Despite being retired, Willie Ortiz, a former soldier, mechanic, school bus driver, and welder at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, continues to dedicate his life to a unique cause. His greatest passion lies in caring for stray cats. Each night, Willie fills his old minivan from floor to ceiling with cat food and sets off on a feeding tour across the city. For the past 22 years, Willie has faithfully fed stray cats, making 16 stops each night to feed a total of 68 cats. Impressively, he has never missed a night in all these years, driven by a deep commitment to these animals.
His journey began in 1995 when he encountered a starving cat outside a friend’s auto body shop. While others overlooked the needy animal, Willie felt compelled to help and started feeding it. This act of kindness led him to discover several stray cat colonies around the city, all in dire need of support. Willie doesn’t just feed the cats; he also takes responsibility for their health, managing veterinary visits for sick or injured cats and covering the costs of spaying, neutering, and vaccinations. He even works to find permanent homes for them.
To fund this mission, Willie spends his days gathering and selling scrap metal, and although community members often contribute by donating metal, he accepts financial donations too. However, he insists that all money received be spent solely on the cats’ food and medical care.
Despite his age, Willie remains unwavering in his commitment, driven by a boundless compassion for the stray cats he considers his extended family. His determination ensures that these cats are well cared for, exemplifying his profound kindness and dedication to their well-being.
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Meet Scooter, a tiny gray kitten who faced the world alone early in his life with a significant challenge—his front paws were severely deformed, causing him considerable pain and making mobility difficult. Despite his hardships, Scooter held onto hope for a better future. His chance came when he wandered into a woman’s yard. Surprised by the sight of the struggling kitten, the woman quickly realized she was meant to help him. She brought him inside but soon recognized that his needs exceeded her ability to care for him, prompting her to contact Here Kitty Kitty Rescue.
The rescue team was astonished by Scooter’s condition and his survival on his own. The rescuers soon learned that Scooter was not only battling his physical deformities but also suffered from a severe eye infection and, later, a respiratory infection. Despite these challenges, Scooter’s resilience shone through. He was playful and affectionate, purring during cuddles and showing curiosity about his new surroundings.
Veterinary examinations revealed that Scooter’s paw issues were due to shortened or tightened muscles or ligaments, causing them to turn inwards. The recommended treatment was physical therapy to help correct the positioning of his paws.
Through regular physical therapy, Scooter began to show improvement. He gained weight, grew stronger, and eventually moved into a foster home where he thrived alongside many foster siblings. His sociable nature blossomed as he played and snuggled with them, finally feeling a sense of belonging.
When Scooter was ready for adoption, his charm quickly won over a visiting couple who already had two cats. Seeing the perfect fit, they decided to welcome Scooter into their family. Scooter’s journey from a lonely kitten with a bleak future to a beloved family pet highlights his incredible resilience and the profound impact of those willing to give animals like him a chance at a better life. Now in a home where he is adored, Scooter will never have to feel alone again.
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A resilient rescue cat from Indiana is making waves as he takes up swimming to achieve his goal weight. The overweight feline, named Ty, was surrendered to the Vanderburgh Humane Society in January. He weighed a staggering 30lbs, which came as a surprise to the shelter staff when he first arrived.
Rescue cat ‘Ty’ swims twice a week for weight control
Rescue cat Ty is affectionately known as “Thicken Nugget” due to his weight, as People reports. Shelter staff member Mackenzee McKittrick recounted that when she first met Ty, “We had quite the surprise.”
The ideal weight for a male house cat typically ranges from 11 to 15 lbs, varying with breed and sex. However, when Ty first came to the shelter he weighed twice the average. Consequently, the shelter planned an exercise regimen for the orange cat that involved swimming.
Subsequently, the shelter gathered funds for the feline’s swimming therapy. Ty attends these sessions twice a week at the Canine Aquatic Center.
Ty didn’t initially seem enthusiastic about the sessions. Yet, the shelter shared on Facebook on April 3 that Ty is making good progress on his weight-loss journey.
They wrote in the post’s caption, “Remember Ty? He is well on his way to reaching his goal weight, thanks to everyone who donated towards his water therapy at Canine Aquatic Center!” The post featured pictures showing the cat swimming in water and on land.
Additionally, the Canine Aquatic Center posted videos on Facebook of Ty confidently crossing the pool in his adorable life vest. The center wrote that the cat is now a proficient swimmer and has already lost over 3 lbs.
As endearing as Ty may be, his excess weight significantly affects his life. Thus, the shelter aims to assist him in shedding about 15 lbs. After that, they will search for a permanent, loving home for him.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
I recently talked to you about the importance of insurance when it comes to being able to provide for your beloved pet, and touched upon a worrying topic: the corporatization of veterinary practices. Like all vets (presumably), I love animals, and I chose this career so I could make a difference in their lives. It wasn’t always an easy or straightforward path, involving years of studying, holidays sacrificed to gain practical experience, and a sizable student loan to pay back. But to be fair, vet school was also one of the best times of my life. I met people who, almost twenty years later, are still some of my closest friends, and although we worked hard, we partied hard as well.
The Business of Being A Vet
I think all vet students enter the profession with wide eyes shielded by rose-colored glasses, imagining days of saving lives, healing the sick and fixing the broken, and there is a fair amount of that. But the reality for most general practice vets are days filled with vaccinations, itchy dogs, sneezing cats, and the pressure of meeting KPI targets. When you spend five or six years learning all there is to know about the anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments for a multitude of animal species, it’s easy to forget about the fact that most veterinary practices are businesses, and in order for us to have a nice building, decent equipment, good staff, and get paid, that business needs to make a profit.
I have always taken personal offense when I hear people accuse vets of being “in it for the money” or “overcharging for services”. I can’t tell you the number of times people have come to collect their pets after a major surgery, to which they consented after being provided with an estimate, only to say that they can’t pay until next week, or at all. Well madam, that wouldn’t exactly fly at the mechanic or the supermarket, would it? But because ours is an emotional profession, we are demonized for expecting to be paid for the service we provide. And believe me, we’re not all driving our brand-new Teslas back to our luxury mansions each night.
One thing I came to understand is that veterinarians do not always make the best business owners unless they remove themselves from the consulting rooms. By nature, vets are sympathetic, and want to be able to give every animal the best possible care, no matter the cost. When you are faced with a pet in need of help, with an owner who has no money, we all-too-often undervalue our services to make sure that animal receives the treatment it needs. I have worked with my share of practice owners who have berated me for ‘knocking a bit of the price’ to help out a client, only to turn round and do the very same thing themselves; we are just too soft!
So it became more and more common for practices to be run by vets who no longer did clinical work, or by non-veterinary practice managers, who could monitor the books and come down on us hard when we discounted our services. The fact is, if we don’t charge correctly, we will soon be out of business, and won’t be able to help anyone. But this knowledge doesn’t make it any easier when you have a pet in need and the pleading eyes of their owner in front of you.
Vets = Big Investments
As veterinary practices have evolved from a simple enterprise based on simple medicine, into complex medical businesses, large corporations started to see their value. After all, the veterinary industry is one that is constantly growing and evolving; the investment opportunities are endless.
Over the past decade or so, I have seen dozens and dozens of small, independent veterinary practices give in to financial pressure and sell their business to larger veterinary chains like Vet Partners, VCA and IVC Evidensia. Often this happens very quietly, with no change to the practice name or branding, leaving pet owners none-the-wiser, but in the background, decisions about pricing, protocols, products, and payroll are all being made by people working in an office hundreds of miles away. Sure, they send a representative out every month or so to check up and put a human face to the company, but for the practice staff, it means that every decision needs to be run by someone at head office; even when you’re talking to your boss, you’re not talking to the person who can make the decisions.
Although corporate ownership does bring with it certain perks and opportunities, such as gym memberships, training opportunities, and better equipment, many vets feel that the perceived loss of control over their case management is not a worthwhile trade-off.
And for the paying client, it means that your money is not just going towards the cost of the veterinary practice, equipment, and staff, it must also generate enough profit to pay the office workers, managers, board members and shareholders of the parent company.
Over time, these large veterinary groups started to expand beyond just buying up veterinary practices, merging with drug companies and laboratories, even online veterinary pharmacies – it didn’t matter where your money was being spent, it was all going to the one place! Even Mars, one of the world’s largest conglomerates has taken a very large bite of the veterinary apple. Of course, it’s all for a good cause. According to Pamela Mars, they got into the veterinary business “because we love pets, not for financial gain.” That’s easy to say when your net worth is a little over $6.2 billion, Pam!
The Corporate Fallout
Recently in the UK, the Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) announced that there would be an investigation into veterinary fees and charging. The immediate backlash has been public outrage aimed at veterinary staff, rather than where it should be directed, and what the investigation will be focusing on: the impact that growing corporatization is having on dictating prices and controlling the competition. So much so that it is becoming almost impossible for small, independent practices to survive.
For many vets, myself included, the pressure to provide an excellent standard of care, whilst being mindful of client financial limitations, and making sure we were following the protocols and drug recommendations dictated by head office, has started to make our vocation feel like a job in sales. Not that there’s anything wrong with working in sales, it’s just not what I went to vet school for. It’s no secret that the veterinary industry is seeing an unprecedented number of vets leaving the profession, with poor work/life balance, mental health, and the surge in caseload since COVID listed as the main reasons for their decision. Not to mention the fact that the veterinary profession consistently has one of the highest suicide rates.
How This Affects You and Your Cat
You might be wondering what significance this all has to the care of your cat. No matter what, your pet will get the best possible care, but as more vets walk away from clinical work, they take their expertise and experience with them. Which, from the perspective of veterinary groups hoping to streamline their services, is probably a good thing, as it is far easier to shape newly graduated vets into the practitioners they need, rather than butt heads with people like me, who take a little bit of pleasure at pushing back against decisions founded in bureaucracy and profit margins rather than patient and client interests.
Am I being a tad cynical? Absolutely.
But if you want to know that decisions about your cat’s veterinary care start and end at your veterinary practice, it’s worth looking around for an independently-owned vet and supporting them before they disappear forever.
A kitten found as a stray with many strikes against him lives as though he believes he’s the luckiest cat on earth.
Fortune CookieTabby’s Place
Before Fortune Cookie, an orange tabby, found his safe haven, he was picked up as a stray with his eyes stuck shut and lungs aching to inflate. Despite the odds against him, his spirit was unshakable.
Fortune Cookie was no stranger to challenges, having survived the outdoors at a tender age. Tabby’s Place, a cat sanctuary, took him into their care from a public shelter, tended to his gummy eyes, and provided a comfortable place surrounded by company.
« Even in his fragile days, Fortune Cookie was joy on four legs, » Angela Townsend of Tabby’s Place told Love Meow.
He was rescued from a public shelterTabby’s Place
The little tabby had run out of luck elsewhere due to having FeLV. By the time he came to Tabby’s Place, he was battling a severe upper respiratory infection. « He would need something far greater than ‘fortune’ to survive. »
Through the tireless efforts of the vet team, Fortune Cookie was able to join his foster family to continue his recovery. They nurtured the brave kitten day and night and watched him regain his strength and zest for life.
Tabby’s Place
« His will to live was as bright and brilliant as his tangerine fur. It was moving to witness a kitten, born with so many strikes against him, living as though he believed he was the luckiest cat on earth. »
Fortune Cookie leaned into every hug and melted with every kiss, always ready for a refill of affection. « It’s like he knew the best was yet to come, and he started celebrating in advance. »
Tabby’s Place
As his body filled out, eyes brightened, and fur became soft and gleaming, his playful side emerged. « This zesty little angel is as snuggly as he is exuberant, and he’s just as giddy to be lavished with love as to chase a wand toy. He is all heart. »
The little cookie commandeered the big chair in the office in the blink of an eye, perhaps trying to keep it warm until his human returned.
Tabby’s Place
He was curious about the world beyond the glass, with little critters flying by and tree branches dancing in the wind. He was perfectly content with his cushy indoor life, where love and cuddles were bountiful.
Fortune Cookie befriended other FeLV+ cats from the rescue and was truly a social butterfly.
Tabby’s Place
They scampered around the place like they owned it, creating all sorts of mischief.
« FeLV strikes fear in many hearts, closing doors to hope before they even open. But ‘hopeless’ is missing from the Tabby’s Place dictionary, and Fortune Cookie thrived in our Quinn’s Corner wing for FeLV+ cats. »
Tabby’s Place
When he was ready to seek his forever home, a lovely family came upon his story and fell head over heels for the little marmalade.
« When [the adopter] came in to meet him, she was utterly smitten, and the feeling was mutual. »
Tabby’s Place
The tabby boy, now Cookie, is living the best life with his forever family. He supervises them in the kitchen and dining room with keen eyes.
Cookie has found his forever homeTabby’s Place
He cuddles them on the couch along with his trusty teddy. Every day is an exciting adventure.
Cookie and his teddyTabby’s Place
Share this story with your friends. To support their efforts to help kittens like Fortune Cookie, visit Tabby’s Place’s at tabbysplace.org, Instagram, and Facebook.
Related story: Kittens Found in Warehouse Together, One of Them Needs Help to Walk, and the Other Never Leaves His Side
Unlike the age-old belief that cats and dogs can’t get along, many dog and cat siblings are attached to one another. In fact, plenty of animal parents report that their kitties get along with many different creatures, including guinea pigs and bunnies as well. Some relationships are even quite shocking, like the ones between a cat and a pet bird! However, we recommend supervision to ensure the safety of all animals involved. In this adorable video, we meet a cat and dog duo who are very attached to each other– so much so that the cutest thing happens!
Their dad is working on crate training his dog. This is a common training method used in many households. The cat watches as Dad prepares the crate for her doggy sibling. She studies the cage with inquisitive eyes, making sure it’s safe inside the confined space. She even sits on top as Dad explains the crate method to both of them.
The dog lies down once he is safely put inside the crate. His kitty sister looks on in total disapproval. She does not want them to be separated. Once Dad walks away, she attempts to open the crate with her clever paws but fails. But she’s not backing down! She will not give up on her doggy brother or their impending cuddle session.
Sure enough, on her next try, the cat unlocks the door and the duo’s back together again. Happy days! This video is too cute! Aren’t pets the best?! Does your dog and cat get along like this pair? Share your story in our comment section.
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A woman was walking near her home when she spotted a small cat in terrible condition. The white kitty was covered in dirt, underweight, and in need of comfort and care. The cat, later named Nyura, was desperate for the woman’s attention, and the woman’s giant golden heart couldn’t deny her. The woman tried to go home first to get a pet carrier and food before rescuing Nyura, but the cat followed her, meowing in alarm. It was obvious she was terrified to be left behind.
The woman lifted Nyura up and carried the sorrowful cat home. She needed a lot of care, but first, it was time for a bath. The kitty purred in the woman’s arms, understanding she was finally safe. After the bath and a blow dry, the woman provided Nyura with a nutritious meal. The cat was elated to have a full meal in front of her and eagerly ate her nibbles.
After a grooming session and mealtime, Nyura drifted to sleep next to the woman on the sofa. She likely hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time, if ever! It was like she was in her own version of heaven. The woman stroked her fur and told her she would never be on her own again!
This story has a beautiful ending, but sadly there are many animals that don’t get to experience life inside a home. But you can make a difference! Consider adopting a shelter pet, fostering, or volunteering for your local rescue. Every precious life needs someone just like you!
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We give Zumalka products an overall rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Ingredients: 4.75/5
Variety: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.75/5
Value: 4.5/5
Seeing your beloved pet struggle with illness is never easy, no matter how minor or severe the issue is. Often, we as pet parents are left to watch our pets suffer without an option to intervene.
That’s exactly the type of helplessness Zumalka set out to relieve when they created their extensive line of homeopathic pet products.
With dozens of products featuring science-backed, natural ingredients that target everything from ear infections to cancer, Zumalka gives pet owners the power to help their pets thrive. But do these products actually work?
I had the chance to try two different Zumalka products on my ten-month-old kitten, Makoa. After a rough start in life, we are still working to get Makoa back to health. I was hopeful Zumalka’a Piptopet and Probiopet could help. After a month on both products, I have seen some encouraging results.
Keep reading to find out how these products have helped Makoa, what I like and don’t like about them, and to see my full Zumalka product review.
At a Glance: What We Received
About Zumalka
Zumalka (formerly Animal Homeopathy) was co-founded by Suzie Cyrenne, a pet owner frustrated by the care her pets were receiving with traditional veterinary medicine.
Adamant that there must be a better way, Suzie started studying homeopathy. Eventually, she launched her own business to provide other pet parents with the same holistic approaches that were working for her furry family.
Where Are Zumalka Products Produced?
Zumalka products are created in the company’s lab located in Quebec, Canada. All products are approved by Health Canada, the country’s version of the FDA. All ingredients are sourced from suppliers who meet the company’s rigorous requirements for purity and safety.
Which Type of Pet is Zumalka Best Suited For?
Zumalka makes products for dogs and cats. Most of their lineup can be used for both cats and dogs and many are safe for use in smaller pets, such as parrots, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
The company’s long list of product offerings means there is likely at least one product to benefit every pet. For instance, they offer a wide range of homeopathic options to treat gut issues, as well as specific products for kidney health, allergies, heart health, and more.
They also sell many products meant to support overall health. These can be used in both sick and healthy animals to help them thrive and extend their active years.
Key Features
Zumalka differs from your typical pet supplement company in many ways. For one, they focus on homeopathic ingredients that are backed by science. These ingredients are packaged in a way that makes them simple to administer and many offer focused uses for specific issues while others have wide-ranging effects.
Homeopathic Ingredients
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Plant essences and natural compounds are used to stimulate certain responses in the body that are believed to help heal specific conditions.
Homeopathy often involves tinctures and extracts that contain small amounts of the target ingredients. These mixtures are diluted and given in very small amounts. This is because homeopaths believe it only takes a tiny amount of the target property to stimulate the desired response.
Zumalka carries many homeopathic tinctures that are meant to be sprayed in your pet’s water. They also carry capsules, pills, and powders that contain natural herbs, minerals, and compounds.
Backed by Science
While homeopathy and natural medicine in general are less popular in the US, these approaches are widely used in Europe, Asia, and many other parts of the world. In addition to anecdotal evidence supporting the use of many herbal remedies, there is also plenty of science to back it up.
When Zumalka creates its tinctures and supplements, they rely on hard science and data to help them decide which ingredients to include.
Fomitopsis betulina, the active ingredient in Piptopet, for instance, has been widely studied in animals and humans. It has been found to influence a number of pathways in the body and has many potential uses, from preventing cancer to fighting infection. Humans have been using this mushroom for thousands of years as a curative plant for many conditions, including intestinal worms.
Easy Administration
All Zumalka’s supplements are made with easy administration in mind.
The sprays are meant to be added to your pet’s water bowl once or twice a day. The capsules can be opened and poured on your cat’s food and the tablets should be crushed and added to food.
Each product comes with an easy dose guide based on your pet’s weight. Many of the products are made to be used in conjunction with one another and most can be used for cats and dogs.
Focused and Wide-Ranging Uses
Because homeopathic medicines stimulate responses in the body rather than treating symptoms directly, many of them have a broad range of applications.
For instance, Piptopet can be used to support cats with cancer, promote a healthy immune system, and support general well-being.
Some products are more focused on their uses and effects. For example, Probiotpet is meant to support gut biome health and reduce gastric symptoms. But these effects have a broad range of effects from strengthening the immune system to allowing better digestion to promote a healthy coat.
For this reason, you’ll see many of Zumalka’s products included in multiple categories when you “Shop by Concern” on their website.
Reviews of the Products We Received
1. Piptopet
Piptopet is a homeopathic tincture made from Fomitopsis betulina mushrooms (formally known as Piptoporus betulinus). These medicinal mushrooms have a wide range of scientifically proven uses. Zumalka recommends this product for supporting overall health and improving immune health.
This tincture is especially useful for cats with malignant or benign masses. The unique properties of the mushroom help target these mutated cells in the bloodstream and neutralize them. It’s these same properties that improve immune function and general health in ill, aging, and healthy cats.
Whether your cat is picky or happy to eat anything, this product is easy to administer. Simply add 1 to 3 sprays, depending on body weight, to your cat’s water dish twice daily.
Because this product works naturally with your cat’s system to restore imbalances and target symptoms, it takes time to have an effect. But with consistent use, you should see noticeable improvement in about four to six weeks.
Pros
Contains powerful medicinal mushrooms
Wide-ranging health support
Effective immune system booster
Easy to administer
Easy to dose
Cons
Takes time to show an effect
Contains some alcohol
Pricey
2. Probiopet
Probiopet is a powerful probiotic supplement meant to replenish the gut biome, support healthy digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
Each capsule contains 12 billion active cultures. These cultures come from 9 different strains of beneficial bacteria proven to support better health.
S. thermophilus, for instance, has been proven to reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea. Bacteria species in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, which are well represented in this supplement, have been proven to have positive effects on many gastrointestinal diseases, including colon cancer, as well as diabetes, allergies, and dermatitis.
This supplement comes in capsule form and is meant to be poured onto your cat’s food. The flavor is neutral and most cats have no problem eating it up. The dose varies from 1 to 3 capsules a day depending on your cat’s needs, though, this is not well explained on the packaging.
Pros
Contains 12 billion cultures
Has 9 different strains of beneficial bacteria
Strengthens the immune system and supports gut health
Easy to administer
Neutral flavor for improved palatability
Cons
Dosing instructions aren’t clear
Pricey
Our Experience With Zumalka
I first found Zumalka while looking for a new probiotic for my cat, Makoa.
This mischievous little cat came into my life as a five-week-old orphan with the worst respiratory infection I’d ever seen. His lungs were filled with fluid, he couldn’t smell because his nose was so stuffy, and both his eyes were swollen shut.
After a lot of care and medications, he did eventually recover. But he still shows signs of his ordeal. His gut is wrecked from antibiotics, he has scar tissue in his eyes, and he gets recurrent respiratory infections anytime his immune system gets stressed.
After I reached out to Zumalka to inquire about Probiopet, they recommended using it in conjunction with Piptopet given Makoa’s history and recurrent infections.
I received both and started using them daily a little over a month ago.
I add Probiopet to Makoa’s breakfast each day. The capsules are coated to reduce oxidation and bacterial breakdown, which means the product doesn’t have to be kept in the fridge. It’s super easy to break the capsules open and mix them in with Makoa’s food.
For the Piptopet, I add this to my pet’s main water bowl each time I rinse it out, about twice a day. Makoa shares this bowl with my dogs, but they are both seniors with issues of their own, so I see having them share as a positive. You can also mix the spray with broth and feed it directly to your pet if you prefer.
The Probiopet seemed to have an effect very quickly. I started testing a variety of different cat food recipes for a different review shortly after starting him on it. This meant switching the proteins in Makoa’s food every day.
Normally, this would’ve caused some diarrhea issues. But with the help of Probiopet, Makoa handled the constant meal switching like a pro. He had no digestive issues and remained suspiciously non-gassy throughout the entire process.
Gauging the effectiveness of the Piptopet has been a little more difficult.
I can say that all my pets, including Makoa, readily drink the water after the tincture is added. And that Makoa has not dealt with any respiratory symptoms since I started him on the product.
One thing I have noticed is a change in the discharge from his damaged eyes. Only time will tell if this is a sign that his eyes are starting to heal.
Overall, I have been impressed with Zumalka’s products. Their ingredients are simple, powerful, and as far as I can tell, effective.
These supplements are a bit pricer than most. But they are also fairly unique in their formulations and uses, which makes it hard to compare them with other companies. What I will say is there are plenty of satisfied customers out there who are more than willing to pay the asking price for these products because they have seen real results.
Conclusion
Whether your cat is suffering from a touchy gut, tumors, or just needs a little help aging gracefully, I recommend taking a look at Zumalka’s product line.
This homeopathic pet company has a long list of quality products made with powerful, scientifically proven ingredients. They are easy to administer and have shown some amazing results.
I was very impressed with the effects Probiotpet had on my rescue kitty, Makoa. And I’m excited to see how Piptopet continues to work over the next couple of months. If the improvements I’ve seen continue, I’m more than willing to spend the money to keep using these products.
Cats have a diverse vocal range of sounds. In fact they have one of the largest patterns of vocalization of all carnivores, they can express around 100 different phonations as compared to dogs who can only communicate about 10 sounds.
Cats communicate between members of their own species and with other species to express how they feel in their own unique way. Researchers have found that the environment plays a crucial part on the vocal behaviour with untamed cats and pet cats vocalizing inversely.
Let’s review the foremost common sounds cats make and decipher their meaning.
Vocal Communication
Despite the pet cat being a solitary species, domestication has led to several social and behavioural changes with the flexibility to cohabitate plus communicate to suit the cat’s needs.
Verbal communication is distinguished by four categories:
Agonistic exchanges
Sexual interplay
Queen-kitten interactions
Cat-human conversations
In one study vocalizations were categorized as murmur, vowel and strained intensity patterns while in another study, researchers separated cats sounds into closed mouth, fixed open mouth and sounds produced with the open mouth steadily closed.
Distinctions have also been seen between pet cats and feral cats with domesticated cat’s vocalization of higher frequency but shorter length during exchanges with humans including more communication with people.
List of Vocalizations Made by Cats
The most common vocalizations made by cats and they’re meaning are:
1. Meow or Miaow
Cats make a widespread of meowing sounds, differing in intensity, length and frequency occurring in a wide selection of contexts with an oversized amount of variation accustomed to communicating various messages.
Cats tend to direct meows more to humans instead of other cats. Although meows are heard between mother-kitten exchanges, they’re rarely heard during domestic cat-cat interactions.
The function of the meow is commonly solicitation (greeting, attention, food related or when a kitten is separated from the queen). If the meow motivation is frustration (not having the ability to gain access outdoors or obtain food), the meow may be longer and more frequent.
2. Purr
Purring is the most recognised murmur sound with one among all time low pitch tones made by felines.
Purring is produced by muscular narrowing of the laryngeal muscle when the mouth is closed for the duration of respiration, it will be heard both during inhalation and exhalation, giving it a rhythmic feature which will be continued for extended periods.
Felines can adjust the volume at which they purr, depending on their emotional intensity, the most foremost changeable is the purr volume between individuals, with some purring at hardly audible levels whilst other purring loudly keeping owners awake night-time.
Cats purr in many situations – both positive and negative contexts. Queens purr whilst nursing kittens while kittens purr during nursing sessions. Cats also purr when resting or rubbing alongside a feline companion, when greeting their owners and when being stroked or groomed on an owner’s lap, it’s thought in such instances purring communicates contentment.
Listen to this video to hear a cat purr.
Veterinarians and pet parents have noticed that certain cats purr when they’re in pain and a few have seen queens purr during labour.
There isn’t sufficient evidence to conclude the function of purring during negative contexts, however it’s likely that purring in such situations have likelihood of self-healing functions and pain relief.
3. Trill/Chirrup
The trill’s function is to communicate greeting, getting attention and inciting friendly interactions with other cats. The chirrup form of the trill is used by the queen to call her kittens, however, also happens between adult cats.
Trills and chirrup are directed towards people and appears along with meowing. The Chirp high-pitched sound has also been thought to mimic bird or rodent chirp to entice prey.
Watch this cat trills at her owner when woken from a nap
4. Chatter/Chitter
Cat chatter occurs when a cat is viewing prey that’s unattainable. It’s usually directed towards birds but may be targeted towards other prey and even toys. The clicking sound is produced in sequences with the jaw and a tensely open mouth.
No-one is certain the true function of this behaviour, however there are few theories comprised of signs of conflict of frustration in attaining prey, prey capture anticipation, impersonation of prey vocalizations and therefore the kill bite theory.
In this video a cat chatters during play with a feather toy.
5. Hiss
The hiss is identifiable because of its distinct sound. The hiss is a lengthy exhalation produced while a cat’s mouth is wide open with teeth exposed.
There’s slight variation between cats in the hiss sound made in comparison to meows, yowls and shrieks. The hiss sound is made in agonistic situations or defensive encounters to warn others and accompanied by changes to body posture.
6. Snarl
The Snarl sound happens during a fast inhalation. The phonation is harsh, loud, high-pitched vocalization produced with open mouth generally during active aggression or when in pain.
Snarls likewise employed in offensive and defensive interactions, both between cats and towards other animals to frighten or intimidate an enemy.
7. Shriek
When a cat shrieks, it communicates intense negative emotion like fear and/or pain. If the threat intensifies by moving nearer, a feline may emanate a sudden loud shriek to startle the opponent and allow the cat a fast escape or attack (Brown and Bradshaw, 2014).
Pain shrieks are short intense cries of tense vowels depicted by a great strain of mouth plus throat and therefore the force of breath (Moelk, 1944).
Conclusion
Cats are great communicators and if we pay close attention to their vocalization, body language and facial expressions, we’ll realise they’re trying to converse with us and convey vital information about their overall health and wellbeing.
Also Read: Why Do Cats Hiss & What You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What do my cat’s vocalizations mean?
Your cat will make distinct sounds to express how they feel and to communicate with you and other cats. Different sounds can vary between individuals and breeds, you will have to decipher the context and message your cat is trying to articulate. Some will convey pleasure, comfort and excitement whilst other frustration, fear or pain.
What are the different cat sounds?
The sounds a cat make is split into three groups: vowel sounds, murmur sounds and hostile calls. Vowel sounds produced when a cat opens and closes its mouth like a meow, howl or chatter. Murmur sounds typically formed with the mouth closed like purr, trills and chirrups whilst tense sounds are made with an open mouth used in offensive or defensive interactions like yowl, hiss, snarl, spit and growl.
What are the 16 known cat words?
Cats are intelligent species who can understand between 20 – 50 words including their name. They recognise short words and associate them together with your tone of voice including, vocalism and body language correlating them with play, feeding, incentives and stroking. Common cat words are meow, purr, paw, cat, head, ear, nose, eye, food, bowl, bed, mouse, bird, water, etc.
Why is my cat yowling?
A cat who’s yowling (long and loud call) is communicating several things. Generally yowling is a form of aggression aimed towards another cat or an animal whereby a cat expresses a warning thanks to a threatening situation or territory invasion. Yowling may imply pain, illness or convey a feline’s reproductive status during mating season.
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Atkinson, T. (2018). Practical Feline Behaviour. Oxfordshire: CAB International, 22-28. Retrieved October 09, 2021
Care, I. C. (2018, October 05). Cat Communication. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from iCatCare: https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-communication/
Care, I. C. (2020, September 01). Module 2: Senses and communication – Vocalisations and their use in communication. UK. Retrieved October 08, 2021
Chloé Tavernier, S. A. (January 2020). Feline vocal communication. Journal of Veterinary Science, 18-21. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000907/
Heath, I. R. (2016). Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare. St Louis, MO: Elsevier. Retrieved October 10, 2021
Schötz, S. (September 2015). Agonistic vocalisations in domestic cats: a case study. Lund University, (pp. 86-87). Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281610389_Agonistic_vocalisations_in_domestic_cats_a_case_study
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures and enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of their surroundings, including the plants we keep indoors. While plants can add beauty and calmness to our homes, selecting safe plants for our feline friends is essential. Your household plants may be toxic to cats and cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe reactions. In this article, we will recommend some indoor plants that are both visually appealing and safe for our beloved cats.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a commonly chosen indoor plant safe for cats. It’s an elegant plant with green leaves and stunning white flowers that imbue tranquility in homes. It also improves indoor air quality by eliminating toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. These harmful substances can be found in everyday items such as cleaning products, furniture, and paint. By having a Peace Lily in your home, you can easily breathe, knowing that the air around you is cleaner and healthier for you and your beloved cat.
Peace Lily: Easy Care Tips
To ensure that your Peace Lily plant remains healthy and flourishes, here are some simple care tips that you can follow:
Place your Peace Lily where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight.
You need to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. You can water your Peace Lily once the top inch of soil feels dry.
Peace Lilies prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
They thrive in higher humidity levels, so misting the leaves or placing a nearby tray with water can help.
Following these care tips will ensure your Peace Lily stays happy and healthy!
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plant is an excellent, non-toxic indoor plant choice for cat parents. This plant has long, arching leaves with elegant white stripes that add interest to any space. Spider Plants are low-maintenance and can thrive in various lighting conditions, which makes them an ideal choice for beginners. Ensure the soil is evenly moist for optimal growth, and place the plant in bright light.
Spider Plant: Growing and Maintenance Guide
Spider Plants are low-maintenance plants. These hardy plants thrive in bright indirect light but tolerate lower light conditions. Spider Plants are known for producing « babies » or plantlets that can be propagated. Remove yellow or dead leaves to keep your Spider Plant looking its best.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are a popular houseplant due to their lush and feathery fronds, which add elegance to any indoor space. Even better, they are safe for cats and are known to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants. Boston Ferns are a great choice if you’re looking for a way to add some greenery to your home without worrying about your cat’s safety!
Boston Fern: Watering and Light Requirements
Boston Ferns are ideal for indoor spaces with low to moderate light levels, as they prefer indirect or filtered light. They thrive in humid environments, so it is recommended to mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of water nearby to maintain humidity. The top inch of soil should be dry first before watering.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also called butterfly palms, Areca Palms have graceful arching fronds and are popular for adding a tropical vibe to indoor spaces. It is non-toxic to cats and requires low maintenance. Butterfly palm thrives in bright light and is a great choice for cat owners who want a pet-friendly indoor plant. Not only does it add beauty to your home, but it’s also safe for your feline companion. With regular misting and bright, indirect light, the Areca Palm will thrive in your space while purifying the air.
Areca Palm: Humidity and Temperature Needs
The Areca Palm grows well in areas with high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. It prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), making it suitable for most indoor spaces.
Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)
The Money Tree has a positive effect on cats. Its large and vibrant leaves provide visual stimulation, keeping cats entertained and engaged. Moreover, the Money Tree also purifies the air, thus improving indoor air quality, which benefits cats and humans. Therefore, cats can safely enjoy the benefits of this visually appealing plant.
Money Tree: Pruning and Propagation Tips
Regular pruning is highly recommended to keep your Money Tree looking healthy and attractive. Removing any yellow or dead leaves to promote healthy growth is essential. You can also trim back long stems to maintain a compact shape.
Propagation of Money Trees is relatively easy – all you need to do is take a stem cutting and put it in water until the roots develop. Once the roots are well developed, transfer to a pot filled with well-draining soil. Regular pruning is recommended to keep your Money Tree looking its best.
Other Cat-Friendly Indoor Plants
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): The bamboo palm is a compact plant with slender stems and delicate fronds that thrive in low light conditions. It is a safe option for cat owners with limited space.
African Violet (Saintpaulia): African violets are popular houseplants with vibrant flowers and a compact growth habit. They are non-toxic to cats and come in a variety of colors. With proper care, they can bloom year-round.
Calathea (Calathea spp.): Calatheas are often called « prayer plants » due to their upward-folding leaves at night. They have striking foliage patterns and prefer bright, indirect light and consistent humidity.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata): The Friendship plant, also known as the « pancake plant, » has round, coin-shaped leaves that grow on trailing stems. It is safe for cats, easy to care for, and thrives in bright, indirect light.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.): Peperomias are a diverse group of plants with thick, succulent-like leaves in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Non-toxic to cats, they are low-maintenance plants that prefer moderate to bright indirect light.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): The parlor palm is popular for indoor spaces due to its elegant, upright growth habit and soft, feathery fronds. It is also safe for cats, tolerant of low-light conditions, and helps purify the air in your home.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.): Haworthias are small, compact succulents with rosettes of fleshy leaves in various textures and patterns. They are non-toxic to cats, easy to care for and thrive in bright, indirect light.
Conclusion
Many indoor plants are safe for cats to be around. Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Areca Palm and Money Tree are great options that can add beauty to your home without posing any risk to your furry friend. However, it’s important to remember that each plant has specific care requirements that must be researched and followed to ensure their well-being. Remember to double-check before introducing any new plants to your home. Happy indoor gardening!