Author: Christina Vercelletto

Did you move the litter box to a new area, buy a new box or switch litter? It might seem like a minor thing to us, but “cats develop preferences to certain litter and boxes,” Dr. Barrack says. For example, if you switched from an open litter box to one with a hood, the hood itself may be what is putting off your kitty. “Many cats do not like [hooded litter boxes] because their instincts tell them that a contained space is dangerous,” Dr. Barrack says. “Even if there is no immediate threat, the fact that there is no space for them to escape in case of an emergency is enough to make a cat uncomfortable and avoid using the litter box.” These switches can be especially problematic if you make them all at once and may lead to your cat peeing outside the litter box.,You brag to your fellow cat parent pals about how quickly and easily your new pet took to litter training. Then, years later, your cat has stopped using the litter box. A cat not using the litter box definitely can be frustrating—and unsanitary. Instead of doing their business where they’re supposed to, your cat is pooping outside the litter box, peeing outside the litter or both! Yikes… “Some may only urinate inside, while some may only defecate inside,” says Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH, owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. “Some cats abruptly refuse the litter box altogether.” In all scenarios, though, it’s exasperating to say the least, and it’s important to resolve the issue before your cat makes a habit out of eliminating in inappropriate places. But, you can’t resolve the issue until you figure out what is causing it in the first place. “There are many reasons a well-trained cat suddenly stops using the litter box,” Dr. Barrack says. While often the reason is one that is relatively easily resolved, other times it can be more serious. Even if you think you know the reason behind your cat not using the litter box, “it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions,” Dr. Barrack says.

While dog parties have become increasingly popular, it seems like we hear very little about people throwing a cat party. Yet there’s no reason our birthday cats should be any less celebrated on their big day than their canine counterparts! Especially if it’s a birthday kitten reaching their benchmark one-year birthday. “It is so important to include our pets in our rituals as they surely are important parts of our lives. I would not dream of skipping a pet birthday party,” says Sally Morgan, PT, CST, a holistic physical therapist for pets in Northampton, MA and author of “Dances of the Heart: Connecting with Animals.” When planning for a cat birthday party, it’s crucial to work around your cat’s personality. Despite the stereotype of the aloof feline, many cats love the company of people, other felines and even cat-friendly dogs. If your cat has an outgoing personality, you can consider planning a longer or larger party than you should if your pet is more the skittish type. In either case, here’s everything you need to know to throw a successful birthday bash for your special party cat.

Cat parents know why felines make great pets. For starters, they’re intelligent, graceful, loving and arguably the best cuddle buddies a pet parent can have. If you are a cat lover, you will be thrilled to know that there are particularly large cat breeds that offer more to love than your standard kitty. These big house cats are joining the ranks of the most popular types of cats due to their temperaments and adorably large stature. They have a growing reputation for being more people-centric, affectionate and incredibly smart when it comes to learning tricks and following commands. Just keep in mind that predicting the personality of any individual cat based on breed characteristics is not always accurate. “Reputations are based on generalizations, and any particular cat… may or may not conform to that reputation,” cautions Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in Animal Behavior at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “Cats are individuals, and genetics and environment all play a role in a cat’s personality and behavior.” The research on cat genetics in regards to relationship to personality is very limited. Unlike dogs, “Traditionally, cats have been bred for looks, not behavior, although it is possible that some personality traits came along for the ride,” notes Delgado.

If your feline friend is not getting enough water each day, they quickly can become a dehydrated cat. Especially now with warm weather settling in, you need to make sure their water is fresh and kept out of the sun and away from the heat. If fresh, cool water still doesn’t entice them, you might need to be more proactive to get your cat drinking water. Here’s how you easily can tell if your cat is properly hydrated—and steps you can take if you suspect they’re not.

Corn cat litter typically is made from finely ground whole corn kernels or ground corn cobs. The latter is a more environmentally friendly method, as it utilizes a waste product, says Christina Chambreau, DVM, a homeopathic veterinarian in Sparks, Maryland, and owner of the pet health coaching website, MyHealthyAnimals.com. Either kind is biodegradable, flushable and can help control unpleasant smells. Among the many options of corn cat litter is World’s Best scoopable multiple cat litter, which reduces waste by transforming into tight, small clumps thanks to its compressed-corn formula.,Whether you just got a new kitten or your cat doesn’t like your current litter choice, picking a new cat litter is an important decision. It can be a challenge to choose, especially if you are unfamiliar with the options. A common choice for many pet parents is clay cat litter. This widely available litter features a relatively low cost and comes in clumping and non-clumping varieties. “If a cat is using clay litter and [exhibits] no behavior problems, like urinating outside the box, then the cheapest is fine,” says Robert Henrickson, DVM, owner of Manhasset Animal Hospital in Manhasset, New York. “We use clay at the office.” Even if your cat is pleased with your litter choice, there may be other reasons for switching from clay litter. For example, you might be interested in more eco-friendly litters that use recycled materials, or a low-dust variety. Dr. Henrickson recommends dust-free litter for cats with allergies or asthma. So, what are the alternatives? From corn litter to walnut litter, there are a number of litter options on the market beyond clay.

We all want our cats to be happy and healthy—that’s a given. Providing them with a nutritious, high-quality cat food is one way to ensure just that. But with so many varieties of high-quality cat food on the market, knowing which one is the right choice for your fur baby can be confusing. What even is “high quality” cat food anyway? For starters, it has to meet the nutritional standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This is essential for any cat food, says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, DVM, Chewy’s resident veterinarian. An easy way to be sure of that is to look on the package for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. High quality food also has high-quality ingredients with nutritional benefits, like: Protein: provides energy and is essential for growth, the transport of nutrients and oxygen delivery Amino acids: build and repair tissues, help maintain healthy skin and coat, support the immune system, and muscle activity, making glucose, as well as transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body Fatty acids: maintain healthy skin and coat, and are essential for joint health and a healthy immune system Vitamins and minerals: to ensure that the pet’s nutrient requirements are met Depending on the specific brand and ingredients, some may ease health problems (like weight control formulas for paunchy pets), while others—including high-protein diets for active cats—satisfy a particular nutritional need. To help you figure out the best option for your favorite feline, we’re breaking down the various categories and detailing what you need to know. As with any change in a pet’s diet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian before switching to a high-quality cat food.