How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

January is National Walk to Your Pet Month. Usually, that brings to mind images of walking your dog on a sunny day. But, what if you were walking with your cat instead? You may baulk at the suggestion, but it’s true! Cats can be trained to walk on a leash and they can also end up loving it.

First off, you’ll want to break them into the idea of a leash and harness easily. Cats are very independent by nature, so it’s best not to force them into too much too quickly. And always make sure to give them lots of praise and pets during all interactions while training. After all, we know how much cats love being praised!

leash

Equipment needed

 

  • Harness and Leash

Make sure you’re using a harness and not just a collar. If they try to run up the collar could choke them or break off. The harness will protect their neck and give you more control for their safety.

  • Treats

Get a few healthy treats (a great time for a dental chew treat) to reward them in training. After a while start to eliminate the treats as a reward, but it is a great starting incentive.

Easy Steps To Train Your Cat to Walk on Leash:

 

Step 1: Introduction

Introduce your cat to the harness and leash. Show it to them and let them sniff it. Then leave it laying around their space before you try it on them. This will help them get familiar with it before they have to put it on. Once you’re ready to try it out, put it on them while giving them praises. If they’re okay with it from the start then let them wear it around for a while. If they are not having any of it then take it off and try again tomorrow. Don’t push them. After a successful wear, give them a little treat.

Step 2: Indoor Practice

After they are used to the harness, it’s time to try the leash. Put it on and gently lead them around the house. You will know when they are fed up when they refuse to stand or move or when their tail switches or they flatten their ears. Put down treats in a line (think Hansel & Gretel) to get them to move forward. Walk around to their favorite spots for a little while so they can get acclimated to being tethered.

Step 3: Outside Adventure

Once they are used to the leash and harness indoors it is time to venture outside a little bit. Start in the quietest part of the yard and slowly let them explore the area around the door. Each time try to get them into going a little farther on each walk. Hopefully, within a few days or weeks, they’ll be loving their leash and the great outdoors.

 

Tips to Keep in Mind

 

  • Always consider your cat’s temperament. Some cats may take to walking much faster than others. Some can be comfortable within a week or two, some can take close to a month.
  • Expect a few setbacks. It’s possible that your cat will love a walk one day and the next something is different or scares them and they may freak out.
  • Never leave them alone or tethered on the leash.
  • Don’t let them climb trees while walking.

 

It may seem like an impossible task, but it isn’t! Your cat gets all the same benefits of walking as do dogs and ourselves. It’s a great way for them to be stimulated, get exercise and enjoy the sunshine.

Do you ever walk with your cat? Let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below!

 

6 Things To Do in Fort Collins for New Years

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The new year is almost here. It is time to bring to a close one year and the start of a new one. It’s not only a time to think about resolutions, it is also a time to think about spending time celebrating this special time of the years. So, if you’re looking for a great way to ring in the new year, we have picked the top 6 fun things for you do to in Fort Collins this New Year.

Our Top 6 New Years Events:

(These are events from 2019. For 2020, please stay home, stay safe and we will see you next year!)

 

  • New Year’s Eve at Loveland Laser Tag

When: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

New Years

Where: Loveland Laser Tag, 401 Denver Ave., Loveland

Try your hand at laser tag this New Year’s Eve, with Loveland Laser Tag’s New Year’s Eve lock-in, which will include all attractions, a full dinner buffet, a non-alcoholic sparkling cider toast at midnight and more. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

 

  • First Night Fort Collins

When: 5:30-10 p.m.

Where: Downtown Fort Collins

Bring the whole family to Old Town this New Year’s Eve as First Night Fort Collins gears up for a free night of winter wonderland-themed offerings, including international dance, live theater, magic, comedy and music performances. Kids run free at the event’s “bounceland,” filled with giant inflatables and face painters. A kids countdown starts in the Square at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks finish the night early at 10 p.m.

 

  • Garden of Lights

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins

Wander through a wonderland of twinkling lights at the annual Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Springs Creek. While there is no cost of admission, a $5 donation per adult and $2 donation per child is suggested.

 

  • An Epic Night to Remember at Fusion

When: Starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Fusion Night Club, 351 Linden St., Fort Collins

Du’ Tell Events and Fusion Night Club invites you to celebrate New Years Eve with dancing, live music, hors d’ oeuvres, an open bar, party favors, a balloon drop, photo booth and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress to impress. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple.

 

  • New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party

When: Starts at 9 p.m.

Where: Dungeons & Drafts, 1624 S. Lemay Ave. Unit 6, Fort Collins

Mask up and head down to Dungeons & Drafts for its 2017 New Year’s Masquerade bash. Attendees 21 and over will get a free glass of champagne at midnight.

If you’re going to be heading out this New Year’s Eve make sure your pet stays safe. Follow these quick safety tips to keep everyone safe while ringing in 2018.

  • Don’t leave them outside at night. The fireworks can throw them into a panic. They may try to escape the yard or get tied up in their leash if they are tethered.
  • Make sure tags are updated. This is important just in case they do end up escaping during the night.
  • Turn on ambient noise (i.e., TV or radio) to drown out a party or fireworks.
  • Hire a pet sitter if your pet is particularly anxious about loud noises and being alone.

We hope that everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!  CHEERS!

 

Why Does My Dog Not Like New Year’s Eve?

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

If you are asking yourself this question, then you’ve probably had a traumatizing experience with Fido while watching the Times Square ball drop at midnight. If you’re like most people, New Year’s Eve is a night filled with lots of family, friends, fun, and noise. LOTS of noise. Though the noise may not bother you, your dog’s hearing is four times better than yours. Their natural instinct is to RUN.

One minute you’re cuddling with Fido and the next he is nowhere to be found. He most likely ran outside or hid under the bed, searching for a secure place to hide. While you’re frantically running around looking for your precious pooch, you get a knock on the door from your neighbor saying they found him wandering in their front yard. You think to yourself, “I’m so lucky I found you”.

If you can relate to this scenario, your dog most likely does not like New Year’s Eve.

A few reasons your dog doesn’t like New Year’s Eve

  • Decorations

See those streamers, balloons, and party hats? They may be fun for you, but for Fido? Not so much. He may be scared and not recognize you. This may lead to a change in behavior and his reactivity to you. If he shows signs of fear, take the hat off and reassure your pup that everything will be okay.

  • Loud Noises

Noisemakers, cheering and laughter are all part of the New Year’s Eve festivities. These are all scary noises for Fido. You may find him trembling and whining in fear. Ask your guests to bring the noise down a notch, and put your dog in a separate room with the TV or radio on.

  • Crowds

Is it your turn to host the annual New Year’s Eve party? Whether you are hosting a huge party, or it’s a group of your closest friends, these people are getting in your dog’s personal space. Large crowds are scary and Fido may react adversely. If your dog is not a social creature, spare him the anxiety and put him in a separate room.

  • Fireworks

Are your neighbors the type to set off fireworks in the middle of the street and make a huge commotion? If you answered yes, this may be why Fido is shaking uncontrollably while you “ooh” and “ah” at the light show. Fireworks are some of the scariest, loudest noises for dogs. Turn up the TV and keep your furry friend in a secure kennel or bedroom. If you have the opportunity to, try to stroke his back while you reassuringly hold him.

The reasons mentioned above may just be the tip of the iceberg as to why your dog does not like New Year’s Eve. Just remember, while you’re excited and ready to ring in the New Year, keep your furry friend in mind!

 

 

The Best Holiday Gifts For Dogs

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Pets are a huge part of every pet parent’s life, so it makes sense to include them on holidays. But finding gifts for your dog that they will like can be challenging. Here is a list of gift ideas for every dog in your life.

For the dog who loves fetch

A favorite gift for Fido is the traditional tennis ball. Many dogs love tennis balls more than any other toy, and as a bonus, they are pretty inexpensive. Buy your dog a set of 3 balls and have a game of fetch in the yard or park. These are sure to be a great gift for the dog who loves fetch.

If you have a dog who likes to shred or break tennis balls, there are some really cool, hardy tennis balls on the market. Check out the Chuckit! brand balls or Kong brand balls for a more durable ball. Both of these are available online and at most pet stores.

For the dog who likes toys

There are so many cool toys available for your pup to play with. You can find toys specifically for what you need. There are waterproof toys, toys that float, durable toys, squeaker toys and many more. Try and pick one for what you want to do with it, like a floating toy for fetch at the lake.

Feeling crafty? There are lots of easy DIY toys you can make at home. One of my favorites is the fleece or t-shirt braided toy.

  • Fleece or t-shirt Braided Toy
  • Supplies: Old t-shirt or fleece, scissors, 2 rubber bands
  1. Start by cutting your fleece or t-shirt into 3 equal length and width strips. Make the width about 2 inches wide. Make the strips about 6 inches longer than you want the toy to be. Cut shorter strips for smaller dogs, and longer strips for larger dogs.
  2. Begin by placing the first rubber band 3 inches down your strip. Tie the rubber band tight.
  3. Begin braiding the strips together until you reach 3 inches from the bottom.
  4. Tie a rubber band at the end of your braid.
  5. Tie a large, tight knot at both ends of your braid.
  6. Cut the rubber band out of the knot using scissors.
  7. Give the toy to your dog to enjoy!

For the smarty pants

Dogs need to keep their minds active to stay out of trouble, here are some toys to trick your dog into using his brain.  Check out Kong toys, which let you hide treats or peanut butter in the toy. These are very durable and most dogs love them. Another great option is puzzle toys. These are available at most major pet stores. These toys allow you to hide treats in the toy; your dog has to move pieces around in order to get the treats. Check out Outward Hound’s puzzle toys for some cool gifts for Fido.

You can also DIY some puzzle toys from items you have at home. Check out our previous blog post “Reduce, Reuse, Ruff-cycle” for some great DIY toy ideas.

For the fashionable dog

Some dogs love to be up on the latest trends.  Every dog needs a cool collar or harnesses this season. Check out local pet stores for a new collar or harness.  Be sure to pick one that fits securely on your dog. Make sure the collar is not too heavy or likely to get caught on things. If you are a Fort Collins local, check local boutique pet stores for awesome CSU collars.

For the dog who has everything

Spending time with you is the best gift you could give to your dog. A great gift for any dog is going out for a special walk or hike. If your dog is not a huge fan of walking, try giving extra belly rubs as a gift.

These gifts are sure to be perfect for all the dogs in your life! Let us know what toys you give your dog this holiday season.

Shop local!

The Best Holiday Gifts for Cats

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Getting the perfect gift for the fuzzy feline in your life can be a challenge! These gift ideas are sure to please and keep your kitty content this holiday season.

Toys 

  • For the playful cat, toys can make a great gift. There are many types of toys available, so you can find the perfect one for your cat!
  • Does your cat like to chase things? Check out the traditional feather wand or the automated “Teaser” cat toys. Feeling crafty? Try making your own stick toy by tying a string onto a clump of feathers and glueing this onto a small dowel.
  • Does your cat like catnip? Try making your own catnip toy by filling a sock with catnip then using a rubber band or string to tie it closed.

cats

Furniture

  • Cat trees are always a good gift. Cats love to get up high and check out their home. Cat trees come in many variations. I would recommend shorter cat trees for older cats and taller ones for younger or agiler cats. If your cat likes to scratch check out cat trees with scratching post bases.
  • Cat beds are a great gift for the sleepy cat in your life. Try and pick a soft bed, that is easy to wash and place it in your cat’s favorite spot. Many cats love sleeping in the sun, so place the bed by a window.
  • Scratching posts are great to minimize scratching and keep your cat healthy. Cats scratch to mark their scent and to file their nails down. Scratching posts range from very simple to very fancy. Simple cardboard scratching pads can be found at most pet stores. Some of the fancier scratching posts have twine that can be replaced when it is worn down.

Treats 

  • Cat treats can be a great present for your cat this holiday season. Check out our previous blog posts for cat treat recipes. A slight change in diet can also make a good gift. Try adding a can of wet food or a different type of pet food. Most cats love wet food, so this is a special gift for the holidays.

Cats can be difficult to understand, but choosing a gift for them can be easy. These gifts will help make this holiday season special for your cat! Let us know what presents your cat likes this holiday season on our Facebook page.

Shop local!

How to Involve Your Pets in Christmas

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Christmas is a special time for family and a lot of families include fur-children too. That’s why it’s a great idea to try and involve your pets in the Christmas celebrations. And if you’re wondering how to do that, we have some great ways to include the four-legged family members this year.

 

Take a Christmas photo together

We all love getting the family together for a festive family photo. This year make sure that your pet is in the photo as well! Grab your pet and an extra Santa for the perfect (and complete!) family portrait. You can use it for Christmas cards, put it in an ornament or frame it for the perfect holiday keepsake.

Get them a special gift

Wrap a gift and put it under the tree just for them. Just be sure that if it’s a fragrant gift of treats to wait and put it under the tree Christmas morning. Their curiosity may get the better of them and they may try to break into it. Eating ribbon or string can wreak havoc on their digestive systems, so it’s best to leave those gifts locked away until it is time to open it up.

Bake them their own Christmas treats

Most of the holidays are spent nibbling on delectable foods. However, almost everything we eat is far too rich for our pups to have. Why not take a few extra minutes in the kitchen to make them their own delicious Christmas treats? There are a lot of easy recipes you can whip up for your furry pal in no time.

Bring them along to look at Christmas lights

One of the best parts of the holiday season is all of the twinkling Christmas decorations. It’s always fun to jump in the car and drive around looking at lights. This year instead of leaving your dog at home, bring them along with the whole family for a chance to see how festive your neighborhood looks.

 

Spending time with family is one of the most important parts of Christmas. We get a chance to give our loved ones gifts and shower them with love during this special time of year. Including your pet is only the natural thing to do!

 

Related Posts:

The Best Holiday Gifts for Cats

No Bake Snowball Treats for Your Dog

Easy Thanksgiving Treats to Make for Your Dog

 

Easy Thanksgiving Treats to Make for Your Dog

/0 Comments/in /by

4 Easy Thanksgiving Dog Treat Recipes Header

 

It’s officially November, kitchens and cooks all over the nation are getting prepped for the big day including those who want to make some easy Thanksgiving dog treats. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and it’s time to start planning your menu. This year make sure to include your dog in the menu by whipping some easy to make treats of their very own. Whether you’re an avid chef and baker or just starting out, you’ll find that you can at least make one or two of these homemade treat recipes.

 

The Easiest Ever Two-Ingredients Treats

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix ingredients together to form a stiff dough. If necessary, add extra flour or water as needed.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out evenly until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into the desired shape or a pizza cutter to make cubes.
  4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, place treats about 1/2 inch apart. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
  5. Allow them to cool completely before storing in a paper bag (storing in an air-tight container will make them soft, but they’re still edible).

 

The Easiest-Ever Two Ingredients Dog Treats Recipe Card

Frozen Apple Smoothie Bites 

Ingredients:

  • 2 Apples
  • 1 Cup Greek Nonfat Plain Yogurt
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Slice 2 apples into small pieces but remove the seeds and the core.
  2. Mix the apple slices, yogurt, and a splash of water in your NutriBullet or blender and blend until you get a liquid consistency.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for a few hours or until hard.
  4. Put the leftover treats into a Tupperware container and store them in the freezer.

 

Frozen Apple Smoothie Bites Recipe Card

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix oatmeal and flour together in a large bowl.
  3. Add enough water to get the dough to form a ball. Add water slowly, too much will make it too sticky, not enough and it will crumble.
  4. Line cupcake tins. Take a chunk of dough and press into the bottom of the cupcake liner. The dough should go up sides a bit, about a 1/2″.
  5. Bake crust for 8 mins, until firm and slightly brown.
  6. Carefully take crusts out of the tin, cool on the rack. When cool, remove liners.
  7. Mix pumpkin, banana, and half of the yogurt together.
  8. Fill each crust with pumpkin banana mixture.
  9. Freeze until firm. Serve Frozen.

 

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe Card

Peanut Butter Molasses Treats

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
  4. Knead dough into a ball
  5. Roll the ball out onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick
  6. Take a pizza cutter and score the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid. Be careful to score the dough, not completely cut through.
  7. Place on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Cool and break into pieces, then refrigerate.

 

Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats Recipe Card

The best part of making your own easy Thanksgiving dog treats is that you know exactly what your dog is eating. Plus, they get to feel like a special part of the family on Thanksgiving. If you decide to add one or all of the recipes to your menu, let us know how they turn out!

What Can My Cat Eat On Thanksgiving?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year for pet parents and their pets. They get to meet new people and possibly beg for some tasty turkey. Many pet parents (me included) want to share some of the wonderful food with our kitties, but this is not always a good idea. This blog will include what you can share with your kitty and some yummy treats so that your kitty can participate in the festivities.Thanksgiving

What can you share with your cat? 

Cats can eat a very diverse diet including meat, fish, some fruit and vegetables. However, their diet cannot include processed human food, foods high in sugar or foods with extra salt or seasonings.

1. Green Beans

A few green beans, fed occasionally is actually good for fluffy, but these aren’t the green beans in your green bean casserole. Keep your kitty’s green beans simple by steaming them until soft. Before cooking cut the green beans into small, 1/2 inch chunks.  For a special treat mix in some chunk tuna or wet food. Feed these as a treat or with your cat’s meal for a special Thanksgiving treat.

2. Baked Squash and Carrots 

Again, feed in moderation squash and carrots are good for your kitty. Make sure the squash and carrots are fully cooked before feeding it, as undercooked veggies are indigestible for your cat. Some people like to bake the squash at 350 degrees until soft, but you can also steam them (again until soft). Make sure you do not add any oil or seasoning to these vegetables. The fully cooked squash and carrots can be served mashed up or cut up in small, 1/2 inch chunks.

3. Turkey 

Cats can join in on this aspect of Thanksgiving fun. Make your kitty his or her own special turkey or set some meat aside. Cats cannot handle the seasoning or baste you put on your turkey, so simply bake the turkey in the oven, plain. Bake the turkey until fully cooked, raw turkey can make your kitty sick. Make sure you choose lower fat portions of the turkey and remove any bones before feeding. Cut the turkey up into small chunks or shreds. This can be feed as a treat for a few meals, like on Thanksgiving day. Turkey can be high in calories so feed only a small amount.

 

 

Special Thanksgiving Treats

Want to make your kitty something special for the holiday, try out these treat recipes special for cats.

Tuna Yum Yums

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of non-fat milk
  • 1/2 can of tuna
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or fish oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • Optional: a teaspoon of catnip, mint, or parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place parchment paper on a cookie sheet
  2. Mash or cut the tuna into small pieces, mix in the flour and milk
  3. Pour in water and vegetable oil, then mix well
  4. In a separate dish, beat the egg
  5. Mix the beaten egg into the tuna mix
  6. Mix well, until the mix becomes dough-like
  7. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of blueberries, and place on the baking sheet
  8. Cook the dough for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Stick a toothpick in to check that the treat is fully cooked
  9. Cool for an hour before feeding to your kitty and make sure not to overindulge them

 

Kitty Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna or salmon
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1/2 can of your cat’s favorite food
  • 1 teaspoon of dry cat food or treats

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the wet ingredients in a bowl
  2. Pour into a Tupperware or small casserole dish
  3. Top with dry food or treats
  4. Serve a small amount to your kitty

Feed this casserole in moderation, 1-2 tablespoons per day. Store in a closed container, in the refrigerator, for up to a week.

 

While most foods on the Thanksgiving table are off-limits for your cat, these treats and tips can help make the holiday special for your cat. Let us know how your cat likes these treats by commenting on our Facebook page or commenting below!

 

5 Halloween Costumes That Include Your Dog 2019

/1 Comment/in , /by

 

Halloween is almost here, soon the weekends will fill up with costume parties and trick or treating. Couple’s costumes have always been a hit. But pairing up with your four-legged friend is even better.  You are sure to stand out with one of these awesome Halloween costumes that include your dog. With these top 5 costume ideas, you are sure to be the talk of the party for years to come.

1. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or Princess Leia with an Ewok 

Choose your favorite Star Wars character and pair it with one the ever adorable Ewoks of Endor. You can go all out with store-bought costumes or keep it simple. Drape your dog with a brown cloak and attach a stick to the side. Then pick out similar cloths as your favorite character, grab a wig or pull up your hair, and you’re set.  Now, if you could only teach your dog to bark, “UTINI!!!!”

2. Felonius Gru and a Minion 

Photo from Buy Costumes

Photo from Buy Costumes

I love how comfortable and easy this one is for the human! Black pants, grey sweater and striped scarf will pull this look off. If you really want to go all out get the mask and scarf from Amazon, then you’ll really be Despicable Me.

3. Daenerys Stormborn & Her Dragon

Another costume that is sure to be a hit is Daenerys and her dragons from Game of Thrones. If you’re handy with the sewing machine, you could easily fashion some wings for your dog and a flowy garb ala Khaleesi. Or take the easy way with a plush dragon costume and a true Mother of Dragon’s outfit.

 

4. Batman (or Batgirl) and Robin

Photo from Amazon

The dynamic duo has never been so perfect! Dress your dog up as Robin and don your best Dark Knight get up for the perfect costume.

5. Ringmaster & Lion

Let your dog be the star of the show as a lion and you as the Ringmaster under the big top.

Just remember to never leave your dog unattended in a costume. It is important that your dog is safe and comfortable. Safety is an important part of a good time. Make sure to stay tuned next week for more Halloween safety tips.

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Best Halloween Costumes for Your Dog

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Fall is here and Halloween decorations are starting to pop up everywhere. It’s time to start thinking about your costumes. And why should we have all the fun? Why not get your dog in on the spooky holiday with a costume of their own! Here are the top Halloween costumes for your dog this October 31st.

 

Minion

Halloween Costume

Image from Amazon

You can never go wrong with an adorable Minion costume.

Beanie Baby

Halloween Costume

Image from You Bet Your Pierogis

 

Transform your dog into a real-life version of the crazy 90’s trend, the Beanie Baby. The best part is that this Halloween costume is easy and inexpensive! Learn out to create it in this tutorial from You Bet Your Pierogi.

Super Dog

 

Halloween Costume

Image from Amazon

Create your own crime-fighting canine with this adorable super dog costume!

Punk Rock Pup

Halloween Costume

Image from Woman’s Day

Recreate the look with a Doggy Faux-Mohawk and a studded collar. Your pup will go from pup to punk in no time.

 

Lion Dog

Image from Amazon

 

We love Halloween and the chance to dress up as our favorite characters for the night. Just remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind first and you’re sure to have a great night!

What is your favorite costume that you’ve ever seen or done with your dog? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

Related Blogs:

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

Halloween Dangers for Pets

5 Halloween Costumes That Include Your Dog