The post Pet Remembrance Day 2024: How &; When to Celebrate 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. Worldwide‚ there are over a billion pets‚ and while this is a whole lot of love and companionship‚ it also leads to a lot of heartbreak when our fur babies pass. But just because they’re no longer with us doesn’t mean we can’t take time to remember all the positivity they brought into our lives. That’s why there are two Pet Remembrance days every year and countless ways for you to spend them. It can be challenging at times‚ but once you find the best way to remember your pet‚ it can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience. There Are Two Pet Remembrance Days There are actually two dates for Pet Remembrance Day: a date for the World Pet Memorial Day and National Pet Memorial Day. World Pet Memorial Day falls on the second Tuesday in June every year‚ which is June 11‚ 2024. Meanwhile‚ National Pet Memorial Day is every second Sunday in September. In 2024‚ National Pet Memorial Day is September 14th. The 8 Ways to Acknowledge Pet Remembrance Day Not only are there two different days set aside for you to remember your pet each year‚ but there are multiple ways for you to take the time to remember your pet. We’ve highlighted eight amazing and respectful ways for you to recognize the day. 1. Create a Memorial A memorial doesn’t need to be something big and expensive; it can be something small‚ like framing a favorite picture or decorating an outdoor space. Finding a place where you can take some time to reflect and remember your pet is a great way to pay your respects. Image Credit: umaruchan4678‚ Shutterstock 2. Make a Donation Pet shelters need donations almost always‚ and what better way to remember your pet than to give to other pets that need a home? It’s a way to remember your pet while taking care of other pets‚ and it’s exactly what your pet would want. 3. Take a Walk Setting time aside to simply think about your pet is a good way to remember them. If they had a favorite place‚ that might be a good place to start. Image Credit: Monkey Business Images‚ Shutterstock 4. Make a Scrapbook While this isn’t the easiest or quickest thing to do‚ it is a nice way to remember your pet. Taking the time to go through old pictures and putting something together is an amazing tribute to your fur baby. 5. Visit Them If your pet has a final resting place somewhere‚ one of the best ways to honor them on pet remembrance day is to go visit them. You can bring them their favorite toys or flowers or just go there for a quiet time to reflect. Image Credit: Cris Kelly‚ Shutterstock 6. Plant Something Trees‚ bushes‚ and flowers are all beautiful ways to remember something. By planting something‚ you’re doing good for the environment‚ adding beauty to your local area‚ and creating a small memorial for you to come and remember your pet. 7. Volunteer Spending time at a shelter or volunteering to help pets in other areas you can remember the best of your pet while helping other animals. Shelters are always looking for help‚ but reach out to them before you show up to ensure they have something for you to do when you’re there. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock 8. Light a Candle If you’re looking for a simple way to remember your pet‚ lighting a candle could be the perfect way. It can burn all day‚ and when you see it‚ you can think of your pet. The great thing about this method is that it’s a constant reminder of them but you don’t need to restructure your entire day around it. Final Thoughts Pet Remembrance Day isn’t a day to truly celebrate‚ but it is a day for you to sit back and reflect on all the enjoyable experiences your pet brought into your life. While they might not live as long as us‚ that doesn’t make them any less important‚ and it doesn’t make their impact on our lives any less significant. Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch‚ Shutterstock The post Pet Remembrance Day 2024: How &; When to Celebrate 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.

The post Happy Cat Month 2024: When &; What It Is 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. For some people‚ every month is happy cat month‚ but did you know there actually is a special month called Happy Cat Month that is entirely dedicated to feline wellbeing? Happy Cat Month is a time to focus on your cat‚ find and meet their needs‚ and raise awareness about the overall state of feline health in America. Happy Cat Month is the brainchild of the CATalyst Council‚ a nonprofit passionate about feline welfare. Happy Cat Month is an annual event that takes place during the entire month of September (September 1st through September 30th)‚ and it does a substantial amount of good for cats all over the world. Here is everything you need to know about Happy Cat Month including when it takes place‚ how to celebrate‚ and resources you can use to learn more. Happy Cat Month Overview When Is It: Every September Website: https://catalystcouncil.org Hashtag: #HappyCatMonth Image Credit: Gorodenkoff‚ Shutterstock The Purpose of Happy Cat Month The purpose of Happy Cat Month is to promote the health and wellbeing of pet cats. There is a perception that cats are more independent than dogs and that they have a higher tolerance for health issues. Many cat owners say things insinuating that if their cat is sick enough to go to the vet‚ they must be dying. The people at the CATalyst Council believe that this is a mistake that harms cats. While cats are different from dogs in many ways‚ they still need plenty of regular care to keep them feeling their best. The purpose of Happy Cat Month is to raise awareness about the needs of domestic cats. Cats need to go to the vet once or twice per year (at a minimum) in order to maintain optimal health. Many people think that their cats do not need the same level of care as dogs. This is simply not true. Cats need plenty of stimulation‚ health care‚ and attention to keep them feeling their best. Happy Cat Month aims to bust these misconceptions and stereotypes through education‚ sharing of information‚ and examples of proper cat health. History of Happy Cat Month Happy Cat Month was created by the CATalyst Council to promote the welfare and wellbeing of domestic cats. The CATalyst Council is a nonprofit that has been working to advance the welfare of domestic cats for years. Happy Cat Month goes back many years‚ and each year‚ the CATalyst Council puts out press releases and educational material and puts on events to help promote the welfare of cats. As awareness about Happy Cat Month has grown‚ so too has its reach and impact. Every year‚ more publications and websites talk about Happy Cat Month‚ and more people are becoming aware of the CATalyst Council and their mission. Happy Cat Month is slated to continue for the foreseeable future and will be observed in 2024‚ 2025‚ and beyond. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock How to Celebrate Happy Cat Month There are four main ways that you can celebrate Happy Cat Month. The first is by taking your cat to the veterinarian. If it is September and your cat has not gone to the vet in that calendar year‚ it is time to schedule a checkup. Regular checkups provide you with valuable information about your cat and help you get preventive medicine. Preventative medicine is the best way to ensure that your cat is able to live a long and healthy life. The second way to celebrate Happy Cat Month if you’ve already taken your cat to the vet is to spend some quality time with your cat. Cats love people‚ and they require a ton of time and attention to feel enriched and secure. You should play with your cat regularly and provide enriching toys or a feline companion to ensure that your cat has all of their mental and emotional needs met in addition to their physical needs. In addition to these two key things‚ you should also take September to really observe your cat and look out for signs of poor health‚ pain‚ loneliness‚ and boredom. Observing your cat will help give you an idea of what your cat’s exact needs might be so that you can then make a plan to meet them more effectively. That is the essence of Happy Cat Month. If you already do all of these things and feel secure in the fact that you are a good and happy cat owner‚ you should share the love and promote the CATalyst Council on social media. Use the hashtag #HappyCatMonth and link to the CATalyst Council’s website. This way‚ other people who might not be as astute or aware can learn and participate in this annual event. Image Credit; Dora Zett‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Happy Cat Month is a great way to help get your cat the care and attention they need. Cats might give off an air of aloof superiority‚ but they are still dependent on people to meet their basic needs. Too many people unwittingly neglect their cats’ needs because they feel like their cats don’t need as much help as dogs. That is not true. Use Happy Cat Month to spread the message and get cats the care they need. Sources CATalyst Council Day of the Year Planned Pethood Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio‚ Shutterstock The post Happy Cat Month 2024: When &; What It Is 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 Single Kitten Syndrome: What Is It? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; Myths by Kit Copson 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. Single kitten syndrome refers to behaviors sometimes displayed by kittens adopted alone into a single-cat household or who‚ for whatever reason‚ go through kittenhood without littermates or other feline companions. Though not officially recognized‚ it’s clear to many rescue organizations that single kitten syndrome is a very real thing and that it sometimes affects successful adoptions. For this reason‚ it’s important to get clued up on single kitten syndrome if you’re thinking about adopting a fluffy friend sometime soon. What Is Single Kitten Syndrome? Often‚ when you’re in talks with a rescue organization about adopting a kitten‚ you’ll find that they recommend adopting a pair rather than a single kitten. For some organizations‚ it’s a cast-iron requirement that cats under a certain age don’t go to their new homes alone. There’s a good reason for this. When kittens are raised alone without companions‚ they miss out not only on important social interactions but also essential lessons in how to socialize and play appropriately. In a litter‚ kittens give one another feedback‚ which means their responses to certain behaviors help instill in one another what’s acceptable and what is not. For example‚ if one kitten plays too roughly with another and hurts them‚ the other kitten may cry out‚ and the mother of the litter will often jump in to correct the inappropriate behavior. These cues from mom and their brothers and sisters teach the kittens that what they’re doing is not okay and won’t be tolerated. If a kitten doesn’t have these kinds of interactions and corrections‚ they sometimes carry inappropriate behaviors like biting into adulthood and direct them toward humans. In addition to learning to play nicely‚ kittens learn how to use the litter box by following what their mom and littermates do. Image Credit: BearFotos‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Single Kitten Syndrome? Single kitten syndrome manifests itself in a variety of unsavory ways‚ and most are related to how they interact with humans. Unfortunately‚ some adopters opt to return their kitties with these problem behaviors as they don’t know how to manage them. Cats with this “syndrome” will likely display some or all of the following behaviors: Note: Not every kitten that is adopted alone will display these behaviors—most adapt very well to their new homes without any problems. Each case is unique‚ and organizations tend to treat each one as such when deciding what kind of home or living situation would be best for an individual kitten or cat.  Biting hard during play Using claws during play Excessive clinginess Biting your ankles when you walk by or walk away Chewing objects around your home Scratching furniture or other objects they shouldn’t scratch Going to the bathroom outside the litter box Suckling on fabrics and sometimes even on you or other pets Attention-seeking Excessive vocalizing Image Credit: Anna-Kraynova‚ Shutterstock What Are the Causes of Single Kitten Syndrome? In a nutshell‚ single kitten syndrome is believed to be caused by a lack of social interaction with other cats at a young age‚ and there are several reasons why a kitten may miss out on these interactions. One example is if a kitten is found orphaned and is fostered in a home without any other kitties. Most cases of reported single kitten syndrome‚ however‚ involve kittens who are adopted alone and go to a home without kittens of a similar age. Even if a kitten has been raised as one of a litter or with similarly aged companions‚ the socialization process isn’t over once a kitten goes to a new home. Adopted alone‚ they may feel lonely in their new homes‚ especially if their human companions spend several hours a day away from home. Furthermore‚ even if you already have an adult cat at home‚ this can’t always provide your kitten with the type of socialization they need due to a mismatch in energy levels‚ but this depends on the personalities of the individual cats. Some cats remain very playful into adulthood and welcome new friends to play and snuggle with‚ whereas others may quickly get fed up with the new kitten’s (sometimes impolite) invitations to play. The same goes for homes with dogs. Some cats and dogs get along like a dream and play together frequently—which is great for both of them and helps prevent loneliness and stress—but dogs and cats don’t learn the same behaviors (like using a litter box)‚ so the dog can’t really model all the appropriate behaviors for your kitten. Unfortunately‚ there isn’t currently any research that backs up the existence and therefore causes of single kitten syndrome. In fact one recent study didn’t actually find a link between early social exposure and aggression and reported that the majority of factors associated with aggression were related to the cat’s personality‚ home environment and training methods. Image Credit: Gladskikh Tatiana‚ Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Kitten with Single Kitten Syndrome? Of course‚ this depends on the advice offered by the rescue organization‚ but if they think it would be in the kitten’s best interest‚ please consider adopting two together. If you’ve already adopted a single kitten but have decided you want to adopt a companion for them‚ it’s not too late to reach out to a rescue organization. Some people are put off because of the extra responsibility involved in parenting two cats‚ but you may reap rewards in other ways—kittens with companions have an outlet for their energy and are less prone to loneliness‚ which means better behavior and a more relaxed household overall. In that sense‚ two kitties could well be easier than one! The most important thing is to communicate with the rescue organization to ensure the best human-kitty match possible. As mentioned above‚ adoptions are treated on a case-by-case basis depending on what’s best for the individual kitten. If adopting two kittens really isn’t an option for you‚ you’ll need to make sure your kitten has plenty of opportunities for mental stimulation and play. You’ll also need to instill a sense of boundaries in your kitten to help teach how to interact appropriately. Here are some tips: Play with your kitten regularly with toys like chaser wands (they can’t get near your hands if you use these). Redirect aggressive behaviors onto a toy. Use puzzle feeders to keep your kitten busy‚ especially if you’re going to be out of the house for a while. Don’t encourage your kitten to bite your hand. It might not hurt while they’re kittens‚ but it’s a whole other story if an adult cat does it. Immediately take your hands away if this happens and tuck them under your armpits. If your kitten is biting you and won’t stop‚ calmly get up and walk away to show them you won’t engage with them when they’re doing that. Provide cozy‚ safe spaces to help your kitten feel secure. Start litter box training straight away by regularly placing your kitten in the box. Move the (clean) litter around with your hands to show them how to paw at it. Reward them when they use the box. Put the box in a quiet‚ calm‚ easily accessible‚ well-lit area. Make sure everyone in your home is on the same page in terms of not encouraging aggression. Image Credit; Dora Zett‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What If the Rescue Organization Won’t Let Me Adopt Only One Kitten? Some rescue organizations make it a requirement that kittens are adopted in pairs‚ though some might make exceptions in certain cases if it’s best for the kitten in question. Whatever the rules of the organization‚ respect them—they’re in the kittens’ (and therefore your) best interests and are in place for good reason. If a pair is a no-no for you‚ you might want to consider adopting an older kitten or an adult cat. Work with the organization to find the best match for you—they’re there to help. What Are the Benefits of Adopting Two Kittens? As explained above‚ kittens learn important social lessons from one another so they can grow up to be well-rounded and non-aggressive (and therefore more trainable)‚ but they also provide one another with companionship. They play together‚ snuggle together‚ and groom one another‚ which gives each kitten a sense of security and takes some of the pressure off you (plus‚ it’s adorable to watch). Best of all‚ adopting two kittens means two lives are saved. Image Credit: Mariamichelle‚ Pixabay Conclusion While there may not be any scientific evidence of single kitten syndrome‚ many rescue centers believe that it can be very damaging long term and incredibly stressful for both you and your cat. For this reason‚ if a rescue organization recommends or requires that you take two kittens‚ please consider it. Alternatively‚ there are plenty of sweet older kittens and loveable adult cats that would be thrilled to be the only pampered prince or princess in your home! Sources https://www.petmd.com/cat/training/evr_ct_how-to-litter-train-a-cat http://www.kzoocatcafe.com/blog/single-kitten-syndrome https://meowcatrescue.org/resources/adoption-considerations/single-kitten-syndrome/ https://www.hswestmi.org/uploads/1/2/4/1/124109515/single_kitten_syndrome.pdf https://www.seattleareafelinerescue.org/single-kitten-syndrome/ https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/12-reasons-to-rehome-two-kittens-instead-of-one https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159121000381?fbclid=IwAR2F0aVqglqH8jYyQozYg99yNW9Q304eUY0po_krBBQSCWbHze8603_woIc Featured Image Credit: Zarubina_Yuliya‚ Shutterstock The post Single Kitten Syndrome: What Is It? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; Myths by Kit Copson 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 Are Cats Playful? Feline Character Explained 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. Cats can absolutely be playful. However‚ cats vary a lot in temperament depending on their breed‚ gender‚ and other factors. Some breeds are particularly known for being playful‚ like the Bombay‚ while others are known for not being playful. The vast majority of cats are very playful and active as kittens. However‚ as they get older‚ they start to become much less active. This isn’t necessarily true for all cats‚ though. Some stay pretty active even into their adult years. There is very little way to know whether or not your cat will be playful or not as an adult. While their breed can provide you with a hint‚ all cats are individuals. Are Most Cats Playful or Lazy? Honestly‚ it depends on the cat and the specific situation. Some cats are very playful nearly all the time‚ like kittens. If you find yourself with an exceptionally playful kitten‚ it may seem like all they do is run around the house! Other cats may be far more relaxed and barely play at all. Certain breeds are known for their tendency to cuddle and lay around a lot‚ which makes them a good choice for someone looking for more of a laidback feline. Of course‚ many of these cats are still quite playful when they are kittens‚ but they may quickly calm down as they age. It’s important to note that cats do need more sleep than a person‚ and they tend to spread this sleep out over each 24-hour period. They don’t necessarily sleep all night like we do. Therefore‚ you may notice that even more active cats tend to sleep quite a bit during the day. This behavior isn’t a sign of laziness. It’s just how cats are. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi‚ Shutterstock Do Cats Actually Like Playing? Many cats will enjoy playing. While cats are often very good at entertaining themselves‚ they can still become bored when left to their own devices. Playing with their humans provides them with an outlet for their physical and mental energy. Kittens and more active cats tend to be the most interested in playtime. They may even initiate it themselves by pouncing on your feet or trying to chase you around the house. These behaviors are a sign that your cat wants to play with you. Other cats may not be so interested in playtime. Laidback breeds don’t tend to be very active‚ which may prevent them from really engaging in playtime. These breeds still need some exercise‚ though‚ so you should encourage them to play for at least a few minutes a day. A lack of interest in playing can also be a sign of an underlying issue. If a cat is out of shape‚ they may be less likely to play simply because they get tired relatively fast. These cats can be encouraged to exercise more‚ which can build their tolerance to playtime. Overweight cats also fall in this category‚ as their extra weight can make playing harder. Exercise is even more important for these cats‚ though‚ as it can help them lose the extra weight. Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET‚ Shutterstock Is It Good That My Cat is Playful? It is a good sign that your cat is playful. However‚ it isn’t necessarily a bad thing if your cat isn’t playful. Some cats are more playful than others‚ but that doesn’t mean there is something wrong with cats that aren’t naturally playful. However‚ if your feline is playing‚ it’s a good sign that they are feeling pretty good. Cats don’t tend to exercise if they are feeling sick or stressed. Play is also good for cats. It helps them maintain a healthy weight and develop their coordination. It keeps them mentally stimulated‚ as well‚ which can help prevent them from being bored. If you want to encourage your cat to be playful‚ consider providing lots of toys and encouraging them to play with you. Get a cat wand or another interactive cat toy to help encourage your feline to play. However‚ it’s important to remember that not all cats are playful‚ and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You should consider your cat’s temperament‚ too. Why Are Some Cats So Playful? Often‚ very playful behavior is common when cats are kittens‚ as they tend to have tons of energy at this time. However‚ this has a very practical benefit. By being very playful‚ kittens develop their hunting skills‚ which they originally relied on to keep themselves fed. Therefore‚ kittens had to be playful‚ or these skills wouldn’t have developed by the time they reached adulthood. Furthermore‚ play is also helpful in keeping cats fit. Exercise is important for cats‚ just like it is important for humans. It helps them maintain a healthy weight‚ which is important for their health. Play is also very mentally stimulating‚ which prevents the cats from becoming bored. It can also keep their mind sharp‚ especially as they age. Interactive toys are particularly mentally stimulating‚ especially if you select a toy at the correct difficulty level for your cat. Therefore‚ play is fun for cats‚ but it also has a pretty real evolutionary role. It’s how cats practice their hunting skills and stay active. Image Credit: Michelle_Raponi‚ Pixabay What Happens If You Don’t Play with Your Cat? If you don’t play with your cat or provide them with any way to engage in play‚ there are several potentially negative effects. Cats need to play at least some of the time. When bored‚ cats will often try to make their own fun‚ which is often not what you want them to do. Cats may meow excessively‚ scratch what they aren’t supposed to‚ get into things‚ or urinate outside the litter box. When not playing‚ cats may also gain excess weight‚ leading to health issues and other problems. They may not be able to play as much as they once did because they simply aren’t in good health. Stress and anxiety can also occur if a cat doesn’t have a proper outlet for mental stimulation. Without play‚ they may become stressed due to their unmet needs. They may even get stress-related illnesses. Conclusion Play is a natural part of a cat’s life. It plays an important role in their development of survival skills and helps keep them from gaining too much weight. Kittens are often the most playful‚ as they have lots of skills that must be developed. However‚ all cats need to play—even when they are older. It keeps them in shape and provides them with some mental stimulation. It’s important to keep your cat playing for as long as possible to help keep them healthy. Sources https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welfare-cats-normal-behaviour-patterns#:~:text=Most%20cats%20are%20playful%20animals‚for%20many%20hours%20each%20day. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kitten-behavior-and-training-play-and-investigative-behaviors https://www.petsradar.com/advice/are-cats-playful Featured Image Credit: Wanda_Lizm‚ Shutterstock The post Are Cats Playful? Feline Character Explained 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 Why Does My Cat Hate Other Cats? 7 Possible Reasons 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 thrive in various environments and can live happily with others in feral colonies‚ with one or two companions‚ or on their own. However‚ domestic cats are‚ by nature‚ solitary creatures who hunt on their own and are territorial. They’re programmed to avoid encroaching on other’s space to avoid massive resource competition and conflict. If your cat dislikes other felines‚ they may not have spent much time with unrelated cats when they were kittens. Territoriality‚ Conflict Resolution‚ and Change Cats are most comfortable when they have territories of their own to command‚ and they may not be well suited to conflict resolution since they didn’t develop in social groups. Unrelated cats living with each other can create stress‚ as these situations often trigger cats’ territorial instincts‚ particularly if there’s resource competition. Some cats‚ particularly those who have lived with others since kittenhood‚ enjoy the presence of other cats‚ while those who have spent lots of time on their own are often less than thrilled when asked to share space. Introducing a new feline to the home brings changes‚ which can be particularly difficult for adult cats who have lived their entire lives as singletons to adjust to‚ which can lead to stress and aggressive behavior along with problems such as spraying and excessive grooming. Other common signs of feline stress include stomach issues‚ excessive scratching‚ withdrawal‚ and lack of appetite. Image Credit: Helen Liam‚ Shutterstock The 7 Factors That Cause Cats to Dislike Being Around Other Cats Whether a cat gets along well with other cats has a great deal to do with their age‚ background‚ and personality‚ but other factors can also play a role‚ such as how they were socialized and whether your cat’s personality meshes well with that of the other cat. 1. Lack of Socialization Cats that don’t receive sufficient socialization while young sometimes have difficulty understanding how to interact with other cats. Socialization involves exposing kittens to different situations and animals to allow them to become comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations‚ being handled by people‚ and interacting with other pets. Kittens are most open to the process between 2 and 7 weeks old. Cats that never really learned how to play well with others sometimes exhibit behavior that’s not appreciated by other cats and can easily be interpreted as aggression. 2. Only Cat Preferences Cats that grow up alone after moving to their forever homes sometimes don’t enjoy the company of other cats. Those accustomed to living alone may not react well if asked to share space with another cat‚ even temporarily. Grieving cats that recently lost a feline companion can sometimes find the presence of new cats or dogs in the home to be stressful‚ which can lead to less-than-welcoming behavior. Image Credit; Vshivkova‚ Shutterstock 3. Routine Disruption Most cats enjoy routine; it’s part of how they understand the passage of time. Since cats can’t rely on clocks to determine how late it is and what activity should come next‚ they typically rely on external clues from regular activities to tell them what to expect next during the day. Significant disruptions‚ such as introducing another cat to the home‚ can create stress for some cats. They have an easier time accepting other cats when the introductions are taken slowly‚ and both pets have time to become used to the other. Cats that are feuding can calm down if given enough time apart and reintroduced to each other slowly. 4. Territoriality Cats are territorial creatures that are often not interested in sharing their space with others. Cats use pheromones to mark their territory and let others know to stay away. They have scent glands around their chins and whiskers and in between their paw pads. Cats also use urine to mark their territory‚ and those who aren’t used to living with others can sometimes go into territorial overdrive when triggered by the presence of a new cat. Spaying and neutering can reduce problems with their territory and other behavioral issues. Image Credit: Tatiana Kovaleva‚ Shutterstock 5. Resource Competition Pets in multi-cat households can fight over resources if asked to share things such as scratching posts and cat trees. One resource per cat‚ plus an extra‚ is a good guideline for keeping things calm in multi-pet homes. Having at least three water bowls for two cats‚ placed well apart from each other‚ for instance‚ can prevent aggressive cats from blocking the other’s access to resources. Put food‚ water bowls‚ and litter boxes in various to make it easy for pets to meet their basic needs without engaging in unwanted interactions. You can provide several scratching posts‚ beds‚ toys‚ and cat trees so the cats don’t have to share. 6. Maternal Instincts Queens who have just given birth can sometimes lash out aggressively to keep other cats at a distance‚ particularly when their kittens are young. Mother cats strongly prefer to give birth and spend the first few weeks after delivering kittens in calm‚ quiet environments. They’ll often move kittens from one place to another if they’re concerned about the level of activity. Queens who are actively trying to keep a cat away from her kittens may hiss‚ growl‚ or even bite the intruder to encourage them to keep moving. These issues usually resolve once kittens are a bit stronger and able to get around on their own. Image Credit: Karen Hogan‚ Shutterstock 7. Differing Personalities Some cats don’t get along perfectly well with one cat but have zero interest in hanging out with others. Confident and spunky cats may not mesh well with timid pets‚ and two assertive‚ unrelated‚ unneutered male cats of the same age may have difficulty being around each other without aggression making an appearance. Older cats may be more inclined to accept kittens‚ but senior cats may not enjoy dealing with energetic felines. Are There Ways to Help Cats Get Along? In addition to having sufficient resources to minimize competition between pets‚ there are also other steps you can take to encourage peace‚ such as ensuring cats have lots of time to adjust to the other’s presence and making sure they have safe ways to get away from each other when situations become too heated. Hiding Places and Perches You can install several high perches to provide places for cats to escape when feeling stressed. Cozy hiding places where they can rest in peace can also go a long way towards defusing conflict. Distraction Once patterns of aggression get started‚ they’re often hard to stop‚ so putting an end to conflicts before they progress is important to maintaining a calm environment. Distracting cats with loud noises or toys often convince them to engage in other activities. Training Cats generally respond well to positive reinforcement; punishment can increase stress levels and make things worse. Rewarding cooperative behavior and giving worked-up cats time to relax alone can sometimes lead to fewer household fireworks. Separating cats and giving them time to get to know each other (again) slowly under controlled circumstances may also help‚ and behavioral therapists can provide expert guidance as well. Image Credit: Piqsels Conclusion Cats share many behaviors with their wild relatives‚ and they haven’t been domesticated for very long. Cats in the wild prefer living and hunting independently‚ but they can live in groups or pairs. Cats are territorial; they like to live and hunt in spaces largely off-limits to other cats. When they live in groups‚ the members are often related‚ and there’s usually little resource competition. Unrelated companion cats can become stressed when asked to share space largely due to their innate territoriality‚ but how cats react to others also has to do with factors such as personality type and level of socialization. Sources https://icatcare.org/advice/multi-cat-households/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/slideshows/signs-your-cat-might-be-stressed https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/socialization-and-fear-prevention-in-kittens#:~:text=Socialization%20refers%20to%20a%20process‚adjust%20to%20relevant%20environmental%20stimuli. https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/7-signs-your-cat-may-need-feline-companion https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/do-cats-mourn https://www.inverse.com/science/can-my-cat-tell-time-heres-what-experts-say https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-marking-and-spraying-behavior Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Dem‚ Shutterstock The post Why Does My Cat Hate Other Cats? 7 Possible Reasons 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. 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Liska knows that magic is monstrous‚ and its practitioners are monsters. We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek‚ a young adult fantasy novel out from Margaret K. McElderry Books on February 27. Liska knows that magic is monstrous‚ and its practitioners are monsters. She has done everything possible to suppress her own magic‚ to disastrous consequences. Desperate to be free of it‚ Liska flees her small village and delves into the dangerous‚ demon-inhabited spirit-wood to steal a mythical fern flower. If she plucks it‚ she can use its one wish to banish her powers. Everyone who has sought the fern flower has fallen prey to unknown horrors‚ so when Liska is caught by the demon warden of the wood—called The Leszy—a bargain seems better than death: one year of servitude in exchange for the fern flower and its wish. Whisked away to The Leszy’s crumbling manor‚ Liska soon makes an unsettling discovery: she is not the first person to strike this bargain‚ and all her predecessors have mysteriously vanished. If Liska wants to survive the year and return home‚ she must unravel her taciturn host’s spool of secrets and face the ghosts—figurative and literal—of his past. Because something wakes in the woods‚ something deadly and without mercy. It frightens even The Leszy… and cannot be defeated unless Liska embraces the monster she’s always feared becoming.     The festivities of Kupala Night are just beginning when Liska Radost leaves the village behind. Her eyes prick with tears as she takes a final look over her shoulder. A gust of wind snags at her shawl‚ threatening to devour the flame of her lantern. This night‚ the solstice‚ should belong to revelry beneath a broad summer moon. It is the night unmarried girls weave crowns of wildflowers and float them down the river for the local boys to chase‚ the night that folk songs are sung to the roar of a joyful bonfire‚ the night when villagers pray to God for fertile fields and livestock and wives. But most importantly‚ it is the night that‚ according to legend‚ the fern flower will bloom. And if the legends are true‚ this is the night that Liska will find it. She will take it into her hands and make her wish‚ and she will atone for her sins. She treads deeper into the dark‚ through one of the many wheat fields that crawl along the rolling hills and wreathe the village from all sides. In midday‚ the sun will turn their stalks to spun gold‚ but now they are a foreboding rustle against Liska’s floral-patterned skirts‚ bowing like penitents in contrition. She raises her lantern higher‚ but its light is no more than a sputtering spark—a mockery of the KupaÅ‚a bonfire that dances far in the distance‚ etching the thatched rooftops of StodoÅ‚a into the night’s canvas. StodoÅ‚a. Home. A home she will not see again if she does not succeed tonight. She knows what rumors the villagers whisper: that she is a witch‚ that she is as wicked as the dark magic harbored in the spirit-wood. She almost smiles at the irony: that accursed place‚ called the Driada‚ is where the fern flower is said to bloom. Buy it Now It is her only chance at redemption. Overhead‚ the moon rises‚ a great silver eye opened wide and watchful. It spurs Liska onward‚ stokes the flame of urgency in her chest. In all the stories‚ the fern flower only blooms until sunrise— there is not a moment to waste. Her path takes her past the farmlands‚ to rolling hills dotted with phantom-white birch trees and coarse grass housing an orchestra of crickets. In an attempt to bolster her spirits‚ she starts to hum a folk song about a girl and two suitors and a rowan tree. The crickets set a rhythm‚ the breeze whispers in harmony‚ and slowly she convinces herself she is not afraid. Until the spirit-wood comes into view. She has seen the Driada before—every child of StodoÅ‚a has‚ brought here by the mischievous curiosity only a child possesses. How often did she stand in this spot with MarysieÅ„ka‚ the two daring each other to creep ever closer to the wood? Closer and closer and closer‚ until a growl or a rustle from within would send them shrieking‚ running all the way home. Children do foolish things until they are old enough to understand they are foolish—until their father teaches them to weave the straw hangings found in every StodoÅ‚a home‚ or their mother explains why she ties their hair with crimson ribbons. It is protection‚ she will say‚ gentle yet somber‚ from spirits and demons and the evils of the spirit-wood. Standing so close‚ Liska must admit that the forest has a morbid sort of beauty: the beauty of flowers over tombs or the dive of a hawk catching prey. Its trees are enormous‚ thick as towers and sprawling‚ with branches like an old woman’s fingers caught in tendrils of cotton-thick mist. It smells‚ Liska realizes‚ like a freshly dug grave—loam and rot and carrion‚ staining every breath. Somewhere in there is the fern flower. When she finds it‚ she must make her wish carefully‚ for it only grants one. In the legends‚ men often make poorly worded wishes and meet terrible ends‚ assuming they make it past the wood’s devilish spirits. Here at least‚ Liska’s curse gives her an advantage—she has always been able to sense spirits‚ hear them‚ even see them: the skrzat by the stove complaining of the dirty floor or the kikimora in the neighbor’s house exclaiming in delight as she finds yarn to tangle. But those are benevolent house spirits grown fat on offerings of bread and salt‚ friendly to the humans who shelter them. She doubts the Driada’s demons will speak the same tongue. Is she really going to do this? It’s not too late to turn back. She does not belong here. A memory: Father PaweÅ‚ sits in the kitchen of the cramped Radost hovel. He is a young priest‚ his fraying cassock as patchy as his beard‚ and his expression is too wary to pass for sympathy. He and Mama are the only people in StodoÅ‚a who know of Liska’s secret. At least‚ they were‚ until two evenings ago. “The people are beginning to wonder‚ Dobrawa‚” PaweÅ‚ says. “There is no proof‚ but no one can explain it elsewise. The best thing you can do is to send her away‚ before she loses control again or the Prawotas rally enough people to their cause.” Liska is not meant to hear his words‚ but she listens anyway‚ watching from outside the hut through a crack in the shutters. Her teeth are firmly clamped to her lip‚ and she tastes iron on her tongue. The day is humid‚ the sky a cloud-crowded blue‚ and a chicken is pawing at the dirt by her feet. “I know‚ Father‚ I know‚ but where would she go?” Dobrawa Radost—Mama—sits across from Father PaweÅ‚‚ picking mint leaves off a stem and laying them out for drying. With her rigid bearing and hoarfrost-cold eyes‚ she has always reminded Liska of Szklana Góra‚ the glass mountain from the stories that no knight could conquer. And like that mountain‚ she is neither kind nor cruel. She is simply indomitable‚ a trait required from her as StodoÅ‚a’s folk healer. “She is of age‚” Father PaweÅ‚ replies. “And a well-behaved‚ proper girl. You could have her married off‚ apprenticed… or better yet‚ sent to a convent. God does not turn anyone away‚ and His presence will keep her from being tempted by those unholy powers.” Dobrawa sighs. “I have considered all those things‚ Father‚ but is it truly a good idea to send her off alone? I fear what she may become without guidance.” She throws down a naked mint stem. “Ah‚ Bogdan would have known what to do with her. He was the only one who truly knew.” “You are doing the right thing‚” Father PaweÅ‚ assures her. “It is not a condemnation‚ only a precaution. For her own safety‚ and…” And for ours. Those last words go unspoken‚ but Liska knows what the priest wanted to say: that Liska is dangerous‚ that she has been corrupted by magic‚ like an orchard by blight. “I will change that‚” she promises the stars above. “I will make it right.” She will do anything to prove that she is not dangerous‚ that she belongs—to the village and her people. Even if it means putting her faith in childhood fairy tales. She steps forward‚ farther‚ closer‚ until she is looking up at the Driada’s trees. Dread clutches her throat‚ but she swallows it back. “God preserve me‚” she whispers. Within the wood‚ something shrieks in response. The wind? No‚ it is too uneven. A howl. Or perhaps laughter. Holding up her lantern‚ Liska Radost stares down the path she has chosen‚ no more than trampled underbrush between whispering nettles and cruel briars parted like jaws. In the flickering firelight‚ it all seems a mirage‚ the threshold to a palace of darkness. Waiting. Watching. The laughter sounds once more‚ and this time she forces herself to smile back. Then she steps between the trees.   Nothing is a certainty in the night in the wood. In a windless dark shuttered from the world‚ a tree is not a tree but a disfigured body with crooked limbs; its bark not bark but a grotesque face with cracking skin; the brambles beneath not brambles at all‚ but wicked talons snatching and tearing at clothes. Nettles sting Liska’s exposed ankles‚ but the pain is nothing to the prickling at the back of her neck‚ the acute feeling that she is being watched. Liska finds she is less afraid than she should be. Perhaps it is because this wood‚ just like her‚ is something unnatural‚ something other. By appearance alone‚ she fits more in the earthen weald than she ever did in the village—hair the color of freshly turned soil‚ skin olive and cheeks marked with freckles sucked out by the sun. For KupaÅ‚a‚ she has worn festive strój: a crimson skirt patterned in pale flowers and an embroidered gorset over a lacy white blouse‚ her wild curls tamed into braids. Around her neck hangs a string of beads in rowanberry red‚ both a festive accessory and a ward against demons. When it catches on a branch and tears free with a snap‚ it feels like irony. She does not stop to pick it up. The forest deepens. Sourceless lights flash in the distance‚ too large to be fireflies. Something rustles in the thicket to Liska’s right; she could swear she sees a bowlegged thing lurking in the fog‚ but it crawls out of sight before her lantern’s light can seize it. The next time she steps forward‚ something crunches underfoot. A branch‚ she tells herself. Even if it feels more like bone. She keeps going. This is her only chance‚ and desperation far outweighs her fear. In her mind‚ she can already see it—returning home to Mama and telling her she has nothing more to worry about‚ that Liska’s magic will not trouble them again. No more pottery shattering without a touch‚ no more fires flaring in her presence‚ no more birds gathering at her window every morning‚ as if they want to tell her a secret she cannot understand. What will life be like when she no longer has to keep her head down and pretend that the disasters trailing in her wake are mere coincidences? When she no longer has to rein in every emotion‚ lest it trigger her magic? She had thought‚ really thought‚ that she’d finally had it under control. Until MarysieÅ„ka. The memory claws at her‚ but she pushes it back again. Look toward the light‚ she reminds herself. Then you will not see the shadow behind you. But there is very little light in the night in the wood. It is not long before Liska strays off the path. One distracted step‚ and when she turns around‚ she can no longer see the trampled trail—only trees ahead and trees behind‚ pressing ever closer‚ branches intertwining into a claustrophobic cage‚ and leaves slapping‚ cold and wet‚ against her face. Her pulse thuds loudly in her ears. Paths like the one she just lost were carved by merchant caravans‚ passing from Orlica to the neighboring country of Litven. Those merchants enter the Driada prepared—they bring sturdy horses and rifles and swords‚ sometimes even hired guards. A week before their entry‚ they leave a tithe: meat or bread or coin at the mouth of the path they choose to follow‚ offerings for the demon Leszy. Leszy. A name known to every StodoÅ‚a villager‚ memorized like a prayer yet spoken like a curse. It is he who rules the Driada and keeps the spirits contained‚ he who protects the travelers in the wood and the villages around it. It is he who does not permit anyone to enter into his domain without paying the tithe—and all know that if the Leszy is not satisfied with what he receives‚ those who enter the Driada will not return. Liska made her own offering the night before KupaÅ‚a—a loaf of rye bread and dried kieÅ‚basa‚ left at the opening of the path she intended to follow. Now that she has strayed‚ she has lost any hope of the Leszy’s protection. Just as the stories tell of the Leszy guarding travelers‚ they also warn that those who stray from his paths will never find their way back to them again. “It doesn’t matter‚” Liska says to the wood‚ or to God‚ or perhaps in that moment they are one and the same. “I don’t imagine you would hide the flower where it could be easily found.” That is when her toe strikes a root. She pitches forward gracelessly‚ crashing to her knees. The lantern slips out of her fingers‚ glass shattering with a muted crack. The flame goes out.   Excerpted from Where the Dark Stands Still‚ copyright © 2024 by A.B. Poranek.

Palworld is one of the first major releases of 2024 and even though the game is nearly here‚ eager fans are looking for any opportunity to get into the game early. Since Palworld is on Xbox‚ some people have been trying the classic New Zealand trick to get early access. If you’re unfamiliar with the New Zealand trick‚ it’s a simple way to play games the day before they officially release on Xbox. It’s a hugely popular exploit for games on Xbox Game Pass like Palworld. All you have to do to get early access to some games is change your Xbox console’s region to New Zealand and then restart the system. Related: Is Palworld Steam Deck compatible? Answered After rebooting‚ you’ll be able to launch the game after it releases in New Zealand‚ which is nearly 24 hours before the official release. Unlike games on PlayStation‚ you don’t need to purchase the game on the New Zealand store in order for this trick to work. All yo...

Pokemon GO is the most popular GPS game on the planet‚ with a calendar jam-packed full of events. As GO is such a busy game‚ there’s no way the average player can participate in every event. With this in mind‚ let us present the Pokemon GO Raid schedule (January 2024): Current bosses‚ schedule for Mega Raids‚ 5-Stars &; more Pokemon GO Raid schedule: Current bosses‚ Mega Raids‚ 5-Stars &; more This article will be updated monthly‚ but here is everything to look forward to during January 2024. Most events last at least a week‚ but some only stick around for a weekend. As the name implies‚ Spotlight Hours are only live for 60 minutes‚ so you’ll likely need to plan for those. I’ve split the events into categories for ease of use. As Pokemon GO is such a busy game‚ there will always be something live‚ no matter when you play: Raid Battles Shadow Raid Battle: Shadow Moltres – Saturday‚ 6 January – Sunday‚ 21 Janu...

Yet another thing many players‚ including myself‚ missed in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 is the Kuo-Toa‚ a clan of fish people. Here is how to find the fish people in BG3 Act 1 and how to become their god. Where is the fish people location in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)? Screenshot: PC Invasion The fish people‚ who are officially called Kuo-Toa‚ are located in the Underdark in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3. They’re in a location that is easy to miss‚ but I have instructions to get you right to their front door. Related: Most Baldur’s Gate 3 players haven’t found this crucial note about the Absolute From the Underdark – Selunite Outpost‚ jump through the window on the rock ledge heading west. Continue down‚ defeat the Specter‚ and continue down like you are going to the Arcane Tower. Screenshot: PC InvasionScreenshot: PC InvasionScreenshot: PC Invasion Climb down the last Cragged Rock stairs so you are on the re...

Whenever a new Persona game comes out‚ you can guarantee that Atlus will include some special DLC for fans of the series. Furthermore‚ some of these DLC’s will even give you the upper hand in your next shadow fight. So let’s visit the Dark Hour‚ and take a look at all DLC personas in Persona 3 Reload. Persona 3 Reload — All DLC personas listed Image: Atlus Persona 5 was the first game to introduce DLC persona‚ and the idea has carried over through every new Persona release. The idea is that players can enjoy the nostalgia of seeing integral personas from the previous titles in the series. In reality‚ however‚ the DLC personas are not capped by the MCs level. This means players can obtain DLC personas regardless of their level‚ so players can grab some of the best Personas in the game early on. Related: All difficulties in Persona 3 Reload And in Persona 3 Reload‚ players can obtain iconic personas from P4 and P5. Here are all the ...