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How to Care for Cat Paw Pads

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Cat

How to Care for Cat Paw Pads

Your cat’s paws are as important to them as your hands and feet are to you. As a cat parent, it’s important to help your cat maintain healthy paws. This quick guide to cat paw care will help you keep your furry friend’s paw pads healthy and clean.

Why Care for Cat Paw Pads?

Think for a moment about how cats use their paws. They walk across a variety of surfaces in your house, including dirty surfaces such as the litter box. If they’re allowed outside, they may walk across rough and rocky ground, step on thorns and other sharp items, and tread across hot or cold surfaces, depending on the weather. Cats allowed outdoors in the winter are also susceptible to walking through harsh salts and other de-icing agents that can be harmful to paws.

At some point in the day, your cat will take it upon themselves to clean their own paws by licking them, possibly ingesting any harmful substances their little paws may have picked up in the process. Regular cat paw care that includes inspections and cleaning will not only help keep your cat’s paws clean and safe for licking, but also allow you to manage dry and cracked paws, cuts and other injuries before they can become infected.

Cat Paw Care Guide

Getting Started
While inspecting your cat’s paws on a regular basis will be good for ensuring you keep them healthy, you can also look for signs that something may be going on with the paws. If you notice your cat is limping or not putting pressure on a certain paw, they might have something stuck in it or could have injured their paw in some manner. Keep in mind that cats are good at hiding their pain, so you may have to pay close attention. Additionally, when a cat is injured they might be less receptive to you inspecting them, so do your best to keep them comfortable and calm while you inspect them.

If your cat isn’t used to having their paws handled, you may need to get them accustomed to the idea. It can be helpful to get into the habit of massaging your cat’s paws when you hold or pet them, from an early age onwards. This will not only help them become accustomed to having their paws touched and handled, but will also help you detect any debris that might be caught between the toes and paw pads.

Paw Inspection
Once your cat tolerates you handling their paws, make it a point to examine them daily, especially after they return from an outdoor journey. Look for scratches, sores, and foreign objects. If you find something embedded in your cat’s paw, try using a pair of tweezers to gently remove it. If it’s deeply embedded, call your veterinarian.

Paw Cleaning
Either before or after your inspection, use a soft cloth to wipe all those tiny cat paw pads, as well as around the pads and between the toes. This will clear their toes of dirt, litter dust and any chemicals or foreign objects.

Nail Trimming
Use a pair of nail scissors or clippers to trim your cat’s claws. The PDSA recommends using a set of scissors or clippers specifically designed for cat claws, as human nail clippers can cause your cat’s nails to split.

Be sure to trim just the tips, taking care to avoid the quick (the part of the nail containing sensitive nerves and veins). If you do accidentally cut into the quick, use some styptic powder to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have any styptic powder on hand, it may be a good idea to buy some at your local pet supply store just in case you need it.

Treating Dry Cat Paw Pads
If your cat’s paw pads become dry, irritated or cracked, contact your vet; they may recommend that you try moisturising them with olive, coconut or another food-quality oil that will be safe for them to lick. You may want to confine them to a bathroom while the oil absorbs to keep them from tracking it through the house. If they need something more heavy-duty, ask your vet to recommend a good paw moisturiser for cats. Avoid lotions made for humans or other animals, which may be harmful if ingested.

Additional Considerations
Of course, one of the best things you can do for your cat’s paws is to keep them indoors, where they’ll be less likely to become injured or encounter extremely hot or cold surfaces or dangerous chemicals. Dry winter air can dry out your cat’s paws, so consider using a humidifier during cold months. A scratching post can also help keep their nails in good condition, not to mention keeping your carpet and furniture safe from the urge to claw.

With everything involved in caring for cats, it’s easy to overlook proper cat paw care. Making a daily habit of checking and cleaning their paws will make it easy to keep them in good shape.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Is Your Cat Slowing Down?

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Cat

Is Your Cat Slowing Down?

At the age of 12, your cat seems to be slowing down a bit, and that could be perfectly normal. After all, a cat of her age—equivalent to the age of 65 or so in a human—has been living a full life and deserves to take it easy on herself. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to have the animal checked out by your veterinarian. It’s quite possible that her diminished activity is a consequence not of her advancing age but of a debilitating pain in one or more of her joints.

Slowed-down, reclusive behavior is an indication of a joint problem in cats of any age, says Christine Bellezza, DVM, a former consultant at the Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Feline Health Center. “Some of the signs are very subtle,” she points out. “An affected cat may seem lethargic and may increasingly seek out comforting places to nap—in a warm corner of your home, for example, or in a spot of sunshine near a window.” The reclusive behavior can also be attributed to a deeply ingrained feline instinct for self-protection. A cat may want to conceal its disability for fear of alerting a potential predator to its vulnerability.

Other indications that a cat is suffering pain in one or more of its joints may not be so subtle. “The cat may have trouble hopping in and out of its litter box,” says Dr. Bellezza, “and it may avoid going up and down stairs.” It is also possible for a cat with a severe joint problem to become constipated because it can’t position itself properly to defecate. Furthermore, due to joint pain, an affected cat may be unable to groom itself thoroughly.

A Common Disorder
The most frequently diagnosed feline joint disorder, according to Dr. Bellezza, is osteoarthritis, otherwise known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). This condition may be caused by an injury to a joint, by gradual wear and tear on a joint that takes place over time, or as the secondary consequence of a disease that compromises the internal structure of a joint.

In all cases, DJD is characterized by the erosion of cartilage, the smooth tissue that protects the ends of bones from rubbing directly against one another within a movable joint. When this protective tissue, for whatever reason, is worn or torn away completely, the bone ends come immediately into contact, and the persistent grinding of bone against bone results in inflammation and pain of varying severity.

All joints in a cat’s body can be affected by DJD, but those that become most visibly apparent to the owner will be the movable joints, most often the shoulders and elbows. But the knees, wrists and hips are also frequently affected. Outward signs of the condition will vary, depending on which joints are most painful, the extent of damage, and the animal’s age.

The earliest visible sign of DJD is likely to be apparent stiffness and a subtle reduction in an affected animal’s activity. Altered gait may eventually occur as the disease progresses or if the joint disorder has resulted from an injury.

Risk Factors
There is no gender predisposition for DJD; male and female cats are equally susceptible to the condition. It is seen more frequently in obese cats than in those of normal weight, since overweight animals constantly exert excessive pressure on their weight-bearing joints. The only notable breed disposition for DJD is in Maine Coons who, due to their naturally stocky bodies, are more susceptible to hip dysplasia than other breeds.

The most prevalent contributing factor for DJD is age. In one study, researchers carefully analyzed X-rays of the spines and limbs of 100 middle-aged or elderly cats (10 years of age or older). The study found that very few of the animals had perfectly normal joints and that most of them had obvious radiographic signs of arthritis. Indeed, the X-rays revealed that 90 percent of cats over the age of 12 showed evidence of DJD. Young cats, however, are by no means invulnerable. The findings of another study suggested that 20 percent of all cats one year of age and older are already arthritic to some extent.

Other Conditions
Although DJD is, by far, the most frequently observed feline joint disorder, a wide variety of other conditions affecting the joints may be responsible for a cat’s sudden or gradually occurring lameness. For example, being hit by an automobile or falling from a significant height can fracture or dislocate one or more bones in an animal’s joints. Most frequently, says Dr. Bellezza, these traumas occur in the front or hind limbs, although such fractures can also occur in a cat’s pelvis or spine.

In some cases, a cat may be born with a so-called developmental defect—a genetically inherited condition—that affects the joints. Among these conditions, the most frequently occurring is hip dysplasia. In a normally formed animal, the top end of the thigh bone fits snugly into the ball-and-socket joint of the hip but is free enough to glide and partially rotate to allow an animal’s movement. In a cat with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket are misaligned and loose, a structural abnormality that causes the bones in the joint to rub painfully against each other.

A host of other problems can compromise the joints in the feline body, such as dietary and hormonal disorders, bone cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and ligament ruptures. Fortunately, these conditions, insofar as they impact the joints, are relatively rare in cats, especially when compared with the frequent occurrence of DJD.

Veterinary diagnosis of a cat that seems to be experiencing a joint problem focuses, therefore, on confirming the presence of DJD and excluding, to the extent possible, the presence of other conditions that might affect the joints. According to Dr. Bellezza, diagnosis will entail a complete medical history and overall physical examination of an afflicted animal, followed by an orthopedic exam and X-rays of the cat’s joints.

A number of surgical procedures, such as bone fusion or joint replacement, may relieve a cat’s problems, but such procedures can also restrict an animal’s activities. So palliative treatment—relying largely on pain medication and attentive home care—is most often recommended. The goal is to relieve the patient’s discomfort and provide him or her with a reasonably good quality of life.

Source: Vet Cornell

Help for troubled tummies!

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Cat

Help for troubled tummies

Cat Constipation: Signs and Causes

Like people, cats can get constipated from time to time, and it’s not pleasant for us or them. It can be tricky to spot if your cat has a tummy upset or intestinal problem, especially if they go outside to go to the toilet, but there are usually some telltale signs you can look out for.

What is constipation?

Constipation is basically the opposite of diarrhoea. The poo gets dried out, hard and difficult to pass. This can be very uncomfortable and, if it goes on for some days, it can make cats feel really unwell and miserable.

Common causes of constipation in cats

Cats are usually pretty low-maintenance pets, but there are several things that can cause constipation. Let’s look at what those things might be and how to spot when it’s an issue.

Dehydration. Cats have evolved from ancestors that live in hot, desert-type places, so they’re very good at conserving the water in their bodies. This means they tend not to drink very much, which can lead to dehydration and dryer stools.

This is even more likely to happen in situations like a multi-cat house, where one cat might not have equal access to the food and water due to a resident bully. To make sure your cat stays hydrated, place several water bowls around the house so that they have water freely available wherever they are. At a minimum, ensure that there is one more water bowl than the number of cats in the home. 

Lots of cats are fed dry food for convenience these days, which can reduce their normal water intake. Feeding wet food, such as pouches and tins, is a great way to ensure your cat gets plenty of fluids. 

Swallowing hair. Cats love to groom and spend about 30-40% of their waking time tending to this important job. While some cats that ingest a lot of hair might vomit up a furball or two, some hair may go all the way through and clog up the other end.

Injuries and pain. Injuries such as pelvic fractures may physically narrow the passage where the large bowel sits, making it difficult for the cat to pass stools. Also, as cats get older and their joints get stiffer, they may find that squatting is painful. They might avoid going to the toilet as often, allowing the poo to dry out too much.

Tumours. Some tumours in the bowel area can block stools from passing through, either by pressing up against the bowel from the outside, or taking up space inside.

Nerve problems. The contents of the intestines are moved from one end to the other by waves of muscular contractions called peristalsis. It happens automatically, without us ever having to think about it. Some cats get nerve problems that might hinder this. Some breeds of cat, such as the Siamese, are more prone to this. It can cause something called megacolon, where the colon becomes very slack and dilated.

Other diseases. Some other diseases, such as kidney disease, can cause dehydration, which can then lead to constipation. 

Obesity and lack of exercise. Obesity and lack of exercise can cause constipation because exercise stimulates the bowel to move. 

How do you know when your cat is constipated?

It might not alway be easy to tell if your cat’s digestive system isn’t working the way it should. Vomiting and diarrhoea are obvious, but constipation can be much harder to spot.

Things to look out for:

  1. If your cat uses a litter tray, watch for changes in frequency and consistency. If you notice you suddenly don’t have to empty the tray as much, or if the stools seem different in size or appearance (hard or crumbly), it could be a sign that things are backing up.

  2. Watch for straining or vocalisation. If your cat seems to be crying out or spending ages in the tray without success, then you should see your vet as soon as possible. This could be a sign of constipation that needs addressing, but it can also be a sign of cystitis or a blocked bladder, which are medical emergencies.

  3. Watch for your cat pooing in the wrong place. If your cat is in pain or finding the litter tray difficult, or is reluctant to go outside to poop, they may be constipated.

  4. General malaise. Constipation makes cats feel pretty miserable, just like us. Sometimes, the only sign of your cat being constipated is that they seem off-colour. They may seem lethargic and uninterested in play or company.

Hopefully, your cat will sail through life with happy bowels, but if you’re ever concerned there might be a problem, always talk to your vet. They would much rather be on the safe side and catch a problem before it gets too bad. It might be that a simple change of food is needed to give your cat more fibre or more moisture, but if there is an underlying disease, the sooner you find out, the better.

Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Is cat biting normal?

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Cat

Is cat biting normal?

Why Do Cats Bite While Playing?

In the middle of a play session, without warning and seemingly out of nowhere, your cat clamps down on you for a quick, painful nibble. First thought: “Ow! Aren’t we friends?” Second thought: “Why do cats bite when I play with them?”

One of the most common reasons why cats like to sink their tiny — but mighty — teeth into our skin is play aggression. But the good news is that with this information, you’ll not only understand why cats nip, but you’ll also have tools you need to help redirect or, ideally, prevent this unwelcome behaviour.

Why Do Cats Bite While Playing?

Essentially, if your cat nips at you during playtime, it’s their way of saying, “This is fun, but let’s take it to the next level.” Engaging in play with your furbaby is a terrific bonding experience, but if your cat’s playfulness turns aggressive, they’ll bite you or, perhaps, use your entire arm as a chew toy.

Cats play in a way that “involves typical predatory and play behaviours,” notes the ASPCA: stalking, attacking, clawing and biting their perceived opponent. It’s not unusual for them to act this way with their pet parents, and once they’re in the throes of roughhousing, they may have difficulty pulling back.

Cat

Sometimes cat parents don’t realize they’re actually encouraging the biting. As International Cat Care points out, when people play a little too “rough and tumble” with young cats, “they often reinforce the highly excitable behaviour, and encourage kittens to grow up biting and scratching in the name of play with an intensity that can cause injury.” But keep in mind, roughhousing isn’t a good idea with cats of any age.

How to Prevent Cat Nips

The best way to stop aggressive biting is to shut it down before it becomes a habit. It’s not always easy, but your skin will thank you later.

For starters, understanding your cat’s body language can go a long way toward curbing play biting. It’s easy to get distracted while playing together, but you’ll want to pay careful attention to your cat’s stance, ear and tail positions, and eyes.

Remember that the reason cats play bite is that they are acting like you’re prey. And why do cats nip? They’re giving you a warning. If their eyes are dilated, back away slowly. And if they’re crouched and shaking their rear end, you’re about to be ambushed!

You can still goof around and be very active with your cat pal, but there are ways to do so without ending up on the receiving end of their fangs. For example, don’t use your hand or arm as a toy; instead, employ a real toy, such as a catnip mouse or bird on a wand, as the go-between. If you still find yourself under attack, redirect your cat’s attention by tossing a beloved toy in the opposite direction so they’ll dart after it.

If your cat does bite you while playing, don’t react in a way that’ll break the bond of trust between you two. “Never physically punish or even touch a cat during these times,” emphasizes the Cornell Feline Health Center, “as this may cause a cat to become fearful of people or may be interpreted as play, which may inadvertently reward the aggressive behaviour.” So if redirecting doesn’t work, simply walk away and ignore your kitty — they’ll eventually get the hint that this isn’t appropriate behaviour.

Cat

Shifting From Cat Bites to Affectionate Acts

You may be taken aback by unexpected behaviour like play biting, but don’t consider it a sign that your kitty doesn’t love you. Cats have unique ways of showing affection, after all, from head-butting to, yes, “love nips.” When your furry friend gently nibbles on your finger, that’s just fine. When they start all-out chomping on you during playtime, it’s probably time to curb this behaviour.

Instead of allowing nipping at all, encourage more gentle sentiments like kneading and snuggling. If you show a lack of interest in playing rough, your cat might lose interest in it, too.

It’s not always easy to change your cat’s behaviour, but redirecting and preventing your furry friend’s biting urge will help take the sting out of playtime.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Keep their paws purrfect

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paws

Keep their paws purrfect

Your cat’s paws are as important to them as your hands and feet are to you. As a cat parent, it’s important to help your cat maintain healthy paws. This quick guide to cat paw care will help you keep your furry friend’s paw pads healthy and clean.

Why Care for Cat Paw Pads?

Think for a moment about how cats use their paws. They walk across a variety of surfaces in your house, including dirty surfaces such as the litter box. If they’re allowed outside, they may walk across rough and rocky ground, step on thorns and other sharp items, and tread across hot or cold surfaces, depending on the weather. Cats allowed outdoors in the winter are also susceptible to walking through harsh salts and other de-icing agents that can be harmful to paws.

At some point in the day, your cat will take it upon themselves to clean their own paws by licking them, possibly ingesting any harmful substances their little paws may have picked up in the process. Regular cat paw care that includes inspections and cleaning will not only help keep your cat’s paws clean and safe for licking, but also allow you to manage dry and cracked paws, cuts and other injuries before they can become infected.

Cat Paw Care Guide

paws

Getting Started

While inspecting your cat’s paws on a regular basis will be good for ensuring you keep them healthy, you can also look for signs that something may be going on with the paws. If you notice your cat is limping or not putting pressure on a certain paw, they might have something stuck in it or could have injured their paw in some manner. Keep in mind that cats are good at hiding their pain, so you may have to pay close attention. Additionally, when a cat is injured they might be less receptive to you inspecting them, so do your best to keep them comfortable and calm while you inspect them.

If your cat isn’t used to having their paws handled, you may need to get them accustomed to the idea. It can be helpful to get into the habit of massaging your cat’s paws when you hold or pet them, from an early age onwards. This will not only help them become accustomed to having their paws touched and handled, but will also help you detect any debris that might be caught between the toes and paw pads.

Paw Inspection

Once your cat tolerates you handling their paws, make it a point to examine them daily, especially after they return from an outdoor journey. Look for scratches, sores, and foreign objects. If you find something embedded in your cat’s paw, try using a pair of tweezers to gently remove it. If it’s deeply embedded, call your veterinarian.

Paw Cleaning

Either before or after your inspection, use a soft cloth to wipe all those tiny cat paw pads, as well as around the pads and between the toes. This will clear their toes of dirt, litter dust and any chemicals or foreign objects.

paws

Nail Trimming

Use a pair of nail scissors or clippers to trim your cat’s claws. The PDSA recommends using a set of scissors or clippers specifically designed for cat claws, as human nail clippers can cause your cat’s nails to split.

Be sure to trim just the tips, taking care to avoid the quick (the part of the nail containing sensitive nerves and veins). If you do accidentally cut into the quick, use some styptic powder to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have any styptic powder on hand, it may be a good idea to buy some at your local pet supply store just in case you need it.

Treating Dry Cat Paw Pads

If your cat’s paw pads become dry, irritated or cracked, contact your vet; they may recommend that you try moisturising them with olive, coconut or another food-quality oil that will be safe for them to lick. You may want to confine them to a bathroom while the oil absorbs to keep them from tracking it through the house. If they need something more heavy-duty, ask your vet to recommend a good paw moisturiser for cats. Avoid lotions made for humans or other animals, which may be harmful if ingested.

Additional Considerations

Of course, one of the best things you can do for your cat’s paws is to keep them indoors, where they’ll be less likely to become injured or encounter extremely hot or cold surfaces or dangerous chemicals. Dry winter air can dry out your cat’s paws, so consider using a humidifier during cold months. A scratching post can also help keep their nails in good condition, not to mention keeping your carpet and furniture safe from the urge to claw.

With everything involved in caring for cats, it’s easy to overlook proper cat paw care. Making a daily habit of checking and cleaning their paws will make it easy to keep them in good shape.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Why cats won’t use litter tray

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cats

Why cats won’t use litter tray?

Unfortunately, cats don’t always connect with the litter box. Even cats that know the drill will sometimes choose another spot at home. “House-soiling” can become a concern for even the best cat owners. It can be a sign of a serious health issue or simply the result of changes around the house. Pay close attention for clues to put an early end to a nasty problem for both you and the pet you love.

Here are the most common causes and some solutions to try:

Dirty litter trays:
Cats don’t like using a tray if it is heavily soiled.

Solution – Litter trays should be cleaned out completely every couple of days and topped up with fresh litter daily once the solids and clumps are removed.

Put off by litter:

Solution – Using scented litter, deodorants or disinfectants with strong smells may put the scent-sensitive cat off using the tray. Use a mild detergent and hot water or disinfectant specifically recommended for tray cleaning. Cats learning to use the tray initially may need to establish it as an appropriate toilet site and too frequent cleaning may weaken the association.

Wrong type of litter:
Solution – Changing the consistency or type of litter may put the cat off using it. Hard wood based pellets may have been acceptable as a kitten but as cats get heavier there are some that object to walking on the uncomfortable surface. Cats prefer fine grain litter with the consistency of sand with no scented deodoriser. If you want to change the type you use, mix the new one in gradually over a week to gauge the cat’s reaction.

cats

Position of the litter tray:
Solution – If the tray is positioned in the open where the dog, children or other cats disturb it, the cat may feel too vulnerable to use it. Instead it may seek a more secure spot behind the television. Cats may not like to use a tray if it is next to a noisy washing machine or tumble dryer. Place the tray in a quiet corner where the cat only has to watch in one or two directions at once rather than in the open or in a thoroughfare. Placing food near the tray will put the cat off using it so place feeding bowls elsewhere.

Type of litter tray:
Solution – Some cats prefer the security of a covered tray whilst others prefer an open tray as it offers more options for escape. If you normally use an open tray it may be worth purchasing one with a lid or vice versa. An inverted box with one side cut out or careful positioning of house plants may provide the necessary privacy. Some covered trays have flaps over the entrance which could be one obstacle too many for the more insecure cat.

Bad associations: 
Solution – Occasionally a cat decides not to use a tray because it has had a bad experience there. Giving medication or touching a cat whilst it is using the tray may be sufficient to create a bad association. Repositioning the tray to a quiet spot may help.

Early training:
Kittens will often soil in the house when they are young if they are given immediate access to large areas. 
Solution – When kittens first arrive in their new home they are only weeks away from their original litter training by their mother. Their bladder and bowel control are not as developed as an adult so it is important that the young kitten has easy access to the litter tray at all times. It is advisable to confine the kitten to one room initially with increasing periods of time to explore other areas after a few weeks. Every time the kitten uses the tray it is establishing an entrenched behaviour that will be maintained throughout its life.

If you need any more advice or help with your cat please contact your local vet or vet nurse and they will be able to advise you further.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Extinguishing Heat Exhaustion in Cats

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Heat

Extinguishing Heat Exhaustion in Cats

Are you a pet parent living in an area with hot summers? If you don’t have air conditioning, you may be worried about your cat getting heat exhaustion. There may be a flurry of questions going through your mind: What will happen while you’re gone during the day? Will your kitty sweat — or suffer?

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your home cool enough for your feline friend.

Hot Town, Summer for the Kitty

When temperatures start to rise, your cat might be more comfortable than you think: according to The Washington Post, her average body temperature stays around a toasty 38 degrees Celsius. Since her ancestors evolved in the desert, she can also get most of her moisture from food.

However, this doesn’t mean she’ll be safe and comfortable locked in a warm house. Cats can’t sweat as humans do. Instead, your feline friend needs to release heat continually by laying on cool surfaces, panting, and drinking cold water.

Make sure your kitty is comfortable by doing a few precautionary things around the house:

  • Water, water, everywhere: Since water will evaporate faster in the summer — and your cat might be disinclined to trek around the house — it’s a good idea to keep several bowls of cold water throughout your home. If you live in a multi-level house, keep a bowl on every floor. Putting them under a chair or away from sunlight and cat food might make them more appealing. You can even place some empty pet bowls in the freezer overnight and fill them in the morning to help the water stay colder longer.
  • Homemade ice pack: Leave a homemade ice pack where your cat likes to lounge. If your cat gets too warm, a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel is a good daytime nap buddy. (Remember to put it back in the freezer when you return home.) Never leave your cat alone with a commercial ice pack, since the chemicals in it could be dangerous to her if it pops or leaks.
  • Close the curtains: By darkening a few rooms, you can limit the amount of sun and heat that enters your home during the day. Not only will your feline friend be thankful for the shade, but you also won’t be hit with heat the minute you walk in the door.
  • Keep a fan running: A small fan or two in the right spots can help circulate air and keep your cat cooler throughout the day. You can also consider using a timer for the fan if you don’t want it running all day.
  • Make her a cool cave: Cats love to cool down under furniture, so consider putting your bed on risers to give her lots of room to relax and sleep comfortably. Alternatively, putting a tablecloth on your kitchen table might give her a breezy hideaway on a cool tile or wood floor.

Safety Tips

Cats need water and fresh air to keep cool — but more isn’t always better. Make sure your cat doesn’t have access to large tubs of water or swimming pools. Never leave your tub full of water or large buckets of water out for your cat since this can create a drowning hazard. If you have a pool, make sure your cat can’t access it when you’re not at home.

You should also be careful not to leave windows wide open. Since cats can push out screens and escape — or a heavy window could close on them suddenly — you should not leave low-to-the-ground or heavy windows open while you’re not at home. Do leave at least one window that your pet can’t reach cracked for fresh air. Blocking a small open window with a fan can also help circulate air while keeping kitty from getting any ideas.

Heat Exhaustion in Cats: Warning Signs

Even when you do everything you possibly can to help keep your kitty cool, heat exhaustion in cats is still a possibility. Heat stroke in cats is actually more common in certain breeds than others. Since Persians and other flat-faced cats can’t pant as well as other breeds, they have a harder time naturally cooling down their bodies and are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, according to Preventive Vet.

If you notice excessive panting, a rapid heart rate, sunken eyes, or little to no urine in your cat’s litter box, she may be dehydrated and suffering from heat exhaustion. Check her hydration levels by gently pinching the skin between her neck and shoulders: Does it stay “tented”? Is it slow to smooth down? If so, she is likely dehydrated, and it’s important to get her to the veterinarian right away. They may then need to administer intravenous fluids before the condition gets too severe.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that cats with very flat faces and those who are elderly, obese, or have lung or heart issues be watched closely for heat exhaustion. If your cat has one of these conditions — and you have tried ways to keep her cool without air conditioning — you may want to talk to your vet. The most important thing to remember is to be proactive and observant when the thermometer climbs so you can spot the signs of heat exhaustion quickly and resolve them.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

My Cat Ate String: Dangers, What to Do & Treatments

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Cat

My Cat Ate String: Dangers, What to Do & Treatments

There’s perhaps nothing more likely to bring a smile to a cat parent’s face than seeing their kitty bat around a ball of yarn. Unfortunately, string and yarn are very dangerous for cats.

Signs That Your Cat Ate String

Often, pet parents aren’t present to see that their cat swallowed string. So how can you tell if your cat ingested it? Vomiting is the most common sign that your cat has eaten string. Also, look for signs of abdominal pain, which your cat may show by hiding or being unusually aggressive when picked up. You may also see bloody diarrhoea.

Dangers of a Cat Swallowing String

If your cat eats string, it will only cause an issue if a piece of it gets stuck somewhere between their mouth and gastrointestinal tract, while the other part is trailing farther ahead into the intestines. For example, a piece of yarn can get lodged at the base of a cat’s tongue.

One of the biggest concerns of cats eating string is a condition veterinarians refer to as linear foreign body. The reason why this condition can cause so much damage is due to the way it can cause an intestinal obstruction says Manhattan Cat Specialists. “Usually, one end of the string becomes anchored, either by wrapping around the base of the tongue, or by getting lodged in the pylorus (the part of the stomach that leads to the small intestine). The peristaltic waves (peristalsis: the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine) generated by the intestines try to propel the free end of the string along the intestinal tract. But the leading end is lodged, so the string can’t be pulled along.” When this happens, the intestine can become folded, or plicated, which makes it not possible to pull the string out. As a result, the string can tighten and further exacerbate the risk of the intestines perforating (piercing a hole in the intestines).

Swallowing string can also cause a serious condition called intussusception. Intussusception results in the vigorous contraction of a specific bowel segment in an effort to move along an object that isn’t passing through. If untreated, this part of the bowel can collapse into a nearby segment and lead to partial or complete GI obstruction, compromised blood flow to the affected section of the bowel, and tissue death. Intussusception can be fatal, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

A cat suffering from a linear foreign body creates a fairly difficult situation for a veterinarian due to the risk of perforations and the difficulty of removing the string says VIN. Cats with chronic linear foreign bodies (meaning they have them frequently) may be suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, or peritonitis, as well as potentially extended surgeries that can put a cat’s life at risk.

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What to Do If Your Cat Swallowed String

If you know that your cat ate string, even if it’s only been partly swallowed, resist the urge to pull it out yourself. While string is dangerous to ingest, the danger isn’t immediate — you have time to seek veterinary care. If you try to remove the string yourself, you risk damaging the esophagus and causing choking or vomiting that could result in aspiration pneumonia (a lung infection).

Head to your vet’s office promptly. Call them while you’re on your way to give them a heads-up about the situation. After you arrive, your vet will examine your cat. Be prepared for them to ask to anesthetize your pet; this allows them to completely examine the oral cavity, including underneath the tongue.

Treatment for a Cat Who Swallowed String

If your vet can’t locate the string and the incident occurred recently, they may induce vomiting in your cat. If it’s been a while since your cat swallowed the string, then your vet may try to retrieve it with an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera attached that’s inserted into the stomach via the mouth. If they locate the string during the endoscopy, it can be safely removed. While this procedure does require anesthesia, it’s brief and very safe; your cat should be ready to head home by the end of the day. After any procedure involving anesthesia, your cat may have a slight drop in energy, decreased appetite or a scratchy-sounding meow for a day or two. Typically, no special modifications to your cat’s routine or medicine are needed after this procedure.

If your cat has developed signs of illness by the time you bring them to a clinic, the vet may recommend an abdominal ultrasound or radiographic contrast studies (X-rays using a contrast dye to help organs show up easier). If the string was swallowed more than two to three days ago, or if your cat is clearly ill from the incident, your vet will likely suggest surgery — and the sooner it happens, the better.

If your cat has surgery, your feline friend will probably need to stay at the hospital for several days to ensure there are no major complications and that their intestines have regained full function. Home care can include pain medicine and antibiotics to give your cat, in addition to a food that is easily digestible such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe During Playtime

Follow these tips to provide a safe and stimulating environment for your cat, and to avoid wondering whether they’ve swallowed their toy:

  • Use feeding toys. They provide mental engagement and encourage slower eating, which often results in fewer episodes of vomiting after snacking.
  • Other safe toy options include crinkle balls, plastic milk jug tabs, a catnip mouse or another toy to bat around, and feather wands.
  • Avoid letting your cat play with streamers, yarn, wands with dangling toys and toys with accessories sewn or glued on, as these can easily be disassembled by a feisty kitty.
  • Don’t let your cat play with toys unattended.
  • Make sure to put any string or yarn out of your cat’s reach. This can include floss, sewing thread, and fishing line.

Kittens, with their seemingly unlimited energy and curiosity, are at an increased risk of swallowing string. But it’s important to keep cats of all ages safe from the dangers of string by choosing vet-approved toys and knowing the signs of a GI obstruction. If you think your cat might’ve eaten string, contact your vet.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

How to Handle Cat Spraying

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How to Handle Cat Spraying

Keeping the house clean can be a challenge for anyone who owns pets. There’s nothing worse than getting home after a long day at work to a terrible odor or mess on the floor. Spraying is one of the most common behavioral problems in cats, along with scratching. But while your first instinct may be to discipline your cat for this undesirable behavior, keep in mind that she is predisposed to this practice, and it should be redirected.

Why Does My Cat Spray?

In the wild, cats leave scent signals to communicate with other cats through rubbing, scratching, urinating, and spraying. Scent signals let cats know when another cat has claimed an area as her own, when she was there and might return, and if she is looking for a mate. While most neutered cats who live indoors do not feel the need to spray, those who do are typically under stress and want to surround themselves with their own scent for protection. Even though you’ve created a safe, nurturing environment for your cat, she may still feel distressed and want to mark her territory.

What to Do if Your Cat is Spraying

First, determine whether your cat is spraying or urinating. Cats urinate by squatting onto a horizontal surface; spraying occurs standing up. The cat makes a treading motion with her back feet and quivers her tail, leaving her scent mark on a vertical surface.

If your cat has begun urinating outside of her litter box, be sure that the box is regularly cleaned. If the behaviour persists, take her to the vet to check for lower urinary tract disease and cystitis. A urinary tract infection can cause your cat to urinate while standing, confusing the act with spraying. Cystitis can also cause symptoms of lower urinary tract disease, including frequent attempts to urinate, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, and blood in urine. Cats who suffer from recurrent cystitis often benefit from increased fluid intake, which may require switching your cat to wet food. Consult your vet for nutritional management.

Consider recent changes to your household that may be affecting your cat’s behaviour—especially if she spends most of her time indoors—such as the arrival of a new baby or pet, a house move, schedule changes, or even rearranging furniture. To deter threats from other household or neighbourhood cats, block access to cat flaps or doors. Once your cat feels that her territory is not threatened, she will no longer feel the need to mark it.

Moving furniture or redecorating can be upsetting to a cat, because it removes her scent from places she has designated around your house. By spreading her scent to familiar places, she may feel less inclined to spray. Rub a soft cotton cloth gently around your cat’s face; this is where her individual scent and pheromones are produced. Apply the cloth several times per day to areas where your cat is spraying. Synthetic pheromones are also available through your vet.

Cats also feel most comfortable when they are secure. You can make your cat feel a sense of security by limiting her patrol area to one or two rooms.

Once your cat has urinated or sprayed in your house, she may return to that spot again if the area isn’t thoroughly cleaned.

  • Keep your cat away from the area as long as possible. For example, place a piece of furniture on the spot.
  • Wash the area with enzyme-containing laundry detergent and rinse thoroughly. Then, mix a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and water, and spray.
  • Spray and scrub the area with rubbing alcohol and dry. Test delicate surfaces on a small area before application.
  • Talk to your vet about a stain and odor remover to get rid of residual odors.
  • Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner. Because urine contains ammonia, this might attract your cat to return to the spot.

Finally, with any behavioural issues your cat might display it is important to never yell at or punish her. This can only cause a situation such as spraying to get worse as she may become more stressed. Cats do not understand punishment, so to correct a behaviour problem is best to train her and continue to show her love and affection. Slowly over time you can help redirect poor behaviours and have the cute and cuddly cat you’ve always wanted.

If your cat is suffering with urinary issues, ask your vet about how Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Stress or Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Stress + Metabolic cat food can help.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition