MISTAKES CAT OWNERS MAKE
Most cat owners are very attentive and give their pets only the best care. Every so often one of them will make an unnecessary mistake. He or she may be a great cat owner otherwise but are just misinformed. Learning about these mistakes can help you keep your cat safe. Take a look at the top 3 and be sure to avoid them:
1. Self-medicating your cat - When your cat is sick, NEVER give your cat ANY medication without speaking to your veterinarian. This is really dangerous. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and aspirin are toxic to cats. Many others can complicate or even cause health problems.
2. Giving flea medication for dogs to your cat - Flea medications made for dogs are not necessarily safe for cats. In fact, some of these dog medications can be VERY toxic to cats. This may result in a bad situation. Don't apply any flea medication to your cat unless it was prescribed or approved by your veterinarian.
3. No ID tag - Indoor cats can get out. It happens all too often. Eventually I did find them - but I was one of the lucky ones. Did you know less than 5% of all lost cats are reunited with their owners? It may even be a low as 2 or 3%. This is a terribly sad statistic - especially because many of those poor cats could have been returned to their owners if only they had been wearing an ID tag.
Remember – all it takes is one mistake to change your cat's life. Please don't take the chance.
DEADLY TREATS
A recent recall of chicken jerky treats produced in China made the news across the world and encouraged many dog lovers to think very carefully about the snacks they give their dogs. Treats, table scraps and human foods can all cause problems in dogs. A few tips to keep your dog healthy include:
Don't Give Dogs Bones. Dogs are notorious for chewing on things they shouldn't and items given to dogs as “treats” can have grave effects. In particular, many people think that giving their dogs chicken or turkey bones during the holidays is a safe option, but they soon end up in the emergency room after their dog swallows one of the bones. Bones can easily break if chewed and the sharp edges can lead to bleeding, internal injuries, or worse.
Don't Feed Table Scraps. Another problem is that human food can contain toxic ingredients that can poison your dog. The tasty onion rings, grapes, raisins or high fat meals that you love can make your dog sick, especially if your pet is very small.
Only Feed Dog-Specific Treats. The best way to keep your dog safe from toxicity or injury due to treats is to only feed them treats, designed for canine consumption.
Check Recalls. Regularly check the FDA recall list and make sure that your dog’s food or treats are not anywhere on there. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of injury or illness and if something feels “off,” trust your instincts.
Pick Treats for Your Dog's Size. Treats that are too big or too small can cause problems by getting caught in your dog's mouth or esophagus.
MONTHLY: Pet Loss Support Group
WHAT:
FREE support group, designed for adult clients of Paws, Whiskers & Wags, led by professional social worker, Christy R. Simpson, L.C.S.W., who specializes in Pet Bereavement & Grief Recovery. Christy has been providing mental health services for over 16 years and truly understands that times of loss can provide opportunities for growth. Come and share your story or just listen and receive support. You are not alone.
WHEN:
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Next Sessions: MAY 7 and JUNE 4
WHERE:
PWW Decatur office
CATS LOVE BEING GROOMED
Don’t you love that happy, content look cats get on their faces when they are being petted in a way that they love. Cats are such interesting creatures and they can be so different. Some are very affectionate while others just want to be left alone. Some want to cuddle all day. Others refuse to be touched at all. Yet others show their love by rubbing against you but hate being held.
Even though cats are extremely different, one thing they generally find comforting is exhibiting something called “kneading.” It's definitely a little surprising to new cat owners, and even veteran kitty caretakers don't always understand it! Some cats will push and pull their paws in and out on soft surfaces like the bedspread, the carpet, their beds, and even you. Occasionally called “making biscuits,” this behavior is sometimes accompanied by a bit of drooling. Your kitty may look absolutely content during such episodes and may even purr. Many experts believe that “kneading” originates from a kitten behavior that helped them feed. Nursing kittens use similar paw and arm movements to stimulate the flow of their mother's milk. The mother cat also kneads the sleeping area to create a nice soft surface for her and her kitten |
