Ingrid King's Blog: The Conscious Cat, page 206

Feline Behavior Quiz to Help Cats in Pain

Cats are masters at masking pain. This ability to hide pain goes back to their wild origins; in the wild, a sick animal becomes prey. While acute pain may be fairly obvious to cat parents, it can be more difficult to discern whether your cat is in pain when it comes to chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis. Sadly, many veterinarians still overlook signs of feline pain, or are not aggressive enough in treating it.

British veterinarian Mike Farrell, BVetMed CertVA CertSAS Diplomat...

Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Dr. Marci Koski: Humping Behavior in Neutered Male Cat, Litter Box Issues, and More

This post contains affiliate links*

Dr. Marci Koski is a certified Feline Behavior and Training Professional who received specialized and advanced certificates in Feline Training and Behavior from the Animal Behavior Institute. While Marci has been passionate about all animals and their welfare, cats have always had a special place in her heart. In fact, Marci cant remember a time when shes been without at least one cat in her life. She currently relies on her five-member support staff  to...

The New Scratch Lounge Classic: Same Great Scratcher, Now at a Lower Price

This post contains affiliate links*

Weve long been fans of the Scratch Lounge. This three-sided scratcher will last far longer than other scratchers because of the reversible super-dense honeycomb construction of the pads. In fact, the design is so unique, it was issued a U.S. utility patent.

Scratch Lounge Features The Original Scratch Lounge is the first 3-sided cat scratcher that your cat can use as both a scratch post and a place to lounge, nap and sleep Reversible cardboard lounge...

When Grief Goes Viral: How COVID-19 Affects Those Who Lost Cats to FIP

Guest post by Ingrid R. Niesman, MS PhD

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) appears out of nowhere and leaves families heartbroken and bewildered. Cats affected are typically kittens less than a year old or young cats just gaining a foothold on maturity.

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the relentless mention of the word coronavirus in the media can be emotionally challenging for those who lost a cat to FIP.

FIP is caused by a coronavirus, but its not the same as COVID-19

...

Sunday Quotes: Don’t Let Negativity Get You Down

Its a tall order to not let the negativity of the world get to us these days. In fact, I think its almost impossible, and I hesitated about posting this quote today. But at the same time, it seems that if we can take even small breaks from all the overwhelmingly awful news, this advice still applies.

We cant control whats happening, but we can control how we react. Its important to stay informed, but  that doesnt mean taking in the outside world 24/7. Disconnect from the grim reality by...

Mews and Nips: Cats Are on Board with #StayHome

In these uncertain times, cats just may be the biggest winners as people are working from home, practicing social distancing and staying indoors more than usual. And because cute cat photos make everything better, Metro UK shared some adorable photos of their feline coworkers. The Nerdist also rounded up some fun photos of how much cats are loving having their humans home. Be safe everyone, and stay home with your kitties!

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this...

Celebrate the First Annual Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day on April 17

Black Cats have long had their special day in fact, they have two days. Depending on who you ask, Black Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated on August 17 and October 27. And for many years, every year on those two dates, I have asked myself why there is no Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day. Well, thats about to change!

I declare April 17, 2020 the first annual Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day!

I created this day in memory of Ruby. Why April 17? Because thats Rubys adoption anniversary....

Giveaway: ScratchLadder Scratching System

This giveaway is sponsored by Scratch Play Meow and contains affiliate links*

As far as Im concerned, theres no such thing as too many scratchers. Unless your cat has a distinct preference, its important to offer a variety of different substrates as well as orientations. Some cats prefer sisal, others carpet. Some like to scratch vertically, some horizontally, and some, at an incline. Some like to scratch in all of these ways! The Scratch Ladder™s innovative design offers cats a variety of...

Ruby’s Last Journey: The Long Goodbye

This post contains affiliate links*

Today marks exactly three months since Ruby passed away. This is the last part in a four-part series about my experience during the last four months of Rubys life, from diagnosis to caring for her through her illness, to having to let her go. Click here to read part one, Rubys Last Journey: The Moment That Changed Everything, part two, Rubys Last Journey: Practical Considerations of Hospice Care,and part three, Water, Water Everywhere! Hydration for Cats...

Why It’s Unlikely That You Could Contract COVID-19 From Petting or Playing With Your Pet

The American Association of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA) has updated its FAQ for Pet Owners to reflect the current information about COVID-19 and pets. Of course, we know by now that this is a rapidly evolving situation. The AVMA will continue to update its FAQ as new information becomes available, and Ill share it with you here as quickly as I can.

The  update includes some reassuring information about why its unlikely that cats (and other pets) can spread the virus.

COVID-19 appears to be...