50 Of The Best Pics Of ‘Cats With Threatening Auras’

Bored Panda wanted to find out how we can tell whether a cat likes us. PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna was kind enough to explain everything to us. "Our feline friends communicate in many ways, and whilst they can be harder to read than dogs, there are a couple of weird and wonderful indicators that cats use to express their own love language," she said. 

“Cats will greet you in their own time, and you definitely don’t have to ignore them! However, cats don’t like being stared at—it can feel intimidating to them, so often the quickest way to help them feel at ease and get them to come to you, is to avoid direct eye contact. If you see your cat slowly blinking or squinting at you—this is them showing affection and trust, and guess what? You can do it back to your cat to tell them the same thing!" Shauna explained, and we're willing to bet that a lot of you reading this are bound to try it out today.

According to the PDSA, cats have lots of scent glands on their face. They release pheromones. "When you smell strange to your feline friend—like when you’ve returned from the supermarket—they’ll rub these glands against you, so the pheromones make you smell familiar again. They’re welcoming you back into their social group by marking you with their scent," Shauna said.

"If you work from home often, you’re probably used to your furry friends roaming across your computer or sitting on your lap throughout the day. Though it might be inconvenient when you’re trying to meet a deadline, your cat is trying to get your attention, so take it as a compliment!”

Meanwhile, we were interested to find out what cat owners can do to help their beloved pets maintain glossy coats and healthy teeth. After all, love and cuddles all on their own might not be enough.

“Maintaining a good grooming and dental hygiene routine for your feline friend is an important part of their overall health, and there a plenty of things you can do to make sure they look and feel their best," the pet health specialist told Bored Panda.

“If your cat will allow it, brushing their teeth using a cat-safe toothpaste is a great way to keep their mouth healthy because it removes plaque before it turns into tartar. It's easier if your puss gets used to having their teeth brushed as a kitten, but older cats can learn, too. You can also use dental gels, which contain enzymes and mild abrasives that can help prevent the build-up of plaque. These aren’t as effective as brushing your cat’s teeth, but are a good alternative if your feline friend won’t tolerate anything else," Shauna said.

Meanwhile, carts really don't need to be bathed, unless they've rolled in something that's potentially harmful. However, regular brushing is vital for all cats. And longer-haired breeds need extra grooming and care to help keep their coats sleek and in tip-top condition. The PDSA suggested combing them a few times each week, minimum.

"You can use a cat-safe brush or grooming glove, and make sure you give them time to get used to it. Avoid creating static, as this will put your four-legged friend off being groomed. If you notice any changes in their fur, or if they seem itchy and uncomfortable, they might have a skin condition, in which case you should take them to see your vet," PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna said.

“Feeding your puss a high quality balanced diet is an essential part of keeping their mouth and coat healthy. If possible, try to feed them a mix of wet food and biscuits, as the biscuits can help to remove some of the plaque that builds up on their teeth throughout the day. Aim to keep sugary human foods and treats to a minimum. If your cat is prone to dental problems, your vet can recommend a special dental diet designed to stop the build-up of plaque.”