iPad and iPhone Apps for Cats

We can’t leave the cats out when it comes to technology.  If you have a bored kitty and an iPad or iPhone lying around the house, then you might enjoy trying the following apps to entertain both you and your feline.  My cat Bingley, who is a regular visitor to the Morris Animal Inn, enjoyed the following apps:

·         Paint for Cats by Nate Murray

Download from iTunes for $1.99

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paint-for-cats/id427702410?mt=8

A colorful mouse darts across the screen and when your cat taps the screen or mouse, the mouse will squeak and color is added to the background creating a beautiful painting by your cat.  There are many different palettes of color to choose from, including “Litter Box” – different shades of gray, “Cool Cat” – cool tones of blues and “Hot Paws” – red and orange hues,  to name a few.  When your cat is done playing and painting, you can print out the work of art and brag to your friends that he’s the new “PiCATso”!

·         Cat Fishing by Nestle Purina Petcare Co.

Download from iTunes for FREE

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cat-fishing/id443833370?mt=8

This is a nice, quiet, serene app for your cat.  A goldfish gently swims across your screen and when your cat taps the fish or the screen it produces bubbles, which just mesmerized my cat.  As your cat taps more and more fish, the speed that the fish will swim increases, which makes it really enticing for your furry friend. The app actually keeps count of how many fish your cat catches. My cat loved this app and actually began purring and staring at the fish in wonder.

·         Cat Piano Jr for iPad by George Talusan

Download from iTunes for FREE

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cat-piano-jr-for-ipad/id366579803?mt=8

Now I don’t know who enjoyed this more, me or the cat!  This is a fun musical app that offers three different variations of meowing options. You can choose from “Angelic Meow” – sweet meows, “Furball” - high pitched and aggravated meows, or “House Cat” – quizzical and typical meows.   Watch your cat stop in his tracks to locate a potential feline house guest as you strike the piano keys.  My cat got a bit feisty with this app and was trying to bite the corner of the iPad and ended up in a big time play session with some of his string toys that were lying around. Let’s just say the app was a hit and stirred up a playful mood in my cat.

We are pleased to have Jeanne, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Jeanne is a member of our Guest Services team and is a passionate cat owner. We look forward to sharing her contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.

DOGGIE DAYCARE: WHERE WE ARE AS CRAZY ABOUT DOGS AS YOU ARE

We know that you'd love to spend every moment of the day with your pet. Unfortunately, the ever-present occurence of your job seems to interfere with that wonderful dream. Where your pet will stay when you are not home is a problem faced by most pet owners at some point in time. There is a solution which benefits both your schedule and your pet's well-being -- DOGGIE DAYCARE! Whether you feel your dog needs extra playtime, exercise, attention or simply some fun, Morris Animal Inn is the place for your pet!

What makes Morris Animal Inn daycare unique is our variety of options for each dog:  1) Private Daycare - for the dog who prefers people, 2) Group Daycare - for the social, dog-friendly canine, 3) Manners - for basic lessons in obedience and 4) Poolside Group Daycare - for the water-loving pup, which is available everyday all year round. All of our daycare guests receive premium care, activities throughout the day, a snack and time to relax in a luxury suite. 

We believe that interaction and activity leads to a healthier and happier pet. The various activities offered at Morris Animal Inn are customized to fit each pet's individual needs. Each dog's temperament is unique, therefore each dog's daycare experience must be unique as well and we aim to place them in activities and groups (if group daycare is selected) with companions of similar spirit.

For those who choose private daycare, our Pampered Pet Sessions give special attention to your furry friend. It can include a game of catch, quiet cuddle & or a brisk walk on our nature trail. 

Indoor and outdoor play and exercise time is available along with toys and treats. Pups who are super swimmers or even just doggie paddlers will enjoy our poolside group daycare. Would you like to have a more polite pooch? Morris Animal Inn's professionally trained staff will teach and reinforce basic manners to your best friend during Manners Daycare. We make learning fun!

Group play can be a wonderful way to socialize your dog through supervised playtime. The average dog to counselor ratio at Morris Animal Inn is 5 to 1 and dogs are placed by size, similar play style and temperament to ensure a fun and safe environment.

Use this service once a month when your house cleaning service is scheduled, once a week when you know you’ll be working long hours or every day to keep your Best Friend active and content. Simplify your busy schedule by letting us occupy your dog! We invite you to call (973-539-0377) or come in for a tour of our facility with one of our experienced Client Care Specialists. They will provide you with comprehensive information and assist you in selecting appropriate activities for your furry friend.

REASONS WHY YOUR DOG IS PANTING

Is he too hot, ill, excited, fearful, in pain? Yes. It can be any of these reasons.   

Many doggie actions are just accepted by owners. These include big wet kisses, an excited bark (whenever the word “walk” is mentioned) and their pup’s mouth open with tongue hanging out, panting after playtime. Let’s focus on the panting…

According to PetMD.com, after Fido plays catch for a half hour, he’s both energized from playing and hot, especially during this humid summer season. Dogs pant for reasons spanning from excitement and exercise to stress and even illness.

Panting is a dog’s way of circulating air throughout their bodies in an effort to cool down. This process is similar to a human beginning to sweat; however due to most dogs fur/coat, they do not sweat through their skin, but through their tongue, ears and even their paw pads!

After intense play, it is perfectly normal for your pup to pant but if after a significant break from activity, they continue to pant heavily then this might be a sign of heatstroke. Moving to a cooler area or even indoors can remedy this! Also, don’t forget water for your dog as well as yourself when playing outdoors during hotter weather.

While panting for the most part is quite common with dogs of all ages, there are times when panting must be monitored in order to prevent dangerous complications. These complications include heatstroke, allergic reaction or illness.

Panting without any physical exercise can be a symptom of a more serious problem as well. Accompanied by vomiting, difficulty breathing and/or lethargy, a dog’s panting could indicate an ingestion of poison or an allergic reaction. It is important to monitor any changes in activity and to contact your local veterinarian if you believe your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms.