The Cat Nap Conundrum

If you’ve ever wondered why your cat seems to spend a significant portion of their day dozing, you’re not alone. The average domestic cat sleeps 12 to 16 hours daily, with some cats clocking in even more slumber hours. To put it into perspective, two-thirds of their lives are dedicated to rest. The question is: why do cats sleep so much?

The Evolutionary Roots of Cat Naps

To comprehend the sleep habits of cats, it’s essential to consider their evolutionary history. Cats are obligate carnivores, descendants of solitary hunters who needed to conserve energy for the hunt. This lifestyle has translated into their modern sleep patterns.

Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk. Their heightened activity during these times necessitates ample rest daily and night to recharge. When they wake up, they often display bursts of energy, engaging in play, hunting imaginary prey, or simply exploring their surroundings. So, their extended cat naps are essentially power naps to fuel their bursts of activity.

Survival Instincts: Cat Naps with One Eye Open

Cats’ sleep habits are closely tied to their survival instincts. Even though most domestic cats live in secure environments, their instincts remain intact. Cats are predators and prey in the wild, and being alert and well-rested is vital for survival.

You might have noticed your cat sleeping with one eye partially open or their ears perked up. This is their way of staying vigilant and always prepared to respond to potential threats. In the wild, their lives depend on this ability to wake up immediately, so it’s a behavior deeply ingrained in their DNA.

The Phases of Feline Sleep

Feline sleep is not just a simple on-off switch. Cats, like humans, experience different sleep phases. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM sleep are the main phases.

Cats’ brains are highly active during REM sleep, much like humans. This is the stage where they might dream. You can often spot the signs of REM sleep in your cat when their paws twitch and their eyes move rapidly beneath their closed eyelids. It’s a fascinating insight into their inner world.

Non-REM sleep, on the other hand, is a deeper and more restorative sleep phase. In this stage, their bodies recuperate, and they get the physical rest needed to tackle their next adventure.

Whether you’re curious about your cat’s sleep habits or concerned about their well-being, a visit to Saltwater Animal Hospital can provide valuable insights and expert care to ensure your feline friend enjoys their catnaps and beyond to the fullest.

The Perfect Nap Spot

Cats have a knack for finding the coziest nap spots. Warm and snug places are their favorites, whether a sunny windowsill, a soft blanket, or your favorite chair. They are also notorious for seeking out high vantage points, like the top of bookshelves or the back of the couch. These spots offer security, as they can watch over their territory from a safe perch.

In conclusion, the sleep habits of cats are a testament to their complex biology and evolutionary history. Their cat naps aren’t merely about indulgence; they serve a crucial role in their lives, recharging them for bursts of activity and keeping their survival instincts sharp. As cat owners, we should appreciate and respect these habits, ensuring our feline friends can enjoy their well-deserved beauty and rest in peace and comfort.

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Say goodbye to anxiety and embrace relaxation. Whether your cat faces separation anxiety, noise phobias, or general nervousness, these treats offer the comfort they crave.

The best CBD cat treats provide natural relief for your feline companion’s well-being and overall health.

Learn the proper administration and safety tips for CBD cat treats. Join us on this tranquil journey to find the best calming and comforting CBD cat treats for your feline companion.

Key Takeaways

• CBD cat treats can have calming effects on cats
• It is important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it for the best results
• Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your cat’s size and needs
• Observe how your cat responds to the treats and find the right balance for their comfort

Understanding CBD and Its Effects on Cats

Curious about CBD’s effects on your feline friend? Discover the potential calming power of this natural compound found in hemp plants.

Start with low CBD doses and consult your vet for the right dosage based on your cat’s needs. Be mindful of potential medication interactions. Provide your furry companion with soothing comfort, and consult your vet for a perfect CBD experience!

Choosing the Right CBD Cat Treats for Your Feline Friend

Choose CBD snacks that bring tranquility to your feline friend. Opt for flavors like salmon or chicken for a delightful experience. Start with a low CBD dosage and gradually increase as needed, following guidelines.

CBD can calm and comfort, but finding the perfect balance is key. Each cat is unique, so observe their response patiently. Provide your beloved cat with the peace they deserve through the power of CBD cat treats.

The Benefits of CBD Cat Treats for Calming and Anxiety Relief

By using CBD cat treats, you can calm your feline companion and bring them a sense of tranquility. These treats contain natural CBD, derived from hemp plants, which is known for its soothing effects.

They interact with your cat’s body to regulate mood and promote relaxation. Moreover, CBD cat treats are a safe and convenient alternative to oils or tinctures, making stress relief easier for both you and your kitty. Say goodbye to anxiety and hello to a happier, serene cat with CBD treats.

How to Properly Administer CBD Cat Treats

To give your cat the benefits of CBD treats, follow these steps:

1. Consult with your vet to determine the right dosage based on your cat’s weight and health.
2. Administer the treats according to the prescribed dosage.
3. Timing matters! Give the treats at least 30 minutes before a stressful event, such as a vet visit or a thunderstorm.
4. Consistency is crucial for maximum benefits. Stick to a regular schedule when giving your cat CBD treats.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects of CBD Cat Treats

To ensure your cat’s safety, understand the potential side effects of CBD cat treats and follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage guidelines.

Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to find the right amount for your cat, as every cat is different. Also, consider possible interactions with other medications your cat is taking, consulting with your vet for any contraindications.

By being cautious, you can provide your cat with the soothing benefits of CBD treats.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this informative journey about CBD cat treats! With your newfound knowledge, you can confidently choose the right treats to soothe your cat. These treats offer incredible benefits for calming and anxiety relief.

By administering them properly and prioritizing safety, you can provide your beloved cat with the comfort they deserve. Embrace the power of CBD treats, and watch your furry companion thrive with peace and tranquility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD cat treats safe for all cats, regardless of age or breed?

Yes, CBD cat treats are generally safe for all cats, regardless of age or breed. They can be effective for pain management and have minimal potential side effects. Give your furry friend the comfort they deserve!

Can CBD cat treats help with other health issues besides calming and anxiety relief?

CBD cat treats have the potential to provide more than just calming and anxiety relief. They can also help with pain relief and stimulate your cat’s appetite, promoting overall feline health and well-being. Try them today!

How long does it take for CBD cat treats to start working?

CBD cat treats work quickly to provide relief, typically within 30 minutes. The effects can last for several hours, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation for your furry friend. Give them the treat and watch their stress melt away!

Are there any potential interactions between CBD cat treats and other medications my cat may be taking?

“Ensure your cat’s safety and effectiveness of CBD cat treats by consulting with a veterinarian about potential interactions with other medications. They will guide you on the optimal dosage and frequency for maximum comfort and well-being.”

Can CBD cat treats help with aggressive behavior in cats?

Using CBD cat treats for aggressive behavior in cats: Does it work? Discover the potential of CBD cat treats in calming aggressive felines. Unlock a new level of peace and harmony in your cat’s behavior with the power of CBD.

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But how does a cat’s needs differ throughout their lifespan? How can you ensure that your furry loved one remains in peak condition no matter their age? Today we’ll discuss how the health requirements of a cat shift as they grow, as well as how you can collaborate with your local vet to create a wellness plan for the four-legged apple of your eye.

Cats go through similar life phases as humans

Just as humans have different life phases, cats grow from tiny neonates to senior citizens, with distinct needs throughout these separate eras of development.

A healthy, well-cared-for indoor cat can expect to live between 10 to 15 years, with some even reaching the venerable age of 20; outdoor cats generally live much shorter lives due to the many dangers of living in the wild, such as parasites and predators.

From birth to age one, a cat is considered a kitten. Like a baby, they will have immature immune systems and will require a variety of vaccinations to keep them in good health. They also may suffer from parasites that are inherited from their mother or picked up from their environment – a particular problem in muggy Tennessee – so you should expect to get them dewormed to prevent serious issues. Also, you will want to have them spayed or neutered anywhere at anywhere between four to six months of age; new medical guidance encourages you to wait a bit longer so that they get the full benefit of their sex hormones.

After a relatively short adolescence – about six months – your kitten will be a full grown cat. They will need less calories as they are no longer growing, so you’ll want to switch them to adult cat food to prevent obesity. It’s important to stay on top of dental care now that they have all their adult teeth, which includes brushing their teeth and scheduling them for regular teeth cleanings; this will prevent gum disease, which can be painful and lead to heart disease. Be sure to stay on top of tick and flea prevention, even for indoor cats.

Around seven years old, your cat will officially become a senior, and it will be essential that you schedule regular vet visits to stay on top of any developing health conditions. Your cat might start to slow down around this time, so you may need to change their environment to help them stay comfortable; for example, you may want to remove high perches that they can no longer safely reach, or move their litter box closer to their favorite sleeping spots so they are less prone to accidents. Your vet will closely monitor their blood work to watch for organ issues, and they may need medications to stave off age-related diseases. Careful attention to your cat’s health needs will make sure that they can stay as active as possible for as long as possible, and that they will have a dignified and painless end of life.

For all stages of your cat’s life, your local animal clinic is a partner in good pet health

It’s easy to get caught up in your own life and forget that your cat needs regular vet check-ups to stay healthy; this is an especial problem for feline family members, because they tend to hide illnesses until they become incredibly sick. As such, make it a habit to schedule twice-yearly appointments even when your cat is perfectly fine, with more visits should your pet show signs of illness.

During these visits, your cat will get any necessary vaccinations and be thoroughly checked over for developing illness; he or she may also have blood drawn for a full blood panel, which can identify any problems that may be arising as they age. Bring along any questions or concerns you may have, including any changes in behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits, as these may clue the doctor into issues that need to be investigated further.

Preventative care is essential not just to avoid pricey vet bills, but also to ensure that your cat stays active for as long as possible and does not experience any discomfort. Throughout every phase of your feline’s life, be sure to consult regularly with an experienced veterinarian, as this can mean the difference between a happy cat and a silently suffering kitty.

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Talking about it with friends I came to realize there is no handbook for parents for these things. It is a very uncomfortable place and people handle the situation in very different ways. In this article, I want to share with you some of the key lessons I learned during this time.

1. Be honest about what is happening

We had a 19-year-old cat, we knew the cat would not live forever. In the last year or two, every once in a while, we started talking to the kids the cat would not be with us forever.

In the last few months, when we went to the vet and learned time was going to run out soon, we let them know as well. We were not dramatic about it but we let them know.

We always had an open dialog about the subject with our kids. It was not always easy and we had moments were hard as a family.

2. Focus on enjoying the moments

The last few months were cool in many ways. Our son took care of the cat in amazing ways. It was painful for him when our cat passed away but he cherished this time.

The last few weeks were difficult because the cat was having accidents around the house. Our focus was to make the cat more comfortable so we banded together as a family. We made sure everything the cat needed was on the same floor and the kids pitched in to help us clean up messes.

3. Let them see how you feel

As parents, we often feel the need to be strong for our kids. For some of us, we do not let them see us being emotional. On the last day, when I called the vet to make an appointment to euthanize the cat, I was in tears.

When my son saw me that way, he was in shock and laughed. That single moment helped me see how much I shielded him from seeing me vulnerable.

4. Give them space to talk

After our cat died, my son was very upset. After all his efforts in the last few months, he was angry at life. We spent an hour together where all we did was listen to him and talk him through his feelings.

It did not make things better right away and it was not an easy moment as a parent seeing our son this way. Allowing him to talk about his feelings and helping him put words to them created a different kind of bond.

5. Trust they can handle it

This was the biggest lessons that I learned in this experience. By being honest and up front with our kids it created trust with them. The challenge with this point is that it does come down to your own capacity as a parent to handle the situation.

If you are unable to have uncomfortable talks in your life, you will be unable to do it with your kids as well. If you shield your kids from pain and discomfort they will never know you need these to grow as a person.

I shared these lessons from my personal point of view. My belief is that it is important for us to be conscious parents and leaders for our children. Sometimes, conscious parenting means becoming aware of our own limitations and overcoming them. Other times, it means having a clear intention around how we parent our kids.

The situation with our cat forced us to be very conscious parents. We worked hard to be honest and transparent with our kids without creating drama for them. Tell me how have you handled this kind of situation with your kids? What did you learn from your experience?

Steffan Surdek is an in-demand leadership development coach and corporate trainer. He has always been driven to expand the notion of leadership to include each member of the team. As a widely recognized principal consultant, Steffan’s work has a strong business impact, helping reshape business cultures and guiding them in becoming more collaborative and efficient. He is the founder of Pyxis Cultures, a consulting and training company based in Montreal, Canada.

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Bleeding in the lower intestines, such as the colon and the rectum, generally causes hematochezia. It is characterized by the presence of bright, frank blood in the feces. Hematochezia should not be confused with melena, the passage of dark, tar-colored feces, caused by bleeding that occurs higher up in the intestinal tract.

If your cat has blood in its stool on only one occasion, and otherwise appears to be eating, drinking and acting normally, the cause may simply be a minor gastrointestinal upset, such as eating too much, eating a unfamiliar food, or eating something that does not agree with him. Some cats are especially sensitive to stress, and any sudden change in environment, such as adding a new pet to the household, having a baby or even a schedule change can induce colitis. Changing food brands suddenly can also cause this condition, as cats often require a gradual change of food in order to adjust without complications.

However, if your cat has any repeated episodes of blood in the stool, if he appears lethargic or depressed, or the blood is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, it can be a sign of a severe medical problem requiring veterinary assistance.

The most common cause of blood in the stool in cats is colitis, or inflammation of the colon. Colitis is a symptom of various gastro-intestinal disorders, and identifying the cause of the inflammation can be difficult.

When colitis occurs, inflammation of the colon causes the cells in the lining of the intestines to separate, becoming permeable and allowing water and secretion to leak out. Motility of the gut is affected, as is the ability of the colon to absorb water and store feces. This leads to frequent diarrhea, often with mucous and blood, as the food in the intestines passes through the colon before nutrients and water are utilized by the body.

Aside from blood in the stool, cats with colitis will defecate frequently, with very little stool actually being passed, and strain repeatedly in the litterbox. Because the biggest complication of colitis is rapid dehydration, veterinary attention should be sought anytime your cat has blood in its stool and diarrhea. Your veterinarian can treat the dehydration, as well as help to identify and treat the underlying causes.

Parasites are a common cause of colitis and bloody stools in kittens. Kittens typically acquire roundworms through the milk of an infected mother. Adult cats can acquire the parasite by eating a rodent or other animal that was affected with the parasite. These long, spaghetti like parasites can cause severe signs in young animals, including vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, coughing and gagging. If left untreated, the worms can cause pneumonia, intestinal obstructions and death.

Protozoa infections, such as Giardia and Coccidia, occur when a single-celled parasite is ingested via contaminated soil, food or water. This parasite can cause an array of gastrointestinal issues, from an occasional bout of soft stools to a severe episode of vomiting, diarrhea and hematochezia.

In unvaccinated cats and kittens, feline Panleukopenia can be a devastating disease. Also known as feline distemper, Panleukopenia is caused by the parvovirus and is highly contagious from cat to cat. It is of especially great concern in shelters, catteries and boarding facilities where it can remain active and infectious in the environment for months or even years. The virus is especially dangerous to kittens who have not fully developed their immune systems, and can cause a high fever, vomiting, nasal discharge, respiratory signs, diarrhea, hematochezia, dehydration and death.

In older cats that develop hematochezia, one of the main concerns is inflammatory bowel disease. Cats with IBD develop a chronic level of inflammatory cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and can affect the mucosa of different areas: the small intestine (enteritis), colon (colitis) and stomach (gastritis).

Unlike colitis that occurs due to a temporary intestinal upset, cats with IBD develop an inflammatory response in their intestines that does not resolve. The exact causes are unknown, but its origin has been linked to food sensitivities, bacteria in the intestinal tract, and immune system dysfunctions.

Left untreated, in the short run IBD can lead to poor digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as abdominal discomfort. Over time, the chronic inflammation can lead to scaring of the mucosa, and studies have shown that the scaring often leads to the development of lymphoma, a type of cancer, in the intestines.

Blood in the stool can also be attributed to more external causes, such as trauma to the rectum, anal gland abscesses, or tumors and polyps in the rectum.

If your cat has had more than one episode of blood in its stool, a veterinarian should examine him or her to rule out possible causes. Routine fecal screening can help to detect and eradicate internal parasites before they are able to cause severe damage to your pets’ intestinal tract. In addition, a fecal cytology can detect the presence of bacteria such as salmonella in the feces. A complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry analysis can help to access your cats general level of health, and may provide clues to possible viral or other causes.

Radiographs may be recommended to rule out an intestinal obstruction or blockage, and an ultrasound exam can help to diagnose any potential tumors, as well as access the condition of the intestines. If the bowel appears thickened, scarred or abnormal on the ultrasound, your veterinarian may recommend further tests to see if IBD, or even lymphoma may be causing your cats symptoms.

Regardless of the cause of the blood in the stool, cats that are having repeated episodes of diarrhea or vomiting may need to be hospitalized so that their dehydration can be corrected with IV fluids, and that medicine can be administered to control vomiting. Depending on the cause of the hematochezia, treating your cat may be as simple as administering a dewormer or changing his food, but only your veterinarian can determine what is causing your cats symptoms.

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The situation may be brought on by a trip to the vet or a front door left open, but the worst of nightmares begins when a beloved four pawed family member escapes or goes missing. If you have never encountered this situation, the experience can be quite a shock. For many of us it can be paralyzing at a time when we need to be on our best game. It is a time for action when you may feel the need to curl up and just cry. Below is a list of the most immediate activities to pursue when first you realize your cat has escaped or is missing.

First Response Protocol…

A step by step list

Relax and don’t panic… but also don’t wait to start looking. Statistics prove that pet owners with the greatest likelyhood of recovering their pet start looking immediately and have an organized approach. Be one of these pet owners.

Ground Zero Property Search: Make sure your pet is really missing. If you did not see him or her escape or do not know of anyone who did, take the time to do a quick search of your property and the most obvious hiding spots before bolting for the front door to look. With cats you need to take a little longer with your ground zero property search as a cat that is feeling poorly can be right inside the house hunkered down and feeling miserable. Think dark and concealed spots that are out of the everyday traffic pattern of your home or property. Check your home, yards, garage, outbuildings, shed, barns, etc.

Preparing to search:

What to bring: You can gather this in 5 minutes or less. A better idea is to have all of this prepared ahead of time and stored with your Pet ID kit*. You can also have some one else do this while you do the ground zero search.

• Full body photo of cat – preferably taken from the side
• 20 cards with 24 hour phone number & the words LOST CAT
• Treats
• Carrier
• Whistle, squeaky toy or clicker if pet has been trained to one or thinks they are fun and will respond.

Immediately, grab your pet’s ID* kit with photo. If you do not have an ID Kit* or have not finished the identification requirements, grab a photo of your pet and a business card with your phone number on it. If you don’t have a business card or if the card does not have a phone number on it that you will answer 24 hours a day, take a yellow sticky, index card or any scraps of paper and write your cell phone number on them with the words LOST CAT. Make at least 20. Don’t forget the carrier and treats in case bribery is necessary. There is something in your refrigerator that will work in an emergency. Hot dogs, last night’s dinner, bologna, cheese, tuna fish may all work in an emergency. A missing pet is an emergency.

Bring in the troops: This is the time to call in your friends, family and neighbors. If possible, recruit those who will be supportive in your efforts and understand your concern and attachment for your pet. Call in your supportive friends and not the naysayers… you need to keep yourself focused and energized in your efforts.

Make it easy for the pet to return: Leave someone at the point of escape or your home in case pet returns. If no one is available leave a gate open, back door, car door, crate or something that pet is familiar with and may want to stay near. In the worst case and with nothing else to leave, take off a piece of your clothing and leave it at the front door, near the gate or on the front porch.

Head for the door and begin to search the surrounding neigborhood or area.

Searching for a Missing CAT in the first hours

Choose a Direction: If you know in which direction the cat went, go that way, (and forget the ground zero search as you know he’s out). If you are not sure of the direction and your cat has got out before, go in the direction he went the last time he got out. If you have no idea what so ever, go to the spot where you think the cat escaped and assume he went right. This is a percentage call because cats, like dogs, turn to the right more often than they turn to the left. If however, there is something scary to the right or something is blocking the way then choose another direction.

The cat that lives indoors or bolted in fear

Cats will bolt in a direction and tend to stay straight. Cats tend to run under cover, up against houses, bushes or fences if they are frightened or tend towards skittish behavior. When frightened all cats will bolt towards cover so if your cat lives indoors all the time or was most likely scared, look for cover that the cat could have traveled along. Think in terms of straight lines for direction of travel.

Get down on you knees and look from a height close to the level of your cat’s eyes, (about 18 inches is fine). You will be surprised at how different the landscape looks from this vantage. Look for obvious cover and things a cat could get under. Also if the cat has escaped before, retrace the direction he ran towards the last time.

The cat that has access to the outdoors and occasionally or regularly is let outside

When a cat that has regular outdoor access does not come home as usual, the highest probability is that something has kept him from returning. There is myriad of situations that occur in this situation but one usually must assume it is an incident of some sort. Male cats and females in heat may go wandering on occasion but there is usually something that will alert you to a change in behavior beforehand. If your outdoor access cat goes missing, it is necessary to consider an event or situation has occurred that is keeping the cat from returning as has been his or her routine.

Neighborhood QUIK search

Easy to remember formula:

5 for 2 no more than 1 in 12 (explained in the paragraph below)

Look within a radius of five houses for the first two hours using the techniques mentioned. If after two hours there is no resolution, expand your search spiraling out from the point last seen as the center of the spiral. In the first twelve hours it is generally not necessary to go more than one block in each of the eight compass directions.

Calling for your cat: One of the most difficult parts of a search is trying to remain calm when you feel something may have happened. As you call your cat it is important to use your inside, affectionate voice. When we are stressed or trying to project our voice, we put tension in our voice which most pets perceive as something wrong. Always use a low, soft voice and affectionate clicks and noises you use regularly when playing or talking to your cat. Screaming or yelling a cat’s name is not effective and sends most cats further away in panic. Most of us have funny, affectionate or maybe even goofy pet names we call our beloved pet… this is the time to use them.

• Call the cat’s name but stop to listen…
• Call… listen (pause to count of 10).
• Call (pause to count of 10)… listen.
• Continue calling in the areas you feel are more probable and likely for your cat to explore or hide in.

Remember to use your indoor, happy affectionate voice like you want to play or give affection.

Talk to everyone you see…

As you are looking, show your cats picture to everyone. Remember to leave them one of your telephone cards or premade flyer from your PET ID Kit*. Askeveryone you see outside, “Have you seen this cat?” Listen for their response but do not stop to chat unless they have recent information about your pets disappearance.

When you see your cat

When you see your cat, do not give chase but slowly go to your knees and encourage the cat to approach. Try these techniques:

• Drop to your knees and use your inside voice. If your cat stops, encourage him to approach. Offer a tidbit or treat if you have one.
• If the cat is running develop a strategy to “head him off at the pass”. Intersecting an animal’s forward direction is better than flat out sprinting behind. Angulation in the direction you think he or she will go is more effective.

Follow your leads and sightings until you either find your pet or run out of clues and sightings. If you go over three hours with no sightings or clues, head back to the point of escape to update and design a more formal search strategy with public awareness, development of witnesses and effective activities that are more likely to lead to a reunion with your pet.

A quick call to a licensed professional, skilled in missing cat behavior and scenarios, is time and money well spent. Experience has proven that pet owners who use the services of a professional at the onset of the their search, are rewarded with a faster recovery time. A well planned strategy with input from a professional, is an effective tool when a beloved cat goes missing.

*A PET ID Kit is a preventive measure, strongly recommended by Karin for pet owners whose dogs and cats are members of their families.

About the Author
Karin Goin is a licensed private investigator and the President of Pet Detectives, inc. a private investigative agency whose sole mission is the location and recovery of missing pets. By utilizing investigative skills, animal behavior profiling, escape scenario breakdown and environmental influences, she is able to “drill down” to the most likely scenario a missing pet may be experiencing. When not on the road with her K9 tracking team, she spends most of her time on the phone coaching pet owners in the search for their missing pets.

Karin and her K9s are regularly featured in newspapers, magazines and on television news segments across the country. She is the author of Finding Home… The Pet Owners Guide to Finding a Missing Dog and A Meow at the Door: Effective Techniques for Finding and Recovering a Missing Cat. She is in negotiations for a network TV series scheduled to air in 2008. Call 918-368-2228 for further information.

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It’s becoming more popular to bring your pet on vacation with you. With pet friendly hotels and the accepting nature of long distance relatives, you may find yourself traveling with a cat more often than not in the upcoming years. That is, to say the least, if you can figure out how to prevent the shrieking yawl that has the kids covering their ears and begging to for their first rest stop within half an hour of leaving the driveway. It can be enough to make you turn the car around.

Fortunately, there are numerous little tricks you can try before your next road trip. However, not all disgruntled felines will take to anything other than their beloved home, and you may want to consider the quality of the trip in full for those guys who refuse to be comforted.

To rule out general dissatisfaction and loneliness as a main cause for the ruckus your cat is insisting on creating, try keeping the carrier (he is in a pet carrier, isn’t he?) close enough to allow a human that he really likes to reach in from time to time and let him know that he is not alone. For some cats, this is really all it takes. Others seem to be insisting on their own personal private suite for the next traveling go around.

Cats are really quite unique creatures. No two are alike and their personalities can range from dog like companionship to aloof creatures that show up for food and their occasional scratch on the head. How your cat relates to you and how much interaction he prefers will determine, in part, how well he handles traversing the world as your companion.

Cats should always go inside the carrier. Even lap friendly cats who are more than content to roam around the car while you tick the miles off need to be confined for their own safety. Some cats will ultimately go crazy at the thought of enduring a car ride. These cats are usually better off left at home or sedated if the trip is necessary.

Keeping your cat safe is the number one priority. Cat carriers, hotel rooms with pet privacy (which is nothing more than a do not disturb sign and the ability to refuse house keeping services) and some sort of safe confinement while you are out of the room. If you are landing at a relative’s or a friend’s house, you are still going to want to ensure that he can’t escape, especially if there are other animals in the home.

Keeping your cat happy while keeping him safe is not an easy task. He needs to be confined, which can be torturous on a cat that hasn’t adjusted to the carrier. Introducing him to the idea of the carrier well before a trip for random periods of time is highly recommended. Traveling with a cat is so much easier when your cat has a basic understanding of what is happening around him.

The actual act of traveling, whether by car or by plane, is absolutely the most difficult part of the trip for 98% of cat traveling companions. Some cats can be comforted through the bars of the pet carrier while others will actually claw, bite, or scratch at any attempting fingers which reach through the slatted bars in an effort to help console him. How he handles his fear will determine his actions. Never let children try to comfort the cat until after you know how he will react.

Other cats may be more content with a few safe toys and other familiar belongings littered throughout his carrier. Some cats prefer to be completely covered; a blanket over the carrier will serve nicely for the kitty who doesn’t wish to see his world go whizzing by. Other cats are more interested in their whereabouts and thus feel the need to peak out the windows of the car to feel like they are in control. Finding out what works well for your cat is a matter of trial and error. A few short trips in the months before the bug trip will definitely help you figure out what will ultimately work best.

If your cat requires the chronic use of sedatives before taking a trip, you may want to consider whether trips are better for him, or better for you. Sedatives shouldn’t be handed out lightly.

If you know that you are going to be traveling with a cat from the beginning, start car training you cat as early as possible. Small trips here and there (never leave a cat unattended in a car, especially in warm or cold weather) is all it takes to get him used to the idea of traveling right from the very start.

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Just like with people, a reduction in food intake is likely not going to be enough to curb the problem, especially if it has been going on for a number of years. Aside from putting a cat on a diet, he is going to need an increase in stimulation as well as an increase in physical exercise.

A high fat content in any animal is not healthy. Just like the homo sapiens, felines and other creatures that are obese run the risk of heart disease or heart problems as well as joint and back problems, diabetes, and the complications related to such issues. Obesity in animals can shorten their life span anywhere from three to seven years. Thus, if your furry friend is toting around a few extra pounds, it is prudent that you not only alter his dietary intake but promote a healthier lifestyle for your cat.

Start with the extras. Just like the human diet, meals are often not the culprit of the spare tire. Snacking too much in between meals is the fastest way for your kitten to plump up. Cat treats are often a good source of extra iron and extra essential fatty acids that cats need in order to experience good health. However, a bag of treats per day is equivalent to a human eating a whole package of cookies throughout the day. Cutting out those calories alone can often be enough to help Fuzzy tone down. Adding just one fifteen minute play session to his day can often help develop muscle tone so that he can beef up the muscles while draining the fat. However, when he manages to turn himself into that buff envy of the alley, don’t allow him to go back to old habits, or he may begin a feline version of yoyo dieting.

One of the most delectable sins of the feline feeding frenzy includes table scraps. Table scraps make great treats. And there are those who believe that table scraps are even healthier than prepackaged treats. However, a cat’s body is not the same as a human’s body. He is not likely to process our foods in the same manner. That means that he can not tolerate the same amounts or the same concentrations of saturated fats, sugars, and even fats derived from artificial sources. Table scraps can readily add unproductive pounds to his waistline.

Of course, you have already started the habit of allowing him a go at the dishes after mealtime, and changing his behavior is going to be serious challenge. You may not even be completely comfortable asking him to endure total denial. He doesn’t understand why you are suddenly requiring him to stay down off the counter while the dishes are being cleared. He’s only been practicing his dishwasher act every day for the last six years. If this is the case, cut his portion down to a scant amount. Instead of allowing him to clear off the plates in their entirety, allow him the smallest amount that is left for him on a paper plate or in his dish.

Because cats are nimble creatures, putting a cat on a diet can be a significant challenge. Unlike a dog, who is unlikely to jump up and scour the counter tops for extra tidbits, cats are able to leap wherever you have stashed a bit of food, even if it is covered with plastic wrap. In many cases, cats who are suddenly denied spend a great deal of time lurking about the counter tops in want of a scrap that you left behind. While the extra activity may be good for him, the truth is, what he may find is likely to counteract your efforts as well as provide for an unpleasant surprise when you go to retrieve the special dessert you covered three hours ago for company.

When you have committed to your cat’s waistline, you have to take the time to be sure that you have carefully tucked away everything that your sweet furball might be able to discover. Remember he is going to be particularly determined. Spend a moment thinking like cat and discovering all the ways he might sneak a treat from the counters, refrigerator tops, even some cabinets.

Once you have cut out the treats, you may start to see an improvement nearly right away. However, for some particularly pudgy pals, a change in food may also be in order. Reduced calories foods can be introduced over a period of about a week. For the first few days, you will want to mix his new lower calorie food with his regular food. Start with ¼ low calorie food mixed with ¾ regular food. Continue this process adding more of the lower calorie food and less of the regular food. By day five you should be adding ¾ of the lower calorie food to about ¼ regular food. Within one week he should be on a low calorie diet without any digestive fallout from the switch.

As stated earlier, putting a cat on a diet is most often not quite enough. In fact, without exercise, your cat might not be able to lose more than ½ pound. Use new toys or old favorites and set aside some scheduled time to make sure he has two to three fifteen minute play sessions daily. If you haven’t been able to notice improvement within a month of starting his new regimen, you might want to take him to the veterinarian. On some occasions, a prescription weight loss program or medication might be the only remedy. However, approach this with caution and only as a last resort to behavior modification. Remember, it is your behavior you are also in need of modifying. Allowing your cat to manipulate you by being cute, demanding, or even downright annoying isn’t doing him any favors.

Putting a cat on a diet is a commitment, a lengthy commitment that requires determination, time, and forethought on your behalf. However, it is vital for your cat’s health that you set aside the appropriate energy. He relies on you for everything, including your good judgment. It is not natural for any animal to become overweight, and it is often a function of lifestyle and human misunderstanding that allows an animal to put on abnormal amounts of weight. Should you notice your cat gaining weight, a diet might be in order well before he hits the stage commonly called; obese.

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The normal, healthy cat may routinely vomit once or twice a week as a rule, without any obvious medical reason. In most cases, cats that vomit occasionally without any other sign of illness are either doing so due to their eating habits, or due to hairballs.

What causes cat vomiting in animals that have just eaten is usually not vomiting at all, but regurgitation. This is most commonly seen with cats who eat very quickly, and those who eat an exclusively dry food diet. When ingested, dry food will absorb the moisture in the cats stomach, expanding in size, encouraging the cat to regurgitate to alleviate discomfort. By soaking dry food before feeding it to your cat, or by dividing the food into smaller meals more frequently during the day, you can help to solve this problem.

Cats are excellent self-groomers, but an unfortunate byproduct of their good hygiene is hairballs. The unique structure of the cats’ tongue stems from the presence of small papillae on the surface of the tongue, acting like a comb as the cat grooms itself. Hairs “combed” are then swallowed, and this indigestible material stays in the stomach, accumulating more hair as well as other food material. Eventually the hairball becomes irritating and begins to interfere with eating and drinking, at which point the cat will cough, hack, retch, and hopefully, vomit up the offending hairball. Most prevalent in long-haired cats, a dry cough and frequent retching, especially after meals, as well as small spots of yellow bile on the floor or carpet, are evidence of unsuccessful attempts to void the hairball. Once successful, the final result is a disgusting wet and sticky mass of hair on your floor.

Brushing your cat can significantly reduce his development of hairballs. Commercial hairball remedies are available to help the hairball pass in the feces, but will not prevent hairball formation.

In cats that vomit intermittently, parasites may be playing a role. Giardia, an intestinal parasite that is caused by a single-celled organism, is highly prevalent in catteries and shelters, and is easily passed from cat to cat via infected soil and water. Salmonella, a bacterial infection, as well as intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms can cause intermittent vomiting as well as diarrhea in cats. Many affected cats will appear healthy, except for short bouts of intestinal upset, and some may show no outward signs at all, but still harbor a parasite.

Fecal screening can determine the presence of intestinal parasites, and medication is available to treat and cure this cause of cat vomiting.

Older cats that begin vomiting more frequently later in life may be experiencing a more serious medical problem.

Chronic vomiting (occurring more than twice a week for at least 3 weeks) in older cats is often caused by irritable bowel disorder, or IBD. This disease of the gastrointestinal tract causes increased inflammatory cells, which can affect the mucosa of the small intestine (enteritis), large intestine (colitis), stomach (gastritis), and colon.

There are many potential causes of IBD, but the specific cause in each case is generally not known. The most common causes include food allergies or sensitivity to certain types of food, bacteria in the intestinal tract, and as well as immune system disorders.

While IBD is itself a painful and troublesome condition in cats, untreated it can lead to potentially fatal complications. The chronic inflammation has been found to lead to scaring in the mucosa of the digestive tract, and lymphoma has found to develop as a result of the chronic irritation and scaring.

Kidney disease and renal failure occur in a great number of older cats, and is one of the leading causes of death in cats. The kidneys are the filtration system of the body, filtering waste products from the blood, and expelling them through the urine. Over time, kidneys can begin to degrade and their function decreases. This process typically occurs over a long period of time, and because the kidneys can continue to function normally even with up to 70% of their function lost, by the time symptoms are present the disease is often quite advanced. Weight loss is the most common symptom of kidney failure, but affected cats may also have symptoms of vomiting, decreased appetite and depression. Blood tests can diagnose kidney failure, and treatment is aimed at reducing the workload of the kidneys by increasing fluid intake, and feeding a diet specially formulated for kidney failure.

Another common disease of older cats is hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones control metabolism, and when that hormone is increased it can adversely affect many of the cats body systems. Hyperthyroid cats often have weight loss despite an increased appetite, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure and behavioral changes. Hyperthyroidism is often easily controlled with daily medications, as well as frequent bloodwork to assess other body systems and monitor thyroid levels.

Any time a kitten has any repeated episode of vomiting is cause for concern. Kittens are especially vulnerable to Feline Panleukopenia, or feline distemper, a highly contagious disease. Common in shelters, catteries and boarding facilities, this virus can be deadly in kittens, and cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration in cats of all ages. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection.

While chronic renal failure most often occurs in older cats, a sudden onset of vomiting in cats can be a sign of acute renal failure. A life-threatening emergency, acute renal failure can be caused by severe kidney infections, ingestion of substance toxic to the kidneys (i.e. poison ingestion), or kidney obstruction. Symptoms of acute renal failure include sudden, acute vomiting, lethargy, weakness, disorientation and ataxia (poor coordination). Immediate, intensive medical treatment is required to treat the underlying cause of the kidney malfunction, and to support the body as the kidneys recover. Intravenous fluids and even dialysis may be performed to clear your cats body of toxins, and return function to the kidneys.

What causes cat vomiting can be a tricky thing to determine. Regular examinations with your veterinarian, as well as attention to your cats normal routine can help to determine when vomiting is normal, or not normal, for your cat.

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This is an important question to have answered because by the time a cat is showing obvious symptoms, such as not eating or vomiting, it is possible that she has been sick for quite some time.

The best thing that you can do is to get to know your cat. Learn her eating and sleeping habits and pay attention to how she behaves. Also, make note of the density, color and sheen of her coat. If you pay attention to how your cat looks and acts when she is healthy, it will be much easier for you to notice when something is not quite right.

There are many signs that you can look for to determine the health of your cat. Below are some indications that something may be wrong.

Hair Loss
June Rauch was brushing her cat one night when she noticed a large bald spot on one of the rear legs. All around the bald spot was what appeared to be black dirt. Where ever this black dirt type substance was visible, the hair could be removed very easily. As hair was removed, more of the black stuff showed up. When she called her vet, she was told it could be an infection from fleas, a virus or a sign of something more serious, such as pancreatic cancer. June was pretty sure it wasn’t fleas as there were no signs of flea activity.

When she took her cat to the vet they ran tests for the more serious possibilities, and gave the cat a long lasting shot of antibiotics while waiting for results. If the hair loss was the result of a virus, the vet said that shot would clear it up within a few days.

Happily, the antibiotics took care of the problem, but June might not have even noticed the hair loss had she not taken time to brush her cat that night.

Hair loss is not normal, and it does not happen without a reason. As June learned, the cause of hair loss could be very serious, so take the time to look over your cat’s coat on a regular basis.

Gums
While it may not be easy to get a good look inside your cat’s mouth, doing so can provide clues about a variety of possible health problems.

When Ken Smith’s cat stopped eating, he thought she was grieving the loss of her sister who had died suddenly. He thought she’d start eating again soon. Then, he caught a glimpse of her gums when she was yawning. He noticed they were very yellow, so he rushed to her the vet the next day. It was a good thing he did. She had liver disease that was on the border of becoming liver failure. He chose to go ahead with a very expensive surgery that saved the cats life, but if he hadn’t noticed her yellow gums, and got her to the vet when he did, she probably would not have made it.

While yellow gums are a sign of jaundice which can indicate a liver problem, the gums can also provide a hint of other health issues.

A bluish tint could indicate that your cat is not getting enough oxygen. A very white, as opposed to a more normal pink, tint can be an indication of anemia.

It is important to note that some cats develop freckles and other discoloration on their gums as they age. Still, anything that is out of the ordinary should be checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

The only way that you can know if something is out of the ordinary is to learn what your cat’s gums look like normally.

Eyes
Just as the color of the gums can indicate a variety of diseases, so can the cat’s eyes. Again, you must take a good look at your cat so that you know what is normal for her. That is the best way to be able to notice when something is not quite right. The whites of a cat’s eyes should be, obviously, white. Look for any discoloration including bloodshot or patches of color. Both could be signs that something is wrong.

There are other eye abnormalities to look for as well such as pink swollen areas around the eyes, changes in the color of the eyes, a cloudy film over the pupils or pupils that look different from each other. All of those could be indications of a serious health problem.

Other Signs
Other visible signs that could indicate trouble include a change in the sheen or density of the coat, discoloration around the ears and sneezing or coughing. Also, if your cat is lethargic, refuses to eat or drink or if you notice a change in litter box habits, those could also be indicators of a health problem.

There are many ways to answer the question “how can I tell if my cat is sick.” The importance of knowing what is normal for your cat cannot be stressed enough. All cats are different, but knowing YOUR cat will help you notice right away when something is wrong.

When you do notice a problem, do not wait for it to go away on its own. Instead, contact your vet who can advise you whether or not the symptoms are serious enough to require an office visit.

By paying attention to your cat and taking a few minutes once a month to give her a good once over, you’ll be able to catch any health problems early. This will give her the best chance to make a full recovery.

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