5 Things Your Cat is Going to Love

Do you ever wonder what your cats do when they’re alone? Most cats are always at home. It is important to spend time with them; even if they’re independent animals they need the love of their owner. Obviously, some cat owners cannot always be there with them and are out of their homes for long periods of time. If you’re one of those owners, here are some things your cat is going to love having when you’re not around. If you like being at home with your kitty, these items will spice up your day to day life.

1.  Toys Containing Catnip

A toy with catnip might become your cat’s favourite object. Catnip stimulates cats, making them hyper and active. For a pet that stays at home most of the time, this will help your furry friend be healthy and entertained. If your’e not sure how your cat might react to catnip, check out How Much Do You Know About Your Cat? or contact an expert to appease your worries.

2.  A Laser

If you own a cat, you know that any reflection of the sun from your mirror or even from your phone makes them go crazy. This is why you might want to consider getting a laser to make things more fun. Since cats are natural hunters, the moving red dot satisfies their hunting instinct. Unlike other toys, a laser pointer can be aimed in different directions, making it seem like real moving prey. But don’t let the laser pointer be the only toy your cat has, as it can become maddening for them to never be able to actually catch the “prey”. To avoid this, it is recommended to point the laser to an actual toy so they get the satisfaction of catching prey.

3.   A Feather Teaser

Take-out cat teasers are a great choice for your cat, especially if yours doesn’t have access to the outside. It is a good toy to interact with your furry friend. Cats love them, especially if they have feathers on. This is due to cats’ perception of the feathers: they believe it is actual prey. Teasers are designed to keep your cat alert and active, so it not only creates something both you and your cat can do, but promotes a healthy lifestyle as well.

4.  A Drinking Fountain

This is not a necessary product, but it certainly is something your cat will appreciate. Cats are considered very clean animals: they like to clean themselves everyday, they like their litter box cleaned everyday, and most importantly, they want their food containers cleaned everyday. Most cats won’t touch their water if its been there for a long time or isn’t crystal clear. They’d rather drink from the toilet than drink dirty water. This is where a drinking fountain would come in handy. The drinking fountain re-circulates and filters the water, making water that’s been sitting around all day fresh-tasting, and encouraging your cat to drink more. Because the water in a drinking fountain goes through a charcoal filter to remove odors and impurities, it is healthier for your cat than stale water that has been standing and collecting debris.

5.  An Interactive feeder

Instead of using a normal bowl for your cat’s food, why not try an interactive feeder? This device helps cats have fun even when eating. An interactive feeder stimulates cats and makes them work to get their food. It helps your furry friend be active and gives them something to do. If you’re trying to get your cat to lose weight this is a device worth trying.

Even though cats are more laid back animals, they do need their daily dose of exercise. By using products like the ones above, not only are they entertained and focused, but you create an opportunity to form a stronger bond with your pet. These little details, from toys to feeders, will be greatly appreciated by your furry friend, but most importantly they will appreciate the time and care you give them.  

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Clarissa L. Flores

Clarissa L. Flores is a 19 year-old in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin Colllege. Originally from Mexico she came to Canada to expand her knowledge on writing, turning a hobby into a career. If she’s not listening to music or daydreaming, she probably has her nose in a book.

How Much Do You Know About Your Cat?

7 FAQs about cats

1.  What is the average lifespan of cats?

The environment they live in, maintenance, health, and whether or not the cat is sterilized are all factors that affect the lifespan of a cat. That being said, the average domestic cat can live from 10 to 20 years, and in the wild cats can survive from 2 to 16 years.

2.  How do I know my cat is sick?

Most animals, including cats, tend to hide when they’re in pain because of their nature, making it hard for owners to notice when they’re sick. As an owner you really need to be observant of your cat’s behaviour so it’s easier for you to recognize unusual habits. The most noticeable changes cats go through when they’re sick are: hiding in a quiet out-of-the-way place; eating, drinking, and/or urinating/defecating more or less than normal; constant vomiting during the day; diarrhea or constipation; constant coughing. If you notice any of the these symptoms, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

3.  Is it safe to let my cat out?

Cats can do well in the wild, but despite this many experts recommend not letting your cat out. There are many dangers for cats including predators, cars, diseases, or disappearances. Cats can also bring fleas, ticks, pollen, and other allergens from the environment into your home. There are lots of domestic cats doing well outdoors—the decision is at each owner’s risk. Make sure you are also following city bylaws: in some places letting your cat out is actually illegal.

4.  What can I do if my cat is picky when it comes to food?

If your cat refuses to eat the food you’re offering, try to change it up. If you just serve your furry friend dry food, consider mixing it with wet food. Maybe your cat is not into the flavour of the food. When you finally find something they’re happy with, don’t change it. Changing their food too often might confuse them and make them lose their appetite. Routines are also a good idea: establish times for your cat to eat at.

5.  Is canned tuna good for cats?

Canned tuna as a treat is good to satisfy you cat’s craving for fish, but not as a daily diet. Tuna alone is not nutritionally complete. Tuna sold especially for cats is not pure tuna, but also contains other nutrients, such as added vitamins and minerals. Consuming too much tuna can cause your cat to develop a Vitamin E deficiency and put them at risk of mercury poisoning. If your cat is a fish lover, look for foods that contain salmon or wet fish food made especially for cats to satisfy cravings.

6.  Why is my cat eating grass?

Grass has natural laxative benefits which help your cat go regularly to the litter box, especially if their digestive tracts are clogged by fur. Grass also relieves an upset stomach; you may notice that your cat vomits shortly after eating grass but they’re actually doing this on purpose. In the process of throwing up, cats get rid of fur, parasites, feathers, and bones, which can irritate their digestive tract. But if your cat eats large amounts of grass everyday, consult your veterinarian.

7.   What does catnip do to cats?

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is a plant containing nepetalactone: the chemical compound that attracts and affects cats. It is a stimulant when sniffed by cats, producing a high similar to marijuana. The effect lasts 10 minutes before wearing off and going back to normal. When cats consume catnip, it acts as a sedative.

This FAQ only includes the most asked questions on the internet. There could be a long list of questions about your cat’s health and behaviours, but if you are unsure about something your cat is doing don’t only rely on the internet—make sure to contact an expert before acting on it.

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Clarissa L. Flores

Clarissa L. Flores is a 19 year-old in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin Colllege. Originally from Mexico she came to Canada to expand her knowledge on writing, turning a hobby into a career. If she’s not listening to music or daydreaming, she probably has her nose in a book.

5 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Dog→

In some people’s eyes adopting isn’t complicated: you just go to a pet store or shelter and choose the cutest one. But there’s a lot more to it than that, and that’s why—according to Humane Canada in a 2012 census—more than 53,000 dogs were taken in and cared for by Canadian Shelters. Most of these dogs were abandoned or returned by their owners because they realized they were not qualified to have one. There is a lot to consider before adopting a furry friend, and this post is here to help you figure out if you are ready to have a new family member or not.

1.  Can you afford one?

 Adopting usually comes with a cost because of the vaccinations given to a dog to prevent diseases like Distemper, Parvo, Kennel Cough, and Rabies. But the money you have to spend doesn't end there. According to Money Under 30, the total you have to pay for their needs before adopting is approximately $565 and $695 annually.  

2.  What size dog is best suited for your lifestyle?

One of the most common dog myths is about their size. Many people believe smaller dogs don’t need as much attention or exercise, but this is completely false. All dogs big or small need daily walks, good training, and as much attention as you can give. The pros of owning a small dog include lower costs for treatments, having a good travel companion, and gaining an ideal pet for urban spaces. If you travel a lot or live in an apartment building that restricts the size of your pets, you might want to go for a smaller breed. On the other hand, bigger dogs are good watchdogs, great with kids, have great endurance, and are easier to train. If you have a family, love to go on long runs or walks, and like an obedient friend, bigger breeds might be to your liking.

 3.  Will you have time to fulfill all their needs?

Dogs need to be trained, and the sooner the better. You need to take time out of your day to house train them, teach them how to behave when walking in public, and show them how to act around other people and dogs. These are just a few of the things you need to train them for. Puppies are like a child; if you don’t pay enough attention to them they will get bored and misbehave. You also need time throughout your day to make sure they get all the meals they need. When you first adopt a dog you will need to invest a lot of time in them, but even after they’re trained they still need your attention and care.

 4.  Do the right amount of research on the breed you will be adopting.

This is one of the most important points to consider. The moment you learn the breed that will be entering your home, do research about them. Every breed has different traits and capabilities: some are faster learners and others are better at social skills, some are leaders and others followers. By doing research you can also be aware of the diseases they are prone to and how to avoid them.

 5.  If you have other pets…

 If you have other pets, make sure to research how to introduce them to each other. You shouldn’t take this matter lightly, for animals to co-exist and have a good relationship they should be introduced slowly and appropriately.  When this is done correctly your new pets—no matter the species—will become family!

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Clarissa L. Flores

Clarissa L. Flores is a 19 year-old in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin Colllege. Originally from Mexico she came to Canada to expand her knowledge on writing, turning a hobby into a career. If she’s not listening to music or daydreaming, she probably has her nose in a book.