Pets and kids are a natural combination. You may have even grown up with a few furry family members yourself. Pets provide companionship and comfort, and they can help kids develop responsibility, empathy, and compassion. In most cases, raising kids and animals together benefits families in many ways.

Underneath your cat’s fluffy and adorable exterior, a mighty hunter lurks. As obligate carnivores, cats are born predators. For most indoor kitties, though, the closest they get to hunting is strolling to their food dish. Cats who cannot engage their natural instincts often become bored, and some develop behavioral issues, such as aggression.

Cats are curious creatures. It should come as no surprise, then, that there are loads of myths surrounding their health and behavior. That does not mean, though, that you should believe everything you hear – especially when it comes to caring for your beloved pet.

While the aloof, independent nature of cats can make them prefer solitude, they are social creatures. They may prefer to hunt alone, but at other times, they enjoy the company of other members of their species. In feral groups, felines tend to form complex social groups in which they play, groom one another, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Dog ownership still outnumbers cat ownership in the US. Who knows why this is? There could be many reasons. Some people feel that part of growing up and becoming independent includes having a dog, and recent studies have even shown that some are substituting dogs for companionship. On the other hand, careers are a huge priority for many individuals and couples, making cats an excellent pet option due to their independence.

You may have some cats in your neighborhood that have adopted you, or if you really understand the nature of these kitties, you know that they go where they get their food. Some of these cats have been lost, abandoned, or they may even be from a cat colony. Whether you call them alley cats or feral cats, these animals have likely found a way to your (admittedly bleeding) heart, despite their hissing and standoffish nature. As veterinarians, we can completely appreciate that, and we know you want to help them stay safe during the winter months.

The most common reason for euthanasia in cats or, really, pets in general in the United States is behavioral issues. These cat behaviors can range from aggression and biting to elimination or “potty issues” or “potty training issues”. And while there are circumstances where euthanasia is warranted for truly bad and potentially dangerous behavior, it’s also possible to head some of these problems at the pass by getting to the root of the issue.

Cats are in a league of their own when it comes to unpredictability. Some kitties love to snuggle while others you are sure will murder you in your sleep. They are nothing if not unique in their personalities. When it comes to behaviors, though, they do have, ahem, dare we say wonky habits that they tend to share in common. If you’ve got a cat, you’ll surely recognize some of these purrrrfectly normal idiosyncrasies. If you don’t have a cat, well, you could be in a for a wild ride.