Everyone’s tried the old blaming-the-dog-for-a-fart trick, but can we pass the blame onto our cats if we have a feline household? Absolutely! Cats do pass gas. But if your kitty decides to do so while she is on top of you, you’ll probably feel less than thrilled. Why does your cat fart when she’s on or near you? Read on to learn why.

The 7 Reasons Why Your Cat Farts on You

1. It Was an Accident

The most likely reason your cat farted on you was simply bad timing. Cats love to put their bums in our faces, and it just may be that she happened to have her back end directly in line with your face when she passed gas. Though we may consider having our cat’s bums in our faces rude, cats do it for several reasons, none of which are because she’s impolite.

When your kitty presents you with her hindquarters, she’s simply saying “hello” and being well-mannered in the only way she knows how. She may also be showing you that she loves you and trusts you.

2. She Swallowed Too Much Air

Another potential reason your kitty is farting on you is that she swallowed too much air while eating. Cats pass gas for the same reasons we do, and if she’s eaten her food too fast, chances are she’s gulped down some air that needs to find a way to escape.

3. She Has a Food Intolerance

Like humans, cats can develop food intolerances, allergies, or sensitives that can cause flatulence. It’s important to note that cats must be repeatedly exposed to the offending allergen to develop an intolerance or allergy to it.

4. She’s Adjusting to a New Diet

If you’ve recently changed your cat’s food, she may be farting on you simply because her gastrointestinal system is still adjusting to her new diet. Introducing foods too quickly can cause many side effects, so make sure you’re always transitioning your pets to new food slowly.

5. She’s Scared or Stressed

Some cats may pass gas if they’re feeling afraid or stressed out. These feelings can greatly impact many parts of the body, including the immune system, eating habits, and gut biome.

6. She Has Intestinal Parasites

Cats with intestinal parasites may develop excess gas in their gastrointestinal tracts. The gas can build up over time and eventually will need to exit the body through farts. However, your kitty will usually exhibit other signs that she has a worm infestation.

7. She Has Gastrointestinal Issues

Sometimes your pet’s farting can indicate a more serious problem at all, including microbial imbalances, inflammatory bowel disease, or even malabsorption issues, where her body cannot efficiently absorb nutrients. If you believe the flatulence may be caused by something more severe, please get in touch with your veterinarian. They’ll perform a full physical exam, including feeling her belly for pain or bloating and order as-needed tests such as abdominal X-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopies, or fecal occult blood tests.

Final Thoughts

While it’s not particularly pleasant to be on the receiving end of a cat’s fart, most of the time, it’s likely just due to poor timing. Your kitty was just presenting you with her bum as a polite greeting or sign of affection, and then a little toot slipped on out.

However, if other signs or changes in behaviors accompany your kitty’s farting, it may be worth a more in-depth investigation. It may be that you need to switch up her diet or treat any intestinal disorders that are causing her gas. A visit to the vet is to determine the cause.

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The post Why Does My Cat Fart on Me? 7 Vet Reviewed Reasons by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Healthy cats need to drink around four ounces of water per five pounds of body weight daily. This amount will vary though, depending on their diet, activity levels and any underlying medical conditions. Unfortunately, some kitties are very picky and particular about the kind of water they drink and the receptacle they drink from. Since we often enjoy bottled water’s fresh and pure taste, it only makes sense that our cats will also enjoy it, right?

While cats might enjoy drinking bottled water and can drink it safely, it may not always be the best kind of water for your kitty to drink. Read on to learn more.

Can Cats Drink Bottled Water?

Giving your kitty bottled water isn’t inherently dangerous, so long as the brand in question is a high-quality and fresh option. Bottled water is great in a pinch, such as when you’re traveling or if you’re in an emergency. We recommend opting for spring water or bottled tap varieties wherever possible.

Spring water is naturally free of chemicals such as chlorine or toxins that can leach into the water from plastic bottles. It also usually contains trace minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can benefit your kitty.

Bottled tap water is typically filtered and, therefore, free of the impurities and toxins that could potentially be found in the tap water supply.

What Bottled Water Varieties Should Be Avoided?

Not all bottled water is created equal.

Can Bottled Water Be Dangerous?

The biggest risk of bottled water is not the water itself but the packaging. BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in countless plastic products, including plastic water bottles. It’s also used in the coating of aluminum cans like those your pet’s wet food comes in.

While there is limited research about the dangers of BPA for cats, there is circumstantial evidence suggesting a link between BPA found in canned wet food and hyperthyroidism ¹.

Does All Bottled Water Contain BPA in Its Packaging?

No, not all bottled water varieties use BPA. Some of the most popular brands don’t use BPA in their packaging, including:

What Water Is Best for Cats?

Most experts agree that tap water is generally the safest and cheapest option for pets, especially if the water is filtered.

However, this depends entirely on where you live, as some areas may have contaminants in their water supply, especially if your home has an older plumbing system. However, it is generally safe for you to give your cat the same water you drink. You can buy filter attachments for your taps that filter out impurities, making your drinking water safer and healthier for you and your pets. Cats are often sensitive to the taste of chlorine so often prefer filtered water.

Final Thoughts

While bottled water is generally safe, especially if you choose varieties that don’t use BPA in their packaging, it’s not the most cost-effective water option. Filtered tap water is generally considered the best type of water for pets and can be achieved by purchasing a simple attachment for your faucets.

Featured Image Credit: yanik88, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Drink Bottled Water? Vet-Reviewed Types & Recommendations by Chantelle Fowler 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.

While cats are obligate carnivores that require a primarily meat-based diet, not all forms of meat are healthy for cats. Tamales, for example, can be stuffed with protein-packed ingredients like beans, meats, and cheeses, but can you share them with your kitty? Unfortunately, no.

Even though they often contain meat, tamales are often filled with ingredients that are toxic to cats such as onions, garlic and sometimes even raisins.  Read on to learn more.

What Are Tamales?

Tamales are a traditional dish in several countries around Central and Southern America. They are often prepared with a corn-based dough and stuffed with various savory ingredients such as meats, beans and cheese. However, some varieties are sweeter, containing cinnamon, sugar, and raisins.

The exact ingredients will vary from recipe to recipe, but they all typically contain the following components all wrapped up in corn husks:

Are Tamales Safe for Cats?

It is not recommended that you feed tamales to your kitty. Let’s look at several reasons why tamales should stay on your plate.

They Don’t Contain a Good Macronutrient Ratio

As you know, cats are obligate carnivores that need to eat animal derived protein to survive, so their carbohydrate and fat requirements are much lower than that of protein. The macronutrient content of tamales will vary greatly depending on the recipes, but none are really suitable for cats to begin with.

According to the USDA, a beef-filled tamale has 7 grams of protein, but it isn’t nutritionally balanced for cats with 22 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of fat.  Cats can digest carbohydrates very efficiently, but they are not needed in their diet, and this is a carbohydrate heavy dish.

They Can Contain Toxic Ingredients

Many tamale ingredients are unhealthy for cats, and some can even be toxic.

Many cats are lactose intolerant because they lack the enzyme lactase which is needed to break down dairy products.  Therefore, although some cats can tolerate some milk and cheese in moderation, it can  cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain) in others.

Onions and garlic are two of the most common ingredients used to add flavor to tamales.  They are part of the Allium genus of plants that also include chives, scallions, leeks and shallots. All members of this family are highly toxic to cats. Cooked, dried, dehydrated, powdered and raw onions and garlic are definitely off the menu for our feline friends.   The toxic compound within Alliums (n-propyl disulfide) disrupts the inner workings of red blood cells (those cells that carry oxygen around the body), making them more susceptible to damage, which can lead to life-threatening anemia.  Signs of Allium toxicity may show up 2-3 days after ingestion and include lethargy, breathing difficulties and pale gums.  If your cat has eaten any amount of an Allium,  you must seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Raisins are often included in the sweet-filled tamales.  Anecdotal evidence of raisin toxicity in cats exists but it is not well documented.  Gastrointestinal signs are said to be seen, as well as anorexia, lethargy and kidney failure.

Finally, most tamal varieties are wrapped in corn husks. While they aren’t toxic, they can cause digestive issues and possibly risk of intestinal obstruction, although cats are usually smarter than to swallow a husk whole.

They Are High in Calories

The caloric content of a tamal will vary from recipe to recipe, but most of them are high in calories. You would be hard-pressed to find a tamal that rings in under 200 calories. A traditional cheese tamale is around 270 calories, while beef and chicken are 250 and 210 calories, respectively.

Your cat’s daily caloric requirement will depend on his weight and activity level. Cats need between 20 and 33 calories per pound to maintain their weight, depending on their lifestyle.  Indoor cats need the lower end of this range and purely outdoor cats need the higher end.  Indoor-outdoor cats need somewhere in the middle of the range.  So, a 10-pound indoor kitty would need about 200 calories daily, while an outside cat with a much more active lifestyle may need closer to 330 calories a day. At over 200 calories per tamal, you can see how a single tamal would be far too calorically dense for cats.

Cats that eat too much are at risk of becoming overweight and obese. Obesity may well shorten your cat’s life and make them more prone to developing diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and mobility problems.

What Human Foods Can Cats Eat?

Now that you know tamales must stay on your plate, are there any human foods you can offer your kitty?

Yes, of course. However, remember that the bulk of your cat’s diet should come from a good quality, complete, commercially prepared cat food as it contains the proper balance of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals your pet needs to thrive.

The best human foods you can offer occasionally as a special treat include:

Final Thoughts

While tamales often contain meat, which cats need to survive, the remaining ingredients in this delicious dish are not healthy for kitties. Not to mention its high fat and caloric content and that some elements (namely onions and garlic) can be life-threatening when eaten by a cat. If you want to give your pet a taste of something off your plate, it’s better to offer them a small amount of lean cooked meat to ensure they’re getting a nutritious treat that’ll benefit them in the long run.

Featured Image Credit: Vicafree, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Tamales? Vet-Approved Facts & Alternatives by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Whether they’re providing laughs with their zoomies or snuggling up to us when they sense we’re sad, pets contribute so much love and benefit to their owner’s lives. National Pet Month is the perfect time to celebrate your furry little family members and all the joy they bring to our lives, but when is it?

National Pet Month is observed in May annually in the United States and April in the United Kingdom. This special month presents devoted pet lovers with an entire month to spoil and dote on our beloved animals. Read on to learn more about what National Pet Month is and how you can celebrate it.

What Is National Pet Month?

According to the National Pet Month United Kingdom website, the goal of this month is to raise awareness for responsible pet ownership. The organization launches educational campaigns annually to:

Top 7 Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month

There are plenty of ways we, as pet owners, can celebrate pet month.

1. Learn More About Your Cats

We at Catster have tons of articles you can peruse to learn more about your beloved feline family members so you can better understand them and take care of them. For example, did you know that your cats might choose to sleep on you because they’re marking you as their territory? Or that your kitty may be resource-guarding their food or toys because they have feelings of abandonment? The more you know and understand about your cats, the better cat parent you can be, so take some time during National Pet Month to brush up on your knowledge.

2. Book a Photoshoot With Your Cat

While it’s common for dog owners to tote their pets along with them to photography sessions, it’s much less common to see cat owners do the same. Cats generally aren’t as well-behaved outside as their canine counterparts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the photographer to you and take photos where they feel safe, in the comfort of their homes.

3. Spoil Your Kitty

National Pet Month is the perfect time to buy your kitty that new scratching post or toy you’ve been eyeing up at the pet store. The more enrichment you can provide your pet, the happier they’ll be.

4. Invest in Pet Insurance

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), less than 20% of cats have pet insurance, compared to over 80% of dogs. While veterinary fees can be pricier for dogs simply because they’re often much bigger than their feline counterparts, that doesn’t mean that vet costs for cats are cheap. A routine visit can cost nearly $180, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Pet insurance may be another monthly expense to account for, but if your kitty falls ill or requires surgery, it can make the difference between getting your pet the help they need and not being able to afford it.

5. Volunteer

Your local pet shelter or animal rescue is probably in dire need of volunteers, so what better time to give up some of your free time than National Pet Month? The animals waiting for their forever homes will enjoy spending time with you as much as you’ll relish the time you spend with them. Be careful, though; if you’re anything like me, you could get attached to these sweet babies, which leads us to our next point.

6. Adopt a New Cat

If you have been considering adding to your feline family headcount, National Pet Month could be the perfect time to make it happen. Of course, we don’t recommend adopting a kitty just because of National Pet Month. Make sure you have the means available to provide for another pet!

7. Donate

Donations to your local animal shelter or rescue are always needed and appreciated. Don’t feel you have to make cash donations if you’re struggling to make ends meet as it is. Some organizations will gladly accept toys, blankets, and even stuffed animals your children don’t use anymore. Be sure to call around to see what resources your local shelters require so you can donate things they’ll actually use.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, we need a reminder to show our pets just how much we care for them. Set a reminder for April 1st if you’re in the United Kingdom or May 1st if you’re in North America to remind you to dote on your kitty lots to celebrate National Pet Month.

Featured Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock

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Kidney beans are a tasty legume chock full of health benefits for humans, but are they something you can share with your cat? While cooked kidney beans aren’t toxic for kitties and offer some nutritional benefits, they aren’t found in a cat’s natural diet and can be difficult to digest. As obligate carnivores, cats are better set up to digest meats rather than plant products.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of kidney beans for cats and the appropriateness of this legume for your feline family member.

What Are the Benefits of Kidney Beans?

Kidney beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, B vitamins, and manganese. It is also a great source of fiber. These nutrients play important roles in metabolism and cellular growth and function. Fiber can also help regulate digestion and manage feline obesity.

Keep in mind that cats eating a good-quality diet don’t require kidney beans to meet any of their nutritional needs, and feeding too many kidney beans can result in gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Do Kidney Beans Provide Protein for Cats?

One 100-gram serving of boiled kidney beans offers over 20 grams of protein.

As obligate carnivores, cats have higher protein requirements than dogs. However, their bodies have adapted to diets consisting primarily of animal protein. Cats cannot digest and utilize plant protein as readily as animal sources. So, while kidney beans do have a lot of protein, it is important to note that cats will have a more difficult time utilizing the protein from kidney beans than they will from animal sources.

How to Offer Kidney Beans

If you decide to give your kitty a taste of your kidney beans, there is a right and wrong way to do so.

Raw Beans

Never offer your cat raw kidney beans. Uncooked beans contain high levels of lectins, which can be toxic for cats. Lectins are plant proteins that bind to carbohydrates. They are a defensive mechanism to help plants survive in nature, but this same protective quality can cause discomfort in humans (and cats) if consumed.

Cooking or soaking raw kidney beans will help destroy all active lectins.

Canned Beans

Many people opt for canned beans over raw simply for convenience. To offer your kitty canned kidney beans, thoroughly rinse them before cooking. Most canned varieties are packed in salt water for preservation’s sake, so you’ll want to get rid of this before giving any to your cat.

What are Other Treat Options Besides Kidney Beans?

Rather than giving your cat kidney beans, you may instead decide to offer them small pieces of plain, lean, cooked meats, such as chicken breast. This will provide a protein boost without a lot of extra calories. You may also opt for commercial cat treats. If you have any questions on other treat options, be sure to speak to your vet.

Final Thoughts

While kidney beans may have something to offer in terms of vitamins and minerals, this isn’t a food found in a cat’s natural diet. If your kitty goes wild for them, you can offer a few cooked kidney beans occasionally, once a week or less, as a special treat. However, the bulk of your pet’s diet should consist of commercially prepared food designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

Featured Image Credit: Piyaset, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Kidney Beans? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Health Guidelines by Chantelle Fowler 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.

As a cat owner, you know how tough it can be to say “no” to your kitty begging for a taste of food off your plate at the dinner table. Some human foods are okay to offer your kitty in moderation or as a special treat; the same cannot be said about all foods. You might be wondering about parmesan cheese and its appropriateness for your kitty, and we’re here with an answer.

While parmesan is technically non-toxic for cats, it isn’t something we recommend feeding them. Cats are obligate carnivores that require a diet consisting primarily of animal protein. Though if you want to offer your kitty a cheesy little treat now and then, parmesan is one of the better options. Read on to learn more.

Is Parmesan Cheese Okay for Cats?

As we alluded to in the introduction to our blog, cheese isn’t the best treat to give your kitty simply because cats are obligate carnivores that need animal protein to thrive. However, if you want to give your pet cheese, parmesan is one of the best options as it is lower in lactose than other cheeses. It should be less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.

Reasons Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Parmesan Cheese

1. They Cannot Digest It

One of the biggest issues with cats and dairy is that most adult cats don’t have the digestive enzyme necessary to break down dairy into something their bodies can use, technically making them lactose intolerant. Too much dairy products can then cause digestive upset.

2. It’s High in Fat and Calories

According to the USDA, a one-ounce serving of parmesan has 7.88 grams of fat, 510 mg of sodium, and 119 calories.

If your cat eats too much fat and calories, they may be at risk of becoming obese. Obesity can shorten your cat’s life and make them prone to developing diseases like cancer, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease.

3. It’s Not a Natural Part of Your Cat’s Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores that require a diet consisting of animal protein. Cats have shorter digestive tracts designed to break down protein quickly, but not high fat or plant proteins, and have not evolved to eat foods like cheese or plant material.

Your cat’s wild ancestors would not encounter parmesan cheese in their daily lives, so it isn’t something they ever needed to evolve to digest.

What About Other Cheeses?

Not all cheese comes from cow’s milk, nor do they all contain the same amount of lactose. Therefore, it stands to reason that not all cheese will wreak absolute havoc on your cat’s digestive system.

Cheese can be an acceptable low-carb snack as it is high in protein and calcium. Harder, aged cheeses are generally considered safest as they’re lower in lactose. Cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan are ideal. Soft cheese, like mozzarella, should be bypassed as they’re high in lactose.

What Do I Do If My Cat Ate Parmesan Cheese?

If your kitty snatched a bit of parmesan cheese off your plate, there’s no need to panic. There isn’t enough lactose in that small portion to send your kitty off to his litter box to empty his bowels or damage his digestive system. You may want to keep a close eye on him to see if he exhibits any signs of gastrointestinal upset, as that can guide your future decisions regarding whether you should offer him cheese as a treat. If the parmesan upsets his tummy, we don’t recommend using cheese as a treat in the future.

Final Thoughts

While parmesan cheese is not toxic, most veterinarians would not suggest feeding it to your kitty. Your cat is an obligate carnivore, thriving on a diet primarily of animal-based protein. While parmesan has some protein, it doesn’t contain the amino acids cats need to thrive.

Of course, a small taste of parmesan here and there shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but it’s still not something your cat has evolved to eat.

Featured Image Credit: Jan Van Biza, Pixabay

The post Can Cats Eat Parmesan? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Have you ever watched a cat drink water before? It’s not something many people think too much about, but it’s truly an amazing feat of physics that requires perfect timing and balancing inertia with gravity. Sounds unbelievable?

Keep reading to learn exactly how cats drink and watch videos exhibiting their unique drinking style.

How Do Cats Drink?

High-speed videos made by researchers recently found that the only part of a cat’s tongue that touches the surface of the liquid they’re drinking is the very top.

The lapping technique involves their tongues touching the liquid’s surface just barely before returning to the mouth. The tip of the tongue is the only part that touches the water’s surface, and it does so lightly that it doesn’t even break the surface tension. As the tongue returns, a column of liquid forms between it and the water’s surface. They catch this little jet of liquid in a flash and start all over.

This drinking method requires that they lap at the right speed to balance the inertial force keeping the water moving upward with gravity, which pulls the water back. One of the most interesting parts of this discovery is that cats seem to instinctively know how rapidly they need to lap to balance the inertial force of the water with gravity.

What About Wild Cats?

You might be surprised to learn that your domesticated cats’ wild counterparts (for example, lions and tigers) drink the same way, with one stark difference.

Researchers created a robotic tongue to mimic how a cat drinks. The “tongue” was a glass disk that could be controlled to move at different rates, allowing researchers to calculate how much water was ingested with every lap. Interestingly, the model allowed researchers to predict that the larger the cat is, the slower it would need to lap to strike that fine balance between inertia and gravity.

And researchers were right. The videos that they took of big cats drinking showed them lapping less than twice per second, compared to the four laps domestic cats could take in the same time frame.

How Do Dogs Drink?

Neither dogs nor cats drink like humans do. They can’t suck water into their mouths as we do. Like cats, dogs use their tongues to scoop water into their mouths. However, dogs thrust their entire tongue into their water dish much faster than cats, who gently dip their tongues into the water’s surface. It is this careless plunging of the tongue that makes dogs much messier at drinking than their feline counterparts.

Additionally, a cat’s drinking force is twice the strength of gravity which is why they appear to drink much more elegantly than dogs, who generate a force eight times that of gravity when drinking.

Final Thoughts

Cats are much more refined drinkers than their canine counterparts, and hopefully, our blog has shown you the exact differences between how cats and dogs drink. Watch your cat closely next time he goes to take a drink so you can truly appreciate the physics at work.

See also:

• Do Outdoor Cats Need a Litter Box? Vet-Reviewed Care Facts
• Can Cats Be Hermaphrodites?

Featured Image Credit: Pattysan, Shutterstock

The post How Do Cats Drink Water? Vet-Approved Facts by Chantelle Fowler 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.

World Rabies Day is an international awareness campaign occurring on September 28th annually.

Though rabies may not often be talked about in places like the U.S. and Canada, thanks to high vaccination levels in domesticated pets, it still remains a significant health problem in countries worldwide. The fact remains that rabies is 100% preventable, yet nearly 60,000 people die from it every year. Read on to learn more about World Rabies Days and what is being done to raise awareness.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a 100% preventable viral disease that can be transmitted via the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. The virus affects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain and eventually death.

Rabies is almost 100% fatal once clinical signs begin.

Most cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention occur in wild animals, though any mammal can contract the disease. While the tens of thousands of rabies cases that arise in humans annually, almost all of them are acquired from the bite of an infected dog.

However, a cat with rabies can be passed to their owners or anyone the cat bites. Signs your cat might have rabies include:

Rabies may not often be talked about in places like the U.S. and Canada due to high vaccination levels in domesticated pets; however, it remains a significant health problem in countries worldwide. Though rabies is a 100% preventable disease, nearly 60,000 people (mostly children) die from rabies globally every year.

What Is World Rabies Day?

World Rabies Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the prevention of this horrible disease as well as to highlight the progress made in defeating it.

September 28th was chosen as World Rabies Day as it is the date Louis Pasteur died. Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist who, along with his colleagues, developed the first rabies vaccine.

Every year, the Rabies Alliance chooses a theme that they believe is relevant to the current rabies situation and global trends relating to the disease.

What Is Being Done About Rabies?

Tremendous efforts are made across multiple sectors in the United States and Canada to prevent rabies. Wildlife biologists distribute millions of rabies vaccine baits to wild animals to stop virus transmission at its source. Veterinarians vaccinate over 40 million domesticated cats and dogs annually to provide disease protection for the animals and their families. Humane societies and rescues provide shelter to stray animals, giving them a home off of the streets and reducing the spread of the virus. Scientists work diligently to develop new prevention methods, including new vaccines and treatment modalities.

The World Health Organization has a global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. This plan, “Zero By 30”, consists of a three-phase approach to engage, empower, and enable countries to focus on elimination efforts.

What Can I Do to Celebrate World Rabies Day?

There are many things you can do to acknowledge World Rabies Day.

Rabies By the Numbers

According to statistics released by the World Health Organization and the CDC during last September’s World Rabies Day celebration:

Final Thoughts

Rabies is a horrifying disease that results in tens of thousands of deaths annually. Much has been done about the disease over the last several decades, and though the number of cases reported every year is dwindling, more needs to be done to achieve zero cases by 2030. By celebrating World Rabies Day every year, we can promote awareness about this awful disease and do our part in achieving a rabies-free world.

Featured Image Credit: elwynn, Shutterstock

The post World Rabies Day 2023: Everything You Should Know by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Every cat owner knows the telltale sign of a cat about to produce a hairball. Nothing induces quite a panic as the retching sound as we run around to find where the cat is about to cough up his hairy gift. But have you ever stopped to wonder why cats get hairballs in the first place?

Cats spend up to 50% of their day grooming themselves, and all that fur they wick away with their tongues has to go somewhere. Sure, some of it inevitably winds up in your air and your clothing, but a good portion goes down into your kitty’s tummy. While most fur will move through your kitty’s digestive tract without problem, some will build up in their stomach, destined to become a hairball thrown up on your favorite blanket or expensive rug.

Read on to learn more about cat hairballs, including how to minimize how many your cat produces.

What Is a Hairball?

Hairballs are the by-product of your cat’s good grooming habits. As he cleans himself, he inevitably swallows much of the dead hair that he’s removed. This is due to the backward-facing papillae on the surface of his tongue, as it can only propel the hair backward down the throat during his grooming sessions.

Most of the hair your kitty swallows during grooming will pass through his digestive tract and be expelled through his feces. However, some will remain in the stomach, eventually accumulating into the wet clump you’ll see your kitty pass.

Fresh hairballs are wet, tubular wads of fur. They can dry quickly if left unnoticed, in which case they have a more feces-like appearance. However, they’re not always tubular. Some can look like a loose conglomeration of fur mixed with food or other fluids.

Are Some Cats More Prone to Hairballs?

Some cats are more prone to developing hairballs. Those more likely to develop hairballs can generally be broken down into two categories: cats that ingest more hair than others and those with poor gastrointestinal health.

Over-Ingestion of Fur

Breeds with longer hair, like Ragdolls or Himalayans, are much more likely to develop hairballs than their shorter-haired counterparts.

Cats with certain skin diseases or health conditions that cause excessive grooming, excessive shedding or require additional grooming will also naturally be more apt to develop hairballs.

Hairballs are also more common during spring and autumn, the natural shedding seasons for cats.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Cats with healthy digestive tracts can handle a normal amount of fur passing through. However, those with diseases or conditions that affect their gastrointestinal tract may be unable to process the hair that comes through. GI conditions that can make your kitty more prone to hairballs include:

What If My Cat Can’t Throw Up a Hairball?

There’s nothing worse than seeing your cat struggle to throw up the hairball that’s causing him distress. You may notice him crying out or getting restless when he feels he’s about to vomit. You’ll also notice the telltale abdomen contractions and hear the retching sounds. He’s probably moving around from place to place between each round of contractions. You might even see a little puddle of clear or brown liquid that he’s thrown up, but no clear hairball.

If your cat is trying to cough up a hairball several times in a single day but can’t produce it, we recommend calling your veterinarian. He may have a hairball that’s lodged itself, or he may not have a hairball at all but some other underlying health concern that needs addressing.

If your cat’s unproductive retching is accompanied by other signs such as lethargy, coughing, diarrhea, bloat, and a refusal to eat, consult your vet as soon as possible. Rarely hairballs can cause blockages in a cat’s intestinal tract, or it could be a sign of another serious condition. Sometimes hairballs can be confused with other more serious conditions like feline asthma. Your vet will need to perform a physical examination, bloodwork, and potentially radiography. If a hairball has caused an intestinal obstruction then surgery may be required.

How Can I Reduce My Cat’s Hairball Frequency?

You can do several things to reduce and prevent the development of hairballs and their accompanying complications.

1. Help With Grooming

Though your cat is an awesome self-groomer, he may need your help to keep hairballs at bay. Brush him daily to reduce how much hair he’ll inevitably ingest while grooming himself.

You may need to take him to the professional groomer once or twice annually.

2. Discourage Excessive Grooming

Cats can sometimes become obsessed with grooming themselves. They may excessively groom if they’re in pain, itchy or even feeling anxious. If you notice yours cleaning himself more than usual, try to distract him during his grooming sessions to prevent excessive fur ingestion. Then, make an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the cause of his excessive grooming.

3. Increase Water Intake

Making sure your kitty drinks plenty of water can help hair pass through their digestive tract without issues. If your kitty is on a predominantly dry food diet, you might consider adding wet food to his diet or switching to a cat water fountain to increase his hydration levels. Most cats prefer drinking from running water versus a bowl of still water, so buying a water fountain can promote better hydration.

4. Use Over-the-Counter Hairball Remedies

Hairball-control gels are available at most stores that sell pet supplies. They act like lubricants, easing the passage of fur through your pet’s digestive tract. You can even find flavored options to make your kitty more apt to eat it.

Some manufacturers make hairball support supplements and treats which are worth trying out as well.

5. Change Your Cat’s Food

An easy way to manage hairballs is to switch your kitty to a hairball control food. Many cat food manufacturers have high-fiber recipes designed to reduce how many hairballs your cat will produce. However, we recommend speaking with your vet before switching your kitty to a new food, especially if he is already on special food for another health concern.

Final Thoughts

Hairballs are a normal part of the cat-owning experience. However, if your cat is coughing up more hairballs than usual or appears to be struggling to get rid of one, a visit to the vet should be in order. Hairballs may be normal, but they can pose significant health hazards if they build up to the point that they can cause a blockage.

Featured Image Credit: Montakan Wannasri, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Get Hairballs? Vet-Approved Causes & Prevention by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Cleaning the litter box is arguably the worst part of owning a cat. It’s stinky, messy, and just a dirty job that no one looks forward to, but this inevitable job can be made easier by using the right type of litter.

Crystal cat litter has become popular among cat owners thanks to its convenience and cleanliness. It doesn’t come without its downfalls, however. Read on to learn more about crystal cat litter, what it is, and its pros and cons to determine if it’s worth trying in your household.

Click below to jump ahead:

• What Is Crystal Cat Litter?
• Pros of Crystal Cat Litter
• Cons of Crystal Cat Litter
• Other Cat Litter Options

What Is Crystal Cat Litter?

Crystal cat litter is made using silica gel beads. It is important to differentiate between the little white packets of crystalline silica in your beef jerky packages and medication bottles labeled “Do not eat”. The silica gel in these packets keeps your products fresh and prevents them from getting soggy. The gel beads in crystal cat litter are different as they’re formulated specifically for litter and made of amorphous silica gel, not crystalline silica gel. Amorphous silica gel is safe if inhaled or ingested as it will not cause lung disease like crystalline silica can.

Silica gel litter is made from mined quartz sand and produced by mixing the sand particles with water and oxygen. This manufacturing process transforms it from the dangerous if ingested and inhaled crystalline silica into amorphous silica gel.

Pros of Crystal Cat Litter

1. It Is Highly Absorbent

The manufacturing process that makes crystal litter safe creates small pores in the crystals. These pores are highly absorbent and can hold up to 40% of their weight in liquid. Its absorption superpower also helps dry out feces, controlling odors.

2. Lasts a Long Time

Thanks to its fantastic absorption, crystal cat litter can last up to a month in the litter box. This means you won’t need to buy litter every time you go to the store, and you’ll send less garbage to your local landfill.

3. Requires Less Frequent Cleaning

You won’t need to clean your litter box as often if you switch to crystal cat litter. Clay litter must be changed daily to keep odors at bay and prevent unsanitary conditions for your kitty. Since crystal litter doesn’t clump, you’ll only need to remove the feces when you see them and stir the remaining crystals. Because you’re not scooping out huge blocks of urine-soaked litter, you won’t need to constantly refill the box with fresh crystals.

4. It Is Low-Dust

One of the best benefits of crystal cat litter is that it isn’t dusty like its clay counterpart. The crystals won’t turn to fine dust in the bottom of the bag like clay litter, and you won’t notice much powder when you pour it into your cat’s box. Additionally, you’ll be amazed at how little dust you produce when removing feces, especially if you’re used to scooping clay litter.

5. It Is Lightweight

Traditional clay litter is extremely heavy, as you must use much of it in each litter box. It’s not unusual to find 40+ pound boxes, which can be a literal pain to tote around the store and in your home. You’ll use much less crystal litter, so it’s sold in smaller, much more manageable-to-carry bags.

Cons of Crystal Cat Litter

1. Urine May Pool

Though the crystals do a good job of soaking up liquid waste, you may notice urine pooling if they become too saturated. Manufacturers recommend stirring the crystals when removing feces to prevent this from happening.

2. It Is Pricey

Crystal litter is more expensive than traditional clay options. However, you may not pay more in the long run because you’ll change the litter less often.

3. Not Eco-Friendly

Crystal litter is derived from quartz, typically procured from open-pit pits. These huge operations require large industrial sites, displacing pre-existing vegetation and habitat. As with other mining operations, these quarries may cause erosion and air and water contamination.

Additionally, crystal litter isn’t biodegradable. It’s not flushable or compostable, so it will inevitably wind up in your city’s landfill.

4. It Tracks—a Lot

If you’ve ever gone to the beach, you know how far a grain of sand can travel. You’ll be vacuuming sand from your carpet for weeks after a beach visit, and the same applies to your crystal litter. You can reduce how much tracks throughout your home by using litter mats or investing in a high-sided litter box.

Other Cat Litter Options

Crystal and clay-based litters aren’t your only options for handling your cat’s waste. Here are some other cat litter options worth considering:

Conclusion

Crystal cat litter is worth trying if you’re tired of lugging around 40-pound boxes of clay-based litter and giving your bicep a workout daily by scooping heavy, urine-soaked clumps from your cat’s box. Like anything, crystal litter has drawbacks, but the pros may outweigh the cons.

• See Also: What Is the Worst Cat Litter? 5 Types to Stay Away From

Featured Image Credit: Alexandra Morosanu, Shutterstock

The post Crystal Cat Litter: Overview, Pros, Cons & Alternatives by Chantelle Fowler 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.