You've probably seen your cat digging in the garden soil or in the litter box to cover its waste. But your little companion may also scratch the floor with its paw, especially around the food bowl, and for entirely different reasons. In this article, we explain why your cat scratches around its bowl. Your cat scratching around the bowl: an instinctive behavior Scratching the floor after a meal is a deeply rooted behavior in our cats! It's an instinct they've carried since ancient times. In the wild, cats bury the remains of their prey. For two main reasons: Meat spoils quickly The smell could attract other predators By doing so, they protect their food stash. Sometimes, they may even return to scratch the soil again if the smell is still too strong. Clever little creatures, aren’t they? Your cat is marking its territory by scratching Our feline friends no longer need to bury their prey to survive – we provide them with delicious kibble and pâté. And when your cat scratches around the food bowl, it knows perfectly well it isn’t burying prey. It’s simply acting on instinct – just like when hunting. So there's no point in scolding your cat for scratching around its bowl. They won’t understand and it could harm your bond with them. A form of communication Scratching is also a way of marking territory and signaling to other cats: This is MY food. In fact, your cat’s paw pads secrete pheromones via special glands called pedal glands. Scratching isn’t just about sharpening claws – it’s also an opportunity for cats to leave pheromones on surfaces. By scratching around the bowl, they’re communicating with other cats. If you're worried about floor damage, you can place non-slip mats under the food bowls. What exactly are pheromones? The word "pheromone" comes from the Greek pherein (to carry) and hormon (to excite). Pheromones are volatile substances secreted by an individual that can be detected by another of the same species. Cats perceive them using the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson’s organ). Pheromones are released from various parts of the body: the pedal glands, the sebaceous glands (between the mammary lines), anal glands, chin glands, cheek glands, and the whisker area (commonly called "whiskers"). However: If your cat scratches the floor or walls in places other than around the bowl, it might mean they’ve eliminated outside the litter box. This could be a sign of poor litter habits. If your cat pees everywhere, we’ve got helpful tips to guide you on how to address it.

While it is common for a cat to change weight due to age, seasons, or changes in its lifestyle or environment, rapid and sudden weight loss is generally not a good sign. Just like humans, when cats are healthy, they tend to maintain a fairly stable weight. Should you be worried if your cat is losing weight? The answer is yes! A cat that loses weight without explanation is very often facing a medical problem. Whether it keeps its appetite but the food it eats doesn’t help maintain its weight, or it refuses to touch its food bowl for an extended period: the cat is likely in danger, and action is required! Head to your vet immediately, as this could be a symptom of serious diseases. But what could explain this sudden weight loss? What are the diseases or disorders that can cause weight loss in cats? Why is my cat losing weight? To help you understand, we’ve listed some of the main causes of weight loss in cats. Cat cancers: the role of diet Cancer is well known for causing significant weight loss, both in humans and in cats suffering from it. When tumors appear in a cat’s body, they cause a range of physiological reactions, including an intense metabolic response. This leads to violent weight loss, which should not be taken lightly. Every cancer is essentially a race against time. Cancer in cats is often linked to poor diet. This is why, whether you’re feeding kibble or wet food, it’s essential to be very careful when choosing your cat’s food. Intestinal parasites Parasitic infestations in cats are common and are often the cause of unexplained weight loss. Parasites that settle in the cat’s digestive system will absorb the nutrients from the food the cat eats in order to live and thrive. These intestinal worms act like food thieves from inside the cat’s body. It’s important to have your pet examined and treated if this is the case. It’s also recommended to deworm your pets regularly as a preventive measure. Endocrine diseases in cats Endocrine diseases in cats typically affect animals over the age of 6. The most common are diabetes and hyperthyroidism. A cat suffering from diabetes will tend to drink much more than usual. This is noteworthy because cats generally don’t drink a lot. However, despite continuing to eat, diabetic cats often experience noticeable weight loss. Diabetes most often affects overweight animals that have a sedentary lifestyle and consume a carbohydrate-rich diet. Once diagnosed, the disease can be treated, and the cat's lifestyle adjusted to reduce the severity of its symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is another endocrine disease that typically affects adult and older cats. It is a malfunction of the thyroid gland, which produces more hormones than necessary, completely altering the cat’s behavior. The cat becomes hyperactive, very hungry, and burns a lot of energy. Despite eating large amounts of food, a cat with hyperthyroidism will lose a significant amount of weight. Environmental reasons Don’t panic! While any sudden and unexplained weight loss in a cat should prompt a vet consultation, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a disease. Other environmental factors can also explain weight changes in cats. For example, it’s possible that the cat, for any reason, has had to use its muscles more than usual over a short period of time. Vacations and outdoor access, visits from children who play with the cat more than usual – all of these can lead to an increased energy expenditure and, consequently, weight loss. It may also be due to an inappropriate diet. Sometimes owners confuse cat treats with complete food. The cat then ends up being undernourished and may experience significant weight loss. My cat refuses to eat Another scenario: a cat loses weight simply because it refuses to eat. This can be due to a variety of causes. It could be a condition or disorder that mechanically interferes with the animal’s ability to eat. This could include dental issues, arthritis preventing the cat from bending down to its food bowl, etc. A refusal to eat, if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive thirst, may also signal more serious health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal problems to kidney failure or even feline infectious peritonitis. It’s important to consult a vet as soon as possible. You can read more in our article: My cat isn't eating: why and what to do? Finally, psychological reasons can also lead to a refusal to eat. A change in the cat’s lifestyle can induce stress, causing the cat to avoid its food bowl. Changes in diet, moving to a new home, grief, prolonged solitude – these are just a few examples. In such cases, it’s best to consult an animal behaviorist.

Vomiting in cats may be common, but it should still be taken seriously. However, if your little cat throws up a hairball every now and then, it's not a big deal!

Our cats are so peaceful when they sleep on us, real little angels. Hard to imagine that 10 minutes earlier they were destroying your couch or vomiting on the carpet. Despite that, we wouldn’t dare disturb them during their sleep, not even to go to the bathroom... You may have wondered why your little companion prefers your lap to their soft, cozy cushion. We tried to answer this fascinating mystery in this article by suggesting a few hypotheses on the subject. 6 likely reasons why your cat loves to sleep on you Your little companion is asking for affection Smart kitty! They simply choose the best spot to relax and get attention. By settling on you, they know perfectly well they will get their dose of pets and massages during their nap. Your cat sleeps on you because they love your scent It’s likely that your scent is naturally reassuring and soothing for your cat. Before their nap, your cat will certainly "knead" your lap or belly with their front paws. A little dance directly linked to their natural instinct! They seek warmth You have certainly noticed that our cats tend to favor warm places for their naps. In winter they never settle far from the radiator and when sunny days return, they never say no to sunbathing. Although the main purpose in kittens is temperature regulation, when they sleep against their mother, this behavior is not considered the main reason adult cats sleep against us. Your kitty enjoys the sounds of your body Your cat may indeed like the sounds of your body. Especially your heartbeat and breathing, which can soothe them. Double benefit: it has been proven that "purr therapy" has a beneficial effect on humans. Indeed, our furry friends’ purrs emit low frequencies, between 20 and 50 hertz, which are as soothing for us as for them. Over the long term, purr therapy could help reduce our stress and limit the appearance of cardiovascular diseases. They feel safe If most of the time you are at work, it’s no surprise that your kitty sticks close to you when you come back. Your cat is not only seeking warmth and comfort but is also looking for security. During their sleep, your little companion knows they are vulnerable and can’t see threats coming. But if they are by your side, they are safe and can sleep soundly. Your belly is comfortable Have you ever disliked your little belly? Your kitty certainly doesn’t mind it and actually enjoys it a lot. Forget the “summer body,” your belly is simply the most comfortable place for a nap. Want to know the secret of a satisfied cat who sleeps longer and lets us sleep in on weekends? Ziggy’s pâtée! Thanks to its quality proteins, our pâtées help your cat feel fuller (and thus let us sleep a few more hours).

We are all affected by aging, yes, sorry to break it to you! But your cat, although old, still certainly has many good years ahead. And to continue taking care of him, it may sometimes be necessary to adapt his comfort and routine. Here are our tips to bring him eternal youth (well, almost). At what age is my cat considered old? Aging affects all organs of course, but they do not all age at the same pace, and this varies from cat to cat. For example, some become a bit deaf, others experience declining eyesight, and just like humans, some will have whiter fur! So yes, indeed, a 16-year-old cat is considered old. However, he can still be in good health and remain "young" in his mind. We need to consider two aspects regarding aging: senescence and senility. Senescence corresponds to the physiological changes associated with getting older. Basically: the body functions less efficiently. While senility refers to certain functions that will deteriorate or disappear over time. The few studies on this topic suggest that the boundary between senescence and senility in our cats is around 12 years (between 10 and 14 years for 95% of the feline population). How to take care of my elderly cat? Provide more comfort You can start by making sure his food and water bowls are easily accessible. If you notice he has trouble finding a comfortable position to eat, you can raise his bowl or invest in an elevated feeding dish. Some cats tend to stiffen with age. To help your kitty continue to cuddle in your arms on the couch, don’t hesitate to place a small stair-like structure. This way, he can more easily reach his favorite spot! Keep stimulating him Of course, your cat is no longer the lively and agile kitten he used to be, and even if he naps longer, you should still stimulate him physically and mentally. Elderly cats generally continue to enjoy play sessions. You can play with him by recreating hunting scenes, for example, with a fishing rod toy or a feather wand. For game ideas, feel free to check out our article: which games to choose for my cat. Take care of his coat As your cat ages, his fur may become duller. He will also have more difficulty grooming properly, especially if he suffers from osteoarthritis. To make things easier for him, don’t hesitate to help by brushing him daily. Watch his weight Pay close attention to his weight. Weigh your cat regularly to anticipate any sudden weight changes. If you notice sudden weight gain or unexplained weight loss, don’t delay consulting your veterinarian. The goal is to help your cat maintain an optimal weight to keep him healthy as long as possible. Warm his food a little If you feed him pâté, it is a good idea to warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave, in an appropriate dish. This will enhance the smell and make it more appetizing for your cat, whose sense of smell may gradually decline. Should I change his diet? If your cat is currently in good health, and the latest veterinary check-ups confirm this, there is no need to change his diet. However, it is important to give him quality cat food . The quality of his food can be evaluated based on its digestibility. Of course, you probably won't weigh your cat's stools. But as a guideline, the amount of stool produced should be about 50g for every 100g of dry food or 500g of pâté consumed. Quality food should have a sufficient protein level to meet your cat’s nutritional needs, especially if he is older. And if possible, with low phosphorus content. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice; he will guide you. Some adjustments may be necessary depending on the cat. For example, some may need more fiber if they have slow digestion or are overweight. Regarding this, you can read our article about the benefits of zucchini for our cats. If your cat has dental problems, wet food is even more recommended. Finally, we advise you to divide meals and continue to favor mostly wet food. For example, you can give four small meals: one when you get up in the morning, a second before leaving for work, a third when you come home in the evening, and a final one before going to bed. For more information, feel free to check out our dedicated article on senior cat food. We love our cats at any age. So we give them all the attention and care they deserve. We make sure to give them healthy food to keep them in good health throughout their lives.

To best prepare your holiday plans, you need to consider an important factor: your little companion! Can you bring them with you, is it better to leave them at a boarding facility, or to have a trusted person come by? To ensure your stay (and theirs) is full of relaxation and good vibes, here are our best tips for taking your cat on vacation. Should I take my cat on vacation with me or not? Our cats are very attached to their territory, but some cats, usually those accustomed to traveling from a young age, have no trouble traveling with their human. However, whether you decide to take your cat on vacation or leave them in care, avoid changing their diet. This could add stress and upset their digestive system. To decide if it’s wise to bring your kitty on vacation, consider these points: How long am I going away? Will the trip be long? Are pets allowed at the destination? Will my cat be safe? First important point: make sure in advance that the rental, campsite, or hotel accepts cats. Also, if you have to take a plane, train, or bus, check with the company beforehand about their policies. Going on vacation without my cat: how to arrange care? Having a trusted person come by If for some reason your vacation might be stressful for your furry friend, it may be better to leave your cat at home and have a trusted person come once or twice a day to refresh their food and water and play a little. This could be a friend, family member, or neighbor happy to help (in exchange for a small thank-you gift). Many cat sitters also offer their services for about ten euros per visit. Boarding facility or cat hotel If you’re away for more than a week or have no one to ask to come by, you can choose a boarding facility or cat hotel where your kitty will be safe. A boarding facility is a regulated establishment; the owner must hold a diploma certifying their skills and knowledge about animals. To be accepted in a boarding facility, your cat must be identified, vaccinated, and have their health record. Aristide Hotel in Paris At Aristide Hotel, no cages or grills, but rooms with soft cushions, huts, perches, and zen music. Address: 11 rue Ambroise Thomas, 75009 Paris Price: Cool Cat stay, shared room with a playmate, €25-30 per day ChaperlipoPet in Lyon A boarding facility where you can leave your cat without worry! Calm, bright, and secure, it welcomes your cat during business trips, weekends, or holidays. Address: 83 rue Duguesclin, 69006 Lyon Price: all-inclusive rate for one cat, €15-17 per day Harmonie Chat in Bordeaux Individual rooms, a playroom, and a secure outdoor courtyard — that’s what Harmonie Chat offers. Your furry friend won’t have time to get bored! Address: 122 rue de la Benauge, 33100 Bordeaux Price: €24 per day for one cat in a single room, including kibble and litter Preparing to go on vacation with your cat Getting them used to their carrier To prepare your cat for the trip, place their carrier in your living room so they can get used to it. On the day of departure, it will be less stressful and easier to get them inside! Help them relax Try to relax them by massaging, play a playlist of music designed specifically for cats, or consider valerian root. These natural methods will help your cat feel calmer before the trip. Car trips with your cat Before a long trip, take your companion on short drives first. This helps you gauge how well they handle travel and whether they get anxious or carsick. If needed, ask your vet for medication. Even if your cat is used to car rides, we recommend keeping them in their carrier and not letting them roam freely inside the vehicle—for their safety and yours! Secure your cat safely in the car Place them in their bag or carrier and, if possible, on the floor between the front passenger seat and the back seat. Avoid putting them in the trunk—they need to breathe and not get too hot. Long car trips with your cat: breaks and wet food Make sure to schedule breaks where your cat can drink and eat. Cats rarely drink while the car is moving, so stopping regularly is important. Offer them wet food, which helps keep them hydrated even if they drink little water. However, some cats get carsick, so avoid feeding them during the trip but ensure they drink enough. Of course, during breaks and before letting your cat out of the car, don’t forget to put on their harness! In case of heatwave, bring a damp cloth or towel to cool your cat during breaks. Also, bring wipes or absorbent paper to clean your cat’s carrier if it gets soiled. Once you arrive At first, set up your cat in a reasonably small room, like a bedroom. Provide litter and a water bowl. Keep them in that room for 2 to 3 days to see how they adapt before letting them explore the rest of the place. Check the environment to make sure there are no escape routes before letting them roam freely. Flying with your cat: how to do it? You want to fly with your cat? This is totally possible. Most airlines allow cats under 8 kg (with a carrier) to travel in the cabin. The carrier must be approved, soft, and well-ventilated. Unfortunately, your kitty cannot leave the carrier during the flight. If you have a large cat, like a Maine Coon over 8 kg, they must travel in the cargo hold in an approved rigid cage. Note that some airlines simply do not allow pets. Check beforehand. Traveling abroad with your cat: what to prepare? Within the European Union Each country has its own rules regarding pet movement. If you travel within the EU, your cat must be identified with a microchip, as tattoos alone are no longer valid. Your cat must also have its own European passport. This official document, issued by your vet, contains all necessary information (ID, vaccinations, medical history, etc.). Vaccinations must be up to date, especially rabies, which is mandatory in some countries and protects your cat from rabies. Also, don’t forget to deworm your cat 1 to 5 days before the trip, following your vet’s advice. Outside the EU As with travel within the EU, your cat must have a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies. Note the vaccine only becomes effective 21 days later. For the vaccination to be valid, it must be done after the chip is implanted. For specific rules depending on the country, check with the foreign embassy or consulate in France. If you plan to bring back a cat from abroad, it’s important to know that bringing back an animal is only authorized after 4 months of age and only by adults. Your cat must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued by a vet in the country of origin.

We say that a cat "kneads" when it kneads with its paws on a surface, such as a cushion for example, a blanket or even your belly.

"My cat has diarrhea, should I be worried?" It depends on how long the episode of diarrhea lasts and the general condition of your little companion! Sometimes it may simply be a food intolerance, or a sudden change in diet, but diarrhea is also one of the symptoms of certain diseases. For this reason, we advise you to closely monitor your little companion's health and not hesitate to consult your veterinarian. What can be the causes of diarrhea in my cat? You have noticed that your cat is frequently passing soft or liquid stools? Do they have a foul odor? These are indeed the characteristics of diarrhea. The causes of diarrhea in cats are numerous, and it's important to monitor its progression. We refer to chronic diarrhea if it persists for more than three weeks. The quality of the food If you are feeding your cat poor-quality food, it's likely that the proteins in the food are not fully digested. When these proteins reach the large intestine, they begin to decompose and may cause gas or diarrhea. A diet that is too rich in ash (and thus in carcasses) can, on the other hand, lead to constipation. Food intolerance This is the case if your little companion drinks milk unusually and is unable to digest lactose. The lactose in milk can be difficult for adult cats to digest since they're not used to drinking it. For some cats, digestion of starch is more difficult than for others, and it may ferment in the large intestine, causing gas and diarrhea. A sudden change in diet If a cat’s diet is changed suddenly, the components that reach the intestines differ, and their digestibility will also vary. Dietary changes should be made gradually, and always gently. This is why we recommend doing a dietary transition to avoid disturbing your little companion's digestion. A sign of illness Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of illness, especially if it’s associated with other symptoms. Diarrhea that lasts for several hours in kittens, or for several days in adult cats, should not be ignored. It’s urgent to take your little companion to the vet if diarrhea is accompanied by lethargy. Several diseases can cause diarrhea: viral diseases (FIV, FeLV, panleukopenia), certain parasitic digestive diseases (giardia, coccidia, worms), endocrine diseases (hyperthyroidism), digestive system diseases (pancreas, liver, intestines), and food intolerances or allergies. Antibiotic treatment If your cat is prescribed antibiotics for an infection, diarrhea may occur as a result of the impact on their gut flora. In such cases, your veterinarian will likely recommend ultralevure capsules to stabilize the intestinal flora. What to do if he has diarrhea? As mentioned earlier, it's important to monitor the overall condition of your cat to act accordingly. Pay particular attention to: His appetite. If your little companion has diarrhea, he is likely to stop eating. It’s important to consult your veterinarian quickly in such cases. The duration of the diarrhea episode. The appearance of other symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, etc.). A change in behavior: for example, if he stops playing or seems to be in pain somewhere. The color of the stools. The presence of blood in the stools. If the diarrhea episode follows a change in food, you can either return to the previous food or add some yogurt or give him a special clay that will be prescribed by your veterinarian. Giving probiotics to your cat Probiotics for cats are also excellent for supporting your cat’s intestinal microbiome. These are non-pathogenic living microorganisms that, when consumed, provide a beneficial role for the cat by improving its gut flora and digestive system. At Ziggy, we offer probiotics for our cats and kittens. Formulated by our veterinary nutritionist specializing in clinical nutrition, Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, Ziggy Care probiotics contain Enterococcus Faecium NCIMB 10663 (4b1707) at proven levels to promote good health and microbial balance in the intestines of cats while strengthening their natural immune defenses. The best to preserve the health of our felines. In general, to prevent diarrhea episodes, we recommend providing your cat with fresh water and changing it frequently. Also, make sure to offer them a healthy diet, rich in high-quality proteins, which you can serve in the form of at least 4 small meals per day. For example, Ziggy cat food is highly digestible because it is made from muscle meat and noble offals, without mechanically separated meat (MSM), without animal flours, without carcasses (therefore low in minerals) – and it contains no grains (wheat, corn, rice, spelt…), no tubers like tapioca or cassava, and no legumes (lentils, peas, chickpeas…). What to avoid Under no circumstances should you give human medications to your cat, as there is a real risk of poisoning and overdose. Your veterinarian is the only person qualified to diagnose and prescribe treatment for your cat. You should not remove access to their water bowl. Diarrhea causes significant dehydration, and your cat needs to stay hydrated. Changing their diet too often or too abruptly is also a bad idea, as the digestive flora of cats is quite sensitive. Don’t give them too much food in an attempt to compensate: overeating could make the diarrhea worse. Conversely, you should not stop feeding them. It’s better to divide their meals and offer them a highly digestible diet.

  Neutering your cat offers many benefits. But how can you avoid weight gain? Neutering Your Cat: A Responsible Choice It is often recommended to neuter or spay cats, both male and female, at the end of their growth period. First, to limit and prevent stray litters, thereby avoiding abandonments and the overcrowding of shelters. Undesirable behaviors are also observed, such as male cats marking their territory or female cats crying during heat. Finally, it's important to remember that neutering or spaying your cat helps prevent fights and reduces the risk of running away. Many of us want to neuter or spay our cats, but we often fear the inevitable weight gain that follows! Why do cats gain weight after being neutered or spayed? Neutering your cat comes with a decrease in its energy needs. This means that our cats should consume fewer calories – on average 20% to 30% less each day. Additionally, after castration, our cats lose their natural ability to regulate their caloric needs, which makes them more likely to consume more than they need, leading to rapid weight gain. So, our cats have reduced caloric needs and a loss of self-regulation ability. It is up to us to properly control and regulate their diet to avoid weight gain. How to prevent or limit weight gain after neutering your cat? First and foremost, neutering your cat is a stressful event, both for you and for your cat. We do not recommend changing or reducing your cat’s diet immediately after the surgery. You can give it a few days of rest, allowing it to return to its home and routine. Understanding: When you reduce your cat’s caloric intake, remember that it's not just about reducing the amount of food, but rather reducing the caloric density. Example with wet food: If your cat eats 200g of wet food per day, don’t just reduce the amount to 160g. It won’t understand this sudden "rationing" and may become frustrated. Instead, choose a new wet food, either from the same brand or a different one, formulated for neutered cats and with lower calories. Check out our grain-free wet foods for cats, available in chicken, beef, or fish, specially designed to meet the dietary needs of neutered cats. Example with dry food: If your cat eats 50g of dry food per day, don’t just reduce the amount to 40g. Instead, choose dry food that is specifically designed for neutered cats, with fewer calories, or replace part of its dry food with wet food. Wet food is on average 4 times less caloric than dry food, and will provide volume, water, and high-quality protein to your cat, reducing frustration and increasing satiety. In summary, our tips: Choose low-calorie food: Some foods, whether dry or wet, are more suitable for neutered cats and neutered kittens. This is because some types of food are less caloric than others, at the same weight (100g for example). If their calorie content is reduced, these foods continue to meet the essential nutritional needs of cats in sufficient quantities. Portion their food: If your cat had free access to dry food before neutering, it's not advisable to continue this. Since your cat can no longer regulate itself, it’s better to calculate the daily food intake (dry food and/or wet food) and divide it into several small meals, at least four. Add volume without the calories: It’s possible that your cat will seem frustrated or hungry if you suddenly reduce its caloric intake. This is normal! If its energy needs decrease in less than 24 hours, it won’t be used to this change. You can either transition slowly to a lower-calorie food or add boiled vegetables to its dry food or wet food. Try adding boiled zucchini, which is very low-calorie and often liked by cats. It will provide volume without the extra calories. Are you a feline nutrition expert? Test your knowledge with our quiz!