Cats

As our cats age, they go through a lot of significant physical changes. Their nutritional requirements change as well. The lack of knowledge in the area of animal physiology has led many pet owners to unknowingly overfeed their aging pets, which has led to a growing population of overweight and obese pets and the illnesses that accompany these conditions. The way the body uses energy changes, along with the amount of substance needed to produce energy. This process, known as metabolism, tends to slow down so that the need for fat and calories decreases. Cats can generally be maintained on the same level of calories into their later years, but still must be observed for weight changes and their diet adjusted accordingly. The Health and Disease Link Older cats are already at an increased risk for developing kidney and heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and various forms of cancer. The immune system also weakens with age, leaving older cats at a higher risk for infection and slowed healing times. For some, there is a genetic breed link that predisposes them to disease. To combat, or to at least mitigate the effects of these conditions, there are diets that have been specially formulated for the special needs of cats. For example, older cats with kidney disease are fed highly digestible proteins, and those with heart disease are fed diets that are lower in sodium content. Cats that have developed problems with brain function may benefit from the addition of certain antioxidants to their daily diets; and cancer patients often benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, along with additional antioxidants in their diets. Depending on your cat’s health status, immediate dietary changes may be necessary to halt the progression of a disease that has come about. Even when the disease cannot be resolved entirely, diet changes can often reduce the more severe effects of the disease. Foods that are made with highly digestible sources of fats and proteins can make a significant difference, as they are more readily absorbed, placing less stress on the digestive system and allowing for the body to balance its energy reserves more efficiently. Maintaining the strength of the aging immune system is also a priority, and this can be done with the addition of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet — both of which are known to boost immunity and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. Even if your cat is not suffering from a diseased condition, changes such as these are a practical disease deterrent. Consult your veterinarian so that you are tailoring your cat’s diet to his or her specific physical needs.

Raise your paws if you spent the past couple of months stress baking! From banana bread to sourdough starters, it seemed like the world spent their time in isolation within their kitchen, kneading and vigorously stirring out their anxieties. But why should only the human members of your family benefit from the fruits, err foods, of your labor? So as not to leave out our fur babies, we whipped up this DIY cat treat recipe that earned us plenty of purrs. At least something good came out of 2020, amiright? Want to give this DIY cat treat recipe a go yourself? It’s quick and easy, consisting of only 10 minutes of prep time and requiring just four ingredients which you probably already have in your arsenal, so no extra trip to the grocery store necessary. So throw on your apron and prepare for your kitty to pounce on these fast (and fishy) goodies!

Reviewed for accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960s—the result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association—cat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties. Today, the breed is still extremely popular, bolstered both by celebrity fans (Demi Lovato, Lena Dunham and Kat Von D are all proud Sphynx owners) and a photogenic appearance that just begs for Instagram followers. While these kitties are known for their delightful personalities and adorable appearance, they also require special care and considerations. Despite their hairless status, they are a much more demanding pet than many of their furry counterparts. If you’re thinking about bringing a Sphynx into your life, here’s what you need to know. Sphynx Cats Have Big Personalities “Social” is not a word some people would associate with cats, but in the case of the Sphynx, it is a very apt descriptor. Dr. Ariana Verrilli, a veterinary oncologist at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, New York, owns three hairless cats and reports that they are attention-seeking machines. “My hairless cats run to the door to greet me when I get home. I can’t sit down without having at least one of them on my lap… At night, they want to be under the covers.” She adds, “If you’re looking for a cat that’s going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, don’t get a Sphynx.” Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. “If they want something, they’ll let you know,” says Dr. Verrilli. “One of my cats will sit outside closed doors and scream if she wants to be let in.” While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes’ outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breed’s social demands. “My youngest Sphynx kitty was a rescue. Someone dropped her off at the vet clinic where I was working and said she was too much for him to handle,” Dr. Verrilli notes. “I believe it. She’s crazy, but I love that about her.”

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a feline retrovirus that can affect cats of all ages. A retrovirus is virus that uses RNA as its genetic material, rather than DNA. The virus spreads through exposure to bodily fluids, including: Saliva Urine Feces The milk of an infected mother cat From mother to kitten during birth FeLV used to be called the ‘loving disease’ because it was believed that cats could become infected after touching noses with other cats. However, it is now known that FeLV can also be passed through bite wounds.,Jump to section What Is FeLV? What Is FIV? When Should a Cat Be Tested for FeLV/FIV? How Are Cats Tested for FeLV/FIV? What Happens If My Cat Tests Positive?

Thank dogness for technology. Who knew that watching your friend’s Yorkie sleeping away a Tuesday afternoon could be so riveting! That’s why we love pet cameras, especially the ones that allow multiple people to access at once, so your friends and family can watch your pet with you. Your pet’s captured audience can even get in on all the fun if you opt for a pet camera with a built-in laser, treat dispenser, or microphone. You can also stream your pet on Facebook Live with pet cameras like PetCube. No pet camera? Here are six animal live streams you and your human and pet pack can all watch together from wherever you are. Nursery at Warrior Canine Connection Kitten Rescue Sanctuary BARK-9 Guinea Pig and Bunny Cam Wolong Grove Panda Yard Memphis Zoo Hippo Cam San Diego Zoo Tiger Cam,From zooming into Zoom work meetings and starring in must-see viral TikToks to being summoned to “join” Facetime calls and filling our social feeds with aww-inducing images (we know we’re not alone in scoping this and this every day), our pets are the stars of the show during these long days of social distancing. (Which in the minds of most cats is about halfway to the level of adoration they deserve, and dogs, well, they’re just happy being happy.) Beyond being completely captivating and totally entertaining housemates, pets are also helping humans stay connected, something that’s a challenge when options for interaction are limited. If you’re a pet parent and want to make the most of your time while you’re doing the right thing and staying home as much as your life will allow, try these six activities with your pet that will help you stay connected. Your friends and family will thank you later.

Without observing your cat in action and seeing his environment, it is difficult to determine your cat’s motivation for his Water Bowl Olympics. Possible explanations for the behavior include the degree of freshness of the water, the size and shape of the bowl and its location. Additionally your cat may have discovered that he gets your full, undivided attention when he turns his water bowl upside down or he may have found the water bowl is a perfect toy! Cats need to have freshly drawn water every day and when given the option; most cats will choose to drink fresh water. It is possible that you are not changing Boomer’s water frequently enough and that he is figured out that when he flips his bowl upside down, you respond by refilling it with clean water. The size and the shape of the cat bowl may be a factor as well. Cat whiskers contain their own blood supply and nerves. Because of this, small, deep bowls can bother their sensitive whiskers. You may need to change Boomer’s water bowl to one that is wide and shallow, with a solid base. Wide, bottom bowls with solid bases will also be difficult for Boomer to flip over. Your cat’s water bowl should be located in a quiet place where he will feel safe and can easily escape, if necessary. Place it in a quiet location with little activity and a good view. Your cat should be able to see any possible threats, such as other animals approaching. You may accidentally be reinforcing your cat’s behavior by responding to Boomer’s Water Bowl Olympics. Your cat is smart and he may have figured out that when he flips his bowl upside down, you immediately pay attention to him. Provide him other ways of interacting with you that will satisfy his desires for attention. Every day, engage your cat in play sessions, treasure hunts, petting sessions and clicker training. Giving your cat fresh water on a daily basis and providing him with a water bowl that is wide with a solid base may also help curb his water games.,Q.

Because dog food isn’t toxic to cats, there are no real concerns in the short term if a cat eats dog food.,Jump to section What Happens If Cats Eat Dog Food? Why Shouldn’t Cats Eat Dog Food? Can Cats Eat Dog Food in an Emergency? What Do Cats Need to Eat? What’s the Difference Between Cat Food and Dog Food? What Can I Feed My Cat If I Run Out of Cat Food? Why Does My Cat Want to Eat Dog Food? I Have a Cat and a Dog. How Do I Feed My Multi-Pet Household?

The Ragamuffin, a variant of the Ragdoll, is a large cat breed with big eyes and an affectionate nature. As the name suggests, the cat may go limp like a “rag” in your arms. It’s not that the breed is lazy, though. It just has a calm, laid back disposition.

When sweater weather arrives, nothing hits quite like cozy, fall recipes to warm your body and soul. But while you’re in the kitchen cooking up something tasty and toasty for yourself, you may just feel your pet watching your every move in the hopes of getting a little lick. The good news (and there’s only good news in this case!) is that fall means plenty of yummy seasonal fruits and veggies that are veterinarian-approved for dogs and cats, from apples to sweet potatoes. So, this fall, treat your pet to their literal dream come true: a delicious, homemade fall meal they can call their own. From a savory stew and pumpkin spice “latte” to dog-safe game-day treats, here are our favorite pet-friendly fall recipes. 

Diatomaceous earth (pronounced die-uh-tuh-MEY-shuhs, by the way) is actually made up of single-celled organisms called “diatoms.” The skeletons of these diatoms are made of a natural substance called silica, and over long periods of time, their skeletons accumulate and fossilize in the sediment of lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. The resulting sedimentary deposits are mined and used to create what we know as diatomaceous earth.,Jump to section What Is Diatomaceous Earth? Using Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas on Pets How Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas? How Do I Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Fleas? Things to Know Before Using Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas