Cats

No one loves naps more than your cat. So give them the coziest place to curl up and catch some zzz’s with a comfy cat bed. The best cat beds will be made from high-quality materials, be just the right size and firmness and be machine washable for easy clean-up. To make your shopping easy, we’ve rounded up the best-selling and best-rated cat beds, from cat cave beds to the best bed for senior cats, as reviewed by Chewy cat parents like you. No matter their sleeping style, your furry feline can happily nap the day away.

Technically speaking, neutering means surgically preventing cats from reproducing. Castration (also known as orchiectomy) is the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles, making him unable to reproduce and also eliminating the main source of his reproductive hormones. Female cats undergo spay surgery (also called ovariohysterectomy), which is the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, also eliminating the main source of hormones that drive the female’s heat cycle. A note on terminology: Over time, the terms have morphed so that we use neuter for males and spay for females, which is what we’ll do for the purpose of this article.,Jump to section Define Cat Neutering How Old Do Cats Need To Be To Get Neutered? When To Neuter Male Cats Benefits of Neutering Where To Get a Cat Neutered Cat Neutering Surgery How Much Does It Cost To Neuter a Cat Cat Care After Neutering Male Cats Before and After Neutering: What To Expect Neutering FAQs Talk to Your Veterinarian After Cat Neutering

Recovery and Management of Edema in Cats Some causes of edema in cats can be treated quickly and successfully. For example, bacterial infections typically resolve with appropriate antibiotic therapy, and benign tumors can often be surgically removed. On the other hand, many other causes of edema in cats, like heart and kidney disease, are chronic and progressive in nature. With treatment, the cat’s edema and other symptoms may improve for a while, but euthanasia often becomes necessary when the cat’s quality of life can no longer be successfully maintained. Talk to your veterinarian to determine your cat’s prognosis and the best way to treat and manage their edema. Featured Image:VadimGuzhva,WRITTEN BYJennifer Coates, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…,If your vet has mentioned the term edema, you’re probably wondering what it is and what you can do to help your cat feel better. It’s important to understand the difference between swelling and edema. Swelling is a more general term, and many things can cause swelling in cats. For example, bleeding under the skin may cause swelling, but this isn’t edema. Edema is a specific type of swelling that develops when an abnormal amount of fluid collects in the spaces between cells in a tissue. This fluid is mostly water. Edema can affect almost any tissue in the body, but the most commonly diagnosed types of edema are: Cerebral edema: Edema affecting the brain Pulmonary edema: Edema affecting the lungs Peripheral edema: Edema that is usually easiest to see in a cat’s legs

How Much Do Cat Wellness Plans Cost? Most wellness plans have a monthly fee of $10-$30 per month, although some offer a lump-sum option so you can pay for the whole year at once. The monthly fee depends on the company and options you choose. Ask your insurance provider if they are offering any promotions or if they have discounts for multiple pets. Wellness plans often have an enrollment or startup fee as well for the first year of coverage. This is a one-time fee that you probably won’t have to pay again if you re-enroll on time the following year. It’s always a good idea to check your plan’s details to see exactly which fees you’ll have to pay when you sign up and re-enroll.,Should You Get a Wellness Plan for Your Cat? A wellness plan will give you peace of mind that all or most of your cat’s preventive appointments are already covered. Insurance also allows you to spread out your expenses rather than being faced with intermittent big bills. Here are the typical wellness needs for felines: Kittens (up to 1 year old) Spay/neuter FeLV/FIV test Heartworm test Rabies vaccine FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccine Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine Fecal test  Parasite prevention medication Microchipping Adults (1-6 years old) Boosters for rabies, FeLV, and FVRCP vaccines based on health and lifestyle Fecal test Screening bloodwork and urinalysis FeLV/FIV testing Parasite prevention medication Microchipping if not previously done Seniors (7 and over) Senior cats need everything a typical adult cat needs, plus: Twice-yearly physical exams More extensive senior bloodwork panel Urinalysis Thyroid hormone testing Blood pressure assessment,Cats may seem self-sufficient, but don’t let that fool you. Just like people, your furry feline needs regular wellness checkups. Depending on their age and health status, your vet may recommend bringing your cat in once or twice a year for their wellness exam. Visits for preventive care in kittens are even more frequent! As we all know, keeping up with even routine pet care can be pricey. Average yearly costs for cats can be $500-$2000 for all recommended wellness care (this can include physicals, dental cleanings, bloodwork, fecal exams for parasites, urinalysis, and more). The cost varies depending on where you live and your pet’s health status and age, but regardless, it’s a pretty penny!  One thing you can do to help manage these costs is to purchase a wellness plan for your cat. Here is what you need to know about cat wellness plans.

It’s every cat owner’s dream: a litter box that scoops itself. But, how effective are these devices? Do they live up to the claims that they can save you time and hassle? “A self-cleaning litter box is simply more convenient for pet parents,” says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ. “And if the box is cleaned more often, the cat is happier as well.” The automatic litter box is a win-win situation for both the cat parent and their feline; you get a break from scooping, and your kitty can enjoy a waste-free toilet, every time. If you are considering purchasing one for your furry friend, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of arguably the best cat litter box around—the self-cleaning litter box.

WRITTEN BYTiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA Veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Tupler is a graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with a certificate in shelter medicine and…,A catio is a cat enclosure designed to provide outdoor space for cats in a safe and secure manner. The popularity of catios has been increasing in recent years as more cat parents learn about the benefits of allowing their cats to experience the outdoors while protecting them from potential dangers such as cars, predators, and other hazards.

Always be on the lookout for the following signs of dental problems in cats. Early detection is key to preventing more serious issues.,Jump to section 14 Signs of Unhealthy Cat Teeth Common Cat Dental Issues When To See a Vet Treating Cat Dental Issues How To Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Healthy FAQs About Unhealthy Cat Teeth

In This Article Why Do Cats Stare at You? View 2 More +

You don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on cat luxury beds your kitty will spurn, so ask yourself these questions as you shop around for the purr-fect picks for your pet. What does your cat like to snooze on in general? “Cats have individual preferences. They definitely like things that are soft and plush, but then they also like cardboard boxes, paper bags and packing paper,” Van de Kieft notes. So look at where your cat likes to go to doze and try to replicate that in at least one of the cat beds you pick. Remember, cats like variety. How big is your cat? The best cat bed is one that’s just a few inches longer than your cat, explains Van de Kieft. Cats feel more secure in small spaces, but they also need room to change positions and move around, she notes. So measure your cat and get a bed that will let your cat curl up comfortably but still feel cozy. How firm is the bed? Cats generally don’t like to feel as if they’re sinking, says Van de Kieft, but they also like to knead—it’s their way to self-soothe. So you’ll want to find a cat bed that’s on firm side but still has a bit of give to it. It can be difficult to tell just how firm a cat bed is when shopping online, so be sure to read the reviews to get a good sense. How thick is the bed? Some cats like softer, plusher fabrics to nap on as long as the bed is firm enough to avoid the sinking feeling, says Van de Kieft. Look for a cat bed that’s between one to three inches thick, depending on your cat’s taste. Bonus points if the bed has an extra pillow or padding. How cozy is the bed? Cats crave heat, says Van de Kieft, which is why self-warming cat beds or ones with removable heating pads are like catnip to felines. Or go for a Sherpa-lined bed, which will also make for a cozy and warm resting place. Now that you have a better understanding of cats’ preferences in general and your cat’s individual tastes, you’re ready to check out your options.,You know your cat loves to sleep, but do you know what type of cat bed they’d prefer for their catnaps? There are many to choose from, including hanging cat beds that attach to windows (perfect for bird-watching), covered cat beds for shy felines who dig privacy as they snooze, and heated beds to help soothe achy bones. Felines can be picky, and the best cat bed for one pet may not work for another. To find the perfect cat bed for your pet, you’ll want to take their personal preferences into account as well as other factors, like their age and size. Then find a bed that meets the criteria. It’s also a good idea to get a few different cat beds, not just one, to give your cat options. They love choices, says Jennifer Van de Kieft, a certified advanced feline training and behavior professional in Brooklyn, New York. “Anyone who’s had a cat knows—one week they want to sleep on your bed and then the next week they’re sleeping on the box in the living room. It’s like they’re always changing spots.” Ready to find the cat bed of your kitty’s dreams? First, let’s cover the questions you should be asking yourself before you even start shopping.

For many of us, the long, warm days of summer mean extra-long walks with our doggos and refreshing dips in the pool. But if the hot and humid air is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, then it’s pretty tough to enjoy that summer weather. The good news is, getting a good night’s sleep during the height of summer can be as simple as making the switch to summer bedding—no sky-high AC bill required. But not all sheets are created equal: The best summer bedding features lightweight fabrics that boast cooling properties to keep you comfortable all night long, instead of tossing and turning, drenched in sweat. That being said, if you’re lucky enough to share a bed with a furry loved one (or three), then you know how difficult it can be to find high-quality sheets that look and feel great, while being durable enough to withstand the nightly kneading, scratching and circling that our four-legged family members like to partake in throughout the night. And since our pets like to enjoy the summer fun (and all the dirt and debris that often comes with it) just as much as we do, pet-friendly bedding should also be tough enough to take on many, MANY wash cycles. So, given all of these factors, what, exactly, are the best cooling bed sheets pet parents should look for this summer? Keep reading—sweet dreams are ahead!