Creature Comforts Pet Services, LLC

Compassionate care for your friend

Theresa Berrett

Cat Communication

by

Cat Tails

It is always a good idea to get to know what your cat is thinking. Most of us intuitively understand them, but it can help to know the various ways a cat can communicate. Keep in mind it is a good idea to note the context in which a cat is displaying certain body language to fully understand what they are communicating.  They communicate visually through body language, auditorily through vocalizations, tactile (touch), and through scent.  Overall communication can be put into 3 categories:  distance increasing (antagonistic), meaning the cat wants to get away.  Distance decreasing (affiliative) meaning the cat wants to be nearer a person or object.  Or simply neutral with neither a desire to get away or move closer.

I will start with visual communication, beginning with the details, then putting it together with whole postures.


Tails

Cats’ tails are quite effective in helping a cat to balance, but they also say quite a lot with their tails.  


A neutral tail is generally horizontal or slanting slightly down, this can indicate the cat is confident and relaxed, yet alert.  

An aroused cat will have a twitching, waving, wagging or flicking tail.  Arousal could mean agitation for a number of different reasons such as fear, aggression, or playfulness.  Sometimes a cat can exhibit arousal while stalking prey with almost complete stillness except for a tiny twitch at the tip of the tail.

It is a good idea to approach a cat with a thrashing tail with caution as this indicates extreme arousal that could result in attack.

They can communicate excitement with a quivering tail, of course this can also indicate spraying urine.

A tail tucked close to the body or between the legs indicates fear. Although relaxed “loaf” cats will also hold their tails close, it is often not pressed against the body tightly.


A standing straight up, puffed “bottle brush” tail is a show of fear or defensive aggression.  

While a hooked L shaped tail indicates offensive aggression (ready to attack).  

A tail held high is a confident and friendly greeting, particularly if it is in the shape of a question mark.  A high quivering tail is excited to see the person or object.

Pet Food Guidelines

by

When it comes to pet nutrition it boils down to what works best for your particular animal, that includes what is tasty and interesting, and nutritionally appropriate. There is such a huge variety out there these days it can be hard to choose.  For the most part, any of the major brands out there will provide adequate nutrition for your pet, so there is no need to stress over it.   Here are a few pointers to help.  Keep in mind that quality and price are not always equal.   

First look for high quality protein listed as the first ingredient.  For this you will want to see the specific name of the animal ingredient (i.e. chicken, beef, lamb).  For instance, “Poultry” could mean chicken, turkey, or duck. Also “meal”, as in Chicken meal, could mean non meat items such as beaks, feathers, and feet are included and counted as protein.  If your pet has special food needs or allergies, it is important to know exactly what you are getting.

Second, just like with human foods, avoid ingredients that you can’t pronounce, as well as dyes. Many dry pet foods use grain ingredients to act as binders and fillers.  Wheat, soy, and corn are common, but better choices are brown rice, lentils, oatmeal, and quinoa.  

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have established guidelines that pet food manufacturers need to follow and these can be very helpful in understanding what you are getting. 

  •  Look for  “Complete and Balanced” on the pet food label.  This means the contains all the required nutrients and they are in the correct ratios.  Foods that are listed as “intermittent” or “supplemental” are not nutritionally adequate for a healthy animal.
  • A pet food containing the word “with”, such as “Super Cat Food with Chicken”, has to contain at least 3% of that ingredient.
  • Words such as “Premium”, “Gourmet”, and “Senior”  are allowed, but have no technical definition and most likely will mean you will pay more and that is about it.  
  • However, kitten and puppy foods do have the required ingredients for growing animals.  Look for “Puppy”, “Kitten”, or ‘Growth” on the label.  “All life stages” is appropriate for young animals, as well as gestating/lactating females.

Cats and dogs have different digestive tracts from ours and require food that is specific to their species.  

Cats do well on multiple smaller feedings of wet food in a day, similar to eating several mice per day.  They are obligate carnivores meaning they require animal protein at each meal.  Cats do not do well if they stop eating for more than 24 hours, so if you notice this in your kitty have them checked by a vet right away.  Cats also get quite a bit of moisture through their food.

Dogs, on the other hand, have much more hardy digestive systems, designed to occasionally withstand a fast and even manage on somewhat old meat.  In their wild past they may not have had any luck on the hunt and have to go hungry for a day or two.  Their intestines are much shorter than a human’s and cannot digest plant fiber very well.  Again, in the wild, most of their “vegetables” would have come from the partially digested contents of a prey animal stomach.  So any plant ingredients need to be cooked and finely chopped.

There are other factors related to eating besides just nutrition to consider.  Kibble size should be appropriate to the size of animal you are feeding.  Very large kibble could be a choking hazard for a smaller dog.  It is best for your pet to chew their food for the maximum absorption of nutrients. There are a whole lot of possibilities for slowing down a fast eater, from simply tossing the food over an open area to be picked up one piece at a time, to one of the many food puzzles available.  How much to feed comes down to breed, and exercise level.

Nutrition in pets can be a complex science, but does not need to be a source of stress for you and your animal companion.  Fortunately we do have AAFCO guidelines to help regulate the industry and make it clear what our animals are eating.

Feline developmental Stages

by

Feline Developmental Stages

In order to understand your cat’s behavior it can be helpful to know the social development stages kittens go through as they grow.  Evolutionarily cats come from solitary predators.  The closest living ancestors is the African Wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica. As you can see from the photos (right) they look just like your average gray tabby, however I don’t think you would have too much luck petting one of these!  As cats became domesticated, they had to adapt to denser populations and that is where they adapted to more complex social structure.  Dogs were originally social hunters and because of this have body language and facial expressions that are more easily readable.  Cats, on the other hand, do not have as many social body language cues.  This has given the false impression that cats don’t care for or need any social interaction.  Modern domestic cats are “socially flexible” meaning that they can either remain solitary hunters or learn to function in a group.  During their growth and development, all kittens need to go through the domestication process with exposure to handling by humans.  This is why there is a range of cats all the way from solitary feral cats who are completely wild and survive on their own as well as feral cats living in groups to sweet and tame kitties living in complete cooperation with humans.

While all cats develop at their own rate, there are 8 feline social developmental stages.  

Fetal Stage

The first stage is Fetal which is prior to birth.  The health of the mother during gestation can affect the development of kittens.  For example, a  mother cat who is exposed to stress or does not have adequate nutrition can have kittens with lifelong both behavioral and physical issues.  Certain infections and illness in the prenatal mother can also affect the kittens.

Neonatal

This Stage is from birth to about 10 days old.  Kittens are born with their eyes closed and have limited hearing, however they do have a sense of touch, smell, and taste.  They are very much dependent on the mother cat for food, elimination, as well as warmth and protection.  Good nutrition and reduced stress for the mother also affects the kittens at this stage.  Socialization can begin with short periods of gentle handling, although this does not affect their acceptance of humans, it can help them to develop resilience.

Transitional

From about 10 days to 3 weeks is the transitional stage. During this time the kittens develop more mobility and sensory input ability.  Physical milestones also begin during this stage, such as eyes opening, teeth erupting and beginning to walk.  Exposure to different sights, sounds, and situations can affect the kittens throughout their lifetime.

Socialization

This stage is from about 2 weeks until about 7-10 weeks of age.  This is the most important time for a kitten to be exposed to a variety of new experiences.  A kitten’s fear of novelty is shut off at this point allowing the kitten to have more curiosity about the environment it is growing up in.  They essentially learn what is “normal” for their situation.  This is the time to set up positive social interaction with humans, other cats and other animals.  Cats who have socialization to other cats, at this point will become more likely to accept cat companions in adulthood.  Gentle handling of all a kitten’s body parts  (paws, tail, belly, toes) will help with future handling and grooming.  Gentle exposure to situations such as wearing a harness, car rides, carriers, nail clipping, and tooth brushing are more readily accepted at this stage.  Providing a variety of toys can also help to simulate a kitten’s mind at this point.

However, it is important to know that even a single traumatic experience during this phase can cause a lifelong fear.  Therefore it is important for all the interactions to be paired with positive reinforcement and care should be taken to avoid stressful situations.  
It is vitally important for kittens to remain with their litter during this time.  Play with littermates helps kittens develop behaviorally.  Problems such as excessive timidity, fear, and aggression can develop if removed from the litter too early. 

Kittens will also begin to eliminate without their mother’s help at about 4 weeks.  Not all mother cats will “teach” their kittens to use a litter box, but exposure to a litter box to explore will assist kittens in following their natural instincts to cover their wastes.  Clumping or absorbent litters should be avoided because of the possibility of ingestion.

Typically, kittens will also begin to eat solid food at this point and will be fully weaned by 7 to 10 weeks.  What a kitten is fed at this time will affect future tastes, so now is a great time to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to avoid a picky eater in the future.

Juvenile

At about 8 weeks kittens will begin to have a fear response to novel stimuli.  This Juvenile stage lasts for about 4-10 months and is characterized by a reduction in the playful kitten behavior and does include a period of avoidance to humans, even in the most socialized kittens.  In the wild cats will begin to hunt on their own during this time and toys which can mimic the hunting sequence (stalk, chase, pounce) are important.  It is still important to expose kittens to new experiences as this can set the tone for being able to handle changes throughout their lifetime.  

Adolescent

A cat will remain in the adolescent stage from between 4-10 months until 2-4 years.  This is the period when a wild cat begins to go off on its own or to leave a feral cat colony, therefore, mental stimulation and environmental enrichment are important in keeping a young cat occupied and in preventing unwanted behaviors out of boredom.  A variety of toys, scratch posts, cat trees, as well as training can help to keep cats mentally stimulated and entertained.

During this stage, and throughout adult life, care needs to be taken in introducing new cats as now they become less accepting of new additions.

Adult

Cats reach social maturity between 2-4 years.  Behaviors toward other household animals, including humans, may change and need to be adjusted to.  Mental stimulation in the form of toy variety, games, and cat furniture, as well as social connection is important for a healthy happy cat.

Senior

Over 12 years cats are considered geriatric.  Cats of this age still require attention and mental stimulation although physically they may begin to slow down.  Attention to physical health is important in catching illness early.   Because cats are prey animals, as well as predators, they don’t readily show signs of distress or illness and may be difficult to spot early signs of illness in.  Behavioral changes such as not using the litter box suddenly can be an indication of an illness.

Knowing what is normal behavior and development in cats can help you to understand how to provide your cat with what it needs for a happy and healthy life with you.

Possible New Canine Disease

by

***Update***** It may not be viral, but bacterial and resistant to antibiotics.

There is a new respiratory virus emerging called Canine Atypical Respiratory Disease. There are currently no reported cases in Washington (closest has been Oregon) and it does seem to be isolated to canines only. However, it is long lasting, non to minimally responsive to antibiotics, and has a high mortality rate.

Signs of illness:

  • Nasal DIscharge
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Sneezing

At this point the best protection for your dog is to limit exposure. Limit time at grooming and boarding facilities, dog parks, and other densely dog populated areas. If you do need to use grooming and boarding; Use dog social distancing, at least 6 feet from other dogs and do not allow the sharing of toys, blankets, bed, and food and water bowls. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations. Closely monitor your dog for any signs of illness. If you do see any signs, isolate your pet and call your veterinarian and get medical support immediately. Do not wait!

Respiratory disease is spread through respiratory secretions from licking, coughing, sneezing, and barking. DOgs who come into close contact are at increased risk. It spreads both directly and indirectly through objects such as kennels, bowls, and leashes, or from people who come into contact with infected dogs. The incubation period is short (1 to 8 days) and dogs are most contagious during this time even while they are not showing outward signs of illness. there is also the possibility of carriers, who never show any signs of illness, but can still shed the virus.

Currently there are 3 vaccines that protect dogs from respiratory viruses: DHPP, Bordatella, and Canine Influenza. All breeds and ages are susceptible, however special care should be taken with young, elderly, and brachycephalic (smushy faced) dogs. Higher risk dogs, those who need to be at places where dogs typically gather, such a boarding, should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

At this time the best protection is to keep your dog at home and keep distance on walks.

Please share this information with other dog owners.

For further information and updates, please refer to reliable sources for information, such as ARG.wa.gov

Winter weather considerations for our furry friends

by

Since we have just had our first,and possibly only, snowstorm of the year, thoughts for keeping your pets safe and healthy for the winter are on my mind.  Exposure to the dry, cold air and cold rain can cause chapped paws and dry itchy skin much like it is for us.  But these are not the only discomforts for your pets in winter weather.

Keeping your home humidified and towel drying your pet, with special attention to the paws, can help with the dry chapped skin.  Reducing the amount of bathing will remove your pet’s natural oils that help protect from dry, flaky skin.  If you must bathe, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo or rinse.  When grooming, consider keeping your pet’s coat longer in the wintertime.  If your pet is long haired, trim to minimize clinging ice balls, salt, and de-icing chemicals.  Again, with special attention to the hair between the toes.  If your friend is short haired, consider getting a coat that covers from the neck to the base of the tail, including the belly.  Remember to consider your pet’s age, older animals will not tolerate the cold for as long.

De-icing chemicals and salt can pose many skin problems too.  Fortunately, the streets in Port Townsend are only treated with gravel, but there are still other chemicals and salts on sidewalks and off of cars coming into town.  Carrying a small towel on hikes can help to reduce irritated paws.  After each walk, wash and dry your pets feet and belly to reduce exposure to ice, salt, and chemicals. It is also a good practice to check paw pads for cracks and redness.  Messaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectant into paw pads before going out can help protect feet. Booties provide even more coverage and can also keep sand or salt from getting lodged between toes to irritate.  There are pet friendly ice melts available if you need to de-ice surfaces. 

But that is not the only danger from chemicals.  Antifreeze is lethal to pets in small doses.  During walks, don’t let your dog drink from puddles.   For our feline friends, it is a good idea to clean paws when they come in so they don’t lick chemicals off.  Clean up any spills from your vehicle thoroughly and consider pet safer (propylene glycol) based products rather than ethylene glycol.  Note that I said pet safer, it is a better alternative, but still not something good for pets to ingest.

Pets burn extra energy in the winter, so if they go outdoors be sure to feed a little bit more, as well as giving them plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.  Be sure your companions have a warm place to sleep up off the floor and out of drafts.  A cozy dog or cat bed and warm blanket to snuggle in is perfect.

Remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet.  If left outdoors, pets can freeze or suffer from other hypothermia effects such as disorientation and become lost.  Additionally, cars can hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze, soo don’t leave pets in your car alone during cold weather.

And lastly, be sure to enjoy the winter weather together whether that is cozy book reading with your favorite feline or romping in the snow with your pup!

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

by

What is great fun for us is not always so fun for our pets. Halloween is second only to 4th of July on numbers of animals that end up in shelters, making it an excellent time to make sure your contact information is up to date on microchip registries and legible on ID tags. Both with greatly increase the chances of your pet making it back to you should they become lost. Costumes and loud animals can make the familiar world suddenly scary to many animals and many sweet treats can be potentially fatal to dogs and cats.

It can be a good idea to walk dogs before it gets dark, so they can be back inside before all the ghosts, ghouls, and (gasp!)princesses come out to haunt the streets. Likewise it is wise for your pets to stay home if you plan to go out ringing doorbells. Many dogs get scared by costumes and loud noises and can become aggressive or suddenly dart into a busy street. If you stay at home, supervise your pets closely or give them their own space in a quieter room of the house when Trick or Treaters come knocking.

October has become popular for dressing up our pets too, but unless your pet is truly comfortable in a costume, keep it clothing optional…for the pet! Something simple like a bandana could be appropriate to dress up your pet without causing them distress. Most pets don’t like masks that cover their eyes or loose fabric that is tricky to walk in. If you do feel your 4 legged friend would be willing to dress up, here are a few tips: Do some practice sessions with lots of rewards, starting with parts of the costume for short periods to acclimate your pet to his costume and make it a positive experience. Be sure to do the same with your costume giving your pet time to recognize that is you in there. Make sure their costume is not adorned with beads or strings which could be swallowed and be sure any elastic bands holding the costume in place are not to tight and restricting blood flow. Also make sure your pet can still answer nature’s call comfortably and nothing causes difficulty with vision. Finally, never leave them unsupervised in a costume.

Lots of pets love treats too. There are lots of ways to make sure your pet has as yummy a Halloween as you! Here are some ways to avoid cat-astrophies and doggy dangers. Pups anxious for a sweet treat rarely take time to unwrap them. Paper, cellophane, and foil candy wrappers can clog the intestines making for a truly scary situation. Chocolate contains Theobromine which is both a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. This will speed up your pet’s heart rate and respiration and pull fluids from his body which can result in seizures and death. Beware of grapes or raisins masquerading as “eyeballs”. These can cause kidney failure in dogs. Make sure pets can’t get a hold of plastic toothpicks in both festive cupcakes and adult beverages.

Cooked pumpkin can be a great treat, however once it becomes a Jack-o-lantern, it can cause more harm than good. Candles placed inside can burn precious snouts and paws, or if turned over start fires. Be sure to keep pumpkins, candles, and electric cords inaccessible or uninviting to chew. Fake spider webs and spray string can be toxic or cause choking.

Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time if you have a particularly anxious pet who could benefit from calming aid or medication. A tired dog or cat is generally a happy dog or cat, so don’t forget lots of exercise and playtime before festivities start, but then let your fur babies retreat to a quiet place with pet safe treats and toys when the zombies come to call.