boundaries, reproductive status, and health condition.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a cat to use a pet door.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I emphasize that enabling a cat to operate a pet door yields measurable advantages for both the animal and its caretaker. For the cat, the primary outcomes include: Unrestricted access to safe outdoor spaces, supporting natural hunting and climbing instincts.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of riding in an elevator.
As a feline behavior specialist, I focus on the visual signals cats emit when confronted with an unfamiliar vertical transport system. Recognizing these signals enables owners to intervene before anxiety escalates. Typical fear indicators include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that your cat is a natural-born hunter.
A cat that instinctively hunts displays a precise stalking sequence. The animal lowers its body to the ground, aligns the spine parallel to the intended path, and moves with minimal noise. Eyes lock onto the target, pupils dilate, and whiskers point forward.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat arches its back when you pet it.
Observing a cat’s reaction while it is being stroked reveals a clear set of visual cues that precede the familiar arch of the back. The posture is not a random reflex; it reflects a rapid assessment of the animal’s comfort level based on its body language.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly dispose of cat litter.
Proper disposal of cat litter is essential for public health, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Contaminated waste can harbor pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella , which may spread to humans and other animals through inadequate handling.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has eaten a mouse.
When a cat consumes a mouse, the first responsibility is direct observation. Look for signs that indicate the animal’s condition is stable or deteriorating. Respiratory rate: normal feline breathing is 20‑30 breaths per minute. Rapid, shallow, or labored breaths suggest distress.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if your cat is hypnotizing you.
As a feline behavior specialist, I define “The Stare of Intent” as a sustained, unblinking gaze that a cat directs toward a human when it seeks to exert a subtle influence over attention. This stare differs from ordinary observation in three measurable parameters:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why cats love to sleep in sinks and bathtubs so much.
Feline attraction to sinks and bathtubs results from a combination of physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Veterinary observations indicate that these fixtures provide optimal microclimates for resting, while ethological studies reveal innate preferences for confined, cool surfaces.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a cat not to drink from the aquarium.
Cats frequently investigate aquarium water because several innate stimuli converge on their sensory systems. Visual motion dominates the attraction. Fish swimming against a clear background produce rapid, unpredictable movements that trigger a cat’s predatory reflex.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat has a fever.
As a veterinary professional, I emphasize that recognizing a cat’s normal temperature is essential for assessing fever. The typical rectal temperature for a healthy adult cat lies between 100.5 °F and 102.5 °F (38.0 °C - 39.2 °C). Kittens and senior cats may exhibit slight variations, but values outside this range indicate a physiological response that warrants attention.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that your cat is trying to meditate with you.
As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that cats communicate their desire for shared stillness through precise, low‑intensity signals. Recognizing these cues allows owners to align their own meditation practice with the cat’s natural rhythm.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a cat growls at its food.
Cats emit growls when approaching food as a manifestation of innate defensive mechanisms. The sound signals heightened alertness, preparing the animal to confront potential threats that may accompany a meal. Evolutionary pressures favored individuals capable of quickly assessing risk, and vocalization became an efficient means of communicating internal tension.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the perfect bed for a cat.
Choosing a suitable sleeping surface is not a trivial accessory; it directly influences a cat’s physical health and behavioral wellbeing. A dedicated cat bed offers a controlled environment that supports the animal’s natural habits while protecting the household.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a cat is afraid of loud music.
Cats display distinct signals when exposed to intense audio. Recognizing these cues enables precise intervention. Typical fear indicators include: Flattened ears pressed against the head. Dilated pupils and a tense, rigid posture. Rapid, shallow breathing or audible panting.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59