Paws for Thought

Feline Nutrition: Complete vs. Complementary Conundrum

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:03:13 GMT

Cat Food Minefield!

For me, finding the right cat food was a total minefield! There are hundreds of forums and discussions online to help you decide which is the best food, but ultimately, you need to understand what is best nutritionally for your cat. ❔

Cats are carnivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of meat. Meeting their nutritional needs is essential for their overall health, and understanding the different types of cat food is the first step towards getting it right! ��

What I want to talk about today is a misconception I come across often when talking to my clients - it certainly isn't common knowledge: understanding the difference between 'complimentary' and 'complete' cat food. ��

When I look for the purrfect food, I always check the meat content. Anything close to 90% feels best for my cats. However, what I didn't realise is the tiny print on the back of the packet that says, 'This is a *complimentary* cat food and should be given alongside a complete wet and dry cat food for a balanced diet.' �� (Go and have a check what yours says in small print on the back!)

What does this mean? These foods are designed to complement a cat's regular diet. While they can add variety and enjoyment to your cat's meals, they should not replace the essential nutrients found in a *complete* cat food.

So, what does 'complete' cat food mean? A complete cat food is formulated to provide all the essential nutrients cats need for a healthy diet. It is designed to be the main meal of a cat's diet, offering a well-balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Complete cat foods come in various forms, including dry, wet, and raw food options.

Always check the small print on the back to ensure that the food you are feeding your feline friend is indeed a 'complete' cat food, containing all the added nutrients your cat needs to be healthy! Consult with your veterinarian to tailor a feeding plan that aligns with your cat's specific health needs, age, and lifestyle.

So, what did I learn? In the world of cat nutrition, understanding the difference between complimentary and complete cat food is vital to your cat's overall well-being and happiness. Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat! ��❤️

When the cat's away...

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:52:23 GMT

Understanding Your Feline Friend's 'Holiday Mode'

As we all know, our cats are creatures of habit and they thrive on routine! Any disruption to their daily lives can certainly leave them feeling a little unsettled. This can happen when their human companions go on holiday! It may give you some comfort to know that in my experience our cats go in to what I call "Holiday Mode". I would like to explain how a cat's routine changes when their owners are on holiday and why it's normal for them to exhibit different behaviors during this time.

Adjusted Feeding Schedule ��

Cats are accustomed to regular feeding times. When their owners go on holiday, some cats may eat less or more when their routine is disrupted. This change in eating habit is a normal part of adapting to a new schedule.

Increased Independence ��

Cats are independent animals, but they do rely on their owners for attention and companionship. When you're away, your cat may become more self-reliant. They might spend more time alone simply sleeping their time away, exploring their surroundings, or even hunting for entertainment. This newfound independence can be a sign of your cat adapting to the absence of your company. This change of independence also impacts their appetite!

Exploration and Play ��

In "holiday mode," your cat may engage in more exploratory behavior. They might investigate new areas of your home and you may notice your cat playing with toys or objects they typically ignore. This increased playfulness is a natural response to the change in environment, while they explore more alone time than they're normally accustom.

Altered Sleep Patterns ��

Cats are known for their napping habits, but during your absence, they might experience changes in their sleep patterns. Some cats may nap more to pass the time, while others might stay awake longer, especially if they are more active in exploring and playing. These variations are normal and depend on your cat's personality.

Its important to remember, with you not being around your furry companions have less to get up for - where they would normally wait for your presence and attention, they might instead use your absence as a relaxing holiday for themselves!

Stress and Anxiety ��

Not all cats will embrace "holiday mode" with ease. Some cats may experience stress or anxiety due to the change in routine and the absence of their owner. Some cats might resort to hiding away during the day but the most important thing is that they continue to eat and their toileting habits remain normal.

What is Happy Cats trying to say? ��

Understanding that your cat will go into "holiday mode" when you're away is vital for both your peace of mind and your cat's well-being. With the right preparations and a little patience, you can help your feline friend adjust to the temporary changes in their life and ensure that they enjoy their own version of a holiday while you're away!

�� Tip 1: Prepare a holiday feeding routine

This is likely to be different from your standard feeding routine, and your cat will adjust to it quickly when they enter their "holiday mode"...however a routine is still very important so that that they can be sure when and where their next meal is coming from.

��Tip 2: Give your cat options

While in holiday mode, an 'outdoor' cat might decide to remain indoors. A predominantly indoor cat might have a sudden urge to explore. A sleepy cat might play and an adventurous cat might rest. The point is, they may not behave in a way that you expect them to so don't limit their options by forcing them to do something they normally do while you're at home.

This holds true for their litter options - give them the option to go when and where they desire as their confidence may change and what used to be an appropriate toilet area might now be off-limits, so provide options!

�� Tip 3: Embrace the Happy Cat's ethos

When a cat is in their home environment (and not a cattery), they are able to relax and enjoy the comforts of their own territory.

From my own experience both as a cat mum and carer - even the most timid of cats will still find time to relax and exhibit normal behavior in between cat care visits, simply because they are in the safety of their own domain.

The Fluffy Secret of Cats

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:53:38 GMT

Piloerection and Its Fascinating Uses

Cats, have a hidden trick up their fur. Have you ever noticed that when a cat feels chilly or encounters certain stimuli, their fur seems to puff up? This adorable phenomenon is known as piloerection, and it serves several intriguing purposes. Today, we'll dive into the world of piloerection in cats and explore its role in regulating body temperature and communication. Get ready to uncover the fluffy secrets of our feline friends!

Cozy Warmth and Survival Tactics

When temperatures drop, many animals shiver to generate warmth or you find you have goosebumps! But cats have a unique trick—piloerection. When a cat's fur stands on end, it creates a layer of insulating air between the fur and the skin, acting like a cozy blanket. This ingenious adaptation helps cats stay warm in colder climates or during chilly weather. So, the next time you see a cat's fur fluffing up, know that it's their way of saying, "I'm getting my own built-in heater ready!" ��

The Art of Intimidation

Piloerection doesn't stop at keeping cats warm. It also plays a significant role in their communication, particularly in displaying aggression or asserting dominance. When a cat feels threatened or wants to appear larger and more intimidating, piloerection kicks in. By raising their fur, cats create the illusion of a larger size, making them seem more formidable to potential foes. So, the next time you encounter a fluffy, puffed-up cat, remember that they might be saying, "Back off! I mean business!" ��

Emotions in Motion

Beyond warmth and intimidation, piloerection can also be a reflection of a cat's emotional state. Cats can experience piloerection when they're startled, frightened, or extremely excited. Imagine a cat encountering a new toy or an unexpected noise—suddenly, their fur stands on end, expressing their surprise or exhilaration. So, keep an eye out for those fluffy moments of feline delight! ��

Conclusion

Piloerection, the secret weapon hidden beneath a cat's coat, serves as a multifunctional tool. From keeping warm in chilly weather to asserting dominance or expressing intense emotions, this natural phenomenon is as captivating as it is cute. So, the next time you spot a cat with its fur standing on end, remember the hidden message behind those fluffy spikes. It's just another way our feline friends captivate us with their fascinating adaptations.

Whether it's the adorable fluffiness or the intriguing behaviors, cats never cease to amaze us. So, keep observing and appreciating these delightful creatures, and remember to embrace the unique piloerection moments that add a touch of wonder to our lives.

-Emma

3 tips for making multi-cat households easier

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:40:32 GMT

3 tips for making multi-cat households easier

My top products for a happy house

You may or may not be aware, but we own 3 cats (or they own us!) and it has taken us a fair while to puuuurfect the most suitable living conditions for both my husband and I and our three cats. Ranging from litter trays that don’t upset our noses to a dynamic living space so that each of the three cats can feel like they have their own unique piece of territory, as well as easy indoor/outdoor access. ��

The Litter Robot

This product has to be at the top of my list! Do you find that scooping poop is taking up a lot more of your time than you wished for? Are your cats making a mess as they step in one anothers poos? The litter robot will alleviate all of those problems! Here’s how it works….

Once your feline friend has done his business, he leaves the robot, it will sense that he has left and it will time for 7 minutes so that it can clump (you can adjust this time how you wish), the robot will then cycle around, depositing the waste into a drawer and then dispense the clean litter back in! This means NO poop scooping and a clean litter tray for each use! All you need to do is empty the drawer once or twice a week. One of my girls now actually waits until it has cycled before getting in to use it so that she has a clean litter tray every time!

I have also found that it is cost effective and will eventually pay for itself as now we are using far less litter and zero poop bags. Not only that but you also have yourself a much more hygienic home and can even get notifications on your phone when your cat has been to the loo and when the waste drawer is full! Handy for any clinical concerns you may have.

One of the many things I have found to create a Happy Cat household is a clean litter environment. ��

https://www.litter-robot.com/uk/litter-robot-3.html

‘Sure Pet Care’ Microchip Cat Flap Connect

It is always important if possible to give your cats the option to go outside. Just giving them that option can actually alleviate stress. Finding the right cat flap can make yours and your cat’s life a lot easier! I found that the ‘Sure Pet Care’ cat flap ticked a lot of my boxes.

Intruders

If you are concerned about intruders or have a menacing next door neighbour cat that likes to come in and eat their food then this is the flap for you! It will only let in the cats that you allow using the built-in microchip reader. This will also help to stop your cat from feeling threatened. Some owners have found that just by putting in a cat flap has increased their stress levels because they feel that it is a big open invitation to anyone walking into their territory, (a bit like if you were to knock a wall down in your house!!) - however once they learn that its locked for other cats it will become a door to their safe-space.

Curfew

If, like me, you have avoided getting a cat flap because you would rather not lose your cat to the outside world where he can waltz in at any unearthly hour, demand food and then waltz out again, then yes, this is the flap for you! The ‘Sure Pet Care’ flap has a very cool feature. You can set a curfew at any time where it will lock so your cats can’t get out, but they can still get in. Also, for those of you with a multi-cat household, if you have one in particular that you would rather stay as an indoor cat, you can still set it so that it lets the others out!

Safety is another concern - we don't like our cats to roam about during the day while road traffic is higher, so setting a night-only curfew puts our mind at ease and as a bonus gives a solid social routine to our cat’s lives.

FELIX HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!

One of the best features of the Sure Pet Care flap is that you can set notifications to be sent to your phone to tell you when each individual cat enters or leaves! I don’t know about you but when I am out all day, I love getting those notifications to tell me who's gone outside and at what time! It also helps to locate them if they have pulled a Houdini on you when it is time for their flea treatment!!

https://www.surepetcare.com/en-gb/pet-doors/microchip-cat-flap-connect

DIY cat shelves

Height is very important for a happy cat environment. They like to survey their territory from a distance to feel safe and in control. We don’t have the biggest house in the world so we have made sure to use our vertical space. Now this certainly doesn’t need to break the bank and can be done in a rather thrifty way. All you have to do is head over to your nearest B&Q or any hardware store and purchase a sturdy block of wood, shelf brackets and some old (or new) cheap carpet cut offs. Glue the carpet onto the wood so that they have ample scratching space and voila! You have yourselves some simple but effective cat shelves. This has really enhanced our cats' lives. Some cats are bush dwellers and like to find solace under the bed or places lower to the ground but others are bush dwellers and like to be up high! We have 3 cats and they are all so very different so having extra places for them to dwell makes for a happy space.

So there you have it, a few ideas and suggestions to make your multi-cat household a happy one! ��

- Emma

Happy Cats!

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:56:52 GMT

How to tell if your cat is happy

If you’re anything like me, knowing that your cat is happy is one of the most important things to understand! ��

So, lets take a look at some of the tell ‘tail’ signs that your cat is happy! ��

Making biscuits (also known as kneading)

This is when your cat pushes and pulls their front paws in and out against either you or carpet in a kind of kneading motion. It is usually accompanied with a slow purr and even dribbling!

Social Roll

A cat’s belly is a very vulnerable area for them, and it is a very big privilege for them to show it you. However, this certainly is NOT an invitation to touch it! Some cats will allow you to stroke their belly but be sure to look for signs if they would rather you just look and not touch! A simple stroke on the head may be a better response.

Upright and Quivering Tail

You can understand a lot about your cat’s mood by looking at the tail. If your cat is happy, as they approach you, their tail will be up high with a slight curve at the tip. In some cases, you might even see a little quiver at the base of the tail.

Head Butt

Cat’s have unique scent glands on their skin and particularly in their cheeks. If your cat head butts, you or rubs their cheek against you then they are leaving behind their scent on you and claiming you as their own! It is a very special invitation to be part of their social group. They also have scent glands around their chin, top of their head and on the base of their tail.

Grooming in front of you

Cats can feel very vulnerable while they are grooming because they are not prepared if a predator was to come along. If your cat is

grooming in front of you then this means that they feel very comfortable and safe around you.

Slow Blinking

If your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, this shows that they are feeling relaxed and happy in your presence. Slow blinking is a way of saying ‘I love you’ in the cat language. This is actually something that you can do back to them, and they will know that you love them too!

- Emma

Idiopathic Cystitis

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:28:25 GMT

Nala’s Journey

A cat’s personality is developed from a complicated mix of life experiences and genetics. Nervous and anxious cats are easy to spot by their patterns of behaviour. For example, they scare easy, run and hide when the doorbell rings and you will often find them retreated under the bed for long periods of a time. Many people assume that cats behaving this way have had a life of cruelty and have had some form of traumatic experience? Perhaps this is the case for some, but as mentioned earlier, it could just be down to genetics!

My lovely Nala has always been an anxious character.

Her ideal moment in time would be to have her close family around her (me and my husband) quietly watching TV and sticking to the usual routine. Unfortunately for her, that doesn’t always happen.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nala had it her way. She slowly got very used to not having any guests, we didn’t leave her alone nearly as much except to go to the shops and she was basically living the anxious free dream! Then suddenly, lockdown began to lift, and we started to get back to our normal busy way of life.

What changes did we start to see in Nala?

Cats are incredibly good at hiding their feelings. Fear leads to looking vulnerable, and vulnerability in the wild is a sure trap for danger! So, what do they do...? Act like everything is all fine until you start to smell the ammonia coming from a dark corner in your living room. ��

Nala had developed idiopathic cystitis. For a week without us noticing, she began urinating in the corner of our living room. Her bladder had become irritated, and she associated this pain with her litter tray and so she sought out alternative weeing spots. We noticed that she was becoming more secluded, so we decided to seek help.

After a veterinary check-up confirming that there were no underlying concerns, we took their advice and placed more litter trays around the house. The rule of thumb is to have one litter tray per cat plus an extra one. One of my very experienced Vet Nurse friends recommended an anti-anxiety tablet that contains completely natural ingredients with no adverse side-effects. It also had the added bonus of tasting fishy so there was no drama in getting her to take it which would have ironically added to her stress!

Signs of anxiety in cats:

● Tense body

● Lip licking

● Dilated pupils

● Hypersensitivity to noise/movement

● Urination retention

● Urine spraying

● Inappropriate urination

● Over-grooming

● Change in normal routine/patterns of behaviour

Signs of a fearful cat

● Dilated pupils

● Rapid heart rate

● Tense body

● Low crouched body posture

● Sweaty paws

● Trembling

● Aggression

● Escape

● Hiding/freezing/avoiding

● Involuntary elimination

It is important to distinguish the differences between an anxious and a fearful cat so that you can take the right course of action!

A happy ending…

It is very important to understand the expectations of an anxious cat. If a quiet evening snoozing under the bed is what they need to escape whatever dangers they feel are lurking, then this should be respected, and we should not try and take it away from them.

We decided to leave Nala be when she needed her ‘safe space’ and she soon would come down in her own time. Her anxiousness began to fade away and she slowly returned to her usual (yet slightly odd) snuggly self.

She still has her ‘flare ups’ from time to time but as this condition is ‘idiopathic’, which means that there is no exact cause; it could be anything.

Always seek veterinary advice if you do see a change in your cat’s behaviour, but don’t assume your anxious cat has something clinically wrong. There is always a reason for your cat’s behaviour, it is up to us to identify the cause. ��

- Emma

My Friend 'Pet Remedy'

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:56:56 GMT

The benefits of cat pheromones

Having a multi-cat household can at times be a bit stressful and tense. It can take a while for a harmonious environment to be attained! It wasn’t until I started working at the Hyperthyroid Cat Centre that I discovered the full benefits of Pet Remedy.

When we rescued our third addition to our cat colony, it was amazing and wonderful, we had a nice slow introduction and Pip and Nala soon accepted Maui as one of their own. It wasn’t all plain sailing though. When Maui got bigger and stronger, he wanted to play with them but not necessarily on their terms. This is very common with males and as long they are neutered then it shouldn’t end too dramatically!

Anyway, Pip and Nala were not too thrilled with his over excitement 24/7 so as well the recommended extra playtime and toys for Maui, we purchased a plug-in Pet Remedy diffuser. We had tried different brands in the past, but Pet Remedy seemed to be by far, the most effective!

What form does Pet Remedy come in?

It comes in the forms of a plug-in diffuser, a spray bottle so that you can spray onto toys, and their favourite play and nap areas! They also do a wipe so you can wipe their carriers to encourage stress-free traveling or vet trips!

Now we have 3 cats living in harmony with each other and we can tell when it’s about to run out!!

Pet Remedy also works for lone cats who might be feeling anxious or cats trying to settle into a new home.

-Emma

Cats and your mental health

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:38:20 GMT

Today is world mental health day!

Did you know that cats are great for positive mental health? They can improve our mental health by just being themselves, and by enjoying each other's company! By just petting, stroking, or cuddling them, a cat can instantly change your mood. They also offer companionship and heal with purrs! If you want to get really technical then listen to this... "just a touch helps increase oxytocin levels and reduces cortisol, the infamous stress-related hormone" says an experienced life coach.

Petting or playing with your cat can release all the right chemicals in the brain. There is also evidence to show that a cat's purr can help lower blood pressure and relax the nervous system!

Does my cat know what I'm feeling?

Have you ever wondered why, when you are feeling particularly blue or unwell, your cat seems to always be by your side or on your lap? Interestingly, cats DO pick up on how we are feeling and are very intuitive (it is also the reason why they always know when you are about to give them medication, no matter how hard you try to pretend nothing is going on they always manage to run for their lives!)

Cats read humans like a book - they can read our emotional state just as well as our physical, so when we're feeling low you can be sure your cat understands and wants to comfort you.

What effect does stroking have on my cat?

Studies have shown that stroking a cat has a similarly positive effect on your fur-baby too! A recent study by neuroscientist Paul Zak showed that cats’ oxytocin levels increase by 12% after 10 minutes of play with their owners. That's got to be worth a few strokes right?

To sum up, everybody struggles from time to time but our cats are here to support us just as much as we are to support them - so we should give them all the love we have, especially when we're feeling blue.

- Emma

Hello world!

emma.eustace16@gmail.com (Emma Eustace) — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 21:19:05 GMT

Hello world, I'm Emma and I have just launched a new paw- some website!

I can't wait to meet my new furry clients! I have been cat sitting on-the-side for some time now, and I am excited to finally announce the move to full-time cat sitting!!

I hope you enjoy purr-using my website! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

-Emma.