“As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.” — Ellen Perry Berkeley
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop:
This video game company is funding important cat research
Do you know how to properly play with your cat?
Which way is the cat spinning?
Help your cat love their litterbox again
Did you know?
Cats can move their ears separately and about 180 degrees around.
A Japanese Video Game Company Funds Cat Research
Cygames, a Japanese video game studio, recently announced that they have donated to the AIM Medical Research Institute, a group that studies the AIM protein in cats.
This protein is linked to kidney disease, and this research will help extend a cat’s lifespan. The research hopes to create a treatment for young cats that would prevent them from getting kidney disease, which could possibly double their lifespan.
The research was halted for funding, so following the lead of the general public, Cygames donated to the cause. Japan is home to around 10 million cats, and Cygames wanted to help improve their quality of life. This generous donation could help cats around the world avoid or get treatment for kidney disease.
How to Play with Your Cat
We’re sure you play with your cat already, but sometimes your cat needs a bit more play in its life, or perhaps more variety in play. Cat behaviorist Cristin Tamburo notes that cats in the wild spend 50% of their time hunting, so playing with a housecat lets them get out some of that hardwired energy. So what is the best way to play with your cat?
First, make sure they’re getting enough play. Each cat is different, but starting with 10-15 minute sessions of play can be a good start. However, it is recommended to play with your cat until they tire out. How should you do this? Trial and error - every cat will have preferences, and it's’ up to you to find them out. You can try puzzle toys, wand toys, kick toys, laser pointers, or interactive toys. Give some different toys a go, and if they don’t seem to like one type, put it away for a couple of months and then try again if you’d like.
Tamburo suggests using catnip or catnip spray for extra enrichment, since around 70% of cats react to it. One thing to avoid is getting too aggressive when paying with your cat; this could put them on the defensive. And don’t forget to let your cat “catch” their toy, to truly fulfill their prey sequence - even if their “prey” is a scrunchie they stole from you. Above all else, get your cat moving and playing, whatever methods you try.
Cat Optical Illusion
This cat optical illusion is driving the internet crazy with this question: which way is the cat spinning? Check it out here.
Worth Purring About
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How to Help Your Cat Love Their Litter Box
It’s not the most pleasant of subjects, but if your cat is having some issues with their litter box, we’ve got some solutions for you. Setting up your cat for success with these tips can help your cat love their litter box again.
Have you considered adding another litter box? If you’re a multi-cat home, adding another litter box may solve all your problems. As well, if your home is multi level, it’s a good idea to have one litter box on each floor.
Have you moved the litter box to a private area? Cats want a litter box area that is easy to access but also gives a bit of privacy, so moving your litter box to a better suited area could help. You could also consider building a furniture enclosure for the litter box.
Have you tried a new litter box? There are many types of litter boxes, and cats tend to have a favorite (and least favorite). If your cat doesn’t like their covered or self cleaning litter box, try out a new style or type.
Have you tried a new type of litter? Cats can be sensitive or even allergic to certain types of litter, so you may want to try a new type.
Do you have a cleaning routine? Cats prefer a sparkling clean litter box, so make sure you’re cleaning and refilling their litter box the way you’d clean for a king - since cats are royals of course.
Has your cat exhibited new behaviors? If all of a sudden your cat is exhibiting strange litter box behaviors, it could be useful to get them checked at the vet to make sure they don’t have urinary crystals or related illnesses.
Do you have a cat question or need some cat advice? Email us at meow@dailypurrcats.com
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