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Signs Your Cat Loves You
“Even though my cat can’t speak aloud, she is constantly trying to find ways to communicate with me.”
1. Kneading Your Legs
affection and telling you he loves you right back. Unfortunately, this can be quite painful, since the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in witwh his sharp nails.” They recommend that you ease the painful part of this kneading by “placing a thick, soft barrier between the cat and your lap.”
Kneading is when your cat uses their paws to push in and out against a soft surface, such as your lap. This is one of the main ways your cat tries to say “I love you.” According to PetMD, “If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s returning the
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Advice
2. Bringing You a Present
5. Showing You Their Belly
You may be familiar with your cat bringing you presents, such as toys or small, dead animals. This is your cat’s way of showing love.
The flashing of the stomach is one way that your cat is saying “I love you.” According to IHeartCats.com, “Like most animals, cats do not show their stomachs to just anyone. If your cat rolls over on its back to give you a flash of that fuzzy belly, this is an indication that they feel comfortable around you.”
Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai writes, “Cats love with gifting. Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise.”
They continue, “Not only this, but they feel loved and protected by you, rendering themselves defenseless while on their backs.”
While it might seem odd, Shojai says, “They wouldn’t bring these special gifts if they didn’t love you.”
6. Curving the Tip of Their Tail
3. Head-Butting You Head-butting may seem like an odd behavior, but it actually shows that your cat truly cares about you. zz zzz v zvvvvAccording to Mother Nature Network, “Cats have secret glands concentrated on certain parts of their bodies, including their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs her head or face against you, she’s marking you with her scent and claiming you as part of her family group.”
The tail can actually be an incredible barometer into how your cat feels about you. In an essay entitled, Ask a Behaviorist: How Do Cats Show Affection to People?, Catster writes, “Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight curve at the top.” They continue that this tail curve “is sometimes called the happy tail dance.”
They continue, “This scent is a source of both comfort and familiarity for your kitty.”
4. Staring Into Your Eyes Staring at you and slowly blinking is a way in which your cat shows you great affection. Dr. Karen Becker writes, “This might be the display of cat love that is easiest for humans to understand. If your kitty first stares at you, then blinks, then opens his eyes wide, then slowly blinks a second time, he’s telling you he loves and trusts you.” She says this is an extreme sign of affection. “It’s the equivalent of being kissed.”
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7. Nipping You
9. Purring
Don’t get mad, because gently nipping at your finger is another way your cat is saying that they love you.
You’ve heard your cat purr before, but you may not have realized that this was a love purr. According to certified expert Amy Shojai, “Cats love with purrs. Her purrs can mean a variety of things, from delight to expressions of concern. And kitty purrs range from soft and subtle to Mack-truck loud.”
According to Dr. Karen Becker, “This show of love from your kitty can prove to be a bit painful... [but] your cat really doesn’t understand her love bite isn’t always pleasant for you.” These love bites can also be seen as your cat interacts with other cats.
In case you had any doubt, she writes, “When your cat purrs in your presence, you can be sure she’s expressing her love for you.”
8. Rubbing Against Your Legs 10. Following You Around
When your cat just can’t seem to get enough of your legs, that is likely a sign of true love.
If your cat can’t seem to get enough of your company, you know you have a loving connection.
Dr. Karen Becker writes, “Rubbing against another creature is how cats show affection. If your kitty rubs up against your leg... he’s putting his scent on you as a way of claiming you as his own.” This is quite similar to the headbutting behavior.
A good test is if your cat continues to follow you, “especially if it’s not near feeding time.” Paying attention to these common cat behaviors is the best way to be sure that your pet truly does love you.
“It’s important to your relationship and bond with your cat to allow him to rub against you.” 3
Advice /Recipe 1
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which is Better?
When it comes to cat food, there are so many options. Loving cat owners must choose from a variety of different flavors, decide between wet and dry, among many other considerations.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food You’re probably familiar with the wet food in cans, but you may also find it in pouches. Both “come in small sizes, making it easy to provide a variety of different flavors, and for some, smaller sizes may make portion control easier,” says Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Dorothy Laflamme.
Wet cat food has at least 65 percent or more moisture content. As a result, “wet food should not be left out for more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time to prevent bacterial growth,” according to Laflamme.
Although feeding wet food to your cat seems special or indulgent, it’s more than a snack or treat. Wet cat food is 100 percent complete and balanced and can be an essential part of any cat’s diet.
Wet cat food offers many benefits, though, including: textures and ingredients cats love, easier for cats to chew, more variety in diet, helps increase total water intake
Dry Cat Food
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Dry kibble is popular among many cat owners because it’s convenient. It comes in larger
Homema
bags and because its moisture content is less than 20 percent, it has a longer shelf life, even after opening. This makes it more cost effective. There’s less risk of bacterial growth with dry food, so you can leave it out all day for your cat to graze on while you’re at work. Crunchy kibble also helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup on cats’ teeth. Dry cat food may be more difficult for older cats to chew, however.
Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Cats? Ultimately, your cat will decide whether she prefers dry or wet cat food. Purina nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of wet and dry food, though. This helps ensure she gets plenty of moisture in her diet, plus the dental benefits of dry food, all while adding variety to keep her interested. Cats are neophiliacs, meaning they appreciate trying new things. They may get bored eating the same food the same way day in and day out. Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or feeding them at separate meals is a good way to give your cat the variety she not only wants, but also needs. Catering to your cat’s needs and desires also strengthens your emotional connection. One reviewer wrote: “My kitties love Fancy Feast already and they quickly gobbled up the Creamy Delights! Received extra kitty lovin’ after this awesome treat!”
Shop Wet Cat Food If you’ve never tried feeding wet cat food, explore the wide variety of options Purina offers. You may need to try several brands until you find a couple your cat likes. Fortunately, Laflamme reminds, “there are hundreds—if not thousands—of good quality cat foods available at grocery stores, pet specialty stores, online and through veterinarians.” It’s also a good idea to try a few different serv-
ing methods. Some cats prefer their wet food “fluffed” and served on a flat plate or wide, low-edged bowl. Others will eat straight out of the can. Once you find a food and serving method your cat loves, she’ll enjoy eating a mix of wet and dry cat food on a regular basis. 5
ade Wet Cat Food Let’s face it. There’s just something special about home-cooked meals that no restaurant – even the fanciest – can replicate. Nothing compares to the delicious taste of a personal feast. Why should kitty be left out? After all, she’s part of the family too! Giving her leftovers from your plate isn’t the same as making a healthy dish of her very own – created with her unique nutritional needs in mind. It’s more natural. Cats are highly-evolved predators. A diet made entirely of commercial cat foods can satisfy their nutritional needs, but will not satisfy their carnivorous instincts as well as the best home recipes. It’s healthier. Kitties have sharp, pointy teeth that were meant to slice and tear through raw meat. Processed foods don’t provide the same oral health benefits. There are countless health benefits to natural foods. It’s easier to digest. It’s more fun. Kitty will have a lot more fun eating the recipes we’ve prepared on this list – and you’ll have a lot more fun watching her eat!
Why Should You Make Your Own Cat Food?
It’s easier to control. The fact is, by sourcing your ingredients and owning the process, you will have complete control over your cat’s diet. This is an important responsibility for the true cat guardian.
Besides the obvious pride you’ll feel in creating tasty treats, there are numerous real benefits to homemade cat food.
These are just a few reasons to make your own cat food, but you’ll find many more as you dig deeper into the world of feline cui6
sine. However, there is one very important question to answer before you get started!
found in the wild. However, it also removes bacteria and other microorganisms that can pose a risk to kitty’s health. Since childhood we’ve been told about the dangers posed by eating raw foods. It’s easy to think about negative consequences.
Should You Use Raw Food or Cooked?
Your cat’s biology is entirely built around the consumption of small animals caught in the wild. What seems dangerous to you is perfectly natural to her.
Many feline experts advocate one or the other. Dedicated cat guardians often draw a line in the sand and defend their position
religiously. The truth is that both types of homemade cat food – raw and cooked – can offer benefits to your little furball. Making sure kitty gets a well-balanced diet that fills her nutritional needs is the most critical factor in protecting her health.
The truth is that you can prepare a raw diet that is completely safe for your cats. You just need to be selective about your ingredients and pay careful attention to food safety. As long as the meat comes from a healthy animal, it’s almost certainly free from any pathogens. The bacteria exist only on the surface – which can be thoroughly and safely cleaned. Internal muscle tissue in healthy
The prospect of giving your beloved critter raw cat food can be daunting. Cooking food removes many natural proteins and nutrients 7
How To Transition To Homemade Food
animals is free from dangerous microbes. They have the same strong immune systems that you do. This is why raw pre-ground meat is never recommended fot kitty. The grinding process introduces surface bacteria into the muscle tissue which is impossible to clean away. Keep in mind that grinding at home is excellent, because there’s no time for the bacteria to form.
Pets are often like children, and they all come equipped with their own unique personalities. Some are whimsical and capricious – they flit from one thing to the next and prefer a life of excitement and rapid change. These adventurous predators might take to a new diet as if they’ve been waiting their entire lives.
You don’t have to choose one or the other. A controlled baking process aimed at providing just enough heat to eliminate surface bacteria without breaking down nutrients is a possible compromise to the raw/cooked controversy.
Others prefer a set, ordered routine – and they’ll learn quickly how to interpret your daily life in a way that best suits their purposes. They’ll require more structure and patience.
The bottom line is that raw is completely fine if you get quality ingredients, keep everything very clean, and do not let meat sit out. If you’re very diligent about this kind of stuff, then you can certainly feel free to go for it! If you prefer to be extra sure or aren’t 100% confident in the kitchen, maybe cooking is right for you.
Another idea is to mix in the new food with her old, gradually replacing it in greater proportions as she becomes accustomed to the new diet.
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Best Raw Cat Food Recipe: Raw Chicken Cat Food Ingredients: 4.5 lbs chicken thighs (including bone and skin!) 14 oz chicken hearts 7 oz chicken livers 2 cups water 4 egg yolks or whole eggs (optional) 200 mg Vitamin B supplement lows room for expansion as the food freezes. Leave a day or two’s worth of meal in the fridge and freeze the rest.
200 IU Vitamin E 1.5 teaspoons of light iodized salt (be sparing! Too much salt can be dangerous for kitty.)
This recipe will make about 100 ounces of food, and the average cat eats around 4-5 ounces of food per day.
2000 mg taurine
To reheat frozen food, thaw with warm water to room temperatures.
Roughly half of the skin and 20% of the bone should be removed and discarded. Slice and dice most of the thighs into small bite-sized portions.
Never use the microwave to thaw kitty’s food! The microwave cooks ingredients in an uneven fashion and will break down many important proteins your cat needs.
Grind the rest of the thigh meat, bones, liver, and hearts at home (avoid buying preground meat products if possible!) Stir very well. In a large bowl, combine all vitamin supplements, salt, and eggs, and add the 2 cups of water. Whisk the eggs well.
As you can see, preparing your kitty’s food isn’t much different from preparing your own. There are recipes that call for cooking, and recipes that rely on healthy raw ingredients.
You should now have three main mixtures – the sliced/sheared meat, the ground meat/ bone, and the supplement bowl. All of these should now be combined and mixed thoroughly. Store in an airtight container that al-
Whichever recipes you decide to utilize, there are important tools you will likely find necessary to enjoy the full benefits of homemade cat cuisine.
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Lifestyle
Meet The Famous Internet Cats Social media is obsessed with cats and so are we! Funny cat videos and memes are trending everywhere on the internet. Given their quirky personality and adorable face, you can’t help but fall in love with cats. It’s said that you can’t gain fame overnight; well, now you can with the power of the internet! 1. Grumpy Cat
Being famous comes with a ton of responsibilities, even for cats (and their parents!). Today we’re talking about 6 most famous cats in the world that have gained huge popularity on social media. Believe it or not, the first 4 cats on this list have even appeared on Forbes as pet influencers. Fascinating, right? Just like millions of people, you’ll also fall in love with these cats when you read about them! The owners of these millionaire cats aren’t any businessmen. If you want your cat to be famous and recognized by the world, all you need to do is take an initiative and start posting pictures. If those little moments with your cat make you happy, capture them! It will certainly make the world happy too.
If you love cats, you must have come across at least one meme on Grumpy Cat in your life. With permanent grumpy facial expressions, 12
she became everyone’s favorite! The reason behind her sad appearance was dwarfism and underbite. Moreover, her real name is actually Tardar Sauce, which her owner then changed it to ‘Grumpy Cat’ to suit her personality. (But secretly she was known to be a very sweet kitty who loved cuddles!)
Her journey towards fame began when her owner started a Tumblr account for her. Now, Lil Bub has over 3 million likes on facebook! Moreover, she has also appeared in movies and documentaries. Needless to say, this cat is living her dream life.
She became an internet star in 2012 after her picture was uploaded on Reddit. Initially, people thought her face was photoshopped. Therefore, her owner uploaded her video on Youtube, which crossed 1 million views in only 24 hours!
3. Nala Cat
Grumpy Cat has worked with many wellknown brands and has her own exclusive merchandise! How cool is that? Sadly, Grumpy Cat passed away in 2019.
2. Lil Bub Nala is an adorable Siamese/Tabby cat who was rescued when she was 5 months old. Her owner created Nala’s Instagram page so she could share the adorable cat’s pictures with her family. People couldn’t resist her adorable round face and she soon became one of the most famous cats of Instagram. Currently, Nala Cat has over 4 million followers on Instagram.
4. Waffles the Cat
You can tell that Lil Bub has always been a star. In fact, Lil Bub was actually the runt of her litter. She had many difficulties getting adopted as she was born with various genetic mutations; the reason why her tongue is always sticking out. Who could’ve imagined that this cat will appear in movies later on? When Mike Bridavsky got a call about a cat who needed a home, he immediately adopted this little creature. 13
Waffles-the Cat has the most cutest face! His round face, big eyes and small ears are too cute for words. When Waffles’ owner first met him, she was surprised to hear that he was not getting adopted because he looked ugly.
The stark contrast in the color of her face makes her stand out from other cats. She became famous after a picture of her was uploaded on Reddit. As of now, she has over 1 million followers on Facebook and Instagram.
She was visiting shelters to adopt a dog; instead, she went home with Waffles. The cat who had trouble getting adopted, now has over 2 million followers on Facebook and 800k+ followers on Instagram.
6. Maru
5. Venus
Maru, which means round in Japanese, has won many people’s hearts. Maru is a Scottish fold cat who was born on May 24, 2007. Maru’s videos on YouTube have been watched over 320 million times, a Guinness World Record for YouTube video views of an animal. No one could’ve thought that these cats would gain so much fame, given the fact that most of them are shelter cats.
Venus, also known as ‘two-faced cat’ is a celebrity cat known for her mysterious twofaced features.
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How do I choose the right breed of cat for my lifestyle? 1
Are you thinking about getting a cat? Each breed presents its own set of unique requirements, making it especially important that you choose the right cat for your household and lifestyle.
gree cat may be what you’re looking for. Although cats may display many similar characteristics, there are differences between breeds that are important to factor into your decision.
Do you want an active cat? Cats’ energy levels vary greatly. Do you have a lifestyle that can cater to a breed that is known to be highly energetic, active, and need heaps of stimulation, such as the Bengal? If you are out of the house for long periods, then perhaps these breeds are not for you. Persians, on the other hand, tend to be more easy-going and relaxed. However, while Persians are more placid, they do come with luxurious coats.
Pedigree cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain physical and behavioural characteristics that some owners find desirable, while mixed-breed cats (moggies) have a diverse range of characteristics and also make great companions. If you have specific features and traits in mind, a pedi-
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Lifestyle
How much grooming do you want to do?
Make sure you think it over In a nutshell, carefully take time to think about what sort of trait you would like in your new feline friend — an athletic cat, active cat, pal cat, or a talkative cat. Once you’ve nar2 rowed down your selection, it’s a good idea to talk to people who have experience with the breeds you’re interested in. Try searching online for forums and social media groups centred around certain breeds, and perhaps discuss the breed with your vet.
Levels of grooming should be considered when choosing which breed of cat is suited for your lifestyle. Persians, for example, require more maintenance than Siamese. Long-haired cats are considered stunning, but they also require more upkeep. Most breeds of long-haired cats have coats that can mat easily, and daily grooming is required.
Do you have a young family? Some cats, like Birmans, are bred for their tolerant, easy-going natures, often making them the perfect cat to fit into a younger family. However, make your choice based on your lifestyle and family environment, including the ages and characters of your children.
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Your Kitten Need To Socialize Too
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Kitten Care
We all want a cat who is friendly, sociable and wants to spend time with us. The time for socialising your kitten is in the first two months of his life, this will help shape your cat’s personality for the future. Making sure he experiences as much of the ‘real world’ as possible is of utmost importance.
How to ensure your kitten becomes a friendly, sociable kitten, by socialising your new kitten from the very first moment you bring him home. In cats, shyness and boldness are, to some extent inherited; shy mothers and fathers tend to have shy kittens and bold parents tend to produce bold kittens. However, kittens’ personalities are by no means fixed for life. A timid kitten can become bolder as he matures, so long as he doesn’t encounter anything unpleasant when he does pluck up the courage to do something brave. Conversely, a brave cat can turn into a scaredy-cat if he is mistreated, or gets hurt when he pushes his luck once too often. All experiences need to be positive for a kitten; a bad experience can be as detrimental as having no experience. Build up a kitten’s experiences gradually over time, and repeat them regularly through-
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out the first to months of his life. The greater the variety of positive experiences kittens have between two and eight weeks of age, the more likely they are going to be able to adapt to whatever life throws at them in the future. Many rescue centres will have their kittens placed in foster homes for this reason. Whether you’ve rescued or purchased a kitten, find out what socialisation he has already had so you can continue this at home. Stop your kitten from being scared of strangers In order to get kittens used to people, research has shown that kittens need to have positive handling experiences with at least four different people. Studies have shown that as little as 40 minutes of handling a day during the socialisation period has a profound effect on the friendliness of kittens and their willingness to approach people.
Tips on varying your kitten’s socialisation. Invite a variety of friends to your home - ideally of different genders, heights, and hair colour - to help your kitten get used to all sorts of different people. Try to arrange for your kitten to meet some (well-behaved) children at your house. Make sure they know how to correctly handle your kitten so he doesn’t become frightened. Get your kitten used to being in the car by taking him out for short trips. Offer a special treat when you return to your house, so he associates travelling with a positive reward. Kittens need to get used to being left alone, especially if you work full-time, so gradually leave him for increasing lengths of time when you are socialising him.
cats, no matter how old they are, and remember that play is about predatory behaviour. Creating a stimulating environment for your kitten and providing toys that encourage natural behaviours will help to prevent boredom, while continuing to pet and talk to your kitten will help him develop good ‘people skills’. Toys don’t need to be expensive to entertain your kitten and encourage good playing manners. A cardboard box with a couple of holes cut into it will provide hours of fun and you can encourage him to tap into his hunting and pouncing instincts by using a fishing rod-style toy. Playing with toys can also avert biting tendencies, play is all about hunting and chewing and it can be a rewarding sensation for a kitten to bite into flesh. The more he does it the more he will want to.
Make learning for your kitten fun Play is important for kittens because it increases their physical coordination, social skills and learning limits. We should never stop playing with our
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Key advice is to distract your kitten with a toy as soon as he starts this type of behaviour. If he becomes too rough when playing, stop the game immediately and say ‘no’. Remember, boisterous behaviour that can seem fun in a kitten can develop into problematic behaviour when the cat is fully grown. Nip bad behaviour in the bud. Most kittens are still at home with their mother during their socialisation period, so it is up to the owner or breeder to make sure that the kittens are well socialised. You should then continue to give your kitten lots of positive new experiences when he arrives at his new home.
Most kittens are fully housetrained by mum so all you need to do is show your kitten where his litter tray is and remind him every time he wakes up and after eating. If you see him looking for an alternative corner and he begins sniffing and scratching, gently place him in the litter tray. He will soon work out what the tray is for. These early and consistent lessons in good behaviour are important to stop bad habits developing. The age at which social maturity is reached varies between individuals and can be from 18 months to four years old. This is the stage when any problems will arise, usually due to other adult cats.
Even if cats have grown up together, cracks may begin to appear in their relationship. They may start to compete over territory, such as fighting over a favourite bed, and this can create stresses leading to a variety of illnesses, including urinary tract disease, or inappropriate behaviours such as marking. A cat that has had a good grounding as a youngster will be more able to cope with these difficult times. Even if it simply means that he understands that he can find his own space, and develop strategies to help him cope with a situation. Read more on how to stop your kittens fighting.
Good behaviour While your kitten should receive a thorough examination from your vet, regular home check-ups of his ears, eyes, fur, skin and bottom will help alert you to any problems. Rewarding him with a treat when you have finished will teach your kitten to associate this experience with a positive outcome. There will also come a time when you have to take your kitten to the vet or maybe the cattery and you will have to use a cat carrier. If you don’t want a disappearing kitty every time he spots it, make sure he doesn’t think every appearance will result in an unpleasant experience. Good behaviour should always be rewarded, so he learns what gets him attention and nice things, and inappropriate behaviour tackled by removing the cause of it. Never smack or tell him off if he makes a mistake as he won’t understand and you could be at risk of spoiling the relationship you have built up. And finally, remember sleep is essential for health, growth and development, so don’t be tempted to wake him up for a cuddle. Leave him in peace!
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MEOW MAGAZINE 1st Edition La Pose Tamarind NIM 18111020056
