There are very few dull moments when you share your home with a cat. From inhabiting boxes and knocking things off tables to perching as high as they can and the infamous “If I fits, I sits” behavior, cats sure are quirky beings. While all pets are amazing, cats are especially unique. And no matter how many feline family members you have, they each have their own personalities. Despite this, though, certain behaviors are universal in the world of cats.

Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness. Though your feline friend probably spends most of their time curled up on the sofa rather than prowling the jungle, domesticated cats have retained many of their wild ancestors’ mannerisms. In nature, sick cats are easy targets for larger predators. It only makes sense that they would want to hide signs of illness and perceived weakness.

For many cats, the outside world looks like a pretty amazing place to be. With birds, chipmunks, fresh air, and so much more just beyond the window, it should come as no surprise that many indoor cats want to be outdoor cats. However, if your cat keeps trying to sneak out and seems happier when they do manage to bolt out the door, forcing them to stay inside might seem cruel. As veterinarians, we cannot decide whether or not to let your cat outside for you.

Any way you cut, even just the word cancer, is scary. It can affect any part of the body, and the consequences are often dire. For pet owners, the thought of cancer is a particularly frightening one. The good news, though, is that while the disease is not 100% preventable, there are several things you can do to mitigate your cat’s risk of getting cancer.

Adding a cat to your family is one of life’s most enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Your new feline family member is a fun and fluffy addition to your home and will surely prove to be just as loyal as a canine companion. Unfortunately, though, cat ownership is not without its challenges. From the occasional hairball to their tendency to wake their owners up at the crack of dawn for breakfast, there are a few occasional hiccups that accompany the joys of having a cat.

Did you know that more than half of the cats in the United States are overweight? That translates to a whopping 56 million American cats who are carrying around more weight than they should. And about 40 percent of them aren’t just overweight; they are obese. While a chunky kitty is undeniably adorable, the excess chub is not good for their health. Like people, obese cats can suffer from health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

As a cat lover, you might choose to keep your feline friend indoors for many reasons. In most households, though, the primary reason is safety.

Recognizing the early signs of pain in your cat is an essential step in ensuring their long-term health and happiness. Unfortunately, felines are experts when it comes to hiding their discomfort. While they typically show outward signs when experiencing acute, intense pain, it’s not nearly as easy to detect when a cat suffers from long-term pain or discomfort.