Posts in Category: The Cat’s Meow

As a group, domestic felines are interesting, sharp, and physically stunning, but they’re also typecast as a pet that’s easy to care for. Felines may be perceived as less demanding of attention or even affection, although scores of individual cats do, in fact, demand (and deserve) both. This is to say that cats are sort of, well, misunderstood. Perhaps the worst gap in knowledge is around cat nutrition.

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Cats have truly unforgettable qualities, skills, and abilities. From crazy feline acrobatics to stealthy hunting madness, cats are all that and a bag of catnip-flavored chips. In light of all the wonderful things cats bring to our lives, the tenets of proper cat health can get a bit upstaged. There’s a great deal we can do to change the perception that cats are independent and self-sufficient – and it starts with these five important reminders!
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You could say that cats love Christmas, but it may be more accurate to say their “love” is really more of an obsession with Christmas trees. As far as your cat is concerned, the installation of an evergreen tree (whether natural or artificial) is a clear invitation to inspect, chew, jump, climb, and possibly take down and destroy with one pounce. This begs the question: what are your plans to deter your cat from being on or around the tree? With our holiday cat safety tips, you won’t have to scratch your head for long.

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Not all cat lovers like books, and not all book lovers like cats. But, one thing we’re certain is true: there are a special group of people out there who absolutely love both cats and books.

Cats have frequented libraries for centuries, initially to keep rodents and snakes away from precious papyrus scrolls in ancient Egypt. While their primary roles these days include creating a relaxing environment and inspiring literacy in visiting patrons, the power of library and bookstore cats prevails.

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Sometimes cats astound us with behaviors that seem to defy reason or logic. However, of all their natural and instinctive traits, kneading can be particularly confusing (or amusing) – and it endears cats to owners everywhere. So, why do cats knead? Continue…

You just sat down on the couch for a Netflix marathon when you hear it…the hacking, gagging noise from the next room. No doubt about it, feline hairballs come with the turf of cat ownership.

But what exactly is a hairball?

GAK! What’s With the Hairball?

As one might guess, a hairball or trichobezoar (the fancy word for hairball) is a wad of undigested fur along with bile or stomach fluids. Continue…

If you’ve ever heard a cat fight in the middle of the night or felt nervous about territorial marking inside your home, adopting a second cat may seem like a bad idea. We assure you, it’s not!

However, introducing a new feline – and maintaining a peaceful multi-cat household – takes careful consideration and planning. Preparation ensures that your cats will truly flourish, so you can sit back and enjoy all the extra cuddles! Continue…

Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, moving is a major undertaking. For your cat, moving may also be frightening or overwhelming. While new sights and smells are appealing, how can you best prepare your cat for such a big transition?

Moving Your Cat: Details, Details!

Moving inspires a sense of chaos that your cat may never have experienced before. Because it’s common for stressed, frightened, or irritated pets to go missing before or during a move, make sure your cat’s microchip is current and his or her ID tags are secure. Update your new contact information and ensure your phone number is easy to read. Continue…

Throughout history, there have been numerous cat myths. These erroneous beliefs have unfortunately impacted the felines with whom we share our homes and communities.

From the fanciful idea of nine lives to the “bad luck” black cat, superstitious beliefs, as we have learned, can pose risks and have a detrimental effect on how we treat cats.
Even some of the more benign ideas, such as cats preferring to be left alone, can impact their emotional and physical wellbeing.

While some of the extreme myths of previous centuries are (thankfully) laughed at now, we still have some myth-busting work ahead of us. Continue…

Many pet owners often associate heartworm disease with dogs since they are much more likely to be infected become infected than cats (1 cat for every 10 dogs infected). This is due to the fact that the physiological makeup of felines is more resistant to the invading parasites.

However, both cats and dogs are susceptible to the infection. And, in fact, an estimated 10-14% of tested shelter cats are affected. This alarming statistic has us questioning whether or not it is more prevalence than previously thought.

Because heartworm disease is deadly to cats, routine screening and a monthly heartworm preventive are strongly advised. Continue…