Tag Archive for: kittens

When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?_Header

When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?

When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?_Header

When it comes to booking a pet sitter, booking early is always better. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we try to accommodate all visit requests but sometimes our sitters are already fully booked. Until our sitters figure out how to be in two places at once, we recommend booking your pet sitter when you book your trip.

Why should I book my pet sitter early?

Booking your pet sitter early ensures we are able to match you with a pet sitter for the dates and times requested. The closer to your dates the less likely we’ll be able to fit you in our schedule.

This is especially true for major holidays.

  • Fourth of July
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • New Years

We take care of pets 365 days a year but some major holidays are busier than others. Booking early to secure your spot for these major holidays is important. Overnights tend to fill up the fastest as they are the most in demand. We are limited on how many overnights we can offer based on the number of sitters we have.

What happens if my trip changes?

Reach out! We have a generous cancellation policy in place and we can adjust your pet sitters schedule as needed.

What if I need a last-minute pet sitter?

We understand emergencies come up that you cannot prepare to be out of town for. If our pet sitters are available we may be able to fit you into our schedule. If we are fully booked, we recommend calling your second or third choice for a professional pet sitter.

When a pet sitter coming to your home isn’t an option, boarding facilities should be considered. Many offer spacious rooms (and condos for cats), outdoor activities, and plenty of play time. Some vets also offer boarding but vets typically do not offer all the extra amenities a dedicated boarding facility offers. You may also have to pay a higher rate for booking on such short notice.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. We have a small list of places in the area were you can board your animals:

When all else fails, if you cannot find a professional pet sitter and boarding facilities are full try asking friends, family, or even your neighbor. You should never leave your pet unattended for an extended period of time.

Why do I even need a professional pet sitter?

Having a pet sitter come to your home helps reduce your pets stress while you’re away. This is because your pets are in a familiar environment. With familiar smells, sounds, and sights.

All of our pet sitters are bonded and insured. That means – if an accident happens you’re covered!

You won’t have to worry about last-minute cancellations. Friends and family can be unreliable. By hiring a professional pet sitter you’re guaranteed coverage even if something comes up on our end.

Having somebody come to your home while you’re away can help keep your home safe. Empty houses are targets for robberies. Regular activity shows that the house isn’t empty and that somebody will notice if something is off.

Conclusion

Booking your pet sitter early ensures we’re able to fit you into our schedule. If we cannot, we recommend calling your second and third choice of professional pet sitters. Having somebody come to your home is ideal as it keeps pets in a familiar environment, no last-minute cancellations, and adds an extra level of safety to your home while you’re away. If this is not possible, we recommend checking out boarding facilities in your area or contacting friends or family as your pet should never be left unattended for an extended period of time.

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Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts from the Pets_Header

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts from the Pets

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts from the Pets_Header

Mother’s Day in the U.S. is this Sunday, the 8th. If you haven’t gotten mom anything from the pets you still have time! Here are some creative, handmade gifts that you can help your pets make in under an hour.

Custom Artwork

You will need:

  • 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag
  • A piece of 8.5″ x 11″ paper or card-stock
  • Non-toxic paints – You can find these at any craft store in the kids section
  • Xylitol free peanut butter

Directions:

  1. Place a piece of paper or card-stock inside the Ziploc bag.
  2. Add a few globs of paint in various colors to the piece of paper. Try to keep clear of the edge of the bag. If you get any outside of the bag, start over.
  3. Seal the bag.
  4. Add some peanut butter on the upwards facing side of the bag. You don’t want to spread this out so just some globs of peanut butter is fine. Try to place them not on top of paint globs.
  5. Let your dog lick the peanut butter.
  6. Once your dog has licked off all of the peanut butter or looses interest, let the artwork dry for a few hours before removing from the bag.
  7. Continue to let artwork dry if needed.

As your dog licks the peanut butter they’ll push around the paint that is safely inside the bag. You’ll be left with a one-of-a-kind custom artwork that your dog painted.

Is your dog not a fan of peanut butter? You can use anything that encourages them to lick. Wet food, apple sauce, or goat-milk yogurt also work great.

DIY Card

While you’re at the craft store picking up paint, why not also pick up a non-toxic stamp pad? You and your pet can create a DIY Mother’s Day card that she is sure to treasure.

You will need:

  • A piece of 8.5″ x 11″ paper or card-stock
  • Non-toxic stamp pad
  • Pet-safe wet wipes OR wet paper towels

Directions:

  1. (Optional) Decorate the paper or card-stock before having your pet help. You can also make a design the incorporates your pets paw print at the end.
  2. Wipe off your pets paw with a wet paper or a pet-safe wet wipe to remove any debris.
  3. Place their paw into the non-toxic stamp pad. You may need to move their paw around a little bit to ensure good coverage and transfer of the ink.
  4. Place their inked paw onto the paper or card-stock and press down gently for 2-3 seconds.
  5. Lift up your pets paw and clean it off with a pet-safe wet wipe or a wet paper towel.

There you have it! A custom Mother’s Day card that your pet helped you make.

This activity is best done on a surface that is easily cleaned. Ink can be difficult to get off fully. You don’t want little blue paw prints on mom’s white carpet after all!

Book a Future Visit

Okay, we know this one isn’t technically handmade. But it’s still a great gift idea!

Mom will love having a Wet Noses Pet Sitter help her out while she’s busy. We don’t just offer dog walking but general pet sitting services.

Did you completely forget about Mother’s Day? It’s okay! Book with us and tell mom we were already booked for Mother’s Day. We won’t tell anyone you need a few extra weeks to plan that incredible Mother’s Day getaway.

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them_Header

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them_Header

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them

What is a hairball?

A hairball is a collection of hair or fur that has formed inside of an animals stomach. Any animal with hair or fur, yes even humans although extremely rare, can experience a hairball. Hairballs themselves aren’t usually anything to be concerned about as they are a natural by product of your cat grooming themself.

cat licking its paw

c: Eric Han

How do I get rid of hairballs?

Simply put – you don’t. Hairballs are natural and happen at least once to every cat that has fur. Sphynx’s tend not to have hairballs because they have no hair. If you find your cat is having regular hairballs we have some tips to help reduce the amount of hairballs.

Improve skin and coat health

Hairballs are made up of loose hair that your cat has ingested. To help reduce the quantity of loose hair you can add a fish oil supplement or flax seed if you or your cat are allergic to fish. This will help to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce shedding. Plus you get the added bonus of a cat with a shinier and softer coat.

Regular brushing

Especially true in long haired cats, regular brushing removes that loose hair through means other than shedding or grooming. This way the extra hair ends up in the trash can instead of in your cats stomach.

Hairball gel

If you’re doing all of the above and your cat still gets hairballs, especially during shedding season, a hairball gel might be right for your cat. Tomlyn Laxatone is one of many gel remedies on the market. Nutri-Vet, Licks, and NaturPet are some other brands but are far from the only ones. These work as a lubricant to help the hairball pass smoothly through your but also keeps the hair from sticking together inside your cats stomach. Hairball gels don’t always work and your cat might not willing take it.

If your cat doesn’t want to take the gel, apply it directly to their nose or paw. Cats want to be clean and will groom the gel spot. Thus, ingesting the gel.

Orange Tabby Cat on Chair

c: cottonbro

How do I clean up a hairball?

Hairballs are easiest to clean up when they’re fresh. Hopefully your kitty didn’t have a hairball on a rug or carpet as those are harder to clean up but it happens. You can use gloves if you would like.

  • Remove any large debris with paper towels: Removing the hairball part of the mess is the first step.
  • Use an enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners such as Nature’s Miracle work on anything biological. This includes hairball messes. Follow the instructions on whichever enzymatic cleaner you have. Some want you to wait 15 minutes, others less.
  • Dab the spot. Not wipe if on carpet: On carpet, it’s best to dab up the enzymatic cleaner and reapply if needed rather than wipe. On tile or hardwood you can wipe up any residue. Repeat as necessary.

How many are too many?

During shedding season, typically in the spring and fall, you may notice an increase in hairballs. If your cat is having a hairball multiple times a week or more you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.

What is a hairball and how to get rid of them?

Hairballs are perfectly natural and cannot be fully gotten rid of. They are clumps of hair that have formed inside your cats stomach that need to be expelled. You can minimize how many hairballs your cat produces with supplements and regular brushing. If your cat is having multiple hairballs in a week outside of shedding season, consult your veterinarian.

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?_Header

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

Considering getting a pet but want to know where the Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinics are? Hopefully, you never have the need for an emergency veterinary clinic, but often accidents and emergencies happen during the hours when your normal clinic is closed, or busy. First off, knowing the times when you might need an emergency clinic is important. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Profound weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • Obvious signs of trauma
  • Protracted vomiting/diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Signs of pain or extreme restlessness and vocalization
  • Ingestion of a toxin
  • Hindquarter paralysis
  • Abnormal urination

Emergency veterinary clinics in the Boulder, Colorado area

Boulder Emergency Pet Clinic

  • 1658 30th St, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 440-7722
  • 24/7 emergency care

 


CASE – Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency

  • 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 545-2273
  • 24/7 emergency care

 


 

Boulder Road Veterinary Specialists

  • 2000 W South Boulder Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026
  • (720) 699-7766
  • 24/7 emergency care
  • Speciality care

 


Always be prepared in case of an emergency

It is important to know your closest Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinic, and the one your veterinarian prefers. Program their information into your phone and call them when needed!

Also, never leave your pets unattended for extended periods of time. Even the most relaxed pet can get into mischief if they are bored. Hire a pet sitter when you’re going out of town or on an extra-long day trip. We’d love to set you up with one of our awesome Wet Noses Pet Sitters to help ensure that your pet is safe. Just give us a call any time you need it!

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

Valentine’s Day is the romantic holiday of the year but it’s filled with dangerous things for our pets. The last thing you need is an emergency trip to the vet. Here are our pet safety tips for Valentine’s Day.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519137847-189aca33af2b?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

Keep candles out of reach.

Candles can cause burnt paws, missing fur, or scorched whiskers. As tempting as it might be to decorate with loads of candles our pets don’t understand what fire is and that they can hurt themselves. If you want to light a bunch of candles to set the mood, consider using battery powered candles. If you must use real candles make sure your pet is confined to an area where there are no lit candles.

Chocolate is a no no.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is highly toxic to our pets. Don’t share any with your pets and if you drop any, make sure to pick it up right away. If you want to share some of those chocolate covered strawberries with your pet, consider this dog-friendly carob recipe from dogcancerblog.com. If you plan on substituting the almond butter for peanut butter make sure it does not contain any xylitol. As a general rule, candy should be kept away from pets.

Keep flowers out of reach.

Many flowers are toxic to pets. Those that aren’t toxic may have thorns, such as roses. Roses tend to only cause an upset tummy if only the flower part in ingested. Thorns can cause much more damage. Keep flowers out of reach or consider telling your date ahead of time that you do not want flowers.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633686155785-699da46b7d93?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

Stuffed animals can be a choking hazard.

Are you lucky enough to get one of those Costco bears? First, congratulations! Secondly, stuffing inside of stuffed animal can pose a choking hazard if your pet mistakes it for one of their toys. Additionally, some stuffed animals have small, hard parts such as the nose that if chewed off could also turn into a choking hazard.

Careful with alcohol.

Dogs and cats are curious and if left unattended, that half drunk cocktail might end up in your pets mouth. Don’t leave out half drunk drinks or bottles that are open.

Throw away all packaging.

Valentine’s Day is a day for gifts. Dispose of all packaging in a bin your pet cannot get into. Small plastic pieces can become a choking hazard. If you get balloons as part of your gift put them into a room you can keep your pet out of. Balloon strings, ribbons, and tape are all ribbon-like materials that can easily get tangled in your pets intestines.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613398394612-bd344ab5f53a?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

What are your tips for keeping your pets safe on Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments.

Have a safe and fun Valentine’s Day!

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

Keeping on top of pet hair in your home is one thing pet owners are always struggling with. Every time I vacuum the canister is full of pet hair! But, I just swept yesterday how is that possible? Excess pet hair in your home can lead to poor air quality, odor, and just a mess. Here are 5 tips to keep on top of pet hair in your home that you can implement today.

Buy an air filter.

Air filters are great to help filter out and catch the smaller hairs our pets leave behind. Make sure to do regular maintenance on any air filter you buy. This includes changing out the filters, cleaning off the vents, and replacing any other filters/components that need changing out over time. Your air filter doesn’t need to be top of the line or expensive. It just needs to have a filter that you can change out.

Vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming up those tumbleweeds will help reduce how much pet hair is around your house. Cleaning up that pet hair will additionally reduce dust and dandruff floating around in your air. If you don’t have a pet specific vacuum that’s alright! Any vacuum will do, you might have to clean out the bristles more on a non-pet specific one.

Alternatively, lint rollers are a great way to quickly clean off pet hair from chairs, rugs, and more. This won’t replace regular vacuuming but in a pinch a lint roller can capture loose hair and keep it from going elsewhere. They also are good to have on hand to clean off your clothes. This is especially true when wearing black when you have a white-haired pet or visversa.

Clean pets bedding on a frequent basis.

Your pets bedding is just like yours. It traps sweat, dead skin, and hair. Each time your pet gets out of their bed a bit of that hair comes with them. By keeping their bedding clean you can reduce the hair build-up in their bed and thus reduce how much comes with them each time. This is also true for cat trees and any place your pet lays regularly that you might not consider washing.

Add a fish oil supplement to your pets diet.

What better way to keep on top of pet hair in your home than to slow it at the source? Adding fish oil to your pets diet will help them have a healthier skin and coat which means, less shedding.

There’s many different fish oil supplements on the market. Here are a few I’ve tried:

If you or your pet are allergic to fish or don’t like the taste of it, Wholistic Pet Organics makes a flaxseed oil alternative.

Brush your pet regularly and have regular grooming appointments.

Brushing your dog outside can be a fun activity for both of you! As an added bonus, your dogs fur helps our birds making nests as it provides a wonderful nesting material. Hair is also bio-degradable so you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment. Getting all of the excess hair out from your dogs top and undercoat goes a long way when helping to control pet hair. During peak shedding season, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer. Your groomer will be able to get even more hair out and can use products that will help improve your pets skin and coat health.

And a bonus…

Get a hairless pet.

If you don’t have a pet already but are concerned about the amount of pet hair – consider getting a hairless pet. Hairless pets require just as much, if not more, maintenance as pets with hair. Many hairless pets require daily lotion applied to keep their skin from becoming dry or sunburnt.

Sphynx cat sniffing a plant

Maybe the Sphynx breed of cat is perfect for you! Or perhaps a Chinese Crested or Mexican hairless. There are a large variety of hairless pets out there to choose from. If a hairless pet isn’t your thing but you’re still concerned about hair a short hair pet may be right for you. Short haired pets tend to not shed as much as long haired pets but your mileage may vary.

Do you have any tips on keeping on top of pet hair in your home? Leave us a comment or @WetNosesPetSitting

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs_Header

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs_Header

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs

When sitting down to write about items in your kitchen that are poisonous to dogs, I stood in the middle of mine and took an inventory. There are a lot of things that are found in our kitchens that are poisonous but how often do you really have cherries in your kitchen? They’re probably not a staple. Here are 5 items in your kitchen that are poisonous to dogs that I keep on hand.

Minced Garlic

Amazon.com : Spice World, Minced Garlic, 4.5 Oz : Grocery & Gourmet Food

It’s easier than pressing my own garlic but extremely toxic to dogs. It does take more than a single piece of minced garlic to be toxic but studies have found that 15 to 30g of garlic per 1 kilogram (that’s a little over 2lbs) of body weight is enough to be toxic. Garlic toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. On a more extreme end it can cause damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

Bowl of Chocolate Candy

Confectionery, Chocolate, Dark, Whole Milk, Cute

Reece’s Cups are delicious to humans but not to dogs. Chocolate in large amounts can be deadly to pets. Some chocolate candy that contains peanut butter may also contain xylitol which is equally as deadly. The darker the chocolate the worse it is for your pets to have. Dark chocolate contains higher levels of theobromine which dogs cannot metabolize effectively.

Alcohol

Wines, Glasses, Wine Glasses, Stemware, Glassware

You may have some bottles of alcohol in your kitchen if you enjoy a drink every now and then, or if you cook with it. Grapes are also extremely toxic to dogs. Even one grape can be enough to be fatal by potentially causing sudden kidney failure. While we don’t know exactly why grapes (and raisins) are so toxic to dogs they should never be given to a dog.

Caffeinated Drinks

Coca-Cola, Water, Ice, Soda

This isn’t just limited to soda but coffee and caffeinated teas. You’d be shocked about how many things actually contain caffeine. If you ever spill anything that contains caffeine make sure to clean it up right away. Bonus Fact: Cleaning up soda ASAP is important to help prevent ants. Ants are not only annoying but they can carry a variety of diseases with them and they can get into tiny spaces – like dog food containers.

Medications

Pills, Medication, Tablets, Bottle, Drugs, Drugstore

I keep my medications in a medicine cabinet in the kitchen. Why do I keep medications in there? So they’re in a centralized source that doesn’t require having to get them from the bathroom. It’s very handy when you need a Tylenol and somebody is taking an hour-long shower. Highly recommend. If you too have a medicine cabinet in your kitchen make sure it’s one of your higher cabinets. Keep medications in their original packaging. Original packaging is usually child-proof and subsequently slightly more dog proof. If you can’t keep it in its original packaging put it in a secure container on a higher shelf.

Items in your Kitchen that are Poisonous to Dogs Infographic

 

What to do if you suspect your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t.

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned or if you have seen them getting into something that they shouldn’t. It’s always better to take them to the vet and be told that they didn’t ingest anything rather than waiting and it being too late.

What of these common kitchen items do you have in your kitchen? Are there any big ones we missed? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021_Header

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021_HeaderMost Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021

2021 was a year wasn’t it and that is reflected in the most popular dog and cat names from 2021. With more people becoming pet parents than ever there were sure to be some creative pet names. Does your pet’s name make this list?

A cat playing with yarn on a pink and white background. The top cat names of 2021 are Luna, Bella, Lily, Lucy and Nala.

Credit: The Dog People

Pet names are like a snapshot for a specific time period. When historical events take place or a new celebrity emerges we see that reflected in pets names. 2021 brought us another year of COVID-19, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Bridgerton (Netflix TV show) released, Bitcoin hit a new ATH, Kim K and Kanye broke up, so many things happened.

This year we saw an even larger increase in COVID-19 related names. Coming in at a+443% increase in cats being named Fauci and +43% being named Covi. It seems like people are still on the COVID-19 naming trend for pets. While names like Rona and Covid were down for cats but the same isn’t true for dogs. With a +35% increase in the name Covid and a +443% increase in the name Zoom. Prior to 2020 hardly any pets were named Fauci, Covid, or COVID-19 related names.

A German Shepherd wearing a mask for Covid-19 inspired dog names

Credit: The Dog People

Taylor Swift lost her top spot with dog parents making way for Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, A-Rod, and Doja Cat. Taylor held on strong for cats, increasing by +76%. Some popular celebrity names for cats in 2021 were: Yeezy, Doja/Doja Cat (+176%), Oprah, Miley Cyrus, GaGa, and Dua Lipa.

Celebrity inspired dog names

Credit: The Dog People

Breaking the most popular names down by sex between cats and dogs gives us these lists:

Top Female Names for Dog: Bella, Luna, Lucy, Daisy, Zoe, Lily, Lola, Bailey, Stella, and Molly

Top Male Names for Dogs: Max, Charlie, Milo, Buddy, Rocky, Bear, Leo, Duke, Teddy, and Tucker

Is your pets name on this list or did you go with another theme?

Top Female Names for Cats: Luna, Bella, Lily, Lucy, Nala, Kitty, Chloe, Stella, Zoe, and Lola

Top Male Names for Cats: Oliver, Leo, Milo, Charlie, Max, Simba, Jack, Loki, Ollie, and Jasper

Some of these names even overlap with Baby Center’s top baby names of 2021. With Leo, Luna, Oliver, and Stella all making that list.

The cast of Friends (dog edition) on the famous couch.

We even saw an increase in pets named after Friends characters following the reunion this year. Pets being named Phoebe Buffay was up +963% this year. Yes, that’s right. The full name. Not just Phoebe. Joey, Gunther, Chandler, and Ross also made the list. There was an increase in pets named after the popular show The Mandalorian with an increase in dogs being named Grogu.

But enough about what The Dog People found! What did Wet Noses Pet Sitting find? We compiled a list of all of our clients pets names who we did visits for in 2021 and found the most popular.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Dog Names 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Names for Dogs: Bella, Lucy, Max, Charlie, Rocky

For our feline clients we found these names to be the most popular.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Cat Names 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Names for Cats: Luna, Milo, Charlie, Lily, Lucy

Lucy and Charlie both were in our top 5 for cats and dogs. Seems like our data findings match up with what The Dog People found!

This is just a scratch in the surface from what The Dog People found. If you wish to learn more about the most popular cat and dog names of 2021, visit the links provided. Let us know in the comments if your pets name made their most popular names list! We’d love to know why you chose that name.

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons Header

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons Header

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

Everybody has heard of indoor cats and outdoor cats but what are the pros and cons of having indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Here in Northern Colorado, there are a lot of people who have cats that are 100% indoors, cats that are outdoors, cats that are indoor/outdoor, and cats that do a little bit of both. This weeks video series entry covers that exact topic and breaks down the differences between indoor and outdoor cats.

 

Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats tend to have an average lifespan of two to five years which isn’t terribly long. In our area, Fort Collins, we have a lot of predators especially for those who live near the foothills. When you have a predator problem that’s something to keep in mind. Cats are great hunters and can be good at defending themselves but not when up against a coyote or other larger predatory animals.

Indoor and outdoor cats should be using a flea preventative every 30 days; be that topical or oral. This is especially important for outdoor cats who are more likely to be exposed to fleas.

Try to bring your cat indoor at night. When you have an indoor cat this isn’t a problem but for outdoor cats bringing them in at night helps keep them safe. Downside is cats like to hide and wander so it may not always be possible to bring them in at night. If that’s the case you should have an enclosure for them they can access outside to provide shelter and warmth.

If this outside time is the biggest reason why you’re considering an outdoor cat consider building or purchasing a catio (cat-patio) which is a fenced in area in your yard that your cats can be in. Your cats are technically going outside but they are still contained within a safe environment.

Outdoor cats should be spayed and neutered. We always recommend this but especially for outdoor cats. They can get pregnant at a very young age which will also contribute to the pet overpopulation.

Permanent identification is recommended for all pets but especially for pets that will be going outside a lot. Permanent identification includes things like microchips or tattoos (tattoos being done by a licensed veterinarian who is authorized to do that). A breakaway collar is also important to have but this will mean you’ll be having to replace collars a lot more frequently than with an indoor cat.

Outdoor cats tend to have more health problems than indoor cats. Common health problems in outdoor cats are heat stroke and hypothermia, especially if they get stuck in warm or cold weather. Other times, your cat might get stuck in an area such as a neighbors garage and cannot make it home in bad weather. This can lead to bacterial and various other viral infections. If you are planning on having your cat be outdoors, make sure your veterinarian knows this. They will want to recommend more vaccines than for indoor cats due to what they will be potentially exposed to.

Wounds. Cats get into fights with other cats or other animals. These wounds can develop into abscesses and require veterinary treatment. It’s always good to have a pet first-aid kit on hand but deep wounds require proper medical care and may require stitches and antibiotics.

Cats are curious creatures and may ingest toxic substances they otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to indoors such as antifreeze. Mushrooms are also another common toxic substance your cat may ingest.

Summary

  • Outdoor cats have an average lifespan of two to five years.
  • More likely to be exposed to fleas.
  • May not always be able to bring them in at night and keep them safe from predators.
  • If they are not spayed and neutered they may contribute to the pet overpopulation problem we have in the United States.
  • Replace collars and tags more often.
  • More health problems that indoor cats.
  • Outdoor cats are more susceptible to getting wounds and ingesting toxic substances.

Indoor Cats

Cat that are indoors have lifespan averages between ten to fifteen years, but they can live for even longer.

But, indoor cats tend to be more prone to obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle because they are contained and don’t have as many natural world stimulants as outdoor cats. This can be replicated by having lots of toys, cat trees, and cat perches. You can also place a bird feeder outside a window so your cats can get that stimulation of watching and hearing birds. As mentioned earlier, catios are also a great way to get your cat outdoor time while being secure.

Less vaccinations are typically required for indoor cats. Vaccinations can get expensive and you can reduce the cost of annual vaccines by keeping your cats indoors as they don’t need as many.

If you opt not to use flea protection on your indoor cat they are less likely to get fleas unless you’re in a high flea area because they won’t be going into flea-infested areas. If you have a strictly indoor cat and cats that are going outdoors, give you indoor cat flea protection. Just in case an outdoor cat were to bring some home.

The biggest reason people have outdoor cats is so that they can get more activity and stimulation and because they feel bad about containing them indoors. This is great but you can replicate a lot of those outdoor activities inside or with a catio. Bringing outdoor activities inside or investing is a catio is a great way to keep your indoor cats active and stimulated while keeping them safe.

Catio not an option? Consider leash training your cat. This works best when your cat is younger but you can teach older cats how to walk on a leash and harness. It takes time and patience but can be done most of the time. Some cats will 100% not take to being on a leash and harnesses.

Summary

  • Indoor cats average lifespan is between ten to fifteen years.
  • Tend to be more prone to health issues. Obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are common. This can be counteracted with stimulation and things like a catio.
  • Less vaccinations required annually.
  • They are less likely to get fleas.
  • You can replicate most outdoor activities and stimulants on the inside.
  • Indoor cats are generally safer. They don’t have to deal with predators, wounds, fights, and illnesses due to overexposure.

Let us know your thoughts on indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Are there any pros or cons we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

When you’re leaving the house, should you leave the radio/TV on for your pets?

It’s up to you!

While the data is limited, there are studies such as the one conducted in 2002 by animal psychologist Deborah Wells from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland 1 2 that indicate it can be beneficial to leave on the radio/TV for your pet but only if it’s playing the right kind of content – most notably classical music. But really, each animal has their own preference and it’s up to you to experiment with what works best for your pet. Some dogs liked heavy metal while others liked the sound of people talking.

What if I don’t have a Radio/TV?

With many of us moving to subscription based streaming you might find yourself without a TV or radio. There are streaming TV stations that are designed to cater to our canine and feline companions but if you have cut the cord there are numerous YouTube channels out there. Keep in mind, any media that runs advertisements can have suddenly loud and jarring sounds that can disturb your pet. One of my cats is currently recovering from a cystotomy so we’ve been enjoying the videos by Paul Dinning on YouTube. Some places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium offer livestreams of their various exhibits. These livestreams tend to have some calming background music but you can search for ones that don’t.

Do you leave the TV on for your pets? What about the radio? Let us know in the comments what your pets favorite thing to listen or watch is.