It’s time to bring them home

You’ve been anticipating the big day. You’ve spent time preparing for it. Getting the right bed, toys, and maybe some soft blankets. Letting your current household residents know it’s happening. It’s time to bring them home.

No, it’s not a new baby.

It’s a new cat or dog.

The problem is, you need to introduce the new pet and the pet you already have, and that can be tricky. Sometimes, pets will take to each other easily, but often, they will understandably be scared, wary and even jealous of each other. It can be a little trickier introducing dogs and cats to each other too, especially if they’ve never seen the other type of animal before.

You’ll want to make sure to consider both animals’ personalities, and plan accordingly. You don’t want them disliking and fighting with each other (though sometimes it will be expected). If you have an aggressive dog, you may want to skip the idea of getting a cat, but an easygoing, friendly dog might welcome a new kitten.

Perhaps introduce your dog or cat to a friend’s dog or cat first, to see how they react, before deciding what new pet to bring into your own home. Once you bring the new animal home, rotate who has freedom in the house; one day the cat, the next day, the dog. This way they can learn to share the home with each other and have some time to explore on their own too. You’ll also want to keep them separated when no humans are home to keep an eye on them.

If you have any questions or problems, you may want to consider consulting a veterinarian or an animal behavioral specialist, because you don’t want stressed out animals. The goal is finding a way to have a happy home.

What are some cat myths you have heard?

Sometimes, we think we know some facts about cats, but it turns out that those facts are actually myths. Even the most ardent cat-lover isn’t immune to believing them.

The first myth that most people probably believe is that cats should drink milk. While it’s true they may love the taste of it, and some are even more partial to whipped cream, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for them. They are can possibly be lactose intolerant, just like many humans. You’ll need to find another treat for them.

Another myth that people might believe about cats is that they hate water. While they may not enjoy swimming, cats are actually fascinated by water, especially running water. They may prefer drinking out of the bathroom faucet to their water dish, and even enjoy sitting on the edge of the tub while you take a bath. 

One of the saddest myths is the idea that cats shouldn’t be in homes with pregnant women or babies, because of fears of contracting toxoplasmosis or the cat “stealing” the baby’s breath. Toxoplasmosis can be a risk, but it’s a risk not only from cat litter, but also potentially raw meat or digging in the garden. This is a great time to give someone else in the household the opportunity to learn a new chore of cleaning out the litter box.

And cats don’t steal a baby’s breath. Rather, they just love to cuddle up next to something warm and soft.

Another truth about cats: They love to lodge at Morris Animal Inn!

The Cat's Meow

You see it move, slightly, out of the corner of your eye.

Your attention is caught.

It moves again. You are vigilant, watching it closely to see what it will do next.

Your entire body is taut, ready to move.

It moves again, and you pounce.

You are a cat who just caught a toy your person has bought for you. You don’t care that you are entertainment for them; you just love the thrill of the hunt. And you know they are happy you aren’t taking this time to knock stuff onto the floor or attack them as they innocently wander past your lair.

Cats have a need to hunt, but with their indoor lifestyle, amid the cozy blankets and soft places, they often don’t get as much of an opportunity as they would like to be able to exercise those instincts they have.

The good news is that there are a number of toys—both for sale and that you can find at home—for cats that will keep them occupied and interested, such as a wand with feathers, a crumpled paper or foil ball, the red light of a laser pen (just make sure to not shine it in the cat’s eyes). Even an empty paper bag after you’ve brought home the groceries is fun for cats.

Remember that there are certain items that are not good for your cat to play with: paper clips, rubber bands, plastic bags, string, anything chewable.

Another great reason to stimulate your cat with play is that it is a bonding experience for both of you—and maybe even reduces your boredom as well.

If you need help keeping your kitty entertained, bring them to us to lodge. We have kitty chaser games, teaser sessions, a kitty playroom, kitty TV and more prey activities which is the “cat’s meow”! 

Kitty on the Prowl Video

Learn to Read Your Cat's Ears

Last week we discussed dog's body language, so we think it's the cat's turn! Just like canines, felines use parts of their body to communicate. Pet 360 provides a guide to understand what your cat's ears are trying to tell you.

First, you must know that cat's ears have more than 24 muscles -- used for more than just hearing. Kitty ears also help display how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. Each direction – turning 180 degrees either backward, forward, down, or up – carries a different message.

Relaxed. When a cat is feeling relaxed, their ears will bow slightly out to the sides and tilt slightly forward. This means all is well. Your cat is content and has a sense of well-being. Your cat is not afraid nor feeling aggressive. If your feline is generally happy, their ears will be in this position most of the time.

Curiosity. If a kitty's interest has been captured by something – an insect, bird, sound, toy – they will be on alert with their ears pointing straight up in the air and tilting forward. This position can tell you that your cat wants to play or that they may be on a hunt. If you've been separated for a few hours, your cat may greet you with this ear position.

Unsure. When both ears are in different positions (which your furry feline has amazing ability to do), your cat is feeling hesitant and is not really sure how to respond to the situation. The ears will hold in place as your cat considers the situation and what to do, and then will move them into entirely new positions during and after making the decision. It’s almost like watching your cat think with his or her ears!

Feeling nervous. When your cat is nervous or agitated, their ears will twitch. If you’re a parent to kitty siblings, one’s twitching ears might indicate they feel an attack, playful or otherwise, coming on. By moving their ears this way, your cat is telling you they need reassurance and may appreciate a comforting cuddle. However, if your cat's twitching is persistent and unwarranted, they might have a medical issue and should be checked by their veterinarian.

Riled up. Aggression may occur when you cat's ears change from being forward to pointing backward. When the ears go from upright to completely horizontal, sticking out at right angles to the head, take note and act accordingly. Your cat is telling you that their present emotion – whether it be submissiveness, annoyance, or fear – is on the rise, and they want to be left alone. If your cat’s ears return to this horizontal position on a regular basis with no indication of any feelings behind it, they may have ear mites or an ear infection -- it may a good idea to see your veterinarian.

Ready to fight. When your feline is thinking about starting a scuffle, her ears will be pointed diagonally backward – not quite forward or completely back. When a kitty is ready to strike with claws and teeth, their ears will flatten against their head. Doing so protects the ears from an opponent’s bites and scratches. When the ears move into this scuffle position, do not try to pick them up or touch your cat. If provoked during this phase, you risk being injured.

So the next time you’re wondering what your kitty is trying to tell you or how they are feeling, just identify their ear positions and the accompanying emotion. If you act appropriately according to your cat's emotional state, your cat will feel more closely bonded to you and will appreciate your understanding of feline language!

Source: Pet 360

Getting Your Cat to the Vet with Less Stress

Regular vet visits for your cat are essential for a longer, healthier, and happier life! Many cats, however, do not travel as well as their canine companions! If you have a hard time getting your cat to the vet without a struggle, here are a few tips to make the trip to your veterinarian less stressful—for both you and your furry feline friend!

Happy carrier, happy cat. In order for you cat to be happy while in their carrier, they must associate the carrier with positive experiences! So, trips to the veterinarian should not be the only time your furry friend encounters the carrier. Leave it with the door or hatch open in a room where your cat spends lots of time. This will allow your cat to become familiar with it and enter and go as they please, making them more comfortable! Try adding some soft bedding inside for extra security.

Lure your kitty into the carrier. Placing treats, toys, or catnip inside the carrier will help to encourage your cat to enter. Be patient! It could take days, or maybe even weeks, for your cat to begin to trust the carrier. If your cat sits near or explores the carrier, give them a treat to continue to connect the carrier with happy things!

Pick the right carrier for your cat. There are a few factors you must consider to determine the right carrier: Your cat’s size, how well he or she tolerates handling, and which is easiest for your to transport. The carrier should be safe, secure, sturdy, and not too heavy for you to carry. Some of the best carriers are hard-sided and open from both the front and the top. An easily removable top allows a cat who is fearful, anxious, or in pain to stay in the bottom half for exams by your veterinarian.

Traveling to the vet. Your furry friend will be safest in the car if you secure the carrier using a seat belt. If your cat seems anxious, it sometimes helps to cover, either partially or completely, the carrier with a blanket or towel. There are many sprays and oils such as lavender that may help soothe your kitty on the way to the vet.

If you're still having a hard time traveling with your furry feline, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for more ideas on how to make your cat’s travel away from home, whether it’s to see the veterinarian or not, more calm and pleasant, especially if your cat is very stressed!

Source: American Animal Hospital Association

Speaking “Cat”

As passionate pet parents, many of us can honestly admit that we talk to our pets, but have you tried conversing with your pet in their own language? 

In the 1940s, cat lover Mildred Moelk discovered that cats meow differently to people than to cats. She categorized 16 sounds used in cat-munication. These 16 sounds are formed by your cat into 3 different patterns and when expressed, can be loosely translated to meanings like "hello,” "pay attention to me,” "give me,” "please give me,” and "I like” or "I don’t like.”

The 3 patterns:
1. Greeting or satisfaction: Soft murmurs or consonants made with the mouth closed

2. Request or complaints: Vowel sounds from an open-to-closing mouth as in meowing

3. Arousal or stress: Loud sounds called strained intensity patterns, emitted from a wide open mouth

Cats meow in different ways to convey:

•    Friendliness

•    Confidence

•    Dissatisfaction

•    Anger

•    Fear

•    Pain

So, here is your guide to speaking with your furry feline. To pronounce these sounds in “Cat,” use the partial phonetics based on Moelk’s system; An apostrophe (’) means an emphasis, and a colon (:) means the sound is drawn out. Good luck!

Murmur Pattern

1. Purr (’hrn-rhn-’hrn-rhn)

2. Request or Greeting (’mhrn’hr’hrn)

3. Call (’mhrn)

4. Acknowledgment or Confirmation (’mhng)

Vowel Patterns

1. Demand (’mhrn-a’:ou)

2. Begging Demand (’mhrn-a:ou:)

3. Bewilderment (’maou?)

4. Complaint (’mhng-a:ou)

5. Mating Cry - mild form (’mhrn-a:ou)

6. Anger Wail (wa:ou:)

Strained Intensity Patterns

1. Growl and Anger Wail

2. Snarl

3. Mating Cry (intense form)

4. Pain Scream

5. Refusal Rasp

6. Spitting

While many experts agree that a cat’s vocalizations are meant to communicate specific messages, they are still not sure exactly what cats are saying!  It is also believed that a cat’s meow is meant to manipulate their human into doing whatever they think the meow might mean. So, try speaking to your cat in their own language tonight and see what happens. We are interested to find out! For now, we will ask if any of our kitty guests have any ’mhng-a:ou (complaints) so we can quickly see to them, so we hear nothing but ’hrn-rhn-’hrn-rhn (purrs) from the catteries!

Source: Cat Channel

Can Your Cat's Eyes Change Color?

If you’ve had your pet from the time they were young, it’s always fun to compare pictures of them as they age. Our pets grow so quickly in their early years, sometimes a year later they are nearly unrecognizable! In cats, however, you may notice an even bigger change than physical growth. A cat’s eye color often changes as they get older, meaning it is important to recognize the difference between an expected color change and one that may indicate health problems. Vetinfo.com helps us learn what to look for.

Kittens. A majority of kittens are born with blue eyes. As their sight develops, a kitten’s eyes will begin to change and take on a range of different colors, from browns and yellows to greens, oranges and ambers. This change will likely begin somewhere between three to eight weeks of age, and be complete by the time your kitten turns three months old.

Potential Complications in Adult Life. Eye color changes after "kittenhood" could be cause for concern. Watch especially for sudden color changes over a short period of time. Changing color is commonly an indicator of an eye infection, but could also be a sign of a more serious condition. One common eye condition in cats is an eyeball inflammation known as uveitis, which can do permanent damage if left untreated. Symptoms include abnormally yellow, red or orange colored eyes. If recognized, these symptoms should be shown to your vet for proper treatment.

Lost Vision. An older cat whose eyes return to their original blue color may have experienced eye damage or be going blind. Blue eyes are not a definite indication of blindness, but you should always consult your vet if the color change occurs as your cat appears to have any trouble moving around normally.

Kitten eye color changes can be gorgeous to watch occur, but don't forget to be wary of eye color changes later in life!  If you notice any abnormal changes, please contact your veterinarian! In this case, taking pictures of your pet can be a good thing for two reasons: to make it easy to look for color changes and to hang in your office for a daily dose of cuteness!

Sources: VetInfo

8 Exercise Games for Indoor Cats

According to a recent survey conducted by Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of cats are overweight or obese.  While treats are to blame, so is inactivity. Beyond weight management, exercise can  help reduce and even eliminate aggressive or destructive behavior in cats as well, according to the ASPCA.

Of course, we know each cat has a unique personality, so you might have to be creative with your exercise efforts! Keep in mind, games that tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts will provide them more satisfaction and success.

1. Fishing Pole Game

You can make your own fishing pole game pretty easily. Tie your cat's favorite toy to the end of a string and throw it down the hall or across the room. Slowly pull in your catch as they hunt their toy. You may also try tying the string to the end of the stick, and dangle it in front of your cat, allowing them to jump and swat at it.

2. Use a Cat Game App

Apps just for cats?  You bet. Download an app on your iPad for your cat and watch them play. You may want to use a screen protector just in case to prevent scratches on your electronics. This is both mentally stimulating and gives your feline friend a little bit of exercise too!

3. Play Fetch

Fetch is for dogs, right?  Most of the time yes, but this game will make your cat work for their food while they burn calories and get exercise. Throw a piece of your cat's food or a treat down the hall or across the room and see if they will chase after it. Repeat the process until one of you is too tired to continue.

4. Make a Box Fort

If your cat has a soft spot for boxes, she is not alone. There is something about boxes that cats love. If you have some extra boxes around, make a fort for your cat. If you're worried that your cat will just go in and take a nap instead of play, try lacing the fort with catnip, treats, or toys.

5. Go Outside

If you have an indoor only cat, try taking them outdoors. Of course, using a leash and harness is recommended! Especially if your cat has never been outdoors. If your cat is older and scared of the outdoors, don't force them to do something they don't want to. Outside can be a scary place for some cats! But, for other cats it can be a fun place to explore and take a walk. Many cats do enjoy going outside on a leash and harness.

6. Climbing Tree

Provide your cat with something to climb on, like a multi-level cat tree or tower. This will allow your cat to stretch, claw and work climbing muscles.  Exploring the vertical space allows your cat to use different muscles and feel on top of the world at the same time.

7. Hockey

Enclose a small area in your house that has hard surfaces and give your cat a ping pong ball.  Let the ball bounce around and make your cat swat at it.  The unpredictability of the ping pong ball or a similar object will allow your cat to improve agility techniques and work their muscles.

8. Laser Pointer

A laser pointer is cheap, easy, and fun. Many cats love playing with laser pointers. Turn it on, point it on your walls and floors for your cat, and watch them try to catch the ever elusive red dot. This is a very fun game for cats and they should get a good amount of exercise! *Please be cautious when using laser pointers.  Do not shine them in your kitty's eyes!*

When are you away, it is especially important that your cat keeps up with daily exercise routines.  Morris Animal Inn provides cats who lodge with us the chance to get some exercise with our teaser sessions which include games like mouse laser lights, peacock feathers, teaser toys, and more by our team of Cat Pamperers.  Cats may also enjoy our beautifully designed kitty playroom which gives your cat free roam with climbing and scratching posts, skylight for outside view, toys, catnip, and furniture.

If your cat doesn't take to any of these games at first, don't give up! Your continued efforts will allow you to continue to bond with your furry friend, creating potential for more play times!

Source: Pawsitively Pets & Healthy Pets

Top 10 Cat Toxins

While there are well-known substances such as chocolate that are toxic to dogs, feline poisons are sometimes less-known.  Cats are curious and independent, so it is important to know what is toxic in your household in order to keep your cat safe and healthy. Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline created this list of items, presented in order of frequency, that caused the most emergency calls to the Helpline in 2013.

1) Lillies: Plants in the Lillum species, such as Easter, Tiger, Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats.  All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants!

2) Household cleaners:  Most general-purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. Other symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even organ damage. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated as soon as possible.

3) Flea and tick-spot-on products for dogs:  Those that are pyrethroid or pyrethrins based (e.g. Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's, etc.) cause tremors and seizures that can be deadly to cats. Even more “natural” or “holistic” flea medication can be very dangerous to cats.

4) Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped the medically prescribed antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications.  Beware, ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects

5) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):  Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.  Even veterinary-specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution.

6) Prescription ADD/ADHD medications:  These amphetamines, such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexerdrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.

7) Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications:  Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularyly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.

8) Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals:  Common houseplants like the pace lily, philodendrom and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.

9) Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it's best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

10) Glow sticks and glow jewelry:  Summer is a popular time for glow sticks, but don't become lazy by leaving them around the house. These irresistible "toys" contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate.  When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.

All the detrimental effects can easily be avoided.  Keeping this list handy in your household will help all members refrain from leaving these toxins available for your cat to consume! 

Source: Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline

Hot Weather Tips for Your Pets

Summertime calls for more outdoors fun with your pet, but the hot weather must be handled with caution. Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA and Animal Care & Control of NYC experts, to have a safe and enjoyable summer for you and your pet.

Visit the Vet. An early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun. Keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs. Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.

These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. If your pet shows signs of heat distress, cool him down slowly with a cool rag. Do not submerge him in water. Take your dog immediately to a veterinarian for follow up care.

 

No Parking! Never leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool -- not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Screen Test. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. It is possible for pets to fall out of windows or to escape!

Summer Style. Feel free to trim longer hair.  The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on dogs or cats.  A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your dog or cat well groomed. Consult with your groomer or veterinarian to determine whether your pet would be more comfortable with a shorter haircut for the summer. If he has a heavy coat, shaving your dog’s hair to a 1-inch length will help prevent overheating.

Street Smarts. When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. If you can’t hold your hand long on the surface, it’s probably too hot for your pet as well.

Avoid Chemicals. Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal’s death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.

Party Animals. Remember that the food and drink offered to party guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic. Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Source: Animal Care & Control of NYC, ASPCA

9 Quick Tips for Building a Bond with Your Feline Friend

Dogs usually come to mind as being man's best friend, when cats are just as capable to form long-lasting bonds with their owners.  Finding out how to please cats can be mystifying, so here are nine quick tips on how to build a bond with your furry feline friend.

Tip 1: Crazy for Catnip. Fifty percent of cats crave catnip, a fragrant herb from the mint family. The plant’s buds contain an essential oil that evokes chin and cheek rubbing, rolling and kicking, and even leaping into the air. Go for organic, it’s the most potent.

Tip 2: Embrace the Power of Petting. Studies show that people who pet their cats experience a reduction in feelings of anxiety. Petting your cat for just a few minutes releases a healthy amount of “feel-good” hormones. Research shows that the good feelings work both ways, meaning that your cat benefits as well!

Tip 3: Cat’s Tail – Mood Barometer! A loosely upright tail signals confidence. A tail that flicks toward you means, “Hello, my friend.” Whipping the tail from side to side or thumping it on the floor signifies agitation. A lightly twitching tails conveys relaxed alertness. A puffed-up tail indicates total fright.

Tip 4: Schedule Play Sessions. Kittens – and cats young at heart – are most active at dawn and dusk. That’s because they are crepuscular, wired genetically to do their best hunting and plays stalking during those times of day. Let the fun fly!

Tip 5: Buy a Handful of Peacock Feathers. Attach them to the end of a flexible pole and then flag your cat’s attention. Feathers are usually too much of a temptation to resist. In no time, you cat will be running, jumping, and performing amazing body twists and turns to snag those moving feathers.

Tip 6: Treat Your Cat like a CEO: Cat Extra-Ordinaire. Increase your cat’s daily dose of pampering. One easy way is to warm a small blanket in the clothes dryer for 5 to 10 minutes, then drape it on your cat during chilly nights to help her fall asleep. You can do the same for an arthritic cat to help improve blood flow and ease muscle aches.

Tip 7: Catwalk. If you’re cat crazy, think about installing a catwalk on brackets along a wall of your family room or bedroom. It should be 6 to 12 inches wide, and hang about 2 feet below the ceiling. Provide access with a couple of perches. Most cats adore the opportunity to explore the upper strata.

Tip 8: Warm and Cozy. Position your cat’s bed near a source of warmth – near a sunny window or by the fireplace or next to a heat vent. Grab your comforter and a good book, and spend some time with your snoozing friend while you pamper yourself with quiet time as well.

Tip 9: Take the Ho-Hum Out of Food. Add a splash of tuna juice or salt-free chicken broth to commercial dry food. After this saucy feast, your feline may spend extra time savoring these special extras during her post-meal grooming sessions because of the lingering delightful aromas from these toppings.

Source: Tuft’s CatNip

DO CATS REALLY WATCH TV?

At Morris Animal Inn, our luxury cat suites are furnished with TVs that play Critter TV.  Critter TV features a string of clips showing small animals like squirrels and birds darting to and fro. A lot of pet owners ask if their cats really watch the TV when they stay in our suites. The answer is, absolutely! Most cats love it and can be entertained for hours, especially if they enjoy stalking and chasing toys. But don't take our word for it, we'll let the cats do the talking for us!

Fluffy in Toyland

Years ago, cats were kept in the house or the barn for one reason and one reason only: to catch and destroy the mice that would inevitably find their way into the nooks and crannies of our humble and not so humble dwellings. Though these squeaky critters are still around (generally in the winter months) their prevalence in our homes have thankfully been reduced. Without a fulltime job catching mice, today’s feline has become an expert at the finer things in life, adopting the lofty role of supreme lounger and dainty self-groomer. Cats former mice-catching days become visible now and then when they pounce on random moving objects such as your fingers or toes. Meet your cat’s need for stimulation and play with an array of kitty toys. Since our frisky cats deserve the best, we’ve outlined a few toys that are proven feline crowd pleasers.

Feathers

A staple for teaser sessions at Morris Animal Inn, feathers, particularly peacock feathers, with their beautiful iridescent green and blue colors are a wonderful and inexpensive option to keep your cat playing for hours on end. Dangle the feather in front of your cat, slide it back and forth on the floor, or dart it around, whatever suits your little cat on the prowl.

http://www.frontgate.com/

Lasers

All it takes is a bright red dot of light. Shine the light across the floor and up the walls. Sit back on the couch, catch your favorite sitcoms and move your hand around to provide your cat with tons of fun while you relax. For something even less hands-on, try the innovative and distinctly modern Dart Interactive Pet Toy from Frontgate. With settings that allow you to program the laser toy for 15 minute plays sessions, you can get your chores done while Fluffy remains entertained all by him or herself. Cats enjoy this toy at Morris Animal Inn in our Kitty Playroom. We turn it on and watch as they stealthily pounce and bounce around, attempting to one up the mysterious laser device.

Cataction

This toy features a colorful, fluffy mouse that dangles from a long bouncy string. The toy simply gets attached to the top of a door like an over-the-door full length mirror. This allows your cat to dance around and bat at the unfortunate mouse whenever the predatory yet playful mood strikes. This toy is available in our pet boutique. Ask our Guest Services Team for more information.

Crinkle Balls

Small, lightweight balls made of Mylar are a wonderful and effortless solution for hours of fun. Cats do not discriminate and can be just as entertained with a small rolled-up piece of paper or foil to bat to and fro. Just make sure to monitor your kitty and ensure Fluffy does not try to nibble or eat these small toys.

Butterfly in a Glass Jar

Pick from a selection of beautiful butterflies. From a Monarch to a yellow Swallowtail, these fake butterflies look realistic and fascinating. By tapping the walls of the glass jar, you can make the butterfly flutter around as though it were real. Cats are extremely amused by the frenetic motion of the fake flying insect and like to bat at the jar with their little paws. This is one of our favorite toys that we allow our feline guests to play with while lodging with us at Morris Animal Inn. Watch the video below to see our kitten guests enjoying the pleasures of the Butterfly in a Glass Jar which can be ordered from Amazon.com. 

Divulge and tell us your cat’s favorite toys; whether simple or convoluted, we want to hear about it!