Month: May 2020

Cat Care

Should cats be indoors or outdoors?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Black cat laying outdoors in daisies
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

Today we broach one of the great cat debates. Cat people are usually united by their love of felines, but there are a few topics that can tear us apart. This is one of them. Perhaps this is due to the changing relationship between humans and cats, something that has continued to evolve ever since cats domesticated themselves. It used to be the case that almost no one had indoor-only cats. However, as humans became more urban and cats came to be seen more as companions, more people have chosen to bring cats inside with them. Some, however, still think cats belong entirely or partly outdoors. We all want to think that we are doing the best thing for our pets, but is there a right and wrong answer here?

Veterinarians and animal welfare agencies, without exception as far as I can tell, recommend keeping cats indoors. Before anyone starts to leave an angry comment, this is not to say that there’s no benefit to cats being outdoors. In fact, those who say that cats belong in nature are correct, cats evolved to live outside. Of course, so did humans, but that is beside the point. Being outside is good for cats’ mental health because it provides them with a wealth of stimulation. They are able to exercise, hunt, socialize with other cats, solve problems, and generally be a cat the way they were meant to be. So, yes, cats do enjoy being outside, and in some ways it is good for them. But it is not without reason that experts recommend making our feline companions indoor-only.

The average lifespan of an indoor cat is about fifteen years, but for outdoor cats it’s only two to five years. There are a lot of dangers that cats face in the big, mean world, regardless of the setting. Cars are a major killer of cats. Cats may learn over time to avoid cars, if they are lucky enough, but they do not instinctively know to be careful of them. Cats are even injured and killed when they crawl inside cars for shelter and don’t have time to escape when the car turns on.

They also in danger from a number of predatory animals including hawks, foxes, coyotes, bears, alligators, and many others, depending upon the environment. Dogs, whether pets or strays, kill cats, and cats get into dangerous fights with each other. Certainly, cats have some natural defenses against predators and other cats, but they can’t always emerge victorious. What chance has a cat against an alligator? And even if the cat is able to fight off the predator or aggressor, it may still be seriously injured.

Cats also face the threat of disease outside. They may pick up infectious diseases from contact with other cats, such as Feline Immunodificiency Virus (FIV, the cat equivalent of HIV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), panleukopenia, and upper respiratory pathogens. FIV can be fatal, and there is no vaccination or cure. The only way to prevent it is to prevent infection by preventing contact with infected cats. There are lots of parasites out there, too, some of which can be passed to humans and carry other diseases. Cats may also come into contact with toxic plants or chemicals that could sicken or kill them if ingested. Many cats like to eat plants, and there are a whole host of toxic plants out there, especially in gardens. Antifreeze apparently has a pleasant taste, and cats have been known to eat it if they find it lying around.

Then, of course, there are the human dangers. There’s no telling what someone might do to your cat if you aren’t there. On the benign side of things, cats might be mistaken for strays and taken in to an animal shelter. Then there are those whose intentions are not to be admired. Animal cruelty is real and it happens. Friendly, free-roaming animals are easy targets. I won’t go into the grisly details of the horrible things people have been known to do to cats. Suffice it to say that two of the more common include shooting them with arrows and bb guns. Cats are also used as bait animals in dog-fighting, although it’s hard to say how often free-roaming pets are stolen for this purpose because there is simply so little data.

With all that being said, there are some disadvantages to keeping cats strictly indoors. Without the stimulation of being outside, they may become bored or even anxious or depressed. They can start to be very dependent on their human, or they might develop behavioral problems such as destructive tendencies (scratching, chewing, etc.), eliminating outside the litter box, or aggression. Individual cats can exhibit any number of signs of stress as a result of not being to act out all their natural behaviors. So, what can we do? It’s too dangerous outside and too boring and confining inside. There are a few ways to compromise.

First, the indoors doesn’t have to be so boring. Cats need lots of places to climb and hide, and lots of surfaces to scratch. Every cat has their own preferences in all of these regards, so you may have to do some experimenting. A good cat tree is always a place to start. Make sure the cat tree has a wide, stable base and any scratching posts are tall enough for your cat to stretch out to their full length on. Many cat trees don’t meet these requirements, thus are unlikely to see much use.

Orange and white cat playing with toy
Bring the outdoors in with toys! – Image by DarkWorkX from Pixabay

Toys are also key. Not every cat likes the same kind of toy because not every cat is the same kind of hunter. Most cats will need some toys they can play with on their own as well as interactive toys for you to play with them. Interactive toys allow you to really simulate a hunt for your cat. This especially helps them to exercise and feel like they’re out in the wild.

Another thing you can do is “cat TV.” We know that cats like to watch the great outdoors out the window. Putting a bird feeder or something similar outside the window to make the view more interesting is a good idea. It also helps to make sure that your cat has a good perch by the window(s) so they can watch in comfort. You wouldn’t want to watch TV sitting on a narrow windowsill, would you? If you don’t have windows, don’t have much of a cat-friendly view, or just want to try other options, there are videos of literal TV for cats that you can put on. Or you can try making a terrarium, aquarium, or paludarium (that’s a combination of both) with some small animals that they would like to watch. Just be careful that they can’t knock it over!

If you would like to let your cat really experience the outdoors, well, outdoors, you still can. There are a few options that allow you to keep your cat safe while also letting them enjoy the nature. One is to harness train your cat so you can take them on walks. That may sound like asking for a clawing, but it doesn’t have to be. See my previous article for a how-to on walking your cat.

If you or your cat don’t care for that idea, however, don’t fret. If you have a suitable yard, there are cat-proof fences designed to keep your cat from jumping out. Cats will not jump if the fence has a top that is angled above their heads sharply enough. They know better than to bump their heads! There are products that can be attached to an existing fence as well as entire fencing panels built this way. Or you can do it yourself, if you’re handy. Just make sure to supervise your cat while they’re out in your yard in case something else gets in.

Perhaps the most flexible option is a catio (cat patio). These are a wide variety of cat enclosures that allow cats to be outside while still being enclosed. If you already have a screened-in porch, that qualifies. For everyone else, there are ready-made catios that you can buy which accommodate a variety of homes. Some are meant to attach to apartment windows or to sit on balconies or porches. Others are meant to sit in yards or attach to houses via a cat door.

There is also the option to build one yourself or have one built for you. The catio concept is very customizable to the needs of you and your cat. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to withstand your cat from the inside, especially if they are an escape artist or a screen climber, and any predators or other cats from the outside. If you want to put plants in your catio, make sure they are safe for cats.

A custom-built catio

If you still choose to keep your cat outdoors, please do so responsibly. Bring your cat inside or at least into some sort of structure at night and during extreme weather. Feeding your cat when you want it to come in will make sure it does so. Take your cat to the vet regularly and keep it up to date on its vaccinations. Maintain flea, tick, and heartworm medication, and have your cat de-wormed regularly. Make sure your cat wears a collar with rabies tags and an ID tag with your contact information. However, the collar needs to be a breakaway collar. Cats are prone to getting their collars caught on things, and other collars can cause them to get trapped or suffocate. Given that the collar may come off, it is important to also have your cat microchipped.

It should go without saying, but you absolutely need to have your cat spayed or neutered if they are going to be an outdoor cat. Not only will this prevent overpopulation, but if you have a she-cat this will save you from unwanted kittens and pregnancy-associated health problems. Furthermore, intact cats of either sex wander farther and get into more fights, especially toms.

An important note: if your cat is declawed, they cannot be an outdoor cat. They can still have supervised outdoor time, but they cannot be allowed to free-roam. Declawed cats can’t defend themselves well at all and are in much greater danger than cats with all their defenses in place.

So, do cats belong outside? Well, yes, they do, a biopsychological sense. But as pet parents we have committed to taking the best care of our cats we can. So we need to keep them safe, in our homes. But that doesn’t mean cats should be bored, or even that they can never be outside. We probably should take them outside, but as their guardians it is our responsibility to go outside with them and make sure no danger befalls them. That is the distinction between an outdoor cat and an indoor cat that is momentarily outdoors. Our furry friends deserve the best lives we can give them, both long and happy. A rewarding indoor life with supervised outdoor time is the way to give them the best of both worlds.

Published May 30, 2020

Updated December 5, 2020

Breed Profiles

Sphynx: Suede Superstars

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Gray Sphynx cat looking out window
Photo by Alina Vilchenko from Pexels

Hairless cats have been around for a long time. The Aztec people of Mexico are believed to have kept a breed of hairless feline around the 1300s and 1400s (1). Aztec paintings, carvings, and statues show a cat without a fur coat similar to ones we know today (1). However, the Sphynx cat, a rare and well-loved modern breed, has its origins quite recently.

Breed Characteristics

The hairless trait in cats arises through spontaneous mutation from time to time, and so it did in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A black-and-white Domestic Shorthair named Elizabeth gave birth to a hairless tom. The unusual kitten was named Prune, and a team of breeders began a program to make more special cats like Prune, but were unsuccessful. With only one hairless cat, it was was difficult to avoid inbreeding. However, fortune smiled on them. In 1975, Milt and Ethelyn Pearson noticed that their farm cat, Jezabelle, had given birth to a hairless kitten. They named him, rather charmingly, Epidermis. When Jezabelle had another the next year, they named that kitten Dermis. Both kittens were sold to a breeder in Oregon.

Then, in 1978, a breeder in Toronto found three hairless kittens wandering her neighborhood. She took them in and named them Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma. These five hairless kittens became the progenitors of the Sphynx breed. The breeding programs repeatedly out-crossed the hairless cats with cats with normal coats, adding more genetic variation to the breed and creating a strong gene pool. The Domestic Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Siamese, and Devon Rex were all used during part of the breeding program.

In truth, “hairless” cats are not hairless. The Sphynx typically has a very short, thin coat of soft fur, although the amount of fur can vary. Some Sphynx may come close to being bald, but none have no fur at all. Most Sphynx feel like suede when stroked. The extra-short coat and skin beneath can come in any color and pattern. The hairless trait does cause these cats to lack whiskers or, occasionally, have only a few short whiskers.

There is a myth that the Sphynx and other “hairless” breeds are hypoallergenic. Some people with cat allergies may find that they have less of a reaction in the presence of a Sphynx since there is less hair in the environment, but Sphynx are not really hypoallergenic. Cat allergies are caused by a protein in cat dander and saliva, and Sphynx have skin and spit just like any other cat. They are decidedly a low-shed breed, however.

Their lack of fur, while their most striking feature, is not the only thing that gives the breed a somewhat alien appearance. Sphynx have large, bat-like ears and big, wide-set, lemon-shaped eyes. Prominent cheekbones highlight these standout eyes even more. Their skin is a little loose, causing them to have wrinkles, especially on the face and shoulders. They have a long, thin, whip-like tail. Sphynx are generally well-muscled, but naturally have a round belly. On the whole, it makes for a unique picture which people tend to find either adorable or repulsive. I’ve never seen a cat I didn’t want to cuddle, furry or not. But like all breeds, the Sphynx isn’t suited for everyone under the sun, and not because of its appearance.

Grooming and Care

Two brown and white hairless cats on cushion
Sleepy Sphynxes – Image by LoraPalner from Pixabay

They might not have a thick, fluffy coat, but Sphynx actually need more grooming than a lot of breeds, not less. This might seem counterintuitive, but allow me to explain. Cats produce a lot of oils in their skin and saliva in order to moisturize their coat and keep it clean. Sphynx groom just as much as any other cat, but they don’t have enough fur to absorb those oils. Instead, they just sit on the skin and build up, potentially leading to skin problems. Most cats also have fur around their ears to prevent dirt and mites from getting inside. Sphynx lack this layer of protection, so they are prone to ear infections and wax buildup as their ears work to expel all that gunk.

Thus it is that Sphynx need to be bathed once a week and have their ears cleaned at least that often. I know the prospect of bathing a cat is unpleasant, but a Sphynx breeder would have to start bathing kittens early on, so Sphynx are usually used to it by the time they reach their forever homes. But maybe you get a cat that experienced less than ideal circumstances growing up and this didn’t happen, or they have strong instincts regarding water and all the breeder’s best efforts were for naught. It still has to be done, so reward your cat during and after and try your best to not bring your own stress to the situation. Easier said than done, of course, but if you can remain calm, your cat is more likely to be calm.

It needs to be noted that even if you bathe your Sphynx as often as you need to, they still have oils on their skin all the time, especially when they sweat. This means that they can sometimes leave reddish-brown stains on fabric if they sit or sleep there for a long time.

Make sure to wash the face with a warm washcloth, and get between the wrinkles and all the toes. Even the claws can get build-up. It’s a good idea to clean those wrinkles between baths, as well. There are wipes designed specifically for cleaning cats which you can use, or baby wipes will do. As for cleaning the ears, use a warm, damp cloth or a cotton ball. Your veterinarian can recommend a solution just for cleaning out the ears. Cleaning all the gunk of a Sphynx’s ears can be gross, but an ear infection would be a lot more unpleasant for all concerned. On that note, look out for any odor or redness in the ears, and contact your vet if you notice any.

Sphynx cats sometimes require additional skincare such as moisturizing. Ironic, since the goal of the bathing is to make them less oily, but skin is a fickle beast. They are particularly susceptible to sunburn and long-term UV damage. They need to be indoor cats for this reason, but even brief supervised outdoor time or sitting in a sunny window can lead to sunburn. Consult your veterinarian about skincare products for your cat. Many ingredients in human sunscreen can be toxic to cats.

Health and Home Life

If you have a busy lifestyle, that might be more maintenance than you can put into grooming a cat. If you think it might be manageable, however, a Sphynx can be well worth it. They are extremely friendly and affectionate cats who love to cuddle and be involved in whatever their people are doing. They are known for having a sense of humor and engaging in all kinds of antics to get attention. Their liveliness and agility increases the probably of hijinks. Expect a Sphynx to make you laugh on a regular basis. They are very chatty cats who love to tell you what they think.

Sphynx may need a minute to get used to children, as most cats do, but they typically make good family pets and get along well with other cats and dogs. They don’t do well if left along for long periods of time, however, so if you leave for work make sure they have a friend at home. If there won’t be a human there, they need to have an animal companion that they get along well with. It’s often a good idea to get two Sphynx, or a Sphynx and a lower-maintenance cat, at the same time so they can bond and keep each other busy. Sphynx like to be kept busy.

Sphynx hijinks from Nefertiti

Sphynx also like to be warm. They’re pretty good at finding ways to do that on their own, but you may need to help them out. For certain, you’ll need to make sure you feed them enough. Sphynx have an unusually high metabolism, working hard to maintain a body temperature four degrees higher than most cats. They need to eat quite a bit more. A veterinarian is the best authority on how much your cat should eat for their size.

If you don’t keep your house pretty warm, you may need a heated cat igloo or something similar to help your Sphynx have a place to warm up if they get too cold. You may even want to try getting your Sphynx some kitty sweaters. It usually isn’t a good idea to put cats in clothes, but hairless cats may need the warmth, especially if you live in a cold climate. Some cats get too stressed out when put in clothes. If your cat can’t get used to a sweater, then just give them plenty of heated places to retreat to.

Sphynx are generally healthy cats due to the way the breed was originally created, but there are a few health problems to look out for. They have a higher rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in cats. It causes thickening of the heart muscle and has no cure but is manageable with veterinary care. Sphynx rarely have a condition called hereditary myopathy which leads to muscle weakness. Cats can have a normal lifespan with proper veterinary intervention, but severe cases can sometimes lead to death. Breeders are trying to eliminate this disease from the breed. And of course, due to their lack of coat Sphynx are prone to a variety of skin conditions.

Sphynx breeders typically have waitlists, and in 2016 at least one breeder in Canada was shaving regular kittens to pass them off as expensive Sphynx kittens (2). Clearly, the high degree of maintenance required in owning a Sphynx has not prevented them from becoming much sought-after. Given their unique appearance and wealth of personality, is it any wonder? I always recommend adopting rather than buying from a breeder, but if you do decide to purchase a kitten from a breeder, do your research to make sure it is a reputable one. When it comes to cats, bald is beautiful as long as they were born that way.

Fun Facts

  • Sphynx have webbed feet!
  • When the breed was first being developed, it was called the Canadian Hairless.
  • A Sphynx named Ted NudeGent was a serious actor. He played Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil’s cat in the Austin Powers movies. He then went on to be Rachel Green’s cat, Mr. Whiskerson, in Friends, and to act in I Know Who Killed Me alongside Lindsey Lohan.

Works Cited

  1. Quasha, J. (2000). The Sphynx cat: The hairless cat. The Rosen Publishing Group.
  2. Baynes, C. (2016, November 30). Fraudsters ‘shaving kittens and selling them as fake sphynx cats for more than £400.’ The Mirror. Link here.

Published May 23, 2020

Updated October 30, 2020

Culture

Cat Beach Sanctuary: A Feline Oasis in Malaysia

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Two white cats on beach
Cats on the beach – Photo from Cat Beach Sanctuary

There are a handful of things that have the power to relax me without fail. Two of them are being on the beach and petting a friendly kitty. Cat Beach Sanctuary in the fishing village of Teluk Bahang, Malaysia is a kind of paradise I didn’t know existed on Earth. Up to 300 rescued cats roam the seashore sanctuary, sunning themselves on the sand. Many of these cats have been saved from difficult lives or almost certain death. Now they are fed and cared for, and as many as possible will be adopted. If not, however, they can stay here for the rest of their lives. Cat Beach is truly a sanctuary.

The sanctuary was founded in 2014 on the island of Penang by an American expat, Teviot Fairservis, and a local community cat caregiver named Mr. Nana. They were inspired by the work of 4PAWS, a dog sanctuary on Penang with a similar set-up. Fairservis began volunteering at 4PAWS after moving to Penang, but quickly realized that there was nowhere for people to take rescued or unwanted cats. Then Penang enacted a “Zero Strays Policy,” effective July 2014. This meant that any cat or dog rescued from the streets could not be returned from whence they came. If there was nowhere to house these animals, they would have to be euthanized. There were some shelters available for cats to go to, but all were kill shelters that couldn’t keep animals indefinitely without euthanizing them. Fairservis felt she had to do something to help the cats.

4PAWS founder Barbara Janssen introduced Fairservis to Mr. Nana Bin Wanchik, a man in Teluk Bahang who had been feeding about eighty community cats. He and Fairservis built Cat Beach Sanctuary together. They also founded the Cat Lovers International Society to help advance the feline cause beyond the sanctuary.

Tropical beach
Penang, Malaysia – Image by Zsofia Daranyi from Pixabay

The sanctuary currently consists of a simple wooden beach house and several smaller outbuildings. The main house is where the most vulnerable cats are housed in individual cages, i.e. mothers with kittens and sick or injured cats that need a lot of care. Other shelters exist on the beach for cats that are healthier and can be allowed to come and go as they please. The sanctuary also features the Traveler’s Bookshop and 2nd Chances Charity Store. Their cat cafe suffered major damages after a monsoon in 2018 but is on the mend. Visitors are welcome. They can just hang out with the cats or join in activities such as cat-themed craft projects or volunteer opportunities.

Cat Beach takes in stray, abandoned, rescued, or surrendered cats from all over the island. Although the people of Teluk Bahang generally have a positive attitude toward cats, not everyone in Malaysia does, and they have witnessed horrifying mistreatment of cats in their work. Veterinary care is difficult to come by on Penang, but they do as much as they can on site and make the hour-long trip to the nearest clinic whenever necessary or possible.

Cat Beach has a goal of sterilizing and vaccinating every cat that comes to their doorstep, but it can be difficult. Cost and transportation make it hard to vaccinate and sterilize many cats at once. However, they are still trying, and they are also doing educational outreach programs to inform the community about the importance of such measures as well. Their educational programs also aim to change the perception of cats in Malaysia, so that people will no longer think of them as a nuisance. Hopefully, if more people love cats, less cats will be abused or abandoned to begin with, and more of the cats at the sanctuary will be adopted.

Cat and woman on beach
Ocean view – Photo from Cat Beach Sanctuary

Cat Beach is doing amazing work, but they need help to do it. They are a volunteer-run organization. You can volunteer during a single visit or apply to volunteer for an extended period of time. Long-term volunteers can be lodged on-site. They need volunteers for every part of running the organization, from cat care to maintenance to administration. They accept volunteers from anywhere in the world, and students may be able to receive internship credit for their service. Fairservis used to be a university professor. She understands the struggle. If interested in volunteering, email [email protected] or see the Cat Beach website for more information.

If you aren’t able to volunteer, there are other things you can do. Donations, either monetary or in-kind, are always welcomed. They go through a LOT of supplies with all those cats. Donations of funds can be sent via PayPal to TeviotCatBeachPenang, through their GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/catloversintl, or through direct deposit into CIMB Bank Malaysia Savings Account # 7063481337 in the name of Mohd Iqbal bin Zainal (the president of the Cat Lovers International Society). In-kind donations can be ordered from Tesco Penang or Lazada.com and sent to Cat Beach Sanctuary, 778 Jalan Teluk Awak, MK 2, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Their wish list can be found here.

Finally, you can adopt a cat from Cat Beach. They do support international adoptions if you aren’t local, but it can get complicated, as you might expect. Don’t let that stop you if you really want to give it a go, though. You can also sponsor a Cat Beach cat to pay for their care. Cat Beach has a foster program as well.

You can find out more about Cat Beach by visiting their website at https://catbeachpenang.com/.

Published May 16, 2020

Updated December 19, 2020

Cat Care

Should cats drink milk?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Two tabby cats drinking saucer of milk
Image by FotoRieth from Pixabay

I was recently watching a YouTube video–one of those funny cat compilations, you know the type. One of the clips included a cat being offered milk, and oh boy, did the comments go crazy. Everyone had an opinion about whether cats should drink milk or not. I’ve always heard that cats are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t have milk, but there were lots of people who disagreed. Certainly YouTube comment sections are not the place to obtain scientific information, but it sparked my curiosity. I had no idea there was so much debate about this topic, and now I wanted to find out the answer for myself.

Cats certainly seem to like milk. My parents have had two infamous ice cream thieves. And cats have been portrayed in media of all kinds happily lapping from a saucer of milk, for at least two hundred years and possibly going back to the Middle Ages, but I had some trouble verifying the dates of older images. Why do cats like milk so much, or are we imagining it?

It’s not an illusion. Dairy farmers noticed a long time ago that cats would get very excited about fresh cow’s milk. Cats are particularly fond of the cream that rises to the top of the fresh milk, as cats are naturally drawn to fatty foods that would help them survive in the wild where food is not guaranteed, and cream is certainly high in fat. It has also been demonstrated that cats relax while lapping milk (1), perhaps because it recalls pleasant maternal memories.

Brown and white calf
Intended recipient of cow’s milk – Photo by Couleur on Pexels

Unfortunately, the fact that cats like milk doesn’t mean they should drink it. Kittens drink their mother’s milk in order to gain vital nutrients and antibodies until they begin weaning. The milk of mammals contains a sugar called lactose, and infants produce an enzyme called lactase to break down this sugar which provides them with important energy for their development. As the kittens begin to eat solid food and less of their mother’s milk, they slowly stop producing lactase. The same is true of other mammals, including humans, but an unusual percentage of humans continue to produce enough lactase to digest dairy into adulthood. Cats, like other mammals, usually don’t. This means that most cats are lactose intolerant as adults.

Cats may enjoy milk or other dairy products while they’re eating them, but the majority who are lactose intolerant will pay for it later with gastrointestinal upsets. The undigested lactose can’t be absorbed into the bloodstream, so it moves straight through the intestines, drawing water with it and causing loose stools or diarrhea. They may also experience vomiting, and the action of intestinal bacteria fermenting the lactose can cause gas and bloating. Even cats that are not lactose intolerant may have dairy allergies that can also cause gastrointestinal and/or skin problems (2). Not the recipe for a happy cat, or a happy cat parent, for that matter.

Not all cats have this problem. There are some that can handle milk without an issue. Others are fine with small amounts from time to time but react negatively if given more. Regardless, it’s important to note that cow’s milk is not nutritious for cats even if they can tolerate it. It’s essentially junk food, high in calories but devoid of the protein and other nutrients that cats need. Obesity is a significant problem among pet cats. Whole milk especially poses a risk because it has so much fat. A well-nourished cat doesn’t need all that fat.

White goat
Goat’s milk can be a good treat for some cats – Photo by Ellie Cash on Unsplash

The healthiest cat treats are plain meat, cooked if you’re worried about contamination (which would be fair). Nutritious commercial treats can also be fine in moderation. However, if your cat is just crazy about milk, there are some options that are better for your cat. If you already know that your cat can tolerate lactose, then small amounts (think a teaspoon or so) of low-fat or skim milk as an occasional treat could be fine. Lower-lactose products such as plain yogurt or goat’s milk might also do. Goat’s milk has more vitamins and minerals than cow’s milk and contains the amino acid taurine, which cats require, so there’s a point in favor of the goats.

I have seen some claims that raw (unpasteurized) milk is preferable because the nutrients and enzymes present in the milk have not been heat-killed. I have also seen some information which suggests that it might be dangerous due to the presence of potentially harmful live microorganisms. Personally, I would err on the side of caution and choose pasteurized, but you can make your own decisions in the regard. Lactose-free milk products for humans are available, as well as “cat milk” products specially formulated for cats. They vary, but are generally lactose-free, low-fat, and more nutritious for cats. They are available online and at many pet stores. In any case, milk of whatever sort should be given only as a treat to adult cats, in small amounts.

Milk alternatives that should not be used include plant milks such as soy milk, almond milk, etc. Cats are carnivores and are not well-equipped to digest the carbohydrates in plants. Plant milks are often sweetened, and cats do not need all that sugar, either. Plus, it isn’t uncommon for cats to have allergies to soy.

In settling a great YouTube debate, it seems that cats should generally not drink milk, but there are cats who can handle it or other kinds of milk that cats can have. As long as it’s given as a treat, rather than used as a major part of their diet, a little dairy or an appropriate alternative can be okay. I would rather Rosie stayed out of my ice cream bowl, however.

Note: Kittens should never be given cow’s milk or any kind of alternative. They should only receive their mother’s milk or a kitten formula, if a mother isn’t available, until they are old enough for weaning.

Works Cited

  1. Cervantes, M., Ruelas, R., and Beyer, C. (1983). Serotonergic influences on EEG synchronization induced by milk drinking in the cat. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 18(6), 851-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(83)80004-5
  2. Guilford, W.G., et al. (2001). Food sensitivity in cats with chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal problems. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(1), 7-13. DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2001)015<0007:fsicwc>2.3.co;2
  3. Kornreich, B.G. (2020, May 2). Dear Elizabeth: Is feeding cats milk safe for your kitty? [Email newsletter] Cornell Feline Health Center.

Published on May 8, 2020

Updated January 2, 2021

Cat Care

Leash Training for Cats

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

White cat on leash
Photo by Dids from Pexels

Though still unusual, it has become more common these days to see someone walking their cat on a leash. Some may think the entire concept is absurd, but the evidence that it can be done is there for all to see. The question is, how? Just getting most cats into their crates is a feat not for the faint of heart. What kind of sorcery is required to wrestle one into a harness? No sorcery, but it does involve some patience and a willingness to meet your cat where they’re at.

Not all cats will want to be walked. Knowing your cat’s personality will give you a good idea how they will feel about the subject. A cat that is always hanging around outside-facing doors, looking out windows, and trying to escape when you open the door is a cat that’s interested in the outdoors. There’s a good chance that they’ll enjoy a chance to explore. Cats that are afraid of outside doors, are very stressed by change, or are very timid in general may not want to be walked. You could still try it. You might be surprised and find out that going on a walk gives your cat the confidence boost they needed. But just don’t get your hopes up.

That being said, most cats are not thrilled about the prospect of being walked when it is first presented. Cats generally do not like unfamiliar experiences, and this certainly qualifies. However, if they are eased into it slowly, some cats come to be very enthusiastic about being walked.

Proper Preparation

Before attempting to walk your cat, make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations, including Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Indoor cats are usually not at risk for FeLV, but a cat on a walk might catch it from contact with another cat. Also make sure that your cat stays current on flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal worm preventatives, as these parasites are much more likely to be encountered outdoors.

Make sure that your cat has a collar with ID tags to wear on walks in case the two of you become separated. It’s a good idea to have your cat microchipped, too. If your cat was microchipped a while ago, make sure that the information is up to date. Cat collars are typically break-away, meaning that the latch will come undone if the cat gets the collar caught on something. This is a good thing, given the kinds of places cats can get into. Break-away collars prevent entrapment or suffocation. But if the only way your cat can be traced back to you is the ID tag on their collar, these collars may not be much help in reuniting you.

Ginger tabby wearing harness with bowtie
Some harnesses can be very stylish – Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash

With all that accomplished, it’s time to buy a harness and leash for your cat. There are a variety of products made specifically for cats, as well as some small dog harnesses that can work well. It is important to use a harness and not just a leash that clips to your cat’s collar, partially because of the break-away collar issue mentioned above. Also, cats can sometimes slip out of their collars, and a harness distributes pressure more comfortably across a cat’s chest instead of in one place against their throat.

There are different types of harnesses available. Some use adjustable straps and others are like a fabric vest. Both types have their merits and pitfalls. The vest type can be easier to put on, but may not fit well on chubby or long-haired cats. The strap kind allows for more adjustment but may slip off of svelte or short-haired cats. Your cat may also have their own preference.

Leashes can also vary. A very long leash can put you too far away from your cat should any threat arise, like someone walking a dog. Retractable leashes tend to present the same problem, allowing you to put too much distance between you and your cat. There are leashes for cats which are somewhat flexible. They have a section of coiled fabric which allows your cat to jump without the leash jerking them back. Those are my personal favorite, but I have seen no expert mandate requiring such a product. As long as you allow your cat enough slack on the leash, the flexible lead probably isn’t a necessity.

Getting Ready to Walk

The best time to start training a cat to walk is when they’re a kitten, but it’s never too late. The process is likely to take longer with adult cats, but it will be a gradual matter regardless. Let your cat set the pace and never force them to walk. If you have clicker trained your cat, that will come in very much in handy during this process.

The first step is getting your cat used to the harness. Begin by placing the harness out in the open where your cat can investigate it. Reward your cat with a treat for sniffing or otherwise showing interest in the harness to build a positive association. If your cat is clicker trained, then click and treat when your cat shows interest. Do this over the course of as many days as it takes for your cat to become used to the harness being in their space, then try draping the harness over your cat. Reward your cat for tolerating the harness. When your cat isn’t bothered by having the harness laid on top of them, you can try putting them into the harness.

You want to make it the most positive experience possible, although your cat probably won’t like it the first time or even the first several times. Give your cat their favorite treats after the harness is on, and be gentle and soothing while getting your cat into the contraption. Then, let your kitty walk around in the harness for a while. Some cats will just freeze up when put into a harness, but eventually they will get used to the feeling. You can try playing with your cat while they wear it if they’re willing. Once they’ve relaxed, you can remove the harness and repeat tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, until your cat is comfortable with putting on and wearing the harness.

How to Put a Strap-Style Harness on a Cat

Next, start attaching the leash when you put your cat in the harness, but don’t hold the leash. Just let your cat walk around with the leash dragging behind them. Do watch to make sure they don’t get the leash caught on anything. The goal is to accustom your cat to the feeling of something else on their body. Once they’re comfortable with this stage, start walking your cat around the house. Hold the leash and let your cat lead you. Treat them often to keep building that positive association. If your cat seems comfortable, you can practice directing them. Only ever use gentle corrections on the leash to direct your cat. Hard tugs on the leash to tell them where to go can make cats averse to the entire activity of walking.

Into the Wild

When your cat is okay with being walked inside, you are finally ready to venture outside. The first few times, you may just want to open the door and sit on the stoop with your cat. It depends on their personality, but for many cats those first forays into the outdoors can be scary. Even if your cat wants to explore outside, they may need a little time to build up their courage. It’s a good idea to walk your cat inside a safe, enclosed yard at first, if at all possible.

However quickly your cat takes to the great outdoors, never forget that a cat is not a dog. Therefore walking a cat is not like walking a dog. Cats tend to go a much more leisurely pace and stop to investigate objects or change course much more often. Walking a cat is really more like being walked by a cat, except you are responsible for correcting your cat if they start to go somewhere unsafe. Always look out for other animals as well as any plants that might be toxic for your cat to consume. Flower beds can be deadly, especially if they have lilies of any kind. Even the pollen of lilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats if it gets on their fur and they lick it off.

White and orange cat on a leash on sofa
Train your cat to walk indoors before venturing outside – Photo by Taylor Deas-Melesh on Unsplash

As long as you are there to keep your cat safe, the stimulation offered by the outdoors can be delightful for many cats. It engages their brains and bodies, providing them with new problems to solve, things to see and smell, and more exercise than can typically be afforded indoors. We should always strive to provide the best enrichment inside that we can. Unfortunately, we can never perfectly emulate the dynamic and complex natural environment. Taking cats on walks provides them with a safe way to enjoy the perks of the outdoors.

Since cats thrive on routine, it’s best to establish a daily walking plan for your cat. Part of this is having a signal to let your cat know that it’s walk time. It’s also a good idea to put the harness and leash on in the same place every day. It’s best not to do this near the door, or your cat might start to associate the door with the fun of going outside and try to dart out every time you open it.

What if you try this entire process, and your cat never takes to it? Maybe they never get used to the harness, or no matter how carefully you introduce them to the outdoors they are always afraid. There are a lot of points where your cat might say “no.” You need to respect their decision if they do. Not every cat will want to be walked. If you think your cat might still benefit from going outside, then there are alternatives.

Cat strollers and backpacks allow you to walk your cat without a leash, and catios can be built in any outdoor space your home might have. Catios allow your cat access to the outside without straying from their home. For a more timid cat, a catio may be the better option. It’s all a matter of finding out what your cat wants. I will say that the least expensive of these options is the harness and leash, and it helps both you and your cat form an exercise routine, so it’s a good place to start.

Published May 3, 2020

Updated January 8, 2021