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How Can I Help My Cat Lose Weight?

By Paul Roberts

On October 27, 2016

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How Can I Help My Cat to Lose Weight

How Can I Help My Cat Lose Weight?

If you can’t feel your cat’s rib cage and backbone easily, there’s a good chance that they are overweight.

Because being overweight can make your cat more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease, helping them to get down to a healthier weight is one of the best things you can do for their general health.

It’s not as difficult as you might think, especially if the main problem has been eating too much and not burning off the extra calories.

Here are our tips for helping your cat to slim down!

Take It Slow

Your cat may need to lose weight but they don’t need to lose it too quickly. This can cause a potentially fatal condition known as hepatic lipidosis, which results in fat building up in the liver and affecting its ability to work properly.

It’s a lot better for your cat to lose weight gradually – around 1 per cent of their body fat per week is recommended.

Speak to Your Vet

To get the ball rolling, your vet can weigh your cat and tell you exactly how overweight they are.

They can then help you to set a target weight for your cat based on this and advise on how to adjust their calorie intake so that they can lose weight at the right pace.

Cut Their Calories

Weight gain happens because your cat is consuming more calories than they’re burning off so first of all, you need to start controlling their calorie intake.

It’s often suggested that introducing a diet that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates is a good idea for losing weight as this is quite close to a cat’s natural diet. Your cat should be able to lose excess weight without compromising their lean muscle by following this type of plan.

Have Set Mealtimes

A lot of overweight cats have got used to a “free feeding” approach to their food and expect their bowl to be refilled on demand!

Unsurprisingly, this means that they won’t just eat when they’re hungry and will be consuming far more calories than they actually need. The end result? They put on weight!

It’s hard for you to know exactly how many calories your cat might actually be getting due to the “free” nature of this approach.

The eating habits of cats, who are of course natural hunters, entail eating a little and often. As such, you may want to consider weighing out a daily allowance of dry food and giving them little bit, often. You could also use a feeder or a feeding toy that dispenses a small amount of food at a time.

It’s better to have set mealtimes so that your cat is fed two or three times per day. The bulk of their calorie intake will be spread across these meals. You’ll need to measure out how much food goes into each meal so that they don’t exceed their maximum but it’s far easier to control their calories this way.

Ration Treats

Treats don’t have to go out of the window altogether but you’ll need to dispense them sensibly to stop your cat gaining weight from them.

They can still have a few treats but this should account for no more than 10 per cent of their daily calorie intake.

You won’t be surprised to know that high calorie treats are a no-no, and high carbohydrate treats are also best avoided.

Encourage Them to Be More Active

Most overweight cats don’t get enough exercise so you’re probably going to need to help them to get more active.

You can do this via games that appeal to their hunting instincts and it can also be stimulating for them to have to work a bit harder than normal for their food. Interactive toys that release a treat at the end of the game can be a good option.

Ideally, you’ll want your cat to get at least 10 minutes of physical activity in the average day.

Have you had to help your cat to lose some weight? Do you have any extra tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Cats

Reduce Multi Cat Mayhem!

By Paul Roberts

On October 25, 2016

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Reduce Multi Cat Mayhem!

By nature, cats tend to be territorial and this can sometimes cause behavioural problems when two or more of them live in the same household.

It’s more likely that cats will show some aggression to each other if they weren’t properly introduced in the beginning but it can also happen further down the line if a problem occurs between them.

Here’s how to tell if your cats are stressing each other and how to increase the chances of keeping the peace between them.

Signs That Your Cats Are Stressing Each Other

Sometimes, cats who don’t get on will just ignore each other and try to have as little to do with each other as possible.

Most of the time, there will be some indications that there is tension between your cats and these can include:

  • Fighting
  • Hissing
  • Growling
  • Stalking
  • Chasing
  • Staring each other out

How to Reduce Potential for Problems

Neutering. This can reduce territorial marking and fighting in male cats, amongst other benefits. Toms that haven’t been neutered are likely to engage in urine spraying and other ways of marking their territory.

Have separate litter trays and feeding areas. If one cat is more dominant, there is a chance that they will intimidate other cats in the household when it comes to feeding or using the litter tray. This is why it’s crucial to have separate litter trays and feeding bowls for each of your cats if they don’t get on – preferably in different areas so that they can use them without fear of being bullied. This also guards against the possibility of a dominant cat leaving their “business” uncovered in the litter tray to discourage other cats from using it.

Create safe areas and hideouts. If one cat is more timid and is prone to getting intimidated or bullied, giving them a safe place that they can go to is crucial. Cat trees can be useful for this as they give different platforms for cats to get out of the way and survey the rest of the room. Cat condos are another option along the same kind of lines.

Introduce cats properly. If you already have cats that don’t get on, it’s obviously too late for this to make any difference but effective introductions can make a lot of difference if you bring new cats (or other pets) into the home in the future. Pets that get off on the wrong foot are likely to be indifferent or even aggressive to each other so this is a big thing to get right from the beginning.

Do you have a multi cat household? Have you any additional tips for keeping the peace and reducing their stress potential? Let us know in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Cats

Antifreeze Poisoning – Spot the Signs in your Pet

By Paul Roberts

On October 20, 2016

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Antifreeze Poisoning - Spot the Signs in your Pet

As the weather gets colder, the use of antifreeze in the mornings is going to become more frequent. In turn, this means that there is a higher chance of your pet accidentally ingesting antifreeze, as when it drips out of car radiators the liquid often runs into puddles that your pet may drink. Even the smallest amount of antifreeze can have a severe impact on your pet’s health, with smaller pets being particularly vulnerable. This means that, in order to avoid fatalities, it is of vital importance that you are able to spot the signs of antifreeze poisoning in your pet.

What Does Antifreeze Do?

It is the toxin ethylene glycol in antifreeze that makes it so dangerous to pets. Ethylene glycol, from the moment that it is consumed, will begin to damage your pet’s kidneys, even if it is only a small amount. The longer your pet is left untreated, and the more antifreeze they consume, the more likely it is that their kidneys will begin to fail- which, in turn, causes further health issues and can result in death.

What Are The Signs?

It is not so easy to prevent your pet from consuming antifreeze if it has run into puddles outside. This makes it essential that you know the key symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in order that you can take them to a vet as quickly as possible. Key symptoms and signs of antifreeze poisoning include:

  • Signs of drunken behaviour- This may include instability when standing and a lack of coordination
  • Vomiting or Diarrhoea- Your pet’s body may naturally try to reject the toxin itself either through vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Rapid heartbeat and breathing
  • Excessive thirst and/or urination
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures or shaking

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may become apparent as soon as 30 minutes after consumption, and often appear in stages, which will develop faster or slower depending on the size of your pet and the amount of antifreeze consumed. Of course, many of these symptoms are not exclusively signs of antifreeze poisoning, but you should still take your pet to a veterinary professional as quickly as possible if you notice any of them.

What Steps Should You Take?

Antifreeze poisoning presents such a serious threat to the health of pets that they must be taken to the vets immediately if you suspect that they have ingested the poison.

Filed Under: Cats, Dogs, Pet Guides & Help, Small Animals

World Animal Day – How Can You Help to Raise Money for Animal Welfare Across the World?

By Paul Roberts

On October 13, 2016

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World Animal Day

It’s World Animal Day on October 4th, and this is a big date for your diary if you’re interested in animal welfare and are looking for an opportunity to do your bit for animals around the world.

Perhaps you’d like to raise awareness of an animal welfare issue that is close to you heart? Or maybe you want to help a small charity that is doing great work with animals?

Whatever your reasons for wanting to get involved, World Animal Day is ideal for doing something in support of animal welfare. Here are some of the things you could do to mark the day.

Donate to World Animal Day

World Animal Day is all about trying to achieve global change in welfare standards so that animals can have a better future. They’re passionate about encouraging as many people as possible to get involved and encourage social, legal and political reform through their mass participation.

You can donate to them via Paypal on the World Animal Day website if you’d like to support their efforts.

Sponsor an Animal

One of the easiest ways to support the welfare of a particular type of animal is to become a sponsor.

This one isn’t free of course but it does give you the chance to help wildlife organisations to protect more animals. If you have a specific cause in mind, World Animal Day could be the perfect time to dive in and become a sponsor. You’ll get regular updates on the animal that you’re sponsoring and news on how your money is helping to safeguard their future.

Organise a Fundraiser

Lack the funds to support animal welfare but still want to help a particular charity to do more to protect wildlife?

If you’ve got a bit of free time that you can put aside, organising a fundraising event could be the ideal way to do your bit for World Animal Day.

There are lots of things that you could potentially do, from a simple coffee morning or car boot sale to a high-octane skydive! For maximum effect, try to rope a few friends in to help to raise more funds.

Bonus points if you can work in a pet or animal angle for your event!

Get Hands On

Got a bit of free time that you could dedicate to nature on World Animal Day?

Volunteering your time at a local rescue shelter is an obvious way to do this but there are other options too.

Alternatively, you could get in touch with a local wildlife or conservation group and see if they could use an extra pair of hands for any projects they’re currently undertaking.

Will you be doing anything for World Animal Day this year? We’d love to hear your plans so do let us know via the comments section below!

Filed Under: Articles, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Fish, Horses, Small Animals

4 Reasons Why You Should Rescue an Older Dog

By Paul Roberts

On October 11, 2016

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4 Reasons Why You Should Rescue an Older Dog

Are you thinking about getting a dog? You may be excited about the idea of a new puppy but have you thought about giving a rescue dog a loving home instead?

When older dogs find themselves in rescue centres, they are often overlooked in favour of younger ones and can potentially spend years waiting to be rehomed – often through no fault of their own.

There are lots of reasons why rescue dogs make great additions to the household, some of which we’ve included in this post.

They’re Not “Problem” Dogs

If an older dog has been at a rescue centre for quite a while, people often mistakenly assume that there’s a reason for this.

This is something of a myth, and the vast majority of older dogs are not there because they have behavioural problems or because they would be any big problem once rehomed.

They will often have had a home and found themselves in a rescue centre for reasons out of their control. Things like allergies, the arrival of a new baby, a change in their owner’s job or lifestyle, and even losing their owner can all be key factors in older dogs ending up in a rescue centre.

Once they’re in a rescue centre, it’s not uncommon for them to be overlooked as they’re a bit older than other dogs and not seen as such an attractive option for potential owners as a result.

They’re Loyal and Loving

On a similar note, the fact that most older dogs have already lived with an owner means that they’re already used to being in a loving home and are just waiting for their forever home with a new owner. They’re therefore likely to be loyal and affectionate companions.

They’re Probably Already Trained

A lot of older dogs have already been toilet trained and understand training commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “come” and “down”. Whereas you’ll need to start completely from scratch in training a new puppy, this often won’t be the case with adult dogs as they’ll already have learnt how to do a lot of the basics.

They Can Suit a Quieter Pace of Life

It is possible that your lifestyle may not lend itself well to a lively and energetic younger dog, whereas an older dog will often enjoy a slower pace of life.

They’ll need some exercise of course to be physically and mentally stimulated but walks won’t necessarily need to be as long or exuberant. This can make them a great option for people whose lifestyle doesn’t suit a more boisterous pup.

Have you adopted a rescue dog? What benefits would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Filed Under: Articles, Dogs

Why Dogs Have Bad Breath

By Paul Roberts

On October 6, 2016

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Does your dog have bad breath What causes it and how you can help

Why Dogs Have Bad Breath – Is it OK?

All dogs will have bad breath from time to time, especially after eating strong smelling dog foods. Though unpleasant for those around your dogs, it is completely normal and shouldn’t cause you any concern, providing that the bad breath eventually subsides. However, if your dog’s bad breath lasts for any significant period of time, it could be a sign of some health problems, varying from minor to fairly serious. If your dog has bad breath, this guide will help you to understand what it is causing it and how you can help to get rid of it.

What causes the bad breath?

As in humans, bad breath in dogs is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth and can simply be a sign that your dog needs better dental care. Bad breath can also be a sign that your dog has other issues, ranging from gum disease to gastrointestinal or respiratory problems. The typical smell of dog breath, though unpleasant, is usually nothing to worry about, but you should look out for these smells and seek veterinary advice if your dog develops them:

  • Sweet – If your dog has unusually sweet breath, it could be a sign of diabetes. This would usually be accompanied by an increase in urination or drinking.
  • Urine- If your dog’s breath smells of urine, it could suggest a problem with their kidneys.
  • Vomiting– If your dog’s breath has worsened, and they have begun to vomit regularly, as well as losing their appetite, there is a chance that your dog may have liver problems.

In any case, if you have any concerns about your dog’s bad breath, you should take them to the vet to identify what may be causing the bad breath, and begin any necessary medical treatments.

How can you help?

Treatment for your dog’s bad breath will depend on the cause of it, which your vet should determine. However, you can take some steps yourself to help prevent your dog’s bad breath:

  • Clean Their Teeth Regularly– Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly with a specifically designed toothbrush and toothpaste will help to prevent a build-up of plaque or tartar and reduce the levels of odour-producing bacteria in their mouth. Your dog may be hesitant at first, so be patient.
  • Provide Them with Chews and Chew Toys- Chew treats and chew toys will help to reduce bad breath, as the production of saliva will break down bacteria in the mouth. These will also help to clean your dog’s teeth.
  • Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water- Regularly drinking fresh water can help to improve your dog’s breath as it will help to wash away any food residue left in their mouth.
  • Feed Them High-Quality Dog Food- Usually, the higher quality the dog food, the easier your dog will digest it, and the higher the nutritional value, which means that it will help to prevent any other health issues that could cause your dog’s bad breath.

As always, it is important to seek veterinary advice before any type of treatment for your pet to ensure that you are targeting the right problem, and also to avoid causing any further health issues.

Filed Under: Articles, Dogs, Pet Guides & Help

Does Your Cat Bring Mice Into The Home?

By Paul Roberts

On October 4, 2016

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Why Does My Cat Bring in Mice

Does Your Cat Bring Mice Into The Home?

Does your cat have a tendency to bring mice and birds into the home? This can be confusing for pet owners to understand, especially if your cat is well fed and has no need to go elsewhere for food. It can also be unpleasant and sometimes disturbing, and you may well want to know if you can do anything to discourage them from continuing to do it.

Why Does It Happen?

Most cats don’t go after prey because they’re hungry. It’s something that they will often do because of their nature.

Cats are hunters, and this is still ingrained to some extent even in domestic cats. They may no longer have to hunt for their food as their ancestors once did but their predatory instincts remain and this is one of the main reasons why some cats are believed to be compelled to bring home “prey” for their owner. Alongside this, they may consider home to be the safest place for them to take their catch, especially if there are other cats in the area.

It’s also thought that cats may bring home “prey” as a gift for their owner. It’s thought that this goes back to when mama cats bring prey back for their kittens to teach them how to feed themselves. Your domesticated cat may not have kittens to pass this onto but this natural instinct is still encouraging them to do the same kind of thing for you. It’s a sign that they have a strong affection for you and see you as their “family”.

Don’t Punish Them

As unpleasant as the experience may be, it’s important not to punish your cat or shout at them. In many cases, cats believe that they are doing something really nice for you in bringing home dead animals and they won’t understand if you get mad at them or express obvious horror in finding your surprise. Stay calm and don’t let your cat recognise how you really feel about their gift. They can pick up on your body language too.

Can You Stop Them?

It can be very difficult to discourage your cat from bringing you gifts, not least because they are largely motivated in doing so by their predatory instincts.

An indoor only environment would put a definite end to the situation but it’s not the most preferable option for an outdoors cat that enjoys having freedom to roam. Cats that are not used to an indoor-only environment will quickly become stressed and miserable if they do not have access to outside, even if they have a lot of mental and physical stimulation within the home.

You may instead decide to allow your cat to still be an outdoors cat but if they usually have freedom to come and go at night, you may choose to restrict their access to the outdoors at times when their potential prey is more likely to be active.

Playing games with your cat that allows them to practice their hunting skills is another option. Laser games are not the best choice as your cat is likely to be frustrated that they cannot catch their “prey” and this can make them more likely to go hunting for something that they can have fun with.

Filed Under: Cats, Pet Guides & Help