Cat Nutrition
Play vs fight – Do not read the signs badly
Knowing how to know if cats are playing or fighting is an invaluable ability for cat parents. Fortunately, it is generally possible to distinguish both depending on the ages of cats, body language and other clues in their surroundings. Although sometimes there are gray areas between playing, playing real fights and fights. And it is important to remember that sometimes playing can also become aggressive!
Therefore, it is also important to know how to separate the cats they face, and how to make sure that their fights remain fun and not furious!
How to know if cats are playing or fighting
Cats that are playing:
- have your ears and face
- Take it in turn to jump to each other, or be at the top in a fight
- Take small breaks, then resume
- And they are generally silent, in addition to the sounds.
While the cats fighting:
- Flatten your ears against the back of your heads and lift your hackles
- Do not turn you
- Keep fighting until a cat has won or escaped out of reach
- and make noisy vocalizations, such as hissar and screaming.
Counting from each other
Sometimes it is quite obvious when cats play, and when they fight.
But since normal game behavior may also seem quite hard for human standards, it is quite normal to end a second divination.
That is why a more detailed understanding of differences will give you greater confidence to interpret the situation!
Reproduce behavior in cats
Most kittens play with their litter partners.
In fact, the social game among cats Start around the moment they have 4 weeksAnd it reaches a peak when they are about 12 weeks.
After this, the amount of time they spend playing again, although some cats never completely lose interest, regardless of how adults are “supposed”!
Playing is Especially common in male kittens and female kittens with only or most male brothers.
Game behaviors in cat cats are usually a leisurely version of other behaviors they need for survival.
In fact, it is believed that an important function of the fight against the game is to practice the predatory behaviors in which they would trust to catch food in nature.
So, for example, they can pretend to “hunt” another cat.
Or they could pretend to fight or fight: these are forms that growing cats decide social status and defend their territories.
The game is also an important part of the physical development of kittens. The actions involved are prepared for adulthood by Strengthen their muscles and develop their coordination of eye muscles.
Fight and aggression in cats
Cats, particularly male cats, do not usually choose to live with other cats.
Which often means that when are United in the same house, or even in the same neighborhood, many of its interactions are hostile.
In a review of the cases published by the Animal Behavior Clinic of the University of Barcelona, Almost a third of behavior complaints reported by cat owners related to aggression between cats.
Cats can behave aggressively with each other, or even fight, due to:
- Rival men who defend territory or resources (including access to women in season)
- Women warn the unwanted attention of men
- Or because something else is bothering them, and they are taking out that fear or anxiety in the wrong place (redirected aggression).
In the kittens, the fighting game also becomes a true struggle as they reach sexual maturity.
In nature, this change in behavior Bring on the dispersion of garbage To begin your own adult life.
Signs that your cat is playing, not fighting
Since a purpose of playing is to practice for the fight of real life, it can be difficult to distinguish them!
He Main game behaviors in cats are:
- Stalk to each other, as if they stalked prey, with their belly down to the ground, and the eyes fixed on their playmate
- Repeal on their hind legs with their extended front legs on their heads, in a ‘almost comical and exaggerated jump pose
- Lucha: rolling with their legs wrapped with each other, but their claws retracted!
- Arquening his back and flexing his neck. This is an especially difficult action to interpret correctly, because it looks a lot like a cat that is preparing for a real altercation. But a cat that is only playing will have the ears up and forth, his coat was used to it and has no tension in his face.
But the biggest gift that two cats are playing instead of fighting is reciprocity: they take turns to attack each other, be on top at a fight and act the role of aggressor or victor.
Next, let’s see how it compares to the real fight.
Signs that your cat is fighting
In many ways, cats fight like cats playing, but with the fun taken.
Look for:
- Tense or defensive body language, such as high hackles, trapped ears, extended claws and a tense facial expression.
- Strong vocalization, including whistle and chillido.
- A cat repeatedly attacked another, instead of both turned.
You can also look for clues in the context of the fight.
For example, if your cat is fighting with an unknown cat in your cat’s territory, it is more likely to be a hostile interaction.
Similarly, it is unlikely that cats play with an unknown man, and two unknown men are also more likely to fight than play.
But even for people with a lot of experience observing the behavior of cats, There are many gray areas Between playing and fighting.
That is why the next section is so important.
How to break fights and play fights
If you are not sure if your cats are playing or fighting, it is usually safer to discourage them from continuing anyway.
Even something that began as a game can go to the fight if a cat loses interest and the other does not take the indirect.
You may simply be catching intermediate transition moments!
Never try to break a fight with your hands, you are very likely to end up injured.
Instead, distract them by making a strong noise, then separate them physically.
For example, calling their own cat indoors, or placing each cat in a separate room, if both belong to him.
Maintain sweet cat relations
Cats raised with his mother and brothers Learn to moderate your behavioror “pull their blows”, like young kittens.
This normally means that they instinctively know how to play well with other cats when they age.
However, the kittens that had to be raised from their brothers, or who were the only kitten in the garbage, could not have a very developed sense of when they took him too far.
So always watch your cat when they play with another cat, for signs that the game is making sour.
The importance of sufficient resources
Cats living together are more likely to fight if they are worried that there are not enough resources for everyone.
Valuable resources examples include:
Then, to avoid feline falls in your home, make sure there are many things for everyone!
How to know if cats are playing or fighting – summary
It is more likely that cats play when they are young, and with other cats that are familiar to them, such as the brothers.
Cats that play often seem to be fighting, but the context and their body language will tell you when there is nothing to be alarmed.
The more you observe how your cat behaves when they feel playful, and when they feel threatened, the safer you will be to distinguish both.
Does your cat love playing?
Tell us about them in the comment box below!
Additional references and readings
Beaver. Frenetic cats and feline aggression. Journal of Medicine and Feline Surgery. 2004.
Amat et al. Possible risk factors associated with feline behavior problems. Applied animal behavior science. 2009.
Bateson and Barrett. The development of the game in cats. Behavior. 1978.
Expensive. Sex differences in the termination of social game in cats. Animal behavior. 1981.
Bitch. Intercat Aggression: Restoration of harmony at home: a guide for professionals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Practice of small animals. 2014.
The social structure of cat’s life. Icatcare. 2018.
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Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants are nutrients that prevent or slow damage caused to their cat’s cells by free radicals. Antioxidants are vital for their cat’s immune system and it is believed to reduce their risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer and cognitive deterioration. The examples used in cats include vitamins E and C, selenium and beta -carotene.
So how do you make sure your cat is getting enough? Keep reading to get everything you need to know about antioxidants in cats, from how they work to what foods contain them.
What are antioxidants?
His body produces ‘free radicals’ during everyday metabolic processes. While free radicals have some useful functions, too many cell damage or death. Free radicals are linked to multiple diseases in cats, as well as premature aging. In addition to being naturally produced, things such as pollution, cigarette smoke, infections and exposure to toxins can increase free radicals in their cat’s body.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, protecting against their harmful effects.
Your cat’s body must maintain the correct balance of free radicals and antioxidants to avoid damage. When free radicals exceed antioxidants, it leads to ‘oxidative stress’, which can be harmful to their health. That is why guaranteeing that your cat has enough antioxidants in your diet is important.
When fighting free radicals, antioxidants slow down or avoid cell damage, protecting the body of their oxidative stress cat. This reduces the effects of premature aging and protects your cat against diseases related to cell damage, including cancer.
What are the benefits of antioxidants in cats?
It is shown that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system and reduce the risk of many health problems. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants reduce the risk of their cat from many health conditions, such as:
Antioxidants and your cat’s immune system
We also know that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system, protecting them from a wide range of possible diseases.
A recent study on the Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats He concluded that “cats fed with an antioxidant mixture, including vitamin E, vitamin C and β-carotene, have improved immune health as observed through reduced signs of oxidation and decreased cell decomposition.”
Complete research on Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants He found a greater immune response to vaccination in cats fed with a diet supplemented with antioxidants, compared to cats without antioxidant supplement.
They also found that immune cells themselves were stronger and less fragile in cats fed with a diet rich in antioxidants compared to those of a standard diet. This could improve them in the fight against disease and infection.
Cat antioxidant sources
While antioxidants are found in many plant -based foods, meat -based sources are more appropriate for cats, such as fish, shellfish, lean meat and poultry. Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Strictly speaking, antioxidants are not specific ingredients, but substances that have antioxidant properties, generally among other benefits. Examples of substances that are known to have antioxidant effects on cats include:
- Vitamin E (may appear as Tocoferol)
- Vitamin C (can appear as ascorbic acid)
- Carotenoids, such as beta -carotene and lutein
- Selenium
- Taurine
Antioxidants can be found in ingredients based on meat base. While your cat can tolerate small amounts of plant -based options (such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, pumpkin, green leafy algae), meat, fish and eggs offer a more appropriate option to boost their antioxidant levels.
Read our 9 main antioxidant foods to combat diseases for cats to learn more about the best foods rich in antioxidants for cats.
How to give antioxidants to your cat
The safest way to ensure that your cat is to obtain the optimal amount of antioxidants is to feed them a balanced and complete diet, appropriate for their life and health stage. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Now you know how important antioxidants are, you will want to make sure your cat gets enough. There are three main ways to guarantee this: Verify your cat’s diet meets AAFCO standards, choose a diet with additional antioxidants or give your cat an additional supplement.
Antioxidants in regular cat food
The good news is that all the diets that are complete and balanced, as established by the FEED American Control Officials Association (AAFCO)It must contain adequate amounts of essential micronutrients. This includes some with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin E, selenium and bullfighting.
So, if your cat receives a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your life stage, you may be sure that you will already receive a healthy dose of antioxidants. To verify if your cat’s food meets the AAFCO standards, look for the “AAFCO statement” in the packaging.
Specialized diets rich in antioxidants
While all pet food approved by the AAFCO will meet the minimum nutritional requirements, some diets go further.
Recognizing the benefits of antioxidants, many specialized diets contain added antioxidants. These include diets designed to handle health conditions, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems.
With the greatest risk of oxidative damage in older pets, high quality diets designed for higher cats or those with cognitive impairment (dementia) should also contain high levels of antioxidants.
Antioxidant supplements
If you want to increase your cat’s antioxidant intake, you can also consider using a supplement. These come in capsules, liquids, dust, chews and tablets.
Most cat supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, instead of only ingredients with antioxidant properties. Unfortunately, in most countries, supplements are not as regulated as other medications. This means that they can be sold without manufacturers having to demonstrate that the product contains what it says, it is effective or safe.
What happens if your cat does not have enough antioxidants?
Your cat needs enough antioxidants to combat harmful free radical levels in your body. We know that the activity of natural antioxidants is reduced as their cat ages, which makes them more susceptible to oxidative damage and disease. So, antioxidants are even more important for our major cats.
Diets that do not contain enough antioxidants, especially vitamin E, bullfighting and selenium, can lead to poor immune health and greater susceptibility to aging, cancer and disease.
The safest way to ensure that your cat receives the correct level of antioxidants is to feed them a commercial diet that is complete and balanced. Choosing a specific diet for your life stage, such as a diet for older people, will also take into account the greatest need for antioxidants in major cats.
What are the risks of antioxidants in cats?
Diets approved by AAFCO with antioxidants are tested for safety and nutrition, but each cat is different. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Commercial diets containing antioxidants that are approved by the AAFCO (or the PET Food Safety Agency in your country) are considered safe. They are tested to make sure they contain the levels of nutrients they claim, and these levels must be within the safe ranges. Although, of course, not all diets will agree with each individual cat.
The main risk of antioxidants in cats comes with the supplementation of the complete existing diet of your cat, since it is difficult to know if they could be getting too much. As mentioned above, in most countries, supplements are not well regulated. This means that companies are generally not obliged to prove that supplements contain what they say or demonstrate that they are safe.
Antioxidant toxicity in cats
Like most things in life, you can get too good. While antioxidants can certainly increase their cat’s health and well -being, high levels can be dangerous. Antioxidant toxicity is rare in cats, but can be seen in cats fed with excessive supplements or diets that are not properly balanced, such as diets cooked in the home.
For example, high levels of vitamin A (generally observed in cats fed with a diet rich in liver or cod liver oil) can cause vomiting, anorexia, muscle pain and neurological symptoms, as well as serious changes in your cat’s bones. Excess vitamin E has been related to bleeding problems in cats, while Selenium toxicity in animals It has been shown that it causes damage to the muscle, the heart, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys.
Side effects of antioxidants in cats
Even at the correct levels, all supplements can cause side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. They also have the potential to interact with medication, including herbal remedies. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat in a supplement.
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Cats.com Use high quality credible sources, including peer -reviewed studies, to support statements in our articles. This content is reviewed and updated regularly to obtain precision. Visit our page about us to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
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Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants – Wsava 2001 – Vin. (North Dakota).
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Giri, A., Ranjan, P. and Bharti, VK (2021). Selenium toxicity in domestic animals. Selenium pollution in water51–72.
While dogs have many attributes, their resistance can also be amazed. A recent case of regeneration of the dog’s jaw that involves a three -month -old French bulldog has shown the remarkable capacity of these animals to heal and regenerate. This story not only highlights the wonders of medical intervention, but also the innate power of nature to repair.
A difficult diagnosis
Imagine to bring a playful puppy home, just to discover that it has been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. For this young French bulldog, the initial biopsies revealed a worrying mass in his mouth. Fortunately, the exhaustive clinical staging did not indicate signs of metastases, and the condition seemed located. The owners faced a discouraging decision, but with the guidance of their veterinarian, they opted for a subtotal mandibulectomy, a procedure that involved eliminating part of the jaw where the tumor was.
The power of healing
Eight weeks after surgery, the puppy returned for a tracking appointment. During the exam, something extraordinary was observed: the palpable bone had been reformed in the area where the jaw was eliminated. This unexpected development was confirmed through computerized tomography, revealing a complete regeneration of the left mandibular body. The surprise and the joy of witnessing that healing cannot be exaggerated. This remarkable process demonstrates the incredible vitality of the dog and the capacity for natural regeneration after surgical intervention.
Why does this matter for dog parents
Understanding dogs healing capabilities is vital for all guardians. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of regular veterinary care and monitoring after surgery. It reinforces the need for surveillance in recovery monitoring and the potential of surprising results. The knowledge that dogs can regenerate and adapt is encouraging and empowerment for those who take care of them.
A resilience lesson
The trip of this French bulldog is more than a clinical case; It is a resilience reminders in the face of adversity. When a beloved partner faces serious health challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, stories like this inspire hope and highlight the importance of adequate medical care and a support environment.
As science evolves, the possibilities of healing and regeneration in pets expand. This case opens doors for greater research on regenerative medicine, not only benefits veterinary practices, but also advances our understanding of healing in all animals. The implications could lead to better treatments and results for many dogs that face similar challenges.
In the end, witnessing the history of regeneration of the dog jaw not only touches the heart but also ignites a sense of astonishment about the abilities of nature and medical science. Each dog has a story, and this leaves us with a powerful message: hope and healing are always available.
Publication views: 1,473
Animal Wellness is the Journal of Health and Natural Lifestyle of North America for dogs and cats, with a reader of more than one million every year. AW presents articles by some of the most recognized experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health issues, to articles on training, physical state and emotional well -being.
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Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box is designed with a touch screen system, an application that monitors your cat’s bath habits and several safety sensors.
However, it is also one of the most expensive automatic sandboxes on the market. Is it worth the technological characteristics, or the Purrclean is too expensive? In this impartial review, I will discuss my experience and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Qualifications
- Ease of cleaning – 3/5
- Smell control – 3.5/5
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Construction – 4/5
- Price – 3/5
General score: 3.1/5
Why trust cats.com
I tried the Purclean automatic sand box for about six weeks in my home in several caps. Although I have seven cats, only three are small enough to use most self -employment boxes comfortably.
During the tests, I noticed my cat’s reactions, as well as my own practical experience with the product. The things I consider when checking an automatic sand box include the ease of use, collection skills and if the machine is easy to clean deeply. I also try large amounts of fluids to see if the sand box can handle large groups.
I also look for what other people think about the product and the brand, since what works for me will not work for everyone. I want to know how the sand box works in a variety of conditions so that you can provide the best possible recommendation.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box and instant
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew is a pet product company with a focus on intelligent technology and convenience for pet parents. Its application, instachew infinity, is at the forefront of its advertising.
The company sells a range of dogs and cat products, including pet cameras, travel equipment and the intelligent Purclean self -limited sand box.
This automatic sand box reached the market in 2020 and includes a lot of technological and safety features that include its touch screen, application connection and 12 sensors to detect when your cat is inside or near the box.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box Characteristics
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew focuses its intelligent technology, and especially its application, by announcing this product. I found the convenient and simple touch screen, but the application is less. Several users, including myself, had trouble connecting it to the sand box. Some also seemed confusing to use.
Once connected, you can configure a cleaning schedule, collect or empty the sand box, monitor your cat’s sand habits and more.
Another main characteristic of the Purrclean is its large number of safety sensors. In addition, the drum revolves from side to side when taking out and has no door. So, even if all these sensors fail, your cat would not get stuck inside.
The machine works silently, presents an air purification system to control the smells and has a large waste container located at the bottom of the sand box.
Although instachew focuses on the owner’s convenience, this sand box is not the easiest to clean deeply. We will discuss this more in depth below.
What we like:
- Easy to use touch screen
- Shoops in silence
- Weighs cats and monitors your sand habits
- Made with 12 cat safety sensors
What we didn’t like:
- Not made for large cats
- Difficult to clean
- The drum is difficult to insert again after configuration and cleanliness
- The application is difficult to connect and send excessive notifications
What did our trial cats think?
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box was difficult to configure from the beginning. It cost me a lot to remove the drum to configure the machine, in addition to putting it back in its place later. You have to lift it while pressing it at the right angle, which can be a challenge.
I was satisfied with the touch screen in the sand box, which works well and is easy to use. However, I spent a lot of time trying to connect it to the application. In the end, I had to follow the problem solving steps in the instruction brochure, which worked!
This sand box is quite small, but most automatic sand boxes are. Only my smaller cats would use it. The sand box sends notifications every time a cat approaches the sand box, which seems unnecessary. Emerging windows quickly become annoying in a small space, or if the box is in an area of the highly treated house.
That said, I like that the sand box sits when cats are close. Actually, it has a dozen safety sensors, and it is always good to see that a product prioritizes security, especially with other products in the market that have security problems.
The last problem I had was when it was time to deeply clean the machine. In addition to the battery problems, the inner eyeliner seems to be stuck. If you need to be cleaned, you must deal with the complete and bulky drum instead of simply remove the eyeliner itself.
In general, I liked this sand box and recommend it for small cats if it were not for the price. Personally, I think there are many cheaper automatic sand boxes in the market with similar characteristics, including application compatibility. Some of them are even easier to clean deeply!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
What do customers from the Purrclean smart box think?
Positive reviews
“This product was exactly as described. I was in the order of setback, so it was a bit late in shipping, but I received it only a couple of days after the original delivery date. My cats love and I would recommend it to anyone other than people with multiple cats.” April Stuckless Review at Amazon (May 17, 2023)
“This sand box for intelligent cleaning cats is absolutely life! Automatically takes out the garbage, keeping everything clean and smell free with a minimum effort on my part. My cat took it immediately, and I have noticed a big difference in how fresh the room is maintained.” Shams Review On Chewy (August 16, 2024)
Reviewers agree that the sand box is convenient and works very silently. Several say it works better than their old sand box for folders, and some point out that the smell control works very well for them.
Negative reviews
“It is not large enough for a normal size cat. They enter and cannot turn around to urinate the opening and the front.” Sherry Review in Chewy (May 15, 2024)
“I had great hope for this automatic sand box for cats, but it turned out to be a great disappointment. The construction feels cheap and the application is even worse. It is barely synchronized with the sand box and the few characteristics of” hands -free “that just work.” Catty on Chewy
The complaints of the most frequent customers include problems with the application that connects or operation, the volume of the machine and the input or the drum are too small. Some reviewers had problems with the drum stuck in the shipment, which meant that they could not eliminate it to configure the sand box. Others pointed out that the deodorization system did not work well or that the urine leaked from the drum.
Similar automatic sandbox marks
Looking for other sandbox brands similar to the Purrclean? Check out some of our other sandbox reviews.
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