With more multi-cat, full-time indoor cat arrangements, it’s important that people understand the natural social organisation of cats. And perhaps the greatest problem for a cat caregiver when looking after cats in a multi-cat home is adding a cat to the “colony”. In effect a multi-cat home is a managed colony of cats. They behave …
Understanding the natural social organisation within cat colonies Read More »
There appears to be a distinct difference in opinion between animal shelters and cat owners. I’m told that there is an increase in multi-cat homes in the US. I don’t know the percentage of homes in which there are several cats in that country but it must be substantial. But if you want to foster …
I realise that a lot of this is common sense. I also realise that to many experienced cat caregivers these tips won’t be that useful. However, there are many young mums with young kids who decide to adopt a cat companion to make their family complete and add that little bit of extra soul to …
5 tips on bringing a new cat into a child’s home (infographic) Read More »
As usual, the infographic says all I want to say on this. It is all about merging feline scent to make each cat feel at home (scent exchange). It makes cats feel like they are part of a family of friendly cats which also applies to humans as cats often deposit scent on our lower …
4 tips on smoothing the introduction of new cat to a resident cat’s home (infographic) Read More »
What I like about this Reddit.com video is that is shows us an example of a good introduction between a resident cat and a new, incoming kitten. The owner has placed a barrier between the two to allow them to get to know each other gradually and in a secure way. What we see is …
New kitten and adult resident cat get on well through screen. How to maximise success. Read More »
There are at least three ways of introducing an incoming, new cat to a resident cat’s home which is of course their home range. They are as follows: Using a crate; Using a cat carrier; Using an escape-proof room. Using a crate A crate about a metre square and about 75-100 cm high, is a …
Tip for gradual introduction of an incoming cat to a resident cat Read More »
Should a new cat be the same or the opposite sex to the resident cat? To put it another way, when adopting a second cat, is it better to get one of the same sex, or the opposite sex, of your current cat? You are not going to get a definitive, science-backed, clear answer to …
Should a new cat be the same or the opposite sex to the resident cat? Read More »
By guest writer Elizabeth Hines Congratulations on the baby! Now, when you have a cat at home, it’s important to ensure that your cat will get along with your child. Therefore, you should prepare for the new arrival by getting your cat involved. From making changes in the home, to introducing your cat to new …
There are two clear, major possible reasons why a domestic cat might be peeing because there is either a new baby, new dog, new cat or anything else that is new in the home and the reasons are (1) idiopathic cystitis and (2) spraying to mark territory. Idiopathic cystitis Idiopathic cystitis is exacerbated by stress …
Cat peeing because of new dog, new cat, or new baby Read More »
This is an interesting but difficult topic. Are there signs that your cat wants a cat companion? A well-known veterinary website says that there are seven signs your cat might need a feline companion. They confidently list those signs such as clinginess, a change in grooming habits, eating too much or too little, litter box …
A lot has been written about introducing a new cat to a resident cat’s home. There are often difficulties because the resident cat’s home is their ‘home range’ (to use wild cat language) and it is being invaded by a hostile outsider. This may lead to aggresssion. All the advice is about slowly introducing the …
Adding a cat: the right combination in terms of gender and family ties Read More »
This is an example where a resident cat has responded really beautifully to a rescue kitten who was brought into the home. Andy was the resident cat at the home of Moonglade Rose. She came home with an orphaned rescue kitten who she named Opie. Of course, she wasn’t sure how Andy would react. She …
Resident cat, Andy, loves kitten newcomer, Opie, and makes him very welcome Read More »
I recently announced our formal adoption of Edgar Allen Poe, the adorable five month-old black kitten. As I was reading the comments, I was both thrilled and delighted with all the supportive, happy feedback. In fact some folks called us “heroes” for adopting a black kitten. They sent us many blessings. However I didn’t quite …
Black Cats are Indeed Mysterious and they often become Invisible Read More »
In general, cat owners tend to assume that cats will get along in multi-cat households. There is an assumption that, at the end of the day, all will be well and sometimes not a lot of consideration is given to the possibility of a disharmonious group of cats. This can happen despite the domestic having …
This is an extract from an email I received from a PoC visitor: My new cat is hiding from me. Since I brought her home a few days ago she has hidden under my sofa almost all the time. I have to feed her by putting really nice food down beside the sofa. She refuses …
