Peace of Mind Your Cat is Well Cared For

It’s more likely we will lodge our dogs than our cats, but boarding cats is an option too. 

When we lodge our cat, we have someone to monitor and feed them on a regular basis, checking the litter box for regularity, giving them opportunities to play and updating us on how they're doing. We have peace of mind our cat is well-cared for.

At Morris Animal Inn, there are three options of cat lodging:

• Condos, for one cat, which have two levels in which to play and rest.
• Deluxe Condos, which have four levels for up to two cats from the same family
• Luxury Suites, which have multiple levels and climbing areas for up to five cats from the same family.

Each of these allows your cat to have

• A low-stress environment
• Separate spacious accommodations
• Comforts of home and more!

Now, if you can just get the cat out from under the bed and into the carrier, you’ll be all set. 

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

What is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?

We cat owners know that our cats are intelligent animals, but sometimes we might not be quite so sure what they are trying to tell us.

Does your cat blink when she’s looking at you? That means she trusts you enough to close her eyes because she knows she won’t be attacked. She probably won’t do this if her pupils are very small or very large, though. That would mean that she’s scared or upset about something.

You’ll also know she’s anxious or scared if her tail is tucked down or puffed up—especially if her ears are flat too. If she’s like this, you may want to leave her alone for a little while and let her calm down. Once she’s calm, you may see some signs that she’s in a playful or affectionate mood. Her tail may be straight up, her ears attentive, or she may even let you rub her belly. If she’s being extra affectionate, she’ll knead her paws on you and rub her head on you—marking you as her territory.

And, of course, there’s the “meow.” Cats meow in many different ways, and have learned to do this in order to communicate with us; they don’t naturally meow with each other as a form of communication. They also purr, hiss, growl, chirp, or chatter.

And what cat owner doesn’t meow back at their cat, regardless of whether or not we understand what they are saying?

My Cat Sleeps on Me... Why?

Do you wonder why your cat prefers to sleep on you when most of the time they are independent? Let's try to figure this out. 

According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, 62% of cats sleep with their adult owners, and another 13% of cats sleep with children. 

Felines have a fantastic sense of smell, so they know their owner's scent. Perhaps your cat snuggles with you because the familiar scent of you provides them with a sense of contentment.  

Could it be warmth? Cats prefer to sleep in warm places. Maybe your body heat is an attraction. This might explain why cats sleep on their owner's heads. Most of the heat escapes from our heads.

Maybe it's a sense of security. Typically cats sleep up to 16 hours a day. They are most vulnerable during sleep so the place your cat opts to take a nap must be a secure and trusted location. It's a compliment when a cat has several choices of places to sleep and they choose you as their favorite sleep spot.

Comfort is a possible reason. Cats seem to understand when someone is ill or in pain. Therefore, they want to be close to their owner if they sense they are sick or in pain.

In the end, cats can and do bond with their favorite human. Perhaps it is love and companionship that brings your kitty to sleep on you.  

Source: Vetstreet.com, Pets.webmd.com, Cats.about.com 

An Active Cat is a Healthy Cat

Many people do not realize the benefit of exercise for cats.  Although they do have the evolutionary advantage of a high metabolism, cats still require consistent exercise to help maintain a healthy body condition and overall health. Felines have a long history of hunting and prowling, and keeping those natural instincts alive in your cat is important. Encourage your feline family member to be more active, and you will have a happier and healthier pet.

Cats are natural hunters

Originally, cats lived mostly outdoors. Keeping a cat as a household pet has become common only in recent years. In the past, cats survived by doing what they knew best – catching things (like mice and rodents). They kept entertained and fit by spending hours searching, stalking, and catching their meals. Now, most cats live indoors, and “the chase” is no longer a part of their lives. However, it is important to your cat’s health to allow them to use those hunting and prowling instincts they are so used to.

Keep your cat’s activity creative

Your cat probably enjoys lounging around (Adult cats sleep more than 16 hours a day!), but every cat needs to engage in some physical activity each day.

Activities that cats enjoy include: 

Cat trees and scratching posts: Cat trees are ideal because they entice cats to climb, which keeps their muscles working, and scratching provides both exercise and fun for your cat.

Mice and feather toys: These toys allow cats to mimic the act stalking their prey, an activity they are naturally inclined to do. 

Laser pointers: A beam of light acts as a bug that your cat can chase. Be sure to avoid pointing the beam of light directly into their eyes.

Exercise wheels: This is a great exercise for cats who need to lose weight. 

Indoor aquarium: An aquarium acts as constant entertainment for your cat.

Walks: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, going on walks in a stroller can be very stimulating. 

Why it’s important for cats to exercise

It’s important that your cat doesn’t become lazy. Lying around all day without any exercise can lead to obesity in cats, which causes issues like diabetes, joint pain, and liver problems. Cats should not eat more calories than they are expending. So, short activities (at least 10-15 minutes) throughout the day are essential to your cat's overall health.

Play time also allows cats to build trust with people. Creating that strong bond makes your feline friends happier and healthier.

Physical activity keeps your cat from getting bored. A bored cat becomes very curious, and may resort to scratching and chewing on furniture. Cats are less likely to become destructive if they get their energy out through daily exercise.

There are both physical and mental benefits to helping your cat stay active. Keeping your cat connected to its natural instincts is important to their overall well-being. Here at Morris Animal Inn, we understand that healthier cats are happier cats. 

Source: www.Petmd.com, www.lovethatpet.com, www.catchfred.com

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

Introducing Pets to Newborns

Which came first – the baby or the pet? If your pet-focused family will soon be exposed to a newborn, preparation and gradual introductions are key to a healthy baby-pet relationship.

There are few things more heart-warming than a child-pet relationship, but these connections don't always happen instantly.

SheKnows Pets & Animals blog and the ASPCA offer tips for introducing your newborn to your cat or dog. Advancing with these four steps once you are expecting can help make the transition easier for you and your pet

Step 1: Start preparing your pet early. Cats in particular do not often respond well to sudden change. Use your time wisely and as you prepare for baby, let your pet do as well. Establish off-limits areas, like the baby’s room, early on so that your pet can become accustomed to giving the baby space. If you need to move feeding areas or litter boxes, do this as early as possible.

Step 2: Familiarize your pet with new smells and sounds. Using baby powder or lotion prior to adding a baby to your pet’s environment will help them get used to what a baby will smell like. Acclimating a dog or cat to the sounds of a baby may be one of the most important steps. You don’t want a crying baby and a crying pet at the same time! Consider playing an audio recording of a crying baby on occasion, and gradually increase the volume.

Step 3: Don’t force introductions. First impressions are important, which is why they should be done when all parties involved feel comfortable. Stay calm and relaxed when making the introduction, so your pet does not pick up on your nerves. Have treats handy and reward brief, positive interactions. If your dog seems nervous to investigate, praise them in a positive and reassuring tone.

Step 4: Encourage politeness and quiet time. It can be difficult to care for a baby with a pet constantly underfoot. Training your dog to obey an “away” or “quiet” command can help make caring for both a much easier task. Reinforcing basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” will also come in handy. Consider scheduling your dog a visit to Morris Animal Inn for our Manners Training program to help solidify these skills.

If you’re expecting a new baby, you have nine months to prepare. Spend some of that time preparing with your pet, too, and you will all be ready for the wonderful new addition to your family!

Source:  SheKnows Pets & Animals & ASPCA

Do You Know the Proper Way to Pet Your Pet?

Nothing beats a good cuddle with your dog or cat, as long as both of you are enjoying it. Pets can be finicky about where they like to be pet and the people who pet them. In order to become one of the people your pet enjoys cuddling with, it’s important to learn how and where to scratch your cat or dog’s fur in just the right spot.

Petting a Cat

Cats can be very independent creatures, so they won’t hang around for a good scratch if they aren’t relaxed and comfortable. A study discussed on CatChannel.com tested out four different locations on a cat’s body to see where they enjoyed being pet the most. The results showed that the most enjoyable petting occurred between the ear and the eye on their face. Other acceptable spots were the chin and lip area and the lower back.

This spot between your cat’s eye and ear, their upper cheek, contains a temporal gland that cats use to mark things. This is why you see your cat rubbing up against you, or furniture or other objects, with the side of their face. Marking with these scent glands is a cat’s way of socially bonding with us. Scratching your kitty in this spot will be most pleasing to them, and help you to bond together!

Petting a Dog

Dogs may be a little more forward with human interaction, but you still want to give a dog the chance to approach you first. If a dog seems hesitant to approach, squat down to their level and turn your body slightly to the side, to appear less threatening. 

Once a dog has approached you, give them a chance to sniff you out. Vetstreet.com suggests that once the dog seems comfortable, start by slowly petting them and see if they lean into you, a true sign that the dog is enjoying the contact. Most dogs are comfortable having their chest, shoulders and base of neck petted, so these are good places to start, rather than on top of their head. Your dog may enjoy being pet in other common spots, like the base of their tail, under their chin or on the back of their neck.

Whether you are spending time bonding with your own pet or meeting a new cat or dog for the first time, having knowledge of the common areas that pets enjoy being scratched will help you to make a new four-legged friend. 

Your Pet's Tail Tells a Tale

Do you know how to decode your pet's tail twitches? It’s our job as pet owners to recognize when our dog or cat is feeling happy, uncomfortable or scared. Our pets give us numerous signs of their feelings through their body language. They give signals that we can learn to decode with the right information. Catster and the ASPCA give us tips for learning the tale of the tail – or what your pet’s tail movements mean for their mood.

A cat’s tail is an incredible tool of self expression. If you are unable to read the expression on your cat’s face, always look to their tail. Catster tells us that you can tell a lot about your cat’s mood from the height and movement of their tail.

-          A Tall Tail held straight up in the air is a sign of a happy cat. Your cat may be saying, “I’m happy to see you!”
-          A Question Mark Tail where the tail is straight up in the air but hooked forward at the tip indicates a curious but unsure cat. Give your cat a little encouragement and assure them that the situation is okay if you see this tail.

-          Tip Twitch is a relaxed tail that starts to twitch back and forth at its tip and is an early sign of over stimulation. Your cat may have had enough with the current situation and is ready to move on.

-          Tail Flip is when your cat whips their full tail once in a single direction. They may be giving you a little bit of ‘tude. You may see this twitch if you need to scold your cat for bad behavior; it’s a “yeah, whatever” from your cat.

-          Tail Hug is if you are lucky enough to have a cat tail wrapped around your wrist. Consider it an affectionate hug!

-          Exclamation Point Tail is a startled vertical tail position and is often accompanied with an arched back and fur standing on end. Your cat may have been caught by surprise by something. A soothing voice and slow petting will help them to calm down.

-         Hunting Tail is when a cat is stalking prey, whether it’s a mouse or a favorite toy. They will hunker down low to the ground and stretch out their tail behind them, where it may twitch slightly. This cat is full of adrenaline and ready to pounce!

A dog’s tail can, surprisingly, be more complicated to decode. Although a wagging tail does often mean a happy dog, this movement does not always mean your dog is pleased and ready to play. The ASPCA tells us a bit about decoding a dog’s tail, noting that one of the most important things is to know your dog’s resting tail position.

While most dogs have a relaxed tail that hangs low to the ground, certain breeds have a tail that hangs naturally in more intense positions, like a pug’s curly tail or a greyhound’s naturally tucked-under tail. Knowing your dog’s natural tail position will help you to decode their emotions.

-          Relaxed Tail in its natural position means that your dog is at ease.

-          Gentle Wag is a tail that wags slowly side to side and indicates a happy dog.

-          Forceful Wag is when your dog’s tail wags enthusiastically back and forth or even in a circular pattern and it indicates that they are excited to see you!

-          Low Wag or Tucked Tail is if your dog’s tail is held lower than normal or curled underneath them just between their back legs. This means they are feeling nervous or submissive. The may still wag their tail side to side in a rapid manner, but if the tail is low, this is a nervous wag.

-         High, Stiff Tail is when your dog is alert. You may see them hold their tail higher than usual in a stiff position without any movement.

-         Flagging Tail is if your dog is alert with a high tail and starts to “flag,” or rigidly move his tail back and forth. This is a sign that your dog is standing their ground. It may look like a tail wag at first, but the rigid movement actually indicates a more threatening behavior.

Once you learn the way pets talk with their tails, you can learn the best ways to communicate with your pet!

Clearing up common Pet Myths

Like the old adage of “Man’s Best Friend,” there are many phrases, expressions and myths that pet owners hear constantly. Statements like “Cats have nine lives” and “Dogs are colorblind” are heard so often they have become somewhat cliché in the pet world. Although we say and hear them all the time, is there any truth behind these myths? Research throughout the pet industry has been done to investigate where these ideas came from, and whether any are rooted in fact after all.

Myth: Cats have nine lives.

Although your cat, like all other animals, does only have one life to live, this myth may be rooted in the fact that cats are incredibly self-sufficient and are known to make their way out of otherwise deadly situations. A PetWave.com article called “Muzzle the Myths About Dogs and Cats” tells us that many reports of cats surviving very harsh conditions without food or water may contribute to this expression, as does the fact that the number nine is considered by many cultures to be a lucky number.

Myth: A “dog year” is equal to seven human years.

Despite its popularity, the belief that you can multiple you dog’s age by 7 is not an exact formula for getting their “human” age. According to DogYears.com, the actual ratio is dependent on breed and size of the dog and decreases as the dog ages. Your one-year-old dog is actually closer to 15 in human years, and hits the 7 year mark somewhere between six and eight months of age.

Myth: Cats always land on their feet.

 

Cats are very agile and athletic, traits that contribute to the widespread belief that cats always land on their feet. Although this is often true, it is not an absolute and should definitely never be put to the test! A far fall will cause injury to a cat regardless of how they land, and even a short fall for a cat who is caught off guard or injured in any way may not allow time to twist around to feet-first.

Myth: Dogs are color blind.

Dogs, like most other mammals, have protanopia (color-blindness resulting from insensitivity to red light), which prevents them from seeing reds and greens in the color spectrum. They can, however, see shades of blue and yellow. Dogster.com demonstrates this in a recent article on how colors look to dogs, and introduces a mobile app called Chromatic Vision Stimulator that will allow you to see the world as your pet sees the world.

Myth: A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth.

A dog’s mouth contains different types of germs and bacteria than a human’s mouth, mostly due to the differences in our diets. As Pet Age reports, dog saliva was once believed to be a healing antiseptic, which may be the basis for this myth. Before you let your dog shower your face in kisses, remember that just as with humans, a dog’s saliva contains plenty of germs. After all, there’s a reason behind all that “dog breath!”

What other myths have you heard about your cat or dog? 

What to Look for before Leaving your Pet with a Pet Sitter or Lodging Facility

As you plan for your getaway, deciding where your pet will stay is something that should give you peace of mind. The Humane Society writes an informative article about what to consider before choosing your pet's lodging accommodations. Some of their tips mentioned:

•  To have your pets stay where they receive more attention and supervision than if home alone most of the day.
• To find out if the facility requires pets to be current on their vaccinations - including the vaccine for canine cough - this will protect your furry family member from others.

Other important questions to ask before boarding your pet with a pet sitter or lodging facility:

1. Will pets be monitored by trained staff?
2. Are veterinary services available if needed? What are they?
3. Are they veterinarian recommended?
4. Are cats housed away from the dogs?
5. Does the facility look and smell clean?
6. Are other services offered such as training, bathing and grooming?
7. How many years have they been in business?

These are just a few items to consider before choosing a lodging facility. At Morris Animal Inn, we welcome you to ask these questions and more in order to feel comfortable leaving your pet with us. We want to be your pet's home away from home. Please stop in for a tour to see for yourself.  

Source: Humane Society of the United States (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/choosing_boarding_kennel.html)

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.