Pet Bucket Blog

From “hovercat” to “cat loaf,” pet owners have come up with a multitude of names for the phenomenon of cats tucking their paws beneath their bodies. While it’s difficult to understand many feline behaviors, scientists have a clear explanation for your pet’s penchant for loafing.   The normal body temperature for cats lies between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so a room that feels comfortable to you may still be chilly for your cat. Just like we like to tuck our hands and feet under the covers when we’re cold, so do our feline friends tuck their paws under their bodies for warmth. Fortunately, our pets are highly flexible creatures, making transforming into a heat-preserving loaf an easy task. This helps Kitty stay in his thermo neutral zone—the temperature range in which he’s not expending energy to cool off or to heat up—while relaxing in a comfy position.   Speaking of relaxing, you’re most likely to catch your cat in loaf position in his favorite spots. That’s because a cat with his paws tucked under his body isn’t prepared to defend himself or run anywhere fast. Whether it’s on your bed or in your lap, lying with his paws tucked is a sign your cat is highly relaxed, so you can take the behavior to mean Kitty feels comfortable in his home.   Similar to tucking his paws into a loaf, your pet may also wrap his tail around his front feet to help keeps his toes warm. If he is crouching low to the ground, covering his nose, or otherwise working to be compact, your pet is most likely chilly and trying to stay warm. But beware—if Kitty isn’t trying to stay warm, covering his paws can be a sign he’s comfortable as-is and doesn’t want any attention at the moment. If he appears to be more alert, your pet may be stressed and using his tail to create a physical barrier between his body and whatever environmental factor is creating his anxiety.   Given the prevalence of loafing into the cat kingdom, it’s worth noting that when a cat isn’t  fully tucking his paws while in the position, he may be experiencing some pain. Inspect your pet’s feet regularly to make sure Kitty isn’t hiding any discomfort or injuries. If he remains perched on his paws in an otherwise full-loaf position, it could be a sign something’s wrong.

Cats are infamous for their hot-and-cold behavior, making feline affection hard to read. If you’re questioning whether your companion really cares, here are some subtle signs of affection you might not be noticing:     Going belly-up: Your cat’s stomach is one of his most vulnerable spots and by lying relaxed on his back, he’s letting his guard down. This shows a high level of comfort and trust. That goes double of your pet lets you rub his stomach, though most cat owners advise against this, as a belly rub can go South at a moment’s notice.   Giving a ‘slow blink’: In the feline world, closing your eyes in the presence of another animal is the ultimate sign of trust. If your cat is giving you a leisurely blink, he’s showing you he feels safe around you. You can return this gesture to strengthen your bond with your cat, or use it to show you’re not a threat when meeting a new feline.   Butting heads: Cats have scent glands in their cheeks that they use to mark our legs, hands, faces and other familiar objects. Technically known as “bunting,” head-butting releases pheromones from these glands that cats associate with comfort and social bonding. Placing his face so close to yours is also sign of trust on your pet’s part, making head-butting a true sign of affection.   Gift giving: You may not treasure the mouse bladder left outside your bedroom door, but gift giving is a sign of adoration from your cat. Leaving prey or his toys for you means your cat considers you part of his family and wants to provide for you.   Midnight cuddles: Not all cats like to openly display affection and some sneaky felines will engage in late-night snuggle sessions while their owner is fast asleep. If you wake up with your pet on your chest, face or side, it’s a sure sign he feels comfortable around you.   Sharing space: Cats are not always overly warm, so even opting to share the same space as you can be a sign of affection. Each cat is different and some will show they care about their humans by sitting just out of reach, at the foot of the bed or even in the same room. Whether Kitty is choosing to spend time in your lap or on an adjacent chair, you can be sure that lounging nearby is a sign he cares.

From meowing and purring to hisses, growls and groans, cats make a wide variety of sounds. Though they sometimes sound like gibberish to human ears, feline vocalizations communicate our pets’ emotions and needs— if we know how to listen. Here are a few of the most common cat sounds: 1.     Meowing – Kittens meow to get their mothers’ attention, and so do our domestic pets meow to grab our ears. Cats think of us as their perpetual parents and meowing can signal Kitty wants something from you, whether it’s food, to have his litter box cleaned or your affection. It’s worth noting that all meows are not created equal and cats will use this vocalization to express a range of emotions. A short, quick meow often means your cat is lonely or wants food, while a prolonged, moaning meow can be a sign of worry, irritation or some other objection. By listening to your pet, you should be able to decipher what his unique range of meows means. Beware, though, that incessant meowing can be a sign of illness and you should consider taking your pet to the veterinarian if he doesn’t stop. Purring– Cats purr when they’re content, but they also produce this comforting vibration when feeling threatened or scared. Watch Kitty’s body language to be sure what this soft, throaty sound means.    Chirrup – A happy trilling noise, a chirrup is your cats’ way of greeting his beloved human. It is a sound reserved for when your pet is feeling excited and happy, or may be his way of getting your attention.                                        Chatter – This stuttering noise is generally a cat’s response to seeing something he can’t reach, such as a bird outside the window. It is thought to display excitement or frustration at the object out of reach.   Growl – This low, rumbling noise is a warning to stay away. If your cat is feeling afraid, angry or territorial, he’ll growl, and you should give him the space he needs.   Hissing – Hissing is your cat’s response to fear and shows he is ready to fight, if necessary. Often accompanied by an arched back, puffed tail and flattened ears, hissing can signal to that your pet wants to be left alone, so be sure to give him space.   Caterwaul – This shrill noise is unique to female cats in heat. It is a wailing call to let other cats know she is available to mate.   You can interpret your cat’s sounds simply by paying attention. Watch for the physical stimulus your cat is reacting to— another cat, a bird outside the window, or his own hunger, for example—and pay attention to his body language. That will help you determine how your pet is feeling and the message he’s hoping to convey. And remember, the specific sounds a cat makes 

All cat owners have had the jarring experience of lavishing their feline friends with affection only to receive an abrupt scratch or bite in return. According to a study publish in Applied Animal Behavior Science, this might be for good reason. The researchers observed more than fifty cats and, it turns out, felines have general preferences for where they do and don’t like to be touched.   Cats are not close-contact animals by nature. Affectionate touch is a learned behavior for our pets and each individual has a different threshold for petting. Bearing that in mind, researchers identified some broad rules on where you should and should not pet your cat. For example, anyone who’s given their cat a rub on the chin has likely been met with a warm purr. It turns out, that makes sense. Cats have scent glands near their cheeks that release pheromones—chemical signals used to communicate with other members of the species. When your pet rubs his face against you or your furniture, he’s marking it with these feel-good chemicals, and he feels that same comfort when you rub him along his cheeks, chin and head.   According to the study, a pat along the torso is a close second to rub on the head— although the researchers did not test what happened when they touched a cat’s stomach. The team found one no-go zone, however, that may surprise some cat lovers: the tail. Scientists believe the base of a cat’s tail may be some sort of erogenous zone that gets over stimulated when it’s touched. This can lead to petting-induced aggression, which is your cat’s way of telling you to back off when he’s had too much affection. No matter what part of his body you’re petting, however, if your cat is twitching his tail or skin, taking a defensive stance, flattening his ears, or growling, it’s a sign to back off and leave him alone.   Different cats have different thresholds for affection and your pet’s unique preferences might surprise you. By watching his body language during cuddles and keeping in mind that most cats prefer to be stroked along the head, you can learn your cat’s preferences and strengthen the bond you share—while avoiding being maimed.

If you’re a first-time cat owner or have recently taken home a new pet, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is, “How much should I feed my cat?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Just like people, our pets’ dietary needs change throughout their lives and depend on factors such as size, metabolism, exercise and even your cat’s environment. Understanding what a balanced diet means for your individual pet, then, will be key to keeping him healthy throughout his life.   The first decision when feeding your pet is whether to give him dry food, canned meat or a mixture of both. Many owners feed their cats dry kibble alone, which is nutritionally sound as long as the formula is complete and balanced—namely, a low-carb, high-animal protein feed. Make sure cats eating a kibble-only diet have plenty of access to fresh water, too, as they normally receive a large portion of their daily water intake from meat. Though dry food is cheaper, many cats prefer canned food over kibble, so watch that your pet isn’t overeating if you feed him an all-meat diet. It’s also acceptable mix canned and dry food, as long as you keep portion control in mind.   After selecting the right food for your pet, establish a feeding routine that suits his age and body type. Kittens are growing, so require more frequent feedings than adult cats. A good rule of thumb is to feed kittens three meals a day until they’re around six months old, at which time most cats do well with one or two meals a day. This pattern should work throughout your cat’s senior years, too, as long as he is in good health. Arrange mealtimes around your own schedule so you can keep them consistent, since cats can be sensitive to changes in routine.   Many cat owners allow their pets free access to dry food, which works well for self-regulating felines. Some pets, however, will overeat when given the opportunity, especially in multi-cat households where competition for food is common. To control Kitty’s portions, follow the label on his pet food, adjusting to meet your cat’s individual needs. A general guideline for an active, 8-pound cat is 30 calories per pound per day, but this may be too much for a less active pet or too little for a playful kitten. For help determining whether your cat is over- or underweight, check his backbone and ribs: If they show through his skin, he is too thin, and if you can’t feel his ribs, he is likely overweight.                                                           Whether he’s a hungry kitten or a senior who requires a special diet, your cat’s food is the brick and mortar of his health. By finding a nutritionally balanced formula and establishing a feeding routine that works for your pet, you can ensure he stays healthy throughout his life.

Whether it’s an affectionate action or a move made in self-defense, biting is a problem when it comes to cats. To address the issue, you must first examine what’s causing your cat to bite and then tackle the underlying problem.   Cats—especially kittens—engage in rough play such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, swatting, kicking and biting. This not only helps them hone their hunting skills, but is a key part of social play. Unfortunately, this friendly behavior can leave you with scratches that can become infected. Biting can also be a form of communication for cats and your feline may be using his teeth to tell you something— that he’s hungry, wants you to open a door, or the litter box needs cleaning. If your pet tries to lead you somewhere or meows immediately after he bites, he likely is aiming to direct your attention to his needs. Cats also bite when feeling stressed or anxious. This can be due to anything from loud music or roughhousing children to introducing a new pet to the household. Animals also bite to assert dominance, and your cay may be using this behavior to declare himself chief of the household. You’ll know your pet is trying to be alpha if his biting is not playful, he does not attempt to cuddle afterwards, or he refuses to back down.   To stop your pet from biting, you must first evaluate what is causing the behavior. If Kitty is using his mouth in self-defense against boisterous children, for example, try putting your pet in a separate room before they arrive. Keep your home as calm as possible and minimize changes if your pet’s biting seems linked to stress. If your cat is biting as a part of playtime, provide him with plenty of toys and alternative sources of entertainment. Engaging your cat in play about twice a day with a catnip mouse, fishing pole, or other toy not only redirects his hunting instincts away from your hands and feet, but also reinforces the bond you share with your pet. You might even consider getting a second cat for your pet to play with or building him an outdoor enclosure to burn off extra energy. And remember— never use your fingers as toys when playing with your cat.   While you should never strike or shout at your pet, you can clap your hands and say “No” firmly when he bites. If you are playing, put your cat in “timeout” by ending the game immediately and walking away. You may also want to keep a squirt bottle nearby and use it immediately after your cat bites. Some owners find success keeping toys on hand to throw and redirect a biting feline’s attention. With consistent training, your pet should adjust his biting behavior.

Cats are allergic to many of the same things as people, but unlike us, our feline friends usually display symptoms on their skin. From excessive itching, biting or licking to hair loss, skin lesions, scabs and infected wounds, your cat can display a host of unpleasant allergy symptoms. Fortunately, with your vet’s help, you can treat your cat’s dermatitis.   Just like us, cats can suffer from environmental, flea and food allergies, and these allergies cause them to itch. Unfortunately, by the time your feline shows symptoms from his allergy, he has been suffering for some time. One of the first lines of defense against itchy skin is corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed by a vet and can provide your pet with relief from his allergy symptoms until you can get to the root of the problem. However, owners should be wary of the side effects that long-term or excessive steroid use can cause, including problems with your cat’s liver and endocrine system.   Because flea saliva can cause allergic reactions, one of the first actions you should take treat your cat’s dermatitis is to treat him for fleas. Even indoor cats should be treated for fleas for several months to rule these parasites as the source of Kitty’s problems. Likewise, you can try switching your pet’s diet to test for a food allergy that may be the source of his allergies. If your cat’s allergies persist, talk to your vet about visiting a veterinary dermatologist, who can test for allergies with an intradermal, or “pin prick,” skin test and blood work. It will help to provide any information on when and how your cat’s itching began, and how well any treatments worked and for how long. Your veterinarian may have insight about dietary changes or other changes, such as unscented cat litter and household cleaning products, that could help your pet.   Skin disease remains more of a mystery in cats than it does in their canine counterparts, due largely to the fact that many of the skin problems cats face mimic one another. This makes diagnosing skin conditions a problem. Cats may react to several different allergens, making diagnosis difficult. Many pets prefer to bath—and itch—alone, making it difficult for owners to distinguish normal grooming from excessive itching.   Remember, never give your cat an antihistamine or other medication without consulting your vet first.

As with humans, dental care is important to ensuring your cat’s gums and teeth stay healthy, but it isn’t as easy for our feline friends to take care of their teeth. Good oral hygiene has been shown to improve your feline’s health overall, as an overabundance of bacteria in your cat’s mouth can cause infections that can spread to other parts of the body. You may think it’s impossible to clean a cat’s teeth, but with some practice and patience, you can easily maintain your pet’s oral health in less than minutes a day.   To brush a cat’s teeth, it is best to start as early in his life as possible. Gradually ease into the process by using a damp gauze pad to rub his teeth. When he accepts that without a fuss, begin using a toothbrush coated in a small amount of cat meat, which will help your pet form positive associations with the brush. It’s important to use a toothbrush specifically designed for cats that is small and fits over your index finger and to use toothpaste designed specifically for pets. This will make brushing easier, since pet toothpaste comes in a variety of cat-friendly flavors such as poultry. You won’t be able to brush all of Kitty’s teeth in one sitting at first, so don’t worry about cleaning one side of his mouth in the morning and the other at night. Once your pet is accustomed to his toothbrush, clean his mouth using gentle brushing motions along his teeth and gums, especially his back molars, at least a few times a week. If Kitty absolutely will not let you near his mouth, there are a range of dental rinses and tartar control chews that can help keep his teeth clean. Feeding him a mixed diet of wet and dry foods will help preserve his oral health, too.   Signs your cat is already suffering from dental disease include bad breath; red, swollen or bleeding gums; pawing at the face; yellow deposits on the teeth; and loose or missing teeth. Felines who are reluctant to let you see their mouths might also be showing signs of pain. If you can see or smell a problem, your pet is already suffering from advanced periodontal issues and should see a vet immediately. He can perform an anesthetized dental assessment and thorough tooth cleaning for your pet. Once Kitty’s choppers are clean, you can keep them healthy with at-home brushing, though you should continue to get your cat’s teeth cleaned professionally at least once a year to prevent tartar buildup, gingivitis and gum disease, and to track your pet’s oral health.

Illnesses that can be passed from animals to humans are known as zoonotic diseases. While most zoonotic diseases only impact our furry friends, there are a few that can pass from felines to humans. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can reduce your risk of catching an infection from your cat.   The chances of contracting a zoonotic disease from your feline friend are low, but certain individuals are at a higher risk— namely, those with a weakened immune system. That includes infants, elderly people, those with autoimmune diseases and anyone undergoing chemo- or drug therapy. These people should be careful of feline-carried bacteria, which in a few cases, can infect humans. Cat scratch disease, for example, takes hold when humans come into contact with the saliva of an infected feline either through scratches, bites or contact between that cat’s saliva and an open wound. Fortunately, most healthy adults recover fully from CSD. Salmonella is another bacterial infection that can leave humans with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. Contaminated foods are often the culprit behind salmonella infections, putting outdoor cats at a higher risk of contracting and spreading the disease to the people. Pasteurella multocida is another feline bacterial infection that can pass to humans. Antibiotics are often needed to cure this illness that can cause pain, swelling and redness around the wound.   Bacteria aren’t the only culprits behind cat-to-person infections, though. Felines can also carry a handful of harmful Protozoan diseases that are caused by single-celled organisms. One of them, cryptosporidiosis, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cramps and dehydration in both cats and humans. It is passed through contact with infected feces, so owners should wear gloves and wash their hands when handling potentially infected material. Microscopic Giardia can also spread from pet to person and causes diarrhea, cramps, nausea and dehydration. The disease is often caused when humans ingest contaminated food or water and can be successfully treated with prescription drugs. Cats can also spread tiny parasites that cause toxoplasmosis, which leads to flu-like symptoms in humans. This disease spreads through contaminated material, so again, wear gloves when scooping the litterbox or handling anything else that could carry the disease.   In addition to these infections, cats can also pass internal and external parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, scabies and fleas to humans. Humans can also contract ringworm—a fungal infection and not a worm—through contact with an infection cat’s skin. Rabies is a viral disease that passes through bites and can be fatal.   To reduce your risk of contracting a zoonotic disease from your cat, avoid rough play that can result in bites or scratches, wash your hands after playing with your pet, and keep your feline indoors to reduce his exposure to diseases. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on his vaccinations, including rabies. You can also wash your hands or wear gloves when handling objects that may be contaminated by cat feces to reduce your risk of exposure to zoonotic disease.

Indoor cats live safer, longer lives, but some pet owners worry their feline friends’ mental and physical wellbeing suffer without the excitement of the outdoors. The truth is that housecats can and do get bored, but there are some simple steps you can take to help your indoor pet lead a fulfilling life. Here are a few ideas:   1. Give him plenty of stimulation: One of the best ways to keep Kitty happy and physically fit is to provide him with plenty of stimulation. This means playing with your cat every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You can use a fishing rod toy, throw a catnip mouse, or even dangle a piece of yarn to engage your pet in play. This doesn’t just keep him mentally tuned in, but also reinforces the bond you share with your pet. For when you’re not at home, provide your cat with plenty of spaces to climb and hide—especially perches by the window. Cats are natural explorers and will enjoy watching the goings-on outside. Because cats need to exercise their claws, too, provide your pet with acceptable scratching surfaces, such as a scratching post or cat tower.   2. Groom him regularly: Cats spend a great deal of time grooming each other in groups, and brushing your cat regularly will help him feel closer to you. Groom your cat regularly or even every day to removes loose hair, which helps prevent hairballs and keeps your house cleaner. As a bonus, regular grooming gives you a chance to check on your pet’s physical state and makes it more likely you’ll notice any sores or other health problems if they appear.   3. Nix litter box problems: If you have multiple indoor cats, another great way to keep them happy is providing them with the right number of litter boxes. Felines don’t like to share, so this means one litter box per cat. Most cats prefer open pans to closed ones and a secluded location that’s not too far out of the way. Clean litter boxes regularly and you’ll greatly reduce chances of having a cat eliminate outside the box, which will keep your home clean and you happy, too.   4. Offer him green spaces: A less familiar way to keep indoor felines feeling good is offering them a small pot of grass. Cats outside nibble grass to aid their digestion, and indoor cats will appreciate this opportunity, too. Most cat grass mixes contain barley, oats or wheat and can be purchased online.   5. Spend quality time together: Cats are more likely to feel content when they share a strong bond with their owners. Spend plenty of time with your feline and even allow him to sleep in your bed to strengthen your bond, ensuring you have a happy, loving companion.