Summertime Cat Care

It is up to you to make sure your cat stays cool as the temperature soars during the long, hot summer.  Here are a few tips that will keep your kitty comfortable and healthy.

Keep your cat's bowl full of clean, cold water.  There is nothing more refreshing than a chilled drink of water on a hot day.  Your cat feels the same way. On a really hot or humid days toss a couple of ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water cool. Do not forget to change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.

Some cats love a game of ice hockey. On a smooth floor, bat an ice cube toward your cat. Swat it back to him if he or she returns your serve.  Continuing the volley until your kitty loses interest is a great way to have fun and to keep cool at the same time.

High humidity combined with heat can put your cat at risk of heat stroke.  On a humid day, keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning.  Outside, an inexpensive water miser can give your cat a little relief.

Give a little more TLC to special needs cats.  Senior cats, very young kittens and sick or debilitated animals are more sensitive to hot weather.  Keep these cats cool at all times and watch them closely for signs of heat-related illness.  

Never leave your cat alone in a car.  Quick trips to the store always take longer than you expect. Leaving the windows cracked will not keep your kitty cool at all. On a summer's day of only 85 degrees the inside car temperature will shoot up to 120 degrees (F) in a matter of minutes even with the windows slightly open.

Check your screens for tears and secure fit.  Cats like to stay cool on the window sill, especially during warm weather.  a cat leaning against a loose or improperly fastened screen, however , may fall.  use safety screens on all open windows and make sure they are installed properly.

Monitor your cat for symptoms of heatstroke.  Heatstroke is a real medial emergency.  If you suspect your pet has heatstroke you must act quickly.   Move your cat to a cool place and immediately contact your veterinarian.  Symptoms of heatstroke include:

Panting

Drooling

Red tongue and lips

Dullness

Weakness and collapsing

Convulsions

Vomiting

Remember summer is a fun season for one and all .  With just a few precautions, you can be sure you and your feline friend will beat the heat.

 

10 Ten Toxins for Cats..

 Lilies:
 Plants in the Ilium species, such as Easter, Tiger and Asiatic lilies, cause  kidney failure in cats.

 Household cleaners:
 Most general purpose cleaners ( Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated
  products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns.

 Flea and tick spot on products for dogs:
 Those that are pyrethroid based ( Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's etc.) cause tremors
 and seizures and can be deadly to cats.

Antidepressant:
 Cymbalta  and Effexor.  Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications.
 Beware  ingestion can cause severe neurological and cardiac effects.

NSAIDS:
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Prescription ADD/ADHD Medications:
These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.

Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications:
Those that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) are particularly toxic, as they damage
 red blood cells and cause liver failure.

Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals:
Common houseplants like the peace lilly, philodendron and pothos can cause
oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation when ingested but severe symptoms are uncommon.

Household insecticides:
Most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it is best  to keep
curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

Glow stick and glow jewelry:
These irresistible toys contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate.
When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming  occurs, but the signs quickly resolve
when the cat eats food or drinks water

Celebrate Earth Day All Week At Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too...

Earth Day is upon us not just for one day, but for each and every day  that we , our children, parent's and pets live on this planet.  A Planet so precious to us that we should not take it for granted.

We will be celebrating all week starting on April 21.

One of our favorite days of the Year!!

What other day encourages us to go out enjoy the outdoors.

Recycle, reuse  and remake.

We have it all at Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too..

Earth Day At Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too...

                                                              Earth Day Is Upon Us!!'

                                       We will be celebrating all week.  Starting April 21.
                                                        One of our favorite days of the year!

                                  What other day encourages us to go enjoy the outdoors...

                                            All made from the United States and local...

                                                      Reuse, remade good for the planet.

                                                Nature's Variety Instinct Rabbit Meal Formula
                                                                  Limited Ingredients..



                    Made with one animal protein source. Grain free and gluten free nutrition. 
                    Unique green tea extract coating for great taste and aroma.

                     Complete and balanced for all life stages and all breeds.

                     If your feline have allergies to good try this formula.

                     Great for cat with allergies.

                      Available at Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too...

Spring Has Arrive At Stinky's

What Is The Ideal Diet For A Pet Rabbit?

The cornerstone of a rabbit's daily diet should be grass, hay and lots of it.  Hay provides the essential
fiber that rabbits and all herbivores need for proper gastrointestinal function and to promote proper dental wear.  High quality grass hay should make up at least 75% of an adult rabbit's diet and should be offered in unlimited amounts.  A lower fiber, higher energy/protein legume hay such as alfalfa is ideal for young pregnant
and lactating pets.

Approximately 20% of a rabbit's diet should come from a measured amount of a complete and uniform fortified food.  One with a proper balance of fiber, carbohydrates, protein and essential micro nutrients such
as vitamins and minerals.  Rabbit owners should choose an age appropriate formula and avoid mixes which allow animals to feed selectively, leading to unbalanced nutritional intake.

Rabbits will additionally appreciate and benefit from small amounts of healthy treats and appropriate greens. Healthy treats made with hay, herbs and freeze-dried fruits and veggies, the higher the fiber and lower the protein carbohydrate level the better.  A small to moderate amount of appropriate greens are great addition to a rabbit's diet as well.  Some good options include romaine, bib and red/green leaf lettuces.

Finally, rabbits should always have unlimited access to clean fresh water from two difference sources, such
as a tip proof bowl and a sipper bottle.