Why Does My Cat Kick Litter Out of Her Box?

Does your cat sometimes fling litter out of her box like party confetti? If so, there are usually some very simple reasons why.

Let’s consider normal feline elimination behavior. When cats eliminate in the litterbox, they typically follow a certain behavior pattern. First, they may inspect the litter material. Next, they may dig a shallow depression. Then, they eliminate. Afterward, some cats may try tocover their deposits. This is when they tend to get enthusiastic about the job and throw litter all around the box — and sometimes even outside the box.

If the sides of the litterbox are low, it is common sense that litter material may get “kicked” out of the container. The standard litterboxes we provide for our cats do not always take into account the full extent of a cat’s behavior when eliminating. 

Think Outside the Box

Wild cats exhibit the same behaviors as pet cats, but they do not have to deal with the constraints of alitterbox. I used to study feral cat behavior and observed numerous cats as they went about their business eliminating on a dairy farm. On the farm, where the cats were exposed to many “litter” substrates, they tended to dig in the finer substrates, such as sand and dirt, but they did not do this in grass or gravel. They were also able to fully extend their legs to rake the desired substrate, which they are usually unable to do in commercial litterboxes. Cats tend to spend more time manipulating the substrate they prefer. 

Size and Height Matters

If your cat always kicks litter out of his litterbox, consider getting one with higher sides. Or you can make your cat a larger litterbox by using a large plastic storage box with high sides (the ones I use are about 12 inches high) and cutting an opening in one side to allow easy access. This is also a good option for a cat who has  joint problems or other mobility issues — just make sure there are no sharp cut edges that could cause injury.

Some cats may also need a transition period, so leave the old box next to the new for one to two weeks, until you see the cat using the new box more frequently. Then you can remove the old box. You should also try to pick a box that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat from the tip of her nose to the base of her tail. Most traditional litterboxes are much smaller, so it’s no wonder if your cat is tossing some litter over the side.

FOLLOW US!

Is My Dog Fighting or Playing?: How to Tell the Difference

We’re all familiar with the classic doggie play bow, the unmistakable invitation to play that dogs use with other dogs and humans alike, and even other species. When I first adopted her, my young Rottweiler play bowed to one of my chickens (the hen was very confused and clucked nervously), and she still play bows with my sheep frequently. But what about some of the other behaviors we see when dogs are playing with one another, like bared teeth, growling and nipping?

We’re all familiar with the classic doggie play bow, the unmistakable invitation to play that dogs use with other dogs and humans alike, and even other species. When I first adopted her, my young Rottweiler play bowed to one of my chickens (the hen was very confused and clucked nervously), and she still play bows with my sheep frequently. But what about some of the other behaviors we see when dogs are playing with one another, like bared teeth, growling and nipping?

To read more on this story, click here: Is My Dog Fighting or Playing?: How to Tell the Difference

FOLLOW US!

Talkative Goat With Human Like Voice

Dog goes woof, cat goes meow... and this little goat says 'what, what?'

Dusty Belew from Tennessee recorded his talkative kid in action, bleating out the phrase in a human-like voice.

Instead of the standard 'baaa', the young animal repeats the word 'what' over and over.

When Mr. Belew instructs the kid to say it 'louder', the volume increases.

Then at the end of the recording the goat even bleats out a 'bye.'

His video has scored more than 4,000 hits on YouTube.





FOLLOW US!

Feline Disease and Medical Conditions

No one likes to think about their cat getting sick or contracting a disease, but unfortunately there are many diseases your cat could contract. It is important for you to be informed, understand what signs and symptoms to look for, and most importantly how you can prevent your cat from contracting certain avoidable diseases.

We’ve compiled information regarding some of the most common feline diseases. You can learn about prevention, signs and symptoms, how your cat could contract this disease, and treatment options.

To read more on this story, click here: Feline Disease and Medical Conditions


FOLLOW US!

This Dog-Friendly Restaurant Wants to Pay You $100 an Hour to Play with Dogs

Dreams do come true.

This time is it MUTTS Canine Cantina that is turning fantasy into reality.

The Texas-based bar and restaurant, which has two locations, is all about dining out with your dog in a way that is fun for both of you. With a membership to MUTTS, dog moms and dads can drop their canines off at the off-leash dog park attached to the restaurant while they get a meal or drink and watch from the patio. Owners can also join their dogs in the park or have their pooches sit with them for a bite.

To keep their canine and human customers happy, MUTTS is looking for their first ever “puptern” for its Dallas-Fort Worth location. The title should be enough to get dog lovers squealing.

The sole duty of the soon-to-be puptern is to play with dogs all day. That’s it.

Not only is MUTTS offering a fall internship with serious puppy perks, the restaurant is planning to pay handsomely for this pleasure. MUTTS’ puptern will be paid $100 an hour to greet members, offer to play with their dogs while they dine and then play with said dogs.

How is this real life?

To read more on this story, click here: This Dog-Friendly Restaurant Wants to Pay You $100 an Hour to Play with Dogs

FOLLOW US!

Top 10 Animals That Do Not Make Good Pets

Pet Primates
The worst kinds of animals to keep as pets are the ones that endanger human lives and that cannot survive outside of the wild, but that doesn't stop some people. Check out some of the worst kinds of animals to keep as pets and why there are better options.

Lemurs, capuchins, chimpanzees, and baboons all fall into the primate category. They are cute and “childlike” but are not a substitute for human babies. Sure, they are often treated like babies by their owners putting them in diapers and strollers but they also act like babies, permanently, with all the messes and screaming included.

The biggest problem with pet monkeys is that they may go on a rampage without warning since they have no moral conscience. They may also bite their owners which is something the health department doesn't like. This is especially scary given the fact that they can transmit diseases like Hepatitis A and HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 10 Animals That Do Not Make Good Pets


FOLLOW US!

Your First Thought….What a Cute Kitten!: This is Not a Kitten, This is an Adult Sand Cat

Don’t be fooled by the off the scale cuteness. This is not a kitten. This is an adult Sand Cat – or Felis margarita, a little known species of desert cat. In the wild it lives in areas that are too hot and dry for any other cat- the deserts of Africa and Asia, including the Sahara. It is the only desert species of cat known to us. As such, this cat is one tough cookie.

It also lives in the Arabian desert and those of Iran and Pakistan, yet despite being so widespread it was not described by a European until 1858.

To an extent the sand cat could be mistaken for a domestic cat but there are differences, noticeably the very broad head. Additionally the ears are much wider apart than they are in the domestic cat – a feature which means that the sand cat can flatten them horizontally when hunting. They are a little larger, growing up to ten centimeters longer in length than the domestic cat, with a span of up to sixty centimeters.

Likewise with their height – they usually grow to about six centimeters taller than the domestic cat. Their sandy yellow fur sets them further apart, as do the pale bars which can be found on their legs and backs. Perhaps what adds to their attractiveness is the white chin and underside and the pale red stripes which run over the cheeks from the eyes.

One difference from the cats that we know which is difficult to see in these pictures is the fur that the cats have between their toes. You might think that the last thing a desert living cat might need is more fur but this helps to insulate them against the piping hot sand over which they must stalk their prey. They also have fur on their footpads which makes it very difficult to hunt as the fur misshapes their tracks.

The hollow structure that encloses part of their middle and inner ear, their auditory bullae, are also larger than those of the domestic cat. This helps to enhance their hearing and with it they can pick up vibrations in the sand. Finally their mucosa (the membrane around their eyelids) is a conspicuous black which gives them a certain eyeliner look.

So desolate is their natural habitat that sometimes the sand cat can go for months without a drink of water. Instead, they survive off the water in their food, which is mostly rodents but they will also eat birds, lizards and insects. They will not live in sand dunes themselves but prefer flat or rolling terrain's, retreating to their burrows when it becomes too hot even for them.

As they mostly eat rodents, they do a lot of digging. Skulking close to the ground they use their extremely sensitive hearing to detect the sound of burrowing underneath them. When they hear something which corresponds to a meal they dig down to catch their prey.

Despite the fact they are not terribly social and only really get together for mating they do not defend territory. They have even been observed taking turns sharing burrows. One cat will leave and hunt while another stays behind and rests. When the first returns, the other will leave.

As well as their obvious enemy, us, the sand cat is not at the top of its own particular food chain. It is predated by wolves and even occasionally by snakes and large birds of prey. Yet they are fearless creatures, and are obliviously unafraid of humans when they come in to contact with us.

Hunting the sand cat is prohibited only in half the countries in its range, though it is hoped that this law will soon extend throughout its territories. It has even recently been reintroduced in to the wild in Israel where it had been previously extirpated. It remains one of the least known but beautiful cat species on the planet.

For more information on Sand Cats, visit: Sand Cat - Facts, Info & Photos

FOLLOW US!

Female Trophy Hunter Travels The World For New Species To Slaughter

Animals deserve better. They are beautiful creatures that do not deserve to be slaughtered for “fun”. One woman is killing many majestic animals around the world for the thrill.

The world is outraged at the photos of innocent animals that were hunted and killed by an American trophy hunter, Larysa Switlyk. The self proclaimed ‘hardcore huntress’ is unapologetic in her kills and continues to travel the world for new species to hunt.

After one of her recent hunting trips in Scotland, she prompted the Scottish government to review the law around animal culling. A photo of her posing with a beautiful wild goat, that she just killed, went viral in which she said, “Such a fun hunt!!”. She killed four stags, two goats and a sheep, then posted pictures of her smiling – enraging animal lovers.

She has killed a bear, moose, sheep, timber wolf and a crocodile to name just a few. Not only are the images causing outrage but the captions are just as heartless. She recently killed a beautiful peacock in New Zealand and posted a picture to her social media accounts with the caption “Shake your tail feathers. And yes … they do taste like chicken!!”

To read more on this story, click here: Female Trophy Hunter Travels The World For New Species To Slaughter

FOLLOW US!

Dancing Pit Bull - Woman Reveals The True Nature Of Pit Bulls, That Wasn't Expected! See Video!

Pit Bulls often get a bad reputation, but this video is proof that it is dog owners who cause some animals to be aggressive and dangerous. This video was such a great surprise for me! When I think of the traditional Bollywood-style dancing I’ve seen in films, it definitely isn’t a dog who comes to mind. I couldn’t believe my eyes once the music came on and these two started moving!

The dog’s owner is a trained choreographer who shows us that with a little love (and presumably a lot of practice!), even a Pit Bull can be the most graceful dancer. My favorite moments happen after about 0:59… just take a look at what a great dance partner that dog is! I hope these two keep showing off their moves, because they are both amazing talents. What a show!

Pit Bulls are just like any other breed. They love to learn, they love to love. Please share this amazing video if you love the breed as much as we do!

FOLLOW US!

Do Dogs Need Sunglasses?

No, not really. But that doesn't mean you should put away the shades for good.

Humans wear sunglasses to reduce ultraviolet exposure, which can lead to age-related cataracts to our eyes. Dogs, on the other hand, have a shorter life span and therefore don't develop UV light damage in their eyes.

Dogs still get cataracts, or blurry, clouded vision, but they're either inherited, caused by diabetes, or develop because of continued lens growth during old age, says Robert English, an animal eye care veterinarian. “Because of their deeper set eyes, in most breeds at least, and their heavier brow, their eyes are more shaded by their brows and have less of a direct angle to the sun than our eyes,” English says.

But sunglasses may still help old pups or ones with certain eye diseases. In this case, English recommends Doggles, or dog goggles designed for your canine companion. “Older dogs with early age-related cataracts arguably probably have slightly better vision outside on a sunny day if they wear polarized Doggles."

Denise Lindley, a veterinary ophthalmologist, said dogs with Pannus, a disease of the cornea, also could benefit from Doggles because of the decreased UV exposure. “A typical case would be a dog in Colorado that hikes a lot with its owner,” Lindley says.

Take note: Doggle protection only goes so far. Veterinarian James Hagedorn says dog sunglasses do not provide protection against debris, so they won't help if your dog is hanging her head out the car window.

If you do want to go down the Doggles route, you can purchase a pair from a variety of retailers, including Petco. DoggieShades, another canine sunglasses retailer, offers $15 sunglasses with an adjustable strap for your dog.

Bottom line: dogs don't need sunglasses, but if you want to protect your old dog’s eyes or you want your dog to make a fashion statement at the park, there's no harm letting her sport a pair of sunglasses.


FOLLOW US!

A Child's Heartwarming Response to, "Why Do Dogs Leave Earth First?"

I did not write this story, but sometimes out of the mouths of babes comes the most intelligent explanations to life. Please read...

FOLLOW US!

Judge Sick Of Seeing Animals Get Hurt, So He Decides To Take Drastic Measures

His policy was always about getting even. He knew from the moment he met them he needed to make these criminals pay, but what the courtroom never expected was the original and humiliating sentencings the judge actually offered. One case, in particular, had the judge so furious, he had no other choice but to take his proceedings to the next level.

Michael Cicconetti is a well known municipal court judge from Painesville, Ohio. His unusual sentencings started in the mid 90's when he had had enough of first-time criminals getting away with almost no reprimand and not learning their lesson. He had to do something. The judge presides over more than 40 cases daily, and sadly, sees a lot of animal abuse and neglect cases. Being an animal advocate himself he is no stranger to giving out 'personal sentencings' when it comes to these types of crimes. Nonetheless, his creativity doesn't just stop there.

Judge Cicconetti had grown up surrounded by animals, his family pet was his loving childhood companion; “He was the best pet a kid could ever ask for,” the judge said in an interview. He had always been an animal lover from very young and now, is the proud dad to a 10-year-old Bernese Mountain dog named Kasey. After years of seeing different criminals come and go from his courtroom, he decided he had had enough. He needed to teach them a lesson.

To read more on this story, click here: Judge Sick Of Seeing Animals Get Hurt, So He Decides To Take Drastic Measures

FOLLOW US!

'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It

At the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia, caretakers noticed that two male gentoo penguins, Sphen and Magic, had become inseparable. During breeding season, the pair were constantly seen swimming together and waddling around together. Then they began presenting each other with pebbles, a clear sign of romantic interest. (For penguins, pebbles are like diamonds, demonstrating they wish to become a couple.)

The aquarium quickly noticed Sphen and Magic had formed a serious bond. "They recognized each other’s signature calls and songs," said Penguin Department Supervisor Tish Hannan. "Only bonded penguins will be able to successfully find their partner using their calls when they are separated." When the couple constructed a nest out of stones, caretakers provided them with a dummy egg to practice incubating.

To read more on this story, click here: 'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It

FOLLOW US!

‘Maine Coon Kitten’ That Has A Human-Like Face Is All Over The Internet

The internet is obsessed with cats. Literally. Cat memes are littered across the internet with a populace that's quite astounding. It's no wonder why this Maine Coon kitten has drawn so much attention.

Tatiana Rastorgueva, the owner of a 2 month old Maine Coon kitten (whom she named Valkyrie) merely had to upload a picture on Instagram of her new fur ball before she went viral. Valkyrie, as it turns out, doesn't quite look like your everyday, average Maine Coon kitten.

Tatiana took notice of her kitten's minor abnormalities and wanted all her friends to see. She didn't expect that her kitten's human-like face would be an internet sensation.

Now, "human-like" can mean so many different things. Usually, when animals are personified as human, they have some specific attributes. Sometimes animals make noises that sound like us talking, or they "smile" like us, or protect us. So, even though Valkyrie undoubtedly looks human, it's a toss up for what makes her so human-like to so many people.

In the pictures, which you can check out here, people have noted that the look in her eyes as she puts on a comforting, surreal expression is what makes her so human like. Others have pointed out that the structure of her bones along her face are truly resembling that of a human face.

Valkyrie, it seems, just has the "it" or "wow" factor that draws so many different people in!

To read more on this story, click here: ‘Maine Coon Kitten’ That Has A Human-Like Face Is All Over The Internet

FOLLOW US!