Is your feline friend beginning to look more like a pot-bellied pig than a cat?  It might be time to start a weight loss regimen.  Helping a cat lose weight will take patience and persistence, but will improve the overall health and well-being of your pet. Cats lose weight the same way humans do.  There’s no secret science for either species.  Overall, your pet will need to eat less and exercise more.  If your cat currently controls the amount of food they receive, you’ll need to take note of how much food they eat in one 24-hour period.  If they are just overweight and don’t appear to be gaining or losing any weight, then the amount of food they are currently eating is considered their maintenance diet.  It’s just enough food for them to maintain their current weight. To change their weight, you’ll simply need to begin controlling the amount of food they eat by decreasing the amount of food they are given each day to below their maintenance level.  If they currently eat 2 cups per day of cat food, then try feeding them only 1.75 cups.  While this is likely still too much food for the average adult cat, you will be able to gradually step them down to a healthy weight.  While they are on a reduced calorie diet, you will notice their weight drop initially then level off to a stable weight.  It may take up to a month between feeding reductions for their weight to stabilize.  Continue to reduce their food intake a quarter cup at a time each time until they are a more healthy weight.  Most cats will need 5-6 ounces of wet cat food per day.  For dry cat food, the feeding recommendations are typically listed on the outside of the packaging. Image credit Since different brands and types of cat food have different nutritional values, the amount of food they’ll need is brand-dependent.  Simply switching brands and feeding them the same amount can cause a cat to lose weight.  Some cat foods are high in fats and filler material while others are mainly lean meats.  While quality cat food is often more expensive, you’ll find that you don’t need to feed them as much of it to get the same nutritional value. Aside from feeding habits that take in calories, you’ll also need to be aware of your cat’s overall calorie expenditure.  How active your pet is will play a big role in how much of that food they consume gets used in running around and climbing things and how much will go to fat storage.  If you have a house cat that spends all of their time indoors and much of it sleeping, then they will need at least 20% less food than the average cat.  Outdoor feral cats that hunt for food and are very active need much more food than the average cat to maintain their current weight. As both calorie intake and export play a role in shaping the figure and health of your cat, you can manipulate one or the other to see positive results.  Increasing your cat’s time spent exercising has the same effect as decreasing their amount of food.  The only thing that is important at the end of the day is that the overall difference between the amounts of calories they take in and calories they use up is less than it was when they were overweight.  If you follow that simple formula, you’ll see positive results in your feline friend, and they’ll be on their way to a happier, healthier life.

Bringing a new dog or puppy home is an exciting and joyful time for families, but the furry newcomer may not be a welcome addition for every family member; namely, the resident cat. Cats don't always take well to change, and when a new pet enters their domain, their stress levels can rise. The good news is, cats and dogs can and do live together in peace and can even become the best of friends. What's important is to make sure the cat is properly acclimated to the new family member. Here's how: Give the cat a space of her own. Cats need a place where they can feel safe from outside stressors. A separate room where the new dog or puppy can't go works well. Or, block off the upstairs so the cat can roam freely on a different level of the house. Be careful not to isolate the cat completely, though; instead, allow the cat to view the new pet from a distance and to become familiar with its scent.  Show that the new dog isn't a threat. Have the cat observe your behavior with the new dog to prove that the newcomer is not a threat. By watching and listening to your gentle interaction while you're training the puppy or just quietly bonding, the cat will associate positive feelings with the new animal. Crating the new dog at night or when you are not home also helps alleviate threat issues for cats. Supervise the cat and dog during early introductions. Always supervise the cat and new dog while they are getting acquainted to avoid harm to either animal. It's a good idea to keep the new dog on a leash during early introductions, too, so that you can restrain the dog if it gets too rambunctious or tries to chase the cat. Praise and offer treats to both pets for good behavior.   Image credit Keep cat routines the same. Showing resident cats that nothing concerning them has changed, despite the new dog, helps them feel secure. Keep the cat's feeding schedule the same, continue daily play sessions, and let the cat spend time snuggling with you--even if this means separating yourself from the new dog. If you have other pets, let the cat spend time with them too, away from the new pup. Expect the cat to hiss. Cats often hiss at new pets. It's a natural defense mechanism and a way to show seniority.  A resident cat's hissing or batting at a new dog or puppy may actually be a good thing because it helps avert further negative behavior; most dogs will back away when a cat offers this type of warning. Be sure to intervene if the dog or cat shows signs of aggression. Don't force the relationship. Forcing a cat to like a new pet before the cat is ready could backfire. Give the cat opportunities to get comfortably close to the new dog, and don't worry if the process is slow. Some cats adjust quickly to change while others take a long time. The cat will eventually realize that the dog is here to stay and will adjust. If you're bringing a new dog into the home, take the time and effort to acclimate the newcomer to the family cat. Doing so is key to a happy, stress-free environment for your pets--and you.

Until recently, most experts would say that cats did not get heartworms.  Over the past few years, research has begun to show that heartworms are much common in cats than was previously thought.  Prevalence of Heartworm in Cats There have been laboratory confirmed cases of heartworm in cats in all 50 U.S. states. One researcher who presented at a 1998 heartworm symposium performed random blood tests in cats and found that heartworm disease was more common than feline leukemia (FLV) and FIV or feline AIDS.  Anywhere that dogs are at risk for heartworm, cats are now also considered to be at risk.   This apparent increase in feline heartworm infection is actually a sign of better detection and understanding of the disease.  Cats may develop only one or two adult worms and, as a result, older heartworm tests that worked on dogs may not be sensitive enough to identify a heartworm infection in a cat. In addition, heartworm disease in cats may be misdiagnosed due to the lack of awareness of the prevalence of the disease as well as the different symptoms that cats develop. Symptoms of Feline Heartworm Disease Heartworm in cats often presents differently than in dogs.  Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, are common in cats with heartworm and may be misdiagnosed as asthma.  These symptoms, along with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite, may become a chronic disease.  Heartworms can also cause neurological symptoms, seizures, fainting, and death in cats. Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Cats Heartworm treatments that work on dogs are dangerous in cats. As many as 70% of cats will die if canine treatments are used.  The best practice for cats with heartworm is to treat the symptoms and allow the adult worms to die a natural death over the course of a couple years. In some cases, the inflammation that occurs when the heartworms die may be life threatening for the cat.  Image credit Prevention of Heartworm There are medications available that can prevent heartworm in cats.  If you have a dog and your veterinarian recommends seasonal or year-round heartworm protection, ask about prevention for your cat too.  Heartworm is extremely common in the southeastern U.S. year round and many other parts of the country have a risk of heartworm, especially during warm months.   If your vet is not familiar with the risks of feline heartworm disease, there are guidelines put out by the American Heartworm Society that can help you and your vet make an education decision. Heartworm and Indoor Cats It is not just outdoor cats that are at risk of heartworm.  One study found that about 28% of cats that were diagnosed with heartworm were indoor-only cats.  Some researchers theorize that indoor cats may actually be at increased risk since they do not have a built up immunity.  Cats may particularly be at risk if they lie against window or door screens as many indoor cats enjoy doing.  If you live in an area that has a high risk of heartworm disease, consult with your veterinarian about the need to treat your indoor-only cats.  Heartworm disease in cats is still not completely understood and more research is needed into the prevalence, symptoms and treatments.   In addition, many veterinarians are not aware of the latest research and may not regularly recommend heartworm preventatives for cats.  

One of the determining factors between being a cat person or a dog person is the propensity for pet purification. If you’re the type of individual that doesn’t mind weekly scrub-downs, dog ownership probably wouldn’t be an odd fit. If, on the other hand, you prefer your pet to spend significant portions of the day de-matting their fur and keeping their coats shiny, you might find more common ground with a feline. Though cats are indeed capable of letting their coats get out of hand, and usually for potentially dangerous reasons.  A cat that’s lost interest in grooming is often a harbinger for a vet visit. There could be any number of reasons why the kitty isn’t being cleanly, but the most common are disease or aging. An aging cat can lose mobility, flexibility, and energy. So they may be in pain when trying to get the right angle for self-grooming. Or the entire cleanup process might just be too taxing on their circulatory systems. Have you ever just had one of those days where you were too tired to shower? It’s kind of like that, only you’re using your own saliva for moisture… so yeah, a bit more difficult. Disease is the more threatening scenario. A lack of grooming accompanied by drooling or loss of appetite can signal gum disease. In this case, cats will quit grooming because using their mouths for much of anything is causing them pain Aside from not actually seeing your cat making much of an effort to keep clean, you will notice an unkempt kitty via a few tell-tale signs. Greasy or matted fur Urine or fecal stained feet A smelly cat stench Or food caught in their whiskers or facial fur Any and all of these symptoms are clues to a larger underlying dilemma. You need to determine what the cause of the sudden stoppage of self-scrubbing is about with a quickness. That is, unless you want to live with a stinky feline for the foreseeable future. Aside from aging or disease, your cat could be suffering from a trauma induced state of stress. This can cause a halt in grooming habits. It could be something like a move to a different location, the arrival of a new pet in the household, or any significant change in the cat’s routine. Since they are such resilient and independent creatures, it’s easy to forget that cats have their sensitive sides as well. So what can you do for an unclean kitty? Well, a vet visit is always an excellent option. Trained veterinary professionals are adept at identifying problems and prescribing solutions. You may also consider helping your cat groom with a regular brushing. This can often be a therapeutic activity for both you and your cat, and it will encourage them to take up the habit again. If you have a cat that’s stopped staying clean, be sure to examine it for other strange behavior, and work on getting them back in the habit of staying sanitary.  

Image Credit  So I was feeling a bit too manly this morning, and simply had to lower my testosterone by staring at adorable kitty cats. I figured It’d be in bad taste to take this androgynous journey alone, and have thus decided to bring you my personal list of the 5 most fluffy, quirky, and squeal worthily adorable cats on the internet. Maru Maru is the original kitty gangster. His main claim to fame includes his exploits of trying to fit into small boxes, usually by way of a running start. His YouTube Channel is one of the most popular in all of Japan, and his successes have been well documented in his photo book succinctly entitled: I am Maru. Somehow the fact that he’s Japanese makes him that much cuter. Now look at his adorable fluffy face, and feel the aggression flow right out of you. Tardar Sauce (aka grumpy cat) You can just call her Tard for short. This cat is notorious for its disapproval of any and everything it comes across. The unique looking frown on her face is due to a facial abnormality similar to an under bite. One of nature’s happy accidents has turned this cat into the ultimate visual response to any text message from your spouse that might suggest an activity you aren’t immediately excited about.  For example, say your significant other suggests a movie you don’t want to see. You can send her this:   Lil Bub Another facial abnormality that resulted in unconscionable cuteness, Lil Bub is the world’s most famous feline space traveler. With a misshapen jaw, no teeth, and only six claws Lil Bub makes your heart simultaneously squirm with love and sympathy. But don’t feel too bad, Lil Bub has ridden her unique looks and lolling tongue to superstar status. She has books, highly viewed YouTube videos, movies and TV appearances, even her own talk show. She is a harmlessly unstoppable marketing monster, and I can’t stop trying to reach through my screen to try and scratch her head. Here’s a picture of Lil Bub rubbing noses with Tard. Behold the glory of two famous internet cats.   Sam the Cat with Eyebrows He always looks so concerned.  Sam is a cat with distinctive markings above his eyes that look very much like slanted eyebrows, resulting in a look of perpetual worry for his master’s wellbeing. Perhaps if he weren’t so active on social media, he’d have less troubles. Sam’s Instagram account has over 100,000 followers, and he also has a very active Twitter profile, where he details his day to day worries of napping, and getting into precarious situations. Pusheen Despite being animated, Pusheen is possibly the cutest cat to ever grace the cover of a web comic. This fiercely fat cat is determined in most of her endeavors, but none more so than her insatiable quest for pie. Her ultra-popular web comic has driven tons of traffic to her famous website: Pusheen.com, and has made author, Claire Belton, a mint in merchandising, and book sales. This precautious feline is sure to brighten even the dreariest day with her overactive imagination and quirky adventures.   So there you have it those are the cutest kitty cats on the internet. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Let me know if there are any adorable internet cats that I’ve missed!

Keeping and training a strange or unique animal always sounds fun. I think everyone at one point or another during childhood thought it would be fun to raise a wolf pup, ride a zebra, or train a python to guard their house. No? Just me? Well, I had an overactive imagination. Either way, as an adult, I’ve come to realize the folly of this logic. Even potty training a domestic animal can be a challenge, how exactly to you get a chimpanzee to learn its way around a toilet? Yes large primates and anything that might get it in its head to tear off your limbs and beat you to death isn’t going to make the best animal companion. But not all exotic pets are dangerous beasts. Today’s post is a list of some of the best and worst uncommon animals you might consider domesticating. Dangerous or Difficult Pet Choices 1. Big cats- While you might think owning an ocelot is pretty cool-- and you’re right, it totally is—the fact remains that large felines look at you as a meal that provides other meals. When it comes to exotic pets, it’s best to avoid anything that can crush you with its jaws or cut your arteries into ribbons with their claws. Try not to look at Mike Tyson as a role model, and stick with your garden variety house kitties.   2. Large/poisonous snakes- Pythons are surprisingly popular pets. And they are interesting looking reptiles. They’re great conversation starters, and they hardly ever eat anyone you care about. Unfortunately, most of them do grow to at least 10 feet long. Which is more than enough space to fit you in their bellies. Consequently, when they get that big a lot of pet owners decide to dispose of them. Which is why they are currently battling out with alligators to see who will be the apex predator of the Florida Everglades. Cue low budget sci-fi movie franchise. 3.Wolf dogs-So in case you weren’t aware, Wolf dogs are dog/wolf hybrids, like White Fang or Balto. These noble Jack London character canines are truly beautiful, and truly terrifying. They are responsible for more deaths and injuries than any other breed except pit bull terriers and Rottweilers, both of whom are about 10 times as populous. They’re big, strong, vicious, difficult to train, and extremely independent and fierce. Not exactly a winning combination when it comes to families with children.   4.Scorpions- What kind of games are we playing here? You want a poisonous arachnid that looks like it was built for death as a pet? Have fun with that. Of course, not all breeds of scorpion can kill you, but every single one can ruin your day with a sting. This is the least dangerous on our list, but still plenty trouble for an underprepared pet owner. 5.Primates-So Chimpanzees get to be about 150 lbs when full grown. However, they probably have the strength of a 500 lb man. Also they like to attack the face, fingers, and genitals of anything that they feel is a threat. And don’t get me started on the hygiene issues. Oy vey. Smaller primates aren’t as dangerous, but are just as much trouble. They’re thieving, mischievous, and dirty. So if you want to keep your kitchen (and face) free of feces, I’d recommend getting a ferret.   As you can tell, there are plenty of difficult and dangerous animals in the exotic pet arena. However there are some completely appropriate choices as well. Check back next week for an exploration on the safer side of exotic pets. 

Cats have a lot of stereotypes surrounding them. They’re considered curious, mischievous, mystical, and even regal. However, everyone is familiar with a feline that’s been characterized as skittish or easily spooked. Cats are very independent creatures, and can sometimes be mistaken for fearful. But there are occasional cases where a cat is genuinely aghast at whatever is going on around it. They are small and fragile, if not somewhat resourceful, creatures. What can be done in such a scenario, where a scaredy cat is unsociable to the point of concern? Today’s post will discuss some different strategies for dealing with a frightened cat, and making it feel more at home in its own skin. Why is my cat scared? There are many reasons why cats develop a fearful disposition. It can be the result of past trauma at the hands of a human or another animal, a disruption in its regular routine, even pain and illness can have an adverse effect on a feline’s mentality. Cats also don’t like continuous loud noises, and cluttered or dirty environments. An overabundance of accompanying animals can cause a lot of stress-related fear. This can be exacerbated if the cat doesn’t get along well with the other animals. Another reason they could have developed new and abnormal signs of fearfulness is being exposed or moved to a new environment to which they’re unaccustomed. Any number of factors could be contributed to a cat’s fearful demeanor, but what you really need to know is what to do about it. How to Give Cats Courage     Cats feel safe in enclosed spaces. Additionally, elevated areas can also seem like a safe haven. To make a scared cat feel more comfortable, set up a covered cave for them to retreat to. Line it with soft bedding and partially cover the entrance so that the cat will feel safely obscured inside. In the same vein of thought, you can purchase a cat tower for the cat to lie on top of. Giving a scared cat a place to hide is a good strategy for making it feel more comfortable, but the eventual goal is to get it to enjoy your company. So you’ll need to interact with the cat. Though because of their finicky nature and fearful disposition, this can be somewhat complicated. You’ll have to go slowly, and let the cat take the lead on interacting. Try to coax it into playing with a toy, fishing pole toys work great for this. It gives you some distance, while still allowing you to interact. You can also frequently feed your feline with its preferred brand of cat treats. This along with regular meal times will go a long way in building the bond between the two of you. Most of the time when dealing with a scared cat they won’t take the treat directly from you, and you’ll have to leave it sitting for them. However, after some time has passed and you’ve built some trust you can try hand-feeding. The trick is to do this incrementally, try watching the cat eat from a distance, and get a little closer each time. If you can patiently follow these guidelines while still giving your cat the space it needs to adjust, and eliminate any of the outlying stress factors that might be causing a fear response in your cat, then you’ll definitely succeed in socializing your scaredy cat into a fearless feline.   

Here’s a frightening thought: your housecat is host to a parasite that can infect you, and in so doing affect your brain function, making you more impulsive, promiscuous, less attentive, less intelligent, and possibly suicidal. Sounds like something straight out of science fiction, but unfortunately this parasite is so pervasive that liberal estimates say that over 8 million Australians could be infected, along with upwards of 60 million Americans. Worldwide estimates of infection range into the billions. The disease is called Toxoplasma, and it starts in rats, goes to cats, and ends up inside your freaking brain, in what seems like a very demented spin on the circle of life. When a rat is infected with Toxoplasmosis it loses all aversion to the scent of cat urine, and in fact, becomes sexually aroused by the smell. It then seeks out areas filled with cat odors, and is predictably and promptly eaten by an unsuspecting feline. Cats are then similarly infected though their behavior remains largely unchanged, a whole laundry list of symptoms has been associated with the disease, including: Laziness Sadness High temperature Sudden reduction in weight Trouble breathing Reduced coordination Seizures Weakness Paralysis Nausea Loose bowels Reduced appetite And inflammation However, the really scary part is how often the disease goes unnoticed because of a lack of these symptoms. Humans can catch the disease by being in close contact with cat feces which is where the ocysts, that is to say the toxoplasmosis progeny, are released after reproduction occurs inside the feline’s intestinal tract. It’s also common to catch the disease when in contact with undercooked foods, and is much more prevalent in countries with a tradition of eating such fare, like Brazil for example, which is estimated to have 67% of its total population infected with the parasite. So I know this is supposed to be a pet blog, and we’re mainly concerned with pet issues here, but are you ready to hear some really scary facts about this parasite’s effects on human behavior? Toxoplasmosis affects the human brain’s fear center, causing a disdain for authority, less adherence to social folkways and mores, an increased risk of schizophrenia, an increased risk of dying in a motorcycle accident, higher rates of suicide among the infected, increased levels of sexual promiscuity among women, and higher frequencies of neuroticism in both sexes. Ironically enough, you’re also more likely to be good at Soccer. This psychotic protozoan is a major health concern for all of the above reasons, and is an excellent reminder to wash your hands after changing your cat litter and always before eating. Diagnosis for the disease is very difficult and not often undergone. It includes measuring t cell count in the blood stream as well as tracking the number of liver enzymes. Treatment is likewise not always recommended as the disease is only serious in patients with weak immune systems. This is true for humans and cats alike. When it is treated, there is a long list of drugs used to do so, but there is more available in the way of prevention than actual treatment. So there’s your daily dose of microscopic horror. Just remember, you’re not always in control of your actions. Sometimes nature plants a scary bodysnatching minute monster inside your brain to help you make stupid decisions.   

One of the most common health problems in domestic cats is that they are especially prone to catching urinary tract infections. While not normally a serious problem in humans, cats can have a rough go of it unless treated in a relatively speedy fashion.  This is because, left untreated, a UTI can eventually spread to the kidneys where it becomes a much more serious difficulty. Luckily enough, while the causes of these infections can often be ambiguous, the symptoms are easily recognizable, and the treatments aren’t too difficult. So let’s spend a bit of time discussing the different facets of each category. Cat Urinary Tract Infection Causes As previously stated, urinary infections in cats often arise unexpectedly. Cats lead some curious and adventurous lives that aren’t always on public display. This can be especially true if they are allowed outside. This being the case, it’s somewhat difficult to know where they might contract any specific disease, particularly one so elusive as a bladder infection.  In general though, UTI’s have been linked to the presence of high levels of bacteria, a variety of different viruses, and stressful situations for the cat. It’s not much to go on, but such are the mysterious ways of kitty cats. Cat Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms While the causes of cat uti’s remain a mystery, uti symptoms in cats couldn’t be clearer. Some of the most common signs of an uncomfortable kitty are as follows: Strain or irritation during urination Blood in urine Frequent urination Difficulty during urination, due to a blockage in the urethra There are a few other things that a physical examination by a veterinarian can point out, but for practical purposes these are the symptoms that you need to look out for. It should be noted that male tom cats will often mark territory indiscriminately and very frequently. This shouldn’t be confused with the need to frequently urinate. Cat Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Assuming there isn’t any blockage in your cat’s urethra, the treatment for this condition will be very straightforward. Simple administration of antibiotics and some conservative dietary measures should do the trick. Wet food will increase the intake of liquid and decrease the occurrence of toxins in your cat’s diet. That way a certain amount of natural flushing will occur. However, if your cat does have a major blockage inside its urinary tract then it will most likely be hospitalized and further measures will need to be exercised. Dietary concerns will again need to be addressed, and in severe situations, the veterinarian may even suggest surgery. Though that is an extreme solution, and certainly not one often employed. Usually, most cats are well again within a week of being treated. As always, severe cases will be the exception to the rule. However, a quick trip to the vet is usually all that’s required to stave off any long-term negative consequences.  After that, it’s a matter of prevention, which will vary significantly case by case. That’s all the helpful pet information for today. Check back for more helpful hints on the Petbucket blog.  

Yesterday’s post gave us a glimpse of the painstaking process behind taming a feral cat. However, as we mentioned this isn’t always the best option for a feral cat. They are basically wild, and that can mean very unsociable. Not only can they be physically hazardous, but pathologically too. Feral cats are known carriers of many dangerous diseases that can infect domesticated cats and humans. Rabies, distemper, feline aids, and Toxoplasmosis are all fairly common in stray or feral populations. So simply being friendly to a family of feral cats and kittens isn’t always going to resolve the situation. You’ll need to catch the cats and have them treated or relocated. Trapping Feral Felines To successfully cat-nab you’ll need to either procure or rent an effective trapping mechanism. You can either purchase one online or rent from your local humane society, animal control shelter, or a veterinary office. Then you’ll have to set the trap up in a high traffic area for the feral feline population, bait it so as to make it more appealing, and finally it’ll be time to sit and wait while the trap is sprung. Here are a few tips to ensure successful feral cat trapping: Be certain that you set up the trap correctly by following any and all directions that come with it.   Cover the bottom of the trap with cardboard or an equally appealing surface for a cat. They find the wire unnatural and uncomfortable. Cover the outside as well. Use a towel to enclose every side but the opening. This will help manage the cat’s stress once caught. There are plenty of different effective types of bait such as tuna, sardines, wet cat food, cat nip, and various sorts of meats. Once you’ve caught the kitty it’s time to decide what to do with it. There are several options. You can try to adopt the cat out, but as we discussed in yesterday’s post, socializing a feral cat is no easy task, and your chances of doing so successfully while the cat is in captivity are very low. The ideal thing to do is TNR. TNR TNR stands for trap, neuter, and release. Before catching your cat, you should schedule a vet appointment. That way you can get the cat in and out as soon as possible, thus minimizing its stress. Once the cat is caught, take it in the following morning, have it fixed, treated for as many diseases as your budget allows, and release it after leaving. Even if you don’t treat the cat for pathogens, it won’t be able to procreate and pass diseases on to its kittens. Animal Shelters: An Unappealing Solution If you decide to take the feral cat into an animal shelter, you should keep in mind that you’ve basically issued a death sentence. There is an abundance of domesticated cats in these shelters, and no room budget for cats with behavioral issues.   That concludes our advice on feral cats. Make sure to come back and visit the Petbucket blog for more helpful advice on various animal issues.