Category: Animal Behavior

Getting Started with Catios

4/12/2023

Have you been thinking about creating an outdoor catio space for your cat? A catio, an outdoor enclosed patio designed for cats, are great for your cat to hang out in and take in the outdoors. Before jumping into a big project like this, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Brown tabby cat in an outdoor catio enjoying the sunrays.

Ensuring Your Pet’s Safety
Safety first! Even if the catio you purchase or design seems to be 100% safe, you’ll always need to keep an eye on your feline friend. To make your catio a positive and safe space, we suggest you include the following features: an entry door or window, ramps, catwalks, hiding places, beds or pillows for resting, fresh drinking water, shady spaces , predator-proof screening (on the bottom as well as the sides), and a roof or covering for mild weather protection. Even in a catio, it’s crucial to never leave your pet unattended. At the end of the day, you are 100% responsible for your pet’s safety and ensuring your catio is a secure space!

Benefits
Although your cat may not embrace the outdoors like a dog would, there are many advantages to spending time outside. The first and potentially the most important benefit pertains to the mental stimulation and enrichment for cats. The sounds and smells of nature, along with the ledges and climbing areas help channel your cat’s inner-adventurer. Another perk includes decreased conflict in multi-cat homes. If you have two cats or more, conflict may arise; however, a catio can give each cat an opportunity to explore and thrive individually. With multiple cats, be sure to provide multiple entrances and exits so no one gets cornered or let them enjoy the catio independently. Other benefits include exercise, wildlife protection (those song birds will be safe on the other side of the screen), and protection for your cat from other wildlife (be sure the material you use can withstand a predator trying to get inside from the top, sides, and bottom).

Options
You can choose to purchase a ready made catio or build one from scratch. If purchasing, make sure to read all of the information provided and do a thorough comparison. More often than not, catios are on the pricier side which is why it’s important to do a thorough evaluation before making a purchase!

For our creative folks, diy catios are a great option. A diy catio enables you to meticulously control design, materials, and cost! With a self build you can be creative and cator (did you see what we did there) toward the specific needs and personality of your pet! The resources below will help you get started mapping out your catio from scratch.

https://www.itsoverflowing.com/diy-catio-plans/
https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/diy-plans/

Written by Gracie Butler

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Cat Talk

3/14/2023

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Cats have a reputation as being aloof, but if you know what to look for, they are often trying to communicate with their human! Read on to find out about what your cat is trying to tell you when they verbalize!

Cats do not meow at other cats unless they are kittens and want their mother, so when your cat meows at you, you know that you are special! But what are they trying to say?

They’re saying hello. They could be greeting you when you get home or come out of a room to say hi. Usually, this meow is not super loud or high pitched, they sound excited to see you.

They want to be fed. Often, a cat that is meowing constantly thinks it is time for some food! They can be incredibly insistent at mealtimes or whenever someone is near their food.   These meows are often repetitive and can be longer in duration.

They want your attention. Cats will meow at their owners to get their attention and affection. Just like humans, some cats crave touch, play, or other forms of attention. This meow is often repetitive until you give in! It can be a shorter meow versus a drawn out one.

They are an elderly cat. Just like humans as cats get older and can have some diminished cognitive function, they can become lost or confused more easily. In this case, your cat is probably looking for you or a comfy place to nap but can’t find it. This meow is often loud and frightened sounding.

They are looking for a mate. If your cat is not neutered or spayed, they are more likely to produce a loud drawn-out howl to attract a mate, usually it’s the females calling for males. The best solution for this is to get your cat spayed or neutered.

Chirping: Have you ever heard you cat make a chirping or trilling sound? Cats make these sounds when they are happy and to tell each other to follow them! If you cat is making this sound as they look out the window at a bird, they are having fun watching it. If they make the sound at you, they often are trying to get you to come to them or follow them.

Hissing: Hissing is a cat’s way of showing they are scared or angry. They often hiss at other cats or animals if they feel threatened. If your cat is hissing unprovoked it could be a sign that they are in pain and need to be taken to the vet especially if the behavior is new.

Written by: Helen North

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Back to School for Your Pet

8/17/2022

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With summer winding down, and leaves beginning to change, school is nearly back in session! The transition from the summer season to the school year can be ruff on pets, continue reading for tips to prepare your pet for the smoothest transition possible.

Easing Into a New Routine
The key to a smooth transition with routines is to start slow! By easing your pet into their new routine, they’ll be more likely to adapt faster. During the summer pets get used to lots of activity and sounds around the house, meaning its up to you to make sure your pet gets used to staying home alone. Starting three or four weeks before school starts, build in short absences during the week. The goal is to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, normalizing the new schedule while it’s still summer prepares your pet for a gradual and smooth transition

Bathroom and Meal Times
It’s inevitable your pet’s bathroom and meal times will change with the new schedule. However, establishing specific times throughout the day can help smooth out the change of routine. Focus on consistency! Mapping out you or your family’s day is also critical in relation to letting your pet out and making sure they’re fueled. Talk to your family and establish a game plan for who’s taking your pet out, and who’s feeding your pet. Weeks before school starts, try to stick to the times you’ve picked for your pet; this will ensure your pet knows exactly what to expect! The adjustment might take some time, but with your help, your pet will adapt.
Exercise
Despite the busyness of back to school, your pet’s physical activity should not be compromised! Be sure to strategize how you’re going to fit in lots of walks and outside time for your pet with the new schedule. A dog or cat with pent-up energy that’s left home alone all day can become stressed and they may cause you extra stress if the diversions they come up with for themselves damage your belongings. An active pet is a happy pet, make sure exercise does not take a back-seat despite how crazy your schedule may feel.

Quality Time
We all love our pets unconditionally throughout every season, though it may be more challenging to find quality time to spend with your pet during some seasons. With all of the adjustments to your schedule, it’s important to make sure your pet isn't feeling neglected. Find a few blocks of time to play catch, use the laser pointer, or snuggle up with a magazine or book and your furry friend on the couch. You can also try and find activities that meet multiple needs. For example, you could bring your dog to the hardware store the next time the toilet breaks and it can be a fix it trip as wall as a walk.

Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is real! It’s natural to miss your pet, but making a big deal everytime you say goodbye perpetuates the idea that leaving your pet is a big deal. As you and your family get ready to spend more time away from your pet, normalize leaving. Go to the shop and simply say, “Goodbye, Fido” instead of making a big deal about leaving. If you make a big deal everytime you leave, your pet will think there is a problem and be more stressed for longer periods after you go then if you treat it as a normal occurrence that is not a big deal. (If you are the one experiencing the anxiety, fake it till you are out of the house and far enough away that your pet can’t hear you. I know, they’re your best friend! It is hard to say goodbye! But, you’ll be home in no time!)

In Conclusion
Keep in mind there’s not one perfect schedule, the best thing to do is practice your new routines and continue showering your pet with lots of love, care, and attention. Find time to spend with them and ensure that their basic needs are met and they should adapt to the new schedule.

Written By: Grace Butler

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6 Funny Pet Behaviors

6/8/2022

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Cats and dogs are amazing for countless reasons, but have you ever seen your pet do something strange and wonder why? Today we’re counting down some of our favorite funny pet behaviors and breaking down the meanings behind each action.

1. Kneading
At one point or another, you’ve probably seen your cat knead with their paws. Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws against soft objects, such as a blanket or lap, the action is often referred to as “making biscuits”. From the very beginning of kitten-hood to the end of their adulthood, cats knead because it’s instinctive. For kittens, kneading is a signal to their mothers for milk. For adult cats, kneading brings pleasure and can be used to mark territory. It’s important to always let your domesticated cat express and retain their instinctual behaviors. If the kneading behavior is damaging furniture, consider placing a folded blanket in their favorite kneading spot as protection.

2. Spinning in Circles
Have you ever seen a dog aimlessly spin in circles? The list of reasons why a dog spins in circles is extensive, but there are four common reasons. The first reason is right before a bathroom break. Dogs intuitively take time to “mark their territory” along with circling the environment to survey their surroundings before proceeding to squat down. Another occasion is before settling down for a nap. This pre-nap ritual acts as a signal to other dogs that this spot belongs to this dog. The last two reasons are controlled by emotions, if a dog is happy or if a dog is anxious. If you notice an increase in anxious spinning, consult your veterinarian.

3. The Zoomies
One second your cat is sitting peacefully and the next your cat is “zooming” and frantically running around the house! As the name suggests, this behavior is called the zoomies. Cats are known for getting these whimsical little bursts of energy, but why? The zoomies are more likely to occur in the middle of the night when your cat has had an excess of rest and needs to release their pent-up energy. Cats naturally get the zoomies from time to time, but if it’s a daily occurrence or waking you up in the middle of the night, it’s likely a sign of not enough exercise. The best way to avoid everyday zoomies to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise and playtime. Laser pointers, throwable cat toys, and cat dancers can help get your kitty the exercise and mental stimulation they need.

4. Winking
Have you ever thought maybe your dog was trying to communicate with you through their eyes? Winking is a distinctive gesture dogs use to express affection and happiness! Similarly to humans, dogs have facial expressions to connect with other dogs or their families. Dogs like to mimic human behaviors; it should not come as a surprise if you wink and your dog winks back at you. While a little wink from your pup is nothing short of adorable, too much blinking may be a sign of a medical issue. If you’re noticing chronic or prolonged blinking, be sure to see your vet to make sure there is not an infection or foreign body causing the action.

5. Sitting On Your Laptop
Since cats are naturally drawn to warmth, it’s not much of a surprise cats love to lounge on laptops. Laptop keyboards provide coziness along with some guaranteed attention from a pet parent. Despite how many cozy crevices you have in your home, cats like to be near you; or in other words, be the center of attention! If this behavior is preventing you from getting your work done, you can take 2 different approaches. First, you can provide them with a comfy bed to the side of your work station. Often this will prevent them from being directly on top of your work space but still nearby their greatest love (YOU!). If this does not work, avoid giving your cat attention and encourage them to move to a more appropriate nap location.

6. Barking At Reflection
As we all know, dogs tend to bark at a lot of things. But the most puzzling may be when your dog catches a glimpse of their reflection. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, however the sense they rely on the most is smell and not vision. When they catch an unexpected glimpse of themselves in the mirror they are surprised that another dog could sneak up on them! If you’re looking to lessen barking at reflections, simply allow your pup more time in front of the mirror or glass door. This will allow your dog to become more comfortable with their reflection.

Written by: Gracie Butler

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Getting Started with Catios

Cat Talk

Back to School for Your Pet

6 Funny Pet Behaviors

Animal Care Foundation

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