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.

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.

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.

What starts as a little tartar and bad breath can lead to serious health problems for your cat. Periodontal disease is one of the most common issues felines face, but many pet owners do nothing to curb Kitty’s symptoms until they’re in their advanced stages. By knowing the signs of dental disease and taking simple steps to prevent it, you can save your cat’s teeth and gums, as well as some costly trips to the vet.   Dental problems begin when food particles and bacteria accumulate along a cat’s gumline. Over time, the plaque forms and calcifies into tartar, which attaches to the tooth enamel and below the gum line. Not only can this cause gingivitis, an inflammatory condition of the gums, but it is also an early stage of periodontal disease. Left unchecked, tartar builds up under the gums and causes them to separate from the teeth, creating perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Once this happens, your cat will experience periodontal disease that can lead to tissue destruction, pus and even bone loss, as well as other issues as bacteria travel to other parts of his body.   The good news is, preventing oral infections is easy. It may sound ludacris, but you can train your cat to let you brush his teeth—without getting maimed. Start by rubbing his teeth with a damp gauze pad, easing into gently massaging his teeth and gums with a toothbrush specifically designed for cats. Always use an animal-safe toothpaste and brush his teeth daily, if possible. Even healthy cats should have their teeth examined by a veterinarian every 12 months— or more often, if your pet is showing signs of dental decay.   One of the first symptoms of periodontal disease is reddening of the gums just below your cat’s teeth. Other signs include bad breath, bleeding, drooling, trouble eating, a swollen face, loose or missing teeth, and looking unkempt or failing to groom. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. When caught in its early stages, periodontal disease can be treated with daily brushing to control plaque and prevent the gum from detaching from the teeth. Later-stage oral disease requires cleaning the space between the gums and teeth and applying antibiotic gel to keep the space clean. In advanced cases, bone replacement procedures and tissue regeneration may be necessary.   The best way to minimize damage to your cat’s mouth is to prevent periodontal disease. Brush your cat’s teeth regularly and take him to the vet for a yearly oral check-up. If you notice any signs something’s wrong, take him to the vet as soon as possible to catch the disease in its early stages. Not only will your cat thank you, but his bad breath will go away, making it even sweeter to cuddle your pet.

You may think your cat is alone in his frenzied behavior following a trip to the litter box, but the truth is, many cats bolt after using the bathroom. Scientists have actually studied the phenomenon and, while no one is exactly sure what causes Kitty’s bizarre behavior, they agree that it is a normal, healthy part of feline life.   Compared to their canine counterparts, cats have incredibly tidy bathroom habits. The vast majority bury their waste, which likely stems back to their days as wild cats. Though they are hunters themselves, cats also serve as prey for larger animals. The sight and smell of droppings can clue predators in that a potential meal is nearby, so it makes sense for Kitty to bury his droppings. According to this theory, running from his waste is simply another measure your cat takes to avoid becoming a predator’s next meal. The theory helps explain why dominant pets don’t always bury their bunk, too: Cats communicate by scent and top felines will leave their droppings as a way to mark territory. Rather than fleeing from his enemies, a confident cat may be ready to fight for his terrain.   Of course, not all experts agree with this evolutionary explanation. Though it sounds plausible, there is little research into whether cats actually run from their waste in the wild. Other theories attempting to explains cats’ strange bathroom behavior suggest that it simply boils down to feeling good. Researchers site evidence of this “poo-phoria” in the vagus nerve, which connects the brainstem to the colon and creates a pleasurable sensation associated with defecating. Other theories say that the frenzied sprint following a trip to the bathroom may be your cats’ ways of seeking attention and approval for his accomplishment as a grown-up pet taking care of himself.   There are, of course, medical issues that can cause your cat to run from his litterbox. Pets experiencing diarrhea or other digestive problems may want to distance themselves from the problem. Fleeing the litter box can also be a sign your cat is suffering from a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, inflammation of the colon or rectum, or even a food allergy. If you suspect your pet’s bathroom behavior is due to a medical issue, take him to the veterinarian. Fortunately, whether it boils down to instinct or “poo-phoria,” experts agree that in most cases running from the litter box is normal feline behavior.

Human beings have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years – much longer than we've kept domestic cats and dogs (70,000 years and 14,000 years respectively). We wear jewelry for all kinds of functions, from displaying social status to religious commitment to pure aesthetic value, and we put them on our pets for some of the same reasons. From the Roman Lucius Lucinius Crassus' moray eels with necklaces to Paris Hilton's chihuahuas with diamond-encrusted collars, we've been dressing up our pets for generations.   One function of jewelry is for identification. If someone is wearing a wedding ring, it's safe to assume they are married. If a dog is wearing a collar, it probably isn't a stray – if it has a name tag on the collar, it almost certainly isn't! A dog tag is the ultimate in functional pet jewelry, and it can be as pretty or as plain as you like. A wide range of materials and designs are widely available from stainless steel to gold to suit your tastes and your pooch's personality. It's just like a pendant with a name on!   Cat collars, like dog collars and tags, let others know that your cat has a home to return to and where their owners can be found if they get lost. Fewer than 2% of missing cats are returned to their owners and a collar and tag can go a long way in making sure they find their way home. Like tags, collars can be fun and unique as well as practical, just like jewelry. From luxury leather to dazzling bling, there's a collar out there for your cat that is every bit as fabulous as a human necklace. As long as it fits well enough that your cat can't slip it off or get something stuck in it, or has a snap-off mechanism if your cat is an avid climber and you're worried about it getting caught in a tree, your cat can be both spectacular and safe.   So why do some people like to dress their pets in jewelry? Because it looks cute! There are all kinds of cute pieces of jewelry just for pets that can be attached to your pet's collar and clothing. Extra charms can be added to the same clip on your pet's collar, just like a human charm bracelet. Sliding letters slipped on your pet's collar spelling their name can be one step further to a perfectly personalized pet accessory – though this should be in addition to a standard tag with your contact details, just in case they get lost. If your pet wears clothing, they can flaunt pet brooches. Add a sliding bow or flower onto a collar to add some color and style to your pet's daily look.   Pet jewelry can be fun and fabulous, but practicality has to come first. However, that doesn't mean practical can't also be eye-catching and stylish, as long as it is also comfortable for your pet to wear. If they seem to be experiencing discomfort – scratching at their collar, trying to remove it, or otherwise showing signs of uneasiness – swap the collar out for something simpler, and consider saving the showpieces for special occasions.