We all know that cat pee smells awful, but did you know that cat pee can be harmful to you and can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to cats?

But just how dangerous is cat pee, how should you clean it up, and how do you get your cat to use the litter box a bit more? Let’s get into the details below.

Is Cat Pee Toxic?

Not only does cat pee smell terrible, but cat pee can also release ammonia, a toxic gas, if it isn’t cleaned away quickly.  Prolonged exposure to ammonia can lead to allergic reactions in humans or the exacerbation of a person’s allergies. Because of this, you need to be very careful when cleaning up cat pee that you clean it all away, and if your cat is urinating anywhere other than in their litter box, you need to address it right away.

What Are Side Effects of Breathing Cat Urine Ammonia?

The ammonia that is produced when bacteria break down urea (a natural component of cat urine) can cause respiratory issues for both you and your cat.   Concentrations of over 2500 ppm are potentially fatal, but luckily, ammonia smells terrible so people are aware of it even at low concentrations, and leave places with high ammonia gas immediately, if they can. Cat urine from a few pet cats is highly unlikely to reach anywhere near a toxic level, but it’s best to practice caution, especially if you have more cats than this.

Ammonia, even at much lower concentrations can irritate your lungs and eyes, which is extremely uncomfortable. Because of this, you need to take precautions if you’re around cat urine regularly.

Other Dangers of Cat Urine

People who are allergic to cats are allergic to a protein known as Fel-D1 that is found in cat saliva, dander and urine.  The protein causes flare ups of allergies for those that suffer, usually leading to itchy eyes, a running nose and an itchy throat.  Those that suffer from asthma can also be triggered by Fel-D1.  Signs can be a whole lot worse for those with severe allergies.  Fel-D1 is not a danger to those without cat allergies or asthma, so if you have someone in the house without these conditions, ask them to clear the litter box.

How to Clean Up Cat Urine

If your cat urinated somewhere they shouldn’t, you need to clean it up right away, but there are a few things you should know before you start scrubbing.

1. Wear Gloves and a Mask

It might seem excessive, but it’s a small step that can make a huge difference. Wear the proper protective equipment when cleaning up cat urine, especially if it has gone unnoticed for a period of time.  This means wearing disposable gloves and a high-quality face-mask. Your safety should always be your top priority.  When cat urine is fresh, it won’t be producing much ammonia at all, as it takes some time for bacteria to start breaking down the urea to ammonia.  Therefore, fresh cat urine is much less of a threat to you.

2. Ventilate the Area

In addition to cleaning the affected area, you should ventilate the area as much as possible. This will help clear the ammonia gas  and smell from the air, making it safe to breathe sooner rather than later.

3. Thoroughly Clean It Right Away

When you discover cat pee, you need to start cleaning it up right away instead of letting it sit there. The exact cleaning method you use will vary depending on the surface, but whatever you do, do it sooner rather than later so that less ammonia gas is released. Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to use an enzymatic cleaner to try and keep your cat from revisiting the area.

Top 8 Tips for Litter Training Cats

One of the best ways to ensure your cat urinates only in its litter tray is to get them successfully toilet trained. This isn’t usually a problem, but if you have a cat struggling to consistently use their box, we’ve highlighted several tips and tricks you can try to get them completely litter box trained.

1. Get the Right Litter

Most of the time, cats won’t use the litter box because they don’t like the type of litter you’re offering. Each cat is different, so there’s no one right or wrong option here. Find what works for your cat and stick with it!

2. Get Enough Litter Boxes

If your cat can’t find the litter box or if there aren’t enough litter boxes for them, then they might try to find somewhere else to relieve themselves. You need at least one litter box on each floor of your home, and you always need one more litter box than you have cats.

This means if you live in a 3-story home with four cats, you need at least five litter boxes. Even if you only have two cats in an apartment, you should have at least three litter boxes. The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one.

3. Put Litter Boxes in the Right Place

Cats like litter boxes in quiet places that aren’t too hard to get to, and it’s up to you to find the perfect place to put them in your home. If there’s too much going on around the litter box or your cat can’t easily get to it, they might find somewhere else to go instead.

4. Keep the Litter Box Clean

Cats don’t like using dirty litter boxes, and if it’s too dirty for them, they’ll find somewhere that is cleaner. Scooping their litter box once a day goes a long way in ensuring they’ll keep using it day after day. You should also aim to do a full clean of their box about once a week.

5. Introduce Them to the Litter Box

Your cat won’t use the litter box if they don’t know where it’s at, so anytime you add a litter box or move a litter box, you need to introduce them to it. Simply putting them in the clean litter box should be more than enough to get them to come back and use it in the future.

6. Keep Your Home Clean

If your home is dirty, it can be confusing for your cat, and they might think the dirty laundry or the dirtiest part of your home is where they should relieve themselves. Keeping your home clean goes a long way in ensuring a cat only relieves themselves where they should.

7. Stay Positive!

It’s easy to get negative when your cat is urinating somewhere they shouldn’t, but you don’t want your cat to keep hiding the behavior. If you stay positive by encouraging them to use the litter box and rewarding them for doing so, you’ll get much better results.

8. See a Vet

If your cat is urinating outside of the litter box when they normally don’t, then you need to take them to the vet. Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness, and not using their litter box could be their way of telling you that something is wrong.  Cats might urinate around the house due to stress, urinary tract disease such as cystitis, an increased need to urinate due to kidney disease or diabetes mellitus, or because they can’t get into the box due to a sore leg or back.  Visiting a vet is a very important first step if your cat is suddenly urinating inappropriately.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about why cat pee isn’t good for you and how to clean it up, it’s up to you to take the necessary steps to sanitize your home and ensure your cat starts using their litter box in the future. We know it can be a frustrating process, but once you get it under control, you’ll have a great furry friend to spend your days with—and a clean, fresh-smelling home!

Featured Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock

The post Can Cat Pee Make You Sick? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips by Adam Mann appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

There are various types of cat litter out there, and while we’d like to think that everything for sale is perfectly safe for your cat, that simply isn’t the case. Typically, silica cat litter is safe for cats, but it really depends on the type of silica in the litter, and even then there are some things you should be aware of.

With that in mind, we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about silica cat litter below so that you can make an informed decision for your cat and find the best option out there with all the necessary information.

Is Silica Cat Litter Safe?

Generally speaking, most silica cat litter is safe for your cat. However, there are a few things to note, starting with the type of silica in the litter. If the litter uses crystalline silica, it’s not thought to be a safe option for you or your cat.

However, if the litter uses an amorphous silica gel, it’s generally safe for your cat. Although non-toxic if inhaled or ingested, eating large amounts of amorphous silica gel can create issues in a cat’s digestive tract leading to vomiting or diarrhea. This is likely more of a real concern in kittens, as they are more likely to eat it.  It’s the same concern you’ll have with clay-based cat litter, but it is worth noting if your cat likes trying to eat the stuff.

Advantages of Silica Cat Litter

If you’re thinking about switching to silica cat litter, it comes with numerous advantages, which is why so many cat owners love using the stuff. Here are a few advantages:

Low Maintenance

Since silica cat litter doesn’t typically clump but is still highly absorbent, you don’t have to worry about scooping quite as much out each day. Simply remove the solid waste and change out the litter as needed, which isn’t as much scooping as compared to other litters.

Little to No Dust

Most silica cat litter has minimal dust, which has numerous health benefits for your cat’s health. Not only that, but it’s less messy, which makes clean-up around your litter box easier as well.  Clay litter creates a lot more dust, and this dust can be harmful to your health ¹.

Great at Odor Control

Silica cat litter absorbs large quantities of cat urine, reducing the amount of urine that can evaporate into the environment.  Because of this, silica cat litter is one of the best options out there for eliminating cat urine smells from the litter box. Silica cat litter also dries out cat feces, reducing fecal smells.

Disadvantages of Silica Cat Litter

While there are several things to like about silica cat litter, it’s not perfect. Silica-based cat litter has numerous disadvantages compared to other types of litter, and we’ve highlighted a few of them for you here:

Some Cats Don’t Like the Texture

While some cats don’t mind the texture of silica cat litter, other cats can’t stand the feel. If you wind up with a cat that doesn’t like the texture, you won’t be able to get them to step foot in the litter box, and that’s a huge drawback. Always give your cat the type of litter they prefer when possible.

Not Eco-Friendly

As silica litter is inorganic, it is not biodegradable and will damage more the environment than other types of products available in the market.  Manufacturers recommend putting used silica litter in the garbage, meaning it will end up in landfill.

More Expensive

Compared to many other litter options out there, silica-based products are simply more expensive. This is especially true when you consider the high-quality options that will be more absorbable and less dusty.  However, you will go through less silica-based litter due to its excellent absorbency, and the time saved with fewer litter box cleans may be worth the extra expense.

Final Thoughts

Unless your cat eats the litter, silica cat litter is usually safe and has numerous benefits compared to other types of cat litter. Always ensure it is amorphous silica gel, and not crystalline silica.  However, even amorphous silica cat litter isn’t perfect, so do your research and then go with the cat litter that’s best for you and your cat.

Now that you know a little more about silica-based cat litter, you can make an informed decision and maybe even pick up a silica cat litter for your cat to try.

Featured Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina, Shutterstock

The post Is Silica Cat Litter Safe for Cats? Vet-Approved Pros, Cons & FAQ by Adam Mann 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.

With so many things to do in Dallas, Texas, it’s no surprise that you’ll want to travel here for pleasure or even need to travel here for work. But just because you come to Dallas doesn’t mean you need to leave your feline friend at home.

There are plenty of hotels in Dallas, TX that accept cats, and we’ve highlighted 10 of the best of them for you below. Whether you’re staying for a day or two or for a couple of weeks, bring your cat when you stay at any of these Dallas area hotels!

The 9 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Dallas, TX

1. Americas Best Value Inn Addison Dallas

Address:	4005 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$15 per pet, per night

2. Canvas Hotel Dallas

Address:	17425 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$50 per pet, per stay

3. Extended Stay America Coit Road

Address:	12121 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$25 per pet, per night for the first 6 nights; $10 per pet, per night after 6 nights

4. Extended Stay America Frankford Road

Address:	18470 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$25 per pet, per night for the first 6 nights; $10 per pet, per night after 6 nights

5. Extended Stay America Greenville Avenue

Address:	12270 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$25 per pet, per night for the first 6 nights; $10 per pet, per night after 6 nights

6. Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center

Address:	4500 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	heck in: 3 PM; Check out: 12 PM
Cost:	$50 per pet

7. La Quinta Inn & Suites Addison Galleria

Address:	14925 Landmark Blvd, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	$25 per night

8. Motel 6 Dallas Market Center

Address:	1625 Regal Row, Dallas, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 1 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	None

9. Red Roof Inn Dallas

Address:	8150 Esters Blvd, Irving, TX
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM
Cost:	None

Conclusion

Don’t leave your cats at home the next time you come to Dallas, TX. Instead, just book a pet-friendly room instead. Of course, you’ll want to book early so you don’t have to worry about it, so make a reservation today and then all you’ll need to do is start packing!

Featured Image Credit: Kamila Koziol, Shutterstock

The post 9 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Dallas, TX (2024 Update) by Adam Mann 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 all know that cats need fresh water daily, but if you have a larger bowl that they don’t empty each day, how often do you need to change it out? The truth is that you need to give your cat fresh water every day, and if they don’t drink it all, you need to dump it out, clean the bowl, and then give them fresh water again.

But why do you need to swap out the water every day, and what can happen if you don’t?

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Water and Food Bowls?

While you might not think much about your cat’s food and water bowls, that doesn’t keep bacteria from forming on them. Just like you don’t want to use a dirty bowl or cup for your meals, you shouldn’t expect your cat to use one either.

Because of this, you should clean their food and water bowls every single day. It might seem a little excessive, but there’s a reason you wash your dishes after each use, and your cat deserves the same thing!

How Much Water Should Your Cat Drink?

The amount of water a cat drinks out of a traditional water bowl depends on the size of your cat and the type of cat food you feed them. If you feed your cat wet cat food, it contains 70 to 80% moisture, meaning it can give your cat a lot of the fluids that they need.

Overall, your cat needs about 4 ounces for every 5 pounds of body weight, meaning a 10-pound cat needs 8 ounces of water each day.¹ But since your cat can get their water from their food or their water bowl, sometimes it can be hard to measure just how much water they’re actually getting.

What Could Happen if You Don’t Change/Clean the Bowl Enough?

You need to take the time to clean your cat’s water bowl daily, and the reason for this all comes down to the inevitable contamination with food particles, dust and bacteria. If you’re not cleaning the bowl enough, your cat may become unwell from drinking water contaminated with bacteria.

Cats are also very fussy about the water they drink. If the water smells or tastes funky because it is not clean and fresh, they may drink less or not drink it at all. Not drinking enough water can also cause problems, for example putting cats at an increased risk of urinary tract issues.

How Often Should You Clean a Cat Water Fountain?

While you need to clean a traditional cat water bowl each day, if you have a fancier cat water fountain-style bowl, you likely don’t need to clean it quite as often as the water is moving and they generally contain filters. However, you still need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and on average clean it and replace the water at least once a week, but often every 3 to 4 days, even if the water in the bowl lasts longer than that.

These fountain-style bowls don’t collect bacteria as quickly as traditional bowls, but they don’t stay clean forever. When cleaning the bowl, dump out any water that’s still in the bowl and give them fresh water to prevent bacterial buildup. Be sure to follow guidance on how often to change and replace filters as well, which is usually every 4 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about how often you should change your cat’s water bowl and why it’s so important, all that’s left is for you to take the time to clean it. It can be a pain to adjust to at first if you don’t normally clean them that often, but once you get into a rhythm, it only takes a few minutes each day, and it goes a long way in keeping your cat healthy and safe!

See also:

• Do Cats Go Grey as They Age? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
• Is There a 911 for Pets? Vet-Approved Emergency Facts

Featured Image Credit: AleksandarMilutinovic, Shutterstock

The post How Often to Change Your Cat’s Water? Vet-Approved Care Tips by Adam Mann appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you see your cat nibbling on common dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), it can be easy to want to rush them straight to the vet. But the truth is that dandelions are healthy for your cat in moderation. They offer numerous health benefits as long as you don’t give them too many and as long as there isn’t anything else on the dandelions like pesticides or herbicides.

But what should you do if your cat eats a plant they shouldn’t or if they start exhibiting other negative signs? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here!

Health Benefits of Dandelions for Cats

Dandelions have various nutrients that are beneficial for your cat, including vitamins A, B, K and E. There are also plenty of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Importantly, dandelions contain high amounts of fiber to help with a healthy digestive system as well as antioxidants that may have anti-cancer properties.  However, the key to this is moderation.  The roots of dandelions are thought to have some diuretic properties that will cause your cat to urinate more frequently, so we don’t want to give them too much.

Don’t let them eat a ton, but a few leaves here and there shouldn’t create a problem. There is an important exception to this rule; keep in mind that if the dandelions have pesticides or herbicides on them, they potentially become extremely toxic for cats!  Therefore, avoid any dandelions on kerb sides or in yards where you know the lawn has been sprayed.

Toxic Plants for Cats

While clean dandelions (without pesticides or herbicides) are safe for cats to eat in moderation, that’s not the case for all common plants. We’ve highlighted four toxic plants your cat should never eat. This list is far from all-encompassing, so always research any plant you’re bringing into your home or any plant you see your cat eating to see if it’s toxic for your cat.

1. Daffodils (Narcissus spp)

Daffodils are beautiful yellow plants. They look great on your property, but they can also look delicious to a cat. Unfortunately, they’re extremely toxic for cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems and convulsions.  The bulbs are the most toxic part but don’t let cats eat any part of the plant, and take them to the vet immediately if they chow down on them!

2. Lilies (Lilium spp.)

Lilies usually refer to a large genus of flowering plants, containing between 80-100 species.  They are beautiful plants that come in a variety of different colors and can be found in floral arrangements or in flower beds.  Unfortunately, many species within this genus are extremely toxic and life-threatening to cats. They cause acute kidney failure and death within 72 hours of ingestion so must be kept well away for our feline friends.  If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, including pollen, you must take it to the vet as an emergency.

3. Spanish Thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)

Spanish thyme might sound edible because it has thyme in the name, but it’s absolutely not. It’s a common houseplant, but if you have a cat at home, you shouldn’t bring it home because of how toxic it is.  Signs of toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite.

4. Tulip (Tulipa spp.)

Tulips are another beautiful plant that you must never let your cat chew on.  They are also part of the Liliaceae family (along with many lilies). If your cat is eating or nibbling on a tulip, reach out to your vet or Animal Poison Control right away so you can take the necessary actions.

What to Do if Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant

If your cat eats a toxic plan, the first thing you need to do is contact your veterinarian.  Many common plants have been eaten before and your vet will likely know if your cat needs to be seen urgently or not.  If for some reason you can’t get hold of your vet, you can call the Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. Tell them exactly what your cat ate and how much of it, and they’ll walk you through everything you need to know and what you should do.

Final Thoughts

While you likely don’t need to rush your cat straight to the vet if they’ve eaten a dandelion, if they develop a habit of eating plants, you need to be extremely careful of what plant you bring into your home or garden.

If you’re unsure about what you should do, reach out to your vet or the Animal Poison Control and they can give you the necessary guidance to make a good decision for your cat!

Featured Image Credit: Elena Elisseeva, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Dandelions? Vet-Approved Nutritional Benefits & FAQ by Adam Mann appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You shouldn’t feed your cat vinegar directly, but if they’re pooping or peeing somewhere they shouldn’t, it can be a great option to get them back to the litter box. But how can you use vinegar, and how can you get them back in the litter box?

We’ve answered those questions for you here. That way, you can get your cat back on track and back to the litter box in no time!

Click below to jump ahead:

• Do Cats Like the Smell of Vinegar?
• Tips for Using Vinegar
• Reasons Why Your Cat Is Not Using the Litter Box

Do Cats Like the Smell of Vinegar?

No cats do not like the smell of vinegar, and most cats will actively avoid vinegar if they can. This is why you can often use vinegar as a deterrent to keep your cat from peeing or pooping in a location they shouldn’t. If your cat doesn’t feel comfortable in the location, they won’t go to it for any reason, even to relieve themselves!

However, keep in mind that if you don’t address the underlying issue, your cat still won’t go to the litter box; they’ll just find somewhere else to go instead.

Top 3 Tips for Using Vinegar

If you’re using vinegar to keep your cat from using the bathroom somewhere they shouldn’t, there are a few different tips you should follow to make it as successful as possible. We’ve highlighted three of the most important tips for you to follow:

1. Distill the Vinegar

While there technically isn’t anything wrong with using pure vinegar, it’s a bit stronger and is more likely to stain surfaces than if you distill it first. It’s a small step, but it helps ensure everything in your home stays in great shape.

2. Reapply

Vinegar works as an excellent deterrent for cats, but over time, the smell will start to dissipate. When that happens, your cat might revisit the area and use it again. Reapply every few days for a couple of weeks until your cat no longer thinks about using the area before you stop applying it.

3. Don’t Spray Your Cat!

It might seem obvious, but you should never spray your cat directly with vinegar. It’s unsafe for your cat to spray them directly, so don’t even spray it close to them so you don’t have to worry about accidentally hurting them.

The 6 Reasons Why Your Cat Might Not Be Using the Litter Box

While you can use vinegar to deter your cat from using the bathroom in a specific area they shouldn’t, if you don’t address the underlying reason your cat isn’t using the litter box, you’re not fixing anything, and they’ll likely just pick a new place to go where they shouldn’t.

1. Dirty Litter box

Cats don’t like using a dirty litter box, so if you’re not cleaning it enough, they’ll find somewhere cleaner to relieve themselves instead. Clean out the litter box daily to keep it clean enough for your cat to keep coming back to use it.

2. Not Enough Litter Boxes

You need a litter box on each floor of your home, and you need at least one litter box per cat, plus one. This means if you have three cats, you need at least four litter boxes, and if you only have one cat, you still need two.

3. New Litter Type

Did you recently change the type of litter inside the box? If so, your cat might not like the new litter. Change it back to what they were using before and your issues might go away. Whenever you change litter or food, you need to make the transition very slowly.

4. Can’t Find the Box

If you recently changed the location of the litter box, you might need to show your cat where you moved it to. You can’t blame your cat for not using the litter box if they don’t know where it’s at!

5. Stressful Location

If there’s a lot of activity around the litter box, your cat might not feel comfortable using it. You need to find a quiet location where your cat can peacefully relieve themselves; otherwise, they might find a peaceful location even if there isn’t a litter box there.

6. Medical Problems

If your cat going to the bathroom outside of the litter box is a new thing and you haven’t changed anything else, there might be an underlying medical problem you need to address. If you can’t figure out anything that’s changed, take your cat to a vet to rule out a medical problem you might not know they have.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to use vinegar to keep your cat from using the bathroom somewhere they shouldn’t, all that’s left is for you to start using it! Find the right vinegar, start in an inconspicuous area, and reapply as necessary to get your cat back into the litter box!

Featured Image Credit: focal point, Shutterstock

The post Does Vinegar Stop Cats From Pooping? Facts & FAQ by Adam Mann appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

While cats are mostly nocturnal, many of our furry companions like to match our schedules to spend more time with us. If that sounds like your cat, where should they sleep? And what are some tips you should follow? We’ve highlighted some tips for setting up their sleeping area for you below.

Top 7 Tips for Setting Up a Cat Sleeping Area

If you’re trying to find the perfect area for your cat to sleep at night, there are a few things you can do to help them out. We’ve highlighted seven great tips you can follow to help your cat get a little more sleep.

1. Set Them Up High

Cats love high perches, so if you’re trying to set them up with an area to sleep at night, you’ll want to add some height. Find some spaces up high throughout your home and see if you can’t set their beds there. This can be with a tall cat tower, or you can make use of other higher elements in your home.

2. Give Them Options

Cats like having different areas to sleep in, so if you only set them up with one area to go to bed, you’ll find them sleeping in other areas all the time. But if you can set them up with several options, they’ll be more likely to choose one of them to use.

3. Consider a Cat Bed

While you don’t need a cat bed, and your cat might not use one, having one or two strategically placed in your home is a good idea. Cats love insulated and soft spaces, so if you put the bed in an area they like, they should use it.

4. Find Low Traffic Areas

When cats are sleeping, they don’t like people constantly waking them up, and if people do, they will try and find a different place to sleep. So, if you have a quiet area where you can set their beds up, it’s more likely that they’ll come back to use it again.

5. Give Them a View

Cats like watching the world around them, and sometimes they’ll laze around before they fall asleep. If you give them something to look at and enjoy before they fall asleep, they’ll be more likely to use that bed again in the future.

6. Make It Comfortable

Everyone wants a comfy place to sleep, and your cat is no exception. Give them a soft place with plenty of insulation and try to keep it away from drafts. The more comfortable you make it for them, the more likely it is that they’ll come back and use it again.

7. Give Them Hiding Spots

Cats can be a bit timid, and when they’re trying to sleep, they can feel especially insecure. Giving your cat a few hiding spots where they can cuddle up and go to sleep and not feel like they’re on full display makes it more likely that they’ll use that spot.

Should Cats Sleep in Your Bed?

Cats are social creatures, and you might find they want to sleep in your bed. If that’s the case, there are pros and cons to letting them sleep in your bed. There are emotional perks to letting your cat sleep in your bed, including an increased sense of security and emotional well-being.

However, there’s also a fair risk of physical health concerns it can cause. Some of these concerns include potential parasites and breathing issues. It’s up to you to balance the potential pros and cons and make the best decision for you and your cat!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about how and where you should set up sleeping areas for your cats, all that’s left is for you to do it! Remember that they need multiple locations, so set up a few different areas for your cat and let them pick their favorites. When you do, let them pick their favorites and then leave them to it at night!

Featured Image Credit: KatinkavomWolfenmond, Pixabay

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If you were on the Internet in 2019, you couldn’t miss the “women yelling at a cat” meme. On one side of the meme was a picture from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with a woman yelling and pointing, and on the other side was a picture of a cat sitting in front of a salad at a dinner table.

That cat’s name is Smudge, and it’s quite an interesting story about how he got there. He’s a rescue cat, and we’re not quite sure exactly what kind of cat he is, but there’s no doubt that he took the Internet by storm, and you can still see pictures of him circulating from time to time!

What Kind of Cat Is Smudge?

Finding out what kind of cat Smudge is is actually pretty difficult. But that’s probably because Smudge is a rescue cat and likely isn’t a thoroughbred. In fact, even Smudge’s owner might not know what kind of cat Smudge is.

As of right now, it doesn’t seem like the owners are allowing that information out to the public. And since Smudge is likely a mix of cat breeds, we can’t tell what kind of cat Smudge is from the memes and pictures alone.

Where Did the Smudge Memes Come From?

The Smudge cat memes burst onto the scene in 2019, but the original picture of Smudge sitting in front of a plate of salad actually first appeared on Tumblr in 2018. At this point, the picture of Smudge didn’t include the lady yelling at Smudge.

Over the next year, the post gained over 50,000 likes and reblogs. But while this is a pretty impressive number by itself, it doesn’t fully account for Smudge’s viral fame.

This started in May 2019—almost a full year after Smudge first appeared on Tumblr in June 2018. An unknown Twitter user with the handle @MISSINGEGIRL combined the photo of Smudge with a picture from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and the Internet loved it.

From there, Smudge has acquired a website, over 1.6 million Instagram followers, and even has tons of unofficial Facebook groups in his honor.

While the picture of Smudge sitting in front of a plate of salad is by far his most well-known, there are plenty of other pictures out there of him to look through.

A Little More About Smudge

While Smudge is most famous for his picture of him sitting in front of a plate of salad, there’s more to a cat than just a single picture. Smudge’s owners state that Smudge loves to sit at the table for dinner, which is where the original picture came from.

If Smudge’s owners sit down for a meal, he wants a seat at the table! And while Smudge certainly isn’t a big fan of salad, there are plenty of meals that Smudge gets that he happily gobbles down. But if you’re looking for a similar reaction, Smudge really doesn’t like Nachos either.

Smudge’s owners report that he certainly has a strong personality and attitude, but overall, he’s a very loving cat. Finally, Smudge was 6 years old when they took the picture that has taken the internet by storm.

Final Thoughts

Smudge’s owners have used the attention he’s gotten to try and raise awareness for shelter cats, and we want to take a moment to do that here. Smudge is a great cat who needed a home, and even though he doesn’t have a high-end pedigree, that didn’t keep him from warming the hearts of millions of people around the world.

So, if you’re looking for a cat like Smudge, check out your local shelter and there will likely be plenty of cats for you to choose from.

• See Also: 30 Kitten Memes

Featured Image Credit: The3dragons, Unsplash

The post What Kind of Cat Is Smudge From the Internet Memes? Iconic Kitty Facts by Adam Mann 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.

Just like you should wash your bedding every week or two, the same is true for your cat’s bedding. Ideally, you’ll want to wash it once a week, but if they don’t spend all that much time using it, you might be able to get away with washing it once every 2 weeks.

Taking the time to wash their bedding will keep it smelling nice and fresh, and it can help keep your cat healthy. And just like you enjoy climbing into a bed with fresh, clean sheets, your cat likely will as well.

Why You Should Wash Your Cat’s Bed

Just like you need to wash your bedding to keep it clean and smelling fresh, the same is true for your cat’s bedding. But the truth is that there are multiple reasons you need to frequently and consistently wash your cat’s bedding.

It doesn’t take all that much work to clean your cat’s bed, so add it to your list of biweekly chores and stick with it.

How to Wash Your Cat’s Bed

Now that you know all about how often and why you need to wash your cat’s bed, all that’s left is for you to figure out how to do it. The good news is that it’s a pretty straightforward process, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know here:

1. Remove the Cover

If your cat bed has a cover, start by removing that. You don’t need to wash the entire bed; you just need to wash the cover your cat is actively using. Of course, once you remove the cover, you need to move the cat bed to a place your cat can’t use until you finish.

If your cat bed doesn’t have a cover, you can skip this step, but you’ll need to be more careful when spot-treating, washing, and drying it.

2. Spot Treat

If the cat bed has noticeable spots with stains, dirt, or grime, it’s best to spot-treat it before moving on to the next step. Follow the directions for the spot cleaner you’re using and ensure it’s not going to react adversely with the cat bed. Or you can always go over it with the vacuum hose a few times!

3. Wash and Dry

Before washing the cat bed, take the time to read the label and follow all the directions. If the label doesn’t have directions or if you can’t find the directions for any other reason, stick with an unscented detergent specifically for pets.

Either wash the bed by hand or on a cold cycle on the lowest available setting. From there, only use a dryer on the lowest possible setting if you’re sure it won’t damage the bed. Otherwise, you’ll need to air-dry the cat bed.

If you are using a dryer, we recommend using an unscented dryer sheet to help remove static and pick up any leftover pet hairs. Of course, always clean out the lint trap in the dryer after each use.

Final Thoughts

It’s something many pet owners overlook and neglect, but taking the time to wash your cat’s bedding every week or two goes a long way in keeping them happy, healthy, and smelling great. Even better, it really doesn’t take all that long, so once you get into the routine, it’s not that hard to keep up with!

Featured Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock

The post How Often Should You Wash a Cat’s Bed: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks by Adam Mann appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If your cat is making more noise than they usually do and constantly visiting the water bowl, it might be a sign that something could be wrong. They could be experiencing a wide array of health concerns, or it could be something completely benign.

It’s a lot to sift through, which is why we came up with this guide that breaks down everything you need to know with all the potential reasons for this behavior, serious or otherwise.

Click to Skip Ahead:

• Potential Concerning Reasons
• Potential Harmless Reasons

Potential Concerning Reasons Your Cat Drinks Too Much Water & Meows

While it might be harmless if your cat is drinking a bit too much water and is meowing incessantly, there’s also a chance it’s a sign of an underlying problem. If this is new behavior for your cat, there’s a good chance something is going on, and you should take them to a vet so they can properly diagnose your cat.

With that in mind, we’ve highlighted five different potential reasons for the behavior for you to consider here:

1. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is an issue that commonly affects older cats, and it is an issue with your cat’s thyroid. Hyperthyroidism causes your cat’s thyroid to go into overdrive and secrete more hormones than it should, which can lead to various symptoms.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include higher metabolisms, excessive energy, weight loss, and excessive thirst. Hyperthyroidism is treatable, but you should reach out to your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment options for your cat.

2. Diabetes

If your cat is extremely overweight or if you have a younger cat experiencing excessive thirst, diabetes is something you need to consider. However, if you have an older cat at a healthy weight, it’s extremely unlikely that diabetes is the cause.

If your cat is overweight and you have noticed them experiencing excessive thirst, diabetes is something you need to consider.

A veterinarian can help diagnose if your cat has diabetes. Most cats with diabetes can fall into remission with a change to a diet that is low in carbohydrates. However, some cats might need daily insulin injections to keep their blood glucose levels stable.

3. Liver Disease

Your cat’s liver is an extremely important organ responsible for many functions of metabolism and detoxification.

Due to the liver’s enormous reserve capacity, liver failure occurs rarely, as more than 66% of it has to be severely affected. While rare, increased thirst can be a sign of liver disease.

Other potential signs of liver disease include:

Advanced or chronic liver disease can be life-threatening, even with vet treatment. Fortunately, unless your cat displays additional signs, it’s unlikely that your cat is experiencing liver failure just because they’re drinking more than they should and meowing a lot.

5. Kidney Disease

Polydipsia or increased water drinking is also a sign of kidney disease in cats. Cats with kidney disease drink more water because the disease causes them to lose their ability to concentrate urine. This results in increased dilute urine production as a way of trying to compensate for this increased thirst.

Potential Harmless Reasons Your Cat Drinks Too Much Water & Meows

There are several potentially harmless reasons your cat might be meowing and drinking a bit more than usual.

This is especially true if the behavior is happening just slightly more than usual. We’ll highlight several potentially harmless reasons for these behaviors for you here, but when in doubt, play it safe and take them to the vet.

6. Hot Weather

When the weather warms up it’s perfectly normal for your cat to need to drink a bit more water to keep up and stay cool. And the reason for the meowing?

They’re uncomfortable and hot! If they get too hot, they can overheat so you don’t want to ignore this completely, but usually, it’s not a big deal and when everything starts to cool down a bit, they should go back to normal.

7. New Drinking Vessel

Sometimes your cat is simply drinking more because they like what you’re giving them water in! Perhaps it’s a leaking sink, a new water bowl, or something else entirely. They’ll drink more from it because it’s interesting to them, and they’re meowing more because they want you and everyone else to check it out too!

8. Rehydrating

If your cat was recently sick or they just came in from a hot summer day, they might be drinking more to try and rehydrate themselves. If this is the case, it should only last a little while before your cat fully recovers and both the excessive meowing and drinking should stop.

9. Dietary Changes

If you recently switched your cat from wet food to dry food, this could be the reason they’re drinking a bit more. Wet food gives them the water they need, so if they switch to dry food, they’ll need to drink more water to make up the difference.

Meanwhile, they could be meowing a bit more because they like or don’t like the change and they’re trying to tell you about it!

Final Thoughts

If you can’t figure out why your cat drinks so much water and constantly meows, you’ll want to take them to a vet. The vet can run all the necessary tests to help you figure out what’s going on, and from there, you can take the necessary steps to try and get everything under control and back to normal!

Featured Image Credit: Daria Kulkova, Shutterstock

The post Cat Drinking a Lot of Water & Meowing? Vet-Reviewed Advice & When To Worry by Adam Mann 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.