Auteur/autrice : melanie

Have you ever wished you could talk to your cat when you’re not at home? Pet cameras are growing in popularity among pet owners who want to do just this. These systems are a great way to keep a close eye on your cat while you’re out for the day or away on vacation.

Many of these camera systems come with a microphone, which is a great way to keep an ear as well as an eye on what your cat is up to in real time. But should you talk to your cat through the camera?

Cats don’t actually recognize faces on screens, but we do know that cats can recognize their owner’s voice and respond positively to it. So, there’s no doubt that talking to your cat through an interactive pet camera is a good idea, and it has several benefits for both you and your pet.

You can use Amazon Alexa or even Google Assistant to speak to your cat, but pet cameras can give you peace of mind that your pet is safe and well, and allow you and them to gain comfort from interacting together even when when you’re away. There is also a whole range of other benefits that come with installing a camera, as well as a few negatives to consider, so let’s take a closer look.

Also Read: 4 Best Cat Cameras

Reasons To Talk To Your Cat Through A Camera

It Can Help With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common problem and concern for cat owners. We know that cats are highly independent and don’t require as much interaction or contact with their owners as dogs, but human absence can still have a negative impact on their behavior and happiness.

If left without human company, cats can experience separation-related stress, with common symptoms including:

You can minimize the stress your cat might feel when you aren’t at home by making them feel safe and relaxed when you’re out. This can involve providing plenty of safe spaces for them such as climbing and scratching posts, toys, comfy beds, and getting a friend or neighbor to pop in and feed and play with them for a while.

Having a pet sitter while you’re on vacation will ensure your cat is never alone. But your cat might still seem distressed if they aren’t with their human family. A pet camera such as the Furbo dog camera, Petchatz, or Petcube Bites can be really useful to help—the high-quality audio allows you to speak to your cat and interact with them as if you were in the same room.

Cats respond positively to the sound of their owner’s voice, so hearing you will help them to feel comforted and more relaxed and alleviate the symptoms of separation anxiety.

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

It Allows You To Interact With Your Cat

Camera systems with two-way audio allow you to interact with your cat, and for them to interact with you. This is particularly good if you are away on vacation, and it can ensure your cat is stimulated and not getting lonely while you’re gone.

Monitor how your cat responds to hearing your voice through the camera’s microphone. Some cats can become distressed when they hear their owner’s voice but cannot see them. If your cat seems confused or distressed, stop talking to them.

Signs of confusion might include excessive vocalization (howling or meowing), pacing, sitting by the door, or looking around the house for you. Don’t talk to your cat for too long or too often to avoid this problem; shorter interactions are usually better. We suggest that you talk only for a few minutes to start with and build up to longer interactions as your cat gets used to it.

Also Read: The 5 Best Interactive Cat Toys for Bored Cats

Other Benefits Of Pet Cameras

Interacting with your cat isn’t the only benefit of these smart camera systems. There is a whole range of other useful features and functions that can help us to keep up to date on what our cats are up to, as well as alert us to a problem quickly.

• You can keep an eye on what your cat is up to. Having several cameras set up around the house means that as long as your cat is in the camera’s range of view, you can see where they are and what they’re doing. It gives peace of mind that your pet is safe and helps you spot if something isn’t quite right. Most cameras have a wide-angle lens or provide a wide-angle view to allow you to see the whole room. You can even tilt the camera if you need to.
• Abnormal sound detection and alerts. Most cameras are linked to a smartphone app and can alert you if something is different. Abnormal noise alerts can let you know that there’s a storm, a noisy dog barking, or fireworks that might cause your cat stress. You can then choose to act on this in whatever way you see appropriate before the stress escalates.
• Night vision mode. This is a really great feature for owners who want to keep an eye on what their pet is up to at night. These cameras use infrared to show you what your cat is doing. It’s a great feature if you’re out for the evening or if you’re working nights.
• Motion detection and motion alerts. If your cat walks past the camera, you’ll get a notification on your phone or tablet. This lets you know your pet is OK and will help you quickly notice if something is wrong if they don’t move for a while
• Treat dispensers. Some systems have a facility that connects them to automated food or treat dispensers. This means you can control when your cat gets fed, feed them at their usual time, or reward them with a few treats from wherever you are.
• Laser pointers. Some camera systems allow you to use laser toys so you can play with your cat and keep them occupied
• Alarms. You can set alarms to remind you or your pet sitter that it’s mealtime or playtime. This way, your cat’s routine won’t change while you’re out.
• Recording and video history. Compatible with iPhone and Android so you can use the systems on any device. Some products are available on subscription so you can spread the cost.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Meow At Night?

Final Thoughts

Smart pet cameras are growing in popularity among cat owners as they allow you to keep an eye on your cat, monitor their activity and anything out of the ordinary, and even interact with them while you’re away from home.

Smart alerts keep you up to date with your cat’s activity, and can help keep your pet safe, spot any problems quickly, and help reduce separation anxiety. A range of pet cameras are available from several manufacturers.

It’s important to remember that no pet camera system will replace a pet sitter—you should never leave your cat home alone without any human contact for too long, as the camera cannot pick up everything.

You should always get a friend or neighbor to pop in and feed your cat, let them out, and check everything is OK in the house. Having a trusted sitter stay overnight in your home means your cat won’t feel lonely and will still get that all-important human contact.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Like To Walk & Sit On Keyboards As Much As They Do?

A kitten sitting outside a house got help. Days later, her littermates showed up in the same place.

@tiny.paws.fosters

A resident from Tampa, FL noticed a litter of kittens outside her house a few months ago. They would come and go as a clowder, but at the sight of people, they would run and hide.

Then one day, only one kitten was seen in the yard. The lone calico was sitting near the house and looking rather sickly. She was very lethargic and didn’t budge when she was approached.

The finder scooped her up and reached out to AnimalLuvr’s Dream Rescue for help.

The calico named Natalie was seen in the yard alone one day@tiny.paws.fosters

The kitten named Natalie was immediately delivered to Nadija, a foster volunteer of the rescue. She was emaciated, weighting merely one pound at eight weeks old, and had an upper respiratory infection among other things.

« Despite it all, she couldn’t stop making ‘biscuits’ and purring, » Nadija told Love Meow.

She felt so much better after getting all cleaned up, treated, and fed@tiny.paws.fosters

The calico was grateful to have a clean face, food in her tummy, and a warm bed to nestle in. She took a much-needed long nap to allow her scrawny, little body to heal.

After having several small meals and hours of sleep, she felt refreshed, satiated and curled up purring in her heated bed.

@tiny.paws.fosters

« A few days later, the finder called me back saying Natalie’s three siblings showed up. We wanted to get them into foster care as well. »

With the help of a few humane traps and smelly tuna, the remaining three kittens were brought to safety. After getting them cleaned and fixed up, they were due for a reunion with their calico sister.

They found Natalie’s three siblings, Sydney, Carmy and Richie@tiny.paws.fosters

The trio (Richie, Carmy, and Sydney) instantly recognized Natalie and happily accepted her back into their crew. « Natalie immediately snuggled between them all, and they took a well deserved nap together. »

In the days that followed, they spent plenty of time cuddling in a purr-pile and did almost everything as a cute foursome.

All four kittens were reunited in the comfort of their foster home@tiny.paws.fosters

Natalie was much smaller than her siblings but the snuggliest of the bunch.

As they recovered and regained their boisterous kitten energy, they began scampering around the room, wrestling with each other, and climbing anything they could lay their paws on..

@tiny.paws.fosters

Natalie quickly blossomed into a social butterfly. Her little paws were constantly kneading in bliss, and she would leap into a warm lap any chance she got.

Richie is the biggest and most outgoing of the four.

Richie@tiny.paws.fosters

« The second Richie sees you, he starts making biscuits regardless if he is walking, laying down, or in mid-nap. He will also meow or chirp when he sees you in excitement, » Nadija added.

« Carmy is a gentle and sweet little guy that loves back scratches and immediately lifts his booty in the area. »

Carmy@tiny.paws.fosters

Carmy adores his brother Richie and follows him around the house like his shadow. He is often seen wrapping his tail around him when they walk side by side.

Richie and Carmy@tiny.paws.fosters

« Sydney is a gentle soul that loves snuggles, back scratches and even belly rubs, all while purring nonstop. When she’s not playing, you can find her burrowed underneath a blanket snoozing away. »

Sydney@tiny.paws.fosters

After a rough start braving the outdoors, they turned into beautiful young cats in their foster home, and were ready to search for their happily-ever-after.

@tiny.paws.fosters

Natalie has found her forever home with another foster kitten, Archie, that she’d grown close to. They are now living the best life in her new home.

@tiny.paws.fosters

Sydney , Carmy and Richie are hoping someday their dream families will find them.

As for now, they are busy enjoying their indoor life with other feline friends, snuggling in cozy beds or running around, playing their hearts out.

@tiny.paws.fosters

Share this story with your friends. More on Sydney, Carmy and Richie and Nadija’s fosters on Instagram @tiny.paws.fosters and Facebook.

Related story: Couple Work Side by Side to Change the Life os a 4-day-old Kitten After Rescuing Him as an Orphan

Bridget Moynahan is doing her part to help a lost cat find her way back home (which happens to be a bodega in New York City). The 51-year-old actress has a special connection to the disappeared feline – they share the same name.

Bridget Moynahan Aids in Search for Lost Cat

The “Blue Bloods” star recently shared a pic of a missing poster on her Instagram Story. The shot showed a black and white image of Tabby cat on top of an ice cream freezer with a variety of candy bars in the background.

“Missing: Bodega Cat,” read the poster, along with a phone number to call if found. “Anwsers [sic] to Bridget Moynahan. Forever in our hearts.”

In the spirit of her cop drama show, which is set in NYC, Moynahan added the text, “Meanwhile, somewhere in Manhattan…” at the top of the image.

Big Apple Cats

For those unfamiliar with Big Apple culture, bodega cats are often kept by shop owners to take care of rats and mice. There’s an entire Instagram account called @bodegacatsofinstagram just dedicated to these adorable convenience store fur babies.

Moynahan is a seasoned New Yorker, as she makes her home in the Big Apple with her husband, businessman Andrew Frankel, and her son, John “Jack” Edward, whom she shares with seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.

When she’s not playing assistant district attorney Erin Reagan on the CBS procedural, Moynahan seems to enjoy sharing inspirational and motivational quotes on social media (some of which are just passive-aggressive enough to get tongues wagging). While she doesn’t appear to be an avid animal lover, clearly this missing bodega cat became a pet project of hers, if only temporarily.

No word on whether or not the feline version of Bridget Moynahan has been found, but we’re sure many more people are now on the lookout for her thanks to this celebrity social media push.

Maine Coon cats and Ragdoll cats are the two most popular large cat breeds in the world. They both have long, beautiful coats and imposing figures, and they are both outstanding cats, but there are some key differences between these two gorgeous cats.

Differences in Appearance

Size and Weight – Main Coon males typically weigh 15-25 pounds, while females weigh 10-15 pounds. Ragdoll females also weigh 10-15 pounds on average. While Ragdoll males weigh 15-20 pounds. This makes Maine Coon males the ones with the largest potential in weight.

In terms of size, Main Coon cats are larger. They are usually 10-16 inches tall, while Ragdolls are 9-11 inches tall. However, both breeds are about the same size in length (measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail), 35-40 inches.

While similar in length, Main Coon cats are taller, especially males. They also have the potential to reach a larger weight, which makes Main Coon the larger giant cat.

Eye Color and Shape

This is one of the central differences between the two breeds. All Ragdoll cats have bright blue eyes. This is one of their best-known and most appreciated features. Main Coons, on the other hand, present a wider pallet of eye colors, including copper, gold, and green.

Another noticeable difference between their eyes is the shape. Main Coon cats have rounded eyes, while Ragdolls have oval-shaped eyes.

Body Shape

Even though people often mistake these two, they do have quite different appearances, upon a closer look. In terms of shape, Main Coon cats have rectangular-shaped bodies, with thick legs and broad chests. They also have large bushy raccoon-like tails. Ragdolls also have broad chests, but they have longer legs and longer tapered tails.

While both breeds have wedge-shaped heads, Ragdoll cats have chubby cheeks, while Maine Coons have high cheekbones. They also have differently-shaped noses. Ragdolls have rounded noses, while Maine Coons have square-shaped noses.

Another key difference is the shape of their ears. While Ragdolls display proportionally-sized ears, Maine Coons have long, pointy ears, which always stand out.

Coat

Ragdoll cats have a very particular coat. They have long coats with lush soft fur, but no undercoat. This sets them apart from Maine Coons, which also have long hair, but have a thick undercoat and light overcoat. As a result, the feel of a Ragdoll cat’s fur is unique, similar to that of a rabbit.

They have amazingly plushy fur. As for Maine Coons, they have soft coats with a wild look. In addition, their fur is water resistant, which allows them to swim or walk through snow without having the moisture reach their skin. Ragdolls also have waterproof fur, but it is far less efficient than the Maine Coon.

Both breeds have a lion-like ruff around their necks, but it is the Maine Coon that stands out. The role of the ruff is to keep them warm, and since Maine Coons are far better equipped for the great outdoors, it is no surprise that they have much richer neck hair. They also have longer necks, which makes this far more visible.

Colors and Patterns

In this regard, Ragdolls and Maine Coons are quite different. The first key aspect is that all Ragdolls have colored points. The point color can be blue, seal, chocolate, lilac, cream, mink, or red, while the pattern can be colorpoint, mitted, van, bi-color, lynx, or tortie. Find out more details about this on our page about Ragdoll colors and patterns.

Maine Coons, on the other hand, come in a much more extensive array of colors. There are more than 85 combinations of colors and patterns for this breed. Their coat patterns can be solid, tabby – which can be a classic tabby, a mackerel tabby, or a patched tabby, tortoiseshell, bi-color, smoke, or shaded. As for colors, they can be black, white, red, blue, and cream. And these are only the colors for the solid Maine Coons.

Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll – Personality Comparison

Ragdolls and Maine Coons have very similar personalities. They are intelligent, playful, elegant cats that thrive on connection with their human families. There are, however, some subtle differences between them. Read more about Ragdoll’s personality. Here are their various personality traits:

Intelligence

Both breeds are highly intelligent, but the Maine Coon has been described as superior to the Ragdoll in this department. Naturally, intelligence largely depends on the individual, but with both cats, you will get a very intelligent companion.

Friendly

Maine Coons and Ragdolls thrive on the relationships they build with the people and other animals in the household. They are both very social and friendly domestic cats that will gladly interact with you. They will greet you at the door and stay close to you after that, but without getting in your way.

Affectionate

This is yet another trait specific to the individual, but both breeds are known to be very friendly with their owners. They enjoy being petted, and they love getting attention and affection. And they also give it back. So, with Ragdolls and Maine Coons, you will get an involved companion that gives and receives love.

Docile

Both breeds are known to be very docile, but Ragdolls stand out when it comes to this. They are widely known for getting floppy-like ragdolls when picked up. While this Ragdoll personality trait is more of a myth, this breed is extremely docile. Maine Coons might be somewhat below this bar, but that still makes them very docile cats.

Playful

This is yet another shared personality trait of the two breeds because they are both very playful cats. They love toys and games and playing with their humans, so you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun with both Ragdolls and Maine Coons. They enjoy toys that they can play with by themselves, but also games that they can play with you. It is very important to keep them mentally engaged.

Energetic

While they are both very playful cat breeds, Maine Coons and Ragdolls are moderately energetic. They will be very engaged when playing with you until they reach their limit and make a swift disappearance to rest.

After a quick nap on their favorite cat bed or armchair, they will return to you and bring a toy. They are not the cats to sleep around all day, but they need to recharge their batteries after playtime. Read more about large cat beds.

Lap Cats

Ragdoll cats love to sit on your lap. They are pleased to be close to you and they can spend hours purring on your lap. Maine Coons, on the other hand, enjoy being close to you but prefer to keep their distance so that they will be next to you rather than on your lap. However, this preference depends on the individual, so some Ragdoll cats may not love sitting on your lap, while some Maine Coons might enjoy the occasional stay.

Talkative

Ragdoll cats are known to be very quiet. There has to be a big reason to get them to meow, so you will probably never hear it around the house. Maine Coons, on the other hand, rarely meow, but they interact with their owners by trilling. That is a combination between a purr and meow, and they do that when they want to make a statement when they are excited or engaged in a game.

Aggressiveness

Ragdolls and Maine Coons are large cats with a wild cat appearance (especially Maine Coons), so people expect them to be aggressive. But these two breeds are known as the « gentle giants » because they are very calm, difficult to annoy, and need a very good reason to scratch or bite people or animals.

Good with Children

As mentioned above, these gentle giants are highly docile cats that do not scratch and bite. This and their very permissive temper makes them excellent with children. Considering their laid-back temperaments and their affinity for humans, they will enjoy spending time with children just as much as the children will love petting and hugging them. Read more about Ragdolls and children.

Good with Other Pets

Their unique personalities make Maine Coons and Ragdolls some of the few dog-friendly cats. They are willing to share their homes with a dog as long as it also acts friendly and gentle to them. Of course, if provoked, they will fight back, but it takes a lot to make these cats angry.

While they are willing to share territory, it is human affection that they will have a more challenging time communicating with a dog. But being brilliant cats, they will not scratch the dog but, instead, go out of their way to get your attention. So don’t be surprised if you find them lounging on your desk, your favorite chair, or your shoe box. Read more about Ragdolls and Dogs.

Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll – Differences in Environment Needs

Ragdolls and Maine Coons are different in terms of their environmental needs. Maine Coons are closer to wild cats and adapted to living outdoors. They are tremendous hunters. While they can live happily indoors as well, they are ideally suited for living outdoors or an indoors/outdoors lifestyle.

Ragdolls, on the other hand, are suited for living indoors. They do not enjoy climbing furniture, so they will not be thrilled about climbing trees either. Moreover, they are so easygoing and docile that they can be quickly taken by others if left unsupervised. Please note that indoor cats should always be supervised when they spend time outdoors. As an alternative, they can safely stay outside in a catio.

Shedding and Grooming Needs

Caring for the gentile giants requires dedication, but how is caring for a Maine Coon different from caring for a Ragdoll?

Maine Coons and Ragdolls may have a different coat structure (Ragdolls do not have an undercoat), but these long-haired cats do not shed much compared to other cat breeds. As a result, they have excellent coats that do not mat easily.

However, they do need regular care. In my book, Grooming the fluff, you can find out everything you need to know about adequately grooming a long-haired cat, from the best tools to use to how to deal with mats. Please note that they will develop mats if they are not groomed regularly. In addition, during the shedding season, it is normal for them to shed more, so they need more attention.

Food and Costs

Maine Coon males may be taller than Ragdoll males, but both breeds are large cats. The larger the cat, the more food it will need and the more it will cost you regularly. If you are used to paying for food for a small-sized cat, you should expect a cost increase with Ragdolls or Maine Coons.

However, what turns out to be difficult with these breeds is keeping them from becoming obese. Their friendly and curious nature makes these cats very engaged, and most owners have difficulty saying no to them. Others even choose to display their affection by feeding the cat excessively.

It is essential to keep Maine Coons and Ragdolls in shape, but as long as you give them the amount of food indicated by the veterinarian for their weight and age, you should have no problems. Read more about feeding Ragdolls.

Vet Checkups

Maine Coons and Ragdolls need regular veterinary checkups, as all cats do. They are healthy cats, but they still need to be examined periodically by their doctor. In addition, they need to be vaccinated, neutered, and have regular blood work performed as part of their checkups.

Breed-Specific Disease Predispositions

In general, these two breeds are both relatively healthy, but there are some diseases that they are predisposed to. This does not mean they are sure to develop them, but there is a chance that they will, which means that you already know what to look for.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Unfortunately, both Ragdolls and Maine Coons have a predisposition for developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a thickening of the heart’s muscular wall, which can lead to severe heart disease. This is yet another reason why these breeds must be kept in shape. Obesity complicates this by making them prone to even more heart problems in cats. Read more about it here.

Urinary Tract Issues

While all cats are prone to developing urinary tract issues, Ragdolls are slightly more prone than others. If you notice any changes in the cat’s behavior, water drinking patterns, and urinating and defecating patterns, it is best to take the cat to the vet to rule out UTIs. You should also ensure that the cat gets enough water and feed it wet food rather than dry food.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a common disease for large-sized cats, so both breeds are predisposed to it, but the Main Coon particularly. Hip dysplasia is the loosening of the hip ligaments, which causes the femur to get dislodged from the hip joint, as well as osteoarthritis.

While this can be cured surgically, it entails a complex procedure. Please note that this is also hereditary, so it is best to check the medical records of the cat’s parents, if possible. Moreover, cats with hip dysplasia are not allowed to reproduce, to help prevent the disease for the following generations.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

PKD is another hereditary disease that causes the development of small benign cysts in the cat’s kidneys. While this is not lethal, it can significantly strain the cat’s kidney function. This can be diagnosed with a simple ultrasound, and it is advised that both Maine Coons and Ragdolls are checked for PKD. Being aware of the disease can help prevent further complications. Read more about Ragdoll Cats here.

Does your cat shun the water bowl every time he walks past it? Ensuring your cat is well-hydrated can prove to be quite a challenge. But you know your feline friend needs to drink up to stay healthy.

“Adequate hydration is essential to the vascular circulation of blood,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. “Blood circulation enables for the transport of important substances, oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body.”

Water also plays a key role in ushering out body waste, in regulating body temperature and to act as both a shock absorber and lubricant for the joints. Dehydration can trigger seizures and damage kidneys. Bottom line: Without water, a feline body cannot function.

Now comes the tricky part. How can you tempt your cat to step up his water consumption?

10 easy hydration tricks

Catster reached out to a few stellar feline experts who share these tantalizing tactics:

1. Elevate water bowls. “Some cats need their bowls elevated so that they do not put strain on their front legs as they lean over the bowl,” says Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, who operates the cats-only Chico Hospital for Cats in Chico, California. “Older cats who are likely to have osteoarthritis are not able to easily put a lot of weight on their forelimbs.”
2. Dish up canned food early on. “I encourage my clients to offer canned diets to their kittens early on so that they recognize it as a food,” says Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of the Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee, and host of the Nine Lives with Dr. Kat podcast on Pet Life Radio. “Because of the high water content, it is a good idea to have a cat who will eat many types of canned foods.” Canned food typically contains between 70 to 80% water.
3. Bring on the broth. “Many cats really like the flavor of chicken broth,” Dr. Colleran says. Bone broth, whether you make it or buy it, is another option. Just make sure the broth does not contain onions or seasonings.
4. Pour water in wide bowls. “Cats rely on their whiskers as sensory organs to alert them to what is around them,” says Kate Benjamin. Founder of Hauspanther and co-
   author of the New York Times best-seller, Catification. “Cats do not like the feel of their whiskers scrunched when trying to drink water from a narrow bowl. I make sure my cats have wide water bowls so there are no whisker issues.”
5. Pay attention to the water bowl’s location. Cats are fussy and don’t like having their water bowl positioned right next to their food bowl. “Cats are hunters and, because they eat what they kill, they try not to eat where water sources are for fear of contamination,” Dr. Colleran says.
6. Disguise the water in something yummy. Renowned animal trainer Samantha Martin makes sure her Amazing Acro-Cats are well-hydrated so they can perform their circus-cat like moves onstage. “We boil chicken breast in water for treats,” says Samantha, who is based in Atlanta. “We give them this chicken water for added hydration and nutrition. They love it!”
7. Clean the water bowls. Consider ceramic, stainless steel, glass or stoneware bowls, which clean easily and completely and don’t retain odors. Always inspect any bowls for scratches or nicks, and replace if necessary.
8. Select drinking fountains with your cat — and your level of commitment — in mind. “One of the most highly developed senses in cats is auditory,” Dr. Colleran says. “If you can hear the pet drinking fountain, the sound is like screaming to cats and will cause some to avoid the fountain. Also, select fountains that can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher to avoid mold and mildew. Opt for a fountain with washable filters. Otherwise, you need to keep on a schedule to regularly replace the filters to keep the water clean.”
9. Introduce a novel liquid. “Some cats really like bottled clam juice,” Dr. Colleran says. “And when you open that can of water-based tuna, squeeze out the tuna water and put it in a container that you can add purified water in, keep refrigerated and offer it to your cat.”
10. Up the appeal of a catio. Kate says to place a fresh bowl of water in your enclosed catio every day. “It can entice the cat to drink while he safely gets to look, listen to and smell the outdoors.”

Exactly how much water?

Veterinarians recommend that cats need to take in about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily to stay hydrated. So, the average 10-pound cat should drink about 1 cup of water per day.

Cats who eat wet food (which can contain up to 80% water) might drink less, while cats who eat only dry food will usually get more of their daily water requirement by drinking.

Water-drinking strategies

We asked pet lovers on Facebook to identify how they get their felines to drink water. Here’s what they dished out:

“We have water dishes in almost every room of our house, and I add a tiny bit of chicken broth to one or more of them for my two seniors, Uncle Satchel and Auntie Scarlette.” — Wendy Lindstrom

“I give my cats Maggie, Victoria and Turkey wet food and add extra water to their meals.” — Polly Smith

“Latte won’t drink out of a regular bowl with still water. I thought a fountain was gimmicky until we got one. I totally see the difference in how much water Latte and Ellie now drink.” — Katherine Kern

“I have a tall glass in a mug (for stability) on my nightstand so that my 14-year-old Haddie doesn’t have to go far for water at night. It started as a glass for me, but it was quickly co-opted.” — Tamar Arslanian

“Wet food, multiple water bowls and adding water to their food works for us. Bootsie is 9 and has had urinary issues. Foster cat Hallow is 2 and has had constipation issues.” — Allison Hunter-Frederick

“I have three different types of water fountains, each with different levels of movement. They are all on different floors of my house for my five cats: Mr. Meowgi, Vespertine, Tango, Tux and Morrisy.” — Danielle Jo Bays

Does your cat shun the water bowl every time he walks past it? Ensuring your cat is well-hydrated can prove to be quite a challenge. But you know your feline friend needs to drink up to stay healthy.

“Adequate hydration is essential to the vascular circulation of blood,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. “Blood circulation enables for the transport of important substances, oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body.”

Water also plays a key role in ushering out body waste, in regulating body temperature and to act as both a shock absorber and lubricant for the joints. Dehydration can trigger seizures and damage kidneys. Bottom line: Without water, a feline body cannot function.

Now comes the tricky part. How can you tempt your cat to step up his water consumption?

10 easy hydration tricks

Catster reached out to a few stellar feline experts who share these tantalizing tactics:

1. Elevate water bowls. “Some cats need their bowls elevated so that they do not put strain on their front legs as they lean over the bowl,” says Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, who operates the cats-only Chico Hospital for Cats in Chico, California. “Older cats who are likely to have osteoarthritis are not able to easily put a lot of weight on their forelimbs.”
2. Dish up canned food early on. “I encourage my clients to offer canned diets to their kittens early on so that they recognize it as a food,” says Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of the Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee, and host of the Nine Lives with Dr. Kat podcast on Pet Life Radio. “Because of the high water content, it is a good idea to have a cat who will eat many types of canned foods.” Canned food typically contains between 70 to 80% water.
3. Bring on the broth. “Many cats really like the flavor of chicken broth,” Dr. Colleran says. Bone broth, whether you make it or buy it, is another option. Just make sure the broth does not contain onions or seasonings.
4. Pour water in wide bowls. “Cats rely on their whiskers as sensory organs to alert them to what is around them,” says Kate Benjamin. Founder of Hauspanther and co-
   author of the New York Times best-seller, Catification. “Cats do not like the feel of their whiskers scrunched when trying to drink water from a narrow bowl. I make sure my cats have wide water bowls so there are no whisker issues.”
5. Pay attention to the water bowl’s location. Cats are fussy and don’t like having their water bowl positioned right next to their food bowl. “Cats are hunters and, because they eat what they kill, they try not to eat where water sources are for fear of contamination,” Dr. Colleran says.
6. Disguise the water in something yummy. Renowned animal trainer Samantha Martin makes sure her Amazing Acro-Cats are well-hydrated so they can perform their circus-cat like moves onstage. “We boil chicken breast in water for treats,” says Samantha, who is based in Atlanta. “We give them this chicken water for added hydration and nutrition. They love it!”
7. Clean the water bowls. Consider ceramic, stainless steel, glass or stoneware bowls, which clean easily and completely and don’t retain odors. Always inspect any bowls for scratches or nicks, and replace if necessary.
8. Select drinking fountains with your cat — and your level of commitment — in mind. “One of the most highly developed senses in cats is auditory,” Dr. Colleran says. “If you can hear the pet drinking fountain, the sound is like screaming to cats and will cause some to avoid the fountain. Also, select fountains that can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher to avoid mold and mildew. Opt for a fountain with washable filters. Otherwise, you need to keep on a schedule to regularly replace the filters to keep the water clean.”
9. Introduce a novel liquid. “Some cats really like bottled clam juice,” Dr. Colleran says. “And when you open that can of water-based tuna, squeeze out the tuna water and put it in a container that you can add purified water in, keep refrigerated and offer it to your cat.”
10. Up the appeal of a catio. Kate says to place a fresh bowl of water in your enclosed catio every day. “It can entice the cat to drink while he safely gets to look, listen to and smell the outdoors.”

Exactly how much water?

Veterinarians recommend that cats need to take in about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily to stay hydrated. So, the average 10-pound cat should drink about 1 cup of water per day.

Cats who eat wet food (which can contain up to 80% water) might drink less, while cats who eat only dry food will usually get more of their daily water requirement by drinking.

Water-drinking strategies

We asked pet lovers on Facebook to identify how they get their felines to drink water. Here’s what they dished out:

“We have water dishes in almost every room of our house, and I add a tiny bit of chicken broth to one or more of them for my two seniors, Uncle Satchel and Auntie Scarlette.” — Wendy Lindstrom

“I give my cats Maggie, Victoria and Turkey wet food and add extra water to their meals.” — Polly Smith

“Latte won’t drink out of a regular bowl with still water. I thought a fountain was gimmicky until we got one. I totally see the difference in how much water Latte and Ellie now drink.” — Katherine Kern

“I have a tall glass in a mug (for stability) on my nightstand so that my 14-year-old Haddie doesn’t have to go far for water at night. It started as a glass for me, but it was quickly co-opted.” — Tamar Arslanian

“Wet food, multiple water bowls and adding water to their food works for us. Bootsie is 9 and has had urinary issues. Foster cat Hallow is 2 and has had constipation issues.” — Allison Hunter-Frederick

“I have three different types of water fountains, each with different levels of movement. They are all on different floors of my house for my five cats: Mr. Meowgi, Vespertine, Tango, Tux and Morrisy.” — Danielle Jo Bays

Published: Mar 9, 2021 · Modified: Mar 5, 2022 by Jenny Dean

I saw an ad while scrolling through Instagram about Silvervine sticks for cats. I had never heard of it – so I wrote it down and reached out to a reader, Teresa, I know to see if she had. She replied that she had and knew it was safe for cats.
While emailing with our vet about Charlie’s recent dental, I decided to ask her about silver vine sticks too – to see if they were safe. She said, « Silver vine is fine to try–every kitty is different but heard that most really like it. I read a study they did with it, catnip, valerian root, and something else. Silver vine and catnip were the most popular. »
So I found some organic silvervine on Amazon and ordered it. Here’s how Charlie and Trigg reacted. I will also try it with Caymus and Murphy and see if Amy wants to try it with Ash and Addie.

What does Silvervine do to cats?

Silvervine is very similar to catnip in its effects. After the cat comes into contact with the silvervine, it becomes very excited and it has a sudden burst of energy. It becomes very affectionate and also very vocal and rolls around in the silvervine. You will be able to notice its dilated pupils right away. Some cats may drool a little when exposed to silvervine, but there is nothing to worry about.  

Are Silvervine sticks safe for cats?

Yes, silvervine sticks are completely safe. They are approved by veterinarians, so they will not harm your cat in any way. Keep in mind that some cats do not have a reaction to silvervine, so you may notice no change at all.  

Can cats eat Silvervine sticks?

Yes, cats can eat silvervine sticks. The plant is entirely safe for cats, so eating it will not harm them. Most cats will settle to sniff and cuddle the silvervine sticks, but some of them might chew on them and eat the silvervine. Rest assured that it is ok for them to eat it.

Is Silvervine good for cats?

Yes, it is. Silvervine has a euphoric effect on cats, it makes them active, playful, affectionate and it has no side effects whatsoever. Aside from getting some exercise, the cat will also feel relaxed even after the effect of the silvervine has passed.

How long does Silvervine last?

The effects of the silvervine become visible as soon as the cat is exposed to it and they can last between 5 and 30 minutes. After the euphoric effects and boost of energy disappear, the cat will not be interested in silvervine for 20-30 minutes, so it is not possible to prologue the euphoric effects.

Silvervine sticks for dogs.

Silvervine is perfectly safe for dogs as well. They can play with the sticks, chew on them, and even eat some of the silvervine and they will not be harmed in any way. Keep in mind that dogs do not respond to silvervine as cats do. Most often, they have no reaction at all.

Where does Silvervine come from?

Silvervine comes from China and Japan. It is called Actinidia polygama, and it is a species of kiwifruit that grows in the mountains. It is a climbing plant, and it can get as long as 5-6 meters. The plant is used in both Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine to treat an extensive range of issues – from high cholesterol to kidney disease. It also has a euphoric effect on cats, and more cats respond to it than they do to catnip, which has similar effects but is far more popular. 

Buy Organic Silvervine Sticks for Cats

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Have you tried silvervine with your cats?  How do they respond?

Peppa the cat started to shine knowing she would never have to return to the outdoors.

Peppa the catPuppyKittyNYCity

Peppa the cat was in a city shelter and scheduled to be released back to the streets after she was spayed. Meagan of PuppyKittyNYCity was contacted about the friendly cat, and knew she « couldn’t let that happen ».

Despite having her hands full, Meagan offered to take Peppa into her rescue and personally foster her. Peppa was treated for a severe upper respiratory infection and cared for by a wonderful veterinary team.

« I knew she was going to be okay once she saw our amazing vet who does everything to save our animals, » Meagan told Love Meow.

Peppa was rescued from a city shelterPuppyKittyNYCity

Peppa was born with a nasal deformity and flat-chested syndrome. She also showed signs of having given birth in the past. Despite it all, she was in good spirits, eager for affection and didn’t let anything hold her back.

With proper care, good food, and plenty of TLC, Peppa healed, regained strength, and could breathe with ease again.

She was an instant love-bug when she arrived at her foster homePuppyKittyNYCity

Peppa was elated to have a room all to herself at her foster home after having spent a considerable amount of time in a kennel.

She toured around her new space and was content with the peace and quiet, bountiful food and all the amenities. Peppa was immediately intrigued by the toys strewn about the room.

Her personality started to shine when she discovered cat toysPuppyKittyNYCity

In no time, she started playing and wrestling with them, showing off her endearing personality.

« Her personality is super special. She is very sassy and sweet. She demands attention and is always purring and looking for love, » Meagan shared with Love Meow.

She turns into mush and purrs up a storm whenever she is pettedPuppyKittyNYCity

Peppa would grab Meagan’s hand and rub her face on it over and over, as if she was starved of love. She would climb onto her lap for more snuggles and extra time to be with her foster mom.

A few head scritches would send Peppa into paradise and activate her loud purr motor. « She’s about eight years old. However long she’d be in your life will probably never be enough just because she is so amazing. »

Peppa demanded her foster mom’s attention by grabbing her handPuppyKittyNYCity

Over the next few weeks, Peppa’s inner kitten came out whenever she chased after toys or zoomed around the room. She would hop and pounce nonstop until she tired out.

But as soon as she heard Meagan’s voice, she would come running for love.

She is playing like a kitten againPuppyKittyNYCity

After roaming the streets, likely having litter after litter, and being in a kennel, Peppa blossomed into a happy, healthy love-bug in foster care. « When we say fostering saves lives we mean it. By fostering, it opens up a spot for a homeless animal. »

A few days ago, Peppa’s dream came true when she was adopted into a wonderful home with a family that adores her to bits.

Peppa has found her forever homePuppyKittyNYCity

« I’ll never forget the first picture I saw of Peppa. She is such a perfect cat, » Meagan shared. « It’s bitter sweet but I will be able to help many more cats like Peppa. I will love and miss her forever. »

PuppyKittyNYCity

Share this story with your friends. More on PuppyKittyNYCity on Instagram @puppykittynycity and Facebook.

Related story: Cat Lived on the Street Her Whole Life, Scooped Up by Kind-hearted Man who Discovers She is Blind

As cat owners, we take the role of parents to our beloved cats. We must secure their well-being and happiness and give them the best possible life. This means we need to recognize their needs and provide them with the environment they need to be their best selves.

KittyNook believes that knowing your pet parenting style is vital to be an effective cat parent. There are four major parenting styles in human children: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. These same parenting styles can also be applied to cats. Understanding which type of cat parent you are (or what you aspire to be) is essential in making better choices on how to raise your cat.

Here are four types of pet parents and their qualities. Which one are you? Which one do you aspire to be? Please share it in the comments below!

Hands-Off Style

As a hands-off cat parent, you will likely let your cat do what they want and learn through experience. This means that you do not have your cat’s best interests or safety in mind as a priority. Unfortunately, this can cause harsh (and dangerous) lessons for your feline. For instance, if your cat pleads to go outside, although you know there are roaming tomcats on the prowl, you still allow them out.

The hands-off approach to parenting means that your cat lacks the socialization required to become a well-adjusted family pet. Cats of hands-off parents can become shy or aggressive when confronted with new situations without regular human interaction. Furthermore, untrained cats may develop unwanted behaviors such as scraping furniture or urinating outside the litter box. As a hands-off feline parent, it is essential to identify the dangers and take action to ensure your pet is safe and healthy.

Permissive Style

Being a permissive feline parent can be both fulfilling and challenging. It’s hard to say no when your cat does something they’re not supposed to do, like being up on the table while you’re trying to eat. Or when your cat wants attention while you’re asleep, it can be hard to ignore their appeals. You might find yourself giving them that tiny piece of chicken just because you can’t resist. Your cat wants some love and affection from their favorite human! That’s always good, right?

Permissive parenting is not without its dangers, however. If cats can do whatever they want without consequence, they might become highly dependent and develop bad habits, which can result in behavioral issues. Permissive parents must work on setting boundaries and giving (and sticking to) structure to keep their fur babies well-behaved and healthy. With persistence and consistency, permissive cat moms and dads can create a home where everybody is happy!

Authoritarian Style

An authoritarian style is a tough-love approach focused on respect and rules. This type of cat parenting involves setting boundaries and expectations on how your pet should act and penalizing them if they don’t comply with the rules. The punishment can be anything from verbal scoldings to physical discipline, but you must remember that it needs to never involve any abuse. The goal is to educate your cat on what is expected of them without damaging your connection by fear and trauma.

This parenting style also involves putting your cat away (e.g., in a kennel) when you’re not around or restricting their capacity to make their own choices at any time. This can be advantageous in specific circumstances, such as when you must leave home for an extended period or if your cat has been displaying harmful behaviors. However, you should only do these things as a last resort and never as a form of discipline or punishment for your pet.

Authoritative Style

Being an authoritative cat parent is a very fulfilling but also challenging role. It requires patience, understanding, dedication, and time to train your cat to act appropriately. As an authoritative cat parent, you expect good behavior from your cat, but also know that you play a crucial role in making this happen. You use positive reinforcement when your cat makes good choices. This parenting style is distinct from the authoritarian style, which mainly utilizes punishment and negative reinforcement.

The rewards of being authoritative cat moms and dads deserve the effort required to get there. You can create a loving connection with your pet with perseverance and consistency. Your cat will learn how to react appropriately in different situations and understand the boundaries established by you as their owner. This parenting style encourages self-reliance while still providing guidance and assistance when needed. In the long run, you and your pet will undoubtedly gain the most from this parenting style as it creates a solid bond between you that will last for years.

As a veterinarian, I am commonly asked by cat owners if a dry nose means that their pet is sick. Although cats’ noses are usually cool and wet, it can be normal for some perfectly healthy cats to have warm dry noses. Healthy feline noses can even vary from wet to dry several times throughout the day.

 

Quick Overview

01

Most cats have wet noses, but some perfectly healthy cats naturally have dry noses, and the nose can vary from wet to dry several times in one day.

02

Some cats develop a temporary dry nose if they have been sunbathing or sleeping in a warm place, and a dry nose can also indicate dehydration.

03

A cat’s nose might also be wetter than normal due to increased nasal discharge, and this might indicate a problem such as an upper respiratory tract infection.

It is vitally important to recognize what is normal for your own cat though. Any change from that, especially if accompanied by other signs of ill health, should be checked out by a veterinarian. In this article we will discuss why cats’ noses may vary in their wetness, and when you should worry about your own feline companion’s nose.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat’s Nose Change Color?

Why Are Cats’ Noses Wet?

Many cat owners have woken up to a cold, damp nose nudging their face for attention. Luckily for cats, their little button noses make them too cute to get upset with! So why are cats’ noses usually wet?

The main way that cats sweat to keep cool is via sweat glands in their paw pads, but moisture evaporating off their noses is another way they can avoid getting too hot. Tears drain from the eyes via the nasolacrimal duct into the nose and mouth, helping to keep the nasal cavity and nose itself moist.

Microscopic scent particles are trapped on moist surfaces, so a wet nose helps to enhance cats’ fantastic sense of smell.

Also Read: Cats Sneezing: Causes & Treatment

Why Do Healthy Cats’ Noses Vary From Wet To Dry?

Some cats naturally have dryer noses than others, and if that is normal for your cat then it is nothing to worry about. The wetness of cats’ noses can be affected by many environmental factors such as heat and humidity.

If your cat has been curled up asleep next to a heat source like a radiator or has been sunbathing for hours, you will likely notice their nose is warm and dry afterward.

Also Read: How Many Hours Do Kittens Sleep?

Can A Dry Nose Be A Sign Of Illness?

Noticing changes in how wet your cat’s nose is can be a good way of keeping an eye on their health. Cats often don’t drink enough water, and a dry nose can be a sign of dehydration.

Always ensure that your cat has lots of opportunities to top up with fresh water by providing a variety of bowls and water fountains in different locations around the house, and offering wet food, which has a much higher moisture content than dry food.

If you are worried that your cat is dehydrated, especially if they are also showing any of the following symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian:

Dryness of the nose resulting in it appearing scabby, flaky, or cracked definitely warrants a trip to your veterinarian as it could indicate one of the following:

Also Read: How Much Water Should A Cat Drink?

Can A Very Wet Nose Be A Sign Of A Problem?

Although it is normal for cats to have moist noses, some medical conditions can cause an excessive amount of nasal discharge, leading to the nose and surrounding skin becoming very wet as the extra fluid drips out of the nose:

Cats naturally lick their noses, but if they start licking more than normal as they try to remove the extra discharge they can sometimes actually make their nose dry rather than wet. Saliva dries quickly, and by constantly licking cats remove the natural moisture, which can lead to the confusing situation of a dry nose despite the excessive discharge in some cases.

Also Read: Why Are Cats’ Tongues Rough?

What Can I Do To Help?

Changes in the wetness of your cat’s nose are generally just their own normal variation. If you notice any of the signs of ill health mentioned in addition to a change in your cat’s nose wetness, please get them scheduled for a checkup with the vet.

Although a dry nose can be normal for some cats, it’s worth checking that the temperature in the house isn’t too high. You can also offer beds in locations away from heat sources like radiators. Cats that enjoy sunbathing are at risk of sunburn, solar dermatitis, and potentially cancer (especially white cats).

Ideally, cats should be kept indoors during the hours of peak sun. If this is not possible, apply  a pet-safe sunscreen to their nose and ears. Always ensure your cat has plenty of clean, filled water bowls (and ideally a water fountain) to encourage them to stay hydrated.

Keep your cat up to date with their vaccinations against the respiratory viruses that cause cat flu, and schedule regular checkups with your vet to monitor their general health.

Also Read: 10 Most Dangerous Diseases In Cats

In Summary

Although most cats have wet noses, it is not necessarily a problem if your cat’s nose is warm and dry instead. Some perfectly healthy cats naturally have dry noses, and in other individuals, the nose varies from wet to dry several times even within one day. Some cats develop a temporary dry nose if they have been sunbathing or snoozing somewhere very warm.

A dry nose can also indicate dehydration. Cats are not always great at drinking enough water so try to encourage them by using water fountains, wet food, and providing multiple water bowls around your house. If your cat’s nose is drier than normal and they are showing other signs of ill health then you should take them for a checkup with their veterinarian.

Your cat’s nose might also be wetter than normal due to increased nasal discharge, and this too can indicate a problem such as an upper respiratory tract infection. The most important thing is to monitor what is normal for your cat, and then you can pick up on subtle, early changes that might indicate a health problem.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much