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

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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.


Caring for Cats and Dogs in Winter

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Winter months present special concerns for our beloved cats and dogs.  While obvious needs, such as extra warmth for outdoor pets, are on all pet lovers’ minds, there are other needs that we need to take into consideration as well.

Below is a great guest article addressing these very needs.

Overcoming Pet Winter Woes

by Paul Mann

Like humans, pets can experience winder doldrums. Even those living in warmer weather regions are still affected by seasonal changes, which can be especially tough on dogs and cats–particularly those that are used to spending time outdoors.

Beyond the obvious challenge of pets getting less exercise during the winter months, dogs and cats often experience less emotional stimulation during this period and can suffer a variety of adversities, including excessive weight gain, irritability, anxiety and even clinical depression. This can lead to a variety of unsavory behaviors and dissatisfaction for all involved. The more outdoor-oriented the pet, the higher probability that these and other problems will present and persist through the season.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things pet owners can do to physically engage and psychologically stimulate their pets and make everyone happier during the long, cold winter months:

Indoor/Outdoor Fitness
Most dog breeds need to go outside 2-3 times a day, not only to relieve themselves, but also to get some form of exercise and sensory stimulation. Dogs are more likely to go outside in nearly any kind of weather and often love a romp in the snow. Taking your dog outdoors will trigger its natural play instincts. Running, jumping and chasing are natural ways to energize your pet, burn calories and boost metabolism. If you’re not up to the task amid Mother Nature, consider hiring a professional dog walker to happily take on the duty. Indoors, tried-and-true games like fetch, tug-of-war and wrestling can also serve as a great workout that also stimulates a pet’s appetite.

Cats also love to pounce and play, and if they’re stuck in the house you can easily brighten their day with 10-15 minutes of play each day. String, laser pointers, objects on strings and other enticing toys dragged around get your cat into chase mode, keep her busy and burning energy. Find or install a perch by a window where your cat can watch the birds. For those cats that pine to be outdoors, the marketplace has an abundance of outdoor enclosures that also allows cats to run, roam and prance freely in the invigorating fresh air. Of course, moderate the time spent in these enclosures based on the winter weather conditions.

For both dogs and cats, keep a set of toys and laser pointer handy for an energized and sustained play session, either indoors or out, at least once daily. When outdoor play just isn’t an option, there are a number of motorized animal treadmills on the market today that are entirely enjoyable and effective for exercising both Fido and Felix.

Counting Calories
If your dog or cat doesn’t get outdoors as much in the winter as they normally do, it likely doesn’t need to eat as much food. Reducing food and calorie intake generally means less weight gain and more energy. If you often give your pets treats, consider hiding them inside toys, such as freezing kibble inside a “Kong,” to give them prolonged busy work.

As with humans, weight maintenance is all about portion control. Feed your pet using a designated measuring cup so that you know exactly how much food they’re consuming each day. If you still aren’t getting the desired results, call the pet food company for dietary recommendations to ensure you aren’t over-feeding—especially as seasonal dietary requirements change when a pet becomes less active. Automated pet feeding systems are also helpful. These tech tools utilize a wireless tag attached to a pet’s collar to regulate and monitor one or more pet’s food intake to ensure the pet isn’t eating too much or too little at once or throughout the day—also keeping multiple pets away from each other’s food.

Let There Be Light
Pets react to illumination just like humans do. Their energy level increases when the light is brighter. According to Animal Behavior College, “The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals found that approximately 40 percent of dog owners saw a considerable downturn in their pet’s moods during the winter months” and that related symptoms in pets “typically manifest as behavioral changes such as inappropriate soiling, aggression, lethargy and separation anxiety.” The report notes that “Light is intimately tied to the functioning of the pituitary and endocrine glands, and can stimulate the body to release hormones that have an uplifting effect on mood.” If it’s too cold to go out, simply open the drapes and let the natural light in, turn up your indoor lights, and consider replacing bulbs with the full spectrum or daylight variety to better simulate a daytime environment. A company called Pawsitive Lighting, has even developed a light box to help conquer those wintertime blues.

Animal-Rousing Aromas
Scented toys can really engage an animal’s interests and natural stalking instincts, also keeping them occupied and mentally focused as they try to find the source of the smell. Luckily dogs respond to a variety of smells and there are seemingly infinite availability of toys that engage canine olfaction—alone and in combination with other senses that can be concurrently engaged. A game of hide and seek can go a log way with your pooch!

For cats that respond well to catnip, there are catnip and other “play sprays” that can be squirted onto indoor climbing structures, cardboard boxes, and scratching posts. A multi-story cat climber or “tree” with strategically placed low-cal treats or scented play toys can readily get kitty jumping from level to level and its heart pumping in kind.

With just a little planning, you can help ensure your pet’s winter season remains happy and healthy, with a great quality of life for everyone in the household.

Paul Mann is the Founder and CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services—serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at: www.FetchPetCare.com.

Source: http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/does-wintertime-blues-effect-your-pet/

Safety Travel Tips When Tagging Along Pet Cats

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Svenn

In the picture above, Svenn seems to be saying, “You want me to get into that death trap and go where???” That’s pretty much every cat, everywhere’s attitude toward travel. The article below gives great (as in sanity-preserving) advice on traveling with cats.

Jordan contributes to this blog as well as Coops and Cages. He has taken his own cats and dogs to trips himself and would love to share his insights on pet care to fellow pet lovers. He desires to educate them on safety travel tips when bringing along cats during trips through this article.

It’s time of the year that your cat is looking forward to – the time when you take him out of the house and with you to new places. Cats like to travel as well. They like seeing the countryside. They are not satisfied with just staying home.

The problem is some cats hate cars. They are not as behaved as most dogs when you get them into the car. You have to train them on how to behave when you are traveling with them. Teach them not to scratch the car seat and better yet, not to pee. But as a cat owner, you also have to remember that a the first cat car trip aren’t always that pleasant, simply because, cats as much as they like venturing into new places, the getting there is not that exciting for them.

Here are tips on traveling safely with your cats.

Take the time to train your cat in the carrier
Since you will be traveling for long hours, train your cat to stay in his cat carrier for long periods. Condition your cat to become comfortable as well as teach him how to go in and out. Do some practice runs of driving around your area and having the cat in the carrier. This should be a gradual process. Some cats get upset when you turn the car engine on, especially those who haven’t traveled.

Familiarize your cat in the new environment
Cats are sensitive to the environment as well as their territory. Place a blanket or towel with the scent of your cat on the car seat. In that way the car would not be a totally foreign area for him. Allow your cat to explore your car and rub and spread its scent on it. Do this a couple of times for the next few days.

Air Travel for Cats
Most major airlines accept cats as passengers. Cats that are under 15 lbs travel in the cabin. If they are heavier, they must be booked in cargo or they should be in cat carriers. There are some seasonal restrictions so it is better to check with the airline what these are. When booking your flight, inform the representative that you have a feline with you. Get a locator number associated with the seat for your cat. This is a necessary security precaution. If this is your cat’s first  time to fly, it is better that it is a short distance. Observe how he acts and behaves during the ride. You will be asked if your cat has its rabies and other pertinent inoculation. Various requirements exist for each airline and just accommodate to them as best as you can.


Feed the cat at the right time
Once the cat is calm in the car, give him his meals. Offer high value treats for cats that he doesn’t normally get at home. In that way, he is more motivated to behave. You can also give him cat nip and also indulge with his favorites during the car traveling times. He should also know you are there beside him so he shouldn’t be scared.

Don’t forget your pet identification
This is a necessity especially when it is your first time to travel to new places. Tags and collars are an excellent for quick identification. A microchip is something you can also order and it provides the essential information needed once the tags or collars are lost. Keep the microchip registered and updated.

Check with hotels if they allow cats
When you book for your trips, check if they have the “pets accepted” symbol on their homepages and if they allow cats in hotels. When checking, be sure to inform the front desk that your cat is traveling with you. Many hotels also provide snacks and bowls for your cats. They also have sitting services. Some hotels have “pet in room” door tag which let the maids know that they should leave the door open so the pet cannot wander out. You can keep cats secure and safe by having them in a safe and sturdy cat crate. They should just be the right size because you wouldn’t want your cat wiggling out of the cage. Make sure that the room for the food and the litter box are separate. Get the crate with the sides so that the litter cannot be kicked out.

Pack a travel bag for your cat
The bag should also contain medication (if your cat is currently on), plastic bags (for soiled litter), litter scoop, grooming supplies, treats, pet wipes, toys, towels, as well as the cat’s food and water bowls. Treat it as something like a baby would have. Your cat is your baby and he too needs a travel bag.

Positive Reinforcement helps
The minute that your cat is calm in the car, start giving him catnips. If that motivates him, let the cat indulge for a while in the car. By positively reinforcing your cat that he is doing a good job, he will enjoy traveling more and more.

Don’t forget to make the cat go potty
The cats’ trip begins and ends in the bathroom. Before leaving your house, make sure that your cat has gone to the bathroom. The first thing you also do after you alight is to let your cat out for a few minutes. With your guidance, he should poop or pee before you even check in the hotel. If your crate is the one that has the litter, clear the poop and pee. Potty breaks are also included. If it is a drive, stop at restaurants or gas stops and bring your cat with you. Take him out and see if he has to go or not.

Feed your cat four hours before leaving
The cat has to have eaten a light meal before you put him in the carrier. If your trip would take long, feed him just the right amount. You wouldn’t want him pooping and peeing a lot. This wouldn’t be sanitary inside the car, worse, on the plane.

Whether it’s including your cat while running errands around town or visiting relatives in another side of the country, you can make him happy by bringing them with you. Train your cat on how to become more comfortable when traveling in the car with you. It will take some time and a lot of patience but it will be totally worth it.

Author Bio:

Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs. His passion for animals is only matched byhis love for ‘attempting’ to play the guitar. If you would like to catch him, you can via Google+ or Twitter: @CoopsAndCages.
Author Bio:

Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs. His passion for animals is only matched byhis love for ‘attempting’ to play the guitar. If you would like to catch him, you can via Google+ or Twitter: @CoopsAndCages.

10 Things to Do if Your Pet is Lost

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July is Lost Pet Prevention, which is something I’m excited about. Lost pet signs always make me feel like crying. As someone who loves her cats like they’re family (which they are, of course), the thought of anyone helplessly searching for their furry little loved one breaks my heart.  Been there, done that, and hope to never walk in those shoes again.

Below is a great article that was generously shared with Cat Pause’s readers.  I hope with all my heart you’ll never need the advice, but here it is, just in case.  In honor of the month, I’m currently working on an article, “Ways to Keep Your Pet From Ending Up in the Lost and Found!” which I’ll post asap.

Even if your pets are safe and secure, read the article because the advice is priceless – and even if you never, personally, need it, you may one day know someone who will.  I would add posting on Facebook and Twitter to #6.  Bottom line is you want to put as many animal lovers on the case as possible. My youngest daughter and I once spent a couple of hours on a hot summer afternoon looking for a lost dog for someone. Fortunately the little cutie was found – dirty, exhausted, and greatly relieved to see his family!

I’d also add this: when looking for your cat or dog, having one person in the car and one or more walking is ideal. Most pets actually know the sound of the family car and (especially dogs) may respond to it as quickly as they will the sound of your voice.  Also, walk slowly as you call – giving them time to respond. Cats, especially, go through quite a “thought process” before making a move.

10 Things to Do if Your Pet is Lost

Nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises, according to a survey by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And, while losing your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet, have hope as 93% of dogs and 75% of cats reported lost are returned safely to their homes according to another survey.

If you do lose your pet, here are 10 top tips to help reunite you with your furry friend as quickly as possible:

  1. Contact or visit your local shelters and animal control organizations. File a lost pet report with every shelter, dog pound and animal control office within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.
  2. Get the word out to all veterinarians in the area. Sometimes people pick up a stray and drive it to a distant clinic.
  3. Search your neighborhood. Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times each day. Enlist friends, family and others to help you. Ask neighbors, letter carriers, and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached if your pet is found.
  4. Go door to door and speak with your neighbors. The more people know you have lost a pet, and that you are upset, worried and desperately trying to find your pet, the more people will call you if they see an animal in the woods or on the road, or in their backyard.
  5. Place posters and flyers throughout the neighborhood. Post notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, at pet supply stores, and other locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. Include your pet’s sex, age, weight, breed, color, and any special markings. To avoid scams, when describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet to describe it.
  6. Post info about your pet on all pet recovery websites and services. Sites such as Craigslist.org, TheCenterForLostPets.com and FidoFinder.com allow you to broadcast your missing pet info quickly. National pet care providers can be hired to assist you in your search for your lost pet.
  7. Consider using a lost pet recovery service. There are now numerous lost pet alert services, such as FindToto.com, that will contact homes, veterinarians, shelters and animal control organizations for a reasonable fee.
  8. Place food and water outside your home. Your pet may eventually return to your home when they get hungry or thirsty. Consider placing the food in a rented or purchased humane pet trap to capture them.
  9. Tell everyone you see about your pet and ask them to keep their eyes open for her. The more people you alert about your missing pet, the greater the chance someone will recollect seeing your pet in their area.
  10. Don’t give up. Be aggressive in your search, get lots of help, get the word out right away – don’t wait a few hours “to see if she’ll come home on her own “– you need those early hours to put up posters and start your search.

About the Author: Paul Mann is the Founder the CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services—serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at: www.FetchPetCare.com.

How to Keep Outside Cats Warm this Winter

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Cordless Heating Thermal Bed for Cats

While we have one inside cat (Alexa the Diva), we also have two beloved outside cats (Hannah and Queen Fatima).  Needless to say, when cold weather hits, thoughts of keeping our outside little girls warm are in the front of our collective minds. We live outside the city limits with a garage and an abandoned barn beside us.  Fatima is wonderful about heading off to the garage (which we keep cracked for them to get in and out of) or even the barn, but Hannah?

She always seems afraid that she’s going to miss something and doesn’t leave the carport until snow, ice, hail, or a tornado force her into the garage.  Even then, as soon as the coast is clear, she’s back to her favorite spot by the back door!

If Alexa weren’t so set in her ways, the solution would be obvious – bring them inside.  But, alas, Alexa claims “First come, first served” rights and there you have it.  She who must be obeyed…. must be obeyed.

Don’t worry about Miss Hannah, though. I have become quite the accomplished tent builder for my adorable little girl. Last winter was ridiculously mild here in Kentucky, so my Abdul the Tent-maker skills served Hannah well. However, I’ve heard that this winter is supposed to be a really bad one, so I’m trying to step up my game.

One of the things I’ve found so far is the Slumber Pet Thermal Cat Mat – Color Gray (shown above). This thermal mat is available in gray, blue, or beige.

Thermal Cat Bed Features:

  • Thermal cat mat keeps cats warm and comfortable without the use of electricity
  • This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal
  • Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury
  • Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece and it includes a hangtag
  • Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width

Product Description

This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal. Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury. Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece. Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle. Line dry. It includes a hangtag. Available in gray color. Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width.

I also found the K&H Outdoor Kitty House, Heated (pictured on the left – click through for different… much larger… views).  This Outdoor Heated Kitty House is made with 600 denier nylon and features a vinyl backing that makes it waterproof.

Your cat’s own warm little  house comes with and accommodates a Lectro Soft Outdoor Heated Kitty Bed that uses only 20-watts. The roof hangs over the 2 doors to keep cats warm, safe and dry. Easy to assemble with velcro walls and a zippered roof.

My favorite part (aside from the whole keeping cats warm and dry part) is this: There’s a back door! Two exits mean your cat can’t be trapped by another cat, a dog that likes to play too tough, or skunk that wants to snuggle.

 

Outdoor Heated Cat House Features:

  • Perfect for any outdoor cat
  • Waterproof for use anywhere outdoors
  • Two exits so pet can not be trapped by predators
  • No tools needed to assemble
  • MET Listed and 1-year warranty

Click through either link or picture for more information.  Each is actually on sale right now – marked WAY down.  That’s always a bonus as far as I’m concerned! 🙂

Top Cat Poisons: Household Products, Medicines, and Plants

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Hannah Showing off Her Belly

Hannah, Showing Off!

I think that most of us cat lovers don’t really realize how often cats are harmed (and often killed) by poisons they come in contact with in their home or yard.  I know that when I read that, in 2011 alone, the ASPCA  fielded 166,000 calls about cases of pet poisoning, I was alarmed. When you consider that at least that many probably went unreported, it’s staggering.

While we think we know what things are harmful to our precious cats and what things could even poison them, it’s always a great idea to refresh ourselves. It’s also a smart idea to let anyone and everyone who comes into contact with the feline members of the family know that some things are completely off limits.

WebMD recently ran a great article detailing the top cat poisons.   A few are listed below – but I hope you’ll click through and read the entire list. Please pass the link around to everyone you know.  By doing so, you could be saving a cat from a world of pain, sickness and suffering.  What’s more, you could save her life.

The top five sources of cat poisoning in 2011 were:

1. Medications for people. Pets have a much greater sensitivity to many of the common over-the-counter and prescription medications that may be in your home.

Some of the medications that often poison cats include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. The most common cause of pet poisoning, these painkillers can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and kidney damage.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is particularly toxic to cats, resulting in red blood cell damage. Just two extra-strength tablets may prove fatal to felines.
  • Antidepressants may cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome – a dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may cause seizures.
  • Methylphenidate, an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug, is a stimulant for pets, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. 

2. House plants. Cats are notorious for noshing on houseplants, and the habit isn’t just bad for your potted treasures. Many common, beautiful houseplants contain cat poisons that can cause serious harm, and even death. Some of the plants toxic to cats include:

  • Lilies. Ingesting even small amounts of Easter lilies and related plants can cause severe kidney failure in cats.
  • Azaleas and rhododendrons. These pretty flowering plants contain toxins that may result in vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and sometimes even death.
  • Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants, if ingested, may cause serious stomach problems, convulsions, and damage to the heart.
  • Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.

Please read the other cat poisons and keep your precious cats safe.  Some of the hidden dangers will surprise you.  We all have to keep in mind that leaving residual household cleaner on the floor (or anywhere our cats sit or lie) could pose a real problem. They may not lick it off of the floor or table (though I wouldn’t put it past some cats!), but if any gets on their fur, they WILL lick it when they give themselves a bath.

8 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants

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How to get rid of ants naturally.

Keep your cats, dogs, and children safe by fighting ants with natural, household products. Leave the chemicals in the labs.

Like most people, Spring means more around our house than March Madness, planning flower beds, and welcoming baseball back.  It means it’s time to go to war against invading ants.  For those of us with pets and/or children in the house, we’re always looking for ways to arm ourselves naturally. Fortunately, getting rid of ants naturally can be done.

Below are commonly used methods for fighting ants naturally:

  1. Dust baby powder directly onto ants and around the places they enter your home.
  2. Wash the areas they travel (their little ant highways!) with a 50-50 combination of white vinegar and water. It masks the smell ants need to navigate.
  3. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around their entries
  4. Place bay leaves or cloves where ants enter your home.
  5. Draw a line with chalk across the place they enter your home.
  6. Coffee grounds repel ants (no accounting for taste), so dust coffee grounds around areas you frequently see ants.
  7. In addition to cayenne pepper, bay leaves, coffee grounds, and cloves, ants are also turned away by cinnamon, mint, black pepper, and chili pepper.
  8. Citrus peels and cucumber peels smell great to us but they repel ants. I’ve used both with miraculous results.

Photo: The beauties in the picture are Adam and Alexa!

Heated Cat Bed: Your Cat Told Me it Wanted One This Winter… Badly!

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Keep your outside cat warm this winter with this wonderfully affordable Heated Cat Bed.  This beauty is available on Amazon for a purrfectly reasonable price.  Outside cats will appreciate the extra warmth and comfort provided by a great heated cat bed such as this.

Inside cats would also feel extra pampered (and warm!) with a heated cat bed – especially older cats who may have a little arthritis.  Many older cats will do their best to find the warmest places in the house simply because it makes their achy little bones feel better. Providing them with their own heated little cat bed just makes a lot of sense…. plus it’s a loving thing for a cat parent to do!

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The UL-listed K&H Thermo-Kitty bed keeps your pet feeling warm and secure year-round. The affordable heated bed uses a 4-watt dual-thermostat unit buried inside the thick, soft, orthopedic foam base to warm the bed 10 to 15 degrees above air temperature to match your cat’s normal body temperature. Remove the cover for easy machine-washing. For indoor use only. 1-year limited warranty. Measures 16 inches in diameter. Conveniently sized to fit almost anywhere indoors.

Also, check out the Outside Cat House that Keeps Cats Warm and Dry

 

A Few Reminders for Cat Safety During the Holidays

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Cat health and safety tips during the holidays

Like all kids, cats love the holidays.  One of the highlights each year for me is seeing the reactions of our cats when the Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and all the other decorations come out.  Their eyes light up as they insist on getting right in the middle of everything!

While cats make the holidays even sweeter, it’s a time when we have to pay close attention to potential dangers for our little ones. Many of the following definitely fall under the heading “common sense,” but we all get so busy this time of year, sometimes we need a few reminders.  Our cats lives are definitely worth the extra time it takes to read over cat safety tips, so let’s have at it.

  1. Even though it’s tempting to give our cats “special treats” such as ham, turkey, whipping cream, icing, etc during the holidays, come up with a better plan.  Buy special Cat Treats and dole them out instead. Cat’s insides are very, very special and they simply can’t process the food that we’re able to process. Why take chances, right?
  2. Make certain your Christmas tree is VERY secure and stable.  Many cats like to climb them (Prissy always did!) and the last thing you want is the tree toppling down on top of your cat.
  3. If you have a live tree, be sure your cat doesn’t drink from the water. Cover it in some fashion. Stagnate water is a health hazard, for one thing, and for another who knows what kind of chemicals or fertilizers could transfer from the tree into the water. This water could make your cat very sick at best and could prove poisonous at worst.
  4. If you have cats (or dogs or small children for that matter) in your house, you’d be better off avoiding tinsel altogether.  Cats find tinsel completely irresistible – so shiny and easy to play with! However, tinsel easily gets into their digestive tract and can cause obstruction (which requires surgery and a great amount of pain for your cat).
  5. Tissue paper, popular for putting in gift bags, is something else that cats can get into their digestive system, which would then wreak havoc.  If you use tissue paper, make certain it’s closed up tightly within the bag and be sure to throw it all away immediately upon opening.
  6. Beware of long ribbons as well.  Cats can get them wrapped around their necks, creating a choking risk.  They’ve also been known to get these ribbons stuck in their throats.
  7. Never leave burning candles unattended, for obvious reasons.
  8. Anything that involves burning oil, melted wax, or flames is simply too risky. Potpourri pots can EASILY be pulled down by a cat who is either attacking the cord or simply running from one place to another.  Again, it’s just not worth the risk.
  9. Cats LOVE gift bags – the bright, fun, “crinkly” bags spell GOOD TIMES to an inquisitive little girl or boy!  I always leave a few lying around for Alexa, much to her delight.  However, I make certain that the strings are unattached – the larger bags are especially dangerous (the ribbon loops look like little nooses!).
  10. I already mentioned “treats,” but this one merits its own mention: Chocolate is a huge NO NO for cats (dogs too). Chocolate can poison a cat, plain and simple.  Also, make certain your cats never eat anything containing xylitol.  Again, what’s the best way to make sure your cat doesn’t digest food that’ll harm her? Feed her only cat treats and cat food.  Also, remember that just because you don’t hand it to your cat doesn’t mean she can’t get to it! Keep candy and all other foods out of your cat’s reach.
  11. No doubt you (like me) fill your cat’s stocking with toys and special treats.  Make sure the toys, themselves, are safe. It’s always best to buy specially made cat toys because you pretty much know for certain they won’t contain poisonous paint or harmful parts. Cat toy manufacturers have a lot of codes they have to live up to and that always makes me feel safer. Remember that long, stringy toys can cause a lot of nightmares, as can small parts that can come off and lodge in your cat’s throat or intestines.
  12. Make sure no turkey or ham bones are given to your cat and be sure they’re disposed of properly.
  13. Keep Holly (the plant, not a relative!) out of the home.  Holly can cause pets to suffer needlessly with nausea and diarrhea.
  14. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as cardiovascular problems.
  15. Many lilies lead to kidney failure and death for cats.  Why take any chances?  Buy artificial plants and keep your cat safe and healthy.
  16. If there’s a lot of commotion, noise, and guests, some cats may want to retreat to another room for some much needed peace and relaxation.  If this is the case, be certain they have their essentials nearby: Litter box, water, food, and a comfortable place to sleep.  If your cat does seek refuge, don’t try to coax her out – she’ll come out when she feels ready.

Finally, remember three facts that are essential for cat health and safety:

  1. Cats are small children in fur coats. Everything is a toy and everything is a game.  Like children, they cannot discern what is safe and what isn’t. It’s up to us. To keep them safe, we have to think like they do and look at the world from their viewpoint. Seek out anything that poses a threat to your cat and remove the danger.
  2. Cats are perhaps the most emotionally in-tuned animal in the world.  They’re like emotional sponges, as one vet put it. They pick up on our moods as well as the excitement going on around them. Sometimes the chaos and excitement will cause them to act differently than normal. They may sleep more, may be cranky, or may need more of your attention and reassurance.
  3. Cats aren’t wild about change. They crave consistency and want their little world to pretty much stay the same. Same feeding schedule, same play time, same “couch time,” and same television routine!  Cats feel stress and nothing causes them to stress out quite like change, so keep things as normal as you possibly can during the holidays.  Also, cats HATE sharing their parents with other people or situations. They want their mom and dad’s attention and feel distress when they feel that someone or something else is taking any of this attention away from them. If children (or Heaven forbid other pets!) come into your home during the holidays, be sure to reassure your cat(s) and involve them in everything you possibly can.

I hope you and your cats have a fun, safe, and wonderful Christmas and holiday season!  I’ll be adding more cat lovers gift ideas, cat toys, and cat ornaments – so watch for them.

#1 Best-Seller on Amazon


The Curious Cat Cube, Cat House / Cat Condo is currently the #1 Best-Seller on Amazon in Cat Houses & Condos.

An Ingenious Litter Box…


The Open Top Cat Litter Box Kit with Shield and Scoop is a number 1 best-seller on Amazon and has excellent reviews.

Christmas EVERYDAY!


If you're like me, you love nothing more than seeing your cat(s) with new toys. This collection of cat toys will make everyday feel like Christmas!

Cat Tunnel..


The adorable cat tunnel will give your cat(s) endless fun as they explore every nook and cranny!

Photographs on the Blog

I do not claim to have taken all of the photographs on this website. I did not take any of the “product” or “affiliate” merchandise photos  (unless I am reviewing a product, in which case it will be marked “Review”), nor do I claim to own them. If you are a photographer that sees something you want removed, simply e-mail me.

Keep Your Indoor Cat Active and Entertained

Alexa

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Cat Entertained!