by Nomi Berger
 
If both prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial for people, are they equally beneficial for cats? Do you use one or the other or both, and if not, do you know the difference between the two of them?
 
According to the experts, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate and promote the growth and activity of normal healthy bacteria in our gastrointestinal systems. While fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are the most common type of prebiotic, arabinogalactans, lactulose and oligosaccharides are considered prebiotics as well. A few of the main food sources of prebiotics include chicory, fruits, legumes, vegetables and whole grains.
 
Probiotics are living microorganisms very similar to the friendly bacteria and yeasts living in our digestive tracts. They not only help digest food, they fight off potential pathogens, make nutrients and vitamins and bolster our immune system. When prescribed as supplements for cats, they come in the form of capsules, chews, liquids, powders and/or sprays.
 
Prebiotics nourish and support the health of the good bacteria (probiotics) in a cat’s gastrointestinal system by helping to improve digestion and nutrient absorption, enhance their immune system and prevent disease. Studies show that cats given prebiotics have less diarrhea caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria since its soluble fiber helps prevent and/or treat diarrhea by absorbing moisture and slowing intestinal movement.
 
Whenever there’s more bad bacteria than good bacteria, the results can include abdominal pain, an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and a suppressed immune system. By supplementing your cat’s diet with probiotics, you’re boosting the amount of good bacteria competing with the bad bacteria for nutrients and helping their immune system ward off illness. As soon as their gastrointestinal bacteria balance has been restored, their clinical signs resolve and they feel ever so much better.
 
Vets report that the most common digestive problems they treat are upset stomachs caused by sensitive GI tracts and much of the time, by stress. This includes such stressful situations as being boarded temporarily, traveling in a car, on a boat or on a plane, an abrupt rather than a gradual change in their diet, food “indiscretions,” being placed on antibiotics or suffering from parasites.
 
Whatever the cause, however, the result is the same: the bad bacteria overpower the good bacteria, which leads to illness and an obvious decline in the cat’s health. As a preemptive measure, vets will often prescribe both prebiotics and probiotics to help correct that microbial imbalance, improve the cat’s gastrointestinal upset and, with it, their overall wellbeing.
 
When it comes to chronic illnesses such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and neoplasia, vets consider these cats excellent candidates for the everyday use of probiotics.
 
In conclusion, just as people want the best nutrition, health and care for ourselves, we want the same for our cherished cat companions. If we routinely supplement our own diets with prebiotics or probiotics or both in order to help boost our immune systems, it’s only natural to consider supplementing our cats’ diets with them as well. But, as always, discuss the matter with your veterinarian before attempting to make any changes on your own.

by Nomi Berger
 
Just like people, cats can suffer from food allergies.
 
A food allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient (typically, a harmless protein) in their diet as a threat and launches an inflammatory response.  For cats to develop an allergy to that ingredient, they must have eaten it before because it won’t happen the first time. In fact, allergies can occur at any point in their lives, even if they’ve been fed the same food for years. 
 
According to veterinary experts, the cause of this immune system dysfunction isn’t fully understood, and yet, food allergies are estimated to affect up to 15% of cats. Although any ingredient can potentially trigger an allergy, the most common food allergies include beef, chicken and fish. Less common are barley, corn, dairy, egg, lamb, rabbit and wheat.
 
Most commonly, food allergies will appear as skin issues, but they can also affect the digestive system. Consider these signs: persistent scratching, chewing or biting at the skin, over-grooming or obsessively licking certain areas, hair loss or bald patches (due to scratching, biting and licking), red, inflamed or scabbed skin, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools and gas.  If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re ongoing or getting worse, bring your cat to the vet for a complete checkup.  
 
Since food allergies can mimic various other conditions, a diagnosis is basically a process of elimination. Your vet will typically begin by asking about your cat’s symptoms, diet and past reactions – if any -- to food. Next, your vet will look closely for other potential causes of your cat’s symptoms such as fleas, skin infections or some underlying digestive disorder and then run some specific tests to rule out other health conditions.
 
If no clear cause of your cat’s symptoms is found, your vet will likely recommend an elimination diet trial, considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing food allergies. This involves feeding your cat a special diet made with a novel protein (one never eaten before) for eight to 12 weeks. During the trial, your cat CANNOT consume any other food, including treats, flavored medications or table scraps. Veterinary diets (also called prescription diets or therapeutic diets) are made with stricter quality control and are less likely to contain trace proteins from cross-contamination. The specific food your vet recommends for your cat will depend on the suspected allergen. 
 
On the other hand, your vet might prescribe a hydrolyzed diet for the elimination trial. This diet contains proteins that are broken down into very small fragments, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. If your cat’s symptoms improve during the trial, it’s a strong indicator that a food allergy is indeed the culprit. While optional, reintroducing your cat’s former food containing the suspected allergen can also help confirm the presence of a food allergy, especially if the symptoms return.
 
Although food allergies typically don’t go away, they can be well managed by scrupulously avoiding the “trigger.” Example: if your cat is allergic to chicken, make certain to keep chicken out of all food, treats, medications and supplements, and continue feeding your cat the therapeutic or hydrolyzed diet as prescribed by your vet for the rest of your cat’s life. 
 
It’s also essential to thoroughly wash all food and water bowls, measuring cups, and preparation surfaces (from counters to tables) daily to avoid any accidental exposure to your cat’s “trigger” allergens. Make note of any symptoms and/or flare-ups and what your cat ate in a diary. This can help your vet fine-tune your cat’s treatment plan if needed.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever paw-ndered the meaning of the word polydactyl as it relates to our feline friends?
 
If so, as exotic as it may sound, the term simply means “cats with many digits.” In short, some kittens are born with more toes than other kittens. Also dubbed cats with thumbs, Hemingway cats and mitten cats, they have more than the typical 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. This usually includes a dewclaw on each front paw, but not on the back.
 
When a polydactyl cat mates with a non-polydactyl cat, each kitten they produce has a 50% chance of inheriting the polydactyl gene and being born a polydactyl. If both parents are polydactyl cats, the likelihood of their offspring being polydactyl cats naturally increases.
 
The most common form of polydactylism is for one or two extra toes to form on the front paws, resembling thumbs or mittens. Less commonly, extra digits may form on the outside of the paw or in the middle. Since extra digits don’t always come in pairs, a cat’s paws could be asymmetrical. Two cats named Jake and Paws hold the record for the most toes on a cat -- with seven digits on each paw, totaling 28 toes!
 
According to veterinary experts, it’s not fully understood why some polydactyl cats have only one additional toe while others have many. The origins of polydactyly in cats aren’t fully known either. It’s believed, though, that early sailors and settlers may have brought polydactyl cats with them to the Americas. Why? Their larger-than-normal paws would have made these polydactyl cats supremely skilled at catching rodents aboard ships.
 
Whatever benefits those extra toes might provide -- such as enhanced balance, grip and hunting abilities -- depend on the individual cat. Polydactylism isn’t considered a crucial adaptation for a cat’s survival in the wild. Most cats, regardless of the number of toes, are well adapted to their natural habitats.
 
Compared with other cat breeds, Maine Coons and Pixiebobs are the most likely to have extra toes. Although Maine Coons are famous for their large size and tufted ears, the presence of those extra toes adds to their unique appearance. And yet, any cat can be born with extra toes, depending on their genetic makeup and gene expression. 
 
Have you ever heard of the so-called American Polydactyl? Far from being a breed, it refers to the descendants of polydactyl cats in Key West, Florida. Legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway, one of Key West’s most notable residents, was given a six-toed cat named Snow White by a ship’s captain in the 1930’s, who bred and passed on the polydactyly genes. Today, nearly 60 cats live on-site at The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, and although only 25 - 30 of them are polydactyl cats, all of them are considered descendants of Snow White.
 
While caring for polydactyl cats is similar to caring for other cats, keep these considerations in mind:
 
Since polydactyl cats have more nails (including some that may never touch the ground), they’re at an increased risk for overgrown nails. They can get snagged on certain surfaces, be extremely uncomfortable and even become infected. Regular nail trimming will help prevent these issues.
 
“Extra toes” means additional spaces between them where dirt, debris and/or kitty litter can accumulate. Inspect your cat’s paws regularly and wipe them clean as needed.
 
Unusually large or unique toe formations may negatively impact their mobility: they should be able to walk, run and jump without difficulty or pain. If you notice any limping, favoring of certain paws or changes in your cat’s mobility, consult your vet for further evaluation. Extra toes that cause problems can be surgically removed.

by Nomi Berger
 
As people, it’s clear that we use different tones of voice when conversing with other people. According to the old adage, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”
 
That said … can our feline friends comprehend our tone of voice when we’re speaking to them? The short answer is “yes.” Cats are not only sensitive to the various tones we use when talking to them, they, in turn, will respond differently to each one.
 
Research shows that cats tend to respond most positively to friendly and upbeat tones, surprisingly similar to the tones used in so-called “baby talk.” Speaking to them in a soft, calm voice can help cats feel relaxed and safe while, at the same time, intensifying the bond between them and you, their pet parents. Using a firm tone to address them may assist in attracting their attention whereas shouting at them or emitting harsh sounds can both frighten them and damage the trust between you.
 
A separate study indicated that cats displayed stronger reactions to “cat-directed speech” -- the higher-pitched, animated voice that many pet parents naturally use with their pets -- than to the tone they typically use with other adults. This upbeat tone may encourage playfulness, affection and positivity in your own cat. Stop a moment and consider the way your voice naturally lifts whenever you greet a kitten. The warmth and energy behind your words matter far more than the words themselves.
 
The reason why soft, calm tones strengthen the human-feline bond comes down to one word: oxytocin. Often referred to as the “love hormone,” it’s released from both you and your cat simultaneously, creating an irresistible and irreplaceable sense of trust and safety between the two of you. To create an even greater oxytocin boost, combine your soft, calm tone of voice with either petting your kitty or slow blinking several times. 
 
Because our supremely sensitive cat companions are very much in tune with how we, their pet parents, are feeling ourselves, they’re acutely aware of even the subtlest changes in our tone of voice. When we use our friendly, high-pitched toned voice, our cats may not only feel more affectionately towards us, they may reward us by purr, purr, purring. Partnering this tone and offering our cats a special surprise such as a catnip toy or engaging with them through an interactive toy can boost their playfulness to an entirely new and especially happy level. 
 
On the opposite side of the proverbial fence: avoid hissing at your cats. Hissing will only make them feel threatened. While it might temporarily stop them from, for example, jumping onto the counter or surfing for leftover human food, hissing runs the risk of destroying their trust in you in the long run. Choose instead to speak to them in a firm, low-pitched voice. This approach is far more effective for both correcting any “sassy” feline behaviors and for general training purposes. Your cats will usually be attentive and responsive to this tone of voice.
 
Never yell at your cats. It’s both fearful and distressing to them and they’ll likely run away and hide. Not only does yelling at them seriously damage your existing bond, it may undermine their trust in you, a trust you might never fully regain. 
 
In short, to ensure that you and your favorite feline companions live harmoniously together fur-ever, ensure that your tone of voice is “music to their ears.”

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever pointed a finger at your favorite felines and been taken aback by their reaction? Have you ever considered that they may perceive finger pointing as rude?
 
Since cats are notoriously sensitive to direct, sudden movement, some might interpret finger pointing as: (1) a form of domination instead of a form of friendly communication; (2) a stressful, startling or confusing act of aggression; (3) a physical threat that causes them fear or anxiety or (4) an overt invasion of their personal space.
 
Confident and congenial cats might follow your pointing finger in order to seek out objects like toys or treats or view it as an open invitation to play with you. Shy and anxious cats, on the other hand, might not only avoid your pointing finger, they might find it particularly intrusive, especially when coupled with direct eye contact on your part. Understanding how your cat responds to this gesture is crucial for building and strengthening the bond between you. If you know that your cat doesn’t like it when you point a finger at them, find alternative/creative ways to communicate with them instead.  
 
Call your cat by their name: Being highly intelligent, most cats learn their names quickly and will respond to them when called. If you want to get your cat’s attention, calling their name in a warm, friendly tone of voice will put them at ease and swiftly lead them straight to you.
 
Closely observe your cat’s body language: Your cat’s body language will alert you as to their state of mind. Cats with high, arched backs and either flattened or horizontal (“airplane”) ears are clearly frightened and want nothing to do with you. Those with upright tails and forward-facing ears are signaling that they’re playful and will respond most eagerly to your advances. 
 
Learn your cat’s vocalizations: Cats “speak” to you if you’re listening, truly listening. They may meow frequently when they’re hungry or want your attention just as they may purr quietly when they’re content and relaxed, such as when they’re being petted or lying on your lap. Learning what each sound means can help you understand their social cues and how to best respond – for both your sakes. 
 
Use slow hand movements: If, for example, you’re using hand gestures to train your cat, avoid making direct eye contact with them, move your hand slowly and pair it with high-value cat treats and copious praise for positive reinforcement.
 
Try a laser pointer: Because most cats love chasing after the laser pointer’s elusive “red dot,” you can use a laser pointer to teach your cat various commands. Instead of being threatened by it, they’re likely to find it entertaining, fun and rewarding in so many ways. 
 
 
 
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Are your favorite felines fascinated by the wide world outside your windows? Have you ever wondered why they seem to LOVE windows, delightfully dubbed “Cat TV,” that much? If so, consider the following reasons:
 
Mental stimulation and continuous entertainment: Watching the outside world -- leaves blowing on nearby trees, people walking along the sidewalk, cars driving down the street, children on bikes riding past or playing on the street -- keeps indoor cats from getting bored. Since different windows afford different views, if possible, provide your cats with several viewing options.

Excellent staring opportunities: Cats are crazy about staring ... and staring … and staring. Much of the time, cats can be found staring blankly through the window at nothing in particular. Can we chock up our felines’ fancy to our human version of daydreaming?

Bird watching: Because cats are natural-born predators, watching birds through the window satisfies their hunting instincts and typically causes them to “chatter” at them. To enhance this experience, place a bird feeder outside and allow your feline friends to carry on this satisfying, if one-sided, conversation with their feathered friends.

Rodent observing: Being prey-driven, cats are always fascinated with and intrigued by the scurrying and scampering of such assorted rodents as squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and mice. Once again, for your kitties’ comfort and safety, place a cat tree near the window, install a window perch or set up a soft window hammock for them.

Fly swatting: Excelling at eye-paw coordination, cats especially excel in the fine art of fly swatting. If a fly happens to land on a window and buzz around for a bit, cats can instantly put their enviable dexterity to use by swatting away at it for their momentary amusement. Imagine then, how much more fun your felines will have with an exposed screen. And if there should be a small hole in that screen … the game may suddenly expand, escalating from the nimble act of fly swatting to the deft achievement of fly catching.

Sensory Input: An open window provides fresh air, new smells and sounds that are stimulating to our feline friends’ strong senses.

Territorial monitoring: As territorial creatures, cats consider your home and the area around it to be their personal kingdom. A window provides them a safe, elevated vantage point from which to watch over “their” territory. This way they can keep an eye on neighboring cats, passing dogs and every delivery person possible, helping them feel secure and in control.

Sunbathing and Warmth: Cats are true experts in comfort, and sunny windowsills serve as the ideal, cozy spots for long naps in soothing sunbeams. Besides simply feeling good, this warmth helps them regulate their body temperature and contributes to their overall health.

Condensation to lick: Conversely, when the temperature drops and the weather’s cold outside, condensation forms on the insides of most windows, allowing cats to savor these droplets with every lap, lap, lap of their sensitive tongues.

Waiting for you: Cats can often be found looking out the window for their owners to return home -- associating this welcome arrival with companionship and/or food.
 
*On a cautionary note: For your cats’ maximum comfort – and safety – always place a cat tree near the window, install a window perch or set up a soft window hammock for them.

by Nomi Berger
 
Since many cats are active at night, have you, as cat parents, ever wondered if they can see in the dark as they roam around the house? Should you leave a nightlight on when you go to bed or will they be safe -- and happy -- without one?
 
According to veterinary ophthalmologists, while cats can see very well in low-light conditions, this doesn’t mean that they have the kind of night vision people get from wearing night-vision goggles. What it simply means is that in conditions too dark for people to see, they can still see very well. A common misconception is that they can see in total darkness, but some amount of light is required for even their extraordinary eyes to see.
 
Consider, then, the following adaptations within cats’ eyes that enhance their night vision:
- More rod photoreceptors within their retinas: the increased numbers of retinal rod photoreceptors are primarily responsible for dim-light vision. Because a cat’s eyes have more rods than people’s eyes, our feline friends not only see better in the dark than we can, they’re better at detecting motion than we are.
- Tapetum lucidum: this is Latin for a “reflective structure” in the eye beneath the retina that acts as a reflective layer or mirror to reflect light in cats’ eyes. The reflection of light within their eyes helps stimulate more of the above-mentioned photoreceptors that allow cats to have remarkably improved vision in dim or low light conditions. It’s also the reason behind what we, as people, rather lyrically describe as “eyeshine” in cats.
- Slit-shaped pupils: Cats have vertical, slit-shaped pupils that dilate widely, thereby creating a very large opening for light to enter their eyes at night.
 
Cats’ eyes are generally quite similar to people’s eyes in that they’re trichromatic, meaning that their eyes and ours contain three kinds of cones to see the colors red, green and blue. However, the way our feline friends see the world is more akin to the way color-blind people see the world. While cats may still be able to see blue and green, they can, quite easily, get colors like blue and purple or red and pink confused with one another.

Another way a cat’s vision differs from our vision is in their visual acuity or sharpness.
 
On the other hand, cats are nearsighted. They’re unable to clearly see objects as far away from them as people can. In other words, what they see at a distance are blurry objects, while what they see close by are purr-fectly clear and crisp images.
 
Compared with people, cats also have a faster flicker fusion frequency (FFF). This is the rate at which intermittent frames of light are perceived as one steady, continuous picture. The human eye can only detect flicker at 50 to 90 Hz, but because cats have a minimum light detection threshold of up to seven times less than people have, they only require one-sixth of the amount of light we need in order to see.
 
Lastly, skull shape plays an important role when it comes to a cat’s peripheral vision. The further a cat’s eyes are from each other, the more they can see in their peripheral vision.
 
Since, like people, cats cannot see when there is no light whatsoever, should your cats be a “night owls,” it may help to make adjustments around your home so they can more easily and safely navigate their way around. Specially designed keychains, for example, glow in the dark like a small night light, shedding light on an otherwise dark room. Also  available are specially designed glow-in-the-dark and reflective cat collars (some are even equipped with a small bell) that will provide enough of the light cats require as they roam in the middle of the night while you sleep.

by Nomi Berger
 
Whether it’s a slight twitch, a pronounced quiver or a sharp swish, your favorite feline’s tail movements reveal a great deal about her state of mind and even her health.  
 
According to vets and certified cat behaviorists, these are paws-ible meanings behind your cat’s twitching tail.  
 
Hunting or playing: Since cats are born predators, tail twitching is often a normal part of their hunting behavior. Look for tail flicks and quivers. These twitches are an involuntary response to the rush of adrenaline and mental focus that occurs when they’re focused on a specific target. Known as “prey mode,” whether their “prey” is a feather wand, a catnip toy or a bird outside the window, directly before pouncing, cats will typically crouch down low, and the tip of their tail may quiver rapidly, similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle.
 
Excitement or happiness: Some cats express their excitement or happiness by twitching their tails. Look for an upright tail and a quickly vibrating shake that’s usually paired with rubbing against your legs. You might be privileged enough to experience this whenever you return home, enter a room or prepare their dinner. Think of it as the feline version of performing a “happy dance.”
 
Annoyance or overstimulation: Annoyed or overstimulated cats will have tails that move a great deal. Look for thrashing motions and tip twitching. You might see either of these signs when your cat’s been petted more than enough or if she’s annoyed by the presence of another animal nearby. This is her way of signalling both her discomfort and asking for space. Should you ignore that message, it could quickly escalate into a hiss or worse, a swat.
 
Spraying: When spraying, cats’ tails stand tall and quiver swiftly as they release a small amount of urine onto a vertical surface such as a wall or a piece of furniture. Look for an upright tail, quivers and a vibrating motion. The vibrating motion helps disperse the urine and its pheromones that serve as scent markers to establish their “territory.” Most often triggered by stress in the presence of other cats, spraying indoors is an issue best discussed with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
 
Cat confrontation: Whether adjusting to a new addition to your feline family or meeting someone else’s cat, your cat might react to this “intruder” with a tail that’s thumping. Look for tail thumping as being large, irregular movements (not quick twitches) while she’s looking at this other cat. It’s kittyspeak for “back off” before it escalates into actual physical conflict.
 
Health issues: Tail twitching may signal an underlying medical condition. Consider the following:
- Skin issues: flea allergy dermatitis or food allergies can cause itchiness and irritation along the back or tail, leading to twitching or twitch-like movements.
- Infections: some fungal, parasitic or viral infections can affect the nervous system or create an inflammation that may cause tail twitching.
- Injuries to the spine, pelvis or tail can damage nerves and lead to twitching, pain or reduced tail control.
- Spinal cord impingement: pressure on the spinal cord caused by an infection, inflammation or a mass can lead to abnormal nerve signals, resulting in involuntary tail twitching or sensitivity.
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS): a rare neurological condition that causes sudden bursts of twitching, skin rippling and extreme sensitivity along the spine or tail, often resulting in excessive self-grooming or tail-chasing.
 
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your vet for a thorough assessment. 

by Nomi Berger
 
Cats typically come in all sizes, shapes and colors. But scroll through adoptable cats on the web and you’ll notice that one type surpasses every other: the domestic shorthair (DSH). In fact, most cats in shelters, rescues and in homes are domestic shorthairs.
 
And, contrary to popular belief, DSH is not a breed. 
 
A domestic shorthair is a term for cats with a short coat and mixed or unknown ancestry. On the plus side, the wide genetic diversity of domestic shorthair cats reduces their risk of inheriting many of the diseases seen in some purebred cats. And according to veterinarians, having a wide mix of genes bodes well for the health of domestic shorthairs. Because of this, the average domestic shorthair cat’s lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and many live even longer lives with the proper care. 
 
Domestic shorthairs come in all of the usual cat colors including black, blue, brown, gray, orange, cinnamon, fawn, cream and white. They also range in patterns from solid to bicolor, calico, tabby and tortoiseshell. Their personality, body shape, size and features vary just as much. Some will remain small forever while others will become large and sturdy.
 
If you have a domestic shorthair in your household, you can give them the best chance at a long, healthy life by:
 
Ensuring that they’re being fed a complete and balanced diet: Always select a cat food formulated for your cat’s life stage -- kitten, adult or senior. Ask your vet to recommend the best cat food for your particular pet.
 
Providing them with preventive care: Even if your cat appears happy and healthy, regular veterinary checkups are essential. Adult cats should visit your vet at least once a year and senior cats can benefit from twice-yearly visits, whereas kittens typically go more often to keep to their all-important kitten vaccination schedule.
 
Spay/neutering them: Spaying or neutering your cat can greatly increase their lifespan by reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers, such as mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males. It also reduces the likelihood of such behavioral issues as territorial aggression, destructive scratching and escaping.
 
Keeping them indoors: Allowing your cat to roam freely outdoors can significantly shorten their lifespan. They face risks from cars, harsh weather and predators, not to mention exposure to toxic plants and/or substances. They’re also more likely to contract infectious diseases such as FeLV or FIV from already infected cats. However, even indoor cats aren’t fully protected from parasites like fleas, ticks and heartworm. It’s vital, therefore, to keep them on a vet-recommended monthly parasite preventive such as Revolution Plus or NexGard COMBO.
 
Playing and socializing: Regular playtime not only helps keep your cat active, it also helps them maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn can lengthen their lifespan. Daily movement burns calories, strengthens their muscles and provides them with mental stimulation. Even better, regular playing and bonding in the form of gentle petting and grooming reduces stress in both you and your cat.  

by Nomi Berger
 
If you have two or more kitties, do you ever see them grooming each other? Do you find yourself wondering if this is odd or okay?
 
According to veterinarians and behavioral specialists, it’s not only normal for cats to groom each other, it’s a sign of a healthy and affectionate relationship between them. An instinct starting in kittenhood with their mothers, it often continues into adulthood with their chosen kitty companions, indicating that they feel safe and content with one another.
 
Consider these other fascinating feline facts: They’re keeping each other clean. Cats typically spend 30% to 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves! They might even be helping one another out when it entails reaching some of those “hard-to-reach” places.
 
They’re building trust and a closer relationship: However strange it may sound, cats actually “share” scents to build trust. Closely bonded cats will groom each other to mix their scents, strengthening their connection and making them feel especially secure -- much like a hug shared between people.
 
They’re relieving stress: Cats find grooming to be self-soothing. Licking their close feline friend’s fur releases endorphins, the mood-elevating hormone, that in turn reduces their stress level and promotes feelings of relaxation. 
 
They’re establishing a social hierarchy: One recent study posited that domesticated cats who were “higher” in the household’s pecking order groomed “lower ranking” cats more often than the other way around. Simply put, more dominant cats may groom less dominant ones to reinforce the household’s social hierarchy.
 
However, not all cats groom each other. Some cats aren’t, by nature, physically affectionate. Some might demonstrate the depth of their mutual, loving bond by playing together, wrapping their tails around each other and/or sleeping near one another. Other cats might not groom each other because they don’t get along.
 
While mutual grooming seldom needs correcting, some instances require redirection on your part. Examples:
If grooming causes a conflict between them. Sometimes the cat being groomed does NOT appreciate it or, at any given point, the cat doing the grooming can become aggressive. Signs of a paw-tential problem include hissing or attempting to escape. If one or both cats are clearly upset, remove one and place them in another room with the door closed until both cats are calm again. Make certain that they each have access to water and food, toys and perches, and views of the outdoors while they’re separated so that neither one becomes even more stressed. 
If grooming becomes obsessive. Compulsive grooming occurs when one cat focuses solely on a specific spot of the other cat’s body, potentially resulting in such skin and coat issues as irritation and/or hair loss.
 
To redirect these behaviors: Practice positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement and consistency are essential in both bringing about the desired change in your cat’s behavior and strengthening the bond between you.
Gently distract your cat with a toy or treat. Whether it’s your feline friend’s favorite catnip toy, wand toy or treat-filled Kong, each can be the most entertaining of distractions. 
 
But, as always, when in doubt, discuss the situation with your own, trusted vet.