THINKING INSIDE THE (LITTER) BOX
Why Cats Know Where to Go Many proud new dog owners will spend months house-training their puppies, often cleaning up soiled floors along the way. But while new kitten owners have their struggles, teaching their cats where to relieve themselves usually isn't on the list. Whether a cat is 8 weeks or 18 years old, showing them the litter box once or twice is about all the training they need. But why?
While cats have been human companions for thousands of years, it's a recent trend for cats to spend most of their time indoors. The first
commercial litter boxes appeared in stores in the early 1940s, and pet owners would fill the boxes with ash, sand, dirt, or newspaper. Since cats want to cover their waste, they immediately took to the arrangement.
Humans were a tougher sell. Cats would track ashes around the house, and none of the available options masked the smell of cat urine or feces. Edward Lowe accidentally invented cat litter in 1947. He was selling clay for chicken nesting when his neighbor asked if she could have some for her cat box.
Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding Interestingly, dominant feral cats typically leave their waste uncovered to communicate that they're in charge, while cats lower on the pecking order cover theirs. This tradition continues indoors for many cats. If you have multiple felines and often find uncovered feces in the litter box, it's probably your more dominant cat sending a message. It comes down to instincts. Cats prefer to cover up their waste in dirt or sand to protect themselves from predators and ensure prey don't notice their presence. It probably doesn't hurt that cats' ancestors trace back to the desert, where sand was readily available.
The clay absorbed moisture and odor and was an instant hit around the neighborhood. Kitty litter soon reached stores, and clumping varieties arrived on shelves in the 1980s. These days, cat parents can also choose silica, paper, pine, or walnut-based litter options.
Since using a litter box is as natural for a cat as eating, cats eliminating elsewhere should be taken seriously. Many cats will avoid the litter box if it is dirty, too small, has high sides, or uses a hood. Try different types of litter and boxes to determine the problem's source. If the behavior continues, bring them to the veterinarian for a checkup. Urinating or defecating outside of the box can indicate a serious medical condition.
This vet-approved gravy for cats is easy to make with ingredients you can find at any local grocery store! Adding a gravy on top of your cat’s kibble is a great way to keep them hydrated. Save leftovers in the fridge. Homemade Gravy for Cats Inspired by Hepper.com
Carin Frantz
INGREDIENTS
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Meat scraps (optional) Carrot cuttings (optional)
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4 tbsp plain, sugar-free beef or fish gelatin
1 cup water, room temperature 2 cups chicken stock (no salt or seasonings added)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a glass bowl, combine gelatin and water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the liquid becomes clear and gains volume. 2. In a pot over medium heat, add chicken stock, meat, and carrots. Boil until carrots are soft. Make sure the carrot and meat pieces are small enough for the cat to eat safely! 3. Incorporate the boiling stock into the gelatin, stirring well. You can do this by hand or use a blender. 4. Let it sit until the gelatin starts thickening. Pour a small amount on top of dry kibble and serve!
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