Even though it may be gross to think about, familiarizing yourself with a cat’s nasal discharge can help you take better care of them. The color of your cat’s boogers can alert you of potential infections and diseases.

Sometimes, your cat may have black boogers. In most cases, their nasal discharge will appear black or brown when it contains dried blood. Blood in the nasal passage often points to an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. So, it’s best to consult your vet if you notice black boogers in and around your cat’s nose.

The 5 Possible Reasons Your Cat Has Black Boogers

A cat’s nasal discharge usually looks transparent, but it can change colors and become more opaque if they get sick. Both environmental factors and internal health issues can affect the color of your cat’s nasal discharge. Here are some common reasons why your cat’s boogers may by black.

1. Respiratory Tract Disease

When a cat’s respiratory tract gets inflamed, it can cause black or brown boogers to form around their nose. Nasal discharge from respiratory tract disease is usually thick and yellow. However, it can have a red tinge with fresh blood or it may appear dark brown from older blood. Along with nasal discharge, cats with respiratory tract disease often have eye discharge and sneezing. They can have runny eyes and noses for several weeks to months.

2. Nose Bleeds

Dark nasal discharge is often caused by blood in the nose, which is known as epistaxis. There are many different causes for epistaxis and the seriousness of the condition varies from mild to severe. It’s most common for epistaxis to be a sign of an infection or trauma. However, it can also be caused by liver failure, feline leukemia virus infection, drug reactions, fungal diseases, hemophilia, and rodenticide poisoning.

3. External Pollutants

Sometimes, black boogers may form around your cat’s nose if they’re exposed to external pollutants. This can occur in urban cities where there’s more smoke, gas, and other airborne particles. It’s also more common for outdoor cats than indoor cats to have darker nasal discharge because they have more exposure to outdoor air and dirt.

4. Rhinitis

Rhinitis refers to when the mucous membranes in the nose become inflamed. Most cases of rhinitis are caused by a viral infection, but it can also be a sign of allergies. The nasal discharge from rhinitis is usually clear, but it can become thicker and more opaque if a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Other signs of rhinitis include sneezing, pawing at the face, labored inhalation, and snoring.

5. Nasal Trauma

A significant injury to the nose or nasal cavity can cause bleeding. Dried blood can gather within the nose and look like black boogers when they fall out. Most cases of nasal trauma will be apparent. An injured nose usually looks swollen, bruised, or discolored. Cats can also experience difficulty breathing, so it’s important for your cat to receive medical attention as soon as possible.

What to Do if Your Cat Has Black Boogers

If your cat’s boogers look like soot or ash, it’s possible that they’ve been exposed to air pollutants. You can usually just wipe their noses clean and remove any bigger particles that are clinging to the outer parts of their nostrils.

If your cat’s boogers are dark brown and look more like dried blood, it’s best to get them to a vet for a checkup. Dried blood in the nasal cavity usually indicates an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary intervention and care. Make sure to take note of any other signs or unusual behaviors from your cat, as this information can be helpful for your vet’s diagnosis.

Since a variety of health issues can cause bloody noses, treatment plans will vary from case to case. Therefore, it’s important to consult your vet before treating your cat. Your vet can provide treatment options and prescribe medication that will help your cat feel better.

Conclusion

Overall, your cat’s boogers may turn black when there’s bleeding in their nasal passages. In some cases, their boogers may be black due to inhaling air pollutants. Causes of blood in the nasal passages will vary. So, it’s important for your cat to see a vet to get a proper diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment to help them get better.

Featured Image Credit: Firman Widyasmara, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Have Black Boogers? Vet-Reviewed Causes & When to Worry by Jessica Kim 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.

Cats are curious animals, and they tend to have active periods at night. This can cause them to get into accidents or get injured, and it can be difficult to contact your veterinarian because their clinic is closed in the evening.

Fortunately, there are several options that you can choose from if your cat happens to get sick or injured in the middle of the night. It’s best to be prepared for accidents and injuries, so make sure to read through our tips and ideas to ensure you have an action plan for any midnight incidents your cat may get into.

The 5 Ways to Talk to a Vet When It’s the Middle of the Night

1. Talk to an Online Veterinarian

You may be able to connect with a vet very quickly by using an online veterinary care service or a vet telehealth app. Online vets and vet telehealth apps usually operate 24/7 because they’re meant to be a resource for moments when you can’t get a hold of your usual vet. They also offer video consultations so that the vet can visually examine your cat and provide effective care instructions. Online vets can also let you know if your cat needs to go to an emergency animal hospital, or if you can wait until the next morning to visit your vet.

Most vet telehealth apps do require subscribing to a monthly payment plan, so it’s best to create an account beforehand so that you can get in touch with a vet as soon as possible. You can find some companies, such as PangoVet, that offer individual consultations and charge per consultation.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

2. Contact a Nearby Emergency Animal Hospital

You don’t necessarily need to drive to an emergency animal hospital to receive care. You can call a hospital’s 24/7 triage line and talk to a veterinary care professional. They’ll ask some questions, and depending on your cat’s condition, the hospital will let you know if your cat requires immediate emergency care.

Because emergency situations are stressful, make sure to have the contact information for several emergency animal hospitals near you. Then, you don’t have to spend extra time searching for contact information and checking the distances between the hospital and your home.

3. Call Your Vet’s Office

Some vet clinics have a 24/7 triage line and may have an on-call veterinarian to answer calls late at night. Even if your vet clinic doesn’t offer this service, it can still be helpful to call. Often, the voicemail message will include the contact information of nearby emergency animal hospitals. It may even give you the option to leave a voicemail message so that someone can return your call in the morning.

4. Contact Your Pet Insurance Company

If your cat has pet insurance, you can try contacting your pet insurance company to see if they offer a pet telehealth service. Many companies will partner with a vet telehealth company and offer discounted or free 24/7 consultations as a customer benefit.

If you anticipate using vet telehealth frequently, ask pet insurance companies if they offer online vet consultations when shopping for pet insurance. This can help you save on consultation costs and ensure you get connected to an online vet as quickly as possible.

5. Call an Animal Poison Control Hotline

If you believe your cat is sick due to ingesting something harmful, you can contact an animal poison control line, such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Control. The specialists on the line will be able to confirm if your cat has eaten something toxic and whether they can be treated at home or if they have to go to an emergency animal hospital. Please note that these services often charge a small fee.

Before you call an animal poison control line, make sure you have important, relevant information prepared for the specialist. Information such as what your cat ingested, how much they ingested, and how much time has passed will be helpful. If your cat has ingested a product, make sure to provide the brand name and ingredient list.

When It’s Time to Go to the Vet

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if your cat is sick at night and it’s causing you to worry, take them to an emergency animal hospital right away.

While some cases of sickness may not require immediate medical attention, some signs of illness do require an emergency hospital visit without calling a vet first. For example, any severe wounds, eye injuries, bleeding, and broken bones will require immediate care. Cats that experience seizures or convulsions should also be taken to the hospital right away.

Urinary blockages are urgent matters because they can cause acute kidney failure. So, if your cat is frequenting the litter box but they’re not producing urine or producing very little urine, it’s best to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

It’s also important to be familiar with signs of shock. Shock can be caused by significant trauma, internal bleeding, heart failure, or sudden blood loss. Shock occurs when your cat’s blood pressure drops to life-threatening levels. Cats experiencing shock can have a rapid heart rate with a weak pulse, pale or white gums and lips, and cooler body temperature. Signs of shock must be taken seriously, and cats must receive treatment right away.

Conclusion

When your cat gets into an accident in the middle of the night, it’s best to get in contact with an online vet or emergency animal hospital. If you choose an online vet service or vet telehealth app, make sure to create an account beforehand so that you can connect with a vet as quickly as possible.

Severe health issues and accidents do require immediate care. So, if you sense that your cat is experiencing something severe or life-threatening, it’s best to skip the phone call and take your cat to emergency care so that they can get treated as soon as possible.

Featured Image Credit: Maxim Artemchuk, Shutterstock

The post How Can I Talk With a Vet When It’s in the Middle of the Night? 5 Ideas & Online Vet Options by Jessica Kim 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.

Although cats have lived with humans for millennia, they still do many things that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. One behavior that can surprise or shock new cat owners is a cat’s tendency to show their butt when they start to feel comfortable around them.

While this behavior may be strange to us, it’s quite normal in cats. We can only guess why they do this based on what we already know about feline behavior. Here are six possible reasons your cat may show you their butt.

The 6 Reasons Why Cats Show You Their Butt

1.  Greeting

Similar to dogs, cats can show each other their butts when they’re greeting each other. They have glands near their butt that contain scent information. Cats also tend to have their tails pointing straight up to show that they’re friendly. A relaxed loose body with attentive ears is the body language of a cat giving a greeting.

2. Affection

While it may not be the most desirable action, cats can show their butt as a sign of affection. Cats often show affection to each other by rubbing their bodies against each other. They start with their head and end with their tail. Your cat will also rub against you if they like you. Since they start from head to tail, you’ll usually end up with their butt facing you.

3. Nonthreatening Behavior

Another reason why cats will show their butts is to communicate that they’re not a threat. They’re letting you know that they mean no harm and have no intention of attacking you.

In contrast, agitated or aggressive cats won’t turn their backs towards you. They’ll have a stiff posture, and their hair will be raised to make themselves look bigger. Some cats may crouch and flatten their ears. Cats can also vocalize their agitation by growling or yowling.

4. Trust

Cats are observant and watchful. They won’t turn their backs on people they’re wary of or don’t trust. Therefore, if your cat has their butt facing you while they’re lounging or sleeping, it’s a sign that they really trust you.

Cats often show other signs that they trust you, but you won’t really catch them unless you understand cat behavior. Some other strange but normal ways that cats show trust are if they start to follow you around everywhere, expose their bellies, or headbutt you.

5. Wanting Attention

Cats are experts at knowing how to get our attention. Most cats like a good scratch above the tail so this could be what your cat is after when they show their butt.  Alsoo, if you give a particularly strong response whenever your cat shows you their butt, they’ll learn that it’s an effective way to get your attention. Laughing, showing surprise, or even showing disgust are all ways you may be reinforcing this behavior. Therefore, if you want to see a decrease in this behavior, it’s best not to make a big deal out of it or reward with a scratch.

6. Females in Heat

Female cats that are in heat may raise their butts to attract a mate. They can also flick their tails to signal to male cats that they’re ready to mate. Other signs that a female cat is in heat are increased loud vocalizations, rolling around the floor, and showing increased affection.

Cats that are ready to mate are more susceptible to roaming. Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and ensure all doors and windows are shut securely to prevent them from leaving their home.

Is It Okay if My Cat Shows Her Butt?

For the most part, your cat will be engaging in normal behavior if they show you their butt. Exposing their rear end isn’t really a sign or symptom of a medical issue. However, if you’re worried the best course of action is to discuss the behavior with a vet.

Since showing their butt is often a sign of affection and trust, you don’t really have to be concerned. However, if it’s becoming too much, you can do some things to train your cat to engage in this behavior less frequently. For example, it’s important to minimize your reaction so that your cat starts to learn that this behavior doesn’t garner your attention. You can also redirect them to doing something else whenever they start to expose their rear end or sit on you. Some ways you can redirect them are to walk away or distract them with a toy.

Conclusion

When a cat shows you their butt, they’re usually letting you know that they like and trust you. They may also do this when they want to receive attention. In most cases, cats won’t show their butt so frequently that it becomes bothersome, and it’s something that cat owners get used to eventually. However, if it does become too disruptive, you can work on retraining and redirecting your cat to do something else to reduce the frequency of this behavior.

Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Show You Their Butt? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Jessica Kim 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.

Pet apps have become all too familiar with the modern pet parent. With more and more people seeking virtual pet care services, we’ve seen a rise in the development of vet apps to meet growing demands.

Vet apps can provide pet telehealth services, and some are designed to help improve communication between veterinarians and their clients. While they can’t completely replace in-person vet appointments and annual checkups, they can still provide significant benefits for many cat owners. Our list of the most popular vet apps will help you understand what sorts of apps are currently available and if they’d be useful for you.

How Are Vet Apps Classified?

You can find several kinds of vet apps designed for different uses. The most common types of vet apps provide tele-triage services, telemedicine services, and veterinary clinic operations software.

Tele-triage apps typically connect you with a veterinary care professional, such as a veterinarian or a veterinary technician, and they can answer general health questions you may have regarding your cat. They can’t make diagnoses or prescribe medication. However, they can let you know if your cat requires immediate veterinary care or if you can wait until the next day to see your veterinarian. They’ll also give you information on how to care for your cat until your next appointment.

Telemedicine apps provide more thorough care for cats. While they can’t completely replace in-person appointments and annual checkups, they can connect you with a veterinarian to check on your cat’s condition. Some telemedicine apps enable veterinarians to make diagnoses and prescribe medication for your cat. However, these services vary between apps and depend on state laws. So, not all telemedicine apps will guarantee that a veterinarian can make a diagnosis via telecommunication.

Lastly, veterinary clinics may opt to use an app or software that makes office operations run more smoothly. These apps usually enable users to book or reschedule appointments, request medical records, and communicate with an on-call veterinarian for after-hours emergencies.

The 10 Most Popular Vet Apps

1. PetDesk

PetDesk is a vet app that’s designed to make communication between vets and their clients much easier and seamless. Once clients are input into the system, they can book appointments, fill out forms, and make payments. The app is also capable of sending automated appointment reminders and health check notifications.

Vet clinics can benefit from PetDesk’s digital marketing and custom loyalty program features, as they can help attract new clients, retain current clients, and boost revisits. The app also has a two-way texting feature that clients can use to communicate with on-call vets for appointment follow-up questions and quick health-related inquiries.

2. PetsApp

PetsApp enables tele-triage and appointment booking services for vets and their existing clients. Clients with veterinarians who use PetsApp can schedule appointments and make payments for medical bills through the app. The app can also send reminders for appointments and health goals.

PetsApp enables clients to communicate with their veterinary practice through text or video calls. You can send pictures and videos of your cat, and your vet can determine the best course of action for caring for your cat or if you need to bring them into the clinic.

3. Airvet

Airvet is a pet tele-triage company that has served over 200,000 pet owners and has thousands of vets using its app and software. While any pet owner will benefit from using a pet tele-triage service, this app is particularly useful for cat owners with older cats with chronic health issues because it offers its members unlimited use.

The app requires a monthly subscription of $35 per month. Member subscriptions enable 24/7 access to pet tele-triage services with one of Airvet’s registered vets, and they can expect quick real-time responses via text, phone, or video calls. There’s also no limit to how many times you can contact and connect with a vet.

4. Pawp

Pawp is another popular pet tele-triage app that offers 24/7 on-demand support to its subscribers. The subscription membership fee is $19 a month, and it gives unlimited communication to Pawp’s network of vets. Cat owners can connect with a vet and ask questions related to sudden sickness, changes in behavior, and breed-specific health and wellness. There are also no additional charges for follow-up appointments and communication.

Another benefit of using Pawp is that it offers a one-month free trial. Pawp also has an Emergency Fund, which is an optional add-on that provides up to $3,000 in financial aid for life-threatening emergency medical situations.

5. Otto: Your Pet’s App

Otto is a software and app designed to make managing and operating vet clinics much easier and less stressful. Some of its key features include sending automated messages and forms so that clients have all the necessary intake forms filled out before their appointment. Otto can also enable clients to book appointments online at any time so that they’re not restricted to making and confirming appointments during clinic office hours.

Additional services Otto provides include seamless payment systems and after-appointment care options. Veterinary clinics can also opt to use Otto’s 24/7 tele-triage service that connects clients to a vet during off-hours.

6. FirstVet

FirstVet is a viable app for any accidents or illnesses your cat experiences from home. Unlike many other pet tele-triage apps, FirstVet doesn’t require a monthly subscription in order for people to use it. Once you download the app and register your pet, you can choose to make payments for single sessions. Of course, you’ll receive discounted prices if you choose a subscription plan, and these plans offer unlimited consultations.

7. PetCoach by Petco

PetCoach is an app that provides general health advice for pets. It’s completely free, and you can submit questions to vets without making any payments. The only downside is that it can take some time to receive a response. So, it’s not a recommended option if you’re facing an emergency.

One of the key features of PetCoach is its extensive article database. It has over 1 million vet-reviewed articles about all kinds of health and wellness questions for different kinds of pets. So, if you’re waiting to receive a response to a question you’ve submitted, you can check PetCoach’s database to see if a related article exists.

8. Dr.Tail

Dr.Tail is a pet tele-triage app that connects its users to vets in 30 minutes or less. Vets can answer general health questions and give you care advice when you’re concerned about your cat’s health. Similar to PetCoach, Dr. Tail has a database of previously asked questions that its users can read through if they want more information on a specific health issue.

This app does require a monthly subscription, but it offers a free one-month trial. So, you have plenty of time to test it out before choosing to pay for a subscription.

9. Vetster: 24/7 Online Vets

Vetster provides on-demand virtual vet appointments. With Vetster, you can communicate with a vet through live chat or video calls at any time of day or night. Vets can determine if your cat’s condition is urgent or non-urgent and help you avoid any unnecessary emergency room visits. They can also answer questions about cat behavior and nutrition. Some states allow licensed veterinarians to prescribe medication through the Vetster app.

10. AskVet

AskVet uses data and AI to assist vets in providing 24/7 tele-triage services to their clients. It can also help vet clinics operate more smoothly by making appointments with clients, sending forms and documents, and creating aftercare instructions.

AskVet is also designed for pet parents. Once you sign up for their monthly subscription, you’ll have 24/7 access to licensed vets and can ask pet health and behavior questions. AskVet also provides one-on-one consultations and coaching for pet wellness.

Conclusion

Vet apps are designed to give you peace of mind and help you keep track of your cat’s health in between annual checkups. They can help you avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and get responses more quickly at any time of day. If your vet uses an app for their clinic, you can experience more convenient and efficient servicing.

Of course, vet apps are still a relatively new thing, and there’s much room for improvement. We’ll have to continue to keep track of technological advances and see how vet apps will continue to provide support for cat parents.

Featured Image Credit: Scharfsinn, Shutterstock

The post 10 Most Popular Vet Apps for Your Pet (2024 Update) by Jessica Kim 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.

Although cats have a reputation for being aloof, they can actually feel a range of emotions. When a cat experiences significant changes in their life, they can develop signs consistent with depression. Although they can’t tell us how they are feeling, we can make some assumptions based on their behavior. Common causes of depression include the loss of a companion, loss of mobility and independence, illness, and boredom.

Different cats will have their own unique experiences with depression. So, depression can look different from cat to cat. We’ve listed several common signs and behaviors in depressed cats. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s possible that they’re experiencing depression.

The 9 Signs of Depression in Cats

1. General Disinterest

Cats with depression can lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may not like playing with their favorite toys and not be as enthusiastic about eating special treats. It can be difficult to motivate or engage them to exercise, play, or eat. Many times, it can seem like your cat just wants to be left alone. They might withdraw and find a hiding spot where they’re most likely to be left undisturbed.

2. Lethargic

Another sign of depression in cats is lethargy. Your cat may sleep more than usual. Cats do generally sleep a lot, and healthy adult cats can sleep anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day. However, depressed cats may lie down and sleep even more. They’ll often decide to lie down rather than engage in a different activity like eating or playing. You may also experience a more difficult time getting your cat to move, and they’ll make it pretty clear that they just want to be left alone and unbothered.

Of course, lethargy can be a sign of other illness or injury. So, it’s important to have a veterinarian rule out any physical illness if your cat is showing signs of depression.

3. Lack of Grooming

Cats are natural self-groomers, and they usually do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean on their own. However, depression can cause changes in a cat’s grooming habits, and it may impair their ability to take care of themselves in this way.

Along with their general disinterest in activities, some cats may become disinterested or lack the motivation to clean themselves. You’ll notice their hair looking unkempt and an increased amount of dirt left on their coat. Overgrooming is also a sign of stress that can lead to increased hair loss and patches of bald spots in your cat’s coat.

4. Changes in Litter Box Habits

Some cats may develop changes in their litter box habits. You may see completely litter box-trained cats suddenly start to urinate outside of their litter box. It’s speculated that depressed or anxious cats will urinate in different areas of the house because the scent of their urine can comfort or calm them. Therefore, you may notice your cat starting to urinate in multiple rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Cats can actually develop signs of cystitis and even a urinary obstruction which is a medical emergency in response to stress. If your cat is showing straining to urinate, has blood in the urine, or urinating more than usual, you should seek urgent veterinary care.

5. Clinginess

Cats can become extra clingy with their owners when they’re depressed. They can start to follow their owners all over the house, demand constant attention, or start sitting or sleeping on them. Some cats may even develop separation anxiety and become highly distressed when their owners leave the house.

Cats that are normally independent can also become increasingly clingy when they’re depressed. Confident and social cats may develop stranger anxiety and become more fearful of any guests or visitors that enter the home.

6. Increased Agitation or Aggression

In contrast to clinginess, some depressed cats may become more aggressive instead. Your cat can get more easily irritated, and even cats that are normally docile can show signs of aggression when they’re depressed. They may not want to be touched, picked up, or petted.

Signs of aggression in cats include hissing, biting, chattering, scratching, and growling. Your cat may also try to chase you away when they really want to be left alone. Similarly to other signs on this list, a cat can become aggressive when in pain or unwell, so a veterinary check is vital.

7. Hiding

As many depressed cats just want to be left alone and undisturbed, they may start to hide more. Some cats may find new hiding spots in the home that make it less likely for them to be found and disrupted.

If your cat lives with other cats or pets, they may choose to hide from their animal companions, too. Cats who are usually social can also start to prefer being left alone and no longer greet people at the door.

8. Appetite Changes

Depression often causes changes in eating habits. Since depression affects all cats differently, some cats can lose interest in eating, while others may want to eat more. Sometimes, the cause of your cat’s depression will affect their appetite. For example, if your cat’s depression is linked to pain or anxiety, it’s more likely for your cat to have a lower appetite. If your cat’s depression is connected to boredom, your cat may resort to overeating.

9. Pain

It’s important to note that depression can accompany chronic pain and illnesses. Cats that have been diagnosed with a chronic health issue may become depressed, especially if the condition impairs their quality of life significantly.

For example, older cats with arthritis may start to show signs of depression as they lose their ability to jump on high counters or climb cat trees. Cats may also feel more anxious when they experience chronic pain and may fall into depression as they can no longer move around like they once used to.

What Causes Depression in Cats?

Cats have unique personalities and preferences. What may trigger depression in one cat may leave another cat feeling completely unaffected. Therefore, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of different experiences that can cause cats to become depressed. Understanding what has caused or is causing your cat’s depression can help immensely with helping them feel better and getting them back to their normal self.

Cats are sensitive animals that can become significantly affected by changes in their environment. Therefore, moving homes, changes in routine, or switching roommates can all cause cats to feel anxious or depressed. Cats can also be affected by changes in family dynamics. Familial events, such as a newborn baby, separations, and divorces, can all cause cats to feel depressed.

As cats are capable of forming strong bonds, they can also become depressed after experiencing the loss of a companion. For example, they can feel significant sadness after they’re separated from their owners. It’s common for cats in a bonded pair to develop some form of depression after their partner passes away.

Problems in the cat’s environment like lack of stimulation, or social conflicts can result in poor quality of life and depression. Pain and illness, especially ongoing conditions can lead to cats showing signs of depression.

How to Help Cats With Depression

If you suspect your cat is depressed or notice any significant behavioral or mood changes, it’s best first to take them to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help rule out any medical factors that may be affecting your cat’s behavior.

Before going to your veterinarian appointment, it’s helpful to make note of several factors tied to your cat’s possible depression. Try to identify when the behavioral changes started and any possible factors that may contribute to these changes. You should also watch for signs of illness like vomiting, increased thirst, and changes in toileting. This information may help your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis.

There are a variety of things you can try to help cats with depression, and the methods you choose will depend on what’s causing your cat’s depression.

Change Their Routine

If your cat’s depression is linked with boredom, changing their routine by adding more playtime, different treats, and introducing new toys can all help lift your cat’s mood. Provide environmental enrichment like cat TV and music.

Give Them More Attention

When cats are grieving the loss of a companion, they may require more attention as they get used to the loss. You can give a grieving cat reassuring pets and scratches and comfort them by staying home with them more.

Speak With Your Veterinarians

If your cat’s depression is related to pain or a health issue, ask your veterinarian about any possible treatments that can help alleviate their pain or discomfort. Some cats may feel better after getting acupuncture or a massage. Older cats with arthritis may feel better if you install ramps or stairs in your home so that they can still access certain places on their own.

Sometimes, cats can benefit from taking behavioral medication to reduce anxiety and depression. You can have a discussion with your veterinarian to determine if this course of action will benefit your cat.

Speak With a Cat Behaviorist

Lastly, working with a cat behaviorist or trainer can help you come up with a plan to help your cat through their depression. A cat behaviorist can observe your cat and develop a treatment or training plan with concrete steps you and your cat can follow. They can also recommend any home modifications or products that can help lift your cat’s mood.

Conclusion

Depression can become a mental health issue that reduces your cat’s quality of life. So, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. It’s recommended to consult your veterinarian if you notice behavioral and mood changes in your cat. Your veterinarian can provide options for helping your cat, and you can also connect with a cat behaviorist to find ways to help your cat feel better.

Featured Image Credit: avi_acl, Shutterstock

The post How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed: 9 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For by Jessica Kim 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.

Cats often engage in behaviors that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. Even though we might find them to be strange, many of these behaviors are normal for cats. New cat owners may be surprised by just how much their cats will rub their faces against corners, objects, and even people. However, this action is common feline behavior, and you don’t usually have to be alarmed by it.

While it’s not completely certain why cats will rub their cheeks against corners, cat behaviorists and experts do share a few common speculations. Here are a few possible reasons why your cat may rub their face on corners.

The 5 Reasons Why Cats Rub Their Faces on Corners

1. Marking Territory

One of the most widely accepted theories for cats rubbing their faces on corners is that they’re leaving their scent on objects. Cats use scents to communicate, and they have scent glands located around their cheeks. When cats rub their faces on objects, they leave behind a scent that other cats can detect. Cats can pick up information about other cats when they sniff these scents.

Cats may tend to prefer rubbing their cheeks against corners because corners provide the best grip for them. Rubbing their faces against flat walls can be more difficult, so they’ll usually opt for wall and furniture corners.

2. Greeting

It’s common for cats to greet each other by rubbing their faces. This behavior enables them to exchange scents and learn more about each other. If your cat starts to feel comfortable and likes you, they can start to rub their cheeks against you as soon as you return home to them. You can take this as a sign that your cat is greeting you and wanting to let you know that they like that you’re home.

It’s important to note that not all cats will engage in this behavior with humans. So, you don’t have to be too concerned if your cat doesn’t rub their cheeks against you. They’re probably showing you love and affection through other means and expressions.

3. Wanting Attention

Cats are observant animals and are quick to know what sorts of behaviors grab your attention. Therefore, if you have a habit of giving your cat attention when they rub against you, they’re more likely to continue this behavior. This behavior is reinforced each time you acknowledge your cat when they rub their face against you. Consequently, many cats will start to rub their cheeks against their owners when they’re bored, hungry, or feeling lonely.

4. Showing Affection

Your cat may also rub their cheeks against you as a means of showing affection. Similar to marking territory, cats leave their scent on people by rubbing their cheeks against them. Rather than seeing it as possessiveness, you can receive this behavior as a compliment. Cats won’t rub their cheeks against people they don’t trust or don’t like. So, you can take it as a sign that your cat likes you and sees you as one of their own if they start to rub their cheeks against you.

5. Stress Relief

The act of rubbing faces against something often feels comforting and relaxing for cats. So, they may engage in this behavior when they want to relax or self-soothe. Sometimes, cats will begin to rub their faces against something when they’re feeling stressed or anxious and want to calm down.

Cats also usually start to rub their cheeks against things when they settle down and feel comfortable in a home. In this context, you can take this behavior as a good sign that indicates your cat acknowledges that your home is also their home.

Is It Bad if My Cat Rubs Their Faces on Everything?

While rubbing faces on objects and people is common behavior in cats, there are some cases when it can indicate an underlying problem. Sometimes, rubbing faces can become a compulsive behavior, which is usually caused by a disease or mental health issue. For example, cats can start to rub their faces and press their head against things repeatedly when they have trauma to the head or nervous system, encephalitis, or tumors. Cats may also resort to compulsive head pressing if they’re under a lot of stress or have anxiety.

Compulsive behavior of this sort is also often accompanied by other signs. Your cat may also display increased pacing or circling. They may also become disoriented or lack coordination. Sometimes, you might notice sudden changes in mood or behavior.

If you suspect your cat’s behavior is abnormal, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away for a physical examination. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of the behavior and provide the appropriate treatment.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Conclusion

For the most part, you don’t have to worry if your cat is rubbing their face against corners and other objects. In fact, you can take it as a compliment if your cat starts to rub their cheeks against you. If you do notice that your cat is starting to rub their face against things much more frequently or notice other changes in their behavior, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian to determine what’s causing these changes.

Featured Image Credit: Maria Wan, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Rub Their Face on Corners? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons by Jessica Kim 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.

Cats are absolutely adorable, and there’s even scientific proof that kittens are biologically designed to be cute and capture our attention.¹ There’s no denying that humans think cats are cute, but what do cats think about humans?

While more research needs to be done on the relationship between humans and cats, the research that we do have indicates that it’s unlikely cats view humans as cute. Based on observations, cats probably view humans as bigger cats.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that cats can’t feel affectionate towards their human companions. We’ll go over cats’ perspectives on humans and how it plays a role in our relationship with them.

How Do Cats View Humans?

It’s most likely that cats view humans as their equals.² It’s common for dogs to change their behavior when they interact with humans. For example, dogs can adopt different play styles when they’re playing with other dogs and when they’re playing with their human companions.

In contrast, cats don’t really seem to change and adjust their behavior around humans. They seem to treat humans similar to how they treat other cats. They show affection to humans in the same ways they show affection to each other. They can rub their faces against humans, sit by them, and groom them, which are all behaviors that cats can display when they’re with feline companions.

It’s unlikely that cats think humans are cute. Instead, it’s hypothesized that they view humans as large cats and will, therefore, treat them as such.

Do Cats View Their Owners as Their Parents?

Even if cats don’t view humans as cute, they can still feel affection for humans and develop strong bonds with them. A study that focused on the bond between humans and cats discovered that kittens are capable of forming attachment bonds to their human caregivers that are similar to human parents and babies. If you’re caring for a young kitten, especially if they’ve been separated from their feline mother, they can start to see you as their parent.

Signs Your Cat Loves You

No matter a cat’s age, they can form a positive relationship with their human companions and show love to them. Of course, they’ll express love in their own feline ways that are different from common human expressions of love. For example, cats can show affection to one another by headbutting each other. They do this because they have glands on their face that contain pheromones. When they headbutt, they’re marking each other with their own personal scents. Therefore, if your cat headbutts you, you can take it as a sign that they’re acknowledging you as one of their own.

Cats also show that they feel comfortable and safe when they’re squinting or blinking slowly. You can try giving your cat a slow blink and see if they return the gesture. Receiving a slow blink from a cat is one of the highest compliments you can receive from them because it shows that they feel happy and relaxed around you.

Other unique ways that cats show affection include kneading or “making biscuits” on you. They may try to groom you or expose their belly, or purr when you pet them. Some cats may start to follow their owners around from room to room inside your house and wait by the door to greet them when they return home.

Conclusion

The way that cats show care and affection to humans is similar to how they show them to other cats. So, it’s likely that cats see humans as their big cat friends. Cats don’t need to view humans as cute in order for them to feel love and affection for them. They’ll show that they like us in their own cat ways, and we can continue to adore our cats whenever we see them being cute.

Featured Image Credit: VH studio, Shutterstock

The post Do Cats Think Humans Are Cute? Feline Thoughts Explained by Jessica Kim 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.

Anyone who’s lived with cats will know just how much happiness and laughter they can bring. Sharing cat videos online can help you spread the joy of cats, and TikTok may be the perfect social media platform for you to use. With over 1 billion active users, starting a cat TikTok account can help your cat become the next biggest cat-fluencer.

It does take some luck, but there are some practical things you can do to build and boost your cat’s TikTok account. Here are some ways you can help your cat go viral and become a social media sensation.

Preparation

Fortunately, it doesn’t require much to start a cat TikTok account. You don’t really need to invest in expensive equipment when you’re first starting out. Just make sure you have a phone that can take decent photos and videos. Then, take some time to familiarize yourself with all of TikTok’s features. Once you get a good grasp of how to edit and post videos, you can start to develop an action plan to grow your cat’s TikTok account.

The 8 Tips on How to Make Your Cat TikTok Famous

1. Find Your Niche

There are many sub-genres and niches under the giant umbrella of Cat TikTok. You can find cat-fluencers who focus on one or two specialties, like lifestyle, product testing and reviews, traveling with pets, and comedy.

Start by identifying your niche and coming up with a list of video ideas that fall under that niche. Sticking to one or two sub-genres will help your audience know what to expect from your videos and increase the chances of more people choosing to follow your account.

Watch their videos to see what kinds of things they are posting about and give you an idea of the niche that you want to specialize in. Keep in mind that choosing a niche that fewer people have may increase your following and reach. You don’t want to make your cat TikTok just like everyone else. Choose something more unique so your account stands out more.

2. Follow Trends

You can gain a lot of views and followers by posting videos of current trends on TikTok. Posting videos of your cat with popular sound clips and songs will increase their chances of getting more views, as more people are scrolling through videos with viral sounds and challenges. In fact, it’s common for a cat video to become viral because it uses a popular sound clip.

Keep a close eye on TikTok trends because they start and end very quickly. It’s important to post your video while the trend is still popular. Otherwise, you’ll just end up posting old content while the rest of the community has moved on to the next trend. You can keep up with the latest TikTok trends using their handy Trends page.

3. Let Your Cat’s Personality Shine

People love getting to know cats and what makes them unique. So, highlight what makes your cat special. It might be a certain physical feature, like @venustwofacecat, or a quirky personality trait. You can also make cute and interesting videos documenting a day in the life of your cat so that people can get to know them.

Many popular cat TikTok accounts also give a voice to the cats in the videos. For example, some cats will have their videos contain voiceovers that use a funny or sassy voice. These types of voiceovers will help develop your cat’s online persona and help others fall in love with their personality.

4. Engage With Your Audience

Videos with higher levels of engagement are more likely to get more exposure and views. So, make sure to engage with your audience by replying to their comments. You can also make videos with prompts or questions that encourage people to Stitch with your video. The Stitch feature enables people to create their own video using footage from your video. This can help spread your video to more people and attract them to your cat’s TikTok account.

5. Post Consistently

Posting consistently will increase the chances of your videos getting exposed to a wider audience. People are also more likely to follow your cat’s TikTok account because it proves that you’ll be providing fresh content regularly.

You’ll notice that brands and full-time content creators often post multiple times a day. However, this just isn’t realistic for most cat parents who are just starting out. While there’s no hard rule for how frequently you should post, it’s recommended to start by posting at least once a day for the first several weeks of starting your cat’s TikTok account. It’s also helpful to upload posts at around the same time each day.

You can use this helpful guide to determine the best times to post on TikTok depending on the day. Just remember that it’s better to post high-quality content rather than a large quantity of content. Engaging videos are more likely to attract followers and build a consistent fan base rather than just posting for the sake of posting.

6. Take High-Quality Photos and Videos

People are more likely to stay and watch TikTok videos with clear footage. So, refrain from posting blurry or dark videos where you can barely make out your cat. Try to film your cat in areas in your home where you get plenty of natural lighting. Posting high-quality videos of your cat will convey to your audience that you’re serious and invested in posting good content. This will increase the likelihood of people revisiting and following your cat’s TikTok account.

7. Edit Your Photos and Videos

TikTok’s appeal is short, entertaining, and engaging content. You only have a couple of seconds to grab someone’s attention before they decide to scroll to the next video. Therefore, make sure to edit your videos so that every second is put to good use.

Adding music or sound clips can help make your videos more engaging. Typing captions can also add more value to a video by providing more context or adding more humor.

8. Use the Right Hashtags

Hashtags will put your TikTok videos into categories, which in turn will make them more likely to reach your intended audience. While there isn’t a set limit on how many hashtags you should use for each video, it’s generally recommended to use three to five.

Looking through the TikTok Discover/Explore tab can help you find trending hashtags. For even more ideas, you can do a quick search for popular hashtags for cat TikTok on a search engine.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that it usually takes a significant amount of work to build and grow your cat’s TikTok account. However, it’s clear that the internet loves cats, and there’s a significant cat fanbase on TikTok. With some time, consistency, and a strategic plan, you can ensure more people get to know your wonderful cat and that your cat receives all the attention and admiration that they deserve.

See Also:

• How Can I Make My Cat An Internet Star? Tips To Stardom
• How to Make Your Cat Instagram Famous

Featured Image Credit: Josep Suria, Shutterstock

The post How to Make My Cat TikTok Famous: 8 Tips to a Viral Craze by Jessica Kim 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.

While cat memes are no stranger to the internet, the Smurf Cat has left many feeling confused and scratching their heads about how it became so viral. As with many memes, images of the Smurf Cat seemed to have started popping up on people’s social media accounts overnight with no context or traceable reason for its sudden popularity.

While the exact cause of the Smurf Cat meme’s virality remains a mystery, we do know where the meme image originates from. The original image is concept art created by a talented artist named Nate Hallinan. He hadn’t intended for his artwork to go viral, but it was certainly a welcomed surprise that it ended up gaining global recognition.

Origins of the Smurf Cat Image

The original image of Smurf Cat was created by Nate Hallinan. Hallinan is a concept artist and illustrator who has created many concept art pieces of fantasy and sci-fi creatures and animals. Included in his portfolio is Smurf Sighting, which is his take on a realistic rendition of a Smurf. While Hallinan didn’t explicitly say that his artwork was modeled after a cat, many people viewed his version of a Smurf as having a cat-like face and features.

The Rise in Popularity of the Smurf Cat Meme

Hallinan created Smurf Sighting on September 9, 2014, but it didn’t reach internet notoriety until nearly a decade later. It’s unclear who first started using this image as a meme, but the image started getting reposted in August 2023. It was first circulating on Russian social media with the hashtag “Шайлушай,” which translates to “Shailushai” in English. This meme eventually made its way to TikTok, where it was also paired with the lyrics “We live. We love. We lie.” from the song “The Spectre” by Alan Walker.

It was only a matter of time before the Smurf Cat meme started taking over TikTok, and its popularity trickled to other platforms, including Instagram and YouTube. Discourse about Smurf Cat also started appearing on Reddit.

True to the course of viral memes, the Smurf Cat meme evolved as people added their personal takes to it. It became such a sensation that you could even find people creating their own versions of it on Minecraft and other popular games.

The Smurf Cat meme reached peak popularity in the fall of 2023. While the craze over the meme has died down since then, it’s still worth noting its impressive reach. The hashtag #smurfcat has over 3.4 billion views, and #Шайлушай has over 1.1 billion views on Russian social media.

Why Did the Smurf Cat Meme Go Viral?

It’s unclear why the Smurf Cat Meme became so popular so fast. However, most speculations revolve around the idea that its appeal had to do with many people not understanding its appeal. While posts of the meme started cycling, many people took to social media to ask why the meme was so popular or to ask people to stop reposting it. These types of posts and complaints only seemed to cause others to create even more posts featuring Smurf Cat.

Conclusion

Whether you love the Smurf Cat or are confused by it, there’s no denying that the internet loves cats and creating cat memes and content. While its peak in popularity has passed, it still remains a widely recognized meme. Considering that the original image was created almost a decade ago, we wouldn’t be surprised if this meme resurfaces again and causes another stir across social media platforms in the future. It would be an amazing feat for it to become relevant again in another 10 years’ time.

• See Also: The Top 30 Most Popular Cats on the Internet in 2024

Featured Image Credit: Property of Deviant Art. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

The post Where Did Smurf Cat Come From? Explaining the Internet Meme by Jessica Kim 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.

If it seems like your cat sleeps a lot, it’s probably because it’s true. Cats love nothing more than having a few cat naps throughout their day. The average number of hours a cat sleeps a day will vary depending on several different factors, including their age and breed. However, healthy adult cats can sleep from anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day.¹

Cats have different sleeping habits than humans, and it can take new cat owners some time to get used to them. Getting enough sleep is vital to a cat’s health and well-being. So, if you’re ever concerned about your cat’s sleeping schedule, consult your veterinarian to determine if your cat’s getting just the right amount of sleep.

Average Hours of Sleep for Kittens and Cats

The amount of sleep a cat gets in a day can vary depending on their age. In general, young kittens tend to sleep more than adult cats. They can sleep for about 20 hours a day.² During the hours they’re awake, they’re usually extremely active, curious, and playful.

By the time a kitten reaches young adulthood, they require less sleep and will sleep between 12 to 16 hours. The number of hours they sleep will increase again when they start to reach their senior life stage. Senior cats tend to sleep more and move around less, especially as they start to experience mobility loss and other age-related health issues.

It’s important to note that cats don’t sleep for multiple consecutive hours at a time throughout the day. They usually sleep for a little over an hour and will engage in some sort of activity before taking another nap. Their sleep is broken up at various parts of their day, and the cumulative amount of sleep they get per day adds up to about 12 to 16 hours.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Cats and humans have different sleep patterns. Most humans are monophasic sleepers, which means that we’ll sleep for one long period, typically at night. In contrast, cats are polyphasic sleepers. This means that they sleep for shorter periods of time throughout the day and night.

It’s believed that polyphasic sleeping is beneficial for survival because it enables cats to get rest without falling into deep sleep and being easy prey for natural predators. In the wild, cats will also consume a lot of energy during their waking hours because they’re usually hunting for prey. They have to engage in strenuous activities, like climbing trees and pouncing. So, it’s important for them to get enough rest in between to be able to have enough energy for their next hunt.

You may also notice that your cat is most active during sunrise and sunset. This is because they’re crepuscular animals, and these times of day are when they naturally feel energized and ready to hunt and explore.

When to Be Concerned

Since sleep is essential to your cat’s well-being, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your cat’s sleep patterns. While cats do sleep a lot more than most humans, sometimes they may sleep too much. Sometimes, cats will oversleep if they’re bored and under-stimulated. Boredom is a significant wellness issue, as bored cats are susceptible to developing behavioral issues, including destruction, over-grooming, and depression. It’s important for cats to get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction every day to keep them happy and healthy.

Sometimes, increased sleep can indicate an underlying health issue or an injury. Injured cats may sleep or rest more to recuperate from their injury and because they’ve lost some mobility. Many health issues, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, and liver disease, can also cause increased sleep or changes in sleep patterns.

If you notice any sudden changes in your cat’s sleep patterns, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can complete a physical exam on your cat and run additional diagnostic tests to diagnose any underlying health issues that may be causing sleep. They can also let you know if the increased sleep is simply due to aging.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Conclusion

Cats spend about half their day napping or sleeping. Their sleep is usually distributed at various parts of the day, and it’s common for them to nap after they’ve expended their energy from exercising or playing. Since sleep patterns can help you keep track of your cat’s health, make sure to keep an eye on your cat’s sleeping habits. This will help you to act as quickly as possible if they need veterinary care.

• Also see: How Many Hours Do Kittens Sleep? Early Habits & Behaviors Explained (Vet-Verified Info)

Featured Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock

The post How Many Hours Does a Cat Sleep? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ by Jessica Kim 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.