How To Choose Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is an important cost to consider for the safety of your pets and your wallet. Luckily, my cats have been low maintenance over the years and only really required the basic yearly visit. However, anyone with pets knows even the healthiest critter can get themselves in trouble with their own shenanigans. Unfortunately for us, on top of all that worry, the vet bill can end up costing thousands. For example, years ago my parents had a new bulldog puppy who managed to eat the popsicle and stick in one gulp. A few thousand dollars later for emergency surgery she was fine. However, most of us don’t have extra money set aside for catastrophes. This is where pet insurance may be the best choice. Cat owners may scoff at the idea of pet insurance, as surely everyone knows dogs cause more trouble. However, cats actually make up approximately 20% of animals covered by pet insurance. Policies can start at $15 a month, which can pay for itself if an emergency arises. After doing some research, I actually found that pet insurance is pretty simple and straightforward. Which is great news, since no one needs more complicated policies with health, homeowners or auto insurance already on everyones’ radar. Here are a few main touch points for you to know about pet insurance: What does pet insurance cover?
Who accepts pet insurance?Any licensed veterinarian can accept pet insurance. This is much nicer than human health insurance and worrying about in or out of network. With pet insurance, you pay the bill upfront, take the paperwork and submit it for reimbursement. How simple is that? Can I adjust my policy?As with any insurance, you can add a ‘rider’ for a special condition or treatment, such as physical therapy. Think of it as planning ahead. When should I get pet insurance?Same as humans, the younger you start the policy and continue it, the less it will cost. A new policy for a 10-year-old cat may be super pricey. Some policies may also come with an age limitation on a new policy for older animals. Does pet insurance have fees?As with human health insurance, there will be decutibles and copays. Deductibles typically begin at $10. There may also be annual caps on policies. Can I get pet insurance through my job?Some employers do have pet insurance available! So be sure to ask your insurance representative or HR rep what your employer offers. For more information about pet insurance, take a look at this easy guide from Money.com. If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your cat or dog, research several policies to find one that works best for you, your pet and your budget. A little monthly bill may end up saving you lots of money, so consider pet insurance for 2021. Happy holidays everyone!
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Feline Dental Care Download
Cats are similar to humans and need a basic dental visit at least once a year for their annual checkup. Dental care may not be at the top of your list, but having lost my beautiful Guenivere years ago to oral cancer from poor dental care, I am now very much aware of dental care for cats. Being aware of issues regarding their teeth and mouth could save their lives! So, let’s learn about feline dental care? What’s in a Cat’s Mouth? Adult cats have 30 teeth used to bite and to tear into all sorts of things. What they don’t have is a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean themselves up with morning and night. They rely on us to handle the basics. Dental issues can start quickly and rapidly progress. According to the Cornell University Feline Health Center, more than 50% of cats over age 4 have serious dental issues. In order to prevent these issues, it’s important to keep an eye on any discomfort your cat may be exhibiting. How to Tell if Something is Wrong So, how do you know if your cat has tooth pain? These symptoms can help you tell when there might be something wrong with your cat’s dental hygiene:
Now, cats are notorious for bad breath anyway but since they don’t brush, they get a pass on that! However, a difference or change in bad breath is a strong warning sign of something amiss. To avoid dental issues, basic care is required. How to Prevent Dental Issues In Your Cat Start with the basics! A yearly veterinarian check-up for your cat is necessary to look at teeth and discuss any problems. Almost any veterinarian is capable of basic teeth exams and cleaning. This can entail a set of X-rays, plaque removal and extraction of any diseased teeth. The main difference between human dental care and cat care is that cats must be sedated under general anesthesia for the procedure, which can be a little costly. Cats can have the same or very similar dental problems that humans have. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, and a cavity-like condition called tooth erosion. But, regular care can prevent these issues from the start. After losing Guinevere to oral cancer, I was extra vigilant when I first got Maddie. I spoke to my vet at her first check up on what to do. He advised that prevention is key and starting a kitten with good dental care is the best foundation. He also suggested brushing the kitten’s teeth! There are brushes that slip over the tip of your finger and use them to gently rub along the teeth and gum line. You can even get flavored toothpaste for cats to train them not to hate the experience! Starting young is key here, too. Another easy treatment is dental cat food. This one worked great for Maddie. She ate that food for over 10 years and her teeth sparkled! Dental cat foods have different sized and textured kibble that ‘clean’ the teeth as they eat it while stimulating gums and removing residue. If you aren’t keen on a full dental diet, there are some new brands of treats or snacks available now. Speaking to your vet and asking for recommendations is always the best thing. As for wet food, there is no hard evidence that wet food is linked to dental issues. There may be some advantages to dry food vs wet food for teeth but nothing definitive. Helping keep your cat’s fangs nice and shiny and clean is an easy way to help them live longer and healthier. Healthy teeth and gums are as important to them as us, so be proactive and take care of their teeth so they can keep on cuddling with you for many years to come. We’ve all seen nature documentaries with jungle cats effortlessly leaping up a tree. They crawl to the highest branch and then sprawl out and take a nap for a while. Then, upon waking, they will perch and study the tall grasses, starring at their prey before they sneak down to stalk a gazelle for a meal.
Our sweet little domestic cats are kin to these wild animals so we can’t be too surprised that they mimic this behavior within our own homes! Over the years, I’ve had a couple of cats that rarely climbed, but my current cat Daphne is quite the climber. From the countertops to the dresser to trying to climb the kitchen cabinets, she loves to indoor climb and parkour. Outside, she is up and down trees all day and then naps in the attic of my garage above my car. Wild or domestic, cats love to climb! But why is this? Primal Nature Animals all have basic primal instincts to protect themselves from becoming prey. For cats, climbing higher than the rest and having the best vantage point gives them the ability to see and hear prey and any predator activities. Cats want to go high as possible and then some! Cats love to be in the know. Overlooking their kingdom (or your kitchen!) is how they achieve their status and keep it running smoothly. My aunt had a cat, Willie, who would lay on top of the refrigerator and swat at you each time you opened the door to get food! Outdoor cats love to climb and while we tend to be scared that they will be stuck, there is no need to call the fire department. They climbed up there, they have their sneaky ways of getting back down with little to no assistance. Hottest Seat in the House Cats are smart and know that heat rises! Cats love a warm spot to rest and snooze the day away so why not climb a bit and find the coziest place in the house? It’s also quiet and out of the way from the hustle and bustle of a house or neighborhood. Did you know that mother cats sometimes climb to get away from the kittens when weaning them? It’s true! Higher Places We’ve all been low man on the totem pole, but cats take this literally at times. Cats perch due to hierarchy and will shift as the leader moves and leaves. I had one customer at the spa who had 6 cats and he said all 6 shift as they move around throughout the day. However, when the leader comes back into the room, they all downgrade back a rung on the cat tree. Cats know that higher up means power while lower is not an equal. Higher places must be earned to move up! There are several climbing walls here in the suites for climbing and lounging. Some cats prefer to hide in dark tiny places instead, but to each their own. If you have a cat who climbs, a great purchase for the holidays or birthday is a cat tree. It’ll help eliminate the head swipes at the refrigerator! Even animals aren't immune to fad diets. But which ones are worth it? Learn about vegan and raw diets for cats.
How Niche Diets Affect Your Cat In the last few years, we all have been inundated with organic foods and complicated diets touting health benefits and overall feeling better. Having been raised to avoid processed foods and lean more towards veggies than candy bars, I definitely understand the interest in eating healthier and living a cleaner lifestyle. And with the explosion of pet foods and treats now available, there are more diets than ever for you AND your cat. Some of these new diets originated for humans and have migrated to the pet market. Let’s look at the top two and understand the risk and benefits for your cat. Can Cats Go Vegan? My dad loved veggies, tofu and all things green or cruciferous but would Daphne, my little stray who brings me a half-eaten mouse, feel the same? As a bottom-line fact to keep in mind, cats and humans are physiologically designed differently. Kittens must have protein more than any other developing animal and grown cats need it more than even dogs or humans. Cats are what we call “obligate carnivores” which means that they must have meat in order to obtain vital nutrients to survive. One such protein is taurine, which can only be derived from animal-based protein. Some other essential amino acids which cats require for a healthy diet are arginine, cysteine, vitamin A and vitamin D. A cat’s digestive tract is designed shorter than a human’s, which means breaking down lots of fruits and veggies can be more difficult on their system. Out in the wild, cats eat insects (my sweet Maddie used to hunt spiders in the basement!), small rodents and birds (Daphne’s favorite meals), reptiles and other small animals. It doesn’t matter what kind of meat the cat is ingesting, they simply need meat to survive. Lack of these important nutrients can cause very serious health issues such as blindness, deafness, skin problems, organ damage and worst case, death. All of this being said, vegan cat foods are available on the market. However, cat owners should remember that felines evolved to need animal-based proteins in their diets. What is a Raw Diet? Back to my dad and his love of raw veggies. He would always tell me that raw and uncooked was best as the nutrients weren’t cooked out of the vegetables. There is a similar movement with pet owners that believe raw food (specifically meat) is best as that is most similar to what they’d eat naturally in the wild. The meats eaten by animals are the muscles, organs and bones of the prey. Most domestic cats don’t eat wild prey as a food source, besides the odd mouse in the yard. Feral cats and wild animals do of course live off of prey. However, their life spans are much shorter than a domesticated cat, which can live to an average age of 15. The main concern with raw food and preparing meals for your kitty indoors is the same as humans face. Germs such as e.coli are still an issue for animals. As well as potentially infecting your cat, handling raw meat can cause germ spreading and cross contamination with other food and surfaces in your home. As mentioned earlier, feline digestive tracts are designed differently than humans and they can tolerate many more germs than we can. However, it is still very risky especially if the cat has any health conditions, is older or immunocompromised. Another difference in raw meat is that there will have to be some supplements added to balance the meal to make it complete. Feral cats naturally know how to hunt and balance their diets with fiber and vitamins not found in meat, but indoor cats are dependent on us for those decisions. If you decide for whatever reason to switch your cat to a vegan or raw diet exclusively, talk to your vet first and ask for guidance. You may even want to consult a pet nutritionist who can guide you and help along the way. The veterinarian may even carry some of the new foods in their office or direct you to a safe and reliable source or brand. As with any dietary change, think about the well-being and health of your cat first and remember that healthy decisions for humans won’t affect cats in the same way. How cat-only boarding is better for stress.
If you’ve had a chance to read my story, then you know the main reason I opened Rock the Cat Spa was because I noticed a lack of interaction with my cat while she was boarded. Sadly, but not surprising, I hear this concern echoed often when customers call or stop by for boarding. When boarding my cat, my main concerns were what types of interaction she received and how long she would be kept in that tiny cage each day. Unfortunately, since a lot of people believe cats are loners, this isn’t a high priority for many boarding facilities. One time I was even told that it would cost extra (per minute!) to give my sweet kitty a little extra love and attention! This is when I decided Rock the Cat Spa would be different in every way possible. Here, we give cats the best care and attention they can receive away from home. Cats are sensitive and solitary creatures who enjoy their environment being just so. Part of why people believe cats prefer to stay at home is because many boarding facilities don’t cater to these needs. At Rock the Cat Spa, we know that the perfect environment can mean all the difference. No Dogs Allowed One main issue that I have with other boarding facilities is dogs. They may be man’s best friend, but a dog kennel is always barky and loud. Housing cats in the same facility can be very stressful for the cats. No Overwhelming Scents Speaking of odors, while there are no other animal odors, we also have a strict policy of no air fresheners, candles or strong chemical odors. Cats can smell about 15 times better than us mere mortals, so even the slightest odor to us may be overwhelming to them. It can also emphasize that the cat is not at their home and make adjustment more difficult. When cleaning, we move the cats to another area away from the non-toxic and environmentally safe products just in case. We also strongly advise bringing something from home when your cat comes to stay. This allows the cat to experience comfort with the smell of home to help calm and ease any anxiety. Soothing Touches Since this is a cat spa, the spa environment is fully embraced here. Soft classical music plays during the day and is left on at night to help soothe the cats. Classical music has softer sounds and a slower tempo to calm the cats. Spa sounds, such as rain and forest noises, are also played along with cat TV shows of birds, squirrels, string play, and laser dots. Cat grass is another fun feature which is available to help kitty clean her teeth. Enrichment Activities As a kid, playing with my food wasn’t encouraged. But it is here! If snacks are allowed, we play hide and seek with treats. We will hide a few in the room when the cat is out to play and let them do a scavenger hunt for them. Hiding food treats can be a fun activity at home as well, but remember where you left them. Most likely, the cat will find them all but just in case, keep track of them. Unlimited Catnip is another bonus for those cats who can’t get enough! Per the owner’s permission, of course. We love to simply sit and play with the cats! We have ample supply of toys available for each and every cat to enjoy. Daily play isn’t only fun, it can also help expend some energy and lead to a calmer disposition. If the cat isn’t up to playing, we encourage them to come out and hang with us and sunbathe upfront. Whether we are doing laundry or making lunch, we will have a cat out and giving them roam time to explore and stretch if they choose. One on one time is important to a happy cat away from home! Some are lap cats, some love to be carried around and snuggled and others want to be left alone. We get it! We can accommodate any request the cats may have. While there aren’t curtains or a Christmas tree, we encourage the cats here to climb! From multiple cat trees in varying heights to climbing walls such as the Meowywood Wall of Fame in the Hotel Catfurnia, we love for the cats to climb and look around. If they are not into climbing, then there are many cozy houses and spaces for them to crawl into for an afternoon private nap. Restful Slumber Sleep is vital to a cat and they tend to sleep on average 18 hours a day. Comfy pillows, blankets and quilts and even TempurPedic beds are available for the cats to doze off on. At bedtime, we have a Purrdown time when the chandelier is dimmed, music on, treats on the pillow and we quietly exit for a completely restful night’s sleep. Upon wakeup, we gently turn up the chandelier light and check on kitty quietly in case they are still snoozing. Usually they are, so we don’t want to interrupt their dream time! One feature customers will receive at check out is a report card. This is a detailed report of the cat’s activities. The card documents any issues that may have arisen or possible problem (once we found a bump on the leg and it required surgery) in order for the owner to understand any behavioral issues or just to see they had fun! Rock the Cat Spa was created with your cat in mind. We strive to create a healthy home away from home interactive environment which can really ease any stress for both you and your cat. We often hear how cats don’t want to leave because they are having too much fun! Mission accomplished. Natural disasters are an unfortunate reality across the world. As hurricane and wildfire season rage around us (and with blizzard season on the horizon!) I thought it might be useful to discuss how to evacuate in an emergency. Pet preparedness is an important topic, so let’s dive into the checklist that needs to be ready ahead of time, how to prepare and how to help your cat recover from an emergency situation.
Pet Emergency Preparedness One can never know when an emergency may arise, so proper preparedness is key. If it is a more personal emergency (such as your roof caving in), asking a friend, vet office or calling for boarding may be all you need for a short term stay until things are safe to return. However, in more serious situations it’s important to keep calm for the sake of yourself and your family (furry members included!). Here are some common challenges I’ve heard clients express, and how to address them. Getting your cat into a carrier Countless times at the cat spa, I hear customers say that they struggle to get their cats into their carrier and have to fight and run around the house beforehand to even find their cat. I’ve definitely experienced this! Daphne has pulled a Houdini and disappeared right as I am walking out to the car many times. To remedy this, familiarize your cat with the carrier. It doesn’t have to be associated with stress and a car ride. Leaving it out every so often so your cat is used to it is a good start. Having it out at random times also means it’s harder for your cat to guess when it’ll be used, so they can’t hide from you. Make sure your name, your cat’s name, and your address and phone number are somewhere visible on the carrier. I use an address label that is taped over with clear tape (so it won’t get water damage or fade!) and then Daphne’s name underneath. A taped over luggage tag from the airport or index card will suffice. Prep your cat’s bag Besides your carrier (or perhaps stored in your carrier, it’s a good idea to have certain materials ready to go in an emergency situation. Many cat owners prefer to let their cats roam around the house naked, but you should have an emergency collar ready with their name tag on it just in case they were to get loose. These are cheap and easy to buy at a pet store and can be kept hooked to the handle of the carrier while in storage. You should also consider having:
Be ready to pack up at least 2 weeks worth of food in a safe container to keep it fresh and dry. A plastic container is best to avoid spoiled food. Along with the food, bring 2 weeks worth of water. You may not know where you are going to end up and the water could upset your cat’s stomach and that is the last additional drama that you need. Water from home is the safest option. I prefer to use little foldable canvas and plastic lined bowls which have clips to clip onto a bag. That way, I am not carrying around a huge breakable bowl or stainless steel one. If your cat is on medications, bring them and have extra, if possible. Write your cat’s medication regimen on paper and tape it to the carrier in case you forget in a high stress situation or your cat needs to be cared for by someone else. Grab their bed if possible and a first aid kit as well as you both could be needing it. Any vet records that you can have copies of and place in a waterproof envelope (even a Ziploc) is also best in case of separation. Microchipping In a previous blog, I talked about microchipping. This is where it can really pay off. When you do leave, be sure to bring the microchip number with you and keep it with your vet records. This is a safe and excellent way to have peace of mind for your cat should an evacuation arise. If your cat was unable to go with you or escaped, once you return home, call the local shelters or vet offices to check if your cat was dropped off there. Check with the neighbors and use online resources to notify others of a lost cat. Notifying the microchip company also is a great way so that they are on alert and have updated information. The old classic sign up around the area may work just as well with a photo of your cat on it and contact information. Plan for shelter Since we now live in a pandemic world, shelter space is even more limited than before. If you are unable to provide a safe place for your pet, calling a friend or relative, vet office or kennel is a great option. Many hotels also often accept animals, but call ahead to confirm this. If you do find a hotel or can stay at a friends or family members house, remember your cat will feel your stress as well. Try and keep the cat in a small area at first until they calm down and feel safe. Help your cat adjust by putting their bed, toys, objects that smell like home, food and water nearby. We all have experienced the cat hiding under the bed scenario so check the place you are staying for any open space underneath the bed. If you need to make a quick escape, it may be better to keep your cat corralled in a bathroom until you know how long you will be there. Check when you leave that the cat is safe as they are sneaky and fast and you don’t want them to run out the door and be lost in an unfamiliar area. Returning to your home If you are able to return to your home post-emergency, be sure to check it thoroughly before trusting things. If your home has been weakened by a fire, flood, tornado, blizzard or hurricane, make sure to check for stability. Check the house and surroundings to make sure things are safe for you and your family. Be prepared for them to be a bit on edge. They may take some time checking things and to calm down completely. You may even want to try CBD to calm them down. Keep an eye on them and if the behavior continues after you have returned for a while, speaking to your vet may be best. Preparing for a disaster of any magnitude is scary. Having your plan ready to go to safeguard your kitty is important. Play with the carrier and take them out for a ride every so often so they are familiar with a car ride. Have a bag ready to go with the essentials and list ready to check off so there is one less stressor to add to the situation. Our cats are family and preparing for their safety is essential. Other resources for pet disaster planning: Just like humans, different cats prefer different mealtimes and feeding styles. Having a cat that was once a stray, Daphne has taught me how feeding styles really are. As a former stray who had to eat whatever she could get whenever she could get it, if I leave a large bowl of food out, she will gorge herself on as much as she can and get sick. After experimenting, I found the best way to feed her. I leave her bowl out throughout the day with one generous scoop each morning to last all day and she is fine with it. As with all my cats, they had their times they preferred to eat like clockwork. Luckily, Daphne has adapted to this and is just fine with her scoop of food to manage for the day. Now, she does still go outside some days and hunt for treats, but that is the exception. However, some cats may not be able to adjust to this style of feeding and are better suited to scheduled meals.
Why Are Feeding Styles Important? Age, lifestyle, health needs and activity levels are all important determining factors in the best way to feed your cat. Your own lifestyle and availability throughout the day is also important to take into consideration. It can become even more puzzle-like when you have a multi-cat household! Let’s take a look at some determining factors to figure out which option is best for your family. Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats Cats are natural hunters and love to play with their food. In the wild, cats worked for their food and ate several little meals a day. They tended to graze throughout the day and not sit and gorge then lay around. Move indoors to the world of a lazy domesticated cat and therein lies the new problem. Indoor cats don’t move as much and expend much less energy than an outdoor cat who is nearly always on the move. Having adapted to being served their food, indoor cats are very humanlike in their eating habits. They eat out of boredom, stress and anxiety, and Daphne’s reasoning – because the bowl is full and she can. Some cats simply don’t have will power or control and will eat for the wrong reasons. This can lead to weight problems and possible health issues for some. Health and Weight Concerns If this pattern is happening in your home, talking to your vet first is key. Checking the cat’s weight and seeing what range it is in is important. Cats come in all different sizes and bone structure so a nice big Maine Coon cat may be right in a normal healthy weight at 22 lbs but a regular size tabby at 15 lbs may be tipping the scales. Your vet can help determine how much food needs to be given in a day or even what brand. Some brands are not as healthy as other brands and contain fillers and nonsense food sources (think fast food). Grain free or weight management foods are better choices for a chubby kitty. Following your cats natural eating schedule is a good way to start as your cat may not need to eat every three hours if just two meals per day will suffice. Food Type If your vet recommends (or you prefer) wet food, free-feeding might not be the best option. Wet food sitting out all day can attract flies or create a smell. We all have let wet food sit out and watch it turn into a hardened mess! Wet food is a great choice for a scheduled feeding time. One issue my sweet Maddie had with free feeding dry food is that it must have become soggy or stale as she would refuse dry food if it sat out more than a few hours. It made me think of when I leave a bag of chips open and then go to snack and the crunch is gone. Free feed or scheduled times are definitely unique to each cat and situation. Just remember that if you do decide to try the scheduled feed times that you may end up with a hangry cat! Moderation is everything so cutting back food intake but not depriving. Slowly adapting for your cat is key to a happy and healthy cat. All in all, pay attention to your cat’s patterns and body. Do they finish the whole dish the second you put food down? If so, smaller scheduled meals might be a better option. If your cat is more of a conservationist and nibbles here and there, free feeding might be best. While it may not be pretty, potty talk is an important part of being a cat owner. But, with my last In The Bathroom post on cat litter, this should conclude the toilet talk for a while! It has been years, and I do mean years, since I purchased a new litter box for my cat. Things have changed quite a bit so let’s start with the classic and move into the new fancy cleaning machines.
Standard Boxes. Price rating: 1 paw starting at $5 | The oldie but goodie standard litter pan is one you can never go wrong with. The standard size is a 24” square with 4” walls, though some walls can reach 6”-8” high. Plastic is the best as it will reliably hold everything inside, be easy to clean, and will also resist odors. If you have either a small cat or an old cat, it might be best to go for the shorter walls so they can easily step over the threshold. I can also attest to the fact that some cats just may not like the higher walls on these pan boxes. My Daphne hated them and it started a kicking contest on how far out the box she could throw the litter. Once I switched back to the standard 4” wall pan, the contest was over and to this day, there is very little litter outside the entrance. Standard Box with Hood. Price rating: 2-4 paws starting at $13, up to $100 depending on style | With these boxes come the option of covered or no cover and I really do prefer and recommend the cover. I like to think that cats need and want some privacy in the bathroom. However, be aware that some cats do not like the hood overtop as they can’t see who is around (in multiple cat families). Self-Cleaning Box. Price rating:- 4-5 paws starting at $100 and to $1,000 | A more indulgent and pricier option is the automatic self-cleaning litter box. A friend of mine with 8 cats had one and loved it but he did comment that several still opted for the good ol’ litter pan so it’s not the first choice for all cats. These magic boxes sweep through the litter with a comb, removing the clumps and sweeping them into a waste pan in the bottom of the box. These boxes have timers that will start the sweeping after kitty leaves so as not to scare him. However, some of these can be loud and scare the cat. You may need to consider your cats personality before purchasing one of these because a scaredy cat wouldn’t be too happy. These boxes require clumping litter to work properly, so remember to add in that cost. There are basic styles all the way up to fancy ones with an app so you can know follow and track your cats bathroom trips. Disposable and DIY Boxes. Price rating: 1-2 paws | Other options are disposable boxes and large plastic under the bed storage boxes. Disposable boxes are great for travel and I have used them in the plastic style and the corrugated cardboard ones. These are also perfect if you have to take your cat to a friend’s and want to provide the box and litter. It is good for short-term usage (around 5 days). Another friend of mine has multiple cats and bought a low priced large under the bed storage box, threw out the lid and voila, there’s her huge litter box. These tend to be 3 feet long so room is needed but cats like the ability to move around and have room to relax as they tend to business. This was an option I never considered as it is low priced and very convenient! Disguised Boxes. Price rating: 4- 5 paws, starting at $100 to $400 | Hooded boxes have come a long way and really are now sold in furniture-esque styles. If you live in a small apartment and need the side table to double also as a litter box, there are ample selections now. Litter boxes that are sleek like a space ship, storage bench, barrels or even a retro TV: the options are endless. With all these selections and price options, your cat will still have the final say on which ones they use. Remember size and agility when choosing a box. Cats need room to enter and dig into their litter and become comfortable with their surroundings. Once they decide it’s worthy and take care of business, they need room to cover up and leave with clean paws so a little extra room will be needed if your cat is larger or likes to sit right at the edge. The new top entry boxes are great for less tracking but if your cat is larger or older and unable to easily climb up and into it then leave these for the younger more agile cats. Whichever cat box you choose, the most important choice you can make is to keep it clean and make sure your cat is comfortable. Can you help your cat feel like a kitten again?
It seems as if you can find CBD being sold anywhere now: drug stores, designated CBD shops, gift shops, kiosks at the mall, online ads, and even the corner gas station. The benefits of these products are certainly alluring for us humans, but what about for our cats? I’ve heard many questions about CBD for cats. Since cats age and have similar ailments as we do, will it work the same and help alleviate the need for medications and trips to the vet? Will it help my cat chill and relax? In light of all this curiosity, here are some things to consider! *Disclaimer: I am not a vet nor a doctor. I gathered this information from reputable online sources, anecdotes, and magazines. Please consult your vet with any additional questions before using new products on your cat. Sources are listed at the end of the post. Since my brother is an MD, he is at the forefront of medical research and fads / trends / life-changing drugs. A few months back, he told me that he was surprised to have a patient describe their older arthritic dog as ‘acting like a puppy again’ after using CBD. What intrigued him most about this claim is that pets aren’t swayed by suggestion or the placebo effect; they react in real-time to real benefits. How Does CBD Work? Nearly all animals (everything from humans to cats to dolphins) have something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS system works in similar ways to the nervous system, using neurotransmitters and receptors to elicit certain functions. The ECS maintains a sort of homeostasis in the body and helps participate in things like management of pain, anxiety, inflammation, metabolic regulation, and immune function. All of these wonderful functions occur when the brain releases endocannabinoids that bind to receptors and signal the body to take action against pain, anxiety, or other issues. There are two types of receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, providing relief. What kind of relief depends on which receptor it is, where it’s located in the body and what ailment needs fixing. For example, if you’re experiencing pain in your ankles, endocannabinoids may bind to a CB1 receptor (commonly located in the central nervous system) to provide some pain relief. Naturally produced endocannabinoids are then broken down by enzymes. Researchers believe CBD works by impeding the breakdown process, allowing your body’s natural pain relief to last longer. Where Does Cannabis Figure Into This? Phytocannabinoids are a plant’s version of cannabinoids. They are found in nature and there are over 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The most commonly known being CBD and THC. The most common place to find some of these are the hemp and marijuana plants. THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical compound that gives marijuana its euphoric feelings and psychotropic reactions. However, CBD does not have that same exact effect and can help with the relaxing feeling without the psychotropic “high”. THC should never be given to animals. Since CBD can give this relaxing feeling, it is useful for calming and can help control inflammation and pain. As with any medication or supplement for your cat, a discussion with your vet should take place beforehand. There could be medication interactions and your vet will need to know your cat and its health condition to properly advise. Vets cannot prescribe or recommend CBD but should know and be aware that it is being added to their regimen. Should I Use CBD On My Cat? CBD is not regulated, tested, or approved by the government, so caution is always advisable. It is also still under research in many scientific circles and there are still skeptics. Since CBD is not regulated, be aware of where you purchase it and what brand. Read any associated reviews and be sure to do your own research, as CBD can differ in potency and quality. Things to look for when searching for CBD products include:
Bottom line: buy from a reputable business and most importantly, make sure that that brand is approved for cats or pets. How Do I Pick a CBD Product? There are several forms in which CBD is sold. The most popular is the oil or tincture (with an alcohol base). This is very quick-acting being given via mouth or on the skin. Oils can also come in capsule form, so be sure to have your cat’s favorite treat on hand to hide the capsule. Now giving a cat a tincture under the tongue could be very tricky, so if your cat gets upset with this sort of thing, consider staying away from these products. You can also find CBD as a food additive. These forms of CBD can be slower to act but easier to add to the cat’s food. Some cats may be able to sniff it out and refuse it all together so be sure you know what you can and can’t slip past your cat! Topical creams are another popular form as are lotions. Be very careful to pay attention to the amounts you’re using: start by using a small amount and paying attention to how your cat responds. If it doesn’t provide them any relief, up the dosage next time and adjust accordingly. Chews are another great form to administer but once again, not all cats like treats or their texture. This may sound like a simple way to give them CBD but they could sniff and walk away and now you’re out a jar of CBD pet treats. How Will My Cat Benefit From CBD? CBD can help with pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety in humans. Likewise, cats may experience similar benefits, including:
In all of these cases, CBD can be a great option to try to help calm and soothe your cat’s ailments. Once again, please consult with a vet and check that the brand you buy is safe for animals. As with any medication, what dosage you may take is not the same for your little 10 lb cat! It is wonderful to have new alternatives to try and help out our furry friends. While they may not be zooming around like a little kitten, to see some relief or a little tail flick when they walk by can be just as great. Sources: Information on phytocannabinoids: https://foliumbiosciences.com/what-is-a-phytocannabinoid/#:~:text=A%20phytocannabinoid%20is%20a%20molecule,of%20human%20and%20animal%20ailments. Information on the ECS: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/ Information on CBD benefits: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section1 Information on the ECS: https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#cbd How to choose the best cat grooming tools.
As the summer heat ramps up, globs of cat hair pop up all over my house. In the corners of a room, on my bedspread, on my sweatshirt, on the dining room chair slipcovers and all over the cat bed. While spring is often worse, shedding is a year-round problem. In fact, shedding can actually become a health issue if left unattended. Cat dander, excess fur, and saliva from self-grooming can be a culprit for feline allergies. Therefore, keeping this at bay is vital for you and your cat’s health and well being. Why Do Cats Need Help With Grooming? A lot of people wonder why cats should be brushed when they groom themselves all the time. I heard a cat groomer once say, “cats don’t groom themselves, they lick.” According to this groomer, licking and grooming are not the same. The fact is, your cat’s sandpaper tongue is not the same as a brush or comb. Brushing a cat is a good habit to begin early on as there are many benefits to it. Not only does it control the dander and loose dead fur, it will reduce those dreaded hairballs. While cats love to bathe themselves, ingesting all that fur is not good for their digestive tracts. Brushing is also great for a cat’s skin. It can help stimulate blood flow, keep skin healthy and control dandruff. Preventing mats is also important for certain breeds since longer fur or undercoats can easily tangle and knot up. Mats can start out small and quickly grow into a big knot that can pull at the skin and cause pain and discomfort. At that point, it is best to take your cat to a groomer to have it trimmed out. Know Your Cat’s Preferences Long fur or soft underbellies can hide lumps or bumps that may cause a cat pain if groomed incorrectly. Additionally, regular grooming can make sure you notice any irregularities as soon as they arise and can then contact your vet. Also, an important note is that not all kitties like you to groom them so be careful at first. My arms have been a cat scratching post many times because the cat simply did not want anyone touching their lovely coat. Getting them used to being groomed can reduce any stress for your cat. What Tool Should I Use to Groom My Cat? Knowing the proper brushes can make a huge difference in a brushout. Cats have all different fur types, so knowing which tool to use is important.
There are many different types of brushes and combs, including:
Here are some quick tips to get you started and hopefully help you avoid some arm scratching mishaps. First, start at the cat’s head and brush in the direction of their fur, working down to their tail. Daily brushing is best and can make a huge difference but even weekly or monthly brushings are better than nothing. Getting your cat used to brushing will make your cat happier and healthier. It can also keep your house cleaner and keep allergies at bay. Regular trips to the cat groomer will keep your cat in tip-top shape and make a dramatic difference overall. It may be a bit of an investment of time and money but you and your cat will thank you. |
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April 2024
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