by Nomi Berger
 
Does your kitty put her paw on your mouth? Have you ever paw-ndered the reasons behind this behavior? If so, consider the following explanations.
 
Affection: Blissfully unaware of “invading” your personal space, your cat may be putting her paw on your face as a show of true and tender affection. It’s one way of getting as close to your body as possible (faces and chests are also feline favorites), and because you use your mouth when talking to her, consider it the equivalent of a seal of approval, or in cat-speak: all paws up in acknowledgment.
 
Attention: If you aren’t paying enough attention to your cat, she may place her paw very strategically on your mouth: purr-haps as her way of asking you to “listen” to her silent request. If this gesture inadvertently achieved positive results in the past, it’s likely she’s learned that putting her paw on your mouth is the best way to get your attention: whether she wants an empty food bowl re-filled or she wants to cuddle up with you and take a nap.
 
Comfort: Should your kitty companion be nestling cozily against your chest and putting her paw on your mouth, accept this as a coveted and highly desired sign of comfort on her part, particularly if she punctuates it by purr, purr, purring.
 
Playfulness: If your favorite feline is feeling especially frisky, she might crawl up on you and put her paw on your mouth as her way of enticing you to play with her. Should her eyes be dilated, her tail whipping around and/or her body tensing, grab her favorite wand toy, a feather teaser or a laser pointer and allow her to romp and frolic through the room to constructively burn off some of her excess energy.
 
Trust: When your cherished cat puts her paw on your mouth, this is not only a very intimate action but one that demonstrates how much she trusts and adores you with every feline fiber of her being.  
 
And yet … Your mouth is an entryway to your digestive system with links to your respiratory system. What then, does this mean? It means that your cat’s paw is capable of transmitting various kinds of bacteria, fungi and viruses into your body. And although she may appear to be as fresh as the proverbial daisy, in reality, as she makes her way through her litter box, she often comes in contact with her own urine and feces.
 
In short, by putting her paw on your mouth, she’s depositing tiny eggs there carrying anything from e. coli and parasites to salmonella that can be transmitted into your system and infect you. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to keep up with routine parasite prevention. But, even if you do, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep your precious puss from putting her paw on your mouth.

by Nomi Berger
 
Did you know that the position of your cat’s tail affords you a valuable insight as to her frame of mind? But do you know the various positions her expressive tail can assume and what they may mean? If not, paw-lease read on …
 
When your cat’s tail is upright, this indicates that she’s feeling social and confident. Should she approach you in a friendly manner with her tail up, it’s an open invitation for you to pet her or play with her.
 
When your cat’s tail resembles a hook or a question mark, standing upright with a curl at the end, this again indicates that she’s happy and is approaching you amicably for attention. Although you may be tempted to pet her curly-tipped tail, most cats prefer being petted around the facial glands on their cheeks, next to their ears and under their chins.
 
When your cat drops her tail below the level of her back, she’s either anxious or frightened. If, however, her tail is tucked between her legs, she may be truly terrified or in terrible pain.
 
When your cat assumes that iconic “Halloween” pose with her back arched and her tail puffed, she’s clearly been startled or frightened by a sudden perceived threat such as the sight of other animals outside, visitors to your home or an unexpected, loud noise. A cat’s hair stands on end (piloerection) in order for her to appear larger than she is. Should she assume this defensive position around you, she’s letting you know that she wants to be left alone. Should you attempt to interact with her while her back is arched and her tail is puffed, she may perceive your approach as a threat and become aggressive.
 
When your cat is sitting or lying down with her tail wrapped around her body, she may be either frightened or defensive, in pain or feeling ill. Rather than trying to interact with her, look around you for any possible sources of stress. If you find none, and she sits or lies down with her tail curled tightly around her body for more than a few days, bring her to your veterinarian for a thorough examination and evaluation.
 
When your cat thrashes her tail or thumps it on the ground, she’s clearly annoyed, irritated or angry because this is known as a distance-increasing behavior. Example: if you’re petting her and she begins thrashing her tail or thumping it on the ground, she’s “telling” you to stop. If you don’t, this can lead to her hissing, growling, swatting or even biting you.
 
When your cat swishes her tail from side to side slowly, she’s most likely focused on a toy or some other object in your home and is preparing to pounce. Since “predatory” behavior such as stalking and pouncing is an excellent source of enrichment for her, sit back and allow her to “pursue” the object of her fascination.
 
When your cat quivers her tail, it indicates that she’s especially excited to see you or one of her feline companions. If, however, she quivers her tail while holding it straight up in the air and backing up against a vertical surface like a wall, a door or a piece of furniture, she may be urine marking.
 
When your cat wraps her tail around you, it’s her way of “hugging” you and letting you know that she’s extremely eager to interact with you. Could any gesture be more paws-itive or more purr-fect than this?

By Nomi Berger
 
Are you familiar with the sight of your favorite feline rubbing her face against corners here, there and everywhere in your home?
 
Despite being one of life’s little “meow-meow” mysteries, many cat behaviorists and experts do share a few common theories about the reasons behind this behavior.
 
Marking their territory: One of the most widely accepted theories is that cats rub their faces on corners to leave their scent on objects. Cats use scents to communicate (they have scent glands located around their cheeks), and so, when they rub their faces on objects, they leave behind a scent for other cats to detect and decipher when they sniff those scents. Because rubbing their faces against flat walls may be uncomfortable for them, cats will opt for rubbing their cheeks against the corners of walls and pieces of furniture which provide them with the best, most secure grip.
 
A form of greeting: When your cat feels purr-fectly at ease around you, trusts and likes you, she will characteristically begin rubbing her cheeks against you as soon as you return home after being out – whether for a few minutes or a few hours. This leaves her scent on you, in the same way that all cats mark their territory. Meow about a wonderful way to be greeted! What more paws-itive gesture could there be than having YOUR favorite feline let you know that you’re HER favorite person.
 
Asking for attention: Always keenly observant, kitties are astute enough to know what behaviors most attract their owners’ attention. It therefore makes purr-fect sense that if you pay attention to your cat whenever she rubs her face against you, she’ll continue doing so, reinforcing the feelings of reciprocal affection. She may even begin rubbing her cheeks against you when she’s bored, hungry or lonely.
 
Relieving stress: The simple act of rubbing their faces against corners, objects or people feels both comforting and relaxing for cats in search of stress reduction. If your kitty’s feeling anxious and chooses to calm down by this form of self-soothing, she’ll rub her cheeks against you, her person and protector, acknowledging that your home is her home as well, where she’ll be safe and secure -- fur-ever.

by Nomi Berger
 
Did YOU know that some felines fancy treats more than their food? Have you ever wondered why? If so, consider the following suggestions for this purr-ticular passion.
 
Taste: Not only do the flavors in cat treats make them more appealing than their regular food, commercial treats usually contain flavor enhancers, thereby giving them a stronger, more tantalizing smell. Treats also vary nutritionally from cat food. Because they’re often made with more fat and calories, they’re ever so much tastier, appealing to most felines’ instinctual desire to feast on nutrient-dense foods. Think cakes, cookies and chips for people and you’ll get the picture!
 
Texture: Designed to paw-lease even the most finicky feline when food textures are involved (some cats only eat kibble or wet food while others eat everything), the texture of treats varies from liquids and mousses to chewy and crunchy. If your cat is highly selective about what she puts in her mouth, experiment with various textures of treats until she’s not only satisfied but is happily raising her paw for more treats, paw-lease!
 
Relationships: Many cats relish offering a treasured toy to their owners as a token of their affection. Think of it as your favorite feline’s form of “gift giving,” reinforcing the fact that she feels safe and comfortable in your presence. Therefore, when you feed her treats, you’re not only strengthening the bond between the two of you, you’re giving her something deliberately designed to appeal to her senses in return.
 
Treats, however, aren’t formulated to meet the nutritional needs of any cat and they certainly aren’t meant to be a major part of your cat’s diet. In fact, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of her daily caloric intake although keeping that level closer to 5% is ideal. Therefore, when given to your kitty in moderation, most treats can be considered safe for her.
 
If your cat is on a special diet or suffers from some medical condition, she may need special treats. Before giving her any treats, always speak to your veterinarian first. And NEVER overfeed treats, even to a healthy cat. Why? Because overfeeding your cat on a daily basis will ultimately lead to obesity. It can’t be stressed often enough that obesity is linked to such serious conditions as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
 
Understandably, most commercial cat treats can negatively impact your cat’s weight if she’s on a vet-prescribed diet to shed some excess poundage. Once again, speak with your vet about the most appropriate treats for her. Vegetables low in calories and high in fiber, such as broccoli and green beans, can serve as healthy alternatives provided that your cat will eat them.
 
Should your cat need to lose weight but turns up her nose at the vegetables, ask your vet to help you calculate the appropriate caloric intake for her each day. This way, you’ll know how many treats she can have in combination with the food that she’s eating. Then, before you purchase any packages of treats, check their labels to determine how many calories each treat contains. A three-calorie treat allows you to “treat” your cat to more of them throughout the day than a single treat that contains, e.g., a fattening 45 calories.

by Nomi Berger
 
Toe tufts, sometimes known as toe “floofs,” are bits of fur that grow between a cat’s toes. Typically found on cat breeds with medium to long coats (examples: Balinese, Cymric, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Persians, Ragdolls and Somali), these bits of fur extend past the cat’s paw pads.
 
As to the purpose of toe tufts: It’s posited that historically they helped provide cats in the wild with much-needed traction and protection. And similar to the hair on the rest of their body, long hairs between a cat’s toes help to protect their feet from the cold and any harsh surfaces that may cause painful abrasions on their paw pads.
 
In most cases, you don’t have to trim your cat’s toe tufts unless these errant wisps of fur are causing her such problems as:
 
Irritation: The tufts are too long and are making your cat uncomfortable. Sometimes the fur tickles, irritating her and forcing her to lick or pull at the hair in search of relief. This behavior can escalate into a compulsion that may cause other issues, in which case, the wisest course of action IS to trim those tufts.
 
Debris collecting: A guaranteed “magnet” for such things as kitty litter and human hair, dirt and dust, your cat’s toe tufts should be trimmed to keep her from tracking any and all unwanted debris throughout the rooms of your home.
 
Slipping and sliding: Overgrown toe tufts may cause your cat to slip and slide as she makes her way across whatever kind of flooring you have in your home: from vinyl and linoleum, stone and hardwood to ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble and laminates. Not getting the proper traction on the floor is a safety hazard, and a slight fur trim is highly recommended.
 
Matting: Because mats are particularly painful and can lead to skin infections if not addressed in a timely manner, trim your cat’s toe tufts to help keep her healthy and happy. Using a pair of scissors, carefully snip the longer hairs until they no longer cover her paw pads. You won’t have to shorten them further unless there’s obvious irritation between her toes. In that case, consult your vet on the best way to treat her.
 
Alternatives to trimming your cat’s toe tufts include:
 
Carpeting: While not to everyone’s taste, and especially problematic if you suffer from allergies, carpeting, or at the very least, area rugs are excellent anti-slip and slide options for cats with toe tufts.
 
Grippable furniture: If you have tall cat trees or wall-mounted shelving, jumping onto and off them can be particularly dangerous for a cat with toe tufts. To reduce the risk of her slipping and falling, add grippable pieces of furniture like a strategically placed cushioned stool or covered chair close to those areas to literally act as cat “safety nets.”

by Nomi Berger
 
Paws-itively.
 
For most cats, the passing of a cherished feline companion can be an extremely emotional experience. The intensity and length of their relationship, coupled with the circumstances – sudden or gradual – surrounding their furry friend’s demise will usually determine their response: ranging from no reaction whatsoever to utter and easily recognizable despair.
 
In fact, many animal experts describe three distinct stages of kitty grief.
 
The first stage is known as “activation.” Immediately after the loss of her pussycat playmate, the “survivor” will start looking for her missing companion. She will pace your home, searching here, there and everywhere, often vocalizing or crying out as she attempts to locate her lost friend.
 
The second stage is depression. This phase is characterized by one or more of the following: lethargy, withdrawal (loss of interest in her surroundings, playing and socialization), clingy and needy behavior or its polar opposite, separation anxiety, and loss of appetite. The latter is the most serious with the potential to be life threatening. Because anorexia in cats can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), contact your vet immediately if your cat refuses to eat.
 
The third stage is acceptance. This is when many cats exhibit permanent “character changes.” Some will become chattier, friendlier and more approachable. Shy cats in particular may appear to “blossom” without their more assertive counterparts by becoming more outgoing and more active in general.
 
As a concerned cat guardian, there are numerous ways to help your mourning “mouser” as she moves through the grieving process. Keep her routine as normal as possible while lavishing her with extra affection in the form of more cuddles and pets, grooming and playing. Provide her with a quiet and private spot where she can spend time alone should she want it or place a cozy new cat bed close to a sunny window. Offer her some tasty new food to encourage her to eat and warm it slightly to more fully release its aroma. Present her with a new interactive toy to spark some fresh interest in playtime.
 
While some think adding a new cat to their diminished household is the cure for their current cat’s distress, most animal experts caution against it. They consider it a distraction not a cure and that a new pet won’t stop yours from grieving her lost companion. They suggest waiting a few months until both you and your kitty have fully healed. 
 
As with humans, felines differ not only in the way they grieve but in how long they grieve. Your particular pussycat may return to behaving “normally” after only a few days. On the other hand, it could take weeks, even months. If, however, yours seems stuck in the grieving process, speak to your veterinarian and ask to be referred to a veterinary behaviorist or other certified behavioral expert.
 
It may not seem so at the moment, but it will get better in time.

By Nomi Berger

Is your favorite feline fond of “guarding” your door – whether bathroom or bedroom -- when you close it behind you? Have you ever wondered why? If so, consider the paws-ible explanations below.
 
1. Your cat yearns for attention: By “guarding” the door, her persistent presence is, more often than not, a clear call for attention. If she’s meowing loudly and/or pawing at the opposite side of the door, her message is an even more emphatic one.
 
2. Your cat is curious: Inquisitive by nature, a trait that once helped her ancestors survive in the wild, your cat, especially a new one, is no different. By understanding more about her “world,” she’s differentiating between safe and unsafe spots and learning to feel certain in her space. A closed door, therefore, merits further investigation if she’s still accustoming herself to each room, leading her to linger outside until she’s able to enter it.
 
3. Your cat is protecting you: Despite their reputation for being solitary creatures, cats, when part of a group, not only cooperate with each other but protect one another. What could be more natural then, than you and your kitty forming your own little group? You’re now the one she’s determined to protect, typically using her vocalizations as her signal that she’s on the alert for what she perceives as threats. “Guarding” your door may simply be another way of her trying to keep you safe.
 
4. It’s become a habit: If your cat sits there long enough, often enough, she’ll become accustomed to “guarding” your door. Using the bathroom at the same times every day or going to bed at the same time every night is an invitation for her to stay outside either one or both doors. Then, once it’s part of her own routine, she’ll maintain it because she enjoys the familiarity and predictability of it.
 
5. Your cat is extremely attached to you: If you’re highly invested emotionally in your cat, and have formed a “mutual admiration society” of two, the bond you share is as deep as it is precious. For her, this attachment signifies security and comfort, offering her a safe haven from which to explore the rest of her environment. Is it any wonder then, that, in her desire to be near you, she’ll “guard” any door that separates the two of you.
 
6. Your cat is territorial: Cats are famous for being territorial and will often exhibit aggressive behaviors when they feel threatened. Introducing a new cat into your household disrupts an already established routine and balance, often resulting in a competition over resources. For example, your current cat might block the new one’s access to food and water bowls, sleeping spots and/or litter boxes. And if there’s a door standing between them and something they both want -- namely, you -- one may begin “guarding” that door to keep the other cat out.
 
If, however, your cat is “guarding” the door due to separation anxiety, reduce her stress level by providing her with several cozy spots to rest coupled with a tempting assortment of toys and enrichment devices – from puzzle games to cat tunnels and various forms of cat scratchers.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever wondered why your cat suddenly throws herself down and starts rolling around on her back?
 
A common misconception is that a cat’s exposed belly – her most sensitive spot – means belly rubs, paw-lease. Consider then, some of the other reasons behind her behavior.
 
To stretch her muscles: When a cat wakes up from a nap or deep sleep, she will often turn over onto her back and roll around while stretching her neck, back and legs. If this is the case, don’t interfere! Resist the impulse to reach out and pet her or pat her on the head until she appears satisfied, relaxed and calm – or run the risk of being bitten.
 
To scratch her back: An itchy back will often cause a cat to roll around on the ground and rub herself back and forth, back and forth in order to find relief. As with all animals, cats are prone to dry skin and/or parasites such as mites and fleas that live in their fur and are capable of causing extreme itchiness and/or triggering skin allergies. If your cat seems unaccountably and unusually uncomfortable when she’s wriggling about, look closely at her fur and skin.
 
Gently – and carefully -- examine her entire body, including her ears, face, neck, back, bum and legs for signs of either dry skin or parasites. Should you find mites or fleas in her fur, contact your veterinarian for guidance. You may either be asked to bring your cat in for a more thorough examination or be instructed as to which products to use to rid her of the infestation, relieve her discomfort and restore her to good health – and good humor.
 
To seek attention: Rolling around on her back is often a cat’s way of displaying how social and friendly she’s feeling without necessarily “asking” to be touched. At other times, it’s a clear sign that she does indeed welcome attention from and interaction with you. How will you know? She’ll rub her head on the ground while moving it round and round and loudly purr, purr, purring.
 
To initiate playtime: A frisky feline will invariably flop to the ground and roll around on her back, displaying her playful mood to people, other cats and, yes, even dogs. Since cats are proficient at reading their owners’ body language and speech, your cat may roll around on her back when she sees you and your family playing together – whatever the activity. To determine how proficient you are at reading her body language, toss her a small cat toy. If she promptly begins swatting it around and biting it, she’s most assuredly in a playful mood.

by Nomi Berger
 
Imagine two movable satellite dishes capable of swiveling, capturing and amplifying sound! Now, imagine them in miniature. This is the purr-fect description of a cat’s most impressive and extraordinarily designed ears.
 
Blessed with hearing that far surpasses that of dogs and even humans, cats not only have the broadest range when it comes to detectable sounds, they can even hear lower and higher frequencies than either dogs or humans. Whereas dogs can hear frequencies between 67 hertz to 45,000 hertz and humans can hear between 64 hertz to 23,000 hertz, cats can hear frequencies between 45 hertz to 64,000 hertz.
 
As one of nature’s truly efficient species of hunter/predators, cats in the wild were equipped to be seen, not heard. Since they preferred being the hunter and not the hunted, they moved stealthily and swiftly in search of prey. This innate ability was deftly embedded in their DNA, thereby benefiting today’s kittens’ and cats’ elegant ease whenever they stalk and pounce -- whether it’s a fellow feline or a fun feline toy.
 
By utilizing more than 32 different muscles in their outer ears (humans have six!), cats can swivel their ears up to 180 degrees, giving them the capability to better track specific sounds. The very act of swiveling each ear not only improves their hearing by an additional 15 to 20 percent, it enables them to pinpoint the exact origin of that sound. It’s also a “visual” way for them to express themselves to other cats – either outdoors or in a multi-cat household – and to their owners. Astute pet parents find these telltale ear movements extremely helpful in interpreting and better understanding their cats’ feelings, moods and even health.
 
Consider, then, the following positions of your own favorite feline’s ears:

· Ears that point forward: This so-called “neutral” position generally signifies that she’s feeling calm and/or content, and friendly. Take the hint and gently pick her up for some quality snuggle time.

· Ears that point upward: This position is often teamed with a high-alert stance – as in “standing at attention” -- and an equally alert facial expression, making confident and curious cats, inclined to “patrol” their home excellent guard cats. When your kitty’s ears are pointing upward, it’s also the ideal time to engage her in fun and games.

· Ears that are flattened and pointing backward: Forewarned is forearmed. This position, known as “airplane mode,” indicates that she’s frightened, irritated, overstimulated or uncomfortable -- all portents of potentially aggressive behavior to come. What she needs most, then, is space and privacy in order to decompress, usually by hiding in her favorite spot until she feels more secure and more balanced again.

· Ears that face sideways: If this position is accompanied by a defensive stance, it could progress to her ears flattening and pointing backward, indicating, once again, the possibility of fight or flight behavior. If, however, this position is accompanied by her moving quietly, slowly and almost gingerly, she may either be ill or in pain and doing her best to disguise it. Better safe than sorry. Schedule an immediate visit to your vet and have her undergo a thorough physical examination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Charles Dickens famously said: “What greater gift than the love of a cat.”

While cat lovers everywhere couldn’t agree more, did you know there’s a month dedicated purr-ticularly to the health and happiness of our wondrous, whiskered and whimsical feline friends? 
 
And that month is September. In fact “Happy Cat Month” is now an annual event presented by the CATalyst Council, a national initiative whose aim is to further educate the public and increase awareness about the lifelong health and welfare of companion cats.
 
To ensure YOUR kitty is living her happiest paws-ible life, they’ve revealed – with a tip of the proverbial hat to former talk show host David Letterman -- this year’s top ten list:
 
1) Provide her with toys: One of the easiest ways to make and keep your kitty happy is gifting her with a new toy. While store bought items are fine and fun, so are simple household items such as wadded up paper, paper sacks, and that all time favorite – empty cartons.
 
2) Train her: As bright as she is food-oriented, she can easily be taught new “tricks.” Not only does this stimulate her mentally and physically, training her also strengthens the bond between you.
 
3) Make her “work” for her food: With feline obesity on the rise, one way to combat it is having your kitty “work” for her food. Food toys that release small amounts of kibble as she plays with it are one option while another is to hide her food in different places so that she has to “seek” it out.
 
4) Acclimate her to the dreaded carrier: Set aside some time each day to work, slowly and patiently, with your cat on making the carrier feel like a safe place not a scary one. Praise and high value treats work wonders as she progresses, paw step by paw step, towards ultimate acquiescence and acceptance.
 
5) Visit your vet: Because a healthy cat is a happy cat, ensure that you schedule an annual wellness visit with your vet so that any issues you yourself may have missed are caught early.
 
6) Have her microchipped: In addition to her collar and identification tags, microchipping your cherished cat provides a permanent form of identification should she ever go missing.
 
7) Take her outdoors: To literally broaden her horizons, take your indoor kitty for occasional, brief walks outside using a leash with a harness, thereby enabling her to safely experience the wonders of the world beyond your windows.
 
8) Supply her with a proper scratching post: Since scratching is so important for cats, allowing them to both stretch and care for their claws, keep your kitty happy by providing her with a long, sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal or angled position.
 
9) Provide her with preventive medications: A cat free of fleas and ticks, mites and heartworms is an especially happy cat. To maintain her health as well as your own, consult your vet about the best preventive measures to take and the best products to use.
 
10) Adopt another cat: If yours is a single-cat household, you might consider providing your kitty with a companion and playmate. Being such social creatures, cats are often happiest when they have a compatible feline friend with whom to frisk and frolic fur-ever.