Is Your Cat Sad? How to Tell and What to Do to Cheer Up a Depressed Cat

Pet owners of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and even fish, have always sought to give them human qualities and personalities. An example of this is when a dog sits up we say they are begging. They are not begging in the way humans would, they have merely been trained to sit up like that to receive a treat.

It is the same when a cat might purr, and its owner turns around and tells you exactly what the cat has just said in English. As lovable as cats are, and as communicative as they are, they've not gotten around to being able to speak any human language.

Animals Can Have Emotions Too

There is a certain irony to pet owners believing their pets can be almost human in some ways, but not in more deep-seated areas such as emotions. Pets have emotions, and often these are negative emotions. We then get the same owners who think their cat can master linguistics but is incapable of being sad or depressed.

The simple fact is all animals can have these emotions, but as the focus of this article is cats, we shall concentrate on them. We’ll look more closely at why cats can get sad or depressed, how to recognize it, and what you can do to help it feel better.

The Signs That Your Cat Is Sad

Cats have two ways of communicating with you. The first is vocally, and the second is their body language. If you think I am about to say ignore the vocal one because a cat can't tell you it is sad, you're wrong.

If a cat is vocalizing excessively it can be a sign that something is wrong with them, including them feeling depressed. A cat can make all manner of sounds to indicate all is not well such as wailing, low-pitched meows and even continuous purring which they sometimes do to console themselves.

Conversely, if your cat is normally a chatterbox, and suddenly they become as quiet as a mouse, this could be a sign all is not well.

The body language of a cat can also be very telling if they are sad. Here are some signs you might see.

  • Ears held back
  • Tail tucked under their body
  • Changes in litter box usage
  • Sleeping longer than normal
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lack of grooming
  • Scratching objects more
  • Hiding and being reclusive
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of normal playfulness
  • Sudden aggressiveness

I should point out that if your cat displays any of these it does not automatically follow that they are sad or depressed as these symptoms can be due to them suffering from an ailment or illness. However, if there is no other obvious reason for these behaviors and symptoms, sadness should be considered.

What Causes a Cat to Be Depressed?

While cats have a vastly different psychological makeup to humans the reasons that they become depressed can be similar to those of humans. Here are some of the most common.


History is awash with stories of animals pining for, and mourning the loss of, their owners who have passed away, and this extends to other family members or other animals that may have shared their home. If any of these sad events have happened recently do not dismiss it as a possible reason for your cat being sad or depressed. Remember, they have lost a loved one too.


Cats can't really tell you that they have a pain, or they are unwell, but often this will be why they are feeling down and displaying some of the behaviors we mentioned above.

There are illnesses that cats have, which are not apparent and can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Until it is and is treated your cat is obviously going to feel sad about whatever is ailing them.

Furthermore, if this is the issue, it is best to know what to food to feed your sick cat so that you won't further cause your feline pet any discomfort.

Physical injury

While these are easier to spot than illnesses, even after an injury has been bandaged up or had the cat equivalent of a Band-Aid placed on it, these can still affect a cat emotionally. Even though any wound might have been treated, they may still be in a lot of pain. Their mobility might also be hampered which is always frustrating, as it is for us humans when we can't get about as easily as we normally can.

Below is a short video of symptoms and treatment of cat depression:

It's much better to know at least some of the important causes and their effects to avoid any discomfort for you and your feline friend.

Just for a quick note, cats getting older can be less active and would seem depressed or lacks the interest in anything rather than eating and resting.

Lack of affection or attention

Believe it or not, and despite the reputation cats have for being solitary creatures, they do yearn for the company of others, especially you, if you are their owner. Hopefully, you do spend time playing with your cat and giving them affection, but if not, you need to question why you have them in the first place.

How to Cheer Up a Depressed Cat

There are lots of ways you can help your sad cat become a happy cat again. Here are three of the most effective ones.

Make more time for them

It doesn't take much to spend 15-30 minutes or so playing with your cat every day. For playtime buy them some new toys and get the ones which are interactive and stimulate them. In the evening, letting them sit on your lap while you watch TV is an easy way to give them affection.

You could also use some of the time you spend with your cat to groom them, talk to them, and even teach them to do some tricks. Whichever it is, these are great for letting your cat feel loved and helping them out of their depression.

Bring another pet into the home

This takes some planning with the family and an agreement that you are all prepared to have another pet, but it could be a great way to cheer up your sad cat. Ideally, it should be another cat but there are also thousands of households which have a cat and a dog who live happily under the same roof. A therapy cat is a great option for this issue.

Take them outside

Many cat owners keep their cats strictly indoors, and there is nothing wrong with that in principle. However, if your cat is depressed, letting them, or taking them outside yourself, could be a stimulus which snaps them out of their sadness. If you are wary of letting your cat roam free outside, then you could build them a 'catio' which would be their very own outside playpen.

One Final Note

Finally, it would be remiss not to say that if your cat starts displaying any unusual behavior do not hesitate to contact your vet. Sadness or depression could be the cause, but if not, then the appropriate veterinary treatment should be sought.

How to Get a Cat to Like a Dog

Many people may not think too much about how they should introduce new pets into their home. Unfortunately, this can result in pets becoming stressed and overwhelmed, which can also contribute to them not getting along very well. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this. There are some ways of how to get a cat to like a dog.

There are a few steps that you'll need to follow when you bring a new cat or dog into a home that already has a pet. While they might require a lot of patience, these steps can ensure that your cat and dog get along better overall, resulting in fewer problems living together.

Making the Introduction

The first step is making the introduction between your pets. This is a very important step, and it's important to handle it very carefully in order to get the best results. For this step, you'll need to be prepared to remove one or both pets from the situation if there should be any signs of aggression.

For example, if you're introducing a new kitten then you'll want to be holding the kitten. It also wouldn't hurt to have your dog on a leash, just in case. It's best to keep the first introduction as smooth as possible, allowing pets to see each other without necessarily interacting just yet.

Start Very Slowly

A lot of the time, pets may have some trouble adjusting to one another if they are forced into a space together too quickly. While some pets may get along right away, it's always better to be cautious in order to avoid issues. This can include keeping pets away from each other for the most part.

If you can allocate the new pet to one room then this can be helpful for allowing them to get used to their space without too much stress. It's wise to keep in mind that the new pet is in a whole new space, with new people and animals. As a result, it's good to give them some time to get used to your home.

Let Them Adjust to Smells

Another option is to keep both pets confined to their own rooms for the most part. After a few days, you can then switch the rooms that the pets are in. This way, they can get used to each other's scents without too much stressful interaction.

While this may not seem like a big deal to you, allowing your pets to get used to each other's smells can be very helpful for increasing the comfort level overall. As a result, they may be more likely to like each other once they are ready to interact, or at the very least won't have much interest one way or the other.

Let Them Interact

Start by letting your pets sniff one another while still in a divided space. Something like a baby gate or a type of door that will allow them a small amount of interaction is a good idea. This way, they can check each other out without risking a fight or flight situation.

Here is a short funny video about dogs and cats spending some time together:

In most cases, the cat will be more likely to be afraid of the dog. Because of this, it's a good idea to make sure that the cat seems comfortable before allowing them to interact further. Next, you can try letting them interact more closely while keeping a close eye on them.

Love Them!

It can be tempting to give a lot of love to your new pet. After all, a new critter is exciting. Love your pet as much as you can. However, it's important to make sure your affection is shared, if not equally, at least bearable and unnoticeable between your two pets. This can help both animals to continue feeling loved, leading to fewer problems with jealousy.

Think of it as being similar to having a new baby. You want to make sure both children feel that they are getting the love and attention they need. The same is true for pets! It is possible for one pet to get jealous if the other is receiving more attention, which can potentially lead to problems.

Give Them Breaks

Early on, pets may be more worn down while interacting with one another than they will once they're completely comfortable. This is especially true if you have a dog who is excited about a new cat or kitten. While the dog might be having fun, the cat might get stressed out by the attempts to play.

After a while, this interaction can get stressful, so it's worthwhile to make sure your pets get breaks from one another, during which they can calm down and relax. In time, the novelty of the new pet will wear off and it's likely they'll be able to relax around one another more easily.

Keep An Eye Out

Even after your pets appear to have gotten used to one another, there can sometimes be interactions that one or both pets don't enjoy, resulting in a squabble or one pet becoming frightened. Because of this, you'll want to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they're getting along well.

This problem is more likely to occur early on, but you never know when something might irritate one of them. As a result, it's a good idea to make sure that you can easily remove one or both animals from the room just in case, though it's most likely that they'll be fine once they get used to each other.


Overall, the most important aspects of getting your cat and dog to get along are taking it slowly, allowing them to get used to one another and then allowing them to interact in small, gentle ways. Over time, they will get used to one another and become more relaxed.

If you stay patient and take your time, it's far more likely that your pets will be able to get comfortable and even enjoy playing together. It's just a matter of giving them the time and making slow steps in introducing them. If you have pets that already know one another but don't get along, these steps can also help to introduce them in a healthier way.

How to Introduce Cat to Dog

A solid introduction can make all the difference when it comes to introducing a cat and a dog. These aren't naturally animals that get along, though they certainly can in some cases. It is comfortable to at least learn some of the ways about how to introduce cat to dog. Providing them with a calm, relaxed introduction can help pave the way to a happy relationship between the two.

To help you with introducing a cat to a dog, we're listing some tips that can allow for a more peaceful experience overall. Just make sure to be patient and give them plenty of time to get used to one another. In time, they'll surely be able to exist together in a peaceful, happy home.

Don't Rush It

The first thing to keep in mind is not to rush it. Some cats and dogs may be able to get along right away, but most will need a little time to acclimate to the presence of a new animal. Because of this, you'll want to take it one step at a time and keep a close eye on how both the cat and dog react.

Ideally, you'll be able to reach a state where they get along well but it's also good if they simply ignore one another most of the time. Not all cats are going to be thrilled about having a home with a dog, but they often learn to just do their own thing without paying much mind to your dog.

Have Control Over the Situation

When introducing a cat and dog for the first time, you'll want to make sure that you're fully prepared. It's a good idea to have the dog on a leash and harness so that you can pull them away from the cat if needed. In some cases, you may also be able to hold the cat during the introduction but watch out for cat claws!

The reason for having this level of control is to make sure that the introduction is safe. Dogs can sometimes get over-excited when meeting a new pet and the cat might not be a fan. As a result, you'll want to be able to keep the situation as calm as possible.

Pay Attention to Body Language

You can tell a lot about both dogs and cats by looking at their body language. For example, if the cat is huddled up, backed into a corner, or has its ears pinned down then it's not likely to be feeling very comfortable. This can be a sign that the cat may need to acclimate to the dog in smaller doses.

In addition, the dog may be excited about meeting the cat, or they might not be a fan either. Most likely, the dog may try to play, while the cat doesn't want to. When you notice that the dog has fixated upon the cat, it can be a good idea to distract them with another toy or activity.

Use Scent

If the first introduction doesn't yield the best possible results, don't worry! Oftentimes, it can simply be a matter of giving your pets some time to get used to one another. One thing that can really help with this is using the power of scent, which can help more than you might think!

One thing you can try is keeping the dog and cat in their own rooms, and then switching the rooms after a few days. This can allow pets to get used to each other's scents without having to interact. As a result, it's a more calming way for pets to acclimate to one another in a calm way.

Give it Time

The most important aspect of this whole process is to be patient. If you try to rush the introduction, then it can create more stress for all of the parties involved. This can also lead to more inappropriate behaviors or even fights.

As a result, it's a good idea to stay calm during the process and take your time with each step. Don't forget to take care of yourself at the same time! Keeping yourself feeling great can allow you to give the time and attention your pets need to create a happy home.

Additionally, there's also a lot of upside with spending some time with our pets. Check the short video about some of the benefits:

It greatly improves health, mentally, physically and emotionally. Furthermore, it teaches us how to be responsible.

Allow For Breaks

When your pets appear annoyed with one another, it can be a good idea to separate them for a short period of time so that they can relax. In addition, this can be done through allowing both pets places to go where they can get away from each other.

This doesn't have to be a punishment, either. For example, you can give your cat a cat tree or other place they can go to avoid the attention of your dog. Likewise, if you have an indoor cat then you can allow your dog time in the backyard to themselves.

Don't Forget The Love!

Most importantly, share the love between your pets in equal measure. You'll be able to help avoid problems with jealousy by making sure that both pets get a lot of love. Giving them both plenty of affection and exercise can also help to limit behavior problems.

Playing with your pets frequently can give them the exercise and fun they need in a positive way, so that when you want quiet time at home they'll be more likely to relax. This can also help to avoid your cat and dog getting into squabbles with one another.


Overall, introducing your cat and dog doesn't have to be a complicated thing! Just follow the steps slowly and carefully and give your pets plenty of time to get used to their environment. If you're bringing a new cat into the home, you'll also want to let them have some peace and quiet for a few days until they feel comfortable.

In time, your pets will be able to get along and live together peacefully. Just make sure to watch them carefully and make sure they are both comfortable, and address any problems before they have a chance to escalate.

How to Tame a Feral Cat

Sadly, there are thousands upon thousands of unwanted cats out there, and those that aren’t taken into shelters and eventually adopted (or euthanized), end up as feral cats living on the streets. Many people think that at this point, there is absolutely nothing one can do to tame a feral cat, because they are so terrified of humans. But, if one were to put in the effort, not only is it possible to tame a feral cat, it is also possible to turn a feral cat into one that loves to receive attention from humans. Today we are going to take a look at some of the things that you can do on how to tame a feral cat that you have adopted from a rescue agency.

What is a Feral Cat?

A feral cat is one that has not been socialized with humans, and is fearful of them. They tend to stay far from human reach, but will approach for food (once the human giving it to them walks away). Most often, feral cats will live outdoors, often in colonies. The problem is, many of these cats are not spayed or neutered, which means that they will produce more feral kittens. Various social groups such as Carma trap, neuter, and tip the ears of as many feral cats as possible. If you see a cat with the tip of its ear missing, chances are that it is a Carma cat.

One thing to remember about feral cats is that being feral is a behavior, not a biological instinct. For instance, a feral cat could have kittens that are taken indoors. These kittens are raised with humans, and therefore, they are not feral. But, can you take a feral cat, bring it indoors, and turn it into a house pet? Yes, you can, but it is going to take a lot of work.

There are some ways on how to correct cat behavior but it would require some time and effort to make things work with what you want accordingly.

Taming a Feral Cat

You are not going to be able to tame a feral cat overnight. In fact, it could take several weeks, or even months, and there is going to be a lot of work involved. First, always remember that things must be done on the cat’s terms, and not yours. Most cats have attitudes like this anyway, but it is even more prevalent in a feral cat. Remember, the feral cat is likely to be terrified of you, and if you try to force it to do anything, it is not going to help the situation any.

If you have adopted a feral cat, you are going to have your work cut out for you. First of all, make sure that they have a quiet place where they can hide and get away from you; they are going to need this. We suggest having a cat carrier that you keep open so they can go in and out as they please. That way, if they feel the need to get away, they have a safe space. Place the carrier in a room that you often use, but not one that is overly busy (not the kitchen where there is a lot of traffic).

Make sure that there is a litter box, a water dish, and plenty of food near the cat carrier. It is not likely that they are going to be roaming around the house, and they need to eat and stay hydrated. If the carrier is large enough, you can put the food and water right inside so they don’t have to come out of their safe space to eat and drink.

If you have other pets, do not introduce them to the feral cat right away. In fact, close the door to the room the feral cat is in to keep the other pets away, at least for the time being. Let the feral get used to their new surroundings before you spring any other surprises on them. They are likely going to be a bit of a fighter, since that was their former way of life, and you don’t want them to end up attacking any of the pets that already live in the house. You can eventually introduce the feral cat to other pets, but it needs to be a slow process, as is everything when it comes to feral cats.

Here are a few tips that will help the process of taming a feral cat.

  • Spend as much time in the room with the cat as possible, without trying to pet them or pick them up. Give them at least a few days to become used to your presence. Make sure that you talk to them frequently, so they get to know that yours is a friendly voice
  • Once they are used to you being around, start trying to pet them while they are in the carrier. Do not make any sudden movements, which may scare them. If they back away and hiss, back off, and try again later. Try petting them a few times a day so they get used to your hand. After a few days, or possibly weeks, they will likely stop hissing and start becoming curious
  • After they get used to being petted, it is time to start trying to pick them up. If they squirm, immediately let them down. But, pick them up at least once each day. As time goes on, you will likely be able to hold them for longer periods of time, until they actually enjoy being held
  • Always make sure they see you preparing their food. They need to know that they have a regular food source, and to look to you for that food. They will soon begin to associate you with a source of food, and will start looking forward to seeing you.

We also include a heart warming video with catching and taming feral cats:

It's actually great to help out stray cats or kittens. That's why most people would rather adopt or get a feral cat than to buy from breeders. It will make nature a better place for cats to live.


The above tips are just a few of the things that you need to do in order to turn a feral cat into a friendly one. If not, a great house pet. If you are considering taking on the challenge of a feral cat, it is a good idea to talk with your vet. They will be able to offer even more tips on how to tame a feral cat so it will trust you, and maybe even love you eventually.

Know that there are some ways of how to tell if I cat likes you and that would help you determine if you have at least made some progress with taming a feral cat.

How to Correct Cat Behavior

Everyone knows that cats do what they want, when they want. For the most part, behavioral issues with cats are minor, and they can easily be corrected. But, there are occasions when a cat’s bad behavior can be over the top, and it is important to know how to correct that behavior before it becomes a habit that can’t be broken. If you have a cat that is starting to exhibit signs of bad behavior, it is time to nip it in the bud before you can’t do anything about it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common bad behaviors of cats, and what you can do or how to correct cat behavior.

Learn to Understand Your Cat

Cats have a body language all their own, and if you learn to read that body language, you can learn a lot about cat behavior. For instance, if your cat is crouched or their ears are pinned back, it is a pretty good sign that they are angry, upset, or afraid. You may notice that they begin to behave badly after exhibiting these signs, so you will be able to tell when they are going to misbehave just by watching their body language.

Cats are very vocal creatures, and they can make hundreds of different sounds. Once you get to know your cat, you will probably find that you are able to understand what they are trying to tell you from their various meows. One sound may mean that they’re hungry. Another may mean that they want to go outside.

There is one more thing to watch for with your cat, and that is how they play, as well as how they interact with humans and other pets. For instance, if they play rough, it may be a sign that they could turn into an aggressive cat.

Cat Training: The Basics

Now we are going to look at some of the most common bad behavioral traits in cats, how to identify them, and what to do about them. Many people think that cats cannot be trained, but this is a huge misconception. Actually, cats are highly intelligent creatures, and they can be trained for many things. For example, you train your cat to use the litter box, or to eat their meals in a specific area. If they can be trained to do these things, they can be trained to do other things. It just takes a lot longer than it does with dogs, likely because cats are a lot more stubborn.

The Biter and Scratcher

how can you tell if a cats like you or it is just playing around? Either way, if your cat tends to bite or scratch, you need to take steps to discourage and change this behavior. You don’t have to just accept that your cat has a bad temper, and you don’t have to put up with bad behavior. First of all, do not encourage rough play, even if you do find it loads of fun. That is going to give them the idea that biting and scratching is good, and that they should to it more. Talk to your vet about other ways to stop them from biting and scratching.

The Finicky Eater

Cats are well-known as finicky eaters, and this can be extremely frustrating for pet owners when they have to keep looking for something that their cats will actually eat. One of the first things to do is to stop trying. Give them one type of food, and don’t give them anything else. When they get hungry enough, they will eat what is put out for them. Do not offer any alternatives, because they will start turning their nose up at her regular food. Yes, they can have treats, but when it comes to meals, they get what you give her, period.

The Pusher

If the world were flat, cats would have knocked everything off by now. Cats are known to love to push things and watch them drop to the floor, but as cute as this can be, it is not behavior that you want to encourage. You need to find ways to discourage your cat from knocking things down. If necessary, get yourself a squirt bottle or a squirt gun. Most cats hate water, and if you squirt them a few times when they are trying to knock things down, they will soon get the message that every time they do it, they are going to get wet.

The Furniture Scratcher

Cats need to scratch things. Not only does it help to keep their claws sharp and trim at the same time, it is also a form of exercise for cats. But, this doesn’t mean that they need to start destroying your furniture, curtains, etc. If your cat starts scratching at the furniture, you need to correct this behavior as soon as possible. Get a spray for the furniture that will repel the cat, and make sure that they have their own scratching post, where they can dig to their heart’s content. If necessary, spray the scratching post with catnip to make it more attractive to them.

The Wool Sucker

Some cats love to suck on wool. While this is a habit that is harmless for your cat, it is not good for your sweaters. Obviously, one of the first things to do is to make sure that any wool items are out of the reach of your cat. If you are wearing a wool sweater and your cat tries to suck on it, gently reprimand her by saying “no,” and then divert their attention by petting or playing with them. This is a very common behavior for cats, and it is often seen in kittens that have been taken away from their mothers too early.

Here's a short video about the 3 most common cat behavior you should know:


These are just a few of the most common bad behaviors commonly exhibited by cats. There are even some cats that are aggressive and violent.

These behaviors can be changed with a bit of work and a lot of patience, both on your part and on the part of your cat. If your cat has very serious behavioral issues, it is a good idea to discuss the problem with your vet and ask for advice you can use to change these behaviors so you and your cat can enjoy each other more.

Why Are Cats So Cute?

Just when did cats become domesticated? This is a puzzle that has delivered on many accounts, variations of when humans and house cats became affectionate toward each other. Maybe because of the cat's natural cuteness. But really, why are cats so cute?

The most common ancient history of the domestic cat dates back 4,000 years when ancient Egyptians first regarded the creature as sacred. They were seen as the masters of hunting and were widely worshipped like gods and that even includes the pharaoh.

It is said that the sentence for killing a cat was the death penalty and all pharaohs were mummified and buried surrounded by statues of the animal. This represented good luck and safe companionship in the afterlife. Towards the end of the Egyptian era, cats were sold to the Greeks and the Persians and made their way to the Middle Kingdom where an emperor of China sought out a luxurious pet during the Song Dynasty.

In China, cats were bred with many local breeds, which resulted in the Siamese and Burmese. The domestic cat trend moved across to neighboring countries that include Japan and India.

While all of this might hardly seem cute, it took quite some time before cats were actually embraced (so to speak) by millions of households who simply could not get enough of the furry goodness that cats provided.

Granted, not all people feel the need to profess their undying love for cats, but there is ample amounts of logic behind the reason why cat videos on YouTube are viewed in an effort to alleviate a miserable Monday mood or perhaps, to consider a domestic companion that lives by his own set of rules.

Let’s look at some logical explanations why we are so drawn to them and how this has, in turn, transformed them into the adorable pets we’ve been creating social media posts about:

Hot and Cold, Near and Far

Loving a cat at first is like falling head over heels for someone who is not quite into you. The spiritually independent nature of cats has for long been observed as cold and perhaps even disloyal, but in essence, it’s their ability to look after themselves that makes them even more attractive. 

That air of slightly aloof and unaffected behavior is what places us in a position of intrigue: a yo-yo effect that keeps us guessing whether our cats are actually our spirit animals or maybe just an ancient spirit in a cat’s body.

Love Me Tender

Its no secret that cats are quite frugal when it comes to showing their affection. It all depends on their nature, and their mood, for that matter.  Once you do get your cat’s affection, it’s almost like a victory. Our relationships with cats usually make us look like the fool, but heck, it’s a game that’s quite worth it.

I am Your Baby

The nimble bodies of cats makes it easy to pick them up and carry them around like a newborn child.  Contrary to popular belief, they actually enjoy being cradled in your arms and lulled to sleep. As you watch them fall asleep, you’ll look down in awe: “How cute is this cat?” That is, until they wake up and decide that they’ve had enough of you.

Did Curiosity Really Kill The Cat?

They tiptoe around new foreign objects that exude an air of mystery.  Perhaps you come home with bags full of shopping. Perched on the counter, cats will carefully inspect the matter at hand to quite possibly determine a threat or the possibility of a new plaything. Their curiosity is something to behold and it’s usually the fright-factor of a sound or sudden movement from this strange entity that usually results in a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

This is the part where we tell you to get a cat if you don’t already have one – that’s if you are up for the challenge.  The rewards of being a cat owner has its pros and cons, but in general, you’ll find that you can’t resist the ownership cats take in their environment and you’ll be forgiven for feeling betrayed when your cat is found roaming the grounds of your neighbor’s to such an extent that they choose to sleep over.

Just remember that you invested in a creature that loves chasing their own tail, place their paws in fishbowls and usually ends up playing games on your iPad with enviable prowess.

You can try to find out some of the ways to correct the cats behavior to your favor. 

And remember, when a cat picks you as their favorite person, you’ll have to go with whatever they require of you. What else can you expect from a creature that has been around since 8000 BC?

Guide to Introduce a New Cat

I know it is fun to think about adding some new cats to your home, especially when you find the first one or current cat alone, lonely or needs a playmate. We mean good to our cat but there are actually some precautions that we need to carefully consider before we introduce a new cat.

These will help us better understand the nature and behavior of our cat and reduce the chances of conflicts occurring with your home. These conflicts could lead up to a fight, injuries or drive one cat to vacate your home. 

It is more likely the same with dogs and cats. You might want to learn how to introduce a cat to dogs before you actually get one.

Having some knowledge about the behavior of cats will tell you that there is a good and safe way to introduce new cats to a single cat or a glaring.

Additionally, if you successfully introduce and let your cat bond, the results are satisfying and rewarding as cats can be really friendly, adorable and happy when they’re around a few cats they are comfortable with. They’d have someone to play around, look for something to hunt in your home, someone to cuddle when sleeping and more.

Another great thing about a glaring or a clowder is that each cat respects each other’s boundaries such as they rarely steal or eat the food of the other cat even without proper training. Just seem so natural.

Below are some factors that cause conflicts when introducing a new cat:


If you have an adult cat at home and you’d be bringing another adult cat, not to mention the same gender, then there is a high risk or chance that a flight will occur. They are both adults where they are more likely to fight out their territory and protect it with an invader which would be your new cat. The thing you would consider would be at least having a cat that synergizes with your current cat. Have a female and younger cat if you have a male or old cat or vice versa.


Next would be the territory. Cats are born with natural territorial instincts, unlike dogs where some breeds really don’t care and just pure friendly. They seek to claim the area to where they find comfortable and a new cat without proper introduction could trigger a defense mechanism to the current cat that holds the title of ownership and would cause a fight. The result could either be that the new cat would claim the territory to be its own or the old cat driving away the new cat rather than getting along and sharing the same space.


This is fairly natural. It’s also common among other pets and animals. New scents always startle another animal. It triggers their natural instinct to be cautious or at least protect their selves or what they have as scent imposes invasion, predator or any threat possible. New cats are advised not to be paired with a group or a single current cat at home as the new scent is something unfamiliar and has a great chance leading to a commotion.


This factor is between cats and humans. If we spent more time with just one cat, play with them most of the time, cuddle and more. Seeing it being done on the new cat would make the old cat jealous and would either get your attention or start a fight with the new cat. Furthermore, if you eventually succeed in introducing the new and old cat, you still might want to provide the same amount of time, effort and attention to each as cats can easily get mighty jealous.


Some people may think that as long as it is a cat, it’s okay. It may be the same animal type but it has different breeds. The two famous cat breeds that don’t go along with other cats, regardless if it’s their own breed, is the Siamese and Bengal cat. Siamese is really the jealous type of cats. They don’t want to see other cats getting petted or pampered by the owners and would usually bully the other cat because they want it all to themselves. On the other hand, Bengal cat is highly territorial and dominant. It’s possibly due to the size cat’s size. They might be able to live with other cats at home but they would be really strict with some of the areas or things where if the other cat steps out of the line, they’d be fighting for it.

It's also worth noting that regardless of the breed, feral cats might have a hard time with the introduction.

How to Introduce a New Cat

You can base the procedure of introducing new cats accordingly to the factors we’ve discussed above. The thing that comes first would be the breed and the age of the cat as they are needed to be considered before getting a new cat introduced.

If you plan on getting a cat or adopting one which we highly advise that it's much better and more humane to adopt a cat rather than buying one. Not only you'd be helping the abandoned animal, but you're also making the world a better place.

Below are some of the reasons why it's better to adopt a cat:

You need to identify first the breed of the cat and see some papers about its age and gender. It’ll be a great factor which you can resolve earlier or avoid fights or commotions from occurring. It’s best if you keep a cat of the opposite gender, a cat that’s younger from the current cat and the breed if it plays well with other cats.

Next would be getting each other familiarized with scent and the scope of their territory. The best way to do this is to have a cage or a pet carrier where you can place the new cat securely, in the same room as the old cat without allowing them to touch skins. This way, cats would learn and identify each other’s scent as they slowly accept them to be something they are familiarly safe. You can do this process alternately, allowing the new cat to be on the other side of the cage and the old cat inside. This takes time, a few days and some of your effort but it’s surely satisfying and rewarding once they get along.

Lastly, attention would be something you want to be fair when it comes to cats. Pay a fair share of attention such as cuddling, playing, and pampering with each cat to avoid any jealousy which could lead up to a fight.

These steps may be short but the process is highly effective and does not really cost you too much or do you harm. It’s best to keep your cats in line and always take these careful steps on how to introduce a new cat when you plan on adding a new one.

For those who want a detailed and a step by step guide, you can check out some of this amazing article about guidelines for introducing a new cat into your home. It also has information about how to cat-proof your home and more.

How to Tell if a Cat Likes You?

When you have a pooch, it’s quite easy to tell whether you have a good bond or not. After all, they aren’t called a man’s best friend for nothing.

They often shower you with love and affection. But when it comes to cats, it can be trickier to know how they feel about you or how to tell if a cat likes you. 

In fact, you might find that even though they live in your home and you feed and cuddle them on a daily basis, they might not be so fond of you. 

You can either choose to find ways for your cats to like you or you can just find out some ways to correct a cat's behavior.

Cats truly have their own mind and it can be hard to work them out sometimes. But there are some easy ways how to tell if a cat likes you. Therefore, here are 10 signs that you are on a friendly basis with your feline.

There is a Gift Waiting for You

There is nothing worse for a pet owner than finding a dead bird or mouse outside your door. Or in some cases, in your kitchen or lounge. You then have to take on the challenging task of removing the dead animal from your home. But while it might offend you, it is a good sign that your beloved cat does like you.

After all, it’s in their nature to catch things to share with people (or other cats in the wild) that they care about. So the fact they are killing their prey and giving it to you is a sure sign that they do think fondly of you. And on top of this, bringing it back to the house means they feel secure and happy in their home. Just make sure you don’t give them too much praise so that it doesn’t become a common occurrence that you end up with a regular supply of dead rats in your home.

They Rub Against Your Legs

You might think that when your cat rubs against your legs it’s after food. But while this is a good way of them trying to get your attention to feed them, it is also a way they show affection to a human being. In fact, by rubbing against you, they are attempting to leave their scent. So they are trying to claim you as their human so that other cats will back off. Therefore, if you find your kitty does always rub against you, you can be sure that you have clicked and are buddies. Just make sure you stroke your cat when they do rub against you so that they know you love them too.

They Purr in Your Presence

A lot of people wonder what it means when their cat keeps purring. After all, it can be a sign of concern or hunger. But you might find that your beloved feline tends to purr in your presence if they love your company. Whether they are sitting on your lap, or next to your feet, if they do purr, it’s a good sign they are showing you affection. And they hope that you will respond back with a stroke if they do this in front of you. Some cats are more vocal than others when it comes to purring, so don’t worry if it’s quite a quiet purr or even just a vibrate. It still means they are showing you how much they love you and you will know that your cat does indeed like you.

The Cat Is Always Trying To Sit on Your Lap

It can be annoying when your cat is trying to sit with you. You might be trying to get on with some work or even just searching the web on your iPad, and you will find that the kitty might try and squeeze onto your lap, or even push the item out of the way so that they sit with you. But while it can get on your nerves, if your kitty wants to sit with you, it’s a good sign that they like you. It means they want to be close to you.

And they are only going to do this if they feel safe and secure with that person. So it means they are trying to show you affection if they do want to sit on your lap. Therefore, do try and let them have some lap time and stroke them while they are sitting with you to make sure you show them you love them.

They Try and Knead You

If your cat thinks you are alright, there is a good chance that you might find they push their paw in and out against your skin. It could be your leg if they are sitting on your lap, or your arm might be their favorite place to knead. A lot of people wonder why their cat is doing this, especially as it can often sting if they use their claws.  In fact, some cat owners think their furry friend is trying to hurt them. But, in fact, by doing this, they are showing you how much they love you.

Here's a short video about why do cats knead?

And they are content if they are kneading while on your lap. Be warned; you might find that the more they are showing you their affection, the harder they will do it. So try and keep your skin covered up while they are doing this so they can show their love without you ending up with an armful of scratches.

They Put Their Tail Up When They are Near You

While we might say hello or wave to greet one another, a cat tends to say hello to the human they love by putting their tail up when you approach. While it may seem a bit rude to flash you, your beloved pet is showing you their affection for you. Give them a stroke and cuddle to show them you are saying hello back.

Additionally, if their tail is curved at the tip, you are definitely the apple of their eye. So you know that your kitty does think a lot of you. Just be wary that if the tail is wagging, it doesn’t mean they are in a good mood like dogs. In fact, it means they are in an aggressive or annoyed mood, so you should avoid them or back off what you’re doing in this case.

How to Calm an Aggressive Cat

We all hope to have a cat that is loving and sweet. After all, they will then make a great family pet which will be loved by everyone. However, while some cats can be like that, there are others that are more aggressive, and it can make for a very stressful household. It can be a worry that the cat might scratch you at any moment. If you have kids too, it can make them nervous from the pet. And you might get frightened they will hurt your little one. When this is the case, a lot of pet owners don’t know what to do about the angry cat. They don’t want to end up taking it to the shelter. But they don’t know how to calm an aggressive cat, so they think it might be the only option.  

However, there are some ways you can change the attitude of the cat. That way, you can have a loving and friendly natured feline. Therefore, here is how to calm an aggressive cat.

Use a Diffuser

You might not know that you can get a diffuser which can help to calm that cat with an attitude. It releases calming pheromones which can help to relax your cat. You will find that your kitty’s personality will change if you do use this diffuser. It can help to get rid of any stress the cat is feeling. And you will find that you have a happier household. A lot of people get the diffuser when it comes to stressful times such as moving house or bringing a new pet into the property. But it can also work just as well when it comes to calming down an aggressive feline.

There are many types of diffusers around. One of the most popular ones is Feliway. With this product, you plug it in the wall in your home to start releasing calming pheromones. It’s worth getting several and putting it in areas where the cat spends the most time. And if you would rather not get the plug-in, there are different types around such as a spray which you can put around the cat to help calm it down.

Figure Out the Issue

One of the best ways to calm an aggressive cat is to work out why it’s acting in such a way. After all, cats don’t become aggressive for no reason. It’s often down to stress or fear that causes them to act in a bad way. Therefore, you need to observe your cat and figure out what is causing the aggressive behavior. It might be the case they are upset about their surroundings. For instance, they might not feel secure in the home. It’s possible you might need to make an area where they can hide and feel safe. Move a cat bed into a quiet area so they can go there when they are stressed out. You might find that by doing this it improves their behavior.

Another issue which could be causing them to act aggressively is they haven’t warmed to another pet or human being. It might be the case you have just moved a stranger into the home, or even had a baby who is now in the home. This can send your cat astray as they might feel stressed with strangers around. It’s best to keep the new person away until they feel happier.

Being aggressive can sometimes be down to the background of the cat. For instance, they might have been mistreated as a kitten and this can be the reason for their bad behavior. If you can trace it back, it’s worth trying to reassure your cat that you come in peace. Spend time stroking the cat but let them come to you. Hopefully, they will learn to trust you and then it will calm down the cat. And if you can’t figure out what’s wrong with the cat, you should hire a cat behaviorist. That way, they can give you an insight into what’s wrong with your pet.

Give it Space

The worst thing you can do when your cat is showing signs of aggressive behavior is to keep following it around. After all, your cat is showing you they don’t want attention right now. So if you keep trying to pet your cat, or even keep picking it up, it’s just going to get more riled, and then you will end up being scratched if you are not careful. It might be that they are finding your behavior threatening and they are reacting in a fearful way.

For additional guide, below is a short video of how to deal with an aggressive cat:

Therefore, if you want to help to calm your aggressive cat, you should give it some space. Back away from the cat slowly and then move its bed and toys to a quiet area in the home. Then you should tell all family members to give the feline some space. You will find that after a few hours, your cat might calm down and be friendly again. If it does take longer than this, go and check on your cat after a while. Don’t approach it though; let it come to you when it’s ready and you will hopefully find their behavior will improve.

Use Treats to Win Them Over

If your cat is showing signs of being aggressive, you need to try and reassure them that you aren’t going to hurt them. You need to show them you are friendly and don’t mean any harm. One way you can do this is by giving them treats. After all, they will enjoy having a treat and it can help to calm them down.

Give them a couple of tasty treats and then leave them alone. They are bound to act a lot friendlier to you once they have enjoyed their treat. If they realize they will be rewarded with treats with good behavior, they should act a lot friendlier in future.

Note that in some cases, like with feral cats, most of these methods might not work. You need to be able to tame the feral cat and win them over.

And if this all fails, speak to your vet as they can try and figure out the reason for the behavior.

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

The age-old debate of whether dogs are smarter than cats or if cats are smarter than dogs will go on for years to come. The answer will most likely depend on who you ask because a dog lover will give you a list an arm long of why they feel dogs are smarter and the same will go for a cat lover defending the honor of cats. But really, are cats smarter than dogs? Or dogs smarter than cats?

If you take a step back and study the actions and abilities of dogs and of cats, it would seem as if dogs are smarter than cats. Why? Because dogs seem to act in a more structured and thought-out way. Dogs can easily be trained to do tricks and in some cases are even trained to assist humans with disabilities. Cats on the other hand act more on a whim and seem to not think much through while going about their day in a carefree way. When last did you see a blind person being led by a cat? Cats can be trained and even taught to do a few tricks but nothing too complex. When analyzing it this way dogs definitely seem to have the upper hand.

In my mind, I can already hear all the cat lovers screaming their opinions at me and trying to convince me of how wrong I am. But am I really wrong? You don’t need to take my word for it as there is no scientific proof that dogs are smarter than cats. There is however, a great way to keep the bond between the two by learning proper introduction of cats and dogs.

A team of researchers from six different universities in the U.S., Brazil, Denmark, and South Africa got together and contributed to the research in an attempt to end the debate once and for all. They studied the brains of two different sized dog breeds and a cat brain. In each of the dogs' brains, regardless of the varying in size, about 500 million neurons were found, more than double the 250 million neurons that were found in the cats’ brain.

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No matter how much scientific evidence is found to show that dogs are smarter than cats, cat lovers will never agree and will always argue the cat's case. Regardless of how many neurons they possess compared to dogs, some may argue that it is not enough. It is argued that comparing the number of neurons is only part of the test and cannot be used on its own to come to a conclusion. If this is true, we may never really know the answer and will have to revert back to the it-depends-on-who-you-ask formula.

Cats are very difficult subjects to work with in order to evaluate their intelligence as they seem to have a mind of their own and have no intention of partaking in the tests.  Dogs are able to follow instructions and obey order, cats … well, not so much. The inability of cats to take part in the test again leaves us back at step one with no real data to go on.

Can Cats Be Trained?

Cats may be a lot cleverer than what you thought and just because most people believe that cats can’t be trained, this does not make it true. It would seem that cats can’t be trained is purely a myth and has very little truth to it. While some cats are untrainable, many cats are trainable and will surprise you. Training a cat and teaching it to do all those cute tricks we all love may not be as easy as training a dog, but it is far from impossible.

Training a cat takes a lot of patience and perseverance, but with the correct techniques, you could eventually train your cats to do almost any trick that a dog can do. Cats do not respond well to shouting and screaming and learn more through positive reinforcement and being rewarded with treats. Cats also respond well to clicker training. When training a cat, it is best to start with the basics and then work your way up to the more difficult tricks.

A good place to start when still a kitten is to teach your cat to use the litter box. When it comes to potty training, cats are certainly faster learners than dogs, with the correct approach and technique, your cat kitten will start using the litter box as quickly as within a day or two. Puppies, on the other hand, take much longer to be potty trained and you will find yourself cleaning up a lot more after your puppy than your kitten.

Below is a short video of how to train your cat:

Cats do not understand being punished and by punishing your cat you are only ruining the bond that you have with your cat. A cat cannot connect punishment to bad behavior, so it would be totally useless to punish a cat when it doesn’t respond during training. Rather opt for rewarding with a treat. Also, cats do not have a very long attention span, so you will need to plan your training sessions accordingly, as long training sessions will only leave you frustrated. Two short 5-minute training sessions a day is about as much as your cat can handle; any more, and you will be wasting your time.

If you are a patient person and you are willing to put in the time to train your cat, it may just surprise you. Cats can be trained to come when you call, they can be trained to use and even flush the toilet. You will be able to train your cat to beg for food and treats and even to walk on a leash. So it seems cats aren’t as stupid as some like to think.

In the debate of whether cats are smarter than dogs, it is safe to say that no one really knows, and it depends on the animal. With limited research and scientific facts to give a definite answer.

The important thing is that regardless of who's smarter between the two, it is possible for a dog and cat to get along

Overall it may seem that dogs have the edge over cats when it comes to brain power, however, that will depend on who you ask.