The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.
MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Each week we take questions and topic suggestions from all of you. We’ve spent the last four weeks focusing on Kitten/Cat Proofing your home. Ifin you missed any of those posts or any post in our Service Cats Series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. Ifin you have questions or a topic you’d like to see here, you can leave those in the comments below or send us a private e-mail via our Contact page. Just remember, when asking behavioral questions to be as specific as pawssible and give any purrtinent examples. A well behaved and healthy kitty is more likely to keep their furever home.
We previously wrote about human Foods that are Toxic to us kitties and have received a follow up question asking just how Toxic those foods are. So, we’ve decided to expound on that today. With all the information we’re exposed to these days, it can be confusing for pet parents to know what’s what. Most peeps want to do what’s best for the furry members of their family; and spoiling them with a few table scraps couldn’t hurt a thing, right? That depends on what it is and how much of it is given.
The following items should NEVER be given to cats, even in small quantities.
Alcohol: Amounts as small as 1 Tbsp. can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe liver and/or brain damage.
Chocolate: Even in small amounts, All chocolate, but dark chocolate and baking chocolate in particular can cause heart problems, muscle tremors and/or seizures. The offending ingredients are theobromine and caffeine.
Caffeine: Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks and Energy Drinks: Small amounts can cause onset of rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, excessive thirst and urination and even death.
Dairy: While this may not cause irreparable damage, most cats are lactose intolerant and can suffer from vomiting and/or diarrhea after consuming dairy products such as milk or ice cream. Even an upset tummy isn’t that much fun, so offer kitty something else instead.
Grapes and Raisins: It is unknown what ingredient is the offender here, but grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in both cats and dogs.
Onions and Garlic: In larger quantities (a clove) both can cause digestive upset and/or anemia. This is also true of small amounts fed regularly over a long period of time: known as build up.
Xylitol: This is a sweetener used in many products such as gums, sodas, mouthwash, toothpaste and others. It is unknown whether it is deadly to cats but within 30 minutes of exposure, dogs may become lethargic, vomit, and if not treated can even lead to death. It causes a sudden release of insulin which leads to low blood sugar.
Avocado: Small amounts of any part of the Avocado can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Nuts: In particular Macadamia, Almonds, Pecans and Walnuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis in small amounts.
Marijuana: With the legalization of Cannabis, this is becoming a problem seen by more and more vets. Cats and dogs can be exposed through second hand smoke or ingestion. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, more vocal than normal, a drop in body temperature, reparatory depression, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures and coma can result. The severity of the symptoms depend on the dose. In high enough doses, death can occur.
Nicotene: Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco, Nicotene Gum/Patches and E-cigs: Ingesting even a small amount of nicotene can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and/or trouble breathing. Symptoms can occur within 15 minutes to several hours after exposure. A typical dose of 9.2 mg per kilogram of the animals body weight can be fatal.
This world is full of bad things. I’s so glad mommy works hard to keep me safe.
The list could go on and on, but we think these cover the ones most often available in the home. The message here is to keep these things out of kitty’s reach and don’t put it on the plate. Generally symptoms occur within an hour more or less of a toxic exposure. Some toxins act more quickly than others, so take precautions and be safe. We hope this follow up is helpful. And remember, if you think your anipal has been exposed to a toxin, Don’t Wait and See. Call your VET immediately. It’s also good to keep the Pet Poison Hotline number close by, 855-764-7661, a fee does apply with this number. References for this article were the ASPCA, Pet Poison Hotline website and our own VET as well as mommy’s many years of experience.
Me can rest easy knowin’ mommy’s on the job to keep us toxic free.
Well, we’re gonna wrap it up fur now. Remember, you can check out/ketch up on any post in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu above. We’d luv to hear your questions. Just leave them in the comments or send us an email via our Contact page. Mommy says the only stupid question is the one not asked. So, ifin your kitty is doin’ soemthin’ strange and you want to know why, just ask us. Or, ifin kitty is misbehavin’ and you want that to change, just let us know. ‘Member to be as specific as pawssible and give us any purrtinent examples of said behavior. We’ll update you all on our current situation Sunday. Fur now, we’ll just let you know, we do have a signed lease. We’re linkin’ up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. Okay, we’ll see ya’ soon.
Till the next time…………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!
Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. Can I’s just tell you, it’s really smokin’ hot here. Seriously, it’s been in the triple digits as mommy calls it. Y, It’s gonna be at least 110° F today. Mommy says that’s so hot you could fry an egg on the hood of a car in the shade…ifin ya’ had an egg and a shade that is.
Raena, are you meowin’ stories again? Me doesn’t ‘member hearin’ mommy say anythin’ like that.
Well sissy, maybe that’s cuz you were UTB (under the bed) hidin’ out from the lawn crew.
How many times does me have to tell ya’, me’s not hidin’ out. Me’s pawtrolin’ fur intruders. Anyways, enuff ‘bout all that, it’s hot every where right now. Haven’t you seen our furiends complainin’ ‘bout unseasonably hot temps where they live?
Yep sissy, I’s have seen that. Still, I’s wanted to meowmble. Mommy says that no matter what the weather is, we’re gonna complain, so I’s just gettin’ mine’s complainin’ in fur today since we’re still in a state of limbo as far as everythin’ else is concerned. Ya’ know, we’re s’posed to meow ‘bout litter and the pawtty box today. I’s don’t know why, since you seem to be usin’ the piddle pads more and more lately. What’s wrong with you? Are you sick, or mad, or are you just tryin’ to create more work fur mommy? Huh, what’s up with ya’?
Never you mind Raena. Let’s do meow ‘bout litter and pawtty boxes. Everypawdy knows, mommy purrfurs natural litters fur us and we, bein’ cats, purrfur the unscented variety. And, most everypawdy knows, we were Blest with a Litter Robot last Christmas which you think is the greatest thing since sliced rabbit with gravy. ‘Course, mommy knowin’ the rules and all kept our great corner box up and runnin’ too. Ya’ know, just in case there was a line to the pawtty box one meownin’. The thing mommy luvved ‘bout the Litter Robot was that we could still use our favorite natural litter, SwheatScoop.
Yep sissy, I’s too young to ‘member such things, but mommy says she ‘members when SwheatScoop furst came out and she had to order directly from the company. Back then it came in generic brown boxes and the shippin’ costed more than the litter itself. There were only 2 sizes, big and bigger. Anyways, lots of time has passed since then and SwheatScoop now comes in their very own bags and several different sizes, 10lb, 25lb and 36lb; we received the 10lb bag. They even have a couple of different furmulas, Fast Clumping and Multi-Cat. They range in price from $9.69 to $24.99. Let’s see what Chewy has to say:
Description
Fill your litter box with sWheat Scoop Premium+ Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, an all-around better litter. It uses the power of natural plant extracts to eliminate odors instead of harmful chemicals, which is better for you, your pet and the environment. The secret is exclusive Noble Ion Technology that infuses wheat enzymes with noble ions to neutralize litter box odors. It’s extremely effective odor control. This high-performing litter has no added dyes, perfumes or dust and is 100% biodegradable. Clumps are fast-forming, firm and compact for easy scooping. sWheat Scoop Premium+ works well for single- or multiple-cat homes.
Key Benefits
Three times more powerful odor control for a breakthrough in odor elimination.
Three times faster and firmer clumping for easy scooping and a mess-free home.
Noble Ion Technology infuses wheat ions with noble ions to naturally break down odors.
Recommended by veterinarians with no added dyes or perfumes. Great for single and multi-cat homes.
Eco-friendly, all-natural litter is made from wheat and is 100% biodegradable.
We purrsonally don’t think there’s much of a difference t’ween the furmulas ifin any, so we always buy whichever furmula’s on sale or the cheapest at the time. Some of mommy’s favorite features of sWheatScoop is that it clumps well, only smells when heated by a fresh urine depawsit and is flushable. That heated smell we’re meowin’ ‘bout is like a loaf of bread and goes away quickly. So long as kitty covers their business, it controls odors very well. Me will tell ya’, it’s not a lightweight litter. The bigger bags are heavy, so bein’ able to have it delivered right to our door is a big plus. Now, ifin we could only get the Fedex man to scoop. MOL
the white stuffs just a little baby powder mommy shook in there to aid in odor
control. She scooped the smelly right when it happened, so the smell lingered a minute.
You’re a laff a minute today sissy. I’s like the sWheatScoop litter. Since It’s all natural, it’s much safer fur me to clean off ifin it gets stuck to mine’s bloomers. Bein’ wheat, an actual food product, anythin’ that makes it into mine’s tummy by accident, just comes out the other end. ‘Course, ifin you’re ‘lergic to wheat, it might be a purroblem…just meowin’. I’s not, so I’s give the sWheatScoop 4 paws up. What ‘bout you sissy?
Me fur sure likes it better than any of that clay stuffs Raena. Me gives it 4 paws up too. And, cuz we buy the big bags, we always get a great size Chewy box to play in. Me knows mommy gives 2 thumbs up or she wouldn’t keep orderin’ it after all these years. Meowin’ of orderin’, Chewy’s a great place to shop fur all your pet’s needs. They offur speedy furee shippin’ on all orders $49.00 and up and a low flat rate speedy shippin’ on all orders below. They have a great auto ship program that lets you save an additional 5% and makes sure you never run out of your pet’s faves. But don’t worry, you can always skip, cancel or delay any auto ship up to 24 hours befur shipment.
Nice little clump, easy for scooping
Disclaimer: We received a bag of sWheatScoop in exchange for our honest opinion. As always, we tell it like we see it and only bring products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.
That’s right sissy, and they have the bestest Customer Service peeps ‘round. They also have great boxes and packin’ paper…just meowin’. Ya’ know, that means a new toy every month. MOL Guess we better get off here and see ifin we can help mommy. She’s still purretty stressed, so we’re tryin’ to take really good care of her.
The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.
MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Every week we try to answer questions asked by all of you ‘bout Training, Health, Behavior or anything else you’re wonderin’ ‘bout the little ball of fluff residing in your homes. We also take on topics you’ve suggested and try to help humans better unnerstand the Feline and sometimes the woofies too. That’s right, a lot of the Tips we give can be used fur pets of all species. Ifin you have a question or blog topic you’d like to see, purrlease leave a comment in the comments section below or send us an email via our Contact page in our menu. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series or just want to refresh your memory, you ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu above.
For the last 3 weeks we’ve focused on Kitten/Cat Proofing your home; and, we’ll be wrapping that up today with a few last Tips and Suggestions. If you’ve missed Pt. 1, 2, or 3 click on the corresponding numbers to read them now. We truly hope we’ve helped make bringing a new kitty or puppy into your home easier and less stressful. We would first like to add something brought to our attention by one of our very smart readers. Just when you thought you’d covered all possible dangers, someone mentions something you totally forgot about.
Last week we covered the Sewing and Craft room but totally forgot about the Iron. Yep, some people do still iron. Mommy uses a steamer more than an iron, so it just slipped our minds. However, a hot iron is a serious danger to pets and humans alike. And the dangly cord hanging over the edge of the ironing board is a great temptation for kitty/puppy. Never leave an iron unattended or plugged in when not in use. As me said, mommy prefers using a steamer not only on her clothes but also for cleaning. For water to turn into steam, the temperature reaches scalding hot. Never, blast kitty/woofy with steam, it will burn them.
Outside: The Predator Becomes the Prey:
As most of you know, we believe kitties belong inside and not out roaming around without their human. The dangers lurking outside are overwhelmingly huge. Kitties in particular are not only predators but also prey, especially small kittens and cats. Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Coyotes, Wolves, Bobcats, Cougars, Alligators, Crocodiles and many other wild animals can, will and do hunt our small furry friends.
Rabies, carried by a number of wild animals can be transmitted through bites during a fight or saliva from an infected animal entering an open wound of a healthy animal/human. Feral Cat Colonies are at high risk of harboring and spreading Rabies as well as other fatal and non fatal feline diseases. Cars are another danger outside cats face. Over *6 million cats and dogs were killed by cars in the U.S. alone last year. (* – browser search). Cats are at a higher risk than dogs. In the winter time, car engines often provide a tempting place for cats/kittens to get warm. Please, Always knock on the hood of your car before starting it up, especially in the colder months.
Poisons:
Outside cats are at risk of being poisoned, either by accident or on purpose. Many people think cats are a nuisance and put out poisons. Cats may also be poisoned by eating mice or other small animals that have been poisoned themselves. We personally lost a friend a few years ago who ate one such mouse. While poisoning from antifreeze is more common in dogs, it’s still a risk for cats. Please clean up any anti freeze you see standing around your car and store any containers in an area away from kitties/woofies.
Many plants and flowers are toxic to kitties; as are most of the sprays used to keep bugs off garden plants. If you allow kitty outside in your garden, try to use non-toxic bug sprays and plant only safe foliage. Perhaps you could even plant kitty their own little garden area with some ornamental grasses and cat nip/mint. When offered the choice between your poisonous plants and nip or grass, kitty will almost always choose the latter.
Garage/Shed:
The Garage or Shed is another room that harbors dangers and even death for kitty/woofy. If you use your garage for your car, be sure to keep any oil, antifreeze, or other liquids that may leak, cleaned up. Also, store any containers of these items out of kitty’s reach. A locker or other enclosed shelf is a great place for storing dangerous items and tools. Put tools, especially those with sharp edges, away as well as any small nails, screws, zip ties, and other tempting play objects. Use plastic storage containers with lids instead of boxes. Not only are boxes tempting to kitty, but they’re also a fire hazard. Store bikes, skateboards, surf boards and other large equipment on racks or shelving.
Cat Toys and Furniture:
Now, let’s talk a bit about toys designed for our play. One would think that a toy or furniture item designed specifically for us would be perfectly safe, right? If only that were true. Most everybody knows we kitties love things that dangle from a string/cord. We love the string maybe more than the toy at the end. MOL However, most of those dangly toys are terribly dangerous. Me almost hung me’s self when me was just about 5 weeks old. Yep, that great little perch mommy sits in front of the door for us had a “mouse on a string” hanging down from the top ledge. Me would swat at it and pull at it and pull it up with me’s mouth. One day, me turned and turned and turned with it in me’s mouth till the elastic string had gotten wrapped around me’s tiny neck and pulled me off the perch. There me was dangling by the neck. Mommy was horrified and terrified and…obviously, she came to me’s rescue or me wouldn’t be here to tell you about it today. But, she did learn a lesson, Never leave dangly things, attached by string or elastic, to our toys or furniture.
Yep, mommy’ll be removin’ that dangly befur lettin’ us play
with this unattended.
Hanging isn’t the only danger. If swallowed, strings can wreak havoc in our intestines. Because of the barbs on a cat’s tongue, we can’t actually push things out of our mouths very well. The more we struggle to spit out the string, the further in our mouths it goes. That brings me to the next set of toys that pose a danger to us. A lot of those cute little mice furries have tiny beads for eyes. The plastic ones often have a plastic push bead for a nose. While they might make the mousey look more like a mousey, they’re terribly dangerous and are often removed within the first few minutes of play. Y, Some of us kitties go so far as to remove the fur altogether and begin to eat the plastic mousey. Me’s never really seen a real mousey, so how’s me supposed to know the difference in taste of a real mouse or a plastic one? Apparently tho’, the plastic mousey is far more dangerous than the real thing. Chewed up plastic has sharp edges that can tear or cut our intestines.
Do mouseys have eyes?
We highly recommend removing all dangle toys from cat furniture by cutting the string or elastic closest to the area of attachment. We recommend removing all glued on pieces like eyes, noses, tails, etc. from kitty/doggy toys. Some woofies are really hard on their toys. We recommend throwing out any plastic toys that appear chewed, before kitty/woofy can eat/swallow them. If a stuffed toy is ripped, throw out any stuffing before it can be consumed. Mommy says when giving kitty/doggy a new toy, it’s a good idea to watch how it’s played with before allowing unattended play. Wand toys are a favorite of most kitties. We love it when our human plays with us. However, when you can’t be around, put the wands away or out of our reach. Anything listed as “interactive” means it requires supervision to be safe.
Thankfully these eyes were painted on, so mousey got to keep his eyes.
He lost his ribbon right after this foto shoot tho’. Sometimes, mommy’s no fun at all.
Wrap Up:
We know we’ve presented a lot of information over the last few weeks, but believe it or not, we only hit the highlights. Our last thought about kitties and the outdoors is that kitty should never be outside alone. We highly recommend harness and leash training. Just remember when introducing a new kitty/woofy into your home for the first time, don’t assume because your last kitty/woofy knew better the new one will. If this is your first kitty or woofy, thank you for saving a life, now take the precautions to kitten/cat proof your home so that you can both enjoy a long and happy life together. Take a look around your house, yard, garage and general living area, if you think it might be dangerous, remove it or take steps to make it safe. Lastly, Train your new kitty/woofy with some basic manners and you’ll both be happier for it. You can read Training Tips for appropriate Scratching and other behavioral challenges by clicking the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And don’t forget to leave your questions in the comments section below or send us an email at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com or via our Contact page.
Wand toys are me’s favorites.
We’re joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. What would you like to read about next here on Service Cat Furiday? Does your kitty do somethin’ or have a weird habit that you wonder ‘bout? We wanna hear from you, purrlease leave us a comment and we’ll see you next week fur another foray into the magical world of Feline Behavior.
Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. Mommy’s pickle’s in a pickle, so I’s in charge. I’s gotta meow to ya’ that I’s luvs bein’ in charge. This is just where kitties belong.
RaenaBelle!!! Just who actually told you that you were in charge? And what ‘zactly are you in charge of? Me seems to ‘member that me’s your elder and have been here longer than you. Ifin anykitty’s gonna be in charge, it oughtta be me.
Well sissy, you are right that you’re a little long in the toothies, but everypawdy knows, I’s the alpha kitty here.
Long in the toothies?! Me’s gonna tell mommy that you’re bein’ mean to me. You know it’s not nice to call kitties names. Here me’s given you the benefit of all me’s many years of trainin’ and expurr-ience, and me even innerduced you to all me’s furiends and let you play with all me’s toys and lay on me’s cat tree, and how do you repay me? By makin’ fun of me’s advanced wisdom. Hmmmpht
But sissy, it’s not makin’ fun ifin it’s the truth?. Mommy says we should always tell the truth, even ifin it hurts.
Mommy also says, ifin ya’ can’t say anythin’ nice, don’t say anythin’ at all, Raena. Besides, me’s been really nice to you lately. Me even let you play with the new jitterbug all by yourself.
You let me, sissy? I’s thought you were just too, uh, too old mature and tired, yeah that’s it, to keep up with it. I’s whacked it over to ya’ several times, but all you did was sit there and watch. It was great fun. I’s think I’s still like the hexbugs better, but they get lost too easy. We still haven’t located the last one we played with. After retrievin’ him out from unner things 6 times the other day, mommy said ifin he got lost again, that was just too bad.
Hmmmmpht Too mature and tired. Me just didn’t want your over stimulated whacky paw to hit me’s face. You get all beside yourself when ya’ chase those silly bugs Raena. As fur the hexbug, me’s purretty sure he’s somewhere unner the tables in the hallway. Least that’s where me heard his buzz last. Oh well, mommy will find him one day, she always does.
In the meantime sissy, least we still have the other hexbug we got fur Christmas and the new jitterbug. Let’s go see ifin mommy will let us play with ‘em again today. I’s know she still has human business to take care of, but surely she can spare a few hours minutes to play with us and to help us visit a few furiends. After all, this is gonna be another of those all nighters so she can get to the dentist office furst thing in the meownin’. I’s sure hope these ‘pointments get wrapped up sooner than later.
Me too Raena. We could use any purrayers our furiends can spare that mommy can get this lease mess straightened out and get our lives back to some kind of normal.
I’s gonna get you bug.
Sure ‘nuff, sissy. See you all soon.
Till the next time…………………………………………………………..Be Blest!!!
Service Cats U.S. 