Water 101
Water is the most essential thing that you as a cat owner provide. But how many of you spend any significant portion of time thinking about it or researching it? I admit that I was one that did not think twice about refreshing the bowl of a cat using water from the tap. Eventually, I caught on a little bit and started to give them water from an at home filter, but even this may not be good enough. Water education is the easiest, and most far reaching, knowledge that you can obtain for not only your cat, but also for yourself.
First off, turn off the tap. Tap water contains fluoride, which is quickly becoming public enemy number one when it comes to your cats kidney function. We found that once we took our cats off of fluoridated water, their dental and physical health became much better. I know that this may be controversial for some, and goes against what most of us were taught, but it makes the lives of our furry friends much healthier and happier.
Second, change....change....change....the water. Change it at least three times a day...before you leave for work, when you come home, and lastly before bed. This is important through all seasons, not just summer. In the spring and fall, there tends to be a large amount of dust, particles of organic debris, and of course the usual allergens of mold and pollen. Changing the water regularly will keep these things from your kitty's drinking water, and out of their bodies. In the winter, most areas of the country tend to have drier air, meaning that your cat can dehydrate faster. Water....water....water....change it often regardless of season.
Third, and last for this post, is the bowl. Studies have shown that cats prefer ceramic bowls to drink from, over the typical stainless steel and plastic bowls that are often used. Glass is a close second. Stainless steel may give a smell or taste that your cat will not appreciate. As far as plastic, well, how many plastic cat bowls have you seen labeled as being BPA-free?
First off, turn off the tap. Tap water contains fluoride, which is quickly becoming public enemy number one when it comes to your cats kidney function. We found that once we took our cats off of fluoridated water, their dental and physical health became much better. I know that this may be controversial for some, and goes against what most of us were taught, but it makes the lives of our furry friends much healthier and happier.
Second, change....change....change....the water. Change it at least three times a day...before you leave for work, when you come home, and lastly before bed. This is important through all seasons, not just summer. In the spring and fall, there tends to be a large amount of dust, particles of organic debris, and of course the usual allergens of mold and pollen. Changing the water regularly will keep these things from your kitty's drinking water, and out of their bodies. In the winter, most areas of the country tend to have drier air, meaning that your cat can dehydrate faster. Water....water....water....change it often regardless of season.
Third, and last for this post, is the bowl. Studies have shown that cats prefer ceramic bowls to drink from, over the typical stainless steel and plastic bowls that are often used. Glass is a close second. Stainless steel may give a smell or taste that your cat will not appreciate. As far as plastic, well, how many plastic cat bowls have you seen labeled as being BPA-free?
Raw Diet 101 - Why and Benefits
A growing trend among cat owners has been to transition diets from the traditional dry kibble and can diet to raw, despite the warnings from western vets that feeding your cat raw is not good for their health. These vets often cite a variety of reasons, from nutrition to worms, but how true are these statements?
Let's look at the basics to start. The jaws of cats are very strong, and hold many razor sharp teeth that are made for ripping and tearing. Their teeth are perfect for ripping and tearing apart meat, and for crushing bones. Additionally, their short digestive tracks are ideal for processing raw meat, and the strong acids in their stomachs make short work of any parasites. So, why not feed them the way they were built to eat? Ever see a cat hunt a can or piece of kibble in the bushes? Probably not. If so, please send pictures...I've got to see this.
When cats eat the way they are meant to, the physical and mental benefits become evident. When our feline friends are feed a natural, as unprocessed as possible, diet great things happen, to which I have personally seen with the small tribe here. Our cats are much more energetic and sharper mentally and physically. Weight control for the most part has not been an issue, and many brewing health problems have largely vanished (thought some of this may also be due to other things we do, which will be presented in future postings). There have been no signs of what the vets warn pet owners of in regards to raw food.
Some of the benefits of a raw diet include better oral health, as the tearing required creates a natural scrubbing and flossing that keeps teeth clean. Also, the ripping and tearing needed to eat a raw diet keeps jaw bones strong and gums healthy. Digestion is much easier for our feline friends as the raw meat actually increases the excretion of the acids, leading to an even easier time in digesting and utilizing the nutrients in their food. To the contrary dry food and some (not all) canned foods contain corn, soy, and wheat based products that can suppress these acids and pull moisture from your cat, stressing not only the digestive system but other supporting organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The coat of your cat will look much better as your cat's system will be receiving the proper essential nutrients to maintain coat health. Speaking of coat health, how does less shedding or fewer hairballs sound? These are also side effects of a raw, unprocessed diet.
This is but a short sample of the benefits of a raw, unprocessed diet. Now, for many this is not possible all the time, and can get boring after some time for your cat. In the "201" segment of this series, I will cover what we feed and experienced with ours, including product and serving tips, as well as transitioning them to a raw diet.
Let's look at the basics to start. The jaws of cats are very strong, and hold many razor sharp teeth that are made for ripping and tearing. Their teeth are perfect for ripping and tearing apart meat, and for crushing bones. Additionally, their short digestive tracks are ideal for processing raw meat, and the strong acids in their stomachs make short work of any parasites. So, why not feed them the way they were built to eat? Ever see a cat hunt a can or piece of kibble in the bushes? Probably not. If so, please send pictures...I've got to see this.
When cats eat the way they are meant to, the physical and mental benefits become evident. When our feline friends are feed a natural, as unprocessed as possible, diet great things happen, to which I have personally seen with the small tribe here. Our cats are much more energetic and sharper mentally and physically. Weight control for the most part has not been an issue, and many brewing health problems have largely vanished (thought some of this may also be due to other things we do, which will be presented in future postings). There have been no signs of what the vets warn pet owners of in regards to raw food.
Some of the benefits of a raw diet include better oral health, as the tearing required creates a natural scrubbing and flossing that keeps teeth clean. Also, the ripping and tearing needed to eat a raw diet keeps jaw bones strong and gums healthy. Digestion is much easier for our feline friends as the raw meat actually increases the excretion of the acids, leading to an even easier time in digesting and utilizing the nutrients in their food. To the contrary dry food and some (not all) canned foods contain corn, soy, and wheat based products that can suppress these acids and pull moisture from your cat, stressing not only the digestive system but other supporting organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The coat of your cat will look much better as your cat's system will be receiving the proper essential nutrients to maintain coat health. Speaking of coat health, how does less shedding or fewer hairballs sound? These are also side effects of a raw, unprocessed diet.
This is but a short sample of the benefits of a raw, unprocessed diet. Now, for many this is not possible all the time, and can get boring after some time for your cat. In the "201" segment of this series, I will cover what we feed and experienced with ours, including product and serving tips, as well as transitioning them to a raw diet.
Safety For Your Outdoor Cat
Now that spring is making its annual appearance across most of the country, our furry friends are starting to notice the increase in birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, and bugs flying or running around outside of the windows. And, as I can personally testify to, those of us with cats that spend some or most of their time outside begin to hear their desperate cries for freedom.
Many of us that let our feline friends run in nature for some time always have that one thought in the back of our minds: safety. For us, it is not as big of a concern as we spend time outside walking with our cats, both for their safety and for the safety of the animals that may otherwise end up as a snack. But, this is not an option for many cat owners, which means that other measures need to be taken to ensure the long term health and happiness of our freedom loving friends.
1. Pet identification. At minimum, microchip your cat and make sure that the contact information kept on file is current. Better yet, microchip and collar our cat, with visible identification on their collar.
2. Protect your cat against fleas. There is the traditional approach of using products like Frontline, but these products are insecticides and will cause some harm to your cat. Fleas tend to attach themselves to cats with weakened immune systems, so start here first by making sure that your cat's immune system is strong and healthy. When your cat comes back into the house, run a flea comb thoroughly through its fur. That will remove any fleas or eggs it may have picked up while on the prowl. Remember that holistic treatment means getting to the root of the problem, and not treating a symptom of it.
3. That brings us to heartworm protection. Fleas can be a pain in the butt, and are rarely a life or death situation. Heartworms are a different story. Prevention is similar to that of fleas; a healthy animal is not likely to be infected by a parasite. Additionally, some herbal supplements when prescribed by a holistic vet, make your cat's blood "smell" not very attractive to those that may feast on it. Please consult a holistic vet in your area, and I stress your area, to come up with a game plan and supplement usage/dosage that best fits your locale.
4. Rabies. This has been a point of controversy of late, especially now that new research indicates that one rabies vaccination tends to last for the lifetime of the cat. In the area I live, this is not a concern, as there has not been a reported case of rabies in over ten years. The best thing I can recommend is to consult with a holistic veterinarian in your area.
5. Automotive fluids. Cats are very curious, hence the old saying "curiosity kills the cat". In the case of automotive fluids, this is unfortunately true. Whether it is by tongue or paw then tongue via cleaning, cats ingests many of these poisonous fluids every year. Be mindful of the areas around your home, and identify potential trouble spots. Being as we escort our cats, it is easy for us to avoid these pitfalls. Those of you that let them roam on their own, though, will need to be extra aware. One helpful behavior of cats is that they are territorial, and generally hang out in the same area. Familiarize yourself with this area, and if this danger is found, and cannot be corrected by you, make all attempts to find a new place of roaming for your curious buddy.
6. Cars and traffic. This one depends on your area, and your cat. You will need to use your best judgment. Making sure that the collar mentioned in item one above is reflective will help, as does keeping your cat(s) indoors during the nighttime hours. Let them out through the door that is furthest from traffic , and make sure that their territory is not on the other side of the street, and is far from the street altogether. Keep in mind that if your animal decides to chase a chipmunk, and that chipmunk crosses the street, your cat will follow. Preventing the chase can be done by putting a bell on their collar. Anything your cat decides to chase will most likely get out of harm's way before a chase can develop, saving both nature and your cats life.
7. Waste cans/waste reciprocals. Garbage cans and containers outside are prime targets for cats on the prowl. Make sure yours have the lids or covers securely fastened, and work with your neighbors to make sure they do the same. Not only does this prevent your cat from getting into food scraps that may be toxic, human medications, or really anything that could cause them harm, it reduces the number of scavenging animals in your area, such as raccoons, which of course helps to reduce the risk of rabies and other diseases.
8. Other people. While you may think it fun and wonderful that your cat gets to wander free outside, your neighbors may not be so appreciative of this. Cats like to dig, sometimes just to dig, other times to get a mouse or vole, and other times to use the bathroom. I have heard stories of cats being poisoned or shot with BB's, pellets, or bullets. Make sure to inform your neighbors that your cat is outside, as well as to give them a picture for recognition. If your neighbor complains about your cat digging in their garden or defecating in their yard, be VERY responsive and polite, and work with your neighbor to resolve the issue. Doing will make a difference in the safety of your cat. Watch out for children...if they see a cat they may be tempted to throw something at it. Use common sense when letting your cat out. If you have a black cat, and Halloween is getting close, it may be a good idea to keep them in the house for a week or two. Ditto for any people that could be a threat to your cat. Use common sense and be aware.
Spending time outdoors is a very natural part of life for many cats. When the proper preventative steps are taken, and in being an observant and caring owner, your cat will have a very fun and safe outdoors experience while minimizing the harm that could come to it, or the harm it could cause to your neighbors property and to other animals.
Many of us that let our feline friends run in nature for some time always have that one thought in the back of our minds: safety. For us, it is not as big of a concern as we spend time outside walking with our cats, both for their safety and for the safety of the animals that may otherwise end up as a snack. But, this is not an option for many cat owners, which means that other measures need to be taken to ensure the long term health and happiness of our freedom loving friends.
1. Pet identification. At minimum, microchip your cat and make sure that the contact information kept on file is current. Better yet, microchip and collar our cat, with visible identification on their collar.
2. Protect your cat against fleas. There is the traditional approach of using products like Frontline, but these products are insecticides and will cause some harm to your cat. Fleas tend to attach themselves to cats with weakened immune systems, so start here first by making sure that your cat's immune system is strong and healthy. When your cat comes back into the house, run a flea comb thoroughly through its fur. That will remove any fleas or eggs it may have picked up while on the prowl. Remember that holistic treatment means getting to the root of the problem, and not treating a symptom of it.
3. That brings us to heartworm protection. Fleas can be a pain in the butt, and are rarely a life or death situation. Heartworms are a different story. Prevention is similar to that of fleas; a healthy animal is not likely to be infected by a parasite. Additionally, some herbal supplements when prescribed by a holistic vet, make your cat's blood "smell" not very attractive to those that may feast on it. Please consult a holistic vet in your area, and I stress your area, to come up with a game plan and supplement usage/dosage that best fits your locale.
4. Rabies. This has been a point of controversy of late, especially now that new research indicates that one rabies vaccination tends to last for the lifetime of the cat. In the area I live, this is not a concern, as there has not been a reported case of rabies in over ten years. The best thing I can recommend is to consult with a holistic veterinarian in your area.
5. Automotive fluids. Cats are very curious, hence the old saying "curiosity kills the cat". In the case of automotive fluids, this is unfortunately true. Whether it is by tongue or paw then tongue via cleaning, cats ingests many of these poisonous fluids every year. Be mindful of the areas around your home, and identify potential trouble spots. Being as we escort our cats, it is easy for us to avoid these pitfalls. Those of you that let them roam on their own, though, will need to be extra aware. One helpful behavior of cats is that they are territorial, and generally hang out in the same area. Familiarize yourself with this area, and if this danger is found, and cannot be corrected by you, make all attempts to find a new place of roaming for your curious buddy.
6. Cars and traffic. This one depends on your area, and your cat. You will need to use your best judgment. Making sure that the collar mentioned in item one above is reflective will help, as does keeping your cat(s) indoors during the nighttime hours. Let them out through the door that is furthest from traffic , and make sure that their territory is not on the other side of the street, and is far from the street altogether. Keep in mind that if your animal decides to chase a chipmunk, and that chipmunk crosses the street, your cat will follow. Preventing the chase can be done by putting a bell on their collar. Anything your cat decides to chase will most likely get out of harm's way before a chase can develop, saving both nature and your cats life.
7. Waste cans/waste reciprocals. Garbage cans and containers outside are prime targets for cats on the prowl. Make sure yours have the lids or covers securely fastened, and work with your neighbors to make sure they do the same. Not only does this prevent your cat from getting into food scraps that may be toxic, human medications, or really anything that could cause them harm, it reduces the number of scavenging animals in your area, such as raccoons, which of course helps to reduce the risk of rabies and other diseases.
8. Other people. While you may think it fun and wonderful that your cat gets to wander free outside, your neighbors may not be so appreciative of this. Cats like to dig, sometimes just to dig, other times to get a mouse or vole, and other times to use the bathroom. I have heard stories of cats being poisoned or shot with BB's, pellets, or bullets. Make sure to inform your neighbors that your cat is outside, as well as to give them a picture for recognition. If your neighbor complains about your cat digging in their garden or defecating in their yard, be VERY responsive and polite, and work with your neighbor to resolve the issue. Doing will make a difference in the safety of your cat. Watch out for children...if they see a cat they may be tempted to throw something at it. Use common sense when letting your cat out. If you have a black cat, and Halloween is getting close, it may be a good idea to keep them in the house for a week or two. Ditto for any people that could be a threat to your cat. Use common sense and be aware.
Spending time outdoors is a very natural part of life for many cats. When the proper preventative steps are taken, and in being an observant and caring owner, your cat will have a very fun and safe outdoors experience while minimizing the harm that could come to it, or the harm it could cause to your neighbors property and to other animals.
Winter Playtime
The busy holiday season is now a distant memory and some of us will find ourselves fighting cabin fever. This not only can be a serious issue for people, but for our cats as well. With a little effort and some household retooling, you can improve the mental health and energy of yourself and your feline friends.
Cats love to play anytime of the year, but it is especially important to keep them active and playful during the winter months. The shorter and cloudier days mean less sun that can lead to a general malaise that washes over both yourself and your cats. In keeping your cats running, chasing, circling, and jumping you will elevate their mood, keep the blood flowing and help prevent the collection of winter pounds. The involvement you play in keeping them active and stimulated will have a similar effect on your person and will assist in the further bonding of you with your feline friends.
Balls, glitter balls, and mice toys oh my.
Play using a variety of these small, basic toys while inventing new games. Take one of the empty cardboard wrapping paper tubes, cut it in half, and use it to swat glitter balls around. Try dropping a glitter ball through the tube while holding it above your cat and off to one side. You can also bounce a glitter ball, toy mouse, or plastic spring down a flight of stairs and watch the chase begin. A favorite game our cats love is to take a small foam golf ball and bounce off of a step about halfway up the flight. This gives the ball a random deflection that the cats enjoy trying to figure out.
Wand Games
One thing we do is to try a number of games that simulates a cat and mouse chase. What you need is a pillow and a toy wand (works best if the toy is detached or wrapped around the wand). Place the pillow on the floor and slide the wand under the pillow until a little bit of the wand sticks out from the opposite side. Move the wand around under the pillow, poking it out from under the pillow in random places and watch the kitties pounce. Wand toys are great on their own as you can simulate an animal merrily going about its way so the cats can stalk, maneuver, and pounce. It is also fun to see how high they are willing to jump to catch the toy attached to the wand.
Boxes, boxes, boxes
Cats love boxes, any box, no matter how big or small. Boxes can become a hiding place when stalking a toy or fellow pet and can also be a place for them to take a quick nap, or maybe just a place to have some alone time. For some reason, they cannot get enough of these. A paper bag can do as well.
What we like to do is to take some large to medium cardboard boxes and secure shut the tops and bottoms. We then cut a round hole on two of the four sides, and then sprinkle a little catnip inside to get their attention. For extra credit, I will make a small slit in the top of the box and insert the top part of a “cat dancer” toy into it.
Go Vertical!
Cats love vertical places, and this has led to the popularity of higher leveled cat condos. If you do not have one, I would suggest trying to get one or at the very least try to mimic one. Cats love to oversee their domain and providing them with such a vantage point gives them this opportunity. If you have multiple cats this will also provide a great chasing obstacle for them (ours love to chase each other up and down their cat condo on a regular basis).
Winter Nature
You can’t always be around to entertain your cats, nor can they be expected to want to interact with a toy all the time. A great way for the furry ones to stay on their toes is by watching nature outside of your home. Not much going on outside of your windows? No problem! Mount a window birdfeeder to a few windows where your cats are able to see and enjoy. If possible, put up a couple of birdfeeders outside on shepherd’s hooks to bring birds and other animals near enough so that your cats can easily see the action. These feeders keep our cats “barking” for at least a couple of hours a day. You’ll be surprised at what shows up.
Keeping your cats and yourself active and stimulated during the winter months is not only fun, but are necessary steps towards a healthy, happier lifestyle. Mixing things up in their environment, the games you play with them and the toys you use will keep everyone on their toes during the winter months.
Cats love to play anytime of the year, but it is especially important to keep them active and playful during the winter months. The shorter and cloudier days mean less sun that can lead to a general malaise that washes over both yourself and your cats. In keeping your cats running, chasing, circling, and jumping you will elevate their mood, keep the blood flowing and help prevent the collection of winter pounds. The involvement you play in keeping them active and stimulated will have a similar effect on your person and will assist in the further bonding of you with your feline friends.
Balls, glitter balls, and mice toys oh my.
Play using a variety of these small, basic toys while inventing new games. Take one of the empty cardboard wrapping paper tubes, cut it in half, and use it to swat glitter balls around. Try dropping a glitter ball through the tube while holding it above your cat and off to one side. You can also bounce a glitter ball, toy mouse, or plastic spring down a flight of stairs and watch the chase begin. A favorite game our cats love is to take a small foam golf ball and bounce off of a step about halfway up the flight. This gives the ball a random deflection that the cats enjoy trying to figure out.
Wand Games
One thing we do is to try a number of games that simulates a cat and mouse chase. What you need is a pillow and a toy wand (works best if the toy is detached or wrapped around the wand). Place the pillow on the floor and slide the wand under the pillow until a little bit of the wand sticks out from the opposite side. Move the wand around under the pillow, poking it out from under the pillow in random places and watch the kitties pounce. Wand toys are great on their own as you can simulate an animal merrily going about its way so the cats can stalk, maneuver, and pounce. It is also fun to see how high they are willing to jump to catch the toy attached to the wand.
Boxes, boxes, boxes
Cats love boxes, any box, no matter how big or small. Boxes can become a hiding place when stalking a toy or fellow pet and can also be a place for them to take a quick nap, or maybe just a place to have some alone time. For some reason, they cannot get enough of these. A paper bag can do as well.
What we like to do is to take some large to medium cardboard boxes and secure shut the tops and bottoms. We then cut a round hole on two of the four sides, and then sprinkle a little catnip inside to get their attention. For extra credit, I will make a small slit in the top of the box and insert the top part of a “cat dancer” toy into it.
Go Vertical!
Cats love vertical places, and this has led to the popularity of higher leveled cat condos. If you do not have one, I would suggest trying to get one or at the very least try to mimic one. Cats love to oversee their domain and providing them with such a vantage point gives them this opportunity. If you have multiple cats this will also provide a great chasing obstacle for them (ours love to chase each other up and down their cat condo on a regular basis).
Winter Nature
You can’t always be around to entertain your cats, nor can they be expected to want to interact with a toy all the time. A great way for the furry ones to stay on their toes is by watching nature outside of your home. Not much going on outside of your windows? No problem! Mount a window birdfeeder to a few windows where your cats are able to see and enjoy. If possible, put up a couple of birdfeeders outside on shepherd’s hooks to bring birds and other animals near enough so that your cats can easily see the action. These feeders keep our cats “barking” for at least a couple of hours a day. You’ll be surprised at what shows up.
Keeping your cats and yourself active and stimulated during the winter months is not only fun, but are necessary steps towards a healthy, happier lifestyle. Mixing things up in their environment, the games you play with them and the toys you use will keep everyone on their toes during the winter months.
Annual Vet Visit Means a Happier Cat
The estimated 90 million pet cats in the U.S. have found their way to the vet 11% less than they did ten years ago, while dog visits to the vet have increased over 30% during the same time span. Overall, cats visit the vet about half as often as dogs do. What is interesting about this is that cat ownership exceeds dog ownership, and that a routine checkup at the vet costs the cat owner 10% less than a routine canine vet checkup.
The trend of cat owners failing to take their feline buddies to the vet for a regular checkup has become an alarming trend with varying theories as to why. “Veterinary Practice News” (http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-cover-stories/6-causes-cited-for-decline-in-veterinary-visits.aspx) cited six most probable reasons for skipping these visits, which include economic woes of the owner, the rising costs of vet care, the substitution of vet visits with internet research, and the perception of among cat owners that regular visits to the vet are unnecessary.
I have had my share of expenses in taking our cats to the vet, but it has been worth it. Just recently, the blood work that our vet ran on our oldest cat revealed the early stages of kidney disease. Although the damage that is done to her kidneys cannot be reversed, we were able to get her onto a renal friendly diet which will leave her feeling happier and playful for much longer than if this had not been caught as early as it was.
Annual visits to the vet can go a long way in the health and happiness of both you and your feline friend. The cost of the annual checkup is worth its weight in gold when compared to the emotion costs, guilt, and monetary costs that come with a late stage serious illness. During a typical checkup, the vet should check your cat’s weight, skin, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, heart sound, muscle and bone structure, check for parasites, and administer vaccinations. Running blood work, stool samples, urinary samples, and Felv/Fiv tests are and should be optional tests that your vet can administer given the cats prior history and risk level.
Two of our three cats go through all of the above tests as they spend part of their time outdoors. Our older cat, which does not go outside, will have a geriatric blood panel done (which is what caught her kidney issues) instead of the Felv/FIV tests (for which she also receives vaccination for). I am happy to say that in my fifteen years as a cat owner, every health condition was caught early enough to be addressed, thanks to the diligence of taking them all in for regular checkups.
Regular checkups are a part of being a responsible pet owner, no matter what the animal. There are ways to help you with the costs of vet visits. Some vets will work with you to establish a payment plan, especially if you are a long term customer of the vet. You can start a cat health savings account, which is along the same lines as an HSA account (but without the tax benefits). Cat health insurance is a possibility, though we have not found this to be cost effective for us. Programs like the “AAHA Helping Pets Fund” (http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/) may be able to help. Also, CareCredit is an option, but make sure to read the fine print before using this option.
Annual vet visits for your cat is an easy way to prolong the life of your cat, to ensure a happier and playful life, and will save you money in the long run by providing preventative medical care for your feline friend before things can get out of hand.
The trend of cat owners failing to take their feline buddies to the vet for a regular checkup has become an alarming trend with varying theories as to why. “Veterinary Practice News” (http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-cover-stories/6-causes-cited-for-decline-in-veterinary-visits.aspx) cited six most probable reasons for skipping these visits, which include economic woes of the owner, the rising costs of vet care, the substitution of vet visits with internet research, and the perception of among cat owners that regular visits to the vet are unnecessary.
I have had my share of expenses in taking our cats to the vet, but it has been worth it. Just recently, the blood work that our vet ran on our oldest cat revealed the early stages of kidney disease. Although the damage that is done to her kidneys cannot be reversed, we were able to get her onto a renal friendly diet which will leave her feeling happier and playful for much longer than if this had not been caught as early as it was.
Annual visits to the vet can go a long way in the health and happiness of both you and your feline friend. The cost of the annual checkup is worth its weight in gold when compared to the emotion costs, guilt, and monetary costs that come with a late stage serious illness. During a typical checkup, the vet should check your cat’s weight, skin, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, heart sound, muscle and bone structure, check for parasites, and administer vaccinations. Running blood work, stool samples, urinary samples, and Felv/Fiv tests are and should be optional tests that your vet can administer given the cats prior history and risk level.
Two of our three cats go through all of the above tests as they spend part of their time outdoors. Our older cat, which does not go outside, will have a geriatric blood panel done (which is what caught her kidney issues) instead of the Felv/FIV tests (for which she also receives vaccination for). I am happy to say that in my fifteen years as a cat owner, every health condition was caught early enough to be addressed, thanks to the diligence of taking them all in for regular checkups.
Regular checkups are a part of being a responsible pet owner, no matter what the animal. There are ways to help you with the costs of vet visits. Some vets will work with you to establish a payment plan, especially if you are a long term customer of the vet. You can start a cat health savings account, which is along the same lines as an HSA account (but without the tax benefits). Cat health insurance is a possibility, though we have not found this to be cost effective for us. Programs like the “AAHA Helping Pets Fund” (http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/) may be able to help. Also, CareCredit is an option, but make sure to read the fine print before using this option.
Annual vet visits for your cat is an easy way to prolong the life of your cat, to ensure a happier and playful life, and will save you money in the long run by providing preventative medical care for your feline friend before things can get out of hand.
Dental Care for Your Furry Friend
Dental hygiene is one of the most ignored topics when it comes to pet care. Almost 85% of all adult pets have some form of periodontal disease. As is the case in people, periodontal disease in pets can lead to a variety of health issues down the road, including infection, heart problems, Feline Stomatitis, Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions (FORL), and Malocclusion.
Prevention and proper dental care for your cat can go miles in the fight against periodontal disease. Here some easy steps you can take to keep your friend purring along with healthy teeth.
1. The easiest thing to do is to buy teeth friendly toys. The best toys for this purpose are the rope-type chew toys. They often get a lot of the plague and tarter on teeth off, and the chewing that your cat will do on the toy will strengthen their teeth and gums.
2. Food and treats is another easy way to fight periodontal disease. In addition to the wide variety of dental chews available in most pet stores, consider throwing your cat the tip of a chicken wing once in a while.
3. Brush. This is going to be the least amount of fun for both you and your feline friend. For this, I would highly recommend having your vet demonstrate proper brushing techniques, or, if you wish to skip the vet, there are some pretty good demonstration videos on YouTube that could help.
a. There are toothbrushes made specifically for cats that you can use, or you can substitute for the toothbrush with gauze strips wrapped around your index finger.
b. Toothpaste is a little tricky. There are flavored varieties out there, and I would recommend targeting toothpaste flavors that most closely represent some of your cat’s favorite foods.
c. Patience. Unless you have some odd reason for having training your cat to like having your finger in its mouth, there will be an adjustment period. Although your cat may never grow comfortable with having its teeth brushed, some tolerance will be learned as time goes on, especially if your feline friend knows it will get a handsome reward in the end.
Prevention and proper dental care for your cat can go miles in the fight against periodontal disease. Here some easy steps you can take to keep your friend purring along with healthy teeth.
1. The easiest thing to do is to buy teeth friendly toys. The best toys for this purpose are the rope-type chew toys. They often get a lot of the plague and tarter on teeth off, and the chewing that your cat will do on the toy will strengthen their teeth and gums.
2. Food and treats is another easy way to fight periodontal disease. In addition to the wide variety of dental chews available in most pet stores, consider throwing your cat the tip of a chicken wing once in a while.
3. Brush. This is going to be the least amount of fun for both you and your feline friend. For this, I would highly recommend having your vet demonstrate proper brushing techniques, or, if you wish to skip the vet, there are some pretty good demonstration videos on YouTube that could help.
a. There are toothbrushes made specifically for cats that you can use, or you can substitute for the toothbrush with gauze strips wrapped around your index finger.
b. Toothpaste is a little tricky. There are flavored varieties out there, and I would recommend targeting toothpaste flavors that most closely represent some of your cat’s favorite foods.
c. Patience. Unless you have some odd reason for having training your cat to like having your finger in its mouth, there will be an adjustment period. Although your cat may never grow comfortable with having its teeth brushed, some tolerance will be learned as time goes on, especially if your feline friend knows it will get a handsome reward in the end.
Insect Season Is Almost Here
Spring is here, and that means that flea, tick, parasites, and heartworm season are soon to arrive. Even if your cat(s) spend all of their time indoors, there is still a slight risk for fleas and ticks as they can stick to you, your clothes, or even the soles of your shoes (flea eggs). The risk for indoor cats varies by location, and this map, put together by the folks at petparents.com, shows risk maps for areas within the lower 48 states. http://www.petparents.com/riskmap.aspx/index
If you reside in any of the dark pink or red areas, you should strongly consider protecting your cat from any of the insect and parasite risks that are dark pink or red in your areas.
Generally speaking, for indoor cats, I would recommend Frontline Plus for ticks and fleas. This kills all existing fleas on your pet within 18 hours, and provides one month of protection. For the two cats of ours that go out during the summer, I use Revolution. Revolution provides the same flea and tick protection that Frontline provides, but with an added layers of protection against heartworm and intestinal parasites.
If you reside in any of the dark pink or red areas, you should strongly consider protecting your cat from any of the insect and parasite risks that are dark pink or red in your areas.
Generally speaking, for indoor cats, I would recommend Frontline Plus for ticks and fleas. This kills all existing fleas on your pet within 18 hours, and provides one month of protection. For the two cats of ours that go out during the summer, I use Revolution. Revolution provides the same flea and tick protection that Frontline provides, but with an added layers of protection against heartworm and intestinal parasites.