Can I put tap water in my cat's water fountain?
Check local drinking-water suitability, the fountain’s instructions and any veterinary requirements for your cat. Keep the water fresh and follow the model’s cleaning guidance.
Read the guideThe reading corner
A little help for life with cats
Practical answers about feeding, grooming, play, comfortable spaces and everyday cat care. Browse the published Cat Nibbles guides and follow the sources behind each answer.
63 published guides. Browse the latest additions or return to the journal.
How often should I brush my cat?
A simple, source-backed schedule for brushing short‑haired cats, with practical steps for shedding seasons and older cats.
Read the guideHow often should I change the filter in my cat water fountain?
Check the replacement schedule for your exact fountain and filter. A Drinkwell Mini manual is one model-specific example, not a universal interval for every fountain.
Read the guideHow to calm a stressed cat in a carrier
Positive, practical steps to help your cat relax in a carrier using gradual training, familiar scents and calm travel-day setup.
Read the guideHow to teach your cat to scratch a cardboard pad
A practical plan to get your cat using a corrugated cardboard scratcher with positive reinforcement, smart placement and simple setup.
Read the guideIs it bad if my cat chews on cardboard scratchers?
Chewing is not the same as swallowing, but do not assume cardboard is safe to eat. Remove loose pieces and ask your vet about repeated ingestion or signs of illness.
Read the guideIs there crate training for cats?
Yes. For cats, “crate training” means teaching your cat to see the carrier as a safe, comfortable place and to travel calmly. Here’s a practical, step‑by‑step plan grounded in veterinary and welfare guidance.
Read the guideShould I leave my cat’s water fountain on all night?
Check whether your fountain is designed for continuous operation, maintain the correct water level and follow its electrical and cleaning instructions.
Read the guideSisal or cardboard: which scratcher is better for cats?
A practical answer on sisal vs cardboard scratchers: what actually matters to your cat, how to choose, where to place them and when to switch.
Read the guideTrain your cat to love the carrier with positive reinforcement
A calm, step-by-step carrier training plan that uses rewards and gentle desensitization so your cat chooses to go in and settles for travel.
Read the guideDo cats like it when you wash their bedding? A practical answer
A clear answer on whether cats like freshly washed bedding, with safe, vet- and manufacturer-grounded steps to clean a cat bed and help your cat settle.
Read the guideHow cats express emotions with their ears (and whiskers)
A clear guide to reading cat ear positions with whisker cues, plus a practical checklist for safe, calm interactions.
Read the guideHow long does it take for a cat to learn a cat flap? Introducing an automatic flap
A practical answer to how long cats take to learn a cat flap, with a step-by-step plan for microchip (automatic) flaps, troubleshooting, and a worked example.
Read the guideHow often should you rotate cat toys? A simple plan to beat boredom
Rotate cat toys regularly when interest fades, keep favourite safe toys available and store wand or string toys after supervised play. Use a simple interest-led rotation plan.
Read the guideIs hide-and-seek stalking play good for cats? How to do it safely
A practical answer on whether hide-and-seek stalking games help cats, with step-by-step play, safety limits, and when to stop.
Read the guideSureFlap red light flashing: what it means and what to do
A flashing red LED on many SureFlap microchip cat flaps usually signals low batteries. Here’s how to fix it quickly and keep introductions to an automatic flap on track.
Read the guideWhat beds do cats like most?
A practical guide to match cat bed types to how your cat actually sleeps, with safety and placement tips you can use at home.
Read the guideWhat kind of brush for a long-haired cat?
Start with a soft or medium-pin slicker, follow with a metal comb, and add a de-shedding tool only if your cat has a dense undercoat. Be gentle; stop for tight mats or sore skin.
Read the guideWhat toys do kittens love most? Where tunnels fit
A practical guide to the kitten toys most cats love, how tunnels fit into play, safe choices, and an easy play plan you can try today.
Read the guideWhere do cats like to hide? Favorite spots and whether tunnels count
A clear answer to where cats prefer to hide, with practical, safe ways to set up boxes, covered beds, high perches and tunnels.
Read the guideDo you need a filter for a cat water fountain?
Clear answer with pump-care context: when a filter helps, when you can skip it, and a simple weekly routine to keep the pump clean and water flowing.
Read the guideHow to fix a cat water fountain pump: clean the pump and impeller safely
Most “broken” cat fountain pumps start working again after a careful unplugged clean. Here’s how to open the pump, remove and clean the impeller, reassemble, and set it up to avoid running dry.
Read the guideHow to make a wobbly cat tree sturdier
Practical steps to stop a cat tree wobbling: tighten hardware, diagnose where movement starts, stabilize the base for carpet or hard floors, use manufacturer-approved wall straps, and know when to replace.
Read the guideWhat deters cats from scratching wood (and makes the cat tree the better choice)
A humane, practical plan to protect wood while guiding your cat to a sturdy, wobble-free scratch spot they’ll actually use.
Read the guideWhat is the best mat for trapping cat litter? A practical guide
The best mat for trapping cat litter depends on your priority. Dual-layer honeycomb mats contain the most scatter, coiled PVC mesh mats are the best all-rounders for most homes, and silicone mats are easiest to clean after liquid messes.
Read the guideWhat should I clean my cat's water fountain with?
Exactly what to use to clean a cat water fountain pump and parts: safe soaps, vinegar for scale, what to avoid, and a quick routine that matches manufacturer advice.
Read the guideWhat’s the best way to store wet cat food?
Direct answer with practical steps: where to keep unopened cans, how to refrigerate opened food, how long it can sit out, and when not to freeze. Manufacturer guidance and simple checklists included.
Read the guideWhy cats chirp at birds: what it means and how to respond
When your cat “talks” to birds with quick chirps or jaw-clicks, it’s usually normal hunting arousal. Learn the likely reasons, simple enrichment that helps, and when to call your vet.
Read the guideWhy cats like to sit on cardboard boxes
A clear, practical answer to why cats love cardboard boxes, with safe setup tips and a quick owner checklist.
Read the guideWhy do cats sit on high places?
A clear answer focused on why many cats choose high places to sleep, with safe setup tips, when to reassess, and practical ways to offer secure elevated beds at home.
Read the guideCan a cat window perch break a window? How to check before you install
Direct answer plus practical checks to know if your glass and setup are safe for a cat window perch.
Read the guideCan you wash a cat carrier? Yes: here’s how to do it safely
Yes, you can wash a cat carrier. Choose a method based on the carrier’s materials and the maker’s care label. Clean first, then disinfect if needed, and let every part air‑dry fully before reuse.
Read the guideDo cats have to have breakaway collars?
A clear answer and practical safety steps on breakaway (quick‑release) cat collars, with evidence‑based tips on choosing, fitting and checking a collar.
Read the guideDo long-haired cats need brushing? How often and what to use
Yes. See how often to brush a long-haired cat, which tools help, a 5–10 minute routine, and when to get a groomer’s help.
Read the guideHow long does dry cat food stay good after opening?
Opened dry cat food stays at its best for about 2–3 months when kept in the original bag, sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place. Practical storage steps and when to toss.
Read the guideHow often should kitty litter be scooped? Simple daily schedule
Scoop at least once daily; twice daily in multi-cat homes or small spaces. Top off to maintain 3–4 inches, and plan full litter changes every few weeks depending on litter type and use.
Read the guideHow to encourage your cat to drink from a water fountain
A calm, practical plan to help your cat accept a water fountain using gradual introduction, smart placement, positive reinforcement and simple troubleshooting.
Read the guideHow to entertain an indoor cat: a simple daily plan
Practical ways to entertain an indoor cat with short interactive play, puzzle feeding, vertical spaces, window views and smart toy rotation. A ready daily routine, safety notes and a quick checklist.
Read the guideHow to find a harness that fits your cat
A clear, practical method to measure, choose and check a cat harness that fits well, with simple indoor tests before your first walk.
Read the guideHow to introduce a cat to new cats, step by step
A calm, staged plan to introduce a cat to new cats: safe-room setup, scent swaps, barrier viewing, brief supervised meets, and when to pause.
Read the guideHow to say I love you in cat language
Say I love you in cat language with a gentle slow blink, predictable routines, and short, positive play sessions.
Read the guideHow to tell if your cat needs a bigger litter box
Clear signs your cat needs more space, how to measure correctly, and practical box choices that improve comfort and use.
Read the guideHow to trim your indoor cat’s claws safely
A calm, step-by-step guide to trimming an indoor cat’s claws safely, with tool tips, handling advice and clear stop points.
Read the guideSafest houseplants for cats: a simple shopping and placement guide
A practical answer on the safest houseplants for cats, with specific safe examples, plants to avoid, how to check labels, and where to place plants at home.
Read the guideShould I let my cat knead my blanket?
Clear, practical advice on when it’s fine to let your cat knead your blanket, quick safety checks, simple fabric protection and gentle redirection.
Read the guideShould you put a blanket in a cat carrier?
Yes, in most cases. Use a clean, absorbent towel or thin blanket that fits flat, keep it familiar-scented, and ensure airflow. Consider a light cover during travel and line for accidents.
Read the guideWhat is silvervine good for in cats? Practical uses and safety
A clear answer on what silvervine does for cats, with practical ways to use it safely and when to skip it.
Read the guideWhat should you wash cat bowls with?
Clear guidance on what to wash cat bowls with, how often to clean, safe tools and detergents, plus practical steps for different materials.
Read the guideWhy do cats raise their butts when you pet them? What it means and how to respond
Most cats lift their rear because it feels good and they’re inviting more contact. Learn normal reasons, when to pause, and simple ways to respond, including offering a nearby scratching surface.
Read the guideWhy does my cat hide when I come home?
A clear answer to why some cats hide when you arrive home, how to tell normal from concerning, and simple steps that make arrivals less stressful.
Read the guideHow long does a cat need to adjust to new litter?
Plan a gradual litter change, keep a familiar tray available and recognise when toileting changes need veterinary attention rather than another experiment.
Read the guideCan you put new litter on top of old litter? Practical advice for cat owners
how often replace cat litter box, plus routines for daily scooping, topping up, and when to do a full dump-and-wash to control odor and avoid behavior issues.
Read the guideDo cats enjoy puzzle feeders? Practical steps for calm introductions
how to introduce puzzle feeders to cats with stepwise tips for calm introductions, choosing feeders and troubleshooting to keep meals enriching and stress-free.
Read the guideDo cats prefer cardboard or sisal? Practical choices for your cat
how to choose a cat scratching post with a behavior-first guide to cardboard vs sisal, a shopping checklist and a two-week test plan.
Read the guideDo cats prefer hard or soft carriers? Practical guide for calm travel
how to get cat used to carrier with calm, evidence-based steps and advice on choosing hard or soft carriers for vet visits, car rides and flights.
Read the guideHow long do cat litter boxes last? A practical replacement guide
Practical guide on how often replace cat litter box, signs to swap it out, cleaning routines and type-specific lifespan advice.
Read the guideHow often should I clean my cat's automatic feeder? Practical schedule and care
automatic cat feeder cleaning: a clear daily, weekly and monthly routine to reduce bacteria, mold and pests and protect both cat and household.
Read the guideHow to get an unwilling cat into a carrier? Practical steps and handling tips
how to get cat used to carrier, practical reward-based steps, safe loading techniques, and when to get veterinary help.
Read the guideWhat type of scratching post do cats prefer? A practical guide
Learn how to choose a cat scratching post that your cat will use, with practical steps on materials, height, placement and testing for best results.
Read the guideShould your cat sleep in your bed?
Whether it is okay to let your cat sleep in your bed, when to be more careful, how to keep a shared bed clean and what to do when your cat keeps you awake.
Read the guideDo cats prefer ceramic or plastic bowls? A guide to cat whisker friendly food bowls
cat whisker friendly food bowls explained, comparing ceramic, plastic and alternatives so you can choose for whisker comfort and easy care.
Read the guideHow do I get my cat to stop messing with the automatic feeder? Practical cleaning and behavior steps
automatic cat feeder cleaning advice combining hygiene, enrichment and placement to reduce tampering and protect household health.
Read the guideWhy keep your cat’s water bowl away from food?
Find a calmer place for your cat’s water bowl, compare bowls and fountains, and learn when a change in drinking calls for veterinary advice.
Read the guide