Before introducing you to our new fosters, let us tell you a bit about the BIG adoptions we had this past week! 

Amos & Tinkers 

These two boys have been at Cat Therapy for almost 2 years! We don't usually have fosters take this long to get adopted, but it worked out this way for them. A few months ago, it became really evident they were bonded to each other and we made the decision to have them adopted as a pair. At first we worried it would take even longer for them to find a home, but it actually worked out great! They both went home together last week. We couldn't be happier for them! We'll miss you Amos & Tinkers 🥰

Stitch

This is another kitty who's been with us for quite a while, almost a year. He's got a funny character, and he likes to be a bit spicy at times. But as we've experienced, for every kitty's purrsonality there's a human out there that's a perfect match! We are so happy that our buddy Stitch went home this week! 

Thanks so much to his adopter for giving him a chance 😍

So now it's time to introduce you to our new foster kitties! 

Vezzini & Humperdinck: 

Keeping with the Princess Bride theme, siblings of our recently adopted Westley and Buttercup just arrived at Cat Therapy! 

This little angel face is called Humperdinck. The four siblings were rescued as part of the Tiny Lions project at ASAP Cats. That is a program that socializes feral kittens and prepares them for adoption. Their siblings were with us and got adopted a week ago, and now we get to welcome these two! 

Vezzini is such a sweetie! He is playful and snuggly. Their siblings Westley and Buttercup were known for being such lap cats and Vezzini and Humperdinck are just the same! They may take a minute to warm up, but once they do, you won't be able to leave Cat Therapy! 

Strawberry Shortcake 

This girl is as friendly as she is beautiful! Not many cats are ready to come out into our main room on the first day they arrive from the shelter, but she was ready for all the pets and attention! You will find her hanging by the main desk or above the merchandise cubbies, ready to say hello. 

Terrance 

Disclaimer: No tabby kittens were snuggled against their will for this photo 🤣This boy is just too cuddly and squishable! He loves sitting on laps and if he's not ON you, he loves hanging out near you. He came to us with his sister Tabitha. 

Tabitha

A very busy girl, she loves putting her little nose into whatever it is you're doing 🤣Unpacking merchandise boxes?? Yes please! Sweeping? Yes please! Is that a new mini fridge? Are those new drink cans? (Yes, we now have cold drinks available for sale in store!). 

See a little video featuring everyone!

https://youtube.com/shorts/oLywoKKogTc?si=5uAa3N-ouV_hJVlV 

More kitties are coming this week so stay tuned!

And don't forget to shop your Valentine's Day gifts here! 

Want to meet everyone? Come to visit us! 

1- For the Cat In Your Life: 

The most important purrson we need to be talking about today! The cat in your life deserves the best gifts. After fostering over 800 cats, we've learnt one thing or two about what kind of things cats like! 

CHECK OUT ALL CAT PRODUCTS HERE

2- Now, Onto The Cat Lover In Your Life:

We have gathered our favorite cat themed gifts from small artisans all over the country so you don't have to! 

For example, our wine opener is a favorite!

Or the wine bottle stopper...

Or give the gift of a bottle of wine with this pawesome wine bag, it comes with little charms so no one gets confused about what glass belongs to what human ever again! 

We have one last drink related gift. The most adorable ice cubes ever!

3- For The Stylish Cat Lover: 

From the coziest sweatshirts to super soft T-Shirts, and accessories like reusable bags and dad hats, we've got it all! 

These sweatshirts are awesome!

With a pretty black and gold embroidered cat design, and it comes in several colors...

We also have super fashionable, soft as butter T-Shirts: 

The best cat dad also deserves a gift! 

And don't forget about the cat loving little ones! 

See a selection of many favorite shirts and accessories here! 

4- Let's not forget about the (suddenly) most popular accessory of the century, face masks! Cat themed are way better, of course. 

Check out all of our face masks designs here!

5- Not sure what to get? Gift cards are a great idea! Enjoy 25% OFF in-person visit gift cards by using code HOLIDAYS. We also have online store gift cards! 

Happy Shopping!

Your kitty friends at Cat Therapy. 

To learn more about our work with rescued cats and our mission, click here. 

Preparing the home: 

Some cats break the rule, but felines naturally find a change of scenery to be extremely stressful at first. In nature, they are easy prey, so when they move to a new space, their instincts may kick in. This can lead to your cat getting in trouble or accidentally escaping if you don’t “kitty proof” first. We’ve heard so many stories of kitties pushing window screens or going up the chimney on the first night. 

Here’s some tips for cat proofing:

• Making sure screens in windows don’t have any holes in them, and can’t be pushed off easily. 
• All unsupervised access to the outdoors should be closed. This could be pet doors, chimneys or open windows with no screen.
• Look around the house. Does anything look potentially harmful for a cat? Check around for plastic wrappers, cat toxic plants, loose strings, etc. 
• Check for gaps underneath kitchen cabinets, or places where your kitty could get trapped and not be retrieved easily. Block these areas before the kitty arrives. 

The safe room. Your cat’s “Home Base”:

It is best to introduce a cat to one room at a time, ideally only showing them a new room once they’ve acclimated to the first one. Even if your house is small, this is highly beneficial to reduce overwhelm and to help them feel safer. 

Think of where you’ll want the litter box to be. This is usually a good room to establish as the safe room because the cat will know very well where the litter box is and where he should go once he’s introduced to the rest of the house. Bathrooms or bedrooms are good home base rooms. 

This room should have a litter box, water, food and perhaps some toys and a comfy blanket. Additionally, make sure there’s no hiding spots where you wouldn’t be able to easily retrieve your kitty. 

Signs that your cat is ready to explore a new room: 

• Not hiding anymore
• Relaxed body language, no hissing or walking low to the ground. 
• Walking or laying on top of the furniture, as opposed to hiding underneath it. 
• Walking up to greet you when you enter the room. 
• Eating their meals normally
• Using the litter box

If your kitty looks upset or scared in any way, just give them a few more days and they'll soon start showing positive acclimation signs! 

Sometimes it’s good to bring the cat back to the safe room for the first few nights if they seem nervous and uncomfortable while exploring the rest of the house. 

It may take some work and patience, but your kitty will soon be comfy and happy at home! 

Hooray, it’s time for SHOPPING!

Carrier: 

You’re going to need a carrier! There’s different sizes, so remember how large or small your new kitty is. If you’re adopting a young cat, get a bigger one so you can use it later when they’re fully grown. We highly suggest getting one that you’ll be able to use later on for vet visits, travel and moving. We do not recommend a cardboard one, as many cats can break out of them very easily and it’s not safe, even for the trip home. This is our favorite carrier: 

Food: 

It is always a good idea to check with the rescue or foster what kind of food your new kitty has been eating so far. And if there’s a specific brand you’d like to feed them, make sure to get a few cans of their current food and slowly transition to the desired brand. Switching foods gradually will ensure your kitty doesn’t arrive at a new home and get a stomach ache all within the same day! Having the same food will also reduce stress for your kitty. If you need ideas on good wet foods for after they've acclimated, this is one of our favorites: 

Scratchers: 

Cats use scratching posts not only to sharpen and file their nails, they also use them to stretch their amazing little muscles! We recommend you get your kitty a tall scratcher (sisal rope is usually the preferred texture) as well as a couple of other shapes to keep them entertained and away from the furniture. It would also be good to get one cardboard scratcher to give your cat options. They also like sitting on the cardboard scratchers. It’s good to have a couple of different ones around the house to keep your cat happy and uninterested in that couch :) 

Here’s some ideas on cool scratchers and cat furniture. But this is our favorite!

If you’re concerned about your new cat scratching your furniture, we recommend getting a spray called “Boundaries”.

You can spray it on the couch, chairs or whatever furniture item you don’t want the cat to become fond of, and it’ll keep him/her away. Spraying their cat furniture with a catnip spray to attract them will be the purrfect “no to this, yes to that” approach, which works well on cats. 

Food and Water bowls: 

Cats usually benefit from wider and more shallow bowls than other pets. We’re serious, their whiskers are very sensitive. There’s a real thing called “whisker stress” which makes some cats avoid their food bowls if they’re too deep. LOL!! These are some bowls that we like! 

Litter Box/Litter: 

It’s a good idea to have the litter box in a quiet area of the house with easy access. Cats don’t like litter boxes being moved around, so we recommend thinking about placement and trying to stick to that, at least for the first few days until they’ve become familiar with your house. 

As far as litter, our recommendation is to ask the rescue what litter your kitty has been on, because that’s one big thing you don’t want to surprise them with! Kitties can be very specific with their litter, and the least thing we want is to confuse them. If you have a specific kind that you wish to use, you can transition the kitty gradually over the course of a few days, keeping an eye out for any complaints from your cat. 

A lot of people use clumping clay, which works fine. Whatever you get, just don’t try the scented ones. Many cats dislike them because the scents are too strong. Just scoop it often and you will both be happy :) 

Tuft and Paw definitely makes our favorite litter boxes!

Toys & Bedding: 

We recommend having three kinds of toys: 

• Wand toys or teasers. 
• Kickers. These are great because they’re usually the perfect size for them to bite and kick them, something they’d do with prey in the wild. They LOOOVE them! We offer super cute ones at our store, by the way :) 
• Fake mice and crinkle balls, to bat around. 
• A brush. We recommend one that’s called the Furminator. It’s amazing for once a week brushing to reduce shedding. A regular slicker brush for daily grooming is great to have as well.

Shopping is very fun, but save a little bit for after your kitty has arrived. Cats have different personalities and enjoy different things. Getting to know your kitty’s preferences first will help you shop for things they will actually enjoy and most importantly, use! 

Welcome home, kitty! 

For adopters, we do believe it’s actually half the work to have two kittens. It’s a win-win for both humans and cats, let us explain why! 

1- Playtime: Kittens will be crazy, they’ll want to wrestle and play and burn kitten energy every few hours, yes, even at night! Having a buddy means they will take out all of that craziness on them instead of you! This doesn’t mean they won’t play with their humans, it’s just that their play needs will be met more often by a buddy of their own species. That’s a big perk in our opinion! 

1- Playtime: Kittens will be crazy, they’ll want to wrestle and play and burn kitten energy every few hours, yes, even at night! Having a buddy means they will take out all of that craziness on them instead of you! This doesn’t mean they won’t play with their humans, it’s just that their play needs will be met more often by a buddy of their own species. That’s a big perk in our opinion! 

2- Entertainment: Humans make for great companions for cats, and viceversa. But we have human lives...we go to work, we go to sleep, we go out on date nights...Having a companion of their same species means your cat will always be entertained, active and enriched, even when you’re not available. 

3- Less trouble: When kittens get bored and they don’t have a buddy there to entertain them, they can get in trouble. It is our rescue partner’s experience that kittens adopted by themselves have a tendency to turn to destructive behaviors like scratching furniture, biting objects, etc. Two kittens keep each other occupied and out of trouble. 

4- Easier Intro If You Already Have an Adult Cat: I know, this sounds counter intuitive, but hear us out! If your kitty is not that playful anymore, and enjoys to relax and have quiet time, bringing in a new kitten will most likely stress them out. When you bring a kitten pair into a home with a senior cat, the kittens will drive each other nuts, not your older cat! Older kitties may benefit from having feline company at home, but it is our experience that they do not enjoy being bothered by all of that kitten energy. Kittens don’t understand boundaries yet, and they’ll experiment those limits on each other, not on the senior kitty. 

5-Bonded Pairs: Some kittens are already bonded to a litter mate and can’t be separated. These cats have developed a bond that is very special, and their life quality will significantly decrease if split apart. If your favorite rescue tells you there’s a pair of kittens that are bonded, please consider adopting them together. If you want two kitties, it’s a great choice to get a bonded pair. Litter mates can also be wonderful friends. And if you want to get kittens from different litters, you can check out our blog on how to introduce two cats to each other! 

To recap, if you’re interested in adopting a kitten, please consider adopting a pair. It will enrich their lives and we all know: Happy cat, happy home! If you can’t adopt two kittens, we recommend adopting a young kitten only if you already have a playful cat at home. If you want a single cat, you can ask your rescue if there’s any adult cats that are happy as single. Each rescue also knows their kitties well and they’ll let you know who’s bonded, who needs a buddy and who can be a single cat! 

If you adopt two kitties, it’s a good idea to have enough kitty beds and furniture for two. Read our blog on how to make your home cat friendly! 

Sweet smells, new textures, and natural remedies: adding a few cat safe indoor plants can transform your cat's environment, keeping them happy and entertained. Cat safe indoor plants are a good idea for kittens, cats, and their humans too!

Invite the outdoors in by growing these cat safe indoor plants:

Cat grass: In nature, cats munch on a variety of cat-safe grasses. Grass is not only tasty for your cat, it’s full of nutrients too! This indoor plant is the purrfect decoy to keep your cat’s paws away from the other plants in your home not meant for them. Try out this cat grass kit to see if your kitty is a secret vegetarian! 

Rosemary: did you know this herb naturally repels fleas? Enrich your indoor cat’s environment and your kitchen- this herb is versatile! This plant will need to grow indoors with direct sunlight. 

Parsley: if your cat likes to munch on plants, this one is full of vitamins for their diet. 

Lemongrass: your cat will love the scent and reap the antibacterial and antiparasitic benefits when ingested. Sounds pretty nice!

Catnip: last but not least, catnip is the real treat. This one will keep your crazy cat tame when ingested because it relaxes cats when it's eaten vs when they smell it.

This brings us to...Growing Indoor Plants Safe for Cats:
When starting a garden, consider the size of the planters - if your cat can fit in on the planter they may use it as a litter box. This is a great option, and the kit already comes with grass seeds! 

Even better would be to include these planters close or next to our favorite cat condos and shelves, mentioned in this blog post. 

One last thing, is your cat munching on your other plants?

If you have indoor plants that your cat needs to avoid eating or destroying, a spray with lemon water or coffee acts as a natural and safe cat repellent.

With a little bit of work and love, you can enrich your cat's indoor environment with cat friendly plants. A thoughtful garden is sure to spark your indoor cat’s natural curiosity. 

Liked this post? Share it with your friends! 

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that the cats here have CATTITUDE, just like TS. Like “writing-songs-about-your-exes-and-winning-11-Grammys-for-them” cattitude, and each have their own unique personalities. They asked us to write this blog so they could tell you their favorite songs off of Taylor’s latest release to give you some insight into their purrsonalities! Genius! 

LANA (left)

Lana’s favorite song is definitely Fifteen! She’s our youngest kitty here, at four months old. She’s still getting the hang of this whole “cat party” lifestyle here, but lately she’s been getting really brave and exploring! We’d say she’s in her high school Taylor phase, having fun and making friends. She’s such a sweetheart and would love for you to come sit with her and listen to all of her stories!

SWEETIE PIE & PLUCKY DUCK

Sweetie Pie and Plucky Duck are obsessed with Love Story! They are our resident Romeo and Juliet, coming to Cat Therapy as a bonded pair along with their friend Dizzy Devil. These two have been inseparable since they arrived, spending every day cuddling while they get comfortable in the space. 

DIZZY DEVIL

Dizzy Devil’s new favorite pastime has been jumping right into peoples’ laps and snuggling in! That’s why his theme song right now is You All Over Me. Anyone who comes into Cat Therapy is going to have Dizzy Devil “all over them” and might even leave with some extra cat fur as a souvenir. Only a song this full of emotion could possibly fit this guy, who puts on a dramatic performance of starvation every time we feed him.

RINGO & NOIX

Ringo and Noix feel like The Best Day really gets them. These two are bonded for life and spend every day together on the windowsill watching the world outside Cat Therapy. The best part? Rumor has it that they might even be a father-son pair… which is why The Best Day is perfect for them! If you walk by our windows, you’ll definitely see these two faces peeking out at you.

COSMO

Cosmo has been listening to That’s the Way I Loved You. He’s the perfect mix of sweet and cuddly but also has a fiery side and will get bursts of energy where he wants to run and play. Hanging out with Cosmo is a “roller coaster kind of rush” if we’ve ever seen it! We just think if he had longer legs and opposable thumbs, he’d be driving on the highway blasting this song.

ARIANNA & ANASTASIA

Arianna and Anastasia’s perfect song is You Belong With Me, because these two never leave each other’s sides. They are tortoiseshell sisters who love spending all day cuddled in the same bed together. But make no mistake, when nap-time is over these two are running around playing tag in the space! These sisters definitely belong together, and they are the sweetest bonded pair that are looking for a future home together. 

CHESHIRE

Cheshire has lived the most cat lives out of anyone else here. He’s eight years old, and one of the biggest cats we’ve seen! His theme song is Change, because he’s lived through so much in his life and he’s ready to find a forever home snuggled under someone’s covers. He seems like a wise old man and we’d love to hear his stories. 

FRANK AND FRED

Frank and Fred are the sweetest brothers, and their favorite song off Taylor’s latest release is Superstar. They might be a little shy, but they know they are total stars and super photogenic, ready for the spotlight. Their secret trick is waiting until we close and then running as fast as they can on our big cat wheel! We know as soon as they get comfortable here at Cat Therapy, they’re going to be the stars of the show.

ASLAN

Aslan is our resident romacer. He knows how to play the heart strings and might even try to adopt himself by trying to follow you outside. His theme song is Forever and Always because if he decides to grace you with his presence at Cat Therapy, he’ll be making you want to spend forever with him. In a past life we think he was the boy who broke Taylor’s heart in this song, but in this life he’s a big orange lover. 

ASHES

The award for our most mysterious cat definitely goes to Ashes, so of course her perfect song has to come from Taylor’s vault. We think she loves That’s When with Keith Urban, because if there’s any cat in here that’s secretly a country fan, it’s probably Ashes. If she’s not out playing, she might be in one of her favorite hiding spots, like in her secret cubby!

PRINCESS & LOLLY

Lolly and Princess have been listening to Today Was a Fairytale and White Horse on repeat. These two girls are sweet and sassy, and totally remind us of big dreamers with girl power energy! Lolly loves to play with toys and watch for birds out the window, and Princess likes to walk around like she owns the place, picking out her favorite benches to lay on and watch everyone. These two are a bonded pair and definitely best friends, and they are looking to go home together to their future family!

GUIDO

The infamous Guido’s theme song is Mr. Perfectly Fine. Don’t get us wrong, he is the sweetest boy and doesn’t have a mean bone in his cat body, we just couldn’t help but make the joke about how “perfectly fine” he is lounging up on the tallest shelf all day! He’s been a Cat Therapy resident for a year, and even though we can’t wait to see him find his forever home, we love seeing him everyday checking us out from his windowsill spot. 

A little while ago we found Tuft and Paw, a company that makes good looking cat furniture that consciously meets your beloved feline's needs. Big perk? Their furniture actually looks nice, it's made with great quality materials and it's easy to clean!! Every item will blend seamlessly with your stylish home. If you're looking for alternatives to the typical carpeted cat tree or plastic litter box, keep on reading! Here's a selection of our favorite Tuft and Paw products. They're game changing, in our experienced opinion! 

1- THE VISTA CAT PLATFORM / SHELF

A total game changer for cats that love to climb. If your kitty is always climbing up on the counters, book shelves and pantry, this is for her! Cat shelves not only help take advantage of the vertical space of a house or apartment, but they provide cats with a much appreciated viewing point from where they can observe their dominion. Pro tip: Install these where your cat will get a fun view like the living room or near a window, and make sure it's within their reach (install them in a ladder style or make sure there's something they can use to reach it). Multi cat households should get several of these! Click on the picture to shop meow! 

2- THE KIP BED COLLECTION 

There's just something about these cat beds that make kitties purr and knead almost instantly!! The slightly concave shape makes them feel contained and comfy, while the fuzzy texture reminds them of momma cat, aww!! We can tell you from experience cats ADORE these type of beds. Pro tip: These are purrfect to protect your couch or bed. To ensure your kitty uses it, place it somewhere they already love hanging in. Sometimes cats won't lay in a new bed until it smells like them or something they like, sprinkling it with some catnip always helps! 

3- FLOOF CUSHION 

Let's stay in the cozy napping products for just two more things. THIS CUSHION! The faux fur is not only soft but emotionally comforting to kitties because it's such a familiar texture. Use this to enhance their favorite napping spot, get it in combination with or on it's own. Click on the photo to purchase. 

4- THE STELLAR SPHERE

We don't know about you, but we kind of wish we were cats so we could sleep in this sphere. This is for those reserved kitties that wish for some extra privacy. The opening is purrfectly sized so they can still look out, but the sphere offers a comfortable escape for kitties to just relax. Plus it looks absolutely stunning!! Click on the photo to shop!

5- THE COVE LITTER BOX

For those cats who do not appreciate a roof over their heads, this litter box is just amazing. It has a smooth design, free from hard-to-clean crevices. The "privacy shelter" contains the litter while your kitty does their weird litter box dance. It includes an integrated scoop, dustpan, and hand brush to make cleaning it even easier. Did we mention it also looks good? Click on the photo to shop!

6- MIA CARA FEEDER

If your cat loves making a mess or pushing their feeding bowl around the floor, this is the choice for them! Revamp and declutter their feeding area with this set. For extra cleanliness, grab a silicone mat too! 

7- SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST: THE MILO CAT TOWER

We've searched far and wide for a cat tree that wasn't an absolute eye sore. We love this one so much we in fact ordered one to have as a CENTERPIECE of our cat lounge. Why? It's beautiful, yes, but it has many features we couldn't find anywhere else: For starters, the cloth parts of it are removable so we can clean them! This is not only helpful in a multi cat environment, it's a must.

The acrylic sphere at the top makes for the perfect perch/ napping spot for your cat, but you will also get an adorable view of their squishy toe beans from underneath! It provides plenty of climbing and resting areas for one or several cats. Pro tip: Get this tree! 

We hope you enjoyed our selection!

If you click on any of these links and end up purchasing something for your kitty, know that we get a referral fee, so it's a win-win for everyone! We truly admire the quality and innovative designs of this brand! Make sure you also check out their CAT TOYS , SCRATCHING POSTS and other ACCESSORIES. 

We see Valentine's Day as an opportunity, if not an excuse, to do something sweet for our loved ones. That's not limited to a romantic partner, it can be a friend, your kitty or even yourself! Yes, we're huge proponents of treating ourselves, specially after that 2020 debacle of a year 😹 All of these gifts aren't extra soppy and they apply to anyone you love that likes cats!

The purrfect gift? Something that speaks to a person’s interests and has meaning and value way beyond the object you’re holding. Everything in our store is designed for the most discerning cat lovers and it also supports our mission of getting more cats rescued and into loving homes. It’s a win win for cats and cat lovers! 

1- Time Spent With Cats T-Shirt. $34

2- Cat Themed Face Masks. $20

3- Cat Themed Shirts For Cat Dads $32

4- A Private Visit To Cat Therapy. Starting at $50

5- A Cat Sponsorship. $35 for a one time, $25 for a subscription. 

6- Is Your Valentine Feline, Not Human? They'll appreciate this super cozy and cute blankets! 

We hope this was helpful!

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Part of our work as a Cat Cafe is to socialize shy kitties. We strongly believe that all kitties deserve a chance at a comfortable and loving environment. This way, their purrsonalities can blossom and a happy kitty is way easier to get adopted! Shy cats need time, patience and an environment that is respectful to their need of space. At the same time, they need to be exposed to different people, noises and something incredibly helpful: Social kitties! This sets a good example for them. Cat Therapy provides them with all of these things. The result is a great environment for shy kitties to be socialized and hopefully get adopted! 

Today we're highlighting two of our shyest kitties, Joey and Ray Ray. They're funny, because they're both siblings to incredibly outgoing cats. We know they have it in them to be outgoing too! They just need to be given a chance. 

RAY RAY

Aren't those eyes just gorgeous? Ray Ray is siblings to Rosanna, a very outgoing kitty that's also being fostered here with us. We are not considering them bonded, but it would be wonderful if they went home together! Ray Ray has made a lot of progress since he's been here. He went from hiding at all times to enjoying the fluffy beds and lots of pets. He is the purrfect example of a loving, sweet kitty with lots of potential! He is not only sweet, he's beautiful and his fur is the softest we've ever seen! Did you know soft fur cats shed a little less than coarse ones? That means that a longhaired kitty like him, with silky locks, will shed less on your clothes than a shorthaired one! Are you interested in giving Ray Ray a chance? Let us know! You can always come visit him and help us socialize him by making a reservation here!

JOEY

Joey is siblings to Ethan, an incredibly outgoing kitty that has already been adopted. We're not sure why he's so shy compared to his brother, but we know for a fact he's got potential! Joey is beautiful, with his pointy ears and deep green/honey eyes. He does come off as shy, but he loves pets! He's currently in the "hide in the back room" phase and despite us knowing he'll most likely come out into the main area soon, we'd suggest asking us about him when you come visit us! That way we can show you were he is. We don't want anyone overlooking this sweet guy! If you're interested in visiting him or adopting, make a reservation here!

While we're on this subject, how about we mention a few tips for socializing shy kitties? 

Cat Therapy is a Cat Cafe Experience located in Santa Barbara, California. We rescue, foster, socialize and adopt cats that were at risk of euthanasia. We work alongside our rescue partner Stray Cat Alliance. You can visit us regardless of your ability to adopt. Visits to our cats are fun and help us fund our cat's care. We also make the best cat themed T-Shirts and other apparel and accessories that are great gifts for cat lovers. Shop right meow here! 

This year we’ve found homes for 165 cats and we’ve fostered a total of 190. That’s a lot of kitty lives positively impacted from one small space! This means that despite the shutdowns and reduction in visitors, adoptions didn’t drop compared to last year. That is amazing!  

“Adopt a less adoptable pet” week is NOW. We are featuring shy, blind momma and son pair Valentine and Julius and a few other of our shy cats. We know you’re thinking the same as us: These cats are more than PURRFECT! But the reality is that people generally tend to overlook the shy kitties, the older cats and just any pet that doesn’t fit certain criteria. 

We understand some people have a specific idea of the cat they’d like to adopt and that is totally okay. Everyone has the right to take a kitty home that they are in love with and we just want pets to find good families. But what we’d like to bring some awareness to this week is that, just like humans, each cat has their own unique personality traits and shyness does not define a cat in her entirety. 

Today, we just want to challenge everyone to try and look past these concepts of “undesirable” qualities and observe the cat as a whole being. Then, you may find that a shy cat is actually incredibly loyal because YOU gave them a chance, a blind cat may be snugglier because she’s less active, an old rescued street cat may be insanely grateful for the small things like a comfy bed and a yummy plate of food. At the same time, a pure bred siamese cat may not be so loving and may be more interested in running around the house terrorizing the dog, you never know! These are all just examples that I am bringing up. But my point here is that I’d love for you to challenge yourself to look at those unique personality traits, even if you’re not looking to adopt! Maybe you can try it during your next Cat Therapy visit. Remember, a pet is a friend and a companion. They’re all different and beautiful in their own way. What qualities would you want in a friend you’ll share your home with?. 

VALENTINE

Valentine may have some disadvantages like being blind and a little shy. But this brings out some personality traits that make her adorable, special and potentially very desirable to the right home. For example, she is very gentle, she never scratches or bites and is overall really sweet. She also loves to be petted. Being blind makes her more dependent on her son, which makes their relationship really special and adorable to witness. She is bonded to him, which means whoever adopts them will get to add to their families two unique and special personalities.

Julius is confident, playful but also cuddly and sweet. They’re such an amazing combination of kitties! 

CHARLOTTE & OLIVE

These gorgeous girls have already shown that they can be extremely loving if someone gives them some time and attention. They are active, playful and entertaining to watch. Plus knowing that a shy cat has chosen YOU to give her some pets is one of the most rewarding experiences. 

GUIDO

His gentle disposition makes him the ideal candidate for just about any household: Single cat, multi-pet and even for someone that works a lot. He'll love the attention if he can get it but if not, he will understand! 

When you look past the typical “less adoptable” preconceptions, you may just find your new best friend. Just keep an open mind! 

Tip: Another cool thing about "less adoptable cats" is that most rescues (like the one we work with) are able to arrange foster to adopt situations where you can take the kitty home and see how it goes! Interested in adopting or fostering to adopt? Click here. 

Have you adopted a “less adoptable” pet? Tell us your experience in the comments section below!

Ok, back to the important stuff: Cats. Most particularly, the cats of Cat Therapy. Ever since Charlie the cat was adopted, Clover decided to take it upon himself to become the self proclaimed general manager of the cattery. I gotta say he’s got potential, but more for like, HELL'S KITCHEN! 

Ok I’m not gonna talk litter about him because he wants us to work hard at finding our furever families. But Clover, do you remember that cat science says we’re supposed to sleep 75% of the day?? Of course I’m not gonna say this to his face cause I don’t want him to get me kicked out of my napping spot like he did with Mabel….

He literally got a slave human to take her off the rug so he could lay in it!!!! I mean, I’m not tripping, Sam saw it too! She was shocked…

SHOCKED. 

Uhmm okay so the human here is telling me that this information isn't actually correct and that I should fact check. Do I care? NOPE. 

Anyways, in other news...Two GIGANTIC cats arrived and I was purrsonally really afraid they’d eat all our food. They’re so big, that at first I thought the rescue found two tigers on the street and decided they’re cats and brought them here! Shoot I think Ducky heard me. 

Hi Ducky...Uhmm I was just telling the blog that you’re a sweet Teddy Bear and your brother Dimitri is too. You're not a basic wild Tiger, you're a lovely and evolved house cat!!!! (*I’m gonna stay out of her way just in case*). Update: They did not eat all the food as I’ve since found out that food here is unlimited, so we’re good. 

On other super, mega interesting news, Charlotte managed to squish her body against the acrylic bowl like NO CAT HAS EVER DONE. I’m not even kidding, the squishiest nap I’ve ever witnessed, she’s so talented, how does she even do that?? How did she put her little pawsies in that position?

Also, an adorable new kitty arrived called Cinder. She was really shy when she got here, but now she’s playing with all the kittens and I”m really happy for her. She looks a little bit like a cute goat, doesn’t she? I love goats, although I’ve only seen them on YouTube. They're my favorite animal. I wanna try goat yoga someday...

She totally looks like a little goat. ANYWAYS! That’s all I’ve got for today. But things are always changing here, new cats arriving...kitties going home. So, until the next update, human! Meanwhile, I will stay up here watching...judging...like a sneaky owl overlooking her cat gossip dominion. 

Xoxo,

Olive. 

Wanna get more updates like this? Check out our cat sponsorships! 

Hi humans! The first step in changing your cats annoying behaviors is always to figure out their WHY and simultaneously find something equal or better to offer them.

Now, I want you to do something for me. Go up to your cat and yell at them: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? Just kidding, don’t do that. You’ll only get a nasty, confused, judgy look. Just messing with ya…

For reals though, I am a cat, so I know. Your cat is scratching your favorite *anything* for a reason and we’ve gotta figure out why that is. For that, we need to talk briefly about the natural reasons cats need to scratch. 

WHY DO CATS SCRATCH THINGS?

Scratching isn’t just a twisted way for your cat to piss you off. They need it for filing their nails, stretching their gorgeous limbs, and an important one that most people miss: Marking territory and spreading their pheromones. When a cat can smell their pheromones in a room, it makes them feel happy and secure! Purr!!! 

Clearly, you can’t talk to your cat and ask them what’s it about scratching the couch that makes them so happy. Or maybe you do...If any of you knows cat language let me know because I’d like to tell the team here that I really enjoyed that one time they served me the pate instead of the chunky wet food!! Can I get that again tonight, please?

Okay, back to the pertinent subject. Most of you can’t literally talk to your cats, so we’re gonna have to do some deep psychology here. Put on your Freud glasses. We will start by asking ourselves some questions:

1- Where is the object your cat is scratching located? 

2- Is it vertical, or horizontal scratching?

3- What is the texture of the item the cat is scratching? 

4- What are my home’s most trafficked areas where my cat likes to hang? (living room, bedroom, office…). Those will be the areas you’d want to have a scratcher to offer. 

Disclaimer here: Every cat is it’s own magical, beautiful, glamorous, incredible, superior, better than dogs, unique creature. Therefore this will help you brainstorm ideas and hopefully come to a solution. But ultimately all cats are different and some are very strong willed. If they want to scratchiezzz your couch they gonna scratchiezz your couch. 

[Interesting fact to ponder on: Cats usually scratch couches because they are located in a high trafficked area of the house. That couch smells like you, it’s the focus of your home life. That’s why they want to blend their scent with it.]

Let's identify the location of your cat’s preferred scratching crazies. Once you know that, you will know where to put your beautiful scratching post. In all honesty, humans, you may have a long list of areas, not just one. You may have the bedroom, the baby’s room, the living room, the dining room...Even if you have a small house, your cat will have identified different “living” areas, so don’t think that because you have a studio you’re free from having to get more than one scratcher. YOU BROUGHT A TINY LION INTO YOUR HOUSE, human. Give us the scratching posts! 

Another tip about location: Maybe you do have 3 scratchers laying around inconspicuous areas and you’re like, “but they’re not using them!!!”. Sorry, but they need to be somewhere easy for the cat to reach. Ideally, exactly next to the area they’re already scratching your furniture in. Yep, don’t be scared to put the scratcher right next to the couch, blocking the exact area they’re scratching. I know..I know, they don’t look that great...But how great does your couch look when it’s shredded like cheese? Also, some scratchers look really good, like the ones we’ve got here. 

And here’s the bit of truth, if you really want them to stop this nasty behavior of destroying every nice thing you own, you will most likely have to come to terms with a fact: You will need more than one scratching post and it will have to be in plain sight. Maybe your BFF has a cat that only has one scratcher and it works for them….I get it. But your friend’s cat isn’t the one with the “scratching the couch” problem, yours is! LOL

Before we continue, I’m gonna tell you another truth about cats, because I am one and I know what I’m talking about: Cats don’t understand NO (maybe we do, but we don't care about it). We only understand YES. If you want us to avoid something, you gotta give us something that WE THINK is much better. A “yes for every no”, makes sense? 

Now we gotta figure out the texture that your cat prefers and the direction they like to scratch in. Did you get a cardboard scratching post and they haven’t even touched it? Maybe they don’t like it. Yep, us cats are really fancy and we are very specific with our taste, hehe. There’s a few typical scratching post materials:

• Woven sisal (most preferred)
• Sisal rope 
• Cardboard
• Carpet (prob not good to teach them that scratching carpet is good, if you live in a carpeted house). 

If you’re not sure what they’d like, I’d go with this one first. This one is always a hit. 

Another thing to consider is that some cats like scratching horizontally and not vertically, or vice versa. Take a minute to observe that majestic creature that is allowing you to live in their dominion and then you’ll see what direction they’re scratching in. This is a great option for a horizontal scratcher. 

. 

Once you have found the texture they like and the direction they enjoy scratching in, you have to make sure that the scratching post is sturdy enough for their bodies. Cats hate it when the post wobbles or when the scratching pad isn’t big enough for their body structure. We gotta streeeeetch. 

Ok, you got the purrfect scratching post now and you’ve identified exactly where to place it/them. Some cats immediately understand that you got them exactly what they wanted, but most go by scent, a LOT. The fact that your beloved couch is already full of their pheromones is like a cat attractant. On the other hand, your brand new, shining scratcher smells like the factory it came from. For that reason, you may have to get a safe cat deterrent to spray on the big NO, NO area every 24 hrs until the behavior stops and counter it with a nice catnip to spray on the brand new beautiful scratchers to give it a big YES. 

Alrighty human, I hope this helped you start identifying why the heck your cat is doing this to your home decor and solve the problem. If this didn’t help, well...You should just be grateful to live with a tiny lion. 

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or if this was helpful! 

Purrs & Meows, your new favorite blogger: Clover!

Let's think through a cat's mind for a moment. They have simple but very important needs that have to be met in order for them to be happy in an environment: 

- Playing / Hunting

- Eating 

- Sleeping / Resting

- Scratching 

- Litter Box Needs 

These needs can be met within a very small space. Cats are really particular about their "territory", and usually spend most of their day in the same areas. If you're concerned about the size of your living space, don't! The key is to make the space more functional and comfortable for them. 

These needs that I mentioned aren't optional. All cats need them! Some of them like scratching can seem like a nightmare to us sometimes, but it's important to always think creatively to accommodate them as well as keep our sanity (and our furniture). Let's chat about each of these more in depth: 

PLAY: 

It's instinctual. Cats must get some stimulation in order to keep their sanity. For indoor cats, play simulates hunting for prey. For a happy cat, try to include playtime at least a couple of times a day, ideally before their meals. There's a few basic toys every cat should have : A wand toy so you can play together, a toy they can wrestle with and last but not least, something that can satisfy their "seek and catch" drive when you're not around, like a squeaky mouse or a cat tower of tracks.

A wand toy helps establish good behaviors, as the area they play with is far enough away from your hand. Get creative with it, pretend the wand is a mouse, hide it, shake it, make it interesting! This is a great one!! 

A "kicker" toy is a great way to help them satisfy their kill prey instinct, as they can perform their fun bunny kicks! Bam, dead kicker toy! This is a great option and NOPE they do not need to be animal shaped! This kind has always worked amazing for our cats. When they're catnip filled they work like magic!

A tower of tracks cat toy is super fun stimulation for them to play when you're sleeping or out of the house. This specific tower is awesome and we've rarely found a cat that didn't like it. You can get it here. 

EATING: 

Cats usually enjoy eating in an area that they feel safe in. Imagine that they're at their most vulnerable when chowing down, so they like areas near a corner or against a wall, where they're not too exposed. Also avoid loud areas of the house, like where the laundry machines are! If you have more than one pet and they're being competitive, consider feeding one on top of a counter and the other on the floor, specially if you have a dog. 

SLEEPING / RESTING: 

You may be thinking..."I bought my cat a super cute and comfy bed/condo/etc but they will not use it!". Finding the purrfect bed is one thing, but then you also have to find the purrfect place for it! I always remember when I got my first cat, I bought him a really nice bed. I just put it on the floor and expected him to pounce at it and rest there every day! He ignored it, for a year. Until the day I put it on the entryway table so I could go get rid of it on my way out. When it's time for me to head out the door, I see my cat finally sleeping on it!! What had changed? Where the bed was located!! 

Cats like places to rest where they can be away from everybody, but also they do really enjoy being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the house. Contradictory, right? Welcome to...CATS! 

But first let's chat about a GOOD cat bed that has never failed us and also LOOKS GOOD in the house. Check this one out, it's fuzzy which cats love cause it reminds them of momma cat, it's round so they feel cozy and safe. Do make sure to measure your cat and get the right bed size! Where to put it? Your cat is probably already sleeping somewhere, maybe on top of your couch? You can put the cat bed in that area! If you're getting a new cat, try a few different places. Most cats will enjoy cat beds in the living room or bedroom because you're there most of the day. And they will want them near a window, or somewhere that isn't too exposed. 

Is your cat always climbing up on the counter, the fridge and the book case? This awesome shelf may be a great solution for them. They love it because it's clear, which means they can judge your daily activities from above, but also the round shape contours their body and makes them feel safe. Did we mention you get to see their squished little paws from underneath? Ah! It's so cute! We have these at Cat Therapy and the cats LOVE them. It can take them a second to understand what's going on when you first install it, but after they understand what it is, they love it! Shelves are usually better when you put them in a main area of the house and near a window. Think of it as giving them a better vantage point for patrolling their dominion :) If you get matching shelves, make sure the first step is not too far from the floor. 

A cat condo near a window is also a great idea and they make them really cool now, like this amazing one! A condo like this also provides them with a little hiding area they can use for when they're feeling antisocial :) 

SCRATCHING:

Oh man, the most controversial of all cat needs! The moment you accept that scratching isn't optional for cats, the closer you are to finding a solution to all your furniture vs cat problems. Also, nowadays they make pretty cool looking scratching posts! So read on a few VERY important things that will help you in your battle against loosing your favorite couch: 

- Cats are very texture oriented when scratching, make sure you find what fabric your cat likes. Some like the cardboard scratchers, some like carpet and others love sisal rope (that's the most liked one usually). 

- Not all cats scratch vertical, some like horizontal scratching. Notice if they're scratching the ground, like the carpet, or the sides of the couch. A great vertical scratcher is this one, it's never failed us. A great horizontal scratcher is this one. If you're not sure, get both and they'll really appreciate it! 

- Finding the right spot to put a scratching post is VITAL in getting your cat to use it. Ideally, every main area should have one. Remember we said that cats use it not only for filing their nails, but also to mark their territory. They use it to blend in their scent into your house. Having a few scratching posts sounds overwhelming, but believe me, it's better to have that than a scratched couch! And this horizontal scratcher is barely noticeable in the house. 

Paired with a great scratching post, spraying your big "no no's" in the house with a safe cat deterrent like this one is a great idea! 

LITTER BOX: 

Not all cats enjoy the same litter. If you adopt a new kitty, please make sure to check which litter they had been using and do not switch brands until your cat is acclimated to your house. Placing the litter box needs to be a conscious decision, finding an area that is easy for them to access but also away from foot traffic or loud noises in the house. Most cats enjoy covered litter boxes, and a good option is this awesome cat box! It hides the litter box really well! You do need to get a litter pan to put inside, like this one. 

Now that you've gotten all these amazing things for your cat to use, keep in mind that the scent plays a huge part in them wanting to use them. Any time you get something new, it's a good idea to use a catnip spray so they are naturally attracted to it! We have an amazing one here. 

To see all our recommended products together in one page, go here! 

How does Cat Therapy help at-risk cats?

It is estimated that approximately 860,000 cats that enter shelters are euthanized every year. Here at Cat Therapy, all of our cats are rescues who were at risk of euthanasia in high kill shelters and facing homelessness on the streets. By fostering these cats in our space, we are able to make more room in their facilities to use for cats that need immediate rescue, therefore saving more lives. By housing these cats in a comfortable, safe and nourishing environment, we drastically improve their quality of life and give them a temporary home while they wait to find their forever family. Without the stress of living in a cage like most shelter cats, the kitties are able to show their true personalities to potential adopters! Because our kitties live in a space where they are comfortable and socialized, adopters are able to connect with kitties in the same way that they would at home! 

How do you decide who comes to Cat Therapy? 

We are in touch with our rescue partner Stray Cat Alliance every day. When they have cats that are ready for adoption and do not need to be at the vet office or specialized care foster homes, they're scheduled to come to us. This allows for our rescue partner to have those much needed resources ready for new, time sensitive rescues, like baby kittens or sick cats. They decide who comes to us in order to ensure we are helping them as much as possible. Sometimes we make requests to ensure we have a variety of ages and purrsonalities! But for the most part, kitties are assigned to us. 

How do you make sure your cats are comfortable at Cat Therapy and around other cats? 

As you may already know, we work with a wonderful rescue organization based in Los Angeles called Stray Cat Alliance. Whenever new cats arrive, they are examined by team members and our vet to make sure they are healthy and ready for the Cat Cafe life. They then stay in a kennel or a playpen for about a week to allow them to get comfortable with the space and the other kitties. A new environment can be overwhelming for kitties at first, so we always make sure they are comfortable before letting them roam around with the other kitties! Keeping them isolated for a period also allows time to monitor them for any symptoms of illness that they may have developed before coming to us. Then they get to come out, hang out with the other kitties, and enjoy pets and socialization from our visitors! This is one of the big reasons why all of our cats here get along so well! They are given time to become comfortable with the new environment and become friends with all the kitties! Our space also has a lot of hiding spots so cats can retreat and relax if they feel unsure about things during the first few weeks. 

How do you keep the cats so healthy?

All of our staff members are trained to recognize different health concerns in cats. Our cats are regularly examined to make sure they are happy and healthy. Because of this, symptoms of illness are caught very early, and the kitty is isolated to be treated and to prevent anything spreading to the other kitties. The kitties also get a weekly visit from a veterinarian to make sure their health is in tip top shape!

What do team members do on a regular day that we don’t see?

Every day before opening, a team member comes in early to feed the kitties, clean, and make sure the space is ready for visitors. Regular cleaning is extremely important to maintain the health of our kitties, and to make sure every visitor enjoys their time without any stinky smells! We do this morning cleaning for about 3 hours!! Throughout the day, our team continues to clean and scoop litter boxes to keep the space clean all day long. Once visiting hours are done for the day, a team member does another thorough cleaning of the space, feeds the kitties, and makes sure they have everything they need for the night!  

Who designed the space?

A Cat Cafe needs to be an environment that is appealing to the human eye, easy to sanitize and also provide what cats need to be comfortable. We designed our space ourselves, with the help of cat behaviorists. It provides cats with everything they need to thrive, from wall shelves to climb up on and observe the world, to lots of windows, hiding spots and a back room to retreat to if a break is needed. There's also access to litter boxes from all angles. Our gate separating the main area to the entrance is not completely cat proof but it does discourage them from spending time near the main door. 

We hope you enjoy the space we created! Our cats sure do! 

Do you have a lot of adoptions? 

Yes we do! The goal of Cat Therapy isn't just to foster at risk cats, we also want to provide potential adopters with a place where they can connect with the cats in a way that will encourage bonding. Most people that come to Cat Therapy visit just for fun, which is great because our cats get socialized. But a lot of these people end up falling in love and we do have visitors that are coming specifically to adopt. Overall, our comfortable environment promotes connection between cats and humans and that results in a successful adoption rate. 

How can I be a part of your rescue work and support your kitties? 

We fund our work two ways: Through the online sales of the adorable cat themed merchandise we design and through entry fees for visiting our cats. You can help us by shopping our merch here or booking a visit! 

You can also follow us on Social Media as @CatTherapySB and stay connected with our kitties! 

How can we schedule a visit?

We’ve all seen videos of cats going bonkers over a little plant called catnip. Rolling around, rubbing up against toys, and sprinting around the room may have been behaviors you have witnessed from kitties who have just come in contact with it. But what exactly is catnip and why does it cause cats to behave this way? Does it affect cats differently? What are the different ways that catnip can be used? 

What is catnip?

The catnip plant is a member of the mint family, and is native to Europe and Asia. It contains the volatile oil nepetalactone (an oil that evaporates in the air), which is found in the plants leaves, stems, and seeds. 

How catnip affects cats depends on how they “get it” - when cats eat catnip, it tends to make them chill, not hyper. However, smelling catnip, as when they play with a catnip toy, makes cats spaztastic! 

Catnip is truly a fantastic way to get your catloaf to exercise more! What else can it be used for? Here’s some more info! 

What can catnip be used for?

Training (well..more like "persuading" 😹): Cats respond better to positive reinforcement. If there’s something they’re not supposed to be doing, you should offer them a “yes” option instead. Using catnip is a great way to encourage that “yes”. For example, spraying a little catnip on their scratching post might help keep their claws off the furniture. Is your cat not interested in the new toy or bed you brought home for them? Sprinkle it with catnip! Do they avoid the carrier at all costs when it’s time for a vet visit? A catnip blend infused with Valerian root can do the trick, like this one! 

Exercise/ Playtime: If you have a sedentary kitty, you can use catnip to help them get exercise! Just a little sprinkle on their favorite toy might be enough to jumpstart some playtime! A good quality catnip blend like this one would do the trick! Toys made with catnip inside are also super fun, like this sushi cat toy set. 

Calming: If your cat experiences anxiety, catnip can be a great way to help relax them. Maybe you just brought home a new pet, you are introducing them to a new environment, or you need to take them for a vet visit. Events like these are likely to cause some amount of stress for your kitty. This is another great opportunity to use a Valerian root + Catnip blend like this one! 

As a treat: Who says catnip can’t just be used for fun too?

Do all cats like catnip? 

Not all cats are able to experience the effects of catnip. That is why some catnip blends come with a really cool powder called Silvervine. Some say it is even more popular with cats than catnip. It is a weird fruit from Asia that is dried and ground up into a powder that cats LOVE. This blend is great for cats that aren’t usually too interested in catnip! You can grab a little bag here. 

If you have a kitten though, you won’t know if they are affected by catnip right away. Young kitties aren’t able to feel the effects of catnip until they are about 6 months old or older. 

Choosing the best catnip:

When choosing dried catnip, it is best to look for all natural and organic products. This way you can make sure that it is free of insecticides, pesticides, or any other chemical that could be harmful to your kitty. The company we work with sources their catnip from the best organic farmers in the US! 

Are there any bad side effects to catnip?

Not really. Cats can’t “overdose” on catnip. They will just seem a bit sleepy but act completely fine after a good nap. But if they ingest too much of it, their tummies may hurt. So it’s always a good idea to sprinkle just a little bit for them, as too much isn’t necessary anyways. A 1oz bag should last quite a while. 

The bottom line...

Catnip is a great tool for cat lovers to enhance their beloved feline’s lives either by promoting play/activity, encouraging them to use a comfy new bed or cat condo, or helping them relax. Check out our catnip bags and catnip infused toys here! 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 60 compounds known as cannabinoids found within cannabis plants. There are many strains of cannabis, but marijuana and hemp are the two most commonly utilized by humans. Hemp, unlike marihuana, does not produce a “high” and is most commonly used for industrial and therapeutic purposes. CBD hemp oil is derived from this safer, more medicinal strain. 

The cat products we offer at our store in Downtown Santa Barbara are from the #1 CBD for pets brand Holistapet and they have 0% THC, which means they are non psychoactive (no “high”). 

Hemp has been used to sooth a variety of ailments for nearly 1,000 years. Despite being used mostly for humans in the past, new research is showing that the health benefits extend to pets too. Nowadays, holistic veterinarians and pet parents are singing the praises of CBD hemp oil as a natural and effective treatment for a growing list of issues in cats.

How does it work? 

All mammals and many other animal species have an endocannabinoid system which is an interconnected chain of receptors found in the brain, nervous system, glands, and organs. This system controls health and healing by acting as a command center and maintaining balance within the body.

CBD oil produces therapeutic affects in the body by stimulating the endocannabinoid system to promote overall healing and wellness. It helps naturally regulate the system to maintain ideal balance and influence many internal processes related to pain, mood, sleep, and immune function.

Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD as well as its ability to reduce anxiety and pain, lessen seizure activity, and improve overall well being. In addition to its many medicinal benefits, CBD is also quite safe for cats as long as it contains little to no THC, like the products we offer here. It may even help improve your cat’s mood, skin, coat, and energy levels.

What should you use CBD Hemp oil for in cats? Some of the most common uses are: 

CDB Hemp Oil for Anxiety in Cats:

 Some cats suffer from chronic anxiety while others experience it only situationally. Like a visit to the vet, a new cat entering the environment, or moving to a new home. Stress isn’t only harmful to your cat, but it can also cause unwanted behaviors like urinating or defecating outside the litterbox, aggression, or destructive scratching. Even worse, some cats become physically ill as a result of their stress, refusing to eat or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. For these kitties, CBD may help supplement the endocannabinoid system by altering serotonin signals. Seratonin is a hormone that helps regulate mood. CBD is thought to affect how the brain reacts to seratonin, much like many prescription antidepressants.

CBD Hemp Oil for Pain in Cats:

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s safe for cats. Rather than using steroids or harmful medications, this natural oil can relieve pain associated with joint pain, nerve conditions, injuries and illnesses. That is why many vets are recommending it. 

CDB Hemp Oil for Gastrointestinal Issues in Cats:

Many cats suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis. Since it is a natural anti-inflammatory, many holistic vets recommend CBD hemp oil for their feline IBD patients. By reducing irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract, CBD may reduce IBD symptoms such as pain, discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and weight loss.

CDB Hemp Oil for Chronic Upper Respiratory Infections: 

Many cats suffer from life-long viral infections causing symptoms like chronic congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny eyes. Veterinarians and pet parents have discovered that feline patients taking CBD hemp oil for other ailments have had the “side effect” of reduced URI symptoms.

CBD Hemp Oil For Appetite Stimulation: 

Cats are usually finicky eaters. You can imagine that when they are stressed, battling an illness or undergoing certain treatments, getting them to eat can be challenging. Cannabis stimulates the appetite and suppresses nausea. 

Now that you know more about the health benefits of CBD in cats, go ahead and check out Cat Therapy's favorite CBD products at our location in Santa Barbara, located at 1213 State St. Suite L.