Tag: Signs of a Sick Cat

Ginger’s Story

I adopted Ginger from a pound that was out in the country. Ginger was covered in fleas. When I got Ginger home safely, I put a flea dip all over her and washed her with shampoo. Her hair did not take long to recover from the fleas’ damage. Ginger soon had a nice-looking, lustrous coat of fur.

Ginger was an amiable part of Siamese and Himalayan cats. She looked like a purebred Chocolate Point Siamese cat except for slightly longer hair. Ginger loved to sleep in bed with me at night. She was always quiet in bed and never disturbed my sleep whatsoever. She got along fine with dogs and other male cats. I got Ginger spayed and her front claws removed when she was about 14 weeks old. She recovered from the procedure quickly.

Ginger would wake me up at precisely 6 AM every morning. I always had set my alarm for 6 AM before I had Ginger. I no longer had to put my alarm clock with my trusty cat Ginger watching for me. Ginger also rented a house for me once. I had forgotten to turn on my answering machine when I left my house. Ginger must have tired of the phone ringing and hit the button with her paw. I received that answering machine message, and that party rented my house.

Ginger loved to play with toy mice and small balls. She liked to go outdoors on occasion. I kept an eye on her constantly when she was outdoors. She wanted to take afternoon naps on my couch or a chair. Ginger loved Fancy Feast canned cat food. Eventually, all I had to do was say Fancy Feast, and she would come running for her cat snack for the day.

Ginger was always a very healthy cat. I only remember having to buy medicine for her once in her life. When Ginger turned 18, she started losing weight. Ginger also started vomiting, and I found her lying in my bathtub. I think Ginger must have had kidney failure. I called up my vet one day and had Ginger put to sleep. I missed Ginger, but c, cannot stand to see any beloved pet suffer.

Tags Cat Emergency, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Cats And Holidays

Make the holidays perfect for you and your feline friends. Many dangers are lurking around the corner where cats could get harmed. Cats are curious by nature and can get into trouble very quickly. Bright and shiny objects are like a magnet pulling them in that direction.

Watch your Turkey as it is removed from the oven. An unattended turkey may be impossible for some cats to resist. Your cats may eat some of your turkeys, making it impossible to serve your guest. Your cat might have the whole turkey resting on the floor. Keep your food covered and train your cat when he is very young, so he knows that kind of behavior will not work in your household.

Christmas trees and cats can be a huge problem. Some cats like to climb them, knocking the whole tree over. A cat might knock the bulbs to the floor and try to eat them. A few cats have been known to drink the water under the tree. Never put any chemicals in the water under the tree to help keep the needles on the tree longer. If your cat drinks water with chemicals, it could die on Christmas day. Be alert to what your cat is doing, Do not let him get near tinsel which can damage their throat and more. Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, Easter lilies, and more plants can be poisonous if your cat ingests them. Call your Veterinarian ASAP if you think your cat may be poisoned.

Do not give your cat all kinds of human snacks during the holidays. A cat’s stomach is not designed to handle various food. I give my cats one piece of turkey each, and they seem to get along fine. Your cat will throw up if you feed him too much. Never give a cat chocolate, as chocolate will kill a cat.

Good gifts to give your cats during the holidays are: cat treats, cat toys, heated cat beds, catnip mice, circle game toys, and a new litter box, and make sure they get their yearly checkups and shots at your Veterinarian. I hope you and your cats have many safe and Happy Holidays together.

Tags cat beds, Cat Emergency, cat Toys, cat treats, Signs of a Sick Cat

Difficult Cats

Warm Cat Shelter

Provide a warm shelter for your cats for protection from the cold, wet, and frigid weather. A building that has cover from the wind and cold is the ideal protection for your cats in stormy weather. A heat lamp helps take the chill out of the air. Fresh straw or warm, dry bedding makes a cozy bed for your outdoor cats.

I like heated cat beds for my outdoor cats and a heated water dish. Ensure food bowls are full of fresh cat food and water bowls are free from ice. Give your pets fresh water every day to drink. Check on your pets often in the cold weather to ensure they are OK and that heat lamps and heated beds are working correctly.

Frostbite can occur quickly, and your cat can lose the tips of his ears or have the pads of his feet frozen. Take your cat to your vet ASAP if you expect it to have frostbite. Many cats die from distemper in the cold winter months if they do not have their shots up to date. If your electricity goes out, have a straw your cats can snuggle up in to preserve body heat.

Give your cats a lot of table scraps and canned cat food in the winter to boost their immune systems and give them extra energy to survive. I like to feed my cats high-quality dry cat food with a lot of protein and hardly any by-products. Feed your cat the best quality food you can for their well-being.

Ensure your cat’s shelter stays dry and free from drafts and wind. A small electric heater helps take that cold chill out of the building that they are living in. In case of a power outage, have old blankets available for your cats to snuggle up in. Keep plenty of fresh dry straws on hand, and ensure your cats have the water they can drink. I hope you and your cats keep warm and healthy as the weather gets colder.

Tags Cat Emergency, Frostbite, Signs of a Sick Cat

What I Look For In A Cat

I am looking for a cat that is nice and clean. Their eyes should be clear and bright, fur clean, clean the hind end, and the tail should be up as these are signs of a healthy cat. The cat should be calm, not hyper, and have an easygoing personality. A cat that tries to nip and bite will probably present that same kind of behavior now and then for the rest of its life.

The cat’s fur should not be matted or dirty. Their faces should not be clawed up, as this shows they like to get in a catfight every so often. I lift a paw to see if they might tolerate having their claws trimmed. I place the cat on my lap to see if they like being held and petting. I also put a finger near their mouth to see if they want to try to bite me.

Is the cat you are thinking of adopting outgoing and exploring his surroundings? A listless cat is probably sick. Has a vet checked the cat to ensure it does not have feline leukemia or other cat diseases? Cat diseases can spread quickly to your other house cats if their shots are not current.

Different breeds of cats have different personalities. Do you want a laid-back cat or a very outgoing cat? Read up on the other cat breeds to see which species would work best for your household. I like cats with part Siamese, Persian, and domestic short hair, as this blend seems to be my best combination.

My cat Kohl is an effortless going cat. Garfunkel is an excellent lap cat. Conrad is a one-person cat, and I am lucky he choose me for his person. Russ is a very tame and friendly cat. I have fourteen cats, all of which have unique and interesting personalities.

I hope you and your new feline friend have at least nine lives together and more.

Tags Introducing a New Cat Into Your Home, Picking Out A Kitten, Signs of a Sick Cat

The Daily Chores Of A Cat Person

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date July 29, 2019
4 Comments on The Daily Chores Of A Cat Person

I clean out all of my cat litter boxes to start with. I fill my cat’s water dish with fresh water. More cat food is put in their food dishes. I give my cats a pat on the head. I fluff up their bedding and clean up any mess that might have happened at night.

I clean up any cat mess the moment I see it. I use a carpet cleaner or wood floor cleaner. I also use Clorox depending on the surface that needs cleaning. The faster you clean up a mess, the easier it is to clean up, as it has not set in yet. I clean up their bedding in a washing machine I have in my basement for cat use only. Beds that cannot be placed in the washing machine must be spot cleaned. I try to avoid buying cat beds that cannot be placed in a washing machine.

I like to brush or comb out my cats’ hair, so they do not get matted. A combed-out cat is less likely to have hairballs that they scarf up. If your cat has claws keep them trimmed up as the foot could get stuck in something they could not get free of without damaging themselves.

I sweep up any spilled cat food and throw it outdoors, as many wild animals and birds can enjoy eating it. I sweep around the litter boxes and clean them out twice a day. Dirty litter boxes or floors by the litter box are a perfect breeding ground for fleas.

Check your cat’s teeth often, as bad teeth could kill your cat shortly. If there is a sudden change in your cat’s behavior or pattern, keep a close eye on them, as it could quickly become a medical emergency. I spray Lysol on the floor by the litter boxes to kill any germs that could harbor there.

I hope you and your cat have many happy and healthy years ahead. The time you spend on the chores for your cat will lengthen his life and give you joy as you are helping your feline family member.

Tags cat beds, fleas, Grooming, Hairballs, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Summertime Dangers And Your Cat

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date July 15, 2019
No Comments on Summertime Dangers And Your Cat

Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh clean cold water to drink as the water will heat up quickly with high temperatures. Some people put ice cubes in their cats water bowls as its keeps the water cooler much longer. Do not put your cat out in the heat or leave them in a car as they could die very quickly with extreme heat. Signs of heat stroke in your cat include a high pulse and rapid breathing along with a red tongue and mouth. If your cat becomes overheated call your vet for directions on what to do for your cat and then take them to your VET ASAP. Your Vet will cool off your cat with cold water and ice packs and maybe an I V drip to re-hydrate your cat. A car in direct sunlight can be 130 to 172 degrees inside of the car in only one hour.

Fleas can be in the lawn this time of year. Never set your pet carrier on the grass as your cat could pick up fleas quickly. Your cat will be itching and scratching if he picks up fleas and so will you. It will cost a lot of money for flea treatments for your cat and your home to be flea free. Give your cat flea treatment medicine to prevent fleas.

Cats shed even in your house. It is important to brush them out everyday as their fur can become mated quickly. A badly mated cat may have to be shaved. Hairballs are another worry if your cat is not groomed often enough. No one enjoys cleaning up the dreaded hairball.

Make sure your cat does not get locked in a building outdoors. Your cat will die from extreme heat and lack of water. When taking groceries out of your car make sure your cat did not sneak in the car. Do not leave your cat in a cat playpen outdoors in hot weather as he may expire quickly if the sun happens to move to the area that was nice and shady earlier.

In the dog days of summer keep your cat cool and protected from outdoor pest so your cat will have nine lives. Hope you and your cat have the best summer ever. God bless you and feline friends.

Tags Cat Emergency, fleas, Hairballs, Signs of a Sick Cat

Red's Story

Red’s Story

Red was a Red tabby cat. My vet gave Red to me after I had to put my Siamese house cat, Sugar, to sleep. My vet found Red abandoned on a golf course in the middle of December. My vet’s wife had trained Red to stay off the countertops.

Red got along fine with my other house cat Ginger that I had then. Red was brilliant. If I asked Red do you want to go outdoors, he would head right toward the door. He liked to tease me when it was time for him to return to my house. Red would take off running when I almost caught him to take him back into my home. Red would do this about three times before I could finally carry him back into my house.

Red’s favorite toy was a circle toy ball game. Red was ambidextrous and would hit the ball with either paw. Red also wanted to make sure you were watching him play his ball game. Red was very proud that he had entirely mastered the circle toy ball game. I rescued a cat that I found under a car one day at a restaurant, and I named him Philmoor. Philmoor caught on to the circle toy ball game immediately, and Red felt terrible about that. Red hardly ever played with his favorite toy after Philmoor mastered the circle toy ball game.

Red was an amiable and outgoing cat. Red loved the attention of other people, and he thrived on it. Red liked sleeping on my bed at night with my other two house cats.

At the age of 17, Red’s spine gave out. Red could no longer control his urine. My vet said some older cats develop a defect in their spine late in life. I had Red put to sleep at my vet’s office. Red was a wonderful, kind, outgoing, and loving cat.

Tags Benefits of Having a Cat, Introducing a New Cat Into Your Home, Signs of a Sick Cat

What Not To Give Your Cat For Christmas

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date December 3, 2018
No Comments on What Not To Give Your Cat For Christmas

Do not let your cat eat any poinsettia leaves or any part of the plant. Your cat will most likely be unable to meow for about one week. Mistletoe will kill a cat if they ingest it. Chocolate will also destroy your cat if they eat any of it. Please do not feed your cats any bones; they could get lodged in their throat or cut their esophagus. Please do not feed your cat as many table scraps as he could throw up or get horrible diarrhea. I only give my cats a few little turkey pieces at Christmas.

I do not put up a Christmas tree since I have house cats. Cats can drink the water under the tree, and some water has been treated with chemicals that keep your tree looking better longer but will kill your house cat if they drink that water. Tinsels will get lodged in your cat’s stomach or digestive system if they play with it and then eat it. Cats can chew on Christmas lights, bulbs, and more which could harm or kill them.

Give toys to your cats with no eyes or anything they could pull off and eat, as they could choke to death. Give your cat toys made for cats to be on the safe side. Never let your cats play with plastic bags, as they could quickly smother to the end. Throw wrapping paper in the garbage soon, along with ribbons and strings. Strings are hard to remove from your cat’s mouth and might be ingested to where your cat would need surgery to draw the downed line.

As you clean your home for Christmas gatherings, remember to put away your cleaning supplies ASAP so your cat will not get poisoned by you because you got into too much of a hurry trying to get ready for Christmas. I hope you and your cats have a Merry, safe Christmas this year and forever more.

Tags Cat Emergency, Christmas and Your Cat, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Some Cat Hazards

Cats can get themselves into all kinds of predicaments. They say curiosity killed the cat, which can be a true statement regarding our feline friends. Cats are very adventurous and will try to attempt the impossible sometimes. As the old saying goes, cats do not always land on their feet.

Cats love eating house plants or flowers that may kill or make them sick. I do not keep any plants or flowers in my house. If someone gives me flowers, I put them in a room my cats cannot access. Cats can vomit, go into convulsions or die by eating leaves and flowers or drinking water with chemicals to preserve the flowers.

Keep antifreeze, oil, gas, and farm chemicals in closed containers so your cat will not suffer from a painful death by ingesting these substances into their body. Put mouse and rat poison in an enclosed trap so your farm cats cannot eat it and bleed—tight paint containers and cleaning supplies. Never leave your medicine sitting out, as a kitty could knock the bottle over, ingest your pills, and die. Keep all your household cleaners closed; your cat cannot assess in an area.

Ensure you have not locked your cat in a building where he could starve to death. Check under your car tires or your car’s motor if you do not happen to notice your cat. Many cats have gotten run over by accident or succumbed by the car motor or belts, or blades in your car.

Do not leave your house with just the screen in your window. Cats have clawed up the screens or pushed against them so hard the screen gave away, and their cat fell out of a high-story building. A house cat does not stand much of a change if it gets outdoors as it does not know how to fend for itself and all the dangers that lurk outdoors.

I hope you and your cat stay safe and sound for many years to come and create many perfect memories throughout your years together.

Tags Cat Emergency, Catching a Cat, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Tips To Help Your Cat Survive The Heat This Summer

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date July 2, 2018
2 Comments on Tips To Help Your Cat Survive The Heat This Summer

Provide your cat with plenty of fresh cold water. The water will get hot in a hurry when it is hot out, and no one wants to drink hot water when it is unbearably hot outside. Find a place for your cat to sleep outside that is in a cool place with a nice gentle breeze. I check on my cats several times daily to ensure they are doing OK with the unbearable heat. Ensure you have combed out your cat’s old winter coats of fur, as they will feel more relaxed without the old hair heating their body. I have a fan running in my other house for my cats. Ensure you have not locked your cat in a building after performing an outdoor task such as mowing the yard. Cats are fast and love to sneak into places even when you think you are watching out for them.

Clean your cat’s litter box out every day to prevent fleas. I sweep around the litter boxes daily so there is no cat litter on the floor which helps prevent a flea infestation. I also clean out the litter boxes with dish soap and an old scrub brush before the summer season begins.

Never leave your cat in your vehicle in the summer months, as it can reach 173 degrees in your car in 30 minutes when it is 80 to 100 degrees outside, even with the windows open. Your cat will most likely die if left in a car in the summer. Do not let your indoor cat out in the heat. Your indoor cat is used to AC and does not know where to go in the heat to stay cooler.

If your cat is panting, has a rapid pulse and breathing, is vomiting, is passive, and stumbling, she is overheated and must be put in an excellent spot ASAP. Call your vet ASAP if you notice that your cat is overheated. Your cat may stagger around as she walks or pass out, which means she is critical. If you doubt the state of your cats’ well-being, call your vet ASAP.

I hope you and your cat survive the heat and have a fantastic, fun-filled summer.

Tags Cat Emergency, fleas, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?