Do you ever sit and watch your kitty at play, chasing after a bug or looking intently out the window, and wonder how they see the world? Feline eyes have some similarities to human eyes but also have differences; for example, take the pupil. Cats have slit pupils, while ours are round.

But why do cats have slit pupils? What’s the purpose? The reason our favorite felines have vertical slit pupils is because they are predators; think of this pupil shape as an evolutionary advantage. Here’s a closer look at the anatomy of the feline eye and how slit pupils help kitties hunt down prey.

Structure of the Feline Eye

Before we discuss the pupil of a cat’s eye in detail, let’s briefly examine the structure of the feline eye and how it works.

Honestly, cat eyes have many similarities to our own. Like us, they have the sclera (or the outer part of the eye, known as the white of the eye). They also have an iris with a pupil in the middle. The iris is the colored part of the eye, and through the pupil, it controls how much light goes into the eye.

Feline eyes also have a lens like ours. This lens, in both felines and humans, transmits light and focuses it onto the retina to create a sharp image. However, there are some subtle differences in how the lens functions in cats versus humans. In humans, the lens changes its curvature to actively focus on objects at different distances. In contrast, a cat’s eye adjusts focus by moving the lens away or towards the retina, depending on whether it’s focusing on distant or near objects. While the accommodative power of the human eye is greater than that of a cat’s, this does not pose any disadvantage to them

Humans and felines also have retinas, though this part of the cat eye holds some differences between the two species. You’ve probably heard of two types of cells called rods and cones in your eye, also known as photoreceptors. The cat and human retina have three types of cone cells, but it’s thought that cats see far fewer colors and have a less richer color vision than we do. In fact, scientists believe they probably see colors similar to a human with red-green color blindness. Our feline friends also have far more rods in their retinas than we do, which contributes significantly to allowing them to see better in low-light conditions.

Speaking of night vision, cat eyes have a layer called the tapetum lucidum that magnifies the amount of light that reaches the retina, which gives our feline friends an amazing boost to their night vision.

Finally, the feline eye has a cornea like ours. This part of the eye is a protective layer and it is also responsible for the light refraction onto the lens, which is then focused onto the retina. The feline cornea is far larger than ours, though, which means more light can get in.

Then, of course, there’s the pupil!

Why Do Cats Have Slit Pupils?

So, why do cats have slit eyes? Because they’re hunters, and several eye features help this purpose.

The pupil of a cat’s eye is a vertical slit and thanks to this, the pupil can change its shape from being a thin line to a wide round pupil, allowing more or less light in depending on the outside light conditions. This is why sometimes a cat’s pupil is a vertical slit, and sometimes it’s big and wide. The amount of light allowed into the eye impacts the way the images are created in the brain to understand the world around a cat. Of course, different light conditions will equal different images.

Think about how large our pupils get when it’s dark; this is because our pupils are trying to get more light in so we can see better. But when we’re in brighter conditions, our pupils grow smaller to prevent dazzle in daylight. It’s the same with feline eyes. However, cat eyes are able to do that with greater finesse due to their vertical and slit-shaped pupils.

The vertical slit shape of the pupil lets a feline’s eye have greater control over the amount of light coming in. Because cats are crepuscular and do their playing and hunting during low light conditions, this gives them a great advantage while hunting. Their pupils can go extra wide to let in even the smallest amount of light so they can see their prey in the dark. During the day, their pupils go back to tiny vertical slits to keep an overabundance of light from coming in. Having a vertical slit shape also means cats can better approximate where their prey is by sharpening their depth perception.

Interestingly, large felines like tigers and lions do not have slit-shaped pupils but round-shaped. The reason for this is not exactly defined, but it is thought to be due to their greater height off the ground, their behavior as active foragers rather than ambush predators, or differences in their circadian rhythms compared to cats.

Final Thoughts

The reason cats have vertical slit pupils is because they are predators. This pupil shape provides them with the best dynamic range to allow full dilation during nighttime and great constriction to prevent dazzle in daylight, which results in cats being able to find and chase prey during high and low light conditions. The vertical slit shape of the eye gives a cat’s eye greater control over how much or how little light is allowed in when it changes shape. This shape also helps a cat better focus on their prey and reduces the amount of blur of horizontal contours. Just call it an evolutionary advantage!

• Also see: Facts About Cats’ Eyes

Featured Image Credit: photosbelkina, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Have Slit Pupils? Feline Anatomy Explained (Vet-Verified) by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Picture this scene—you’re home after a long day at work and finally ready to slip into bed and head off to dreamland. You throw the covers back, only to find a large wet spot; your cat has peed on your bed! Felines are usually pretty good about using their litter boxes, but sometimes cats can engage in inappropriate elimination, and it can absolutely put a strain on your relationship with kitty, especially if it’s reoccurring.

So, how do you stop your cat from peeing on your bed? Well, the first thing to do is to determine why they’re peeing on your bed in the first place. While they could be doing so because of a behavioral problem, they could also be dealing with a medical issue, so figuring out the reason will help eliminate the behavior. Here’s a look at why cats pee on beds and how you can stop yours from doing so.

Why Do Cats Pee on Beds

Felines pee on beds (and in other inappropriate places) for a few reasons. Here’s a closer look at what those are.

Problems with the Litter Box

Cats spend a fair amount of time in the litter box, so they’re picky about the kind of litter used in the box and where it is placed. If your cat’s litter box isn’t up to their standards, they will find somewhere else to use the bathroom. This will also happen if you aren’t cleaning out the litter box as often or as well as is needed.

Anxiety

Cats can suffer from anxiety, just like people can, only they have different ways of dealing with it. One of those ways could very well be peeing on the bed. How does that help? When your cat urinates, they leave behind pheromones that they find comforting, which makes the bed a safer place for them. Why would a cat be anxious? A cat can suffer anxiety for any number of reasons, including a move to a new home, a new person or pet in the house, fireworks, loud noises, construction, etc.

Old Age

Cats who are older can often suffer from joint issues that make it more difficult for them to get up and down or in and out of things. For some cats, getting up on the bed (especially if there’s a ramp or kitty stairs) could be simpler than getting in and out of the litter box. Older felines may also suffer cognitive decline as they age, which could cause them not to remember where the litter box is, resulting in them locating the next best flat surface, which could be your bed.

Health Issues

There are a plethora of health conditions or illnesses that could cause a cat to pee on your bed. Some of these include feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney disease, bladder stones, and incontinence.

The 8 Tips and Tricks to Stop Your Cat From Peeing on Your Bed

Stopping your cat from peeing on your bed can take some time and patience. Once you have worked out the underlying cause of the behavior, typically changes to several aspects of your cat’s care and home environment are needed. Here are some tips and tricks to help you out!

1. Veterinary Check-Up

When dealing with any form of inappropriate elimination, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Book a consult with your vet who will examine your cat and may recommend other tests such as bloodwork, urine tests or imaging. If your cat is diagnosed with a medical condition then following your vet’s prescribed treatment plan is essential to stop your cat from peeing on your bed.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

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2. Fix the Litter Box

Think your kitty has problems with the location of the litter box, the kind of litter being used, or how it’s being cleaned? Then, fix the issue! There will be some guesswork here, as you’ll likely need to try a few different types of litter to discover which your cat likes best or move the litter box around until you find the perfect place for it. One thing to remember when moving a litter box is that it can’t be too close to your pet’s food and water, and it shouldn’t be in a noisy area.

When cleaning the litter box, ensure you scoop it each day and replace the litter fully once a week. If you have multiple cats in your home, you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra, scattered around your house. Also, if cats with joint issues are having difficulty getting in and out of the litter box, get a lower litter box for them.

3. Stress-Proof Your Home

Okay, you probably can’t completely stress-proof your home, but if you know what’s causing your kitty to be anxious, you may be able to remove the stressor. Of course, this won’t work with something like a new baby in the house or a move to a new home; in those cases, it’s a matter of giving your pet time to get used to the changes that have occurred and giving them a safe place they can retreat to if needed. Hopefully once they are used to them, they should return to normal behaviors. If you can remove a stressor, though, the behavior should clear up more quickly.

4. Synthetic Pheromones

Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, are available as diffusers and sprays and mimic the natural pheromones that cat’s produce when they feel safe and secure. After making sure your cat’s toileting areas are up to scratch you can add a Feliway diffuser to the room your cat spends most time in to help them feel calm and reassured.

5. Interact With Your Cat More Often

Make time each day to play with your cat! Playtime helps cats de-stress and feel less anxious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond with your pet, which will also make them happier and more relaxed.

6. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

Chances are you’re throwing your bed linens straight into the wash when your cat pees on your bed. Don’t do that, though! Before you launder anything, spray where your cat peed with an enzymatic cleaner. These kinds of cleaners remove any lingering urine odor, so your pet doesn’t smell the urine later and thinks it’s a great place to pee again. It’s an extra step in the process, but it’ll help in the long run.

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7. Spray Your Bed With a Scent Kitty Hates

If nothing else seems to be working, you could try deterrents to try and discourage the behavior for example by spraying your comforter with a scent your cat hates to make it less appealing to them. Commercial sprays are available and cats tend to dislike citrus scents. Of course, you’ll need to find a scent you can live with if you take this route! Although using scents that your cat finds unpleasant may help in the short term, if you haven’t addressed the root cause of the inappropriate elimination it’s likely you’ll find the behavior recurs, even if it’s in a different location.

8. Close the Door to Your Bedroom

Finally, the simplest way to keep your cat from peeing on your bed is to restrict access and close the bedroom door! While addressing other factors, shut your bedroom door, and don’t let your cat sleep on the bed. They may end up going back to the litter box if you do this or decide to pee on the couch or floor next, but at least your bed will be safe.

Conclusion

Felines will pee on your bed for a variety of reasons, many of them medical. However, if you can determine the cause of your kitty no longer using the litter box, you should be able to remedy the issue. Start with ruling out health concerns with a trip to your vet and addressing any litter box issues. Solving this problem can take time and patience, but you should avoid any form of punishment which will only make the situation worse and your cat more stressed.  If the problem persists it can also be helpful to seek the help of a veterinary behaviorist.

Featured Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop My Cat From Peeing on My Bed: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You spend a lot of time with your favorite feline, so they’ve seen you in all kinds of states. From exhausted to joyous to not feeling well, kitties see us at our best and worst. For women with cats, this means your pet most likely sees you dealing with your period every month. But do cats know when you’re on your period?

The answer is most likely yes, they do. However, they almost certainly don’t really know what it means. They will be aware of the hormonal changes affecting the body during menstruation, and know that something is up.

How Do Cats Know You’re on Your Period?

Canines may be known for having exceptional noses, but it turns out felines have an even better sense of smell than dogs do! Where most dogs have around 100 million olfactory receptors in their noses (with the exception of Bloodhounds, who have approximately 300 million!), cats have approximately 200 million of these receptors. So, our kitties have phenomenal senses of smell.

That ability to scent out the world around them so well means that your cat can smell what’s happening when you’re on your period, and we don’t only mean they can smell blood. A feline’s sense of smell is amazing; they can even smell hormonal changes in the body in the form of pheromones. So your cat can smell that something about you is different. This difference won’t be so significant that they suddenly don’t recognize you, though; you’re still you, even if you smell a bit different.

Do Cats Act Differently When You’re on Your Period?

Whether a cat acts differently around you while you’re on your period depends largely on the cat, as well as how you are feeling or behaving. Some felines notice you smell a bit different and move on with their lives, while others may be more suspicious of change. How might a cat behave when you’re on your period?

If your cat isn’t one to go on with life as usual, then they might become clingier than usual. Why might they get clingy? One reason is they can smell blood; blood usually means an injury of some kind, so your cat may be trying to nurse you back to health with their clinginess. Another reason for this behavior is your cat senses you’re in pain. Felines are incredibly observant and can recognize (and respond) to human emotions. So, if your pet realizes you aren’t feeling well, they may cuddle up to make you feel better.

Cats may also get a bit clingy if you don’t pay enough attention to them. When you’re on your period, you may want to do as little as possible, including play with the cat. If your pet feels like they’re being ignored, they may well decide to make you pay attention to them by clinging. Finally, cats may get clingy during your period because of something you’re doing. You may be wearing cozy clothing or hugging a hot water bottle, making them want to snuggle up, or you may be consuming more snacks than usual, which means there are more chances for them to sneak some tasty treats.

Another possible behavior change in felines while you’re on your period is them becoming protective of you. Your cat may sense you’re a bit more vulnerable than normal during this time and decide they need to lay on you and “guard” you to help keep you protected.

Why Don’t Cats Get a Period?

In most cases, our pet cats have been spayed, so they definitely won’t get a period. But entire (unspayed) cats don’t get one either. This is because cats are induced ovulators, meaning that they only ovulate if they are mated. When humans have a period, it is because the lining of the uterus has become thickened to prepare for a potential pregnancy, but when ovulation goes by and the egg is not fertilized, that thickened lining is shed, which is our period. Cats do not go through this process, so they do not get a period.

Final Thoughts

Your cat most likely can tell when you’re on your period, but though they detect the changes your body is going through, they won’t really understand what’s going on. However, this doesn’t mean their behavior won’t change around you during this time. Depending on your pet, you may find your kitty is clingier than is typical when you’re on your period or even more protective of you. We say enjoy your purring heating pad as they cozy up to you!

Featured Image Credit: U__Photo, Shuterstock

The post Do Cats Know When You’re on Your Period? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Our feline friends spend a good amount of their time grooming themselves, but even with all that work and attention, they occasionally get mats in their fur. This is especially true when it comes to the back, as matted fur along the spine is fairly common. But why does your cat’s fur get matted on their back?

The fur of a cat’s back can get matted for various reasons, which we’ll look at in detail below. We’ll also share why matted fur is bad for your cat and what you should do to help them, so keep reading!

The 10 Reasons That Your Cat’s Hair is Matted on His Back

1. Difficulty Grooming the Back

For some felines, the issue is that they simply can’t groom their backs very well. After all, the back is a difficult area for any cat to reach, and if there isn’t another cat around to help them groom that area, they can easily develop mats. Difficulty grooming the back is a more significant issue in cats who are overweight, as they may just have too much mass to reach around to get to that part of the body. Matted fur on the back can also be more likely to occur in felines experiencing pain that stops them from bending their spine to reach the back.

If you’ve noticed that your cat seems to be struggling with reaching their back for grooming, ascertain whether they’re showing any signs of being in pain or if they might be a little chunky. Take them to the vet if you believe they’re hurting, and if your cat is overweight, speak to your vet about how to help them shed a few pounds.

2. Age

As cats age, they often lose some flexibility, making it more challenging to reach their back to groom. So, if your cat is getting up there in years, there’s a good chance this is why the fur along their back has gotten matted. While it’s always important to brush your cat (particularly if they have longer fur), it’s vital to do so when your cat reaches an age where they can’t groom as much of themselves due to being less flexible.

3. Doesn’t Groom Often

Another reason the fur along the back can get matted is that some cats just don’t groom themselves as frequently. While this could be due to your cat being a little lazier than other felines in this area, it could also stem from some kind of oral problem. Dental disease, stomatitis, oral tumors, or a cut or sore in their mouth may make it so they won’t want to groom themselves. If your cat has always been a little lax in the grooming area, it just means you’ll need to brush them more often. But if your cat formerly enjoyed grooming but doesn’t groom often now, it could be due to an issue with their mouth.

Oral problems aside, a cat that isn’t feeling well for any reason may not groom themselves as much. So, if your kitty is showing any signs of illness, such as not eating, a change in behavior or litter box habits, a change in water consumption, or anything else that seems off, see your vet.

4. Friction

Cats are constantly rubbing up against stuff—your legs, furniture, blankets, cat trees, and more. All that rubbing against things equals friction, which can make it more likely for fur to get knotted, tangled, and matted. So, if your kitty is fond of rubbing their back on things or enjoys rolling around on carpets, this could be why the fur is matted on their back.

5. Long Hair

Cats with long hair are gorgeous, but all that hair makes them more likely to develop mats. Whether they just have an overabundance of fur or a thick undercoat, longhaired feline breeds are more prone to mats, which could show up on their backs. If you have a longhaired feline, it’s vital that you brush them regularly to prevent mats from happening!

6. Shedding

All cats shed. However, if a cat’s loose hair isn’t regularly removed from the rest of their haircoat, it can increase the chances of matting. Again, this is especially true for longhaired kitties because their lengthy locks are more apt to tangle.

7. Humidity

Interestingly, humidity can also cause a feline’s hair to mat on the back and in other areas. So, if you live in a particularly humid part of the country or your cat is often outside when humidity hits, this could be causing their mats.

8. Foreign Objects

This reason is likelier for cats who spend time outdoors, but foreign objects can get tangled up in the fur and lead to matting. This could be anything, but the objects most prone to tangling include sticky substances, burrs, and twigs. Of course, foreign objects can get lodged in the hair of indoor felines, too, but if your pet is running around in the backyard, they run a bigger risk of getting something caught in their fur.

9. Skin Conditions

Has your cat been dealing with skin allergies, dermatitis, or another skin condition? If so, this could be why their fur is matted on their back. Skin conditions such as these can cause irritation and itchiness, which lead to excessive licking, scratching, and biting at the affected area. These behaviors can cause fur to become matted if they go on for too long.

10. Stress

It may seem odd to think of our pets getting stressed, but they do. For cats, stress can be caused by significant life changes, such as a new baby in the home, moving, or the death of another pet. If your cat is experiencing stress, they could be grooming excessively or not at all. This could lead to the fur on their back becoming matted. If your feline is stressed, they may also show signs like lack of appetite and frequent hiding. You can try to help your pet with their stress or talk with your vet if it seems like what you’re doing isn’t helping.

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Why Is Matted Fur Bad for Cats?

A few small mats here and there may not seem like a big deal, but matted fur is often uncomfortable for felines. Plus, if the fur gets incredibly matted or large areas are matted, the mats could cause pain for your pet. Worse than that, mats in a cat’s fur stop the skin underneath the mats from receiving fresh air, so skin can get hot, dry, itchy, flaky, or even infected. And there’s more—matted fur is the perfect place for parasites like fleas and ticks to hide; your cat might have these on them, and you’d never even know.

Keeping your kitty’s fur as mat-free as possible is vital to their health and well-being!

How Can I Help My Cat With Their Mats?

If your cat’s fur is matted on the back, you can help them out a couple of different ways depending on the size and severity of the mats.

If the mats are small, you can use a metal mat comb to try to work them out (gently!) Hold the matted fur close to the skin while you comb with short strokes to decrease pulling on the skin. You may also want to try an oil-based detangler on your pet’s mats.

If mats are large, the comb probably won’t work on them. Instead, you can try pulling them apart (again gently!) with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, the mats will need to be cut out. Unless you’re experienced in grooming, you do not want to cut a mat out yourself. Feline skin is incredibly delicate and can easily be cut or nicked. Instead, take your pet to a groomer or your vet to have mats removed.

And if you want to prevent mats on your cat’s back, brush them regularly! Not only will this make kitty feel better, but it also offers the two of you an excellent opportunity to bond.

Conclusion

Cats can develop mats in the fur on their back for several reasons. This can occur when a cat ages and loses flexibility, has an issue with their mouth, isn’t feeling well, is stressed, and more. You can help prevent mats on your cat’s back by brushing them regularly, but if the cat already has mats, you can try gently detangling them with a comb or your fingers. If this doesn’t work, the mats will need to be cut out.

Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay

The post Why Is My Cat’s Fur Matted on His Back? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Remember the days when cats were more often family animals who helped out in some capacity around the home (mostly as mousers) rather than being members of the family? Yeah, neither do we. These days, our kitties are full-blown members of the family, which means we celebrate their important occasions, whether that’s a birthday or a pregnancy.

When it comes to pregnant cats, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a kitten shower! What exactly is a kitten shower? It’s a baby shower for cats! Throwing kitten showers for pregnant cats has become more popular recently, so you’ve likely heard about the phenomenon before. Kitten showers are an excellent way to celebrate mama cats and welcome new kittens into your home. In fact, even if you’re simply adopting a kitten, you could still throw a kitten shower to welcome them (even shelters throw kitten showers during kitten season to encourage people to adopt kittens!).

You may not know how to throw a kitten shower, though, which is why we’re here. We’re sharing kitten shower ideas below so you can plan the perfect party for your soon-to-be mama cat!

Before You Begin

You can’t throw a party without making a few preparations, of course.

You’ll also need some supplies, which we’ll cover below. Supplies will vary depending on how extravagant and creative you want to get with your kitten shower.

How to Throw a Kitten Shower

Now that you’ve done your preparations, it’s time to throw a fabulous kitten shower for your incoming kittens!

1. Send Out Invitations

Once you’ve chosen your party date and time and made your guest list, it’s time to send out invitations! Invitations can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Get some cute physical invitations and mail them out like the olden days, or just make a Facebook event page and invite your guest list there. Whatever works best for you.

2. Start a Registry

Make sure your invitations include the link to your registry. You can start a registry on Amazon or a site specifically for registries and add items you will need for upcoming kittens (food, crates, bedding), items for the mama cat (she deserves a push gift!), and items for the kittens (toys and more toys).

3. Get Some Decorations

Decide how you want to decorate and acquire your decorations. This is another area where you can go as big or small as you want. Grab cat-related banners, tablecloths, paper plates, and more to go all out for your kitten shower or put up a few pictures of mama cat (or the new kittens, if adopting) and blow up a few balloons for a simpler vibe. Pinterest is a fantastic place to get ideas for decorating a kitten shower.

4. Plan Party Games

Once your decorations are gathered, decide whether you want to play party games with your guests. If so, you may need to get a few more supplies. Some fun kitten shower party games include Pin the Tail on the Kitty, a cat cookie decorating contest, and a litterbox toss!

5. Pick Your Food

Again, you can get creative as you want with the food for your kitten shower. You might choose to stick to simple finger apps or go all out with a kitty-themed cake. Don’t forget special treats for any furry friends that might be attending! Make some tasty feline snacks or order a few items from a bakery that offers cat-friendly items. If you decide to order food, be sure you place your order far enough out that the food will be ready on the big day.

6. Start Setting Up

Once everything is decided upon and the day of the kitten shower arrives, it’s time to set everything up! Put up decorations, set out food, set up any games you want to play, and ensure everyone in your home is ready to have fun!

7. Don’t Forget the Photos!

Choose a family member or friend to take photos. You’ll likely be quite busy on the day of the kitten shower, but you absolutely want plenty of pictures of the event, so ask someone to act as the dedicated photographer.

8. Do a Safety Check

Before people come to your house, consider the safety and comfort of any pets in your home. Whether it’s a mama cat or another pet, determine how well they’ll deal with having multiple people around. If you have a pet that will be anxious or stressed, consider placing them in a separate room away from the action. If mama cat or kittens might not enjoy the attention, bring them out briefly to greet people, then separate them from the action.

A Few Last Things

There are a couple of things you should avoid during your kitten shower. One is putting your cat (or cats) into costume (unless they just really like being dressed up). As adorable as it is to see kitties in costumes, they usually aren’t fans, and you want your pets to have fun on their big day!

You also want to avoid having any foods at your party that could be toxic to felines. Look into any foods you’re ordering or making to ensure that they won’t harm cats; this way, if something is dropped on the floor and one of the cats in your home snatches it up, you can guarantee they won’t suffer serious side effects.

Final Thoughts

Kitten showers, or baby showers for cats, are a newer trend that is getting more popular. Whether that means celebrating a pregnant cat or simply throwing a shower to welcome new kittens to your home, a kitten shower is a fun and fabulous way to celebrate. Kitten showers are easy to put together and throw, too, as you don’t have to do much more work than you would for a baby shower. They’re also guaranteed to allow you, your friends, and any felines in the home to have a great time!

Featured Image Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald, Shutterstock

The post How to Throw a Kitten Shower! The Baby Shower for Cats by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Pets need to go to the vet on occasion, just like we need to visit our doctors occasionally. Often, when our pets need to go to the vet, we know in advance and can easily schedule an appointment. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, our animals need care at the last minute because the cat ate garbage and got sick or something more serious has occurred. When this happens, we have to try to fit our pet into a vet clinic’s schedule at the last minute, which isn’t always feasible.

But what do you do if your pet needs care but the vet clinic is booked for the day? What options do you have to get your animal the care they need? First, remember not to panic because options are available. In fact, we’re sharing five alternate options you can use if your vet clinic is booked. We’ll also share a few steps that can help you be prepared in an emergency. Keep reading!

Here’s What to Do When Your Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day

Not being able to make a vet appointment is frustrating, but the issue is manageable, as other options are available to you in this scenario.

1. Your Vet

Wait, haven’t we already ascertained that the vet you regularly use isn’t available to see your pet? Yes. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to help. Instead of immediately hanging up on your vet and using one of the options below when you learn you can’t get an appointment, ask them if they have any resources you can use.

What resources would be available in this situation? Well, if your pet isn’t dealing with a serious issue, the staff or a vet tech may be able to give you tips on how to care for them at home and make them comfortable. Your vet clinic may also be able to refill or prescribe medication for your animal. They might even be able to refer you elsewhere to have your pet seen. Of course, if your animal is experiencing a medical emergency and clearly needs help right away, this won’t be the option for you.

2. The Internet

The internet is definitely a hit-or-miss option when it comes to advice on healthcare, and this is not the option for an emergency or serious situation. This option is only for minor health issues like a scraped kitty paw or mild diarrhea! If your pet is dealing with a less serious ailment, though, you can go online to places like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) site or PetMD and find resources with information verified by vets that may be able to help your animal. Look for reliable information-there are plenty of sites online that have vet-reviewed or vet-verified information that could be beneficial for your pet.

Just keep in mind that this option is only for minor issues. If your pet has been injured or is seriously ill, do not ask the internet for help!

3. The Internet, Part Deux (aka Telehealth)

Of course, Dr. Google isn’t the only help the internet has to offer. There’s also telehealth. Telehealth encompasses many things, like video consultations with vets, and is a convenient and often affordable option for those lacking other pet healthcare options. It allows you to speak to a vet directly and get personalized advice for your pet.

As convenient as it can be, especially when your vet clinic is booked, this option does have downsides. One is that vets are limited in how they can help with telehealth. After all, a vet can only see what you show them during a video chat, and it’s not like your pet can tell them where something hurts. Vets also have rules and regulations that they must follow regarding telehealth which varies with region.  In many cases they can address concerns and offer advice but are unable to diagnose or prescribe medications.

However, if your pet is suffering from a minor issue and you can utilize telehealth, this could be your best bet for getting advice to help your pet straight away.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

4. A Different Vet Clinic

This may not be an option everyone has; it just depends on where you live. If you live in an area where vet clinics are plentiful, though, and your vet clinic is unavailable, try getting an appointment with a different vet. Just because your pet’s vet is currently busy doesn’t mean all the vets in town are booked, so call around and see if your animal can get an appointment elsewhere. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to switch vets forever. This can be a one-time thing, so your pet can be seen when needed.

5. An Emergency Vet

To be clear, this should be your first option if your pet is dealing with an emergency (like if they’ve been hit by a car). This can also be an option if none of the other options on this list are working for you, though. Emergency vet clinics are often open when other vet clinics aren’t, such as after regular business hours or on holidays, so animals can get in pretty much any time.

However, just because your pet can be seen at an emergency vet clinic doesn’t mean they’ll be seen immediately. Emergency vet clinics work in a similar way to hospital emergency rooms, wherein animals are triaged and those with the worst injuries or illnesses are seen before those with lesser concerns. So, if your animal is having trouble breathing, they’ll be seen before an animal with mild diarrhea. But if your pet is only suffering from something minor, you could be at the emergency vet clinic for a while, so be prepared for a wait.

Things to Remember As a Pet Owner

There are things you can remember to make it easier on yourself and your pet when your vet clinic is booked.

Call Earlier

Call your vet earlier rather than later if you notice something wrong with your pet. Often, people see that their pet has thrown up a couple of times or seems to be feeling unwell, then decide there’s no harm in waiting a day or two before calling the vet because their pet might get better on their own. While doing this is understandable, it’s still best to contact your vet earlier when you know something is off with your pet. You know your pet best and if you have concerns contacting your vet as soon as possible means they will be more likely to get a timely appointment, and it could keep you from needing to find another option for their healthcare at the last minute.

Be Nice

If your vet can’t fit your pet into their schedule, don’t burn bridges by getting frustrated and yelling at someone. We know that not getting an appointment when you need one is a bummer. But if you rush to anger when your vet is busy helping other people’s animals, you could lose out on keeping a positive relationship with your vet. So, be nice. Your vet’s doing their best to help every animal they can. 

Be Prepared

Always be prepared for a health emergency! The better prepared you are, the better off your animal will be when they need care. So, make sure you do at least some of the following:

Final Thoughts

It can be frustrating when your vet clinic is booked, and you can’t get your pet in to be seen when needed. However, there are other options when this happens. If your vet clinic is booked, you can try searching for an answer to the problem online, try telehealth, ask your vet if there’s anything you can do for your pet at home, try to get in at another vet clinic, or use an emergency vet.

You can also make the situation of not being able to get in with your vet easier by calling your vet earlier when you notice your pet having a problem and taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

See also:

• Paddock Park Animal Care Center: Heroes of The Pet World
• Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists | Heroes of The Pet World

Featured Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock

The post Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day, What Do I Do? 5 Vet Approved Tips by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

As much as you love your cat, there are times when they can be a little gross. Times like when they repeatedly shove their butt in your face or the way they can fart when you pick them up. While some of the cat’s less-than-desirable behaviors can’t be changed, as they’re simply feline in nature, you might be able to do something about others.

If your cat always farts when you pick them up, you’ve probably wondered why they were doing so and whether it could be stopped. A cat that always farts is experiencing excessive gas or flatulence, which can be for a few reasons. Knowing which of these reasons is the one for your cat may help you reduce the chances of this happening.

The 5 Reasons Why Cats Might Fart When You Pick Them Up

1. Dietary Related

You know how sometimes you eat something that simply doesn’t agree with your stomach. Well, the same thing can happen to your feline friend, and it could be the reason they’re farting when picked up. This could be a one-time thing if they’ve had a new treat or stolen some of your food. However, it could also be a long-term issue related to their regular cat food.

If a cat’s diet doesn’t agree with their stomach, they could experience more gassiness, as well as gastrointestinal distress. A rise in flatulence could also mean that your cat has developed a food sensitivity or allergy to a food they’ve been consuming for years. If you think your cat’s diet may be to blame, try switching them (slowly!) to a different food. Choose something with high-quality, digestible ingredients. However, if your cat has dermatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea, it is worth consulting with a vet as these are signs of a food allergy among other things.

2. Eating Habits

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the food your cat is eating but how they’re eating it. Felines who eat too fast or tend to overeat can ingest extra air that builds up until it causes flatulence. This problem has a simple fix, though.

If your cat eats too fast, you can get them a slow feeder that will help them eat far slower. If your pet tends to overeat, you may want to break their meals down into a few smaller meals a day rather than a couple of large meals. In either case, these things should help the cat to swallow less air resulting in fewer instances of farting.

3. How You Handle Them

Your cat farting when you pick them up might be entirely on you! The way you handle your cat when you’re lifting them up could be forcing air out of their body in the form of farts. This is especially true if you tend to pick your cat up by holding them around their belly. Instead of picking them up this way, try picking them up by placing one hand under the front legs and one under the back legs.

The issue might also be that you’re cuddling your cat too close to your body after you pick them up, which could cause air to move around and be released. If this is the case, loosen up your hold. Essentially, you want to avoid compressing your cat’s belly when picking them up or holding them to avoid triggering flatulence.

4. A Bad Fright

There’s no doubt about it; felines have a tendency to be skittish. And this skittishness could be why they fart when you pick them up. How so? Well, you may inadvertently be startling your cat when you try to pick them up, which could cause them to pass gas, as it isn’t entirely uncommon for kitties to fart when they get frightened. To avoid this, try to let your cat know you’re there before picking them up. Also, try not to simply scoop them up while they’re playing or sleeping. Read their body language and don’t pick them up if they thrash, pin their ears, swish their tail, scratch, or bite when you do so. These signs are your cat telling you they are uncomfortable with being held.

5. Health Issues

If your cat didn’t often fart before, but now they pass gas whenever you pick them up, there’s a good chance it could be related to a health issue. Constant gassiness is often related to gastrointestinal problems. Infections, parasites, inflammatory disorders, and cancers can affect the gastrointestinal tract and interfere with digestion, potentially leading to more farting.

If you’ve noticed a recent uptick in flatulence in your feline or signs like inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, take them to the vet for a check-up.

Is Flatulence Normal in Felines?

Flatulence is perfectly normal in felines, but when it’s excessive or accompanied by other signs you should seek veterinary advice. If your cat has only recently begun farting a lot, there could be something going on with their digestive system. The same goes for if your cat’s farts have suddenly gotten much stinkier. But unless your cat seems to have excessive gas or suddenly potent farts, there’s rarely a need to be alarmed.

Why Do My Cat’s Farts Smell So Bad?

Farts never smell good, but sometimes your kitty’s farts are particularly powerful. If your cat has exceptionally stinky gas, they could be having issues with their food, whether that be a sudden allergy to something in it or just trouble digesting it. It could also indicate an underlying health issue, such as internal parasites. Again, if your cat’s gas is foul and not getting less so, contact your vet to make sure everything is alright with the cat.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Conclusion

Felines can experience flatulence for many reasons, and this isn’t uncommon. However, if you’ve noticed that your cat keeps farting when you pick them up, it’s likely because of one of the reasons mentioned here. If you can determine the reason, chances are you can reduce the amount of gas your pet has, which will lead to fewer instances of them farting when picked up.

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Fart When I Pick Him Up? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Kittens often engage in suckling for a variety of reasons, including because they were weaned too early or find it comforting. This is a fairly normal behavior in kittens, but sometimes it continues into a feline’s adulthood, and while the behavior can be cute in itty bitty kitties, it’s less cute in adult cats. While it may not be a completely unusual behavior for felines, no matter their age, having an adult cat who suckles can be stressful for some cat parents.

But is this something you can prevent your cat from continuing? There are ways you can help break your kitty of this habit if you want it to stop, though it may take some time and patience. Here’s a look at why cats suckle and the strategies you should take to help keep your favorite feline from engaging in this behavior.

What Is Cat Suckling?

Cat suckling is simply what happens when your cat begins sucking on something. Often, that something is a soft object, such as a blanket, but suckling could also occur with toys or even your fingers. In many instances, this suckling is accompanied by loud purrs and kneading.

While it may be odd to find your adult cat engaging in suckling, it’s simply an instinct left behind from kittenhood, as this is what kittens do when nursing. So, it isn’t really something to be concerned with, and there are a handful of reasons your adult cat engages in this behavior.

Why Do Cats Suckle?

Felines continue suckling into adulthood for several reasons, and it’s rarely a behavior that indicates something nefarious is going on. Here are the top reasons adult cats suckle.

Genetics

This behavior can actually be due to genetics, as certain feline breeds are likelier to engage in suckling than others. Compulsive suckling is often found in breeds such as the:

It’s unclear why some feline breeds are more predisposed to this compulsive behavior, but as many of these are Oriental breeds, there is a theory that they originally took more time for the weaning process than breeds coming from places like Europe or North America. That means these breeds are now weaned much earlier than they used to be, which could be why they are more likely to engage in suckling throughout their lives.

Weaned Too Early

Did you adopt a stray cat, and were they particularly young when you found them? Then, the cat may have been weaned from their mama’s milk far too early. When weaning occurs earlier than it should, they are more likely to engage in suckling since they are looking for a replacement for mama’s milk. While this behavior happens more often in kittenhood, it can continue into adulthood, partially because felines who are weaned too early can develop inappropriate suckling behavior.

Comfort

Comfort is another reason some felines engage in suckling. Suckling is a leftover behavior from kittenhood, when a cat would nurse, so it’s an instinct. But suckling during nursing isn’t only done to get fed; it also allows a kitten and mama cat to bond, making the kitten feel safe and comfortable. So, if an adult cat is suckling, it could be that they are seeking comfort, making the suckling a self-soothing behavior.

If a cat often engages in suckling as a self-soothing behavior, though, it could be a sign that the feline is stressed. So, if your cat suckles on things constantly, it could be a sign of anxiety.

Health Issues

Rarely, a cat engaging in suckling may be due to an underlying health issue. If this is the case, the discomfort or pain likely involves the cat’s digestive system or teeth. A cat who is suckling because they don’t feel well will exhibit other signs of unwellness, and a visit to the vet should help.

Suckling can also occasionally be more of a compulsive behavior in felines, similar to compulsive disorders in humans. Felines dealing with compulsive behavior will be bound and determined to suckle on objects no matter what; in this situation, it would be best to talk with your vet.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

The 6 Tips to Stop a Cat From Suckling

Though cat suckling is normal, it may lead to your pet ingesting items they shouldn’t or cause you stress because the cat won’t stop suckling your favorite blanket or pillow. The best way to stop a cat from suckling is to determine why they’re engaging in the behavior in the first place so you know which strategy will work best to prevent the behavior in them. Here are six strategies for prevention you can use once you know why your cat keeps suckling.

1. Offer your cat a replacement.

If your pet is constantly suckling a wool toy, offer them a toy that isn’t wool. If they love a particular blanket, give them something else that is also plush that they might not enjoy suckling as much.

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2. Always use positive reinforcement.

Praise your feline when they don’t suckle! Give them pets or let them have a treat; whatever you do, it’s important to recognize when your cat is engaging in a different behavior and reinforce this with something positive.

3. Make sure your pet has enough resources.

This step is good for kitties who are stressed, as sometimes felines become stressed when there aren’t enough toys or food to go around. So, make sure your pet is getting enough to eat and has enough toys to share with other animals in the house. Also, if you have multiple cats in your home, be sure you have enough litter boxes for everybody to use! The general rule is a litter box per cat, plus an extra one. So, if you don’t have enough, it could be causing fights and stress among your cats.

4. Lower stress levels.

Your cat could be stressed for reasons other than inadequate resources. If you think your pet is stressed and can locate the stressor, remove it. Otherwise, try using calming sprays that mimic pheromones to help your kitty stay relaxed rather than anxious.

5. Provide plenty of mental stimulation.

People don’t always realize that felines need a lot of mental stimulation, or they’ll become bored. And boredom can lead to behaviors like suckling (or simply complete chaos). So, be sure your cat has stuff around the home to keep them entertained, like cat towers and scratching posts. Also, engage your kitty in play sessions throughout the day. Not only will this keep them entertained, but it could also be helpful in redirecting their attention away from an object they’re considering suckling.

6. Visit your vet.

If nothing else has helped, it may be time to visit your vet. Your cat’s suckling behavior could be compulsive or due to an underlying health issue, so discussing options with your vet, like whether medication will help, will be the best way to get your kitty to stop suckling.

If you are unsure if a vet visit is necessary, reach out to a vet for guidance on the next steps, by clicking on the button above to speak with a vet online.

Final Thoughts

Suckling isn’t uncommon in felines but is more commonly seen in kittens, so it may be disturbing or stressful to find your adult cat engaging in suckling. If you see your pet suckling on things and want them to stop, your first step is to determine why exactly they’re suckling. Afterward, you can utilize the tips above to prevent the behavior from reoccurring.

Featured Image Credit: KanphotoSS, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop a Cat From Suckling: 6 Vet-Approved Tips for Prevention by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you’ve been looking for a longhair cat that’s beautiful, playful, and relatively chill, the Burmilla Longhair might just be the perfect cat for you! The Burmilla Longhair is a variation of the Burmilla (as this breed comes in longhair and shorthair). These felines are gorgeous with their big, floofy coats, but more importantly, they are sociable and engage in kittenish antics far into adulthood with their loved ones!

Want to learn more about the history of this breed? Keep reading to discover where the Burmilla Longhair came from, what cat clubs recognize them, and much more!

Breed Overview

The Burmilla Longhair variation of the Burmilla is named as such because they have a long, fluffy coat and plumed tail. Between that and the Burmilla trait of having black outlining their features, this breed is an incredibly gorgeous one. However, these felines are still relatively rare, even though they’re prevalent enough to have been recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (Britain).

Burmilla Longhair Characteristics

The Earliest Records of the Burmilla Longhair in History

The Burmilla Longhair is simply a variation of the Burmilla cat, as this breed can be longhair or shorthair.

The Burmilla is a relatively newer and rare breed. The breed came about purely by accident in the United Kingdom in 1981. That year, a female lilac Burmese escaped her home and found a Chinchilla Persian to mate with; the result was the first litter of Burmilla kittens! And those kittens were so beautiful that a breeding program for the Burmilla, aka a mix of the Burmese and Chinchilla Persian, was started to preserve and expand this new accidental breed.

The Burmilla first gained recognition in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, and it seems they made their way to the United States by the late 1990s. There are still only a few of them out there, though, so finding one could prove challenging.

How the Burmilla Longhair Gained Popularity

The Burmilla (longhair and shorthair) gained popularity mainly because of their absolute beauty. The longhair Burmilla, in particular, with their long, fluffy locks, are known for being gorgeous (and absolutely adorable!). The fact that the Burmilla is a rare breed has aided in their popularity, as well. After all, people want what they can’t have, and this is one feline breed that can be very hard to acquire!

Though the Burmilla originated in England, these felines can now be found in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Spain, Sweden, and Ireland.

Formal Recognition of the Burmilla Longhair

The Burmilla standard was created in 1984, just a few years after the breed came about when the Burmilla Fancier Club in England was created. This was also the year The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK officially recognized the breed. These felines became a fully recognized cat breed by the Fédération Internationale Féline in 1995. In 1999, the breed was given formal recognition in Australia, and in 2011, they were formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) as a breed in the Miscellaneous Class. The Burmilla was also recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2015.

Top 5 Unique Facts About the Burmilla Longhair

Ready to learn some unique facts about the Burmilla Longhair? Here are a few more things you may not have known.

1. It takes a couple of years for their eye color to fully develop.

Did you know? Burmillas typically have green eyes; however, it can take up to 2 years for those green eyes to fully develop into their final color!

2. The Burmilla Longhair is a true semi-longhair.

This breed variation has a silky coat with a feathered underside, plumed tail, and fluffy legs and chest. Essentially, they’re a Burmilla with a longer, fluffier coat (or as TICA says, “They should be a Burmilla in a fancy dress.”)

3. It was pure luck this breed came about.

We already mentioned that this breed is an accidental one. However, it truly is extreme luck that created them, as the father of the original kittens of this breed was due to be neutered just about the time he mated with the mother of this breed!

4. The Burmilla Longhair requires no extensive grooming.

You would think that as a longhair cat, the Burmilla Longhair would require quite a bit of grooming to keep their coat looking nice, but in reality, they only need a basic weekly groom to look their best!

5. The Burmilla breed looks like they’re wearing eyeliner.

These felines are known for having black around the eyes (and nose and lips!), which makes them appear as if they are wearing eyeliner. This black outline around the eyes and other areas makes the Burmilla’s features truly stand out.

Does the Burmilla Longhair Make a Good Pet?

The Burmilla Longhair is a truly chill cat, so they tend to get along with most people (including kids), making them a fantastic pet. The breed is sociable, affectionate, playful, easygoing, and tends to bond quickly with their loved ones. These felines are also generally adept at adapting to visitors to the home, so you shouldn’t have a Burmilla who hides at the sight of strangers on your hands (although early socialization is still key to achieving this).

When it comes to other pets in the home, the Burmilla Longhair will often get along quite well with other animals. They enjoy having other kitty playmates, and if there are dogs in the house who are cat-friendly, they can get along with them, too. Of course, as the Burmilla Longhair is a feline, having them in a home with smaller animals like rodents or birds may not be safe.

These felines are smart, curious, and playful. They also love to climb, so be sure you have plenty of tall areas for them to get to and lots of toys for them to play with. One particularly notable thing about the Burmilla breed’s personality is that they tend to exhibit kitten-like behavior with their loved ones even after becoming adults.

Conclusion

The Burmilla Longhair cat is a variation of the Burmilla breed. It’s the same feline, but the Burmilla Longhair has (as the name indicates) long hair. This breed is fantastic to have around because they’re so laid back and playful. However, this accidental breed is still fairly rare, especially in the U.S., so finding one for your family may be difficult.

Featured Image Credit: Rocky Reborn, Shutterstock

The post Burmilla Longhair: Info, Pictures, Origin & More by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You love your feline friends, but you’re aware they won’t be around for your entire life. However, some cats live longer than others, so certain breeds will be in your life for far longer than other breeds. Knowing how long a cat will live can be an important factor in deciding what kind of kitty to adopt.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a Russian Blue, you’ll be happy to hear that this feline breed has quite a lifespan. Most Russian Blues will live 15 to 20 years! Of course, many factors can affect how long a cat lives, such as genetics, health, and more. Here’s a closer look at what could affect the lifespan of a Russian Blue.

Russian Blue Average Lifespan

As previously stated, Russian Blue cats live, on average, between 15 and 20 years. Many feline breeds have similar lifespans, but whether your kitty will live that long or not depends on several factors. However, you can help ensure that your cat is around for as long as possible by giving them the proper care needed.

How to Care for Your Russian Blue for a Long Lifespan

How do you care for a Russian Blue to ensure they have as long a lifespan as possible? Here’s how!

Feeding & Diet

Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diets to stay healthy. So, ensure you’re feeding your Russian Blue high-quality cat food containing meat as the first ingredient. Cat food should also have all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs for good health. When it comes to how much your cat should be eating each day, check with your vet, as the suggested serving size on the food bag isn’t always ideal for every cat. Aim to maintain a healthy body condition score, as obesity makes your cat prone to health issues like urinary tract disease, joint problems, and diabetes.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Environment

It might not seem like the environment around your pet would have much of an effect on them (at least, not as long as the environment is clean and safe), but it can. Unfortunately, cats that live outdoors have a shorter than average lifespan because they are exposed to infectious diseases, toxins, predators, and traffic, all of which can lead to an untimely death.

Providing for all their needs will help to keep cats happy and healthy. Russian Blues are incredibly loving felines who adore their families. So, these felines need human companionship, especially from their chosen person. That doesn’t mean they’ll love everyone in a household, though; this breed prefers older children to younger ones, so if you have little ones, it could make the cat anxious or irritable.

Cats also need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, including toys, cat trees, and scratching posts. Plus, felines will need a litter box that is clean and emptied often. Without these things, a Russian Blue could develop behavioral and stress-related issues, which could affect how long they end up living.

Care

When it comes to caring properly for a Russian Blue to ensure they have a long, healthy life, you’ll need to give them a diet of nutritious, high-quality food, clean out their litter box, and do some occasional grooming. These kitties have short coats and don’t shed much, so you only need to brush them once a week or so. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

Other than that, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and invest in good parasite prevention.

Breeding

Genetics are also a key factor in how long a cat will live. If you get your Russian Blue from a shelter or rescue, you probably won’t know anything about their family history. However, if you adopt from a reputable breeder, you can (and should) ask questions about the cat’s family history and what kind of genetic testing has been done. This can help you determine whether health issues may show up later down the line.

Healthcare

Russian Blues are generally healthy cats (which is part of why they live for a long time). However, every cat breed has a few health issues they’re prone to getting, and the Russian Blue is no exception. When it comes to these felines, some of the more common health problems that arise are obesity, bladder stones, polycystic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and progressive retinal atrophy.

The Life Stages of a Russian Blue Cat

Like all felines, the Russian Blue has four life stages.

Kitten: 0–12 months

This stage is one of the most crucial ones for your Russian Blue as this is the period when your cat will learn how to socialize with other animals and people and learn what is appropriate play and what isn’t. You can help keep your cat healthy during this life stage by getting them all their needed checkups, vaccines, and starting them on parasite control.

Young Adult: 1–6 years

The age of one is when your Russian Blue officially becomes an adult! Once kitty hits adulthood, you should switch them from their kitten food to an adult food, as adult cats and kittens need different amounts of nutrients to stay healthy. You should also make sure to take your cat to all routine vet check-ups during this period and ensure they are getting enough exercise daily.

Mature Adult: 7–10 years

There isn’t a lot of difference between the young adult stage and the mature adult stage. However, by this age, your Russian Blue might have developed a health problem or two. So, be sure to continue taking your pet in for routine check-ups so they stay as healthy as possible.

Senior: 10+ years

Your Russian Blue won’t necessarily slow down during their senior years. Healthy kitties are more than capable of staying active throughout this time. That said, you should keep a closer eye on your pet’s health as they age to catch any health issues as soon as possible.

How to Tell Your Russian Blue’s Age

If you don’t know how old your Russian Blue is, the best way to tell is a microchip or paperwork if this is available. If your Russian Blue is clearly a kitten, their teeth can give you a rough idea of their age as their baby and adult teeth will start to appear at various times. They will have a full set of adult teeth around 7 months of age.

If your cat is an adult, it can be very subjective and misleading to estimate their age. While clues like the presence of dental disease, arthritis, and cloudy eyes could lead you to think your cat is an older adult, the cat’s genetics and environment could affect these traits more than age.

Conclusion

Russian Blue cats live between 15 and 20 years, but the length of their lifespan can depend greatly on you. To ensure your pet has the longest life possible, you should be sure you’re caring for them properly. This includes taking them to the vet regularly, feeding them a healthy diet, and ensuring all their needs are met.

Featured Image Credit: Review News, Shutterstock

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