Cat First Aid: Artificial Respiration and CPR

February 17, 2012 - Posted in Cat Health - Permalink

You never know when you may need to perform CPR on your cat, so keep this link handy in order to be prepared. Here are some steps to keep your cat alive until you can get emergency vet assistance.

  • Check to see if your cat is breathing. Look for rising and falling of the chest.
  • Check to see if your cat has a heart rate. Use your palm to feel for a heart beat, between the 3rd and 6th ribs, directly below your cat’s left elbow.

If your cat has a heart beat but is not breathing, perform artificial respiration.

  1. Check your cat’s mouth and remove anything that is obstructing breathing. If you are unable to remove a lodged object, perform Heimlich manuever (use abdominal thrusts below the ribcage).
  2. Tilt the head to allow for a clear passage to the lungs.
  3. Cover your cat’s nose and mouth with your mouth as you do rescue breathing. Give 20 breaths per minute until your cat is breathing on his or her own.

If your cat does not have a heart beat, perform CPR.

  1. Put your cat on his or her right side.
  2. Put one hand on top of the other, with your fingers on the rib cage, just below the elbow. Give firm compressions, pressing 1 inch downward, for 1/2 second per compression.
  3. Give 5 compressions, followed by one rescue breath. Pause every 2 minutes to check for breathing and pulse. Repeat until emergency vet assistance is available.


Want Some Cuddle? Adopt a Male Cat!

February 10, 2012 - Posted in Cat Behavior, Cats in Your Community - Permalink

Male cats often get a bad rap, and rumors can impact adoption decisions. If you are an experienced male cat owner, then you know that the rumors are false. For those of you who have not owned a wonderful male cat, here are some things to consider when you encounter misinformation.

“I want to adopt a female cat because male cats spray.”

  • A neutered male cat does not tend to spray. Spraying is primarily a sexual behavior of un-neutered male cats, driven by testosterone. Once a cat is neutered, the behavior is consistently eliminated.
  • A cat who is neutered before sexual maturity generally never develops the hormonal urge to spray at all.
  • As a rule, neutered cats use the litter box in the same impeccable manner as female cats.
  • It should be noted that there can be other causes for spraying behavior, such as anxiety due to changes in the household, and that can be demonstrated by females as well as males.

“I want a really affectionate cat so I want to adopt a female cat.”

  • Generally speaking, male cats tend to be more affectionate than female cats. If you ask owners of male cats, they will verify this and they often seek out male cats to adopt for this reason. That is not to discount super snuggly female cats out there, but just to dispel the male cat rumors for people who do not have experience with owning one.
  • In addition to the snuggle factor, male cats are typically more easy going than female cats.

“I want a buddy for my male cat and have heard that you should never adopt another male.”

  • Neutered male cats often LOVE to have neutered male kitty buddies. The key is to consider personality factors, and not solely focus on gender. If your neutered male cat is super playful and loves to wrestle, romp, and have adventures, then chances are that he would love to have a neutered male kitty “sidekick” with a similar active personaity. This is especially true if your cat has experience with interacting with other cats.
  • If you have a dominant male cat, then you would not want to adopt another dominant male kitty, but the same is true for two dominant female cats, as well.
  • Male cats tend to more active and playful into their adulthood than female cats, so two fun-loving and easy going neutered cats would make great friends who could keep up with one another as they age.

Above all, it is so important to consider the cat’s personality and needs, as well as your own expectations. Spaying and neutering is an essential component of feline health care, and also crucial in enhancing feline behavior.

If you are seeking to adopt an affectionate and easy going feline family member, a neutered male cat just might be your ideal pick! Bring on the cuddle!

Hi, I'm Heathcliff and I'm a certified lap cat!


 
 

Bergan Catnip Hurricane!

February 5, 2012 - Posted in Cat Toy Reviews! - Permalink

The Bergan Catnip Hurricane Cat Toy is several toys in one. There are two ball tracks so that your cat can multi-task, and there is also a reservoir for catnip in the center, to put your cat into a blissful state. Hopefully, you don’t mind the noise of the ball going around and around and around, in the wee hours of the night! Yep- this toy is great for keeping your cat occupied when you can’t!

Check out the Expert Cat Toy Testers! Too fun!
 

 
Bring on the zaniness! Buy the Bergan Catnip Hurricane below!

Caring For Your Senior Cat

January 31, 2012 - Posted in Cat Health - Permalink
When cats reach the age of 10, they can begin to show signs of age-related changes. Since cats are notorious for hiding any signs of pain or illness, it is important that you keep a close eye on any changes. Common age-related problems include kidney problems, cancers, diabetes, dental disease, and hyperthyroidism. The earlier you can detect illness, the better the outcome of recovery. Here are some recommendations for your elder cat:

 

Observe for Changes that Could Indicate Illness:
  • Changes in eating and/or drinking, such as increased thirst
  • Weight loss, dull coat, sudden lack of grooming
  • Changes in litter box output, such as increased urination
  • Hearing and/or vision loss
  • Signs of cognitive dysfunction or senior dementia (e.g., increased vocalizations, increased agitation, irritability)
Schedule Regular Vet Care
  • Wellness checkups at 6 month intervals
  • Yearly blood work to detect illness early
  • Dental care is very important, as dental disease can also cause heart and kidney disease, other illnesses
  • Discuss possible medication or supplements (e.g., glucosamine) for arthritis, if present
Consider Home Modifications to Support Your Aging Cat’s Needs
  • Switch litter box to one with lower sides, add extra boxes so that your cat doesn’t have to travel far
  • Provide portable stairs or ramps to help your cat to get onto the bed, couch, chair, etc.
  • Encourage exercise to combat bone and muscle loss
  • Add a heated bed to ease arthritis, provide warmth
  • Facilitate a low stress environment
  • Provide assistance with grooming, such as brushing
  • Consider senior cat food, with added glucosamine, antioxidants, fiber
  • Arrange multiple locations for food and water bowls

Amelia is 19!


 
 

Sport Pet Pop Open Cat Play Cube

January 25, 2012 - Posted in Cat Toy Reviews! - Permalink

What a terrific toy! The Pop Open Cat Play Cube appeals to all ages and is quite sturdy for the kitties who love to POUNCE! It just pops back into place! You can attach a few together for even more fun. Highly recommended!

Check out the Expert Cat Toy Testers in action!
 

 

The Sport Pet Pop Open Cat Play Cube is now available at the MEOWness Store!

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/MEOWness-Store

 

How To Find Your Lost Cat

January 18, 2012 - Posted in Cat Health, Cats in Your Community - Permalink

It can be such a devastating experience to lose a cat, and quite a frantic feeling to not know where to begin in the endeavor to bring him or her safely home.

Here are some steps to recover your cat:

  1. If your cat is microchipped, alert the microchip company that he or she is missing.
  2. Cat do not usually wander far from home. Your cat could be very close by, but too scared to come out. Start the search in the area directly around your home. Speak in a soothing voice and consider every possible place that a cat could hide, even the really small spaces. Cats can literally hide high (attics, gutters, trees) and low (drain pipes, sewers, and crawl spaces).
  3. Scatter your cat’s litter box contents (poop and all) around the outside perimeter of the house. This distributes his or her scent and provides a “scent beacon” for your cat to locate home.
  4. Do not just search one time and give up. The more you search, the better the odds you will be in the right place to spot your cat if he or she decides to come out of hiding. The best time to locate a lost cat is right before the sun rises, so go the extra mile and get up in the wee hours, sit outside your house, listen for meows, and watch. Your cat may feel bold enough to come out before the sun is completely up.
  5. Walk around the neighborhood repeatedly. Ask neighborhood kids to help. Knock on doors and leave your contact information with neighbors. The postal carrier is a key ally in spotting a missing cat- provide him or her with a picture and contact number.
  6. Hang missing cat flyers all over the area, including picture and contact information. Offer a reward if possible.
  7. Hang flyers in vet offices and ask them if your cat has been brought in; provide your cat’s microchip number in the event that he or she is brought in to be scanned.
  8. Visit the shelters in person every day. Contact rescue groups in the area. Provide your cat’s description, microchip number, and your contact information.
  9. Post your lost cat’s information in the newspaper and on  Craigslist under “lost and found.” Read all “found cat” ads to see if there is a potential match.  Another resource is The Center for Lost Pets
  10. Persistence is key! Keep searching! Try yet another early morning, put some canned food outside, sit quietly, listen, and watch. Continue to visit the shelters in person, continue to contact vet offices, renew your lost cat posts online and in the newspaper, check to make sure that your flyers are still hanging. Don’t give up!

Comf-E-Cube Cat Hideout!

January 13, 2012 - Posted in Cat Toy Reviews! - Permalink

As you know, cats love cubes! The Comf-E-Cube is great for both playing and napping. It has a sturdy support frame and a washable fleece cover. It is roomy and fits even the large kitties! And the cute cat face makes it irresistible!

Check out the Expert Cat Toy Testers with the Comf-E-Cube!
 

 

Your cat wants the Comf-E-Cube!


 

 
 

Environmental Enrichment and Meal Time

January 5, 2012 - Posted in Environmental Enrichment - Spice Things Up! - Permalink

Appeal to your cat’s hunting instincts and make meal time exciting and active! What a great way for cats to have fun and to slim down the waistline a bit!

Okay cats, no more ringing the dinner bell and having your meal delivered on a silver platter- it’s time to get moving and hunt for your food!

Here are some ideas:

  • Hide food up high in a cat tree or on a shelf so that your cat has to search it out.

  • Stash food inside a box so that your cat has to use his or her keen sense of smell to track it.

  • Use a food puzzle or treat dispenser for feeding to encourage mental stimulation. Your cat has to outwit the puzzle to get the “prey.”

Litter Box Solutions

December 31, 2011 - Posted in Cat Behavior - Permalink

Litter box problems can be frustrating, to say the least. But, you can take an active role in resolving them so that you and your cat can be happy and confident and open to focusing on the good things in life.

First and foremost, rule out medical problems. If your cat is suddenly having litter box problems, it could be indicative of a bladder or urinary tract infection, so a trip to the vet is the first thing to do.

If a medical issue is ruled out and the litter box problems still exist, here are some strategies:

Location, location, location!

  • The litter box should be in a private area so that your cat is comfortable with using it. If you have a dog, make sure that the litter box is not accessible by the dog. You can use a dog gate or even elevate the litter box so that your cat can be absolutely certain that he or she can use it in private.
  • Do not put the food and water bowls next to the litter box.
  • Put the litter box in an easy to access area. If your cat has to travel across the house and down the cellar steps to find the litter box in some corner of the basement, then that is not ready access.
  • Consider placing several litter boxes throughout the house so when your cat has to go, the box is an appealing stop. Several litter boxes are essential in a multi-cat setting and the rule of thumb is one box per cat. It is much better to have a bunch of litter boxes to have to clean, than the alternative…
  • If your cat keeps going in a certain area, then try placing a litter box in that spot. First thoroughly clean the area with an enzyme cleaner. If you are not able to place a box in that specific spot, then completely block access to that spot and place a litter box in a close vicinity as a compromise.

Shape matters!

  • Think about the kind of litter box you use, from your cat’s perspective. If you have a covered litter box with a swinging trap door that the cat has to use to enter, then try removing the cover and trap door. The idea is to make the box appealing so that the cat will choose it. Once your cat is regularly using the box, you can try putting the cover on, but it is recommended to completely eliminate the trap door. It is not a comfortable feeling to be trapped inside the litter box without a way to see out.
  • If you have an electric litter box, the noise and motion could be frightening to your cat. Try a good old fashioned, large pan litter box.
  • If your cat is elderly, you may want to consider a litter box with lower sides to make it easier to get in and out. Yes, there may be more litter scattered outside with a lower-sided box, but if your cat has arthritis, he or she will be more inclined to continue the litter box routine if it is easier to get in and out. Declawed cats, in particular, tend to develop arthritis as they age and can start to exhibit litter box problems because it is too painful to climb in and out of the box.

It’s all about the litter!

  • Consider the type of litter you are using, and how often you clean it. Cats tend to prefer finer grained, unscented litter, such as scoopable litter. You may prefer another type, but try to accommodate your cat’s preferences for consistent usage. You can experiment with a few types of litter and go with the one that your cat chooses.
  • Cats do not tend to prefer plastic litter box liners (the slippery surface is not appealing when trying to scratch and bury in the litter), so try nixing them,.
  • Scoop the box twice a day and completely replace litter on a frequent basis. Since cats are neat freaks, they are much more inclined to use a clean and scooped litter box.

Back to basics!

  • If you have tried modifications and your cat is still missing the box, you may need to use the retraining strategy. Move your cat to a small room with lots of litter boxes. Remove clothing and cat beds from the floor. The idea is to create an setting in which the litter box is the only option.
  • Once your cat is back on track, then gradually increase access to the rest of the house. You will want to continue the use of multiple litter boxes, and also pick up clothing and cat beds from the floor, throughout your house. Start by allowing your cat out of the room while you are able to supervise, and then put him or her back in the room when you can’t keep track. When your cat demonstrates a clear pattern of litter box usage, then he or she is ready to be completely integrated back into the household. Continue to keep clothing and cat beds off of the floor for now.
  • The premise of retraining is to take an active role in setting your cat up for success. You can assist with establishing a consistent pattern of litter box usage so that it becomes a permanent behavior for your cat.
  • One final note: if your cat has developed litter box anxiety because of a prior stressful event (such as being attacked by another cat when using the litter box), that anxiety may still be present once your cat rejoins the household. If there is a persistent conflict with another cat in the household, it is recommended that you consult with a cat behaviorist so that you can address the source of the litter box anxiety. A cat behaviorist can also discuss whether medication (such as Prozac, a research-based medication for litter box problems) might be helpful in the event that your cat still experiences an anxious association with the litter box.

Cat Catcher Wand Toy!

December 27, 2011 - Posted in Cat Toy Reviews! - Permalink

The Cat Catcher wand toy is a “mouse on a wire” toy from the makers of Da Bird! The wire makes for realistic movement and cats are immediately intrigued and can’t resist the urge to POUNCE on the mouse! The cat catcher is very sturdy and a highly recommended pick for cats of all ages- even the rough and tumble kitties. And, sedentary kitties finally have an incentive to get moving- they must capture that mouse!

Check out the Expert Cat Toy Testers Emily and Matilda! Toooo fun!


 

Buy the Cat Catcher Wand Toy at the MEOWness Store:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/MEOWness-Store

 

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