If you’ve ever found yourself whispering “Please be okay” in a vet’s waiting room, you already understand the quiet courage that comes with loving a pet. It’s about showing up for them, on their best days and especially on their hardest ones.

Pet insurance isn’t just about expecting the worst. It’s about preparing for life’s surprises with confidence. Think of it as a financial safety net you set up on a calm day, so you can make clearer decisions on a stormy one.

Auto&General’s Pet Insurance offers a range of cover options designed to support pet owners when it matters most. Whether your companion needs minor care, surgery, hospitalisation and post-surgery care, there’s a plan tailored to their needs.

Cat owners are familiar with the peculiar behaviour known as “kneading,” where cats rhythmically push their paws in and out against soft surfaces. This article explores the scientific understanding behind this intriguing feline behaviour.

Evolutionary Origins

• Kneading behaviour is believed to have roots in kittenhood
• Kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow
• This instinctive behaviour may persist into adulthood

Proposed Functions of Kneading

1. Comfort and Relaxation

• Kneading is often associated with contentment in adult cats
• The repetitive motion may release endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being
• Many cats purr while kneading, further indicating a positive emotional state

2. Scent Marking

• Cats have scent glands in their paw pads
• Kneading may help deposit their scent on surfaces or people
• This behaviour could serve as a form of territorial marking

3. Nesting Behaviour

• Wild cats may knead to create a comfortable resting spot in tall grass or foliage
• Domestic cats might retain this instinct, even when provided with soft bedding

4. Social Bonding

• Kneading on humans or other animals may be a sign of affection
• This behaviour could be an extension of the kitten-mother bonding process

Physiological Aspects

• Kneading involves the flexion and extension of the cat’s forelimbs
• The rhythmic motion is controlled by the motor cortex and spinal cord
• Individual cats may display variations in kneading patterns and intensity

Factors Influencing Kneading Behaviour

• Age: Kneading is more common in kittens and young adult cats
• Early weaning: Cats weaned too early may exhibit more frequent kneading
• Stress levels: Some cats may knead more when anxious or seeking comfort
• Environmental stimuli: Soft textures or familiar scents may trigger kneading

Last word

While the exact reasons for kneading behaviour in adult cats remain somewhat mysterious, scientific research suggests a combination of instinctive, emotional, and social factors at play. Understanding this behaviour can provide valuable insights into feline psychology and strengthen the bond between cats and their human companions.

As responsible cat owners, we cherish our feline companions and strive to provide them with the best care possible.

However, when our beloved cats live exclusively indoors, they encounter unique challenges that require thoughtful consideration. In this section, we delve into these challenges and offer practical solutions to enhance their well-being.

1. Lack of Environmental Stimulation

Challenges:

Cats living indoors often face monotony due to limited exploration opportunities. Without the natural stimuli of the outdoors, they may become restless.

Solutions:

To combat boredom, consider providing interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, laser pointers, and treat-dispensing toys. Additionally, create vertical spaces like cat trees and scratching posts, and place perches near windows for visual stimulation.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

Challenges:

Indoor cats are prone to obesity due to reduced physical activity. Without the need to hunt for food, they may gain excess weight. Additionally, lack of exercise can lead to weakened muscles.

Solutions:

Engage in daily play sessions with feather wands or toy mice to keep your cat active. Encourage movement by hiding treats around the house, and consider investing in cat wheels or treadmills for extra exercise.

3. Social Isolation

Challenges:

Cats are social creatures, even if they don’t always show it. Indoor cats may feel lonely without regular interaction. In single-cat households, the absence of feline companionship can lead to stress.

Solutions:

Spend quality time petting, talking, and bonding with your cat. If possible, consider adopting a second cat to provide companionship. Visual stimuli, such as cat TV or bird feeders, can also alleviate loneliness.

4. Indoor Air Quality

Challenges:

Indoor air can harbour dust, pollen, and other irritants that affect both humans and cats. Without fresh outdoor breezes, indoor air can become stagnant.

Solutions:

Regular cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, and changing air filters) helps maintain a healthier environment. Consider incorporating indoor plants that improve air quality (ensuring they’re non-toxic to cats), and open windows safely to promote air circulation.

Last word

By understanding and addressing these challenges, you can create a nurturing indoor environment for your beloved feline friend. Remember, your cat relies on you for a happy and healthy life.

A good groomer is worth their weight in dog treats (or catnip!). They not only keep your furry friend looking sharp, but also play a vital role in their overall health.

Cats are not as domesticated as dogs and are suspected of seeing their owners mainly as a source of sustenance and comfort.

The more appropriately you provide these, the better your relationship will be. That means, understanding your feline companion’s body language is essential for building a strong and fulfilling relationship. We all know what cat vocalisations mean; the contented purring or outraged howls leave no doubts about their meaning. However, bodily movements and positions provide a more complex and nuanced mode of communication, and by learning to read these signals, you can better understand your cat’s moods and needs.

Common Body Language Signals

Ears: A cat’s ears can reveal a great deal about their mood. Perked-up and forward ears indicate alertness and interest in the surrounding environment. Flattened ears against the head suggest fear or threat perception.

Eyes: A cat’s eyes can also provide valuable insights into their mood. Wide, dilated eyes indicate fear or excitement. Narrowed, half-closed eyes suggest relaxation and contentment.

Tail: The tail is one of the most expressive parts of the cat’s body. A tail held high with a slight curve at the tip indicates happiness and confidence. A low-held or tucked tail suggests fear or threat perception. A rapidly swishing tail indicates agitation or anger.

Body Posture: A cat’s body posture can also provide clues about their mood. A relaxed cat will have a loose and relaxed body posture. A tense cat will have a stiff and hunched body posture.

Other Specific Body Language Signals

Rubbing: Rubbing against a person is a sign of affection.

Kneading: Kneading with the paws is a sign of comfort and contentment.

Biting or Scratching: Biting or scratching is a sign of aggression or defense.

Interpreting Body Language Signals

It is important to note that every cat is different, and some cats may exhibit body language signals in different ways. It is helpful to pay attention to your cat’s individual personality and behaviours so that you can better understand their body language.

These are tips for interpreting your cat’s body language:

• Pay attention to the cat’s entire body posture, including their ears, eyes, tail, and body position.
• Consider the context of the situation. What is the cat doing and what is happening around them?
• Look for changes in the cat’s body language. If the cat’s body language changes suddenly, it may be a sign that they are feeling stressed, scared, or threatened.

If you are unsure of what the cat’s body language means, it is always best to err on the side of caution and give them space.

Last word

The knowledge we gain from learning to read our cats’ body language will help us build stronger relationships with them, making it easier to share a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

SERVICE DOGS

While it is obviously not practical in every situation, over the years, some workplaces have implemented policies that accommodate highly trained and impeccably mannered service dogs. Although an employee with a service dog is solely responsible for the care of the animal, there are a number of additional accommodations employers have considered, which include the employee taking additional breaks and providing designated areas for their service dog’s daily needs (i.e. feeding and toilet breaks). Other accommodations entail conducting or arranging disability awareness training to advise co-workers about the use of service dogs and how to act/interact with them.

As more employers allow service dogs to accompany their owners to work, a trend has emerged that recognises the potential advantages of having pets in the office. These benefits have been increasingly noticed since so many folks have returned to work after the Covid lockdowns.

COVID-19 AND PETS

A Forbes Advisor survey found that many owners acquired their pets during the pandemic. Globally there was also a 250% increase in searches for pets (mainly cats and dogs) during 2020, compared to a similar period in 2019. Sadly, since then, pet adoption organisations have reported a steep rise in owners choosing to give up their pets. Among those who have kept theirs, it is generally accepted that their companion animals boosted their well-being during the pandemic e.g., by providing company and fun. Such experiences created deep bonds on both sides of the relationship but the return to work has left many pets feeling abandoned and lonely and the owners feeling guilty and miserable.

With staff mental health high on many modern employers’ list of priorities, having other categories of support animals in the workplace has become a serious consideration. Not only that, but HR managers who have to attract and retain the best employees have seen that pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise. According to one main-stream press article 52% of those asked said that pet-friendly benefits and policies are important when considering an employer with 49% saying that a pet-friendly work environment could convince them to take a job.

OFFICE PET ETIQUETTE

With such significant changes afoot in the working environment what would be the responsibilities of a sensible and appreciative pet owner? It’s important to note that a service animal is not a pet and falls into a unique category when it comes to enforceable employee rights. In every other case, it will be at the employer’s discretion to allow non-service animals on the premises. Generally, this will have strict rules attached. To avoid creating untenable situations, these are the sensible considerations aspirant office pet owners will have to accept.

• Behaviour
  • Aggression: A dog that is at all aggressive or over-robust would not be welcomed by co-workers.
  • Obedience: Unless your dog is able to respond promptly to commands, it will have difficulty adapting to the demands of the office environment.

• Impulse control
  • Low impulse control is typified by jumping on people for attention, frantic barking, or climbing onto furniture.
  • Teaching a dog good impulse control is fairly easy in the right settings and with the correct techniques.
    
    
• Grooming
  
  
• A dog that is not well groomed or has too much of a doggy odour can be really off-putting and will attract negative responses from colleagues.
  
  
• It isn’t just the shaggy-dog appearance, but also the amount of shedding that will bother people.
  
  
• Making sure that nuisances like fleas and mites are never found on your dog will make it much more attractive to your co-workers.
  
  
• If your dog suffers from flatulence or frequent vomiting, not taking it to the office may be the best decision.
  
  
• Health
  • Keeping your dog healthy and in good condition will make for much more enjoyable interactions between your pet and others who share your working space.
  • Remember it’s not just your pet’s health that matters. Folks with allergies could find it unbearable to sneeze and wheeze their way through the workday.

Some employers may seek to appease both pet-owning employees and those who do not want pets at their workplace by introducing measures such as pet-free areas, designated lifts, or specified routes for movement around the office. However, it is important to note that the rules and policies regarding non-service animals in the workplace are not obligatory and will vary from company to company.

By maintaining a high standard of pet etiquette at work you will ensure a happy welcome from your employer and co-employees.

Cat doo doo in the garden isn’t just a nasty inconvenience, it can be a genuine health hazard.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by being infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite found in feline excrement. Cats pick it up by catching infected birds and mice or through contact with the feces of other infected animals. Generally, this is a minor risk except for those with a compromised immune system. People with Toxoplasmosis may not show any symptoms but could suffer permanent eye damage.

Keeping cats out of the growing beds is a perennial challenge for some gardeners, especially the ones who like getting their fingers into the soil or who cultivate edibles. Putting up a defensive system that works 100% of the time isn’t always feasible because of cost and practicality but years of dealing with the problem have produced a few countermeasures that really seem to work. Quickly scanning Google for “cat repellents” delivered nearly 6 million results so there is no shortage of advice. The solutions come in two main categories, physical barriers, and chemical defenses.

Taking the physical approach entails preventing cats from gaining access to the nice soft sand they love to dig in. This can be done by placing any kind of barrier between the cat and the soil. Fencing material, plastic sheeting, and thorny twigs all serve a similar purpose but are often unsightly. That leaves one with the chemical defenses.

Enthusiastic gardeners and wily cat owners have long known that felines are sensitive to strong odors. They really don’t like sharp-smelling aromatics or substances that rub off on their fur. This has led some to try extreme measures including distributing lion droppings in strategic places. Fortunately, that approach did not work, because as the researchers put it, “the solution was worse than the problem”. A slightly less offensive but apparently highly successful derivative of this approach is absorbent pellets steeped in lion urine. These and similar products are available online or at gardening shops.

Cat-loving gardeners though, are an innovative bunch and have explored many other techniques for introducing strong smells including pungent herbs and spices. Among these is the citronella plant (actually a pelargonium and not to be confused with the anti-bug citronella grass) with its very citrusy aroma. Their equally effective botanical cousins are the geraniums with the added bonus of blazing crimson or pink flowers. Ruta Graveolens or common rue is a highly aromatic plant that exudes a smell that is offensive to some cats.

The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Scaredy Cat plant or Coleus Canina. It is a prolific flowering ground cover, indigenous to South Africa. Its strong but not unpleasant perfume is released at the slightest pressure. A cat wending its way to the latrine would choose any other place rather than get its fur covered with this robustly redolent leaf juice.

Planting catnip to flip the cat control strategy could also be an option. This legendary herb attracts our feline friends who behave very oddly whenever they find a patch. The more active they are in the foliage the more intoxicated they become. Placing it in areas where they poop will stop them from using that spot simply because cats dislike getting high in their own toilets.

Spices, such as curry powders, black and red pepper, paprika, and even ginger have their adherents when it comes to keeping the flowerbeds clean. These are liberally sprinkled around the crime scene, hopefully keeping repeat offenders at bay.

The last and possibly most reliable method involves removing odors, not adding them. Cats being creatures of habit tend to return to spaces they have used before. Hosing away the remnants of previous visits will discourage future use, especially if you double up and combine it with some plant and animal-friendly disinfectant.

Cat fancier or not, it’s almost impossible to resist the ice-blue eyes of a Siamese, the silky luxuriance of a Persian, or the sinuous grace of an Abyssinian.

These marvelous breeds are among the world’s most desirable and beloved pets, but none make the top three list of the most expensive cats recently sold. These positions belong to the Ashera $125,000, Savannah $50,000, and Bengal $25,000 with even the finest Persian commanding a mere $5,500 – U.S. that is.

Ask a genuine felinophile, philofelist, or philogalist i.e. cat person, what makes a moggie especially endearing and they will either talk for hours or give you that withering glance reserved exclusively for the most offensive of clods. Of course, as with many such matters, it’s all in the eyes, or the hearts, of the beholders. It may be an exercise in futility to try and list all kitty’s irresistible charms and simply exclaim as did the great Dr, Albert Schweitzer “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”

Unsurprisingly, some cat breeds are more favoured than others, but it seems that the two most important qualities new cat parents look for are affection and playfulness. These are not predictable traits, because, as a famous author once put it, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods and they have not forgotten this”. To say the least, cats have variable temperaments; switching from nonchalance to hauteur and then to flattering their humans with rapt fondness. We’ve all experienced this sudden changeability in the emotional weather but seem to love them all the more because of it.

Cats are such popular choices as companions that a survey in Britain found that up to eight million households have at least one in the home. With an estimated average of about £80.00 per month being spent per cat, this amounts to over £7 billion annually. It was also found that about half of all doting cat parents purchase toys and other presents for their darlings and one in five do so every month.

So what are the favourite breeds? We took sample reports from different sources and compiled the lists below. Unsurprisingly, we found that while some types crop up all the time, they do so in different positions depending on the country.

Holidays should be fun, whether travelling to family, or family coming to you, getting away for a work break, or from the household routines.

But what if you have four-legged kids as well? Unsure of how to plan your holiday because of your extended furry family? Follow these tips to ease your concerns and ensure that you and your pets enjoy a great holiday together or even apart.

Family and friend gatherings at home during the holiday season

When friends or relatives come to stay, excitement often rules around the home. Bursts of laughter, new aromas, and occasional loud music may overwhelm your pet and could lead to her having an unpleasant time of it. When hosting an event at your house give some thought to your pet’s reactions. These can be easily accommodated by allowing your inquisitive housemate to meet the new folk out there having fun. Keep sudden loud noises to a minimum during this time as they could cause overexcitement, fear, or distress. Once everyone has settled and the fun continues, occasionally give your pet one-on-one attention as well as a comfortable retreat when the activities become too much.

With gatherings like these, inevitably delicious scraps will be a great temptation. For good health, your pet should keep away from ‘human food’ since many are potentially harmful e.g., cooked bones that can splinter, chocolates, garlic, chives, and all foods that contain xylitol or high quantities of salt.

Leaving home for a short- or long-term getaway

When travelling with your pet, take the time to arrange your accommodation in advance. Many venues welcome pets but far more don’t, so avoid the nasty surprise of arriving where pets are not allowed. Unless travelling privately, just getting to your destination can be quite a challenge. Before running into problems find out if the transportation service allows your kind of pet on board. What is available for cats and bunnies may not be available for dogs. Commercial flying provides a full set of unique obstacles, generally requiring your pet to be sedated and travel in a cage or crate to reduce any risks. Before deciding on this consult your vet on sedatives and dosages. Then research what vaccinations your pet needs to allow entry to the destination country or region. e.g., canine influenza, Bordetella, parainfluenza, etc. Specialised pet travel consultants can best explain these requirements, but a vet’s opinion is also essential. Your pet will also have to adapt to being caged/crated since this will decrease the chances of injury when waking. In short, a good pet hotel may well be the most economical, safest, and happiest choice to save your pet from unnecessary stress.

Another option is a pet sitter. For this invaluable service, most turn to family or friends, because they are trustworthy and know your pet, its home, and routines. Professional pet sitters, some well trained for the job, may be just a few clicks away on your internet search engine. Whether professional or amateur be sure to provide your pet sitter with all necessary information, regarding medication, specific food needs, and relevant emergency numbers.

Holidays are meant for relaxation and preparing proper care for your pet will be the first step toward de-stressing your overburdened spirit.

Our pets’ allergic reactions could easily be overlooked since nibbling at their extremities and occasional scratching are often the norm. However, such fidgeting may hint at underlying problems that have gone unnoticed.

Pet allergies, like our own, are reactions to pollens, certain chemicals, animal, plant, and insect proteins or particular foodstuffs. These allergens kickstart the immune system into overreactions that flood the body with histamines. The resulting symptoms are seldom dangerous but are extremely uncomfortable and irritating.

Inflamed, flaky, crusty, or scabby skin, patchy or smelly fur, watery eyes, a runny nose, and wheezing are all signs that your pet may be suffering from one or more allergies.

Having realised that your pet has allergic reactions, identify the origins, and provide the proper treatment. Fleas are the most common source of allergens since their saliva provokes flea allergic dermatitis (FAD). Severe FAD causes great misery and calls for a veterinary visit. Fortunately, good and affordable preventative treatments are widely available.

The tree, grass, and other pollens are common inhalant allergens that inflame the mucous membranes and are often the easiest to identify. These enter the home from outside but indoors is also a source of mould, dust mite, and mildew contaminations.  Remember though, that the inhalant allergies can also cause dogs to develop itchy skin, so scratching and nipping at themselves may be due to airborne contaminants, not fleas.

The allergens most likely to affect your cat will be the air transmitted inhalant varieties. Sneezing, snuffling, and wheezing caused by bronchial congestion are all symptoms that your cat may be suffering a histamine reaction. Most plants pollinate during the day so keeping your cat indoors may reduce seasonal discomforts. Cats famously choose their own times and places to go exploring so confinement may not be the best option for them.

Although human antihistamines are often used for pets, they should be carefully dosed. Many remedies available from vets, main-street pet stores, and online vendors have ingredients that effectively reduce some or all of the most common symptoms. If your pet suffers from allergies, learning about the topic makes for better choices. Remember to crosscheck by googling information on medication and treatment labels. Your pet’s well-being is more than worth the effort.