Posts in Category: Pet Nutrition

January 22^nd is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

You are probably wondering what kind of questions cats would ask. We have a few in mind and we will even provide the answers! It is a great time to learn more about the favorite cat in your life as well as cats in general. 

Let’s start with some questions that may seem obvious.  What may not seem so obvious are the answers.  Our goal is to provide you with some light hearted fun while hopefully telling you some things you don’t already know.

One of the Most Popular Questions

Question 1 from your kitty is “Why can’t I scratch the big thing in the living room you call a sofa?”  Everyone but kitty knows why he can’t scratch the sofa.  The real question isn’t why he can’t scratch the sofa, but rather why does he want to scratch the sofa?

Yes, it can be frustrating when your cat scratches things he shouldn’t. However, it is important to know that scratching is NORMAL behavior for cats.  Scratching serves important functions for cats as well.

• Scratching helps kitty maintain the use of and motion of his claws. This motion is used in climbing and hunting. Scratching also is a great way for kitty to stretch.
• Scratching also provides a way for cats to mark their territory.  Scratching leaves visible marks and deposits scent allowing cats to communicate with each other. 
• Lastly, scratching helps cats keep their nails groomed.

If you want kitty to stop scratching your furniture or carpet get him a scratcher or condo (keep reading before you decide on which condo to buy). You can attract your cat to the scratcher with pheromone sprays or catnip.

Some Cats Want This Answered More Than Others

Question 2 from your kitty is “Why can’t I have human food?” Best practice is to feed your cat a balanced diet made for cats and one that contains the right nutrients.  One such nutrient is Taurine.  Taurine is an amino acid that is found exclusively in animal-based proteins.  This ingredient is essential for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function and to maintain a healthy immune system.

In addition there are also ingredients that are dangerous for your cat.  These foods include onions, garlic, raw eggs or meat, chocolate, raisins, grapes, alcohol or anything containing xylitol.

Something else to consider is how you feed your cat.  While many people think cats are “easy” pets to keep, you may not realize that cats have instinctual preferences for feeding that we humans should consider. Please visit catfriendly.com to learn more about this important topic.

Hill Country Animal Hospital is a Cat Friendly Hospital. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) accredits our hospital with this designation because we meet certain requirements and work to ensure low stress visits for your cat. The AAFP developed a website devoted to cat owners called Catfriendly.com. The information on this website is there to help you provide a low stress and enriched environment for your cat to thrive in! Low stress isn’t just for vet visits.

This Question Seems Obvious

Question 3 is “Why can’t I drink all the milk?” This one is pretty easy.  Cats cannot have milk because most cats are lactose intolerant.  Giving your cat cow’s milk can cause GI upset.  You can buy specially formulated milk for cats if you want to give your cat a special treat now and then.

All Cats Want To Know

Question 4 from your cat is “Why do you pet me places I don’t like?” Cats love attention and petting. However, not all petting spots are equal. Consider location.

If you think cats are finicky, you would be correct.  Cats are pretty picky when it comes to where they like to be touched and petted. Below we will list locations and let you know what your cat thinks of these locations.

• The top of your cat’s head is a yes. 
• Cheeks and chin are a big yes!! The more pets in these locations the better!
• The chest and back are usually ok as long you provide gentle strokes.
• The tail, the belly and the limbs are generally off limits. Most cats do not love to be touched or petted in these areas.

The reason chins and cheeks are popular petting spots is because cats have scent glands on the top of their head, chin, cheeks (and at the base of their tails).  Part of marking territory is leaving their scent on things, even on you! Always watch your cat’s body language to see if he likes how you are petting him.

You’ve Wondered This But Probably Haven’t Asked

Question 5 that your cat wants answered is “Why do you get mad when I jump to high places?” Your answer to this question may be another question: “Why do cats always want to be in a high place?

Cats instinctually want to be in high places because they want to protect themselves.  Hanging out or sleeping on a high perch or position gives them an aerial advantage for safety and for spotting potential dangers. Cats frequently use high perches or landings to escape housemate dogs or other cats. 

This is why if you are choosing condos for your cat, you may want to consider at least one tall condo or cat tree.  If you don’t have a condo, you could clear out a space on a shelf in your closet or whatever high spot your cat already likes to go. 

The point to some of these questions and answers is that cats have needs that if met, will make them feel safe and secure. Meeting their needs for enrichment will make happier and healthier cats.  Cat behavior has come a long way and to learn more about the Five Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment please visit https://catfriendly.com/ This website has a wealth of information for cat owners to take their cat’s life from living to thriving!

Is Safety That Important?

When we think of the holidays we aren’t always focused on safety.  This doesn’t mean that we

shouldn’t be, especially if we have pets.  Holiday safety is very important and something that if overlooked can put a real damper on your holiday season.

It Sparkles and Shines

Safety with pets around the holidays can be simple and can include suggestions that are easy to implement.  Tinsel, garland, ribbon on packages or yarn are so inviting for cats, kittens and puppies.  These twisty, toy-like objects are Continue…