Cats

For far too long, the majority of our indoor cats have reacted with hisses and desperate hopes of becoming feline Houdinis when confronted by what they view as the Three Horrible Cs: the car, the carrier and the veterinary clinic. But I’m living proof that we can acclimate our feline friends, from kittens to seniors, to at least tolerate car rides, whether they are short jaunts to the clinic or cross-country treks. Yes, I have survived the feline serenades inside my SUV from San Diego, California, to San Antonio, Texas—and back—with Zeki, my former certified therapy cat. I have endured the seemingly instant car sickness from my senior cat, Murphy, each time she is put in the carrier to travel to the veterinary clinic (a mere 15 minutes away) for her annual examination. And, now, I am patiently conditioning my new kitten, Casey, that car rides are cool… even for cats. The secret to success when it comes to training cats to accept being tucked inside a cat carrier and placed inside moving vehicles begins with you. And, your catitude. Remember, our cats are masters at reading our emotions. That explains why many seem to disappear moments before you fetch the carrier to make the veterinary appointment on time. They can smell our apprehension and anxiety and know that it is in their best interest to— poof! —disappear, or strategically position themselves under the king-sized bed in the middle, just out of arm’s reach. So, let me share some cat-car harmonizing secrets:

Yes, you could build a small catio in the yard. Or, you could enclose the entire yard and let your kitties roam free!,Some cats are perfectly content to spend their days enjoying the comfort that indoor life offers. For others, the call of the wild remains strong. How can you safely allow your indoor cat outside? An easy solution is to create a catio for your feline. While completely enclosed, these clever structures allow Kitty to enjoy a little fresh air (and bird stalking). “They can experience the seasons, but they’re safe,” says Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant in Marietta, Georgia. “It can be a pretty exciting place for a cat to be.” Catios come in all shapes and sizes. While some are modest enclosures, others—like the one Johnson custom-built for her lucky cats—are much more ambitious. From penthouse-worthy rooftop hangouts to chic kitty lounges, these extreme catios are almost any feline’s dream come true.

Outgoingness Cats with high scores may benefit from additional toys and playtime. Cats with low scores are uncommon, but may be showing signs of aging or related health issues.,Dominance Cats with high scores may experience difficulties being around other cats, both in your home and in your neighborhood. Cats with low scores may adjust well to being in multi-cat households.,Stereotypes about cats and their personalities abound—calicos are feisty, orange tabbies are laid back. The Cat Fanciers’ Association has even put together a Breed Personality Chart. The problem with stereotypes is that when looking at an individual, they tend to be wrong as often as they are right.

Best Cat Litter for Kittens: Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Litter Looking to make litter training a little easier? This litter is designed to be a texture that little kitten paws are comfortable using, and it features a natural herbal attractant to help draw them into the box. Use it when your kitten is 8 weeks to 1 year old. Buy now on Chewy, $17.,Most Affordable Cat Litter: Tidy Cats Instant Action Non-Clumping Cat Litter One of the most budget-friendly options on the market, Tidy Cats litter works well, is dust-free, and controls odor. It’s also designed to be low-tracking, so, when paired with a litter mat, the mess will be minimal. Buy now on Chewy, starting at $5.,Selecting a cat litter can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. As you’re researching the best cat litter, ask yourself: Will my cat reliably use the litter box if I use this litter? Does the litter aggravate allergies? Do I mind the odor? Does the maintenance associated with that litter fit my lifestyle? Does it fit my budget? Cats tend to prefer unscented clumping cat litter that’s medium-fine textured. Giving your cat some samples by putting litter boxes side by side with different litters can be a great way to determine which they prefer. But while no cat litter is going to be perfect for every cat and every household, the litters listed below are some favored by cats and cat parents alike. Best Overall Cat Litter: Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter This cat litter has many features that are preferred by cats, namely that it’s an unscented, clumping clay material. The litter is low-dust, which is helpful for cats (especially those with allergies or feline asthma) and pet parents alike. It’s also budget-friendly, can support use from multiple cats, and, even though it’s unscented, helps seal in odor to minimize that “litter box smell” every cat parent knows so well. Buy now on Chewy, starting at $11.

4. Pet Thermometer Taking your pet’s temperature at home may help you understand how serious their condition is. When consulting with your veterinarian, this information may also be helpful to them in assessing your pet’s condition. The most cost-effective option for pet parents is a pet-safe digital thermometer for taking a pet’s rectal temperature. Follow directions on the label or from your vet to take your pet’s temperature safely. If you’re looking for a more deluxe, less-invasive option, an underarm thermometer can measure your pet’s temperature by placing it under one of their front legs. While this type of thermometer can be more expensive, you and your pet may appreciate the comfy, fear-free option.,The most important thing you can do in a pet emergency is remain calm. The second most important thing you can do is be prepared. When a pet emergency strikes, having an up-to-date first-aid kit already assembled and placed in a convenient location is critical. So, what exactly should be in it? Here are 10 essential supplies you should always have stocked in your pet first-aid kit.

Ringworm in cats is actually caused by fungi, not worms.   It’s a very contagious skin condition that can affect many species, including humans, but cats are at particularly high risk.   Understanding the signs of ringworm in cats and getting prompt veterinary care can help protect both your cat and your family from this disease. 

Although cucumbers are low-calorie and generally safe for cats to consume, that doesn’t mean they should become a significant portion of your cat’s diet. After all, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning the bulk of their nutrition and calories should come from animal protein. So, how much cucumber is appropriate? A slice or two (each about a quarter-inch thick) a couple of times a week is generally considered safe for most cats. If you’re introducing cucumbers for the first time, start with even less (one small piece) to test for allergic reactions. A general rule of thumb when giving your cat treats or human food, including pork, is the 10 percent rule: No more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories should come from these items. The other 90 percent should come from well-balanced cat food.,Jump to section How Much Cucumber Can My Cat Eat? How To Feed Cucumber to My Cat Health Benefits of Cucumbers for Cats Risks of Feeding Cucumber to Cats FAQs About Cucumbers and Cats

Outgoing, affectionate and friendly, the Abyssinian is so intelligent that games of fetch and plenty of exercise can help channel her energy. Many of them can learn to walk on a leash and harness, and some can even do cat tricks. The more interaction your Aby receives, the better off and happier her will be. Because this breed is so lively and curious, training and regular interaction helps them focus, have fun and direct their behavior in ways that keep everyone happy.,Cat training isn’t as common as with dogs, but if you have a cat who’s easily trainable, the possibilities can be endless (hello “America’s Got Talent”!). In fact, there are cat breeds who can be easy to train. “Cats are really easy to train because they are extremely smart,” says Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified behaviorist and owner of Cat Behavior Associates in Nashville, Tennessee. Understanding their natural instincts can help when it comes to training in play, behavior and even travel. “The key is to remember that all behaviors, even the ones you don’t like, serve a purpose for the cat,” Johnson-Bennett says. “Instead of viewing a behavior as a misbehavior, look at it as a clue for you to figure out what the cat is trying to tell you. For example, if kitty is scratching the sofa, he’s not doing it to be destructive. Cats have a natural need to scratch, and he may have chosen the sofa because the scratching post is either ineffective or placed in the wrong location.” Although every feline companion has potential, there are 10 top cat breeds known to be naturals when it comes to training.

Luna: Luna means “moon” in several languages, including Spanish and Italian. In Roman mythology, Luna was the moon goddess. Milo: The feline sidekick from “The Adventures of Milo and Otis” (1986). Oliver: The cute cat featured in “Oliver & Company.” Bella: The name means “beautiful” in Italian and Spanish, so it’s purrfect for your kitty. Leo: The name conjures up lions, the big cat-cousins of your new pet. Charlie: A name that uses the “ee” sound, which is guaranteed to get your cat’s attention (or as close to a guarantee as you can get!). Lucy: This name means born at dawn or daylight. It also means shiny or light complexion, ideal for a pale-colored kitty. Loki: This name of the Norse trickster god is perfect for mischievous cats. Shadow: A great black cat name for those who follow you around the house. Max: This is a popular name among both dog and cat parents, and for good reason: It means “greatest.” ,Congrats on your new cat! When you’ve brought them home, and stocked up on all your new cat essentials, there’s just one thing left to do: Choose a perfect cat name. We have you covered with this list of over 200 unique ideas. From cute to funny to Disney-inspired and beyond, we promise you’ll find the perfect match here. (Getting a pup instead of a kitty? Check out our complete list of Dog Names.)

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