Whether you’re a die hard fan of the festive season, or a festive fan of Die Hard like me, (which absolutely counts as a Christmas film, by the way), our cats can get into all sorts of mischief at this time of year. Even if you – or they – do not observe this particular holiday, there are plenty of ways they can find themselves on the wrong end of a piece of tinsel, or lapping up a puddle of spilt eggnog.
Any of the dangers below could land you in the emergency vets over the holiday period, so before you let the good times roll, take a look around your home and make sure you keep these items out of the reach of your curious cat.
So in the spirit of cheesy Christmas carols, I give you: The 12 Dangers of Christmas.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, My Feline Tried to Eat…

12. Tasty Chocolates

As we all probably know, chocolate is actually toxic to pets, and that includes our cats. Packed full of theobromine and caffeine, this delicious sweet can cause dangerous elevations in heart rate, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the worse the effects.

11. Mince pies

Depending on the recipe being used, fruit mince pies are made with a number of ingredients, with sultanas and currants at the top of the list. Grapes, in any form, are highly toxic to cats (and dogs), and can result in kidney failure.

10. Christmas lilies

There are two types of lilies that might be around during the holiday season, true lilies, which are extremely toxic to cats, and the Christmas lily, which is not technically a lily. Amaryllis is a lily-like flower that is a popular decorative plant which can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure if cats eat the flower, leaves or stem, with the bulb of this plant being its most toxic part.

Every part of the traditional lily is highly toxic to cats, with most poisonings resulting from cats licking pollen that has brushed against their fur.

9. Fairy lights

Take an enticing wire and make it sparkly and bright; you’ve got a tempting toy for many playful felines. Electric shocks are a possibility if your curious cat decides to chew through the wire, but ingestion of the plastic and wires is probably the biggest worry.

8. Holly berries

These attractive red berries might look tasty, but they are actually toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Fortunately the effects are not usually life threatening, but if your cat eats them, they can suffer with severe gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and pain.

7. Serves of Stuffing

Most stuffing contains garlic and onions, both of which are toxic to cats. They cause a severe anemia by damaging the red blood cells, which can take several days to become apparent.

6. Cups of Eggnog

Although this delicious holiday beverage is not as dangerous as some of the other items on our list, with ingredients like condensed milk, sugar, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon and brandy, this is not something that should end up in a cat’s saucer.

5. Types of Meat

Obviously cats eat meat, and meat is good for cats. However, the meat we enjoy in the holiday season is generally not prepared with the feline gastrointestinal system in mind. The high levels of fat, oil, and grease are a recipe for a major digestive disaster, and the gravy, stuffing and seasonings can be even more dangerous. Plain cooked meats are safe for your kitty, but keep the basted turkey and cured ham off their plate.

4. Poinsettia leaves

This beautiful plant with its bright red and green foliage is a firm festive favorite, and a great gift for the person who has everything! The milky sap is the primary problem, but the good news is that serious toxicity is quite rare. The most common complaints are skin irritation, drooling, and mouth pain, but some cats can end up with vomiting and diarrhea if they overindulge.

3. Christmas Puddings

Much like our fruit mince pies, sultanas and currants abound in Christmas cakes and puddings, so be sure to keep them out of reach.

2. Mistletoe

This unassuming little plant might put a smile on your face and a kiss on your lips, but you’d better be sure to keep it up high where it belongs. Cats that munch on mistletoe can experience vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, even death, so if you’re hanging it from the ceiling, make sure it’s somewhere your curious cat can’t reach.

1. Baubles and strands of Tinsel

Cats don’t often end up at the vets for eating foreign objects, but the big exceptions are things like string, wool, cotton thread, or fishing line. And tinsel is just fancy looking string! They chase it, play with it, and occasionally chew and swallow it. These linear foreign bodies can get stuck in the intestines, causing them to bunch up and become obstructed, which is very dangerous.
Cats and glass baubles don’t mix. Notorious for playing with hanging ornaments, they can knock these fragile decorations off the tree, leaving shards of glass that can cut into their paws. If they manage to pull them down without breaking them, the bauble could shatter in their mouths if they are playing and chewing.

Now I don’t want you to start worrying that death and disaster is lurking around every corner this holiday season, but it’s always good to be aware of what problems could arise if your feline friend decides to climb your Christmas tree, help themselves to some holiday lunch, or munch on your festive floral arrangements. There are lots of ways to make things a bit safer for our cats this Christmas, but just in case, be sure to check the holiday arrangements of your veterinary practice, and keep the number of a Pet Poisons Hotline close by.

From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Winter Solstice, or just enjoy spending time with loved ones over the holiday season. May your days be furry and bright.

The post The 12 Dangers of Christmas for Cats (Sung by Dr. Karyn & Clutch) by Nicole Cosgrove 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.

Cat grass is a popular addition to many cat households, offering a variety of health benefits for our feline friends. In this article, we’ll explore 11 health benefits of cat grass, providing information on its uses, tips, and safety precautions. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate cat grass into your cat’s daily routine and ensure they reap the maximum benefits from it.

The 11 Health Benefits of Cat Grass

1. Aids in Digestion

Digestion plays a crucial role in maintaining your cat’s overall health. Cat grass can be an effective aid in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. Cat grass, especially wheatgrass and oat grass, is rich in fiber. When your cat consumes this fibrous plant material, it helps promote healthy digestion and prevents constipation.

To help your cat maintain a healthy digestive system, place a pot of fresh cat grass somewhere they can reach it. This allows them to munch on the grass whenever they need some extra fiber in their diet. Keep the cat grass fresh by replacing it every two weeks. This ensures that your cat gets the maximum nutrient content from the grass and continues to benefit from its digestive properties.

Always monitor your cat when they’re eating cat grass. Consuming too much could cause digestive discomfort, so it’s essential to keep an eye on their intake.

2. Helps Eliminate and Prevent Hairballs

Hairballs are common among cats, but cat grass can help prevent this problem. Consuming cat grass helps your cat bring up hairballs more easily by inducing vomit. Catgrass can also help prevent the formation of hairballs by providing additional roughage to move hair through their digestive system.

Providing cat grass for your cat to nibble on when they need help with hairball elimination is a simple and natural solution. Place the cat grass in an area where your cat spends a lot of their time. This makes it easily accessible when they feel the need to consume some grass to aid in hairball elimination.

It’s essential to monitor your cat’s reaction to the grass and address any concerns promptly. If your cat starts to cough or gag excessively while eating cat grass without effectively vomiting, remove the grass and consult your veterinarian.

3. Provides Essential Nutrients

Cats require various essential nutrients to maintain their health, and cat grass can be a valuable source of these nutrients. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also contains enzymes and chlorophyll. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

To ensure your cat gets the necessary nutrients from cat grass, encourage them to eat it regularly by keeping it fresh and accessible. Remember to monitor your cat’s consumption of cat grass to ensure they don’t over-consume it.

4. Satisfies Natural Instincts

Cats have a natural instinct to consume grass, and providing cat grass can help satisfy this instinct in a safe and controlled environment free from pesticides and bacteria that may be found on outdoor grass. Offering cat grass allows your indoor cat to satisfy their natural instincts to eat grass, which can help with digestion and hairball elimination. Place cat grass near your cat’s favorite lounging spots so they can easily access it when they feel the need. This allows them to engage in their natural behavior while maintaining a safe and controlled environment.

You can also rotate the placement of cat grass around your home to encourage exploration and engagement. This helps stimulate your cat’s curiosity and keeps them interested in consuming the grass.

5. Improves Oral Health

Oral health is an essential aspect of your cat’s overall well-being, and cat grass can play a role in maintaining it. Chewing on cat grass can help freshen your cat’s breath and might even help remove the biofilm from their teeth. This is due to the chlorophyll content that promotes fresher and cleaner breath. However, it does not effectively substitute tooth brushing. Regular tooth brushing is the only effective method to clean the teeth, promote healthy gums, and prevent dental issues like gingivitis and tooth decay.

That said, cat grass is still a safe and effective way to help maintain a cat’s oral health. Keep cat grass fresh and accessible for your cat to chew on regularly. This ensures that they can benefit from its oral-freshening properties.

Watch your cat while they’re chewing on cat grass to ensure they don’t accidentally swallow large pieces. Large pieces can pose a choking hazard, so it’s crucial to monitor your cat during their chewing sessions.

6. Acts as a Natural Laxative

Constipation can be an uncomfortable issue for cats, but cat grass can help alleviate this problem by acting as a natural laxative, helping cats pass stool more easily and preventing constipation. Provide cat grass for cats prone to constipation or experiencing difficulty passing stool. It offers a natural alternative to help with their digestive issues.

If your cat’s constipation persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian for further advice. It’s essential to address any ongoing issues and find the most effective solution for your cat.

7. Provides Stress Relief

Stress can negatively impact your cat’s health and well-being, but cat grass can offer a way to help relieve stress and anxiety. Chewing on it can serve as a safer alternative to other stress-related behaviors, such as excessive grooming.

Provide fresh cat grass to give your cat a different way to soothe themselves. Keep cat grass available in areas where your cat spends time to promote relaxation. This ensures they have access to the grass when they need it most.

8. Provides Enrichment

Cats need mental stimulation and enrichment to maintain their overall well-being, and cat grass can be an excellent source of sensory enrichment, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated. This can help prevent boredom and promote overall happiness.

Incorporate cat grass into your cat’s play areas for added enrichment. This provides them with a new element to explore and interact with. Place cat grass in various locations around your home to encourage exploration and play. This helps keep your cat engaged and interested in their environment.

9. Prevents Ingestion of Other Plants

Cats are naturally curious and may be inclined to chew on houseplants or any other plants they have access to. Providing cat grass can help deter your cat from chewing on potentially toxic plants. You can also protect your houseplants by placing cat grass near areas where you have houseplants to redirect your cat’s attention and discourage them from chewing on the plants.

If you have a cat, we strongly recommend investigating any plant that you have in the house. Do not keep any known toxic plants at home, and if you are unsure about a plant, please keep it out of reach of your cat, even if they have access to cat grass. It’s essential to eliminate any potential risks to your cat’s health.

10. Supports Immune System Health

A strong immune system is vital for your cat’s overall health, and cat grass can help support it. The digestive system has an essential role in the immune system’s duties, as a healthy digestive system is the first part of keeping a cat healthy and less susceptible to illness. Moreover, cat grass is a source of antioxidants that can help improve your cat’s immune responses.

Encourage your cat to consume cat grass regularly to support their immune system. It will help maintain their overall well-being and resilience against illness. Keep a consistent supply of fresh cat grass available for your cat. This ensures that they can continue to receive the immune-boosting elements found in the grass.

11. Can Help With Weight Management

Weight management is crucial for maintaining your cat’s overall health, and cat grass can play a role in helping with this issue. Chewing on cat grass satisfies your cat’s urge to graze without consuming high-calorie treats. This can help with weight management for cats that need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Cat grass can offer numerous health benefits for your feline friend. Choosing a cat-safe variety such as wheatgrass or oat grass and following the tips provided in this article will help ensure your cat enjoys the full range of benefits that cat grass has to offer. By incorporating cat grass into your cat’s daily routine, you can support their overall health and well-being. A healthy kitty is a happy kitty!

Featured Image Credit: KDdesignphoto, Shutterstock

The post 11 Health Benefits of Cat Grass: Vet-Reviewed Facts & Tips by Nicole Cosgrove 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.

A multi-pet household is one with multiple pets, but typically refers to pets of different species and not just breeds. Most multi-species households combine cats and dogs because these are the two most common pets, but they can also incorporate animals like birds, reptiles, and small caged animals.

It is possible to keep a peaceful and pleasant multi-pet household, but some steps will help make living conditions better for everybody. And, while you might be able to have certain species sharing the same space, you may also have to accept that you won’t be able to have mice running freely around pet cats or guinea pigs around dog breeds with a high prey drive.

Pros of a Multi-Pet Household

Having one pet can be a great experience for you and the family, and while there will be challenges to keeping multiple pets, it also offers several benefits to you, the rest of your human family, and the animals themselves.

More Company for Your Pets

Many types of animals are social animals. Which means they prefer to have company rather than being left alone. While this usually refers to animals of the same species, it can also refer to animals of different species that form a close bond. For example, a cat and dog can form almost as close a bond as two cats or two dogs.

They will keep each other company while you’re at work or while you’re out of the house. This can help prevent anxiety and depression by offering fulfillment to the animals.

More Company for You

Having one pet means some company around the house but having multiple pets can mean you’re never alone. If you’re not an animal lover, this might sound like a detriment, of course. But, if you do like pets, then having a crowd of them can make a house feel like a home.

Better Mental and Physical Health

Pets have been shown to improve the mental health of their owners. This was especially apparent when people around the world were in lockdown and unable to leave their homes. As well as turning to family members, many people turned to their pets for companionship. Pets can also be good for your physical health, as well as your mental health.

Dogs need regular walks and even cats need plenty of playtime to relieve their boredom and ensure they are fulfilled.

Cons of a Multi-Pet Household

While having multiple pets sounds like a dream to some owners, it might not be for others. And there are some pitfalls that you should consider, regardless of which side of the debate you stand on.

More Mess

Cats, dogs, rabbits, bearded dragons, and parrots all have one thing in common: they make some mess. In fact, this is true of all animals. Whether it is cat litter being tracked through the house or bird seed and bird poop that needs clearing off the bottom of the cage, animals need cleaning up after. You might feel like having an extra pet won’t create much more mess, but you might be surprised.

Greater Commitment

Similarly, having multiple pets means a greater commitment of time. You will need to spend some time with every pet, every day, to ensure that no single pet is getting preferential treatment.

A single pet requires quite a time commitment, so having three or four pets means you will be spending a lot of time exercising your animals, clearing up after them, feeding them, and meeting their other requirements. When you go away or you need somebody to look after your animals for a night, it will be more difficult to find temporary caretakers for a menagerie of animals, too.

Higher Costs

Having more animals means more food, high vet bills, and, depending on the types of pets, more cages and other equipment. The cost of these different items and services adds up. If you do get multiple pets, consider ways to save money, such as taking out multi-pet insurance or trying to get a deal on food and essentials for all of your animals.

They Take Up More Space

Whether you keep small caged animals like mice and rats, animals that need larger confined areas like some snakes, or those that roam free around your house like cats and dogs, they all take up space. Adding another animal will mean handing over more of your living space. You may need an extra seat on the sofa, another wardrobe top for a cat cave, or extra floor space for a Guinea Pig hutch, but it all adds up.

There Will Be Stress

Owning pets is deeply rewarding and can be incredibly gratifying. It can also be quite stressful, and even the most placid animals might struggle to get along with others, at first. Be prepared for some stress and some difficult times, especially in the beginning.

Pet Suitability

If you do intend on keeping multiple pets, choosing the right species and the right breeds can make your life a lot easier. For example, keeping a free-roaming guinea pig and a Greyhound is never likely to work out because the Greyhound is a sighthound and it will chase any small animal it sees darting around.

Dogs

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and while they were once more likely to be kept as working animals, today’s dogs tend to enjoy a life of luxury living in our homes and sharing our everyday lives. There are hundreds of breeds of dogs recognized around the world, as well as mixed breeds.

All breeds have slightly different traits, and every individual dog has its own character, but those with a high prey drive are not generally suitable for living with small animals because they will look like and act like prey. Many dogs will get along with cats, however, and can get along with other dogs. The friendliest breeds that are most likely to do well in a multi-pet household are:

Cats

Some people might think of cats as being solitary animals that don’t like the company of others. But, under the right circumstances, they can be incredibly social. They will usually get along well with other cats and can get along with dogs with proper social introductions.

Although there are exceptions, cats should not usually be kept with smaller animals because they will predate animals like mice, and hamsters, and may even attempt to take on birds. The cat breeds most likely to get along with other animals and settle into a multi-pet household are:

Birds

Smaller birds like finches should be kept in their cages when in a multi-pet household. They may want to investigate cats because they do not have the same natural instinct to get away from the potential predator. Larger parrot species, on the other hand, might want to square up to the cat which can lead to fighting.

It is generally best to keep other animals out of the room when you let your birds out of the cage for their daily exercise.

Small Animals

Small animals like mice and hamsters are not a threat to other pets. But, they are prey animals and this means they can trigger the predator in animals like cats, dogs, and even some larger bird breeds. Keep small animals caged and ensure that the room is clear of potential threats from other animals before letting them out.

Reptiles

Some reptiles are predators and may attack small caged animals. This is especially true of species like monitor lizards which are big enough to even try and take kittens and small puppies. This is another type of pet that is best kept apart from other animals when they are all out of their cages.

How to Introduce New Animals

When introducing new animals to a multi-pet household, always take your time and make gradual introductions. Never throw them together and hope they get along, because this is more likely to cause anxiety and may make future introductions even more challenging.

Also ensure that all animals have their own space to retreat to, especially if you are introducing cats and dogs. And, while it is possible to introduce lots of different types of animals, there may be some cases where introductions fail.

Put together a schedule for cleaning and caring for your animals. This doesn’t just benefit you, but most of your pets will appreciate having a routine. Make plans regarding what you will do when you are on holiday or if you need to go away for the night. Finding somebody to look after one dog is relatively easy compared to having to find a sitter for a dozen different animals.

Conclusion

Keeping multiple pets can be beneficial for the pets themselves, offering company and entertainment for all animals. It can also benefit you, but it does take more commitment than keeping a single pet.

Think about the characters of your existing animals before introducing new pets. And don’t just assume that pets will get along eventually. There may be some cases where introductions are never possible. Monitor those that you do introduce to make sure they do not show signs of aggression, anxiety, or depression.

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

The post Living In a Multi-Pet Household: Which Pets to Choose & How to Get Along by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats are incredibly expressive animals and while they can’t mimic human words, they have a wide range of ways to convey feelings and emotions. As well as their eyes and tail, cats can portray a lot of emotion through their ears, while also using them for their intended purpose of hearing and identifying sound. While you might consider ear position and its meaning to be a mystery, you will start to recognize what movements mean and how your cat is feeling.

Below, to help you determine how your cat is feeling and whether you need to take action to help.

Why Do Cats’ Ears Move?

Generally, a cat’s ears move because it has heard some noise either close by or far away and it is moving its ears to better detect that sound. The ears will essentially point toward the likely source of the noise so that the sound waves can be funneled into the ear and the cat can better identify whatever it is hearing. Cats have incredible hearing which, in the wild, they would use to locate prey and also to warn them of predators.

They are especially good at hearing high-pitched noises and can hear at a much higher level than humans, and even dogs. This is likely so that they would be able to hear the high-pitched chattering of mice and other small animals. So, when you see your cat’s ears moving and pointing in a particular direction, the most likely cause is that your cat is honing in on a particular noise in a bid to identify its cause.

But that isn’t the only reason cats move their ears. They can relay a lot about your cat’s emotions if you know what you are looking for.

1. The Neutral Position

Cats are almost always alert. Even when they have their eyes closed and seem to be asleep, their ears are working. Although some cats do have different natural ear positions, the neutral position is upright but not pointed. This means that your cat has not heard any noise that needs closer attention and they are content and peaceful.

2. Pricked Up

When your cat is alert, its ears will become erect and they will likely be directed forward. This enables them to take in more sounds and potentially identify any alien or unexpected noises. Your cat may even point its ears in different directions, essentially letting them listen to what is going on all around them.

Your cat might be alert because it is feeling playful, has been startled, or is just taking in a change of circumstances or surroundings. This ear position does not necessarily mean your cat is alarmed, it is just investigating.

3. Twitching

Twitching ears move quickly back and then forwards and this movement usually accompanies a hunting pounce. Watch for your cat to get flat on the ground and raise its rear end. Your cat is getting ready to spring.

House cats most often make this movement when they are ready to play or if they are going to attack a person, another cat, or the family dog. Grab a toy and make the most of your cat’s playful attitude with some healthy indoor exercise time. Just watch your fingers and be sure to direct the attention away from your feet!

4. Itching

Cats groom themselves a lot, and as part of this natural process, they will clean their ears. This typically means licking their claws and paws and then rubbing them against their ears. If your cat is scratching its ears more than usual, this can be a sign of fleas or ticks. Check for signs of these pests and be sure to check inside the ears. You may need to visit the vet to get some medication, or use a medicated shampoo, to help clear an infestation.

5. Flattened

When a cat’s ears are flattened down, it is a sign that something is afoot. Flattened ears can mean that your cat is anxious or scared if they’re facing down, or that they are feeling unwell if they are facing outward. Flattened ears can also be a sign of warning from your cat, and it might be an idea to stop doing whatever it is that is irritating your cat.

If you have multiple cats or dogs and cats, you’re likely to have seen this ear position when your cat wants its own space. Unfortunately, dogs can’t always read the signs because they have different body language and don’t always recognize the subtleties of cat emotions—until it’s too late.

6. Flicking

Your cat might flick its ears rapidly if something has irritated one of the ears. Something might have blown into the ear or something might be flying around the ears. Flicking them is a way to try and get rid of the irritant.

Other Types of Feline Body Language

Cats’ ears are very expressive, but they are just one part of the feline body that can be used to express a wide range of emotions. Below are some other common feline body language signs to help you better understand your cat.

Upright Tail

An upright tail is a relaxed position and one that your cat will usually adopt when greeting you. It may be preceded by a rub against your legs and the tip of the tail can be curled over to really show a relaxed attitude.

Squinting Eyes

Eyes are windows to the soul, and this is especially true with cats. An alert cat’s eyes will be wide open so they can see more and better discern details. If your cat is very relaxed, it will have a neutral eye position, and squinting or half-closed eyes can be a sign of affection and a sign that your cat is pleased to see you.

Slow Blinking

Slow blinking is another sign of affection that cats show their humans. Cats slowly blink at one another as a sign of trust, and if you slowly blink at your cat and then turn away, this is a good way of showing that you are relaxed and do not pose a threat.

Rolling Around

A cat generally has to be very relaxed around a person or other animal to show its tummy to them. Rolling on their back means that the cat is in a prone position so it must really trust you to adopt this position. Always approach a cat’s tummy carefully, however, because even if a cat is rolling on its back for you, it might still not appreciate having its belly tickled.

Wide Eyes

If your cat’s eyes are wide, this essentially means that they are fully open and your cat is instinctively forcing them wider so it can take in more of what is happening. This is a sign of alert and it could mean that your cat is stressed about something that is happening or that it is scared of something nearby.

Arched Back

A cat with an arched back is attempting to make itself look bigger and it adopts this position when under threat, in a bid to try and ward off any would-be attacker. If the threat doesn’t go away, the cat may strike at or attack the threat to ensure it has the upper hand.

Fluffed Fur

An arched back is usually coupled with big, fluffed-out fur. Both of these actions make the cat appear bigger which makes it more of a physical threat. It is a defensive stance, rather than an aggressive one, but it can lead to scratches and bites if the target doesn’t respond appropriately.

Purring

We generally associate purring with a cat being happy and content, and this is often what it means. However, cats can also purr when they are nervous or anxious, kind of like nervous laughter in people. If your cat is at the vet or enduring anything else that might induce anxiety, this is the likely cause.

Conclusion

Cats are very expressive animals so while they can’t talk, they have a plethora of ways to get a message across. They use every bit of their bodies to let you and others around you know how they’re feeling, but because people and cats are very different, we don’t always understand these messages.

Above are various ways that you can tell how a cat is feeling by its ear position and ear movements, as well as other forms of body language.

Featured Image Credit: effective stock photos, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Move Their Ears? Science & Meanings Explained by Nicole Cosgrove 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.

Finding enrichment opportunities is a surprisingly satisfying perk of pet ownership. Cats need stimulation in the home to maintain their physical and mental health and stave off unwanted behaviors, putting pressure on owners to give them new toys, scratching devices, and climbing features to keep them busy.

Cat climbing walls are one of the best places to start. “On the wall” often means “out of the way,” which gives your cat a wildly exciting setup without stealing too much usable space in the room. Even better, they’re fun to build!

Sure, you can cheat and buy a pricey pre-made cat wall. However, DIY setups will be more fulfilling and let you completely customize them to fit your decor and space. We’ll help you find your footing with these 10 DIY climbing wall plans for your house.

The 10 DIY Cat Climbing Wall Plans You Can Do Today

1. Cat Shelves- madlab5

A cat climbing wall can be straightforward and seamless when you follow the approach in this tutorial. Pine board shelves transform into custom kitty landing pads for your pet to climb and jump around, with decorative brackets adding your personal flair.

After painting the shelves to match the room, you’ll only need to add carpet covers for grip and comfort. Following the directions, installing shelves over a long strip of carpet running up the wall provides a clever, stylish entrance to the play setup.

2. DIY Cat Perches

Simple materials in these DIY cat perch plans combine to make an impressive wall-mounted playground. The trickiest part involves the patient wrapping and gluing of rope around the PVC pipes to give your cats a firm foothold.

From there, you only have to plan your layout, screw in the PVC posts, and hang up the cloth hammocks between them.

As one commenter suggested, you can even attach these posts to a large piece of plywood, giving you a portable cat climbing wall and a perfect solution for apartment renters.

3. Ultimate DIY Indoor Cat Playground

Bridges, hideaways, scratching posts, you name it—this DIY cat playground has it all! Mitered lumber scraps form hexagonal wall-mounted shelters, with strategic entry holes creating a maze for your cat to follow.

Rope-wrapped posts give them perches and climbing poles to navigate the array while working out their claws, and a comfy bed caps it all off as a reward for making it to the end!

The plans require a few power tools to make it efficient and effective, especially if you want to add decorative elements like fish and cat-shaped cutouts. Serving as inspiration rather than strict direction, this tutorial is rich with wise ideas to pull off an impressive setup.

4. Apartment-Friendly Cat Wall

The beauty of simplicity couldn’t be more apparent than in this renter-friendly cat shelf plan. A few standard shelves feature carpet padding for comfy landing pads as your cat climbs the wall, with a rope-wrapped board creating a vertical bridge between all the landing pads.

Despite the low-key build, the designer creates a cohesive and fun aesthetic with clever terrazzo-style tape strips on the wall. Everything comes down without hassle, leaving only a few drill holes to patch before you move out.

5. Easy DIY Cat Climbing Wall- mamaandmore

Although there’s nothing special about this creative DIY cat climbing wall, it’s rich in offbeat and bright ways to repurpose old materials for your cat’s enjoyment.

Bath mats make soft and grippy footholds, a wooden crate flips on its side to become a wall-mounted shelter, and unused wood scraps transform into any shelf you need. You also get handy tips on creating pocket holes with a Kreg jig for a sturdy shelving system.

6. Cheap Cat Climbing Rope Wall- ikeahackers

The creator of this super-easy and inexpensive cat climbing wall knew that one of the cat’s favorite scratch surfaces, sisal rope, is also a popular rug style. Rather than build or cut out a custom climbing pad to mount to the wall, why not just slap a rug on it and call it a day?

The setup works like a charm and gives your cat a wide and easy-to-claw path to follow up to a shelf sitting over a doorway.

7. DIY Floating Cat Steps- charlestoncrafted

These functional and stylish floating cat steps will do as much for your room as they will for your cat. Four shelves attach to a backing board that mounts to the wall, letting the other side stay open to create a floating effect.

A Kreg jig conceals the screws, resulting in a crisp, clean finish. After adding rope to the shelves, the whole unit is ready to install and give your cat an easy pathway to high-up destinations.

8. Modern Floating Cat Shelves- brooklynfarmgirl

The sophistication of modern minimalism is straightforward to attain with store-bought floating shelves. The climbing cat wall plans from Brooklyn Farm Girl use bracket-free shelving with colored carpet squares for secure padding underfoot. By switching up the colors, you can add a pleasing contemporary aesthetic to your cat’s new playground.

Floating shelves are abundant, but you must be discerning before picking the cheapest one. Many can only hold 20 pounds or even less, so checking the specs is crucial to avoid an accident if your cat is heavier.

9. Cat Shelves with Scratching Post- worstontheblock

You can integrate a few bright ideas from this cat shelf plan into your custom climbing wall setup. The standard shelves get a stylish upgrade with the easy yet effective addition of a quarter round, while an accompanying sisal-wrapped post gives your cat a new way to scale to the ceiling.

Although there aren’t plans for the post, it provides a unique element worth considering for your cat wall.

10. Cat Adventure Wall- littlethings

Here’s a creative way to make something functional for you and your pet. In this cat adventure wall build, box shelves are part of a floating installation. Your cats get a carpeted climbing surface above, while the shelves house books, LED light strips, and other accessories to create an aesthetic complement that will elevate the room’s look even more than it elevates your cat.

Fun features abound for your pet. A covered hideaway sits atop a perch reachable by a rope bridge. If you want to flex your creative chops, you can also try drawing and cutting the plan’s cat silhouette with a scroll saw or jigsaw.

How Should I Secure Cat Shelves to the Wall?

Secure anchoring should be a top priority when building a climbing wall to protect your cat, your climbing features, and your wall. Always consider your cat’s weight, the size of the shelf, and any features you’ll attach to ensure the shelves won’t break off. Ideally, you’ll use the wall studs as anchor points, mounting screws into at least one, if not two, for each shelf.

When you can’t screw a shelf bracket into a stud, you’ll need a drywall anchor. Self-drilling and toggle drywall anchors are ideal and provide the most holding power.

Although you may think your 11-pound cat won’t need much support, the force of jumping and landing can multiply their weight considerably. You’ll generally need an anchor that can hold at least 50 pounds.

Final Thoughts

A bare wall is a blank canvas, supplying limitless opportunities to enhance enrichment and turn the home into a cat’s paradise. By offering new ways to exercise and explore, you’ll ensure a happier, healthier pet.

For owners, this is a fun, creative DIY project with a minimal footprint, making a climbing wall a win-win situation. Take inspiration from these cleverly easy plans, and get started on your cat’s perfect play place today!

Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock

The post 10 DIY Cat Climbing Wall Plans for Your House You Can Try Today by Nicole Cosgrove 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 have a lot of unique behaviors that puzzle owners, including kneading. While it may seem odd to you that your cat is “making biscuits,” there are several good reasons why your cat may enjoy kneading you so much.

Find out the four possible reasons your cat may knead you and tips to curb the behavior.

The 4 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Kneads You

1. Kitten Behavior

New kittens knead against their mother’s stomach to stimulate milk for nursing. Other mammals do this, but cats are unique in that they may hold onto the habit into adulthood. Some people believe that cats will knead more if they are weaned too early, but plenty of cats that are weaned at an appropriate age continue to knead.

2. Showing Comfort

Cats use body language to communicate how they’re feeling. Kneading is one such behavior that conveys comfort and relaxation. You’ll notice that cats often purr, sprawl out, or fall asleep while kneading, whether it’s on you or their blanket or bedding.

3. Relieving Anxiety

Like how people may fidget to relieve anxiety, your cat may use kneading to self-soothe and release tension from their body. This may also happen if your cat is highly aroused or anxious and beginning to relax.

4. Making a Bed

Cats spend a lot of time sleeping. If your cat has a favorite place to nap, they may knead to mark the spot. In the wild, cats create cushioned resting spots out of grasses, so this could be a leftover behavior from their wild ancestors. It could also identify that their nap spot is their own by leaving their scent behind.

How to Stop Kneading

Kneading is a sweet behavior, but it can be uncomfortable if your cat is not gentle with their claws. If you want to curb your cat’s kneading, here are some tips:

Conclusion

Kneading is one of cats’ more interesting and adorable behaviors, but it can have some downsides, like sharp claws and ruined clothing or blankets. Some cats are hardwired to knead, but a little training and redirection can teach your cat when it’s acceptable to knead, keeping both of you happy and comfortable.

Featured Image Credit: phM2019, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Knead Me? 4 Possible Reasons by Nicole Cosgrove 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 show their affection in funny ways, including rubbing or head-butting you or other pets. They like to rub or bump their head and faces against objects to mark their scent and show love.

If your cat is pressing their head against a wall or object, however, it can be a cause for concern. Learn the difference between affectionate head rubbing and head pressing and what you should do about it.

Why Do Cats Rub Their Heads on Everything?

Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and head, which they can deposit to provide other cats with information about them. They can leave their scent on you, the family dog, furniture, and more to establish their territory, create familiarity, and much more, which is one of the reasons your cat likes to rub their face and head on you.

Head rubbing or head butting—which is called “bunting”—is also a sign of bonding. In the process of transferring their scent, your cat is claiming you as a “safe zone” that they trust. Typically, this is a gentle head butt followed by a rub or simply a rub.

However, it’s important to differentiate between bunting and head pressing, which is a sign of an underlying disease process.

What Is Head Pressing?

Head pressing is when a cat presses their head against a wall or another object without a clear reason. Unlike the headbutt or rub, they will press their head into the object compulsively and may seem confused or disoriented. This is a sign of an underlying disease.

Head pressing is not a disease in itself but an indication of one. You may notice other disturbing signs, including:

Causes of Head Pressing

Head pressing is a sign of issues with the nervous system. This can be caused by:

Treatment of Head Pressing

If you notice head pressing, especially combined with other signs of underlying disease, it’s crucial to schedule an exam with your vet. Depending on the possible cause, your vet may check your cat’s vision, screen for infectious disease, check blood values, and test urine. More advanced testing, such as a CT or MRI, may be needed to check the brain.

Head pressing is not a disease in itself but a sign of one. Treating head pressing relies on treating the underlying cause, which can vary.

Some of the causes of head pressing can be very serious, while others may be treated more effectively. Your vet will be able to help you determine your best treatment options and prognosis.

Conclusion

Head butting or head rubbing is an odd and endearing behavior that many cats use to claim you as their own and show affection. However, head butting can be confused with head pressing, which is a concerning sign of possible underlying disease. If you notice head pressing, it’s important to schedule an exam with your vet as soon as possible.

Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock

The post My Cat Is Pressing Their Head Against Me, Should I Worry? Facts, Causes & Care Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

We’ve all been there. You’re relaxed, petting your cat, when they suddenly turn and scratch, bite, or swat at you. It may seem unprovoked, but often, cats give subtle signs that they’re about to attack before it escalates.

Learn how to detect a cat attack with these common signs of impending aggression, as well as some tips to prevent it.

The 4 Signs a Cat May Attack

Detecting a cat attack in advance can be difficult because they communicate using nonverbal methods. However, it can be easier to prevent the attack once you identify some of the signs.

1. Body Language Signs

Cats use a lot of body language to communicate. Their moods and feelings are often shown in subtle, rapid movements from their eyes, ears, tail, and posture. Cats feeling aggressive or overstimulated may get a rush of adrenaline, leading their pupils to dilate. They may flatten their ears as a warning and stiffen their tail. Serious aggression often comes out in a “bottle-brush” tail and swishes back and forth.

2. Vocalization

Cats can be pretty vocal, especially when they’re angry or annoyed. Purring, chirping, and other sounds may be used for different purposes, but growling and hissing are nearly always used to display aggression. Hissing comes more from fear and mimics a snake hissing to scare off a larger threat (which may be you), while growling is a more assertive sound that can warn a possible attacker.

3. Physical Aggression

Cats, like people, dogs, and other animals, warn and slowly escalate in aggression. However, if a cat’s subtle warnings are repeatedly ignored, they may jump to physical aggression with a shorter escalation period. This may be a pounce or swat, but some cats may go right to scratching or biting without much warning.

4. Chemical Signals

Cats use pheromones, oils from scent glands, and urine to communicate. They rub on objects to establish their territory and spray urine as a signal to other cats. While you can’t detect many of these chemical cues—save for the strong smell of urine—repeated behaviors to claim territory can indicate that your cat feels stressed and possessive over their space. Aggression is more likely to occur if your cat is stressed.

Types of Cat Aggression

Aggression can arise for many reasons, and it’s crucial to understand what’s causing the aggression to correct it.

Defensive aggression is when your cat feels victimized, whether by you or another pet. These cats will show more passive body language to protect themselves or warn away the attacker, such as crouching down, tucking their tail, or hissing and raising hair to intimidate.

Offensive aggression is when the cat is the attacker, which shows in more assertive body language and behaviors. Cats may growl, block doorways or litter boxes, swat, swish the tail, or attack at will.

Aside from defensive and offensive aggression, several types of aggression occur in different situations:

Tips to Prevent Cat Aggression

Preventing cat aggression is always easier than fixing it once it happens. Here are some tips to calm your cat before they escalate to aggressive behaviors:

Conclusion

Cat aggression can be unsettling at best and dangerous at worst. There are many possible reasons for cat aggression, but preventing the behavior is much easier than correcting it once it escalates. Learn the signs of a cat attack and take steps to prevent it. Over time, your cat may realize that they can relax and don’t need to be on the defensive.

Featured Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock

The post How to Detect and Prevent a Cat Attack: 4 Signs & Prevention Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

When the kids grow eager to earn a little extra cash, it’s time for parents to foster their entrepreneurial spirit. Any parent can appreciate their children learning the value of hard work, especially when they do it in a way that engages their passions. For animal lovers, one of the best opportunities is a local pet-sitting business!

Setting up this service is low-cost and straightforward. It’s a perfect foray into the world of commerce for your budding tycoons. Here are seven smart tips on starting a pet-sitting business to help your kids find success.

The 7 Tips for Helping Your Kids Start a Pet-Sitting Business

1. Discuss Their Skills and the Logistics Before Anything Else

Before helping your kid with their pet-sitting business, you’ll have to talk about their goals, service offerings, and how (or if) you can make it happen.

Start with the kinds of services they want to provide and what they envision the job to entail. Can they do dog walking, grooming, and other services beyond basic pet-sitting? Here, you can help them ground their expectations, set reasonable goals, and define the services they’ll offer.

You’ll then have to figure out a sensible schedule. Your child will likely depend on you in several areas, such as transportation. While you want them to succeed, they must work with your routine. Ensure they’re clear on limitations like these before making plans with customers.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

A pet-sitting business is a serious responsibility and a test of your child’s understanding of the role. Your son or daughter should ideally be at least 10 years old. Regardless of age, only you can gauge their maturity level and respect for all the job entails.

Responsible kids can manage the basics of pet-sitting. But no matter their competence, you can’t treat this like a typical business. One consideration is that your child won’t have insurance if something happens on the job. You could be on the hook for any liability if the pets get injured or escape while your child is taking care of them.

Your child’s potential client list will be limited in the beginning. They’ll generally look to family, friends, and their networks to build a customer list. Strangers will be more wary of an unknown kid with their animals and home, especially if they’re inexperienced. Your child should work with people you know and who won’t cause a stir if something minor happens while your child is pet-sitting.

Expanding Your Child’s Pet-Sitting Business

If your child is getting serious about their blooming pet-sitting gig, they could start a legitimate business with your help. They’ll want licenses and pet sitter’s insurance to cover liability if something happens to the pet or their customer’s property. With that, the business can expand its marketing and focus on growing its customer base.

Setting up a business entity will take varying levels of effort, paperwork, and investment. It all depends on where you live and the services your child offers. Have them research the laws around registering with the state and how to get the licenses and permits on your city’s and county’s websites.

Fees will be involved, and your child’s income will be taxable once they make over $400. However, the business will be legitimate and have fewer hurdles in staying operational.

Under your guidance, your child can do the research, formulate a business plan, and figure out their business name and services. Let them learn by managing the basic ins and outs of their business.

3. Have Your Kids Reach Out to Friends and Family

When your child is dipping their toes into pet-sitting, starting with one person they know well is ideal. If you can think of a family member or friend with a cat or dog who is willing to let your kid pet sit, they can learn the responsibilities and challenges of the job in a safe, familiar environment.

Starting slowly with close affiliates will also allow your child to figure out what kind of pets they can work with and the services they would like to provide. When they get more comfortable and efficient with the process, you can help them branch out.

Rather than make the appointments for your child, encourage them to contact their potential customers directly. You can bring them the list and give them feedback throughout the process, but this is another opportunity for them to learn business and communication skills.

4. Arrange Meetings with Families Before Setting Appointments

Meeting the pet in the setting where your child will be pet-sitting is a critical step before confirming an appointment. Even if you know the person, you may not know the pet or the place, and you don’t want to toss your child into an unknown and potentially unmanageable situation.

A meet and greet will let your child interact with the pet in a controlled environment to test their temperament and compatibility.

5. Guide the Conversation with Potential Customers

Setting specific and reasonable expectations is the only way to guarantee a positive experience. You don’t want any uncertainty around the responsibilities that may disappoint the customer or put your child in an awkward spot.

Confirm a written checklist of duties during your meeting, and encourage your child to ask any questions they need for clarification. Go over emergency contacts, escape routes, and restricted areas around the house.

Ensure your child has reliable access to the home. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the chance to assess the situation and gain assurance that your child will be safe.

6. Share Your Child’s Services on Social Media

While your child may want to create a separate website once their business gains traction, you can boost their profile from the get-go by advertising services on social media.

Give the business a quick shoutout to make your extended network aware. Instagram, X, Facebook, and other social sites will let you immediately connect with interested pet owners and start conversations.

7. Get Business Cards

If your child has a business name, an email address, and a logo, you can offer marketing help by getting them their first set of business cards. Sites like Canva let you design and order business cards in only a few quick and easy steps.

Your child can create the card and use it as they canvas the neighborhood to network and broaden their potential customer list.

Conclusion

Pet-sitting is one of the best business ventures a kid can jump into, requiring little more than a genuine passion for animals to get started. For us parents, the trickiest part is finding a balance between offering support and allowing independence.

Your kids will need your help to succeed, but you don’t want to control the process of starting the pet-sitting business. Here is an excellent opportunity for your children to grasp new concepts and build skills. While you can lend feedback, you should leave it to them to learn their lessons, make mistakes, and seize the chance for personal growth.

Featured Image Credit: Bear Fotos, Shutterstock

The post 7 Tips for Helping Your Kids Start a Pet-Sitting Business by Nicole Cosgrove 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.