Title: Cat Care Essentials — LearnCoachAssist

Q: What is the scientific name of the domestic cat?
A: Felis catus.

Q: How long do domestic cats typically live?
A: Indoor cats: 13-17 years; some reach 20+.

Q: Why do indoor cats live longer than outdoor?
A: Reduced exposure to disease, predators, traffic, weather.

Q: How many cat breeds are recognized?
A: Around 40-70 depending on the registry (CFA, TICA).

Q: What are some popular cat breeds?
A: Persian, Maine Coon, Siamese, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Bengal, Sphynx, Scottish Fold.

Q: What is a domestic shorthair?
A: A mixed-breed cat with a short coat; the most common cat in homes.

Q: What is a domestic longhair?
A: A mixed-breed cat with long fur.

Q: What is the average weight of an adult domestic cat?
A: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg); varies widely.

Q: What is the largest domestic cat breed?
A: Maine Coon, often 15-25 pounds.

Q: What is the smallest domestic cat breed?
A: Singapura, often 4-8 pounds.

Q: What is a kitten's developmental milestones?
A: Eyes open 7-10 days; walk 3 weeks; play 4-5 weeks; weaning 6-8 weeks.

Q: When is the critical socialization period for kittens?
A: 2-7 weeks of age.

Q: At what age can kittens leave their mother?
A: Ideally 10-12 weeks for emotional and behavioral development.

Q: What is the typical lifespan stages?
A: Kitten (0-1), young adult (1-6), mature (7-10), senior (11-14), geriatric (15+).

Q: When should a cat first see a vet?
A: Within a week of adoption for a full health check.

Q: What core vaccines do kittens need?
A: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia), rabies.

Q: What is FeLV?
A: Feline Leukemia Virus; vaccine recommended for outdoor cats.

Q: What is FIV?
A: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus; transmitted mainly through bites.

Q: What is FIP?
A: Feline Infectious Peritonitis; previously fatal, now treatable with GS-441524.

Q: What is panleukopenia?
A: A highly contagious, often fatal viral disease (feline parvovirus).

Q: What is upper respiratory infection (URI)?
A: Common cat cold, often calicivirus or herpesvirus.

Q: What is the importance of spay/neuter?
A: Population control, reduced roaming, reduced risk of certain cancers and behaviors.

Q: When is the ideal age for spay/neuter?
A: Typically 4-6 months; pediatric (8+ weeks) is also safe.

Q: What is declawing?
A: Surgical removal of toe joints; widely considered inhumane and banned in many places.

Q: What are alternatives to declawing?
A: Scratching posts, nail caps, regular trimming, positive training.

Q: What is the cost of cat ownership?
A: $800-$1,500+ per year on average.

Q: What are essential supplies for a new cat?
A: Litter box, litter, food/water bowls, food, scratching post, carrier, toys, bed, brush.

Q: What is the litter box rule?
A: One per cat plus one extra; place in quiet, accessible locations.

Q: What types of litter exist?
A: Clay (clumping or non-clumping), silica, pine, paper, corn, walnut.

Q: What is the most preferred litter type?
A: Unscented clumping clay; most cats prefer it.

Q: How often should the litter box be scooped?
A: Daily, ideally twice daily.

Q: How often should litter be fully changed?
A: Every 1-2 weeks for clumping; weekly for non-clumping.

Q: What is the depth of litter?
A: 2-3 inches deep.

Q: What is a "litter strike"?
A: When a cat refuses to use the box; often signals stress, health issue, or dislike.

Q: What are causes of inappropriate elimination?
A: Medical issues (UTI, kidney), stress, dirty box, dislike of litter, location issues.

Q: What is spraying?
A: Marking with urine, usually on vertical surfaces; often related to territory or stress.

Q: What is the difference between spraying and inappropriate urination?
A: Spraying is small amounts on vertical surfaces; inappropriate urination is full bladder on horizontal.

Q: What is a balanced cat diet?
A: Complete commercial food labeled AAFCO-compliant for the life stage.

Q: What is AAFCO?
A: Association of American Feed Control Officials — sets pet food standards.

Q: Are cats obligate carnivores?
A: Yes; they require nutrients only found in animal tissue.

Q: What is taurine?
A: An essential amino acid for cats; deficiency causes heart and eye problems.

Q: What is the wet vs dry food debate?
A: Wet food provides hydration; dry is convenient and dental-supportive; both can be balanced.

Q: How often should cats be fed?
A: Adults 2-3 meals/day; kittens 3-4 meals; free-feeding works for some but contributes to obesity.

Q: What is the role of fresh water?
A: Always available; many cats prefer running water (fountains).

Q: Do cats need milk?
A: No; most cats are lactose intolerant.

Q: What human foods are toxic to cats?
A: Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, raw dough, lilies.

Q: What about tuna for cats?
A: Occasional treat only; not a complete diet and may have mercury.

Q: What is dental disease in cats?
A: Common; periodontal disease affects most cats by age 3.

Q: How can you support dental health?
A: Dental treats, dental food, occasional brushing, professional cleaning.

Q: What is FLUTD?
A: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease; urinary issues common in cats.

Q: What is hairball?
A: Hair swallowed during grooming; vomited or passed through stool.

Q: How to prevent hairballs?
A: Regular brushing, hairball-control food, paste supplements.

Q: What is the role of grooming?
A: Cats groom themselves but benefit from human help, especially long-haired breeds.

Q: How often should you brush a cat?
A: Short hair weekly; long hair daily.

Q: What is matting?
A: Tangled, matted fur; common in long-haired cats; can hurt the skin.

Q: How are nails trimmed?
A: Every 2-3 weeks; clip the clear tip only, avoid the pink quick.

Q: What is a scratching post?
A: A surface for natural scratching behavior; saves furniture.

Q: What materials do cats prefer for scratching?
A: Sisal rope, cardboard, carpet (sometimes), bark.

Q: Why do cats scratch?
A: To shed nail sheaths, mark territory (scent + visual), stretch, exercise.

Q: What is a vertical vs horizontal scratcher?
A: Vertical for stretching tall; horizontal for ground-level stretching.

Q: What is environmental enrichment?
A: Providing variety: toys, perches, scratching, hiding, hunting outlets.

Q: What are vertical spaces?
A: Cat trees, shelves, window perches; cats love height.

Q: Why do cats love boxes?
A: Boxes provide enclosed safety, warmth, and a vantage point.

Q: What is the importance of play?
A: Mimics hunting; reduces stress and behavior issues; bonds with humans.

Q: What kind of toys are good?
A: Wand toys, balls, puzzle feeders, crinkle toys; rotate to prevent boredom.

Q: What is "hunt, catch, kill, eat" play sequence?
A: Mimicking the predator sequence keeps play satisfying.

Q: What is the role of catnip?
A: A plant (Nepeta cataria) causing euphoria in many cats; safe to use.

Q: What percentage of cats respond to catnip?
A: ~50-70%; sensitivity is genetic.

Q: What is silvervine?
A: An alternative to catnip that may work on more cats.

Q: Why do cats knead?
A: Rooted in kittenhood when nursing; sign of contentment.

Q: Why do cats purr?
A: Often contentment, but also self-soothing during pain or stress.

Q: At what frequency do cats purr?
A: 25-150 Hz; may have healing properties.

Q: What is the slow blink?
A: A "cat kiss"; gentle blinking shows trust; reciprocate it.

Q: What is the meaning of a flicking tail?
A: Often irritation or focus; full lashing is anger.

Q: What is a "Halloween cat" posture?
A: Arched back, puffed fur, sideways stance — fear/threat display.

Q: What is the meaning of upright tail?
A: Friendly greeting in cats.

Q: What is the difference between meow types?
A: Cats developed varied meows specifically for humans; meaning depends on context.

Q: What is a chirp/trill?
A: A friendly greeting or call, often used with kittens.

Q: What is a chatter (cat)?
A: An excited vocalization, often when watching prey through a window.

Q: What does a hiss mean?
A: Defensive warning; "back off."

Q: What does a growl mean?
A: Serious warning; escalation toward aggression.

Q: What is the safe approach to a new cat?
A: Let them come to you; offer hand to sniff; avoid eye contact and slow blink.

Q: What is the importance of body autonomy?
A: Respect a cat's "no"; forced handling damages trust.

Q: What are signs of fear in cats?
A: Crouching, hiding, dilated pupils, ears flat, tail tucked or puffed.

Q: What are signs of contentment?
A: Slow blinks, purring, kneading, relaxed posture, tail up.

Q: What is stress in cats?
A: Common and often subtle; manifests as hiding, over-grooming, inappropriate elimination.

Q: What are common stressors?
A: New pets, new people, moves, changes in routine, dirty box, loud noises.

Q: What is Feliway?
A: A synthetic feline facial pheromone; can reduce stress in some cats.

Q: What is the role of routine?
A: Cats thrive on predictable feeding, play, and quiet times.

Q: What is the importance of safe spaces?
A: Cats need places to retreat where they feel unobserved.

Q: What is the multi-cat household rule?
A: Resources × number of cats + 1 (food, water, litter, beds, etc.).

Q: What is "fight or flight" in cats?
A: Their primary response to threat; provide escape routes.

Q: What is play aggression?
A: Predatory play directed at humans; redirect to toys.

Q: What is petting-induced aggression?
A: Cats reaching their stimulation limit and biting/scratching.

Q: How to recognize "the limit"?
A: Tail flicking, twitching skin, dilated pupils, ears back.

Q: What is overstimulation?
A: Sensory overload during petting; respect the warning signs.

Q: What are the "petting safe zones"?
A: Cheeks, chin, base of ears; less safe: belly, base of tail, paws.

Q: What is the belly trap?
A: Showing belly is trust but doesn't always mean rub me — proceed cautiously.

Q: What is the importance of slow introductions?
A: New pets/people should be introduced gradually for cat acceptance.

Q: What is scent swapping?
A: Exchanging bedding/objects between new and existing pets before meeting.

Q: What is barrier introduction?
A: Allowing animals to see/smell each other through a barrier first.

Q: What is the typical time for cat-cat introduction?
A: 1-4 weeks of gradual steps.

Q: What is the importance of vertical territory in multi-cat homes?
A: Reduces conflict by giving each cat space.

Q: What is resource guarding (cat)?
A: Less common than dogs but possible; manage with multiple resources.

Q: What is cat aggression toward other cats?
A: Often territorial; mitigated by space, slow intros, neutering.

Q: What is single-cat happiness?
A: Many cats prefer being the only cat in the home.

Q: What is feral cat?
A: A cat that lives wild, often unsocialized; differs from stray.

Q: What is a stray cat?
A: A previously socialized cat now living without a home.

Q: What is TNR?
A: Trap-Neuter-Return; humane management of feral populations.

Q: What is community cat?
A: A cat managed in a colony, often via TNR.

Q: What is a barn cat?
A: A working cat living outdoors managing rodents.

Q: What is the difference between indoor and outdoor cats?
A: Indoor: longer life, fewer risks; outdoor: more enrichment but many dangers.

Q: What is "catio"?
A: An enclosed outdoor space allowing safe outdoor experience.

Q: What is leash-walking cats?
A: Possible with patience and proper harness; not all cats enjoy it.

Q: What is a harness vs collar for walking?
A: Harness only; cats can slip collars.

Q: What is microchipping?
A: A small implant with permanent ID; recommended for all cats.

Q: What is ID tag importance?
A: Visible immediate ID if cat escapes.

Q: What is a breakaway collar?
A: A safety collar that opens under tension to prevent strangulation.

Q: What is the importance of carrier training?
A: Reduces stress at vet visits.

Q: What is a "carrier as safe space"?
A: Leave carrier accessible at home so it isn't only associated with vet.

Q: What is fear-free veterinary care?
A: Practices reducing stress at the vet (low-stress handling, pheromones).

Q: What are signs of pain in cats?
A: Hiding, decreased grooming, reduced appetite, hunched posture, change in litter habits, vocalizing.

Q: What is the "behavioral iceberg"?
A: Cats hide illness; subtle changes often signal real problems.

Q: What are red flag symptoms?
A: Not eating 24+ hours, straining to urinate, repeated vomiting, lethargy, breathing changes.

Q: What is a male cat urinary blockage?
A: Life-threatening emergency; obstructed urethra; immediate vet care needed.

Q: What are signs of urinary blockage?
A: Crying in the litter box, frequent attempts with no urine, lethargy.

Q: What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
A: Common in senior cats; progressive; manageable with diet and meds.

Q: What is hyperthyroidism?
A: Common in older cats; causes weight loss despite increased appetite.

Q: What is feline diabetes?
A: A metabolic disease; manageable with diet and sometimes insulin.

Q: What is FIP again briefly?
A: Feline Infectious Peritonitis — now treatable with antivirals.

Q: What is heart disease in cats?
A: Often hidden (HCM); some breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll) predisposed.

Q: What is the importance of weight management?
A: Obesity increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary disease.

Q: What is the body condition score (BCS)?
A: A 1-9 scale; ideal is 4-5; ribs felt easily, visible waist.

Q: What is the role of senior wellness exams?
A: Twice yearly for cats 10+ to catch issues early.

Q: What is the rainbow bridge euphemism?
A: A common term for the afterlife of beloved pets.

Q: What is end-of-life care?
A: Quality-of-life focus, comfort, eventual euthanasia decisions.

Q: What is the difference between cats and dogs in care?
A: Cats are more independent but no less in need of attention; their needs are quieter.

Q: What is the myth that cats are "low-maintenance"?
A: Half-truth; they're less demanding but require enrichment, vet care, and connection.

Q: What is the importance of training cats?
A: Possible and beneficial; clicker training teaches tricks and cooperation.

Q: What can cats learn?
A: Sit, paw, jump on command, recall, cooperative care.

Q: What is the role of positive reinforcement?
A: Most effective approach for cats too.

Q: What is consent-based handling?
A: Pause and let the cat opt-in or opt-out of interactions.

Q: What is the role of patience?
A: Cat trust builds slowly and lasts long.

Q: What is the difference between aggressive and reactive?
A: Aggressive proactively threatens; reactive responds to triggers.

Q: What is socialization for kittens?
A: Positive exposure to humans, sounds, surfaces in early weeks.

Q: What is litter box maintenance for cats with mobility issues?
A: Low-entry boxes for seniors and disabled cats.

Q: What is enrichment for indoor cats?
A: Window perches, food puzzles, scheduled play, varied toys, vertical space.

Q: What is the importance of windows?
A: Visual stimulation; daily TV for cats.

Q: What is "cat TV"?
A: Videos featuring birds and small animals; many cats enjoy them.

Q: What is bird feeder placement?
A: Place near windows for cat viewing while keeping birds safe (or far if free-roaming cats).

Q: What is the impact of outdoor cats on wildlife?
A: Outdoor cats kill billions of birds annually; major conservation issue.

Q: What is "indoors-only" philosophy?
A: Best for cat safety AND wildlife protection.

Q: What is the cost of an emergency vet visit?
A: Often $500-$3,000+; emergency fund recommended.

Q: What is pet insurance?
A: Helps cover unexpected veterinary costs; pre-existing conditions often excluded.

Q: What are common cat hazards in the home?
A: Lilies, essential oils (many toxic), strings/yarn, hair ties, plastic bags, dryers.

Q: What essential oils are toxic to cats?
A: Tea tree, peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, pine, cinnamon, others.

Q: Why are lilies dangerous?
A: True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) cause acute kidney failure even from pollen.

Q: What is the choking risk of string?
A: Linear foreign body; can saw through intestines if swallowed.

Q: What is electrical cord risk?
A: Cats chew cords; provide deterrents or cord covers.

Q: What is the importance of pet-proofing?
A: Look for hazards as you would for a curious toddler.

Q: What is the typical cat sleep duration?
A: 12-16 hours per day, sometimes more.

Q: Why do cats sleep so much?
A: Conservation of energy from hunter ancestry.

Q: What is REM in cats?
A: Dreams during REM; twitching paws are normal.

Q: What is the cat's circadian rhythm?
A: Crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk.

Q: What is the "zoomies"?
A: Sudden bursts of frantic activity, especially evenings.

Q: What is the 3-3-3 rule for new cats?
A: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to settle, 3 months to feel at home.

Q: What is decompression?
A: Initial quiet period for a new cat to feel safe.

Q: What is a sanctuary room?
A: A small, quiet room for a new cat's first days.

Q: What is the importance of slow introductions to children?
A: Teach kids to respect cat signals and offer gentle interactions.

Q: What is appropriate handling for kids?
A: Sit-still and let the cat come; no chasing, picking up, or grabbing.

Q: What is the lifespan-extending power of dental care?
A: Good dental hygiene adds 1-3 years on average.

Q: What is the role of probiotics for cats?
A: Can help with digestive issues; ask vet.

Q: What is the prescription diet?
A: Therapeutic foods for specific conditions (kidney, urinary, weight).

Q: What is the importance of fresh food rotation?
A: Some vets recommend variety in proteins and brands.

Q: What is "feline odyssey"?
A: An app/tool to track cat behavior; many such apps exist.

Q: What is the right way to lift a cat?
A: Support hind end with one hand, front under chest with the other; don't dangle.

Q: What is "scruffing"?
A: Holding the loose skin at the neck; outdated, can cause stress; avoid except by professionals.

Q: What is gentle restraint?
A: Comforting hold with minimal force during procedures.

Q: What is the importance of name recognition?
A: Cats can learn their names; respond when called from a young age.

Q: What is "the look"?
A: A cat's intense stare; can mean focused interest or warning.

Q: What is the "elevator butt"?
A: A reaction to pets at the base of the tail; common pleased response.

Q: What is "making biscuits"?
A: Slang for kneading.

Q: What is "loafing"?
A: Tucking all paws under for a bread-loaf shape; relaxed but ready.

Q: What is the "side eye"?
A: A sideways glance often signaling annoyance.

Q: What is the role of consistent ID?
A: Always use the same name with cat; consistency matters.

Q: What is the takeaway of cat care?
A: Respect their independence, meet their needs, build trust, and enjoy a quieter but no less rich companionship.

Q: What is the importance of life enrichment?
A: Indoor cats need challenges to thrive — feeding puzzles, climbing, play.

Q: What is play therapy?
A: Scheduled, intentional play sessions for emotional well-being.

Q: What is the difference between toys and tools?
A: Toys engage; food puzzles work the brain; both are essential.

Q: What is the meaning of a low growling purr?
A: Sometimes pain or stress, sometimes territory communication.

Q: What is purring frequency healing?
A: Theory that purr frequencies may aid in healing of cat tissues.

Q: What is a "lap cat"?
A: A cat who loves to sit on humans; breed and individual.

Q: What is the difference between "lap cat" and "social cat"?
A: Lap cat is physical contact; social cat enjoys presence not necessarily touch.

Q: What is the importance of letting cats observe?
A: Many cats prefer watching to participating.

Q: What is the value of multiple beds/resting spots?
A: Cats have favorites that change with light, temperature, and mood.

Q: What is the role of warmth?
A: Cats prefer warm spots; heated beds welcomed by seniors.

Q: What is the difference between cat's needs and dog's needs (briefly)?
A: Cats need vertical space, predictability, and clean facilities; dogs need exercise and pack interaction.

Q: What is the importance of training your humans?
A: Set rules so the cat can predict household behavior.

Q: What is the "off-limits" rule?
A: Cats need clear, consistent boundaries enforced kindly.

Q: What is the cat's place in family?
A: A full member with unique needs, communication style, and personality.

Q: What is the "Tortie attitude"?
A: Folklore that tortoiseshell cats have strong personalities — some evidence.

Q: What is the orange male tendency?
A: Genetics; most orange cats are male.

Q: What is calico genetics?
A: Almost always female; X-linked color genes.

Q: What is hybrid cat?
A: A breed mixed with a wild species (e.g., Bengal × Asian leopard cat); needs special care.

Q: What is the difference between Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest?
A: Both large fluffy breeds; subtle differences in shape and origin.

Q: What is the impact of a cat on mental health?
A: Companionship, lower stress, sense of purpose.

Q: What is the takeaway of cat companionship?
A: Cats reward patience and respect with deep, complex bonds.