How to Raise a Savannah Kitten

Savannah cats are very different from any other cat that you might choose to bring into your home. These cats are the result of breeding between domestic cats and a wild African serval cat. Since part of their genetics will come from an undomesticated animal, they can be more of a handful than other breeds. Here are some of the things to know when trying to raise a Savannah kitten.

Generation

If you are bringing a Savannah kitten into your home, it is vital that you know what generation they come from. F1 Savannah kittens will have a serval cat as a parent while F4 Savannah kittens will only have a great, great-grandparent who was a serval cat. The latter will obviously have a lot more of a domesticated heritage, so even if they look like a serval cat they might not act like one. Likewise, an F1 kitten will be a lot wilder, and might even be feral compared to an F3 or F4 kitten.

Vet Visits

A Savannah kitten might be classed as an exotic pet depending on where you live, so you need to make sure that you find a vet that is willing to work with it. What’s more, just as you would get coverage and protection for a regular cat from providers like Petsure, you will also need to look into finding insurance that will cover exotic cats. Vet bills can quickly become expensive, so ensuring that you have pet insurance will help you manage some of the many costs that can come with caring for this animal.

Diet

Luckily, Savannah cats have the same diet as domestic cats so you should not have to deviate too much from what you typically feed an ordinary cat. It is recommended that you feed your cat a combination of dry and wet food. They might also enjoy certain raw or cooked meats. Make sure any food that you do give them is free from cereals as this is a cat that is more suited to a wholly protein diet. Remember to give them a good supply of fresh water to drink from too.

Energy Levels

Regardless of the generation that you are adopting, you should be aware that Savannah cats have a lot more energy than their domesticated cousins. Therefore, if you want to get this type of cat, you need to make sure that you are spending enough time with them to make sure that they are exercised and burning up all of that energy. Toys that can simulate hunting, such as those on the end of a string, can be a great choice here.

Playfulness

Since these are wild animals, you do need to ensure that you properly socialise them from a young age. They generally work quite well with other pets, but you need to make sure that you have them spend time with other pets as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have other pets, make sure that they are handled by many different people as they can cope with. If it looks like they are showing signs of distress when you introduce them to new people, you should consider keeping them more isolated.

A Savannah kitten can be a great addition to your home, but you have to be aware that they can be slightly different to raise than other cats. Do your duty as a pet owner, and make sure that you know how to properly care for your cat. If you can do so, you should hopefully be able to give your kitten a very long and happy life.

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

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

How to Keep Your Cat Happy When You Are a Student

Your cat may be your only friend that makes you happy while attending college. It is tolerant to your communication issues, lack of time, or poor training techniques. Running between coursework, assignments, and being active in college can be overwhelming and take a huge chunk of your time with your tom. 

While playing with your pet is one of the ways to make it happy, you can’t be around it all day. Here are a few cat care skills to help you keep your cat happy while keeping up with your student’s life.

Play with the cat

Yes, as a student, you deal with so much in college, from difficult coursework, assignments, exams, while trying to balance your social life at the same time. This can take time from your cat, which needs company too. You need time to bond with your cat. An informative essay writer can make use of an essay service like EssayService, an essay writing company, to help balance their college workload and create more time for leisure activities like playing with their cat. You can do this by engaging an essay writing platform. Ca.EduBirdie is a Canadian essay writing company for university students that will enhance their essay writing and create time to play with your cat. When I need to write my essay but lack ideas, essay writing Canada service always comes to my rescue. And with time on your side, you can play hide and sick with a mouse toy filled with catnip, blow babbles outside to let it play, or go for a walk.

Get a scratching post

An excellent scratching post is an important aspect of your cat’s happiness while in college. Gifting your cat with scratching is like getting one’s nails done. It is a love language and the cat gets busy with its clutches. A scratching post also saves you a great deal with your coach and expensive curtains from going to waste, as a cat has to play and scratch something.   This is also a great way to keep your cat busy while attending your lectures and a form of physical exercise for the cat. While choosing a scratcher, go for horizontal, vertical, or inclined. Consider a good quality scratcher for long-term use.

Set up the right litter box

Cats can be massively fussy with their litter box, hence the need to be particular when choosing a cat litter box tailored to meet your cat’s needs. Creating a cat-friendly litter box is essential to get your cat comfortable ad eventually at a happy place. Always make sure the litter box is improved and meets your cat’s needs, is clean, and doesn’t endanger your cat.

Paying attention to the litter box also helps you know if it is old or your cat has outgrown it in size. Make sure it is always clean, and the better option will be a natural litter box. It’s easier to clean and doesn’t expose your cat to health risks.

Catnip herb

The National Wildlife Federation recommends the catnip plant. It is most popular with cat owners. It is scientifically an herb in the mint family, which has an aromatic scent that makes cats excited. Get dry catnip leave and place it around your cat’s baubles. When the cat gets in contact with the catnip, it will create a pleasurable and temporary high.

This does not work in all cats, especially kittens. If you want to know your cat is happy after a long day with students’ course work, you will notice your cat rubbing, tossing, or flicking around, and also meowing a little.

Show love to your cat

Loving your cat is not just how it makes you feel. You need to let them know they are important and hold a special part in your heart. You already know how much you love your cat through the bonds you have created. Unlike dogs, they don’t show affection expressly, hence the need to dig down the love a little bit.

Building the bond also requires you to take note of the small signs that are so subtle to notice most of the time. For example, it might sound crazy to mimic your cat’s voice but the cat will passive it as a love language.

Conclusion

All said and done, all work and no play makes top a dull cat, hence the need to find a better way to enhance your cat’s happiness. Creating a conducive environment should just be one of the ways to balance your cat’s emotional, physical, and mental needs. Just in case your cat care routine was off the trail for a minute, these tips will help improve your relationship with the cat and make them happy, although they don’t ask much for most parts.

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

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Best Ways to Check Your Cat for Dehydration at Home

Like humans, the total body water in a healthy cat is between 60-70% of their entire body weight. Dehydration is a deficit of water, i.e., the loss of biofluids in the body, compared to the amount of water consumed. If not restored, the water deficit can alter a cat's normal bodily functions and pose serious health concerns.

Reasons for Dehydration:

There can be more than one reason as to why your feline friend isn't well hydrated. Some of them are:

1. Temperature - The higher temperature in your cat's habitat amounts to a quick loss of water from her body. The drier the environment outside and inside your house, the more likely your cat would not be adequately hydrated. 

2. Activity - The nature of some cats may be over-enthusiastic and playful. They tend to lose all their energy in jumping from one place to another, resulting in dehydration. Kittens, especially, are a bundle of power, and they love to play. Pet owners must ensure that they are consuming enough water throughout the day. 

3. Behavior - Most cat's nature is to have fresh running water, from a water fountain and not from a bowl. This lack of required water intake in a cat's body results in dehydration which causes an imbalance in her bodily functions.   

Symptoms of Dehydration in Cats

Unless it’s a visible injury, felines can mask their pain and illnesses exceptionally, which is why it can be difficult to tell if your cat is dehydrated. However, there are ways pet owners can take the cue and figure out if their feline friend is dehydrated. They may show sure signs such as:

1. A shift in skin elasticity, i.e., upon pinching the coat, the folded skin stays upright 

2. Less frequent urination, i.e., urinating less than normal

3. Visibly out of breath, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, etc

4. Dry mouth with hollow, darkened and sunken eyes

5. Being inactive, sluggish or lethargic

6. Infrequent bowel movement - constipation

Cause of Dehydration - Other than the risk of dehydration, the loss of body fluids can severely affect your cat's normal bodily functions, imbalance in metabolism, proper organ functioning, and risk of poor skin health. In order to maintain your cat’s coat and optimal health, pet parents must ensure that they subscribe to a monthly flea treatment for cats, which will prevent both internal and external infestation. Further, we have listed some tested and tried tests you can perform to check the hydration level of your cat:

1. Skin Test:

Similar to humans, dehydration in cats happens when there is excessive loss of fluid from its body. There are classic signs to identify the same. Some prominent ones are dry gums, refusal to eat food, and sunken eyes. The skin test is the easiest way to know how hydrated your feline friend is and how much replenishment it needs. All you have to do is hold the skin above your cat's shoulders gently and leave it to notice if it snaps back or goes back slowly in its place. The more slowly it goes back, the more dehydrated your cat is.    

2. Eyes Test

Eyes can tell a lot about the hydration state of your cat. One can easily make out the hydration levels through your cat's eyes. If they appear sunken and dull, your cat needs to be hydrated. In most cases, if your feline friend hasn't had water for a long duration, their eyes will lack their natural focus and shine and appear dry. Take the hint and replenish them with an ample amount of water. 

3. Gums Test

One of the simplest ways to check the hydration level of your cat is by checking its gum. If the gum is pink and moist, your feline friend is well hydrated. If it appears dry and sticky by any chance, you should be able to make out that your cat needs water. The other way to be sure is by pressing your finger gently on her gum and noticing the area staying white for more than a minute. If it happens, it is a sign that your cat is dehydrated.    

4. Litter Test

One of the unusual but effective ways you can test the hydration situation of your cat is by observing its littering pattern. If your feline friend is dehydrated, there are high chances that she will be constipated. Notice if your cat is going to the bathroom less than usual, and these signs will give you a good idea if your cat is dehydrated. 

5. Breathing Pattern

One more indication could be the abnormal breathing pattern of your cat. She could be panting heavily because of being dehydrated. While it can be a signal towards a potential danger, panting can also lead to a loss in your cat's mouth. Elevated heart rate is the most common indication from your cat that she desperately needs to replenish. 

In conclusion, pet owners should be aware that every cat is unique and has preferences for its food habits. However, being hydrated is one of the most critical focus areas for the well-being of your feline friend. Not only does it keep their bodily fluids in proper function, but it also helps maintain the balanced electrolyte demand of the body. With adequate measures and proper planning, pet owners can keep their cats hydrated and nourished.  

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

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

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

Is Your Cat Healthy? Here are Signs that Prove it is (or isn't!)

Being a proud cat parent is not easy. Taking good care of your pet is imperative. Is your cat healthy though? Are you aware of the various signs and symptoms that could reveal about the health of your cat? Cats or our beloved pets do not speak our language; it is only through scrutiny that we can equip ourselves to notice these little changes in their behaviors to understand them better. Here is the perfect guidebook to understanding your cat better and building a protective environment for its long life. 

1. Notice the Eyes of your Cat

Cats have naturally attractive eyes. They are bright and clear, most of the time. Any discharge around their beautiful eyes or cloudy parts in the pupils of the eyes can be indicative of something. In the event of redness or visible irritation of the eyes, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian. It could range from conjunctivitis, corneal damage, eye inflammation, glaucoma, keratitis, eyelid mass to cataracts. 

Additionally, it is considered best if the owner has pet insurance for cats. It can help to bear the cost of unforeseen incidents or medical charges. Additionally, it aids in better efficacy when it comes to financial stability, in the long run.

2. Skin and Coat of the Cat

Cats have vivid skin colors that can be very dazzling. Their coats should be free from flakes and mats. The skin and coat can be indicative of several problems. For instance, dry skin and coat can mean a lack of grooming. Over-grooming for cats is a possible condition. This can lead to sore skin, skin inflammation and hair loss. This condition is brought about, in cases of excessive licking. Wounds and swellings can be visible too. 

In any situation other than the ideal, the owner should consider consulting the doctor. It is correctly pointed out that one should not make assumptions when it comes to cats. 

3. The Digestive Health of your Cat

Cats litter is generally small and firm. This ideal condition can be translated to a healthy diet of the cat, or the fact that the cat can retain the nutrients from their diets. Coupled with this, is the vital need to pick the correct types of cat food. Even the most expensive ones can be unsuited for your cat. It can even give them an upset stomach, loose stools or food poisoning. 

One needs to be careful while storing the food, to prevent these occurrences. Avoiding the litter box can be serious indications. Statistically, almost 10% of the cats stop using their litter boxes due to various reasons. Consulting the veterinarian is a must in this case. Monitoring the litter box can enable you to early detection of diseases like Urinary tract infection, feline interstitial cystitis or kidney stones or blockage. Urine marking should not be mistaken for elimination outside the litter box. 

Every feline urinates a smaller amount outside the litter box, and this is a normal condition that the owners should not worry about. They can talk to their veterinarian to have a better understanding of this. 

4. The Teeth of your Cat

Cats usually have a clean set of teeth. Their gums are expected to be bright pink. In case there is a change or difference in these, observe closely. Plague and tartar can be a cause of these. Further, there can be yellowing or darkening of the back teeth. 

The three specific dental problems that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to your cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. You should immediately consult the vet in these cases.

5. The Energy Level of your Cat

Higher energy levels in cats can be attributed to their playfulness and are the perfect condition to be expected. Excessive lathery or hiding should be the cause of worry. Rapid breathing too can be added to this list of things to be worried about. 

Obesity can be a visible reason for this sudden lack of energy. But this is likely to develop over time. Sudden changes can reflect on some internal problems of the cat. Keep an eye open for any display of discomfort or pain to access the situation better. 

Arthritis of joint pains has often been the cause for these. Age is another factor that plays into these developments. However, one should always consult the doctor to ensure the early detection of any diseases. 

Conclusion

One can simply not stress enough on the utmost need to check with their reliable vet if they own a cat. The average lifespan of the cat ranges from 10 to 16 years. One should take every necessary step to ensure that your cat lives for a greater span and has a comfortable life. 

Noticing the subtle changes in the behavior or the appearance of the cat can greatly contribute to this process. Your little friend deserves the best life and you should thrive to guarantee that.

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

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Tips on how to store cat food properly

Being as mindful as you can about your cat’s diet is one of the most significant responsibilities a petparent can take. The love we feel for our furry friends backs up the belief that quality nutrition is not merely about fewer trips to the vet and lower vet bills but about making an immediate difference to your cat’s overall health and, subsequently, the longevity and quality of life. Still, even the highest-quality bag of kibble can lose its freshness or even go bad completely if not stored appropriately, at which point we end up with upset stomachs, loose stools, food poisonings, and the like. As for the question of what you can do about it, how you can store cat food properly, committing to a quick read of this article is the sign you’re headed in the right direction.

The importance of the ‘best by’ date

It is important that you take a step back and reflect on the importance of purchasing the freshest food bag (or can) on the shelf. We should make a habit of checking the expiry dates and buying the food which expires far in the future. Both wet and dry cat food always have an expiration date, and it is usually stamped on the bottom or the side of the package.

Inspect the packaging before you make a purchase

Also, never forget to examine the food packaging before purchasing it. If the cans are dented, leaking, or bulging, and the bags have any tears, rips, or discoloration on them, then a good storage solution and earning how to store cat food properly will not be of much help at all, as the contents are certain to go bad a lot faster. Therefore, you should inspect each bag or container before taking it home with you to your cat, as any damage on the surface could be a direct indicator that the contents have been exposed and, thus, contaminated. Another good rule of thumb is not purchasing large packages of food, unless you are a proud owner of multiple cats, because like that, you will ensure all of it is fresh when served.

Storing dry cat food

What to protect it from?

The natural antioxidants of your cat’s dry food are meant to preserve food from fat oxidation that destroys the content’s vitamins and causes rancidity. However, once the bag is open, its contents are immediately exposed to environmental elements that accelerate the spoilage through the oxidation of the fats. To make sure that the food keeps its nutritional value and remains fresh, you need to avoid the following:

1. Exposure to air. Although it is unreasonable to think you can remove all air from an opened package, you can at least protect its contents by keeping it tightly closed. Press on the bag to release as much air as possible before rolling the bag’s top edges and keeping it closed with either a clothespin, tape, or a clip.

2. Sunlight. Avoid leaving the bag directly under the sunlight because it elevates both the food & temperature, eventually causing it to spoil more quickly, and humidity levels, which is the main culprit for mold.

3. Hot temperatures. Keep the bags in a cool dark area, away from heat sources, such as the radiators, and preferably in a temperature not higher than 20°C.

4. Humidity. All dehydrated foods are quick to absorb moisture, so it is essential to keep them safe from all water sources, as moisture absorption might promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.

5. Pests. It is no secret that food attracts various pests, such as insects and rodents. For this reason, it is highly advisable that you keep them from accessing it.

Where to keep it?

To protect the cat food from the environmental elements and pest infestation, you need to know how to store it properly. You should never throw away its original packaging. It is made of a special material designed to protect the freshness and keep pests away. Therefore, it is the best option to store cat food properly (this especially goes for high-quality food bags) and always keep it tightly closed.

For extra protection, whether in storage or your home, you can put the original packaging inside of a container - most preferably, a glass or porcelain one - and then close it with a lid. Lastly, dry cat food should be consumed 6-8 weeks from the moment you open the bag.

In case your preferred way of shopping for cat’s food is ordering it in larger quantities, then you most probably keep it somewhere outside of your home. Wherever you store it, just remember that this space has to be dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight. And, since garages and balconies belong to a category of uncontrolled environments, climate-controlled storage is your best option.

Storing wet cat food

When closed, canned cat food can retain its freshness for years if you store it in a dry and cool location, like, for instance, your pantry area. On the other hand, it is best to be sure that your cat will eat it at one stroke upon opening because open canned food will spoil very quickly.

If your cat eats only half, you can keep it stored in your refrigerator, but no longer than a day or two. Also, remember to either seal the can in a plastic wrap or use a plastic pet food lid on the top of the can to minimize the effect of air exposure and prevent moisture loss. If you have already poured all of it into a bowl, as far as the nutrition dos and don’ts are concerned, leaving it to sit at a normal room temperature longer than an hour or two is a big no-no.

If wet pet food comes in a bag instead of a can, what your cat doesn’t consume can be left inside if you fold down the bag’s edges, tightly fix it with tape or a clip and then store it in the fridge. Still, it is best that your cat consumes it or that you discard it within the first 24 hours.

We all want to do the best for our pets to ensure they live a happy, healthy and long life. Dental hygiene, vaccinations, regular vet visits are all important. But the diet of our pets is what really makes a difference in their quality of life and what will prevent many health problems.

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Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN