There’s not a better and cuter companion in life than your furbaby. Doing activities with your doggo can not only strengthen your bond but also promote mental and physical stimulation for your doggo. There’s plenty of activities that you can do with your furbaby, to keep that tail wagging.
Bring your furbaby on a trip to Singapore’s largest wet park Wag and Wild! If your furkid loves the water, it will definitely be a treat for them to visit Wag and Wild and swim. Join them for a swim in the park, not only can you keep an eye on them but also have fun with them in the pool!
Information about Wag and Wild
Playtimes are based on 1-hour slots with a 15 minutes grace period to leave the park and it’s advisable to not feed your furbaby anything 3-4 hours prior to the session to prevent regurgitation. With these regulations in place, do plan your time wisely before heading down to Wag and Wild. Doggos will also need to be rinsed before entering the pool to maintain cleanliness.
Do take note that you will need to present a valid current annual vaccination or titer test record upon entry. There are allocated areas for the doggos to wash up, however, there are only changing stalls for the hoomans to change into a dry set of clothing.
Here are some useful things to pack into your bag, towels to dry your doggo and yourself, poop bags to clean up, a leash -> the dogs need to be leashed even in the pool, treats for your doggo, and some toys.
Conquer the waters at Wag and Wild with your furbaby today! ?
The opportunity to explore Singapore’s coastal areas in style is here! Dog Cruise Singapore can help you make it happen! Cruising on Royal Luxury Tall Ship Royal Albatross, is definitely an experience you and your furbaby will never forget! The ship will ship along the coast of Sentosa and enjoy the astonishingly beautiful and unobstructed views of the sea.
Dog Cruise Singapore has done a very good job in keeping your dog safe, by partnering with Sunny Chong Dog Training School to provide pre-screening for the dogs. The ship will also be properly clean before and after every event to ensure that hygiene will be maintained.
Discover your furbaby’s flexibility by doing yoga together! Doesn’t matter if you’re a yoga guru or a stay home person, enjoy some time with your doggo by doing yoga together. This is great not only for bonding with your doggo, but also for your mental and physical health.
The class at puppy yoga is split into 2 main portions, 35 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of pure playtime with the dogs.
Enjoy 1 hour of total happiness and relaxation with your furkid by your side at Puppyyoga. ??♀️
Unsure of what to do with your dogoo? Treat them to a shopping spree and allow your pets to pick up what they want to get. Allow your pet to experience retail therapy too, which helps them to relax and have fun.
Try shopping at physical stores such as PolyPet, Catsmart, and many more. They offer a wide range of items that will surely satisfy your furkid’s needs and wants. ?
Even though pet cafes are hard to come by in Singapore, due to the high difficulty of obtaining a license. Nonetheless, there’s an article on the Top 5 pet-friendly restaurants that you can visit. Cafe hopping helps your doggo to socialize with other doggos in a safe and calm environment.
The hoomans can enjoy delicious food and rest while letting the doggos to play and solocise with one another.
Pet cafes are hard to come by in Singapore, there are only a few of them in Singapore. These pet cafes are specialized and made for your furkid’s needs in mind.
It’s hard to miss Wooftopia, with their incredibly cute CEO: Sushi. With spacious space and Instagram-worthy photo-taking areas, rest assured that your doggos will have plenty of fun. Wooftopia also offers event spaces reservations, for you to plan your fuwpawties!
Wooftopia also has an extensive pet menu available for your doggo, from sweet treats such as Fruity Pancakes to local favourites like Chicken rice.
One of my favourite things about Wooftopia, would be the spacious space. As a pet owner, I really appreciate that my doggo is able to have space to walk around and interact with other pets.
Known for its bright and youthful decorations, Menage Cafe is definitely on the list! With many instagrammable spots such as the iconic swing chair and heartwarming inspiration quotes, it’s the perfect place for petfluencers to shine in front of the camera.
Of course, not forgetting about their food, Menage Cafe serves affordable and delicious food for both hoomans and furbabies. Similarly, MenageCafe also offers event spaces for pawrents to plan fuwpawties!
Apart from all these good features, MenageCafe is located near Bishan Park which means you can bring your doggo for a dog run before visiting the cafe!
Be sure and visit their signature dish: Carbonara at Mengue Cafe
Established as a multi-award-winning cafe, Sunray Cafe offers excellent customer service and mouthwatering food for both hoomans and doggos at an affordable price. Trying all of their signature dishes such as their hand-made coffee and ice cream is a must!
They also offer private event spaces for pawrents to plan furpawties and hand-made personalizable birthday cakes for your furbaby. However, the cafe is dimly-lit, hence it would be quite a challenge to get good pictures.
Sunray Cafe has created a very safe environment for your furbabies, by removing all ingredients that are toxic for pets.
Indulge in Sunray’s freshly made coffee and food with your furkids.
Please be reminded that your dog must be leashed at all times, due to government regulation.? Do remember to clean after your pet as well, by using the tools provided by the shop.
?Keep a lookout on Pawjourr website for more suggestion on Pet Cafes.?
cute kitty sitting by the window, behind the curtain
Article originally published on dodowell. Refer to the original article here.
The reason is pretty adorable ❤️
So you’re lying there on the couch scrolling through Netflix when your cat saunters over with that adorable purr and you know exactly what’s coming — she’s about to stretch out her front legs and press back and forth into your belly with her paws.
It’s cute as all heck — even if it does hurt a little.
You’ve probably also seen her doing it time and time again — whether it’s on you, the couch, her blanket or maybe even her furry siblings.
But what exactly is she doing — and why?
The Dodo spoke to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City, to find out.
Typically called “kneading,” you might have other names for this adorable (and slightly painful) practice — like “making biscuits,” “making bread” or “making muffins” — basically making any sort of delicious and carby treat. The reason they do it is also adorable.
“Kittens knead on their mothers while nursing,” Dr. Barrack said. “Many cats carry this behavior into adulthood and may knead their owners, other furry siblings or bedding.”
But why do kittens knead on their mothers while nursing? It’s pretty genius, actually — kittens are trying to get more milk out, so they massage their mama’s teats in order to help the lactation process along.
That’s why you’ll notice kittens purring while they’re nursing — they’re happy and getting full, which is also why you might find your cat purring while kneading you.
According to Dr. Barrack, cats are soothed by kneading, and can even enter “a trancelike state.”
Other theories on why cats knead
Similar to the theory about how dogs dig in their beds as a natural denning instinct, it’s believed that cats also might have used kneading in the wild to help soften dirt or pat down leaves for comfy sleeping quarters.
Another theory is that your cat might also be using kneading as just another way to mark you up with her scent (her paws have scent glands) — which technically is also adorbs because it means she loves you and wants everybody to know you’re hers.
“If you do have a cat who kneads their bedding, or better yet you, it’s because they’re feeling very loved and comfortable,” Katie Armour, project coordinator at MSPCA Boston Adoption Center, told The Dodo. “You should absolutely take this as a compliment!”
Article originally published on Purina. Refer to the original article here.
When bringing a kitten into your home, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared. That will help create a smooth transition that is less stressful for your new cat. Here is a rundown of supplies you’ll need to prepare in advance. We think you’ll find that when you’re prepared, you’ll have more time left to bond.
When hitting the road, you’ll need to transport your kitten in a carrier. This will keep her safe and provide a sense of security. Travelling can be scary for a kitten, so make sure the carrier is roomy and well-ventilated. Try lining the bottom with a towel from her former home or shelter to comfort her with a familiar scent. And make sure your carrier is secure and easy to clean.
Food and Water Bowls
Your kitten has lots of energy, so select bowls that won’t tip over too easily. Some kittens are allergic to plastic, so opt for a different material like easy-to-clean stainless steel. You’ll want to wash her food and water bowls daily to keep things fresh. Plenty of clean, fresh water on hand is key for a kitten too.
Litter Box
Make sure the box is roomy to prevent scattering litter around the house. You’ll also need to buy cat litter and a scoop or strainer to remove soiled bits. A clean litter box is key because your kitten will avoid using a messy, smelly one. Wash her pan once a week with soap and water. It is best not to use strong disinfectants (containing ammonia); they aren’t necessary and may offend your kitten’s sensitive nose. Use a mild disinfectant such as bleach and water on the litter box about once a month, putting the box outdoors to dry in the fresh air, if possible. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
IMPORTANT: Humans may contract an organism called toxoplasma from cat feces while cleaning out the litter box. Wear gloves while changing your kitten’s litter and always wash your hands afterwards. Pregnant women should be especially cautious and consider asking another family member to clean the litter box. This is because toxoplasmosis can cause severe birth defects. We recommend that a non-pregnant family member clean and change the litter box.
Bed
Most kittens like to have their own place to rest, but don’t be disappointed if she chooses to ignore her new bed. Until you see what your kitten’s preferences are, you may not want to spend a lot of money on a fancy wicker basket or plush bed. Begin with a simple, cardboard “bed.” Get a roomy cardboard box with sides high enough to keep out drafts. Cut out a doorway. Line the box with an old cushion and cover with soft, washable material for warmth. If possible, use an old sweatshirt for a lining. Your scent will be comforting and encourage her to use her new space. Cats are very particular, so make sure the bedding is always clean. Place the bed in a quiet, draft-free corner away from the main traffic in your house. This will be your kitten’s corner.
Scratching Post
Contrary to popular belief, cats do not use a scratching post to sharpen their claws. They use it for exercise (to stretch out to their full length), to clean away dead scales from their nails, and to mark their territory, both visually and with their scent. Get a scratching post right away to help train your kitten early. The scratching post should be sturdy and tall enough to let your kitten stretch out, full length. Train your kitten to use the scratching post as soon as she comes home. Encourage her to use her post by playing with her often, near or around it. She’ll get the idea quickly. Then when she gets the urge to stretch, hopefully she’ll use the post instead of your furniture. Try to place your kitten’s bed and scratching post close together so she learns to use it when she first wakes up and needs a stretch.
Collar, Harness, & Leash
A cat harness or leash can be a great training tool for your kitten, though they’re not a must. If you’re already thinking along these lines, a harness is probably best, as kittens often dislike the feeling of a leash. However, make sure your kitten always wears a collar made of lightweight material and an identification tag. Have her wear one early on, to get her used to the sensation.
Grooming Tools
Grooming helps keep your kitten healthy and beautiful. You’ll need both a flea comb and a brush, though the type of brush you use depends on the texture and length of your kitten’s coat. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to recommend one that’s right for you.
Toys
A kitten is naturally curious and needs toys that are safe and fun to play with. Choose toys made especially for cats—ones that cannot be splintered, torn apart or swallowed. A celluloid ball that rattles, a catnip mouse or a hard rubber mouse is perfect. To avoid accidents, some cat toys should be used only when you are playing with your kitten.
Toys don’t need to be store bought. Use your imagination. Some great play-things include:
Table tennis ball
Empty wooden thread spool
Unshelled walnut
Balled-up waxed paper
Cardboard toilet paper tube
Empty shoe box
Some items you may be tempted to give your kitten could be harmful. Keep the following away from your kitten:
Balls of string
Spools of thread
Rubber bands
Balls of aluminum foil or cellophane
Corks
Wire twist ties
Also avoid anything with hard sharp points that can break off. Be wary of toys (or items that a kitten may see as a toy) that can break, such as Christmas tree ornaments for example. Be careful not to give her anything small enough to swallow, like buttons, beads or paper clips. Keep your kitten away from children’s toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or polyurethane. If your kitten swallows even a small particle, it could cause digestive problems. Avoid all toys with squeakers that could be swallowed.
We hope this list helped prepare you to make your home a happy place for your cat.
Article originally published on Purina. Refer to the original article here.
Kittens are adorable, but they can also be a handful. They quickly hide, chase after a piece of fuzz, and answer nature’s call without giving the slightest warning. In fact, if there’s a kitten in your home, she’s probably far too busy playing with your shoelace to notice the way you care for her health, safety and happiness. Nutrition is an important part of that care, which is why we’ve put together these tips on feeding a kitten.
First, a quick note about newborn kittens: Newborns get all of their nutrition from nursing or, if separated from their mother, from a kitten milk replacer. They may require other special care as well. Your veterinarian can provide the best information about how to care for kittens this young.
The tips below are for feeding kittens that are ready to transition from nursing to dry or wet kitten food.
1. Don’t immediately switch from a liquid diet to a solid diet. Once your kitten is three to four weeks old, try setting out moistened kitten food for them to nibble. The prep is easy: Just combine one part warm – not hot – water and three parts dry or canned kitten food. It should look like oatmeal. Over the next week or two, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food each day to help with the transition to dry food.
2. Find a food that’s 100% complete and balanced for kittens. Kittens need special nutrition and lots of it. They’re constantly growing and playing, which means they require two to three times more protein, fat and other nutrients compared to adult cats. Check the bag to make sure you’re giving your kitten a food that provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens. If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian.
3. Give your kitten a chance to get used to the food.At first, she may play with it or even step in the food dish. If so, remember: 1) she’s a kitten, so everything is a toy; and 2) her concept of food is still very fluid at this point. (See what we did there?) At any rate, be patient, keep a moist cloth handy to clean up, and make sure your kitten stays warm and dry.
4. Keep an eye on the food dish. Switch out the food multiple times per day when serving wet food or moistened dry food. Even kittens with huge appetites turn their little noses up at food left out for more than a few hours. Frequent switch-outs also lower the risk of contamination.
5. The water bowl is just as important. Water isn’t food, but it’s crucial to these tips on feeding a kitten. Your kitten’s body mass is 70 to 80 percent water. The water in wet food and moistened dry food helps keep her hydrated, but there’s no substitute for access to plenty of clean water at all times, refilled at least once a day.
6. Feed undiluted wet or dry kitten food from 7 weeks old through your kitten’s first year.Once your kitten reaches eight or nine months, she’ll begin to look like a full-grown adult cat. Do not be deceived. Kittens continue to develop throughout their first year, so it’s important to continue feeding kitten food for a full 12 months before graduating to adult cat food.
7. Look out for signs of illness, including loss of appetite. Healthy kittens love to eat, so if you notice your kitten acting unresponsive and/or showing no interest in her food, call your veterinarian right away. The first several weeks of a kitten’s life can test her immune system, and there is a higher risk of illness. Be sure to let your veterinarian know, especially if your kitten suddenly stops eating.
With these tips on feeding a kitten, you can help your little bundle of joy get all of the nutrition she needs to play and thrive. Just one last tip: Try to enjoy every last adorable moment while it lasts. Before you know it, your kitten will be an amazing cat.
After a full year, it’s time for your kitten to transition again – this time to adult cat food.
Pet-Friendly restaurants are hard to come by in Singapore due to the high difficulty of obtaining the Pets Allowed license. However, check these 5 pet-friendly restaurants, which strive through all the small inconveniences to provide pawrents a place to enjoy with our furbabies.
It’s always a great time to be at Five & 2, bustling with many furkids, hoomans, and friendly staff, there are always many people around the area. With a huge variety of cuisines available, including Italian, Thai, Korean and Local food. Their menu is never boring, it will surely guarantee you a slurp-worthy feast.
What I love most about Five & 2 is their strategic location, it is located right next to Punggol Park, where you can take your furbabies on a leisure walk before or after your meals. Five & 2 also provide plastic water bowls ? for your furbaby. It is truly a wonderland for all furbabies and pawrents.
Attention to all Easties! Head down to Five & 2 at Punggol Park for a relaxing time with your furbaby.
Wildseed
@wildseedsg Look at all these pet influencers shining in front of the camera!
Housed in a colonial bungalow and surrounded by lush greenery, Wildseed cafe is the perfect place for you and your furbaby to relax on a weekend. With a spacious seating arrangement, there’s plenty of space for the doggos to walk around. One of the highlights of Wildseed, would be the exquisite decorations. The outlet at Alkaff Mansion, excelled in its floral decoration, presenting a peaceful and fairytale life- scene.
It is pet-friendly and is filled with big spaces of greenery which is very useful for pawrents to bring their furbabies on walkies. If you have extra time to spare, do give Wildseed a visit this weekend!
Looking for an opportunity for your furkid to shine? Check out Wildseed Cafe today!
Looking for a homely place to hang out with your friends and furbabies? Lola cafe is the place to go! Lola cafe identifies itself as a backyard cafe, that focuses on having a causal environment and serving food that is made from the heart. The menu is one of the best, with many signature dishes, you will surely have a slurp-worthy feast!
#Protip1 – it would be good to call in for a reservation before heading down to the cafe, as there is limited outdoor seating. ? We hope this tip helps you to ensure your seat at the Lola Cafe.
Be sure to check their signature dish: Honey Paprika Crisp Wings when you visit Lola Cafe!
Cafe De Nicole’s Flower
Known for their incredible floral decorations, and all-day breakfast menu, you’re in for a treat for both your eyes and your taste buds. The service crew can be seen picking fresh flowers from the florist section, to decorate the plate. Be rest assured, that your plate of dessert is freshly made and served!?
Cafe De Nicole Flower allows your pets indoors so that you can enjoy the breath-taking view with your furbaby.
Tired of garden-themed cafes? Try Kontiki for a refreshing change of scene. Kontiki is located near Marina Bay, where one can view not only the spectacular Kalling river but also Marina Bay City skyline.
They serve American cuisine, made perfect for a comforting gathering with your family and friends. Apart from the jaw-dropping scenery at Kontiki, the best part of Kontiki would be the pet-friendly feature.
There’s plenty of space outdoors for the doggos to walk around. Rest assured that your furbaby will be protected from the scorning sun, as every outdoor table is attached with an umbrella.
Looking for a scenic sea view ? ? Be sure to check out Kontiki!
That’s all for the list, we hope that you have found this article useful for you and your furkid. If you need more suggestions, do visit Pawjourr for more pet-friendly restaurants!
Now, today, I want to talk about enthusiastic dog lovers/owners; not the ones that’s afraid.
So with the utmost respect, I say this on behalf of most dog owners, particularly owners that’s struggling or value dog training: don’t touch our dog without our permission.
1. Don’t bend down to stroke my dog. 2. Don’t call it over when it’s walking towards you and you’re walking in the opposite direction, standing outside a shop, or sitting at a table outside a cafe. Or doing sit stay exercise. OR ITS WEARING A “TRAINING” TAG. 3. Don’t stroke my dog when it’s sitting me waiting to cross the traffic light. 4. Don’t lean over and randomly stroke my dog when I’m walking by. 5. And don’t you even think about picking my dog up without asking.
What a miserable, stuck-up dude, you’re probably thinking I am. Talk about being possessive over his dog. Don’t touch then don’t touch lor.
No, I get it, all dogs are cute, they’re painfully cute and nobody likes being told they can’t stroke one (particularly children). Dogs/Puppies bring total joy to people’s lives; my Kobe, in particular, puts a smile on people’s face when they see him wagging his tail, and wanna lean against you for affection when you stood down to welcome him. Puppies and dogs are so powerful that they have the power to make you coo unabashedly out loud in the middle of the street when surrounded by total strangers. Puppies are great which is why (nearly) everyone wants to stroke them.
To you, dear dog obsessive, stroking a puppy seems normal yeah. why not? It’s also a complement saying your pooch is adorable what. But I’m here to break the bad news to you. When you stroke a dog without asking the owner’s permission or call it over to you, not only are you being disrespectful and incredibly rude, you’re potentially endangering yourself and the dog, and the owner.
Over the months of being a new Singapore Special / Mongrel dog owner, I’ve noticed there are 2 categories of enthusiastic dog lovers/ people:
1. People are dog owners and respect the importance of training. 2. People who just love dogs but have clearly never owned one (or did so without proper training).
The people who fall into the first category are the only ones who ask permission before meeting my dog and stroking it or even feeding treats.
The second category of people force themselves onto my dog and ignore my existence, and now I’m the invisible dog owner/walker. I tend to abruptly and unashamedly avoid the second category of people and return the favour by ignoring their existence.
If I hear someone coo my dog over to them as he’s walking on a leash, I will just carry on walking without stopping. Guess who’s labelled the rude one? Me.
Someone once said when I was training proper leash work on Kobe: “But I could see him (Kobe) looking at me, he was pulling at his leash to come over to me; he want to say hello to me. Yes, he does, but you know what else my Kobe was interested at and pulls at his leash to get to? Trash, birds, leaf… Oh, and every single person walking on the street.
I’m classified as stuck up because of my face, and rude because I don’t allow people who don’t ask permission to have access to my dog.
Part of that training includes not teaching my dogs to run up to EVERY strangers. Why? Because I am a responsible owners, I think for people that’s afraid of dogs, or due to religion.
Puppies love people, they want to meet everyone and everything because they love cuddles and play. If I allow my dog to run up to anyone once, I have to then justify allowing it to run up to everyone else.
The first time I ever took Kobe out after the circuit breaker, as a naïve new puppy owner, I was stopped 123456 times during a walk, but that’s ok, because people are concern about what happens to his missing limb, and also because we wanted Kobe to be friendly and not afraid of people, but then again, with that we also allow him to charge towards people/kids that’s afraid of dogs, then we become as “Owners that cannot control their dog”.
I’d never had a puppy on a lead before, but I boiled up with rage. I was utterly furious with the overt disrespect and invasiveness. It’s actually a miracle I didn’t punch this person; if it happened again I probably would. The first few weeks of a dog’s life are essential for puppy training and I was very positive and excited to embark this new experience with Kobe, but this random person had ruined my dog’s first associations with going out on a lead. I told that person that Kobe is on training on how to heel properly. “Nevermind la” “Let puppies be puppies la, why so strict” “Still so young don’t need training la” “You see you see, he want to come to say hello to me already!!”
Nobody would do this to a newborn baby. Nobody would run-up to a pram without acknowledging the mother, touch the baby or cuddle right: they’d be arrested for it. But dogs are public property, apparently, so it’s ok?
I’m not being a rude, tight-arsed or stuck up douche when I walk pass you with my dog ignoring your cooing, your tutting and attempts of getting his attention; I just want to be a responsible dog owner who trains my dog. Have you ever wonder if the dog you’re cooing might be actually aggressive? What if my dog bites you because your cooing is actually provoking him and making him anxious?
My dog’s life is my responsibility; he can’t give consent and he doesn’t know the world as well as I do, so it’s my job to keep him safe and protected. I don’t want him running up to random strangers, what if that person is scare and hit my dog as “self defence”, or my dog gets aggressive trying to defend himself and bite that person by accident?
The other day, I was at X dog cafe with a group of friends, Yes all the dogs are off leashed, running around and “enjoying” themselves.
Because its a weekend, that dog cafe was rowdy and filled with loud noise and commotion from big dogs and small dogs. I leash Kobe and walked to our table, and unleash him after he obey my commands. Well for people that met Kobe before, you know he is a sociable dog when it comes to strangers and other dogs. So he was mingling and running around wanting to make new friends with dogs and humans, but then again; due to his insecure nature, certain dogs makes him feel intimidated and he will become a little more anxious and wary.
So when I notice he was a bit “off”, I recall him back and put on the leash, because I am a responsible owner right? I don’t want my dog to be barking the cafe down, or terrorising other dogs while I’m sitting there enjoying my meal.
So as Kobe was sitting beside me with his leash on, someone approached him, X asked me if my dog is KOBE.SG, and I said “Yes! Hello nice to meet you too!” X asked me if X can pat Kobe, I was like sure, why not? Don’t want to be rude right, X asked permission, thats a rare one!
But X display signs of uncertainty, X hover the hand in front of Kobe’s face and not sure if X wants to pat him; I immediately told X that If you want to pat him, pat with confidence, because if you display uncertainty, he will be wary of you and gets anxious and defensive. But X did not adhere to my advise and continue hovering X’s hand in front of Kobe face, and I saw Kobe starting to snarl… Despite my nerves and a lifetime of people-pleasing tendencies, I finally broke my suppression, “Don’t touch my dogalready” calmly but sternly. And explain that he is gonna bite.
But…….. X did the predictable; which is ignoring my warning…. X is not the first one that takes my warning lightly.. Whats with people not adhering to warning? Do you think that I am joking when I say my dog is gonna bite you?
So after I told X off, X finally decided to move X’s hand forward and pat him, and this time I saw Kobe’s snarl and heard his low growl, shifty eyes and round forehead ready to lunge forward to the incoming hand, and I IMMEDIATELY YANK X’S HAND OFF, AND SAID “I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH HIM ALREADY, HE’S GONNA BITE YOU”
If I can be honest, I was pissed. Was I wrong to feel this way?
And there was a awkward silence after that incident and X decided to excuse themsleves, and despite whatever happen few seconds ago, X decided to crouched down and wave X’s hand in front of Kobe’s face to say byebye… A FEW TIMES… And this time I have to tighten Kobe’s collar and pull him towards me…
Why? I don’t get it.
And this is not the only thing.
Parents. IF you want to bring your kids out to meet some cute little cuddly dogs, please go to a dog cafe that you get to pat their in house dogs. Its for the safety of your child and other peoples’ dog.
Don’t bring your kids to a dog cafe or a dog run to pat random strangers dogs who you have no idea what their temperament and trigger points are.
I cannot emphasise this enough. When I was at X dog cafe, I told this kid off 3 times, not to touch Kobe, and she just doesn’t listen, I even told her that he will bite. And my last straw, I raise my voice a little and gave a final warning, and suddenly her parents which is just the next table, decided to speak up after me and told his kid “People already told you don touch already, why you still do that?”
C’mon Sir, shouldn’t you be already educating your kid before she reaches her hand over once again?
When I was at X dog run, there’s this girl that’s just running free around the dog park, chasing every dog and touching all the dogs thats passing her, what if she met an aggressive one? I don’t see her parents around.
She was chasing Kobe and screaming at the same time, making Kobe super scare, and finally Kobe ran towards me, she wants to reach her hand over to pat him, I said no, but she wants to do it, What am I suppose to do? Obviously I told her off, but honestly what else can I do beside telling her again and again not to touch my dog and explain why..
I had to finally asserted myself and it hadn’t been as painful as I thought it would. I hate not giving people what they want, especially when I’m more than capable of giving it to them (after all, I could have just let them pat Kobe right), but it wasn’t about doing something just because I could do it. It was about finally demanding your respect and attention to adhere to my request of not touching my dog due to safety reasons.
It was about finally taking ownership of my right to say no; it was about me acknowledging to myself that just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should, especially if I don’t want to, because I’m afraid of the consequences.
Dogs are cute, but they also need a lot of training and all good dog-owners take training seriously. Whatever training works for your dog, as long as it’s trained. If you really do love dogs, please start showing respect for other dog owners and acknowledge they are part of the equation, you don’t have to agree to what they think is best for their dog, but at least have the same level of respect because we all just want the best for our dog. Just as you wouldn’t walk up to a baby or toddler without acknowledging the parent, don’t walk up to a puppy without asking the dog owner first.
After all, not only is it inconvenient and detrimental for a dog owner who is possibly training a dog, it’s also wiser for you: you don’t know the nature of a dog. That cute little dog could be utterly terrified of people, they may cower, bark or even bite you. They may be aggressive or anxious, they may even be blind or deaf, so don’t force yourself onto a dog which can’t give consent, no matter how cute they are.
But if you ask me then yes, I will release my dog from training and you can touch my dog. But if you’re wary and scare, then please don’t request to touch my dog. Thank you.
Article originally published on Cat Care Center. Written by Dr Lacie Lee. Refer to the original article here.
Understanding the Changing Health Needs of Mature, Senior, and Geriatric Cats
If you have lived with your cat since they were young, you have a good understanding of what is normal for your cat in terms of their behavior and daily habits. Any changes in their behavior or patterns can be a sign of illness. Because symptoms of disease in cats can be so subtle, even the most astute owner may miss some of these changes, especially when the onset is so gradual. For this reason, it is imperative to bring your cat to your veterinarian annually until 8 years of age and then semi-annually after 8.
During the visit with Dr. Lacie and our staff, you will review habits and behavior that may signal health changes. This review will prompt you to think about what is going on with your cat and have a different perspective, which may help identify signs of illness. Also, Dr. Lacie will perform a thorough physical exam, which will play a significant role in determining where your cat is in the aging process and what to do to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
A focus of senior cat veterinary appointments is to identify illnesses that may be in an early stage and set up a plan for treatment and management of any symptoms that may be causing discomfort. There are many illnesses that can be managed with diet, and sometimes medications may significantly improve the wellbeing of your cat. It is through the partnership of the cat owner and veterinary team that we can best address and manage senior cat issues for the best outcome.
What Are Some Specific Age-Related Issues for Senior Cats?
Senior cat care is defined by life stage guidelines. However, it’s important to remember that definitions aren’t hard and fast, and some of our cats get older sooner, and some of them get older later. So these life stage guidelines need to be considered on a case by case basis. It’s an individual consideration that you and your veterinarian will determine together but, typically, the ages and life stages are:
Adult -10 and 11
Senior – 11 to 14
Geriatric – 15+
And as cats start to age, there are some unique things that you’re going to start to need to think about, including behavior changes, nutritional changes, specific veterinary medical changes that’ll need to be addressed, and home environment changes. By looking at senior and geriatrics cats from an overarching view like this, you can address all of these categories and help them enter their golden years as healthy and pain-free as possible.
Changes in the cat’s body that are common as a cat ages include:
Altered sleep-wake cycle
Changes in thyroid function
A decrease in kidney function
Changes in vision
Decreased sense of smell
Brittle or ingrown nails
Heart or circulatory problems
Decreased digestion and ability to absorb nutrients
What kinds of preventative care can help extend the life and health of my cat?
Establishing a good relationship with your veterinarian and veterinary practice is essential in preventing disease in cats. My Cat Care Center staff is extremely valuable to me. These guys know your cats, and they know your cats so well that they are going to pick up on when something is not quite right. They also learn their blood works and what your cat needs on a biannual or annual basis. This relationship between you, your veterinary staff, and the doctor and you is so critical, and that’s something that needs to be established early on—not necessarily when they turn 10 or 11.
When your veterinarian makes recommendations and they have valid reasons that they go over with you, let them do the blood work, the urinalysis, and take the blood pressure. We start that early on at Cat Care Center, and we do that for two reasons. Number one, that’s where we’re going to determine the normals for your cat. Number two, we’re going to get your cat used to being handled in a feline-friendly way. We also make sure we handle cats extra carefully as they age. By all means, establish a bond and a preventative maintenance package with your veterinarian.
What is My Role as the Caretaker of an Elderly Cat?
The most important role when caring for your elderly cat is being aware of their behavior and habits. Their needs may change subtly over the years, but they still require cat care basics, including social interaction and an enriched environment. While older cats may sleep more, they still need play and a stimulating environment to keep their bodies active and their minds engaged. Cats of all ages need a stimulating environment to stay healthy. Especially for indoor cats, the need for engagement is very important. All cats need to hunt and play and interact.
In addition to a stimulating environment, owners of elderly cats can expect to be responsible for things like:
Make sure sleeping and eating areas are easily accessible
Adjust physically challenging areas for easy access
More frequent veterinary visits
Dispensing medication
Lifestyle accommodations
Understanding your expanded role in the life of your elderly cat is essential to helping them age gracefully. At your next appointment, Dr. Lacie and our staff would be happy to give you some insight and guidance on how to ensure your cat enjoys a smooth transition into their elderly years.
What Should I Know About Wellness Visits for Senior Cats?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that a veterinarian sees senior cats every six months. Because cats age faster than people, that means almost two kitty years will pass between visits. It is important to monitor elderly cats in between visits because cats are very good at hiding symptoms of disease or illness. As cats age, illnesses become increasingly common. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that mature cats, senior cats, and geriatric cats will likely begin to develop one or more conditions that will significantly affect their quality of life.
A typical wellness visit for senior cats includes checking:
A thorough review of habits and behaviors
Weight and body condition
Skin and coat quality
Mouth, gums, and teeth
Ears and eyes
Thyroid gland palpation
Heart and circulatory system
Lungs and nose
Abdomen
Joints and muscles
Blood pressure check
Bloodwork and urine testing
Any condition changes since the last visit
Here at Cat Care Center, we usually recommend what’s called senior wellness blood work. That is a full chemistry panel that includes—all the kidney values, SDMA, and liver values. We do a CBC. Sometimes we do a PCV because, when cats are nervous, their blood clots a little bit. We always double-check everything that we’re doing here. Getting their blood pressure and a urinalysis are also important. The urinalysis is particularly crucial because we’re trying to detect kidney disease early on. We always do everything as feline friendly as we can.
We also will recheck our feline leukemia FIV status at different life stages, because, with the new 2020 guidelines, some of those viruses have changed, and it’s important that we keep up to date with that. We monitor fecal and, other than that, we just do a good exam. There’s just nothing that can take the place of a great exam, and knowledge of that client.
Additionally, wellness visits for senior cats can also include vaccinations, parasite prevention, and treatment for any specific conditions that your senior cat may be developing.
What is Considered Senior Cat Food?
Feline nutrition is essential throughout the entirety of a cat’s life. However, it is an incredibly important facet of senior cat care.
Feeding a mature, senior, or geriatric cat an age-specific diet can help:
Manage weight
Increase lifespan
Maintain healthy skin, coat, and bodily functions
Senior cat food is formulated specifically for the nutritional requirements of aging cats. Serve it in dry or wet (preferably wet) form. Because aging cats require increased daily water intake, serving canned food and/or leaving multiple water dishes around the house is always a good idea when possible. Feeding small, frequent meals 3-4 times a day will help senior cats digest food easier than serving fewer, larger meals.
How do a cat’s nutritional needs change as they age?
One of the things that happens as cats age is that they don’t absorb their food as well, and they also can’t tolerate large meals. We forget about the free radical damage that we experience on a daily basis, well, they do too. In other words, they’re mentally aging as well. Senior or geriatric cats don’t often remember where the food bowl is, so some of them will overeat just to overeat. They’ll start to vomit, as they don’t absorb it as well.
You need to change the nutritional content because older cats are going to need a little bit more protein, which is an interesting point in feline medicine right now, and there’s a lot of research out there. It used to be said that, as the kidneys slowed down, maybe we should restrict their protein. There are now a lot of questions about that, as one of the aspects of aging is muscle loss, and cats are obligate carnivores, so they need protein.
So there’s a balance that needs to be found, and this is often needed with specific calculations from your veterinarian. Feeding small meals throughout the day, often incorporating canned food if your cat will tolerate that, is a great way to strike that balance. And sometimes they need an easily digestible diet for their nutritional needs because their digestive system is not working the same as it did when they were younger.
What is Involved in Dental Care For Senior Cats?
As cats enter their senior years, those who have addressed dental care with regular dental checkups throughout their life have a significant advantage over cats who have ignored their dental issues. Regardless of whether dental care has been a mainstay of your cat’s preventative program, it will be vital as they age. Dental disease is a gradual but painful degenerative condition. Living with chronic pain is very stressful and will significantly impact your cat’s wellbeing. Of course, your cat won’t let you know that they are in pain, however.
The fact is that almost all cats over three years of age have some level of oral health issues, and these conditions do cause significant pain. Early onset dental recommended prophylaxis by your veterinarian is a great way to do everything you possibly can to slow down dental disease. If your cat has not had a dental checkup in over a year, they are due. Schedule an appointment today.
How Does My Veterinarian Manage Disease In Elderly Cats?
As your cat ages, they become more susceptible to the myriad of diseases commonly found to plague elderly cats.
Some of the more common diseases that cat might experience as they age include:
Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Thyroid Disease
Hypertension
Gastrointestinal Issues
Arthritis
Cancer
Memory/Comprehension Challenges
Of the four big categories that I see here at Cat Care Center, chronic kidney disease is a big one. Number two is hyperthyroidism. It is the most common endocrine disease that we do see in a cat, and I think the rate in cats is somewhere around 11%. The next one is diabetes. That’s another important one, especially for some cats that have been heavy. Males are more predisposed than females, but that’s not always the case. And then the fourth is GI disease, whether it’s inflammatory bowel disease, allergies that develop, or even cancer, and also have to look out for GI lymphomas and some of these other cancers.
Life stage preventative management is very important to us here at Cat Care Center, which means having various blood works done at the different life stages, year to year along the way.
Managing disease, whether this means preventing or treating one or more at a time, requires a knowledge of the ailment, and also spotting symptoms and changes in elderly cats before they become full-blown emergencies.
It’s essential to monitor your cat’s behavior and routine and note any changes, including:
Weight Loss
Change in Thirst and Urination
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Appetite Changes
Litter Box Habits
Lethargy
Any Behavioral Changes
When my patients reach that senior category around that 10-year age range, I ask them to come in twice a year. They don’t have to do blood work every year, and they’re not necessarily getting vaccinations every year, but we’re at least putting our hands on them and repeating blood work that’s showing patterns.
If you witness or suspect any changes in behavior or routine for your mature, senior, or geriatric cat, we recommend making an appointment at Cat Care Center immediately.
What are some signs and symptoms that my cat may be slowing down?
One sign of a cat slowing down is sleeping more, which can be a tricky thing to look for, as we all know that cats sleep a lot, especially when we’re not home. But you’ll want to watch for a change in their sleeping patterns. Perhaps they’re awake more in the evening than they used to be over the last several years, or they’re waking up in the middle of the night. One of the most common things that I hear in my practice is people are listening to their cats howl. That’s a very important thing to discuss with your veterinarian because there are several causes of that.
The second thing to watch for is the hesitation to jump up and/or jump down because we know from research that 92% of cats above the age of 10 have arthritis. Sadly, the number one sign of pain in a cat that I experience here at Cat Care Center is no obvious sign at all. That’s scary when you think about that because one of the things we want as pet owners is to love them and we want them to be comfortable. So watch signs of jumping changes, behavior changes, sleep/wake patterns, and eating changes. All of those things are considerations when discussing with your veterinarian if your cat is potentially aging and does need some changes that they might be able to help you with.
What is the most important thing to know about caring for a senior cat?
The most important thing is, congratulations, because for them to be with you into their senior years is really special. That means they’ve been with you through some of life’s biggest challenges, they’ve been with you through maybe marriages, kids, et cetera, so you have a special bond there. So number one, acknowledge that bond, and remember that when they get older, things change with them. Their behavior changes—they could be less needy or more needy. Give them the time that they need. Also, make sure you have a good established veterinarian that’s with you every step of the way, to help you think about the things that you may not be thinking about.
As someone that has a 20 year old Persian who I love dearly, Millie, I just thank God every single day that I have this beautiful cat that has been with me through every child I’ve had, through my marriage, through veterinary school, through moving, and I’m so grateful for that bond. So I think the most important aspect is loving them, taking care of them as best as you can. Every day is a gift. Having a good veterinary care staff that’s going to think about arthritis, pain, dental disease, diet, nutrition, and behavioral changes is essential.
Here at Cat Care Center, I have a senior cat checklist, and I go through things that change. We talk about everything in your home that may need to change—from the way you feed them and how their litter box is managed to how you handle their sleep/wake patterns. It takes a village when it comes to senior cat care, we all know that.
What Are the Considerations For Quality of Life for Senior And Geriatric Cats?
Partnering with your veterinarian is the best way to enjoy your cat’s senior years and allow your cat to age gracefully and comfortably. During your regular visits, quality of life issues will be addressed. Along the way, you will make health decisions for your cat with the help and guidance of Dr. Lacie. At some point, you may be confronted with serious health issues and may need to address the need for diagnostic testing and possibly procedures for your geriatric cat.
Some important health assessment questions you and your vet will review regarding senior cat quality of life include:
Is your cat experiencing any pain and, if so, is the pain well managed?
Is your cat’s appetite normal and are they able to eat normally?
Is your cat interacting with other pets and family members as usual?
Does your cat have more good days than bad days?
Does your cat follow predictable routines for sleeping, resting, grooming, eating, playing, and socializing?
Article originally published on Hillspet. Written by Kara Murphy. Refer to the original article here.
Your cat has offered you countless hours of love, laughs and companionship over the years. Now that she’s getting older, it’s time for you to repay all her unconditional love with extra attention and care to guarantee that her senior years are happy ones.
Senior Cat Signs
Some cats begin showing age-related physical signs as early as age seven, while others are still friskier than kittens at ten. A general rule of thumb is that a cat is classified as “senior” if she’s over 11 years of age.
As the parent of an aging cat, you’ll want to watch for changes in behavior that could signify an underlying problem. Here are five common age-related symptoms and conditions you might see in an older kitty:
Sleeping all the time…or not at all: While slowing down as a cat ages is normal, if you notice your cat is sleeping all the time or more deeply than normal it might indicate a more serious health problem. Conversely, cats that are more active at night and not sleeping as much, might be experiencing age-related changes. The Tree House Humane Society in Chicago also notes that an older cat that suddenly seems to have much more energy might be suffering from hyperthyroidism. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about her overall health.
Confusion: If your cat is getting confused by ordinary tasks or objects she is used to navigating like finding her bed she may be reaching her golden years. This can also be a sign of a larger cognitive issues, so you should consult your vet if you notice this type of behavior.
Having trouble climbing stairs or jumping: Arthritis is common in older cats. While your cat might not limp or show other obvious signs of painful joints, you might notice she has more difficulty than she used to jumping into a litter box, climbing stairs or jumping on furniture.
Unintentional weight loss or weight gain: In an older cat, weight loss can be a sign of any number of problems, from heart and kidney disease to diabetes, notes the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. Some pets’ food and energy needs can increase as they move from adult to senior cats, and they may lose weight faster than they can eat to catch up. On the opposite side of the spectrum, as cats age, their metabolism slows down so they don’t need as many calories as they used to. If you notice your cat is starting to pack on the pounds, it might be time to transition to a senior cat food that is better equipped to meet her biological needs.
Behavioral changes: Is your cat having accidents when she never did before? Is she avoiding human interaction? These can be signs of a cat in kidney failure, a cat in pain, or a cat that is mentally confused — health conditions that are more prevalent in senior aged cats. Your veterinarian can help you get to the bottom of your cat’s behavioral changes.
Matted or oily fur: A cat that has stopped self-grooming could be in pain because of arthritis or dental issues.
Older cats should see a vet every six months. But if you notice any change in your cat’s behavior or appearance you should never hesitate to call sooner. A vet, after all, will be familiar with all the signs of aging in cats.
Caring for Your Golden Girl
You can also take some easy steps at home to improve your cat’s quality of life in her senior years:
Choose a high-quality food made for senior cats:Youthful Vitality 7+ Cat Food, for instance, is specially formulated to support brain function, energy and vitality, healthy kidneys and bladder, healthy digestive system and luxiurious fur.
Give her a warm place to rest: Especially if she suffers from arthritis, she’ll appreciate you moving her bed from a drafty area.
Think easy access: Give her a litter box, water bowl, and food bowl on every floor of your house. If she seems to be having trouble climbing into the litter box, find one with lower sides or even try an old cookie sheet.
Help her groom: Many people rarely brush their cats because they are such good self-groomers. But as your cat ages, brushing your cat serves a dual-purpose of acting as a bonding activity and keeping her coat healthy when she can no longer do it alone.
Continue to Exercise Her: Here are some easy ways to keep your senior cat moving.
It’s important to remember that aging is not a disease. Cornell University’s Feline Health Center notes that aging is a natural process, and the body — whether human or feline — goes through many complex physical changes as the years progress. But even though some of your cat’s conditions might not be easily cured, they can likely be controlled. Help your cat enjoy her senior years by making sure she has access to vet care and that she has plenty of love and attention at home.
Article originally published on Petfinder. Written by Jennifer Sellers. Refer to the original article here.
When it comes to raising kittens, the philosophy is pretty similar to that of bringing up children. If you provide proper care and training when they’re young, it increases the odds they’ll grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults. So if you recently adopted a kitten, start incorporating this advice as soon as possible.
1) Don’t Treat Your Kitten Like an Adult Cat
Just as a human infant has vastly different needs than a teenager, a kitten will have care requirements distinct from those of a fully matured cat. In addition, you should consider a kitten’s various stages of development when caring for her:
Under eight weeks of age. At this early age, a kitten should still be with her mother and litter mates. Because kittens this young are unable to regulate their own temperatures, they rely on one-another’s body heat to survive. In addition, they are still developing vision and leg coordination. If you adopt or foster an orphan kitten in this age group, special care will need to be taken, including bottle-feeding the kitten for every two hours up to four weeks of age and possibly helping your kitten pee and poop. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian for specific instructions and advice.
Eight to eleven weeks of age. Kittens are usually weaned by eight weeks and should be eating kitten diet, which needs to be energy dense, rich in protein and highly digestible. Whether choosing dry kibble or wet food, be sure it is formulated for kittens. Other big changes will start occurring during this period as well. As your kitten begins developing complex motor skills she will become a force of nature — running, jumping, playing and exploring. This is a delightful period of kittenhood, but also one that can be dangerous to your kitten if she isn’t appropriately supervised. Start setting boundaries for your kitten and keep her in a safe, enclosed room while you can supervise her.
Two to four months of age. This is a phase of rapid growth for kittens in which they’ll have almost three times more energy than an adult cat. They’ll need three to four individual meals a day during this time. According to Vetstreet.com, these meals should be minimum 30 percent high-quality protein.
Four to six months of age. Kittens in this age group are reaching adolescence and, thus, sexual maturity. Talk to a veterinarian about having your kitten spayed or neutered before your kitten reaches this stage to avoid unpleasant habits like territorial spraying and accidental litters.
2) Reward Good Behavior and Socialize, Socialize, Socialize
The socialization and training your cat receives during kittenhood will affect how well she will likely interact with people and other animals when she’s older. “I remember the first time I fostered kittens and how worried I was about scaring them,” says Jane Harrell. “What I didn’t know was that that was a critical socialization period for them and not exposing them to things made them more nervous as adults. Now when I foster kittens I do everything I can to get them exposed to as much as possible – loud noises, walking on leashes, strangers, you name it! It all helps them become better-adjusted, healthy adult cats.” Just makre sure your kittens have a positive experience out of any socialization exposure you provide them.
As a new kitten’s parent, it will be up to you to guide her and show her that the world is a wonderful place. Consider trying some of these training and socialization methods:
Kittens will generally use litter boxes by instinct, however you can help teach her to use it by placing her in the box after meals and play sessions. Make sure the litter box is always available to your kitten and cleaned frequently
Pet her frequently
Get her used to weekly combing and grooming.
Introduce her to toys
Allow her to experience different walking surfaces (carpet, linoleum, etc.)
Take her outside on a lead or in her carrier (It can be very dangerous to allow a kitten outside without one.) However, before providing any outdoor exposure be sure your veterinarian has administered the proper vaccines and enough time has passed for your kitten to build immunity.
Give her objects to explore, such as boxes and paper bags
Play loud music and make noise
Have friends over and ask them to play with her and give her treats
Provide appropriate scratching alternatives (such as scratching posts) and reward her with toys, praise or treats when she uses them
Do not allow her to bite or scratch during play. If she does, redirect her attention to a toy.
Expose her to other cats and kittens (as soon as they’re up to date on vaccinations, of course!). There are even kitten socialization classes; do an internet search to see if any are available in your area.
Take your kitten on car rides, giving her treats the whole time, and get her used to her carrier.
Reward friendly behavior with treats or praise.
Do not reprimand bad behavior, instead, ignore her when she displays inappropriate behavior.
Challenge your kitten to think by teaching her tricks.
Always be patient
3) Make Preventive Care a Priority
To help ensure your kitty has a lifetime of good health, start early in providing her with preventive care:
Schedule an appointment early. No matter what, schedule your kitten’s first vet appointment within a week of getting her. Early and frequent vet visits will help socialize your kitten with the vet and help the vet establish a baseline for your kitten’s health.
Ask about intestinal parasites, fleas and heartworm. Have a veterinarian check your kitten for worms and intestinal parasites, and have her de-wormed, if necessary. And while heartworms aren’t as much of a problem for cats as they are for dogs, some kittens may be susceptible, so also ask your vet if he or she recommends a heartworm preventative. The biggest parasitic threat to your kitten, however, is fleas. You can start administering topical flea preventatives when your kitten is around 8 to 12 weeks of age — although some brands are formulated for kittens as young as 4 weeks old.
Ask which vaccinations your kitten needs and how often: Preventive care for kittens may include vaccines for feline leukemia, rabies and distemper. These shots are usually first administered when a kitten is around 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every few weeks until she reaches 16 weeks of age. After that, your veterinarian can set her up on an adult vaccination schedule. He or she may also recommend additional vaccinations.
These building blocks will give your kitten the best possible start in life, but don’t forget that she’ll still need plenty of attention and care when she gets older.
