Catégorie : La vie du chat

March 4, 2022

It’s hard to believe Ruby has been gone more than two years after being diagnosed with advanced kidney disease. Some days I still miss my little girl so much, it actually feels like a physical ache. I’m grateful I have eight years of Ruby’s Reflections on this site to comfort me and remind me of some of the cute things she did when the pain hits, and I love sharing the memories with you.

Last week, I shared a memory of Ruby talking about how she slept with me most nights. But over the winter months, she would often crawl under the covers and press herself against my stomach for extra warmth. The first time she did this, my heart melted!

Today’s memory goes back to December 2012, when Ruby explained why she liked to sleep under the covers.

Read Ruby’s Reflections: Undercover Kitty for the full story.

Now through March 31, get 15% off all Laika Pets fountains with code LAIKAPET15

While cat lovers don’t need a team of scientists to tell them that their feline friends positively impact their lives, a preliminary study sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology offers new and interesting information in favor of pet ownership. According to collected data, your cat could be the key to keeping your memory sharp even as you age. It’s good news for cat people and yet another way your cat benefits your overall life.

Memory loss can be both tragic and unavoidable. The Alzheimer Society reports that nearly 40% of American adults over the age of 65  will experience some degree of memory loss. “Brain games” designed to maintain cognitive function, along with dietary supplements, are often recommended to keep memory strong. But what if your doctor suggested bringing home a pet?

Analyzing Cognitive Data

Tiffany Braley of the University of Michigan Medical Center dove into data from a previous study of Medicare beneficiaries to learn more about how pets affect cognition and memory. Her data included information from 1,369 adults over the age of 65. Of those people, 53% owned at least one pet, and 32% were classified as long-term pet owners.

Each person in the study was given multiple cognitive tests including common skills like subtraction and word recall. Researchers then used those results to give each person a composite cognitive score ranging from zero to 27. Braley and her team compared those scores to identifying factors including pet ownership and the number of years spent caring for a cat or dog.

By continuing the tests and creating new composite scores over the span of six years, researchers found that the pet owners in the group better maintained cognitive function. According to the data at the six-year mark, long-term pet owners had an average cognitive score that was 1.2 points higher than non-pet people. The numbers also showed the pet ownership benefits were strongest for black adults, college-educated adults, and men.

How Cats Could Protect Memory

The numbers give a clear indication that pets, including cats and dogs, could benefit long-term cognition. But how? Braley theorizes that it has to do with a pet’s ability to lower a person’s stress. She said, “As stress can negatively affect cognitive function, the potential stress-buffering effects of pet ownership could provide a plausible reason for our findings.”

Anyone who has ever cuddled a purring cat knows how pets can decrease stress. Simply spending time with a cat or talking out problems with a non-judgemental and non-responsive friend can significantly lower stress and boost mental health. There are numerous studies proving that spending time with a cat can lower a person’s blood pressure, prevent feelings of loneliness, and ease anxiety. All of these things can potentially protect memory and overall cognition.

In addition to less stress, Braley also points out that pet owners are typically more active than non-pet owners. Physical health also impacts cognition. Facilitating a rousing game of Catch the Feather Wand or Chase the Catnip Mouse gives cat people a small but significant boost in physical activity.

Finally, having a pet to care for can keep the mind active and fresh.

Remembering to feed a cat at specific times, fill a water bowl, schedule and attend vet appointments—all of these activities flex our mental muscles.

We won’t know the full story without more research. However, these initial results suggest that living with a cat (or two or three) could have unexpected, yet valuable, long-term benefits.

This study will be presented in Seattle at the American Academy of Neurology’s 74th Annual Meeting. It will also be discussed virtually from April 24-26, 2022.

Source: American Academy of Neurology

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian disaster that worsens by the day. And not only are innocent men, women, and children caught up in the brutality of war, but these Ukrainian families’ beloved pets are in danger, too.

Forced to take just what they can carry as they run for their lives, many people have found themselves and their pets at borders, hungry, thirsty, and unsure of what to do next. With more than 800,00 refugees already streaming into Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, these countries need help getting essential supplies to Ukrainian citizens, who just a week ago were living everyday lives.

Humanitarian groups are already at work securing donations and on-scene passing out supplies. PETA is one of the many groups on the ground, making it possible for refugees and their pets to find safe passage and basic supplies. The group is also coordinating the delivery of pet food to Ukrainian animal shelters as stores are closed and supplies are running low.

Supplying Basics to the Frightened and Exhausted

When Ukrainian cat Crimsee and her mom crossed the border into Poland, Crimsee’s mom was near collapse. She had walked for more than 37 miles while carrying her cat to escape the invasion of their country. PETA Germany’s rescue team was there to help, providing the grateful pair with food and a place to rest.

“The team picked up six refugees and two cats at the Polish border and took them to a house for rest and protection,” PETA media coordinator Megan Wiltsie shared.

On the heels of helping these cats came a call requesting, “help for several weakened and terrified dogs in need of urgent care.”

These first acts of humanitarian aid were just the beginning of the river of souls needing assistance. But thanks to PETA Germany and its entities worldwide, refugees and their precious pets can rest and regroup while they figure out what comes next in these uncertain moments.

RELATED: People Fleeing Ukraine Cling To Their Beloved Pets Amid War

In addition to being at the Polish and Romanian borders, PETA Germany is also doing what it can to provide supplies to animal rescues and shelters inside Ukraine, where dedicated animal lovers are trying to protect the cats and dogs in their care.

“With support from PETA U.S., members of PETA Germany are coordinating the delivery of blankets and 44,000 pounds of dog and cat food to desperate animal shelters in Ukraine, as many stores there have run out.”

Calls to Ease Animal Entry Requirements

In a typical setting, traveling with pets into EU countries requires specific documentation. Still, as PETA explained, “The current regulations for bringing companion animals into the EU and the UK are impossible for refugees to follow in a state of war.”

“Animals such as dogs and cats must be vaccinated and microchipped and need an antibody titer for rabies confirmed through a serological test to enter the EU—but many of those who have been forced to flee don’t meet these requirements.”

PETA has asked the EU to suspend animal requirements at EU country borders temporarily, and the following countries have agreed to the appeal:

• Poland
• Lithuania
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Germany
• Austria
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Finland
• Italy
• The Netherlands

PETA is also pleading with UK officials to relax the animal travel requirements so Ukrainian refugees and their pets can find safety there, too. India has relaxed entry requirements, but quarantines are required. The regulations for traveling with animals are rapidly changing. Keep up with the latest entry requirements for Ukrainian refugees with pets with these Updates on the Situation for Animals in Ukraine.

UPDATE: More countries have eased entry regulations for Ukrainians & their companion animals seeking refuge 💛💙

Terrified animals must not be left behind to suffer—learn the details & urge the rest of the EU & the UK to relax their border rules ➡️ https://t.co/kZYeUJMBTa pic.twitter.com/ZEx0UophhD

— PETA (@peta) March 1, 2022

RELATED: Heroic Man Would Rather Die Than Abandon His Ukraine Animal Shelter

PETA’s worldwide entities are hard at work making sure Ukrainian families and their pets, as well as shelters and rescues inside the country, get the support they need in this time of crisis.

“Ukrainian refugees and their animal companions are debilitated and frightened, and they need as much support as they can get,” says PETA U.S. President Ingrid Newkirk. “From vital on-the-ground services to efforts to keep families intact, when disaster strikes—whether it’s an earthquake, flooding, fire, or war—PETA entities are united in helping survivors reach safety.”

If you want to help provide refugee pets with food, medical care, and other resources, consider donating to PETA’S GLOBAL COMPASSION FUND. 

Show you stand with Ukraine and feed shelter dogs with our Peace For Ukraine Premium Tee.

Feature Image: PETA/Instagram

(Picture Credit: Duci86/Getty Images)

From the time we are born, we have a relationship with toys. Toys help us hone our senses of sight, hearing, and touch, help us develop physical coordination, and become keys to express our interests. Toys entertain us, help us relieve stress and boredom, and burn off excess energy.

Interestingly, toys function pretty much the same way for our cats.

But there’s more to play than simply dropping a toy on the floor and letting your feline have at it – one must consider safety, moderation, variety, and other factors. Toys can contain harmful chemicals or plastics and leads.

It’s important to learn about avoiding these dangers so your cat can have fun and be stimulated but won’t fall ill or be injured while doing so.

Tips For Making Kitty Playtime Fun & Safe

Here are some safety tips when it comes to toys, playing, and your cat:

1. Variety Is Key

Cats need a variety of toys that relate to different aspects of their personalities, like stalking, chasing, and snuggling.

Mouse-sized toys can be hunted and “caught.” Your cat may even “gift” you with their catch.

Wand toys can be dragged around to simulate the chase and give you and your cat some quality time together.

Just remember to let them “catch the prey,” otherwise the game may be frustrating. Giving kitty a treat after the catch completes the hunt-catch-eat cycle.

2. Time The Playtime

Keep play sessions to about ten to 20 minutes, so as not to overtire your cat or make them bored.

Your goal is to keep your cat interested and give them some exercise.

3. Remember That String Can Be Deadly

Contrary to the cute pictures of kittens with balls of yarn, string can be dangerous.

Cats can’t really spit things out well; they can usually only throw things up or pass them. Strings or rubber bands caught in intestines can kill a cat, so always store these things out of reach.

Many toys have strings dangling off of them, that, once ingested, can kill your cat. Please be very careful when picking toys. Always store toys with strings in a place where your cat can’t get them when you’re done playing.

4. Use Laser Pointers Safely

Laser pointers are fun, but use caution and never shine the beam directly in your cat’s eyes or bounce it off a reflective surface. Damage can occur in less than ten seconds.

Use only lasers made for cats that have 5 milliwatts or less strength. Lasers made for business presentations are too strong.

As an alternative, shine a lamp off a reflective surface, such as a shiny bracelet, watch, or pinwheel.

Make sure the play area is free of anything your cat could fall on and hurt the feline; remember – they’re chasing the red dot and not watching where they’re going.

5. Have A Ball With A Ball

Balls and crumpled pieces of paper are great fun to chase and bat around. A ping pong ball in a bathtub is even more fun because the “prey” cannot escape.

Just remember to put the ball away before you go to bed, lest the game resume in the middle of the night.

6. Give Kitty A Scratching Post

Cats instinctively need to scratch, and scratching posts also allow them to stretch and release pent up energy.

No matter how torn up, abused, and aesthetically unpleasing a scratching post gets, think twice before you throw it away; if you do, your feline may get upset for discarding the trophy of their hard work. Only replace it if it becomes a safety hazard.

7. Inspect The Stuffed Toys

Make sure stuffed toys have safe stuffing, and no small parts that could be swallowed.

Toys made just for pets, or kids three years of age and younger, are generally safe.

Replace stuffed toys when they get too torn up. You don’t want your cat swallowing anything they shouldn’t.

8. Keep An Eye Out With Catnip

Kittens under six months of age don’t usually respond to catnip, but older cats may love it.

Some get aggressive with it, however, so if you have more than one cat, test their reactions separately at first. Otherwise you may end up with a bar brawl.

9. Rotate Toys Out

Switch out toys once in a while, except for the toy your cat plays with or snuggles with every day – don’t make that one disappear.

Put some toys away for a while, then bring them back once your feline has had a fair go at their other toys. Rotating the toys out will keep things fresh for your cat and prevent boredom.

If your cat doesn’t have many toys, you can also make your own “custom” toys with things you have around the house. Crumpled paper, cardboard boxes and tubes, and paper bags (handles removed), and other seemingly ordinary household items can entertain your feline for hours.

10. Beware Of Toxic Toys

You may think that if you buy a toy made for cats, it will be safe for your feline. However, you’d be surprised how many times I’ve heard of a cat being injured or even killed by a toy that was sold specifically for cats.

If the toy smells of chemicals and you find it offensive to your own nose, don’t give it to your cat. Some cat toys are made of cheap and potentially toxic materials. If the toy is giving you a headache, don’t give it to your cat.

Also, check where the toy was manufactured. Some countries don’t have strict regulations about materials that can go into pet toys. Usually a product made in the United States is a safer bet than a toy made overseas.

Ready, set, play…

How do you play with your cat? Do they have any favorite toys? Let us know in the comments below!

Coral snake bite poisoning in cats happens when a cat is bitten by a venomous coral snake. While coral snakes are seen as reclusive creatures, their bites can result in paralysis and breathing problems in cats and become life threatening.

You can identify coral snakes by their red, black, and yellow band markings. In general, if you notice that your kitty has suffered from a snake, seek out medical attention straight away.

If you see signs that your cat is developing the symptoms poisoning, then you must consult your veterinarian immediately. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of coral snake bite poisoning in cats.

Symptoms Of Coral Snake Bite Poisoning In Cats

Coral snake bite poisoning in cats can produce a variety of symptoms. The symptoms can also be delayed for up to 18 hours after a feline is bitten.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Drooling
• Paralysis
• Convulsions
• Breathing problems
• Collapse
• Shock
• Diarrhea
• Not being able to meow

Causes Of Coral Snake Bite Poisoning In Cats

The cause of coral snake bite poisoning in cats is the powerful venom injected when a coral snake bites. In general, coral snakes are reclusive creatures, but curious kitties might feel tempted to disturb them.

Again, you can identify coral snakes by their three-colored yellow, red, and black band markings. Generally, the larger the coral snake, the more venom they can inject, causing more severe symptoms.

Bites that occur closer to the cat’s heart have a higher likelihood resulting in severe or life-threatening effects.

Veterinary Treatments

If you notice that your cat has been bitten by a coral snake, seek out medical attention immediately. Your vet will want to ask about your cat’s recent activities and try to identify any situations where they may have come into contact with a coral snake.

Your vet will also ask about your cat’s medical history in a bid to rule out any other conditions. If you ever notice your cat in close proximity to a snake, try to take a photo with your phone so that your vet can quickly identify the type of snake if needed.

When it comes to treatment, the process involves a stay in hospital. The vet will administer antivenom medication to your cat. Sometimes, vets may also prescribe antibiotics to fight off any potential infections that could arise.

As ever, if your vet prescribes any medicine for your kitty, it’s imperative that you stick to the correct dosage and frequency instructions and complete the full course of medication.

Has your cat ever been bitten by a coral snake? How did your vet treat the poisoning? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

As pet parents, when we’re trying to be healthy, we might order a salad. Perhaps the epitome of healthy foods, a simple bowl of salad contains fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and other low-calorie salad vegetables.

These salad vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, what if you want your feline family member to benefit from these super-healthy ingredients too? Can cats eat tomatoes?

Well, the truth is that although a small amount of fully ripe tomato is unlikely to do any harm, underripe tomatoes are toxic to cats. Therefore, if you’re looking for a healthy snack for your feline friend, there are better, less risky options.

Tomato Nutritional Stats

One slice of raw tomato (50g) contains the following nutrients. However, it’s important to remember that your cat may not be able to utilize all of the nutrients, as they may not be bioavailable.

Tomato Nutritional Facts

Commonly mistaken for a vegetable, a tomato is actually a fruit. While water makes up most of a tomato (a whopping 95%!), the remainder is mainly carbohydrates and fiber.

They’re a source of the antioxidant Vitamin C, and Vitamin K1, which is vital for blood clotting. In addition, they contain the B vitamin folate, and potassium, which is essential for heart function and circulation.

Benefits Of Tomatoes For Cats

Tomatoes contain important vitamins and minerals like Vitamins C, K, B9, and potassium. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant and is vital for growth and repair. However, cats can make their own Vitamin C, so it’s not an essential vitamin like it is in humans.

Vitamin K has a vital role in blood clotting, so it’s pretty important for your kitty. Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, maintaining blood pressure, and fluid balance.

Even though these potential benefits sound great, there are much safer alternatives to tomatoes that you can feed your paw-some friend without worrying. So, although the risk from a small amount of ripe tomato is negligible, is it really worth the risk when there are safe foods you can offer?

How Many Tomatoes Can A Cat Eat?

As mentioned above, ripe tomatoes are very unlikely to cause your cat harm. The toxic compound solanine is only present in significant amounts in underripe tomatoes and the tomato plant itself. Therefore, if your cat ate a small amount of ripe tomato, for example, half a cherry tomato, it shouldn’t make them unwell.

On the other hand, the tomato stalk and the leaves and stem of the tomato plant all contain larger amounts of solanine. So, even a small amount could cause your cat to become unwell.

How Often Can A Cat Eat Tomatoes?

It’s safest to avoid tomatoes altogether, especially since they don’t provide any nutrition that your cat can’t get from other foods. However, if you decide to feed your cat small amounts of ripe tomato with the stalk removed, you should do so only occasionally.

Remember, as long as your cat’s food is nutritionally complete, it will contain everything they need to be healthy. Any little extras you give them won’t just increase their calorie intake for the day; it could also throw off the balance of nutrients provided by their cat food.

Are Tomatoes Used In Commercial Cat Food?

You might be surprised to find that some commercial cat foods contain tomatoes. However, it’s important to remember that ripe tomatoes pose no risk to your cat’s health because they don’t contain solanine.

So, don’t be alarmed if you spot tomatoes on the ingredients label of your cat’s food; it’s often used as a filler, with the added benefit of extra nutrients.

The Risks Of Eating Tomatoes For Cats

Of course, one of the main risks of eating tomatoes for cats is if they eat parts of the tomato plant or green, unripe tomatoes. If your cat does get solanine poisoning, they might go off their food and develop severe vomiting and diarrhea, dribbling, weakness, and a slow heart rate.

If you notice any of these signs or suspect that your cat may have nibbled on your tomato plant, you should contact a veterinarian right away.

Other risks from feeding your cat tomatoes are not related to the tomatoes themselves. Firstly, dishes that contain tomatoes often also include onions or garlic, which are severely toxic to cats.

Cooking fats and oils used to cook tomatoes could irritate your cat’s guts or cause them a painful bout of pancreatitis. You should also avoid using salt, pepper, chili, or other seasonings that could give your cat an upset tummy.

Do Cats Like The Taste Of Tomatoes?

As a general rule, cats don’t seem to like tomatoes much. But there are always exceptions to the rule! So, if your cat is a bit of an oddball and enjoys tomatoes, it’s best to remove any accessible tomato plants from your home, greenhouse, or garden.

Summary

When it comes to feeding your cat a tasty and nutritious treat, it’s best not to reach for the tomatoes. Although ripe tomatoes are safe for your cat to eat in small amounts, there are better options out there.

If your feline friend enjoys the taste of tomatoes, keep them safe by making sure they don’t have access to tomato plants. Finally, if you suspect your cat might have eaten part of a tomato plant, you should speak to your veterinarian for urgent advice.

March 3, 2022

This post contains affiliate links*

When it comes to scratching posts, more is better. They are one of the most important pieces of cat furniture, and every cat household should have at least one in every room. In addition to providing a natural outlet for your cat’s need to scratch, they can also prevent a variety of behavioral problems.

Since we also have to live with the cat furniture we provide for our feline family member’s benefit and enjoyment, I’m always on the lookout for scratching posts that combine function with a pleasing appearance.

Three different scratching surfaces

Different cats have different scratching and surface preferences. Some are vertical scratchers, others horizontal scratchers, and some are in between the two. Surface choices range from carpet to sisal to cardboard. The Sunflower Cat Scratcher addresses all three preferences with three different surfaces: a carpeted “lawn,” a sisal covered post, and a sisal scratch pad tilted at an angle. The sunflower blossom leaves are made out of felt.

Measuring 18 inches high and 12 inches wide and deep, this is a relatively small scratcher, but it makes up for its small size with a high cuteness factor.

The Sunflower Scratching Post is available from Chewy.com.

*FTC Disclosure: The Conscious Cat is an affiliate partner of Chewy.com. This means that if you decide to purchase through any of our links, we get a small commission. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.

Now through March 31 get 15% off all Laika Pets fountains with code LAIKAPET15

A cat decided to trust when she found a perfect place to have her kittens after living outside for a long time.

Miss Marple the cat momKitkat Playroom

Miss Marple, a tabby cat, was found wandering the streets of Camden, New Jersey with a pregnant belly. A Good Samaritan came across the homeless street cat and couldn’t leave her out to fend for herself.

Kitkat Playroom, a cat rescue in Southern New Jersey, stepped up to help. They took her in and set up a comfortable, quiet place for the expectant cat mom. « We put her in our nursery and she investigated the entire room within minutes, » Jen Mack, the founder of Kitkat Playroom, shared with Love Meow.

« Her fur was matted and dirty from living outdoors and scrounging for meals. We immediately got her started on high calorie nutritious food and hoped there was enough time to get her nutrients for the babies. »

She was found wandering the streets with a pregnant bellyKitkat Playroom

For a while, Marple would hiss, spit and growl at her foster mom, Jen, when she was across the room from her. She barely allowed anyone to be in the room with her.

« For several weeks, it seemed like she hated me more every day. And then, on the afternoon of February 16, it’s like a switch went off, and she was suddenly the most affectionate cat on earth with me, » Jen told Love Meow.

She turned into a love-bug one day and decided to trustKitkat Playroom

A few hours later, Miss Marple went into labor and insisted on having Jen by her side the entire time. « While she was in labor, she talked to me. That was when we bonded and I could tell she finally felt safe. »

Marple gave birth to five healthy kittens (Kinsey, Sherlock, Cagney, Drew, and Spenser), and immediately turned into the most attentive mother.

She gave birth to five healthy kittens in the comfort of a loving homeKitkat Playroom

« She didn’t leave their side for an entire day, not even to use the potty. I brought food to her in the nest. We became real best friends during that time. She even falls asleep as I pet her belly. »

Jen and Miss Marple are now working as a team to make sure all the babies are fed, clean, and loved, and that Mama Marple never misses a meal herself.

Miss Marple is a wonderful mother and very attentive to her kittensKitkat Playroom

The cat momma lets Jen handle her demanding kittens so they can be weighed daily to monitor their growth. « She’s relaxed, grooms and potties them regularly, and even stretches on her back to create the widest milk-bar access possible. »

The kittens are opening their eyes and getting more curious and adventurous. Mama Marple watches over them every step of the way and makes sure they don’t wander off too far. « She hugs her babies and pulls them close to her with her paws. »

The kittens are opening their eyes to see for the first timeKitkat Playroom

Miss Marple enjoys lying on her back with her fluffy paws in the air. She now greets every visitor at the door with head bumps and friendly chirps. She doesn’t hesitate to lead them to her food bowl and expects to be served.

« Miss Marple knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. »

Cuddles and more cuddlesKitkat Playroom

« Miss M is still sassy sometimes. At only one year old, she’s very playful and will dive head first for a good feather wand. It’ll be a blast to watch her play with her kittens as they get bigger. »

Kitkat Playroom

When the kittens are big enough, Miss Marple will be spayed and ready to find a place of her own—where she can be the center of attention.

At 14 days old, all five of the kittens are over 10 ounces. These chonky little ones are thriving in foster care and keeping their mama very busy.

Kitkat Playroom

After roaming the streets for a long time, Miss Marple is so pleased to never have to worry about food and shelter again.

« Someone is going to land a true gem adopting this girl when it’s her turn to find a home! »

Kitkat Playroom

Share this story with your friends. Follow updates on Miss Marple and her kittens and Kitkat Playroom on Facebook and Instagram @kitkatplayroom and watch them on their Youtube Channel.

Related story: Kitten Found by Herself Takes to Two Other Younger Kittens and Showers Them with Hugs