Happy 2024! New Year’s resolutions are fresh on our minds, and on many lists there may be a goal to lose weight and exercise more. Our feline friends can also suffer from weight gain, and carrying only a few extra pounds can really affect them. Since cats are dependent on us for their food and activity levels, we become responsible for maintaining their healthy weight.
A note: preventing weight gain in your cat is easier than working to take off the weight. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet, portion control, and exercise is all easier said than done, but being aware of your cat’s health, and the factors involved in their weight should be top of mind. Is Your Cat Gaining Weight? My sweet Daphne is an indoor/outdoor lady, and come winter time, if it is below 50 degrees, she stays inside all warm and cozy. Unfortunately, here in Syracuse, winter can last months, meaning she may not be out prowling from November until March. Her “winter layer” really starts to show after six weeks of sitting indoors, and her stomach and hips go from concave to bulging. I can also tell she is gaining weight because her belly starts to droop lower below her. Once temperatures start to rise, and she is ready to head back out, within weeks her weight starts to drop and she is back to her usual size. Looking down at your cat from above is an easy way to tell if their hips and stomach have expanded and rounded. Or, you can simply put them on a scale. How Much is Too Much? We also have to consider that Daphne, like many cats, is a big cat: she is tall and long, so any extra weight is evenly distributed, and she is still healthy. Knowing your cat’s body type is a key part of managing realistic expectations, and knowing if weight loss or weight gain is necessary, achievable and sustainable. Why is Weight Gain a Big Deal? Excess weight gain in cats significantly impacts their health and life expectancy. As with humans, extra weight can contribute to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and bowel and urinary complications. Grooming can also really be affected also when your cat is too large to bend and reach, which can contribute to a number of coat issues like excessive dander and mats. Grooming is essential to the well being of a cat, and not being able to do so can impact their physical and mental health. My Cat is Overweight; What Do I Do? Talk to your veterinarian and come up with a weight-loss plan. Your vet can discuss any health risks you and your cat should be worried about. It’s important to remember that rapid weight loss can be very detrimental to the health of your cat, so slow and steady is the best approach to getting their health back, using a combination of diet and exercise. Suggestions to add to your daily routine to help get your feline lean and healthy can include:
Eating right and staying active is a process, but is a lifestyle that should include your animals as well. You want your fur babies around as long as possible, and fewer health issues and vet visits equal a happier you and a happier cat. Let’s do our best to keep these health-conscious New Year’s resolutions! (Today’s photo features our big, fluffy friend Mr. Bing!)
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Each Christmas, my mom used to get my cat a stocking, and fill it full of little gifts for her to play with and snacks to eat. It was always the least expensive, most simple items that would keep my kitty busy. In a time when our options are limitless, here are some great gift ideas for your furry feline this holiday season.
Cat Bed My cat Daphne likes to snooze in a window while snuggled into a comfy cat bed that I got for her years ago. The bed has seen better days, and there are many new styles to consider now. There are rectangular beds, round high-sided beds, covered beds, and deep beds for them to sink into. You can also choose fluffy beds or memory foam beds, or a bed that attaches to a window! (Memory foam in particular is good if your animal has arthritis because it will help relieve pressure from their joints). Whatever style you think is best for you feline friend, we are sure they will love and appreciate it! Hint: Check the dog aisle! There are several styles for small dogs that would fit your kitty purrfectly. Food & Water Dishes Most automatic feeders are reasonably priced, and very handy if portion control is a concern for your indoor cat. You can find some with cameras on them, too, so you’re able to watch kitty dine while you’re away from home. Slow feeders are another good choice if your cat likes to scarf their meals! Or, a new set of bowls works just as well, but remember to consider a wide opening because some cats have whisker sensitivity. My mom bought Daphne an adorable crystal bowl years ago, and she loves eating out of it. Hint: The dog aisle has some larger bowls which are good for free feeding, or multi-cat households. Snacks & Treats Speaking of food; options are endless for treats! We see a wide variety of treats from Cat Spa guests. From store-bought brands to gourmet dried minnows, your cat can have a delicious snack without spoiling meal time. Stop by the treat section sometime, and get a variety for them to try. You may be surprised at what your cat really fancies. Cat Tree The selection of cat trees ranges from small and simple to super tall, multi levels with hammocks and scratch pads. Online retailers have some great fun styles, and so do several discount stores. We’ve seen some that are hard surface, which makes cleaning a breeze, and some with plush carpeting that gives kitty the ultimate comfort. Remember that not every cat is a fan of cat trees, so consider your cats’ jumping and climbing style, as well as their age and activity levels before purchasing. Scratchers We all know cats love to scratch! A great way to keep them from clawing furniture and flooring, while keeping them happy and healthy, is to treat them to a new scratcher. All cats have different preferences, so watch to see how your cat likes to scratch. Some like to stretch upwards, which means a tall, sisal scratching post would likely be a favorite. Other cats like to stretch forward on the ground, so a flat scratcher would be best. One of our cats is really tricky, and only wants to claw carpet, so a flat, carpeted-base scratcher is her go-to. Toys There are so many toy options! You can choose an interactive toy for independent play, or toys that they need your time and attention to use. Battery operated options like spinning feathers, or activity sets are great for energetic and intelligent cats. Most cats have a favorite toy, so try a few first! For example, try a small, inexpensive laser pointer first before investing in a larger laser spinning tower. At the end of the day, the most simple string toys or toy mice can entertain the wildest of cats for longer than you can dream of. (And they will almost always prefer to play with their humans than alone). Your pets are family too, so getting them a cute stocking stuffer or gift is a fun way of including them in the holiday season. There are a wide range of options and price points to choose from, so sky’s the limit for cat gifting! Happy Holidays to you and your feline friends! (Today’s photo features our festive friend Luna!) What is a Domestic Shorthair?
When a new customer calls to board their kitty here at Rock The Cat Spa, we ask a number of questions to ensure a good fit for both the customer and for us. One of those questions is about the breed of their cat, but I can’t tell you how many times a customer says, ”Ummm, he/she’s a generic cat?” I immediately know that they have a Domestic Shorthair (DSH for short) or American Shorthair. (More on the American shorthair later on). Let’s learn more about this very common house cat! A Range of Personality With dogs, we hear the term “mutt,” and this could really be used for a Domestic Shorthair, because these cats don’t belong to one specific breed. Like a “mutt”, they are a mix of many different breeds. Because of this breed mix, their personalities, growth, coat, and medical needs can vary widely. It is always best to get to know your potential kitty before adopting one, but even more important with these variations in DSH. We have seen the entire spectrum of personality traits in Shorthairs: they can be timid and shy, friendly and playful, or aggressive and intimidating. Take these possibilities into consideration when adopting your DSH into a home with any children, older family members, or other pets. While they’re a wonderful breed, and we love having them, make sure you pick a personality that is right for your needs. Short Fur Coats Domestic Shorthairs have a wide variety of eye colors and coat colors, but in any color or pattern, their short, soft coats are low maintenance, and they require very little grooming. This breed is a great option for owners who don’t have time to brush their furry friend every day. If you can manage a quick brushing a couple of times a week, a DSH is perfect. Since the short coat is easy to handle, they don’t shed a lot, however all cats have dander, which can contribute to allergies. Happy, Healthy Cats Domestic Shorthairs typically have a smaller frame, and weight between 6-12 lbs on average. Of course, as with any cat, they can overeat and become overweight easily. While extra weight can cause health issues, Domestic Shorthairs can be a very healthy, and long lived cat. Some live up to 20 years! These kitties will bring you years of happiness and fun memories, so consider adopting one if you are looking for a good, short haired cat! (Today's photo features our bright-eyed friend Honey Bee!) The festive holiday times are upon us, and memories of my dad cooking the turkey and giving our cat the giblets is something I will always remember. Over the years, each one of our cats has loved this treat, but was it really healthy for them? What else is healthy or should be avoided this holiday season? We’ve compiled a list of easy food do and don’ts for our feline friends.
Turkey or Chicken Kitties can absolutely enjoy some plain, lean poultry (white or dark meat) and be just fine, but avoid giving them any pieces with seasoning, and avoid giving any of the skin. You also should not give kitty anything with gravy. Gravy Definitely don’t give your cat gravy! Rich fatty foods such as gravy can cause diarrhea, and the super high fat content can cause worse problems, too. Giblets Heart & liver gizzards are full of minerals and B vitamins, which is something kitties can always benefit from. Raw or boiled gizzards are safe ways to serve them, and a good meal for a cat. Again, just keep them free of seasonings or gravy! Turkey neck My dad used to boil this and cut out the meat for our cat, but if you do this, be very careful of any bones. Any raw or cooked bones can break up and splinter, causing injury in the mouth and throat, or get stuck in the GI tract. We recommend avoiding feeding them this part altogether. Seafood Sometimes that shrimp cocktail platter is calling your cat's name! Shrimp is safe as long as it is cooked. No dipping sauce either! Deli Meat Chicken and turkey are the most safe deli meat options for cats, and you should avoid giving them the super processed meats such as salami or bologna. Even ham should be on the no list. Milk Cats should not have milk. Ever. Plain and simple. The idea that they can have it is an old wives tale. Cats simply cannot digest milk properly, and the lactose can cause big-time stomach upset. Forget the cute stories of cats drinking milk from saucers, and avoid it. Rice Unlike in dogs, cats gain no nutritional value from rice, and they most likely won’t eat it anyway. Rice won’t do any harm, but it won’t give them any benefits either. Chocolate I have the biggest sweet tooth, but by no means should we ever share it with our feline friends! The caffeine and sugar can be detrimental to a cat; even life threatening. If your cat eats chocolate, call your veterinarian. Pumpkin The caveat with pumpkin is that it must be raw pumpkin, and not canned pumpkin pie filling, because it’s way too rich. Raw pumpkin is high in fiber, and my vet recommends it when my kitty gets a hairball and needs a gentle push to get it through. As with humans, everything should be consumed in moderation. We humans may gorge ourselves on Thanksgiving Day, then take a nap, but don’t do that with your kitty. You may end up cleaning up a big mess, or end up at an emergency vet clinic. Both are easily avoidable if you don’t give them table food, or give it to them with caution. If you have questions about sharing your food, always check with your veterinarian. And if you feel your cat has eaten something potentially dangerous to them, you can call the Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. We wish you and your cats a healthy and happy holiday season! (Today's photo features one of our cute regulars, with a great appetite: Skippy!) What Is a Nebelung Cat?
One of our earliest customers here at Rock the Cat Spa was a stunning kitty from Amarillo, Texas. Kimber quickly became a regular guest, and she is as pretty as ever with her silky, silver-gray fur and green eyes. We decided to learn more about her breed, and here’s what we found out… The name of this breed, Nebelung, has an interesting meaning to it. It is a German name, from the word Nebel, which means fog or mist. Nebelung literally translates to “creature of the mist;” very exotic and spooky! What Do Nebelungs Look Like? This breed is sometimes confused with the Russian Blue, however that breed is short hair only, while Nebelung fur tends to be longer on the tail vs the rest of the body. They are sometimes known as the long-haired Russian Blue. While the two breeds are not related, we definitely understand why they’re lumped together, based on the coat colors of each breed. The Nebelung’s silver-tipped double coat is super silky, and the female cats usually have a collar, or ruff, around their necks. Because of their long, gorgeous fur, frequent brushing is needed! These pretty kitties typically range from 7-15 lbs, and live an average lifespan of 11-16 years. They reach full size around 2 years old. As we mentioned about Kimber, some Nebelung’s have stunning green eyes, but some of them have a yellow-green eye color instead. Either way, it is a striking combination with their dark fur. Is a Nebelung Right for Me? This breed tends to be good for families, and is typically good around kids. They bond with their owners, and would do very well with another cat in the house. Having them with another cat early on is best in order to socialize them well. As great lap cats, Nebelungs are happy to have a quiet space to snuggle up and relax. As with any cat, they would be best kept indoors, and this breed in particular are not known to be hunters. We just love Kimber, and are so happy to see her each time she visits us. We can’t resist running our fingers through her uniquely silky coat. Nebelungs are a great cat to consider if you think this rare breed would be a good fit for your home and lifestyle. You won’t be disappointed! Halloween is all about dressing up in costumes and carving pumpkins, but add a black cat and you kick up the spooky factor.
Black Cat Breeds We’re excited every time we get a new reservation for a black cat at Rock the Cat Spa because we have found that these guys and gals are the friendliest, goofiest, and most chill cats ever. We have spent time with black cats of several breeds: Domestic Shorthair and Longhair, Maine Coon, Munchkin, and Bombay, but there are plenty more breeds with a black variety. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) officially recognizes 22 breeds of solid black cats. Black Cat Genetics Earlier this month in the blog, we explained the genetics of orange cats and their tabby markings. Solid black coats also come down to the genes; solid cats have a recessive gene which prevents any stripes or markings. Having the recessive gene is not always the case, however, and we have seen black cats with dark gray stripes. Black cat coats also come in a variety of shades, such as jet black, brownish black, and tones of grayish black. We once met a black cat who had white roots on his black fur! That particular variation is called “black smoke,” and is very unique. Most black cats are male and may have gorgeous yellow, golden, or green colored eyes. They come in a range of sizes: short, tall, big, or small, and we have seen all varieties! (Including one who was 24lbs of love). A Spooky History Due to some unusual beliefs, black cats are considered a bad omen or bad luck by some people. In the 1600s the idea that witches had black cats developed, and they were thought to be bad, so black cats were not welcome. Unfortunately, these beliefs and superstitions followed them, and still today shelters tend to hold more black cats than others, and they usually stay there longer. Most shelters also do not allow black cat adoptions in October, out of concern for superstitious adopters, but some have “Black Friday” specials, or host adoption events, to show how amazing and adoptable these little panthers are! While the Pilgrims of the 1600s believed black cats to be bad luck, in other countries, they are considered good luck. In Scotland, for example, money is on your way if a black cat is on your doorstep. A single woman is looked at as more attractive if she has a black cat in Japan, and contrary to US superstitions, Germans believe that if a black cat crosses your path, it is good luck. We love these positive black cat beliefs! A Day of their Own Sinbad was a black cat, who was beloved by his owner. He was the catalyst for the creation of National Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th. The day reminds us of the excellence and importance of black cats, continues to rid them of prejudice, and encourages people to make room in their lives and homes for them. We think they should be celebrated every day, and there should be no bad beliefs against these sweet, loving, elegant kitties! (Today’s blog features our silly, energetic friend Raven!) That crisp fall feeling is in the air here in Upstate NY. A time when we watch the Syracuse University Orangemen play football, and witness the beautiful leaves turn incredible colors. As the leaves turn from a bright green to shades of autumn, and we sip our pumpkin lattes, we think that learning more about orange cats would be perfect for this month and season. Let’s go orange!
How are orange cats unique? We’ve all heard of Pareto’s Principle of 80/20, and orange cats are no exception: 80% are male, and only 20% are female. One of our hotel guests here at Rock The Cat Spa is a lovely little lady who has beautiful stripes and green eyes, and the rest of the marmalade crew are male. How do genetics play into orange cat gender? The simple genetic explanation is that females need XX chromosomes, while males need XY. The coat color for a cat is linked to genetics, and since males only need one X chromosome, they get their ginger coloring from their mama. Also, female cats with their XX genes have double the B gene that is found in the X chromosome, and this B gene causes red coloring in the fur called pheomelanin. This coloring is dominant, so since males only need one X, odds are higher to have an orange male instead of an orange female. Since the B gene carries the ginger shade, to have a female orange cat, she must have a fully orange father, and a mother who is a tortoise shell, calico, or ginger. Genetics can result in many different colors, but these particular genetic recipes are required for an orange kitty. Orange cats are always tabbies! Diving further into the gene pool, we also learn that you will never see a solid orange cat. Like never. Ever. Tabby cats have a dominant gene called the agouti gene, which is what determines the kitty’s coat, and can be recessive or dominant. A solid coat color comes only from two recessive genes working together to block stripes and markings. As we mentioned, since orange cats have the dominant agouti gene, they have stripes and can never be solid. The stripes can show up as different patterns, such as classic (swirls), ticked (light and dark bands), spotted, or mackerel (tiger stripes). Colors can range from light to dark with brown, black and cream accents. Always remember that not all tabby cats are orange, but all orange cats are tabbies. Tabby is not a breed, but the pattern of the cat’s coat. What breeds can be orange? While you may initially think of orange tabbies as Domestic Longhairs or Domestic Shorthairs, orange cats can be found in many breeds. At the Cat Spa, we know a stunning show cat who is a purebred Maine Coon. He has the fullest, fluffiest tail that we have ever seen; a real showstopper! We have also seen orange cat varieties with British Shorthairs, Scottish Folds and Persians, but the color may also be found in Rexes, Manx, Munchkin, Exotic Shorthair, Norwegian Forest Cat, and even more! More Unique Characteristics Orange cats tend to be taller and larger than most other cats, and have a variety of personalities; they are as unique as any human you will meet. You will love their gold or amber eyes, and they frequently have freckles on their nose and mouth! Fall in love with an orange cat any season of the year, and you won’t regret it when you cozy up together. (Today's photo features our orange friend Copper). Pros At Hiding Pain
When my sweet Maddie was starting to decline due to her cancer, I thought that something was different, but the signs were so subtle I unfortunately did not make a timely vet appointment. She had started to keep to herself more, and hide her head under the blankets or curtains, as if she was hiding from something. Once she started to actively present with symptoms, it was too late and I felt very guilty. I felt like I should have known something was wrong, and taken action earlier. Then my vet explained to me that cats are the worst, or rather, the best, at hiding pain and can tolerate an extreme amount of it before they start to show any symptoms of illness. Dr. H said that no matter how much you love your cat and have an incredible bond with them, when a cat is sick it goes immediately into survival mode. They see any signs of illness or pain as vulnerability, and think they are under threat, so they mask the discomfort. Think: survival of the fittest mindset. Dr. H said that Maddie hid her illness very well, for a very long time. Sign of Potential Pain Hiding, loss of appetite, and sleeping more than normal are all signs of potential pain, and Maddie exhibited each of them. But, at 15 years old, you should expect some of these changes, and they can be normal for elderly cats. When these signs appear suddenly is when you need to take note, and take action. Other signs of pain can be:
You know your cat better than anyone, but being aware of these signs and symptoms can help you notice a change in health that may need immediate veterinary care. Keeping up with routine annual exams and vaccines with your vet can also help catch early signs of pain or illness. Cats cannot talk, so we are their best advocates in all areas of their life. (Today’s photo features our pal Nubs! Don’t worry, he’s not in pain, he’s just sleepy). Learn More About Siberians
One of our regular customers is a lovely little Siberian cat name Motley (seen above), and we are so enamored with her that we decided to learn more about her! This breed is relatively new to the US, and we weren’t able to have these kitties until they were discovered during the Cold War, and the cats were brought West. These cats are the national cat of Russia, which explains some of their names. Where Did Siberians Come From? Siberian Cats first arrived in the US in 1990 after being in (surprise!) Siberia since about 1000 AD. The proper name for these beauties is Siberian Forest Cat, which sounds even more exotic! Other names they have been known by are the Russian Longhair and the Moscow Semi-Longhair, but we think the first name is the best. Why they came from Siberia is a mystery, however with other Soviet citizens moving to the cold Siberian tundra, they most likely brought their cats or some ancestor of the current breed. Since we all know that Siberia is extremely cold, the cats adapted to the harsh climate and their coats became triple layered. Good thing, too; we up here in Syracuse know to layer for the snow and cold temperatures! How Do Siberians Stay Warm? To explain the coat properly, we start from the outside with the guard hair. Being outside can mean water, so their guard hair has adapted to repel it, which means Siberians aren’t afraid of water! The next layer of fur is a mid-coat called awn hair, and then we reach the final layer: their down hair. As with many cats with a down layer, it tends to mat, so frequent, daily brushing is needed, or you’ll be at the groomer having mats trimmed out constantly. Because of these three layers of fur, these cats love to be outdoors and can withstand very cold temperatures. So much fur also means Siberians shed, or molt, twice a year, which is triggered by the length of day, and not by the heat or humidity as we might expect. If you have a Siberian, be prepared to sweep and vacuum because they will lose a lot of fur during their shed. Hypoallergenic Cats An important tip about the Siberian cat is that they are considered hypoallergenic, which means they produce less of the protein Fel d 1. All cats produce this, and it’s what’s on the fur and dander that causes us humans to have an allergic response. While Siberian cats have less of this protein, don’t buy one thinking that your cat allergy will be avoided 100%! It may be lessened enough to consider them hypoallergenic, but that protein is not gone entirely. What Do SIberians Look Like? Siberians have very long beautiful fur, and one distinguishing coat characteristic is the fluffy and full neck collar. It is stunning, as are their big fluffy tails. Siberian cats are available in almost any color you can imagine, but some formal cat breeding associations do not consider Siamese colorings official. It takes around five years for the typical Siberian cat to achieve full growth. They’re a medium size cat that lives 10 to 18 years. What is the Siberian Personality? They typically have funny personalities, and are “dog cats” because they’re so active. Their strong legs also help them jump very high! Their meows are on the quieter side though, so you won’t jolt out of bed by the loud yowl other breeds have. If you love a good lap cat then you will be happy with your Siberian. They are kind and gentle cats who love to play, so kids do great with this breed. This breed of cats do best with a playmate, so having another Siberian or other cat, should be considered. Be sure to research a reputable breeder, and enjoy the fun with this social, floofy, snuggle-bug kitty! What To Expect When You’re Expecting … Kittens
It has been decades since a cat of mine has given birth, but I remember when my old cat, Guenivere gave birth. She had two small litters, which was a blessing because siamese can birth up to 12 kittens in one litter. Guenivere’s litters taught me that one or 12, if your cat is expecting kittens soon, you will need to plan ahead to make the birthing process easier for you both. Cat Pregnancy Basics Unlike some animals, cats can breed anytime of the year. They also have a very short gestation period (only two months!). The amount of kittens that a cat can have within a year is unbelievable, and it gets exponentially multiplied once those kittens start having kittens. This is why it’s so important to get your pets spayed as soon as they are able. However, if you find yourself in a situation with kittens on the way, one needs to prepare for the big day to ensure the kittens will survive and thrive. First, confirm the pregnancy with your veterinarian and ask them for advice to plan and prepare. Cat Vocab:
Caring For A Pregnant Cat Once it’s official you need to watch for some possible pregnancy symptoms, including:
To help with morning sickness, change your cat’s food to top shelf quality and look for labels such as “expectant cat” for the mother and “kitten food” for the new arrivals. Cat foods have come a long way and this is the time to spend the extra money to help your cat have some healthy kittens. Your cat food can also be supplemented with some rich meats and some safe ones are canned tuna or chicken. These are easy to add to her daily meals and she can get rich nutrients this way. Preparing For Birth I remember us making a bed for Guenivere to birth her kittens in and she decided to go elsewhere in the house – I guess I can’t really blame her for doing her own thing! However, it’s a good idea to prepare a birthing area, even if your cat chooses not to use it. Choosing a birthing box can be simple and almost no-cost. One can find a cardboard box anywhere and these are easy to cut and adjust to the mother’s needs. Create a low side entry so she has easy access when she needs it, but not so low that newborn kittens can fall out. You can also cover the box with a blanket or another piece of cardboard. Many cats like the privacy and security this “cave” feeling provides. If your cat likes their carrier, you can also use that, as long as it’s roomy enough for her to move around in. Some more inexpensive options are an underbed storage box, litter pan or even a laundry basket. Line the bottom with puppy pads and change these each day to ensure the area is clean and absorbent. You can also add old towels, a blanket or something soft and comfortable, as she will be resting inside for a while. Changing these daily is important after the birth, but be careful not to overstay your welcome or she will up and relocate in the middle of the night for privacy. Guinevere did this because we were peeking in too much and she wanted solitude and quiet! Kitten Time! The calendar says the day is near, her belly is huge, so how do you know for sure today’s the day? Your queen will start to nest and this is the optimum time to make a final vet visit. Ask questions on what to do in case of complications, what to expect, how to respect her boundaries and other important birth questions the vet can answer. When the day has arrived, you will notice your cat stop eating 24 hours beforehand and really start to nest. Get that birthing box ready and in a quiet, warm area so she won’t be disturbed. Keep other pets and children away from her birthing area. Make sure you get your sleep as well! In no time, there will be kittens running all over! |
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