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Nov 5, 2009

What Are the Largest Cat Breeds?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Although each breed spans a range, and males tend to be larger than females, the average weights for each breed indicate that the largest domestic cats are as follows (weight ranges, which are in pounds, represent an average that includes both females and males, so some males may be even larger):

There are also hybrids of domestic and wild cats such as the Chausie (a blend of Jungle Cat and Abyssinian) that weigh even more on average.

Reference: Weight ranges were obtained from Largest Domestic Cat Breed at Pictures-of-Cats.org.



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Nov 2, 2009

Astrological Sun Signs - Love and Friendship

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Each sun sign has its own particular style when it comes to love and friendship. Click on the following links for information on how each of the signs typically approaches both platonic and romantic love.

Astrology is far more complex than a simple set of 12 personae because sun signs are not the only factor influencing personality and behaviour. Rising signs, moon signs, and planetary placements and aspects are also very important. For example, a person with both the Sun and ascendant (rising sign) in Leo will probably behave very much like a typical Leo, whereas an individual with the sun in Leo but the ascendant in Scorpio will likely manifest a very different blending of astrological traits.

For more on sun sign personalities, see Astrology Sun Sign Personality Traits.



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Nov 2, 2009

Astrology Sun Sign Personality Traits

Posted by Jennifer Copley

In natal astrology, the sun sign provides information about basic character, or the framework within which other forces, such as the rising sign, moon sign, and planetary placements, are expressed.

The sun represents the conscious mind and guides many of the actions taken within the material world. Our sense of purpose and much of what we do to achieve it can be linked to the sun sign placement.

Those whose ascendant (rising sign), moon, and other planets are in the same sign or similar signs to that of the sun will be more likely to express traits associated with their sun sign, whereas individuals whose ascendant and/or moon are in very different signs are likely to present a more complex persona, either blending traits of the two or oscillating between one set of traits and the other.

Click on the links below to read brief personality profiles for each of the astrological sun signs:



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Oct 26, 2009

Pet-Safe, Non-Toxic Cleaning and Pest Control Alternatives

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Many household products and pest control options are toxic to both pets and people. The following articles provide information about safe, non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternatives:



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Oct 17, 2009

Moving with Cats – Tips and Tricks for a Feline-Friendly Move

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Moving house can be extremely stressful for cats. Here are some tips and tricks to facilitate a smoother transition and help cats accept and bond with their new homes:



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Oct 12, 2009

Gingerbread House Photo Galleries

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Seeking inspiration to create a challenging gingerbread work of art this Christmas? Check out these beautiful gingerbread creations.

For more Christmas resources, see:



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Oct 12, 2009

Free Gingerbread House Templates

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Looking for gingerbread house templates, recipes, and decorating ideas? Here are a number of sites that offer free gingerbread house patterns.

  • Bob Vila – several gingerbread house templates, including A-Frame, Colonial, Saltbox, and Side Gable

  • Gingerbread House Heaven – two free patterns – house and cabin/cottage

  • King Arthur Flour – template and detailed instructions with photos for building and decorating gingerbread houses, trees, and gingerbread men

  • FashionEra.com – gingerbread house template, recipe, directions, and decorating tips

  • Dinner Co-op – pattern and recipe for a very small gingerbread house

  • Betty Crocker – haunted Halloween gingerbread house

  • Jamboree – recipe and simple gingerbread house pattern

  • Haunted Dimensions – elaborate, challenging multistory haunted gingerbread house

  • C&H Sugar – simple gingerbread house template

  • StarChefs.com – another simple gingerbread template

  • Ginger Lane Kitchens – slightly fancier gingerbread house with lots of windows

  • Canadian Living – thatched gingerbread house template, recipe, and instructions

  • Celebrating Christmas – several gingerbread house templates including One-Room House, Victorian House, Chapel, Country Store, Log Cabin, and Dormer & Chimney, as well as recipes, decorating ideas, and more

  • Martha Stewart – gingerbread townhouses (fronts only)

  • All Recipes – simple house template

  • Martha Stewart – template for cute small gingerbread house with narrow, pointy roof

  • Recipe Link – another cute small gingerbread house pattern

  • Family Fun – gingerbread train template

  • Gingerbread House Photo Galleries – links to galleries of prize-winning, creative gingerbread constructions

For more Christmas stuff, see:



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Oct 6, 2009

Free Halloween Clip Art, Fonts, Animated Graphics, and More

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Looking for freebies to enhance your Halloween arts and crafts projects? Here are some great free Halloween collections:



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Oct 5, 2009

Halloween Pumpkin Crafts - Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils, Instructions, and Photos

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Here is a selection of free Halloween pumpkin craft resources, including patterns, photo galleries, and more:

  • Black cat made from two pumpkins - great craft for kids - photo and design template provided
  • Pumpkin creatures - cats, alligators, raccoons, snakes, spiders, porcupines, and owls - sophisticated carving designs using multiple small pumpkins - good for older children and adults - instructions, photos, and carving tips
  • Free pumpkin carving templates - broad selection for kids of all ages; website also provides painting and decorating ideas
  • Carved pumpkin photos - elaborately carved pumpkins that are true works of art - no templates, but great ideas for those who are seeking a serious carving challenge
  • Free pumpkin carving stencils and patterns - simple but elegant designs
  • Pumpkin Masters - small selection of cool free patterns
  • Elaborate pumpkin carving stencils and other pumpkin crafts - courtesy of Martha Stewart, this site offers a broad array of pumpkin-related projects, as well as carving tips and tricks
  • Free printable pumpkin stencil collection - 38 free carving patterns from Better Homes and Gardens (requires signing up for a free membership)
  • Traditional and modern pumpkin templates - includes Halloween classics, as well as modern offerings based on various cartoons, movie monsters, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, musicians, Thanksgiving themes, and more
  • Small selection of free patterns - a few freebies from SpookMaster
  • Pumpkin templates based on faces - spooky, funny, and strange face templates
  • Pumpkin crafts - cute animals made from multiple pumpkins of various sizes; requires signing up for free newsletter to access all pictures and instructions
  • Various free templates - option of large or small stencils, detailed carving instructions
  • Wildlife stencils - not your typical Halloween designs - these attractive animal stencils from the World Wildlife Federation include dolphins, giraffes, tigers, butterflies, turtles, pandas, and more
  • History stencils - various free pumpkin stencils including a few Halloween classics and a number of unusual items such as historical figures, the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, and various Thanksgiving scenes
  • Camping stencils - unusual pumpkin carving templates including campfire, camper, tent under the stars, and flying bats
  • Dog breed stencils - dog patterns for pumpkin carving from Better Homes and Gardens (requires signing up for a free membership)
  • Un-Halloween carving patterns - free stencils based on un-Halloween themes, including fantasy/medieval, famous people, Christian symbols, American patriotic symbols, animals, and more



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Oct 5, 2009

When Do Kittens' Eyes Open?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

All kittens are born with their eyes closed. Most kittens begin to open their eyes between 7 and 10 days of age, though anything up to 14 days is within the normal range. The process usually occurs over the course of several days rather than all at once.

Although their eyes are open by 2 weeks of age, kittens' vision is not clear until about 4 weeks.

If kittens have not begun to open their eyes by 14 days of age or there are signs of infection present such as pus or crusts around the eyes, consult a veterinarian. Never attempt to force the eyes open, as this can damage them.

For more information on normal kitten development, see Kitten Development - Week by Week. If raising an orphan, see How to Care for Orphaned Kittens for instructions on making emergency kitten milk replacer, bottle feeding, socialization, and more.



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Oct 1, 2009

When Do Kittens' Eyes Change Colour? Why Are Kittens Born with Blue Eyes?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

How Old Are Kittens When Their Eyes Change Colour?

All kittens are born with blue eyes. Except for breeds that naturally have blue eyes, eye colour usually begins changing to the permanent adult colour at around 6 weeks of age, though this process may begin a little earlier or later. The change should be complete by around 12 weeks.

Why Are All Kittens Born with Blue Eyes?

According to Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., melanin, the pigment that colours hair, skin, and eyes, is not yet fully deposited into the irises of a newborn's eyes or darkened as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanin production increases during the early weeks of a kitten's life, causing its eyes to change colour.

A cat is genetically programmed to develop its adult eye colour and will produce the right amount of melanin to do so. Larger amounts create brown or black irises and lower amounts cause them to be light brown, green, or gray. Very small amounts create blue or light gray eyes. Albinos, having no melanin, have pink eyes due to light reflecting off the blood vessels in their eyes.

For more information on kittens, see:



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Sep 30, 2009

How to Stimulate Urination and Defecation in Young Orphaned Kittens

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Kittens lack the muscle control to release stool or urine on their own until they are around 3-4 weeks old, so mother cats stimulate elimination by licking the kittens’ genitals. Those who are raising young orphan kittens must do this using a cotton ball or wash cloth moistened with warm water.

How to Stimulate Elimination in Young Orphaned Kittens

To stimulate elimination, slowly and gently massage the kitten’s genital and anal area with the wash cloth or cotton ball until elimination occurs, or it is obvious that nothing will happen. A good strategy is to count slowly to 60; if nothing has happened by the time you reach 60, try again later. This should be done before and after each feeding.

Orphaned Kitten Not Defecating

Kittens should urinate and defecate regularly, but may initially go for a day or two without defecating - this is nothing to worry about unless the kitten refuses food, cries excessively, has a very swollen stomach, or shows any signs of pain, in which case a veterinarian should be consulted.

Orphaned Kitten with Diarrhea

Kittens' stools should be soft but not watery, and their urine should be clear or light yellow. Signs of problems include diarrhea (particularly if it is grayish in colour) and dark yellow urine. Runny stools indicate that the kitten either suffers from parasites or has been overfed. Diarrhea can rapidly lead to life-threatening dehydration, and urine that is dark yellow rather than clear indicates that the kitten is dehydrated.

How to Check for Dehydration in Kittens

In the case of dehydration, the administration of subcutaneous fluids may be required. Consult a veterinarian if the kitten has diarrhea or shows other signs of dehydration. A good way to check for dehydration is to gently pinch a fold of skin on the back of the kitten's neck. If it stays up rather than springing rapidly back into shape, the kitten is dehydrated.

Kitten Producing Green Stool

Other problems to check for include green stool (indicates infection) and hard stool, which indicates that the kitten is not receiving enough formula. Consult a veterinarian in the case of green stool. If the stool is hard, feed more frequently, but don't provide more food during each feeding, as overfeeding can cause gas, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Instructions for Raising Orphaned Kittens

For more information on raising orphaned kittens, including bottle feeding instructinos, emergency kitten milk replacer recipes, ideal nest temperatures, socialization tips, and more, see How to Care for Orphaned Kittens.

References:

  • Foster, Race, DVM. (2009). “How to Raise Orphan Kittens.” Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc., PetEducation.com.

  • Freeman, Sue. (n.d. ). Guide to Rescue Cats. RescueGuide.com.

  • Kitten Rescue. (2009). Kitten Care Handbook. KittenRescue.org.

  • Richardson, Jill, Dr. (October 2004). “Help for Orphaned Kittens.” The Vet’s Corner, AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

  • Siegal, Mordecai, Cornell Feline Health Center. (1997). The Cornell Book of Cats: A Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten. Toronto, ON: Random House of Canada Ltd.



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Sep 25, 2009

How to Care for Kittens and What to Expect - Kitten Development Week by Week

Posted by Jennifer Copley

This series of articles provides information on normal kitten developmental milestones; care, feeding, and socialization of kittens; and dealing with problems such as fleas.

See How to Care for Orphaned Kittens for information on bottle feeding orphaned kittens, socializing abandoned kittens, emergency kitten milk replacer recipes, and more.



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Sep 21, 2009

How to Care for Orphaned Kittens

Posted by Jennifer Copley

The following resources provide information on how to care for, feed, socialize, and train young orphaned kittens.

Feeding and Elimination

Health and Safety

Training

Socialization and Development



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Sep 9, 2009

Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Animal-assisted therapy provides significant educational, psychological, and physical health benefits for those in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.

The following websites provide information on the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and volunteering with pets. There are pet therapy programs in Canada, the U.S., India, China, Japan, the UK, and many other countries.

Individual Animal-Assisted Therapy Organizations and Programs

  • Animal Angels Foundation (Mumbai, India) – Provides animal-assisted therapy for children with developmental and learning disabilities and emotional and behavioural disorders, as well as visits to nursing homes and orphanages

  • Dr. Dog (throughout Asia) – Facilitates therapy animal visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, etc.

  • Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS) Program (American Humane Association) – Works to enable women and children escaping domestic violence to keep their pets

  • Pets as Therapy (UK) – Facilitates therapy dog and cat visits to day centers, hospitals, hospices, residential care homes, special needs schools, etc.

  • Project POOCH (Oregon, U.S.) – Pairs young offenders and shelter dogs for rehabilitative purposes

  • The Delta Society (U.S.) – Sends animal-assisted therapy teams to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, etc. (for articles and other resources on the health benefits of interacting with animals, see the Delta Society’s Library)

  • Therapeutic Paws of Canada – Organizes visits to seniors’ facilities such as nursing homes, Alzheimer’s day away centers, hospitals, and other establishments, and runs the Paws to Read program for children with reading difficulties

  • Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK) (American Humane Association) – Provides therapy animals to support traumatized children in various contexts

Directories of Animal-Assisted Therapy Providers

If you know if any good animal-assisted therapy programs or directories that should be included in this listing, please leave a comment. Thanks!



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Sep 7, 2009

Should You Adopt One Cat or Two?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Is it better to adopt a single cat or kitten, or get a pair to keep one another company? It depends on your lifestyle and the characteristics of potential adoptees.

Contrary to popular belief, most cats are actually very sociable. Adopting two or more cats or kittens is better if:

  • There are many hours of the day or night when no one will be home - a single cat on his own may be very lonely in this situation.
  • There are two or more kittens available from a litter - adopting littermates together is ideal as they're more inclined to get along well than unrelated strangers.
  • Two shelter cats have established a strong friendship bond - it's always good to keep such friendships intact whenever possible.

Adopting a single cat or kitten is fine if:

  • Someone is home most of the time to provide attention and companionship.
  • An adult cat does not get along with other cats and needs to be an only cat.

Those considering adopting a cat or kitten may wish to read:



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Sep 2, 2009

Cat Statistics

Posted by Jennifer Copley

How Many Owned Cats Are There in the U.S.?

  • There are nearly 9 million cats living with people in the United States.
  • About one-third of U.S. households have one or more cats.
  • More than half of all cat owners have multiple cats.
  • Idaho is the U.S. state with the highest rate of cat ownership, while New Jersey has the lowest rate.

What Percentage of Cats Are Adopted from Shelters?

  • Sadly, just 18% of owned cats are adopted from animal shelters.

How Many Owners Have Their Cats Spayed or Neutered?

  • Nearly 90% of owned cats have been spayed or neutered.

How Many Kittens Can a Cat Produce Over a Lifetime?

  • One unspayed female cat and one unneutered male cat could potentially produce up to 420,000 kittens over the course of 7 years.

What Are the Costs of Cat Ownership?

  • Cat owners spend an average of $175 for a routine veterinary visit, compared to $219 for dogs.
  • Feeding a cat costs between $150 and $200 per year.
  • Cat litter costs $100-$200 per year.
  • Total cost of cat ownership (not including extras such as treats, cat furniture, etc.) is approximately $400-$700 per year.

Additional Cat Statistics

  • More than half of all cat owners give their cats Christmas presents.
  • Cat owners purchased $100 million worth of cat treats in 1995 - 15 years prior to that, there was no real market for cat treats.
  • Nearly one-third of cat owners prominently display pictures of their cats in their homes, and 1 in 10 even carry pictures of their cats in their wallets.

These statistics from The Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Assistance League.

For more cat facts and statistics, see:



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Aug 25, 2009

Is a Ball of Yarn a Good Cat Toy?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Although cats have often been depicted playing with knitting wool or string in works of art, in reality, yarn can be a deadly plaything.

Cats have rearward-facing barbs on their tongues that facilitate grooming and tearing meat from the bone. When a cat chews on wool or even string, it’s hard for him to spit it out because it gets stuck on the barbs. In some cases, this forces the cat to keep swallowing, and swallowing pieces of wool or string can cause severe intestinal tract injuries or internal blockage.

For the same reason, owners shouldn’t leave sewing needles with thread attached lying around. Cats may chew on the thread and swallow needles by accident.

For safer cat toys, see Best Toys for Cats and How to Make Cat Toys.

For information on feline play, see The Benefits of Play Therapy for Cats and How to Play with a Cat.

Reference:

  • Christensen, Wendy, and the Staff of the Humane Society of the United States. (2002). The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York: St. Martin’s Press.



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Aug 18, 2009

How Fast Can a Cat Run?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

In contrast to dogs, which tend to run slower but have more endurance, cats are built for brief, intense sprints.

The fastest domestic cats can reach speeds of 30 miles (48 km) per hour. Lions have been clocked at 48-59 miles (77-95 km) per hour, but cannot go far at this speed before tiring.

Cheetahs, one of the fastest mammals on land, can run up to an estimated 65 miles (105 km) per hour. Impressively, cheetahs can accelerate from a standstill to 48 miles (77 km) per hour in 2 seconds.

For more cat facts, see:

Reference: Seidensticker, J., & Lumpkin, S. (2006). Cats: Smithsonian Answer Book. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books.



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Aug 11, 2009

Can You Train a Cat Not to Hunt?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

There are a number of reasons why people want to prevent their cats from hunting, including:

  • Not wanting to see small animals hurt or killed
  • Environmental concerns regarding endangered local bird populations
  • Desire to avoid conflicts with neighbours due to cats attacking pet birds or wild birds at neighbours’ feeders
  • Distaste at having to deal with dead animals brought in as gifts

Unfortunately, cats can’t be taught not to hunt. Hunting is a natural behaviour, and attempting to train a cat not to hunt is an exercise in futility. However, hunting urges can be channelled into hunting simulation play, and there are a number of ways to prevent cats from catching birds and other small animals while still enabling them to engage in hunting activities.

Keeping cats indoors prevents the killing of small animals, as well as protecting the cat from a variety of deadly hazards, but many owners are concerned that keeping cats indoors will prevent them from living natural lives. Fortunately, many animal researchers have come to believe that cats can be happy indoors as long as they’re provided with an enriched environment.

Enriched environments include features that facilitate the same types of activities as natural environments, such as feline-friendly toys, cat trees, and good scratching surfaces.

For those who want to provide the best of both worlds for their cats – indoor safety and outdoor excursions – leash training and purchasing or building cat fences or enclosures to create safe outdoor spaces are good options.



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Aug 4, 2009

What Animals Hunt Cats?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

The foremost enemies of cats have been people and tiny organisms – bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, when it comes to hunting or fighting, domestic cats are most likely to be attacked by dogs or other cats. Among carnivores, larger animals usually kill smaller ones, and among big cats, many species regularly kill the cubs of other species.

Coyotes frequently hunt bobcats and domestic cats (and smaller dogs) if they can get them, while wolves have been known to kill pumas. Domestic cats are also frequently attacked by raccoons, foxes, and even the larger avian predators such as owls and eagles.

Despite their reputation as natural enemies, cats and dogs can learn to get along well, particularly if they are raised together from the time one or both are quite young. Some cats and dogs even become the best of friends.

It’s also possible, though trickier, to introduce adult animals to one another. In this case, the key to success is controlling the dog and letting the cat take charge of the situation at her own pace, as she will be the more fearful of the two, given the size difference (the exception to this is introducing a large cat to a very small dog).

For more on cats and dogs, see Introducing a New Dog to Your Cat.

For more cat facts, see:

Reference: Seidensticker, J., & Lumpkin, S. (2006). Cats: Smithsonian Q&A: The Ultimate Question and Answer Book. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books.



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Jul 28, 2009

What Indoor Cats Need to Be Happy

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Outdoor cats face many deadly hazards, and contrary to popular belief, indoor cats can be happy if they are provided with enriched environments that fulfill their physical, social, and emotional needs. Indoor cats require:

  • Companionship – Spend quality time with the cat each day. If adopting, get two cats, preferably littermates or feline friends at a shelter, if no one will be home for a significant portion of each day.
  • Personal space and belongings – Each cat should have a bed, a place to hide (a cardboard box is good enough for this purpose), his own food and water bowls, his own litter box, feline-friendly toys, and a scratch post.
  • Opportunities for exercise and the fulfillment of chasing and pouncing urges – Simulate hunting activities through play.
  • Places to climb and perch – Purchase or build cat trees to provide climbing opportunities and high places to sit.
  • Fresh air and interesting views – Provide an enclosed cat window perch or screen in a porch or deck and put something that the cat will enjoy watching outside it, such as a bird feeder.
  • Good nutrition – Cats should be fed a high-protein diet.
  • Veterinary care – This includes required vaccinations.
  • Greenery – Having a few cat-safe plants around can create a more natural environment. In particular, cats should have a pot of cat grass to nibble, and many cats appreciate a little growing catnip as well.
  • Safe outdoor excursions – For the best of both worlds, leash train your cat for outdoor walks or purchase or build a cat enclosure.


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Jul 22, 2009

How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Each Day?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Adult cats spend approximately 65% of their time sleeping, or nearly 16 hours per day, though it's mostly a light sleep. Only 15% of their time is spent in deep sleep. Kittens, by contrast, alternate between deep sleep and being fully awake, dividing their time equally between these two states for the first few days of life, after which they gradually evolve the adult cat sleep pattern.

Why cats and people need to sleep is unknown, but sleep deprivation over the long term can be fatal, so it’s obviously important to get enough sleep. Theories that have been advanced to explain the need for sleep include:

  • Energy conservation

  • Tissue repair

  • Recharging neurotransmitter supplies

  • Learning and forming memories

There is some scientific support for the memory-forming hypothesis. Researchers have found that kittens exposed to visual stimulation during the critical period for visual development form far more brain connections during sleep than kittens that are kept awake after visual stimulation. In fact, even if they’re exposed to more hours of visual stimulation, the sleep-deprived kittens don’t form as many brain connections as those allowed to sleep after the first session of visual stimulation.

For more on sleep in cats, see Do Cats Dream? For information on sleep and dreaming in humans, see:

Reference:

  • Seidensticker, J., & Lumpkin, S. (2006). Cats: Smithsonian Q&A: The Ultimate Question and Answer Book. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books.



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Jul 21, 2009

Do Cats Seek Revenge?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

There's a common misconception that cats misbehave out of spite or a desire to get revenge on their owners. For example, many people believe that cats urinate or defecate outside the litter box because they’re angry at someone in the household.

Litter Box Problems

Cat misbehaviour is usually a means of communicating anxiety, stress, pain, or illness, though it can also be a way of saying that there’s a problem with the litter box, such as bad location, scented litter the cat dislikes, or some other issue. See Solving Litter Box Problems for information on why cats soil around the house and what to do about it.

A cat that suddenly begins urinating or defecating in areas other than the litter box should be brought in for a veterinary check-up, as a sudden shift in toilet habits can indicate a medical problem, though if anything about the box has been changed recently (i.e., type of litter, location, etc.) it may simply be that the cat is upset by the change.

Aggression in Cats

Aggressive feline behaviours such as clawing and biting are also not acts of revenge. Cats tend to be aggressive toward people when they are either afraid or in pain. Pain in particular can cause a cat to lash out when touched or petted. A veterinary check-up is necessary if a cat that previously enjoyed petting suddenly develops an aversion to being touched.

See Types of Cat Aggression for more information on why cats hiss, growl, and lash out, and Treating Aggression in Cats for solutions to the problem

Furniture Scratching and Other Destructive Behaviours

Scratching is a natural behaviour that cats need to engage in – not an attempt to destroy an owner’s prized possessions in a fit of pique. Ideally, the cat will learn to use a scratch post early on, but some cats develop an unfortunate preference for furniture or rugs. See Cats and Furniture Scratching for solutions to this common problem.

Some cats also become generally destructive, scratching everything in sight and knocking things over as they tear around the house because they are bored. Indoor cats, in particular, need an outlet for their hunting urges.

Play therapy is often effective in eliminating destructive behaviour. If the cat simply needs to run around and get some exercise, additional options include leash training to take the cat on safe outdoor excursions, buying or building a cat fence or enclosure, and purchasing or making cat trees to provide additional exercise opportunities inside.

Refusing to Eat

Cats don’t refuse food because they’re angry. There are many reasons why cats lose their appetites, including illness, problems with the food bowl or its location, or issues with the food itself. See Why Cats Refuse Food for more information.

For more on cat behaviour and communication, see Why Does My Cat Do That?



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Jul 15, 2009

How Long Is a Cat’s Pregnancy?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Gestation (pregnancy) in domestic cats normally lasts anywhere from 58-70 days, with around 65 days being the average. Consult a veterinarian if a cat’s pregnancy extends beyond 70 days.

For more on cat pregnancy, see:

For information on kittens, see:

Reference: Seidensticker, J., & Lumpkin, S. (2006). Cats: Smithsonian Q&A: The Ultimate Question and Answer Book. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books.



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Jul 14, 2009

Why Does a Tom Cat Bite a Female’s Neck While Mating?

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Female cats transport their kittens from place to place using their teeth to hold them by the scruffs of their necks. Kittens have an instinct to stay completely still when their mothers pick them up by the nape of the neck, and adult cats don’t entirely lose this innate response. The tom cat uses this neck bite to hold the female immobile and to protect himself if she decides to bite or claw him. While some find this behaviour alarming as the mating appears forced, in reality male cats only have the opportunity to mate when females allow it.

Why Do Female Cats Shriek After Mating?

The female cat’s shriek also gives the impression of a forced mating. Many have speculated that females howl at the end of a mating session because the small spines on the male cat's penis (which are required to induce ovulation in the female) cause pain as he withdraws. However, a number of experts have come to believe that the female cat’s shriek at the end of a mating session is a defensive gesture, much like the male’s neck bite. In other words, she is warning the male off in case he begins to behave in a predatory fashion because she is in a vulnerable position with his teeth clamped on her neck.

For answers to other cat behaviour questions, see Why Does My Cat Do That?

Reference: Seidensticker, J., & Lumpkin, S. (2006). Cats: Smithsonian Q&A: The Ultimate Question and Answer Book. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books.



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Jul 11, 2009

How to Find Good Medical Information Online

Posted by Jennifer Copley

Important things to look for in an online medical resource include the following:

  • The sponsoring organization is a government agency or established, credible medical center or organization.
  • Contact information is provided.
  • Articles are current (check date of publication).
  • The site is updated frequently (ideally, monthly or even weekly).
  • Sites the website links to are also credible and reliable.
  • The site is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

There are a number of websites that provide information about the credibility of various online medical resources, as well as what to look for in a medical website to ensure that you're getting timely, accurate information. Click on the following links for more information:



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Jul 9, 2009

How Young Can a Cat Have Kittens?

Posted by Jennifer Copley