Feline Behavior

Why Does Your Cat’s Tongue Feel Like Sandpaper? Feline Anatomy Explained

cat-tongue

Cat anatomy is endlessly fascinating to me. Cats have some unique anatomical abilities that they share with no other species, and this is true for their tongue as well. That sandpaper sensation is caused by what is one of nature’s perfect designs: the cat’s tongue allows her to groom and to consume her prey.Continue Reading

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Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Laura Cassiday: Jealousy, Feeding Frenzy & More

ask-the-cat-behaviorist-laura-cassiday

Laura Cassiday is a certified cat behavior consultant (CCBC) and owner of Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training. Laura is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also a Fear Free certified animal trainer. Laura recently published her first book, The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat (affiliate link*.) She works with cat guardians remotely from all over the world, as well as in-person in her local area of Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, visit Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training.Continue Reading

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The Importance of Playtime for Cats

cat-play-tunnel

Playtime is vitally important to a cat’s mental and physical health, and it’s especially important for indoor cats. Even though cats may sleep up to 16 hours a day, when they’re awake, they need stimulation, and the best way to accomplish this is with play. In the wild, when lions, tigers and other wild cats aren’t sleeping, they’re either hunting, or teaching their young to hunt. And play is nothing more than channeling your domestic tiger’s hunting instinct into play.Continue Reading

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How to Keep Your Cat From Waking You Up (3 Tips That Work)

Man in white pajamas was awakened by beloved cat, who lay sleeping on chest
Image Credit: Koldunov Alexey, Shutterstock

Do your cats wake you at the crack of dawn? Are they keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep? As much as we love our feline family members, most of us would prefer to not have that love expressed by a pounce on our chest at 4 am.Continue Reading

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How to Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier: 7 Expert Tips

Mom and son releasing gray cat from pet carrier

A cat carrier is an important part of your cat’s life. For most cats, the only time they’re in a carrier is when they have to go to the veterinarian, so the association with carriers is often a negative and stressful one. But carriers can be vital in an emergency, and it’s crucial to get your cats used to the carrier so that they can associate it with a positive experience.Continue Reading

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Feline Direct Registering: What It Is & Why Do Cats Do It

feline-direct-registering

Cats are mysterious creatures, and learning more about how and why they do the things they do is one of the joys of loving our beautiful companions. When I recently came across the term “feline direct registering” for the first time, I have to admit, my mind was blown. How was it possible that in all the years I’ve been working with and writing about cats, I had never come across this term?Continue Reading

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Do Pheromone Diffusers Work? What You Need to Know!

feliway-multicat

Products containing artificial pheromones can be an important tool for dealing with feline behavior problems, whether it’s territorial aggression, urinary marking, or simply a stressful trip to the vet. Cats naturally emit these pheromones. They are used to mark their territory as safe and secure by rubbing the side of their face against against furniture, or even against you.Continue Reading

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How to Calm an Anxious Cat

shy-scared-cat-in-bucket-litter-box

There’s a reason why “scaredy cat” is such a common phrase. The list of things that can cause anxiety and stress in cats is pretty long, and can include loud noises, trips to the veterinarian, and moving to a new home. While most cats are initially wary of unfamiliar noises, people or events, they eventually adapt as they get used to the stimulus. However, some cats remain anxious.Continue Reading

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How to Help Calm Your Cat During Thunderstorms: 6 Expert Tips

woman owner holding little white cat while sleeping.

Thunderstorms can be extremely stressful for cats. While cats may not show their fear in quite the same way as dogs (in severe cases of thunderstorm anxiety, panicking dogs have been known to destroy furniture, jump through windows or otherwise harm themselves during storms,) they may still become extremely anxious.

Behaviorists are not sure which part of the storm frightens pets the most Continue Reading

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