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
 
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
 
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.

by Nomi Berger
 
A protein called Fel d 1, found in cat saliva, skin and dander, is responsible for causing allergies in people. Whenever our feline friends groom themselves, this protein spreads onto their fur and into the air. ACHOO!
 
However, the following 13 hairless and low-shedding cat breeds produce less of this protein, making them a better fit for sensitive pet parents. But even with these “hypoallergenic” breeds, brushing them, vacuuming your homes and using one or more air purifiers might still be needed to manage your allergies.
 
1. Balinese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10--15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent and sociable
Producing less Fel d 1 protein than many other breeds, the playful Balinese thrive on interaction and form close bonds with their pet parents, often following them from room to room. Their fine, silky coats rarely mat and require only weekly brushing sessions.
 
2. Bambino
Size: Small
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Temperament: Curious, outgoing and playful
The Bambino is a hairless breed with tiny legs, thanks to their Munchkin ancestors. Despite their small size, Bambinos are active and social, and enjoy climbing and exploring just like larger cats. Because they’re hairless, they need baths to keep their skin clean.
 
3. Bengal
Size: Medium to large
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Temperament: Confident, energetic and intelligent
Created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, beautiful Bengals resemble mini-leopards. Because of their curiosity, energy and size, they require a great deal of interactive play and climbing spaces such as extra-large cat trees and cat shelves.
 
4. Burmese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–17 years
Temperament: Friendly, loyal and people-oriented
With fine, glossy coats that don’t shed much, the Burmese are good for those who have mild allergies. Affectionate loyal, and known for forming a very strong attachment to their pet parents, they’re purr-fect lap cats for people who covet companionship.
 
5. Cornish Rex
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Temperament: Active, affectionate and curious
Cornish Rexes’ soft undercoats of downy fur reduce both shedding and dander spread. Extremely energetic and endlessly curious, they enjoy daily playtime with numerous cat toys, climbing onto high perches, and then lapping up as much loving as possible.
 
6. Devon Rex
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, mischievous and playful
Devon Rexes have soft fur that clings closely to their bodies and sheds very little. Highly intelligent, extremely active and endlessly impish, they love frolicking about as much as being with their pet parents, often curling up on their shoulders to prove it!
 
7. Javanese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Intelligent, social and “talkative”
Javanese cats sport a single, fine coat without an underlayer, meaning less shedding and fewer airborne allergens. Impressively intelligent and charmingly chatty, they enjoy playing with puzzle toys as much as engaging in cheerful banter with their pet parents.
 
8. Oriental Shorthair
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, social and vocal
Slender with big eyes and bat-like ears, Oriental Shorthairs boast a short, smooth coat lying close to their bodies. Supremely social with a distinctive “honking” meow, they thrive in especially energetic homes and become strongly attached to their pet parents.
 
9. Russian Blue
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Temperament: Gentle, loyal and reserved with strangers
Russian Blues are prized for their plush double coats that shed so little that they seldom need brushing. Blessed with a calm, gentle nature and best suited to quieter homes, their love and loyalty lead them to form enviable lifelong bonds with their pet parents.
 
10. Siamese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 12–20 years
Temperament: Affectionate, chatty and curious
The distinctive blue-eyed Siamese’s ears, faces, paws and tails are a darker color than the rest of their bodies. Always affectionate, always curious and always talkative, they shed less than the typical kitty, making them a good fit for some people with cat allergies.
 
11. Siberian
Size: Medium to large
Lifespan: 10–18 years
Temperament: Affectionate, calm and intelligent
Despite their long fur, Siberians are surprisingly good for those with allergies, but grooming them daily and keeping them tangle-free is key! Manage this and these loving, gentle and adaptable cats enjoy the twin pleasures of playtime and quiet companionship.
 
12. Sphynx
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, energetic and friendly
As hairless cats, Sphynxes are one of the best options for allergy sufferers. While they’re affable, athletic and active, they require regular baths to keep their skin healthy and either cat-safe sunscreen or clothing to prevent sunburn if they venture outdoors.
 
13. Tonkinese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–16 years
Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing and playful
A cross between Burmese and Siamese cats, Tonkinese have short, fine, lightly shedding coats that are easy to keep. Combining the best of both breeds -- intelligence, affection and a love of play -- their sociability makes them ideal for families and multi-pet homes.

by Nomi Berger
 
Everyone is familiar with the old saying that cats have nine lives. And, apparently, more than 5,000 people search “do cats have nine lives” on Google every month!
 
Where, though, did this expression originate and why is it still so intriguing today?
 
One of the earliest connections comes from ancient Egypt where cats were considered sacred. The sun god Atum was reputed to have taken on the form of a cat when he visited the underworld. Atum was also the creator of the Ennead, a group of nine deities. So, nine lives from one divine “cat.” Then there’s an old English proverb that says, “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.”
 
Whatever the number, the message remains the same: cats are survivors. And although they don’t actually have nine lives, they do have an impressive set of physical abilities that inspired this belief.
 
They’re flexible: If you’ve ever seen cats squeeze themselves into spaces that look impossibly narrow, you’ve seen how truly flexible they are -- thanks to their elastic spines and unique clavicles attached, not to bone, but to muscle.
 
They’re agile: When cats get the “zoomies,” navigating around furniture at top speed, then landing gracefully after taking a flying leap, their pliable spines and powerful muscles allow them to make these smooth, rapid movements. 
 
They land on their feet: Their most iconic survival tactic, the “righting reflex” is an automatic response that helps them re-orient their bodies during a fall. A specialized balance system in their inner ears helps them figure out which way is up, and their pliable spine allows for this midair twisting and turning.
 
They’re blessed with amazing balance: Have you wondered how your cat can walk so confidently across the top of an outdoor railing or along the edge of your bathtub? Their inner ear contains sensitive balance sensors (the same ones that help during a fall) that constantly monitor their body position and make automatic adjustments to keep them steady. (Their tail also helps, acting as a counterbalance that assists them in making tiny corrections on narrow surfaces).
 
They have “supercharged” senses: A cat’s hearing is so acute that they can detect sounds up to 1.6 octaves higher than humans, which means they often know danger is approaching long before we do. Their night vision is also far superior to ours. A special reflective layer in their eyes (tapetum lucidum) gives them a large advantage in low-light situations.
 
Cats may be extraordinary in many ways, but they’re not invincible. Consider, then, these steps to protect your own favorite felines and help reduce unnecessary risks so that they can remain both healthy and safe during their (one) lifetime.
 
If yours is an indoor/outdoor cat, whenever you take them outside, ensure that they’re on a harness and leash. This will not only keep them from eating things they shouldn’t, it will keep them away from other animals and from cars.
 
If you take your cat on car trips or on visits to the vet, always keep them secure in a cat carrier or cat kennel. This will prevent them from accidentally escaping.
 
Keep your cat on regular flea and tick and heartworm preventatives, particularly if they frequent the outdoors.

by Nomi Berger
 
Two questions for feline fanciers: “How high can cats jump?” and “How do they do it?”
 
Have you ever been utterly fascinated by the sight of your own kitties leaping effortlessly onto a windowsill or scaling a tall bookshelf in mere seconds? If so, you’ve probably wondered why these “furry acrobats” jump so much and just how they accomplish these feline feats.
 
According to animal behaviorists, jumping isn’t simply an amusing pastime for them. It’s an integral part of the way they explore their surroundings and remain active. From navigating their environment to satisfying their innate hunting instincts and engaging in play, cats rely on their strong sense of balance, powerful hind legs and flexible spine, allowing them to jump vertically up to 8 or 9 feet. And since the average housecat measures about 18 inches long, this means they can jump about five to six times their body length in that single vertical leap!
 
Before your own kitty jumps, you’ll often see her crouch down, in essence, loading her spring-like hind legs with energy for the leap. After launching herself upwards, her flexible spine enables her to adjust herself in midair. Pay close attention and you’ll often see her tail move as she lands, acting as a counterbalance to keep her steady on her feet.
 
Some of the most common reasons that housecats jump include:
· Seeking tall “vantage” points: this behavior is derived from their predator-prey instincts. Being high up permits them to watch for “prey” while also allowing them to keep an eye out for “predators.”
· Hunting: pouncing on “prey” is an important part of the hunting process.
· Playing: jumping for wand toys or toy mice mimics actual hunting and provides them with much-needed physical exercise and mental stimulation.
 
Just as people have different athletic abilities, not all housecats possess the same jumping prowess. Some of the most common factors that impact their jumping skills include:
· Age: senior cats (those 7 years old and older) may be less motivated to jump up to a higher vantage point due to reduced muscle mass, discomfort or other health concerns.
· Body conditions: arthritic and obese housecats and those with extremely weak muscles will see their jumping abilities greatly reduced.
· Breed: Some small cat breeds, particularly those with proportionally shorter legs, like Munchkins, will, naturally, have a more limited vertical jump than athletic cats with longer bodies and legs, like Abyssinians.
 
Sadly, however, cats can often jump up into danger: onto countertops with food that’s toxic to them, onto a hot stove or onto a shelf that can’t quite hold their weight. You, as a pet parent, can discourage your own cat from jumping onto risky spaces by offering her safe and sturdy alternatives. Consider anchoring a tall, well-built cat tree to one of your walls or mounting a series of cat shelves onto a wall as safe places to perch. These features can also help “fraidy” cats gain more confidence in jumping, while helping them exercise and, over time, build up both their skill and their muscles.
 
Keeping your kitty from becoming bored is another way to reduce her jumping. Playing with her several times a day and providing her with interactive toys and puzzle feeders are purr-fect ways to keep her mentally stimulated and physically satisfied – and away from paw-tential danger.

by Nomi Berger
 
Do you have images of bygone days when a cat was always lapping up milk from a bowl? Have you ever wondered if milk is even good for cats? If so, the short answer is “no.”
 
Cow’s milk isn’t good for cats for several reasons. The most important reason being that, as cats mature they produce less lactase, the enzyme needed to properly digest milk. Like so many people with the same condition, these cats are referred to as being lactose intolerant.
 
Without lactase, the undigested milk sugar, lactose, passes through these cats’ intestinal tracts, and as it does, it pulls water into their intestines. This excessive amount of water can result in diarrhea, while bacteria in their colons consume a large influx of sugars, resulting in gas. All of this can trigger vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
 
Any cats showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea and gas within 12 hours of drinking milk are, in all probability, lactose intolerant. Most will bounce back from mild lactose intolerance within 24 hours. But if they’re feeling sick for longer than 24 hours, are vomiting to the point where they can’t keep down water or are especially lethargic, it’s essential to seek prompt veterinary care.
 
Not all cats, though, are lactose intolerant. Can they, then, drink milk? Sadly, the answer is still “no.” Cow’s milk contains quite a lot of fat and many (perhaps even most) cats are prone to obesity. Permitting them to drink milk on a regular basis adds fats and sugars to their diet and almost guarantees that they will become dangerously overweight. If, however, your own cat loves milk and isn’t lactose intolerant, a teaspoon of milk once or twice a week is unlikely to harm her.
 
As to drinking milk alternatives: if cow’s milk is off-limits, can you share your favorite plant or nut-based milk with your cat? Unfortunately, oat milks, soy milks, almond milks and coconut milks aren’t the best of ideas. Why? Some of these milks can be high in fat and cause your cat to become overweight. Some contain sugars, oils and thickeners that can be very hard to digest and lead to gastrointestinal upset. Some contain additives and preservatives that may prove difficult for cats to digest. Some contain added salt. And while a bit of salt isn’t necessarily bad, if your kitty’s prone to hypertension or renal disease, it’s never a good idea to add more salt to her diet.
 
Kittens, on the other hand, can happily drink milk without any signs of gastrointestinal distress. But they can only drink milk produced by female cats, not milk from other species such as cows, sheep or goats. This is due to the fact that kittens are born with the full ability to process cat milk. But as they’re weaned and begin eating the food that they’ll consume as adults, they start losing the ability -- and the enzymes -- to successfully process cat milk: at around 8 weeks of age.
 
There are, however, some commercial products that have been designed to mimic cat milk as closely as possible, such as PetAg KMR liquid milk supplement and PetAg KMR powder milk supplement. These, according to veterinary experts, are the only kind of “milk” products suitable for orphaned kittens and those requiring additional supplementation.
 

by Nomi Berger

Quite a mouthful: superfecundation!

What could it paws-ibly mean? In reference to female cats, fecundity is their ability to produce a large number of offspring. A fecund cat is fertile and capable of giving birth to many kittens. An intact female cat, known as a “queen”, can have either a large litter at one time or a frequent number of litters.

Superfecundation refers to a queen being impregnated by multiple intact males or “toms” and bringing her kittens (from different fathers) to term during the same pregnancy. The result: littermates who bear little or no resemblance to one another and who may only be half-sisters and half-brothers.

Female cats are known as “induced ovulators,” which means that eggs are only released from their ovaries after they’ve mated. Because of this, each ovary may release eggs during separate matings, increasing the probability of multiple fertilizations. Once ovulation has occurred, females will go out of heat within a day or two. An intact female will first go into heat at about six months old and her pregnancy will last for approximately 64 to 71 days, with an average of 65 days (nine weeks). Each heat usually lasts several days, with the average length being seven days. If an intact female hasn’t mated with an intact male when she’s fertile, she’ll go out of heat for a period of time ranging from two to 19 days.

A fertile intact female cat may produce six kittens in a litter, but a particularly fecund one may produce 30 kittens per year for six years or more, reaching as many as 180 kittens in her lifetime. An intact male cat with high fecundity, on the other hand, can father thousands of kittens during his lifetime!

Although more common among intact outdoor and feral cats, intact indoor/outdoor female cats and indoor ones living with intact males are equally at risk of having unwanted, multiple pregnancies. The most notable signs of females being in heat are behavioral. They become very affectionate, even demanding, persistently rubbing against their owners or furniture, and constantly wanting attention. They roll around on the floor more often and become more vocal. When stroked along the spine or back, they will raise their rear quarters into the air and tread with their back legs.

Some will urinate more frequently or spray urine on aka marking vertical objects. Their urine contains pheromones and hormones that signal their reproductive state, thereby attracting any intact males in the house – creating the “purr-fect storm” for copulation. Should these intact females venture outside, they’re certain to mate with one or more intact males in the area before coming back home.

The only solution to the twin problems of unwanted, multiple litters and cat overpopulation is spaying and neutering intact female and male cats. Most veterinarians recommend having females spayed before the age of five months, while kittens as young as eight weeks old can safely be neutered or spayed. Most cats will return to normal within three days following the procedure, with their healing complete within two weeks.