Author: Cat and Pet Health and Behavior

You just brought home your first flock of baby chicks, and you can't wait to watch them grow. You get their coop all set up with perches, fresh straw, maybe even a chicken run, and now the only question remaining is: what's the best chicken feed for your new feathered friends? Chickens are fairly low-maintenance additions to your family, but their health and happiness hinge on a proper diet. Like humans, there are core nutrients that they need to thrive, and starting them off on the right foot (or claw) when they're chicks is crucial. Best Chicken Feed to Help Your New Chicks Grow While there are many different feed varieties, they all need to contain these core nutrients for your chicks to grow: protein, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins (usually…

Adopting a new kitten or an older feline can be very rewarding as they make wonderful companions. However, knowing how to take care of a cat before getting one is crucial to its health, happiness, and well-being. So, if you're thinking about paying a visit to your local animal shelter or pet store, here are some things to know before getting a cat: 1. They Aren't Dogs A lot of first-time cat owners tend to have slightly skewed expectations of their new feline companions. Here's the thing—cats are not dogs. It doesn't matter if it knows tricks, comes when it's called, or is affectionate—it's still a cat! One of the most important things to know before getting a cat is that they're independent animals and express different social cues. While they need your companionship just as…

Do you own a cat? Studies show that in 2016, there were over 68% of American households who own a pet. Over 94 million of them were cats, along with over 90 million dogs. Many pet owners have a close bond with their furry companions. However, the bond between humans varies between cats and dogs. While humans often take their dogs out for walks, cats prefer their solitude. Many people prefer cats because they need to earn their trust and love. Have you ever wondered: What do cats think when we kiss them? Read on to learn more about what cats think about their owners. Do Cats Like Kisses What do cats think when we kiss them? Some pet owners may find that their cats respond to kisses by purring or leaning in.…

Wondering why cats eat bugs - and whether or not it's safe? If you've encountered your cat eating bugs, you're far from alone. This common cat behavior leaves many pet owners wondering just what is going on with their cat. There's no need to stress - in this post, we'll go over the reasons why your cat wants to eat bugs, and how to keep them safe no matter what they try to catch. Keep reading to learn more! Why Cats Eat Bugs Cats love to hunt. However, most domesticated cats rarely experience situations in which they get to catch their prey - especially if they're indoor cats. That's why these instincts are often turned to the next best thing: insects. Many cat toys exist to mimic the hunt. However,…

If you're a cat owner that loves keeping plants in the home, you know the struggle is real to keep kitty from chewing their leaves and flowers. Unfortunately, there are over 700 plants that are poisonous to pets which means you have to take care to make sure you don't bring one home if you have a cat. The good news is there are dozens of plants that not only pose no danger to felines but that are also pretty and low maintenance. Here's a list of five indoor plants safe for cats that you'll love adding to your home. 1. Ponytail Palm A plant that looks like a head sprouting strands of hair makes for one very cool addition to your home. This mini tree adds a tropical touch…

Cats are wonderful pets to have. They mainly take care of themselves and their independence means less work for you. At the same time, they love to play and snuggle and do all those silly cat things that make you laugh. To ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life, it's important to consider proper cat nutrition. What's in your cat's diet?  Our guide below explains cat nutritional needs and how to make sure you're providing your cat with everything they need. Continue reading to learn more.  Feeding Your Kitten If the momma cat isn't around to feed her kittens, you'll need to bottle feed your kitten milk until he's ready to transition to solid foods. Speak with a veterinarian to find the right milk for your kitten. When…

When you think of cats, you probably think that they all stick to themselves most of the time, but did you know that cats can become irritable if they're not given enough stimulation?  To avoid an irritable kitty, you need to make sure to find fun things to do with your cat. What happens when you run out of things to do with fake mice, catnip, and jingle bells?  Well, there are plenty of awesome activities that you and your cat can actually do together that you both will love.  Keep reading for our guide to seven ridiculously fun things to do with your cat.  1. Play With a Laser Lasers are an awesome cat activity that your kitty will be sure to love. There is something about the laser…