Cats are curious, and natural climbers. For some cats, this is a risky combination. Cats often find ascending a breeze; it is descending that can be the hard part. This is especially true for kittens…
So-called "designer dogs," the offspring of two different purebred dogs, are becoming increasingly popular with pet-owners. Dogs resulting from this type of hybrid breeding typically have a…
When an animal is referred to as endangered, this usually means there is a danger of the species from disappearing from the Earth if situations do not improve. Those that may soon be endangered are…
Inappropriate elimination can make any cat owner's life a true nightmare, especially when it involves feces. Cats instinctively choose soft, grainy materials in out-of-the-way places to do their…
The Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) recognizes 41 pedigreed breeds. One of the oldest is the American Shorthair, which, along with the Abyssinian, Burmese, Manx and Persian, was one of the first five…
Cats are carnivores and are hard-wired from birth to hunt. Even indoor cats have the urge to chase and pounce, which is why they love to play with prey-shaped toys and moving objects, like laser…
Trainers previously believed that teaching your pet exact protocols--such as eating after owner, walking behind owner and staying off furniture--reduced behavior problems. However, as more pets become…
A minority of cats show a tendency to chew on foreign objects. Not every chewing behavior is fully understood. Veterinarians and behaviorists sometimes cannot resolve the issue, although medications…
Feline hyperesthesia disorder, sometimes referred to as rolling skin syndrome, is not well understood. When a cat has FHS, symptoms will include the pet seeming to hallucinate, having manic,…
Aggressive cats can be difficult to deal with and even dangerous. If other techniques have failed to control the behavior, medication might help aggressive cats become more pleasant (and safer)…
Feline dementia is a condition that affects older cats. Feline dementia is also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and is treatable under the care of an experienced veterinarian.
As much as we love our cats and dogs, there are times when their poor behavior can make them difficult to live with. In some cases, the behavior can be corrected with a combination of training and the…
If you are expecting a baby, you know your life is going to change drastically in a few short months--to some extent, it probably already has. But there is no reason for these changes to include…
Cats commonly can be seen chewing and eating grass, which can often be misconstrued as an unusual behavior, as the nutritional value from grass and plants is minimal at best to cats. If the behavior…
For most cats, growling is used as a way to signal to any other creature around them they are aggravated and should not be messed with. Some cats growl more than others, but there are a few who seem…
Feline dementia, also called feline cognitive dysfunction, is a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. It affects mostly cats over the age of 11, with the chance of developing the…
There's a reason we have the term "cat fight." Cats are territorial animals who don't always like sharing their space with other cats, and they aren't shy about making their unhappiness known. Cats…
Maybe you never meant to own multiple cats; you were happy with your single feline. But then that sweet tabby stray needed a home, and your neighbor moved to Dubai and couldn't take his Siamese.…
Cats are not pack animals. For that reason, dominance behavior in cats is typically limited to resource guarding and territorial behavior. Cats may attack if they feel that their territory has been…
Cats are natural stalkers and hunters. A cat that doesn't get the chance to chase birds and squirrels may decide it wants to "catch" your feet instead. Fortunately, cats are quite easy to discourage.…
Cats have long been regarded as mysterious creatures, but they are just like other animals in that they have behavior patterns that are readable by humans, letting you know whether the cat is happy,…
A cat that beats up on another cat in the household can disrupt the peace for everyone. Cat aggression between two cats is often the result of territorial disputes, dominance issues or fear. Often it…
While owning a cat can provide lots of joy and companionship, it can also provide a few headaches if your cat displays undesirable behavior. Typical unwanted actions can include scratching in…
Many people believe cats are ideal pets because of their independence and playfulness. Cats are born with instinctive predatory activities and behavior that can create problems for their human…
Dogs and cats may exhibit jealousy toward any other individual who takes your attention away from them. This jealousy may extend to spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, babies and even other pets. The…
Many cats need surgery at some point in their lives, including routine spay/neuter surgeries and dental cleanings. Veterinary anesthesia today is very safe, but there are risks. Some cats also…
Ever wonder why your cat sleeps all day and wreaks havoc at night? Or why she purrs at you but hisses at your friends? Your cat's behavior is based on her nature as a solitary, semi-nocturnal hunter.
Rabies vaccinations are not required for cats, and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine says "the number of reported feline rabies cases in the United States far exceeds that of dogs…
Startle or aversion tactics correct a dog that is misbehaving at times when the owner is not present to intervene. These tactics work by stopping behavior with sudden, loud or unpleasant sound or…
Cats are creatures of habit, and once your cat has started pooping outside the litter box it can be difficult to change her ways. There are a few common causes for cats pooping on the floor, most of…
Suckling is a normal action by kittens when feeding on their mothers, but some cats will continue to suckle after being weaned. That often happens when kittens are weaned too early, so the kitten…
Senility in cats is a condition, similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, which causes a decline in mental function in older cats. Cats suffering from feline senility exhibit behavioral changes and…
Cats spend up to a quarter of their waking hours grooming. Some overdo it and compulsively create symmetrically bald or closely "mowed" patches by licking, biting or chewing their fur. This is called…
Cats can be our cuddly best friends who love us unconditionally. They can bring humor and love into our lives, and we can admire their independence and regal demeanor. But when a house cat is afraid,…
Have you ever seen your cat burrow his head in the couch or covers and start kneading his paws into the soft surface? There is a very good reason why this happens. You may have thought it was pretty…
Many a cat owner has come upon a completely unexpected litter of newborn kittens in their home or yard because they never suspected their female cat was pregnant. Cat pregnancies are relatively short…
Cats are unique and curious creatures. As any first time cat owner will quickly discover, these feline friends have a very interesting, and often perplexing, set of behaviors. If you are unfamiliar…
Cats are wonderful creatures, but their behavior can be somewhat of a mystery at times. They seem to have mood swings that turn from loveable to aloof. Cats will seek your attention when they want it…
Bringing a second cat into your family can add love and companionship for both you and your old cat, but that doesn't mean your old cat might not get upset. With a little time and a lot of patience,…
Cats explore everything often to the consternation of their owners. Because of their tendency to do whatever they wish, cats often climb on counter tops and furniture where their owners don't want…
If you don't understand cats, you may think they are a bit strange. Read on for a list of common things you should know about your cat and why he may behave as he does.
Some cats like to suck, lick and chew on items such as wool and other fabrics and items. This behavior is commonly known as wool sucking because this tends to be the material most cats prefer. Experts…
Learn to think like a feline and you won't be puzzled by a meow again. Perhaps the kitty is trying to tell you to fill her food bowl or to get rid of the dog, but whatever your cat communicates,…
Cats display many fascinating behaviors, and it's important as a cat owner to learn the meaning behind their body language and habits. Understanding their actions will make you a better owner as you…
Petting a cat is not only pleasurable and beneficial for the cat, but numerous studies have proven that it's good for the person who's doing the petting too. Both parties reap the benefits of lower…