Do you feel like your cat's fur has become greasy and dull recently? However, when it comes to grooming, our cats are experts; they know very well how to take care of their coat. Don't panic, there are several solutions to remedy greasy and dull fur in your little companion. We will also focus in particular on the importance of choosing a quality diet.

Zucchini is a food rich in fiber and water, and its health benefits for our cats are well known. In fact, most cats love it! You can incorporate it into their meals as part of a balanced diet containing high-quality proteins. We explain how to prepare and store zucchini for your cat and what its health benefits are. Why give zucchini to my cat? Our cats are strict carnivores, meaning they cannot do without meat in their diet. However, it would be harmful to feed a cat only meat! Vegetables are a source of quality fiber for our cats, they are very rich in water and low in carbohydrates. They provide volume with very few calories and are often appreciated by our gourmet felines. Detailed composition of zucchini (raw, skin and pulp) Source: ciqual.anses.fr How to give zucchini to my cat? Raw or cooked? Zucchini is a vegetable that is generally appreciated by our furry companions. However, its acceptance may vary depending on texture, temperature, and the form in which you give it. You can try cutting it into small cubes, about the size of a kibble, as it will be more easily accepted than in large chunks. Initially, try offering steamed zucchini, and if your cat is reluctant, offer it raw or just defrosted. Our tip for having zucchini ready in advance: Start by cutting off the ends of the zucchini. Wash them under running water. Then cut them into small cubes (about the size of a kibble or a small pea). Place them in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Every day, defrost one ice cube in the microwave for 1 minute or simply under hot water, depending on your cat's preference! Once this small amount is accepted by your cat, you can double the quantity. How much to give? To gradually introduce it into your cat’s diet, start by offering a few cubes of zucchini per day over several days. Once your cat seems to like it, you can increase the amount. Eventually, you can reach 50 to 100 grams per day for an adult cat that enjoys it. For the more greedy cats, you can serve up to 150 grams of zucchini per day! Determine the precise amount of food to give your cat using our ration calculator. At what age can I give zucchini to my kitten? A few cubes of zucchini can be introduced around weaning for a kitten, and you can gradually increase to 10 grams per day from the age of 4 to 5 months. You can easily increase it to 20 grams per day from 6 to 7 months, and then to 30 grams per day around 8 to 9 months. What if my cat doesn’t like zucchini? If your cat doesn’t like zucchini, you can try replacing it with other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans. You could also try offering pumpkin, which also has numerous benefits for our feline friends. What are the benefits of zucchini for my cat? As part of a healthy, high-protein, quality diet, zucchini is the perfect health ally for our cats! Zucchini satisfies hunger Zucchini is ideal for an adult neutered cat who lives indoors or for a cat who has trouble regulating their appetite and tends to gain weight. Indeed, it contains a lot of water, providing volume in the stomach without the accompanying calories! Your cat will feel full more easily, reducing the risk of developing issues like obesity or diabetes. It helps keep your cat hydrated Cats originated in the desert and in the wild, they hydrated through the moisture of their prey. They have kept this habit of getting hydration from their food and drinking little. However, water is essential for the proper functioning of their organs. Thanks to its high water content, zucchini helps keep your cat well-hydrated throughout the day. As a result, it helps prevent urinary issues, which are often linked to dry food and insufficient water intake. It promotes good digestion The fiber in zucchini ensures better digestion, especially for a cat that tends to be constipated. If constipation occurs, and only after consulting your veterinarian and in the absence of any serious health issues, adding a few zucchini cubes or another vegetable to their diet can help restore regular digestion. Does your cat enjoy zucchini in its diet? Feel free to share your tips for preparing it!

Increased water consumption and urine production in our cats are signs that should not be taken lightly... A cat that drinks and urinates more than usual may suffer from kidney failure or diabetes. Don't hesitate to measure the amount of water your cat consumes to determine its actual intake, which should guide you. What is the average water consumption of our cats? Over the course of a day, our cats generally consume between 30 and 50 ml of water per kg of body weight. For example, an adult European-type cat weighing 4.5 kg will consume between 135 and 225 ml of water per day. You can also calculate the amount of water consumed as follows: for every 10 grams of dry food eaten, your cat will drink about 20 to 30 ml of water. It will drink less water if it eats only wet food, which provides higher hydration. A cat urinates about half of the water it consumes. If fed with dry food, it will eliminate between 10 and 15 ml of urine per kg of body weight. If fed with wet food, it will urinate about two-thirds of the consumed water, producing between 15 and 20 ml of urine per kg of body weight. These values can vary depending on several factors, including the composition of the food you provide. For example, the fiber content in food increases water loss through feces, and the salt content can increase both water consumption and urine output, thus affecting urine volume. If you have not changed your cat's diet but still notice it drinks from its bowl or even the tap and urinates more, try to measure this change to provide the information to your veterinarian. Note that sometimes a cat may not drink or drink less. In this case, do not hesitate to read our article on the subject. How to measure the amount of water my cat consumes? First, isolate your little companion from other pets in the house. If possible, try to set up a separate room or place the water bowl in a high place. Using a measuring cup or a scale, measure the amount of water before putting the bowl down and after a certain time. By calculating the difference, you will obtain the precise amount of water consumed. If you feed your cat wet food, you can weigh the amount of food consumed over 24 hours. Don't forget to weigh what you give and subtract what remains in the bowl for the most accurate result. Note or photograph the water content on the food label (% moisture), as this may be useful for your veterinarian. My cat drinks more water than usual, is it serious? Some signs must be taken seriously and prompt you to consult a veterinarian quickly because the health of our little companions cannot wait! Recognizing the signs of illness can save time and improve treatment effectiveness. Diabetes If your cat's thirst increases, the amount of urine will increase accordingly, it may be diabetes. A single blood test is not enough to diagnose diabetes, especially if blood glucose is not very high. Multiple samples will be needed by your vet after 12 hours of fasting, as blood glucose rises after meals. This will determine whether your cat has diabetes or not. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that may result from either a genetic insulin production deficiency (called type I diabetes), or a relative insulin secretion defect combined with progressive insulin resistance (called type II diabetes). Unlike dogs, type II diabetes is most common in cats, accounting for 80% of cases. It is possible to prevent diabetes in your companion. Overweight and obesity strongly favor diabetes in cats, so a quality, low-calorie, carbohydrate-poor diet (especially low in starch) that meets their nutritional needs and satiates them is preferred. You should favor wet food or homemade rations, which are less calorie-dense than dry food for the same weight. It strongly contributes to satiety while providing necessary hydration. Kidney failure If your cat urinates more frequently, causing water loss, its body must compensate, so your cat will tend to drink more water. In this case, it may be a kidney disease. Through blood and urine tests, your vet can establish a diagnosis and adjust treatment accordingly if kidney failure is confirmed. As with diabetes, diet plays an essential role in preventing kidney failure. Avoid giving low-quality food or table scraps. Contrary to some beliefs, excessive protein intake does not cause kidney failure in cats. The element to limit is rather phosphorus. If chronic kidney failure is diagnosed, a specific diet designed for cats with this condition must be implemented. In any case, it is essential to regularly observe your little companion to detect any symptoms of potential illness. Do not hesitate to call or consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts or notice unusual behavior in your cat.

Our beloved companions have many qualities, but when it comes to staying hydrated, they are often at the bottom of the class. We forgive them easily and ensure we provide them with high-quality wet food, which gives them the hydration they need, not forgetting of course to leave fresh, clean water available at all times. Hydration for Our Cats Originating from the desert, our cats drink little and mostly hydrate through their food, meaning the prey they would consume in the wild. However, proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of their organs. Although we often feel that our cats hydrate sufficiently by drinking from their bowl or through water fountains, they actually struggle to meet their water needs, especially if they are only consuming dry food in addition. Therefore, it is highly recommended to incorporate wet food into their diet, or ideally, to opt for a 100% wet food diet. A cat that doesn't drink or doesn't consume water through their food may suffer from chronic dehydration, potentially leading to urinary stones. Wet, Semi-Wet, and Dry Food: What Are Their Water Contents? A complete food for cats can be wet, semi-wet, or dry, depending on its water content, which is expressed as a percentage of moisture. A wet food must legally have a water content greater than 60%, but typically this content is around 75% minimum for pâté. A semi-wet food, on the other hand, contains between 14% and 60% moisture. Finally, a dry food, such as dry kibble for cats, contains less than 14% moisture. For complete foods, the moisture content must be declared only if it exceeds 14%. Therefore, it is not visible on the labels of dry food, as most dry foods contain between 5% and 8% water. Choosing Wet Food for Proper Hydration Although they generally drink little, our little companions readily enjoy wet foods that are rich in water. In the wild, the prey our cats consume contains an average of 70% water... While kibble only contains 7 to 10%. A mouse, for example, contains an average of 75% water, which is similar to the moisture content in pâté. In addition to the water found in pâté, it typically contains fewer carbohydrates, particularly starch, and more high-quality proteins compared to dry food. Furthermore, all scientists agree that a cat fed with kibble barely compensates half of the missing water by drinking. Moreover, eating a meal diluted in a large volume of water leads to quicker water absorption into the bloodstream. One of the advantages of wet food is that our cats consume water without realizing it. And when food contains a high proportion of water, it makes for a more voluminous, less calorie-dense diet, which promotes satiety. Lastly, pâté is well-suited to the environmental constraints of sterilized and sedentary cats, who are more prone to conditions such as overweight, obesity, and urinary stones. What Are the Health Benefits of Wet Food? Goodbye Constipation The causes of constipation in our cats are varied: it can be linked to medication, a change in lifestyle, dehydration, or more serious health issues... We recommend scheduling a prompt visit with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause and rule out certain conditions. When our cats' hydration is insufficient, the body draws water from the digestive tract. When it becomes dehydrated, particularly in the rectal area, this can trigger episodes of constipation. After a consultation with your veterinarian, if it is determined that your cat's constipation is due to insufficient water intake, it may be beneficial to change their diet. In this case, a wet food diet would be ideal, and you may consider adding zucchini to their meals to regulate their digestive system. Preventing Urinary Issues Remember that the less a cat drinks, the more concentrated their urine becomes in minerals. These minerals can contribute to the formation of crystals, such as magnesium ions, ammonium, and phosphates, which form struvite crystals (urinary stones). Wet food also helps produce more diluted (or less concentrated) urine, thereby preventing urinary problems. Here’s why: with wet food, our cats produce more abundant urine that is less concentrated in minerals that lead to urinary stones. Consequently, urination becomes more frequent and helps cleanse your cat's bladder. If hydration is sufficient, wet food provides excellent hydration and contributes to the prevention of urinary stones in cats. However, it’s important that the wet food is of good quality and well-balanced, especially in minerals (being rich in water is unfortunately not enough). Reducing the Risk of Obesity and Overweight A cat that primarily consumes wet food will have a much lower risk of being overweight, and an almost negligible risk of suffering from obesity compared to a cat fed on dry food. Indeed, kibble is dehydrated food, so it is much more calorie-dense than wet food. On average, kibble contains 4kcal per gram, while pâté contains 1kcal per gram. Additionally, due to its moisture content, pâté contributes to the feeling of fullness in our little companions. Increased Activity Levels We don’t know exactly if the increase in activity levels is related to better hydration or simply to urinating more, but studies agree: cats fed wet food are more physically active than those eating kibble. Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz here!

We’ve prepared a ranking of the 20 most popular cat names in 2020 (the year of the "R"s). For a bit of history, since 1996, a lettering system has been implemented for pedigree cats to simplify the consultation of the LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins). This allows you to know a cat’s age based on its name. Although choosing a name for your beloved pet is a personal choice, many of you still follow this tradition today. #1 Ruby Simply because our cats are gems. Ruby is a perfect name for a little female! #2 Rio We can spot the Netflix fans among you. Rio is the name of one of the main characters in the series "Money Heist", whose latest season was a hit this year. It's also the 2nd largest city in Brazil, and let's face it, this year, we all needed a little mental vacation! #3 Simba Since the release of The Lion King, Simba has become a classic that always ranks among the most popular cat names each year. #4 Nala Named after the young lioness, friend and companion of Simba in The Lion King. Many of you are inspired by this name every year! #5 Romeo Who hasn’t heard of "Romeo and Juliet"? With such a name, your cat can only be a great romantic! #6 Plume A light name, soft on the ears. It suits a calm and wise female (at least, on the surface...). #7 Ragnar A name that debuts directly at 7th place in the ranking this year! And for good reason, Ragnar Lodbrok is the hero of the TV series "Vikings". #8 Romy A name that has become very popular, certainly due to the fame of actress Romy Schneider. At Ziggy, we really like it! #9 Raven An original name! It means "crow" in English. "The Raven Phenomenon" is also the name of a popular American TV show that aired from 2003 to 2007. #10 Rocket A name that suits a little male full of energy! #11 Luna For the past few years, the name Luna has been a huge success. It comes from Latin, meaning "she who is related to the moon". And in Hawaiian, it means "happy". A name that can only bring good fortune! #12 Cookie The perfect name for a sweet-toothed cat (or human). #13 Rocky Inspired by the movie series of the same name, "Rocky" is a great fit for a male cat always ready to throw a punch and act tough. #14 Roxy/Roxie Roxie is a diminutive of the name Roxana, which comes from Latin "regina" and means "queen". A modern name for a mischievous furball with an air of royalty! #15 Rosie Rosie comes from the Latin "Rosa", meaning "rose". A name that perfectly suits a female with character and audacity. #16 Licorice Licorice – it reminds us of our sweet childhood. #17 Rose Lilac, Iris, Daisy… Flower names are in vogue, and we really love Rose. #18 Milo For us, Milo is a brave, adventurous, slightly mysterious cat with a bit of clumsiness! #19 Bounty A sweet name that reminds us of a well-known candy treat! #20 Lilou The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is thought to come from the Latin name "Lou" and the Germanic name "Lili". In any case, Lilou remains incredibly popular due to its cute and easy-to-wear vibe.

The year 2021 will be the year of the letter S. Every year, a letter prevails to choose a name for your cat. In 2020, for example, it was the letter R. We’ve listed 100 cat name ideas starting with S, hoping it inspires you to name your little furry friend. Cat Name Ideas Starting with S for Males and Females We have created a list of names for females and a list for males. Of course, you are free to choose a male name for a female cat and vice versa! For a Female Kitten For a Male Kitten Sakura Saphyr Salsa Sabrina Sardine Sahara Sana Sally Salmon Savana Samara Sara Sassy Sauterelle Saucisse Scarlett Scampi Selena Serena Sephora Shana Shannon Shella Sherry Shelby Shilo Sissi / Sissy Sia Siam Simone Sienna Sidonie Skylar Smoothie Snow Sorbet Soquette Solène Sophie Sonia Sofia Spoon Star Steffie/Steffy Suzie Suzette Suzanne Suzon Sushi Sublime Sweety Sybelle Syndi Sydney Sybil Sylva Salem Sambo Saucisson Sam Samy/Sami Sanook Sacha/Sasha Santana Saturne Samourai Safran Saul San Santi Santiago Satin Salvador Scar Scotty Scorpion Scoop Serpentard Seoul Sean Sharly/Sharlie Shanga Shaggi Shaolin Shamallow Shimbo Shadow Simba Simon Sirius Slim Small Soja Soleil Sovan Soni Spock Sparky Spooky Spirou Spring Speedy Steven Stan Strike Stitch Sun Sugar Summer Sunny Sultan Suki/Sukie/Suky Sven Swann Sylvestre   Don’t forget to provide your kitten with healthy, complete kitten food that meets its nutritional needs. Check out our best tips in our dedicated article on kitten nutrition.

Does your cat meow all day and/or all night? Our cats' meows are cute and touching, but when they become persistent, it can quickly become stressful.

Right now, in the evening, you're about to go to bed, and then: surprise! A terrible smell of cat urine on your bed. As much as you love your cat, this kind of incident is quite unpleasant. Don't worry, this is a common problem that can be solved very quickly once the cause is determined. Distinguishing Urine Marking from Incontinence Urine marking and incontinence are two very different things. Whether it's one or the other, it's not an act of revenge from your little companion. We talk about urine marking when your cat is not neutered or spayed. In that case, your cat will urinate on vertical surfaces like chair legs, walls, the sofa... It's its way of "marking its territory" and protecting its resources. However, if your cat urinates on horizontal surfaces, especially your bed, it could be incontinence, especially if your cat is already neutered. First of all, if your cat pees everywhere, we recommend making an appointment with the vet. They can determine whether your cat has a health issue, such as a urinary infection, or if it’s simply incontinence. Sometimes incontinence is linked to a state of stress in our cats, especially if another animal or person has arrived in your home, if you've moved, or if it has just returned from a vet visit. It could also be that your cat’s litter box is too dirty, difficult to access, or that it has to share it with another cat. In that case, your cat will look for another spot to do its business. Another possible cause: your little companion loves the texture or the smell of your duvet, or the laundry detergent you use to wash your sheets. My Cat Pees on My Bed: How to Stop It? While you try to understand the exact cause of this behavior, and if you can't stop your cat from accessing your room during the day, we recommend covering your duvet with a plastic sheet. Once your bedspread is washed and changed, you can spray it with a repellent spray that will drive your cat away. You can also spray a "deodorizing spray" in case the urine smell hasn’t completely disappeared to your cat’s nose. If your cat recognizes its scent, it may be tempted to urinate again in the same spot. Next, try to clean its litter box with bleach; your cat will then try to cover that smell by urinating on top of it. Conversely, use white vinegar to clean up urine puddles because its smell is unpleasant for cats and tends to keep them away. If your cat is peeing on your bed because it's stressed, you can try soothing it naturally, with valerian for example, by providing hiding spots or playing calming music playlists designed for cats (yes, that exists). If the arrival of a new person is stressing your cat, try giving it some alone time and space to help it relax and feel at home again. Although it may annoy you, there's no need to scold or punish your cat. It won't understand, and this would only worsen the behavior and increase its stress. With patience and empathy, try to understand why your cat is experiencing incontinence, so you can find real solutions (and sleep in a clean bed!). If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to consult a vet who can assist you further. Have you experienced this kind of situation before? Share your tips with us for dealing with these incidents!

Our cats love giving our Christmas tree a hard time — they just can’t help themselves! Maybe it's their way of showing off their incredible climbing skills, or perhaps they believe they alone should be the ones shining in the middle of the room. Here are 10 genius-level tricks people came up with to protect their tree from their little gremlin! #1 The half-decorated tree To prevent your cat from playing ping-pong with the glass ornaments under the tree. #2 Use a cage. For your tree. A radical method (no trees were harmed in the making of this photo). Locking up our cats? Never! So it's the tree that gets caged. It’s like taking your kid to the zoo — they'll spend hours watching through the bars. #3 A vacuum at the foot of the tree Vade Retro Catana! For some cats, the vacuum cleaner is pure evil — they won’t come near it. Not the prettiest Christmas decoration, but hey, you can vacuum fallen needles on the spot. Still, whoever gifts us a vacuum for Christmas is getting face-planted into the tree. #4 Out of reach And a pretty clever decor idea, too. #5 The brush-tree Clearly not the tree you’d want in your living room.Cats don’t seem amused... "Go ahead, laugh now — we'll talk again on the morning of the 25th." #6 The upside-down ceiling tree Very clever. Not ideal for putting presents underneath, but your cat will definitely need time to figure this one out. #7 Hanging decorations Book a vet appointment for the 26th — this cat is about to pull a neck muscle. #8 The crowned king This person nailed it. A tree for a Cat-king. Wow, respect! Who’s the boss now? #9 The wall-tree So your cat can go full Spider-Man on your walls… #10 The nap-tree If your cat is going to climb the tree anyway, you might as well make it cozy! At least they’re happy — once again, they’re the center of the universe.