Congratulations on getting your first cat! You've joined a growing population of people who share their homes with these furry feline companions. The Humane Society of the U.S. says that cats outnumber dogs as the favorite domestic pet with 86 million cats and 78 million dogs living with their U.S. owners. You'll learn a lot about cats as you interact with your new pet, but here are a few interesting facts that will help you be a better cat owner.
1. Cats Purr Under Many Conditions
People consider the cat's purr as a sign of contentment. It is actually a way of conveying a number of emotions. Cats will also purr when they are frustrated, scared, tired or angry. The sound of the purr may change slightly depending on the emotion. If you look to the world of the big cats, you'll find that the North American cougar is the only wild cat that purrs. Your cat's cousins -- lions, tigers and leopards -- cannot purr. They roar to make their emotions understood.
2. Cats Can't Taste Sweet Foods
Your cat has no taste buds for sweet things. They may look interested as you have that sweet snack, but they are likely more drawn to the smell or appearance of the food.
3. Cats are Social But Need Alone Time
Create a place in your home where your cat can get away from all of the activity in the house. Make it a rule to not bother your cat while they are in this quiet place. Cats need time to themselves and to know that they have a space where they can go to feel safe and be undisturbed.
4. Cats Won't Tell You When They Are Sick
Cats are masters at concealing illness. It is a carryover from life in the wild where showing weakness around predators could be fatal. As a cat owner, you'll need to be vigilant at looking for behavioral changes which indicate there is something wrong. Restlessness, not eating and being more vocal are typical signs that your cat might be ill. A trip to the veterinarian is in order to make sure something serious isn't going on.
5. Cats Do Well Eating the Same Thing at Each Meal
If you ever feel guilty giving your cat the same food each time, don't worry, because your cat prefers this. Cats become accustomed to the smell and consistency of their food and really don't like change. If you do buy them a different cat food, it may take a few days for them to start eating it. You should also have a discussion about the pros and cons of wet versus dry food with your veterinarian. They will help you choose the best food for your cat.
6. Cats Need a Diet of Animal Protein
Cats are carnivores and their bodies require animal protein to survive. Their bodies need an amino acid called taurine that they don't manufacture in their bodies. They must get it from animal protein. Again, your veterinarian can point out those foods that are rich in taurine and contain few fillers, such as grains and rice, which your cat needs very little of.
Share17 March 2015
Animal emergencies happen quite often, and I have seen a lot of different injuries at the veterinary office I work at. Vehicle incidents, falls, and fights with other animals can all cause these injuries. Some of the most surprising emergencies I see though, are when pets eat substances that make them ill. Dogs and cats can both get sick by ingesting flowers, essential oils, and certain types of food items that humans eat. I even see some animals that become ill when they eat shoes, towels, and their own toys. I know that the vast majority of pet owners love their animals dearly. Most medical emergencies are purely accidental. You can easily save your precious feline or canine from harm as long as you know how the most common injuries occur. The articles posted here can help you with this, so start reading to make sure your pet remains healthy.