Cat Behavior

Unborn kittens can start moving within a few weeks after conception, but you may not be able to see or feel the movement until they are older, at around 5 to 6 weeks gestation. Since kittens are born after 9 weeks, this means that from the time you detect movement until they are born is about 3 to 4 weeks.

Most male animals that are kept for companionship, work, or food production (horses, dogs, cats, bulls, boars) are neutered (castrated). This is a common practice to prevent unacceptable sexual behavior, reduce aggressiveness, and prevent accidental or indiscriminate breeding. The intact male (tomcat) is likely to roam, fight with other males, and spray and is of course, strongly attracted to seek out and mate with intact females. Tomcat urine is particularly odorous. Overall, the intact male cat can make a most unpleasant household companion.

How does castration affect behavior?

The only behaviors affected by castration are those under the influence of male hormones (sexually dimorphic behaviors). A cat’s temperament, training, and personality are the result of genetics and upbringing, and are generally unaffected by the presence or absence of male hormones. Castration is unlikely to calm an overactive cat or decrease aggression toward people. Since the male brain is masculinized by the time of birth, castration will reduce some, but not all of the sexually dimorphic male behaviors. If performed prior to sexual maturity, castration will help to prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as penile barbs, large jowls and glands at the dorsal part of the cat’s tail.

What is neutering?

The operation of neutering or castration of male cats is called an orchidectomy. The procedure involves general anesthesia, and an incision is made over each side of the scrotal sac so that each testicle can be excised. External sutures are not generally required. In males both testicles descend prior to birth from inside the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal into the scrotal sac. In some cats one or both testicles do not descend fully into the sac and may either remain in the abdomen or anywhere along the inguinal canal path to the scrotal sac. These cats are called cryptorchid and a more extensive surgery will be required to locate the testicles and remove them. If these testicles are not removed they will continue to produce hormones and the behavior problems associated with intact male cats. Vasectomies are not performed in cats. It is both sterilization and removal of the male hormones that provide the behavioral benefits.

What are the benefits of neutering?

Population control

Millions of cats are destroyed across North America each year because there are far more cats born than homes available. A single male cat can father many litters so that neutering of intact males is essential for population control. Although sexual desire will be greatly reduced by castration, some experienced males may continue to show sexual interest in females.

Spraying

The most common behavior problem in cats of all ages is indoor elimination at locations other than the litter box. A large number of these cases are cats that spray or markwalls and other vertical household objects. Adult male cats have an extremely strong urge to mark territory, both indoors and out. Neutering reduces or eliminates spraying in approximately 85% of male cats.

Aggression

Cats, whether neutered or intact, can get into fights but most inter-cat aggression is seen between intact males. This is a direct result of competition between male cats, and because intact male cats roam and protect a much larger territory. If these fights lead to punctures that penetrate the skin; abscesses are a common sequel. Neutering reduces fighting and abscess development in male cats.

Roaming and Sexual Attraction

Intact males have much larger territories and wander over much greater distances than females and neutered males. The urge to roam may be particularly strong during mating season. Castration reduces roaming in approximately 90% of cases. Neutering greatly reduces sexual interest, but some experienced males may continue to be attracted to, and mate with females.

Physical Changes

Male urine odor is particularly strong and pungent. Castration leads to a change to a more normal urine odor. Many guardians claim that their intact males become much cleaner, less odorous, and better self-groomers after neutering. Abscessformation as a result of fighting is far less frequent and some of the secondary sexual characteristics such as the over-productive tail glands in the condition known as "stud tail" can be dramatically improved.

Does neutering lead to any adverse effects on health or behavior?

There are many misconceptions about the effects of neutering on health and behavior. Neutered males are no more likely to become fat or lazy provided they receive a proper diet and adequate exercise. With less roaming, fighting, mating, calorie intake may have to be reduced and alternative forms of play and activity provided. Behaviors that have developed independent of hormonal influences such as hunting are not affected. Regardless of age at which it is performed, neutering does not have any effect on physical development, (overall height and weight, urethral size). Although neutering prior to puberty appears to have similar effects to neutering post-puberty, every attempt should be made to neuter prior to puberty before the cat develops new problems, experiences and habits.

Cats often wiggle their tails when they are excited or aroused. This behavior can also indicate agitation or a warning sign. Cats use their tails as a form of communication, so a wiggling tail could mean various things depending on the context and the cat's overall body language.

In H. Allen Smith's novel, the baseball team is inherited by a cat named Rhubarb, which is considered a fruit in some culinary contexts but classified as a vegetable botanically. The cat's antics and influence bring unexpected success to the team, leading to a series of humorous events in the story.

Mama cats may not have a favorite kitten, but they may show more attention to specific kittens at times based on various factors such as feeding, grooming, or social bonding. However, a mama cat generally cares for all her kittens equally.

Your cat may be yowling and urinating due to stress, anxiety, or a medical issue such as a urinary tract infection. It's important to rule out any medical causes by taking your cat to the vet for a check-up. Additionally, providing environmental enrichment, such as interactive toys and vertical spaces, can help alleviate stress and prevent unwanted behaviors.

Age? Indoor/outdoor? Did he recently fall? Is he normally healthy? Do you have kids?

You didn't give *nearly* enough information for anyone to help you, but I'll still give you the best answer: bring your cat to a vet if he's been limping long enough to raise concern.

If your cat is having trouble finding their litter box, it may indicate a health issue or underlying problem with the litter box location or cleanliness. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns and to evaluate the litter box setup to ensure it is accessible and appealing to your cat.

Cats view their tails as extensions of their bodies and use them for balance and communication. Pulling on their tails can cause pain and discomfort, leading to a negative association with that action. It may also trigger their natural instinct to protect their vulnerable rear end from potential threats.

It is most likely a sign of bonding and affection between the kittens. Licking behaviors are common among cats and can be a way for them to groom each other and strengthen their social bond, even if they are not biological siblings.

Yes, cats can indeed get fat. It has nothing to do with a cat's coat pattern. Cats become overweight due to being overfed or fed low-quality food.

Many dry foods and low-quality wet foods are often packed with carbohydrates - "filler" in the way of grains and cereals, none of which cats can digest or gain any nutrients from. Grain is used instead of meat because it is cheaper to produce and helps kibble pieces hold together. Cats need MEAT based protein, not PLANT based protein. Cats will often overeat on lower quality foods because they are not getting all the nutrients they need, which often results in obesity and diabetes.

Scratching a cat's tail bone can trigger their natural reflexes to groom themselves, as they may interpret the sensation as grooming from another cat. This can cause them to show signs of excitement or pleasure, leading to playful behavior. However, it's important to note that not all cats enjoy having their tail bone scratched, so it's essential to observe your cat's reactions and stop if they seem uncomfortable.

She usually moves them because she doesn't feel the spot they are in is "safe enough".

When a mother is worried about her kittens, she may move them to hide them form everyone and everything, even you. If she feels very threatened, she may kill her kittens as a form of protecting them. If you see your mother cat exhibiting anxious qualities, monitor her activity with the kittens closely and consider keeping her caged.

Kittens need a very warm temperature to survive. If the mother does not stay with the kittens, you may need to supply heat from an outside source, like a heat lamp. Large litters will typically stay warmer, using body heat. Make sure that the box where the newborn kittens are staying is about 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least the first week of life. However, mothers may feel as through their kittens are in danger if there is too much light. You can calm an anxious mother by placing a blanket loosely over the top of the box.

As long as she moves them somewhere safe don't worry about it.

Female cats should be kept indoors for at least 7-10 days after spaying to allow for proper healing and to prevent any complications. It is important to follow the veterinarian's instructions for post-operative care to ensure the cat's well-being.

If a cat scratches you, and you do not tend to the scratch, it will very likely become infected. Cat scratches can become very seriously infected almost overnight.

When a cat scratches you, immediately wash the scratch with soap and antiseptic, and coat with a liberal dose of antibiotic cream such as Neosporin. Depending on the depth and severity of the scratch, you may need to head to the Dr for an antibiotic shot. Should you decide to self treat, watch closely for signs of infection. At the first sign of redness spreading out from the scratch, go to the ER.

I know three people who were badly scratched by cats and who did not seek treatment. All three wound up in the ER several days later with raging infections. Each one of the cats was a pet, so it wasn't like some dirty clawed feral did the deed. Always take cat scratches seriously!

It is a cabbit. I think my cat is part rabbit. her hind legs are definitely rabbit-ish. ive held one of those before it has a head of a cat front legs of a cat but the front legs are shorter than usual and i dont know what it eats but i gave it cat food and celery it ate both.....well its really cute and it hops like a bunny sometimes its pretty funny actually i dont know but i think it was a result of cross breeding

You say, Hey can I have your cat if you don't want it?

it's not something for an inexperienced person but!

here is my answer.

build roll tracks, that u can put wheels in.(these must be two sided)

make absolutely sure they are identical but reversed.

attach your pieces, and wheels.

this in theory should allow the roll up door to be moveable.

The mother cat will be very tired at first. We live on a farm and have lots of cats and our mother cats will usually stay with the kittens for maybe a day or two then come out for food and then quickly get back to the babies. Don't worry. Healthy cats can survive a couple days without food.

Some cats may drool when they are very relaxed or content, similar to purring. However, excessive drooling can be a sign of dental issues or other health problems and should be checked by a veterinarian.

1. Assessing a student's knowledge/understanding of a subject.
2. Providing feedback to students and teachers on areas needing improvement.
3. Tracking students' progress over time.
4. Informing instructional practices and curriculum development.

Cats have a strong sense of smell and they use it to identify objects and people. Your cat may be sniffing your face while you sleep to gather information about you or your surroundings. It could also be a way for the cat to check on your well-being and show affection.

This behavior is likely due to your male cat trying to assert dominance or is attempting to mate with the female cat. It's essential to monitor their interactions to ensure the female cat's safety and well-being. Consider neutering the male cat to reduce this behavior and help maintain a harmonious environment between your cats.