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You are here: Home / Archives for Articles / Cat Health

Cat Grooming Arch: Ideal for Grooming AND Hard to Reach Itches!

December 14, 2018 By Joi

The Cat Grooming Arch, pictured here, is a favorite with our cats!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Hannah loved her Cat Grooming Arch. When I wasn’t available (brush in hand) to groom her, she was able to brush up beside and underneath her arch to get rid of loose hair or (more importantly) to scratch an itch.

Fact is, I think she used it most of the time simply because it felt good!

This Cat Grooming Arch  is very similar to the one Hannah had – in fact, only the base looks different.  This particular one also comes with a bag of catnip, which we all know would make any cat’s day complete.

I actually need to order one of these arches for Alexa. She has very long hair and when she tries to groom herself, it leads to awful hairballs. I hate to see the agony they cause her and know this particular arch could help eliminate most, if not all, of the problem.

From Amazon:

  • Brushes your kitty’s fur for you
  • Great for cats that shed
  • Your cat will love the massage-like bristles
  • Carpet pad is easy to clean
  • Measures 14.5 inches tall

See Cat Grooming Arch for more information. I have it on good authority that your cat(s) will get a lot of blissful use out of this arch.

My beautiful and sweet Hannah

Beautiful, sweet Hannah – I’ll always miss her!

Filed Under: Cat Furniture, Cat Grooming, Cat Health Tagged With: Cat Furniture, cat grooming arch, pampered cats

How to Deal With Cats Who Pee in all the Wrong Places and Even Wet the Bed…. Yours!

October 8, 2018 By Joi

Princes Huck

Cats are peculiar, wonderful, amazing, adorable, intelligent, peculiar, entertaining, precious, beautiful, peculiar, and then some. Did I mention they were peculiar? Because they most certainly are.

You could have 50 cats in the course of your life (if you’re lucky) and odds are no two will ever be quite the same in temperament, personality, and manners. What’s even more fascinating to me is that you could (at any one given time), have three from the same litter and each will probably be completely original. They may look alike, but few ever act alike.

Many people experience, firsthand, just how different and peculiar cats can be when it comes to their pottying behaviors and habits. I hear from people often who have cats that get pretty creative with their peeing habits. Some cats, who have a diversion to litter boxes, have been known to prefer bathroom rugs, dirty clothes (these are the lucky cat parents, in my opinion), furniture, and even beds.

If your cat pees anywhere other than the litter box, you first need to take a long, hard look at the litter box.

  • Is it clean? Litter boxes need to be cleaned several times a day – not just once and certainly not once every other day.
  • If you have more than one cat, do you have more than one litter box? One box per two cats is a good ratio. Cats are very particular about their “business” and don’t want to share their sacred spot with too many others.
  • Is the litter box easy to get in and out of? Some cats (whether it’s due to age, weight, or a previous injury) have trouble getting in and out of high-sided litter boxes. Your solution may be as simple as a shorter box.
  • Is it in a safe, quiet place? Many cats are uncomfortable using a litter box that’s near loud noises (tv, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers….). In fact, if the cat in question has her “accidents” consistently in one place of the home, the location may give you a clue. We had a little girl (cat, of course!) who insisted on peeing on bathroom rugs. After I answered the two questions above with a, “Yes,” “Yes,” and a, “Yes,”  I asked myself,  “What is it about the bathrooms that she’d find more attractive for peeing than the litter box?” The answer was fast and furious – they’re quieter. The litter boxes were in another part of the house, fairly near ever-present kitchen activity and well-within earshot of ever-playing televisions. Being a very timid cat, by nature, she was apparently more comfortable in quieter settings. When you come to this type of realization, you may have to get another litter box and put it in the quietest place you can find for the rebel cat.
  • Some cats may not like a hooded litter box – most cats use whatever is available but I have heard of people having to simply remove the hood.

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter (pictured at the right) is one you may want to try if you have a cat who has forgotten how the whole litter box thing works (or if you’re training a new cat). I’d definitely recommend clicking through and reading all about it. It sounds absolutely amazing… the thing that sold me on it was the first review at the bottom of the page.

This litter sounds like the very thing that could solve MANY cat litter problems.

If the litter box situation passes inspection, make absolutely certain the cat is healthy.

  • A quick trip to the vet can make certain your cat doesn’t have an underlying health problem.
  • Often, for reasons we humans may never understand, having a cat spayed or neutered solves the problem. Again, I have no idea why – maybe it calms them down a bit.. who knows? But I’ve seen cats suddenly accept litter boxes again once they were spayed or neutered. Seems the problem is often fixed once they are!

Bed-Wetting Cats

Now, we cat lovers know that they aren’t always the most well-mannered “toddlers.”  However, when they resort to peeing on their parent’s bed, that takes mischievousness to a whole other level! While getting to the bottom of litter, litter box, or temperament or health issues, there are a few things to do to save your sanity and your bedtime:

  • Buy a large waterproof shower curtain liner. Use it directly on top of your covers (if you don’t mind the looks of it). The “feel” of the liner turns off most cats – and, IF the bed-wetter decides to risk it all and still wet the bed, only the liner gets wet, saving your covers, sheets, and mattress.  You could always put a cheap “who really cares about this blanket anyway” directly under the liner for further protection.
  • If the liner lying on top is a turn off, buy an inexpensive comforter to place right on top of the liner… one that (should it get wet), won’t disrupt the rest of your linens.
  • If the cat has soiled your mattress, it’s a real headache to try to get rid of the smell. Febreeze just won’t “cut it.” You’ll need an Odor Neutralizer Made Specifically for Cats. Spray this on the mattress to get rid of the urine smell that their little noses can still pick up.
  • Buying a mattress cover can also put the odds back in your favor.

Whatever you do, don’t yell (and for Heaven’s sake NEVER hit) a cat. Cats are not like human children or dogs. They do not understand what you consider “discipline,” and will only think you are mean and are trying to harm or kill them. It will affect your relationship with your cat in a horrible, often irreversible way. Imagine if someone with a similar size advantage yelling at or striking you!

It simply does not work – you cannot reason with a cat. You have to outsmart them.

Go through each of the steps above and find the solution that works for your family. If it comes down to simply buying extra throw rugs and washing them frequently and using a shower curtain liner and extra covers on your bed (or shutting your bedroom door, if that’s an option) – trust me, the companionship, love, and entertainment a cat brings to your home is more than worth it.


Filed Under: Cat Health, Cat Litter, Litter Boxes, Removing Cat Urine Tagged With: cat litter, cats who wet the bed, litter box problems

Collapsible 3-Way Cat Tunnel: One of Our Favorite Toys for Cats and Kittens

August 8, 2017 By Joi

Two of our cats recently had kittens – you can surely imagine the crazy fun we’ve had the past few months! All of our cats love to play, but kittens treat playing like oxygen – if they’re awake, they’re looking for something to get into.

We bought them a collapsible cat tunnel and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bigger hit. Kittens and grown cats, alike, are losing their minds over this tunnel! They carry toys into the tunnel, run through it top-speed, hide out inside the tunnel (their hide and seek games are especially epic), and even fall asleep inside – right in the middle of playing.

I’ve gotten a kick out of watching the kittens play with it, but I think I’ve gotten even more joy from watching the older cats “become kittens again” by playing with it. Tunnels like this stimulate a cat’s creativity and heighten their shenanigans. Trust me, it’s really something to behold.

Playtime isn’t just fun for your cat (and you), it’s wonderful exercise AND keeps his/her mind active and keeps them from becoming bored. A bored cat is a miserable cat – toys are the best way to keep that from happening.

Tunnels have an advantage on a lot of cat toys – they can be enjoyed (and will be enjoyed) by the cat even when its humans aren’t home.

See: Eyourlife’s 3-Way Cat Tunnel for more information!


Filed Under: Cat Health, Cat Toys Tagged With: best cat toys, Cat Toys, Collapsible Cat Tunnel

Diabetes in Cats and Dogs: Risk Factors That Increase Their Risk

July 18, 2017 By Joi

This was created by Cash Now Offer.
All pet “parents” want to protect their furry babies from harm and sickness. We go to great lengths and often spare no expense to keep them as healthy as possible. One very real danger to pets is diabetes. I had a toy poodle, once, who developed diabetes. Thanks to excellent medical care, he lived a very long and very, very happy life. Fortunately, he kept regular, scheduled vet visits so he was, in fact, diagnosed (and treated) before we even noticed unusual symptoms.
Another reason to make and keep regular appointments with your pet’s vet!

Filed Under: Cat Health Tagged With: Cat Health, feline diabetes, risk factors for pet diabetes

Pet Adoptions and Rehoming: Animal Shelters Need Our Help (Infographic)

April 6, 2017 By Joi

The infographic below shows just how greatly local humane shelters need our help and support. It’s a very real problem and it’s a growing problem, especially here in the States. Do all you can – even if it’s just donating dry food or cans to your local shelter. – Joi (“Joy”)


Image courtesy of PBS Pet Travel

Filed Under: Cat Health, Cat Safety, Infographics Tagged With: cat infographics, pet infographics

Tips for Making Older Cats More Comfortable

April 4, 2017 By Joi

I’ve had and loved cats, literally, all of my life. I can’t even begin to imagine a home or life without at least one cat. I’ve always had several indoor cats as well as several (oftentimes SEVERAL!) outdoor cats.

Some of my cats have lived exceptionally long lives and I can say this – nothing in the world is any sweeter, more enjoyable, or more lovable than an older cat. Older cats do, of course, require extra consideration.

Recently, we had a kitten (Guen) move into the house – a house where a 13 year-old-diva-cat (Alexa) reigns supreme. The entire process has amazed me for several reasons. For one thing, do kittens ever run out of energy?!?!

Naturally we’ve enjoyed outdoor kittens over the years, but this is the first kitten we’ve had in the house in years. The energy level and amount of wonder and curiosity are pretty amazing and I’m loving every moment.

Ironically, caring for (and preparing your home for) a kitten is very much like caring for (and preparing your home for) an older cat.

  1. You have to make sure there’s nothing that can fall on them if they (kitten) ram into a table or shelf or (older cat with dimming eyesight) accidentally bump into the same table or shelf.
  2. You have to make sure they have comfortable beds in several places throughout the house. Kittens and older cats are liable to have a nap attack at any given moment and a nice, comfortable bed all their own is highly important. Younger cats often climb onto furniture to nap, whereas older cats (whether they’re lazy, have a little arthritis setting in, have diminished eyesight, or simply lack the wherewithal or inclination to jump if they don’t have to) usually favor low-to-the-ground beds.  I have a bed for Alexa in my home office – right beside my desk, so she’s always near me during the day. I have another bed in the den, so she can retire near the tv at night to stay close to my husband and I (though, most of the time her favorite place to sit is beside “dad” on the couch). She also, of course, has a huge bed in our bedroom where she sleeps (and snores!) through the night. Multiple beds are simply one of the kindest and most loving things you can do for an older cat. But make sure they’re easy to get in and out of – the less they have to jump, the better. The Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed (pictured at the top) makes a perfect cat bed for an older cat. More on it in a minute…
  3. Two words: Fresh water. This tip (as well as others, obviously) is applicable for cats of all ages, but it’s one that I list any chance I get because so many people overlook it. We wouldn’t want to drink day-old, dirty water, so we shouldn’t make our cats. I provide fresh, cool water throughout the day for our cats (inside and out).
  4. If you have reason to suspect that your older gal or guy would need glasses, if available (don’t you wish they were?!?) – keep this in mind at all times. When a cat or dog begins to have trouble with their vision, extra care must be taken to keep them safe, comfortable, and confident. Be CERTAIN you don’t move furniture around or place anything (even a new rug) along their preferred paths. Cats with failing vision get around amazingly – but they do so because they’ve made a mental map of their home. If you change anything, it’ll make for one very confused and frustrated little one.
  5. This tip is for older cats and/or cats with vision problems: No loud or sudden noises. Bad for the nerves! Always try to keep the house as calm as possible. This, of course, doesn’t count the noises he/she is already accustomed to. If my husband and I didn’t make plenty of noise while watching our favorite baseball team (St. Louis Cardinals!), Alexa would think something was wrong. She’s VERY accustomed to us questioning the umps, cheering for our team’s home runs, booing for the other team’s home runs, etc. Again, if all that racket stopped, she’d think something was rotten in Denmark! Also, if you have kids or grand-kids and the cat is used to their noise… it shouldn’t be a problem. Just be sure everyone knows to approach an older cat slowly, calmly, and to… by all means… let them know you’re headed their way.
  6. Never “roughhouse” with an older cat – it’ll only frighten them and you could very well hurt them, without meaning too, of course.

Basically, this is the time to pamper your little girl or boy more than ever!

One final tip from someone who has had quite a few cats who lived WAY longer than you’d expect: When you look at your cat (whether they’re 10, 15, 20, or 24), do NOT think of “losing” them. Think only of  “having” and “loving” them. This is something I realized when one of my cats (Prissy) hit 15 years old. Every time I looked at her, I found my heart feeling heavy – thinking about how badly it would hurt when I lost her. That sort of pain is bad enough to feel just once… when you actually have to say goodbye. Don’t  invite those feelings into your life a minute before. Think of how blessed you are to have this little bundle of fur, how much you love her/him, and how you are going to do everything in your power to make them as comfortable as possible.

I caught myself (when Prissy turned 15) and turned my thinking around. She went on to have 5 more birthdays!

Why The Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed Makes a Perfect Bed for Older Cats:

This beautiful bed has “easy access” – the older cat doesn’t have to jump in or out of bed, which is something older cats greatly appreciate. The material is incredibly soft and comfortable – perfect for an older cat. I also love that its “walls” provide extra support and comfort. The fact that it’s so darn good-looking (and machine washable) are icing on the cake. Click through Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed for more information. This deluxe beauty is just the thing your pampered baby would love to curl up in.

 


Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Beds, Cat Health, Cat Safety, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: caring for older cats, cat bed for older cats, making older cats more comfortable, tips for caring for older cats

Thermal Warming Pad for Outside (or Inside!) Cats Couldn’t Be Safer…

November 16, 2016 By Joi

Cat Thermal Bed

Thermal Warming Mat

If you’ve read my cat blog for long you know that we have an ever-changing number of outside cats (who we love to distraction) and a diva inside cat (also loved to distraction). Alexa, the Diva, doesn’t see any reason to welcome any of her siblings indoors with her (and traumatizing an aging cat isn’t something I’m looking to do), so our “outdoor babies” remain our “outdoor babies.”

A “colony” of feral cats has joined our family and they are as much a part of our family as the rest of our whiskered cuties.  This would actually be the perfect type of blanket or cat bed to provide to feral cats – one they’d appreciate a lot! It could be placed inside a huge crate or box out of the wind and rain/snow.

Fortunately, contrary to what many humans believe, cats love the outdoors! So much to see, do, and explore – they never get bored. We live out in the “boondocks,” so to speak, so they’re perfectly safe from dogs and traffic.

They’re actually as spoiled as any  indoor cat.

  • We buy new blankets for them when their’s get worn.
  • They have two “cat houses” one of my sons-in-law built for them.
  • We call our carport “Kitty City” and this is their domain. There are chairs with throws, blankets, and even a few “tents” they LOVE getting inside. Naturally there’s an ever-rotating colony of Amazon boxes for them to explore as well.
  • They have a huge old shed they can get into when it’s raining – IF, that is, they consent to leave “Kitty City” and their wooden houses.

The only time I get concerned for them is when it’s really cold outside.  One of their smaller houses is “heated” as in it has a great heating pad that’s plugged in and activated from inside. We’ve used it for three winters in a row and the cats love it.  This particular house sits up off the ground – on top of a much larger house.

I told you they were spoiled.

The larger house is really big, so we’ve been trying to decide how to provide warmth to it. It’s actually so big that if all the cats simply got in there and huddled, they’d keep each other pretty warm! I was looking on Amazon earlier for “thermal warming pads” – the safest heating pads imaginable, since they are “heated” by the cat’s own body heat.

I found the Thermal Warming Mat pictured here (available in Brown Suede and Giraffe Print).

I love the size of this mat – I think three would be ideal for the larger house. I also love how pretty they are because I’d also like to get one for inside for Alexa. Inside cats would love these mats year-round because, very often, our idea of a reasonable “summer thermostat” setting is like a blistery winter day to a cat.

Speaking of summer, there’s even a cool gel insert for the mat (sold separately) that you can buy when the weather warms up.

See Thermal Warming Mat  for more information. At just a little over $15, this is a really great deal.

Cat Thermal Bed

Filed Under: Cat Beds, Cat Health, Cat Safety, Feral Cats, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: cat thermal mat, keeping outdoor cats warm, warm cat beds

How to Care for a Cat Who Has Diminished Vision or is Totally Blind

October 5, 2016 By Joi

Alexa

Alexa: Spoiled and Loving It

Sometimes in life, beautiful blessings come with sorry side-effects. For example, if you’re blessed enough to live a really long life, you will know aches and pains as well as diminished hearing and vision! If you’re blessed to live a really, really long life, your memories may begin to play hide and seek.

Often BAD rides into town on GOOD’s back.

The same is true with our beloved cats. As they grow older, they very often develop vision problems.  Cats over 10 will often have a “foggy” appearance to their eyes and their vision will change.. and not for the better.  The good news is that cats adapt beautifully and can often find their way around their home in spite of Father Time’s cruelty.

Of course, some cats have diminished vision and even blindness as the result of accidents or illnesses aside from age. Caring for a precious cat who just so happens to not have perfect vision is both easy (most of it is common sense) and can be a joy. How? It will only lead you to a closer relationship with your furry baby – and that’s always a joyful thing.

In our family, our house cats live a very long time. Since they’re treated and loved like family – which they are – that’s a very good thing! However, we’ve seen, firsthand and firstpaw, that an older cat’s vision can change rapidly.

First Order of Business: Take a Deep Breath and Don’t Freak Out

If you love your cat like I do mine, it’s a love that’s difficult to explain. They are very much like our children, aren’t they? Funny, furry, ridiculously lovable children! When you first see that your cat’s eyes are changing or when you begin to notice that they stand in the middle of a room and “call out” for you rather than walk right to you, it’s easy to… well… fall apart. That’s exactly what I did when my much beloved Prissy lost her eyesight.

I bawled and bawled and bawled.  Which, of course, did nobody any good. What I didn’t realize at the time was that she’d go on to live a happy (even more pampered) life after her vision failed.

Now, our much beloved cat Alexa is experiencing diminished vision (again, age-related). As was the case with Prissy, I first noticed it in the eyes – the pupils began to be dilated for the better part of the day and there was (in certain lights) a foggy haze on the eyes.

Prissy, who was known for jumping anywhere and everywhere also began to stop jumping. She’d stand in front of a bed, couch, or chair, and wait to be lifted. Spoiled!

Because Alexa is still able to see (she has more trouble with judging how close/far things are and can’t see in the dark as well as she used to), she gets around find. She still jumps up on her favorite spots and has no problem (at all!) finding her food and water and hasn’t missed a litter box visit once.

At nighttime, for as long as I can remember, we have a routine in our home. My husband and I settle in on the couch in the den and Alexa joins us – she either runs me out of my spot on the couch or she jumps into a big basket that’s all hers. About a month ago, instead of simply coming onto the scene, she began standing in a hallway near the den and “calling out” to us. Then she listens to see where our voices are coming from and slowly joins us.

By that time of night, the house is pretty dark, so that’s really the only time I notice any issue whatsoever.

If you’re experiencing age-related vision loss with your cat (if it’s something different, see your vet), I promise you, it’s going to be fine. You will become even closer to your cat as she/he will now need to be cared for much as a kitten would. This will give you even more opportunities to make her/him feel extra loved and, yes, even pampered.

Below are Tips for Caring for a Cat with Partial or Complete Vision Loss 

  • If you feel that the vision loss (either partial or complete) could be health-related (as opposed to simply a by product of a very old little girl or boy), make an appointment with the vet. Hypertension in cats is treatable with medicine and I’ve read that often doing so can restore vision loss, if it’s related to the hypertension.
  • Keep your visually-impaired cat indoors. At all times. A cat who lacks good vision is very vulnerable and there are far too many things that could go wrong outdoors.
  • Again, I can’t say this enough – stay calm. Cats are exceptionally perceptive and they can pick up on our emotions. They hear it in our voice and they sense it. Don’t bring any negative emotions into the equation. IF your cat is annoyed with the vision change, doing so will only make it worse.
  • Keep in mind that cats do NOT think like we do. They’d be quick to point out that they’d never stoop to that level! Your cat is NOT thinking, “I used to chase that red dot and… sigh… I’ll never do that again…” More likely than not, they’re wondering why their humans suddenly stopped paying the light bill! Cats adapt quickly, too. The way they’re seeing or not seeing now is their reality. They do NOT think of a time when they could see… they do NOT fret about being able to see tomorrow. They’re beautifully “in the moment” and approach life like, “It is what it is. They didn’t pay the light bill and now we’re all in the dark. Well.. let’s make the best of it.”
  • If your cat still has most or even just some of her/his vision, but struggles in dark places, buy a couple of night lights.  One placed near their food dish and one near the litter box would, each, be greatly appreciated. You can even find motion-detected night lights which are pretty darn cool.
  • Keep noises in your home as quiet as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t turn on the tv (our cats have always enjoyed the tv actually) and it doesn’t mean you can run the washer or dishwasher – these are all noises your cat is familiar with and they will not startle him/her. However, sudden loud noises (balloons bursting, alarms going off…) can be extra frightening when you can’t see well.
  • If you know there’ll be extra noise (company, electric mixer, etc..), carry your cat to another part of the house. Sometimes, when we have company, I carry Alexa into the back of the house and put her to bed – something she never minds (can’t blame her). Try to keep things as calm and peaceful as possible and if you have kids either visiting or living with you – make sure they understand completely that the cat is NOT to be scared or chased under any circumstances.
  • Be mindful of making a little extra noise when you enter the room your cat is in. Cats startle easily anyway, but even more so if their vision is diminished. It can cause them to feel pretty vulnerable.  Most cats can hear the footsteps and can even identify their particular “human” by the footsteps. I’ll often go ahead and talk to Alexa when I enter the room anyway.  Some cat parents hum or whistle so they know they’re approaching, but, since I always over-think everything, I don’t want to do anything I wouldn’t normally do. I don’t normally whistle or hum… but, Heaven knows, I normally talk!
  • You can (and should) still play with your cat. Look for cat toys that make noise – ones that sound like a bird or mouse are especially fun for your cat. The “crinkling” toys are also a hoot and a half for them and catnip will be enjoyed as much now as ever. [See: Chickadee Chirp and the adorable Play-N-Squeak at Night Twinkle Mouse Light-Up Toy]
  • If your cat has completely lost their vision, consider confining them to a certain portion of the house. Sometimes, for the cat’s safety (and if they have trouble finding their litter box), it’s best to buy gates and confine them to a certain part of the house – even if it means removing them at nighttime so they can join you in the bedroom.  Prissy completely lost her vision and had to be confined to a particular area – which she didn’t seem to mind. By the time a cat has gotten so old that he/she loses vision, they’re too old to worry about roaming much anyway. They remind me of a grandfather in his favorite recliner – there’s no place he’d rather be!
  • Speaking of litter boxes…. If your cat’s vision “isn’t what it used to be,” they will locate their litter box by memory and/or smell. In other words, this isn’t the time to move it around or mask the odor with a new scent you’ve never used before. Simply keep the routine and location the same as it has always been. Trust me, your cat will adapt much better than you think she will.
  • Don’t rearrange furniture or add a new piece unexpectedly.  Cats are very much creatures of habit and know where things in their castle are located and they expect them to be there. When Prissy lost her vision completely, I was amazed to watch her navigate through the house. It was as though she knew exactly how many steps would take her from her food dish to her favorite napping place (the living room couch). She’d walk the distance, then veer to the left in order to find the couch or, as she knew it, bed. If I had, for some inexplicable reason, moved the couch or placed a large piece of furniture (or even basket of magazines, for that matter) in her path – she’d have been frustrated and completely thrown for a loop.
  • Your cat needs routine, calmness, and NORMAL. In addition to making your cat comfortable and safe, keep in mind that she/he needs a certain set of things from you now more than ever: He/she needs the routine to remain the same – if you always chilled on the couch with your cat each evening, continue to do so. Stay calm and don’t let your emotions get in your way or in your cat’s way. You still have your cat in your life – they simply need you more than ever. It is as though he or she is a kitten again and relies on you greatly. Cherish the extra opportunities to pamper them!  I actually read where a woman held her cat and cried onto his fur for 10 minutes when she discovered that he could no longer see. Poor cat! I can’t even begin to imagine what he thought!
  • Be PATIENT. Never become annoyed or irritable with your cat if he gets under your feet – I don’t care how busy you are.
  • Be CALM. Your cat needs and even craves calmness and good old-fashioned peace and quiet.

If you have any tips of your own, please leave comments below.

~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. Stay Calm!

Prissy

Prissy (at 19) Enjoying Whipped Topping from a Starbucks Drink


Filed Under: Cat Health, Cat Safety Tagged With: how to care for a blind cat, how to care for a cat who has lost partial vision

How to Keep Indoor Cats Active, Entertained, and FAR from Bored

March 11, 2016 By Joi

Alexa and Her Favorite Toys

EDIT: Since writing the article below on tips for keeping your inside cat entertained, we’ve added several additional cats (a brother and sisters) for Alexa. Turns out, IF the cat is open to the idea, having other cats around is one of the funnest things for a cat. Endless, built-in entertainment!

Keeping indoor cats active (mentally and physically) is one of the healthiest (and most loving) things we can do for them. Outdoor cats have an ever-changing environment. While the outdoors is a more dangerous place for an animal to live, it can be infinitely more interesting and stimulating. After all, one never knows what you’re going to see outside, whereas the indoors (while safe and climate controlled) can be monotonous for the single most curious animal in the world!

Luckily, this can be easily taken care of by providing your curious little one(s) with plenty of originality and change – which always fascinates a cat.

  1. With my inside cats, over the years, I have always had a system in place where I frequently “trade out” toys. I’ll put a few toys away for a few weeks, while old favorites are brought back out.
  2. I often buy my inside cat (Alexa) a new toy.  She knows that when I come home with several bags in tow, one of them  holds something for her. She scrutinizes each bag like a two-year old!
  3. I place her toys in different spots throughout the house. I leave her VERY favorite cat toys where she leaves them, after all I don’t want to stress her out or get myself in trouble – but I’ll frequently place a ball, toy mouse, or other toy in spots to catch her off guard.
  4. Many cat parents believe their cats have “outgrown” playing when, truth be told, they’re simply bored with the status quo. Mix things up!  Boredom for a cat is as dangerous and uncomfortable as stress is for a human.
  5. A little experimenting will help you discover what your cat’s favorite types of toys are. Some prefer toy mice while others barely glance at a toy mouse but will go gaga over a ball. Catnip toys are almost always a hit – however, the catnip does kind of wear off, which means you have to replace the toy after a while.
  6. ALWAYS be certain that the toys are safe. Frequently inspect them for anything and everything that could pose a danger to your cat… loose parts, for example that could potentially choke them.
  7. Get down on the floor with them and play with them. I’ll let you in on a secret… it’s as good for you as it is for them!
  8. This may fall under the category of “crazy cat lady,” but I’ve never let that stop me before: When you’re reading, sorting coupons, writing, etc.. either lift your cat so she/he can supervise you or get down on their level. What’s mundane to us can be utterly fascinating to a cat. Alexa is mesmerized by writing. She’ll concede to watch for a while, then inevitably will reach the point where she can’t take the temptation any longer… then…. whoosh!… she starts swatting wildly at the pen.
  9. Cat Tunnels are fascinating for cats! They love running in and out and can sometimes even be found napping inside the tunnel.
  10. A great (sturdy) cat tree is something I consider a MUST for inside cats. They have so much fun climbing, scratching, and sleeping on their own cat tree. When we got one, we literally wondered what had taken so long. It’s a wonderful, wonderful gift for your cat.


Filed Under: Cat Furniture, Cat Health, Cat Shop, Cat Toys, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: cat bed, cat boredom, cat enrichment, Cat Furniture, cat happiness, Cat Toys, indoor cats

Keeping Your Indoor Cats Happy (Infographic)

February 12, 2016 By Joi

Keeping Your Cat Happy Iindoors
Keeping Your Cat Happy Iindoors by Terrys Fabrics.

Filed Under: Cat Health, Infographics Tagged With: cat infographic, keeping your inside cat happy

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats

Chicken Soup for the Soul’s wonderfully entertaining and inspirational The Magic of Cats. My oldest daughter, Emily, has a story about one of my grandcats (“Eddie”) in this collection!

MinJee

Beautiful “MinJee”
We have inside and outside cats and we love them all like family. The beauty, above, is MinJee and she is as sweet as she is gorgeous.

If the spoiled inside crew would allow it, needless to say they’d ALL be inside. As it is, our outside cats have their own custom-built wooden homes and penthouses and, yes, they are all equipped with heating pads for the cold months.

We also feed and care for feral cats. Some honor us by following us home and allowing us to give them a forever home and to, more importantly, be their forever family.

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My name is Joi (“Joy”) and, simply put, cats make my world go round! Please e-mail me with any questions regarding the cat blog.

Disclaimer: As someone who works full-time from home, I use affiliate links when posting about cat furniture, toys, litter boxes, etc. I make a small amount of money each time someone clicks through and purchases a product they see on my blog. This costs you absolutely no extra money whatsoever. It simply allows me to provide my cats with the lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to!

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Keep Your Indoor Cat Active and Entertained

Alexa

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