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So you precious little cat turns out to be an howler. Something you never saw coming. Well if you knew more about your cat you would know that cat howling is a common behavior among cats. Howling is a common behavior amongst cats. Many cats choose to vocalize with howling or loud meowing, which can be indicative of a physical or psychological problem. However, owners should be aware that some breeds or more apt to howl than others. Howling may be a natural expression and nothing for an owner to worry about. Noisy Breeds of Cat Most likely to howl is the Siamese. Subsequently, perhaps unsurprisingly, cats bred from Siamese are also known to howl more than the average cat. Excessive vocalization in these breeds is, typically, not symptomatic of any underlying health issue. However, it is advisable for owners to report any alterations in their cats' howling behavior to a vet. Howling Can be Caused by Health Problems In some cases, howling is your cat's way of letting you know that something is wrong. If you are a long-time cat owner, you will know that cats, by nature, are quite stoical. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to recognize a health problem until it is in the advanced stages. Subsequently, it is advisable to seek immediate assistance from a vet if your cat suddenly starts to howl. Often, howling can be caused by emotional problems, such as stress, boredom, grief or lack of attention. However, it is best to rule out any physical ailment before assuming that the problem is psychological. In older cats, howling can be indicative of chronic renal failure or hyperthyroidism. Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) In addition, older cats may experience a form of dementia known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Like Alzheimer's in humans, this can cause confusion, disorientation and anxiety. It also causes insomnia, which means that a cat may feel particularly anxious at night. A vet may be able to prescribe medication to ease the cat's anxiety, but, unfortunately, there is no cure for CDS. The Attention Seeking Howl Some cats quickly learn that meowing gets attention, affection and/or food. Therefore, if you cat is feeling neglected, he, or she, may begin to howl to secure your attention. If this is the case with your cat, it is advisable to ignore him, or her, when noisy, because even negative attention will be deemed as a good thing by your cat. Therefore, it is wise to use positive reinforcement to demonstrate to your pet that it is when he, or she, is quiet that you will offer attention and affection. This can be difficult, especially if your cat is disrupting the neighbors, but if trained correctly it will not take long for your cat to understand that howling does not produce the desired response. Stress, Anxiety or Grief Howling If there has been a sudden change, such as a move, introduction of new people or pets, or a death in the family, this may cause your cat to howl. In these instances, it is advisable to offer your cat lots of affection and reassurance. The best way to ease your pet's anxiety is to try to maintain a strict routine, for example ensure that your cat is fed at the same time every day. In extreme cases of stress, a vet may be able to prescribe an oral medicine. Alternatively, you may prefer to use a cat pheromone product, such as Feliway. Howling When Bored or Frustrated Boredom is very common among indoor cats. This can be eased with simple measures on an owner's part. Firstly, it is important to have your cat spayed or neutered, as this will decrease the cat's natural roaming instinct and will reduce some of the frustration it may be experiencing. Next, it is crucial that a cat owner make his, or her, home as stimulating as possible for a feline. In other words, ensure that you have lots of toys and climbing equipment for your cat to enjoy when you are not around. On the other hand, when you are at home, it is a good idea to spend some quality time with you cat. As with cats that howl for attention, it is wise to ignore your cat while it is being noisy, but shower it with attention when it is quiet. As mentioned, there are numerous reasons for howling in cats. Owners should be aware of their animals' natural behavior and note any changes that may indicate a health issue.
Many human foods are harmful to cats. That is why it is not wise to give your cats food from the table. To keep your cat safe do not give people food as a treat. Buy treats made just for cats. Did you know onions and raw potatoes can be harmful to cats. Learn what other food your cat should never eat.
We all use to be guilty of it. Admit it. We have given our cat table scraps from our plate. You love your cat. Showing that you love him/her is usually by giving into what they want.
When your cat is begging for a piece of turkey or any other goodie on your plate you do what all animal lovers do you give in and let your cat have what they want. The only problem with doing that is you may be giving your cat food that could be harmful to it. First, it is best to train your cat not to be at the table when you or anyone else is eating. It is just good manners. You do not want to have company and have your cat begging at the table, but the main reason for not feeding your cat table scraps is much more important, and here is why: You are having a turkey dinner. Is their gravy on your turkey and do you feed a piece of that turkey to your cat. You could be harming your cat. Many types of gravy have onion-flavored broth and onions like garlic and other root vegetables are among the list of foods that cats should never eat. Potatoes that are raw as well as green tomatoes also can be harmful to your cat. So when peeling potatoes if any fall on the floor make sure your cat does not get a hold of it. Tomatoes that are green are harmful especially the stems and leaves. They contain toxins that are dangerous for cats. Unlike ripe tomatoes, those have no danger to your cat.
Chocolate
I think by now we know that chocolate is just plain bad for animals. It is deadly for dogs and cats. Keep it away from all pets. Milk We have all seen movies and read books where people put out a saucer of milk for cats. That is wrong and should not be done. I am not saying that milk is toxic or dangerous to cats. It just does not have a purpose for cats that have a healthy diet. It can have side effects for them that are extremely uncomfortable. In addition, many cats are lactose-intolerant and milk can make them have diarrhea and an upset stomach. There are products on the market designed for cats that are better for them then milk. One such product is called Catsip. It is available in many supermarkets and has better nutritional value for your cat. Therefore, if you have a cat that just loves milk try this instead.
Grapes and Raisins.
They seem to have an adverse effect on many cats, so the ASPCA has recommended that you keep these two foods away from your cat. Therefore, when your cat comes begging give him/her a treat that was made for cats. There is any number of healthy treats available now that you can safely give that will make your cat happy and you will not have to worry about toxic side effects. Remember our pets think we know what we are doing and depend on us to keep them safe. That is the least we can do since we are so fortunate to have these wonderful animals in our life. |
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April 2020
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