Close up of little red kitten lying under beige knitted blanket. Cute Abyssinian ruddy kitten awaking up in the morning. Autumn or winter image. Selective focus.
As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring brings about a sense of renewal and growth. It’s also a popular time for welcoming new furry additions into our homes – kittens! At TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, we understand the excitement and responsibility that comes with bringing home a new kitten. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of responsible pet ownership through practices like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), as well as essential tips for caring for and preparing your home for your adorable new feline companion.
Trapped (TNR), Spayed, Neutered
One of the most crucial aspects of responsible pet ownership, particularly for outdoor cats, is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). TNR involves trapping feral or stray cats, spaying or neutering them, and then returning them to their original location. This humane approach helps control the cat population and reduces the number of homeless kittens born each year. If you’re considering adopting a kitten this spring, be sure to inquire about their background and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered. If not, it’s essential to schedule this procedure as soon as possible to prevent unwanted litters and contribute to the well-being of your local cat community.
How to Care for a Kitten
Caring for a kitten requires patience, love, and attention to their unique needs. Here are some essential tips to ensure your new furry friend thrives:
Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet formulated specifically for kittens to support their growth and development. Be sure to offer fresh water at all times.
Veterinary Care: Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor your kitten’s health, vaccinations, and preventive care, such as flea and tick prevention.
Socialization: Spend quality time interacting and playing with your kitten to help them develop social skills and form a strong bond with you and other household members.
Grooming: Brush your kitten regularly to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Introduce them to grooming routines early to make it a positive experience.
Litter Box Training: Introduce your kitten to their litter box early and keep it clean to encourage proper elimination habits.
A girl holds a newborn kitten in her arms.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Kitten
Welcoming a kitten into your home involves some preparation to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some steps to consider:
Kitten-proofing: Remove or secure any potential hazards such as electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects, and accessible high places where your kitten could get stuck or injured.
Provide a Safe Haven: Set up a cozy, quiet area with a comfortable bed where your kitten can retreat to when they need some alone time.
Toys and Enrichment: Stock up on toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep your kitten entertained and engaged in healthy behaviors.
Introduce Gradually: Introduce your kitten to new environments and household members gradually, allowing them time to adjust at their own pace.
Supervision: Supervise your kitten closely, especially during their exploratory phase, to prevent accidents and ensure they feel secure in their new surroundings.
Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. By practicing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), providing proper care, and preparing your home accordingly, you can ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend and lay the foundation for a happy and healthy life together. At TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey as a pet parent. Happy spring and happy kitten parenting!
Cats, with their mysterious and independent nature, are often experts at concealing their discomfort and pain. As loving pet owners, it’s crucial for us to decipher the subtle signs that indicate our feline friends might not be feeling their best. Understanding these signs is not just about being attentive; it’s about ensuring the health and longevity of our beloved pets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various indicators of illness in cats, drawing insights from renowned cat behaviorist Pam Johnson. For more in-depth information, visit Pam Johnson’s website.
Changes in Behavior: Cats often express discomfort through behavioral changes, which can be subtle or significant.
Less Active or Playful: A sudden decrease in activity or interest in play can be a red flag.
Hiding or Seeking More Attention: Uncharacteristic behavior, like hiding more often or becoming unusually clingy, can signal distress.
Aggression or Irritability: A change from their normal temperament, such as becoming irritable or aggressive, may indicate discomfort.
Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits: Eating and drinking habits can tell a lot about a cat’s health and well-being.
Appetite Changes: Both a decrease and an increase in appetite warrant attention.
Drinking Habits: Changes in their drinking patterns, either drinking more or less, can be significant.
Grooming Changes: Grooming behavior in cats is often a good indicator of their health status.
Over-Grooming or Neglect: Excessive grooming or a lack of grooming can both be signs of underlying issues.
Hair Loss: Matted fur or noticeable hair loss should not be overlooked.
Physical Signs: Physical signs are often the most noticeable indicators of a cat’s health.
Weight Fluctuations: Both weight loss and gain are important indicators.
Discomfort or Pain: Signs like limping or reluctance to be touched are clear distress signals.
Lumps or Bumps: Any unusual growths should be checked by a vet.
Vocalization: Changes in a cat’s vocalization can be a subtle sign of discomfort or illness.
Changes in Vocalization: An increase or decrease in vocalization, or changes in the tone or type of meowing, can be telling.
Litter Box Habits: Litter box habits are often one of the first things to change when a cat is unwell.
Changes in Frequency or Consistency: Any alteration in litter box habits is noteworthy.
Accidents: Urinating or defecating outside the litter box is often a sign of a problem.
Breathing and Coughing: Respiratory issues in cats should never be overlooked.
Respiratory Issues: Labored breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath are all causes for concern.
Eye or Nose Discharge: Discharge from the eyes or nose can be a sign of various health issues.
Discharge: Unusual discharge from the eyes or nose, or a change in the appearance of the eyes, should be noted.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Digestive issues can range from mild to severe and should always be taken seriously.
Digestive Issues: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if blood is present, is a serious concern.
Cats are adept at hiding their illnesses, so it’s up to us to be vigilant and responsive to any changes. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are key to effectively managing health issues in cats.
Don’t wait for an emergency to arise. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining your cat’s health. Visit Pam Johnson’s website and explore her books for more insights into cat behavior and health. We also invite you to share your experiences or tips in the comments below. Remember, your observations could help other cat owners too!
The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and festive decorations. However, for pet owners, it also brings a unique set of challenges to ensure the safety of our furry family members. From glittering lights to enticing ornaments, holiday decor can pose risks to curious pets. Here’s how you can keep your pets safe and enjoy a pet-friendly holiday season.
1. Beware of Toxic Plants
Many traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning can range from mild nausea to severe illness. Opt for pet-safe plants or artificial replicas to keep your home festive and safe.
2. Secure Your Christmas Tree
A toppling tree can injure a playful pet. Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from falling. Consider a smaller tree if you have particularly active pets.
3. Avoid Tinsel and Ribbons
Tinsel, while attractive, can be a choking hazard for pets, especially cats. Ingesting tinsel can lead to intestinal blockage. Similarly, ribbons and strings from gifts can be dangerous if swallowed.
4. Be Mindful of Lights and Candles
Chewing on electrical cords can lead to electric shock. Keep cords out of reach or use cord protectors. Never leave lit candles unattended as pets can knock them over, creating a fire hazard.
5. Choose Pet-Friendly Ornaments
Use shatterproof ornaments to avoid injuries from broken glass. Place delicate and potentially dangerous ornaments out of your pet’s reach.
6. Monitor Edible Decorations
Chocolate and other holiday treats can be toxic to pets. Keep edible decorations and gifts out of your pet’s reach.
7. Create a Safe Space
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming for pets. Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat from the noise and activity.
Looking for more info? Here’s another post with more information from your friends at TLC Home & Pet Sitters: LINK >
With these precautions, you can create a pet-friendly holiday environment. Remember, the best gift you can give your pets this season is their health and safety. Happy Holidays!
The Emotional Bond: Understanding the Psychology of Why Pets Feel Like Family
Have you ever wondered why your pet feels like an integral part of your family? Why the mere act of coming home to a wagging tail or the soothing purrs of your cat can instantly lift your spirits? You’re not alone in this sentiment. For many people, pets are not just animals residing in the home; they are beloved family members. This article delves into the psychology of why pets feel like family and the emotional bonds that tie humans and animals together.
The Oxytocin Connection
One of the key chemicals responsible for emotional bonding between humans and pets is oxytocin. Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released during moments of close interaction, such as hugging or cuddling. Studies have shown that both humans and pets experience an increase in oxytocin levels during shared moments of affection, deepening the emotional connection and reinforcing why pets feel like family.
Emotional Support and Well-being
Pets offer a unique form of emotional support that’s different from human interactions. Their non-judgmental presence, loyalty, and unconditional love make them exceptional companions in times of stress, loneliness, or anxiety. For people who treat their pets as family members, this emotional connection can be as fulfilling as any human relationship, further highlighting why pets feel like family.
The Role of Routine and Shared Experiences
Another reason pets often feel like family members is the shared daily routine and experiences. Whether it’s the morning walks, feeding schedules, or playtime, these repetitive interactions create a sense of stability and belonging, not just for the pet but also for the human caregivers. Over time, these shared activities cement the perception of pets as integral family members.
Investing in Quality Care
Recognizing why pets feel like family often leads us to invest more in their well-being. Just as you wouldn’t compromise on healthcare or education for a human family member, the same ethos applies to pets. High-quality food, regular vet check-ups, and even specialized services like professional pet sitting contribute to the overall health and happiness of your pet. These items are further consolidating their status as a family member.
The Sociocultural Aspect
Finally, societal norms and values play a significant role in why pets feel like family. Many cultures view pet ownership not merely as an individual choice but as a form of extended kinship. This notion has been reinforced by media, literature, and social narratives. That is what is making the idea of pets as family members a widely accepted and cherished concept.
Conclusion
The emotional bond between humans and pets is not just anecdotal; it’s backed by science, psychological insights, and sociocultural factors. From the release of oxytocin to the shared daily routines, multiple elements contribute to why pets feel like family. As our understanding of this emotional bond deepens, it further solidifies the importance of investing in quality care and time for our furry, feathered, or scaled family members.
For More Information
If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com. View more of our articles on pets here.
Let’s talk about your cat’s kitty litter box. Cats are instinctively clean animals that are internally motivated to use a clean, private litter box. They require very little if any potty training. So why is it that your cat chooses to relieve himself outside of the litter box? There are several reasons for you to consider.
Medical Reasons
If your cat is uncharacteristically eliminating waste outside of the litter box, it is important to understand that this behavior is common when there is a medical problem present. Urinary tract infections and crystals make urination painful for a cat. They may relate the painful experience to the litter box, and begin to avoid it. Before considering other possibilities for this behavior, first speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s health.
Cleanliness
Cats are very particular about the cleanliness of the area in which they choose to go potty. It must be clean (by their standards). If the litter box is soiled, your cat may prefer to “go” elsewhere. Be sure to clean your kitty’s litter box at least once a day. If there are multiple cats, you may need to consider more frequent cleaning.
Stress
A common cause for elimination outside of the litter box is stress. If you notice your cat is going potty in random places, take note of the environment. Are stressful events triggering this behavior? Some stressful events that could cause your kitty to “go” are: a new pet in the home, loud or boisterous kids in the home, or unusually loud noises around the home. Whenever possible, pinpoint the origin of your kitty’s stress and find a solution for it.
Location, Location, Location
Cats prefer a quiet, safe, and private location for their litter box. They also prefer to eliminate waste far away from where they eat. If the litter box is in a location that is noisy, high-traffic, or there is a chance that other household animals may disturb their peace, they may choose another safer location to do their “business”. Be sure to choose a quiet, safe location for your kitty’s litter box, so he will feel comfortable while using it. Also, place your cat’s food in a separate room from his litter box.
Consistency of the Kitty’s Litter
Studies show that cats prefer litter that has a “sand-like” consistency and is odor free. Litter that is highly perfumed may be offensive to your cat and therefore, your cat may reject his litter box. So, consider using litter that contains fewer harsh odors. (Remember that clumping litters are NOT recommended for kittens ages 4 months and younger, as they may have a tendency to swallow litter). Also, when cleaning your cats litter box, use the same consideration with regards to cleaning products. Furthermore, allowing the litter box to dry in the sun will help to kill germs and provide a fresh, clean scent.
Ditch the Liners
Also, litter box liners tend to be an annoyance to kitties and they may avoid the litter box because of it. Although you may enjoy the convenience of the clean-up, your kitty may not appreciate it. Consider ditching the liners to prevent your cat from avoiding the litter box.
Two Litter Boxes?
It is common for cats to prefer two different locations for #1’s and #2’s. If you feel that this may be the case for your kitty, you should have two litter boxes. Keep them in separate locations. If you have a two-story home, keep one litter box on each floor.
Someone New?
Inviting a new cat into the home, or moving can cause behaviors such as marking the territory and stress-related elimination. If you have a new cat or a new home, you should confine your cat in one room including the litter box, bed, food and water. This will allow the cat to feel safe and secure while getting used to his new surroundings. Once the cat has used the litter box multiple times, and is showing signs that he is curious about exploring the rest of the house, you can then let him do so.
Stay Put Kitty Litter Box
Once you determine the location of your cat’s litter box, don’t move it or change it (except to clean it of course)! Cats need the consistency and they resist change.
Pardon Me
If you find your cat in the middle of “going” somewhere in the house, don’t punish him. Instead, do something to interrupt him like making a startling noise. Then immediately direct your cat to the litter box. Since cats often times relieve themselves outside of the litter box only in times of stress, by punishing them, you will only add to their stress and cause more accidents in the future. Instead of punishment, try to discover the reason why your cat is eliminating outside of the litter box. Only then, will you be able to alter the behavior.
For More Information
If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com. View more of our articles on pets here.
Many cat owners are divided on the topic of keeping your cat indoors. A Scottsdale client recently told me a story of how his indoor / outdoor cat came home with scratches and bite marks after spending the night outside. His cat really enjoyed the freedom and stimulation of being outdoors, but after several dangerous encounters, this client decided to keep his kitty indoors full time.
Many veterinarians agree that indoor cats live longer due to lower incidents of illness, accidents, and stress. For a happier, healthier pet, you may want to consider keeping your cat indoors.
10 Reasons for Keeping Your Cat Safely Indoors:
Making the decision to keep your cat indoors for safety and health reasons is a very personal choice. In Scottsdale, we have coyotes, feral cats, homeless dogs, raccoons and other hungry animals roaming about – not to mention the occasional rattlesnake!
Cat Parasites – Fleas, tapeworms, hookworms, and other parasites live outside. These skin and intestinal parasites are contracted while Fluffy is wandering in unfamiliar environments. She may pick them up from other animals or even by ingesting infected feces or soil. Parasites cause vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, dull coat, itchiness and and other symptoms. Unfortunately, parasites can be very stressful for a cat.
TrafficAccidents – Car accidents are a common cause of injury and death for outdoor cats.
Feline Infection and Disease – Cats can easily catch something unpleasant when spending so much time outdoors. Common infections and some of the most dangerous feline diseases such as rabies, the leukemia virus and cat AIDS are extremely contagious. If your cat spends time outdoors, he may contract these diseases from infected felines or other animals. In addition, cats really like to chase mice and birds. Mice and birds are carriers of numerous infections.
Poisoning – Outdoor cats may easily stumble upon toxic plants. Out of curiosity, craving or hunger, they will chew on these out of curiosity, craving or hunger. Poisoning can be fatal in cats, especially if you don’t get to the vet quickly.
You can eliminate the toxic plants, rat poison and other potential dangers from your home, so your cat will not be at risk.
Cat Fights – A cat spending time outdoors is more likely to get into a fight. Cats will fight with other cats, dogs, raccoons or skunks. Unless Fluffy is preparing for the impending serious injuries, this is very dangerous for her. In addition, contracting rabies from stray cats can also happen.
Cat Allergies – Did you know that cats can get allergies, too? Some cats may develop allergy symptoms if left outdoors for extended periods of time. Why? Because they may be sensitive to inhalant allergens such as pollen.
Early Detection – When kept indoors, you can better monitor your cat. Daily view of your feline allows you to quickly notice any changes in their health and behavior. This gives you opportunities to treat illnesses earlier.
Reduce Stress – The stable environment that only a pet owner can provide while indoors, results in less stress for your beloved cats. Parasites and disease are also stress causing triggers. By being less exposed to these factors, an indoor cat may enjoy a more stress-free life.
Cleaner Home – If your cat is not wandering outside, he won’t bring all the ‘gunk’. All kinds of dirt, dead animals and bacteria are out there and he may bring it in. This bacteria could affect the owner. This is especially true if the cat likes to spend time on couches or in the owner’s bed.
Longer, Happier Life – Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats have a life expectancy between 10 to 15 years. Overall, however, there are several factors that determine how long your cat will live. This includes how often you take them to the vet for checkups.
Keeping your cat indoors is certainly a personal choice. If you’re like the cat owner we mentioned above, it may be time to consider making the switch to keeping your cat indoors full time.
For More Information
If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com. View more of our articles on pets here.
Cat litter scooping on the regular is more important than you might think.
As you know, your cat is a marvel of consistency. She sleeps in the same place, eats the same amount of food and drinks the same amount of water. Every day. Therefore, this love of routine can make it easy to spot early indicators about your cat’s health. And those telltale signs are often waiting in your cat’s litter box.
We Scoop for Many Reasons
TLC offers regular litter box cleaning as part of our service. But cat litter scooping is more than just changing the litter. Our sitters are trained to monitor the scoops they make each visit. Among the things we look for are color (signs of blood in the urine or stool), odor (anything unusual), size of the urine clump (urinary tract concerns) and parasites in the stool.
Not all the clues reside inside the litter box. If there are not the expected number of urine clumps, our sitters can alert you to this change of behavior. Peeing outside the box can be an expression of misdirected aggression (read this recent article) by your cat. Somehow her environment is not to her liking and you can take steps to correct the situation.
An abnormal litter box does not automatically mean trouble. However, regular monitoring is a sure way help prevent trouble from brewing and keeping your cat happy.
Cat Litter Scooping Made Easy
If you’re like us, finding new gadgets to help us care for our pets is a fun pastime. Have you seen this “Litter-Robot“? It may be a little pricey for some of us. However, there are some equally impressive and less-expensive versions here. And, of course, remember the ever-popular manual cat litter scooper.
You could have the sweetest cat in the world, but no one would ever know if kitty rushes to hide under the bed whenever there’s company! It’s fairly common for cats to be afraid of strangers, especially if they weren’t socialized as kittens or grew up on the streets. If your cat is shy, try the following tips to help your cat feel less shy around strangers.
Provide a Safe Space
Before your company arrives, designate a safe area for your cat. It could be in a back room or a quiet area of your house where your cat usually feels calm and likes to sleep. Then, let your company know about your cat’s safe space. Advise them not to disturb kitty when he or she goes back there to be alone. This will help ease feelings of anxiety in your cat. He or she will know that there’s always a safe escape if things get too exciting.
Avoid Loud Noises
Some cats are afraid of strangers because they associate them with scary noises. Instead of using the doorbell or buzzer, let your guests know ahead of time that they should call or text once they’ve arrived. Try to keep the noise level of your conversation low and laughters down to a quiet chuckle to keep from spooking your cat.
Let the Cat Come to You
It could take several visits before your cat comes out to say hello to your company, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t force your cat to greet strangers by catching them and holding them once your guests arrive. Alternatively, you can give your visitors a handful of treats to put down if kitty ventures close to them. You can also leave a pile of treats halfway between the safe area and your guests’ area to encourage kitty to come a little closer.
Use the formal feline greeting
Once your kitty feels comfortable approaching your guests, coach them to extend one finger and wait for the cat’s response. Your cat will either brush his or her cheeks on the finger, which means he or she feels comfortable enough to be petted, or simply walk away if not. Once your cat indicates it’s okay to be petted, remind your guests not to overdo it. One gentle chin rub should be enough.
When it comes to cat sitting, it can take a little time for kitties warm up to their sitters, too. Let us know if your cat tends to be shy, and we’ll do everything possible to make him or her feel comfortable and secure during our visits.
Questions About Why Your Cat is Shy?
If you have any questions about why your cat is shy, or other questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC Pet Sitter. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com.
In order to understand the basics of feline diabetes it is best to understand how diabetes develops. When a body eats it converts food into energy. The pancreas, an organ lying deep in the abdomen below the stomach, aids in this conversion by secreting enzymes and hormones to regulate digestion. One of the hormones the pancreas secretes is insulin which helps to balance and regulate blood sugar levels.
Just as in human diabetes, there are different types of feline diabetes, mainly type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when insulin is not produced. When insulin is not present there is no regulation of blood sugar levels and instead of the glucose being utilized as energy in the body’s cells glucose ends up in the bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes insulin is produced; however, the body is not able to utilize the insulin, and again too much sugar ends up in the bloodstream.
Sometimes a cat is genetically predisposed to getting feline diabetes; however, one of the causes of diabetes in cats is the same as the cause of diabetes in humans, obesity. Eating a high carbohydrate diet increases fat cells which in turn secrete a substance that decreases a body’s response to insulin and creates sugar imbalances. Furthermore, cats are designed for metabolizing proteins and fats, not carbohydrates. Controlling the amount of carbohydrate intake your cat has can be an effective method of controlling diabetes. High fiber and high-complex carbohydrate diets have also been useful in helping overweight cats reach their goal weight. Proper nutrition is vital and nutrition counseling for your specific cat should be discussed and planned with your veterinarian in order to achieve optimal results.
Other risk factors for feline diabetes includes age (older cats are more likely to get feline diabetes than younger cats), gender (males more likely than females), hormone imbalances, chronic pancreatitis, and certain medications.
The most common symptoms of feline diabetes are an increase in appetite, an increase in thirst, an increase in urine production, and weight loss. Lethargy may also be reported. Left untreated feline diabetes can lead to ketoacidosis, liver disease, bacterial infections, unhealthy skin, and neuropathy. Feline diabetes does not cause the kidney disease and blood vessel disease than most people associate with human diabetes. A diagnosis of feline diabetes can cause a shortened life span; however, feline diabetes does not have to be a death sentence as with proper care and management of the condition a cat may lead a normal life and even have temporary remissions from the disease.
The diagnosis of feline diabetes requires blood testing and urine testing. Once diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately. Treatment for feline diabetes depends on the severity of the presentation. For more advanced cases, fluid therapy and insulin injections are needed. For less severe cases, oral medications, insulin injections, and dietary changes are needed, with twice daily insulin injections being the most commonly recommended treatment protocol. At home blood monitoring and insulin injections need to be performed on a relatively strict schedule. Graze feeding is not recommended as careful monitoring of dietary intake is essential in determining if there is a shift in the cat’s eating or drinking habits. Weight and urine production also need to be monitored closely for any variations that may indicate the diabetes is progressing. Periodic veterinary examinations are also necessary.
Early detection is a key in maintaining your cat’s health. If feline diabetes is detected early enough a low carbohydrate diet may allow the pancreas to recover and start producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels again. This may lead to remissions and temporary discontinuation of medication. While there is no cure for diabetes, with proper veterinary treatment and consistent, loving home care a cat can lead a normal, happy, and healthy life.
On certain occasions such as nail trimming or administering medications, you may find it necessary to restrain your cat in order to protect yourself and your pet from harm. Experts say that wrapping your cat in a towel may be the simplest, safest and most effective way to do so. Cats are generally less social than dogs, and have a natural tendency to use their claws and dexterity to escape. A large bath towel is a safe and humane solution to restraining your cat when necessary.
Here are a few tips for properly restraining your cat in a towel, offered in an article entitled “Toweling Your Cat,” in the February 2011 edition of Catnip.
Introduce your cat to the towel in a passive way, using positive reinforcement. For example, entice your cat to sit or lay down on the towel by offering a can of cat food or a toy to play with while on the towel.
Gently wrap the towel over the cat’s back while he is distracted by eating or playing.
Allow your cat to feel free to leave the towel whenever he likes.
Your cat is able to sense your frustration and nervousness. So, remain calm throughout the process.
When you are ready to wrap your cat, gently place your cat on the towel, near the center, with his head just a few inches from the edge of the towel.
Wrap one end of the towel around the cat’s neck like a scarf, allowing his head to be free while his paws are wrapped snuggly inside the towel.
Continue to wrap the towel around the cat’s back, so only your cat’s head is exposed.
After one half of the towel is wrapped all the way around the cat’s body, continue the process by wrapping the other half of the towel around in the other direction.
Make sure the wrap is snug, so as to protect yourself and your cat from any attempt to escape.
A large bathroom towel is a common household item that will allow you to restrain your cat safely and humanely whenever necessary. When used properly, it will enable you to trim your cats nails or administer medication much more easily.
Information provided by “Toweling Your Cat,” Catnip, February 2011.
The general public, scientists and veterinarians have recommended for years to feed cats like dogs; free choice dry food or meals of dry with some wet. Finally after years of this misaligned thinking, food standards for cats have changed. To understand why our standards have changed, we must understand cats.
Cats are “obligate” carnivores which means they depend on nutrients solely from animal flesh for their survival. They are hunters of meat and would eat small rodents and birds multiple times daily if they were not domesticated. A cat’s stomach is designed for these small frequent meals. Cats get their water from the animals they eat and do not drink much in the wild. They also lack specific digestive enzymes which make them less able to digest and absorb energy from carbohydrates compared to proteins. Due to these facts, we recommend a canned grain free diet with protein as the number one ingredient and that they should eat many small meals throughout the day. Cats can eat dry food, but should get most of their water from wet food rather than drinking.
Our recommendations for feeding cats are as follows:
Feed small frequent meals throughout the day.
Ideally 3+ meals of a GRAIN-FREE canned food.
If it is not possible to do only canned food multiple times throughout the day,
then we recommend keeping a dry grain free food out for your cat at all times.
This allows them to have so they snacks or small meals along with their 2 canned meals a day.
In order for cats to get enough essential fatty acids in their diet
we recommend feeding them 1 can of wild caught canned salmon per week
OR supplementing their diet with pure DHA
(omega 3 fatty acids—we carry a couple of quality products here).
Your cat needs regular exercise and mental stimulation daily. The veterinarians at vetinfo.com recommend 3 different types of cat exercise toys, which will help your cat to maintain his or her weight, improve overall health, fight off illness, and spend quality time bonding with you.
1. “Fishing Rod” – This classic cat toy allows for hours of healthy play with your cat. It is comprised of any small cat toy attached by a string to a wand or rod that the owner holds. The rod allows for a safe distance between cat and owner, so the cat is free to jump and chase the toy.
2. “Spring Toys” – These plastic coated spring toys which are designed to entertain cats, allows cats to bounce the toy around the room and carry their “prey” in their mouths.
3. “Lasers” – Lasers can provide both mental stimulation and healthy exercise if used properly. Cats enjoy chasing lasers around the room endlessly. Owners should use lasers responsibly and remember not to shine them in any cat’s or human’s eyes. Also, when ending the game, owners should redirect their cat’s attention because many cats will simply wait and watch for a laser to reappear for hours. Lastly, owners should be sure to point the laser only where it is safe for the cat to follow and never in hard to reach or dangerous places.
For more information on this topic as well as many others, please visit: www.vetinfo.com
