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Tick & Flea Advice

So your Best Friend won’t stop scratching? Itchy skin and discomfort might be a sign that your dog has fleas and its time to take action with Bob Martin. How will I know if my pet has fleas? If any of the below signs are prevalent in your pet they may have fleas: Increased irritability on the skin Looks for cold places to stay on to relieve the itchiness Suffers from secondary skin infections Shows signs of small and red flea bites on their skin If the symptoms above sound familiar, inspect your friend with a flea comb. Fleas are tiny but visible to the human eye when inspected closely. How do I spot fleas on my pet? Fleas are very small (1mm – 4mm) and cats are good groomers. This makes spotting fleas difficult, but if you nod your head to more than one of the following points it’s a good idea to treat your friend with one of BOB MARTIN’s Tick and Flea Products for Cats: Intense scratching and biting of their coat Excessive grooming Hair loss and bald patches Avoidance of certain rooms in your home (fleas like carpeted rooms – your cat will avoid these rooms) Agitation and restlessness Red and inflamed bumps Lethargy (your friend might seem even more lazy than usual) Tiny peppercorn-specks on your cat’s fur (this is flea “dirt”). What do I do if I spot a tick on my pet? Don’t rush to pull out this nasty monster – you might cause more harm as its mouth-part might break off and get left behind. This can cause a serious infection. The best way to remove a tick is to grasp the tick firmly with tweezers as close as possible to where it is attached to the skin. Slowly and steadily pull the tick straight up. Remember! If Felix has a flea or tick you need to treat all the animals in your home! How can I fight a flea infestation? Outdoor cats and dogs especially those that hunt will need more regular and thorough flea control than an indoor pet or one that just steps out into the garden. Depending on how serious the flea infestation is, we would recommend the following action. Give some instant relief with tick and flea shampoo (available for cats & dogs) or tick and flea dip (dogs only). Follow up with a Spot on, this will continue to kill fleas and ticks for 5 weeks (available for both cats & dogs). Fit a tick and flea collar to extend the protection period between treatments (available for both cats & dogs). In the meantime, wash the pets bedding over 40⁰c, vacuum wherever you can (you can apply tick and flea powder and let it sit for a while before you vacuum), paying attention to warm, dark, protected areas – a flea’s idea of a perfect home! Don’t forget to deworm your pet regularly as fleas and a certain type of tapeworm go hand in hand (available for both dogs & cats). ! Always read the instruction of a product prior to use for your family and pets safety. How do I know if the Flea treatment worked? If you continue to find fleas on your pet after correctly applying the treatment, this is probably because of flea eggs hatching and growing into adult fleas in the home. Some forms of the flea life cycle are resistant to even the best household sprays, so you’ll still get fleas developing for up to three months after your house and cat have been treated. As long as you follow the instructions and use the product correctly, you should see a vast reduction in fleas within the first month, and in most cases, an elimination of the problem after three months. Keep treating the home accordingly and re-treat your pet if necessary. This can be done 1 week after initial application of the Spot On. For more advice, contact our consumer care line. What can I do about ticks? If you live in a tick-prevalent area it’s worth checking your pet regularly by running your fingers through their coat feeling for a little lump, look inside their ears and between their toes. They are usually easy to see and feel. If you find a tick on your pet, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible as it can spread disease. If you’ve never removed a tick before, or you’re unsure how to do it, you should consult your vet who can show you – if you don’t remove the tick properly you risk leaving the head buried beneath the skin, which can result in a nasty abscess. The best tool to use is a specially designed tick remover. This hooks under the body of the tick and will remove the tick whole with a gentle twist. It’s very quick and easy to do. Alternatively, you can use tweezers, but make sure you always twist, rather than pull the tick out. Once removed, check the tick is whole, then soak it in alcohol to kill it or squash it in tissue and dispose of it, be careful as engorged ticks will contain potentially infected blood. You do not want this to splatter on you when crushed. Do not crush the tick with your fingers and do not allow the crushed tick or the blood it carried to contact your skin. It was once thought that you should burn the tick or rub it in alcohol before it’s removed. This has been proven to stress the tick and increase the likelihood of spreading blood borne diseases, so this is no longer recommended. Occasionally, your pet may get a small, localised swelling where the tick was removed. As long as the tick has been completely removed and your cat isn’t bothered by it, the swelling should disappear within a couple of months. How can I treat my home for fleas? When we are busy trying to eliminate a flea problem, ... Read more

Why is my cat vomiting and what can I do?

Seeing your cat ill is one of the worst feelings in the world, and when they’re vomiting it’s even worse. While vomiting can sometimes be a somewhat natural response to discomfort, it can also signal something more serious. Hairballs The most common reason for cats vomiting is that they are trying to get rid of hairballs. This is reasonably uncommon in short-haired cats, but is likely to happen now and then with long-haired breeds. While this is not necessarily dangerous, it’s important to check that it’s not happening too often, or that your cat is choking when this happens. Speedy eaters Another common reason, which applies to all kinds of cats, is that they are eating too quickly. It is important for your cats to eat at a steady pace, in order to avoid swallowing their kibble whole, which can induce gagging and vomiting. In this case, a larger, rather than smaller kibble is a better choice so that your cat is forced to slow down, chew for longer and then swallow. Another option is to feed your cat more often, in smaller portions. Make sure that if you have more than one cat, there is the option for separate bowls in separate areas, as the desperation to get food from one bowl can cause this frantic, fast eating. What about grass? One peculiar behaviour you may have noticed is your cat occasionally eating grass and then vomiting it up. This is also reasonably natural, despite the fact that it looks uncomfortable. Cats don’t have the stomach enzymes to digest grass, so they eat it to clear their digestive tract of hair, bones and parasites, which are released when they vomit. However, this behaviour can also signal a serious stomach irritation or infection, so if the behaviour becomes more frequent, or you notice blood in your cat’s vomit (for this or any other reason), seek help from your cat’s vet as soon as possible. Photo by Nika Benedictova on Unsplash

It’s playtime – four games to play with your cat

Despite their often sedentary behaviour, cats need regular mental stimulation and exercise – both of which they get through play. Here are four feline-friendly games to try at home: Chase the prey As domesticated as our fur friends are, they still like to feel like they’re in the wild sometimes. The idea with this game is to simulate the way prey would move – by dragging a toy across the ground and like any prey would, pausing periodically. This will stimulate a response in your cat to stalk the toy and pounce on the unsuspecting squeaky toy. To maintain the excitement – don’t leave the toy lying around after a play session. If your cat sees it too often, the mystery will be lost and they will consider it an everyday object instead of one worth playing with. Catnip fun Ah, catnip – your cat’s favorite herb. Like all things, cat nip should be used in moderation, but it can illicit serious interest from your cat. Whether you put a little catnip into a toy or ball, or buy one ready made, it’s a good way to get cats interested in regular play. This is particularly the case when trying to get more sluggish cats off the couch and into a playful mood. If your cat is not responding, do not add more – it’s important to remember that catnip doesn’t do it for all cats. Fetch – for cats Yes, this classic game is not just reserved for dogs. Cats love to play fetch too, and while they might not return the ball, most cats will run after and try to catch a ball that you’ve thrown. Cats especially love it when there are rattling beads or a bell inside the ball, as this helps keep their attention. Like the ‘chase the prey’ game, fetch simulates the experience of trying to catch something in the wild. It’s important to throw the ball at a reasonable distance, and not to aim it anywhere where it might be difficult or dangerous for your cat to ‘fetch’. Play with your food A little more high-tech, this game involves getting your cat a puzzle feeder or food distributor. These are toys which hold a little serving of food in a compartment, only releasing it when the toy is rolled, pressed or pounced on. This game helps your cat feel like they’re hunting for food. It also encourages inactive cats, who need more of an incentive to get playful. Keep in mind your cat’s daily food limit, and don’t let them use the toy to overindulge. Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash

Play with a purpose:
Getting hands on with your cat

Playtime is some of the best bonding time with your cat. Even better if it is done with a purpose and helps to keep your cat’s body and mind healthy. Each cat has different needs and preferences when it comes to play. Here we break down five guiding principles for purposeful play: Know your cat’s limits Play is meant to be fun – and while it may be tempting to get out the cat training book and try to teach your kitty some tricks, the main point is always enjoyment. Introduce a variety of enriching stimuli – such as new smells, textures, toys and environments which offer them unique experiences without overwhelming them. As they say, leave the party while you’re still having fun. Making sure your cat is not overstimulated so they are ready to play next time. Keep the benefits in mind While fun is the most important of the play process, purposeful interaction can also relieve stress, as well as help build and maintain your cat’s muscle tone. Toys are an important part of the process, especially those which simulate the experience of hunting in the wild. This includes toys which encourage them to chase and catch. Try to socialise your cat Playing with other cats or pets can also be great for your cat’s well-being – but only if they’re up for it. Getting your cat to socialise can be difficult at first, and patience is key. Kittens generally have an easier time interacting with other cats. For adult cats used to living alone, a new playmate may take time to get used to. Make sure your cat doesn’t feel forced to interact, and keep eating and litter box spaces separate. Keep your cat’s age and physical health in mind As your cat gets older, their ability and interest in certain kinds of play will wane. If they are less agile and active than they used to be, toys which require them to pounce, or cat trees may not be appropriate. Give your cat a safe space (potentially even on your lap) where they can stretch out and play without overexerting themselves. Play nice Behaviours like pouncing, chasing and hiding are perfectly normal for cats, and your cat is generally not trying to be aggressive. If your cat tries to scratch or bite you, stop whatever play you were engaging in and try something else – it’s important not to encourage bad behaviour. Photo by Humberto Arellano on Unsplash

Pamper:
A guide to the name change

You’ve probably noticed our transition from FRISKIES to PAMPER on the shelves in store. Should you be concerned? No. Should you be excited? Definitely. And we’re sure your cats will be too. So, why the name change? FRISKIES has recently joined the MARTIN&MARTIN brand stable, and as a result, it now forms part of the growing PAMPER range of cat food products. We were in fact forced to change from FRISKIES to PAMPER due to not being able to import the product because of new regulatory requirements by the South African government. While this chapter comes with some changes, it also comes with a host of benefits. What this means for the dry food range Our dry food product is now 100% locally sourced, manufactured and distributed. FRISKIES dry food was previously imported into South Africa from the United States. Now, as PAMPER dry food, we have much more control over the process that goes into making the food for local kitty consumers. This has however meant that the dry food recipe and manufacturing process has changed a little – which is why you may notice slight changes in color and texture, and your cat may need a little time to get used to the new South African flavor. What’s changed? In South Africa, we have slightly different manufacturing processes to our American counterparts. The maize varieties available are also different and have an impact on the final product. The local varieties which were carefully chosen to ensure consistency in nutritional value and quality – without impacting price. MARTIN&MARTIN and PAMPER have taken every detail into account and worked with various experts to match the flavor profile of the new dry food as closely as possible to the old FRISKIES product. The new food has undergone stringent testing – and taste-testing by a large number of cats – and an expert vet was consulted to ensure it’s as nutritional and flavorful as ever. What about wet food? FRISKIES wet food pouches have always been produced in South Africa, so this recipe has stayed exactly the same. The only change you’ll be seeing in store is the new name on the packaging. One of the best parts of FRICKIES joining the PAMPER family is the availability of the classic PAMPER canned food product, which has been a favorite with South African cats for years. So the range of options available to your cat within the PAMPER brand has now just expanded. What does this mean for my pocket? The PAMPER transition has been focused on providing the best product for Friskies fans, and we have made sure that the price has not changed. We are focused on providing the best quality range of products, which are purrfect for pet and owner alike. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Simply visit our contact page to share any queries, compliments or concerns. Photo by Cong H on Unsplash

The clicker –
a cat trainer’s best friend

Training your cat may seem like an impossible task. After all, it’s not often you hear cat owners asking their cats to sit, heel or roll over. While your cat will almost never respond like a dog, some vets and animal behaviorists believe your strong-willed kitty can be trained to do some things – and one of the most effective training tools is a clicker. A clicker device clicks audibly when pressed, and can be used to create associations with a wide range of tasks, that your cat can learn over time. If you’re going to use a clicker, it’s important that your cat gets used to the sound of it before you attempt any specific training techniques, click the device and wait for the sound to catch your cat’s attention. Once you’re sure the cat recognizes the sound and that it is coming from the clicker in your hand, reward your cat with praise and a small treat. Repeat this process consistently to build a positive relationship between the clicker and your cat’s positive response to it. Once that relationship has been established, the reward can slowly be removed from the process and the clicker will be enough of a reward. At this point, start to associate the clicker (and different clicks) with different commands. For example, if you call your cat to ‘come,’ and they do, click the clicker. This will set the tone for associating the command with the clicker and the process of coming towards you. You can also use this for mealtimes, or for getting your cat to come outside with you.This can also be used in tandem with your cat’s name – which research says they know, but choose to ignore. Inevitably you may find that the clicker may not even be necessary if your cat begins to answer to their name, but it can be an important support for getting your cat’s attention and their understanding that you require something from them. If you’re struggling to get into the swing of using the clicker, consult a cat behaviourist for some tips that work for your cat and his or her unique personality. Photo by Daria Shatova on Unsplash

How to protect your furniture (and your sanity) from your cat

We all know that sinking feeling. You come home from a long day, only to find that your dearest kitty has gone to town on your couch with their claws. And while it’s tempting to get irritated, scratching is normal, healthy behaviour for your cat. To keep their claws in tip-top condition, cats need to scratch regularly, but your custom-made curtains should not be the target – and it’s important that your cat knows this. The best thing you can do as an owner is provide suitable alternatives. The best options are designated scratching pads or posts. These should be introduced into the home as soon as possible, so that your cat learns to use them from an early age. When you see your cat scratching your furniture, one of the most effective ways to dissuade them is to try squirting them (very gently) with water from a spray bottle. This action, which should never be done angrily or aggressively, should be accompanied with a firm “no!”. Also, try to cover the item your cat prefers with plastic. Most cats return to the same spot, and the uncomfortable feeling of plastic under their paws should help to dissuade them. On the other hand, when you see your cat using their scratching pad or post, you should reward them with affection and affirmation. This will help to create negative associations with damaging the furniture and positive associations with using the scratching post to keep their claws sharp. Ensure you get the right scratching aid for your cat – both in terms of size and height, and their ability to reach it without obstacles. Photo by Luiza Sayfullina on Unsplash

How to manage
aggression in cats

Cats, like people, have different personalities – and a hot temper may just be one of the traits your cat possesses. However, if your cat is unusually aggressive or regularly violent, it’s worth looking a little deeper. The first thing to establish is whether your cat is indeed being aggressive, or just tends to be a little overzealous. Some cats may hide and pounce, scratch or even nibble at the strangest times. While this can be playful, or a reflection of their instinct to hunt, overly aggressive behaviour should be attended to with the right kind of corrective measures. Don’t encourage it It is important not to encourage your cat’s aggressive behaviour. Play-fighting with your cat, or encouraging them to do so with other cats and animals sends a signal that you condone this behaviour. Violence begets violence, so any kind of physical reprimand or punishment will generally make your cat more defensive and violent. Instead, try to channel your cat’s energy and need for physical stimulation in a different direction. Providing hanging toys, jingling balls or chew toys allow your cat to play and pounce, without doing any harm. This takes the emphasis away from hurting and redirects their energy toward stimulation and fun. Can’t we all just get along? Often, signs of aggression occur in homes with more than one cat or animal. This is partially to do with cats being inherently territorial, single-minded animals, who enjoy their own space, and the freedom to do things their own way. Encouraging a non-competitive, equally loving environment between cats and/or with other animals in the household is crucial. Any fighting should always be stopped immediately. However, the environment could also be a trigger for this behaviour. Inadequate food provision (in the same bowl for example) or constantly occupied litter boxes can make for a tense environment, so it is important to look after each animal’s needs individually. Getting territorial Beyond your home, neighboring cats can also create a trigger for aggressive or violent behaviour as your cat strives to defend its territory. Try to keep other cats off your property, and certainly do not give them access to your home, your cat’s food or litter box. If necessary, discuss this with your neighbor to figure out a solution for the cats involved. Consult an expert In serious cases of aggression and fighting, the input of a cat behaviorist may be necessary. A history of violence (especially in the case of rescue or stray animals) or temperament issues may need their expert involvement to help your cat react more positively to difficult situations. Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash

My cat loves water
– is this normal?

We’ve all heard it from cat owners, seen it in movies and experienced it for ourselves – cats hate water. Right? Not always. For some cats, a flowing tap, emptying bath or even a swimming pool is their idea of a fun place to be. Cats don’t necessarily respond to water in the same way dogs do. While your pet pup might happily jump in the tub when it’s time for a bath, it’s unlikely your cat will do the same. Any cat with an attraction to water interacts with it on their terms only. Natural instinct Most of their seemingly unusual behaviors are a response to the way cats would otherwise interact with water in nature – at a trickling stream, or from rain droplets falling off a tree, or even in some cases, a voluntary dip in a shallow pond. This is particularly the case for cats crossed with Bengal, Maine Coon or Turkish Van varieties, where genetics have kept the interest in water intact, due to proximity to water in their wild habitats. It’s important that you don’t discourage your cat from interacting with water if they want to, as this will start to create a negative association. Similarly, a cat who is happy to linger near the pool, or even sip from a garden rock pool does not want to be dunked in a bath whenever it is suitable for you. Don’t push it Most cats, even those with an attraction to water, prefer not to be fully immersed, which is why your playful cat might only appear interested in the bath while it is been drained. Similarly, cats hate being sprayed with water, because of the sheer shock of it. As a result, the use of a light spray of water from a water bottle is often used as a training technique – particularly for preventing against scratching of furniture or fighting. This technique should only be used to gently discourage, and not to punish, especially if your cat has an otherwise positive, happy relationship with water. Trust us, you’re the lucky ones. Photo by Rebecca Campbell on Unsplash

How to introduce a new cat into your home

There are few things more exciting than extending your family (or furiously) with a new fur kid. It’s a chance to provide some company for your existing cat, and bring new energy into the home. But the process takes some time, and it’s important to keep a few things in mind if you want a happy, harmonious relationship between your cats. Get the right personality he first thing to consider is choosing the right cat to add to your family. If you’ve already got a particularly sedentary cat, it’s best not to get an overly playful cat, who may potentially frustrate or even irritate your more relaxed cat. Similarly, if you have an older or more temperamental cat, a kitten with boundless energy may present a source of anger or aggression from your cat, who has clearly established your home as their territory. While the cats don’t have to be the same age or have the exact same personality traits, it’s important to think about your cat’s well being and preferences as much as your own. Ground rules When bringing your new cat into the home, the next consideration is space. Cats are naturally territorial, so it will be important for your existing cat to feel that their territory has not been invaded, and at the same time, it’s important for your new cat to get to know your space. Establish clearly demarcated spaces for eating and sleeping, and a clear separation of litter boxes, to minimize clashes at mealtimes and bathroom breaks. For most cats, being separated entirely might be best, with the new cat (particularly if it is a kitten) best kept in a separate room. One technique used by cat behaviourists is bringing each cat to either side of the door, so that they can smell each other, communicate, with the safety of the door separating them. Your cats may well start to eat or sleep together over time, but it’s important to let them come to that decision on their own, instead of being forced into it. Supervised play When it comes to play, this is where the relationship can be make or break. Cats have different personalities, approaches and habits when it comes to play, so it will be important to make sure that play is initially supervised. Gentle interaction and play will also give your cats a chance to get used to each other’s scents, which is a key part of their bonding process. However, this must not be rushed. Before you allow your cats the opportunity to meet, giving each cat a towel with the other cat’s scent is a more passive way to create familiarity. In the cases where your cats display signs or anxiety, aggression or violence, it may be necessary to take them both to a cat behaviorist who can intervene on a more skilled level, and suggest more techniques for their interaction. Photo by Ayelt van Veen on Unsplash

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