Why would you move your kitty to a urinary cat food? How would you know that it might help with a problem, and what problem would that be!?
Well, are you noticing weird behavior in your cat lately? Has she been peeing around the house or refuses to use her litter box?
Cats do the most insane things and this makes them all the more lovable. But sometimes their strange behavior stems from underlying issues and one of the most common health scares is urinary health problems. But don’t panic, a simple diet change to one of the best urinary cat foods can fix this problem for your beloved moggy!
Owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship to your life. Having a feline friend can also help to relieve stress and improve your heart health.
Owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding relationship. A cat has the ability to both calm your nervous system and provide an immediate outlet for fun and play. Although cats are independent animals who like to scavenge and explore on their own terms, they are also very affectionate with their owners and people they trust.
We all want what's best for our pets, don't we? As a veteran veterinarian (more than three decades in practice), I've looked across the exam room table at enough pet owners to know that the overwhelming majority truly are trying their best. Even when they don't take our recommendations - especially when they want to, but can't usually because they can't afford it.
But what if I told you that I can set your cat on the road to getting healthy and staying healthy with just a few simple don't-do-this tips? And what if I told you they were basically free?
5 Things to Stop Doing, Right Now I have your attention now, right? So let's take a look at my top five recommendations for things cat lovers should never, ever do.
1. Let your cat roam freely. Yes, I'm going to jump right in with the most controversial recommendation of them all. I know that in the United States, most feline behavior experts and veterinarians are strong advocates for keeping cats indoors. And I know, further, that a rather large proportion of cat lovers let their cats roam free. (Interesting fact: In the United Kingdom, it's considered downright odd to keep cats from roaming, and some would go so far as to say it's abusive.) And I know my advice may seem contradictory, considering that the only cats at our Almost Heaven Ranch are the barn cats. But as a veterinarian, I've seen enough cats hit by cars, attacked by dogs or coyotes, or poisoned - accidentally and intentionally - to know that when you let your cat roam, you're likely shortening his life. The quality of an indoor cat's life can be brought to parity with his free-roaming cohort by adding trees, toys and catios to his indoor space, or by allowing him into areas secured with cat fencing - while you keep an eye out for predators.
2. Punish or frighten your cat. The fastest way I know to ruin a relationship with a cat is to hit him, scare him, yell at him or in any way push upon him a negative impression of you. Simply put, punishment does not work to change his behavior, except in one specific way: It will leave him thinking that you're a horrible creature he ought to avoid. That means if you want to enjoy having a cat in your life, the best way to shape his behavior is with treats and praise. Why is this a health tip? Because cats who are afraid are stressed, and stress has been linked to illness. Cats like calm, predictable environments with calm, predictable people who let them be cats. A relaxed, happy cat will be healthier, and that will make you happier.
3. Overfeed your cat. If you think we veterinarians sound like broken records when we harp on the weight of the pets we see, well...we are. We're trying to think of ways to get through to our clients about how they are making their pets' lives miserable and shorter by lovingly giving them more food than they need. What else can we say or do to make you understand this? I'm pulling out my hair, and so are all of my colleagues. We're seeing cats in constant misery from weight-related feline arthritis, or we're being asked to euthanize cats with diabetes because the owners can't cope with the care. Please don't tell me that you've tried everything. Let us help find things you haven't tried. But mostly, try saying no to your begging pet. Cats can't open kibble bags or cans of food, and they can't hop in the refrigerator and help themselves to leftovers. You have the power to make your cat healthy. Use it. Use it now.
4. Use products made for dogs (or horses, or any other species, including people) on your cat. Tylenol can kill your cat. So can aspirin. So can flea-control products labeled for dogs. In fact, cats are super sensitive to so many things we don't give a moment's thought to that I will go so far as to say you should use only products that are labeled for cats (and read the label carefully: That same product might not be OK for kittens). The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's website has a comprehensive list of dangerous substances, as well as plants that can be harmful to your cats. And, of course, when in doubt, ask your veterinarian - she knows what's safe and what isn't for your feline.
5. Ignore your cat's litterbox. If you show me someone who claims to actually enjoy cleaning the litterbox, I'll show you a liar. OK, maybe an exaggerator. I know lots of people who don't mind cleaning the litterbox, but I've yet to meet one who'd honestly prefer it over a free day at Disneyworld. So, no, nobody really enjoys this essential task, but it's one you avoid at your peril - and your cat's. If you don't keep the litterbox clean, you're upping the chances that your cat won't use it, for obvious reasons. More importantly, though, cleaning the litterbox daily means you know what your cat's up to, what's normal and what's not. And because cats are so darn secretive with signs of illness or pain, cleaning the litterbox is one of the few ways to get the clues you need. So don't ignore the box: Keeping the box clean can keep you in the loop with your cat's health.
These five "don'ts" aren't the only ones I can offer, but I think paying attention to them will go a long, long way to giving you the power to keep your cat as healthy as possible. I still recommend regular wellness checks to help you to catch the things that are percolating below the surface, but if you make a practice of avoiding things that risky for your cat, he will have fewer health problems and will just be happier.
And so will you, which makes me happy too.
Pet food is considered an essential item here in Ohio and in Pennsylvania, and it can get expensive LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – We’ve seen thousands of people go through food donation lines here in the Valley, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the need for pet food. Pet food for dogs and cats was one of the items we saw people panic buying in March. During that time period, dog food sales spiked almost 54 percent, which made finding it difficult. Pet food is considered an essential item here in Ohio and in Pennsylvania, and it can get expensive. Buying dog food when you’re unemployed or furloughed can be tough as the average bag costs about $20 to $30. To read more on this story, click here:Lisbon Business Donates 50,000 Pounds of Pet Food
WHAT HUMAN FOOD CAN CATS EAT, AND WHAT NOT TO FEED CATS Thinking about giving your kitty some of the extras off your plate? Make sure you know what foods are okay for your cat, and which aren’t. With help from CityLeash & Pet360, we’ve compiled this list of foods that are and aren’t okay to feed your cat. Remember, each cat is different and may need different food or diet requirements, so you should contact your veterinarian before changing their diet. WHAT CAN CATS EAT? PROTEINS THAT ARE SAFE FOR CATS Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need meat to live. Meat is a great source of protein for your cat. However, too much fat can give your cat a stomachache, so make sure to trim off any excess fatty portions beforehand and to cook all meat thoroughly before you feed it to your cat*. To read more on this story, click here:Human Food For Cats: A Basic Guide
As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches many of you are wondering if you can give your cat turkey….Yes, you can! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, offering your cat little nibbles of a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey. Don’t give your cat any thing sweetened with xylitol, While xylitol is toxic and even potentially fatal when ingested by dogs, its effects on cats is unknown. If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer them raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Tips: 1. Do not leave food crumbs on plates and make sure all food items are sealed in containers with lids. 2. Also place candles where cats cannot knock them over. Never leave a cat unattended in a room with lit candles. He will gravitate to them like moths to a porch light. 3. Keep stoves and countertops off-limits to cats. Electric stovetops can be very hot without changing color, and present a serious burn hazard to curious noses and tender feet. 4. You may be tempted to put your cats in the garage to keep them out of the way when your Thanksgiving visitors arrive. This is not a good idea for several reasons. Anti-freeze is both attractive and deadly to cats. Anti-freeze and caustic chemicals stored in the garage spell certain disaster if a cat comes in contact with them. Although it may seem like an attractive idea to keep a normally indoor-outdoor cat in the garage over the winter, please keep them in the house. If you need to keep your indoor-only cats away from the festivities, consider a Safe Room. 5. Keep trash cans either secured with a tight fitting lid, or under a cabinet. Caution your guest on arrival about giving turkey and other table foods to your cat. 6. Once the meal is over, place turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin where it can't be accessed by your cat. 7. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets. A child who does not know how to properly interact with your cat, may end up getting scratched. 8. Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities. 9. Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils. Keep your cat away from the sage, if you are cooking with this while preparing your Thanksgiving dinner. 10. As guests enter and exit your home for Thanksgiving dinner this provides an opportunity for your cat to escape. Your cat may become agitated with strangers in your home. To your pet the holidays are a confusing mix of noise, people, strange sights, sounds and smells. Make sure your cat or dog has his own space, either a crate or a separate room, to retreat to when it all becomes overwhelming. You and your pet will be happier for it. 11. If you think someone gave your cat too much turkey or table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your cat got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have. Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Thanksgiving, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center. Happy Thanksgiving from The Pet Tree House!
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We have the best, most complete list of cat food recalls. Fully updated with every cat food recall of 2018. Petful has been researching U.S. cat food recalls for several years now, and we’ve compiled the following list. Is your cat food on our list? Recalls are listed in order from newest to oldest. (Looking for dog food recalls? Go here.) To see the full list, click here: Cat Food Recalls: Is Your Brand on the List?
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Just as in humans, dogs and cats can have certain allergies to a specific type of food. In fact, food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in dogs and cats. It is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies. Food allergies affect both males and females and can show up as early as five months and as late as twelve years of age. Food allergies in dogs and cats can be cured with a little time, effort and change in diet. The difference between food allergies and intolerance to food There is a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of allergies such as itching and skin problems associated with canine and feline allergies. Food intolerances can result in diarrhea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in cats or dogs would be similar to people who get an upset stomach from eating spicy foods or sometimes dairy. Fortunately, both food intolerances and allergies can be eliminated with a diet free from whatever food it is that is causing the allergy. The most common food that causes allergies Several studies have shown that some ingredients are more likely to cause food allergies than others. The most common food that causes allergies in dogs and cats are beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat, and soy. Unfortunately, the most common offenders are the most common ingredients in dog and cat food. While some proteins might be slightly more allergy inducing than others, many proteins are similar and therefore the allergic reactions are associated with the amount of each in the food. Symptoms of food allergies in cats and dogs The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most allergies seen in dogs and cats. The most common symptom is itchy skin affecting primarily the face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits and the area around the anus. Symptoms may also include chronic ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that respond to antibiotics but reoccur after antibiotics are discontinued. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish food allergies from the more common allergies. One sign is if the allergies last all year round, it is probably a food allergy. Diagnosis for food allergies in cats and dogs The diagnosis for food allergies is very straightforward. But due to the fact that many other problems can cause similar symptoms and that many times animals are suffering from more problems than just food allergies, it is very important that all other problems are properly identified and treated prior to undergoing diagnosis for food allergies. Your vet can determine if your dog or cat is just have a normal skin allergy. Try to feed your dog or cat a new source of protein A way to get rid of a food allergy is to feed your dog or cat a new food source of protein and carbohydrate for at least twelve weeks i.e. a protein and carbohydrate that your dog or cat has never eaten before. Examples would include be rabbit and rice, or venison and potato. There are a number of such commercial diets available on the market. In addition, there are specialized diets that have the proteins and carbohydrates broken down into such small sizes that they no longer would trigger an allergic response. Regardless of the diet route you choose, the particular food needs to be the only thing that your dog or cat eats for 12 weeks. This means no treats, no flavored medications, no rawhide, cat nip, only the special food and water. Treatment for food allergies in dogs and cats The treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Once you have been identified the offending food through a food trial, then they can be eliminated from the diet. Short-term relief may be gained with fatty acids, antihistamines, and steroids, but elimination of the products from the diet is the only long-term solution. . If you choose to feed your dog or cat a homemade diet, then you can periodically change the ingredients off your food and determine which ingredients are causing the food allergy. For example, if your dog or cat’s symptoms subsided on a diet of rabbit and potatoes, then you can add beef to the diet for two weeks. If your dog or cat still showed no symptoms, then you can add chicken for two weeks. If your beloved dog or cat now has symptoms, then chicken is clearly one of the things your dog or cat was allergic to. The chicken could be withdrawn and after the symptoms cleared up, a different ingredient could be added and so on until all of the offending ingredients were identified. A diet could then be formulated that was free of the offending food sources. You can also you the same principal with very pure pet foods that are on the market and are chicken or beef based, and then add or switch accordingly. As with all diets, make sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure that they agree with your basic diet and that all other allergies have been ruled out.
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Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency or otherwise known as calcium, it's rare for cats to get it, but they do. If the kitten has bowed legs that could be a sign. The only thing a vet will do is change the cats diet and possibly add a vitamin supplement, but since cats only need a small amount of vitamin D, it will be small doses. It could have been caused by not the right nutrition, or simply a defect in the cats gene coding. Few people imagine that such a thing as rickets exists among kittens, just the same as with growing children, resulting in deformed spines and crooked legs. This is caused by improper feeding on foods which are not bone forming. The first symptoms are lameness when jumping, and in bad cases the kittens become unable to walk at all, and cry when the spine is touched near the tail. If steps are not taken immediately to effect a cure, the cat has to be destroyed or the spine becomes shortened and a lump forms near the tail on the back, the legs become bowed and enlarged at the joints. Excessive milk and cereal feeding can cause rickets, as the animal becomes too fat and the legs are not strong enough to carry the weight. Very lean meat, free from fat and gristle, with no other diet, will also result in rickets. Kittens bred from old cats are very subject to this disease, and need more than an ordinary diet. To learn more about rickets, please read: Disorders Associated with Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Cats
Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets. Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat: Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats. Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis. Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Milk and Other Dairy Products - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats . Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Poison Control Hotline 888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE) For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready. Follow Us!
As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches many of you are wondering if you can give your cat turkey….Yes, you can! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, offering your cat little nibbles of a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey. Don’t give your cat any thing sweetened with xylitol, While xylitol is toxic and even potentially fatal when ingested by dogs, its effects on cats is unknown. If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer them raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Tips: 1. Do not leave food crumbs on plates and make sure all food items are sealed in containers with lids. 2. Also place candles where cats cannot knock them over. Never leave a cat unattended in a room with lit candles. He will gravitate to them like moths to a porch light. 3. Keep stoves and countertops off-limits to cats. Electric stovetops can be very hot without changing color, and present a serious burn hazard to curious noses and tender feet. 4. You may be tempted to put your cats in the garage to keep them out of the way when your Thanksgiving visitors arrive. This is not a good idea for several reasons. Anti-freeze is both attractive and deadly to cats. Anti-freeze and caustic chemicals stored in the garage spell certain disaster if a cat comes in contact with them. Although it may seem like an attractive idea to keep a normally indoor-outdoor cat in the garage over the winter, please keep them in the house. If you need to keep your indoor-only cats away from the festivities, consider a Safe Room. 5. Keep trash cans either secured with a tight fitting lid, or under a cabinet. Caution your guest on arrival about giving turkey and other table foods to your cat. 6. Once the meal is over, place turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin where it can't be accessed by your cat. 7. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets. A child who does not know how to properly interact with your cat, may end up getting scratched. 8. Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities. 9. Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils. Keep your cat away from the sage, if you are cooking with this while preparing your Thanksgiving dinner. 10. As guests enter and exit your home for Thanksgiving dinner this provides an opportunity for your cat to escape. Your cat may become agitated with strangers in your home. To your pet the holidays are a confusing mix of noise, people, strange sights, sounds and smells. Make sure your cat or dog has his own space, either a crate or a separate room, to retreat to when it all becomes overwhelming. You and your pet will be happier for it. 11. If you think someone gave your cat too much turkey or table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your cat got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have. Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Thanksgiving, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center. For more information on sharing the Thanksgiving Holiday with your cat, visit the websites below: Happy Thanksgiving from The Pet Tree House!
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The latest Pet Food privilege announced by the FDA is regarding
prescription cat and dog food. All pet food consumers and veterinarians should
take note of this recent FDA Compliance Policy.
For decades the FDA has strictly enforced their idea that
drugs are the only cure or treatment for illness – refusing to allow any food
to make health or wellness claims. A claim such as ‘An apple a day keeps the
doctor away’ is forbidden.
But in the FDA’s infinite collusion with Big Industry, the
agency allows pet food the same privilege of a drug (to claim it can cure or
treat disease) without any of the requirements of a drug. Pet food is allowed
to claim it can cure or treat disease without having to prove the effectiveness
or even the safety of the pet food.
Kidney Function Canine Formula Dry/Kibble. This dog food,
sold through a veterinarian, is allowed to make the claim of treating kidney
disease in dogs.
Hermit crabs make adorable pets but these little packages
of cuteness are high-maintenance and require very exacting care
Hermit crabs are widely believed to be easy to care for,
and ideal first pets for children. Neither of these beliefs is true.
Unfortunately, hermit crabs are very difficult to keep healthy, and they should
be kept in groups. Not only are hermit crabs are not hermit-like at all, they
are gregarious partiers who will keep a crab-party going all night.
You’ve probably seen the clear plastic critter-carriers and
one-gallon fish tanks where hermit crabs are sometimes displayed. These are not
safe homes for hermit crabs. In fact, if the critter-carrier has a standard
“berry-basket” top for ventilation, the crab inside is probably already dying a
slow and painful death. Hermit crabs breathe air through modified gills. They
will drown in water, and they have no lungs. If the gills ever dry out, the
animal is in serious trouble. The resulting death by suffocation can take
months, but it is inevitable. Therefore, maintaining sufficient humidity in the
hermit crab enclosure is very, very important.
This brings us to the topic of equipment.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
This list is a very rudimentary introduction to the
equipment needed to keep crabs healthy.
An aquarium tank, marine terrarium, or large covered
enclosure strong enough to contain wet sand. Be sure the cover is tight enough
to prevent the crabs from pushing their way out, that some air can get in, and
that it keeps moisture inside the tank;
Water-conditioning fluid, to neutralize chlorine and its
by-products in the water;
Safe sea salt, of the kind sold for marine fish and
crustaceans;
Safe sand, enough to be a few inches (15cm minimum) deep in
the tank;
Water dishes, sea sponges, shallow food dishes, and a
slotted scoop to remove uneaten food from the sand;
Quarantine tank, which is basically the full set-up in
miniature, for safe moulting;
Hidey-huts for the crabs to relax in, during the day;
Extra shells of the correct sizes and shapes, at least
three per crab;
Thermometers for the sand and hygrometers for the main tank
and the quarantine tank;
Branches and rocks to climb on;
Moss and extra sea sponges for soaking, to help keep the
humidity above 75%; and
Heater for one end of the tank: most hermit crab species
like a temperature of 75-80F/24-27C on the warm end of the tank.
EXERCISE
These cute little crustaceans will keep themselves fit, presuming
their tank is big enough. They love to climb, and crawl, and pull. If you are
very careful, you can “walk” them across your hands held low over a soft
surface. As the crab moves across one hand, bring the other one around in
front. To do this, your hands need to be positioned side to side, and not
fingertip-to-fingertip. Otherwise, the surface will be too narrow and the tiny
crab will become frightened.
FEEDING
Hermit crabs are beachcombing scavengers. As omnivores,
they require both meat and plant-matter in their diets. Unfortunately, the
commercial crab foods do not make a good diet for hermit crabs. They tend to
contain preservatives, but some are safe enough: read the ingredient list. The
real problem is that commercial foods are boring. Crabs don’t like to smell the
same meal twice in a row. They will be happiest if every meal is a little
different: some fish and a touch of apple today, perhaps some chicken and
seaweed tomorrow. (Thacker, 1998).
Wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your
crabs, and use de-chlorinated water to do it. Always do everything you can to
keep your crabs away from chlorine. Meat can be raw or cooked, or even
freeze-dried, but avoid preservatives (including salt).
That’s not to say that everything always needs to be fresh.
Stock up on an assortment of jars of baby foods. Keep some freeze-dried
daphnia, bloodworms, tubifex, and shrimp on hand from the aquarium section of
the pet store. Offer a few pieces of low-salt cat food.
Crabs need calcium. The simplest way to provide it is to
drop a couple of cuttlebones onto the floor of the tank. Cuttlebone is sold in
the pet-bird section of the pet store.
Unlike many animals, hermit crabs need two kinds of water
bowls: one with freshwater and one with salt water. The salt water cannot be
made with table salt, because of the iodine in it. Both bowls need to be big
enough for the crabs to submerge themselves, and easy to crawl out of so the
crabs don’t drown. A piece of sea sponge in each bowl makes a convenient safety
raft.
GROOMING
The hermit crab tank needs to contain a conditioned
freshwater bowl and a conditioned saltwater bowl. The precise details of these
will vary with the particular species you keep.
Along with the water that the crabs will use for “grooming”
themselves, these creatures must be provided with an assortment of appropriate
shells. The shapes will vary, again according to species, but whatever the
species you should provide at least three shells per crab in your tank. The
shell sizes should be slightly smaller than, equal to, and slightly larger than
the crab’s current shell. Please, please, please stay away from painted shells.
The “non-toxic” paints are meant to be non-toxic to your children: they are
generally not safe for your hermit crabs.
HOME ENVIRONMENT
Hermit crabs are primarily nocturnal. They enjoy exploring
their home, re-arranging things, and seeing how many of them can sit on a perch
before it falls over. You’ll hear them clacking away with their claws through
the wee hours. If you do most of your sleeping at night, you probably don’t
want to put the crab tanks in the bedroom.
Also, keep in mind that hermit crabs are invertebrates who
are subject to the same kinds of poisons that are used to kill insects and
spiders. If people in your neighborhood spray their lawns, or if someone in
your house tends to go after spiders with a can of “bug-spray”, hermit crabs
are not for you.
TRAINING
There is no training required for hermit crabs. While you
will need to rescue them from time to time, especially during moults, and
you’ll need to provide appropriate shells for them to choose from, they will
act according to their natures.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Are these little guys right for you? They are adorable, no
question, but they are very difficult for beginners to keep healthy and happy.
In many ways, parrots and the licensed exotics are easier to maintain. Perhaps
consider a dog instead? Or a pony?
If you have decided that hermit crabs are the right pet for
your family, the next step is to do some reading. This care-sheet has only
introduced you to the barest skim off the top of the information you need.
Investigate the details of putting together a proper enclosure, and the details
of shell replacement, and the details of temperature and humidity. Next, put
together the main tank and a quarantine tank, and monitor the humidity and
temperature for a week or two. Once that is stable, seek out several healthy
crabs and a nice assortment of high-quality shells for them.
What does it mean to be responsible? The dictionary defines
it as “the duty of taking care of something”, which summarises what it means to
be a cat guardian. This duty of care is enshrined in law, which states it is an
offence not to provide adequate food, shelter, exercise, and freedom from pain.
However, the law is aimed at preventing cruelty, rather than promoting
responsible cat ownership.
To me, being a responsible pet owner means taking care of
both the emotional and physical needs of my cats –this is what separates merely
owning a cat from being a great cat owner.
Someone who owns a cat puts food down and has a cat flap,
whilst a great cat owner plays with their cat, grows cat grass inside, and
provides high perches for their cat to watch the street and activity outside. Can
you see the difference?
Some cats are very finicky eaters and will only eat
a certain kind of food. Some cats like
wet food better while others like dry food better. There are benefits of both wet and dry food,
but if your cat is not a finicky eater, the choice is yours and your cats! So what’s a cat owner to do?
What is the real difference between wet and dry food?
Both canned and dry foods are (if you buy a high quality
food) nutritionally complete. The biggest difference between the two is
moisture content with canned food having a much higher moisture content. Many cats do seem to find wet food more
palatable and this can be especially important if you have a cat with a finicky
appetite.
Wet food is beneficial as it has a higher water content
Due to its higher water content, wet or canned food can be
of particular benefit for cats with kidney problems (it helps keep them better
hydrated) or lower urinary tract disease (it helps produce more dilute urine
that can alleviate or reduce the frequency of symptoms).
The higher water content may make it easier to put your
kitty on a diet (if necessary) because most cans of cat food contain roughly
the same number of calories as 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dry food, but in a larger
volume of food, so the cat may feel fuller at meal time.
The benefits of dry food are the following:
Dry food is good for your cat’s teeth
Dry kibble can be more convenient and many vets feel that
dry food is better for a cat's teeth. However, dry food is not a substitute for
dental care and most cats, regardless of whether they have eaten canned food or
dry food, will need professional dental care at some point in their lives.
Dry food can be left out all day
Dry food is also convenient for cat owners who leave their
cats at home alone every day and want them to be able to graze during the
day. Some cats that are not big eaters
will nibble at it all day until they are full.
However, if your cat is overweight or tends to eat a lot, only leave out
a certain amount of dry food during the day so that he doesn’t gorge when you
aren’t around!
If you feed your cats’ dry food, make sure that your kitty
drinks water
If you feed your cat dry food, he or she should drink at
least one cup of water for every ten pounds of body weight daily. In warm
weather, your cat will need even more. Cats on canned food diets only need to
consume one-third to one-half that amount of water.
Ultimately, wet or dry food is up to you and your kitty
The real decision should come down to your cat and your
lifestyle. If your cat is happy with
both, feed your kitty wet food in the morning and leave dry food out all day. If your cat only likes dry, then just make
sure to have plenty of water for your cat due to the lack of water in the dry
food. If you feed your cat a premium cat
food, with very few additives and enough crude protein, he or she is likely to
thrive whether the food is wet or dry.
Five varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food have
been voluntarily recalled by manufacturer Ainsworth Pet Nutrition of Meadville,
Pennsylvania.
The nationwide recall is due to an elevation in vitamin D
levels, which is due to the natural levels of vitamin D found in some of the
fish ingredients used in the cat food, according to a press release posted on
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.
While vitamin D helps cats regulate phosphorus and calcium,
too much of it can be detrimental to their health, the press release states.
Cats exposed to high levels of vitamin D may experience increased thirst and
urination, diarrhea or vomiting and seizures or tremors. If your cat has
ingested any of the products listed below, seek immediate veterinary
assistance. Symptoms may occur 12 to 36 hours after ingestion.
The varieties that are being recalled are:
Single Packs:
PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz)
UPC Code: 071190007032
Best By Dates Thru: AUG 17 2015
OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz)
UPC Code: 071190007049
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
OCEAN FISH A LICIOUS (2.8 oz)
UPC Code: 071190007056
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
TUNA PURRFECTION (2.8 oz)
UPC Code: 071190007063
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
LIP SMACKIN SARDINE AND MACKEREL (2.8 oz)
UPC Code: 071190007070
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
Multi Packs (12 count):
CHICKEN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups)
UPC Code: 071190007773
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
OCEAN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups)
UPC Code: 071190007780
Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016
No other Rachael Ray Nutrish products are affected by this
recall.
If you have purchased any Rachael Ray Nutrish product,
check the package for the UPC code (found at the bottom of the cup) and the
Best By date (found on the side of the cup).
Eleven illnesses have been reported to date, according to
the press release.
“At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray Nutrish, the
safety and quality of our products is our top priority,” CEO Jeff Watters said
in a statement. “For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the
affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional
operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the
future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere.”
If you have any concerns or questions about this recall,
contact the customer care team at Ainsworth. They can be reached at (877)
650-3486, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and Saturday through
Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Additional information is available on the Nutrish
for Pets websitehttp://nutrish.rachaelray.com/news.
