April 24/2024

 

A New Study Explains Cat Facial Expressions — All 276 Of Them!

By Krissy Howard

cuteness.com

11/ 23/ 2023

Ever feel like your cat might be making faces at you? If you have, you aren't wrong! In fact, they can conceivably make up to 276 faces at you, according to a new study published in ‌Behavioural Processes‌. If you're wondering how an animal with no eyebrows & an average head size that measures no more than 4 inches in diameter can make hundreds of different faces, read on to hear about the exciting recent research that indicates new ideas about feline domestication.

Feline faces & composition

In the 2023 study, 2 researchers, Lauren Scott, & Brittany Florkiewicz, examined 53 adult domestic shorthair felines at the Los Angeles, California, establishment, CatCafé Lounge. The duo used the Facial Action Coding System for cats to measure unique facial movements in both affiliative, or bonding, & non-affiliative contexts. They looked at how complex their facial muscle movements were, as well as the overall composition of the cats' heads, ear positions, whiskers, & pupil sizes. After reviewing nearly 200 minutes of video, they documented 276 distinct facial expressions among the cats, & more than half of them were done for building social bonds among them.

Different facial expressions recorded

It's not hard to measure when cats are using their body language to express unfriendly or even aggressive signals toward another animal, be that a fellow feline, a dog, or a human. It makes sense that cats would act this way because of their comparatively small stature in these cases, & because cats don't really need to rely on one another for survival. In this study, cats of both sexes, all of whom were spayed & neutered, were shown to express assertive or aggressive behaviors about 48.5% of the time. The majority of the time, the cats displayed positive, friendly behaviors to help grow & nurture social bonds more than half of the time.

The friendly expressions appeared as closed eyes with both the ears & whiskers positioned forward on the head, according to a report from CNN. Non-friendly facial signals included ears flattened against the head, narrow pupils, & lip-licking to signal that other cats should stay away. The affiliative, or friendly, signals may be recent adaptations to cats' facial expressions due to things like cohabitation within the same home, feral colonies where multiple cats are fed & housed together, & overcrowding in heavily populated cities. As none of these would likely happen among wild cats, the research team's findings suggest that domestication likely has a huge part in how & why pet cats make so many faces.

Cat body language

The body language of cats has long been heralded as the go-to language for understanding cat communication — both among feline friends & between felines & humans. Anyone who's lived with a cat has seen examples of this, including hissing, switching or tapping their tails, slow blinking, purring, & meowing, to name a few. Cats are generally solitary creatures, & many wildcat species don't really live in packs or groups in the wild. Thanks to domestication, housecats are subjected to far more cat-to-cat interaction than their wild ancestors were, which has forced them to develop more complex ways of communicating with one another. Because domesticated cats live in such close proximity to people, it's not out of the question that they've adapted to communicate in similar ways that we do, as evidenced by their preference toward people who use so-called "baby talk" when addressing them.

The bottom line

Domesticated cats can make up to 276 distinct facial expressions, & more than half of them are used to form positive & productive social bonds with other cats around them. Examples of friendly cat facial expressions include forward-facing whiskers & ears, & closed eyes, or eyes that blink slowly, which suggests that a cat is comfortable with those around them. While there's still more work to be done in the area of understanding cat communication, this research makes huge strides in measuring the effects of domestication on our feline friends.

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April 17/2024

 

Do Cats Know Their Names?

By Janelle Leeson

Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP 

petmd.com 

6/2/2023

Naming your new kitten or cat is no easy feat. So it’s only natural for pet parents to wonder: Do cats know their names? According to experts, cats can recognize & respond to the names we lovingly gave them—but they don’t always choose to respond. 

By looking into the workings of the feline mind, we can gain valuable insights into how cats interpret their names & why they might choose to selectively respond.

Do Cats Recognize Their Own Name?

Yes! According to Teresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian at VCA Fleming Island Animal Hospital, cats can recognize & differentiate their name from other household pets’ names. She says this recognition is likely due to positive reinforcement or a cat’s association of their name with attention, food, or play.

What Do Cats Respond To?

Lisa Radosta, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist at Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, reiterates what cat lovers already know: Cats are highly intelligent. Paired with amazing ears that can swivel almost 180 degrees & move independent of each other, cats can hear & respond to more than just their names.

Cats Recognize Their Humans’ Voices

If it seems like your cat readily responds to your voice but ignores your roommate, you might be on to something. Cats can identify & remember unique vocal patterns, Manucy says. “This means that a cat may respond to a favored family member better than to a less familiar guest,” she explains.

Radosta says this was demonstrated in a 2013 study of 20 cats that were challenged to recognize their pet parents solely by voice. The researchers discovered that when presented with 4 different voices, one of them their pet parent's voice, the cats showed a clear preference. They directed their gaze & head toward that voice while gradually ignoring the voices of strangers.

“This ability allows cats to distinguish who is family & who is not,” Radosta explains. “It’s another cue that cats use to understand how to live safely & happily in our environment.”

Cats Recognize Tone of Voice

The tone we use when calling a cat can influence how much attention they pay to us. Our tone of voice can be associated with emotion—including positive or negative outcomes, which applies to all animals, not just cats, Radosta says.

For example, she says, if a pet parent uses a high-pitched voice to call their cat & rewards them with something they enjoy, the cat will respond positively. However, if the same high-pitched voice is associated with something negative, like a bath or being put into a carrier, it can elicit a negative response from the cat.

Cats Recognize Other Words, Like ‘Dinner,’ ‘Treat,’ & ‘Bed’

We can't say for sure what cats understand or don’t understand. However, we know they are curious creatures who use context clues to adjust their behavior.

For example, if you routinely announce dinner & then feed your cat a meal, they’ll learn that “dinner” is associated with food. For this reason, Radosta recommends not pairing cats’ names with anything that might have a stress reaction, like “vet,” “car,” or “carrier.”

Why Is My Cat Ignoring Me?

Unlike dogs, cats are independent by nature. This might explain why they ignore us even when they recognize their name being called. You can test if a cat recognizes their name by calling them without additional signals, Radosta says. If they respond by turning their head or orienting their body toward you, they recognize their name.

However, Manucy says some cats are simply more independent, distracted, or stand-offish than others, which can contribute to their occasional indifference.

How To Teach Your Cat Their Name

According to Manucy, one way to teach a cat or kitten their name is to associate it with positive experiences, such as by saying their name before giving them a treat, toy, or attention.

Clicker-training cats can also be effective, especially in households with multiple cats or kittens. The key is to help your cat understand that their name has significance, & when they hear it, it means we’re seeking their attention. To reinforce this, say your cat's name & immediately click & reward them when they look at you. Name-training cats together reinforces their understanding & may help them distinguish between their individual names.

Teaching Your Cat Other Directions

“Cats who know & respond positively to their names are also ready to learn new things,” Radosta says. “It’s easy to get their attention & engage them in tricks or other activities.” Once your cat knows their name, try some of these practical & fun training activities:

- Recall. Pairing a cat’s name with a hand signal indicates immediate stop of an activity, like munching on house plants, & coming to you. If your cat walks on a leash & harness, a recall cue is a great safety resource.

- Target stick. Once you have your cat’s attention, direct them to a spot you’d like them to go, using a clicker target stick, like a mat where they’ll be brushed.

- Parking spot. Teach your cat to stay in a safe spot when needed, such as when guests enter & exit your home.

- Fist bumping. Just for fun & enrichment, teach your cat silly tricks like high 5s & fist bumps.

Often misunderstood as aloof or aggressive, cats are incredible animals capable of learning & communicating with us in many ways—when we put in the work & patience to understand them.

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April 10/2024

 

Cat Month continues...

Natural Calming Herbs and Supplements for Cats

By Jennifer Coates, DVM 

5/10/2023

petmd.com

Being a cat can be stressful—no, really! Think about what a cat’s life out in nature looks like: lots of hunting & eating what you catch, monitoring your surroundings for threats, & napping when you feel safe. While this might sound demanding, it’s what cats are wired to do.

Now think about a domestic cat’s home life in comparison. Often, they’re either bored or are being harassed by a housemate they can’t escape from. This can actually be more stressful than living the life of a solitary hunter. It’s no wonder that calming herbs & supplements for cats are so popular now.

Calming Herbs for Cats

Let’s take a look at some of the more commonly used calming herbs for cats. Unfortunately, very little cat-specific research has been done, so information on these herbs’ effectiveness & their mechanism of action is scarce & often based on studies in people or rats.

Ashwagandha: A small shrub that is regularly used in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce the level of cortisol & other stress-related hormones.

Chamomile: One of the most widely used herbal remedies in the world, chamomile is thought to work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain—for example, by binding to the same receptors that are used by medications like diazepam (Valium®).

Hops: Sleepiness is a common side effect of drinking a beer or 2. This may be, in part, due to the sedative effects of hops.

Lemon balm: Used since the Middle Ages, studies in people have shown that lemon balm can reduce anxiety & improve overall mood.

Passionflower: Widely recognized as a medicinal plant, passionflower is used for many purposes, including stress & anxiety relief. It’s not yet clear how it works, but it may affect neurotransmitters in the brain.

Skullcap: While studies are somewhat contradictory, skullcap has been used for centuries to reduce stress & anxiety. It may influence neurotransmitter levels within the brain.

Valerian root: Arguably the most commonly used herbal supplement for anxiety relief, valerian root has been shown to change the way that parts of the brain connect to each other. 

Many herbal products designed for pets, like Pet Wellbeing Stress Gold Bacon Flavored Liquid Calming Supplement for Dogs & Cats & Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend Herbal Formula Dog & Cat Supplement, combine several calming herbs for an additive effect.

Calming Supplements for Cats

Nutritional supplements are another natural way to improve a cat’s well-being. Similar to the situation with herbs, information about the effectiveness of supplements is spotty. Always talk to your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your cat.

L-Theanine: Nutritional supplements that contain L-theanine, an extract of green tea, are thought to work by increasing serotonin, dopamine, & gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain.

L-Tryptophan: Often wrongly blamed for the “turkey coma” experienced by many after a big Thanksgiving meal, L-tryptophan may reduce stress by altering bacterial populations in the gut.

Magnesium: Low magnesium levels can increase the body’s secretion of cortisol & other stress-associated hormones.

B vitamins: Thiamine (vitamin B1) & vitamin B6 can reduce stress on their own, perhaps by affecting neurotransmitters associated with anxiety or reducing cortisol secretion. B vitamins may also affect cells’ ability to take up magnesium.

Melatonin: Better known for its sleep-inducing properties, melatonin can also relieve anxiety through numerous pathways in the body.

Milk proteins: Alpha-casozepine, a type of milk protein, is thought to bind to the same receptors that are used by anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium®).

Calming Scents for Cats

The power of the feline nose can be put to work to create a calming effect, both through the cat’s sense of smell & a separate structure inside the nasal cavity called the vomeronasal organ.

Essential Oils

Cats are very sensitive to essential oils. Never give them orally or apply them directly to your cat without veterinary supervision. Calming oils, such as lavender, can be used safely in your home as long as they produce a subtle aroma & cats aren’t able to come into direct contact with them.

Flower Essences

Some calming products for cats include multiple flower essences. Rescue Remedy® Stress Relief Pet Supplement is a homeopathic option that contains Helianthemum nummularium, Clematis vitalba, Impatiens glandulifera, Prunus cerasifera, & Ornithogalum umbellatum.

The active ingredients in Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Calming Spray are listed only as “plant extracts,” but the product has received many good reviews from pet parents.

Catnip

Better known for producing a “kitty high,” catnip has also been shown to increase the amount of time cats spend sleeping. Catnip products are available in many forms, including sprays, treats, & parts of the plant itself.

Pheromones

The vomeronasal organ detects pheromones, including the feline facial pheromones that promote a sense of well-being in cats. Pheromone sprays, collars, & diffusers are all available.

Natural Remedies vs. Prescription Medications for Calming Cats

With so many natural calming remedies available for cats, it can be difficult to know which, if any, to use. Picking products that are labeled specifically for cats is best because they shouldn’t contain any potentially dangerous ingredients. There’s also no need to guess at how best to use the product or what an appropriate dose might be. All that information will be available on the label.

Natural remedies tend to work best in cases of mild to moderate anxiety or when a stressful situation will be short-lived (a trip to the veterinary office, for example). Prescription medications & a behavior modification protocol are usually a better option when a cat is suffering from more severe anxiety. Chronic stress needs to be dealt with at its source with appropriate environmental enrichment.

A veterinarian familiar with your cat’s needs can put together an individualized treatment plan that will soon have your feline friend enjoying life again.

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April 3/2024

 

As a special dedication to the inspiration behind this blog- my Nan- Edna Belle Wiltzen-

April is CAT MONTH!!!

10 Fun Facts About Cats

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP 

5/9/2023

petmd.com

Cats are unique animals, adored for both cuteness & behavior quirks, like their obsession with knocking things off tables & their headbutting love language. But there’s so much more to know (& love!) about cats. Here are some well-hidden secrets & fun facts about cats.

1. Only 20% of Orange Cats Are Female

Female cats have 2 X chromosomes (XX), while a male cat has 1 X chromosome & 1chromosome (XY). Color in cats is mostly related to their sex because the gene causing color is on the X chromosome.

Because a male cat has only one X gene, if that X chromosome has the orange gene, he will be orange. This means that if an orange female cat has a litter of kittens, all the males will be orange—regardless of their dad’s color. But a female cat will only be orange if both of those X chromosomes carry the orange color, meaning both parents must be orange to create an orange female kitten.

We don’t actually know what percentage of cats are orange, but there are estimates that it’s somewhere between 2–5% of all cats. So if your kitty is an orange female, she belongs to an elite club!

2. Cats Have Fewer Taste Buds Than Dogs or People

Cats have about 473 taste buds, which is far fewer than people (we have 9,000) or dogs (who have 1,700). Cats can taste savory, salty, bitter, & sour flavors, but they don’t taste sweets.

But don’t be too sad that your kitty can’t taste ice cream—as obligate carnivores, they’re happy to stick to eating meat.

3. Cats Don’t Get Cavities

This doesn’t mean that cats don’t get dental disease—in fact, up to 90% of cats more than 4 years old have dental problems. However, they don’t get the types of cavities that people do, in part because of the pointed shape of cat teeth (compared to the flat teeth in humans).

Instead, cats get feline resorptive lesions, in which the dentin wears away, leaving them with a painful mouth. Cats also get gingivitis, stomatitis, & periodontal disease.

Dental disease is not just painful; it can shorten the life of your cat. Keep up with regular tooth brushing at home with a cat-friendly toothpaste & schedule dental cleanings as recommended by your vet.

4. Many Cats Get the Zoomies After Using the Litter Box

Think of it as sort of a victory lap. Lots of cats will run like crazy after using the litter pan for a bowel movement. But sometimes they’ll run away from the box if the experience was uncomfortable—such as if they were constipated or have swelling in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract.

If your cat shows any unusual bathroom habits, discuss these zoomies with your veterinarian. But for most cats, post-pooping zoomies are just a way to celebrate a job well done.

5. Cat Whiskers Are as Sensitive as Human Fingertips

Cat whiskers are thicker & coarser than regular fur and have roots that are 3 times deeper. They are strategically located on the cat’s face to provide sensory equipment to help guide a cat through the day, aiding vision & helping the cat to navigate, much like antennae on insects.

Although the number of whiskers will vary by breed, most cats have 12 whiskers arranged in 4 rows on each cheek. These whiskers are very sensitive, & this part of the face also contains small glands that smell like your cat. This is one reason many cats love to have their faces rubbed!

6. Cats are Nearsighted, but See Great in the Dark

This is all thanks to those sensitive whiskers! Compared to humans, cats are nearsighted because their eyes are so large & placed so forward on their face. In fact, they can’t focus on anything less than 1 foot in front of them. This is where the whiskers come into play, as they can swing the whiskers forward to feel in front of them.

However, they make up for this nearsightedness with an excellent ability to see in the dark. Cats have extra dark-specializing cells called rods & a “reflective mirror” called a tapetum in the back of the eye. These work together, so cats can see light at 8 times dimmer illumination than you can.

7. Cats Have the Same Number of Brain Cells in Their Cerebral Cortex as Brown Bears

Even though a bear’s brain is 10 times bigger than a cat brain, cats have about the same number of information processing cells. The cerebral cortex of a bear has 251 million cells, while the tabby has about 250 million cells.

This still pales in comparison to humans, however—we have up to 26 billion cells in our cerebral cortexes.

8. Cats Use Dewclaws To Help Them Grip

The dewclaw is the tiny little claw found up on the inner wrist of your cat—the one that is hard to clip & that overgrows very quickly.  Technically, the dewclaw is very similar to the human thumb, although it isn’t opposable. But cats can use it very effectively to grip onto a tree when climbing or to hold onto prey when hunting.

Dewclaws on cats rarely cause problems, but they will sometimes overgrow if they’re not trimmed regularly. In most cases, it isn’t necessary to surgically remove a cat’s dewclaws. And, like all other cat claws, it serves a function that your cat would miss if it wasn’t there.

9. That Adorable Paunch on a Cat’s Belly Is Also Found in Lions & Tigers

That swinging, dangling pouch on your cat’s belly is actually a normal structure found in all cats—wild & domestic. However, it’s important to tell the difference between a normal pouch & a big fat pad associated with obesity. But don’t worry—your veterinarian will tell you if your cat is overweight.

There are several thoughts as to why cats get these pouches. Some think this is a padded layer meant to protect the internal organs during a fight. The pouch may also simply provide some extra skin that lets them widely spread their legs when running. Or, because wild cats tend to eat a lot when they catch prey, it might just be room to expand after a large meal. Whatever the reason, it certainly is a cute part of your cat.

10. Cats That Scratch Furniture Are Often Marking Their Territory

Cats have tiny scent glands on their feet, & when they scratch furniture they leave just a little bit of their smell on it. This tells other cats, “This sofa is in my territory, & these are my people—keep away!” Additionally, shredded corners of a couch or chair are a visual sign of your cat’s space. So although you don’t want your cat destroying your furniture, the scratching is a signal that they love you & their space.

One step to teaching your cat not to ruin your furniture is to provide them a large, sturdy cat tree or scratching post they’re allowed to mark. If possible, place it near their favorite forbidden piece of furniture. This way they have something they are allowed to claim as their own.

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