When it comes to catnip, there are two schools of cats: Those that hyperactively roll in it, lick it, and go “crazy,” and those that couldn’t care less. While this split response seems strange, it all comes down to our individual cats’ genetics, and either reaction is considered normal and safe for our feline friends.   Though cats can respond to catnip like a drug, it’s actually an herb belonging to the mint family. Catnip’s curious effects on our cats comes from an oil it contains called nepetalactone, which triggers varied reactions in from cats. While some are happy to just sniff the mind-altering chemical, others will eat, lick or even roll in their catnip. Because the reaction is inherited, however, not all cats respond in any way at all. In fact, up to 50 percent of our feline friends experience no change from catnip and will simply sniff it and walk away. The trait doesn’t emerge until kittens are between three and six months old, and older cats are less likely to respond, too. Large cats such lions, tigers and leopards, however, have been shown to react to catnip in similar ways to our housecats.   Researchers suspect that catnip works by triggering feline pheromones, or “happy” receptors, in your cat’s nose or brain. Once he gets a whiff, Kitty may begin rolling, rubbing, drooling or otherwise becoming hyperactive, and can even turn aggressive. Cats who eat catnip, however, seem to have the opposite reaction, becoming more sedated with their herbaceous snack. Whatever his response, your cat’s reaction will only last around 10 minutes before he loses interest in his catnip and will need a break of 30 minutes to several hours before becoming susceptible to its effects again.   Catnip isn’t just a feline obsession, however. Humans have used it for centuries as a mild sedative brewed into herbal teas. It has also been used to treat headaches, relieve cramps and insomnia, and reduce swelling associated with arthritis. Nepetalactone acts as a powerful insect repellent, too, fighting mosquitos and other pests.   Because it’s not a drug, catnip is non-addictive and safe to give to your cat. Those who are apt to eat it can make themselves sick on rare occasion, though, so be sure to give Kitty his treat in moderation. Catnip can lose its potency over time, so it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the freezer to increase its shelf life— or start your own catnip garden for you and your pet

Dogs lavish us with kisses, but cats are often more subtle in their displays of affection. While a sandpapery tongue isn’t always the sign of love we’d imagined, grooming us is our cat’s way of showing a strong trust and bond.   Cats spend a great deal of time grooming. This is part of the social bonding between a mother and her kittens as well as between cats that aren’t related, but share a strong connection. Not only does social grooming help felines clean hard-to-reach places, such as the top of their heads, but it also allows cats to exchange scents— a key part of bonding and communication in the feline world. Mother cats mark their kittens in this way, and it is not unusual for your cat to “claim” you with a bath. When he licks you, then, Kitty is not only lavishing you with affection, but is also marking you with his scent. This may sound territorial, and it is, but this practice is just another way your cat shows you belong to his inner circle of friends.   While licking is most often a source of bonding between owners and their cats, compulsive bathing can be a sign that something’s wrong. Grooming is a soothing and comforting behavior for cats, so overly anxious felines may start bathing to relieve stress. Anything from introducing a new pet to the household to taking your cat to the vet can trigger anxiety, so if this seems to be the cause behind Kitty’s compulsive bathing, try to remedy the stressful situation and give him some extra attention. If, however, your cat suddenly starts grooming vigorously for seemingly no reason, he could be in pain. Everything from fleabites to skin infections can trigger this behavior, so keep an eye out for health problems and seek your veterinarian’s advice. Experts agree that cats that were weaned too early tend to rely on the comforting action of bathing and are more likely to lick, too.   While cats’ baths are usually a sign that your pet has accepted you into his closest circle of friends, you may not always want a sandpapery tongue greeting. To avoid your cat’s kisses, learn the signs that he is about to start bathing you and distract him with a toy or treat instead. Playing with your cat often helps you bond with him, too. Remember, if your cat is licking you, it is a sign that he feels safe and secure and is truly welcoming you as a member of his family.

As much as it may alarm you, all cats have a reason when they bite. Whether it’s a reaction to pain or a simple message to get lost, your cat is trying to communication with his biting behavior, and determining the underlying cause is key to solving Kitty’s chewing conundrum.   Kittens bite as part of rough play, which teaches them to hunt for food and protect themselves as adults. Encouraging your full-grown cat to continue this type of play, however, won’t do you any favors. Cats—especially housecats that are lonely or under-stimulated—may engage in roughhousing to alleviate their boredom and burn excess energy. Your cat may also nip at you to get your attention, so pay attention next time to see if he tries to lead you off in some direction or meows immediately after biting: He may be trying to tell you to feed him, let him outside or tidy up the litter box. If however, your cat nips without backing down or showing any playful or affectionate behavior afterwards, he is likely trying to assert his dominance. Other reasons for biting include overstimulation; fear or anxiety when dogs, children or other disturbances enter the household; or pain due to an ailment, such as arthritis or an infected tooth.   Once you’re sure your cat isn’t biting due to pain from an illness or injury, you can begin working to change his behavior. If your cat’s biting stems from play fighting, rule Number One is to never use your hand as a toy. Instead, offer your cat a mouse or bird tied to a string and engage him in playtime several times a day. This will help burn off excess energy and cure boredom. If your cat goes after your hands or feet during playtime, however, stop the game immediately and walk away. After a few attempts, he should get the memo that biting cuts play short. If your cat bites when you go to pet him, or is twitching his tail, flattening his ears or otherwise appears agitated, he is trying to tell you not to touch him at that time. Respect your pet’s boundaries by not petting your cat when he is clearly agitated. Likewise, if you know your cat becomes over-stimulated after five minutes of petting, stop at three to avoid a nipping debacle. If none of the above sounds like your pet, his biting may be due to anxiety. Cats can become fearful when new people, dogs or even noises enter their households. If the source of Kitty’s discontent isn’t temporary, such as a visit from the neighbor’s children, consider easing his tension with a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway, which releases feel-good chemicals to help Kitty feel more secure.   Remember, every cat is different, so it’s important to identify your pet’s own reasons for biting. If you’ve tried troubleshooting and still can’t find a reason for the behavior, speak to your veterinarian, who can rule out illnesses and offer suggestions for your feline friend.

If your cat is like most, you often find him perched atop the refrigerator, wardrobe or other lofty places. He may be fully domesticated, but your feline’s affinity for heights stems from his natural instincts. Climbing, prowling and even napping in high places gives your cat an advantage over his surroundings, providing him with a vantage point from which he can spot predators as well as prey.   Unlike humans, who like to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, cats prefer viewing their surroundings from up high. This allows them to scan for predators— or rowdy children or dogs, as the case may be— and ensures they won’t be disturbed. Providing enough vertical spaces is important, then, to helping your cat feel safe and secure at home. In multi-cat households, having varying vertical spaces also allows your cats to display their social status without leading to feline frays. The cat occupying tallest space also holds the highest spot in the pecking order, meaning your pets don’t need to duke it out to display their rank. Another benefit to providing cats with vertical territory is that it may help remedy boredom that is common in housecats. Although indoor felines are safer than their outdoor peers, they are far more likely to become bored and get up to mischief. Vertical perches give your pet a place to explore, battling both boredom and weight-gain that are endemic in housecats. Finally, cats may simply prefer being up high because it puts them in some of the warmest spots in the house, making the top of the fridge an especially appealing spot for an afternoon nap. You can accommodate your cat’s acrobatic antics by providing vertical spaces such as a cat tree, but there’s no need to spend a load of cash satisfying Kitty’s need to climb. Household furniture such as the tops of refrigerators, bookshelves, and wardrobes can be made cat-accessible by keeping a few things in mind. Shelves should be large enough for your cat to stretch out and lounge on, for example, and need to have a non-slip surface. Make sure you provide enough surfaces at various vertical heights, especially if you have an elderly cat that struggles with agility. Perches with a good view out the window will prove especially enticing for your cat, as windows provide both entertainment and warmth. If you do own a cat tree and it seems unstable, secure it by attaching a large piece of plywood at the base to ensure your cat feels safe exploring the heights in your home.

To most of us, the idea of walking a cat on a leash seems absurd. Cats are, after all, free-willed creatures that don’t respond well to discipline. Our feline friends will, however, answer to treats and praise, making leash training a viable option for some cats. Leash walking doesn’t just benefit your pet by allowing him to get a safe taste of the outdoors, but can also help him get more exercise, remedy boredom-related behavioral problems, and comes in handy during trips out of town or visits to the vet.   The first step towards training kitty to join you in the great outdoors is finding a harness that fits him properly. The two main types of harnesses are leads, which are made up of several straps that fit snugly around your cat’s neck and back, and vests, which are pieces of fabric worn exactly as the name suggests. Vests velcro or snap shut and give your cat more coverage, making them a good choice for felines that might be able to wriggle out of their leads. The harness should be snug, but not too tight— as a general rule, you should be able to fit a finger or two under the strapped harness, but no more.   Once you find the proper equipment, you want to introduce it to your cat slowly, using food for positive reinforcement. Leave the harness near kitty’s food dish, for example, or allow him to sniff it, following immediately with a treat. After practicing these simple steps, try slipping the harness on your cat, again using treats for positive reinforcement. You can also feed your cat in his harness and, eventually, he’ll be comfortable enough to let you fasten it. Don’t fret if your feline freezes up or walks in a weird way initially, as this is natural. He’ll eventually get used to his harness and begin to walk around in it. This is the time to attach a leash and following your cat around the household, using a slack lead. Continue to reinforce this activity with treats, and eventually you’ll both feel confident enough venture outdoors.   You cat will likely be wary on his first trip outside, so take slow, steady steps. Carry your leashed cat outside and place him on the ground, letting him explore at his own pace in a quiet area. Remember to never push your cat beyond his comfort zone— leash walks are, after all, meant to be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Some cats are naturally skiddish or shy and may not be good candidates for walks, so it’s important be mindful of how your pet responds to training. If he seems happy to continue, however, remember to always conduct leash training with a hungry cat who will respond to treats, and to always end each training session on a positive note, meaning its time to call it quits when your cat drops to the ground twitching his tail, for example. With some practice and patience, many owners will find they have a happier, more relaxed cat after some time outdoors.

Every cat owner has come home to find his favorite feline sleeping in shoeboxes, dresser drawers, or behind the sofa. It’s common knowledge that cats love to sleep in strange spaces, but few know why their pet prefers staking out the flowerpot to naps on the couch. Cats are always on high alert — even while sleeping — making these odd places prime spots for a snooze.   Part of why cats prefer sleeping in small spaces is that they are less likely to be pestered there. In the wild, these spots provide a safe retreat f away from predators. So, by nestling between neatly folded sweaters or inside a paper bag, kitty is ensuring he has the safest spot to sleep. Cats also love napping in slightly-too-small shoeboxes because these tiny spaces help keep them warm. Any owner who’s seen his cat sleeping in sunny spots or burrowing under blankets knows that cats enjoy the heat, and cardboard boxes provide an extra bit of insulation during an afternoon nap. Similarly, you may find your cat napping in the bathtub or sink when he needs to cool down. There may be other reasons your feline friend sleeps in peculiar places, though. Cats are curious by nature and this inquisitiveness can drive your pet to explore new nooks and crannies, such as opened dresser drawers. Pregnant females may look for a spot to nest and end up in strange areas, such as behind the sofa, when a litter is born. Cats searching for some fun may choose unconventional hiding spots, such as under a piece of furniture, as a prime spot to attack unsuspecting feet as they pass.   Though hiding is generally considered normal behavior, there are some cases when it can be a cause for concern. Hiding may be a sign of stress or illness, for example, and some cats become more antisocial as they age, which can be a sign of dementia or brain tumors. However, if you’ve ruled out any sickness or recent upset to your cat’s routine, then lurking in odd spots is likely just part of his nature. Remember, cats are creatures of habit, so your primary concern should be whether your cat has undergone any major behavioral changes. Most cats that hide do so habitually, and will often return to the same spots. So, if kitty has always been keen to sit under the couch instead of on the cushions, this is likely just part of his shy personality and nothing to worry about.

Everyone knows cats purr when they’re happy, but only the experienced feline aficionado knows cats also purr when feeling frightened, threatened, hungry or injured. A trip to the vet or hurt companion can cause kitty to purr as much as relaxing with his cherish person or grooming a fellow feline, then, making it important to pay attention to context to determine why your cat is purring.   Purring begins in your cat’s brain where rhythmic, repetitive nervous system activity sends a message to the muscles in his larynx. This causes the larynx, or voice box, to twitch anywhere from 25 to 150 vibrations per second. When your cat inhales and exhales, this prompts his vocal cords to separate, producing the comforting sound and vibration we know as purring.  While vets are not entirely sure why cats purr, they generally agree it is a soothing exercise for felines. Some compare the behavior to our own smiles: People smile when they’re happy, but also when they feel nervous or want something. In the same way, then, a cat’s purr can be an anxious behavior or attempt at grabbing our attention as much as it can be a sign that all is well. If your cat is relaxed, with his eyes closed and tail still, he’s likely giving you a big grin. But if he purrs around mealtime, for example, the purr is more likely a grab for attention than a sign of satisfaction.   The function of your cat’s contented vibrations could go even deeper, though, according to some scientists who have studied the behavior. The frequency of purring falls within the range that helps promote tissue regeneration, leading some to believe that the behavior could very well have healing properties. They theorize these vibrations are beneficial for bone growth, pain relief and wound healing, and possibly even for repairing muscles and reducing swelling, which may explain why cats have been found purring next to an injured companion. This is good news for pet owners, who can also benefit from the healing vibrations. Studies have found cats to be the best pets for relieving stress and lowering blood pressure — and purring might just play a role in that.   It’s worth noting that not all cats in the animal kingdom can purr. While domestic cats can create the soothing vibrations, their cousins who roar cannot purr because the structures surrounding roaring cats’ larynxes aren’t firm enough. While roaring species make these loud noises to protect their prides and territory, smaller cats are more likely to hunt alone, spending long periods resting in between chases. They mark their territories with scent glands, and reserve purring for time spent lying around, which may help stimulate bones so they don’t become weak during the rest.

As all pet owners know, when their pets are sleeping, they sleep hard. It might be a dog sleeping upside down on the couch or a cat stretched out at the most uncomfortable angle possible, just to ensure that its entire body is in the splash of sun on the floor. Waking up the pet isn’t easy when it’s in a warm spot, taking a nap.   But after watching your pet snooze much of the day, you may start wondering whether the animal is sleeping more than it should. Then if that same pet is spending much of the night prowling the house and keeping you awake, you may start to wonder if the pet is sleeping enough.   Finding the Right Amount of Sleep   It’s important that you understand whether your pet is receiving the right amount sleep. When a pet is not sleeping enough or is sleeping too much, it could indicate an animal that is suffering from some sort of illness or disorder. The amount of sleep that each pet needs will differ for numerous reasons.   ?Activity. A pet that doesn’t have much of an activity level may sleep more than average, in large part because it’s bored. To keep this pet healthy, you need to ensure the pet starts getting more exercise and sleeps less.   ?Age. An older pet will begin sleeping more than it did in its early adulthood, while a young animal will also sleep more than the average.   ?Instinct. If you have a pet that normally is a nocturnal type of animal, such as a cat, it may sleep more during the day, when you can see its activity level. But it may quietly be awake throughout the night, when you cannot see what it’s doing, meaning you may think it’s sleeping too much.   ?Job. Some pets are working animals, where they may volunteer at a hospital or work with humans as a police animal or a companion animal. The more the animal works, the more it will mimic the sleep patterns of the human with which it works.   ?Predator. Animals that are natural predators, such as dogs and cats, will tend to sleep more. Those that aren’t natural predators, such as horses or rabbits, will tend to sleep less. Figuring Out an Average   Because of the reasons listed above, discerning the amount of sleep each type of animal needs is a bit of a challenge. Additionally, an animal in captivity will sleep a bit differently than an animal in the wild, skewing the average.   ?Least sleep. Pets that need the least amount of sleep include horses at about 3-4 hours per day and cows at 4-5 hours per day. A fish doesn’t need much sleep either, but studying sleep patterns of fish is extremely difficult.   ?Similar sleep to humans. A human requires about 8 hours of sleep, which is similar to rabbits (8-9 hours) and primates (9-10 hours).   ?Most sleep. A dog will require 12-14 hours of sleep per day, while a cat may sleep 14-16 hours of sleep daily. Rodents and parrots also sleep about 12-14 hours per day. If you have a reptile or a turtle as a pet, you may notice it sleeps much of the day during the winter, which is a time when it would be hibernating in the wild.   While it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of sleep your pet is receiving, it might be even more important to pay attention to a change in the animal’s sleep pattern. If an animal has a sudden change in sleep habits that cannot be explained by an environmental change or by an instinct to hibernate in the winter, it could indicate a potential illness, so be aware of your dog’s health. For example, arthritis in dogs can be heavily disruptive to sleep patterns. An altered sleep schedule could be an early indicator of a problem such as this. Check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about any change in sleep patterns!

When it comes to the indoor-outdoor debate, many cat owners are wrought with guilt over keeping kitty cooped up inside. After all, outdoor cats live a more mentally and physically stimulating life with the freedom to hunt, climb and seek out the sun. However, free-roaming cats face dangers such as car accidents, predation and exposure to diseases that indoor pets do not. Moreover, indoor cats can live a healthy, fulfilling life when equipped with the right accouterments, making it important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether your cat will spend his time inside or out.   When it comes to disease, the indoor-versus-outdoor debate seems like a no-brainer. Experts estimate that there are more than 50 million stray cats living in the United States, and many of these feral felines carry diseases that can be passed on to your pet. Feline AIDS, distemper and leukemia are just a few of the serious and potentially fatal maladies your pet can contract. Parasites such as ticks and intestinal worms are another cause for concern when kitty ventures outside. Though indoor cats can contract parasites, outdoor cats are at a much higher risk of infection, which can cause symptoms from skin infections to severe vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, outdoor cats can face busy roads, wild animal attacks, and contact with toxins such as antifreeze and are the culprits behind millions of songbirds’ deaths each year.   If you do decide to let kitty venture outdoors, there are several steps you can take to reduce risks to his health and safety. Keep him up to date on vaccines and ensure your pet has been spayed or neutered. Outfit your cat with a collar that includes an identification tag in case her gets lost and a bell that will alert songbirds to any oncoming attacks. If you live near a busy road, it is worth considering teaching your cat to walk on a leash.   On the other hand, if you keep your cat indoors, there are several ways to ensure he has a healthy, satisfying life. Providing your feline friend with a companion — another cat, or even a dog in some cases — gives him an outlet for play, exercise, grooming and affection when you’re away from home. Cats also enjoy toys, such as laser toys or kitty “fishing poles,” that are both physically and mentally stimulating. Playing with these toys for a few minutes each day gives your cat an outlet for his natural hunting instincts. Indoor cats also need appropriate surfaces for scratching, so ensure your pet has several scratching posts spread around the house. You can create a stimulating indoor oasis for your cat by providing climbing places, hiding spaces, perches in sunny spots, and in-house entertainment such as bird feeders or birdbaths within view of windows.

Many cat owners have experienced the frustration of coming home to a seemingly endless barrage of meowing. Certain breeds, such as Siamese and Bengal cats, have a reputation for unnecessary “talking,” but the truth is any cat can take to excessive meowing. If kitty’s communicating too much, try to figure out the cause first. Once you know why he’s wailing, you can appropriately address the problem.   Cats call out for any number of reasons, and these reasons change as kittens mature into full-grown felines. Youngsters will meow for their mother’s attention when they’re hungry, uncomfortable or scared. But as your cat grows, he uses his voice to communicate with you, his owner. He might meow to greet you when you come home, for example. Your cat could also call out because of stress, which can happen after introducing a new pet, moving house, or any other major life event. Older cats tend to meow more when they feel confused or disoriented. Sometimes, your feline friend wants to communicate basic needs, such as an illness or hunger. Or, your cat may simply be seeking attention.   Don’t just ignore persistent meowing without ensuring there isn’t a problem first. Older cats can bump into objects in the dark, a problem easily solved by leaving a light on at night, and persistent meowing can be a cry for help when your pet is sick, trapped in a room, or out of water. If your cat is stressed, try to determine the source and help him adjust to the change, or offer extra attention if you cannot change the situation. However, if your cat is meowing for more self-satisfying reasons, the most important step in solving the problem is to not give in: Don’t reward kitty with a treat if he cries every time you walk past the food bowl, for example. Only give him attention when he’s quiet, reinforcing positive behavior— but still be sure to spend time with your cat daily. Remember, loneliness can be a catalyst for caterwauling, so seek ways to improve your cat’s life. If you can’t give him enough attention, consider hiring a pet sitter or engaging him with alternative activities, such as placing a bird feeder outside the window for your cat to watch. Don’t punish your cat by shouting, throwing objects or spraying water, as this rarely works to quiet him, but does create a distrustful pet. Continue rewarding quiet behavior and ignoring meowing, and eventually your cat should catch on and trade yowling for purring. If your cat seems to cry for no reason, consider a trip to the vet, as pets are often masters of hiding illnesses.