You may already be aware that I share my home with a few cats. Five to be exact. Each one with their own personalities, eccentricities, and quirks. They also have differing levels of greed, but, with the exception of squidgy Cyril, they all maintain quite a good body condition for indoor cats, and there is never any fighting over food.

One concern about keeping indoor cats is making sure they are entertained, enriched, and appropriately fed. It’s not always easy to exercise a cat, so one of the ways I try to make feeding time a little more interesting, and at the same time reduce the chances of Cyril eating everyone’s share, is by scatter feeding.

What Is Scatter Feeding?

Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. When it comes to feeding my cats their dry food, I don’t use bowls. Instead, I measure the amount of food required for all five cats, and scatter this across the floor, on chairs, or on their scratching platforms. Not only does this encourage them to explore and search for their food, it also turns feeding time from a five-minute frenzy into a leisurely half-hour feast.

Scatter feeding gives everyone a chance to eat their fill, it also hugely reduces the amount of regurgitation I used to see when they would eat their food quickly. And, if there are ever any leftovers, Ned the Chihuahua is always happy to help out.

What About Wet Food?

So obviously scatter feeding wet food is a bit trickier, especially when carpets are involved! It makes me think of a carpet ad from many eons ago in Australia. But it doesn’t mean you can’t adapt the same principle.

My cats primarily eat dry food – I use Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Hairball – perfect for Clutch’s sensitive tummy, and Zelda’s long coat. It also keeps their litter box deposits small with minimal odor, which is ideal when their bathroom doubles as my office! For a bit of a treat, they occasionally get some Gastrointestinal wet food, and my alternative to scattering is to spread this food over a large baking tray.

No, I’m not just trying to get out of washing cat dishes – that just happens to be a nice little bonus!

Why Scatter Feed?

This method is particularly useful when you have multiple cats, even more so if you have greedy cats. Regurgitation is a really common complaint in cats, and the majority of the time it’s the result of eating too fast. When cats feel like they are competing for food, they are more likely to eat quickly, making them more likely to bring that food straight back up.

Although domestication may have softened their instincts, our cats are still the descendants of some of the most adept hunters in the world, so having their meals served twice daily in a bowl can get a bit tedious. By spreading their food across a wider area, we are engaging their hunting instincts, as well as physically stopping them from eating too quickly.

It Can Also Help Prevent Obesity

One of the most common problems I see with my patients is cats that have food left down all day becoming overweight. I call this “the cheesecake in the fridge” phenomenon**.

Let’s say I have a slice of cheesecake. Okay, it might be a big slice of cheesecake, but that’s my serving; no more cheesecake for me. But I know there’s more cheesecake in the fridge. So I have another small slice a couple of hours later. And another before dinner. Then there’s dessert…you see where I’m going with this. If there wasn’t any more cheesecake in the fridge, then I wouldn’t eat any more, which is good – I certainly don’t need it!

The same applies to cats with bowls full of food. We should be measuring out the appropriate amount for each meal, and anything that’s left after 20 minutes should be taken up – don’t worry, your cat will soon learn to eat their fill at mealtimes! But if we fill their bowl and leave it down, they will graze throughout the day and eat a lot more than they should.

When I scatter feed, I stick to a measured amount, but it takes the cats much longer to find and eat all the food, meaning that they feel fuller for longer. And for the most part, they don’t come asking for more food until it’s time for their next meal.

**Do any other Catsters out there think of this when they hear the word phenomenon?

Are There Other Ways To Keep Mealtimes Interesting?

Absolutely. There are a whole slew of food puzzles for cats (and dogs) that provide a more challenging way to deliver their kibble, engaging their brain and extending feeding time. Back in the days that it was just me and Clutch, I used several different types of puzzles to keep him occupied while I was at work.

The challenge with using these in a multi-cat household is that I found that some cats were more motivated than others to work for their food, while others were either not so interested, or couldn’t work them out!

So if you’re looking for ways to keep your cats occupied while you’re out, stop the greedy cats from hogging the food bowls, and slow down the ones that like to inhale their food, you can always try scatter feeding – just be careful not to scatter it under low furniture, and I don’t recommend throwing wet cat food around the house!

The post Scatter Feeding Cats – Making Mealtimes More Interesting & Longer Lasting by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

We’ve all heard the apocryphal statement that “if you build it, they will come”. Great movie, although there could be more cats…

But as we head through the winter holiday season (think New Years, Valentine’s Day, cold weather and snow days, and hey, even President’s Day and the Super Bowl probably fit some definition of upcoming holiday), I’d like to propose a new seasonally-themed statement of “if you don’t think they will eat/chew/swallow/get it stuck/play with it, they will”.

So, this article is a heads up on some of the more common opportunities that cats seem to find, that cause trouble around this time of year: cold weather, winter holidays, you name it. And hopefully, it might save you a trip to the vet (you know, so you can make a scheduled visit for their annual wellness, rather than an unscheduled visit on New Year’s Eve at 11:59 pm. Believe me, vet clinics are not a fun place New Year’s Eve- I’ve been there (working) far too many times.

So, in no particular order, Pancake, Tiller and I put our heads together (really, they slept, and I made the list), and came up with a list.

Some Top Seasonal Winter Hazards For Cats

• Candles
• Fireplaces
• Hot stoves
• Trees and their decorations
• Ribbon
• Presents
• Cold weather
• Sidewalk and driveway salt/de-icer
• Antifreeze
• Thread and string
• Toxic plants such as lilies, poinsettias
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Guests
• Electric cords and oral burns from chewing

A few years ago, I wrote a case study on a cat that had eaten a Christmas toy almost two months prior to presentation, by which time he was anemic, and in critical condition. Ah, yes- the gift that kept on giving. Luckily for this cat, he received a few blood transfusions to stabilize him, and surgery to remove the toy, and he went on to become a cheeky, cheerful boy with a good story, just in time to steal some hearts on Valentine’s Day. (Remember, if you don’t think they will eat it, they will.)

I have worked with many cats that people swore would never eat things… and too many flip flops, needle and thread, doll heads, hair ties, tinsel, earplugs, broom bristles and reusable straws later, I can definitely say: they will.

Expect The Unexpected: Tips For Addressing Some Of The More Common Winter Holiday Hazards

1. Nothing hot unattended.

Candles burn fur and melt whiskers. Stoves burn paw pads. Cats get into everything! Again, if you think they won’t, they will!

2. Ribbon and string decorations are like the cat version of spaghetti.

Once they start chewing, they don’t stop, a la Lady and the Tramp in that classic scene. Don’t leave dangly bits unattended. (Possibly a good rule of thumb for life in general…)

3. Cat proof any and all decorations.

For the tree, short of hanging it from the ceiling, or putting the tree into a cage, consider other options. Decorate an outdoor tree that you can see from a picture window in the house, or use a small, potted tree that doesn’t invite climbing. Get a sturdy base that won’t tip, if you go big, as many cats will climb a tree. Avoid breakable ornaments, as they will be fair game.

4. Guests…

Now, you may wonder, how are guests a hazard? They can mean doors left open, for your cat to run out, or bags with unusual items inside. I have even had feline patients that got fleas, when guests brought them from their own house, on a holiday visit! (Maybe that’s a good excuse to avoid a holiday visitor, or two?)

5. Feline pheromone diffusers.

Pheromone diffusers can be plugged in to help release calming signals to cats, prior to the event. Have a safe, cat-only room or designated space for your cat to chill in. For some cats, this might mean they spend an hour or two shut in that room. Better than them slipping outside and going walkabout! (Dog versions also exist for our canine inclined readers!)

6. Loud, uncommon noises

Noisy events like New Years’ celebrations and the Superbowl can mean lots of fireworks, parades, and other uncommon noises, which can be distressing to many pets. If your neighborhood is like mine, often it starts about a week before the actual holiday, and there are always a few stragglers that continue a day or two after, as well. Big football events sometimes mean local stadium noise that can be heard around the house, or guests over cheering and throwing foam cheese at the TV (yes, it’s a real thing). Consider playing white noise, or again, feline pheromone sprays and diffusers, to (ahem…) diffuse the situation.

7. Certain holiday foods.

Valentine’s Day might bring chocolates (bad for cats!), or fancy home-cooked meals oozing with garlic (depending on your dating style, though some may argue this may be counterproductive come V-Day)- so know what foods are safe for cats, and not. If in doubt, don’t offer them to your cat.

8. Certain holiday plants.

Poinsettias, many/most lilies, and other seemingly innocuous plants can be toxic or outright deadly to cats. I’ve bathed many cats that have a bright yellow face after snuffling lily pollen, which for reasons unknown, can cause kidney failure from even the smallest whiff. Plant proof the house, and beware the lovely VDay bouquet that might arrive, innocuous as it may seem.

Closing Thoughts

Winter can be a lovely time- cozying up with books, cats and a hot tipple of your choice, what’s not to love? But, it’s much better enjoyed at home, rather than a holiday trip to the vet’s. Remember how we started this article: if you don’t think they will eat/chew/swallow/get it stuck/play with it, they will!

So, if they do eat it…you will go…to the vet’s. Better to be proactive, and take some simple steps to identify, and address, any home hazards before they become a (second ahem of the day…) cat-astrophe!

The post Catster’s Guide to Winter Holiday Hazards (With Safety Tips) by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Happy holidays, everyone! We are a day late on publishing my most recent story on account of the holiday season, so thank you for your patience. From all of us at Catster, we hope you had a wonderful long weekend with family, friends, and cats. 

Transitioning from commuting to working at home was a welcome change, and although it has disadvantages, I get to spend more time with Olga. Before I worked remotely full-time, it irritated me when a news story featured a visit to a corporate office that allowed employees to bring their dogs. It showed happy workers who paused to rub their pups’ bellies before getting back to work on their keyboards.

I’m not opposed to the practice, and I think it’s great for dog owners, but what about the employees with felines, birds, reptiles, or rodents? They have to watch their coworkers play with their pets while they wonder if their jobs would be better if their employer allowed all species to hang out in the office.

If they have practical minds, they’ll realize that dogs, even well-behaved ones, cannot coexist peacefully with every animal. Adding cats to the office would be problematic, and once there are parrots, guinea pigs, and iguanas roaming around the cubicles, the company’s productivity levels are likely to fall.

Disrupting Olga’s Routine

Since I work at home, I no longer think about how Olga would react to an office environment or how unfair it is for a hard-working employee to be forbidden from bringing their pet rat named Ben to the office. Like me, Olga’s life changed significantly when I changed my routine.

She spends most of the day sleeping nearby when I’m working, but when I went from working part-time to full-time at home, she saw an opportunity that didn’t exist before. Dinnertime used to be after 5:00 PM and sometimes was as late as 5:30 PM for Olga, but since I’m at home all day now, she starts begging for food around 3:00 PM.

The Begging Intensifies

Although I feed her before dawn every day, she sometimes begs me for food earlier than usual. It starts with a subtle stare when she’s sitting on the windowsill. I ignore her and concentrate on my work, but she grunts and looks excited if I make eye contact.

She doesn’t emit a meow (she saves that for later), but the grunt, which sounds like Err, shows she’ll eventually push it to the next level if I continue to ignore her. She’ll move to the floor next to my chair and remain in the same spot until I finish work and follow her into the kitchen. She stares at me constantly and only breaks her gaze when she needs to groom her claws or scratch an itch.

How I React to the Begging

It may be a cruel comparison in some respects, but like Glenn Close’s character in Fatal Attraction, Olga “will not be ignored.” Avoiding her glance and returning her to the floor when she jumps in my lap or on my back is all I can do when she begs for food.

Closing the door doesn’t work since she’ll scratch up the carpet or ram the door with her 10.4-pound body. She can also open the door by standing on her hind legs, grabbing the latch, and pushing forward. Although I’m used to ignoring her pleas until dinnertime, sometimes, I give in and feed her early.

Working at home with a clever cat isn’t ideal for everyone, but I enjoy it, and although she is undoubtedly irritated when I disregard her pleas for early meals, she is probably happy her waiter is always nearby.

The post Working at Home With a Cat: Olga’s Pressure for an Early Dinner by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Have you ever found yourself with a case of indigestion after eating, say, a foot of Christmas tinsel? Or how about being unable to resist a quick chew or two of that shiny sewing needle with two feet of thread? Yeah, me neither. But, many of us likely know someone who has. A furry someone. That ate something, or sometimes many things. The holidays are a time to be merry, after all?

When Problems Arise, Money Talks

Pica (the eating of inappropriate objects) is just one behavior exhibited by furry troublemakers. Cats get into all sorts of mischief!

Cat fight abscesses are so popular in vet clinics that they have garnered their own initialism: CFA. In fact, vets have these initialisms and acronyms for all sorts of unpleasant situations pets get into: Hit By Car (HBC), Hyperthyroidism (HT4), and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) just to name a few.

In Alaska, we had a fairly unique initialism for the sled dogs that found themselves on the wrong end of a moose: KBM (Kicked By Moose).

But what do these experiences, or rather illnesses, have in common? In short, they are all rather pricey to diagnose and treat, and unfortunately all too common when it comes to our feline friends. (Well, maybe not KBM…)

Understanding Pet Insurance

Pet insurance market penetration varies hugely by country. In the US, current estimates are that less than half of pets have insurance coverage, though when broken down by species, it’s estimated that fewer than 25% of pet cats have pet insurance.

Arguments certainly exist against pet insurance. Concerns include the ethical implications of potentially guiding treatment based on insurance status, as well as the increased cost of care associated with diagnostics that can be afforded with insurance. Others voice similar issues seen in the human healthcare industry, which may be attributed to insurance.

But in reality, veterinary care is no different than human medical care. We have complicated procedures like CT, MRI, advanced surgical and professional training, all done in appropriate conditions with trained medical teams.

It takes money to run and maintain these skill sets and facilities.

Understanding Veterinary Medicine

Yet veterinary care is often underrated or appreciated compared to its bigger brother. While human healthcare workers strive for better pay or favorable working hours, veterinarians and vet nurses work similar hours and similarly unsociable schedules for far less.

And worse, veterinary professionals often are put into situations with no choice but to subsidize the cost of pet care out of their own pockets, by charging less or offering discounted services, when care is needed but funds are simply not available..

It’s no wonder that with burnout, a high rate of suicide, and a lack of incoming trained professional staff, that the veterinary profession is becoming concerningly unbalanced. While insurance is not an answer for every issue faced by the profession, it may offer some small steps in the right direction. Certainly, when recommended treatment is not dictated by financial means, both owners, cats and the people providing their medical care should all see positive outcomes.

Case Study: Dougie

Going back to foreign bodies, I’d like to present Dougie: a lovely, impish, young dude of a cat. He loves long walks outside with his mom, and keeps things entertaining, finding various ways to get onto neighbors’ rooftops, or more recently attempting to stuff his own Christmas stocking with an entire plastic container of cat treats that he chewed multiple holes into, then sprinkled all over his stocking that he tore off a door. So, in short, he’s a Siamese that seems to have garnered a love of living life on the edge.

Dougie is 5. He’s had surgery to remove a foreign body, been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease through biopsies, had repeated bouts of laryngitis, and underwent a 3-month treatment for coronavirus (with weekly medications often costing hundreds of dollars). As his mom says lovingly, he might not be here if it wasn’t for insurance.

Starting to see the benefit of cat insurance?

Why Insurance Is A Necessity for Most Cats

Admittedly, Dougie is a bit of an extreme example. However, if nothing else, getting insurance that will cover for something like dental care, including extractions, is a strong consideration. Many pets will need multiple dental procedures in their life, as cavities and calculus lead to common dental issues.

Because these procedures require anesthetic to be safe for your pet and medically effective, and include a period of hospital stay for the day, x-rays the same as you or I would have, professional assessment of the dental health, IV fluids, bloodwork, and dental surgery time, these procedures can quickly become financially intensive.

Things To Consider When Researching Pet Insurance

• What is the policy excess?
• Is the policy an annual policy, or a lifetime policy?
• Are there any exclusions for coverage?
• What do you need to do annually to maintain coverage?
• What is the amount of coverage you need?
• Alternatives To Insurance
• Personal savings: Some people set aside a health savings account for their pet, annually or monthly
• Clinic wellness plans: Insurance doesn’t generally cover wellness care such as vaccines, or nail trims, or annual exams. Often, prescription foods aren’t covered, either. Some clinics offer various forms of wellness plans or subscriptions, which can offer significant savings on some of these other pet necessities. While not a true replacement for insurance, they are a similar topic for consideration

Dougie Approves

In the end, as a veterinarian, I can’t recommend a specific insurance company. But I can tell you that most of us who work in clinics, have our own pets insured. It helps on those days you can’t find your Apple Airpod, only to find that suddenly, your cat (or dog) makes a ringing noise when someone calls your mobile…

So pet insurance definitely gets Dougie’s stamp of approval. And if you are going to get it, don’t wait until after your cat is ill! Of course, there are additional barriers when it comes to cats: cats are great at hiding disease, and cats are viewed as more challenging to take into the vet clinic, and therefore have less visits. (Easy tips and fixes can help address both these topics! Maybe to be covered here in the future!)

But we need to start somewhere. And if Dougie approves, it’s hard to argue with him.

Featured Image Credit: visivastudio, Shutterstock

The post Dr. Lauren’s Approved Guide: Why Insurance is a Necessity for Most Felines by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Due to their climbing and balancing skills, cats can explore several areas in their homes off-limits to canines. Dogs are undoubtedly irritated when they see their feline roommates casually strolling along on the countertops in the kitchen, but I’ve never allowed cats, dogs, or birds to access areas where I prepare food.

Unlike my previous cat, Olga hasn’t tried to leap on the counter, and luckily, she’s not as agile as a Siamese. However, she gets excited before mealtime, and when I’m opening a can of food or pouring kibble into a bowl, she stands on her hind legs with her front claws beneath the lip of the countertop and walks back and forth. She’s a quiet cat, but she belts out her cutest meows to encourage me to move faster with the food.

Playful Behavior

I haven’t trained Olga to stop scooting around with her claws on the counter’s edge because it cracks me up. She looks hilarious, and it’s one of the few times, except for car rides to the vet’s office, when I hear her voice.
After placing her food bowl on the floor, I always sanitize the counter. Since her claws only touch the bottom edge, they’re less likely to contaminate my food, but I don’t like taking chances regarding food safety.

Indoor Cats vs Outdoor Cats

Indoor cats like Olga don’t typically encounter decaying carcasses, fertilizer, pesticides, or feces from wild or stray animals in their homes. Some owners may think keeping their cats indoors makes them less likely to contaminate their kitchen when they jump on the counters.

Although that makes sense, indoor cats spend plenty of time in the litter box. After Olga digs around and covers up her waste, the last place I want her to jump is a clean counter I use to prepare food.

Safety Considerations

I have friends who allow their cats to eat and play on the countertop, but I think it’s a bad idea for several reasons. Besides the possibility of me getting sick from the litter box’s bacteria, I’m afraid Olga will get hurt if she jumps on the counter and lands on a chef’s knife or serrated bread knife. I don’t eat out often and usually make dinner at home, so I prep food on the counter every day.

Although I let her near the counter when I’m preparing her food, I keep her away when chopping vegetables, making dough, or working with ingredients like onions and garlic. Olga isn’t a picky eater, but since onions, garlic, and any species from the Allium family are toxic to felines, I keep her away from the kitchen when I’m prepping them.

Sometimes, the aromas from cooking are too much for her to ignore, and she runs into the kitchen and begs for a bite. It’s hard to resist the pleas of a primarily silent cat, but I say, “No!” and she walks away reluctantly. If your cat plays on the countertops, I suggest training them to explore other areas of your home.

The kitchen is dangerous, even for humans, and your gourmet meal will delight your family and friends even more when prepared in a sanitary environment.

The post Cats and Countertops: What Olga Gets Away With by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

As I’m sure many of you know, one of the very few positives to come from the COVID-19 lockdowns is a greater appreciation for flexible work environments. Even as a vet, when it comes to my writing and research, I’m able to complete my work from the comfort of home, at a time that suits me, fluffy slippers firmly in place.
There is one minor challenge to this delightful arrangement, and his name is Cyril. My squishy, lazy, cartilaginous cat Cyril is most happy when his comfort results in my inconvenience, or so it seems.

Cyril: The King of Inconvenience

I’m sure many of you have experienced the frustration of the cat that ignores you 90% of the time, until you are doing something that requires your full attention. Suddenly, your computer keyboard becomes the most appealing spot in the house, and people have been known to use the plastic stand their laptop was supposed to be sitting on, to keep their hands free of feline interference. This phenomenon is so widespread that these stands are now marketed for this exact purpose—a perfect example of identifying a niche market!

Now don’t get me wrong, I love that Cyril enjoys my company, and his affection is very much appreciated. What I do find frustrating, however, is the fact that he seems to be able to pinpoint exactly when his loving advances will be least convenient.

If I’m looking at my phone, he must sit on my chest. If I’m reading a book, he’s suddenly on my head! And when I’m trying to work, well, that is the time that he must shower me with smooches and rubs and affectionate nibbles.

Working from Home With a Cat (and Giving in to the Loveable Rebellion)

Not too long ago, I wrote an article about how intelligent cats are—short answer: very. Many people say that dogs show their intelligence by how easily they can be trained, which is true.

Cats, on the other hand, appear to have worked out that they can still get what they want without doing what we ask them. They have an almost rebellious intelligence, whereby they assess a situation, identify the simplest, most convenient action, and defiantly do the exact opposite; and we love them for it! Just ask the millions of people around the globe who are currently stuck in sofas and chairs, unable to move due to feline paralysis. No matter how infuriating their behavior, we cannot get enough of being taunted by cats.

So, do I push Cyril away when I’m trying to work? Do I lock him out of the office or yell at him to leave me alone? Of course I don’t. I buy a sodding cat platform for my keyboard. Obviously.

The post The Perils of Working From Home with a Demanding Cat by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Dr. Lauren here! When’s the last time your cat went into the vet?

The thought of a howling cat (“singing the song of their people”) is never pleasant. Believe me, I’ve been the person in the car with a Pancake howling so loud, that the people in the car next to me looked at me as if to say, “Are you ok? Do we need to call the police?” And once Pancake starts howling, Tiller picks up the refrain.

But do cats truly hide illness and/or injury? Yes, we vets spout this convention often, but only because it is true. Retinal lesions indicative of high blood pressure, palpable thyroid nodules in the neck, early dental cavities…all of these are things so easy to find in person, but impossible to find when our cats stay at home.

So, back to the visit. It’s tough. But it’s a necessary evil. That said, cats don’t understand that. Imagine if you were asked to visit your gynecologist, dentist, cardiologist, internist, GP, and urologist…all in one day. You’d probably have a guttural NO (or two) to utter, as well. Now imagine you were shoved in a box prior to leaving your house, jostled around, and had no say whatsoever in the matter. Not a pretty picture, right?

Believe me when I say: there are things we can do to make this better for cats.

A lot has been written and studied in the last decade or two about decreasing stress for pets, in particular cats, for vet visits: this can include very random to very useful items (think music composed specifically for cats!). But the purpose of this essay is to give you practical, easy things that anyone can do to help lessen the stress of vet visits for your cat.

Some are so simple, you might be surprised that you’re not already doing them.

First, Identify Your Cat’s Personality Type

Before doing anything, you need to decide what your cat’s personality type is around new situations: are they a nervous nellie? Or a Happy Harry?

Nervous Nellie

New things are scary! These cats hide, or hiss—not because they are mean, but because they are scared:
Don’t like change
Don’t like new people

Happy Harry (aka Dog-Cats)

The more stimulation and new things to look at, the better! These cats engage with the surroundings.
New person? Come, let me flirt with you!
Feed me and I’m your friend for life!

Obviously, these are generalizations, but they help develop a sense of what your cat wants.

A Nervous Nellie that wants to hide will probably like their cage covered with a blanket, things in the cage that smell or look familiar, and things to hide under. They probably don’t want bribes in the form of treats.

A Happy Harry probably would love to take a nap, on the other hand. And they likely don’t want to be fully covered, they want everyone to see their magnificent feline splendor!

Accommodate Your Cat’s Personality

One of my recent patients, Freddie, is a great example. I met Freedie and her mom when they wanted a second opinion on how best to help her damaged ear. Freddie came in this week for her annual wellness, and while Freddie is happy to have attention, she likes having space to hide, feel safe, and decide how things happen on her terms. So, her mom piled blankets and cushions into the carrier, giving her great hiding opportunities, and had a nice big carrier that easily came apart, making things easy breezy for Miss Freddie.

I don’t know that there is such a thing as a stress-free vet visit per se, but less stressful is a great goal.

The 10 Tips to Help Reduce A Cat’s Stress at the Vet’s

Tips for Everyone:

1. Find a good carrier

Something that easily fits your cat, that has at least two entrances/exits, that can be easily opened. Broken latches, or a single entrance, are difficult for most cats, and exacerbate the stress. Too, make sure it’s clean before you put your cat into it- would you prefer to travel in a dirty car, or one that is clean?

2. At home, leave the carrier out so it’s more a familiar place, than a strange item. Offer treats in the carrier.

3. Speaking of treats, bring them.

A familiar scent can go a long way to normalizing the experience.

4. If your cat won’t eat treats, try the magic that is Lick-E-Lix or Churus…

Most cats that won’t touch treats, will still devour this yogurt-consistency tube of cat deliciousness. I’ve watched people draw blood on cats without assistance, purely because they distracted the cat with a Lick-E-Lix or Churu.

5. Be calm yourself.

Cats pick up on our stress! Studies suggest that cats can recognize the facial expressions of at least a few emotions in humans.

6. Calming cat music.

Believe it or not, cats might appreciate music. Youtube has channels specifically for this, so consider it as an option.

Next Level Tips: Stepping Up The Calm

As I mentioned earlier, there are other options that are more recently coming into play. They might not be an option for every cat owner, but if they are available to you, and you can make use of them, I highly recommend it.

7. Pheromone sprays

Test them ahead of a vet visit, but a number of pheromone diffusers and sprays are now available to help decrease stress in cats.

8. Visit good clinics.

Some clinics have gone the extra mile to make cat friendly more than just a thought. There are various options, such as Cat Friendly Practices by the American Association of Feline Practitioners or Cat Friendly Clinics overseas, but regardless, these clinics have gone the extra mile to prove they want to make a cat’s visit comfortable.

9. Step it up even further: cat-only clinics and cat specialists actually exist.

Many cat specialists see both routine wellness and referral cases, and cat-only clinics remove all noise, scents, and the confusion that dogs can create for cats; having worked in cat only clinics for the second half of my career, I cannot recommend enough the benefits of a cat only clinic. Ask to visit your local one, if you can. The difference will leave you (and your cat) making biscuits.

10. Talk to your cat’s vet about sedation options!

There are newer options we have started using in cats in the last 5 years or so that make a huge difference for very anxious or stressed patients!

So, next time you set paw in the clinic, come prepared with these options, and see that bringing your cat into the clinic can not only be less stressful, but also potentially a positive experience. Both for their health, and your peace of mind. Know, too, that many of these can be applied to other stressful situations cats might experience: fireworks, visiting guests, and new pets.

Featured Image Credit: 4 PM production, Shutterstock

The post How to Make a Vet Visit Less Stressful For Your Cat: 10 Tips From Dr. Lauren by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Russian Blues aren’t usually considered clingy cats, and during her adolescent years, Olga enjoyed her alone time more. However, even as a kitten, she didn’t like it when I left for work. I made the mistake of saying goodbye and rubbing her head, which would result in her latching onto my arm and biting me. I thought it was funny and endearing, but I ended the practice when I noticed several tiny holes in the sleeves of my winter jacket.

Now, I say goodbye from a distance, but sometimes, she chases me to the door and tries to hit me on the leg. Since I work from home now, Olga becomes more upset when I leave. In the morning, after eating breakfast, she wanders into the guest room (her room) and sleeps under the couch. After two hours, she comes into my office, meows, and jumps in my lap to take a nap.

She naps for a few minutes and then sleeps on the windowsill or chair near my desk. She likes being in the same room but doesn’t need to be constantly touching me like my previous cat. Leaving her alone for short periods isn’t a problem, but she gets stressed when she knows I’m preparing for a trip.

Preparing for Vacations

Besides the vacuum cleaner, the suitcase is one of the objects most despised by felines. In the past, when I pulled my suitcase out, Olga would run under the bed and hide. I’ve learned that keeping my suitcase in the living room for several days before my trip helps. As you can see from one of the photos, Olga kept her distance when she first saw the suitcase.

After I placed her favorite toys near the suitcase, she relaxed and eventually rubbed her head against it. She didn’t seem stressed when I packed the suitcase a few days before my trip, but she used to get upset when I packed it the night before I left.

Making Time for Olga

If I’m not paying enough attention to Olga, she has several ways of letting me know. She spends most of her day napping, but when she’s ready to play, Olga attacks inanimate objects (or me) if I ignore her. She will run to a window and grab the strings on the blinds or drag one of the paper balls from under the couch and hit it in my direction.

Several months ago, when I was reading a book and ignoring her, she hit me on the head with a paper ball. Usually, she’s not that precise when she dribbles the ball on the floor, but I guess it was a lucky shot. You can’t always stop what you’re doing and play with your cat, but I try to play with her daily, especially when she has a burst of energy.

It makes her happy and keeps my blinds and other belongings from getting destroyed. Although she’s not clingy like a Siamese cat, she’s become more affectionate and needy since I’ve spent more time at home. By setting aside time every day to play with her and being more strategic with my vacation preparations, Olga doesn’t get as stressed or attack me as often.

The post Caring for Clingy Cats: Olga’s Need for Attention (& What I Do About It) by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Clutch is a 10-year-old rescued stray who came into my life almost 9 years ago, after he was found living in a supermarket car park. His confidence and laid back personality was unlike any cat I’ve ever known, and in a household of 5 cats and 5 dogs, he generally prefers company of the canine persuasion. Another quirk unique to Clutch is his love of being vacuumed.

Now, you might be wondering how this unusual love story came to be. It all came about one day when I was doing a spot of cleaning – a fairly common activity in a house with this many pets – and I noticed that Clutch was not at all phased as I was zooming around him with the hand-held vacuum cleaner. So obviously I thought to myself, I wonder what he’d do if I used it on him?

Initially, he just didn’t seem to care, which is how he approaches most things in life. You might be thinking that, being a white cat, Clutch is deaf. Not at all. He doesn’t have the blue eyed gene, and trust me, his hearing is spot-on. But I have yet to find anything that phases him; the strongest reaction you’ll ever get from this chilled out dude is mild irritation.

The next time I had my little hoover out, I thought I’d give him another go, and this time, he started to rub against it, rolling over, and really enjoying the whole experience! Since that day, any time I start using the hand-held vacuum, he comes running, demanding to have his turn! What better way to reduce the amount of pet hair around the house than to go straight to the source!

Clutch’s unusual behaviors don’t stop there. Here are just a few of the weird and wonderful things that this adorable and affectionate little man does to brighten my world:

• He will target anyone wearing black and select their lap to occupy
• He finds the most uncomfortable looking locations to sleep on – eg. a decorative log, in the fruit bowl, on top of keys (which is terrific when you’re running late and can’t find them!)
• If he ever manages to escape outside (he is an indoor kitty), he does so loudly, meowing for all to hear, making sure we all know he’s getting out!

And so many more. I have known and loved many, many cats over the years, but none have been quite as unique as Clutch, Lover of the Vacuum Cleaner. Now, if I could just teach him how to use it…

The post Clutch and the Vacuum: A Love Story (With Video!) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

I remember watching the news with some curiosity, and a sense of impending change. “Hold on to your socks,” someone said, “this is going to be big.”

China had just implemented a nationwide lockdown over a rapidly spreading virus. We all now know how this would irrevocably change our lives over the coming years, full of twists and turns and just plain change. So. Much. Change. Cats, too, had a life-changing experience as a species, gleaning from the virus a life-saving treatment for a previously uniformly fatal disease, but that is a topic for another day.

Many stories grew out of the pandemic- veterinary medicine and life within the profession was no exception. We still went into the clinic, when most everyone stayed home. The face of the veterinary profession changed overnight, something as a profession we are generally slow to do, so this was eye opening.

Telehealth with cats and dogs suddenly became acceptable let alone commonplace, cats came in for visits but no owners were allowed into clinics so “curbside service” became a new buzzword, clinic hours were shortened, and the world outside became still, peaceful, ghostlike. The roads were empty. Parking lots abandoned. Most everyone else was working from home.

But for cats like Pancake, it simply meant I was home a bit more, and maybe there was an extra feeding to be had?

I’ve always found a sense of serenity in the presence of a cat. They embody peace. They sleep like I wish I could: easily, at any time or place, in the most uncomfortable positions, all with ease. Similarly they’ve worked themselves into some amazing environs as a species: at the base of the Great Wall of China, cats loiter.

In the temples of Thailand, cats fastidiously clean their unspeakables in front of shimmering gold Buddhas and attending Buddha worshipers. They live in some of the most arid regions of West Australia, and pandemic? What pandemic? For them, life goes on.

But for humans, the pandemic taught us a lot about ourselves- how do we handle struggles, and how do we learn to be kind to ourselves, when we’ve spent our lives primarily learning to be kind to others, at our own expense? Mental health became a hot topic, as we tried to answer this question.

So what exactly is mental health? One accepted definition of mental health is that it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts our thoughts, actions, and feelings, and determines how we react. It involves every stage of our life- from childhood to death.

To me, I see mental health as the image of a cat in front of a warm fireplace on a winter’s eve. It’s stopping, recharging, living in the moment. They say happiness comes from living in the present, and unhappiness from living in the future or the past. Cats are masters of this.

Pancake moreso than most. Currently asleep on the bed with Tiller, both well into a late morning nap (now progressing into late afternoon as I write): they have, after all, slept all night and most of the preceding day, but awoke at 4 am to religiously check the automatic feeder every 15 minutes until it opened and a new day’s food spilled out. Hence, they are exhausted.

But another interesting side to mental health has recently arisen: the reciprocal nature of cats, or any pets for that matter, on human mental health. The term is zooeyia.

Zooeyia is derived from Greek for animal (zoion) and the Greek Goddess of health (Hygeia). It incorporates the positive health benefits that humans derive from their interactions with animals. Research suggests that entire national health economies are positively impacted by pet ownership to the tune of millions of dollars saved in healthcare outlay, and the actual physical health benefits have been studied and postulated for decades.

On a personal level, it’s easy to see. After a long week, when Saturday night rolls around, I’m happy to be at home with the cats. This past weekend, for example, I built a cat feeding puzzle toy out of a used present wrapping paper roll. It was the largest version of this particular treat puzzle ever recorded in the history of homemade treat puzzles (IMHO), and it kept the cats (ok, mostly me) entertained for about two hours! In the end, we had a cheap night in. And, I think the cats were happy. If nothing else, they had some Dreamies.

In the end, maybe mental health is the simple things in life. Maybe the crux of it all is that laughter, and a cat, and taking the time to live in the moment are fine definitions of mental health. Though of course, a Dreamie or two never hurts.

The post Cats, Humans, & Mental Health: Dr. Lauren’s Thoughts on Well-Being & Reciprocity by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.