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.

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.

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.

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.

We all know some people experience mental decline with age, but many pet owners are surprised to learn that cats can also be affected by feline senile dementia.​ Just like humans, cats experience changes to their physical and mental health as they age. Among these are feline senile dementia, which affects brain function in some senior cats. Recognizing the signs of feline senile dementia in your pet is important, as knowing the symptoms can help you make lifestyle changes that slow the progress of the disease and increase your pet’s quality of life. Much like their human counterparts, our cats can experience dementia as they age. Also known as cognitive dysfunction system, or CDS, this impairment to the mental processes can manifest itself in many ways, from affecting a cat’s ability to learn and remember to altering his awareness of his surroundings. In some cases, cats experiencing CDS become anxious or afraid, leading to the seemingly gratuitous yowling observed in some older cats. Often, pet owners are perplexed when symptoms of CDS first appear, but there are a few signs that can clue you in when your cat is experiencing the onset of feline senile dementia. Look for changes in his grooming habits and especially an unkempt coat, shifts in his sleeping patterns or overall lethargy, increased irritability or anxiety, fluctuations in Kitty’s activity levels, general disorientation or confusion, and increased instances of incessant yowling. It’s important to note that these can all be symptoms of a host of other feline health concerns, so it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian to rule out arthritis, hearing problems and other causes behind your cat’s behavioral changes if he’s exhibiting symptoms of CDS. Once your vet has ruled out other issues, you can begin taking special care of your pet knowing he’s experiencing the onset feline senile dementia. While there is no cure for CDS, you can help your pet maintain his quality of life with a few simple changes. Keep up his brain and motor function by ensuring Kitty gets plenty of physical and mental exercise each day. Playing with your cat each day has been shown to slow the onset of symptoms, so invest in a fishing pole or other interactive toy for your pet. As a general rule, cats do not like change, and this applies doubly to pets experiencing feline senile dementia. Try to move your cat’s food and water bowls, litter box, and even your furniture as little as possible to reduce stress on your pet. Likewise, it helps to feed Kitty at the same time each day. If your pet ventures outdoors, try to limit his time outside to reduce the chances he’ll get lost, too. These small changes should serve you and your cat well into his senior years. However, pets experience severe cases of feline senile dementia may need extra help. If your pet is having trouble finding his water dish or litter box, consider adding more around the house. Take your cat to the vet for checkups more often – about twice a year – to ensure no other health problems. While it can be difficult to care for an aging pet, making a few simple modifications to your cat’s daily routine can help combat the impacts of CDS, ensuring he stays happy and healthy well into old age.

Caring for pets is a uniquely human behavior and researchers have struggled to explain why humans are so close to their companions.  According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey, 68 percent of U.S. households own at least one pet. It’s clear that we love our four-legged friends, but researchers have struggled to explain why humans are so close to their companions. Whatever the reason, however, we’re unlikely to give up our roles as pet parents anytime soon.   It’s unclear how far back into history humans began keeping pets. Thousands of year ago, our ancestors likely discovered wolves’ utility as hunting companions, leading them to domesticate young pups. Cats share a similar history with humans, which may have begun when our ancestors starting farming and storing grains. As felines took to hunting the rodents that frequented granaries, farmers were likely to reward the cats for their work with food scraps, reinforcing a mutually beneficial relationship. Gradually, these animals became tamer and wolves evolved into dogs, though cats retained more of their original nature. According to a 2015 study published in “Current Biology,” ancestors to our modern-day dogs may have evolved from wolves as early as 27,000 years ago, pointing to a long history alongside humans.   At some point, humans began actively keep pets as companions. It’s a tradition in many cultures, and a strange practice when one considers the costs of caring for animals compared to the relative lack of benefits. Though our four-legged friends provide companionship, they also require time-consuming care, costly food, and regular veterinary visits. Several theories have attempted to explain why this seemingly impractical partnership is a mainstay in many societies. Some propose that pets increase our longevity and quality of life, though these theories have been largely debunked by scientific research. Others theorize that in the past, sharing our lives with animals was beneficial and we evolved together in a partnership that remains today. Culture plays a large role in our penchant for keeping pets, so other theories suggest pet ownership is a learned behavior. Not all societies raise pets and some that do keep them strictly for utilitarian purposes or treat them in ways that others view as inhumane. There is some evidence to backs theory, as an analysis of American Kennel Club registrations published in “Animal Behavior and Cognition” showed. Researchers found fluctuations in popularity of different breeds of dogs that implied pet owners’ choices follow those of their peers. Whatever the reason, however, data back what every pet owner already knows: We love our four-legged friends, regardless of the time and resources it takes to care for them.

Our felines bite for a variety of reasons. It’s important to understand the root of the problem before you can address Kitty’s behavior.  Whether it’s a playful nibble or a serious clip, biting is a problem behavior in cats. Our felines bite for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to understand the root of the problem before you can address Kitty’s behavior.   From social play to a means of getting attention, biting serves a range of functions for cats. Especially in kittens, biting is used as a non-aggressive part of playtime, but this can become a problem when Kitty gets overzealous and bites too hard on a human. Biting can also be used to show dominance, however, and it’s important to distinguish between the two. Some telltale signs that your cat is challenging you for the lead role in the home include aggressive displays such as growling or hissing that accompany his biting. If your pet does this, or biting isn’t accompanied by playful behavior or cuddling, you can be sure he’s trying to show he’s in charge. Some cats also prefer a friendly nibble to meow when they want your attention. If your cat bites and then attempts to lead you to the food bowl, a door he wants to be opened or a litter box that needs cleaning, he is most likely using biting as a form of communication. Cats may also meow after a nibble if the behavior is meant to get your attention.   Whatever is causing your cat to bite, most owners agree it’s not a desirable behavior. Once you have determined the cause of Kitty’s biting, you can address the behavior. Cats that are simply trying to play will benefit from a variety of toys and new objects to investigate, such as paper bags or cardboard boxes. Playing with your cat for at least a few minutes each day using a fishing pole or other toy will also help curb his biting—as long as you don’t let him treat your hands like a toy. If your cat becomes too rough, put him in “time out” by immediately ending the game, so he will learn boundaries over time. Cats that are biting to show dominance require a more disciplined approach. Use a louder, firm tone to show your cat you are in charge at home and, if he’s not already neutered, consider getting your pet fixed, as unneutered males tend to be the most dominant cats. If your pet is simply biting to get your attention, however, the best response is to ignore him. Eventually, Kitty will learn that biting does not earn him the attention he needs and will try a different approach.   When training a cat not to bite, consistency is crucial. While biting can often be cute or playful, especially in kittens, you should never encourage this behavior. Your cat is less unlikely to understand the difference between different types of biting, so treat all biting the same by discouraging the behavior. Remember, never physically punish your cat for biting, as this can only escalate rough play or lead to fearful aggression from your pet.  

A huge range of flea treatments is available these days, but sometimes infestations spread beyond the help of topical treatments. You can treat your pet for fleas religiously, but dogs with flea sensitivity will not respond to treatments unless they also include environmental controls. If your companion spends a good deal of time outdoors, it’s important to treat these areas to manage for fleas and other pests.   When making a list of steps you should take in addressing Fido’s outdoor flea problem, you should first account for which areas need treating. These should include any spot where your pet sleeps, such as his doghouse, kennel, carport, and even under the deck. Other areas to be treated include moist, shady spot where fleas breed; gardens; shrubs; and mulched areas. To rid these areas of fleas, many pet owners use pyrethroid sprays famous for killing fleas and ticks fast. These can be applied through a sprayer attached to a hose, allowing rapid treatment of large areas, or can be diluted and applied with a watering can on smaller spaces. Make sure to remove any pet or children’s toys before beginning this process.   Although pyrethroids are chemical imitations of pyrethrins—naturally occurring compounds that incapacitate insect nervous systems—not all pet owners are comfortable spraying them in their yards. Alternatives include desiccants, which are naturally occurring substances that pull water from fleas, causing them to dry up. Diatomaceous earth, silica gel, and sodium borate are all desiccants that can be applied in your yard to control fleas and other pests. Another natural solution to outdoor flea infestations are beneficial nematodes. Microscopic roundworms available at many garden centers, nematodes kill pests and other insects by entering the body and releasing a bacteria that kills fleas quickly. While they can be highly effective in some situations, nematodes have a limited area and season of usefulness, as they die in temperatures above 95 Fahrenheit and below 45, and are sensitive to light and drought. Cedar wood chips are another natural alternative to fighting fleas, as fleas are repelled by their scent. Sprinkle chips in shady areas, such as under the porch, and in dog bedding and outdoor furniture.   To keep a serious flea infestation at bay, repeat your outdoor treatment every two to three weeks, for at least six weeks. Once your pest problem is under control, you can drop to regular maintenance treatments every four to six weeks throughout the flea season. You should continue using your regular flea treatments on all of your pets throughout the process, and be sure to consult your veterinarian before treating your yard to make sure your pest prevention program won’t harm you or your canine companion.

Everybody keep their cat safe, but sometimes staying indoors can cause Kitty to become bored or under-stimulated. Things to do if your cat wakes you up at night If you’re the owner of a precocious feline, chances are you don’t need an alarm clock. That’s because, even with intermittent changes to your daily routine, your pet is tuned in to your schedule. By learning when to expect his breakfast, when you to return from work, and the timing of other daily events, your cat is better able to manage his own schedule—which can be a good or bad thing for weary pet owners.   Cats in the wild have an internal clock that helps regulate when they sleep, hunt and perform other activities. Domesticated felines retain this internal clock, adjusting their schedules to fit our own. When we wake up at the same time each morning to give our pets breakfast, this reinforces that schedule—and when we don’t, our pets often stir us in anticipation of their morning meal. In some cases, Kitty’s get-up-and-go behavior affects your ability to sleep, meaning you may need to take measures to manage his schedule.   Often, when cats become excessively needy and disrupt our sleep, it’s because they’re bored. While keeping cats indoors protects them from dangers such as predators and disease, it can also lead to under-stimulated pets. By waking you up, then, your cat is able to alleviate his boredom through social interaction and often, a tasty snack. The first step in reshaping your cat’s nighttime behavior, then, is to provide him with plenty of stimulation before bed. Engage your pet in “hunting” with interactive toys such as fishing poles and feed him his final meal before you’re ready for bed. You may also want to consider ways to make Kitty’s environment more stimulating, such as creating opportunities for exploring, climbing and hiding and rotating new objects like paper bags into his environment for him to explore. You could even consider installing a bird feeder outside of an easily accessed window or getting a second cat as a companion pet.   Though our cats get used to our schedules, there are some tricks to help Kitty adjust when your routine changes. If you need to start going to sleep earlier, for example, feed and play with your pet earlier in the evening. If a new job affects what time you can feed your pet, try leaving him with a “puzzle toy” feeder between meals, which will help keep his brain busy while providing him with tasty treats. During the adjustment period, you can try confining your pet to another room while you sleep, or invest in earplugs or a white noise machine to minimize your pet’s disruptions.   Remember, cats that are left alone for long periods of time will be more likely to seek your attention when you’re home at night. By giving your pet plenty of stimulation and attention before bed, you can help both of you get a good night’s rest.

Cats use their urine to mark their space, a practice known as spraying. You can try some tricks to minimise this behavior. Since they can’t be in several places at one time, cats use scent-based ways to mark their territory. While most marking is done through rubbing or scratching, issues can arise when Kitty decides to mark his space with urine in, a practice known as spraying. Fortunately, there are several ways to curb this unwanted behavior in housecats.   The first step to solving your cat’s spraying problem to determine whether he is truly spraying or if he’s simply urinating outside the litter box. When spraying, cats tend to stand upright and eliminate a small amount of urine on vertical surfaces. Cats that are just urinating, however, generally squat and eliminate larger amounts on a horizontal surface. While there are a number of reasons cats urinate outside of their litter boxes—everything from an unclean box to litter they don’t like or an insecure location—spraying is a tool for communicating via smell. Once you’ve determined your cat is, in fact, spraying, you can begin to address the problem.   While unneutered males are the most common culprits behind spraying, any cat can spray when marking his territory or if he feels anxious or threatened. Hormones play a big role in spraying, so the first step to curbing the problem is to spay or neuter your pet. Next, determine what is causing Kitty’s anxiety. Any number of environmental factors can stress out your cat and lead to spraying. If there is a stray cat outside, for example, your pet may mark near doors to establish the home as his territory. Introducing a new pet to the household or tension with an existing pet can be another source of stress that causes spraying. Watch your pet closely to determine the reason behind his behavior and then work on ways to address it, such as separating rival pets or limiting your cat’s view of outside animals with window blinds.   Another key step to stop your cat from spraying is to clean any areas or objects that have already been marked. The residual odor can prompt your pet to mark the same spot again, so use enzymatic cleaners to eliminate smells. You can also use soothing products that mimic feline pheromones, such as Feliway, in areas your cat has marked or as a plug-in diffuser for the entire room. These synthetic products mimic the pheromones your cat leaves behind when he rubs his faces against you or your furniture, marking the territory as safe and secure. You may want to add more litter boxes to multi-cat households and give your cat toys to help him expel excess energy and distract him from the source of his stress. Form positive associations with the problem area by playing with your cat there, petting him, or even feeding him in spot he has sprayed. With some time and effort, you should be able to stop your cat’s unwanted marking, though you can always seek your veterinarian’s help if the problem persists.