Cats are masters of landing on their feet, and for good reason—your pet has several physical attributes that give him great balance. Cats are known for landing on their feet, but this level of feline finesse requires some complicated physics. Thanks to their keen flexibility and a specially designed inner ear, cats are masters of landing on their feet even from the most precarious of falls. Cats have more vertebrae in their bodies than humans, allowing them to twist and turn with agility when they need to react quickly. This is especially important when your companion jumps or falls, as a cat uses his fast reflexes and flexibility to land on his feet. To do this, your pet uses his sense of sight and inner-ear balancing system to quickly determine which way is up, and then then rotates his front paws so they face downward. His lower body follows suit, allowing Kitty to quickly and seamlessly land on his feet. In addition to their flexible spines, cats have other physical traits that help them land with grace, including their small bodies, light bones, and thick fur that serves to slow falls and soften impacts. Their collarbones afford them additional flexibility, too, as these bones are free-floating in felines, unlike other mammals. If you’ve ever noticed your pet fall back-first, you probably saw him twist his front end so his paws face the ground, with his hind legs following suit. His tail helps him realign during the fall, keeping Kitty level until he makes contact with the ground. Even young kittens are adept at sticking their landings, as cats as young as seven weeks have developed an inner-ear apparatus known as the cochlea that provides a keen sense of balance. This fluid-filled feature combined with his sense of sight helps Kitty orient himself quickly when a righting reaction is needed at lightning speed. Even with their great sense of balance, however, it is important to keep cats living in upper-story apartments inside, as curious feline have been known fall out of windows attempting to chase birds or other animals. Though cats can often right their falls in less than a second, this does not mean they are immune to injuries from falling. Broken bones, missing teeth and trauma can result from a fall, sometimes with fatal results, so be sure to protect your pet by keeping windows closed. If you want to help him enjoy the outdoors safely from his home, you can invest in a perch or other accessory designed to give your pet unfettered views of his surroundings.

Cats are subtle communicators, but you can learn more about what your pet is thinking by watching his eyes. Here’s how. We’ve all watched our cats attack their favorite toys, but some observant pet parents will notice their cats’ pupils grow to the size of dinner plates during playtime. This phenomenon signals your pet is excited and is just one of many ways Kitty’s eyes give us a glimpse into what he is thinking. Cats are natural predators, so tossing and catching his favorite toy—or your sock—is something Kitty does from time to time. Wide pupils indicate your cat is excited and engaged, but they can just as easily be a sign of anxiety or fear. To understand what your pet’s large pupils mean, pay attention to what is going on around him: Is there something disrupting your cat’s day-to-day routine, such as a thunderstorm or new animal in his household? Watch for other body language, such as an arched back, that indicates your pet is feeling fearful, and give him space to calm down if he appears upset. In the same way his eyes can become the size of dinner plates, so can your cat’s pupils shrink into narrow slits. If his eyes are open in this manner, it typically indicates some sort of arousal, whether it is pleasure or fear. Again, context is key in reading what your pet’s gaze means: If he is growling or hissing, he is clearly upset. But, if Kitty’s pupils are small while relaxed next to you on the couch, his eyes indicate he is enjoying himself and ready to be approached. In addition to his pupils, your cat’s eyelids speak volumes about his mood. Pets that give you a direct state may seek to threaten you and are ready for confrontation. Avoid these cats allow them time to cool down. However, cats that simply appear alert with wide eyes are showing they trust you, especially if their gaze is follow by a cheek rub or other affection behavior. The ultimate sign of feline trust, however, is the slow blink. As the name indicates, this gesture involves a cat’s eyes partially closed with a sleepy appearance. When a cats lets his guard down like this, it shows he trusts you to the fullest. Return your pet’s slow-blink with your own slow blink display to show him the trust is mutual. Cats are subtle communications, so it can be easy to miss their body language altogether. Since Kitty cannot tell you what he is thinking, however, it is worthwhile to pause to understand his body language. Combined with context, your cat’s behavior will help you get to know your his emotional and mental states, allowing you to interact in ways that improve the bond you share with your companion.

Stomatitis is a painful swelling of your cat’s mouth and gums. Here’s everything you need to know to treat this serious condition. We’ve all heard of “cat breath,” but your pet’s malodourous mouth can be a serious cause for concern when something is wrong. In some cases, bacteria and other oral maladies can cause stomatitis, a painful inflammation of a cat’s mouth and gums. Here is what you need to know about this serious condition. Stomatitis is a severe inflammation of the mouth that in most cases leads to ulcers on the gums, tongue, lips or throat. Pets of any age can suffer from stomatitis, which if left untreated, can cause serious bleeding or infections. In most cases, veterinarians suspect dental disease to be the cause behind this condition— particularly periodontal disease, which occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate around the teeth and cause swelling. The ulcers accompanying stomatitis may form as the cat’s immune system attacks its own, infected tissue. Other medical conditions linked to stomatitis include viral infections such as leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and bartonellosis, a bacterial infection carried by fleas. Inspecting your pet’s mouth for signs of stomatitis can be tricky, as cats are reluctant to let anyone open their mouths. However, there are other signs that may indicate your pet is suffering from this painful condition. Cats with an inflamed mouth often struggle to eat or even open their mouths. Other symptoms include drooling, especially if mixed with blood; an unkempt coat; bad breath; weight loss; and pawing at the mouth or face. If you suspect your cat is suffering from stomatitis, take him to the veterinarian for diagnosis. Your vet may recommend sedation so he can complete a comprehensive examination. Basic blood work, such as a chemistry panel and complete blood count, will general show up normal in cases of stomatitis, but your veterinarian may want to check for other diseases such as FIV and bartonellosis that can cause the condition. A biopsy may be required, and dental X-rays can help your vet further explore the cause of Kitty’s dental disease. Treating stomatitis involves initial pain management as well as treatment for the underlying cause behind the condition. Because inflamed and ulcerated gums and mouth can be very painful, most veterinarians will administer medication to treat pain and swelling, as well as an antibiotic to begin fighting any infection. If periodontal disease is causing the condition, your vet will likely recommend a tooth cleaning or even removal of some teeth, as the teeth provide surfaces on which bacteria can attach and proliferate. Other underlying illnesses causing stomatitis such as bartonellosis should be treated, when possible. While Kitty is healing, feed him soft foods. In some cases, you may even need to puree canned food while your pet’s mouth is on the mend. Many cats require longer-term care that includes anti-inflammatory medications to control their condition. An at-home routine of brushing Kitty’s teeth is also recommended to reduce plaque accumulation that can cause stomatitis.

Does your cat kick with his hind legs? Bunny kicking can be both a sign of play and aggression. Here’s how to tell the difference.

 Cats sometimes “bunny kick” with their hind legs during play, but this can also be an aggressive or defensive behavior. Here are a few ways to tell the difference between your companion’s playful kicking and fighting moves.

 For those unfamiliar with the term “bunny kick,” it refers to the movement cats make when they are lying on their backs or sides and begin kicking with their hind legs. Often, pets direct these kicks at a toy during play wrestling, but in some cases, cats can also kick their owners’ hands, feet or legs. Even though it is a playful act, bunny kicking can leave us with scratches due to our lack of protective fur. It is important, then, to let your cat know you are not a play object from the start of the behavior. When he tries to kick your arm or hand, replace it with one of your cat’s toys immediately. This will teach him what is and is not an acceptable play thing, and help you avoid some unwanted scratches down the road.

 Though bunny kicks are often a part of feline play, they can also be an aggressive act. Kittens use play to develop skills they will need as adults, and this includes behavior necessary in fights. Though it may initially seem counterintuitive for a cat to roll onto his back during an attack, the position allows him to use all four sets of claws and his teeth at the same time, inflicting maximum damage on his opponent. In this posture, he can grab his adversary with his front paws, using his hind legs to kick at the exposed stomach of the other cat. Cats intended to deal a swift blow with this technique, ending the fight quickly.

 It may seem easy to tell the difference between play kicking and aggressive behavior, but it can require some careful observation on your part. If your cat bunny kicks when you go to pet him, it may mean he is trying to play. However, cats use this same behavior when feeling defensive or they want to be left alone. To tell the difference, it is important to watch your companion’s other body language. If his ears are pinned back, pupils are dilated, and tail is twitching, he is likely agitated and in need of some space. In this case, it is best to leave your cat alone for some time to calm down. If, on the other hand, Kitty seems relaxed, he is likely engaging in playful behavior and showing he is comfortable around you by exposing his vulnerable stomach. Do not take advantage of this display of comfort by reaching for a belly rub, however. Instead, give him a pat along his chin or some other, less vulnerable spot. 


Pet owners have one thing in common: We love our four-legged friends. Research is shedding light on why so many people choose to keep pets. We love our pets, but think practically about the matter, and you might begin to wonder why. Pets cost us dearly in terms of time and money, with little to offer in terms of material benefits. In fact, as recently as 100 years ago, animals served a more utilitarian role in our lives and the idea of owning a pet could be considered laughable. Despite all of this, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe choose to care for pets. Researchers have worked to unravel the intricate reasons why. Many studies have cited the health benefits of owning pets, from reducing stress to releasing feel-good endorphins. However, for every study noting pets’ benefits to humans, another finds that caring for animals can actually cause stress, largely debunking this theory. There are plenty of reasons why we cherish our pets, however. Like our canine counterparts, humans are social by nature and being part of a pack benefits us. It is easy to see how this” pack mentality” easily extends to our four-legged friends, who began to evolve alongside humans thousands of years ago. As people began to see dogs as useful in the hunt and that cats kept grain-thieving rodents at bay, the domestication of animals emerged. Our canine companions in particular evolve to be compatible with humans, as they became adept at reading and reacting to our expressions, nurturing our bond. At the same time, people who considered good with animals earned rapport among their fellow humans, as pet-keeping gave societies a leg-up on neighboring groups that lagged behind in discovering the useful role of animals. Though many societies value pet-keeping, it is important to note that not all cultures share the tradition of caring for animals as if they are family members. This offers further insight into why particular people feel such an affinity for their four-legged friends: Pet-keeping tends to be a habit passed from parents to children. Whether this is a learned behavior or embedded in genetic codes—or both—is still up for debate. However, one thing seems clear: People who come from pet-loving households are more likely to keep pets themselves. Caring for a pet may seem irrational, but examining humans’ history as a social species begins to explain the mystery behind our affinity for animals. Providing a pet with a happy home gives most people a sense of satisfaction that, compared to making another human content, is easily achieved. New research is finding that pet owners are more likely to share a concern for the natural world, too, which may provide a bridge to the environment from which we all evolved.

Most cat owners blame their pet’s saggy stomachs on snacks or spaying, but this belly flap plays a key role in feline anatomy. Many cats have saggy bellies, even if they are not overweight. While some pet parents believe a swaying stomach is caused by incisions made during spaying or neutering, this lose-fitting skin is actually an important part of your cat’s anatomy. Formally known as the primordial pouch, the feline belly flap is made of excess skin that runs the length of Kitty’s abdonmen and is most visible near his hind legs. All cats, regardless of their size or sex, have this fold, which serves several important purposes. First, the flap provides padding and protection during a fight, when cats may target each other’s vulnerable stomachs with their hind legs. Lose skin allows Kitty to break free when grabbed by an opponent or predator, making your pet’s pooch a fully functional part of his body. Kitty’s belly flap is more than a means of self-defense, however. The loose skin makes it easier for him to fully extend his body while running and aids in flexibility during other daily activities such as stretching and jumping. Researchers also believe this extra skin allows cats’ stomachs to expand when they score a big meal—an important consideration for your housecat’s wild counterparts that must hunt for their food. The size of your pet’s primordial pouch will vary according to his size, age, breed and weight. As a general rule, however, older and heavier cats have more pronounced pouches. This is a naturally occurring process as metabolism slows with age and your pet’s body begins to store excess fat. Cats that were once overweight and have shed the extra pounds also tend to have more pronounced belly flaps, as their skin stretches to accommodate excess weight. Though a saggy stomach is normal in cats, it is important to differentiate between the primordial pouch and obesity, which can harm your pet’s health. Because housecats do not need to hunt for their food, this is a common problem and one you should monitor. You can tell the difference between a primordial pouch and overweight stomach by watching your pet walk: The pouch will swing loosely and hang low, while fat stores tend to be firmer and closer to your pet’s frame. You should be able to feel your cat’s rib cage when you touch his sides, but his bones should not be visible beneath his fur. If Kitty is overweight, try adjusting his portions and engaging him in interactive play, such with a fishing pole, more regularly. The primordial pouch is an important part of your pet’s anatomy that allows him to run, jump, stretch and eat in a natural way. By keeping your cat a healthy weight and adjusting his food and activity levels accordingly, you can help ensure he lives a long and healthy life.

Just like humans, cats sometimes pass gas. While this is normal in many cases, excessive gas can be a symptom something’s wrong, from diet to disease. Cats have digestive tracts that are similar to humans’, so it is no surprise that felines sometimes pass gas. In fact, it’s perfectly normal that, as food passes through your pet’s digestive tract, excess gas is created and eventually released from his body. However, if you think your cat’s flatulence exceeds what is normal, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your pet. In addition to being a healthy byproduct of certain foods, gas can result when you pet is dealing with disease or parasites in his body. By being aware of your pet’s gastrointestinal functions, then, you can become a better parent to your pet.

 If Kitty’s flatulence is causing concern, he may have a digestive problem. To get to the root of the issue, you should bring a fecal sample to your veterinarian’s office to be examined for parasites. This is a routine test your vet should perform on an annual basis, especially for outdoor pets. If results show Kitty has some sort of internal parasites, solving his gas problem could be as easy as giving him over-the-counter dewormers or a prescription medication from your vet. If the fecal sample tests negative for parasites, however, you will need to look further to diagnose the source of his tummy troubles.

 Diet plays a major role in gas production, so it’s important to examine what your pet has been eating if his stomach seems upset. Changes in his food or even the type of treats you feed him can cause upsets to your pet’s digestion, as can eating something he shouldn’t have. Try keeping a food journal to track what morsels might be upsetting your pet’s stomach and causing gas. You can also work with your vet to try special diets that eliminate certain foods known to cause gas in cats, such as high amounts of wheat, corn, soybeans, or fiber as well as dairy.

 After ruling out parasites and diet as the sources behind Kitty’s excess gas, you need to take your pet to the vet to examine him for intestinal disease. This may involve blood tests, biopsies, or fecal sampling for bacteria. One common cause of intestinal upset is dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the good bacteria in the gut, which may be cured with probiotics. Other, more serious diseases include cancer, which is often accompanied by diarrhea. Medications can help combat this disease and its symptoms, and surgery may be necessary to remove the infected cells. 

 Before panicking about your cat’s excessive gas, take measures to improve his diet. Feed him a high-quality cat food and avoid any unnecessary changes to his diet. You can also try giving your pet probiotics to promote a healthy gut. Avoid feeding Kitty milk or other foods containing lactose, and take him to the vet for regular check-ups to catch any intestinal problems in their early stages.

Aggression doesn’t just cause rifts in your relationship with your cat, but can also lead to serious scratches, injuries and infection. Aggression is one of the most common problems cat owners face. Whether he is lashing out at you or other pets, your cat’s hostile behavior can cause serious injuries and even infection. Fortunately for owners of unfriendly felines, aggression can often be addressed by understanding the subtle signals your cat gives when he’s feeling threatened or anxious. Aggression comes in many forms but is generally defined as any harmful or threatening behavior directed toward another animal or person. In the wild, nearly all animals display aggression when protecting their territory, family, or themselves from an attack. In the case of your cat, this behavior can range from hissing and hiding to outright attacks on a perceived antagonist. Understanding your cat’s body language is key to communicating well with your pet and avoiding such attacks. When your cat is on the offense and prepared to attack, he will display several clear signs of aggression. These include a stiffened stance, pricked ears, narrowed pupils, fur standing on the edge, and a direct stare. Cats at risk of acting aggressively may also growl or move directly toward their opponent. When felines are feeling timid or defensive, however, they may tuck their heads, wraps their tails around their bodies, turn sideways to avoid directly facing their opponent, flatten their ears, or hiss. It’s important to recognize these signals, as they’re your pet’s way of saying: “Back off!” Rather than provoking him further by trying to touch, comfort, or punish your pet, simply give Kitty some space to recuperate as soon as you notice any signs of aggression. Once you recognize the signs of an agitated cat, you can begin evaluating what’s causing your pet’s hostile behavior. Take note of who he directs his aggression toward and the circumstances under which this happens. It’s also important to understand what occurred in the time leading up to your pet’s aggressive outburst and what was about to happen to your pet when he acted out. By understanding the cause of aggressive behavior, you can begin to address the problem with the help of a qualified animal behaviorist. It’s important to seek the help of a professional, as aggressive behavior in cats can be a dangerous and complex problem to address. In some cases, aggression in cats can also be caused by medical conditions such as epilepsy, arthritis, and dental disease. If your pet is displaying seemingly unwarranted aggression, take him to the veterinarian for an exam to rule out any physical causes behind this behavior.

Anytime your cat stops eating is cause for concern. Here are a few tips to help diagnose the cause of Kitty’s poor appetite. Cats are capricious by nature and there are numerous reasons why your furry friend might refuse to eat. While some are serious and potentially life threatening, others can be harmless hitches to Kitty’s daily schedule. To get your pet back in balance and address any potential threats to his health, you must first to understand what’s driving his decreased appetite. The first step to solving your cat’s loss of appetite is to rule out any issues with the food itself. Ask yourself whether you’ve switched brands recently or moved your pet’s food bowl to a new location. Cats sometime refuse to eat when their dishes are too dirty or too close together in multi-cat households, so be sure to make your pet’s feeding station inviting if he’s refusing to eat. Other issues that can affect your cat’s appetite include feeding him food that’s past its expiration date or newly opened food from a defective batch. Try tempting your cat with canned meat that has been warmed to body temperature to see if he’s simply refusing to eat due to the quality of his cuisine. If none of these tactics triumph over Kitty’s hunger strike, it’s time to take him to the veterinarian. A physical examination can help your vet diagnose the cause of your cat’s poor appetite. Be sure to note how long he’s refused to eat and make an appointment as soon as possible if your pet has been fasting for two or more days. One common physical ailment that prevents pets from eating properly is indigestion, which can be caused by eating something difficult to digest or even a hairball. Feeding your pet too many treats can also upset his stomach, so be sure to avoid overindulging Kitty. More serious physical ailments causing loss of appetite include toothaches, abscesses, tapeworms, infections, complications from diabetes, and some types of cancer. Kidney failure is another a common concern in pets that are refusing to eat—especially if they are older cats. An unexpected pregnancy can also lead to a pet’s hungry strike, so be sure to your vet marks this off the list for female cats. In addition, there are some cases where a mental, rather than physical, ailment can cause Kitty to stop eating. Try to minimize stress and anxiety by limited changes in your pet’s environment, and give him plenty of affection plus a daily dose of playtime to boost his mood and reduce separation anxiety. It’s important to note that cats’ bodies are designed to eat many small meals eat day to match their hunting lifestyle in the wild. Without these meals, your cat’s body will eventually start sending fat from its stores to the liver, where it is metabolized to produce energy. If this continues, fat can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it, which can caused a condition known as called hepatic lipidosis that can be fatal if not corrected. For these reasons, it’s important to get to the bottom of your pet’s loss of appetite promptly to ensure he lives a long and healthy life.

The Seresto collar provides up to eight months of flea and tick prevention, making it one of the most convenient and cost-effective treatments on the market. With the huge range of flea and tick treatments on the market, many pet owners turn to the most convenient and cost-effective medications to fight an infestation. That’s why the Seresto collar has become thousands of consumers’ go-to solution for pest prevention. This revolutionary flea and tick treatment provides up to eight months of protection from biting pests, protecting dogs and cats from disease and giving owners peace of mind. Manufactured by time-honored veterinary science company Bayer, Seresto contains two active ingredients that fight fleas and ticks. An insecticide proven to be highly toxic to biting insects, Imidaclopridfights fleas at both their larval and adult stages. It is found in hundreds of other pet, garden, and home products and works by binding to receptors that block pathways in the nervous system of fleas and ticks. Because it is much more effective on insects’ nerve cells than mammals’, Imidacloprid has been proven to be safe for use on dogs and cats. Bravecto’s other active ingredient, Flumethrin, also attacks the nervous system of parasites, fighting fleas in their nymph, larval and adult stages. This pesticide is found in low doses in the collar and does not pose a risk to pets or to the people around them. In fact, field trials found only a small percentage of dogs and cats faced minor side effects, such as irritation, hair loss, scratching and hair discoloration around the area of the collar. Imidacloprid and Flumethrin work together to fight fleas and ticks for up to eight months, thanks to Seresto’srevolutionary design. The active ingredients are contained in a polymer matrix that slowly releases medication from the center of the collar to its surface. Seresto begins work almost immediately on contact with an animal’s fur and skin, where it forms a thin layer of protection against fleas and ticks. This odorless and non-greasy shield prevents parasites from attaching to your pet, where they can cause allergic reactions and transmit disease. And, because Seresto’ssustained release ensures a steady, low dose of medication, your pet will receive safe protection for up to eight months from each collar. Seresto is water resistant and provides effective treatment for pets that spend a great deal of time in the water and receive regular baths. The collar has been deemed safe for use on dogs seven weeks or older, cats 10 weeks or older, and comes in several doses for dogs of varying sizes. Seresto has even been found safe for pets who chew on their collars, so you can rest assured that your companion is getting the best and longest-lasting protection from fleas and ticks.