by Nomi Berger   As the thermometer plunges and the days grow darker earlier and stay colder longer, there are entire colonies of cats that could not survive without the compassion and warmth of humans. With North American winters becoming increasingly more severe, feral cats are faced daily with the terrible reality of […]

  by Nomi Berger   Although “appropriate” chewing (to relieve the pain of teething, for example) may be acceptable in kittens, it’s far from acceptable in fully-grown felines. Contrary to the old adage, curiosity may not kill your cat, but introduce chewing into the equation, and curiosity can certainly cause both hurt and harm. Some […]

  by Nomi Berger   As with humans, cognitive dysfunction or dementia in cats is more prevalent the older they get. Because of this, protective pet parents must become proactive pet parents to ensure their cherished companions receive the extra care they require. For senior cats without a specific disease or injury, these are some […]

    by Nomi Berger   The short answer, despite several theories: no one really knows. And yet, consider the following: Safekeeping: The theory given the most credence by animal behaviorists involves a cat’s territorial instinct. They believe cats consider their food and water bowls to be safe places, known only to them. Depositing a […]

by Nomi Berger   Has your cat been drinking a lot more water recently, and having to urinate more frequently? Has she begun losing weight despite being hungrier than usual and wanting to eat all the time? If so, she may have diabetes. The second most common glandular disorder in cats (hypothyroidism is first), diabetes […]

  by Nomi Berger   Curious about the meaning behind YOUR kitty’s tail wag? According to many cat behaviorists, the manner in which your frolicsome feline wags her tail can have several different meanings. Consider then:   “The Swish” Playing cats will often swish their tails from side to side before pouncing. On the other […]

    by Nomi Berger   While relatively rare, a cat stroke is always alarming. A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is obstructed, resulting in almost immediate tissue damage and disruption of your cat’s bodily functions. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms, getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment can mean the difference […]

  by Nomi Berger   The nose knows! And so it is with cats who rely on their noses to more fully comprehend the world around them. They detect smells as well as sense pheromones (chemicals produced and released by other cats) through their olfactory systems. For indoor cats in particular, understanding and appreciating the […]

    by Nomi Berger   Problems affecting a cat’s lower urinary tract may prevent the bladder from emptying correctly or may even cause a fatal blockage of the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the cat’s body. All too often, the cause is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). […]

      by Nomi Berger   Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. Although fairly uncommon in felines, arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike-but many joints can be afflicted. Felines suffering from arthritis may show overall stiffness, swelling of […]

      by Nomi Berger   Cats’ eyes, so large and so lovely, can also signal injury or illness. Consider the condition called Anisocoria, where the pupil of one eye is larger than the pupil of the other eye. Odd sized pupils occur for a number of reasons and may or may not be […]

  by Nomi Berger   Of the numerous skin disorders discomfiting to your cat and distressing to you, the most common are Feline Alopecia, Eosinophilic granuloma, and Miliary dermatitis.   (1) Alopecia, the technical term for bald spots, causes extreme itchiness and results in affected cats biting at their hair. The reasons behind it range […]

  by Nomi Berger   Have you noticed a change in the color of your cat’s eyes? Does her vision seem impaired? If so, cataracts may be the cause. Although sometimes considered a problem that affects only seniors, age often isn’t the main factor. Others include inflammation from an injury or eye infection, diabetes mellitus […]

    by Nomi Berger   People like to talk about the funny quirks that cats have, but did you know that cat owners have a lot of quirks too? Yes, it’s true! You are likely doing a few things that are driving your cat absolutely crazy. Are you guilty of any of these?   […]

  by Nomi Berger   Are you surprised when you return home to find that your cat has urinated on your sofa or shredded your favorite shirt? Are you receiving complaints from your neighbors that she yowls or mewls all day? Although an underlying medical condition may be responsible for some of these behaviors, the […]

  by Nomi Berger   Like people, pets deal with stress in their own particular way. Fear can turn any cat into a fraidy cat, instinctively triggering the fight, flight or freeze response in them. And while some fear-induced behaviors are acceptable and manageable, OVERLY anxious cats require assistance from their caring cat guardians in […]

  by Nomi Berger   Looking for a cat whose mellowness is “music” to your ears? Then, consider the following breeds that are known for being especially quiet, mild-mannered, and easy to get along with.   Abyssinian: Famous for her love of heights, she will be fur-ever appreciative of having access to one or more […]

    by Nomi Berger   For those pondering the how and why of that phenomenon known as purring, numerous theories abound. As for how: Most experts now believe that purrs are created by the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles in combination with a neural oscillator in the brain. A message from the neural oscillator to […]

  by Nomi Berger   Is your cat one who’s never met a treat she didn’t love? Does she meow at the mere sound of a bag crackling, shaking or opening? Does she salivate at the scents wafting her way? Does she purr in anticipation of a tasty dream about to come true? Then yours […]

  by Nomi Berger   There are more cats than dogs in Canadian homes and yet they visit a vet far less often than their canine counterparts. Why? Because our prescient pusses can sense what’s coming and both dread and detest the entire process of GETTING to the vet. Some kitties become so stressed that […]