Common reasons my cat is staring at me

A cat or kitten will try to get your attention by staring deep into your eyes for a variety of reasons. They could be trying to tell you they are hungry, content, feeling curious, and most importantly that they love you. For cats, it is a form of communication. They are trying to convey a message!

Why does my cat just stare at me? Am I funny-looking? Wait, don’t answer that. I wanted to find out the reasons why! I often wake up to curious eyes focused on me.

Why are you staring at me, Mr Fluff?

It’s 3 a.m. I roll over and there he is just staring at me with those eyes. Is PizzaCat plotting my demise perhaps?

Not likely. Although cats can be very verbal at times, there are other ways they try to use to communicate.

Non-verbal, physical contact is quite common. Like purring or rubbing up against you to mark their scent on you, eye contact is a way to let you know that they care about you.

Your cat is trying to say “I love You”

A long constant stare in your direction is your feline buddy’s way of trying to bond with you!

What should I do when I wake up to a cat staring at me?

Don’t panic. It can be startling to wake up to a cat staring at you while you sleep, but it is just a way a cat is trying to get your attention. Looking deep into your eyes is a common non-verbal form of communication. Even though it can seem strange at first. alarming even!

Eye contact is a common tactic a cat uses to convey important messages. Although it can be shocking to wake up to a cat staring you down in your sleep. Your little fluff may be trying to say hello, or I’m hungry, or just wake up, want your attention.

With a little observation most likely you may even notice that deep stare in your direction being broken with a slow blink. That is a wonderful expression of trust and the desire to bond. Some theorize it is “I Love You ” in cat language.

Why not try this trick of slowing blinking to communicate in cat language to show that you also trust and love them back ?

“The researchers performed the same slow-blink process as the first experiment, adding an extended hand towards the cat. And they found that not only were the cats more likely to blink back, but that they were more likely to approach the human’s hand after the human had blinked.”

https://www.sciencealert.com/you-can-build-a-rapport-with-your-cat-by-blinking-real-slow

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

10 Tips for Bringing New Puppy Home to Cat

The big question is, can a dog and a cat get along? Short answer – yes. If you follow the tips in this article and introduce them slowly, and carefully there’s no reason why your new pup won’t get along with your cat . They might even become playmates within a few weeks. But you don’t want to rush them because their bonding could need more time.

Bringing new puppy home to cat can be worrisome, but the most important thing is to supervise their initial contact and allow them to get used to each other at their own pace. That said, before their bonding, you need the following tips for bringing new puppy home to cat.

How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat

There are several dog and cats’ friendship, and they are beautiful to watch. A lot of them usually have a rough start, so don’t get worried if your puppy and your cat don’t seem to get along.

Usually, dogs have the strong urge to chase cats, so you should be ready to teach your dog to be calm around kitties. Never allow your pup to chase your cat, regardless of how amusing it may seem. Also, you’ll have to steal your puppy’s attention whenever the cat is around.

While it takes time for the two pets to get along, it is always worth it. And as soon as they start tolerating each other enough to be up close, you’ll watch an unbroken friendship form. But first, let’s take it step by step.

Here are the necessities for bringing new puppy home to cat

1.    Set up Confinement for Your Cat or Dog

Both your cat and your puppy need individual spaces to allow them to adjust. The last thing you need is to force their meeting. Even though they are both aware of each other’s presence, give them separate attention for a couple of days. 

However, the new pet should be the first to be confined. That means keep the pup in a separate room and don’t just allow her to roam around the house.

Also, ensure to stock the room with enough toys, water, and food. Spend time with your new pup so she can get used to you.

2.    Switch Confinement Between the Two

Since your dog has to get familiar with the house, you’ll have to alternate which animal is confined. You can’t keep the pup confined forever, so when she’s out, take your kitty in, at least for the first few days.

That doesn’t mean you’re delaying confrontation; it just gives both pets enough time to get used to each other’s smell first. It allows them to get a little bit used to the idea of their presence, especially if you use the same confinement for them.

You can rotate their shifts every couple of hours. It is crucial that the new pup gets enough chances to explore the house a little. Dogs are more playful than cats, and they sure would want to explore every corner of their new abode. However, your pup should be monitored during her first days, even if the cat isn’t around. Allowing her to roam free will interfere with her potty training. Also, watch the dog for signs of toileting.

3.    Exchange their Scents

It is vital that the kitty and the pup get familiar with each other’s scent. Animals will always react when they perceive strange scents, especially around their home. So, even if you’ve had a new dog in the house for weeks if the cat doesn’t get accustomed to the dog’s scent, vice versa, an unpleasant clash is inevitable.

You can exchange tiny bits of beddings, like blankets or pillows. You can as well swap their toys. Also, try putting one pet’s towel under the food dish of the other. Animals hold food dearly, and this practice will give either of them the sense that the other pet means no harm.

And, no – it doesn’t make the owner of the towel smell like food. That’s ridiculous.    

4.    Keep Both Pets Confined While No One is Home

Never leave your new pup and cat home alone. Even if they both seem less concerned about each other’s presence when you’re around, it doesn’t mean they are suddenly ‘dorm mates.’ Even if they get along fine when you’re around, as long as you just got the pup, don’t leave them home alone.

It takes time to be certain that they’ll be fine alone. If they’re already playmates, still give them a week or more just to be sure. You can confine the dog and allow the cat to move freely. You can also try a little experiment by leaving both of them in a room and watching them from another.

5.    Your Pup on a Leash for Keep the First Introduction

First, don’t attempt an introduction when your pup is all fired up and excited. Timing is important, and the best time to introduce both of them is when your puppy is calm and on a leash. Hold the leash tightly and allow the both of them enough time to study each other. You never know; your puppy might be graceful enough to allow your cat to come close for a sniff.

However, don’t be surprised if you notice aggression or fear from either or both of them. If your cat welcomes her new flatmate with bats and hisses, or the pup looks stiff and growls at the cat, just say to the both of them, “Meeting adjourned!”

Alternatively, you don’t have to separate them immediately. You can distract your pup with her favorite toy or treat. This is more likely to work with your doggie and not your cat because, well, you know, curiosity kills…

Bringing New Puppy Home: How to Adjust

Whether you have a cat at home or not, there are some things you need to know when bringing new puppy home. Puppies are often shy in their new home for the first few days, and they often need your help to settle in.

Also, living with a puppy can be a little demanding, so what next after bringing new puppy home?

●      Introduce Your Puppy Gradually

Experts have let us know that it can take several months for our pets to feel comfortable in a new environment. Even if your pooch is still little, she still needs to get used to where she’s going to know as home. She also needs time to get accustomed to those she’ll be living with.

Furthermore, pups aren’t babies; they don’t need a ‘puppy party.’ So, if you’re looking to invite friends over for one, you’d be doing it for yourself and not your dog. Having so many people around will only scare your new puppy and not the other way around.

●      Get Ready for Chewing

Before bringing new puppy home, know that you’re welcoming a chewing volunteer. Pups and even some adult dogs can’t help the urge to chew on anything close when they’re bored. They’ll move from your furniture to anything dangling in the house.

The best solution to this is stopping by the store to get dogs’ toys before bringing new puppy home. Also, you can prevent them from destroying your couch by keeping a close eye on them when they aren’t playing. Pups that are just teething are more likely to do this when they are bored. So, don’t leave them around the house when you’re out.

Choosing the right chew toys for your new puppy

●      Train Your Pup with Food

Food is what new dogs listen to, not your commands, your belly rubs, or whistling. Dogs will always answer the person with the food. So, you have to make food a currency for them. You’ll need enough time and irresistible dog treats for maximum results.

The reward system is what professional dog trainers use to make dogs familiar with commands and quit bad behavior. So, when your new pup does something bad, scold her, and if she listens to you, reward her with treats. Repeat this in as many situations as possible, and you’ll have yourself a lovely and loyal furry companion.

●      Make a Potty Plan

Generally, dogs need a potty within 15 minutes of eating, exercising, or waking up. Pups can hold their poop or pee for about an hour for any month of age. But some pups can sleep for close to seven hours without going for a potty break.

So, if you can time when your pup needs to do her business, you can use a specific command each time until she’s used to it. And after her business, reward her with a nice treat. If you can’t track when your dog needs to use the toilet, you can watch out for signals like sniffing or circling a particular area. Nonetheless, if she does her business around the house, don’t shout at her. It’ll make her hide when next she wants to do her business.

Final Thoughts

Puppies aren’t problematic; they just want to play, eat and sleep. So, bringing new puppy home should cause less worry. It will take time for your new pup to adjust and move around comfortably, so there’s no need for any rush. Just feed the dog and allow her to roam in her space.

However, bringing new puppy home to cat is a completely different game. Sometimes, dogs and cats never get along, no matter how hard you try.

But with the tips in this post, your dog and cat can become cute buddies, and you’ll forever be proud knowing you did that.

If your cat is really struggling to adjust or is really unhappy about the situation, maybe you could try some CBD oil to thier diet to help with anxiety as they adjust to a new friend.

We use Petals and tails CBD oil for cats. A proper dose added to Pizza’s wet food, has been beneficial to our current living situation.

kitten purring, cat behaviors

Ways a cat’s purring has a healing effect on humans

From Pain to contentment, purring can be a way to communicate contentment, hunger, stress. pain, or even to promote healing. But how does it help their humans? Studies have shown owning a cat can combat stress, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke..Purring is often at a frequency that promotes physical repair.

Can you hear Pizza’s low purr ?

“Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz.”

Scientific American

How can a cat purring have an effect on humans?

It is very soothing to sit with a cat on your lap and enjoy his unique cat behaviors like purring. Spending time with our pets have been proven to help relieve stress and lower blood pressure in humans. For years we have known owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attacks or stroke by as much as a 40% Some studies even suggest owning a cat can extend your lifespan.

One of the most fascinating facts about a cat’s purr is the sound frequency. A purr is between 25 and 125 hertz. Studies have shown this frequency promotes bone density and healing for themselves and the around them. Purring vibrations at those frequencies can help humans in their healing process.

“According to William R. Thompson, DPT, PhD, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina “Animal and human studies suggest that high-frequency, low-magnitude vibration therapy improves bone strength by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption.” Although it a mystery WHY that works and we have a lot more to learn, a cat’s purring is in a range to provide healing.

A cats purring vibrations can :

  • Releases endorphins that lower stress
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Help heal wounds
  • Improving bone density/fight osteoporosis
  • Improve breathing issues
  • Joint and tendon restoration

Why do cats purr ?

It is a common myth that a cat only purrs when they are happy and want attention. Although cats do seem to exhibit this behavior when they are in a good mood, showing other signs of affection, like rubbing or bumping us with their heads, demonstrating love for you is not the only motivation. In the last 20 years, a lot more in-depth research on the subject, but there is still more to learn. As many cat owners know, we hear that little motor for a variety of reasons.

A purr is a low vocalization that can be used to communicate. Tiny kittens just a few days old begin to purr. It helps mama cat find her kittens and lets her know that they are content or hungry. When we pet, our cats, quite often they get their motor humming.

Besides purring how else do cats communicate ?

Cats also purr when they are stressed, or in pain. Some cats still show kitten-like behaviors and purr when they are hungry to get your attention. My Pizza Cat starts purring in anticipation for his treats, this is perhaps a behavior learned as a kitten. I can hear his anticipation, just like a mama cat would. Often a cat will purr AFTER a stressful event like a dog barking, or when adventuring into new places.

Scientists also now hypothesize that since a cat can spend up to 12-16 hours a day sleeping, the act of purring may be a way to actually engage muscles or tissues. Purring is restorative to their muscles and tendons and conserves their energy. Can cats really give themselves a personal “tune-up” ?

Personal observations

I wonder if a cat’s ability to heal itself so well, is tied to why it is said Cats have nine lives? Compared to dogs, cats get fewer broken bones and fewer heart troubles. Their ability to self heal by purring is quite fascinating.

While the debates, hypothesis, and research continue, I, for one know that it is calming and enjoyable just to take the moment in. If I am having a particularly stressful or anxious day my buddy seems to instinctively know and “snuggles in” and happily purrs away. To know that the cat purring effect on humans actually has healing power is a merely a magical bonus.

8 Common reasons your cat is meowing at you

A Cat begins meowing at you for several reasons. hunger, boredom even pain. Being vocal is a form of communication. Sometimes it is cute however in the middle of the night it can become a problem. Knowing the why behind the meow can be useful.

From birth, kittens can make a noise or a “cry” similar to a meow. Kittens depend on their mother for their immediate survival. They cry or meow to express their needs. A kitten cries when they are hungry, thirsty, cold, scared, or lost. If you have ever heard a lost kitten, you know it one of the most effective ways to let mama cats know where they are hiding.

As kittens get older and don’t need their mother as much, their vocalization changes. As they become more independent, the need to cry for their mother cat dwindles.

Enter their human pet parents.

Dare I admit, as a new kitten owner, we take on the role of a mama cat and baby our furry ones. We become responsible to feed nurture and care for our new family members. We speak to them often they also often hear television or radio. When they meow we respond. They notice how we talk to each other. In the wild a feral cat vocalized less often just to warn others.

about us pizza the wondercat
Pizza the Wonder Cat circa. 2010 approx. 2 months old

Common Reasons for being Vocal

How often do you chat with your cat? I personally talk to Pizza the wonder cat all the time. Studies have shown cats mainly meow to humans, not to each other. In addition to imprinting and purring, over time we have taught cats that vocalizing is a great way to communicate with us. (Who has trained who?)

What is my feline buddy trying to say?

Hunger or thirsty

I often get reminded that it is breakfast time ( or dinner time….or snack time ). I get a meow to remind me that my guy is hungry. There is a quick meow and a happy insistent chirps as I open the wet food can. ( occasionally he will even offer a little paw for help… I’d be in trouble if Pizza had opposable thumbs). Undoubtedly though, if he meows enough he will get fed, or get a treat. ( Yes, I have spoiled him)

To make it known they want out

We live in a “blended household” which means we spend a lot of time in our space. There is a beautiful dog at home BUT given our unique circumstances, time with the cat and dog needs to be supervised. Occasionally my cat will meow at the door to be let out of the room. Sometimes I think it is because he is talking to the dog.

Hello, I missed you

Pizza is very quick to show that he missed me. Often he can hear me come in the front door and begin calling to me. This has been a lifelong habit of his, one he had done throughout all the different places we have lived.

Does my cat love me?

Fear or Pain

I don’t hear this type of meow from my guy very often. However, lately, if the dog does bark unexpectedly at him and scares him, he does let out a different meow than normal. It’s louder and with more “cattitude”. In our case, it is not usually accompanied by any other signs of fear (raised hackled or claws drawn) so I just make sure the dog and cat are monitored when together in a room. It is a warning to “watch out you are scaring me.”

Breed

Some breeds are just more vocal than others. Bengals, Siamese are known for their propensity to be more vocal.

Sometimes products like Feliway can be useful. It is plug-in diffuser that mimics the pheromones, promoting a feeling of calm.

Worrisome reasons the cat is meowing at you

Illness

Is your cat suddenly meowing more than usual? It is possible they are extra thirsty because of disease. Thyroid or kidney disease can result in excess thirst. If you are concerned it is best to get your kitty to a veterinarian to rule out an issue.

At times medications or supplements like CBD can oil cause dry mouth. Be aware and make sure your cat has enough water available.

Senility

It is quite common for older cats to begin more frequent meowing as they age. Cognitive function lessens and old cats become more vocal because of it. They may forget what they want and verbalize their confusion. Perhaps it is equivalent to walking into a room and forgetting why you went.

Sometimes if your kitty is starting to lose their hearing they may yowl more than normal.

Desire to mate

An unaltered male or female cat also meows or more likely yowl, when the urge to mate hits. I have heard the long loud, meow from feral cats outside. It is an undeniable sound, designed to attract a suitable mate. An altered cat generally doesn’t do this.

Finally

As you can see, cats are pretty smart. We have taught them the fine art of communicating to get their desires known. I think that is pretty clever. Cats definitely have a lot of things on their mind and are not shy about letting us know about it. It is fun and informative to pay attention to the ways your little buddy is trying to communicate with you.

dog eting grass

Top reasons why the dog is eating grass

I was always told dogs that are eating are grass are encouraging themselves into throwing up. This is an unproven theory. Recent studies point to other reasons like boredom, anxiety, or simple ancestral instincts may be the actual cause.

Is your dog self medicating by eating grass?

It is extremely common to see dogs munching on grass. An extensive study from 2008, has debunked a lot of common theories. It is no longer a common belief that they eat grass to induce vomiting. Even healthy dogs have been known for eating grass. In most cases eating grass doesn’t even cause dogs to start throwing up. Wild dogs have been witnessed grazing on green grass as well. It is hard to know for absolute certain why they would do this, interestingly enough, grass does add fiber to the diet, while a diet of only meat does not. Chewing is also comforting for dogs especially if they are anxious.

Researchers conclude eating grass is quite a common habit in healthy dogs

Psychological reasons your dog might want some grass

Boredom or Anxiety can potentially be a reason WHY a pup decides to eat grass while outside.

Is your furry family member getting enough exercise? Dogs are built for movement and have an incredible sense of smell. Staying sedentary or in the house for too long without stimulation can make anybody bored or anxious. Your dog is no exception. If you are concerned make sure you can walk your dog a little longer or split walks into twice a day. Engage in a game of chase the ball. To combat boredom or anxiety introducing a new toy can be helpful as well. ( or even re-introducing an old toy your buddy hasn’t played with for a while.) Maybe your friend would also enjoy a new treat?

What are some other reasons your dog is eating grass?

Although hard to know for sure, I surmise a dog has instincts for its health. Grass is full of fiber and potentially helps with digestion.

“”We believe it’s a trait they inherited from their wild ancestors,” Hart says. “We know that wolves and cougars eat grass. That’s because they carry intestinal parasites. That’s just part and parcel of being in nature. Wild animals don’t have anything like the medicines we have for controlling worms. But by eating grass on a regular basis, they can prevent a buildup by purging their systems of these parasites.”

Benjamin Hart ,DVM

Should I give heartworm medicine in the winter?

Does your dog suffer from Pica?

Pica is a common condition that describes when pets like a dog continually like to eat nonfood items. Although eating non-food items like paper or plastics can be dangerous, fortunately consuming grass is considered safe for dogs. As many as 79% of all dogs partake in eating grass or other plants from time to time. It is best if your dog does like to eat grass do your best to make sure it is pesticide-free. Unless eating grass is accompanied by other symptoms like lack of appetite, vomiting, or a noticeable INCREASE in eating grass there is not much to be worried about. Any serious concerns should be shared with your veterinarian.

Can my dog and cat eat other things beside their food ?

It is hard to know exactly WHY your dog likes to eat grass.

So many of the myths have been debunked. It is probably not to induce vomiting. It is most likely not because your dog is ill. Many dogs typically eat grass and not throw up afterward. Perhaps it is genetically driven. It is believed dogs’ ancestors ate grass as a means to combat or prevent intestinal worms. Lastly, dogs may just simply like to eat grass. They do enjoy a varied diet from time to time and can eat more than just their dog or cat food. Therefore, a dog eating grass is pretty normal behavior and not a cause for alarm.

Pizza and me

Interesting reasons why my cat sits on me

Did you know cats are territorial? They also really like attention, despite their reputation for being “aloof” When my cat sits on me or snuggles up against me It certainly gets my attention. These are just a few ways cats show that you belong to THEM !

It happens everytime

My cat has this innate ability to know when I am in mid thought, ready to get the laptop open and write. I do have a bad bad habit of typing with my lap top in bed, I know that is not the best thing.

cat loves me,
Pizza and Me

I prop my pillows, snuggle with the blankets, find my glasses, my notes, and log in. Annndddd here he comes. somewhere in the few inches between my belly and the keyboard is the best place to curl up.

The second best place is the boob shelf.

I dozed off last night with this 11.5lb fur boy loudly purring, curled on my hip, like a wee little mountain goat. What a sight that must have been to onlookers, like the dog..

Why is my cat sitting on me?

It is fair to say my cat and I are bonded. All indications point to I am loved. Cats can be territorial and I am his. Snuggling, head bumps, grooming, purring, kneading, I get the full treatment. I am soft and comfortable and enjoy the company. Although not notorious for being “pack” animals like dogs are, cats do enjoy the company of others as well.

Even animals like to feel a sense of security. Cats, especially indoor cats, depend on us for everything. They know who to ask for their treats and who to remind when their bowl is too empty. We, as pet parents, are their keepers and offer love. What better way to show appreciation than to show vulnerability and affection, than a little snuggling? Animals are after all sentient beings as any cat owner can tell you.

” The definition of sentient is simply “able to perceive or feel things”. Today most of us would probably also say that animals are able to feel emotion, form attachments, and have distinct personalities. Yet for many decades the idea of animals feeling emotions or having personalities was dismissed by behavioral scientists. This strange view that arose from the 17th-century philosopher René Descartes’ alleged assertion that animals are without feelings, physical or emotional. Recent work has debunked this idea.

https://theconversation.com/heres-what-the-science-says-about-animal-sentience-88047

Even cats with a lot of fur love feeling warmth. A cat’s ( and dog’s) base temperature is higher than a human’s 100.2-102.5 and warmth from someone ( or somewhere) helps maintain their body temperature. Although you are probably the preferred way it is possible a cat’s affection for paper, plastic and boxes can also be because it helps them stay warm.

Why is my cat sitting on my laptop (again)

With a queen-sized bed available, a brand new cat bed, blankets, pillows, a special hideout space in the closet, as well as a window seat, inevitably still I find my fur-kid on the keyboard when I return to the bedroom. I can guess in part it is warm? and available? I have a different theory. OR…

Attention.. my cat loves attention.

cat on laptop
Pizza at work

The computer takes my attention away from him, and he knows it. If I catch him or WHEN I catch him, of course, he gets a petting and “a talking to”. It often also involved distracting him with a toy or a treat. He wins. It is fair to say I am encouraging bad kitty cat behavior, however, look at that little face! How could I say no?

Is it time for a new cat bed?

Obviously, there are several valid reasons a cat likes to sit and snuggle up with their pet owners. Sitting with my cat is a mutually beneficial and enjoyable experience. It s not just a practical exercise in keeping warm, but a sweet way for your cat to show their affection towards you. Additionally, science has shown petting and bonding with a cat can relieve stress for both of you. Although it is not always convenient, when there is office stuff to do, sometimes the little fur companions know just what you need.