Cats are strange creatures with adorable, quirky habits that make them endlessly fascinating to watch as they go about their enigmatic feline business around our home. Cat owners have probably seen their cat sitting on their toys for no apparent reason or sitting on random objects around the house sometimes, like boxes or plastic bags. No matter what the object is, your cat has probably sat on it in some way. Why? We’ll explain six potential reasons below.

The 6 Possible Reasons Why Cats Sit on Their Toys

1. To Hide It

Your cat might be possessive of their toy or even think of it as a prey animal, which would explain their innate drive to protect it. Cats in the wild have few ways to guard food or prey and might sit on it to hide it from encroaching predators, and the cat in your house might feel the same urge. Lying on a small animal like a mouse is also an effective way to smother them before the cat dines. This feeds into their natural hunting instincts and helps keep them sharp.

2. To Protect It

Cats in the wild might sit on their yet-to-be-eaten food or even their babies in the wild, and your cat in captivity is similarly driven to protect their natural resources or family. Food is hard to come by in the wilderness, and even with plenty of it, they could feel compelled to sit on their favorite toys, which may smell like food or catnip. Regardless of the exact reason, cats are jealous when it comes to prized resources like food or even favorite toys.

3. They’ve Learned That It Gets Them Attention

Sitting on odd objects like toys, boxes, or bags gets cats’ attention because it’s adorable, and cats are very quick thinkers. They catch on quickly that you flip out when they sit on their toys or other stuff and will begin to do it more frequently in hopes that you give them more attention. It’s frightfully effective, cute, and typically harmless.

4. They’re Putting Their Scent on the Toy

Cats rely more heavily on scent than we do, and they’re driven to mark their territory. For cats, territory includes all objects within, including toys, food, and so on. Cats have scent glands throughout their bodies that release subtle pheromones we can’t smell, but that they and other cats can. For instance, they have scent glands in their chins, which also explains why they rub their chins on us.

5. It Has Your Scent on It

Cats are sentimental critters that grow to love certain smells, including yours. Items that you frequently handle or touch, like clothing, carry your scent, but even minor items like toys can hold your scent for a long time to a cat’s enhanced olfactory abilities. Your scent becomes something to be revisited and valued by your cat, which you should take as a compliment.

6. Lying on Top of Things Keeps Your Cat Warm

Cats run a little hotter than us humans, which explains why cats appear attracted to heat. Toys offer a little insulation against the cold, bare ground, and even better if they’re nestled in a cozy bed. Cats are especially drawn to toys with heating pads in them, so that may be something for you to look into. You may have noticed that your cat avoids bare tile or hardwood flooring, and sitting on toys is a minor buffer for them.

Conclusion

Cats love to sit on toys, bags, boxes, and nearly anything they can interact with. Without real prey to hunt, your house kitty is naturally inclined to sit on toys for a variety of reasons that you’ll never quite pin down. Still, it’s likely many of the reasons above play a role!

• See also: Why Do Cats Hide Their Toys? Funny Feline Behavior

Featured Image Credit: Heather Raithby Doyle, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Sit on Their Toys? 6 Possible Reasons for This Behaviour by Codee Chessher 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.

Everyone knows the one about the cat that got the cream, but have you ever wondered if cats actually can, or should, eat cream? You might be surprised to learn that although cats would certainly love to devour a saucer of cream, it’s not actually good for them, and can even cause disastrous gastric symptoms. You see, cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest cream or other dairy products. That means butter, milk, most cheeses, and just about anything that contains lactose, is not good for a feline. A little bit here and there won’t have drastic effects, but they shouldn’t eat it regularly.

If you’re interested in learning more about why cream is unhealthy for cats, what happens when they eat it, and some other foods to keep away from your cat, you’re in the right place. Stay tuned as we elaborate on those topics and more down below.

Why Is Cream Unhealthy for Cats?

Cream isn’t toxic for your cats, but it is loaded with fat and lactose. Once a cat is weaned, they lose the necessary digestive enzyme to properly break down lactose. While a small amount can seem like a treat, it can actually cause really distressing symptoms, including stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting

The ability to tolerate dairy varies from cat to cat. Some cats can enjoy a small amount of milk or cream with few apparent ill effects, while the slightest taste can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea for others. Essentially, there’s not really any reason to feed your cat dairy considering the potential negative effects.

What Other Foods Aren’t Good for Cats?

Cream isn’t strictly toxic to cats, but it is unhealthy. While you’re pondering foods cats can’t eat, it’s important to cover other unhealthy and even toxic foods you should keep away from your cat at all costs. To help you in that endeavor, we’ve compiled some of the biggest no-nos below.

What Do Cats Eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their body’s biology is hardwired to need animal-based protein to grow and survive. To be more specific, your cat needs lots of protein, alongside some fat, and minimal carbohydrates. Unlike us and dogs, cats have no specific need for carbs like grain, and it can contribute to excessive weight gain and obesity. For instance, cats that eat dog food get less protein and more carbs, which isn’t ideal for their health, and can lead to deficiencies in the essential amino acid, taurine.

Fiber is also an important component of the domestic feline diet, which is why many commercial cat foods will contain some form of carbohydrates. In the wild, cats don’t really need added fiber; the bones, skin and other bits and pieces of their prey help to keep their stools formed and their intestinal tract clear and healthy. Our pet cats eat little to no prey, so will often need a little added help in this department to avoid problems like loose feces or constipation.

Treat Tips for Cats

Cats may not be able to eat cream as a regular part of their diet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat your kitty with some other delicious foods. The best treats for cats keep their dietary needs in mind while offering a delicious taste they’ll go crazy for. Check out a few treat ideas below so you can start spoiling your cat ASAP.

Conclusion

While many cats can nip a taste of cream without consequences, most suffer very unpleasant stomach upset and diarrhea from eating any type of dairy. Instead of cream, take a look at meaty treats, catnip treats, or fibrous veggies to add variety to your cat’s diet.

See also:

• Can Cats Eat Frogs?
• Can Cats Eat Mint Ice Cream?

Featured Image Credit: ponce_photography, Pixabay

The post Can Cats Eat Cream? Vet-Reviewed Feeding Facts by Codee Chessher 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.

Do fleas die in winter or cold weather? According to Athens Animal Wellness Center¹, fleas can survive for up to 5 days in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. That means unless you keep your house at sub-50 temperatures, the fleas on your cat won’t be dropping off any time soon, especially since your cat keeps them nice and toasty. Unless you get rid of them, fleas can lay up to 40 eggs per day, which quickly snowballs into a very big and very itchy problem.

The fleas outside will die in less than a week if they don’t find a host, so you only have the fleas inside to deal with. That said, many fleas will make their way indoors during early winter weather by hitching a ride on your pets.

Winter might reduce local flea populations, but it can’t cure an infestation. For more info on how you can help get rid of your cat’s fleas and keep them away, you’ve come to the right place. Read on below for specific treatment and prevention strategies you can employ in your home today.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Cat

You’ll first need some pure Castile soap or cat shampoo, hot water, and a fine-toothed flea comb suitable for your cat’s coat. Start by normally brushing out the fur, then dip your comb in soapy hot water. Brushing your cat with this hot, soapy water will draw out and kill both the fleas and their eggs.

If that doesn’t quite do the trick, you may need to up your game with some heavier-duty treatment options. Let’s look below at which you can use to control fleas for your cat and how well they work.

Topical medication is 100% the most effective way to go to kill the fleas on your cat. It’s pretty cheap, easy to apply, and starts working quickly. If your cat simply won’t tolerate handling, you can try hiding oral medicine inside a tasty treat or another snack.

How to Prevent & Deter Fleas in Your Home

Deterring fleas is the most effective way for your cat to not get fleas in the first place, but it works after treatment just as well. Keeping your home clean is the best way, but there are a few specific things for you to try that will drastically decrease the chances of another flea infestation from plaguing your best furry feline friend.

Conclusion

Unfortunately for itchy cats, just waiting for winter to kill their fleas isn’t a good solution. Cats are pretty good about picking the occasional flea off, but severe cases could call for oral or topical medication. After treating your cat, treat your home to keep fleas away for good.

Related Read:

• Does UV Light Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Reviewed Treatment Options
• Does Rain Kill Fleas? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Vera Larina, Shutterstock

The post Does Cold Weather Kill Fleas on Cats? Here’s What Science Says (Vet Approved Advice) by Codee Chessher 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.

History and fiction are littered with beloved cats, and one of the most recent is Pete the Cat. Invented by artist James Dean and inspired by his real-life black cat of the same name, Pete the Cat is well-known and loved for his unbridled optimism, music, and wacky adventures. To date, Pete’s made his way into over 60 children’s books, a TV show, and even a few musicals.

Like some other fictional kitties, it’s unclear what breed Pete is. Our most likely guess would be a domestic shorthair. The art style used in Pete the Cat books and shows is so stylized that it’s hard to tell a breed, anyway. Regardless of his breed, Pete has been a hugely positive influence on children from his first appearance in Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Other vital themes of Pete the Cat include problem solving, generosity, art, music, and self-confidence.

Pete isn’t the only famous cat out there. Both history and fiction are full of bold felines of uncertain origin or breed. Let’s find out a little more about Pete the Cat, as well as some other famous cats. Check out the details down below.

Why Are Cats So Popular in Fiction?

Cats have fascinated us since they domesticated themselves in ancient Egypt, so it’s little wonder we put them in some of our most cherished art. You can see examples as far back as cat pictographs and as recent as Garfield, symbolizing grave sincerity and watchfulness as well as zany frivolity.

Our favorite felines have been associated with good luck on ships, pest-free farms, the afterlife, and more. The iconic Cheshire Cat, for instance, is known for being cryptic but well-meaning—the epitome of a cat’s spirit. Last but not least are cat videos, which everyone knows and loves.

Cats could also be so popular because they’re adaptable. While occasionally associated with witches or the underworld, at heart, we know that cats aren’t really that sinister. Still, those unblinking eyes and the old black cat myth can certainly make a cat creepy at night!

Famous Fictional Cats

Everyone knows at least a couple, but we’ve put together a list of the most famous felines in all of fiction for you to peruse. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite! Check ‘em out below.

Conclusion

Pete the Cat is a big-hearted fictional cat who’s grown into a beloved institution, even if we can’t tell what breed he’s supposed to resemble. Along with other cats like Tom and Garfield, Pete has a lot of valuable life lessons and fun adventures to share with people of all ages.

Featured Image Credit: PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek, Shutterstock

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Farm or barn cats are possibly the purest incarnations of a cat. The earliest domesticated felines invited themselves onto our land to take care of our vermin problem, and many today still prefer it to a traditional housecat life.

Not all cat breeds take well to life on the farm, but others are perfectly suited due to their history, temperament, and physical traits. If you’re interested in what types of cats are best suited to taking care of a vermin problem for you, look no further. Check out all the best barn cat breeds down below.

The 7 Barn Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are large, fluffy cats well-known for their doglike personalities. They like solitude as much as the next cat and will gladly occupy themselves by hunting down rats but enjoy spending a lot of time with their humans too. Maine Coons do well as both housecats and part-time barn cats because of their affable personality and keen hunting instinct. Their thick, plush coat helps them stay comfortable in extreme cold, too.

2. Siamese

Siamese are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, with a trademark color point pattern that leaves their body lighter than their extremities. Keep in mind that there are just four recognized color point patterns in Siamese.

These elegant, inquisitive creatures do great as highly sociable barn cats, so they’re hardly a cat you just let loose and expect minimal contact. Siamese are athletic, playful kitties that make excellent hunters to control vermin on your property.

3. American Shorthair

Descended from European cats brought to North America to protect food stores, the American Shorthair is one of the most diverse cat breeds in the world, and the 8th most popular cat breed in the world. These cats are diverse in personality as well as coloring, but most retain a curious, playful nature that makes them excellent hunters. An independent streak helps in that regard too, and they’re fairly low-maintenance cats to keep on your farm.

4. Siberian

Siberians are big, strong cats with long, triple-layered coats perfectly suited to cold and wet weather, though they love being near people too. This breed is sociable and not likely to bother your livestock or other pets but is definitely self-motivated enough to carve out their own niche on your land and set up shop as the local vermin hunter. They’re playful and sometimes described as a doglike breed and tend to live long lives. As implied by the name, the Siberian cat traces back to ancient, snowy Russia.

5. Chartreux

The rare but instantly recognizable Chartreux hails from France, with a water-resistant blue-gray coat and distinctly aloof personality. They’re smart, active animals that are known to be quiet or mute, and their big muscular bodies make them great hunters for any farm. They’re pretty neutral towards both people and other pets, but don’t expect them to be extroverted.

6. American Wirehair

The American Wirehair is an offshoot of the American Shorthair, traced back to a single litter of kittens born with a wiry, dense wool-like coat similar to a lamb’s wool. They’re prolific explorers but not the most energetic breed out there, but they do have a strong prey drive that makes them good at deterring mice or rats. Overall, they’re nearly identical to the Shorthair cat.

7. Bengal

For a more exotic barn cat, consider the mini-leopard Bengal cat. They’re the result of breeding a regular domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat, and the Bengal is a spectacular athlete with a wild prey drive that makes them ideal farm animals. Bengals are fiercely independent and intelligent, and with patience, some of them can even be trained to perform tricks like a dog.

Conclusion

Barn cats are one of the most beneficial critters you can have on a farm, and they take care of vermin problems like it’s nobody’s business. In exchange for a comfy, warm space to sleep and some food, any one of the breeds above make amazing companions that double as pest control!

Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

The post 7 Barn Cat Breeds – Felines to Keep on Your Farm by Codee Chessher appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The record for longest tail belonging to a living domestic housecat belongs to Altair Cygnus Powers, a Maine Coon belonging to Dr. William Powers, a Michigan HIV specialist. Altair’s supremely fluffy tail measures an impressive 16.07 inches, which understandably causes some issues in day-to-day life. Dr. Powers says that Altair is a very playful kitty at heart, but adorably, “gets embarrassed” to play sometimes because his sweeping, floofy tail gets in the way.

Intriguingly, Altair comes from a family of cat record holders, though not by blood. His adopted brother, Fenrir, is currently the tallest living cat in the world at a skyscraping 18.87 inches and gets confused for an ocelot or other wild cats on a regular basis. Before Altair, Dr. Powers owned a cat named Cygnus, who was the previous record holder for the cat with the longest tail. Cygnus’s tail measured a bit longer than Altair’s at a whopping 17.58 inches. Most tragically, Cygnus passed away in an accidental house fire in 2017.

Cats’ tails are one of their most defining traits, from the way it curls to indicate their mood, the way it helps them balance, and more. Let’s check out some more detailed info on cat tails down below, including whether breed affects the tail length and just why a cat’s tail is so darn important.

Does Cat Breed Affect Tail Length?

Yes, a cat’s genetics do affect their tail length. For instance, the Manx breed lacks a tail altogether due to a genetic mutation, while the Savannah breed tends to have longer tails. Cygnus, for example, was a Savannah cat. While a cat’s tail will generally be more or less proportional to their body’s length, certain breeds tend to have shorter or longer tails. To give you a better idea, let’s first briefly take a glimpse at some common cat breeds that tend to have longer tails, then look at some cats with especially short tails.

Why Are Cats’ Tails Important?

Many people think of a cat’s tail as just a wavy little bit connected to a cat’s mood, but it’s more like an extension of their spine that helps them balance. If you’ve ever watched a cat walk atop a perilous fence, you probably didn’t even notice their tail. In those situations, a cat’s tail will seem to wave back and forth, but you can notice a distinct rhythm that’s attached to their footsteps. In fact, the tail acts as a counterweight that works hand in hand with their other senses.

As if that’s not enough, you’ll probably be shocked to learn a cat’s tail does much more than just help with balance. It does several other jobs at the same time, from keeping your cat warm to keeping them upright when they fall. Let’s talk a bit more about the other purposes of a cat’s tail, including why they’re important.

Conclusion

The current record holder for longest cat’s tail goes to Altair Powers, a Maine Coon living in a house of record-breaking kitties, including the current tallest cat. A cat’s tail is critical for maintaining balance, conveying mood, and helping them stay warm, but every cat has a tail that’s as unique as they are.

Featured Image Credit: italay, Shutterstock

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Cats love to sleep, and no cat loves sleep more than newborn kittens! New kittens sleep most of the day away, awake only for brief intervals to nurse before going back to sleep. That totals up to an average of roughly 22 hours a day for the youngest kittens, though that dips down as they grow and become more active. In contrast, an adult cat sleeps about 16 hours per day.

Kittens sleep 22 hours or so for their first 2 weeks, and around the third week that starts to change. Not by much, but as their senses develop, a kitten will want to engage with the world more often and even gain the ability to sleep more deeply during their brief “cat naps.”

If you’re as fascinated by cats and their sleep habits as we are, you’re in the right place! We have all the info you might want to know about kittens, sleep, and how to help your kitten get a better night’s rest, so check it out down below!

Why Do Kittens Need So Much Sleep?

Like baby humans, kittens are new to the world and need sleep to grow. More specifically, they feed during their fleeting awake time and promptly go back to sleep. That’s when their bodies do the magic of converting mother’s milk into muscles, bones, brain tissue, and all the stuff that makes a cat a cat. During this time, a kitten is cozied up to their mother and littermates, which keeps them warm while their body learns how to regulate its temperature.

During their time asleep, their brain is busy not only growing neurons but reinforcing everything they learn during their time awake. They know that their mother takes care of them by feeding and grooming them, which provides the foundation for socialization. They don’t know much during these early days, but the comforting presence of the mother and littermates helps the kitten develop healthy attachments. When it all comes down to it, sleep is vital for both the kitten’s physical and emotional well-being.

Why Isn’t My Kitten Getting Enough Sleep?

Kittens that don’t get enough sleep can suffer a range of negative consequences, from a compromised immune system to excessive weight gain to noticeable anxiety or aggression. There are a lot of different reasons a young kitten isn’t getting enough sleep, so let’s check some off so you can deduce the cause of your kitten’s lack of sleep.

How to Help Your Kitten Get Enough Sleep

Helping your sleepless kitten sleep better at night is essential for their continuing growth and well-being, plus it helps you sleep more soundly when they’re not climbing on the walls at all hours of the night. To improve your kitten’s sleep habits, try some of our handy kitten sleep tips below.

Conclusion

Kittens are a bundle of furry, cuddly joy, but they sleep more than 90% of the time early on in their lives. They need every wink they can get to continue growing up happy and healthy, which makes sleep an important consideration early and later in life.

Featured Image Credit: super-mapio, Pixabay

The post How Many Hours Do Kittens Sleep? Early Habits & Behaviors Explained by Codee Chessher 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.

Many people have heard of barn cats, or farm cats, as they’re sometimes called. These cats appear the same as any old house cat, but it’s easy to wonder if they’re another species altogether. According to genetics, they’re not. Barn cats are generally just feral or semi-feral mixed breed cats that live in an agricultural setting.

If you’re interested in learning more about these farm-dwelling felines, you’re in luck. We’ve come up with a comprehensive guide with all the information about barn cats you could ever want to know. Check out the details with us down below.

Click to Skip Ahead:

• What Is a Barn Cat?
• Where Do They Live?
• Where Do Barn Cats Come From?
• What Are the Different Types of Barn Cats?
• Advantages of Barn Cats
• Disadvantages of Barn Cats

What Is a Barn Cat?

As mentioned above, barn cats are domestic cat breeds that have evolved over time to a mixed or almost generic cat breed with few distinctive physical markers to set them apart. To help delineate things a little bit and shed some light on these vital predators.

Physical Appearance

Barn cats are usually mixed breeds descended from various feral and stray cats, which may or may not include some purebred blood along the way. That gives them a variable appearance, though certain traits tend to prevail in barn or farm cats because they help them survive in their habitat. Let’s look at some common physical traits commonly found in barn cats briefly below, but don’t forget that these may not apply to all barn cats.

Personality & Temperament

Barn cats have a wide range of personalities ranging from friendly to completely wild, depending on where they live and how much human interaction their bloodline has had with humans. Generally speaking, though, barn cats are independent and self-sustaining solitary hunters. Their strong prey drive also displays itself in playfulness, but not necessarily toward humans. Rather, you’ll often see barn cats engaging in harmless hunting-like behaviors like stalking, which serves as good hunting practice.

Where Do They Live?

Barn cats historically gravitate to barns and other covered structures in agricultural areas. These not only help protect them from the elements, especially considering that cats like warm, cozy homes. Buildings like barns and sheds serve as valuable food sources because vermin are also drawn to humans, especially wherever food like grains or veggies are stored.

You can often find barn cats strolling fields, grain stores, and nearly anywhere that rodents may live or nest. When the cats urinate in their territory, those small pests can smell the ammonia and know to avoid it, further proving the usefulness of cats. Some barn cats are part-time house cats and may sleep inside, but that requires a flexible arrangement, such as a cat door, because of their nocturnal nature.

Where Do Barn Cats Come From?

Barn cats come from all walks of feline life. Generally, barn cats are either feral cats that happily found a new home or strays that ran away or were abandoned. Naturally, when these cats get together, they reproduce, which can easily create self-sustaining populations of barn cats that can serve multiple generations by culling nearby rodents.

Even if a farm owner doesn’t care for cats personally, they’d be hard-pressed to not let a cat or two hang out. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, after all! Combined with the cat’s incredible hunting prowess and hardiness, it’s not hard to see why cats end up on farms all around the world.

History of Barn Cats

Barn cats were the first domesticated cats, with historical evidence suggesting they’ve been living alongside humanity as early as 7,500 BC. There’s a bit more to it, but essentially, some breeds of small cats noticed we had a lot of food that attracted the small animals they ate. In true cat fashion, they allowed us to start living alongside them.

At first, cats were seen as little more than vermin, but that quickly changed when people noticed that more cats equaled fewer rats and other nasty vermin eating and polluting our food stores. Farm cats and so-called ship cats that do the same job on boats are closely related in history. Many farm cats were once ship cats that simply did the same job on their way to a suitable farm.

What Are the Different Types of Barn Cats?

The vast majority of barn or farm cats are mixed breeds from time spent in the wild, but not all. Some established pure breeds were either developed in agricultural settings or have traits and preferences that lend themselves well to a humble life on the farm. Let’s take a look at some pure cat breeds that do well as barn cats.

Advantages of Barn Cats

Disadvantages of Barn Cats

Conclusion

Barn cats may not always be pureblooded, but life on a farm alongside humans is almost always beneficial. The cat gets shelter, a steady food source, and they might even be friendly! Unfortunately, you’ll have to contend with some drawbacks if you’re interested in having a barn cat on your property.

See Also:

• How to Train a Barn Cat: 10 Easy Steps
• How to Keep a Barn Cat From Running Away: 7 Easy Tips

Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

The post What Is a Barn Cat? A Comprehensive Guide by Codee Chessher 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.

Fleas are pernicious little parasites, and it can be hard to get rid of them on your cat. This gave rise to rumors of things like UV light killing fleas, but is it true? Kind of, but it would take so long that you’d be better off curing your cat’s fleas through more traditional methods, like those prescribed by your vet.

UV light like that in blacklights contains a small amount of radiation. This isn’t harmful to people or pets, but it’s known to mutate the DNA in germs. That’s why UV lights are sometimes used to help sterilize surgical environments in the medical field.

Sadly, UV light cannot penetrate a flea’s tough chitinous exoskeleton very well. In theory, it could kill fleas, though. Some unsubstantiated sources online claim that UV wands can cure fleas, but there’s nothing to actually back it up.

UV lights might not be the answer to solving your kitty’s flea problem, but don’t worry, we have all the info you need to treat your cat and home to kill and deter fleas in the future. Dive into the details below.

How Is My Cat Affected by Fleas?

Fleas are parasitic creatures that feast on warm-blooded critters like your cat, and they live nearly anywhere animals do. Merely taking a walk outside can attract fleas, who jump on and hitch a ride back to your house. If not taken care of, they’ll feast and multiply on your cat, driving them crazy with itchiness in the process.

Cats can experience several common symptoms when afflicted with fleas, and some are less common but more severe. To get a better idea, let’s look at how you can spot a case of fleas on your cat.

Other Flea Control Methods

UV light isn’t very effective at controlling fleas, but it can’t hurt as a supplementary measure. As primary measures, your best tools are a good flea comb and topical flea medication. Your vet can also give you advice on how to treat fleas, though products like Frontline and Advantage don’t require a prescription.

Flea Comb

A high-quality fine-tooth flea comb can remove adult fleas and their eggs from your cat’s fur, but it can take a lot of work. This makes flea combs best for when your cat gets the odd flea on them from going outside, but less effective at combating heavy flea infestations. Cats are good about grooming themselves, but a good once-over daily session with your flea comb can help reduce the numbers of fleas in your home, in a pinch.

Flea Medication

Topical flea medications recommended or prescribed by your cat’s veterinarian are the most effective tools for both killing fleas and preventing them from coming back. They have an easy-to-use formula that starts working within 24 hours, and you may notice fleas jumping away from your cat during this time.

Topical flea and tick products typically last a month or longer, but read the product’s packaging to stay up to date on when you need to reapply the medicine. Lapses in applying topical flea medications can give fleas time to make a comeback, so mark your calendar.

Treating Your Home for Fleas

Fleas aren’t just on your cat or other pets, they can live on your carpet and other flooring too. Fleas love carpets because thick carpet fibers trap skin cells, hair, and other matter that fleas can feast on. They also make an ideal environment for flea eggs, which can reinfect your cat. Let’s go over the best ways to treat your house for fleas to make sure they never come back again.

Conclusion

UV light might be a fine secondary measure for deterring fleas around your house, but it hasn’t been shown to be very effective. Your best options to keep those little bloodsuckers at bay are a flea comb, topical medications, and good housekeeping.

Related Read:

• Does Febreze Kill Fleas on Cats Safely? Vet Approved Fact & FAQ
• Does Cornstarch Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Khamklhai Thanet, Shutterstock

The post Does UV Light Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Reviewed Effectiveness, Safety & Alternatives by Codee Chessher 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 the go-to pet for people who work long hours because they’re thought to be more independent than dogs. This is true, according to a study by the University of Lincoln.¹ They observed whether cats exhibit behavior which means they see you as a caretaker or protector like dogs and young children do, and they don’t!

Cats are seemingly less frustrated at being left alone than dogs, preferring to seek out safe spaces and rely on their own instincts to survive. They rarely display frustrated behavior that may be some type of attachment to their owners, but the researchers couldn’t decide whether it was just gruntles of discontentment.

If you’re interested in more about how cats evolved to be so independent, you’ve come to the right place. Read on below for more details on that, as well as tips for bonding with a particularly independent feline.

Why Are Cats More Independent Than Dogs?

Cats are natural-born hunters in the wild, preferring to spend time alone or in small groups. They’re not gregarious pack animals like wild dogs, and most wild cats have established safe spaces they can retreat to in emergencies.

Most of the same things they do in our homes are innate survival instincts, and cats learn how to hone those skills from kittenhood. Mother cats teach their cats how to stalk prey and hunt, as well as show them social behaviors from a very young age. Eventually, the kittens go off on their own and live their best lives.

Cats are unique and unlike dogs in that they sort of domesticated themselves. Millenia ago, ancient humans noticed that wild cats liked to hang around grain stores to hunt. Small rodents like mice and rats could seriously damage critical food reserves like grain, so the ancients figured cats could hang out if they earned their keep by killing pests.

Even when they were revered in ancient Egypt, cats were seen as royal creatures for their self-sufficiency and lithe grace. Today, they inspire countless funny cat videos and memes while allowing us to take care of them in the form of food, shelter, and so on.

Do Cats Like Affection?

Yes, cats like love and affection, as any cat parent will tell you. They’re not as in-your-face about wanting love as dogs, but cats are intelligent creatures that understand you care for them. They know you feed them, pet them, and play with them—to a cat, that’s almost all there is. They don’t need you to groom them, but they appreciate being scratched or petted.

Some cats are more loving than others, and some are even avid cuddlers! Many cat parents are familiar with their furry friends rubbing up against them, nuzzling, or licking them for attention. Other felines are sparser with affection or even seem standoffish. You may see subtler signs of love from them, like the classic half-lidded gaze that signals a cat’s happiness or contentment.

How to Bond With Independent Cats

You don’t get to choose your cat’s personality, and establishing a bond with reclusive or unsociable kitties can be challenging. Let’s take a brief look at some ways you can help strengthen your connection to your furry friend without scaring them.

Conclusion

Cats are more solitary pets than dogs, and they see us more as companions than someone that takes care of them. Some cats are more private and shyer than others, but consistent attempts to bond will go a long way.

Featured Image Credit: Aaron Zimmermann, Shutterstock

The post Are Cats Independent? What Science Tells Us by Codee Chessher 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.