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Cats are notorious for their finicky preferences, but they can also be creatures of predictable habits. How a cat uses its litter box is often one of those predictable habits, and knowing why your cat has stopped using the litter box can help you better understand your pet’s behavior, needs, and preferences. Rule Out Health Reasons There are many health-related reasons why a cat may stop using its litter box. Because different conditions from simple urinary tract infections or arthritis to more serious diseases such as diabetes, bladder stones, feline interstitial cystitis, and different cancers can change a cat’s litter...

Hairballs are an unpleasant fact of cat ownership, and while it is necessary for cats to expel hairballs, there are steps owners can take to minimize them without compromising their pet's health. Why Cats Have Hairballs Cats are frequent groomers, and their rough tongues catch loose hair, which is then swallowed. While most hair passes harmlessly through the cat's digestive tract, some does become matted and stuck in the stomach, where it forms a hairball. When the ball is large enough, it must be vomited away or else it could cause intestinal blockages and impaction, which can not only be...

Ear mites can be uncomfortable, even painful, for your cat, and recognizing the signs of ear mites is essential so you can get your feline friend the proper treatment to eliminate these irritating parasites. Without treatment, infestations can become severe and cause permanent damage, but fortunately, ear mites are easily treatable when they are correctly diagnosed. About Ear Mites Ear mites, Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that feed on the tissues, wax, oils and blood in a cat’s ear. While these mites can be seen with the naked eye, they are generally only the size of a pinhead or even...

A cat’s whiskers are much more than just a facial feature, they are a key part of every feline’s sensory system. Knowing more about your cat’s whiskers can help you protect this sensitive body part and better understand your cat’s needs and behavior. What Is a Whisker? Whiskers are specialized hairs that are thicker, longer, and more sensitive than normal hair or fur. Also called vibrissae, whiskers are composed of keratin – the same protein that makes fingernails and claws – and their follicles have as many as 100-200 nerves associated with them. Cats have from 16-24 whiskers, with the...

Cats can be finicky eaters and very refined in their tastes, rejecting unknown foods and dietary adjustments. This predilection doesn’t stop many cats from begging for extra nibbles and treats, however, and knowing the people foods cats can eat can help you give your feline friend a tasty snack now and then. People Foods That Are Safe for Cats A wide variety of people foods are safe for cats, but not every cat may like every taste or texture. Furthermore, cats with special health concerns may not be able to eat even these foods, and it is important to consult...