Latest news with #cats
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
Most Cats Sleep on Their Left Side, and Scientists Think They Know Why
If you're a cat owner, chances are you spend an unhealthy amount of time scrolling through your photo gallery, reviewing adorable photos of your cats for the thousandth time. While doing so, perhaps you've noticed that your cats appear to favor a certain side while sleeping. And if that happens to be the left side, new scientific research suggests you're right. This could be a survival strategy for cats, according to a recent study published in Current Biology. In the paper, the researchers explain that in mammals such as cats, the right hemisphere of the brain controls the left visual field, spatial awareness, and quick responses to threats. Sleeping on the left allows the right hemisphere of a cat's brain to be readily available to identify and coordinate a rapid escape, the scientists claim. Virtually all animals are at risk to predators while sleeping. That's a problem for cats (at least in their pre-domesticated natural state), who spend around 12 to 16 hours each day sleeping. For that reason, cats usually sleep in locations they consider safe. But the researchers were curious as to whether cats evolved other tactics to stay safe during and immediately after their frequent naps. To answer this question, the researchers analyzed 408 publicly available YouTube videos featuring cats sleeping on their sides, with the requirement that the nap had to be uninterrupted for at least ten seconds. They found that in two-thirds of the videos, the cats preferred to sleep on their left side, which the researchers then attempted to explain in terms of neuroscience. 'Since cats prefer to sleep in elevated positions, upon awakening they would immediately see predators or prey with the left side of their visual field,' the study authors explained in a statement. 'Since the right hemisphere has advanced spatial abilities and can quickly coordinate rapid escape and possibly also hunting functions, left-side sleeping would provide evolutionary benefits as a survival strategy.' Scientists Want to See Videos of Your Cat for a New Study But as the scientists themselves admit, this conclusion warrants further investigation to explore other potential factors that influence a cat's favored sleeping position. While their analysis of the videos turned up a statistically significant leftward bias at the population level, 'we obviously have no information about the sex or pregnancy status of the videotaped cats,' they wrote in the paper. Indeed, pregnancy might be another complicating variable, a trend scientists previously observed for pregnant cows. Additionally, 'pawedness'—the cat version of right- or left-handedness—should also be taken into consideration for future research, the scientists said. Overall, the authors conclude that this finding, while subject to debate, 'could provide an excellent opportunity to study the emergence of asymmetries at the population level, while also helping us to learn more about the nature of one of our favorite pets.' A quick and very unscientific population survey among Gizmodo and Kotaku's cat owners affirmed the study's findings, showing a slightly greater tendency for cats to favor their left side while sleeping. I was also able to confirm that my roommate's two cats both tend to curl up on their left side. There were, however, some outlier cases, such as Kotaku staff writer Zachary Zwiezen's feline companion, who reportedly 'just does the super tight curl and turns into a strange organic shape that, while cute, lacks any sides.' To gather more data, we'd like to invite our readers to share their cats' favored sleeping position in the comments. Photo evidence is encouraged.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Vet warns ‘damage is irreversible if left untreated': 8 signs your cat has gingivitis – and how to prevent it becoming dental disease
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Gingivitis in cats is one of the most common dental problems seen in general practice, yet it's often misunderstood or missed by owners until the condition becomes severe. As a small animal vet with 14 years of experience, I've helped lots of cats with dental disease, and gingivitis is almost always where it starts. Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums, and while it may seem mild at first, it can lead to significant discomfort and more serious oral health issues if left untreated. The good news is, with the right management and care, it can often be controlled and even reversed. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about gingivitis in cats – from the early warning signs to the best treatment options – with practical advice from clinical experience. Whether you're a first-time cat owner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you protect your feline friend's pearly whites. Gingivitis in cats is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva) that surround and support the teeth. It's typically caused by a build-up of plaque – a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles – on the surface of your cat's teeth. If not regularly removed, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which further irritates the gums and worsens the inflammation. In the early stages, gingivitis may just affect the gumline. Owners may notice redness, swelling, and bleeding around the teeth. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the structures supporting the teeth, like ligaments and bone, become damaged. This stage is often irreversible and can lead to tooth loss. Some cats also develop a more severe form of gum disease called stomatitis, where inflammation extends deeper into the mouth and causes widespread pain. Cats are incredibly stoic creatures, and they often hide signs of pain. That's why gingivitis can easily go unnoticed until it's quite advanced. Look out for these common signs: Red, swollen gums, especially around the base of the teeth Bleeding gums are often noticed during eating or when chewing on toys Bad breath (halitosis) is a telltale sign of oral bacteria Drooling or saliva with traces of blood Difficulty eating, chewing on one side, or dropping food Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face Decreased appetite or weight loss Changes in behavior, such as being more withdrawn or irritable There are several underlying causes of gingivitis in cats, and often it's a combination of factors. Here are the most common: There are several underlying causes of gingivitis in cats, and often it's a combination of factors. Here are the most common: Dental plaque and tartar: These are the number one causes. If plaque isn't removed through regular cleaning, it calcifies into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS): This is an immune-mediated condition where the cat's immune system overreacts to plaque, causing severe and painful inflammation in the gums and mouth. Viral infections: Viruses like feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can all contribute to gingivitis and stomatitis. Luckily, some of these can be vaccinated against. Vaccinations are very important for our pets. Tooth resorption: A common and painful condition in cats where the tooth structure breaks down, exposing sensitive dentin and leading to secondary gum inflammation. Poor oral hygiene: Just like in humans, cats need regular dental care. Lack of brushing, dental diets, or professional cleaning leads to rapid plaque accumulation. Genetic predisposition: Some breeds, such as Abyssinians, Siamese, and Persians, are more prone to dental issues, including gingivitis. Diet: Soft or wet food diets don't provide the abrasive action needed to help keep teeth clean, which can contribute to plaque build-up. The treatment for gingivitis in cats depends on the underlying cause and severity. Here's how it is typically managed: Professional dental cleaning: A full dental scale and polish performed under general anaesthesia is usually the first step. This allows your vet to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and assess each tooth for disease. Tooth extraction: If teeth are loose, damaged, or contributing to chronic inflammation, they may need to be removed. Cats can do very well without several or even all of their teeth, and it often significantly improves their quality of life. Medical treatment: Anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs), antibiotics, or immune-modulating drugs may be used, particularly in cases like FCGS. Your vet will tailor a treatment plan based on your cat's individual needs. Ongoing dental hygiene: At-home care is crucial for long-term success. This includes keeping your cat's teeth clean, brushing your cat's teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews or diets, and regular vet checks. Mild cases of gingivitis can sometimes be managed at home with daily tooth brushing and dental-friendly products. However, once tartar is present, it can only be removed professionally. Never attempt DIY dental scaling – this can cause pain and damage the teeth. Home care is essential after professional treatment to prevent recurrence. There are many products that help, including: Pet toothbrushes and pet toothpaste, learning how to brush your cat's teeth can make a huge difference. Dental diets (like Hill's t/d) Water additives Dental gels and sprays Soft Cat Toothbrush Set | AmazonThis gentle yet effective toothbrush kit is ideal for both cats and small dogs, and made from food-grade silicone. The ergonomic design ensures easy handling, while the soft bristles provide a comfortable brushing experience. It is a practical and pet-friendly addition to your grooming Deal If left untreated, gingivitis in cats can progress to periodontal disease, leading to: Chronic pain Tooth loss Oral infections that can spread to other parts of the body Poor general health due to inflammation Weight loss and reduced quality of life Increased veterinary costs in the long term Early intervention is always best. Even if your cat isn't showing obvious signs, regular dental checks can help catch issues before they become serious. Read more here on fascinating facts about cat's teeth or four ways to prevent gingivitis that I'd wish I'd known sooner Edited by Megan Milstead. This page was last updated in July 2025 by Emma Chandley.
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Inside Operation ‘Cattitude': A Pet Food Giant's Mission to Understand Cats
The pet food giant had a problem. Cats were rapidly catching up to dogs as America's favorite pets, but the company was filled with people who didn't fully understand the mercurial creatures—or their owners. So Mars launched a mission to get its dog-loving workers inside cats' heads.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who loves cats more than North Canton? Turns out, not many places 🐈
North Canton is known for being the birthplace of Hoover vacuums. It's also home to Diebold Nixdorf, a worldwide maker of ATMs. But PetSmart says the Stark County community also should be known for ... cats. The pet supply retailer on July 11 released a list of the top 25 cat-loving cities in the U.S. and North Canton is ranked No. 12. The rankings are based on PetSmart Charities cat adoptions and sales of cat pampering products bought at PetSmart stores, the company said. North Canton is the only Ohio city to make the list. "We're seeing a remarkable surge in cat enthusiasm, and our top cat-loving cities index reflects this trend," Matt Byrnes, senior vice president of merchandising, said in a prepared statement. Cats have been adopted at a higher rate than dogs in recent years, according to PetSmart. "We've been following this trend as cat adoptions outpace dog adoptions — and it's fair to say cats are having a moment," Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, said in a prepared statement. "This index shows us that cat parenting is more universal than you might think, and those old stereotypes no longer apply. More people than ever are enjoying the playful nature of cat companionship. Cats can thrive in smaller living spaces, and their independence often makes them incredibly appealing to pet parents who can't get out for regular walks." The American Veterinary Medical Association last year found that dogs were more commonly found in U.S. households than cats, with 59.8 million U.S. households owning dogs and 42.2 million households owning cats. There were 89.7 million total pet dogs in the U.S. that year and 73.8 million pet cats, according to the association. Cat owners were slightly more likely to have multiple cats, with an average of 1.8 cats per household, whereas dog owners had an average of 1.5 dogs per household. To commemorate its Charities National Adoption Week, which runs from July 21-27, PetSmart is offering new pet parents who adopt within the week a chance to claim "Very Important Pet Parent" status. "VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) status (is) the highest tier and level of savings for PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty members," the company said in a prepared statement. "PetSmart is also making it easier than ever for pet parents to welcome adopted cats into their homes celebrating Anything for Cats Month throughout July, featuring the biggest deals of the year across cat products and services." Here's the full list of the top 25 cat-loving cities: Lexington, Kentucky Green Bay, Wisconsin Mount Juliet, Tennessee Spokane, Washington Falls Church, Virginia New York City Clarksville, Tennessee Fort Collins, Colorado Alhambra, California Daly City, California Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania North Canton Plattsburgh, New York Sioux City, Iowa Kennesaw, Georgia San Juan Capistrano, California Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania Los Angeles Oviedo, Florida Flagstaff, Arizona Commerce Township, Michigan Springfield, Illinois Evansville, Indiana Johnson City, Tennessee Kensington, Maryland This article originally appeared on The Repository: PetSmart ranks the top 25 cat-loving cities in America
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Remembering Coal, the last Parliament Hill cat
The Parliament Hill cat sanctuary drew visitors from across the world for decades. Now, years after the sanctuary closed, the last remaining cat from the colony has now died.
