Keep Your Black Cat Safe

The month of October is a dangerous one for black cats.  Many shelters won't allow adoptions during the month out of concern the cats may be mistreated.  This scary mistreatment stems from the Middle Ages when black cats were tortured because their fur was the color of night, which was associated with witchery and evil.  Please be safe and keep your black kitty inside in a room away from trick or treaters and where there is no possibility your cat could get out by mistake.

Some Dog Myths Debunked

Here are some common myths and misconceptions about dogs which have been found to be untrue.

Myth: Dogs and cats do not mix

Ask anyone that has a mixed, multi-pet household and they would be quick to tell you this isn't the case.  There are some breeds such as huskies which have a strong prey drive and some pets that just can't get along, but there are plenty of households that have both cats and dogs living harmoniously.   Important to note: introducing younger pets as kittens and puppies have a better chance for a successful outcome.

Myth: One human year equals seven dog years

The process of determining the age comparison between a pet and a human is more complicated than simply multiplying by 7. To truly determine a pet's equivalent human age, you must consider size (smaller dogs live longer, thus age slower), breed (some breeds have shorter lifespan), and lifestyle elements (diet, activity level, healthcare, etc.) all of which factor into the calculation.

Myth: A wet nose means a healthy dog

Veterinarians have found that the dampness of the dog’s nose does not necessarily mean they are sick.  The nose could be damp because of licking and similarly could be dry to being  out in the weather (wind or sun).

Myth: Dogs will only respect their alpha

Researchers have found that the relationship within a “pack” is more like a human family vs. having a leader.  Think of the relationship with your dog as more of a parent-child relationship.  It is best to teach your pet to respect all human and pet family members, not just the alpha.  

Two Ways Canned Pumpkin Can Benefit Your Cat or Dog's Health

DID YOU KNOW.... pumpkin is a miracle food? 
Pumpkin is high in fiber, is a good source of natural Vitamin A and is very helpful for pets with digestive issues and irritable bowel.  The amount of pumpkin varies by pet and you will have to adjust the amounts if your pet is very sensitive.  In general, half teaspoon twice a day mixed into food for a cat or small pet is about right and a tablespoon or more works great for a large dog.  While some pets won't like the taste of pumpkin by itself, mixing with canned food works well. 

Two reasons to add pumpkin to your pet's diet:

Digestive Health: It can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea as it helps to promote the natural wave action of the intestines.  Soothing for the tummy!

Helps Pets Feel Satiated:   Due to the high fiber content, your cat or dog will feel full longer.  This is a very healthy, useful food to help pets lose weight!

Have A Question About Your Pet? Feel Free To Email Us At Support@AskAriel.com

How To Bond With Your Newly Adopted Rescued Cat

We at Ask Ariel are strong advocates of rescue adoptions.  There are so many homeless pets needing a forever home and Petfinder.com is a great place to start looking for a new addition to your family. We were recently asked how to help a family acclimate their new rescue cat into their home.  Here are 10 tips that can help:

1.  Give Your Kitty Her Own Space – If you have the space, having a separate room set up with everything your kitty needs: food, water, bedding and litter tray would be ideal, but even a small space with a divider will work.

2. Just Let Them Hide – Cat’s natural instinct is to hide to feel safe. They will be very sensitive in the beginning and it could take weeks or even months for them to feel safe to come out of hiding for extended period of times. Give them time.

3. Don’t Pressure them…Take Things Slowly – Rescue pets have their own unique story and some maybe very skittish.  Let your new kitty come to you in their own time. They need to be comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of their new environment. You will know when they want your attention.

4. Share Your Scent – To help your new pet get used to you, place a piece of your clothing in their area to sniff and sleep on. This will help your kitty get accustom to you and associate you within their environment.

5. Get Down on Your Cat's Level – If you are down on the floor it feels less threatening.  Let your new cat approach you when he or she is ready.

6. Have a Conversation with Your Cat – Cats are talkative animals and will be listening to you even if they pretend not to notice you. Try to keep your voice soft and talk with her whenever you get the chance. Try to use their name as often as possible, so that they become accustom to hearing it.

7. Pamper Them – Just like humans, cats love being pampered and groomed. If possible try to spend a little time each day “grooming” them. It may be a brushing (some may not like brushing) or it may be simply petting them (which they can interpret as grooming)

8. Play Time - Cats love to play and spending time playing will strengthen your bond. It doesn’t take much, a piece of string, a toilet paper roll, or a rolling ball.

9. Special Healthy Treats – If you discover a special treat your cat loves it will create a positive association with you. Also, eating in front of you is a big step and should be praised.

10. Snuggle Time – Cats LOVE to sleep on beds and if your new kitty comes to you for closeness and warmth, celebrate! You just passed the test.

Vets and Pets --A New Book About The Healing Power Of Animals

This week a new book  titled Vets and Pets by Dava Guerin and Kevin Ferris (Skyhorse Publishing; September 26, 2017) was released which illustrates the strong bonds that pets can have on our lives.  It tells the stories of “wounded warriors and the animals that healed them”.  Former First Lady, Barbara Bush, wrote the forward for the book and here is part of her statement:

“For many of us, coming home to or cuddling with a beloved pet is one of life’s great joys.  No matter how your day has gone, the unbridled excitement of your pet when you walk in the door really can make your problems seem a little less grim. 

 Now imagine for a moment the power of that same bond between our military veterans and their pets. For years we’ve all heard stories of how that relationship not only cheers but saves lives.  Their pets can make the dark days brighter, the helpless feel helpful, the lonely feel loved…”

Any loving pet owner can understand exactly what she is talking about!

Fun, Easy Games To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Has your kitty put on a few pounds?  Here are some fun easy "hunger" games to help your cat lose weight!

Before cats were domesticated, cats would have to hunt for their food several times a day to survive.  Many domesticated cats now lead a sedentary lifestyle, leisurely strolling to the food bowl with minimal exercise throughout the day. Obviously, this along with some pet owners  free feeding their cats, can lead to a kitty becoming overweight.  Obesity in cats is not just a cosmetic problem---it is life threatening.  Diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver and some forms of  cancer are often directly linked to overfeeding and obesity. 

To help combat the weight gain and improve your cat's overall health, you can appeal to their natural hunting instincts by creating some fun, easy games to feed them: 

Here are a few tips to try:

• Hide food under boxes or bags
• Place a non-breakable bowl in a high place (bookshelf, cupboard, etc.) so that your kitty has to climb to reach the food
• Scatter the food in small portions in various places around the house
• Use a puzzle toy designed for feeding treats to your cat.
• Attach food to string or fishing line and have them try to catch it
• Be sure to remove your cat's regular food bowl as hunger is a great motivator 
• Keep dry food to a minimum as the diets are high in starchy carbohydrates which lead to increased hunger and weight gain.  Raw frozen diets are preferable or use freeze-dried raw.

 

World's Oldest Cat Nutmeg Passes Away at 32

This past week in England the world's oldest cat, Nutmeg, passed away at the age of 32 from heart failure. Usually domesticated cats only live to an average of 15 years, so this was truly amazing. Nutmeg was a remarkable cat, but so were his adopted parents, who found him in their garden 27 years ago and took incredible care of him. According to Liz and Ian Finlay, his heartbroken owners, Nutmeg took full advantage of all of his nine lives!

Signs to Watch for in Senior Cats

The advances in veterinary care, nutrition and the increase knowledge of supplementing with holistic care are all helping our pets live longer.  Here are red flags to watch for in senior cats.  Early detection and action can help your senior cat enjoy their golden years.

Weight loss or changes in appetite-seek medical attention to determine cause, kidney disease is a common disorder in older kitties that can cause weight loss

Dental Disease (stomatitis)- can cause appetite issues

Change in mobility- joint pain
Litter box issues-urinary tract infections and kidney issues are more common in older cats

Behavior changes- cats may withdraw if not feeling well

Changes in grooming habits-cat are groomers and if they are unkept could be a sign your kitty isn't feeling well.