 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. |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
September 2024
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