Is your cat having trouble urinating? Does it meow before and/or while urinating? It might be suffering from cystitis. Cystitis is a common urinary disorder in cats, characterized by inflammation (with or without infection) of the bladder wall. Symptoms, treatments, cat food, prevention — we tell you everything about cystitis in cats. What is cystitis in cats? Cats are particularly sensitive animals, often prone to urinary problems such as cystitis and urinary stones, also called urolithiasis. Cystitis is one of the subtypes of feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD). It corresponds to an inflammation of the bladder wall, causing painful and frequent excretion of small amounts of urine. The causes are varied; it can be associated with many diseases: congenital malformation, tumor, presence of urinary stones that disrupt urine flow, urinary tract infection... But in most cases (2 out of 3), the origin is not identified. No physical or infectious cause is proven. That is why we speak of feline idiopathic cystitis, whose main cause is thought to be stress, to which cats are particularly sensitive. Cystitis is often confused with kidney failure in cats. Two very different diseases. While cystitis affects the bladder, kidney failure is a dysfunction of the renal tissue, the kidney itself. Unlike cystitis, this disease is irreversible. How the cat's urinary system works The urinary system of our cats works like ours. It is a well-oiled machine that can, however, be disrupted. As explained in our article on urinary problems in cats, the kidneys play a major role in regulating hydration and minerals and eliminating toxins continuously produced by the body. They are highly vascularized and filter blood, directing electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium...), water, and many substances from protein metabolism (like creatinine and urea) to the urine. In the kidneys, there is the so-called parenchyma, highly vascularized, containing functional units like small factories sorting molecules to recycle and waste. This allows the kidney to clean the blood and produce primary urine sent to the renal pelvis. This acts like a funnel that collects the primary urine and sends it to the ureter, then to the bladder. From there, we talk about the lower urinary tract: the ureters, bladder, and urethra conduct, transform, and eliminate urine.   What are the symptoms of cystitis in cats? Pain and excessive licking A cat with cystitis may show one or more signs. These are easily recognizable. Among them: The cat meows before or while urinating. Cystitis is indeed a particularly painful disorder for our little companions (just like for us humans). Blood in the urine is sometimes present. Note that the presence of blood in urine does not necessarily mean an infection is present. We will discuss the causes shortly. The cat excessively licks its genital area. Behavioral changes Other signs may alert you, especially regarding your whiskered friend’s behavior. Frequent trips to the litter box. The cat goes very often to its litter box, with or without producing urine (pollakiuria). Having great difficulty urinating, it squats in the litter box for a long time and produces only a few drops of urine. This is called dysuria. Some owners think their cat is constipated, while it actually shows signs of a lower urinary tract problem. Be alert! It urinates outside the litter box. Suffering, the cat associates its toileting with pain and prefers to urinate elsewhere. What causes cystitis in cats? Infectious cystitis The causes of cystitis in cats are varied. It can be due to congenital malformation, tumor, or urinary tract infection. Infections remain very rare in young cats: they concern only about 1% of cats showing clinical signs of cystitis. In cats, cystitis is often “sterile,” without infection. However, infections can be favored by diabetes in cats, chronic kidney failure, or hyperthyroidism. Water-deficient diet Another probable cause of inflammation is the presence of urinary stones, which disrupt urine flow. A diet deficient in water is often to blame: a cat that does not drink enough water while eating only dry food, such as kibble, risks chronic dehydration, leading to concentrated urine that favors the formation of urinary stones. In fact, more cases of cystitis are observed in cats eating dry food than in those eating wet food (pâté). Feline idiopathic cystitis: the role of stress But in most cases (2 out of 3), the cause of cystitis is not precisely identified. No physical cause is proven. This is called feline idiopathic cystitis. The mechanisms of this cystitis are still poorly understood, but stress seems to play an important role in the inflammation of the feline bladder. Stress sources for cats are numerous: moving house, transport, vet visits, arrival of a new animal or child in the family. Even a change of couch or curtains can stress our little cats. Using an unsuitable litter box can also cause stress. Even if a cat normally uses its litter box, it can have frustrations: it is not comfortable enough for its little paws, it dislikes the smell, etc. On our blog, we give you some advice to choose the best litter for your cat (and for you). 😺 Stress and lack of water are the two main factors of cystitis in cats. Diagnosing cystitis in cats If your little cat shows one or more signs, it is necessary to consult your veterinarian. They will perform various exams to determine the cause of the discomfort. Your vet will notably perform urine and blood tests, and if necessary, X-rays or ultrasounds to detect possible stones. Feline Cystitis: What Are the Treatments? The treatment depends on the cause of cystitis. If an infection is confirmed, your vet will prescribe antibiotics. In case of urinary stones, a special diet for cats with urinary disorders will be recommended. Surgery may also be considered if calcium oxalate stones are present. For idiopathic cystitis, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs. But whatever the cause, a diet high in water content will also be key for your little feline. Cystitis is a very frustrating condition to manage, especially when it is stress-related. It is a vicious cycle: stress can cause cystitis. Cystitis is painful. Pain causes stress in the cat. Stress promotes cystitis. And so on. Relapses can occur, however. Stress management and the amount of water in your cat’s diet are the most important factors to treat and prevent cystitis. Providing Your Cat with a Diet Rich in Water To provide optimal hydration to your cat, prioritize wet food. As a reference, wet food contains on average 75% water compared to 10% in dry kibble. Wet food is even recommended for all cats, whether sick or healthy. Wet food is the key to good health! It not only prevents urinary problems but also reduces risks of constipation, obesity, and overweight, which can lead to diabetes, kidney failure, and more. But be careful when choosing wet food: just being high in water is not always enough. It should also be rich in quality proteins, low in carbohydrates, low in minerals, and meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. This is the case for all our cat pâtés. A wide range of products formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a veterinary specialist in feline nutrition for over 25 years. Ziggy Wet Food for Cats with Urinary Disorders At Ziggy, we care for all cats. We recently developed a special pâté for cats suffering from urinary disorders. Ziggy VET Urology pâté was formulated to support urinary function in cases of urinary disorders (idiopathic cystitis, reduction of struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation). Like all Ziggy recipes, our urinary health pâté contains proteins of excellent quality and exceptional digestibility. Very tasty and appetizing, Ziggy VET Urology pâté allows you to care for your cat while continuing to delight it! Be careful with dietary changes, though. If your cat is used to only eating dry food, introduce wet food gradually. A food transition is essential! A sudden change can cause stress, which, as mentioned, plays a role in cystitis onset in cats. Reducing Stress in Cats: Tips and Tricks Stress is a delicate problem, not always easy to identify or treat in cats. If your cat’s stress is due to a new child or pet in the home, try to spend a bit more time with them for petting and cuddling. Your cat will feel less neglected and regain confidence. Physical activity is also a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins, the well-being hormones. Play with your cat, offer toys (even a simple bottle cap or a cardboard box can work), or provide elevated structures so your cat can move around and also rest while watching over the living room. If stress is related to environmental changes (moving house, new sofa), be there to reassure your cat. It will gradually get used to the new situation. To help your cat relax, you can also use valerian. Available as a spray or diffuser, it is often used by vets to naturally treat anxiety. Also, spray some valerian in your cat’s carrier if stress is linked to vet visits or car trips. And of course, always use a suitable, clean litter box. If anxiety persists, your vet may prescribe an antidepressant treatment. How to Prevent Cystitis in Cats? A diet rich in water and a healthy environment are the best advice to reduce the risk of cystitis in your cat. Encourage Proper Hydration Proper hydration primarily comes from providing a diet rich in water by favoring wet food. As noted above, wet food contains about 75% water compared to 10% in dry food! It allows the cat to consume water through food and ultimately drink about 50% more water than when eating dry food and drinking separately! Wet food also has other health benefits. Besides fulfilling hydration needs, it has roughly 4 times fewer calories than dry food (per equal quantity); it allows your cat to eat enough to satisfy its appetite. The moisture content also adds volume in the stomach, helping your cat feel fuller longer. To increase your cat’s water intake, also consider offering several bowls of fresh water or a water fountain if your cat likes drinking from the tap or likes moving water. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the pâté or prepare flavored waters with a few drops of tuna juice or chicken/beef broth. Reduce Stress and Improve Your Cat’s Environment As mentioned earlier, reducing stress in cats is important. For this, play and cuddle your cat a bit more (if it wants), engage your cat with fishing pole toys, balls, or offer anti-stress products like valerian or plug-in diffusers. There are other tricks to calm a stressed cat: play music, give massages, provide hiding spots, etc. Be careful with the type of music played. Several studies show cats dislike rock, pop, or country music — all rhythmic genres. They prefer classical music, which is gentler on their ears. To avoid disturbing your cat (and neighbors), put away your Taylor Swift albums and play Mozart or Chopin!

Is your cat shedding? If your cat is shedding, don't worry. However, if your cat is shedding a lot of hair - abnormally (in clumps, scratching, holes) - this could indicate a behavioral or health problem.

Without proper nutrition, an unweaned kitten will have little chance of survival, even if you give it lots of love. How to feed an unweaned baby kitten? What milk to give? When to switch to wet food and/or dry kibble? Find all our advice so your little ball of fur can survive, grow, and become a “big” cat confident on its paws. From the kitten’s birth, the mother cat plays a crucial role. She provides warmth, protection, and food. And up to two or three months (or even more), she takes care of its nutritional and social weaning. She teaches it to eat, to clean itself, to be clean... She teaches all the basics of feline behavior! Unfortunately, sometimes a newborn kitten is left to fend for itself. Death, abandonment, or the mother cat being unable to care for it due to an accident or illness… there are many reasons. If you have to take care of a kitten less than two months old (under 8 weeks), your role will be very important, and appropriate nutrition will be essential for its survival and development. The challenge will be to feed it properly and provide all the nutrients it needs to grow into a beautiful, strong, and healthy cat. Some nutritional deficiencies in kittens can cause growth delays and even neurological disorders that can sometimes lead to death. Nutrition: How to feed an unweaned kitten? First of all, it is essential to consult your veterinarian so they can examine your little kitten and detect any possible health issues, especially if you found the abandoned kitten or if its mother rejected it. A vet visit is even more important if your kitten is only a few hours old. The first moments of a kitten’s life are critical because during the first feedings (within 24 to 48 hours), the kitten benefits from its mother’s colostrum, a substance secreted by the mammary glands packed with antibodies. These antibodies protect it from germs in its environment, various infections, and diseases! This yellowish liquid concentrates many essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, proteins, and digestive enzymes. If the kitten did not get access to this colostrum, it will be very vulnerable. An injection of artificial colostrum is vital for the kitten (within the first 15 hours after birth). Milk formula for unweaned kittens A kitten younger than 4 weeks only needs milk. But be careful, do not give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or human baby formula. These milks are too low in fat and too high in casein and lactose. They are absolutely not suitable for kittens’ nutritional needs. For your little kitten, choose a milk formula specially designed for kittens. Your veterinarian will recommend the most suitable milk and, depending on its age and weight, will tell you the dosages and the number of bottles to give daily. How many bottles should I give my kitten? Too small, the kitten will not yet be able to lap from a bowl. You will need to feed it by bottle, like a baby. The number of bottles and the dosages will decrease as it grows. Gradually, you will be able to introduce “solid” food in a bowl. The milk should be warmed to an ideal temperature of 38.5°C. It must not be too hot to avoid burning its fragile digestive system, nor too cold to avoid hypothermia. Very sensitive to cold, the newborn kitten indeed needs warmth. Here is a table to help you. Note: this table is indicative only. It does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.   How to give a bottle to your kitten? Unlike human babies, a kitten does not take its bottle lying (or almost) on its back. The best position to feed it is on its belly, as it would with its mother. Hold it in your hand (covering it with a small cloth to keep it warm) or place it on your belly, and offer the bottle by gently squeezing the nipple. Do not rush it, go gently. Your little cat will suckle its milk at its own pace. If it does not drink all the milk, do not force it. Ideally, give the bottle in a quiet place to avoid stress. Of course, before giving the bottle, remember to sterilize it and wash your hands to prevent germs and bacteria that could endanger the kitten’s health. After each bottle, also massage its little belly to help digestion. As a substitute mother, you will need to help it go to the bathroom—something it cannot do alone yet—by stimulating the lower belly and anus with a cotton ball or damp cloth. Feeding an unweaned kitten: milk and some wet food A kitten needs milk until about 6 weeks old. From 3 weeks, you can start introducing solid food. But again, only specially formulated food for kittens. Adult cat food is absolutely unsuitable for its nutritional needs and can cause deficiencies. Without proper nutrition, the kitten may develop growth delays and many health problems such as poor immune response to illness, neurological and digestive disorders, etc. Unlike an adult cat, a kitten needs more protein and fat. It also requires higher amounts of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, and very little fiber in its diet. These elements are not provided by adult cat kibble and wet food! For your growing little feline, choose kitten food. Preferably, wet food mixed with milk. Wet food pairs well and has the advantage of being richer in water than kibble. It is an excellent source of hydration and meets its water needs. Moreover, wet food is easier to eat and digest. At this age, the kitten does not yet have all its teeth. Milk teeth start to appear around 3 weeks and all come in between 6 and 7 weeks 😺 A quality wet food for kittens! So give kitten wet food but pay attention to quality. There is a wide variety of wet foods specially made for kittens on the market, but they are not all equal. Some are very low in animal proteins (and good quality protein), which is essential for your kitten’s health. They may contain reconstituted meat (a mix of vegetable and animal protein) or poor-quality meat chunks with little nutritional value. At Ziggy, we offer kitten wet food rich in quality proteins and meeting all the nutritional needs of kittens. All our recipes are formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, veterinary expert in feline nutrition.   How much wet food to give? Start with one teaspoon per day (to mix with the milk). Then, from the 4th week, you can give one teaspoon of wet food per meal. You can then increase the amount of wet food and reduce the milk, until stopping milk at the end of the 7th week. The transition must be gradual. A sudden change could cause diarrhea and vomiting. If your kitten is reluctant, put some wet food on its paw. By reflex, it will lick it and start to get familiar with its new food. You can also try gently rubbing some wet food juice on its gums. This may arouse its interest in the taste and texture of the new food. When it fully switches to solid food, do not hesitate to let it try different tastes and textures so it does not become “neophobic,” i.e., wary of new things when it grows a little. Once weaned, let it try minced meat, canned sardines, plain yogurt, or boiled zucchini. Always in small amounts, of course. For more information, feel free to check our article on kitten weaning on our blog. Monitor your little kitten’s weight Throughout its growth, weigh your kitten every day to ensure it is gaining weight properly. At birth, a kitten weighs about 100 grams and gains roughly 100 grams per week, until it weighs about 1 kilogram at 9 weeks (2 months and 1 week). If it does not gain weight or loses some, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible, who can then adjust its diet. Feeding an unweaned kitten is a difficult task. It can be a real challenge for you, but your kitten will need all your attention to survive and grow into a confident cat. Besides providing warmth, protection, and love ❤️, nutrition is the key. And if things go wrong, don’t blame yourself. Even doing your best, some kittens are sometimes too weak to survive without their mother.

A cat litter that doesn't stick to paws, effectively controls odors, is healthy, and environmentally friendly. Finding the ideal cat litter is not an easy task. In this article, we give you tips on how to choose the best cat litter for your cat (and for yourself). The Importance of Choosing a Good Cat Litter As cute as they are, cats are sensitive creatures and very particular. Regarding their diet: they need a complete and balanced diet that provides all essential nutrients for their health. But their needs don’t stop at food. They are also very picky about their cat litter. For Their Well-being Our furry friends place great importance on hygiene. They groom themselves constantly, even after a little petting session. And when they need to do their business (big or small), they expect a litter box that’s worthy — clean, comfortable for their paws, and pleasant for their noses. Otherwise, they might avoid the litter box or hold it in, which can be dangerous for their health. And For Their Health Cats are prone to urinary tract diseases like cystitis, an inflammation of the lower urinary tract. This causes pain and difficulty urinating. The causes of cystitis are varied: congenital malformations, kidney stones, tumors, infections. Often, the exact cause cannot be determined — called idiopathic cystitis. The mechanisms are not fully understood but seem linked to stress: moving house, arrival of a new pet or child, transport, etc. Stress can also be caused by the cat litter! Important: If your cat shows urinary problems, contact your veterinarian immediately. To prevent and avoid relapses, it is recommended to: Prefer wet food as it contains a lot of water and dilutes the urine; Offer more water points; Use calming pheromones; Provide elevated places for playing and resting; Spend more time with your cat; And of course, provide a clean and suitable cat litter. A good cat litter is therefore important. It contributes to well-being and prevents urinary diseases! But we as owners also suffer from unpleasant side effects. Some litters do not absorb odors (hello gas mask), stick to paws and spread throughout the house. The vacuum cleaner game — no thanks. The cat litter must satisfy both: the cat and the owner. Which Cat Litter to Choose? There are many types of cat litter: plant-based, mineral, clumping, non-clumping, silica, scented, etc. The choice is difficult. Let's get an overview. Mineral Cat Litter Introduced in the 1950s, it was the first commercial cat litter! It consists of small stones of various sizes made from clay minerals (natural or synthetic) or sand. Examples include bentonite (sometimes sodium-activated for better absorption), calcium silicate, kaolinite, attapulgite, and illite (green clay). There are clumping and non-clumping mineral litters. What is clumping cat litter? When in contact with urine, the grains clump together. This makes it easy to remove solid and liquid waste without changing the entire litter box content. Disadvantage: litter can stick to paws! Non-clumping litter does not bind urine. Mineral litter is very absorbent but binds odors poorly. Also, it is very dusty, which can be problematic for respiratory issues in cats or humans. Another downside: mineral litter is very environmentally unfriendly. It comes from non-renewable resources (clay from quarries), is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. After use, it belongs in the residual waste bin. Dust and ash from burning are harmful to the environment. Some products contain chemical additives (fungicides or pesticides), e.g., bleached or scented litter. Not ideal! Advantages of mineral cat litter: Absorbency Texture Price Disadvantages of mineral cat litter: Dusty Environmental impact Poor odor control Silica Litter A mineral litter made of transparent blue crystals, consisting of silica gel made from sodium silicate (from sand) and sulfuric acid. It stands out for its strong absorption. The crystals bind urine and especially odors very well. Easy care: only solid waste needs to be removed. It does not stick to paws and produces little dust. However, it barely clumps. The urine is simply absorbed by the crystals. So it is difficult to remove individual spots; you have to change the entire litter content. Although some manufacturers recommend monthly changes, more frequent changes are advised. The crystals get moist over time, promoting bacteria growth. Silica gel is a non-renewable resource. Dust can irritate respiratory tracts. Silica litter is usually more expensive than mineral litter. Advantages of silica litter: Absorption power Odor control Little dust Non-sticking to paws Disadvantages of silica litter: Low clumping capacity Costly Non-renewable resource Plant-based cat litter This litter is made from natural ingredients. It can be made from hemp, wood, corn cobs, or fir. 100% natural, this litter has many advantages: besides being eco-friendly (biodegradable and compostable), it is absorbent and effectively traps unpleasant odors. Also, its texture is particularly appreciated by cats, much softer on their paws than other types of litter. Its scent is natural, and it produces very little dust. Some are clumping, others are not. If you choose clumping litter, be aware that it contains a glue that removes the natural, recyclable, and compostable aspect of the litter. Unlike other types of litter, plant-based litters have a very low environmental impact. The raw materials used are recycled; they are not specifically produced. The litters are made from by-products of the wood industry, and corn cobs are unsuitable for consumption. Most are made in Europe (France and Germany). This reduces the environmental impact linked to transport. Furthermore, they are biodegradable and compostable. You can definitely compost them! However, be careful with feces which may contain very resistant forms of parasites such as oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii (the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis). In any case (with or without feces), do not use compost containing litter for plants intended for consumption, such as your vegetable garden. Which type of plant-based litter to choose for your cat? There are different plant-based litters. Some are fiber-based and others are pellets. They are all absorbent, but fibers tend to stick to the cat’s paws. Very light, they can also get caught in your cat’s fur. If you have a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, or British Longhair, you might find some litter all over your house. Pellets turn out to be a better option. Among the different components, wood is the best option: it perfectly traps odors. Whatever solution you choose, favor litter certified NF Environnement. This certification guarantees that the products are of good quality and environmentally friendly throughout their life cycle. Ziggy’s (happy) cat litter At Ziggy, we chose a non-clumping plant-based litter that is ultra-absorbent (up to 600%), made from crushed resinous wood pellets. No problem of litter sticking to paws or fur! And like all our products, it is French. A plant-based litter is no longer really ecological if it is made on the other side of the world, right? And to top it all off, Ziggy litter is NF Environnement certified. Advantages of plant-based litter: A soft texture for the paws Low environmental impact A gentle and natural pine scent Absorbent and odor-controlling Disadvantages of plant-based litter: We don’t know any (at least for ours 😺) Scented litters There are also scented litters that give off a pleasant smell of vanilla, lavender, or baby powder (yes, that exists!). If the smell of litter bothers you a lot, they can be an effective solution. However, remember that cats are animals: they mark their territory and go to places where they find their own scent. If your litter smells like Provence, your cat will be very disturbed and may avoid its litter box. Keep in mind that your cat has 30 times more olfactory receptors than humans! A slight smell to you is unbearable for them. Which litter to choose for my kitten? Whether plant-based or mineral, your kitten’s litter should not be clumping. Because kittens often ingest it, and it could get stuck in their digestive tract. How to get your cat used to its new litter? After reading this article, we hope to have enlightened you on your litter choice. Be careful when you change it though. Our four-legged friends are creatures of habit, and the slightest change can unsettle them. This applies to their food too: to avoid abrupt changes which could cause diarrhea or vomiting, it is essential to go through a food transition phase. But also for their litter. Some cats will have no problem switching from one litter to another. For others, it will be more difficult. In this case, we recommend mixing the old litter with the new one for several days, so your cat gets used to it. If you just adopted a kitten, ask the association, foster family, or breeder from which you adopted your kitten which litter was used, so the transition is smooth. Can two cats share the same litter box? If you have two pets at home, it is better to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra just in case. So three litters. Sharing one litter box for two cats can cause territorial problems. Of course, it depends on the situation. Two cats can perfectly get along with a single litter box. You decide. If one of your cats soils elsewhere, you will need to provide its own box.

A ranking based on just over 6,000 cats was released by the comparison site Hyperassur last July. It gives us insight into the most popular cat names in 2021. As a reminder, each year there is a letter that prevails for choosing a name for your beloved little companion. In 2021, it was the year of "S". So, were many of you following the rule this year? Top 10 most given names for female cats #1 Nala Simba's childhood friend in The Lion King! #2 Sushi A name that suits a foodie cat perfectly. #3 Stella "Star" in Latin, Stella is a name that will light up your little companion! #4 Sapphire/Saphyr A gentle name that shows how precious your kitty is to you. #5 Luna The goddess of the moon in Roman mythology. More and more people are choosing this name. #6 Scarlett A very Hollywood-style name! #7 Plume Light and cute, Plume is perfect for a cat with a tender and affectionate character. #8 Sookie A cute little name for a playful furball. #9 Ruby It refers to the word "Rubens," meaning "Red" in Latin. A name that perfectly fits a mischievous cat! #10 Sakura In Japanese, Sakura means cherry blossom. Top 10 most given names for male cats #1 Simba In third place last year, Simba remains a classic name that ranks every year among the most given cat names in France. #2 Sapphire/Saphyr A unisex name that suits both a little female and a little male cat! #3 Sushi Likewise, this adorable little name was very popular with you this year. #4 Snow A name that reminds us of long winter days, cuddled up with your kitty. #5 Shadow For a slightly ninja cat, faster than his shadow! #6 Sacha A Russian name derived from the Greek Alexandros, Sacha still charms you. #7 Socrates For a philosopher and serious kitty! #8 Sirius A name that shines brightly. #9 Rio Sunshine... that's the first thing that comes to mind! #10 Salem A frequent name in rankings, referring to Salem, the faithful companion of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

My cat nibbles my face, destroys my clothes, or has even developed a real obsession with curtains... Frédérique Blot, aka La Psy de Mon Chat, psychologist and feline behaviorist, deciphers four behaviors in our cats. Frédérique Blot is a psychologist and feline behaviorist. She has recently trained in pet bereavement support with Lynne Pion, known in Canada and France for her books and groups on the subject. When she's not consulting, Frédérique passionately runs the blog La Psy de Mon Chat, where she teaches us how to decode their messages and shares tips to help our furry companions feel good in their paws. Frédérique kindly agreed to a Q&A, addressing four specific behaviors observed in our clients’ young cats. #1 My kitten nibbles my face and clings to me "My kitten tends to 'bite' my face (chin, cheeks, neck) at night, gently, while purring and lying on me. It seems like he’s clinging to me? I don't know what this means or how to stop it!" Frédérique Blot’s answer: Kittens love to bite everything they find—it helps them practice hunting. If your kitten was well socialized by his mother (between 2 and 3 months), he’ll have learned to control his bite. If not, his biting may be painful. If he clings to you, purrs, and then bites your face, he may be experiencing a form of regression. If he also kneads, it's an additional sign that he’s remembering nursing from his mother, replicating that behavior for comfort and joy. However, remember that your tiny 500g kitten will soon be a 4–5kg adult. Keeping this in mind will help you decide when to set boundaries. If this happens at night, he may be trying to create a ritual: "I do this, and they wake up and cuddle me." So: "If I get attention, I’ll do it again." If it's at night, pretend to sleep and do not react with cuddles or attention. If he bites your face, turn away and ignore him—no cuddles, no engagement. Alternatively, place a blanket or stuffed toy in front of your face and gently push him toward it. The goal is to redirect him. In any case, you must break the habit of letting him bite your face—or any part of your body. #2 My cat suckles on me "What does it mean when an adult cat suckles on us?" Frédérique Blot’s answer: A kitten suckles from his mother while kneading around her nipples to stimulate milk flow. It's a moment of pure bliss for him. As adults, many cats retain this kitten-like behavior. It helps them self-soothe and de-stress. It’s a comforting ritual and perfectly normal. There’s no need to worry unless it becomes very frequent (daily). In that case, it might signal anxiety, which should ideally be addressed with a specialist. #3 My kitten is obsessed with curtains "My cat constantly tries to climb our curtains. She’s just 5 months old. We’ve tried deterrents, loud clapping, and even a little water spray. Nothing works. Any advice? Also, she nibbles my hands when I pet her. I’m the only one she does this to. Why?" Frédérique Blot’s answer: Cats—and especially kittens—love to climb. It’s a natural need that helps them feel safe and in control of their environment. What not to do: Punishing a cat (yelling, sprays…) is counterproductive and increases stress. Your cat won’t understand and may even become aggressive. What to do instead: Offer an alternative. Your kitten needs vertical space—get a tall, sturdy cat tree. Ideally, choose a cat tree over 1.2–1.5m tall with large platforms, made from natural, appealing materials. Place it near the curtains and she’ll likely switch to that. You can also install wall-mounted cat shelves, bridges, and climbing systems. If you already have a cat tree but she ignores it, it might be too small, unstable, or poorly placed. As for the hand nibbling, this may be a case of overstimulation—the “pet-and-bite” syndrome. If she’s not in the mood, she might bite to set boundaries. Only pet her when she initiates it. Also, avoid playing with your hands—they’ll become targets for biting and scratching. #4 My cat destroys my clothes "Why does my cat turn my clothes into Swiss cheese when he's bored or upset?" Frédérique Blot’s answer: Cats love to knead, suckle, and chew soft fabrics. If the clothes smell like you, even better—it’s their olfactory paradise, bringing comfort and security. What to do: Always store worn clothes out of reach, and keep clean ones in closed closets.Give your cat their own blankets or soft toys, scented with a bit of valerian or catnip to attract them. Create a toy area where they can play, tear, and release frustration. Boredom and frustration lead to stress, and your cat will need to vent. Offer alternatives they’re allowed to use and destroy. If your kitten was adopted too early (at 2 months instead of 3), weaning may have been incomplete, which can cause increased suckling or even fabric ingestion. Important: If your cat swallows fabrics and not just chews or suckles them, it could be a sign of Pica—an eating disorder where they ingest non-food materials (plastic, clothing…). In that case, consult your vet.

You've probably seen your cat digging in the garden soil or in the litter box to cover its waste. But your little companion may also scratch the floor with its paw, especially around the food bowl, and for entirely different reasons. In this article, we explain why your cat scratches around its bowl. Your cat scratching around the bowl: an instinctive behavior Scratching the floor after a meal is a deeply rooted behavior in our cats! It's an instinct they've carried since ancient times. In the wild, cats bury the remains of their prey. For two main reasons: Meat spoils quickly The smell could attract other predators By doing so, they protect their food stash. Sometimes, they may even return to scratch the soil again if the smell is still too strong. Clever little creatures, aren’t they? Your cat is marking its territory by scratching Our feline friends no longer need to bury their prey to survive – we provide them with delicious kibble and pâté. And when your cat scratches around the food bowl, it knows perfectly well it isn’t burying prey. It’s simply acting on instinct – just like when hunting. So there's no point in scolding your cat for scratching around its bowl. They won’t understand and it could harm your bond with them. A form of communication Scratching is also a way of marking territory and signaling to other cats: This is MY food. In fact, your cat’s paw pads secrete pheromones via special glands called pedal glands. Scratching isn’t just about sharpening claws – it’s also an opportunity for cats to leave pheromones on surfaces. By scratching around the bowl, they’re communicating with other cats. If you're worried about floor damage, you can place non-slip mats under the food bowls. What exactly are pheromones? The word "pheromone" comes from the Greek pherein (to carry) and hormon (to excite). Pheromones are volatile substances secreted by an individual that can be detected by another of the same species. Cats perceive them using the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson’s organ). Pheromones are released from various parts of the body: the pedal glands, the sebaceous glands (between the mammary lines), anal glands, chin glands, cheek glands, and the whisker area (commonly called "whiskers"). However: If your cat scratches the floor or walls in places other than around the bowl, it might mean they’ve eliminated outside the litter box. This could be a sign of poor litter habits. If your cat pees everywhere, we’ve got helpful tips to guide you on how to address it.

The year 2022 is the year of the letter T. Every year, a specific letter is chosen to name your cat. In 2021, for example, it was the letter S. We've compiled a list of over 100 cat name ideas starting with T, hoping it will inspire you to name your new companion. Cat name ideas starting with T for males and females On one side, you'll find a list of names for females, and on the other, names for males. Of course, feel free to pick any name you like, regardless of gender! Check out our best tips and tricks in our article how to welcome your kitten. For a little female For a little male Tahini Taiga Taki Tallulah Tally Tamara Tamari Tamie Tania Tanya Tara Tarama Tartine Tasha Taylor Tempête Tena Teresa Terry Terrie Tessie Tessa Teva Thana Thétis Théa Thelma Thilda Tia Tiara Tiffany Tigresse Tigrette Tikka Tila Tilly Tina Tine Tinkerbell Tiny Tipie Tita Tokyo Topaze Torie Tornade Tortie Tortilla Toscane Tosca Tova Tracy Trixie Truffle Tsuki Tulipe Turtle Tya Tyna Tzarine Tac Tadao Takeo Tango Tarrot Tatoo Tasmanie Tchoupy Ted Teddy Tempeh Ten Téo Tequila Terence Têtard Tetsu Theo Thomas Ti Amo Tic Tigrou Tigris Tiki Tim Timi Timon Tiramisu Titan Titi Titou Titus Tino Tinou Titus Toby Tom Tommy Tonic Totoro Tor Tornado Tortellini Toulouse Toupie Toy Trésor Trooper Trompette Tropiques Tropico Tsunami Tulipe Twist Twix Tyson Tzar Tzatziki Feeding your kitten properly Welcoming a kitten into your home is a big moment. It’s the start of a beautiful love story ❤️ You’ll experience lots of joy and probably many laughs with your new companion. But aside from a name, have you thought about their diet? A kitten is not just a miniature cat. It’s a baby in full growth, just like a human baby, and needs an adapted, healthy, and complete diet to grow and stay healthy. This diet must meet all their nutritional needs: quality animal proteins (source of 11 essential amino acids), fats (essential fatty acids), minerals, and vitamins. Otherwise, your little one could suffer from deficiencies, growth delays, or health issues such as poor immune response or neurological disorders. At Ziggy, our priority is making cats happy, and we feed them accordingly. We offer kitten kibble and wet food for kittens, formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, feline nutrition expert.

What food should I choose for my cat? A dry food like kibble or rather wet food, such as pâté? The answer in this video with our veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Géraldine Blanchard. Kibble or Pâté for My Cat? Our Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a feline nutrition specialist, answers the question many of you have in this video: Wet Food: A Health Advantage The benefits of pâté for cats on the health of our little companions are numerous! Here are the main benefits summarized: Although not all pâtés are the same, by weight, kibble is 4 times more calorie-dense than pâté! Often, and wrongly, wet food is considered a treat that should only be given to cats on special occasions. Thanks to its high moisture content, pâté adds volume to our cats' stomachs and helps with the feeling of satiety. Since our cats are small drinkers, wet food helps them have less concentrated urine, which is more diluted, reducing the risk of urinary problems. A cat primarily fed high-quality wet food will have a reduced risk of developing obesity and diabetes. Finally, the nutrients present in a high-quality pâté help your cat maintain a beautiful coat! Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz!