I know more than I ever wanted to learn about cats and their bowel movements, thanks to my 8 ½-year-old red tabby, Jack. Since we adopted him at 12 weeks old, Jack has experienced many episodes and bouts of stomach upset and questionable “output” as a kitten (right after we adopted him), as an adult and, now, as an almost senior cat. Oh, Jack. We love you, but you make it a challenge to clean the litter box sometimes. As we’ve gone through this range of defecation issues with Jack, I have learned the differences between normal and abnormal changes in cat poop. I also spoke to Arnold Plotnick, D.V.M., about the causes and possible treatments for such concerns.

Cat Poop for Kittens

Dr. Plotnick called kittens “little eating and pooping machines.” He noted that kittens typically will defecate several times each day. Because of their small size, changes in bowel movements should be monitored.

Don’t worry: If your kitten misses a day in the litter box — meaning, she doesn’t poop for one day — just keep an eye on her. Constipation that lasts longer than a day or so, however, may be a cause for concern. It can have serious consequences if not recognized and treated in a timely manner, Dr. Plotnick said. If you do not see stool in the litter box after more than a day or two or if your kitten strains when trying to defecate, take her to the vet as soon as possible.

Related: Let’s Talk Poop! When Is Cat Diarrhea a Concern?

Be concerned: If your kitten starts having diarrhea, schedule a vet visit right away. “I think diarrhea in kittens is always a concern, because their small body size makes them very susceptible to dehydration,” Dr. Plotnick explained. “Kittens do not withstand dehydration very well and may become dangerously ill quickly if [the diarrhea is] not addressed promptly. All cases of diarrhea in kittens should be investigated.” As a kitten grows into adulthood, the risks from occasional mild diarrhea and constipation decrease. “All cats occasionally experience a bout of diarrhea or constipation,” Dr. Plotnick said. “In most cases, it resolves on its own or with minimal intervention [such as] a change in diet or a brief course of medication.”

Cat Poop for Adult Cats

Jack experienced a bout of cat diarrhea during his adult years caused by an allergy to his food. The main source of protein for the diet was chicken, so with the encouragement of my vet, I gradually transitioned him (and his feline companion, Phillip) to a food with beef and salmon protein sources. The change in food solved the diarrhea issue, and the overall condition of Jack’s coat and skin improved, too. Diarrhea in adult cats also can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease or colitis and inflammation of the colon. Both of these conditions can be diagnosed by your vet. In adult cats, constipation is most commonly linked to hairballs that a cat has difficulty passing, though your cat should be examined by a vet to rule out other causes such as megacolon.

Don’t worry: If your vet rules out more serious concerns, you may be able to treat your cat for constipation at home. “Hairball ointment, when given two or three times a week, is good for controlling hairballs,” Dr. Plotnick said. “When given daily, it may work as a stool softener.” A change in diet might also help. “Cats who are prone to constipation should be given mainly canned food, rather than dry food, which can be more constipating,” Dr. Plotnick explained.

Be concerned: Colitis can be brought on by several possible causes, including a sudden change in diet, eating something unusual, overeating, food allergies, bacterial infections, parasites, Giardia and even stress. While an occasional bout of colitis is not uncommon — especially since cats are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment — Dr. Plotnick said that regular, recurring episodes of diarrhea may be a cause for concern. If your cat regularly has diarrhea, take him to the vet for a thorough exam as soon as possible. Jack is probably the poster cat for sensitivity to changes in his environment — and sure enough, when two additional cats and a dog moved in last summer, Jack’s diarrhea came back. After a trip to the vet revealed no parasitic or bacterial causes, my vet and I considered some of the possible causes that could be related to Jack’s age, as he is nearing the age of a senior cat.

Cat Poop for Senior Cats

Cat diarrhea can be one of many symptoms of hyperthyroidism, for example, along with ravenous appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst and urination and vomiting. Luckily for Jack, the diarrhea soon passed, but I watch for signs of it.

Don’t worry: Most, if not all, cats will experience cat diarrhea or constipation during their lives. A bout that lasts a day or two, while not pleasant, is not uncommon.

Be concerned: If your senior cat has diarrhea or constipation for more than a day or so, take him to the vet as soon as possible. “Cats become more fragile as they age” Dr. Plotnick said. “And senior cats can decline quickly if issues like diarrhea or constipation aren’t addressed quickly.”

Featured photo: Lightspruch/Getty Images.

Read Next: Your Cat’s Butt Is His Health Barometer

The post Cat Poop Guide for Cats of All Ages: How Often Should They Poop & When to Worry by Stacy Hackett 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 my former pet, Leroy, was a kitten, he loved to pounce on anything that moved — including hands, feet and the legs of people (or animals) passing by where he crouched. In fact, he liked biting our hands as much as he liked biting his toys. What seemed cute when Leroy was tiny soon became painful as he became more agile and a little bigger. What was the fascination with biting us? He loved being around us and enjoyed our company — so why bite the people you love? Why do kittens bite and how do you stop kitten biting appropriately and effectively before the cute kitten biting becomes serious cat biting?

Kitten biting: Why kittens bite

It turns out that kitten biting is part of the play behavior kittens learn when they are with their littermates. “This is the time when each kitten learns how to use an inhibited bite so as not to cause injury,” explains Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behaviorist and owner of Cat Behavior Associates. “A kitten who bites too hard is either reprimanded by the queen or gets a very negative reaction from a littermate. This social play is important, and each kitten soon learns the rules.”

How to stop kitten biting

Laughing and smiling at Leroy’s kitten biting behavior when he was little encouraged him to continue it. We soon learned to give Leroy appropriate toys and to stop playing with him immediately if he bit us during playtime — but as we later learned, we should have employed these training methods from the very beginning.

“The first and foremost rule when training a kitten to play gently is to not use your fingers as toys,” Johnson-Bennett says. “No matter how young your kitten is and whether it hurts when she bites or not, this isn’t the message you want to send to her. Biting flesh is never to be allowed.”

What toys should you use to discourage kitten biting?

A variety of toys are available to help correct bad kitten biting behaviors. “From the very beginning, have appropriate toys for your kitten to bite during play,” Johnson-Bennett says. “For interactive playtime, use toys based on a fishing pole design. That will put a safe distance between your hands and your kitten’s teeth.”

Dangling smaller toys from your fingers could entice your kitten to bite your fingers. “When using smaller toys, such as fuzzy mice, be sure you toss them for the kitten to chase,” Johnson-Bennett says. “During playtime you never want to send a mixed message.”

And that may have been where we initially took some missteps with Leroy. Sometimes he seemed to get so caught up in the act of playing that he forgot where his toys ended and our hands began. When we tried to grab our hands away, we inadvertently encouraged him to keep after his “prey.”

What to do if your kitten bites you during play

“If your kitten accidentally bites you during playtime, immediately stop all action and stay still,” Johnson-Bennett says. “If she’s biting your ankles, stop moving. She wants movement, so if you stay still, she won’t be getting her desired result.”

Johnson-Bennett further recommends that you gently push your kitten away from your hand if the bite is causing pain, instead of grabbing your hand away. “This will confuse her, and she’ll loosen her grip,” she explains.

An accidental bite from your playful kitten doesn’t mean playtime has to come to an immediate end. “When your kitten bites, it’s important to stop all movement and ignore her. You can restart play when your kitten goes back to being relaxed and calm,” Johnson-Bennett explains. “This will send the message that biting skin will mean an end to the game.” But be consistent so your kitten receives the same message about kitten biting each time.

What not to do about kitten biting

Negative reactions to kitten biting can have long-term negative effects on your relationship with her.

“If your kitten bites, don’t hit her, roughly push her away, squirt her with water or yell at her,”  Johnson-Bennett says. “Although these actions may momentarily cause her to release her grip … your kitten may soon learn to become afraid of you.” Johnson-Bennett cautions that a physical response to biting may also cause your kitten to bite harder in a future incident or become more aggressive.

Though we made a few mistakes early on when dealing with Leroy’s kitten biting behavior, we made some adjustments that led to less biting — and more fun playing. It wasn’t always easy to ignore our cute kitten when he just wanted to play, but he soon learned that biting wasn’t acceptable and found appropriate outlets for his natural play biting activities.

Tell us: Does your kitten bite? How did you curb kitten biting?

Thumbnail: Photography ©BubblegirlPhoto | Getty Images. 

Read more about cat behavior on Catster.com:

• Is Your Cat Acting Weird? 5 Reasons Why
• Cat Love Bites — What Do They Mean and Why Do They Happen?
• Is Your Cat Staring at You? What It Means in Cat Language

The post Kitten Biting – Why, How to Stop It, & What Not to Do by Stacy Hackett 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.

Jack’s cat tree — set up right in front of the sliding glass door in our living room for easy bird- and human-watching — has seen much better days. The carpet on the top level is bare in a few spots, and though I vacuum it frequently, it always seems to have about a cat’s worth of fur scattered across it. Yet, Jack loves that cat tree and scratches it multiple times per day. I consider it an eyesore, but I know I should leave it right where it is, because Jack gravitates toward it instead of the couch. Such a strategy will likely continue to protect my couch. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behaviorist, says that keeping a suitable scratching post or scratching surface in high-traffic areas of the house can help encourage appropriate cat scratching behavior.

“You have to provide a scratching post that meets his needs,” she says, noting that while scratching preferences vary among cats, some scratching post features appeal to most. “Make sure you have a scratching post that meets the qualifications: appealing texture, tall enough, stable and placed in a good location.”

The Best Scratching Post for Kittens

Kittens begin to develop their scratching post preferences from a young age. While most cats stretch upward to scratch (such as on a cat tree or post), some cats prefer to scratch a horizontal surface like the base of a cat tree or a cardboard pad. And while many cat trees are covered with carpet, your cat may prefer a different surface, such as cardboard or sisal rope.

“In general, the most appealing texture for cats is sisal,” Johnson-Bennett says. “The rough texture makes it easy for cats to dig their claws in and get an effective scratch.” 

Don’t worry: If your kitten starts scratching on an item that you’d prefer to keep off-limits — such as furniture like the living room couch — you can easily redirect him to a more appropriate item while he’s still learning scratching behaviors. Place a scratching post next to the area where he’s scratching, and make the inappropriate area as unappealing as possible (block his access, or cover the spot with sticky tape or tinfoil). Praise your kitten when he uses the scratching post, then keep it nearby when he starts using it consistently.

Do this: Cats need to scratch for multiple reasons. If your kitten doesn’t have a suitable outlet like a scratching post for his scratching behaviors, he will find another spot to do so. Avoid unpleasant scratching situations by accommodating his needs from the very beginning.

The Best Scratching Post for Adult Cats

While scratching serves many functions for cats, adults use the behavior to mark their territory. “The marks left on an object when the cat rakes his claws vertically create a visual sign for others who pass by,” Johnson-Bennett explains. “When the cat scratches an object, he also leaves an olfactory mark by way of scent glands in the paw pads. This way, should another cat approach the scratch mark, he would be able to gather information from the pheromones (scent chemicals).”

Our feline crew does a decent job marking their territories on their scratching posts and cat trees, and to encourage that behavior we have four scratching posts positioned throughout the house. Two are in our open-plan living and dining room area, where the humans of the household spend most of our time, and two are in the master bedroom, where the cats spend most of their napping time. Johnson-Bennett says that strategy works best for multi-cat households.

“If you have more than one cat, you’ll need more than one scratching post,” she explains. “Although you can’t specifically assign a post to a specific cat, if you place the posts in areas where the different cats tend to spend the most time, you may find they may just claim the posts on their own.”

Don’t worry: If you find what look like claws near your cat’s scratching post, don’t panic. One of the reasons your cat scratches is to keep his claws in good shape, and the act of scratching helps remove the outer layer of material from his claws.

Do this: You can help keep your cat’s claws in good shape by trimming them regularly. This may also help protect more delicate fabrics and upholstery in your home from becoming snagged by your cat’s claws. Most cat experts, however, discourage having cats declawed, as the surgery can have painful lasting effects. 

The Best Scratching Post for Senior Cats

As your cat ages, he still needs to scratch to exercise his muscles and stretch his limbs. For a senior cat, having a scratching post readily available can make it easier for him to continue these healthy behaviors.

Scratching can be an emotional release for your cat no matter what his age, Johnson-Bennett says. “When your cat is anxious, happy, excited or frustrated, he can release some of that built-up emotion by scratching. Think of the times you’ve seen your cat scratching on an object after a nap or when you’ve come home from work. You may even have noticed him scratching after an encounter with a companion cat. This emotional release through scratching is healthy for the cat.”

Don’t worry: As Johnson-Bennett says, don’t be alarmed if your cat suddenly races through the house to begin furiously scratching his post. Instead, be grateful that he prefers his post to your favorite lounge chair.

Do this: Because your cat needs to stretch his muscles when he scratches, make sure the scratching post is tall enough for him to stretch out. While those cute little scratching posts at the pet store may work well for a young kitten, your senior cat needs a tall scratching post so he can stretch to his full length. If his post isn’t tall enough, your cat will likely seek out a taller place to scratch — including your fabric headboard.

Thumbnail: Photography © marima-design | Thinkstock.

This piece was originally published in 2017. 

Tell us: What type(s) of scratching post does your kitty like?

About the author

A lifelong cat owner, Stacy N. Hackett writes frequently about cats, cat breeds and a range of pet-related topics. The inspiration for her writing comes from her four cats — Jack, Phillip, Katie and Leroy —and her Cocker Spaniel/Labrador Retriever mix, Maggie.

Read more about finding the best cat scratching post on Catster.com:

• 4 Ways to Get Your Cat to Love His Scratcher
• How to Teach Your Cat Appropriate Scratching Behaviors
• Save Space in Style With These Wall-Mounted Cat Scratchers

The post The Best Cat Scratching Posts for Every Stage of Life by Stacy Hackett 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.

An interesting thing happens when your feline friend approaches his first birthday. Your cat begins to move out of kittenhood and enter his adult years — but he’s still not technically an adult cat. Though his body is fully developed and he is physically mature, your 1-year-old cat may still show many kitten-like behaviors.

Some cat experts compare a 1-year-old cat to teenhood in humans, and others call it the “junior” stage. As Arnold Plotnick, DVM, explains, “I see many cats that are 12 to 18 months old, and while not technically ‘kittens,’ they’ve still got that wild and crazy streak that makes me reluctant to label them as ‘adults.’”

As your cat enters this interesting new phase, slightly adjust his care to best meet his needs. Read on to learn what to expect at your 1-year-old cat’s annual vet visit, how you can feed your 1-year-old cat the best possible diet, effective ways to corral your cat’s bursts of energy and more.

Healthy body, healthy mind

When your cat nears his first birthday, schedule a checkup with the veterinarian. At this visit, your vet will likely recommend transitioning to an annual veterinary visit schedule and will perform a “well check,” thoroughly examining your cat for any signs of illness. Your vet probably will also recommend that you schedule an annual dental cleaning for your 1-year-old pet and will administer any updates or “boosters” to your cat’s vaccinations. If your cat has not yet been spayed or neutered, consider these surgeries now to prevent medical issues related to the reproductive organs (as well as unwanted litters of kittens).

At your cat’s one-year checkup, mention any changes in your pet’s behavior or habits, as these can indicate health issues. A healthy, 1-year-old cat retains much of the youthful characteristics of a kitten, including curiosity about his surroundings and a love of play. If your normally outgoing cat has recently become withdrawn, your vet will want to know.

Adult food formulas

At the one-year appointment, your vet also can suggest how to gradually transition your “junior” from a kitten food to an adult formulation. In general, provide your cat with a food formulated for adult cats, and then introduce the new food little by little over a 7- to 10-day period. Many manufacturers offer a full range of foods for all feline life stages, so you will likely find a food similar to what your cat is already eating from a brand you already trust.

If you have noticed any changes in your cat’s appetite prior to the vet visit, mention this to the veterinarian. Such changes can indicate health issues, so you will want to rule out any problems!

Playful by nature

Though your cat now occupies a fully-grown body, he likely still retains the playfulness and curiosity of a kitten. As such, he needs daily stimulation to keep from becoming bored — and potentially destructive. One of the best ways to occupy the curious mind of a 1-year-old cat is with regular playtime. While your cat certainly can find ways to entertain himself, interactive play is now — and will remain throughout your cat’s life — an important part of your relationship as cat and owner.

Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behaviorist (catbehaviorassociates.com), recommends providing toys that satisfy solo playtime as well as ones meant for interactive play sessions. “Don’t just choose one type and leave out the other,” Pam says. “Although cats are naturally curious and playful, don’t depend on solo playtime to provide all of the enrichment.”

Pam also recommends looking for toys that consider your cat’s individual preferences while meeting basic safety requirements. She suggests removing loose pieces that can be easily chewed off and ingested (such as glued-on eyes or ears) and avoiding toys that may snag claws. Additionally, be aware of the size of the toy. You don’t want to intimidate your cat with a large toy that looks more like a predator than prey!

Then, with safe toys on hand, schedule time every day (even if it’s just 15 minutes) to play with your cat. The exercise will stimulate your cat’s body and mind, and the time together will help strengthen your bond.

Your grooming routine

Regular grooming sessions will also help strengthen the bond between you and your 1-year-old cat. Introduce grooming tasks such as:

1. Brushing: Depending on your cat’s hair length, brushing can be anywhere from a daily to a weekly routine.
2. Bathing: This may not be a weekly routine unless your cat is hairless. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx need weekly bathing to remove the oil that builds up on their skin.
3. Nail trimming: Trim the tips of the sharp nails every 10 days to two weeks.
4. Tooth brushing: Try to brush your cat’s teeth three times a week if not daily.
5. Ear cleaning: Check your cat’s ears weekly to see if they need grooming. Earwax builds in some breeds more than others. Use praise and short, gentle sessions to introduce these grooming elements.

Thumbnail: Photography ©GorynVD | Getty Images.

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

• How Long Are Cats Pregnant? The 5 Stages of Cat Pregnancy
• Can Cats Eat Bread?
• Colitis in Cats — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

The post Caring For a 1-Year-Old Cat: Health & Wellness Tips by Stacy Hackett 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 your cat was still a young kitten, you probably took steps to “kitten-proof” your home, such as moving household cleaners where she couldn’t access them and keeping sewing supplies safely out of reach. You need to revisit some of the areas around your home to make sure they are safe — and comfortable — for your senior cat.

The 8 Ways to Make Your House Safe for Senior Cats:

1. Move the litter box for him

As your cat ages, she might develop arthritis or other joint issues that make it harder to jump and climb. In addition, a senior cat might also have less control over her bladder and bowels. Considering that combination — stiff joints and litter box urgency — look for ways to make the litter box more accessible.

For example, if you have a two-story house, place a litter box on each floor. “Older cats should have easy access to food, water and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs they don’t have to,” says Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB, the director of Behavioral Services at the Animal Behavior Clinic of Animal Emergency and Referral Associates in Fairfield, New Jersey.

Don’t worry: Though stiff joints may make her move a little slower, your senior cat will likely keep up with her good litter box habits. Make things easier for her by purchasing a box with lower sides, so it doesn’t take as much effort to get in and out.

Be concerned: If your senior cat starts consistently missing the litter box, she might have a medical issue. Take her to the vet for a thorough exam as soon as possible.

2. Make it easier for your senior cat to climb

Stiff joints can also make it more difficult for your senior cat to reach her favorite resting places, such as a warm windowsill or the top spot on the cat tree. That doesn’t make those spots less desirable — just more of a challenge to reach. To help prevent her slipping or otherwise hurting herself when she tries to access these spots, find ways to make it easier for her to get to them.

Help her reach the windowsill by placing a chair or stool underneath it or by purchasing specially made pet stairs. Look for items that give your senior cat firm, steady footing — that won’t rock or move when she jumps up or down from another level.

Don’t worry: If your senior cat’s favorite spot is no longer easily accessible, introduce her to a new one. Dr. Levine, who is board certified in the area of animal behavior, recommends putting your cat’s favorite bed in a warm spot free of drafts, where she can feel safe and comfortable.

Be concerned: While most cats love curling up in warm spots, make sure your cat doesn’t become overheated. It may be tempting to put a heating pad in her bed, but too much heat can burn your cat.

3. Keep playing with your senior cat

As your cat ages, she will likely want to spend more time curling up in a warm spot to sleep. It’s natural for her playful behavior to lessen and mellow, but regular playtime still helps keep her healthy. Look for gentle ways to encourage her to play, such as waving a wand toy or placing pieces of her dry food for her to “hunt” and eat.

Don’t worry: Older cats sometimes prefer to be left alone for longer periods of time — and that’s OK. The idea is to gently encourage regular activity for continued good health, which will also help maintain the bond you share with her.

Be concerned: You may be tempted to adopt a kitten or young cat to help your senior cat return to her kittenish ways. Dr. Levine recommends against this course of action. “A rambunctious kitten climbing all over your cat may be more detrimental than helpful,” she says. “And people have a tendency to focus on the young cat and ignore the older one.

4. Your senior cat needs grooming

Help your senior groom herself, especially in difficult-to-reach areas.

5. Lights are your cat’s new best friend

Add night lights in dark hallways for older cats with poor vision.

6. Don’t create challenges by moving things around

Avoid rearranging furniture or creating new obstacles in homes where the senior cats are blind or have failing vision.

7. Some senior cats need to be correctly approached

Approach a cat who is deaf or losing her hearing from the front to avoid startling her.

8. Nutrients are important for a senior cat

Finally, continue to offer your cat the basic provisions you always have. Fresh water and nutritious food become even more important as a cat enters her senior years. If chewing becomes more difficult for your senior, switch her to a canned diet or mix canned in with her kibble.

Read more about senior cats on Catster.com:

• 5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Cat
• I Confront the Reality of My Senior Cat’s (Failing) Health
• Senior Cat Food Issues: My Cat Won’t Eat, Is She Suffering?

Featured Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock

The post How to Make Your House Safe for Your Senior Cat: 8 Ways by Stacy Hackett 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.

Frisky, feisty, funny, affectionate — a 6-month-old kitten is pretty much a tiny toddler wrapped in fur. If a 6-month-old has recently joined your household, learn how you can help him navigate his way through kittenhood. We’re sharing what you need to know about a 6 month-old kitten when it comes to health, mental well-being, behavior, diet and grooming.

Vet visits for a 6-month-old kitten

If you haven’t already taken 6-month-old kitten to the vet, now is the perfect time! For kittens who have already visited the veterinarian, schedule a checkup when your feline friend reaches the 6-month milestone. At the appointment, you can expect the veterinarian to perform a thorough examination of your kitten’s eyes, ears, mouth and body. He will want to ensure your kitten is developing as expected.

Your vet may also recommend vaccinations if your kitten hasn’t already received them, as well as spay or neuter surgery. Have this surgery performed while your pet is still young to help prevent him from developing unwanted behaviors like spray marking.

Socializing your 6-month-old kitten

Your veterinarian may also ask about your kitten’s social behaviors. As a 6-month-old kitten, your cat is becoming much more curious about his world, but he needs to learn how to interact with other animals and humans to remain a friendly, outgoing pet.

“Kittens in the early months need interaction with their own and other species to develop social skills,” says Heidi Pavia-Watkins, DVM, of the Airport Irvine Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, California.

One of the best ways to socialize your kitten is to simply spend time with him. Hold him, stroke his fur, gently look inside his mouth and softly stroke his paws. Regular handling will also help you when it comes time to clip his claws or brush his teeth — he will already be used to you touching his mouth and feet.

While your 6-month-old kitten is still at this curious young age, introduce him to new people of all ages. Let your friends know they should approach your kitten slowly and not force themselves on him — the goal is for your kitten to view new people as safe, not frightening.

This is also a great age to help him learn to love (well, at least not fear) his carrier. “Keep the carrier out and routinely feed your kitten in there, toss treats in there, and create a cozy hideaway by lining the carrier with a soft towel,” suggests Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behaviorist (catbehaviorassociates.com). “Periodically place your kitten in the carrier, carry him around the house and also take him for rides in the car.”

What to feed a 6-month-old kitten

You can also use treats to help your kitten associate his carrier with fun, rewarding experiences. High-quality treats formulated for cats and kittens can be a healthy part of your kitten’s diet when fed in moderation.

When you first visited the vet with your kitten, he likely recommended a high-quality kitten diet formulated to meet your pet’s high-energy needs. Like with younger kittens, a 6-month-old kitten needs access to frequent, small meals throughout the day. Expose your kitten to more than one flavor of food, so that he doesn’t develop finicky preferences as an adult. Your vet can help you select foods that you can feed interchangeably.

Creating good habits for your 6-month-old kitten

Your 6-month-old kitten is definitely growing into his personality and developing behaviors he’ll follow throughout his life. Kittenhood — from as young as 8 weeks and up to about one year — is an ideal time to help your pet establish good habits to make him a model pet in his adult and senior years.

“Spend time helping your kitten become comfortable with the experiences he’ll encounter in his life: car travel, getting groomed, having his ears cleaned, teeth brushing, nail trims, unfamiliar environments, unfamiliar sounds, unfamiliar people in his home and so on,” Pam says. She also offers tips for helping your kitten adopt good litter box habits.

First, if you haven’t already, provide a box that is easy for a kitten to climb in and out of. “A high-sided box will be too difficult for a youngster to crawl over, especially with a full bladder,” she says. “Keep in mind a kitten won’t have the bladder control of an adult cat so when she has to ‘go’ it’s usually urgent.”

You can start to introduce a larger box when your kitten hits the 6-month mark and is more familiar with the litter box routine. “Place a larger box next to the smaller one to start a gradual transition,” Pam suggests. “You can even place the smaller litter box inside the larger box to get her used to the new setup.”

Condition your 6-month-old kitten to grooming

Gradual introduction of new items also applies to grooming tools. As you socialize your 6-month-old kitten to regular handling of his paws, mouth and body, you help condition him for regular grooming tasks. Brushing and combing sessions can become wonderful times for you to bond with your pet, and if he is already accustomed to your touch on his paws and mouth, he will be more receptive to additional grooming tasks such as nail trimming and tooth brushing.

The bottom line on caring for a 6-month-old kitten

In short, you can help your kitten develop into a friendly, affectionate adult cat by spending quality time showing him that the world is a safe place. As Pam says, “While kittenhood is a wonderful and fun time, it’s also a time for him to learn and process the experiences he has. The time you spend gradually introducing new things to your kitten, the greater the chances of him being more accepting of those experiences later in life and that will reduce everyone’s stress level.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©Casey Elise Photography.

About the author

A lifelong cat owner, Stacy N. Hackett writes frequently about cats, cat breeds and a range of pet-related topics. The inspiration for her writing comes from her cats, Jack and Katie, and her Cocker Spaniel/Labrador Retriever mix, Maggie.

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 kittens on Catster.com:

• How to Care for an 8- to 12-Week-Old Kitten
• Introducing Kittens to Your Other Resident Cats
• You Found a Stray Kitten — Here’s What to Do

The post How to Care For a 6-Month-Old Kitten: Vet Visits, Socialization & More by Stacy Hackett 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.

Not much is cuter than an 8- to 12-week-old kitten. From those tiny paws to her playful personality, there’s just so much to love. If you are the lucky new pet parent of a young kitten, here’s what you can expect of her first few weeks in your home.

What to expect at your kitten’s first vet appointment

Take your new kitten to the veterinarian for a thorough checkup, which includes:

1. A review of your kitten’s history. Your vet will likely want to know where you found your new pet (such as a breeder or a rescue organization) and any other previous medical care she may have received, such as vaccinations or spay/neuter surgery.
2. A thorough exam of the kitten’s mouth, ears and eyes, followed by an exam of the kitten’s body, gently feeling the abdomen, lymph nodes, joints and skin. Observations of the kitten’s movements.
3. Collection of a stool sample, which you may have been asked to bring to the appointment. The vet may also take a blood sample.
4. Recommendation for spay or neuter surgery if the kitten has not already been spayed or neutered. These procedures help prevent future behavior and medical problems.

Vaccinations for your kitten

Your vet may recommend that she receive several vaccinations. Typical vaccines administered at this age include rabies and one known as FVRCP, which is for a trio of upper respiratory diseases: feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia. Your veterinarian also may suggest additional vaccines depending on your kitten’s history and the number of pets in your household.

More tips for your kitten’s first vet appointment

Ask as many questions as you want about your kitten’s care and what to expect as she grows. Your vet and the staff at the office are there to help! Pay attention if your kitten’s behavior changes. “Knowing what’s normal for cats in general and an individual cat is important,” says Jane Brunt, DVM, executive director of the CATalyst Council and American Association of Feline Practitioners past president. “That way, when the cat exhibits behavior that’s different from ‘normal,’ the owner can respond appropriately.”

How to play with a kitten

Just what is normal for your 8- to 12-week-old new pet? Each kitten has her own personality, but most kittens have many behavioral traits in common. First and foremost, they love to play! Play helps them learn about the world around them and become socialized with people and other pets. Your kitten will begin to show natural instinctual behaviors when she plays, such as stalking and pouncing on toys (or other kittens!).

During playtime, nurture good behaviors to last your kitten’s lifetime. Never encourage your kitten to play fight with your hand or other body parts. You do not want your kitten to think it’s OK to bite and scratch. Help her satisfy those instincts by introducing safe toys with no loose parts she could chew off and ingest or choke on.

How to help your kitten sleep well

After playtime, your kitten will likely participate in one of her other favorite pastimes: sleeping! “Eight- to 12-week- old kittens can sleep 20 hours a day, but it depends on their activities,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant (thecatcoach.com) and author of Naughty No More! “Highly energetic kittens may sleep longer.”

To help your kitten establish sleep patterns, play with her an hour or so before bedtime. This helps use up her energy to sleep through the night but still gives her time to “come down” from the revved up energy of playtime.

Take note of any changes

Like Dr. Brunt, Marilyn reminds kitten parents to take note of changes in their pets’ behavior. “Kittens are naturally active and playful,” she says. “It is a concern if they are lethargic and don’t seem to be interested in their environment and/or stop eating.”

How and what to feed your kitten

You will likely receive recommendations for a complete and balanced kitten food from your veterinarian or the breeder or rescue group from which you adopted your new pet. There are many dry and canned foods made specifically for the nutritional needs of young kittens.

Because your kitten is growing rapidly but still has a tiny tummy, she’ll need small, frequent meals. Create a mealtime routine that allows her to eat frequently throughout the day. When feeding canned food, discard any leftovers that have been in her dish for longer than 20 minutes. And leave clean, fresh water available at all times.

Regular grooming with your cat

Though kittens begin self-grooming around 3 to 4 weeks of age, they may not have their routine down completely. Introduce regular grooming sessions to accustom your kitten to a lifetime of brushing, combing, nail trimming and other grooming tasks.

Make this process easier and more fun for your kitten by gradually introducing the grooming tools and allowing her to explore them before you gently use them on her. Let her sniff and bat the brush or comb, and praise her when she allows you to brush her coat or trim her nails.

Make sessions as relaxed and fun as possible, so she associates the time with positive outcomes. You can even give her a small treat when she lets you clip her nails, so she looks forward to the nail trimmer coming out. The idea is to make grooming a regular part of your kitten’s life when she is young so that the routine is normal for her in the years to come.

Owning a kitten is one of the most entertaining and rewarding parts of pet ownership. By paying attention to your kitten’s care needs, you can enjoy these weeks of playfulness and tiny paws.

Introducing the litter box to your kitten

A top concern of many new kitten parents involves the litter box. Luckily, this behavior is instinctual, and most cats pick it up on their own, but some might need a little help.

“Although most kittens are litter box savvy when they are adopted, some may need a little encouragement or a refresher course,” says certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger. “These little ones should be gently placed in litter boxes after eating, and always praised and reinforced when they are successful.”

Ensure successful litter box behavior by:

1. Providing several boxes in areas that the kitten can easily find
2. Keeping the boxes clean
3. Preventing other pets from harassing your kitten when she uses the box

Thumbnail: Photography ©Andrew_Deer | Getty Images.

About the author

Read more about kittens on Catster.com:

• Introducing Kittens to Your Other Resident Cats
• You Found a Stray Kitten — Here’s What to Do
• 6 Things to Know If You Find an Abandoned Kitten

The post How to Care for an 8- to 12-Week-Old Kitten by Stacy Hackett 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.

Our 11-year-old cat, Katie, started showing signs of her advanced age last year. About once every other week, she would stand in the hallway in the middle of the night and meow loudly and plaintively. The sound was distinctive, unlike any of her typical vocalizations, and she would continue to meow until one of us got up to physically comfort her. Did we have a senile cat?

Do You Have a Senile Cat … Or Is Something Else At Play?

At Katie’s next veterinary checkup after the behavior started, I asked the vet about the nighttime meowing, concerned that we had a senile cat. He said that my cat’s behavior was likely related to confusion; she became “lost” in the house because it looked unfamiliar to her, and she called out loudly for help from her family.

My vet further explained that senior cats can show this symptom of memory loss, as well as signs such as occasionally missing the litter box, disorientation and changes in typical behavior. After thoroughly examining Katie and asking me questions about her day-to-day activities, the doctor encouraged me to continue to watch Katie for the other symptoms of memory loss. He also concluded that we likely didn’t have a senile cat on our hands. Katie didn’t seem to show the signs of a more serious age-related condition in cats called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, also known as CDS, or cat dementia.

Luckily, Katie seemed to readjust to the house, and after further discussion with my vet, we determined that her behavior may have been related to changes in our household, as our older children had moved out to attend college. Still, I keep an eye on Katie and my 10-year-old cat, Jack, for the signs of memory loss and CDS my vet described.

Senior cats can start to become forgetful as they age. So, occasional moments of confusion might not mean you have a senile cat and are not necessarily a cause for alarm.

What Are the Signs That You Have a Senile Cat or a Cat Experiencing Memory Issues?

Still, some signs of memory loss can indicate a bigger problem, such as a senile cat or a cat with CDS, as my vet indicated. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behaviorist and author of Think Like a Cat, says that other signs of CDS can include pacing, restlessness, irritability, incontinence, constipation, uncharacteristic avoidance of physical interaction, and changes in relationships with family members and other pets.

Any change in your cat’s normal behavior should be followed up with a visit to your veterinarian. If your senior cat shows any of the symptoms noted above — or if something seems different about your pet — take her to the vet as soon as possible.

How to Help a Senile Cat, or a Cat Experiencing Memory Loss or Confusion

When Katie experienced her episodes of confusion late at night, my vet recommended some steps we could take to help her cope with memory loss, including keeping all of the furniture in the same spots and leaving clear paths throughout the home. Pam shares similar tips.

“Keep your environment familiar, with as little stress as possible,” she says. “If [your cat] yowls at night or appears disoriented, you might need to confine him to a smaller area of the house.” Pam further suggests leaving night lights on throughout the house. “With some cats who become disoriented at night when the house becomes quiet and dark, it helps to have them sleep in the bedroom with you,” she adds.

We used a similar approach with Katie to help her overcome her confusion at night. We put a night light in the long hallway and left our bedroom door open at night so she could come in and sleep with us if she chose to (she seldom did, preferring not to share the bed with two other cats and a dog).

As Jack, our 10-year-old cat, begins to show signs of his age, we have adopted some of Pam’s other tips, particularly those related to the litter box. “You may need to increase the number of litter boxes to help make things as convenient as possible for your cat,” she says.

Can a Senile Cat or a Cat With Memory Issues Still Enjoy Her Life?

Though your cat may be showing signs of memory loss, you can still enjoy a rewarding relationship with your pet. Pam encourages owners to continue to engage with their senior cats. “Mental stimulation is important,” she says. “Keep up the interactive play sessions and provide opportunities for environmental enrichment.”

Katie and Jack both seem to benefit from chasing wand toys and watching birds through our sliding glass door, and we think it helps keep them young.

Pam agrees: “Daily playtime will help your cat both physically and mentally. Even placing a bird feeder outside for your cat’s viewing pleasure can help create mental stimulation. It’s never too late to keep your cat mentally engaged in life!”

What to Do If You’re Concerned That You Have a Senile Cat or a Cat With Memory-Loss Issues

Like my vet, Pam emphasizes that all owners who believe they have a senile cat or a cat experiencing memory loss should take their pets to the vet as soon as possible. “An accurate diagnosis will need to be made by your veterinarian in order to rule out other possible underlying medical issues that could be the cause of the behavioral changes,” she says. “There is no cure for CDS, but your veterinarian may prescribe medication that can slow the progression.”

And as I found with Katie, your cat may be simply showing normal signs of growing older. Still, to help your cat live her senior years in comfort, take her to the vet as soon as possible if you see signs that she is struggling with her memory.

Signs of CDS in Cats

1. pacing
2. restlessness
3. irritability
4. incontinence
5. constipation
6. uncharacteristic avoidance of physical interaction
7. changes in relationships with family members and other pets

Thumbnail: Photography ©Casey Elise Photography.

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! 

Concerned with dementia or “going senile” yourself? See if dementia is hereditary >>

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The post Do Cats Get Senile? Signs & How To Help by Stacy Hackett 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.

My senior cat, Katie, loves to groom herself on our bed — at about 1 a.m. She is extremely thorough and really gets every inch of her shorthaired coat. She pays particular attention to her toes and feet. Because I’m a captive audience to this routine, I’m confident that she is still able to care for her own grooming needs. But senior cat grooming isn’t always that seamless. Let’s take a look at some of the issues you might run into when grooming senior cats.

Senior cat grooming — helping cats reach trickier spots

At 11 years old, Katie is still on the young side of senior (10 years of age and older). She still has full mobility and can twist her brown tabby body into the strange contortions cats seem to achieve to groom themselves. As she ages, however, she may not be able to reach some of the trickier spots — and that’s when I’ll step in to help.

“A lot of older [cats] can’t clean themselves as they have in the past, because just like us, the older you get, the harder it is to move,” says Carrie Bono, owner of Carrie’s Pampered Paw LLC in Oceanside, California. Carrie notes that medium- and long-haired cats in particular can develop mats near their back ends or their bellies because it is too difficult for them to bend that far to groom themselves.

Don’t worry: Just because your cat can’t reach her back end doesn’t mean she can’t look her best. Regular brushing can help prevent mats, not just on the belly and back end but all over.

“Also, regular brushing will help with shedding and keep down the undercoat, which in turn will help the [cats] that have issues with hairballs,” Carrie says.

You can also help a senior cat who can’t clean her rear end as thoroughly by regularly checking to see if the area needs attention. When necessary, step in and gently clean the area for her.

Be concerned: If mats get out of hand, you may need to enlist the help of a professional groomer. Carrie often recommends a sanitary and belly shave for senior cats who have difficulty reaching those areas, but she encourages owners to help their cats care for their coats.

“The medium- to long-haired kids tend to get matted if not properly brushed,” she says. “If it gets out of control, then they will require a full body shave which can be stressful to a senior cat that doesn’t have any experience with [professional] grooming.”

Senior cat grooming — feline pedicures

Although Katie uses her scratching post on a daily basis and pays plenty of attention to her feet and claws, Carrie recommends that pet parents of senior cats carefully watch the condition of their cats’ claws. “Older cats get a thick outer casing over their nails,” she explains. “Because they are older and not as spry as they used to be, scratching posts are not used as often.”

Don’t worry: You may already include nail trimming as part of your cat’s regular routine. If not, a professional groomer can help you care for your cat’s nails.

Be concerned: As Carrie said, some older cats don’t use their scratching posts as often because the movement doesn’t come as easily. “With that being said, the nails are not being filed down and can start growing into the paw pad, causing bigger issues,” she adds.

If you notice that your senior cat is not using her scratching post as often, make a note to regularly check the condition of her claws.

Senior cat grooming — enlisting help

A cat who is not used to extra grooming help from her owner may resist efforts to brush her belly or her rear end — or any other part of her body. I completely understand this situation, as Katie does not like being brushed. I expect that she would give me a hard time if I tried to help her care for her coat.

Katie does, however, love to be petted and scratched, and she actively seeks me out for some affection almost every day. While I’m petting her, I do my best to remove loose fur and feel for lumps or anything unusual on or under her skin. Because senior cats are prone to more illnesses — and because cats are so good at hiding symptoms of illness — I make it a point to look for any changes in her normal body condition.

Because Katie’s coat is short, I don’t have to worry as much about her fur matting. If your cat has medium or long hair and resists your efforts to groom her, you may want to enlist the help of a professional groomer. To help reduce your cat’s stress, Carrie recommends using the services of a mobile groomer.

“As we all know, cats do not adapt well to change,” she says, noting that traveling in a car, in a cat carrier, can make grooming even more stressful for a senior cat. “The older they get, the more set in their ways they are.”

Don’t worry: A mobile groomer will come to you, allowing your senior cat to stay in her own environment. “Do your research, find out who in your area works best with cats,” Carrie suggests. “These are the things that owners can do to make [grooming] more comfortable.”

Be concerned: Don’t wait until grooming issues get out of control, Carrie says. “The easier the issue, the easier it will be on [your cats] and the happier they will be.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©Aksenovko | Thinkstock.

A lifelong cat owner, Stacy N. Hackett writes frequently about cats, cat breeds and a range of pet-related topics. The inspiration for her writing comes from her cats, Jack and Katie, and her Cocker Spaniel/Labrador Retriever mix, Maggie.

Read more about cat grooming on Catster.com:

• Is Shaving Your Cat Okay?
• Keep It Clean: 7 Easy Ways to Clean Up Cat Hair
• 8 Facts About How and Why Cats Groom Themselves

The post Senior Cat Grooming — What to Know and What to Do by Stacy Hackett 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.

You’re entertaining a guest in your home, when your cat casually strolls into the middle of the room, plops down on the floor, lifts up his back leg and begins grooming his, well, private parts. Why would he do something like that and out in plain sight like he wants an audience? And, by the way, this behavior isn’t limited to the male cat population — female cats do it, too. The vast majority of the time, the leg-in-the-air grooming session is simply that — a grooming session. For the most part, cats of all ages are fastidious about grooming themselves, including their genitals and anus. (Although the jury is still out on why they feel the need to do it in front of everyone.) Let’s learn more about what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to cat private parts.

Kittens and Private Parts

Female cats will help clean the rear ends of their young kittens. The mother also wants to stimulate the muscles around the anus to encourage her offspring to have bowel movements. As the kittens continue to grow, they begin to take over the grooming for themselves.

Don’t worry: Your kitten may not take very good care of his private parts at first, particularly if he left the care of his mother at an early age. Help him out by cleaning the area when it needs extra attention.

Be concerned: Sometimes male kittens end up with one or both testicles undescended into the scrotum, a condition called feline cryptorchidism. The testicles should be fully descended by about 2 months of age. If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to testicular cancer or a condition called “testicular torsion,” which can be painful. Have your kitten examined by a veterinarian before 6 months of age. Your vet will check for cryptorchidism and, if necessary, will surgically remove the undescended testicle during neuter surgery.

Adult Cats and Private Parts

Sometimes a medical condition can cause adult cats to pay extra attention to their external genitals. In male cats, such parts include the penis, testicles and prepuce (the fold of skin that covers the penis), while a female cat’s external genitals are the vulvar folds.

“There aren’t too many specific ailments involving the external genitals,” says Arnold Plotnick, D.V.M. “Disorders of the prepuce, penis and testicles are rare. Disorders of the female genitalia are uncommon as well.”

With male cats, however, a preoccupation with grooming the penis may indicate a urinary issue. “A urethral plug can form at the tip of the penis, leading to urethral obstruction,” Dr. Plotnick explains. “This is a life-threatening condition in that the obstruction must be relieved so that the cat can be able to urinate.”

Don’t worry: Routine grooming of the genital area is normal for both male and female cats, and sometimes a little extra attention may be necessary.

Be concerned: Repeated, excessive grooming of cat genitals may indicate an obstruction, as Dr. Plotnick notes, or another urinary tract issue in both male and female cats (though feline lower urinary tract disease is more common in male cats). A cat may lick the area to relieve pain, too. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated trips to the litter box with little or no output.

Senior Cats and Private Parts

Less active cats, including seniors, may be more susceptible to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to a medical condition of the female genitalia called vulvar fold pyoderma. “Obese female cats will often develop a deep fold of skin along the sides of the vulva,” Dr. Plotnick says. “The cat’s obesity often prevents proper grooming of that area, and bacteria accumulate in the skin fold, leading to a bacterial skin infection (pyoderma).”

Don’t worry: Keeping the skin around the vulva clean can help prevent pyoderma. Helping your cat lose weight can help prevent the condition, too. “Ideally, the cat should be put on a diet, so the skin fold gets smaller, and the cat can groom better,” Dr. Plotnick explains. In the meantime, your vet can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Be concerned: “In rare situations [of vulvar fold pyoderma], surgical removal of the excess skin is required to resolve the problem,” Dr. Plotnick says. Again, helping your cat stay at her healthiest weight will help prevent the situation.

So while your cat’s shameless grooming displays may be embarrassing in front of your guests, they’re usually nothing to cause alarm. If your cat changes his behavior, see your vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, have a good laugh with your entertaining and uninhibited cat. 

Thumbnail: Photography by ©eurobanks | Thinkstock (male cat); ©Azaliya | Thinkstock (female cat).

Read more about cat private parts on Catster.com:

• 3 Questions You Had About Cat Butts — Answered
• Your Cat’s Butt Is His Health Barometer
• Your Cat Has a Clitoris, and 5 Other Things You Didn’t Know About Feline Genitalia

The post Cat Private Parts — What’s Normal & What’s Not Down There by Stacy Hackett 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.