The Incredible Value of What God's Given You However‚ as it is written: "What no eye has seen‚ what no ear has heard‚ and what no human mind has conceived"-the things God has prepared for those who love him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9 When the Western Union company asked the great inventor Thomas Edison to "name his price" for the ticker he had invented‚ Edison asked for a few days to think it over. His wife suggested he ask for $20‚000‚ but Edison thought that was too much. So when the time came for the meeting‚ the Western Union official asked Edison for his price. Edison wanted to say $20‚000‚ but couldn't get the words out of his mouth. So the official broke the silence. "Well‚ how about $100‚000?" It's sometimes easy to undervalue things that haven't come to full fruition yet. Edison hadn't really seen the full potential of his world-changing invention‚ so he wasn't aware of its incredible value. The same is often true of salvation. You see‚ no living person has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him‚ but its true value is beyond what anyone could imagine. As a believer‚ what you have in Jesus Christ is the most valuable thing in the world. Yet there are still those who take it for granted‚ using it as license to live as they please. But a Christian who knows its value will live every day in thankfulness to the glory of God. Live today in light of your salvation‚ giving thanks to God and doing everything to bring honor to Him! Prayer Challenge Thank God for His saving work in you and pray your life would bring glory to Him! Questions for Thought What are some times in your life when you might have taken God's salvation for granted? What would it look like for you to live each day in thankfulness‚ bringing honor and glory to Him? Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post The Incredible Value of What God’s Given You – Senior Living – February 1 appeared first on GodUpdates.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is demanding vastly increased surveillance powers to monitor every single man‚ woman and child on earth for “disease control.” According to WHO boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus‚ the unelected bureaucrats require [...] The post WHO Demands Surveillance Powers to Monitor Every Man‚ Woman &; Child For ‘Disease Control’ appeared first on The People's Voice.

"I wish there was as much concern for the victims and survivors of senseless violence in the city" The post Chicago‚ Where 148 Were Shot This Month‚ Demands ‘Ceasefire’ in Israel appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

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The post Cat Preventive Care for Good Health &; Longevity: 8 Fundamental Pillars by Grant Piper 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 is an aspect of veterinary medicine that is called preventive care; meaning preventing health problems through proactive measures. Preventative care means better health outcomes and a happy‚ comfortable cat. This guide will cover the importance of preventive care in veterinary medicine‚ debunk a number of myths about cat health‚ and go over some of the most important pillars of preventive medicine. Following these pillars can help comprehensively protect your cat against disease and can help improve your precious cat’s health and wellbeing. Why Preventive Care for Cats Is So Important There is an old adage that says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That saying is often used in human medicine‚ but the same thing can be said of pet medicine as well. Preventive care is proactive and informative. Veterinary preventive medicine has come a long way in the past decade. With new treatment options and better tests‚ many vet clinics are able to find‚ treat‚ and manage a host of different issues before they become major problems. Preventive care is important because it takes a proactive approach to medicine. Instead of reacting to your cat’s obvious health issues‚ you will be proactively preventing‚ discovering and managing them before they become problems. Being able to treat an issue early at your primary care vet could be better from a financial standpoint. Lastly‚ preventive care helps keep your cat healthy and well for longer. Being able to head off problems before they become issues can help extend your cat’s lifespan‚ boost their quality of life‚ and keep you informed of the potential issues and pitfalls that might be lurking in the future. Knowledge is power in medicine‚ and knowing your cat’s predispositions and potential health problems can allow you to provide the best care for them as they age. Image Credit: De Jongh Photography‚ Shutterstock The 8 Pillars of Preventive Care 1. Regular Examinations The first step to practicing excellent preventative medicine is to take your cat for regular examinations at the veterinarian’s office. Annual exams are the basis of all preventative medicine. It is here that your vet will check your vaccine schedule‚ test for any underlying problems or illnesses‚ give you lifestyle‚ nutritional‚ and health advice for your individual cat‚ and suggest preventive medications and prescriptions that you might need for the upcoming months. If your cat is in good health‚ you may only need to do this examination once per year‚ but the knowledge‚ information‚ and medicine you gain from them are invaluable. 2. Testing as Needed During your cat’s examination‚ your vet might find something that requires additional testing. These tests can give you insight into what is happening with your cat’s body. There are a number of different tests that can be run‚ from bloodwork to fecal tests to urine analysis to x-rays. Each test will look for different problems that can give your vet the critical information needed to treat and diagnose your cat. The earlier you can find and identify a problem‚ the better the prognosis is for long term treatment and care. Image Credit: thodonal88‚ Shutterstock 3. Spaying and Neutering In addition to preventing unwanted litters‚ spaying and neutering are a form of preventative medicine. Spaying and neutering pets has a bevy of health benefits. Spaying and neutering reduce the risk of developing certain infections‚ cysts‚ and cancers. Mammary tumors are more common in entire female cats. Spaying and neutering also reduces your cat’s urge to mate and find a mate. Intact cats often try to escape and disappear during mating season because they are driven by powerful instincts and hormones. Many times‚ these cats get lost or injured while looking for a mate. 4. Flea and Tick Prevention All cats are at risk of getting fleas and ticks‚ even indoor cats. Fleas and ticks can spread disease‚ cause skin lesions‚ and can even leave your cat anemic from loss of blood if your cat is small and the parasite burden is large. You can accidentally bring fleas and ticks inside on you‚ or if you have dogs that go outside for walks‚ they can also bring in fleas and ticks that can then jump on your indoor cat. Modern flea and tick prevention is convenient and highly effective. Putting your cat on an effective flea and tick preventative will kill any fleas and ticks jumping on your pet‚ and help stop fleas establishing themselves in your house. Image Credit: Pressmaster‚ Shutterstock 5. Parasite Detection‚ Treatment‚ and Prevention There are a number of parasites that can infest cats outside of just fleas and ticks. There are various types of worms (like roundworms‚ hookworms‚ and tapeworms) that can dwell inside your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. Regular worming medication is needed to prevent parasitic worms‚ or you can do regular fecal testing and worm as needed. There are also protozoan parasites like Giardia‚ coccidia‚ and Toxoplasma‚ which can cause illness but unfortunately there is no preventative medication for these. Instead‚ the best way to avoid them is to reduce contact with infected animals and avoid raw meat ingestion. 6. Diet A balanced and healthy diet‚ tailored to your cat‚ plays a role in keeping them healthy. Ensuring that your cat stays at a healthy weight and is eating quality food can do wonders for their long-term health. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight can go a long way in keeping them healthy as they age. Obesity is a major problem for domestic cats‚ and obesity is associated with a bevy of severe health issues in your cat including joint disease‚ diabetes‚ urinary issues and cancers. A premium diet is not essential‚ but generally has the benefit of better quality ingredients and the option of special formulas to help with conditions such as dental disease‚ obesity‚ arthritis‚ dermatitis‚ food sensitivities‚ and urinary problems. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot‚ Shutterstock 7. Vaccinations Keeping up with vaccinations is an important pillar of preventative medicine. Many people believe that cats only need to get one round of vaccines when they are kittens. That is not the case. There are a number of vaccines that require boosters and updates periodically throughout your cat’s life‚ after the three‚ monthly‚ kitten vaccinations. For example‚ most adult cats will need rabies vaccines annually‚ and they will also need an FVRCP vaccine every one to three years. The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1)‚ Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Panleukopenia (FPV). Rabies is also part of the FVRCP vaccine. Keeping up with your cat’s vaccine schedule as they age‚ will protect them against serious but preventable diseases. 8. Dental Care How often do you take your cat in for dental check ups? Cats need to receive regular dental care‚ just like dogs and humans. Without dental care‚ cats can develop dental issues‚ including tartar accumulation‚ gingivitis‚ periodontal disease and pain. These problems can affect your cat’s ability to eat and their welfare. Cats should receive regular dental checks and dental cleans if your veterinarian deems this necessary. Keeping on top of dental problems is a big part of preventative care‚ but did you know that you can look after your cat’s teeth at home? Dental treats‚ cat toothbrushes‚ dental food‚ and water additives can help fight tartar if used regularly. Image Credit: De Jongh Photography‚ Shutterstock Myths About Cat Health Indoor Cats Don’t Get Sick Some people erroneously believe that cats that live inside all the time cannot get sick. They believe that since their cats don’t go outside‚ they are insulated from things that can make them sick. This is not true. Cats can get sick even when they live inside. They can develop dental disease‚ injure themselves‚ develop cancer‚ or become obese‚ all from the safety of your home. Indoor cats are less prone to getting certain infectious diseases or parasites‚ but they are in no way immune. Image Credit: PippiLongstocking_Shutterstock Cats Rarely Show Signs of Illness or Pain For the longest time‚ there was a false belief that cats did not feel pain. Some people still think that if their cat is acting sick‚ they must be seriously ill or even dying. But cats are perfectly capable of feeling pain and discomfort. They show these things in more subtle ways than people‚ but you can detect pain in illness in cats if you know what to look for. Cats Don’t Need to Go to the Vet as Much as Dogs Some people think that cats are exempt from regular checkups and exams because they are healthier or more independent than dogs. That is not the case. Domestic pets should see the vet at least once per year‚ preferably twice per year for senior pets. That includes both cats and dogs. Dogs do not need more frequent or intensive vet care than cats‚ and cats should be going to the vet just as much as dogs do. Image Credit: antibydni‚ Shutterstock Don’t Ignore Signs That Your Cat Could Be Sick Despite the saying “cats have nine lives‚” cats require annual checkups to ensure that they are healthy. In addition‚ if there is something amiss with your cat‚ don’t wait. You know your cat better than anyone. If they stop eating‚ drink more or less than usual‚ start sleeping more‚ become more aggressive‚ or any of their toileting habits change‚ there could be something wrong. If you think there is something wrong with your cat‚ act on it right away‚ for your cat’s sake‚ so they have a better chance of recovery and less likely to suffer from prolonged illnesses. Sometimes small problems turn into much bigger problems if not treated in a timely manner. Don’t Let Your Cat Win the Vet Battle In a study conducted by Bayer and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)‚ it was found that over half of all cats in the United States (52%) had not gone to the veterinarian in the past year. The data also showed that cats receive half the number of regular exams as their canine counterparts. Why the discrepancy? Cats are notoriously hard to take to the vet. Cats like to hide when they get the smallest inkling that something is up. They are also masters at avoiding getting into a carrier. It will take a little training‚ but you can desensitize your cat to being in the carrier and being transported. First we recommend getting your cat accustomed to the carrier. Leave it out and place some treats around it to pique their interest. Then add some treats inside the carrier. When they are comfortable going inside‚ shut the door for a short time before letting them out. You can also do small trips in the car‚ when you’re not attending the vet‚ just to practice transporting them. This lets them know they are not going to the vet 100% of the time they get in their carrier. You can also use a calming spray on a towel placed over or in the carrier‚ to calm your cat. If your cat is deathly afraid of the vet‚ you can try locating a local Fear Free or Low Stress certified veterinarian who is trained to make the trip as painless as possible. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to tranquilize your cat for the visit. It’s worth doing the extra work to make your cat’s trip pleasant‚ and getting them examined for their own health and wellbeing. Conclusion Preventive medicine is a key part of keeping your cat healthy and happy for years to come. Preventive medicine is better than reactive medicine‚ and it also has a higher chance of success. When you find problems early and identify lifestyle issues that can turn into problems‚ you can treat them before they become dangerous. Unfortunately‚ we know that some cats are difficult to take to the vet‚ but with the right training or the help of sedatives‚ the trip can be pleasant. Ensuring that your cat is receiving the required care and recommended visits to the vet can help keep them living their best life long into adulthood. Sources VCA Animal Hospitals Cornell University PetMD The Pet Hospitals https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-cats Featured Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Preventive Care for Good Health &; Longevity: 8 Fundamental Pillars by Grant Piper 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 post My Cat Purses Their Lips When They Poop‚ What’s Going On? Vet-Approved Reasons &; FAQ by Lorre Luther 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 express how they’re feeling in subtle ways‚ which can be difficult for humans to pick up on. Sorting out signs of illness and discomfort in cats can be difficult‚ partly because they’re evolutionarily programmed to hide indications they’re not feeling well to protect themselves from predators. It can be hard to determine if cats are experiencing discomfort for similar reasons. Pursed lips can sometimes indicate a cat is in pain‚ particularly if they are expressing other signs of pain as well.  Pursed lips while pooping could just be something your cat does‚ or it could be an indication of discomfort. Difficulty pooping can be a sign of several conditions‚ including constipation and various anal gland conditions. Straining when trying to go to the bathroom‚ lack of stool production‚ and pain when pooping are never normal and merit prompt veterinary action. What Do Pursed Lips Look Like in Cats? It can be difficult to tell pursed lips in a cat‚ so just to be clear‚ this would be a straightening of the normal curve of the lips along with a straightening of the whiskers. Their ears may flatten and their face can appear tense as well 1. How Can You Tell if Cats Aren’t Feeling Well? Changes in behavior‚ such as eating or drinking more or less‚ litter box avoidance‚ withdrawal‚ and lethargy‚ can all indicate illness in cats. Meowing and litter box issues can be common indications of pain‚ and cats can also show discomfort through facial expressions—flattened ears and tense muzzles are commonly seen. Cats can be quite expressive‚ so lip pursing isn’t concerning if your companion has been happily doing so and pooping healthily for years. However‚ pets who are suddenly pursing their lips while pooping and appear to be showing signs of illness or pain require medical attention. Image Credit: one photo‚ Shutterstock What Is Feline Constipation? Constipation is difficulty defecating. Constipated cats can make less frequent litter box trips‚ strain or cry when defecating‚ become withdrawn‚ and sometimes lose interest in eating. It can be caused by several medical conditions. Constipation can be related to environmental factors‚ such as avoiding a dirty litter box. Issues can also emerge when cats are unhappy about the location or have difficulty accessing litter boxes. It can also be caused by dehydration and lack of physical activity. Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can also lead to problems. Treatment depends on the cause‚ but dietary adjustments are frequently part of the plan. Increasing the amount of water cats consume and their physical activity can also help. Which Anal Gland Conditions Commonly Cause Cats to Have Pain While Pooping? Cats have anal glands located just inside the anus that produce a dark‚ pungent fluid that they use to mark their territory. The liquid is typically expressed when cats poop‚ but anal gland impactions and infections can make it difficult for them to move feces out‚ and therefore‚ express the glands. Anal impactions generally develop as fluid fails to move out of the glands over time‚ essentially building up and creating a blockage. Cats suffering from anal gland impactions may lick their bottoms and have difficulty pooping. Expressing the gland usually solves the problem and can be done in the veterinarian’s office. Infected anal glands can develop from impactions that aren’t treated promptly. The accumulation of fluid makes the area a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Signs of anal gland infections include lots of licking and biting of the area‚ pain when pooping or sitting‚ redness‚ and irritation. You may even see blood on their feces or from their anus. Treatment usually involves expressing the gland and antibiotics. Cats sometimes need to be sedated during the treatment as it can be painful. Image Credit: RJ22‚ Shutterstock Frequent Asked Questions How Often Do Cats Usually Poop? Most healthy adult cats have at least one bowel movement every 24 hours or so; more than 48 is too long in most cases. Cats that haven’t pooped in over a day need to be seen by a veterinarian. Are There Ways to Support Feline Digestive Tract Health? Feeding cats high-quality food that provides the right mix of nutrients in proportions designed to support nutritional needs is critical to keeping cats happy and healthy. Weight maintenance also plays a huge role when it comes to cats’ digestive health. Overweight pets can have difficulty completely emptying their anal glands. Ensuring they drink enough water and get enough exercise through playtime is also essential. Are There Ways to Increase the Amount of Water Cats Drink? Many cats prefer to drink fresh water‚ so frequently cleaning their water bowl or getting a water fountain with a filter can encourage them to drink more. Providing cats with bowls they like drinking from can also make a difference; glass‚ metal‚ and stainless-steel models are easy to clean and not as prone to holding onto smells as plastic. Regularly cleaning bowls with hot‚ soapy water can keep bacteria and odors away‚ which often encourages cats to drink more. Increasing the amount of wet food in your cat’s diet is another way to improve their hydration. Image Credit: Daria Kulkova‚ Shutterstock How Much Play Time Do Cats Need? Cats need at least 20 to 45 minutes of playtime every day‚ split up into short sessions to keep them engaged and interested. Many cats can be trained to play fetch and can get a workout going after their favorite catnip-filled plush toy.   Conclusion Cats can show signs of discomfort through vocalization and body language‚ and pursed lips may indicate the presence of pain in some‚ but it can also just be something your cat does. Pursed lips while pooping can mean your cat is having difficulty and pain. This can be related to several medical issues or caused by environmental factors such as lack of exercise and dehydration. Give your veterinarian a call if your cat appears to be straining while attempting to poop‚ having difficulty going to the bathroom‚ or if they go for over 24 hours without having a bowel movement. Sources https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cats-make-nearly-300-different-facial-expressions-180983185/ https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41598-019-55693-8/MediaObjects/41598_2019_55693_MOESM1_ESM.pdf https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cats-veterinarians-study-pets-university-calgary-1.5431176 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-55693-8 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150040 https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_constipation_obstipation https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/anal-glands-cats   Featured Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko‚ Shutterstock The post My Cat Purses Their Lips When They Poop‚ What’s Going On? Vet-Approved Reasons &; FAQ by Lorre Luther 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 post Cat Toe Tufts: A Comprehensive Guide  by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Cats have many physical characteristics that make them so adorable. Whether it’s their expressive eyes‚ the wisps of fur on their ear tips‚ or tufts of toe fur‚ there’s no shortage of features your cat can sport that’ll make them unique. Today‚ we’re going to delve deep into toe tufts to educate you on what they are‚ why your cat has them‚ which cats have them‚ and whether you need to keep them trimmed. Read on to learn more! What Are Toe Tufts? Toe tufts (sometimes called toe floofs) are bits of fur that grow between the cat’s toes. This growth is commonly found on cats with medium to long-length coats. To be considered true toe tufts‚ the fur should extend beyond the paw pads. What Is the Purpose of Toe Tufts? Toe tufts serve two important purposes (we think): to help with traction and protection. Before we move on‚ let’s just quickly note that there isn’t a lot of scientific research out there regarding toe floofs in cats. While they may have served the protective services in wild cats‚ our domestic‚ indoor felines don’t really need them‚ so we’ll just have to extrapolate purposes from wild counterparts. With in in mind‚ here you go: Just like the hair on the rest of their body‚ long hairs between a cat’s toes help to protect their feet. This can be protection from either cold or harsh surfaces that may cause abrasions to the paw pads. Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have these wisps of fur to help them stay warm and traverse the snowy terrain the regions they originated from are known for. Think of the tufts as built-in snowshoes! Toe tufts can also act like a pair of sneakers on some slippery surfaces. Again‚ think of cold environments where ice and snow may reign. Having a little extra traction on slippery surfaces could definitely be of benefit. As you may notice‚ this doesn’t always equate to slippery flooring‚ and toe tufts can actually make your cat slip and slide a bit more on hardwood. Image Credit: Zhuravleva Katia‚ Shutterstock What Cat Breeds Are More Likely to Have Toe Tufts? While all cats (except for hairless varieties) have fur on their paws‚ not all breeds will have tufts between their toes.  The following is a list of breeds that are more likely to sport this adorable wisp of fur. It just so happens that these breeds also tend to have medium to long hair: Maine Coons Norwegian Forest Cats Ragdolls Somali Persians Balinese Cymric Should Toe Tufts Get Trimmed? There isn’t a clear “yes” or “no” answer to this question‚ as it depends entirely on your kitty and vet’s recommendations. In most cases‚ you do not need to trim your pet’s toe tufts. The exception to this rule is if the wisps of fur are causing issues like those below: Irritation You can give the tufts a bit of a trim if it’s gotten too long and is causing your cat discomfort. Sometimes‚ the fur can tickle‚ irritating your kitty and forcing them to lick or pull at the hair to find relief. This can become a compulsion and may cause other issues‚ so if your kitty is licking at their paws a lot because of overgrown toe tuft fur‚ it’s best to give it a trim. Image Credit: catinsyrup‚ Shutterstock Debris Collecting The long tufts can also become a magnet for kitty litter and dirt. A trim may be necessary if your cat is tracking litter and other debris throughout your home via their toe tufts. Slipping and Sliding Snow and icy conditions don’t exactly translate to hardwood flooring. If you have hardwood flooring throughout your home‚ you may notice your cat slipping and sliding on it excessively if their toe tuft fur gets out of control. As cute as it is to watch your cat Tokyo drift around all the corners in your home‚ not getting traction on the flooring can be a huge safety hazard. Matting Finally‚ you can give your toe-tufted kitty a trim if the fur becomes matted. Mats are very painful and can cause skin infections if not addressed.   Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe Toe tufts‚ especially those getting a smidge too long‚ can be problematic for some cats. If your kitty is dealing with the issues mentioned above‚ you can give them a trim. Using a pair of scissors‚ you can carefully snip the longer hairs until they no longer cover the paw pads. You typically won’t need to go any shorter unless your kitty is getting irritation between their toes. In that case‚ consult your vet on the best way to treat. There are other things you can do aside from trimming the tufts to keep your kitty safe: Consider Carpeting Carpets aren’t for everyone and can be especially problematic if you have allergies. But carpeting and throw rugs are great anti-slip flooring options for cats with toe tufts that may slide around a bit more than other cats. Image Credit: Maliflower73‚ Shutterstock Add Grippy Furnishings If you have tall cat trees or wall-mounted shelves for your cat‚ jumping onto and off these high places can be problematic for kitties with slippery toe tufts. You might consider adding grippy furnishings‚ such as a strategically placed chair‚ to the areas you know they like to launch themselves off or onto to prevent slips and falls. Final Thoughts Toe floofs are more than just an adorable physical characteristic. They serve a very important purpose of protecting their paws from difficult‚ snowy terrain. While your cat may not be traversing icy ground‚ they may still sport toe tufts if they’re a medium or long-haired breed. You don’t need to step in to do any grooming on your kitty’s toe tufts unless they are clearly causing your cat discomfort in some way. Featured Image Credit: Anzhelika Mar‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Toe Tufts: A Comprehensive Guide  by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post My Cat Isn’t Affectionate Anymore: 8 Possible Reasons by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. If your cat has suddenly stopped being affectionate‚ it can be unsettling. However‚ it likely isn’t because of anything you did. Cats can be pretty sensitive creatures and may react negatively to things that we don’t even realize happened‚ changing their behaviors due to stress or anxiety. Health issues of all sorts can also cause changes in behavior‚ including your cat’s affection levels. Below‚ we’ll dive into these reasons and others that may make your cat less affectionate than before. The 8 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Isn’t Affectionate Anymore 1. Health Issues Cats are very good at hiding their illnesses. In the wild‚ any sign of illness may have led to attacks from predators‚ so cats evolved to hide their illnesses as much as possible. Still‚ they may exhibit some subtle behavioral changes‚ such as no longer being very affectionate. Pain can lead to a decrease in affection. Pets and cuddling can cause pain for cats with certain health issues‚ so they may avoid people altogether. All sorts of health issues fall into this category‚ such as dental problems and arthritis. If your cat shows a sudden change in their behavior‚ we highly recommend making a vet appointment to rule out any underlying illness. Image Credit: Stock-Asso‚ Shutterstock 2. Aging As cats age‚ they may become more independent. Kittens are exceptionally active and bond very closely with their owners. However‚ as they age‚ they naturally don’t need as much attention as they once did. Your kitten may have been very cuddly‚ but they may not grow up to be very cuddly. This is a normal part of their development and nothing to be worried about. Often‚ adult cats prefer quieter‚ more relaxed environments. Their energy levels may decrease‚ and they may spend more time lounging around. This isn’t necessarily anything to be worried about‚ especially if your vet has given them a clean bill of health. 3. Stress or Anxiety Cats are very sensitive to stress. If anything causes them stress or anxiety‚ they may withdraw and hide‚ which can make them less likely to be affectionate. Big things can disturb your feline and make them stressed. New pets‚ loud noises‚ and moving all fall into this category. However‚ your feline may also be affected by very small things‚ like rearranging your furniture. Ensure a calm and stable environment if you can. However‚ sometimes‚ stressful events must just be waited out. Image Credit: Anna Hoychuk‚ Shutterstock 4. Traumatic Events Sometimes‚ it isn’t a stressful situation that causes a change in behavior. It may be a single event that happened to make a big impact on your feline. If your cat was in your lap and something scared them‚ they may avoid your lap. It only takes one traumatic event for cats to suddenly be wary of something they’ve been doing for years. Rebuilding trust takes time and patience. Cats may avoid the scary thing for some time and then suddenly be okay. Some positive reinforcement training may help cats “get over” the traumatic event by filling them with positive feelings. However‚ it’s important to do this slowly‚ as you don’t want to stress your cat out even more. 5. Changes in Routine Cats thrive on routine and familiarity. Disruptions in their daily routine can cause stress‚ even if it’s something as small as getting home an hour later than normal. Changes in feeding times‚ sleeping arrangements‚ and play schedules can all cause stress and anxiety‚ leading to changes in their behaviors. If your cat is experiencing these changes‚ you may want to reconsider the changes if possible. If you have to change your cat’s routine‚ try to do it slowly to prevent as much anxiety as possible. If this isn’t possible‚ then you’ll often just have to wait until your cat gets used to the new routine. Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala‚ Shutterstock 6. Overstimulation Cats have a rather low tolerance for physical interaction and can easily become overstimulated when being petted. Overstimulation can lead to irritability and a decreased desire for affection. Learning to recognize a cat’s limits and respecting their boundaries is important. If you try to pet your cat too much‚ they may try to avoid you because they know you’re going to try and touch them. If your cat is always avoiding being touched‚ then they probably won’t seek it out. A cat’s tolerance for physical affection can be reduced over time‚ too. Kittens often have a higher tolerance than adult cats‚ for instance. Illnesses and stress can also change your cat’s tolerance‚ as we discussed above. 7. Socialization Cats must be socialized as kittens to be accepting of people. If a kitten isn’t held and petted enough when they are very young‚ it can lead to them not being particularly affectionate. It’s important to adopt a kitten from a quality breeder for this reason. Otherwise‚ the kitten may not be properly socialized. Socializing kittens can take a lot of work‚ but it is important for the cat to be well-behaved as an adult. Cats that aren’t socialized may also be more prone to fear and stress‚ which can make them less affectionate over time. Adult cats tend to get “less” socialized as they get older and more set in their ways. Therefore‚ don’t assume that your kitten will continue to be accepting and cuddly with everyone as they get older. Adult cats tend to be more fearful. Image Credit: Frau aus UA‚ Shutterstock 8. Seasonal Changes Cats may also shift as the seasons change. The lighting levels will affect the cat’s hormones‚ which can make their personality change slightly. However‚ these changes aren’t often extreme‚ especially if your cat is spayed or neutered. Instead‚ you may only notice that your feline sleeps more or is more active—both of which may lead to less affection. Conclusion Cats vary widely in affection levels. Some breeds are exceptionally affectionate‚ like Ragdolls. However‚ others may not be very affectionate at all. Cats can vary quite a bit‚ too. Just because your cat belongs to a certain breed doesn’t necessarily mean they will be exceptionally affectionate. Socialization and experiences will affect your cat’s personality‚ too. If your cat suddenly has a change of personality‚ you should seek out an appointment with your vet. Many health issues can cause behavioral problems‚ so these are important to rule out first and foremost. Featured Image Credit: Piqsels The post My Cat Isn’t Affectionate Anymore: 8 Possible Reasons by Kristin Hitchcock 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 post Do Cats Get Tired of Meowing? Interesting Facts to Know by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Some cats are all mouth—meowing‚ meowing‚ meowing. Do they ever get sick of it? Well‚ if they do‚ they probably would just stop‚ right? After all‚ doesn’t everyone get sick of hearing themselves after a while? Your cat getting tired of meowing will depend greatly on how much they meow and why they are meowing. Some cats barely vocalize‚ while others are quite talkative. With those Chatty Cathys‚ you might be sick of it‚ but it doesn’t really sound like they are‚ does it? Let’s learn more about kitty behaviors! Cats and Their Meow Many kitties are vocal about one thing or another—whether it’s when they get hungry or want extra attention. They use it as a method of communication with their humans—and maybe it’s because we’re talking all the time! Meowing isn’t all cats accomplish! They have a series of different vocalizations that match their mood: growling‚ chirping‚ hissing‚ yowling—you name it. Each one has its own special meaning. So‚ it’s safe to say that if a cat ever got sick of meowing‚ they have tons of vocal exercises to try out instead! Do Cats Get Tired of Meowing? Cats can indeed get bored with meowing‚ especially if they are just meowing to try to get attention from you. They may eventually lose interest in whatever they’re meowing about. However‚ some cats may meow for longer in an attempt to force you to pay attention to them. How quickly a cat gets tired of meowing depends on the individual cat and the reason they are meowing. Let’s look at some reasons why cats meow so that you can understand your cat better and give them the attention and care that they want‚ as well as when their meowing might be more urgent. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock Why Do Cats Meow? Cats can essentially meow for whatever reason they want. Usually‚ it’s to initiate play or strike up an interaction. They might also be tattling on another animal in the home or begging you to rescue them from the crazy kiddos running around. Here are some details in depth! 1. Greeting Cats will meow when greeting someone. It’s their own kitty way of saying‚ “Hello. How are you today? Please pet my back.” They hear you call them by their name‚ talk to them‚ and make various noises—it’s only natural that they would want to return the salutations. 2. Communicating Our cats can’t talk to us the way we wish they could‚ but they can tell us a lot by verbal cues and body language alone. They can display various emotions‚ wants‚ or needs by meowing. 3. Attention-Seeking If the meowing is combined with rubbing‚ bunting‚ climbing‚ and kneading you‚ they might immediately demand your attention! Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey‚ Shutterstock 4. Wanting Food We all know that cats are bottomless pits! If you let the food bowl get empty‚ you’ve already made one mistake—and you’ll hear about it! Sometimes‚ folks have to portion control their cat’s food to ensure they aren’t overeating. Other cats are fine eating at their leisure with an ever-flowing food source. They don’t have trouble with portion control and can be trusted with an endless buffet—but most kitties will take full advantage and eat‚ eat‚ eat! 5. Mating If your cat is in heat or searching for a mate‚ meowing (along with some other otherworldly sounds) can happen‚ and it can happen often! A cat in heat might be one of the most mind-numbing‚ nails-across-a-chalkboard experiences. To curb all of those behavioral problems in males and females‚ getting your cat fixed before they turn 6 months of age is important. Cats can go into heat for the first time anywhere between 4 and 6 months old. It is advised to get them fixed before they reach sexual maturity to avoid annoying behaviors such as spraying‚ aggression‚ and a laundry list of other problems that occur. 6. Confusion As cats age‚ things may not be as clear to them as they once were. Don’t let this dishearten you. Listening to hour-long meowing sessions might be annoying‚ but you can find creative ways to curb the behavior—even if it means separating yourself from the problem altogether. Cats can get dementia just like humans can. Cats begin to decline around 10 to 15 years old‚ meaning this is the timeline of dementia flares. Confusion is an obvious sign. Other signs of dementia can include: Disorientation Different sleep patterns Appetite loss Eliminating outside of the litter box Excess meowing If your cat has dementia‚ make sure you keep their environment as unchanged as possible and make all necessities easily accessible. It’s important to discuss with your veterinarian how to handle dementia in your cat if you notice the signs. 7. Illness Your cat just might be ill‚ and you haven’t really picked up on the other cues yet. Many issues involving pain can be associated with meowing in your cat. Examples include hyperthyroidism‚ kidney disease‚ and even arthritis. If you haven’t mulled over sickness as a culprit yet‚ you may want to consider other visual symptomatic displays. Are they more lethargic than usual? Does their personality seem affected? Are they peeing or pooping too much or too little? These are all important factors if you want to get to the bottom of a problem. Always consult your vet immediately if you suspect they are in poor health. Image Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969‚ Pixabay Feral Cats vs. Domestic Cats: Why Is Meowing Different? As a cat lover‚ this is interesting. Did you know that feral cats that never had human interaction don’t meow? That’s right! Feral cats don’t communicate in this way‚ and it can be a telltale sign if you find a lost kitty—are they wild or tame? If they follow you around meowing‚ they very likely belonged to someone at some point. Or‚ they may have had close interactions with people throughout their lives. Conclusion So‚ now you can understand a little bit more about cats and why they meow. They can drone all day for a variety of reasons and most of the time it is no cause for concern. But‚ of course‚ most of the time isn’t every time so it’s important to note changes in behavior. If you feel like meowing is becoming problematic‚ a vet visit might be the next thing on your to-do list. Sources https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cats-excessive-meowing   Featured Image Credit: Stanimir G.Stoev‚ Shutterstock The post Do Cats Get Tired of Meowing? Interesting Facts to Know by Ashley Bates 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.