Smiling Kitty - Cat Whisperer Online

19/06/2024

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐓?

𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 does not refer to a specific cat breed but to a beautiful, multi-colored coat pattern with a similar structure and color scheme to that of a tortoise’s shell. It comes in many color variations but primarily consists of ginger and black with white, orange, gold, or cream touches. Many people mistake tortoiseshell cats with calico cats because their coat patterns are similar. The calico pattern, however, has a white fur base with patches of orange and black. Sometimes, patches can be cream or grey – a pattern known as a 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘰.

Both tortoiseshell and calico markings appear in domestic cats of different breeds, as well as in non-purebred cats, and most of them will be female. It takes two X chromosomes to produce the tortoiseshell and calico coat patterns. Each X chromosome has one color attached to it, which makes the distinctive mix of colors possible. Tortoiseshell and calico males are therefore only seen in rare cases of genetic mutation, for instance when a male cat is born with two X chromosomes. This is called 𝘒𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘺𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦, and males with the XXY chromosome combination are usually sterile.

A tortoiseshell cat, or 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘦, can have a patched or brindled coat pattern. The pattern is patched if the colors appear in larger sections all over the body, but it is brindled if the colors appear blended or mixed. We also have tortoiseshell cats with tabby stripes, known as 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘴, and torties with a chimera appearance. 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘢 is a distinctive coat pattern where the cat’s body is divided into two color halves: the cat will have one color on one side of the body and a different color on the other. It usually manifests as a half-black/half-ginger face with an almost symmetrical line running down the nose, but the division in color can differ and occur all over the body. With regards to eye color, there is not one specific color associated with tortoiseshell cats. They typically have either hazel, amber, or green eyes.

Myths and stories about torties have existed since ancient times, and cultures around the world link them with things such as luck and good fortune. In Japan, they are believed to protect ships from bad storms and homes from ghosts and evil spirits. In Ireland, Scotland, and Germany, they are seen as omens of wealth and prosperity. Settlers brought these beliefs to America, where torties are now nicknamed 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘴. Folklore examples also include a Turkish myth about a wizard, who created the tortoiseshell coat pattern by using different-colored smoke. Similarly, Khmers in Cambodia believed the origin of the unique pattern was the blood of a lotus flower goddess. Other stories describe how the golden tortie color stems from the sun and was a gift to a black cat from a solar deity.

Tortoiseshell cats are known for being sassy, vocal, and headstrong – personality traits that can manifest themselves as an increased tendency to bite, scratch, or hiss at human or animal companions. Cat behaviorists sometimes call this diva disposition 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦, but it should not prevent you from adopting a tortoiseshell cat. They may be stubborn little ladies, but they are also fiercely loyal and often form strong, lasting, loving bonds with their preferred humans.

I hope you have enjoyed this month's blogpost about the beautiful tortoiseshell cat. Make sure also to check out my previous blogpost about Calicos. You can find it here on Facebook, or by following this link to my website: https://www.smiling-kitty.com/what-is-a-calico-cat/

Blogpost by Gunhild Jensen, Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty. Smiling Kitty is a small pet business located in Stamford, CT. We provide tailor-made, cat behavior modification plans, cat sitting locally, and advice on cat care to cat owners worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Do you need advice on general cat care? Do you want your cat to use her litter box, scratch appropriate items, be affectionate, playful, non-aggressive, and feel happy and safe in her environment? We can help you with cat behavior and training issues, such as:

21/11/2023

★彡 𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒 彡★
The holiday season is upon us again, so it is time to remember the potential hazards it brings to the health and safety of our feline friends. Here are a few tips:

𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥, 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐬.
Strings and ribbons are fascinating to cats and often part of a good toy. Catnip mice can have long ribbon tails, balls of yarn are old cat toy classics, and wand toys with soft balls or feathers dangling from a string can keep cats entertained for hours. Kittens and young cats are easily enticed by a piece of string, especially if it is shiny or moving, and they look incredibly cute when playing with it. Therefore, it can seem harmless to let your cat chase a piece of holiday ribbon across the floor, rummage around discarded gift-wrapping material, or play with a ball of tinsel. However, string, ribbons, and tinsel can be hazardous to cats. When swallowed, these foreign bodies can become entangled in the intestinal tract. The body will try unsuccessfully to pass the string or ribbon, leading to inflammation or damage to the intestinal wall. The rough, abrasive material can even cut through the intestinal wall, and if this happens, it is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency surgery. When playing with string, cats should not be left alone. They should always be supervised to prevent accidents from happening. This is especially true during the holiday season, but if you use wand toys daily to entertain your cat, put them away in a safe place once playtime is over.

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬.
Dangling electrical cords or exposed extension cords invite the same kind of play as a piece of string or ribbon. Cats like to bat at them, chase them, or chew on them. The latter is especially true for young kittens that are teething. Cat teeth are very sharp, so they can easily pe*****te the insulation around any type of electrical cord. If that happens, it can cause severe burns to the tongue or life-threatening electrical shocks that require immediate medical care.
Candles are beautiful to look at but should never be left unattended around cats. Curious cats often find dancing flames irresistible and will choose to explore them. This can result in serious burns. Cats can also knock candles over with a flick of their tail, thereby setting more than themselves on fire. For those reasons, battery-powered candles are the safer choice in a cat household.

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬.
Christmas lilies, Peace lilies, and other members of the lily family are extremely poisonous to cats. Ingesting a piece of a lily plant can cause cats to have seizures or develop lasting kidney or liver damage. Depending on the type of lily, every part of the plant may be poisonous, even the water in the vase or pot you keep them in. Mistletoe is another plant to avoid. There are several types of mistletoe, some that only cause irritation of the intestinal tract when ingested, and others that may bring about seizures and organ failure. Holly can give cats gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It can also cause severe irritation in the mouth. The same is true for Poinsettia sap, though it is not as toxic to cats as it is rumored to be.
Fir, spruce, and pine are the most common trees used during the festive season. Some cats, including Maine C***s and Norwegian Forest Cats, can be especially attracted to pine needles and may insist on eating them. Fir, spruce, and pine needles are all mildly toxic to cats due to the oils inside. They can also cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation to the mouth if ingested. Lastly, the water in your Christmas tree stand can contain remnants of harmful fertilizer from the tree and may become a breeding ground for bacteria. Both will give your cat an upset tummy if they have free access to it and decide to drink it.

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬.
Chocolate contains a chemical called 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 which is dangerous to cats. It has caffeine-like properties and is used medicinally for several purposes, including as a heart stimulant and a muscle relaxant. The toxicity of chocolate depends on the type of chocolate in question and the age and size of the cat, but regardless, cats should never have access to any chocolate products. An 8-week-old kitten weighing around 2 pounds can be poisoned by only 1 ounce of milk chocolate. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe overdoses, the only symptom may be sudden death.
Sweets wrapped in crinkly paper sound like fun toys to cats, but they pose a choking hazard. Cats may accidentally ingest them while pawing at them or batting them across the floor. To be safe, all bowls, boxes, or bags of sweets should be kept out of your cat’s reach.

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫.
Since cats are loved family members, we often wish to include them in our holiday meals. This is not necessarily a bad idea, just bear in mind that sudden rich diet changes will upset your cat’s stomach. A small amount of lean meat is a good special treat, but if you feed leftovers high in fat, your cat’s pancreas may become overworked and inflamed. This condition often requires hospitalization and intensive medical care.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲.
Christmas trees should be secured to prevent them from falling over if an overexcited feline decides to climb to the top. Cats do not always land on their feet and can get hurt in tree-related accidents. Fragile ornaments should be kept away from curious cat paws, and any string used in the preparations of roasts and turkeys should be disposed of in sealed garbage containers. Most cats will not be able to resist digging them out of the trash, and since they smell so yummy might decide to eat them. In general, it is a good idea to keep your cat out of the kitchen whilst cooking big meals. You do not want to risk them getting burned, stepped on, or otherwise injured in the hustle and bustle of the preparations.

For additional information about poisonous plants, visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list

Please share these tips and guidelines with any inexperienced cat owners you might know and enjoy the upcoming festivities with your special feline friends 😸

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧!

Blogpost by Gunhild Jensen, Certified Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty. Smiling Kitty is a pet behavior business based in Stamford, Connecticut. We provide tailor-made, cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners across the world. For more information, please visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Smiling Kitty is a cat behavior business based in Stamford, CT. We assist with all things cat!

13/11/2023

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞

The history of the domestic cat began about eight thousand years ago when cats first started hanging around human settlements because they provided easy access to food and shelter. Cats would eat the rodents that threatened our grain stores and sleep in our barns. In other words, the cat chose to seek out human companionship to gain important resources that they needed for their survival.

It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that cat-loving humans started breeding cats deliberately to create animals with certain appearances or demeanors. Cats were never bred for specific hunting or herding tasks the way dogs were, and consequently, the domestic cats we know today have changed very little genetically from the wild cats that first hung around our ancient farms. That explains why the differences between cat breeds are not as great as the differences between, say, a Border Collie and a Dachshund.

Scientists do not completely agree on how many different cat breeds there are in the world, so the numbers you can find vary greatly depending on your source. While Encyclopedia Britannica only lists fifteen cat breeds, The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the largest American cat registration body, recognizes forty-five different breeds as of 2023. Among these different cat breeds, many have an interesting origin story, and in this article series, I am going to feature some of them. In previous episodes, I have talked about the Maine C**n, the Siamese, the Turkish Angora, and the Sphynx. This episode will deal with the Russian Blue cat.

The Russian blue is a medium-sized cat that reaches maturity at about a year old. Members of the breed have a dense double coat, so they often seem larger than they are. The coat is a shimmery blue with a silvery tint, and it is this striking color that has given the breed its name. Since the coat does not shed much, it is easy to maintain. Occasional brushing along with good nutrition is enough to keep it soft and silky. Russian Blues are not 100% hypoallergenic, but they are still a good choice for pet parents with allergies. Other striking features of Russian Blue cats include their large, wide-set eyes and their wedged head. The latter gives them a charming facial expression that creates the illusion that they are constantly smiling. The eyes are typically emerald green but come in other colors too.

The Russian Blue is a gentle, sweet-tempered, and loyal breed. Even though they tend to form special bonds with just one pet parent, they will show affection to the entire family if their boundaries are respected. They will follow “their human” around the house and greet them at the door, but they also enjoy alone time and will actively seek a quiet, private spot where they can sleep. Russian Blues often shy away from visitors and may hide during large gatherings. If strangers, playful dogs, or overly affectionate children approach, they will prefer to stay in the safety of their hiding places until the environment has returned to normal. The Russian Blue cat is sociable on its own terms and highly intelligent. They do not mind it too much if you are away at work all day, but they will require plenty of playtime once you return home. Behavior problems in Russian Blues typically appear when the cat is under-stimulated or not allowed sufficient privacy.

The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed, so we do not know its exact origin story. One theory is that the first Russian Blues lived in the wilderness and were hunted for their prized pelts. They likely stem from Archangel Island and its surrounding areas in northern Russia, which is also evident from their nickname “Archangel Cats”. Here, it is believed that Russian sailors befriended the felines sometime around the 1860s and brought them aboard their ships as companions. This could explain how the breed made its way to Great Britain and Northern Europe. Another theory is that these sleek, smiling cats are the descendants of pets belonging to the Russian royal family. The Russian Blue was favored by the czars, who gifted them to other royals, diplomats, and noblemen across the European continent. In 1875, Russian Blues were shown at one of the world’s first cat shows at Crystal Palace in London. They arrived in the United States in the early 1900s and were officially recognized as a breed in 1912.

After World War II, Russian Blues were in decline, but cat enthusiasts managed to save them. In Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, Russian Blues were crossbred with Siamese cats to produce slightly longer and more angular specimens. Together, these nations helped preserve the breed that continues to fascinate us to this day.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞:

1. According to Russian folklore, Russian Blue “Archangel” cats could chase away evil spirits. For that reason, they were often kept in the chambers of newborn children.

2. The Russian Blue’s upturned smile is also called a Mona Lisa smile, because of its similarities with the smile in the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

3. Sometimes, Russian Blues are born with so-called “ghost stripes.” These are faint tabby markings that disappear as the cats mature.

4. The cat Tom from the famous cartoon 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺, with his bright, green eyes and blue-gray color, is believed by many fans to be a Russian Blue.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about this pawsome cat! 😸

Blogpost by Gunhild Jensen, Certified Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty.

Smiling Kitty is a pet behavior business based in Stamford, Connecticut. We provide tailor-made, cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners across the world. For more information, please visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Blogpost Sources:
The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat by John W.S. Bradshaw, Rachel A. Casey and Sarah L. Brown.
https://rawznaturalpetfood.com/russian-blue-cats/
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/russian-blue

Smiling Kitty is a cat behavior business based in Stamford, CT. We assist with all things cat!

15/09/2023

*•.¸♡ DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF A CAT ♡¸.•*

On June 10th, I lost my beloved cat Simba. His passing was sudden and unexpected. It brought my world to a halt, and the grief that followed was profound. My bond with Simba was strong. We spent our days and nights together, and many years ago, he inspired me to become a cat behaviorist. When I took my courses in cat training, he was my study buddy. And he made practicing easy for me, for he loved learning new tricks, playing new games, and solving fun puzzles. Every day, he showed me the wonders of the cat mind and the sweetness of true cat affection. With him, I lost my best friend, my most loyal companion, my teacher, and my muse. That is why you haven’t seen any posts from me for a while. I will get back into writing new articles soon, but for now, I would like to share a few tips for dealing with the grief of losing a cherished pet. I have consulted a pet grief counselor, and the following are her words of wisdom:

• Acknowledge your grief by giving yourself permission to express it. Allow yourself to cry. If you live alone, the silence in your home can feel deafening, but acknowledging it will help you express your emotions. Suppressing your feelings of sadness will only prolong your grief.

• Try not to replay your last moments with your pet. Memories of your pet’s final days or moments can linger in your mind, especially if they were traumatic. Try not to focus on them. Instead, focus on the life you shared with your pet and some of your favorite memories with them. Remember, your pet’s pain has passed. You are the one in pain now, and you must practice self-love.

• Stay clear of people who don’t understand. Nobody needs to hear the hurtful and untrue phrase: “It was just a cat”. You know it was a friend, a family member. Instead, reach out to people who can lend a sympathetic ear. Do a little research online, and you will find resources and support groups that may be helpful to you.

• Memorialize your pet through a bereavement ritual. Here are some suggestions:

1. Spread your pet’s ashes somewhere special or reserve a place in your home for your pet’s ashes and photos.

2. Plant a native tree or flowering shrub in memory of your pet.

3. Create a memory box with your pet’s collar or favorite toys.

4. Have your pet’s ashes incorporated into a memorial necklace, bracelet, or ring. (Search “pet cremation jewelry.”)

5. Commission a painting, statue, memorial stone, or plush animal representation of your pet. (Search “pet memorial”)

6. Write about your feelings. It can be a diary, a letter to your pet, or an obituary for your pet.

7. Share photos and memories of your pet on social media.

• Remember that the grief process isn’t linear. You may move in and out of the different grief stages over a long period of time. It is normal to feel better one moment, only to have a wave of grief wash over you the next, so be gentle with yourself.

• Don’t be ashamed of your grief. The grieving process is different from person to person and can’t be rushed. Remember, healthy grieving doesn't mean that you forget or “get over” your friend. It simply allows you to accept that they are gone, so you can eventually smile at their memory.

The photo is a close-up of my sweet Simba, taken during one of our many training sessions. He was a Maine C**n mix and incredibly smart. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.

Please share this post with anyone dealing with the devastating reality of pet loss.

Blog post by Gunhild Jensen, certified Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty.

Smiling Kitty is a privately run pet business providing tailor-made, cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners in Stamford, CT and across the world. For more information, please visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Smiling Kitty is a cat behavior business based in Stamford, CT. We assist with all things cat!

23/05/2023

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

We are very happy to announce that our Smiling Kitty shop now also offers check-out here on Facebook! 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 in the photo to see our selection of fun cat accessories. All proceeds go towards our annual donations to local cat shelters.

20/05/2023

𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒

Spring is finally here! Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and the grass is green again. But springtime is also allergy season, and just like humans, cats can be susceptible to seasonal allergies. They can feel the impact of environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites as strongly as we can.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬?

Allergies in cats and humans alike are caused by the immune system. It reacts defensively if the body is threatened by harmful materials such as bacteria or parasites. Sometimes, however, the immune system makes a mistake and attacks non-harmful molecules such as different pollen types, thinking they are also putting the body in danger. The immune system does so by releasing histamine, and the resulting inflammation is what we call an allergic reaction.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬?

In cats, seasonal allergies typically manifest as a condition known as 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴. It is a reaction of the skin and coat. You may notice that your cat is excessively grooming, scratching, chewing, or biting the skin. You can also see scabbing, hair loss, rashes, lesions, and redness on the paws, mouth, nose, chin, or a**s. Cats will likely not develop a runny nose, itchy eyes, and watery sinuses like humans would, but it can happen. Sometimes, coughing and head shaking also occur.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐭?

Most cats don’t like baths, but when they have allergies, washing all allergens out of their coat is often necessary. If you don’t want to submerge your cat fully in water, you can use a warm washcloth to clean the fur and remove irritants. Consider keeping your windows closed and changing your air condition filters more frequently to keep allergy-causing molecules out of your home. It is also important to vacuum regularly and clean all floors with non-toxic cleaners. Daily supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and coconut oil for cats can strengthen the immune system. Make sure to feed a high-quality, species-appropriate diet as food allergies are becoming more and more common in cats, so any skin rashes can also be diet-related. If allergy symptoms keep persisting, your vet can prescribe topical solutions and other medications to help your feline friend feel purrfectly happy again.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧!

Blog post by Gunhild Jensen, Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty. Smiling Kitty is a Stamford-based pet business providing tailor-made cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners worldwide. For more information, visit www.smiling-kitty.com

02/03/2023

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐭?

The past couple of weeks, I have received several messages with questions about laser pointers, and whether they are good cat toys. With today's post, I hope to answer most of them.

As I rule, I don’t recommend using laser pointer toys, especially if you are an inexperienced cat owner. If used correctly, however, laser pointers can be good toys for lazy, overweight cats in need of exercise.

The following is a repost of an article I wrote last year, discussing the pros and cons of laser pointers:

We have all seen them - the many online videos showing cats chasing, batting, and mewing at the elusive laser pointer dot on the wall. Cats and “the red dot” have also featured in several popular movies, such as the animated Shrek series and the fantasy film about Katniss Everdeen and the Hunger Games. But are laser pointers good toys for cats?

Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons:

𝐏𝐫𝐨
Obesity is a severe problem among our pet cat population, especially among indoor cats. There are many reasons why cats are overweight, and we will be discussing some of them in a later blogpost. Laser pointers can provide cats with outstanding exercise. They run, jump, spin and swirl. It gets their heart pumping and is therefore excellent cardio. Exercise is also good for your cat’s mental health as it helps alleviate boredom and laziness.

𝐂𝐨𝐧
Playing with a dot they can never catch can cause anxiety and paranoia in cats. Long after a laser pointer session has finished, they might skulk around the house, chasing and searching for a dot that disappeared hours ago. In some cats prone to anxiety, repeated subjection to laser pointers has been seen to trigger other trouble behaviors, such as aggression, unwanted scratching, and biting.

𝐏𝐫𝐨
Cats are natural hunters, so having the opportunity to chase something triggers their hunter instincts. In an indoor environment, cats may not be able to live out their predatory behaviors, and laser pointers can help them do that. A successful chasing game will enrich your cat’s life and help them thrive.

𝐂𝐨𝐧
Imagine being a natural born hunter but prevented from ever catching the prey. That equates to mental torture. The chase, the attack, and the stalking all stimulate your cat, but the true satisfaction comes from “the kill”. If the laser pointer is simply switched off, all the stimulation you have just given your cat through your laser pointer play time turns to frustration in an instant.

𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 can help you avoid cat frustration and anxiety if playing with a laser pointer. Simply finish “the dot game” by pointing the laser pointer at a physical toy your cat loves and then switch it off. It will enable your cat to attack the physical toy and achieve the satisfaction of actually “killing” the prey.

𝐀 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞
Through my cat training work here at Smiling Kitty, I have met and worked with several cats that were too smart for laser pointers. I have especially noticed this in well-stimulated cats used to regular play time with their owners. These cats were quick to discover that the elusive dot wasn’t prey at all. It took them little time to put two and two together and turn their attention away from the dot to that human hand controlling the pointer. They would then attempt to bat at the hand instead.

Blogpost by Gunhild Jensen, Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty - a fully online pet business providing tailor-made, cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners across the world. For more information about cat play and toys, visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Photo Credit: Photo 191456269 / Laser Cat Playing © Nils Jacobi | www.Dreamstime.com

24/02/2023

𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐒: 𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐃𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓?

Any human who lives with a cat or two is bound to have noticed the special connection between cats and sunlight. Often, our feline friends look both majestic and relaxed when basking in the sun. They even move with their chosen ray of sunlight, adjusting their position or sleeping spot as the sun travels across the sky. But where does this love of sunlight come from?

𝟏. 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The first reason has to do with cat biology. Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, averaging around 102°F. Maintaining such a high temperature is hard work for the body, so nature has given the cat a convenient shortcut: the desire for a warm sleeping spot. If a cat can find a spot in the sun, on top of a radiator, or in a cozy cat bed, these external heat sources help the cat’s body preserve the energy it would otherwise have to spend generating the necessary heat. So, seeking out warmth is a survival mechanism genetically programed into the cat.

𝟐. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩

The second reason is tied to cat stress levels. A warm sleeping spot gives the cat an added sense of security. They instinctively know they are more vulnerable when sleeping and famously have an eye open and an ear on alert during most of their napping time. This is to avoid predator attacks. However, the increased vulnerability also comes from the slight drop in body temperature a cat experiences when sleeping. While asleep, a cat’s metabolism slows down, but choosing a warm spot to nap makes up for this loss in energy, which, in turn, gives the cat one less thing to worry about, thereby reducing stress and ensuring a more restful nap.

𝟑. 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

The third reason is rooted in cat history. Before cats decided to move in with humans, they lived in hot, desert areas. These living conditions are still reflected genetically in a tolerance for heat that is much higher than that of humans. Our skin starts to feel pain around 113°F, while cats may be comfortable with temperatures as high as 125°F, explaining why our feline friends will stay in the sun on hot summer days, while we seek relief in front of our fans or air conditioners. Sensitivity to cold can vary slightly by breed. Siamese cats, for instance, often require more heat, whereas certain long-haired breeds may require less.

Just because cats in general have a higher tolerance for heat, however, it doesn’t mean that they are less sensitive to burns or overheating. Never let your cat sleep directly on a hot metal surface, and in the summer, always look out for symptoms of feline heat stroke, such as panting, drooling, fast breathing, and vomiting.

𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭

In addition to the black color gene, many black and tuxedo cats are born with the gene for the tabby stripes. It means that their coat has an underlying tabby pattern that is mostly invisible – unless you catch them while they are sleeping in the sun. Intense sunlight breaks down the black pigment in the fur, causing the hidden tabby pattern to appear. In other words, black cats don’t just stay warm in a sunny spot, they actually change color!

I hope you have enjoyed today's blogpost about cats and their love of sunlight 😸

Blog post by Gunhild Jensen, Cat Behaviorist and Founder of Smiling Kitty.
Smiling Kitty is a fully online pet business providing tailor-made cat behavior modification plans and advice to cat owners worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.smiling-kitty.com

Blog post Sources:
The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat by John W.S. Bradshaw, Rachel A. Casey and Sarah L. Brown.