Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.


Category Archives: Cat Health

Can you toilet train your cat? (Part 2)

Kitten-Pictures-79.jpg 

A Hard Day’s Night

From: bengalkitties.com

In last post, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training your cat.  Today, we are going to get a little more concrete and detail the logical progression of steps.

You will notice that there is a logical progression from one step to the next.  The key to this whole process is patience, patience, patience.  You need to watch your cat and observe any ‘discomfort’ from moving too quickly. 

Step 1
So that your Cat will start to associate his/her litter box with the toilet, you want to gradually inch the litter box toward the toilet until is right next to it.  Remember to do this slowly or it could disorient your cat, having its litter box moved too often and to quickly. 

Step 2
Now it’s time to raise the litter box up to the toilet seat’s level.  The key here is to do this gradually, about a 1/2 to 1 inch per day or so.  Really the amount is up to your cat’s tolerance for change.  Also, make sure that you keep the toilet bowl lid up and the seat down during this phase.

Step 3
Next, you want to move the litter box on top of and resting on the toilet seat.  Again, do this gradually.

Step 4
Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.Next, fit a metal bowl on the inside of the toilet bowl – make sure it’s a snug fit.  Many pet stores carry these.  Otherwise, you can use a larger mixing bowl.  Make sure that the bowl has about 5 small holes on the bottom for draining – a regular drill can be used to make these.  You are going to fill the bowl with flushable cat litter.  Remove the litter box. Make sure to put down the toilet seat.

Step 5
The goal is to have your cat plant all four paws on the toilet seat and squat over the toilet.  However, at first, he/she will plant down inside the bowl full of litter.  So now, this is where your work and patience comes in.  You need to watch for when you kitty goes to the ‘litter box’.  You’ll want to gently move the cat while it is excreting from the inside of the metal bowl to the seat, using lot’s positive praise.

Step 6
The next step is to start decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl – again, this is a gradual process.  Cat’s instinctively scratch in the litter to cover their waste, so be prepared for some litter on the floor.

Step 7
Get a new metal bowl, one without any holes in the bottom and replace the one you had been using.  Next, gradually fill the bowl with water – a little at a time.

Step 8
When you have filled the bowl to about 1 inch from its top, it’s time to remove it altogether.  You are basically done and you cat should be toilet trained.

Remember to remember to leave the toilet seat up and flush often.


How to Give a Cat an Injection

How to Give a Cat an Injection

Kitten-Pictures-77.jpg

“Easy with the tongue, Shep”

From: freewebs.com

Hopefully you won’t have to give your cat or kitten an injection, but, just in case…

Setting the Mood

It is important for your cat to be relaxed up until the time of the injection.  My cats respond well to having a favorite treat.  Make sure you pet and cuddle with your feline also.  Some also recommend that an injection be giving about the same time everyday.  Also, make sure you get down on Fluffy’s level – you don’t want to come across as threatening or domineering.  Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  For those of you who are not comfortable on the floor, you can bring your cat up with you a couch in your lap.

Disguise the Needle

You don’t want your cat to make the connection between a syringe in your hand the slight and momentary pain he or she will feel.  And really, this is important, usually in the very beginning of a injection routine.  You can try to hide the syringe altogether.  I like to use the capped syringe as a play-thing – pet your kitty with it, stroke him.

Confidence

If this is your first time doing this, you are apt to be a little nervous.  Try to relax.  Cats can read your mood and feelings.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed he or she will be.  Also, keep your movements fluid and smooth – try to avoid sudden, jerky motions as this signals stress or can over-stimulate your cat.

The Place

The scruff of the neck has long been used as an optimal place for the injection, however, there is research to show that blood supply is lower there than what is optimal to deliver the drug to your cats body.  It is much better to use an area on the stomach (avoid the nipples and navel) or an area near his or her hips.  Also, it is important to not use the same spot over and over again because this may cause a nodule of tissue to form, called a ‘granuloma’, which has poor blood supply.

The Technique

You want to pinch the skin up, pulling it slightly from the cat’s body.  Don’t pinch too hard, just enough to raise the skin.  You are going to inject into the pinched skin because the act of pinching it helps to numb the area.  You want the need angle to be almost parallel with the cat, but slightly raised.  Look at the needle length and then look at the amount of skin you’ve pinched – you want the need to penetrate into the middle of skin mass that you’ve pinched.

Be as quick as possible because you want to puncture through nerve-laden skin as quickly as possible – most of the nerves are at the very surface of the skin.  Once the needle is in, you can slow down a bit since the worst is over.  Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the contents are in your cat and then quickly remove the needle.

Post Injection

It is important to have some cuddling/play time with your kitty just after an injection, doling out lots of affection.  Give lots of verbal praise also.  This helps Fluffy associate positive with the experience.