Service Cats: Do Cats Need Sunshine For Vit. D

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. The one day a week we get totally serious and do our very best to help educate peeps ‘bout the nuances of feline health, behavior, and life as a feline guardian. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. Don’t furget to submit your own questions or topic suggestions in the comment section below or send us a private email via our Contact page. We really do luv hearin’ from ya’ll.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

 

The following post will be written in human English for reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Training Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal training, cats in purr-ticular. And to offer insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, successful Training is all about Repetition and Rewards.

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

We recently mentioned that we have a natural daylight lamp. Mommy bought it years ago because they’re supposed to use less electricity, last longer, and give off the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs without the heat. So, we were asked if it might help provide indoor kitties with Vitamin D. We gave a casual answer in the comments, but the more we thought about it, the more we decided it needed to be addressed; after all, everybody knows how much we kitties love a good sun puddle.

 

Raena's adorable face close up while sitting in stroller

The sun on mine’s face, the wind in mine’s furs…

 

 

 

Can Cats Absorb Vit. D:

     The first thing we should look at is the lamp itself, or rather the bulb. Daylight lamps are in no way akin to Sun Lamps, which many used to “tan” inside. Daylight lamps do provide miniscule amounts of Vitamin D, but not enough to make any medical claims. However, it should be noted that cats Do Not actually need the Vitamin D provided by sunshine. The feline body doesn’t absorb Vitamin D through their skin the way humans do. Cats get all their Vitamin D from the food they eat, so feeding kitty a proper diet with the right nutrition is paramount. Do Not give kitty Vitamin D supplements unless prescribed by your V-E-T.

 

Vitamin D Toxicity:

     Cats can become very ill if they get too much Vitamin D, a condition called Hypervitaminosis D. Symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity usually occur within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion and include:

Vomiting

Weakness

Depression

Lack of appetite

Increased Thirst and Urination

Diarrhea

     Possible accidental causes of Vitamin D toxicity include ingestion of rat poison or human vitamins. If you think your kitty has gotten into either, please contact your V-E-T ASAP. Long story short, kitty doesn’t need that great sun puddle, they just enjoy it. And, kitties don’t need to go outside, they do just fine as indoor only pets. 

 

Close up of Dezi sitting pretty in the stroller outside

All this sun and heat’s a bit overrated. 

 

 

 

Turns out, this was a great little question. We’re wrapping it up early today as it’s stormin’ somethin’ fierce out and we’re not sure ifin we’re gonna lose power or not. So, don’t furget to check out the other posts in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. And, leave your questions, comments and topic suggestions in the commetns below or by sending us an email via our Contact page. We’re also linkin’ up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. See ya’ next week. 

 

Till the next time………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: Raena’s New Plan #PurrsWithAPurr-Puss

Raena:  Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Hey sissy, did you notice anythin’ different this meownin’? 

 

Dezi lays on liberty tree and Raena on the small perch looking at each other in front of the door.

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Different? Like what Raena? Did you do somethin’ new to your furs? 

 

Raena:  Don’t be silly sissy, I’s can’t change mine’s furs. I’s meant did you notice that old fly is furinally gone? I’s got him befur he could multiply again.

 

Dezi lays on chair arm

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Oh, that. Did you really get him or did he just furinally die of starvation? And, ifin you actually got him, then why was there a teeny fly in me’s food this meownin’? 

 

Raena:  I’s got him sissy. Mommy even called me the Mighty Huntress, Queen of her jungle. As fur your teeny fly, mommy says that’s a gnat, not a fly. Did you eat him? He’s just a nibble of protein. But don’t you worry, I’s RaenaBelle, Queen of mine’s jungle will ketch him in no time. 

 

          Dezi:  Oh yeah Raena? Is layin’ in front of you plate bobbin’ your head what you call huntin’? Me saw that gnat in your plate too. 

 

Raena sits on cat tree

 

 

 

Raena:  I’s just plannin’ mine’s pounce sissy, that’s all. You know, form is very ‘purrtant when huntin’. And, I’s a girly, I’s wanna look good even when I’s stalkin’ mine’s prey. You know, like a lean mean killin’ machine. 

 

Dezi lays on wheelchair

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Seriously Raena, you’re watchin’ far too much teevee. Girl, you need to get out some. (Dezi shakes her head while mumbling) Lean mean killin’ machine…We’re housecats, we don’t have any need to be lean, mean or killin’ machines. Hmmmpht  You know mommy likes us to have a little meat on our bones, don’ch’a? ‘Member the last time mommy took you to the V-E-T and said she felt like she was starvin’ ya’ cuz you’re so skinny? 

 

Raena:  I’s do sissy. But mommy ain’t starvin’ me. I’s just built different and so I’s skinnier than you. 

 

          Dezi:  Are you callin’ me fat, Raena? 

 

Raena sits pretty in the hallway

 

 

 

Raena:  ‘Course not sissy. I’s was just meowin’ that some kitties have a stockier build, like you do and some of us are long and lean…that’s all. Anyways, ‘nuff weight meowin’, we’ve got lots of other things to do and meow ‘bout. Like our upcomin’ playdate with Prancie. I’s can’t wait. I’s luvs our furiends soooooo much. I’s wish we could meet ‘em all and have everypawdy over fur a play date. (Raena’s eyes get bigger than saucers as she daydreams about meeting all her friends

 

          Dezi:  Me too Raena. That would be amazin’…and ‘spensive. We’d have to figger out a way to make some green papers so we’d have a way fur everypawdy to get here and a place fur everypawdy to stay. 

 

Raena:  Well sissy, I’s saw on the teevee the other day where peeps were rentin’ their cars out. You know, peeps are doin’ a lot of strange things to make money these days. 

 

Dezi gets love while standing on mommy's lap

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Yeah Raena, me’s not sure anypawdy would pay actual money to rent our car. While we may feel blest to have it, it’s not the bestest lookin’ car on the road, nor the most reliable.

 

Raena:  You’re purrobably right sissy. Maybe we could rent out our services. You know, purrs fur green papers? How much do you think we could charge?

 

          Dezi:  Ya’ know Raena, that’s not the worst idea you’ve come up with. That actually sounds like it could work. Ya’ know, ‘specially fur those that don’t want all the respawnsibilities that come along with ownin’ a kitty. They could pay like a thousand dollars fur 30 minutes of full on purrs. And we could charge extra fur makin’ biskits. 

 

Raena's profile while sitting on cat tree

 

 

 

Raena:  (Raena meows excitedly)  Ooh Ooh yeah, and we could charge another thousand fur your drool. You know, we could tell peeps that it’s special drool…maybe even anti-aging. You know how women are ‘bout wrinkles. MOL Oh sissy, I’s think we need to put us a business plan together and see ifin we can’t get a start up loan or somethin’. We could advertise on our bloggy and the facebutt (facebook). They advertise everythin’ there. Y, It’d be purrrrrrfect!!! 

 

          Dezi:  Slow down Raena, slow down. Me’s not sure mommy’ll go fur this. After all, who’s gonna look after her while we’re workin’? 

 

Raena:  Hmmmmm Okay, so maybe I’s don’t have it all worked out yet. But, I’s really think we should put some more thought into this. Maybe we could just run the business and hire other pussy cats to actually do the work.

 

Dezi gets loving while standing on mommy's lap

 

 

 

         Dezi:  (Dezi looks off and thinks for a minute while getting love from mommy) You might have somethin’ there Raena. Let’s go mull this over and meow ‘bout it a little more. Maybe we can hammer out all the deets (details) after a mid meownin’ nap. 

 

Raena sits on cat tree and looks to the side

 

 

 

Raena:  I’s right behind ya’ sissy. Let me just grab a pen and paper in case somethin’ comes to me in mine’s dreams. Like, a name. We could call it, Purrs of Gold. Or maybe Purrs fur Papers, ya’ know, the green ones?. Purrs With a Purr-puss, oooooh I’s really like that one. Get it, Purr Puss, Purr-puss (purpose). Purrs…(Raena settles in for a nap while yammering on and on.)

 

Would you pay money to have a kitty sit in your lap and purr?

What do you think of Dezi and Raena’s newest business plan?

 

Till the next time…………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue  

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Tell All Tuesday: Simply Shreds #ChewyInfluencer

Raena:  Hey, Is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle!!! Mommy!!! I’s can’t hear mine’s self over the noisy lawn crew machines!!! I’s hate yellin’!!! (Raena jumps off the back of the chair onto the scratcher beside mommy’s chair and looks around) Hey sissy, where’d you come from? Can you not hear the lawn crew? I’s thought you would’a been unner the bed?. 

 

Dezi eats

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Me’s headin’ there Raena, me just wanted to grab a bite of brekky furst. See ya’. 

 

Raena: Wait sissy!!! (Raena runs after Dezi who heads down the hall and UTB) C’mon, sissy, wait fur me. I’s wanna tell ya’ somethin’. 

 

          Dezi:  Go away Raena, this is me’s spot. 

 

Raena lays on cat tree

 

 

 

Raena:  But sissy, I’s wanna learn how to hunt fur intruders too. 

 

          Dezi:  Go hunt somewhere else Raena, this is me’s spot. 

 

Raena:  (Dezi and Raena hear mommy calling them to come to breakfast. The lawn crew’s still making a lot of noise outside but the girls are hungry and start to slink towards the living room)  Sissy, do we have to crouch down so low? I’s have longer legs than you do and this isn’t all that comfurtable. 

 

          Dezi:  Nopawdy said you had to follow me Raena. Don’t you have somethin’ else you could be doin’? 

 

Raena sniffs the Simply Shreds box

 

 

 

Raena:  Well yeah, sissy. We need to tell everypawdy ‘bout the noms we tried this month. You know, the ones we got from Chewy

 

Dezi sniffs wellness core box

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Me ‘members Raena. Mommy thought we’d really like the Wellness Core Simply Shreds Grain Free food topper. It comes in 4 different flavors, Boneless Chicken, Salmon and Tuna, Tuna and Shrimp, and Chicken and Mackerel. A case of 12) 1.75 oz pouches costs $15.84. We got the Boneless Chicken to try since we’re not really fish eaters. Me really wishes these food companies would offur more of a variety in their non fish proteins. Anyways, let’s see what Chewy has to say ‘bout ‘em: 

 

 

Key Benefits

  • Provides a boost of pure protein and hydration with just three ingredients—lean chicken, chicken broth, and water.
  • Lean protein helps maintain healthy muscle mass while chicken broth helps keep your kitty hydrated and supports urinary health.
  • Unadulterated, low calorie protein source with no fillers, grains, or starches, so it helps support a diet similar to that of your kitty’s primal ancestors.
  • Convenient tear-away pouch makes it easy to top dry food or wet food, or give as a side dish or high-protein snack.
  • Contains no grain, meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

 

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing

Caloric Content

585 kcal/kg, 29 kcal/pouch

 

Wellness Core Simply Shreds

 

 

 

Raena:  As you can see, these Simply Shreds are pure protein. Us kitties thrive on meat proteins, so these would make a great addition to our diet, you know, as a snack or special treat. These are not considered a balanced meal. Besides, there’s no way 1.75 ounces would get us full. MOL  Anyways, mommy says you should open the pouches over the sink, cuz they’re full of water/broth and can be a little messy.

 

Dezi eats simply shreds

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Me thinks the juice is the bestest pawrt, Raena. The chicken shreds are a bit stringy and dry. So, me would give these 2 paws up.

 

Dezi and Raena eat simply shreds

The juice is good, huh sissy?

 

 

 

Raena:  I’s agree sissy. 2 paws up fur me too. Mommy gave ‘em a thumb up cuz they purrvide us with much needed hydration. Ifin you think you’d like to try these or any of the other flavors out, you can shop fur them right now at Chewy. As always, all orders $49.00 and up ship speedy and free and all other orders have a flat rate shipping of $4.95. Chewy has great customer service peeps who are available 24/7.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: We received the Simply Shreds in exchange for our honest opinion. As always, we tell it like we see it. Neither Chewy, nor Wellness are responsible for the opinions in this post unless otherwise stated. We only bring you products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

Dezi eats simply shreds

 

 

 

          Dezi:  Don’t furget the auto ship option Raena. You can save an additional 5% off your orders and not have to worry ‘bout runnin’ out of your pet’s favorites. And you can always skip, cancel or delay any shipment, as well as add some extra treats now and then. We deserve ‘em, ya’ know. 

 

Dezi sits on scratcher watching Raena in box

 

 

 

Raena:  And the boxes, sissy. Don’t furget ‘bout the pawsum boxes that come with our shipments. We luvs a good box. You can check out reviews of other great products from Chewy here.

 

          Dezi:  True Raena. Meowin’ of, me will race ya’ to ours.

 

Raena:  Let’s play sissy. 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Customizable, Ceramic, Soft

Meowllo everypawdy, we hope you’re havin’ a great week. Let me tell ya’ me doesn’t know what this world is comin’ too. Furst sissy Raena hijacks me’s bloggy and now mommy wants to. You know what? It’s okay. After all without mommy me wouldn’t have a bloggy to hijack, and we are all furmily after all. So me’s gonna turn it over to mommy now. She has some great purroducts to tell ya’ ‘bout. And stay tuned, vu we’s havin’ a give away at da end.

 Dezi on top of the Liberty cat tree

Thank you sweety. I won’t make a habit of taking over, and ya’ll did get to try out the new goodies, so you’ll still be a part of the post. Anyways, recently we were given the opportunity to try out a couple of new products from Collage.com’s new pet line. First let me explain a little about the products. We received a bowl and a pillow bed. They are completely customizable as you’ll see by the photos.

 

This is a sponsored post. We’ve been compensated for sharing. However, we always tell the truth; all opinions are our own. As always we only bring you products we use or have tried ourselves and think would be of interest to you our readers and friends.

 photo ceramic cat bowl from collage.com

When you go to the site and choose the item you want, you’re taken to a screen that allows you to add photos, writing, initials, designs and pretty much whatever your mind can think of. Now you all know I’m no techy. You don’t need to be. It’s a simple and really easy format to work with, and if you have any trouble there’s a number listed on every page for customer service help. You can preview your product and go back and change it all before you finalize it and save it for check out. And if you’re buying more than 1 item, the photos you upload are still available to choose for your next product, or you can choose all new ones.

Pillow Pet Bed from collage.com customized with photos of Dezi, Lexi and raena

Let’s take a look at the products themselves. First up the Cat Bowl. It’s a high quality plain white ceramic, fully finished large bowl. When I say fully finished, I mean that the bottom is glazed just like the inside, so no scratching your floors. Altho’ it says it’s dishwasher safe, because of the photos and finish, I would recommend hand washing. The bowl is 6 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall (deep). So it’s great for food or water. Collage.com’s recommendation is 1-40 photos for the bowl. But you will also have other options as well as changing the color by adding a background.

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Now lets take a look at the Pillow Bed. As Dezi would say, OMC It’s amazing. First off at 40” X 30”, it’s huge. And it’s overstuffed and fluffy, with a plush fleece top and natural weave back. And the cover is removable for easy clean up. You can use anywhere from 1 to 200 photos in your design. And remember, you’ll have other options as well. We gave ours a space like background in Dezi’s signature bluish purple and added DezizWorld to the top. You can even choose the font and color of any writing as well as placement. You’re only limited by your creativity. And you all know this is the area where I’m lacking. But we think our pillow bed is great. Actually, I love it so much, I can’t bring myself to throw it on the floor for the girls to use. lol So, at the moment it rests at the foot of the bed where the girls wrestle with it and lay on it while I fold clothes and do other chores in the bedroom. As a testament to it’s softness, Raena kneads and suckles it. And if I’m being honest, my guess is, that Dezi does too. (shakes head) My spoiled little angels. 

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Dezi:  Mommy, you’re not supposed to tell all me’s secrets. Oh well, can me tell ‘bout da give away now? 

Raena suckling pillow bed from collage.com
Yes, I’s sucklin’ da new pillow bed. It’s just soooooo soft.

Yes Dezi, you can tell about the give away now.

Thanks mommy. Let me tell ya’ dat pillow bed is pawsum and so is da bowl. Raena luvs her bowl, and she knows those are fotos of her on it too. Anyways, da pawsum peeps over at Collage.com are lettin’ us give away one of those amazin’ Customizable Ceramic Pet Bowls. Dat’s right, one lucky U.S. reader will get to customize their very own cat or dog bowl dat will then be shipped to your door. Ya’ might wanna check out all da other pawsum customizable purroducts they have while you’re there.

 

 

Enter Here

Don’t furget to get your fly fishin’ fotos in fur our Pawlympics event. And we’re takin’ questions fur our next Service Cat posty. We’s gonna go now so you can enter da give away.

Till da next time………………………………….Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle