by Margejane | Cat Behaviors, Cat Food & Treats, Cat Health
So you’re thinking your cat is overweight. But how (unless he is obviously quite fat) to be sure? By taking a BCS, or Body Condition Score. A BCS is a number assigned to a cat’s body type ranging from 1-9, with 1 being very underweight and 9 being very overweight. The ideal weight is around 5, which is the healthiest cat weight.
If your cat is at the ideal weight (5) – your cat should have a well-proportioned body; you can see the waist behind the ribs; you’ll be able to feel the ribs but they have a slight covering of fat. There should be a little paunch of abdominal fat. Now, if your cat is overweight, meaning a BCS of 6-9, you can feel his ribs but they have excess fat covering. The waist and tummy fat pad can be noticed, but it’s not obvious. There’s no abdominal tuck. In an even more obese cat, the ribs cannot be felt and have excess fat covering. You can’t see the waist and the stomach is round with prominent tummy fat. The back has extra fat also. At the most extreme, kitty’s ribs and lumbar area are covered under a heavy fat covering. There’s also heavy fat deposits on the face and limbs The abdomen’s distended and covered in fat and you can’t see the waist – kitty’s too fat to have one.
ASSESS YOUR CAT STEP-BY-STEP
Here’s how to examine your cat thoroughly:
- Feel the ribs – see how easy it is to feel your cat’s ribs. If your cat is at the proper weight it will feel like feeling pencils in a pocket.
- Check kitty’s waist – an overweight cat does not have an hourglass shape – you’ll feel it when you run your hands along your cat’s ribs – they should tuck in when your hands reach the end of the ribs and come to the waist.
- Look at the side view – when you look at your cat from the side, kitty’s stomach should tuck up back towards the hind legs.
HELPING YOUR CAT LOSE WEIGHT
It’s estimated that 50% of cats in America are overweight. An overweight cat is more susceptible to diabetes, many types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, etc.
It’s a slow and gradual process to get your cat back to a healthy weight. Losing weight too quickly is unhealthy and can be dangerous.
The following are some ways to help kitty lose weight:
- Measure kitty’s food so you know exactly how much kitty is eating. Calculate how much your cat is eating now and make a note of it. Keep a record of the amounts as you gradually reduce the amount of food you feed kitty (no more than 10% – 20% per month.)
- Feed your cat several small meals throughout the day. Your kitty will feel less deprived that way even though you’re gradually decreasing the amount of food he’s eating.
- Cats need a more natural diet – high moisture, high protein, and low carbohydrate. Most of the commercial kibble is not healthy. Try to transition your cat to wet or freeze-dried foods. There are some cats that seem to do better on a low calorie, high fiber weight loss diet. Your veterinarian can help determine what’s best for your kitty. Also, ask your vet about supplementing your cat’s food with L-carnitine, an amino acid that can help kitty lose weight faster while gaining lean muscle mass.
- More exercise – get some great interactive cat toys and spend time playing with the kitty a few times a day.
NOTE: You only want your cat to lose 3% – 4% of total weight per month, equivalent to one pound a month for a 20 pound cat. Keep a record of kitty’s weight (weigh every week or 10 days) and then sustain that weight loss by continuing the healthy food regimen.
In closing, helping your cat lose the weight it needs to lose can add years of a healthy life, and helping in the weight loss journey is well worth the effort!
by Margejane | Cat Food & Treats, Cat Health
As cat owners, we have the responsibility of keeping our cats happy and healthy.
Being a kind and loving “pet parent” can certainly keep your cat(s) happy. Keeping our cat(s) healthy means being aware of any changes in our cats’ behavior and/or appearance. When we become aware that something is wrong, we take the kitty to our veterinarian, and hopefully, it’s something that can be resolved simply with a prescription (my FREE pet prescription discount card can help save you money on your cat’s prescription medications.)
Sometimes your cat’s condition may be more complicated – for example, a chronic condition such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or FIV.
Traditional medicine plays a very important part in our cats’ lives. What is gaining more acceptance nowadays is naturopathy for pets. Animal naturopathy is an alternative form of healing using the only natural, non-invasive, drug-free methods to prevent and treat illness in animals. In my case, for instance, while I take my cat with chronic kidney disease to a traditional veterinarian, I also will use a naturopathic product to help keep her kidneys stay as strong as possible, as well as a naturopathic “calming” product to help another of my cats who is very nervous and neurotic.
To get the full picture of available treatments for your cat(s), it’s a good idea to discuss your options with both a traditional and naturopathic veterinarian. You can learn more about naturopathic products as seen on My Crazy Cat Ladies.
If you’re interested in chasing a course in healthcare, you may consider applying for this UK health scholarship offered by Swansea University.
by Margejane | Cat Food & Treats, Cat Health
When you care for your cats, you want to be sure you’re doing everything right…sometimes that means taking the kitty to the vet and getting a prescription such as an antibiotic or topical medication. That can get pretty costly…until now. Visit Americasdrugcard.org/Marge, and print out your pet prescription discount card today!! Call or text me at (630)887-6746, or email me at [email protected] for more cards.
But what can you do to help keep your cat healthy, or improve it? We all love our feline friends and want to do all we can to have them with us as long as possible. That’s why I recommend the wonderful all-natural products offered by these two crazy cat ladies. You’ll find everything to help keep your cat healthy, from the powerful immune-boosting FeLeuk Kit to Kitty Kidney Kit, and so much more. Visit the two crazy cat ladies today and help kitty stay happy and healthy!
by Margejane | Cat Accessories, Cat Food & Treats, Cat Health
Cats are a common sight in many households. These felines are known to be warm, furry and friendly. Children especially derive joy from having a pet in the home, particularly if it is a cat. However, even within households, cats are exposed to danger. No one would want his or her cat to get hurt, sick, weak or even die (in the most extreme cases). Therefore, it is imperative that you identify, isolate and mitigate the common household dangers cats face. The truism ‘prevention is better than cure” is very appropriate and is definitely applicable in this case.
The fact is anything that has the potential to poison, harm, maim, disfigure, cut, burn, scald or shock a cat or kittens can be and should be classified as a potential danger. Knowledge of these dangers and their mitigation can help save the life of the family cat loved and adored by all, avert unscheduled visits to the vet, cut down on unforeseen vet bills and head off a sad untimely end. The following are at least 8 common household dangers for cats, so be sure to look out for them:
1- Human Foods: Grapes, raisins, avocados, garlic, and products containing xylitol (categorized as a sugar alcohol and present in small amounts in some vegetables and fruits), can seriously disable our furry friends. In addition to this chocolate when ingested by cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Ensure all these foods are kept out of reach.
2- Chemicals and Poisons: These include bleach, detergents, disinfectants, antifreeze, garden fertilizers, rodent poisons. If these are ingested or inhaled by cats (even in small quantities), they can cause serious life-threatening problems and chemical burns. If for instance, disinfectant is used on kitchen cookers as well as flat surfaces like tabletops, towels should be used to dry it up immediately before cats get to walk on the surface or even lick them. Also always keep the toilet seat down as powerful chemicals are also used to keep it clean and kill germs. Furthermore, it is dangerous and sometimes catastrophic, when people mistakenly apply flea and tick products to the wrong species (products meant for dogs are used on cats and vice versa). The best way to avoid this is to read labels correctly and consult your vets before starting a flea and tick eradication program or exercise.
3- Human Medications: Prescriptions, over the counter drugs like pain killers, cold meds, anti-depressants, and dietary supplements, are probably the most dangerous category of threat in the home. Cats can grab pills from containers or eat meds accidentally dropped on the floor. So it is essential to lock them away in cabinets or places they (cats) have no access to. Childproof latches will really come in handy in case your cat is a problem solver.
4- Plants: Some plants are poisonous to cats especially lilies which causes life threatening kidney failure even in minute amounts. Holly, mistletoe, Christmas trees (used on special occasions like holidays) and Christmas tree water are all lethal to cats. Furthermore, decorations like tinsel, ribbons, fake grass, balloons, candles, snow globes, and lights should all be securely stowed away as they can cause intestinal blockages to cats if ingested. Snow globes especially contain toxic chemicals. Turkey bones as well can cause choking so food in plates should be stashed away and never left uncovered or unattended.
5- Dangerous Objects: Rubber bands, hair ties, earbuds, yarn, and dental floss. These may be harmless to us as humans but if swallowed by cats will result in intestinal blockages and even death. Plastics like cellophane bags can even choke cats. Therefore freshly bought groceries should be put away as quickly as possible and plastic bags tucked in a safe hiding place like drawers. Toys with strings should also be kept out of reach of cats.
6- Fireworks: The resulting loud sounds and bright flashes from fireworks tend to startle and frighten cats. Consequently, it is wise to be aware of this and apply prudent measures to curtail or avoid these entirely.
7- Fire Hazards: Items and products used in the home like cooking gas and gasoline for generators and cars are all potential fire hazards if not carefully handled. Gas can choke cats to death while fires will no doubt lead to fatalities. Ensure all necessary safety measures are applied. Furthermore, ensure your windows have Pet Alert stickers on them depicting which rooms have pets in them in case of a fire outbreak. This would enable emergency first responders (like firefighters) pinpoint rooms where the pets are located and rescue them.
8- Miscellaneous Hazards: These include cords of window blinds which potentially could strangle cats. These should be coiled and kept out of reach. Ensure all windows screens are securely fastened and latches locked down. Washers and dryers (washing and drying machines) should be kept closed at all times when not in use. Furthermore, as an additional safety precaution ensure you carry out visual inspection of the machines before turning them on as cats have been known to be trapped within. This would prove fatal to the cats if the machines are turned on with the pets inside. Electrical wires are another high-risk hazard, as cats are sometimes known to chew on them. If plugged to an electrical outlet this could result in electrocution. Endeavor to hide the wires under carpets or rugs or encase them in tubing and coat them with something safe that tastes horrible to cats like bitter apple spray. Provide cats with safe alternatives like chewy toys coated with a flavor delicious to cats like tuna juice or paste. Kitchen utensils used in culinary preparations are also a potential danger. This is because they more often than not have sharp, serrated or pointed edges or ends which can accidentally cut, pierce, amputate or stab cats while being used in the kitchen. Also, be safety conscious when using them to avoid tragic incidents.
by Margejane | Cat Food & Treats, Cat Health
When cats age, warmth, ease and convenience become priorities. There are things you can do to make life comfortable for your aging cat. Conveniently located food bowls and litter boxes are essential.
As cats age nerves and brain cells die off forever, leaving the messages sent from the brain to the body and back taking the long road. Once the message is received the body might not want to do what was requested. As nerve and brain cells die the senses become dull. In turn, vision gets blurry; the sense of smell lessens, as does the hearing. Cats cope with these changes – they really don’t have a choice.
But old doesn’t mean dead. Older cats still like to play, still are affectionate and want your company.
Here are things you can do to make life better for your senior cat.
- Provide water – you cat needs plenty of easily accessible freshwater. Cats are susceptible to kidney and urinary problems, and drinking plenty of water is very helpful in combating these.
- Chubby kitty? – Once your cat reaches the double digits, you should weigh him once a month. If there is any drastic weight change up or down more than 15%, you should contact your vet. If there’s weight loss when there has been no change in diet it may indicate kidney, dental, thyroid or other problems. Get your cat to the vet ASAP.
- Being overweight strains a cat’s entire system and makes it more likely kitty will get diabetes, heart problems, and if he needs surgery it’s more likely there will be surgical complications. You may need to change your cat’s diet. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. Get baseline blood workups. It is a good idea to see your vet twice a year.
- Check your cat’s breath – If your cat’s breath is bad it could indicate a real problem – gum disease or infection, a toothache. Check your kitty’s mouth every couple of weeks – look for inflamed swollen gums or foul odor. There could be more problems. If you suspect a problem, please see your veterinarian right away.
The older cat needs more convenient surroundings. Here are some ways you can help.
- Keep water and food bowls on the floor near where he sleeps.
- Always have a nice sleeping spot that is private, warm and cozy.
BOARDING
If at all possible, please do NOT board your senior cat. Boarding is very stressful for any cat but especially stressful for older cats. Even if it is an excellent facility, the stress is still there and in some cases can be enough to cause the senior cat to become very ill, sometimes fatally ill.
A pet sitter is so much better for your cat. Your cat is most comfortable being in his own home. A good pet sitter can offer companionship and affection in your absence. Kitty can sleep on your bed, relax, and be happy. (For information regarding how to find a good pet sitter, please refer to “Cat Sitting” under my article entitled “If your Cat Gets Lost.”)
by Margejane | Cat Health
Losing your cat is truly a horrible experience. What should you do? Speaking from experience – when a cat of mine got out, a trap with yummy food got her back (after first trapping two feral cats!)
Okay, …here’s what to do:
- Make a flyer with a clear photo – put the date lost and where your cat was last seen, plus any markings on your cat. Put several phone numbers on the flyer – your cell, work number, and home phone if you have a landline.
- Contact vets, shelters and police – make sure they all have flyers. Call to check if they have heard anything. Be pleasant and persistent.
- Offer a Reward – A reward is very motivating, so make it a good amount.
- Post your flyers – post flyers everywhere – pet stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, busy intersections, anywhere people go.
- Ask kids to help – you can ask your neighborhood kids to be on the lookout. Give them flyers. Let them know if one of them finds your kitty they’ll be paid a nice reward.
CAT SITTING
It’s very important to find a great and reliable cat sitter for those times you’ll be away. Tasks a cat sitter does include coming to your home at least twice a day, or in some cases stays at your house, feeds your kitty, cleans the litterbox, socializes with the cats, and grooms them.
Other tasks could include taking in the mail, watering your plants, turning lights on and off, setting your alarm, etc. A good sitter is priceless.
There are several ways to find a good cat sitter. Personal recommendations are one way to start. You can also Google “cat sitter services” or “Pet Sitter Services.” Before contacting them check them out with the Better Business Bureau. Contact your vet and other vets in your area – often there are good vet technicians who do pet sitting for extra income.
When interviewing cat sitters, note if the cat likes the sitter or not. Ask questions – Experience – how long have you been pet sitting? Ask for references (from a vet or other pet professional service, plus previous customers.) Are they bonded?
Have a list of specific instructions of what you need done – number of feedings per day, how many litterbox cleanings a day you want, any plants that need watering, mail to pick up, etc.
NOTE: I cannot in good conscience recommend boarding cats unless you absolutely have no other choice. I am not saying there aren’t any good boarding places, because I am sure they are. When we are away we board our dog, but we know they are a good one, and our dog loves to play with the other dogs. However, this is not the case for most cats. It is extremely stressful for cats.
Another reason I say this comes from personal experience. Years ago, I was going on vacation. I wanted a cat sitter for my two cats, but my then-boyfriend refused to let someone into the apartment while we were away. Since it was his apartment, I had no choice. I boarded the cats at a brand new vet clinic near the apartment. I toured the place and found it to be very clean with spacious cages. What could possibly go wrong?
Upon my return home a week later I noticed my male cat, Sam, didn’t seem right. He was sneezing and sniffling, as was my other cat, Pinky. While Pinky was better in a day, it was very different for Sam. He stopped eating and drinking, stopped using the litterbox. He was lying on his back, mouth open and tongue hanging out. I rushed him to the vet’s office where I boarded him. They apologized and told me that all treatment would be free, the least they could do! They also told me that unbeknownst to them, a woman had brought in her four cats for boarding at the same time I did. One of her cats had an upper respiratory infection that spread like wildfire to the other cats.
For a while, it was touch and go. I had to take Sam to the vet every night and force-feed him diluted baby food and water plus medications. Thankfully, Sam recovered.
Bottom line: my personal belief is if you keep your healthy cats at home, they won’t be exposed to sick ones. After that, we had a good vet tech catsit.
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