Basic care of Cats
Learn more about basic care of cats by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
48 articles
You may have seen a cat shake its tail like a rattlesnake. Pointed perpendicular to the ground, the hairs stand on end and it vibrates in a pulsing rhythm. Tail movement is an important part of cat communication, using it to signal to others in their environment their emotional state. This body language...
Cat communication relies heavily on body language. Although their purr or meow can be revealing, cats can say all you need to know without making a squeak. This includes body posture, something which is particularly important when a cat meets another cat. This can tell the other feline whether it is a friendly...
Cats are often misunderstood when it comes to their body language, especially when it comes to their tails. One common behavior that can confuse cat owners is when a cat wags its tail while being spoken to. Unlike dogs, who wag their tails to express excitement or happiness, a cat’s tail movements can indicate...
Many cats don't enjoy sleeping under the covers. They may be able to sleep for hours while dangling off the side of a cat tree or cram themselves into the tiniest space imaginable for a snooze, but will run away if we try to place a blanket over them. While most cats will enjoy sleeping in a bed, they often...
Keeping an eye on your cat's health means knowing what's normal, and that includes their temperature. While it's a common belief that you can tell if a cat's running a fever just by touching their nose or ears, the truth is, a thermometer is the only way to get an accurate reading. A temperature that's...
Your cat's tail tells stories about their feelings and needs. Like an antenna, it's packed with nerve endings that help them communicate with other cats and with you. Each position and movement has a clear meaning, helping you understand when your cat wants more attention and when they need space. Learning...
Fever in cats is a symptom of a wide range of diseases and health issues. Even a mild fever can be a symptom of a life-threatening pathology, so it is very important we observe our cats for any changes in our feline. Fever is raised body temperature as a result of the body's immune response. It is important...
Whether vaccinated or not, kittens generally do not need baths. When newborn, their mother takes care of their hygiene by licking them and even disposing of their waste. As they develop, their mother imparts the skills they will need to clean themselves and others in their family group. Bathing also removes...
Ever wonder why your cat jumps at the vacuum cleaner or hides during a thunderstorm? Cats have far more sensitive hearing than humans, picking up on a wider range of frequencies that go unnoticed by our ears. This superpower can be a double-edged sword. Many everyday sounds we barely register can be overwhelming...
At AnimalWised, we frequently emphasize the importance of environmental enrichment for feline well-being. Providing a variety of toys and stimulating activities helps prevent stress, boredom, and behavioral problems in cats. But did you know that sound can also play a role in enriching your cat's life?
This...
When a cat changes their behavior towards you, becomes apathetic, meows constantly or changes their eating habits, it could be a sign they want another cat in the home. When a cat is lonely, they will express this desire for company in various ways. Intense loneliness can become so stressful that it leads...
Keeping a cat indoors is an important method of protection for many felines, especially when living in a built-up area such as a city. There are many dangers outside which can cause harm to the animal. There is also the risk of becoming lost and adding their number to the surfeit of stray cats which...
Those of us who choose to adopt a cat should always do so with the appropriate sense of responsibility. This not only means we provide them with food and shelter, but we commit ourselves to spending time with them and forming strong bonds. Fortunately, meeting this responsibility is also one of the...
Cat's are very particular about their bellies. It is one of the most vulnerable parts of their body and they will go to great lengths to protect it. For this reason, when a cat expose their belly to their guardians it shows a level of love and trust which is not easy for every cat to express. When they allow...
With the wide range of cats litter available, choosing the right product for your cat can be a daunting task. Not to mention that some products can be quite expensive. Moreover, there are some products that can even cause allergies or inflammation of the cat's mucous membranes because they contain fragrances...
Although you might not notice it when they are newborn, you may see your cat start to develop a fat pouch on their belly. Even if your cat is otherwise slim and lithe, you might see they have a fat belly. This can make us worry if they are eating too much or are suffering from an inflammation which poses...
Cats are very hygienic animals. If they do not spend a large part of their waking life licking and grooming themselves, then it means there is something wrong. For this reason, there are not many occasions where you will need to bathe the cat. In general, the less we bathe them the better.
However,...
Can a cat freeze to death? The answer is yes, cats can suffer from hypothermia from low temperatures which can lead to their death.
This is why in this AnimalWised article we're going to answer common winter safety questions about cats, such as how cold is too cold for outdoor and indoor cats and how...
There are many reasons an adult cat might be scared. Fear often develops due to experiences from their youth. If they become scared all of a sudden, it is usually due to a change in their environment or a recent traumatic experience. However, with a young kitten, the reasons for being scared are often...
In most circumstances, we will ideally want to leave catching a stray cat to the professionals. Feline protection volunteers and wildlife welfare services are trained and experienced in humane cat trapping so it can be done as safely as possible. However, there are some circumstances where we are required...
As a cat caregiver, you must already know that each cat is different when it comes to their personality. Where some cats will enjoy being indoors all day and rarely go out, others will need more time in nature to exercise and satisfy their curiosity. However, what should you do if your cat keeps trying to...
You may have noticed that elevated cat feeders are becoming more popular in pet stores. When you observe your cat eating form a bowl on the floor, it may seem like there is little reason to have a raised feeder. Perhaps this is just another fad to make money selling feline accessories. Others may think...
A male cat's penis has certain peculiarities which may, at first, appear somewhat shocking to some cat owners. A male cat’s penile is formed in such a way that it allows a cat to fulfill its necessary function within the reproductive cycle of the species.
Keep reading here at AnimalWised to find out...
Taking a cat's temperature is not something you will necessarily need to do a lot. If we are going to share our life with a cat, it is still an important thing to know. This could be in case we see them acting differently or suspect they may be showing symptoms of disease. Fever is a common symptom for...
When we see a cat, the first thing we want to do is pet them. They are adorable creatures with a soft coat, not to mention the fact that petting cats has been known to reduce stress in humans. It may be surprising to know that even cat guardians don't always know how to pet a cat properly. The result can...
If you share your home with one or more cats, you will know how they like to be cosy. While they may have a natural fur coat to keep them warm, this is not always sufficient in the winter months. If you have a hairless cat, then staying warm is an even greater concern. Even if they will still need to find...
When we see our cat in pain, we want to do everything we can to stop it. Some human drugs are prescription based, usually due to their availability and potential to cause harm. Others are over the counter as they are used more commonly and are not at a strength level conducive to addiction. Ibuprofen is an...
Before adopting a cat, or any other animal, it is very important to take into account all the responsibilities that this adoption entails. In particular, where to leave your cat when you go on vacation is an issue that cannot be overlooked.
We are aware that feline health can be adversely affected when...
With good weather comes the arrival of high temperatures. Naturally, all animal caregivers worry about keeping their animal well away from the dangers of heat. This safety is important in maintaining your animal’s well-being and preventing it from suffering potentially fatal heat stroke.
If you are wondering...
If your cat or kitten has just got their vaccines, the first thing you can do is congratulate yourself. You have helped your cat to build their immunity against potentially lethal diseases and stop certain pathologies from spreading. Many of these diseases are passed on due to cats living in unhygienic...
There are often many doubts over how to bathe your cat. The first one is over whether it should be done at all. Caregivers know that many cats don't like water (although this is by no means an exclusive group), but they also know that cats need to be clean. Cats generally don't need to be bathed as they...
Cats are incredible pets. They are funny, independent and very clean. Everyone knows that cats usually do their business inside a litter box. In fact, this factor is one of the main reasons why many people choose to adopt a cat, since they don't need to go out on the street as often as dogs.
Many of...
Can you imagine a cat with no tail? Surely you will find this a bit strange to see. In case you did not know, there are several breeds of cats that are characterized by a very short tail, or complete lack of it. This is the case of the manx cat.
If you have a manx at home, you will enjoy the docility...
Cats are excellent pets regarding staying clean. Although they also take care of themselves, sphynx cats or hairless cats need more frequent hygiene care than other cats. This is because their skin is very sensitive and tends to accumulate more fat and dirt.
Therefore, AnimalWised want to clear up some...
Cats have a well-earned reputation for being extremely hygienic animals. Anyone who has a feline at home may have noticed the large amount of time each day that they invest in personal grooming. In spite of this, you may find yourself in a position where you must give an adult cat a bath. This is not...
If we talk about the special care of a white cat we must first distinguish this from an albino cat. The latter has a genetic disorder where, after the mutation, we are left with a white cat with blue eyes or one of each color. There are some, albeit few, differences with a white cat.
In this AnimalWised...
Persian or Farsi is a major language descended from Old Persian. This Iranian language falls within the Indo-Irani branch of the languages within the Indo-European family. Farsi is primarily spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan, as well as other regions influenced by Persian culture: more than 110...
If you love cats or have a cat at home, you will probably have wondered whether bathing cats is good for them, or whether it is necessary at all. In this AnimalWised article we will answer all these questions and we will give you some tips to bathe your cat.
Is it bad to bathe cats? Many people believe...
If you are thinking of adopting a Sphynx cat, you must take into account some details about their diet and skincare to prevent possible health problems. While the Sphynx cat's baldness is their most popular trait - it's caused by a recessive gene - they do have some hair.
In this AnimalWised article we'll...
Have you ever seen a cat that appears to be abandoned in the street? You will probably have wondered what you should do, such as "is the cat truly abandoned, or is it exploring?", "should I touch it?", "can I give it food?", and most importantly: "can I pick it up and take it home?"
This is a complex...
Caring for a Persian cat has some specific requirements which are not applicable to all cat breeds. While we need to ensure our cat has all their basic dietary, security and emotional needs met, Persian cats have traits which not all cat breeds have. For example, Persians are longhaired cats. This means...
It is important to understand that an albino cat requires special care. You may choose to adopt a cat with albinism because you like their physical appearance, but due to the characteristics associated with this condition, the albino cat may experience problems such as deafness, blindness, cancer or eye redness.
Albino...
The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest domestic cats, with adult males weighing between 6 to 11 kg (13 to 24.5 lb). However, there have been cases of Maine Coon cats who have reached 20 kg (44 lb). This cat breed comes from the state of Maine, in the US. However, there are various theories about its...
The most important aspect of keeping a Savannah or Ashera cat is indirect, but completely relevant to their care. It's a hole - specifically the hole that will burn into your pocket if you decide to take in a Savannah or Ashera cat, whose current price varies between 17,000 and 100,000 US dollars.
If...
The Himalayan cat was originally a cross between Persian and Siamese cat. In Europe it is considered a variety of the Persian cat. In the United States it is considered a breed.
Because of their long hair and their morphology, the Himalayan cat requires special care for it to retain its beauty and natural...
If you want to adopt a cat but suffer from allergies, and using an HEPA air filter or taking antihistamines is not working, choose a hypoallergenic breed and watch all your problems disappear. Hypoallergenic breeds are less likely to start in an allergic reaction as they produce fewer allergens than other cats.
People...
Ragdoll cats are a relatively new breed from the United States. Its interesting name, "Ragdoll", was coined due to a unique feature of the breed. When you hold a Ragdoll cat in your arms, it immediately relaxes all its muscles and goes limp, looking like a rag doll.
Do you have a Ragdoll cat? If you don't,...
Cat litter is an indispensable material if you want to adopt a cat as a pet, as this is what is used in a sandbox so that a cat can go to the toilet. Your cat will urinate and relieve itself on it. Therefore, the litter must have specific qualities to efficiently fulfill your cat's needs.
The main features...