Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

In the winter of 2019, for some reason that remains known only to him, Husband decided that four cats were not quite enough and that our already rather busy household was in need of a ginger. Enter Alex, named in memory of another little ginger cat called Axel, who was sadly struck by a car several years prior, which is just one more reason why we go against the ‘norm’ here in the UK and keep our cats indoors.

As you would expect, the other cats were a bit wary at first. Well, except Clutch, because we are yet to find anything that phases him. While it took our female felines, Zelda and Zazzles, a little longer to warm up, Cyril had decided by the end of day one that Alex was to be his squishy, to be loved and cherished from that day on.

Shared Interests

Before long, Cyril and Alex discovered that they had many things in common, including a deep affection for food, a worrying addiction to catnip, and a shared propensity for lying in weird positions.

Then It Gets A Little Weird…

Firstly, let me be clear; I am not one to cast judgment on anyone’s gender, orientation, or who they choose to love (providing both are consenting adults, of course). But Alex and Cyril’s relationship has evolved over time from one of paternal or brotherly love to something a little bit different. Almost every night, they engage in a game of chase and wrestling, which invariably ends up with one gripping the scruff of the other and engaging in some behaviors that would ordinarily result in the creation of kittens. Of course, with two neutered male cats, this is highly unlikely to eventuate.

Now, it’s not unusual for cats of either sex, neutered or entire, to hump one another from time to time. It may be a form of gratification, but in most cases, it is a display of dominance. What I find strange about Alex and Cyril’s little trysts is that they do not show any other signs of dominance conflict and that this is a nightly event, typically culminating in a squishy cuddle. Quite frankly, I’ve occasionally felt inclined to offer them a post-coital cigarette.

But hey, love is love, and on this Valentine’s Day, we should be grateful for love in all its many shapes and forms.

The post Cyril ❤️ Alex: A Valentine’s Day Love Story by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

This Week’s Winner

Silliest

Cutest

Most Dignified

Best Action Shot

Sleepiest

Most Expressive

Enter Your Cat

Submit your kitty for a chance to be featured! Click here

The post Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (Feb 13, 2025) by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about Isabel and her sassy rescue, Milly.

Helping Milly bring new life into this world was probably one of the most stressful and beautiful experiences I’ve had in all my years of being a cat owner. And having 5 adorable, energetic little furballs around while on a nationwide lockdown during the COVID-19 global pandemic turned out to be an absolute life-saver!

I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason.” Although Milly’s pregnancy was totally unexpected and definitely unplanned, it turned out to be such an incredible chapter of our lives. One I cannot imagine not having.

Now let me tell you a bit more about the night Milly became a teen mom and I became a grandmother to Tommy, Shelby, Alfie, Basil, and Miley.

As you can see, it’s very hard to guess what series I watched, the foods I ate, and the music I listened to back then!

Accidental Impregnation

“So, how did Milly get pregnant?” you ask. Well, it was right after I graduated from University and Milly and I moved back home with my family to Johannesburg at the end of 2019. Milly came with me when I visited home as a student, so she was used to the space and knew everyone, including our 7 other cats, Chicky, Winsey, Smokle, Lulie, Nibby, Pumy, and Mimi. All of whom were spayed or neutered.

That December, I went to visit my fiance who was visiting his parents in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. Milly was around 9 months old at the time and still a little baby in my eyes. I knew a lot about cats at the time, but I definitely wasn’t the cat expert I am today. I wasn’t fully aware of how early you should spay or neuter cats. Ideally, one can start spaying female cats between 5 and 6 months of age.

I had just finished college, moved back home, and was planning on going on a well-deserved vacation. So, I just didn’t think of spaying her at that time. I told myself that I’d take her for a check-up and book the sterilization in the new year once I came back from holiday.

Too little, too late.

Sometime during that December, she snuck out (all our cats were outdoor/indoor cats, including her) and went and got herself pregnant with an unknown gentleman in the area. Most likely a stray cat. My parents live very close to a shopping center and there are apparently stray cats living in or around the parking lot.

A week or two later, my sister called and said Milly was acting unusually loveable and affectionate and they did see her come running across the street from the shopping center’s side a couple of nights. We obviously knew it was risky allowing her to roam freely while intact, so we did worry that she might have gotten pregnant, but I just really didn’t think she’d be that determined and eager to get pregnant within 2 weeks of being home and while not spayed.

Nonetheless, it was totally my fault. I should’ve been a more responsible cat owner in that scenario and should’ve spayed her much sooner. However, everything worked out fine in the end. No use in crying over spilled milk!

The Pregnant Cat Experience

So, after my sister phoned me, we were about 60% sure she might be pregnant. By the time I got home from holiday, we were certain. Milly was definitely pregnant.

It was hard to be sad or worried because she was the cutest little pregnant gal there ever was! Almost like she was on a pregnancy high. Her belly started to show and it looked so adorable. And her nipples were more prominent and pink. You could easily tell she was in her nesting era. She was so chilled and lovable. Milly isn’t the most affectionate cat, so it was such a blessing to have her be super cuddly and cutesy.

She also had an increased appetite and thirst and lower energy levels than usual, and she played less with all the other cats and wanted to be by my side the whole time. You don’t need to know me very well to know that it was a dream for me! And she looked really happy and healthy as well.

As you’ll see in the video, nearing the 3rd trimester, fetal movements were clearly visible and you could see the kittens moving and pawing around in her belly. We began to get really excited to bring mini-Millys into the world!

As time went on, she started looking for cozy spots around the house. She inspected every cupboard and drawer in every room in search of the perfect spot to have her babies. I helped her browse. My motherly instincts also went into overdrive seeing my little girl all pregnant and motherly. I wanted to make her as comfortable and content as possible! I think she definitely knew and realized quickly that she could rely on us to help her do this thing and we were going to be there for her every step of the way.

Getting Ready to Pop

Around mid-February 2020, many things were about to change. Milly was very pregnant at this point, I had to decide between getting a job or continuing my studies to become a clinical psychologist, and panic started spreading across the world about the coronavirus outbreak and a possible global pandemic looming.

We had a bet going and everyone guessed the due dates. I think I said 19 February if I remember correctly. I missed it by one day. On the 20th of February 2020, Milly went into labor in the afternoon. I knew because she was acting differently. She went from super pregnant and lazy to a girl on a mission real quick. She was pacing and focused and I just had a feeling that today was the day.

Naturally, I was in a much bigger tizzy than anyone else in the house, including Milly, the pregnant queen herself. I was pacing up and down, too. Looking for boxes, blankets, towels, and other supplies that we were going to need to ensure a smooth home birth.

My sister and I were self-appointed midwives and we took our job very seriously, although neither of us had ever helped a cat give birth, nor seen any cats give birth, so this was very new to both of us. Luckily, my dad is a dentist with a military medicine background, so having someone around with medical knowledge made us feel a little bit more at ease.

We were ready.

Milly Giving Birth: The Wildest Experience of My Life

Around 18:00, Milly was restless. Eventually, we found her in one of the several nesting spots we made for her. It was in my sister’s home office, so we decided to close it off, especially since the other cats were curious and we didn’t want anything to stress Milly out. It went from home office to feline birthing ward within the hour.

Between me and my sister talking, overthinking, worrying, asking hundreds of unanswered questions, and faffing over Milly’s comfort, and Milly pacing from one nest to the next, I’m sure no other person would have been able to be in that room with us. It was controlled chaos. Me, the most dramatic person in the family, my sister, basically a calmer but equally passionate version of me, and my teen mom-cat giving birth on a Friday night.

Around 20:00 she was having contractions, and that’s when things got a little intense. Milly is a small cat in general and she was still young. She looked at us like, “I don’t know what I’m doing here, please help!” but we weren’t sure how much she wanted us to intervene or when helping turns into disrupting. It’s a natural process driven by instincts and we didn’t want to overwhelm, distract, or annoy her, so that made things hard because she did look like she really wasn’t sure what to do or how to do it. Of course, to no one’s surprise, I was in full panic mode.

1 Kitten… 2 Kittens… 5 Kittens?!

After about 15 minutes of Milly having contractions and looking quite uncomfortable, we noticed a little cat paw sticking out of her. We were expecting them to be delivered head-first so we were a little worried, but turns out it’s quite normal. However, this was still a hectic start to the birthing process because it took a little long, and Milly paced up and down and vocalized while pushing the first kitten out, so emotions were high. We were worried and Milly was stressed. Still, we didn’t interfere too much or touch her, until we were forced to.

After another 15-20min, Milly was still struggling to get the first kitten out. The way she looked at us, I think she wanted us to help. With a clean glove on, my sister gently pulled Shelby out of the birth canal and into the world. Perfect, healthy, and cute as a button.

Another 20 minutes later came Tommy. Milly was also pacing around while delivering him, and she looked a little bit strained, but she pulled through and he was born. The placenta chewing was unusual to see but Milly didn’t have any problem with it; she did it like she knew exactly what must happen. I was like, “Wow, girl, how do you know how to do that?”

At this point we were like, okay, maybe there’s just two? Nope. Along came Alfie; he was a big boy. But by now Milly understood the assignment. She popped him out in the nesting cupboard this time (the first two were outside the cupboard, on the floor). Then some more time went by and Basil and Miley came out directly after each other. We like to think that they’re twins.

We waited another 30-40 minutes to see if there were more kittens coming, but thankfully, 5 was the lucky number. Milly delivered five beautiful, healthy kittens, and I was the proudest cat grandma ever. It truly was an unforgettable experience and I’m happy my sister and I shared it with Milly. So special!

Tips for Helping a Cat with a Home Birth

Prepare a Comfortable Birthing Area

• Set up a quiet, warm, and private space where your cat feels safe
• Use a large box, crate, or cupboard lined with lots of soft blankets or towels
• Set it up away from loud noises, other pets, and excessive foot traffic

Know the Signs of Labor

• Nesting behavior (your cat may start seeking out a spot of her own)
• Increased affection or withdrawal from people
• Restlessness, pacing, or excessive grooming, especially around the belly
• Decreased appetite and possible vomiting
• Visible contractions and panting

Support Without Interfering As Far As You Can

• Cats are instinctive mothers and usually don’t need help, but be nearby in case of complications
• Speak in a calm, reassuring voice and avoid excessive handling
• If a kitten is stuck, you can gently assist by grasping it with a clean towel or glove and pulling very gently in the direction of delivery

Watch for Normal Birth Patterns

• Kittens usually arrive within 20-40 minutes of each other.
• Mom will break the amniotic sac, clean the kittens, and eat the placenta and umbilical cord
• If she doesn’t, you may need to step in by gently breaking the sac and rubbing the kitten with a warm towel

Be Ready for Emergencies

• If over 40 minutes pass between kittens or she struggles for more than 10 minutes to pass one kitten, call your veterinarian
• Excessive bleeding, severe distress, or unresponsiveness in the mother requires urgent attention
• If a kitten isn’t breathing, try rubbing it gently with a warm towel to stimulate breathing

Post-Birth Care

• Ensure all kittens are nursing within the first couple of hours
• Keep the nesting area warm (around 85°F/29°C for the first few days)
• Watch for any signs of illness in mom or kittens (lethargy, refusal to eat, abnormal discharge, bleeding, etc.)

Tune in next time as I share a little bit more about the wild and wonderful journey of raising kittens during lockdown, watching Milly be the cutest mom, the difficult decision of putting two kittens up for adoption (together), and going through the heart-breaking experience of losing Tommy at the hands of a reckless driver when he was about 2 years old.

Till then,

Cheers vir eers!

(Cheers for now)

The post Quarantine Kittens: The Night I Became An Accidental Midwife for Milly (With Video) by Isabel Ludick appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Among Alex’s adorable features – of which there are many – are his quirky and expressive front legs. The first couple of times I noticed him sitting with his little feet daintily crossed, I didn’t think much of it. But then it happened again, and again, and again. Considering I have only photographed this funny little pose a fraction of the times I’ve witnessed it (and these aren’t all the photos I have!), you can only imagine how often he assumes this position.

In fact, I would venture to say that he sits with his front paws crossed more often than he doesn’t.

And when he’s not keeping his delicate little tootsies crossed, he’s often found hanging them off ledges.

The most important part of my role here at Catster is helping you, our lovely readers, to understand the hows, whys, and wherefores of all things feline, and I would love to share with you the reasons behind Alex’s peculiar paw positioning. Unfortunately, I have no idea why he does it! But considering that we’re talking about the cat who brought us The Somersault of Happiness, I’m not sure that the answers will be found in any logical places!

Ready for Anything

When he’s not happily tumbling about or stretching his body from wall to wall, Alex can be a bit flighty, especially when there are visitors in the house. Perhaps by keeping his front legs crossed, he is ready to turn and run in any direction…but I think that I might be reaching. Speaking of reaching, are the extended legs another way of staying poised and ready to make a quick escape?

Maybe I’m just trying to find logic where there is none! After all, what chance did Alex have of normalcy with Cyril as his role model?

When faced with a choice between normal and weird, I’m going to pick weird every time. Which is fortunate, because with my quirky cats and oddball dogs, there is very little chance of life being normal in our house!

I love hearing stories about the wacky, zany, and kooky habits of cats, so if your feline family member has some eccentric behaviors, drop me a message in the comments below.

The post Cute Kitty Quirks: Alex and His Happy Feet by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

This Week’s Winner

Silliest

Cutest

Most Dignified

Best Action Shot

Sleepiest

Enter Your Cat

Submit your kitty for a chance to be featured! Click here

The post Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (Feb 6, 2025) by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about Crystal and her soul cat, Ivy.

Hi Catsters!

The last time we spoke, I touched on the dreaded F-word: Fleas! I sincerely hope that everyone who read that story checked their cat for fleas after that, or was at least reminded of the importance of being consistent with flea medication.

This week, we’re talking about moving! I’ll be sharing a couple of things that really helped Ivy – and me.

After about a year of living in our first complex, we decided it was time to move. After a LOT of searching, calling, and emailing with agents, we finally found the perfect fit! A little hidden gem of a complex, surrounded by greenery, gardens, and trees.

The moving preparation was in full swing, and moving day arrived quicker than I thought it would. I was extremely nervous about how Ivy would handle the move – it was my first time moving with her and to be honest, I didn’t really know what to do or where to start to make sure the transition would be as easy as possible for her.

Luckily, Catster has a ton of resources with tips for moving with your cat, and they really helped when it came to preparing and setting my mind at ease.

There were a few things that we did that I think made a big difference in keeping her calm and making the situation the best we could.

1. Keeping ourselves calm

Let’s face it: moving is stressful. And wow, I was stressed! I was stressed out about the moving preparation, the actual moving, and the aftermath of the moving. However, I tried my best to stay calm, stick to our regular routine, and act like it was no big deal that basically all of our things were in boxes ready to be moved to their new destination. I think I did a good job at staying calm – don’t ask anyone else, though!

2. The calming collar

I was very skeptical of calming collars – for no real reason, I just was! However, I decided to purchase one anyway. There’s no real way to tell for sure, but I think the calming collar did make a difference. I put the calming collar on a few days before the move when we started packing.

As we all know, most cats can sense when change is coming, and with basically our entire house being packed into boxes, I for sure thought she would know something was up. With the collar on, it seemed like she didn’t have a care in the world, and of course, she loved all of the boxes!

The calming collar also helped with the actual moving. Usually, she hates being in a carrier, and being in a car, since that usually means she’s going to the dreaded veterinarian. But she was surprisingly chilled being subjected to both of those things – luckily, it was only a short 30-minute drive.

3. Creating a safe room

Our new townhouse had two bedrooms, and we made her a comfy, safe spot in one of the rooms with all of her things. Her cat tree, litter boxes, toys, food bowls, and scratchers were all placed in the room before her arrival. We kept her in the room until all of our things were in the house and all of the strangers were out of the house!

4. Allowing her to explore

When the extremely long moving day finally came to an end, it was time for her to explore her new space! Her curiosity was at an all-time high, with new nooks and crannies and rooms to explore. I wondered what she was thinking. The views from the windows were different, the layout of the house was different, well, everything was different! After a couple of days, we moved her things to their new designated spots. We also made sure to put an item with her scent in each room. In my mind, this would make her feel like she’s been there before.

5. Sticking to the regular routine

We made sure that she still got fed at the same time and got treats on her cat tree perch each morning. What made this process even easier, I think, was the fact that I get to work from home. In essence, nothing changed except the space we were in.

Although these things helped Ivy and us a lot, I also think that she is a very adaptable kitty. She wasn’t hiding, or skittish, or unsure of herself. She was her normal, confident self. Within a few days, she was running around the house like she owned the place, and it seemed as though she had lived there her entire life.

Ivy really amazed me and honestly made me think to myself, if she can have her entire little life uprooted, moved, and settle in within a matter of days, why can’t I? Instead of me helping her through the move and adjustment period, she ended up helping me even more.

Our moving experience isn’t nearly as stressful as some others I’ve read or heard about, and for that, I am extremely grateful!

I’m curious to know: If you could give someone one piece of advice about moving with a cat, what would it be?

Thanks for reading, Catsters! Until next time.

The post Moving with Cats: Ivy’s Tips for Stress-Free Relocation by Crystal Uys appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Let’s face it, video calls were one of the best technological advancements of the last century. Working from home has taken on a whole new look, and for people like me who live half a world away from friends and family, it has allowed us to be right there in the room, even when you’re on the other side of the planet. I try to get a video call in with my parents once a week, although it can get a little tricky with the time difference. My schedule isn’t too bad, but as my Dad likes to say, “retirement is a full-time job.”

Apart from my Dad’s sharp wit, one thing I can always rely on during our weekly video chats is that Mum will try to talk to the cats. Usually, it’s Clutch, because he’s always hanging around downstairs with the dogs. Despite the fact that Clutch has never – not once in 10 years – given the slightest reaction to her waving, calling his name, and insistent calls of “puss, puss, puss,” she is completely undeterred. And in case you’re thinking that he might have some sort of personal vendetta against my mother, he is equally rude to anyone who tries to get his attention through the computer screen.

Screen Blind?

Clutch’s unwavering ignorance of this particular mode of communication got me wondering – is he somehow blind and deaf to digital images and sounds? Obviously, I had some experimenting to do. Naturally, I am completely opposed to testing on animals, but in this case, exposing my cat to a range of sights and sounds on the laptop and television screen seems pretty harmless!

Side by side, Clutch and Cyril both came running when called. However, when I played a recording of me calling them, I got nothing. Nada. But then I play one of those wildlife videos on YouTube that are designed to entertain cats  – have you seen them? Chirping birds flying and squirrels and chipmunks darting about the place – and I have clear evidence that my felines can both see and hear things on a screen.

Almost As Good As the Real Thing

I once worked with another vet who had adopted a lovely cat she named Spartacus, who had been brought into our practice with horrible burns all over his back. After weeks of nursing, Sparta made a full recovery with just a few scars and became a most loving and devoted indoor kitty. He also loved nature documentaries. The fast-moving images really grabbed his attention, and no matter where he was in the apartment, when he heard the opening theme music for David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, he would come running and perch himself in front of the TV.

He would occasionally paw or jump at the fish as they darted across the screen, but for the most part, he just sat, transfixed, for the whole hour. Clearly it ignited some of his hunting instincts, but it also seemed like he simply enjoyed watching the images without feeling the need to interact with them. He also enjoyed a spot of tennis!

Maybe This Time

It’s clear that cats – including Clutch – can see, hear, and understand digital images to some extent. Their behavior suggests that they aren’t under the impression that there are actually birds or fish inside the television, but are simply enjoying watching and playing with the fast-moving images on the screen, much like they enjoy chasing a laser pointer. Perhaps it is this understanding that leads Clutch to ignore the people in the computer – because he knows they’re not real.

Despite this, I know that Mum will still call out to Clutch at our next video catch-up. Who knows, maybe this time he’ll react!

Do any of your cats like to watch TV? Or perhaps you have a feline that is happy to interact with friends online. Let me know in the comments below.

The post Cats and Video Chats: Why Doesn’t Clutch React to the Computer? by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

This Week’s Winner

Silliest

Cutest

Most Dignified

Name:	Hugo
Breed:	N/A
Fun Fact:	“Hugo was rescued as a semi-feral after being hit by a car, and spent some time in my house recovering from a broken pelvis… But he became so affectionate and enjoyed being a spoiled house cat so much that he is now a permanent resident of our home ”

Most Expressive

Name:	Dey
Breed:	Tuxedo
Fun Fact:	Dey loves car rides and has always took trips with me almost everywhere I go. He’s not just a cat to me but my best friend, he’s always very expressive and talkative:)

Best Action Shot

Sleepiest

Enter Your Cat

Submit your kitty for a chance to be featured! Click here

The post Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (Jan 30, 2025) by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every month, we ask our cat-loving Catsters to weigh in on a new topic. This week, we asked them to tell us what their cat hates! Here’s what they had to say:

Crystal & Ivy

Ivy is a sassy kitty, and she will absolutely let us know when she doesn’t like something.

She does this by hissing, biting, scratching, loudly meowing, or yowling. A kitty of many talents, you may say!

One of her top hates has to be getting a bath! Since she is a long-haired kitty, she does need occasional baths – especially to clean up around the booty area. My fellow long-haired cat parents will understand this!

Interestingly, she loves looking at the bathtub as the water is running. It’s worth mentioning that neither my fiance nor myself take baths, so the only time we use the bath is when it’s for her! Honestly, it’s like she forgets this.

Nevertheless, as soon as the bathroom door gets closed and her collar is taken off, it’s time to cue the kitty opera. And let me tell you, this opera is a loud, long one. She will meow and yowl for the entire duration of the bath. Sometimes, I’m worried about what our neighbors might think.

Another one of her strong dislikes is getting picked up, sadly. She used to love it as a kitten, but now, not so much. I can kind of understand this one. Imagine you’re on your way somewhere, and suddenly get swooped up by a giant only to be cuddled and kissed, with no means of escaping since you’re so tiny. Terrible, right? (Honestly, it does sound quite scary!)

A little lower on the list would be her semi-new-found sibling, an orange fella named ‘Toast.’ More on him in the weeks to come! But in short, he’s roughly around the same age as Ivy, and they were introduced to each other when my sister moved in with us. I’d say they now have a love-hate relationship, but initially, it was just hate. Hissing, swatting, scratching, the works!

It’s gotten a whole lot better, and they can now tolerate being in the same room together at the same time.

He does still get the occasional hiss-and-swat, especially when it’s food time. I always have to remind her that in all her time of being with us, I have never, ever, not even once, not given her food. That usually doesn’t work.

So there you have it, Catsters! Ivy’s top hates: baths, being picked up, and her orange brother.

What’s something your cat absolutely cannot stand?

Catch you next time!

Isabel & Milly

Milly hates many things.

Like when her dry food isn’t topped with fresh food every hour. Or when I leave the house for any amount of time. Or when we need to drive 6 minutes (in total) to the vet. She also despises dogs and water and she can’t take it when I don’t immediately start petting her when she checks in on me while I’m working.

Cats know what they want and even more so, what they don’t want. Sometimes, it can be challenging when our cats express disapproval towards certain things, especially when our feelings are involved. Of course, cats are allowed to express to us as their caretakers when they don’t like something, but in some cases, our cats just have irrational fears!

For example, Milly has a burning hatred for round brushes, hairdryers (curl diffusers especially), hair straighteners, and most of all, the dreaded vacuum cleaner. I’m not sure why she detests hair-styling items, because her hair always looks fabulous!

The vacuum, on the other hand, is a well-known sworn enemy of the cat-kind… The hairdryer is probably loathed for the same reasons – loud, obnoxious things! But believe it or not… Some cats love vacuums. You may have read about Clutch, Dr. Karyn’s white rescue cat, who thoroughly enjoys being vacuumed. It’s a must-read (and must-see!)

The brushes and hair dryer diffusers are disliked probably because they’re spikey and look like they could hurt. Although, she’s usually more curious and cautious than scared.

Sometimes I slowly present it to her, then her eyes widen and her body goes on high alert. She always moves in slow motion, picking up her dominant paw and stretching it out ever so gently to softly feel the texture of the brush. She does the cutest little pitter-patters with her paw!

I have to watch my moves because any sudden movements could send her jumping 2m high and having the fright of her life! So, I just slowly back away and put the brush in the drawer and then she loses interest.

Is your cat afraid of anything unusual or funny? Does anyone share any fears with Milly?

Check back next time for another cat parent adventure from Milly and I.

Cheers vir eers!

(Cheers for now!)

Wes & Raphael

Raphael, as you all know, is an easy-to-please little gentleman. Especially when it comes to food. As I’ve mentioned before, he is incredibly food-motivated and will meow until he’s blue in the face for us to place another crumb in his bowl.

But there is one food group that we simply cannot consistently crack – fish.

Now, I’m not talking about a beautiful, buttery, flaky piece of seabass that has just come out of the air fryer…that was a painful (and hunger-inducing) lesson to learn. No, he won’t eat any fish when it’s a real mealtime.

Turkey, chicken, beef, lamb. All the tasty treats of his world will be gobbled up with abandon, but fish is a “no canned do.”

I know what you’re thinking: “But what about a balanced diet?” Well, we add some Omega 3 supplements to his meat feast. But it’s just not the same. I still hope that one day, we’ll crack the code in that cute little mind and have him eating the fish packets we buy for him.

The post Things Our Cats Hate: The Wednesday Cats of Catster by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

One really common complaint I hear from cat lovers is that their cats don’t seem to reciprocate their love as enthusiastically as they would like. It is also the reason why some people claim to ‘hate’ cats – better to reject them than be rejected! The irony that many cat lovers will also be familiar with is that the people who don’t want or try to attract the affection of a feline are invariably the ones who receive it. Another classic ‘cat-ism’ is that your cat will want to shower you with love and snuggles at exactly the time it is least convenient.

Case in point: Zelda

Zelda was adopted by Husband as an older kitten; one that had been poorly socialized. Her daily routine generally consisted of eating, sleeping, hiding, and destroying. She had no interest in playing with toys or engaging with any of the other pets or humans that shared her home; her sole focus was shredding the kitchen sponge or loaves of bread. It was only when she was finally caught in the act that Husband realized that the source of all the kitchen confetti was the lightning-fast, black-haired demon that lurked in the shadows of the wardrobe.

Of course, Husband learned to keep the bread in the pantry and hide the sponge under the sink, but accidents and oversights occasionally occurred, and his frustration was nearing the point of explosion. Much as he hated it, his interactions with Zelda had been reduced to silence, frustrated sighs, and delivering & retrieving food bowls. Then, about six months into this rather dismal relationship, it was like someone had flicked a switch in Zelda, and she stopped her reign of destruction and started following Husband wherever he went, jumping into his lap and showering him in love whenever he sat down. She also turned her affections towards Bailey, the gentle yellow Labrador, who, for the most part, ignored Zelda’s loving demonstrations.

Fast forward a few years, and Zelda’s home has become a little more crowded, with the addition of me, a few more cats, and several more dogs. Although she isn’t trotting behind Husband all day, every day, she still loves to sit on his lap and rub herself all over him – honestly, this cat has no shame.

And when is she most insistent about demonstrating her love? It is always when Husband is using a laptop, phone, or PlayStation console. If he is looking busy—Bam!—Here comes Zelda, and this fairy princess is not easily ignored.

Of course, just because this foundation of avoidance and growing resentment has resulted in a relationship of love and affection, it doesn’t mean that this is the method to follow. However…

Reverse Psychology

Unlike dogs, whose threshold for attention and affection has not yet been discovered, and likely doesn’t exist, cats appear to have a definite limit. Each cat’s limit is different and also may differ depending on whom the attention and affection is coming from. That limit seems to exist on the edge of a very sharp drop, and if you exceed your allowance, you are rejected harshly, either with violence or a look of revulsion that makes you wish you’d never been born.

Cats like to be in control. There is a reason why we often say that humans do not own cats, but are owned by them. We laugh about it, but it’s a hollow laugh, built on shame. Deep down we know that if cats had opposable thumbs, the world would be a vastly different place…

Back to reverse psychology!

If you are to have any chance of winning the love and adoration of a cat, you need to make it appear as though it is all their choice; they control when and how much. We are merely here to do their bidding and be damned grateful for the job. If a cat does not feel that they have control of the situation, they are likely to bolt.

So if we want to feel the love of a cat, we must let them come to us. Be disinterested, standoffish, and even walk away. I’m not going as far as to recommend the “treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen” philosophy of misogynistic dating, but it is closer to the mark than a love-bombing approach. Perhaps, ‘treat ‘em with indifference’ would be more apt, as negativity and punishment are just as isolating as an aggressively affectionate approach.

Cats Don’t Need Friends

In the wild, most felines are solitary by nature, meeting up only for reproductive purposes. They are not social beasts and are quite content in their own company. As they tamed humans over the last 10,000 years, they have become more tolerant of company, even seeming to enjoy it. But the point is, they don’t need it, and that’s why cats have the upper hand. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to be deemed worthy of the attention of a cat, but if they’re not happy, they just walk away without a backward glance. Essentially, cats have got us right where they want us.

Cats Are Loyal Friends

So here’s the good news. Once you’ve broken through into the feline friend zone, you aren’t required to constantly maintain your facade of stoic nonchalance. You can lean in for a smooch, or offer up a cuddle, just don’t get too carried away. But if a cat has decided that you are worthy of their time, they aren’t likely to go back on that decision; that would be admitting a mistake!

If this sounds like I resent cats, then I am saying it wrong. I admire them. They have us providing food, warmth, shelter, and safety, and they haven’t compromised their integrity to do it. All they ask is that we follow their lead, and be cool, calm, and composed in the face of feline attention. Don’t beg, chase, capture, or smother; be patient, and let them come to you. But whatever you do, don’t you dare get up when they’re on your lap!

The Best Solution

If you want to be almost 100% certain of winning a cat’s love, rescue an adult. When you bring home and shower love on a kitten, they often take you for granted! But if you offer your home to an adult cat that has been living rough or neglected, the hard work’s already been done, and you will have a grateful feline friend for life. Just ask Clutch.

The post How Can I Make My Cat Like Me? Lessons From Zelda & Clutch by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.