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Cat HealthTips for Cat Owners

What To Know About Ear Mites in Cats

by Dani
written by Dani

Are Mittens’ ears bothering him as in super itchy? Are his ears pretty dirty with dark debris? Does he go outside at all? I have two words for you, ear mites. These little buggers can really irritate a cat if left untreated. Here’s what you need to know about ear mites in cats.

what to know about ear mites in cats

What are ear mites in cats?

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic bugs, or mites, that usually cannot be seen with the naked eye. Ear mites can take up a residence in your cat’s ears and skin, but they do prefer the ear canal. Their life span is only about two months between hatching to dying off, with of course reproducing as much as possible first, causing more of an infestation.

Once you’ve seen a picture of one or looked under the microscope, chances are you just got the creepy crawlies or you are scratching your own ears. Behind the scenes of a veterinary clinic, techs become pretty excited when they find them under the microscope.

Ear mites are extremely contagious between cats, rabbits, ferrets, and dogs. A cat can infect your cat by direct contact, so if Mittens is playing or getting into a brawl with the cat that lives in the alley, that is probably where he picked up the ear mites. 

ear mites in cats

How to Identify Ear Mites in Cats (Symptoms)

Symptoms of ear mites include severe pruritus, or itching, of the ears, so much so that a cat can really scratch up their ears and cause a skin infection and hair loss, and dark semi-moist or crusty debris in the ear canals. Ear hematomas are even possible from the cat digging or shaking their ears desperate for relief. Many stray cats picked up or kittens from a farm will have ear mites if they’ve never really been in a house setting. 

Treatment for Ear Mites in Cats

First, schedule an appointment for Mittens to see the veterinarian, before his ears drive him so crazy there is no fur left on them. Be sure to tell the veterinarian about Mittens’ environmental history and if he could be exposed to animals that are outside, like that alley cat, 

The veterinarian will want to perform an ear swab, taking as much debris as possible and placing it on a microscope slide with mineral oil. Then comes the fun part for the techs – looking for the little bugs. Usually, they can be found right off the bat, even swimming through the mineral oil on the slide. 

Next, the veterinarian may order an ear flush to irrigate as much debris out of the ear canal as possible. Then prescribe ear drops or other medications to kill the adults since the larvae cannot be dissolved. Rechecks will be needed under Mittens is ear mite-free. 

how to identify ear mites in cats

It is best to keep infected cats away from others until cleared. If you Mittens has a housemate or two, there is a substantial possibility that the other cats in the house will become infected as well.

Keeping your cat’s ears clean can also help, see here how because ear mites can also lead to other ear infections, so as soon as you notice them scratching and dark debris, be sure to contact your veterinarian. If they find that Mittens’ does have ear mites, ask to take a look under the microscope! 

 

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Cat HealthTips for Cat Owners

Weight Loss in Cats: What You Need To Know

by Dani
written by Dani

When it comes to weight in cats, they should ideally stay the same weight once they have reached adulthood. A pound or two over their ideal weight isn’t great but isn’t terrible. However, if a cat starts dropping weight rather quickly, something could be wrong. Weight loss in cats can be a clear indication of certain diseases. Unfortunately, a lot of owners do not realize how much weight their kitty has lost until the cat’s body condition score is a valid concern. 

Keep reading to learn what every cat owner needs to know about weight loss in cats…

Hyperthyroidism

When a cat loses weight quickly and the cat seems rather grumpy, it could mean that the thyroid gland is all out of whack causing hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland goes into overdrive and produces too much of the thyroid hormone, specifically the T4 hormone. 

Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats that reach the middle age of around 10. Diagnosing is performed by a veterinarian taking a blood sample for analysis. The veterinarian might also be able to actually palpate the thyroid glands on the neck of the cat. By running a thyroid panel, the veterinarian will be able to conclude the diagnosis.

Treatment is easy by medication once or twice a day depending on the level shown in the bloodwork. Many cats live their lives for years and years after being diagnosed. But, it is super important to give the medication exactly as directed and bring the cat in for bloodwork regularly. Sometimes the dose needs to be adjusted.

weight loss in cats

Kidney Disease

Another reason a cat may be losing weight, especially an older kitty, is due to the kidneys not being able to function properly. A cat with kidney disease will lose their appetite, vomit, and drink a ton of water. This is why it is important to have yearly checkups for those senior cats. 

By checking a complete chemistry panel, a veterinarian will be able to evaluate the kidney enzymes, specifically creatine and BUN levels (blood urea nitrogen). If these levels are elevated significantly, then the cat’s kidneys are not filtering properly. If this is the case, the veterinarian may want to hospitalize the cat for IV fluids to help flush out the kidneys and speed up that filtering process. There is also food produced specifically for cats with kidney disease that contain lower amounts of protein. 

Bad Teeth

Cats can also lose weight because it just hurts to eat because of bad dental hygiene. Periodontal disease, heavy tarter, and stomatitis can lead to anorexia and weight loss. It is important to keep up on those dental visits. You can read more about stomatitis here.  

Stress and Anxiety

Cats are creatures of habit. They like their routines and become very upset when their routine is disturbed. Sometimes so upset about it, that they go on strike about eating. If all medical reasons have been ruled out about why a cat is losing weight, the reason very well could be psychological. ​​Pheromones are a great way to help with stress without medicating. 

what to know about weight loss in cats

Cancer

Weight loss, especially sudden weight loss can be a result of cancer as well. We never want to hear the “C” word, but sadly it happens. Cancer in the gastrointestinal tract can make cats lose weight quite quickly. Again, a veterinarian can diagnose by performing bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, and even a biopsy.

Keeping an eye on your cat’s weight is vital to their overall health. A two-pound drop can mean too much weight loss in an 8lb kitty. Keep your veterinarian updated when you feel like your cat has lost weight. Even feel free to keep a log of it at home.

 

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Cat HealthTips for Cat Owners

Why Is My Cat Farting?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Just like us, cats fart. They have gastrointestinal tracts that produce and pass gas just like many other four-legged and two-legged mammals. Cats fart for a few reasons. But, have you been asking yourself: why is my cat farting so much? In this case, it might mean that your cat is dealing with something a little more serious in their tummy. Let’s take a closer look…

why is my cat farting?

So, Why is My Cat Farting?

Cat farts are generally normal. That’s because a cat’s digestive system isn’t very different from a dog’s or a human’s. When the digestive system processes food that produces a lot of gas, this gas stores in the intestines. Once the pressure builds up, the body releases the gas as a fart. Usually, you won’t. notice cat farts as they’re often quiet and mostly odorless.

This normal type of gas can occur for a couple of reasons. The most common is your cat eating very quickly and swallowing a lot of air. This creates a lot of flatulence in your cat’s belly, causing your cat to fart.

Gas can also result from something in a cat’s diet. Have you ever eaten a lot of fibrous foods (like beans!) and felt super gassy? The same thing can happen to cats. If their diet consists of gas-inducing foods, your cat will definitely be farting.

So, what foods can make a cat fart? Cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and asparagus,) dairy, or whole grains are some of the main culprits. These foods will especially cause gas if your cat is eating them regularly.

Your cat may also have an allergy to their food. In this case, you’ll really notice the farts, as they will be consistent and probably have an odor. If allergies are the culprit, you may notice other symptoms too. Bloating, vomiting, or even diarrhea can all be additional signs that your cat is allergic to something in their diet.

When is Cat Farts a Sign of Something More Serious?

Are you noticing consistent, bad-smelling farts from your cat that just won’t seem to stop? Then, it may be a sign your cat is dealing with a more critical gastrointestinal issue.

If you’re worried about why your cat is farting, it’s important to look out for additional symptoms. One important sign is prolonged bloating. Your cat may also be experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, accompanied by a lack of appetite or refusal to eat anything. Also, you should check your cat’s litter box to see if there’s any blood in your cat’s stool.

If you notice any of these symptoms, then you should contact your vet immediately. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose your kitty.

why is my cat farting?

Serious Reasons Your Cat May Be Farting

There are a few major digestive issues that can be the root cause of your cat’s constant farting. Each can be safely and properly diagnosed by your vet.

Inflammatory bowel disease, an ulcer, or, in more severe cases, cancer could be behind your cat’s farts. Now, don’t freak out just yet – these more serious causes of farting typically appear with other concerning symptoms.

In some cases, cat farting is a sign of intestinal parasites. The presence of worms like roundworms and tapeworms can upset your cat’s stomach. The result: a very farty kitty. Parasites are known to cause extreme bloating in cats, which makes cats have a ‘pot belly.’

why is my cat farting?

How to Treat Cat Farts

Treating cat farts depends on what is causing your kitty’s flatulence. If your cat swallowed too much air, then the cat farts should go away on their own. The same goes if it’s food upsetting your cat’s tummy – a change in diet and even a probiotic supplement can help your cat relieve gas at home.

If your cat’s farting doesn’t respond to a diet change or you think your cat’s farts are caused by something more serious, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet is the one who can identify the cause and treat your kitty appropriately. You do not want to waste time, money, and your kitty’s health trying to treat a potentially serious issue on your own.

We hope this article answered the big ‘why is my cat farting’ question. Usually, it can be as simple as your cat eating a little too fast. Other times, it can mean something more serious. No matter what, we want to make sure our kitties stay happy and healthy!

If someone you know is curious as to why their cat is farting, share this article with them. It may help them solve all their cat’s gas once and for all.

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Cat HealthTips for Cat Owners

COPD: Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Cats

by Dani
written by Dani

Not being able to breathe or having trouble breathing can be a pretty scary thing, even for cats. It can even cause a decline in their quality of life. Before it gets to that point, do some research on the disease by reading further.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD in cats is also known as Chronic Bronchitis. If you have ever had bronchitis, you know it isn’t fun. The disease happens when the bronchi in the lungs become inflamed. This disease affects the lower respiratory tract. Bronchi is what is responsible for moving oxygen in the lungs. The disease progresses slowly and unfortunately, there is no cure at this time.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in cats

Causes of COPD

The causes of COPD in cats are still being researched. However, veterinarians believe that the causes of COPD in cats are similar to the causes in humans. Constantly breathing in poisons such as cigarette smoke, allergens such as dust and other irritants like chemicals can cause the disease. Another reason to stay away from those cancer sticks – they not only are harmful to your health, but also to your cat’s health! Dental disease can also lead to chronic bronchitis, another reason to keep up on dental hygiene.

Symptoms of COPD

The symptoms of COPD in cats include wheezing, trouble breathing, and dry cough. A gag may follow the cough and it may even sound like something is stuck in the cat’s throat. If your cat is wheezing a ton, be sure to find out why here.  Because of the lack of oxygen moving through a cat with COPD, their mucous membrane colors may have a bluish tinge. Dyspnea is a term used for trouble breathing and hypoxic is when the body doesn’t have enough oxygen causing that blue color. Hypoxia is an emergency condition and if you find your cat in this state, they need to be brought to a veterinary hospital right away. 

why is my cat throwing up

Diagnosing COPD

If you observe your cat wheezing and coughing, be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Give them a detailed history and include any irritants that your cat may be breathing in at home. If you smoke in the house – tell your veterinarian. They need to be able to narrow down the causes. 

The veterinarian will first want to listen to the cat’s lungs, paying attention to any “crackling” noises. Bloodwork will need to be performed to evaluate white blood cells, especially for any underlying infections. Chest X-rays are extremely helpful in diagnosing the disease because of the bronchial pattern viewed in the films. Here, veterinarians can rule out other pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, heart disease, and cancer. 

Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Because there is no cure for COPD in cats at this time, symptoms have to be managed. If diagnosed, medications like bronchodilators and cough suppressants can help the cat breathe and find some relief. Antibiotics are helpful if there is a secondary infection tagging along with COPD. Sometimes steroids are even needed to help find some relief, although they shouldn’t be used long term. Regular follow-ups and yearly chest X-rays can be helpful to keep an eye on the progression of the disease. 

If you find your cat is having trouble breathing, don’t wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. Call your veterinarian right away, especially if your cat continues wheezing and becomes hypoxic. COPD can turn into an emergency. You can click here  for more information on chronic bronchitis in cats.

COPD in cats

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Cat NewsCat Safety

Toxic And Invasive Poison Hemlock Is Spreading Across US

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

For those of us who allow our pets to go outside, we must do so with caution. And for those of us who share our homes with dogs and cats, we must take things a step further. When it comes to plants, there are a number of them which are toxic to cats and dogs.

Lilies, for example, are incredibly dangerous, so many of us pet owners forgo bringing them into our homes or planting them. But there are also wild plants that our pets can encounter which can cause them harm. And in worst cases, even death.

Breaking news has been reported about one potentially deadly plant that’s rampantly spreading in parks and backyards across all 50 states. Each plant can produce up to 30,000 seeds, and these seeds spread easily in quickly during the late summer months. In addition to its invasive nature and rampant spread, every single part of the plant is poisonous to dogs and cats.

Hemlock Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Dan Shaver with Indiana’s Natural Resources Conservation Service spoke with USA Today about the poison hemlock, warning that,

“That movement is a bit scary to me because this plant is very toxic and it’s more of an opportunity for kids to play with it and pets to eat it. It is not a plant you want around your home or in your local park.” 

When attempting to remove the plant from a yard or flowerbed, officials advise that it’s best to wear gloves. The plant is most poisonous when ingested, but contact with the plant can cause symptoms in pets. Shaver said that, “It just hit this exponential rate of spread… Poison hemlock was nowhere and all of a sudden it was everywhere.”

According to ASPCA, other common names for this plant include: Poison Parsley, Spotted Hemlock, Winter Fern, California Fern, Nebraska Fern, and Deadly Hemlock. The plant prefers wet soil, and is often seen growing near rivers and lakes. It’s also often spotted on roadways, fencelines, ditches, meadows, and marshes. So, in reality, nowhere is safe from it’s deadly path.

The National Park Service shares details on how you can properly identify this toxic plant:

  • Stems with purple splotches grow two to ten feet tall
  • Divided compound leaves that taper to a point
  • White flowers are borne in umbrella-shaped clusters
  • Fruit is egg-shaped in outline, with distinctive wavy ribs on the surface
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Cat HealthTips for Cat Owners

Signs Your Cat Is In Heat

by Dani
written by Dani

If you have an adult or juvenile cat that hasn’t been spayed, or you are not sure, more than likely they will go into heat. A cat’s heat cycle is extremely sporadic. In technical terms, they are seasonally polyestrous. Basically, a female cat can go into heat multiple times in a breeding season based on temperature and hours of light in their environment. The heat cycle of a cat can last up to six days. The signs are pretty straightforward and all revolve around behavior. Once you have observed these signs that your cat is in heat, it is time for them to be spayed. Here is what to look for.

Here are telltale signs that your cat is in heat…

More Vocal

Many cats will be increasingly vocal during their heat cycle. Constantly yowling and meowing looking for the attention of a tomcat. The vocalizing may be increased at night, even keeping you awake at night. It may be so loud that tomcats in the neighborhood that you have never seen will start lurking around the house, responding to your female cat in heat.

Attention Seeking

A female cat in heat may also be trying to get their owner’s attention all the time – definitely more than normal. They may rub on their legs constantly looking for attention and pets. It may get to the point that no matter how much you love your cat, it starts getting annoying.

Marking

During a heat cycle, a female may also try to mark and spay on objects in the house. This is a normal behavior for a cat living outside to attract a male by the scent excreted on the object. Unfortunately, it can ruin furniture in your house. Because marking behavior in female cats is abnormal except for when they are in heat, be sure to note this is a sign your cat needs to be spayed.

signs your cat is in heat

Posturing is Definitely a Sign Your Cat is In Heat

Cats in heat will also sit postured sternally on their belly, with their back feet under them, rear end up, and tail to the side. This posture is the number one sign the cat is in heat, she is postured in a way that lets tomcats know she is ready to mate.

Because female cats can go into heat so many times during a breeding season, these behaviors will continue until the female is bred or spayed. Spaying a female cat should happen around 6 months of age to avoid a heat cycle and these behaviors, as well as a litter of unwanted kittens if the female in heat escapes the house during her heat cycle.

Spaying is a routine procedure and the only negative effects being general weight gain after the procedure, which you can read about here.

If you are observing any of these behaviors from your female cat, contact your veterinarian to schedule a spay procedure. It is important to have the procedure done either before the female goes into heat or after the heat cycle. It is advised to not have a spay procedure done during heat because it is a more difficult procedure because of the increase of blood flow during a heat cycle. Recovery is also longer for a female that is currently in heat. To find out more about a female’s heat cycle, click here.

signs your cat is in heat

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Cat HealthCat Safety

Can Cats Eat Catnip?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Although you may not have known this, not every cat is crazy about catnip. And if this information comes as a surprise to you, I promise there’s a logical explanation. You see, the reason that not all cats are crazy about catnip is because not all cats possess what is known as the “catnip gene” which is present in felines. In fact, 30-50% of felines don’t even have a reaction to catnip. (If only we could know before we bought all those catnip toys that went unused!) So, for those cats who do respond to catnip, what’s all the hype about—and most of all, is it considered safe for cats to consume? Let’s take a look at whether or not cats can eat catnip…

favorite person

First off, what is it about catnip that cats like so much?

For humans, there are some things that can make us feel euphoric. And this is because it creates a response in our brains that causes us to positively react. Your cat’s brain is quite powerful. As mentioned above, up to half of cats’ brains won’t respond to catnip. But for the ones that do, their response is triggered due to the nepetalactone in catnip, an oil which be found in the stems, leaves, and seeds. And this oil is so powerfully potent, that it only takes just a few sniffs of this magical plant to send catnip-loving cats into a frenzy.

When cats exhibit a response to catnip, there’s often trilling, zoomies, round pupils, and jumping and frolicking all around. And for us cat owners, it’s quite amusing to observe. If you’re wondering why you’ve never seen a young kitten react to catnip, that’s because the catnip gene doesn’t activate until your kitten reaches 3-6 months of age.

can cats eat catnip?

So, can cats eat catnip?

The truth is, it’s best advised for your cat or kitten to gently lick or playfully roll in the catnip. You can spoil your kitty with some fresh catnip, but if you’re overly concerned about your cat ingesting catnip, then it’s probably in your best interest to treat your kitty to catnip toys filled with catnip instead. Your cat isn’t going to necessarily overdose on catnip and be sent to the ER, but practice precaution if you happen to notice your cat ingesting catnip.

According to GardeningKnowHow.com,

“A reaction to catnip lasts only five to 15 minutes. Catnip is ‘purr-fectly’ safe and non-addictive, although ingesting a large amount could potentially cause a mild tummy upset.”

Remember, cats are truly individuals. And while one cat can be totally mellow on catnip, another can easily become aggressively playful—which can cause harm to you or another cat in your home. So, just like anything, practice moderation when exposing your cat to catnip.

Catnip is a wonderful enrichment tool for cats—especially exclusively indoor cats which crave mental stimulation. For some other methods to help prevent boredom in cats, check out these proven tips and tricks here!

Some interesting facts about catnip that you may not have known…

Catnip is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. In some regions, it’s actually called catmint.

While native to Europe, catnip now grows just about anywhere in the US. It grows to be about three feet tall and is identified by its ragged heart-shaped leaves and clusters of tubular flowers. Some people consider it a weed because once it takes hold, it can take over.

The feeling cats get from catnip is compared to when a human takes a mild hallucinogenic drug. That feeling, however, depends on whether the cat eats the stuff or smells it. If they eat it, catnip is more like a sedative. When they smell it, they get excited and active.

Male cats are often more attracted to catnip than females because it contains the same chemical that can be found in a female cat’s urine. It sounds gross, but male cats can’t help but love it.

can cats eat catnip?

It doesn’t matter how long you leave the catnip out, its effects only last so long. Most cats will feel it for only 10-15 minutes. They won’t be able to get the feeling again until about two hours later.

Cats aren’t the only ones that can experience the soothing effects of this herb. Catnip tea is considered a great natural remedy for humans. It’s similar to chamomile and can help you prepare for sleep. It can also help relieve nausea and headaches. If tea isn’t your thing, a lot of health stores sell catnip capsules.

Studies show catnip repels mosquitoes. When it’s fresh, it’s said to be 10 times more effective DEET. The problem is, the effects don’t last long, and it doesn’t work when applied to the skin. Growing catnip in your garden, however, is a great natural way to ward off buzzing pests.

You can use catnip to help convince your cat to scratch their new scratching post instead of the furniture or to use the expensive new bed they’re doing their best to ignore. And when it’s put in toys, it can help cats stay active and get exercise.

Big cats like lions, tigers, and jaguars can love catnip just as much as domestic cats.

Have you ever wanted to start your own cat-friendly garden? Find out how to do it here on CattitudeDaily.com!

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Cat HealthCatsTips for Cat Owners

Do I Need To Brush My Cat’s Teeth?

by Dani
written by Dani

Hey you, cat owner reading this article! I have a question for you – do you think of your cat as just a pet/mouse hunter OR do you consider them your best friend/fur kid? If you answered yes to thinking of your cat as your child, do you ever think about oral hygiene? You should, because your cat’s teeth are important! Oral hygiene in pets is just as important in your cat kid’s life as it would be in a human child’s life. And lucky you, it happens to be one of my favorite parts of my job.

do I need to brush my cat's teeth?

Did you know that good dental health in cats can actually add years to their lives? It’s been proven. Bad dental health can lead to heart disease and infections. It can also cause a poor quality of life if the dental health is so poor that it is affecting a cat’s eating habits which can then cause anorexia, pain, dehydration, and malnutrition.

So how do we install a good oral hygiene foundation into our cat’s lives? You guessed it, we brush their teeth. Your cat’s teeth depend on you to look their best!

Now before we get into how in the heck do we even begin this task, we need to evaluate the present status of your cat’s mouth.

If you can, lift your cat’s lip and look at their teeth and gums. Are their gums nice and pink or are they red, swollen, and irritated looking? Are their teeth white, or do they have a buildup of grayish-looking gunk or calculus?

If they do, make an appointment with your veterinarian as your cat may have periodontal disease and be checked for stomatitis – a painful disease that you can read more about here. There’s no way that hard build-up is coming off with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Your cat will need to start with a clean slate by having a dental prophylaxis procedure done.

do I need to brush my cat's teeth?

Dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia, in which your cat will be totally anesthetized and have no idea what is going on. Trust me, I did 6 dental cleanings today. The teeth are scaled, polished, and probed, just like your teeth are done when they are cleaned at the dentist. Why does your cat have to be anesthetized? There is a list of safety reasons, for both your cat and veterinary staff. This way the job can be done the right way and your cat’s vitals are monitored closely during the procedure. Usually, your kitty will be home that evening.

Alright, so your cat now has a clean mouth and has recovered well from their dental cleaning (or they started with a clean slate). It’s time to start brushing those pearly whites to keep them that way!

First, start with a toothpaste that was manufactured specifically for pets, like this Enzymatic C.E.T Toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste – it is not good for your cat. Start by just applying the paste to their teeth and don’t forget to apply it to their gums. Reward your cat with a treat when they have accepted the new weird routine without a fight.

Next, upgrade to a finger brush and start using this in conjunction with the toothpaste. Once your cat has mastered the finger brush, move up to the pet toothbrushes that are specifically made for pets with the angled head.

Technically, you should brush your cat’s teeth every day but start by making it a once a week goal. Remember, the toothpaste won’t remove the build-up of tartar that has already accumulated, but will help to keep any more from accumulating. The trick is to start with a clean slate.

For more information on cat dental care, check out this next article on CattitudeDaily.com.

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Cat Health

When Will My Cat Stop Growing?

by Brittany
written by Brittany

Have you ever adopted a young cat or kitten? When cats are babies, they’re so adorable. (That fuzzy fur sticking up all over!) And it is pretty obvious when a cat is just a baby. They have such tiny features and haven’t developed into a grown cat yet. But where is the line between cat and kitten? That can be difficult to determine as your baby kitten starts to get a bit older. The line can be rather blurred once a kitten is close to maturing. Read on to learn when your cat will stop growing.

when will my cat stop growing?

Is My Cat Still Growing?

When kittens are born, they are tiny little things. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation helpfully outlines the various stages of your cat’s growth, from baby to adult. If you are lucky enough to have a kitten living with you, you probably feel that she’s growing like a weed. That’s because she is! Kittens grow pretty quickly until they are around half a year old.

Crazy for kittens? Read a collection of purrfectly adorable facts about baby cats here on cattitudedaily.com.

How Much Will My Cat Grow?

Healthy Paws notes that kittens might grow twice their size in just the first week they’re alive. That’s pretty fast growth! It does slow a bit as they age. Generally speaking, you might expect your kitten to add about an ounce of body weight in approximately three days as it grows. An ounce may not sound like much, but it makes a big difference when kittens usually are born weighing just 3.5 ounces! That rapid growth does slow a bit around the four month mark.

when will my cat stop growing?

Do Cats Grow as Adults?

Here’s an interesting tidbit about growing cats. In general, the majority of cats are thought to be adults when they hit about one year of age. However, your cat may or may not be done growing at that age.

Much depends on the type of cat you have. Different cats grow at different times. And different breeds of cats have different growth rates. You might be surprised to learn that some cats may not stop growing until age four! Maine Coon cats are a prime example of this. They are really large felines, so it makes sense that they take a little longer to stop growing. Some other cats meanwhile might top growing when they reach about a year and a half in age.

Ragamuffin cat breed

Other Influences

Beyond individual and breed differences, other things weigh in on your cat’s growth (if you’ll pardon the pun!). One major factor in how much your cat will grow is food.

Food needs to be high quality, filled with the nutrients kitty needs to grow. You also need to be sure you’re feeding kitty enough throughout his lifespan. This is even more critical if your cat is a kitten. That rapid growth needs lots of fuel. That fuel should come from quality kitty kibble.

Need advice on how much you should be feeding your cat? Check out this article here on cattitudedaily.com.

Is My Cat Done Growing?

There’s no specific answer that fits all cats here. If you know your cat’s breed, you can research average rates of maturity. If you’re not sure, you can always contact your vet.

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Cat BehaviorCat HealthWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

by Brittany
written by Brittany

Now that it’s summer time, you may be outdoors a bit more often. If your cat is an outdoor kitty, he might get to spend time outside with you. Spending time outdoors an be really great for the both of you. Fresh air and a little sunshine can really be refreshing. As you spend time outside, do you notice that your cat tends to eat grass? I know my cat always wants to run free in the green and growing grass around our house. He also likes to chow down on anything green that comes into our house, but that’s another story.

My cat is definitely not unique in this regard. Lots of cats tend to love chewing on green plants or grass. But why do cats eat grass? Let’s explore a few reasons.

enrichment idea

Grass is Nature’s Laxative

Okay, this is a little gross. But eating grass is believed to be a laxative for felines, according to PetMD. Cats can struggle with digestive issues just like us humans. Cats also tend to have pretty frequent hairballs. Normally, they might be able to vomit up the hairball and find some relief. Sometimes, that hairball just doesn’t cooperate.

That’s where grass comes in. If your cat eats grass, it may help that hairball move through your kitty’s digestive tract a bit better.

Eating Grass Relieves Sore Throats

Furthermore, there’s a theory that eating grass can help soothe a sore throat. As humans, we know that having a sore or scratchy throat is pretty miserable. If your cat eats grass and feels better, that’s wonderful!

cats eat grass

Grass Contains Nutrients

Here’s one more reason why cats eat grass. As a green plant, it makes sense that grass has some nutrients in it. One of those nutrients is folic acid. According to PetMD, this nutrient helps your cat’s hemoglobin levels. Without getting too in-depth, hemoglobin helps promote healthy oxygen movement in the blood.

Cats Eat Weird Things

If you live with a cat, you know they eat things they shouldn’t. That goes for anything, from our human food to a piece of string they find on the carpet. It can be a little maddening as humans sometimes. When your cat eats something that doesn’t sit well with him, he might have a hard time processing it. If he can’t digest something properly, you kitty may turn to eating grass. Munching on a few blades of grass can induce vomiting. Your cat probably doesn’t love to do this–and you don’t love to clean it up. However, his instincts may be telling him that he needs to expel whatever he ate. It likely helps him feel better afterwards.

why cats eat grass

Not All Grass is Equal

Eating grass is just fine for most cats. However, you do not want to let kitty chow down on just any old green and growing plant. Lots of plants are toxic or even deadly to our feline friends. Be cautious on what types of plants you let your cat eat. You could even consider growing some cat-approved grass indoors if your kitty tends to stay indoors only. It’s a nice way to tell your cat you love him as well!

Have you ever considered planting your own cat-friendly garden? There are many plants and grasses that kitties naturally love. Learn what they are here on cattitudedaily.com!

 

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