Cats and Their Odd Behavior: 5 Creepy Cat Habits
By petMD | Pets
By Cheryl Lock | PetMD
The more time you spend with your cat, the more you'll probably start to notice-she's got some weird habits, doesn't she?
We decided to look at 5 of the most common odd cat behaviors and get to the root of why they do them.
Kneading
From time to time you may catch your cat doing something a little strange: kneading. This occurs when your kitten rhythmically alternates her paws, pushing in and out, usually against something soft.
While no one is 100% sure why cats take on this behavior, there are a few theories. For starters, baby kittens will knead instinctively when they're young to help stimulate their mom's milk production. In this way, some people think cats continue kneading as they get older because the action reminds them of the rewards of nursing.
Other theories for why cats do this include that it's their way of showing affection, it helps them limber up after a nap or prepare a soft, comfy spot to lay down in, or that it's an easy way to scent-mark their territory.
For female cats, many also believe that kneading is a way of displaying to male cats that they are ready and able to mate.
Chewing on Plants
Dangling leaves aside (which, let's be honest, are just fun for your cat to chomp at), some cats chew plants because they find comfort in the act, or as a way to get your attention.
Of course too much of a good thing can be … well … bad. Cats who eat excessive grass or plants usually end up throwing up. No one's quite sure if cats do this on purpose to help bring up hairballs, or if it's just a coincidence.
Face Rubbing
Your cat's cheeks contain glands that he uses to deposit his own unique scent. By rubbing his furry little cheeks on everything he sees, your cat is actually being quite territorial, marking off what he considers to be "his" in your home.Bringing Gifts
Cats are natural hunters, which we already know, and so it only makes sense that if you have an outdoor cat she will, from time-to-time, be stalking some prey. And you know how you like to bring your furry best friend home a treat every now and then to let her know how much you love her? Well some experts believe that dead mouse on your doorstep could be her way of telling you just how much she cares about you.
Rolling
Have this ever happened to you: You approach your kitten in the hallway to say hello, and she immediately throws herself on the ground, rolls onto her back and exposes her tummy to you?
If it's a familiar scenario, be happy. Cats who roll over and expose their stomachs are actually relaxed and comfortable, calm and content. When she does this, your cat is showing you that she loves and trusts you-and probably wouldn't mind some scratches at the moment, either.
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See Wonderpets all in Wild. Caring Manipets to the World of Wonderpets to Love Pets and Animals.
Showing posts with label wonder pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wonder pets. Show all posts
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Friday, March 16, 2012
10 Tips for New Cat Owners
Cats make great companions. Not only do they look good, they also keep mice away and have built-in motors. That’s pretty cool.
But there’s more to owning a cat than having a cute, soft, purring companion. Before you get one, there are a few things you should think about, and a few things that are just plain good to know.
PetMD shares 10 tips for cat owners:
1. Cats are indeed independent by nature, but they’re not quite able to take care of themselves. Before you adopt, make sure that your lifestyle can make room for a feline. How busy you are and the amount of time you spend at home will dictate the kind of cat you should get — very busy people may find it difficult to find the time for a cat that needs a lot of grooming and attention, especially the highly intelligent and active cats. But, there are cats that are ideal for the working lifestyle. Do your research.
2. What if your circumstances change after the adoption? Or if you work long hours and still want a friendly face to greet you at the door at the end of the day? Adopting a buddy for the cat to play with can be an excellent solution.
3. Do you have any allergies? If you do suffer from severe allergic reactions, consider testing yourself for feline allergies before bringing a cat home. Then again, some people with allergies might adapt to their own pet but still be allergic to other cats. A safe bet is to choose a cat with low allergens. Consult your vet, books, or animal shelter employees for suggestions.
4. Before you bring your cat home, take it for a checkup and immunizations. Also, schedule it in to be neutered as soon as age permits. This can mean the difference between a healthy and happy cat, and a miserable cat trying to claw its way through the windows or spraying your furniture.
5. Get a good litter box and quality litter. Covered boxes can allow you and your cat more privacy, and clumping litter is easier to maintain. Keep the box clean, for the comfort of your cat and your nose. Also, make sure you buy well-balanced, age-appropriate food for your cat. Ask your vet, the representatives at your local pet store,
6. Cats love to play. Toy mice, string, feathers, and even empty boxes make for great amusement. Playthings needn’t be expensive (they can even be homemade), just make sure there’s enough to keep your cat happy, active, and mentally occupied.
7. If you don’t want your sofa shredded, or your new Louis Vuitton bag ruined, invest in a scratching post.
8. Catnip, and those little freeze-dried chicken nuggets are excellent tools for cat bribery and training.
9. Get pet insurance. We hope you won’t need it, but like they always say, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
10. If it’s a kitten you’re bringing home, make sure you start a grooming routine early. Bathing, brushing and trimming claws will be an event to look forward to, rather than something to dread.
And there you have it. These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when you get yourself a new companion. Another important consideration: Cats often live for around 20 years, so you and your furry feline friend will be together for a long time.
By PetMD
Friday, June 11, 2010
Home Made recipes for Your Cats
**Quick tip**
If your cat is a little smelly and you don't have time to wash her,
brush some baking soda into her fur. It's harmless and will have
her smelling like roses in no time at all.
Here is a simple recipe that will help you avoid such things!
Simple natural ingredients that will keep your cat healthy and happy.
Here's a simple cookie recipe that will keep for ages without being
frozen. You can feed it as a treat or part of a main meal... your
cat will purr like crazy whenever she hears the cookie jar open!
CAT COOKIES
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp catnip
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 tbl butter or vegetable oil
1/4 cup Soy flour
1 egg
2 tbl Wheat germ
1 tbl Unsulfured molasses
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll
out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into small, cat bite-sized
pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes and let cool. Store the cookies in a sealed
container.
Tghis will amke your cats love and keep on asking and asking...They love it... Beautiful Sweets Cats Organic Cookies, 64 Cookies
If your cat is a little smelly and you don't have time to wash her,
brush some baking soda into her fur. It's harmless and will have
her smelling like roses in no time at all.
Here is a simple recipe that will help you avoid such things!
Simple natural ingredients that will keep your cat healthy and happy.
Here's a simple cookie recipe that will keep for ages without being
frozen. You can feed it as a treat or part of a main meal... your
cat will purr like crazy whenever she hears the cookie jar open!
CAT COOKIES
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp catnip
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 tbl butter or vegetable oil
1/4 cup Soy flour
1 egg
2 tbl Wheat germ
1 tbl Unsulfured molasses
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll
out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into small, cat bite-sized
pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes and let cool. Store the cookies in a sealed
container.
Tghis will amke your cats love and keep on asking and asking...They love it... Beautiful Sweets Cats Organic Cookies, 64 Cookies
Sunday, June 6, 2010
New Frog Species Discovered in India
A new species of frog has been discovered by S.D. Biju of Delhi University, Franky Bossuyt, Yogesh Shouche, Alain Dubois, and S. Dutta. It lives in a very small area at the summit of Anamudi, which is the highest peak in India’s Western Ghats mountain range. (Anamundi, which means elephant’s forehead, has an elevation of over 8,800 feet.)
The species was noted for having many glands, and short limbs. Its scientific name is Raorchestes resplendens. The first name is an homage to Professor Rao for his contributions to the study of amphibians in India. A female was found with eggs buried deeply in bamboo clumps. Later some of the eggs were observed hatching in a lab. Because the species is limited to such a small range, there is an immediate need for a conservation strategy. Ironically, some species are discovered for the first time, and yet are already near extinction due to various factors such as climate change.
Researchers Biju and Bossuyt have previously discovered new frog species in the Western Ghats, which is a rugged, lush region known for its biodiversity. Last year it was reported they had discovered twelve new species. Their discoveries are underscoring the need for conservation of the Western Ghats and its wildlife.( by Jake Richardson )Grow A Frog
Labels:
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wonder pets
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
How Pets Raise Spirits and Improve Health by Ann Pietrangelo
Pets are good for you.
Most people who have a pet don’t need scientific proof. Their own experiences are enough to confirm that the bond between humans and pets is enormously beneficial to physical and emotional health. The unconditional affection of a pet calms, soothes, and enhances the feeling of well-being.
Here I was, just beginning to draft an article about the health benefits of pets, when a Facebook friend posted the following message. “Hey, FB Friends: I want another dog and my family says ‘no’ because I have MS. What do you think? I want a new rescue dog.”
Having multiple sclerosis (MS) myself, I understand the desire for the kind of companionship that only a pet can give. Her family is probably concerned about the commitment it takes to properly care for a pet, and understandably so. Choosing the right pet for your personal circumstances requires planning, but you are likely to get quite a return for your efforts.
The non-profit Delta Society reports that 63 percent of all households in the U.S. have pets; 39 percent of all households have at least one dog and 34 percent have at least one cat. The benefits of having a pet include:
Most people who have a pet don’t need scientific proof. Their own experiences are enough to confirm that the bond between humans and pets is enormously beneficial to physical and emotional health. The unconditional affection of a pet calms, soothes, and enhances the feeling of well-being.
Here I was, just beginning to draft an article about the health benefits of pets, when a Facebook friend posted the following message. “Hey, FB Friends: I want another dog and my family says ‘no’ because I have MS. What do you think? I want a new rescue dog.”
Having multiple sclerosis (MS) myself, I understand the desire for the kind of companionship that only a pet can give. Her family is probably concerned about the commitment it takes to properly care for a pet, and understandably so. Choosing the right pet for your personal circumstances requires planning, but you are likely to get quite a return for your efforts.
The non-profit Delta Society reports that 63 percent of all households in the U.S. have pets; 39 percent of all households have at least one dog and 34 percent have at least one cat. The benefits of having a pet include:
- For Children: Children can learn valuable lessons in responsibility; caring for other living beings improves self-esteem. The unconditional love creates a bond that will be treasured for a lifetime. Pets also encourage children to engage in physical activity. An Australian study indicates dog ownership may help fight childhood obesity. Researchers found that children five to six years old were 50 percent less likely to be overweight if they had a dog. This benefit was present even if those children did not regularly walk the dog and regardless of economic status of the household.
- For Adults: Busy work schedules need to be balanced with play. Spending time with a pet can lower anxiety and stress levels. For people who are shy or have trouble making friends, having a pet breaks social barriers and feelings of isolation. And it’s fairly difficult to stay in a bad mood when your pet looks up at you with those big, loving eyes, or takes to your lap.
- For Seniors: Studies show that older people with dogs visit the doctor less often with minor health issues and have lower levels of blood pressure and cholesterol than non-pet owners. Seniors are advised to have pets that are easily managed. Many nursing homes have visiting pet programs that have been shown to have a tremendous impact on human lives.
Therapy animals are trained to provide companionship to people who are trying to overcome depression and loneliness, among other things. That says a lot about the human-animal connection. And let’s not forget the hard-working and dedicated service animals who are trained to assist people with disabilities. Although these animals are not generally considered pets, the bond between people and their service animals is profound.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that benefits to owning a pet include decreases in:
Bandit has since left this world, but Smokey hasn’t let up in her duties. To this day, when MS symptoms get the best of me, she snuggles up when I need her most. I can’t tell you, scientifically speaking, how that affects my health. I can tell you that she lifts my spirits and helps me put aside my troubles. That’s enough for me.
As for my Facebook friend, I hope she works things out with her family; I hope they volunteer to help her care for the dog when MS gets the upper hand; I hope she gets her rescue dog. When it comes to people and pets, sometimes they rescue each other.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that benefits to owning a pet include decreases in:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol levels
- triglyceride levels
- feelings of loneliness
- opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- opportunities for socialization
Bandit has since left this world, but Smokey hasn’t let up in her duties. To this day, when MS symptoms get the best of me, she snuggles up when I need her most. I can’t tell you, scientifically speaking, how that affects my health. I can tell you that she lifts my spirits and helps me put aside my troubles. That’s enough for me.
As for my Facebook friend, I hope she works things out with her family; I hope they volunteer to help her care for the dog when MS gets the upper hand; I hope she gets her rescue dog. When it comes to people and pets, sometimes they rescue each other.
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