Cats often prefer closed beds (caves, boxes) for security and stress reduction, as it mimics dens, but many also enjoy open beds (mats, round beds with high sides) for warmth, vantage points, or if they're less anxious, so providing a variety of open and closed options is best for giving them choice, say Petbarn and PetCareShed. Enclosed spaces help them feel safe from predators, reducing cortisol levels and allowing for deeper sleep, a trait from their wild ancestors, according to studies cited by PetCareShed and Noots Pets.
Cats often prefer enclosed, den-like beds (caves, igloos) for security and warmth, especially shy or new cats, as they mimic natural hiding spots; however, many cats also enjoy open beds (mats, baskets) for sprawling out, with some preferring one style and others using both depending on mood, temperature, or personality, so offering options is best.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats who curl often love donut beds or designs with raised edges. Stretchers usually prefer open beds with more space. Confident climbers may appreciate a hammock-style perch, while floor dwellers often gravitate toward low, cushioned options.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Because cats are so keenly aware of our emotions and sensitive to changes in their surroundings, it is possible to hurt your cat's feelings, so to speak. Common ways we might make our cats feel anxious, afraid, or depressed include: Loud noises or raised voices.
Cats generally don't like to feel as if they're sinking, says Van de Kieft, but they also like to knead—it's their way to self-soothe. So you'll want to find a cat bed that's on firm side but still has a bit of give to it.
As mentioned earlier, catnip is part of the mint family. Cats often like the scent of normal mint too, as well as basil, oregano, and rosemary. Finally, something humans and cats can agree on!
Some experts also theorize that cats knead to stretch their muscles and relieve tension in their limbs. Because nursing and being around a mother cat's calming pheromones encourages a sense of contentment in young kittens, many cats will continue to knead into adulthood to create a similar sense of calm and relaxation.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Sedatives are prescription medications that should only be administered to healthy animals. If your cat's veterinary appointment is for a routine wellness examination, your veterinarian may prescribe a sedative or antianxiety medication if your cat's stress is severe.
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
Here are five signs that you and your cat share a special bond.
Let the cat make contact first
Use the '3-second rule': touch for 3 seconds, then pause to see if the cat wants more.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone, offer treats or toys, initiate slow blinking, give space if needed, and respect their boundaries for physical touch, focusing on actions and tone over words to rebuild trust and affection. Don't force interaction, as they respond to reassurance and positive experiences more than human language.
Some of the most dangerous essential oils for cats include peppermint, tea tree oil, and clove oil. Eucalyptus and cats are also a bad mix. Signs of essential oil poisoning in cats include: Drooling.
Is your cat depressed? Here are 8 warning signs of depression in cats
If you're wondering why cats lay on you, it could be a sign of trust and affection. They adjust their sleeping patterns to match yours, seeking the soothing rhythm of your heartbeat and breath.
Plastic shower curtains Generally, cats dislike stepping on smooth plastic. Drape a thick plastic shower curtain over couches, beds, or tables when you're not using them. Citrus The smell of citrus is unpleasant to most cats.
At the very least, owners should be instructed in relation to the “3-2-1”-rule: incisional wedge biopsies or total removal and histological examination of any mass is warranted if the mass is still present three months after vaccination or if the mass becomes larger than two cm in diameter or if the mass is increasing ...
So now you know, cats don't actually apologize to their owners. They alter their behavior after doing something that causes a negative reaction in their humans.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.