But I Dont Want My Cat To Be Overweight
Yes, a lot of the tips and tricks in this article are kibble related, but because I use this simple trick to prevent overfeeding, Ive never had issues with my own cat, Avery, gaining extra weight before and I know if I stick to using this trick, I never will.
Dont feel like checking out the article I linked to? Just want the shtick?
Basically, measure out your cats food portions from the start of the day, have all this food in one or two containers, and only feed your cat from this portion for the entirety of the day.
If you never pull out any extra, your cat is eating the right amount each and every single day no matter how many times you pull out the feeding jar.
Note that you can get away with feeding a cat snacks that arent cat food, and maintain tip top health, if all snacks combined dont equal over 10% of your cats calories consumed per day.
Want to make sure you never even remotely near hit this in one fell swoop without limiting yourself to never giving out treats? Buy a kibble different from your cats standard meal and use that as a snack food.
I like to use a kibble thats by the same brand I am currently using for main meals, but with a different protein source , since its advisable to give cats food from multiple protein sources to keep them in the best shape long term.
How Often Should You Play With Siamese Cats
Although there is no optimal time that should be spent playing with your kitty, you should at least take two separate times out of your day to play with your cat. The more you play with them, the better chances you have at increasing the bond between you two.
This is a better situation, especially if you have children, as theyll be more prone to playing with them much more often, only helping the new cat become comfortable and happy.
However, if it just you and kitty at home, then Id make sure that you are taking periodic times throughout the day to give your new pet attention, especially if you want to make a strong bond with it.
How Cats Domesticated Themselves
Compared to;dogs, house;cats still have much more in common genetically with their wild cousinssomething the recent mapping of the cat genome; highlighted. Its;the differences;between kitties and wild cats, however, that illuminate a lot about the history of human-cat relations.
Among the biggest divergences involve genes that influence reward-seeking behavior and response to fear. About 9,000 years ago when grain agriculture began;spreading throughout the Fertile Crescent, scientists think wild cats began encountering people more often as;they hunted the;rodent populations that swarmed granaries during harvests. Farmers likely responded by rewarding those cats that stuck around with food scraps. The offspring of those whose genes allowed them to;tolerate the presence of humans are the ancestors of modern-day;house cats.
Communication, too, is something that cats most likely adapted as they developed the need to avoid fighting with other cats, as well as to win protection of humansa process that extended cats social repertoire, wrote;John Bradshaw, a professor at the University of Bristol and the author of Cat Sense, in a 2013 Washington Post article.
In contrast to almost every other domestic animal, cats retain remarkable control over their own lives. Most go where they please and when they please and, crucially, choose their own mates, wrote;Bradshaw in the Post.;Unlike dogs, only a small minority of cats has ever been intentionally bred by people.
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It Stimulates The Mind
Because theyre playful and energetic creatures, cats can become very easily bored. When they do become bored, it can lead to antisocial and unwanted behavior such as clawing at furniture or carpets or even attacking you and the other members of your family.
Watching, stalking, preying, and hunting little objects like pieces of string not only stimulates the body and helps keep your cat physically healthy, but it also stimulates their mind and gives them something to do. This can prevent boredom and may even help your cat stay young and fit.
How To Introduce Cats: Successful Methods & What Not To Do
Hissing. Sniffing. Swatting. Hiding. This is all just part of introducing cats. Its a stressful process for everyone involved, but with the right preparedness and procedure, your cats will be hanging out on the couch together in no time. Who knows? They may even like each other!
A lot of people wonder how to introduce cats theyre particular creatures after all. So, lets take a closer look at why cats act the way they do when a new kitty is introduced and what you can do to make your current cat and new cat get used to each other in the safest and most effective way possible.
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Be Strategic About Offering Treats
If your cat tends to keep his distance from you, Vitale suggests using treats to build up trust. She says to start by leaving the treats out at a distance, and then, as your kitty gets braver, putting them closer and closer to you. You can also try talking softly to the cat as they eat the treats so they associate your voice with rewards, she adds. Take a look at these 15 hilarious cat memes.
If Your Cat Really Likes To Be Brushed Pet Your Cat Very Gently While You Are Brushing Him/her
Some cats hate being brushed initially because they arent used to the sensation, or they dont like the particular brush you happen to be using.
Other cats take to brushing at once, really learn to love being pet over time, or obsess over a specific cat brush and adore being groomed whenever its used.
Having trouble getting a cat to like being groomed? Ive had luck with really particular brushes.
My sensitive short hairs love the Kong Zoom Groom, and my sensitive long haired cats, who often have mats in their fur and hate being brushed if their hair is pulled/tugged at too much by a brush, adore the Furminator Bath Brush.
Personally? My favourite brush by far is the Furminator Long Hair, which I use on both my long and short haired cats. Its so good at getting out all the shed fur!
That being said, Im happy when my cats are happy being groomed, so usually, I stick to their favourite brushes.
If you have a cat who loves being brushed but isnt much of a fan of petting or snuggling, give your kitty a gentle pet while brushing him or her so you can begin to associate the happy emotions he or she gets out of being brushed with being pet as well.
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Give Them Plenty Of Cuddles
It is important to get your kitten used to being handled, but having said that, will you not be able to resist cuddling your adorable little kitten anyway!
For the first few days, spend plenty of time in the small room with your kitten.
Sit on the floor and gently pick up your kitten, as well as cuddling them, stroke their paws and ears so that they grow comfortable with your touch.
Shower them with affection but only if they are enjoying it.
If your kitten seems scared and is trying to pull away, let them and take things very slowly as you do not know what might have happened in the first days of their life.
Check out my article My cat is scared of me heres what you should do;
How Do You Know If Your Kitten Loves You
Some of the ways your kitten shows their love for you are very easy to spot, but others are much more subtle! They all demonstrate that your kitten is feeling secure and comfortable and just wants to say I love you!
* Following you around in kitty language says you are my rock. Some kittenswill follow you literally everywhere even into the loo!
* The long slow blink says I am a very happy kitten.
* If your kitten starts kneading you with their front paws this is a sign of affection as theyused to do this to their mum when they wanted milk!
* Lying on their back and exposing their tummy shows your kitten feels secureas they are very exposed in this position.
* Climbing on your lap, chest or head for a cuddle.
* When they are older, your kitten may start bringing you unexpected pressiessuch as mice or birds. This is the ultimate I love you and similar to being given a box ofchocolates!
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Why Do Cats Love String So Much 6 Reasons For This Behavior
Cats are instinctive hunters that love to chase toys around. But, while most owners have been left disappointed in the lack of attention a new toy receives, most of us have also been fascinated, if a little concerned, about how much joy they get from something as simple as a piece of string. Or a ball of wool. Or any of a host of other seemingly inanimate objects.
Contrary to how you might feel when theres an expensive scratching post going unused in the corner, your cat doesnt play with string simply as a means to annoy you. They get a lot of mental and physical stimulation from the act of throwing the string and chasing it, and it closely mimics the act of wild hunting.
Read on to see why your cat loves to play with a simple piece of string, and to see whether this is considered a safe makeshift plaything.
Are Some Cats More Loving Than Others
Individual cats, like humans, may very well have their own love languages.
âJust like you and I, we’ve got different personalities,â Pankratz says. âDifferent things have influenced our lives. Neither of us may be more or less loving â we just may express it differently.â
A research video from Vitale et al. showing how cats display secure attachments or bonds with owners.
Essentially, whether your cat is or is not emotionally expressive may come down to their personality type.
âThere is a lot of data regarding feline personality differences that demonstrate a wide variety of individual differences,â Tynes says.
She hypothesizes there may also be a genetic component: Some cats may be less âinbredâ and therefore possess âwider genetic diversity,â which can lead to different emotional behaviors.
But Tynes argues we canât generalize whether a cat will be more loving based on breed.
âThe difference is going to simply be among individuals,â she says. âSome cats are just more affectionate than others.â
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Monitor Your Cats Behavior And Act Accordingly
Learn how to discern what your cat likes and dislikes, how theyre feeling and what is their current mood. It will make life with your furry bestie much easier. By understanding their behavior, you can react accordingly and it will be easier to correct their naughty endeavors.
For example, if your cat is being evil to you when you came home after an exhausting day working overtime, youll realize that maybe your cat is not simply being evil. Instead, they might be mad at you for leaving them home alone for the entire day. They missed you! Understanding these things will allow you to focus on your feline and spend quality time interacting and playing with them, instead of being mad at them.
Give Your Cat Their Own Space
When you first meet a cat or bring them home, you need to take it slow and give them plenty of space. While you may be tempted to immediately pick them up and snuggle them, your cat may have other plans. A great way to make your cat feel more secure in your home is to give them a space they can call their own. A cat cave or even just a cardboard box with a cut-out entrance and exit will do the trick.
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She Gives You Love Bites
Some cats express their affection through love bites. You can tell the difference between a love bite and an aggressive bite by how hard she bites you. If it hurts, you better watch out. A light, playful bite that merely tickles is one way your cat lets you know she loves you.
If your cat likes to nibble on your toes or arm, she wants to play with you. You are likely one of her favorite humans!
Look at the widdle fuzzy tummy! You know you want to pet it! Oh, no! It was a trap!
PixaBay
Keep Calm And Stay Positive
If youre a dog person, you may be used to interacting with pets in a jumpy, excited manner. But according to our experts, that kind of behavior tends to send cats running. Dont make any sudden movements, gestures, or sounds, says Koski. The more predictable you can be in your actions, the more trusting the kitty will be of you, she says.
In addition to staying cool as a cucumber, Krieger advises engaging in behaviors that cats can associate with positive results. Krieger recommends giving the cat food or a treat in greeting and making a habit of using the cats name. Make everything positive, so everything good happens around you, she says.
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How To Convince Your Cat To Snuggle
Keep calm. Cats feel threatened by sudden movements and aggressive actions. Move slowly around him so he has time to get used to your presence. Even if youve been living together for a while, hell appreciate your newly feline manners.
Dont stare at him. Cats appear to think thats really rude and wont want to interact with you. Instead, slowly blink your eyes at him. Theres a good chance your cat will respond with the same slow blink. Its a kind of kitty kiss without all the touchy-feely stuff.
Rub him the right way. Cats are purr-ticular about where and how they like to be touched. Scratch them between the ears or beneath the chin, rub that sweet spot between the eyes or stroke them along the spine. Avoid the belly and the base of the tail. Many cats feel vulnerable when their tummy is at risk, even if youre not a threat to them. And while they like to scent us with the glands on their head and face, they dont love it so much when we pick up the odor from their tail glands. It may be that the glands at the base of the tail have specific uses or meanings to cats and that their perfume isnt meant for us.
Bribery works, too. Carry around some nice, soft, stinky cat treats wherever you go. Reward your cat whenever he approaches you for some loving or settles in next to you or on your lap.
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Dont Try To Buy Love With Food
Although treats can be one way to your cats heart, be careful to avoid overfeeding and also to resist rewarding undesirable behavior with snacks. If the cat just jumped up on the counter and cried for food, giving them treats rewards that begging behavior, Vitale says. If the cat is sitting quietly looking out the window, giving them treats rewards that calm behavior. Pick your timing carefully!
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How To Introduce Cats Fast A Quick Cat Introduction Timeline
If youre bringing a new cat home, youre probably wondering how to introduce cats fast.
The best way to introduce cats fast is to keep them separate.
Cats may fight and this will prolong the introduction.
To introduce cats quickly, you can play with and feed the cats at the closed door. This will help the cats associate each other with a positive experience.
Exchange scents and introduce them gradually.
Heres exactly how to introduce cats fast:
Note: Every cat is an individual. Youll have to adjust these timelines based on your cats needs.
Check out these ideas today or save THIS PIN to your Cat Care board on Pinterest.
Disclaimer: I earn a commission through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.;
Also, nothing I say is medical advice. All photos are of my cats.
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Final Thoughts On Getting A Cat To Be More Affectionate
You might feel rejected if your cat doesnt want to cuddle with you.
But understand that some cats maybe even most of them dont show their affection in that way.
What you may interpret as a cat being aloof is actually your exquisitely designed companion being ready for anything, says Johnson-Bennet. Just because your cat may not jump to immediate attention when you call her name, doesnt mean shes aloof shes focused.
So do not force it when it comes to getting your cat to be more affectionate, adds well-known veterinarian Michael W. Fox.
Instead, he says, accept your cat for who she is and relate to her on her terms, petting and grooming her when she wants.
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These Rules Hold True For All Breeds Of Cats
Generally speaking, Delgado says, cat behavior is consistent between breeds. Whereas dogs were bred to replicate different behaviors, the same isn’t true for cats, which were bred for looksnot personality.
“Some breeds are very active, like Abyssinians, and Siamese are known to be vocal, but as far as like body language and interactions with people, they’re general across all cat breeds,” Delgado says.