A loving owner adores his cat like no other. And the pet, in turn, reciprocates with love, however, it happens that from time to time a cat can hunt its owner and even attack. Why is this happening? Why do cats have this behavior and what can you do about it?
With the arrival of spring, many animals begin to behave strangely, this also applies to cats. This is a normal phenomenon, because during this period their hormones surge and estrus begins. If your cat is an indoor cat and he does not go outside, then his aggression may be associated with this. If you do not plan to breed him with a cat, then in such cases veterinarians recommend castration. The operation can be done in a clinic or at home. Neutering cats at home will be less stressful, because the cat is in its own environment and environment.
Aggression is also possible due to lack of attention and games. Play with your cat daily, approximate play time is 10 minutes. You can have play periods several times a day. Such games will help teach your cat not to bite you or attack you.
Provide your cat with an environment in which something new will appear all the time so that she does not get bored. Try to update your toys more often. Give her the opportunity to explore something new, like boxes.
Another way to keep your cat occupied is to buy her a puzzle toy. This toy contains a treat that can only be obtained by making a certain amount of effort. Provide special complexes for your cat, on which she can climb and play.
If a cat plays with you too roughly and bites you hard, then you should demonstratively leave the room during the game and close the door behind you so that the cat cannot approach you. Cats tend to avoid actions that lead to negative consequences, so the next time your cat is unlikely to bite you during play.
Many cats love to bite their owners' ankles. At an unexpected moment, a cat may jump out of its hiding place and bite you, all because the ankle is an easy moving target for it. Such a hunt usually begins because the cat does not have toys or is bored with the ones he has.
Do not try to break free or run away, this behavior is typical of prey, so your little predator may bite you even harder. Instead, try to push the cat to confuse him and let him know that you are not prey.
Don't punish your pet because cats don't learn from punishment. They quickly forget about what they did, so when, after the fact, you start punishing the cat, it no longer understands what’s going on. In addition, punishment will make your pet timid.
Praise the animal for correct behavior, then the pet will happily behave as needed. Give him something tasty or pet an animal.
You should praise your pet immediately after a correctly performed action, then it will form associations.
Unreasonable attacks of rage in pets raise a legitimate question as to why yesterday a cute animal is behaving inappropriately. An aggressive cat is a serious problem that can result in deep scratches and bites for the owner.
What do sphinxes look like?
Hairless Sphynx cats come in two breeds: Don and Canadian. The first appeared at the end of the last century in Rostov-on-Don. The second - in the second half of the twentieth century in Canada. In both cases, breeders noticed an unusual species of animal and made considerable efforts to preserve it.
Canadian Sphynx. Photo: Vizonto/Depositphotos
The breeds are similar in appearance, but genetically they are different, and crossbreeding between them is prohibited. Sphynx cats have a recessive gene, so both parents must have it to produce hairless offspring. With the Don, things are different. These sphinxes have a dominant gene, so even if one of the parents is furry, the offspring will inherit hairlessness.
Don Sphynx. Photo: evdoha/Depositphotos
Sphinxes look quite unusual. Their main feature is the absence of hair on their body. Although Don cats are different:
- naked (rubber), that is, hairless;
- flock - similar to a peach to the touch, the fur is almost invisible, and usually disappears completely with age;
- velor - wool length does not exceed 3 mm;
- brush - the coat is hard, and there may be bald patches on the neck and head.
As for Canadians, their body can be covered with a thin, soft and barely noticeable fluff that grows on the face, ears, tail and paws.
The skin of sphinxes is soft and elastic, and gathers in folds on the neck, paws, tail and belly. It feels warm and pleasant to the touch. And the normal body temperature of these cats is higher than that of representatives of other breeds.
Many people believe that because of their main feature, hairless cats are hypoallergenic. But this is a misconception. Don and Canadian Sphynxes can cause allergies, since the human body reacts not only to fur, but also, for example, to saliva and skin secretions.
Prevention
Preventing the development of dangerous diseases is much better than treating them for a long time. For washing the eyes, “Bars” lotion or “Tsiprovet” drops will do. You need to drop a couple of drops into each eye, massage the eyelids, and then wipe off the part of the product that flows out. It is better to do this twice a day.
Many animals are calm about the procedures; if this is not the case, someone needs to hold the patient
It is also worth considering these recommendations:
- Disks are preferable to just cotton wool, which will leave fibers in the animal's eyes, causing itching.
- For washing, you should use special products, not water. Otherwise, there is a risk of disturbing the microflora.
- It is important to complete the treatment.
- Chamomile is not a suitable remedy for treating eyes; because of it, the animal’s eyelids begin to go bald.
The most important advice is not to treat yourself. Only a veterinarian will be able to say exactly why a cat has brown discharge from the eyes, whether they are a symptom of a serious problem, or whether eliminating them is a matter of five minutes. Too many different pathologies have similar symptoms, and a mistake can be very expensive.
A small amount of clear discharge is normal, but if a cat has brown discharge from the eyes, then this is an alarming signal that may indicate the development of some pathology. If dark discharge appears from a cat’s eyes and does not go away for several days, you should carefully observe the animal’s behavior, evaluate possible provoking factors, and seek help from a specialist.
What is the character of sphinxes?
Both Canadian and Don Sphynxes are sincerely attached to people and need attention, but they do not tolerate loneliness well. Therefore, before purchasing, you should think about whether you will be able to devote enough time to your future pet.
Sphynxes are curious animals. Photo: elenaboronina111.gmail.co / Depositphotos
Cats of this breed are curious and will enthusiastically explore your apartment, even closets and bedside tables will not be left without attention. They are also very smart, so training them to use a litter tray and scratching post won’t be too difficult.
How do sphinxes get along with adults?
Animals of this breed are sociable and affectionate. They feel great in the company of people, happy to follow their owner’s heels, spend time with him or simply doze next to him under the blanket. These cats are also friendly to strangers.
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What conditions of detention do sphinxes require?
Give your pet a separate place in the house where he can spend time and relax alone. The best location for a cat bed is away from hot radiators, drafts and doors.
Make sure that the animal is constantly warm and not overcooled, otherwise it may catch a cold. If the apartment is cool, you can wear special clothes on the sphinx.
Protect your pet from cold and drafts. Photo: OlgaChan/Depositphotos
Be sure to take care of your cat's leisure time. Buy him different balls and other toys, and also arrange a special complex with ladders and shelves.
As for walking, representatives of both of these breeds are exclusively domestic animals; life outside the apartment is not suitable for them. Due to the nature of their skin, which is not protected by fur, they are quite vulnerable in street fights with dogs and other cats. Due to the lack of fur, they can catch a cold if it is cool outside. But walks in the warm season can benefit them.
Sphynxes love to bask in the sun. But it is better not to leave these cats under the scorching rays: they can get burned.
What are anti-scratch pads?
Anti-scratch pads are special silicone caps made of soft plastic or silicone, which are attached to your pet’s claws using special medical glue. The product is available in various sizes and also in different colors.
Nail guards can be used on cats of any age, but not all cats need them.
Who can do without nail caps?
- Kittens (0-6 months) Kittens under six months old do not need anti-scratch protection, firstly, babies’ claws are too soft, and secondly, they wear off well during play.
- Elderly cats. For aging animals that have lost interest in grinding their claws, this device is useless.
Perhaps you need to read 7 tips on how to train a kitten to use a scratching post.
Basic questions about anti-scratch products from cat owners
How much do anti-scratch products cost? This must be a very expensive pleasure?
Absolutely inexpensive! The average price of such a miracle is 300-700 rubles in Russia, 30-110 hryvnia in Ukraine for a package of 20-40 pads with special glue included.
How long does one set last?
Multi-colored caps are attached to your pet's nails, and as the animal's claws grow, the caps will fall off along with the dead nails. Therefore, from time to time you will have to glue new caps on the claws.
Thus, one set is enough for 1.5 – 2 months.
What are the sizes of anti-scratch pads?
Claw covers come in several sizes:
- XS – for kittens up to 6 months weighing 0.5 – 2 kg;
- S – for cats weighing 2-4 kg;
- M – for cats weighing 4-6 kg;
- L – for Maine Coons and large cats weighing more than 6 kg.
Does it hurt my cat when I put anti-scratch guards on her?
It does not hurt the animal, since the silicone pads are attached only to the claw, and they are made of soft material that exactly follows the shape of the animal’s claw.
My cat loves to sharpen his claws. Will the cat be able to sharpen its claws as it did without anti-scratch pads?
Your pet will release its claws as usual, but not a single sofa, wall with wallpaper or person will be harmed.
Do cats get used to it quickly, and will they try to remove the anti-scratch pads?
At first, usually no more than 1-3 days, animals may try to chew off the claw pads and sometimes they succeed. There's nothing you can do about it; if one or two caps are chewed off, you'll have to glue new ones on. After a couple of days, the cat will no longer notice that there is something on its claws.
What happens if a cat swallows a protective cap?
Even if your pet swallows such a cap, it is not scary. The pads are made of non-toxic material - silicone, have a smooth shape and will easily pass through the gastrointestinal tract if the cat swallows them.
How to feed sphinxes
To provide the animal with everything necessary for normal development, the easiest way is to use balanced ready-made food. They contain vitamins and microelements. It is better to choose from lines of proven brands that offer special diets for hairless cats.
Another option is a natural diet consisting of meat, offal, eggs, vegetables and cereals. But with such a diet it is more difficult to maintain a balance of nutrients.
Monitor your pet's diet. Photo/Depositphotos
It is not worth giving sphinxes regular food from the human table. It does not contain everything that is needed for cat health. And some dishes we are familiar with are even dangerous for cats. So, pets should absolutely not be given spicy, salty, smoked, fatty or sweet foods.
Hairless cats have an excellent appetite due to their accelerated metabolism. Therefore, they eat more than furry animals. But you can’t overfeed sphinxes: obesity is dangerous for their health.
Treatment
Fortunately, modern veterinary medicine has a huge selection of remedies that can eradicate almost any disease, especially if the owners sounded the alarm in time and began treatment.
In addition to antiseptic ointments and drops, you can use folk remedies, for example, a solution of potassium permanganate.
You can drop levomycin, gentaimycin, or other drops into your eyes. Albucid burns, so it will be difficult to use: the mustachioed patient will try to escape at the first opportunity. Solcoseryl, if placed under the eyelid, will help the wound heal faster. Erythro- and neomycin ointments are also excellent for treatment.
Just in case, in parallel with the course of antibiotics, it is recommended to take anti-allergenic drugs. They can be purchased in the form of tablets or injections, depending on which form is more convenient.
Important! When choosing a form of medication, you need to think about how to give it. It is very difficult for a strong and ferocious cat to force a pill into its mouth, even if it has already been caught and held in its hands. It will be a little easier to prick her, because you won’t have to unclench your tightly clenched jaws. In the case of a soft and flexible kitty, you can take tablets.
How to care for Sphynxes
Due to the nature of their skin, sphinxes require special care. Their skin is somewhat similar to human skin; for example, they, like us, can burn in the sun. These hairless cats sweat and their skin produces oil. Therefore, they need to be bathed once or twice a week and regularly wiped with a soft, damp towel to remove skin discharge. If you refuse such hygiene procedures, over time the skin will become covered with a sticky fatty coating, dirt will accumulate in the folds, and the animal will begin to smell not too pleasant.
Ear cleaning is another mandatory procedure when caring for hairless cats. For this it is better to use special lotions. The eyes also need to be regularly cleaned of secretions that accumulate in the corners.
Normal eye discharge
A cat's vision is much sharper than a human's. It helps her navigate space, hunt, quickly get acquainted with new surroundings and see in the dark.
It is normal for cats to secrete a small amount of clear fluid from their eyes. The discharge is odorless and almost colorless. Its quantity is quite scanty and has a semi-liquid consistency. It helps to cleanse the organs of vision from dust, foreign bodies (crumbs, tiny debris) and other contaminants.
In some cases, increased fluid separation is characteristic of certain breeds. For example, this is typical for Persian cats, in which the normal functioning of the nasolacrimal duct is genetically impaired.
It is also common for your pet to experience excessive tearing after sleep. The result may be an accumulation of so-called “sour marks” in the corners of the eyes, which the cat will remove on its own during hygiene procedures.
What do sphinxes get sick of?
Hairless cats can develop infectious, colds and skin diseases (acne, dermatitis), eye problems, food allergies and other difficulties. And overfeeding can lead to obesity.
As for congenital diseases, sphinxes have a shortened lower jaw (the so-called carp bite), defects in the development of the spine (curvature of the tail), microphthalmos (problems with the development of the eyeball) and more.
To avoid possible problems, carefully monitor your pet's condition and pay attention to any changes. For example, due to poor nutrition, skin discharge can become quite profuse. At the first signs of health problems, it is better to immediately contact a veterinarian.
Causes of brown discharge
Why do my cat's eyes bleed with brown exudate? Veterinarians say the most likely cause of a cat's eyes running is a disorder in the tear duct. Brown discharge can be caused by the following diseases and pathologies:
- small size of lacrimal canaliculi;
- inflammatory process of non-infectious nature in the lacrimal sac;
- injury to the eye area (blood mucus appears);
- allergic manifestations;
- entry of a foreign body into the lumen of the lacrimal canaliculus;
- neoplasm leading to narrowing of the lacrimal canal.
Among the rare causes of brown discharge, experts cite improper feeding of the animal.
Infectious diseases as a cause of dark discharge
The first sign that an infectious inflammatory process is occurring in the body of a cat is the appearance of milky, green or yellow discharge. In this case, the animal constantly squints and keeps its eyes half-closed for a long time. Bloody or white mucus may be caused by:
- inflammation of the eyelids;
- bacterial conjunctivitis;
- problems with the eye vessels;
- inflammatory process in the cornea;
- glaucoma.
Sometimes black discharge appears from a cat's eyes. In this case, the pet needs to be taken to the vet immediately. The cause of black tears is often dangerous infections: herpes, chlamydia, respiratory infection. They can only be identified using special tests. It is possible that the dark discharge occurred due to injury to the organ of vision, but only a specialist can identify the true culprit of the unusual lacrimation.
Causes not related to infection
It is important to know that not all discharge is associated with infection. Only a veterinarian can correctly identify the culprit of the problem, to whom the pet should be shown. Why do my cat's eyes water? The main causes of non-infectious nature:
- presence of a foreign body;
- injury;
- allergy;
- parasite damage;
- impaired eyelash growth;
- heredity.
By the color and nature of the secretion, you can determine the approximate cause of tearing. If your cat's eyes are watering, remember the following:
- The purulent nature of the exudate means a bacterial infection. The animal reacts to it not only by the appearance of discharge on the eyelids, but also by lethargy, the nose becomes dry and hot, the eyes are closed.
- The thick translucent structure of the liquid that flows from the eyes indicates a viral infection.
- The brown color of the exudate indicates the narrowness of the lacrimal canaliculi.
- If your cat has profuse lacrimation and constantly squints, it means the animal has an allergic reaction. The process may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the eyelids.
- The discharge appears red or bloody in cats with light fur. Collecting in the corner of the eyelids, they acquire a rich color and contrast with the white color.
About care after sterilization.
After sterilization using a gentle method, unlike the classical one, cats do not need to remove sutures, injections or bandages. This makes life much easier for both cats and their owners, freeing them from the additional stress of visiting the veterinarian and any manipulations. Our care recommendations are more about how to ensure your cat's comfort in the immediate days after surgery.
Comfortable place to relax. The cat will need some sleep to gain strength. It would be good to prepare a bed for her. It needs to be done on the floor, in a place where there are no drafts. Lay a blanket or blanket on the floor; it is better to roll them up in several layers, and put a baby absorbent diaper (available at any pharmacy) or a towel on top.
First feeding. When 4 hours have passed after sterilization, you can offer the cat water and food. If she doesn’t want to eat right away, that’s normal.
It is better to start with wet ready-made food (bags or canned food); if she eats natural products, offer meat or fish, depending on her taste preferences.
You need to be patient, give the cat some time to recover, avoid games and heavy loads for the first week, and then everything will return to normal.
Why should you sterilize your cat?
- Neutered cats live longer. Numerous studies and works of scientists in the field of veterinary medicine have long shown and proven the influence and positive impact of sterilization on the health and life expectancy of animals. This is why the procedure is so popular in Western countries.
- Neutering cats keeps them healthy. Indeed, sterilized cats get sick less, this is explained by better health, due to the lack of stress and the cat’s expenditure of strength and energy during binges, especially if they are frequent.
- Prevention of diseases on the female side. Your cat, once spayed, will be protected from diseases such as pyo- and hydrometra, ovarian or uterine cysts and tumors (OMT). Some of these diseases are seriously dangerous and, if urgent help is not provided, are completely fatal.
- Sterilized cats are much calmer, more affectionate, and have a more docile character, unlike their non-sterilized female cats. It’s all due to hormones, elevated levels of which even lead to excessive aggressiveness in cats as they age.
- Calm at home. Some cats, especially in the spring, try to “break free”, and some run away to meet the cat and may simply get lost. Sterilizing cats can solve this problem too.
- The cat will not give birth. Although few people are currently interested in the issue of regulating the number of stray animals, and apartment residents’ cats do not see cats or the street at all, for residents of private houses the issue of offspring and kittens is very relevant. If a cat goes outside and is not sterilized, there will definitely be kittens. Therefore, if you don’t want to become the owner or mistress of an entire cat family, you know what to do.
After sterilizing the cat before the first spree, there will be no uncomfortable behavior associated with it. This may include loud screams, a constant desire to escape from the apartment, and marking the territory with urine. Her number one desire at this time is to find a cat to mate with, so she will want to run outside. It is sterilization that will help solve the problem with any of the listed cases.
At the moment, gentle sterilization of cats is the most modern, safe, atraumatic and reliable way to rid a cat of binge drinking while maintaining her health and comfort.
The likelihood of developing a breast tumor or cancer of the uterus and ovaries will be reduced, including the chance of developing pyometra, which is fatal without timely surgery.
