🌱 HEALTHY HABITS
Allergy Season Can Be Tough On Cats, Too

Spring isn't just about blooming flowers and budding trees—it also brings higher pollen counts that can be tough on those with asthma, including our feline friends. While asthma attacks are less common in cats than in humans, those who are affected still need a proper diagnosis and treatment to manage their condition effectively. Dr. Audrey Cook from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of asthma early, such as wheezing, increased breathing effort, and coughing, which can help improve a cat's quality of life through timely veterinary care.

Asthmatic cats, typically diagnosed as young adults, may exhibit limitations in their ability to play and climb due to shortness of breath. If diagnosed, veterinarians often prescribe glucocorticoids to reduce airway inflammation and may recommend inhaled steroids for long-term control to minimize side effects, alongside bronchodilators for short-term relief. Regular check-ups are crucial for managing asthma and adjusting treatments as necessary. Owners can also reduce asthma attacks by minimizing their cats’ exposure to allergens and irritants, helping them lead happier, more comfortable lives.

💡 INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS
Study Shows Cats Love People Who Don’t Like Cats

Cat lovers get it—winning over a cat isn't a walk in the park. These critters are the epitome of cool detachment, especially compared to dogs, who'll slobber all over anyone at the door. A recent study published in Nature even confirms what cat aficionados have long known: to really get on a cat’s good side, you've got to play it cool and earn their trust, step by careful step.

How to Win a Cat’s Affection:

• Cats Aren’t Easy: Right off the bat, cats are standoffish. If you're coming on strong, expecting immediate cuddles, you're in for a surprise.

• Insights from the Nature Study:

  • Less experienced cat people often have better luck because they don't assume they know what’s best for the cat.

  • Cats dig folks who are chill—those who sit back and let the cat come to them when it’s ready.

• Pro Tips for Bonding:

  • Stick to safe spots like the ears, cheeks, and chin for initial pets, and steer clear of no-go zones like the belly.

  • Cut the stare-downs; cats see that as a threat. Act like you barely notice them.

  • Let the cat make the first move. This isn’t a dance floor; it’s a slow, respectful shuffle.

Bottom line? Getting a cat to like you isn't about flaunting your feline knowledge or trying to be the cat whisperer. It’s about subtlety and patience—laying low and keeping your cool until they decide you’re one of the good guys. When you finally break through, trust me, the payoff is sweet—there's nothing like the nod of approval from a cat.

🫂 CAT COMMUNITY
Green-Eyed Maine Coon Could Beat Anyone in a Staring Contest

Cats really have a knack for staring you down until you're the one who has to look away. It’s downright spooky how intense they get—like they’re trying to tell you they’ve got the lowdown on all your deepest, darkest secrets. Take Zora, a green-eyed Maine Coon whose stare feels like it’s cutting right through to your soul. Her owner, Robert Sijka, has hit viral fame more than once thanks to his photogenic crew of Maine Coons, but Zora's the one with that “knows-too-much” gaze that really grabs you 👇

@robert_sijka

Xtra. #mainecoon #cat #felisgallery

Despite what Zora’s piercing look might suggest, cats aren’t usually into making eye contact. It's a big no-no in the cat world, seen as a throwdown for a fight rather than a friendly gesture. But when it comes to us humans, if a cat is chilling in your lap, making biscuits on your chest, or giving you a slow blink, they’re actually pretty relaxed. Curious about how a grumpy cat like Zora ends up being one of the cuddliest around, almost like the canine of the cat world? Click to read more.