Figuring out why your cat is meowing is a process of elimination. They meow to communicate with you, and your job is to figure out what they’re trying to tell you by seeing to all their needs and making sure they have everything they need, such as food and a full bowl of clean water. If they’re fed and nothing seems to be lacking, they might be meowing to get your attention because they’re in pain or because they’re just being chatty. Tabby cats have a reputation for being vocal, but really, it’s nothing to do with the color of their fur.

Tabby cats are popular and can be found all over the world. However, contrary to what many people think, they aren’t a specific breed. Instead, “tabby” refers to a specific coat pattern, and therefore, almost every type of breed has tabby cats. Some breeds of cat are more vocal than others, and will express their emotions of sadness, anger, happiness, and playfulness through meowing.

The 10 Reasons Why Your Tabby Cat Is So Vocal

1. They’re Friendly

Your tabby cat might be so vocal because they’re very friendly. These cats meow to greet their owners when they arrive home because they’re happy to see them. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been gone a few minutes or a few hours; your little tabby cat has missed you and is welcoming you home the only way they know how—by meowing and rubbing against your legs.

Respond to your cat by tickling their head and greeting them back. We might not understand each other’s language, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speak to each other.

2. They’re Expressing Their Emotions

Tabby cats are vocal about many things, including how they feel. Your cat might become vocal if you accidentally step on their tail and make them angry, if you’re playing with them and they’re getting annoyed by it, if they’re happy by the attention you’re giving them, if they’re playful and feeling excited, or if you sneeze and frighten them. These cats wear their emotions on their sleeve—or paw—and it’s what makes them such a special and widely-loved pet.

3. They Want Your Attention

Just like many humans, tabby cats crave attention and aren’t afraid to let you know. Your cat will get in your way and meow your ears off to get you to connect with them. As much as they enjoy being on their own when having a nap in the sun, they can be social animals that will meow excessively if they’re not getting the attention they crave.

They also enjoy play and need exercise, so you can use feather wands, strings, and balls to get them chasing, catching, and jumping.

4. They’re Hungry

When your tabby cat wants food, they’re going to want it right away and will likely be pretty demanding about it. Their demands will be in the form of meows. It doesn’t matter if you’re still asleep in bed or getting tasks done around your home; your cat will come to you meowing for food.

If you want to prevent this behavior, you could look into getting an automatic feeder for your cat. You can set times for it to dispense your cat’s food and set a recording so that your cats always know when their food is being served, and stop harassing you at all hours.

5. They Want to Go Outside

If you allow your cat to play or go potty outside, they might be asking you to let them out if you don’t have an open window or cat door. You’ll know your cat wants to be let out because they’ll meow at the door or run towards the door once they’ve gotten your attention. Your cat may also meow outside once they’ve done their business and want to come back inside. Cats may also meow if they smell or see another cat in your yard.

If your cat is allowed outside and you’re tired of being interrupted, invest in a cat door so that your cat can come and go as they please without having to come to you to let them in and out.

6. They See Potential Prey

A cat is a natural hunter, which is why they may bring you “gifts” in the form of dead insects, birds, or rodents every now and then. In the wild, cats hunt for food, but domesticated cats that are given food by their owners tend to hunt for the fun of it.

Your tabby cat might get vocal and start chirping when they’ve spotted potential prey, especially if they’re inside and see the bird outside or can’t reach it because it’s too high up in a tree. Your cat will chirp out of excitement and eagerness to get to it.

Cats will also vocalize when they have caught something and are bringing it to you; sometimes it might be a mouse, other times it could be a toy! This sort of behavior shows us that they want to share their catch with you. It might be a bit icky, but their heart’s in the right place!

7. They Are Looking for a Mate

Female cats that are in heat will yowl or whine to get the attention of their male counterparts. Males will do the same if they smell that a cat is in heat or want to attract a nearby female. This behavior is instinctual among unneutered cats and is a sign that they want to breed. It often happens at night and can be alarming if you don’t know what is going on with your cat, but it is simply a mating call.

These yowls can progressively get louder throughout the night, and the only way to prevent this behavior in your cat is to get them neutered.

8. They’re In Pain

Unfortunately, a vocal tabby cat may also be in pain and yowling out of distress. If your cat is making sounds that you aren’t used to hearing from them, examine them to make sure nothing is broken and that they’re not injured. If your cat seems to be in distress, there could be an internal problem or an emotional one, which warrants a visit to the veterinarian, as it is important to get to the bottom of the problem.

9. They Have Separation Anxiety

If your neighbors have informed you that your tabby cat cries when you’re out of the house, it could be because they’re suffering from separation anxiety. This usually happens if you previously worked from home but now have to go into the office during the day, your work hours have changed, or some other routine change has occurred.

You may need to try a few methods to help your cat deal with being away from you, such as leaving the radio on when you’re out, talking to them through a pet camera, and adding perches to your windows so that your cat can look outside.

10. They’re Elderly or Confused

As some cats get older, they start to lose their cognitive function and can become confused, disorientated, and have poor responses. Their cognitive decline can also cause their sleep patterns to change, and they may start to break house training. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cat dementia, and it will likely get worse as your cat ages.

Cats with cognitive dysfunction can become very vocal and meow excessively because of their confusion. They may not know where they are or how to find their food and may feel extremely irritable.

Another reason your elderly tabby might be more vocal is that their hearing has reduced. They might be looking for reassurance that you are around because they can’t hear you moving about in the house like they used to. Often, just talking to them from time to time will be enough to help them feel secure.

Different Ways Cats Vocalize

Just like people, cats have different tones and sounds that they use to communicate different things. A few main ones are explained below:

Meowing

Although kittens meow to communicate with their mothers, cats don’t usually meow to communicate with each other, but they do use this style of communication for humans. If your cat is meowing around you or at you, it could be because they’re happy to see you, are trying to get your attention, or want something from you.

Different meow pitches can mean different things, so it’s important to respond to your cat and try to figure out exactly what they need.

Purring

Most people know that purring is a sign of contentment or happiness, and although cats commonly communicate their pleasure this way, they may also purr to communicate discomfort, fear, or pain.

It’s important to notice your cat’s body language when they purr. If they’re relaxed or showing affection, the purr is likely a happy one, but if their ears are back and they seem tense, the purr is likely an unhappy one.

Hissing

A hiss is a clear message that your cat is not happy about something, is scared, or is telling you to back away. It is important that you listen to their warning and give them the space they need. If you ignore your cat’s hissing and continue to play or cuddle your cat, they may try to escape from you by showing aggression.

Yowling

Yowling is a type of howl that cats make when they’re upset or in distress. They may also yowl to attract other cats or to warm cats to stay away from their territory.

Chirping

This sound usually isn’t used to communicate with humans but rather the sound they make when they’re excited. It can also be used to announce their presence or to get attention.

Conclusion

Cats are vocal because they’re very expressive, and this definitely applies to tabby cats. They use a variety of different sounds and pitches to communicate their needs or concerns with humans and other animals. Meows, chirps, and purrs can be used for a variety of reasons, so it is important to notice your cat’s body language when they are trying to communicate as it will give you an indication of whether they are happy, in distress, wanting something from you, or are just in a playful mood.

Featured Image Credit: savitskaya iryna, Shutterstock

The post Why Are Tabby Cats So Vocal? 10 Vet Reviewed Reasons by Keri-Beth Clur 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 may have noticed the familiar sounds and behavioral changes in your female cat and guessed that they’re in heat. Their restlessness, excessive vocalization, and desire to go outside to find a mate may have you wondering whether cats enjoy sex and mating or if their behavior is entirely instinctual. Cats are hormonally driven to have sex in order to reproduce. There is no evidence behaviourally or otherwise to suggest that sexual activity is enjoyable for them.

Although it can take hours before the queen approaches the tom cat, the mating process usually only takes a maximum of a few minutes. However, those few minutes can feel long for an owner as they watch what looks like a fight! Keep reading as we discuss when and how cats mate.

When Do Cats Mate?

Cats can start mating once they reach sexual maturity. This usually happens from 6–9 months. Female cats go into heat every 2–3 weeks during the breeding season, which is usually January to late fall in the Northern Hemisphere. When in heat they’ll show signs of readiness to mate, be interested in the tom’s advancements, and be more likely to allow a tom to mount them.

A female cat will show signs of being in heat and being ready to mate. If they are not in heat, they cannot fall pregnant and will reject any advancement from a tom. Once a male cat reaches sexual maturity, they are able to mate at any time but will usually only ever attempt to mate with females that are in heat.

Male cats will try everything they can to get to a female cat in heat. He knows it’s the right time because he can smell her pheromones, which gives him all the information he needs. The unneutered male cat can pick up these pheromones left behind by an in-heat female from hours before and may follow the scent until he finds her, which is why many unneutered males roam.

How Do Cats Mate?

Even with all the calling and flirting, the queen usually won’t allow the tom near her until he has put in some work and courted her for several hours. Once she is willing to mate, she will bend her chest to the ground and raise her back end to the tom, exposing her genital area.

Once the tom gets the “go ahead” from the queen, he’ll mount her and bite the skin at the back of her neck. The mating process is short and brief.

Do Female Cats Enjoy Mating?

If anyone wonders if a female cat enjoys mating, they probably have never witnessed the act! While the male and female cats are mating, the queen will scream and may even fight to break free from the male’s grip. This can involve turning, rolling, clawing, and attempting to bite the tom.

A female cat will have this reaction because a tom’s penis is barbed and scrapes the inside of her vagina, which is very painful. This scraping is what stimulates ovulation and allows the female cat to fall pregnant.

What Happens After Mating Has Occurred?

Once the female cat has broken free from the tom, he’ll run off. If he doesn’t, the queen will chase him away. The female cat will become agitated and roll on the ground and show signs of discomfort. This reaction lasts around 10 minutes and is likely due to the hormones and the pain she just experienced. During this time, she’ll also groom herself, focusing on her genital area.

When Can Cats Mate Again?

It doesn’t take much time for both cats to be ready to mate again after having sexual intercourse, as it can take between 5 to 30 minutes. This can be with each other or with new partners. A queen can mate up to 30 times during her estrous cycle and can mate with many different toms. One female cat can give birth to a litter of kittens who are genetically diverse because they have different fathers.

Although penetration stimulates ovulation, there is no guarantee that the queen will fall pregnant on the first try. Breeders will encourage mating to happen several times throughout the queen’s estrous cycle to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Spaying and Neutering

Contrary to what some people believe, cats don’t need to mate and will not become more aggressive if they don’t mate. Queens will show signs of being ready to mate when they’re in heat, and males will try their best to get them to reproduce. These behavioral changes can be stressful because outdoor cats will roam and sometimes get into fights. There is also the risk of unwanted pregnancies, even with indoor cats.

The only way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy is through spaying your cat. You will also reduce undesirable behavior in your tom cat by neutering them. Spaying and neutering also protect against certain diseases and cancers.

Conclusion

Cats don’t appear to enjoy sex. In fact, instead of experiencing enjoyment, female cats experience pain because the penis of a tom cat is barbed and scrapes the inside of her vagina. Unneutered cats will mate when the queen goes into heat, and behavioral changes will occur.

You can prevent undesirable behavior as well as the risk of pregnancy by neutering your cat.

See also:

• My Cat Is Not Eating But Acting Normal, What’s Wrong? 7 Vet-Reviewed Issues
• Is Patchouli Safe for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts

Featured Image Credit: Sergey-Neanderthalec, Shutterstock

The post Do Cats Enjoy Sex & Mating? Vet-Reviewed Feline Facts by Keri-Beth Clur 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.

Some cats love drinking water out of unusual objects, bowls, or containers and will continue to do so regardless of whether their water bowl is full of fresh, clean water or not. It’s not unusual to find cats drinking out of the fish tank, bird bath, sink, or even a toilet. Some cats will even go as far as drinking out of the pool. Although a cat should be fine if it samples a bit of saltwater or chlorinated pool water, this behavior shouldn’t be encouraged.

Drinking a small amount of saltwater or chlorinated pool water every day won’t be fatal for your cat, but it can make them sick, so it’s better for them if they can avoid it. When it comes to pool safety, the main area of concern is your cat falling in and drowning, so take measures to discourage your cat from hanging out around your pool.

Click below to jump ahead:

• Risks of Cats Drinking from a Saltwater Pool
• Risks of Cats Drinking from a Chlorinated Pool
• How To Keep Your Cat Safe Around the Pool

What Are the Risks of Cats Drinking from a Saltwater Pool?

Unlike people, a cat’s kidneys can filter out the salt in saltwater, and their body will become hydrated from the water. Stray cats that don’t have access to clean, fresh water at all times may only be surviving by drinking from your saltwater pool. Saltwater pools are safer to drink from than the ocean because they only have 1/10th of the salt in comparison. However, just because they can drink from saltwater pools and get away with it doesn’t mean they should.

If you’re able to, try to leave fresh water out for the stray cats so that they have something to drink other than saltwater. Drinking too much saltwater or drinking it too frequently may lead to dehydration over time because a higher amount of salt intake will lead to an increase in thirst and urination.

Further organ damage may occur in cats with heart or kidney issues as sodium pushes up their blood pressure. It also puts a lot of strain on the kidneys. In these cases, salt water, as well as food with high salt content, should be avoided altogether, and a specific diet from the vet should be given to the cat instead.

What Are the Risks of Cats Drinking from a Chlorinated Pool?

Chlorine is added to pools to kill algae and bacteria from growing in them. Cats shouldn’t drink anything with chemicals in it, but thankfully, pools that are well-looked-after usually have low concentrations of chlorine that shouldn’t harm your cat if they drink from it. If your cat drinks quite a bit, they may develop gastrointestinal upset with symptoms such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Keep your cat away from the pool if you have recently “shocked” it, as the chlorine level will be higher. Although your cat isn’t likely to experience serious side effects from drinking chlorinated pool water, fresh, clean water is a much safer option for your cat. Leave several water bowls around your home so that your cat has easy access to them and is less interested in the water in the pool.

How To Keep Your Cat Safe Around the Pool

If you have a cat who loves to drink pool water or a cat breed that loves to swim, you may find them around the pool more than you’d like. Swimming in the pool is great exercise, and a mouthful or two of the water shouldn’t do any harm. However, things can go from bad to worse when your cat is left by the pool alone.

Conclusion

If your cat loves to drink from anything other than their water bowl, you may occasionally find them drinking water from your pool. You don’t need to worry, as saltwater and chlorinated pools are generally safe for your cat to drink from every now and then. However, you should discourage it as too much of either can make your cat sick over time. There are many risks around the pool, so keep your cat safe by placing a cover on top of it when you’re not around to supervise.

Featured Image Credit: Halfpoint, Shutterstock

The post Can a Cat Drink Pool Water? Vet Reviewed Risks for Chlorine & Saltwater by Keri-Beth Clur 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’re a person who loves flavorful food, you probably like to add a bit of salt to every meal. Salt has been used for preserving and seasoning food for thousands of years and is essential for good health. Although cats also require sodium in their diets, you should never give your cat salt because they get the recommended daily amount from their cat food. Too much salt can be toxic to cats and can affect their health.

Salt is found in so many things, from certain food products to seawater to play dough. Thankfully cats tend to stay away from foods and substances that are harmful to them, and salt toxicity isn’t something that happens often.

Do Cats Like Salty Food?

Just like humans, cats have taste receptors for saltiness, although they don’t have ones for sweetness. Although cats are generally smart enough to avoid foods that are dangerous to them, they sometimes eat things they shouldn’t.

A cat isn’t likely to lick up large amounts of table salt that has spilled out from a container, but they may eat a bit of chocolate chip cookie dough without realizing how harmful it is to them. However, the amount of salt in 1 and a half batches of this type of dough is enough to kill a cat.¹

Is Salt Necessary for Cats?

Salt, in the correct dosage, is important for cats. This is why you will often see sodium listed on your cat’s food. Sodium is a mineral that a cat’s body needs to function properly. It plays a role in nerve function and muscle movement and maintains the balance between water and minerals in the body. And because they can taste salt, it also makes their food taste a little more palatable.

The level of salt needed in a cat’s body changes throughout their life, with younger cats requiring more than adult cats. If you’re feeding your feline good-quality cat food for the life stage appropriate to them, whether it be canned or dry food, they should be getting the right amount of sodium for their bodies. The danger comes in when you feed your cat human food, as the sodium levels are not regulated.

Cats have different nutritional needs to humans and have a much smaller mass, preventing them from being able to safely consume even half of the quantity of salt that your body can handle. When you give them scraps from your plate with a bit of salt on them, it can affect them negatively—especially if done frequently or when those scraps are high in sodium.

If you do like to occasionally give your cat human food in snack form, make sure it doesn’t have any seasoning or sauce on it. A plain snack is a much safer option for your cat.

The Dangers of Too Much Salt

If your healthy cat has food with a little bit of salt on it, it’s not the end of the world, and they should be fine. Just make sure they drink plenty of water right after. However, if your cat drank a whole lot of water from your saltwater aquarium or munched down canned tuna that was packed in salted water, you may have a more serious problem on your hands.

Salt toxicity is a higher risk for cats that are poorly hydrated or don’t have access to water to flush out the extra salt. According to Pet Poison Helpline, salt has a toxicity level on cats of moderate to severe, so if you think your cat has consumed a food product that is high in salt, make sure to phone your vet and chat with them about it. If they’re concerned about the salt concentration of the product, they’ll ask you to bring your cat in.

Sometimes cats get into salty items without you even realizing it, but you’ll know if they have salt toxicity because their behavior will change, and you’ll see signs of it. Salt poisoning or toxicity in cats is very serious, and it can cause swelling of the brain, but it usually starts with milder signs, such as vomiting.

If you are aware of your cat having any of these signs, don’t hesitate to get them to the vet. If you didn’t see them eat something out of the norm, there is a risk that they may have been poisoned or are displaying signs of an underlying health condition. Either way, your cat needs prompt treatment and care.

Treatment for Cats with Salt Toxicity

While you prepare your cat to go to the vet or emergency clinic, try to get them to drink water to keep hydrated. If you did see what your cat ate or drank, bring the packaging along with you for your vet. Your vet will also want to know how much was consumed and what time it occurred.

If your cat is showing signs of salt toxicity, your vet will examine them and take blood tests. Depending on how long it took for you to bring your cat in and for the vet to see them, they may induce vomiting. Your cat will likely need to stay in the hospital for a while and will be placed on an IV fluid drip, which will provide them with the necessary medication and hydration their body needs to recover.

Conclusion

Cats receive the salt content their bodies need to function properly through their wet or dry cat food. Any additional salt isn’t necessary and can be very dangerous for cats. An excess of salt in a healthy cat’s body can be flushed out by drinking a lot of water, but if the sodium content of a food or liquid that your cat ingested is too high, or the cat has health problems, or they are dehydrated, they can become very sick and must be taken to the vet or emergency clinic straight away.

Featured Image Credit: mkupiec7, Pixabay

The post Is Salt Toxic to Cats? Vet Reviewed Dangers & Limits by Keri-Beth Clur 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 that have not received preventative treatment commonly contract worms, and although seeing the parasites in your cat’s vomit or stool is gross and concerning, they are typically easy to treat. If you’ve got a dog that recently had worms and have some leftover dewormer medication, it’s natural to wonder if you can use it for your cat too. Some types of dewormers are safe to give to both cats and dogs, but their dosages will differ. However, most dog dewormers aren’t suitable for cats, and vice versa. For this reason, it is recommended to never give dog dewormer to cats.

Before giving your cat a dewormer, chat with your vet first. Your cat should receive the dewormer that is best suited to their age, weight, and health condition. The medication should be given to your cat according to your vet’s instructions, which will differ from one pet to the other. Therefore, dewormers shouldn’t be shared between pets.

How Did My Cat Get Worms?

If your cat has worms, they’re not the exception, as most cats contract worms at some point over the course of their lives. Many kittens have worms because they are most vulnerable to parasites at such a young age. They can be born with them or get them from their mother’s milk.

Adult cats can also contract worms, which often happens by coming into contact with the parasite’s eggs by walking through a contaminated area, sharing a litter box with an infected cat, coming into contact with infected feces, or hunting and eating infected rodents. If a cat has walked through an infected area and those eggs or fecal particles get onto their coat or paws, they can ingest them when they lick and groom themselves.

Although some types of worms are species-specific, some can infect your cats and dogs. Your cat can become infected by coming into contact with your dog’s poop as well as their fleas. If a flea from a dog jumps onto your cat and hides in their coat and gets ingested while grooming, they can develop a tapeworm infestation.

Are Worms Dangerous to Cats?

There are many types of worms that can infect your cat. Some cats may not show any signs of having worms, while most will become sick. However, there are some types of worms that are life-threatening to cats. The severity of the worm infestation, as well as the health of a cat, can also play a role in how sick they will become.

Intestinal worms are most dangerous to kittens because they can cause developmental issues, anemia, and intestinal obstructions, depending on the type of worms they have. Some worms, such as heartworms, are a threat to cats of all ages because they can cause damage to a cat’s heart and lungs.

Below are different types of worms and how they can affect your cat:

The Common Signs Among The Various Types of Worms

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. Treatment is often straightforward, and the prognosis is typically good when treated early. However, if your cat doesn’t receive the care they need, they will suffer greatly, and it can even be fatal.

Can I Get Worms from My Cat?

If your cat has worms, it is possible that you or other members of your household may have contracted worms too. The most common way that humans get worms from their cats is by walking in or touching contaminated soil. Cats often poop outside in the soil and in sandboxes. If your child plays in their sandbox or you spend time gardening or walking around barefoot, you’re at risk for contracting worms.

The larvae in your cat’s poop can survive for a very long time, and the more an infected cat poops in your environment, the higher your risk of contracting worms. If you’ve dewormed your cat, you’re still at risk of contracting worms from another cat that may use your garden or sandbox to potty in. Remember to always wash your hands and feet when you’ve been gardening or walking barefoot outside.

How To Kill & Prevent Worms in Cats

The best way to protect your cat and yourself from contracting worms is by getting them dewormed from an early age and repeating the treatment as frequently as your veterinarian advises. Your kitten will be able to receive deworming treatment from around 6-8 weeks of age and will likely need to be dewormed at least twice.

As your kitten gets older, they won’t need to be dewormed as frequently, but we do recommend that you deworm your cat once every 1–3 months, especially if you allow them to roam outdoors or spend time with other cats and pets. Indoor cats without much exposure to the outdoors can safely be dewormed once every 3 months.

You can also lower your cat’s risk of contracting worms by starting them on flea and tick treatment, regularly cleaning and sanitizing their litter box, frequently changing out their old litter for new litter, and picking up the poop in the yard and sandbox with a shovel and discarding it properly.

Conclusion

Dog dewormers aren’t safe to use on cats because the dosage requirements are different. A cat will be given a dewormer that is suitable for their age, weight, and health condition. Worms can be passed through the feces or fleas of one infected cat to another, as well as from an infected dog. Worms can make a cat very sick, but with the correct treatment, they usually make a full recovery.

To prevent your cat from getting sick from worms, make sure to deworm them frequently. Outdoor cats should be dewormed around once a month, and indoor cats should be dewormed once every 3 months.

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

The post Can I Use Dog Dewormer on Cats? Vet Reviewed Facts by Keri-Beth Clur 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 cat has a serious flea problem, you could become desperate enough to try anything to resolve the issue. Waking up with several new, red bumps along your skin and watching your cat scratch uncomfortably is never pleasant. Tea tree oil is commonly found in many homes and is effective at killing many types of parasites. It is widely believed to be effective at killing fleas too.

However, this essential oil is also toxic to cats and shouldn’t be used on their bodies or ingested, regardless of the quantity.

Is Tea Tree Oil Effective at Killing Fleas?

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy that is commonly used to treat skin problems in humans and some animals due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also effective at killing certain types of ticks and lice, but there is little scientific evidence proving that it kills fleas.

Anecdotally, many people claim to have used this essential oil on their pets and around their homes and have had positive results. However, the science disagrees with using tea tree oil near cats because the potential anecdotal benefit is not worth the immediate, potentially life-threatening risk to your cat.

It may be tempting to use essential oil around your home to repel fleas. However, essential oil used around the house (either as drops, sprays, or via a diffuser) are never recommended in cat households. These oils are dangerous for cats in all their forms, as your cat may easily inhale diffused vapors or come into contact with sprays or drops left on a surface. Though some holistic veterinarians are able to formulate cat-safe dilutions for such products, this task is best left to such professionals.

In addition, it is worth noting that if you do have a flea problem, essential oils do not kill fleas, they just repel them. Their inability to effectively kill fleas coupled with the danger to your cat means they shouldn’t be on your list of go-to flea remedies.

Why Shouldn’t I Use Tea Tree Oil on My Cat?

Tea tree oil isn’t safe to use on cats because if it is accidentally used improperly, it will harm them. One of the biggest concerns is not using the correct concentration of tea tree oil. You may have followed the dilution directions according to the instructions, but there is always a risk that you could be off or that you use too much of the mix on your cat.

Another reason you should never use tea tree oil on your cat is that they are natural groomers that spend most of their day licking themselves. If they ingest the solution, they can become very sick.

You may have noticed that some flea and tick shampoos use tea tree oil in their ingredients. These products are safe to use on your cat because they only contain small amounts of the essential oil, which is evenly distributed throughout the product.  Also, be careful of using undiluted tea tree oil around your home. It will be strong enough to kill some parasites and possibly repel others, but it’s dangerous to you and your cat if you breathe it into your lungs all day long.

Signs of Tea Tree Oil Toxicity

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it only takes seven drops of undiluted tea tree oil to come into contact with your cat’s skin to cause severe poisoning in your pet. Signs of tea tree oil toxicity can present themselves within an hour of your cat touching or ingesting the substance and will include the following:

If you know that your cat has ingested tea tree oil but hasn’t shown any signs yet, don’t wait for them before contacting your vet. It’s important to act quickly and get your cat the treatment they need, as this could save its life.

Conclusion

Although there is no scientific evidence that tea tree oil kills fleas specifically, it is effective at killing many other types of parasites and is believed to kill fleas too. However, it is not safe to use on your cat because the wrong concentration used on their skin can cause serious health issues. There is also a high risk that they will ingest the substance when they groom themselves, which will lead to tea tree oil toxicity.

Instead, use flea and tick treatments that have been recommended by your vet, as they are safe to use on your cat.

Featured Image Credit: ronstik, Shutterstock

The post Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas on Cats? Effectiveness & Safety Explored By Our Vet by Keri-Beth Clur 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.

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that has a variety of uses. It can be used as a cleanser to kill yeast, mold, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. It can be used to wash veggies, clean your toilet, shine mirrors, treat sick plants, and induce vomiting in dogs. Although hydrogen peroxide should never be used on your dog without the guidance of your vet, it should not be used on your cat because it can cause stomach and esophagus issues.

People have been using hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic on their pets’ and their own minor wounds for many years. However, vets and doctors advise against using it on living tissue as it can prevent healing and cause damage.

How Can I Induce Vomiting in My Cat?

If your cat got into your medication or another dangerous substance or food, you might want to induce vomiting straight away to remove it from their gastrointestinal tract before the body absorbs it. However, you should never induce vomiting in your cat or any pet without the guidance and recommendation from your vet because it is not safe to do so in some circumstances.

You may know that hydrogen peroxide is effective and generally safe at inducing vomiting in dogs, but unfortunately, it does not act the same way in cats. Using hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in your cat will cause negative effects, such as intestinal bleeding, which could end up being fatal¹.

In fact, there isn’t any method to induce vomiting in cats that is safe for you to carry out at home, and it’s essential that you rush your cat to the vet immediately so that they can start the appropriate care.

How To Clean Cat Wounds

Whether your cat got into a fight with another cat or fell on an object that cut open their skin, it’s important to clean their wounds to prevent bacterial infection. Treat your cat’s wound by applying pressure to it for a few minutes with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, flush the wound to get any dirt out of it. You can blot the wounded area with an antiseptic solution to kill any bacteria.

If your cat’s wound doesn’t stop bleeding, try to apply pressure on the wound with a dressing and secure it by adding a bandage over the area. However, this is only a temporary solution, and you’ll need to take your cat to your vet as they may require stitches.

If you leave your cat’s wound to heal on its own without cleaning it, they are at risk of infection. You’ll know if your cat’s wound is infected because it will swell, become red and warm, develop pus and an odor, and your cat may develop a fever and start vomiting.

What may have started as a superficial wound that didn’t look serious could end up becoming a problem because anytime skin is broken, that wound can become infected if not cleaned and treated properly. Make sure that you take your cat to the vet if you see signs of infection.

What Not to Use When Treating Cat Wounds

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic for a long time because it’s effective at killing bacteria. In some cases, your vet may recommend that you use hydrogen peroxide, but you should never use it without their instruction. By doing so, you may damage the tissue around your cat’s wound and prevent the body from being able to heal itself. Instead, opt for a safer antiseptic product that isn’t abrasive.

Other products that should be avoided when treating your cat’s wounds are soaps, rubbing alcohol, shampoos, tea tree oil, or herbal preparations. These products can burn and irritate your cat’s skin, might have ingredients that are toxic to cats, and may prevent healing.

What To Use When Treating Cat Wounds

Now that we know what not to use, here are a few alternatives that you can consider as they are safer options for your cat. However, chat with your vet first to make sure they’re happy with your treatment option.

1. Saline Solution

Salt water has antibacterial properties while being mild enough not to irritate the skin, making it an excellent choice for treating wounds. However, you’ll probably need to reapply the saline solution to your cat’s wound a couple of times.

You can make your own “at-home” saline solution by adding ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir the mixture and allow it to cool. You can add it to a syringe and flush your cat’s wound.

2. Disinfectant Solutions

A few safe disinfectants for your cat to stock up on are chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine. However, diluting the disinfectant before using it on your cat’s wound is essential so as not to damage the tissue and slow healing. Read the instructions on the bottle and make sure you mix it with the exact amount of water as instructed.

Conclusion

Although hydrogen peroxide has been widely used on cats, pets, and people in the past, it is only occasionally recommended by vets today. Hydrogen peroxide is abrasive and can cause damage to the tissue around your cat’s wound, as well as slow the natural healing process. It is used to induce vomiting in dogs but is not safe to do so with cats as it can cause intestinal bleeding if ingested.

Instead of stocking up on hydrogen peroxide to treat your cat’s wounds to prevent infection, consider saline solution or safer disinfectants such as chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine. You’ll need to dilute these disinfectants with water before cleaning your cat’s wound, but it is a much safer option.

Featured Image Credit: sulit.photos, Shutterstock

The post Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Cats? Vet Reviewed Risks & Advice by Keri-Beth Clur 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 are over 60 million homeless cats across the United States.¹ For some of them, living outdoors is all they’ve known, having been born to feral parents. For others, this way of life is something they’ve had to navigate and adapt to after being abandoned by their owners or getting lost. These street cats rarely die of old age but from diseases, injuries and infections. As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to neuter your cat.

Cats usually reach sexual maturity and can start to reproduce from around 4 months of age. To prevent accidental pregnancies, it’s recommended that you neuter your cat around this age. Neutering before this age is common and safe, but it’s important that your kitten is first vaccinated for their own protection as well as the protection of the other pets.

Early Neutering Is a Common Procedure

Many animal shelters will neuter their kittens from 6 weeks of age, but some states require them to wait until the kitten is 2 months old and over 2 pounds in weight.

The reason the surgery doesn’t occur earlier than 6–8 weeks of age isn’t because of a risk of neutering complications but rather to ensure that they are fully immunized before undergoing surgery in an animal hospital that contains other pets. It’s important that your kitten is first vaccinated for their own protection as well as the protection of the other pets.

Another area of concern around neutering your kitten before 6 weeks of age is how their little bodies will handle the anesthesia and the factors surrounding surgery. Although modern anesthetic drugs are safe for kittens, there are risks of hypoglycemia and hypothermia.

Before surgery, your kitten won’t be able to eat for several hours, which can put them at risk for hypoglycemia. However, this risk can be reduced by minimizing the window between the kitten’s last meal and the surgery.

Hypothermia is another factor because a kitten’s tiny body can lose body heat quickly. However, their veterinarian can maintain their body temperature by using warming devices.

Myths Around Early Neutering

There are many misconceptions about neutering a cat too early, and many people have been told that cats do better if they’re neutered after their first litter of kittens or after their first heat. However, this only increases the chances of accidental pregnancy and contributes to feline overpopulation.

Below are some of the myths you may have heard about early neutering. However, there is recent evidence to show these concerns are likely unfounded.

Although more research on this subject is needed, many vets are comfortable performing this surgery on kittens that are as young as 8 weeks of age. There has also been a study carried out on groups of kittens that were neutered at different ages, and the results showed that age didn’t have an effect on the cat’s behavior or development. In fact, there were more minor complications uncovered in the older neutered age group than in the youngest one.

There are a few benefits to neutering kittens early as opposed to waiting until the standard age. Younger kittens tend to recover faster from the anesthesia and experience less trauma, and the surgery is often quicker because kittens are smaller and have less fat, making them easier to  operate on.

Why People Neuter Their Cats at Different Ages

Although it is relatively safe to neuter your kitten from as early as 8 weeks of age, it is not always necessary, and most vets encourage owned cats to be neutered between 4–5 months.

Animal shelters commonly have their kittens neutered early so that they’re suitable for adoption while they’re still young, as most people prefer adopting kittens over older cats. Some people prefer to get it done as early as possible because different cats reach sexual maturity at different ages, and they don’t want the risk of their kitten becoming pregnant.

However, most cats reach this stage at around 4 months of age, so as long as you have them neutered around this age, they’re unlikely to fall pregnant. Some vets are more in favor of waiting until this age because most kittens receive their last vaccination at around 16 weeks, becoming fully inoculated. These kittens also weigh more and have a lower risk of developing hypoglycemia or hypothermia.

The final decision is made between you and your vet. Your vet will use their professional judgment based on your kitten’s health and breed, as well as their knowledge, to determine the best time for your kitten to undergo the procedure.

Are There Other Benefits to Neutering My Cat?

Apart from adding to the number of unwanted kittens in the United States, neutering your cat will likely extend their lifespan. Here is why:

It Prevents Certain Cancers and Diseases

Neutering and spaying can reduce the risk of testicular cancer. It also reduces the possibility of prostate and uterine infections. These diseases can be life-threatening to your cat.

It Can Help Eliminate Bad Behavior

Male cats spray around your home to mark their territory. They feel the urge to do this because of their hormones. Female cats in heat can also be troublesome as they become very vocal. They howl to get the attention of a mate and may even spray around your home to let males know where to find them. However, neutering your cat while they’re still young will prevent them from developing this behavior.

It Can Reduce Injuries

Unaltered female and male cats tend to roam in an attempt to find a mate. This can cause them to become lost and puts them at risk of danger. Your house cat may not know how to navigate the world outside their home and can get hit by a car, attacked by a dog, injured from a fall, etc.

Unaltered males also tend to fight other cats over their territory, which puts them at risk of serious injuries and infections. Although neutering your cat might not eliminate these urges, it will reduce them.

Conclusion

Although there are a few risks around the surgery, neutering your kitten early isn’t harmful to them. Instead, it can protect your cat from roaming tendencies, diseases, cancers, danger, and problem behavior. There are many misconceptions about early neutering, and although more research is needed, there has been little evidence so far to back up these claims.

Instead, studies have shown that there is little difference in a cat’s long-term health if you neuter them at 8 weeks or wait until 4 months of age.

Featured Image Credit: BadPixma, Shutterstock

The post What Happens If You Neuter a Cat Too Early? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ by Keri-Beth Clur 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.

Magnesium has a huge role to play in the normal functioning of your cat’s body, and a lot will start to go wrong without it. It’s a mineral that should be present in the correct concentration in your cat’s food, which is why it’s important to feed them nutritionally balanced and complete, high-quality cat food. Unfortunately, there are some cases where a cat may need a little more magnesium in their diet to prevent a deficiency.

It is not necessary to give your cat extra magnesium unless your vet has recommended it, as too much of this mineral in your cat’s diet can be as harmful as too little. If you want to avoid multivitamins and supplements and would prefer to add natural forms of this mineral to their diet, then giving your cat safe food sources of magnesium is your next best option. While magnesium deficiency is not common in cats, to help you on this journey, we’ve listed some foods that are safe and an excellent source of magnesium for your cat.

Before You Start

It’s important to know what a magnesium deficiency in your cat can look like in order to be proactive and do something about it. Below are some of the symptoms in animals and people:

If your cat is showing signs of a magnesium deficiency, it’s important to get them diagnosed by your vet, which they’ll do through a blood test. This will eliminate accidentally overlooking any other health conditions that your cat may have that similarly display themselves. Your vet will also be able to give you advice on how to care for your cat and how to adjust their diet according to their individual needs.

Chat with your vet about feeding your cat food sources that are high in magnesium and whether that will be enough for them. In some cases, your cat may have an underlying health condition that is causing the deficiency and will require further treatment and care than a diet change.

8 Vet-Approved Food Sources of Magnesium for Cats

1. Fish

Cats love fish, which is why it is present in many cat food recipes. It also contains many nutrients that your cat needs. Salmon, halibut, Atlantic mackerel, and Atlantic pollock are different types of fish that are high in magnesium.

Before feeding fish to your cat, make sure it’s cooked and has all the bones removed to prevent contamination and damage to their intestinal lining. Ensure that it is fed to your cat plain, without any herbs and spices, as these could be toxic to your cat. It should also only be fed as an addition to your cat’s diet and never make up your cat’s entire diet.

Apart from providing your cat with magnesium, fish is also packed with omega fatty acids, which hydrate your cat’s skin and gives their coat a silky feel and healthy shine. Fish is also high in protein and is packed with other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your cat.

2. Black Beans

Although all beans aren’t recommended for cats, black beans are safe to eat and are high in magnesium. However, cats need a diet mostly made up of animal protein to thrive, so only give black beans as a small snack every now and then. Too much may leave your cat with an upset stomach. Further, some cats may refuse this treat altogether.

3. Brown Rice

Brown rice can offer benefits from the magnesium and other vitamins and minerals that it contains. Unfortunately, brown rice is often difficult for your cat to digest, and they may become bloated and gassy. White rice is a bit easier to digest. Always make sure to boil the rice and never offer it to your cat raw.

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is high in fiber and often listed as one of the ingredients inside many cat food recipes for this very reason. It can help treat gastrointestinal issues but isn’t always the easiest ingredient for your cat to digest.

Along with magnesium, pumpkin contains potassium, vitamins A, K, and C, and phosphorous. It should be given to your cat cooked and plain. Pureed and canned plain pumpkin are fine too. The seeds aren’t toxic but should be avoided because they are a choking hazard.

5. Spinach

This leafy green is another ingredient you may have noticed on the ingrediants of your cat’s food. It’s considered a superfood for humans and can benefit your cat nutritionally when given occasionally as a snack. Spinach contains vitamins A, E, K, B2, and B6 as well as minerals such as folate, calcium, potassium, and of course, magnesium.

As great as this ingredient is, your cat may not be a fan of the taste. You can try steaming or boiling it and giving it to your cat as is, without the stem, or mashing it up into their canned food. If your cat has health issues, check with their vet first on whether it is safe for them to enjoy this snack.

6. Oatmeal

Cooked oatmeal is a human food that is cat-safe, a rich source of magnesium, and provides your cat with energy. Oatmeal isn’t always well received by cats, as they may prefer a meatier snack, but if yours welcomes the new taste, you have another snack option to occasionally offer them that contains magnesium.

7. Beef

Beef is an animal protein that cats benefit from in many ways because they are obligate carnivores. Although beef doesn’t contain as much magnesium as some of the other options on our list, it is still a good source of the mineral.

8. Greek Yogurt

If you’ve got some plain yogurt that is non-fat and unsweetened, you can share a spoonful with your cat. Greek yogurt might be one of the few food products on our list that your cat will be attracted to because they’re able to smell the protein and fats inside of it. Of course, Greek yogurt has made it onto this list because it contains magnesium, but it’s also high in protein, potassium, calcium, and other important nutrients.

Avoid any yogurt that contains xylitol, as this sugar substitute is toxic to cats and can be life-threatening. Although most cats have no issues with plain yogurt, some might be lactose intolerant, so always check with your vet before introducing it to them.

Foods That Are High in Magnesium That Cats Should Avoid

Sometimes we forget that not every food that is beneficial to humans is safe for cats. Although the foods listed below are high in magnesium, they should not be fed to your cat because they’re harmful to them.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is tasty and nutritious to humans in small amounts, but it is toxic to cats. More specifically, it’s the caffeine and theobromine found in dark chocolate that can lead to serious health problems in cats because their bodies are very sensitive to all of these ingredients.

Signs of chocolate toxicity in your cat are hyperactivity, vomiting, increased thirst, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, and sometimes death.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts can lower cholesterol, ease inflammation, and lower the risk of developing certain cancers in people. It’s safe to say that they are highly nutritious and beneficial to the human body. However, the opposite is true for cats.

Although walnuts aren’t toxic to cats, they should be avoided due to their high fat content.

3. Avocados

Avocados are another food source of magnesium that you may eat daily due to their many health benefits. However, this green fruit isn’t recommended for cats. The danger with this fruit is the large seed inside that can be a choking hazard and the fruit’s high fat content, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

The Risks of Too Much Magnesium

It’s clear that magnesium is essential to the normal functioning of a cat’s body, and they need this mineral to form part of their diet. However, unless advised otherwise by a vet, your cat’s food should be nutritious enough and contain all the magnesium they need daily. Adding extra magnesium to your cat’s diet is unnecessary, and too much of it can be dangerous to their health.

Conclusion

Cats that are given high-quality cat food that is nutritionally balanced and complete shouldn’t struggle with a magnesium deficiency. If you want to add more magnesium to your cat’s diet without the use of supplements or multivitamins, you can do so naturally through food. However, it’s important to chat with your vet first to make sure it is safe to do so, as magnesium deficiencies often point to an underlying health condition that may require a specific diet and treatment.

Featured Image Credit: angnokever, Shutterstock

The post 8 Vet-Approved Food Sources of Magnesium for Cats by Keri-Beth Clur 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.

The Devon Rex cat breed is a popular one due to their social, outgoing, and playful personality. They enjoy and benefit from pet owners that can give them plenty of attention and do well with children and other pets. They’re very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and great first-time pets. However, this breed is sought after for even more than their personalities—they’re also valued for being hypoallergenic.

The Devon Rex cat sheds very little and is an excellent choice for people that are allergic to cat hair. Their coats are short and wavy and can be seen in a variety of colors and patterns. Their coats don’t develop mats and are low maintenance. Keep reading to find out more about this unique breed and whether they’re a good option for you.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Cat?

Cats that don’t produce a lot of allergens are considered hypoallergenic. While there isn’t a cat breed in existence that is entirely hypoallergenic, the Devon Rex is one of the few that can be pets to people with allergies if their allergies aren’t severe.

Any kitten sold with the description of being entirely hypoallergenic is being sold by an untrustworthy breeder. All cats have the Fel d 1 protein that is found in their skin,¹  fur, saliva, anal glands, and sebaceous glands, and it’s primarily this protein that people with allergies to cats negatively react to. It isn’t cat hair that is solely to blame for a person’s allergic reaction, and, therefore, even hairless cats can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Although the Devon Rex may have a short, wavy coat and shed very little, it’s the fact that they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein than other cat breeds that makes them hypoallergenic. However, the less dander around the house, the less an allergic person is exposed to the Fel d 1 protein.

How To Lower Your Exposure to Cat Allergens?

If you have a cat, hypoallergenic or not, and want to reduce your exposure to their Fel d 1 protein, there are a few ways to go about this.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Your cat naturally leaves behind dander on the areas they’ve touched, rubbed against, or spent time on, so the best thing you can do to rid your home of it is to wipe your surfaces down often. This includes tables, chairs, shelves, floors, and even walls. Dander can stick to just about anything, so be sure to wipe down all surfaces that it might be sticking to—even though you can’t see it.

Vacuum Often

Another important tip is to vacuum your house often. Vacuuming is better than sweeping because it sucks the allergens inside of its filter instead of into the air. Look for vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter and anti-allergy seal, as these features lock in allergens and prevent them from escaping back into your home.

Be sure to vacuum your upholstery, curtains, carpets, and rugs regularly, as these hold onto allergens.

Consider Alternatives

As much as vacuuming your house reduces allergens, you may want to consider replacing the fabrics and items in your home that retain allergens with ones that don’t or ones that are easier to clean. Swapping your curtains out for blinds and changing cloth chairs for leather or plastic ones will make a big difference.

Wash Bedding & Blankets

Cats love to cozy up on your bed or sofa blanket, so be sure to wash those often to get their dander off. Waking up in the night with watery,² itchy, and red eyes, coughing, and sneezing is an indication your cat may have been sleeping on your bed, even if you don’t allow them to.

It’s also necessary to wash their cat bed and blankets often to reduce allergens from building up in your home.

Get Your Cat Groomed

Your cat shouldn’t be neglected because you’re allergic to them. Although you might not be able to brush their coats, bathe them, and clip their nails, someone needs to do it. If a family member can’t take on that responsibility, if you have a cat with a thick haircoat prone to matting, you might need to take them to a groomer who can do all those important tasks for you.

Not only will keeping your cat groomed benefit them, but it’ll also be better for your health. Washing and brushing a cat’s coat removes loose hairs that would otherwise fall out and end up on your furniture or around your home.

Set Boundaries

If you’re struggling with cat allergies, you may be forced to set a few boundaries for yourself and your cat. If your allergies are bad, avoid touching, hugging, or kissing your cat. Their saliva contains the Fel d 1 protein that affects allergic people, so allowing them near your face or to reciprocate your kisses is a big no-no. If you do touch your cat or give them a brushing, make sure you wash your hands straight after.

You’ll also need to restrict your cat’s access to certain rooms. While it’s great to have a cat hang out in bed with you, your bedroom should be a cat-free zone because that’s where you’ll spend most of your time and where you want the least number of allergens around.

Cat urine and poop contain the Fel d 1 protein, so try to keep your cat’s litter box out of the way and in a room or area you don’t have to use often. If your cat is happy to play outside and is safe from threats, let them. If your cat is outside, less of their allergens will be inside.

Your Sensitivities

Many people with allergies to cats get on fine with the Devon Rex breed, with little or no allergic reactions. However, everyone is different, and you might be more sensitive to their dander and saliva than another allergy sufferer. To truly know if you’ll be able to share a home with this breed, you need to know how you’ll respond to them.

Before welcoming a Devon Rex into your home and then discovering that you’re allergic to them, go to different animal shelters and look for the breed. If you find any, spend some time with them, playing with them and interacting with them. Who knows, your allergies may remain under control, and you may have found your new best friend, which is a win-win.

If you can’t find a Devon Rex at your local animal shelters, chat to a breeder about spending some time with their cats or visit a friend that has this breed. Taking these steps before buying a Devon Rex will prevent any possibility of having to rehome your cat.

Other Hypoallergenic Cat Breed Options

If the Devon Rex isn’t the breed for you, that’s okay. There are several other cat breeds that are also considered hypoallergenic—we’ve listed them below.

Conclusion

The Devon Rex is a fun and playful cat breed that is considered hypoallergenic. Most allergy sufferers do well around this breed because of their low Fel d 1 protein levels and infrequent shedding. However, it’s always best to spend some time with a Devon Rex before getting one for yourself in case you’re more sensitive to them than others.

• See Also: 11 Devon Rex Colors (Common & Unique Varieties)

Featured Image Credit: klevers, Shutterstock

The post Is A Devon Rex Hypoallergenic? What You Need To Know! by Keri-Beth Clur 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.