Refresh Your Cat’s Old Toys with a Catnip Infusion!
Has your cat lost interest in his or her “old” toys? This might just change their mind!
Has your cat lost interest in his or her “old” toys? This might just change their mind!
As a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline companion stays hydrated and healthy. However, some cats can be quite picky when it comes to their water options, leading to reduced water intake. In this blog post, we’ll share some valuable tips to help increase your cat’s water consumption. From strategic bowl placement to choosing the right materials and incorporating running fountains, these suggestions will not only optimize your cat’s hydration but also improve their overall well-being.
Cats generally prefer to have their water bowl away from their food bowl. Placing the water bowl on the opposite side of the room or in a separate area can encourage cats to drink more. By separating their food and water sources, you address their instinctual behavior and promote higher water intake. Try experimenting with different locations to find the one that suits your cat’s preferences best.
In addition to strategic placement, providing multiple water bowls throughout your home can further entice your cat to drink. This approach ensures that water is easily accessible regardless of which area your cat prefers to spend time in. It’s also helpful for households with multiple cats, as each feline can have their own designated water bowl. Consider placing bowls in various rooms or levels of your home to make it convenient for your cat to find water wherever they roam.
The type of bowl you use can significantly impact your cat’s willingness to drink. Cats can experience whisker fatigue when their whiskers touch the sides of their bowl, leading to aversion to both food and water. By selecting wide and shallow bowls, you eliminate this discomfort and create a more inviting drinking experience for your cat.
You’ve likely seen adorable videos of cats drinking from kitchen and bathroom faucets. Many cats prefer running water, and a water fountain can mimic the appeal of a flowing stream. Running water fountains attract cats and encourage them to drink more. The continuous circulation helps maintain freshness and provides a sensory experience that entices even the pickiest of cats. Additionally, the sound and movement of the water can create an interactive and engaging environment for your cat, making hydration more enjoyable.
Expert Tip: Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t drink from the fountain right away. Like most new things, your cat needs to adapt to the new fountain over time. It’s normal for a cat to take 4-6 weeks to begin using the new fountain. If you do not have success after 6 weeks, try moving the fountain to a different area of the house.
Tiny dust and dirt particles floating in stagnant water will deter a cat from drinking from it. Additionally, water bowls will start to grow bacteria in less than 24 hrs, so it’s imperative to take proper precautions for cleanliness and safety. Wash your cat’s bowls with hot soapy water at least once a day. Water fountains should be disassembled at least once every 7-10 days so that all parts can be cleaned thoroughly. Be sure to replace the filter every 4-6 weeks, or more often depending on your water quality. Fill with fresh, clean water. We recommend using room temperature water because cat’s don’t generally prefer cold water.
Cats naturally have a remarkably low thirst drive and have adapted over centuries to thrive in dry environments. Additionally, cats’ tongues are incredibly inefficient for drinking water because they cannot scoop the water into their mouth. For these reasons, their bodies have evolved to absorb moisture through food sources. Therefore, it’s imperative to offer your cat a diet high in moisture. Canned wet food or premade raw food options offer optimal nutrition with high moisture and minimal carbohydrates. Since most feline ailments result from dehydration, a high moisture diet sets your cat up for whole body health and longevity.
Ensuring your cat’s proper hydration is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By implementing these tips, you can help your feline friend stay hydrated and prevent potential health issues associated with inadequate water intake. Remember to strategically place water bowls away from food, offer multiple water sources, choose suitable bowl materials, and consider investing in a running water fountain. Additionally, don’t forget to change the water daily and keep the food and water dishes clean to maintain optimal freshness. By following these guidelines, you’ll promote a healthy and happy lifestyle for your beloved cat.
Have you ever tried to switch your cat to a new food without success? This is actually a common problem with cats, so rest assured you’re not alone! Switching your cat’s food can be stressful for you and your cat. Before you start there are a few important things to consider. Switching your cat to a new food can be a challenge, but with careful planning, you can increase the chances of a successful transition. In this guide, we will provide you with practical tips to introduce a new food to your cat without stress.
You will only use a pea-sized amount of the new food at each meal. If you are using cans or pouches you can try and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, most cats do not like cold food. Be prepared to throw away a fair amount of cat food in your first 1-2 weeks. If you are using raw food, it becomes a little easier as you can thaw small amounts at a time since many raw cat foods come in convenient little kibble-sized pieces that thaw quickly. Regardless, be sure that when you offer the food to your cat that it is at room temperature.
Simply take a pea-sized amount and spread it thinly and evenly along the entire bottom of the dish you are using. Then, take your normal food (kibble or wet) and put it directly on top.
At this point, it is important to not mix the food. The small amount in the bottom of the dish is to simply introduce the aroma of the new food, and not necessarily get them to consume it. Serve the meal as you normally would without making a big deal about it. Be sure that you do not hover or stare at your cat – simply go about your activities as you normally would. Cats tend to pick up on energy and stress, and you want to avoid introducing any new variables.
It is normal for your cat to not eat any of the new food or maybe leave and return to the dish a few times before eating their regular food. Again, try not to make a big deal about any new behaviors. They should be used to the smell of the new food within a few days. You may find them even starting to lick the bottom of the bowl and clean the dish by the end of the first 5-7 days. This is a good sign, however, be sure not to increase the new food too quickly as to avoid digestive upset.
By day 3-4 of week 1 you may choose to take one teaspoon of warm water into the dish prior to adding your regular food if your cat is showing interest in the new food. This can promote an appetizing smell and help to increase moisture intake. At the same time recognize that this is the most critical week, be sure not to rush! Patience is key!
By this point, your cat should have shown some interest and consumed some of the new food at the bottom of the bowl. At this point, you may increase the wet food to 1-2 teaspoons. Repeat a similar process at week one making sure the food is room temperature, with the new food on top. If your cat has seemed to like the added water, you may continue to add it.
By day 4-5 of week two, you may increase the food another small amount as long as they are consuming what you are already given. Now is the time to consider cutting back on the dry food by a similar volume.
By this time your cat may be only interested in the new food, which is perfectly ok! If this is the case, there may or may not be a little bit of loose stool as a result of the cat’s decision to switch to the new food abruptly. This should subside within a day or two as their system adjusts.
If they are still consuming both foods, then you can continue increasing the new food and decreasing the kibble as each day progresses. As mentioned above, the entire process can be slow and take 3-4 weeks or more!
Sometimes, they will begin to act hungry, and/or vomit bile when switched too quickly because the gastric pH and amount of secretion have not had time to adjust to the new food, especially in the case of switching from dry to wet food or raw food. If this does happen try offering a small “snack” outside of mealtime. This could include freeze dried treats, food or fresh meat.
Pro Tip: Cats tend to not seek out water as dogs do. While there are biological reasons for this, this doesn’t mean that they should not have ample fresh, clean water available – ideally away from their food bowl. If your cat does drink regularly and you feed dry food, do not be surprised to see their water intake decrease as you move to a more moisture-rich food. This is normal!
The most important aspect of switching your cat’s food is not to stress! Be patient, and consistent. These practices pay off in time. Be sure to always ensure your cat has access to water. As they transition to a more moisture-rich food you may notice a healthier coat, brighter eyes, and even more energy! Your cat who may not have been too playful prior may have more vigor and energy for exercise – it may be worth investing in a toy or two!
Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA.
Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves the exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.
Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full
Contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title
As the pandemic continues, many pet owners are facing financial difficulties, causing them to rethink their pet’s diet. Raw and canned pet food feeding households are switching to kibble or supplementing with it to save money. In this article, we’ll explore some factors to consider when making the switch.
When looking for a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food, consider a lower carbohydrate kibble. To determine the percentage of carbohydrates, add together the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, fiber, and ash. Since ash is often not listed on the label, estimate it to be around 6-8%. Subtract the total from 100 to get the carbohydrate content.
A low carbohydrate kibble does not automatically guarantee adequate or high-quality protein. Your dog or cat needs to consume a certain amount of total grams of protein rather than an overall percentage. If you’re transitioning from raw to kibble or supplementing your pet’s raw diet with kibble, it’s crucial to reach out to pet food companies and request:
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your pet’s bowl can provide numerous health benefits, whether you feed kibble or raw. Using foods that may otherwise go to waste can also help reduce costs. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that neutralize toxic free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
A lot of us raw feeders choose to feed raw due to health conditions, disease prevention, and/or personal choice. While much of the evidence supporting these diets is anecdotal, there is a lot of research emerging to support these diets. Regardless, we do know there is sufficient published evidence to show the detriments of processed kibble and canned foods. For this reason, many of us worry about transitioning back. The good news is the researchers at the University of Helsinki DogRisk group have shown that feeding just 20% fresh food with processed food (i.e. kibble and canned food) reduces the incidence of inflammatory biomarkers quite significantly.
If you’re feeding commercial raw, consider freeze-dried foods. Traditionally, these foods have been cost-prohibitive, but there are now highly digestible and affordable brands, such as Northwest Naturals and Vital Essentials. These foods are shelf-stable, lightweight, and easy to store or transport.
Switching to a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make a more informed decision about what to feed your pet during these tough times. Remember, adding fresh foods and considering freeze-dried options can help you save money while still providing your pet with a healthy diet.
*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.
Should we be adding fresh fruits and vegetables to our pet’s meals?
It seems like every week, we hear one thing and the next week it changes (like the great butter vs margarine debate). When it comes to our pets, nutrition is almost like a religion with many different beliefs and philosophies. Unfortunately, many of these arguments are based more on emotion than science. Although there is scientific evidence to support various nutrition philosophies, the interpretation of evidence can lead to potentially unsafe practices.
To make matters worse, marketing practices can further confuse pet owners and veterinarians, leaving them unable to distinguish fact from fiction. Despite this, we have seen significant shifts in recommendations for both humans and pets and diet-related diseases like insulin-dependent diabetes and obesity cannot be ignored. In humans, there is ample evidence to support a causal relationship between high intake of processed foods (containing refined carbohydrates/sugars) and insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic-related diseases. It makes sense that we would worry about the same issues in our pets, considering that most dry pet foods contain between 40-60% refined carbohydrates.
We know vegetables are important in the human diet, some more nutritionally beneficial than others, and the same applies to our pets. While the debate amongst many within the pet nutrition industry may disagree – our dogs are not wolves (read more here), and they can digest carbohydrates. While the ability to do this varies between various breeds, the focus of this blog isn’t the ability of our pets to digest carbs – instead, it is the benefits they obtain from fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals contained within fruits and vegetables.
Our canines & felines need muscle meat, organ & bone partly due to the bioavailability of amino acids and other nutrients. If you were to give your dog the option of meat or plants/vegetables, studies show they would choose meat. However, when offered together, most dogs and some cats will consume fruit or vegetables too. Some trial and error with various cooking methods, chopping, mincing, or even blending in a food processor may entice those who may be pickier.
As a pet owner, you may wonder if it’s necessary to supplement your pet’s diet with vegetables, especially if they don’t seem to like them. After all, isn’t pet food already complete and balanced? While pet food does provide the necessary nutrients, adding vegetables to your pet’s diet can provide additional benefits.
Vegetables and plants are abundant in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, and even beneficial bacteria. However, for pets that primarily consume canned and/or kibble food, adding fresh plant-based foods can provide protective benefits. Canned and kibble foods tend to have high levels of carcinogenic chemicals called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs.
AGEs are naturally present in animal-based products, and additional AGEs form during the cooking process. Since dogs and cats primarily eat these types of food their entire life, their toxic load is much higher as a result. Toxic loads can negatively impact various organ systems, overall health, and even shorten the lifespan of pets and people.
The good news is that antioxidants and other phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens and berries, help to ward off some of the negative effects of AGEs. By adding fresh, organic, raw, or lightly cooked plants and veggies to your pet’s diet, you can help to reduce the toxic load and improve their overall health.
Even the best raw, kibble, or dehydrated foods lack the benefits of fresh, organic, raw, or lightly cooked plants and veggies. By supplementing your pet’s diet with fresh plant-based foods, you can help to provide a well-rounded and balanced diet that supports their health and well-being.
….just to name a few!
While there are only a few things dogs and cats can’t have, quantity is what matters. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
These additions for cats should be kept low, however, they can be added to dog’s diets in greater amounts. Cats should consume no more than 5%, and dogs should be no more than 15-20%.
*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA.
Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves the exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.
Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full
Contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title
More people are home with their pets these days and just like their humans, pets need to stay both mentally and physically engaged. Rather than have your dog decide how to entertain himself (i.e. eating your favorite shoes or chewing on your couch cushions) here are a few ideas to try out with your pooch.
Teaching your dog the basics of scent work is both mentally and physically engaging for your pet by making him feel useful and productive. All you need are some treats and/or toys. Have your dog “stay” in a certain spot. Place a bit of food or his favorite toy at the other end of the room. Give your dog a command to “find it”. After doing this a few times your dog will understand what you want him to do.
Once your dog seems to know “find it” try increasing the nose challenge. While your dog is in the stay position put the treat or toy out of his line of sight. The idea is to increase the distance between your pet and the treat/toy.
Using a treat that is “smelly” and putting it out of his line of sight is a great way to teach your dog to use his sense of smell and not sight. Be sure to shower your dog with praise when he finds the treat. While teaching this skill, you may want to begin by dragging the treat along the floor to create a scent path until he gets more adept at using his nose. Place treats in various locations around your home, some easier to find and others more of a challenge.
Another simple nose work game is “which hand”. Hide a treat in one of your hands while your dog watches and ask your dog “which one”? If he chooses the wrong hand don’t give him the treat. When he chooses the correct hand, reward him with the treat and lots of praise. He will learn to use his nose rather than eyes to find the treat.
In addition, to “hide and seek” with treats and toys, there are a number of other games you can play with Rover. Here are a few:
Tug of War: Always fun for dogs, a good teaching tool and great exercise.
Fetch: Of course, only if you have the space to do this safely!
Puzzle games: There are many different “treat” puzzles on the market to challenge your pet. We have several options like snuffle mats, Paw5 bowls, Mine Pet Platters, Kong Toys, Licki Mats & more!
Chasing bubbles: All you need is just a bottle and a wand. Bubble stuff is generally non-toxic and this can be great exercise.
Toys provide a great outlet for your pup’s mental and physical energy. A popular one is a stuffed Kong. You can stuff the toy with a variety of treats that will keep your pet busy and entertained. Another great option is our new Licki Mats – these are textured silicone mats that you can put yogurt, peanut butter, canned food, etc. and freeze it! This provides a long-lasting treat that results in a tired pup! Again, dogs love a challenge and these are great ones that tend to hold up to dogs who may need tougher options. Luckily, they make various sizes for all size dogs!
Chewing is a great form of mental stimulation because it allows them to focus on one thing to engage various muscles that surround their jaw resulting in one tired pup! Great all-natural, non-toxic options include Earth Animal No-Hides, Stash bully sticks, raw bones, duck necks, turkey necks, antlers, water buffalo horns, and more!
Note: We do have great “Boredom Bag” options – our staff will ask you a variety of questions to determine your dog’s likes, dislikes, sensitivities, activity level, and chewing habits to create a customized bag of treats, toys and extra surprises for your cat or dog!
OK – so we’re all a little guilty (maybe) for letting our dogs off easy. Brush up on basic obedience, or take the opportunity to teach your dog basic obedience commands: sit, down, stay, drop it, and come here.
Take it a step further and teach your dog basic impulse control commands: wait, stay, settle, down, and “place”. Start by teaching your dog to look at you. Always reward patient behavior.
Teach your dog a new “skill” like putting their toys away, naming their toys, and finding their toys. Start with one specific toy that you give a name. With some practice and praise your dog will learn his specific toys by name.
When teaching your dog a new trick, you may consider clicker training as an option. This uses conditioning to teach your dog that when he hears the clicker he will get a treat for doing the task he was asked.
Sure, not all dogs are fans of being groomed but it does need to be done now and then. Brushing, bathing, nail trimming … reward good behavior with treats and praise. It’s important to remember to be patient, dogs can pick up on our anxiety and stress – stay calm!
It doesn’t always have to be about physical and mental challenges. Some snuggling together on the couch, a “doggie massage”, or even reading to your dog can be a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your dog.
If your dog is normally crated when you are at work, it is probably best to continue to utilize crate time for short periods of time during our quarantine times. This may help to reduce separation anxiety when we do begin to return to work.
From teaching your dog tricks, basic scent training, playing games, and providing chew treats/toys there are many great options to keep your pet mentally and physically challenged.
Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full
Contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title
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