The Catnip Connection
Catnip naturally stimulates cats -- they can eat it, lick it, and roll around in it. The herb acts as a non-addictive hallucinogen, the effects of which generally last about 15 minutes. For reasons we don't yet understand, catnip doesn't affect all cats, and it usually has a stronger affect on adult and older cats than it does on kittens. You can & Read more »
Attack Cat: How to Cope with an Aggressive Feline
Cat scratches hurt. Be careful not to inadvertently teach your cat to scratch your hands. Don't roughhouse with your cat. If you let your cat grip your hands with its claws when you play, your cat will think that it's okay to scratch your hands. Usually, a simple "no" used consistently is enough to keep your cat from clawing your & Read more »
Pet and Parent Bonding: Training, Toys, and Treats For Your Cat
Learning the ropes Imagine you just became the newest member of an established family in a foreign country. You don’t speak the language or know how to act. This is how it is for your new cat. She really wants to know what to do, or not do, so she can get past the formalities and down to the important business & Read more »
Making Your New Cat Feel at Home
Your new cat is counting on you to provide the right nutrition, socialization, healthcare and grooming. Help her with the transition to her new home with these tips from PetSmart experts: How to introduce her to the family The first day you bring home your new pet is special, so make sure you set some time aside to create a calm, happy & Read more »
Litter basics for the new cat owner
Cats are picky about cleanliness, location, and type of litter. Remember this, or your cat may choose to do her business in another spot in your house. To avoid cat litter box issues, below is some easy-to-follow litter box advice. Choosing a litter box A full-size, easy-to-clean, plastic litter box is available at your pet store. Picking a location Choose a quiet, easily accessible & Read more »
Intestinal Viruses
Among the viruses that can infect your Pet and cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines: Parvovirus The deadliest of the intestinal viruses, parvovirus sloughs away the intestinal lining, causing mild to severe, bloody diarrhea and dehydration--a frequent cause of death. It also affects the bone marrow and immune system. Coronavirus A common virus in areas with high dog populations, & Read more »
Why Diabetes Causes Excessive Thirst, Hunger in Cats
Diabetes mellitus is a serious medical condition where your pet cannot control her blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin production or function. It has many symptoms, but the most common that concerns Pet Parents are excessive urination, excessive thirst and eating while losing weight. Glucose is the main energy source that body cells need to operate efficiently. Your cat’s & Read more »
Cats and Stress
Because of their sensitive nature, cats can sometimes get stressed out and display stress-related behaviors. Some of the most common causes of cat stress are: changes in the immediate environment, introduction of a new pet into the family, sudden loud noises, unfamiliar smells or the absence of certain family members. Some signs of stress include: hiding, unusual fearfulness or aggression, & Read more »
Products Offer Options to Declawing
Declawing is the removal of a cat's front claws so it can't scratch furniture or people. Declawing is very controversial. Some people believe it's inhumane to declaw a cat because the surgery causes needless pain and suffering. They compare declawing a claw to amputating a finger. If you buy a purebred cat from a breeder or adopt a cat from & Read more »
Did You Know ... Playing Teaches Your Cat Social Skills?
Playful activities, including climbing, wrestling, rolling and biting contribute to a kitten's social development. Play fights in particular teach kittens limits early on. For example, as kittens experience bites and scratches from their frisky siblings, they learn to reduce the intensity of their own attacks. In fact, it's common to see kittens rushing toward littermates only to veer away or & Read more »
Help Your Cat Get Fit With Kitty Calisthenics
Is your tabby getting thick in the midsection? Are chewing and swallowing her only exercises? A cat's sedentary lifestyle can often result in obesity, a condition which can lead to hip, back, shoulder or knee injuries, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and heat stroke. Apart from limiting your cat's food intake, what else can you do to combat this problem? The answer is & Read more »
Why It's OK to Let Your Cat Eat Grass
Many cat owners are discovering that providing their cat with live greenery to nibble on is a safe and healthy way to bring a taste of the outdoors to their indoor cat. Cat owners may be surprised when they see their carnivorous feline indulging in greenery. PetSmart’s feline expert and veterinarian Dr. Robyn Jaynes, says that Pet Parents frequently ask why & Read more »
How to Keep Cats from Counter-Hopping
Cats have a natural love for vertical exploration as well as amazing jumping abilities, as most Pet Parents have witnessed. But, for safety's sake, sometimes keeping your cat from jumping onto certain places may be in order, for example, a hot stove or a bucket on a kitchen counter filled with a cleaning solution. Here are some ways to keep cats & Read more »
Things to think about when adopting a cat
Is a cat the right pet for you? Your cat will depend on you throughout her life, and with proper care, may live 15 years or more. Here are some things to help you decide whether or not a cat is the right pet for you and, if so, what kind of cat to adopt. Cats crave quiet If your household has & Read more »
Did you know ... cats eat in cycles?
Many cats eat in cycles, a trait passed down from wild ancestors that hunted for food. Don't mistake these peaks and valleys as signs that your cat dislikes its food. Switching pet food brands frequently in response to your cat's whims can reinforce bad eating habits and create finicky eaters. For more information about Banfield, The Pet Hospital®, visit their webiste & Read more »
Prevent Your Cat from Scratching Your Screens
You enjoy letting the fresh air and sunshine into your home by opening the windows, but your feisty feline may just see this as an invite to climb or scratch your window screens. Screen scratching can become a sticky situation for many Pet Parents. Feline expert and PetSmart veterinarian Dr. Robyn Jaynes, weighs in on the subject: "When it comes to & Read more »
Understanding Aggressive Cat Behavior
If your cat displays aggression toward another cat, it's usually due to territorial issues. Unless two cats are litter mates or "siblings" from the time they're very young kittens, it will take them some time to adjust to one another. Review our Gentle Welcome article for the strategy to gradually introduce a new cat into the home. If your cat & Read more »
Introducing Your New Kitten to Other Pets
Welcoming a new kitten or cat into your home is difficult if you have other Pets. To avoid a nasty confrontation between your Pets and your kitten, follow these steps. Prepare a room for the kitten in a quiet area of your house. Put the kitten's food and water in the room, as well as its scratching post and litter & Read more »
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
Just like new parents must 'baby-proof' their homes, you must 'kitten-proof' yours before your new kitten arrives. Kittens have a lot of energy and they're very curious, so you need to make your home as safe as possible. Collect all small and breakable objects like nick-knacks and put them in a room that's off-limits to your kitten. Keep the door & Read more »
Ways to Prevent Furniture Scratching
All cats need to scratch to detach the outer shell on their nails so the new growth is exposed. If your cat doesn't scratch, the outer layer of its nails will continue to grow into its footpad, which is very painful. Cats also scratch to mark their territories and stretch their muscles and tendons. But, as some Pet Parents may & Read more »
Easy Does It - A Gentle Welcome
Kittens and cats adapt slowly to change, so the initial homecoming may be stressful for your new friend. It's best to bring your new kitty into your home when it's quiet and calm; then, gradually introduce her to family and friends. Follow these steps when bringing your cat home: Prepare in advance a quiet room for her that includes food, & Read more »
Litter Box Lowdown
Cats and kittens are naturally very clean animals, and most kittens are litter box trained by around 12 weeks old. However, the stress of moving to a new home may cause kittens and adult cats to forget their littler box habits. Following are some hints to make sure they practice what they've learned. Place the litter box in a quiet & Read more »
Get the Scoop on Litter Box Solutions
Whether you're a new cat owner or a seasoned cat owner in need of a new litter box, choosing the right litter box for your cat can be confusing. How big should it be? Should I buy one with a cover or not? Here are some tips to help you think inside the litter box: The basics Ensure you have the appropriate number of litter & Read more »
The Skinny on Scratching
It's just a fact of life that cats scratch - in fact, it's a very healthy behavior. It helps to keep the nails clean and helps your cat shed the nail sheath periodically. The tricky part is training her to use something other than furniture or door frames. The best choice is to offer a sturdy scratching post or other & Read more »
Take Control of Spraying
To modify your cat's natural urge to mark their spot around the house, here are some ways to take control of spraying. Fixing the Issue Having your kitten neutered as soon as your veterinarian recommends is one of the best ways to prevent a spraying problem from even starting. For older cats neutering is still an effective option and overall healthier & Read more »
Training Cats
Some of the same rules apply, the most important of which is consistency. If you want your cat to stay off the kitchen counters, the rule has to apply all the time. Don't scold her for it one day, and then invite her to jump up there the next. And while cats may not respond to praises of "Good Kitty," & Read more »
Safely Travel with Your Cat
By Car When traveling by car, keep these things in mind: By Car When traveling by car, keep these things in mind: Plan ahead -- make sure the hotels you're staying at allow pets. Make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations -- always carry your cat's health certificate and proof of vaccinations. Use a pet carrier -- an unsecured & Read more »
Train a Cat to Walk While on a Leash? Yes You Can!
Taking your cat for a walk is a good way for her to get experience the great outdoors without subjecting her to the dangers of cars, cat fights or infectious diseases that can be contracted through other cats. It's also a great way for her to get some exercise and burn some calories. Teaching an adult cat to walk while on & Read more »
Treat Your Cat
Everyone loves treats! They're fun to give and fun to get. But, with so many treats to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for your cat? FAQs about cat treats How many treats can I give my cat each day? The most important thing you need to know is that treats should be no more than 10% of your & Read more »
Experts Say Pets Do Dream, But What About?
If you’re like most Pet Parents, you’ve probably watched your dog paddle his paws in place, or seen your kitty’s whiskers and tail twitch, despite being fast asleep. Could they be dreaming? Experts say yes. It's what they dream about that's the mystery. Could your dog be slaying a dragon in an effort to rescue the poodle princess? Is your & Read more »
