The common perception of cats as solitary and independent creatures can be misleading. Cats, like humans, possess complex emotional and social needs. Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to significant emotional distress.

Recommended Limits

Experts generally advise against leaving cats alone for more than 24 hours. Prolonged periods of solitude can negatively impact their well-being.

Minimising Distress

When extended absences are unavoidable, proactive measures are crucial:

Regular Check-ins: Arrange for a trusted individual to check on your cat at least once daily. Twice-daily visits are preferable.

Consistent Care: Ideally, select a "consistent caretaker" familiar to your cat for optimal comfort.

Routine Maintenance: The caretaker should adhere to your cat's regular feeding schedule.

Social Interaction: Encourage the caretaker to provide gentle companionship, such as sitting quietly, speaking softly, or engaging in low-key activities while in the cat's presence.

Personalised Care: Consider overnight stays for cats who exhibit anxiety during prolonged separations. Individual cat personalities and breed characteristics may influence this decision.

Signs of Distress

Recognizing signs of emotional distress in cats is essential. These can include:

Behavioural Changes: Decreased activity levels, excessive or inadequate grooming, hiding, increased startle responses, and resource guarding.

Physical Manifestations: Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and litter tray avoidance.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure your cat's well-being and minimize the potential for emotional distress during your absence.

Many cat owners anticipate a life of blissful cuddles, filled with contented purrs. However, reality can sometimes involve unwanted scratches, tail swishes, and even nips. This can be perplexing for owners, but understanding feline behaviour can help.

A cat's desire for affection is significantly influenced by its early experiences. Kittens handled gently from a young age are more likely to be comfortable with human interaction. Conversely, those with a history of negative handling may become fearful or even aggressive. When considering adopting a cat, enquire about its history at the shelter or rescue centre. Were they handled regularly as kittens? Did they exhibit any signs of fear or anxiety? This information can help you choose a cat that is likely to suit your lifestyle.

Genetics also play a role. Kittens born to fearful mothers may inherit a tendency towards shyness. Conversely, those with bold fathers are often more outgoing and adventurous. However, it's crucial to remember that every cat is an individual. Some may enjoy affection, while others may prefer their independence.

Key Considerations:

Respect their boundaries: Never force affection on a cat. If they move away, stop petting them.

Observe their body language: Look for signs of contentment, such as leaning into your hand, purring, and rubbing. Signs of discomfort include stiffening, flattening ears, and tail swishing.

Focus on 'sweet spots': Gently stroke under the chin, around the ears, and along the back. Avoid the belly, as this is often a sensitive area for cats.

Be mindful of their mood: Cats, like humans, have good days and bad days. If your cat seems stressed or unwell, avoid excessive petting.

Consult your veterinarian: If you notice any sudden changes in your cat's behaviour, such as aggression or avoidance, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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Remember, every cat is unique. Some may enjoy being held, while others may prefer to remain on the ground. Respect their preferences and build trust gradually. With patience and understanding, you can develop a strong and loving bond with your feline companion.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in cats, often going unnoticed due to their remarkable ability to mask pain.
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What is Osteoarthritis?
OA is a chronic condition affecting the joints. Cartilage, the smooth cushion between bones, gradually wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Common Signs of OA in Cats:

Reduced Activity:
Less jumping: Difficulty reaching favourite perches, beds, or window sills.
Reluctance to play: Decreased interest in chasing toys or interacting with other pets.
Avoidance of stairs: Difficulty navigating steps or climbing onto furniture.

Gait Changes:
Stiffness: Slow to rise from lying down or after rest.
Limping: Occasional or persistent lameness in one or more legs.
Changes in posture: Hunched back or a stiff, stilted gait.

Grooming Difficulties:
Reduced grooming: Inability to reach certain areas due to stiffness.
Changes in grooming habits: May lick excessively in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.

Behavioural Changes:
Increased vocalization: May vocalize more frequently, especially when moving.
Aggression: May become irritable or aggressive when touched in certain areas.
Changes in litter box habits: Difficulty stepping in and out of the box.

Important Note:
Subtlety: Cats are masters at hiding pain. Subtle changes in behaviour or activity level may be the first signs of OA.

Risk Factors: Age, overweight/obesity, and certain breeds are at increased risk.

What to Do:
Observe your cat: Pay attention to any changes in behaviour, activity level, or grooming habits.

Consult your veterinarian: If you suspect your cat may have OA, schedule a check-up.

Maintain a healthy weight: Weight management is crucial for reducing stress on joints.

Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve your cat's quality of life.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for any concerns regarding your cat's health.

​Cats are extraordinary beings with unique personalities, needs, and preferences. Identifying your cat’s temperament can help you provide them with a superior quality of life.

Several studies have shown that cats’ personalities vary just like humans’. Some are confident, bold, and sociable. Others are timid, reserved, or fearful. Similarly, each cat behaves differently when confronted with a particular situation or event.

Let’s assess what shapes a cat’s temperament:

Your cat’s personality is influenced by their genetics and the environment they’re nurtured in.  Genetics can impact how comfortable your cat is with people and other animals, how active and curious they are, and how they like to play.

The Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR), which is related to a human-dog attachment, may also foretell a cat’s sociability or roughness. Domestic cats are generally approachable, less fearful, and more exploratory, while feral cats are more vigilant to danger and potential threats from people.

For a cat to live comfortably in your home, they should experience positive interactions with people when they are a kitten. Kittens are most responsive to learning about their surroundings and their experiences can shape their response to humans for a lifetime. Likewise, kittens who have pleasant encounters with other pets are likely to get along with them more easily throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Kittens also benefit from positive exposure to a broad range of novel situations. Lack of exposure to certain sights, sounds, smells, and new people may make cats fearful of the unfamiliar. They may avoid those unfamiliar things throughout their lives by hiding away or being defensive.

Cat personality assessments consider the cat’s behaviours and emotional expressions, which are constant across time and in various contexts. Temperament evaluations are usually conducted and measured across short vs. long-term observations, across distinct tests, in addition to behavioural plus personality questionnaires, and by monitoring cats during their habitual life situations to produce personality types.

Recent research from 200 cat owners conducted by Dr. Lauren Finka suggests cats will have one of five personality types. These five types are influenced by each of the components we discussed—genetics, environment, and developmental upbringing.

Let’s examine what personality type your cat has according to Dr. Finka’s study:

The Human Cat is sociable and enjoys affection from their owner. They love sharing your space with you and are always ready to cuddle or just be near you. They probably want to sleep in your bed at night and right on your keyboard during the day. This cat is incredibly friendly, calm, and responsive toward people. They display affection through kneading and will get lonely without daily social attention.


The Inquisitive Cat is eager to investigate new scents, sights, and sounds around their environment. This instinct is formed by early exposure to new stimuli during the socialization and habituation period. This cat will thrive in an energetic environment by meeting new people and being exposed to novel events and settings on a regular basis. Keep them engaged with puzzle toys, foraging boxes, and cat castles.

The Hunter Cat expresses the most predatory hunting behaviour by stalking and capturing prey. Indoor-only Hunter Cats will especially enjoy “hunting” inanimate objects like mice and feather toys. They might even present you with their latest kill as a gift! Embrace this predacious behaviour to prevent boredom and dissatisfaction.

The Cantankerous Cat’s love language is not physical touch. They aren’t aggressive, they just want you to respect their space—and that’s fair! They are vulnerable to touch, hypervigilant about their environment, and easily frustrated. Be patient, keep them comfortable, and love them on their terms. They may even love to be near you—just not picked up or petted much. Provide plenty of toys for independent play and respect their boundaries.

The Cat’s Cat enjoys sharing their home with other cats. These feline friends could be related or non-related and may even become a bonded pair. Cats like this are likely to have been socialized with other cats when they were young. They will play, groom, and cuddle their feline roommates. They might not even mind being left home alone as much because they have a valuable friend.

Each cat has a unique temperament with a genetic link. When you choose a kitten or adult cat to live closely with you, think about their individuality to make sure they’re well suited to your family and lifestyle. This will help improve the human-cat bond, decrease a cat’s frustration, and enhance their well-being.

Bird flu (H5N1) is a serious concern for cat owners. While the risk to humans remains low, this strain of bird flu can severely impact cats, often with fatal consequences.

How Cats Can Get Infected:

Eating Contaminated Food: Feeding your cat raw meat (including poultry), raw eggs, raw milk, or raw dairy products increases the risk of infection.

Contact with Infected Birds: Exposure to infected wild birds, poultry, or even areas where they have been can transmit the virus.

Indirect Contact: Touching contaminated surfaces or interacting with people who have been in contact with infected animals can also pose a risk.

Signs to Watch For:

Early Signs: Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever.

More Serious Signs:
Neurological: Loss of coordination, stumbling, circling, tremors, seizures, blindness.

Respiratory: Difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharge.

Severe Depression: Lack of interest in anything.

Protecting Your Cat:

Feed a Safe Diet: Always feed your cat-cooked, commercially prepared cat food. Avoid raw food diets completely.

Keep Cats Indoors: This is the best way to prevent exposure to infected birds and other wildlife.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat, any poultry or livestock, and after interacting with wildlife.

Avoid Contact: Keep your cat away from areas where there are known outbreaks of bird flu.

If You're Concerned:

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: If you suspect your cat has been exposed to bird flu or is showing any of the symptoms, consult your veterinarian right away.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not replace professional veterinary advice.

Many cat owners are surprised when their veterinarian tells them that their cat has dental disease because the concept of dental disease in cats is not common knowledge. By the age of 4, most domestic cats will have some level of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.

It's true that many cat owners are surprised to learn about their cat's dental health issues. By the age of four, most cats have some level of gum disease (gingivitis). This is often undetected because cats don't always show obvious signs of discomfort and may only visit the vet for vaccines or when sick.

Dental disease is a serious issue for cats. It's painful and can negatively impact their overall health. Here's what you can do:
Annual Checkups: Have your cat's teeth checked by a vet once a year.

Home Care: Establish a dental care routine at home.

Watch for Signs: Be aware of signs like bad breath, which could indicate dental problems.
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If you have concerns about your cat's dental health, consult your veterinarian.

Many people are surprised by the cost of veterinary care when their cat becomes unexpectedly sick or injured. Furthermore, when your cat gets sick or injured you are already worried, and unexpected veterinary costs can make a stressful situation worse.

Sometimes you can’t afford the care that your cat needs, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and in some situations, euthanasia.

This is also stressful for your veterinarian, who wants to practice good medicine and provide the best care but is under the constraints of a small cash business (which is what most veterinary hospitals are).

That is why planning for veterinary bills is important, even if you just adopted a healthy young cat or kitten.
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What You Can Do About It:
Start an emergency savings account that you only access for veterinary care, aim to save $2,000 to $5,000.
Get a credit card and only use it for veterinary bills.
Open a line of credit with Carecredit or Scratchpay so you have it if you ever need it.
Purchase pet insurance  BEFORE your cat gets sick or injured.

​Cats are wonderful pets, but people don’t always understand them well. If we provide our pet cats with the things they need in their environment, it helps them to be happier and healthier. This applies not just to the physical environment, but also to social interactions with us and any other animals in their space. If not provided, our cats may become stressed and show signs of behaviour problems.

The five pillars of a healthy feline environment are described by the International Society of Feline Medicine and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, based on the scientific evidence on pet cats. They consider that cats evolved as solitary hunters and that cats can be solitary or live in groups. They also reflect what we know about the cat’s senses, and that kittens have an optimal period for socialization.

A Safe Space
Cats like to feel safe. They prefer to avoid confrontation and their natural response to something stressful is to hide. One study that gave shelter cats a choice of different enrichment items found they preferred the hiding place.

From a cat’s perspective, a safe space is somewhere that is enclosed and just the right size for them. Cats also like to be high up where they can see what is going on around them, so good hiding places can also be high up, like enclosed spaces in a cat tree or a perch at the top of a cat tree. The good news is that a safe space can be as simple as an upturned cardboard box with a hole cut in for them to get in and out.

If you look around your home, you may identify other places that will make good hiding places. Maybe there is a shelf where you can clear a cat-sized space and put a fleecy blanket to make a nice perch.

You can make places feel safer by having a cat bed or blanket that smells of the cat, or even putting some of your own (already worn) clothing down for them to relax on. They will feel comforted by your smell.

Ideally, your cat carrier should be a safe space for your cat and can be out at all times as a space for your cat to relax in. 

Multiple and separated key environmental resources
The things that matter to your cat should be in different places, and there should be enough of them that your cat does not have to compete with other cats (or even the dog) to gain access to them.
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The key environmental resources for your cat are their food bowl, water bowl, litter tray, scratching post, somewhere to play with their toys, and cat beds or other nice places to rest. Every cat should have a choice, so even if they already have one scratching post (for example), they should also have another. 

For litter trays, a general rule is to have one per cat plus one spare. They should not all be located in the same place, otherwise in a multi-cat house it would be possible for one cat to block the other cats’ access.

If your cat has outdoor access, these resources should also be provided outside if possible (although this may not be appropriate for food, which could attract rats, raccoons, and other animals).

If you have more than one cat in your house, they may form one or several social groups. Ways to tell if cats are part of the same social group include if they groom each other, rub their faces or bodies on each other, and tend to rest or sleep near or even next to each other. Each ‘group’ should be able to access their resources without having to compete with the other group.

Opportunities for play and predatory behaviour
Cats are solitary hunters, and if not cared for by a human would need to spend a lot of time each day hunting. Play is important for cats, and allows them to satisfy their predatory instincts, for instance by chasing a wand toy or catching a toy mouse. This also helps the cat to get some exercise (especially important for indoor cats).

Cats can have toys they can play with on their own, as well as toys for interactive play with you. Wand toys can be moved to mimic prey, and allow your cat to chase; bigger toys can allow your cat to hold it and kick with their back legs; and cats like smaller toys they can pick up with their mouth and walk off with as if they just caught it. Food puzzle toys are also a great way to provide play opportunities.

Providing daily play opportunities has been linked to fewer behaviour problems in cats.  Toys can also contain substances like catnip or silvervine which many cats love. Be sure to pick toys that will be safe for your cat, as string or bits that fall off can be ingested and cause a blockage. Always put wand toys away when not in use.
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Positive, consistent, and predictable human-cat interaction
​Cats like to have regular interactions with their humans, but being cats, they also like to feel in control. The guidelines say that “Many cats prefer high frequency, low-intensity level of social interaction with humans. A scenario that gives them a good deal of control.”

You can help by giving your cat a choice of whether or not to interact with you, either by calling them to you (and waiting to see if they come or not), or getting down to their level and putting out a finger or hand to see if they approach. 

Kittens need to get used to being handled, and it is best if at least four people handle them during the sensitive period to help them learn that people are safe. It is important to ensure these are positive experiences in which the kitten has a choice, as bad experiences at this time can have a serious impact and may make the kitten fearful.

Kittens and young cats tend to prefer longer interactions and play sessions, and as they get older they may prefer shorter sessions.

An environment that respects the importance of the cat’s sense of smell
Cats have amazing noses, as well as a vomeronasal organ that allows them to detect pheromones (chemical signals). Cats use pheromones in several ways. When a cat rubs their head on you, for example, they are depositing pheromones. They also deposit pheromones when scratching (one of the reasons scratching is a normal behaviour for cats, and why they need us to provide suitable scratching places).

Cats can find strong smells very unpleasant. One of the ways we can respect their sense of smell is to avoid using cleaners with strong smells and avoid bringing strong smells into the house. Don’t use scented litter, as most cats do not like it.

Remember that your cat’s scent on their bedding helps them to feel secure, so wash their bedding on rotation instead of all at once.