Many pet parents are keen to explore fresh at-home diets for their cats. In fact, research shows that a majority of pet owners are keen to give equal, and in some instances, more priority to buying healthy food for their pets.¹

The process, however, can be somewhat frustrating for those new to the concept. Understandably, it is difficult to find a reliable diet, but many owners also believe it might be too costly to make the switch. Interestingly, though homemade diets often do cost slightly more than commercial dry food, they are in fact more economical than commercial canned food.²

As more owners explore the world of fresh diets for their pets, it’s important to keep some rules in mind. If you’re curious about such a diet for your pet, read on as I highlight the main rules of such a dietary transition.

The 10 Basics of a Fresh Diet for Cats:

I consider these basics to be fundamental rules for at-home diets. Though not all of them may apply to you, it’s great to have a list of expectations so that nothing catches you off-guard.

1. Prioritize Your Health

Given the fact that most at-home diets for cats involve raw meat or some raw ingredients (more on this shortly), keep in mind that there are instances where such circumstances might not be safe for you. Pregnant women (or those planning to conceive), immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, young children, and a few other age groups or categories of individuals should not be near or handling raw meat. It’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider in more detail prior to switching your cat to such a diet.

Alternatively, let your veterinary nutritionist know of your circumstances so that they only formulate cooked diets for your pet.

2. Prioritize Your Cat’s Health, Too!

This might come as a surprise, but not all cats are candidates for a raw diet! Many diseases, ailments, and conditions in cats can limit their ability to handle or utilize a raw diet properly. You should always have your cat checked by your veterinarian before you change their dietary style.

It’s also important to routinely have lab work done by your veterinarian for your cat. These include blood tests, a weight check, a body condition score analysis, a urinalysis, and possibly a fecal test. Determining which tests would be best and most relevant for your cat is up to your veterinarian’s discretion. Though your cat might not need all these tests performed, it’s good to have a realistic expectation of what your veterinarian might recommend for them.

3. Select Your Pet’s Nutritionist Carefully

Keep in mind that there are many animal nutrition courses for pet owners out there. These don’t follow the same syllabus or include all of the aspects veterinarians learn when specializing in animal nutrition.

The fact that there is a huge medical component when it comes to figuring out what to feed your cat means that it’s important to ensure that you have your diet formulated by someone who is also a veterinarian. Always keep in mind that your pet is a unique biological entity, and as such, they will do best with a diet formulated by someone up to date on their health and medical status.

Being well informed about feline nutrition is a fantastic thing, but if someone is a feline (or even canine) nutritionist without being a veterinarian, they wouldn’t have all the necessary knowledge to formulate a diet for pets with specific conditions or requirements.

I don’t say this to malign or disparage individuals who are feline and canine nutritionists but aren’t vets. I think the fact that more individuals are looking to learn about feline and canine nutrition is a wonderful thing. Rather, I say this from the point of view that your pets deserve the best and you play a huge role in their nutritional welfare. Regardless of who you choose to make meals for your cat, ensure that they have both the veterinary and nutritional credentials your pet deserves.

4. Get Ready For Raw

When it comes to preparing at-home diets for your cats, raw meats remain the best option for beginners. This is because cooking, baking, boiling, broiling, steaming, or grilling meat in any way reduces its nutritional yield considerably.

Though it’s possible to cook homemade meals for cats, a few seconds of excess cooking time or a few degrees off the recommended temperature (factors often out of our control) can make or break the diet, resulting in a pet that’s inadvertently nutritionally deprived.

Cooked diets almost always require the addition of multivitamins, multi-minerals, or other such supplements to ensure they are nutritionally adequate for your pet. This can be discouraging for those eager to explore a “natural” diet, as adding supplements would make the diet seem unnatural to an extent.

In addition, most people interested in fresh diets for their pets are keen to follow the most biologically appropriate nutritional profile. For cats, this would be a raw diet.

5. Meat Sourcing

I strongly recommend sourcing meat intended for human consumption. It’s also best to opt for raw meat that has undergone some form of quality control or check, such as raw meat pasteurization. As a rule, if you wouldn’t buy it for yourself, you shouldn’t buy it for your pet, either!

6. Hygiene

Hands should be thoroughly washed (for at least 20 seconds with a disinfectant soap) and dried before and after handling raw meats. In addition, any surface used to cut meat should be washed with hot water and disinfectant soap.

7. Segregation

Ideally, different cutting boards, knives, bowls, and utensils should be used for meats that you prepare in your house. These should not be used with or stored with other kitchen appliances, bowls, or utensils that you use for other types of food (such as vegetables).

8. No Cats!

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places for a pet cat, as they can easily jump onto counters. Cats are naturally inquisitive and may sample items in a kitchen that they shouldn’t be eating. A cat on a counter is also at risk of injury from kitchen appliances or sharp objects (such as knives). Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to not allow your cat in the kitchen.

This is a general guideline I recommend for anyone even if they aren’t making meals for their pets at home.

9. … And No Other Pets, Either

This is a natural extension of the previous point. Like cats, other pets should not be allowed in the kitchen, either. If you have dogs, ferrets, or other carnivorous pets, they may not think twice before trying to sneak some food intended for your cat off the counter.

Even non-carnivorous pets may sometimes sample the food intended for your pet cat. This is because many pets are naturally inquisitive and often form social bonds with their caretakers; they might be interested in eating whatever it is you’re preparing, even if it isn’t good for them.

10. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Finally, though natural diets may be very beneficial for some pets, most of the benefits of such a diet are still considered anecdotal and not entirely verified by research. As such, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. Yes, your cat might benefit from such a diet. However, thinking that such a diet will cure a disease (or make your cat immune to acquiring diseases) is a stretch! In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that the process of a dietary transition is slow, and therefore, the expected results from such a diet would also take considerable time.

Conclusion

And that does it for my 10 quintessential rules for those who are new to the world of fresh homemade diets for their cats (or other pets). Naturally, there might be other rules that could apply to your circumstances. However, these tend to cover most of the relevant bases when it comes to the fascinating world of homemade nutrition for our pets.

Featured image credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

The post 10 Basics of a Homemade Fresh Diet for Cats: Our Vet Explains by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

The Snowshoe cat is a medium-to-large breed of cat. Originally a natural mutation found in a litter of Siamese kittens, the breed was further developed by crossing the individuals in that litter with American Shorthair cats. Most Snowshoe cats are a Siamese and American Shorthair cross; however, the breed can be developed by crossing a Siamese with other breeds of cats as well. They get their name from the four distinctive white paws, which is the signature breed trait. These cats are popular for their affectionate, playful, and sociable personality.

If you’re considering a Snowshoe cat, you may be wondering how much they shed. Fortunately, these cats are short-haired and have no undercoat, so Snowshoe cats don’t shed much.

Snowshoe Cat Grooming Requirements

The Snowshoe cat is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short coat and only have a single-layered coat, and therefore, healthy individuals only shed minimally. You will need to brush your cat at least once a week to remove dead hairs and prevent mats and irritation, however.

Because of the short coat and low shedding, a lot of people mistakenly believe the Snowshoe cat is hypoallergenic. While they may not shed enough to exacerbate cat allergies, they’re not a hypoallergenic breed. In fact, no cat breed is a truly hypoallergenic breed, and any cat (even a hairless cat) can trigger one’s allergies. That being said, low-shedding breeds are thought to be more allergy-friendly.

Why Is My Snowshoe Cat Shedding So Much?

Shedding is natural and necessary for your cat’s health, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Some shedding is normal, but excessive shedding can cause problems.

So, how much is too much? The amount your cat sheds depends on their breed, fur type, and seasonal changes. It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s normal shedding pattern and to know what healthy cat skin and hair look like to identify a problem.

Though excessive shedding is itself a sign that your cat may need to be seen by a veterinarian, it’s also good to know other signs that might be associated with excessive shedding.

Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive. If you notice these or other strange signs in your pet, it’s important to seek veterinary attention for them.

What Causes Excessive Shedding?

What Do I Do When My Snowshoe Cat Is Shedding Excessively?

Medical conditions are the biggest cause for concern if your cat’s shedding patterns suddenly change. Typically, cats with normal shedding patterns will have a healthy coat and skin with plenty of shine, no odors, and no signs of skin irritation.

If your cat is shedding more because of medical causes, they may have a dull or thin coat, bald patches, rashes, or other abnormalities. Many health problems can cause this, including ailments involving other body systems. Therefore, if your cat seems to be shedding excessively, you should begin by having them looked over by your veterinarian to ascertain their health status. Cats are experts at masking their illnesses, so sometimes, even an apparently healthy cat may have issues which require medical intervention.

Tips to Reduce Cat Hair in Your House

As mentioned previously, it’s normal for cats to shed more in autumn and spring. During these seasons, the amount of hair that can build up in your house may become overwhelming at times. The following tips can help with keeping your home clean when your cat is shedding excessively.

It’s important to brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair and help your cat avoid ingesting too much of their hair.

Conclusion

Snowshoe cats have short hair and don’t shed a lot, but they will shed all year and more heavily during seasonal changes. Regular grooming and some lifestyle habits can help you keep the hair at bay, but if you notice excessive shedding, it’s important to talk to your vet and determine the cause.

See Also:

• Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
• 5 Snowshoe Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock

The post How Much Do Snowshoe Cats Shed? Our Vet Answers & Provides Tips by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

Rats don’t get much love from pop culture or social media. But that’s not fair because these rodents can be loving, caring, and gentle pets. Cats, in contrast, are everyone’s favorites. More importantly, they are a threat to rats; cats kill, eat, or just hunt the little guys for fun.

So, does that mean these two can never be friends?

In most instances, allowing pet cats and rats to interact with each other isn’t advised. In some unique circumstances, exceptions do exist; with early socialization, it’s sometimes possible (but not guaranteed) to turn things around. You will need to put a lot of effort into supervision, of course, and it may not always work as rats intrinsically fear cats. But ultimately, this is a risk at best, and therefore, not something that’s advised. Can rats and cats coexist? Let’s find out!

Why Do Cats Hunt Rats in the First Place?

In the wilderness, cats are obligate carnivores and need to have meat as their primary food source. So, it’s only natural for them to hunt small rodents as they are the main source of food for felines in the wild. Without a steady supply of meat protein, cats won’t be able to grow, reproduce, and repair body tissues.

Rodents aren’t the only thing on the menu; cats also hunt birds, other small mammals, lizards, and smaller snakes too. Now, cats hunt for two reasons: to get food or to hone their hunting skills. This applies to both wild and domestic kitties. That’s why any small animal that’s rendered by a cat as prey won’t be safe living under the same roof as the cat.

Are They Good at Killing Rats?

The short answer is no, cats aren’t that great at chasing or catching these rodents down. However, cats are useful deterrents for rats. Humans have been using felines as the ultimate remedy against rodents for thousands of years. However, recent research ¹ highlights that cats rarely attempted to catch large (>300 grams) rats when they had alternatives (in the form of smaller prey). Another study found similar results, where cats preferred smaller rats to go after ².

Nonetheless, cats were observed stalking rats, and the presence of cats led to the rats moving to different locations. This apparent movement of rats is what humans might perceive as a cat being an effective rat controller.

The fact that the rats chose to occupy areas with fewer cats is fascinating because, in experiments involving rats ³, they appeared more defensive even if they could just smell (but not see) predators such as cats. This has implications for pets, as your pet rat may be able to smell your cat even if they’re physically separated from each other.

Felines and Rodents as Friends: Is It Possible?

Well, the prevailing opinion is that this shouldn’t be encouraged. Exceptions exist and at times, you might notice the two species interacting on social media. This largely depends on their personalities and the way they were brought up. If you adopt both pets as kits and provide plenty of supervision, this could happen. However, it’s important to keep in mind that social media is a glimpse into someone else’s life, and what you see might not be a full-time occurrence.

What’s important is that cats don’t necessarily have a need for friendship with other species. Cats are solitary, and though feral cats may form colonies (known as clowders or glarings), they still hunt individually. As pets, multiple cats can generally get along if each cat feels like their needs are sufficiently met.

Furthermore, when pet cats are playing, they’re in fact hunting. Therefore, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that your pet cat would injure your rat during a session of play, even if they don’t necessarily think they’re going to eat a large pet.

Therefore, though this is possible, it’s certainly not something that we advise or encourage.

The Cat’s Background: Does It Matter?

Not really. Genetics can play a role in your cat’s behavior and disposition to some extent ⁴. Therefore, some of your cat’s behavior idiosyncrasies might be breed-related. However, all cats can hunt, and can definitely play rough enough to injure a pet rat. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, even the smell of a cat can cause behavioral changes in rats.

Rats Can Fight Back and Harm Cats

This might come as a surprise, but felines often take huge risks when attacking prey. Prey can fight back, causing serious injuries to the feline. Rats do carry a powerful bite, and will bite if startled or captured. And if they carry an infection, they can pass it on to your cat.

In fact, this is a strategy some parasites that infect cats use ⁵ – when these parasites are present in rodents, they cause them to lose their fear of cats, increasing the likelihood of a cat capturing the rodent and ingesting the parasite. Therefore, a rat that seemingly is “comfortable” around a cat might not be friendly and tolerate the cat involuntarily.

Do Rats Attack Cats? What About Kittens?

Here’s another fact that you might not know: rats can kill cats and even dogs even without passing a parasite to them! This only applies to kittens and puppies, of course, and rats usually attack the smallest breeds. Therefore, if your cat recently gave birth to a bunch of adorable kittens and you have a big, mighty pet rat, they could attack those babies. That happens rarely, but you still need to be careful.

So, Can These Pets Co-exist Peacefully?

In all fairness, it would be best to not consider housing these pets together, even in separate rooms. Ideally, these pets should never coexist, as that may end badly for the rodent. Though it would hypothetically be possible to physically separate the two animals in a house, your rat would only have to smell your cat to develop adverse behaviors and physiological changes. This includes smelling your cat after you’ve petted your cat and moved into the same room as your rat – your cat’s scent would be on your body and clothes.

Conclusion

A friendship between a cat and a rat is not a common thing. Cats are natural-born hunters and may inadvertently injure or hurt a rat. The rat would also be stressed by the cat’s presence and therefore, it isn’t considered wise or ethical to house them together, even if they are physically separated. Instead, you should get pets that are safer to keep together with your pet cat or rat.

Featured Image Credit: Etienne Outram, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats and Rats Be Friends? Our Vet Answers & Explains by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

Despite reputations and overall advice, there are always a few examples of animal interactions that somehow manage to escape the norm. If you search the internet for cats and guinea pigs together, you will definitely find a few examples.

So, do cats and guinea pigs get along? In general, guinea pigs and cats don’t get along. A cat’s innate prey drive endangers your guinea pig, which can’t defend themselves. Unfortunately, the sheer size difference alone can spell disaster for your guinea pig, even with the most benign cat. However, if you have your heart set on owning both species, rest assured that it is possible. It’ll just involve ensuring that each pet has their own space within the house and that they don’t interact for the most part.

Should Guinea Pigs and Cats Live in the Same House?

If you’re thinking about a household where your cat and guinea pig can roam every single room, the answer to this question is no. Cats are predators and instinctively view guinea pigs as prey, not friends. Even if your cat isn’t hunting, they can seriously injure a guinea pig by rough-housing them during play. A cat may also swipe at a guinea pig through a cage and cause an injury.

Guinea pigs are naturally neophobic, which means they fear new environments, objects, and experiences. This includes food items that they are unfamiliar with. A guinea pig that’s fearful may refuse to eat, which is incredibly problematic for the species. When confronted by a predator, guinea pigs may appear exceptionally stiff due to stress, a phenomenon known as tonic immobility.

Although there are examples of these two species coexisting on the internet, it is important to remember that such examples are exceptions to the norm and not something that is recommended or guaranteed if you ever attempt to adopt both guinea pigs and cats.

Cats and guinea pigs can live in the same house if they have their own space, and the possessions of each pet (including their toys) are never placed in a room where the other animal resides.

Will a Guinea Pig and a Cat Be Friends?

While it is hypothesized that cats and guinea pigs can be “friends,” this hasn’t proven to be true. For starters, friendship is a human social construct. Animals instinctively don’t recognize the concept, especially when other non-human species are concerned. Although cats, dogs, and a few other domesticated animals can form companion-like bonds with their caretakers, they don’t necessarily view other species in the same way.

There are examples of how cats and guinea pigs can be socialized and introduced to one another, and while they may be able to coexist after a successful introduction in certain circumstances, it is still impossible to ascertain a level of friendship between the two species. In addition, all guides that focus on introducing cats to guinea pigs caution against leaving them alone unsupervised, which further reinforces the point that while they may tolerate each other, they don’t form a friendship.

Should You Adopt a Guinea Pig With a Cat?

Above all, your guinea pig’s safety has to take priority in the decision of whether to adopt another pet. Guinea pigs are neophobic, which can negatively impact their health. Adopting a new cat that stalks their cage subjects them to intense fear, which can lead to health problems (sometimes immediate). Conversely, cats are often super curious or skittish and may feel uneasy about having a new rodent friend that they aren’t allowed to interact with.

If you do decide to bring home both species, you have to make sure both individuals are safe. Several theories exist on how the two species should be introduced to one another, but the fact that they should never be left alone unsupervised means attempting an introduction between a predator and prey is extremely difficult and full of risks.

It is crucial to note that your cat’s attempts to explore and investigate the guinea pig’s environment aren’t “bad” behavior, and they shouldn’t be punished for this action. It’s normal for a cat. Instead, focus on redirecting your cat’s curiosity elsewhere in a positive way. Also, separating the two animals doesn’t mean you should limit your own interactions with them, as separation is a requirement and should not be used as a form of punishment.

Conclusion

While we wish everyone in the animal kingdom could be friends, cats and guinea pigs getting along is an unlikely scenario. Cats are predatory animals that by nature, could severely injure or kill your guinea pig, even unintentionally. If you decide to adopt both species, it is best to keep them separated. Attempts at an introduction should be done slowly and with appropriate precautions.

The post Do Cats & Guinea Pigs Get Along? Our Vet Answers by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

So, you’re curious if your cat really knows their name. Well, do they? It’s a good question because we put so much thought into naming our cats.

Here’s the good news: yes, cats know their names, but whether or not they acknowledge their name when called is another story. In fact, cats can even remember the names of their cat friends! Here’s how it works.

Do Cats Know Their Names?

Cats are able to learn a sound that you associate with their name 1, and know when they’re being called. However, whether or not they respond is completely up to them. In other words, they may ignore you when you call them. Conversely, they may instantly perk up when called as well, and happily meow and come to you as well. 

Cats are also able to distinguish the sound of their owner’s voice from that of someone else. In other words, your cat may come when you call them, but may choose not to do so when a stranger calls them. 

Cats are also able to remember the names of their cat friends whom they interact with on a regular basis 2. This means that if you have more than one cat in your house, each cat may know which cat is being called when their name is spoken. 

As always, being cats, they may not always follow up with an intended response to the name being called, though. At other times though, they may immediately come to you, especially if they feel that a prospect of their favorite treat might be on the horizon!

Can a Cat Remember a Person?

A cat’s working memory or short term memory isn’t that incredible, and experiments involving this part of their cognition places them below canines 3. However, remembering a person doesn’t involve short term memory. Instead, it involves long term memory. In fact, short term memory only lasts for a period of about 30 seconds or so (even in humans)!  

Cats can indeed remember a person, however, the duration of how long they can remember someone isn’t well investigated in scientific studies. However, logically speaking, a cat would need to have relatively good long term memory to survive in the wild. A cat would need to know where the best hunting spots, hiding spots, water sources, and dens are in their territory.

Naturally, a cat would use all their senses to navigate about on a daily basis, but cats are able to learn from experience and practice. Therefore, it’s fair to assume that they do have a long term memory that would let them remember a person. Stories of cats being reunited with their owners after years of separation and their response to the reunion seems to suggest that their capacity for remembering a person might possibly extend to a period of a few years. 

Can Cats Forget Names and Faces?

Unfortunately, cats can develop the same cognitive disorders as humans, like dementia. This is known as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). More than 55% of cats between the ages of 11 and 15 may experience some form of cognitive impairment, including memory loss. Naturally this may involve a cat forgetting their name.

The signs of FCD are quite long, but the typical signs include eliminating outside the litter box, spatial disorientation, disinterest in normal social behavior, wandering, lack of grooming, and being excessively loud for no apparent reason. Depending on the type of cognitive dysfunction a cat experiences, their condition may or may not respond to treatment. Nonetheless, it’s always important to seek veterinary input if you suspect that your cat is not acting like themselves.

Conclusion

If you’re curious about whether or not your cat knows their name, it’s safe to assume that cats do know their name. However, whether or not they respond to their name being called is a different matter, and often comes down to your cat’s personality and how they’re feeling when they’re called.

Unfortunately, memory loss is a known ailment in cats, and may be accompanied with several signs, including not recognizing their name anymore. If you suspect that your cat has a memory ailment, it’s best to seek veterinary input to determine if this is indeed true.  

Featured Image Credit: birgl, Pixabay

The post Do Cats Know Their Names? Our Vet Answers by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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 creatures, and any pet lover who owns one can tell you it’s true. A cat can be perfectly happy with being petted and loved one second, and the next, they’re hugging your arm and sinking their teeth in.

The main reason cats hug your arm and bite is because they’re practicing hunting. In rare instances, it may be due to other reasons. Read on as we explore this behavior in greater detail.

Why Do Cats Hug Your Arm, Then Bite You?

Cats hug your arm and then bite you for a few reasons. However, in most instances, it’s because they’re playing and hunting.

1. Playing / Hunting

The main reason why cats tend to hug your arm and then lunge in for a bite is because they’re practicing their hunting skills. To us, this comes off as playing. It is often accompanied by other actions, such as attempting to bunny kick your arm with their hind legs.

Though many people associate this activity with cuteness in young cats, it’s important to note that reinforcement of this behavior isn’t recommended, as cats are definitely capable of drawing blood when they do this. Many cats also resort to doing similar things to your legs, especially if they know it will get your attention or if you’ve encouraged it in the past.

Many people inaccurately assume a cat that does this is displaying affection by way of a “love maul”; however, this isn’t the case, and there’s no evidence to suggest that cats express affection this way.

2. They’ve Had Enough

At times, your cat might be snuggling with you by holding your arm and may decide that they’ve had enough. In such an instance, if you don’t let go, they may resort to letting you know they’re done by biting you.

3. Pain

A rare reason cats may suddenly bite you when they’re hugging you is because of pain. This is especially concerning if your cat has no history of this behavior and does this out of the blue one day. If a certain part of their body that is feeling uncomfortable is touched by your hand when they’re hugging your arm, their first response may be to bite you because of the pain they feel.

The painful area doesn’t necessarily have to be along their underside; if your cat is laying on their back while hugging you, a painful sensation on their back might result in a bite on your hand.

Tips for Preventing Your Cat From Biting Your Arm

Now that you know a few reasons why your cat hugs your arm and bites it, we’ll discuss how you can curb this behavior.

The best way to not train your cat to treat your arm as a toy is to not condition them to play with your arm when they’re young. It’s best to play with young kittens using cat-appropriate toys, or by holding something near your cat which your cat practices their hunting skills on (such as a feather toy). This way, your cat is allowed the freedom to express their normal behavior. At the same time, it keeps your arm safe from injury.

Cat claws are naturally sharp, and offering them a scratching post will ensure that in the rare event they do playfully attack your arm (especially when they’re being trained), they will likely not injure you too much.

You should always encourage your cat to play with the “correct” toys. If your cat lunges at your arm to bite, you should place them down, get up, and stop interactions with them. Yelling or striking your cat isn’t productive.

Finally, if a cat is biting or acting out due to underlying pain, you should have your vet look at them to ensure that there are no health issues that might be troubling your cat.

Final Thoughts

Cats usually grab and bite your arm as a part of hunting practice. In rare instances, they may suddenly lash out due to pain associated with an underlying injury or condition. This behavior shouldn’t be confused with feline affection.

It is important to condition your cat to proper habits from a young age, as this plays a huge role in preventing your cat from biting your arm. Underlying health issues shouldn’t be discounted, especially in unexplained episodes of aggression, and therefore, you should consult your veterinarian if you think something is wrong with your cat.

See Also: 

• Why Does My Cat Attack Me at Night? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
• Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Featured Image Credit: Luis Echeverri Urrea, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm & Bite Me? Our Vet Answers & Explains by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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 you’re looking into homemade cat food or have already made some, you’ll need a safe way to store the food that works for you.

There are only a couple of ways to store your homemade cat food, so we’ve compiled this list to ensure you are informed when it comes to storing the homemade food for your cat.

The 4 Best Ways to Store Homemade Cat Food

1. Freezing

Freezing your homemade cat food is the best way to go about long-term storage by a long shot. It can keep for a very long time, and most foods will freeze well. It can be stored easily and safely without much effort. Freezing also allows you to order or prepare homemade meals in bulk, making long-term buying and meal planning much easier.

Many commercial diets are packaged to be freezer-compatible and come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to defrost or thaw them before feeding them to your cat. This makes the overall process very convenient.

However, freezing foods is not without its drawbacks. One downside is the fact that it takes time to thaw/defrost it, meaning you need to plan when you take a portion out of the freezer. Additionally, freezing and then defrosting meat often results in the loss of some of the moisture content, meaning that the diet, when served to your cat, will likely offer less hydration than a fresh diet.

Meat flavor may also be compromised throughout the freezing and thawing process, meaning that some picky cats might not enjoy food when it’s stored this way. Furthermore, food that isn’t packaged and sealed properly can suffer from freezer burns when it’s placed in a freezer. Such food isn’t necessarily nutritionally compromised but might have its taste altered, which may also deter a picky eater.

Traveling with frozen food can be a hassle, as it can begin to thaw and defrost before you reach your intended destination. An ice box is recommended when you transport frozen foods.

Finally, though often rare, an unexpected power outage in a freezer full of large quantities of food can result in a large loss of money, as all the food might perish. A backup and/or emergency power supply is recommended for freezers that are used to hold large amounts of food. Though a power outage is an inherent risk with any appliance, foods stored in refrigerators or chillers often aren’t bought in as large quantities as those purchased for preservation in a freezer.

2. Refrigeration

The concept of refrigeration is quite straightforward. It preserves food by lowering the temperature where food is stored. Though the preservation is not as long-term as a freezer, it is beneficial in the sense that food doesn’t have to be thawed or defrosted before being offered to your cat.

In addition, the moisture content of the food remains better when it is refrigerated versus when it is frozen in a freezer.

3. Chilling

An intermediate between refrigerated and frozen food is chilled foods. This requires the use of a chiller. A chiller is ideal for liquids and keeps products cooler than a refrigerator but not as cold as a freezer does. Therefore, a chiller cannot freeze food, meaning that foods prepared in a broth or gravy are best preserved in a chiller for short periods of time.

The mechanism of a chiller makes it better than a refrigerator when it comes to such foods. A refrigerator simply lowers the temperature of food but a chiller removes heat from liquids usually via vapor-compression.

Some refrigerators have a built-in chiller compartment, while others do not. For larger quantities of food, purchasing a chiller might be required. However, for some people, it is difficult to justify the purchase of a chiller for just this purpose.

4. Vacuum Sealing

Another way of preserving food that doesn’t rely on altering its temperature is by vacuum sealing foods. The main appeal of this method is that it preserves the moisture, juices, and flavor of foods—a major draw for owners who have picky cats.

It also offers more long-term storage than air-tight containers do in a refrigerator. Vacuum-sealed foods can be refrigerated for 1–2 weeks, whereas food placed in an airtight container only lasts about 3–5 days (at most) in a refrigerator. Even when left in the pantry, vacuum-sealed food lasts three to five times longer than food in a conventional bag or container.

Another draw of vacuum sealing is that many bags that can be vacuum sealed are re-sealable, providing you the option to portion your cat’s meals easily throughout the day with the same bag and allowing re-use of bags if needed. This often makes it more of a space saver than individually packed meals that are frozen or refrigerated.

Vacuum sealing can also be combined with the methods above to further prolong the preservation of homemade meals. Its only drawback is the purchase of the equipment required for the process; however, in the long run, it is usually worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Safe to Freeze?

Generally, almost all cat foods that don’t contain large amounts of liquids are safe to freeze. The only things that aren’t recommended are items that have liquids inside a closed container, like whole eggs or kitten formula. This is because when liquid freezes, it expands. This can cause these closed containers to crack or break in the freezer.

Now, of course, some things just don’t freeze as well as others. This depends on the temperature of your freezer and what type of food or liquid it is. You will have to experiment and figure out exactly what will work well for you and your cat. That being said, though most food can be safely frozen, it may not retain the same nutrition (moisture loss is usually the main concern with frozen foods).

How Long Can It Be Stored?

It is recommended that homemade cat food is only left frozen for around 4 months, as nutrients can begin breaking down at around that time. However, as it’s frozen, it won’t become toxic to your cat if kept for longer.

That being said, the quality of the food will get worse with time. Overall, try not to make more than 4 months worth at one time. Vacuum-sealed foods can be kept in a freezer for up to 6 months without worrying about their nutritional value. Certain food formulations can be kept much longer when vacuum sealed; however, this depends on the food recipe.

How Do I Safely Thaw Frozen Cat Food?

Thawing or defrosting frozen cat food is very specific and can be confusing. The single best way to thaw homemade cat food is to put it in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 2 days, depending on how much you plan on thawing at one time and the temperature settings of your refrigerator.

You can also thaw food in cold water, allowing it to slowly get to room temperature. This method is also good because it can bring it to room temperature instead of keeping it cool. It can also generally work faster than putting it in the fridge, though thawing it in the refrigerator can be safer.

The final method is putting it in the microwave. This requires following manufacturer recommendations for your microwave, as different products have different settings and recommendations for defrosting food. This ensures that the homemade cat food defrosts quickly but not too quickly to be dangerous.

What Containers Should I Use?

There are many different containers you can use when it comes to freezing cat food. They are all different and require different amounts of food, so the best choice for you will depend on how much you need at one time.

Baking trays or sheets are a fan favorite because you can choose how much homemade cat food you’d like to put in one spot. The best method is to put it in a patty shape and make sure the amount you’re putting in is the correct amount for a meal. Once it is frozen, you can take the food off of the sheets and transfer it into a freezer-safe container such as a bag that can seal or a plastic container.

Ice cube trays, silicon trays, and muffin tins are also useful for many of the same reasons. They can less easily be portioned out like baking trays or sheets, but they are much easier to use. It’s best to freeze them in batches, then, much like the baking trays, put them into other containers to store them to help them take up less space.

What Container Do I Keep Homemade Cat Food In?

You can keep the food in practically any refrigerator-safe container with a cover. The reason it needs a cover is to keep it from going bad sooner. You can use plastic wrap over a bowl or plate, or you can use a plastic container with a lid. Airtight containers are generally recommended for their ease of use, size options, and relative durability (most brands are microwave and dishwasher-safe).

How Long Does Homemade Cat Food Stay Fresh?

The true downside of refrigeration is the fact that it doesn’t stay fresh for very long. It’s recommended that you feed your cat the refrigerated food within 2–3 days. The sooner you use it, the better when it comes to refrigerating homemade cat food.

Conclusion

Storing homemade cat food is not as hard as you think. Overall, a combination of vacuum sealing and a cooling method (refrigeration, chilling, or freezing) are your best options, depending on the type of food you’ve prepared.

With regards to preservation longevity, freezing is best for long-term storage for large batches. Refrigeration is best for short-term storage and much smaller batches.

See also:

• Store Bought vs Homemade Cat Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Swingout, Shutterstock

The post How to Store Homemade Cat Food: Our Vet Answers! by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

As a cat owner, you want to provide your feline friend with the best nutrition to keep them healthy and happy. But just like people, your cat’s nutritional needs will change throughout its lifetime.

There are several possible reasons, such as age, health issues, or a food allergy. In this article, we’ll look at instances or signs that it may be time to change your cat’s diet.

Is Changing a Cat’s Diet Ever Okay?

Generally speaking, changing your cat’s diet isn’t a big deal as long as you’re mindful of the following key points:

In other cases, changing your cat’s diet might not be an option, but rather a necessity. We’ll discuss some of these scenarios next.

The 6 Instances When a Dietary Change is Necessary

In some instances, a dietary change might be something your veterinarian would advise for your cat. These changes might either be temporary or permanent. Examples of such instances include the following:

1. Your Kitten is Growing Up

As kittens age, their nutritional needs change. Kittens require food that’s high in energy (calories) to facilitate proper growth and development. Adult cats on the other hand require nutrition to maintain health. Senior cats often have different dietary needs than adult cats

2. Your Cat is Pregnant or Lactating

If your female cat is pregnant or lactating, she will need a diet that’s different from an adult’s cat. Most vets recommend slowly transitioning pregnant or lactating queens to a kitten’s diet because of the metabolic demands of both these biological processes.

3. Your Cat Has a Food Allergy or Sensitivity

Food allergies can sometimes set in later in life, and food or an ingredient that your cat was previously used to might not longer be appropriate for them. Your vet may transition your cat to a hypoallergenic diet, or a new diet which is free of any ingredients that your cat is allergic to.

4. Your Cat Has a Medical Diagnosis

Sometimes, a diagnosis may require a long term dietary change. For example, your cat’s diet might be changed if they are diagnosed with feline diabetes. At other time, the presence of stones in your cat’s urinary system may warrant a transition to a renal diet. Such diets are often termed as prescription diets. As the name suggests, these are prescribed by your veterinarian.

5. Your Cat is Hospitalized

If your cat has an unexpected need for hospitalization, your vet may temporarily place them on a diet different than the one they’re fed at home. Such diets are called recovery diets. These diets are highly digestible and very nutrient dense. Veterinarians use these diets when they feel your cat would benefit from small yet nutritious morsels to facilitate their recovery during their stay at the hospital.

6. Your Cat Had a Medical Procedure Which Requires a Dietary Change

Sometimes, your cat might have their diet changed if they’ve recently undergone a procedure which requires a dietary adjustment. For example, if your cat had several dental extractions, your vet may recommend a fresh food diet over a kibble diet. Likewise, if your cat had an unfortunate accident and underwent orthopedic repair for their jaw, your vet might prescribe a diet in the form of a slurry, so that your cat has an easier time eating their food.

Signs to Watch Out For

At times, your cat may be showing some signs that you should keep an eye out for. These signs may indicate an underlying health issue, which warrant veterinary attention. As part of the treatment process, a dietary change might be recommended by your veterinarian.

As mentioned before, cats need different types of food for each stage of their life. Kittens and pregnant or lactating cats require the most calories to support their high metabolic demands. Likewise, senior cats may need food that can support a health condition they’ve been diagnosed with, such as arthritis. Though a life stage change isn’t a sign of illness or disease and is something all cats go through, it is advised to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s nutrition is appropriate throughout their life.

How to Pick Your Cat’s New Food

Ready to start shopping for your cat’s new food? Use these tips for choosing the best cat food:

1. Get recommendations from your vet

This is usually mandatory if you need to change your cat’s food due to health reasons like allergies or disease. Even if your cat doesn’t have a medical need for a dietary change, it’s still best to consult with your veterinarian before you change your cat’s diet to ensure that the new diet you select is appropriate for your feline.

2. Choose a protein-rich cat food

Cats are obligate carnivores and can’t effectively synthesize a key nutrient: taurine. This amino acid can only be found in protein from animal sources such as beef, chicken, pork, and fish. When choosing a new cat food, go for low-carb, high-protein brands.

3. Consider what your cat likes

Does your cat prefer kibble, wet food, or a combination of the two? Factor in your cat’s preference when shopping for their new food – you want them to enjoy it as well!

4. Look for compliance stamps or statements

A quick and easy way to identify nutritionally-balanced cat food is by checking for a nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging. The boards that govern these standards vary by country. In the US, these standards are set by AAFCO. In Europe, they are set by the FEDIAF.

How to Switch Your Cat to Their New Food

Changing your cat’s diet should be a gradual transition. Their sensitive stomachs need time to adjust to the new food, especially if it’s a completely different formulation.

Otherwise, you risk upsetting your cat’s tummy and turning them off the replacement food. Use these tips for a safe transition:

Buy small bags first: As creatures of habit, cats don’t enjoy changes to their routine and that includes their food. So don’t buy a giant 20-pound bag of the brand just yet. Get a smaller pack, just enough for the transition period. This way, you can explore more brands without wasting money.

Monitor your cat’s reaction: Keep a close eye on your cat’s eating habits, behavior, and stool consistency during the transition. If your cat experiences any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or total refusal to eat, stop feeding them the new food and consult your veterinarian for guidance.

If your cat seems to be showing signs of digestive distress at any point during the transition process, you should revert them back to their old diet and have them inspected by your veterinarian. “Diet hopping”, a process where transitions are stopped halfway and replaced with a brand new dietary transition, is not recommended. Though they are often well-intended, they may result in more harm than good, and your cat may end up feeling worse.

Conclusion

Cats often go through several dietary changes throughout their life. Most of these changes are fueled by the natural changes in their metabolic demands. At other times, these changes are warranted due to health reasons.In some instances, a dietary change many only be temporary. In other cases though, it may be a long term change.

Keeping an eye on your cat’s general health and their eating habits may offer clues when it comes to determining if dietary changes are needed. Your veterinarian can help confirm your suspicions for a dietary change. Transitioning cats to a new food or diet is a process that should be done with patience and a good deal of observation to ensure that your cat handles the change well and that their body agrees with it too.

Featured Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

The post 6 Signs You Need to Change Your Cat’s Food: Our Vet Explains by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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 cat’s sense of smell is much better than ours. This can be attributed to the fact that cats are endowed with over 200 million odor receptors in their nose, allowing them to detect a wide range of human scents and possibly also hormones.

Their keen sense of smell helps them detect their prey and predators. They can also detect pheromones emitted by other cats, largely believed to be part of social interactions and communication.

Read on to learn more about the different types of human hormones that cats can detect and how they react to them.

What Types of Human Hormones Can Cats Smell?

There is no scientific proof of cats being able to detect specific human hormones. However, cats are possibly able to perceive some hormonal changes in humans, based in part due to the fact that cats can read human language ¹.

Below are some common human hormones that cats might be able to smell. However, it must be remembered that all of these claims are largely anecdotal or lacking sufficient studies to be confirmative.

1. Pregnancy Hormones

Some people believe that a cat can smell pregnancy, detecting it even before the mother ². Indeed, cats may be able to detect hormonal changes in pregnant women’s bodies through their sense of smell, although they can’t exactly point it to pregnancy because they don’t understand the concept of pregnancy.

When a woman is pregnant, she produces higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormones, progesterone, and estrogen. These hormones can have changes in a woman’s natural scent.

They can also affect certain behaviors, body language, and emotions. Usually, cats can almost immediately detect the shifting in a woman’s body, especially if they have a close bond with the woman or live together.

Even though these changes may be negligible at the beginning of the pregnancy, your cat may notice the difference.

2. Pheromones

Pheromones are essentially natural chemicals secreted by our bodies. While they may not have a noticeable smell for us, they play a major role in animal communication. For animals with a keen nose, they function as chemical signals helping provoke a social response from animals belonging to the same species.

Cats may likely be able to sniff out the pheromones produced by your body, though this isn’t confirmed by any feline studies.

Cats may possibly use these signals to determine what a person might be feeling, whether sad, happy, or fearful. They can use them to sense adrenaline and fear in humans. This allows them to tread carefully around their irked-out owners or even ask for attention. Interestingly, cats seem to spend more time with their owners when they claim they were depressed ³.

3. Menstrual Cycle Hormones

Even though it may sound far-fetched, it is believed that cats can detect whether a woman is on her period by sniffing for hormone and odor levels.

When a woman is on her period, her body produces some hormones, such as the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which changes a woman’s scent. Cats can detect the change in scent using their sense of smell.

4. Testosterone

Generally, men have about eight times more testosterone than women have in their bodies. Granted, several studies seem to indicate that cats can smell women’s hormones, but no evidence suggests (anecdotal or otherwise) that they can distinguish men from women.

So, cats cannot use testosterone to differentiate between men and women. Sure, they may be able to recognize certain hormones that belong to a specific sex, but they can’t use their sense of smell to tell whether the human is a male or female. Anecdotally, though, pet cats seem to respond differently to people who use hormonal medication, including hormonal testosterone.

How Do Cats React to Human Hormones?

Though it’s plausible that cats can smell human hormones, do they react to them? Evidence suggests that they are able to read human body language; however, whether or not they can gauge you just by your hormones is not confirmed.

However, at times, our body language changes in conjunction with our hormones, and cats may respond differently as our body language does change.

When You Are Scared

Studies have shown that when you are fearful or agitated, your cat may respond with aggression on their part, indicating that they are capable of distinguishing this state of mind from a normal disposition ⁴.

When Sad

One study involving cats showed that cats were able to discern when their owners were feeling depressed ⁵. This study also highlighted that those who had cats seemed to be able to handle depressive episodes better. Although they had reservations about starting an interaction when depressed, they also tried to initiate interactions when in such a state of mind. Their pet cats were able to be of assistance in this instance.

When Happy and Content

Cats that interact with people who are happy and content, or cats that enjoy interactions with their humans are shown to have increased levels of oxytocin ⁶, also known as the “love hormone.” This means that cats are likely able to understand and benefit from positive emotions their owners evoke.

Conclusion

Cats can likely smell and detect hormonal changes in your body through their very developed sense of smell, which is far superior to that of human beings. They can probably smell the hormones produced during pregnancy, such as progesterone, estrogen, and HCG, although they cannot exactly tell that it’s a pregnancy.

They can likely also detect endorphins produced by your body when happy or the adrenaline produced when you are scared.

Nonetheless, most of these claims seem to be anecdotal, and more research is required to ascertain the true extent of a cat’s ability to respond to human hormones.

See Also: 

• Can My Cat Tell When I’m Naked? Here’s What They Think
• Can Cats Smell Diabetes? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
• Can a Cat Smell Cancer? Facts & Surprising Stories

Featured Image Credit: masik0553, Shutterstock

The post Can a Cat Smell Human Hormones? Our Vet Explains the Science by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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 natural predators, and the impact they have on the environment is well investigated. Cats kill billions of birds each year in geographical locations they aren’t native to, which definitely introduces an element of controversy when it comes to allowing pet cats to roam unsupervised ¹.

Yet, many folks who keep chickens as pets wonder if their cat will be able to protect their flock from other predators. In some circumstances, a cat may inadvertently protect your chickens by fending off other cats or predators that they view as a territorial threat. However, there’s no guarantee that they will do this, and there’s no proven way to train a cat to protect a chicken flock. A cat can also kill or injure chickens and their chicks (either intentionally or while playing with them).

Let’s explore this more.

Will Cats Protect Chickens?

There’s absolutely no doubt that cats have been documented as serving the role of a protector and savior for their humans. A very popular example of such an interaction was recorded when a now-famous cat, Tara, saved a toddler from an aggressive dog.

Though it is unclear what Tara was truly feeling at the moment, cats are territorial predators and are known to protect what they perceive as “theirs” (known as resource guarding). In the incredible story above, Tara was likely displaying the signs of resource guarding against another predator and sprung into action right away.

Many chicken owners stated that their cats doing the same with their flock of chickens: they will protect their flock from other predators. Anecdotally, this is true. It is possible that some cats will become desensitized to a flock and will not see them as prey. This is much like how cats have been successfully housed with other prey animals (as seen all over social media from time to time). It would come down to a cat’s personality, the size of the chickens, and perhaps the way the introductions are done.

Such cats often don’t chase or attack “their” chickens and are seen as a great deterrent to other predators because their territorial instinct will likely drive them to not tolerate other predators (especially other cats) in the area. Thanks to the internet, it’s very easy to find examples of such interactions as well.

In short, there’s no guarantee that a pet cat will protect a flock of chickens. However, in some circumstances, their presence may be favorable for a flock and they may be contributing towards the flock’s safety without necessarily intending to do so. This distinguishes them from guard dogs trained to protect livestock.

Why Do Some Cats Seemingly Protect Chickens?

Whether cats that are desensitized to a flock actually want to consciously protect them is not fully established or proven. However, the psychological analysis of a predator (in this case, a cat) would suggest that they are appearing to protect the flock by one or a combination of several factors:

Why Do Some Cats Leave Chickens Alone?

This, too, requires some postulation and guesswork. However, the most likely explanations are as follows.

Why Are My Chickens Not Afraid of My Cat?

Chickens are far more intelligent than they’re given credit for. Though often just viewed as a food source, studies into their cognitive abilities have shed some light on their intellect. Studies have shown that from a very early age, chickens can identify faces and can become desensitized to them ². They can even distinguish these faces from others when given a choice of selection.

Therefore, the people who claim that their chickens don’t raise an alarm when seeing the house cat but do so when they see a strange cat probably aren’t lying to you! It’s entirely possible within a chicken’s cognitive abilities to distinguish between cats.

Is There a Risk Introducing My Cat to Chickens?

It seems that there are many potential upsides to having a pet cat introduced to your flock of chickens. However, this relationship isn’t considered harmonious.

We should reiterate that there’s absolutely no guarantee that your cat will protect or leave your flock undisturbed. A cat definitely has the ability to injure or kill a chicken, and they may also do so while engaging in what we describe as “play”.

In addition, your cat’s presence may not necessarily be good news for your flock. There are several reasons why this is the case.

The risks mentioned above definitely warrant careful consideration before deciding to introduce your cat to your flock.

What’s the Best Way to Protect My Chickens?

The most practical and cost-effective way to protect your chickens from any predator is to place them in a predator-proof coop. Many options are available for commercial purchases, and DIY projects can also be considered for large, customized enclosures.

Conclusion

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cats may indeed protect chickens in some circumstances. However, whether they choose to do so voluntarily or inadvertently remains a mystery.

Even if your cat seems to live peacefully with chickens, it doesn’t guarantee the flock’s safety from other, larger predators. Ultimately, relying on just a cat to protect your flock is not recommended and is also considered unethical by many.

See Also: 

• Do Cats Attack Chickens? Can They Coexist? Vet-Reviewed Precautions

Featured Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock

The post Will Cats Protect Chickens? Our Vet Answers by Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian) 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.