As with anything in our ever-changing world, we know so much more about training and working with cats now, and it’s up to us to advocate for best practices when we’re thinking about how we live with our cats. Let’s talk about “scruffing” or grabbing a cat by the nape of the neck, to move, hold, punish or control a cat. Here’s what we know: The “flexor reflex,” causing cats and kittens to go limp when picked up by their scruff, stops within the first few weeks of life. A mother cat may bite down on a kitten’s scruff and
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With the holidays coming up, there are some special considerations for the beloved felines in our families! From being away from home to having a house full of people, here are some ways we can help the cats in our lives to feel more comfortable and to be safe. Some of our favorite holiday plants are toxic for our pets or can be dangerous if ingested. Plants like poinsettias, Christmas Lilly, maryllis, mistletoe, and holly are all listed as plants that we’ll want our cats to steer clear of. If you’re planning on traveling, find someone to check in on
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One of the first things people ask when they’re adopting a new cat is whether or not the cat is a lap cat. The truth is that many adult cats are uncomfortable seeking out laps for a variety of reasons, but it’s important to know that we can help our feline friends feel safe enough to seek out and enjoy being close to us, even if they’ve had unpleasant experiences that have taught them otherwise. Find out what motivates your cat. Do they love Churu-style treats? Save those for when you’d like to work on some training with your cat.
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You’ve decided you’re ready to adopt a cat! How do you pick the right one? Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for the best fit possible for your lifestyle. If you have an active home with lots of people or kids, look for a cat who is actively seeking attention. These kitties may be cats who adjust easily or are less concerned with lots of noise and commotion and who would likely do well in a busier home. If you have a very quiet home, or are away from home much of the day, keep in
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Do you have a cat who gulps their food, sometimes so quickly that they almost immediately vomit it back up? (Also known as “scarf and barf”ing?) Or maybe you have a cat who gobbles their food and then moves on to steal more food from their feline siblings? Here are a few tips to help with a cat who eats too quickly. Invest in a variety of feeding tools. Feeding puzzles and slow feeders can help slow your cat’s eating down so that they can both digest their food, and potentially prevent them from moving on to the food resources
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