Fully Feline

Pet Allergies: Ideas To Minimize Allergic Reactions

Karen — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:31:42 +0000

22A pet care client approached me recently with a problem. The family has two cats and their young daughter has severe pet allergies, especially to cats. The child takes allergy medicine, but it’s not working very well. Her pediatrician recommended rehoming the cats.

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Thankfully, my client did not consider rehoming the cats as an option. There are steps you can take to help minimize the effects of pet allergies. Some are quite easy to put into practice, others are a bit more extensive.

Here are tips I shared with my client to help lessen the effects of pet allergies:

Create an allergy-free room in your home. We suggest the bedroom.

By keeping your pets out of this room (and by using hypoallergenic bedding and pillows), you can temporarily escape the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

Limit fabrics used in your home, such as carpeting, rugs, drapes and upholstery.

Hardwood floors do not harbor allergens as much as carpeting. It’s a big expense to redo flooring, though. Steam clean carpets regularly and consider washable drapes, area rugs and window treatments.

Other Tips Include:

Vacuum (with HEPA filter) frequently.
Brush or comb your pet frequently, This helps remove loose hair and dander.
Clean the litter box frequently.
Use anti-allergen room sprays in areas your pet frequents Pets like to be where their people are, and this will minimize allergen impacts.
Invest in an air purifier.
Use washable pet bedding.
Bathe your pet regularly using shampoo specially formulated for pets. Many cats don’t like getting bathed. For cats that hate baths, pre-moistened pet wipes or dry shampoo specially formulated for pets are a good alternative.
Wash your hands regularly.
Wear “pet clothes,” which are clothes you can wear specifically for when you play and interact with your pet.
Have another family member who does not have allergies to pets do the cleaning, litter box work, and pet bedding washing. (Wow! There is an upside to pet allergies! No dirty work required!)

Here’s to a healthier (and sneeze and sniffle-free!) relationship with your pet!

Have you or a member of your family suffered with pet allergies while living with pets? Please leave a comment to share what worked well to reduce allergy symptoms, we’d love to hear from you!

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Safe Temperature for Cats: What is Too Hot?

Karen — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:30:46 +0000

Last week, our air conditioning quit working. I was quite concerned about Marty and the Poodle Pair since temperatures were hovering near the 90 degree mark. Luckily, the repair man was able to get our AC going again the same day I called in needing repairs. Prior to repair, it seemed the pets were becoming lethargic since the indoor temp was 80 degrees and rising. I began to question, what is a safe temperature for cats and how hot is too hot for them?

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According to an article in the July 2021 issue of the Catnip newsletter, cats can tolerate, and even prefer, temperatures higher than you might think. Cats have a normal body temperature in the range of 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Cats can tolerate temperatures in that range, but often struggle if the temperature rises above that range. This is true for young and senior cats, those that are overweight, or have medical conditions such as congestive heart failure.

Flat faced cats, such as Persians, can also become overheated easily since they can’t pant as easily as other breeds to regulate body temperature.

Cats are good at finding cooler places to hang out, especially if it gets warmer inside. Be sure your cat has access to drinking water (with a couple of ice cubes to keep it cooler), and places without direct sun access and a cooler surface such as a tile or wood floor.

Interestingly, cases of heatstroke are much lower in cats than dogs.It’s more important for them to have heat indoors in the winter than air conditioning in the summer.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Even though cases of cats becoming overheated is relatively low, cats are still susceptible to getting sunburned. Cats with white faces and/or ears are the most at risk of getting squamous cell carcinoma if they aren’t protected from the sun.

For cats that like to hang out in areas of the house that have direct sun exposure, apply a sunscreen especially for pets to the nose and tips of the ears to prevent sunburn. Do NOT use human sunscreen on cats. Look for pet sunscreens without zinc oxide (can cause digestive issues if your cat licks areas where you’ve applied the sunscreen. If you aren’t sure if a sunscreen you have is pet safe check with your vet before applying it to your cat’s skin.

Keeping Indoor Temperature at a Safe Level

As is often the case, air conditioners tend to quit working on the hottest day of the year. Here are a few suggestions to keep you and your pets comfortable until everything is back in working order:

Cooling Mats Are Where It’s At!

When in gets really hot indoors, consider a cooling mat for your pets. There are many on the market, but one I like is the Mannice Self Cooling Mat. It does have any toxic chemicals or stuffing for your pet to eat. The cooling happens in the three layers of fabric that make up the mat. No electricity, no toxic inserts for additional safety. What’s even better is that it’s machine washable! Right now, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, the X-Large size is on special for $11.90, a 46% savings off the regular price

Make Your Pet Some Icy Treats

Cold treats are a fun way to cool off. Fill an ice cube tray with salt free chicken broth and give your pet one to lick on.

Close the Blinds

If you have blinds on your windows, keep them closed. This will keep the sun ou and prevent the temperature from rising in the room. Placing a few fans around different locations in the room will keep the air moving so it will feel a little cooler.

Have a Power Backup

With the extreme heat comes an increase in power usage, and often power outages. Consider purchasing a small generator. The ECOFLOW Portable Power Station can power several home appliances for several hours. This generator is on special during Prime Days for E$199,00, 43% off regular price.

Extremely warm temperatures will be around for a while, but these suggestions will help you and your pets keep your cool through these hot summer months.

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July 4th Cat Safety Tips: Keeping Cats Safe and Calm

Karen — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 21:00:16 +0000

July 4th is a day for celebration here in the U.S. Due to COVID-19 concerns, this year will be different, but there are still some safety measure to keep in mind. Fireworks and parties are all fun for us, but can be terrifying to our pets. Unfortunately, July 4th is the day of the year when the largest number of cats are lost.

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Here are a few July 4th safety tips for cats:

Keep Your Cat Indoors In Safe Room.

If you’re planning a get-together, set up a room with a litter box, bed, food and water before guests arrive. Have a radio tuned to some relaxing music to mask the sound of fireworks. Put a sign on the door indicating this is a cat safe room, and keep the door closed.

Advise Guests To Watch For Cat.

In the event your cat accidentally escapes the safe room, make sure guests know to be on the lookout for him.

Schedule Play Session.

A play session before the festivities start will help burn some of your cat’s energy and will help him relax once the commotion begins.

Make Sure Cat Is Wearing Current ID.

In the event your cat does get lost, having current ID for him is very important. If your cat has a microchip, ensure all chip information is current.

Have A Current Picture.

Have a current picture of your cat on hand in the event he escapes and search is needed.

For cats highly prone to anxiety, there are many anti-anxiety products available. Although this post specifies solutions for cats, most of these will work for dogs, too (exception would be Feliway).

July 4th Calming Solutions

Calming Vests

There are a few options available. The concept is by swaddling the pet, he will feel safer and thus calmer. If your cat will tolerate this, the vest I’ve used is the ThunderShirt Calming Vest. It comes in various sizes (the extra-small fits pet 8-14 pounds). I’ve used it with my dog April and seen good results.

Calming Solutions: Rescue Remedy and Phrenomones

Rescue Remedy is an all natural product developed derived from floral essences to help relieve pet anxiety. A few drops added to your pet’s food or water regularly work to reduce stress and anxiety. I have some pet care clients that have benefitted from using Rescue Remedy.

Feliway is a phrenemone liquid that helps calm cats. It come in a variety of forms. One of the most popular is a diffuser. This allows the liquid to cover a larger area, which works well for multi-cat households.

It may take some time to see results, set them up as soon as possible so they have time to get established before the 4th.

Anti-Anxiety Chews

Another option to consider for easing July 4th anxiety for your pet is anti-anxiety chews. These products come in treat form and contain natural ingredients that provide a calming effect for pets.

One product is Composure from Vetriscience. One of my dog sitting clients takes Composure and they are beneficial for her.

These are two of the options available in treat form, but there are others available.

Conclusion

There are other products available to provide a calming effect for your cat, but these are the ones I’m most familiar with, and have seen results with pet clients.

As mentioned above, results may take a while to see. Don’t become discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Every cat is different, so a solution for one cat may not be the answer for another.

Regardless, please keep your cats inside on July 4th. People often set off fireworks throughout the day, rather than exclusively at night.

Don’t let your cat become a July 4th statistic. Have you found a calming solution that works especially well for your cat? If so, please share, we’d love to hear from you!

Have a safe and happy July 4th!

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Summer Cat Health: Tips To Keep Your Cat Comfortable

Karen — Wed, 11 May 2022 14:00:33 +0000

Summer is right around thecorner! This may be your favorite time of year, but for your cat, this season can mean a host of health troubles. Fleas top the list, along with other issues that can make these months miserable for your feline. Here’s what you need to know to tackle summer cat health concerns:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via this link, at no additional cost to you.

Summer Cat Health Concern No. 1: Fleas

Fleas thrive in summer heat and humidity. Although over-the-counter products and flea collars may help, topical prescription medications tend to offer the best protection. The medication is applied directly to your cat’s skin to kill existing fleas and prevent future infestations. I don’t like the idea of putting chemicals on my pets, I prefer natural products such as Easy Defense Flea Control.

The length of time to apply this medicine depends on where you live, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Flea medicine isn’t just for outdoor cats, either.

No. 2: Allergies

Excessive scratching, biting at the base of the tail and red, inflamed skin are allergy symptoms. The most likely triggers? Fleas and pollen. For allergies related to the latter, cut your cat’s exposure to pollen by regularly changing air conditioning filters and washing your cat’s bedding, dusting, vacuuming and keeping your cat inside.

There are a variety of natural supplements, such as NOW Pets Allergy Relief, to relieve allergies in cat. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may also prescribe medication or give allergy shots to treat pollen-related health problems in your cat. There are some over-the counter medications that may also relieve your cat’s allergy symptoms, Discuss possible options and dosage with your veterinarian before administering.

No. 3: Hairballs

Although spring is the main shedding season for cats, indoor cats also shed when it’s hot, ingesting more hair and spitting up hairballs. Frequently brushing your cat helps. Natural solutions such as adding pumpkin to your cat’s food provide additional fiber that helps hairballs pass easily through the digestive tract. I add a tablespoon to Marty’s food daily.

Another solution is olive oil. Adding a teaspoon of olive oil per week to your cat’s diet lubricates the digestive system to allow easier passage of hairballs. If your cat has other health issues, check with your vet before beginning this dietary change.

No. 4: Heat-related Illnesses

Dehydration and heat stroke can plague pets. Although they are less likely than dogs to be in situations where heat is an issue, cats can still get sick from heat. Always make sure your cat has water and a cool place to rest. If you have air-conditioning, keep it running during heat waves. If you don’t have air-conditioning, turn on an indoor fan.

Another option is a cooling mat. They can be a big relief from the heat for both cats and dogs. Look for mats that don’t need refrigeration or electricity to stay cool.

No. 5: Fireworks

This year, fireworks may not be as big an issue as usual. The din of these celebrations can make cats anxious and skittish, forcing them into hiding. Close your doors, windows and curtains during firework displays. Also turn on soothing music or the TV to help drown out the noise, especially if you’re going to be gone when the fireworks are scheduled to go off. There are a variety of calming solutions such as Feliway that provide a phrenmone-base to ease anxiety.

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Hairballs In Cats: Why They’re Dangerous & Prevention Tips

Karen — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:00:16 +0000

Today is National Hairball Awareness Day, a special day to highlight causes, treatments and prevention of hairballs. In this article, I’ll discuss common reasons cats get hairballs, why it’s a problem, and ways to prevention them from forming.

The occurrence of hairballs was simple to explain when cats primarily lived outdoors: Their shedding cycle was determined by natural cycles of light that occur in nature.

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They shed their thicker winter coats in spring in exchange for a thinner summer coat. The situation reversed itself once the weather turned colder, and hours of light diminished.

Why Cats Get Hairballs

Indoor cat’s bodies are thrown off by living indoors. Lights are on at hours that don’t coincide with Mother Nature.

Other reasons a cat’s body is thrown off its natural coat shedding rhythms include temperature, nutrition, hormones, body chemicals, genetics and the health of the cat.

Hairballs are balls of hair that form in a cat’s stomach as a result of grooming. While any cat can develop a hairball, they tend to be more prevalent in long-haired cats. It’s normal for cats to have hairballs on occasion, it isn’t normal to have them multiple times a week.

Why Hairballs Are Dangerous

Hairballs are more than an annoyance for pet parents, they can cause serious health issues requiring veterinary care such as:

Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching or hacking without producing a hairball
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Constipation (intestinal blockage may have taken place)
Diarrhea
Bloated abdomen

Prevention

Here are some ways to prevent hairballs from forming:

Brush your cat daily or at minimum several times a week. Removing loose hair will minimize the size and frequency of hairballs when your cat grooms himself. Marty loves the flexible bristle massaging brushes, so he looks forward to brush time.
Make sure your cat has enough moisture in his/her diet. If your cat’s diet consists solely of dry kibble, consider adding canned food to his diet.
Add a little fiber to your cat’s diet. A teaspoonful of pure pumpkin puree daily helps reduce hairballs, and allows new ones to be eliminated easier
Add an omega-3 supplement (krill oil is a good choice).
Is your cat grooming constantly? Some cats groom excessively as a way to combat boredom or relieve stress Try scheduling more play sessions with your cat or present a new toy to distract him.

Watch for changes in your cat’s behavior because cats are experts at covering up health issues. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, such as eating, litter box usage, or energy level, consult your veterinarian right away.

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Great Post

Gen.Web — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 06:59:11 +0000

Hello and welcome

View my online resource site.com for more! Have a nice week and stay out.

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Siamese Cats: Chatty, Lovable and Full of Personality

Karen — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:00:11 +0000

If you like a feline with a big personality, check out Siamese cats. This breed loves people and will follow their humans around the house. Siamese cats are very affectionate and like to be held. If you see a picture of a cat on his human’s back, there’s a good possibility the cat is a Siamese.

History of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats originated centuries ago in Siam (now Thailand). The King of Siam was a cat lover and commissioned the creation of a book of cat verses called Smud Khoi of Cats. This book was a copy of a 14th century work that discussed the Siamese cat and another breed, the Korat. The Korat is the good luck cat of Thailand.

Siamese cats arrived in Britain in the early 1870’s but didn’t arrive in the United States until 1878. A pair of Siamese were given as a gift to David Stickles, the American consul at the time. Stickles then gave the cats to the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

A legend exists that Siamese have a kinked tail because ladies would store their rings on the cat’s tail, and the tail angled to keep the rings from falling off.

Characteristics

Siamese cats are known for their chattiness and very deep voice. They are great with children, may tolerate being dressed up and love being a lap cat. Siamese form strong attachments to their “chosen” humans and don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

They have a long, lean body and short hair that comes in a variety of color point patterns. Siamese are athletic and energetic. It’s important to make sure they have lots of room to play and stimulate their minds.

Health Concerns

Health issues for Siamese cats include crossed eyes (this can be caused by an inherited neurological defect) and congenital heart defects. Wool sucking and wood chewing are known behavioral problems with Siamese.

If you have time to spend with them and are willing to give them the attention and love they crave, a Siamese can be a great addition to your family!

To learn more about Siamese cats, click here

Source: The ASPCA Complete Guide To Cats

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Keeping Cats Warm When the Winter Winds Blow

Ann Butenas — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:30:56 +0000

No matter where you live right now – many of you are undoubtedly covered in snow, chilled to the bone, and/or possibly without power. It’s definitely not fun and it does make us pine for Spring. While you find ways to keep yourself warm, it is equally important to ensure you find ways for keeping cats warm, too.

Although it should go without saying, if it is frigid outside, don’t let your cat outside. Hypothermia and frostbite are a couple of Winter’s biggest enemies for cats. Plus, de-icing products, antifreeze or even cars can pose additional dangers to your cat.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Tips For Keeping Cats Warm

When it is cold outside, wha are some measures to take for keeping your cats warm and comfortable? Be practical when choosing a source of heat for your cat.

Just like humans, cats love a warm and cuddly blanket on a cold day. There are also heating discs and warming pads specifically made for cats that can be used in conjunction with a cat bed. However, never use a heating pad designed for humans on a cat. The wires and cords pose an electrocution hazard, especially if your cat chews on the cord or goes potty on the pad.

Provide a comfy bed for your cat, too. Sure, your cat can snuggle with you, but it’s not like you spend the entire day on the couch, right? (Right????) Many pet beds allow the pet’s own body heat to warm them up. Consider positioning the bed near a sunny sport or heat source, such as a vent or a radiator, but not too close.

Finally, if your home temperature is set to make you feel comfortable, it might not feel the same for your cat. The ideal temperature for an indoor cat is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cats typically like warm environments, and if you don’t want to turn your entire home into a desert land, you can simply dedicate one room in the house with a higher temperature.

There is Relief in Sight

While it may seem like Winter will never end, Spring will be upon us. Just hang in there. You’ve got this, and what better excuse to stay warm than to cuddle up after long day at work with your furry feline friend? At the very least, it will warm the hearts of both you and your cat.

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Black Cats: 6 Reasons They’re Special

Karen — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:15:24 +0000

Today is Black Cat Appreciation Day. I know many black cats and they all have distinctive personalities, they’re all real characters!

A black cat’s color all boils down to a genetic quirk. There are three variants of the black fur gene (solid black, brown, and cinnamon), and the hue works in conjunction with the pattern.

In honor of black cats and their guardians and fans everywhere, here are some facts about them you may not be aware of:

Black Cats Are Fancied By Those In The Know

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) loves black cats! Solid black is a recognized color for 22 cat breeds registered with CFA.

Lucky In Some Cultures

Some cultures, including the UK, view black cats as lucky. Unfortunately, the opposite holds true here in the US, which makes to much more difficult to find homes for solid black cats

Why Are Black Cats Black?

Wonder what makes black cats black? It’s melanism, a black or nearly black pigmentation seen not only in domestic kitties, but also in 11 of 36 wild species of cats. The trait is most prevalent in males. Melanism produces yellow irises due to the high levels of melanin in the pigment of black cats.

They Don’t Always Stay Black

If your solid black cat is now a rusty shade of brown, it may be a case of him showing his true stripes. A solid black cat with a dominant tabby stripe gene may literally change color if he’s had heavy exposure to the sun.

Sunlight can make the eumelanin pigment in its fur break down to reveal once-invisible stripes (another potential cause: nutritional deficiency). What was once a black cat is now a rusty brown cat.

Black Panthers Aren’t Always Panthers

Not all black panthers are actually panthers. The term “black panther” describes any black jaguar, leopard or jaguarundi.

Benefits Of Being Black Cat

Some theorists believe melanism may enhance the immune systems of black cats, strengthening their resistance to pathogens. It’s also theorized that black pigmentation may help cats trap prey.

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Halloween Cat Safety: Protecting Your Cat

Ann Butenas — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:00:27 +0000

Nearly everyone loves Halloween. Children and adults look forward to this fun-filled occasion known for tricks, treats and surprises. For a household cat, Halloween can be stressful, frightening, and dangerous. Your pet depends on you to protect him, so here are some Halloween cat safety tips.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Keep Them Indoors

Because black cats are associated with Halloween, cats of all colors unfortunately can become unwilling participants in the mayhem, mischief and pranks that abound on October 31^st. If you have an outdoor pet, keep him indoors on this holiday.

Have Current ID

Does your cat have proper identification? If not, make sure he does. If he escapes or becomes lost, you can increase the chances of finding him if you have proper ID on his collar.

Create a Safe Room

Cats are quick, and when frightened can dart out the door quickly. Before trick-or-treating hours begin, put your cat in a separate room with the door closed to prevent escapes. Equip the room with a litter box, food, water and a bed so he’ll be comfortable.

If your cat loves catnip, give him a new catnip toy to keep him occupied until trick or treaters are gone for the night.

With many trick or treaters out and about, there is a lot of noise, so play some relaxing music (classical works well) to mask the ruckus outside.

If your cat is nervous or anxious already, invest in a calming product (Feliway, for example) on the market designed for cats

Watch Treat Bowls

Keep Halloween candies and treats as far away from your cat as possible. Not only can the candy be toxic, but the wrappers are equally harmful and can also be a choking hazard to a curious cat.

Keep Candles Away

Decorations and carved pumpkins are fun ways to celebrate Halloween, but cats are curious and may be tempted to get into things they shouldn’t. Keep candles and other dangerous decorations out of your cat’s reach.

Conclusion

These Halloween safety tips for cats aren’t new to the veteran cat owners. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s good to reacquaint yourself with these tips. Prepare yourself in advance and keep a steady eye on your cat(s) so everyone can enjoy a fun, safe and exciting Halloween. No tricks…just plenty of treats…. for you…. not your cat…. stick to cat-friendly treats even on the holidays!!

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