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How Cats Choose Their Favorite Person (What You Need To Do)

Domestic cats may seem like a more introverted species, but if they are associated in a setting with humans, they are more likely to develop a bond with their owner or owners.

If cats are socialized with humans in the beginning stages of their life, they are likely to have a favorite person. Each cat has its own personality and some breeds are more likely to show affection than others, but there are a few signs that show whether a cat likes or dislikes its owner.

Historically, cats have always been labeled as aloof and mysterious, but as scientists are learning more about our feline friends, the world is starting to understand that cats actually like their owners.

How to Tell if a Cat Might Choose You As Their Favorite Person

Being able to read a cat can be difficult at times. How can you know if your cat truly likes you or not? There are a few tell-tale signs that show if a cat has labeled you as their favorite person.

If a Cat Likes You

When cats lick or groom their owner, it is a sign that they believe that their owner or favorite person is family or a close companion. So, if a cat is licking your hair or ears, it means that they trust you.

If a cat head-butts you and rubs their head around your legs or any part of your body, they are wiping their scent on you. Cats have scent glands on their face, so they are using their own scent to mark you as a person of importance.

When kittens are young, they use their paws to knead their mother for milk. Adult cats no longer need milk supply, but they still use their paws to knead on their favorite people to feel relaxed or to show signs of bonding.

There are scent glands in the paws as well, so the cat may be wiping their scent on their owner just like how they use their faces to wipe their scent onto people who they like.

Another communication of body language that you should look for is the cat’s tail. The tail is a great indicator of how the cat is feeling. If it is raised high in the air or is curled around your leg, that means that the cat likes you and feels comfortable around you.

It may seem quite obvious, but if a cat purrs while being petted or while they are in the presence of their owner, then that is an indicator that they are around their favorite person.

In fact, Nicky Trevorrow, a Cat’s Protection Behavior Manager, told Cosmopolitan that cats only purr for their kittens and humans that they love.

Adult cats don’t verbally communicate very much, unless in the presence of their favorite person. If they meow and “gurgle” often, that is a sign that they are communicating with you and that they like you.

When a cat gurgles, it is a sign that they are happy and feeling sociable. This sound that a cat makes is quite different than a meow.

Gurgling sounds like a high-pitched chatter, rather than its usual form of communication. If you hear this, it is a great sign that the cat likes you.

A sometimes less than desirable sign (for the owner) is if a cat likes you, they present you with “gifts.” These gifts might include dead rodents or insects. Although these gifts are not meant directly for their owner, they’re a sign that the cat feels secure and at home.

As odd as it may sound, if a cat lightly nibbles or bites on its owner, then that usually means that the cat has imprinted on that person.

This is not as common as the other signs, but cats will engage in this playful behavior because they feel comfortable with that person.

If a cat really loves a human, it will constantly follow them around. This shows that the owner and cat have a strong bond. This behavior is similar to how a kitten follows its mother.

When an adult cat follows you, this means that they feel safe and comfortable around their owner.

If a cat shows any of these signs, this means that the cat likes you a lot and that you may be your feline friend’s favorite person.

If a Cat Doesn’t Like You

Cats can be very communicative with their body and their verbalization. So, if a cat doesn’t like you, there are a few signs to look out for that might be obvious, although some are not as apparent.

Of course, a cat will hiss at a person if they feel intimidated or in danger. This sign means that they are unhappy and want some space from this person.

However, if a kitten hisses, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are unhappy or upset, they are just growing and developing.

As mentioned before, cats are very communicative with their tails. If their tail is low and the fur is puffed out, this is saying that the cat is feeling aggressive or unsafe.

Russel Hartstein, a certified cat behaviorist, told Insider that the lower the cat’s tail is, the more stressed they are feeling.

Another sign that a cat doesn’t like someone or is feeling uncomfortable is if they hide often.

This might happen when a cat is sent to a new home, but if they continue to hide from their owner even after becoming comfortable with their surroundings, it might be a sign that they feel unsafe.

Although all of these signs might mean a cat doesn’t like you, there could also be some underlying medical conditions that the cat is trying to communicate.

It’s important for owners to make notes of these signs and see if they continue these actions. Perhaps it would be best to take the cat to the vet if they are displaying this type of behavior often.

What to Do to Make a Cat Like You

If a cat lives in a household with multiple people, the feline might prefer some people over others.

You can tell that a cat likes your family members better than you if they show more signs of affection to this person in comparison to yourself.

If you want to become your cat’s favorite person, there are a few things that you can do to possibly win over your pet.

The easiest way to make a cat like you is to socialize your furry friend while they are still young. According to MSD Manual Veterinary Manual, there is a very short window of time to socialize kittens with people and other animals.

That window usually lies between 2-7 weeks of life. Kittens that are handled by humans between these weeks in life are more likely to be friendly towards people.

If you have not had the chance to raise a cat from this young of an age, there is still hope to make your cat like you. It’s very important to observe the cat to see its likes and dislikes.

Every cat has a personality. Some are shy, while others are outgoing and friendly. If you notice that your cat is more on the shy side, it is best to let the cat approach you.

Timid cats like their personal space and need some time away from their owners. If this does happen, respect the cat’s personal distance and wait for the cat to approach you.

If you give cats their personal space and let them decide when they want to approach you, they are more likely to interact with you for a longer period of time, according to this study.

When your cat starts to warm up to you, be sure to engage in social play often. Cats enjoy toys like wands with feathers or strings. Playing with your cat is a great activity if the cat is not in the mood for cuddling or relaxing.

It also keeps the cat fit and healthy, which is very important for cats’ moods and affection levels. Be sure to let the cat play as long as they would like and don’t force the cat into more playtime than they can handle.

If your cat is in a cuddly mood, then there are a few places that cats enjoy being petted most. Most of the time, cats show a positive reaction when they are petted on their forehead and cheeks.

Be sure to avoid petting the tail area, as this has been linked to negative effects, such as hissing and biting.

If you are noticing some of these negative effects with the interactions that you have with your cat, be sure to give the cat some space.

Besides the cat hissing and biting, look for other signs of discomfort. Other signs, according to Mental Floss, are a flattening of the ears and a twitching tail. If you are noticing these signs, be sure to give your cat some alone time and wait for them to approach you.

Bechewy adds that cat owners need to stay positive and continually try their best to work with their cats. To yield more positive results, be sure to give the cat treats or food when you greet them.

This will link the cat’s positive feelings to when they see their favorite person. It’s also important that treats are used in small proportions and used wisely. Some cats are not motivated by food at all, and overfeeding your feline friend can make them less affectionate.

Overall, it’s important to observe the cat’s personality. There are always exceptions to every rule because some cats might like interactions that other cats generally do not enjoy.

For instance, many cats don’t like belly rubs, but some cats love them! Just be sure to give your feline friend some time so that you both get to know and understand one another. A cat will ultimately choose their favorite person based on how well their needs are met by that person.

Cats Choose Their Favorite People Based on Personality

Much like humans, cats have many different personalities. Some cats are introverted or extroverted, some are playful, and others prefer their personal space.

Cats’ temperaments, likes, dislikes, and characteristics play a role in whether they like certain people or not. In many cases, cats tend to like humans that have similar personalities to themselves.

In general, cats are a very observational species. If they live in a home with multiple human family members, they understand which members are more outgoing or shy, fun or laid back.

Whoever a cat likes best, the more likely the cat is to copy that behavior according to this study on Plos One. The study shows that more extroverted owners are more likely to have sociable cats. Owners that are rated highly on neuroticism are more likely to have cats that are anxious or fearful.

If you are looking for a cat to adopt, be sure to observe cats’ behaviors and personalities. When you go to the adoption center or shelter, be sure to set aside some time to get to really know the cats that you are interested in.

Try to find a cat that has a similar personality to yours so that you will be able to create a close bond quickly.

Most Affectionate and Least Affectionate Cat Breeds

Even though cats’ personalities can vary from feline to feline, some breeds are more affectionate in comparison to others.

This isn’t to say that less affectionate cats don’t like their owners, they are just less likely to show it than other cat breeds. In fact, some of the less affectionate breeds create strong bonds with their owners—they are just more shy towards strangers.

Most Affectionate Breeds Least Affectionate Breeds Ragdoll Singapura Russian Blue Bengal Scottish Fold American Wirehair Devon Rex Korat Persians Siamese Sphynx Pixie Bob

The table above is not all-encompassing for every single cat, but for the general behaviors of each cat breed. The more affectionate breeds are generally more outgoing and kind to strangers and young children.

It is also important to note that certain cats will be more affectionate depending on their background and interactions with others.

Some of the breeds mentioned on the least affectionate breeds list are those that have the closest ties to their wild ancestors, making the domesticated breed less affectionate and more likely to be playful, aggressive, or demanding.

The less affectionate breeds are more likely to stay timid around strangers and new surroundings.

Each cat breed is capable of loving their human owners to the fullest capacity. As long as a cat feels that it is well taken care of and loved by their owners, the more likely they are to form a strong bond with their favorite people.

The post How Cats Choose Their Favorite Person (What You Need To Do) first appeared on Purr Craze.

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Why Cats Hate Closed Doors (Here’s The Solution)

Cats are known for having all sorts of weird habits that do not make sense to us right off the bat. They attack you if you rub their belly, they run around at full speed on a whim, and they jump on top of people in the middle of the night. While all of these habits are very weird, there is another habit that often boggles owners’ minds: cats meow loudly at closed doors.

Cats meow at closed doors for many reasons like being bored, curious, and wanting attention from people on the other side. Cats can’t open doors that they want to get through, so no matter the reason, if a cat wants the door open, they will, loudly, let you know!

While some of the simpler reasons for cats meowing at doors are clear now, there are so many other reasons and, if need be, there are ways to stop your cat from continuing this bad habit. We will go over all aspects of this peculiar behavior below, so keep reading!

Why Cats Hate Closed Doors And What They Will Do Then

Before we get into the reasons for the strange way that cats act around closed doors, we should clear up exactly what the habit is so that you can understand how bizarre the behavior is if you do not have a cat or have not seen this behavior before.

Some cats will sit next to a closed door and meow and cry as loudly as they can at the door. Sometimes this yowling is accompanied by scratching at the door and sticking their paws and noses underneath it.

When the door is finally opened for them, they stop meowing almost immediately and will either go into the room, just sit there with the door open, or turn around and walk away. This behavior can be very confusing for cat owners.

One part of this issue is owners wondering if their cat is offended when they are shut out of a room. Some people may shut their cats out. of their bedrooms at night to prevent the cat from waking them up way too early in the morning.

Fortunately, your cat’s desire to get into a room when the door has been shut in their face is not usually because they are sad.

Some cats do have separation anxiety and may get sad or scared when they can’t freely get to you, but most cats are not sad when they are shut out of a room. We will cover how they really feel about being shut out of rooms.

Reasons For This Behavior

We have established that many cats are obsessive about closed doors and it is a common habit to meow and scratch at a closed door.

Here are the many reasons why they do this so that you can better understand what your cat might be trying to tell you when they are behaving like this.

Curiosity

Everyone knows the phrase “curiosity killed the cat”. While being curious about what is behind a closed door is not a danger to your cat’s life, it is one of the biggest reasons why cats hate closed doors.

It does not matter if there is no one in the room or if nothing has been moved or changed in there, a cat will often assume that a closed door means that there is something new and exciting that they are rudely being refused access to.

They might think there is food behind the door or a new person, but whatever they think might be behind the door will drive them crazy until they get to see what’s really on the other side.

When doors are left open, the cat doesn’t have to worry about what might be in the room because they can see into it, or know that they have access if they want to.

Territorial

Another huge reason for cats to meow at closed doors is that cats, like many animals, are quite territorial. They see your house or apartment as theirs, not yours, and they only want a couple of people or animals to have access to their home.

Because they believe that every room is their property, when they go to patrol the house, as cats often do, they are not able to properly claim that room and will demand to be let into their territory.

Want to be fed

Some cats just simply want to be fed. This is usually the reason for their riot against closed doors in the morning or dinner time as they are demanding their breakfast.

You are the one who gives it to them, so they need access to you. If you are behind a closed door during these times, your cat probably just wants you to come out and feed them.

This is also one reason for them loudly begging to have the door opened and then walking away once you open it. They are not trying to be annoying, but they are trying to show you that they want food.

They are walking away so that they can lead you to their food dish or feeding area. If you follow your cat when they do this, they will lead you to the reason why they wanted the door open in the first place.

Greeting

Another reason for this weird behavior is that your cat wants to say hello or good morning! You should view this reason as loving behavior instead of your cat trying to be annoying.

Cats do not like to greet just anyone, so if they go out of their way to tell you hello and then leave after a short while, they really like you and feel comfortable around you.

While this is a high compliment from creatures who are known to be aloof, it can still be really annoying to have to open the door so your cat can say hi.

Boredom

This is another reason why a cat might beg to have the door opened but then turn around and walk away. While cats seem like they want to be left alone, they are actually very social and want to be able to interact with you often and play or cuddle.

Their sociability is what drives cats to find you in whatever room you are in but sit far away from you seeming like they are pretending to not like you.

If your cat is allowed to sit with you on the couch or they have a favorite toy in another room, they might cry to be let in but then walk away right after the door is opened.

This is because they know what their favorite activities are so they are trying to lead you to a different area where they can play with you or cuddle.

Similarly to when they want to be fed, just follow your cat and they will help you understand why they are acting the way that they are.

How to Stop it

While understanding why a cat will cry out and scratch at doors fulfills half of the mystery, the other half is figuring out how to get them to stop.

It is possible to get a cat used to closed doors and there are many different ways to teach your cat to stop behaving like this at closed doors.

Feed them Later

The biggest reason for your cat waking you up in the morning by crying at the door is because they are hungry and want to be fed like we discussed before.

One of the easiest ways to deal with this is by feeding them at a later time. While transitioning into this later time is not very easy and your cat will be upset at you for a week or so when you make them wait, after they get used to it, they will be full for longer and won’t start begging for food until the new feeding time.

Provide Entertainment

Because one of the big reasons for meowing at closed doors is boredom, there are a lot of easy fixes to this. Provide your cat with plenty of toys and interesting items for them to play with and explore.

Boredom is often the reason why they cause problems at night when cats are very active, so providing them with ways they can entertain themselves is a great way to stop the crying at your door.

If your cat is both an outdoor and indoor cat, you might find that installing a cat door is very helpful. They will appreciate the extra stimulation from outside activity and will probably not bother you when you are sleeping.

They also will have access to shelter, food, and water if they need it throughout the night so they will not cry at your back door to be let back in.

Place Deterrents outside the Door

Deterrents for cats are easy to find and you do not usually need to go to a store and buy something special. There are a few household items that most cats strongly dislike and you can put them on or in front of the door.

These deterrents will at least keep your cat far enough away to stop scratching at the door, though you might still hear them meowing from a little ways away.

Some deterrents are double-sided sticky tape, tin foil, or motion-activated air can. Cats are notorious for hating tape and things that stick to their paws, so if you stick some double-sided tape on the floor next to the door or over the area that they scratch at, they will recoil from the sticky feeling and keep a bit more distance from the door.

Some cats do not like tin foil so you can put a sheet of it over the area of the door that they scratch at and areas that they can reach and they will also keep a greater distance from the door.

They do not like the sound or feeling of tin foil, so just a little bit in areas they might try to touch will teach them to stay back.

Another great deterrent is a motion-activated air canister. When your cat gets close to the door and starts meowing, the air canister will blow a stream of pressurized air that will startle your cat and they will run off or back up.

This way your cat will have a negative experience with begging at the door without losing the positive bond they have with you.

Ignore them

One of the more difficult ways to get your cat to stop meowing at closed doors is to just ignore them.

While this is not recommended if your cat actually needs something like food or water and you should make sure they have what they need at any time, ignoring your cat’s cries of boredom at night can teach them that being loud and annoying does not get that door to open.

While it can take a couple of weeks or only days, this method will soon teach them to stop crying at the shut doors in the house.

The transition time will be quite difficult and you might have to get earplugs to sleep with, your cat will be quieter in regards to closed doors if they learn that they can not control you and make you open that door.

Other Solutions

With these ways of stopping this behavior, your cat should quit being upset at closed doors, but if for some reason they are still doing it, you should consider coming up with ways to please them without going out of your way to open any closed doors.

One of these ways is to prevent the door from opening all the way.

Cats usually don’t need doors to be fully open, they just want to have access to the room if they want to go in there. A good solution to stop the meowing is to get a doorstop or special latch to keep the door open just wide enough for your cat to get through.

A doorstop will keep them from pushing the door wide open so you can still have privacy from roommates or family without upsetting your cat.

There are special latches that you can get that will hold the door open just a crack but it can’t be closed or opened more than the allotted amount.

Source, Source

The post Why Cats Hate Closed Doors (Here’s The Solution) first appeared on Purr Craze.

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Why Your Cat Grabs Your Hand And Bites You

Cats are beloved, cuddly companions. While we love our cats dearly, it can be a surprise when they choose to take a bite out of your hand. But why does your cat companion do this?

A cat may grab and bite someone’s hand because of a feeling of overstimulation, annoyance, play, or signaling an injury. Identifying the reason a cat is biting you will likely be circumstantial. Redirect the cat’s energy with a toy to stop the cat from biting.

Everyone has a different explanation for their cat biting them. We spoke with the experts to find out some of the exact reasons why cats do this kind of behavior. Keep reading to find out!

Why Cats Grab And Bite Hands

When a cat bites your hand while you are petting it, we call it a “love bite.” Unfortunately, these love bites can seriously hurt. So why does your cat bite your hand? Is it just a love bite/an act of affection? Well, it may be a bit more complicated.

The first thing to consider is your cat’s age. Young cats and older cats may bite their owner’s hands for different reasons. Young cats and kittens primarily bite hands as a form of playing.

Kittens are still learning right from wrong and are full of energy. As they learn to control their bursts of excitement, they may swat at or nibble on your hand.

Some kittens may latch on to your hand and repeatedly kick the palm of your hand as they bite you. Why is this? Most young animals “play” is just them learning how to hunt.

As gruesome as it may seem, some suggest the kitten kicking your hand is practice for kicking and ripping the stomachs of their future prey.

Your cat is not mistaking you for their prey. The cat is simply using you to practice. As your cat’s only playmate, you may fall victim to these instincts. Do not be surprised if your kitten attempts to play rough.

Another reason a young cat may grab and bite your hand is because it mistakes your hand for a toy. We frequently dangle our fingers over our cats as they lay in front of us.

Taunting them with our hands may be fun for us, but it can confuse them. Cats may become especially confused when they get in trouble for scratching or biting the hand dangled that was dangled in front of them.

Teach your kittens that hands are not toys by redirecting their energy into toys.

While older cats do not have as much playful energy, they too may grab and bite your hand on occasion. If this happens, it could be for one of two reasons. Let’s take a look at two different scenarios.

#1 Your cat is lying on the floor in front of you. As you approach them, they roll over, exposing their stomach to you. You reach down to rub their tummy. As you do, the cat latches on and begins to bite you.

#2 Your cat is lying by themself, perhaps on their cat scratcher or by the window. You walk closer and begin to pet them. Suddenly, your cat swings around, grabbing your hand and biting it.

So what’s the difference between these scenarios? Well, let me explain.

Grabbing And Biting When You Rub A Cat’s Belly

In the first scenario, the cat appears to be inviting your attention and affection. Even though you feel invited, the cat still bites you.

Just because your cat rolls over does not mean it necessarily wants petting. One expert explained that cats roll over to show their stomachs as an act of friendship and submission.

Your cat may only want to be acknowledged, not touched. The expert continued to explain that a cat biting your hand resembles how their mother would treat them.

Mother cats correct their kittens with gentle bites and pawing. If your cat is biting your hand, they may be signaling to you that they have had enough stimulation, just as their mother did with them.

Grabbing And Biting Because Of Discontent

Now, let’s look at the second scenario. This scenario is a little more plain and simple. If your cat is not seeking out attention, it may be annoyed by your petting.

Annoyed by the attention, the cat will grab your hand and bite. A practice, once again, taught to it by its mother.

Petting a cat creates lots of stimulation. If your cat is not seeking out attention, it will likely react negatively to your attention. Your cat will notify you of its discontent.

But what about a third possible scenario?

Your Cat Might Do This Because Of Overstimulation

Your cat is sitting by you on the couch or perhaps is lying on your lap. After petting them for a while, they suddenly grab onto your hand and bite.

This reaction could be a result of overstimulation. As mentioned above, petting a cat anywhere creates significant stimulation. One cat behavioralist explained that cats have sensitive hair follicles.

These hair follicles can only take so much attention. If a cat becomes overstimulated, it will ask you to stop, or they will get excited and start to play. Both situations could result in your hand getting bitten.

The cat may also be telling you that you are petting it too roughly or in some other way that it dislikes. Remember, this is not a sign of aggression. Your cat is simply communicating with you in the only way it knows how.

Some suggest your cat biting your hand means it is injured; however, there is not much evidence to support this claim. Watch for other signs of injuries.

Cleaning Behavior

Another behavior associated with grabbing and biting your hand is cleaning it. Sometimes your cat will snag your hand and start licking you with the occasional soft bite.

This biting and cleaning combination is a form of affection and, once again, resembles its interactions with the mother cat.

If you think your cat is biting your hand for a different reason, chances are it is. You spend the most time with your kitty companion and therefore know its behaviors and personality best.

How to Tell When a Cat Will Bite You

Although it may seem sudden and unprovoked that your cat grabbed and bit your hand, chances are they warned you before biting you.

Unfortunately, cats and humans do not speak the same language. This language barrier can lead to some miscommunication and hurt feelings.

Do not be upset if your cat bit you. Watch for the warning signs described below to avoid it happening again. Cats are in constant communication with us. Whether they are meowing loudly or seemingly lying quiet, there is always a message.

Signs that your cat is about to bite you could be as subtle as the flick of their tail or a change in their ear position. More direct signs of irritation include hissing and growling.

If your cat arches its back, this is a definite sign of anger. Remove yourself from these situations.

Cats flick their tails as a sign of annoyance or even for excitement. If your cat is exhibiting these behaviors, it is best to avoid them or redirect its energy with a toy.

How to Stop Hand Biting

So you have identified the reason your cat bites your hand, now what? Now you can help your cat develop habits other than biting your hand.

Punishing your cat for this form of behavior will likely result in the cat disliking you. The more your cat dislikes you, the more likely it is to bite you. Punishing your cat will essentially result in a more aggressive cat rather than a trained cat.

Remember, your cat is an animal, and it will act by its instincts. Do not damage your relationship with your cat. Follow the advice below instead.

The first step to stopping your cat from biting hands is to understand the things you do that trigger the cat’s reaction. You have already taken this step by reading the section above!

Now, be mindful of your cat. Become aware of the things you do that result in them biting your hand. If possible, stop these behaviors. Perhaps your cat only bites when you grab their tail or their feet. If so, stop petting these areas.

If you are petting your cat, and you notice they are beginning to get agitated or overstimulated, stop giving them attention. Only give your cat a few strokes to avoid riling them up. If your cat gets riled up, redirect its energy towards a toy, not your hand.

Never use your hand as a toy. Using your hand as a toy will only teach and encourage the cat to bite you and others.

Playing with your cat for at least 30 minutes a day will reduce the chances of it biting you. Cats rarely play for extended periods. Ensure your cat gets the full 30 minutes each day by dividing playtime into two or three segments each day.

Spreading playtime out will continually stimulate your cat’s energy, decreasing its desire to bite your hand. Have playtime right before you leave for work to keep your cat out of trouble while you are gone.

What to Do When Your Cat Grabs and Bites Your Hand

Teaching your cat not to bite your hand will take time and lots of patience. But what do you do in the meantime if your cat bites you?

First things first, put down the spray bottle or the bottle of rocks. These tactics rarely teach the cat what they are doing is wrong. Instead, they invoke fear and panic. Cats learn by redirection.

Do not yank away from the cat. If the cat already has its teeth and claws on you, pulling away from them will only tear up your hand more. Additionally, pulling your hand away too quickly may further excite the cat, causing them to follow you or bite more.

Grab the cat’s scruff with your free hand and gently pull them away until they release your hand. If the cat is not biting hard, you can also wait for it to let go and then pull your hand back slowly.

Remember, fast movements may excite them again. Some suggest pushing your hand gently into the cat’s mouth. Doing so will force them to let go.

Once your hands are free, you need to distance yourself from the cat. Set the cat on the floor, move them off the couch, or ignore them. Ignoring a cat when it bites you teaches it to seek attention in other ways. If necessary, walk away from the cat.

Examine your hands for bites and scratches. Treat any bites or scratches.

How to Treat a Cat Bite/Scratch

As harmless as a cat bite or scratch may seem, they can be quite dangerous if left untreated. Both cat bites and scratches can easily get infected due to the bacteria they carry. One such bacteria, Pasteurella multocida, is the leading cause of hand infections.

Because cats have significantly sharper teeth than other animals, their bites essentially inject bacteria into the wounds. Although a cat bite may not look serious at the moment, this can quickly change.

Immediately wash the bites and scratches on your hand. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and a bandage.

If your hand begins to swell, turn red, or becomes more painful, seek medical attention. Other warning signs to watch for are fever or flu-like symptoms.

Cat bites or scratches that have been left untreated could result in serious infections that may require surgery. Cat scratches are dangerous because their claws are so sharp.

Because of the smooth cut cat claws create, it is harder for the wound to heal. Additionally, cat claws carry bacteria which then get into the scratch.

Wash cat scratches with soap and water. Be careful not to rub the wounds as this could work the bacteria further into the site. Watch for signs of infection such as swelling, chills, body aches, and pus.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.

Consult a veterinarian if any of your other animals get bitten by a cat (if it breaks the skin).

The post Why Your Cat Grabs Your Hand And Bites You first appeared on Purr Craze.

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What To Do If You Accidentally Kicked Your Cat

Accidents are stressful, period. However, they can be made even more stressful when our feline friends have been involved and we’re the reason the accident has occurred. Kicking your cat is never a nice feeling.

If you accidentally kick your cat, you should immediately apologize to your cat in a calm manner and with a friendly, high-pitched voice. This will help your cat to understand that it was an accident. After that, check your cat for behavior changes like limping, bleeding, lack of appetite, etc.

Cats are pretty resilient and in most cases will be back to normal in minutes, no harm done. However, if you find yourself constantly thinking it over and worrying about the fact you kicked your cat, then take a look at our article.

We’ll tell you exactly what to do if you accidentally kicked your cat, the signs to look out for, and how to apologize to them so you can be back in their good books. You’ll also be safe in the knowledge that you’ve done everything possible to make sure they are seriously hurt.

What To Do If You Accidentally Kicked Your Cat?

When you accidentally kick your cat, the first thing to do is remain calm. Take a deep breath and don’t be too hard on yourself. These things happen and you’ve probably had several close calls in the past, plus it was an accident.

After kicking your cat, it’s highly likely that they will be annoyed at you, so approach with caution. If they hiss or go to scratch you, step back and give them some space. They’ll start to calm down after a few minutes. 

While it’s very unlikely that any injury will have been caused, it’s a good idea to give your feline friend a once-over and check for any obvious visible injuries. Do this by petting them and checking the area where you accidentally kicked them.

If you don’t find anything, that’s a good sign. However, it’s important that you pay close attention to any changes in behavior and how they move. Internal injuries aren’t obvious and may not show up straight away.

If you’re concerned or notice anything unusual, take them straight to your local vet. 

Will My Cat Be Okay?

While I’d love to give you a clear-cut answer as to whether your feline will be okay, it will all depend on where and how hard you kicked them as well as your cat’s overall health.

In most cases, your cat is going to be absolutely fine, albeit a little surprised. But it’s worth noting that worst-case scenarios can still occur. 

These scenarios are more prominent if you’ve accidentally kicked or stepped on their head or torso. Keeping an eye on your cat for a while after the accident will show you whether any serious implications have happened.

What Signs Should I Look Out For After I Have Accidently Kicked My Cat?

You’ve accidentally kicked your cat, you’ve checked for any visible injuries and found nothing. So what should you do next? 

Well, first of all, no visible injuries can be a good sign that no real damage was done. Only that your cat now trusts you a little less. Which might take a little while to rebuild. 

However, the one thing you won’t know just by petting your cat is if they have any internal injuries. They may present themselves in many different ways and it’s these that you need to watch out for. 

Here is a list of signs to look out for after you have accidentally kicked your cat:

Change in their normal behavior

Pale or discolored gums

Confusion or disorientation

Rapid or slow breathing

Seizures (signs of head injury)

Bleeding from the ears or nose (signs of head injury)

Pain or tenderness in affected area

Lack of appetite

Inability to move joint 

Limping or lameness

Bruising under the skin

Vocalization

Refusal to bear weight

Excessive licking of affected area

How Can I Apologize To My Cat?

It’s safe to say that the majority of us have accidentally stepped on or kicked our cat. There may even be times where we’ve hurt their feelings without even realizing it until we’re given the cold shoulder. 

So you’re right in wondering how you, as a cat parent, can apologize to your feline and get yourself back into their good books. 

Here are some tips to help you start the process:

1. Understand exactly what you did wrong 

Researchers believe that cats have very sensitive hearing, even more so than dogs. They also believe that our cats can understand our tone and know if we aren’t genuine with our apology.

2. Approach your cat with caution

Seeing your cat in distress and knowing you are the reason they are like that can be tough. However, it’s really important that you stay calm. Running after your cat screaming ‘I’m sorry’ is just going to scare them even more.

You’ll want to carefully watch their reaction and approach cautiously and slowly. If your cat backs away from you, give them some space and come back when you’ve noticed they’ve relaxed a little. 

3. Timing is very important

Timing is key when it comes to apologizing. Watch out for signs that your cat is angry, annoyed, or even fearful. It may be a good idea to give them some space before you approach them. 

It’s also important not to let too much time pass before you apologize to them, as they may interpret this as you ignoring them. If you’ve noticed your cat is looking more relaxed, now would be the time to approach them.

Remember to use a soft tone when speaking to them, especially if they are hiding from you and shying away from you. They need to know they can trust you again. So keep praising them when they come close to make them feel safer.

4. Speaking to your cat

Researchers in Japan, are investigating whether cats have the ability to understand certain words, such as their names or different foods. We already know that cats are pretty responsive to their own names, so you can definitely start by calmly calling them over to you.

As we already know that cats have sensitive hearing, it’s important that we use a calm high-frequency tone to call them over to us. Positive reinforcement also works really well when trying to win their hearts over.

According to Professor Bjarne O. Braastad of the Norwegian university of life sciences, cats are more receptive to the voices we use when speaking to babies. So repeating the words ‘I’m Sorry’ in our baby-talk voices may help them understand our apologies quicker in the future.

5. Petting and playing with your cat

Once you have apologized, it’s a good idea to test the waters by showing your feline your hand. If they smell your hand and then show they want a scratch or to be stroked, you better comply.

On the contrary though, if they hiss or scratch, they need a little more time and space.

Once given some space, most cats will come round and want more attention than ever before. You can also strengthen your bond and trust by playing with them. Use some of their favorite toys to play games with them to show them that you really are sorry.

Giving them the occasional treat – if they still seem annoyed at you – is a good way to apologize. Treats won’t work on their own, so taking the above steps first and ending with treats, usually does the job. 

The post What To Do If You Accidentally Kicked Your Cat first appeared on Purr Craze.

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Waking Up A Cat From A Nightmare: A Good Idea?

Cats tend to spend a lot of their lives sleeping, so it’s only natural to think they have nightmares, and whether waking them up from one is a good idea.

If you wake a cat up during a nightmare you will interfere with its natural sleep rhythm. Nightmares occur during the REM sleep stage where the hippocampus is busy shifting through memories from the day. Waking up a cat during this stage can result in shock and aggressive behavior.

While experts will tell you that you should never wake a cat up from a nightmare, almost everyone does it. In fact, 75% of the cat owners we asked do wake them up. But how bad can it really be? 

Our article will explain why waking a cat up from a nightmare is a bad idea, what could happen when you wake your cat up from a nightmare, and how you can comfort them.

Why Waking A Cat Up From A Nightmare Is A Bad Idea.

Before we explain why it’s a bad idea to wake a cat up from a nightmare, it’s important to know whether cats even have dreams. The answer is believed to be yes.

According to French Neuroscientist Michel Jouvet, cats experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. They also experience the same characteristics during this period of sleep as humans; twitching of their eyes, and a relaxed muscle state.

Associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at MIT Picower Institute, Mathew Wilson, believes that feline dreams are very similar to ours. So it’s only right that we assume they have nightmares.

Now that we know cats can dream, we can look at why waking up a cat from a nightmare is a bad idea. REM sleep in cats is vital, just as it is for humans. It’s also the time that most cats are likely to have dreams or nightmares.

During REM sleep the hippocampus is busily shifting through memories from the day. So by waking your cat up during this stage of sleep you will be interfering with its natural rhythm, which could overwhelm your cat and make them even more anxious. 

What Could Happen If You Wake A Cat Up From A Nightmare?

Waking your cat up from a nightmare can result in injury, to both you and them. Depending on what their nightmare was about – and it’s not possible to find out – your cat is likely to be frightened or terrified.

Terrified or frightened cats are likely to hiss, scratch, and even bite and lead to injury for you.

But that’s not all. Waking a cat up from a nightmare could have a devastating impact on them as well. When a cat is having a nightmare their heart rate is already racing, so waking them up unexpectedly could result in a jolt that could lead to heart palpitations or even cardiac arrest. 

The Cat Sleep Cycle

Cats have two sleep cycles; REM sleep and deep sleep. These sleep cycles are very similar to the sleep cycles humans encounter when they sleep. 

REM Sleep

This is the stage of the sleep cycle where your cat is likely to dream or experience a night terror. During this stage, you’re likely to see twitching of their ears, eyes, tail, and paws. You may even hear them squeak or purr.

Deep Sleep

Your cat is 90% of the time going to be in the deep sleep stage of its sleep cycle. This stage in cats is crucial as it’s responsible for rebuilding and repairing the body. 

A lot of professionals suggest that it’s best not to wake your cat up during any of these stages, instead you should provide them with a cozy, secluded space where they can feel safe so that they enter into the deep sleep phase.

As your cat ages, the amount of REM sleep they experience will decrease so it’s safe to say that your kitten is more likely to dream than adult cats. 

Signs Your Cat Is Having A Nightmare

You can usually tell when a cat is having a nightmare as it will twitch, hiss or growl. On rare occasions and depending on the nightmare you may even witness your cat swipe its claws through the air while it’s asleep.

You may also notice their pupils rapidly darting behind closed eyelids, their heads moving as though watching prey, and their breathing may become faster or more labored.

How Can You Comfort Your Cat While Having A Nightmare?

When your cat is visibly disturbed during their sleep, instead of waking them up, which as you know is a bad idea, you should just comfort them instead. Sleep, regardless of dreams or nightmares, is vital to felines. Ways to comfort your cat include:

Reassuring words like “you’re safe”, or “it’s okay”.

Appealing to your cats’ sense of smell by placing a familiar-scented item close to their nose. This could be a blanket, a scarf, a jumper, or a cushion. 

When your cat wakes up from its nightmare, it will likely be confused and potentially a little anxious. Do not scoop up your cat straight away and start petting, it may take a few minutes for your cat to realize where it is.

Instead, say your cat’s name and let them approach you, it’s likely that they will want a lot of love and attention from you. So offer to play with them, keep telling them they are safe and create positive memories as soon as possible after their nightmare to aid its recovery.

The post Waking Up A Cat From A Nightmare: A Good Idea? first appeared on Purr Craze.

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Should You Really Clean Your Cat’s Nose?

A cat’s nose is one of the most intriguing and valuable parts of her body. It can help to track, locate, and protect with their sniffing powers!

So, quite naturally, you would want to keep a cat’s nose clean and healthy. Still, most cat owners find themselves wondering whether to clean it or not.

A cat’s nose requires cleaning in the case of nasal discharge to prevent congestion and breathing difficulties. Additionally, cleaning is necessary if there is a black lining around their nose due to mucus and booger buildup. 

However, bear in mind that a cat’s nose is extremely delicate and requires proper cleaning. In this article, we have discussed when and how to clean your cat’s nose.

So, read on!

When Should You Clean Your Cat’s Nose?

You need to clean your cat’s nose carefully. However, note that, unlike ears and eyes, the nose only requires cleaning in particular conditions. Let’s discuss each one of them below: 

Cat Allergies

Allergies in cats are quite common. They could be because of airborne allergens, food, or even fleas and can definitely disrupt your cat’s routine!

An allergic cat faces symptoms such as skin itchiness, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing repeatedly. 

You may also find nasal discharge like clear, transparent mucus around her nose. It could lead to nasal congestion and, thus, breathing difficulties. So, you can clean your cat’s nose to provide her relief and breathing ease.

Visible Appearance of Black Lining Near Cat’s Nostril

Some cats have a thin or thick black lining near their nostrils. This happens due to the buildup of mucus, boogers, or scabs. 

If you notice that your cat’s nose has a black lining, we suggest cleaning it gently with cotton pads and saline solution. 

Note: If you notice bleeding in that area, it’s best to visit a veterinarian. It is because VCA Hospital quotes that upper respiratory tract infections may cause nosebleeds.

Slight Difficulty In Breathing 

Sometimes, your cat may not have any disease or infection. But, if she plays outside or around the house, the dirt might accumulate in her nostrils. Thus, causing slight difficulty in breathing. 

So, it’s best to check her nose for dirt and it once before looking for other causes. 

Is It Safe to Clean Your Cat’s Nose?

A cat’s nose is sensitive, but it’s safe to clean in the above-mentioned cases! However, there are some instances when you shouldn’t clean it without asking the vet.

Cats have a transparent and clear mucus discharge due to allergies. However, if the nasal discharge is of any other color like yellow, brown, or red, you need to visit a vet.

An abnormal nasal discharge or bleeding is a sign of chronic upper respiratory tract infection. So, instead of cleaning the nose, you should ask for proper medications to avoid any additional discomfort. 

Apart from this, you also need to clean your cat’s nose gently. If you’re too aggressive, you may end up scratching your cat’s soft nose and hurting it. 

How to Clean Your Cat’s Nose?

Did you know that a cat’s nose can have up to 200 million smell receptors? So, it’s a vital organ and requires the right method of cleaning. 

Given below is how you can safely clean your cat’s nose. 

Materials Required:

Cotton Pads

Saline Solution 

Cleaning Process:

Step 1: Make Your Cat Comfortable

Most cats try to escape and may end up hurting themselves during any cleaning process. So, you need to ensure that your cat is feeling comfortable. 

Fetch by Webmd, a veterinarian-reviewed platform, suggests scheduling a cleaning session when your cat is sleepy. 

Hence, accordingly, you can schedule a nose-cleaning session after dinner to ensure your cat’s comfort. Also, don’t do it if you think your cat is in a grumpy mood.

Step 2: Start With The Cleaning Process

Once your cat looks comfortable, place her on a flat platform, like a table. Before you begin, pet her a little to soothe her nerves. 

Then, here’s what you need to do:

Take a clean cotton pad and put some saline solution on it. 

Wrap the cotton pad around your thumb for easy cleaning. 

Gently hold your cat’s left side of the nose. Then, clean the surroundings of the right side. Remove any visible dirt. 

For smaller areas, use the cotton-clad thumb’s nail to reach and clean them.

Repeat the same process for the left side of the nose. Make sure to use a new cotton pad for the other side. 

Note that your cat might try to run away, so you need to be a little quick during nose-cleaning. 

Also, once you have cleaned the nose, try offering nutritious cat treats to get her excited for the next cleaning session. 

Difference Between a Cat’s Wet Nose and Unclean Nose

Do you often find that your cat has a wet nose? Well, there’s nothing to worry about in this case. 

Most cats have wet noses that help them decipher various scents. It’s because the scent particles get attached to wet surfaces more easily than dry surfaces. Moreover, cats also lick their noses a lot to wet them. 

So, unless and until you don’t find any dirt signs, including – mucus, boogers, or scabs, your cat’s nose is clean. 

On the other hand, an unclean cat’s nose is home to a black crusty layer surrounding it and requires proper cleaning. Additionally, if your cat has breathing difficulties or allergies, her nose might be unclean/congested. 

The table below will help you gauge whether your cat’s nose is just wet or unclean. 

CategoryWet NoseUnclean NoseAppearanceDamp with no mucus, dirt, or black stuff Presence of mucus, boogers, or scabs Cat’s BehaviorNormal and relaxed with steady breathing Signs of breathing difficulties such as: 1. Panting 2. Mouth Breathing 2. Noisy, fast, and short breaths Cleaning Requirements A wet nose doesn’t require any cleaning from your end. A cat can pretty much clean her nose in most cases.An unclean nose may become a cause of concern due to breathing difficulties and restlessness in cats. So, you need to clean your cat’s nose properly with cotton pads. 

Comparison between a wet nose and unclean nose

Final Thoughts

Cats are clean animals, and some people even consider them cleaner than humans! Moreover, they’re self-sufficient to clean themselves, but sometimes, they may require additional assistance.

So, if you notice any clear nasal discharge from your cat’s nose, black stuff, or breathing difficulties, you should clean their nose.

The post Should You Really Clean Your Cat’s Nose? first appeared on Purr Craze.

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What Does It Mean When Your Cat Lets You Rub Its Belly?

Are you ever sitting randomly and find that your cat is showing its belly to you eagerly? Well, you may feel confused about what you’re supposed to do. Do they want you to rub it and if so, why? After all, the majority of cats don’t like their bellies rubbed!

A cat’s belly is one of the most vulnerable areas and if it’s willing to expose it to you, the cat considers you trustworthy. So if your cat lets you rub its belly, it is a sign of deep trust. However, in some instances, your cat might also be the kind to simply love belly rubs. 

Cats are tricky animals. So, even if your cat is showing its belly, it doesn’t always mean that it wants you to rub it. 

Hence, to help you out of this confusion, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about rubbing a cat’s belly!

Why Does Your Cat Let You Rub Its Belly?

When it comes to having a cat as a pet, every little gesture counts. They aren’t extremely expressive but they’ve their own ways to communicate their thoughts with their owners. 

So, if your cat is allowing to let you rub its belly, there are two probable reasons:

Reason 1: Your Cat Is Showing Its Affection and Trust Towards You

Most cats do not love to get their bellies rubbed. The reason behind this is that the cat’s belly is one of the most vulnerable areas of its body. There are several vital organs in that specific region and even the slightest injury here can prove to be fatal. 

Hence, as cats are quite overprotective and alarmed about their safety, they won’t let anyone touch their belly area. Even more so, some cats don’t even expose their bellies to their owners or while they’re resting.

Hence, you’ll find that they’re mostly resting on their legs and safeguarding their bellies. 

So, if your cat is suddenly letting you rub their belly, they trust you immensely. They’re trying to convey that they don’t see you as a threat but instead, as a well-wisher. 

Reason 2: Your Cat Simply Love Belly Rubs

Another reason why your cat lets you rub its belly is that they might simply love it and all the attention. 

So, it’s not always necessary that the only reason your cat lets you rub its belly is to show their trust. If you’re confused, you can also look for other signs of trust that your cat shows such as:

Head-butting 

Kneading 

Licking your face (More on that here)

Rubbing their face on you

Eating from your hands directly

How To Tell If Your Cat Likes Belly Rubs?

Even if your cat shows you their belly, doesn’t always mean they’re asking for a belly rub. So, if you’re rubbing their belly, you need to look out for some signs to know whether or not they like it. 

This cat is absolutely relaxed while getting its belly rubbed. You can see that there is no tension at all.

Now, if your cat likes belly rubs, they’ll show the below-mentioned signs: 

1. Stretching 

When you’re rubbing your cat’s belly and you notice them rolling over and stretching themselves, then they’re surely loving it. They may also expose their entire body to you and show that they’re liking the belly rubs. 

2. Purring

Do you hear your cat’s soft meows and purrs while you’re rubbing their belly? Well, this proves how much they’re loving it. 

Here, just make sure that your cat is making gentle and soft noises and not snarling/threatening ones. 

3. Closed or Partially Closed Eyes

If your cat loves belly rubs, they’ll have a calm and composed posture. Moreover, they’ll also try to relax by either partially or fully closing their eyes.

So, if you find your cat looking relaxed, happy, and comfortable while rubbing their belly, they’re liking it!

Signs That Your Cat Doesn’t Like Belly Rubs

Did you accidentally anger your cat while rubbing its belly? Well, there are chances that your cat isn’t a big fan of belly rubs. 

In this case, you also need to look for signs that show your cat’s discomfort while you’re rubbing their belly:

1. Tensed Body 

As mentioned above, a cat has a relaxed stance when they like belly rubs. 

Conversely, if they don’t like you rubbing their belly, they will tense up their body. Moreover, they will draw their legs up as soon as you touch their belly. 

As you can see, this cat doesn’t seem to be okay with getting its belly rubbed. It tries to push the hand away with its back legs and it is not relaxed.

2. Putting Distance 

Many cats expose their bellies for no reason sometimes. So, if you try to give your furry friend a good belly rub and they don’t like it, they’ll just roll over and walk away. 

This is a sign that your cat doesn’t want their belly rubbed even if they’re exposing it. 

3. Hissing 

The last and the most obvious sign that your cat isn’t liking belly rubs is when they’re making hissing sounds. 

Contrary to their gentle purring, if your cat is hissing or growling, it’s a sign that they’re warning you to back off. In such a case, it’s best to not touch your cat for some time.

To summarize, the table below will help you know if your cat likes belly rubs or not. 

CategorySigns Your Cat Likes Belly RubsSigns Your Cat Hates Belly RubsPostureRelaxedTensed Facial ExpressionCalm with eyes fully/partially closedExtremely alarmedDo They Run Away?NoYesSoundCalm and gentle purringHissing and growling sounds

How To Make Your Cat Enjoy Belly Rubs?

If you want your cat to feel comfortable while you’re rubbing its belly, you can try the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Start By Interacting With Your Cat 

In this step, you have to start interacting with your cat, such that they feel comfortable. For example, you can start by scratching their ears or neck or whatever interaction makes your cat happy. 

Step 2: Slowly Rub Their Belly

While you’re interacting with your cat, you can try rubbing their belly once or twice. Then, repeat it throughout the week and try to increase the strokes on their belly. 

Step 3: Offer Them Treats

If your cat lets you rub its belly long enough, you can also reward them with healthy and delicious cat treats. 

Note: Keep in mind that not every cat is ready to get its belly rubbed. So, if you notice your cat getting angsty or threatening while you’re rubbing its belly, it’s best to avoid belly rubs. 

Final Thoughts

Cats have various ways of showing their love and appreciation towards their owners. And well, allowing their owners to rub their belly is one of the most elite gestures for sure! 

So, if your cat lets you rub its belly, try doing it once and see whether they’re liking it or not. 

The post What Does It Mean When Your Cat Lets You Rub Its Belly? first appeared on Purr Craze.

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The Right Time To Let Your Kitten Roam The House At Night

Kittens are curious creatures by nature. They love to roam around and explore their surroundings even at an early age. But, when exactly is the right time to let them roam the house at night?

Ideally, the right time to let your kitten roam the house at night is when it’s already been litter trained and fully accustomed to its surroundings. There is no guaranteed time frame as getting your kitten settled in is a gradual process.

Kittens are such a joy to have around, but as with any other young animal, they need to be protected and guided until they get the hang of things. With this, here are some tips on how to help your kitten adjust to its new environment.

Risks of Letting Your Kitten Roam at Night

You need to be aware that giving your kitten the freedom to roam around the house does carry its risks. Although it is relatively safer indoors than outdoors, there are still many potential dangers lurking inside your home.

You will be amazed at the trouble these tiny spunky fluff balls can get into.

1. Litter accidents around the house

One of the top risks of letting your kitten roam around the house at night on its own is having litter accidents all over your place. This is why it is crucial to have your fuzzy little bundle of love litter trained before allowing it to roam alone.

Typically, kittens are litter trained by the time they are 4 to 6 weeks of age. So, it really might take some time before your kitten gets the hang of using its litter box and eventually roam around your home alone.

2. Your kitten might get stuck in tight spaces.

Kittens are naturally inquisitive fluff balls and can easily find themselves stuck in the most unlikely of places. Since they’re pretty tiny and have awfully flexible bodies, they can find themselves trapped in tight nooks and crannies around your home.

It is very important to have your home kitten-proofed before allowing your tiny buddy to roam and explore the house. We’ll discuss more about kitten-proofing your home in a bit.

3. Your kitten might get lost.

Being the natural explorers that they are, kittens love to survey their surroundings and can easily get lost in the process. If you have a huge home, it may be difficult for you to find them in the morning.

Again, kitten-proofing your home is essential to prevent them from finding their way outdoors. It’s also advisable to keep your kitten in a confined space first to prevent it from going astray.

Precautions Before Letting Your Kitten Roam

In order to keep your tiny feline friend safe and secure, you’ll want to take extra precautions before finally letting it roam around the house alone at night. Here are some of them:

1. Kitten-proof your home

Kittens love to climb, play, and explore anything they come across with, so it’s important to make your home a safe haven for your pet. Your house is full of potential risks, so arm yourself with these simple measures to avoid untoward incidents.

Look for all possible hiding spots in your home, so you’ll know where to find your kitten once it goes missing.

Locate all potential escape routes around your home and secure it. All your windows and doors should close tightly. You should also make sure that all screens around your home fit snugly in their frames. This is also to ensure that your kitten won’t find its way outside of the house.

Put all your prized fragile items away from your kitten’s reach. Kittens are gifted with crazy acrobatic skills, so they might knock your precious collectibles by accident.

Wind up all cords and keep other dangling enticements secure. Trust me, you don’t want to keep your kitten entangled on those. It’s also best to keep them away to prevent your kitten from chewing on them.

Place all house plants out of your kitten’s way and discard all poisonous plants such as lilies, aloe vera, daffodils, sago palm, azaleas, and tulips.

Install child-proof locks on cabinet doors to prevent your kitten from exploring it.

2. Keep your kitten in a confined space.

Letting your kitten roam freely around the entire house right away is a recipe for disaster. It’s better to have a confined and controlled space for them to move around until they get completely settled in.

Gradually expand their space as they get familiarized with your home until it gets to the point when you no longer have to put boundaries.

Once they are fully accustomed, there’s no reason they can’t handle a much larger space—be it vertical or horizontal. Just make sure to get rid of all household hazards first.

3. Give your kitten a collar with a bell.

Collars with tiny bells attached to it come in really handy especially for frisky kittens. Being the energetic and inquisitive creatures that they are, kittens can easily get trapped in tight spaces around the house.

This type of collar can help you keep tabs on your kitten and track its whereabouts at home—think of it as an old school GPS. Apart from being functional, belled collars also look so adorable on kittens.

4. Introduce your kitten to other members of the household.

Apart from getting your feline friend accustomed to their new space, you also need to get your kitten familiarized with all the members of the household—and that includes other pets you may have at home.

Just make sure to keep a close eye when introducing your kitten to other pets. Expose them to each other for short periods each day and repeat until they are used to each other’s presence at home.

Letting Your Kitten Roam at Night

To wrap up, kittens are natural explorers, so letting them roam around the house is necessary for their wellness and development. However, make sure that your kitten is already litter trained and familiar with your home before allowing it to roam freely on its own.

Be patient as your new kitten adjusts to its new surroundings. It may take weeks or months, but soon enough, your tiny furry friend will be well adapted and feel so much at home.

Related Questions

What age should kittens be allowed to roam the house?

There is no fixed age as to when kittens should be allowed to roam the house on their own. They can only be allowed to roam the house alone once they have already been litter trained and familiarized with your home.

How do you leave a kitten alone?

It is important to spend a couple of minutes with your kitten before leaving it alone. Make sure to have someone look after your kitten when going out of the house for more than a couple of hours.

Should I let my kitten sleep in my room at night?

There’s nothing wrong with letting your kitten sleep in your room at night. Whatever your sleeping preference is, just make sure to avoid switching up your kitten’s sleeping arrangements because they are too sensitive to change.

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Do Savannah Cats Get Along With Regular Cats?

Savannah cats are a mix of domestic felines and African wild cats.

They are the largest domestic cat and most intelligent too, to the point that they can be taught simple tricks like jumping through hoops! Keeping these intelligent, active cats as pets can be a challenge, but they’re surprisingly adaptable with most other pets.

A Savannah cat gets along well with other domestic cats and in fact, behaves pretty much as other shorthair cats would. However, when introducing a Savannah to other pet cats, it is a good idea to do so gradually. Allow them to spend a lot of time under supervision before leaving them alone.

Savannah cats get along well with other domestic cats, in fact even enjoy their company since they are very active and have a channel to expend their energy in play rather than in destructive behavior which results out of boredom.

If you are introducing Savannahs to pet cats, you already own or are bringing in a new cat after owning a Savannah there are some steps you can take to make the new addition’s transition and adaption easy.

1. Be sure of the cat’s generation

Savannah cats are rated by a filial system that tells how removed from the wildcat genes they are. F1 is the closest to its wild ancestor and F4 are the furthest removed while still being considered a true Savannah.

Cats beyond F4 are too far removed from the Serval ancestor to be considered true Savannahs.

F1 cats are loners and more aggressive than the F4 cats. F4s are friendly, affectionate and trainable and are considered domesticated, which earlier generations are not.

It stands to reason that the earlier generations will show stronger wildcat genes, and so may not the best fit for a family that already has or plans to get more pets.

F5 onwards are not considered “true Savannahs” and are more domestic cat than Serval. However, always keep in mind these hybrids do contain wildcat genes and have been accepted as a pet breed over the last thirty-odd years.

They are not as domesticated as the cats that have lived in our homes for thousands of years.

2. Socialize your Savannah

If you’re getting a Savannah as a kitten, it is advisable to socialize it early in life. A kitten that is used to different environments and being around different species of animals (cats, dogs and birds) is less likely to take exception to them within the close confines of a house.

Socializing is easier and faster if your Savannah is the only cat brought into your house at the time.

If you’re getting two of them at the same time, they would definitely prefer each other’s company to start with, in which case getting used to and friendly with humans and other pets in the house may take time.

3. Introduce them gradually

Savannahs do have some wildcat genes in them, while some domestic cats may not be very sociable. In either of the cases, there may chances of aggression shown and it is prudent to allow short interactions until the two felines get to be friends who don’t fight.

While introducing them under supervision, make sure there is an escape route for the cat that is feeling threatened. This may be the Savannah or the other cat. In extreme cases, it may take weeks for the two cats to socialize, but by and large things aren’t this bad.

4. Give your Savannah some “me time”.

While Savannahs are social creatures that like being around other pets and their humans, we must remember they are descendants of Servals, which are loners and are territorial.

Being surrounded by humans and pets would keep this social hybrid cat happy but having wildcat genes means they can be a bit unpredictable at times. Give your Savannah some time alone, with toys or cat trees to keep them occupied.

If it is agitated by the proximity of other cats whether they are big or small, remove the hybrid from the area and put it in a room where it will be alone and safe, but with enough items around to prevent boredom, because a bored feline (especially a bored Savannah!) is a destructive feline.

5. Provide plenty of co-play opportunities

Cats need mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and happy. Different breeds require different levels of stimulation, with a Savannah needing quite a lot.

Provide your cats with toys they can play with together, initially under your supervision. Cat wands, raccoon tails, balls and motion toys are great for getting your cats used to each other in a playful, non-threatening environment.

Make sure you’re present at all times until they get used to each other, at the least tolerating the other cat if not being friendly.

6. Give the relationship time

Cats are known to be moody and this could translate into them being difficult when it comes to making new friends.

Don’t foist the newcomer onto the senior pet of the house, neither of them will appreciate it. Gradually introduce one to the other, keeping moods and fears in mind.

If they’re not taking a shine to each other from the start, give them time. Be patient and keep at it. Short durations of interaction multiple times a day and affection shared equally between the cats should go a long way in bringing harmony to your life as a pet parent.

If initial meetings go south, you could always use a spray bottle and a sharp yelp to break up a fight in the making.

7. Separate the litter boxes

There are very, very few cats in the world that will happily share their litter boxes. Litter boxes are personal spaces, and cats are possessive of their personal spaces.

Don’t make your Savannah share a litter box with another cat, it’s not a sensible idea and can make the two cats think of each other as the “space invader,” which will not end well.

A lot of experts and people who have raised cats for years say it is a good idea to have an extra litter box in the house. This will prevent territorial spats between the cats.

Two cats, three litter boxes. Simple.

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10 Reasons Why Your Siamese Cat Is Lazy Or Even Lethargic

Cats make great domestic pets and are very happy living indoors with their human. Since most are commonly seen snoozing in a sunny spot or deliberately ignoring the human seeking their attention, there is a common perception that they are inactive and don’t like activity.

Siamese cats are not lazy at all. While they are mostly calm, friendly, and laid-back, they are still very active cats. It seems that there is always something they need to do and most of the time they want to involve their humans in their activities.

Siamese cats are the opposite of lazy. If you are noticing your Siamese is not as active as it should be, monitor your cat’s behavior closely and see what is causing the laziness or even lethargy.

Why is my Siamese lethargic?

Humans that belong to Siamese cats tell stories of coming home to unraveled sweaters, unrolled toilet paper, cereal boxes hunted out of cabinets and contents dumped all over the kitchen, shredded books and many more incidents where the Siamese made it clear they were active, at times too much so!

If your Siamese is not active, there could be any number of reasons, starting from the harmless (cats are moody!) to the serious such as ill-health. Infections, old age, boredom and change in weather could be among the reasons a normally active cat has become lazy.

There are steps you can take to increase activity levels for your cat once ill-health has been ruled out, but before that know what could possibly make for a lazy Siamese.

1. Ill-health

Cats can take ill easily. If you suspect your Siamese is unwell, take it to the vet and get a thorough check-up done.

The doctor will check for parasites or infections and treat the condition accordingly. Joint problems could also be a reason your normally active cat is now lazy. Correct diagnosis and treatment should have your Siamese back to its active self really soon.

2. Medication side-effects

Know how medicines make us drowsy? It’s the same for cats. If your Siamese has been on medication for any reason, they could be lethargic as a side-effect of the medicine.

Once the effects of the medication wear off, your cat should be back to its usual level of activity. However, you should check with your vet for confirmation before assuming this is reason for the lethargy.

3. Obesity

Yes, cats are prone to obesity! Since Siamese are fluffy cats, it’s easy to mistake excess weight for fluffiness.

Your Siamese could be eating more than it requires, which is a real concern if food is always available in the cat’s bowl.

On the other hand, if you’re feeding on schedule but the diet is rich in protein, the cat might still put on weight. This is because cats digest protein slowly, resulting in weight gain.

If your cat is overweight, reduce the amount of food offered till the weight comes down, after which you can maintain it by monitoring the food intake and making sure the cat is getting enough exercise to burn off the calories.

4. Old age

It’s natural for cats to slow down as they age, and your Siamese will be no different.

Just as we human slow down, cats do too. Always factor in age when considering your cat’s activity level but do schedule a visit to the doctor to rule out any other cause.

5. Boredom

Is your Siamese bored? If it is not offered mental stimulation, it is very possible for it to become lethargic and not make any attempt to be active.

Give your cat plenty of toys to play with. Something as simple as a cardboard box, toilet roll, ball of yarn and other basics will keep your Siamese happily occupied for hours while you’re away.

When you’re home, you could engage in some play with your cat using laser beams, balls, feather teasers, bells, etc.

6. Depression

Animals feel emotions and while felines do not get depressed the same way as humans, they do experience some form of it if they go through a traumatic experience.

The loss of a loved family member or fellow-pet, abandonment and an extreme change in living conditions can all trigger depression.

If your cat has gone through any of these, make an effort to spend more time with your cat, play and cuddle with it as much as it allows you to reduce any sense of abandonment so it feels loved and wanted and can come out the depression.

In extreme cases, medicines might be required to treat the problem.

7. Change in sleeping pattern

It’s normal for cats to sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. Normally, our pets adapt to our sleeping pattern but sometimes they switch it around and spend more time prowling around the house at night and sleep during the day.

Many Siamese cat owners have woken up to a home that looks like it’s been vandalized just because their cat was awake most of the night and bored! When the cat has been this busy at night, it is to be expected that they’ll recoup by sleeping through the day!

8. Conserving energy

This is a throwback from the time of their wild hunting days when cats would sleep during the day and hunt prey at night.

This had the double advantage of avoiding the larger animals during the day that might prey on the cats themselves and also making their hunt easy because nighttime is when many smaller mammals are active.

9. Hot weather

Siamese cats have short fur and usually cope very well with heat.

If you’re living in a place with high temperatures and are noticing your cat has become lethargic, it is grooming itself more, drinking more water than normal or seeking cool surfaces to lay on, it’s feeling hot and is trying to keep its core temperature down.

You could opt to have your Siamese’s fur trimmed to keep it cool, but this method is a hotly debated one since some people say the fur is a natural temperature regulator and will keep the cat cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

10. Lack of exercise

If your Siamese is not getting enough exercise in routine, it is possible it’s gotten used to the sedentary lifestyle and isn’t interested in moving around too much.

If you have the space and budget, you could install a catio that’ll keep your cat occupied in safe and constructive exercise. If you don’t have outdoor space, an indoor cat tree or walkways are a good option.

In case you can’t manage that, a few sessions of playtime throughout the day should be enough exercise. Use feather toys and laser beams that the cat will chase until it tires, which is usually after 10 minutes of intensive play.

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6 Reasons Why Your Siamese Cat Is So Skittish

Siamese cats are notorious for their playfulness towards their owners. Definitely, they are one of the best cat breeds for those who want to have companion cats. However, there are instances where they just seem to not be able to calm down. So why is your Siamese cat so skittish?

It can be due to their never-ending playfulness but at the same time, it can be due to their anxiety. The reality is, Siamese cats are one of the most anxious cat breeds. Therefore, you should be able to see the signs to know if the skittish behavior of your Siamese cat is normal.

In this article, we are going to discuss the different reasons why your Siamese cat is so skittish. Additionally, we will also give you some tips and tricks on how to correct this behavior when it becomes bothersome for you.

Gone are the days when you will get worried when your cat does not calm down, so read on!

Personality Of Siamese Cats

Before we talk about the different reasons why your Siamese cat is so skittish, let us first go over the general personality of Siamese cats. In this way, you can somehow gauge if the skittishness of your cat is normal or something that you should be alarmed about.

“We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you do not please”

These lines were sung by the Siamese cats in the movie Lady and the Tramp and this is such a perfect description of their personality.

Siamese cats are opinionated and very talkative. Definitely, they will not hesitate to tell you what is on their minds and they will express this via their raspy and loud meows.

They demand your full attention and they will want you to follow their “advice.” You might think that this is such a pushy behavior but it is the opposite. In fact, they are very fond of people and they can even supervise your activities.

A siamese cat will follow you around and settle down where you sat. Moreover, they will love to sleep with you, cuddled against those warm blankets. With that said, they hate being left alone.

They can manage for your day of work, but they will get anxious when you leave them for far too long.

Also, they are very intelligent so they need a lot of stimulation. They also love to play so make sure to give them a lot of time and toys. In the event that you leave them without some form of entertainment, you might just come home with toilet paper around your living room. Yikes!

Why Is My Siamese Cat So Skittish: The Reasons

Let us now take a look at the possible reasons why your Siamese cat is so skittish. We also included some tips on how to stop this behavior, so be on the lookout for those!

1. Everything Is New

We are all familiar with this scenario, you just took home your Siamese cat and the minute you put him down, he goes rushing to every room of the house. The opposite can also happen, where he will just stay rooted on the ground.

When these two things happen, you do not have anything to worry about. He is just getting a feel of his new environment. It is best to just let him be or supervise whatever it is that he is checking out.

If he is just frozen in one spot, try to assure him that he is safe and that you are there. This will also help in establishing your bond with him.

The same goes when you move to a new apartment or house. So never force your Siamese cat to settle down or push him to be energetic. Eventually, he will come around.

2. Lack Of Stimulation

“Hooman, where are my toys?”

This might be the statement of your Siamese cat if there are not enough things to keep him occupied. Just like what we mentioned before, they are highly intelligent and playful. Therefore, they need the means to exercise these traits.

This can be done by playing with them so they also get exercise. Further, you can get them toys where they need to figure out how they can get a cat treat out.

Siamese cats are also known to play fetch like a dog. So take advantage of this to spend his excess energy. At the same time, while playing this with him, you get to bond with him.

3. They Are Being Ignored

As they are social cats, they love to engage in conversation and be at the center of attention. Therefore, if they feel like they are being ignored, they will surely do all things to capture your attention again.

They may end up wreaking havoc or the exact opposite, where they will just be withdrawn and hide somewhere.

The simple solution? Devote time to him or her. Always make sure that no matter how busy you get, you always set aside time to play or simply talk with them. This also includes the times when he or she keeps meowing at you as if they are narrating what happened during their day.

Listen to them and make sure that you respond. It may sound silly as you do not exactly know what they are saying, but they will appreciate it.

4. Lack Of Basic Needs

This is where you really have to observe when your Siamese cats become skittish because they might be telling you something. Siamese cats are known for vocalizing if there is something off in terms of providing for their needs.

For example, they may keep on being energetic and meowing right after feeding them. This may be a sign that they are still hungry and you have to give them more.

More than that, if you notice that they become anxious or excited after pooping, they might be saying that their litter is full or it needs to be cleaned.

This is what is great about Siamese cats because they will tell you right then and there what they exactly want from you. The key is understanding what they are trying to say behind their skittish behavior.

5. They Want To Annoy You

As negative as that sounds, it is highly possible. The reason behind this is that they are so intelligent so they will deliberately do things that you have previously taught them not to do.

You might notice that they will become skittish while you are training them. For others, they do the “water trick” where they will spray some water to their cats in order to dissuade negative behaviors. When you do this to your Siamese cat, you will notice that they will become skittish.

What is worse is that they will deliberately continue doing the negative behavior. This is why in training these intelligent cats, you first have to earn their respect. Further, positive reinforcement training is better than corrective training.

6. They Were Abused In The Past

If you adopted your Siamese cat (thank you for choosing to adopt!) you might notice that he is skittish. This is nothing to be alarmed about since it is expected for him to be wary of people and his surroundings.

He might have come from a household that hurt or ignored him, so he does not have enough self-esteem. As we have already established, they are very emotional and social cats so you have to make sure that you build your relationship with them before training them.

A good thing to do is to spend at least 30 minutes with him a day. You can talk to him while stroking him. In turn, he will think that you are someone he can trust and can provide for his needs. Slowly but surely, you will notice that his skittishness will disappear.

Related Questions

How do you get a skittish cat to trust you? The best way to make your Siamese cat trust you is to spend a lot of time with him. It can be through play or just plainly lounging with him. Also, make sure that you provide all his basic needs. Lastly, always talk to him.

Do Siamese cats get depressed? Yes, they are one of the cat breeds that can develop serious emotional and mental issues, especially when they get ignored for far too long. They may become skittish or totally withdrawn. So always spend time with them as they constantly need your undivided attention.

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Here Is How Loyal Savannah Cats Are

If you hang around a Savannah cat long enough, you may begin to notice how loving they are to their family and this will cause you to ask, “Are Savannah Cats loyal,” and the answer is yes.

Are Savannah Cats Loyal? Savannahs are known for having the looks of a beautiful exotic Serval cat, but the personality of a dog. We all know dogs are incredibly loyal creatures and the Savannah is just like this – they absolutely love their immediate family members and but tend to be a bit cautious with strangers.  

This is the quick and easy answer to your question of the Savannah’s loyalty. But to know more, keep on reading.

Understanding the Breed Levels In Terms Of Loyalty

The breed level of the Savannah plays a role in the personality you will get. Let’s take a moment to briefly talk about these breed levels.

The F1 Savannah is the wildest of Savannahs with one parent having been a Serval. They are a bit antisocial when it comes to kids and strangers. They are smart and tend to bond with about two people.

The F2 Savannah is a very social kitty and like to socialize with their immediate family. They don’t mind kids, either. They love to play and are high energy cats. They don’t mind saying “hello” to visitors at your home.

The F3 Savannah is trademarked as being extremely bonded with their family and will socialize with strangers who come over to your home. They are very athletic in nature as all Savannahs are, and love to play. Their personality shines and they are great for families.

The F4 and F5 Savannahs are very smart, social and love to be around people. They are beautiful and great for families as their personality is friendly. As with other Savannahs, they are high energy and need lots of play time.

What Makes Them Loyal?

As we mentioned earlier, Savannahs have the personality of a dog in some ways. Their loyalty comes from proper socialization-do make sure if you plan on adopting a Savannah from a breeder you ask about socialization.

Most breeders do a great job with this, but it is better to see how the cats are socialized before you pay the high price associated with these beautiful cats.

The Savannah actually seeks out social interaction, depending on their breed level. For the F1, socializing with their primary owners might be enough.

For the F3, F4 and F5, playing with the family and going for a walk as a group might be their preferred way of socializing and demonstrating their loyalty.

(Yes, these cats enjoy going for walks on a lead-it’s a great way to socialize your Savannah and strengthen your bond also).

The breed level of the Savannah also demonstrates loyalty in the presence of strangers. F1s, for instance, might take a high perch to observe a stranger as they visit with you in your home.

This particular breed level is very cautious around strangers, just like a loyal dog might be as a means of protecting their owners.

Have a look at the Savannah cat below waking up her favorite human!

Savannah Cat: A Breed Like No Other

Loyalty is just one amazing trait of the Savannah cat. By taking a look at some of the other aspects of Savannah cats, we can come to a better understanding of these cats’ delightful personalities.

Firstly, Savannahs make wonderful friends that can provide many years of happiness and companionship to their owners. Their lifespan may range anywhere from 12 to 20 years, provided owners keep up with regular vet visits and care for them properly.

Next, their energy level is arguably the highest of all breeds of domestic cats. Owners around the world take joy in playing with their Savannah in ways that they simply cannot do with other cats.

These joyful activities lead to a greater bond and thus greater loyalty among Savannahs and their owners.

For instance, Savannah cats of all breed levels actually enjoy playing in water. A Savannah cat playing outdoors with their family on a hot summer day in a children’s pool is a big send up from a regular domestic shorthair cat, who usually stay far away from water!

They Love to Play

Playing with your Savannah will not only be a requirement but a great activity that helps them grow attached to you. These cats are known for being amazing jumpers as well as fast runners.

They often tire out other pets in the household and can be found exploring, climbing or poking around during all hours of the day.

Most of these cats do not fit the stereotype of the cat that naps all day long-so those looking for a feline who can sit calmly in your lap should look elsewhere!

Walking and Bonding

Savannahs also love putting on a comfortable harness and going outside for a walk. Walking with your Savannah is a great way to establish and strengthen your bond, plus provide your cat with much needed exercise.

The act of exploring your local park, neighborhood or even a nearby forest together is fun for your cat and you.

Savannahs are very intelligent, and you can teach them to walk around on a lead just as you might do for a dog.

Because the neck of a Savannah is not like that of a dog, opt for a cat safe harness instead of a collared leash. Pain resulting from pulling on a leash or strangulation can result if the correct harness is not used.

The key is to start slowly with your Savannah and go for short walks, gradually leading up to longer jaunts. You might even have to practice the act of putting the harness on and taking it off again just to get your cat used to it.

And lastly, don’t ever let your Savannah out to play without supervision or their harness on. They can run very fast-35 MPH-and may jump heights up to 8 feet, much higher than some fences.

Related Questions

Are Savannah Cats Protective?

Yes, Savannah cats are very loyal and attached to their owners. They may become very wary of strangers that come over, so proper socialization of your Savannah cat is recommended. This should be done during the kitten stages for best results.

Are Savannah Cats dangerous?

Most Savannah cat pets do not have much wild DNA, so they are not dangerous to their owners. In terms of their safety level, they are closer to a standard domestic cat than a wild cat. Every Savannah is different, and your cat’s personality will be unique.

Are Savannah cats loving?

Savannah cats are very loving. They can be very outgoing in terms of personality and are very smart. These cats learn new skills very quickly. They love to walk around on a leash, and this is a great bonding activity for owners of Savannahs and their cats.

Conclusion

Yes, Savannah cats are absolutely loyal and will enjoy spending time with you as their owner. Their personality has so many unique and wonderful aspects to it that have delighted and amazed owners and cat lovers around the world.

They are truly a breed like no other-between their size, wild nature and energy level they are truly in a class of their own.

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Do Savannah Cats Shed A Lot? What You Should Do

If you are interested in buying a Savannah cat or any breed, you likely wonder how much the animal actually sheds. After all, taking care of your pet’s coat is just one of the many responsibilities you will have as a cat owner.

Do Savannah cats shed a lot? Savannah cats are actually one of the breeds known to shed a rather low amount. They shed to grow in their winter coats, but it is easy to manage with proper care and the right tools such as a good cat brush.

 That’s the easy answer-but to really know how to handle a shedding Savannah, keep on reading.

How to Care for A Shedding Savannah Cat

Caring for a shedding cat is not hard but will require a bit of effort on your part. This is especially true for those of us that own Savannah cats.

Some breeds, like the F1 and F2, are not exactly lap cats and prefer to run around instead of rest. Therefore, it may be a bit hard to wrangle your Savannah for a daily brushing.

However, brushing is going to be your first line of defense if your Savannah is shedding. As a short-haired breed, you really only have to brush your cat about three times a week, whereas longer haired breeds should be brushed every day or every other day.

You can groom your Savannah using a glove designed to pick up the excess fur. On Amazon, we like the StarRoad 2 pack of gloves.

It’s a nice way to bond with your cat and they will love the feeling of being pet. The Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush is another good way to get the excess hair off your cat and leave them feeling great.

Brushing also helps stimulate healthy coats by getting blood flowing when the brush moves over the skin.

Good Brushing Technique

A Savannah is a cat that we would refer to as having a close coat. This means their hair is on the shorter side. Therefore, these cats do best with a grooming glove most of the time.

You can put on the glove which features nubs on the palm and fingers and act as though you are petting your Savannah.

The Hertzko brush we discussed is also great because it gently rubs the skin of your Savannah, providing a massaging feel. It is also good for all hair types, so twice a week brushing will be effective and feel great for the Savannah.

Prevent Too Much Shedding In Your Savannah By Feeding The Right Food

You can take steps to prevent shedding by feeding your cat good food, and you can also promote the growth of the Savannah’s beautiful coat by choosing the right foods. Your vet can provide you some good choices for food that your Savannah will love and get lots of nutrients from.

However, if you would like to shop on your own, there are a few things you should look for. Your cat’s diet should be mostly quality protein-we’re talking about 40% at least. Fat content should be in the range of 25% to 35%.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are critical to the health of the cat’s coat, as are fish oil and antioxidants. Aside from providing your cat a coat that shines and functions well, the skin of your Savannah will be healthy, too.

Check your favorite online retailer or pet stores for options. The brand we like is Blue Buffalo – Check it out here!

Supplements can also help your cat’s coat. They contain Omega 3s and Omega 6s and can be mixed into wet food.  In terms of a brand we like, Nordic Naturals (get it here) has many favorable reviews.

Check with your vet first before you administer any of these.

Why Do Savannah Cats And Other Cats Shed?

All cats do shed, thankfully the Savannah isn’t as big of an offender as some other breeds.  This is a normal thing that happens in a cat’s daily life, and the daylight has a big impact on why it happens.

The term for it is photoperiod. The amount of hours a cat spends in sunlight each day is a catalyst for the process of shedding.  This is more prevalent in outdoor cats during spring and autumn seasons.

Indoor kitties do shed on a regular basis but do so in lower amounts thanks to the artificial lighting in houses. There are three periods of shedding known as anagen (a period of active growth), catagen (the transition period) and telogen (the resting period).

Cats, as a response to their environment, tend to get heavier coats during wintertime to keep warm. And as you might expect, their coats thin out during the summer.

Medical Reasons

Watch out for other signs that your Savannah might shed. Stress, for instance, is one reason you might see them shedding.

A cat that is sick all the time may also develop shedding and skin problems. If you notice lesions, scaling, wrinkles or bald spots, make sure your cat gets to the vet right away.

Other Reasons for Balding Cats

Perhaps you hope to get a Savannah cat but realize somebody in your household is allergic to cats. Perhaps that person is you and you think you can overcome this by way of bathing your Savannah often. After all, the beauty, joy and tough but rewarding experience is worth it, right?

Incorrect. It is admirable that you wish to overcome such an ailment but increasing the number of baths you give your Savannah will not be the answer. The urine, saliva, and dander of cats cause an allergic reaction in humans.

Bathing a cat too often can irritate the skin, causing the cat to feel discomfort. There are actually no breeds of cats that are hypoallergenic, so if you are allergic, please strongly consider if a cat of any breed is the right pet for you.

Sunburn is another reason your Savannah may shed. After all, this breed loves to be outdoors. Make sure you keep an eye on your Savannah cat during sunny days and treat them as you would a human: limit sun exposure.

LLuis Ferrer, a DVM and professor of Veterinary Dermatology at Tufts University, says that Bullfrog brand sunscreen (see it here) is tolerated by cats.

Are Savannah Cats Hypoallergenic?

No cat breed is actually hypoallergenic. There are no scientific findings that support any cat breed being hypoallergenic. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy this breed if you are severely allergic to cats.

Conclusion

Savannah cats are advantageous in many ways, one of which is the fact that they do not shed as much as other breeds. Their coats are reminiscent of wild cats and are absolutely beautiful.

Good care, feeding, and monitoring of your Savannah’s coat will make sure it remains as lovely as ever.

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Why Savannah Cats Should Not Be Left Alone

If you find out that you have to leave your home for a day or so, you may begin to wonder, can savannah cats be left alone, and the answer is: only for a little while.

Savannah Cats may be left alone for a short period of time, such as 24 hours. Besides the need for food and water, the Savannah cat has a lot of energy and tends to be destructive when left alone. Especially F1 and F2 Savannah cats should not be left alone.

That’s the short answer. But to really know why this is, and what options you have, we encourage you to keep on reading.

Savannah Cat Personality

Aside from the practical reasons why you should not leave your Savannah cat alone for a long period of time, there are aspects of the personality of this breed that indicate they need your care.

Savannahs have a very high energy level. These are not cats for the faint of heart. The Savannah sleeps less than the regular domestic cat and tends to play much more. Furthermore, these cats have a very high stamina level. Owners often get tired before their pet does!

For a standard cat, a 15 minute a day play session is great. It gets them some exercise and increases your bonding. For your Savannah, much more playtime is going to be necessary. They also require lots of attention, so be ready to provide that during playtime, too.

The behavior of your Savannah is also another reason you should have somebody check them out if you will be gone for a while. You might even find a boarding service that specializes in cats.

Some Savannah owners feel that their cats get along with dogs more than other cats. This is because Savannahs play very rough!

Dogs are better at putting up with this variety of rough play. They may even enjoy having such a playmate around. However, other pets such as regular domestic cats may find them to be way too aggressive, and injuries can result if they are not being supervised properly.

Savannahs Are Very Destructive Breed of Cat

Savannah owners know that these cats need a place to let off all their steam or else your clothing, furnishings, and carpets wind up shredded. These cats need playtime with sturdy and quality toys that they can really toss around.

Their social natures are another factor to consider. Unlike other breeds of cats, Savannahs are a very social type of feline. This may be one reason why dogs are so drawn to them. They are very curious and unafraid, much like a dog is.

Savannahs are possessive of their person but are also very open to meeting new people and strangers.  Groups of people also do not frighten them.

Savannahs love to be right in the mix, interacting with other people instead of hiding under beds or cupboards like some cats do when guests are over.

These cats will come right out to play. Like dogs, they will come to the door when you walk in and can’t wait to have your attention.

High Intelligence and Curious Nature

The high intelligence and curious nature of the Savannah is another reason why it is discouraged to leave them alone. Cats by nature can be pretty curious, but the Savannah takes it to a whole new level. Savannahs do not give up until they have their answer, or their curiosity is satisfied.

Most cats get enjoyment out of simple toys like a piece of string sticking out of a closet or a piece of paper they can shred, like junk mail. However, a Savannah will shred each and every string and paper, and their interest will not wane until the task is complete.

Savannahs can learn to slide open cupboard doors and get into places they are not supposed to be in order to find something they want. Savannahs can and will find treats, toys and other objects you attempt to hide while you are away unless they are locked up VERY tightly!

In some ways, owners say, a Savannah is really like having a small child. You must be very vigilant with them to ensure they do not hurt themselves, somebody else, or destroy your belongings.

From this, it is easy to see why having supervision for your Savannah is a good idea. These are no ordinary feline – their intelligence and energy are a force to be reckoned with.

Practical Reasons Why Your Cat Should Not Be Alone

Some owners believe that cats may be left alone so long as they have plenty of food, water, and a clean litter box.

But put yourself in the shoes of the cat. Suppose you have no access to fresh food for a few days and you have to eat stale foul-tasting morsels. Then suppose your water is old, room temperature, and may even have food crumbs in it.

Now imagine going to the bathroom only to find a toilet that is backed up.

This sounds like a nightmare. And the worst part? You are a cat and can do NOTHING about it!

And, there are some scenarios that would make you feel bad if they happened, such as the cats eating all the food on the first or second day you were gone, or the water dish being knocked over on accident.

This means no vital hydration, and possibly damaged flooring!

That’s just the surface. Suppose playtime gets a bit rough and somebody sustains an injury or gets sick?

There are some ways around this: some breeds of cats can be left with timed food dispensers and water cycling bowls that keep things fresh. You might also have one of those self-cleaning litter boxes, but even those are not perfect.

However, this is not recommended. Anything can happen in just a day, and the guilt you would feel if something happened to your beloved Savannah would not be worth it.

What Are My Options?

Give yourself and your cat the gift of peace of mind. Before you plan for a vacation or business trip, arrange care for your Savannah. You can call up friends and family to see what they can do for you and be sure you offer them compensation.

Many will do it as a favor, but always offer to pay them in some way. You might pet-sit or babysit for them when they go out of town, for instance, if you cannot afford to pay them with cash.

Alternatively, you can use the Internet to find background-checked and qualified pet sitters that are able to handle your Savannah. Make sure you inform them of the needs of the Savannah and determine if they are up for the challenge.

There are apps you can use or even helpful websites like petsitusa.com or petsitters.org to name a few. You can also ask your vet for a responsible sitter in the local area.

You also can search out a kennel that handles cats. Be sure you are honest with them about the Savannah and how they are. Chances are they will understand, but it is always best to be transparent.

Conclusion

In sum, it’s not a good idea to leave your Savannah cat alone for a long period of time. One day will not be too much trouble, but even then, it depends on your cat and how he or she plays.

Your Savannah should always have somebody around who can help them burn off their energy, supply them with fresh food and water, and of course scoop out the litter box.

They should be checked over just to be sure there are no injuries from playtime or other unexpected ailments. It is just better for everybody’s health, peace of mind and good conscience to make sure you secure care for your Savannah cat if you plan on heading out of town for a few days.

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Why Savannah Cats Are Not Lap Cats

A highly energetic Savannah is capable of giving an abundant amount of affection via headbutts, enthusiastic meowing, and following you around the house. But are Savannah cats lap cats? Do they enjoy being warm and cozy in the lap of their pet-parent?

Most of the Savannah cats are not lap cats. Since they exhibit an active nature, holding steady at one place might seem restrictive to them. Their curious ears tingle at every noise and movement, so it is difficult to keep them in your lap for long. However, they enjoy being petted and adoring you in a distance.

All Savannahs are not the same. Their generational gaps make a big difference in their temperament. Which generation of Savannah is more likely to tolerate your display of affection? How do we make them a little more tolerant of our love language?

Understanding Temperamental Difference Through Generation Gap

Savannah cats are an offspring of an African Serval mated with a domesticated cat. The first litter that came out of this union was categorized as F1.

When F1 mates with another domesticated cat, they carry forward a generation with a litter of F2 Savannah cats and this process goes on till F8.

F here denotes Filial generation and the numeral tells us how close they are to their wild genes. An F1 generation of Savannah will retain 50%-75% of their wild genes.

The wild gene makes it harder for a pet-parent to tame them. This also gives them an unpredictable temperament. The percentage lowers as the generation moves forward.

F1 and F2 generation of Savannahs are more socially reserved and have retained most of their wild genes than the others. They are supposed to be in a household where people know how to ethically tame a wild animal. This generation is not for everyone.

However, F3-F5 generation lies somewhere in the middle range, having 50-50 of both domestic and wild traits.

F5 to F8 will be a lot tamer and a lot more social having the least amount of wild traits. This makes it easier to train them.

They Might Not Like Sitting On Your Lap – They Will Probably Do This To Show You Love

Be it F1 or F8 generation of Savannah, they all love to play! Most of them like to play roughhouse, exhaust themselves physically, and be curious about the things around them.

They definitely don’t like to be bored. It is important to them that they remain engaged physically and mentally.

Being an active breed, they are going to remain active until the end of their time. If you cannot match up to their activity level, then do not adopt them.

They are generally friendly to people and pets. Only F1 and F2 generation reserve their love and trust to one or two people.

They all love to be petted and would give you affectionate head-butts. They will also chase you around like you mean the world to them. They will never be tired for a playing session.

At the end of the day, they might snuggle up just right beside you. They also enjoy outdoors and can be leash trained.

They are highly intelligent and will know their way around most of the things. They will quickly figure out how to open drawers, take the lid off and open doors with their paws. It is important to childproof your home.

Do not let them out without a leash. They tend to get curious and would get lost in the outside, diminishing their chances of coming back.

Finding Middle Ground To Difference In Display Of Affection

There is one thing that all the generations of Savannah loathes, being picked or restricted in any way. Their curious nature perceives it as a threat to their freedom.

It is quite predictable that your Savannah wouldn’t appreciate being ‘held down’ in a hug. They like to display love in their own terms.

However, making them tolerate your display of affection for 5 minutes is the middle ground that they can submit to. Making that transition will take a bit of effort from your side.

If you are up for a challenge then here is how you can make it happen.

Start with petting them. Pet them from their head to tail. Repeat this as frequently as you can. Make them comfortable with your touch. This is the first step in breaking the ice.

Play with them and make them come to your lap by directing playthings there. It might be uncomfortable with F1 to F3 cats since they are bigger in size than an average-sized domestic cat.

When they sit on your lap, give them a treat and pet them. It doesn’t matter if it starts with 10 seconds, it should start anyhow.

With enough patience and training, you will reach the 5-minute mark of affection.

One should never force their love on a cat, which they do not approve of. You need to respect their space and pace.

If you force them, they will feel more repelled by the action. This will be counter-effective. Also, do not punish them if they do not choose to come to your lap.

Personal Experiences Of Savannah Cats Owners – Lap cats after all?

There are a lot of forums where we found various Savannah parents’ experiences on taming them to be a lap cat. Here are a few pearls of wisdom and hilarity that they have to share.

Jeburr27 on SavannahCatChat has two Savannahs – one of them being a cuddly one and another who plays by his own rules. However, neither of them likes to be picked up or carried.

PolinaKarakostova, who has a pure F3 along with one big dog, two cats, and an African hedgehog, has penned down her experience on Quora.

She has observed that Savannah cats are not generally a lap cat but they are affectionate in other ways such as giving you company on your couch to chasing you around the house.

Another user on SavannahCatChat, Brigette Cowell, has a pearl of wisdom to share.

She is affirmative that Savannahs are not lap cats because they do not like staying put in one place for hours. She also enlightened the readers that a high energy kitten/cat, like Savannahs, would prefer playing as a bonding activity more than cuddling.

However, after exhausting themselves, they will snuggle right next to you.

Will My Savannah Never Sit On My Lap?

Just because Savannah cat’s are not known for being lap cats it doesn’t mean that your Savannah cat will never enjoy sitting on your lap and cuddling with you. It just means that you should not expect your Savannah cat to be like a Persian cat, for example.

Savannah cats love action and playing, but they also love their owners and being near them. Enjoy the short time it lasts. After a short while, they will want to play again. Just have a look at the video below!

Related Questions

Can Savannah cats live with domesticated cats? Savannah cats can live with other domesticated cats, especially if they have the same energy level. If they have a different temperament, make sure that you slowly introduce them to each other and make them familiarize with each other’s presence. Do Savannah cats love to cuddle? While they are not a lap cat, they will love to snuggle beside you during the night. Some Savannah cats might prefer cuddling and some may not. This factor is entirely dependent on their personality and whom they like to cuddle with.

Can I let my Savannah cat outside? It is not recommended that you let them out on their own. Since they have a curious nature, it is easier for them to get lost while chasing something. This becomes especially dangerous in a busy city setting or in the wild. Always leash train them if you intend to take them out.

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Are Savannah Cats Good Hunters? 5 Facts You Must Know

An article at Daily Mail states that pound-for-pound cats are better at hunting than tigers! Domesticated cats are good hunters, nevertheless. But when we have a Savannah, who is a hybrid between a domesticated cat and a wild African Serval – does their trait make them exceptionally good hunters?

The answer is a resounding yes – Savannahs are good hunters, getting the best of both worlds from the genes of African Serval and domesticated cat. F1-F3 generations of Savannahs retain more of their wild gene and physical features of African Serval. Hence, they are better and more aggressive hunters than F4 and beyond.

Now, these hunting skills can be a boon and a bane for their pet parents. If their hunting needs are not satisfied, an indoor-bound Savannah can get bored and aggressive. How do we solve this issue?

1. Features That Makes Savannahs Good Hunters

Savannah’s endowed physical features are passed down from African Servals. The only thing that they get from their domesticated parent is their tamable temperament.

This combination makes them fit to be a pet while retaining their exotic and active physical features.

Savannah cats have long back legs than their front legs, making them an excellent jumper. They can stand on their hind legs to jump as high as 8-11 feet.

This makes them adept in hunting preys both large and small – even flying ones and those in the burrows.

If we observe the hunting skills of an African Serval in a wild setting, we can know a lot more about our very own Savannahs. African Servals are successful in half of their attempts at hunting.

Their success rate ranges from 50%-62%, which jumps their rank in being the most efficient hunters, even better than a cheetah! Their average number of kills in a 24-hour time is 15-16 preys.

African Servals also have a good ultrasonic hearing.

Their hunting strategy is generally taking a giant leap on their target and biting its neck while it is trapped under their front paws. This makes the job more efficient and quick. These same traits are passed down to a Savannah, be it of any generation.

Do yourself a favor: have a look at the video below of two Savannah cats (F5) hunting. Their focus, dedication, and their movement are just fascinating.

2. Wildness And Hunting Behavior – Understanding Their Generational Gap

Every Savannah is distinguished by their filial generation number. It starts from F1 (filial generation 1) to F6 or even F8 in some cases.

The F1-F3 generations of Savannahs retain most of their wild genes and are considered wild in some states. F4-F6/F8 are considered to be more domestic.

The first litter that we get after we breed an African Serval with a domesticated cat is of the F1 generation. They will have 50% of the wild gene in them.

When these F1 generation cats will mate with another set of domesticated cats, they will reproduce the F2 generation of Savannahs. They will have 30%-25% of their wild genes.

This cycle will go on and on till we get F6 or F8 generation of Savannahs. As we leap forward in the generation, their wild temperament and genes start to become less and less dominant.

This will only leave us with Savannahs that have retained some of the physical features of a Serval and has the obedience of a domesticated cat.

Also, it is important to note that F1 to F3 generations of Savannahs are generally bigger in size. Moving forward from F3 generation, we can notice their size is reduced, as they breed further. So an F1 generation of Savannah is bigger than an F6 generation of Savannah.

3. What Happens If They Can’t Hunt?

The pros of having a Savannah are that they are highly intelligent, quick-witted, and entertaining. Being obedient is not their best streak, especially when we talk about F1 to F3 generations of Savannah.

From F4 to further, they exhibit more trainable temperament. Nevertheless, they all are prone to get bored!

If you cannot provide them a mentally and physically stimulating environment, they will start to show aggressive behavior. Aggression is more evident in F1 to F3 generations than the others when bored.

Others might retort to destructive behavior to entertain themselves. That is why it is important to be up for this challenge when adopting a Savannah.

If you have ample of time, patience, and energy, with a knack to handle some wildness, then F1 to F3 Savannah cats will be ideal for you.

But if you have a lack of sufficient time, patience, or energy to deal with a hyperactive Savannah, then F4 to further generations will suit you best.

From taking them out on a leash, playing fetch to keeping them entertained with toys, it all works for a Savannah! You can invest in sturdy and entertaining toys such as remote control ones made with durable material or even a fishing pole toy to keep them jumping around.

Serval – Every savannah cat is partly serval

4. Do Savannah Cat’s Hunt Smaller Children Of The Family?

It is advised that you keep the F1-F3 generation of Savannahs away from a household with kids. They are not dangerous per se but they still have some unpredictable temperament.

These Savannahs usually are very territorial and have a need to hunt. If you have babies and small kids, keep them away from these cats.

This is not the same case when we talk about F4 to F8 generation of cats. They are friendlier and social. Also, they tend to be more trainable and tamable. They fit the best with people who have kids and babies. They tend to be of smaller size than F1-F3 generations.

However, it is important to note that every Savannah wants to feel included and entertained. A bored and ignored Savannah will look like a sorry state of affair.

5. Could A Savannah Hunt Other Pets In The Household?

Savannahs have dog-like qualities when it comes to being friendly, playing fetch, swimming, and being leash-trained. They will do well with dogs. You only have to make sure that the dog you have has an equal temperament and energy level as Savannah.

When it comes to cats, Savannahs do well with other cats too. However, bigger ones such as F1-F3 generation of cats tend to chase away or irritate smaller and low-activity cat. Make sure to match their temperaments before you adopt a Savannah or another cat.

Savannahs are not compatible with smaller prey animals such as rodents, reptiles, hamsters, and birds. They will get curious and will try their hand on catching them just for fun.

This will be traumatizing and deadly for smaller pets. Keep them away from smaller animals or you can avoid having a Savannah for your home.

Related Questions

Will Savannah cats run away? Yes, Savannahs are curious by nature and hence, shouldn’t be let out without a leash. They are supposed to be indoors, as they are oblivious to the wild or a city setting, which can be dangerous for them. From cars to wild animals, all pose a danger for a Savannah.

Are Savannah cats dangerous? No, most of the Savannah cats are not dangerous. However, F1-F3 still have their wild gene dominant in their blood. This makes their temperament a little unpredictable and aggressive. But they do not pose a threat as a feral animal.

How high can Savannah cats jump? A Savannah cat can jump as high as 8 feet (2.5m) from a standing position. This makes them excellent at jumping over your cabinets, refrigerators, or pawing off a treat from your hand. This trait makes them a good hunter and also a notorious cat.

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Do Savannah Cats Meow A Lot? What To Expect

Getting a cat is a commitment. To make sure you provide the animal life long home, you need to make sure their personality matches your temperament.

Do savannah cats meow a lot? Yes, they do. Excessive talking varies with bread, and a more laid back cat will talk less than the active one. So with the Savannah cat, the amount that they meow will significantly depend on how far removed they are from their Serval ancestor.

It’s vital to differentiate between excessive noises and your Savanna trying to communicate with you. Read further to get a broader understanding of the types of sounds a cat makes, reasons why they meow, and how to decrease their chatter to save your nerves.

What are the noises that my Savannah makes?

Unless your Savannah is in heat, more on that later, all of your cat’s noises are for your benefit.

It’s their way of communicating their needs to you. If you are new to cats, which can be difficult with a Savannah cat, then it is scary to differentiate with the different noises that your cat is making.

Most of these you can get by observing your kitty and picking up on the context clues, such as what they are doing when they are talking and their body language.

Afterall the trill that is used to entice that bird through the window is different from the caterwauling noise used when they are in heat.

Cat noises are divided up into four different categories:

Murmur patterns

Vowel patterns

Articulated patterns

Strained intensity patterns

Murmur patterns are purrs or trills. Typically your cat makes these when they are content or happy. However, purring can indicate anxiety since your cat will use these to calm themselves down.

Your Savannah’s general meow and all of its variations are considered vowel patterns. These can we either good or bad, depending on the context in which your kitty is emitting the noise.

If you have seen your cat perched on a window making an odd chattering noise, then you know the articulated patterns. While these are amusing, they are a vocalization of your cat’s frustration, like a humph I can’t kill this bird.

Your cat will exhibit strained intensity patterns when they feel that they are in danger or think someone is crossing into their territory. Body language will also match their feeling.

While three of the categories are pretty straight forward, the vowel patterns are when it gets hard to tell what exactly your Savannah is trying to say.

Why your Savannah is meowing

Meowing could be for a variety of reasons. Maybe the food bowl is at the nuclear level of halfway filled. Maybe they are bored and want to play, or they could be sick.

We differentiated between the various noises that your Savannah makes above, but how do you pinpoint exactly why they are making vowel patterns all over the house. This is when body language and context will be your friend.

Reasons your cat is meowing excessively:

Big three

Boredom

In Heat

Illness

Just plain ole chit chat

When I hear my cat meowing, I check the big three: Food, Water, and Litter. Remember that your kitty is a pessimist. It isn’t half full; it’s half empty. So fill it to the top. If it isn’t one the big three, then we need to do a little bit of detective work.

What is your cat doing while they are meowing? Are they pacing the floor and seem restless? The Savannah cat is a highly intelligent animal, which makes it very active. They need a lot of play to keep them stimulated with plenty of toys and play.

Make sure they have plenty of toys to tear to shreds and a cat tower or converted sturdy bookshelf so they can leap and jump. Even with all that, they still need interaction from you.

In my experience, your cat will be more active during dawn and dust. Pull out that stick and string toy or run around the house with a long piece of fabric so they can chase after you. Then play them out. A tired kitty is a quiet kitty.

For anyone that hasn’t dealt with a cat in heat will be surprised when their cute little kitty turns into a hollering, peeing, a frantic mess of their former selves. Even the most docile cat will yell as you have never thought could come from a living thing.

The only way to fix this one is to well, get them fixed. They will continue to yell and pee all over the place periodically. If you are a woman, then it will sync up. Call your local shelter or animal organizations for spaying or neutering discounts.

Illness meows are very distinctive. You must get them to the vet asap to get a diagnosis. Make sure to inform the vet when they started this type of cry so they can get a general idea of the issue.

Then the most frustrating of all, if you have tender nerves, is that your Savannah might not have a reason for their talk exact they like to hear their voice and they are a bit chatty. None of the above will prevent them from talking.

In the Savannah, the amount of general chattiness will vary depending on the distance they are from their Serval ancestor. F1 being a more talkative cat, while the F5 will act more like a domesticated cat.

If you know that a talkative cat will be too much for your nerves or if where you live, it will be an issue, then go for an F5 Savannah, which will be a much quieter kitty.

How to get your Savannah to quit yacking

The first thing to understand is that when your cat meows a lot, they are not doing it to annoy you. Excessive talking for no reason might be a result of the bread, or when they were young, they were talked to, and they are trying to communicate back.

Check the list above to make sure the reason for their cries is not something tangible.

You need to find a balance of not letting your cat run your life and not oppressing them for just wanting attention. It’s a hard line to find, and you will often make mistakes that you feel wrong about, but keep trying.

The best method to let them understand when it is ok to talk when it isn’t is to ignore them when they are acting. Think of them as a child getting on their belly in a store cause they didn’t get what they want.

You wouldn’t want to buy the toy for them because that will cause them to exhibit this behavior whenever they want something.

Granted, ignoring a yelling cat is akin to torture since the Savannah is a highly intelligent cat. They can learn commands. A simple “No” or a clap of your hands when they get out of control helps.

Reward them for good behavior to differentiate between good and bad behavior if they are the type of cat to try to call you to them counteract this by going to them when they are quiet.

Overall, make sure you have the temperament for a loud kitty before you bring one into your home.