Cat owners are familiar with the peculiar behaviour known as “kneading,” where cats rhythmically push their paws in and out against soft surfaces. This article explores the scientific understanding behind this intriguing feline behaviour.

Evolutionary Origins

• Kneading behaviour is believed to have roots in kittenhood
• Kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow
• This instinctive behaviour may persist into adulthood

Proposed Functions of Kneading

1. Comfort and Relaxation

• Kneading is often associated with contentment in adult cats
• The repetitive motion may release endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being
• Many cats purr while kneading, further indicating a positive emotional state

2. Scent Marking

• Cats have scent glands in their paw pads
• Kneading may help deposit their scent on surfaces or people
• This behaviour could serve as a form of territorial marking

3. Nesting Behaviour

• Wild cats may knead to create a comfortable resting spot in tall grass or foliage
• Domestic cats might retain this instinct, even when provided with soft bedding

4. Social Bonding

• Kneading on humans or other animals may be a sign of affection
• This behaviour could be an extension of the kitten-mother bonding process

Physiological Aspects

• Kneading involves the flexion and extension of the cat’s forelimbs
• The rhythmic motion is controlled by the motor cortex and spinal cord
• Individual cats may display variations in kneading patterns and intensity

Factors Influencing Kneading Behaviour

• Age: Kneading is more common in kittens and young adult cats
• Early weaning: Cats weaned too early may exhibit more frequent kneading
• Stress levels: Some cats may knead more when anxious or seeking comfort
• Environmental stimuli: Soft textures or familiar scents may trigger kneading

Last word

While the exact reasons for kneading behaviour in adult cats remain somewhat mysterious, scientific research suggests a combination of instinctive, emotional, and social factors at play. Understanding this behaviour can provide valuable insights into feline psychology and strengthen the bond between cats and their human companions.

As responsible cat owners, we cherish our feline companions and strive to provide them with the best care possible.

However, when our beloved cats live exclusively indoors, they encounter unique challenges that require thoughtful consideration. In this section, we delve into these challenges and offer practical solutions to enhance their well-being.

1. Lack of Environmental Stimulation

Challenges:

Cats living indoors often face monotony due to limited exploration opportunities. Without the natural stimuli of the outdoors, they may become restless.

Solutions:

To combat boredom, consider providing interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, laser pointers, and treat-dispensing toys. Additionally, create vertical spaces like cat trees and scratching posts, and place perches near windows for visual stimulation.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

Challenges:

Indoor cats are prone to obesity due to reduced physical activity. Without the need to hunt for food, they may gain excess weight. Additionally, lack of exercise can lead to weakened muscles.

Solutions:

Engage in daily play sessions with feather wands or toy mice to keep your cat active. Encourage movement by hiding treats around the house, and consider investing in cat wheels or treadmills for extra exercise.

3. Social Isolation

Challenges:

Cats are social creatures, even if they don’t always show it. Indoor cats may feel lonely without regular interaction. In single-cat households, the absence of feline companionship can lead to stress.

Solutions:

Spend quality time petting, talking, and bonding with your cat. If possible, consider adopting a second cat to provide companionship. Visual stimuli, such as cat TV or bird feeders, can also alleviate loneliness.

4. Indoor Air Quality

Challenges:

Indoor air can harbour dust, pollen, and other irritants that affect both humans and cats. Without fresh outdoor breezes, indoor air can become stagnant.

Solutions:

Regular cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, and changing air filters) helps maintain a healthier environment. Consider incorporating indoor plants that improve air quality (ensuring they’re non-toxic to cats), and open windows safely to promote air circulation.

Last word

By understanding and addressing these challenges, you can create a nurturing indoor environment for your beloved feline friend. Remember, your cat relies on you for a happy and healthy life.

A good groomer is worth their weight in dog treats (or catnip!). They not only keep your furry friend looking sharp, but also play a vital role in their overall health.

Introducing a cat and dog can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved, but it’s crucial to do it slowly and carefully to avoid stress and potential conflict.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you introduce your cat and dog successfully.

Prepare the environment:

• Create separate spaces for each pet: Provide each animal with their own food, water, litter box/bed, and hiding spots.
• Ensure that both pets are healthy and that their vaccinations are up to date.
• Desensitise them to each other’s scents: A good way to do this is by swapping blankies or toys between their spaces to get them accustomed to each other’s smells.

Manage your expectations:

• Understand that the process might take days or even weeks.
• Be patient and avoid rushing it.
• Be prepared for setbacks and don’t force interactions.

Start with supervised interactions:

• Keep the dog on a leash and the cat in a carrier or secure room.
• Allow a safe distance for them to see and smell each other.
• Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise for both pets.
• Gradually decrease the distance between them as long as they remain calm.

Focus on positive interactions:

• Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, and praise reliably encourage good behaviour.
• Play with each pet separately in the same room, allowing them to get used to each other’s presence indirectly.

Increase supervised interactions:

• Gradually allow short leash-free interactions in a controlled environment.
• Distract the dog with toys if they show signs of aggression or excitement.
• End the interaction before any tension arises.

Monitor their behaviour closely:

• Pay attention to body language like tail position, ears, and postures.
• Separate them immediately if any signs of aggression or fear appear.

Progress gradually:

• Only move to unsupervised interactions once both pets are comfortable and relaxed around each other.
• Provide escape routes and hiding spots for both animals.
• Continue to monitor their interactions and intervene if necessary.

Additional Tips:

• In a difficult situation, consider using a professional trainer or behaviourist: They can provide personalised guidance and support.
• Introduce kittens and puppies at an early age: This can help them socialise and develop positive associations with each other.
• Be patient and consistent: Building trust and positive relationships takes time and effort.
• Never leave the cat and dog unsupervised until you’re confident they are comfortable and safe together.

Remember, every cat and dog are an individual with unique personalities and needs. Tailor this guide to your specific pets and their temperaments for a successful introduction.

Choosing a pet is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It is a long-term personal commitment that should reflect your lifestyle, preferences, and resources.

These are the essential factors to help you decide which pet to choose:

1. Lifestyle and Activity Level:

Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining the kind of pet that would be suitable for you. If you lead an active lifestyle, a dog might be a good fit as they require regular exercise. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, a cat might be more appropriate.

2. Space Availability:

The amount of space you have can also influence your choice of pet. Larger pets like dogs need more space to move around, while smaller pets require less space.

3. Research: 

It’s essential to research the different types of pets available and their needs. This will help you understand what to expect and prepare accordingly.

4. Professional Advice: 

Veterinarians or rescue organisations can provide valuable advice on choosing the right pet based on your lifestyle and preferences.

5. Pet Care Essentials: 

Before bringing a new pet home, ensure you have everything needed to care for them, including food, bedding, toys, and access to veterinary care.

6. Allergies: 

Pets can trigger allergic reactions. If you or any family member has allergies, have this checked by your MD before introducing a pet into the home.

7. Family Situation: 

Your family situation, including the presence of children or other pets, can influence your choice of pet. Often pets are more suitable for families with children, while others might not get along well with other pets.

8. Future Plans: 

If you plan to move or travel frequently, you might want to consider a pet that’s easier to transport, like a small dog or a cat.

9. Landlord or HOA Policies: 

If you live in a rented property or a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), make sure to check their pet policies.

10. Personal Preferences: 

Your preferences play a significant role in choosing a pet. Do you prefer a furry or furless pet? A playful or independent pet? These preferences will guide your choice.

11. Time and Financial Commitment: 

Pets require time and financial investment. Consider whether you can provide the necessary care, including walking, playing, and cleaning up after them. Also, factor in the costs of food, toys, veterinary checkups, and grooming.

In conclusion, choosing a pet involves a careful evaluation of your personal preferences, lifestyle, space, and resources. With thoughtful consideration, you can find a pet that brings joy and companionship into your life.

Cats are not as domesticated as dogs and are suspected of seeing their owners mainly as a source of sustenance and comfort.

The more appropriately you provide these, the better your relationship will be. That means, understanding your feline companion’s body language is essential for building a strong and fulfilling relationship. We all know what cat vocalisations mean; the contented purring or outraged howls leave no doubts about their meaning. However, bodily movements and positions provide a more complex and nuanced mode of communication, and by learning to read these signals, you can better understand your cat’s moods and needs.

Common Body Language Signals

Ears: A cat’s ears can reveal a great deal about their mood. Perked-up and forward ears indicate alertness and interest in the surrounding environment. Flattened ears against the head suggest fear or threat perception.

Eyes: A cat’s eyes can also provide valuable insights into their mood. Wide, dilated eyes indicate fear or excitement. Narrowed, half-closed eyes suggest relaxation and contentment.

Tail: The tail is one of the most expressive parts of the cat’s body. A tail held high with a slight curve at the tip indicates happiness and confidence. A low-held or tucked tail suggests fear or threat perception. A rapidly swishing tail indicates agitation or anger.

Body Posture: A cat’s body posture can also provide clues about their mood. A relaxed cat will have a loose and relaxed body posture. A tense cat will have a stiff and hunched body posture.

Other Specific Body Language Signals

Rubbing: Rubbing against a person is a sign of affection.

Kneading: Kneading with the paws is a sign of comfort and contentment.

Biting or Scratching: Biting or scratching is a sign of aggression or defense.

Interpreting Body Language Signals

It is important to note that every cat is different, and some cats may exhibit body language signals in different ways. It is helpful to pay attention to your cat’s individual personality and behaviours so that you can better understand their body language.

These are tips for interpreting your cat’s body language:

• Pay attention to the cat’s entire body posture, including their ears, eyes, tail, and body position.
• Consider the context of the situation. What is the cat doing and what is happening around them?
• Look for changes in the cat’s body language. If the cat’s body language changes suddenly, it may be a sign that they are feeling stressed, scared, or threatened.

If you are unsure of what the cat’s body language means, it is always best to err on the side of caution and give them space.

Last word

The knowledge we gain from learning to read our cats’ body language will help us build stronger relationships with them, making it easier to share a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

SERVICE DOGS

While it is obviously not practical in every situation, over the years, some workplaces have implemented policies that accommodate highly trained and impeccably mannered service dogs. Although an employee with a service dog is solely responsible for the care of the animal, there are a number of additional accommodations employers have considered, which include the employee taking additional breaks and providing designated areas for their service dog’s daily needs (i.e. feeding and toilet breaks). Other accommodations entail conducting or arranging disability awareness training to advise co-workers about the use of service dogs and how to act/interact with them.

As more employers allow service dogs to accompany their owners to work, a trend has emerged that recognises the potential advantages of having pets in the office. These benefits have been increasingly noticed since so many folks have returned to work after the Covid lockdowns.

COVID-19 AND PETS

A Forbes Advisor survey found that many owners acquired their pets during the pandemic. Globally there was also a 250% increase in searches for pets (mainly cats and dogs) during 2020, compared to a similar period in 2019. Sadly, since then, pet adoption organisations have reported a steep rise in owners choosing to give up their pets. Among those who have kept theirs, it is generally accepted that their companion animals boosted their well-being during the pandemic e.g., by providing company and fun. Such experiences created deep bonds on both sides of the relationship but the return to work has left many pets feeling abandoned and lonely and the owners feeling guilty and miserable.

With staff mental health high on many modern employers’ list of priorities, having other categories of support animals in the workplace has become a serious consideration. Not only that, but HR managers who have to attract and retain the best employees have seen that pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise. According to one main-stream press article 52% of those asked said that pet-friendly benefits and policies are important when considering an employer with 49% saying that a pet-friendly work environment could convince them to take a job.

OFFICE PET ETIQUETTE

With such significant changes afoot in the working environment what would be the responsibilities of a sensible and appreciative pet owner? It’s important to note that a service animal is not a pet and falls into a unique category when it comes to enforceable employee rights. In every other case, it will be at the employer’s discretion to allow non-service animals on the premises. Generally, this will have strict rules attached. To avoid creating untenable situations, these are the sensible considerations aspirant office pet owners will have to accept.

• Behaviour
  • Aggression: A dog that is at all aggressive or over-robust would not be welcomed by co-workers.
  • Obedience: Unless your dog is able to respond promptly to commands, it will have difficulty adapting to the demands of the office environment.

• Impulse control
  • Low impulse control is typified by jumping on people for attention, frantic barking, or climbing onto furniture.
  • Teaching a dog good impulse control is fairly easy in the right settings and with the correct techniques.
    
    
• Grooming
  
  
• A dog that is not well groomed or has too much of a doggy odour can be really off-putting and will attract negative responses from colleagues.
  
  
• It isn’t just the shaggy-dog appearance, but also the amount of shedding that will bother people.
  
  
• Making sure that nuisances like fleas and mites are never found on your dog will make it much more attractive to your co-workers.
  
  
• If your dog suffers from flatulence or frequent vomiting, not taking it to the office may be the best decision.
  
  
• Health
  • Keeping your dog healthy and in good condition will make for much more enjoyable interactions between your pet and others who share your working space.
  • Remember it’s not just your pet’s health that matters. Folks with allergies could find it unbearable to sneeze and wheeze their way through the workday.

Some employers may seek to appease both pet-owning employees and those who do not want pets at their workplace by introducing measures such as pet-free areas, designated lifts, or specified routes for movement around the office. However, it is important to note that the rules and policies regarding non-service animals in the workplace are not obligatory and will vary from company to company.

By maintaining a high standard of pet etiquette at work you will ensure a happy welcome from your employer and co-employees.

It’s been proved by millions throughout the centuries and there remains no doubt about it, the world’s best dog is the one that owns you.

Nonetheless, humans in various countries prefer different breeds to fill that role. Just like the population census provides valuable demographic information, some folks have a keen interest in knowing how many and what kinds of dogs inhabit their fair lands. While not always scientifically reliable with the general trends changing over time, such data are tracked by the animal health-care industry, dog food manufacturers, kennel clubs, and others. There are good business reasons for having such knowledge but sometimes it seems more about understanding changing preferences and how these affect and are affected by social conditions. An example is how dog ownership statistics reflected the realities of the Covid19 lockdowns. Many people acquired companion dogs, and because of living in apartments without much space, the choice was often, but not invariably, a more petite breed. That’s why you’ll find the Havanese, Dachshund, various Doodles, and the mighty Chihuahua occupying spots in the top eight of the countries we studied.

Despite these tendencies, it’s clear that many dog-owning nations still favour the larger more robustly built types of pooch because the top two positions in every country are occupied by bulkier breeds. Judging by these results, the Lab, or to give its full moniker, the Labrador Retriever, is universally held in the highest esteem. Since 1991, it has widely been recognised as the number one dog choice in many countries, a full three decades of holding the crown.

Traditionally, there were four main reasons for choosing a particular breed. Historically these were guarding, working, hunting, and companionship. In recent years, our canine chums have assumed more dedicated roles, which includes being service dogs, empathy dogs, and medical alert dogs. It’s no surprise then that the Labrador is also favoured for these socially demanding tasks.

Fortunately, though, preferences differ, and just as we express our diverse personalities by how we live, what we wear and which teams we support, similarly our choice of dog proclaims a lot about ourselves. Designer jewelry, clothes, furniture, and now designer mutts are some examples of how we make such statements. Since the 1960s, dedicated breeders have been hybridizing the giant, standard, and toy Poodles with a variety of other types such as the Cocker and Cavalier spaniels for the Cockapoo and Cavoodle, while the ubiquitous Labrador has produced the Labradoodle. It is not on record whether any South African or U.S. breeders have attempted to produce the Boerdoodle.

While it makes no difference to their loving parents, these purposely bred dogs are unlikely to be registered as full breeds or shown at Crufts any time in the near future. While just as delightful and far healthier than their cousins from pure-bred parent lines, their great variability in size and proportions make it difficult to specify an ideal type.

Below are fairly representative top eight lists from Canada, the U.K., and Australia that indicate which breeds presently enjoy the highest popularity.