Pets and Poison

In 2013, there were nearly 180,000 cases of pets that had been exposed to toxic substances. Many of those were everyday household items! http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

The top offender for the sixth year in a row were prescription human medications: medication for heart conditions, pain medications, and antidepressants.

Nearly 16% of all calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) were insecticide related.

Tylenol, Advil and herbal supplements accounted for 15% of calls.

What Foods Can Make Pets Sick

Ingesting onions, garlic, raisins and grapes are among the common food items that are dangerous for pets. People food clocked in as the 5th most common pet poison in 2013.

If you think that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

With many people still struggling financially in the current economy, the decision to spay or neuter a pet may be difficult.

A number of states have proposed mandatory spay/neuter laws. However there are currently no state laws requiring pet owners to sterilize their animals.

Fortunately, there are lots of affordable spay/neuter programs available, and you may be surprised just how beneficial it is to your pet:: www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter.

Finally, spaying and neutering helps control the pet population, so I highly recommend you have your pet altered.

Please contact us if we can assist you in any way with this important decision!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Does Your Cat Have Allergies?

What are the General Symptoms of Cats who Have Allergies?

Sneezing and coughing if she has asthma, wheezing
Increased scratching/itchy skin
Runny, itchy eyes
Itchy base of tail and back (although this is most commonly seen in flea allergies)
Ear infections and itchy ears
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Snoring due to an inflamed throat
Swollen paws/paw chewing

What Are Some Things Cats are Allergic to?

  • Dust pollens, tree, weed, mold mildew and grass
  • Food
  •  Flea-control products and fleas
  • Prescription drugs
  • Perfumes
  • Cleaning products
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Fabrics
  • Plastic materials and rubber

Note: A flea allergy only requires the bite of a single flea to trigger intense itching for 2 to up to 3 weeks!

If you suspect your cat has allergies, visit your veterinarian. If she/he is unable to determine the source of the allergic reaction, a skin or blood tests and/or a special elimination diet will probably be recommended.

Removing offending allergens from the environment is the best way to treat allergies.

Are There Allergy Medications for Cats?

Your vet may prescribe cortisone or steroids to help control the allergy. However, allergy injections are the best way to treat airborne injections, because they treat the allergy itself instead of just masking the itch.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be used, but they work best preventatively, before your cat is exposed to the allergen.  There are several flea-prevention products that can be applied monthly to the skin.

Please remember to never give your cat medications unless prescribed by a veterinarian!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Adding an Additional Cat to Your Home

When throwing two cats into one environment you have to give proper consideration to their respective positions. Otherwise you may be asking for trouble.

Be patient when bringing a new cat into your home. The introduction must be gradual. It takes most cats 8-12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat.

Even if she has lived harmoniously with other cats in the past or was at the humane society, it’s unfortunately impossible to predict whether or not any two cats will get along.

The more cats you have, the higher the likelihood that there will be conflicts among them. The individual personalities of the cats are more important than any other factor, such as sex, age or size.

Step 1: Controlling First Impressions

If two cats display aggression during their first meeting, this may set the mood for their future relationship. It is strongly recommended that you separate your resident cat from your new cat when you first bring her home so that you can control their initial meeting.

  • The two cats should be able to smell and hear – but not see or touch – each other
  • Each cat should have her own food and water bowl, litter box and scratching post etc.
  • Feed the cats near the door that separates them so they learn that coming together (even though they can’t see each other) results in a pleasant experience.
  • In addition to regular cat food, feed the cats extra-special treats near the door as well
  • After two or three days, switch the cats’ locations so that they can investigate each other’s smell.
  • After a few more days, play with each of the cats near the door. You can encourage them to paw at toys under the door.

Step 2: Letting the Cats See Each Other

Assuming that you see no signs of aggression at the door (hissing, growling, etc) after a week or so, you can introduce the cats to each other.

Step 3: Letting the Cats Spend Time Together

  • Supervise these initial face-to-face interactions carefully.
  • After a meal or strenuous play is a good time to bring cats together, since they are likely to be relatively calm.
  • In case they begin to fight, keep a water bottle handy

Allow them longer and longer periods of time together as they become more familiar with each other.

Final Tips

When it comes to a multiple cat household, introduce each new resident to the newcomer individually.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Basic Cat First-Aid

When I decided to turn my love and passion for animals into a full-time career, I sat down and thought about some ways I could set myself apart from your “average” pet sitter. That thought process lead me to become a Certified Pet Sitter. While I learned many important aspects of cat and dog health, the most valuable knowledge I became aware of was general First-Aid.

If you are a pet owner and are not familiar with First-Aid for your pet, there are a few simple things you can do that could save your pets life until you can get them treated by your veterinarian.

Because this is such vital topic I am going to discuss this in two separate articles. We’ll start with basic cat First-Aid.

My first piece of advise is to try and stay calm.

Take some deep breaths and try to focus on the situation and what you can do immediately to help your cat. I know, easier said than done, right? Trust me, I’ve been in emergency situations with pets myself and it can be very hard to keep your emotions in check and not let your personal feelings take over the situation. Your cat will sense your alarm and that may make it impossible for you to administer the proper aid she needs.

My second piece of advise is to carry a basic First-Aid kit in your car. 

You may already have one but here are some items you may not have thought of including in case of emergency for your pet:

  • Tweezers with a sharp point
  • Rectal Thermometor
  • Scissors with a small-blunt point
  • A roll of sterile gauze
  • Eye dropper
  • Any medical conditions and a list of your pet’s medicines including dosage (This will be critical if you have to take your cat to an emergency hospital that is not familiar with your cat’s medical history.)
  • Also have the ASPCA’s 24/7/365 poison control center number taped to the inside of the lid of the kit: 888-426-4435

If you are able to get a reading on your cat’s vital signs, the normal ranges are:

Temperature: 100.4-102.5 F
Pulse: 160-240 per minute
Respiration: 20-30 per minute

I think it is a great idea, if you can, to take measurements when your cat is healthy and relaxed and keep those numbers in your First-Aid kit. Even when your cat is perfectly home and at ease, getting a rectal temperature may be challenging. So just keep the above numbers in mind, or even jot them down and keep them in the kit as well.

If you do take your cats temperature, you will need a helper to complete the
process. Always use KY jelly or other water-soluble lubricant on the tip of the
thermometer.

The person helping you needs to gently grab the scruff of your cat’s neck and
hold her front legs still. After you have lifted your cat’s tail, insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into the rectum.

Don’t force it! Insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into the rectum about one inch and hold it in place until it beeps.

You should not attempt to take your cat’s temperature if she is having
difficulty breathing.

To take your cats pulse, find her femoral artery. Press your two first fingers against the inside of her upper hind leg. However, the pulse may not be able to be found on a obese cat. Count the pulse for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the beats-per-minute.

For breathing rate, count either inhalations or exhalations for 15 seconds, and multiply by four to calculate the breaths per minute. Rapid, labored, shallow or irregular breathing can help to determine how serious the situation may be:

Shock or lack of oxygen can be indicated by rapid breathing. Obstruction or severe chest injury may be indicated by shallow breathing. The most serious respiratory sign is irregular breathing, and may indicate the need for immediate veterinary attention.

Here are some helpful reminders if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation:

Due to pain and fright, injured animals may lash out.

If possible, wear gloves and protect your face. Approach your cat slowly and
softly.To prevent and struggling, wrap her in a blanket or towel. Place her in her carrier and take her to the veterinarian immediately. If at all possible, call your veterinarian before you arrive so they are aware of the situation.

In closing, if possible, practice basic first aid before your cat’s life depends
on it. If you’re prepared for an emergency, you’ll be in a much better position
to save your cat’s life.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett