Just about every cat naturally munches on grass – but why do they do it? I’ll just be upfront about it: humans don’t know why cats eat grass. Speculations abound, but there’s little consensus on the true reason why virtually all cats instinctively nibble on grass. Let’s go over some of the popular theories. Because…
Trimming your cat’s nails is a worthwhile challenge. With enough preparation, training, and the right cat nail trimmer, maintaining your cat’s claws can be a smooth process with multiple benefits that affect both you and your cat. If allowed to continually grow, your cat’s claws can curl back into the pads of their paws, leading…
British veterinary surgeon and writer James Herriot famously said that “cats are connoisseurs of comfort”. Perhaps because cats spend about two-thirds of their lives sleeping, they have developed an exceptional appreciation of cozy napping spots. Although it’s not unlikely that you’ll find your cat sleeping in the most unfathomably awkward position on a bookshelf, cats…
Worms are common internal parasites for cats. Worms are a particularly regular concern for cats who spend a lot of time outdoors, eat live prey, have fleas, or are exposed to cats who carry worms. When we refer to “worms”, we’re typically talking about intestinal parasites. In the USA, the most common intestinal worms in…
What’s catnip? Catnip, officially known as Nepetaria cataria and informally catswort and catmint, is a member of the mint family that prompts behavioral changes and euphoric reactions in cats. This plant grows in bushy clusters with leaves similar in shape to other plants in the mint family and has a minty fragrance. It’s easy to…
Why do cats scratch? Whether you give them a place to do it or not, cats are going to scratch. Scratching is an essential instinctive behavior with a combination of psychological and physiological benefits that your cat can’t go without. Cats’ claws grow constantly. Every 2-3 months, the outer part of the claws grow beyond…
Brushing Your Cat Before choosing the right brush for your cat, it’s useful to know how and when to brush your cat. Short-haired cats should be brushed a couple of times a week, while long-haired cats may need to be brushed once a day. Of course, seasonal shedding fluctuations will play a part in dictating…
It’s not just a necklace: collars give your cat a new way to communicate. The main practical reason to get your cat a collar is for identification. In human eyes, unidentified or uncollared cats are often viewed as strays or ferals, so they won’t receive the same attention that would be given a collared cat…
Cat carriers are a travel essential. For quick drives to see the veterinarian, road trips across the country, and journeys by plane, carriers make traveling easier and safer for both you and your cat. The power of the carrier is manifold: carriers allow you to carry your cat easily from place to place, enable them…
Walking Your Cat Whether your cat is exploring the forest or taking a car ride to the groomer, harnesses allow your cat to safely experience the world. While a great harness keeps your cat safe, an inferior one will either leave them miserably uncomfortable or allow them to escape. You want to be sure that…
Playtime is essential. Everyone loves watching cats play, right? Watching your cat pounce, leap, twitch, and do flips is an entertaining reminder of their predatory nature and extraordinary agility. Play is also a necessary part of your cat’s daily routine. As natural hunters, cats instinctively stalk, pounce, and attack. Doing so is a way for…
Why get a cat tree? In the outdoors, cats climb high into trees both for fun and to find a safe refuge. From this bird’s eye view, our small, often vulnerable cats can safely overlook the rest of the world. Instinctively, our cats seek out high places – whether it’s the top of a tree…