Sunday, February 16, 2020

How Long Do Indoor & Outdoot Cats Live?


Indoor Cats live nearly three times as long as outdoor cats.  How long do cats live if they are indoors.
Indoor cats mostly are sterilized, vaccinated and removed from the stresses, risks and dangers of the outside word.  They are feed regularly and have easy access to water that is fresh and clean.
They require more attention, more distractions and must be encouraged to get sufficient exercise to avoid obesity  The number varies widely , ranging from 14 to 20 years.

Outdoor Cats have a number of challenges that tend to limit the average cat lifespan of on outdoor cat. Outside means different things depending on where a cat lives.
Does the cat live in an urban, suburban, rural or remote location?
How close does the cat live to roads and  thoroughfares.
These are all limited factors as increase exposure to fleas, ticks and other parastates and illness.
Outdoor cats can also get into fights ad scrapes with other cats and are at an increased risk of accidents.  The average outdoor cats life span is 5.625 years.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Travelling With Pets

 
 
 
The number of dogs, cats and other critters on the family vacation is growing with almost 40 percent of American pet owners traveling with pets each year. 
 
That statistic aligns with the human, and the travel trend is resulting in innovative products that make it easier to hit the road with a dog or cat.
 
To keep pets safe and healthy during travel and reduce trip stress
requires planning and patience. 
 
Be sure your pet is healthy enough for travel. An aging dog with hip pain may not be a great hiking partner while a cat with urinary tract infection problems will undoubtedly leave a mark where it goes.  A checkup at the veterinarian can determine a pet's fitness for travel.
 
Make sure a pets temperament is suited for travel. 
 
Take a dog, cat or other pet on short car rides to monitor stress levels and reactions. A screaming, hissing cat throwing his weight against a cat carrier will ruin even a shore trip, while an agitated dog unrestrained in a car can be dangerous.  Pets may become used to being in a vehicle the more often they are passenger's, so gradually lengthening the
drives may help.
 
A dog should never stick its head outside a car window.  While dogs love sniffing fresh air, their eyes are exposed to dirt, rocks and dust and wind can cause ear irritation and damage.
  Dogs have even come down with lung infections from riding
with their heads out of car windows.
 
Rest stops are a good place to walk a dog and allow it to relive itself. 
 Stretching and exercising for pets and humans are essential on long drives.
 
Never leave an animal in a car on a hot day, even for a few minutes.
In fact, it is now illegal in some states to leave animals in hot cars. 
 

Thursday, September 19, 2019

What Is The Best Kind Of Cat Bed?

Enclosed Cat Bed.   This type of bed is considered one of the best cat beds you can get.


Radiator Cat Bed.   A radiator cat bed has a heater underneath it that provides your cat with plenty of warmth.
                                   

Basket Bed.             Basket beds are perfect for summertime.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Why Cats Have Trouble Loosing Weight


Helping cats loose weight and keep it off is challenging.  Most pet parents humanize their companions, which also means, they mistakenly equate food for love.  Do not replace playtime and quality bonding with food and excessive treats.

Both overfeeding and excess treating are huge contributing factors to the problem of overweight and obese pets, but there are other reasons why owners struggle to help their cats lose pounds.


1.   Not accounting for all calories fed each day.

2. Nor curbing free feeding.

3.Not following appropriate measurement recommendations.

4.  Not considering age.

5. Not accounting for health issues.

Why do Cats Like Boxes?

 
Cats are seeking out confined spaces, like boxes goes back to the instinct, in the wild.  These spaces let cats successfully hide and hunt.  We do not often get to see cats exhibit this behavior in the great outdoors, but they still look for ways to replicate this behavior inside our homes.  This is where the box comes in.

When we introduce the  empty boxes to our domesticated cats, they first carefully investigate the object.  They are completely familiar with every square inch of their domain, so when something new enters, they are obviously curious.  Once their curiosity is satisfied, the instinct kicks in an they hop
inside.

Some also note that the security of a box could mimic the snuggly warmth a kitten feels while cuddling their  mother and littermates.  as a result it is possible that while box sitting, a cat's body releases endorphins that cause pleasure and reduce stress.  

Although it would seem that cats would only like boxes that provide complete concealment.  they enjoy time spent in boxes of any size, and even in representations of boxes.

Cardboard boxes are the most popular and ready available types of boxes that cats like.  Cardboard might effectively retain the cat's body heat, creating a cozy environment.

Another thing to consider is what kind of boxes you are offering your cat.  Giving your cat boxes is a great way to provide an enriching environment.  Cat trees with high-up boxes and elevated hidey holes are felines favorites, while some cats refer hideaways closer to the ground.  Experiment to see  what your cat prefers.

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..