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How Often Do You Take A Cat To The Vet? Complete Guide 2022

May 29, 2022 by Debbie

Presuming this means your cat as opposed to a cat . . . Excellent question ~ ‘How Often DO You Take A Cat To The Vet’? This question begs a thorough, honest and compelling response. As not only an animal lover but an animal advocate with tremendous love and appreciation for the feline species, let’s explore ~ rather the question, how often do you NEED to take a cat to the vet? This query is a loaded question because there is no black and white answer, it’s relative.

Relative in the sense that if you don’t want to be dependent on an outside source for your cat’s well-being there is a plethora of practical advice to empower you. Or if you just want to provide the best quality of life for your beloved kitty and rely on an expert when you’ve exhausted your toolbox, this post is for YOU!

A Holistic Approach Determines Frequency Of Vet Visits

Providing for your cat’s most essential requirements will determine the answer to the question, How Often Do You Take A Cat To The Vet? When you feed your cat a specie-specific diet meeting all the natural nutritional necessities you are building a foundation of health. Chemicals found in food, water, and the environment are highly toxic and are the root cause of many health conditions; feline and humans.

Choosing cat litters that are natural in substance and appealing for your cat to use to ‘doo’ his or her business is essential. Quality safe outdoor time for an indoor or outdoor cat is essential to their mental health and sense of well-being. Companionship based on the unique characteristics of feline breeds and the individual nature of your cat determines contentment, happiness, and fulfillment.

Toys, games, stimulation, playtime, and mental enrichment all contribute to not only a satisfied kitty but a thriving kitty. And for those times when the unexpected and unforeseen circumstances arise, having holistic remedies and resources at hand can make a world of difference not only in your cat’s life but your life. You’ll feel empowered and enriched.

“Take good care of your cat by making wholesome choices and you won’t find yourself in need of an expert very often because you’ll be your own expert!”

Debbie Criddle

Here is an outline of the tools you can begin implementing immediately with resources and links:

  1. Diet, THE Foundation ~ A Healthy Mind And Body
  2. Chemical Free Environment
  3. Pure Clean Water
  4. The Natural SandBox Chemical Free Litter
  5. Indoors/Outdoors
  6. Healthy Companionship/ Relationship
  7. Learn How To Clip Your Cats Nails And Basic Care
  8. Satisfy Prey Drive
  9. Cats Coming From Unhealthful Living Conditions
  10. First Aid, Basic Care, And Remedies
  11. The Ultimate Living Quarters, A Catio
  12. SUMMARY of Links At The Bottom Of Post

Diet THE Foundation ~ A Healthy Mind And Body

can cats eat steak

How is a feline diet related to the question, how often do you take a cat to the vet? It’s completely related! As I’m sure you know for yourself eating the right foods is mandatory for physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s no different for our feline friends or any sentient being for that matter.

Cats have very specific nutritional needs and when you give the body the proper fuel for the engine the engine runs better and even optimally. Cats are designed to eat a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet. Also known as BARF. Not barf like in ‘barf up’ but Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Raw meats, fowl, fish, bones, organs, and glands are not by any means a new concept for our furred friends.

For decades people have been running to the store to get their pet cat a bag or can of food. The now processed cat food diet replaced a natural, fresh, raw, and wild diet approximately 80-90 years ago. What did cats eat before that? They hunted mice, moles, voles, insects, lizards, fish, and all variety of what was available in the environment they found themselves.

Hunting is a natural drive and where cats derive their complete nutrients from food. But we are talking about domesticated cats here in this post needing the same nutrition they would derive from hunting. Hunting isn’t always practical these days with rodent chemical poisons as common practices to rodent control. Depending upon the area, especially residential cats could easily be poisoned.

Solid Benefits Of Adhering To A Feline Specific Diet

You say, yeah, but my cat doesn’t live in the wild, it’s domesticated and lives a civilized life. Though the relationship between humans and cats has developed to cohabitating together, there is no reason why they can’t be provided with the food/diet that they are designed to thrive on. Literally THRIVE.

Here is a book to get you started learning about the BARF diet. You can read about the BARF diet and then implement providing a raw food diet for your feline buddy. They will LOVE you for it. You will see how their coat shines, their breath doesn’t stink, their poo doesn’t stink, (not kidding on that one) you have to experience it for yourself to believe it.

Where And How To Start Feeding The Optimal Diet

Among other common benefits are that their teeth stay healthy due to the enzymes in the food keeping tartar and plaque down. In a specie-specific diet the health of the tooth is maintained due to the natural inclination to ‘chew bones’ ~ its inherent. They don’t fall prey- literally, to depression and moods, anxiety, and the like because they are getting, absorbing and digesting the nutrients they are absolutely designed to receive.

You will be light years ahead ~ forging the path of optimal well-being and flourishing health for your cat by adhering to an appropriate diet.

*When feeding freeze-dried raw food out of the bag you can reconstitute it with water or you can feed it dry and then your cat will have option to have a drink at their clean fresh water bowl”.

You will be light years ahead forging the path of optimal well-being and flourishing health for your cat by adhering to an appropriate diet. There are also sources to buy freeze-dried or frozen BARF-approved food to get started immediately. Do this whether your cat is brand new to you, a foster, or a stray. You may have just acquired a kitty OR your cat’s health is deteriorating and you haven’t had much success turning it around. Start here:

APPLYING THE BARF PRINCIPLE
1. Dr. Ian BilLinghurst BARF Book
2. Freeze-Dried or Frozen BARF Approved Food

A Feline Friendly Environment Is Chemical Free

This is an easy aspect to miss but equally important is considering your cat’s exposure to chemicals. These days chemicals are found in most household products from laundry detergent to fabric softener to weed killer. However, with awareness from a post such as this, you can begin to de-chemicalize your home and environment, therefore creating a healthy environment for your pets and yourself.

Continuing to answer the question, how often do you take a cat to the vet, steering clear of toxic cleansers in the household goes a long way. Think about carpet powders where your cat’s pads are in constant contact.

Cats absorb through the pads of their feet as well as inhalation of the breath to the lungs. Toxins and chemicals disrupt the endocrine system, the organs and glands and produce inflammation.

Additionally, consider the bowls they eat and drink out of and what they’ve been washed with? Strong fragranced soap or a mild more natural biodegradable dish soap? Pet odor sprays are one of the worst. Can you pronounce the ingredients?

How many words are there to an ingredient name? These are all indicators of less than natural ingredients. Above all, and important to realize is that you won’t need pet sprays when you provide a wholesome diet and holistic lifestyle. Your dog or cat won’t stink ~ I promise!

Pure Clean Water

What’s the best water for your cat? CLEAN. Most of today’s water sources are polluted in one form or another including municipal. Yep! In fact, most people rarely drink tap water anymore and have a filtration system of some kind or have 5-gallon water bottles delivered by a water company. If you wouldn’t drink it why would you let your pet!

HAPPY TIP: Cats should always have fresh water available and it should be changed regularly, even every other day. Having said that, cats naturally are supposed to get most of their water from their food. When a cat is eating a raw diet consisting of muscle tissue, gristle, organs, glands, offal, and meaty bones, you won’t find them hanging over the water bowl very often. Maybe just a few laps here and there.

By no means does this mean not having fresh water available. But what you will notice is that they drink much less water out of the bowl when their diet has the right amount of moisture contained within the uncooked/raw food. ALWAYS have fresh clean water available.

What’s Clean And Fresh?

Bottled water such as Crystal Geyser, Arrowhead, or clean spring water is a good choice. Or a reverse osmosis system with the minerals replaced is the best option.

The Natural Sandbox Chemical-Free Liter

You are probably getting the idea now that keeping chemicals away from your cat and for that matter, yourself is essential in maintaining a level of health. Cat litters are no exception, many are filled with unnatural substrates and highly fragranced. Cats don’t DO fragrances. I

In addition, they are extremely scent sensitive and chemicals from unnatural litter absorb right into the pads of the feet and the mucus membranes of their sinuses. Here is a list of the types of natural cat litter as there are many on the market now:

  • Pine, cedar, and other softwood shavings and pellets
  • Grass seed
  • Recycled paper
  • Recycled corn cobs, kernels, or husks,
  • Wheat and other grains

Here is one of the best natural cat liters we have found. We’ve tested a lot of them! And will have a review page on these soon. But this litter is chemical-free, economical, has minimal dust, and lasts a long time compared to other brands.

In our ongoing dialogue addressing the question, how often do you take a cat to the vet, it really depends on how healthful an environment you are providing on all levels.

Read our Related Post On Why Cats Pee Outside The Litterbox

Learn To Clip Your Cats Nails & Basic Care

how to cut a kittens nails

Clipping your cat’s nails is an empowering process for you and your cat.  Why? Because it requires patience on your part and trust on your cat’s part.  Most people take their cats to the vet to have their nails trimmed because they feel like they don’t know how to do it. 

It’s no different than learning to do anything that you really want to do.  The process that you’ll go through will teach your cat that they can trust you and this also establishes a leadership position for you.

Ideally, start clipping when your cat is a kitten, this will get them used to having their paws handled. That is the ideal but more frequently we acquire cats that are already adults or we adopt cats that may have been feral and then adopted out.  This is the case with our two current cats, Elijah and Isaiah.  Both cats were caught, rescued, neutered, and adopted out without much human contact except for being handled for a brief time.  They came to us pretty much full-on wild. It took time and patience to acclimate them to the trimming process.

It can be done! In learning how to trim your cat you’ll both be better off for it.  Start with handling the feet and pads on a frequent basis.  When your kitty comes up to you for pets and love or curls up in your lap use this time to ‘touch’ the pads and paws for 3-5 seconds.  Then add in rubbing deep in between the pads in the webbing of the feet. 

This also takes time and patience.  For cats, its important to know that they are not being ‘held captive’. Hold them and work with them gently.

The Technique

When they are letting you hold/touch their pad for a short time then start clipping one nail at a time.  You’ll actually squeeze the pad of the toe you’re going to clip and this will make the nail protrude (as shown in the photo above).  Clip the last quarter of the nail. 

HAPPY TIP: If your cat has clear transparent nails you’ll be able to visually see the quick within the nail as a darker or blood colored segment. 

Clip AFTER the quick.  If you clip the quick, it will hurt! Always clip past the quick and you’ll be safe.  And your cat will trust you’re not going to hurt him or her.

The Burrito Method

If you have a cat that is taking longer to build trust you can use ‘the burrito method’ to protect yourself from getting scratched or hurt and to help your cat along.  Simply take a towel or smaller soft blanket and wrap your kitty like a burrito pulling out only one paw.  This keeps the other 3 paws secured while demonstrating to your cat that they can do this. 

Stay with this practice and soon you’ll be able to clip the whole foot in one session. RULE: start with one nail and have success with that.  Add a nail every few days.  Soon you’ll have the whole foot done and then you can start the process on the other foot. 

HAPPY TIP: Make nail clipping fun ~ have treats ready afterward for praising a good job.  Play a game after to program new neural pathways in the brain. Nail clipping is not something to be afraid of but rather something FUN!  You and your cat really can do this.

There is more to clipping cat nails than clipping cat nails.  It ultimately creates trust and a leadership position and as a result bonding.  A huge benefit is that when you need to apply first aid to your cat for an injury or acclimate them to a new situation or environment you’ll be way ahead of the game.  Knowing how to take basic care of your pets will enable you to save time, energy, and money in the short term and the long term.  Building and maintaining relationships with our cats is an adventure.  It’s a positive challenge and creates less dependency on others.

See Our Post On CLIPPING Cat Nails

Indoors Or Outdoors Or Both?

Is your cat an indoor cat or an outdoor cat or both? Regarding injuries, accidents, and the like indoor cats certainly fair better since they are not interacting with potential stressors. But and the big but . . . . is . . . . cats need some outdoor time to fulfill their very basic needs.

At a minimum, they need to get their paws on the earth and sniff the dirt, lawn, plants, and flowers. Dig a little bit. Roll a little bit. Furthermore its essential to their mental and emotional well-being. This is such a necessity an entire book could easily be written on this subject.

Why not let your cat take you for a walk at their speed and take a dive into ‘their’ world.

You can easily replicate getting outdoor needs met safely while having your cat primarily be an indoor cat, therefore reducing risks. Risks of being prey for coyotes and wild dogs, catfights, injuries, eating rodents that have been poisoned, threatening the avian population, and more. You can use pet tents and camping tents laid on the ground, lawn or outdoor area to allow them to sniff the air, bird watch, critter gaze, and simply get a dose of the natural world.

Take your cat for a walk with a cat halter and leash. (We use this exact one and its made well, as we’ve been through quite a few!) Yes, it takes them a minute to get used to it but they are your companion, and its a relationship . . . right? Why not let your cat take you for a walk at their speed and take a dive into ‘their’ world. Animals aren’t on a time watch like humans are, though they know exactly what time it is when it’s time to eat! Have you not witnessed that before in your dog or cat or even horse. That is because they are intuitive.

Let Your Cat Bring You Into The Present Moment

Cats and animals live in the present moment. They are IN the right now. Not worried about yesterday or tomorrow, which is one of the reasons we find their company SO rewarding. Why not let your cat take you for a walk and let yourself slow down and join your best-furred friend in the NOW. Just see how much your mind is concerned with the past and future. It’s no wonder we crave the company of pets who are an extension of the natural world.

Healthy Companion & Relationship Needs

Some theories and people claim that cats are solitary, meaning they do just fine by themselves.  And this may be true, that cats can do fine by themselves and some may prefer a more solitary life. But despite this, many cats really do enjoy the company of another cat or several cats. Some may show it more outwardly and others less so.

Whatever the case maybe it will be important to recognize what your cat’s preferences are. A happy cat is a healthy cat. If your cat does desire the company of another cat, you’ll be far better off acknowledging this fact than evading it. Or your cat may prefer your company alone – be prepared to fulfill your end of the obligation.

Satisfying Your Cats Prey Drive

A cat’s prey drive needs to be satiated in healthy ways. Once again we are building on the cumulative answer to the question, “how often do you take a cat to the vet?” The fewer ensnaralments your feline companion gets into, the fewer visits or emergency calls to the vet.

Playing with your cat frequently with toys and games helps them fulfill the primal need to ‘catch’ something. We have lots of games with our cats; the chlorella game, tennis, and hide and seek, just to name a few.

The chlorella game (which we’ll have a video of soon) is exactly quite that, a chlorella game. We take tiny tablets of chlorella and roll them down the wood floors. They LOVE ‘catching’ the chlorella and then eating it! Such fun!

This single game meets a minimum of four basic needs:

  1. Exercise
  2. Prey drive (catching something)
  3. Eating
  4. Concentrated Nutrition

Additionally, this gives them a highly absorbable form of minerals in concentrated algae. What more could you ask? They love their ‘chlorella game’.

The idea is that you can easily satisfy a cat’s natural prey drive by providing a raw food diet and stimulating games and interactions that allow your cat to thrive.
We also play games with raw treats and roll them for them to catch. They get freeze dried liver, lamb lung and chicken breast treats as part of their diet.

Cats Coming From Unhealthful Living Conditions

When bringing a cat home there are several things that we have to consider and prepare for before we should consider how often we take our cat to the vet. It is less of an issue if you do not have other animals living with you in your home.

Practical Kitty Steps To Take

First: The overall condition of the cat and addressing the coat and skin also, parasites internally and externally.

Second: Diet, beginning the dietary intake and the introduction of a quality food source such as BARF or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food diet.

Third: Clean Water. This cannot be understated. To avoid serious health issues it is imperative not to let your animals drink tap water. A good Reverse Osmoses System that remineralizes the water for the whole house or an under-the-counter system will do the trick. These under-the-counter systems are more affordable and are easier to install than ever before.

This is really important if you live in an apartment or are renting your home to be able to have clean drinking water for you and your kids and animals in other words the whole family.

Their Own Space, The Sandbox & Socialization

Forth: Their little place their little way. Where kitties can have a place to lay down and relax and in addition know where the poddy box is. Make sure to introduce them to their cat box so that they know where to go to take care of business.

Equally important, this is a big part of the relaxation mechanism that allows them to settle into their new surroundings. Very important. New cats should always have NEW litter boxes. This avoids marking in the house when trying to claim their own territory. Give them an new box to mark their territory as THIERS.

Fifth: Acclamation. Some cats get going with their new routine sooner than others. It is important to let things move along organically meaning let the animal dictate the pace of introduction into their new lifestyle. There will be times when we will need to help them along, especially in the socialization department.

Do not just let them recede into the nooks and crannies of the living areas. They will need to explore and find out about their new home and its little ins and outs. But do not let them become reclusive. Teach them to be social with you and your people and the other animals if you have them. It may take some time but it is well worth all of the extra effort.

It is important to let things move along organically ~

Let the animal dictate the pace of introduction into their new lifestyle.

First Aid, Basic Care, And Remedies

There are a plethora of options for your sweet feline when things don’t go as well as our cats thought they should have. Haven’t we ALL been there! Having a Homeopathic remedy kit on hand as well as Flower essences can truly bring peace, calm, and resolution in unimaginable ways. Try them and see for yourself.

When it comes to fright, fear, shock, accidents, tummy upsets, injuries, sprains, new companions in the house, exposures, and the list goes on and on, there are remedies for that as well. The first thing is to educate yourself as to how to use these tools and have them available in the house.

Here are guides/kits to get you started:
Homeopathic First Aid and Emotional Support Kit
Homeopathic First Aid For Animals Treatment Book
#1 Flower Essence To Have On Hand
Flower Essence Repertory Guide Book
The Holistic Animal Handbook

The Ultimate Living Quarters – A Catio

catio ideas

What is a catio and what does it have to do with how often should you take your cat to the vet? A catio is the ultimate in cat living and for that matter people and cat living. To clarify, it is like a pat-io but for cats within an enclosure.

Specifically designed for cats, there are multiple ways and endless ideas to construct an outdoor enclosure off a portion of your house or apartment. Finally, the answer to providing a safe and secure place for your cats to hang out but why not hang out with your cats.

Small enclosures can be easily put together for even a bay-type window enclosure. This allows your cats to be in an environment completely protected from predators, other cats, rodents, and anything else. Let your cats play in the dirt, and plant feline herbs such as catnip and lavender.

Decorate with cat furniture, scratch posts, tubes, catwalks, tunnels, and even DIY water fountains or waterfalls. Add cat-friendly plants, flowers, and greenery. There are plenty of economical ways to bring your catio to life and your cat or cats will truly appreciate it.

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Wrapping UP

So there you have it ~ a small expose’ on holistic cat health and how it should certainly help you answer the question, how often do you take a cat to the vet? Well, if you are your own expert then you’ll be able to answer that question yourself. In this post we covered:

  • Diet, THE Foundation ~ A Healthy Mind And Body
  • Chemical Free Environment (sprays,
  • Pure Clean Water
  • The Natural SandBox Chemical Free Litter
  • Indoors/Outdoors
  • Healthy Companionship/ Relationship
  • Learn How To Clip Your Cats Nails And Basic Care
  • Satisfy Prey Drive
  • Cats Coming From Unhealthful Living Conditions
  • First Aid, Basic Care, And Remedies
  • The Ultimate Living Quarters, A Catio

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Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? INSTANT Fix For This Problem

January 11, 2022 by Debbie

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? You and your cat are good buddies with a special relationship. You know what to expect from each other. At least you used to know! All of a sudden your cat has been peeing outside the litter box. What’s up with that? In this article, we’re going to examine litter box behavior. After answering your question — “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” — we’ll provide you with some solutions.

First of all, don’t get mad at your cat! It could be a result of a health problem. Behavioral issues can also show up as peeing outside the litter box, so let’s examine both root causes. Dr. Cathy Lund of City Kitty in Rhode Island says that “Anything that changes a cat’s feeling of wellbeing can create a change in behavior, and in cats, that means litter box habit changes.”

Health Causes For Cat Peeing Outside The Litter Box

First you ask your holistic cat’s vet, “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” He or she will ask you about details of the problem: how long it’s been going on, how often it happens, if there are changes in eating or drinking habits, and anything else significant. Health causes could include any of the following conditions:

  • Bladder or kidney stones
  • Bladder or kidney infection (often called “UTI” for “urinary tract infection”)
  • Other kidney disorders
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
  • Pain

How To Collect A Cat’s Urine

Provide ample fresh water and make sure no other pets, including you, are around. Here are a few tips if you don’t have a cat urine collection kit:

  • Have a clean medicine dropper and small leak-proof container handy.
  • Wash the litter box thoroughly, shake it dry, and return it empty to its usual place. Hopefully, the cat will pee in it without litter.
  • Same as above, but add a few shreds of clean paper to make the box more inviting.
  • Instead of paper, sprinkle a small amount of non-absorbent litter (yes, there is such a thing!) into the box.
  • Double-bag the urine sample in a bag or another container and put it in the refrigerator immediately. Deliver it to the vet’s office within 24 hours or less.

If your efforts are unsuccessful, the veterinary staff is experienced at specimen collection. You may need to leave your cat overnight.

Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box: Behavioral Reasons

Cat Urinating in house suddenly

If your cat’s health checks out, then you’re still left asking, “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” No worries: there are other causes to explore. According to the Only Natural Pet team, “studies have shown litterbox aversion counts for 50% of all cat behavioral issues and is the number one reason for surrender of cats to shelters.”

The Scent of Old Urine

Cats have a very acute sense of smell, so it’s no surprise that they’ve evolved to take advantage of scent as a means of communication. If humans can detect cat urine scent, we often respond with, “Eeewwww!” To your cat, though, sniffing a pee spot is like spending time on social media and it’s natural to want to post back!

Be aware that human attempts to mask the smell don’t remove it. When introducing a new cat to your home, ALWAYS start with a new box and clean litter. As a matter of fact, if you have multiple cats, it’s a good idea to periodically replace the old litter box with a new one. Imagine how you feel sharing the same toilet all the time with other people, especially if it isn’t clean!

Stress Due to Change

Some cat whisperers believe that anxious cats might find the scent of their own urine comforting to be around because it’s familiar. It reinforces their sense of security that they’re on their own turf without invaders and challengers. Consider how it feels to be a cat: you feel safe in familiar surroundings because you know what to expect.

If you’re suddenly transported to a different setting, you don’t know whose turf you’re on, you no longer know what threats await you, and you don’t know where it’s safe to hide. If you’re able to put yourself in your cat’s shoes, you can better understand the reasons for certain behaviors.

WONDER WHAT THE IMPORTANCE OF DIET IS ON HEALTH

Cat Communication With Humans

Among each other, cats use scent and body language as communication. The more you interact with your pet, the better you’ll be able to “converse.” The other thing to remember is that they are predators; their world focuses on prey, territory, and the safety of their young. You and your cat aren’t fluent in each other’s languages, so it’s natural for both of you to attempt to find creative ways to send messages to each other.

Cat urine is an alphabet! The smell, the location, the concentration, and the frequency all provide information. By now you realize the answer to your repeated question “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” Your cat is trying to tell you something very specific!

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside The Litter Box But Pooping Inside

cat won't pee in the litter box but will poop

Instead of asking “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” maybe you’re fine-tuning your question. Urine marking is often communication in response to territorial triggers such as a household move or the presence of a new animal. Since urine has a much more powerful scent, pooping is usually just for elimination. Most cats bury their feces, which greatly decreases the scent. Burying it also minimizes the chance of spreading intestinal parasites to other cats and kittens in the colony.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Everywhere All Of A Sudden?

If it’s not due to a new health problem such as a UTI, sudden new peeing everywhere might be caused by a new cat in the household or the neighborhood. A new pet of any kind might trigger territorial behavior to announce the true owner of the turf. Another cause might be the tension of separation anxiety.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside The Litter Box At Night?

Again, consider the situation from your cat’s point of view. What is different at night? Try cleaning the litter box right before bed. Pay attention to what kinds of sights and sounds are present at night but not during the day. And vice-versa. Maybe another pet is bullying your cat at night when you’re not awake to stop it. Maybe your cat needs a night light. Provide a new litterbox in a different location and watch what happens.

What Is My Cat’s Opinion Of The Perfect Litter Box

Cleanliness: Cats prefer a large, uncovered box in a sheltered spot with room to turn around as well as to bury their leavings. Large or exceptionally fluffy cats don’t appreciate being cramped any more than you do in a tiny bathroom, especially if more than one cat uses the litterbox. You’ve heard the saying about someone acting as though their poop doesn’t stink; with such sensitive noses, cats definitely have opinions about what stinks! Scoop daily or more often – compare it to flushing your toilet.

If you use a mat around the litter box, sweep it often and wipe it down as needed. Do a monthly scrubbing of the litter box with a gentle cleanser. Strong chemicals are unpleasant to cats, often even toxic. Bleach, for example, when combined with the ammonia in urine, releases poisonous gas!

Location, Location, Location

Location, location, location: Find a quiet spot, away from food and water, that provides a privacy screen of some kind. Your cat looks to you for safety, though, so don’t isolate the box in a place where they might feel cut off from you or trapped. There should be no disturbing or sudden noises nearby. The litter box should be easy to find, especially for a cat who has arthritis or impaired vision. A box on each level of the home is ideal.

The right litter: Just as chefs and wine connoisseurs discuss mouthfeel as part of the tasting experience, cats would discuss “pawfeel” with you if they could. Kittens start learning about pawfeel from their mothers when they’re about three weeks old. Clay litters, ground corncobs, and shredded newspaper all feel very different to sensitive cat paws. Some cats can be induced to switch after gradually mixing a new kind of litter with the familiar, but others will simply seek a new toileting spot.

ONE LITTER BOX PER CAT!!!

Vet recommendations: One box per cat; more is better because some cats include litter boxes in their territorial claims. Leave clay and crystals in the past and choose natural litter. A few cats like to use one box for pee and another for poo. Remember to scoop, scoop, scoop!

A happy life outside the box: Cats need playtime, stimulating toys, hideyholes, places to climb, and windows for watching the goings-on. And they definitely need your love and attention.

Ways To Reinforce Training

All of us need reminders and brush-up training, and cats are no exception. If you have kittens or feral cats around, you’ll find it beneficial to reinforce litter box training. NEVER punish a cat for peeing or pooping outside the litterbox. Yelling, spanking, or rubbing their nose in their waste will break the bond of trust you share. Providing frequent gentle reminders of the location of the clean litter box will be much more effective. You can also leave a bit of fresh poo and a urine-soaked piece of paper towel on top of fresh litter to create a scent message.

How Do I Clean Invisible Pee?

cat peeing outside litter box after move

On a garment with a fresh stain, rinse well with cool water. Add a cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar before machine washing. Repeat with an enzyme cleaner if you can still detect the smell. Dry without heat to prevent the scent from setting permanently. Don’t forget to wash your laundry basket.

If the stain is on cloth furniture or carpet, use a similar method. Some experienced cat people use a 1:1 solution of water with white or apple cider vinegar (half water, half vinegar) after blotting first with cold water. Repeat as needed. The acid in the vinegar will help offset the odor. You can also sprinkle on baking soda, leaving it for at least an hour before vacuuming. The trick is to neutralize, not deodorize. Here’s another trick: a black light will illuminate invisible urine stains on floors and carpets.

After cleaning and neutralizing, cover urine-marked areas to prevent further use. Place food and water bowls to indicate that the area is for dining rather than toileting. You can also try placing cotton balls soaked in a citrus-scented liquid such as lemon juice or lemon oil as a deterrent. Your vet might suggest other scents that smell good to humans but deter cats from marking.

The Best Litter For Cats Who Pee Outside The Litter Box

cat keeps peeing outside litter box

Before we go on, here’s a trivia question for you: Who invented cat litter? Answer: Edward Lowe, back in the 1940s, came up with a way to help a neighbor whose cat was tracking ashes all over the house. Until he came along, people put ashes, sand, or dirt in their cat’s boxes.

Consider litter from the feline viewpoint. With their incredible sense of smell, they prefer a clean, natural, unperfumed material for toileting. Baking soda and charcoal additives absorb the scent for humans but not for cats; the best scent control is frequent scooping. Cats also like something comfortable that doesn’t kick up dust when they paw through it.

Rule out clay and crystals. Clay is cheap but it turns gluey when wet. In addition to being dusty, clay often contains silicates which are bad for the respiratory system. The dust clings to fur where it later is licked off and swallowed, later leading to digestive problems. Crystal litter contains sodium silicate, the same chemicals labeled “DO NOT EAT” in little packets meant to absorb moisture. The crystals are also hard and sharp on tender paws.

Here are some natural, biodegradable litter ingredients you’ll want to look for because they’re better for your cat as well as the environment:

Biodegradable Litter Ingredients

  • Recycled corn cobs, kernels, or husks: Usually flushable, dust-free, clumping, absorbent, providing good odor control
  • Wheat and other grains: Usually flushable, dust-free, clumping, absorbent, providing good odor control; some pets might find it tasty, though!
  • Pine, cedar, and other softwood shavings and pellets: Low dust, absorbent, deodorizing, may be flushable in small amounts; turns to sawdust when wet – often used with a special filter so the sawdust falls below the screen for easy emptying
  • Grass seed: Clumps fast and hard, flushable, dust-free, providing good odor control
  • Recycled paper: Dust-free, doesn’t stick to incisions or wounds

Remember that the best litter in the world won’t make your cat happy unless you scoop daily. Scoop three times daily! Scoop the litter every time YOU go to the bathroom and your cat will love you!

A Note About Cat Poop

Because cat feces can transmit the bacterial disease toxoplasmosis to water and soil, never flush it. Dispose of it as regular trash. For the same reason, to prevent any risk of contamination, never use any cat litter as compost for edible crops.

Final Thoughts: Now Here’s Your Chance To Play Detective

To quote Sherlock Holmes, “the game’s afoot!” If you don’t know what that means, the famous English detective said those words when he was about to jump to the challenge of solving a mystery! After being informed through this post about cat psychology and behavior, try tuning into your cat by becoming aware of the subtleties. Amazingly, this will help you in every other area of life as life; hence, the conception “Animals are our teachers ~ if we are so willing”.

What Do Cats Like To Eat For Breakfast? The Feline Connoisseur

February 25, 2022 by Debbie

What do cats like to eat for breakfast? “Anything!” you answer. Yes, that’s correct, but there’s more to it than that. You’re wondering if there’s any special food that cats should have to start their day. We’re going to answer that question for you as well as several others. Keep reading.

At the same time, we’re also going to explore some different kinds of foods for your cat. Some of it might surprise you! By the time you finish reading this post, not only will you know what do cats like to eat for breakfast (and lunch and dinner), but you’ll also better understand how to keep them as healthy as they can be. You’ll know how to satisfy their hunting instinct as well.

What Do Cats Like to Eat for Breakfast?

If you look this up on the internet, you might come across this joke. Are you ready?
Question: What do cats like to eat for breakfast?
Answer: Mice Krispies!

When Do Cats Like to Eat?

Breakfast, as you know, is how we humans break the fast of sleeping long hours without any food. Although cats are like us in many ways, they operate on a different kind of internal clock. Cats are not nocturnal, as many people think, but instead are crepuscular — pronounced “kre-PUSS-kyoo-ler” — most active at dawn and dusk.

In the wild, many prey animals are out and about during those times, so predators are naturally programmed to do the same.

Domestic cats don’t have to do the crepuscular thing but they do enjoy crepuscular snacks if you’re up for it.

What Is the Natural Cat Diet?

In the wild, cats naturally hunt small animals such as rodents, birds, insects, and rabbits. They not only eat muscle tissue, but also organs and bones. The natural cat diet includes a variety of plants in small amounts. They consume some from the stomachs of their prey, but also enjoy certain edible flowers, herbs, and certain grasses.

Can Cats Eat Eggs?

Hard-boiled or poached eggs make a good contribution to your feline pet’s diet. Even though outside cats may eat raw eggs, they’re only eating the eggs of small birds such as sparrows. Definitely not big chicken eggs.

Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin which blocks the absorption of biotin (Vitamin B7) which is necessary for metabolism in all the major body systems. Raw egg whites can also transmit salmonella and e. coli, both of which may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain in cats as well as humans.

Do Cats Eat Eggshells?

In the wild, cats often eat the shells of small birds because they are rich in many important minerals. Poultry eggshells make an excellent dietary supplement to your house cat’s diet when prepared properly. Rinse the eggshells while leaving the membrane intact and let them air dry.

You can bake them for a short time at 300 degrees to make them more brittle. After grinding to a fine powder, put them in a glass jar with a lid and store them in a dark, cool place.

Is Tuna Good For Cats?

Tuna is a good dietary supplement for cats. Canned tuna is more healthful when packed in water than in oils or salty broths. Other canned fish relished by cats include salmon and sardines. Mercury poisoning becomes a risk only if offered too frequently. Fresh fish is better baked, boiled, or grilled rather than fried.

What Kind of Meat Is Good For Cats?

breakfast for cats

To give your cat the best, consider two things: nutrient density and preparation method. Fresh, unprocessed lean meats are the most nutritious. Raw meats are the most natural but often what is commercially available is neither fresh nor unprocessed nor uncontaminated.

Given choices, most cats will sniff everything offered to them and refuse what is harmful. When feeding your cat, avoid meat with added salt, fat, artificial colors, and unneeded preservatives.

Do Cats Need To Eat Vegetables?

Cats need some plant material, and any time of the day is fine! You can share bits of your cooked carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, summer squash like zucchini, winter squash like pumpkin, broccoli, or asparagus with your feline friends. They can also eat oat grass and lemongrass.

What Is Green Tripe? The Best Flora Builder For Your Cat

Tripe is the stomach lining of cud-chewing animals such as cattle, deer, and bison. Giraffes, too. Natural tripe is a brownish color but is called “green” when raw and unprocessed. It is rich in nutrients that also include the “good bacteria” that aid digestion.

If you eat yogurt for your health, you’re also populating your own intestines with lactobacillus acidophilus, known for controlling populations of e. Coli, salmonella, and listeria, all notorious “bad bacteria.” Because green tripe is unprocessed, it often contains residue of digestive enzymes that are healthful for your cat.

Although green tripe is commercially packaged in different forms, the most beneficial form is raw and fresh. To find it, check out your local food co-ops, farmers’ markets, and butcher shops. What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Yummy green tripe!

Is a Raw Diet Good for Cats?

A clean, balanced raw diet is excellent for cats. Raw foods won’t turn your cat wild or aggressive. Well-nourished pets feel good physically and emotionally because their needs are being met. Poorly nourished pets on high-carb diets may maintain a healthy weight but exhibit irritability and unpredictability from sugar highs and insulin spikes.

Some possessive guarding behavior such as growling is normal because they don’t want to share the deliciously awesome “rawsome” morsels! Think of it like this, though: if you eat rare steak, do you morph into a vampire? Does eating sushi motivate you to go spearfishing?

If you’re concerned about the transmission of bacteria and parasites from raw meat, remember that the carnivore digestive and immune systems have long been adapted to consuming prey animals as well as carrion.

The danger of contamination from raw meat is more applicable to humans engaging in improper food handling techniques in the kitchen.

Home Cooking for Your Cat ~ RECIPES

Here are three recipes that are quick and easy to cook up (modified from https://shopee.sg/blog/easy-homemade-dog-cat-food-recipes/):

Grain-Free Meatloaf for Cats

KITTY CAT RECIPE

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Servings: 17 portions

Ingredients:
2.2 lbs (1kg) organic ground beef, 90% lean
2.2 lbs (1kg) organic ground turkey thighs (skinless and boneless)
1/2 cup (115g) organic squash
1/4 cup (60g) organic mixed berries
1/4 cup (60g) organic broccoli
2 cans sardines in water
1/4 cup (60g) organic kale
2.2 lbs (1kg) organic mixed chicken organs, ground

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350º F
Shred squash with a cheese grater
Puree the organic broccoli, organic kale, berries, sardines, and shredded squash with a food processor
Place the ground meat into a large mixing bowl and add the pureed vegetable and fruit mixture; mix everything together until well incorporated
Pour the mixture into a ceramic baking dish and bake for 60 minutes
Allow to cool fully before dividing it into 17 portions
Freeze in the baking dish covered with cling wrap film

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This sounds tempting: Sardine Oat Porridge for Cats

KITTY CAT RECIPE

Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3 bowls

Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1¼ cups water
1 tin sardines in water

Instructions:
Pour the rolled oats into a small pot with water and bring it to a simmer slowly for about 8 minutes
When oatmeal is cooked and thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool
Drain sardine and mash with fork, then mix into oatmeal
Store in the fridge and serve as desired

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Vegetable Omelette for Cats

KITTY CAT RECIPE

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 bowl

Ingredients:
2 tbsp water
3 eggs
3 tbsp cottage cheese (preferably raw unprocessed cottage cheese)
2 tbsp vegetables, grated (we suggest carrots, zucchini, lettuce, and pumpkin)

Instructions:
Combine water and eggs and beat well
Cook the mixture in a non-stick pan on medium-low heat for about 6 minutes
Flip the omelet over and spread the cottage cheese and grated vegetables over half of the cooked omelet
Fold the omelet and remove from heat
Allow to cool before cutting into bite-sized pieces to serve

Are you STILL asking what do cats like to eat for breakfast? Check out the other recipes for cats including Chicken Feet Broth, Catnip Soup, and Tuna Catnip Treats.

FAQ

Are Table Scraps Bad for My Cat?

It depends on what you eat!

Should I Feed My Cat In The Morning?

Even though cats don’t keep time the way we do, feed your cat a nutrient-dense meal when you first get up. Because it’ll be the first serving of food in several hours, the meal should provide energy with a fresh dose of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, fiber, and other necessary ingredients like taurine.

What Is The Food That Cats Love The Most?

what do kitty cats like to eat for breakfast

Love the most or need the most? What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Check out some of the recipes cat nutritionists have created just for your beloved feline companion!

How Do I Feed A Finicky Old Cat?

Lots of things can cause finicky eating, especially in older cats. Many different health conditions including dental problems cause cats to be picky eaters. Old age can cause decreased scenting ability, gum infection and loss of teeth, painful mobility, altered nutritional needs, and often undiagnosed diseases such as diabetes and impaired kidney function.

Offering frequent small meals without other pets nearby will help. What do cats like to eat for breakfast if they’re old and finicky? Probably several small breakfasts without interference from other pets who want the same treatment.

Why Should I Switch To An Expensive Raw Diet When My Cat Is Fine With What He’s Getting?

Everybody is fine until they’re not. “Fine” in the animal world means hiding problems from hungry predators looking for weak, sick prey. Healthy adult animals may appear fine, but growing kittens and elderly cats have special nutritional needs.

You can damage their immune systems, interfere with healing, and shorten their lives by providing low-quality food. Saving money by using the cheapest food often will catch up to you later with three- and four-figure vet bills.

Are Any Foods Good For My Cat’s Teeth?

Giving kittens good nutrition will provide the building blocks for strong bones and teeth as well as support for a strong immune system. As far as actually cleaning cats’ teeth, kibble is less effective than training your cat to allow dental care.

Periodontitis, the condition of inflammation of gum tissue, is caused by sticky bacterial plaque hardening into yellowish-gray tartar that builds up on tooth enamel over time.

In the natural world, cats hold meat with their fangs, rip off chunks, and then swallow pieces without much chewing. There is no kibble in the natural world, but regularly chewing the small, soft bones of prey such as mice and birds helps rub off the plaque. Eating larger bones, especially if they’ve become brittle from cooking, is dangerous because they can splinter or get stuck in the throat or digestive tract.

Raw chicken wings are excellent for your cat’s teeth. Most domestic cats won’t know what to do with a wing if they have been eating commercial cat food for a length of time. But gradually you can train your cat to naturally partake in and enjoy small raw bones. This in turn will help their gums and teeth stay healthy and/or remove built-up plaque.

Is Milk Good For My Cat?

are cats lactose intolerant

No. Even though many cats like milk, most are lactose-intolerant and can’t digest milk. Almond milk is ok and so is a small amount of plain Greek yogurt with live cultures of “good bacteria” but without added sugar is an acceptable occasional snack.

Can My Cat Get Parasites From Eating Raw Meat And Fish?

Yes, but they’re more likely to get parasites from licking infested feces from their paws after walking through grass. They can also contract parasitic infections from eating the stomachs and intestines of prey as well as from fleas. They can also pass some species of worms back and forth to each other.

What Is The The Food Safety Modernization Act?

This isn’t a Frequently Asked Question but it should be because of the frightening number of pet food recalls. To be fair, there are always a frightening number of human food recalls every year, too. The FSMA means well, but if enacted will strongly affect manufacturers of raw pet foods.

Focusing on bacterial cross-contamination from raw sources, the FSMA recommends cooking; heat destroys bacteria but also destroys a significant amount of the nutritional value. In human terms, the guidelines would be similar to mandating that all yogurt with live cultures be boiled. More legislation is needed in this area.

Waiting For You

When you open your eyes and realize that your cat is waiting for you, it’s for two reasons. One is because — you guessed it — he wants to tell you what do cats like to eat for breakfast. The other reason is that he’s awake and has been awake and wants you to be awake because he loves you and misses your company.

Final Thoughts

What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Now that you understand them, you know how to give them what they need and want. And you don’t have to get up at dawn to serve them!

Check Out Our Related Posts

Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest?
Why Does My Cat Pee Outside the Litter Box?
Why Do Cat Lick Each Other ~ Nothing But Love
How To Restrain A Cat To Clip Nails
Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Can Dogs EAT Bell Peppers

Finding a holistic veterinarian:
https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/

Common health problems and holistic supplements:
https://www.holisticpetinfo.com/common-health-problems-in-dogs-and-cats.html

Information on cat nutrition plus sample raw and cooked cat meals:
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/homemade-cat-food-and-raw-cat-food

Pet health blog on dental health:
https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/dental-disease-in-pets-causes-treatment-and-prevention

Safe food handling for meat:
http://www.meatsafety.org/ht/d/sp/i/26023/pid/26023#:~:text=Wash%20hands%20thoroughly%20in%20hot,held%20fresh%20meats%20or%20poultry

Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest? Strong Heart!

January 28, 2022 by Debbie

For reasons beyond what lies in the obvious, we’ll give you some possible clues as to why you might be asking the question, Why does my cat lay on my chest? It’s not easy to decipher whether cats should be considered solitary or social. In my book, I would have to say ~ Both! Cats can exhibit tendencies toward both ends of the equation. This seems both entirely natural and unique to each cat. Your cat may lay on your chest one moment and the next to be completely content to sit in the window at the opposite end of the house.

So, Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest?

It might not surprise you to learn that cats are affectionate animals. Cats are highly social, and they bond with their owners, other pets in the house, and even people who aren’t part of the family. While it’s impossible to know what goes on inside of your cat’s mind, there are some clues that can help us figure out why your kitty likes to cuddle with you at night. 

So, to answer the question – you should check out these three possible explanations below, read on!

Your Cat Wants You To Be Her Pillow

One explanation for this behavior is purely functional – maybe your cat wants you to be her pillow! When a cat sleeps somewhere new, they’re likely to test it out before they fully commit.

One way cats do this is by kneading or clawing at their sleeping surfaces, which helps them mark that place as their own (similarly to the way dogs will mark new places). This isn’t thought to be a problem unless you’re not keen on having shredded sheets!

Your Cat Wants To Be Warm

Kittens like to suckle when they are young, and one of the best ways they can secure momma cat’s attention is by purring and cuddling with her. When your cat curls up with you, it may simply be because she feels comfortable there. Many cats also enjoy curling up with soft blankets or under a comforter.

Cats love routine, and they like to stick to it whenever possible. Cats are highly intelligent animals that thrive in a stable environment where they know what’s expected of them from day to day – but even more importantly, they crave your attention! Spending time curled up with you might be part of her nightly routine, one that she’ll hold onto tightly for the rest of time!

Your Cat Wants To Bond With You

cat lays on my chest when I'm sad

It seems clear why cats would want to cuddle up close to their owners at night – but maybe you’re wondering how come your cat likes this behavior so much while other cats don’t seem interested?

Well, it’s probably not the case that every cat likes to cuddle with you. But even if your cat isn’t a big snuggler during the day, that doesn’t mean she won’t curl up with you at night. Cats are just like people in that they have different tendencies and personalities. Some cats are even more social than others! The good news is that while not every cat wants to be your bestie, most do enjoy being close to their humans! 

Now Let’s Go Deeper In Answering The Question “Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest?”

Cats are social animals, first and foremost. They’ve evolved over time to enjoy the company of their own species, as well as other warm-blooded creatures – including humans! That’s why cats are known for being quite affectionate toward their owners.

Some people even claim that petting a cat can help lower your blood pressure. Not to mention, cats are known for being very generous with their people when they’re in the mood. 

Scientists have proven that petting a cat releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins. Endorphins play a critical role in making people feel happy and relaxed. This is one reason why so many cats love to be petted or scratched!

Here are some of our favorite replies to the question, “Why Does Cat Lay On My Chest?” 

Cats are affectionate creatures that crave attention

Cats are often misunderstood to be aloof, but they’re actually very loving and social. Your cat will definitely appreciate it if you snuggle up on the couch together for a movie. This behavior is especially true among cats who have been adopted from shelters. This is true since these cats never knew their mother’s love, petting can become an even more valuable pastime. Additionally, some play styles are more similar between kittens and young children than adult cats.

Cats are extremely sensitive to the energy around them, so when they sense positive emotions, they want to be involved

Cats are very aware of the energy around them, so when they sense positive feelings or emotions from us or others, they want to be near.

When your cat is sitting on your chest or your shoulder, she is responding to the feelings you have towards her. Cats can read human facial expressions easily, and if she senses that you’re feeling happy and comfortable with her being there, then this behavior will continue if not intensify!

It’s all about that scent! Cats identify people by their nose, so when they’re feeling curious, they want to get up close and personal

Ever wonder why your cat always greets you after you’ve been away? Maybe it’s because she can smell traces of other humans and animals on you. There are also other scents associated with humans – like toothpaste or body lotion. So, if you have recently applied any of these items, your cat may be drawn to check them out. After all, cats have a stronger sense of smell than dogs!

Here’s an interesting fact: Did you know that cats also use their sense of smell to communicate? By exchanging scents, cats can understand a lot about each other’s lives.

Cats are very tactile creatures and love feeling things on their bodies, so when they see your chest as a soft surface…well why not lay there!

Much like dogs that shake themselves off after going for a swim, cats will sometimes hop onto surfaces that feel really good on their skin – like a furry pillow or a comfy cozy blanket or fuzzy carpet. Your chest is quite cozy and warm, making it the perfect place for a kitty to curl up. Like we mentioned earlier, cats are often very attracted to where you are located in your home – like your bed, for example.

A Few More Question you might be asking about your Feline Friends . . . . .

Why Does My Cat Love Staring At Me?

So, if your cat loves you more than anything, that doesn’t mean there’s anything unusual about her behavior. It just means that she craves your attention and positive energy just like any other cat would!

why does my cat stare at me

Finding your tabby cat laying on your chest in the morning, head cocked and staring up at you. This may seem adorable – until she wakes you up three more times throughout the day! Your cat is not trying to be a pest but rather show her love for you. This is why this common feline behavior happens more often with those cats who are closest to their humans.

Your kitty might notice if you’re not around other people for prolonged periods of time – maybe you work from home or are off traveling abroad – and will want to be in the mix when that happens. Or, maybe she senses that something in particular in your routine has changed – like you haven’t pet her in a while or one of your family members has passed away. She can also pick up on emotions surrounding where she is.

A cat’s instinct as a predator is to stalk and lay in wait for prey before pouncing. When they catch sight of their favorite human, something primal kicks in that makes them want to mimic that behavior. It’s important for us as cat parents to understand what we’re seeing and remove the reward of attention when she engages in it.

Why Does My Cat Stay Close and Stare When I’m Sad?

Perhaps the first time your cat comes up to you with this behavior is when you are sad or crying. Your cat may have witnessed this, or she may have picked up on the fact that something seems wrong by your energy alone. No matter the reason for her actions, she’s instinctively trying to comfort and care for you. Cats are often drawn to those who are hurting emotionally because they believe that their presence will help ease their pain. 

Why Does My Cat Love Laying On My Chest With Her Back To Me?

Your cat is a very social being, and because of this, she wants to build a bond with you. When your cat spoons on your chest or shoulder with her back against you, it’s a sign that she loves and trusts you. She feels safe enough in this position to allow herself to relax completely. This also means that your kitty may be purring nonstop at the same time! 

My Cats Paws Clutch My Neck ~ Love Hugs

Have you woken up like this before? Your cat has probably walked across your face or nudged you repeatedly until you finally move enough for her to get the message to go away. But when she finally does hop up on your chest and nuzzles her face into yours, it will likely be an overwhelming experience. Your cat doesn’t intend to harm you and is not trying to suffocate you – quite the opposite! She’s showing how much she cherishes and loves you.

Cat Are Independant And Sometimes Distant

why do cats face away from you

Most of us would love for our cats to cuddle with us all day long! And although this behavior does happen from time to time, your kitty isn’t going to want to stay like that forever. Cats are naturally nocturnal animals who like to rest during the day and have a burst of energy at night. There may be times when she’ll lay on top of you as you sleep or through the night while you’re still in bed.

Why Does My Cat Lay On Me Every Morning?

Cats are territorial, and they tend to be more comfortable in one area of the house than others. This is often your bedroom or sleeping area, where she feels safe and secure. Your cat may get up every morning and walk across your bed to lay on your chest for a few minutes before she starts her daily routine. Touch is important for all of us, and it’s especially comforting for cats who crave physical contact and affection from their humans more than anything else! 

Why Does My Cat Sleep Next To Me?

why does my cat sleep next to me

If your cat sleeps next to you, it’s a clear sign that she trusts and adores you. Cats love sleeping in small spaces, so if she curls up right next to you or wants to curl up between your legs for the night, consider yourself lucky! It could also mean that your kitty is anxious at night and doesn’t want to be alone. There are plenty of reasons why cats sleep with their humans, so it really comes down to the individual personality of each feline friend.

What Does It Mean When Your Cat Sleeps On You?

What does it mean when your cat sleeps on you? Well, we’ve already given away some of the answers! But if your cat is cuddling up next to you and pushing herself onto your chest or face, it means she loves and trusts you. Your cat wants to spend time with you and get her daily dose of affection from you. So go ahead and pet her head or scratch her chin – she’ll love every minute of it!

Cats Love to Wake Us Up ~ “It’s Time For Breakfast!!!”

Your cat knows when her human needs affection and attention more than ever before! When we wake up in the morning after getting a full 8 hours of sleep, our minds and bodies feel rejuvenated. However, because we’re not fully awake yet, our cats recognize that it’s the perfect time to give us love and comfort. The difference in energy levels between you and your kitty is huge. If your cat is coming up to you empty-pawed, call her over for some lovin’ and she’ll be back in no time!

Why Do Cats Sit On Your Chest?

You might be wondering why your cat sits on your chest after you sit down. This is another way she shows her love for you! If your kitty decides to sit right on top of your chest, it’s a sign that you’re loved and appreciated. Cats are less clingy than dogs when they want attention, so this behavior means even more to us humans because we know how much effort our feline friends put into making us feel special!

Final Thoughts

In answer to the question, “Why Does My cat lay on My Chest?”

As we can see, there are many reasons why our cats do this. Many cats love to be next to their person or people most of the time. And some appear much more aloof, although they aren’t necessarily trying to be ‘aloof’. Cats are generally solitary in nature and often need autonomy.

Your cat can also display a combination of these behaviors, which is probably the most common thing to see. Just be ‘tuned’ into your cat and its needs. They often will communicate through neediness or too much aloofness. Hone your awareness skills and slow down enough to really listen to what they may be trying to tell you.

If your cat is sleeping next to you or laying across your chest multiple times per day, consider yourself lucky! If any of these behaviors seem alarming or they’re happening more often than before, ask yourself what else your cat might be trying to tell you other than she loves and trusts you. Cats are very expressive, but they can also be picky about who they show their affection to.

Savannah Cat Or Bengal Cat ~ Walking On The Wild Side

February 27, 2022 by Debbie

Savannah Cat Or Bengal Cat? What’s the main difference between these two wilder-type cats? First, we are going to discuss the defining characteristics of the Savannah Cat followed by the uniqueness of the Bengal Cat. And finally, we’ll do some comparisons of the two since they look similar but definitely have different temperaments and dispositions.

The Savannah Cat

savannah cat f1

If you were asked to name the largest domestic feline breed, what would you say? Most people who know a thing or two about cats usually say that the largest is the Maine Coon, which is the size of a small to medium dog. While they wouldn’t be wrong, they also wouldn’t be right.

The actual answer is the Savannah cat. This breed was originally created in the mid-1980s by crossing an African Serval cat with a domestic feline. Without a doubt, that is no easy feat because most wild cats are not likely to mate with their domesticated cousins. If you are fascinated by this idea, or just exotic cats in general, read on.

The African Serval And The Start Of The Savannah Breed

Imagine a graceful, very long-legged feline with leopard- or cheetah-like spots slinking through the high Savannah grasses of Africa as it tracks down prey. That is exactly what the African Serval is. It closely resembles its Cheetah cousins with its long slender legs and spots, and it shares the African plains with its cousin too.

However, the Serval is a hunting and killing machine, a fierce predator that will go after poisonous snakes just as easily as it goes after birds, rats, and baby animals that get separated from their mothers and the herds. So why would anyone want such an animal in their home?

It’s the idea of owning something almost wild, much like wanting to own a tiger or lion while still knowing it could maul, maim, or kill you. The big difference here is that the Savannah cat isn’t quite as wild because it’s been bred with a domestic cat. It’s slightly less ferocious and every bit as beautiful.

The Size of the Savannah

If you had an Australian Shepherd, you would know that that is exactly how big the Savannah kitties become. They may start out as cute balls of fluff, but as they grow, their legs get really long. That’s a genetic gift from the Serval, which requires the long legs to see up high through the tall grasses in Africa. The Savannah is a big cat.

Their heads are quite small, with really large ears. The Serval doesn’t have large ears; those come from a domestic cat. What it does have are ears that pivot full one-hundred-eighty degrees like sonar dishes to pick up sounds only wild animals can hear when they hunt.

Between the really tall, pointed ears of the domestic cats and the pivoting sonar ears of the Serval, the Savannah gets the best of both worlds.

The more docile and less wild and ferocious the Savannah the better, especially if you have children. The National Registry for Cats does not allow for declawing or defanging either, which presents a major concern if you purchase an F1 savannah cat or F2 savannah cat.

An F5 is generally the safest around children, but you still can’t keep it around other animals.

Legal Issues of Owning a Savannah

Savannah cat owners need to be aware, in a handful of states, the big cat is completely illegal and considered too dangerous to keep as a pet. In other states, it is only allowed if caged, regardless of its F-rating and distance from its Serval lineage.

Still, a few more states require that you get a permit to own such an animal, which is often difficult to get because you have to justify why you want one in the first place.

Savannah Temperament and the Need for a Lot of Space

how much is a savannah cat

They are still instinctually territorial, so Savannah cats need a lot of room to roam. If your house is tiny, or your property small, these cats are not for you. You should also know that if a Savannah gets out of your house and your yard, it can and will roam several miles from home.

These cats can also jump twelve feet straight up into the air. Your typical property fence is not enough. They can and will climb trees, they love water and can swim, and they are exceedingly clever enough to figure out how to escape. Most people who own a Savannah often build a large outdoor enclosure complete with a fenced-in roof for these cats to roam when the need arises each day.

Be Prepared for the Wild Sounds They Make

These felines will purr when petted, which is nice considering that the rest of the sounds they make are most unnerving. If you live with a Savannah long enough, their vocals become less unnerving, but initially, it might throw you for a loop. They do not meow like a domesticated cat.

Instead they:

  • Hiss like a cobra in a very loud tone to scare off anything or anyone they think is a threat.
  • Growl like a mountain lion to warn you they don’t want to be touched now.
  • Howl softly when they want your attention or they want to be fed.

If you can adapt to an animal that does not meow when you would expect it to, then you should be okay. You just have to remember that these cats are a partly wild animal, and they will sound more wild than domestic.

A Savannah Owner Will Reconsider Having Other Pets

These half-wild animals do not pair well with other pets, not even other domestic cats. Because of their territorial nature and their immense stature, other pets would be in danger. They would view other non-Savannah cats as a threat to their territory, and may even shred them with their long claws.

Dogs are a definite no, since the nature of the wild Serval in the Savannah would seek to defend its territory against a natural enemy.

For the Savannah owner, it is best to wait until all other pets in the house have passed away before getting this exotic cat. This is especially true if you have birds, fish, or anything smaller than the Savannah might see as “lunch” instead of another family pet.

If your children are still infants or toddlers, it is also a good time to wait as these cats do not respond well to having tails or ears tugged/pulled as in the typical family of a cat owner with a domesticated cat. They are generally well-behaved with elementary school-aged children and older, although some children might still find them intimidating with the sounds these cats tend to make.

The Start of the Bengal Breed

Bengal cats are a cross between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats. They’re a comparatively recent breed but have become popular because of the dramatic markings on their coat. Despite their spots, they’re not related to leopards.

The hybrid crosses resulted in strikingly beautiful and intelligent cats, now accepted in all 50 states as a recognized breed.

The Bengal Coat

bengal cat personality

Bengal coats are something special. They have thick, dense, shiny, plush fur that glistens beautifully in the sunlight. What’s more, they don’t shed a lot and require minimal grooming. Because of the way they groom themselves, little saliva or dander accumulates on the fur, making them ideal for people with cat dander allergies.

Bengals are known for a wide variety of colors and patterns, which change during the first few years. Breeders have often focused on spot size and shape rather than temperament, selecting cats for the most notable markings.

Pattern types include:

  • Rosetted (shaped like arrowhead, doughnuts, or pawprints)
  • Spotted
  • Marbled (mottling with irregular patching and streaking like marble)

Bengal breed colors include:

  • Snow (from Siamese crossing): White to cream ground with seal markings, tail tip, and blue eyes
  • Silver: White to steel ground with steel or black markings and tail tip
  • Brown: Light brown ground with darker brown markings
  • Blue: Pale blue gray ground with darker blue markings and dark tail tip
  • Charcoal: Grayish brown ground with dark spots
  • Black or Melanistic: Black ground with black ghost markings

Physical Attributes of the Bengal Breed

Bengals generally range in weight from 8-15 pounds of bulky muscle, similar to a medium or large house cat. They usually have green, gold, or hazel eyes although certain coat colors come with blue eyes.

Special Considerations If You Want to Buy a Bengal Cat

Because they’re intelligent, active, and get bored easily, you’ll want to keep them supplied with lots of different toys. Although they’d undoubtedly love being able to run free outside, they can wreak havoc: not only are they predators who will kill other small animals of all kinds, but they don’t have the same concept of territory as you.

You think that your deed defines your property lines, right? Your Bengal urinates to mark where he or she decides his or her property lines are! And will engage in violent fights to defend that territory. For those reasons, your Bengal will need to stay inside.

However, many Bengal fans have discovered that they easily accept training to wear a harness and that they very much enjoy agility training to exercise both their minds and bodies. You’ll want to socialize your Bengal cat with people early on, frequently, and thoroughly to prevent fearful or aggressive behaviors.

A final word of advice from someone experienced in the workings of the Bengal mind: keep your toilet lid down! Do not forget!

Bengal Temperament and the Need for a Lot of Space

bengal cat size

Comparison of Savannah Cat Vs. Bengal Cat

Size: Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat – Savannahs weigh 12-25 pounds or more and are noted for their tallness from those long legs, standing up to 17 inches high at the shoulders; Bengals weigh 8-15 pounds, and have dense, muscular bodies, standing 13-16 inches at the shoulders.

Lifespan: Savannahs live 12-20 years; Bengals have a similar life span at 12-16 years.

Personality: Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat – Both are intelligent, active, curious, affectionate, athletic, love to climb, demanding of your attention, highly territorial, dangerous to outside wildlife, and very vocal. Savannahs do not get along with other pets and will consider them territorial invaders or prey, so you should have no other animal in the home.

Bengals, if socialized during kittenhood, can enjoy other pets in the home, especially dogs and some other cats; however, they should always be monitored in case something triggers their predatory streak.

Talkiness: Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat – Both are very vocal but in different ways. Bengal vocalizing is less Siamese-sounding but they’re just as talkative, making a variety of amusing and almost word-like mews, meows, and other sounds which they use to charm their humans.

Health, Genetics, and Price

Medical Issues: Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat – Both are susceptible to the same issues that affect other felines.

Complications from obesity: In the case of savannahs and Bengals, because both are descended from very active predators, they can get easily bored being confined in the domestic setting, and that fact, in addition to being neutered, can easily lead to boredom eating. Boredom eating, as you probably know, can lead to obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes. A potentially fatal condition is hepatic lipidosis, developing within 48 hours when an obese animal is deprived of food.

Dental disease: Common in animals not receiving dental care and a proper diet, it can lead to gum and bone disease, abscesses, pain, and even sepsis and death.

Genetic tendencies: Savannah cats are amazingly healthy with few known genetic risks. On the other hand, Bengals are prone to a few issues.

Price: Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat – Both are pricey because of the careful breeding as well as because people are willing to pay that much. Savannahs start around $2000; Bengals from breeders run from $1000-$10,000 depending on the F generation, although rescues may only cost a few hundred dollars.

A note about rescued exotics: they may have behavior problems or, more likely, their former owners may have had unrealistic expectations.

Special Considerations: Savannah Cat Or Bengal Cat vs Domestic Cat

Savannah Cats grow at a fast rate so proper nutrition is vital. They do not require a raw meat diet however a raw meat diet is the most nutritional diet available if properly prepared.

Finding a Veterinarian Specializing in Exotic Cats

Despite the many differences between the savannah cat vs Bengal cat, you can see that they have much in common. You’ll need to find a local veterinarian who is willing and able to provide care for your savannah or Bengal. Every type of animal has its own special needs. Be aware that appointments and procedures will likely cost much more than those for domesticated pets. Some enthusiasts will report that regular vets can provide for exotic cat needs but you’ll need to contact the individual doctor to learn if they feel comfortable doing so. Here are a couple of websites to help you:

Finding the Right Food (Instead Of Your Other Pets)

As with any pets you care for, you’ll want to provide a fresh, nutrient-dense, natural diet for your savannah or Bengal. You know that several types of foods exist for domestic cats, depending on their age, activity level, medical condition, and other characteristics; choosing the right diet for your exotic cat requires the same mindful efforts.

MYTH: Raw food makes your pets more aggressive! Maybe you’ve been told not to give your dog or cat blood or raw meat because such foods will excite the wild side of them and cause them to revert to ancestral behaviors such as increased roaming, hunting, and killing. It’s not true!

What is true is that natural food in the right balance is more nutritious than highly processed chows and kibbles. Canned cat foods print percentages of nutrients such as proteins and fats on the labels, but what they don’t disclose is the kind of proteins and fats.

For example, chicken feathers and steer hooves are protein but they won’t do your cat as much good as eating heart, liver, and muscle meat. Animal nutritionists report that a balance of nutrient-dense raw foods will usually increase your pets’ energy level simply because they become healthier and feel much better.

Final Thoughts

If you love cats, then you know that WE don’t really own THEM – THEY are the ones who own US! With Savannahs and Bengals, it’s the same only on steroids! More than ownership it’s a matter of the responsibility to give these magnificent cats the life they deserve. If you’re knowledgeable about the savannah cat vs Bengal cat residential partnership, we want to hear about your experiences!

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