Q: I suspect that my cat often gets hairballs stuck in his throat. Is it common, and how can I treat it? A: Cats get hairballs from grooming themselves. It is mainly a problem in longer-haired cats, or cats who are itchy or have some kind of skin issue and therefore groom excessively. Hairballs can
When you get your new kitten a scratch post, there are a few options to consider. It’s extremely important to ensure that your cat has multiple appropriate scratching options. There are many different scratch posts and cat gyms available on the market, as well as DIY options online, but it’s important to obtain or make
Ideal scratch post options Read More »
Cats are known for their unique personalities and for doing what they want, when they want to, but it is possible to train your cat to do certain things for you. The use of a clicker will help with what you are trying to achieve with your cat. The click is used to mark the
How to get your cat to do what you want her to do Read More »
Q: How do I discourage my cat from scratching my lounge suite when I have a scratch post close by? A: Cats need to scratch: it stretches out their body, it removes any pieces of dead nail, and it’s part of communication, as they leave scent markings where they scratch. Make sure your scratching post
Q & A: Scratchy cat Read More »
Do you have an extremely fat cat? Do you understand the dangers that go with that? Unfortunately, there are a number of diseases that may be linked to obesity in cats. Some of these include: Insulin resistance (cells fail to respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin, leading to type-2 diabetes) Diabetes mellitus
Bringing home a new kitten is so exciting. Make sure you have a safe room prepared for her when she arrives at your home. The room should contain a comfortable bed, food and water bowls (not too close together – cats prefer their drinking water separated from their food), and a litter tray with fine
Safe room for kittens Read More »
Kittens and adult cats are generally playful animals, and tail-chasing can be a normal, playful behaviour. They also like to hunt prey, and seeing their tail moving can stimulate that prey drive to chase. They don’t realise that it is their own tail – it’s moving, so they grab at it. When bored, some cats might
Why do some cats play with their tails? Read More »
Cat parents frequently ask if a dry, warm nose means their cat is sick. The answer to this question is: ‘No.’ A healthy cat’s nose can vary between wet and dry several times during the course of a day. There are many reasons why your cat can have a dry, warm nose that have nothing
Cat noses – should it be wet or dry? Read More »
Q: My cat is now 15 years old. Should I continue to have her vaccinated annually? She is an indoor cat and never has contact with other cats. A: Due to ever-improving nutrition and medication, thanks to the research and development of the food and pharmaceutical companies, cats are living to a much older age
Senior cat vaccinations Read More »
Knead, knead, knead with a soft purr – and you know your cat is content. Have you ever wondered why she does it? Cats knead for comfort and to show pleasure. Many cats knead when lying on your lap, or when they feel like showing love and contentment. Kneading is relaxing and soothing for cats and they usually
Comforting behaviour by cats Read More »
Q: My kitten is all of a sudden urinating all over the house. Why does she do that? A: Firstly, you need to determine whether it is a health or behaviour issue. To eliminate the health issue, take the kitten to the vet, who will evaluate her physical condition. Cats urinating around the house is
Q & A: House training for kittens Read More »
Do you sometimes look at your cat and wish that you too could live a life so leisurely? Although you might not be able to sleep all day long, you can take a few hints from your cat on how to be more relaxed. 1. S-t-r-e-t-c-h Have you noticed how, sometimes, your cat gets up
Learn from your cat how to live a more relaxed life Read More »
