Why Does My Cat Bite Me?

by Lisa Selvaggio

July 31st, 2023 7:54 PM

One of the confusing things about cats is that they sometimes bite for no obvious reason. Sure, kitties bite to defend themselves and hunt, but some will bite when you don’t expect it. To help you better understand your feline, here are some of the reasons why cats bite.

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Does Your Cat Bite You While You’re Petting Her?

Let’s say that you’re petting your cat when, all of a sudden, she decides that she’s done and bites your hand. While this seems strange, she might be trying to tell you that she doesn’t like to be touched on a certain part of her body. Or, she might be getting overstimulated, especially if you’re petting her from head to tail.

Basically, this biting behavior may be a way for your cat to communicate that she doesn’t want to be petted anymore or you need to change the way you’re petting her. Start to look for signs that your cat is getting agitated so you can avoid getting bitten.

Does Your Cat Bite as a Form of Play?

Kittens and adult cats pretend that they’re hunting when they play, so some biting may happen while your kitty is in a playful mood. If you want to avoid bites to your hands, ankles, or legs, be sure to have a variety of toys that your cat can chase, bite, and kick. Whether you give your kitty catnip toys or you play with her using a wand toy, she can let her energy out in a positive way.

If you have a kitten, don’t let her get used to biting your hands. While it might be cute and harmless when your fur baby is tiny, once she gets older and has her adult teeth, it won’t be fun for you anymore. Training your kitten to use her toys, not your hands, can help prevent problems later on, when it might be harder to change bad habits. But if you have to train an adult cat, use positive techniques that teach her to use her toys rather than your hands.

Does Your Cat Bite When Frustrated or Angry?

Another reason why your cat might suddenly lash out at you is a feeling of frustration. In this case, try to figure out what made her feel on edge, and work on ways to prevent it from happening again. For instance, if something in her environment is triggering the behavior, you can try to reduce or eliminate exposure to that trigger.

Also, if you’re seeing signs that your cat is angry – examples include growling, hissing, or a change in posture – it’s a good idea to avoid getting too close. Giving her a chance to let her energy out on a toy might be an effective option.

Try to Understand What Your Cat Is Telling You

These are just a few of the reasons why cats bite. The goal is to figure out what causes this behavior in your pet. Ask yourself if the biting is hostile or playful. Some kitties might even gently bite as a sign of affection or to get your attention.

There are ways to train your cat so she realizes that biting isn’t allowed. Never get aggressive with your pet or use harsh methods. With the right approach, she’ll understand that she can let it all out on her toys instead of her humans or other pets.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. An advocate for better treatment of all animals, she enjoys producing content that educates others, helps them understand animals better, and inspires them to help, whether that means volunteering at a shelter, fostering strays, or simply giving their own pets a safe and happy home to live in.

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My Cat Bites! How Do I Stop Her From Biting Me?

There are many reasons why a cat bites – here’s what you can do about it Do you have a rambunctious kitty who often mistakes your hands and fingers for chew toys? Are you often the target of unsolicited kitty terror? Well, you are not the only one – the nasty biting habit can be a common occurrence amongst felines. Cat bites can be painful, not to mention upsetting, and you should take the right steps to train your cat that biting isn’t okay and that she should be chewing on its toys instead. Fixing this issue can take a little bit of patience and work, but with diligence, you can quickly put the matter aside and rest assured that undesired cat bites will be a thing of the past. To help you with this, we’ve laid out some tips that will help you teach your cat that biting isn’t allowed so that you can interact with her without having to worry about her teeth sinking into your skin. Establish the Right Types of Play No matter how old your cat is, you should establish right away that your hands aren’t toys and, therefore, should never be bitten. To establish this as easy as possible, it is crucial to set up boundaries quite early on in your pet-owner relationship. If it’s a kitten you share your home with, rules will be easier to establish, as these little furballs are more eager to learn and accept rules easily. If, on the other hand, you are a new owner of a teenage or adult cat, setting down rules could be slightly more challenging if you’re new to cat ownership. Either way, if you rely on positive reinforcement and patient observations, you can come through and achieve your goal. Cats like to bite down on things when they play, whether it’s a string or a catnip toy or even another cat, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they would do the same to your fingers and hands. Even though it may be tempting and may seem innocent enough to let a tiny kitten chew on your fingers, don’t let her get into this bad habit. Otherwise, once your kitten grows into a full grown cat with big fangs, you’ll regret it. To that end, it is vital that you establish the right types of play and to help your cat understand the difference between your hand and her usual toy. Related: Why Playtime Is So Important For Your Cat Figure Out What Triggers the Biting Kitties have different personalities, same as people do. Some are lazy, some are cuddly, and some are straight out mischievous. This last type of character may be the bitiest out there, but sometimes, it isn’t the character that triggers the habit of biting you. Sometimes you can prevent biting altogether by simply figuring out what triggers cat bites. For example, does stress cause your kitty to become defensive or aggressive? Perhaps she becomes uneasy when friends are at your house and you bring her out for everyone to see him. Or maybe your cat becomes a little too aggressive if children in the family start playing too rough with her. Perhaps you own several cats, or a cat and dogs? This environment might not be ideal for your cat, and stress can quickly build up. Try to examine your pet’s behavior closely whenever cat bites occur, taking note of what was going on at the time of the biting so that you can pinpoint a potential cause. If you notice a trend, you will be able to take steps to reduce the stress, defensiveness, or aggressiveness that leads to the biting. Of course, as a responsible owner, you should always aim to offer the best possible living conditions to your loving pet. With minimal stress and pressures in the home, your pet should not display negative habits. Related: Common Bad Cat Behavior Issues And How To Fix Them Get Plenty of Toys or a Companion for Your Kitty Boredom is the bane of every existence – your four legged feline friend included! When nothing seems interesting and days become a worn out routine, your cat might realize that it is endlessly amusing to bite their owner. Still, you won’t find it so funny, so aim to always keep your kitty entertained and occupied. If your cat becomes bored, she may lash out and begin biting in an attempt to release pent-up energy and act out natural instinct to hunt and kill prey. Providing a variety of toys is a great way to help get her energy out, get some much needed exercise, and pretend to be the predator that she was born to be. Dangling, jangling, fluffy and fast, these toys come in all shapes and sizes, and mimic the natural prey of a cat. If this doesn’t work, consider getting your kitty a fellow feline that could be her companion whenever you aren’t home. This tactic, combined with the toys and daily play sessions, will prevent boredom and, provided that your cat adjusts well to the newcomer, may also prevent biting. Likewise, if you are too crude and strict with your cat, she might develop bad habits. Always show affection and let your pet know that they are loved and appreciated. A cat in a warm and welcoming environment might not resort to a nasty habit such as biting. Assert Your Dominance When it comes to training felines, positive reinforcement is always the way to go. This is because punishments and scolding may cause your cat to become frightened and stressed, and may not even be effective in training your cat to change her behavior. Remember that cats are willful and hard-headed: they won’t do well to pressure and stubborn training. Basically, bribery is necessary, and that is why positive reinforcement is crucial. But it still needs to be done with an air of strictness and dominance. So, instead of swatting your cat or shouting at her when she bites, you can try clapping your hands and asserting your dominance by staring directly at her before leaving her alone for a few minutes. You should also say the word “no” in an assertive manner. The key is to be the dominant figure in the house without frightening or stressing out your cat. This is easier to do if your pet is neutered or spayed, which is another great reason to get that done once your kitty is old enough. And when your cat does behave and play well, be sure to reward the good behavior in order to reinforce it. Remember that time always yields results: if you are patient enough and follow the pattern of positive reinforcement, you are bound to notice results in a matter of weeks, sometimes even days. Cats are quick learners, and if it’s their place in the hierarchy of the home – they’ll figure it out quickly. Cats don’t always bite to attack, so it’s important to maintain your patience and try to figure out what exactly is the root cause of the biting. Is your pet bored, is she stressed or scared, or was she brought up to think that it’s okay to bite a human as part of a play session? Understanding feline behavior is difficult, but there are ways of getting your kitty to be relaxed and happy enough to never feel the sting of cat bites.

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Around the House?

Do you have an indoor shadow? If your dog follows you around the house, there may be a few reasons why this happens. When you get up in the morning and head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, you shouldn’t be surprised if your dog follows you. After all, there’s a possibility that some tasty morsel could fall within reach. As the day progresses, however, you may find that your dog follows you everywhere you go – to the bathroom, to the mailbox, even to the other side of the same room you’ve been in for hours. Though this behavior is more common in some dogs than others, many dogs have a habit of following their owners around the house. Keep reading to learn more about the reasoning behind this behavior and what you can do to calm your dog’s restlessness. Related: How Do You Introduce Your New Dog to Your Partner? Top 7 Reasons Your Dog Follows You Around Many dog owners liken their dogs to Velcro – they stick by their side no matter where they are in the house or what they are doing. Some days you may enjoy the companionship, but other times may drive you up the wall. Before you shoo your dog away, think about the reasoning behind this behavior. Here are the top 7 reasons your dog follows you around: Companionship – Unless you have more than one dog, you might be the only company your dog has each day – this makes you the primary focus. When you’re at home, your dog wants to spend time with you and they don’t want you to leave.Reinforcement – Many dogs learn indirectly from human behavior and interaction. Your dog will quickly learn who is in charge of feeding and who is the most likely to offer attention and affection. Your dog will follow that person because it’s produced a good result before, and they don’t want to miss out on food or fun.Bonding – The more time you spend with your dog, the stronger your bond will become. As your bond is strengthened, your dog learns to expect things from you and will follow you to get them.Attention – Some dogs display strong attention-seeking behavior such as begging at the table, whining when you go out of reach, and following you so closely you trip over him. You may even have experiences where your dog gets between you and a book or puts his head on your laptop.Curiosity – Dogs are naturally curious – much like children – and they sometimes follow you around because they don’t want to miss out on anything.Breed Characteristics – Some breeds are more prone to this behavior than others, especially breeds that have been developed to work closely with humans. These clingy dogs are the iconic “Velcro” dogs as mentioned earlier.Separation Anxiety – When your dog becomes anxious when left alone, it is called separation anxiety. Some dog owners unknowingly make it worse by making a big fuss when leaving the house or coming home, giving the dog more reason to feel anxious. Even though it might be annoying from time to time when your dog follows you around the house, the truth of the matter is that he really cares about you. Tripping over him now and again is a risk and an annoyance, but if you think of it as a compliment or a sign of affection, you’ll see it differently.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel Basics In the world of dogs there is perhaps no breed more associated with a specific name than the Cocker Spaniel. The name Cocker Spaniel rolls off the tongue and reflects the actual appearance of the Spaniel itself – a small, flowing, elegant animal that is well-balanced and has a general reputation for good behavior. But what about the Cocker Spaniel makes it such a quintessential dog? Like many breeds, the Cocker Spaniel has a rich history updated into a modern appearance, but the Spaniel is not as old as even the Rottweiler. In this brief guide, we’ll take a look at the Cocker Spaniel and address how it became a breed synonymous with “quality dog.” The Cocker Spaniel is small, flowing, and elegant, and has a general reputation for good behavior. Origin The mention of “Spanyells” goes back as far as the Middle Ages – the 14th century, to be exact. There’s a good chance these Spanyells weren’t exactly the Cocker Spaniels we know today, but this specific breed of dog has certainly enjoyed a rich history. It’s assumed Spaniels first appeared in Spain during this time, but the first appearance of the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” didn’t originate until the 1800s, when a specific type of field spaniel began assuming the name. At the time, in England, the phrase Cocker Spaniel could also refer to a number of other spaniels such as the Norfolk and Sussex Spaniels, which today could be considered different breeds. This general classification gave rise to a low standard of calling a dog a Cocker Spaniel: until around 1870, the only characteristic a dog named a “Cocker Spaniel” had to have was a weight of under 25 pounds. Needless to say, the standards have risen, but the story helps illustrate why the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” seems to associate itself with any manner of small dogs.

For Homemade Dog Biscuits, Bo’s Hempaw Cookie Mix Will Give Dogs The

Try these homemade dog biscuits made with hemp! Dude, these cookies are so good! That’s what your dog will be saying after it gets a taste of Bo’s Hempaw Cookie Mix. After one batch of these homemade dog biscuits, your dog will have the munchies for these munchies. From Canadian-company High On Health, this cookie mix contains hemp – both seed and flour – as a main ingredient, and also contains brown rice flour and oatmeal. Dude, these cookies are so good! You’ll have to do a little work to get them ready for your pooch. Just add one cup of water and 1/3 cup of peanut butter with Hempaw. Mix and shape into balls about 1/2 inch and press down with a fork. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes, and then let them cool or throw them in the freezer. If this is your first time making homemade dog biscuits, this is the perfect mix to hone your baking skills. If you’d like to learn more about Bo’s Hempaw Cookie Mix or order, visit the High on Health website.

Is Social Media Putting Our Dogs in Danger?

What cost is the rise of social media having on our pets? From “expert” medical and dietary advice to risky behavior, here’s how social media is putting our pets in danger. Bad Advice You don’t have to go far to find a post or social media update where someone is asking for advice or someone is giving bad advice to pet parents. Most commonly this free advice is being given by pet owners regarding house training, gaining dominance over an “aggressive dog” or what to feed dogs. Sometimes unsolicited advice pops up, with the caveat that the person administering the advice is a dog trainer/behaviorist. Who are these people? Well, paint me purple and call me Barney, but 1. A dog trainer is not a behaviorist, and 2. Professionals don’t simply go around on social media doling out free advice (because it’s not professional). So while someone may hide behind a keyboard and claim to be a dog trainer/guru, don’t even bother taking a grain of salt with their advice, just scroll on! Nothing to see here. Same goes for people who go online to extol the virtues of the diet they feed their pet. It’s reminiscent of celebrity endorsed fad-diets, more hype than science. In my opinion, it’s more fiction than facts, all from people who have no business in giving advice. If you have concerns about your dog’s diet, bring it up with your vet. Medical Opinions The worst kind of social media advice has to be veterinary advice. Shame on those seeking and shame on those giving. Yes, that’s a big heap of Double Shame! If your dog is experiencing a health problem, get them to a vet… you know, the expert who has years of professional medical experience treating our precious pets. A medical opinion shouldn’t come from an online know-it-all who knew someone whose dog had similar symptoms 10 years ago. If you’re unsure if your dog needs to actually see the vet, err on the side of caution. Even if it’s a mild medical issue, it’s far better to treat it early than let it fester and become a larger problem. A veterinarian has the tools and training to properly diagnose whatever ailments may plague your pup. Access to this quality of care simply can’t supplied online. Monkey See, Monkey Do While I’m up here on my soapbox, let me rant a little longer about how silly behavior from a few can become a trend, spread via social media. In some ways, social media is the great equalizer. It gives everyone a platform for creating, commenting and sharing experiences and ideas – which is totally is cool. It used to be that experts honed their skills over years of practice, training, and failing. By the time they achieved expert status, it was well earned from their dirt, sweat, tears, and scars. With some of the “experts” we find on social media, it’s more self-proclaimed than actually experienced. The problem being this: before the experts started dishing out free advice, or calling themselves a trainer, they had limited experience in the area they are now giving advice on. See the problem? Enthusiasm is awesome, but it does not make up for experience. These enthusiastic, inexperienced people post pictures of some ideas which may not be all that well thought out. Sometimes they only do the deed for the sake of a picture! Consider a dog shooting down a waterfall in a kayak, posing on the edge of a cliff, a tiny dog pulling a sled, or a pack of dogs running off leash through a nature preserve. They make great pictures, but these situations were not for the dog’s benefit. They were taken solely for attention they would receive on social media. Why would someone put their dog at risk for a few seconds of social media “fame”? Even worse, people see these pictures, follow suite and soon the behavior is considered normal. Often it is a behavior that should never have happened in the first place and it’s now the standard across social media. If someone with more experience or common sense dares to question what they are seeing, they will be promptly put in their place and told “I have been doing this for months, and there have never been a problem.” I mean, you don’t need to be a dinosaur to have gained lived experience, but experience does count for a lot. The more you live, the more you get. We have come a long way as pet parents. We have worked together to encourage spaying and neutering, more dogs than ever before have left the shelter and found their forever families. Dogs are enjoying better quality of life than ever before So let’s work together in promoting responsible pet ownership in this new digital age.

What Are Achondroplastic Dogs?

Smaller sized dogs come with many compact benefits – but they also have a few problems that come with their tiny size. Learn what achondraplastic dogs are and what to look for. Dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes with certain breeds being small and others being large – the size of any given breed is largely a result of selective breeding. Not only are some dogs bred to be small, but there are some breeds for which a genetic mutation known as achondroplasia is actually desirable. Keep reading to learn more about what achondroplasia is and how it affects a dog. What is Achondroplasia? Like humans, dogs are prone to certain health problems, some of which affect the bones themselves. Osteochondrodysplasia (or OCD) is a developmental abnormality of the bones and cartilage that is characterized by abnormal bone growth and/or bone deformities. Achondroplasia is a form of OCD in which the bones fail to grow to their normal size. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene and it usually causes the dog to develop abnormally short limbs – that is why the condition is also called dwarfism. Related: 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Osteoarthritis Though in some cases achondroplasia is a spontaneous genetic mutation, it is actually a desirable trait in some breeds. Some of the most common achondrosplastic breeds include the following: Welsh CorgiBulldogsSkye TerrierDachshundBasset HoundBoston TerrierPugPekingeseShih-TzuBeagle In addition to developing short legs, many dogs with achondroplasia also have abnormally large heads, an undershot jaw, crooked teeth, and enlarged joints. Due to the abnormal growth of the bones, these dogs may also have a sideways bowing of the limbs or spinal deviation on either side of the body. What Else Do You Need to Know? While achondroplasia is desirable in certain dog breeds, it is considered a significant genetic fault when it occurs in breeds not listed above. Technically speaking, dogs that develop stunted bone growth suffer from chondroplasia, but the idea is the same. Some breeds that have a genetic predisposition to this problem include German Shepherds, Norwegian Elk Hounds, Great Pyrenees, and Alaskan Malamute. Unfortunately, this condition is not always evident at birth, but it will become evident as the dog gets older but develops shortened limbs compared to other dogs. Related: What Are the 7 Most Common Musculoskeletal Issues in Dogs? Achondroplasia in dogs ranges in severity. In some dogs, it may be mild but in very severe cases it can be crippling. Depending whether the condition causes any clinical problems or not, treatment options are worth considering. In some cases, corrective surgery is an option but it is usually not the best course of action. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the best treatment for dogs suffering from achondroplasia. Adjustments to the dog’s lifestyle and exercise habits may be required as well. You should also know that dogs with achondroplasia are more prone to arthritis than other breeds – this is especially true as the dog gets older. Keep in mind as well that these dogs have a higher risk for obesity, partially due to their compressed structure and the fact that abnormally short legs may interfere with normal exercise. Keep a close eye on your dog’s condition and report any concerns to your veterinarian. Though achondroplasia is normal in the dog breeds listed above, it can negatively impact the growth and development if it occurs in other dog breeds. If you’re concerned about your dog’s growth and development, talk to your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Can dogs eat oranges or should you keep them away from this sweet citrus fruit? Unlike cats, who are obligate carnivores, dogs can eat a variety of different foods, including fruit. In fact, a lot of pooches will love feasting on delicious fresh nom-noms and using fruit as a treat can be a great, healthy alternative to store-bought snacks. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all fruits are safe for canine consumption; in reality, there are many fruits that dogs should never eat. So, how about oranges- where do these sweet and juicy treats stand when it comes to our pets? Can dogs eat orange without any risk?

Giant Spitz

Giant Spitz Basics The Giant Spitz lives up to its name with his classic, spitz-like characteristics and his large size. These dogs have thick double coats, foxlike faces, pointed ears, and fluffy tails carried high over their backs. There are many different spitz breeds out there and they come in a wide variety of sizes, but the Giant Spitz is on the higher end of the spectrum. These dogs were traditionally used for guarding and they are still capable of fulfilling that role, though they are more commonly kept as family pets these days. The Giant Spitz lives up to its name with his classic, spitz-like characteristics and his large size. Origin

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A Rescuer’s Advice on TNR, Fostering, and Adoption

The idea of cat rescue appeals to you, but there’s so much that needs to be done – how can you help? We talk to an expert who spends all her time helping kitties in need. Nikki Martinez is a cat foster mom who works as a volunteer for C5. She spends her days fostering the most fragile kittens before finding their forever homes. She also helps with TNR (trap/neuter/return), and she advocates for cats via her Instagram account. Because Nikki has inspired so many, developed a strong following on social media, and has even been invited to speak at events around the country, we wanted to chat with her for a bit to learn about what goes into TNR, fostering, and adopting out stray kittens and cats. If you’re interested in learning more about rescue through fostering, definitely check out what Nikki had to say. Related: TNR: What is It And How Does It Help Feral Cats? What inspired you to start fostering kittens and cats? Nikki: After a major surgery left me on bed rest for three months, I was finally permitted by my doctor to start driving again. It was at that time that I found a sick kitten in the road. I nursed her back to health, got her spayed, and adopted her to my aunt and uncle in California. It might’ve seemed that I was there to help her, but she was there for me at a time when I needed her the most. It was right after that that I walked into my local SPCA and signed up to foster. That day, I took home a pregnant foster cat and she delivered her babies in my home 24 hours later. Your Instagram account is impressive. You’ve gained a strong following, and people check in daily to view your photos, stories, and live videos. How long has your page been active? Why did you decide to start an account in the first place, and are you surprised by how big it’s become? Nikki: I started my Instagram account, @myfosterkittens, about four years ago. I was actually posting my fosters on my personal Instagram and Facebook, but didn’t want to flood my friends’ feeds with cat pictures, so I created another account that would be devoted to my fosters. Related: 5 Awesome Spay and Neuter Feral Cat Programs I started the page a while ago, when there weren’t so many other foster accounts. It’s so great to see such a large online cat community now. It has become a great resource for saving so many cat lives and spreading awareness for things like spay/neuter, adoption, and fostering. I love hearing people say that they were inspired by my posts to start fostering or even get involved with trapping and neutering/spaying stray cats in their own community. To be able to use social media for more than just posting cute kitten pictures is fantastic! You often post about your experiences in TNR, sometimes even doing live streams of your efforts in trapping kitties and getting them in for spaying/neutering and medical treatment. What’s the process like, and why do you advocate for TNR so strongly? Nikki: I work as a volunteer trapper with an organization in Las Vegas called C5. Those in the community call C5 and request assistance in neutering/spaying the strays in their neighborhood. The job requests are put on a list for trappers to contact. I usually take jobs that are close to my home. Over the years, I have taken in kittens to foster. It’s tough because I can only take in kittens if I have space to foster. That’s why it’s important for people to know that fostering saves lives. If there are no fosters available, my hands are tied and I have to put the kittens back outside where we found them after they’ve been neutered/spayed. I take in critical care and motherless newborn kittens to foster. I honestly got tired of seeing these poor kittens suffer because someone didn’t spay their mother. To know that the simple act of spaying/neutering a cat will prevent countless kittens from being born on the street to suffer before they die (from things like cars, weather, disease, animal or human predators) lights a fire under me to keep going. Getting back to your fostering efforts, how do you get all of the resources that you need for your fosters? Also, what criteria and process do you use to find the perfect homes for them? Nikki: I have fostered kittens both through rescue organizations and on my own at my own expense. When fostering through a rescue organization, they provide the basic supplies and basic medical care (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). I’ve also received some donations for the kittens in my care. I really try to place kittens in homes in pairs, or into a home that already has a cat. Kittens can be lonely if left home alone all day. I want to make sure that they go to a home that’s prepared to care for them for the next 20+ years. You have resident cats, along with multiple fosters at any given time. How do you protect both your resident kitties and fosters from getting sick? Nikki: I’m a firm believer in quarantine. My fosters have their own space in my home. They don’t get to share food bowls or litter boxes with my resident cats until they’ve tested negative for disease. Fostering can be challenging, so what advice would you give to those who want to start? And do you have advice for those who want to socialize feral cats and kittens? Nikki: I always suggest that people contact their local cat rescue or animal shelter. Let them know that you’d like to start fostering. They’ll match you with cats or kittens that fit your lifestyle. If you’re working away from home, for example, ask for an adult cat, or ask for kittens that are eating on their own. If you have a more flexible schedule, motherless newborns that require round-the-clock bottle feeding are at the greatest risk of being euthanized in municipal shelters, so they need the most help. My goal is to help kittens become healthy, happy, social, and ready for their forever homes. While it isn’t impossible to socialize a feral cat, my time and resources are better spent trying to help kittens who are much easier to socialize and get adopted out. With kittens, I make sure to give them a place to feel safe while gently pushing them out of their comfort zone. I try to get them to associate happy things with being around people and normal household noises. I use toys and treats to do that, and I handle them as much as possible. You’re continually motivating a lot of people to get involved in rescue, but who inspires you? Nikki: I’m inspired by those who are doers: those who see cats and kittens in need of help and are there to step up and help them, and those who see stray cats in their community and make sure they’re neutered/spayed so they aren’t continuing the cycle. Is there anything else that you’d like to add regarding cat rescue? Nikki: While fostering is fantastic and life-saving, TNR (trap/neuter/return) is even better! Spaying and neutering the feral strays in your community prevents so much suffering. Call your local shelter, ask to borrow a trap, and get those cats into a spay/ neuter clinic. Kittens are certainly cute, but with approximately 2,300 being euthanized in municipal shelters every day, they need us to help fix the problem that humans created in the first place.

Cape Parrot

Cape Parrot General Info The Cape parrot, or Levaillant’s parrot as it is sometimes called, is an exotic and rare parrot breed which captivates with its beautiful looks and temperate personality. One of Africa’s prettiest avians, this rare bird is an all-around great family pet – if you can get one, that is. Their threatened status, protection against illegal trade and a very small habitat, all make them one of the rarest pet parrots in the world. Only around a hundred birds are held as pets. Cape parrots are rare in captivity, but make great pets. Acquiring one is certainly worth the wait and the effort.

Rose Breasted Cockatoo

Rose Breasted Cockatoo General Info The Rose Breasted Cockatoo is most commonly known as the Galah, and it’s one of the most unique, widespread and popular parrots in the large and diverse cockatoo family. This bird stands apart with its distinct and beautiful plumage, as well as with its fun and lovable temperament. Although very peculiar, this parrot is one of the most common sights in its natural home and has become a popular and loved choice for a pet parrot. Let’s meet the Galah! Galahs are unique and lovely members of the cockatoo family. There’s so much to love about them.

Lineolated Parakeet

Lineolated Parakeet General Info Lineolated parakeets, or linnies for short, are definitely a parrot you should choose if you want a low-maintenance pet. These little goofy birds have so many great and lovable traits that it can easily be said that they are a perfect pet parrot. Playful, quiet, cuddly, and incredibly silly, these feathery goofballs are a source of endless entertainment. If you’re looking for a small and lively bird to keep you company, then look no further – linnies are here! These tiny parrots are lively, silly and cuddly- Lineolated Parakeet is loved worldwide with good reason.

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo General Info There is no parrot that is as iconic as the beautiful, fun and loved Major Mitchell’s cockatoo. It is a unique bird with a lovely temperament and some of the most beautiful coloration in the parrot world. It’s also a unique cockatoo, with a great balance of traits and an acceptable level of noise, which isn’t always a common thing in their family. Let’s introduce these widespread pet parrots and figure out just what makes them such a popular and loved pet. It’s hard not to fall in love when first seeing and meeting the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo. These are beautiful birds.

Yorkie Bichon

Yorkie Bichon BasicsWant to conjure up an image of pure adorableness within your brain? Who doesn’t?! So try this: imagine combining the adorable Bichon Frise with the irresistible Yorkshire Terrier. Did your heart just melt? How could it not?! Well good news, you don’t have to limit yourself to imagining this remarkably cute hybrid. This incredibly cute little pooch actually exists. In fact, you can even introduce the Yorkie Bichon into your family if you are in search of a super cute pup to call your own. These dogs are real and they will live up to your dreams.In fact, the Yorkie Bichon is more than just a pup with good looks. These dogs have substance to back up their eye candy. They are friendly, fun, and loving. They will fill your heart with joy and slather love all over your family. To bring a Yorkie Bichon into your home is to bring a little fur ball of pure happiness into your life. Sounds perfect, right?So, will you be bringing home one of these pups asap? You’ll want to do the proper research first and fortunately you’ve come to the right place for that. To find out everything that you need to know about the Yorkie Bichon, simply keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything is about to be revealed. Read on.The Yorkie Bichon is a cross between a purebred Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier.Origin The Yorkie Bichon is a designer crossbreed from the United States. But, apart from the country he originates from, there’s little else we know about this adorable fluffy dog. Sadly like pretty much all hybrid dogs, there simply isn’t much documentation available about the breed’s history. One of the main reasons why the history of the Yorkie Bichon is so full of mystery is the fact that mixed breed dogs haven’t always been thought of as designer dog breeds. It stands to reason that there have been many accidental mixed breed litters of the Yorkie and Bichon Frise throughout history, way before Yorkie Bichon got his name and status as a hybrid. We’ll never know for sure.However, based on what we already know about the designer dog breeds in general, we can pretty much figure out how it happened for the Yorkie Bichon. It’s highly likely that it shares the origin story with many other designer hybrids from the United States and that it was first developed sometime in the last 20 years. Other than that, we simply don’t know much about how this hybrid came to be. Thankfully, we do know quite a bit about why you need to bring one of these remarkable (and mysterious) pups home.Pedigree

Best Air Fresheners for Pet-Friendly Households

There are many joys to life with pets, but the array of smells you’ll experience is definitely not on that list. While there are some hypoallergenic breeds of cats and dogs that produce little to no smell, the reality is that all pets do have a smell to them – some people don’t mind it, and others are bothered by the faintest whiff of it. In addition to their bodily scent, pets can also be messy – a dirty litter box, a dog mucked in a stinky substance, or gassiness all contribute to a certain smell in the home. To eliminate all pet-related odors in their home and to keep everything fresh-smelling at all times, your best bet is air fresheners that are specially formulated to tackle pet odors. We’ve selected the best air fresheners for pet-friendly households that will leave your home smelling lovely and clean and banish pet odors once and for all, without causing harm or irritating your pet’s sensitive respiratory system.

Havana Rabbit

Havana Rabbit Breed History/Origin Contrary to their name, the Havana rabbit did not originate in Cuba. The Havana rabbit actually got its start in Holland when a rich brown rabbit was born in the litter of a Dutch doe in the late 1800’s. The rabbit’s gorgeous deep coloration inspired breeders to develop it into a new breed. The name “Havana” rabbit is because it resembles the chocolate color from Cuban cigars from the city of Havana. In 1916, the Havana rabbit was brought to the United States and shortly after, was accepted into the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA). The blue Havana rabbit was recognized by the ARBA in 1965 and the black Havana rabbit in 1980. Most recently, color specifications for the broken-colored Havana Rabbit line was made in 2008. The Havana Rabbit earned its name because its chocolate fur is the same color as Cuban cigars. Overall Description The Havana rabbit is a compact breed that should not exceed 6.5 lbs. They have short, rounded bodies. The top line should form a half-circle that rises over the hips before or down to the tail. They have short, straight legs with dark-colored toenails, short ears which are relatively close together, medium-sized eyes and a short head with full cheeks. Coat This breed of rabbit has short, soft, flyback fur that does not much need maintenance to keep in tip-top condition. To keep their shedding to a minimum, indoor rabbits can be groomed once a week with a slick brush and when shedding time comes around (around Spring), increasing their brushings to twice a week. Colors

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