Kitten Alert! Cat Population Explosion Expected in Coming Years

As recorded by the American Pet Products Association, around 86.4 million cats are currently living in U.S. households, and this number is projected to grow in the coming years. In fact, one in three households now have at least one feline friend, and this trend doesn't seem to be waning anytime soon. As a result, if you're a cat lover, you can expect kitten season - that annual wave of new arrivals - to be even more hectic than usual.

There are a number of reasons for this population explosion. For starters, cats are adorable and make great pets. They're also low-maintenance - contrary to popular belief, they don't require a lot of attention or space - and they offer companionship when people are home and alone or working long hours. As live-in companions become increasingly popular, the demand for cats is likely to continue rising.

Another reason for the cat population explosion is that laws limiting pet ownership are becoming less common. In some parts of the country (particularly rural areas), it's no longer necessary to get a permit in order to own a cat, and there's been a corresponding increase in feral populations as a result. Lastly, cats are good at reproducing - a female can have up to 3 litters per year, with an average of 4 kittens per litter - so their numbers tend to grow rapidly if left unchecked.

Of course, all of these new felines need homes! If you're thinking of adding a kitty to your family, now is as good a time as any; there will be plenty of adoptable kittens available at your local animal shelter over the next few months. Just be prepared for lots of curls, whiskers, and love in your life - and maybe some added messes too ;)

Study Shows that Cat Allergies are on the Rise

A recent study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has found that cat allergies are on the rise. The study, which looked at data from 4,059 participants, found that 5.8 percent of people in the United States are allergic to cats, up from 4.4 percent in 2007-2008.

The study also found that cat allergies are more common in women than men, and that they are most prevalent in people younger than 18 years old. Cat allergies are also more common in minorities than in whites.

Why Are Cat Allergies on the Rise?

The reason for the increase in cat allergies is not clear, but there are several possible explanations. One possibility is that there has been a genuine increase in the number of people who are allergic to cats. Another possibility is that there has been an increase in the number of cats who are kept as pets. And yet another possibility is that people are now more likely to be diagnosed with cat allergies than they were in the past.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Allergies?

The symptoms of cat allergies can vary from person to person, but they often include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat. In some cases, hives or eczema may also develop.

How Is Cat Allergy Treated?

Cat allergy treatment typically involves either avoiding contact with cats or taking medications such as antihistamines or nasal steroids to reduce symptoms. In some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also be recommended.

Could Feline Obesity be a Sign of Serious Health Problems?

As your cat begins to gain weight, you may not think much of it. After all, excess weight in cats is quite common. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 54 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. While this may seem like no big deal, could having an obese cat be a sign of more serious health problems?

There are a few potential health risks associated with obesity in cats. For example, overweight and obese cats are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. In fact, studies have shown that being even just a little bit overweight can reduce your cat's life expectancy by up to two years.

So why is obesity such a big problem in cats? One reason may be that many pet owners simply do not realize when their cat has gained too much weight. After all, cats are experts at hiding their symptoms. Another reason may be that many people feed their cats too many high-calorie foods. Foods like canned tuna and salmon can be very healthy for cats, but they also contain a lot of fat. Overfeeding your cat can cause him or her to become obese very quickly.

If you think your cat may be overweight or obese, it is important to take action right away. Consult your veterinarian about developing a weight loss plan for your pet. This may include switching to a lower-calorie diet and increasing exercise levels. With patience and perseverance, you can help your cat reach and maintain a healthy weight for a longer, healthier life.

New Research Shows that Cats are as Smart as Dogs

For years, dog owners have been bragging about how smart their furry friends are. But a new study suggests that cats may be just as smart as dogs.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at Kyoto University, looked at the intelligence of three different species of animals: cats, dogs, and monkeys. The results showed that cats performed just as well as dogs on tests of intelligence, and both species outperformed monkeys.

One of the tests involved figuring out how to get food out of a box. Cats and dogs were able to solve this task relatively quickly, while monkeys struggled with it.

Based on these findings, it seems that cats and dogs are both equally smart animals. So next time someone tries to tell you that their dog is smarter than your cat, you can confidently tell them that they're wrong!

How to Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet

Traditionally, cats are trained to use the litterbox. But what if you want to train your cat to use the toilet instead? This can be done relatively easily and will save you from having to scoop kitty litter every day.

The first step is to get a training seat for your cat. This can be purchased at most pet stores. Place the training seat on top of the toilet and show your cat how it works. Put a small amount of kitty litter in the seat and let your cat play with it. After a while, your cat will probably start using the seat as a litterbox.

Once your cat is using the seat as a litterbox, start slowly removing the kitty litter until there is none left. At this point, your cat should be using the toilet instead of the seat. If not, you may need to put a small amount of kitty litter back in until your cat gets used to using the toilet without it.

Congratulations – you've successfully trained your cat to use the toilet!