Cats circle before lying down due to ancient survival instincts to prepare a safe, comfortable nest by flattening grass, checking for threats, marking territory with paw scents, and conserving body heat by curling into a tight ball, all remnants from their wild ancestors, even though domesticated cats no longer need to do these things for survival. This habit helps them create a secure, cozy spot, making their resting area perfect by removing debris, checking wind direction for predators, and leaving their scent.
Cats in the wild were constantly on guard for predators. They positioned themselves in the most advantageous manner to keep a close watch on their environment. They circled until they positioned themselves according to wind patterns that would allow them to quickly notice the scent of an intruder.
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 ...
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.
Common symptoms of kidney disease in cats include decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and vomiting. Kidney disease in cats can be managed with medications, diet, and hydration.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats
Because the toxins build up in the cat's body, they may feel nauseous and stop eating their food. In general, your cat will appear to be lethargic and not very happy. General symptoms of kidney failure in cats can include: Dehydration.
Almost half of cats aged 6-9 years old are already showing signs of kidney deterioration on wellness blood testing, and some reach 40% function loss as early as age 3. For this reason, we want to start screening for kidney disease annually beginning when a cat is a young adult.
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.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone of voice, offer treats or toys, engage in gentle play, and use slow blinks to build trust, focusing on actions and reassurance rather than words, as cats understand tone and trust more than human language. Give them space first, then approach calmly and let them initiate physical contact on their terms to rebuild your bond.
Cats form strong bonds with people, recognizing them as part of their family and relying on them for physical and emotional support. If you're there for your cat when she needs you, then you can rest assured that your cat really loves you!
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Unless you have health issues or concerns, go ahead and cuddle up with your soft, purring, adorable cat(s). Cats and dogs have been known to transmit parasites and serious diseases like meningitis to the people they sleep with. There is even a case where a boy contracted bubonic plague from his flea-infested cat.
Is your cat depressed? Here are 8 warning signs of depression in cats
A cat chooses you through affectionate behaviors like slow blinking (cat kisses), head bunting (marking you with their scent), kneading ("making biscuits"), grooming you (allogrooming), bringing "gifts," following you, sleeping near you, and exposing their belly, all signs of deep trust and family inclusion. These actions show they feel safe, see you as family, and want to bond, indicating you're their favorite person.
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.
Here are nine ways to show your cat you love them.
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 hate strong, pungent, or overly sharp smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, strong spices (pepper, garlic), certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary), and harsh cleaners (ammonia) topping the list due to their overwhelming intensity and potential toxicity. These scents irritate their sensitive noses, often causing them to recoil or avoid areas where they are present, making them useful for humane deterrents.
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.
So, while dry cat food does not directly cause lower urinary tract or kidney problems in cats, without additional fluids it could create an increased risk of dehydration and speed progression of urinary tract issues in cats who may be already predisposed to developing them.
While early kidney disease often has few signs, three key early warning signs to watch for are changes in urination (more/less frequent, foamy, or bloody), persistent fatigue, and swelling in hands, feet, or ankles, all pointing to the kidneys struggling to filter waste and excess fluid. These symptoms, along with others like itchy skin, poor appetite, or trouble concentrating, signal a need to see a doctor for proper testing.
Age: Similar to humans, cats experience a decline in organ function as they get older, making them more susceptible to kidney issues. Hydration: Cats are naturally less inclined to drink water, and chronic dehydration can put extra stress on their kidneys.