Are you someone who believes in the healing power of crystals? Maybe you have a pocket full of charged gems or you place them around your house for Feng Shui. Regardless of your relationship with these metaphysical rocks, you might not have considered using them for your beloved pets—until now.

If you love holistic healing, let us explain how certain well-known crystals can provide physical benefits to your cat.

The 12 Healing Crystals for Cats

1. Amethyst

The beautiful amethyst is traditionally a purple crystal that represents the month of February. But that isn’t all it’s for! It has many properties that make it so fabulous for energy work.

If you have a particularly stressed cat on your hands, it can soothe their temperament. Also, it can improve blood circulation, creating better health overall for your furry pal. It can also help to soothe digestive troubles and even out hormonal issues.

If it seems like you’re trying to treat your cat’s unwavering anxiety with amethyst and it just seems to make it worse, you may want to discontinue use. In some, it can actually heighten the effects of anxiety, which is certainly not the aim.

2. Aventurine

Aventurine is a quartz-based stone that is terrific spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It can aid humans in many different fashions, but it can also be an amazing choice for feline healing, too.

This particular stone is notorious for improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and reducing skin issues. It can be an excellent option for kitties who have allergies—environmental or food-related.

Aventurine is multi-faceted, touting different color hues. It is often referred to as the stone of opportunity. It can help your cat in many different aspects of life, but it primarily manages energy levels and nervous system malfunctions.

3. Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline is a lovely stone that is almost lined or ridged, giving it definition and character. While a beautiful piece to have on display in your home it can also be an amazing tool to use for cats who need a little help in certain departments.

Black tourmaline can help detoxify the body, improve circulation, or even provide slight pain relief in certain instances. These stone characteristics can help cats who are trying to recover from injury or illness.

Plus, like many black stones, this crystal aids in protection. So, if you think your kitty could use an extra layer of warmth around them, a black tourmaline crystal could provide some spiritual conservation.

4. Carnelian

So, you have a tubby kitty on your hands that could use a little motivation to burn some extra calories? Carnelian may be just the stone you need to get your kitty under control. It is known for enhancing energy levels, charging up your kitty for playtime.

Carnelian would work wonders for seniors or lazier cats. This crystal can help enhance playfulness and adventurousness so your cat can live life in the fast lane. Of course, this crystal isn’t for zippy cats who can’t get enough action.

Carnelian can also improve circulation and promote healthy metabolism.

5. Fluorite

There are many types of fluorite, but all are equally beneficially in their own right. No matter which type of fluorite catches your eye, all can be of use to cats who could use a little extra healing power.

Fluorite is a major dispeller of bad juju. So, if your cat has recently undergone trauma, injury, or some other major event, it can help relieve stress and promote a positive balance. This stone is all about tranquility, calm, loving resilience.

On top of these benefits, fluorite is also a master at accelerating healing physically, too. It is said to stimulate the third eye, both with people and pets! Will you have an enlightened kitty on your hands? Who could know for sure until you try it out.

6. Jasper

There are many kinds of jasper—each having something special to bring to the table. You can choose from red, fancy, or brecciated, to name a few. Each one has a slightly different meaning and a unique appearance.

Jasper is a very protective stone, no matter the color or pattern. It can aid in relieving anxiety and getting rid of inflammation. Jasper is also known to be a very good grounding stone, bringing your cat back into reality.

If you have had a Kitty come to you from a turbulent or homeless situation, jasper can be a great foundation stone!

7. Lepidolite

Lepidolite is a miracle stone with the patience of Job. It is often referred to as the grandmother stone because it facilitates the utmost grace and patience, giving it a grandmother-like vibe.

This particular stone resonates with multiple chakras: the heart, crown, and third eye. So, it can help with these areas of health, even for our cats. These stones really help to put focus on relaxation and steady temperament.

If your cat is known for having a very tense or rigid structure, this can be helpful, too. It will promote a sense of calm to your cat, allowing them to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

8. Moonstone

Moonstones are beautiful crystals that have a variety of intense properties. These stones can not only help people balance themselves in nearly every way, but they can do the same for your feline friends.

The moonstone can be terrific for cats who have issues with hormones, lymphatic sluggishness, and decreased immunity. It will aid in mending the issues to create a better experience for your healing kitty.

Moonstone also promotes healthy sleep patterns and reproductive health. So if you just so happen to be a cat breeder, your females might really benefit from the power of this particular crystal.

9. Rose Quartz

Ah, rose quartz—the crystal that’s all about love and loving others. So, what can this pink form of quartz do for your cat? So much! This stone is really a mood booster, replacing any negative thoughts with happy ones.

Also, this crystal can improve overall circulation, aid in skin health improvement, and totally level a frisky feline. It is a very chill stone, meaning it only promotes positivity—so you can’t go wrong when using it with your kitty.

Rose quartz really tackles emotional issues. It might be perfect for a cat that feels threatened easily, has a superiority complex, or even lives life in constant fear. It can also reduce bodily tension if you have a particularly uptight pal on your hands.

10.Selenite

If your cat needs a little moonlit power to save the day, let us recommend selenite for its powerful capabilities. This cleansing stone is highly powerful, protective, and cleansing for the body.

For your cat, it can promote a sense of calmness to shield them from chaotic feelings. This can be a great stone for juvenile cats to provide a leveling effect. It also helps anxious cats curb their feelings of restlessness.

On top of its emotional perks, it also helps to detoxify the body and cleanse surrounding negativity. So, if your living space is mucking up your cat’s energy, this stone can be a great clearing tool.

11.Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is a powerful crystal that has tons of beneficial qualities. It is very useful to people, but it can equally benefit cats if they need the extra boost. This stone isn’t just lovely, it’s healing.

If your cat is depressed after just losing a friend or having trouble adjusting to a new home life, smoky quartz can help! This stone helps to overcome fear, anxiety, and depression—but that isn’t all!

This stone also helps calm tense muscles, aid in digestion, and boost energy. The effects of smoky quartz might also help protect your cat from radiation, which can be useful if you have tons of Wi-Fi gadgets in the home.

12.Turquoise

Turquoise is more than just a fabulous color—it’s an undeniably beautiful stone. This crystal is as powerful as it is unique, terrific for medicinal and spiritual healing. It is a stone of strength, making your kitty even more fierce than they were before.

This stone also helps reduce inflammation. If your cat experiences some sort of infection or injury, turquoise can speed up the recovery process. It is also splendid for the immune system, giving it just the boost it needs.

This is a stone of positivity and inner peace. So if your frisky feline could use a chill pill, turquoise can be a great stone to work with.

Conclusion

Now you understand a little bit more about the properties of these beautiful stones. They can be beautiful decorations, add functionality to your home, and also be beneficial to the health of all living things!

Just be sure to do your research and choose the correct crystal that will give you the desired result.

Featured Image Credit: ju_see, Shutterstock

The post 12 Healing Crystals for Cats: A Holistic Guide by Ashley Bates 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.

It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare: being stuck somewhere and not being able to access a vet if your pet is hurt or sick. If you have found yourself in one of these situations or you are heading somewhere with limited access to vets, you might be trying to cover your bases.

This article aims to help every pet parent access resources even in the bleakest times. So if you are currently or could be stuck somewhere where you can’t access vet care, hopefully, one of these ideas can help you get your pet the care they need even in the absence of nearby veterinarians.

The 5 Ideas On How To Contact a Vet In the Middle of Nowhere

1. Check for the Closest Vets

Even if there are no standard vet offices nearby, there might be access to emergency vets. Some clinics also offer call outs or afterhours services. While this might vary from state to state and area to area, it’s always best to contact services near you to see what kind of care you can get for your pets.

Keep in mind that emergency vets are much more expensive than standard veterinarians. So, while you might pay more out of pocket, it’s certainly worth it if your pet’s life is at stake.

2. Chat to a Vet Online

Thanks to technology, we have more options now than ever to contact professionals. If you have access to the Internet or cell phone service, you can always chat with a live veterinarian through vet telehealth services like PangoVet. You may be able to do a video conference or use a chat feature to explain what’s going on with your pet. While they often can’t provide a diagnosis or prescriptions, they can let you know how to manage your pet yourself or if they need to be seen somewhere in person as soon as possible.

If you have pet insurance, this often comes as a feature to the plan you have. You can contact the professionals that the insurance company has on standby so they can guide you on appropriate care at home and how and when to make the trip to see a professional.

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

3. Call a Vet

Whether it’s your vet’s office or a closer veterinarian, you can always reach out via phone. Even if you can’t access treatment, a vet might be able give some general advice over the phone. This might include treatments like proper hydration, wound dressing, and other at-home solutions.

The ultimate care will depend on the issue and guidance of the professional you’re speaking with. If you are far away from your personal vet, you can still call the office for contact. They can advise you, especially since they are familiar with your pet and their current health.

4. Call a Hotline

There are hotlines you can call to help you with your pets. Whether it is Pet Poison Helpline, ACK Vetline, the Animal Humane Society’s Pet Helpline  hotlines are designed to help in situations of dire need.

You can provide the professional with as many details as you possibly can. They might advise you on how to take care of your pet at home, but they might also have other resources available. For example, there might be a veterinarian nearby who is  available for a house call. They can also advise you on other means of care, so don’t hesitate to use this resource.

5. Contact a Rural or Traveling Vet

If you are in a rural area that doesn’t have direct access to vet care, you are likely not the only one. In areas like this, there are often traveling veterinarians who can make house calls. You can ask the locals how they receive vet care, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

While this is generally done for farm animals, it can also help with domestic pets like cats and dogs. Keep in mind that you might have to pay a little extra for a house call, but in some situations, it can be the very difference between a life and death and a scenario.

Keep in mind that the availability for a traveling veterinarian will be different depending on where you are.

How to Help Your Pet at Home

Unless the situation is obvious, you should never try to treat your pet at home. However, you may do so under the guidance of a veterinarian. If you made a call and they explained to you how to treat your pet, you can follow their instruction. However, if your pet is severely unwell and suffering, you should make the journey to an in-person vet, regardless of how far this might be.

Conclusion

Finding access to vet care can be very difficult sometimes. Whether you live in a rural area, you’re on a vacation in the wilderness, or traveling to an area where you don’t have a lot of resources, accidents can still happen.

Not only is it good to be prepared before the accident occurs, but it’s also good to know all of your options when you face a dilemma to ensure your pet’s care. Illness, disease, and injury can happen at any time. The only thing you can do is access the resources given to you and follow the instructions you receive.

Featured Image Credit: SvetikovaV, Shutterstock

The post How Can I Contact a Vet If I Am in the Middle of Nowhere? 5 Ideas to Help by Ashley Bates 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.

Regardless of whether or not you have pets, we all have very busy lifestyles. Agendas are always full, and you’re constantly bustling from one task to the next. Sometimes, finding time to take your pet to the vet can be very hard.

Whether it’s just a routine checkup or your pet got sick while you have a tight schedule, you might wonder if it’s okay for someone else to take them instead. Generally, it’s okay for someone else to take your pet to the vet, but you should try to make yourself available to speak to the vet on the phone to avoid miscommunication. But suppose you have an established relationship with your veterinarian. In that case, they might have individual rules for their specific facility, but we will go over each circumstance and how to navigate it.

Laws on Ownership: Who Can Take Your Dog to the Vet?

Realistically, there is really no law against someone else taking your dog or cat to the vet. You could have just about anyone able to take your pet to get them treated. If the vet knows the pet belongs to someone else they may take steps to contact the owner prior to any major decisions being made. If you plan on footing the bill instead of the person taking your animal, you might also need to set this up with the vet prior to treatment.

If you aren’t giving the person taking your animal to the vet funds to cover the appointment, you might need to call in to make the payment over the phone or give the person cash so they can take care of it as needed.

Communication Is Important

There are a few ways that you can permit someone to take care of your animal. Even though it might not necessarily be required, making yourself available for the vet to call during the appointment is a good idea. They can call you after they examine your pet, to clarify things in your pet’s history and discuss treatment plans. Sometimes having a third party involved increases miscommunications which can be frustrating for you and your vet and lead to poorer outcomes.

If you can’t speak to the vet yourself, it can be nice to have something written, verbally stated, or otherwise noted that someone else has permission to take care of your animal and consent for major things like surgery or euthanasia. It’s also important to let the person bringing your pet to the vet as many details as possible about what’s going on with your pet. That way, they can communicate it to the vet. If you don’t do so, it can make it difficult for your vet to know what’s going on, which can make the appointment last longer, necessitate further tests, delay treatment, and/or cost you more money.

Written Communication

If you have a friend or family member taking in your pet, you can always write out a quick note to let the vet’s office know that you are fully aware and include information about what’s going on with your pet and your wishes. This way, they can use it as necessary in the office to verify details about the visit.

Plus this is a really fantastic opportunity to give the person permission to bring your pet into the vet for future visits as well. This way, you don’t have to repeat any steps, and they won’t have an issue moving forward.

Verbal Consent

Most of the time, all that will be necessary is calling in to inform your vet that someone else will be bringing your pet in and any other details you wish to share.

You might also receive a phone call from the vet’s office for consent to treat if they have to administer any medication, intravenous fluids, X-rays, or other invasive tests or procedures.

Documentation

If you have any documentation that needs to be given to the vet before treatment, you can e-mail or fax it to the vet’s office or even send it to the person bringing your pet. Often, this is an unusual and unnecessary thing to do, but it can be helpful in a few different circumstances.

For example, if your regular vet is unable to treat your animal or you are not near them, you might have a person take your pet to another vet or facility to be treated. Having shot records and other documentation can help the unfamiliar veterinarian acclimate to different treatments, medications, and other care that has already been done.

This way, you don’t have to do anything extra and your chosen person for the task doesn’t have to remember specifics on prior care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I take my neighbor’s pet to the vet?

Sometimes situations can crop up that really makes us question our moral code. Say for example that there is a dog tied up in someone’s backyard and it’s clear that they are struggling, but they aren’t receiving care.

Or, maybe your neighbor’s cat wanders around the neighborhood, and now it is wounded and has not received proper care. It can be very tempting to feel the obligation to take it to the vet yourself.

We don’t recommend taking your neighbours pet to the vet without their knowledge. You should speak to your neighbour about your concerns; you never know if the animal is actually already being given vet care. It’s also not advisable for you to medicate your neighbours pet without their knowledge since you don’t know the animals medical history. Your neighbour may give you permission to take their pet to the vet.

If your neighbour is not receptive to your concerns and you are worried about the animal’s welfare, you can get the local authorities involved. Neglect can be an act of animal cruelty, which there are federal laws against in the United States.

2. Can I take a stray to the vet?

If you see a stray or feral cat around and you know they need your help, you are more than welcome to help them out. You can take any stray animal into the vet to receive treatment and you never know, they could be a lost pet with a microchip, in which case they can be reunited with their owner. If not, you can contact local rescues and shelters to see if they might have room or availability to care for these animals.

3. Will a person taking my pet to the vet be responsible for costs?

The person taking your pet to the vet is responsible for paying after the appointment. However, you can also foot the bill. You can send them cash or a card instead of having them pay out of pocket.

You might also be able to call the vet’s office to pay over the phone with your credit card information. Then, of course there’s always the option to reimburse your friend or family member once the appointment is complete. This will be a personal arrangement that you can work out between the both of you.

An Alternative to In-Person Appointments

If you can’t take your pet to the vet yourself just because you have a busy schedule or can’t take off work, there is an alternative: vet telehealth. It works similarly to telehealth for humans and is a great option if you just have general health questions about your pet. You can schedule virtual appointments at a time that is convenient for you.

Vet telehealth services, such as PangoVet, are increasing in popularity. However, they often can’t prescribe medications or offer a specific diagnosis. But they can answer your questions and let you know if your pet does need to be seen by an in-person veterinarian.

Conclusion

Now you can rest easy knowing that having someone else take your animal to the vet is really a piece of cake. As long as you cover some bases before they take them in, it should be relatively simple for your friend or family member.

Remember that funds will be one of the primary causes for concern in a situation like this. You’ll need to know who is footing the bill before they even take them in. You can pay with your veterinarian or send cash to a friend instead.

Otherwise, there are no specific laws against it, though it can be helpful to get your vet’s opinion before setting up the appointment.

Featured Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock

The post Can Another Person Bring My Pet to the Vet for Me? Vet-Approved Info & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.

You might be quite impressed with your cat’s ability to check out a tub of litter one time and know exactly what to do with it. Why can’t dogs be like that? Even though we’re super impressed with our felines’ bathroom habits, one must wonder—why do cats need a litter box?

And what causes them to just know what they’re doing when they see one? It’s called instincts. Despite our cats being some of the most fearsome predators of their size, they still want to hide from animals bigger and higher up on the food chain than they are. So they bury their urine and feces as a way to hide their scent. In the wild, they may use dirt, sand, leaves, etc., to cover their tracks, but domesticated cats just use a littler box.

Here are some reasons that cats use litter boxes when other animals don’t.

Cats Use Litter Boxes Instinctually

So, if you ever have a kitten blow your mind by being litter trained by round one—it’s to be expected, but not always guaranteed. One thing is for sure, kittens and cats come with built-in wiring to cover their waste.

Out in nature, cats can have many predators to watch out for. Some examples might include dogs, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, eagles, and many other larger animals. If these animals can smell cats’ already-strong droppings, they might be hot on their trail.

This is something that a lot of other animals don’t have to worry about, such as dogs, for instance. For the most part, dogs tend to be larger than cats and are more of a force to be reckoned with when it comes to predators than cats are. Dogs tend to mark an area with urine or feces in an obvious way, in order to make it obvious to other animals that they were there, whereas cats want to hide the fact that they were there.

Of course, most domestic cats never have to worry about getting eaten by a predator. They are too busy snoozing in their favorite sunny window to fathom getting eaten.

Regardless of our cats present day, humans have certainly gotten lucky that our cats prefer the coverage. Otherwise living with them could be quite challenging.

Cats Are Masters of Hygiene

Cats absolutely love keeping clean and they spend many hours a day grooming their beautiful coats. They don’t want any dirtiness clinging to them, so they meticulously stroke their coats to remove any debris. In fact, they spend up to 50% of their day keeping up with baths.

They also want to use a litter box for the same reason. It keeps all their waste in one place and keeps the other areas where they live clean. So, it should make you feel good to know that cats are very clean animals, despite any setbacks with litter training.

In actuality, if a cat is refusing to use the litter box, it can be because there’s a problem with some aspect of the litter box. It could be too dirty and need to be changed, or they just don’t like the litter or the litter box for some reason.

Cats Use Waste for Communication

While cats can definitely hide their poop like a pro, they also use their waste to communicate with one another— for social and mating purposes. Our cats can learn so much information about others just by giving their waste a good sniff. So, in some cases, they may not hide their waste if they have a reason to communicate with other cats. They may be looking for a mate, or want to reinforce their territory.

Tips for Cat Litter Training

Even though cats are very smart and just know to use the potty like a baby bird knows to eat a worm, not all will pick it up with ease. Some cats have trouble due to several different factors—but most can be summed up in the simple terms of every kitty is different.

Even if it seems like your cat picked up litter training, there are still a few measures you can put in place to ensure that it sticks. If you are having issues convincing your cat to use the box, here are a few tips.

1. Start Small

At first, you won’t want to give your cat access to the full house. Partial access is fine, but realistically you will want a small space with a floor that is well-protected or at least easy to clean (like wood or laminate).

Allowing your kitten too much space at first can certainly create room for secret accidents you don’t find until much later.

2. Have an Easily Accessible Litter Box

Buying a litter box might seem like a no brainer but your little tyke might appreciate some help. If you get a lower litter box with an easy access point, it can help your cat remember where it is and make climbing in a breeze. Don’t put the litter box too out of the way or in noisy areas.

Some folks choose to use small cardboard boxes or tin trays the first few weeks to create an easily disposable open concept for training. Ultimately, it is whatever is easiest for your cat.

3. Buy the Right Litter

There are tons of different litter box materials on the market right now.

Ultimately, the type of litter will depend on your goal. Do you want a litter that’s natural? Easy to clump? You have options! But at first, it might be easier if your kitten learned with clay. Clay is very attractive to cats because of its texture and coverage abilities.

Some cats can be picky about litter though, so if your cat isn’t using the litter despite the box being clean and easily accessible, they could prefer a different litter type. They also usually like the litter to be a few inches deep. You might have to experiment with different litters to find one your cat likes.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Like dogs, cats can respond well to rewards when training. If you catch your cat doing the right thing, offer them a treat. When they start to associate using the litter box with a tasty snack, they are more likely to repeat this behavior in the future. Mosty likely, you will find your cat using the litter without much prompting but if you’re having trouble, placing them in the litter box after a nap or a meal can help. At these times cats are more likely to need to “go”.

5. Keep the Litter Clean

Being fastidiously hygienic animals, cats won’t want to use a dirty litter box. A scoop out at least once a day and refreshing the litter will keep the box in acceptable condition for your cat. Every week or so you should give the litter tray a complete clean out, including washing with soap and water.

6. Increase Range

Once it seems like your cat has it down, you can slowly allow them access to the rest of the house. They will be able to navigate around and still find their litter box. However, if you see a regression, it might be a good idea to limit things again until they get the hand of it.

Litter Box Regression

If it seems like your cat is going backward, don’t fret. Some litter box regression during training can be normal, but it’s best to get a handle on it. Keep in mind that there is a major difference between litter box regression and other bathroom problems—like marking territory, stress-related issues, and medical problems. If you notice your cat straining, urinating in strage places, or blood in the urine you are probably dealing with a medical problem and should book a veterinary appointment.

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

If your cat has reached roughly 6 months of age and you start noticing their urine is a bit strong, they are likely reaching sexual maturity and might very well be spraying—male or female. Spray can be difficult to remove from surfaces and fabrics (and sometimes impossible if it is allowed to build up and your cat repeatedly sprays on a certain area).

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering on Time

When your kitten is growing up, spay and neuter surgery is going to be a hot topic of discussion early on. Not only is it best to prevent unwanted pregnancy and reproduction, but it also curbs otherwise challenging behaviors your cat will develop.

Both heat cycles and male hormones can create household chaos. It can ruin your belongings and make coexisting with your pet difficult.

Many have a misconception that this surgery will cure any and all issues related to spraying. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. While it might calm down the issue, it may never cure it completely especially if you prolong the spay or neuter surgery and your cat makes a habit of it. But the sooner you have the surgery performed, the better chance you’ll have of breaking the habit.

Conclusion

How lucky are we to have capable, intelligent felines terrified of a predator catching a whiff of their poop? It doesn’t matter why in reality; it just matters that it’s super cool our cats need very little to no guidance on bathroom etiquette.

Just remember, even though cats are easy to house train, they can still develop bad behaviors once they reach sexual maturity. If you haven’t done so already, call your vet to schedule a spay/neuter procedure!

Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Use Litter Boxes? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.

Our cats are creatures of the night, so it’s no wonder you hear them howling their song into the echoing chambers of the house when all are sleeping. With as much as you’re getting used to the sound of a banshee in your dwellings—you might wonder why it’s happening and how you can make it stop.

So, let’s explore why your feline might be constantly caterwauling at night. Remember, a vet appointment should be your first course of action if you notice any other unusual signs in your cat in addition to crying.

The 8 Possible Reasons for Cats Crying at Night

1. Hormones

Hormones influence, well, everything. They can influence your well-behaved cat to change into an unfamiliar one overnight. Once your kitty hits sexual maturity, their brains suddenly snap into mating mode, and nothing else seems to matter.

Why the increase of vocalization? Females usually use this method as a way to “cat call” male suitors when in heat. A male cat can hear and smell her up to a mile away, thanks to her powerful pheromones.

So, what other behaviors do they exhibit apart from crying and shouting? So many! It depends on if the cat is male or female. For example, females in heat will often become overly affectionate, rubbing, vocalizing, and maybe even exhibiting marking behavior.

Males can also spray—and they are usually the culprit. However, any cat can spray and getting them fixed won’t necessarily stop the issue. If you think your cat might be entering a heat cycle or reaching sexual maturity, it’s time to get them fixed.

Many cat owners face the problem of not getting their cats fixed in time and then dealing with the consequences of the delay. You might have to use enzymatic cleaners and other methods to clean up spray, and it can be really difficult to remove.

2. Boredom

We all know our cats have a big need to be entertained. A lot of times, if there’s not much going on in the environment, they will make something up. Unfortunately, that can include banging, crashing, and screeching around the house while the world tries to sleep.

It’s especially important for indoor cats to make sure their home environment is interesting and stimulating for them.  Encourage activity and play during the day, but if you still think your pal needs help filling their time at night, you can try to offer some quiet but interactive toys.

3. Separation Anxiety

Do you keep your door shut at night? If so, your cat might experience a little separation anxiety, which can be troubling and problematic. While separation anxiety is an issue that is talked a lot about in the canine community, it is often overlooked among feline companions. Changes in your cat’s routine can also cause stress and upset.

Speak to your vet if your cat shows signs of being stressed or unhappy. They will rule out any medical issues and may recommend calming supplements and adjustments to their routine and environment. They might also refer you to a cat behaviorist in more extreme cases.

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

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4. Prowling

Your cat might have a little mousey on the loose. If your cat has a high prey drive, they might use their natural instincts and sharp senses to hunt. Now, many homes don’t have mice—but those that live in the country or rural areas can attest to these little boogers intruding.

If you have a cat around, they will set out to find any pesky rodents that might be lurking around. If they smell a mouse but can’t find it, it also might cause an increase in vocalization due to frustration.

5. Hunger

Why do you choose to starve your cat? How dare you refuse to fill the food bowl to its brim before leaving them up all night, famished? We’re just kidding, but if your cat is feeling a little empty in the tummy, it might be a good idea to feed them closer to bedtime, if it doesn’t interfere with their schedule too much.

Sometimes, you can leave a food bowl out on a rotating basis and a lot of cats can manage themselves. Others will wreak havoc on the whole food bowl in one sitting. So, it can be difficult to keep a voracious eater happy!

You can always offer other bedtime snacks, like a bowl of broth or a lickable snack to keep them busy.

6. Age-Related Confusion

Our cats decline as they age in all regards. The once spry, bright-eyed little cat wanes into a slower, more sunken version of themselves as their bodies give way to age. With the natural bodily changes that occur, their cognitive abilities can take a hit also.

Much like dementia and Alzheimer’s in people, cats can develop a much similar issue called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS.) This is the equivalent to feline dementia, usually due to a buildup of beta amyloid in the brain, which causes death and loss of brain neurons.

It can affect them in many different facets of their life—from staring aimlessly into space to crying at night. In addition to forgetting basic concepts, it can trigger a whirlwind of other signs.

Your cat doesn’t necessarily have to have CDS to exhibit signs. It can also mimic other things, some of which are time-sensitive. Some other issues that cause confusion in older cats can be health conditions like chronic kidney disease and deafness.

7. Other Health Issues

Age doesn’t necessarily have to be the primary factor to consider for a health issue. Even kittens can develop or are born with conditions that can cause signs as they grow. Only a vet can truly determine if a health issue is the underlying cause for your cat screaming.

Your vet will do a full physical exam and may run a series of bloodwork, urine samples, and even imaging if they suspect a problem. Here are some of the most frequently associated health issues with meowing at night.

You might notice many of the same signs in each category, which is why it is so imperative to get a proper diagnosis!

Hyperthyroidism is caused by one or both of the thyroid glands becoming enlarged and overactive. This leads to an increase in the production of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating many body processes.

If your cat has an overactive thyroid, they will likely begin displaying lots of signs—although it might be more difficult to detect at first.

If your vet thinks your cat might be hyperthyroid, they will run blood tests to check their hormone levels. If your cat has the issue, there are a number of treatment options available including medical management and surgical removal of the affected thyroid tissue.

Kidney disease is a serious health condition that can threaten your buddy’s life when untreated. While kidney disease can develop at any age, it is more common among the older cat population.

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a common problem of older cats. It happens when the kidneys slowly stop working over a period of months to years. The waste products that the kidneys normally remove build up in the bloodstream.

While there is no cure for CKD, there are ways that your vet can manage the condition, reduce the signs, and slow the progression of the disease. It is vital to your cat’s wellbeing to get diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.

If you have a touch of arthritis, or know someone who does, you probably know just how painful it can be, and it’s the same for our cats. Often, signs might exacerbate at night once your cat is mobile. Osteoarthritis can develop in cats of any age, but mainly the senior population suffers.

It is not always known what has caused arthritis but mechanical wear and tear in the joints plays a part, and it can also develop secondary to a joint injury or abnormality.

If your cat has arthritis, it will need to be treated with medications. Environmental modifications and diet changes or supplements can also help.

8. Pain

Pain can come from many different sources apart from arthritis. Some can be noticeable, like an obvious breakage, skin abrasion, or wound. Others are more difficult to detect, like dental disease or abscesses.

If you think your cat is crying at night or any other time due to pain, it is important to make an appointment with your vet.

How to Help Your Cat at Night

Ways to help your cat will depend greatly on the underlying issue. If there is a health concern, veterinary assessment and treatment is essential. If it is as simple as hunger or feeling bored, you can offer them snacks and entertainment to keep them busy.

If your cat has a health condition (with the exception of separation anxiety), you might want to confine them into a single space at night for safety and comfort, speak to your vet for advice about whether this is the right option for your feline. Make sure the litter box is easy to access and food is in the bowl—in case they get too hungry!

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet anytime you think your cat might have something going on that you can’t deal with at home. It’s always best to be safe than put off an issue that requires treatment. Advice and treatment will depend on what your vet determines is the underlying reason for your cat crying at night.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have a firmer understanding about what could trigger your cat to cry at night. It might be different for every cat, but often the answer is quite simple. Don’t get too disheartened right away—and certainly voice any major concerns with your vet.

Featured Image Credit: savitskaya iryna, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Cry at Night? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Ashley Bates 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.

We won’t waste any time. Yes, cats recognize their owners—and any cat owner can attest to this. When you get home from work, you are quite sure that the enamored beast meowing, rubbing, and bunting your whole body wouldn’t act this way with just anyone.

So, naturally, our cats can recognize us in the fact that we are familiar. But do they notice us more than anyone else they see frequently? Are we special? Do they know they belong with us? Let’s explore it a little!

A Human’s Need to Humanize Pets

As humans, we have an innate desire to humanize everything around us in a way that makes the environment more relatable to our own experience. Wondering if our cats recognize us is one of the ways we do it.

It is pretty obvious after spending any quality time with your cat that not only do they know you, but they also prefer you. While their body language tells us this in every way, we might need more confirmation.

So, if it makes you feel better—yes! Your cat definitely recognizes you and it’s not just because you’re the one who fills the food bowl (although, you definitely get bonus points for doing that!).

How Do Cats Recognize Humans?

Our cats can recognize us using their same five senses, ultimately. But let’s pick it apart a bit.

1. Vision

You may think that one of the most obvious ways your cat identifies you is with their eyes. Cats are not wired to respond to human emotions and facial expressions the way dogs are, but that doesn’t mean they can’t read them at all. One study showed that cats were able to recognize facial expressions and responded better to their owners than to a strangers. They can also respond to social cues like following your gaze.

Surprisingly, however, sight is not the most obvious way your cat identifies you. What are the stronger senses?

2. Smell

Our cats’ sense of smell is otherworldly. In fact, if we are measuring, it is 14 times better than a human’s—how impressive! Cats can be extremely sensitive to changes in their environment because of their heightened senses.

We give information all the time to our cats through scent alone without even realizing it! Cats can have up to 200 million odor receptors that are directly linked to memory. Cats use this sense of smell to help identify you. They may associate your smell with certain feelings. Not only that, but a study has proven that, like dogs, cats can recognize and respond to emotional chemosignals, meaning your cat may understand if you’re happy or scared by your scent!

4. Sound

A 2013 study showed that cats can recognize the sound of their owner’s voices. Your voice is so familiar to your cat, but even the pace of your steps or the sound of your feet on the floor might help your cat identify you. Each of us has a different stride and weight, creating varying sounds as we walk.

Your cat can recognize their name, and potentially a few other familiar words. The communication goes two ways as cats will use vocalizations to interact with you.

5. Familiar Routines

Our cats know us well. They might not be able to tell the time, but they do develop routines. They wake up at 5 a.m. for food and know you get home at 6 in the evening. Sure, maybe they can’t tell time, but they can tell the time of day.

How Long Do Cats Remember Us?

Cats are capable of having short- and long-term memories. How they catalog them depends on the importance of experiences. If you have had your cat for a long time and developed a bond, there is a very good chance that they will remember you their whole lives.

What’s sad is that if you adopt an adult cat, they might miss and even look for their old family for months. That is why getting a pet is no joke—they truly attach themselves to your family unit.

This information should make you feel better if you go on vacation or do something a little more time-intensive, like going off to college. Your cat will remember you and shower you with affection upon your return.

Like us, however, cats lose their ability to sharply remember as they age. Cognitive decline usually happens in senior cats, with 50% of cats over 15 years being affected.

Conclusion

Now you know a little more about a cat’s memory and how they view us. Our cats can recognize us in several ways, just like they learn and retain memories of many other happenings in their lives.

So, now you can be sure that your cat knows you, they love you, and they’ll never forget you. Don’t worry—they could pick you out of a lineup and that’s all that matters!

Featured Image Credit: phM2019, Shutterstock

The post Do Cats Recognize Their Owners? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.

When your cat is interacting with you—things are going to get weird from time to time. Whether they are taking their time getting really up close to sniff you or they are invading your space by bunting and rolling all over your body, they aren’t much for personal space.

So, if you have noticed that every time you get close to your cat, they stick their little murder mitten on your mouth, you might wonder what gives. Why do these critters constantly behave in the weirdest of ways and why does my cat put his paw on my mouth? We may have an answer for you.

The 6 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Puts Their Paw on Your Mouth

1. Affection

One of the most obvious reasons your cat might be putting their paw on your face is to show you affection. Our cats don’t know a lot about personal space, and some of them will invade you and get as close to your body as humanly possible.

When they do, they might place their paws on your face, mouth, chest, or anywhere else they feel like getting closer to you. You use your mouth to speak to them as well, so it might even be a little paw of acknowledgment.

2. Attention

If you aren’t giving your cat enough attention, they might put their paw where your mouth is! After all, maybe you need to be quiet and listen to their request. Or perhaps it inadvertently worked in the past, and they’ve learned that putting their paw on your mouth is a surefire way of getting your attention. 

Whether they have an empty food bowl or they just want to cuddle up and take a nap, it might be a way for them to really put all the attention on themselves. After all, you weren’t listening otherwise!

3. Communication

Our cats try to communicate with us in a variety of ways. Although body language is the number one way a cat communicates, they also use a series of vocalizations and actions to deliver messages to us.

If a cat is putting a paw on your mouth, they might simply be trying to tell you something. Be sure to pay attention to other bodily cues and see if you can figure out the underlying message. Haven’t you always wanted to decode cat language?

4. Playfulness

Your cat might be feeling a little frisky. They might crawl up on you and put their paw on your mouth as a way to entice you to play. If so, you might notice other body language, like their tail whipping, eyes dilating, or their body tensing.

It might be time to grab the feather teaser to give them a romp around the house so they can burn some energy.

5. Trust

If your cat puts their paw on your mouth, this is obviously a very intimate action. Some people claim that your cat doing so demonstrates how much they trust you.

After all, they wouldn’t climb on top of a stranger and get up in their face unless you have a particularly social and needy feline. So, you may conclude that they simply adore you and trust you with their entire being. Aren’t you lucky?

6. Comfort

Your cat might be nestling up your chest, pawing you in the mouth. This might be a general sign of comfort, especially if it’s accompanied by other actions like purring.

Why Should You Not Let Paws on Your Mouth?

Even though a cat putting its paw on your mouth is a super adorable action, they probably really shouldn’t be doing that.

Realistically, your mouth is an entryway to your digestive system and also links to your respiratory system, so it can transmit all kinds of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other undesirable things into your body.

Our cats are pretty clean most of the time. But in reality, they track all sorts of “nasties” (bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens) through their litter boxes, often coming in contact with their own urine and feces. This can be very problematic and not the most sanitary thing to have on your face.

After all, you wouldn’t want your cat walking on your food plate, so you probably wouldn’t want them putting their tiny toe beans on your face.

Germ Transmission

Realistically, even though most viruses and illnesses that a cat can get can only be transmitted from the same species, there are zoonotic diseases. So, if your cat is putting their paw on your mouth and they came in contact with their urine or feces, they can transmit a number of things to you, including:

Salmonellosis

Salmonella is a bacterial genus, and many strains of these bacteria can cause extreme gastrointestinal distress and humans. It can range from mild to severe, and you often pick it up on surfaces or ingest it through the food you eat. If your cat’s waste or anything that they have walked on has a Salmonella bacterium, they can easily transmit it to you by putting their paw on your mouth.

E.coli

E.coli, like Salmonella, is a bacterium that can upset the gastrointestinal tract. It can be transmitted from urine, feces, and other surfaces.

Parasites

The last thing we want to think about is getting parasites from our pets. However, if you don’t keep up with routine deworming and other parasite prevention, we can come in contact with some pretty nasty things.

If your cat is putting their paws on your mouth, tiny eggs can transmit into your system and actually cause an infection for you. To prevent this entirely, it is very important to keep up with routine parasite prevention.

Even if you do, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and prevent your pet from touching your face.

Conclusion

Sometimes, cats can just be weird creatures and there’s not really any rhyme or reason to the things that they do. However, you know your cat better than anybody so you likely can get a pretty good idea based on body language alone.

Remember, even though it’s very cute for your cat to gently place their paw on your mouth, it can cause several issues in the long run. It is extremely easy for your cat to transmit germs, bacteria, and other problematic issues to you through your mouth.

In any case, to each their own, we just think it’s important for you to know the risks!

Featured Image Credit: Nataliabiruk, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Put His Paw on My Mouth? 6 Possible Reasons (Vet-Reviewed) by Ashley Bates 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.

A Persian is one of the oldest and most interesting cat breeds. Once gracing the lap of royalty, these cats have continued to flourish and become popular throughout the years. Orange is one of the many colors that a Persian cat can possess.

In this article, we aim to explore a little more about the Persian breed itself, as orange is simply a color of the breed.

Breed Overview

Furry and elegant, the Persian is one breathtaking cat. Along with their beautiful appearance, they are also highly easygoing, relaxed cats with a reputation for having extremely sound temperaments. Persians acclimate to almost any lifestyle.

So, if you’re a person who loves the orange Persian, chances are, they will fit right in with you and your family.

The Earliest Records of Orange Persian in History

The Persian cat has a long history with humans, but some of their history is unknown. We do know that these cats originated in Iran (formerly Persia) and it is thought they arrived in Europe via spice caravans during the spice trade in the 1800s, where they grew in popularity. Since orange has always been one of the possible colors of the Persian breed, it is safe to say that this color combo has likely been around for hundreds of years.

How Orange Persians Gained Popularity

Persian cats started to gain popularity because they were favored by Queen Victoria, who owned several of them. These regal, poised cats gained popularity for the same reasons they are still popular today. They are extraordinarily beautiful, touting long, thick coats and penetrating eyes. Their coats look fabulous in a variety of colors.

Many of the oldest Persians were depicted as red in color, and these were likely the orange Persians we know today. Modern Persians seem to have a phylogeographical signature. They are bred with influences from British Shorthair, Chartreux, and American Shorthair cats.

Persians became widely sought after because of their beauty and overall temperament. Angora cats were nearly equally popular at this time. Due to their similar appearance and personalities, the two breeds were often confused.

Formal Recognition of Persians

The Cat Fanciers’ Association was one of the first cat organizations to recognize the Persian cat, doing so in 1906 as a foundation breed. Today, all of the main cat organizations, including the CFA and The International Cat Association (TICA) accept orange Persian cats as just one of the many recognized coat colors.

Top 5 Unique Facts About Persians

1. Orange Cats Are Mostly Boys

What is really interesting is that orange cats as a whole share a common theme, despite their breed. Up to 80% of all orange cats are actually male. That leaves a whopping 20% that are females.

It all comes down to chromosomes. For an orange female cat to come into the world, the parents have to have a matching pair of chromosomes responsible for the color orange. If they do not, they will be male by default. So, not only are Persians more expensive due to being purebred, but you will also likely pay more for a female because of their rarity.

2. Orange Persians Can Come in a Variety of Patterns

Orange cats are generally considered tabby cats, although there are distinct patterns under the tabby category. First, you have your classic tabby. These cats have slightly swirled coats. Next, you have the mackerel tabby, which resembles a wild tiger.

Spotted tabbies are exactly what they sound like, tabbies with spots! Next, is the ticked tabby which gives the illusion that they are solid color until you take a closer look at their legs and face. Then, you will notice the dark line undertones of the tabby in their coat.

Your orange Persian could be any of these.

3. Garfield Was an Orange Persian Tabby Cat

At one point in time, Garfield was everyone’s favorite cat! It’s very obvious that he is an orange cat, but what you might not know is that he was modeled after a Persian. That’s right! Garfield is an orange-striped Persian cat.

4. Persian Cats are Brachycephalic

One of the most interesting things about a Persian’s appearance is their cute little pug-like nose. This is a structural anomaly that they share with many common dog breeds, including a Boxer, Pug, Bulldog, and more!

This structure gives them a rounded, shortened skull, creating a smashed look and large, circular eyes. However, this was not an original trait of the breed. A modern Persian’s ancestors actually resemble the Angora with a notably normal nasal bridge.

6. Persians Can Be Virtually Any Color

Persians are highly versatile and can realistically be any color in the feline lineup. So, if you see another kitty color in the litter when you’re searching for an orange Persian, you just might find that it strikes your fancy more.

Do Persians Make a Good Pet?

Persians can make excellent pets! They could fit into virtually any lifestyle or situation, from apartment living to mansions! They acclimate well with children, other pets, and strangers just fine. These docile cats love to play and cuddle all the same.

No matter what mood, they’re generally easygoing and good-natured. While every cat has a different personality, the Persian tends to be very affectionate toward its owners. They can be very trainable, often easily picking up on basic concepts.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve gotten to know the Persian breed a little better, with a focus on the orange color, how do you feel? Is the breed a match for you? As we mentioned, Persians are incredibly versatile cats that fit into several situations.

So, if an orange Persian sounds like a solid pet and you want to know more, we encourage you to find licensed, reputable Persian breeders in your area.

• Related Read: Grey Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts

Featured Image Credit: Marcelino Pozo Ruiz, Shutterstock

The post Orange Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures & Facts by Ashley Bates 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.

Our cats are always nosing about, getting into all sorts of things. They see something peculiar, and what better thing to do than give it a good sniff? If your cat gags a lot, you might wonder what gives.

Some cats might be more sensitive to smells, textures, and stimuli than others. It just depends on the kitty and how they are. Here are 10 reasons your cat might be gagging.

Gagging in Cats: 10 Potential Reasons

We want to explain first that your cat might be sensitive to changes in their environment relating to air fresheners, cooking certain items, burning candles, using cleaners, and a variety of other stimuli.

Before you take your cat to the vet, determine if there are any changes you can think of that could have triggered the gagging. It might just be a process of elimination. But here are some alternative reasons.

1. Hairballs

If your cat is an avid groomer, chances are they will have hairball issues a time or two in their life. It is especially common among medium to long-haired cats. If your cat is gagging, it might absolutely be a hairball to blame.

In fact, it may be one of the most common and understandable reasons a cat is gagging. When cats groom themselves, the hairs get caught on papillae (small projections on the tongue) and can get stuck in and irritate the throat.

If the hair makes it to the stomach, it can aggregate into a hairball or trichobezoar. Cats might regurgitate the hairball or it could pass through the intestines, sometimes leading to constipation or blockages.

Hairballs are a normal part of a cat’s life, and they are usually unremarkable and highly expected. However, sometimes they can signal a problem. On average, your cat should cough up a hairball around once a month—maybe slightly more for long-haired cats.

If your cat has frequent problems with hairballs, it might mean they have slightly sluggish digestion. There are diets on the market specially formulated to combat hairballs and improve the overall function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Typically, an overproduction of hairballs can signal other issues like food allergies, environmental allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Nausea

Your cat might be feeling a little sicky-icky. Nausea isn’t an underlying cause, but rather just a sign of another manifestation. Nausea can be as simple as motion sickness or as serious as an organ issue or cancer.

Because nausea is such a broad-spectrum issue, it can be hard to determine the underlying cause. You should absolutely get your cat to the vet if they seem nauseous over a long period of time.

Nausea has its remedies, sure. But the reality is, ongoing nausea is your cat’s body’s way of telling you something is wrong—so please, listen.

3. Food Intolerance

Food intolerances can be easily overlooked until signs become ultra-visible. Some cats show the signs very quickly, while others come on gradually or change over time.

When cats have food intolerances, there are usually other signs you might miss at first.

If you suspect food allergies, you should promptly visit your vet. It might take some time to determine the trigger, but it will be necessary to keep them healthy and problem-free. To combat food intolerances, diet changes are an obvious need. Sensitivity or hypoallergenic diets are often used.

4. Foreign Object Ingestion

We all know our cats are curious creatures, and most aren’t shy about putting things in their mouth. For some of us, it would be no surprise if our cats ingested something they really shouldn’t have. While cats are typically less problematic than dogs in this category, they can still chew up and accidentally swallow lots of things.

Cats are known for linear foreign bodies like string or yarn that get caught under the tongue. Other objects can lodge in the esophagus or intestines creating an obstruction.

5. Asthma

If your cat has asthma, they might gag. Severe coughing can stimulate the gag reflex and some cats will even bring up stomach contents after a coughing fit. You may also notice coughing, hacking, or open-mouthed breathing, which looks like gagging. Watch the video below of our vet explaining the difference between vomiting, coughing, and regurgitation in cats.

Asthma is a bit of an enigma to researchers, but most agree that it is an allergic reaction to an allergen in the atmosphere. Once it enters the cat’s lungs, the immune system responds accordingly. Your cat could have mild to severe asthma and treatment will be different depending on the individual feline.

Either way, feline asthma is a chronic and incurable respiratory disease, but good management is usually possible. If you believe your cat has asthma, it is imperative that you get treatment for your cat’s safety and comfort.

Typically, feline asthma responds to corticosteroids which can be delivered through injection, inhaler, or oral medication.

6. Respiratory Infections

Other respiratory issues could cause your cat to gag. Luckily, some respiratory issues are preventable by vaccines. Some of these include feline herpesvirus type-1, feline calicivirus, and Bordetella.

If you haven’t vaccinated your cat against certain diseases and they are gagging a lot, it might be a good idea to take them to a vet and explain the situation. The vet might run tests to see if any of these diseases are active in your cat’s system.

If your cat gets a clean bill of health, your vet might administer the vaccines to get them up-to-date, preventing any issues from developing in the future.

7. Tumors

In rare cases, gagging might signal there is a tumor somewhere in the body—specifically in the throat and neck. Here are a few different kinds of tumors that can cause gagging:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (CCC) is the most common type of oral tumor in cats. Especially if a tumor arises from the base of the tongue, back of the throat, or tonsils, it can stimulate the gag reflex quite frequently.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is another type of oral tumor in cats. Aside from gagging, you may notice your cat drooling, struggling to swallow, losing weight, and having bad breath if they have an oral tumor like lymphoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma is another type of reasonably common oral tumor in cats. If your cat has an oral tumor they will need surgery to remove or biopsy the mass. Unfortunately, many tumors are not noted until they are too large to surgically remove.

Thyroid Carcinoma

The thyroid is a gland that sits in the neck. Like oral tumors, tumors that arise here can cause gagging as they put pressure on the throat and esophagus. It can also interfere with breathing. Cats with thyroid carcinoma will also have signs related to excessive thyroid hormone production or hyperthyroidism.

8. Liver Disease

The liver is responsible for collecting and expelling toxins in the body and aiding in digestion. It alone makes the bile that we use to break down our food. When your cat’s liver is in trouble, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and gagging.

Liver disease can stem from several sources. Here are a few common scenarios.

Hepatic Lipidosis

This is also known as fatty liver syndrome and occurs when triglyceride builds up in liver cells. Usually, cats lose their appetite and reject food. This issue can be fatal if untreated and generally affects overweight cats.

Infections

Bacterial infections can hurt the liver.

Toxins

Ingesting a toxin usually directly impacts the liver because it is your cat’s (and your) filtration system.

Metabolic Disorders

If your cat suffers from a metabolic disorder, it can directly impact their liver. Some examples include diabetes and thyroid conditions. If you’re concerned that your cat might have an issue with their liver, you must get them to the vet immediately.

9. Kidney Disease

The kidneys are crucial for survival. They provide a built-in filtration system for the body to remove waste products, filter blood, maintain electrolyte balance, and regulate blood pressure. If your cat develops kidney disease, it can cause a myriad of signs, including gagging.

Kidneys are a non-negotiable part of your cat’s body. They absolutely need their kidneys, so it is imperative that you treat any issues that arise quickly. Your vet will come up with a treatment plan if your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease.

10. Heart Disease

Heart disease can be scary and is a common issue in aging felines. Heart disease can cause fluid in the lungs. If this is the case your cat can cough up watery or pink-tinged fluid. This process may look a lot like gagging.

Heart disease can occur at any age and be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time. It depends on the underlying reason and genetic factors. Certain breeds carry genes that cause heart disease.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common causes of heart disease in cats.

If your cat has severe signs of heart disease, it is intensely important to get them medical care immediately. It can be the difference between life and death.

When to Take Your Cat to the Vet

If you notice any changes in your cat, it is best to take them to the vet. While some issues might not be too concerning, others will require further testing and treatment.

Conclusion

If your cat is gagging, it is important to get to the bottom of it. Has it been going on for a while? Is it impacting your cat’s daily life? Are they showing additional signs that might raise concern?

If so, it is time to get them to your vet. It might be something as simple as allergies, or as complicated as cancer. That is why it is so vital to address it and not procrastinate vet care. Best of luck to you and your gaggy gal or guy.

Featured Image Credit: JackieLou DL, Pixabay

The post Why Do Cats Gag? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons & When to Worry by Ashley Bates 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.

Kittens are born helpless and blind—dependent on mom to get them through life. After the first several weeks, mom and onlookers alike will be shocked at how quickly they grow and become independent entities apart from their caretaker.

If you have a litter of kittens or you’re wondering how to care for an abandoned litter, this article has valuable information for you. Generally, cats are dependent on their mother for at least 8 weeks and should be fully independent by 14 weeks. We will go over how the average kitten matures, special health considerations, and how you can help kittens in need.

Kitten Growth Process

Before you get to the goods, you might want to brush up on the early development of a kitten. What is it like for them between womb and adulthood? Let’s start at the top.

Gestation

Cats can go into heat at roughly 4-6 months of age. Afterward, they can become pregnant and will quickly do so if given any opportunity. Once they successfully mate, you can expect a litter of kittens in about 65 days.

During this time, the mother should swell in the abdomen and her nipples might protrude and become much more noticeable. If you realize your cat might be pregnant, you might be reading this to know how soon you can rehome the kittens.

Just be patient. Trust us! We have solutions for you below.

Dental Development

Like us, kitties get a set of deciduous or kitten teeth before the permanent teeth come through. Kittens get 26 deciduous teeth which they need to be able to eat food rather than milk or mush. The incisors are small teeth at the front which erupt around 2-4 weeks of age. Deciduous premolars are used for chewing and come through around 5-6 weeks of age. Kittens will get a full set of 30 permanent teeth by 7 months of age.

Weaning Stages

Once a kitten is born, they depend on their mother’s milk solely for the first several weeks. However, when they reach approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age, many owners start mixing a milk supplement with solids to deliver their first food in the form of a liquid or paste. They will go between this and their mother’s milk for a few weeks.

Eating Solids

Once the kitten starts to eat solids, they won’t slow down! They will take pleasure in chowing down each time the dish hits the ground. You might notice that the kittens start to fight over the food; some of the more dominant kittens might start getting quite frisky and being a little stingy. As they get older the food can gradually become less liquid and have a bit more consistency about it. By around 6 weeks the kittens can be offered some dry kibble.

If you need guidance on choosing the best food for your kitten, we suggest you speak to a vet.

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Socializing

The socialization period occurs from 3-9 weeks in kittens. Socialization is imperative to each kitten’s development. They will have some much-needed time spent with mom, brothers, and sisters to ensure that they know how to behave. Socialization teaches kittens how to play properly and get along with others. So, it is a very crucial stage of development.

Kittens should also be exposed to people, kids, grooming, and gentle handling during this period to ensure they are prepared for life as pets. They should so be exposed to different kinds of foods, places, car rides, and everything they will need to be familiar with in their lives.

Socializing cats has some important behavioral benefits; it reduces fear and increases their bond with their owners.

Self-Sustaining

Eventually, you’ll notice by 12-14 weeks, if not sooner that the kitten is totally capable of self-sustaining. You won’t have to worry about the kitty needing mum—it is all put together in a nice little package and ready to come home. Mom will be totally hands-off by this point.

Rules Regarding Kittens Leaving Mom

If someone is trying to rehome a kitten, the little one needs to be at least 8 weeks of age, but ideally closer to 14 weeks. The reasons for kittens not being able to leave mum too early are behavioral. One study reported behavioral problems in kittens leaving their mother before 8 weeks of age and showed the behavioral benefits of staying with their mom until 14 weeks.

If you have a single orphaned kitten, be mindful of “single kitten syndrome”. These cats don’t get enough socialization from their mother and littermates, which leads to some behavioral problems. They may not understand appropriate social behavior with other cats and humans. They may hurt others without meaning to because they weren’t taught to regulate their bites or scratches. If you can find another kitten so they can be raised together this is ideal.

The 5 Tips on How to Wean Kittens Without a Mother

If you have a litter of kittens that have been abandoned by their mother, you may have to intervene. If this is the case, then it is imperative you follow direct guidance from a vet to get the kittens in optimal health.

Rushing the weaning process is a no-no. Whether the mother has lost interest in her litter or is nowhere to be found, it is so important you make the switch from formula to food slowly and at the correct age.

1. Offer Formula for 3–4 Weeks, Then Start to Introduce Solids

You can offer a kitten milk replacer to your kittens for at least 4 weeks using a bottle. When the time comes to add in solids after bottle-feeding for so long, you can slowly mush and mash kitten kibble or wet food until it is a rather slop-like substance. Ultimately, you’re looking for something that is the consistency of puree.

Some kittens will take right to the plate, chowing down like a madman. Others will take a more confused approach, wanting to eat, but taking a while to get their bearings. If they seem uninterested you can put some on their nose as they will lick it off and enjoy the taste.

Just remember—mix a small amount at first. You’re looking for baby food consistency.

2. Adjust as Needed

As your kittens get the hang of it, you can give more solids and less milk—just be sure not to do so too quickly. Any diet changes could lead to gastrointestinal upset if they are introduced too quickly. The kittens should have all their baby teeth by around 6 weeks. At this point, they can chew kibble and meaty chunks so you can offer some more solid solids.

3. Monitor Kittens Eating

Don’t let any kitten bully the rest. Make sure you monitor at first to make sure no kitten is hogging the food dish and they are all getting their fair share. Sometimes, if you have a particularly aggressive kitten, it’s best to feed the docile kittens elsewhere to ensure they get adequate nutrition.

4. Monitor Growth

Make sure you keep a close eye on the kittens’ weight. They should be gaining it pretty consistently. You may notice that there is one kitten bigger than the rest and one smaller than the rest—this is pretty standard as long as it isn’t an extremely drastic difference and they are all growing and gaining weight.

5. Provide Fresh Water When Appropriate

Kittens can start drinking water as they get less fluid from their food. Basically, when they stop consuming milk and mushy paste, they will naturally drink water for hydration. This usually starts around 5 weeks. They must have a fresh, clean source of water available at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do kittens miss their mom and siblings?

It is expected that kittens miss their mom and siblings after they depart. After all, this is the kitten’s family and they form close attachments and teach each other valuable information. It is normal for a kitten to miss their family for a few weeks before you see improvement.

How long does it take for a cat to adjust?

Luckily, the quicker you form a bond with them, the more they will adjust. Each cat is different, so some kittens will warm up right away while others will take a few weeks. Adult cats may take longer to adjust, even up to a few months.

How do you report illegal selling of underage kittens?

You can call your local humane society for information on how to properly report for your area. Different places will have varying laws about the subject so it’s always best to go to the most accurate source of information first.

Conclusion

Now you understand that kittens should leave their mothers absolutely no sooner than 8 weeks old, but ideally, you should wait until about 14 weeks for optimal behavioral outcomes. If you have a motherless litter, make sure to keep them fed according to their age.

If you need any help in the meantime, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional.

Featured Image Credit: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock

The post When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.