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Do cats keep rats away? Do cats hunt rats?
Many cats are excellent mousers, but opinions seem very split as to whether cats will hunt rats, and whether or not their existence will simply keep rats at bay. As we peek into the history of our cats as rat catchers, there is no doubt that cats do have the abilities to catch rats and keep their population numbers under control. But can the same be said for today’s cats? Do cats keep rats away? One bizarre tradition noted in ancient times to keep rats at bay was to seal dead cats in walls of homes. It was believed rats would stay away from the property and bring good luck.…
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Should I leave the heating on for my cat? Do cat’s fur keep them warm?
With the Autumn upon us and the temperatures falling, we slowly but surely start turning the central heating on ensuring our homes are comfortable and warm. And for those of us who leave the house for work it is a common practice to turn the heating off, or to a low setting until we return home. The combination of soaring heating bills and an awareness of conserving energy prompts these routines and habits. But what about our cats? While at home all day will they be warm enough? The UK based organization, Energy Saving Trust, conducted a survey in 2015 and found that 43% of pet owners (cats and dog…
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How much time should I spend with my cat? Why do cats need attention?
We all want the best for our cats. The practical issues of caring for cats such as feeding, water, litter needs and veterinary checkups are indeed very important to their health and wellbeing but so is their emotional wellbeing. This includes enriching their environment, play time, giving them love and attention. But how much time should we spend with our cats? And how is this time best spent with them? As a minimum, cats need at least 20-30 minutes of human interaction in a day. But there are several factors to consider when considering how much time to spend with your cat. These factors include: Age of cat The age…
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Do cats like snow?
There’s nothing like opening the curtains on a cold winter morning and discovering that a blanket of snow has fallen over night. A pretty picturesque scene, just like a Christmas card. But the snow gets a mixed response from us humans. Kids usually scream in delight at the prospect of a day off school and rush to get out there sledging and building snowmen. Whilst us adults usually worry about travelling to work and is there enough food stockpiled in the house! But what do our feline friends make of this flaky, white, cold substance? Do cats like snow? The first experience of snow, the delicate snowflakes floating down from…
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Why do cats / kittens climb curtains? With 12 ways to stop them!
Kittens are so adorable and playful. They bring so much joy via their innocence, their energy and their sense of discovery and curiosity. But sometimes the hyper behavior can seem to be getting out of control. When household items such as curtains and sofas are being ripped and scratched, cat owners can become exasperated as to why this is happening and how to stop it. Understanding the reasons behind certain animal behaviors can make finding solution easier and more effective. Climbing curtains is a common behavior in cats and one in which owners are constantly discussing and seeking ways of deterring them. So why do cats and kittens climb curtains?…