Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Is Your Cat Peeing on The Bed or Couch?


 Are you dealing with your cat who is peeing on the bed, couch, or somewhere in your home?

A cat peeing on the bed, couch etc. is not purposely being bad nor is the cat seeking revenge.
Cats that urinating in the wrong places should not be punished or be closed up in a separate room or in the basement. There are legitimate reasons for this behavior. Cats peeing on the bed send a message that there is a problem that needs attention immediately.

Your cat peeing on the bed or couch is a sign of a medical problem,
Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Many serious medical problems can cause cats to do this.  It could include urinary tract infections, diabetes and arthritis ad well as a host of other painful and serious conditions.

Urinating in high places feels safe to your cat.
They have higher surfaces than the floor and they have a good view.
The elevation is perfect for kittens to identify and escape potential threats and stressor

Cat peeing on the bed indicates issues with the litter box itself.
The cat just does not feel safe using their litter box
If one litter box does not feel right, there needs to be others located throughout your home.
The locations will make the difference between usage and avoidance.
Make sure to provide ample room for your cat when they use the litter box along with scooping once a day.

Inappropriate urination might signal relationship issues.
Mild as well as serious disputes with other cats can cause issues like cat peeing on the bed, chair, couch etc.  Cat fights often occur over status territory and  when  introduced to other cats too quickly in the household.  Dogs can be a source of stress as well.

The situation  needs to be evaluate with new cats introduction. Best at first to be separated and reintroduced gradually to the other resident animals, Most likely you wil have to add more vertical territory - cat trees , shelves and other tall pieces of furniture that the cat's can use.

A cat or kitten often form close attachments with people and other animals..
Sensitive kittens can become anxious when their favorite person is way for an extended period of time, Leave items out with our scent on it around the home like towels, old blankets so they will more relax..

Thursday, September 20, 2018

How To Help A Greiving Cat



Whether it is sadness over the loss of a feline or human friend.
Cats can and do grieve.


While cats do no like change in general.  They often adapt to without some support.
But we can help get them through the process.


Keep the routine the same as usual.  Spend quality time.  Check your emotions.
Cats are very sensitive creatures and they pick up on emotions. 

If you are also grieving deeply, your cat is likely to grieve the loss harder.  

Seek veterinary help if your cat seems to be stuck in grief for a long time or is acting sick or refusing to eat. 
  

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

10 Cat Skin Problems & How To Handle Them...





1.  Abscess:

An abscess is a painful collection of pus at the site of a bite or puncture wound.
Abscesses form a firm swelling that becomes soft with time and can rupture and spill out 
purulent discharge. Related abscesses are found on a cat's forequarters or abdomen.
 They can sometimes appear near the tail of a cat is bitten while trying to flee.The best way to prevent abscesses is to keep your cat indoors.



2.  Ear Mites:

If your cat is tilting and shaking their head, scratching at the ears and has excessive
brown or waxy material in their ear canal.They may have ear mites.This condition causes tremendous itching and irritation, and if left untreated can lead to bacterial infection. Ear mites are treated by applying ear drops that contain a mite-killing chemical and cleaning the ears with a cotton ball.


3.  Contact Dermatitis:

Symptoms of this condition include red, itchy bumps and inflamed skin at the
site of contact with a chemical or other irritant. It can also be caused by rubber 
or plastic food dishes.

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to keep cats away from areas where chemicals are being used and to feed your cats with glass,stainless steel or lead-free ceramic dishes.

4.  Feline Acne:

In feline acne, comedones also know as blackheads, form on the underside of  the chin and edges of the lips. Cat acne my be associated with plastic or rubber food and water dishes. In severe cases of this skin condition, antiseborrheic shampoos, such as those containing benzoyl peroxide or benzoyl peroxide gels are used to break down the excess oils.

5.  Flea Allergy Dermatitis:

This cat skin problem is an itchy pimple like bumps that form over the base of the tail, back of the rear legs and inner thighs.  Although many cats can get fleas and not have any reaction,in sensitive cats it can take just one flea bite to cause hours or days of symptoms. The best way to prevent flea allergy
dermatitis is with good flea control. Spot-on treatments sold at veterinarians office are typically the most effective, but there are a number of chemical free methods that can be effective when used properly.

6.  Food Allergy Dermatitis:

Some cats are very sensitive to certain ingredients or preservatives in their food.This sensitivity can result in severe itching over the head, neck and back.  along with swelling of the eyelids.  It is often complicated by hair loss and oozing sores from constant scratching and biting. Treatment for this condition typically involves an elimination diet to see what ingredients the cat is reacting to. Some vets
may give steroid shots to ease the swelling and itching and give the skin a chance to heal from any damage.


7.Stud Tail:

Stud tail is caused by glands near the tail that excrete oils. The result is a greasy, rancid smelling waxy brown material at the top of the tail near the base.This condition is most often found in un-neutered toms, but fixed males and females cats can get it too. Treatment of stud tail in cats involves neutering if needed and twice daily washes with a shampoo to break down excess oils.

8.  Ringworm:

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious to other animals and to humans.  Symptoms of this skin condition include round patches that show central hair loss with a red ring at the periphery.  In some cats, it only shows as broken hairs around the face and ears.  Ringworm requires veterinary 
treatment with anti fungal medications and extensive cleaning and sterilizing of the home,.

9.  Sunburn:

Cats with light colored fur and hairless breeds  are very prone to sunburn. Should be kept out of direct sunlight between 10 am. and 2 pm. To reduce the risk of sunburn and minimize the long term risk of developing skin cancer such as melanoma.

10.  Psychogenic Alopecia: 

This is the thinning of the fur in a stripe down the back or on the abdomen cause by compulsive self grooming.  Compulsive grooming behavior is often caused by stress, so treatment involves minimizing the affected cat's stress level through use of feline pheromone diffusers, creating a calm environment 
and  redirecting the cat's nervous energy through play.  In severe cases, vets may recommend a short course of anti-anxiety medication.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Jet Set Pets

It is getting easier to vacation with your fur baby.
When it come to flying, airline policies on pets in the cabin vary, but American Airlines and Delta Air Lines allow dogs or cats. (Delta also allows birds) to fly in carriers that can fit under the seat.
The fee is $125 each way on domestic flights.  International travel gets complicated.
Southwest Airlines charges $95. Service animals fly free.

Airports that serve more than 10,000 passengers a year are now required to have pet relief areas inside terminals, often small patches of fake grass with a cute red fire hydrant .


When taking Amtrak on most routes, animals that are 20 pounds or less to ride in a pet carrier for $25 if the trip is less than seven hours. 


When dinning, many restaurants are allowing
 dinner to eat with their dogs in outdoor patio areas.  In part thanks to loosening city laws.

When lodging, vacation rentals are a good option for traveling with Fido. About 25 percent of homes listed at Home Away are billed as pet friendly.
Some hotel chains including Red Roof Inn and Kimpton Hotels, welcome pets for free. Other hotels charge a fee but include pet perks.  The Cypress Inn In Carmel , California where your dog can stay for an extra $30 per night, hosts Yappy hour most evenings.  Humans sip wine, pooches eat grilled chicken.

Before setting off, research pet friendly businesses at your destination or at points along the way.
At:  bringfido.com or gopetfriendly.com 

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Did You Know?



A frightened cat will lose it's hair within seconds. 
It is a safe guard so that when he or she gets into a 
fight.  Does not loose skin too.

When another animal grabs with claws or teeth, fur will come out easy and loosen the animals grip.

Your cat looses a lot more at the veterinarian' office  than he or she does at home.