http://www.thedailycat.com The Dog Daily is a site for cats and cat lovers alike with tips, products and know how about anything cat related. en-us Copyright &copy;2001-2009 Studio One Networks Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:58 EST Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:58 EST Cats webCOMAND http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.thedailycat.com/images/banner_logo.jpg http://www.thedailycat.com 0 0 http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>First, make sure you are weighing your cat correctly on the scale. An easy method is to simply step on a scale by yourself and note your own weight. Then pick up your cat and step on the scale. Subtract your weight from the total to get a rough estimate of your cat’s weight. If your cat gains or loses just half a pound in a week, that can be cause for concern.</p> <p>Your cat is in his senior years, so his body is likely undergoing many changes in terms of muscle mass and other internal processes. This could explain the “bony” feel without actual weight loss. However, a change in body feel can be linked to cancer and other serious illnesses, so it’s crucial to take your cat to your veterinarian for a complete examination.</p> <p>Your cat’s change in behavior is concerning as well. Cats can’t yell “stop it” when they feel pain, so his biting could indicate that he is feeling some discomfort when you touch him. Consult your veterinarian, who can examine these issues and rule out health problems that could be the cause of all of the symptoms you describe.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Like cat fur and human hair, feline whiskers continuously grow, fall out and get replaced with new ones. This is quite normal. Minus injury, health problems or defects, all cats possess 12 whiskers on each side of the muzzle, for a total of 24. Technically called “vibrissae,” the whiskers are very sensitive and can do everything from gauge wind direction to detect movement under extreme low-light conditions. A little-known fact is that when a cat hunts a mouse or other prey, it can push its whiskers into a more forward position to focus in on the movements of its target.</p> <p>You say, however, that you’ve noticed “an increase in lost whiskers.” Sudden loss of many whiskers at a time can be a symptom of infection and other health problems. Usually other symptoms, such as weight loss and lethargy, are evident as well. Should you have any doubts, a visit to your veterinarian is in order.</p> <p>One last bit of advice is to never cut or unnecessarily touch your cat’s whiskers. Because whiskers are highly sensitive, these actions could cause your pet discomfort. Your cat also needs its whiskers for proper daily function, so just let them be and only admire them from afar.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>When training your cat, the goal is for her to associate a certain desired behavior with a reward. To some extent, humans are no different. We’re more inclined to do something if we know a reward -- be it monetary, edible or verbal praise -- is coming. Cats, of course, love to eat, so food is an easy option. But in situations where you want to avoid extra edible handouts, try clicker training combined with verbal praise and extra attention.</p> <p>Let’s say you are trying to teach your cat to sit. When your cat adopts the proper position after you say “sit,” immediately click the clicker and offer the praise. Studies show that cats respond to “sweet talk,” technically called “motherese,” which is similar to what we use when communicating with babies and kids. So, verbally praise her and then pet her, focusing on her favorite areas for massage.</p> <p>Cats can quickly learn to associate sounds with expected consequences. Over time, your cat will know to sit when it hears the command and the clicker. Cats will often even behave when they hear the clicker alone, just as you may work overtime even when your boss forgets to praise you. You might stop when the rewards end, though, and your cat will too.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Bringing an older female cat into a home with an established male is comparable to someone suddenly throwing you into an arranged marriage that you never asked for. Both cats could feel threatened and probably want their privacy back.</p> <p>Normally, I would advise you to bring home the new cat -- your sister’s pet -- in a closed carrier, which Videl could explore while the older female feels safe. You could still try that, but it may not work as effectively since the two cats are already cohabitating. Each cat should have its own dish, litter box, bed and toys so they’re not in competition for these necessities. Both cats should also be fixed.</p> <p>Over time, Videl and the other cat may come to accept each other as part of the territory. When that happens, and your sister’s cat learns that Videl isn’t out to get her, she should relax quite a bit. But just as not all people can live together in perfect harmony, not all cats can get along with each other, particularly when they are adults set in their ways. Try to be patient and to make their lives as comfortable as possible during the adjustment period.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Your concern, both for your cat and your kitchen cabinet, is understandable! The problem does not revolve around your cat’s attraction to your kitchen cabinet but instead has to do with why your cat is rejecting the previously established litter box.</p> <p>First, if you haven’t already done so, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out health problems that can cause a cat to reject the litter box. These may include urinary tract or bladder issues, infections, medications, parasites and more. Elderly cats often get arthritis or other age-related health problems that can affect litter box usage, but since your cat is only 5, these problems are most likely not the case.</p> <p>Make sure each of your cats has its own clean litter box. Frequently scoop the boxes clean and change the litter as directed by the manufacturer. If you’ve recently changed litter brands, your cat may not like the new litter’s smell or texture.</p> <p>Finally, you can retrain your cat to use his litter box by keeping your pet in its own comfy, closed-off room for a few days. Make sure the room contains food, water, his favorite toys and scratchers, and of course, a clean litter box. Without access to your kitchen cabinet and no other attractive options in sight, he should get into the habit of using his box again. Use this time to also thoroughly clean your kitchen cabinet so your cat won’t recognize his scent there when he’s allowed back into the rest of your home.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Good for you for adding another cat to your family. It’s important to note, however, that unlike dogs, cats are not true pack animals and cooperative hunters. Wild cats hunt by themselves and spend a fair amount of time protecting their personal turf.</p> <p>Your adult cat had her lap, her toys, her food, her litter box and so on, and sharing these things with your knew kitten is most likely not easy for her. Multiple cats will typically negotiate territories with each other, even if they get along. Your older cat likely doesn’t think she’s been replaced but rather that she has to be a bit more wary. You probably also spent a lot of time with your new kitten, so your adult cat may now be conditioned to expect less attention from you.</p> <p>Try to engage both your cats in activities that you can all enjoy together, such as playing with a fishing-pole toy. Make sure all is well at dinner and litter box time. Your older cat may also be reacting to your kitten’s scent, which serves as a territorial marker, so you could try washing your hands and laying down a fresh lap blanket when spending time with your older cat.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>For a cat to feel fully comfortable around humans, it must be socialized -- or exposed to positive, human-related encounters and experiences. These should ideally occur before the age of 9 months. If kittens don’t become imprinted with such events early on, veterinarian visits may seem alien and frightening. That’s when your pet’s fight-or-flight response kicks into high gear.</p> <p>In the short term, your cat needs its rabies shot and other health care treatments. Some veterinarians bring in an assistant who can hold the cat by the scruff of its neck and/or wrap a towel around parts of the cat while the veterinarian administers vaccines. Sedating a cat can lead to health risks, so you may wish to find a veterinarian who handles feral and otherwise unruly cats in another manner. Hospitals associated with local Humane Societies often deal with a wide variety of cats, so consider contacting these facilities first. Just remember that sedation will allow a more in-depth examination of your cat, and could potentially identify health concerns that might now otherwise be picked up.</p> <p>In the long term, gradually socialize your now-adult cat. When grooming, for example, buy a soft-tipped brush and very gently run it across your cat’s fur, approaching from behind so your cat does not see you reaching over its head, which can appear threatening. Stop to offer praise and treats. Allow your cat to associate grooming with rewards and other pleasantries. It will take time for that association to become fixed in your cat’s memory, so please be patient with your skittish friend.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>You may have many things in common with your cat, but the degree to which you smell and taste is not included on that list. You have 9,000 taste buds on your tongue; the taste buds work with your sense of smell to send information about the food you’re eating to your brain. This process allows you to savor various flavors.</p> <p>The system is somewhat reversed in cats, which have a very keen sense of smell but fewer taste buds. Your cat only possesses 473 of these flavor detectors on its tongue, which is one reason why it never meows for dessert after dinner. Cats can’t perceive sweet tastes like humans can, but they do enjoy pungent fishy flavors and odors along with strong-smelling and -tasting meats. If the food is fresh and sold by a trusted manufacturer, rest assured that your cat’s nose knows quality chow.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Some cat owners think their pets' whiskers are just like thick hair, but cat whiskers are actually very sensitive organs. They help to protect your cat's eyes and other vulnerable facial features. Additionally, they extend past the face so your cat can survey the dimensions of a space before fully exploring it. If the area passes your cat's "whisker test," your feline may then continue to move forward, sometimes squeezing its body through tight places.</p> <p>Recent studies suggest cat whiskers perform an even more amazing feat: They appear to be able to sense prey, such as a mouse, even without touching the other animal. This may be due to heat, airflow or other motion changes the sensitive whiskers detect.</p> <p>Touching your cat's whiskers when your cat is relaxed and enjoying some quality time with you will likely not cause your pet any discomfort. It is best, however, to avoid touching the whiskers unnecessarily. And don't worry if your cat sheds one or two whiskers from time to time. That's normal since the whiskers undergo regular, natural replacement.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html <p>Most cats cannot descend a tree safely, because it's easier for a cat to climb up, using its claws and muscular hindquarters. When descending, the cat must rely upon its weaker front paws, with claws naturally facing in the wrong direction. A cat left to its own devices may even try to back down a tree.</p> <p>This problem usually occurs when something or someone frightens the cat. A tall tree may provide the only means of escape. Some owners have even resorted to calling their local fire department to help get their cat down without injury. A better solution is to keep your cat inside, where the risk posed by tree climbing is eliminated.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedailycat.com/ask_expert/index.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT