The emotional capacity of cats Cats have complex emotions and feelings that are in some ways similar to humans. Recent research has found that parts of a cat’s brain, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, are structured in ways analogous to the human brain and linked to emotional processing and bonding (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401521/). There is evidence …
Cat behavior can be complex and not always easy for humans to interpret. While cats can be independent, loving companions, they can also exhibit behaviors that indicate dislike or fear. This article will identify some common signs that a cat may not like someone, reasons why, and what can be done about it. Cats communicate …
Tom cat cheeks refer to the prominent, jowl-like cheek pouches often found in unneutered adult male cats. These cheeks develop due to testosterone and are sometimes called “tom jowls” or “stud jowls”. Many owners wonder if their male cat’s prominent cheeks will shrink after neutering. This article explores the development of tom cat cheeks, the …
The Surprising Origins of “Cat Kisses” Few things bring more joy than sweet kisses from your feline companion. The sensation of a cat’s nose gently booping your face is a universal sign of kitty affection. However, contrary to popular belief, when a cat touches its nose to your mouth, it is not actually giving you …
What is a Runt Kitten? A runt is a kitten that is significantly smaller or weaker than the rest of the litter at birth. Runts are usually at least 25% smaller than the average kitten size of their litter (1). The average newborn kitten weighs about 3.5-4 ounces. In contrast, a runt kitten may only …
Do Cats Prefer Being Indoors or Outdoors? Cats are natural hunters with instincts to roam and explore their territories (Source: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/are-outdoor-cats-happier). When kept strictly indoors, some cats may feel bored or restless, staring out windows longing to go outside. However, indoor environments can be enriched to better satisfy cats’ needs. Providing climbing trees, scratching posts, …
Introducing the Incident I live with my beloved 3-year-old cat, Mittens, in a suburban neighborhood adjacent to some undeveloped forested areas. Mittens is a playful and energetic Maine Coon cat who enjoys lounging in the sun and birdwatching from the windows. However, with wildlife like snakes encroaching near our home, I worry about potential encounters …
The scent of a litter box plays an important role in a cat’s bathroom habits and health. Understanding what attracts cats to their litter box can help owners manage potential issues like inappropriate elimination or litter box avoidance. This article will explore the various scents associated with litter boxes and their impact, from normal cat …
Cats jumping onto kitchen counters is a common problem that many cat owners face. While cats may see counters as an exciting playground, there are good reasons for cat owners to want to keep their feline friends off these surfaces. Countersurfing, as it’s called, can pose safety risks for cats and risks of contamination for …
Cats Have Sensitive Faces Cats use their whiskers to sense their environment. Whiskers are thick, specialized hairs that are highly sensitive to even the slightest touch or air current. According to PetMD, “When they rub up against something, their whiskers bend, sending signals to their brain about an object’s size, shape, and texture.” This means …
