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Fish or feline? How to choose the right-sized pet for your home

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The dachshund is becoming more popular – partly because they are a good fit for our increasingly cramped dwellings. But how much space do animal companions actually need?

They were once bred for flushing out badgers, now the sausage dog is becoming popular because it’s an ideal fit for small flats. According to the Kennel Club, there were 9,000 new registrations last year, up 40% from 2015 (raising concerns about the spinal problems the breed can suffer from, and unscrupulous breeders). It has partly been driven by fashion – dachshunds have been regularly used in advertising, and popularised by celebrity ownership – but also because homes are getting smaller. While the first question of pet ownership should always be: “Am I the right person for this pet?” – rather than the other way around – it may be worth rethinking how much space, or not, pets need.

Chickens

You don’t need a farm or smallholding to keep chickens. Although they would be happier with as much space as possible to roam, the recommended minimum for a chicken run is one square metre, and preferably two, per hen. Chickens like company, and three is recommended for a small garden.

Goldfish

Once considered an easy first pet, goldfish need more than a bowl and a few fish flakes. Bowls are a terrible choice – they are too cramped, oxygen-poor and basically mean the poor fish is swimming around in its own filth. It is a myth that goldfish grow to “fit” the tank, but the small fish you get from a pet shop will get bigger (up to 30cm) and they need space. They are also social, so they need friends – and therefore even more space. The It’s Not Just a Fish campaign group suggests a tank that is a minimum 120cm long for fancy varieties of goldfish.

Cats

It is possible, though not necessarily recommended (unless they have a medical problem or disability), to keep cats indoors. The RSPCA recommends indoor cats have access to several rooms, including places to climb, stimulating toys and lots of interaction to stop them getting bored. They will also need enough exercise to stop them putting on unnecessary weight.

Rabbits

There has been a recent trend for keeping indoor rabbits, but the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund stresses that while they can make good house pets, it is not a simple undertaking. At least two rabbits (they like company) will need space – minimum 3m by 2m, perhaps the size of an entire room – which will need to be rabbit-proofed (no electric wiring or poisonous house plants they could chew, for example). Lots of toys should be provided, but they will also like to chew anything in sight, from furniture to door frames.

Source: The Guardian

Everything you never wanted to know about animal farts revealed

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Everything you never wanted to know about animal farts,

Image: Pixabay

The definitive field guide for animal flatulence is finally here.

“Does it Fart?” (Hachette) is an illustrated book about the fart capabilities of the animal kingdom. In the tome, authors Dani Rabaiotti, a London-based zoologist, and Nick Caruso, a Virginia postdoctoral associate in ecology and conservation, discuss whether 80 different animals fart, and if they do, what surprising purposes the gas might serve.

Take herrings: the fish native to the Atlantic and Pacific gulp in air from the surface of the water and store it until it’s time to let it rip. Often, scientists think, they’ll cut the cheese in order to communicate with their fellow fish, especially when it’s dark in the water and they need to stay away from predators.

The more you know!

Here’s a selection of the most interesting fart facts from Rabaiotti and Caruso’s very necessary book.

Termites
“Termites fart a lot,” Rabaiotti and Caruso write. Not only do these little stinkers destroy our wooden structures, but they’re also doing some damage to our environment. Termites are thought to contribute around 5 to 19 percent of global methane emissions, according to the book. Cows, however, take the cake when it comes to that kind of destruction. Cattle expel roughly 220-440 pounds of methane per cow per year, mostly through their flatulence.

Honey badgers
They really don’t give a darn. Honey badgers use their “anal scent glands” to immobilize bees so they can get straight to that honey without interference, Rabaiotti and Caruso write. After a honey badger’s toots, bees have been found “huddled in a corner of their nest, far away from the pungent smell.”

Birds
They actually don’t fart. “Birds don’t have the same gas-producing bacteria in their gut that are found in mammals and other farting animals,” the authors write. Plus, they digest their meals pretty quickly, leaving the food no time to stink up inside them.

Chimpanzees
Just like their human ancestors, chimps fart “loudly and often without shame,” they write. It’s actually the way scientists have located chimps to study in the wild. So, thanks for that, chimps.

Cockroaches
They fart. Great.

Dogs
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has spent any amount of time with the so-called “man’s best friend.” And, unfortunately, they often serve as a scapegoat for anyone who’s ever “flamed it and blamed them,” since the finger-pointing usually lands on the dog, Rabaiotti and Caruso write.

Cats
They’re no angels either. A byproduct of their mostly-carnivorous diet is especially sulfuric farts. But, Rabaiotti and Caruso write, “your cat probably doesn’t care how bad you think its farts smell, and as a result, won’t make any effort to save you from their pungent aroma.”

Manatees
Sea cows use their toots to help them stay buoyant, storing gas within certain parts of their intestines to help them float toward the surface, and passing it to sink.

Octopi
One might surmise that the force of nature propelling octopi in the water are merely a series of forceful farts, but actually, octopi don’t fart “to the best of our knowledge,” the authors write. Octopi expel water quickly through their siphons to escape from predators, sometimes releasing ink that can be filled with mucus — not stinky air. But it’s unclear which is worse.

Lemurs
Farts are just one of the odorous smells lemurs emit throughout their busy days, especially during “stink fights,” wherein, they rub the smells that come out of various glands onto their tails and then wave their tails above their heads at their rivals, “showing off their superior odor,” Rabaiotti and Caruso write. Hippos, similarly, will mark their territory by defecating and farting “while rapidly flailing [their tails] back and forth,” spreading their scent and sending a very strong message to anyone who tries to cross them.

Source: New York Post

 

Whiskas – let’s raise a paw to our furry friends

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Whiskas

From bouts of cabin fever and social isolation to financial concerns, work stress and relationship struggles, we can all agree that life in quarantine is not easy. But, with a little perspective, now is as good a time as ever to find the silver lining in this tough situation, and for many of us, that’s our pets.

The benefits of pets are widely known and are proving to be especially important during this stressful time. Whiskas, SA’s favourite cat food brand, agrees that our pets, especially our feline companions, can keep us sane during times of crises. As cat lovers, it’s time to raise a paw to our furry friends.

But what is it about owning and spending time with our cats that help us better navigate these strange times and how can we make sure we keep our them happy and healthy in return? 

Sensitive social support

For many of us, cats provide social support. On bad days, they lend their inquisitive ears and offer intuitive support. People talking to their pets to work out their feelings, while gaining a feeling of companionship is a common theme among proud cat owners. Pets also add routine, responsibility and social activity to otherwise dreary days.

The power of cuddles

Beyond the emotional support, the power of a good cat cuddle has also been proven. Cuddling your cat releases oxytocin in your body, the hormone known for inducing feelings of love and trust. Similar to humans, cats are social creatures and like us, crave love and attention. This feeling of connection and love is especially important at this time of social distancing and could very well help see us through the darker moments.

There are some physical health benefits as well. Close physical interactions with cats is said to boost our immune systems, while several studies have found that people reported sleeping better with their pet cat. Petting and cuddling with a cat also have a positive and calming effect on our bodies – it can contribute towards stress relief, act as a mood booster and provides a positive distraction.

Cats are generally low-maintenance, which must also go a little way towards easing our stresses at this time. This shows that while they are lending us their full emotional support, physical benefits can be counted too.

Finally, let them entertain you!

Felines are certainly one of the mavericks of the pet kingdom and masters of making us smile, and the Whiskas team agrees. Whether it’s finding wacky hideouts, sleeping in weird positions or getting up to general mischief, all these cat quirks can go a long way to lighten the overall mood during lockdown.

What can we do in return?

There are mutual benefits to having a close relationship with your pet cat. Giving love and affection is as good for them as it is for us. Talk to your cats, hug them tight, play with them, pet them from head to toe and let them snuggle and purr to their heart’s delight. This can work wonders for the health and well-being of pets and owners alike.

We can also return their companionship by simply looking after their physical and mental health in whatever way we can. Regular vet check-ups, not to mention daily cuddles, can go a long way to maintaining the health and wellbeing of your feline friend. Good dental health is also important and has been shown to have a big effect on the overall health of your feline for now and into the long term.

Treat your kitties to Whiskas Dentabites in Salmon or Chicken flavour. The tiny grooves on Whiskas® DentaBites gently clean the tooth surface as the cat’s teeth contact the crunchy treats. They’re a compliance-friendly way to provide daily proactive oral care for even the most independent, strong-willed cats.

We can all be grateful that our felines provide us with the love and distraction needed to keep us going during this time and Whiskas are happy to help you return some of the love.

For more information on Whiskas care and treats, visit – www.whiskas.co.za/cat-care-and-treats/

Source: WHISKAS®

Other posts by WHISKAS®

Can I transmit Covid-19 to my cat?

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Can I transmit Covid-19 to my cat

Here is what we know so far: 

The COVID-19 pandemic presents us all with unprecedented challenges; and local, regional, and national governments are taking steps to slow its spread as researchers investigate ways to prevent and treat infections.

Many cat owners have asked us about the possibility of transmitting this virus to their cats, and whether their cats could potentially infect people.  Here is some information to help you stay informed, vigilant, and safe.

As we continue to learn more, it’s important to note that since cats and dogs are mammals, the possibility of human-to-cat transmission, and vice versa, does technically exist.

For this reason, anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should limit their contact with their pets, and wash their hands before and after interacting with them, which includes cleaning their litter boxes.

If you notice your pet experiencing respiratory illness or fever, we recommend (out of an abundance of caution) to quarantine them, wash your hands carefully before and after handling them, and contact a veterinarian immediately to consult about best next steps.

It is very important that cat owners understand that the current situation warrants caution, but that they should not seek COVID-19 testing for their cats, given the shortage of tests available for humans. It’s also important to point out that currently available information suggests that if precautions are taken, the likelihood of cats becoming infected and of them serving as a source of COVID-19 infection is believed to be very low.

Some trusted resources for additional information can be found here:

Source: Cornell University – Cornell Feline Health Center

 

Cat Anxiety: Understanding Your Stressed Cat

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Cat Anxiety: Understanding Your Stressed Cat

You may tease someone for being a “scaredy-cat” or even get a chuckle when something startles your kitty and makes her jump. But a fearful, anxious cat is no joke. Cat anxiety can be a serious problem, especially if left untreated. If you think you might be dealing with a stressed cat, keep reading in order to understand what’s going on with your kitty and how you can help her.

Cat Anxiety Explained

Cat Anxiety: Understanding Your Stressed Cat

Cats experience anxiety when they anticipate danger from “unknown or imagined origins that result in normal body reactions … associated with fear,” explains PetMD. In other words, an anxious cat appears chronically stressed and afraid for no obvious reason. However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a reason. It simply means that it may take some time and investigation to determine the cause.

Potential causes that may result in a stressed cat are wide and varied. Cat anxiety may be caused by pain or illness, exposure to something toxic or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system. A psychological trigger may be to blame, like a traumatic experience, lack of proper socialization or a history of abuse or neglect. An aging brain can also cause anxiety, especially in senior cats experiencing memory problems or dementia. Joint pain in older cats can also be a source of anxious behaviors, such as hiding or failing to use the litter box. Other potential causes of cat anxiety can include new or moved furniture, new pet or baby in the home, or even a new home.

One of the most common forms of cat anxiety is separation anxiety, in which your cat becomes anxious and stressed when you leave her sight or she’s left home alone. This is especially prevalent among cats with a history of abandonment or who have been rehomed or passed from owner to owner, according to PetMD.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by exaggerated, repetitive behaviors, can also affect cats. Causes of OCD in cats aren’t really known, and as such it’s generally characterized as a mental disorder, although it can be initiated by stress, says PetMD. Pet parents may unwittingly reinforce OCD behaviors by trying to soothe their cats or giving them attention while they’re doing the unwanted behavior. It should also be noted that some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Siamese and other Asian breeds are particularly known for these types of behaviors.

So how can you tell if you have an anxious cat?

Watch for the Signs
An anxious kitty isn’t too difficult to spot. PetMD identifies the following signs and symptoms of general cat anxiety:

  • Trembling
  • Withdrawal and hiding
  • Becoming less active
  • Trying to escape
  • Destructive or aggressive behavior
  • Diarrhea
  • Failure to use the litter box
  • Sores and lesions resulting from over-grooming

Other symptoms include a loss or reduction of appetite, weight loss, excessive vocalization, lethargy and restlessness, says PetMD. OCD can be identified by excessive, repetitive behaviors such as eating, sucking or chewing on fabric, obsessive grooming, repetitive meowing or yowling, and constant pacing. In a case of separation anxiety, your cat will likely be fine as long as you’re around, but may begin acting anxious when she can sense that you’re about to leave.

Helping Your Stressed Cat
The first thing you need to know in order to help your anxious cat is that you should never punish or scold her for her anxious behavior. This will only increase negative associations and fear and make things worse instead of better. The goal should be to help her feel safe and relaxed in her surroundings.

Cat Anxiety: Understanding Your Stressed Cat

Once you’ve identified anxious behaviors in your cat, the first step is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to either diagnose or rule out any underlying health issues or toxins that might be causing your kitty stress. Because cats tend to hide their pain, this is not something that is likely to be obvious, and may require a thorough series of blood panels and other tests. If it turns out that your cat is suffering from pain or a medical issue, treating the issue may be all that’s required to eliminate the anxious behavior and help your kitty get back to her normal self.

On the other hand, if your vet rules out a physical problem as the cause, this may mean that the issue is psychological. If this is the case, your vet should be able to advise you on a course of treatment.

In addition to prescribing anti-anxiety medication to help keep your kitty calm, your vet may recommend a trainer or animal behaviorist who can help both you and your cat through behavioral conditioning and counter-conditioning. Behavioral conditioning involves identifying fear triggers in your kitty’s life and either desensitizing her to these triggers through repeated, safe exposure, or removing them from her environment. Counter-conditioning, which is similar, involves training your cat to replace a negative behavior with a positive one, while forming positive associations with the new behavior. For example, if your cat is anxious when she can sense you’re about to leave, train her to go lie down and reward her when she does with a treat or a favorite toy. In time, she’ll associate your leaving with this positive reward and learn to be okay with it. The overall goal of this training and conditioning is to teach your cat that she’s safe and that it’s okay to relax.

If Left Untreated
Untreated anxiety won’t get better on its own, and will likely become worse over time, with undesirable behaviors becoming more pronounced. Just as with humans, chronic stress can have a physiological effect on your kitty’s health. If it persists, it could compromise her immune system and make her more vulnerable to illness, which will, in turn, compound her stress. She could also develop severe depression on top of the anxiety, all of which could lead to additional behavior problems. It’s not only in your cat’s best interest but also in the interest of having a peaceful home, to intervene with your cat’s anxiety as quickly as possible.

If you think your cat is suffering from anxiety, take heart. With love, patience and willingness to do your part to help, your cat has an excellent chance of making a full recovery and returning to her healthier, happier self.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Written by: Jean Marie Bauhaus

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Is Your Cat Well Hydrated?

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how to help your cat stay hydrated

Ways to encourage your cat to drink more waters.
Cats aren’t big drinkers. Domestic cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and there’s little water to be found in dry climates or habitats. That’s probably why navigating bodies of water for any purpose doesn’t come naturally to cats. It’s also why they aren’t as responsive as other animals to sensations of thirst or dehydration and must get most of the moisture their bodies need from the food they eat.

TIPS TO ENCOURAGE RELUCTANT DRINKERS (Dr. Karen Becker & The Cat Nurse)

  • Ensure there are enough water stations both inside and outside of the home. These should be spaced out so that each cat indoors has easy access without risking confrontation with another cat.
  • A ratio of one water station per cat and a spare is recommended. Various water stations can be offered outside, as long as they are within easy reach of the resident cat.
  • Hiding water behind a plant pot (as long as your cat has easy access) or on a raised table might help encourage use.
  • Keep the water cool in shaded areas.
  • Offer a variety of water stations. Cats like to have a choice, so offering a large bowl, water fountain, tap or even a glass filled with water can be helpful. Once you know your cat’s preferred water receptacle you could try offering more of that type.
  • Animals, especially cats like drinking from moving water sources like a water fountain.
  • Bowls should not be pushed into a corner. It helps if they can see 360 degrees around them and look out for any threats, while they drink.
  • Keep the water away from the litter box area.
  • Offer large water bowls as most cats prefer this. However, some cats like drinking from a glass. I expect this is more about location though.
  • Older cats are prone to dehydration, so offering extra water stations within easy reach can help keep them stay hydrated.
  • Don’t add anything into your pet’s drinking water without offering plain water, in addition to “medicated” water. Most additions to the water can cause the water to have a subtle but unpalatable taste and pets may not consume as much water as they need.

HYDRATION & URINE
Urine colour tells a story about your pet’s health. A urinalysis should be performed by your veterinarian yearly for healthy pets, and more often for older animals and those with existing or chronic health issues.

There are three categories of colours:

1. Clear to light yellow (normal)

2. Bright or dark yellow (possibly dehydrated or other medical problem)

3. Brown, orange, or reddish-pink (possibly medical conditions and bleeding)

The colour you want is clear to light yellow. This means your pet is well hydrated. You do want to see some yellow in there because pee that looks consistently like water with no yellow at all is a sign that your pet is drinking too much water or is unable to concentrate their urine (reflective of a medical problem).

Make it a habit to check your pet’s urine colour.  If a pet’s urine is any colour other than clear or yellow, you should visit a veterinarian immediately.

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – MOVING WITH YOUR PET IN MIND

how to help your cat stay hydrated

WHISKER FATIGUE
Cats’ whiskers are thick hairs that protrude from a cat’s cheeks, above their eyes, their chins and from the backs of their front legs. They are filled with sensory collecting nerves that collect information about objects, vibrations, and wind currents around the cat. They aid cats to hunt in the dark and are an integral part of their communication system.

Whisker fatigue happens to some cats when their sensitive whiskers are routinely being brushed up against something such as food or water bowls that are too small. It causes discomfort and even pain and it makes eating and drinking stressful.

How Can You Fight Feline Whisker Fatigue?
Choosing shallow, wide bowls that allow your cat to get food and water from the bowl without their whiskers making contact with its sides can help end whisker fatigue.

Make sure your pet always has fresh, clean, cool, safe, drinking water available at all times and if they refuse to drink or the colour of her urine doesn’t improve, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Next week we will look at reluctant eaters (cats).

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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What If My Cat Doesn’t Want To Eat?

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WHat if my cat doesnt want to eat?

How you can encourage a reluctant eater.
Last week we looked at some tips for when your cat is reluctant to drink and today we will look at some tips for reluctant eaters.  Cats’ ancestral diet was moisture-rich prey which helps meet their fluid requirements, so feeding your cat dry food only, which is <10% water, can create a problem.  It can cause chronic dehydration, leading to constipation and kidney stress, which is why vets recommend feeding cats moisture-rich diets. One of the first signs that a feline family member is sick is a lack of appetite. Cats can’t go without food for very long due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis, so it’s important to address the problem quickly.

TWO MAIN REASONS WHY YOUR CAT MIGHT NOT BE EATING.

  1. STRESS

Cats who are stressed can lose their appetite. Has something in your cat’s life changed?

  • New family members (human or animal)?
  • Have you moved?
  • Sometimes it can be too few resources or the placement thereof. We suggest a water and food bowl for each cat plus an extra one, as well as with the litter box and neither the bowls or the litter box should be placed close to the other.

This is a situation pet parents can often resolve without consulting a veterinarian.

2. UNDERLYING ILLNESS

Several underlying diseases can cause kitties to lose interest in eating and it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat is ill. Remember not all vets are good with cats, so find one with a special interests in cats.

TIPS TO TEMPT KITTY’S TASTEBUDS (Dr. Karen Becker & The Cat Nurse)
There are things you can do to try to entice your cat to eat; however, veterinary intervention is necessary if, despite your best efforts, your cat isn’t eating. Helping a cat who is refusing to eat stay nourished is an exercise in creativity, gentle prodding, and patience.

  • Warm her meals to bring out the aroma as cats respond to the smell of food before the taste.
  • Lure her with species-appropriate “people food” she has enjoyed in the past, for example, warm baked chicken or salmon.
  • Offer her canned food with a strong smell or a sardine (packed in water).
  • Buy a small selection of different flavours and textures of canned cat food or use home-cooked meat or bone broth and see if one catches her interest.
  • If she’s hooked on kibble and refuses everything else, try adding warm water to the food or an aromatic enticement like tuna juice or chicken broth.
  • Double bowls tend to be small, quite deep and are of course joined together, which could risk aggravating your cat’s sensitive whiskers. Try using a large flat bowl that gives plenty of room for your cat’s whiskers. Offer new food from a paper plate (in case she associates a bad memory with her food bowl). Whisker fatigue plays a role if the bowl is too small or deep.
  • If you are changing your cat’s food bowl, offer food in the old bowl and original location as well as using the new bowl and in a slightly different location. This allows your cat to have a choice. You can then remove the old bowl once your cat starts using the new one.
  • Raised bowls can help encourage some cats to eat. This means that your cat doesn’t have to dip its head down into the bowl to eat or drink, meaning he/she can still keep watch for any threats. Consider raising the bowl, especially if your cat is elderly and/or has arthritis as it may be more comfortable for your cat to eat that way (less pressure on its joints and less flexion of the neck). 
  • Consider offering food in ceramic or glass bowls. Plastic holds odours and metal is reflective.
  • Keep the food and water stations separate. Being survivalists, cats like to eat in one place and drink in another. Cats living in the wild do this to prevent food (blood and tissue from prey) from contaminating their water (a sick cat is a vulnerable cat) and because it helps to keep the location of their food (and them) a secret.

STILL NOT EATING?
If despite your best efforts you can’t get sufficient calories into your cat, call your veterinarian, who may prescribe an appetite stimulant, a homeopathic remedy, or a vitamin B12 injection.

5 TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE FELINE DINING IN GENERAL (Dr. Karen Becker)

  • Offer food in a variety of ways that gives your cat more control over her environment. When possible, feed smaller, frequent meals throughout the day, instead of two larger meals. Use food puzzles, hunting feeders, or other novel methods that encourage her to actively look for food and burn calories in the process.
  • In a multi-cat household, feed everyone separately. Establish multiple feeding locations that provide solitary access to food. Food puzzles, hunting feeders and regular bowls/saucers containing small amounts of food can be placed in different spots around the house to help satisfy the natural feline desire to dine in different locations. It also encourages cats to spend time hunting for food and allows them to be in control of their food intake.
  • If feasible, feed your kitty from an elevated location, since cats tend to feel safer in high spots where they can see what’s going on around them. These platforms should only be large enough for one cat. Do not put their bowls in a corner as they feel safer when they can view the area for threats, as in nature.
  • Try to place your cat’s food in areas with minimal human activity and away from loud noises and visual threats like a window where your kitty might catch a glimpse of another cat outside.
  • Put food in locations that encourage climbing and set aside time to play with your cat each day, which will provide him with both physical and mental stimulation.

CHECK THE POOP
It sounds weird to some, but it is important to regularly check their poop as it can indicate health concerns. Watch this video about it. Urine is discussed with drinking in last weeks’ article.

Keep your cat healthy and fed by following these tips.   Next week we will look at post-operative care for your pet.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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Fun and Healthy Playtime Tips for Kittens

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Playing with your cat or kitten is such a fun way to bond with them, and it’s beneficial to their health and development as well. Playtime keeps them physically and mentally active, and ensures they get enough exercise.

Cats are naturally curious and intelligent, and they thrive when we provide them with the proper physical and mental stimulation. It’s especially important to help them engage in their natural predatory behaviours, like hunting and stalking.

Toys and games
Try to provide a variety of toys that mimic the prey cats would naturally hunt. Toy mice and birds are ideal, especially if you can simulate movement. Cats have a strong instinctive desire to stalk and catch prey, so you’ll find you have the most success if you can mimic the actions of something they’re likely to hunt.

Encourage your cat to chase and capture the toys, to satisfy their natural hunting instinct. For example, dangle a small toy mouse, ball or feather at the end of a wand or string, and allow your cat to stalk and chase it for several minutes before pouncing and catching it.

If you’re using a laser pointer rather than a physical toy, give your cat a small treat when they “capture” it, to create a feeling of reward and prevent frustration.

Have a few different toys available and rotate them regularly, so your cat stays engaged and doesn’t become bored.

Cats don’t need expensive toys from a pet shop; if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of fun DIY toys you can make with household objects. Cardboard rolls, boxes, plastic bottles or even crumpled pieces of paper are all great for keeping active kitties entertained.

Solo play
If you have an indoor cat, or a cat that might be home alone for long periods while you’re at work, it’s important to give them a variety of opportunities for solo play. This includes safe toys and enrichment items like cat trees, perches, scratching posts or activity centres.

Toys that make noises with bells or “squeakers” are also good options for cats spending time alone, as the sound acts as an extra stimulus during solo play.

Safety tips

  • Be aware of potential safety hazards when playing with your cat.
  • Avoid using plain pieces of string, yarn, elastic bands, ribbon or streamers when playing with your cat. They can easily be swallowed and cause intestinal problems.
  • Never leave your cat unsupervised around hazardous items like string, yarn or plastic bags.
  • Avoid toys with small loose pieces (like “googly eyes”), or pack them away safely after playtime. Don’t use these toys as solo play options.
  • Don’t use your hands or feet as “toys” during playtime. This will encourage a kitten or cat to bite and scratch, thinking it’s an appropriate form of play. You want your cat to associate your hands with petting and feeding, not hunting and biting!

How often should you play with your cat?
How often you play with your kitten or cat will depend on their age, activity level and personal preferences – some cats enjoy playtime more than others. Ideally, you should enjoy two play sessions a day with your cat, of around 15 to 20 minutes each. Most cats prefer short bursts of activity, with naps in between.

If your cat doesn’t feel like playing at first, don’t get discouraged. And if your cat decides to walk away, don’t try to force an interaction. Try different things to engage your cat’s attention and curiosity over time, and you’ll soon start to learn how and when your furry friend prefers to play.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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Relocating With Your Cat

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Relocating with your cat

Cats develop strong bonds with their environment so house moves are potentially stressful. Planning ahead will ensure that the transition from one home to another goes smoothly. After all, this is a traumatic time for you and one less worry would be a good thing!

Moving out and moving in:

  • Before the removal van arrives, it is advisable to place your cat in one room — the ideal location would be a bedroom
  • Put the cat carrier, cat bed, food bowl, water bowl and litter tray in this room and ensure the door and windows remain shut
  • Place a notice on the door so that movers and family members know that this door should be kept shut
  • When all other rooms have been emptied, the contents of the bedroom can be placed in the van last. Before the furniture is removed,
  • your cat should be placed in the cat carrier and put safely in the car to make the journey to the new home
  • The bedroom furniture should be the first to be installed in the new home
  • Offer your cat some cat food
  • Once you’re moved in, your cat can be allowed to investigate the rest of the house one room at a time
  • It is important to remain as calm as possible to signal to your cat that it is a safe environment.
  • Ensure that all external doors and windows are shut
  • Be cautious about allowing your cat unsupervised access to the kitchen or utility room as particularly nervous cats will often seek refuge in narrow gaps behind appliances
  • If your cat is particularly anxious, it may be advisable to place him in a professional kennel the day before the move and then pick him up the day after you are established in your new home

Relocating with your cat

Transporting:

  • If your cat is an anxious traveler, you may wish to speak to your veterinarian before the journey; a mild sedative may be prescribed
  • Feed your cat as normal but ensure the mealtime is at least three hours before travelling
  • Transport your cat in a safe container, i.e., a cat basket or carrier
  • Spray the inside of the cat carrier with synthetic feline facial pheromones (ask your veterinarian) an hour before you place your cat inside
  • Place the carrier in a seat and secure with the seat belt, in the well behind the seat or wedged safely on the back seat so that it cannot move around
  • Do not transport your cat in cargo space of a car or moving truck
  • If it is a long journey, you may want to stop and offer water or a chance to eliminate, although most cats will not be interested
    If it is a hot day, make sure the car is well ventilated; never leave the cat inside a hot car if you stop for a break
     

Helping your cat settle in:

  • Keep your cat indoors for atleast two weeks to get used to the new environment
  • Provide small frequent meals
  • Maintain routines adopted in your previous house to provide continuity and familiarity
  • Help your cat feel secure in his new home by spreading his scent throughout the house. Take a soft cotton cloth (or use lightweight cotton gloves) and rub your cat gently around the cheeks and head to collect the scent from glands around his face. Rub this cloth or glove against the corners of doorways, walls and furniture at cat height to help your cat to become familiar with his territory as quickly as possible. Repeat this process daily until you start to see your cat rubbing against objects
  • Extra care should be given to an indoor cat because a new environment will be potentially unsettling

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Written by: Jean Marie Bauhaus

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How to Care for Cat Paw Pads

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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?

How to 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

How to Care for Cat Paw Pads

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: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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