Solid Advice For Pet Owners

Here are seven questions with answers your cats wish you knew about the COVID-19 disease. I heard that I can carry COVID-19. Is this true? No! The World Health Organisation has stated that there is currently no evidence that cats (or dogs) can carry and/or transmit COVID-19 to humans or other animals. There are however different types of Coronavirus which cats and dogs can carry respectively, BUT these have been around for a while already and CANNOT be transmitted to humans. But a dog died in Hong Kong? We understand that the dog in Hong Kong tested Negative for COVID-19, was returned home from quarantine and has since passed away, BUT most likely from natural causes as the pooch was already 17 years old. Our sympathies go out to the owner(s). So I don’t have to wear a mask? There is currently no evidence that masks can prevent cats from contracting infectious diseases – especially due to the variations in muzzle shapes. If anything, wearing a mask may just scare and confuse you. Can my pet food carry the Coronavirus? This is VERY unlikely. The hygienic handling of raw materials and thorough cooking of foods is already a top-priority for us, as we have to comply with many laws – Coronavirus or not! What’s more, our food is nutritionally complete which will also help you fight infections. For added peace of mind your owners can give you a good multivitamin. One of my humans has contracted COVID-19. What now? Simply as a measure of precaution, it is recommended that you are kept away from the infected member of your family and that your healthy owners follow normal hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before and after handling you. What if I show flu-like symptoms? There are several other viral and bacterial infections that you can contract, that aren’t COVID-19 and aren’t infectious to your owners. If you show any signs of sneezing, coughing or fatigue, your owners should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian who will diagnose and help you get better! So there is really no reason for my owners to drop me off at a shelter? No! The shelters are already battling with day-to-day operations outside of COVID-19 and your owners should not be adding to this problem due to fear. In fact, there has never been a better time for them to bond with you through grooming and play (to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape), whilst also remembering not to overstimulate you. Photo by Yerlin Matu on Unsplash

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

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

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