Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I didn’t have a boring life before adopting Olga, but she has entertained me for almost eight years. When studying cat behavior, we often connect their actions to instincts. Their aversion to water is attributed to their desert origins, and their fondness for playing with toys is related to their predatory instincts, but is their sense of humor instinctual?

Comedic Cats

I think most felines have a sense of humor, and it’s hard to argue that they don’t appreciate physical comedy. Olga doesn’t laugh or smile, but she gets a kick out of knocking my glasses off the shelf above my bed, especially if they land on my face. She attacks inanimate objects when she’s hungry and wants attention, but sometimes, she does it for entertainment.

The other day, she was sitting in my lap, half asleep, while I was working on the computer. She lazily stretched her left paw out and pushed a pen off my desk. Irritating me isn’t instinctual, but Olga is amused by it and enjoys laughing (internally) at my expense. She wouldn’t be the same cat without her sense of humor, and I probably wouldn’t enjoy living with her.

Slamming Doors

Erratic behavior isn’t unusual in cats, but until I adopted Olga, I didn’t think opening and slamming doors was a source of feline entertainment. She loves squeezing her body into the narrow gap between the door and wall, standing on her hind legs, and pushing the door closed with her front legs. She can grab the door handle and pull the door open, but she struggles sometimes.

She screams if she cannot open the door and increases the volume if I ignore her. When I open the door, she howls at me and runs away. Most cats don’t like trapping themselves in a room. After the first experience, they’re unlikely to repeat it, but Olga is a goofball. She’ll wait a few minutes before running into another room and slamming the door.

If I play a joke on her and lock the door, she’ll scratch the carpet by the door and whine. After I ignore her, she’ll start ramming the door. She’s a little cat but sounds like a bull or a battering ram. Although her cries sound urgent, and she looks upset when the door opens, she doesn’t relent and finds another door to attack. Her behavior isn’t instinctual, and she wouldn’t repeatedly slam the door if it didn’t amuse her.

Sources of Amusement

As young kittens, cats are entertained by their siblings and parents and eventually by their owners. If they live in a shelter, they lose their sense of humor unless they’re adopted. Feral cats probably aren’t as concerned about entertainment since they’re often in pain from injuries and disease, but at least those living in colonies can bask in their communal despair.

Cats like Olga are lucky they can experience joy and humor. We are the primary source of comedy for our cats, and without us, they would revert to being humorless predators.

The post Do Cats Have a Sense of Humor: Olga’s Comedic Ways by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Cats find creative ways to get our attention, but some of their techniques are more cunning than others. Although dogs are more famous for their begging skills than cats, Olga has developed a system that encourages me to feed her earlier than her usual dinnertime. It was unnecessary before I worked at home, and over the years, she’s modified her methods.

Most pet cats, even the affectionate ones, are somewhat manipulative. Their instincts influence their behavior, but their intelligence helps them discover new ways to irritate their owners. In the wild, they don’t need to beg or depend on humans for food or entertainment.

They may devise a plan to steal a rodent’s carcass from a littermate, but most felines, except those in feral colonies, are solitary hunters. Wild cats don’t need to be manipulative, but housecats have learned to prey on our emotions.

They haven’t been domesticated for as long as dogs, but the recently discovered grave of an 8-month-old cat buried next to their owner in Cyprus suggests cats have been annoying humans for nearly 10,000 years. Like her ancestors, Olga knows how to influence people and makes Dale Carnegie proud.

If she wants to sit on the windowsill, she starts by grinding her claws on the wood molding. Then, she stands on her hind legs and hits the blinds. If I don’t open the blinds and let her sit down, she escalates her attack by jamming a paw into the blind and slamming it back and forth into the wall. If I shout or tell her to stop, she backs off momentarily before resuming the mischief.

She knows I have a breaking point, and even if I chase her away from the window, she won’t relent until I pull the blinds up. Her begging routine is subtle at first, but as her hunger grows, she becomes more impatient and bolder. Her normal dinnertime is around 5 PM, but the subtle begging begins around 2:30. She wakes up from her 10th nap of the day, sits near the entrance to my office, and stares at me.

After an hour of ignoring her, she’ll move closer and sit on the windowsill since it’s to the left of my computer screen. I can see her glare in my peripheral vision when I’m typing, but I’ve learned to ignore her and avoid eye contact. She’ll grunt and stand up if I return her stare, and eventually, she’ll get tired of waiting and find other ways to grab my attention. She’ll run into the bathroom, jump in the bathtub, and howl.

I didn’t think cats were intelligent enough to understand the principles of acoustics, but Olga knows that her voice is amplified when she screams in the tub. Next, she jumps on the sink and knocks my toothpaste or contact lens case on the floor. I respect her for trying the gentle approach before resorting to violence, and while I don’t like to be manipulated by humans, I don’t mind when Olga is devious.

The post Are Cats Manipulative? Olga’s Manipulation Skills by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Ignoring your cat is often necessary when working, talking on the phone, or making dinner. Typically, most cats aren’t fond of what they consider neglect and are not shy about expressing frustration. Several years ago, my Siamese cat learned how to turn off my Xbox when my online sessions lasted too long. Since the digital power button was overly sensitive, he only had to touch it with his nose to end my fun and regain his status as the center of attention.

Olga’s Patience

Patience isn’t usually one of Olga’s virtues, but she’s uncharacteristically calm when I’m on the phone. She’ll sit nearby and stare if my conversation drags on, but she doesn’t jump in my lap or destroy the furniture. She looks irritated if I get off the phone and get another call, but she’s much calmer than when I ignore her while working on the computer.

However, she’s a little bothered by video calls and doesn’t think human voices should emanate from a computer screen. If she is sitting by my chair when a video chat starts, she’ll run off to the living room. I think the sound quality is okay, but the pitch or timbre bothers Olga, and she reacts similarly to YouTube videos. Of course, I understand her reaction to online videos since some have horrendous soundtracks.

Loud Talkers

The sound of a muffled voice from my phone may also irritate her since she doesn’t sit too close when waiting for the call to end. Most of my friends and some of my relatives are high-decibel conversationalists, and I’m sure with her enhanced hearing, she’s happy to keep her distance.

I’m surprised she understands that I’m talking to someone else, but like most healthy cats and dogs, she can hear the other person’s voice and knows my attention is focused on them. I don’t understand why she’s so considerate and avoids bothering me when I talk for too long. If I’m doing anything else, like reading or writing, her patience is thin.

Low-Decibel Meows

My Siamese cat wasn’t as accommodating when I ignored him, and after enduring his screaming, I eventually ended my phone calls. Even if Olga cried the entire time I was on the phone, she wouldn’t be as disruptive as my Siamese. She doesn’t have a powerful meow and only cries constantly when confined to the carrier.

As I mentioned in one of my other articles, I didn’t think Olga could make a sound when she was a kitten. She used to open her mouth to cry, especially when I was prepping food in the kitchen, but no sound would come out. Eventually, she made a little noise, but the sounds were more like “squeaks” than “meows.”

I wondered if she was crossbred with a large rodent until I heard her scream for the first time. I’m glad she’s not a silent cat, and I’m also happy she’s so polite when I’m on the phone, even though it seems out of character for her.

The post How Cats React When You’re on the Phone: Olga Is Patient by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Several of my friends and colleagues have multiple pets, and I’ve often considered adopting a cat or dog to entertain Olga and keep her company when I’m away. When I was growing up, my family had a Cocker Spaniel, and I had a Parakeet, but that was the only time I cared for more than one pet. Honestly, my parents did most of the hard work, like taking them to veterinary appointments, since I was a lazy, selfish kid.

Cat Lover or Cat Hoarder?

I respect pet owners who love and properly care for numerous animals, and I’ve known a few “crazy cat ladies” with healthy, energetic felines, but I’ve also encountered cat hoarders. I won’t discuss the psychological aspects of hoarding, but regarding cat hoarding, the number of cats is less important than their health or the condition of their environment.

The Pungent Residence

In college, I visited an old friend who had recently moved into a small house with two roommates and at least 20 cats. I didn’t see any felines when I walked in, but the ammonia odor was overpowering and made me gag. When I walked into the kitchen, the smell of feces became more prominent, and it seemed to be battling the urine aroma for dominance.

The kitchen was a horror show I cannot erase from my memory. Most of the cats were sitting near the overflowing litter box; some were on the tables, chairs, and counters, and one was resting on the refrigerator. The kitchen floors and counters were covered with excrement, and I had to leave because the odor was so pungent. It’s an extreme example of cat hoarding, but I don’t think it’s uncommon.

Transitioning from Pet Parent to Hoarder

Most cat owners have good intentions when they want to rescue as many cats as possible; they don’t aspire to be hoarders. They start with a few cats, but they frequently check online ads from rescue centers and shelters, and they eventually give in and adopt more. It’s hard for them to ignore the photos they receive daily of needy, adorable cats.

However, as they add more cats, caring for them and giving them attention becomes more challenging. Like people, some cats aren’t happy to share their homes with strangers, and fighting is more likely to occur when several animals share a small territory.

Unsustainable Environment

Vaccinating 20 cats and ensuring they visit the vet every year is expensive, and most cat hoarders, at least the ones I’ve met, avoid the vet unless one of their cats is severely injured. They may be better off in a crowded house than in a tiny cage at a shelter, but they won’t live as long or be as happy or healthy as other pet cats in more favorable environments.

Most states don’t limit the number of cats you can own as long as you can care for them, and they’re not a threat to public safety. Cities are more restrictive, but hoarders are rarely fined unless they have dozens of felines and the neighbors notify the authorities.

I’m okay with caring for one cat, but I like visiting friends with several cats and dogs. It’s nice to have a colony of animals following you and begging for your attention. It’s only a problem when the home becomes unsanitary and smells like a landfill.

The post Cat Hoarding: How It Starts by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Taking a vacation is more complicated when your cat joins you. Most rental properties only allow dogs, and fewer hotels with pet-friendly policies allow cats. Campsites are also more accepting of canines, but if your cat loves to travel with you, you can find cat-friendly accommodation if you search hard enough.

Feline Restrictions

It may seem odd that property managers consider cats more destructive than dogs, but dogs are less likely to make a mess because they don’t use a litter box. They’re also not as fond of scratching furniture, which is probably the primary reason for the cats’ exclusion. Olga isn’t a traveling cat and doesn’t enjoy leaving the house, even for a walk in the backyard.

I wish I could take her on vacation, but I don’t want her to be miserable, and I don’t think she would enjoy a trip to the beach or mountains. I don’t know many cats that are happy travelers, but I have a few friends who have taken their cats camping. Their cats are more adventurous than Olga and aren’t shy around unfamiliar humans.

Olga and the Great Outdoors

If she were confined to a tent, Olga would have an anxiety attack and probably claw her way out. She’s never been in one, but she hates closed doors and knows how to open them, as long as they’re unlocked. She couldn’t join me on most hiking trails, especially the ones that allow dogs, because she’s not leash-trained or used to being in the wilderness.

Some cats are more suitable for traveling than others, and if you want to take your cat on vacation, it’s best to leash-train them and get them used to traveling in a carrier. Training a cat to walk on a leash requires more patience than training a dog, but it’s possible. Cats aren’t eager to please humans and don’t share the long history of working beside humans like dogs.

Training Cats

Although they have an enhanced sense of smell and may be able to detect illnesses in humans, cats aren’t as receptive to training as dogs, which is one reason you don’t see them searching for corpses, drugs, or explosives. They’re not stubborn or untrainable, but most people cannot dedicate several hours a day to teaching cats advanced commands and tricks.

Training your cat will help you handle them when vacationing, but some personalities are better suited to traveling. Shy cats are not happy travelers, but outgoing felines who love interacting with strange humans and animals are ideal. My Siamese cat was a much better traveler than Olga, and several years ago, I took him with me to the beach.

I had to give him IV injections to treat his kidney disease, and I didn’t want to leave him home and rely on someone else to treat him. He was happy to join me and the family at the beach house and seemed to have a great time. Olga would rather stay home and have one of my friends take care of her, and I’m okay with that. Sometimes, cats like Olga need a vacation from us.

The post Vacationing With Your Cat: Olga’s Preference by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Dressing up cats and dogs is a common practice, and if you’re the lucky owner of a successful feline or canine influencer, it’s pretty lucrative. Sometimes, it’s more entertaining to view photos and videos of animals than ones with humans, and I’ll admit that a Bulldog dressed like a biker in the 1950s is amusing.

However, animals are not free to choose whether they want to wear clothes. Some don’t seem uncomfortable, but most, even the ones featured in online ads for pet products, look sad and irritated. I don’t think it’s cruel to dress up pets for photos or special occasions as long as they only wear the clothes for a few minutes.

Pet Fashion

Several photos are hilarious, but I don’t like seeing painted horses, turtles, or pets that look miserable. I don’t dress my cat because I think Olga is attractive enough without wearing apparel, and I prefer not to have my arms torn to shreds. Since it took her a while before she even allowed me to pick her up, I doubt she would want an ushanka or beret on her head.

While I understand the entertainment value of fully clothed felines, I’ve never understood why some people are so fascinated by them. The pet apparel industry is booming, and several pet owners think making their cats look fashionable is essential, which is what the industry tries to promote.

Costume Issues

Winter jackets and other cold-weather gear are needed when walking pets in frigid conditions, and they’re usually designed to fit the animal’s anatomy. On the other hand, commercial pet costumes, especially those for Halloween, are designed to amuse rather than fit comfortably. They make cats look cartoonish or like injured, unhappy creatures with ill-fitting clothes.

It may seem okay to annoy our felines for a few hours on Halloween, but cats can be creepy without costumes, and they’ve always been associated with the holiday. They don’t need a Dracula robe or Michael Myers mask to look or act like psychopaths. They’re naturally insane and more expressive when not burdened by poorly made fabrics.

Olga’s Natural Style

I enjoy watching Olga when she’s energized and clownish, and wearing clothes would only slow her down. She’s au natural in holiday pictures and isn’t wearing a Santa hat or ugly sweater. She’s following my fashion trends; I’ve been accused of being a humbug for not wearing festive gear.

Some cat owners want their cats to look like them, and goofy clothing helps them achieve that, but I’ve never wanted Olga to look like me. I would have to shave her head, spray-paint her fur, and give her a fake beard. Those inhumane actions would result in a comical-looking cat, but she wouldn’t be happy or as pretty as before.

The only appropriate attire for Olga is a blood-stained butcher’s apron because of her slicing and dicing skills, but I wouldn’t force her to wear one, even for a laugh.

The post Putting Clothes on Cats: Why I Avoid It by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

First-time owners are often surprised when their cats’ grooming noise drowns out the volume from the television or stereo. I didn’t realize it was much of a problem until I read several posts from irritated owners complaining about their noisy cats. Excessive grooming is unhealthy and often the result of allergies, anxiety, and other health problems, but loud grooming isn’t unusual or harmful.

High-Decibel Grooming

My Siamese cat stayed clean and groomed his fur consistently until he got kidney disease, but he didn’t make as much noise as Olga. Olga’s coat isn’t as dense and doesn’t shed as often, and although it shouldn’t take her long to clean it, she devotes a lot of her time to grooming and wants everyone to hear it.

Her lip-smacking is loud enough to wake light sleepers, but I’m used to it. She likes to hide and sneak up on me, and her plans are foiled when a sudden urge to groom interferes with her stealthy approach. Her grooming racket lets me know where she is when I’m too lazy to search for her and provides an opportunity to tease her when she’s nearby.

Teasing Olga

When I imitate the sounds she makes, she stops grooming and gives me an evil glare. Since she has lived with me for several years, she’s used to being teased, but she doesn’t tolerate physical contact during her licking sessions. If I mess up her recently groomed hair, she tears up my hand with her claws.

I don’t suggest discouraging the behavior if you have a loud groomer. Interrupting your cat’s grooming by imitating them occasionally isn’t inhumane, but shouting or throwing something at them when the lip-smacking annoys you is. Unless you wear noise-canceling headphones or move to another area of your home when your cat is grooming, there’s not much to do but accept it.

Indoor Freedom

I’m pretty tolerant of Olga’s odd behavior and probably allow her to get away with more than most cat owners. Like many people with indoor cats, I regret confining her indoors, even though it’s the safest option. She’s a natural predator and explorer, and I wish she had more space to run, climb, and pounce.

I don’t let her jump on the countertop, but she can scratch up her favorite chair, slam the rocking chair against the wall, play in the unused bathtub of the spare bathroom, and sleep anywhere. She’s a quiet cat, and it entertains me when she makes a lot of noise as long as it doesn’t involve knocking office supplies and devices off of the desk in my office.

Olga isn’t as violent and destructive as she was as a kitten, and she’s never eaten my clothes or defecated on my bed. She’s spoiled rotten but reasonably well-behaved. I don’t let her get away with murder, but I’m not strict or care when she acts insane. Since Olga is an indoor-only cat, she has limited ways to entertain herself, and she’s happy I don’t act like an authoritarian.

The post Is Your Cat a Loud Groomer? Olga Certainly Is! by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I don’t travel often, but until recently, Olga never seemed too upset when I returned home after spending a few days away. For several years, I traveled out of town to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and Olga was always friendly when I returned. However, she wasn’t very happy when I left her alone a few weeks ago. I only spent two days in the woods, and my cat sitter dropped by to feed her and play with her.

She meowed when I walked in the door, but when I approached to pet her, she hissed and backed away. I tried to tempt her to play with a silvervine stick, but she looked insulted and ran under the bed to hide. The only time she had hissed at me before was when I returned home after being overseas for 10 days.

When I mentioned Olga’s reaction to a veterinarian, she said the strange odors I absorbed from 30 hours of traveling probably bothered her. I didn’t think a weekend away would cause the same reaction, but the woodland odors on my clothes seemed just as repulsive as those from an airline’s cabin.

Olga didn’t stay angry for long, and after I took a shower, she greeted me with a happy cry instead of a hiss. She eventually fell asleep in my lap and seemed to forget the odd scents I brought into the house. Olga used to be more independent and didn’t hold a grudge when I left her alone.

Now, she spends most of the day around me and has become a spoiled cat. She still enjoys her “alone time,” but when she sees me walking toward the garage door, she attacks my legs and whines. She doesn’t mind when I go out the back door because she can observe me in the yard from one of her window perches.

Leaving Olga alone wasn’t a problem until I started working from home full-time. She’s friendlier now and enjoys begging for dinner a few hours before I finish working, and she’s probably happier that I clean the litter box more often, but she’s also more dependent on me. She follows me around the house and is more vocal when I ignore her pleas for an early dinner.

It’s fascinating how much my new schedule affected Olga’s personality. Although the change was gradual, I’m surprised that she’s no longer aloof and quiet. She doesn’t look happy when I return from a short trip, but I’m glad she’s capable of hissing.

It’s not the reaction most cat owners want to see from their pets, but it’s a vital defensive measure that serves as a warning before an attack. Olga has never interacted with a dog or cat face-to-face except when she’s in her carrier at the vet’s office and hasn’t felt the need to hiss at another animal. She’s never been scared by or threatened by another creature, and I’m honored she only hisses at me when she’s angry.

The post Can Cats Tolerate a Weekend Alone? Olga Cannot! by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Vaccines are vital for any cat’s long-term well-being and quality of life, but for a short period after receiving them, shots can cause several irritating side effects. Mild pain is typical, as is mild tiredness. Depending on your cat’s personality the stress of the vet visit could contribute to their signs. Though recovering from vaccines is usually quick and easy, some cats can use the extra help to recuperate as fast as possible over the ensuing 2 to 3 days.

Keeping your cat comfy isn’t complicated, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that they’re safe, healthy, and content. We’ll show you how to make your cat feel better after getting vaccinated quickly and easily with these three tips for post-shot care.

The 3 Tips to Make Your Cat Feel Better After Vaccines

1. Give Your Cat a Soft Bed in a Safe Area

If your cat is sore and tired after getting vaccinated, they’ll appreciate a cozy bed where they can rest. Provide a soft, warm sleeping area where your cat can easily access their litter box and food bowl.

It isn’t uncommon for cats to withdraw a little after getting shots, so you should consider their desire for privacy as you arrange their comfy space. Set it up in a quiet, out-of-the-way area in a bedroom or spare room with less traffic to help your cat feel secure.

2. Watch for Signs of Agitation and Give Your Cat Space

The vaccination process, from the trip to the vet to the soreness following the shots, can leave cats feeling edgy, which you may interpret as aggressiveness or distrust.

While this will generally fade after a day or two as your cat settles back into the routine, you should be aware of their body language and allow them to engage you rather than force interactions. Give your cat space if they want it, and offer gentle affection when they want to snuggle with you. You can also try calming pheromone sprays or supplements to help relax your cat.

3. Check on Your Cat Frequently

Although you’ll give your cat their necessary alone time to let them rest, relax, and recover, you should also keep tabs on them to ensure they’re comfortable and making steady progress. Check on your cat frequently for signs of discomfort or unwanted reactions to the shots. Keep the water and food bowls clean, filled, and accessible, but don’t worry if your cat isn’t overly hungry.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Vaccine Shots?

Adverse reactions to vaccines are uncommon, as one survey found they occurred in only 0.52% of cats within 30 days after vaccination. Cats around a year old are the most at risk of experiencing issues. Adverse reactions become more likely as cats receive more vaccines in one visit.

The most common adverse reactions cats experience after a vaccination include:

Cats may also experience mild to severe allergic responses causing facial swelling, breathing difficulty, itchiness, vomiting, or collapse. Anaphylaxis typically occurs within 20–30 minutes after vaccination. Owners must seek immediate veterinary care if their cats show signs like these.

Innate responses cause many common adverse effects and are expected consequences of the vaccine stimulating the body’s immune system.

If you are concerned about your cat after they’ve received shots, you should contact your veterinarian.

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Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma

Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) is a rare occurrence and one of the most severe vaccine-associated adverse effects. The malignant tumors may appear anywhere from a few months to several years after cats receive an injection and, if left untreated, can be fatal as the cancer metastasizes to other organs in 10-28% of cases.

Swelling or lumps at the injection site may occur in vaccinated cats, usually disappearing within several days. Vets often advise clients to follow the 3-2-1 rule in assessing swelling after vaccinations. Masses need further investigation if they meet any of the following criteria:

Your cat may need a biopsy for a FISS diagnosis, potentially alongside imaging such as CT scans. Complete surgical removal of the mass is more likely when it is small, so timely investigations can save your cat’s life. Allowing the mass to grow and potentially spread worsens the prognosis. Following surgery, radiation or immunotherapy can improve your cat’s chances.

How Often Do Cats Need Vaccinations?

Cats generally receive vaccinations starting 6–8 weeks after birth. Vets then time additional vaccinations every 4 weeks until the cat reaches 16–20 weeks old. The core vaccines recommended for all cats include:

Healthy cats typically need vaccine boosters every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine and the cat’s risk of infectious disease. Vets assess individual exposure risks to form vaccination plans and may recommend non-core vaccines, such as those for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, and chlamydia, depending on the cat’s environment, health status, medical history, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Vaccinations rarely cause any adverse effects in cats, and for those who feel a little tired or under the weather, the benefits still vastly outweigh the risks.

Monitor your pet for the few days after they get their shots, and don’t hesitate to follow up with your vet if they show abnormal swelling or other signs or reactions. Otherwise, keep your cat comfy; they will feel better faster and be ready for the next round of shots.

Featured Image Credit: Prostock studio, Shutterstock

The post How to Make a Cat Feel Better After Vaccines: 3 Vet-Approved Tips by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Before I adopted Olga, I lived with a friendly Siamese cat who rarely left my side. I quickly learned that Olga wasn’t a lap cat, and it took her a while to warm up to me. She used to greet me at the door when I came home from work, and she has always enjoyed playing with cheap toys, like paper balls, but she wasn’t fond of petting or any form of grooming.

She’s much friendlier and more vocal now, but it was a slow transition. For a few years, she slept in a chair in my bedroom before wandering over to the foot of the bed. When she was young, she was always friendly to visitors but wouldn’t let them pick her up; she preferred laying on their feet.

Olga’s Early Years

Although she was usually gentler to strangers, she wasn’t afraid to strike them if they petted her back or tried to rub her belly. Living with an aloof feline isn’t for everyone, but some prefer it. It requires less effort since you don’t have to give them as much attention.

It took me a long time to convince Olga that human contact was beneficial. Another owner may have decided to give up on her and allow her to hide under the bed for most of her life. I irritated her into liking me. She attacked me every time I picked her up, but when I started picking her up and carrying her into the kitchen for dinner, she learned to relax.

Nowadays, when I turn off my computer in the evening, she jumps in my lap and anxiously awaits her trip to the dinner bowl. Bribing her with food was an effective way to make her less resistant to being picked up, but I didn’t do anything to convince her to sleep in my lap. She doesn’t seek lap naps as often as my other cat and cannot tolerate human contact for long.

Lap Nap Anxiety

Olga rarely sleeps on anyone’s lap for more than ten minutes, and sometimes, when she wakes up, she looks confused and quickly runs away. I don’t know whether it’s because she’s embarrassed she was too friendly or concerned that her bonding time was interfering with her alone time.

She had a violent reaction once when she was a few years old. She fell asleep on my legs with her head and front paws hanging off the chair, and when she woke up, she nearly fell. Instead of sliding off, she hopped up and attacked my feet with her claws and fangs. She doesn’t assault me anymore, but she still has a terrified look on her face when she awakens in my lap.

Some independent felines may never learn to love interacting with humans, and it can take years for an aloof cat to transform into a lap cat. It requires patience and helps if you have a high threshold for pain. Olga spends a few hours meditating under the couch every day, but she spends most of the day beside her favorite, annoying human.

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