Auteur/autrice : melanie

Despite the fact that our cats aren’t able to talk to us the way we talk to each other, they absolutely do have their own way of communicating with humans. There might not be an exchange of words, but cats have become very good at getting their message across.

Quick Overview

01

Cats often wink and blink at people, sometimes intentionally and sometimes involuntarily.

02

A cat’s wink can mean many things, but most often it’s a display of affection or a sign of a medical issue.

03

If your cat is winking or blinking frequently and has other signs of illness, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Cat Winking

No, you weren’t imagining it, your cat definitely does wink at you! A wink occurs when your cat shuts one eye and opens it again. If the wink is aimed at you, your cat will hold eye contact, too.

Cat winking can also be an involuntary action as cats often close their eyes as a reflex to protect their eyeballs just like we do.

A feline wink can be slow or fast. They might slowly close one eyelid and open it, or it might be more of a fast fluttering movement. If they do it slowly it’s more likely to be intentional, but if it’s a fluttering motion, the likely explanation is that they have an underlying issue with that eye.

Also Read: When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes?

Cat Blinking

Slightly different but looking very similar is the cat blink. This is often confused or mistaken for a wink. It doesn’t help that the words rhyme, too!

Cats use blinking as a way of communicating to humans that they are fond of. Slow blinking means the cat feels safe and secure, and they like being in that human’s presence. Cat’s slow blinks are a sign of affection and it is a great honor if your cat does this! Cats that slow blink can close one eye or both of them—it is thought to mean the same thing.

There are two theories about where the slow blink is thought to have come from. One is that cats do it to break their stare since cats can interpret direct eye contact as a sign of aggression. Cats often use their stare as a threat to other animals, so if they blink, it breaks the stare and shows the other cat they come in peace and mean no harm. If they blink slowly, it gives a message that they aren’t on guard or about to attack.

The other reason might be that the behavior has been positively reinforced as when cats slow blink, humans simply react positively so cats keep on doing it. Cat winking and blinking can be interchangeable.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Blink?

What Does It Mean If My Cat Winks At Me?

Cats wink for many different reasons. A cat’s wink might be deliberate or involuntary. Some common reasons cats wink include:

1. Showing Us Love And Affection

Winking is often a sign of love or trust. As mentioned above, cats will do a slow blink at humans who make them feel safe and secure. In fact, the “slow blink” is also sometimes affectionately called a kitty kiss.

A cat wink or blink shows us that they are comfortable and relaxed. Cats also use this to communicate with each other. If two cats  that aren’t familiar with each other meet in the wild, they can slowly blink at each other to signal they do not pose a threat and can be trusted. It’s a way cat friendships are forged.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Build A Stronger Bond With Your Cat

2. Medical Problem

Cats might be winking or holding their eye shut if they have a health issue with the affected eye. Pay special attention—if your cat is doing it at specific times in the day, or if your cat is constantly winking, it’s a sign there’s something wrong.

Your cat may be harboring an eye infection or some other eye issue. There are many eye infections that can occur, caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. They usually cause redness and swelling and make the eye itchy. Often there is excess discharge, too. They usually share a few common symptoms. The cat eye problems you will usually see include:

• Conjunctivitis: This is a very common infection caused by bacteria or a virus. Your cat will have inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is where the nickname for this condition “pink eye” comes from. You will often see bright green or yellow discharge. The lids of the eye might be swollen and puffy so that the eye is held closed or barely open. You might also see nasal discharge and sneezing as there is a duct called the nasolacrimal duct that connects the eye to the nose.
• Allergic reaction: Your cat might have an allergy to something in their environment. This can often affect their eyes. They will have watery eyes, sometimes with discharge, and they might wink or blink frequently and rub their eyes.

• Environmental irritant: If an irritating substance gets into your cat’s eye this might cause them to wink or blink. The usual things that cause such irritation are dust, debris, cleaning products, perfume or aftershave, and cigarette or cigar smoke.

• Corneal ulcer: Sometimes your cat experiences damage to the surface of their eye, the cornea. This can cause a cloudy area, but there might not be anything visible to the naked eye. Your vet will use a special dye to assess the cornea for ulceration. Your cat might hold their eye shut or blink a lot as this can be a very painful condition.

• Cataract: This is where a cloudy patch develops on the lens of the eye. They will eventually cause blind patches. This condition can be associated with other systemic illnesses such as diabetes. Your cat might wink or blink when they have cataracts.

• Glaucoma: This is another reason your cat might wink or blink. Glaucoma is a serious medical condition where fluid is unable to drain effectively from the eye, so it builds up and eventually causes blindness. The eye may be very swollen, red, and sore.

Also Read: What To Do If Your Cat Is Sneezing Blood

The Third Eyelid

Your cat has a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, which can move across the eye from the inner corner diagonally. It is covered by conjunctiva. If your cat is healthy, the conjunctiva is not visible as the blood vessels are a normal size and not inflamed.

If conjunctivitis occurs the third eyelid will also become swollen and red. The third eyelid can protrude for different reasons and sometimes cats blink using their third eyelid, too. If the third eyelid is protruding, it can look like a half-closed eye. If you can see your cat’s third eyelid, it is best to seek advice from your vet.

Eye Positions In Cats And What They Mean

In addition to winking, cats adopt lots of different eye positions and they can mean a variety of different things. It’s basically a cat-eye language to learn! If you observe them closely you will find you can make predictions about their behavior from their eye position. Here are some of the common positions:

Dilated Pupils

Dilated pupils can mean quite a few different things. It could be that your cat is frightened or shocked, or they might be excited or anxious. They might have seen something they are happy about, such as their favorite person, their best toy, or a tasty snack.

Constricted Pupils

If your cat has their pupils narrowed, this can mean they are very content and cozy and in a heightened state of relaxation. However, it can also mean that they are annoyed or upset.

Semi-Closed Eyes

Semi-closed eyes indicate your cat is relaxed and comfortable. They are happy and feel secure, and might be on the brink of falling asleep. If a cat’s eyes are wide open it means your cat is alert and taking in their surroundings.

Holding Direct Eye Contact

This might mean that your cat is trying to intimidate you or exert their authority. Cats interpret eye contact without blinking as hostile and a threat. If a cat is avoiding eye contact, it can sometimes be an indication that your cat has friendly intentions toward you or another cat.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Ignore Me?

Cat Winking: Final Thoughts

If your cat is giving you a wink, this usually means something positive. A happy cat dishes out winks when they are feeling content and secure in the presence of someone that they trust.

Cat’s eyes are an invaluable part of their body used for communication. Sometimes your cat might be winking because they have a problem with their eye. If you are at all concerned about your cat’s eye or eyes, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat Staring at the Wall?

If you are looking for affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to clay cat litter, you are not alone. Choosing the right cat litter for you, your pet, your wallet, and the environment is an important aspect of being a responsible cat owner. Alternatives to typical clay cat litter are made from all kinds of materials, such as corn, paper, walnuts, wheat, sand, pine, or grass.

These alternative cat litters are not only often more affordable than traditional clay litter, but they are more eco-friendly as well.

Environmental Impact

Traditional cat litter is made from a type of clay called bentonite. It has been used in cat litter for years. This type of litter is known for its ability to absorb moisture and to swell to many times its original size.

While bentonite is considered a natural product, the mining of this clay is controversial. Bentonite is extracted using a method called strip mining. This involves a process that moves large amounts of soil and rock in order to get to the minerals underneath. This creates large holes in the ground and disrupts the natural area it is mined from.

In addition, clay-based litter is known to contain harmful carcinogens that become airborne through dust particles and can be ingested. This will often cause allergic reactions or even trigger asthma in your kitty.

Also Read: Unbiased Cat Litter Reviews

Litter Alternatives

If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives to clay cat litter that also save you some money, then you have come to the right place! Below we have provided some uncommon alternatives to traditional cat litter that you may never have considered.

1. Pine

Pine litter is heated to a very high temperature to create pellets from the wood and sap. Horse bedding pellets are also used and are made from sawdust. Pine pellets used for litter may seem quite unusual but they do have some advantages that make them an ideal litter alternative.

While most pine litter is non-clumping, the pine fibers lock away odors and absorb moisture. The only issue with pine litter is that some cats simply do not like the texture of the pellets and some do not like the smell of pine.

Also Read: Feline Pine Cat Litter Review

2. Wheat

Wheat is also a great eco-friendly cat litter option. You can even make your own by grinding up whole wheat berries into a coarse powder. This particular litter alternative is the one that resembles the texture of traditional litter the most.

Wheat litter clumps well and makes loose clumps similar to clay litter. The clumps are known to stick to the sides and the bottom of the litter box, making it difficult to clean. Tracking and dust from the granules are also similar to that of clay litter.

Also Read: The 11 Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters

3. Soil

Soil is a cat’s number one preference when nature calls. If your cat is not able to use an area of your yard, then a bag of potting soil can do the trick. If you want to try out soil, consider using baking soda for odor control.

Be prepared to find the soil scattered all over your litter box area. Having a mat in place for tracking is a must if you select this method of litter.

Also Read: The 5 Best Disposable Litter Boxes In 2022 – We Tried Them All

4. Ground-up Corn

Corn cat litter is usually made from finely ground whole corn kernels or ground-up cob. This method also utilizes a waste product, making it a more eco-friendly cat litter. Corn litter is flushable, biodegradable, and neutralizes unpleasant odors. If you choose this litter, always check the brand’s instructions before flushing the litter down the toilet.

Corn cat litter also reduces waste by transforming urine into small firm clumps. This kind of litter is considered one of the safest options for kittens because of its size and food base.

Also Read: World’s Best Cat Litter Review

5. News Paper

Newspaper and other papers are recycled into long strips that can be reused as paper, but the short strips would go to waste. However, some paper cat litter companies make good use of those normally wasted parts and turn them into pellets or balls of litter.

Paper pellets make for great eco-friendly cat litter, and are soft on your cat’s paws. They are also dust-free and some even have clumping ability.

Also Read: The 5 Best Cat Litter Scoops: Purchased and Tested

6. Grass Seed

A very natural alternative to traditional cat litter is litter made from grass seed. It is known for being lightweight with scented and unscented options available through manufacturers.

Grass seed’s natural fibers have high starch content, which absorbs liquids fast, forming tight, solid clumps that are easy to remove.  Some have added sorghum to help minimize any odors that might escape. This litter is very lightweight with small granules that will track easily around the outside of the litter box.

Also Read: 6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside The Litter Box

7. Walnut Shells

Walnut cat litter uses only the shells of walnuts, which is a product that usually goes to waste. Walnut cat litter does control odor well, especially the coarse formulas. The finer granules are fast-clumping making this ideal and ideal eco-friendly cat litter to use in multiple cat homes.

Walnut cat litter usually produces little to no dust and has a very small amount of tracking. Some manufacturers of this kind of litter offer several granule sizes as well as pellets formulas to cater to your cat’s preference.

Also Read: Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Review

8. Wood/Sawdust

Wood shavings or sawdust are other popular eco-friendly cat litter alternatives that are inexpensive. Wood litters usually consist of cedar, spruce, or fir. Both wood shavings and sawdust do a great job of absorbing urine. They are also good at masking unpleasant odors.

Wood shavings work great for not getting stuck in your cat’s paws which means no tracking. This kind of litter is pretty good at clumping when it gets wet.

9. Coconut Shells

Coconut cat litter is made entirely from coconut shells and is scent-free. This means it contains no harmful chemicals or allergens, making it hypoallergenic. Unlike traditional litter, coconut litter can be disposed of in and around the yard, or even in a compost bin. This type of cat litter produces no waste and will not end up in landfills like clay litter.

Coconut litter is very fine, which results in tracking around the litter box areas. It is not the best at clumping which means in time, it will not control odor well on its own.

Also Read: CatSpot Litter Review

10. Sand

Cats instinctively love sand, making this type of eco-friendly cat litter ideal. Sand also clumps well when moisture is present. It is biodegradable and does not carry any scent.

The one downside to sand is that it does not absorb odor well. Sand is also a little messy and tends to track and create dust around the litter box.

Clumping and Odor Control

When moisture is absorbed and wet litter holds together firmly, then it creates clumps. A litter that has clumping abilities does not need to be changed as often and you can easily scoop the clumps out, leaving behind the clean parts.

Odor control is also a desired ability when considering a good eco-friendly cat litter alternative. Some litters have added scent or are naturally fragrant which helps mask odor.

If you’re looking for extra odor protection for your chosen litter alternative, you can simply mix one part baking soda with two parts litter.

Also Read: The 12 Best Clumping Cat Litters

Final Thoughts

With so many alternative litters to choose from, your cat’s preference will be the most important.  While these alternative litters may be cost-effective solutions, a litter is not worth anything if your cat will not use it!

Also Read: Best Cat Litter For Odor Control: The Complete Guide To Ending Litter Box Odor For Good

We all love our feline companions and want to protect them at any cost, so we’ve put together a list of the most dangerous cat diseases that we think you should know about.

Although not all cats are at risk of developing these diseases, it’s vital that you know what they are in order to recognize the symptoms.

Take-Home Message

There are many other infectious diseases amongst our felines (e.g. feline panleukopenia, toxoplasma, ringworm, heartworm etc.) but in my opinion, these are some of the most deadly and dangerous worldwide. Taking some of the preventative tips and knowing the symptoms of these illnesses could save your cat’s life.

Although cats have earned a reputation for being independent and aloof, cat lovers know that this generalization is not entirely accurate. Many cats are extremely affectionate with their favorite human companions, and some are outgoing and friendly with just about anyone. 

What Are the Friendliest, Nicest and Most Social Cat Breeds?

If you long for a friendly cat to be your new best friend, certain pedigreed cat breeds are known to be exceptionally sweet and outgoing but there isn’t really just one cat breed that Is the Friendliest breed among all others.

Do that’s why we’ve created the following list of the nicest, most social and  friendliest cat breeds on in the world. Read on to meet some of the most friendly cat breeds around.

 

More Breeds to Explore

These are just a handful of the many friendly cat breeds that make great companions.

If you’re looking for a new feline friend that is a social butterfly type, also check out include the Bengal, Bombay, Chartreux, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Munchkin, Oriental, Ragamuffin, and Scottish Fold.

Learn more with our cat breed discovery tool.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in cats that affects blood glucose levels due to a lack of insulin. It can be a challenging condition, but many cats go on to live long and happy lives by following the right diet and taking insulin. Some even go into full remission. Cat owners can find diabetes to be an overwhelming diagnosis. The time and financial responsibility that goes into caring for a diabetic pet is certainly a lot to think about.

When faced with diabetes in cats, it can be difficult to decide to implement a treatment plan or to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize.

Let’s go through some of the basics of feline diabetes to help you make an informed and confident decision for your cat.

What Diabetes Is

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which is highly involved in the body’s regulation of blood sugar levels. If there is a lack of insulin, glucose levels rise and interfere with the body’s ability to use sugar effectively as a source of energy.

Feline diabetes is similar to type-II diabetes in humans, It is non-insulin-dependent. It is usually caused by abnormal cells in the pancreas,  meaning less insulin is produced, which causes ‘insulin resistance.’ This is a poor response by the body to the little insulin which is there. This is in contrast to diabetic dogs, who are usually more similar to type-I diabetics.

Diabetic cats tend to be middle-aged or older cats, and males are more commonly affected than females. Risk factors include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, both of which contribute to insulin resistance.

There may also be a genetic component involved in feline diabetes. Some family lines of Burmese cats seem particularly affected. Diabetes in cats can also be caused secondary to other diseases or medications which result in the body responding poorly to insulin.

Also Read: 7 Best Cat Foods For Diabetic Cats

Signs And Symptoms For Pet Owners To Watch For

The major symptoms of diabetes include an increase in water intake and an increased frequency and volume of urination. Weight loss is also common, and some cats will display a markedly increased appetite. A less common symptom is diabetic neuropathy, which is a weakness of the hind legs caused by nerve damage secondary to diabetes.

However, if you have an old cat who is always at the water bowl, has stiff back legs, or is peeing everywhere (not always in the litter box), don’t jump to conclusions. There are other common cat health concerns such as kidney failure and hyperthyroidism which can lead to similar signs.

Diabetes can be diagnosed and differentiated from other conditions such as renal failure, by a visit to the vet. Cats can show high blood sugar levels when stressed, so repeated or further tests may be performed if there is any doubt.

Also Read: Feline Hypoglycemia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Treatment Of Diabetes In Cats

There are two main aspects of diabetic management for cats: diet and insulin.

1. Diet

The aims of dietary management in feline diabetes are two-fold: weight management and carabohydrate restriction.

Obesity interferes with the action of insulin.  Reducing a cat’s weight back to a healthy range can have a huge effect on their diabetes. Weight loss is usually achieved through a combination of restricting calories and increasing exercise.

Carbohydrates are converted to glucose once digested. A low carbohydrate diet can have a significant response in diabetic management.

Suitable cat food will also often reduce insulin requirements, making the condition easier to manage, In some cases, this can even fully resolve feline diabetes. A prescription diet is usually the best option for diabetic cats, but there are low-carbohydrate commercial diets to follow as well.

Also Read: Cat Obesity Chart: Find Out if Your Cat is Obese

2. Insulin

The majority of diabetic cats will need daily (or twice daily) insulin injections. Many cat owners find the thought of this very hard to deal with. However, giving injectable meds is often easier than successfully giving a pill to a cat. With some practice, this can become a very routine part of your daily cat care.

Oral medications are commonly used in humans to control diabetes. They are not, however, used in veterinary medicine. Most of these drugs are either toxic or ineffective in cats.

Diabetes And Euthanasia

Diabetes in cats is not at all a death sentence. The long-term prognosis for diabetic cats varies with age, other health conditions and how easy it is to stabilize their insulin levels. Many cats live a long and healthy life with diabetes. Still, there is significant financial and time investment to consider.

Cats with any chronic health concerns need regular veterinary visits for careful monitoring. Diabetes often requires fairly intense input from a veterinarian in the initial few months, while deciding on the correct insulin dose, monitoring weight loss, and treating any complications.

Also Read: 7 Best Cat Foods For Diabetic Cats

The Cost And Commitment Of Treating Feline Diabetes

Owning a pet comes with great responsibilities. Sometimes pet ownership involves making some really difficult decisions. Euthanasia is a valid option for any cat who is suffering, has a poor quality of life, or cannot receive the care they need.

Pet owners often struggle with the overwhelming concept of treating diabetes in cats. Their beloved pet is often old, and the thought of giving injections to them can be frightening.

However, diabetes in cats is often very treatable. Diabetic cats can live a long time with a very good quality of life. Giving injections is very easy with some practice, and most cats tolerate this much better than they would by taking long-term oral medications. The needles for the injections are so tiny, they are barely noticeable when being used.

Some cases of feline diabetes can even be managed with diet alone, with no need for any drug therapy once insulin levels have stabilized.

There is a significant cost for feline diabetes treatment. Diabetic pets require regular health check-ups. However, some clinics offer at-home testing as a way to manage diabetes with a more ‘hands-off’ approach. Once the correct insulin dose has been found, the number of check-ups, and blood and urine tests will decrease. Still, the initial stabilization periods can be intense.

There is also the increased responsibility of owning a diabetic cat. They require a specific diet, need injections at certain times, and they also need to be closely monitored. This can make things like taking vacations a bit trickier.

Some cats are difficult to stabilize, which can be frustrating for pet owners and unpleasant for the cat. Some cats have periods of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or suffer from recurrent urine infections.

A dangerous sequela of untreated diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can present as an acute episode of vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and collapse, which requires urgent and intensive treatment.

Final Thoughts

Diabetes is a common, yet complicated disease in cats. The diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment phases vary a lot between individual cats. This can make big decisions about what to do about it difficult. However, the prognosis is generally good. If the financial responsibility and time commitments can be undertaken, treating a diabetic cat is very doable. In fact, it can be a very rewarding experience to give a cat with special health needs a better life under your care.

Also Read: Is Sorbitol Safe For Cats?

Domestic cats are fastidious animals, and the main way they keep themselves clean is through grooming. Many of us have multiple feline friends in the same household and have noticed that they groom not only themselves but sometimes each other.

How did this behavior evolve? How is it decided who grooms who? Let’s explore the details on why grooming plays an important role in the life and social structure of a cat.

Autogrooming Vs. Allogrooming

Autogrooming is a word that means grooming one’s self.

Cat owner often ask “why do cats clean each other?”. The answer is that cats learn to autogroom as young kittens, and continue through adulthood. Most cats do this very well and keep themselves clean without much intervention from groomers or their owners.

As a pet ages, autogrooming may drop off due to other health conditions such as arthritis.

Allogrooming means grooming another.

Many cats participate in mutual grooming, when living in a multi-cat household or cat colony, including feral cat colonies. Allogrooming also starts at a young age, with the mother cat initiating the behavior. Social structure, dominance, and relationships also play a role in social grooming.

Why Do Cats Lick Each Other

Have you looked at a cat’s tongue closely?

Cats have very unique anatomy on their tongue with many tiny bristles lining the surface of the tongue. This is why it feels like sandpaper when a cat licks you! These bristles work as a tiny hairbrush.

By licking their fur, cats remove debris, excess hair, and parasites. If cats do not groom regularly, they can become matted or dirty, leading to health issues, difficulty hunting, or disruptions in a colony hierarchy.

Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. Barbering results in thin or patchy hair, broken hairs, or even scabs in some cases. Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. Hyperthyroidism, arthritis pain, allergies, mites, and fleas all cause excessive grooming. If your cat has a change in their grooming behavior or is losing hair, schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Grooming As A Kitten

Kittens are born blind and helpless, requiring constant care from the queen, their mother. By licking the kittens immediately after birth, mother cats remove tissue and fluids that could attract predators.

Also Read: How To Take Care Of A Kitten: The Complete Guide

This post-birth grooming simulates the kittens, dries their coats, and gets them moving and warmed. As the kittens grow, their mother licks them to stimulate urination and defecation. She also grooms them to keep them clean on a daily basis.

The feline family unit is built on shared space, shared scent, and shared behaviors, and littermates begin grooming each other at a young age.

If a kitten is abandoned and does not have the benefit of a mother cat’s nurturing, grooming behavior may suffer. Human foster parents mimic the queen’s grooming behaviors by using cotton balls, washcloths, or other materials to stimulate and clean the kittens as they mature.

Without littermates, orphan kittens may display inappropriate behaviors when introduced to other cats. Veterinarians and behavior coaches have resources to improve these special situations.

Dominance And Grooming

When two adult cats are together, who grooms who?

Studies in cat behavior show that most often a higher ranking cat grooms a less dominant cat. Most commonly, the dominant cat grooms their counterpart around the head, face, and neck.

These locations are vulnerable areas, and are also targets for aggression during conflict. Grooming “down” the ranks may be a method to show dominance without causing harm. In family units, all members are often needed for hunting, safety, and territory defense.

If a fight breaks out, an injury to one family member could compromise the safety of all. So, allogrooming may diffuse the situation and bypass aggression.

In a multi-cat household, dominance struggles appear frequently. Accessibility to resources usually trigger inter-cat aggression. Food, litter box, and territory are key resources in a feline environment.

Make sure that each cat has a safe and separate place to eat, use the litter box, and rest. Offering resources in different rooms, different levels of the house, and away from other pets like dogs, are strategies to alleviate stress and aggression.

In groups where cats are spayed and neutered, there is not an obvious relation between male or female preference in allogrooming. However, when intact female cats are together, evidence shows that females groom each other more often during breeding season.

Also, larger cats seem to exhibit dominance more frequently over smaller stature cats.

Signs Of Bonding

When adult cats live together in a household, they often develop a strong bond. Grooming each other can be a sign of affection and bonding. Does your cat purr when their housemate is licking them?That is a good sign that it is a bonding behavior. If your pets appear relaxed while allogrooming, there is little reason to worry.

What about introducing a new cat?

A new cat can bring a new scent, foreign behaviors, and disrupt routine. Cat owners can help build bonds between a young cat and an older cat several ways. Neutralizing scent can help cats become more comfortable.

Use brushes and combs on both pets to help them become familiar with each other. Pheromones help ease tension, and there are synthetic pheromone sprays to reduce anxiety when introducing a new cat into a family.

Can Grooming Cause Problems?

The most common condition due to grooming is hairballs. As cats groom themselves and each other, their tongue picks up fur. They swallow the fur, which usually passes through their digestive tract without problem.

Some cats with long hair, or cats that groom excessively, can build up an accumulation of fur in their stomach. This rough material can trigger them to vomit up a hair ball, also known as a trichobezoar.

In rare cases, the hairball can become stuck in the stomach or intestine and require surgical removal.

If your cat has frequent vomiting or hairballs, certain foods and supplements may help them pass the hairballs more easily. Check with your veterinarian for advice on what might be best based on your cat’s needs.

As expected, grooming obviously involves saliva. Saliva can carry certain diseases, making grooming a potential way to spread certain diseases.

Feline Leukemia Virus is a disease that can be spread from cat to cat through shared environments and behaviors, including grooming. If your cat goes outside, be sure to test them for this incurable, viral disease, and vaccinate them as directed by your veterinarian.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is another disease that spreads through saliva, as well as blood. FIV most commonly spreads through cat bites and fights, and there is no vaccine available for this disease. While not directly spread through grooming, inter-cat aggression and dominance play a role in cat fights and FIV.

Grooming As Affection

Cat grooming encompasses a variety of behaviors, and we still have more to learn. As cat owners, spending time brushing and petting our feline companions is a way for us to participate in this bonding ritual.

As long as your pet is relaxed during these interactions, grooming is a great way to spend time together. If your pet tried to leave, becomes agitated, or becomes aggressive, consider stopping for now and letting them have a break.

If you witness your cats grooming each other to the point where one is protesting or seems unhappy, offering a separate room or time apart can prevent fights. Grooming should be a relaxing and beneficial process.

A stray cat came running to someone calling to him. He nestled into her and wouldn’t let go.

Lucky the catAlyssa DeHart

Alyssa DeHart, an animal rescuer based in Orlando, FL, was out on her evening walk one day when she noticed a stray cat wandering around her apartment complex. The tabby vanished into the bushes, but Alyssa couldn’t stop thinking about him.

« From then on, I looked for him every day. The weather was projected to fall into the 20s overnight — which is really cold for Florida — and all I could think about was this poor boy, » Alyssa told Love Meow.

« I decided I would bring him in for the night, so I went searching for him. »

He came running to Alyssa when she called to himAlyssa DeHart

She looked around the area and eventually spotted the cat from across the large parking lot. Alyssa tried to coax him by talking to him in a soft voice.

To her surprise, the cat immediately made a beeline to her as if he’d seen an old friend. « He came running and meowed out at me the whole way. He promptly nestled into my lap, » Alyssa shared with Love Meow.

He was so happy to be doted onAlyssa DeHart

The tabby boy was overjoyed with the attention and just wanted to be petted. With no knowledge of his history, Alyssa didn’t know how he would react to being indoors. But all those worries faded away, when he entered his new space.

« The second I let him out of the carrier, he started begging for pets, purring, and asking for belly rubs. I couldn’t believe how snuggly he was. »

Lucky was an instant cuddle-bug when he was brought insideAlyssa DeHart

Alyssa was able to thoroughly examine the cat then and discovered that he was covered in scabs on his face and ears, and had a bite wound on his leg. « I decided to bring him to the vet the next day. »

The cat who was lovingly named Lucky, arrived at the vet’s office with his purr motor switched on high.

Alyssa DeHart

They were able to locate a microchip. « The owner was contacted, and they offered to let me give him a safe, warm, indoor home. »

Lucky was treated for fleas, ear mites, and the leg wound. He also tested positive for FIV. Despite it all, he exuded so much love and wanted nothing more than having someone to cuddle.

Lucky is very cuddly and just wants to be lovedAlyssa DeHart

« I couldn’t fathom letting him go. I like to think Lucky knows that he was rescued and is so thankful for the opportunity to live inside now. The outdoors were never made for him anyway. »

Lucky is being treated for an abscess and catered to like a king. He can now sleep soundly without a care in the world.

Alyssa DeHart

« He cuddles in bed all night, makes the best biscuits, and fills his belly with all the yummy snacks he can. He doesn’t have to worry about cars, predators, or being scared off by the neighborhood dogs. He’ll never be out in the cold or rain, » Alyssa told Love Meow.

He jumped onto the bed and fell fast asleepAlyssa DeHart

« Lucky is still on the mend, health wise. I know he’ll be feeling better in no time. The best part was when I let him into my bedroom, he immediately jumped up on the bed and fell right asleep. »

Happy and lovedAlyssa DeHart

« I’m not sure what the first 4-5 years of his life looked like, or how he acquired FIV, but I can ensure that the rest of his life will be filled with endless love. »

Alyssa DeHart

Share this story with your friends. More on Lucky the cat and Alyssa’s fosters on Instagram @orlandofosterkittens.

Related story: Woman Opened Her Door to Stray Cat and Found Kittens in Her Closet Days Later

Cats are well known for their inquisitive nature. They love to explore and investigate things, particularly areas within their territory—and that includes your home.

However, you might want to keep your cat out of a certain room for various reasons. It could be that you don’t want your cat in the kitchen where food is prepared, or you might want to keep them out of a certain bedroom if one of your family members suffers from allergies.

Quick Overview

01

You can try several ways to keep your cat out of a room in your house, even if there is no door in that room.

02

If you decide you don’t want your cat to have access to a room, be consistent and never let them in that room, and make sure family members do the same.

03

Reward your cat with treats, petting, or a play session for staying away from the room, and never verbally or physically punish your cat if they do manage to enter the room.

Whatever the reason, if you want to keep your cat out of a room, you need to know how to do so safely and without punishing or scaring your cat. Read on to learn how you can keep your cat out of a room.

Also Read: 8 Reasons You Should Never Punish Your Cat

1. Keep The Door Shut

This is the most obvious and easiest solution to keep your cat out of a room. Close the door whenever you enter or leave the room, and make sure other family members do the same. Cats are quick so be sure to shut the door swiftly behind you but be careful not to accidentally trap your cat in the door if thye do decide to make a dash for it.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?

2. Use A Gate Or Curtain

If the room you wish to keep your cat out of does not have a door, you could try a specially-designed pet gate or barrier. These are similar to baby gates but are extra tall to prevent your cat from jumping over them. Of course, if your cat is particularly agile even these might not be high enough.

For elderly cats or those that aren’t as mobile, ordinary baby gates can work to prevent them from gaining access. Another option is to try a beaded or plastic curtain. Again, this might deter some cats but for cats that are especially persistent, you might need to try an alternative solution.

Also Read: How Do I Get My Cat To Stop Doing Something?

3. Provide Alternatives

If your cat wants to be in a room for a particular reason, keeping them out of that room might be as simple as proving that reason in a different room. Cats are creatures of habit so hopefully, it won’t be long before your cat learns that another spot in a different room is more attractive.

It might be that your cat is seeking something in particular from a certain room. If that is the case, providing an alternative space for your cat might be enough to keep them out of the room in question. If they try to get in the room because it’s peaceful and quiet away from the main hubbub of the household, then make another room quiet and somewhere that they won’t be disturbed.

Perhaps your cat enjoys sleeping on top of a particular wardrobe but that wardrobe is in a bedroom that you don’t want your cat to enter. Consider moving the wardrobe into a different room that is acceptable for your cat or provide a different high-up place for them to sleep in a room that you are happy for your cat to access.

If your cat enjoys a particularly sunny spot in a room that you don’t want them to be in, close the curtains or blinds and ensuring they have another warm, comfortable place to sleep.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Lie On Uncomfortable Things?

4. Reward Desirable Behavior

Cats are intelligent animals and can be trained just like dogs can. Whenever your cat tries to enter the forbidden room, try to distract them. This might involve tempting them away with a toy or some treats. You can then reward this behavior either with petting, treats, or a fun game.

Cats can even be clicker-trained whereby they learn to associate the sound of a clicker with having done something good and receiving a tasty treat. This positive reinforcement can be an effective method to train a cat to stay out of a room.

Also Read: The 7 Best Cat Treats For Training

5. Make The Room Uncomfortable

You could try placing double-sided tape across the floor of the entrance to the prohibited room to act as a deterrent. Most cats will find this texture unpleasant and avoid walking on it and so won’t enter the room. Aluminum foil can be used in the same way as many cats don’t like the feel or sound of it as they walk on it.

If your cat likes to go in the room to sleep on a certain chair, then either move the chair or place things on it so your cat can no longer sleep there. If they like to sleep by a radiator, you could try turning the radiator down or off in that room.

Another way to make the room less desirable to your cat is to use a scent that cats do not like. Examples include vinegar; mint; or citrus juice from oranges, grapefruit, or lemon.

It is best to use natural smells whenever possible, for example mint leaves, vinegar, citrus juice, or citrus zest in a container with holes in it. If you do use artificial scent, make sure they aren’t toxic to cats. Some essential oils can be very dangerous and even life-threatening to cats.

Cats have extremely sensitive hearing and don’t like loud noises, so you could try playing music or turning the TV volume up in the room where you don’t want your cat to be. It doesn’t have to be particularly loud to deter your cat, most cats will choose to be somewhere quiet over somewhere with noise.

Also Read: 7 Sounds Cats Hate That You Should Avoid

6. Ignore Scratching At The Door

If your cat scratches the door to be let into a room then try and ignore it. If your cat learns that scratching gets them attention, or even better, gives them access to their room of choice, then they will continue to do it and will probably scratch more persistently.

Try and ignore your cat completely as even telling them “no” or picking them up to move them away is still a form of attention and therefore reward in their eyes. If you are worried about your door getting scratched then put something in front of it, or cover it with something that you do not mind getting scratched.

Also Read: The 5 Best Cat Scratch Deterrents

7. Be Consistent

If you decide to keep your cat out of a specific room, then be consistent and never let them in there. Make sure other family members do not let your cat into that room either. Intermittently allowing your cat access to the room, even if it’s just every now and then, is confusing for your cat. They won’t understand why they are sometimes allowed in and sometimes not.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Guard Me When I Go to the Bathroom?

8. Never Use Punishment

However you choose to keep your cat out of a room, never punish your cat for unwanted behaviors, either verbally or physically. Also never use negative reinforcement methods such as spraying water at your cat or shaking a jar of coins. These will only scare your cat and make them frightened of you.

Also Read: 9 Cat Behavior Changes To Worry About

In Summary

You are now armed with some ideas of how you can try and keep your cat out of a certain room in your house. Whichever method you choose, just remember never to punish your cat either verbally or physically.

You might need to try a few different ideas or a combination of methods until you find out what works for your cat. Remember, all cats are different and they are cunning creatures, but with a little thought and preparation, you can usually outwit them!

Also Read: 5 Ways To Build A Stronger Bond With Your Cat

Finding poop in your bathtub is always an unpleasant surprise. You might think your cat is just being naughty, but this is definitely not the case. There is an underlying reason they felt compelled to find a novel toilet, even if it is not obvious to you at first.

Quick Overview

01

Cats might defecate in the tub due to behavioral issues, environmental factors, age-related reasons, and medical conditions.

02

It is essential that you determine the underlying issue and importantly, never punish your cat.

03

Special cleaners, improving the environment, adapting litter boxes, and reducing stress can all help to address this problem.

A change in toileting habits should not be ignored. This article will examine the most common reasons your cat might poop in the tub.

1. Behavioral Issues

Other pets: Cat that live with other pets in the household can experience stress, which might affect their habits. In multicat households, cats might develop their own territories within the home and be reluctant to cross paths. In addition, cats often avoid using a litter box that another cat frequents.

In fact, it is recommended that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the household. For instance, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Cats also must feel secure while using their litter box. If dogs tend to chase cats, they might feel unsafe using a litter box at ground level. The bathtub is an enclosed space in a quiet room where they might feel at ease to do their business undisturbed.

Anxiety:  A cat’s behavior is hugely influenced by anxiety. Cats are extremely sensitive, and it doesn’t take much to spook them. If there are home renovations, visitors, or a new baby, this can lead to your cat feeling more vulnerable than usual. If you have a cat that ventures outdoors, new cats in the neighborhood might make their life difficult.

Even cold weather and rain can cause your cat to feel that a trip outdoors to poop is not worth their time when there is a perfect spot indoors in the warm. Even if you have a cat that generally toilets outdoors, a litter tray should always be available inside.

If you have a new feline addition to the family or changes in the home, your cat needs time to learn where the litter tray is. In the meantime, the odd toileting accident might be expected. If you change your cat’s litter, do this by gradually mixing in a little more of the new litter over several days.

Also Read: New Cat Owner Anxiety: Why It Happens & How To Overcome It

2. Litter Box Setup

Cat litter:  Many cats are very particular about the surface that they eliminate on. Cat litter varies widely in its texture and appearance, and cat’s have individual preferences. Ideally, the type of litter you choose should be fragrance-free and dust-free.

Litter box cleanliness: Cats are fastidious and often reject dirty litter boxes or ones that smell of another cat. A mild whiff of their own scent is OK. Cleaning litter clumps each time your cat pees or poops is important but washing out with soap and water can be a weekly task if there is no heavy soiling.

Litter box style: Think carefully about your cat’s needs before you choose your litter box, and be prepared to adapt according to their behavior. Some cats have an aversion to covered litter boxes as they feel trapped and overwhelmed by nasty odors. However, other cats prefer the safety of being hidden when they are pooping. Low-sided litter trays are helpful for older arthritic cats that struggle to climb in and out of the box. In contrast, high-sided trays can be perfect for cats with a high urine spray. Read more about cat litter boxes and some insightful litter box reviews.

Litter box location: Think carefully and place the tray somewhere quiet, away from loud appliances and places of high footfall. You can’t expect your kitty to be relaxed enough to poop right next to your noisy washer-dryer. Often, keeping the litter box out of sight and away from people helps.

If your cat has to go through a busy room to reach their litter box, it can be a deterrent to using it. In a multi-story home, you need one litter box on each floor. Finally, no one likes to poop where they eat, so make sure that the litter trays are as far away from your cat’s feeding spot as possible.

Also Read: What Is The Best Place To Put A Litter Box?

3. Lifestage

Young kittens: It can young kittens some time to learn to use their litter box. Most kittens will take around four weeks to use their litter box reliably. This requires some patient training by their pet parent. Gently placing your kitten in the litter after every activity transition throughout the day can help them associate the litter box with toileting. For example, your kitten might need to pee or poop after eating, drinking, sleeping, and playing. Read more about litter box training your kitten here.

Think carefully about the litter box size, shape, and placement. You want to make it as easy as possible for those little paws to access the litter should they suddenly feel the urge to go. If your kitten has worms or other parasites, this might affect their poop, so be sure to discuss worming with your vet.

Also Read: How To Train Your Cat In 5 Easy Steps

Geriatric cats: A senior cat often adapts their toileting habits to their needs. You might find that your cat is becoming stiffer as they walk due to arthritis. This affects their ability to climb onto the countertops and into high-sided litter boxes.

Ensure litter boxes are easy to access for your cat and, ideally, at ground level, in a safe space away from other pets and people. Larger litter boxes can help with any discomfort and fidgeting while they find the perfect spot to poop, and low sides are essential.

You might find that your cat no longer wants to defecate outside, and you need extra litter boxes in the home. Older cats also suffer from cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia), which causes confusion and problematic behaviors. Other signs of senility include constant meowing, staring into space, and being generally unsettled.

If you think your cat is showing symptoms of brain aging, your vet can offer treatment and dietary options that might help. They can also signpost you to the best behavioral advice to help your cat as they age.

Also Read: Cat Age Chart: How Old Is My Cat In Human Years?

4. Medical Conditions

Several health issues might cause your cat’s toileting habits to change. Some of the most common include:

Digestive disorders: These can be highly unsettling, and your cat might need to poop with great urgency. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroenteritis can lead to frequent bouts of diarrhea.

Signs that your cat needs an urgent vet check include:

• Passing large volumes of watery diarrhea
• Passing diarrhea that has blood in it
• Signs of being generally unwell or not eating and drinking
• Mild diarrhea that continues for more than two to three days

Cystitis and feline lower urinary tract disease:  These issues might cause your cat to poop in unusual places while straining to pee. If your cat can’t pass a regular stream of urine, keeps returning to the litter box, and seems distressed, this should prompt an immediate vet check. A blocked bladder is a critical emergency that can be life-threatening. Read more about feline idiopathic cystitis here.

Constipation: If your cat is backed up it can cause inappropriate elimination. Pain associated with trying to poop might cause your cat to have a negative association with their litter box. If so, your cat might start to avoid their usual toileting spot and go elsewhere.

Constipation can be caused by several conditions, such as:

If your cat shows signs of constipation, the sooner you see your veterinarian, the better. Constipation is much easier to fix and less likely to cause lasting damage if caught early.

Also Read: Best Cat Food For Constipation

Final Thoughts

The golden rule for dealing with poop in the tub is to stay calm. Remember, your cat is not intentionally trying to upset you; punishing a cat is unacceptable. Besides, it can invoke fear and make the problem worse.

Try to approach the situation with empathy and a clear head so you can decipher what exactly is causing this issue. If you feel totally perplexed, your vet can help you distinguish between physical and behavioral issues.

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Have you ever walked into a room to find your cat staring at you, or witnessed them watching you as you eat? Your cat is not challenging you to a staring contest but why is your cat staring at you?

There are a variety of reasons why a cat may be staring at you including trying to communicate with you, out of curiosity, expressing emotion, or waiting for a cue. The majority of the time, a cat’s stare is part of the processing of stimuli around them, as they constantly smell and sees and reacts accordingly.