With October being our National Cat Day holder, I want to share some good information on our feline friends that I have come across in Tufts Catnip and Pet Age. Following are some good cues about our cats.
Cat Bites vs. Dog Bites
In the June 9, 2022 Tufts Catnip newsletter, they share how bites from cats differ from those of dogs. They share that with our cat’s teeth being smaller, thinner, and sharper, penetration is deeper into our human skin. Therefore, they report, the infection can be harder to cure with antibiotics and many times needs additional doctoring. Many of these bites occur on the soft tissue of an owner’s hands. In fact, a Mayo Clinic study shows that the majority are on middle aged women. Also if it does not look bad, you should still have the bite area checked by a doctor because of how deep an infection can go.
Tufts goes on to share a good cat tip that the cause is most likely from petting a cat longer than they like. Further, cat behavior tips they recommend are to pet a cat for a short time and let them come to you for additional strokes. If your cat gets restless, or starts twitching his tail, or putting his ears to the side, it is a good indication to stop. And, the Tufts article goes on to suggest as mentioned above; just pet for a short time and let the kitty come back for more when he is ready.
About Cat Allergies
In a Fall 2022 issue of a Pet Age newsletter there is an article about cat allergies. It states that not the cat fur but a protein in cat saliva is the cause of the allergen. It is deposited into the cat hair through the cat grooming itself. From there is gets into bedding and furniture and clothes from the kitty’s natural shedding process and dander floating through the air.
The Pet Age article suggests managing the allergens with regular feline grooming and vacuuming and dusting of your surroundings as well as washing all bedding weekly.
Ways Cats Mourn
If you have more than one kitty and they are ‘close’ and one dies, an article in the September 2022 Tufts Catnip Newsletter reports that ‘there is a good chance his companion cat is going to be mourning’. Tufts cites several signs of behavior your cat may exhibit:
- “Clings to you or needs frequent reassurance with petting and being held more often.
- Becomes more “absent,” either by staying in a separate room or under the bed.
- Vocalizes more than usual.
- Over-grooms.
- Stops using the litter box to urinate, or now uses it inconsistently.
- Shows less interest in play or food.”
Results of a study by ASPCA showed that “46 percent of people with cats who lost a close fellow mate reported a decreased appetite, while 70 percent said there was a change in vocalizations”. The study also mentioned new sleeping areas for cats, difficulty sleeping, and that the lone cats were seeking more attention.
Finally, some cat tips Tufts talks about for making it easier for your pet kitty in mourning: by giving them increased attention, maybe teaching them a trick, and using puzzle feeders, or new toys to interact with them and to distract the mourning cat.
In addition Tufts says it is wise to have your kitty checked by your vet. Especially this may be important if your kitty is older and has possibly developed a medical condition.
Have you tried Training your Cat Bud?
Tufts has another short article instructing us how to train our cats since they definitely do want to interact with us. As they say, “you can strengthen your bond with your cat by teaching her tricks”. Their advice is to start with “sit” by holding a treat just over your kitty’s head. Then her nose will go up to sniff the treat and her rear will go down automatically. She is then sitting so as soon as her rear touches the floor you tell her, “Good sit”. You can use a clicker and a small treat. Keep repeating until she or he does it automatically.
The cat cues they recommend are to keep your training sessions very short, no more than two minutes to be exact. And to train before meals so she or he will be very interested in the treats. Then you can dispense with the clicker use and even always giving your kitty a treat. But always give your cat baby great praise with or without a treat.
Added Info
Take a look at “Dental Care for our Fur Babies” – — so important for their health.
Also “Pet Anxiety Symptoms and Aids” for calming products.
Funny Cat Videos
Number one from Big Geek Daddy is about a Golden Retriever and a kitty – https://biggeekdad.com/2022/01/golden-retriever-kitten/.
And next, is a backpacking cat – https://biggeekdad.com/2018/03/the-backpacking-cat/.
One last is the money cat – https://biggeekdad.com/2021/04/the-money-cat/.
Thanks
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