Shadow was a young adult cat when she was rescued by her human, Nikki, from a trailer park where stray and feral cats gathered. Since kittenhood, Shadow lived in the park, scrounging for scraps from dumpsters and begging residents for food.

Once she was brought inside, Shadow had all the food she wanted, but she remained food-obsessed due to her previous lack of resources. One time, as Nikki was eating chicken, Shadow literally took the chicken out of Nikki’s mouth!

Six-month-old Deckster was found on my porch a few months ago, and he did not look as if he missed any meals. What did become apparent was his lack of indoor social skills, including the fact that it’s downright rude to step onto his human’s dinner plate to sneak a taste.

Break the begging pattern

Non-medically related food obsession in cats is often caused by an experience with limited food sources while living outside or a lack of social training. But this isn’t the only reason some cats beg. No matter the reason, food obsession and begging for and/or stealing food can be stopped by following these simple rules.

1. Clear your counter

Any food left out on the counter is fair game, and you may find a cat has taken a bite out of it. I have a friend who made a batch of muffins, left them on the counter to cool and later found a bite mark on each and every muffin.

2. Feed the cats first

Feed your cats just before you sit down to eat. Even if it’s just a few treats, giving them something to eat should distract them from your dinner plate. If they are busy with their own goodies, they’ll be less interested in what you have.

3. Refrain from plate feeding

Speaking of what’s on your plate, feeding your cats from your dinner plate is a recipe for disaster. Cats will keep begging if fed from your plate, because a payoff was received in a yummy treat. The begging will be much harder to control once your cats get you into this bad habit.

4. Ignore the behavior

For relentless cats who keep trying to eat your food, gently put them down on the floor without making eye contact or even saying a word. You may have to repeat this step many times in a row as they pop back up like a jack-in-the-box, but eventually no payoff equals no begging. Cats don’t repeat behaviors for which there is no reward.

5. Put cats in another room

When all else fails, put your cats in another room at your mealtime. Give them a few treats and some self-play toys, and let them be out of sight during your mealtimes. Then, start counter-conditioning to take the allure away from your dinner plate.

6. Counter conditioning

Stop your cat’s begging habit by taking away the power of your own food routines. For example, if you like to snack at night, and your cats want what’s in that potato chip bowl, get them used to seeing the bowl empty while you watch TV. Soon the bowl will mean nothing to your cats, and you’ll be able to fill it with your own treats without finding a cat nose in it. Give your cats a snack as you sit down with your potato chips — after all, everyone likes to snack while they watch television.

Banish boredom

Anxiety and boredom may also cause a cat to become food obsessed. Give your cat both playtime and snuggle time every day. Providing self-play toys, cat trees, window perches and other interesting things to do whenever they are home alone will help alleviate boredom and discourage food obsession.

Follow these steps, and your mealtimes will become peaceful instead of a battleground with your feline family members.

Rule out medical conditions

If your cat seems unnaturally hungry all the time, a visit with your veterinarian is in order, especially if the cat is losing weight. The following conditions can cause cats to act constantly ravenous:

Conditions like pica and psychogenic eating disorder might trigger aggression around food, with both humans and other cats. Only your veterinarian can diagnose and treat these diseases.

The post How to Stop Your Cat Begging for Food: 6 Ways That Work by Rita Reimers 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.

What do our cats really need to eat in order to meet their nutritional needs? Chef Bobby Flay believes he has the answer. But what does a gourmet chef know about cat food and feline nutrition? As it turns out, he knows quite a lot.

A lifelong cat lover and super cat dad, Bobby Flay knows what makes cats purr. An only child, Bobby grew up thinking of cats as his siblings. “From the time I was born, there were always cats in my house,” he says. “As an only child, they were as close to brothers as I had. I spent countless hours side by side with them, and we kept each other company.” But being a famous chef meant he had to put his love for cats on hold, since his busy life didn’t leave much time to properly care for a kitty.

After 30 years without a cat in his life, Bobby says, “I’m back in.” Bobby got his orange Maine Coon, Nacho, 6 years ago. It’s no coincidence that Nacho’s orange mane matches Bobby’s own. As a kid, Bobby had an orange cat named Pumpkin. “I wanted him because he matched my hair and, as a 5-yearold boy, nothing could be cooler in my mind.” Bobby has since added Stella to his cat family, a brown-and-white Maine Coon who is now 2 years old. “Stella worships Nacho and copies everything he does,” Bobby says.

Nacho and Stella routinely travel with Bobby. “I can’t do without them for that long, even a week is too long, and I feel bad leaving them. I know they miss me, too.”

Nacho’s Influence

As someone who works with food and knows what pleases the human palate, Bobby began thinking about feline nutrition and what cats really need in their diets. With his famous Nacho by his side (Nacho has almost as many Facebook followers as his dad!), Bobby began researching cat nutrition, working with his veterinarian to create Made By Nacho. Nacho is actually the company founder, as he inspired Bobby to create the line. “I’m very passionate about this project,” Bobby says. “I want [cats] to be our only thought at Made By Nacho. Cats are king of the road, they are carnivores, and we can’t feed them like humans.”

Although Bobby and Nacho have been working on creating his cat food for a few years, the pandemic allowed them to focus on bringing Made By Nacho to reality, launching the company and website (MadeByNacho.com), in April 2021.

Nacho did taste testing along with his little sister, Stella. “Cats have very specific palates and nutritional needs,” Bobby says. And he wanted to keep this in mind when developing the food. “The first pieces of wet cat food we made were beautiful, uniform in shape and nice, large pieces. But we’re not serving it in a restaurant, we’re serving cats. We can’t forget what we’re doing here. Cats want flavor and texture, and it needs to be easy to eat.” So they changed the pieces to be smaller, in order to appeal to the size and texture cats prefer.

Made by Nacho

Nacho and Stella’s own veterinarian, Dr. Katja Lang, worked closely with Nacho and Bobby to develop the Made by Nacho meals.

And just one of the magical ingredients? Bone broth: which is full of protein and flavor and provides hydration. Cats need as much hydration as they can get, and bone broth also adds the additional moisture cats need.

❉ Find Made By Nacho exclusively at PetSmart.

Up Next

When asked if Nacho will have his own cooking show, Bobby says, “He’s a little busy right now, but at some point that could definitely happen. People like to watch him.” Nacho is so popular that when Bobby does appearances without him, people always ask where he is.

The next frontier for Made By Nacho? Kitten food. They are currently working on a line of food specifically for kittens and their special nutritional needs as they grow. They are also working on a line of grain-free food for cats who cannot tolerate grains.

Nacho Keeps Giving

Nacho uses his voice to get more cats into loving homes and out of shelters. Bobby encourages people who have never had a cat to adopt one. In fact, Nacho and Bobby are sending a Made By Nacho box to a rescue that is near and dear to my heart, as this rescue has had quite a hard time lately.

We are so grateful, as is the rescue. We asked Nacho for the last word in our interview, but he politely declined as he was relaxing in the living room on a cozy rug, and Bobby did not want to disturb him. Now that’s a great cat dad!

Follow Nacho on Facebook @Nacho Flay and on Instagram @nachoflay.

Follow Bobby on Facebook @Bobby Flay and on Instagram @bobbyflay.

The post Nacho Creates His Own Food Company by Rita Reimers 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.

Spend a few minutes looking at social media, and you’ll agree: Cats are sweet, friendly, and cuddly. Until they aren’t.

Whether it’s your own cat or a cat you’ve just met, it can be quite intimidating when a kitty becomes aggressive and decides to lash out. As a professional cat sitter, behaviorist and cat mom to many rescued felines, I have experienced more than my share of cats who act downright scary.

Just what makes a cat turn from innocent angel to Tasmanian devil? There are as many reasons as there are cats, but it all boils down to a few main culprits:

• fear and anxiety
• under or overstimulation
• medical issues and/or pain

Let’s explore the anatomy of each and how to calm an angry cat.

Fear and anxiety

You’ll see cats become fearful and aggressive when they are experiencing fear or anxiety. From attachment issues that cause separation anxiety to displaced aggression that can cause a cat to attack, these cats are simply trying to protect themselves from the unknown and potential harm. Newly adopted cats, as well as your own cat buddy, can both exhibit this type of aggression.

Newly adopted cat anxiety: A newly adopted cat might exhibit this type of behavior once you get him home. In most cases, little is known about the cat’s living situation prior to being adopted, and kitty is likely to become scared and confused about what’s happening to him.
Being moved from his home, placed in a shelter, and then being adopted into your home can be a traumatic experience. He will need time to adjust. He may react by hiding, and attempts to coax him out may be met with angry hissing and spitting, until he gets his bearings and begins to trust you.

Current cat anxiety: If your current feline friend begins acting fearful and aggressive, there could be a few reasons for his change in behavior. Changes in the household can cause insecurity:

• new people/animals entering or leaving
• outside kitties to chase off
• moving to a new location

Reasons like these can trigger your cat to lash out in unexpected ways.

Many a couple have consulted me once they got married due to aggressive behavior their cat exhibited toward the new spouse. Fear and anxiety over a perceived lack of resources (their parent’s affection or the space on the bed, for example) are often the reason. Even a small change can cause a cat to freak out a little.

One of my cats, Precious, once reacted aggressively toward me after I had my nails done. She started growling and slapping at my hand!

Under or overstimulation

If your cat doesn’t get enough attention or even gets too much attention, he may become irritated. You can’t bring a new cat home and just leave him alone to make his life in your home. It’s a myth that cats are loners and don’t want to be bothered by people. But you have to balance your cat’s need to have alone time, too. After all, cats need those 18 hours of beauty rest!

Under stimulation: If you leave a cat alone and never approach him, yes, he may well become an aloof, unfriendly cat who never quite trusts you or his surroundings. He may become bored, under stimulated, love-starved and decide to bite or scratch you should you try to touch him.

Cats need consistent interaction with us and reassurance that they are welcome in your home — that’s what makes them feel secure with you. From the day you bring him home, the bond between you and your cat needs to be cultivated and nurtured, and your cat needs to be reassured of your love with consistent attention and interaction.

Overstimulation: Let’s say you did all that, and you now have a wonderfully loving relationship with your cat — for the most part. Still, there are times when your cat may swat at you seemingly unprovoked or he bites your hand when you pet him, then runs off.

This is a reaction to overstimulation. Your cat will give you subtle clues to let you know to stop touching him, but if you’re not paying attention you may miss it. Your cat bites as a last resort to ask you to stop. Also beware, if you haven’t had a play or snuggle session with your cat in a while, he could be bored, have pent up energy and may well bite you to get your attention.

Medical issues and pain

I clearly remember a behavior case where I did a follow-up with someone who initially consulted with Jackson Galaxy. This normally loving cat who snuggled up with his feline cohorts in the household suddenly became venomous whenever the other cats would approach. Jackson rightly asked that the cat be seen by a veterinarian, where it was discovered the cat had an unknown back injury. After taking over the consult on the case, the client disclosed that one of the other cats had jumped on the now-angry cat during playtime. This, we surmised, caused the cat pain due to his previously undiagnosed back injury.

Pain can make a cat act in ways that are not his normal personality. I know when I am sick, I can get pretty short-tempered with people, because I just want to be left to rest and recover. It’s the same for your cat, and the only way he knows to be left alone is to become aggressive to keep people, and other animals, away.

When my cat Trouble had cancer, he had a change in behavior. While he didn’t get wildly aggressive, his normally docile behavior changed to one of isolation and growling when approached by his cat pals. Once we diagnosed the issue and got him on pain meds, he was his usual personality for the last months of his life.

Anytime you notice any kind of personality change, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. It’s not uncommon that an issue assumed to be behavioral turns out to have a medical cause and, when treated, corrects the aggressive behavior.

How to help

Help your cat through times of aggression by first pinpointing the root cause of the behavior. If it’s situational, medical or some combination of the two, the best way to correct the problem is to determine the source of your cat’s angst so it can be appropriately corrected.

A visit to the veterinarian, becoming more aware of your cat’s body language, spending time with your cat and knowing when to let him have alone time will help your cat’s mood become lighter and happier. Use of medication from your vet, over-the-counter herbal remedies, or a combination of the two, can also help calm your cat so he can be his old snuggly self again, just like all those cats on social media. Look, isn’t he sweet?!

Featured Image: castenoid | Getty Images

Read Next: Why Do Cats Follow You?

The post How to Calm an Angry Cat by Rita Reimers 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.

Litter boxes can quickly become the bane of a cat parent’s existence when kitty decides to misuse them — or not use them at all. These are some of the most common litter box issues I have come across, both in my practice and with my own cats.

The 6 Common Litter Box Issues

1. Avoidance

Litter box avoidance is the most common issue cat owners experience, and it’s the No. 1 reason people surrender their cats to shelters. There are many simple reasons why cats duck the box, and most of them have easy solutions (see below).

2. Guarding or litter box bullying

Alpha cats will often demonstrate their dominance by preventing another cat from either entering or exiting the litter box. Our cat BooBoo is our alpha boy, and more than once I have seen him trap our cat Hope as she’s using the box. Litter box bullying can quickly lead to litter box avoidance, so provide boxes in different areas of your home and make sure each area has an easy escape path for bullied cats.

3. Playing

Most common with kittens, I have seen littermates follow each other into the box and turn potty time into playtime. Sometimes this continues into adulthood, often between siblings. But some adult cats play in the litter, too. One of my client’s cats takes her favorite stuffed animal with her everywhere she goes, including into the litter box. My own Abby will often climb into a freshly cleaned and filled litter box and roll around with glee in the unspoiled litter. I don’t pretend to understand that one!

4. Standing on the rim

My cat Sunny has this habit of standing on the rim of the litter box on his hind legs while leaning against the adjacent wall with his upper body when he uses the litter box. It’s the oddest way I have ever seen a cat use the box. Sometimes it’s successful. Other times he makes a huge mess, either because he misses the box and goes on the floor or because he loses his balance and tips the box over, dumping its entire contents. I’m often left with a mess to clean up, but I can’t help but laugh every time I see Sunny getting himself “into position.”

5. Refusal to bury

Cats are known for being ultraclean and for burying their leavings, but there are times when a cat decides not to bury. Sometimes this happens when a cat doesn’t like the texture and feel of a certain type of litter on his paws; declawed cats will often experience this. Sometimes a cat won’t bury as another way to mark his territory and let everyone know he’s been there. When my BooBoo does this, my Tinkerbelle goes right in there and covers it up for him!

6. Digging and over-burying

Some cats are so intent on burying that they excavate the box for a long time before they are satisfied. My Tinkerbelle buries everything under a pile of litter so high that it actually looks like a pyramid. It takes her a good five minutes to accomplish this. I once took care of a cat named Wilbur who used to pee on the floor, then he would get into the litter box and scoop all the litter out onto the floor to bury what he did. (He actually needed a larger litter box, and the problem was solved!)

If your beloved kitty is exhibiting odd behaviors in the litter box and medical causes have been ruled out, consult with a cat behaviorist to help find a solution to the bad box behavior. Or, depending on your cat’s particular misbehavior, you might want to just sit back and enjoy the show!

Litter Box Avoidance Checklist

If your new kitten or cat is avoiding the litter box, go through this checklist to solve the problem!

1. Medical issues. When your cat isn’t using the litter box, the first thing to do is take him to the veterinarian. Medical issues, like urinary tract disorders, are a common reason for a cat to stop using his box.
2. Litter box size. Ideally, your cat’s box should be large enough for him to comfortably turn around inside, without his body hanging over the side. You’ll need a smaller litter box for kittens and then bigger when they outgrow it. You’ll also need one with smaller sides for kittens and senior cats so they can get easily in and out of it.
3. Litter box or litter type. Just like us, cats have their own bathroom preferences. Some like a covered litter box and others prefer one that’s not. There are many types of litter boxes out there, so get a variety of them and find out which one your cat prefers. The same goes for litter. Cats with sensitive paws are quite particular about the type of litter they use. With all the choices, get several that work for you and your cat, and offer them in different litter boxes to see which one your cat prefers.
4. Box placement. Place the box in a low-traffic area of your home but not somewhere difficult for your cat to reach. If you have a kitten or senior cat, put a box on every level of your home, so he can get to a box quickly and easily.
5. Stress. Household changes can quickly cause stress in your cat, and peeing outside of the litter box is commonly the first sign. Adding new people or pets to the household is a common cat stressor.
6. Not enough boxes — or not clean enough. If there aren’t enough boxes in a multi-cat household, or if they are not scooped often enough, your cats will find another, cleaner place to go. And I guarantee it won’t be someplace you’ll like. Scoop your litter boxes often, at least twice a day, and offer the same number of boxes as you have cats and one extra.

Tell us: What litter box issues have you experienced? What solutions worked for you?

Thumbnail: Photography © npdesignde | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

About the author

Rita Reimers’ Cat Behavior Coaching has helped many cat owners better understand their feline friends. Visit RitaReimers.com to read her cat behavior blog or book a cat behavior coaching session. Rita is also CEO/owner of JustForCatsPetSitting.com. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter at @TheCatAnalyst.

Read more about cat litter box issues on Catster.com:

• 5 Tips for Controlling Cat Litter Tracking and Scattering
• Litter Training Cats: What You Need to Know
• 7 Ways to Get Your Cat to Like Using the Litter Box

The post 6 Common Litter Box Issues — and How to Fix Them by Rita Reimers 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.

There’s nothing more heartwarming than adopting a sweet, little kitten and watching him grow before your eyes. But as thrilling as it is for you, your other cats might not be as happy about it — at first, anyway. Preparation and patience are key to blending your growing cat clan. Here’s what you need to know about introducing kittens to your other cats.

Cats are territorial

If you already have cats, you know firsthand that cats are territorial creatures who do not enjoy changes in their environment. Part of this tendency is a throwback to their wild days when cats were hunted by other animals, and their food sources and other resources were threatened by other neighboring cats. Introducing kittens is hard because a new kitten is seen as an interloper by your cats, and a potential threat to their food and napping places.

Don’t be surprised to hear hisses when introducing kittens to your other cats. My friend Linda recently brought home a new kitten named Paws. While there were no hisses from her adult cat, Kizzy, he did give Paws a smack on the head to let him know who’s boss. Now they are cuddle and play buddies.

Top 4 Tips For Introducing Cats and Kittens

1. Prepare a quiet place

Once you get your new kittens home, they may feel overwhelmed and scared, and they may try to hide under a bed. After all, they’re in a new place with strange people and new sights, sounds and smells. The sight of your other cats may also scare them, especially if they’re hissing at the newbies.

Start the kittens off in a small room, such as a bathroom, where you can visit with them and they can’t hide. Bring toys and treats, talk in soothing tones, and let them adjust to their surroundings and feel comfortable with you before you let them explore the whole house. This could take a few hours or several days. Don’t let adult cats near the kittens at this point.

2. Supervise when introducing kittens to your other cats

You may begin to notice your kittens and cats playing footsie under the door to the kitten’s quiet room. This is a good sign that introduction time has arrived! Begin introducing kittens to your other kitties with short supervised sessions, where you hold the kittens and let the adults come over to meet them.

Nose touches are a good sign! You may hear a hiss or two, or you may get lucky. When I brought Simon home, Boo-Boo kitty demanded to meet him immediately, and right away they started chasing each other up and down the hallway. Instant pals!

Until your cats get along well with the kittens with no hisses or threats, have them together only when supervised. Be patient. It takes time for everyone to adjust and establish the cat pecking order in the household.

3. Consider two kittens

Kittens are bundles of boundless energy, and having a buddy to play with will keep your kittens well-adjusted. Kitten play is how they teach each other good versus bad biting and play behaviors.

Having kitten buddies to roughhouse with one another will enable them to use those natural play behaviors on one another instead of on you or your other older cats. Your fingers and toes will thank you!

4. One last tip when introducing kittens

Spoil your new kittens, but also give your current cats time with you, too. Otherwise, jealousy and behavior issues may pop up. Soon cats and kitten(s) will become buddies with one another, and you’ll have one happy crew.

Read more about kittens on Catster.com:

• 6 Things to Know If You Find an Abandoned Kitten
• How Much to Feed a Kitten
• When Do Kittens’ Eyes Change Color?

Feature Image Credit: Volodymyr Plysiuk, Shutterstock

The post Introducing Kittens to Your Other Resident Cats: 4 Tips by Rita Reimers 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.

Choosing the right kitty isn’t as simple as picking out the most adorable whisker face you can find. You need to consider how your lifestyle is able to meet the needs of your chosen feline pal. It’s not as much your age but your stage in life that plays a role in deciding what type and age of cat is the best fit for you.

If you’re a single professional

Are you on your own, trying to make your mark in the world and focused on your career? If you’re away from home for many hours at a time, a kitten or high-maintenance breed like a Bengal, Ragdoll or Persian might not be the right cat for you.

A young adult cat, who has already been socialized and through her wild and crazy kittenhood, of a lower-maintenance breed is a smarter choice. Of course, your adult cat will need plenty of places to nap, things to climb and stimulating toys to play with, too, so she won’t get bored while home alone.

A bonded kitty pair who can keep each other company might be the best fit for an on-the-go single person who might work late hours — and socialize late hours, too.

If you have young children

Families with babies or toddlers can be a wonderful environment for an easygoing older cat or for a young adult, gentle breed cat like a Maine Coon, Birman or Sphynx.

Toddlers might be a little too aggressive to be around very young kittens, and parents of young children may be a little too occupied with the kids to give needy kittens the handling and socialization they need.

Older adult cats can also be good with younger children, as they tend to be calm and don’t get stressed as easily as a very young cat. Older cats also tend to sleep quite a bit, and anyone looking on YouTube has seen plenty of cute babies and cats slumbering peacefully together.

If you have older children

Once the kids get older and can be taught how to handle them, kittens and young cats can be a great addition to today’s modern family. My friend, Linda, and her family just adopted their very first kitten, after previously adopting all adult cats. Everyone from Linda’s husband to her 13-year-old son is fascinated watching Paws and his tiny kitten antics, not to mention his rapid growth!

Even their adult cats and dog are captivated by the tiny bundle of fluff. Kittens can teach kids responsibility and how to take care of another loving being, not to mention they are great fun to play with, too. Those more energetic breeds of any age like Maine Coons, Bengals and Siberians might also be a good choice as a family cat.

if the cats are your kids

A kitten is a wonderful choice for someone established in his or her career who doesn’t have kids at home or travel a lot. At this life stage, you have some good parenting, pet or just plain life experience, which will come in handy. Kittens need lots of supervision to keep them out of trouble, as well as plenty of love and handling to become loving, social creatures. They also need someone who has patience to spare as they explore their environment (and get into things, too!).

Adult cats from some of the more affection-needy breeds like the Sphynx, Cornish Rex or the Egyptian Mau are also perfect for the single person or couple who has the time and love to devote to them. Senior cats may also be a good choice, since these cats may require closer observation in order to discover any medical issues that may come up as they age (and someone who can afford the vet bills).

If you’re a retired senior

For a retired senior adult, the best feline fit depends on his or her lifestyle. There are very active seniors who spend a lot of time out of the house, traveling, doing community service or hobbies like golf, and they might not be a great fit for a kitten but rather an adult low-maintenance breed or two. An older, calmer kitty is great for someone who is more of a homebody looking for a cat to sit by his or her side keeping them company while they watch TV, or they might enjoy the extra energy that a tiny kitten brings.

Once you decide to bring a cat or kitten into your life, no matter what age or breed you choose, give her lots of love and attention, along with everything else she will need to live a long and happy life with you.

Tell us: How does your cat fit in with your life stage / lifestyle?

Thumbnail: Photography ©Squaredpixels | Getty Images.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in Catster magazine. Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Catster magazine delivered straight to you! 

About the author:

Rita Reimers’ Cat Behavior Coaching has helped many cat owners better understand their feline friends. Visit RitaReimers.com to read her cat behavior blog or to book a cat behavior coaching session. Rita is also the CEO/owner of JustForCatsPetSitting.com. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter @thecatanalyst.

Read more about adding a cat to your life on Catster.com:

• Your Checklist for Bringing a New Cat Home
• How to Catify Your Home to Welcome a New Cat
• How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cat?

The post Finding the Perfect Cat for Your Life Stage by Rita Reimers 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.

Cats are known for their mysterious ways and off-the-wall behaviors in general. There are some cats, however, where those weird cat behaviors are just so quirky and bizarre that you don’t know if you should laugh or call your vet.

Here are eight weird cat behaviors that I’ve come across, and I will attempt to explain just why some happen. Does your cat do any of these?

The 8 Weird Cat Behaviors, And What They Mean

1. Staring at the wall

Have you ever seen your cat sitting perfectly still, just staring at the wall? My cats do that quite a lot. So then of course I start looking around, trying to figure out what they see that I don’t.

While it’s a common and harmless habit most cats have, it does tend to make me wonder if my cats are a bit like Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense!

2. Knocking things over

Particularly when I am busy working in my office, my cat, Sonny, will come along and randomly knock objects to the floor. It seems the more I ignore him, the more things end up on my floor.

While it’s common for cats to play with their prey — and this behavior has been likened to that — I’m not so sure that’s always the case. Personally, I think Sonny is trying to annoy me just enough so I’ll get up and open the bag of treats for him.

3. Stealing things

We’ve all seen those videos of cats stealing things from the neighbors and bringing them home. The reason it’s so funny is that cats really do take things that don’t belong to them, and quite regularly.

When cats steal and then hide things, they’re mimicking the hunt they would be doing in the wild, burying their catch to eat later. My friend Linda laments, “My cat, Karma, is smart enough to open the jar where I keep my hair ties, take one, then put the lid back on. I am running out of hair ties, and I am bitter!”

4. Head butting

Bonk, bonk, bonk! That’s the sound of a cat hitting a person with his head, trying to get some attention. Head butting, or bunting, as is the proper term, is a very high honor a cat bestows upon those accepted as members of his tribe. As he bunts, he’s also marking them with his scent, declaring his ownership.

This weird cat behavior is used solely for social bonding, showing friendliness and acceptance. I also think this is how cats poke us to get our attention; my Punkin does this if I take too long to pet him when he sits next to me on the sofa.

5. Putting toys in the food dish

My friend Linda sent me a photo the other day. Her cat, Kizzy, had put a toy in his empty food bowl after he had eaten his dinner. “Why does he do this?” This is another throwback to the wild when, as a wildcat, Kizzy would have been outside hunting and gathering food.

Some cats will put their toys in their food dish as a safe place to keep them for later, just like a cat in the wild would bury his catch to hide it from predators. “Oh that makes sense,” Linda says. “He never did that until we brought Karma home.” Sounds to me like someone doesn’t want to share his toys!

6. Teeth chattering and chirping

Did you ever hear a cat chirp? Usually it’s accompanied by the gnashing of teeth, which sounds like someone’s teeth chattering in the cold, and whiskers that stand on end. I saw my cat, Simon, doing the chirp n’ chatter the other day when he was staring at the wall. Turns out, he was watching a tiny little bug who was just out of reach, so he couldn’t swat it down.

Frustration and excitement often cause the chattering behavior, especially when they see birds outside that they cannot hunt. I’ve seen my spoiled house cats staring out the window at birds, frustrated they can’t get to their prey. Believe me, they’re happier with the prey-in-cans anyway; no work required!

7. Zooming from room to room

Wait, what was that orange streak? Why its Colby suddenly deciding he MUST run RIGHT NOW with all his might from the living room into my office and back. “Zoomies” are how cats burn off their pent-up energy, left over from their hard day of hanging around the house waiting for supper.

Um OK, but why right then? And why at top speed in the middle of the night when the house is very, very quiet? Maybe your cat has a vendetta against you, and payback is, well you know, a zooming cat keeping you up at night!

8. Playing/sleeping in boxes

We’ve all heard “If I fits, I sits” when explaining the cat-in-box syndrome. Even large cats in the wild will sit in a box given the opportunity (Google it and see!). But just why do cats love boxes so much?

A deep box is a cozy place to curl up for a nap, hidden away safely from predators while they take a comfortable snooze. Add a blanket to the box, or not — either way, cats love to cozy up inside. When our Chewy.com order comes, the cats can’t wait for the brand-new boxes to be emptied, so they can claim new napping spots.

And let’s not forget the great fun they have tearing the cardboard into tiny bits, all over my carpet. Yeah, thanks, fellas!

The bottom line on weird cat behaviors

These are just a few of the weird cat behaviors that are oh-so-common in the feline world. We can play into some of them and have a wonderful time bonding with our kitties in their zany little moments, now that we understand what drives them.

Tell us: What weird cat behaviors truly baffle you?

Thumbnail: Photography ©stockcam | Getty Images.

Related Reads:

• Clutch and the Vacuum: A Love Story (With Video!)
• Cat Won’t Stop Meowing? 7 Reasons For All That Cat Meowing
• Why Is Your Cat Hiding?
• Is Your Cat Acting Weird? 5 Reasons Why

The post 8 Weird Cat Behaviors That Stump Kitty Parents Explained by Rita Reimers 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.

Is your cat not using the litter box? Use this checklist to see what problems are at play — and if you need to take your cat to the vet.

The 6 Possible Causes Why Your Cat Not Using the Litter Box

1. Medical issues.

With a cat not using the litter box, you may need to take him to a vet. Medical issues, like urinary tract disorders, are a common — and serious — reason for a cat not using the litter box.

2. Litter box size.

Ideally, your cat’s box should be large enough for him to comfortably turn around inside, without his body hanging over the side. You’ll need a smaller litter box for kittens and then bigger when they outgrow it. You’ll also need one with smaller sides for kittens and senior cats so they can get easily in and out of it.

3. Litter box or litter type.

Just like us, cats have their own bathroom preferences and a cat not using the litter box might not like the type of litter or the type of litter box.

Some cats like a covered litter box and other cats prefer one that’s uncovered. There are many types of litter boxes out there, so try a variety of them and find out which one your cat prefers.

The same goes for litter. Cats with sensitive paws are quite particular about the type of litter they use. With all the choices, get several that work for you and your cat, and offer them in different litter boxes to see which one your cat prefers.

4. Box placement.

A cat not using the litter box might have difficultly accessing the litter box. Place the litter box in a low-traffic area of your home but not somewhere difficult for your cat to reach. If you have a kitten or senior cat, put a box on every level of your home, so he can get to a box quickly and easily.

5. Stress.

Household changes can quickly cause stress in your cat, and peeing outside of the litter box is commonly the first sign. Adding new people or pets to the household is a common cat stressor.

6. Not enough boxes — or not clean enough.

If there aren’t enough boxes in a multi-cat household, or if they are not scooped often enough, your cats will find another, cleaner place to go. And I guarantee it won’t be someplace you’ll like. Scoop your litter boxes often, at least twice a day, and offer the same number of boxes as you have cats and one extra.

Thumbnail: Photography ©ysbrandcosijn | Getty Images.

Read more about cat health and care:

• Hemp Benefits — 6 Hemp Products to Help Keep Your Cat Healthy
• Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
• Everything to Know About Cushing’s Disease in Cats

The post Is Your Cat Not Using the Litter Box? 6 Possible Causes by Rita Reimers 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.

I can’t imagine being scared of my own sweet kitties. As a catsitter, there are times when I’m greeted by a snarling Tasmanian devil of a cat, but these are not my own lovebugs. Are there people who are actually scared of their own kitties?

Well, all you need to do is watch the opening sequence to Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell to see that, yes, this really does happen, and it’s not as uncommon as you might think.

Scared of your own cat? Mostly, this happens for one of these reasons:

The 2 reasons you’re scared of your own cat

1. Fear of your new cat: You’ve brought home your first cat and have no prior experience with cats, how to read them or how to handle them; or you’ve brought a new cat home, and — surprise! The cat has major anxiety issues.
2. Fear of your resident cat: Your current cat is exhibiting sudden behavioral changes that have come (seemingly) out of nowhere.

Fear of your new cat

Brand-new cat owners who have not spent much time around or had much experience with cats might sometimes act anxious around their new feline buddy.

Anxiousness often translates to a cat as intimidation and fear, which can raise the kitty’s own insecurities and fears about being in a new place with strange people, and she may act out with aggression.

Even experienced cat owners might find themselves perplexed by the behaviors of a new feline addition to their household if they have adopted a fearful cat. A cat that has been mistreated, neglected or has lived her entire life in a rescue shelter might have poor socialization skills and more than a healthy fear of humans.

The aggressiveness some new cats exhibit usually settles down once the kitty has time to become comfortable in her new surroundings with her new people. Yes, it can be quite intimidating to adopt a cat only to find her hissing, growling, spitting and lashing out once you get her home.

Fear of your resident cat

When a cat who has been in the home for a long period of time suddenly begins acting out with aggression, there might be a few reasons for this behavior:

1. Moving to a new home. Being in a new place with new smells, sounds, sights and maybe even new people can be very intimidating to your cat. It’s like you took away her security blanket, and now she doesn’t know what is in “her” territory.

2. New cats, other pets or people. An interloper suddenly enters your cat’s domain. She might react with aloofness, or she might actually attack the new cat, other pet or even a new person in an effort to protect her abode. She might be so upset that her anger turns toward you if you try to calm a disagreement between your cat and another cat, pet or human.

3. Boredom. If your cat is home alone all day with no toys, no cat tree, nothing to look at, nothing to play with, not even another cat, then yes, she is going to be full of pent-up energy and raring to go once you get home!

Sometimes, that play energy can turn a little angry and aggressive. Certain high-energy breeds such as Bengals need mental stimulation, or they will get bored and might even cause some damage to your home.

4. Undiagnosed illness. When we humans don’t feel well, we might get grumpy, but we can tell others why we’re acting that way. When your cat doesn’t feel well, she will most likely get grumpy, and the only way she can tell you to leave her alone is to get a little rough with you.

I once was called to do a behavior session where one of the three cats suddenly began attacking one of his feline buddies. It turns out that the aggressor had arthritis, and the other cat had accidentally caused him pain during playtime. It took quite some time and effort to get them to become friends again.

What to do about aggressive behavior

1. Vet checkup. Get to the veterinarian to make sure your cat doesn’t have any underlying health issues that could be causing her angry outbursts.

2. Identify the cause. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, try to figure out why she might be acting this way (see above).

3. Calming products. Try some herbal calming products to help take the edge off your cat’s anxiety. If those don’t work, your veterinarian might be able to prescribe something to help calm the situation.

4. Spend some time with her. Take the time to get to know your cat, especially if she is new, but don’t force it. Playtime is a nice way to bond with your cat and also help her use up her energy and work out her frustrations.

5. Get her a buddy. If you have a single cat, consider getting her a friend to keep her company while you’re at work.

6. Catify your home. As my colleague Jackson Galaxy says, one of the best things you can do for your cat is to catify her environment. Give her cat trees, places to climb, cozy places to nap, plenty of toys and things to do so her mind stays sharp, and she gets to be active in the way cats are in nature.

What not to do if you’re scared of your cat

1. Yell at your cat. Yelling at your cat only causes her more distress, and she might actually attack you — or at the very least hide from you.

2. Punish your cat. Punishing your cat will only alienate her. I once conducted a behavior session for a couple where the man was always getting nipped by one of the cats. The reason? He was yelling at the cat and smacking him to get him to calm down. Not cool!

3. Run away or act scared. If you act like you’re afraid of your cat, she’ll sense this and have the upper hand. She’ll use her aggression to keep distance between you, and you’ll be stuck in a standoff situation, maybe for life.

4. Ignore her. When your cat first gets aggressive, its OK to walk away from her and withdraw your attention, at first. But, if you just ignore her and leave her shut in a room all alone because you are scared of her, she will become an aloof, unfriendly, mad cat forever.

As you see, there really is nothing to fear. Meet your cat on her terms and see things from her purr-spective. It won’t take long before you both lose your fear of one another and become best pals for life.

Thumbnail: Photography ©izusek | Getty Images.

Rita Reimers’ Cat Behavior Coaching has helped many cat owners better understand their feline friends. Visit RitaReimers.com to read her cat behavior blog or to book a cat behavior coaching session. Rita is also the CEO/owner of JustForCatsPetSitting.com. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter at @thecatanalyst.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in Catster magazine. Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Catster magazine delivered straight to you! 

Read more about cat behavior on Catster.com:

• How to Stop a Cat Fight and Why They Happen
• Teach Your Cat Appropriate Scratching Behaviors
• How to Help a Grieving Cat

The post What to Do When You’re Scared of Your Own Cat by Rita Reimers 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.

Before you can learn to talk to your cat, you need to understand how your cat talks to you. Did you know that meowing is a form of cat communication your cat reserves just for you? In nature, cats do not meow to one another past kittenhood. If your cat meows at you, he’s trying to tell you something.

And it’s not just about meow; grasping the meaning of your cat’s body language is an important part of how he communicates with you and the world around him. Gauge his mood by his body language before you start trying to talk to him.

If your cat is open to your attention and conversation, his body language will be very relaxed and inviting. His tail will be up greeting you or curled around him and still if he is lying down. His ears will be forward or slightly to the side, ready to listen. He may even be kneading or roll over to show you his tummy. If you see any tail swishing, big, black pupils, ears back or hear any growling, then he is most certainly not in the mood to entertain you right now.

Cat communication — the most important thing is the tone of your voice

If your cat is in the mood to converse with you, how do you talk to him in his language — or yours? Both, actually! I meow at my cats sometimes when they are meowing at me (and I do wonder just what I am saying to them). Seriously, the most important thing about talking to your cat is your tone of voice.

1. Speak in a higher voice. Cats respond better to sopranos, so use a higher voice when speaking to yours. Men, too, should speak to their cats in a higher tone than they normally would use. I’ve noticed that when I use a very high, sweet voice, my cats come running to see what’s up, usually expecting a treat. I think I taught them that — or did they teach me? Hmm …
2. Match your tone to the message. Tone of voice is important with cats, let alone humans. If you’re giving your cat praise for something, make your tone of voice light and loving. If you’re teaching him that a behavior is unwelcome, make your tone more serious (but there is no need to yell). The two messages have to sound different; otherwise your kitty won’t understand the difference between their meaning when you talk to him.
3. Use vocal cues and repetition. If you want your cat to learn something, repeat the action and add a vocal cue to help him learn. “Good Boy or Good Girl” works well on cats, too — it’s not just for dogs. Reinforce your praise with a treat, and your cat will fall all over you and do whatever you want to hear your syrupy, sweet words and get that yummy goodie that goes with it.

What purrs mean in cat

Purring to your cat can also be an effective way form of cat communication. If your cat is purring, go ahead and purr back by trilling your tongue or making a low, soft humming noise. My cats will purr louder and longer if I mimic their purring back to them. I am speaking their language, and purring is a throwback from kitten days when momma would purr to reassure them that everything was alright. I am their momma, so they love it when I purr to them. Sonny will flop down right up against me and nuzzle his nose into my cheek when I do it.

And what about hissing?

Cat hissing, too, is a throwback to cat communication from their kitten days, when momma would hiss at them to keep them in line. It basically means “Stop that right now” or “Back off,” and it works wonders if you use it sparingly.

At times, two of my boy kitties will decide to challenge one another. If I see them posturing, I’ll step between them and give one sharp hiss. This stops the fight from escalating 100 percent of the time because, again, I am speaking their language. I don’t do this all the time, though; it’s something I reserve only for extremely bad behaviors that I need to stop immediately.

Now, you know all about cat communication

Now that you know the best way to speak to your cat, it’s time to put it into daily practice. Your cat really does want to speak to you, so make an effort to talk back to him on his level the next time you hear him meow. Knowing how to chat back in a way your cat will understand will result in a much closer bond between you and a better understanding of just what it is your cat wants.

Quiet is also key to good cat communication

Cats are happiest when they live in a quiet and peaceful environment, free from noises like loud music, vacuum cleaners or even people shouting. Loud noises can be frightening to cats for two reasons:

1. A cat’s hearing is more sensitive than ours, and they can hear things at both ends of the spectrum (higher and lower) than we can. So they hear every nuance of a sound, and it’s amplified to them, too. This serves them well in nature when they are hunting for food. (That’s how they hear a mouse stirring in the brush.)
2. Cats are both predator and prey, therefore they are always on alert for something/someone who might cause them harm. Because they’re always on high alert, any sudden loud noises could send them leaping straight up into the air. It might be funny to watch, but it’s not at all amusing for your cat and can lead to stress, anxiety and behavioral problems.

So keep the music down, don’t make loud, sudden noises, and he will stay one cool cat.

Tell us: What are your tips for good cat communication? How do you speak or talk to your cats?

Thumbnail: Photography ©Maximastudio | Thinkstock.

Rita Reimers’ Cat Behavior Coaching has helped many cat owners better understand their feline friends. Visit RitaReimers.com to read her cat behavior blog or to book a cat behavior coaching session. Rita is also the CEO/owner of JustForCatsPetSitting.com. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter at @theCatAnalyst.

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 about how to communicate and talk to your cat on Catster.com:

• 6 Ways to Talk to Your Cat
• How to Speak Cat
• How to Talk to Your Cat Through a Cat Communicator

The post How To Communicate With Your Cats: Talking and Understanding Your Pet by Rita Reimers 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.