Tag: kitty

As the calendar year approaches the holidays, you might have a lot on your mind. Perhaps you’re thinking about what type of pie to have at Thanksgiving, or maybe you’re wondering how big your Christmas tree needs to be to fill your place. If you’re a pet owner, especially of a cat, you know that they’re going to be near the top of your concerns. However, no matter how well of a cat aficionado you are, you may have forgotten one thing:

How do I keep my cat cozy during the holiday?

The winter weather will have a demonstrable effect on your feline friends, but there are many things to consider to make sure they are comfy.

Cats Sleep More During the Winter

The holidays fall around the same time that daylight outside becomes sparse. As a result, this can cause melatonin levels in pets to increase while serotonin levels to decrease. While the former leads to more lethargy or relaxation, the latter as a neurotransmitter affects mood regulation.

What does this mean for cats? More sleep! This is not to be a cause for concern, as sleeping is considered a show of being “content” with their surroundings. However, you can give your snoozy cat more light by placing their bed closer towards the window to get greater sun exposure.
Cats Eat More During the Winter
Not only does winter impact the sleeping pattern of cats, but it can affect their eating habits. The old adage of “eating more for winter hibernation” is not just for bears and other creatures in the wild. Cats increase their eating during his time in order to keep energized and warm during activity.

This is important to know if you’re concerned about your cats weight. Moderate your cat’s food intake during the winter to ensure that they are not overeating, and encourage more eating during the summer months when they are not as prone to eating as much. By tipping the “food scales” in this manner, you’ll allow your fluffy friend to keep a consistent weight right around the holidays.

Not All Cats Stay Warm During Winter

At first glance, you may think that a cat is able to survive against the harsh winds and snow of winter because of its fur. While this may be true for some cats, it definitely isn’t the gold standard for all. Cats with thicker fur will be able to handle it better, but species with thin fur will not be as lucky. This is especially true if they are “outside” pets or happen to find themselves out of the house.

To prevent your feline family member from getting hypothermia or other cold-weather ailments, consider keeping them inside at all times and blocking any exits that may get them out. Once inside, you can help keep them cozy with small sweaters or coats designed for them (provided the material does not irritate their skin). Not only will this add an extra layer of protection against cold temperatures, it allows your pet to take part in the holiday festivities!

Winter weather makes a wonder of us all, and that includes our pets. If you’re a cat owner and concerned about how the cold air will affect your little friend, don’t panic. By knowing how their sleep and eating habits will increase and what to do in case they do come across frosty temperatures, you can ensure that your cat will stay cozy through the holidays and beyond.

Sources:
https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/do-cats-get-cabin-fever-in-winter/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140528114828.htm
https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/grooming-and-daily-care/winter-cat-care

Whether you’re an avid gardener or mostly enjoy the flowers on walks with your dog, it’s important to understand that certain plants can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Knowing which plants in and around your home could potentially harm your pets is a critical part of keeping them healthy and safe. Once you do, it’s easy to find pet-safe alternatives for a dog-friendly garden or indoor space.

Browse Rover’s list of poisonous plants below to learn which plants are toxic to dogs, cats, or both, along with whether they’re commonly found in the wild, in gardens, or in homes as houseplants. Pet Poison Helpline provided common symptoms to watch out for should your pet encounter one of these poisonous plants.

African Evergreen
African Wonder Tree
Alocasia
Aloe Vera

FOR A COMPLETE LIST – CLICK HERE

Important: This list is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary help. If your pet has ingested a plant and is exhibiting strange behaviors or symptoms, contact your vet immediately, or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Source:
www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
www.rover.com/blog/10-safe-plants-dogs-can-add-almost-garden-right-now/

You’ve seen them on the internet, you’ve seen them on Instagram, and you’ve seen them walking down the street. You may even know friends or family who have one (or two) but didn’t really think to get one.

Until now.

What you’re thinking of getting is a cat, a lovable furry companion that has enough calmness yet character to keep you entertained for years. However, cats are unique animals in the way you feed, interact, and take care of them, and your actions could mean the difference between having a lifetime of comfort or ounces of misery. If you’re a first-time cat owner, there are quite a few things you need to know before you buy or adopt a feline friend.

1. Consider Which Personality Type You’re Getting

Cats are like any creature in that they can vary in breed, but they can also vary in personality. According to research from the University of South Australia, there are five different personality types demonstrated in cats:
Skittish
Outgoing
Dominant
Spontaneous
Friendly
These traits give cats their own flair and character and can mirror well with their owner, but it can also lead to behavior issues. For example, skittish cats can be very anti-social and run away from guests, while spontaneous cats can act without reason, leading to stress. If you’re buying or adopting an older cat, check with the previous owner to see what traits it exhibited.

2. Kitten and Adult Cats Require Different Things

If you’re a parent, then you know how raising a baby is different than raising a child or teenager. The same thing applies to kittens and cats. While both are wonderful additions to your family, deciding which one to get is going to depend on your lifestyle. Kittens are still getting used to the world around them and require nurturing and patience. Once a cat is older, it becomes more independent and self-reliant, so it will be comfortable being left alone for hours on end (provided that you give it food and water). So, knowing how much time you can invest in your pet when you first get it is very critical.

3. Get the Right Food (And Avoid the Wrong Ones)

Shopping for cat food can be daunting if you’ve never had a cat before, but understanding their diet can go a long way towards saving money and health issues. It’s recommended that cats eat wet food over dry food because of the added moisture, but the food itself poses some extra variables. Whole animal protein should be the first thing listed in the ingredients list if you are choosing to feed your cat manufactured food.

That’s not to say that cats can eat human food, but it becomes even more tricky. Cats can enjoy food with fat in it in moderation, and favorites like eggs and cooked poultry can give your furry feline some additional vitamins and protein.

4. Cats Sleep…A Lot.

Cats are very active pets, but only during certain hours of the day. They’re considered crepuscular, meaning that most of their activity is reserved for dawn and dusk hours. Even then, they can adapt their sleeping schedule to their feeding schedule, so knowing when you are able to feed your cat throughout the day can give you a general idea of their active hours. Still, don’t be surprised to see your new cat sleep for many hours on end, as it is completely normal.

5. Your Home is Their Home Now…Fix It.

Many first-time pet owners, including cat owners, think that getting a new pet means that you can keep your home the way it is. However, just like bringing a baby into your home for the first time, bringing a cat into the home requires a few changes of scenery. Cats can be adventurous in a new setting, so you have to consider which things might be attractive to them to play with or bite on.

Cords, blinds, and sewing equipment can be alluring to your cat, so you should put those out of sight in order to avoid them playing with it or panicking after getting tangled up. Plants like lilies and tulips need to be away from eating distance, and windows and balconies should be closed to prevent falling. Think about the things valuable to you in your home, and think about how valuable your new cat is to you now.

Cats are lovable, playful creatures ready to be welcomed into your home, but it requires work and patience if it’s your first time. Understand what type of cat you’re getting, what diet they need, and the home life you’re building for them. Once you do, you’re all set for a fun feline friend!

Sources:

Your Cat Fits One of These 5 Personality Types — Which One?

https://www.cuteness.com/13708962/what-do-cats-like-to-eat
https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_why_do_cats_sleep_so_much
https://www.vets-now.com/2017/01/cat-proof-your-house/