Cats

Can’t. Stop. Looking. You will have an outsized and possibly over-the-top need to stare at this little creature, search for them the second you get home, and watch in awe as they sleep (and sleep and sleep). Nature (no fool that she is) baked in a few attributes in kittens that are similar to human babies—large head, round face, big eyes, rounded, soft, pudgy abdomen, and those sweet, non-threatening sounds—all of which have a profound effect on our brains, causing the release of the feel-good neurotransmitters, dopamine and oxytocin. Slightly overprotective? Who me? Totally normal.,There’s no escaping that when you adopt a new kitten, those few pounds of furry feline cuteness will immediately rule your world. And we’re not mad about it. In fact, we think life is simply sweeter with a kitten who is now in charge of us from dusk to dawn. Here are just a few of the ways bringing home a new kitten ensures that your life will never be the same.

Kittens are generally highly energetic, so the first step is determining whether you’re seeing more than typical new kitten energy.,Jump to section What Does a Hyperactive Kitten Look Like? How To Calm Down a Kitten: 3 Tips for Managing Hyperactivity 4 Tips for Playing with a Hyperactive Kitten Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? And Will It Ever End? How To Prepare for a Hyperactive Kitten

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There’s a lot to think about before bringing a turtle into your family: how to house and handle them, plus how you’ll plan to care for them throughout their long lifespan. But the very first decision you’ll need to make is: What type of turtle should you get? Below is a list of 10 turtles that can make great pets, along with some of the basics when it comes to their needs.

5. Medicate Your Pet Before Discussing With the Vet Health Team or Forget To Mention Current Medications Many people have anxiety medications for their pets or antibiotics/steroids lying around the house that they were prescribed in the past but they did not finish. You may want to ease your pet’s anxiety before a vet visit or planned procedure/test, but unless you’ve discussed premedicating with your veterinary care team, do not give your pet unprescribed medication. This can cause all sorts of issues. First, it makes it harder for vets to see clinical signs and be able to reach the right diagnosis if they can’t see your pet when they are not sedated or medicated. You can also cause unwanted or dangerous side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx, or EtoGesic) and corticosteroids (such as prednisone, triamcinolone, or dexamethasone) are two of the most frequently prescribed classes of medications in veterinary medicine. But when two or more are given at the same time, even within a few days of one another, gastrointestinal problems are likely. Another example is combining certain drugs that may cause “serotonin syndrome.” Several types of drugs commonly prescribed to pets increase serotonin levels within the brain, and when they are used together, their combined effect may result in a dangerous and possibly fatal reaction. Drugs that can play a role in serotonin syndrome in pets include Anipryl (selegiline or L-deprenyl), Mitaban and Preventic (amitraz), Clomicalm (clomipramine), Reconcile and Prozac (fluoxetine), and amitriptyline. These medications should not be given together. Transition or “wash-out” periods that last several weeks may be necessary when switching from one to another. Make sure you have past medical records and a list of current medications your pets are on when you come to the vet. You can even find templates online that can help you prepare for commonly asked veterinary visit questions.,Some pets enjoy vet visits, but as you are probably well aware, many do not. They can’t comprehend that the procedures and medications they get at the vet clinic are for their own health and well-being. But there are ways you can help make the experience at the vet’s office easier for your pets as well as for you and the veterinary staff. Here are some pointers for what NOT to do. 1. Assume Good Behavior in Your Pets We all like to think our own pets are the best four-legged creatures to walk the Earth. Unfortunately, it is very common and normal for pets to show a completely different side at the veterinary clinic, especially if they’ve never been to that clinic before or they remember a previous negative visit. Cats can have difficulty with a change in environment, even more so if they are strictly indoors. It helps to take things slow. You may also want to search for a Fear-Free Certified clinic. Let dogs sniff around if they are on a leash. Use many positive reinforcement cues, such as treats (if they can have them), verbal praise, and pets. If your pet has not been to the vet’s office before, let the staff know it’s their first visit. Assuming a pet will be friendly (even if they have been in the past) can put the staff in danger and cause a negative experience for your pet. 2. Not Use a Leash Please do not think that your oh-so-lovable Golden Retriever does not need a leash for their vet visit. You never know what your dog may react to in the parking lot or waiting room. There may be a very anxious large dog that can cause you or your pet harm if they are approached by a pet that is off leash. Off-leash pets can stress out sick pets or pets that are naturally anxious and already on the verge. Some animals, such as rabbits and cats, can very easily be frightened by a large dog coming up to their carrier. We want to do what’s best for every pet and pet parent, so make sure your pet is on a leash and not approaching other pets. 3. Not Use a Carrier Keeping smaller or more anxious pets in a carrier is just as important. Many pets feel safer when they are in an enclosed space. This protects them from other animals as well. Without a carrier, a cat, bird, small reptile, or pocket pet can run away or seriously harm themselves. Carriers also make it easier for veterinary staff to access the pet. Here are a few great options for carriers: Small pet carrier/rodent: Frisco Top-Loading Small Pet Carrier Bird carrier: Yaheetech Iron Travel Bird Cage Carrier Cat/small dog carrier: *Pro tip: Look for a cat or small dog carrier with front and top access, such as the one below. This makes for easier entry and exit, and pets are less likely to get trapped in the carrier during emergency medical situations. Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Dog and Cat Kennel

Q: I’ve noticed my cat will sometimes make these weird noises when she sees birds outside the window. It’s sort of a rapid-fire chattering, chirping sound. Why do cats chirp at birds? Is this normal? A: Cats chirping at birds mainly has to do with the fact that cats are (gasp!) predators and birds are their prey. Basically, it’s their natural hunting instincts kicking in. So yes, it’s normal. And not only that, but cats chirping at birds should actually be encouraged. If you’re a cat parent, you may have seen your cat chirp at birds before. This type of cat chattering can also be directed at other small animals like squirrels or chipmunks.   If you’re wondering why cats chirp at birds and other animals, you’re certainly not alone. We tapped several feline behaviorists to get to the root of this seemingly weird cat behavior. 

UVB light is a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light produced by the sun. It helps reptiles produce vitamin D3, which is critical for processing calcium and preventing MBD and other health issues. “It’s the same stuff that we need in order to produce vitamin D in our skin. Reptiles need that as well,” explains Denise Cieri, founder of HerpHaven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary in Brunswick, Maine. Reptiles need vitamin D3 to process and use the calcium provided in their diet and supplements, like Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3 Reptile Supplement and Fluker’s Calcium with Vitamin D3 Indoor Reptile Supplement. Without calcium, phosphorous, and D3, sun-loving reptiles like bearded dragons and uromastyx struggle to develop strong bones.,Creating a great habitat for your reptile starts with learning the basics of reptile care—especially when it comes to lighting. UVB lighting is essential for many pet reptiles, helping to prevent serious conditions like metabolic bone disease (MBD). Here’s what to know about which reptiles need UVB and why it matters.

WRITTEN BYKen Tudor, DVM Veterinarian,By Ken Tudor, DVM Feeding the overweight cat is simultaneously both the easiest and the most complex of tasks. With few exceptions—like the Maine Coon at the large end and the emaciated looking Siamese at the small end—the ideal target weight for most cats is approximately 10 pounds. Unlike with dogs, we know the exact size of the thin cat inside Garfield and how many calories he needs. But administering that feeding program is nearly impossible. Cat eating behavior makes scheduled feedings very difficult, especially for working owners, and the unique carnivorous feline metabolism can put a dieting cat at risk for potentially fatal liver problems. The multi-cat household adds even more challenge and frustration. How Many Calories to Feed the Overweight Cat No matter which of the many calculations we use to determine how much to feed the dieting cat, they all yield virtually the same number of calories: 200-225 calories, or kcal. This starting number can be reduced to as low as 150 if necessary. And this is important: Before you begin restricting your cat’s calories, remember to consult your vet. There may be health issues that are particular to your cat that will inform exactly how many calories your cat will need.

Domestic cats can be particularly fussy when it comes to their water. Factors like where it’s placed, how fresh it is and the source it’s coming from can all detract a kitty from drinking, leaving them more vulnerable to cat dehydration. Keep these things in mind when you’re considering how to give your cat their water: Don’t put their food near the water bowl. Cats instinctively avoid water near their food, possibly an instinct from their wild ancestors. Don’t put their food near their litter box. You might be less likely to drink water too, if the only place you could do it was next to your toilet! Choose the right bowl. Cat’s like wide bowls with low edges so that their whiskers don’t have to touch the bowl. Clean the bowl regularly. Your cat’s water bowl should be emptied, cleaned and filled with fresh water at least twice a day.,If you don’t see your kitty at their water bowl often, you’re not alone. “Cats are really desert dwellers and are not programmed to drink large amounts of water,” said Judy Morgan, DVM. This trait can make your kitty less likely to spend time at their water bowl—and more at risk to cat dehydration than you might think. Of course, cat hydration is very important. Although cats can generally function in a mildly dehydrated state, hydration is important for normal metabolic health, energy and digestion, says Stephanie Liff, DVM, medical director of Pure Paws Veterinary Care. In older cats, hydration is important to support kidney health, which often suffers as cats age. And in younger cats, water intake is essential to avoid lower urinary tract issues. Whatever your cat’s age, there are some ways you can help increase the amount of water they get so you can better prevent cat dehydration. Here are a few suggestions.

As every cat parent knows, cleaning the litter box is one of the least rewarding aspects of the job. However, the right cat litter for your and your pet’s needs can make all the difference. There are a wide range of litters available today, each offering unique benefits to cats and cat parents. Which one you choose can impact how easy it is to keep your space clean, your home smelling fresh and your cat happy. Bathroom business is serious business, so there’s quite a bit to consider before selecting a litter. Read on for everything you need to know about the best cat litter on the market today, including expert tips and product picks from pet parents like you.