You may already be aware that I share my home with a few cats. Five to be exact. Each one with their own personalities, eccentricities, and quirks. They also have differing levels of greed, but, with the exception of squidgy Cyril, they all maintain quite a good body condition for indoor cats, and there is never any fighting over food.

One concern about keeping indoor cats is making sure they are entertained, enriched, and appropriately fed. It’s not always easy to exercise a cat, so one of the ways I try to make feeding time a little more interesting, and at the same time reduce the chances of Cyril eating everyone’s share, is by scatter feeding.

What Is Scatter Feeding?

Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. When it comes to feeding my cats their dry food, I don’t use bowls. Instead, I measure the amount of food required for all five cats, and scatter this across the floor, on chairs, or on their scratching platforms. Not only does this encourage them to explore and search for their food, it also turns feeding time from a five-minute frenzy into a leisurely half-hour feast.

Scatter feeding gives everyone a chance to eat their fill, it also hugely reduces the amount of regurgitation I used to see when they would eat their food quickly. And, if there are ever any leftovers, Ned the Chihuahua is always happy to help out.

What About Wet Food?

So obviously scatter feeding wet food is a bit trickier, especially when carpets are involved! It makes me think of a carpet ad from many eons ago in Australia. But it doesn’t mean you can’t adapt the same principle.

My cats primarily eat dry food – I use Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Hairball – perfect for Clutch’s sensitive tummy, and Zelda’s long coat. It also keeps their litter box deposits small with minimal odor, which is ideal when their bathroom doubles as my office! For a bit of a treat, they occasionally get some Gastrointestinal wet food, and my alternative to scattering is to spread this food over a large baking tray.

No, I’m not just trying to get out of washing cat dishes – that just happens to be a nice little bonus!

Why Scatter Feed?

This method is particularly useful when you have multiple cats, even more so if you have greedy cats. Regurgitation is a really common complaint in cats, and the majority of the time it’s the result of eating too fast. When cats feel like they are competing for food, they are more likely to eat quickly, making them more likely to bring that food straight back up.

Although domestication may have softened their instincts, our cats are still the descendants of some of the most adept hunters in the world, so having their meals served twice daily in a bowl can get a bit tedious. By spreading their food across a wider area, we are engaging their hunting instincts, as well as physically stopping them from eating too quickly.

It Can Also Help Prevent Obesity

One of the most common problems I see with my patients is cats that have food left down all day becoming overweight. I call this “the cheesecake in the fridge” phenomenon**.

Let’s say I have a slice of cheesecake. Okay, it might be a big slice of cheesecake, but that’s my serving; no more cheesecake for me. But I know there’s more cheesecake in the fridge. So I have another small slice a couple of hours later. And another before dinner. Then there’s dessert…you see where I’m going with this. If there wasn’t any more cheesecake in the fridge, then I wouldn’t eat any more, which is good – I certainly don’t need it!

The same applies to cats with bowls full of food. We should be measuring out the appropriate amount for each meal, and anything that’s left after 20 minutes should be taken up – don’t worry, your cat will soon learn to eat their fill at mealtimes! But if we fill their bowl and leave it down, they will graze throughout the day and eat a lot more than they should.

When I scatter feed, I stick to a measured amount, but it takes the cats much longer to find and eat all the food, meaning that they feel fuller for longer. And for the most part, they don’t come asking for more food until it’s time for their next meal.

**Do any other Catsters out there think of this when they hear the word phenomenon?

Are There Other Ways To Keep Mealtimes Interesting?

Absolutely. There are a whole slew of food puzzles for cats (and dogs) that provide a more challenging way to deliver their kibble, engaging their brain and extending feeding time. Back in the days that it was just me and Clutch, I used several different types of puzzles to keep him occupied while I was at work.

The challenge with using these in a multi-cat household is that I found that some cats were more motivated than others to work for their food, while others were either not so interested, or couldn’t work them out!

So if you’re looking for ways to keep your cats occupied while you’re out, stop the greedy cats from hogging the food bowls, and slow down the ones that like to inhale their food, you can always try scatter feeding – just be careful not to scatter it under low furniture, and I don’t recommend throwing wet cat food around the house!

The post Scatter Feeding Cats – Making Mealtimes More Interesting & Longer Lasting by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) 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 can spend up to 50% of their day grooming themselves. They do it primarily to keep themselves clean, but grooming also helps regulate their body temperature and spreads oils through their coat, to name a few reasons. Cats also tend to groom each other for bonding purposes. However, grooming can become excessive and/or troublesome for various reasons.

For example, a cat might start to pull their own hair out. If you notice that your cat is doing this, you’re likely wondering why and whether it’s something to worry about. There are a few reasons that your cat might be pulling out their hair. What to do about it depends on the cause.

How to Know If Your Cat Is Excessively Grooming and Pulling Out Their Hair

It can be tough to tell whether your cat is grooming themselves to the point that they’re pulling out hair. Just because you find a patch of fur on the ground doesn’t necessarily mean your cat has a problem with pulling their hair out. However, if you’re finding multiple chunks of hair lying around where your cat has been grooming themselves, chances are that there is a hair-pulling problem to address.

Another sign that your cat is excessively grooming is that they start to develop patches of baldness and/or obvious hair loss all over their body. Even one bald patch is cause for concern. Excessive furball regurgitation is another sign of excessive grooming. Finally, you might simply notice that your cat is grooming more often than usual.

The 7 Reasons That Your Cat Is Pulling Their Hair Out

1. Fleas and Flea Allergies

Fleas in general cause skin itchiness in felines, which can result in excessive grooming and hair loss. Even indoor cats can get fleas, and it doesn’t take many of them to cause problems. Unfortunately, it can be tough to rid a kitty of fleas and alleviate their itchiness. Flea treatments are necessary immediately, and monthly ongoing ones are required to keep the pests away for good. Your veterinarian can recommend an effective flea control regimen.

Some felines develop flea allergy dermatitis, which basically means they are allergic to flea saliva. The most common manifestation of flea allergy dermatitis is skin itchiness. As your cat itches their skin, they pull hair out in the process. The solution to this problem is to prevent flea infestations through regular veterinary prescribed flea treatments.

2. Other Allergies

Cats may develop allergies at any time during their life. Allergens include foods, pollen, and house dust mites. Unfortunately, many cat allergies cause skin itchiness that can result in overgrooming and hair loss. Veterinarians will follow a step-by step approach to investigate possible allergies, as the signs can be similar to many other skin conditions. From there, a plan for allergy relief and maintenance can be created.

3. Mites

Mites are tiny parasites that infest the skin and hair follicles of cats, which typically leads to problems like skin irritation, redness, itching, and even hair loss. Cheyletiella and demodex are two types of mites that can affect a cat’s skin. Demodex mites can be harder to detect because they live within the hair follicles, whereas cheyletiella mites live on the skin’s surface.

4. Ringworm

While ringworm might sound like a parasite, it is actually a fungal skin infection that can cause hair to fall out. These bald patches are often scaly and sometimes look red and inflamed. It might seem like your cat is pulling their hair out, but it’s the fungal infection causing the hair loss. Ringworm is usually diagnosed by fungal culture of a sample of the hair and scale. Your veterinarian may recommend topical washes and oral medication to treat the infection.

5. Stress and/or Anxiety

Psychological problems like anxiety and stress can cause self-inflicted hair loss in felines, as they will try to find relief through chewing, pulling, and excessively grooming their hair. Moving to a new home, introducing a new animal or baby to the family, being boarded for a period, and even competing with other cats in the household can all cause stress and/or anxiety in a feline.

This psychogenic overgrooming is much less common than other causes of similar signs such as allergy. It is imperative to rule out other causes of overgrooming and then try to figure out the cause of the stress or anxiety so it can be addressed and eliminated if possible.

6. Boredom

In a similar way to stress causing overgrooming, boredom can also cause a cat to pull their hair out, although this is also an uncommon cause of the problem. Cats are intelligent and a lack of environmental and mental stimulation can produce feelings of depression and overall lethargy. So, a feline might try to relieve these feelings by overgrooming and pulling out their hair.

Introducing new stimulants, such as cat scratchers, towers, caves, and toys, can help greatly reduce a cat’s boredom and correct their overgrooming and hair loss problem. If the issue persists, a trip to the veterinarian to rule out other possible causes of the hair loss is a good idea.

7. Pain

Unlike humans, cats cannot verbally tell anyone when they are in pain. They try to keep their pain a secret because in the wild, it would be perceived as weakness by predators and enemies. Therefore, you might not notice many signs of pain in your cat, but excessive licking that causes hair loss is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Causes of pain could be anything from arthritis to an infection or injury. Diagnosing the reason for the pain is the first step in alleviating it, along with the hair loss and any other problems.

Conclusion

There are several reasons that a feline might be pulling out their hair. The key is to determine the exact reason for it. You will need the help of a veterinarian to diagnose the cause so it can be effectively addressed and avoided in the future.

Featured Image Credit: Dmitry Tkachuk, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Pulling Their Hair Out? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Rachael Gerkensmeyer 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.

Lovingly referred to as toe beans by many people, a cat’s paw pads tend to be one of the most endearing features of a feline. They are soft, supple, and super cute when a cat stretches them out after a cozy nap.

Paw pads come in different colors. Some are pink, others are black, and some are gray or even spotted. However, once a kitty is born, the color of their pads will not normally change; they will stay the same for the rest of their life. If the appearance of your cat’s paw pads changes, there is likely a reason for it that must be addressed. Here’s what you should know.

What Exactly Are Paw Pads?

We know what paw pads look like, but what are they for? A cat’s paw pads are like the bottoms of our own feet. They are cushions of thick tissue that are tough to help withstand abrasions from the surfaces a cat walks on. Paw pads act as a shield between the harsh environment and the soft, delicate tissue of a cat’s paw.

Every cat paw consists of separate digital pads, four on the back paws and five on the front (typically). They also have a bigger metacarpal/metatarsal pad that sits just behind the digital pads. Each pad is situated to help support the weight of a cat when they move around and provide cushioning and shock absorption. The front legs also have a carpal pad higher up the leg that is responsible for traction, assists with safe jumping, and aids in slowing down skidding motions. Paw pads are covered in skin that is pigmented in different colors, including white, pink, black, gray, and spotted.

What Purposes Do Cat Paw Pads Serve?

Besides shock absorption and protection, a cat’s paw pads serve many purposes. Another important job that they do is to help insulate the feet so a cat can withstand moderately hot and cold temperatures when outdoors. This is not to say that a cat’s paw pads cannot get burned or frostbitten, but the paw pads can withstand extreme weather conditions much better than the skin on the rest of the feet.

Paw pads also provide tactile information to cats so they can sense vibrations that could mean a predator or enemy is approaching and where they are approaching from. The pads also provide a cat with everything that they need to know about the surfaces that they are walking on. If a surface is sharp, hot or cold, or painful, a cat will avoid that surface and move elsewhere.

Why Would a Cat’s Paw Pads Change Color?

A cat’s paw pads should not change color during their life unless there is an underlying problem that forces the change. Here are the common reasons that a cat’s paw pads might change color and what can be done about it.

1. Injuries

Injuries can cause a cat’s paw pad color to change. These color changes usually come in the form of darker pink, red,  purple, and black colors. Insect and animal bites, overgrown claws, and cuts from sharp objects and rough surfaces can all contribute to injuries that might change the color of a cat’s paw pads.

Sometimes, other signs of injury, such as limping and excessive licking of the paw or foot, are present. The treatment depends on the type of injury affecting the paw pad. If you suspect that your cat has injured their foot and/or paw, it’s important to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

2. Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which red blood cells in the body are insufficient either due to increased loss or decreased production. Red blood cells carry much-needed oxygen to all the tissues in the body. When a cat has anemia, their tongue and gums might become lighter or even white. They are likely to become lethargic, weak, and disinterested in food. Once your veterinarian determines the cause of anemia, they can develop and prescribe a treatment plan.

Another potential sign your cat is suffering from anemia is lightening of the paw pads. Pink pads can turn white, for example. Cats with naturally white paw pads that have anemia won’t be as visibly noticeable in the paw pads.

3. Vitiligo

Like humans, cats can develop vitiligo in their adult years, which is a rare yet harmless condition that’s considered to be hereditary.  Vitiligo is the depigmentation of the skin, which includes the skin on cat paw pads. It’s thought that it develops when an animal’s body cannot properly produce melanin cells. Once it develops, it is not contagious.

Vitiligo can make a cat with black paw pads develop lilac, pink, or even white pads. The point is that dark-colored paw pads could turn lighter in color if the cat has vitiligo. Fortunately, this condition produces no pain or health problems and is simply cosmetic. Therefore, there is no need to worry about treating the condition.

4. Plasma Cell Pododermatitis

This rare condition is when the paw pads become inflamed with plasma cells, a regular component of the immune system. These plasma cells normally produce antibodies to fight infections. However, with plasma cell pododermatitis, plasma cells flood the foot pads often without a known infectious cause.

Signs of plasma cell pododermatitis include mushy, swollen paw pads and a pillowy pad shape. They may also change to a purplish color and be lame on that foot.  Veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics are typically necessary for several months to help rid a cat of this potentially painful condition.

5. Cancers

Some types of cancer can affect the foot and paw pads. The most common types are melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These may appear as raised, colored masses on the paw pads or other parts of the foot. Cats may limp or lick the foot excessively. If you notice any changes to your cat’s paw pad color or texture, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

While a cat’s paw pads should stay the same color throughout their life, there are a few reasons that color changes might happen at some point. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the color changes so it can be effectively and properly addressed. Sometimes, the changes can be reversible. Other times, the color changes indicate and can help diagnose health problems that may not have been noticed otherwise.

• See also: Interesting Facts About Cat Paws: Anatomy, Purpose & Benefits

Featured Image Credit: Jumnong, Shutterstock

The post Do Cat Paw Pads Change Color? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ by Rachael Gerkensmeyer 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 curious creatures that have many behaviors that we must study to understand, as they are not natural human ones. One such behavior is something called cat bunting. In short, cat bunting is when a cat places or butts their head on a human, object, or other animal. They often finish the behavior by rubbing their forehead and cheeks on the bunting subject.

So, what exactly is cat bunting, and why do cats participate in such behavior? These are great questions that we aim to answer for you here. Read on!

What Exactly Is Cat Bunting?

Cat bunting is a common action among all cat breeds. You know when your cat is “bunting” if they press their forehead against your body (usually your own head) and then carefully rub their forehead and cheeks against you. Cats are also known to bunt other cats and dogs in their household as well as things like furniture and walls. There are a few different reasons for this behavior, all of which have everything to do with nature and instincts.

Now for a little anatomy lesson. Cats have scent glands on various parts of their body, including the top of their head, cheeks, lips, and tail. These scent glands secrete pheromones which are natural messengers to other cats and animals. Pheromones can be used to create a calming sensation, convey identification information, and claim territory or individuals. These scent glands are one of the main components behind cat bunting.

Reasons Why Cats Practice Head Bunting

There are multiple reasons that cats “bunt” their heads and rub their cheeks against people, animals, and objects. None of them are harmful or aggressive. Instead, the reasons are interesting and even endearing.

1. Bonding

Cats will engage in bunting behavior to bond with their companions. This is more so a behavior that is intended to let you know that you have been accepted as part of your cat’s group or “feline family.” It’s bonding in a sense but it goes further than that. Once you have become part of the trusted family, you have a responsibility to participate in the various behaviors that are natural in the feline kingdom—or at least, your cat thinks that you do!

2. Social Ranking

Cats tend to bunt those in their group as a way of creating a social hierarchy. The dominant cat of the group will bunt the other cats to spread their pheromones to the whole group. This helps create a group scent, so any other animals around know that all the cats in the group belong, work, and protect together. Bunting also makes sure all the cats in the group know who the “boss” is. Other cats in the group may bunt each other to help create a functional social ranking that helps keep the peace and stave off serious confrontations.

3. Marking Behavior

Another reason that a cat might engage in bunting is to mark territory. They typically do this to objects like furniture and clothing. They’re trying to make sure other animals know that they have been there and are indicating to cats and humans in their group that the area is safe. It’s not so much to territorially mark objects, but it’s more like leaving behind “news” that the cat doing the bunting has been there. It’s a way of spreading their pheromones and making sure others catch wind of said pheromones whenever they get close.

4. Scent Sharing

Cats will bunt their human and animal companions to share their scent. They hope that their scent will be spread and shared with other beings in the surrounding area. It helps create a sense of community and balance for all group members involved and helps stave off other groups that could be trying to encroach on their territory. Scent sharing is common in households with multiple cats living in them and communal places like boarding centers and humane societies.

How Should You Respond to Your Cat’s Head Bunting?

You can respond to your cat’s head bunting in various ways, but you should never do so negatively. You may gently “bunt” your kitty back, give them a few pets, or pick them up and cuddle with them. Maybe playing a game is the response that your kitty is looking for. Whatever your chosen response, pay attention to how your kitty responds in return.

Once you figure out what responses your cat likes the best, you can respond in those ways whenever bunting comes into play. Always pay attention to how other animals react to a cat’s bunting, especially when dogs are the subject of such behavior. If aggression is the response, it is important to take steps to train the animals in how to interact with each other or separate the animals if necessary, especially when they are not being supervised.

Conclusion

Cat bunting is not usually a harmful or aggressive behavior. If your cat bunts you, chances are that they’re just letting you know that you are accepted as a part of their group, or they are trying to communicate with you. Whatever the reason for your cat’s bunting behavior, there should be no reason to worry unless it causes problems with other animals in your home.

Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock

The post Cat Bunting: What Is It? Feline Behavior Explained by Rachael Gerkensmeyer 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 expressive creatures, especially through their body language. Felines give many clues about their feelings and communicate widely using various parts and positions of their bodies. Their tails, for example, are used to display their mood. An upright tail is often one of a happy and confident cat. They also use their tails to rub against you when you arrive home after an absence or to communicate a need or want with you. On the other hand, if they are feeling threatened, the hair on the tail will fluff out and stand on end.

So, if your cat’s tail is limp, does this mean something is wrong? Potentially, but not always.

Is a Limp Tail Serious?

Physically being unable or unwilling to use or lift their tail needs investigation by your veterinarian as soon as you notice it to begin treatment. Below are five common explanations or scenarios for a floppy tail, some of which are more serious than others. But in any event, all require treatment and are a cause for concern.

The 5 Likely Reasons Your Cat Has a Limp in His Tail

1. Trauma

“Trauma” is a broad umbrella term covering many things, but trauma to the tail is one of the most common explanations for your cat not using this part of their spine.

Examples of trauma include:

Have a look at your cat’s tail and examine it for any wounds, markings, or odd positioning of bones and tissues. Apply first aid only if you are comfortable and knowledgeable in doing so, and then take your feline friend to the vet for assessment and treatment.

2. Fracture

Some of the reasons cited under trauma may indeed fracture (break) the tail. The tail is a continuation of the spine and forms part of the cat’s backbone. Lots of muscles and tendons are in this area too that can be damaged. An injury to the tail part of the spine, or the spine higher up, can cause your cat not to use their tail and for it to become limp. Your veterinarian will need to perform X-rays and further tests to assess the damage, begin the correct line of treatment, and find out if the use of the tail will return.

3. Dislocation

Dislocation of the vertebrae joints in the tail can happen in road traffic accidents as well as in yanking and pulling injuries. The force doesn’t break or crack the bone but separates one or more of the joints instead, causing pain, swelling, or lack of use.

4. Nerve Damage

Nerve damage created from fractures, dislocation, or avulsion injuries can all result in one or a few of the nerves being affected. Alternatively, nerve-related issues may occur due to other underlying health problems, causing the tail to be limp with a loss of sensation. Many nerves exist in the spinal area, and it is a complicated subject to investigate. The nerve damage may be temporary, meaning the use of the tail will return, or it may be permanent.

5. Abscess

These are exceptionally common in the feline community that spend time outside. They usually occur during fighting or in a standoff when one cat tries to run away from an aggressive cat or a bullying cat. The aggressor bites the tail or tail base of the runner, and due to the bacteria cats have in their mouths, an abscess can form.

This happens because the bacteria are left in the skin of the unfortunate party when the aggressor sinks their teeth into their skin. An abscess forms in response and will require treatment including antibiotics. A swollen, softish, painful area can usually be seen with puncture marks of the teeth. It may also be hot and oozing pus.

Conclusion

Tail injuries are very common in cats, and they will need to be looked at by a veterinarian in almost all cases. The severity of the injury and its effects, as you can appreciate, is vast, and the treatment and outlook will depend on the originating cause, the degree of damage subsequently caused, and the health status of your cat in general. Some cats will only require rest and medication, while others may require amputation, so always check in with your vet to be on the safe side!

Featured Image Credit: YULIYA Shustik, Shutterstock

The post My Cat Has a Limp Tail, What’s Wrong? 5 Vet-Reviewed Possible Issues by Annaliese Morgan 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.

If you’ve recently seen your cat gagging, you may wonder what causes it and whether you should be concerned. Gagging is a confusing term, as it can mean different things to different people. Short of boring you with medical definitions, the various things that people might be referring to when talking of gagging can encompass a variety of different diseases, including true gagging (choking), unproductive vomiting, and coughing, to name a few.

Occasional gagging is potentially nothing serious, but cats that are doing so should still be seen by a veterinarian. Keep reading to learn more about seven common reasons your cat could be gagging.

The 7 Reasons WHy Your Cat Might be Gagging

1. Speedy Eating

Cats that eat their food a bit too quickly sometimes end up gagging. Speedy eating can also cause cats to regurgitate what they just gobbled down. It’s usually pretty easy to identify this sort of gagging, as it happens right after cats eat, and if they vomit, it usually contains undigested kibble.

The situation sometimes occurs in homes with more than one cat where there’s resource competition occurring. Feeding the cats in different locations can cut down on conflict and tension that can cause some pets to resort to speedy eating.

Interactive and slow feeders can assist solo cats that tend to get carried away at mealtime. Not only do they slow cats down, but they also provide mental stimulation that’s critical for their overall well-being.

2. Hairballs

Cats can vomit up hairballs, and some people consider this to be “gagging”, however it is actually vomiting. Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and ingest too much hair, which then doesn’t pass through the digestive tract. When enough fur accumulates, cats attempt to vomit it up, and successful attempts usually produce fur and a bit of liquid. Unsuccessful attempts may sound to the untrained ear like gagging.

While occasional hairballs are usually nothing to worry about, cats that regularly struggle with them should be seen by a veterinarian, as the situation could be linked to health issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal disease, or even allergies.

3. Upset Stomach

Nausea can sometimes lead to unproductive vomiting that some people incorrectly call gagging, but other causes are more common. Common signs of nausea include producing lots of saliva, excessive tiredness, overgrooming, a lack of appetite, or lethargy.

Cats can throw up after eating something that doesn’t agree with them. New cat food can also be problematic. Conditions such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease can also upset feline stomachs.

4. Respiratory Conditions

Cats cough when suffering from respiratory conditions, which can often be mistaken for gagging. Bacteria and viruses can both cause upper respiratory infections, which result in inflammation, sneezing, and excessive mucous production.

Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus are behind most upper respiratory infections in cats. However, conditions such as pneumonia and pleural effusions can also cause cats to cough.

Cancers of the respiratory tract can lead to the development of signs that can resemble gagging in cats. The occasional cough is usually nothing to worry about, particularly in happy and healthy cats, but a veterinarian should see pets that have  coughs that don’t resolve.

5. Foreign Objects

Cats are well known for nibbling on odd things, which they sometimes end up consuming. Some foreign objects can make it through their digestive tracts without incident, but occasionally, the material gets stuck, which can lead to vomiting and even the development of abdominal obstructions. Toys, plants, and buttons are just a few of the things cats are fond of eating. In these instances, people may again confuse unproductive vomiting with gagging.

String and yarn are particularly dangerous since they can cause intestinal damage and lead to infections such as peritonitis. Signs of foreign body ingestion include lethargy, pain in the abdominal area, lack of appetite, and vomiting.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten something harmful. If you see anything hanging from your cat’s bottom or a bit of string wrapped around their tongue, leave everything as it is and take your companion in for professional help.

6. Toxins and Irritants

Vomiting and coughing can be signs that a cat has been exposed to a toxic product or something irritating their airways. Particularly sensitive cats can react to litter dust and fragrances.

Essential oils dispersed through diffusers can make breathing difficult for cats. Droplets from diffusers can land on cats’ fur, where they can be ingested during grooming, which has the potential to make them quite ill. Several essential oils are highly toxic to cats.

Other common items that can cause problems include bleach, rodenticides, deicing salts, as well as plants such as amaryllis and chrysanthemums. Reach out to your veterinarian if your cat consumes anything toxic.

It’s vital to let them know what your cat got into, how much they were exposed to when they ingested the substance, and if your cat is showing any signs such as coughing, lack of interest in eating, bruising, fast breathing, or pale gums.

7. Asthma

Cats with asthma often have dry, unproductive coughs that can sometimes sound like gags. Cats with asthma experience pulmonary inflammation after breathing in dust mites, cat litter particulates, and other allergens. Strongly scented products such as air fresheners and potpourri can cause some cats to react.

Persistent coughs should be evaluated sooner rather than later by a veterinarian. Diagnosis usually involves blood tests, X-rays, and parasite testing, as heartworm disease can sometimes cause similar signs in cats.

Treatment is aimed at managing the condition and usually involves long-term use of anti-inflammatory medication. Inhalers are often prescribed, but other modalities, such as pills and injections, are also available. Most cats diagnosed with the condition need to continue taking the medication even when they do not have difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Gagging is easily confused with coughing or non-productive vomiting in cats. Various conditions can therefore be described as gagging by owners, when in reality, true gagging is relatively uncommon in cats. The occasional gag (or cough, or vomit) is usually not a huge deal, but a veterinarian should see cats if the problem persists.

Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Gagging? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Lorre Luther 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.

We’ve all heard the apocryphal statement that “if you build it, they will come”. Great movie, although there could be more cats…

But as we head through the winter holiday season (think New Years, Valentine’s Day, cold weather and snow days, and hey, even President’s Day and the Super Bowl probably fit some definition of upcoming holiday), I’d like to propose a new seasonally-themed statement of “if you don’t think they will eat/chew/swallow/get it stuck/play with it, they will”.

So, this article is a heads up on some of the more common opportunities that cats seem to find, that cause trouble around this time of year: cold weather, winter holidays, you name it. And hopefully, it might save you a trip to the vet (you know, so you can make a scheduled visit for their annual wellness, rather than an unscheduled visit on New Year’s Eve at 11:59 pm. Believe me, vet clinics are not a fun place New Year’s Eve- I’ve been there (working) far too many times.

So, in no particular order, Pancake, Tiller and I put our heads together (really, they slept, and I made the list), and came up with a list.

Some Top Seasonal Winter Hazards For Cats

• Candles
• Fireplaces
• Hot stoves
• Trees and their decorations
• Ribbon
• Presents
• Cold weather
• Sidewalk and driveway salt/de-icer
• Antifreeze
• Thread and string
• Toxic plants such as lilies, poinsettias
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Guests
• Electric cords and oral burns from chewing

A few years ago, I wrote a case study on a cat that had eaten a Christmas toy almost two months prior to presentation, by which time he was anemic, and in critical condition. Ah, yes- the gift that kept on giving. Luckily for this cat, he received a few blood transfusions to stabilize him, and surgery to remove the toy, and he went on to become a cheeky, cheerful boy with a good story, just in time to steal some hearts on Valentine’s Day. (Remember, if you don’t think they will eat it, they will.)

I have worked with many cats that people swore would never eat things… and too many flip flops, needle and thread, doll heads, hair ties, tinsel, earplugs, broom bristles and reusable straws later, I can definitely say: they will.

Expect The Unexpected: Tips For Addressing Some Of The More Common Winter Holiday Hazards

1. Nothing hot unattended.

Candles burn fur and melt whiskers. Stoves burn paw pads. Cats get into everything! Again, if you think they won’t, they will!

2. Ribbon and string decorations are like the cat version of spaghetti.

Once they start chewing, they don’t stop, a la Lady and the Tramp in that classic scene. Don’t leave dangly bits unattended. (Possibly a good rule of thumb for life in general…)

3. Cat proof any and all decorations.

For the tree, short of hanging it from the ceiling, or putting the tree into a cage, consider other options. Decorate an outdoor tree that you can see from a picture window in the house, or use a small, potted tree that doesn’t invite climbing. Get a sturdy base that won’t tip, if you go big, as many cats will climb a tree. Avoid breakable ornaments, as they will be fair game.

4. Guests…

Now, you may wonder, how are guests a hazard? They can mean doors left open, for your cat to run out, or bags with unusual items inside. I have even had feline patients that got fleas, when guests brought them from their own house, on a holiday visit! (Maybe that’s a good excuse to avoid a holiday visitor, or two?)

5. Feline pheromone diffusers.

Pheromone diffusers can be plugged in to help release calming signals to cats, prior to the event. Have a safe, cat-only room or designated space for your cat to chill in. For some cats, this might mean they spend an hour or two shut in that room. Better than them slipping outside and going walkabout! (Dog versions also exist for our canine inclined readers!)

6. Loud, uncommon noises

Noisy events like New Years’ celebrations and the Superbowl can mean lots of fireworks, parades, and other uncommon noises, which can be distressing to many pets. If your neighborhood is like mine, often it starts about a week before the actual holiday, and there are always a few stragglers that continue a day or two after, as well. Big football events sometimes mean local stadium noise that can be heard around the house, or guests over cheering and throwing foam cheese at the TV (yes, it’s a real thing). Consider playing white noise, or again, feline pheromone sprays and diffusers, to (ahem…) diffuse the situation.

7. Certain holiday foods.

Valentine’s Day might bring chocolates (bad for cats!), or fancy home-cooked meals oozing with garlic (depending on your dating style, though some may argue this may be counterproductive come V-Day)- so know what foods are safe for cats, and not. If in doubt, don’t offer them to your cat.

8. Certain holiday plants.

Poinsettias, many/most lilies, and other seemingly innocuous plants can be toxic or outright deadly to cats. I’ve bathed many cats that have a bright yellow face after snuffling lily pollen, which for reasons unknown, can cause kidney failure from even the smallest whiff. Plant proof the house, and beware the lovely VDay bouquet that might arrive, innocuous as it may seem.

Closing Thoughts

Winter can be a lovely time- cozying up with books, cats and a hot tipple of your choice, what’s not to love? But, it’s much better enjoyed at home, rather than a holiday trip to the vet’s. Remember how we started this article: if you don’t think they will eat/chew/swallow/get it stuck/play with it, they will!

So, if they do eat it…you will go…to the vet’s. Better to be proactive, and take some simple steps to identify, and address, any home hazards before they become a (second ahem of the day…) cat-astrophe!

The post Catster’s Guide to Winter Holiday Hazards (With Safety Tips) by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet) 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 is no denying that cats are curious creatures. We find them getting themselves into all sorts of mischief, from playing with snakes to rummaging through garbage cans. Trash can often be viewed as an enticing toy or a tasty snack to a cat. So, what happens if your cat has managed to get into the garbage and consumes dental floss? Is this dangerous?

The answer is, unfortunately, yes. The ingestion of dental floss could lead to a linear foreign body in your cat, one of the more dire types of foreign body ingestions. Continue reading to learn more about the risks associated with dental floss ingestion and linear foreign bodies.

Linear Foreign Bodies in Cats

Long, thin objects that are inappropriately consumed are called linear foreign bodies. String, rope, dental floss, cloth, and ribbon are examples of potential linear foreign bodies. What typically occurs in linear foreign body ingestion, or in this case, floss ingestion, is that the foreign object becomes embedded or stuck within the gastrointestinal tract. The natural movements of the intestines through peristalsis will attempt to propel the foreign object through the digestive tract. Intestinal bunching ends up occurring, leading to intense pain and intestinal damage. As damage occurs to the intestines and tension on the object increases, there is a risk of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.

In some cases of linear foreign bodies, the object may be seen wrapped around the base of the tongue or seen exiting the rectum. It is important to never attempt to remove the string without the help of a veterinarian.

My Cat Just Ate Floss, What Should I Do?

The first thing to do after your cat has ingested floss or another type of linear foreign object is to call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will likely ask several questions to help develop a plan for your pet.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend close monitoring at home, whereas in other situations, your veterinarian may recommend you bring your cat to the clinic. Cats are notoriously harder to induce vomiting in, and as a result, your veterinarian may recommend endoscopy to retrieve the object from the stomach, especially if ingestion just occurred.

Signs of a Linear Foreign Body

Signs can vary amongst patients, and owners sometimes are not aware that ingestion of a foreign object has occurred.

Diagnosing a Linear Foreign Body

If your pet has experienced signs associated with a foreign body, or if there is a recent history of ingestion of a foreign body like floss, radiographs will be recommended. Unfortunately, things like dental floss can be difficult to identify on radiographs, as the foreign object itself is usually not visible. The appearance of the intestines will be closely evaluated by the veterinarian to better determine if intestinal bunching has occurred, which is commonly seen with linear foreign bodies.

If there is a high suspicion of a linear foreign body but radiographs do not provide a definitive diagnosis, an ultrasound or exploratory surgery may be recommended to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of a Linear Foreign Body

In some cases, linear foreign bodies can pass through the intestinal tract without causing havoc. The problem is that there is no way to determine which patients will be able to pass the string or floss without complications.

Linear foreign bodies can occasionally be removed through the induction of vomiting and endoscopic retrieval if recent consumption of the string has occurred.

If problems arise from ingestion of floss or another type of linear foreign object, surgery will likely be recommended. As with most foreign body surgeries, the sooner the surgery can occur after the patient has been stabilized, the better. Following foreign body surgery, your cat will need to be kept inactive and treated with appropriate medications. Additionally, a temporary diet change may be necessary.

How Can I Prevent Ingestion of Floss or Other Linear Foreign Objects?

Unfortunately, the chances are high that your cat will ingest something they shouldn’t at some point in their lives. Setting them up for success is imperative to their safety. What exactly does that mean?

Try making it very difficult for your cat to have access to potentially harmful items like floss by disposing of them properly in a trash can with a lid. Alternatively, it would be worthwhile to avoid linear floss altogether and try using a floss pick instead. Removing access to bathrooms is helpful by keeping doors closed. Before leaving the house, performing a quick check of the house is helpful in identifying potential hazards.

In Summary

If your cat has ingested dental floss, there is a risk of developing gastrointestinal complications. If possible, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to evaluate your cat and to check for floss that may be wrapped around the base of the tongue. Unfortunately, some cats do require surgery after the consumption of a linear foreign object like dental floss. The prognosis is dependent on the duration of clinical signs and the damage endured to the intestinal tract. Try avoiding using potentially harmful things like dental floss in your home to minimize the chances of ingestion by a curious cat.

Featured Image Credit: Anastassiya Bezhekeneva, Shutterstock

The post My Cat Ate Dental Floss: Is It Dangerous? Our Vet Explains What to Do by Dr. Marti Dudley, DVM (Vet) 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.

Noticing bleeding from your cat is alarming, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. As imagined, bleeding can occur for several different reasons, ranging from trauma to immune disorders to infectious diseases. Bleeding is not an illness but more of a sign of something else. If your cat is bleeding it is strongly recommended that you contact your veterinarian for advice. Continue reading to learn more about common causes of bleeding based on body location.

Body Location

Bleeding From the Eyes

If you notice blood from the eyes, there is a good chance trauma has occurred. Trauma could include scratching around the eye leading to skin irritation, or a more serious injury like trauma to the eyeball. Blood can sometimes be seen within the eye itself with certain types of injury or infections.

Bleeding From the Ears

Ear infections can lead to trauma from excessive scratching. Additionally, cats can develop polyps within the ear that can cause irritation and inflammation leading to bleeding. Significant trauma to the head can also cause bleeding to be seen from the ears.

Bleeding From the Nose

Bleeding from the nose can be alarming, especially as it can sometimes lead to blood splatter. This can occur from a series of things, including nasal passage irritation due to an ongoing upper respiratory infection, cancer, and possibly trauma including foreign bodies. Diagnosing the cause of bleeding from the nose may be made based on history, or it may require a more in-depth investigation, including rhinoscopy, or a placement of a camera into the nasal passages.

Bleeding From the Mouth

If blood is noted in your cat’s mouth, it is often the result of gingivitis. Bleeding can also be noted when teeth are fractured or pulled out, both of which are painful. If trauma occurs to the mouth through fighting or a foreign body, blood may also be noted. Injury to the tongue or mouth tissues or even oral masses can also result in bleeding within the oral cavity. Significant trauma to the body resulting in severe bleeding in the chest can cause blood to be seen in the nose and mouth. Sedation may be necessary to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s oral cavity.

Bleeding From Skin

Bleeding from the skin is often from trauma and is easy to recognize. It is important to note that bleeding can occur with superficial injury to the skin and more significant deeper tissue trauma. Bleeding can be severe in some cases.

Blood in Urine

An unfortunately common concern some cat owners have is noticing blood in their cat’s urine. Cats are unique creatures who can be easily stressed and develop cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. When this occurs, blood is often noted in the urine. Infection, bladder stones, and cancer are three other common causes of blood in the urine.

Bleeding From Rectum

Bleeding can occur from problems higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, like ulcerations, or from the rectum itself. Cats with diarrhea secondary to infection or constipation may experience bleeding from their rectum due to irritation and straining. Polyps, growths, and foreign bodies are other possible causes.

Internal Bleeding

Patients can also bleed internally, which can be harder to recognize. Signs will be dependent on where in the body the blood is being lost. Some patients suffering from tumors impacting their liver or spleen may experience hemorrhage in their abdomen. When this occurs, abdominal distension may be noted. Alternatively, if bleeding occurs within the chest, labored breathing may be seen. If large amounts of blood are being lost, your cat may experience pale gums, lethargy and weakness.

Clotting Problems

Unfortunately, clotting problems in cats can lead to bleeding that can be severe, and bleeding may be noted from different orifices. When this occurs, immediate intervention is necessary. Some animals may develop immune-mediated disorders that impact platelets or they may have been born with abnormal clotting factors. Alternatively, some patients may have ingested a poison or toxin that causes problems with clotting. An example of a poison would be anticoagulant rat bait. In patients suffering from clotting disorders, bleeding may be noted from different locations.

Treating Bleeding in Cats

As the possible causes of bleeding are vast, treatment varies greatly. The first thing that needs to be done is to determine the underlying cause of the blood loss. Often this can be done by listening to the patient’s history and performing a thorough physical examination.

Bloodwork may be recommended to check for other underlying problems and to check red blood cell levels. When anemia occurs, treatment may be needed to quickly increase the level of red blood cells through a blood transfusion. If anemia is noted in your pet, frequent blood checks will be done to see how the red blood cell levels are changing over time.

Depending on where the bleeding is occurring, additional diagnostics may include endoscopy, ultrasound, and radiographs.

Surgery may be necessary to repair wounds and stop bleeding. In other cases, supportive care through fluid therapy may be all that is required.

In Summary

You may notice blood on your cat and not be able to immediately pinpoint the origin. In any case, having your pet evaluated by your veterinarian is strongly recommended. Depending on the findings, your veterinarian will offer treatment recommendations and interventions. If bleeding is severe leading to anemia, ongoing monitoring of red blood cell levels will be needed.

Featured Image Credit: Kamil Zajaczkowski, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Bleeding? A Full-Body Overview (Vet Answer) by Dr. Marti Dudley, DVM (Vet) 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.

If your feline is missing the litter box, it can quickly become very annoying. You’ll have to clean around the litter box as well as clean out the litter box. It may even seem like your cat is missing the litter box on purpose!

There are tons of reasons your cat may be missing the litter box. Sometimes, you may be able to look at a list of reasons and figure it out. Other times, it may be much harder! It usually requires some trial and error to figure it out or it may require getting your veterinarian involved..

The 11 Reasons Why Your Cat is Missing the Litter Box

1. Litter Box Cleanliness

Cats are fastidious about their cleanliness. They may avoid a dirty litter box and go elsewhere, even if it is right outside the litter box. Even if the litter box has been scooped, it may still have a bad odor that your cat may not like. Be sure to scoop the box at least once a day, preferably more if you can, and completely dump and wash the box at least once a week.

2. Litter Box Placement

Cats may avoid using the litter box if they don’t like the placement. Most cats will appreciate doing their business in peace and quiet. They may not want to use the litter box if it’s right in the middle of your home’s high traffic area. Instead, placing it in a quiet, out of the way spot may be more preferable.

Some cats don’t like feeling trapped, so they may avoid using litter boxes with covers or high sides. They want to be able to see what’s going on around them, especially if you have other pets that may use this time to ambush them.

Cats often don’t like to eliminate near their food and water, either. Preferably, you should have the litter box and their food in completely different rooms. At the very least, put them on opposite sides of the room.

3. Litter Type and Texture

Some cats have preferences for specific litter types. They prefer a particular size, texture or even scent. Changing the litter suddenly may cause your cat to not use the litter box because they don’t like the new substrate.

Cats with very sensitive paws may be particularly sensitive to cat litter. They may not like litter with abrasive textures, for instance. However, any cat may decide that they don’t like a particular kind of litter for any reason.

4. Medical Issues

There are some medical reasons behind a cat not using their litter box. For some, it may be that pain and stiffness from arthritis or an injury prevents them from being able to climb into the box. For others, it could be that a urinary tract infection or case of diarrhea has made their need to go very urgent and they don’t have time to get to the box. Some cats may associate past negative experiences, such as a painful bowel movement or pain from a urinary stone, with using their litter box and choose to go elsewhere so that they won’t experience those feelings again.

Some older cats may also develop cognitive dysfunction as they age that can change their bathroom habits. They may either forget where the litter box is or be confused about how to use it.

See your vet if your cat’s litter box use suddenly changes or if you notice any other signs such as not eating, urinary frequently in small amounts, or crying when they try to go to the bathroom.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Cats don’t like change and can be very sensitive to anxiety. When anxious, they may not use the litter box as they once did, especially if they spend much of the time hiding. Any changes in the number of pets in the household, family members, or schedule can lead to litter box problems.

Your cat may also experience sudden anxiety due to a loud noise or similar cause. This may lead to the cat hiding and not using the litter box for a few hours, depending on how scared they become.

Often, sticking to a regular schedule and offering your cat a safe place can help decrease their stress and anxiety. However, cats that are particularly anxious or stressed about every little change may need to be evaluated by your vet. Your feline may need medication or behavioral training.

6. Inadequate Number of Boxes

Occasionally, you may need to increase the number of boxes in your home. If you have multiple cats or a particularly big house, then you may need to increase the number of boxes so that your cat is always within close range to one and so multiple cats don’t have to share. A great rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So, if you have two cats, three litter boxes are ideal.

7. Litter Box Size and Style

If the litter box is too small, your feline may have a hard time fitting in to use it correctly. Bigger cats need bigger litter boxes. Hooded litter boxes can be helpful in some cases. However, they may also be confining for some cats. Some felines simply do not like hooded litter boxes, so you’ll need to use one with an open top.

Cats may also decide that they don’t like any oddly shaped litter box. For instance, they may dislike litter boxes that are designed to fit into the corner of rooms. Some cats may have a hard time fitting into these square boxes. We highly recommend that you consider whether or not you’ve changed litter boxes lately and consider switching back if you have.

8. Territorial Marking

Cats may use urine to mark their territory, which typically is not inside the box. If their territory feels threatened, they’re even more likely to do this. Bringing new cats into the home or other stressors can cause this issue.

Sadly, stopping territorial marking is very difficult. You can try to adjust the cause of the stress, but this isn’t always possible. You may need to retrain your cat to use the litter box or consider neutering your feline, if intact, to reduce the hormonal causes of territorial markings.

9. Litter Box Aversion

Sometimes, cats suddenly develop an aversion to the litter box. Often, this is caused by something scary that happened to your feline while they were using the litter box. For instance, if your cat is startled or experienced pain while they are using the litter box, then they may avoid going back in it.

Sometimes, these aversions go away on their own. Other times, making changes to the litter box and re-training your cat may be necessary.

10. Inadequate Training

Your cat needs some training and guidance to use the litter box properly. While cats often do like to use the litter box and do it without much prompting, some do require more training than others. You should show your cat where it is and then treat and praise your cat whenever they use the litter box. Similarly, you may need to add more litter boxes or use one with very low sides if your cat is used to just going on the ground.

Kittens are easier to train than older cats. However, any cat can figure out how to use the litter box, even if they are older. While kittens are often trained when they are younger, stray cats or those that spent much of their life outside may not be.

11. Kittens

Very little kittens may make many mistakes before they figure out the litter box completely. In some cases, kittens just don’t make it to the box on time. You’ll just have to wait while they develop and figure out exactly how to use the box. It’s a process, even though kittens are pretty good at self-directing their training.

While a kitten having accidents can be annoying, it’s important to be patient and encourage them in their training.

Why Does My Cat Pee on the Floor but Use the Litter Box?

If your cat is peeing on the floor but still uses the litter box at other times, it can be frustrating and puzzling. That said, this behavior can be caused by many different underlying issues. The solution will depend largely on the reason for this strange behavior.

You should take a truthful look at your litter box’s cleanliness and location. Start by ruling out health issues and age-related problems by seeing your vet. Then, try to rule out some of the other issues we mentioned. Hopefully, you’ll narrow down the potential cause to one or two in this manner.

Conclusion

Your cat may miss the litterbox for a variety of different reasons. They may be stressed or anxious about something, not like the location or type of litter box or they may be picky about the litter or cleanliness. Other kitties may have age- or medical-related issues that make them miss the litter box.  Start by seeing your veterinarian to rule out some causes and then you may start experimenting with different locations, litters, or boxes until your cat is comfortable using the litter box again.

Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Missing the Litter Box? 11 Vet Reviewed Reasons & Advice by Kristin Hitchcock 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.