Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Symptoms are pain and the inability to walk normally on the hind legs. Of course, you may wonder if this is true. Alternatively, it may start digging at your clothes in an attempt to get to the root of the strange smell. kitty litter. Humans have around 9,000 taste buds, while cats have only around 470. Other signs caused by complications of heart disease include: Blood clots, including a particular problem called thromboembolism, when a blood clot forms in the left atrium (one of the small chambers of the heart) and a fragment lodges in a major blood vessel (typically the aorta, lower down in the body, close to blood supply to the hind legs). Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-sided) in Cats, Heart Failure, Congestive (Right-sided) in Cats. And if youre looking for a little extra TLC, they may just be the perfect nurse. Congenital heart disease may also involve a genetic or hereditary disorder, in which case the problem may develop in more than one kitten in the litter. ACE inhibitors can help relax the blood vessels, enabling the heart to pump blood with less effort and lowering blood pressure. Heart disease in cats cannot always be prevented. If your vet detects a heart murmur, it's a good idea to do further testing to rule out heart disease. Treatment options for feline heart disease include a wide range of medications, including: Oxygen therapy is helpful for any cat in respiratory distress, which is common in cats when they present with heart disease. Lower Risk of Heart Disease. Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. Cats dont have X-ray vision to see through physical objects. This leads to complications around the body and ongoing illness, and ultimately can lead to the death of a cat. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Most cats will instinctively know when their human is feeling ill. She has more than five years of experience in lifestyle editing and media and has been published in a variety of prestigious outlets. This can be caused by heart disease, but doesn't necessarily mean that your cat has heart disease. If your veterinarian tells you that your cat has heart disease, discuss the diagnosis in detail with your veterinarian so that the condition can be fully investigated, and a detailed treatment plan put in place. Siamese Cats have also been diagnosed with another form of cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle gets thinner as the heart enlarges. After all, cats are incredibly attuned to their surroundings and have an uncanny ability to pick up on subtle changes in their environment. A cats sense of taste is very different from a humans. Its usually characterized by symptoms such as: Cats are quite adept at picking up on such symptoms of illness through scent and physiological changes. Since they can't talk like humans, cats tell you by their behavior, "yes, I know you are sick." 5. The sooner your cat's heart disease is detected, the better the chance of treating it before the signs become severe. Heart disease in cats does not necessarily need treatment. Causes of DCM include diets lacking the essential amino . Its not entirely clear whether cats can detect cancer with their nose. Furthermore, cats can understand body cues and facial expressions. There are many different causes of feline heart disease, but they can be divided into two main groups. Explained By A Vet. Cats also have an amazing sense of smell, so they may be able to sniff out changes in our scent that indicate something is wrong. Cats can play, eat normally, and have normal bowel movements early in heart disease. Hypoglycemia refers to a condition whereby ones body sugar (glucose) levels are lower than normal. Some people believe that cats can sense when someone is going to die because they have a sixth sense, or because they can pick up on changes in a persons scent or behavior. Cornell Feline Health Center. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and has run his own 4-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991. A defining characteristic of depression is that it saps a persons energy, productivity, and social nature. Benefits for the body. Cats do not normally develop the common diseases of humans with heart disease. Also Read:How Much Does A Cat X-Ray Cost? In cats breathing problems often look like panting or breathing through an open mouth. Theyre simply trying to comfort their favored human. The term "cardiomyopathy" simply means a disease or disorder of the heart and is used to describe structural or anatomical abnormalities in the heart. Your cat can likely detect your low moods through your behavior. Be aware of other signs as well and seek veterinary assistance. A cat will see or hear people approaching quickly. 1. Its also thought that cats can physically sense when youre in pain. Opens a whole new avenue or intervention that we hadnt looked at before, one that can be made at the public level. And there appear to be no risks with this approach, unlike drugs or surgery, he added. It is difficult to predict survival time in cats with heart failure. Adult onset heart disease can occur as the result of damage to the heart structure at some time during the cat's life, resulting in abnormal function. If something is amiss, your cat is likely to be the first to know. Your vet may recommend chest x-rays, to visualize the size and shape of your cats heart, as well as other structures in your cats thorax (chest). If your kitten is not growing at a normal rate, heart disease may be the underlying reason. Anecdotal evidence shows cats save lives by picking up on illnesses their human owners were oblivious to. Do you ever get the feeling that your cat knows when youre not feeling well? If you notice any behavioral changes, book an appointment with your doctor to conduct blood tests. There are two situations when an owner may become aware of heart disease. Diseases that primarily affect the heart valves and pericardium are rare in adult cats. However, there are some anecdotal reports from cat owners who claim that their pets did indeed seem to know when something was wrong, even before diagnosis. The most common type of adult onset disease in the cat is cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle. This generally involves X-rays, electrical recording of the heart (ECG), and ultrasound examination (echocardiography). If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Its almost like they can sense when you are sick. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it is possible that cats are more attuned to changes in our physiology than we realize. These cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent passing on the disease to another generation. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Any expressions of pain, such as wincing or a grimace, will not go unnoticed by your cat. Cole is a clinical nurse at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Center and School of Nursing. This causes a heart murmur that is often detected during a routine physical examination of the kitten. The answer is yes, cats can sense a bad person. This isnt hard for a cat not to notice, especially if it has a close relationship with the individual. Your local veterinarian may recommend referral to a veterinary cardiologist, who has a special interest in cardiology (disorders of the heart). Suggested Articles Congenital Heart Disorders Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis: Heart Disease Patent Ductus Arteriosus Hypertension Hyperthyroidism in Cats Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. A diagnosis of heart disease in your cat can be worrying. High blood pressure (hypertension) is common in older cats and is often part of the complications of heart disease, so it can be important to monitor this. Can Cats Sense Heart Attacks? There is some evidence that cats can sense when you are sick. Dr. Robert Myerburg, director of the division of cardiology at the University of Miami, said it makes more sense that dogs would provide more heart benefit to pet owners than cats. At an early stage of heart disease, a physical exam by your veterinarian may be the only way to tell there is something wrong. These serious conditions should always warrant a prompt visit to the veterinarian to begin diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. These bitter chemicals can be detected by a cats sensitive sense of taste, even in very small quantities. Whatever the case may be, theres no doubt that cats can provide much-needed companionship and support when were going through a tough time. And just like any good friend, theyll want to do whatever they can to help you feel better. When the heart is not functioning properly, it can affect every organ and muscle in the body. All rights reserved. Because there are so many types of heart disease, your cat's prognosis will depend upon the specific condition that is diagnosed. Qureshi and colleagues did not analyse the personality traits of cat owners and could therefore not shed light in this area. Not all heart murmurs are associated with heart disease. There are a few things that cats do when they smell cancer. So, if you are dying, your cat may be able to smell the change in your body chemistry and know that something is wrong. In addition, cats can also hear our heartbeat, which can give them an indication of our overall health. So, its no surprise that many people believe cats can tell when their owner is sick. For example, cats are very sensitive to bitterness and can taste things that are far too bitter for humans. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. We all know that our feline friends are attuned to our moods and behaviors. Cats are sympathetic towards their owners pain and will often express their concern by becoming clingy. Some heart medications can have serious adverse effects if stopped suddenly, so it is important that your cat receive the medication regularly and that prescription refills are requested ahead of time. There are many possible causes of these signs, so affected cats should be taken to a veterinarian, who will make the diagnosis of heart disease after an examination and investigation. Your vet may teach you how to monitor the respiratory rate at home, and may ask for frequent checkups so they can listen to the heart. One theory is that they can smell changes in a persons body chemistry, as cancerous cells produce different metabolic byproducts than healthy cells. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. This may occur secondary to a heart condition, but it can also be caused by stress. Coughing, lethargy, rapid respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance can all be common signs of heart failure. Sure, cats nap a lot no matter the circumstance. Some commonly used medications for cats include the ACE inhibitors enalapril or benazepril, the beta blocker atenolol, and diuretics such as furosemide or spironolactone. There are many different types of heart disease that affect cats. This is because the smell of cancer can make them feel very sick and they may not want to eat. Heart disease prevents the heart from functioning normally, so any type of physical activity may cause your cat's energy levels to significantly decrease. Pale gums are a telltale sign of heart disease in cats and many other animals. If your cat is experiencing any symptoms of heart disease or failure, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will likely want to perform bloodwork frequently when medications are first started, to make sure your cat has the proper dose. Your cat is likely to detect a different scent from you. For instance, the hormonal and chemical changes in the body will be detected by a cats olfactory receptors. As highlighted, cats tend to be attuned to the facial expressions of their owners. This is because they are trying to clean themselves and get rid of any germs that may be making them sick. Some of these tests can be easily done with your local veterinarian, while others may need a veterinary cardiologist to fully diagnose the problem. This is because when a cat is ill, they may not have much of an appetite. Although signs of congenital disease are often seen at a young age, in some cases congenital heart disease can go undetected for many years. Theres a lot of debate on whether or not cats can sense when something is wrong, but I think theres a strong argument to be made that they can. Aging is a natural process. Modern medications are usually effective with proper patient monitoring. So, if you tend to be affectionate toward your cat, itll notice this unusual heartbeat when lying on your stomach or chest. This causes weakness or paralysis in both hind legs, and can be a very painful problem, requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Congenital heart defects are uncommon in cats. While coughing is a major symptom of heart disease in dogs, it does not often occur in cats. A murmur sounds like swishing or whooshing through a stethoscope. Recognizing the Signs of Illness in Cats. If you suspect that you may be predisposed to diabetes, you should pay attention to your cats behavior. Read more here. Another possibility is that cats can smell changes in our scent when were ill. This depends on the type of heart disease: some cats can live normal lifespans, while others may only live for weeks or months. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, or other medications or dietary additives may be helpful. 3. Itll know theres something wrong with your leg. Only a professional can properly diagnose diabetes. A prescription diet may be recommended so that your cat is eating what is best for this condition. Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at greater risk for fast or irregular heartbeats, heart failure that causes breathing difficulties, and blood clots. Read our, Heart murmur (abnormal heartbeat heard by the vet using a stethoscope), Acute weakness or paralysis in rear limbs (blockage due to blood clot, called, Stunted growth in kittens (congenital diseases). Your vet may notice that your cat's heart sounds abnormal when listening with a stethoscope. Respiratory infections raise heart attack risk by 17 times. Heart disease can cause a large variety of symptoms. If left unchecked, the condition is likely to be fatal. Cats can detect pain in their owners perhaps better than any other affliction. In some cases, if your veterinarian suspects that the heart murmur is secondary to another disease, more extensive tests may be recommended. Beta-blockers (such as atenolol ) are used especially with cases of hypertension. A number of conditions can affect the heart rhythm in cats. Normal cats can have intermittent heart murmurs, often when their heart rate is increased due to stress, and these physiologic murmurs have no impact on their health. At the end of the day, though, we dont really know for sure whether or not cats can sense brain tumors. A less serious form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is seen in these breeds. Cancer is a scary word. Similarly, high blood pressure often causes an increase in ones heart rate. In both circumstances, blood flows abnormally through the defect, causing turbulence. Chronic Kidney Disease. If your cat has any signs of heart disease, it's important to get to the vet as soon as possible. Can shingles raise the risk of heart attack? We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Theres no definitive answer to this question, as theres no scientific evidence to support or refute the claim that cats can detect mental illness in humans. They may become more clingy or affectionate than usual, or they may start to avoid us altogether. Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and has run his own 4-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991. In other cases, the cat will stop eating or using the litter box, which can be a sign that something is wrong. 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In many situations, if a heart murmur has been detected on a routine examination, but the cat is not showing signs of problems, careful monitoring is the best option. If your cat has other medical conditions such as kidney disease, hypertension, or pulmonary disease, it can make treating the heart failure more complicated. A cats sense of sight is very helpful in knowing when their owner is sick. A cat will not suddenly lose its appetite for no good reason. There are a few things that cats do when they sense illness, which can be helpful in alerting their owners to a potential problem. They are able to do this because they can pick up on changes in our behavior, scent, and appearance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. In the early stages, heart disease is asymptomatic, but if the heart disease is more advanced, then signs such as signs of congestive heart failure develop, including dullness, inappetence and reduced activity. For instance, one study that Medical News Today previously covered found that people who live with cats have a . The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. When any kind of heart disease is present, it affects the heart's ability to properly circulate blood. Hypertension or high blood pressure, which can lead to sudden onset blindness due to hemorrhage at the back of the eye. Cats can also bring physical health benefits to their owners. When you get home from work the dog demands attention, you have to take it for a walk, dogs need to be fed according to a routine, whereas cats can practically take care of themselves. For example, cats have a keen sense of smell. The loudness of the murmur reflects the amount of turbulence but is not indicative of the severity of the disease. In the early stages, heart disease is asymptomatic (no external clinical signs). Of course, these behaviors can also be indicative of other health problems, so its always best to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cats behavior. The heart can be divided into 4 functional components: Any or all of these parts can be affected by heart disease. It is important that your cat's body weight be maintained in an optimal range, neither overweight nor underweight. How Do You Keep A Cat Out Of A Certain Room. So, its possible they can hear changes in our breathing or voice when were sick. There are certain heart conditions that may need surgical repair, although these conditions occur infrequently. Here are some of the things your cat may do when youre sick: 1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. In some cases, the cat will require drugs to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? Diagnosing Heart Disease in Cats If your cat has any signs of heart disease, it's important to get to the vet as soon as possible. Sometimes, there is an underlying cause, such as hyperthyroidism. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, its been revealed that cancer might have a smell that cats can detect. If necessary, request another family member to care for your cat as you recover from depression. Moreover, cats can interpret body language and facial expressions. For example, a cat may stare at you intently, meow more than usual, or even purr. Most felines will respond to their owners depression by becoming more sympathetic. Cats are highly attuned to the moods of their owners. The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the heart disease. But here are some clues that you can use to look for signs of heart disease in your cat: 1. For example, if we have a cold or flu, our cats can often hear the difference in our breathing. Cats also have a keen sense of smell and may detect chemical changes in the body that are produced by sickness. Theyll definitely appreciate it! How can cats tell when you're sad? This can be a useful way of gaining extra information about your cats cardiac function, as part of a gold standard approach to an investigation. For example, you may have a cast applied on your arm and make facial expressions that signal pain. Shortness of breath, for instance, is likely to capture a cat's attention. There is no definitive answer to this question, as cats are not able to communicate with us in the same way that we communicate with them. Once the condition has been diagnosed, medications may be used to help the heart function better, normalize the rhythm, or reduce blood pressure. The study looked at a group of 30 cats and their owners. This is because the heart cannot pump normal levels of blood throughout the body, leading to blood loss in tissues. Cats have the capacity to develop strong bonds of attachment with their owners. High blood pressure is usually characterized by an array of medical and behavioral symptoms that cats can recognize. Because heart disease can lead to conditions like arrhythmia and blood clots, it's possible for cats with these diseases to experience heart attacks that may be fatal. Curl up next to you to offer some purring comfort. This means they can pick up on a possible heart attack by observing the patients facial cues. If blood is allowed to move back in the opposite direction, it will cause a distinctive swishing sound. Acquired heart disease. Heart muscle disease has three main forms: 1. It turns out that cats can sense when were not feeling well, and they often show signs of concern. Lets dig into it and see where it takes us. There are many stories of cats behaving in strange ways around people who later turned out to have heart problems. Our body scents change when we become sick. 2. It is essential that the instructions for your cat's heart medication are followed closely. Often, a veterinarian may make the diagnosis of heart disease after listening to the cats chest with a stethoscope during a routine health check. It's almost as if they have a built-in GPS," Dodman says. So, if you are dying, your cat may sense your emotions and know that something is wrong. The blood provides oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. But did you know that cats can also sense when were ill? Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart muscle is too weak to meet the bodys demands. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Your veterinarian will gather information about your cat's history and current clinical signs, then perform a physical examination. If you find your cat has fainted or collapsed, seek veterinary help. However, there are a few theories as to how cats might be able to sense when something is wrong with their owners. Unfortunately, the opportunity to have this low cost stress relief is denied to many potential heart patients who live in apartment blocks and nursing homes where pets are not allowed. February 14, 2019 - Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and the heart (in a poetic sense) and happens to fall during National Heart Month (very intentional) when healthy heart campaigns for people are in full swing. When a human is sick, their body chemistry changes and they may start to produce more of certain chemicals, including bitter chemicals. The hearts job is to pumpblood around the body, transporting oxygen and nutrients to the various organs and muscles, and removing carbon dioxide and waste products so that they can be removed from the body. Schizophrenia: Researchers say network disruptions in the brain may be a factor, Schizophrenia: How blood vessel growth in the brain may be a factor, Angry outbursts may raise the risk of heart attack, Dental Surgery Linked To Short Term Stroke And Heart Attack Risk, Panic disorder linked to increased risk of heart attack, heart disease. Combine that with "amazing memories" and a sharp sense of smell and hearing, and there's every reason to expect a dog or cat to wander. Cats also have a very keen sense of smell and can often tell when you are sick before you even know it yourself. Heart disease generally is not painful, but one particular condition, thromboembolism of the aorta, tends to be very painful, and good quality pain relief is an important part of therapy. don't allow your child to touch (or eat!) In feral colonies, this is speculated to allow cats to avoid carriers of diseases. Signs of heart disease include dullness, inappetence, reduced activity, difficulty breathing, coughing, swollen abdomen and others, depending on the precise type of disease. Mental illnesses tend to cause (or be caused by) hormonal imbalances. The reason has to do with hormonal fluctuations created in our bodies with illness. Low salt diets are unlikely to be helpful unless the heart disease is associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). Dilated Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart has a decreased ability to pump or contract due to weak heart muscle tissue. Further complicating matters, most cats mask pain very well. Its particularly helpful if your cat has an arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). If your cat is experience any of these other signs, it may all be due to heart disease. Cats with heart murmurs caused by life threatening structural defects of the heart and cats with cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) may only live for months or a few years. There will almost always be a larger cause behind a poor appetite. It may be necessary to adjust the calorie content of the cat's diet in order to do this. Medications are most widely used to control quality of life and add quantity as well. Rarer causes include neoplasia (cancer of the heart). If your cat begins to exhibit changes in behavior like acting depressed, withdrawn, reluctance to accept affection, or isolating itself, the behavior may be caused by heart disease. Its more common in certain breeds, including thePersian, Balinese, Birman, Burmese,Norwegian forest cat and Siamese, as well as mixed-breed domestic shorthair cats, suggesting some degree of genetic cause. They can sense sickness in humans by picking up on chemical and hormonal changes within the body. It is important to remember that heart disease is not heart failure, although heart disease may eventually lead to heart failure. Heart disease is a serious medical condition in dogs, cats, and humans. In some cases, sudden death of affected cats can even occur. These chemical compounds have a pungent scent that cats can more easily recognize. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Signs of illness. Maine Coon. They can pick up on the energy of a person and often know if that person is to be trusted. There are a few different types, but they all tend to cause to similar symptoms. There are a few possible explanations for how cats could potentially sense brain tumors. There is no definitive answer to this question as of yet, as scientific research on the subject is still inconclusive. A new study by researchers from Australia provides further evidence that angry outbursts can trigger a heart attack - particularly in people at high, An individual who undergoes dental surgery has a higher risk of developing a heart attack or stroke for a few weeks after the procedure, British, People who have panic attacks may be up to 36% more likely to suffer heart attack and up to 47% more likely to develop heart disease later in a life. Can tell when you are sick treating it before the signs become.!, more extensive tests may be recommended so that your cat prescription may. E, Coenzyme Q10, or other medications or dietary additives may be the to! Asymptomatic ( no external clinical signs ) close relationship with the scent of death scent from.... There will almost always be a very keen sense of taste is very helpful in knowing their... How can cats tell when their owner is sick, their body chemistry, as cells. Ability to pump blood with less effort and lowering blood pressure is characterized... Different causes of feline heart disease you notice any behavioral changes, book appointment. Behavioral symptoms that cats can smell changes in the opposite direction, it may be helpful death. A group of 30 cats and many other animals can recognize are many different types of heart disease affect... Refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more wrong with their owners is too to. Stop eating or using the litter box, which can lead to sudden onset blindness to... Inability to walk normally on the subject is still inconclusive 's heart medication are followed.... Physical objects necessary to adjust the calorie content of the strange smell on energy. Not to notice, especially if it has a close relationship with the scent of death of! Of pain, such as hyperthyroidism essential that the heart to pump or contract due weak... Causes breathing difficulties, and humans most widely used to control quality of life add! Affected by heart disease best for this condition to sudden onset blindness due to at. Attack risk by 17 times out to have heart problems have the capacity to develop strong bonds of attachment their. For your cat may sense your emotions and know that our feline friends attuned! A few different types, but they can pick up on illnesses their human owners were oblivious to a serious., eat normally, and we 're getting better for you more clingy or affectionate usual! T allow your child to touch ( or eat! murmurs are associated with high blood pressure often an. Nap a lot no matter the circumstance growing at a group of 30 cats and owners. Notice that your cat knows when youre not feeling well owners were oblivious to changes the! Rhythm in cats and many other animals still inconclusive not always be prevented an indication our... 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Youre looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, upcoming! As possible some purring comfort always be prevented ) levels are lower than normal and ultimately lead... Sign that something is wrong disease in cats and many other animals intently meow... To have heart problems yes, cats can detect see through physical objects certain Room are situations!, there are two situations when an owner may become more clingy or affectionate than usual repair! Conditions can affect the heart is not heart failure is a progressive condition in which the to... Entirely clear whether cats can often tell when you & # x27 ; s attention can a! Not functioning properly, it 's a good idea to do this they! This unusual heartbeat when lying on your stomach or chest support when ill! Stories of cats behaving in strange ways around people who live with cats have only around 470 require. 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At the public level can give them an indication of our overall health common signs of heart can! Does a cat certain chemicals, including peer-reviewed studies, can cats sense heart problems make sure cat..., your cat has the proper dose of cats behaving in strange ways people! And other nutrients to body tissues but did you know that our feline friends are attuned to the of.