Feline

Have you ever wondered what your feline companion is thinking? I'm certain most pet owners have, at least every once in a while. When you figure out how to read non-verbal communication cues from your cat you can! Carefully consider what your cats tail, ears, and hide are doing and you may be able to read their feelings.

Your cat hears, sees, smells, tastes, and feels the world differently than you do (and processes it all through a very different brain), so it should be no surprise that there are often miscommunications between humans and cats! To understand and to ultimately change your cat's behavior, it is essential that you understand how your cat interprets the world.

Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago in Africa and the Middle East. Small wild cats started hanging out where humans stored their grain. When humans saw cats up close and personal, they admired felines for their beauty and grace. Here we cover basic care for cats.

Cat-scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. The disease is spread through contact with an infected cat (a bite or scratch) or exposure to cat fleas. It also can be spread through contact with cat saliva on broken skin or mucosal surfaces like those in the nose, mouth, and eyes.

Research has shown that cats can provide emotional support, improve moods, and contribute to the overall morale of their owners. Cats are also credited with promoting socialization among older individuals and physically or mentally disabled people. Nearly 40 million households in the United States have pet cats.

Cats lick to keep themselves clean, rid themselves of varmints like fleas, cool themselves, absorb Vitamin D, and release stress. If a cat's licking is the symptom of a health problem or if the licking is causing a health problem, then the kitty must be taken to a veterinarian soon!

Keeping your cat healthy helps to keep you and your family healthy. We highlight what you should consider before getting a new cat, how to provide a comfortable home for your new cat, and how to maintain your cats health long term.

Cats have an innate need to scratch. They scratch because they need to clear off the old sheath to expose the new sharper claw that is underneath. They scratch as a way of stretching and toning their muscles. Cats get declawed because we humans have failed to teach them to use the scratching post.

Lili Chin's cat behavior infographics have become a popular tool for cat training professionals, veterinarians, behaviorists, and welfare groups who advocate for humane animal training methods. Since 2008, she has been providing custom illustration and a catalog of art products for sale.

If you've noticed a sudden change in your cat's behavior that includes changes toward your other cat(s), it's important to make an appointment with your vet. Any change in an animal's behavior could indicate a medical problem that only a veterinarian can diagnose and treat.