Catégorie : La vie du chat

A question cat lovers across the world have often wondered. The short answer to this question is no! Cat’s sleeping habits can often seem pretty strange from a human perspective. When we are tucked up in our beds, it’s very common for us to hear and see our cats prowling around the house.

You could be mistaken for thinking this is sleeping walking. Cat behavior can be difficult to understand but we know that cats aren’t actually capable of sleepwalking. This article explains exactly why, so read on to find out!

How Much Do Cats Sleep?

Sleep is very important for felines. They spend a large proportion of their time fast asleep and have a reputation for being exceptional sleepers. You could argue the cats are the kings and queens of self-care as they prioritize sleep so well!

It’s a common misconception that cats are nocturnal. Cats are actually crepuscular. This means they are most awake and at their liveliest dawn and dusk. They usually sleep more frequently and also fall into a deeper sleep either in the middle of the night or the middle of the day. At dawn and dusk, this is the time they are most active and do most of their hunting.

Younger cats generally tend to be more active and expend more energy, therefore need more sleep than adult cats. Kittens will have a crazy period where they go wild, exhausting themselves playing then suddenly stop and fall into a deep sleep. Adult cats, on the other hand, may spend their waking hours doing minimal activity, saving energy rather than burning it up.

So they often don’t need as much rest as the younger cats. Then, however, it goes full circle. Older cats, classed as geriatric cats, will sleep for most of the day as their sleep requirements are increased again due to their age.

On average, cats sleep about 15 hours per day. Where, when, and how long your cat sleeps does depend on the individual. Some cats need more sleep than others. Some domesticated cats, especially our older family members, will manage to sleep up to 20 hours a day! So what exactly happens during those lengthy slumbers?

Also Read: 11 Tips To Train Your Cat To Sleep All Night

Sleep Stages For Cats

Cats do experience different stages of sleep the same as humans do. These stages are classed as REM sleep and Non REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement sleep. When your cat is experiencing REM sleep, this is the stage of their sleep cycle that they dream in.

It is a deep state of sleep where your cat’s body is very relaxed and large muscles are unable to move. The name rapid eye movement may make you think of times you have seen your cat twitching or their eyelids flickering and your cat vocalizing in their sleep.

This is because although the big muscles are ‘switched off’ at this time, some movement is still allowed and they react to their dreams as they are happening. In the REM stage of sleep, your cat could be dreaming about a successful hunting mission or what happened in their day.

As cats are so well adapted to be predators, they are alert for a large proportion of the day, even when they are asleep! They can’t afford to be in a deep sleep for a long period of time. They actually only spend 25% of their time asleep in a deep sleep. The other 75% is spent having a light snooze where they can wake up and react to stimulus at any given moment.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Curl Into Balls When Sleeping? A Veterinarian Explains

1. Cat Dream Time

Interestingly, cats dream just like humans do. Their hippocampus is a part of their brain that is thought to contribute to dreaming. Your cat’s hippocampus is wired very similarly to other mammals. The pattern of electrical activity recorded during sleep from cats and humans is the same too.

This means that it’s likely cats experience the same brain activity that creates dreams the same way we humans do.  We think that cats will dream about some sort of activity or interaction that happened during their waking hours.

This could be something positive or negative, just like humans having pleasant dreams or nightmares. Cats, quite the same as us humans, process events that have happened in the day when they are asleep by dreaming.

A nice dream for a cat will usually involve some sort of happy memory to do with you, being fed their favorite food, or a particularly good belly rub. You might see them purring in their sleep and they will be content and relaxed.

A bad dream might be about something like them being chased by another cat or a traumatic event such as being away from you for an extended period. When cats are having a bad dream they will sometimes cry out or twitch and jerk about as if they are trying to get away from something.

Although you may want to wake your cat to comfort them, it’s best to leave them as they may be in a heightened state of alert and if you touch or disturb them, they may well bite or attack you.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Sleep On My Head?

2. Sleepwalking

Dreaming and sleepwalking are completely different things. Cat brains are very similar to human brains when it comes to processing memories and dreaming. However, there is a big difference when it comes to the ability to sleepwalk. Sleepwalking is also called somnambulism.

It involves activities such as walking, that happen usually during the first few hours of sleep and during abrupt but limited arousals from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) slow-wave sleep. In human studies, the cause of sleepwalking is thought to be to do with a decrease in blood flow to specific areas of the brain.

The reason we are usually still when we are sleeping is due to a neurotransmitter which is called GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system (CNS). It functions to reduce neuronal excitability by inhibiting nerve transmission. This transmitter gets released when you or your cat enter the REM state of sleep.

This occurs to stop muscle movements while a cat or human is dreaming. Sometimes when there are insufficient levels of GABA in the body, this can cause jerking or flexing movements. In humans, it can also cause sleepwalking, but not in cats.

Cats may twitch and jerk during their sleep, but they do not possess the ability to sleepwalk. In fact, the only time sleepwalking has been observed in cats is when the cats had suffered a brain injury. A french university professor called Dr. Michel Jouvet carried out various experiments on cats.

He found that cats with lesions located near the locus coeruleus, (a part of the brainstem) acted completely normally when they were awake, but when they were asleep and in the REM part of the sleep cycle they acted very differently. They started to move about as if they were acting out their dreams.

A respected veterinary neurologist named Adrian Morrison then wrote a review of Dr. Michel Jouvet’s research in the 90s. He said when cats are in REM sleep, they sometimes move their heads as if mimicking stalking prey or watching something. This suggests that cats dream about activities from their day.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Lay And Sleep Between My Legs?

Conclusion

Cats can and do dream. We know this as their brains sort and generate memories via the same method that humans do. Cats definitely do move about when they are sleeping, and lots of owners see this regularly with their cats. Some owners think that these body movements are signs of sleepwalking. Cats do not sleepwalk. It would appear that sleepwalking is a unique behavioral disorder that only occurs in humans.

The only time sleepwalking has been documented in cats was in a laboratory experiment, where unfortunately the cats had brain damage. You are very unlikely to find your cat sleepwalking around your house.

If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior, or you think that they don’t seem fully aware or awake when they are moving about, it is best to contact your veterinarian to arrange a full health check. There are other illnesses and disorders that can affect your cat’s sleep and wake cycles and habits, so it is important to rule these out.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much

Oasy pet foods makes foods for dogs and cats in Europe. The brand has a wide range of cat foods that are GMO and soy-free. The foods are also cruelty-free. Learn more about Oastycat foods in our unbiased review.

The We’re All About Cats Standard – Rating Oasy Cat Food on What Matters

We have analyzed Oasy cat food and rated it according to our standards here at We’re All About Cats. Our grades are based on the species-appropriateness of the food, the quality of the ingredients, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. You can read more about our ratings here.

Here are our ratings for Oasy in these key areas:

We give Oasy cat food a 40 out of 60 rating (66.67%) or a C grade.

About Oasy

Oasy has headquarters in the Republic of San Marino, one of the smallest countries in the world. The country is landlocked inside Italy and only 23.6 square miles in size. The country has no railway and no major water transportation. Many companies have headquarters in San Marino for tax purposes and maintain their actual businesses in Italy.

Oasy is owned by Wonderfood S.P.A., with headquarters in San Marino. We also found an Italian headquarters for Wonderfood. In addition to pet foods, Wonderfood also makes bird seed.

We were surprised to see that Wonderfood S.P.A. claims that Orijen and Acana, made by Champion Pet Foods in Canada and Kentucky (U.S.), are claimed to be Wonderfood brands on the company’s web site. We have no explanation for this claim. Internet searches found no obvious connection between the companies.

According to Oasy, the company has been making pet food for over 30 years.

Sourcing And Manufacturing

We didn’t find details about where Oasy is manufactured. The only address we found connected to Oasy is in Dogana, San Marino, the largest settlement in the country. We can’t say for sure whether the food is actually made there.

Fresh meat is always the first ingredient in Oasy kibbles. The foods include dehydrated and hydrolysed animal ingredients in order to guarantee a complete nutritional profile. The company also uses an exclusive Fresh Meat Injection System (FMIS) Technology that allows fresh meat to be directly injected during the production process. This allows the proteins to maintain a good biological value. The fats have fewer free radicals. And, vitamins are better-preserved. According to Oasy, this gives the food the utmost digestibility, nutrient intake, and taste.

The foods are cruelty-free. They are also free of GMO ingredients and soy.

Has Oasy Cat Food Been Recalled?

We didn’t find any recalls related to Oasy cat foods in Europe. If there ever has been a recall or withdrawal, it must have happened so long ago that it’s no longer online.

What Kinds Of Food Does Oasy Offer?

Oasy offers a wide range of dry and wet foods as well as snacks for cats. You can browse through all of their foods and apply filters to help you find (or remove) certain ingredients for your cat.

Their products include:

• Dry Lifestage
• Dry Grain Free Formula
• Chunks in Gravy
• Tasty Paté
• Tasty Mousse
• Delicatesse
• Natural Range
• More Love
• Cat Treats

Their meat and animal proteins include:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Pork
• Fish
• Turkey
• Beef
• Duck
• Veal
• Game

Cat foods are available for kittens, adult cats, and for seniors. Oasy offers grain free food, cat food without chicken, food for weight control, hairball formulas, and food for sterilized cats.

Some of Oasy’s foods are complementary such as their Natural Range and More Love lines.

Oasy Cat Food Review

What Do Customers Think Of Oasy Cat Food?

We had a hard time finding customer reviews for Oasy cat foods. We didn’t find any reviews on any Amazon sites. It is sold on sites in the Philippines but most customers only left star ratings (mostly 5 stars) without leaving written reviews.

The reviews that were left were mostly about the service from the seller and not about the food. We are showing a couple of the positive reviews however, we didn’t find any negative reviews.

Positive Reviews

Kitten- Grn-free Fsh

Second time to order in this shop! Very accommodating seller and will update you with your order! Highly recommended! – by danahb03 Reviewing on 2022-07-26

Cat- Sterilized Trky

My cat really loves it! – by jglzdc Reviewing on 2022-05-17

Negative Reviews

None to show.

How Much Does Oasy Cat Food Cost?

Oasy is a very affordable brand. We found the 300-gram bag of Oasy adult salmon cat food for $2.50 on a web site in the Philippines.

In Malta, we found the chicken chunks in gravy recipe (85 grams) for € 0.85.

Overall, Is Oasy Cat Food A Good Choice?

Oasy cat foods appear to be average foods. They do have fish or meat as the first ingredients. Plus, they don’t contain GMO ingredients or soy. Oasy is also a cruelty-free company. Some of their foods are grain free.

Their complementary foods such as More Love and Natural Range look like they have more protein and the foods may be higher quality – but they are not complete diets.

If you are interested in Oasy you may also like cat foods such as Applaws and Dr. Clauder’s.

How Do You Order Oasy Cat Food?

Oasy doesn’t sell their food through their web site which makes it a little more difficult to buy their food. As far as we can tell, the food is sold in Italy (and San Marino). You can check the site for locations.

We found the food sold online at in the Philippines and Malta. It may be sold on other sites and in other countries but we didn’t find them when we searched.

You can contact Oasy directly for information about buying their products.

When it comes to feline temperament, there is a wide range of colorful personalities that you might see in your furry little friend. The endearing, sweet, and timid cats have a special place in our hearts, because who can resist such adorable, soft and cuddly sweethearts for a special, little companion?  If you have a shy and sweet cat to call your own, then you may want to consider these fitting 150 shy cat names.

Male Shy Cat Names

1. Adin – Pronounced Ah-DEEN, this name means “gentle” in Hebrew.
2. Ayal – A Hebrew name that means “gazelle,” a gentle and shy animal.
3. Bashful – Not just a personality trait, but also one of the dwarfs in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
4. Beau – A French name that means “beautiful” or “handsome,” this name is very fitting for a perfect little gentleman.
5. Bilbo – In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Bilbo Baggins is the unlikely Hobbit hero (or at least, the first Hobbit hero)!
6. Boo – In Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo Radley is a reclusive and mysterious character.
7. Buster – Fans of the quirky TV show Arrested Development know and love the character of Buster Bluth, who is both socially awkward and timid.
8. Casper – Name your cat after this classic cartoon character.
9. Chucky – In Nickelodeon’s Rugrats, Chucky is the sweet, and bespeckled toddler.
10.  Clement – A Latin name that means “merciful, mild.”
11.  Cowardly Lion – A favorite character from The Wizard of Oz.
12.  Dobbie – The timid and devoted house elf in the Harry Potter series.
13.  Evander – A sweet Scottish name with Greek roots that simply means, “a good man.”
14.  Eeyore – Thanks for noticing…name your shy kitty after the gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh.
15.  Flower – Not just a sweet and gentle name, but the name of the very shy skunk from Bambi.

16.  Fritz – A German name that means “peaceful ruler.”
17.  Galen – A name that’s popular in Ireland, Galen has Greek origins and means “calm,” “peaceful,” and “healer.”
18.  Gareth – An English name that means “gentleness,” Gareth was one of the chivalrous knights of the legendary King Arthur.
19.  Gent – Short for “gentleman,” of course!
20.  Gentleman – No explanation needed here!
21.  Houdini – If your shy kitty likes to do a disappearing act when company comes over, name him after history’s most famous magician!
22.  Jheel – A Hindi name that means “lake,” which evokes images of stillness and placidity.
23.  Ji-Min – A name with Korean origins that means “affable, gentle.”
24.  Jonah – A biblical name that means “dove.”
25.  Kaino – A sweet Finnish name that means “shy.”
26.  Kapono – A pretty Hawaiian name that means “the good, upright.”
27.  Kioshi – A cool Japanese name meaning “quiet” and “peaceful.”
28.  Lamis – An Arabic name that means “soft.”
29.  Linus – A favorite Peanuts character, the timid Linus is very attached to his security blanket.
30.  Luigi – The shyer, more timid of the Mario Bros.

31.  Meek – A perfect name for your meek little guy.
32.  Melvin – A sweet Gaelic name that means “gentle ruler.”
33.  Milquetoast – A term for the especially timid.
34.  Monet – Claude Monet was an impressionist painter who is famous for his gentle, wispy art, such as his famous painting, Water Lillies.
35.  Monk – A fun name for a quiet, subdued cant.
36.  Naz – A fun Turkish name that means “coy.”
37.  Piglet – Winnie the Pooh’s best friend, who is prone to caution and shyness.
38.  Samwise – Frodo’s loyal friend in The Lord of the Rings, Sam is one of the secretly courageous hobbits who helps save Middle Earth.
39.  Scorpio – One of the twelve zodiac signs that are said to be shy in character.
40.  Shalom – A simple Hebrew name (and greeting) that means “peace.”
41.  Shizuka – A cool-sounding Japanese name that means “silent” or “gentle.”
42.  Shy Guy – Named for the wisecracking muppetesque alien character from a cheesy 80s sitcom, who is covered in long hair.
43.  Shylin – A good name for a shy, timid boy.
44.  Squeak – Like a mouse!
45.  Tacy – A Latin name for your quiet boy that means “be silent.”

46.  Teddy – For those sweet cats that are as cuddly as teddy bears.
47.  Tiombe – A West African name that means “shy.”
48.  Tzvi – A Hebrew name that means “deer.”
49.  Vaike – A name popular in Estonia, it means “silence.”
50.  Vieno – A fun Finnish name that means “gentle.”

Female Shy Cat Names

51.  Adina – The feminine of “Adin,” this Hebrew name means “gentle.”
52.  Amelie – A classic French film about a character of the same name, whose quirky and shy personality allows her to brighten the lives of strangers she encounters.
53.  Amity – A unique Latin name that means “friendship, harmony.”
54.  Amy – A sweet name that means “beloved” in French.
55.  Arcadia – A beautiful Greek name of a region “region of peace and contentment.”
56.  Ayala – The feminine of “Ayal,” it means “gazelle.”
57.  Bambi – The name of the sweet fawn turned majestic stag, Bambi is Italian for “little child.”
58.  Bella – A name that means “beautiful,” it just has a ring to it that sounds sweet and gentle.
59.  Bilha – One of Jacob’s concubines in the Bible, Bilha means “bashful.”
60.  Bitsy – An adorable name for a timid cat who has a much more subdued and gentle nature.
61.  Blossom – A beautiful name for a cat with a gentle disposition.
62.  Blush – If a cat could blush…
63.  Bunny – Name your kitty after these notoriously shy and timid creatures.
64.  Buttercup – A fitting floral name for a gentle cat.
65.  Clementine – A feminine form of Clement, this fun name means “merciful, mild.”

66.  Cookie – Name your sweetie after something sweet!
67.  Damara – A pretty Latin name that means “gentle.”
68.  Dandelion – A weed that has beautiful yellow blooms that eventually dry to soft, wispy fuzz that float softly in the wind.
69.  Delilah – A biblical name that means “delicate.”
70.  Dianthe – A pretty Greek name that means “divine flower,” which we imagine is beautifully delicate and gentle.
71.  Doe – Female deer, which are notoriously shy, skittish, and timid, as well as beautiful!
72.  Ermelinda – A beautiful Italian name that means “soft, tender.”
73.  Fluttershy – A shy My Little Pony character.
74.  Jeanette – One of the female chipmunks characters in Alvin and the Chipmunks who is mousy, smart, and timid.
75.  Lady – Perhaps your sweet cat is as proper and gentle as a lady!
76.  Latifah – An Arabic name that means “gentle.”
77.  Lilly – A delicate and beautiful flower.
78.  Luna – One of the names for the gentle, serene moon.
79.  Mayumi – A Japanese name that “gentle, beauty.”
80.  Malinda – A sweet, delicate Latin name that means “gentle.”

81.  Miliani – A Hawaiian name that means “gentle caress.”
82.  Millie – A cute nickname for Mildred that means “gentle strength.”
83.  Mira – There are many origins of this pretty name, but in Slavic, it means “peace.”
84.  Modesty – For the timid, subdued kitty.
85.  Paloma – The Latin word for “dove.”
86.  Persephone – In Greek mythology, Persephone is the unwilling goddess of the Underworld.
87.  Poppy – A pretty, gentle flower.
88.  Rose – Perhaps the most beautiful of flowers, the rose is known for its soft scent, delicate petals, and rich symbolism.
89.  Selene – The Roman goddess of the moon.
90.  Serenity – A state of calm and tranquility.
91.  Sissy – There’s nothing wrong with being a “sissy!”
92.  Talia – A gentle name that means “lamb or dew of God.”
93.  Tally – A nickname for Talia.
94.  Tiombe – A cool West African name that means “shy.”
95.  Tullia –  A sweet Irish name that means “peaceful.”

96.  Tzvia – The feminine of the Hebrew name “Tzvi,” it means “deer.”
97.  Violet – A delicate, beautiful flower.
98.  Virgo – One of the shyer zodiac signs.
99.  Winifred – A Welsh name that means “peaceful friend.”
100.  Winnie – A nickname for “Winifred,” and the name of the timid beloved character, Winnie the Pooh.

Unisex Shy Cat Names

101.  Angel – Perfect for the cat that is as perfect and sweet as an angel!
102.  Birdie – Because birds have a tendency to be timid!
103.  Blankie – Something sweet, soft, and tranquil.
104.  Bubble – Something delicate and silent.
105.  Bumble – We love this name for the awkwardly shy cat!
106.  Buttons – A name that screams cuteness, there is just something very sweet and delicate about a button.
107.  Callum – A Scottish form of the Latin “Columba” which means “dove.”
108.  Chicken – Okay, it might seem like a mean name, but we mean it with all the love (and humor) in our hearts!
109.  Chipmunk – A cute, small, and skittish little forest animal.
110.  Concord – A name that means “peace.”
111.  Coy – A name for a cat with this personality trait!
112.  Cuddles – Perfect for the furry little sweetie that likes to curl up in your lap.
113.  Dove – A gentle bird that often symbolizes peace.
114.  Ghost – If your cat is as elusive and quiet as a ghost, then this could be a fun name!
115.  Haunt – Does your timid cat haunt your home like a quiet, shy ghost?

116.  Hush – A cute name for your quiet friend.
117.  Jitters – Perfect for that shy, nervous cat.
118.  Lamb – A gentle creature if there ever was one!
119.  Little – Perhaps this name is even more fun if your shy guy is also a big guy, who acts like a little one!
120.  Lullabye – A cute name for a gentle and quiet kitty.
121.  Kafi – An Urdu name that means “quiet.”
122.  Koala – An Australian animal that is both shy and adorable.
123.  Kodama – In Japan, the Kodama are forest spirits that inhabit trees. Think of the adorable and quiet little spirits in the Studio Ghibli classic, Princess Mononoke.
124.  Meerkat – These adorable African mammals are one of the shyest creatures in the world.
125.  Mellow – Maybe your timid guy isn’t frightful, but happily mellow!
126.  Mystery – Perhaps your cat is so quiet, elusive, and shy, he or she is an adorable little mystery.
127.  Mouse – A skittish, shy and small little animal with a cute face.
128.  Pacific – A Latin name that simply means “peaceful, tranquil.”
129.  Peace – A simple but fitting name.
130.  Peek-a-boo – A fun name for a cat that likes to hide.

131.  Placid – A name for a cat that is all about peace and quiet.
132.  Phantom – Like the name “ghost.”
133.  Pisces – One of the shyer members of the Zodiac.
134.  Poppet – A small child or doll, but also a term of endearment for someone sweet and gentle.
135.  Rabbit – A timid, cute, skittish, and soft animal!
136.  Scaredy-Cat – Pretty fitting for a cat!
137.  Secret – A cool and unique name; a secret is generally shared quietly and discreetly.
138.  Shadow – Especially perfect for a shy cat that likes to hide in the shadows.
139.  Shiloh – A heavenly place full of peace and tranquility.
140.  Shy – A straightforward name that celebrates your cat’s shy demeanor.
141.  Softy – The perfect name for a cat that is, quite literally, a big softy!
142.  Spirit – Similar to “Ghost” or “Phantom.”
143.  Spook – A fun name for a cat that is easily spooked.
144.  Squirrel – A sweet name for a cat with a shy and skittish attitude.
145.  Stealthy – Perfect for that cat that quietly slinks around!

146.  Susu – A fun Chinese name that means “a slight sound.”
147.  Tippy-toes – A funny and cute name for your shy guy (or gal). 
148.  Yellow – An old-fashioned way to call someone a coward…but we don’t mean it in a mean way!
149.  Whisper – A pretty name for the gentle and quiet.
150.  Zen – A Japanese word that means “meditation.”

Shy and timid cats may take some time to warm up to their humans, but when they do, they tend to share their sweet and soft demeanors in a loving way, which makes them excellent little friends. We hope that this list has helped you find the appropriate name to celebrate your cat’s shyness.

It is not just understandable for animals and people to be protective and possessive of those things that are important to them, it is actually very good sense!

Protecting important resources helps to safeguard an individual’s well-being, happiness, and even survival. When we talk about the most important resources in the eyes of a cat, we tend to think of:

• Food and water
• Shelter: places to rest and hide
• Access to a litter box/toileting area
• Affection

Chances are that as your cat’s human family member, you are central to providing most of these things for your cat. This means it is sensible and quite normal for your cat to want to keep you close and be a little bit possessive about you, and we all know that cats are eminently sensible creatures!

However, sometimes this possessive behavior can be extreme and cause issues within your household.

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost To Own A Cat In 2022

Why Do Cats Get Possessive Of One Particular Person?

Although there is often space in our cats’ hearts to love and be affectionate with several people, it is common for them to have a single special person.

This person may be the one they get to spend the most quality time with or the person they bonded most with during an early life stage. Consequently, this person may be the most intrinsically linked to those all-important resources we have mentioned.

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

Cat Behavior: What Causes A Cat To Become Possessive Of Its Owners?

There can be a whole host of possible triggers for excessive possessive behavior. Typically, however, there tend to be three main causes:

Other Cats

If you are a pet parent in a multiple-cat household, you may feel like the object of some seemingly jealous cat behavior. This is quite a common scenario, regardless of whether those cats have grown up together or not. Cats’ personalities are all very different, and it is not a given that they will all get along harmoniously.

Another behavioral trigger can be cats from outside the household, whether that is a new cat that you are introducing, or – worst case scenario – a neighborhood cat that can intrude on your cat’s “core territory” and make their way into your home.

Also Read: How to Introduce New Cats to a Home

Guests And Visitors

Even if all your friends and family are cat lovers and offer your cat lots of pets and cuddles, to some cats the arrival of someone new can be enough to elicit some possessive behavior. Whilst there may have been no negative experiences between a guest towards your cat, that guest is dividing the attention of their “special person” and threatening your cat’s access to the person they value most.

Also Read: 10 Signs You Might Have A Clingy Cat

Non-Feline Newcomers

Generally speaking, these tend to take the form of a new pet such as a puppy, or new baby. Both can cause an abrupt change to an owner’s routine and as a result to their cat as well.

Sudden alterations to a cat’s day-to-day life, particularly those which affect the time you may spend interacting with your cat, can stress your cat into behaving possessively.

Also Read: Do Cats Get Jealous Of Babies?

Signs A Cat Is Being Possessive Of Their Owners

These can vary quite widely from cat to cat. Basically, any noticeable divergence from your cat’s normal, relaxed cat behavior when another person or pet is around could be a sign of possessive behavior.

Consider how your cat is when you are one on one with them in an area in which they feel relaxed. A change to this, particularly if it is severe or sudden, should be a warning sign to set you thinking about what might be impacting your cat’s happiness. Changes and signs you might see include:

Withdrawn, Uninterested Body Language

If your cat becomes unwilling to interact with you as normal or fails to play with a toy or accept a treat that they would usually love, they may feel threatened by the situation they are in. In this scenario, your cat may be too uncomfortable to exhibit their normal relaxed character.

Also Read: How To Tell If A Cat Is Angry

Aggression

Perhaps the easiest sign to read, aggression can include hissing, growling, or swatting at another person or pet. In severe cases, it may even lead to a fight among cats.

Sometimes this can manifest as space-guarding, where your cat is sitting on or next to you and lashes out at whoever comes into your personal space. Alternatively, your cat may distance themselves from the whole situation and put up a barrier of aggression. This is only due to their discomfort with the proceedings.

Also Read: The 10 Things That Cats Hate Most

Attention Seeking

Although most of us enjoy being kneaded and head-butted by our cats as a sign of affection, some cats may exhibit an extreme form of this behavior if they are feeling possessive of their owner. Sometimes they may meow insistently or deliberately get in your way in order to direct your attention onto themselves.

Also Read: Why Isn’t My Cat Affectionate?

“Acting Out”

Possessiveness may be displayed in the form of unwanted cat behaviors such as scratching at furniture or urinating or pooping in inappropriate places, especially if these are things that your cat doesn’t normally do.

Although it might seem as though your cat is acting out, it is important to remember that these behavioral problems are born of stress and not “bad” behavior. Cats do not have the ability to rationalize and act in retaliation, and should therefore never be punished if these problems occur.

Also Read: 4 Steps To Remove Cat Poop Stains & Smells Out Of The Couch And Rugs

What Can I Do To Help A Possessive Cat?

Fortunately, there’s lots that you can do to help!

Whilst none of us like to see our cat unhappy or unsettled, a little time and effort can go a long way to improve their well-being. Some top tips include:

Good Early Socialization

As with most things behavioral, starting good habits early on is always preferable to trying to correct behavioral problems further down the track. Any new cat or new kitten should be introduced gradually to a variety of different experiences in a controlled and positive manner.

Rescue cats or those who had limited socialization when they were young can find it more stressful to adapt to new encounters later on.

Also Read: 10 Signs Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Gradual Introduction Of New Family Members

Whether the new family member is a puppy, a new baby, or a new cat, a gradual introduction will help ward off any jealous behavior. Start by introducing an item that smells of your new baby/puppy/cat to your cat’s environment.

From there, you can start to introduce short periods where your cat can see and smell the newcomer, but from a safe distance and ideally in a segregated space. Attaching a treat or a reward to each interaction can help to build up a positive association in your cat’s mind.

Over time, you can increase the duration of each interaction, whilst always allowing your cat somewhere safe to retreat to if they feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

Also Read: Do Cats Get Jealous of Dogs?

Keep Routines Stable

In times of change, routines tend to get up-ended, especially if the change is a new baby in your family!

However, if you can, try to stick to your cat’s existing routines as it will help to reassure them. Try and plan for your cat’s meal times and playtime to remain as constant as possible and keep their litter box in the same place, and remember in times of challenge petting your cat is a known stress-reliever!

If, for example, you know that something such as feeding time is going to have to change, try to do this slowly over a period of time as opposed to altering it suddenly on the day that baby comes home.

Also Read: Top 10 Tips To Help Cats And Babies Get Along

Break Negative Cycles

Sometimes it is necessary to stop negative behavior cycles before we can move forward with more positive behaviors. For example, two cat housemates who are fighting may need to be given separate living spaces for a while.

This can enable their owner to greet them and provide lots of love and cuddles separately. Once they have had their owner bond affirmed, short periods where both cats come together with their owner can be introduced in a controlled manner with lots of positive reinforcement.

Also Read: 10 Signs Your Cat Really Does Trust You

Encourage Alternative Behaviors

As previously mentioned, unwanted possessive behaviors come from a place of emotional uncertainty and should never be punished or reprimanded. However, it can be useful to give your cat something else to focus on that can be positively reinforced.

One example of this is the ‘touch’ game, where the cat is taught that going near to or touching an object leads to a reward. In times of stress or conflict, the cat then has a positive activity they can focus on. Seeking the advice of an animal behaviorist may help you redirect your cat’s attention more positively.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Puzzle Feeders Are Good For Cats

Teaching your cat to walk on a harness may sound tricky, but it’s a relatively simple process that requires just a little patience and time. You might even be surprised how quickly some kitties take to strapping in and getting out for adventure! Especially if you’ve got a feline who craves adventure like Mia the Bengal cat.

From the moment cat dad Albert met Mia, he knew she was a high-energy cat who needed more than indoor playtime to burn all her excess energy. So, as a paw parent devoted to helping his Bengal cat thrive, Albert taught Mia to wear a harness so they could both enjoy the outdoor life. And after only a few training sessions, Mia was ready to prowl the world, allowing Albert to take her places he never thought possible.

And if you and your kitty are an adventurous pair like Albert and Mia, it won’t be long before you’ve taught your cat how to walk on a harness with these easy steps! Plus, when you and your cat take it outside for some fun, you’re providing your furry one with a wealth of benefits to their well-being.

Three Reasons to Walk Your Cat

While not all cats want to put on a harness and head out for a walk, cats with high-energy drives will often take right to it because they need and want the activity. Mia loves life on the harness, and Albert reports seeing these three benefits from teaching her to walk on a leash.

#1 – Harnessing Up Can Unleash Curiosity

When cats get a chance to explore the outdoors, their natural hunting and survival skills activate, and their curiosity comes alive. This chance to unleash the wild and primal side helps cats thrive in all aspects of their lives.

#2 – Drain Your Little Big Cat’s Energy

Cats love to explore, and going outside gives them lots of space to sniff and snoop. They’ll spend time investigating every little thing, giving their instincts and energy levels a chance to go wild. Whether they’re exploring a hole in the ground or a tree that makes a good vantage point for a cat to survey the land, your furry explorer will use every one of their senses to take it all in. Couple that with some running around, and you’ve got one worn-out kitty on your hands! And a cat who gets plenty of healthy stimulation and exercise is a happy one!

#3 – Together Time Deepens Your Bond

Not only does walking your cat on a leash provide stimulation and exercise, but it also serves to deepen the bond between you and your cat. And when you get back home after outdoor adventures, your cat will most likely be ready for a nap. And their favorite place to sleep is curled up in your arms, and snuggle time is also bonding time!

Teach Your Cat To Walk On A Harness

When teaching your cat to walk on a leash, stick to these four simple but essential steps:

• Choose the right harness.
• Desensitize your cat to the harness.
• Put on the harness.
• Walk your cat on a leash.

And remember, treating your cat to a tasty tidbit for a job well done is a key to success for every step of harness training!

Choose the Right Harness

When you start the search for your cat’s harness, be prepared for pages on pages of results. You’ll probably find some stand-out options right away and easily dismiss some too. But that still leaves you with hundreds of options to wade through. And while they aren’t all winners, there’s a harness out there for every cat. For help finding your kitty’s perfect option, check out What to Look for In A Harness For Your Cat.

Once you’ve decided what harness you need for your cat, getting the right size is crucial. A harness that’s too big makes it easier for your cat to escape, while one that’s too small can cause discomfort. And a cat who finds a harness uncomfortable is likely to plop on their side and refuse to move. And that’s no fun for anyone! To avoid a misfit, study the manufacturer’s recommendations on size and measure your cat before buying. The ideal fit allows two to three fingers to slip between the harness and your cat’s body.

If you’re still unsure which harness to try, consider the OutdoorBengal Escape-Proof Cat Harness. It’s lightweight and makes escape nearly impossible.

Desensitize Your Cat to the Harness

You know how cats can be; when you bring them something new, they aren’t always thrilled recipients. Unless it’s catnip. Then you’ll see some immediate gratitude from your feline! But otherwise, cats usually take a while to get comfortable around new things, and this will include their harness too.

To desensitize your cat to the harness, place the harness in areas where your cat hangs out most and let them soak the harness with their scent. Once the harness smells a little more like your cat and a little less like a factory and dyes, the easier it will be to get your cat used to wearing it. When you see your cat checking out the harness, praise them for their boldness and hand them a treat! Repeat this until your cat thinks the harness’s presence is no big deal. Just remember to take your time and take things slow. This is supposed to be the beginning of lots of fun for you and your cat, and you don’t want to spoil it by rushing interactions with the new and unfamiliar harness.

Put the Harness on Your Cat

Now, the moment of truth is upon you. It’s time to put the harness on your cat! The easiest way to put a harness on your cat is by teaching them to sit and stay. Want to teach your cat to sit? Outdoor Bengal offers this excellent video tutorial on how to train your cat to sit and stay.

If your cat doesn’t know how to sit and stay, you can also put the harness on by securing your kitty’s rump between your elbow and body, leaving both free hands to strap your cat into the harness. In the video below, Albert and Mia illustrate how to put a harness on your cat.

You’ve done it! Your cat is in their new harness. One of two things will likely happen now…

1) Your cat doesn’t mind the harness and starts eating and playing right away while wearing it.

2) Your cat hates the harness and doesn’t move or plops on the floor.

If your cat doesn’t mind wearing the harness, congratulations! You’ve got a cat that’s ready to walk on a leash! But if your kitty is less than thrilled about their new accessory, that’s okay too. It just means more practice is needed. Repeat the trying-on process and reward generously until your cat doesn’t fuss about wearing the harness. This process might take up to a few weeks, so don’t give up. The reward is well worth the work for both you and your cat.

Walk Your Cat on a Leash

 

Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, adding the leash shouldn’t be hard. Start indoors to acclimate your cat to being guided via the leash. Once the two of you have strolling about the house mastered, venture outdoors to a quiet spot free of dogs and unfamiliar people. As your cat gets more and more accustomed to the leash life, you can start braving more populated areas. And soon, you and your feline BFF will be trekking everywhere!

 

Habituation happens when experience beats expectations. If your cat doesn’t like something but is slowly and consistently faced with that situation, and the outcome is a positive experience, their fear of that event will eventually diminish. However, the line between advancing and creating trauma is very fine. If your cat has a bad experience, weeks of progress can be lost in just one day. To keep things positive, sessions should be kept short and sweet.

 

Now, are you and your cat ready for some adventure? Then get your cat an OutdoorBengal Escape-Proof Cat Harness and get outside. And while you’re roaming, you might just find Albert and Mia out there too!

 

The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed is a soft circular bed that includes a heating pad to keep your kitty warm. These beds can warm up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your kitty cozy and warm.

K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed uses a dual-thermostat unit to raise temperatures 15 degrees above air temperature which will keep your cat warm, not roasting.

At around $45, the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed may be the right way to keep your kitty out of your bed. But is it worth the cost when comparing it to other heated cat beds on the market?

After testing the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed for several weeks, we have the details on its quality and my personal experience using it with my two cats.

We independently purchased this item and subjected it to in-depth testing, monitoring how our cats used it and if they preferred it over other cat beds.

Click Here To Shop K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed On Chewy

Click Here To Shop K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed On Amazon

Mallory Crusta, our Head of Content, tested the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed in January of 2021 and I tested it myself this year. Check out Mallory’s in-depth video review of the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed on the All About Cats YouTube channel.



K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed Overview

The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed is a heated cat bed that comes in a 16 or 20-inch diameter size. The smaller size is 16 inches x 16 inches x 14 inches tall, and weighs 1.65 pounds. The large size bed is 20 inches x 20 inches x 14 inches tall, and weighs 2 pounds.

The bed has a soft micro-fleece cover that can be removed for washing. You can also choose it in 3 different colors: fish print, mocha, or sage. Underneath the cushion, there is a dual-thermostat, 4-watt heating unit. This uses low wattage and is extremely energy efficient.

The heating unit does use a long, 5 ½-foot power cord so you will need to place the bed relatively close to an outlet. The 5 ½ foot cord does give you some flexibility.
The bed does not sense when your cat enters, but it warms up to your cat’s body temperature which is about 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed Safe?

K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed is certified safe by MET, one of the leading global regulators of electronic goods. There are some things to consider when using a heated bed to guarantee your cats safety.

K&H caution against adding more padding or blankets to the heated bed because it could cause overheating. Most heated beds do not exceed your cat’s normal body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit but if it does seem to go over, get a replacement.

This bed is safe for healthy, adult cats, but not recommended for kittens, elderly cats, or sick/injured cats who may struggle to get in and out of bed.

It is important to check the electrical wiring, especially if your cat is a chewer. If you see damage, you need to replace the heating pad.

Also, these heated beds should only be used indoors and are specifically not recommended for outside or garage use. If you are looking for an outdoor heated cat bed, there are some available specifically for that.

How Much Does The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed Cost?

The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed costs around $45 on Amazon for the small size and $47 for the large size. If you purchase from Chewy the pricing is about the same give or take a dollar.

If you need replacement heating pads for the bed they are available on the K&H website. However, the cost of a replacement heating pad is more than purchasing a new bed entirely. Thankfully, the heating pads are said to last 2 years or longer.

How Do You Clean the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed ?

The bed is fairly easy to wash. You can wash the cover and the cushion in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. You will want to remove the pet warmer and the foam ring prior to washing.

The cover and cushion would be air dried or lined dried and it is not recommended they be put in the dryer.

Did My Cats Like the Thermo Kitty Bed?

The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed was a big hit with one of our cats. He chose this bed over several others and seemed upset when removed from the bed. Our other cat used the bed as well but didn’t seem as excited about it.

There are many positive reviews and thousands of cats and their owners really love this bed.

What Do Customers Think Of the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed ?

K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed has almost all positive reviews on Amazon and Chewy with only a few negative reviews. Generally speaking, customers like the appearance and durability of the bed but more importantly their cats love it. The few negative reviews are complaints questioning warmth or not being happy with the structure.

That being said, every customer’s experience is unique. Keep reading to see a positive and negative customer review for the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed.

Positive Customer Reviews For the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed

“My cats took an immediate liking to this little bed…I live in an old house that can get a little chilly in the wintertime. I purchased this bed so my 2 cats could have a cozy place to lay if they got cold. Once I showed them the bed, they immediately took a liking to it. They make a bakery-full of biscuits and purring up a storm. This is a great find for cats of all ages.”

The heating pad can be removed easily and the bed can be washed. The cord is hidden away with zippers. The bed seems really well made and gets warm, but not too hot. I am very happy with this purchase. – Taylor B.

“The cat loves it. We don’t have a big cat (15 years old) but I do wish I had bought the slightly bigger version. I am not deducting any stars here as she likes to curl up in the bed. Was uncertain she would go in the bed as she likes being high and owns a 1000 sleeping spots as it is. We had a thin blankie and I sprayed it with cat nip to get her to put feet in the bed. After 3 days she got in and now a few weeks later she wont get out. I have it placed on the floor and every now and then she will get out, lay on the floor, stretch right out to cool down and get back in. The bed arrives stuffed tight in a box, dont be alarmed as it go into shape after a day or so, also the cat has to be in the bed for the heat to start.” – Ronald Embree

Negative Customer Reviews For the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed

“Though it doesn’t really get warm on the top, where kitty is… It is slightly warm at the bottom, but the pillow on top doesn’t even get warm… I really need a heated bed for my cat, as the house can get really cold. We will test the bed a couple days more and if no improvement, will contact the seller.” – Elvia Szymanski

“Sides aren’t stable. Poor construction. The construction of this is disappointing. Cats like boxes, and I liked the high sides of this. But the “pillow” in the center is just loose stuffing and it’s sewn into the bottom seam of the edges, so the cats can’t really curl up against the sides. My cats sniffed around it but weren’t fond of it..” – Amber Fernandez

Would We Recommend the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed ?

Yes! The K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed is made with high quality materials, meets electrical standards and is safety certified to provide peace of mind to cat owners.

We really like that the K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed allows your cat to feel warm, cozy and protected. This bed is great for cats who seek warmth in less than safe places in the house and can be helpful for cats who may suffer from arthritis. Check with your veterinarian.

The bed is easy to clean and our cats really enjoyed it, especially Wessie.

Our only complaint about the bed is that it is heated and required being somewhat close to an electrical outlet. It does offer a 5 ½ foot cord which does help.

What We Liked:

• Easy to clean
• Comes in various colors
• Available in 2 sizes
• Quality materials
• Positive reviews

What We Didn’t Like:

• Price on the high side
• Needs to be near electrical outlet

Click Here To Shop K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed On Chewy

Click Here To Shop K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed On Amazon

Also Read: The 12 Best Cat Beds

A kitten « screamed » endearingly at the person who cared for him every day until he got back on his paws.

Karl the kittenAndrea @turtlecatfoster

About a month ago, Andrea Christian, who fosters for St. Francis Rescue, received a call about a 3-week-old kitten desperately needing help.

The kitten named Karl was in very rough shape, and nobody had stepped up to take him. Despite having her hands full with other fosters, Andrea couldn’t say no when she learned about his situation.

While the kitten was en route to Andrea, she got a call from the transporter who noticed that Karl was having trouble breathing. They feared for the worst.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

By the time Andrea got the kitten, she « could tell by the dirt in his fur that he had been sitting in water, and had somehow aspirated. »

The odds were stacked up against the tiny kitten. Despite the grim state he was in, Andrea wanted to give him a fighting chance.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

She got an oxygen machine from a fellow volunteer and set up a homemade oxygen incubator for the kitten. For the first few days, she had to drip-feed Karl drop by drop as he couldn’t close his mouth to breathe.

« Despite his pneumonia, Karl was such a tiny fighter. Thank goodness he was a tiny screamer as well. »

He would « scream » every time when Andrea came to care for himAndrea @turtlecatfoster

Whenever Andrea came in to check on Karl, the little guy would gather every ounce of his strength to speak. No matter how tired he seemed, he never stopped trying to « scream » at his foster mom, whether it was feeding time or just petting.

« I feel like him screaming at me to tell me about his disinterest in me not being his momma is what helped clear his lungs, » Andrea told Love Meow.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

After a week of drip and syringe feedings, things began to look up for the little man. Karl was strong enough to suckle from his bottle for the first time, and his appetite significantly improved.

« It was then that I knew he was going to be okay. »

He got back on his feet and started walking aroundAndrea @turtlecatfoster

Through painstaking care, Karl could finally breathe normally. His food intake increased several fold, his personalty was emerging, and his need to yell for attention continued.

With his newfound strength, Karl started waddling and exploring around his space. He was not shy of asking for food, voicing his many opinions during his care.

His personality began to emergeAndrea @turtlecatfoster

« He has realized there is fun to be had outside of his oxygen bin with beings other than the foster mom. »

Karl has bounced back on his paws and graduated into a proper playpen where he can run and jump around with so much vigor. He’s befriended the resident cats and is starting to learn some boundaries.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

« He loves to run and play, always comes back to check on me to make sure I am near, » Andrea shared. « He is obsessed with ball toys and the crinkle tube. He is forever wrestling with whatever stuffy I have in there with him. »

Yesterday, Karl reached another milestone when he crossed the one-pound mark. He celebrated by scampering around his room and checking out every cat toy he could scour.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

In the near future, they hope to pair him up with a feline friend so Karl can have a buddy to tumble and snuggle with.

Karl doesn’t scream at the top of his lungs so much any more as he follows his foster mom around, being her cutest little shadow.

Andrea @turtlecatfoster

Share this story with your friends. More from Karl and Andrea’s fosters on Instagram @turtlecatfoster.

Related story: Kitten Makes Quite a Turnaround After He Was Given a Chance that Changed His Life

It’s a fascinating sight, watching cats lap quickly and efficiently at their water with those little pink tongues. Cats are an example of an obligate carnivore, deriving the nutrients they need from a diet mostly made up of animal protein.

Wild cats would also gain most of their hydration needs from their diet, but will supplement this with fresh water.

Cats can be fussy about their water: the type of water bowl, the placement of bowls near food, litter box or shadows, whether the water is tap water or filtered… it’s easy to become concerned that your precious kitty isn’t drinking enough and try to encourage them using something else.

But what is safe to drink, and when should you offer it? Read on to find out what cats can drink, why you shouldn’t offer them milk, and how you can encourage healthy hydration.

What Can Our Cats Drink?

Cats are descended from their desert-dwelling ancestors, and are very good at extracting water from their diets. However, especially with many domestic pet cats now fed a dry food, they do need access to liquid. Water is by far the best option in terms of health benefits, but there are a few safe options for cat beverages.

Let’s look at the choices.

1. Clean, Fresh Water

Even if your cat does seem to prefer muddy puddles or a stagnant pond, they should always have clean, fresh water available. Water is the only liquid that cats really need. Wild cat populations, including our domestic cats’ big cat cousins, will only drink water, and have survived that way for thousands of years.

A cat’s water should be clean, accessible and always kept freshly topped up. For adult cats, there is no need to provide anything else.

Also Read: The 8 Best Cat Water Fountains – And We Tested Them All

2. Kitten Milk

A kitten will usually suckle their mother’s milk from birth until weaning. From about four weeks of age, they will start eating some solid food, and are usually fully weaned by about 8 weeks, by which time they should be eating a balanced kitten diet and drinking solely water.

Orphaned or rejected kittens will need feeding with a kitten milk replacement (KMR). Kitten formula is high in calories, rich in fats and proteins and contains the nutrients, minerals and vitamins needed for growth and development.

Also Read: The Complete Guide to Bottle Feeding Kittens

3. Cat Milk

A young kitten will possess the lactase enzyme, allowing them to digest milk, but this is usually lost by the time they are a few months old, with most adult cats unable to digest lactose. This is why cow’s milk should not be given to cats, as in a large percentage of cats it will cause an upset stomach due to their lactose intolerance.

There is ‘cat milk’ available to buy, which contains no lactose. This is safe for adult cats to drink, but it is often very fatty and high in calories to make it palatable.

This means that cats certainly enjoy it, but it can lead to weight gain and some cats will stop eating their balanced meal if they drink too much of it, leading to nutritional inadequacies. If your cat loves cat milk, it is recommended to give it as an occasional treat only.

Also Read: Is Milk Good For Cats?

4. Broth

As an obligate carnivore, it is likely that your cat will love meaty flavors. Bone broth can be made by boiling up the bones and gristle of a meat joint such as a chicken, over a long period of time.

Alternatively, meat broths such as beef or chicken broth can be made by boiling fish or meat and then giving the cooking water to your cat once cooled. Again, these can be used as an occasional treat, or just add a little to your cat’s water dish to add some flavor if they are a poor or stubborn drinker.

Home-made broths are better than store-bought, as you should avoid high levels of salt, and home-made broths tend to have a low sodium content compared to commercial stock. It is also important to avoid the use of garlic or onions when making broth, as these are both toxic to cats.

Also Read: What’s The Bone Broth For Cats?

5. Tuna Juice

Cats are highly attracted to meaty, fishy odors, and have a wonderful sense of smell. If you open a can of tuna, it is likely that your cat will come running if they catch the scent! If you buy tuna canned in water, the juice is safe to give to your cat as a tasty treat.

Don’t do this if you purchase tuna in oil or brine as these can both cause stomach upsets in cats, and brine has a high sodium content. Tuna shouldn’t be fed to cats too often due to the mercury content, but is fine given sporadically.

Also Read: The 7 Best Tuna Cat Food Formulas

 6. Oral Rehydration Fluids

If your cat has been suffering from an illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and you are concerned about their hydration, a check-up at the vets is always a good idea. They may be able to provide an oral electrolyte solution that can help keep your cat hydrated and on the road to recovery.

Also Read: Dehydration In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

How Much Should My Cat Drink?

It is very difficult to give a specific answer in terms of ounces of water, as a cat’s water intake will depend on their age, size, climate environment, diet and any health conditions. Cats on a dry food will need to drink significantly more than a cat on a wet food, who may be only seen to drink water rarely.

If your cat suddenly changes their drinking habits, seek veterinary advice. Increased thirst can be seen with various health problems including kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism in cats.

What Should Cats Not Drink?

The safest and healthiest option for cats to drink is plain, clean water. However, there are certain drinks that should never be offered to cats, as they may pose certain health risks, some more serious than others.

1. Milk

Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning that cow’s milk and other dairy products can cause stomach upsets with sometimes quite violent vomiting and diarrhea and so is best avoided. Even if your cat can tolerate it, milk is fatty and calorific and therefore could lead to obesity if given too much.

Goat’s milk is potentially less problematic, but there is no benefit to giving it. Alternative plant milks such as oat milk and nut milks should also never be given, as some ingredients used in these are toxic to cats.

Also Read: Weaning Kittens: Tips For Successful Weaning

2. Juice

Some fruit juices are technically safe for cats in small quantities, but their high sugar content and calories make the unsuitable. Some fruits are toxic to cats, and so fruit juice and other sugary drinks are likely best avoided.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Oranges?

3. Alcohol

An alcoholic beverage should never be given to cats, even one with a low alcohol content, due to the high risk of alcohol poisoning and harm to their liver health.

Also Read: 15 Human Foods That Are Poisonous & Toxic To Cats

4. Caffeine

Caffeinated beverages can stimulate cats as they do people. Cats are much smaller than people, and even small amounts of caffeine can cause heart palpitations and seizures.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Chocolate? What You Need To Know?

How Can I Get My Cat To Drink More?

Cats are usually very good at regulating their own fluid intake, and so as long as fresh water is provided for them, they will usually monitor themselves unless they have a health condition. If you are concerned about your cat’s fluid intake, here are some top tips.

• Use wide bowls for water, so that your cat’s whiskers do not constantly brush against the sides as they try to drink.
• Place water bowls away from food bowls and litter trays – cats instinctively like to drink from water away from any possible contamination to reduce the chance of disease.
• Use a ceramic, glass or metal bowl that can be easily cleaned. Plastic bowls can leach tiny particles into the water, altering the taste.
• Provide multiple water dishes in various locations.
• Position water bowls out of direct light, as cats are less likely to use them if a shadow may fall on the water as they go to drink.
• If your cat likes running water, consider investing in a cat water fountain or leaving a tap slowly dripping.
• Try filtered water, as some cats are sensitive to the taste of chloride.
• In warmer weather, try adding a few ice cubes to the water to make it very cold as some cats find this more appealing.

Also Read: The 8 Best Cat Bowls (Purchased And Tested)

Summing up

Cats really only need to drink water. If your cat isn’t keen, try lots of different bowls in different areas around the house, try filtering the water or using running water.

If you really want to provide a safe, alternative beverage, then cat milk, broth, tuna juice and oral rehydration fluids are all suitable in small quantities. Alcohol, milk and caffeinated beverages should all be avoided in cats, even in small quantities.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water?

The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box was thoughtfully made with several common concerns of cat owners in mind.  When it comes to shopping for litter boxes, most consumers are looking for something that masks unpleasant odors, something that is aesthetically pleasing, and something that keeps litter debris getting tracked and scattered outside of the box to a minimum.

With nicely high walls and a top cover with an entrance that allows cats to jump in and out of the litter box to do their business, this litter box may just tick all the boxes that will satisfy the needs of most cat owners.

As for what the IRIS provides for cats using the box, there are plenty of features that they should appreciate. The top cover provides privacy and the box itself is large enough for most cats to be able to maneuver and move around comfortably.

Still, as with most pet items, it’s not for every cat, specifically small kittens, older cats that are not as spry as they used to be, and cats that will struggle with jumping into the top entry. So let’s dig into the pros and cons of the IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box so you can decide if is right for you and your cats.

Mallory Crusta, our Head of Content, tested the Iris Top Entry Litter Box in May of 2020 and I tested it myself this year. Check out Mallory’s in-depth video review of the Iris Top Entry Litter Box on the All About Cats YouTube channel.



How We Tested

I purchased the IRIS and tested it on my two cats. Both of my little buddies are healthy, adult cats and neither of them has any physical issues when it comes to jumping or climbing. I placed the box on my covered porch where the cats spend much of their time sunbathing and let them enjoy their new potty for a couple of weeks.

I monitored how frequently or infrequently the box was used, and how much if any litter was tracked out of the box. At the end of the testing period, I was so pleased that I gave the IRIS a shot! It was a hit not just with me, but with both of my cats as well.

How Big Is The IRIS Top Entry Litter Box?

The IRIS litter box that I purchased was the large model, and it measures 20.47 inches long x 16.14 inches wide x 14.56 inches high. The entry point at the top where the lid is located measures 10.5 inches x 9 inches, making it large enough for most adult cats to enter and exit comfortably.

The box also comes in a size medium, which measures 17.32 long x 13.39 wide x 12.2 inches high. The different size options are great because not all cats are going to be able to use the large, such as small kittens, geriatric cats that may struggle to make it to the top entrance, or cats nursing an injury that might make jumping into a box more difficult.

In these cases, the IRIS may still not be suitable for such cats in either size, but instead, they may need a litter box that provides an entry point much lower to the ground. Be mindful of your particular cat’s needs before deciding if the IRIS is the best litter box design.

Also Read: 11 Best Cat Litter Boxes In 2022 – We Tried Them All

Design

The IRIS is a covered, top-entry litter box intended to give your cat some much-appreciated privacy, and to keep the sight of litter, well, out of sight! It is tall and oval-shaped, giving it the appearance of being perhaps just another plastic bin intended to be used as storage.

The entrance/exit is off-center enough that it gives your cat a platform to stand on before jumping down into the litter. The lid is made of hard, sturdy plastic and can withstand weight up to 20 lbs.

The portion of the lid that is intended as a platform for the cats is designed with grooves, which is apparently supposed to aid in removing litter from paws when they exit the box, but I honestly didn’t see that it made much of a difference, although the overall design of the litter box does help keep litter mess to a minimum (more on that later.)

The IRIS comes in multiple colors: orange and grey, black and grey, grey and white, and white with a beige lid. All the color combinations are discreet and neutral, making it easy to blend in with most decor, so wherever you decide to place the IRIS, it won’t be an eyesore that screams “Hey, I’m a litter box, look at me!” All I can say is that this cat owner really appreciates that!

The design is actually quite attractive, with cute little pawprints on the sides where the lid snaps into place. Hey, it’s a small detail, but those small details show that the IRIS was designed with care.

Scatter And Tracking

Because the entrance to this litter box is on top and cats must jump on top of the box in order to enter and exit, and because the box is mostly covered except for the entrance hole, very little litter ends up being tracked out of the box.

The lid’s built-in grooves are intended to help remove litter particles from your cat’s paws making it easy to keep messes to a minimum. Perhaps this helps some cats who get litter really stuck in their paws and fur, but I didn’t really witness it making much of a difference with my little guys.

In fact, due to the way that the entrance/exit is located off-center on the lid, my cats just sort of jumped directly out of the hole once they were done doing their business – their feet only touched the grooved lid when they first jumped in, not afterward, which is when their paws get into the litter.

Still, because the walls are nice and high and the top is covered with a lid. This keeps litter scatter and tracking at a minimum because there is no way to kick the litter all over the place. Everything is nicely contained, making it one of the least messy litter boxes I’ve owned. And I love that.

How Much Does The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box Cost?

On Chewy’s website, the IRIS will cost you $39.99. While it is not the cheapest litter box on the market, it is far from the most expensive.

The price tag is comparable with most other covered litter boxes available on Chewy, although it is on the higher end of that spectrum. The box is made of hard, durable plastic, so it should last you and your cats for quite some time.

Unboxing And Assembly

The IRIS is super easy to assemble. It comes with a removable lid that pops easily into place and, perhaps most importantly, does not pop out of place too easily. That said, the lid makes for easy removal when it comes time to scoop some poop.

And speaking of scoops, the IRIS comes with a small scoop as well, which is a nice little bonus.

Pros Of The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box

• Great privacy for your cat
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Keeps litter tracking to a minimum

Cons Of The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box

• Not suitable for small kittens or cats that struggle with climbing/jumping to the entrance/exit
• Slightly more expensive than other covered litter boxes

Overall, Is The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box A Good Choice?

After several weeks of using this litter box with my two cats, I have to say that yes, the IRIS is n excellent litter box, provided that your furry little friends will not find the walls of the box too high to reach the entrance/exit.

I have found that the IRIS is quickly becoming my favorite litter box after years of owning cats and trying many, many different litter box designs. So as long as your cats don’t have an issue with how to use this particular model of  litter box, it should be a welcome addition to your and your cats’ lives.

Your cats will likely appreciate the privacy afforded them by the design, and you will appreciate the lack of mess that the IRIS leaves you with. The litter box is attractive and integrates nicely into any decor, making it discreet and easy on the eyes. A highly recommended gem of a litter box!

Click Here To Shop IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box On Chewy

Also Read: Petphabet Jumbo Covered Litter Box Review

Purrform cat food is a raw food made in the UK specifically for cats. It’s made from a blend of 100 percent human-grade meat, bone, offal, and natural nutrients to closely replicate the balanced diet a cat would enjoy when eating whole prey. Learn more about Purrform cat food in our unbiased review.

The We’re All About Cats Standard – Rating Purrform Cat Food on What Matters

We have analyzed Purrform cat food and rated it according to our standards here at We’re All About Cats. Our grades are based on the species-appropriateness of the food, the quality of the ingredients, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. You can read more about our ratings here.

Here are our ratings for Purrform in these key areas:

We give Purrform cat food a 47 out of 60 rating (78.33%) or a B+ grade.

About Purrform

Purrform is made specifically for cats. The company states that it specializes in raw food. They make it simple for you to feed your cat a high quality raw food diet. The food is only frozen once so it will provide a better bite for your cat.

Purrform’s foods are grain free and high in protein content. The company offers grain free raw cat food in five rabbit and chicken flavors. They use only human-grade meats with bone and organ meats.

The food comes pre-portioned in 70 gram pouches for easy and convenient feeding (9 flavors). The food is also available in 250-gram (complementary foods) and 450-gram tubs (complete foods) for kittens and adults.

In the UK you can order online or by phone for deliver to England, Wales, and Scotland. Purrform also has a Loyalty Points program for discounts on future orders.

Purrform has headquarters in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, UK.

Sourcing And Manufacturing

It’s unclear if Purrform manufacturers their own raw foods. The company is described online as a pet food manufacturer. However, they are not listed on the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers Association) web site as one of the companies that produces or supplies frozen products. Purrform may work with another company to produce its frozen raw products.

Purrform does say that their foods are British-made.

Purrform is certified by the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and Cam 4 Animals (Complementary & Alternative Medicines – be careful looking up “cam 4 animals” online or you may find pornography!).

Purrform provides excellent information about their ingredient sourcing. Their rabbit meat comes mainly from France. All of their poultry is free-range from British farmers.

You can trace the source of various ingredients on the map on this page.

Has Purrform Cat Food Been Recalled?

We didn’t find any recalls for Purrform foods on the Food.gov site in the UK which keeps track of foods and pet foods that have had recalls.

What Kinds Of Food Does Purrform Offer?

Purrform raw foods for cats are based on the company’s philosophy that cats are obligate carnivores. They should be fed real raw meat and bone meal with no additives, preservatives, or taste enhancements. Purrform foods are grain free with high moisture meat that contains only what a cat would eat in the wild.

The recipes are made with 100 percent meat and bone. They attempt to replicate what nature would provide.

Purrform foods come frozen.

Purrform Simply Rawsome foods are made for kittens though to adult cats. Some of the foods are complete foods so there is no need to add anything else to your cat’s diet. The complete foods have a small amount of vitamins and minerals added, including taurine. They are listed as “additives.” They make up 4 grams of every 1 kg of meat included in the diet.

When making their food, it’s worth mentioning that Purrform uses the entire animal. They mince the bone and organs as well as the meat. According to the company, the bone from a rabbit or chicken makes up about 7-10 percent of the food. This is similar to what your cat would eat in the wild.

The 70 gram pouches are only available for adult cats. These are complete foods. Flavors include:

• Chicken and ground bone with liver
• Chicken and ground bone with heart
• Farmed rabbit with ground bone
• Farmed rabbit with ground bone, liver and kidney
• Farmed rabbit with ground bone and ox heart
• Goat and ground bone with lamb heart and liver
• Duck with turkey breast and ground bone with duck heart
• Pigeon with ground bone and rabbit liver
• Quail and rabbit and ground bone with rabbit liver and kidney
• You can also buy a trial pack or mixed boxes.

There are also 70 gram pouches of Complete Weaning Paste for Kittens in chicken or farmed rabbit.

The 250-gram tubs are available in these flavors. They are suitable for adults and kittens but they are complementary foods so you will need to feed other food.

• Chicken breast with heart
• Turkey breast with heart and gizzard
• Lamb trim with heart
• Beef trim with ox heart

The 450-gram tubs are available in these flavors. These foods are complete. They are also suitable for kittens.

• Farmed rabbit with ground bone
• Quail and farmed rabbit and ground bone with rabbit liver and kidney
• Chicken with ground bone with chicken liver, heart and gizzard
• Farmed rabbit with ground bone and ox heart
• Beef trim with chicken and ground bone with ox heart and beef liver
• Turkey and ground bone with turkey heart and liver

A trial pack is also available.

Purrform Cat Food Review

What Do Customers Think Of Purrform Cat Food?

We had no trouble finding customer reviews online. Most customers agreed that the food was very high quality. However, there was a difference of opinion about the customer service.

Positive Reviews

Convenience And High Quality

I have been using Purrform for my two cats for about 2 years now and my cats love it. One won’t eat anything else and the other likes as a treat in small amounts. The main reason I continue to buy this product is convenience, the single packets that I can just pull out the freezer a few hours before use make this so easy.

I wish it was sold more locally but I have never found anything to match it. – by Judith Parkes Reviewing  Purrform on Oct 6, 2019

5 Star

I am satisfied with their products. I have been raw feeding my cats and when i found Purrform it made it easier for me to continue their diet. Everytime I put down their meal, they finished everything and nothing was gone to waste. Very easy and properly prepared. I never had any issue with their packaging, its neat and fresh. Deliveries are always on time. I just wish its cheaper it’s the only con but the quality is superb. My cats love it. – by A Wan Reviewing Purrform on Jul 10, 2019

Negative Reviews

Would Happily Give No Stars As They…

Would happily give no stars as they don’t care when they let you down. My frozen order was due on Friday. It was delayed and I was promised it would arrive on Saturday morning as a priority. It didn’t arrive. Then the courier tried to deliver it on Monday even though it was 96 hours out of the freezer and defrosted. I told them not to deliver it. Purrform then dispatched another batch and I was told that would arrive today (Tuesday). It’s now 6.30 pm and no food. Time to change brands I think, not that Purrform will care one iota. – by Jane Reviewing Purrform on October 17, 2022

Atrocious Customer Service

As others have said, the food is great but customer service is atrocious. The majority of my orders haven’t been delivered on time and they don’t even email to let you know. You have to chase and the order gets sent out a few days later. I wish there was another brand that offered the same quality food so I could switch. – by charlotte Reviewing Purrform on October 23, 2021

Reply From Purrform

Dear Charlotte, We are very sorry the service has fallen below expectations. We would always get in touch with our customers when we are aware of any delivery problems with the courier. In your case we did leave a message on your mobile to let you know that we were unable to send your parcel, due to our courier having delivery issues in your area, as a result of driver shortages. Our message did notify you that we have a stockist in the London area that also provides a delivery service. This would be a better short term alternative, until the courier is back to normal. As we are closed at weekends, we were unable to respond to your messages previously, for which we apologise. Unfortunately, in view of the current economic situation in the the UK, many couriers are experiencing delivery issues and we are trying our very best to ensure that our customers are kept updated, where necessary. We do understand that this is extremely frustrating and can only apologise. on Oct 25, 2021

How Much Does Purrform Cat Food Cost?

As you would expect from a raw food made using human-grade meat, Purrform is somewhat expensive.

Most of the 70 gram pouches (6 pouches per pack) cost £7.50.

The 250 gram tubs cost £4.50 BUT there is a minimum purchase of 6 tubs online from Purrform which raises the price considerably!

The 450 gram tubs range from £5.25 to £7.35.

If you’re buying from Purrform, a minimum of 10 frozen tubs/items or 4 boxes of pouches are required before checking out.

Overall, Is Purrform Cat Food A Good Choice?

We do think that Purrform raw cat food is a good quality food. The company appears to be having some delivery problems which may or may not be related to the pandemic. If you want to try the food and you don’t want to go through the company, there are a number of stores throughout Britain that sell Purrform. They could provide a dependable way to buy the food while delivery problems are sorted out.

If you are interested in other raw cat foods, you might consider Amore and Stella & Chewy raw foods for cats.

How Do You Order Purrform Cat Food?

You can buy Purrform cat food directly from the company through their web site. However, we need to point out that a number of customers left negative reviews about the delivery from the company in recent months. This could be a temporary problem due to the pandemic.

Purrform raw foods are frozen when they are shipped so long delays in delivery can be a particular problem if the food thaws out before it is delivered.

The company delivers to England, Wales, and Scotland.

If you would like to avoid delivery, Purrform is widely available in pet centers and other stores in England.