Is your cat terrified of the three Cs — the carrier, the car and the clinic? Or do you prefer not to load your handful of wiggling felines into carriers, navigate through thick traffic and then corral them into an exam room for their annual wellness exams?

A generation ago, you may have sought a veterinarian who made house calls.
This concept began for small-animal veterinarians in the 1980s and was considered revolutionary — and convenient. And, it was definitely cat friendly.

“House call veterinary care was cat friendly even before the term ‘cat friendly’ was coined,” says Dr. Hazel Carney, a veterinarian board certified in feline medicine and past chair of the American Association of Feline Practitioners Guidelines Committee. She practices feline medicine and behavior at the Gem Veterinary Clinic in Emmett, Idaho.

Now, thanks to the emergence of telehealth medicine for people and pets, veterinary care for your feline may be just a computer click, phone call or text away. Think of it as House Call Version 2.0.

Good for kitty?

Telehealth may just be win-win for you and your cat. You don’t have to try to mastermind a way to coax your cat out from under your bed to make your veterinary appointment on time. From your cat’s perspective, she gets to stay safely at home without detecting even the scent of a veterinary clinic nearby.

“Today, telemedicine has definitely grown during the pandemic, and I think telehealth will steadily increase,” Dr. Carney says. “It will fill the needs of cats who don’t appreciate coming to the veterinary clinic and of owners who may have a non-emergency situation or who may not feel comfortable coming in to a veterinary clinic.”

Dr. Carney has taken an active role in the evolution of feline veterinary care during her 40-plus-year career. When done properly, she believes that telemedicine can be beneficial to people of all generations and circumstances who have cats.

“I am in favor of anything that improves access to quality health care for cats,” she says. “Telemedicine serves the needs of all ages. I have older clients whose cats are  perfectly calm and accepting in our exam rooms, but their owners can no longer physically drive and bring in their cats. I also have younger clients who grew up with technology and are more comfortable communicating about their cats via a live chat with their veterinarians.”

Lowell Ackerman, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist who is Head of Global Veterinary Strategy at Galaxy Vets, agrees that telehealth is rapidly being embraced during this COVID-19 era.

“There is the convenience of speaking to a veterinary team by telephone, text or video at any time,” says Dr. Ackerman, an in-demand global expert on pet health care and best-selling author. “It can be used for prescription requests, virtual examinations and post-surgical checkups. And, don’t forget that more practices are now offering pet portals for their clients. These are private, secure websites that allow you to store your pet’s information online.”

Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and owner of the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service in West Palm Beach, saw the value of adding telemedicine even before COVID-19 surfaced in 2020.

“We do tons of telehealth appointments,” Dr. Radosta says. “Scared cats and dogs don’t have to ride in the car as often. We can observe them in their home environment, and it is convenient for pet parents so they don’t miss their rechecks. That means that their pets get better care.”

Companies focused on telehealth

Among the major players in the veterinary telehealth field are AirVet, Dutch and Fuzzy. AirVet was founded in 2018 by Brandon Werber, whose father, Jeff Werber, DVM, serves as chief veterinary officer.

“AirVet has been a game changer in veterinary medicine,” Dr. Werber says. “In reality, we have found that about 80% of the visits to ER hospitals are really not emergencies. AirVet offers clients access to affordable veterinary care 24-7. Clients love being able to have access to veterinarians one-on-one any time of the day or night.”

Joe Spector and Brian Evans, DVM, are co-founders of Dutch, which focuses on pets with chronic conditions, such as allergies or anxieties. Members can chat directly with a veterinarian in all 50 states. Prescription medicine that includes free shipping is currently available in 21 states and is expected to be available in more states.

“We chose to launch Dutch with a focus on behavior and dermatology issues to start,” Dr. Evans says. “These two diseases are very amenable to telemedicine. Dutch is reaching its goal of providing a modern solution to vet care by allowing pet parents to have a more immediate means of finding comfort for their pets from issues such as anxiety and allergies — issues often left under treated or untreated.”

Fuzzy was launched in 2016 by Eric Palm and Zubin Bhettay. Zubin’s dog, Mo, was limping severely. He rushed him to an emergency veterinary hospital where he endured “seven stressful hours” and was billed $2,500 only to later discover that his dog’s luxated patella could have been treated at home.

“Fuzzy is designed to put pet parenting on autopilot and remove the stress, uncertainty and worry by connecting pet parents with veterinary professionals fast — rather than relying on expensive, in-person emergency visits or diagnosis via Dr. Google,” says Harley Butler, chief marketing officer. “Fuzzy’s 24/7 Live Vet Chat and video consults give pet parents immediate access day or night for any pet health questions they may have or guidance they may need.”

No type of medical practice comes without risks, and telemedicine is certainly no exception. There can be missed diagnoses due to poor imaging transmissions or adverse drug interactions. Still, more pet parents are welcoming veterinary telemedicine.

Among them is Amy Shever, founder of 2nd Chance 4 Pets.

Says Amy: “There are so many reasons telemedicine makes sense for pet owners who don’t have access to local vet care or specialists and to offer phone consults to determine if a pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian or a specialist and for pet owners who have mobility issues and need virtual pet care support.”

Legal Aspects of Veterinary Telemedicine

Depending on your state laws, telemedicine providers can evaluate, diagnose, consult and provide treatment for pets. But they must establish what is known as VCPR. That stands for veterinarian-client-patient-relationship. Some states allow veterinarians to form these VCPR relationships remotely and some do not.

To find out what the legal status for telemedicine is in your state, visit the Veterinary Virtual Care Association website. The site features a veterinary telemedicine regulatory map of current VCPR laws in every state: vvca.org/the-basics-about-telemedicine-and-the-vcpr/.

Related Read:

• Cats, Humans, & Mental Health: Dr. Lauren’s Thoughts on Well-Being & Reciprocity

The post Veterinary Telehealth For Cats: Pros, Cons & Best Options by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

No matter the season, the goings on of the great outdoors are a feast for feline senses. Even kitties who primarily live indoors find plenty to see, smell and experience if we give them inviting opportunities. Here are six suggestions — read on, humans!

Open windows (with screens)

In any climate, it’s possible to open a window at some point during the year and allow fresh air to breeze through the screen. Kitties are major fans of open windows, as they provide endless stimulation from the world outside their food dish, catnip toys and litter box. Did you know that cats have 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity? Not only can they smell the barbecue currently happening next door but can also sense if that freeloading raccoon’s been midnight snacking out of your garbage can — again.

Build a catio

Why not build your cat an entire catio so he can lounge within the safety of a contained patio area attached to your home? There are a variety of catio planning ideas online, or search for smaller, mobile models. Your fabulous feline could pretend the catio is his own private lanai and he’s on vacation 24/7. He’d want you to bring him treats and toys like a personal attendant at a fancy resort. Wait, how is that different than their thoughts without a catio?

Add tall climbing structures and scratching posts

Outdoors, cats love to climb trees and sharpen their fierce claws on the bark. To give kitty a similar indoor experience, provide tall cat towers, shelves and scratching posts, and let ‘em go to town! Many kitties especially love the model that shows up in some houses around the holidays. We humans refer to it as a “Christmas tree.”

Grow cat grass

Most cats are naturally attracted to the taste of fresh grass, and you can offer them an indoor planter of the yummy stuff. Look for a variety of cat grass kits in your local pet stores or online shops. Those smarty cats instinctively know that cat grass will make them throw up hairballs or help move their digestion along like a laxative. They also instinctively know to direct their hacked-up hairballs into your shoe, onto your new rug or all over your laptop’s keyboard.

Take a stroll

Bring the indoors outdoors and give kitty the best of both worlds! If your cat’s adventurous, perhaps he’d enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood in the comfort and safety of a screened pet stroller. He’d relax, enjoy the view, sniff the air and allow the neighbors to admire him. Plus, nothing says “this human is my servant” like an enclosed, rolling cat chariot.

Add an indoor perch

A cat could catch up on his favorite Cat TV shows whether a window is open or closed. Place a perch or cat tower next to a window with a clear view of action-packed trees or feeders, and kitty suddenly has a front row seat to Say Yes to the Nest, Real Mousewives and Gossip Squirrel. And no commercials!

The post 6 Ways to Let Your Cat Enjoy Nature from Indoors by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Humans usually associate the action of “tail wagging” with dogs. Canines are fairly straightforward with their tail communication. Cats, however, are way more subtle in their body language and cat tail wagging is very nuanced.

Marilyn Krieger, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and author, says, “Although tails are expressive, eyes, ears, and body positions combined with the tail language paint a more complete picture of how cats feel.” Cat tail wagging can mean many different things. Here’s how to decipher the messages sent by cat tail wagging!

1. What “The Swish” Means

Marilyn Krieger advises, “The direction and speed [with] which cats move and swish their tails conveys their feelings. When felines thrash their tails quickly back and forth, it indicates that they are unhappy and want to be left alone. Tails that move slowly from left to right often indicate that cats are mildly annoyed. Sometimes, cats who are playing will swish their tails from side to side before pouncing.”

This means we should pay attention to the way our cats swish their tails and not make assumptions.

2. What “The Twitch” Means in Cat Tail Language

We’ve all seen this type of cat tail wagging: A cat is sitting on a windowsill concentrating on nearby birds or rodents when her tail begins twitching. It’s not the same movement as the previously mentioned “thrashing,” but it may look similar. Their ears, eyes, and vocalizations will indicate if she’s upset or simply maintaining laser-sharp focus on a squirrel. As with the thumping, the twitch also carries the message, “Leave me alone.”

3. What “The Quiver” Means

A “quiver” is a quick, tiny cat tail-wagging action. When your cat is excited to see you, she may approach you with her tail in a vertical position, with just the tip of it making quick, little quivering motions, similar to a rattlesnake’s tail. Unlike the snake’s warning signal, a quivering kitty tail is a welcome sight and is typically accompanied by purring, face rubbing, and sometimes even happy vocalizations. Return the greeting, even if you can’t quite do the tail-shaking thing.

4. What “The Sleepy Flick” Means

Unlike dogs, who are more than happy to come when called, cats like to mull over the situation and decide if we’re worth their time at that exact moment. When food is involved, there’s typically no question—all they have to hear is the pop-top of a can and they race into the kitchen like a baseball player sliding into home base.

Other times, if they’re sleeping when we call their names, they like to play games. Instead of blatantly acknowledging us, they choose to meet us with a single—sometimes ever-so-subtle—flick of a sleepy tail. This is cat tail wagging that means, “Yeah, I hear you—I’m just choosing to ignore you.”

This type of cat tail wagging is actually a sign of contentment because your cat is telling you that she feels comfortable remaining asleep in your presence. The bottom line, however, is that cats are going to do everything on their terms, which is no surprise to anyone who shares their lives with a kitty.

The Bottom Line on Cat Tail Wagging

A cat’s tail is really a barometer of their feelings. Cat tail wagging is a way to communicate those feelings with us, but we must consider the entire picture, including non-tail body language and overall demeanor, before accurately interpreting it. When we learn to read the messages our cats are sending us, we will respond accordingly and develop a trusting, respectful relationship with our beloved felines.

• Read Next: What Do Different Cat Meow Sounds Mean?

Featured Image Credit: YULIYA Shustik, Shutterstock

The post Cat Tail Language: The Meaning of Your Feline’s Different Tail Wags by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cute little cat noses — who doesn’t love ‘em? Nothing can feel sweeter than a kitty rubbing his face against you, nose first. Like humans, some of the cats’ bodily functions may vary by individual. This is true of the feline nose. Some people think an excessively dry or wet cat nose indicates illness — but this is a myth.

You see, some cats have naturally drier noses than others, and most cats’ nose temperatures and moisture levels vary throughout the day. As a result, one of the best ways for us humans to decide whether or not to worry is to know what “state of the nose” is normal for our kitties.

Why are cats’ noses wet?

The skin around the nostril openings is called the rhinarium, and the sweat glands on the rhinarium create moisture. The interior tear duct also creates drainage that contributes to a wet nose. Humans sweat in order to regulate our body temperature and a cat can use his nose’s moisture — through evaporation — to achieve the same result.

Cats are fastidious groomers and, by licking, automatically add a layer of moisture to the nose. Saliva may dry quickly, but it is one of the reasons behind a wet cat nose.

A wet cat nose may also occur due to something else simple — the water bowl. A still bowl of clean, clear water may cause some cats difficulty in determining the depth of the liquid. While going for that drink, kitty may inadvertently dip his snout into the bowl, leaving him with a telltale wet nose.

A wet cat nose vs. a dry cat nose

A dry cat nose is just as common as a wet cat nose, and is usually no cause for alarm. If a cat spends a large chunk of time in direct sunlight, a dry nose might result. This happens to us humans while sunbathing our skin as well! A dry cat nose can also pop up if a cat spends a lot of time near a non-solar heat source like a fireplace or a heating vent.

What else could affect a wet cat nose vs. a dry cat nose?

A nose’s moisture levels are additionally affected by the level of humidity in the air. This is especially true during the winter months in many locations.

The primary reason a cat would present with an overly dry or cracked nose skin is dehydration, which is caused by decreased water intake or increased fluid loss. See your vet if you think your cat is dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration in cats include:

• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Depression
• Elevated heart rate
• Panting
• Skin elasticity

When is a wet cat nose a cause for concern, and how do we treat it?

Cat expert and certified veterinary journalist, Ingrid King, says, “Even though people seem to think that a wet nose is a sign of health [and] a dry, warm nose is a sign of sickness, that’s actually not true. Cats’ body temperature is naturally higher than humans, so most of the time, a cat will feel warm to the touch.”

“A cat’s nose may go back and forth between being wet and dry several times a day, depending on the cat’s activity,” Ingrid continues.“Did your cat just eat or groom herself? Her nose will be wet. Has she been lying in the sun, or is the air in your house extremely dry? Her nose will be dry. The only way your cat’s nose will be an indicator of her health is if you notice anything abnormal, such as flaking skin, lumps and bumps, or a runny nose.”

Is it a wet nose — or a runny nose?

A runny nose, unlike a wet cat nose, can be a cause for concern and should checked out by a veterinarian to rule out illnesses like upper respiratory infections (URIs). A variety of bacterial and viral infections can cause URIs, including feline herpesvirus and feline chlamydia bacteria.

Common symptoms of URIs are:

• Excessively runny nose
• Sniffling and sneezing
• Watery, red eyes
• Bubbly, colored nasal discharge

A runny nose could also signal an allergy and, with a thorough discussion of symptoms and daily surroundings with a veterinarian, could result from simple changes in food, litter or other environmental factors.

The final word on a wet cat nose

Again, a healthy cat nose usually shifts between states of moisture and dryness throughout the day. It’s important to be aware of your cat’s “normals” to be on top of any deviations — whether we’re talking a wet cat nose or anything else. A sudden change in moisture levels, with accompanying symptoms, could indicate illness, and a vet should investigate.

Thumbnail: Photography © Sparkle | iStock / Getty Images.

Read more about cat health and care on Catster.com:

• Was Your Cat Stung by a Wasp, Bee, Snake or Spider? What to Do
• What to Know About Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
• Kick These 5 Senior Cat Health Problems to the Curb

The post Is a Wet Cat Nose Normal? When to Worry & What to Do by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

When you’re stuck inside, cabin fever can set in quickly. Having some hands-on activities at the ready can prevent the day from becoming a video- or game-a-thon.

Why not collaborate with your kids and create some cool goodies for your cat? There are many options for simple do-it-yourself kitty-crafting projects, which are suitable for children of almost any age.

The 5 DIY Projects For Your Kids to Make For Cats

1. No-sew cat bed

This fleece no-sew cat bed is incredibly easy and fast to create, and your cat will love it. My kids and I created one, and it took a little over an hour, from start to finish, to complete the project. Wanna try it? Here are the details:

You’ll need:

• Two pieces of fleece that are exactly the same size — I used two 1/2-yard pieces.
• One bag of pillow stuffing.
• Scissors.
• Ruler.
• Tape to mark the fleece — I used masking tape.

Instructions:

• Line up the fabrics, with the “good” sides facing the bottom and the top.
• Place a line of tape four inches from the bottom of each side. This will leave a square in each corner — cut out the square.
• Cut 1-inch-wide strips from the edge to the line of tape. This will create a fringe around the fleece.
• Tie the fringed pieces of the top piece of fabric to the fringed pieces of the bottom fabric.
• After you’ve tied three sides, break up the stuffing and place it evenly inside the bed. I used about 3/4 of a bag for my bed.
• Finish the bed by tying the last side’s fringes together.

2. Toilet paper-roll cat toy

An empty roll of TP is a simple, easily-obtained item from which a variety of cool cat toys can be created. Like the kids’ book says, everybody poops, right? So you must have an empty roll or two laying around the house. Grab one! Now!

You’ll need:

• An empty cardboard TP roll.
• Scissors.
• Treats (optional).

Instructions:

• Mark four, 1/4-inch (or finger-width) marks on the side of the cardboard roll.
• Use the scissors to cut each ring (the rings alone are great cat toys — the cats love ’em!).
• Insert the first ring into the second ring, then continue with the third and fourth, until you’ve formed a ball.

My cats love batting around the little ball on its own. You can also place a treat inside the ball so she has to work at removing it. Your child may enjoy drawing shapes and cat faces on the cardboard rings. The cats don’t especially care about the doodles, but we humans like to bling things up now and again.

3. Fleece catnip toy

This one is quick and easy. I had some leftover fleece from making the cat bed so I decided to whip up some catnip toys. Even if your child can’t yet tie, she can have fun sprinkling the catnip. Who doesn’t like to sprinkle catnip?

You’ll need:

• A square piece of fleece (or most any type of fabric), any size. I used an 8×8-inch piece.
• Catnip.

Instructions:

• Cut the square of fleece and lay it on a hard surface.
• Sprinkle a little catnip in the center of the square.
• Tie all the diagonally opposite corners together tightly.

4. Kitty clubhouse

I think at some time or another, we’ve all created a version of this for our cats — even if it’s just a simple box tossed on the floor. To us, it’s a cardboard box; to a cat, it’s a castle, a secret lair, a clubhouse.

My friend Marina used simple markers to add a little flair to her cat Frances’ box. Again, the decor is for our amusements — cats are happy with a plain box. I find they do enjoy they peepholes, though. And kids will have a blast decorating the hideout!

You’ll need:

• Box.
• Markers, paint, stickers or any other type of cat-friendly embellishment.

Instructions:

• Cut holes in box, if desired.
• Place a selection of art supplies on a nearby table and let your child go wild!

5. Pipe cleaner springs

Cats love spring toys. I’ve purchased them for my three, and now that we’ve made the pipe cleaner spring toys, I’m never doing that again! This is a super-easy project that’s perfect for kids of most any age.

You’ll need:

• Pencil.
• Pipe cleaners.

Instructions:

• Fold down the sharper edges of each end of the pipe cleaner.
• Hold one end of the pipe cleaner against the pencil and wrap it around the pencil, forming a spring.
• Remove from pencil.

Conclusion

Do you have any DIY project ideas you and your kids created for your cat? Tell us about it in the comments!

Read Next: 6 Ways to Help Your Child and Cat Develop a Bon

Feature Image Credit: Sharomka, Shutterstock

The post 5 DIY Cat Toys for Kids They Can Make Today (With Pictures) by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

It’s after midnight, and you wake up to your cat meowing. This scenario presents a couple of complications: 1) your cat’s indicating she has needs that aren’t being met and 2) you’re losing precious sleep. What to do? Thankfully, there are a few possible solutions, but let’s first look at some reasons for cat meowing at night.

Why is your cat meowing at night?

Cats are known to sleep for extended periods of time but can be active when they’re not sawing logs. If your cat vocalizes at night while you’re sleeping, consider these reasons for your cat meowing at night.

1. Changing residences can cause anxiety, which may present itself as a cat whining or a cat meowing at night.
2. Kitty is bored and wants you to wake up and play with her.
3. Hunger or thirst are afoot, and your cat is sounding the alarm.
4. An older cat may be experiencing dementia and her meows are based in confusion.
5. There’s a health-related cause for your cat meowing at night.
6. A newly adopted kitten might feel scared in her new environment.
7. A newly adopted older cat may feel lonely because she’s used to the company of other cats at the shelter — especially if she had bonded with a particular friend.
8. Something she sees outside — likely another cat —  disturbed her.

How to stop cat meowing at night

As you can see, there are many reasons for a cat meowing at night. But, thankfully, getting shut-eye might be easier than you think. Here are some ways to stop a cat meowing at night:

1. Visit a veterinary professional to rule out any medical reasons that could be behind a cat meowing at night. As cats age, they’re prone to developing thyroid or kidney diseases, which might result in meowing a lot.
2. Because moving can be an exceptionally stressful time for pets, Brent Bilhartz of LazyPaw Animal Hospitals says, “Moving tends to throw daily schedules upside down, but keep your pet’s routine as similar to normal as possible. Stick with feeding schedules, and make time for play and affection. Even a few minutes every day can make your pet feel safe, loved and calm.” A cat who feels safe and secure is less likely to anxiously meow at night.
3. If cats aren’t active during the day, they might want to burn off that energy at night. One way to help the burn — and your likelihood of a good night’s sleep — is to give kitty a good workout before bed. Using wand toys that make her jump or playing chase with a ball are excellent ways to release some of the cat zoomies that are keeping you awake.
4. It’s also a good idea to feed your cat and provide fresh water right before you go to bed. Even humans sleep well with a full belly!
5. Cats who suffer from anxiety may need extra assurance and attention from you, especially at bedtime. Bring your cat into the bedroom with you, and even move her bed near yours. Some cats like having a blanket or towel on their human’s bed — oftentimes they like to sleep right next to their person. Showing extra comfort and security can help an anxious or confused cat feel more relaxed and less likely to meow.
6. Newly adopted kittens may meow out of loneliness. Again, playtime before bed is a way to let the baby burn off energy and also bond with you. If you’re up for it, take the kitten to bed with you at night. The comfort of sleeping with you might calm her down and give you a fighting chance at sleep. Remember, though, a new kitten is a baby, and it may take a few nights for her to settle into her new routine and surroundings.
7. If you find the meowing directed at activity happening outside the house, simply closing the blinds or curtains might be an easy solution.

The bottom line on what to do about a cat meowing at night

It is possible to get a good night’s sleep when you share your home with a vocal cat. If you’ve tried our suggestions and are still losing sleep due to a cat meowing at night, it’s best to follow up with your vet and perhaps consult a behaviorist.

Thumbnail: Photography ©IvanJekic | E+ / Getty Images.

Got your cat to stop meowing but still can’t get a good night’s sleep? Check out remedies for sleep disorders right here >>

Read more about cats and sleep on Catster.com:

• Sleeping With Cats: Yay or Nay?
• 5 Reasons Your Cat Wakes You Up at the Same Time Every Day Without Fail
• Is Your Cat Sleeping Too Much — or Not Enough?

The post Is Your Cat Meowing at Night? Reasons Why and What to Do by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Many cats naturally aspire to great heights, which means they sometimes land on counters, a common no-no in households. Those who wish to change this counter-cruising habit often wonder if there’s a tried-and-true solution. There are a few solutions, and the first step is determining the reason why the cat gravitates to the elevated counter space.

Reasons cats like to jump on counters

• There are desirable items — like food — readily accessible.
• The counter is a “roadway” to an enticing spot, like a windowsill.
• There’s fresh, running/dripping water available from a sink.
• They’re bored.
• They simply enjoy the elevation.

Ways to keep cats off of counters

Keep the counter space clear of alluring objects. This means placing food in cabinets and re-homing bag clips and other toy-like objects.

Add a tall cat condo or tree to satisfy the cat’s need for height. If possible, place it by a favorite window so kitty has easy, “legal” access to the spot. Or create a new favorite perch by placing a bird feeder outside a window.

Repair leaky faucets, eliminating the draw of running water available by counter access. Perhaps offer the cat a water fountain that provides fresh, moving refreshment — on the floor.

If a chair is helping kitty jump, remove it.

Increase playtime with a cat who’s easily bored. Sometimes counter cruising behavior is a cry for attention, and extra engagement with kitty can satisfy that need and burn extra energy.

Cats don’t like sticky surfaces. Add double-sided tape to one side of cheap, plastic placemats and line the counter space with them. If the cat jumps onto the counter, the discomfort will likely cause her to retreat.

Reward positive behavior. If kitty jumps onto the cat tree instead of the counter, praise her with extra pets and attention or an occasional treat. Animals repeat what benefits them.

Considerations

Don’t punish the cat. He doesn’t make the connection between the punishment and the behavior that resulted in the punishment. Verbal and physical punishment can create fear of the human and even cause the cat to act out.

Some humans rely on a spray bottle as a deterrent to counter cruising. Unfortunately, this method creates a negative association between the human and the spray bottle — not necessarily between the bottle and the behavior. Additionally, kitty may continue with the behavior when the human isn’t around, which doesn’t ultimately change the problem.

There are safety issues associated with jumping onto a counter. Hot surfaces can burn sensitive paws, and dangerous kitchen items like knives pose a threat to curious kitties.

Humans — especially those with compromised or weak immune systems — could be at risk for sanitary issues associated with bacteria from dirty feline paws.

Make sure all family members are onboard with the plan. Consistency is key when it comes to behavior modification.

If all attempts to derail counter cruising don’t seem to work, contact a cat behaviorist for a consultation.

Dr. Marci Koski of Feline Behavior Solutions advises, “When it comes to training cats to curb behaviors, the important thing is to provide an appropriate outlet for the need that drives them to that behavior in the first place. This includes scratching furniture, ambushing people for play and, yes, jumping up on counter tops. Just because you tell them ‘Don’t do that!’ doesn’t mean that the instinctual drive to do a behavior stops — they have a need that must be met in some other way. Cats who like to counter surf want to be up high to see what’s going on, so give them a place to do that — an alternative — that works for both of you. If your cat is doing it because she’s hungry, keeping food off the counters will help, but she’ll still be hungry; feed her more frequent, smaller meals, or use food puzzles to help meet her needs.”

Learn more about cat behavior on www.catster.com:

• Why Do Cats Rub Against You? A Weird Cat Behavior Explained
• Explaining Cat Behavior Problems — and How to Handle Them
• 3 Common Cat Behavioral Issues and How to Fix Them

Featured Image Credit: Benevolente82, Shutterstock

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When daylight saving time rolls around, we humans begin to plot and plan all the fun things we’ll do with that extra hour of daylight. Cats are totally in tune with our schedule and would definitely know there’s an extra hour in there. They’d, of course, ask the question cats have asked since the beginning of time: “What’s in it for me?” Here are 10 things cats would do with their extra hour.

1. Stare at us

Cats are always wondering what we humans are up to. Is it because they’re judging us or is it because they’re waiting to see if we make a move to the kitchen, where the treats and food live? The short answer: yes.

2. Stare at nothing

As much as cats enjoy keeping their eyes on us, they can’t seem to get enough of staring in general. It’s almost like a sport to them, and they’d all receive gold medals. Sometimes their eyes are locked onto an empty wall, and other times they’re looking straight ahead into … nothing?

3. Strategize additional treat-seeking methods

Cats could grow tired of the same old approach to asking for treats. Circling around our legs as we walk into the kitchen might have lost its luster, and the humans have probably grown immune to this age-old strategy. Perhaps there are more creative ways to seek the almighty treat. They’d have some serious thinking to do. Maybe staring at a wall would help.

4. Wait for food to fall from the sky

It’s true: Sometimes food falls right from the sky. It usually happens in the kitchen or dining room, but it’s pure magic. Kitties are ready for an extra hour of that kind of magic.

5 . Practice their “resting aloof face.”

As if they need the practice.

6. Take inventory

Cats are constantly taking mental inventory of what’s on the kitchen counter, the dresser, the coffee table — all the interesting places that hold “things.” This is because, at any given moment, one of those items could be of use to him. “Oh, I remember that tube of Chapstick on top of the dresser. I wonder how far under the sofa I can swat it this time.”

7.  Pursue advanced ninja certification

Kitties like to think they’re awesome in the art of hiding and surprise pouncing. The truth is that they can be the best-worst hiders ever. They think they’re totally concealed, yet we see a tail sticking out from underneath the curtain or a giant lump beneath a blanket. They’d like to think they’d go after an advanced ninja certification, but they probably need to go back to Ninja 101.

8. Take extra baths

Can a cat really have too many baths? Silly question. A kitty would certainly welcome extra time to chew his toes and clean his rear — probably during the fancy brunch we’re hosting.

9. Create litter box art

Cats are masters at digging holes in their litter boxes and sometimes create the most interesting 3D designs in the litter. Ever the imaginative creatures, they might take the extra hour to hone their art and create masterpieces using their favorite medium. Of course, the art would disappear after the next visit to the box, but that’s what makes each creation so rare and beautiful.

10. Sleep

Because cats.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Dmytro Skorobogatov | Getty Images.

About the author

Angie Bailey, an award-winning writer, podcaster and humorist, is the author of Texts From Mittens and creator of the Paws Rewind: Gen X + Cats podcast.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Catster magazine. Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting area of your vet’s office? Click here to subscribe to Catster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home. 

Read more humor on Catster.com:

• Short, Funny Cat Jokes
• Stella the Cat Weighs in on Cat Superstitions
• Interview with Stella the Cat: Discovering How Old She Really Is

The post What Cats Would Do With Their Extra Hour of Sunlight by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Many of us begin the new year by creating a list of resolutions — which last at least until January 27.

All (mostly) kidding aside, the new year feels like a clean slate, right? It makes sense to dream and set goals, and why wouldn’t cats want to do the same thing? They’d probably change their minds about a dozen times, but we’ve come to expect nothing less from our fuzzy little kings and queens of indecision.

The Top 10 New Years Resolutions Cats Would Make Are

1. Catch the red dot

The blasted red dot! How many hours of a cat’s nine lives are spent trying to capture that elusive laser? It moves so quickly and erratically, which makes kitties even more determined to catch the thing. They probably sit in their cat condos on New Year’s Eve, shaking their tiny fisted paws in the air, thinking “Curse you, red dot! Next year, you will be mine!”

2. Be more creative

Cats are way more creative than we think, and they’re always looking for new ways to express themselves. Really, are any two pieces of shredded toilet paper “art” the same? A cat who may only shred a few squares might decide to go totally abstract, randomly tossing pieces of an entire roll about the bathroom, creating a full-blown installation. Next year, kitty’s going big or going home.

3. Do more laundry

And by “do,” they mean “sleep on.” A pile of warm laundry is a cat’s happy place, and we all want more joy in our lives. Humans, take notice: Kitty’s planning for more fluff and less fold beginning promptly on Jan. 1.

4. Destroy the vacuum monster

That horribly loud creature that rolls through the house needs to be taken down in the new year. How? Cats haven’t come up with a plan yet but will be hiding in the linen closet until they hatch one. Please send treats.

5. Start a pen cap collection

Pen caps are better than any store-bought cat toy. They’re full of slide-y goodness and come in a variety of colors and sizes! Every new year, cats vow to start collecting these caps; however, one by one, the caps wind up swatted underneath furniture. How is one supposed to build a collection when there’s nothing to collect? Next year, cats will be more careful while swatting and also hope their humans will finally move the sofa to clean, revealing a cornucopia of caps. It’d be like a Vegas slot machine win and Christmas all rolled up into one.

6. Explore higher education

Like many humans, cats desire obtaining higher education. Humans usually mean college, while cats are referring to higher levels of household surface. They’d resolve to finally get on that kitchen counter and learn how the bagels that mock them from on high taste. They’d look forward to exploring the top of the dresser, studying the swat-ability of various baubles. Oh, and there’s another part of this resolution: “… and not get caught.”

7. Finally kick that catnip habit (maybe)

A popular New Year’s resolution humans make is to break a bad habit. Cats may resolve to cut the catnip, but as soon as those sweet leaves make an appearance, that promise will probably be in the rearview mirror. On second thought, cats probably shouldn’t even try to kick the
catnip habit in the first place. Scratch that.

8. Figure out a way to get a second breakfast

Cats are master manipulators and, most times, we humans are putty in their little paws. Many cats have tried the “pretend like I never had a first breakfast so I can get a second one” trick, but humans are hip to this particular strategy. In the new year, cats would devise a fresh plan to outsmart their people and finally secure the elusive second breakfast.

9. Try “tiny box living”

“Tiny house living” has been a popular trend with humans who are looking to live minimally and leave a smaller footprint. Cats would jump on this bandwagon by trying to fit themselves into progressively tinier boxes, taking “If I fits, I sits” to a whole new level.

10. More “me” time

Because cats. 

Read more funny cat articles on Catster.com:

• Interview with Stella the Cat: Discovering How Old She Is
• Ask Stella the Cat — What Is Your Relationship With Bugs?
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Thumbnail: Photography ©101cats | Getty Images.

Featured Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

The post 10 New Year’s Resolutions Cats Make by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Anyone who lives with cats knows that they want to be involved in anything and everything we do — especially if we’re sitting on the floor and interacting with boxes and bags. This tends to happen more often during the holiday season, when we — and sometimes a houseful of friends and family — enthusiastically tear open festive wrapping paper to reveal gifts and goodies. Unfortunately, this activity can pose potentially dangerous — and even life-threatening — results for kitty.

Certainly, there are ways to keep holiday gift opening safe and fun — even if you have cats!

The 4 Tips On How to Keep Your Cat Safe When Opening Gifts

1. Ribbons and cats

Of all the holiday package adornments, ribbons are perhaps the most dangerous to cats. “There are many dangers to cats associated with consuming gift-wrapping ribbon,” says Patrick Mahaney VMD, CVA, CVJ of California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW). “Although ribbon looks appealing and tasty, it creates a foreign-body effect inside the body and can be very damaging to the inner lining of the digestive tract (stomach and intestines). The abrasive nature of a foreign body like ribbon can irritate the stomach and leads to vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain and behavior changes.

Aside from the digestive threats, ribbon poses other dangers to cats. Dr. Mahaney continues, “Ribbon can also get caught around a cat’s neck, limb or body, causing a tourniquet effect that compromises blood flow, causes pain, and can lead to strangulation, severe tissue damage, and even the need for advanced medical procedures like ongoing wound care or limb amputation.”

2. Tape and cats

There’s a fair number of cats who go nuts for tape or anything adhesive. Like ribbon, tape — if ingested — can cause intestinal blockages and other digestive issues. Additionally, eating the tape’s adhesive could cause adverse reactions.

3. Bags and cats

It’s a well-known fact that cats love bags, and we love to watch our kitties hide and play inside them. Opening gifts presents many opportunities for feline bag investigation. The main consideration for holiday bag fun is that most of them have handles.

Do you see where we’re going with this one? That’s right — cats, in their holiday bag frolicking, may wind up with their heads stuck in the bag handles. Because there’s so much activity going on around the situation, this potential emergency may go unnoticed by humans. Cats should be supervised any time of year if given a bag with handles. Or, you could simply cut the handles off the bags and then let kitty go wild.

4. More safety suggestions for opening holiday gift opening with cats:

• Mahaney says, “Yes, feline-owning households can make gift opening festive for people yet safe for cats by using holiday-themed wrapping paper but excluding ribbon from their packaging and decorations.”
• Make one person in charge of a trash bag and direct them to immediately collect all the torn gift wrap that’s been tossed aside. Also ask them to collect the gift bags and fold them flat. It’s probably a good idea to keep this stack of bags out of the reach of curious paws.
• Boxes are nearly always a good solution when it comes to cats. To distract kitty, offer her a box that’s free of tape remnants. For added enjoyment, add a few pieces of (tape-free) crumpled-up wrapping paper to the box. Hallelujah!
• Before you start opening gifts, give kitty the contents of her stocking (come on, we know your cats all have stockings). The new toys from Santa might be just the distraction she needs.
• Let guests know the gift-opening drill, and ask them not to give kitty any items that are off limits.
• If none of these suggestions work, place kitty in a room behind a closed door with food, water and a litter box. Oh, and maybe a box or bag (with the handles removed, of course).

This piece was originally published in 2017.

Thumbnail: Photography ©suemack | Thinkstock.

Read more about the holidays and cats on Catster.com:

• Holiday Foods That Are Not Safe For Cats — What They Are and What to Do
• 4 Ways to Keep Your Cat Active During the Holidays
• 5 Times That Cats Get in the Way When You’re Wrapping Holiday Gifts

Feature Image Credit: Anna Mente, Shutterstock

The post Keep Holiday Gift Opening Fun and Safe With Cats by Angie Bailey appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.