How to surely celebrate a pet’s birthday

Happy Birthday! We all love a celebration, and the birthday of a pet (or the day of adoption) is a great excuse to spoil them, as if we did not do it every day!

Of course, there are many ways to celebrate and show our love to our pets, but certainly one of the favorites is through food. Sometimes celebration, we might want to show our pets some extra love with something special and different from their usual diet. That is fine, but we must be careful what we offer.

Cats have different nutrient requirements than us, and also have different tolerances, so we want to make sure that what they offer are not only tasty, but also safe. We know that cats have preference for high foods in proteins and high fat, although we must be careful not to exaggerate. Offering rich foods to cats is safer than for dogs, since cats are not so risk of developing pancreatitis, although it can certainly happen. Then, keep the birthdays in moderation.

The 10% rule

Yes, the rules even apply on birthdays! The 10% rule refers to feeding 90% of the daily calories of a complete and balanced food source, such as halo croquettes or canned food, and a maximum of 10% of sweets, sandwiches or remains. In this way, we can be sure that Fluffy is fulfilling its nutritional requirements every day and that we do not accidentally induce a dietary deficiency. Verify the calorie content of the treats and the snacks to ensure that they do not exceed the rule. If you are not sure of the daily calorie requirements of your cat, an estimate (based on average cat sizes) is:

Of course, each cat is an individual, so if you are not sure of your cat’s daily calorie requirements, talk to your family veterinarian.

Human foods that are insecure for cats

In addition to sweets, sandwiches and commercial chewing, there are many “food for people” that we can offer our feline friends. However (and equally important), there are specific foods that are not healthy or even insecure for cats to eat: Below is a list of some of those articles.

Raw animal products: If your cat has an outdoor access, you are likely to complement your diet with local wildlife and consume a lot of raw meat and even bones, so you can ask why it is not recommended to feed raw animal products. Due to agriculture, transport and killing methods, the risk of contamination of raw animal products with bacteria is very large. That is one of the many reasons why most people who eat meat cook first! Just as they can cause diseases in humans, these bacteria can also cause diseases in cats, so it is recommended not to feed these articles to any pet. The symptoms of food poisoning of raw animal products can vary from vomiting and diarrhea to potentially fatal sepsis.

Chocolate: Although cats lack sweet receptors and, therefore, they do not have so much chocolate desire and humans, they can still consume it if they are offered. It is well known that chocolate is poisonous for dogs: it is also so poisonous for cats, and because they are so small, much lower doses are required for toxic effects. This is a potentially fatal toxicity, since it can cause cardiovascular and neurological problems.

Milk and dairy: It was once the fashion to get a dish of milk for cats, but that has been frowned upon for quite some time. Most adult animals (including humans!) Do not naturally produce lactase, the enzyme necessary to digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk. Young kittens express the enzyme so that they can digest lactose in their mother’s milk, but once they are weaned, their bodies stop producing it unless they are chronically exposed to dairy products. For that reason, most cats will develop digestive problems such as diarrhea when dairy products are received.

Grapes and raisins: Even small doses of grapes, or even worse, pass, can cause kidney damage in cats.

Onions and garlic: Although cats will not normally appreciate their onion or straight garlic offer, they can eat them if combined with other ingredients. Large doses of onion or garlic can cause damage to red blood cells, so these foods should always be avoided.

Other ways to celebrate

Birthdays are not fair On food, there are other ways in which we can show our feline family how much we appreciate them. Enter any pet store and you will be surprised by the variety of toys available for cats, there is something for everyone! Some cats love wrinkled tinsel balls, others lose their heads due to soft toys stuffed with kittera grass and, of course, are interactive toys such as posts and flirting wands or remote control mice. Involving your cat at stake is an excellent way to interact with them, since it burns calories, develops muscle and stimulates its natural impulse to stalk and hunt safely and controlled.

If you are organizing a party for your appreciated cat, make sure you have a safe space you can escape if necessary. Some cats are social butterflies and prosper with guests around, while others may prefer the opportunity for some loneliness. They are not ungrateful, they are only independent creatures that need a bit of “time” sometimes!

I wish you and your skin friend a very special day!

Dr. Sarah Dodd

In the increasingly complex rainbow of the colors and races of cats, intelligent hybrid words for names are often, it is not surprising that a branch of the tricolor calic cat has emerged in feline jargon. This type of calicó, called “Tabico”, or sometimes “Caliby”, combines the stripes of the pattern of atgied layer with the orange and black patches of the pattern of the calic layer. What a great and artistic cat!

In Calicos, a cat has three colors: typically white, black and orange, distributed in a pattern patching in the cat’s coat. In diluted calicos, colors are silenced with a cake effect and seem more gray and cream creams. In tabicos, black and orange (or gray and cream) appear as striped atmosphere instead of solid colors.

The featured pattern can appear in one or both colors. And the Tabico cat, assuming that the cat has a color patch on the forehead instead of Blanco, will have the characteristic “M” tied in the area above and between the eyes.

What are some interesting data about this felic calic designer known as Tabico?

Hivah/shuttersock.com

1. Tabicos are almost the same as torbies

The Tabico is a mixture of athekeered and calicó brands, which appear mainly in color patches along with the white. A Torbie, on the other hand, is a mixture of Tabby and TortoiseShell brands. The difference is that a Tortie/Torbie has little or no white, and black and orange (or gray and white for diluents) are stained and swirling together. It is the same basic genes, but they express themselves in a slightly different way.

It is the same for diluted torto; They are the same as a diluted calico, but they only have a different pattern. And both torbies and tabicos are specific types of torture and calicos.

2. Tabicos are almost always women

Although tabicos have a complex mixture, the same identity of Calico/Cake almost excluded, about 99.7 percent of these cats, or 1 in 3,000. The determining factor is the presence of black and orange in a cat, or gray and cream in a diluted.

Black and orange are the two basic tones of the colors of the cats, and each one comes on a different X chromosome. So, if both colors appear in a cat, the cat has two X chromosomes, which is, by definition, a woman.

However, once on a blue moon, a calic kitten/TortoiseShell/Tabico/Tortie will be a man, who has a bit of unicorn status. These kittens have an additional X chromosome and are XXY, a genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome. This additional chromosome can cause health problems, and the cat is usually sterile.

Mary Swift/Shuttersock.com

3. Tabicos are not a race

Like Calico, Tabby, Tortoiseshell and the solid colors, Tabico is a color pattern but not a specific breed. Calico and the Tabico fur can appear in many cat races. This coloration tends to appear in races such as Persian, Japanese bobtail and Maine Coon.

4. Some cultures consider the good luck of the tricolor cat

In many circles, the tricolor cat, calico and, by extension, tabico, is a sign of good luck. In Germany, Calico’s cats are called “guckskatze”, which means “fortunate cat.” Is there any truth in this lucky legend? Well, my mother and grandmother were from Germany, and I have two calicos, but I can’t say that I have experienced any unusual luck and good fortune in my life in the last two years. However, I would consider owning these cats to be lucky enough to be lucky in itself.

In the United States, with the same feeling, some people call Calicos/Tabicos “Cats of Money”. (I will remember the universe that when I buy my next Powerball ticket). In Japan, tricolor cats were thought to brought magical powers and wealth, and sailors often carried calicos with them to protect the ship against danger.

According to Irish folklore, rubbing the tail of a tricolor cat in a wart will cure the wart, but there is one trap: it only works during the month of May. (It is better to see a dermatologist for this).

5. Tabicos are usually sweet and daring

A point of controversy among cat fans is whether “turturing”, the discharge that seems to be part of the purrsonality of TortoiseseShell, also applies to calicos/tabicos. After all, they have the same color and gene scheme, with the colors appearing in different patterns.

I can only speak on behalf of my two calicos, Pippi and Dolly, who are up to both the sweet and daring side of their reputation. They are sweet, loyal and loving, but they can become fighters in an instant. Those are my girls! Other parents of Calico have said in the threads of social networks that their calicos are spicy. So, I vote that yes about turtur, or will we call it caleity?

The holiday season is a moment of joy, family gatherings and festive decorations. However, it also presents some hidden dangers for your feline friends. While it can focus on fun and festivities, certain Christmas items pose significant risks to your cat’s health. From decorations to food, these apparently harmless Christmas elements can be toxic or dangerous for cats. In this blog, we will explore some of the toxins related to the most common vacations to cats and offer advice on how to keep your cat safe during the holiday season.

1. Toxic foods for vacations during holidays

One of the greatest dangers during vacation is food. Many Christmas dishes and sweets are not only insecure, but they can be mortal for cats. It is important to be aware of what is in your dining table and how to prevent your cat from accessing dangerous foods.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the best known Christmas toxins for cats. While it is a popular gift for humans, it contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to cats. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fast breathing and seizures in cats. Black chocolate is especially dangerous because it contains higher levels of theobromine.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are commonly enjoyed during the holidays, but they are incredibly dangerous for cats. Even a small sip can cause severe poisoning. Alcohol can lead to vomiting, lethargy, tremors and in severe cases, coma or death. Be sure to keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of your pets.

Onions, garlic and leeks

Many Christmas meals contain ingredients such as onions, garlic and leeks, which belong to the Allium family. These vegetables are toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and damage to their red blood cells. Over time, ingestion can lead to anemia, making your weak and lethargic cat.

Grapes and raisins

Although they are often used in baking or Christmas snacks, grapes and raisins are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. It is better to avoid leaving these fruits unattended around your cat.

Xilitol

Xilitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly found in Christmas treats such as sugar -free gum, sweets and baked products. While it is safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to cats and can cause a quick drop in blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and even liver insufficiency.

2. Christmas plants that are dangerous for cats

Christmas plants are often used to add festive joy to their home, but some of them can be harmful or even mortal for cats if they are ingested. Many of these plants are basic in Christmas decoration, so it is essential to be aware of their potential hazards.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are a popular vacation plant known to its bright red and green leaves. While they are not as toxic as other Christmas plants, they can cause mild symptoms in cats if they are ingested. These symptoms include baboo, vomiting and mild irritation in the mouth and stomach. Keep these plants out of your cat’s reach to avoid any discomfort.

Mistletoe

The Merdago, a traditional plant used for vacation decoration, contains compounds that can be toxic to cats. If your chewed cat in Merdago, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, sober poisoning can lead to cardiovascular problems or seizures.

Holly

Bays, leaves and holly stems contain cyanogenic saponins and glycosides, which are toxic to cats. Eating Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and a decrease in appetite. The larger amounts can cause more serious symptoms, such as tremors or even organic insufficiency, so it is essential to keep this floor away from your cat.

Amaryllis

The Amaryllis flowers, often associated with the winter season, are beautiful but dangerous for cats. If they are ingested, bulbs, leaves and flowers can cause symptoms such as baboo, vomiting and diarrhea. While cats are unlikely to ingest large quantities, it is still important to keep this plant out of reach.

3. Christmas decorations that can damage cats

Christmas decorations make the season shine, but they can also present risks to their feline partner. Many decorations, if they chew or swallow, can cause serious damage to cats.

Tinsel and tapes

The torque and tapes are commonly used to decorate Christmas trees and gifts, but can represent a serious risk for cats. If they are ingested, these brilliant decorations can get stuck in your cat’s digestive system, which can cause a potentially deadly condition called linear obstruction of foreign body. This can lead to vomiting, loss of appetite and sometimes requires emergency surgery to eliminate the material.

Ornaments

Glass ornaments are a basic element in most Christmas trees, but can be easily broken if an inquisitive cat knocked out. The sharp fragments can cause cuts or internal injuries if your cat swallows them. Even ornaments that are not made of glass can be dangerous if they are small enough to be swallowed, which leads to suffocation or digestive blocks.

Electric lights

Rope lights are a beautiful way to illuminate their home during the holidays, but they come with their own set of risks. Cats, especially curious kittens, can try to chew cables, risking electrocution. Always check the lights to obtain frayed or exposed cables before hanging them, and make sure that your cat does not have access to them.

Scented candles

Scented candles are popular in Christmas decoration, but can be harmful to multiple ways. Cats can tear down candles, causing burns or fires. In addition, some candles contain toxic ingredients or essential oils that can cause respiratory problems or skin irritation if your cat comes into contact with them.

4. The importance of safe Christmas spaces for cats

While the holiday season brings many joys, it is important to remember that not all moments are safe for your cat. With the guests who come and go, changes in the environment and new smells and places of interest, it is easy for your cat to stress. Creating a safe and quiet space where your cat can retire is essential for your well -being during this occupied season.

Safe hiding places

Make sure your cat has access to a quiet space away from the chaos of Christmas celebrations. An area designated with bedding and family toys can help your cat feel safe. This space must be free of any Christmas decoration or food that can damage them.

Handle stress and anxiety

The noise and movement of festive guests can be overwhelming for many cats. Some may be anxious or stressed during festivities, which leads to behavioral problems or even health problems. To minimize anxiety, try to maintain your cat’s routine as normal as possible and consider using soothing products such as pheromone diffusers or soothing candy.

Supervision during meetings

If you are organizing meetings, watch your cat closely to make sure you have no risk of vacation. Cats can be tempted to explore new foods, decorations or unknown environments. It is crucial to maintain potentially harmful items out of reach and supervise their interactions with guests.

5. What to do if you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic

If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic substance, it is important to act quickly. Some toxins can cause serious or even fatal damage if they are not immediately approached.

Contact an immediate veterinarian

If your cat has ingested something potentially dangerous, communicate with your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Time is the essence, and the faster you can get your cat the help you need, the better the possibilities of a complete recovery will be.

Avoid trying to treat cat at home

Do not try to treat your cat at home unless a professional indicates it. Some treatments may worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Always follow the advice of your veterinarian.

Conclusion

The Christmas season is a time for the celebration, but it is also a time to be attentive to the potential risks for its pets. Understanding toxins related to the most common vacations for cats and how to prevent exposure is key to ensure that your cat remains safe and healthy during festivities. Being aware of toxic foods, dangerous plants and dangerous decorations, you can enjoy a holiday season without worries with your feline friend.

Do you need a cat veterinarian in Alexandria, goes?

Welcome to Kingstowne Cat Clinic! Kingstowne Cat Clinic is a local property CAT clinic centered on the community. We specialize in giving your feline friend the attention they need. We offer well -being exams, surgery, dentistry, vaccines and acupuncture. We also provide sedated preparation and in the euthanasia home. Kingstowne Cat Clinic is dedicated to providing quality medical and surgical care for all cats. Contact us Today for an appointment!

Categorized in: Cat Health, Cat Tips

This publication was written by admin