Cat Fact Files

It is natural for a cat to scratch an upright object such as a tree in nature, in order to scent mark its territory. Because of this, if you do not have an appropriate target for this behavior you’ll be asking for the cat to be destructive towards walls, doors, door frames, furniture and furnishings.

The term insurance on a broader scale covers aspects like illnesses, injuries, accidents, missing cases and death. Same way, pet insurance refers to the blending of these aspects in the context of pets of different species. And in terms of pet insurances, the cat insurance segment is an important segment, on par with dog insurance. The best part about cat insurance is that it’s quite inexpensive. From providing coverage for wellness checkups to illnesses, dental cleanings and covering injury aspects, there are many types of coverage available for cats. Third-party liability insurance is also available.

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When it comes to pet insurance, the best of insurance is which caters to both – needs of the pet and also the anticipated factors. These aspects hold a much stronger ground in the horse and pony insurance sector than other pet insurance segments. The cost segment for horses accommodates training, food, vet care and emergency measures. Hence, these magnificent creatures require a lot of caring, emotion-wise and more importantly cost-wise.

As best care congregates to best insurance, the deciding factors in terms of the best horse and pony insurance are very important. Some important deciding factors are mentioned as below:

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Like dogs, cats cannot tell us when they are unwell or ill. However, by looking out for a few telltale symptoms, you can ensure that any cat health problems are caught early and that your cat’s health is looked after properly.

The first symptom that may indicate that all is not well with your cat’s health is a loss of appetite. If a normal, healthy cat suddenly becomes disinterested in their food and you have eliminated the fact that they may just have ‘gone off’ one particular brand of food (cats can be fussy eaters, just like people), then their loss of appetite could indicate a more serious underlying problem. Vomiting and diarrhoea or constipation are also signs that there are cat health problems that could be compounded by a loss of appetite. Cats can lose a lot of body weight very quickly, so a loss of appetite should not be ignored.

If your cat is losing weight but their appetite seems unaffected, it could be a symptom of intestinal worms. While regular worming should be part of your cat care regime, some infestations may require the attention of a vet to ensure your cat’s health doesn’t deteriorate further.

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A new kitten or cat can fill your home with love, affection and joy. However, your new furry friend also put you at risk for high veterinary fees. No new cat owner ever intends to do anything but the best for their pet, but many owners would not be able to afford veterinary bills should an accident or illness mean that their cat requires treatment. High veterinary bills can mean that your family will have to take out a loan or cut back on essential spending in order to help your beloved pet.

Fortunately, new cat owners can take advantage of cat insurance so that they can have peace of mind. The cost of cat insurance can be spread over regular premiums so that it is easy to budget for in the same way as you would budget your other monthly expenses. Compared to how much you would be charged for veterinary services if your cat was ill, in a fight with another cat or a dog, or hit by a car, the cost of cat insurance is a minor expense.
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There is really only one reason why owners should be wary of offering a cat human food scraps. This is because a lot such as sugar or salt that could disturb the cat’s gastric balance, to the detriment of the cat. Some meats and poultry are high in protein, and if offered in large quantities can lead to stomach upsets. It is possible to offer small scraps of food as special treats in foraging games or as rewards for good behavior.

Humans yawn as an uncontrolled or involuntary reaction to tiredness. The intake of air increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream and thence on to the brain. Cats yawn for the same reasons, but they also do this to stretch the muscles around the face and mouth. They may be triggered to do so by flehmening.

To a greater or lesser extent, all cats lose hair, especially in the summer months when they need less insulation from the weather. Logic dictates that long-haired cats moult more hairs than their short-haired counterparts, but this is not always the case. Some more active outdoor cats shed more hairs indoors than more sedentary house cats.

Awn hair is a distinctive form of bristly hair that lies within the undercoat of a cat. It is often described as short tufted fur with thickened tips. Its function is to protect the skin from cold and damp, and the cat can quickly groom it dry with its tongue.

The grinning cat, or one that is flexing its nose and lip, is performing a physical reaction known as ‘flemening’. Flehmen behavior is believed to be a direct response to pheromones and other natural body-chemical odors, and is triggered when there is stimulation in an area behind the nasal area known as thevomero-nasal or Jacobson’s organ. This facial behavior occurs more frequently in the big cats, which tend to possess a more developed vomero-nasal organ.