Search Results
201 results for “pick a kitten”
Is It Normal for Cats to Swallow Kibble Without Chewing?
Cats that gulp down kibble without chewing are usually behaving perfectly normally, and it generally does not harm their digestion. This fast-eating habit is inherited from wild ancestors who swallowed prey whole to avoid losing it to rivals, while a cat's sharp, offset molars are built for tearing rather than grinding food the way human teeth do. Most modern kibble is formulated to be easily digestible, so whole swallowing is rarely a problem. However, a sudden shift to non-chewing, signs of mouth pain while eating, or undigested kibble appearing in the stool or vomit can signal dental disease or poor digestion. Choosing appropriately sized kibble, using a slow-feeder bowl, and offering chewy treats such as freeze-dried meat can encourage healthier eating. Keep an eye on your cat's habits and consult a vet if anything changes.
Foods You Should Never Feed Your Cat
Cat food is the safer choice over table scraps because it is balanced for a cat's needs, while homemade meals are hard to get nutritionally right. Some human foods are downright dangerous for cats. Allium vegetables - onion, scallion, garlic, leek - cause vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and bloody urine, and the toxins survive cooking; avocado brings similar dangers and can be fatal. Chocolate causes diarrhea and vomiting and, in quantity, sudden death. Raw eggs can trigger diarrhea, skin, and eye problems (cooked is fine); shellfish can cause skin disease; and dog food lacks taurine, so long-term feeding leads to taurine deficiency. Milk and fish are okay in small amounts, but go easy on high-magnesium dried seafood to avoid stones.
Caring for Your Cat During Spring Festival
For the holiday, plan your cat's care three ways. Staying home: stock ample dry food, extra water (evaporation and spills happen) and thick cat litter - one cat wants about three boxes; lay waterproof pads on sofa and bed in case of stress-peeing. Road trip: use a spacious airline crate (not a cat bag for long drives), let the cat adapt to it beforehand with treats and a blanket that release calming pheromones, pack pee pads and wipes, shield shy cats from view, and drive gently since cats get carsick. Boarding: ensure vaccines are current, pick a cat-dog separated, larger space, bring familiar items and pheromone gear. Not all cats suit this - under-six-month kittens, medicated or chronic cats, pregnant or post-birth cats need special care. After return, wait 2-3 days before bathing, and watch for blockage (a post-holiday high-risk period).
Reading Your Cat’s Mood Through Its Tail
Cats have far fewer facial muscles than dogs or people, so they look 'poker-faced' - attacks or escapes can seem to come from nowhere. But the tail is the open window to mood. A puffed, bristling tail means fear or threat; a tail tucked between the legs signals extreme fright and insecurity; a vertical tail with a hooked tip is a happy greeting; a high straight tail showing the rear is confident love; a gently swaying tail means 'I hear you'; and a tail lashing side to side is irritation, not joy like a dog's wag. Read the tail and you will understand the cat.
How to Choose a Staple Canned Food for Your Cat
Cats often prefer juicy canned food to dry kibble, and with so many products on the shelf, choice should go beyond taste to what actually benefits the body. A good staple can should lead with meat, list no grains or filler gums, and carry useful extras such as green-lipped mussel for joints or controlled additives. High meat content (around 90 percent or more) with balanced protein supports muscle, while a little added fiber can help cats with soft stools. Reading the label for meat percentage, gum and grain content, and supplement profile is the reliable way to pick a healthy everyday can.
What New Cat Owners Should Know
Bringing a cat home is joy and responsibility, so prepare mentally as well as materially. Night activity, shedding, scratches, and curiosity are all part of cat life. This guide covers the realistic expectations, the gear to buy, and the steps after adoption: quarantine windows, vaccines, warmth, and the right time to neuter.
How to Tell If a Cat and Dog Can Live Together
Cats and dogs fight mainly because of their natures, so owners who want both should understand why they clash before helping them get along. Cats are solitary and wary, dogs are social and curious, and a dog's size and prey drive can frighten a cat. Their body language also differs: a dog's wagging tail is friendly, but a cat's is a warning. They also compete for food and attention. The good news is many learn to coexist with patience: raise them young together, give each its own safe space and feeding area, swap scents first, choose calm breeds, and stay neutral as the owner.
Two Ways to Protect Your Cat from Parasites
Parasites can pass from cats to people, so take them seriously. Spot them by symptoms like poor coat, pale gums, lethargy, and visible worms in stool or around the anus, and by checking bedding. Prevent by keeping cats indoors, cleaning the home against fleas and ticks, feeding balanced food, and applying topical dewormer every three months, dropped on the skin not the fur.
Key Points Not to Ignore When Feeding Cats
Feeding a cat well means more than good food. Not all cats digest milk, so skip it. Cats are picky and bored by the same kibble, so change diet slowly over days. Tempt a refusenik with freeze-dried treats, but don't overdo it. Offer complete balanced food, wash bowls, and for kittens add a little meat weekly and soften kibble with warm water.
Why Does Your Cat Keep Licking You?
Cats lick themselves to clean, lick other cats to bond, and lick you for a mix of reasons. A cat's tongue is a built-in comb, but when it turns to you it may be tasting something interesting, showing deep trust, soothing anxiety, or even trying to clean what it sees as a dirty owner. Sudden compulsive licking can signal stress and is worth a closer look.