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Showing posts from November, 2024

Do Cats Understand What Their Owners Say?

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As the New Year approaches, various symbols of blessings and good wishes are beginning to appear before pet owners. Whether it’s dogs dressed as reindeer for Christmas or cats carefully groomed with pet brushes, or even the internet-famous Palace Museum treasure-hunting mouse, these little cuties are all working hard to convey festive messages to us. The amusing little stories about mice and cats over the years are equally charming. The thought of still faithfully brushing the cat with a pet brush can also be seen as a unique way to get some exercise for the New Year. But did you know? Cats do understand you, too. 1. Cats Can Recognize Their Names and Simple Commands Many pet owners may feel that cats aren’t as obedient as dogs, especially when grooming them with a pet brush . Although they may look cute and soft, their independent personalities are often hard to manage. However, if you consistently call your cat by a fixed name from the start during grooming or playtime, your cat wi...

What Are the Benefits of Having a Dog?

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The presence of a dog can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being, especially if the dog is well-trained and has a gentle temperament. Many dogs, after undergoing rigorous training with leashes, are even given the title of "therapy dogs," and are part of animal-assisted therapy programs. Like most working dogs, therapy dogs start training from a young age to follow leash commands, assist their owners, and help alleviate stress and provide companionship. Each year, many therapy dogs visit isolated elderly people, individuals suffering from depression, and others in need, helping to combat loneliness and ease their conditions. In fact, even a regular pet dog, through activities like leash walks and daily care, can unknowingly fulfill the role of a loyal “little angel” to its owner. 1. Having a Dog Can Improve Your Daily Routine Owning a dog can help improve your daily habits, especially those related to sleep and activity. When you have a dog, taking it for...

What Are the Ways for Dogs to Exercise?

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Appropriate outdoor activities can help improve a dog's physical health. Owners can use a leash to take their dog on walks, allowing the dog to enjoy beautiful scenery while getting some exercise. Of course, walking on a leash not only helps expend excess energy but also prevents undesirable behaviors like mood swings or aggression. However, walking is not the only way to exercise a dog while using a leash! 1. Walking: The Most Common Exercise for Dogs and Their Owners Dog owners often take their dogs for walks in the morning or evening, using a leash to stroll through neighborhoods, parks, or along the streets. These walks allow dogs to meet their physiological needs and enjoy a slow, leisurely pace with their owners. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other dog owners, expand social circles, and find playmates for the dogs. Walking twice a day, morning and evening, with a leash is a cost-effective and simple form of exercise. 2. Swimming: A Great Way to Exercise Many dogs...

Do you know why cats have such beautiful eyes?

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Cats are renowned for having some of the most beautiful eyes in the pet world. Unlike the styles created by owners with grooming tools, their eyes naturally have an exquisite, translucent quality, much like amber. During the day, their pupils are slit vertically, giving them a majestic and aloof appearance, while at night, their pupils widen into round shapes, making them appear soft and adorable. Many cat owners love to capture these beautiful moments of their cats' eyes, especially after grooming them with a pet comb. As we know, cats are nocturnal animals. They typically sleep during the day and become active at night. It's common for owners to find their cats napping all day while they’re trying to groom them, only to be woken up by the cats late at night, who demand attention with toys or their pet combs. Cats' eyes are capable of detecting even the faintest light, and their vision has a wide field of around 200 degrees. At night, their pupils dilate and reflect a fl...

Why Do Cats Slap Each Other When They Fight?

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Cats are usually light on their feet, but when it comes to fighting, they can be surprisingly fierce. Many cat owners have noticed that when they use a pet brush to groom their cats or trim their nails, if they happen to apply too much pressure, the cat might slap them in response. There are also many funny memes online featuring two kittens playfully slapping each other during a "battle." So, why do cats tend to slap when they fight? First, their front paws are natural weapons. A cat’s front paws are like our hands when we use tools, such as a pet brush. Cats instinctively use their front paws in a variety of situations. Their paws are soft and padded, but they can extend sharp claws when needed. This makes their front paws essential for both defense and offense. For example, when a cat feels threatened or startled—whether by an overzealous grooming session or a nail trim—they might instinctively slap as a way to defend themselves. These reflexive actions are rooted in t...

What to Consider When Keeping Your Pets Warm in Winter

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During the cold winter months, especially around the holidays, pet owners often prefer staying cozy in bed instead of braving the chilly outdoors for walks with their dogs. However, with the dramatic drop in temperature, many dogs and cats—especially those with delicate health—require extra care. Besides regular exercise with a leash, pet owners often dress their pets in warm clothing. However, there are several important things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping pets warm in winter. 1. Ensure Proper Ventilation While Keeping Pets Warm Many pet owners tend to bundle up their pets tightly, sometimes even placing a heated pad in their pet's bed. However, if the pet's bed is enclosed in a box-like structure, it can cause poor air circulation, which may lead to suffocation due to lack of oxygen. Additionally, if you're using a carbon stove or other open flame heating devices indoors, inadequate ventilation can be dangerous. It can not only affect the pet’s health but a...

How to Teach Your Dog to Use the Bathroom Properly

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When taking your dog out for walks on a leash every day, addressing their bathroom needs is an important consideration. However, some dogs, especially puppies, may still have accidents and relieve themselves indoors. So, how can owners use leash training and other methods to teach their dogs to use the bathroom properly? 1. Set Up a Designated Bathroom Area in Your Home and Keep It Clean To avoid accidents and facilitate better training, owners can set up a designated bathroom area for their dog. This bathroom space should be far from where your dog eats, rests, or practices leash training to prevent distractions. A clean and tidy bathroom area will make the dog feel more comfortable. Just like with leash training, a clean bathroom space can provide a sense of security. Be sure to regularly clean the bathroom, and use air fresheners or sprays to keep it smelling fresh, ensuring the area remains hygienic for your dog. 2. Observe Your Dog’s Routine and Encourage Good Habits Dogs usua...

What is the Purpose of a Dog’s Whiskers?

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After careful research on pet grooming, many pet owners have come to understand the important role that a cat’s whiskers play, often paying special attention when using a grooming brush on their feline companions. But what about dogs? What purpose do their whiskers serve? Firstly, a dog’s whiskers are also sensory organs. Just like cats, dogs use their whiskers to sense their surroundings, which allows them to gather information about the world around them. The whiskers act as an essential sensory tool. When pet owners use a grooming brush on a dog’s face, they may notice that the whiskers are usually the same color as the dog’s fur, typically black, white, or brown. They are located around the dog’s eyes and chin, with two prominent whiskers around the mouth area. Over time, as the dog ages, these whiskers may begin to turn white. Secondly, the hair follicles in the whisker area are specialized to collect external information. It is well-known that a dog’s coat is much denser tha...

Did You Know That Ancient Times Had Specialized Pet Care Centers?

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It’s well known that the domestication of dogs spans thousands of years. Their loyalty and devotion seem to be ingrained in their very nature, always faithfully accompanying their owners, who in turn willingly care for them, whether by grooming or taking them for walks. In ancient times, people also took special care of their dogs, and some even established dedicated facilities for their pets. In the history of dog ownership, the royal families played a significant role. The Tang Dynasty, for example, was especially fond of dogs, and both the capital cities of Chang'an (in the west) and Luoyang (in the east) had “dog marketplaces” specifically for the care of the imperial dogs. During the Zhou Dynasty, the court established a special official position to manage the royal dogs, known as the “dog officer,” or "quÇŽn rén" (犬人) in ancient texts such as the Zhou Li (周礼), which recorded their duties. One can imagine how these dogs were meticulously groomed and cared for in the...

Here are some lesser-known facts about cats that you may not know

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There are many fascinating phenomena and tidbits of knowledge in the world of pets, and as cat owners spend more time with their cats, they come to understand their unique characteristics better. So, how many of these fun facts about cats do you know? Cats Have an Excellent Sense of Smell While dogs are famous for their incredible sense of smell, cats are no slouches either. They can detect scents from up to 500 meters away, and their sense of smell is about 200,000 times more sensitive than that of humans. A cat's nasal mucous membrane contains more than 99 million nerve endings, while humans only have about 500. Cats use their sense of smell to identify people and objects, so if you’re trying to approach a new cat, letting them first get used to your scent can be a good way to win them over. Cats Can Also Sense Temperature with Their Noses In addition to smelling, cats can use their noses to detect the temperature of objects. Even without licking them, cats can sense temperatu...

Is It True That Cats Can't Be Tamed?

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Cats, as one of the most popular types of pets, have attracted a large fanbase due to their varying degrees of aloofness and charm. Many people fall for the seemingly indifferent, yet secretly adorable expressions of cats, grabbing a pet brush without hesitation and diving into the world of cat care. However, some people argue that cats, particularly certain aloof breeds, seem impossible to tame. No matter how much care is given with a pet brush, the result often feels unreciprocated. What's more, cats sometimes exhibit behavior like bullying other pets or ambushing objects, while also rejecting attempts by their owners to groom or approach other pets—these actions can seem almost "antisocial." In reality, the perception that cats are "untameable" often arises from comparisons with dogs. Dogs have been domesticated over thousands of years, and people subconsciously associate pet dogs with being obedient and manageable. Whether on a leash or being brushed, d...

How Can You Tell If a Cat Likes Its Owner?

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As pet owners, it’s clear how much we love our furry friends, but how do we know if our pets feel the same way about us? Do they truly see us as their favorite people, or are we just their regular food providers and grooming assistants? Let’s take cats as an example and explore some signs that show a cat likes its owner. 1. Cats Like to Stick Close to Their Favorite People One of the first signs that a cat likes you is that it wants to be near you. Cats often twirl their tails around their owner or nuzzle against them as a way of showing affection. Some cat owners love to groom their cats while they sit on their laps, and cats often enjoy curling up on their owner’s lap for a nap. When you brush or massage them, they may show a relaxed, lazy expression. If you gently use a fine-toothed comb on their head, they might nudge you or even lick themselves, as if savoring the moment. It’s as if the cat is marking you with its scent, perhaps to ensure that you continue grooming it. 2. Cats S...

What Are the Things You Should Avoid When Punishing Your Dog?

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When it comes to training dogs, such as using a leash , it's important to balance punishment and reward appropriately to reinforce good behavior and correct mistakes. This combination helps strengthen the dog’s memory. Of course, this type of training can take place not just at home, but also when you're out walking the dog, using the leash as an opportunity for ongoing training. However, when punishing a dog, it’s important to be mindful of the intensity of the punishment to avoid causing harm to the dog. 1. Never Lock Your Dog in a "Time-Out Room" or Use Violence as Punishment Leash training is an ongoing process, and dogs are bound to make mistakes from time to time. While it's fine for owners to apply a "mild punishment" to make their point, violence or confinement in a small, dark space should be avoided. Using force can lead the dog to fear and resist its owner, while locking the dog in a dark room can cause frustration, irritability, and even le...

Why Do Dogs Like to Bite Their Owners' Hands?

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If you're a careful pet owner, you may have noticed that many dogs, even from a young age, love to bite their owners' hands. Of course, this biting isn't a real attack; it's more of a playful gesture. As they grow older, some dogs may even allow their owners to bring their hands close to, or even into, their mouths, showing the closeness of their relationship. So, why do dogs like to bite their owners' hands? 1. A Way for Dogs to Interact Emotionally with Their Owners A dog's sense of smell is crucial for them to recognize and familiarize themselves with their environment. The scent on an owner's hands often carries a lot of familiar smells. It's not just the owner's hand; puppies naturally enjoy nipping at each other during play. Through this process, they deepen their recognition of various scents. Sometimes, you may even notice a dog nibbling on things like their owner's slippers, which serves a similar purpose. 2. Biting Represents Possessi...

How to Prevent Dogs from Getting Lost During Winter?

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Winter seems to be a peak season for dogs getting lost. Every year around this time, some dogs are separated from their owners and, sadly, never seen again. Some dogs escape because they are distracted and break free from their leashes, while others fall victim to malicious abductions. Therefore, preventing dogs from getting lost is especially important for pet owners. 1. Always Keep Your Dog on a Leash The importance of keeping a dog on a leash cannot be overstated. A leash serves as the first line of defense for a dog's safety. As long as the owner holds the leash, they can guide and protect their dog, preventing the dog from running off or eating something harmful. More importantly, when walking in open spaces like parks or squares, the leash provides a sense of security for the dog and helps prevent separation. If the dog does happen to slip out of the leash or gets lost unexpectedly, items like tracking devices, dog tags, or identification certificates can help identify the...

Why Do Cats Wake Up Their Owners in the Morning?

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Recently, many cat owners have shared a sweet yet somewhat troublesome experience: their feline companions often wake them up in the morning. Some owners believe that cats wake them up because they're hungry, while others think it's time for a grooming session. There are various explanations, and cat owners online have summarized some common reasons why cats insist on waking their humans in the morning: 1. Hunger and the Need for Food After a night of rest, cats are typically full of energy, which is often accompanied by an intense feeling of hunger. If a cat owner has a habit of feeding their cat at a certain time every morning, the cat can quickly associate that time with food and will naturally seek out its owner for a meal. For those owners who prefer to sleep in, preparing food in advance or using an automatic feeder can help avoid being woken up by a hungry cat. Alternatively, delaying feeding time during training can help prevent cats from waking their owners due to hu...

What Can You Do with Your Cat's Shed Fur?

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Cats love being groomed by their owners, and they also enjoy playing with small, noisy toys like feather wands and bells. However, as your cat plays around, the frequency of shedding can often increase, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Grooming with a pet brush becomes essential during these times. But did you know that the fur your cat sheds can actually be put to good use as well? 1. Felting Crafts: A Great Use for Cat Fur Many cat owners, after brushing their cats, consciously collect the shed fur. Once you've gathered enough fur, you can use felting needles or other tools to shape it into various forms. Some crafty owners even turn the fur into 3D cat figurines, creating a beautiful and artistic memento. Not only does this serve as a lovely keepsake, but it's also a rewarding way to make use of the fur after all that brushing. 2. Cat Fur as Filling for Beanbags or Small Balls Cats love playing with balls and toys, and instead of using easily damaged plastic...

Do Cats Need Walks?

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When it comes to walking pets, most owners think of walking their dogs on a leash. However, some people also want to take their cats out for a stroll. If you’re considering walking your cat, what should you keep in mind? First, cats don’t need walks as much as dogs do. Dog owners are accustomed to taking their dogs for daily walks, which, to some extent, is in line with the dog’s own needs. In contrast, cats are more likely to curl up at home, making them true "homebody pets." The size of a home plays a role here too—while dogs need to be taken outside on a leash to explore larger spaces and get enough exercise, cats can usually get sufficient physical activity within the confines of the house, even without the need for a leash. Second, a leash is still necessary if you want to take your cat out for a walk. Cats are quick and agile, so if they decide to run, they can easily slip out of the owner's grasp. Without a leash, they may not only escape but also run into pote...

Why Do Dogs Always Like to Chew on Slippers?

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When it comes to essential items for dogs, leashes, grooming brushes, chew toys, and puzzle toys are all important. However, surprisingly, even the owner’s slippers often make their way onto the list. Aside from their fondness for chewing on leash straps, dogs also seem to have a special affinity for destroying slippers. But why is that? 1. Dogs Play Out of Curiosity Puppies are naturally curious and tend to explore their surroundings. They are particularly drawn to items that carry their owner's scent, and slippers are one of those items. So, it's not uncommon for a puppy to treat a slipper as a toy, which often results in the slipper getting chewed up. Many pet owners inadvertently allow this behavior during the puppy’s early months, which can lead to the dog continuing this habit into adulthood. The scent of the owner on the slippers becomes a major attraction, and it’s not unusual for dogs to hoard slippers as a way of claiming ownership. 2. The Material of the Slipper A...

Why Do Some Cats Dislike Sleeping in Their Cat Beds?

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A cat bed is an essential pet item for cat owners. A good cat bed can provide cats with a warm and comfortable private space. However, unlike other pet products such as grooming brushes or cat toys, some cats seem to avoid their cat beds. They may prefer sleeping on their owner’s bed, under chairs, or on top of cabinets. These areas seem to serve as alternative "cat beds." However, factors such as the coolness of the floor or the potential danger of high places often worry pet owners. So, why do some cats dislike sleeping in a proper cat bed? 1. The Quality and Design of the Cat Bed Affects Cats' Sleep Quality Just like other pet products , the quality and design of a cat bed must meet the pet's needs from the start. It should align with the cat's natural habits and preferences. For example, some kittens enjoy hiding in small boxes or corners, as the narrow space provides a sense of security and warmth. On the other hand, some cats prefer open, unrestricted spac...

Do you know if your cat is left-pawed or right-pawed?

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Pets, like humans, have many habits and instincts that resemble ours, and cats are no exception. Just as humans tend to use their dominant hand for tasks like holding a pet brush, cats also show a preference for one paw over the other. When playing with toys or interacting with their owners using a pet brush, cats often extend a paw to bat at it, demonstrating their pawing habits. Scientists have been studying cats' paw preferences for years, conducting detailed experiments. Unlike the casual observations owners make while grooming their cats, researchers tested 1,484 cats with 32 different tasks. The results revealed that 39% of cats were "right-pawed," 36% were "left-pawed," and 25% showed no clear preference. This paw preference can be useful for pet owners, especially during activities like grooming, where it can help determine which paw your cat prefers to use. Interestingly, the data shows that cats have an almost equal chance of being left-pawed or rig...

Why You Shouldn't Touch Your Dog's Paws Carelessly: Do You Know Why?

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Every time dog owners take their pets out for a walk on a leash , some people like to wipe their dog's paw pads or use a pet brush and nail clippers to groom them for hygiene. However, even if they’re not using nail clippers to trim the dog's nails, some dogs are not fond of having their paws wiped. Interestingly, dogs seem perfectly comfortable licking their owners' feet. So, what is the secret behind a dog's paw pads? First, Dog Paw Pads Are Highly Sensitive Due to the Nerve Endings Just as our feet contain numerous important acupressure points, which can have an impact with just a light touch, dog paw pads are also packed with nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive. Experienced dog owners often use a pet brush along with nail clippers to regularly trim their dog's paw pads. This is because dogs have sweat glands in their paw pads, and grooming tools help with heat dissipation. Although the surface of a dog’s paw pad feels thick and calloused to the touc...

One of the Pillars of Security at the CIIE: Working Dogs

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Dressed in special uniforms and with leashes securely fastened, these special workers arrive at Shanghai’s metro stations at 6 a.m. From the moment the subway opens until it closes, they work tirelessly, using their leashes to guide their handlers as they search for suspicious or dangerous substances in the subway. These are the explosive detection dogs—one of the key forces behind the security of the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Dogs have an extraordinary ability to detect scents, far surpassing human capabilities. As professionally trained working dogs, they can use their leashes to lead their handlers to the precise scent they need to track. However, in a bustling environment like the subway, with its complex mix of smells, even the most highly trained dogs face challenges. To help the dogs adapt to the busy surroundings, officers will first allow them to familiarize themselves with the area, gradually motivating them to work in top condition. The professionalism and l...

Do Cats Worry About Hair Loss?

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Cats are well-known for their beautiful, thick coats, and with the exception of hairless breeds, all cats can be considered "fluffy creatures." When owners use pet combs to groom their cats, the sensation of running the comb through their fur can be quite satisfying. However, some people wonder: If they comb their cats every day, won't it lead to hair loss? Healthy Cats Don't Worry About Hair Loss A healthy cat doesn't have to worry about hair loss. A cat's coat consists of three layers: the undercoat (fluffy fur), the middle layer (guard hairs), and the outer layer (protective hairs). Each hair follicle can produce up to six hairs, which is two to three times more than humans. In total, a cat can have as many as one million hairs on its body. With such a dense and layered coat, the quantity of fur ensures that cats don't need to worry about hair loss. Instead, regular grooming with a pet comb helps maintain the coat's smoothness and beauty. During sh...

What Are the Common Dietary Mistakes for Dogs?

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As a pet owner, it's natural to want your dog to stay healthy, with a shiny coat and a happy demeanor. While taking your dog for walks on a leash is important, providing the right nutrition is equally essential. However, there are several common mistakes that pet owners often make when feeding their dogs. Here are some key points to watch out for to ensure your dog’s diet is well-balanced. 1. More Nutrition Is Not Always Better It’s tempting to think that feeding your dog more will make it stronger or cuter, but excessive weight gain can hide serious health risks. Some owners overfeed their dogs without providing enough physical exercise. While walking your dog with a leash is an important part of their nutrition and overall health, neglecting exercise and overfeeding can lead to obesity. Too many calories, particularly from fatty foods, can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems. Additionally, an excess of minerals can cause developmental issues in bones, and to...

Do Cats Really Like Fish When You Feed It to Them Every Day?

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For a long time, certain behaviors and preferences of cats have become ingrained in the minds of cat owners: cats like fish, enjoy playing hide and seek, are quick and agile, and need regular grooming. However, some cat owners report that their cats don’t actually like fish. Others say their cats aren’t fond of grooming brushes either. When they try to groom their cats with a brush and then offer some fish treats, the cats often turn their noses up. While these cats may seem picky, they still eat regular cat food. So, what should cat owners do in such situations? First, Cats Do Need Fish to Some Extent Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require certain nutrients from animal sources. One of the main reasons cats enjoy fish is to obtain arginine and DHA. Cats are unable to synthesize arginine themselves, so they need to get it from their diet. A lack of arginine can lead to symptoms such as retinal degeneration, poor vision, even blindness, and a reduced appetite. For cats, it’...

Do Cats Get Jealous?

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Once you become a cat owner, it's like opening the door to the world of pets. Before long, many find themselves unable to resist bringing home a second cat or even a dog. While having multiple pets may increase the amount of work—like grooming and caring for them—it also multiplies the joy of pet ownership. Some pet owners may notice that, after bringing a new pet into the home, their cat seems to get "jealous" or even throws little temper tantrums. During these times, it's essential for the owner to continue grooming and comforting the cat, while also making sure the cat has time to adjust and avoid developing negative feelings. Firstly, a cat’s “jealousy” is often a display of territorial behavior. Just like dogs and other pets, cats are territorial creatures, claiming ownership of their beds, grooming tools, toys, and other belongings. For cats, it’s less about fearing that a new pet will affect their owner’s attention but more about whether the new arrival pose...