Itchy skin in cats (also called pruritus) is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to worse complications—like severe hair loss, infections, and pain—if it becomes severe enough and is left untreated. 

There are numerous causes of itchy skin in cats, and the degree of severity also varies. With the help of your veterinarian, the cause of your cat’s itchiness can be identified and managed before the condition worsens. 

If you’re wondering, how can I soothe my cat’s itchy skin, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Itchy Skin in Cats?

Pruritus in cats can be triggered by so many things. Pinpointing the cause of your cat’s itchy skin is helpful, as treatments can vary depending on the underlying diagnosis.

Causes of itchy skin in cats include:

• Ectoparasites (fleas, mites, lice)
• Other insect bites (mosquitoes, chiggers)
• Ringworm
• Environmental allergies
• Food allergies
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin infections

The most common signs that point to itchy skin in cats include biting and scratching the skin, overgrooming, hair loss (especially on the rump, base of the tail, and back of the thighs), as well as scabs, sores, and ulcerations.

Seeking proper veterinary care at the first sign your cat is experiencing consistent itching is the key to prompt management. Your regular veterinarian can assist you in determining the cause of your cat’s itchy skin via diagnostic tests. However, if your cat’s condition is more severe and not responding to initial treatment, your vet may refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist for advanced testing and treatment.

How Can I Soothe My Cat’s Itchy Skin?

Once the cause of your cat’s itchy skin is identified, your vet will recommend various treatments, depending on the culprit of your cat’s pruritus. This treatment plan may involve a lot of trial and error. This can involve tweaking medication doses or adding in additional meds systematically until the correct “cocktail” of therapies resolves your cat’s symptoms while trying to avoid possible side effects. Some medications may only be needed on a short-term or seasonal basis while others may require long-term use.

Cat Medicine for Itchy Skin

Ointments, sprays, pills—so many medication options exist for the management of itchy skin in cats and its various causes. Your vet can help you navigate which medication is right for your cat. In the vast majority of cases, prescriptions will be more effective and often safer than non-prescription options, so heed your vet’s advice.

Cat medicine for itchy skin may include:

• Monthly flea control
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Antibiotics or antifungals
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
• Fluoxetine 
• Non-prescription topicals

Monthly flea control: The importance of flea prevention for cats cannot be stressed enough. Preventing fleas is far better than treating them, particularly in cats with a flea allergy. Nip fleas in the bud before they ever have a chance at biting your cat. Avoid over-the-counter flea preventions, since most are either ineffective and some can be very harmful. And never use flea prevention on a cat that was intended for a dog. 

Home remedies for fleas are typically not advised either. The best solution is consistent monthly use of a prescription flea prevention year-round for your cat’s lifespan, including in the winter months. Even indoor-only cats (and other pets) need flea prevention. Your veterinarian can discuss the various oral and topical prescription options to decide which is best for your kitty.

Immunosuppressive drugs: Immunosuppressive drugs are the mainstay of skin itchiness that stems from an allergic cause, particularly atopic dermatitis. Various classes of medications fall under this group, each with its unique pros and cons. This includes:

• Steroids (e.g., oral prednisolone, dexamethasone injections, or topical creams and sprays, such as hydrocortisone)
• Cyclosporine (Atopica)
• Off-label use of oclacitinib (Apoquel), which is labeled for dogs

Steroids are typically an effective and affordable option for allergic causes of feline pruritus, but chronic use, especially at high doses, can cause unpleasant side effects, such as an increased risk for infections and diabetes mellitus. They should not be used in cats with certain preexisting conditions, such as heart disease.

Antibiotics or antifungals: Your vet will also treat any secondary infection with appropriate oral and/or topical antibiotics or antifungals.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, including “allergy shots,” may be recommended by your veterinary dermatologist. Pet parents should note that lokivetmab (Cytopoint) injections are formulated for dogs and do not work in cats.

Fluoxetine: If other options have been exhausted, your vet may recommend fluoxetine (“kitty Prozac”). While this medication is typically prescribed for behavioral issues, it also harbors anti-itch properties to assist with uncontrolled pruritus.

Non-prescription topicals: Your vet may also recommend several non-prescription topical products, such as Vetericyn spray, Duoxo S3 Calm, and MiconaHex + Triz. Chat with your vet to ask if any of these options might be right for your cat.

Home Remedies for Itchy Skin in Cats

Most home remedies for itchy skin are not recommended for use in cats, as many have not been fully evaluated in scientific studies. The majority are either ineffective, and some can be harmful. The most inquired about home remedies for itchy skin in cats include coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains plenty of essential fatty acids, which are excellent building blocks for the skin. While small amounts of coconut oil applied directly to the skin are typically not harmful and can even be hydrating, avoid using too much since it can cause GI upset if your kitty licks it off. For similar reasons, it’s also best to avoid oral supplementation to prevent causing diarrhea and weight gain. Only proceed with dietary use if instructed by your vet, though your vet may recommend other alternatives instead (such as salmon oil). For topical use, more effective topical supplements that deliver fatty acids exist and are discussed later.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is typically not very effective at alleviating skin itchiness (even for fleas) and infection. It should not be used orally as a water additive. If used topically, it must be diluted with an equal volume of water for a 50:50 solution to avoid the vinegar from stinging the skin.

Essential oils: Essential oils have not been proven to be effective at preventing fleas or otherwise treating itchy skin in cats, and since some can be very toxic to kitties, it’s best to avoid using them and discuss safer products with your vet instead.

Additionally, avoid over-the-counter (OTC) products and human products unless specifically advised by your vet for your cat’s particular situation. For instance, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and other OTC antihistamines are not typically effective on their own, though they may be recommended by your vet as ancillary support for itchy skin when paired with prescription medications. 

Prescription antihistamine options, such as chlorpheniramine, may be more potent, so ask your vet. Also consult with your vet before using triple antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) or topical steroid creams. They may be okay in some scenarios, but may otherwise be unnecessary or even harmful in certain settings. (For instance, some cats can have a bad reaction to the polymyxin in triple antibiotics.)

Cat Shampoo for Itchy Skin

Most cats can be difficult to bathe, resulting in stress to the cat and scratches to the pet parent. However, if your cat doesn’t mind a nice warm bath, a gentle and hydrating shampoo (such as a natural oatmeal formula) can help alleviate some itchiness while removing topical allergens that could otherwise worsen a skin flare-up. 

Flea shampoos for cats (such as Adams brand) are not typically recommended, as they can overly dry the skin and contain harmful chemicals such as pyrethrins. Avoid using flea shampoos and opt for a regular prescription flea prevention instead. 

If your cat has a skin infection or greasy skin (seborrhea), your vet may recommend a prescription shampoo with antimicrobial and antiseborrheic properties. Remember to never use a shampoo that contains tar (such as those formulated for human psoriasis), as these can be very toxic to cats.

Cat Food for Itchy Skin

A change in diet can help some pruritic cats, particularly those with an identified food allergy.

Formulas for food allergies tend to be prescription-only diets. They either contain a novel protein that your cat has never ingested (and thus has not yet had an opportunity to develop a food allergy to) or a hydrolyzed protein that is formulated so that your cat’s immune system does not recognize it as an allergen. When trying to diagnose a food allergy, your cat should strictly eat the hypoallergenic diet for approximately 8 weeks without ingesting any additional foods, treats, or flavored medications or supplements. If your cat’s skin issues have resolved, your vet may deem the dietary trial successful (thus diagnosing a food allergy) and keep your kitty on this special diet long-term. 

Prescription diet options for cats with food allergies include:

• Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d
• Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed

Stick with one of these diets, and avoid raw food diets unless otherwise directed by your vet. Additionally, keep in mind that grains are not a common cause of food allergies in our pets, particularly not in cats, so there is typically no need to choose a grain-free cat food for the basis of managing itchy skin.

Even if your cat is not suspected to have a food allergy and does not require a prescription hypoallergenic diet, your vet may still recommend swapping your kitty’s food for a formula for sensitive skin. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach or Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin are two commercial options that can help support the dermatologic health of a cat who suffers from itchy skin.

Cat Supplements for Itchy Skin

To help itchiness further and support the overall health of your cat’s skin and coat, your vet may recommend additional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, found in high amounts in fish oils, help maintain the integrity of a healthy skin barrier. 

A good quality commercial cat food should contain proper amounts of fatty acids in the diet. While some vets may recommend an additional oral supplement (such as Free Form by Elanco or salmon oil), too much can cause GI upset. 

Topical supplements, such as Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot-On or the Douxo Calming line of topical products, can also help your cat’s skin by delivering hydrating essential fatty acids directly to the skin. These tend to work more potently than topical coconut oil. 

Cat Itchy Skin Treatment: Other Tips and Advice

Pet parents can be proactive in helping prevent their cat’s itchy skin flare-ups from worsening. This can be accomplished by identifying their cat’s early itchy skin warning signs and by taking preventive measures to promote overall healthy skin for their kitty. Monthly prescription flea prevention is the backbone of good skin health for any cat, particularly any itchy one. 

Recognizing that your cat is gradually becoming consistently itchier will enable you to seek vet care. That way, your cat’s skin issues can be addressed promptly with an appropriate veterinary-guided treatment. 

If you have a bit of a wait until you can get your cat seen by your vet, consider an E-collar (cone), cat-sized T-shirt, or Soft Paws nail guards to prevent self-trauma to the skin caused by your cat’s excessive scratching, biting, or grooming. 

You and your vet will work as a team to determine what treatments work best to prevent worsening skin damage and offer your cat much needed relief from their itchy skin.

The post How Can I Soothe My Cat’s Itchy Skin? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Although kidney infection in cats is overall rare, it can quickly become critical to a cat’s health if left untreated. Therefore, proper detection and prompt treatment are imperative at preventing severe complications, such as kidney failure. 

Pet parents should monitor their cats for the signs of a kidney infection, which can sometimes be subtle, and seek veterinary care if ever in doubt. Here is what you need to know about kidney infection in cats.

What Is a Kidney Infection?

The cat urinary tract is comprised of the lower urinary tract and upper urinary tract. The urethra (the tube connecting the bladder to outside the body to facilitate urination) and the urinary bladder make up the lower tract. The upper tract includes the ureters (the thin tubes connecting the bladder to each kidney) and two kidneys. The primary function of the kidneys, located on each side of the lower back, is to control fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, as well as to filter out blood toxins and other waste to produce urine. Urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder and then is excreted through the urethra.

Kidney infections—termed pyelitis or, more commonly, pyelonephritis, depending on the area of the kidney affected—are a type of upper urinary tract infection, also termed a deep infection of the urinary tract. The causes and symptoms of kidney infection in cats and dogs are quite similar to the same condition in humans. Only one or both kidneys may be affected. 

When infection of the kidneys occurs, kidney (aka renal) function becomes impaired. Therefore, hasty diagnosis and therapy is essential to preserve your cat’s renal health.

What Causes Kidney Infections in Cats?

Like bladder infections, nearly all kidney infections in cats and dogs are caused by bacteria from the perineal region, mainly from fecal material from the gastrointestinal tract or else bacteria on the skin that enter the urinary tract through the urethral opening. The most common bacterial strains include Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, as well as various species of Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas. Urinary tract infections by anaerobic bacteria, fungi, parasites, or algae are extremely rare.

When kidney infections do arise in dogs, older canines are affected more frequently. However, no age predisposition regarding kidney infections has been established in cats. As in dogs, female cats may be at increased risk of UTIs due to the closer proximity of the female urethra to the anus, which allows for increased contact with bacteria that can enter the bladder and then spread to the kidneys.

While one-off (i.e. uncomplicated) bladder infections can occur relatively commonly in otherwise healthy female dogs, urinary tract infections in cats of both sexes and male dogs tend to only arise due to an underlying complication that impairs the animal’s normal host defenses against such infection. Acute (or sudden) causes of kidney infections in cats are rare. Typically, feline kidney infections stem from an underlying chronic condition.

Risk factors for kidney infection in cats include:

Abnormal anatomy of the urinary tract, such as:

• Stones of the urinary tract (uroliths) or mucus plugs, which may cause urinary obstruction
• Cancer of the urinary tract (neoplasia)
• Abnormal positioning of the ureter and the bladder (ectopic ureters), causing abnormal draining of urine
• Abnormal development of the kidneys (renal dysplasia)

Damage to the urethral sphincter, which increases the likelihood of bacteria entering the urethra

Inability of the bladder to empty fully (for example, neurologic impairment secondary to intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD)

Immunodeficiency (decreased immune system function): can be caused by diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV); may also be secondary to the use of chemotherapeutic drugs or chronic glucocorticoid steroid use

Urine flow problems: for example, disorders that cause a slowing or stoppage of urinary flow (urine stasis) or a stream of urine to abnormally backflow up into the ureters from the bladder (vesicoureteral reflux)

Impaired renal blood flow

Concurrent systemic disease, such as:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal failure (CRF): Pyelonephritis
• Diabetes mellitus: Diabetics may have excessive glucose (sugar) in urine, which can promote excessive growth of bacteria. 
• Hyperthyroidism
• Feline lower urinary tract infection (FLUTD), which can be complicated by multiple conditions, including obesity

Post-operative complications, such as suture material left in the bladder following bladder surgery (cystotomy) or due to previous urinary catheterization

While the majority of kidney infections in cats arise from ascending bacteria from a bladder infection, infection elsewhere in the body can spread through the bloodstream to travel to the kidneys. Such infections may be secondary to infection of the lining of the heart (endocarditis), infection of the spinal discs (discospondylitis), abscesses, or severe dental disease.

Cat Kidney Infection Symptoms

While lower urinary tract infections, or bladder infections (also termed cystitis), present as localized signs to the lower abdomen and bladder, kidney infections can present as systemic signs, meaning the whole body can appear ill.

Acute renal infection is very uncommon in cats but may present as the following clinical signs:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Abdominal and renal pain

Chronic kidney infection is more common, but its symptoms are often subclinical in cats, meaning signs may be vague or confined only to recurrent lower urinary tract infection signs. Signs include:

• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Increased urination and water consumption (termed polyuria and polydipsia, respectively, or PU/PD)
• Recurrent lower urinary tract infection signs, such as inappropriate litter box use (i.e. urinating outside the litter box, or periuria); urinating small amounts frequently (pollakiuria) or slow urination; pain upon urinating (stranguria), which may manifest as straining or vocalizing while urinating; blood in urine (hematuria) or urine discoloration; foul-smelling urine; and urethral discharge

Without speedy diagnosis and treatment of kidney infection in cats, acute kidney injuries can lead to chronic injuries. In turn, this can lead to chronic kidney disease, in which the kidneys inevitably shut down. If detected acutely, kidney injury can be healed. However, chronic disease can only be managed and its progression slowed, yet the damage already incurred cannot be reversed. Therefore, chronic kidney disease must be properly managed for the rest of the affected cat’s life.

Additional potential consequences of kidney infection are septicemia and sepsis, in which bacteria from the kidneys or their toxins enter the bloodstream, respectively, leading to severe systemic illness. Organs such as the heart, liver, and joints may be affected. Abscessation of the kidney can also occur. Furthermore, urosepsis can arise secondary to an obstruction blocking the outflow of urine from the kidneys, thus allowing decomposed urine to enter the bloodstream, also leading to further sickness.

As eventual death is a potential consequence of unmanaged kidney infections, swift diagnosis and treatment by your veterinarian are necessary.

Diagnosing Kidney Infection in Cats

Because a cat’s symptoms of kidney infection can be so vague, diagnosis can sometimes be difficult, especially when differentiating a kidney infection from a bladder infection. Therefore, your veterinarian will implement a combination of the following to fully diagnose a kidney infection. Like puzzle pieces, the findings of these tests each reveal a bit of the picture to assist your veterinarian in diagnosing a kidney infection.

Physical examination: A thorough physical exam with a good history of your cat’s recent behavior is the best initial tool to aid your vet in reaching a diagnosis. In the face of a kidney infection, your vet will detect pain upon kidney and bladder palpation, a thickened bladder, and possible enlarged kidneys (renomegaly). A fever and dehydration may also be observed.

Urinalysis: A urine sample, ideally obtained via direct sampling from the bladder with a sterile needle passed through the skin of the lower abdomen into the bladder (cystocentesis), is imperative to diagnose any urinary tract infection. With a UTI, the following are typically encountered: blood (hematuria), bacteria (bacteriuria), white blood cells (pyuria), and possibly cells from damaged kidneys (renal casts) in the urine. Following treatment, a urinalysis should be repeated regularly to monitor urine specific gravity (USG), an indication of kidney function, to ensure long-lasting kidney damage has not occurred.

Urine culture and sensitivity: To properly diagnose a kidney infection, urine should be cultured to determine what type of bacterial species are growing and to what antibiotics they are susceptible. A urine culture should be performed ideally at the time of initial testing, 5-7 days after antibiotics are started, 7-10 days after antibiotics are finished, and then possibly 1, 3, and 6 months later.

Blood work: Depending on the severity of your cat’s clinical signs, your vet may recommend blood work, especially if kidney damage is suspected. Blood work may reveal elevation of nitrogen waste products in the blood (azotemia) due to dehydration or kidney impairment, increased potassium and phosphorus, and elevated white blood cell count secondary to infection (neutrophilia).

Infectious disease testing: Your vet may suggest testing your cat’s blood for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) to rule out these viruses, which can cause immunodeficiency and predispose a cat to other infections, such as pyelonephritis.

Abdominal radiographs: X-rays of the urinary system may be performed to observe the size and shape of the kidneys as well as check for the presence of any masses or stones. Your vet may take special X-rays via an excretory urography study, in which contrast is used to help highlight features of the renal system.

Abdominal ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound scans the urinary tract for not only stones, signs of obstruction, and cancer, but also analyzes the structures within the kidneys. Dilation of the renal pelvis, the area of the kidney that funnels waste contents into the ureters, is a strong indication of a kidney infection.

Blood pressure measurement: If your cat has sustained chronic kidney damage, a blood pressure reading may be performed to rule out high blood pressure (hypertension). If your cat is severely ill and in shock, low blood pressure (hypotension) may occur.

The only definitive means of diagnosing kidney infection in cats is to perform invasive kidney testing—such as direct sampling of urine from the renal pelvis (pyelocentesis) or renal biopsy—which differentiate an upper urinary tract infection from one of the lower urinary tract. However, due to the high risk of potential severe complications caused by such tests, they are not recommended. Thus, diagnosis is typically made based on supportive findings of the tests discussed above.

Cat Kidney Infection Treatment

Regardless of severity, all kidney infections in cats, dogs, and humans require treatment. 

Proper treatment includes appropriate antibiotic use as determined by your veterinarian. Fortunately, the majority of cats are able to receive antibiotics as outpatient therapy. However, severe cases, such as those with septicemia, may require hospitalization with intravenous (IV) fluids and IV antibiotics (such as ampicillin).

Outpatient care includes proper compliance to your veterinarian’s instructions for antibiotic therapy in order to prevent persistent or recurrent infection and to help prevent antibiotic resistance. The most common antibiotics used in cats include oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (such as Clavamox) or injectable cefovecin (Convenia). Oral antibiotics such as marbofloxacin (Zeniquin) or pradofloxacin (Veraflox) are reserved for more severe infections. 

Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed to be used 2 to 3 times daily (every 8 to 12 hours) for 4 to 6 weeks. If urinary stones are present, antibiotics will be prescribed to be used until 2 weeks following the resolution of the stone. Once your veterinarian receives your cat’s urine culture and sensitivity results, initial antibiotic choice is subject to change. An appetite stimulant may also be prescribed on a short-term basis if your cat has not been eating well.

In addition to treating the kidney infection, your cat’s underlying concurrent disease predisposing him or her to such infection should be treated or else the kidney infection will not clear or will return. For instance, surgery, shock wave therapy (lithotripsy), or a prescription dissolution diet may be required for urinary stones. Surgery may also be required if your kitten has ectopic ureters. Additionally, systemic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and feline lower urinary tract disease must all be appropriately managed to prevent recurrence.

For very severe cases in which kidney necrosis or abscessation has developed, surgical removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy) may be required.

After-care for any sustained kidney damage is also required, such as a special prescription renal diet (low in phosphorus, reduced in protein quantity but of increased quality, and higher in omega-3 fatty acids). Maintaining proper hydration will also be important.

Home remedies for kidney infections in cats are not recommended, as none have been proven to be fully effective. Additionally, some can be dangerous, and delaying prescription treatment can lead to worsening disease that can progress to kidney failure and death.

The cost of diagnostics and therapy can run from several hundred dollars to over $1,000. Therefore, a pet emergency savings account and pet insurance are important to have in advance to help offset costs.

The prognosis of feline kidney infection is usually good if caught and managed early. Recurrent kidney infections in cats can be much more difficult to manage and, thus, carry a more guarded prognostic outlook. If chronic kidney damage has already occurred, the prognosis is much worse. Therefore, prompt care by your local veterinarian is vital for your cat’s outcome.

How to Prevent Cat Kidney Infections

Pet parents can help prevent kidney infections from arising in their cats by keeping in tune with their cat’s health and tracking any behavior changes that may be a harbinger of illness. Since kidney infections in cats stem from another underlying disease, treating the predisposing disorder is key to helping reduce the likelihood of kidney infection. Therefore, adhering to your vet’s advice regarding chronic disease management is key.

Additionally, aiding your cat in maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and feline lower urinary tract disease, which, in turn, can increase the risk of pyelonephritis upstream. 

Moreover, proper dental hygiene is also important to prevent the showering of the bloodstream with bacteria, which can migrate to the kidneys.

Safeguarding urinary health is also important for cats. This includes proper litter box maintenance, including good hygiene as well as having a sufficient number of litter boxes for the cats in your household (the 1+1 rule is recommended, in which each cat has his or her own litter box plus one extra for the group). 

Hydration is also important, so encouraging your cat to drink more with a water fountain or increasing water intake with canned wet food is recommended. Water helps keep the urinary tract happy and increases urinary voiding, which helps rid the urinary tract of bacteria and helps prevent them from colonizing the lining of the urinary tract. 

Your vet may also suggest a prescription urinary diet and can guide you on tips to keep your cat at a healthy weight. 

Finally, environmental enrichment is important by reducing stress and the risk of cystitis in your cat; such tips include play time and mental stimulation. Cranberry extract supplements may help in theory, but their efficacy has not been fully evaluated in cats.

Fortunately, kidney infections in cats are very uncommon, and hopefully, your cat will never develop one. But if it does occur, you will be well equipped to assist your vet in quickly diagnosing and treating your cat.

The post Kidney Infection in Cats appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Ideally, pet parents should brush their cat’s teeth daily using a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste, with a focus on cleaning each tooth and the gumline with a soft toothbrush or finger toothbrush for cats. Cats should also have annual professional dental cleanings.

In this article, we’ll cover many common cat dental problems, plus share helpful tips on how to avoid cat dental disease.

10 Common Cat Dental Problems

Let’s go over some of the most typical feline dental problems that could impact your cat.

Plaque

Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria across the surface of the tooth. It can harden over time to create tartar and cause bad breath (halitosis), as well as tooth decay. Oral bacteria and the toxins they release can cause inflammation in the whole body and potentially impair organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is disease of the gums and structures around the teeth. Its milder form, gingivitis (gum disease), is inflammation of the gums that causes redness, swelling, bleeding, and pain. Gum recession (or wearing away of the gum line) can also occur. Gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of periodontal disease that affects the ligaments that attach teeth to underlying bone, causing loose teeth. 

As periodontitis progresses, it can lead to endodontic disease, which impacts the inside of the tooth itself. Tooth decay, tooth root abscesses, facial swelling, draining tracts, and fistulas that form between the roof of the mouth and nasal passage can occur in both periodontitis and endodontic disease. 

When bacteria destroy underlying bone, your cat may experience bone loss (osteomyelitis) and jaw fractures.

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions 

As a cat’s tooth becomes infected or inflamed, their body can start to destroy and resorb (or “dissolve”) it, leading to intense discomfort. This is called a feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL). 

Though they can impact any cat, at least one FORL can be found in up to 60 percent of cats over 6 years of age. The canine teeth are most commonly affected, but any affected teeth should be extracted by your veterinarian to prevent progressive pain.

Broken (or Fractured) Teeth

Fractured teeth in cats should never be ignored. The pulp cavity, which leads to the root canal, extends far to the edge of a cat’s tooth, particularly the canine teeth. Therefore, a fracture (even at just the tip of a tooth) can expose the pulp cavity to food, other debris, and bacteria in the mouth that can lead to painful tooth root abscesses. 

Thus, your vet will need to investigate your cat’s tooth fracture more closely via dental radiographs to evaluate whether or not an extraction of the broken tooth is necessary to prevent further problems.

Feline Stomatitis Syndrome 

Approximately 0.7-4 percent of cats are affected with feline stomatitis syndrome, also known as feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS).

Due to an exaggerated immune response, the gums, teeth (especially a cat’s back premolars and molars, or cheek teeth), and tissue at the back of the throat can become intensely inflamed, causing swelling, bleeding, and painful ulceration of the mouth. 

Cats with FCGS will often drool and stop eating. This disease can be difficult to manage and may require extraction of all teeth, which seems drastic but actually alleviates unmanageable pain.

Persistent Deciduous Teeth or Retained Teeth

When deciduous teeth (AKA baby teeth) do not erupt or fall out normally, cats may develop dental issues later on. If a persistent baby tooth doesn’t fall out during kittenhood, it causes overcrowding of the mouth as the corresponding permanent tooth tries to grow in. 

Plaque accumulation is more likely to occur due to the narrower space between teeth, leading to a worse chance of periodontal disease. Additionally, because it’s fighting for space to accommodate the roots of both the persistent and permanent teeth, the tooth socket may fail to support the adult tooth.

Persistent baby teeth should be extracted by your veterinarian if they haven’t fallen out at 6-7 months of age at the latest. Earlier intervention is preferred so the emerging permanent tooth can assume its normal position without competition.

Retained teeth are those that fail to develop and erupt altogether. A dentigerous cyst can occur under the gumline, leading to pain and impaction that may affect surrounding teeth. Your vet may detect the absence of a tooth upon physical exam and proceed with dental radiographs and surgical extraction of unerupted teeth as needed.

Enamel Defects

Problems with a cat’s enamel can lead to soft spots and decay. As a kitten is developing, enamel defects may arise because of trauma to an emerging tooth, malnutrition, or an illness that causes high fevers. 

Certain medications, such as tetracyclines, can sometimes result in enamel hypoplasia (weakened enamel) in young kittens. Teeth will be weakened and prone to more decay if the enamel is damaged. 

Preventative dental care, as well as fluoride therapy and bonding agents, can help limit further enamel damage.

Tooth Malalignment (Malocclusion)

Malocclusion is abnormal positioning of the teeth that can cause improper wearing over time, as well as worsened plaque and tartar accumulation. Pain in the mouth can also arise if an offset bite causes teeth to rub on the upper palate or gums. 

Persistent deciduous teeth can also lead to malocclusion or malalignment as your kitten develops. Depending on the severity of your cat’s malocclusion, your vet may either recommend extracting the most concerning teeth or refer you to a veterinary dental specialist who may be able to perform realignment via “kitty braces.” 

Oral Tumors

Tumors of the oral cavity may be either benign or malignant. Malignant oral tumors make up 3 percent of all cancers in cats. Even if an oral tumor is benign, it can cause oral pain and lead to worsening dental disease or infection. 

Trauma or Fractures to the Mouth and Jaw

Trauma caused by blunt force or other injury can lead to jaw dislocation or fractures of the mouth, including the upper or lower jaw or teeth. Your veterinarian will often recommend stabilizing your cat’s facial fracture with surgical wire, pins, or metal plates until it heals. 

As previously mentioned, fractures to the lower jaw can also arise from deep infection and bone loss as a result of severe periodontal disease.

Risk Factors for Cat Dental Problems

While many cat dental problems can be prevented, or at least managed, some cats are genetically predisposed to more severe dental disease than others. For instance, purebred cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian, are more often plagued by periodontal disease. Purebred cats are also at increased risk for stomatitis syndrome. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, such as Persians, often have abnormal teeth positioning. 

Cats with certain diseases are also at a heightened risk for dental disease, such as those with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Bartonellosis (which causes cat scratch fever), and calicivirus. Cats with kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and various autoimmune disorders may also be at increased risk of gingivitis, stomatitis, and other oral diseases. 

Starting when your cat is a kitten, annual checkups with your veterinarian are important to help detect these issues and abnormalities early on and monitor for dental and other health effects.

Cat Dental Care Tips

Brush Regularly

When brushing your cat’s teeth, brush for approximately 30 seconds per side, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Some toothpaste intended for humans can be toxic to cats, so be sure to only use a pet-approved product. Baking soda is also dangerous to cats and should be avoided.

Pet parents should be patient and take their time when first introducing their cats to teeth brushing:

1. Start in a calm setting and just give your cat a taste of toothpaste. 
2. Gently lift the lip and touch the gum, and offer a treat to get your cat to associate the act with something positive. (You may also dip a cotton swab in tuna juice and rub it on your cat’s gum line.) 
3. Gradually work your way up to placing the toothbrush to the tooth, first without toothpaste, then with toothpaste. 

Remember, any brushing (even if it’s not daily) is better than none; if daily brushing is too difficult, aim for at least three times weekly.

Schedule Professional Teeth-Cleaning Appointments

Cat oral care does not stop at home. Just like humans, cats should have regular professional dental cleanings to scale for tartar under the gum line and between teeth, as well as detect other oral problems. 

Most cats should start an annual prophylactic dental cleaning before 3 years of age. Thereafter, most cats require an annual cleaning, while others with worse disease may need biannual cleanings. Ideally, no more than two years should pass between cat dental cleanings after age 3.

How to Help Prevent Cat Dental Disease

While daily cat tooth brushing is the most important step pet parents can take to help offset dental disease, additional preventative measures may also assist.

Diet

Feeding dry cat food can partially help crack off some tartar accumulation. Food may either be a commercial consumer or prescription diet. 

However, keep in mind that cats with severe pre-existing dental disease may have a difficult time eating dry food due to pain. Furthermore, cats with bladder or kidney issues may be better off eating canned wet diets. Please note that raw diets, which carry significant health risks, have not been scientifically proven to help prevent dental disease in pets.

Dental Treats and Water Additives

Cat dental treats can also help remove some daily plaque accumulation but are no substitute for daily brushing. These treats should be used in moderation to help maintain a healthy weight. Look for products bearing the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

VOHC-approved water additives for cats can also help reduce oral bacteria that would otherwise cause plaque development.

Chew toys

Certain cat chew toys can help rub off daily plaque. As with dogs, avoid hard chew toys such as deer antlers, which can cause broken teeth and other cat dental problems. Steer clear of anything with threads or string, as these can pose a linear gastrointestinal foreign body risk to cats.

The post 10 Cat Dental Problems to Watch Out For appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But why do cats bring you dead animals? Why not consume it or leave it elsewhere out of our sight? 

To understand what goes on between our kitty’s pert little ears, we have to start to think like a cat.

Understanding a Cat’s Prey Drive

In the wild, cats hunt between 10-20 times daily, accounting for up to 80 percent of their awake time. Dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter released upon anticipation of a reward, is released while a cat hunts, even more so when a cat catches its prey. 

Each attempt at hunting is only successful less than half of the time. Therefore, cats also use hunting experiences as a means of practicing to be an even better predator, and playing with their prey helps felines sharpen their skills. Cats may also play with their prey to disorient or tire out these wild animals to make killing them easier, conserving energy for the cat. 

Although our cats don’t need to worry about where their next meal is coming from, our pets still harbor a well-ingrained hunting instinct that has been passed down evolutionarily from their big cat relatives.

Small prey items that a domestic cat can safely conquer primarily include rodents (mice, rats, moles, shrews, chipmunks, squirrels), birds (especially songbirds), small reptiles and amphibians (snakes, lizards, frogs), and the occasional rabbit or insect. Hunting also encourages a cat to naturally exercise, and the way in which a cat catches small prey items lends itself to the natural eating preference for our domestic cats: multiple mini meals (or grazing) throughout the day.

When domestic cats are not allowed to hunt or if they lack simulated hunting such as through playing and other environmental enrichment exercises, behavioral and health problems can occur. Cats can become bored, frustrated, and stressed. Obesity, urinary disorders, as well as behavioral issues such as aggression and household destruction have been linked to cats that lack mental and physical stimulation.

While all domestic cat breeds may engage in hunting activity, some kitties have a higher prey drive than others. More active hunters include the Siamese, Maine Coon, Bengal, Abyssinian, and Burmese. Breeds that are more relaxed and tend to be less interested in hunting include Himalayans and Ragdolls.

Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals?

Although cats are sometimes solitary animals, big cats often hunt in groups, and stray domestic cats live in colonies. Therefore, sharing prey with their pack is a typical behavior. 

Since our house cats regard us as part of their posse, many cats will bring us dead animals (often intact) as a sign of affection. Cats may also do this as a method of storing their prey for later consumption, to try to share their knowledge with us on how to hunt (much like a mother cat teaches her kittens), or to pass on a gift to us as a recognized member of their group.

Our cats view us as family, and they wish to provide for our survival – mistakenly yet kindly thinking a dead mouse offering is to our palate’s liking. 

Mother cats often resist fully killing their prey to bring home injured animals to their young to help them practice killing so they can hunt later on when they’re older. Morbid, yes, but it’s an evolutionary means of survival wired in our cats’ brains from their ancestors. They may amusingly think we humans need to brush up on our hunting skills. 

Though this instinct does not mean that our kitties are evil, cold-blooded killers, their hunting behavior should be controlled.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Brings You a Dead Animal?

If your cat presents you with a prey animal that is still alive but injured, safely transporting the animal to a local veterinarian (ideally, a wildlife vet) or certified wildlife rehabilitator is recommended. 

Wear thick gloves when picking up the animal to prevent any bites, place the animal in a box with air holes for ventilation, and keep it warm. Avoid trying to feed or nurse the wild animal yourself as more harm than good may inadvertently result, despite one’s best intentions.

If the prey animal is dead, wear disposable gloves to place it in a plastic bag that you can tie and place in your outdoor garbage bin for disposal. Use a soapy solution to clean any blood or entrails left behind, and follow up with a disinfectant to kill any germs.

If you observe your kitty consuming a prey item, a checkup with your veterinarian may be warranted. Firstly, wildlife can transmit fleas, ticks, and other parasites and infections to your cat, such as roundworms, toxoplasmosis, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and plague. Some of these diseases can be zoonotic, meaning they can be spread to humans, so having your cat examined by your vet and trying to prevent your cat from acquiring these diseases in the first place are important. 

Secondly, allowing your cat to hunt outdoors may result in other injuries, such as small mammal or snake bites. Additionally, if rat bait (or a rodenticide) is used near your property, the rodent that consumed the poison can make your cat very sick if your cat eats the rodent. Therefore, have your cat examined by your veterinarian if you notice your cat has been hunting.

How to Stop Your Cat from Bringing You Gifts

Not only is the sight of dead animals unsightly for a squeamish cat parent, but the impact on local wildlife populations and biodiversity is even more reason to keep our cats from hunting outdoors.

Songbirds are especially at risk from cats. The American Bird Conservancy reports that outdoor cats are responsible for killing approximately 2.4 billion birds in the United States each year and have contributed to the extinction of 63 various species of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles around the world.

So what can pet parents do if cats bring them dead animals?

Keeping your cats strictly indoors or with only supervised access to the outdoors in a secured area or by using a harness and leash are the best ways to prevent unwanted hunting activity and subsequent “gift giving.” Training cats not to hunt is not very effective, and punishment can lead to negative behavioral consequences (including stress, distrust, and displaced aggression).

If you are going to let your cat outdoors, fitting her collar with a bell will help reduce her ability to sneak up on potential prey. Keep bird feeders up high (or avoid installing them at all) to prevent cats from climbing them. Additionally, avoid letting your kitty outside at night and in the early mornings when most wild animals, such as small mammals and birds, are most active. Having your cat spayed or neutered is also strongly encouraged, in part to reduce their likelihood of straying and expanding their kill zone radius.

Environmental enrichment is key to keeping indoor cats healthy and happy. Cat trees placed by windows for outdoor viewing, games that mimic a cat’s prey drive, or interactive toys can keep cats fulfilled. 

Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder, created by veterinarian Dr. Liz Bales, is one of the best tools out there to engage your kitty’s hunting instinct. This indoor feeding system also boasts health benefits, such as reducing obesity, regurgitation after eating (i.e. “scarf and barf”), and urinary issues, and is the next best thing to hunting for helping your cat feel rewarded.

The post Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

A healthy mouth is just as important for pets as it is for humans—especially since an estimated 50-90 percent of cats older than 4 have some degree of dental disease (1). Dental disease is not only painful but also leads to bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream, causing systemic chronic inflammation and showering the body’s organs with bacteria. 

Dental disease worsens with time and is more prevalent in older cats. Therefore, it’s important to establish a home dental care routine for your cat from an early age and have their teeth cleaned regularly by a veterinary professional. 

Let’s take a closer look at signs you should schedule a cat dental cleaning, plus what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.

Signs You Should Schedule a Cat Dental Cleaning

Preventing dental disease in cats before it arises is key. You can accomplish this by regularly brushing your cat’s teeth at home and by scheduling regular veterinary cleanings. An annual physical examination by your veterinarian is also central to catching emerging dental issues in cats as early on as possible.

Signs that your cat may have dental disease and likely requires a dental exam with X-rays and a professional cleaning include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Visible tartar buildup or red gums
• Drooling
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Pawing at the face, shaking the head, or teeth chattering
• Facial swelling or nasal discharge
• Dropping food or changes in appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Behavior changes (lethargy, hiding, irritability, or aggression)

It’s important to note that even cats with severe dental disease may not necessarily stop eating. The drive to eat and survive is a strong instinct in cats, and cats often hide signs of pain. Dental disease occurs in the wild, too, but wild animals hide their pain and eat to survive, struggling through their discomfort. Our domestic cats are much the same. So even if your cat is eating well, regular oral checkups are still necessary. However, if you do observe reductions in your cat’s appetite, if he is avoiding dry food, or if he is dropping more food than normal, these signs of oral pain need to be addressed by your vet.

If you have a senior cat, old age is not a reason to avoid dental cleanings. Dental pain is a welfare issue that affects your cat’s quality of life. Therefore, speak with your vet about the benefits versus risks of anesthesia and dental care regarding your senior kitty.

Cat Dental Cleaning Procedure: Step by Step

Your veterinarian will let you know if your cat requires a professional dental cleaning or further treatments. Here are some of the steps you can expect as part of your cat’s dental cleaning procedure.

Physical Exam

The first step is a physical exam, during which your vet will examine your cat’s mouth. If severe infections are noted, your vet may prescribe an oral antibiotic to be completed before your cat’s dental procedure. Your vet may also perform blood work to determine your pet’s health status, to ensure they are a good candidate for anesthesia.

General Anesthesia

Cat dental cleanings closely resemble those for humans. However, your cat will be under general anesthesia for their dental cleaning. Anesthesia is necessary because unlike us, your kitty will not willingly hold their mouth open on their own, and they may otherwise bite. Moreover, placing a tube down the windpipe while your cat is under anesthesia keeps the airway safe from water used during the cleaning. Additionally, since dental disease can be painful, working on your cat’s mouth awake would lead to unnecessary discomfort. When your cat is unconscious and asleep, they will be largely oblivious to any oral pain. Therefore, anesthesia keeps both your cat and veterinary staff safe during the dental procedure. 

While anesthesia can carry some risks, the advantages of a thorough dental cleaning in the face of dental disease often outweigh these risks. A good pre-anesthetic physical exam and blood work screening can help catch pre-existing health issues that would deem your cat unsafe to undergo anesthesia. Pet parents should note that anesthesia-free cleanings, such as those advertised at some grooming facilities, are cosmetic only, as they do not address problems under the gum line; thus, they are not recommended by veterinarians.

IV Catheter 

While your cat is under general anesthesia, an IV catheter will be placed to deliver IV fluids and sometimes IV antibiotics. Just like in human anesthesia, your cat will be closely monitored to ensure their heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, and blood pressure remain stable. Special measures will also be made to ensure your kitty is kept warm during anesthesia.

Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

Next, dental radiographs (or X-rays) are taken. X-rays are necessary to help your vet determine what is occurring underneath your cat’s gum line. Large roots of the tooth lie under the gum line where they’re not visible to the naked eye, much like the tip of an iceberg. Roughly 42 percent of cats appear to have normal teeth above the surface of the gum yet actually harbor dental disease below (2). Therefore, dental X-rays are imperative to look for evidence of issues like resorptive lesions, tooth decay, bone loss, oral cysts, and retained baby teeth. This radiographic evidence can guide your veterinarian on whether or not a tooth needs to be pulled (extracted). 

Dental Scaling and Polishing 

For the cat teeth cleaning procedure, forceps are used to remove big chunks of tartar and hand-scaler tools and an ultrasonic scaling device are used to remove smaller particles, just like at a human dentist office. Metal curettes clean under the gum line. Following the removal of debris, the gum around each tooth is gently probed to find any deep pockets that may point to a receding gum and indicate that the nearby tooth should be pulled. The teeth are then rinsed and polished. An anti-plaque product may also be applied.

Tooth Extractions

A topical anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is injected around any teeth that may need to be extracted in order to numb the area and provide additional pain control for your cat. A tool called an elevator is used to help break the ligaments that hold the tooth to the underlying bone. Occasionally, an incision with a scalpel blade may be required to aid in an extraction. Once a tooth is pulled with forceps, sutures may be used to close the hole.

Additional X-Rays

X-rays will be taken again following an extraction to ensure the entire tooth root was removed, as pain or infection can occur if a fragment is left behind. Further X-rays may be taken after a dental procedure for a cat with severe periodontitis and bone loss to ensure a fracture of the already weakened jaw bone (mandible) did not occur if extractions were made.

Cat Dental Cleaning Costs

The cost of veterinary dental services for cats varies depending on your geographic location, the specific practices of your veterinarian, and the severity of your cat’s dental and overall health. 

The average overall cost of a feline dental cleaning at a vet clinic is $300-$750. This fee typically incorporates the $50-$60 physical exam fee from the veterinarian, the $100-$200 cost of pre-anesthetic blood work screening, as well as the cost of anesthesia, dental X-rays, and the cleaning procedure. Costs may exceed $1,000 if extractions are required. 

Veterinary dentist specialists, trained via the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), perform more advanced procedures (such as root canals and other specialty surgeries) and are typically more costly than a general practitioner vet.

Pet insurance may cover routine and preventative dental care. For a variety of factors, pet parents should look into pet insurance coverage as soon as a new pet joins their family. Additionally, your vet’s office may have reduced dental fees due to specials offered in February, which is Pet Dental Health Month, so be sure to inquire and book in advance to ensure savings.

What to Expect After a Cat Dental Cleaning

When your cat has recovered from anesthesia following a dental procedure, your vet may either discharge your cat that same day or recommend keeping them in hospital overnight for observation. If your cat goes home the same day, be sure to monitor them closely at home. They may still be wobbly from anesthesia and be at risk of falling. Keep your cat confined to a small safe space, such as a carrier (if they are comfortable in it) or a small bathroom until they are steady on their feet again. You don’t want them to fall down any stairs or off a sofa or bed.

Following any anesthetic event, your cat may be a bit nauseous for a few hours or may develop constipation for a few days. If they are vomiting, not eating after 24 hours, or do not have a bowel movement after five days, seek veterinary advice from your vet.

Depending on the severity of dental problems detected during your cat’s dental procedure, especially if any extractions were performed, your cat may go home with pain medication and/or oral antibiotics. If extractions or other surgery was performed, the removed tooth site and surrounding gum may be sutured closed with dissolvable stitches or else left open. If left open, your vet may recommend you gently flush or rinse the area to prevent food debris accumulation. Your vet may also recommend that your cat be fed a soft diet of wet canned food for two weeks while the mouth heals, and then schedule a recheck visit to ensure everything is healing well.

At-home dental care for cats (i.e., tooth brushing) can be resumed within a few days following a dental cleaning without extractions or about two weeks following extractions once your vet gives final approval. 

Daily tooth brushing and regular veterinary cleanings are the best way to keep your cat’s chompers healthy and looking pearly white for longer while keeping pain away.

REFERENCES

1. Cornell Feline Health Center . Feline Dental Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease
2. Verstraete FJ, Kass PH, Terpak CH. Diagnostic value of full-mouth radiography in cats. Am J Vet Res. 1998;59(6):692-695.

The post Cat Dental Cleaning: Procedure, Costs, and What to Expect appeared first on Great Pet Care.

A member of the mint family, catnip is related to basil and oregano. Sniffing tends to cause more excitement in cats while chewing the plant results in more sedation. Cats often rub on catnip products to release more of its essential oil to heighten their “high.”

While the majority of cats experience a pleasant response to catnip, approximately 30 percent are unaffected, largely due to genetics or personality nuances. Kittens, particularly those under 3 months of age, also lack a response. 

So if kittens do not typically respond to catnip until they’re older, can they still be offered catnip? Is it safe? Let’s find out.

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

While catnip exposure is safe for kittens, kittens do not respond to the effects of catnip until they are at least 3 to 6 months old. Others may take as long as 9 to 12 months before responding to catnip.

Cats typically reach sexual maturity at 6 months of age. Prior to this, their brains are not yet developed enough to react to nepetalactone, the active ingredient in the catnip plant that mimics the scent of a female cat in heat. Spaying or neutering will not alter this response since the reaction tends to be based on brain maturity and not the presence of sex hormones.

So when can you give a kitten catnip? Pet parents may wish to introduce catnip to a kitten anytime between 3 to 6 months of age. If the kitten does not initially respond, try again each month until a response is elicited. 

You might also be wondering how much catnip to give a kitten compared to an adult cat. While catnip is very safe, only a small amount (about the size of a half dollar) of fresh or dried catnip or a toy containing catnip is recommended for a kitten to sniff or chew. A little goes a long way.

Catnip for Kittens: Benefits and Risks

Once a kitten is old enough to respond to catnip, occasional use can be beneficial to reduce anxiety and boredom as well as provide your kitten a fun, pleasant sensation. Since this natural herb is non-addictive and non-toxic with no significant ill side effects, it is safe to offer to young kittens.

If your kitten experiences separation anxiety or is stressed during short car rides or vet visits, offering some fresh or dried catnip to consume can offer a calming effect to reduce anxiety. 

Catnip also serves as a fantastic training tool for felines. You can offer it as a reward for good behaviors or when teaching new tricks. If your kitten is scratching inappropriate items like furniture, you can use catnip to redirect your cat by placing it on an appropriate item like a scratching post.

Kittens and adult cats cannot overdose on catnip, and consuming a small amount is safe so long as no pesticides were sprayed on the plant. However, eating too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness in some cats. Fortunately, most cats self-regulate well and do not tend to consume enough to the point of inducing gastrointestinal upset. 

Secondary injuries may be sustained if a kitty becomes over excited while enjoying catnip and starts running around chaotically, potentially resulting in a fall or knocking something over. Thus, kittens should be supervised during catnip exposure. 

Additionally, kittens with known preexisting seizure disorders should avoid use of catnip unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian or veterinary neurologist. Catnip can potentially worsen seizures in cats who are already affected.

How to Give a Kitten Catnip

Our feline friends can become immune to the effects of catnip after a period of time, resulting in a two-hour refractory period. As such, do not grant constant exposure. Instead, introduce catnip for about 15 minutes two to three times a week to ensure your kitten will continue to enjoy the effects.

The most potent levels of nepetalactone are found in the leaves and delicate pale purple flowers of the catnip plant; lesser amounts are found in the stem and stalk. Therefore, offer your kitten products that feature more leaves or blossoms.

When choosing a product, you can look for raw amounts of the fresh or dried plant, sprays, tinctures, or toys.

You can grow the fresh catnip plant in a small pot inside your home or outdoors. Cats enjoy munching on either the fresh or dry plant. To dry it, hang the leaves, stems, and flowers upside down in a dark room and then freeze or store it in an airtight container once dry. This will help prevent the plant from becoming stale and losing its effect. Consuming the fresh or dry plant is the best option for helping reduce a kitten’s stress and anxiety.

Catnip sprays or tinctures that contain at least 50 percent or more essential oil of the catnip plant are helpful to use for training a kitten. You can spray or drizzle these products without causing a mess.

Catnip toys (such as toy mice, balls, or even an old sock stuffed with the herb) are the best option to offset a kitten’s boredom. Toys provide environmental enrichment, exercise, and elicit more of a fun, playful response in kittens. Common brands include Kong and Yeowww! Look for refillable products that allow you to top up the catnip. This will help prevent staleness without having to replace the entire item. 

Ready to give a kitten catnip? Remember to start slow and see how your kitten responds!

The post Can Kittens Have Catnip? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But why do cats assume this body posture, and is it ever something to cause a pet parent concern? Let’s dive in.

Cat Loafing: What Does It Look Like?

When a cat sits with all four paws tucked underneath itself and its tail also tucked or wrapped around its body, it resembles a compact rectangle with rounded edges, much like a loaf of fresh bread. The resemblance is even more pronounced when a cat assumes this position in a too small box with its top spilling over the sides like risen dough. Thus, the term “cat loaf” was born.

The term “cat loaf” (or “catloaf”) has been used widely since 1999, when it first appeared in Usenet news groups. It then morphed into a meme that rose in popularity in the 2010s on Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook. Similar terms include “bread cat,” “potato cat,” or “tugboat cat.” 

Cats really have become Internet rock stars, and an entire website (kittyloaf.com) is devoted to curating images of cats in this adorable loaf-like posture. Curious what a cat in the loafing position looks like from underneath? A quick search for “hover cat” on a glass table will be sure to give you a nice hit of serotonin for the day.

Types of Cat Loafs

A cat is usually relaxed while loafing, but they tend to use this position while observing their surroundings. A cat’s head will be upright, and its eyes will often be fully open or half-closed. While we can all recognize the classic loafing position, several variations exist. A cat or kitten of any age can assume these various positions.

When a cat is in a full loaf, all its feet are tucked underneath itself, and its tail is either also tucked or wrapped tightly around its body.

A cat’s elbows may be slightly out in the partial loaf. The front paws may either be tucked or flat on the ground.

When one elbow is extended more than the other, a cat is in a loaf boat position.

A cat may also be sitting flat on its abdomen and resting on its back haunches with one or both of its front limbs slightly extended, assuming the Sphinx pose as named after the ancient Egyptian monument it resembles.

If a cat is especially sleepy, its head may start to dip downwards, causing it to face loaf. However, the face loaf posture can also be an indication that your cat is ill.

Why Do Cats Loaf?

The way a cat tucks in its extremities while lying on its abdomen carries a different meaning than when it’s merely sitting upright, lounging with its limbs and tail out, curled in a ball on its side, or about to pounce. So what exactly does a cat loaf mean?

Your cat is relaxed. Cats assume this compact, cozy position for comfort and relaxation when they still wish to engage with their surroundings but are not planning to jump or run away. Loafing cats exhibit trust and submission, but this posture still allows them more security and protection than lying on their back or side and exposing their belly. 

Your cat doesn’t feel threatened. Pet parents are paid a compliment when a cat loafs in their presence: your cat does not feel threatened and therefore does not feel the need to be on the defense. Loafing cats may be a bit drowsy but are not tired enough to sleep fully – they want to observe and be entertained by the happenings in their environments. They often simply enjoy the company of their humans while they sit in a loaf.

Your cat is trying to retain heat. Furthermore, cats have also learned evolutionarily that they can retain heat without having to move and expend precious energy while they assume the loaf position. Energy can thus be stored for periods of activity when cats need it. This tactic is especially important to kittens and short-haired breeds who can easily lose heat. Cats can regulate their temperature better in this compact, self-huddled position.

Your cat is getting comfortable. Since the loaf posture helps take pressure off a cat’s legs and paws, it may be assumed merely for comfort, much like us humans taking our shoes off and elevating our feet after a long day. 

Your cat might be in pain. While a cat loaf position is usually associated with positive feelings of relaxation and comfort, it could indicate pain in certain scenarios. If a cat is spending the majority of its time in a loaf, this is a red flag. If a cat is consistently sitting hunched with its paws flat on the ground or perched up on its toes, foot or limb pain may be the culprit.

Is Cat Loafing Ever a Problem?

Cat loafing is a normal behavior in the majority of cats, especially if your kitty assumes this posture on a comfortable and warm spot such as on the carpet where a ray of sun is beaming in through the window or on a cozy pile of laundry fresh from the dryer. 

However, if your cat is repeatedly found randomly loafing in the middle of the floor or on a cold, uncomfortable surface, it’s time to investigate further. If your cat is experiencing other worrisome signs such as hiding, decreased appetite, litter box issues, lethargy or weakness, abnormal gait (such as limping), vocalizing in pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s time to call your veterinarian and have your pet examined for potential illness or injury.

So long as your cat is still active at other times during the day, he or she can enjoy cat loafing without pet parents worrying their cat is not getting enough exercise or is losing mobility. However, if a cat primarily spends its day in a loaf position without moving or being active, your cat may be experiencing foot or leg pain. 

Cats are experts at masking pain. If your cat is constantly loafing, they may be trying to protect a front paw injury or hide signs of pain from an ingrown nail. Signs of pain in cats include guarding its paws or else not being able to fully tuck them in (which may indicate osteoarthritis), lowering its head, keeping its eyes shut or displaying exposed third eyelids, licking its paws, limping, or the other signs mentioned above.

Additionally, cats with heart or lung diseases may sit hunched with their elbows extended outward and their heads lowered to make breathing easier. Cats with abdominal pain, such as liver disease or chronic kidney disease (CKD) may also sit in the loaf position in order to help take pressure off internal organs.

Cats with CKD may not feel their best, therefore spending more time in a comfy loafing position. CKD is a relatively common medical condition in geriatric felines. Between 30-50 percent of cats over 15 years of age are estimated to have CKD. Early detection via regular bloodwork and urinalysis is key to initiating prompt care. Though CKD cannot be cured, certain therapies can slow its progression and improve the quality of life of affected cats while increasing longevity. Eating a prescription veterinary renal diet, regulating high blood pressure, and maintaining hydration can help improve the quality of life of cats with CKD.

Most loafing cats will hold their heads upright. However, if your cat is holding its head down and face planting, this can be an indication of illness. For example, cats with hypokalemia (low blood potassium), may experience cervical ventroflexion, or weakness when trying to lift the head. Causes range from chronic kidney disease to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

If your cat is experiencing any of the issues described above, or if you’re ever in doubt that your cat’s behavior is abnormal, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. 

The Conclusion on Cat Loafing

While some cats in the loaf position may have underlying medical issues that need to be addressed with your veterinarian, the majority of the time, pet parents can rest assured that the cat loaf posture is generally normal and indicates trust and contentment in the presence of the pet guardian.

So the next time you slather a layer of butter onto the slice of warm homemade bread fresh out of the oven, you can smile – not only at the carb-y goodness in front of you, but also at the reminder that your loafing kitty is the cutest pet in the world.

The post Cat Loafing: What It Is and Why They Do It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Does your cat not respond because she doesn’t know her name, or is she well aware but just can’t be bothered?

Cats are independent and self-efficient creatures who evolved as lone hunters. However, they are also social beings. While they may come across as aloof at first glance, we humans simply need to learn to read their specific feline language and accept them as the unique beings that they are. 

Do Cats Know Their Names?

Spoiler alert: Yes, cats do know their names. Cats often associate their name with either a reward (such as food, attention, petting, or play) or punishment (being scolded or put in a carrier). Thus, they may recognize the word as holding an important meaning but may not necessarily attribute that word to themselves. But how do we know for sure?

What the Research Says

A 2019 Japanese study showed that cats can decipher their own name from three other similar-sounding words, demonstrating that cats can discriminate between specific words and sounds that are phonetically different. The cats in the study moved their heads and ears differently in response to their own names in comparison to the other words spoken to them. Therefore, cats have been proven to possess the intelligence and capability to understand humans and our words.

Cats have also been shown to recognize the names of other cats in their household, especially their closest feline companions, as exhibited in a 2022 study. However, this differentiation and recognition was not as strong in a cat café setting where cats get attention even if they respond to another cat’s name and where they hear different cats’ names pronounced differently by various visiting humans.

This 2022 study supports the findings of a 2013 study from Japan in which cats were demonstrated to recognize the specific sound of their owner’s voice and know that their name is different from that of other cats. Cats also respond to other people (including strangers) who say their name but less so than if their owners say their name. This study also provided evidence that cats may associate their name as a positive verbal signal rather than self-identify with it.

While these studies show insight into behavior and cognition in cats, more research about these subjects is significantly lacking in cats. Cats are very intelligent, but they choose to focus on what they value to be the most important thing at that point in time, which may not always be what humans deem valuable. 

Another reason why scientists have a difficult time quantifying feline intelligence is because many cats don’t typically enjoy experimental studies and choose not to participate. If they don’t feel like engaging with humans, are bored, or are preoccupied with something they deem more important, they may not respond. 

This finicky cat behavior holds true whether during a research study or at home when a pet parent is calling out a cat’s name: a cat’s prerogative is to decline a response if the reward of obeying is less enticing than what the cat is doing (be it eating, sleeping, or playing). Cats know what to do when a command is given but don’t always see the value in providing humans with feedback.

How to Tell if a Cat Knows Their Name

While some cats (often termed “dog cats”) will gladly trot over with a greeting when their name is spoken, not all cats will come when called. In fact, only about 10 percent of cats come when called. As previously discussed, cats know their names but don’t always feel the need to offer a response.

Therefore, pet parents should observe the (sometimes subtle) body language cues that show that cats understand their own names. 

A cat may become increasingly alert, especially close to feeding time, when a pet parent says their name. A subset of cats may meow in response to their name being called, like a game of Marco Polo. Most felines will move their body, head, or ears in the direction of a person when they hear their name being called.

But look closely or you might miss these signals. Certain cats may only quickly perk or twitch the ears, much like an ephemeral head nod. Some kitties may simply offer a sudden swish of the tail as evidence of acknowledging their name being called.

Many cats also show more of an affinity to names that end in a “y” or “ie” sound, resulting in a stronger response when this name is called. This may be because it sounds more like a mewing sound that kittens make. Therefore, you may notice your cat responds to the nickname “kitty” far more readily than to their actual name.

How to Teach a Cat Its Name

Cats may, at first, ignore the sound of their names or command to come when called if there isn’t anything rewarding in it for them. Therefore, part of the art of training cats is teaching them to pay attention to something. 

The key is to use positive reinforcement to help a cat associate its name with something pleasant, such as a treat, toy, or petting (if a cat enjoys physical contact). 

Avoid punishment, especially when saying your cat’s name to ensure your kitty does not begin to associate their name with something negative. If this happens, your cat may stop responding altogether.

When you first start teaching your cat their name, don’t say your cat’s name except during training sessions or else your cat will begin to filter out its name as background noise.

How to Do It

Step 1: Start by saying your cat’s name clearly once and then give a treat or praise within 3 seconds. Easily consumed treats your cat really enjoys, such as small bits of plain chicken or Churu treats, are best. 

Step 2: Repeat this about 10 times in a minute and then offer your cat a break. You may also pair this lesson with clicker training. If a cat seems bored or unwilling, stop and try again later. Be consistent, and your cat will begin responding to its name in no time. Remember to watch out for body language cues that signal your cat is comprehending its name.

Step 3: Once your cat is consistently responding, you may start to mix saying her name with other words and sounds during your training sessions to ensure your cat will be able to decipher her name from other words. 

Eventually, you can cut out treats every time your cat responds to her name and only offer them on a random, occasional basis. If your cat starts to slip, it may be time to brush up with a training reminder.

If you have a young kitten or newly adopted older cat that had a previous name, be patient when trying to teach those kitties their new names. Ideally, try to use a pet’s old name to help them transition to their new home environment. Once that pet is comfortable, you may then start to teach a new name.

More Important Than Name Recognition: Bonding with Your Pet

What a bummer when you put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect name, and your cat doesn’t respond! However, if your cat never seems to learn or care about its name, don’t sweat it. Your kitty is perfectly smart enough and will display its bond with you in different ways. 

The majority of cats merely tend to communicate and respond in a largely non-verbal way. So just let cats be cats and appreciate them for the unique species they are.

If you need validation regarding your cat’s feelings for you, look for relaxed body language as proof your cat is content and cared for. For instance, if your cat is exposing their belly to you, they feel safe and secure in your presence. A cat loaf position, in which a cat is snuggled on her abdomen with her feet and tail tucked underneath her, is another display that your cat is likely comfortable and relaxed around you. 

Your cat may also seek attention by following you or wanting to play or be petted and may curl up in your lap or near you – all signs your cat is enjoying your company. Some cats may also head butt, knead, or lick their pet parents. Kitties may also look at you with soft, slow blinks; this behavior is analogous to your cat blowing you a kiss and is a strong sign your feline friend adores you.

Pet parents can help strengthen their bond with their cats by providing for their basic needs. These steps include providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, clean litter boxes, and setting aside play time. It’s also important to use positive reinforcement when training and avoid punishment. If a cat’s needs are met and you build a strong bond, they’ll likely respond to you when you call out their name. 

The post Do Cats Know Their Names? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Scientifically-named trichobezoars, feline hairballs are unpleasant, upchucked packages from our kitty overlords that we have to scrub off our carpet (fun fact: dogs can occasionally have hairball issues, too!). While hairballs are common, they may be a sign of an underlying health issue in your cat and can pose problems. 

What Does a Cat Hairball Look Like?

Most cat hairballs are tubular-shaped, however, some may look more like smaller, rounded or formless clumps of matted hair or even a few stray hairs in a bit of liquid. Hairballs look a bit wet and slimy or frothy due to the saliva or gastrointestinal contents that coat them. These GI contents may tint the hairballs a yellow or dark brown hue and can sometimes cause them to be confused with stool or regular vomit, although they’re not as smelly. Hairballs may range in size from dime-sized to finger-length.

Contrary to popular belief, cats do not cough up hairballs. Hairballs are vomited, not expelled by coughing. Some pet owners may confuse a true cough with an attempt to throw up a hairball. If your cat is making a “hacking” noise, but no hairball is coming up, your cat may be coughing, which can be a sign of a respiratory issue and requires a vet exam.

When your cat is about to expel a hairball, he or she may vocalize just before vomiting, lower the head and body with the neck outstretched, gag or retch, and may swallow several times after eliminating the hairball. Keep in mind that if you’re not seeing actual hairballs in your cat’s vomit, another health condition causing vomiting may be at play, requiring a vet visit to investigate and treat the trigger for your cat’s vomiting.

What Causes Hairballs in Cats?

Adult cats can spend up to 25 percent of their time bathing themselves. A cat’s rough tongue, with its backward-facing barbs (papillae) that “comb” through his or her hair while licking, picks up dirt, bugs and other debris that has accumulated on the fur and skin, including loose hair. Hair and debris are swallowed, and hair is largely indigestible, so a hairball can develop in the stomach over time due to a cat’s innate grooming behavior. When the fur clump begins to irritate the lining of your cat’s stomach, vomiting is triggered to expel it.

Early domesticated cats didn’t have as much hair to groom, and though their coats may have evolved, their digestive tracts haven’t changed all that much. Therefore, while most short-haired cats handle hairballs quite well, long-haired cats may have more problems due to the increased amount of fur they inadvertently swallow upon grooming. These cats are more likely to have vomiting issues associated with their hairballs and are also at increased risk of developing intestinal obstruction. 

Long-haired breeds that may struggle more with hairballs include Persians, Himalayans, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Siberians, Turkish Angoras and Domestic Long Hairs.

Fortunately, kittens are less likely to develop hairballs because young cats haven’t quite learned to clean their coats as thoroughly as their adult counterparts, so hairballs are less commonly a concern for them.

Are Cat Hairballs Normal?

While common, cats vomiting up a hairball is not medically normal. In a healthy cat, the fur that is swallowed during grooming should be able to pass through the intestines and exit with the stool during a normal bowel movement.

While a cat’s normal grooming behavior causes the development of a hairball, the way he or she eliminates the hair may not be normal. If your cat is easily vomiting up a hairball only once per week or less, a vet visit is likely not needed. 

However, if your cat is vomiting up hairballs more frequently (several times a week or daily), a trip to the vet is highly advised since an underlying gastrointestinal disorder may be to blame. Other factors can also increase your cat’s risk of vomiting up furballs.

As discussed, long-haired cats are predisposed to hairballs and are at least twice as likely as short-haired breeds to vomit a hairball due to the greater amount of hair they swallow during grooming.

Overgrooming or compulsive grooming behavior can also increase the likelihood that a cat will have hairball issues. Overgrooming can be instigated by stress or anxiety (including fretting over a dirty litter box), pain (a cat may obsessively lick a painful region of the body), hair mats, skin disease (such as allergies), or ectoparasites (such as fleas).

Additionally, certain digestive disorders can also lead to more hairballs. Gastrointestinal motility disorders (when the GI tract doesn’t contract in a forward motion the way it should, allowing fur to accumulate and tangle up in the stomach) and underlying causes of chronic vomiting (such as inflammatory bowel disease or GI lymphoma) can all increase the risk of hairball problems.

Hairballs are not typically very dangerous, but they can lodge in the esophagus (posing injury), or grow large enough to cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction (or blockage), which requires immediate medical intervention. 

Signs that may indicate a serious problem that requires medical assistance include: 

• Frequent vomiting or attempts to vomit without output
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Hiding behavior
• A bloated or painful abdomen
• Constipation or abnormal fecal output

Hairball Treatments for Cats

As discussed, if your cat is only producing a hairball occasionally, veterinary intervention is not usually necessary. However, schedule an appointment for a vet check-up if your cat has more frequent hairballs. Always seek veterinary care if your cat appears as if he or she is trying to expel a hairball but can’t. 

Fortunately, most hairballs can pass without issue and can be more easily managed with certain remedies and commercial treatments. However, many home remedies can do more harm than good and are not advised.

Cat Hairball Remedy

One at-home remedy that may be beneficial is using a small amount of plain petroleum jelly. A one-quarter teaspoon can be placed on your cat’s paw for him or her to lick off and swallow. This routine may be repeated up to once or twice per week. 

The petroleum jelly acts as a lubricant to aid the passage of hair through the intestines and into feces. Therefore, when used sparingly, a tiny amount of petroleum jelly or similar gel-based hairball treatment marketed for cats can reduce hairballs from being expelled the wrong way.

Some wet wipes or shampoos are also marketed to reduce shedding, thereby reducing hairball formation, yet many are ineffective. The use of hypoallergenic grooming wipes may at least help remove dead or loose hair before it’s swallowed, yet regularly brushing your cat is more effective.

Cat Hairballs: Home Remedies to Avoid 

Butter and oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, and fish oil) may be adequate lubricants to help hair slide more easily through the intestines. However, too much of these fats can cause GI upset (including diarrhea and vomiting), pancreatitis or weight gain. Therefore, cat parents should avoid feeding them to their cats unless directed by a veterinarian.

Increased fiber can help speed up transit time through the GI tract, increasing the odds that swallowed hair makes its way out into the litter box in your cat’s stool rather than upchucked in vomit on your rug. However, improper amounts of fiber supplements (such as Metamucil powder) can cause painful gas distension and GI upset. Furthermore, canned pumpkin is unlikely to contain enough fiber to be helpful. If you’re looking to increase fiber in your cat’s diet, consider cat grass or a commercial diet specially formulated for hairball control (details below) after speaking with your veterinarian.

Hairball Medicine for Cats

Other commercial products, either over-the-counter or prescription hairball products, can also help ease the passage of hairballs. Before trying any medication, a quick chat or visit with your vet is recommended to ensure that there are no underlying issues causing your cat to have hairball issues. If other factors are identified, those should be treated first.

Laxatone, a mild laxative and lubricant, is a mainstay oral medication in managing feline hairballs. Formulations include either unflavored or flavored gels or powders that may be given directly by mouth or else placed in your cat’s food. Chew treats are also available. While generally safe and mild when used as directed, too much laxatone can cause diarrhea. Ask your vet for advice prior to use.

Following a full workup by your veterinarian to ensure that no other health issues are contributing to your cat’s battle with hairballs, a medication called metoclopramide might be prescribed to help hairballs move in the correct direction and not back up through the mouth.

Preventing Hairballs in Cats

You can decrease your cat’s chances of developing hairballs with regular grooming and brushing (to remove loose fur before your cat has a chance to ingest it). You may need to gradually get your cat used to being brushed by using positive reinforcement, but most cats enjoy the TLC. Deshedding brushes are especially helpful, as they gently remove loose hairs in the top coat of a cat’s fur and the denser undercoat. 

Long-haired breeds should ideally be brushed daily. Removing fur clumps and hair mats before your cat has a chance to swallow a big wad of fur is also particularly beneficial. Clipping or shaving your long-haired cat may be necessary; you may wish to seek assistance from a professional pet groomer.

Additionally, ask your vet about a feline diet formulated to help reduce hairball development. Hairball-control cat food contains increased fiber and contains fatty acids and other nutrients to improve your cat’s coat and reduce shedding. 

Feeding smaller amounts of food more frequently can also help keep hairballs at bay. Most wet foods are also helpful to feed, as canned food contains a higher moisture content to help move furballs through the intestines. Pet parents can also encourage increased water consumption by ensuring that water bowls are always clean and full or using a fountain or bubbler, which many cats enjoy. Be wary of treats marketed as hairball remedies, as many are full of empty calories and may not always help with hairball issues.

Furthermore, reduce the risk of overgrooming to prevent your cat from swallowing any more hair than necessary. You can reduce the risks of overgrooming by:

• Keeping all litter boxes clean
• Providing your cat with environmental enrichment
• Utilizing cat pheromones to reduce stress
• Managing any chronic pain with guidance from your vet
• Using year-round prescription flea preventives
• Managing any skin ailments your cat may have as directed by your vet

These prevention strategies can help reduce the severity of your cat’s hairball problem. However, if your cat is still struggling, talk with your vet. 

The post Cat Hairballs: Why They Happen and How to Handle Them appeared first on Great Pet Care.

The Journal of Pediatric Nursing has noted increased empathy, decreased separation anxiety, and improved social interaction among children with autism who have a pet cat (2). Similar benefits can be seen in children with Down syndrome. 

In addition to the emotional and social advantages that growing up with a pet can provide, children may benefit physically, as well. Pediatrics medical journal states that pets in the home may boost a child’s immune system (3). The presence of a cat or dog during a child’s first year of life can decrease the number of respiratory infections and help reduce the development of allergies and asthma later on.

Benefits of Pets for Children

Here’s a closer look at how pets can benefit the children who care for them: 

• Pets can help children develop a heightened sense of empathy. As a general rule, children tend to focus on their own feelings. But caring for a pet encourages children to imagine how their pet is feeling. Developing this perspective early on encourages children to apply the same concern for the feelings of their peers.
• Pets teach children to be good caretakers. Kids learn how to be courteous, kind, nurturing, gentle, careful, compassionate, and patient.
• Pets can improve social skills. In many cases, pets play the role of a child’s first best friend. Children often talk to their pets, which helps them develop language and conversational skills. 
• Taking care of pets fosters a sense of self-worth. When children help with pet care, they learn about responsibility, cooperation, obedience, and sharing. That helps them develop a sense of achievement and value. 
• Pets can help boost kids’ self-esteem. Nothing embodies unconditional acceptance like a purring cat or devoted dog who is a child’s #1 fan.
• Pets can help combat feelings of loneliness. Long-haired, short-haired, and even hairless pets often act as a living security blanket, offering physical comfort, loyalty, love, and affection when kids need it most. 
• Some pets can be specially trained to support children recovering from trauma.
• Pets can act as a natural mood stabilizer, helping children work through behavioral and learning problems.

While the 2021 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association indicates that more U.S. households have dogs than cats (4), families with small children may be more inclined to consider adopting a cat. Felines are relatively low maintenance and easy to housetrain, making them perfect companions for busy homes. Furthermore, quieter, more introverted children may be better suited to owning a cat rather than a pet of another species.

Do Cats Bond with Humans?

Cats may have the (undeserved) reputation of being aloof and unaffectionate, however, this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats simply express affection in ways different from their canine counterparts. 

Cats are more independent, so their displays of affection are often more subtle. However, a 2019 study published in Current Biology revealed that adult cats and kittens display signs of secure attachment to their owners, similar to the bond human infants have with caregivers (5). The majority of cats in the study were less stressed and more willing to explore new surroundings while in the presence of their pet parents, from whom they drew comfort and security. 

Cats can bond with children as strongly as they can with pet parents. We humans just need to learn how to recognize that bond to understand the extent of their love for us. To avoid disappointment, misunderstanding, or hurt feelings, children especially should be educated on the unique ways in which independent felines display affection.

For starters, learning feline body language, particularly how to interpret the position and movement of a cat’s tail, is vital to building clear communications and a solid bond with your cat. For instance, while a wagging tail in a dog can indicate friendliness, a tail flip in a cat typically indicates annoyance. That’s an important distinction!

Cats show us their affection in a variety of unique and endearing ways, which include:

• Purring
• Vocalizing, including meowing, mewling, chirping, or trilling
• Kneading
• Headbutting (a.k.a. head bunting), cheek rubbing, or rubbing on your ankles. Cats spread their pheromones (scent markers) in this manner to inform other cats that you belong to them.
• Licking or grooming you
• Displaying their belly or rolling on the ground in front of you. Cats only display their abdomens if they’re extremely comfortable around you.
• Sitting in your lap. Cats will curl up on or next to you to indicate that they feel safe and comforted by your presence.
• Following you around and wanting to be in your presence
• Wandering around and exploring in your presence. While you may think your cat is disinterested in you, cats tend to only explore when they feel secure. Take this action as a compliment!
• Engaging in play activity
• Hunting and bringing toys or prey as gifts
• “Love bites” (nibbles) or pawing at you
• “Eye kisses” — when cats stare at you and then slowly blink their eyes to tell you they love you. Try mimicking it back to them!
• Greeting you at the door upon your arrival home

Now that you’re fluent in the language of cats, be sure to share your newfound knowledge with your child to set their kid-cat relationship up for success.

Best Cats for Kids

When it comes to choosing a cat who’s likely to be a good fit for a household with children, there are some key personality traits that can help. For a harmonious home life, look for cats that are:  

• Well socialized
• Friendly
• Gentle
• Patient
• Comfortable with being handled
• Tolerant of noise and sudden movement
• Not overly nervous, timid, or aggressive when unprovoked

While the prospect of adopting an adorable kitten can be hard to resist, be aware that younger children (particularly those under the age of 5) may be unpredictable or too rough with a fragile kitten. They could unknowingly injure the young cat or even cause the kitten to develop into a more fearful and timid adult cat. Training a kitten can also be more time-consuming, which may prove difficult in a busy home with rambunctious toddlers. 

If you have young children, adult cats around 2-3 years of age are a great choice. Older children can do well with cats of every age, from kittens all the way to senior cats. What’s most important is to find a cat that is comfortable around children. Consider searching for adoptable cats that are kid-friendly using online sites such as Petfinder, which can match you to available cats at a shelter near you.

Don’t forget that personal chemistry is a crucial part of any pet decision. Be sure to visit the shelter, breeder, or rescue center as a family and observe how comfortable a potential pet is with your child. You may also want to consider fostering a cat for a short time before committing to adoption to ensure the fit is good for everyone involved. 

Best Cat Breeds for Children (of any age)

Provided they have the right temperament, any breed of cat can be a great match for a household with children. However, some cat breeds are more likely than others to possess kid-friendly characteristics and traits.

Here are some cat breeds generally considered to be calm, tolerant, and great with kids of all ages:

• American Shorthair or British Shorthair
• Ragdoll
• Birman
• Persian or Exotic Shorthair
• Burmese
• Maine Coon
• Manx
• Siamese
• Siberian

Best Cat Breeds for Older Children

These cat breeds tend to be more energetic and adventurous, so they may be better suited to households with older children.

• Abyssinian
• Bengal
• Cornish Rex
• Munchkin
• Sphynx

Cat Breeds to Consider with Caution

While some individual cats within these breeds may be perfectly suited to children, most tend to be more subdued and not as tolerant with kids.

• Himalayan
• Russian Blue
• Turkish Angora or Turkish Van

In addition to these breeds, individual mixed breed or non-pedigree cats can also make fantastic pets for kids if they have the right temperament.

Introducing Kids to a New Cat

Once you’ve found your family’s new forever cat, parents can help encourage a successful bond between kids and cats from the very start. When bringing the cat home for the first time, choose a day when you know your household will be calm and less busy. Leave the cat in their carrier for a few hours in a quiet room, such as a bathroom. Then let them out to roam in a safe, enclosed space for about a day. After the cat has developed a sense of security in their new space, it’s time for slow and gentle introductions.

Instruct children to offer their hand initially for the cat to sniff, then they can start to pet the cat lightly. If the cat tolerates this attention, your child can try to pick up the cat (provided they can support the cat’s body weight), or you can encourage your child to sit on the floor and try to set the cat gently on their lap. 

You can increase the frequency and duration of these interactions at the cat’s own pace until the cat feels more comfortable with your child. Parents should continue to supervise all interactions between kids and cats as their bond develops.

10 Ways for Cats and Kids to Bond

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, GreatPetCare may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

With proper coaching, parents can encourage a strong bond to form between kids and cats through a variety of fun, safe activities, as well as age-appropriate caretaking tasks to help instill a sense of responsibility. Children should be taught that pets cannot be ignored just because they are busy or not in the mood to take care of them. Cats and other pets are lifelong commitments.

Here are some ideas to help children and cats bond and develop mutual affection:

Naming the new cat 

Once your family has found the purr-fect new addition, involving your child in the naming process is a great way to get them emotionally invested in their new pet.

Shopping for toys, food, and bedding 

If you encourage a child to pick out things that will help a cat get comfortable in their new home, they’ll be more inclined to use them to make the cat feel welcome.

Helping out at mealtime

Younger children can assist parents by measuring out food and water at mealtime, but should never be left unsupervised around your cat’s food and water bowls. By age 10-13, children can be assigned to feed and water a cat on a regular schedule. Though it’s always a good idea to double-check from time to time to make sure your cat is being fed consistently.

Cleaning and litter box care

Waste disposal is best reserved for older children who understand how to do it safely and are sure to wash their hands afterward. Though it’s not an appropriate chore for very young, encourage them to accompany you while you do it to get them accustomed to the task. 

Giving treats

Occasional cat-safe treats can be used as a positive reinforcement to further strengthen the human-feline bond.

For example, lickable cat treats or purees, like Catit Creamy Lickable Cat Treats, can promote extended interactions and longer bonding sessions, because you hold the treat tube in your hand while your cat licks away at the yummy puree. Catit Creamy Lickable Treats come in three low-calorie flavor options — chicken & liver, salmon, and tuna — so you’re sure to find a healthy lickable treat to tempt the taste buds of your favorite feline.

Grooming 

Not every kitty likes to be brushed frequently, but children can be taught how to safely and carefully brush their cat.

Reading

Books can be an excellent way for children to learn about cats. Younger kids may enjoy storybooks about cats, while older children can discover important skills, like how to train a cat or decode feline behavior and “tail language.”

Book idea for younger children (Pre-K – grade 3):

“How to Care for Your Cat: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids” by Janet Skiles

“Kitten (ASPCA Pet Care for Kids)” by Mark Evans

Book ideas for older children:

“A Kid’s Guide to Cats” by Arden Moore

Playing

Designating a 15-minute playtime for kids and cats twice a day is a great way to socialize cats, encourage exercise, and foster bonding. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many children who were attending school remotely had more time to spend with their pets. Now that in-person learning is increasing, you can help maintain the bond between kids and cats by maintaining a consistent, after-school “mini-break” for kids to spend time playing with, grooming, or feeding their pets. (Cats like after-school snacks, too!) 

It’s important to teach children how to play appropriately with cats, to avoid the risk of accidental scratches and bites. Some cat-friendly ideas: a feathered wand cat toy, cardboard box fort, or a smartphone app designed specifically to engage cats. Avoid playing with strings and ribbons, which can pose gastrointestinal linear foreign body risks if ingested. You can also make mealtime more fun with Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder.

Training and tricks

Teaching cats tricks can be a fun and rewarding way for older children to bond with a new kitty.

Visiting the veterinary clinic

Annual check-ups and even sick visits to the veterinarian are great opportunities for kids to learn more about what it takes to keep a cat healthy…and may even help them become better caretakers. Ask your child to pay special attention to your cat’s behavior and overall wellbeing at home. You may be surprised to learn about signs and symptoms they pick up on before you do.

Kids and Cats: Safety Tips

With proper preparation, education, and supervision, kids and cats can learn to get along with each other pretty easily. Even so, both kids and cats can be unpredictable at times. So it makes sense to have some guidelines in place to ensure everyone in your home stays healthy, happy, and unharmed.

Here is a helpful list of DOs and DON’Ts you can follow to keep kids and cats safe:

• DO emphasize to children that cats are not toys. To avoid accidental scratches or bites, teach kids how to handle cats gently and appropriately. 
• DO encourage children to use quiet voices around cats and avoid shouting or screaming.
• DO limit jumping, running, and sudden movements…especially those meant to startle or frighten the cat.
• DO remind kids that most cats do not enjoy belly rubs or being held for too long of a time. Suggest other ways they can show their love, like head scratches or playing with a special toy. 
• DO remind kids to open and close doors carefully. This can help prevent cats from getting injured, getting locked up where they shouldn’t be, or escaping outdoors accidentally.
• DO allow cats to escape to a quiet room or “safe space” if they need a break from activity. Baby gates can be great boundaries.
• DO teach children how to read cat body language so they know how to recognize fearful or angry body posture or tail movement. But remember that adult supervision is often required to detect these behaviors and halt the interaction before injuries can occur.
• DO keep your cat healthy and ensure their vaccinations and preventative treatments are up-to-date to prevent the spread of potential zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between humans and animals). Your cat should be regularly dewormed and treated year-round with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention product. Consistent flea prevention can help prevent the spread of Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever).
• DO keep young children away from cat litter (as well as any sandboxes where a cat may have defecated) to prevent contact with harmful bacteria and parasites such as intestinal worms and Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis. 
• DO teach children of all ages to wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with pets, used food or water bowls, and pet waste.

• DON’T allow cats to sleep in a crib or the same room as an infant to prevent accidental smothering.
• DON’T permit a child to pick up a cat unless they can fully support a cat’s weight using both hands.
• DON’T allow children to rough-house, wrestle, corner, or taunt the cat. No hitting. No grabbing. No pulling of the fur, tail, ears, or feet. If you observe your child repeatedly abusing the cat in this way, consult your pediatrician or a child psychologist.
• DON’T let children play games with cats that focus on the hands or quick finger movements. Underneath it all, your loveable furball still has the instincts of a predator, and those wiggly, fast-moving fingers might look a lot like prey. 
• DON’T punish a cat for hissing, growling, biting, or scratching, as punishment will only make the behavior worse. Proper training with positive reinforcement to prevent the escalation of fearful or aggressive behavior is more effective. 

By following these simple safety precautions, you’re not only protecting your child and your pet, you’re also fostering a lifelong bond and rewarding relationship that will bring them both years of happiness.

The post Kids and Cats: 10 Tips to Promote Bonding appeared first on Great Pet Care.

While you should always consult with your personal veterinarian whenever your pet is ill, your vet may suggest that you monitor your dog at home and provide therapies for mild conditions. 

Since kids (and even adults) rely on Pedialyte to restore electrolytes and combat dehydration, you may think about administering it to your dog when she experiences vomiting or diarrhea. 

How does it work? And—more importantly—is it safe to give to your dog? Here is everything you need to know about using Pedialyte for dehydration in dogs.

What Is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is a commercially-available, over-the-counter oral electrolyte solution specially formulated to help prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance in infants and children. When Pedialyte is consumed and absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream, it will help maintain proper water and electrolyte properties inside the blood. 

Pedialyte, which was developed by a physician and is sold by Abbott Laboratories based in Columbus, Ohio, has been available in the United States since the 1960s. Its formula is based on electrolyte rehydration products developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1940s as a supportive therapy for children affected by acute gastroenteritis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and vomiting and diarrhea.

Pedialyte supplies us with the important electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride, which the body loses via vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite. It contains a higher electrolyte content compared to plain water. It also contains some dextrose, a sugar easily broken down into glucose, the most basic energy source which helps feed gastrointestinal cells to prompt a quicker recovery from gastrointestinal disease. 

The electrolyte drink can also help improve pediatric hydration secondary to the stomach flu, food poisoning, sweating caused by heat or exercise, and travel. Additionally, some adults swear by its effectiveness as a hangover remedy. It is also marketed to aid pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.

In addition to its flavored and unflavored classic version, Pedialyte also comes in powder and freezer-pop forms as well as other liquid formulations, including AdvancedCare and AdvancedCare Plus, which contain prebiotics and 33 percent more electrolytes, respectively.

Electrolytes for Dogs: Understanding the Benefits

Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is as important for the health of your dog as it is for human children. Water makes up the majority of the body composition of both dogs and humans, so staying hydrated is vital for normal cellular and organ function. 

Water is also the main component of blood, which helps carry important molecules, such as oxygen, to every cell in a dog’s body. Furthermore, water maintains blood pressure and helps flush toxins out of the body as the kidneys filter the bloodstream. 

Electrolytes are essential to preserve water balance as well as aid electrical impulses in a dog’s muscles and nervous system. 

Important Electrolytes for Dogs

Key electrolytes for dogs include sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes are primarily kept in balance by the kidneys and a complex hormonal system known as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This balance can become thwarted due to disease processes, such as gastrointestinal upset.

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these electrolytes functions in a dog’s body:

Sodium is integral for water balance. The body loses sodium because of persistent vomiting and diarrhea, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and endocrine disorders such as hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). When sodium levels drop too low (known as hyponatremia), dehydration occurs. Severe hyponatremia can cause neurological impairment due to swelling of the brain.

Potassium is fundamental for a dog’s muscle and cardiac contractions. Hypokalemia, or low potassium concentration in the blood, may arise due to poor appetite, CKD, and vomiting. Weakness, incoordination, and poor muscle action result.

Chloride is sodium’s buddy. It tends to follow and bind to sodium as the salt NaCl. Chloride balances sodium and potassium in cellular electrical activities. 

These three electrolytes are vital for complex bodily processes, which help keep our pets healthy.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

When your dog has lost a significant amount of fluid and electrolytes through either vomiting or diarrhea, he may show signs of dehydration.

Dehydration in dogs can range from mild to severe. In any case, you should contact your veterinarian for advice on what to do if your pup is showing any of the following symptoms of dehydration in dogs:

• Lethargy and appearing tired
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Constant panting
• Dry nose, mouth, and gums
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Dehydration in dogs is considered a medical emergency when you notice persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and suspected heat stroke. Don’t wait to bring your dog to the vet in this case. Resolving dehydration in your dog can be as simple as replenishing his electrolytes through fluids, but it can also point to other, more significant health problems your vet can detect.

Some dogs who are severely dehydrated may require hospitalization to determine the cause. The last thing pet parents need to worry about when their dog’s health is in danger is emergency veterinary bills. But pet parents who have a pet health insurance policy in place, like those offered by Lemonade, can breathe a big sigh of relief.  Consider signing your pet up for coverage to help you cover the costs of things like injuries, emergency care, hospitalization, and more.

Can Dogs Drink Pedialyte?

Now that you know how important electrolytes are for our dogs’ health and the signs of dehydration to look out for, you may wonder if your dog can drink Pedialyte safely. 

It’s typically safe to administer small amounts of the classic, unflavored Pedialyte solution orally to dogs on a short-term basis to help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost via mild vomiting or diarrhea. 

However, Pedialyte is only a supportive therapy to help manage the symptoms associated with dehydration and electrolyte depletion. It does not stop ongoing fluid losses and is not a cure for underlying disease processes. It also won’t correct severe dehydration in dogs or treat significant electrolyte imbalances. 

If a pet is sick and dehydrated enough to require Pedialyte, she should really see a veterinarian for treatment, including more effective means of hydration therapy, such as injectable fluid administration. Therefore, only give Pedialyte to your dog under the direct guidance of your personal veterinarian.

When Will a Vet Recommend Pedialyte for My Dog?

Your veterinarian might permit at-home Pedialyte use for mild, self-resolving cases of vomiting or diarrhea. However, other veterinary-approved electrolyte replacements may prove better options. 

At other times, your vet may instruct you to avoid Pedialyte altogether, as it may worsen gastrointestinal illness or delay other treatments. For instance, your vet may recommend withholding food and liquids for several hours to help calm the stomach if your dog is vomiting. In this instance, Pedialyte use may trigger more vomiting by further irritating an already inflamed stomach lining. 

Pedialyte is not a cure for puppies (or dogs) with parvovirus, which causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea as well as destruction of red and white blood cells and even death. To improve prognosis, seek veterinary care for your sick puppy before being administering Pedialyte at home.

Is Pedialyte for Dogs Backed By Research?

Keep in mind that, while there are studies showing the benefits of electrolytes for hydration in dogs, no published research has been conducted to validate Pedialyte’s safety and efficacy in pets. It is specially formulated to meet the electrolyte needs of children, not dogs, whose needs slightly differ. For instance, the sodium content in Pedialyte is higher than the corresponding canine requirement.

What Kind of Pedialyte Should I Give My Dog?

If your vet permits you to offer Pedialyte to your dog, choose the unflavored form over flavored varieties. Of the various flavors (including strawberry, mixed berry, grape, bubble gum, and coconut), no flavor is necessarily better than any other though your dog may have her own preference. While real grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, the grape flavoring in Pedialyte is artificial and does not contain actual grapes. However, the unflavored version is less likely to further nauseate or irritate the gastrointestinal tract of a sick animal, making it a better choice.

How to Give Dogs Pedialyte

When giving Pedialyte to dogs, do not offer large amounts at a time. This can trigger further vomiting. 

You can dilute it as one part Pedialyte to one part water or else offered as is without diluting. Some dogs may be more inclined to drink it plain while others prefer it diluted in water. 

Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, you may offer your dog a few laps of solution to drink every 1-2 hours. The recommended dose is approximately 2-4 mL of Pedialyte per pound of body weight. 

You can also freeze the solution and offer it to your pup as ice cubes. If your vet has instructed you to feed your dog (likely a bland diet as she recovers from gastrointestinal disease), you can also pour the Pedialyte dose over food as long as your dog still eats the meal. If your dog is picky, you may dissolve a low sodium bouillon cube to entice your dog to drink the Pedialyte.

Only give Pedialyte orally and as a free choice to your pet. Forced oral syringe feeding (without a needle) is not ideal. If your dog is sick enough to require syringe-feeding, she is sick enough to go to the vet.

If vomiting persists or returns, discontinue use and consult your vet. To reiterate, only give your dog unflavored Pedialyte if authorized first by your veterinarian. 

Pedialyte Side Effects for Dogs

While unflavored Pedialyte is safe in small doses, it may worsen vomiting in some dogs. 

It’s important not to administer more than the amount of Pedialyte your veterinarian recommends. You do not want to overcorrect electrolytes, causing an overdose. High levels of sodium (hypernatremia) can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid loss from the brain while elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause severe cardiac issues, including low heart rate (bradycardia), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and cardiac arrest in extreme cases. 

Since Pedialyte contains higher levels of sodium than is ideal for dogs, dogs with fluid retention, such as those with congestive heart failure (CHF), should avoid Pedialyte in most instances. Also, dogs with diabetes should avoid Pedialyte due to its sugar content. 

Flavored Pedialyte contains artificial sweeteners which can further irritate the gastrointestinal tract, may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies, and may interfere with normal gut flora (healthy gastrointestinal bacteria). 

The biggest problem that Pedialyte can cause is giving pet parents a false sense of security when a veterinary visit may be necessary. That’s why it’s extremely important to discuss your dog’s illness with your veterinarian first.

Can Dogs Drink Gatorade and Other Electrolyte Drinks?

Dogs should not be given Gatorade or other electrolyte sports drinks formulated for humans.

While Pedialyte has its own caveats for when it is safe to be used, it is much safer for use in dogs than other human electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade. These drinks can worsen gastrointestinal upset in pets. 

Traditional Gatorade contains roughly twice the sugar and half the electrolyte content in comparison to Pedialyte. Additionally, some Gatorade products contain sucrose, a sweetener which can worsen diarrhea (and thereby, dehydration) by drawing water out of the bloodstream and into the gut. In contrast, Pedialyte products contain no sucrose. 

Sugar-free sports drinks which contain the artificial sweetener xylitol should also be avoided in dogs as xylitol is toxic to pets, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure, which can lead to seizures or death. You should also avoid making your own sugar water/electrolyte solution unless advised by your veterinarian since the recipe may contain incorrect amounts of sugar and salt.

In conclusion, avoid sports drinks and only use Pedialyte after consulting your personal veterinarian. 

The post Can Dogs Drink Pedialyte? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Cats want to be understood, yet they speak an entirely different language than us humans, and their language is complex. 

To deepen our bond with our cats and provide for their quality of life, we pet parents must become multilingual by learning cat tail language so we may “chat” with our cats.

Understanding Your Cat’s Tail: The Basics

A cat’s tail position is one way a cat communicates with humans as well as other cats and animals. 

The long swishy tail of a feline is an important structure. The tail is a continuation of the spine, comprising between 18 to 20 caudal vertebrae in most domestic cat species. A cat’s tail anatomy is made up of fur, skin, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and a small amount of muscle. The nerve supply of a cat’s tail controls it in response to stimuli. 

Some cat breeds are born with a shortened or absent tail (such as the Manx). Evaluating the behavior of these cat breeds is trickier since relying on tail positioning is not possible.

A cat’s tail does not function solely in communication. It is also important in balancing when running or jumping or as a counterbalance when a cat is walking on a narrow surface or suddenly changing direction when running or tracking prey. After all, cats are vertically-inclined creatures. When they’re not sleeping up to 18-20 hours per day, they’re often jumping and climbing, whether they’re in the wild or at home.

Cat Tail Health

A healthy tail is important to a cat’s overall wellbeing, and tail injuries can cause severe pain, discomfort, and stress for our cats. 

Though the spinal cord itself ends before the tail, nerve damage to the tail (such as damage caused by tail pulling) can cause traumatic spinal injuries in cats. Tail fractures can also occur. 

Severe or non-healing injuries to the tail may require amputation by a veterinarian. Fortunately, this surgical procedure is well-tolerated by the majority of cats. 

Cat Tail Positions and What They Mean

Cats communicate in many ways. They vocalize by meowing and hissing, and they display non-verbal cues through body posture as well as eye and ear positioning. 

Additionally, cat tails are very expressive, and the position of your cat’s tail is another method by which your kitty can “speak” to you—communicating his preferences, emotions, and even signs of illness or injury. 

So what exactly are all your domestic cat’s different tail positions trying to tell you? Here’s a helpful breakdown.

Standing Straight Up

A cat with an upright tail pointing towards the sky is a happy feline. This tail position is similar to a human smile. A tail that stands straight up is a common greeting display, revealing that a cat is confident, content, and willing to interact with other cats or humans. 

Amicable cats with this tail posture show other felines they are non-confrontational, reducing the possibility of a conflict. 

You may also notice that the tip of the tail may rapidly quiver or buzz while in this upright posture, indicating that your cat is particularly joyful. Pet parents should reward these happy kitties with attention and praise.

The Curled Question Mark

Depending on their surroundings, cats with a hooked or bent tail resembling a question mark may be feeling either playful or otherwise doubtful. If something stressful is occurring, give your cat some time to gauge the situation. If your cat seems comfortable, try to encourage play with a dangly feather toy.

Curled Around the Body

If your cat’s tail is curled around itself while seated, your cat may be feeling submissive or a bit nervous. Give your cat some space to act on his own accord when ready. If your cat’s tail is curled around itself while he is sleeping, your cat needs a break and prefers to be left alone.

Wrapped Around You or Another Pet

Cats may also curl their tails around the body or tail of another cat as a sign of friendship and affection. You may notice that when your cat is especially relaxed in your presence, he may wrap a tail around your arm. This is your cat’s way of saying, “I love you.”

A Loose, Wagging Tail

If your cat’s tail is loosely and slowly swaying from side to side, your kitty is focusing intently on something, is bored, or is otherwise feeling playful and feisty. He may be preparing to stalk or pounce on prey, a toy, or a bit of food. Cat parents should allow their cats to continue to focus on whatever is holding their attention.

You may also notice that your cat may gently swish his tail when napping, meaning that this kitty is resting yet is remaining alert to what’s happening in the environment. Sometimes, a feline in a deep sleep may swish his tail when dreaming.

The Quick Flick

While a loosely wagging tail can be a sign of focus or playfulness, a rapidly whipping tail that is lashing from side to side more forcefully is a clear indicator that your feline friend is feeling fearful or aggressive. 

A quick flick of the tail is a warning to other cats and humans to back off. These cats are agitated and may become aggressive if stressed further. The stronger the movement, the stronger the emotion. Pet moms and dads should back off and allow their cats to retreat. Avoid petting your cat to prevent petting-induced aggression.

Tail Held Straight Back

Depending on the circumstances, a cat holding its tail straight back may be either relaxed, slightly concerned, or else interested in something. Some cats that hold their tails down, especially at a 45-degree angle, may be feeling serious, somber, and slightly suspicious. However, for other kitties (particularly long-haired cat breeds such as Persians), a tail held back or down can be interpreted as a relaxed, neutral expression.

Always look for context based on your cat’s surroundings, body posture, eyes, and ear position to determine what your cat is sensing.

Tucked Tail

When your cat is frightened or submissive, he may tuck his tail tightly around the body or between the legs. Your cat may attempt to shrink to the smallest possible size, lowering his head and crouching his body. Cat guardians should try to reduce the source of their cat’s stress or insecurity and avoid upsetting the situation further.

Furthermore, a cat with a tucked tail may be experiencing pain. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure your feline companion does not have an illness or injury causing this behavior.

Puffed-Up Tail

While some cats may act submissive in the face of danger, other situations may require a cat to defend itself. In an attempt to look as large as possible to ward off a predator or other threat, your cat may bluff by bristling its hair through a smooth muscle action known as piloerection, causing the tail to puff up. 

When your cat is this agitated or frightened, his back may also arch up to resemble a “Halloween cat” or “scaredy cat” posture—another means of appearing larger. 

When your cat is afraid enough to be bristling his fur, you should carefully try to diffuse the distressing situation and avoid triggering your cat further, allowing your cat to retreat to avoid escalating the situation.

Your Cat’s Tail Language: Look for Context

Feline body and tail language is complex, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be on your way to becoming quite the pet interpreter. If ever in doubt of the meaning behind your cat’s tail position, look at other cues for indications of intent. 

Here are some helpful hints and questions to ask:

Vocalization: Is your cat vocalizing by pleasantly purring or growling in anger or distress? 

Overall posture: What is his body posture: relaxed, cowering, or about to pounce or attack? 

Your cat’s eyes: Are his eyes soft and blinking, suggestive of a calm mood, or are they open wide and staring, more likely to be interpreted as alert, fearful, or aggressive? 

Your cat’s ears: What about your cat’s ears? Are they relaxed and forward-facing or else aimed backward to suggest an irritated or angry feeling? 

Any non-verbal feline behavior is best interpreted with what is happening in the environment and the overall appearance and actions of your cat. Full understanding is best gained by pairing together all these observations to decode how your cat is feeling.

By paying attention to your cat’s non-verbal cues such as tail positions, you’ll be fluent in feline language in no time and better able to understand and communicate with your furry best friend.

The post Cat Tail Language: Decoding Your Feline’s Flick appeared first on Great Pet Care.

With proper prevention, preparation, quick identification of signs of an emergency, and prompt action, you can help provide the best possible outcome for your pet if an emergency occurs. 

What Is a Pet Emergency?

If you notice that your dog or cat is exhibiting abnormal behavior or signs of illness, if you observe an injury, or if you notice your pet ate something toxic, emergency pet care is required by a veterinarian. While some milder illnesses and injuries can probably wait to be treated by your regular veterinarian during normal office hours, more severe issues constitute a true emergency and require prompt treatment—no matter the time of day or night. 

If ever in doubt, you can always call your regular veterinarian or emergency vet for advice. Don’t wait too long or assume these problems will go away on their own. 

Below are some situations that likely require emergency veterinary care in comparisons to symptoms that are more often not an immediate emergency.

*Note: The above chart is for educational purposes only. You know what is right for your pet. If you believe your pet is in pain, extreme discomfort, or distress, contact or visit an emergency veterinary hospital or clinic. 

Who to Call During a Pet Emergency

Knowing who to call if your pet is experiencing an emergency is critical. Have these numbers on hand and use them if your dog or cat is showing signs of distress:

Your Regular Veterinary Clinic

Call your regular general practitioner veterinarian if your pet experiences an emergency during regular office hours or if your veterinarian has an on-call service for after-hour emergencies. 

Your Local Emergency Pet Hospital

If an emergency occurs when your regular veterinarian is closed (such as in the middle of the night or on a weekend), call your closest 24/7 emergency animal hospital (ideally, within a 30 to 60-minute drive). If you live in a city with a veterinary school teaching hospital, you may wish to call its emergency service.

Pet Poison Control Hotline

If your dog or cat ingests a known or suspected toxin, you can call a pet poison helpline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435. Veterinary toxicologists are available around-the-clock at the APCC. For a consult fee, you may inquire whether your pet ate enough of a poisonous substance to require further veterinary care. The APCC can also advise you on any at-home treatments to try or whether to seek immediate treatment at an emergency pet clinic. Remember, unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian, never induce vomiting in your pet!

How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency

Follow these steps to prepare for an emergency well before your pet ever has the chance to experience one.

Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Store the phone number and address of your regular veterinary clinic and nearest emergency animal hospital into your cell phone, and make a copy to display on your refrigerator or other safe place. Familiarize yourself with these locations.

Schedule Regular Vet Checks

Practice prevention with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccines, and parasite prevention. Also, discuss the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet with your veterinarian. You’ll save money in the long run by protecting the wellbeing of your pet and helping to prevent minor injuries and illnesses.

Create a Pet Emergency Kit

Keep a folder with your dog or cat’s most up-to-date medical and vaccine records, microchip number, and list of any medications. In the same location, store items you may need in a hurry, including your pet carrier or leash, a muzzle, a blanket, and pet pads or litter box.

Brush Up on Toxic Foods and Substances

Practice safety with a refresher on toxic human foods (like chocolate, onions, xylitol, grapes and raisins) and household plants toxic to pets (such as lilies in cats or cycad palms). Tidy up to prevent the possibility that your pet swallows a foreign body or other dangerous substance. Avoid the use of rat and snail bait, and clean up any spilled antifreeze around your automobile. Store all drugs safely to prevent an accidental overdose. 

Always Supervise Your Pet

Never leave your pet in a hot car, keep your dog on a leash during walks to prevent a road accident, and always supervise your pets when interacting with other animals to prevent bites or attacks.

Have a Pet First Aid Kit

Having a pet-specific first aid kit handy is important if something happens. Your kit should contain the following:

• Gauze pads and bandages
• Medical tape
• Medical scissors
• Disposable gloves
• Cotton swabs
• Tweezers
• Hydrogen peroxide 3%
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibacterial spray or ointment
• Styptic powder or sticks for broken nails
• Saline eye flush
• Ice pack
• Towels and washcloths
• Digital thermometer

Learn Pet CPR

Sign up for a pet CPR course and Heimlich maneuver training, as offered by the American Red Cross.

Keep a Pet Emergency Fund

Start preparing financially for a pet emergency even before you acquire a new dog or cat. According to Petplan Pet Insurance, the average pet emergency costs at least $800-$1,500, and only 39 percent of American pet parents have enough savings to cover a $1,000 bill. Invest in pet medical insurance and/or emergency pet insurance (which reimburse for certain pet services), and start a savings account specifically for your pet’s medical care (even if you only invest a little at a time).

What to Do During a Pet Emergency 

Try to remain calm during a pet emergency so that you may act as quickly as possible. These steps can help you navigate an emergency situation with your dog or cat 

Step 1: Before leaving your home, call your regular veterinary clinic or local emergency animal hospital to ask for any at-home advice and let them know you are on your way.

Step 2: In case of specific emergencies, your veterinarian may advise you to perform the following before or during your journey to the pet emergency room:

• Bleeding: Apply firm pressure or a bandage to the wound. Only use a tourniquet if instructed by your vet.
• Seizure: Cushion your pet’s head and avoid being bitten.
• Heat stroke: Move your pet to a cool location and offer cool water. Apply cool (not cold) water to your pet’s paw pads and body.
• Choking: Carefully try to sweep the back of your pet’s throat or firmly pat his or her back to attempt to dislodge a foreign object. Take care to avoid bites.
• Poison ingestion: Call your vet or a pet poison control hotline for advice. As mentioned, never induce vomiting in your pet unless directed by a veterinary professional.
• Unconsciousness: Only perform CPR if you are trained.

Step 3: Until you are ready to depart, put your dog or cat in a secure location (such as a bathroom) if he or she is at risk of running away and hiding, which could delay treatment.

Step 4: Gather your pet emergency kit, cell phone, and wallet. Also collect anything else you may think could be helpful to your vet, such as the medication bottle, plant, or a sample of any other foreign substance your pet was eating.

Step 5: Program the route to the veterinary hospital into your GPS.

Step 6: Safely load your pet into your vehicle. If your pet is scared or in pain, the natural instinct may be to bite, so be careful and use a dog muzzle to lift your dog if needed, removing the muzzle once your dog is in the car. Avoid muzzling if your pet has difficulty breathing or is a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed. A towel or blanket may be gently wrapped around an angry cat to more easily transport. Always place your cat in a carrier. In case of a suspected spinal injury, take special care to support your pet’s back and neck.

Step 7: During your ride to the pet hospital, keep your pet as calm and comfortable as possible while they are secured to the backseat or in a carrier. If you are the driver, stay safe and focus on the road. Only 16 percent of people use proper pet restraints while driving. Beat those statistics by using the proper equipment to keep you and your pet safe.

Step 8: Upon your arrival to the pet emergency room, carefully lift or carry your pet from your vehicle. If you need assistance moving a heavy dog, call the emergency vet receptionist to ask for staff to assist with a stretcher or gurney.

Tips for the Pet Emergency Room

The pet emergency room can be a scary and overwhelming place, especially if your pet is injured or in distress. Do your best to remain calm and follow these tips to make the check-in and waiting process and stress-free as possible.

Check In

When you check in with the receptionist, try to remain calm to succinctly explain the situation to the receptionist. Hand over your pet’s medical records. Don’t leave the building until you are seen, and then remain nearby with your cell phone charged in case your vet needs to reach you. 

Research Financial Assistance

Pet emergencies can be very expensive. If you think you will need financial assistance, ask what methods of payment are accepted. While you are waiting to be seen, begin to scout out financial options. 

Remain Calm 

Meditate, eat a snack, or otherwise try to take your mind off your worries. Avoid amplifying your own anxiety by refraining from reading online forums about what could be wrong with your pet. Our pets can sense our stress, so try to remain calm for their sake. 

Keep Your Pet Relaxed

Move to a quiet corner of the waiting room, and speak to your dog or cat in a gentle, low tone to keep him or her tranquil and still. Stroke your pet softly if tolerated; otherwise, give your pet some space and allow them to relax on a blanket or in a carrier. Ask the veterinary staff if you may offer your pet some water. If you have a nervous cat, ask for a cat-only waiting area or for a pheromone spray, such as Feliway.

Be Prepared for a Long Wait

You may be in the pet emergency room for several hours, depending on how busy it is and how many pets are in the care of the emergency staff. Upon your arrival, your pet will be triaged, meaning a veterinarian or technician will assess the severity of your pet’s problem to gauge the order patients should be seen. Life-threatening problems are treated first, followed by less critical concerns. A nurse may first obtain your dog or cat’s history and check vital signs before you see the veterinarian. 

Be Kind and Respectful

Emotions are high when our pets are sick, but it’s important to treat veterinary staff with respect and kindness. They genuinely care about your pet’s wellbeing and are working hard to care for multiple animals at their hospital. Be upfront and open with veterinary nurses and your emergency vet about finances, and explain truthfully what happened to your pet and for how long the problem has been going on. Be aware that at any time during your appointment, your veterinary doctor may be called away to a more pressing matter. Please be understanding and realize the doctors are doing everything they can to save the lives of all pets in their care and making decisions accordingly. 

Prepare for the Possibility of Hospitalization or Extended Treatment

During your visit, your pet may undergo a series of diagnostic tests, and results may take a while. If your pet is able to come home, ask about any home care or rechecks. However, keep in mind that the ER’s main goal is to stabilize your pet, so your pet may require hospitalization at the emergency pet clinic or else be transferred to your regular veterinarian the next day for follow-up care. Your dog or cat may even be referred to a veterinary specialist for a more advanced workup or surgery. 

Pet Emergency Costs and How to Pay

While preparation is key in planning for a trip to the pet emergency room, the unexpected can still catch us off-guard financially. Emergency pet services, like in human medicine, are generally more expensive than services provided at a general veterinary practice due to more frequent patient monitoring and treatments, the stocking of special life-saving drugs, the cost of emergency medical equipment, and extra training of many emergency vets and staff. In order to remain open to continue to help animals, pet ER clinics must charge appropriately for their services. 

The below chart shows average costs of certain emergency pet services. Keep in mind that the prices for these services vary by geographic location and clinic type. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of emergency services, tests, and procedures. 

The costs of common veterinary emergencies differ based on the type and severity of injury or illness sustained. For example:

In addition to a savings account and medical and emergency pet insurance, other financial options do exist. However, not all are accepted by every pet clinic, so inquire early on and plan on providing full payment (or at least a deposit in some circumstances) before you leave the pet emergency room after your pet’s visit. 

Other financial options for covering pet emergencies include:

• Monetary loan from a family member
• Third-party payment plans (require pre-approval and are subject to your credit score): CareCredit, Scratchpay, Wells Fargo Health Advantage Veterinary Client Financing
• Crowdsourcing: GoFundMe, Waggle
• Payment plan: Certain clinics may allow you to set up a plan to pay in installments, particularly if you have a preexisting relationship with them.
• Charitable services: Some emergency pet hospitals and veterinary schools have charitable compassion funds for low-income clients.
• Various assistance funds on a state or national level are also available for certain services, as listed on the website for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Pet Emergencies: Better to Be Prepared

Hopefully, your dog or cat will never have to face an emergency. However, by following these steps and quickly recognizing an emergency condition in your dog or cat, you can implement a calm and prompt strategy to make an emergency less frightening for everyone—and hopefully improve your pet’s outcome in the process.

The post How to Handle a Pet Emergency appeared first on Great Pet Care.