Cat Health

If your cat’s joints are achy, she’s going to be all kinds of miserable. Anyone who has felt this sort of pain can certainly relate to this misery.  It’s especially hard on a helpless animal who can’t head on over to the medicine cabinet to throw themselves at the mercy of Tylenol - or to the heating pad for much needed relief.

That’s why I’m thrilled to see so many manufacturers addressing joint health for pets. NO ONE wants to see their pets suffer!

One of the most recent supplements I’ve read about is the Cosequin Cat Joint Health Supplement (Capsules).  They’re  available online from Shop.com and I’ve seen the packages in Petco as well.  I’ve only read positive feedback from pet lovers.

From The Website:
Cosequin is a patented, scientifically researched nutritional supplement to help cats maintain healthy joints. As cats age, it is common for their joints to become less flexible which impacts their mobility and quality of life. Natural chicken and tuna flavored sprinkle capsules can be added to wet or dry food for easy consumption.

My evening on the cold, hard floor a few nights ago made me think a lot about a cat’s comfort. Prissy’s days of lying on the couch and beds, because of her blindness and age, are a thing of the past. Not only does it seem to bring her discomfort to jump - I’m scared to death she’d fall. So I’ve created her a plush, pillowy bed in the kitchen near her food. I’ve actually created a little bedroom for her, with walls, pillows, and a stuffed Bugs Bunny (she loves him muchly - Emily says it’s her boyfriend, the strong silent type).

I think we should all put ourselves in our pet’s place. We should ask ourselves how we’d want to be treated if we were the pet - what sort of bed would we want to sleep in (warm, clean, safe, and soft), what sort of water would we want to drink (always fresh, please!), etc.

You’ll notice that I post a great deal about pet beds on this blog. That’s because I believe every pet should have a wonderful, soft bed - especially older pets, since they spend SO much time there! Plus, their little bodies can be full of aches, so the softer, plusher, and warmer this bed is, the more comfortable they’ll be.

The Heated Cat Bed you see pictured above is an answer to a cat’s prayers. Recommended by veterinarians, this comfortable and therapeutic bed for cats is gently heated to soothe older pets and those with physical conditions such as arthritis.

The bed stays at a constant 102 deg F, which is the bed temperature suitable for most pets. The 4-watt heater has two intelligent thermostats that sense and maintain the bed’s optimal temperature. The soft micro suede cover is removable and washable; lined interior is coral fabric to evenly distribute warmth, with a cushioned orthopedic polyurethane foam base.

Click through the link or picture to learn more about the bed any pampered pet would love.

Fewer things are more heart-breaking than the thought of a helpless animal in any amount of pain.  Yet a lot of pets live with pain in their joints from age and/or arthritis. 

Dr. Kenneth J. Frank has come up with an absolutely brilliant solution that seems to be working for countless dogs and cats.  If you suspect your beloved pet has joint pain, visit Dr. Frank’s website and read all about his revolutionary Joint Pain relief spray for dogs and cats.   You simply spray it on your pet’s food.

The website has lots of great testimonials and more information.  Even if you don’t need the spray now, bookmark the site, so you’ll know where Dr. Frank is when you need him!

Here’s the link:  Joint Pain Relief for Dogs and Cats

The Four Paws Kitty Kat Circus is a winner for at least five reasons.

1. It’s endless fun for the pets that we love - giving us as much enjoyment and amusement as it does them. I just spent about 20 minutes playing with Alexa and Prissy and easily enjoyed myself as much as they did!

2. It’s cool looking, so leaving it set up in your home isn’t a big deal. I love that it’s all bright and colorful - just like toys for human babies.

3. It encourages exercise for cats that might otherwise be lacking in activity. An inactive cat can quickly become an overweight and unhealthy cat.

4. It’s just always a great idea to provide our babies with fresh, innovative things to amuse them and keep them mentally active as well as physically active. Cats become bored when their routine doesn’t offer much in the way of excitement and change. Sadly, a bored cat becomes a very unhappy and unhealthy cat. So, always…always…always keep her/him entertained!

5. This amazing little cat circus costs a lot less than you’d think. That’s always a PLUS in my book.

Prissy has lost just about all of her vision. We often thank God for the fact that she has long whiskers, they’ve saved her from walking smack into furniture, walls, people, Alexa (which wouldn’t go over that well)….

While it’s heartbreaking to see our little girl like this, I’m thankful for each day we have with her. She’s quite an antique and has lived a very fun, happy life. She’s been a lot of places and seen a lot of things. You name the cat toy, she’s had two. Name a new cat treat, she’s given it a taste test. She has watched ballgames with my husband, cooking shows with me, cartoons with our girls and American Idol, Survivor, and LOST with all of us.

She still is every inch a very happy cat. She purrs as much as ever, possibly even more - probably because someone is always holding her, talking to her, telling her what a good girl she is. I’d purr, too.

She wanders every now and then, especially in the morning, but, aside from that, she hasn’t changed that much. She wants to be where the action is now, more than ever, and she’s never happier than when someone’s in the living room on her couch with her reading the paper or watching tv…complete with lots of head rubs, chin scratchings, and sweet talk. She never tires of the sweet talk.

When I’m working at the computer during the day, I’ve found a way to keep her close so we can enjoy each other’s company. I put a bean bag on the floor beside my desk. I cover it with one of my old fuzzy robes and put my girl on top of it. She sinks down into a warm little nest and she sleeps as I work.

She used to lie on top of my desk - right in front of me, but I don’t let her off the ground too much anymore. So, Prissy has agreed to give that spot to Alexa. Besides, she likes her special little day bed. A special bed for a very, very, very, very special cat.

I was thumbing through the newest issue of Cat Fancy in our local bookstore a few days ago when I came across an article that had my angel, Prissy, written all over the subject - “Older Cats.”  Our beloved little girl is going on 20 and is really beginning to show her age.She’s still a beauty, of course.  There’s always been such a graceful elegance about her.  When she was younger, she didn’t walk, she glided.  The glide has kind of disappeared over the past two years, though.  I think her little bones must ache sometimes because she walks with her back legs kind of spread and it’s closer to a gallop.  Adorable?  Definitely!  But, graceful?  Not very.The article was a must read for anyone with an older cat.  I recognized Prissy in a few of the areas the author addressed, but she was nowhere to be found in others.

For example, according to the article, a lot of older cats lose their appetite.  I think Prissy’s increases with age!  She out-eats all three of our other cats, who are all much younger.  Sometimes I think she could EAT all three of the other cats….which is why we never let her plate get too empty for too long.  Not taking any chances.

The author said that if your older cat isn’t eating, the problem may be that their sense of smell has dulled.  They suggested dabbing a little warm water on the food - it’ll help release the aroma.  I’ve also heard that garlic powder entices a cat (or dog for that matter) to eat.

Another problem that older cats can face is disorientation.  I’ve seen this a little with Prissy.  They’ll get in a room and look off into space, as though they aren’t sure where they are.  Apparently some cats even get  into a corner and just meow until they’re “rescued.”  I’ll go on record as saying that’ll completely break my heart if that happens!

I have noticed a few “senile moments” with her, though.  When she first wakes up, she looks around as though she isn’t too sure what’s going on.  We always talk really softly and sweetly (as always) to her  - then she starts purring and we know we have our Prissy back.

The article also touched on something else I’ve noticed.  It said that older cats will frequently lose patients for other pets that they once got along with famously.  Prissy has done that with Alexa.  When Alexa first came along, Prissy was amused by her.  It actually wasn’t that long ago that they were playing together.  Alexa would get on bookshelves and knock things down for Prissy to scrutinize.  When I picked up on the game, I’d “plant” things up high like toy mice, tiny balls, etc.  Alexa will still knock things down to Prissy but now she usually just gets hissed at for her efforts!

They also used to run around and sort of mix things up together - then Prissy would go to her favorite bed and Alexa would know the game was over.  Now, though, when Alexa tries to get a rousing game going, Prissy hisses and looks at her as though they’d never even met.  It makes me sad for both of them.

We’ve tried to spend extra time playing with Alexa lately - especially when she’s especially frisky - it keeps her out of Prissy’s hair and keeps her from getting the “HSSSSSSS” (Though I gotta admit, Prissy’s awfully cute when she’s mad!)

Older cats also tend to have “bathroom” issues.  Doctors say that arthritic bones make climbing into and out of litter boxes painful, so they suggest using the flat “pans” that go under a lot of litter boxes instead.  They also suggest investing in several litter boxes, so your cat always has one nearby.

A tip I thought was worth its weight in gold was this:  Since your older cat may be disoriented and confused, gate off a section of the house - a couple of rooms they prefer.  This makes their world much smaller, much safer, and much…well, cozier.  Also, try to never let your older pet on stairs.  Arthritis can make climbing very, very painful - plus falls are always a threat, mostly for dogs.

Personally, I think it all comes down to three words:  TENDER LOVING CARE.  As our babies get older, we should give them all the TLC they can handle.  We want to make their last years as comfortable, as peaceful, and as enjoyable as possible.  If there are any unusual habits or concerns - always take your cat to the vet.  It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

We’ve always spent a lot of time with our pets - after all, there are five of us, so someone’s almost always here (I even work from home and my youngest daughter, Stephany, is always home as well.).  We’ve started giving Prissy EVEN more attention - when she’s awake, that is! 

Even though none of us want to talk about it or even think about it, we aren’t naive.  We know we won’t have her with us forever.  Just typing those words has left me with tears chasing one another down my face!  I can’t even imagine what I’ll do with myself when she moves on to Heaven with Carly…. (And, yes, Michael - I fully expect that IS where Carly went!!!!)  Well, I do know - I’ve been there before.  You live through days that hurt so bad you just want to go to bed.  You miss them like crazy (I still miss Carly terribly), and you cherish the pets you have as you cherish the memories of those you no longer have.

One more thing about older cats.  Naturally, they begin having vision and hearing problems.  I think Prissy has selective hearing.  Some things she responds to (can opener, the pantry door opening, Whiskas packets being ripped…), and other things she ignores.  Her vision’s not that great - I get the feeling she pretty much sees shapes more than anything.  Something we’ve always done, since she was a few weeks old was play a little game of “Nose Beeping.”  I fly my finger around in a little circle, then land it on her little nose with a “beep!“  About a month ago, though, I noticed that she’d jump right before my finger got to her nose.  So, we changed the rules of the game.  Now I just hold the finger out in front of her face, and she brings her nose slowly to it…. I whisper, “beep” and she purrs. 

Then I tell her what a very good and special girl she is.  Because she is.  I also tell her how much I love her.  Because I most definitely do.

With Nature’s Variety Prairie Homestyle Canned Cat Food - Lamb & Liver 5.5 oz. Can - Case of 24 - you provide your babies wiht a home-cooked taste with high quality nutrition.  These chunky stew formulas are made with real meat, poultry and healthy fruits and vegetables.

I admit it, I’m an overly protective mother, whether it comes to my daughters or my cats.  I even tend to overly guard the raccoons, possums, birds, and rabbits I feed as well as the skunks who sometimes help themselves into the scene - Right before everyone and everything else, except Svenn, flees.  Svenn loves skunks and could watch them for hours.  (And, yes, I do name each one….okay, maybe not all the birds…)  I care very much what my cats eat, and I watch their food like a hawk, especially after all of the controversites and tragedies.

A few of the “tainted” animal food manufacturers are back on the shelves again - and, while I’m sure they’ve taken unbelievable efforts to ensure their safety, I have to admit - I can’t bring myself to buy them ever again.

If I were them, I would have re-packaged everything, provided new names, new logos, etc.  I certainly wouldn’t have put the food back in the same packages that pet lovers had to throw away and hope and pray our pets weren’t going to die!

If you’re like me, you’re probably looking more and more into the natural products like the ones featured in this post. Click the link at the top or the cans below to learn more about a brand that’s as good as it gets.  As Svenn would say, “It’s almost as endearing as skunks.”  One of these days I’m going to have to break it to my husband - that cat’s not quite normal.

I’m  fascinated with the way animals communicate with us, and like all cat lovers - I certainly want to make sure I’m understanding everything my babies want me to know!

Our cats actually let us into their emotions and psyche in a very unique way:  Through their tails!

Tail lowered with just the tip curved up. This is a happy, relaxed cat.

Tail gently switching from side-to-side. This is a cat who has noticed something interesting like a bird at the window or the scratching sounds of a mouse. It can also signify indecision as to what to do next such as to climb a tree or stay on the ground.

If you approach a cat like this, she could be wondering whether you’re friendly or not.

Tail straight up. This is a friendly cat that is coming forward to greet you. If the tip is bent, this could mean he is a little insecure about his reception.

Tail tip swishing quickly and sharply from side-to-side.  This cat is irritated or angry. If pushed, it could swipe with a paw or even bite.

Tail swishing quickly and violently from side-to-side.  This is an angry or seriously frightened cat that could be getting ready to attack or flee. It’s best to back off until he calms down.

Staring at a cat is both threatening and provocative.  It’s best to look away and move away until the tail switching stops.

Tail bristled. This is an aroused cat. If lowered it can mean fear. If the tail is up, it can mean an aggressive cat. Cats bristle their tails and the fur on their bodies when aroused. This makes them look larger than they are in an attempt to intimidate whatever is worrying or bothering them.

Tail held straight up and quivering as the cat is backed up against a vertical object like a bush or tree.  This is a cat that is marking its territory with urine. If a cat is doing this inside your house, it’s time to get out the cleaner and find your cat another hobby.

Source:  MetCat.com

AvoDerm Natural Chicken, Lamb & Herring Meal Formula Hairball Kitten & Adult Cat Food is one of the best ways you can make sure you’re giving your beloved cat(s) all the safe nutrients they need. 

Product Description:

AvoDerm Natural is pressure cooked to ensure your cat receives optimum nutrition from the highest quality ingredients. AvoDerm Natural is naturally formulated to be complete and balanced with added vitamins and minerals, and other essential ingredients for your cat.

Select Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Corn, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid), Tomato Pomace, Oatmeal, Herring Meal, Oat Bran, Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Dried Brewers Yeast, Dried Chicken Liver, Dried Chicory Root, Avocado Oil, Avocado Meal, Taurine Supplement, Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Yucca Schidigera, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Parsley Flakes, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Niacin, Choline Chloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Biotin, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Zinc Polysaccharide Complex, Manganese Polysaccharide Complex, Iron Polysaccharide Complex, Copper Polysaccharide Complex, Cobalt Polysaccharide Complex, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.

From a name you can trust - available from a manufacturer I’ve always trusted, and always will:  PetSmart.com.  Click through the link above or the image to take a closer look and to read the great reviews.

Never fear! The FURminator is here!The FURminator De-Shedding Cat Tool Purple is one thing a house with long-haired cats shouldn’t be without. Not only for the sake of carpets, clothes, and furniture - but also for people with allergies. The FURminator could make life a whole lot sweeter.According to my two female cats (both of whom have gloriously long hair), the best thing about the FURminator De-Shedding Cat Tool, however, is the reduction of hairballs. According to them, hairballs are never pleasant. So hard to look elegant and mysterious when your eyes are bulging, your tongue’s hanging out and you sound like your lungs are coming out of your mouth. I’m just saying…

From the web site:

FURminator De-Shedding Tool for Cats reduces shedding up to 90 percent and also helps to eliminate hairballs in cats. Reduces the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people. Works great on long or short-hair cats!