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!)
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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! What Are The Required Vaccines For a Cat?
Since many cats are completely indoor pets, some owners forget how vaccines can still be essential. Having had indoor cats most of my life, I was definitely one of those people who never thought much about vet visits and basic shots for my cat, Guenivere. It seemed expensive and unnecessary, so I avoided them. Once Maddie came along, I decided to be a vigilant cat mom as I wanted the best for this little kitten who was dependent on me for a long healthy life. Even if your cat rarely comes into contact with the outside world, vaccines are still an important part of a feline health regimen. Your cat could develop diseases from foregin bodies you accidentally bring in, at the groomer, at the vet, from a stray or even out in the yard. These are the basic shots and health care items a cat needs and why. Annual Vet Visits Whether you have a new kitten or are adopting a senior cat, an annual visit to the veterinarian is important to keep them healthy. These visits are great times to ask questions, have the vet get to know your cat and establish a relationship. Having an ongoing relationship with your vet is important so in case something does happen, you have that resource there to help. Just like humans, some cats may go their entire lives without major issues, while others are plagued with health concerns from cradle to grave. You just don’t know what will happen over the course of your cat's life so getting that early and regular vet visit started is the best thing you can do for your cat. Necessary Basic Shots Shots and vaccines are another basic component to maintaining your cat’s health. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
As with any vaccine, these do not guarantee 100% protection. However, they are highly effective and have been in circulation for quite a whole. Even if you don’t see your cat coming into contact with any outside viruses or bacteria, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! It is also always easier to prevent the virus than to deal with a sick cat later and possibly have to put the cat down due to illness. Talk to your vet and see what they recommend and what frequency they will administer. After any vaccine, expect some side effects and give your cat time to rest and recover. If you can’t afford a vet visit, check out national companies such as Tractor Supply, PetSmart, PetCo, and local pet stores for their vaccine clinics and prices. Many customers here at the cat spa use these services and are very pleased with the quick service and menu of options. Some communities offer low cost rabies clinics also. Remember, you are your cat’s first line of defence against these preventable diseases! Short In Stature, But Big In Personality: The Munchkin Cat
Happy May everyone! This week we'll be exploring the adorable, controversial and short-in-stature-but-big-in-personality Munchkin cat. At the cat spa, we have been lucky enough to board some Munchkin cats. In my experience, these critters are typically adorable and friendly. However, munchkin cats actually have quite a bit of controversy surrounding them. Read on to learn where they came from, what they are, and why they’re up for debate. Where Do Munchkin Cats Come From? Back in 1983, (the same year Rock the Casbah by The Clash was on the charts!), a music teacher in Louisiana found two pregnant cats, and history was made. Most munchkin cats can trace their lineage back to these two cats. The woman named them Munchkins, after the Wizard of Oz characters. Today, this breed can cost upwards of $1k. Of course, you may be lucky and find one at a shelter or foster home. Genetic Mutations Make the Munchkins Most people think of dachshund dogs when they see short legs and long bodies so to see this on a cat is quite a surprise. However, unlike dachshunds, which were carefully bread over 300 years ago, Munchkin cats are relatively new. The genetic mutation that causes their short legs is why the munchkin cat has been controversial over the years. It is a newer breed, recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1991. However, many other feline associations will not recognize the breed and deem it wrong to breed them. What’s the Problem With Munchkins? Due to their selective breeding, Munchkin cats have super small legs. While these legs can be very cute and entertaining for humans, many organizations have worries over the health effects on the cats themselves. This is because the shortened limbs of the Munchkins make them more prone to joint disease and osteoarthritis. For many people, breeding animals likely to have diseases is a big no-no. On the other side of the argument, Munchkin cats tend to live a full life averaging 15 years. Besides their osteoarthritis and joint issues, they are a generally healthy breed to consider. What is it Like to Own a Munchkin Cat? Munchkin cats can still run super fast but are unable to jump as well as a larger cat so it is best to keep them indoors. Their little legs come in 3 different lengths – standard, super short, and rug hugger. The names are pretty self-explanatory! Having groomed a couple of these cats at the spa, I know their fur can become tangled very easily. Many have longer coats and may have grooming limitations due to flexibility issues. Munchkins come in all different colors and short or long hair. The long hair will need to be brushed daily and even completely shaved from time to time to clean up the coat. If you love a lap cat (who doesn’t?), the Munchkins love to be close and cuddle with you. They love people and are social and crave attention. They can be loud and chatty with the meows so be prepared to give lots of one on one attention! Another funny thing is that they love to take toys or objects and store them away in a hidden place! It sounds very squirrel-like to hide the nuts away for the winter but Munchkins are known to be little hoarders. These tiny cats are big on love and attention so talk to your vet and see if this breed is a good fit for you and your family. Why Do Cats Love the Sun?
In Syracuse, there is virtually no sun in the winter time and a limited summer season. My cats have always known the second the clouds part enough to give them one little ray of sunshine to bask in it. Guenivere used to lay in one spot in the sun for hours, then move a few inches away, only to return to the original spot moments later. It always puzzled me as to why she did this repeatedly throughout the day, but it’s a pretty simple answer. How Does the Sun Help Cats? Cats may seem to be the laziest creatures around. However, they don’t really have a choice in the matter. They require on average 15 hours of sleep per day, so they deserve a break on the lazy remark. With a body temperature around 101 degrees (compared to our 98.6), cats tend to need more warmth to keep going. Being the smart animals they are, many cats will use solar power to store up energy by staying warmer while sleeping. This prevents their bodies from using unnecessary energy to keep their internal temperatures high. Body temperatures drop during slumbertime and solar energy helps maintain that higher inner temperature. Saving up energy from basking in the sun can also contribute to a little less eating as they won’t need energy from food to fuel them. Guinevere used to nap on a bed and move across it all day long chasing the direct sun rays. Why Do Cats Get Greasy In the Sun? If you have a sun puddle chasing cat, you’ll notice their fur gets greasy after prolonged sunbathing. Cats get vitamin D from their food. The warmth from the sun activates oil in the fur. Cats then lick off the oil to digest vitamin D! Early cat ancestors from hot desert areas are wired to both love the heat and to tolerate it easier. However, not every breed can tolerate higher temperatures. For example, the Maine Coon comes to mind. Maine Coon is our most popular breed to groom and the undercoat is incredible. I can see how they can easily overheat and love cooler temperatures. Knowing your breed type and their tolerances can save them and you from a potential medical veterinary emergency. How Can I Help My Cat Get Light When I Live in a Cloudy Area? If you live in a cloudy climate such as Upstate NY, how can your cat get more sun and warmth when we can go a month with no blue sky? There are ways to keep a kitty warm and content even without direct sunlight. Here are some ideas to help:
Also, if you live in a cold climate and have outdoor cats in your neighborhood, please be aware of cats using your car engine as warmth. Tapping on the hood before you start the car to wake them up can avoid a horrible accident altogether. Next time you see your cat all cozied up in the sun’s rays, smile and know they are happy, cozy and warm, which is what all kitties deserve. |
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