International Feline Behaviourists - IFB

11/07/2025

11/07/2025

While you may have lots of toys around the house for your cat, the problem is they’re essentially “dead” prey. They don’t move. The only way to create action is if your cat bats at them and creates the movement. With the interactive toy, however, your cat can simply focus on being the hunter. Interactive playtime is valuable for exercise, fun, trust-building, and behavior work. It's important though to move the toy in a beneficial way. Don't always keep it out of your cat's reach or it will just become frustrating. Also, don't move the toy toward the cat. The movements that will trigger your cat's interest are the ones that go across or away from your cat's visual field. Move the way prey would move. No mouse or bird would willingly march right up to a predator.

11/07/2025

The cushioning discs between their vertebrae are very elastic. This lets cats arch, stretch, and coil with ease. This flexibility is perfect for climbing, pouncing, and squeezing into tight spots.

The spine also helps absorb the impact of high jumps. Cats can jump up to six times their body length in one leap, and their flexible spine helps them land softly.

The tail is actually an extension of the spine and helps with balance and communication.

11/07/2025

There are many different styles of cat carriers available. You may already have one that works well for your cat, but if you don't, I typically recommend the hard plastic kennel style because of the versatility it offers. Being able to remove the top so your cat can stay in the bottom part of the carrier may help your kitty feel more secure during exams. And, as with any carrier, always double check it before placing your cat inside to be sure it's in good shape and sturdy.

09/07/2025

Cats are equipped with such impressive early warning systems.

09/07/2025

Meow, Clowder!

Cat tongues are one of the most fascinating features in all of feline anatomy. At first glance, they may seem simple, but look closer and mew will find a remarkable natural design at work.

Covered in backward-facing spines called papillae, a cat’s tongue functions like a built-in grooming comb. These spines are made of keratin, the same material found in claws, and they help detangle fur, remove debris, and even rasp meat from bone. That distinctive sandpaper texture? It is pure feline efficiency.

Every lick serves a purpose. Whether we are tidying our own coat, grooming a fellow feline, or showing affection to a chosen human, our tongues reflect precision and instinct. Some scientists believe modern grooming tools were inspired by the structure of cat tongues, and frankly, we are not surprised.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

09/07/2025

In a multicat household, pay attention to even the most subtle body language cues. They can say a lot about the relationships between your cats.

05/07/2025

🐾 NEVER cut your cat’s whiskers

WHY CATS HAVE WHISKERS – AND WHY THEY'RE AMAZING!

1️⃣ Built-in Navigation System

Whiskers aren’t just cute — they help cats measure spaces.
If the whiskers fit, they know they can fit too!

2️⃣ Super Sensitive Sensors

Each whisker is packed with nerves and can detect even the tiniest air movement.
That’s how your cat "feels" the world — even in the dark.

3️⃣ Mood Detectors

Yes, whiskers talk!

Pointing forward = Curious or hunting.

Pulled back = Scared or annoyed.
They show what your cat can’t say out loud.

4️⃣ High-Speed Balance Tools

Whiskers help stabilize the body when running, jumping, or climbing — like nature’s GPS for acrobatics.

5️⃣ Eye Protectors

Whiskers above the eyes act like motion alarms.
Touch them, and your cat will instantly blink to protect its eyes.

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✨ NEVER cut your cat’s whiskers — it's like taking away their sense of direction.

05/07/2025

The cat's purr serves many functions. It doesn't always mean contentment.

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

Join the Online Cat Breeder Conference for two days of amazing lectures on July 12th and August 9th, 2025 sponsored in part by The Cat Fanciers' Association.

This virtual event dives deep into feline genetics, reproduction, infectious diseases, heart disease, behavior and more! Learn from feline medicine leaders like Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, Dr. Bruna Del Nero, Dr. Petra Cerna, Adriana Kajon and other great speakers.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and improve your breeding program.

Register online with the discount code IAMCFA at checkout to save! https://bit.ly/catconference2025

04/07/2025

More experienced cat owners already have an idea of how much trouble simple, everyday objects can cause. But there are times when items made specifically for pets are not safe either. This time, a toy nearly caused a tragedy. 🧶🧸🎏

An adopted cat had to undergo life-saving surgery. The cat got into a truly good place, the animal activists emphasise that the owners, alongside their love, also showered the little pet with all kinds of good things, including many different toys, and they most certainly gave continuous feedback about their everyday life to the association as well, thanks to which we could also learn about the case.