cat care – Taste of the Wild Pet Food

Surprise Things You Can Do to Make Your Cat Happy

Posted on September 14, 2023 - 1:35 pm by [email protected]

A black, white and brown cat sitting in a white room surrounded by confetti and balloons.

Happy Cat Month, pet owners! Yes, you read that right. September marks the annual Happy Cat Month created by CATalyst Council. This celebratory month was established to spread education about the health, happiness and importance of companion cats. So, keeping this in mind, what ways can you surprise your cat and bring them some extra joy this September?

Quality Time Makes Happy Cats

Cats may seem like independent, quiet creatures, but they appreciate socializing with their humans just as much as dogs do. They’re usually a little less vocal than a doggo about needing attention, but they need it all the same. So, our first surprise for Mittens is to add extra spurts of playtime and cuddles throughout your daily routine. Life can get busy, but cat time can be the purrfect excuse to take a much-needed break. Quality time often improves Mittens’ mental health, which lessens anxiety and destructive behavior. An extra ten to twenty minutes here and there adds up. And according to Pet MD, at least one hour of play a day can increase your cat’s life span. Studies have also shown that cuddling your cat can lower your blood pressure and help fight off loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Just make sure Mittens is in the mood for kitty cuddles before going all ham on them.

Throw a Party for Your Cat

Happy cats sometimes call for a cat-themed parties for your toe-beaned friend. If your pet is a more social individual, consider inviting some family and friends over for snacks and showering the cat of the hour with all kinds of attention. Whip up a cat-friendly treat or visit a local pet store for the perfect cupcake-like cat treat to go along with the human foods. Top off the party with photo booth props and an area where attendees can snap some pics with Mittens.

If your pet is not a social butterfly, that’s OK! Pick a day where you and/or your household hosts a tiny party for Mittens. You can still surprise them with some yummy homemade treats and photo opportunities around the house. We’re pawsitive that as long as your pet is partying it up with you, they’ll be a happy camper.

Outdoors Is a Natural Cat Happy Place

Cats who spend time outside are stimulated by all the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Try leash training your cat to take them on short strolls through the backyard. They’ll have new areas to sniff, grass to eat and wildlife to watch. Reach for the flea and tick medicine before taking Mittens outside, though, so you don’t bring any parasites back into your house. One way to make your feline unhappy is dealing with literal blood suckers.

Another way to get your cat outdoors and enjoying the fresh air is with the help of a pet tent or a catio. Pet tents can be found at local pet stores or online. This portable option can be set up anywhere outside (or inside). It can be stocked with a water bowl, toys and other comfort items, too, to help Mittens enjoy their time lying in a collapsible shelter outdoors. We recommend setting up the tent indoors first, to help your cat get acquainted with the new item prior to its outdoor use.

An upgrade from a pet tent is a catio. This option is less portable but could offer your pet more space to climb and crawl around in. Catios can be ordered online or created from various materials picked up at the local hardware store and thrift shops. It provides your cat with a stable, stationary enclosure anywhere in the yard. They’re often weatherproofed and can be fitted with multiple shelves, cat hammocks and cat huts. We’re sure Mittens is happy just envisioning this possibility!

Planting Catnip and Cat Grass

Continuing with the nature theme, bring a little outdoors inside for Mittens. Consider planting pots of catnip and cat grass near your cat’s favorite window. Both plants are feline favorites!

Cat grass may look like grass from your backyard, but rest assured it’s not! It’s typically grown from rye, barley, oat, wheat or alfalfa seeds. Cat grass provides your favorite feline with antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins and additional nutrients that promote overall gut and immune health. It also aids in removing hairballs and enhances mental stimulation. Cat grass can be found online or at a local pet store.

Catnip plants are a member of the mint family. You can add catnip to a homemade recipe or give it to them raw as a treat. This plant can help reduce anxiety and enhance positive associations to objects, events or locations. Because of its holistic calming effect, some veterinarians recommend catnip when anxious pets must travel. When cats come into contact with the catnip plant, they’ll likely roll around, show increased affection or may play-bite. Do not be alarmed — they’re just showing you how happy they are with their new catnip.

Dental Toys Make a Healthy and Happy Cat

Who doesn’t love a new toy? And when a new cat toy can double as a way to better your cat’s health, it’s a win-win! Add cat dental toys to the lineup of surprises to upgrade your cat’s hygiene habits. From catnip sticks to wiggle worm (plastic) chew toys, there’s a wide array of options at your local pet store or online.

Now, it’s important to note that cat dental toys do not replace a vet visit and teeth cleaning, but they do freshen your pet’s teeth as they play and chew. Cat dental toys can also keep your pet mentally stimulated as they gnaw on something throughout the day. We think Mittens will be delighted to maintain their mouth health and get a new toy to play with.

Ensure Optimal Health for a Happy Cat

Now a surprise Mittens might not be expecting is an annual vet checkup. But it’s worth adding to your September to-do list. By taking your favorite feline in for an annual checkup, you can catch any potential issues early (cats are notorious for hiding pain or discomfort), and this will save money in the long run. Surprise, Mittens! You get to live a healthier, fuller life.

No matter which surprises you choose to bestow upon your furry friend, we’re sure they are going to love the thought and time you put into celebrating this annual holiday. We hope this September enhances the care your cat needs, strengthens the human-feline bond you’ve already established and leads to a lifetime of furry happiness for you both.

Springtime Is Catio Time

Posted on April 27, 2023 - 2:00 pm by [email protected]

Two cats sitting in an enclosed catio playroom out on a patio.

Is there better porch weather than spring weather? And is there a better purrson to share porch time with than your cat? Well, to make sure you both get the most out of your porch (or backyard, in lieu of a good sittin’ porch), here’s how to add a catio to your recreation area.

What’s a catio, you ask? Essentially, it’s a patio built with cats in mind. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, depending on your space and preference. The only real requirement is that your catio is an enclosed space where your cat can enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors safely. They can be small window-set enclosures or giant free-standing play areas. Catios are something cats of all ages can enjoy.

How to Make the Right Catio for Your Cat and Home

You don’t have to have a big backyard or wraparound porch to make this cat dream work! You’ll find that there’s a catio layout for nearly every situation. This means you can make a catio work whether you’re in an apartment, duplex, house or otherwise.

First, if you’re renting your dwelling, we recommend getting permission from your property manager prior to getting started. There are catio options that are less permanent than others.

Next, choose the best location for your catio. This could be a window, an existing deck or a level spot in the backyard. Once you roughly know what dimensions you’re looking at, you can decide whether you want to buy a cat enclosure to assemble or build one from scratch. Cat enclosures are sold at most pet stores as well as online retailers like Amazon.

Building a catio from scratch can mean purchasing all new materials OR it could mean visiting your local Habitat ReStore and thrift shops for repurposed materials. Who knows, a refurbished chicken coop from the local thrift shop could be the starting point for your new catio! You don’t have to be a carpenter to build a catio, and you don’t have to break the bank crafting one either.

The main things to remember are that your catio is secured to the ground and/or side of the dwelling, and that there are no sharp edges or exposed nails that could harm your cat. We don’t want Mittens to escape or get hurt.

Don’t Forget the Decorations

Once you’re done building your cat enclosure, it’s time to decorate. Cats enjoy climbing and a bird’s-eye view. If your catio is big enough, add multiple perches, platforms and ladders. Also, place a blanket, cat bed or cat hammock in the enclosure for your furry feline to curl up and relax. Provide their favorite toys, a water bowl and a couple of treats.

Bonus tip: Add a birdbath or bird-friendly plants a safe distance from the catio so your feline has hours of birding ahead of them.

Introducing Your Cat to Their Oasis

It may take Mittens a week or two to fully get used to the new space. We recommend keeping an eye on your feline to determine when they need to go back inside. Each cat is unique, so you may notice during the first catio experience that Mittens is okay with 10 minutes or they may be alright with 30 minutes. Slowly work your cat up to spending more time in their catio.

Before you know it, they’ll be eager to enjoy their oasis for hours on end.

Benefits of a Catio

Think about the potential veterinary bills that come from a free-roaming cat. Cringe. Now, release a sigh of relief as you envision Mittens safe in their enclosure. Ahhhh. But that’s not the only benefit a catio can provide!

A catio allows your furry companion to take in a variety of smells, sights and noises. This provides them an outlet for expending pent-up energy.
Cats are the number-one threat to birds, so a catio is the perfect solution for protecting cats and birds alike. More birding for you and Mittens on the horizon!
Like humans, cats can feel cooped up. When your pet can take in fresh air, they’ll be more relaxed and content.
May reduce exposure to strays and the diseases they carry.
A happy, healthy indoor cat is a cat with a longer life span. Yes, keeping your pet safe in a catio opposed to letting them roam the neighborhood increases your cat’s longevity.
You get to introduce your furry friend to some of your favorite activities, like gardening or family BBQs.

So are you ready to get your cat into their new catio? We’re pretty sure your cat is ready! With the right amount of creativity and passion, you’ll have the perfect oasis for your cat in no time. Warmer weather, here you both come!

Is Your Cat Happy?

Posted on September 15, 2022 - 2:30 pm by [email protected]

By now you’ve probably seen the trending videos of doggos bouncing to “I’m a happy guy, just a happy, happy guy.” But what about the cats of the world? Are they bouncing happily about, too?

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ll know it’s likely that they are not bouncing around like a bunch of happy dogs. But just because they’re not bouncing around doesn’t mean they’re not gleeful. Cats in general are simply more curious… and restrained.

Cats exhibit happiness in different ways. Knowing what signs to look for in your cat can help you see just how purrfectly satisfied your cat has been this entire time.

Good Grooming Habits

A content cat will groom themselves frequently and often in front of you. The next time they plop down in the middle of the room and hike up a leg for an impromptu bath, remember it’s their way of saying, “Hello, I’m doing great!”

If your cat begins to show signs of an unkept coat, it could be a heads-up that they’re not feeling well. We recommend giving your local vet a call as soon as regular grooming is no longer a top priority for your feline.

Happy Cat Acoustics

Cats can make nearly 100 different vocalizations. Feline noises associated with positive body language — tail up, rubbing up against you, etc. — are a great sign. It’s their way of communicating their level of happiness. For example, if you’re rubbing their belly and your cat is purring away, they’re saying, “Loving this! Keep it up, hooman!”

Now you may notice that some cats are more vocal than others. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re significantly more content. Like humans, some cats just like to communicate more.

Making Biscuits

We all know how adorable it is when cats knead or “make biscuits” with bedding or your lap. But did you know this is also a sign that your furry companion is feeling safe and loved? It’s true! This motion is instinctive behavior felines begin exhibiting after they’re born.

Kneading can also mean they’re marking their territory. According to veterinarians, cats produce a substance called “interdigital semiochemical” between their toes. When the cat makes biscuits and flexes their toes, this chemical is released to label you or that spot as safe territory.

Tails Up

As you bond with your cat, start observing their day-to-day postures and facial expressions to evaluate what they’re responding positively or negatively to. A cat’s body language can say a lot about how they’re feeling.

If they’re scrunched down, wiggling their behind and have dilated eyes, they’re ready to pounce and play. If they’re stretched out and lounging in front of you, they’re relaxed. Or if they’re walking with their tail up with a little curve at the end, they’re happy as a lark.

Greeting Their Human

Being a cat owner, walking in the door from a trip to the grocery store usually means you’re greeted with a cat by your feet. To you, it’s a game of don’t trip over the cat and drop the eggs. But to Mittens, it’s their way of saying, “Welcome home! I’m ecstatic you’ve returned.” Happy cats will lift their head, meow, rub up against your leg or blink slowly whether you’re entering through the front door or walking in their direction.

Regular Litter Box Usage

Not only do you want your cat to use their litter box because it keeps your place cleaner, but it also signals that they’re doing okay, health-wise. And we all want our furry feline to be feeling well.

A sick or unhappy cat will try to communicate with their human that something is off by going to the bathroom near the box but not in it. If this is a persistent issue, make an appointment with your local veterinarian.

Eating and Sleeping Well

Gleeful cats will eat and sleep regularly, meaning they aren’t suddenly awake different hours of the day. What’s a normal amount of sleep for a cat? Typically between 12 to 16 hours a day depending on their age. Kittens and older cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day.

Happy, healthy cats typically don’t shun a healthy diet (as determined by pet food packaging and/or your veterinarian). But it’s good to remember that food intake is also based on age and life stage.

If you notice your cat’s sleep and eating habits are out of sorts, contact your veterinarian as this could also be another warning sign your pet is not feeling well.

After evaluating your cat’s level of happiness, how do you feel? If Mittens doesn’t seem like the most happy or content cat, get with your veterinarian and see what you can do to help!

12 Tips for Raising a Healthy, Happy Kitten

Posted on July 16, 2020 - 6:47 pm by [email protected]

Do we detect the pitter-patter of tiny kitten paws in your house? If you’re adding a new feline family member, here are some important kitten care tips to help you make a successful start.

Age matters. The kitten socialization period, when they learn to interact with other animals and humans, ends at around 7 weeks of age. To encourage healthy social interactions and bonds, make sure kittens aren’t separated from the litter before this time.

Catproof the house. Remove toxic houseplants; put away string, yarn, buttons and other small objects that can be swallowed; and cover electrical cords that can be chewed.

Start a veterinary health program. Your veterinarian can recommend the right vaccines, parasite prevention and nutrition to help put your kitten on the road to good health.

Tag your kitten. It’s easy for small kittens to inadvertently slip out the door. Increase the chance they’ll be returned to you with an ID tag on a breakaway collar. This kind of collar snaps off if caught on a fence or branch to prevent choking, in which case a microchip can serve as a permanent form of identification.

Make gradual introductions. If you have other household pets, keep the kitten in a separate room, allowing pets to sniff each other under the door, then through a baby gate, and then gradually introduce supervised meetings over the course of a week.

Scratching is a normal behavior. Provide kittens with scratching posts so they can give in to their natural instincts. Start nail trims early so kittens are comfortable with having their paws handled.

Count the litter boxes. You need one box for every cat in the household, plus one more, in different locations. Large, uncovered boxes with low sides in easily accessible but private locations are best. Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter that’s scooped every day.

Stay positive. Never punish a kitten because this can lead to fear, anxiety and aggression. Instead, reinforce good behavior with praise and a treat.

Make time for play. Purchase or make cat-safe toys, such as feather dancers and balls that can’t be chewed or swallowed. They don’t have to be expensive — kittens like hiding in cardboard boxes and paper grocery bags or batting around wads of crumpled paper.

Invest in good nutrition. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s specially formulated to provide the energy and nutrients to help your kitten grow strong and healthy. Avoid the bottomless food bowl, which can lead to overeating and obesity.

Start brushing. Use a finger brush and pet toothpaste to get your kitten accustomed to dental care from an early age. Same goes for grooming: Brush medium- and long-haired cats to help prevent the development of painful mats.

Train your kitten. Most kittens are able to learn certain commands such as “come” and “sit.” Keep training sessions short, and reward the right behavior with treats and praise.

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