Catégorie : La vie du chat

Being a cat parent, you’ve likely seen your cat get « the zoomies. » One second your cat is napping peacefully; the next, they’re running to and fro the house! 

While we love our cats, dealing with a frenzied fluff—especially in the wee house of the night—can be frustrating. To help you out, here are some facts about cat zoomies and what causes them.

What Are Zoomies?

As the name suggests, zoomies are when your cat ‘zooms’ around the home frantically. These episodes end as fast as they come, and before you know it, your cat is back to napping on the couch.

From a cat parent’s perspective, zoomies might seem as if the cat has gone bananas for no apparent reason. However, there’s a scientific name for this phenomenon: Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or FRAPs for short. When cats get an intense surge of energy, there’s no way for them to expend it but to run around the house.

What Causes Zoomies?

There are a few reasons for zoomies according to studies, but the three most common of them are the following:

1. Excess Energy

Pent-up energy is the most common cause of cat zoomies. Cats are ambush predators, meaning they need to conserve their energies for their short, active periods. Cats sleep most of the day in the wild to save energy for short but intense activities, such as hunting for food. Indoor cats without enough exercise will need a different way to expend their stored energy, hence the zoomies.

Cats of all ages experience zoomies from this excess energy. Still, the behavior is seen more in younger cats with more energy to expend.

Pro Tip: Involve your feline with engaging activities throughout the day. This will allow them to use their stored energy without knocking things over. Enrichment activities are also a way for you to bond with your cat, leading to a happier and healthier life.

2. Post-Poop Zoomies

Some cats seem to enjoy a little victory lap after a nice session in the litter box. If you notice your cat gets the zoomies after pooping, be on the lookout for signs of constipation, such as pain, vomiting, defecation outside the litter box, or a change in the consistency of feces. And even if your cat does not show these indicators, it’s never regrettable to get in touch with your cat’s veterinarian, specifically if you notice that the post-poop zoomies are a new behavior.

Cats sometimes have the zoomies after pooping to escape an undesirable smell. If you can cross out digestion issues, the next move is to ensure that the litter box is always clean. A tidy box will also prevent urinary tract and other microbial infections and keep their bathroom activities in the box, not the whole house. 

3. Sharp Pain

This is the most uncommon reason for zoomies, but it is vital to understand when a cat’s behavior is a sign that it is in pain. For example, if your cat has itchy skin or a flea infestation, racing about may be their way to escape the sensation. Your aging cat might lose sight or hearing, causing them to be startled easily. If you think the reason for the zoomies is pain, take your cat immediately to the vet.

Being able to tell if your cat is in pain or if the zoomies are just a case of excess energy is essential. Look for other pain indicators, like impatience or excessive grooming. If a cat licks in a specific area of the body in addition to zoomies, it may be that your cat is anxious.

Even if your feline isn’t showing signs of pain, if the zoomies are continuous after regular exercise, it’s time to visit the vet.

How Long Do Zoomies Last?

Most cats won’t zoom for more than a minute. As cats age, the FRAPs also get shorter and less frequent.

Zoomies are such a high-intensity expulsion of power, and cats are nappers, not sprinters. It commonly (and annoyingly) happens at night.

When Are Cats Likely to Get Zoomies?

Evenings are a typical time for zoomies, especially if there needs to be more activity throughout the day.

Bath time changes and other significant lifestyle modifications can also cause a race around the living room. It’s your cat’s way of calming its nerves when it is met with stressful situations.

Reducing Cat Zoomies

The zoomies aren’t something you can necessarily prevent; they should also not be discouraged. Rather than trying to stop your cat’s zoomies, ensure that they have a lot of activities throughout the day instead. In this manner, they will need to expend their extra energy less when evenings come.

You may also consider pheromone products that calm your anxious or hyperactive cat. They can be found in diffusers, sprays, and even cat collars.  

When zoomies happen, you can give toys that expel treats for them to play with. You can also play songs or videos tailored towards relaxing cats.

When playing with your cat, remember that it’s essential to supply a psychological workout and not just exhaust them. Playtime is just as much psychological exercise as it is physical. Play in a manner that allows your cat to practice their natural stalking and hunting nature.

To help with mental stimulation, try out a bunch of interactive cat toys that enable them to play and benefit from their efforts. Lay out your feline’s favorite toy before bed to help them get that energy out, and with any luck, you will have a full night’s rest.

Cats are extremely intuitive and instinctual animals who, although it has not been proven scientifically, many people believe can sense death in humans. And what about when their own time is up? Cats have long been known to take themselves off to a safe secluded space when they know they’re about to die, but do they really know?

One Special Cat With A Special Sixth Sense

There is a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island that cared for terminally ill people who owned a cat called Oscar. As well as having the important role of companion to the residents, the caregivers started to notice Oscar was doing something strange.

Oscar seemed to know when residents of the nursing home were nearing death and he’d go and lie on their bed and purr. In their moments before death, they would have Oscar with them if their family members couldn’t get there in time.

Oscar’s ability for knowing when the residents were going to die astounded the doctor caring for them and he wrote a report about the cat’s accuracy in the New England Journal of Medicine.

What Can They Sense?

There is little known yet about how cats might be able to sense death, but it is hypothesized that cats may be able to use their incredible sense of smell to detect when people’s organs are shutting down.

A dying person might also give off different pheromones which their cats might pick up with their heightened senses. Cats have been known to detect other illnesses with their sense of smell so it is certainly plausible they can sense a chemical released just before humans die.

Cats could also be able to sense a decreased body temperature in people close to dying as they might become more still. The change in body language could also alert cats to what is about to happen.

Also Read: Can Cats See Spirits, Ghosts And Angels?

How Can Cats Warn You Of Death?

Cat owners have regularly reported behavioral changes in their cats before loved ones died. Like with Oscar, cats have given people extra attention, become clingy, and started purring and cuddling a lot more than they normally would.

These changes in behavior also reflect behaviors cat exhibit when they know they’re about to die too. When cats sense they are at the end of their life, they might be more prone to snuggling with their owner to let them know in their own way.

Cats tend to find quiet places to lie down in when they sense their own death. You might find them curled up under the bed or in an open closet if they’re an inside cat, or under the car or some bushes if they’re an outside cat.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Sit On Your Chest? 10 Reasons Why!

Do Cats Know When They’re Going To Die?

Although there is little scientific evidence to prove this, pet owners might notice a change in their cat’s behavior in the days leading up to their death. Cats who aren’t normally vocal might meow or purr more as well. As with humans, cats nearing their death might eat less and might have a change in mood or appear unkempt.

Cats at the end of their life can often be painful or weaker so may not use their litter box as well as they normally would. Cat owners can’t do much to help a really old cat but simply strive to make them as comfortable as possible.

A change in mood might also look like a normally very loving cat becoming standoffish, grumpy, or quiet. They could resent being picked up or stroked.

Also Read: 7 Common Cat Vocalizations And What They Mean

Cats And Grief

Cats are very good at mirroring our human behaviors and moods. If we are happy, cats are happy. If we are sad or angry, cats will pick up on this too. Grieving cat owners might notice their cat be a little quieter than normal if they’ve noticed a big mood change.

It is impossible to say that cats grieve for their own. Cats are not herd or pack animals so are more independent than dogs and would therefore normally not care too much for other cats dying in the wild.

When cats have lost a human companion, they were very close with, they can mourn them and will assume a quieter demeanor. Sometimes they become clingier or attached to remaining family members or may be seen searching for the person who has died.

Also Read: How To Help Cats Deal With Grief

Conclusion

It seems that cats may well have a very good instinct for sensing when death is near, either for themselves or for their owners or carers. Although each cat may communicate this in a different way if you know your cat well it will be easier to recognize major changes in their normal behavior.

As shown with Oscar, learned behavior for notifying people to someone nearing their death does happen. And cats do have their special ways of telling us when something is wrong.

Also Read: Understanding Your Cat’s Five Senses

A cat had been raising kittens from different litters and was so relieved to get some help one day.

Gianna the cat and her kittensBestFriendsFelines

Best Friends Felines, a cat rescue in Brisbane, AU, received a phone call about a cat mother and her kittens needing help. « (They) found themselves at one of the vets’ that we work alongside. However, this was an unusual family, » Nikki of Best Friends Felines shared.

The cat named Gianna, a stunning Lynx-point, was rescued with four kittens from two different litters. « She came into our care not at her best, and with a blended family to look after. »

The larger kittens were approximately five weeks old, whereas the tiny ones were just one week old.

Gianna was rescued along with four kittens from two littersBestFriendsFelines

Best Friends Felines immediately arranged for a foster home for the blended family. At first, Gianna was confused and unsure as she had faced so many changes in the span of a few days.

« The (bigger) black kitten was super friendly. The fluffy tabby was believed to be his sibling and was very underweight. The (two) tinies, orphans, were being loved on by Gianna and feeding really well. »

BestFriendsFelines

They discovered that Gianna had been living with a UTI (urinary tract infection), yet she continued mothering two sets of kittens, making sure they were fed and clean.

She was finally able to get the medical attention she needed and make herself feel more comfortable. « What a wonderful mama who must have been in pain yet took on the tiny babies as her own. »

The tinier kittens were about one week old when they arrivedBestFriendsFelines

In the days that followed, Gianna regained her appetite and was on the mend. She quickly came out of her shell and was eager for attention from her carers. She was so relieved to get some much-needed help for her babies.

As it turned out, some of the kittens were affected by Calicivirus. The older kittens quickly bounced back with treatment, while the smaller ones needed to be tube-fed and cared for by a vet nurse carer.

Machiavelli the tabby is smaller than his brother MassimoBestFriendsFelines

« This will allow time for their mouth ulcers to heal and allow them to gain the necessary nutrients they need. »

Gianna was grateful knowing that her kittens were in good hands. For the first time, she was able to relax completely and spend more time on herself.

Gianna can finally relax and spend more time with her peopleBestFriendsFelines

« From the moment she was settled into a safe place, her true personality started to shine, » Nikki shared.

« First there were head boops; these are shared with passion with her carers. It’s when the brush comes out that she melts and will allow you to brush her as long as you like. She also adores belly rubs, rolling over and purring all the while. »

She is very affectionate and just wants to be lovedBestFriendsFelines

« Massimo (black kitten) is one chunky little guy and is very chatty when he gets cuddles. He spends a lot of his day running around, making his own fun, and then tackling his brother. »

MassimoBestFriendsFelines

« Machiavelli (tabby kitten) is a real sweetheart and is still a little bit of a mama’s boy. He has definitely put his slow start behind him and has reached 600 grams. »

MachiavelliBestFriendsFelines

The tinier kittens, Luca and Giulia, have moved onto bottle feeding, and are healing nicely, getting bigger and stronger each week.

With the help of many volunteers, the little blended family is thriving. Mama Gianna is beaming with joy and filling her room with constant rumbling purrs.

The tinier kittens are opening their eyesBestFriendsFelines

« She is the most affectionate girl, and adores giving head smooches. She gets a gleam in her eyes when the brush comes out. She will now take some time out of reach of her kids for her own relaxation. »

Happy Mama GiannaBestFriendsFelines

Share this story with your friends. More from Gianna and her kittens and Best Friends Felines on Instagram @bestfriendsfelines and Facebook.

Related story: 5 Kittens Found as Orphans Turn Out to Be Lap Cats with So Much to Give

One talent felines possess is the ability to move their ears independently. Although recent research shows that humans move their ears slightly when a sound piques their interest, only about one in five people can move their ears intentionally. For most people the movement is involuntary. That ability may make the person a YouTube star or the life of the party, but it doesn’t come close to the way cats swivel their ears. But why do they do this?

Pinpoint sounds

One of the reasons cats move their ears is to pinpoint and identify what they are hearing. By moving their ears toward the sound’s direction, cats improve their hearing by 15 to 20%.

More than 30 muscles are involved in moving a cat’s ears, which can swivel 180 degrees. With a frequency range of 45 hertz to 64,000 hertz, cats not only have the broadest frequency range when compared to dogs, rabbits and humans, but they can hear higher and lower frequencies than all of them.

In comparison, dogs use 18 muscles to move their ears and can hear from 67 hertz to 45,000 hertz. Rabbits can swivel their ears 270 degrees, rotate them independently of each other and simultaneously listen to sounds coming from two different sources. Rabbits’ ear talent supersedes that of dogs and cats in some respects, although their range of hearing is narrower, falling between 360 and 42,000 hertz. Humans have similar hearing ability to dogs at lower frequencies, but at higher frequencies, dogs, cats and rabbits prevail. The human range of hearing frequencies is 64 to 23,000 hertz.

Communicate feelings

Cats’ ears are also an important part of their body language to express emotion.

➻ When a cat’s ears are pointing forward, he’s typically content. Contentment is also signaled by an erect tail that’s slightly curved at the top, along with head bumps and purring. Cats welcome affection and attention when they are in this mood.

➻ When their ears are pointing straight up and accompanied by wide-open eyes and an alert stance, something they hear has their attention. If they rotate their ears quickly, something may have triggered their hunting instincts. This is a good time to get out their favorite interactive toy.

➻ Ears pointing sideways show fear that could lead to aggression. Give your cat space when his ears are in this position. Flattened ears pointing backward indicate a cat who is about to attack, bite or scratch. These are two ear positions, which can be accompanied by aggressive or defensive body language, indicating that your cat needs to be left alone. Signals of aggression include arched back, low and stiff tail, direct stare, hissing and growling. Signals of fear include crouching, tail curved around the body, hair standing on end, hissing and spitting.

➻ Similar to this position, when a cat’s ears are low and facing outward, she might not be feeling well. Cats are good at faking that everything is OK, but sometimes their ears betray them, so pay attention to the position of the ears and other body language. Cats also often hide when they’re not feeling well.

Because these ear positions may be similar, keep an eye on your cat’s body language, vocalizations and other behaviors.

Cat ears, along with their vocalizations and other body language, are prolific communicators. Their sense of hearing, in addition to other heightened senses and numerous talents, make them an impressive species that honor us with their companionship.

One talent felines possess is the ability to move their ears independently. Although recent research shows that humans move their ears slightly when a sound piques their interest, only about one in five people can move their ears intentionally. For most people the movement is involuntary. That ability may make the person a YouTube star or the life of the party, but it doesn’t come close to the way cats swivel their ears. But why do they do this?

Pinpoint sounds

One of the reasons cats move their ears is to pinpoint and identify what they are hearing. By moving their ears toward the sound’s direction, cats improve their hearing by 15 to 20%.

More than 30 muscles are involved in moving a cat’s ears, which can swivel 180 degrees. With a frequency range of 45 hertz to 64,000 hertz, cats not only have the broadest frequency range when compared to dogs, rabbits and humans, but they can hear higher and lower frequencies than all of them.

In comparison, dogs use 18 muscles to move their ears and can hear from 67 hertz to 45,000 hertz. Rabbits can swivel their ears 270 degrees, rotate them independently of each other and simultaneously listen to sounds coming from two different sources. Rabbits’ ear talent supersedes that of dogs and cats in some respects, although their range of hearing is narrower, falling between 360 and 42,000 hertz. Humans have similar hearing ability to dogs at lower frequencies, but at higher frequencies, dogs, cats and rabbits prevail. The human range of hearing frequencies is 64 to 23,000 hertz.

Communicate feelings

Cats’ ears are also an important part of their body language to express emotion.

➻ When a cat’s ears are pointing forward, he’s typically content. Contentment is also signaled by an erect tail that’s slightly curved at the top, along with head bumps and purring. Cats welcome affection and attention when they are in this mood.

➻ When their ears are pointing straight up and accompanied by wide-open eyes and an alert stance, something they hear has their attention. If they rotate their ears quickly, something may have triggered their hunting instincts. This is a good time to get out their favorite interactive toy.

➻ Ears pointing sideways show fear that could lead to aggression. Give your cat space when his ears are in this position. Flattened ears pointing backward indicate a cat who is about to attack, bite or scratch. These are two ear positions, which can be accompanied by aggressive or defensive body language, indicating that your cat needs to be left alone. Signals of aggression include arched back, low and stiff tail, direct stare, hissing and growling. Signals of fear include crouching, tail curved around the body, hair standing on end, hissing and spitting.

➻ Similar to this position, when a cat’s ears are low and facing outward, she might not be feeling well. Cats are good at faking that everything is OK, but sometimes their ears betray them, so pay attention to the position of the ears and other body language. Cats also often hide when they’re not feeling well.

Because these ear positions may be similar, keep an eye on your cat’s body language, vocalizations and other behaviors.

Cat ears, along with their vocalizations and other body language, are prolific communicators. Their sense of hearing, in addition to other heightened senses and numerous talents, make them an impressive species that honor us with their companionship.

When your furry family member hangs around the food bowl, meowing for food, it can pull at your heartstrings. However, it can also be a bit annoying, especially if you’ve already fed them!

Sometimes, it can feel like your cat’s always hungry. So, how do you know if your cat is hungry? Let’s find out the signs of hunger in cats and whether it’s normal cat behavior for them to beg for food.

How Do Cats Behave When They’re Hungry?

1. Meowing

Cats are often very vocal when they’re hungry, letting you know in no uncertain terms that it’s feeding time (at least in their mind!). If you live with a hungry or greedy cat, you might wish you had earplugs!

Also Read: When A Cat’s Meow Sounds Strange (Hoarse Voice)

2. Following You

If your cat is like your shadow, following you around the house wherever you go, they might be letting you know that they’re hungry. Don’t assume though, there are plenty of other reasons why your cat might be clingy, including boredom, loneliness, stress, and being unwell.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?

3. Rubbing Against You

If your cat is hungry, they’ll try anything to get your attention. That includes weaving in and out of your legs and rubbing against you, just to make sure you notice them! Remember, though, your cat might not be hungry, they might just want your attention or some love.

Also Read: What Does It Mean When A Cat Rubs Against You?

4. Nibbling You

Gentle nibbles or more feisty nips could be a sign that they’re losing patience and want to be fed! Depending on your cat, though, this can be a sign of affection or just attention-seeking behavior.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat So Annoying? Cat Attention-Seeking Behavior Explained

5. Batting You

If your cat bats you with their paws as you walk past them in the kitchen, it might be a sign that they’re hungry. On the other hand, they might just be feeling playful!

Also Read: Why Do Cats Play With Their Prey?

6. Headbutting You

Loving headbutting, known as bunting, is an affectionate behavior in the cat world. If your cat is being extra loving and attention seeking though, it might be because they want you to feed them.

Also Read: How To Make Your Cat Love You Even More [8 Ways]

Is It Normal For Cats To Beg For Food?

It can be normal for cats to beg for food. In fact, cats can beg for food whether they’re particularly hungry or not, just out of habit. However, before you dismiss or ignore your cat’s begging for food, check out the reasons why they might be acting hungrier than normal since there are a few medical reasons.

Why Is My Cat Begging For Food?

1. They’re On A Diet

If you’re actively restricting your cat’s food intake so that they lose weight and become healthier, you can expect some loud protests. Over time, your cat should get used to their new food allowance, but if their ravenous behavior doesn’t improve, try gradually switching to a less calorie-dense diet that they can eat more of. That way, they’ll feel fuller for longer.

Also Read: How To Put A Cat On A Diet?

2. Their Food’s Being Stolen

If you have more than one cat or even more than one pet, you should consider whether your cat is getting their full portion or whether it’s being stolen!

Even neighborhood cats might take the opportunity to steal your cat’s food if you have a kitty door. If you suspect your cat might not be getting their full allocation of food, try feeding them separately and see if they seem less hungry.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Steal My Other Cat’s Food?

3. They Have A Health Condition

Conditions that change the metabolism, like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, could make your cat seem very hungry even though they’re eating the normal amount of food. Similarly, certain cancers and gut and kidney diseases can also affect the body’s absorption and use of nutrients, or lead to protein loss in the urine or feces.

Most medical issues that cause begging for food will cause weight loss as well as an increased appetite, so keep an eye on your cat and pop them in for a weight check if you’re concerned.

Also Read: The Best Homemade Cat Food Recipes For Kidney Disease

4. They Have Worms

Intestinal parasites, like worms, can cause weight loss and reduced absorption of nutrients. You might also notice your cat has an upset stomach with vomiting, blood in the stools, or diarrhea. Because they aren’t able to absorb their digested food so well, they can feel very hungry, which can lead to begging behaviors.

Also Read: The 9 Best Cat Foods For Diarrhea

5. They Don’t Like Their Food

If your cat isn’t a fan of their cat food, they might leave it in the bowl and beg for something else. This would mean they’re genuinely hungry, but they’re holding out in the hope that you’ll offer something more appetizing, like human food! If the cat’s food bowl is normally full of dry food, try switching to wet food, or you could try changing the flavors of your cat’s diet.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Loss Of Appetite In Cats

6. Their Food Is Causing Them Pain

Again, if your cat is leaving their food but also begging, it could be that their food is causing them pain. Dental disease, mouth ulcers, abscesses, and tumors can all cause mouth pain that can make eating uncomfortable.

If this is the case, you might also notice your cat dribbling saliva, bleeding, or pawing at their mouth. It’s common that cats with oral pain will eat their wet food but leave the dry cat food or kibble as it’s more painful to eat.

Also Read: Mouth Cancer In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

7. They’re A Bit Greedy

Some cats are just a bit greedy! If your cat is begging for food, there could be nothing wrong aside from a great love of food! Of course, obesity is a serious health concern in cats and other pets, so if your cat is putting on weight speak to your veterinary clinic about weight loss diets and other support.

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

8. They’re Bored

Just like humans, cats who are bored or craving attention might resort to eating! Investing in some food puzzles, extra toys, and activity centers or cat trees could help combat boredom and beat the cravings.

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

9. It’s A Habit

If every time your cat begs for food, you provide it, they’ll learn to expect it. By feeding them you’re rewarding them and reinforcing the begging habit, making it more likely they’ll do it again.

Spending time interacting with them in other ways, with playtime or a cuddle, should help change the habit so that they reserve their begging for when they’re really hungry. Some cat owners even get an automatic feeder so that their cat doesn’t associate them with food.

Conclusion

If you have a cat who begs for food, it can be a bit frustrating, as well as making you tempted to give in to those pleading eyes and feed them! It can be tricky when our heart is telling us to feed them or give them a treat, but our head knows that they don’t need anymore and weight gain could make them unhealthy.

Spotting the signs that your cat wants love, attention, or play rather than hunger should help to avoid unnecessary feeding. And don’t forget to get them checked out by a vet if their appetite has changed, just in case there’s a health problem.

Also Read: List of Foods Cats Can and Can not Eat

All cat owners know the risks of having allergy problems while owning a cat. Many of us can owners cat owners are not allergic and don’t develop allergy symptoms around their cats, but it is unfortunately a common nuisance for others.

Cat dander is a common allergen to humans, but that’s not the only culprit. Proteins found in a cat’s urine and saliva are allergy triggers and are the most common reason people suffer from allergies around cats.¹ But if the tables were turned, can cats be allergic to humans?  Although rare, it’s possible for cats to be allergic to humans. Now that we know it’s possible, let’s explore how and why cats can be allergic to humans. I’ll also show you some common symptoms to watch for!

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Can Cats Be Allergic to Humans?

Cats can be allergic to humans. It’s not common, but not impossible. Cats suffer from seasonal allergies just like we do, and their body’s response is the same. Cats can be allergic to grass, dust mites, pollen, mold, hair, dander, and cigarette smoke, to name a few. When a cat is exposed to allergens, its body sends immunoglobulin E antibodies to link to the allergen and remove it. These antibodies trigger the release of histamines that can cause hives, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and rashes.

Humans bathe more often than other species, making it rare for cats to be allergic to us because our dead skin (dander) and hair go down the drain when we bathe. If your cat develops allergy symptoms from being around you, it’s probably from your laundry detergent, perfume, or some other substance that contains some type of chemical or preservative. Cats are rarely allergic to human dander, making a different allergen more likely.

How Can You Tell if Your Cat Is Allergic to Humans

Telltale signs and symptoms your cat will show are sneezing, itchy skin, wheezing, and coughing. Your cat could develop vomiting and diarrhea, but the most common symptom is itchy skin. Some allergens are bothersome only during allergy seasons, such as pollen; if that’s the case, your cat’s symptoms will last only during that time. However, the symptoms could be ongoing if your cat is allergic to dust mites or mold.

We recommend that if your cat is wheezing, take it to the vet immediately, as this could result in difficulty breathing.

Are There Allergy Treatments for My Cat?

Yes! Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat may be suffering from allergies. Your vet can perform a Radioallergosorbent Test, or RAST, which involves taking a blood sample from your kitty to test for allergens associated with its environment. The test measures IgE levels, and if the levels are high, your cat is allergic to some form of allergen.

This test is not always conclusive; however, your veterinarian will also perform an Intradermal Skin Test (IDST) for a more definitive answer. Your veterinarian will inject a tiny sample of potential allergens into the skin. If hives or redness develops at the site, your cat is allergic to that specific allergen.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Safe

When you discover whatever your cat is allergic to, ensure you try and remove the allergen as best you can. For example, if your cat is allergic to dust mites, try keeping the home dust-free as much as possible. You can also try a gentle laundry detergent for sensitive skin, such as a hypoallergenic formula. Don’t smoke inside your home if you’re a smoker, and ensure you give your cat any medication your vet prescribes.

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Final Thoughts

As we all know, cats are not the only ones who suffer from allergies. It’s well known that cats can aggravate allergies for those who are allergic to cats, but cats can be allergic to you and the environment, too. When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian for an official diagnosis, and be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations.

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Featured Image Credit: ZlataMarka, Shutterstock

Not everyone is a cat person – some people are cat lovers whereas others dislike or are even fearful of cats. Of course, if you’re a cat person it’s hard to understand what there is not to like, and you might even worry about your furry family member’s feelings.

After all, if your cat realizes that a person doesn’t like them, won’t they be hurt or offended? Well, actually, no. Let’s find out why cats don’t care if you don’t like them, and some might even prefer it!

Do Cats Know If People Don’t Like Them?

Cats are pretty aware when it comes to humans and their feelings. They recognize human emotions like sadness, happiness, depression, anger, and fear, and will adjust their behavior depending on their human’s mood.

It’s touching to think that cats want to cheer us up when we’re sad, and if you love cats then a cuddle with your purring kitty is likely to make things feel a bit better.

But what if a cat cuddle isn’t very appealing, or even your idea of hell? Cats also pick up on vibes and social cues that let them know whether a person is a cat person. So, if you’re not into cats, a cat will definitely know about it.

Also Read: 8 Ways To Help a Scared and Fearful Cat Be Confident

What Signs Might Tell A Cat That You Don’t Like Them?

If you don’t like cats and you’re visiting a friend who does, you might think you’re keeping your feelings well hidden. However, you’ll be giving out plenty of subtle signals with your behavior and their cat will pick up on them. Here are some examples:

Body Language

If there’s a cat about and you’re not keen on it, you’ll probably act a little awkward. If you’re sitting, you might keep your knees and feet together, keep your hands in your lap, and your back slightly hunched. You’ll probably appear tense and rigid, rather than relaxed, and you might fidget.

You might also avoid eye contact with the cat, and either keep a close eye on them or avoid eye contact completely. While the cat might not understand the entire spectrum of your behavior, they’re clever and observant enough to notice that you’re not interested or on edge.

Also Read: How To Tell If A Cat Is Angry

Tone Of Voice

Cats recognize the tone in people’s voices and can use this information to decide whether they’re being welcomed… or not! If someone who loves cats talks to them, they would tend to use a higher pitch, singsong, voice similar to what many use when talking to babies.

Their voice may also be softer and more calming. If you don’t like cats, there are likely to be traces of fear, irritation, nerves, or anger in your voice, and most kitties will pick up on that.

Also Read: Do Cats Miss Their Owners When They Are Away?

Lack Of Acknowledgment

You might think that by ignoring a cat completely you’re avoiding giving off any signals at all. But actually, a lack of acknowledgment, especially if they’re trying to get your attention, will be an obvious way to show a cat you don’t want contact with them.

So, this means that if they approach you, meow, or jump onto the chair next to you, it’s not because you haven’t made your feelings clear.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat So Desperate For Attention? Top 10 Reasons

Nervous Energy

If you’re afraid of cats or anxious around them, the cat will pick up on your nerves. This is because you’ll be tenser, your breathing will alter, and your body movements will be jerky and less relaxed.

Avoidance

It’s not just avoiding eye contact that will give the game away. If you actively move away from a cat when they approach you or walk away shiftily when they’re nearby, you’re making it clear that you don’t like them.

Do Cats Get Upset If You Don’t Like Them?

Humans are social creatures, many of whom want to be liked and tend to people, please. If someone tells you they don’t like you, it can be hurtful and upsetting, and leave you feeling like you’ve done something wrong. Thankfully, cats don’t seem to experience this at all.

Cats don’t seem to feel any negative emotion when a person doesn’t like them, in fact, they seem to quite like it. But why?

Also Read: Do Cats Know When You Are Sad?

Why Do Cats Like People Who Aren’t Cat People?

Seems weird, right? With all the love available from the cat people of the world, why do cats gravitate toward people who don’t like cats much? Aside from maybe trying to convert them, here are a few possible reasons:

They Have Control

Many pet parents enjoy showing their cats copious amounts of affection. This means frequent and lengthy cuddles, endless petting, and almost continuous contact. This is great for us pet owners because petting our cats can relieve stress and improve our mood and well-being.

However, even if your cat likes to be petted, it sometimes gets a bit much for our feline family members. If they approach a non-cat-lover, they’re less likely to get excessive contact and can call the shots when they want the kitty cuddles to be over.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat So Desperate For Attention? Top 10 Reasons

They Can Escape

Although a cat person would never intend it, cats can sometimes feel a bit trapped or claustrophobic if they’re being hugged or excessively petted. If they choose a person who’s not that into them, they know they’ll be able to leave anytime they want. The person would probably even be pleased when they left.

Also Read: How To Pet A Cat – The 3 Basic Do’s And Don’t’s

Contact Is Minimal

Sometimes, when you’re petting your cat, less is more. It’s lovely to be able to run your fingers through your kitty’s fur, and many cats enjoy it, but sometimes it gets a bit much for them. A person who doesn’t like cats will probably only touch them if they absolutely have to, so overenthusiastic contact isn’t on the cards.

They Feel Safe

A combination of being able to get away when they want to, and not being overwhelmed with human contact means that your cat might feel safest with someone who isn’t a cat lover.

How Can You Improve Your Bond With Your Cat If You’re A Cat Lover?

If you’re a cat lover, all is not lost. Your cat still adores you and you can still offer them far more than someone who doesn’t like cats. However, to strengthen your bond further why not tweak your behavior by taking a few tips from the dark side?

Don’t Overdo It

It’s really tempting when we love our cats to give them all the affection we can muster. After all, they make our hearts feel so full that we want to show them all the love at once. However, if you tone it down a little it won’t be so overwhelming for your cat, and your bond should improve because of it.

Also Read: 10 Surprising Facts About Cat Whiskers You May Not Have Known

Give Them Space

Try not to chase your cat or follow them around. If they’re moving away, it’s because they’ve had enough and want some alone time. This is especially hard for young humans, who have the best of intentions but can get overexcited when the cat is around.

Give Them Control

Let your cat come to you, and read their behavior and body language closely. If you spot signs in your cat’s behavior that they want to get away or don’t want to be touched anymore, respect that. Look out for things like a swishing tail, no purr, struggling, nipping and scratching.

Summary

It might seem odd, but cats like the independence and control that a non-cat-lover gives them. Cats enjoy calling the shots and showing affection on their terms. If you give them back control, your bond will improve and you’ll still be able to enjoy kitty cuddles when the time is right.

Also Read: Why Isn’t My Cat Affectionate?

A kitten came to a family for a second chance, and is now obsessed with their dog.

Sylvester the tuxedo kitten and Cooper the dog@littlewanderersadoptions

Sylvester the tuxedo kitten was rescued along with his feline family by Little Wanderers NYC. Volunteers saw his tender caring heart for other animals from the moment he arrived.

Out of all the kittens from his litter, Sylvester was the only one attuned to his cat mother’s feelings. « When she would cry, he would stop playing with his siblings and go over to her to groom her and cuddle her, » Little Wanderers NYC shared.

« He has been an emotionally intelligent, sensitive, and offbeat kitten from birth. »

Sylvester was rescued along with his feline family@littlewanderersadoptions

The tuxedo boy was shy around people but found comfort in his fur friends. As time went by, he watched other kitties go off to their forever homes, one by one, but found himself still in foster care with his sister Daffy.

« He had a tough time transitioning in his foster home because of his shy nature. » But things began to change when he met a dog named Cooper.

Sylvester and his sister Daffy@littlewanderersadoptions

Cooper is the canine resident of Sylvester’s foster home. When he had a meet-and-greet with the kittens, the tuxedo ran up to him and eagerly wanted to be his friend.

The smitten kitten gave Cooper head bumps and tail hugs while Cooper sniffed all over him. The two immediately hit it off and started following each other around. « Sylvester quickly latched onto Cooper for comfort. »

It was love at first sight when Sylvester met Cooper@littlewanderersadoptions

« Cooper has anxiety issues. We think Sylvester found a kindred spirit in him. Sylvester even tried to nurse on him at one point. Cooper was understandably very confused. »

Being around Cooper has taught Sylvester to be brave and reassured him that people aren’t so scary.

They became fast friends@littlewanderersadoptions

With Cooper’s calming presence, Sylvester has warmed up to his foster family and feels encouraged to cuddle with them.

He has grown to enjoy the company of his people and being snuggled and doted on by them. He will even climb onto their lap with Cooper and Daffy for a proper cuddle-fest.

Sylvester learned to enjoy lap time from Cooper and Daffy@littlewanderersadoptions

« With people, Sylvester is a bit shy but if you have a gentle and patient energy, he will appreciate you. He is timid, submissive, and doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body, » Little Wanderers NYC added.

« He likes slow approaches, and he may hide in the beginning and you will have to coax him out. Once you earn his trust, he likes to be picked up, cuddled, and he enjoys head and chin scratches. »

Cuddle time@littlewanderersadoptions

Cooper has been a wonderful foster brother to Sylvester, and showers him with all the hugs he can supply. Sylvester shares everything with Cooper including his fluffy cat bed.

« He is five months old now and most definitely a big boy in the making. »

Sharing is caring@littlewanderersadoptions

Wherever Cooper goes, Sylvester follows. The tuxedo kitty is gaining more confidence by watching his canine buddy and following his lead.

The trio often lounge about on the couch together and watch the day go by.

Sylvester, Daffy and Cooper@littlewanderersadoptions

Sylvester is obsessed with his canine friend, but Cooper doesn’t mind it at all. They cling to each other as if they had always been brothers.

Best of friends@littlewanderersadoptions

Share this story with your friends. More from Sylvester the kitten and Little Wanderers NYC on Instagram @littlewanderersadoptions and @littlewanderersnyc.

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A cat who was once misunderstood, began to shine knowing that her kittens could now have full lives.

Cherry the cat and her kittensEllen @foster_kitten_tails

A stray cat had been living outside, relying on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. On a cold morning this fall, a homeowner discovered that she had a litter of three kittens under a bush in their yard.

It was not a safe place for her to raise her babies, so the finder reached out for help. The cat and her trio were then brought into a local shelter awaiting foster care.

The shelter environment was too stressful for the mother to bear. She quickly became overly protective of her kittens, and would growl and hiss at staff.

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

« Mama Cherry (the cat) just didn’t understand they were trying to help her. When I saw that she needed to be in a foster home, I immediately volunteered, » Ellen Richter, an animal rescuer and a foster carer based in Las Vegas, shared with Love Meow.

« I’m experienced with unsocial mama cats, and just wanted her to have a safe place to raise her babies. When I picked her up, they told me to ‘be careful’ — not the response I expected. »

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

During their ride home, the hissing and growling intensified when Cherry attempted to break out of the carrier. « I took a few deep breaths and tried to stay calm. I kept telling myself, ‘everything is going to be okay.' »

Ellen had set up a quiet and comfortable space for the family of four. Once they arrived, she let Cherry explore her new surroundings and gave her all the space and time she needed to decompress.

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

« I’d check on them by slowly opening the door, and was promptly greeted by growls and hisses. » A couple of hours later, all the growling subsided, and another several hours passed, there was no more hissing.

Ellen got the slow-blink of approval from Cherry to enter the room, and she was surprised by what ensued.

Cherry came out of her shell when she realized her babies were safeEllen @foster_kitten_tails

All the unhappy, defensive sounds were replaced by delightful, blissful purrs.

« She started to rub my legs and purr. This was not an aggressive cat. She was just stressed from the whole ordeal of being moved around. She’s extremely loving and only wanted to be petted, » Ellen told Love Meow.

Cherry is a wonderful, doting momEllen @foster_kitten_tails

« She’d plop down next to her babies as if to show them off. »

Knowing her kittens were safe, Cherry’s demeanor completely changed. She began to seek affection and even curled up next to Ellen for pets. She kept an eye on her babies while hanging out with her foster mom.

She always keeps an eye on her babiesEllen @foster_kitten_tails

« She’s extremely attentive to them, if they make a noise she is right by their side. Even sitting on my lap, she’s always looking over her shoulder to make sure her babies are okay, » Ellen shared.

« Cherry just wants to be cuddled and held, but her first priority is anxiously checking on the kittens. I know once the kittens are weaned, Mama Cherry will be able to relax and enjoy being a cat herself. »

She craves attention and pets from her peopleEllen @foster_kitten_tails

The trio (Boom Chocolatta, Americone Dream, and Chunky Monkey named after ice cream flavors) are growing by leaps and bounds.

They are thriving with undivided attention from their doting momma and starting to play and explore.

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

Cherry is teaching the kittens how to eat from a plate and keeping them clean with mandatory baths. She never tires of reaching for her babies to give them a little pat of encouragement.

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

Cherry now comes up to Ellen for attention and snuggles, soaking up all the love she can get. « I’m just so grateful I was able to help Mama Cherry and her babies when they needed help the most. »

Ellen @foster_kitten_tails

Share this story with your friends. More from Cherry and her kittens and Ellen’s fosters on Instagram @foster_kitten_tails and Facebook.

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