Behaviour & Training

Having a baby is an exciting time but it’s also a huge disruption for the entire household. And this of course includes your cat. Cats like familiarity and predictability in their routine and in their environment. They bond to their home often as much as they do with their people, and they do not like change. A baby, and everything that comes with it, is very definitely a big change! So here is how to make sure the first baby-cat meeting goes smoothly.

It may be difficult to believe that cats get cold despite them being extremely adaptable creatures. If your cat gets too cold, they could be at risk of health conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. When the colder weather starts to set in, it is important to know when the temperature is too low for your cat and when they should be kept nice and warm inside. So, do cats feel the cold, and if so, when is it too cold for them?

We often think that our cats lead lives of total luxury with their every whim catered for, so it can come as a surprise to realise that such a life of leisure can lead to feline boredom. Much like dogs, cats can develop serious behaviour problems if they become bored and they can express that boredom in rather destructive ways. So, carry on reading to find out more about cat boredom and whether you are the owner of a bored cat.

You’ve probably heard the rustling of a plastic bag when you’ve returned from the weekly shop, just to see your cat biting and shredding it with great enthusiasm. But why do cats gnaw or eat plastic? We’ve got it all explained below – including when it’s a cause for concern. Read on to find out all you need to know.

You’ve probably seen your feline friend resting peacefully in lots of different positions, but did you know that cat sleeping positions have meaning behind them? From being stretched out with their bellies exposed, to curled up in a cat loaf, it’s easy to wonder why they’re sleeping like that, and we have the answers for you! Whether they’re fans of their cat bed, or prefer the luxury of a sofa, we’ve listed all the cat sleeping positions for you here so you know what to expect at each stage of their sleep.

Whether you’re looking for help with training or to entertain your feline friend, cat apps are the perfect solution for this. But it can be hard to know which cat apps are suited for your dear feline, which is why we have a list for you. Check it out below!

Cats are the masters of the internet, and it probably very often happens that you come across different photos of them displaying very human-like facial expressions. Grumpy cats, happy cats, sad cats – they’re just like us, you might think. But are their facial expressions really the same as ours - can cats smile, or laugh, or look sad? If you’re the proud owner of a feline, you know that there’s more to the way they show their feelings and communicate with you but even though they might have facial expressions that seem to resemble smiling or laughing, these expressions are not necessarily connected with the way they feel.

Realising that you can no longer keep your cat and making the decision to rehome them is difficult. You’ve probably already spent time with your feline friend and grown to love them. However, in some situations, giving up a cat for adoption is the best thing you can do for both of you. If you’re finding yourself making the often-heart-breaking decision to rehome your cat, we put together this article on how to best deal with this tough choice. We’ll explore the challenges pet families face when deciding to give up their cat and offer advice and resources to help make the process as smooth as possible. Read on to learn how to make sure your feline friend finds the new home they need and deserve.

As your cat ages, their sleep patterns might change. Older cats may sleep more, with their energy levels simply decreasing with age. Other times, senior cats might sleep more during the day, saving their energy for evenings and nighttime explorations. While you might find this a little disruptive, it's a natural shift in their sleep cycle. Learn how to understand these sleeping patterns and create a cosy sleep haven to ensure they get the rest they need. Common Changes in Older Cats' Sleep Patterns

Cats seem to do all of their best hunting at night. Many cat owners are familiar with being woken up with little gifts – such as a mouse or possibly even a sock – or the hyperactive run around the house many cats have in the middle of the night. These night-time antics pose the question: can cats see in the dark? Many people believe that felines are nocturnal and so can see in the dark perfectly, but it may surprise you to learn that cats are actually crepuscular. This means that generally they’re more active around dawn and dusk. So, if they’re not actually nocturnal, how good is cat’s night vision really? Keep reading to discover the secrets behind your four-legged friend’s intelligent eyes. Can cats see in the dark? The short answer is not exactly. Where it’s been widely thought that cats have their own built-in set of night vision goggles, they actually require at least some level of light to see. However, they only need one-sixth of the amount of light that humans do and can see in very low light. Their eyes are intelligently designed According to Caster, the reason cats’ night vision is so excellent is because of the intelligent design of their eyes. They possess a curved cornea and large lens, and in low light their pupils can dilate to full circles to allow in maximum light.

As a proud cat owner, you are probably used to the dailycat meowingand purrs your cat shares with you. But did you know that cats communicate with other cats is mainly via scent, and cat meowing is reservedonlyfor humans? Cats don’t meow at each other, only at humans, and meowing is a learned behaviour. Different meows mean different things too! Catsgo to all the trouble to communicate with usbecause they have something important to say. To help you decipher, here are the top reasons whycatsmeow. Why do cats meow? 1. To greet you If you’re used to a shortcatmeowing just ascome home, congratulations – your cat actually noticed you were missing. A bit of affectionate petting and a few warm words are expected in return. Ah, the joys of being a cat owner! 2. To get your attention Cats also meow sothey can get your attention for play, petting or some nice treats. So if your cat keeps brushing up against you while meowing, chances are you’re needed for some spoiling time. Have fun! 3. To get food If your cat won’t stop meowing at certain times, it’s a good idea to checkif the food bowl is empty. However, don’t fill up the bowl straight away – wait until your cat stops meowing before getting the food out. Otherwise your cat will learn that they can meow and get fed, so they’ll do it more. 4. To tell you they’re unwell Unfortunately,somemeows arenot always easy to address, especially if the pitch and the frequency are unusual. If your?cat is meowing at night, they might be trying to tell you there is something wrong. In fact, many illnesses from?kidney disease?to?urinary tract problems?or arthritis can have your kitty meowing for help. If you notice anything unusual about the sounds your cat is making, it’s better to visityourvet to rule out a possible illness. On the other hand,it can be very difficult toread a cat’s body language and they often hide signs of pain, just because they are not meowing doesn’t mean they are100% ok. Ifyou have an older cat, watch out for a common culprit – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Symptoms include confusion and meowing at night, so make sure you discuss this with your vettoo. 5. To indicate stress If you notice extra cat meowing, think about any possible disturbances or changes in your cat’s environment. A new house, a new pet or a new baby can set off alarm bells. So be mindful of any changes and try to put your cat at ease by offering them more attention and some nice quiet time.

Travelling can make your home-loving felines uncomfortable. Some trips are unavoidable so it’s important to make the journey as safe and stress-free as possible for your cat. Most cats are home lovers, so travelling anywhere else with them can make them stressed. When travelling with cats it’s important to know how you can make your feline friend feel comfortable. We’ve put together some cat travel tips to help everything run smoothly. Cat car travel Taking a road trip with your cat can seem like a fun bonding activity but it can trigger your cat’s anxiety for travelling. When travelling by car, remember to keep your cat inside a cat carrier so it’s less likely to run around and escape through open car doors or windows. Make sure your carrier is strong, secure, easy to clean and large enough for your cat. You can buy a plastic, wire mesh or wicker basket. Don’t use a cardboard box as it will get flimsy and fall to bits if your cat urinates in it. Although it seems kind to get the biggest carrier available, some cats actually prefer to feel snug and too big a space could make them feel insecure. This will also free up space for your cargo! Make sure to introduce the new carrier to your cat in advance so that it can familiarize itself with it. When your cat is familiar enough with its carrier, you’ll have no problem containing it when the trip starts. A good way to acclimatise your cat to a carrier is to leave it open on the floor. Soft bedding, yummy catnip treats and familiar scents will make it inviting and pleasant. Airline-type plastic carriers can be disassembled, inviting curious cats to jump in and explore. When you’ve organized a cat carrier, you’ve already taken the first step towards a safe journey with your cat.