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How to Prevent Cat Conflicts in Multicat Households

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 1 September 2011)

Cats that are otherwise good friends may have a little spat from time to time, and this isn’t anything to be concerned about, but serious conflicts should be addressed before they escalate.

Types of Cat Conflict

Two cats vying for dominance may engage in open conflict, stalking, turning sideways with their fur standing on end to increase their apparent size, hissing, swatting, tackling, and even biting. With serious conflicts wherein one cat is dominant and the other yields, a bully and victim relationship may develop, or one cat may become a social pariah in a multicat household. Such silent conflicts can be identified by observing feline interactions. A feline aggressor:

  • Stares directly at the other cat
  • Blocks the other cat from accessing resources such as food or prime sleeping spots
  • Stalks the victim with head held low and hindquarters elevated (fur may be puffed up as well)
  • Growls at the other cat
  • May spray or urinate outside the litter box to assert territorial claims

A cat that feels threatened or intimidated may:

  • Avoid eye contact with more assertive cats
  • Spend a lot of time hiding
  • Back off and let other cats access food or desirable sleeping spots
  • Crouch low and then run away when encountering a more aggressive cat
  • Spray or urinate outside the litter box to mark territory
  • Urinate or defecate outside the litter box because he is too afraid to leave his hiding place or another cat has attacked him while he was using the box
  • Attack another cat in the household, passing the aggression along
  • Suffer from health problems such as cystitis

Causes of Feline Conflict

Most conflicts that arise between domestic cats result from competition for resources and status. Housecats may fight over everything from food to favourite sleeping spots to litter boxes to the general desire to be top cat. Conflicts are particularly likely to occur when a new cat is brought into a home with one or more resident cats.

Conflicts may also begin when one or more cats that have previously lived together peacefully reach social maturity. Although cats are physically capable of producing kittens as early as 5 months of age, cats don’t reach social maturity until they are between 18 months and 4 years old (depending on the breed and the individual cat), at which time new conflicts may occur.

Misdirected, fearful, or non-recognition aggression may also create new conflicts, which can arise in response to the following scenarios:

  • One cat, angry or frustrated over something, takes it out on another cat that just happens to be in the vicinity.
  • An aggressive cat running after another animal crashes into an innocent bystander cat that gets in the way.
  • A cat goes away to the vet or a groomer and comes back with a different set of smells attached to her, leading one or more household cats to treat her as an interloping stranger because they don’t recognize her.
  • Something scary happens nearby (such as a balloon popping) and two cats misread each other’s subsequent startled postures – puffed fur and defensive stances – as threatening, leading one or both to attack.

Such unfortunate episodes can create an ongoing series of conflicts, as one or both cats feel that they have been targeted and begin to behave in a fearful or aggressive manner.

How to Prevent Feline Conflicts

To prevent cat fights and related problems such as urine marking:

  • Use the right strategies when introducing a new cat to increase the likelihood of harmonious relations (if two cats have developed a pattern of conflict, they may need to be confined to separate areas of the house for several days and then reintroduced slowly, as though for the first time).
  • Avoid competition over resources by providing a litter box, food bowls, water dish, cat bed, and toys for each cat so that they don’t have to share.
  • Place resources such as feeding stations and litter boxes at different locations around the house so that the threatened cat can eat and eliminate in peace.
  • Place a litter box in an area where the fearful cat can escape easily so that he won’t feel cornered when using it.
  • Provide “kitty condos” (cardboard, wooden, or plastic boxes with cat-sized doorway holes and some bedding inside), cat trees with high perches, and other places to escape, hide, and claim as personal territory.
  • Have all cats spayed or neutered.
  • Don’t yell when catching two cats fighting – this can actually increase aggression and will also frighten the victim – instead, if catching the aggressor in the act, squirt her with water if there’s a water bottle or small squirt gun handy.
  • Separate fighting cats using an object as a barrier, wearing oven mitts, or wrapping the aggressor in a towel to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Clean any areas that have been sprayed or urinated on with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle to remove all scent traces that would encourage future marking.
  • If one or more cats persist in scent marking, after cleaning, spray the spot with a pheromone product such as Feliway to discourage future problems.
  • In extreme cases, a cat may require behaviour-modifying medication prescribed by a veterinarian, though this should be considered only as a last resort.

Some cats will never be the best of friends because they are simply not compatible, but most cats can learn to live harmoniously as long as they have sufficient resources and spaces to call their own. For more information on cat conflicts and dealing with feline aggression, see Why Some Cats Attack When Being Petted, Cat Aggression Treatments, and Why Do Cats Fight?

For more cat articles, see the main Cats page.

References:

  • Cats International. (2007). “Aggression Towards Other Cats.”
  • Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2009). “Indoor Cat Initiative: Conflict Between Cats.”
  • Rainbolt, D. (2008). Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace & Sanity in Your Multicat Home. Guilford, Connecticut: The Lyons Press.

Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 10 January 2019)

beagle and kitten

Beagle and Kitten, Claudio Matsuoka, Flickr

Most dogs are good with cats if they have lived with them from an early age, but some dog breeds tend to be particularly cat-friendly.

Dog Breeds That are Best with Cats

Animal Planet’s top-rated dog breeds for cat-friendliness include:

  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • Beagle
  • Bloodhound
  • Chinese Crested Dog
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Field Spaniel
  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Newfoundland
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Samoyed

Spaniels, Retrievers, Beagles, and other gentle breeds tend to be particularly good with cats, though there are certainly exceptions to this rule.

Dog Breeds That May Be Bad with Cats

Petplace.com’s Irreverent Vet asserts that certain dog breeds such as Greyhounds, Pit Bulls, and Parson Russell Terriers are more likely to be bad with cats. This doesn’t mean that all dogs of these breeds are hostile toward cats, but there is a higher likelihood of conflicts.

Greyhounds and Cats

Racing greyhounds have been trained to chase and may have trouble overcoming this conditioning. But according to Greyhound expert Debbie Buxcey (Greyhounds4u.co.uk), with proper “detraining,” 90% of greyhounds can be taught to accept resident cats as members of their packs, though they will probably still chase unknown cats if they have the opportunity.

Pit Bulls and Cats

The Irreverent Vet has seen more cats injured and killed by Pit Bulls than by dogs of any other breed. However, it is usually bad owners rather than bad natures that cause Pit Bulls to turn mean.

According to Karen Delise, Director of Research for the National Canine Research Council (The Pit Bull Placebo: Media, Myths, and Politics of Canine Aggression), Pit Bulls have been a favourite of criminals who raise dogs for fighting and other aggressive purposes, and such dogs usually suffer severe abuse and neglect. In addition, media hype has demonized the breed. However, there are many responsible Pit Bull owners who socialize their dogs properly, treat them well, and don’t let them escape and roam. There are also plenty of photos available online depicting Pit Bulls snuggling with cats, so it’s obvious that these dogs have the potential to be cat-friendly.

Pit Bulls that are well-socialized and cared for tend to be trustworthy and good-natured. And although Pit Bulls that have been poorly socialized, abused, or neglected may be particularly dangerous, the same could be said of many other large dog breeds.

Pit Bull Rescue Central (Pbrc.net) offers advice on how to integrate Pit Bulls within cat-owning households, noting that although some Pit Bulls have too strong a prey drive to live with cats, most will be cat-friendly if they are well trained and introduced in a positive way. If adopting an adult Pit Bull, the organization recommends asking whether the dog has been tested with cats prior to bringing him home.

Parson Russell Terriers (Previously known as Jack Russell Terriers) and Cats

The Irreverent Vet notes that a number of cats have been killed or injured by Parson Russell Terriers, and Terriers in general are over-represented among Animal Planet’s lowest-ranked dogs for cat-friendliness. Terriers were originally bred to hunt, so many of them chase cats, but some Terriers can learn to control themselves, particularly with positive early socialization.

Full List of Dog Breeds That May Not Get Along with Cats

The following dog breeds received Animal Planet ratings of just 1 or 2 out of 5 for cat-friendliness:

  • Airedale Terrier
  • Alaska Malamute
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Australian Cattledog
  • Basenji
  • Beauceron
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Border Collie
  • Cairn Terrier
  • German Pinscher
  • Irish Terrier
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Manchester Terrier
  • Miniature Pinscher
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Norwegian Elkhound
  • Parson Russell Terrier
  • Pharoah Hound
  • Plott
  • Redbone Coonhound
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Shiba Inu
  • Skye Terrier
  • Smooth Fox Terrier
  • Weimaraner
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier

In some cases, conflicts with these breeds are likely to be benign. For example, Border Collies have a tendency to herd cats and other pets. Michael DeVine and Michele Earle-Bridge (Border Collies, a Complete Pet Owner’s Manual) note that they are unlikely to harm cats once they catch up to them, but a cat may find the constant chasing traumatic.

With other breeds, the risk may be relatively high, as with some Weimaraners. According to the Weimaraner Club of Greater Kansas City (Wcgkc.org), a significant percentage of Weimaraners will kill cats if given the opportunity.

All Dogs Have the Potential to be Cat-Friendly

Even members of the least cat-friendly dog breeds can become best friends with cats if they are raised with them. Also, there are individuals within each breed that behave differently from the breed standard.

See How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Cat for tips on facilitating positive first contacts between cats and dogs to reduce the likelihood of conflicts (the same rules apply when introducing a new cat to a resident dog). See also How to Stop a Dog Attacking a Cat for information on preventing canine-to-feline aggression.

Cat Breeds That Get Along Well with Dogs

See Cat Breeds That Get Along Well with dogs for a full list of dog-friendly cat breeds and Can Cats and Dogs Be Friends? for more information about feline-canine relationships.

For more cat articles, see the main Cats page. For more dog articles, see the main Dogs page.

References

  • Animal Planet. (2011). “Dog Breed Selector.” Animal.Discovery.com.
  • Buxcey, D. (2008). “Detraining Greyhounds to Live with Cats.” Greyhounds4u.co.uk.
  • Delise, K. (2007). The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression. NationalCanineResearchCouncil.com.
  • Devine, M, & Earle-Bridges, M. (2007). Border Collies: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual. Hauppage, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
  • Irreverent Vet. (2010). “The Irreverent Vet Speaks out on Dog Breeds That Are Bad with Cats.” PetPlace.com.
  • Pit Bull Rescue Central. (2010). “Cat/Dog Households.” PBRC.net.
  • Weimaraner Club of Greater Kansas City. (2009). “FAQ About Weimaraners.” WCGKC.org.

Can Cats and Dogs Be Friends?

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 10 January 2019)

dog and cat

Dog and Cat, Elemenoperica, Morguefile

The findings of a study conducted by Professor Joseph Terkel and graduate student Neta-li Feuerstein of Tel Aviv University indicate that cats and dogs can get along well, provided certain conditions are met.

Conflicts between cats and dogs often result from crossed signals. For example, a dog wags its tail when happy, whereas a cat with a swishing tail is angry. A dog may perceive the moving tail as a friendly, welcoming signal, whereas the cat, which has been warning the dog off, feels threatened by its advance and lashes out.

Despite these differences in body language, Terkel and Feuerstein found that in nearly two-thirds of multi-pet households that included both cats and dogs, the pets were good friends. In many cases they had even learned to read one another’s signals and thus bridge their cultural differences. In other words, dogs had learned to speak “cat” and vice-versa. Cats and dogs in harmonious households often slept together, played together, and even groomed one another.

The study found that in an additional 25% of multi-pet households, cats and dogs had established a peaceable indifference to one another. They were hostile and aggressive toward each another in just 10% of multi-pet homes.

A new study by Thomson et al. (2018) yielded similar findings, with 80% of pet owners saying their cats and dogs were comfortable with each other and only 3% saying they hated one another.

Cat Breeds That Get Along Best with Dogs and Other Pets

Animal Planet has rated cat breeds based on how well they tend to get along with other pets. Of course there will always be exceptions because not every cat of a given breed will have all the characteristics of that breed, and individual cats may have had positive or negative experiences with dogs.

The highest compatibility ratings went to the Manx and its long-haired counterpart, the Cymric, which received scores of 9 out of 10 for their ability to integrate within multi-pet households. Manx and Cymric cats are tailless or have very short, stubby tails. They are often described as doglike for their willingness to play fetch and ability to adapt well to vehicle travel. These cats tend to be relatively adaptable in general and less traumatized by change than cats of most other breeds.

The following cat breeds also received relatively high scores of 8 out of 10 for their ability to get along with other pets:

This is quite a varied group, ranging from the ultra-intelligent Sphynx to the laid-back Persian to the hardy American Shorthair. What they have in common is that they all tend to be relatively easy going and tolerant.

Cat Breeds That May Have Difficulty Getting Along with Other Pets

Animal Planet rated the following cat breeds just 5 out of 10 for their ability to live happily with other pets:

Many of these breeds are derived from the Siamese, a highly intelligent but sensitive breed. Others, like the Korat and the Russian Blue, tend to be timid and prone to startling, so they may have difficulty with rambunctious dogs.

The Cornish Rex, a curly-coated breed, received a score of just 4 out of 10, and the Bengal, a wild-cat hybrid, came in at the bottom with a rating of 3 out of 10. Although these breeds may have difficulty adapting to multi-pet households as adults, if they are introduced as kittens (ideally at around 12-16 weeks of age), they have a much better chance of integrating well.

Some cat fanciers disagree with Animal Planet ratings. For example, many fans of the Devon and Cornish Rex assert that these are dog-friendly breeds, as long as the dogs in question are cat-friendly.

How to Increase the Likelihood That Cats and Dogs Will Become Friends

The Terkel and Feuerstein research findings indicate that the greatest likelihood of cat-and-dog friendship occurs when the following conditions are met:

  • The cat is adopted first.
  • The dog is adopted at less than a year old.
  • The cat is under 6 months old when it meets the dog.

However, there have been plenty of positive cat-dog relationships established even when these conditions were not met. To increase the likelihood that pets will become friends, it is very important to handle the introductions properly, particularly if both pets are adults.

For information on how to bring cats and dogs together, see How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Cat. The same guidelines apply when introducing a new cat to a resident dog. Adopters can maximize the likelihood of a successful integration by choosing a shelter dog that has prior experience with cats, or a shelter cat that has lived with dogs in the past.

For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page. For more dog articles, see the main Dogs page.

References:

  • Animal Planet. (2010). “Cat Breed Directory.” Animal.Discovery.com.
  • ScienceDaily.com. (9 September 2008). “Dogs And Cats Can Live In Perfect Harmony In The Home, If Introduced The Right Way.” (summary of the Terkel and Feuerstein study).
  • Thomson, J.E., Hall, S.S., and Mills, D.S. (2018). “Evaluation of the Relationship Between Cats and Dogs Living in the Same Home.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior 27, pp. 35-40.

How to Introduce a New Cat to a Resident Cat

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 12 January 2019)

Cats HuggingThrowing animals together and hoping they’ll get along can have disastrous consequences. Introducing cats the right way helps to promote harmony in a multi-cat home.

If you already have one or more cats, bringing home a new cat can be a traumatic experience for them – and for the new arrival. Cats find change extremely stressful, and their reactions are unpredictable. However, by handling the introduction properly, you can increase the likelihood of domestic harmony.

Bringing a New Cat Home

Start the new cat off in her own room for at least one day and preferably longer – some cats may require more than a week of separation, depending on prior experience. A cat that has lived with other cats in the past will probably adjust more quickly than one that has always lived alone.

Ideally, your resident cat should have access to your bedroom. The new cat should have her own food and water bowls, toys, litter box, and perch in her own area of the house or apartment. Your resident cat and the newcomer will be able to smell one another on your hands as you go from room to room, becoming familiar and comfortable with one another’s scent.

Feed the two cats or give them treats on either side of the door that separates them so they can eat together without the anxiety of a visual confrontation. This creates a positive association by linking the other cat’s scent with the enjoyment of food. During this transition, spend lots of quality time with each cat to soothe any anxieties they may be experiencing.

First Interactions

Once the cats appear to be comfortable with one another on either side of the door, you can try opening the door a crack so that they can see one another but not actually walk through the door. Some hissing is normal, but if either of the cats becomes violent, close the door and leave them alone in their respective territories for awhile before trying again.

If the cats take to one another and show no signs of agitation, the door can be opened permanently. However, if they’re still not comfortable with each other, you can gradually increase the time you hold the door slightly open until they show no signs of aggression. Even if the cats are interacting without hostility, the door to the new cat’s territory should be kept open so that she can escape if she feels threatened. Maintain separate food bowls (a comfortable distance apart), as well as a litter box for each cat.

Worst Case Scenario

What if the two cats never make peace with one another? Cats will become friends or at least coexist peacefully in most cases. However, in a worst case scenario they will fight tooth and nail every time they see one another, in which case there are several options. You could alternate free roaming privileges, having one cat confined for part of each day so the other has a run of most of the rooms. Alternatively, assuming you have sufficient space, you could allow each cat to claim half of the house and keep a door closed or put up a barrier to keep the cats from venturing into one another’s territory. The third option is to find another home for the newer cat.

See How to Deal with Cat Conflicts for aggression-reduction strategies.

For more cat articles, see the main Cats page.

References:

  • Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Introducing New Pets.”
  • Feinman, J., VMD, CVH. “Introducing New Pets to Resident Pets.”

Can You Train a Cat Not to Hunt?

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 8 April 2011)

Cat Hunting Mouse

Cat Hunting Mouse, Olivier62, Wikimedia Commons

There are a number of reasons why people want to prevent their cats from hunting, including:

  • Not wanting to see small animals hurt or killed
  • Environmental concerns regarding endangered local bird populations
  • Desire to avoid conflicts with neighbours due to cats attacking pet birds or wild birds at neighbours’ feeders
  • Distaste at having to deal with dead animals brought in as gifts

Unfortunately, cats can’t be taught not to hunt. Hunting is a natural behaviour, and attempting to train a cat not to hunt is an exercise in futility. However, hunting urges can be channelled into hunting simulation play. Owners can encourage their cats to “hunt” indoors by hiding treats or bits of food around the house and playing hunting games such as having the cat chase a piece of string or a toy attached to a “fishing rod.” The following are some additional strategies to prevent cats from killing birds.

How to Stop Cats Catching Birds

Warn Prey

Attaching one or two bells to a cat’s collar alerts birds and rodents to the fact that there is a predator nearby, giving them plenty of time to vacate the area. There are also commercially available sonic collar units, which alert prey when a cat is close so that they can escape before the cat gets within striking distance.

A study conducted in the UK found equipping cats with bells reduced bird kills by 41% and predation of other animals by 34%. Those equipped with sonic devices killed 51% fewer birds and 38% fewer small mammals, which indicates that these devices are particularly effective. If a neighbour’s cat is catching birds in your garden and you want to stop this while maintaining friendly relations, you could offer to purchase a nice new collar with a bell on it for the cat.

Locate Feeders in Safe Places

Bird feeders should always be located out of cats’ reach. They should be hung high in the air and away from windowsills, fences, and tree branches. If the feeder is attached to a ground pole or stake, it should be made of metal or plastic, rather than wood that cats can climb. Enclosing bird feeders and bird baths with chicken wire will also make them far safer for avian visitors.

Keep Cats Out of the Garden

Owners may wish to keep their own cats out of certain areas of the garden, and others may want to discourage feline invaders altogether, both to protect birds and prevent certain areas being used as a litter box. There are a number of strategies for keeping cats out of gardens that are safe for both cats and people.

Keep Cats Indoors

Indoor cats are safer and live longer on average. However, many owners don’t like the idea of keeping their cats inside all the time. In this case, compromises between safety and the outdoor lifestyle can be made, such as leash training so that a cat can be taken for walks or purchasing or building cat fences or enclosures to create safe outdoor spaces.

Birds tend to be most active in the garden shortly after sunrise and in the hour before sunset. Ideally, outdoor cats should be kept inside during these times to reduce the likelihood that they will catch any.

For more cat articles, see the main Cats page.

Referencs:

  • Sands, David, Dr. (2005). Cats: 500 Questions Answered. London: Octopus Publishing Group.
  • The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. (6 June 2005). “Collar That Cat to Save Wildlife.” RSPB.org.uk.

Why Do Cats Scratch Things?

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 10 January 2019)

orange kitten scratching chair

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t tear up the furniture or carpets to be vindictive or to sharpen their claws. Scratching is actually more akin to grooming than sharpening, as the purpose is often to shed old claw sheaths from the front claws (cats usually chew the sheaths from their back claws).

Cats also have scent glands in their paw pads, so in addition to removing claw sheaths, scratching leaves not only marks, but also the feline’s personal scent signature to let others know that the item or space is his. Humans can’t detect these scent signatures, but another cat can.

Scratching may also act as a stress reliever, because it often increases in response to territorial conflicts or other stressors. A cat may vigorously tackle his scratch post or a less appropriate surface when he’s frustrated, tense, or anxious.

How to stop cats scratching furniture and carpets

Many cats love nubby upholstery because it mimics the texture of tree bark. Once a cat has claimed a piece of furniture or spot of carpet, it’s difficult to change the habit because his personal scent signature will keep luring him back.

Punishment doesn’t work with cats – it just increases anxiety, which can lead to more undesirable behaviour. A better strategy is to make the abused surfaces less appealing by covering them with material that cats don’t like for a few weeks or so until the habit is broken. Good deterrents include:

  • Plastic carpet runner, pointy side up
  • Sticky Paws tape
  • Sand paper
  • Products such as the Cat Scat Mat, a flexible mesh grid with plastic points

Before removing the deterrent, clean the area thoroughly to eradicate any scent traces that might encourage the cat to target the same place again. Using a non-toxic enzymatic cleaning product such as Nature’s Miracle is recommended.

Some people also have luck with herbal deterrents such as Only Natural Pet Herbal Scratch Deterrent or pheromone products such as Feliway. Additional solutions include buying furniture coverings made of thick fabric to protect the targeted item or keeping a blanket over it when not in use.

Provide a good scratch post

Cats need to scratch, so providing at least one scratch post or access to a tree trunk or tree stump is necessary. The post shouldn’t be tucked away in some faraway corner of the house, as the cat will be less likely to use it. Placing it near the cat’s inappropriate scratching target will ensure that the post gets noticed and may help to redirect the scratching behaviour.

When purchasing or building a scratch post, there are several things to consider. A good scratch post is:

  • Sturdy enough that it won’t wobble or fall over – if it comes crashing down, the cat may avoid it forever
  • Covered with appealing material – sisal twine is usually appreciated, though many cats also like carpet or carpet backing, nubby fabric, burlap, cork, cardboard, or wood
  • Tall enough for the cat to stand upright or long enough that he can stretch out horizontally while scratching (ideally at least 3 feet in length or height for an adult cat)

To increase the likelihood that a cat will choose the post over the furniture, purchase or construct a post that has coverings of a similar texture to the cat’s favourite piece of furniture or carpeting.

Make the scratch post appealing

Many cat owners are disappointed to find that their cats ignore the scratch posts they’ve purchased or built. To make a scratch post more appealing:

  • Place it near the cat’s sleep spot.
  • Rub a little catnip into it.
  • Play with the cat near the post.
  • Place the cat’s favourite toys on the post.
  • Provide treats, praise, and affection when the cat is on or near the post.

Most experts recommend against holding a cat’s paws and simulating a scratching motion in the hope of training him to scratch the post. This is ineffective with many cats, and may even cause an aversion in some.

For more articles on the way cats think and the reasons why they do the things they do, visit the main Cat Psychology, Communication, and Behaviour page. For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page.

References:

  • Becker, M., DVM, & Willard, J., DVM. (2009). “Why Do Cats Scratch?” CatChannel.com.
  • Christensen, W., and the Staff of The Humane Society of the United States. (2002). The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.
  • Estep, D.Q., PhD, & Hetts, S, PhD. (2009). “Why Cats Scratch Things.” Animal Behaviour Society, AnimalBehaviour.org.

Do Cats Like Music?

Cat with Record Player

Cat with Record Player, Victorgrigas, Wikimedia Commons

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 11 January 2019)

Feline reactions to music are quite variable, ranging from fear and loathing to indifference to love of certain musical genres. There hasn’t been much research conducted to examine feline musical preferences, but there have been a few interesting studies, as well as many amusing anecdotal reports.

Music cats like

Austrian scientists have found that cats appear to prefer instruments such as the oboe and deep bass, as well as male voice choirs. They made this discovery by filming cats as they listened to various types of music and observing whether they moved closer to or further away from the speakers. Overall, they found that cats prefer fast beats to slow beats, and deep tones to high-pitched notes.

Many people claim that their cats prefer the genre of music they themselves prefer, whereas others have experienced conflicts. One owner who regularly left her radio set to an easy listening station claimed that her Siamese cat changed it to hard rock every time she went out (how he did this was not specified).

Some cats have shown an interest in playing musical instruments, particularly the piano. Search YouTube and you’ll find plenty of feline musicians, many of whom have selected the piano as their instrument of choice.

Composer Henri Sauguet’s cat Cody reacted with what appeared to be ecstatic joy when he played Debussy on the piano, racing over to lick Sauguet’s hands. However, zoologist Desmond Morris speculates that rather than enjoying the music, Cody found certain notes similar to the sounds of a kitten in distress and was trying to comfort his owner. This explains why cats often run to and interfere with people who are playing certain musical notes, but not why some cats seem to enjoy banging away on the piano themselves.

Writer Theophile Gautier found that although his cat would listen attentively when he played the piano, she would become upset whenever the accompanying singer struck a high note, reaching out to cover the woman’s mouth with her paw. Drs. Bachrach and Morin replicated this finding in the 1930s, discovering that high notes caused many cats to become agitated, while a fourth-octave E note induced sexual excitement in adult cats. These findings support the theory that feline reactions to music occur because certain notes mimic natural feline language.

Feline music critics

Many cats find loud music upsetting, but this is true of other animals as well. A study in which mice were subjected to heavy metal music blasted around the clock to gauge music’s effects on learning had to be cut short when the mice all killed each other. Some cats are also averse to high-pitched instruments even when the music is not played loudly. In one extreme case a cat actually suffered convulsions in response to certain notes.

A few cats have had particularly extreme musical aversions. The Mini-Annals of Improbable Research (a free newsletter featuring strange research studies, inventions, and discoveries) summarizes a case study of a cat that reacted hysterically to the theme music for Star Trek and showed signs of paranoia for some time even after the music had stopped.

Mood music for cats

Animal behaviourist Hermann Bubna-Littitz, after studying music’s effects on cats, created a song compilation called “Music for Cats and Friends” designed to calm anxious cats. The CD contains electronically synthesized variants of a number of popular tunes such as “Memories,” “Moonlight Walk,” and “Endless Time.”

There is also a CD available called “Relaxation Music for Dogs and Cats,” a synthesized environmental soundscape targeted toward the broader sound range perceptible to cats and dogs. A third offering is “Music for Cats…and People Too!” This species-defying compilation encompasses jazz, classical, natural-environmental, and ambient styles and makes use of a wide range of instruments.

In 2015, Snowdon et al. created a compilation of music specifically designed for cats to support their research on species-appropriate music, which includes songs pitched to a frequency based on cat vocalizations rather than human speech and drum tempos that evoke feline purring and suckling. Cats reacted to this music by becoming excited, approaching the source of the sound, and rubbing their bodies against the speakers (cats rub against things to claim them by scent marking), whereas they showed no interest in classical music.

More research is required

With the exception of responses to high notes, feline reactions to music are quite variable and idiosyncratic. Thus far there hasn’t been enough research conducted to draw definitive conclusions as to whether cats enjoy some types of music or simply react instinctively to certain notes and beats. Hopefully someone within the scientific community will pursue this amusing area of inquiry in the future.

For more articles on the way cats think and the reasons they do the things they do, visit the main Cat Psychology, Communication, and Behaviour page. For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page.

References:

  • “Cat Behaviour (2).” (7 November 1998). Mini-Annals of Improbable Research (Mini-Air), BUBL.ac.uk.
  • CatsandKittens.com. (2008). “Cats: Does Music Mellow Them?”
  • CatsInternational.org. (2007). “Musical Cats.”
  • Clare, C. (n.d.). “Cool Cats Have Natural Rhythm.” Sunday Times, PetsandMusic.com.
  • McDonald, F. (2018). “Scientists Have Created the Perfect Music for Cats.” ScienceAlert.com.
  • Morris, D. (1987). Catlore. London, UK: Jonathan Cape Ltd.
  • Snowdon, C.T., Teie, D., & Savage, M. (2015). “Cats Prefer Species-Appropriate Music.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 166, 106-111.

Cat Psychology, Behaviour, and Communication

flame point siamese kittenThis page links to articles explaining how cats think, whether or not they feel love and other emotions, why they do the things they do, and what they’re saying with their vocalizations and body language. For answers to other common cat questions, see the Cat Facts and Statistics, Cat Care, Cat History, Cat Training, Cat Feeding, Cat Breeds, and Pregnant Cats and Kittens pages. To read about cats that have made headlines and history, visit the Famous Cats page.

FLUTD in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 4 April 2011)

Feline lower urinary tract disease, a common cause of house soiling in cats, may be triggered by a variety of issues.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), previously known as feline urologic syndrome (FUS), causes abnormal urine pH and chronic or recurrent inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. Afflicting approximately 1.5% of all cats, it is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening urinary obstruction (Eric Barchas, DVM).

Symptoms of FLUTD in Cats

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, FLUTD is actually an umbrella term encompassing a number of health problems. The three most common causes of FLUTD are:

  • Feline idiopathic cystitis
  • Urolithiasis (urinary stones)
  • Other urethral obstructions

Symptoms of FLUTD, which vary depending on the disorder involved, include the following:

  • Crying during urination
  • Straining to urinate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Excessive licking of the genitals
  • Having accidents outside the litter box
  • Anxiety/hiding
  • Aggression

In some cats, the only signs of illness are behavioural changes such as soiling around the house or aggression.

Cats suffering from urethral obstruction will either be unable to urinate or only pass a tiny bit of urine, and are usually very distressed. Urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Non-obstructive FLUTD, by contrast, tends to resolve on its own in 5-10 days, but many afflicted cats have recurring episodes. The Feline Advisory Bureau recommends seeking treatment rather than allowing the illness to run its course, because:

  • It is distressing and painful for the cat.
  • It can lead to aggression, litter box avoidance, or loss of appetite
  • It may develop into a life-threatening urethral obstruction.
  • The risk of relapse is higher without treatment.

Causes of FLUTD

Risk factors developing feline lower urinary tract disease include:

  • Age (3-7 years is the most common age range for onset, according to veterinarian Eric Barchas)
  • Being overweight/lack of physical activity (indoor cats are more likely to have these risk factors)
  • Eating dry, carbohydrate-rich cat food (such diets alter urine pH and are linked to both chronic dehydration and obesity)
  • Stress due to multicat conflicts, routine changes, moved litter box, switch to a new litter, dietary changes, or new people or pets in the household
  • Personality factors (aggression, nervousness)
  • Hereditary factors (Himalayans and Persians are more commonly afflicted than cats of other breeds)

Treatment of FLUTD

Veterinary treatment and home care vary based on the underlying cause of FLUTD. Treatments that are usually effective include the following.

Dietary Changes

The most important dietary change that owners can make to reduce the risk of FLUTD is to switch from dry to wet food, though there are also prescription diets designed to alter urine pH and special supplements that may be recommended by a veterinarian. Switching cats from a high-carbohydrate to a high-protein diet is also beneficial, particularly if they are overweight.

Owners should also encourage more fluid intake by adding water to the food, placing water bowls at multiple locations around the house, or investing in a fountain-type water bowl (many cats prefer moving water).

Stress Reduction

Cats don’t cope well with change, so keeping the environment and routines as consistent as possible is beneficial, as is reducing the likelihood of conflicts in multicat households by providing each cat with his own food bowls, bed, and other items.

Litter box issues are a common cause of both house soiling and FLUTD. Providing at least one litter box for each cat (and preferably a spare as well) and keeping boxes very clean and separated from one another in quiet, low-traffic areas of the house can reduce the risk significantly. Owners should also ensure that children and other pets don’t bother cats while they use their boxes.

Other effective stress-reduction strategies include:

  • Spending more quality time with the cat
  • Playing with the cat using interactive toys and providing solo toys such as catnip mice to encourage hunt simulation activities
  • Building or purchasing a cat tree for climbing
  • Adding a window perch to a screened window for fresh air and scenery (placing a bird feeder nearby provides a bonus, as cats will enjoy the view)

Many owners have had luck relaxing their cats with catnip or feline pheromone products such as Feliway, though not all cats are responders.

Medication

Medications that a veterinarian may prescribe include:

  • Pain relievers, which not only aid in pain management but also reduce stress
  • Tranquilizers or antihypertensives to relax the urethra
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (in extreme cases) to reduce anxiety and provide anti-inflammatory and pain-reduction benefits
  • Antibiotics if the disease has been triggered by a bacterial infection

Never give your cat medication without first consulting a veterinarian.

If your cat has been urinating outside the box, in addition to treating any underlying medical problems, there are effective strategies to eliminate this behaviour. See How to Stop Cats Soiling Outside the Litter Box for more information.

For more information on cat symptoms, medical conditions, and treatments, visit the Cat Health and Safety page. For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for veterinary consultation and care.

References:

  • Barchas, E., DVM. (n.d.). “FLUTD/FUS (Urinary Tract Irritation in Cats).” DrBarchas.com.
  • Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (8 January 2008). “Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.” Vet.Cornell.edu.
  • Feline Advisory Bureau. (November 2008). “Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).” Fabcats.org.
  • Fox, M., B.Vet. Med., PhD, DSc, MRCVS; Hodgkins, E., DVM; & Smart, M.E., DVM, PhD. (2006). Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food. Fresno, CA: Quill Driver Books.
  • Nash, H., DVM. (2011). “Cystitis and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.” PetEducation.com.
  • Plotnick, A., MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP. (9 February 2006). “Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).”

Heart Disease in Cats: Cardiomyopathy, Endocarditis, Myocarditis

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 21 February 2011)

Heart problems in cats include cardiomyopathies, endomyocarditis, bacterial endocarditis, endocardial fibroelastosis, myocarditis, pericardial disease, arrhythmias, and heartworms.

Cardiomyopathy in Cats

There are three basic cardiomyopathies: dilated, restrictive, and hypertrophic.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease in which the heart muscle becomes stretched, is most often caused by a diet with insufficient taurine (an animo acid cats require), though toxins, infections, or other problems can also trigger it. DCM is quite rare in countries where cat foods are routinely supplemented with taurine.

With restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), an inflammatory process of unknown origin renders the heart muscle unable to expand. RCM may be triggered by stress, endocarditis, lymphoma, or other disease.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, is the most common type of heart disease in cats. The condition is hereditary, with certain breeds (such as the American Shorthair, Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and Siamese) being particularly vulnerable. HCM may also be triggered by conditions such as acromegaly (a disease that causes too much growth hormone to be released into a cat’s system) and infiltrative myocardial disease (i.e., lymphoma), both of which are relatively rare in cats.

HCM can strike cats at any age, though it’s most common among young to middle-aged cats. Hypertension and hyperthyroidism may exacerbate it.

Symptoms of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

  • Appetite loss/weight loss
  • Breathing difficulties/rapid breathing
  • Coughing (less common in cats than dogs)
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis of one or both of the hind legs due to thromboembolism (a travelling blood clot that lodges in a narrow artery)

Some cats with cardiomyopathy never develop observable symptoms.

Cardiomyopathy renders a cat unable to cope with stress, which increases the risk of death as a result of high temperatures, conflicts with other animals, veterinary procedures, moving house, and car travel. Treatments may include reducing stress and switching to a low-salt diet. If the disease is being triggered by hyperthyroidism, treating the underlying thyroid disease will have a beneficial effect.

There are medications to treat cardiomyopathy, but treatment doesn’t always bring improvement. Cats with no symptoms usually have a good prognosis, whereas cats with heart failure survive an average of 3 months (though approximately 20% do live for 3 years or more after the diagnosis). If the legs have been paralyzed due to clots, the prognosis is poor, and in most cases the cat must be euthanized.

Feline Endomyocarditis

Endomyocarditis, an inflammatory heart disease, is far less common than HCM. Male cats aged 1-4 years are most vulnerable to the disease, which typically develops after a stressful event (such as surgical anaesthesia, relocation, bathing, or vaccination), and is accompanied by interstitial pneumonia, a severe and life-threatening illness. The primary symptom is shortness of breath beginning approximately 5-21 days after a stressful event.

There is no standardized treatment for Endomyocarditis. Supportive ventilation and oxygen therapy may be provided, but prognosis is often poor, though some cats beat the odds and survive. The cause of this disease is unknown.

Bacterial Endocarditis in Cats

Bacterial endocarditis may be caused by a variety of infections, including uterine, dental, skin, post-surgical, and pneumonia. Symptoms may include:

  • Appetite loss/weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis due to thromboembolism

Treatments include the administration of antibiotics to cure the infection and ongoing therapy for any heart problems caused by it.

Feline Endocardial Fibroelastosis

This rare inherited heart disease causes severe thickening of the heart muscle, eventually leading to heart failure. Siamese and Burmese cats are those most likely to be afflicted, with problems typically arising when kittens are under 6 months old. Symptoms include:

  • Heartbeat irregularities
  • Breathing difficulties/noisy breathing
  • Paralysis

Treatment may include medication, oxygen therapy, and lung membrane tap. Sadly, recovery is unlikely, though the cat may gain a little extra time with treatment.

Myocarditis in Cats

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart that may be caused by bacterial infection, toxoplasmosis, potassium disturbances, cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure (CRF), medications, toxins, lymphosarcoma, or taurine deficiency. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Coughing
  • Breathing difficulties

Treatment requires addressing the underlying trigger as well as any resulting heart problems.

Pericardial Disease in Cats

This uncommon type of heart disease involves the pericardium, a thin sac surrounding the heart. Causes may include cardiomyopathy, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), lymphosarcoma, and bacterial infection. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Symptoms of this life-threatening disease include:

  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Breathing difficulties/noisy breathing
  • Coughing
  • Fainting

Treatments may include antibiotics, draining fluid from the heart, and surgery to remove a portion of the pericardium. With prompt, effective treatment, assuming that the underlying condition is curable, this form of heart disease is often curable as well.

Arrhythmias in Cats

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rate and rhythm, which range from mild to life-threatening. They can be caused by an infection of the heart or other body area, congenital heart defects, heart disease, trauma, cardiovascular neoplasia, endocrine disease, neurological disorders, digestive system diseases, electrolyte disturbance, toxins, medication reactions, and other problems. Symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, may include:

  • Weakness that comes and goes
  • Tiring easily during routine exercise
  • Fainting
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Coughing
  • Abdominal swelling

Treatment varies based on the underlying condition.

Heart problems may also be caused by Heartworm Infection, and there are other conditions that produce symptoms similar to those of heart disease.

For more information on cat symptoms, medical conditions, and treatments, visit the Cat Health and Safety page. For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for veterinary consultation and care.

References:

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