Cleaning Tip

Cat Cleaning Tips: When your cat coughs up hairballs, or vomits on the floor ( hopefully the floor ) lol, what do you use to clean up the mess? I'm sure most people used paper towels. I used paper towels and a spray friendly cleaner. But discovered something better. I now use unscented all purpose wipes and kill two birds with one stone. The all purpose wipes are already moist and absorb the hairball or vomit with one swipe. Much easier if you ask me. So thats my cat tip of the day.

Tips for a Happy and Healthy Feline: A Guide to Your Cat’s Well-Being

 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Feline: A Guide to Your Cat’s Well-Being

As a cat parent, ensuring your feline friend’s happiness and health is a top priority. Cats are independent, curious creatures with their own unique needs, but with the right care and attention, you can help them live their best lives. From providing proper nutrition to enriching their environment, there are plenty of ways to ensure your cat stays content, healthy, and well-cared-for. Here are some tips to promote a happy and healthy feline:

1. Provide a Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet is key to your cat’s overall health and longevity. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on animal-based proteins. Choose high-quality commercial cat food that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs, whether wet, dry, or a combination of both.

Tip: Consult your veterinarian to select the best food for your cat’s age, activity level, and any health concerns. Fresh water should always be available, as dehydration can lead to kidney issues.

2. Keep Them Active and Stimulated

Cats are natural hunters and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors and stress. Provide a variety of toys that encourage them to play, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders. Scratching posts and climbing trees also help keep them active and fulfill their instinctual need to scratch.

Tip: Rotate toys regularly to maintain your cat’s interest and consider interactive toys that challenge their minds.

3. Give Them a Safe and Comfortable Space

Cats need a space where they feel secure and comfortable. Whether it’s a cozy bed, a quiet nook, or a sunny windowsill, provide your cat with a variety of places to rest. Cats are territorial, and having access to their own safe spots helps reduce stress and gives them a sense of security.

Tip: Make sure your cat’s environment is free from hazards, such as toxic plants, and ensure they have a litter box that’s easily accessible and cleaned regularly.

4. Regular Vet Visits and Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for catching health issues early. Your cat should see a vet for routine exams and vaccinations, especially if they’re an indoor/outdoor cat. Keep up with flea and tick prevention, as well as dental care. Cats are masters at hiding illness, so don't wait for signs of trouble to see the vet.

Tip: Be aware of subtle changes in your cat’s behavior or appetite. These could be early signs of health problems, so always err on the side of caution.

5. Promote Mental Health and Stress Reduction

Just like people, cats can experience stress and anxiety. Loud noises, changes in routine, or a lack of socialization can cause distress. Provide a calm, predictable environment and allow your cat to adjust at their own pace. Avoid forcing interaction if your cat needs alone time.

Tip: Use calming products like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or music designed for cats to help reduce anxiety.

6. Maintain a Clean Litter Box

A dirty litter box can cause your cat stress and may even lead to inappropriate elimination. Cats are fastidious about cleanliness, so make sure you scoop the litter box daily and clean it thoroughly with soap and water once a week.

Tip: Choose a litter that your cat prefers (some cats are picky about texture) and keep the box in a quiet, private area away from their food and water.

7. Hydration is Key

Dehydration is a common issue among cats, especially those that eat dry food. Cats often prefer drinking running water, so consider investing in a cat water fountain to encourage hydration. Wet food can also provide extra moisture in their diet.

Tip: If your cat isn’t drinking enough, try adding water or low-sodium broth to their food to make it more appealing.

8. Grooming and Hygiene

Regular grooming is important for your cat’s health, especially for long-haired breeds. Brushing helps reduce shedding, prevents mats, and reduces the chances of hairballs. Regular grooming also allows you to check for signs of skin issues or parasites.

Tip: Start grooming your cat early, so they get used to it. Some cats may need more frequent grooming than others, particularly if they have long or thick fur.

9. Socialization and Affection

While cats are often independent, they still need love and attention from their humans. Many cats enjoy cuddles and petting, while others prefer to keep their distance. Pay attention to your cat’s body language and respect their boundaries. Spend quality time with your cat through interactive play, petting, or simply sitting beside them.

Tip: If you have a kitten, early socialization is important. Gently expose them to new experiences, people, and other pets to help them grow into well-adjusted adults.

10. Offer Variety and New Experiences

Cats love exploring, and changing up their environment can keep things interesting. Adding new climbing structures, rearranging furniture, or introducing new scents and experiences can stimulate their curiosity and prevent boredom.

Tip: If you have an indoor cat, consider leash training them to explore the outdoors safely, or create an enclosed “catio” to give them a taste of the outside world.

Conclusion

A happy and healthy cat requires a combination of physical care, mental stimulation, and emotional support. By providing the right diet, regular vet care, enrichment, and a loving environment, you’ll help your feline companion thrive. Remember, every cat is different, so it’s important to tune into their individual preferences and needs. With a little extra attention and care, you can ensure your cat enjoys a long, joyful, and healthy life by your side.

Let’s make sure our feline friends live their best lives!

CRINKLES CRACKS HIS WHEEL

Well it finally happened,  the ONE FAST CAT EXERCISE WHEEL met it's match.  I was in the cat room at my desk, when Peggy-Sue got on the wheel.  I noticed that it was making a strange squeaking sound.  I thought maybe the wheel had come off it's tracking.  So I  readjusted the wheel onto it's tracking, figuring that the problem was solved.  Peggy-Sue then got back on the wheel, and again the wheel made that strange squeaking noise.  So I walked around the wheel, took several steps back, and realized that two of the small tracking wheels had collapsed and were rubbing against the exercise wheel. I took the exercise wheel off it's tracking and began to inspect the situation .  

Inspecting the damage

There is a metal hollow square shaped bar that connects the two sets of small wheels.  This bar and the small wheels act as a base to support the exercise wheel. I inspected the ends of the metal bar and COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES!  At the ends of this hollow square shaped bar are four tiny pieces of metal that holds the washer in place.  These four tiny pieces of metal, HAD BEEN COMPLETELY WORN AWAY!  LOL.  

Good Side

Worn Side

Now I know that the wheel was probably broken before Peggy-Sue got on it, so the culprit was none other than  MR. CRINKLES!  For the last three years, Crinkles has claimed that wheel has his very own.  He is on it EVERY DAY!  He lost 1 kilogram in two years, and went from 6.3 kilograms to a svelte 5.3 kilograms.  Crinkles always goes in the same direction on the wheel.  If you are looking at him directly on the wheel,  he mostly runs to the left side of the wheel.  And of course it was the left side of the metal bar that was broken.  It was a long 4 day wait for Crinkles before the replacement part arrived.  Crinkles seemed lost without his wheel.   I had taken the exercise wheel and leaned it up against the wall by itself.  Crinkles jumped on the exercise wheel thinking that it would turn and rotate, but he seemed quite shocked that it did not move.  When the replacement part finally arrived and the exercise wheel was back in working order, Crinkles seemed unsure if it had been fixed. Finally after a short while he got back on his wheel and was happy as a clam. So, I figure 3 years from now, I will be replacing that metal bar again LOL! 

Not impressed!

Chicken Thief

Welcome to the first installment of my Blog, "DOROTHY'S DIARY".  It's about me, Dorothy of course, and includes my sister siblings Luna, Elvira, Ruffles, Peggy Sue, and Dos. Along with my brother siblings Herbie, Crinkles, Orlando, and Jacques. Together, along with my hoomin caretakers, Terry and Michelle, there is never a dull moment here around our house.

Take yesterday for example. I was casually sitting on the coffee table, watching my hoomin papa, Terry, eating his lunch.  It consisted of juicy strips of tender chicken, scrambled eggs, spinach, and tomatoes.  But it was the juicy strips of tender chicken that caught my eye!  I was just about to make my move, when my sister Luna beat me to the punch!  Luna has this little act that she puts on for Terry when he is sitting down eating his food.  Luna has it down to a science, she is a REAL HAM! Every time Terry is sitting on the couch with his plate of food, Luna springs into action. I know what's coming next, and I watch with anticipation for the chaos to begin.  First, Luna gets up on her hind legs and puts her front paws across Terry's lap.  Then she presses the side of her face against his stomach, and looks up at him with her twinkly little eyes.  Terry's a sucker for her bedroom eye look, and always kisses Luna on the forehead. But he always keeps an eye on his food, looking at me to make sure I don't steal anything off his plate.  But this time when Terry went to kiss Luna on the forehead a second time, PEPPER POT PEGGY SUE,  snuck up behind Terry on the couch, leaned over and grabbed the BIGGEST piece of chicken off his plate! Terry jumped off the couch screaming at Peggy Sue to drop the piece of chicken! Peggy Sue ran in the bedroom under the bed, ran back into the living room into the other spare room, all the time with Terry in hot pursuit!  He finally cornered Peggy sue on the cat tree. She was caught red handed with the big piece of chicken still in her mouth. She would not let go of the chicken! Terry finally put her down on the floor, where she ran into the kitchen dropping the piece of chicken on the floor. During all this commotion, I STAYED PUT! because there in front of me was a plate of unguarded chicken. You can guess what happened next? Terry came back to his lunch and noticed another piece of chicken missing. I think he assumed it was me.  LOL