Vicki's Kitty Kare

10/12/2013

Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they’re hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such as yowling, hissing, and growling -- to communicate with each other. Meowing is reserved for their communications with people.

Of course, the amount of meowing varies by breed and even cat. Oriental breeds, especially Siamese cats, are known as great “talkers,” so anyone who doesn’t like meowing probably should steer clear of these breeds.

And some cats just seem to like to hear their own voices, while others seem to want to carry on a conversation with their owners. If your cat is talking a little more than you’d like, try to figure out the cause first. Once you know the reason, you can then work to get your cat to meow less.

Cats meow for many reasons, from the serious to the attention-seeking. They include:
Illness. The first step is a thorough checkup by your veterinarian. Numerous diseases can cause a cat to feel hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which can lead to excessive meowing. Elderly cats also can develop an overactive thyroid or kidney disease, both of which can result in excessive vocalizations.
Attention seeking. Despite what some people think, cats don’t like being alone a lot. Cats often meow to initiate play, petting, or to get you to talk to them. If you want to cut down on attention-seeking meows, stop responding when it happens. Only give her attention when she’s quiet. If she starts to meow again, look or walk away. But don’t ignore your pet. Spend quality time each day with her, playing, grooming, and talking to her. A tired pet is a quieter pet.
Wants food. Some cats meow every time someone walks in the kitchen, hoping to get a bite. And many cats become very vocal when it gets close to their feeding times. If this is your problem, don’t feed your cat when she cries. Wait until she quiets to put down food, and don’t give her treats when she meows. If this doesn’t work, get an automatic feeder that opens at set times. Now kitty will meow at the feeder and not you.
From WebMD: Healthy Cats

10/09/2013

Just a minder to keep your kitties indoor this month and especially on Halloween. Kitties are always safer indoors!

07/09/2012

05/18/2012

Nail Clipping

Most people really don’t handle their cats’ feet until they are about to clip the nails and then...watch out! Some animals can get very upset at this totally foreign feeling. That’s why it’s a good idea to get your cat used to having her feet touched before you attempt a nail trim. Rub your hand up and down her leg and then gently press each individual toe-and be sure to give her lots of praise and some food treats as you do this. Every animal is different, but chances are that within a week or two of daily foot massage, your cat will accept nail clipping without too much fuss. Here’s how to do it:
Begin by applying gentle pressure to the top of the foot and cushiony pad underneath-this will cause her to extend her claws.

Use sharp, high-quality cat nail scissors to cut off the white tip of each nail, just before the point where it begins to curl.

Take care to avoid the quick, a vein that runs into the nail. This pink area can be seen through the nail.

If you do accidentally cut into this pink area, it may bleed, in which case you can apply some styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA

05/18/2012

By nature, cats are extremely fastidious. You’ve no doubt watched your kitty washing herself several times a day. For the most part she can take care of herself very well, thank you, but sometimes she’ll need a little help from you.

Make Grooming as Enjoyable as Possible -- For the Both of You

Grooming sessions should be fun for the both of you, so be sure to schedule them when your cat’s relaxed, perhaps after exercise or eating. You want your pet to remember grooming sessions in a positive way, so you never want to risk losing your temper. If you’ve had a stressful day or are in a bad mood, it’s probably not a good time to groom your cat.

Keep your first grooming sessions short-just 5 to 10 minutes. Gradually lengthen the time until your pet is used to the routine. You should also get your pet used to being handled. Get in the habit of petting every single part of your cat-including ears, tail, belly and back-and especially the feet!

And keep in mind, a little patience can go a long way. If your cat is extremely stressed out, cut the session short and try again when she’s calmer. Unfortunately, most cats do not like baths, so you may need another person to help. And remember to pile on the praise and offer her a treat when the session is over.

Brushing

Regular sessions with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free.

If your cat has short hair, you only need to brush once a week:

First, use a metal comb and work through her fur from head to tail.

Next, use a bristle or rubber brush to remove dead and loose hair.

Be extra-gentle near her chest and belly.

If your cat has long hair, you will need to brush every day:
Start by combing her belly and legs; be sure to untangle any knots.

Next, brush her fur in an upward motion with a bristle or rubber brush.

To brush her tail, make a part down the middle and brush the fur out on either side.



Bathing

If your cat’s coat becomes greasy and oily, or if she’s gotten into something sticky or smelly, she’ll benefit from a bath. Use a mild shampoo that’s safe to use on cats, and follow these easy steps:

First, give your pet a good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats.

Place a rubber bath mat in a sink or tub to provide secure footing.
Put your cat in a tub or sink that has been filled with about 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water.

Use a spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, taking care not to spray directly in her ears, eyes or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, a large plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup will do.

Gently massage in shampoo, working from head to tail.

Thoroughly rinse with a spray hose or pitcher; again, avoid the ears, eyes and nose

Dry your pet with a large towel.

WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA

05/31/2011

Don't forget to get quality, in-home care for your kitties while you are on vacation this summer! I offer a free Meet & Greet to each new client.