Welcome

Tag: cats

  • Why Cats Are Better Than Babies and Children

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    I recently wrote an article about why dogs are better than babies. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    The truth is that not every couple dreams of becoming parents. For many, their fur babies are enough for them. They don’t need to have a child in order to have a full life.

    Unsure about whether or not you want to have a child? Here are some reasons why cats are better than babies.

    They are much cheaper than children. 

    Having a child costs thousands of dollars a year, while your cat shouldn’t cost more than a thousand a year (unless he or she isn’t feeling well).

    In fact, the cost of having a baby can really add up, costing you several thousand dollars. You might be able to get a cat or kitten for free (or very low cost)!

    You also don’t have to go through labor. 

    You aren’t going to be the one who has to give birth when you get a kitten. You don’t have to deal with morning sickness, labor, possible emergency C-sections, and then working hard to get your figure back.

    Cats can’t complain like children. 

    Children can become very whiny, especially when they are tired. They may not want to eat what you are serving. Toddlers are known for throwing temper tantrums. As they get older, they may want nice clothes and things like their friends have (such as cell phones).

    Your cat could care less about any of these things. He or she will eat whatever you put in front of him or her. They also don’t need the latest gadgets.

    You won’t find yourself doing homework. 

    Many parents have to relearn things that they learned in school, just to help their children with their homework. You may even have to find a new way to do things, just to get your children through school!

    You also don’t have to bathe them. 

    Most parents hate bath time! Their children don’t enjoy it, and neither do they! Lucky for cat parents, their fur babies happily groom themselves. Some cats spend almost a third of their life grooming.

    Raising children can feel like a crushing responsibility. 

    You may feel overwhelmed making sure that you are raising good people. You have to worry about the future of humanity, as well as worry about the world that your children will grow up in. You don’t have to worry about all of this when you have a cat. Everyone knows that they just do whatever they want, whenever they want!

    You don’t have to worry about your cat getting knocked up. 

    In fact, by spaying and neutering your cat, you don’t have to worry at all! If your unspayed cat does get pregnant, you can give away the kittens for free.

    Having pets gives you plenty of reasons not to host the next party. 

    Since many people are allergic to cats, you may not be able to have your friends over. You will have to be the one who shows up at parties and not hosts them! For many, the thought of throwing a party is just too much, and they are looking for any excuse. Having cats is a perfect one!

    You can go away for a long weekend and not have to worry about your cats. 

    As long as you are able to leave some food and water out for them, your cats will be just fine. Leaving your children home alone is frowned upon when they are younger. When they are older, you may have to worry about the wild parties that your children may try to throw.

    Though having children can be the best thing that ever happened to you, you also can make the choice not to have them. In fact, you may find yourself a mom to a cat, which might be the better choice for you! It is much less expensive to raise a kitten, than a child. You don’t even have to give birth!

    Cats don’t complain. They eat whatever you give them. You don’t need to do homework with them. No baths! You can even leave them home alone for a long weekend without worrying. Though it is a responsibility, it is a much more crushing responsibility to raise a child! Your cat will be fine, no matter what happens, while you have to raise your children to be good people.

    ***

    It is important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • How a Self-Feeder Can Simplify Your Pet’s Mealtime Routine

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    If you’ve ever been woken up by a hungry cat yelling in your face or a dog pacing by the empty food bowl like it’s a crime scene, you’re not alone. Feeding pets on a consistent schedule can be tricky. Life gets busy—early meetings, late workdays, weekend trips, or just the occasional much-needed sleep-in. But your pet doesn’t know any of that. They just want to know why breakfast isn’t served at exactly 7:02 a.m.

    That’s where a self-feeder seriously saves the day. It’s one of those simple products that makes you wonder why you didn’t get one sooner. Automatic pet feeders are designed to keep your pet’s mealtime on track, whether you’re home or not. You can pre-program feeding times and portion sizes, so your pet gets exactly what they need—no more, no less—right on schedule.

    Product Available on Amazon

    This is especially helpful if your pet has specific dietary needs or if you’re trying to manage their weight. For grazers like some cats or small dogs, you can set multiple small meals throughout the day. For pets who like to scarf their food in seconds, portion control helps slow things down and avoid those dreaded post-meal tummy issues.

    Some models even let you record your voice, so your pet hears a familiar “Come eat!” even when you’re away. Others come with app control, so if your plans change, you can update their schedule from your phone. Pretty amazing, right?

    Not only does it make feeding more consistent and stress-free, but it also adds a little peace of mind. No more racing home to feed the dog. No more guilt when your cat gives you the side-eye because dinner was five minutes late. It’s one less thing to worry about—while keeping your pet happy, healthy, and well-fed.

    So if you’re juggling a full schedule, managing a picky eater, or just want to make life a little easier, a self-feeder is 100% worth it. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and give your pet the reliable routine they love.

    Go ahead—make mealtime automatic. You deserve the break, and your pet deserves the consistency. 🐾

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Helping Lazy Cats Lose Weight: What Actually Works

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    We all love a fluffy cat—but when “fluffy” turns into “my vet said he’s obese,” it’s time for a reality check. It happens. One day, your cat is all soft and squishy in a cute way… and the next, he or she is struggling to jump onto the couch and getting winded chasing a toy for 30 seconds. Extra weight on cats isn’t just cosmetic—it can lead to joint pain, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. But here’s the good news: you can help your cat slim down without turning your home into a kitty boot camp.

    The first thing you can easily change is feeding. Many owners free-feed and fill the bowl constantly. Guess what, your cat is going to eat ALL day long!

    Your best bet is to use a timed feeder that dispenses small meals throughout the day. It helps control portions without leaving her hungry or begging at 5 a.m. You can set it and forget it, and your cat still feels like they’re getting regular meals.

    Product Available on Amazon

    To slow things down and add a little mental stimulation, you may even want to try a puzzle feeder. It turns mealtime into a game, encouraging your cat to “hunt” for her food. This not only slows her eating, but also keeps her brain engaged. Bonus: she’s a little less bored (and less likely to knock stuff off counters out of spite).

    Product Available on Amazon

    Of course, food’s only half the story. Movement matters, even for indoor cats. You should start with 5-minute play sessions, once or twice a day, using a wand toy and a low-speed laser toy. She didn’t exactly do backflips, but it got her up and stretching, swatting, and moving her body again—which was a win in itself.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Helping a cat lose weight is definitely a slow and steady kind of journey. But with a few small changes—better feeding routines, a bit more play, and the right tools—you can absolutely help your kitty feel better, move easier, and stay healthier long term. Plus, you’ll probably enjoy watching them rediscover a little kitten-like spark along the way.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons Cats are Better Than Dogs

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Although many people seem to own dogs and cats, the truth is that if you asked, most would tell you they prefer one over the other.

    Most people consider themselves either “dog people” or “cat people.” Even if they own multiple critters, they may feel like they love either dogs or cats more.

    I wrote an article recently about why dogs are better than cats. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    Don’t think dogs are for you? Here are some reasons why cats may be a better fit for you.

    Cats will be perfectly happy if they are kept inside all of the time. 

    If you don’t have a backyard or places where you can take a dog on a hike regularly, you may be better off having a cat. He or she doesn’t need to go outside for any reason. In fact, it is often safer for cats to live indoors only. You won’t have to worry about cat fights or your cat getting hit on the road.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Though you may think that your cat needs to go outside, the truth is that they are just as happy to curl up in a sunny area of your house. If they are able to look out the window, they can look at the birds flying by, while still staying safe. They also have plenty of room in your home or apartment to exercise. Running up and down the stairs and jumping on and off furniture can keep a cat entertained for hours.

    They also don’t take up a lot of space. 

    Your cat will still be fine if you don’t have a large home or an apartment. You may not be able to have a Great Dane in your home, but your cat will still have plenty of room to run around and play.

    Cats don’t need a lot of things. 

    All your cat needs is a food bowl, a water bowl, and a litter box, and he or she will be happy. A few toys can be nice, but your cat can entertain him or herself without these things.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    They also don’t need a lot of your time. 

    You may not have enough time for a dog if you are busy working and running around in the evenings. You may not have time to take a dog outside for walks multiple times a day, and your cat may not even notice that you aren’t home!

    In fact, you may think that your cat understands personal space! Your cat may be happy to just come to sit beside you when you get home. So, instead of having to take your dog for a walk when you get home, you can take the extra time to relax (and your cat will still be happy).

    Cats are often more affordable than dogs. 

    Unless you try to find a specific breed, such as a Maine Coon, cats are generally less expensive than dogs. In fact, you may be able to find plenty of free kittens in the spring!

    That being said, free kittens aren’t free. They will still require veterinary care, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering. However, these fees are lower for cats than they are for dogs. Cats are also less likely to eat their toys and other things that they shouldn’t, which makes them less likely to get sick (and need emergency veterinary care).

    If you live in an old farmhouse or have a garage, your cats can help keep the rodent population under control. 

    Cats are natural-born hunters, so you are likely to see your cat hunt and pounce on anything that you don’t want running around your home and property.

    Cats are cleaner than dogs. 

    Dogs just love to roll in the mud and other gross things. You may find yourself giving your dog a bath regularly! Cats, on the other hand, love to clean themselves. They are constantly licking and grooming themselves.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, consider getting a cat. Cats are happy being inside all the time. They don’t need constant walks and attention. They are happy to just lie in the sun and may sit beside you when you get home in the evening. In fact, if you find that you are hardly ever home, a cat might be the perfect pet for you!

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • The Truth About Free Kittens

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    It is the season for kittens. Everyone around you probably has kittens that they found, and they are trying to find them good homes. While some people feel like they need to charge a rehoming fee (to ensure that they find the right home), others are willing to give them away for free.

    However, it is important that you know, just because your kitten is free, doesn’t mean that it is going to stay that way.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    You are going to need to take your new kitten to the veterinarian to ensure that he or she is healthy. 

    Kittens need to be seen regularly when they are young. They need multiple rounds of vaccines in order to become properly protected. Even if your kitten is going to stay inside, you are going to need to get your kitten a Rabies shot.

    Then, when they are around six months of age, they should be fixed. This may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it is much healthier for them. It will also keep you from having to deal with any unwanted litter.

    Even if you don’t take your kitten to the veterinarian right away, you are going to have to feed your new kitten. 

    You need to make sure that you feed your new kitten high-quality food. That being said, just because it is expensive doesn’t mean that it is good food. There are many foods out there that are rather expensive that aren’t the best food.

    I don’t want to name names, but our clinic recommends Science Diet and Purina ProPlan. These foods have been around for a long time, and studies show they are reliable.

    Science Diet dry kitten food is a good choice, and it is available on Amazon.

    Product available on Amazon

    Another brand that we recommend is Purina Pro plan. It is a higher quality feed than Purina kitten chow.

    Product available on Amazon

    We also recommend that all cats and kittens eat some canned food to help with their urinary tract. We recommend Friskie’s pate style canned food like the one listed on Amazon below.

    Product available on Amazon

    You also need at least one litter pan and a good quality litter. 

    It is even better if you can provide two litter pans. As you get more cats (and probably will), you want to ensure that you always have at least one more litter box than you have cats. If you have six, you need at least seven or eight pans for all of them to use.

    Plus, most people buy some extras for their new kittens. 

    This may include toys and a bed. Some even buy their kittens outfits and other fun things. Cat trees are also popular things that new kitten owners like to buy.

    Amazon and Chewy have many different cat trees, so that you can find one that will fit into your home, no matter what size you are looking for!

    Product available on Amazon

    Free kittens don’t stay free very long. They need to be seen by a veterinarian rather quickly, in order to get make sure that your kitten is properly vaccinated. Even if you don’t plan on letting your kitten outside, you should ensure he or she gets a Rabies shot as soon as possible. You should also plan on spaying or neutering your new kitten when he or she is six months old.

    Veterinary care isn’t the only cost that you may be dealing with. You are going to want to buy the best food that you can so that your new kitten stays as healthy as possible. You also need to buy litter pans so that he or she has a place to go to the bathroom.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.