CatCare

Today’s story is a true event about Gracie. Gracie is a verified 16-year-old female that we rescued from the local pound. This story is important because this senior cat would not have survived the pound without someone to rescue her. Adopting a senior cat gives them the ability to retire with dignity and comfort. We never know how much time we will have with them, but that is not a good reason to overlook them when a person is thinking about adoption.

Senior cats are as loving as any other cat. Gracie is a very calm cat. Some may not be as easy going, but with patience and time, they will come around. It might even take years.

Gracie

This the story of a senior cat with a happy ending. Gracie was born on November 12, 2003. That makes her 16 years old this November 2019. This information is validated by her ear tattoo and I was able to talk to the veterinary clinic that spayed her. Gracie’s owner passed away and when she was checked on Gracie escaped and no one found her.

Gracie wondered as a stray for a long time. I have never seen a cat so skinny before. Her hips were visible and every rib and vertebrae stuck out. On November 15, 2019, she was picked up by the local pound and was listed on their website for adoption. The period from when she escaped until her being put in the pound is unknown.

During her stay at the local pound, she had a vet visit and got eye drops. It was determined that she needed dental work done and most importantly she needed a home. I received the FaceBook page showing the cats and dogs in the pound. Gracie was the only senior and was not receiving any interest in adoption.

I phoned the Animal Control Officer and made some inquiries then made an appointment to go for a viewing. I arrived at the Town Hall and the Officer brought this tiny carrier and inside was this matted, bad breath, skinny little cat. Her dandruff was so bad it made my pants white. She sat with me and I held her. I could not leave this wonderful little girl here. It was a free adoption with 15 minutes of paperwork and home we went. Gracie was adopted on November 28, 2019. I don’t think she would have got out of the pound alive. She has a home for Christmas.

Gracie talked to me all the way home. We arrived home and she ate a whole can of wet food. A bath was next and we groomed her as much as she allowed. I made a nice bed for her in the bathroom and now she sleeps in a screened cat playpen. She has her water bowl and litter box with regular meals.

I use a nice soft kennel similar to this item from Amazon.

A week into her adoption she looks better every day. Gracie has good energy and is quite calm. Her playpen allows all the other cats to visit and there has been some hissing. I let her sit on the chesterfield with me and I can see she enjoys her time out of confinement. Her breath has improved dramatically and when we get to the vet we will see what to do about her teeth. I recommend brushing your cat’s teeth if you can get it done.

Gracie At The Vet

Gracie went to the vet for a wellness check and to see if she was healthy enough for dental surgery. Her blood work showed that she was healthy enough for the procedure. She stayed at the vet and the next day her dental procedure was completed. She was left with three teeth and with this, her quality of life has improved. Her mouth will heal and there will be no more pain and discomfort.

Because of her age, she was slow to recover from the anesthetic. This required her to stay overnight for an IV and monitoring. By morning, she was ready to come home. Gracie is now in her shelter sleeping, eating and happy.

The Moral Of The Story

Senior cats, cats with disabilities, black cats are the last to be picked at the shelter. My senior cat Gracie needed a home and a second chance at life.

Adopting a senior cat may have some added challenges. My Gracie needed dental work and it was done. This kitty appears to be a strong girl and I have no doubt we will have a life together. We never know how much time we have with an adopted senior cat but to them, it is a blessing to live out their lives in love and comfort.

Gracie is a gentle cat. Her integration to my other eight cats will possibly be fairly straight forward. There will no doubt be some fights and we will get over that. Not all adoptions will be smooth, but with time and patience, most problems can be overcome. Naturally, most cats are timid in a new environment. We just need to give them stability and love.

In Closing

Senior cats without a home is a tragedy. If possible give the senior, disabled, blind cats a second chance at life. Senior cats are as loving as any other cat. Whenever any pet is adopted it requires a commitment. Cat care is forever and this requires a quality of life and a financial commitment. Gracie’s dental was expensive and where I live is cheap compared to other parts of the country.

Because of health issues and age, senior cats get left behind, When I went to see Gracie I could not leave her at the city pound. Now she has a home for Christmas and I get a fabulous cat for Christmas.

Cat As Presents

Remembering the fact that Cat Care is forever I want to remind everyone that bringing a cat (or any pet) must be a family agreement. Everyone must be on board with the decision and commitment to bring a life into the house. Too many cats get abandoned after an emotional conclusion without a serious emotional and financial commitment.

That’s my story for today. Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to hug a kitty and do something green for the environment. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. Please do so below.

Do not forget to go to my Cat Care Products page for a gift for that special kitty.

Trevor

 

Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc

Located in southern Manitoba, Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants has three locations to serve all of your veterinary needs from pets to livestock.

Are you a licensed veterinarian that would like to serve a thriving rural community? Give the Rolling Plains Veterinary clinic a call. Click the logo.

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

 

The plight of the feral cat is a growing issue. Public education is necessary to prevent the growing population of unwanted cats. We must remember that we do not have a cat problem we have a people problem. Cats are doing whatever cats do when they are not supervised and cats need to be in homes and have a quality family life. If they can not be in a home we must build feral cat shelters.

Easing The Feral Cat’s Life

The term feral cat includes cats that have no permanent address. This means they have been probably born outside with little or no human contact. Included in this group can be the runaway cat from someone’s home, the cat with free-roaming privileges, and the cats that have been dumped out the door from a home.

A cat with no home has a hard life. Finding food and shelter, evading predators either wild animals or dangerous people. Tomcats fight for territory and dominance. This brings injury and disease. Female cats are constantly at risk of producing kittens.

On average a female cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter and 2 to 3 litters per year. During her lifetime, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. A single pair of breeding cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years.

The life span of a feral cat according to Wikipedia is on average about two years and fifty percent of feral kittens die within the first year of life.

Let’s look at easing the feral cat’s life

Food And Shelter

Let’s start with providing shelter for your local feral cat or cats. Putting up a shelter can be reasonably easy. A nicely stacked set of square straw bales makes a great shelter. Be sure to make a roof and this will provide a good cold-weather shelter. Use loose straw on the floor and change it as required if it gets wet or dirty.

It is possible to build a shelter out of tires. This is accomplished by bolting two tires on top of each other and cutting a hole in the side for a door and a plywood roof. It is not a good cold weather shelter without a heating pad.

I have seen cat shelter made from large coolers with a door cut in the side. The hole is taped to prevent sharp edges and when put in an area out of the wind will provide protection from the elements. People put blankets or straw for a floor. This will require cleaning as required. Heating pads can be used if possible. This will help keep whatever food and water from freezing.

Here is a YouTube video to help get started.

With a little imagination with some stackable containers and some insulation, a person can build several cat shelters. The next requirement is food. Dry food is nice as it does not freeze, while the water you put out will need to be checked and replaced regularly. Wet food is a good solution if you have a schedule and can monitor the cats to avoid waste. A very hungry cat will chew frozen food, a regularly fed cat might leave it. It is best to use some sort of disposable container for your stray cat feeding. The cat food sample below is an example. Buy what you can afford and personally approve.

I was feeding stray cats and I was finding that skunks were coming around. I quit for a while and only fed cats when I saw then. The skunks quit coming around. They are kind of nice if nobody gets squirted. It is a smell you will never forget. I don’t shoot animals, but if you shoot a skunk in your yard your workload has increased significantly as you now have to remove a very smelly body

Here are some examples of feral cat shelters from Amazon.

TNR Is The Solution

TNR is Trap, Neuter Release

The fact that feral cats are so abundant is not a situation that came about overnight. It happened when the human element allowed this to happen gradually and when people started complaining now there needs to be a quick solution. The corrective actions that bring a quick solution are cruel and inhuman. There is no quick solution.

The Feral Colony

This is where the best corrective action can take place. If an individual or a group of volunteers watch over a feral cat colony the opportunity to feed and shelter these cats is rewarding. The next step is to capture the cats and begin a program of spay and neutering with vaccinations as required. I have read that where an established colony will keep out extra cats.

When I have spayed and neutered my cats they require at least two weeks of isolated monitoring to watch for infections or other complications. Then they can be released back to the colony. Some feral cats can be socialized and brought into the house. Please follow this link to the story of my feral tomcat Norbu to read about his journey from the wildest cat ever to a big gentle house cat. Not every cat can be tamed but it depends on the cat and someone’s perseverance.

The feral colony should have a dedicated person or group of people to monitor, feed, medicate, protect and shelter as required. It takes resources to do this and lots of people self-finance. As this Christmas season comes around it would be nice if feral cat colonies would receive donations.

Being a feral cat is not their fault! Feral and stray cats are the result of people who don’t care, and as a result, they can only be helped by people who care. It is also necessary to educate all animal owners that dumping, releasing or not spaying and neutering cats is not acceptable. These are examples of animal cruelty that must be stopped.

Any outside cat is at risk from being hit by a car, being stolen, fights with other cats, parasites, disease, human cruelty, predator animals, and poisonings. This is why I do not allow my cats to free-range. It would be nice if every cat had a home so we cat lovers and rescuers keep working to ease the plight of the feral cat.

In Closing

All cats are beautiful and every life is important. Cats are elegant, magnificent creatures. We must understand that cats do not survive well on their own. When my Lacy escaped for two weeks she lost weight and hurt her paws. Her outside experience produced a profound personality change and she does not go near the door anymore.

When my Roxanne got out of the house last winter she got frostbite on her ears in 15 minutes. Her ears recovered nicely, but it illustrates how the environment is hard on cats.

That’s my story for today Please follow this link to my Cat Care Products page for great stuff for your cat. If you have any questions or comments please do so below.

How Long Is Cat Care? It’s Forever

Trevor

Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc

Located in southern Manitoba, Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants has three locations to serve all of your veterinary needs from pets to livestock.

Are you a licensed veterinarian that would like to serve a thriving rural community? Give the Rolling Plains Veterinary clinic a call. Click the logo.

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

 

 

 

Preparing for emergencies is a topic that should be thought about before anything happens. The emergencies I am talking about are the scenarios that come about through natural disaster or something that requires you to evacuate your home. Naturally, this means your family including your cats.

Our story today starts in middle October 2019 with a snowstorm that shut down Manitoba for almost two weeks. This snowstorm left the wettest deepest snow that set records in this province. Our home was without power for 150.0 hours with 127.0 hours on the generator. The fact that preparing for a power outage is a necessity in this area some people were not.

The Problems To Expect

Wintertime is a poor time to lose power and the ability to heat your house. If I did not have a generator my house would have gotten really cold. Initially, we sat out the storm not knowing its extent and the damage done to the province. Having a battery radio did not give the detail required to guess when the power would come back on. The snow was so deep and wet even four-wheel-drive trucks had difficulty getting out.

Our home got cold enough (13c) that the cats felt cold when I touched them. The power went out at 1700 in the late afternoon and by the next day, I decided to start the generator. One indicator of how your frozen food is doing is that it should be noted that bread gets soft quickly. The meat stays frozen for at least 12 hours depending on the house temperature. I find that when the ice cream is mushy it is time to plug in if able.

My generator is set up to power the heating system, septic pump, sump pump plus a plugin in the kitchen. With extension cords, we plug in the freezer, heat the garage along with the ability to run the microwave and additional lighting and use the electric kettle. The water system was working, We could not use the hot water tank so no hot water for a few hours.

A quick calculation is that my 6200/7750 watt generator uses about a litre of gasoline an hour. I used my gas cans and then had to siphon gas from my truck. By this time the nearby town had power restored and the roads were plowed so I went to town for more gas. We are so fortunate that it was not -30c. Our stay at home was a minor inconvenience, not everyone was as lucky.

Being prepared helped a lot in keeping everyone comfortable. We had ample cat and dog food. There was no reason to get to town immediately so the experience was survivable.

Having a generator I feel is a necessity no matter where you live. The cost of wasted food alone offsets the cost of a generator plus keeping your home and your family from freezing up. It is necessary to install a proper generator hook up so that the generator is powering the house properly while not back-feeding to the power line and creating a threat to repair crews. Your electrician can help you get set up properly. It will also be necessary to purchase the proper cords and cables for the hookup and have the ability to power fridges, deep freezes and small appliances. Gasoline is a necessity, however with a shelf life of six months stockpiling gasoline is not recommended unless you are going to use it.

The generator and cables are similar to what I use. It is necessary to match your cables to your generator properly and there are many variations.

Evacuation Considerations

One of my neighbours had to leave their home because their generator did not have the capacity to power the electric boiler. They left the generator running to power essentials and left the home locked up. The problems are now that regular trips back are required to prevent theft and entry.

During this time the whole province was declared in a state of emergency. This means that police and other services were spread thin. If you have to leave your home consideration should be given to important documents, valuables and firearms. Everyone should consider a safe that is heavy and bolted down. Lock all doors and windows and remember that the alarm system will not be working.

Your Pets

This is the most important consideration when evacuating your home.

The Cats

Every cat should have a carrier. I prefer hard carriers in case stacking is necessary. It will be necessary to take their food, bowls and cat litter. Take a litter box so that where ever you move to you can be neat, especially if you have to go to a motel/hotel. Be sure to take any medicines (don’t forget your prescriptions). Because your cats will be in an unfamiliar situation they will tend to flee. Be very careful and do not let them escape especially if they are free in a room. Guests or room service can easily let them out and they might be hard to get back. Cats will get cold and scared if left in a vehicle. Let’s not let a stressful situation get worse. This advice applies to dogs, birds or any pet you may have. Here is a sample of a cat carrier that I like.

In Closing

Natural disasters and severe weather events can be stressful. A little forethought and preparation can reduce stress. It must be remembered that any device that creates toxic fumes must not be operated in the house or apartment. Even the BBQ which is a necessary piece of survival equipment must be operated outside.

The fact that there was only one small paragraph on pet evacuation, it is probably the most important. The cats will not survive being left behind or kicked outside. My pets will be part of my evacuation plans no matter what.

My generator including cables, cords and a home isolation breaker box installed by an electrician cost approximately $2000.00 CDN . The topic of generators and the associated hardware may seem complicated. The best advice you can get is from your electrician. If you wish to ask me questions please do so in the comments area.

That’s my story for today. If you have any questions or comments please do so at the bottom. Now hug a kitty and have a great day.

Don’t forget to have a look at my Cat Care Products page for more great items for your cat.

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Cats And The Environment has become a headline lately. Cats are being perceived as dangerous predators that are killing natural species to the point of extinction. Are cats really the problem? Of course not, cats are doing what comes naturally to the cat. How did the world find itself overrun with cats?

Cats As An Invasive Species

Australia has a cat problem. They also have problems with several invasive species. Please follow this link to Wikipedia for a complete article on Invasive Species in Australia. Australia is not the only country claiming problems with feral cats. What do you suppose is the underlying issue with too many cats?

People Are The Problem With Feral Cats

On average a female cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter and 2 to 3 litters per year. During her lifetime, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. A single pair of breeding cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years.

I have eight cats living in my house. They have never killed a bird, rodent, or reptile. My females are spayed and the males are neutered. I have taken the responsibility to look after and maintain my cats. I do not allow my cats to free roam and the cats that want to go outside are monitored and on a leash. I hope soon to have a catio so the cats have some free time outside.

What I am implying is that people are the cause of any invasive species problem. Any time a species has introduced to control a pest or as a pet that has escaped or been abandoned it is the human element as the root cause.

When the target species has to be controlled, usually extreme measures are employed that causes great suffering to the target and can affect the whole environment. Poisons are the worst as it affects the whole food chain. Poisoning is a terrible way to die and no animal deserves this fate.

Humanity Has To Take Responsibility

Certain members of the population should not have control of pets. Pets that are not maintained properly through diet or birth control or regular medical examination do not belong under the guidance of an irresponsible person. Animal hoarders and abusers should suffer the same criminal prosecution as child abusers. Animal dumping is another example of abuse that must be met with harsh penalties. Cats and dogs cannot survive properly on their own, especially if a dumped cat has been declawed. My latest rescue is a young pregnant dog that was dumped in the country on a viciously cold winter night. How can anyone do this?

Responsible Pet Owners

Responsible pet owners bring a cat into the family and the kitty becomes family. I want to reemphasize that this includes a proper diet, regular medical visits and above all BIRTH CONTROL. Birth control means a spay and neuter program that eliminates unwanted kittens. Back to my rescued young dog (yes Cat Care loves dogs too), We went from 3 dogs to 10 dogs in one day. Now there are puppies that require good safe homes. If you think one or two cats is a lot of responsibility, have a surprise litter of kittens will increase your workload and financial responsibility. After the litter comes it is too late for birth control and a responsible pet owner MUST raise the litter to be homed properly.

Feral Cat Colonies

Feral cat colonies are blamed for environmental destruction. The reality is that people made them feral and now people must take responsibility for them. There are dedicated groups that feed and house feral cat colonies and with the help of professional veterinary staff conduct effective spay and neuter programs to these colonies.

The feral cats are live trapped and the surgically sterilized and after a monitoring period are returned to the colony. Some of these kitties are adopted, however, some of these cats will never be able to keep inside. MY Norbu is an example of a great kitty that was as wild a feral as you could imagine and has become one of the nicest house cats you could imagine. It just takes patience and time.

Feral cat colonies that are a part of a TNR program (Trap Neuter Release) benefit the community by keeping other strays out and if fed properly have no impact on the local wildlife. Volunteers provide winter shelters and in this, the cats do not suffer the cold weather. An inspirational movie is the documentary KEDI. It is wonderful to see how the whole city of Istanbul appreciates its cats.

Adopt A Feral Cat

How can the average person help? I think that if the TNR program was supported with financial and volunteer assistance the problem with stray cats would be greatly reduced. Feral colonies need food and shelter as well as medical assistance. The next step would be to adopt a feral cat. All of my eight cats are rescues. They have been removed from the wild environment and live a safe life in a loving home. My Norbu was the wildest and with patience and compassion has become a wonderful inside cat. He has been in the house for ten months at this writing. He is still cautious but becomes calmer every day. Feral cats need their space and will calm down at their own pace. The process can not be rushed. The rewards are priceless.

Perhaps a person could adopt a feral colony. Putting up shelters and providing the necessities of life is a start. There will be people that do not appreciate the effort and be prepared for a backlash from individuals or governments. Be sure to check with local regulations before starting a big project.

In Closing

Any invasive species has a human element behind it. Then the target species has to pay with its life. Humanity has to take responsibility for its actions.

I do not believe in free-roaming cats. My cats are indoors only except two that go out on leads. There are just too many hazards out there for my kitties such as wild animals, vehicles, and cat haters. I could not sleep at night if everybody was not in the house. That goes for my dogs too.

That’s my story for today. Please hug a kitty and do something green for the environment. Don’t forget to check my Cat Care Products page for something for that special kitty.

How Long Is Cat (Pet) Care? It Is Forever!

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below

Trevor

Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc

Located in southern Manitoba, Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants has three locations to serve all of your veterinary needs from pets to livestock.

Are you a licensed veterinarian that would like to serve a thriving rural community? Give the Rolling Plains Veterinary clinic a call. Click the logo.

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

 

 

Having a Happy Easter With Cats is easy, however, there are some precautions that are necessary so everyone can enjoy the holiday rather than being at the vet office. Seasonal decorations, foods and plants are the cats biggest threat. Here are some examples. Some of this post is a reprint from my post Toxic Plants for Cats written on April 03, 2018.

Easter Plants

Easter Plants such as the Easter Lilly are extremely TOXIC to cats. Every part of this plant is toxic even the pollen. This plant will cause kidney failure and survivability rates are low even with immediate medical care.

The Lilly’s that are of the greatest interest to the cat owner are the Easter Lilly, Asiatic Lily and Tiger Lily plus day Lily.

Calla or Arum Lily contain crystals that irritate the mouth and cause drooling, diarrhea and vomiting but do not affect the kidneys.

Lily of the Valley will affect the heart causing low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. This could progress to coma or seizures.

To prevent all  problems with Lilys just don’t bring them into the house.

Poisonous Plants for Cats

Here is a list of Non-Pet Friendly plants. Norfolk Pine, House Pine, Croton, Jade Plant, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Azalea, Geranium, Aloe, Dracaena, Corn Plant, Ribbon Plant, Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Daffodil, Paper White, Calla Lily, Trumpet Lily, Yucca, Caladium, Elephant Ears, Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Golden Pothos, Devils Ivy, English Holy, Amaryllis, Belladonna Lily, Tulip & Tulip Bulb, Peace Lily, Horsehead, Heartleaf Philodendron, Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum, English Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, Snake Plant, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, Anthurium.

It is a good idea to Google search every plant a person brings into the house to check for animal toxicity. A person should be cautious with outside plants too. Should your cat have roaming outside privileges your garden should be as free from toxic plants as the house. Please follow this link to my post Toxic Plants For Cats for a list of safe plants for your home.

A good alternative to your cats chewing the houseplants is to plant Cat Grass for them. It is easy with seed from the pet store or purchase this example from Amazon. My cats love the grass and chew on it all day long. It takes about 3 days to sprout and within the week it is tall enough to eat.

The Kitchen Hazards

Regardless of the holiday, most duties of any special day fall on the mummies of the house. It is nice if the chef gets enough help to prevent accidents and injury to anyone. Our cats enjoy everything in the kitchen especially the smell of food or just watching and participating by just standing on the cupboard or stove. Whenever anything comes off the stove and the elements are hot I always put a pot of cold water on the empty element to prevent burnt feet.

Sharp objects like knives should be stored to prevent being pushed off the cupboard. I never store sharp objects with the sharp side up as cats walk around the whole house when we are not looking. Because our cats are always underfoot please be careful not to get tripped by your nosey kitty.

Dangerous Foods For Cats

All the great cuisine we humans get to enjoy are not good for our cats or our dogs. Foods to avoid for your pets are chocolate, tea, coffee, grapes and raisins. Uncooked yeast dough can be fatal. Any raw meat should be avoided because of salmonellosis. This is a symptomatic infection caused by bacteria of the salmonella type. Do not let cats munch on onions in any form. An ingredient called thiosulphate contained in onions which are toxic to cats and dogs.

Cooked turkey and other poultry is not a problem for cats unless it is too hot. The spices and bastings applied to a cooking poultry product can give your kitty an upset stomach. One of the hazards of cooked poultry is that cooked bones if eaten will splinter and pierce your cat’s insides. Meat wrappings such as plastic, aluminum foil will be licked and ingested by cats with disastrous results.

Meat soaked string is a lethal hazard to your cat. Should your cat eat string don’t pull it regardless of which end of the cat it is sticking out of. The string will tangle around their tongues and intestines and will require surgery to remove. Because of the serious damage string can cause I never leave any string, thread or yarn lying around. Take your time, get some help and spent time enjoying your day rather than sweating at the vet.

In closing this topic I must mention that the most common cause of home fires is unattended cooking. If you need a rest shut off the top of the stove.

Your Guests

When receiving guests I would recommend putting coats and other clothes in a closed room so that your kitty does not pee on the scents of other animals. It would be a good idea to set ground rules on the handling of your cats especially if there are undisciplined children present. I always feed my cats and dogs before the guests arrive so they are not tempted to hang around the table.

Holidays and Giving Pets

Many pets are given during holiday seasons and then many pets are abandoned because the people involved were not prepared for receiving a pet. Cats, dogs and bunnies are abandoned to often. If you want to give a pet to someone have a sit-down and explain the responsibilities of owning a pet with children and parents before giving an animal to anyone.  A cat is a lifetime commitment!

Spring And Summer

During this time of year as the outside temperatures climb we must remember that animals, babies and seniors must not be left in cars or hot rooms. The following chart will show how hot it gets inside a car. To experience this I suggest going to a parking lot, roll up the windows and shut the car off and see how long you can sit there.

In Closing

That’s my story for today. Be careful this holiday season and enjoy yourself by taking your time and getting help as necessary. Making your home safe for everyone including our furry family is important. Remember that no internet advice is better than the advice of your trusted vet.

If you have a moment please have a look at my Cat Care Products page for something for that special kitty.

Do You Need A Vet

Do you need good veterinary services in Manitoba.

Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc.

This service in southern Manitoba has three locations to serve you. They provide services for small animals and all farm livestock. Please follow this link for more information – Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Everyone wants their cat to be happy and healthy. Cats being solitary creatures by nature do not always let us know when something is wrong or they are not feeling well. Today’s discussion will help you decide if your cat is sick.

A Healthy Cat

A Healthy cat displays all the signs of normal cat behaviour. They eat regularly and use the litter box. They purr and groom as usual. When you pick them up there are no sore or swollen areas. A healthy cat has nice pink gums. The gum line should not have unnecessary redness and the teeth should not show plaque.

To check if your cat is hydrated properly, pinch the skin behind the neck and release. If the fold falls flat again your cat is drinking enough water. If the skin stays up where it was pinched your cat is dehydrated.

Is My Cat Sick

Litter Box Issues

Let’s begin with the obvious things we look at every day. Good cat servants clean the litter box regularly as a cat will not use a dirty litter box anymore than you would use a dirty toilet. I have written several articles about the litter box and I believe that the open litter box that is regularly scooped out is one of the best indicators of your cat’s health. Please use the search bar for more articles on the litter box or follow this link to my post on Litter Boxes.

Peeing outside the box could be an indication of a Urinary Tract Infection, kidney disease or bladder stones. I like to watch my cats in the box occasionally to watch for crying when peeing or some sort of struggling. Blood in the urine is hard to spot in the litter box. If you can see blood in the urine a vet visit is necessary. My newest rescue Norbu went to five litter boxes one morning and I took him to the vet immediately and he was given antibiotics for an infection. Crystals in the urine will lead to organ failure if not treated. It always helps the vet if you could capture a fresh urine sample as this will save time at the vet office. If this is impossible your vet can extract a urine sample.

I copied a picture from Google of the Purina Fecal chart. This has been very helpful when talking to my vet. Cat diarrhea is serious and needs attention. If your cat has not been dewormed blood in the stool should be investigated as well. It should be noted that a drop of blood at the end of the stool is generally not a problem.

Cat Vomiting

Cat vomiting is an issue that will cause you concern. My senior cat Alexis was throwing up every meal. The cause turned out to be eating too fast and poor food. I put a golf ball in her bowl and fed smaller portions. This cured the problem. A cat that throws up after eating too fast will probably leave a long line of undigested food soon after eating.

Hair Balls are another reason cats vomit. My long haired cats love to be brushed and this helps a lot in reducing the hair ingestion during self-grooming. Alexis also gets Hair Ball cream daily. Please follow this link to a Wikipedia article on the Hairball for pictures. The hair ball cream helps the hair pass through the cat easily.

Poisoning will cause vomiting. Toxic plants will kill your cat quickly if medical attention is not immediate. Survival rates are poor from plant poisoning so please remove all toxic plants from your home. Pollen from some plants is equally toxic as the cat ingests the pollen through grooming. Please follow this Link to my Toxic Plants for Cats post. Cats with outdoor privileges can easily encounter toxins. I personally do not allow my cats free roaming privileges.

If your cats are vomiting in colors not associated with food or hair and there is blood present a vet visit must be immediate and if possible bring a sample of what they have eaten. I have had people tell me that they put out automotive antifreeze for pest control. This is very toxic to cats and every animal out there.

Another source of poison is mouse or rat bait. Cats that eat a poisoned mouse will be poisoned as well. This business of rodent control affects the whole food chain and is really an unacceptable practice.

My Cat is Drinking Lots Of Water

An increase in water consumption may indicate kidney disease, diabetes or possibly an issue with the thyroid gland. An overweight cat is a candidate for diabetes.

Lack Of Appetite

My Lacy went off her food and was obviously not feeling good. A late night vet visit revealed she was dehydrated. She was given fluids and an appetite enhancer. I think that the real reason for her lack of appetite was that we rescued two kittens and she was emotionally overwhelmed by the event. She soon went back to normal. Lacy also started defending herself from pushy kittens and that really improved her mood. Cats are emotional too.

Old Cats

We all get older and can not move as fast as we used to. Arthritis will cause sore joint and mobility problems. Your vet can prescribe medicines or supplements for your old cat. I give my senior dog China Omega 3 for her joints.

Do not give your cats human medicine.

To help our older kitties get around a person can start to build stairs so they can get on the bed. If your kitties are used to eating up high providing a low secure safe spot away from the dog would be appreciated.

My Cat Is Hiding From Me

Changes in your cat’s behaviour might indicate that they are sick or in pain. A cat that is normally out and about and has suddenly taken to hiding might indicate a problem. These kitties can become aggressive so handling should be done carefully. Take care until a general inspection can be done. Do not be rough on legs and try not to squeeze too hard until you have an idea what the problem is.

When getting your hurt cat to the vet putting them in the carrier might be hard. Wrap them in a towel starting by laying it over their head and then wrapping the legs. This way the kitty will be easy to put in the carrier for the trip.

During regular vet visits your cat might hide from you after some vaccinations. This is normal. Be sure to ask your vet about side effects after regularly scheduled vaccinations.

Eye, Nose And Ear Discharge

Eye or Nose discharge such as a yucky paste might indicate an upper respiratory infection. This condition is contagious and must be treated quickly. If this is accompanied by irregular breathing in any way it must be treated immediately.

Ear discharge or wax might indicate ear mites or an infection. Ear mites can infect other cats so treatment should be done as soon as possible.

Overgrooming

A cat that is over grooming might have dry skin, a skin infection or external parasites. That is why an isolation period is necessary before introducing a new rescue cat to your group. If there is hair loss or excessive scratching it must be corrected soon.

There are shampoos and treatments available from your vet to treat these conditions.

 

In Conclusion

A healthy cat is a happy cat. A cat that is fed a good quality diet will save you in vet bills. If you are one of those cat owners that allows you to brush their teeth, congratulations. Dental care is where probably most cats are lacking. Your vet can help you with dental care. Every cat deserves regular medical checkups and a good diet.

It must be noted that no amount of internet advice is better than the advice of a qualified veterinarian. If you have any questions or comments feel free to do so below and never hesitate to call your vet if something does not look right.

I do not believe in free-roaming cats. There are just too many hazards outside to be worth the risk. This also means that most kitties do not get enough exercise. Toys are necessary or maybe a running wheel to help that kitty stay in shape.

Check out this example from Amazon.

That’s my story for today. Now hug a kitty and do something green for the environment. Maybe rescue a kitty or volunteer at a shelter. Don’t forget to check my Cat Care Products Page for something for that special kitty.

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

A female cat in heat or estrus can be a confusing and stressful time for the new cat owner. A female cat can go into heat as soon as they are ready to reproduce. Going into heat means that the kitty has entered the phase of the feline reproduction cycle. This can be as early as four months or as late as a year. Cats can have several cycles per year and produce several batches of kittens every year.

On average a female cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter and 2 to 3 litters per year. During her lifetime, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. A single pair of breeding cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years. We will come back to this statistic.

Symptoms Of Cats In Heat

The first thing most new cat owners experience is the yowling. This yowling can be quite loud and may continue all night until the cycle is over. This vocalization is necessary to attract a mate.

You will notice that the male cats in your house will try mating with the female even if they are neutered.

There is a possibility that the female will spray around your house as she uses her urine to attract a willing male.

In an effort to exercise her natural desire to mate your kitty may try to escape your house. This may start with lots of restless pacing. There can also be displays excessive affection and rubbing.

There can be excessive licking of the genitals. The genitals may be swollen and there could be a bloody discharge. If your kitty is constantly licking the genital area without the above symptoms it is possible that your cat has a Urinary Tract Infection. Please follow this link to my “Cat Urinary Tract Infections” post.

Duration Of The Heat Cycle

Your kitty will be in heat from a week to ten days. If she can not mate she will go into heat again in the next three weeks. This could turn into a constant event if the cat is not allowed to mate.

The Solution

The solution to your kitties heat cycle is to have her spayed. This is a major surgery and must be done by a veterinarian. This procedure is in fact an ovariohysterectomy and removes the reproductive organs from the cat. This can be done at any age. My vet will keep the cat overnight to check for complications. It is recommended to have your cat spayed before the first heat cycle. Check with your vet for the best advice.

This procedure will give your cat a better life as she will not go through the regular heat cycles with all the natural urges. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 90 percent of cats. Please follow this link to a Wikipedia page on Neutering.
I have written an article on what to watch for after your cat is spayed. Follow this link for the article Why Spay and Neuter Your Pets – What To Watch For.

Spaying is the ethical answer to the issue of unwanted kittens. Let’s review this statistic.

On average a female cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter and 2 to 3 litters per year. During her lifetime, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. A single pair of breeding cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years.

So many of these kittens are abandoned or euthanized. The number of feral cats is astounding and control measures are sometimes very cruel. We must remember that it is not the cats fault they are free and uncared for. It is the responsibility of society to prevent unwanted kittens by spaying and neutering your pets.

Some communities have through volunteers and support from veterinarians conduct TNR (Trap Neuter Release) programs where colonies of free cats are caught and sterilized and released back into the wild. These people also feed and shelter homeless cats to help them survive the elements. These efforts are usually volunteer funded and are in constant need of support. Please don’t hesitate to support your local group.

Outside Cat Shelters

Every feral cat appreciates a place to sleep. They can easily be built from material at any hardware store. Google can give you many ideas. Here are a couple examples from Amazon that will make any feral cat happy.

Some feral cats can never be domesticated and that is reality, however if you can get close enough it may be possible to trap them and have them spayed or neutered.

Frost Bite

Winter is hard on all cats living outdoors. If it is to cold for you outside it is to cold for cats. This winter my little Roxanne escaped outside under the dogs legs. It was -32c with a wind. She was outside for 15 minutes max and had frost bite on her ear tips. I heard her crying from the kitchen. There was no permanent damage and I am more careful about her sneaking out. That’s how long it takes to freeze body parts when exposed to cold temperatures with a wind chill. Imagine what a cat with no home has to cope with.

That’s my story for today. We must remember that responsible cat ownership means managing their reproduction. Cat population are best controlled by spaying and neutering. Spaying and neutering also reduces your cats natural mating desires and gives them an easier life in the house.

The pictures I included in this post include a lot of kittens. The point is that kittens are precious and their lives should not be taken lightly. Every life is precious and as we must look after our cats in a responsible manner.

Please take a moment to visit my Cat Care Products page for something for that special kitty.

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our kitties are amazing creatures. They deserve the best and the best litter box is one way to show your kitty how much you care. The litter box is a very important tool in cat maintenance. The litter box is an indicator of your cats health and when maintained properly everybody is happy.

Before we begin our investigation of litter box and litter options I would like to review my opinion on litter box etiquette. I believe that the open litter box is the best way to keep track of your cats health. I have eight cats and eight litter boxes. They are cleaned several times a day or when somebody sees something that needs cleaning. Open litter boxes allow a cat owner to observe their cats using the box and this can allow you to detect problems before they get serious.

Litter Box Problems

There are several litter box problems that cat owner’s encounter. To begin with it must be established if there is a medical problem, a behavior problem or an owner’s problem.

Peeing Outside The Box

This issue has the three problems we discussed. First it could be a medical problem. A urinary tract infection will cause your cat to pee where they sit. It is a good idea to watch your kitty pee and notice if there is any struggling or crying. This will require a vet visit and is curable, but it must be caught early to prevent organ damage. Later as I discuss different types of litter I will give a short discussion on diagnostic cat litter.

A behavioral problem can be caused by a dirty litter box, a new kitty or a kitty that needs spaying or neutering as an intact cat tends to do its natural marking. A litter box must be cleaned regularly. This means frequent scooping along with regular washing and sterilizing of the litter box.

Cat Declawing is an unnecessary procedure that is nothing more than animal cruelty. It is of no benefit to the cat and causes behavioral issues. Tender paws are unable to dig in the litter and the kitty will look for softer places to pee. Please follow this link for more information on declawing.

Fecal Quality

This odd paragraph is probably causing readers to ask why is this important. The importance of your kitties fecal quality is an indicator of your cats health. A good resource for this is to refer to the Purinal Fecal Chart and you can use this to describe to your vet what your cat is doing. Anything from worms to a poor diet will give your kitty diarrhea. A cat with a proper stool is a happy cat.

Living with multiple cats makes watching each cat difficult, however it is worth the effort to monitor your cats. I would like to note that the open litter box is the best way to keep track of your cat’s health.

The Litter Box Options

Picking a litter box for your kitty is not hard. I am going to provide some Amazon options for you to help make your choice. Don’t forget to purchase a scoop for sifting the good litter from the dirty litter.

Decisions that need to be made will be based on the size, age and physical condition of your cat. Litter box training will be easy. I have provided litter boxes for cats ranging from just weaned kittens to seniors. All I had to do was set up a box and the adults immediately used it. For the kittens I set them in the box once and training was over.

Big Cats

Big cats need big boxes. If you have large cats like Maine Coons a large box is mandatory. My big cats weigh 16 pounds and when they get in the box if their head is touching the front of the box their must be enough room so that their bum is well inside the box. I have used large stacking plastic containers for litter boxes and this works great as it reduces the litter that gets kicked out. These containers are better for the big cats, but they must be agile enough to jump over the side.

Old Cats

Older cats with mobility issues need a box with lower sides. Their may come a time when you have to lift your cat into the box, however until that time they will need a box they can step into. When your kitty gets older and they can not groom themselves as well it will be necessary to wash them as required. My long haired cats go to the groomer to get their backsides trimmed to prevent matted hair and dirty bums. Regardless of your cats fur length they still might get cling-ons. I just wipe them with a cloth and all is fine. Wash your hands when you are done.

Small Cats or Kittens

Obviously the small cats need a box with lower sides. There are boxes available with tall sides and an opening that is set lower so it is available to greater range of cat sizes.

Self Cleaning Litter Boxes

The self-cleaning litter box is an option. I have never used one, however I believe that it will not reduce your work load as this unit will need service too. If your cat gets diarrhea will you notice? Then the automatic scoop will get plugged and will need cleaning as well. I would investigate this option thoroughly as they are expensive. Please read the reviews from Amazon.

Enclosed Cat Litter Furniture

There are several sizes and styles of enclosures available for you to hide your litter box and reduce tracked litter. If you do not mind a visible litter box there are mats that you can place your litter box on to help contain the litter that sticks to your cats feet.

Types Of Litter

The general rule of the litter box is to have a litter box for each cat plus one extra. Litter boxes should be cleaned often. This includes regular scooping and then on the schedule of your choice the boxes should be emptied, washed with hot soap and water. Be sure to scoop into the corners and any ridges on the bottom of the litter box. Then a sprinkling of baking soda and replaced with a layer of new litter. The litter should be about three inches deep. If your kitty is digging to the bottom of the litter tray to cover there is not enough litter.

Clumping Cat Litter

I use Purina Clumping Litter This is a multi cat product with Glade odor control and is available from Amazon. The Purina product is relatively dust free and I recommend this product. I have read stories of kitties eating the lightweight clumping litter and filling their bellies with it. I have never used it, however I would be cautious with it until you can see there will be no issues.

I am also using a clumping litter from Wundercat. It is not available everywhere, but we actually received it by accident when we ordered Wundercat Pine pellets cat litter. We found that the cats like it and went to it immediately. I don’t like the fact that it is dustier than the Purina product. Some cat owner’s find the dust from clay litters unacceptable and have gone to a wood product cat litter. I tried wood chips for a while. The kitties used it but the wood chips got everywhere and after a while it looked as if I was building furniture in the house.

Pine Pellet Cat Litter

I have three litter boxes with Pine Pellet cat litter. It is a Wundercat product. Not all the cats use it, but those that do seem to be using it regularly. It has good odor control and last a long time. When the cats pee  the pellets turn to dust and when I scoop out the feces the dust goes to the bottom of the box. We clean the pine litter boxes regularly by scooping and saving the good pellets. I reuse the good pellets and add fresh pellets as necessary. If necessary throw the whole batch away and sterilize the litter box and refill with fresh pellets. There is no tracking of the pine pellets as they do not stick to the cat’s paws. I would think that this litter would not be liked by a cat with sensitive paws such as a declawed cat as the pellets are course to dig in. Amazon does not supply the product I use, however I have found an Amazon product that should work nicely.

Diagnostic Cat Litter

There are diagnostic cats litters available so that you can monitor your cats urine pH or level of acidity. These litters are coated with a specialized pH detector that changes color when your cats urine touches it. There will be a handy chart where you can reference the color change and then take this information to your vet. I was unable to find a product on the Amazon website so here are three products for you to look for in your local area. They are (1) PrettyLitter (2) Perfect Litter and (3) Ultra Monthly Monitor. If you have multiple cats it will be necessary to have your test cat have sole use of the diagnostic litter for accuracy of the test.

Cat Litter Disposal

Most cat owner’s have to dispose of their cat litter in the household trash. This is fine, however do not make your trash cans too heavy as they might not get picked up. Due to the smell and the fact that clay cat litter takes a long time to decompose I would not put it in the garden or compost bin. I live on a large acreage so I can just spread it in the bush and let it naturally compost.

Handling used kitty litter is usually not a problem. If the person cleaning the litter boxes is sensitive to dust wearing a dust mask will be a solution. Pregnant mummies might be concerned about Toxoplasmosis. This is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in garden soil and raw meat. This disease can be passed to humans through the dirty litter. Pregnant mummies and immunocompromised people with cats who cannot get someone else clean the litter box for them should wear gloves, clean the litter box promptly twice a day and wash their hands when finished. Follow this link for more information on Toxoplasmosis. Please do not get rid of your kitty because you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor and veterinarian if you are concerned. 

In Closing

Finding the best litter box will be determined by what suits your life style and your cat or cats. I prefer an open box and scoop regularly. It really is important to observe your cats using the litter box and catch any problems before the kitty gets sick. I have provided several items for your review. Be sure to check all the options Amazon has to offer. Do not be afraid to call your vet and get advice if necessary. No amount of internet advice is better than a qualified veterinarian’s opinion.

That’s my story for today. Please leave a comment or critique below and have a wonderful day. Now hug a kitty and do something green for the environment. Don’t forget to check out my Cat Care Products page for something for that special kitty.

Trevor

Before I go I would like to introduce you to Miss Kitty. She was rescued last week in Ottawa, Ontario and save from a week of very cold Canadian weather. She is now living in the house and will be expecting two babies at the end of February which was revealed by Ultra Sound during the vet visit.

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Cat proofing your house/home is as necessary as preparing your domicile for the crawling toddler. It must be done for your kitty’s protection and your own piece of mind. Cats are inquisitive, they love to climb and push things over. I really believe that cats must not be allowed to freely roam. There are so many hazards outside that keeping them inside is the best option.

Your Home

The fact that cats like to climb and push things over the best place to start cat proofing is any ornament or knickknack that can easily be pushed over. These things should be put away, especially if they are expensive. Because my cats are inside cats they have free run of the house. I let them sit on top of the cupboards and I love it when Ariel watches me do dishes. This is why we have cats so they can interact with us.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a popular spot for the kitties. The smells and the clattering of bowls brings them running. My boy Ariel likes to watch me do dishes. With all the activity it is important to watch they do not get stabbed by any sort of sharp objects. I always wash a knife and put it in the knife block as soon as I am done with it. Another hazard I have seen is that cats will chew and swallow elastic bands and possibly twist ties.

The stove is a potentially dangerous spot for cats. I put a pot of cold water on open hot elements so somebody does not burn their feet. We should always be aware of what our cats are eating when we cook. Grease soaked string, greasy tin foil are not for cats to eat. Please follow this link to a previous article on hazardous foods and plants for cats.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is full of poisons that will kill cats or dogs. All cleaning supplies should be behind closed doors. This means bleaches, toilet bowl cleaners, liquid soaps and personal hygiene items could be something a kitty could lick. If you use toilet bowl cleaning pucks that practice must STOP because cats love to look in and drink from the toilet bowl. It should be a habit to clean the toilet after every use so it has clean water in the bowl only.

Your personal medications must be handled properly so that your cats do not eat your prescriptions. If you loose a pill it must be found. Any medicine for humans can be lethal to a cat. I put a dog antibiotic on the cupboard once and my boy Soxs jumped up and ate it in a second. That was a real wake up call. Be careful.

The Living room

My cats love the living room. It is a great place to sleep, play and run around. If you have anything fragile and expensive it should be in a cabinet or put somewhere so it can not be knocked over. Furniture should have covers to protect from scratches and loose fur.

Shelving units are potential hazards. I have some shelving units with wire shelves spaced about an inch apart. I was working in the kitchen and I saw Esther climb into the plants on the shelf. When she jumped down she caught her leg in the shelves and was hanging upside down. If I would not have been there she would not have gotten free. We have since covered all the shelves with floor tiles and other items so the cats feet can not get between the bars.

Venetian blinds can be dangerous as well. I have replaced our blinds with heavy slatted items so the cats can’t get between the slats. When the blinds are open I recommend tying the cord up so the cats can’t get tangled in the cord.

The Garage

If you have kitties that live in the garage it must be cleaned of any toxic substance that could poison your cat. If there are cars in the garage with your kitties it must be necessary to watch for fluid leaks. Antifreeze will kill your cat in 24 hours with kidney damage. During the time when my Norbu was isolated in the garage I put drip trays under my old car. I put the pans on blocks so the cat could not get into the antifreeze. I made sure there were no fluids of any sort that could hurt Norbu. Cats will sleep where its is warm. They will crawl under the hood and sleep right beside the warm engine. It is necessary to bang the hood or open the hood and have a look before starting the engine.

Solutions

To prevent damage to your furniture I really recommend furniture covers. Scratching posts and cat trees will give your cats other things to scratch. It helps to trim your cats nails regularly. It is necessary for me to mention at this time that Cat Declawing is a cruel procedure that is of no benefit to the cat. Do Not Declaw. I built a scratching post from a piece of Oak and my cats love it. They just walk up to it and scratch on throughout the day. We have a few heavy weave door mats for cats to scratch as well. Cat toys are invaluable for keeping your cats occupied.

In Closing

If you have never had a cat before all the contents of this post make it sound as if  you are in for a stressful experience. I have to tell you that my cats mean more to me than any mess they can make. It is a lot like having that  first child that is just starting to crawl. You will organize your home, love your cat and carry on with living. If you want your house to look like a museum don’t get a pet because any pet you bring into the house will do something to require you to clean up. That’s life and a cat is worth it.

A cat is like a piece of living sculpture.

It will be necessary to have a large litter box and keep it clean. Feed a good quality cat food and you will have a happy home. Please follow this link to my Maintaining Your Cat for more information.

That’s my story for today. Please go to my Cat Care Products page for some great items for your special kitty, now hug a kitty and do something green for the planet.

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

A cat carrier is an essential piece of equipment. The ability to transport your cat to the vet or a place to keep your cat safe in the event of an evacuation the cat carrier will become an indispensable item in your kitties life and your piece of mind. I have a cat carrier for every cat in my house.

The Cat Carrier

Cat carriers come in a variety of sizes and materials. Picking one is not hard, it is just a matter of picking one that suits you and your cat. Earlier I mentioned that I have a carrier for each cat. I have both soft and hard carriers. In the event of an emergency each cat gets a carrier and can be put in the vehicle easily. I once took a cat to the vet without a carrier, the poor kitty got scared and went under the seat. It was really hard to get the cat out. The last point I would like to talk about is that getting a cat into the carrier is not easy at times. I find the easiest method is to put a large towel over the kitty and wrap up the legs and just gently put them into the carrier. I recommend only one cat per carrier. Now lets look at some carriers.

Hard Carriers

This cat carrier is one of my favorites. Its hard design allows it to be seat belted in your vehicle. I like the fact it has a bolt together construction so if it is dropped it will not fall apart. It is available in a variety of sizes and colors to fit every cat in your home. It has a hard floor so a blanket or pillow will make it a little more comfortable. If you have multiple cats that need to travel together stacking hard carriers is acceptable especially in an emergency.

Please click on the picture for sizes, pricing and more options.

The example above is  collapsible and has good Amazon reviews. I have personally not used it, however I think it is a good item.

Soft Carriers

I like soft carriers because they easy to store. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Soft carriers will be comfortable for airline carry on traveling. Some folks prefer the soft carrier for kitty comfort. Some soft carriers come with seat belt loops for securing in your car.

Please click on the picture for sizes, pricing and more options.

I have several of these pictured above and the Amazon description states they are approved for airline travel

Here is a nice example of an expandable carrier

Wheeled Carriers

There are many examples of wheeled carriers. Please click on the images for more options.

Cat Strollers

The cat stroller is a fabulous item for taking that special kitty for a day out. I would have an escape proof harness on my cat and have them tethered in the carrier. We must always be prepared for the escape.

I have picked examples of strollers with big wheels. This will make rough terrain easy to navigate. Even though the bottom image has a cute puppy in it there will be enough room for your Main coon.  Please click on the images for more examples.

Cat Backpacks

The Backpack for cats is popular for the adventure cats in our families. Be sure to watch for signs of over heating when the sun is on your back. There are many examples on the Amazon  website.

In Closing

Cat carriers are a cat owners necessary piece of equipment. For the seasoned cat owner transporting your kitty is probably not a problem. For the newbie taking your cat to the vet or groomer can be an issue. When I take my carrier out the cats know somebody is going somewhere. I have to take Ariel to the groomer at the end of January. When I bring the carrier out Norbu will hide, Tenzin will run to the bedroom and Ariel will be on alert. I have had to put a towel over Lexi to get her in the carrier.

The point is that most cats will not like traveling. My kitties cry all the way to town so I put my fingers through the bars of the door so they can rub on me. Usually they don’t want to get out of the carrier when we get to our destination so I must be careful not to hook their legs in the door.

The next event that might happen is that the cat will bolt out of the carrier. Norbu got out of the live trap so fast I could not react. We must be ready for the escape. Be careful. It is possible that if your cat gets frightened in a strange environment and escapes you might not see them again.

We all have seen the videos where the kitty is calm and riding in the stroller or walking nicely on the leash. When I take my two tuxedo’s out on the leash and they get scared they will bolt and are very difficult to hold and all they want is to get back in the house.

My advice is that until you are 100% sure you can control your cat in an emergency you must be prepared for an escape. I recommend an escape proof harness and a leash and if you are using a stroller there must be the ability to either screen it or cover the carriage until the kitty calms down or the emergency is over. A domestic cat run 30 mph or 48 kph and when they are scared they will not be listening to you.

This my story for today. Please leave a comment or question below. Don’t forget to check out my Cat Care Products page for something for that special kitty. Click on the images for access to the whole Amazon website.

Trevor

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.