How to Kitten Proof Your Home

One of the good rules of thumb to apply here is to think about having a toddler around, only a toddler in miniature size – mobile, curious but tiny!  This means that you need to consider your home in terms of potential kitty hazards before the kitten gets too old and “into everything”.  Although there is something that you’d have to do to create a safe home for your toddler that aren’t necessary for a kitten (such as power sockets and drawer locks), there are a few things you should look at with a critical eye as to whether or not they present a danger to your kitty.

If it’s hanging, or trailing, and it moves then it’s a toy to your kitten!  Make sure that you tie up all loose wire and cables or use cable tacks and attach them firmly to walls or along the baseboard, counter top, up desk legs, etc. so that there’s nothing to attract your cat’s attention.  If he pulls a cable on your tea kettle, or computer keyboard, there’s a big possibility that the item will end up on the floor and need replaced even if the kitten is unharmed, so it makes sense to prevent this happening.  Trailing plants such as ivy may also need to be secured, although if kitty finds it, this could be just as hazardous to the plant as the kitten!

A kitten can also easily find itself entwined in – and possibly choke with - hanging fixings such as those on window treatments and lamps, so tie these up out of the kitten’s way – if he doesn’t see it moving, he won’t be attracted to it. 

Like magpies, kittens are also drawn to small things that sparkle but which can be lethal if they swallow them so put your jewelry away in a box where he can’t see it.

Other small things such as paper clips, rubber bands, thumb tacks, threads from a sewing box, are all possible toys that are dangerous to you kitten so use commonsense when finding a place to store these once you have a kitty in your home.

Although kitties can’t open bottles or containers which have poisonous liquids in them, it is possible for them to poison themselves by consuming toxic substances in other formats so be careful where you spray bug spray, and cleaning materials.

This may seem like being overly cautious, but before you switch on any appliance such as the microwave, oven, washer or dryer, make sure that the kitten has not found its way inside!  What a kitten loves as much as his toys is warmth, and it will seek out the warm places in your home.  A quick check will ensure a tragic accident doesn’t occur.

Kittens are tiny and fragile, and they have no concept of danger, so limiting the number of potential hazards will create a safer environment for your kitten to explore.

For information on safety proofing your home for a adult cat please check out...

https://internationalhouseofcatsblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/cat-proofing-your-home-top-3-cat.html

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Pictured above is Maahes of International House of Cats as a kitten.

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How to do a Weekly Health Check on your Cat

Although you don’t need to take your cat to the vet more than once a year – unless of course they get sick or injured – there are steps you can take in order to ensure that your cat is in good health.

On a weekly basis, set aside about 5-10 minutes to examine various parts of the cat that can highlight the start of any health issue.

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Call kitty to you.  Watch how your cat moves.  Is his/her weight distributing evenly on all legs or are they trying to avoid putting weight on any of them?

Pick him/her up and look directly into the eyes.  The eyes should be clear and not clouded.  There should be no discharge around the eyes.  If there is, once your examination is over, clean these and check them the next day – if it’s back, then you should ring your veterinary clinic for advice.  The same goes for kitty’s nose.  This should be moist but with no discharge. Ears should be clean and also discharge free.  Discharge is a sign of possible infection.  If you carefully clear it (no cotton buds/q-tips!) and it returns, then it’s time for the vet to take a look.

Gently open the mouth and check that he/she hasn’t lost any teeth since the week before and that teeth are white without looking as if any problems may be present.

Run your hand down the tummy and back.  Are there any lumps or bumps that don’t belong?  You’ll get to know what’s “normal” for your cat!  Lumps and bumps are another reason to call the veterinary clinic for advice.  They are not always cause for concern, but they should always be checked out.

Check out the quality of the fur – is it sleek and healthy looking, or is it looking as if it’s falling out in places, or is a bit greasy/dull in appearance.  This could be a grooming or nutritional issue.  Fur falling out is more likely to be something associated with an allergy or even fleas, and a word with your veterinary nurse could start you monitoring possible causes for this.  If it’s a greasy/dull coat issue, then try bathing your cat and doing a nightly brush of the fur to see if you can improve the condition.  If it doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, it’s time to seek the advice of the veterinary clinic.

The weekly check-up that you give will take only a few minutes and he/she will get used to it and will let you do whatever you need to do – and the main thing is that because you do this same routine every week, you’ll soon know when something’s not right and can get it looked at by the professionals before it gets too bad and therefore becomes more severe and expensive! Plus your cat will love the extra bonding time with you each week.


Photo Credit: © Bennymarty | Dreamstime.com

Flu Season and Cats

It is officially cold and flu season. But how many of us love to cuddle up to our furry companions when we are sick? This leaves us to ask the question, Can cats catch the flu?

The answer is YES, cats can catch the flu from humans. But let us not confuse this with feline calicivirus infections, humans however can not catch this virus that is transferred from cat to cat. This virus is completely different from the human flu.

Flu infections that are transferred from humans to cats are more common then some may realize. The bigger issue is that the flu virus can mutate into a more dangerous form as it is passed from humans to animals. The virus attaches to cells in the respiratory tract of felines similarly to how it does in humans.

The illness starts with a runny nose, slight sneezing/coughing and can run its course into more dangerous territory of a fever and complete respiratory misery. The flu is most contagious to your cat when you have a fever and are constantly in contact with your own respiratory fluids. Most cats get the flu from owners during this time because they can sense the need for comfort when we are sick and tend to get closer to us and our faces.

How do we prevent the transmission of our flu to our cats?

If you have a fever DO NOT snuggle or cuddle to close with your cat. This can be difficult but is extremely important while you have a fever.

Keep all soiled tissues away from your cat and try not to stuff them in your clothes or bed sheets. Keeping a empty tissue box to dispose of your dirty tissues in can help.

Before petting your cat disinfect your hands. The last thing you want to do is transmit any germs to your cats fur.

Disinfect common surfaces and water and food bowls everyday. I know this can be hard if you are sick but it is very important to help prevent the virus from spreading. 

How to treat your cat if it becomes infected?

Keep your cat hydrated and warm.

If your cat is not eating or drinking, notify your veterinarian.

If your cat seems to becoming very ill you will need to notify your veterinarian and your cat may be put on antiviral medications.

When contacting your veterinarian make sure you notify them that your cat may have contracted the flu from you. This may effect the treatment the veterinarian decides to use.

Do not be surprised if your veterinarian decides to quarantine your cat. If your veterinarian feels your cat is sick enough and needs to be away from humans and other animals during treatment please take the advice seriously for not only your cat but your health as well.

Always remember choosing a veterinarian that you can trust is very important. If at anytime you are questioning your veterinarian's suggestions you can always ask for a second opinion or choose to change veterinarians. Not all veterinarians are created equal and you should never fear taking your cat to a trusted veterinarian. 

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Photo features Maahes of IHOC sleeping off his illness.

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