Tag Archive for: cat

Why Cats Make Wonderful Companions

Why Cats Make Wonderful Companions Header

Why Cats Make Wonderful Companions

Everybody has their reasons why cats make wonderful companions. But what if you’re on the fence about adopting a feline companion? Here are 10 of our reasons why cats make wonderful companions.

1. Cats are independent.

Cats are known for being more independent than dogs. Some people prefer this in a cat, others prefer bullet point number 2.

2. But they also can be cuddle bugs.

Nothing beats a warm cat curled up in your lap or having your cat follow you around. Some cats love to be around people and “participate” in the discussion.

3. They’re great apartment pets.

Cats tend to require less space than dogs, don’t require a yard, multiple walks daily, and don’t have to be let out to go to the bathroom every few hours. This makes them ideal apartment pets. Bonus points if you’re on a higher floor.

4. Lower maintenance than dogs.

Not into going for walks? Cats can be trained to walk on a leash but if that isn’t your thing that’s fine! Cats also don’t have to be professionally groomed as regularly as dogs – though their nails do need trimmed frequently and long haired cats especially need brushed.

5. Cats cost less to care for than dogs.

Toys don’t typically get destroyed around cats meaning they don’t need replaced as often. Having a smaller animal means less monthly expenses on pet food. Cat veterinary bills also tend to be a bit lower than dogs because of their smaller size.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t splurge on your cat or get a pet when you cannot afford one in your monthly budget. Cats still need:

  • Quality food
  • Litter
  • Annual veterinary examinations
  • Toys
  • Pet insurance – while optional is still a great thing to have

6. Cats are good for your health.

Purring is actually a way cats heal themselves and you! “Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. Various investigators have shown that sound frequencies in this range can improve bone density and promote healing.”[1] Plus they’re fun to watch. If you’re ever in a bad mood go watch some cat videos.

7. They can be a natural pest-control.

Not every cat is a great hunter but when they are they can be a great natural pest-control. Just make sure they’re up to date on their vaccines and dewormed regularly. If you do find your cat bringing you a lot of rodents or other creatures be sure to contact your local pet control.

8. Cats are renowned for keeping themselves clean.

Felines spend an average of 5 hours grooming themselves each day. This helps to keep dirt and tangles out of their fur which is why they require less professional grooming appointments.

9. Cats are quiet.

Need I say more?

10. They bring us joy and entertainment.

Cats are fun to watch. That’s why they’re the ruling class of the internet.

You’re sold! You want to get a cat! But, a cat doesn’t factor into your current lifestyle or budget. If that’s the case considering volunteering at your local shelter or humane society. This can provide you with that feline companionship you want while also not having to stress about full-time care-giving.

These aren’t all the reasons why cats make wonderful companions! Every cat is unique and provides a different cat owner experience. Why do you think they wonderful companions? Tell us in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day Header

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day Header

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day

Looking for creative ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day? Here are some fun, and healthy, dog treat recipes you can make to celebrate with your pup!

REMEMBER: When buying canned pumpkin, make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices that your dog shouldn’t have. If you feel more comfortable buying a brand that was made to be consumed by cats and dogs, here are a few brands:

1. Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites

Ingredients
16 oz. canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin– do not use pie filling)
½ banana
¾ cup flour
½ cup oatmeal
¼ – ½ cup water
¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
Cupcake or muffin tin
Cupcake liners

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 bottom of cupcake liner. 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 Card2. Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients
2 Large Bananas (spotted/brown are best)
3tblsp Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter
3tblsp Coconut Oil

Directions
1. Mix bananas in a stand mixer until they are broken down but not a purée. You can also use a hand mixer or a masher.
2. Slowly combine peanut butter and coconut oil until texture is smooth. A few chunks are ok!
3. Pour into your favorite silicone mold.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.

Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe Card

3. Cranberry Pumpkin Pie Bites

Ingredients
2c Whole Wheat Flour
1c Rolled Oats
1c Whole Fresh Cranberries (Frozen works, just make sure they’re thawed)
16oz Pumpkin
1½c Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable Stock

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. If the mixture is too dry you can add some more stock.
3. Roll into 1-1½in sized balls and place on a lined cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 50 minutes.
5. Let cool and serve!

Cranberry Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe Card

What’s your favorite pumpkin dog treat recipe? Let us know in the comments below.

Should Your Pet Wear ID? Header

Should Your Pet Wear ID?

Should Your Pet Wear ID? Header

Should Your Pet Wear ID?

You pet should always have some form of permanent identification on them at all times as identification is extremely important in helping you be reunited with your pet. This can be either in the form of a microchip or a tattoo. As of 2021, microchips are by far the more popular of the two. If you plan on going out with your pet or if your pet is know to door-dart, they should have a form of ID that is easily accessible on them at all times. This is most commonly in the form of ID tags but some collars also come embroidered with information. You can get ID tags made at most pet stores or you can order them online on sites like Red Dingo.

 

What information should an ID tag have?

Your pets ID should have at minimum the following information:

  • Their name
  • Your phone number

Optionally you can include:

  • Alternative phone number, ex. a spouse’s phone number
  • Address
  • Medical alert, ex. if your dog needs insulin or is extremely allergic to chicken

If you are placing a collar on a cat, make sure it is a breakaway collar. With a breakaway collar, if they get it caught on a branch or a fence they are able to get unstuck.

Check that chip!

If your pet is microchipped, make sure that the information on the chip is currently up to date. Include secondary contact information when possible. If you don’t have anybody else you can put down you can put down the shelter where you adopted your pet from or consider asking a neighbor if you can put their information down. You should also check any physical tags every few months to make sure that the engraving has not worn away.

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter Header

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

Pets love to be warm in the winter. Here are some ways to help keep them warm.

1. Heated Bed/Blanket/Pad

I have a heated bed and let me tell you, it’s wonderful in the winter. I can climb into a warm bed and when I wake up I’m nice and toasty. Honestly makes it hard to get out of bed. I also know that my pets love it as well. So much so that I have three heated blankets, two heated pads, and a heated cat bed for them to use year-round if they so desire. They understand that if they lay on any of them when I notice I’ll turn it on for them.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed 20″ on Amazon @ $92.99

K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Kitty Mat Reversible Cat Bed on Amazon, Starting @ $25.35

There are lots of different brands to choose from but most of the ones I own are from K&H. You can find their dog products here.

2. Keep that heated bed off the floor and away from drafts

The floor is cold, especially if it isn’t carpeted and drafts are no fun either. Even if your pet bed isn’t heated, make sure it stays off the floor and away from

3. Or add another blanket

Not only does adding another blanket provide additional comfort it provides warmth. Any blanket will do, it doesn’t have to be pet specific. If you do want a pet specific blanket, Tall Tails makes super soft ones.

4. Sweaters

Not all pets like sweaters but if yours does, great! Sweaters are a cute way to add an extra layer of warmth to your pet especially when they’re outside. They make sweaters for all sizes of dogs so you’re sure to find one on the market that fits. Go check out the ones on Amazon, Canada Pooch, or Chilly Dog Sweaters.

5. Don’t shave down to the skin

Cats and dogs are built to withstand some cold temperatures. Some breeds were even designed for it like Huskies. Don’t shave your pet down to their skin during winter as this will remove the warm, protective layer fur provides against the cold.

6. Wipe off paws when your pets come back inside

You know what it’s like to have the snow get into your boot and soak your sock. Imagine if you weren’t able to take off your boots and socks? Whenever your pet comes in from the snow, make sure to wipe their paws off to remove and ice and snow. If you’ve just come in from a walk, this is always a great idea in case they have gotten any ice melt on their paws.

7. If it’s too cold for you it’s probably too cold for your pets

Even if your dog enjoys being out in the snow or is stubborn to come in, if temperatures drop too low your pet can freeze. Make sure you keep track of how long your dog has been outside and keep an eye on them to notice if they start becoming disoriented. Always let them back inside when they want to be let back inside. If you know your dog doesn’t like snow, keep trips outside to a minimum.

New to Northern Colorado and not used to snow? Read up on our cold weather precautions for pets.

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving Header

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving Header

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of abundance but should your pet get a plate as well? We’ve put together a list of foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving to save you a Thanksgiving trip to the emergency vet.

Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions and garlic which are toxic to pets. If your pet gets into a teeny, tiny amount of stuffing that’s okay but you shouldn’t be giving them a plateful.

Ham & Pork Products

These products tend to be very fatty which is hard on their digestive tracks.

Poultry & Bones

You want to keep any cooked bones away from pets, especially chicken bones. Chicken bones can splinter and are harder to digest which can lead to tearing of the esophagus, intestine, or stomach as well as blockages that require veterinary care.

Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes by themselves aren’t bad, it’s the things we add to mashed potatoes that make them unhealthy. Butter, dairy products, green onions, pepper, can give your pet quite a stomach ache. If you’re looking for a great made-for-humans mashed potato recipe, this is one of my favorites from Taste of Lizzy T.

Grapes & Raisins

While less common at Thanksgiving tables, grapes and raisins may be found in things – like stuffing. Or they may be served in a bowl of nuts as a snack. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Nuts

On of the foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving is nuts. Most nuts are extremely high in fat which can cause digestive issues.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common things pet parents are aware their their furbabies shouldn’t have. But remember, the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is due to the higher cocoa content.

Bread Dough & Yeast

Bread dough and yeast should be avoided due to the alcohol content produced by the yeast, especially in uncooked dough. Uncooked dough is also not safe due to the yeast being active and continuing to rise. Dough can expand well over three times the size it starts out at if conditions are right. It would be like you swallowing a loaf of bread whole!

Gravy

Gravy has a lot of toxic ingredients (garlic and onions) in addition to the high fat content. This makes it harder for your pet to digest and gives them tummy troubles.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet This Thanksgiving Infographic

Want to make your pet a Thanksgiving plate still?

Including your pet in the festivities can be fun but we want to make sure our pets are safe. Here is a list of traditional Thanksgiving foods (with some tweaks) so your pet can get their own plate.

  • Canned, plain pumpkin – not pumpkin pie filling;
  • Sweet potato dog chews – you can either make these yourself or purchase them from your local pet store;
  • Turkey or Pork wet pet food – wet food comes in a variety of flavors. Consider picking up one that is turkey or pork;
  • Carob treats – carob is the pet-safe version of chocolate. You can find a variety of carob treats at your local pet store
Sweet Potato Dog Chews Header

Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Sweet Potato Dog Chews HeaderSweet Potato Dog Chews

Want to make you dog a fun sweet potato chew for Thanksgiving? Try out these one-ingredient treats.

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 250℉
  2. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  3. Slice the sweet potatoes no thinner than ¼in thick.
  4. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 2½ – 3 hours, making sure to flip halfway. You want your chews to be shrunken and dried out. It’s okay if some pieces have a different texture than others.
  5. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

You can also make these in an air fryer with a bit of chicken broth.

Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe

Air-Fried Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes
2c Low or No Sodium Chicken Broth

Directions

  1. Slice the sweet potatoes no thinner than ¼in thick.
  2. Place sweet potato slices into a container and pour over the chicken broth. Let marinate for 3 hours or overnight. Flip periodically to make sure they get evenly coated.
  3. Place sweet potato slices onto your air fryer tray in a single layer.
  4. Bake at 400℉ for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to 300℉ for 5 minutes. You may need to adjust cooking times based on how thick your sweet potato slices are.
  5. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Air-Fried Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe

What about a dehydrator?

Have a dehydrator? Place your sweet potato slices on your dehydrator for 7 – 8 hours, or until dry.

On a roll with making chews? Check out these jerky treats for cats and dogs.

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Cats

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Cats Header

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Cats

Looking for a Christmas gift for a cat? We have 7 gifts you need to buy to fill up your cats stocking.

1. Yeowww!!!! Tide Candy Cane

I’m a huge fan of Yeowww!!!! toys. They’re a bit pricey but they are durable and can withstand the numerous bite marks, bunny-kicks, and cat slobber. Worth picking up any of their toys, not just their Christmas toys.

Yeowww!!!!! – 100% Organic Catnip CAT Toy – Tide Candy Cane – Made in USA  On Amazon @ $14.50

2. Advent Calendar

Most pet stores, large box stores included, don’t list their annual advent calendars online unless they have a surplus of them. That means you’ll have to start checking stores around early November if you want to snag one of these hot ticket items. Last year I purchased the Merry and Bright Collection from PetSmart. As with human advent calendars, these came with 25 different toys – some hard, soft, and tinsel toys (those were thrown away). Providing my cats with a new fun toy each day leading up until Christmas.

Advent Calendars For Cats 2020 | POPSUGAR Pets

Merry and Bright Collection from PetSmart

Purina Fancy Feast also did a food advent calendar which is ideal for a pet owner already feeding Fancy Feast. I found these at PetSmart and Target. It does appear they had an online exclusive offering last year that included a small 2020 ornament.

 

Fancy Feast Feastivites Advent Calendar For Cats 2020 | POPSUGAR Pets

Purina Fancy Feast Advent Calendar

3. Double Decker Holiday Present Tower Cat Scratcher House – XL – Wondershop™

Each year, Target puts out new seasonal cardboard cat scratchers. They always have a few online exclusives so make sure to check online if you don’t see the one you want in store. These are fairly sturdy and are easy to assemble – I do recommend having some extra tape on hand. Currently I still have last years Christmas theater, even if it has a few chunks taken out of it.

Double Decker Holiday Present Tower Cat Scratcher House - XL - Wondershop™ - image 2 of 9

Double Decker Holiday Present Tower Cat Scratcher House – XL – Wondershop™ on Target @ $34.99

4. CatWine

This isn’t the same wine you buy off the shelf. Made with filtered water, organic catnip, and organic salmon oil this wine is 100% cat safe.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1382/2223/products/7-20PetWinery0524.jpg?v=1594737655

Purrgundy on PetWinery.com @ $9.99

Also check out their DIY ice cream bar for both cats and dogs.

5. Personalized Letter Cat Toy

I love Etsy because of all the fun things you can find on it, handmade by local artisans. These letter toys are sure be a favorite as they’re catnip infused.

Letter Personalized Cat Toy Letter to Santa Cat Toy Catnip Toy image 0

Letter Personalized Cat Toy on Etsy @ $10.00

If you don’t like the letter, the seller offers a variety of personalized cat toys for multiple holidays.

6. Christmas Lights Cat Toy

Does kitty like to get into the tree? Why not give them their own string of lights! This string is free from electrical components so they can play until their heart is content.

Christmas Lights Cat Toy Organic Catnip Holiday Cat Toy image 2

Christmas Lights Cat Toy on Etsy, Starting @ $14.00

7. Kitty Coal

For the “naughty” kitty on the list why not stuff their stocking with coal?

Coal Cat Toys  Naughty Kitty's Christmas Coal  Cat Toy  image 0

Okay, okay this isn’t real coal but rather a cute catnip toy shaped like a piece of coal.

Coal Cat Toys on Etsy @ $20.00

Now that you stocked up on Christmas gifts for your cat, you probably don’t want to have to go and buy new toys for a bit. Here’s how you can keep your pets toys looking like new.

Top 5 Cat Trees of 2021 Header

Top 5 Cat Trees of 2021

Top 5 Cat Trees of 2021 Header

Top 5 Cat Trees of 2021

It’s no shock that I love cats and want to spoil my cats. This year I wanted to purchase a new cat tree to replace their old cat tree.

Currently they have this one from 2019

Minus the hammock because they never used it. Swapped the two pillars because they never got on the top one. Nor have they ever gotten inside that little cubby. I’ve put sisal rope on it a few times to help it look less worn but it was time to say goodbye. I also had a lot more space now so I could get them more cat trees.

This list is in no particular order.

1. Moonlight Cat Climbing Frame

Moonlight Cat Climbing Frame

WOW! This tree was not only adorable but very sturdy. I wanted something that was cute, functional, and would last and this checks all the boxes. After I ordered it they added two new styles that I wish I could have gotten instead. I mean how cute is this?! The biggest downside at the time of writing this is you are going to be waiting awhile for the cat tree (6-10 weeks). The positive is they’re about 50% if you preorder. Unless you need a cat tree today this might be a great deal for you.

This tree has 6 different styles to choose from so you can pick one that suits you and your cats tastes the best. It also comes in a blue variant.

Moonlight Cat Climbing Frame on Happy and Polly, starting @ $74.99

2. Wonderland Cat Climbing Tree

Wonderland Cat Climbing Tree

Just like the Moonlight Cat Climbing Frame, this one stood out to me for its looks. I have a plant aesthetic in my office and wanted a cat tree that matched. At the time of writing this little fella isn’t on preorder and can be ordered direct but you will be paying full price. I always opt for the largest size of cat tree since I have the space but this one comes in 4 sizes (S-XL) to fit any space. It can also hold up to 25lbs!

Wonderland Cat Climbing Tree on Happy and Polly, starting @ $84.99

3. Vesper High Base

52045 - Vesper High Base – Walnut

This solid cat tree is perfect for daily use while also looking stunning. This is a great cat tree for an open concept area where you’re looking for a more neutral color and design. It’s super easy to clean unlike a traditional carpeted cat tree. This has removable memory foam pads that can be washed separately. They also sell replacement parts which was a big selling point in case parts get damaged after months of use or if there is a stubborn stain you can’t get out.

A few cat cafes I have been to have Vesper furniture in their cat rooms. If it can survive a cat room it can survive your living room!

Vesper High Base on Catit @ $149.99

4. 60″ Henrietta Cat Tree

Green/Brown 60" Henrietta Cat Tree

Tired of your cats eating your plants? Want to replace them with fake ones? Consider adding this cat tree to your cart. This cat tree looks like a decorative plant but also serves as a more natural cat tree. Each step is carpeted to provide extra cushion as your cat relaxes between the leaves.

Green not your aesthetic? This tree comes in 4 colors: fall (orange), green (in picture), plum (red & orange), and summer (more red than orange).

I didn’t purchase this on Wayfair but that’s what came up on my Google search and is what I will include below. If you want a different color than green you’ll have to look elsewhere as it looks like Wayfair is out of stock of the remaining styles at the time of writing.

60″ Henrietta Cat Tree on Wayfair @ $117.64

5. Cat Bunker – Cat Tree

Cat Bunker Cat Tree Cat Hammock Cat Shelves Cat Shelf Cat image 1

If you have a large, empty space on your wall this might be the perfect “cat tree” for you. While not a traditional cat tree, this wall mounted cat furniture provides all the same benefits that a normal cat tree provides without being on the floor. If the one above isn’t your thing, thankfully there are loads of other businesses that offer similar concepts but in a wide variety of styles.

You can even mix and match different styles to give your kitty an even bigger area to explore. My personal favorite is this little rope bridge.

As with the Vesper cat tree, I often see cat trees of this style (not this exact one necessarily) in cat cafes and they usually have a few cats on them. I figured if it was a hit there maybe my cats would also enjoy one.

The biggest thing to look out for is making sure your wall studs are the correct distance as these need securely attached. Drywall will give-way shortly after if that’s the only way they are secured.

Cat Bunker – Cat Tree on Esty @ $348.00

Bonus…my dream cat tree

6. Enchanted Forest Kitty Sanctuary

http://www.hollywoodkittyco.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/n/enchanted_forest_1.jpg

Ok I admit it. I don’t own this nor have I ever seen one in person. But we can all have goals right? I’d love to be able to have the space and money to be able to get one of these decked out enchanted forest sanctuaries. These cat trees will have you waiting a least a year before you get yours and start at $899.00. One like the one in the image will cost you around $7000!

Thankfully if you like the look but don’t want to fork over $7000, Hollywood Kitty offers other cat trees that are more affordable. Such as this enchanted tree stump condo, that’ll still cost you back at least $429.00 and 6 months.

Enchanted Forest Kitty Sanctuary on Hollywood Kitty, starting @ $899.00

Now you know my house is really the cats and I just happen to live here and pay the bills. The one question I get asked is:

Do you cats actually use all of these cat trees?

Yes! I don’t have enough cats for one cat to be on each cat tree (that’s a problem I want to fix in the future) but they do rotate depending on the time of day and who is in the room. Usually in the evening they’ll find me. If my one cat is laying on my bed my other might opt to sleep on the cat tree. The one sits by a window that gets sun in the morning and that’s always a hot spot to snag. The wall mounted by far gets the least amount of use.

If you’re unsure if a cat tree is right for you check out our blog that talks about their benefits and how to pick the correct one.

What cat tree do you own? Is it one of the above? Let us know in the comments and share pictures if you own an Enchanted Forest Kitty Sanctuary!

What is Iron Poisoning Header

What is Iron Poisoning?

What is Iron Poisoning Header

What is Iron Poisoning?

Iron is important for the function of both cats and dogs but when they are exposed to too much iron it can be fatal. The most common source of iron poisoning (iron toxicosis) is ingesting iron oxygen absorbers but iron poisoning can come from a variety of sources:

  • Fertilizer
  • Multivitamins
  • Dietary Mineral Supplements
  • Hand Warmers
  • Heating Pads
  • Iron Oxygen Absorbers

Iron poisoning occurs when your pet has ingested too much iron that has not been oxygenated. Unless you know the exact amount that has been consumed you should seek veterinary care to determine how much elemental iron versus the total iron was ingested.

Iron poisoning can be fatal.

With any poison, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as you become aware that accidental ingestion has occurred even if you’re unsure if the amount was enough to be toxic. When you pet has iron toxicosis they will go through four stages. The sooner you get them in the better your pets chance of survival.

  1. Stage 1 occurs usually within the first 6 hours. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
  2. Stage 2 occurs between 6 – 24 hours post exposure. This is where your pet may appear fine and you may no longer feel the need to take them to the vet. After all, we all gets diarrhea every now and then. You still should take your pet to the vet at this stage if you know they have ingested iron or a substance containing large amounts of iron.
  3. Stage 3 occurs between 12 – 96 hours. This is where your pet may begin to experience tremors, bloody diarrhea, and elevated heart rate. They may begin to have seizures, experience organ damage, shock, and possibly death. The longer you wait the more likely your pet is to die.
  4. Stage 4 occurs up to 6 weeks later following treatment. Gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal strictures and blockages can occur. These issues can appear even when your pet is treated in stage 1.

Symptoms of Iron Poisoning

  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Shock
  • Elevated Heart Rate
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Panting

What to do if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning.

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning or if you have seen them getting into something that contains iron. Most pets can be successfully treated for iron poisoning if treated before your pet shows symptoms. If your pet is showing symptoms, it is within the first 12 hours and you seek treatment, your pet still had a good chance to recover.

Prevention is crucial.

  • Elevate multivitamins and dietary supplements out of reach of pets;
  • Keep products that contain iron oxygen absorbers out of reach of pets (most commonly in dried, freeze-dried, or jerky foods/treats);
  • Fertilizer should be kept in the garage or shed where you pet cannot get to them;
  • When you are done with a hand warmer it should be disposed of properly. If your pet gets into the trash place it in the bin outside or in a locked bin that is harder for your pet to open
Dangers of Lilies to Cats Header

Dangers of Lilies to Cats

Dangers of Lilies to Cats HeaderDangers of Lilies to Cats

If you’re a new cat owner you may not be aware of the dangers of lilies to cats. Many lilies are extremely poisonous to cats and can cause death in less than 24 hours. All parts of the lily are toxic to cats including the water in the vase. Lily ingestion can result in severe kidney failure and lead to death if left untreated.

Light arum lilies flower plant indoor

Light arum lilies flower plant indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com

Common sources of poisoning.

Easter lilies are the most common. Tiger, Day, Asiatic, and other Lilium and Hemerocallis (Daylilies) species are all extremely poisonous to cats. Anything that is in the family of lilies should be avoided even if they are not as deadly. If you’re not sure if your lily is safe it’s better to remove it than keep it.

Cats do not have to eat the plant for it to be fatal.

Cats do not have to ingest petals or leaves for the lily to be fatal. Rubbing up against the plant can get pollen on their fur, ears, eyes, nose, or paws. As cats clean themselves frequently, lily poisoning is more often caused by ingestion of pollen rather than the petal or leaves itself. Even the water lilies sit in can be fatal to cats if they drink it.

Why is the lily so toxic to cats?

We don’t actually know what makes lilies so toxic to cats. [1] This means there is no blood test to confirm if your cat has ingested the lily toxin before starting dialysis.

Symptoms of lily poisoning.

It does not take much for a cat to ingest a lethal amount of the toxin. A single lick of any of these plants can be fatal. Symptoms appear within 6-12 hours of exposure and include: lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, tremors, or seizures.

What to do if you suspect your cat has come in contact with a lily.

If you suspect your can has come in contact with a lily seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Do not wait to get an appointment with your normal vet. After 18 hours post-exposure your cats chances of survival decrease drastically. Inform them that you suspect your cat to have ingested lily so they can prepare while you’re on your way. Do not delay in seeking treatment. Pet poison hotlines will tell you to seek veterinary care.

File:Easter Lily -- Lilium longiflorum.jpg

Jim Evans, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Prevention in key.

  • Keep lilies away from your home.
  • Do not plant lilies outside – stray and feral cats are just as susceptible to lily poisoning as indoor cats and are unlikely to get treatment in time.
  • Do not touch lilies when you are out as you may carry trace particles of pollen back into your home.
  • Remove any lilies currently in your home and dispose of them properly.
    • You can rehome lilies but make sure the person you’re rehoming them to does not have any cats and does not come in contact with cats. Make sure to ask before giving away your plant.
  • Inform friends and family about lily poisoning and to not send any flower bouquets that contain lilies.

Not sure if your plant is actually a lily?

That’s ok! You can use a plant identification app to ID your plant. If your app is confused or you get multiple results, it’s best to get rid of the plant to be safe.

Dangers of Lilies to Cats Infographic

Did you learn something new about lilies and cats? Let us know in the comments your thoughts.