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. 

 

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.

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.

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..

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. 
  

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.