Cats

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Sure, you can buy your feline family member some cat treats at the store, but if you want to put a little bit of extra love into treat time, you can make some DIY pumpkin cat goodies at home. Pumpkin, featured in each recipe, is great for your cat’s digestion and helps prevent hairballs. Show your feline how special she is with a little time spent in your kitchen just for her.

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A pet emergency often happens at the most inopportune times. On a Sunday when your veterinarian is closed, at 8 PM after business hours, or at 3 AM when you are trying to sleep. About 20 percent of these phone calls are true emergencies, and the other 80 percent can wait and schedule an appointment with their veterinarian. It can be very stressful when your pet is not acting like him or herself, and you are fearful that there is a medical emergency. Learning how to detect a true pet emergency, especially for cats, can help pet parents remain calm in situations when their pets are not acting right. So, here’s how you can differentiate between emergency pet care that requires immediate medical attention and a medical issue that can wait for a scheduled trip to the veterinarian.

Choosing which cat litter to use for your feline family member can be a tricky and confusing task. There are so many options, and they all offer different advantages. Two popular kitty litter options are traditional clay litters and crystal cat litter, also known as silica cat litter. Dr. Ari Zabell, DVM, DABVP, of Banfield Pet Hospital, tells us about cat litter composition so you can find which is best for your kitty. For the health and well-being of our feline friends, it’s important to know the cat litter composition for each type and how well clay and silica litters deal with odor, dust, tracking and other litter box-related issues. “Clay and silica cat litters both have their advantages,” says Dr. Zabell. “I’d recommend considering whether your cat has a preference, as well as any medical conditions that could be worsened by one ingredient or the other.”

Many friendly and well-socialized cats do not enjoy being picked up and held. Many reasons for this exist. The way the cat is approached before being picked up and how she is held often contributes to a cat having an unpleasant association with the experience. Cats need to be approached in a way that doesn’t surprise or scare them and they also need to feel safe while being held. Don’t startle Bubbles when you first approach her. Before picking her up, formally greet your cat by extending your finger towards her. Bubbles will probably make the first overture by touching your finger with her nose. After her initial greeting, she will continue to greet you by turning her head until her cheek rubs your finger. Most cats will welcome your gently petting their cheek, neck and head. The next step is to pick her up in a way that will support her body and help her feel safe and secure. Place one hand under her front legs and position your other hand so that it supports her back legs and hind quarters. You can position her so that her hind quarters are supported by the crook of your arm. It is important that Bubble’s legs do not dangle. When picking up Bubbles, take your time and don’t move too fast. Once you have her in your arms, hold her securely and close to your body. Don’t hold Bubbles against her wishes. Allowing her to feel she has some control over the situation will help her feel a little more secure about being picked up in the future. When releasing her from your hold, don’t let her drop. Instead place her gently down in a safe area.,Q:

9 Easy-Going Cat Breeds

Spay for a cat is the process of removing the female reproductive organs, explains Jessica Thompson, DVM, a veterinarian based in Portland, Oregon. Medically referred to as an ovariohysterectomy, the cat spay procedure involves surgically removing the ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancy. Spayed female cats also no longer have heat cycles. Spaying is performed under general anesthesia so your cat isn’t awake or aware of what’s going on. It’s considered a safe, routine procedure.,Jump to section What Is Cat Spaying? When To Spay a Cat Benefits of Spaying a Cat How Much Does Spaying a Cat Cost? What Is the Cat Spay Procedure Like? What Is the Cat Spay Procedure Like? Cat Spay Aftercare and Recovery Cat Spay Side Effects Spaying Cats FAQs

WRITTEN BYKatie Grzyb, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Katie Grzyb received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She continued her clinical training at…,  Eye problems are some of the most common health issues that cats face. A cloudy eye is often one of the first clinical signs noted by pet parents. Conditions that cause cloudiness in the eye can range from mild to severe. Cats of all ages can be at risk for cloudiness in the eye, although the reasons tend to differ among life stages. What To Do if Your Cat’s Eyes Are Cloudy It can be difficult to determine when eye cloudiness is a medical emergency. If the cloudiness is gradual and is noted in both eyes, then you can likely wait to see your veterinarian for evaluation. If the cloudiness is sudden or paired with pain, squinting, excessive tearing, swelling, bulging, redness, yellow/green or bloody discharge, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, swollen joints/lameness, fever, or lack of appetite, then bring your cat to your veterinarian or emergency vet as soon as possible. Many cat eye issues can worsen without appropriate treatment, even leading to blindness or rupture of the eye. So it’s important to have your cat evaluated as soon as possible if you are concerned, if it’s sudden, or if or your cat seems to be in pain.

6. Japanese Bobtail Photo by fuiyau yap/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Japanese Bobtails come in a variety of fur colors including all-white and are found with both medium and long coats. The Japanese Bobtail is an extremely intelligent, bold, and playful cat who will keep you busy with toys and attention. This breed is a jumper, so they’ll be happiest with plenty of high perches to explore.,7. Devon Rex Photo by Angela Kotsell/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images The Devon Rex has a unique appearance, with large ears, a broad chest, and a slender body. Their coat—found in multiple colors, including white—is short and fragile, so minimal grooming is best. These cats love to play and goof off, and they’re one of the best white cat breeds for families who want an energetic pet.,White cats are not only striking animals—they’re considered lucky in many cultures. Whether or not you’re superstitious, they’ll certainly bring some extra joy to your life. If you have your heart set on a white cat with blue eyes, or just want to find a friendly feline with a white coat, there are many breeds to consider.