Boost Your Cat's Energy, Happiness and Overall Health With These 6 Tips

If you are a cat owner, you likely understand how rewarding it is to have this furry creature in your family. Their affection and love are often wonderful incredible benefits; however, as a pet owner, it is also important to you to understand your role in this relationship. These small creatures are reliant on you to make all of the decisions that affect their health and wellness. Here are 6 tips that can help improve their overall health, happiness and energy levels that can help you give them the life they deserve.

Well-Balanced Diet

For many pet owners, knowing what to feed your cat can sometimes be tricky. Not only can kitties be a bit picky, but you also need to find the right balance of nutrients. You need to find the right balance of ingredients in their meals. It is key to find options that are low in carbohydrates and fillers and higher in the ratio of protein and fats like Solid Gold. Make sure that their diet supports a healthy system and gives them the energy that they need to play, cuddle and go about their days.

Water Sources

It is not surprising the hydration is a key part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Kitties will get quite a good bit of their hydration through wet food, and you need to monitor how much wet food and water they are consuming to the best of your abilities. Cats may consume water in a few different forms from bowls of stagnant water around, small kitty water fountains from the tap. You should always have one form of water available for their use at their leisure.

Their Own Space

Kitties are very territorial creatures, and they need to have their own bed or space away from other pets and humans. Having somewhere they can retreat to can help them navigate stressful situations and help them feel safe. Make sure that you find spaces for them to feel comfortable that they can consider their own.

Play Time

Cats spend a significant amount of their time resting and this can often be deceiving for pet parents. While your kitty may need naps, they also need playtime. Much like their human owners, staying active and getting exercise can help them maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of dangerous health conditions and keep them happier. While your cat will need playtime, you can also benefit from this, as playing with cats can be incredibly amusing and fun for you as well.

Engagement and Mental Stimulation

Cats were once wild creatures who roamed the earth, exploring and venturing off on their own. While cats have largely been domesticated, their instincts and behaviors are still rooted in their desire to explore. You need to let their natural instincts thrive and find a happy medium between their needs and yours. For indoor cats, there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and stimulated and everything from cat trees, platforms, backyard engagement enclosures or mentally stimulating toys to help keep them energized, healthy and happy. Not only will this improve their life, but it also can reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues.

A Safe Home Environment

A cat’s natural desire to explore can be a wonderful thing, but it can also present challenges. Cat owners need to be vigilant to ensure that their home is safe and keep toxins away. While cleaning products and other household toxins may seem obvious, cat owners also need to be cognizant of certain types of plants and foods like chocolate, grapes and garlic that can cause tremendous harm if ingested. Make sure that you pet-proof your home as any exposure to harmful agents can cause significant harm to their health and safety.

As a pet parent, there are many things that you need to do to ensure that your furry family member can thrive. Everything from keeping them well-fed to ensuring that you have an engaging space to removing potential risks, there are many things that you need to account for. Do the research that is necessary to have a safe and healthy space for your kitty.

Click on the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Nutrition do's and don'ts for cats

Nothing can substitute a good diet and its health benefits and cats are no exception to this rule. The best way to make your cat friend thrive is to provide it with the best possible nutrition, love, and care. And don't forget: cats in the wild are obligate carnivores, unlike dogs who act more like omnivores.

Even though its lifestyle greatly differs from her ancestors', your cat likely still retains most of her instincts and nutritional requirements. It means that it requires food almost entirely based on protein and fat. With that in mind, nutrition for cats and its do's and don'ts are based on a few very simple rules.

Insight into cat nutrition

It is extremely important to maintain a strong relationship between your cat and its veterinarian, since only they can recommend the best diet for your feline pet. This is partly due to varying requirements cats have at different life stages. Pregnant and lactating cats will need certain supplements in their diet, newborns will drink only milk for a few weeks, and young, adult, and senior cats will all have different nutritional needs.

Throughout your cat's life, you will need to change and adjust its diet, as carefully as possible. Sometimes, you might need to reach out for supplements and vitamins, but only after consulting your cat's veterinarian. Finally, you should avoid common feeding mistakes in cats to keep your pet healthy. Grass that felines sometimes munch on helps with the process of digestion but doesn't have nutritional value. It is a mistake to assume that a diet rich in vegetables benefits cats, as they don't have the enzymes needed to digest veggies.

The most important cat nutrition do's and don'ts

When you're buying cat food, take a good look at the nutrition table on the packaging as well as the list of ingredients. If the list starts with carbohydrates or the list of grains and vegetables is longer than the list of meat, avoid the product. Carbs make cat food less expensive, but cheap cat food will actually cost you more in the long run, not to mention that it is likely not beneficial to your cat.

A way of providing proper nutrition for cats is in the balancing act between an affordable and nutritious diet. However, it is not only food that matters in a cat's life, even though cats make it seem like that. Note that only a happy living environment for your furry friend combined with proper nutrition will keep your cat healthy and extend its life.

Cat nutrition do's

• Always look for a note from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the cat food packaging stating that the food is balanced and meets cats’ nutritional requirements.

• Feed your cat at dawn and dusk, as those are the times they would normally hunt for food in nature. Most cats will eat only as much as they need, so you can leave the food out. However, if your pet is not a very good judge of that, always feed them at a specific time and then put all the food away until the next meal.

• On average, a cat's ideal daily intake is about 200 calories, although the number of calories depends on the cat's age, size, and lifestyle. Your cat's vet will tell you exactly how much your pet should eat in a day.

• If your pet's favorite food is not sold anymore, you need to know how to best change your cat's food to a new brand and maintain its required nutritional value. Once again, read the labels carefully and consult with the vet.

• Give commercial cat food to your pet, as it is specifically formulated for cats. However, if you wish to feed your cat the food that you've prepared, talk to your vet first.

• Make sure your cat has its own food bowl and wash it regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

• Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh drinking water, especially during hot months. If their diet consists mostly of wet food (moisture content of about 75% to 78% water) cats will drink less water, but they still need it. In comparison, the water content in dry foods ranges from 6% to 10%.

Cat nutrition don'ts

• Avoid giving your cat cow's milk and raw eggs. Cats are lactose intolerant. Aside from the risk of salmonella, frequent consumption of raw eggs can cause skin inflammation, hair loss, and poor hair growth to your cat.

• Don't overdo it with raw meat. While raw meat is the closest to what they'd eat in the wild, it also may contain bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, or parasites. Take very good care when you're feeding your cat raw meat.

• Don't give your cat raw fish. Raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), whose deficiency causes serious neurological problems in cats, even leading to convulsions and, in the worst-case scenario, coma.

• Don't provide vitamins and supplements to your cat if they already have a balanced diet. A vitamin overdose for cats and humans alike is dangerous just like a vitamin deficiency. If your cat has some health issues, then vitamins, supplements, and cat nutrition go hand in hand, with the vet's approval, of course.

• Don't give your cat your leftovers or too many treats between meals. Most human food is not nutritious to cats, and too many treats will surely lead to obesity. How many treats is optimal? Between 5% and 10% of their daily calory intake.

• Don't let the wet food sit in your cat's bowl for too long. After an hour, there will be too much bacteria, causing your cat digestive problems.

If your cat ever becomes overweight, it is partly due to an unbalanced diet and partly due to lack of activity. Your vet will study your cat's case and recommend the best course of action.

Click HERE to see what products we recommend or on the pictures and the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Cat Vaccinations 101: Everything You Need to Know

We can all agree that vaccines are vital as they keep some of the worst diseases at bay. When it comes to cats vaccines, there are many widespread rumours on their side effects. This has left many cat owners asking whether to or not to vaccinate their furry friends. To put your mind at ease, here is everything you need to know about cat vaccinations.

Are Vaccines Necessary?

Vaccines protect your cat against fatal and contagious diseases. Vaccines also help your cat fight future infections as they trigger immune responses.  Cat vaccinations have saved many felines from some of the worst diseases. They have also rendered some past common diseases rare. So yes, vaccines are an absolute necessity if you want to keep your pet in good health.

There are two types of cat’s vaccines:

• Core vaccines

• Non-core vaccines

When you choose a kitty from us you will have peace of mind that we include in all our cats age-appropriate vaccinations, plus:

• First year’s Rabies vaccine

• Spay/neuter

• Testing for feline diseases

• Microchip

• De-flea/De-worm treatments

• TICA paperwork

Related: How To Maintain Good Dental Hygiene For Your Pets

Core Vaccines for Cats

The core or mandatory cat vaccines are provided by the Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel after regular evaluations and research on feline health and recent developments. Currently, there are four core cat vaccinations, as explained below:

Rabies – Rabies is a highly contagious disease. There is also no cure for this disease which is why your cat needs to get vaccinated. Your cat will get rabies from a bite from an infected mammal. The illness incubation period is around two months, after which your cat will exhibit signs of disorientation and aggression. The rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions, and it is vital as it keeps you and your pet safe.

FVRCP Vaccine - The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia vaccine is also referred to as distemper. This vaccine is a three in one vaccine that protects your furry friend from feline distemper.  

This vaccine combines the below three vaccines:

1. FPV vaccine - The FPV vaccine protects your cat from the Feline panleukopenia disease, which is highly infectious. The early signs of this disease are low appetite, lack of energy, diarrhoea and vomiting. The illness also lowers your cat white blood cells as the illness attacks your feline’s bone marrow and immune system. 

2. FHV-1 Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cat from the Feline herpesvirus that causes a severe respiratory infection that affects your cat’s throat and nose. Some cats will not exhibit any symptoms, although they act as carriers and will spread the virus to others.  The symptoms of this illness include nasal congestion, uncontrollable sneezing, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis and fever. Kittens and pregnant cats are at a higher risk of getting this illness. The disease is common in homes with multiple cats. There’s some good information on what paperwork you’ll need when you get a cat and want health insurance here. 

3. FCV Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cats from the Feline calicivirus. The calicivirus affects your cat’s tract, mouth, intestines and musculoskeletal system. It's highly infectious and can occur in cats of all ages. However, kittens aged six weeks and above are at a higher risk of being infected. It commonly occurs among kittens that live in multi-cat homes and households that are poorly ventilated. 

Non-Core Cat Vaccinations

Some cat vaccines aren’t mandatory, but your vet will recommend them if your pet is susceptible to a particular disease. Here are some of the optional cat vaccinations.

FeLV Vaccine - The FeLV vaccine protects your cat from Feline Leukemia. Cats with this illness often become anaemic and are likely to suffer from other infections due to reduced immunity. Feline leukaemia is passed from one cat to another through blood, saliva, urine and faeces. Kittens can also contract the disease through their mother's infected milk. Even a healthy cat may spread the virus as cats with the infection often go through a regressive stage. 

Bordetella -The Bordetella virus causes upper respiratory abnormalities in your cat and dog. It is spread through the air or contact with an infected pet. This vaccination is often recommended for pets that visit a groomer or cats that board or visit daycares. 

Feline immunodeficiency (FIV) - Feline immunodeficiency is a viral infection that makes your cat’s immune system weak, leading to secondary infections. The disease is passed from cat to cat through deep bites from an infected mother to her kitten. It is often recommended to cats who play outdoors as this is where aggressive territorial fights often occur. 

Chlamydophila Felis - The Feline chlamydophila disease is a type of bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and ocular infections. Infection is usually through direct contact with an infected cat. Symptoms are seen a few days after infection in the form of watery eye discharge, discomfort and pain in the eye. Your sick cat may also have a fever and nasal discharge. If untreated, the infected cat sheds the bacteria in the form of ocular secretions infecting other healthy cats.

Cat Vaccines Adverse Effects

Every vaccine comes with some risk. However, the adverse effects of vaccination in cats are less than 1%. Such effects are also mild in the form of fever, lethargy and inflammation.

Sarcoma, which is the growth of a cancerous mass at the place of vaccination is one of the most debated cat vaccination effects. Sarcoma is rare as it occurs in 1-10 of every 10,000 vaccinated cats. 

Nonetheless, it’s good to monitor your cat’s injection site for any swelling. If the swelling persists for more than a month after vaccination, surgery can be done to treat it.

Vaccinations are necessary for your pet. They keep them healthy and also trigger your feline’s immunity. Your vet will help with a suitable vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age, vaccination history and their exposure to various diseases.

Click on the pictures or the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Secondhand Smoke and Pets

Those who have pets understand that our animals’ happiness and wellbeing is of paramount importance. But often we do not realize that our own habits can affect the health of our favorite animals. By understanding the facts of second-hand smoke, we can find out how best to protect those we love, and what we can do to prevent unnecessary health issues in our pets, caused by the toxins in second-hand smoke. 

 What is Second-Hand Smoke? 

Second-hand smoke is the smoke or fumes that occur as a consequence of smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Often referred to as ‘Passive Smoking’, this smoke is often invisible, so no matter how much you attempt to control the fumes you are producing as a bi-product when you smoke, the largest percentage will still be inhaled by those around you. 

 Second-Hand Smoke: The Facts

Health guidelines around smoking and the dangers of second-hand smoke are well published.

The truth is:

-       That secondhand smoke causes approximately 7,330 deaths from lung cancer, and 33, 950 deaths from heart failure each year. 

-       All exposure to second-hand smoke carries a risk- there is no risk-free level of exposure, and;

-       It only takes 20-30 minutes to cause excess blood clotting increasing the risk of a heart attack.

-       It severely affects those with asthma, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.

-       More minor problems are ear infections and respiratory infections such as bronchitis. 

-       Second-hand smoke can lead to what is known as ‘third-hand smoke’, which is a cocktail of toxins that cling to carpets, upholstery and clothes and can be a hazard to infants and children. 

-       Second-hand smoke stays in a room for 5 hours, meaning one cigarette can cause 5 hours of harmful toxins in one room. 

  Effects of Second-Hand Smoke on Pets

As previously stated, there is no risk-free level of passive smoke exposure, and this also applies to pets. Extensive research has found that pets are even more susceptible to second-hand smoke-related problems than humans. 

-       Exposure in dogs has been linked to eye irritations, infections, greater occurrence of allergies, and respiratory problems (including lung tumors). 

-       Cats are likely to even more likely to develop problems than dogs, as they meticulously groom themselves using their tongues. This means that they can ingest the tar, smoke and carcinogens as they land on their fur and surfaces around the house causing throat and lung diseases and cancers. 

-       Other common household pets are birds, who can have their eyesight affected and gain respiratory problems from second-hand smoke. Nicotine residue on a smoker’s hand when touching the bird may also cause skin problems. 

-       Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are also commonly kept as pets. Their lungs are smaller and more delicate than that of mammals, and therefore can become more irritated by second-hand smoke and develop lung and respiratory problems and diseases.

You can find the full resource on smoking around pets here.

 Solutions

Clearly the effects on our beloved pets can be detrimental, and so naturally, we would want to reduce these effects. Some ways you can help lower the risks for your animals are:

-       Smoking outside with the door closed can help prevent the damaging particles from collecting on upholstery and pet fur. 

-       Never leave ashtrays or cigarette butts where pets can get hold of them 

-       Always wash your hands after smoking to reduce contact issues

-       Regularly clean carpets and upholstery, steaming them where you can, to remove carcinogens and toxic particles. 

How to Get Help Quitting

Whilst the aforementioned preventative measures can help, the best way to avoid health problems for your pet from second-hand smoking is to quit. This can feel like a daunting task but there are many services available to help. Smokefree.gov is a government scheme to help you quit effectively, to help your health and the health of your pet.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Teaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness 101

Caption: Keep your cat safer when outside by teaching it to wear a harness

Cats are often thought of as homebodies. They seem to enjoy lazing around, napping, keeping you company as you work or simply going about your day. However, every animal requires some physical activity in order to stay healthy, and this is true of cats as well. Even if you have managed to make your home really cat-friendly, cats also have a natural curiosity that cannot be completely sated by only exploring their immediate surroundings. If you want to help your cat explore further without compromising its safety, there are some precautions you will want to take. A big part of that will be wearing a harness. The easy steps that follow make up what we call teaching your cat to wear a harness 101. This will help you offer more freedom to your pet without jeopardizing its health.

The reasons for harness training your cat

As mentioned above, cats are curious and adventurous creatures. Certain breeds of cats are very smart and need constant stimuli to thrive. They like to explore. However, many people have very negative opinions of free-roaming cats. Because they are known to do things like dig or chase after birds on their property, many consider them pests. Throughout the US, free-roaming outdoor cats are often shot, stolen, or poisoned for these reasons. This is probably the main reason why it is a good idea to train your cat to walk on a leash.

Even if you are lucky enough to be living in a pet-friendly neighborhood where no mean neighbor will even think about poisoning your cat, the great outdoors can still be fraught with danger. Letting your cat go outside without supervision leaves it more exposed to various dangers. It can get hit by a car or harmed by other animals. Even more importantly, a free-roaming cat is vulnerable to a myriad of diseases. Many of these are hard to detect or test for, but your cat can even pass them on to other animals in your household. Learning how to train a cat to walk on a leash and harness is of utmost importance for its health and safety.

How to harness train your cat

Get a harness

The first is the obvious step – purchase a harness. Before trying to do anything more, simply put it on your cat for a couple of days to let it get used to the feel of the harness. In many cases, your pet won’t be too enthusiastic about the new addition – quite the opposite. However, there are things you can do to comfort your cat during the adjustment period. One of the ways of harness training your cat is to stroke it while the harness is on or give it treats. You can also put it on before it plays with a toy or enjoys a meal. Whatever it is you have to do, the aim is to get your pet to feel comfortable wearing the harness.

When choosing a harness, ensure it has good chest coverage. Avoid attaching the leash straight to the collar as this can be very uncomfortable for your cat. Some cats are even able to wiggle out of it, making them a flight risk. The leash should be light and gentle, though it will still take some time for your cat to adjust to it.

Venture outside

Once your cat has adjusted to the feel of the harness, attach the leash to it and venture outside. Before taking to the streets, though, you should find a quiet outside area, possibly one that is enclosed or secluded from the street in one way or another. There shouldn’t be any loud noises from traffic or anything else that would scare your pet. Your backyard or garden would be perfect for this step. You could even do it on a porch. Now, the key ingredient in teaching your cat to wear a harness is patience. What you should do once you’re outside is let your cat take its time when it comes to exploring the environment. You can start by sitting down and letting your cat sit on your lap. Slowly, you will notice it beginning to wander around.

Broaden the perimeter

If your cat seemed comfortable roaming around your garden on a leash, you can then try going further. Try to find a place that is not too loud or with too much foot traffic to let your cat explore. While your cat roams around, always be on the lookout for animals that might attack it. Bear in mind that walking a cat will be quite different from walking a dog. Cats are much more prone to really exploring something that catches their attention. So, walking your cat might involve a lot of standing around as it smells something or stares at it. Again, knowing how to train a cat to walk on a leash and harness will require a lot of patience.

Safety

Before teaching your cat to wear a harness, make sure it has received all of its medications and shots. Microchipping your cat might be a good idea if you plan on walking it. No matter how safe you are being, it could happen that your cat just wanders off without you. You should also be aware that cats are much more difficult to turn away from the object of their attention than dogs. You shouldn’t pull hard on the leash in an effort to change the direction your cat is taking. This will only make it react negatively. However, if you believe its safety is at stake, just hold tightly on the leash without giving in and your cat will give up eventually. All in all, being caring and patient is at the root of teaching your cat to wear a harness 101.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Best ways to transport cats long-distance

Cats are not fond of moving, that is a simple fact. Quite often, they tend to react by being irritable, scared, and even aggressive after relocation. The last thing you want is to regret taking this step in the first place. So, instead of just putting your cat in a car/on a plane and expecting that everything's going to be fine, you should make a thorough plan of your relocation with your pet. The first thing on your list is researching the best ways to transport cats long-distance.

Your pet's health is what matters the most

A visit to your cat's veterinarian is a good idea even if you are taking him on a holiday with you, let alone if you are moving long-distance with your feline. Make sure that your cat's health record and vaccinations are up to date and have your cat's health condition checked. Use this appointment to discuss some potential issues regarding your pet with the health professional. For instance, you can find out what their opinion about microchipping is because it can be rather useful in case your cat gets lost during the relocation. Also, you can ask your vet to recommend a colleague in your future hometown.

Your vet can also advise you on which type of transport they think would be the most suitable for your pet and what equipment to use for that purpose. Also, they will tell you whether sedating your pet for the trip is a good idea and how your cat can get a passport. After you solve all your dilemmas about your cat, you will be able to move with ease across the US, or even across the world.

The equipment - what to pick?

Your cat will need a leash and cat harness if you are taking him on a long-distance trip. At the airport, you will have to take your cat out of the carrier before it goes through an X-ray screening procedure and that's when he will have to be on a leash. In the car, letting your cat ramble around can be extremely unsafe for both of you. So, the leash and a harness are the first things you should buy and get your pet accustomed to. But, that's not all.

A carrier or a crate?

If you will be transporting your cat by plane, you will have to get a carrier. But before going to the store, you should check which model the airline company allows - soft or hard-sided ones. The dimensions of the carrier are crucial here too since you will have to put it underneath the seat of the person sitting in front of you. Some airlines are even exclusive about the brand they prefer.

Crates are bigger than carriers, but you can only use them if you are transporting your cat in a car. The most practical are those with more than one opening. Both carriers and crates should have enough room for your cat to turn around and stretch. Don't forget that you will have to fit in a litter box too.

Long-distance move - car vs. plane

Let's be honest - your cat will probably not enjoy any of the two types of transportation, but that's why you are there to make this process less stressful for your pet. Whatever you choose, remember not to feed your cat three to four hours before the trip to avoid motion sickness, but at the same time give your cat plenty of water to drink. That is an important step in preparation for a move.

Is a car the best way to transport cats long-distance?

If you don't feel comfortable about your cat being transported by plane, you will have to take a road trip with him. But, don't worry, this can be fun! As long as you choose the right equipment and respect the daily routines your pet has. Sure, the ride will take longer, but at least your best friend won't be traumatized once you arrive at your new home.

Don't even think about an all-night ride. They are neither safe for you nor pleasant for your cat. When planning a move, look for a hotel/motel where you can stop and rest for the night or two while moving long-distance. Once you find the one you would like to book, double-check whether they welcome cats since "pet-friendly" usually refers to dogs, and you wouldn't like to be unpleasantly surprised amid your trip.

Many cats are rather anxious about riding in a car. However, you can train them by taking short rides for several days before the long trip. Take their favorite toy with you as well. Here's the most important safety tip: your cat should be leashed or harnessed during the entire trip! You shouldn't be distracted while driving and your cat will be safe whenever you open the door or a window.

Or, should you opt for a plane?

Many vets will advise you to avoid transporting cats on a plane. But, if that's the only option you have, you should at least make sure that he is with you through the entire trip. That means transporting your cat in a cabin. Before you book the ticket, you should contact the airline company and inform them that you'll be traveling with a feline. Most companies are fine with that, but there is only a certain number of pets allowed on board at the same time, so you should book your ticket early. Also, consult the airline about the type of carrier you should have. Some companies allow soft-sided, while some will only let you use the hard-sided carriers.

Putting your cat in the cargo hold should be your last option. Unfortunately, many pets get stressed out or even injured while being taken on a trip this way. The cargo areas are rarely airconditioned which can be a problem for any creature traveling in them. Poor ventilation is also an issue.

Whenever you are traveling with your cat, you should make sure that he has a collar with your contact info on it. This is extremely important if you choose to transport cats long-distance on a plane.

Once you arrive at the destination

Don't expect your cat to love your new home right away. When you arrive, you should cat-proof your home before letting the cat out of the crate or carrier. Have a treat with you to reward your pet and to help them adjust to a new home more easily.

We hope we have helped you decide what the best ways to transport cats long-distance are. Enjoy your new home with your old friend, you deserve it!

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Making your apartment cat friendly

Making your apartment cat-friendly is one of the best things that you can do for your cat. That is the only place they get to enjoy.

Cats seem like perfect apartment pets. Most cats rarely or never leave the house, which means that your home is their living space 24 hours a day. At first glance, you might think that having a cat inside is super easy and that it doesn’t take a lot of work. However, that cannot be further from the truth. Cats are very sensitive and emotional animals. They need certain things within their home to make them feel comfortable and taken care of. So, if you have a four-legged friend in your home, you must ask yourself how cat-friendly your apartment is. It is never a bad time to reassess your living space and show your cat some much-needed love, by making your apartment cat-friendly.

Making your apartment cat-friendly will take some creativity and effort

Tips for making your home into a more cat-loving space are important for all cat owners. Of course, your affection and attention are something that your cats need the most. Nevertheless, one of the ways to show them your love is to share your space with them. This doesn’t mean just letting your kitty roam wild around your apartment, but by making certain accommodations that will make your cat comfortable in your home. Especially if you recently moved, you will need to pay extra attention to your furball. Making your apartment cat-friendly is the best possible way of helping your cat adjust to your new home. Here is how you can be the best possible cat parent and share your beloved home with your best friend.

Your cat's behavior will be your best indicator in which changes you should make within your living space.

Create more space for your cat

Nobody expects you to make an extra room for your cat. Of course, you will work with whatever space you have within your apartment. But adding verticality specifically for your cat is a great way to create additional and useful space for your pet. Having your cat use shelves that aren’t meant for that use might not be the best idea. Your cat might get injured and your things may get damaged. But you can find great solutions in the form of cat furniture. There are many cat trees, cat shelves, and other cat toys that can be a great addition to your home. This way, you will allow your cat to be more adventurous and confident. Also, you will provide much-needed space for exercise, since most cats never leave your home.

Give your kitty a cozy chill place 

We all have a little room or a corner within our home that we consider our personal sanctuary and our go-to spot. Well, the same goes for your cat. Don’t think that the expectations are any less. So, if you are serious about making your apartment cat-friendly, make sure you have a nice little place reserved only for your feline. That way, you will give your cat a special place where it can feel secure and comfortable. It is like giving your kid their own room. Everybody needs their own space. This is particularly important if your cat is shy and you just moved to a new home. Moving with pets can be simple if you take similar steps and make your pet at ease with their new surroundings.

Give your cat their own corner. This will be their favorite place where they feel secure and happy.

Don’t forget the view 

Very often, you will see your cat chilling on your window. It is hard to know what they are thinking. But one thing is for sure: it looks like something fun. Thus, don’t deprive your cat of a wonderful view. Make sure your kitty has a nice window seat. Maybe your neighbors are more interesting than you thought.

Even cats appreciate a nice bathroom space 

Surely, you don’t like when your cat’s litter box is smelly and dirty. Well, be certain that your cats also don’t appreciate such a sight. Many cats will refuse to go into a litter box that is not well-maintained. Thankfully, there are many new accessories that can help you in maintaining your cat bathroom hygiene.

Modern litter boxes are designed not to spread odors. Some litter sucks in bad smells, and you can buy many deodorants that keep the litter box and the room it is in fresh. But you should also make sure you position the litter box in the proper room. This room should have regular ventilation and normal levels of humidity. Your cat’s litter box is something that marks his or her territory. This is very important, especially if you keep your cat and dog in the same apartment. Marking specific territories for each pet is one of the best ways to get your cat and dog to get along. Thus, if your heart is set on making your apartment cat-friendly, provide your cat with the perfect litter box in a place they like.

If you have multiple pets in your apartment, make sure that each pet has their own territory and space. This way there is a greater chance that all your pets will get along.

Making your apartment cat-friendly can only be achieved if you know your cat 

Only cat owners can understand how different it is being a cat parent in comparison to taking care of other pets. Of course, it is very convenient that you don’t have to take them outside for a walk and they usually don’t take up too much of your space. Yet, they are very emotional and sensitive creatures. They have very specific needs which are both emotional and physical. Every cat has their own attitude, confidence and, personality. As a cat owner, you should know what your cat needs in order to be happy. By watching their behavior and demeanor you will know exactly which adjustments need to be made to your home, to cover all your cat's wants.

More than anything, show them love and attention 

Making your apartment cat-friendly is what every responsible cat owner should do. But, don’t think that your duties to your furry friend end there. Making your home into a feline-friendly space is a big undertaking. Your cat will surely feel the difference once you are done. However, all changes within your home will not matter unless you show your cat some love. Just like any other living and breathing thing, cats also like to feel attention and appreciation. Buying cat toys will not make up for the time you neglected your cat. So, show your cat your devotion and care. You will be thrilled when you receive it in return as well. All your efforts will be well worth it.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

How To Best Change Your Cat's Food To A New Brand

Cat owners may have many reasons for wanting to change the food they feed their pets. Oftentimes, it is needed because of a medical condition and was recommended by their veterinarian. Another reason may be that your ca’s current food is no longer available for sale. No matter what your reason is, transitioning cat food needs to be done slowly to ensure your cat doesn’t get sick or have any adverse reactions.

Why Gradually Change Cat’s Food?

When you suddenly change the food your cat eats, it could cause stomach issues such as reduced appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Cats are creatures of habit. Changing their food too quickly will not end very well. Starving your pet into eating new food they don’t like will not be good for their health. They can end up developing a “fatty liver” or hepatic lipidosis. This could be life-threatening and painful to your cat.

Changing Your Cat’s Food Safely

The best way to transition your cat’s food to a new brand or type is to gradually make the change over a week or more. When you gradually increase the new food each day and gradually decrease their old food at the same time, the risk of your cat getting sick or having digestive issues will be significantly reduced. In some cases, you may not have the ability to change slowly.

If your cat is picky about what food they eat and you are changing their food, the best cat foods to transition with are ones that are similar to their old foods. Begin by adding small amounts of the new food to their current food and watch how they respond. Give them 30 minutes to eat what they want and remove the bowl. If all goes well, you will have successfully transitioned to the new food effectively and safely in just a week. We’d highly recommend Solid Gold cat food if your cat doesn’t have any prior preferences.

Some cats may not make the change easily because they are very picky about what they eat and don’t like changes. These cats will require more time and patience on your part. The changes will need to be slower in this case until they get used to the taste and texture of the new food. It is best during the transition to set aside specific feeding times to ensure they are hungry enough to eat what they are given. If you allow for free-feeding when transitioning, your cat may take their time and pick out the old food and leave the new food.

Progressively Changing From One Kibble to Another

Many cat owners find themselves unsatisfied with the way one kibble is suiting their pet. Some are concerned about the quality. Others worry that their cat’s health may be at risk. Unhealthy weight gain/loss, hair loss, changes in behavior, and more are symptoms of malnutrition. If your cat is suffering from any of these problems, it’s a good indication that it’s time to begin experimenting with a new kibble. This should be done in 10% increments to slowly allow the cat/pet to adjust to the new food. Speeding up this process will result in a much higher chance of diarrhea or other things. To assure that your cat maintains proper health, this transition should be made over the course of at least one month.

Transitioning Your Cat To Wet Food From Dry

It can be more difficult to transition your cat from dry food to wet food. Unfortunately, some older cats and those with teeth or digestive issues will be required to make this change for their health. Changes that result in significant texture changes will be difficult for some cats. There are a few tricks to take into consideration for making the change easier. Try to sprinkle some of their dry food kibbles on top of the new wet food during feedings.

This process will allow your cat to get used to the smell of wet food while gradually making the change. After a few days, mix the dry food in with the wet food. You may also choose to grind up the dry food and mix it with the wet food to get some of the flavor mixed in. This may make the new food more palatable for your cat and entice them to give it a try.

If your cat is not giving in to the new wet food easily, try a little exercise or playtime for 10-15 minutes before feeding time. This will get them hungry and more likely to eat the food they are given. It can help them accept new food faster. Any food transition, whether wet or dry, will need to be done carefully. Pay attention to your cat's behavior and note any changes to your veterinarian.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN