It can be tricky to read cats' body language, as they are so different from people – but one vet hoping to bridge the human-feline communication gap has shared some tips

It can be tricky to know what your cat is thinking, or how best to express your love for your feline friend.

To make things easier, Cat the Vet – who regularly demystifies human-pet relationships on social media – took to TikTok explaining how you can show your affection for your cat best. While lots of us love to cuddle up to our cat, there are certain ways you shouldn't do this, for example.

Cat explained: "Our cats are affectionate but they like to be on their own terms and they do prefer to be in control." She continued: "So stroking, yes, hanging out, absolutely, but big smooshy cuddles? Maybe not so much."

She added our furry friends like a full food bowl, but it can be better to feed them smaller, more frequent meals. "Leaving a big full bowl of food out can encourage overeating which can lead to all sorts of health problems like obesity and arthritis," she explained.

The vet continued: "What's better and actually fits our cat's natural feeding preferences is to offer them food little and often or feeding them out of puzzle balls or treat balls, which actually encourages and mimics our cat's natural hunting behaviour." The TikToker further advised that cats prefer a spacious, private litter tray with a good view.

"They like to be able to see around them when they go because remember they are vulnerable when they go to the toilet," she shared. Cat added: "They like a nice big loo with a view.

"Make sure their litter tray is at least one and a half times the length that they are and is full of sand." She concluded: "And make sure that you clean it out really regularly because scooping poop really is an act of true love."

Cat's video delighted a handful of viewers as a TikTok user commented: "100% sound advice." Another person wrote: "I try to respect my cat's boundaries but it doesn't always go the way she'd like.

Someone else penned: "My 4yo orange and white girl has started a new morning routine. She flops over on the bed for slow belly rubs." While another person shared: "My cat will run and leap up onto my lap and then climb on my chest and refuse to move. And then he bats me with his paw if I dare stop stroking his head."

A separate individual chimed in: "A full food bowl is also not fresh later so likely will not eat it."

Source:
courtesy of MIRROR

by Andrea Oldereide

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