Cat lovers are well acquainted with the soothing hum of a cat’s purr and they typically associate it with contentment and relaxation, yet the complexities behind this subtle sound extend far beyond mere happiness. Cats purr for a variety of reasons, offering us a few insights into their psychology and physiology. Purring Serves Many Functions What most people relate to is the scenario of a relaxed, happy cat curled up on a lap while being gently petted. So many people assume that if the cat is purring, all is well. Not always. Purring is more complex than that. Cats may purr when frightened o ..read more

Have you noticed the cute hairs on the inner part of your cat’s ears? Some cats have a dense cluster of hairs, some have hairs that are quite lengthy, while others have hairs very subtle in appearance. These hairs extending from the inner part of the ear are referred to as ear furnishings. BUY PAM’S BOOKS The Role of Ear Furnishings Ear furnishings aren’t there just to make the ears look even cuter than they already do. These hairs play a crucial role in maintaining ear health by providing a protective barrier to help prevent debris particles, mites, and dust from infiltrating the sensitive ..read more

  Just as with humans, cats have preferences and react to both positive and negative experiences. Although they’re very tolerant of the mistakes humans make, certain behaviors family members do can cause stress and damage the bond. I’ve written many articles about the ways to strengthen the bond, and how to foster a good relationship with cats, but it’s also essential to be aware of the things people do that cats hate. Here are 10 common behaviors that might be irritating your own cat. 1) Abrupt Change. Cats are definitely creatures of habit, and sudden changes in their environment or ev ..read more

  I’m sure you’ve noticed the intriguing structure at the base of the outer part of your cat’s ear. It’s that delicate slit that forms a tiny pouch. Medically, this thin flap of skin is known as the cutaneous marginal pouch, but but the name you’ll most often hear when referring to this part of a cat’s ear anatomy, is Henry’s pocket. What is the Function of Henry’s Pocket? Well, the exact function isn’t really known, after all, cats certainly do like to keep secrets, don’t they? Experts do have possible theories though. It’s believed that this special ear feature helps funnel sound down ..read more

You undoubtedly want a long, healthy, and happy life for your beloved cat. Building a deep bond and enjoying years spent together is a shared desire. It begins with an understanding of the essential needs of cats and the reasons behind those needs. The journey to nurturing a wonderful relationship with your cat starts by meeting those needs and surrounding your cat with love and security. Watching your cat not just survive but thrive is the best reward. While we could probably make an exhaustive list of the things that contribute to ultimate feline happiness, as each cat would have their own ..read more

Scruffing has been a common practice in cat handling for a long time. It’s the method of cat restraint most veterinary professionals were originally taught. Scruffing is where the cat is grasped by the loose skin on the back of the neck. Even though this restraining technique has been widely used for so long, it’s essential to learn why it should be avoided in most situations. There are more humane methods for handling and controlling a cat. What is Scruffing? There are different levels of scruffing, ranging from a gentle hold to a firm grasp of the skin at the back of the neck, depending on ..read more

Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or a fresh recruit to the wonderful world of felines, there are things you need to know to help ensure your furry family member has a happy, healthy life. While there certainly is much more cat wisdom you’ll still need, here’s a rundown of the top seven cat commandments to get you started. 1. Veterinary Care Regular veterinary care is crucial to your cat’s lifetime health. Stay on schedule with annual exams to monitor overall health, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, and maintain dental hygiene. Cats are pros at hiding pain and very often, the only indica ..read more

We love how playful and curious cats are, but those traits can also pose serious risks to their safety. One behavior is particularly worrisome, and that’s when cats chew on electrical cords. Understanding the Behavior Pain relief. With kittens, the reason may be due to teething discomfort. With older cats it could be to relieve pain from various dental issues such as periodontal disease. Boredom. If there isn’t enough stimulation in the environment, cats may chew on electrical cords just as an activity to relieve boredom. Stress. When there’s a stress overload, cats may rely on displacem ..read more

When you adopt a cat, you have hopes of establishing a good relationship and loving bond. Whether you’re bringing home a happy, healthy kitten, or rescuing a cat where you have to work on undoing past emotional damage, your mission is to create a loving and nurturing environment so the relationship can grow strong. Here are some general reminders about starting the relationship off right. 1.  Socialize your cat. This is most essential if your new furry family member is a kitten. Gently expose your kitten to being handled, unfamiliar people, the cat carrier, travel, and other aspects of e ..read more

  Living with a cat for even the shortest amount of time quickly reveals they have meticulous grooming habits. That frequent grooming is not rooted in vanity; it’s crucial for health and survival. This fastidious grooming can also lead to a common issue known as hairballs, technically referred to as trichobezoars. What is a Hairball? Hairballs develop when cats swallow enough hair that it forms into a wad, mixed with saliva. Cats have specialized spines on their tongue known as papillae, that curve backward and play an important role in grooming and feeding behavior. The papillae are extr ..read more