askcatvirgil

[askcatvirgil]

Do you know how long cats usually sleep for at once? Google won't tell me.

I mean...cats definitely sleep a lot. Something like 15 hours a day or something--I don't recall exactly but it's a lot. I've seen my cats sprawled out in a particular spot and they'll often still be there hours later. I think it depends on the cat.

That said, if you have a cat that you are struggling to rouse, that seems excessively lethargic, or that won't wake up at all, you definitely should make sure the cat's okay. When cats do hit their deep sleep they pretty much will sleep through anything but I find mine are rarely that deeply asleep for more than an hour or two at a time.

Also age is a factor. Kittens need a LOT of sleep (because they're babies) and they tend to conk out and stay out even if you man handle them, which can be really super cute. But adult cats tend more toward light dozes most of the time. Again, in my experience.

[askcatvirgil]

My kitten opened one of its eyes on day 11th. 2 days after that, it still hasn't opened the other eye. Is it normal?

I don't know much about super young kittens, but a google search says most kittens start opening their eyes by 7-10 days and have both opened by 14, so my guess is it's probably okay? I'd say if at 16 days or so it still hasn't opened the other eye maybe talk to a vet, but I suspect it's probably okay.

Asked my roommate who grew up with barn cats and has had tons of tiny kittens, and she immediately said "Yeah, that's totally normal." So I'd say it's probably just fine!

[askcatvirgil]

Hey I have a baby kitty, 4mo and healthy, and the vet recommended that we use wet food instead of dry because of pee crystals and whatnot. I am cool w/that but I am also reading about transitioning food, and that you should do it little by little. I still live with my parents who think that method is aboslute bs (ex. back in my day we fed cats milk and what we ate now its different), so I am getting super worried. Will my cat guaranteed get sick if we don't transition food properly?

your cat will be guaranteed making nasty poop for a few days. That’s probably the worst of it, though. 

[askcatvirgil]

Idk what happened but my cat has become a bit too clingy? It's normal of her to ask for attention and lay on my lap but now she won't leave my side,She keeps licking my hands and tries to push everything that's in them out so she can lick them. When I go upstairs (she isn't allowed there) she lays in front of the door and begins purring and I have to physically shove her out the way to move the door, and I have nearly stepped on her atleast 9 times because she keeps walking so close to my feet

How old is your cat? If she is still young, this could just be part of her personality developing. Female cats in particular tend to attach themselves to someone and get pretty clingy, I’ve found. 

If she’s an older cat and this is a dramatic change in her behavior, you might see a vet to ensure nothing is wrong. Sometimes cats don’t show their pain or illness in obvious ways, but one of the things I’ve seen mine do when they’re sick is cling to me more. 

It could be something completely harmless, of course (have you started using a different hand wash? Anything with mint will drive a lot of cats nuts trying to get to the smell--catnip is a kind of mint, and for some cats, it’s an absolutely enchanting scent). But if your cat’s behavior has suddenly changed dramatically and you can’t pinpoint an obvious environmental cause (like moving houses, changing up a scented product, or just the cat going from an adolescent to an adult) then it’s better to be safe than sorry.

[askcatvirgil]

My exams are coming up so I spend a lot of time in my room to study, and my cat always comes upstairs with me to sleep on my bed while I study I love him so much

He very much loves you too!! That’s a HUGE sign of affection, respect, and love from a cat: following you into the room you’re in and hanging out there just because you’re in it. And sleeping in front of you? That’s a cat’s way of saying, “I know I can be at my most vulnerable around you because I know you’ll protect me, and I want to show you how much I trust that by sleeping right out in the open just so I can be near you!” 

Good luck on your exams! You’ve got at least one little furry buddy who’s clearly rooting for you!!! 

[askcatvirgil]

The fur around my cats neck where her collar is is thin is that a normal thing to happen?

I’ve sat on this ask for a day because the answer is kind of ‘yes and no’? Usually a cat losing fur beneath a collar means the collar is too tight and rubbing the fur off. But constant rubbing of any kind will cause hairloss (heck, I always wear jeans or long pants and there are parts of my legs that don’t really grow hair anymore because of the constant contact with fabric, and it’s not like I wear super tight jeans or anything). 

That said, it’s best to rule out another cause of the fur loss. Try taking the collar off for a few days and see if the fur grows back. If so, you’re probably looking at a collar that doesn’t fit properly. You should be able to slip one or two fingers under the edge of a collar; if you can’t, it’s too tight. 

Additionally, check your cat’s skin for irritation. It might be hard to see because of the remaining fur, but try parting the fur to see the skin. If it’s pink or red, it’s irritated, so your cat may have an allergy to the type of collar you have her wearing. Try switching to a different kind if so, after allowing the inflammation to calm down for a few days. 

If you notice your cat is losing fur on other parts of her body, it could be a different condition causing the loss. Check in with a vet to identify the cause. 

Hope that helps! :) 

[askcatvirgil]

I love that I added something on my cat askblog, then intended to just reblog it to my main, and ended up adding way more on my main, so I have to once again reblog to my cat ask blog. Good planning there, LJ.

I feel like the reason certain dog-lovers insist cats are evil is because they read their body language as if they were dogs. So here’s a very basic guide to common “mean” things cats do that actually aren’t mean at all if you know what they’re thinking.

Rolling and exposing belly- attacks you when touched Does not mean: Give belly rubs! - haha I tricked you!  Actually means: I’m playful! If you reach for my belly I’ll grab your arm and bite it because I think we’re playfighting! 

Lazily exposing belly - still attacks when touched Does not mean: tricked you again! Actually means: I’m showing you my belly because I trust you. Please don’t break that trust by invading my personal space. I might accept a belly rub if I’m not ticklish and I know you well. Snapping at you while being pet Does not mean: I suddenly decided I dislike you! Actually means: You’re petting me in a way that gives me too much restless energy. Please focus on petting my head and shoulders instead of stroking the full length of my back next time.

Is in the same room but makes no attempt to interact Does not mean:  I’m ignoring you Actually means: We’re hanging out! I’m being respectful by giving you space while still enjoying your company. Slapping/scratching your hand when you try to pet them Does not mean: I hate you! Actually means: You’ve failed to establish that we’re not playing, or the way you’re approaching me scares me. Be calmer, speak more gently, make eye-contact and blink slowly at me before you try again.

[askcatvirgil]

Seriously bless this post. Yes to EVERYTHING here. Cats aren’t dogs and it breaks my heart when I have people come to me thinking their cat hates them, or is being spiteful, and then they describe behavior that basically screams “I love you and I am desperately trying to tell you so.” 

Please please, learn your cat’s love language. They are amazing, intelligent, complex creatures with a rich social life and they want you to be a part of it!!!

I feel like the reason certain dog-lovers insist cats are evil is because they read their body language as if they were dogs. So here’s a very basic guide to common “mean” things cats do that actually aren’t mean at all if you know what they’re thinking.

Rolling and exposing belly- attacks you when touched Does not mean: Give belly rubs! - haha I tricked you!  Actually means: I’m playful! If you reach for my belly I’ll grab your arm and bite it because I think we’re playfighting! 

Lazily exposing belly - still attacks when touched Does not mean: tricked you again! Actually means: I’m showing you my belly because I trust you. Please don’t break that trust by invading my personal space. I might accept a belly rub if I’m not ticklish and I know you well. Snapping at you while being pet Does not mean: I suddenly decided I dislike you! Actually means: You’re petting me in a way that gives me too much restless energy. Please focus on petting my head and shoulders instead of stroking the full length of my back next time.

Is in the same room but makes no attempt to interact Does not mean:  I’m ignoring you Actually means: We’re hanging out! I’m being respectful by giving you space while still enjoying your company. Slapping/scratching your hand when you try to pet them Does not mean: I hate you! Actually means: You’ve failed to establish that we’re not playing, or the way you’re approaching me scares me. Be calmer, speak more gently, make eye-contact and blink slowly at me before you try again.

[askcatvirgil]

Hey, do you know what stray cats (that were probably socialised by owners) behave like and how they act around people? It's been so long since I had a cat and I can't remember. -b

There’s no one hard-and-fast rule, truthfully. Cats are individuals and the way they behave will vary based on a number of factors, including individual personality and temperament, how and when and by whom they were socialized, how long it’s been since they had an owner, and the circumstances that led them to being without one. 

But in general, cats that were well-socialized and accustomed to humans (especially if they’re accustomed to humans giving them food, shelter, and companionship) are often quite friendly, even if they are strays. It’s how my parents got the first cat we ever had when I was a kid: A stray that hung around my babysitter’s house followed my mom to her car one day when she came to pick me up, hopped in, and stuck around as if he’d always been with us. It is often true that cats will adopt people! 

I’ve also had a number of strays show up on my front steps asking for help, and rehoming them has generally been very successful in those cases, because they clearly wanted to be around people. 

So yeah, I’d say in general, cats who were well socialized by humans and raised around them tend to be fairly friendly around people, because they see us as a source of safety and food. 

But again, that can vary. Just depends on that cat, really!

[askcatvirgil]

Thought I'd send this. This is Milo who one year ago wouldn't even let anyone get close to him due to his past owners. He now sleeps in my bed every night but this is the first time he's sat in my lap.

[askcatvirgil]

any idea why my cat loves staring at water? pools and bowls of water, running water, dribbles. he doesn't like the water to touch him but he'll sit absolutely still and watch it. his latest favorite is standing on the edge of the tub, between the fabric shower curtain and the clear plastic on and watching the water as we shower

Moving water is interesting! In the wild, he’d be looking for it because moving water is usually safer to drink. In the safety of your house, it’s probably entertaining. It’s got an interesting sound, visual appeal, and likely a curious smell. 

Cats inside need enrichment; one really common thing is water fountains. So your cat is not alone! My cats are fascinated with the shower, and will stare at the curtain from the other side (it’s clear so they can see me but not get wet), splash in it after I get out of the stall, etc. One of them will actually dig water out of her dish if it’s not presented to her the way she’s used to seeing it. 

Cats like textures, smells, and sounds, and water is just one of those ones that’s interesting to a lot of them, I guess!

[askcatvirgil]

Hi! My four year old cat is excessively grooming his chest and has left a raw and bald spot. I currently have him in a doggy shirt while I apply Neosporin so it can heal and he can’t lick it. I had him in a cone for a while but he was scared to move so the shirt is better for him. Anyway, do you have any ideas for why he may be doing this and how I can get him to stop so he doesn’t leave more raw spots? Thank you!

This is beyond my expertise, because it’s probably got a physical or neurological cause. I’ve seen animals with issues like this that were caused by stress, and animals with issues like this that were caused by things like allergies (my friend’s dog was doing this to her belly and it turned out she was allergic to grass). Regardless, though, that kind of behavior is something to have checked by a vet so they can try to determine and treat the underlying cause. My “expertise” with cat behavior is born of nothing more than long years of living with them, but nothing medical. 

[askcatvirgil]

do you have any tips on helping a cat to unlearn a fear? I have to use a portable heater for my bedroom and my cat is too scared of it to sleep on my bed anymore, even when turned off. and it's really too cold at the moment for me to stop using it. as far as I can tell, she has no trauma or stuff like that associated with it, she's just scared of "unknown object that can make noise". any tips?

Maybe try some positive reinforcement. Put a nice snack near the heater--not super close, but maybe in the same room--and let her eat it. Then maybe put one of her favorite toys a little closer to it. Or a blanket (obviously not ON it, please no fire hazards, but maybe near it). 

She will probably eventually get used to it on her own, but putting some positive things in the room with it so she’ll start associating “good things” with “strange machine that makes scary noise” might help speed up the process. 

THe other thing to consider is that she may simply find it too hot? but then again if you say she’s afraid of it even when it’s off, that’s probably not it. 

I hope this helps!

[askcatvirgil]

My gorgeous's

Pippa on the left, rafiki on the right.

____

LJ: Please tell them both they are very good cats and I love them <3

[askcatvirgil]

Precious!!!

My cat gets really excited when I carry stuff. It doesn’t really matter what…

[askcatvirgil]

Want the best of both worlds? Build a catio or a run for your cats! You can make them elaborate or simple, but you can give your cat the enrichment of the outdoors with none of the danger to them or the local fauna. Here are some cool examples: 

Additionally, many cats actually CAN be trained to walk on a leash. Get a harness that fits them nicely and let them wear it indoors for awhile to get used to it, then take them outside and let them enjoy the outside with you there to protect them! (Harness rather than just a collar because if you need to pick them up or tug them quickly away from danger that will let you do it without risking choking them). 

Keep your furry friends safe!

Me: animal neglect is bad

Pet owners: yeah!!

Me: outdoor cats is just another way to say you neglect your cat and shirk your responsibilities when your cat gets hit by a car, poisoned, infected by parasites or disease, kills songbirds or is killed by predators

Way too many pet owners: UNTRUE, MY REFUSAL TO SUPERVISE MY CAT IS JUST HOW I LOVE THEM

[askcatvirgil]

Have you taken her to a vet? If she’s not standing up well or grooming herself, she may have arthritis or hip dysplasia. (Is she declawed? If so that could be what caused it). I would suggest taking her to a vet to see if she can be put on an anti-inflammatory or a pain reliever, because a cat that can’t even get into a litter box is a cat that is in a lot of pain. Cats will do everything they can to hide their pain, so if she seems like she’s in a little, she may be in a lot. Taking her to a vet may give you options to increase her qualify of life! 

Of course if you’ve already done so, don’t mind me!! :) 

For the bath, use warm water (not hot, but warm) and be very gentle when you lift her in and out of the tub, as being picked up is probably painful for her (which I’m sure you probably knew already, I’m just being an overly-cautious cat lover!). Make sure to be very gentle when you rub her down as well, and make sure you help her dry off so she doesn’t get chilled. 

Here’s an awesome video from Cole and Marmalade that’s a good visual tutorial! 

Does anyone have tips for giving old wobbly cats a bath?

Like, tips to make it more comfortable for said cat?

Ive got an old 12-14 year old v cuddly v docile furbaby who, to my knowledge, doesnt clean herself at all, or?? Doesnt know how to clean herself at all?? (In the two years ive had her ive never even seen her lick even a front paw) and is generally chill and doesnt freak out in water(tho she meows unhappily)

Since she getting up there in age and fragility, I'm having to be careful. Shes probably in her last year or two so I just wanna make sure shes as comfortable as I can help her be.

So, um, yeah? owo;