This is unfortunately a common and highly contagious condition in our cats, and it should not be taken lightly. If you think your little companion is ill, it is imperative to take them to the veterinarian, as only they can examine the cat and make a diagnosis. What is cat coryza? Cat coryza is an upper respiratory tract condition. It is caused by the infection, either simultaneously or not, of various pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. These may include Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Reovirus, and the following bacteria: Chlamydophila Felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Escherichia. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that targets the cells lining the respiratory and digestive tracts. It undergoes many mutations, which then lead to the creation of strains with varying levels of virulence. FCV alone can cause a mild coryza, resulting in stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth lining) and nasal discharge. Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV) is the virus responsible for feline infectious rhinotracheitis. It particularly affects the tissue made up of cells lining the respiratory and ocular systems. A unique feature of FHV: it persists in nerve ganglia and may reappear during the cat's lifetime. Stress or immunodeficiency, for example, can trigger the virus's reactivation. Reovirus is a pathogen that is relatively less important than FCV and FHV. It alone causes a coryza with ocular and respiratory involvement. Chlamydophila felis is a bacterium that mainly causes conjunctivitis and damage to the nasal mucosa. The other bacteria mentioned above, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, can be present, particularly in the case of a secondary infection. Transmission of coryza In cats, the transmission of coryza occurs through direct or indirect contact. As mentioned earlier, it is a highly contagious and resilient virus. There are risk factors to be aware of: cats subjected to stressful situations (moving, arrival of a new pet, etc.) are more likely to be infected. Cats at risk also include those living in breeding facilities and shelters, kittens aged 2 to 12 weeks, and cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Symptoms of coryza: The bacteria and viruses responsible for coryza will generate different effects and symptoms. In a cat suffering from coryza, you may notice: Respiratory issues caused either by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. Sneezing (cat sneezing) Rhinorrhea (runny nose), caused by feline herpesvirus. Ocular issues, conjunctivitis (red eyes) with serous (non-clear) and purulent discharge. Ocular lesions can be more severe, such as corneal ulcers. Ulcers of the tongue and palate, caused by feline calicivirus. Chronic stomatitis and gingivitis, also caused by calicivirus. Anosmia (loss of smell) and ulcers caused by coryza can lead to loss of appetite or difficulty eating, sometimes leading to anorexia. More severe, hypervirulent forms are also possible with fever, edema, and jaundice. In this form, mortality can reach up to 67%. How is it treated? Only a veterinarian can prescribe treatment after making a diagnosis and guide you on what steps to take. If your cat is suffering from coryza, they will need what is called comfort care as well as treatments tailored to the symptoms. Depending on the case, this may involve ocular care, oral care, and comfort care. Comfort care is essential in managing coryza, especially cleaning secretions, inhalations, and nutrition. Nutrition is an important point not to neglect, particularly if your cat has oral lesions, loss of smell, or fever. You should consider offering your cat an appealing diet, which you can blend or slightly warm up. If your cat refuses to eat, the veterinarian may consider placing a feeding tube (through the digestive tract). It is also important to confine your little companion to avoid contamination with other cats. Once comfort care is in place, antiviral treatment may be introduced. For more severe cases, the administration of antibiotics for 8 to 10 days is highly recommended. Please note, that currently, there is no treatment that can completely eliminate the viruses responsible for coryza from the body. Coryza is a frustrating condition both for the cat's family and for veterinarians. Several factors contribute to this: the many causes of chronic coryza, its incurable nature, its chronicity, the difficulty families face in administering treatment to their cats, and the possible presence of multiple cats in the household. My cat doesn't go outside, is it still useful to vaccinate against coryza? Prevention against coryza is entirely possible through vaccination. It is advised to vaccinate your cat, even if they do not go outside, at least against feline panleukopenia and coryza. These two viruses are particularly resilient and can be indirectly brought into your home (via shoes, bags, clothes, etc.). Coryza vaccines all contain at least one strain (the part of the vaccine that corresponds to protection against a single pathogen) against feline herpesvirus and one strain against feline calicivirus. The latter is also a particularly resilient virus in the environment and can be indirectly brought into contact with your cat, even if your cat does not interact with other cats. Did you find this article interesting? Feel free to read: Why is my cat drinking more water than usual?

Our cats are sensitive beings who appreciate routine and regularity, and can therefore be easily unsettled by change. It is essential to identify the source of your feline friend's stress to better address it. What are the signs of stress in cats? There are many potential sources of stress for our furry friends. But if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior or signs of illness, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can ensure your beloved pet is not sick or injured. Stress may manifest as destructive or disruptive behaviors: your kitty might scratch your furniture or urinate in various corners of the home. Excessive grooming, frequent meowing, aggressiveness, refusal of petting, or changes in eating habits are also common signs of a stressed cat. Why is my cat stressed? Cats are very attached to their territory, so moving house can be a significant source of stress. Taking your cat to the vet is rarely an easy task, as many of us can attest! Even a short visit to the vet can feel like a nightmare for our cats. The arrival of a baby or another pet is a happy moment for the family... except for your cat, who may find it difficult and take time to adjust. A sudden change in diet can also be a stress trigger and cause diarrhea. That’s why at Ziggy, we always recommend a proper transition period when changing your cat’s food. Similarly, poor feeding schedules—such as offering only one meal a day—can stress some cats who fear not having enough. We recommend a minimum of 4 meals a day to match their natural grazing habits. Car rides are also far from enjoyable for many cats and can easily trigger a stress response. How can I help my cat cope with stress? Depending on the cause, you can help reduce or eliminate the stressor, or at least help your feline deal with it better. However, scolding your cat for expressing stress—such as with destructive behavior—will only make matters worse. It’s important to remember that patience is key to building a trusting relationship with your cat. We recommend providing tasty, high-quality food in several small meals at regular times. Ensure their daily nutritional needs are met. Spend quality time with your cat—pet them, talk to them, play with them, or brush them. This strengthens your bond and helps them feel calmer. Especially when stress is caused by a new baby or pet, these moments of attention prevent your cat from feeling left out. To help with grooming, we recently launched a double-headed cat brush designed for all coat types. One side has rounded steel pins for gentle detangling and massaging, the other has nylon bristles for smoothing and shining. Made from sustainably sourced ash wood, vegan, and manufactured in France. Provide hiding spots, toys, cat trees, and scratchers so your cat can climb, play, hide, and relax freely. Physical activity releases endorphins—natural stress relievers! If the stress is related to car rides or vet visits, get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it open in the living room, for example. Reward them with treats when they go inside or come when called. You can also spray the inside with valerian spray to calm them. Valerian, massage, and music therapy... Discover more in our article 5 ways to help your cat relax.

More protein and play, less hunting? That’s what a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter in England seems to suggest! Different methods tested to reduce predation in cats If your feline friend has access to the outdoors, chances are you’ve already received a dead bird or mouse as a gift... Our cats are natural-born hunters, and it’s important to understand that this behavior is hardwired. Scolding or punishing them won’t change their predatory nature. However, a team of British researchers recently tested the effectiveness of 5 different methods to reduce predatory behavior in cats. The researchers selected 219 households with at least one cat that regularly hunts outdoors. Several techniques were tested, and the results were quite revealing! Each household tested one method: a collar with a bell, a colorful "Birdsbesafe" collar cover, puzzle feeders, a grain-free diet with high-quality meat as the main protein source, or a recommendation to play with their cat for 5 to 10 minutes daily. A control group made no changes. In total, 355 cats were observed. The number of prey killed was recorded over 12 weeks, before and after implementing one of the methods. The results were quite convincing… Diet and play had a significant impact Here are the methods tested and their results: Bell collars: designed to give auditory warning to prey, showed no measurable impact on predation. Birdsbesafe collar covers: brightly colored covers reduced bird predation by 42%, but had no significant effect on small mammal kills. Puzzle feeders: surprisingly, cats fed their usual food through puzzle feeders increased their predation by 33%. High-protein diet: cats fed a grain-free, protein-rich wet food with real meat (not by-products) showed a 36% reduction in hunting behavior. Play sessions: households that played with their cats for 5–10 minutes a day mimicking hunting behavior saw a 25% reduction in predation. Dietary changes and play sessions significantly reduced the number of prey brought home compared to the control group. This is promising! We could reduce our cats’ impact on biodiversity while improving their well-being and health. Source: Current Biology / Provision of high meat content food and object play reduce predation of wild animals by domestic cats Felis Catus. Martina Cecchetti, Sarah L. Crowley, Cecily E.D. Goodwin, Robbie A. McDonald.

According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 French people prefer spending Valentine's Day evening with their cat rather than going out on a date, and 49% believe their cat is more affectionate than their partner or potential partner. We've found the best reasons to celebrate Valentine's Day with your very own little sweetheart. #1 Because they're the one and only in your heart! With them, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. #2 Because they love you even on your worst days Your little cat will never let you down. In fact, they always manage to make you smile again. #3 At least they don’t snore Unlike your last date! #4 If the wine is bad, they won’t hold it against you Since they won’t drink a drop anyway. #5 Same if you burn the dinner In any case, they prefer their Ziggy pâté—but they won’t tell you that. #6 Because they couldn’t care less if you don’t get them a gift Unless it’s a cardboard box (empty, of course), which will make them extremely happy. #7 You’ll save money A dinner for two with your cat is cheaper than eating out, and anyway, the restaurants are closed (*sob*). #8 To your cat, you’ll always be the most beautiful At least, they can’t say otherwise. #9 They won’t expect you to wear something uncomfortable or high heels With them, it’s time for your best pajamas and cozy slippers—comfy night guaranteed. #10 Because your cat makes you laugh like no one else They have a subtle sense of humor that probably only you understand.

Character, genetic traits, lucky cat... We explain everything about this coat. And feel free to share pictures of your little tortoiseshell cats at the end of this article! #1 The term "Tortoiseshell" refers to a coat, not a breed When we talk about "tortoiseshell," we’re referring to a coat pattern, not a specific cat breed, as some might think. The tortoiseshell pattern consists of a mix of red and its variants (chocolate, cinnamon), and black or another dark color. #2 Several variations The tortoiseshell coat comes in multiple variations and patterns. At first glance, it might even appear nearly uniform. The colors can be distinct or more diluted, and they appear in different patterns: patches, swirls, speckles, etc. #3 It’s different from the Calico coat The Calico cat has a tortoiseshell coat with the addition of white. A unique feature of Calico cats is that no two kittens in the same litter will look alike. #4 "Tortie", "Tabby", "Torbie", what are these? Some tortoiseshell cats have striped areas, making them a torbie: a mix of tortie (the English nickname for tortoiseshell) and tabby, which refers to a striped coat pattern. #5 A chromosome story The tortoiseshell color comes from the fact that one of the two X chromosomes is inactive in a specific region in females. #6 Over 99.9% are female Tortoiseshell cats are typically female! There’s about one male tortoiseshell cat for every 3,000 female tortoiseshell cats. This particular coat is linked to a very rare gene in male cats. The gene for the tortoiseshell coat appears in males only if they have three chromosomes in the combination XXY. #7 Male tortoiseshell cats are sterile Due to the genetic anomaly described above, male tortoiseshell cats are sterile. #8 This makes it a rare coat! Since males are sterile and cannot reproduce with female tortoiseshell cats, this coat pattern is considered rare and somewhat of a genetic coincidence. #9 In Japan, they bring good luck In Japan, tortoiseshell cats are considered to bring good luck. They are even believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits! This coat is locally known as "mi-ke," which means "triple fur." #10 Common misconceptions about their character Unfortunately, tortoiseshell cats have gained a reputation for being temperamental and not getting along with humans or other cats. This misconception likely arises from the fact that tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female, and females tend to be more independent than males. At Ziggy, we believe a cat's character depends more on their personality and socialization than on their coat color. In fact, tortoiseshell cat owners describe them as playful, shy, affectionate, and sweet. They are lovable cats that deserve just as much attention as any other feline. We love our tortoiseshell cats as full-fledged family members, so we make sure to provide them with healthy, high-protein cat food. Our meals are made in France and are free from grains, tubers, and legumes, ensuring your cat stays satisfied and healthy.

Learn more about diabetes in adult cats. Discover the risks of obesity and the signs to better prevent this common disease.

We've put together a list of 10 films we’re likely to binge-watch with our furry friend on Valentine's Day evening. #1 "The Aristocats" (1970) Duchess and her kittens are kidnapped by a foolish butler hoping to inherit their owner's fortune. But he didn't count on Thomas O'Malley, a streetwise alley cat who comes to their rescue. A timeless classic we never get tired of! #2 "Oliver & Company" (1988) Oliver, a little stray kitten, meets friendly dogs and their master, Fagin, who is heavily in debt and owes money to the sinister Sykes. Oliver is adopted by Jenny, a rich little girl. But Sykes kidnaps Jenny and demands a ransom. Oliver and his friends embark on a daring rescue mission. A must-see if you haven’t already—we love it! #3 "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993) The adventures of Chance, Shadow, and Sassy, who believe they’ve been abandoned and embark on a journey through the Rockies to reunite with their family. A heartwarming film that brings on the nostalgia. #4 "The Voices" (2015) Ryan Reynolds plays Jerry, a loner whose only friends are Mr. Whiskers the cat and Bosco the dog. He meets the charming Fiona, but things take a turn when Jerry stops taking his meds... A wild and chilling dark comedy! #5 "Garfield" (2003) Follow the lazy and food-loving Garfield, who also proves to be a hero when the time comes. Light-hearted and fun! #6 "The Cat from Outer Space" (1978) Though he looks like a cat, Jake is actually an alien with extraordinary powers. He has only 48 hours to fix his spaceship and return to space. The film may be dated, but it’s still a lot of fun! #7 "A Cat in Paris" (2010) Dino the cat lives a double life: by day he’s Zoé’s pet, daughter of police commissioner Jeanne. By night, he roams the rooftops with Nico, a burglar. When Zoé is kidnapped by a gangster, adventure ensues! A visually stunning film you’ll fall in love with. #8 "Nine Lives" (2016) A fantasy comedy where a man in a coma finds his spirit trapped in the body of a cat. He must confront his past mistakes and try to make amends. A touching and funny story! #9 "The Secret Life of Pets" (2016) Our furry companions lead a secret life once we leave home! A delightful animated film that’s sure to bring smiles. #10 "Shrek 2" (2004) Back from their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona are invited to meet her parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away. They are in for quite a surprise... A hilarious sequel full of zany humor!

With its rustic charm and dog-like personality, the Maine Coon completely wins us over. In this article, we take a closer look at the characteristics of this adorable velvet-eyed giant. Origins and History of the Maine Coon A Breed from America The Maine Coon cat originates from the state of Maine in the United States, which gave the breed its name. According to the Official Book of Feline Origins (Loof), “its origin traces back to the first European settlers' ships landing on American shores, carrying long-haired traveling cats in their holds. Some of these cats escaped and adapted to the cold Maine winters. They developed a water-resistant coat, strong muscles, and a powerful hunter’s jaw.” Legends Surrounding the Maine Coon Some legends tell a different tale. One suggests the Maine Coon is the offspring of a raccoon and a domestic cat — “coon” being short for “raccoon” in English — which would explain its dense fur and large size. Biologically, of course, this is impossible… Other legends claim this big whiskered cat descends from Queen Marie-Antoinette’s Angora cats or from Norwegian cats brought by Vikings. If you’re a Maine Coon lover, choose whichever story you find most magical! Physical Characteristics of the Maine Coon A Large-Sized Cat As you might guess, this is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. The average Maine Coon weighs between 6 and 10 kg, with some reaching up to 12 kg — impressive, right? The Maine Coon has a powerful build, muscular body, and broad chest — it’s like the Schwarzenegger of cats! The Maine Coon is a remarkable breed that holds multiple world records. Stewie, a Maine Coon who passed away in 2013, still holds the record for the world’s longest domestic cat. From nose to tail, he measured 121.92 centimeters! Another distinguishing trait: its muzzle is wide and square, with prominent cheekbones. It also has small tufts of hair coming out of its ears, known as "lynx tips." The Maine Coon is an eternal teenager, as its growth lasts longer than that of most other cats. It only reaches full maturity at around 5 years old. Impressive Paws The Maine Coon has large, fluffy paws — just like its tail. If you adopt a kitten or adult Maine Coon, there’s a high chance it will be polydactyl. A polydactyl or hyperdactyl cat simply has extra toes. Some breeds are more affected by this genetic mutation, such as the Maine Coon and the Pixie-Bob. A Unique, Dense Coat Maine Coon cats have one of the most beautiful coats. Shorter on the shoulders, it gradually gets longer down the sides. Their long fur requires regular brushing to avoid matting. They also have ear tufts called "lynx tips." These big felines can have many coat colors: black, white, red, tabby, gray, cream, bicolor, tricolor… Temperament and Personality of the Maine Coon An Affectionate and Social Cat Despite its imposing and rustic appearance, the Maine Coon is a gentle giant. Very playful, it’s often called a "dog-cat." If you throw a ball, chances are it will bring it back! This kitty is very sweet and affectionate and enjoys human contact — both adults and children. It loves the outdoors but can adapt to apartment living as long as it has enough space to play and stay active. A Chatty Cat The Maine Coon is known for "talking" to its humans — it’s quite the chatterbox! This cat has a unique way of meowing and expressing itself, as if trying to talk to you. Fun fact: it has a repertoire of 63 sounds, and it’s said to coo more than it meows. Grooming and Care of the Maine Coon Coat Maintenance As mentioned above, its coat needs a bit of upkeep. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and supports the cat’s own grooming efforts. Cats can remove most dead hair with their tongue, but not all. Brushing helps eliminate these hairs, which can otherwise disturb the cat’s skin balance. Regular brushing also reduces hairball formation. When grooming, cats ingest a lot of hair, which can collect in the stomach and form hairballs (trichobezoars). If they become too large, the cat will vomit them or may suffer intestinal blockages. The Ziggy Cat Brush At Ziggy, we created the cat brush of our dreams — for long-haired cats like Maine Coons, short-haired ones, and even those who love a good head massage (just to the right, rrrrr). The double-headed brush is made of ash wood from sustainably managed forests, vegan, and crafted in France (Oise) to care for and enhance your furry friend’s coat. High-Quality Nutrition Due to its large size and longer growth period, the Maine Coon requires kitten food for a longer time than other breeds. Be cautious about weight gain if you decide to neuter your cat — Maine Coons are known for their big appetites. As mentioned in our dedicated article on Maine Coon nutrition, this large feline needs a cat food high in animal protein to maintain lean body mass (muscle, tone, immunity, and digestion). As a long-haired cat, this protein intake is also crucial for a healthy coat. A cat’s hair is about 90% protein (keratin). Their food should be rich in protein and essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 3) to keep their fur in great condition. It should also be low in phosphorus (to support kidney health) and low in carbohydrates (to reduce obesity-related risks like diabetes or renal failure). Ziggy's Maine Coon Cat Kibble At Ziggy, we developed Maine Coon cat kibble that meets all these nutritional needs, to keep your cat healthy and happy. The bonus? They're adapted to the cat’s large, strong jaw. Bigger than our sterilized cat kibble, they’re easier to chew instead of just swallowing whole. Better chewing means better digestion! You can also add our wet food for cats. High in moisture and fully meeting your cat’s nutritional needs, it promotes proper hydration. Specific Health Issues in Maine Coons Maine Coon cats live about 12 years on average. Sadly, they are more prone to certain diseases, mainly due to the high level of inbreeding involved in the breed’s development. Heart Diseases (HCM) They may suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is hard to detect until heart failure appears. It is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart walls. Hip Dysplasia They may also develop hip dysplasia, a disorder of joint development. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Like many purebred cats such as the Sacred Birman, Ragdoll, or Persian, Maine Coons are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease — a condition where kidney cysts form and destroy renal tissue. How to Prevent These Diseases? These common diseases in Maine Coons are mostly genetic, and few preventive actions exist. To support kidney health, however, we strongly recommend feeding a low-phosphorus diet — which is the case for all our Ziggy kibbles and wet food. Why Choose a Maine Coon? An Ideal Companion The Maine Coon is full of wonderful qualities: gentle and affectionate, it loves cuddles and human contact from both adults and children. It's a big ball of love! And if you need company, the Maine Coon will brighten your days by playing with you and meowing sweet nothings. Adopting a Maine Coon Where to Adopt? You can reach out to shelters and rescue organizations that house many cats looking for loving families. This breed has become very popular in recent years, so it's also easy to find Maine Coon breeders in France. Any serious breeder should provide a clear pedigree and Loof registration to avoid inbreeding-related illnesses. But be aware, this adoption can be costly — some cats may cost thousands of euros… How to Welcome Your Maine Coon Don’t forget to prepare for your new furry friend by providing maximum comfort: a cat tree, suitable bowls, bedding, litter box… These are essential for the well-being of your giant cat. It’s important to devote time to your furball — whether for play sessions, grooming, or moments of cuddles and purring. Though it requires specific care, the Maine Coon is affectionate, playful, social — even a little clingy. It’s an excellent companion that will bring endless joy to your family.

Usually playful, your little companion is suddenly ignoring their cat tree, favorite plush toy, or fishing rod. Don’t worry—it’s not uncommon for our cats to go through phases where they play less. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, you might be able to help. Play in our cats Play sessions for our beloved companions are largely driven by their hunting instinct. From a very young age, kittens create hunting scenarios: little paw swipes, climbing attempts on siblings, clumsy bites... Through play, young hunters learn that in the wild, prey moves, struggles, and escapes. Solo play is crucial for cats—it acts as a substitute for predatory activity, especially for indoor cats. My cat doesn’t play—is it serious? Several factors can lead to a decrease in playtime for our cats. A health problem If you notice a significant change in your cat’s behavior, and they suddenly stop playing, it could be a sign of a health issue. Sudden inactivity might indicate pain or illness. In this case, it’s best to consult a vet to ensure it’s not a medical problem but rather behavioral. That said, as cats age, they tend to sleep more and may feel less like playing. A stressful event Moving to a new home, the arrival of a baby or another pet, or a stay at the vet—many events can upset our cats. Your cat may show signs of stress: they stop playing, start hiding, or develop destructive behaviors like scratching or soiling. Lack of stimulation Cats are big sleepers! They sleep between 13 and 16 hours a day—lucky them! But if your cat seems unusually lethargic, something may be wrong. Cats lacking physical and mental stimulation may display unusual behaviors: they stop playing, sleep more, overgroom, or scratch the couch...