The Ultimate Guide To Being A Feline Friend

Cats can be a lot of work, and sometimes they need a little extra help to keep them calm, happy, and healthy. Whether it's a stray cat that needs rescuing or a hyperactive cat that needs to settle down, there are many ways to help cats in need. For example, there are products like Hyper Helper, which is a solution for hyper cats that has been reviewed by many happy customers. There are also non-profit cat rescue organizations, such as Feral Cat Helpers, that help trap, vaccinate, alter, and re-home feral and stray cats. Additionally, educational resources like the Cat Curriculum Helper's Guide provide group activities to teach youth about cats in a fun and interactive way.

Hyperactive cats

Cats are naturally very quiet and reserved, but some can exhibit hyperactivity. Hyper cats tend to have a lot of pent-up energy that needs to be released. This can be due to their natural instincts, such as prey chasing, being limited by the confines of a household. They may also be experiencing anxiety or insecurity.

How to Calm a Hyper Cat

To calm a hyper cat, you need to help it release its energy in a controlled way. Here are some strategies to try:

• Structured playtime: Schedule play sessions of at least 20 minutes per day, which can be divided into two or three shorter sessions. Use toys that encourage chasing, such as strings, laser pointers, or wind-up toys. You can also provide toys that they can scratch, like a scratching post, or things they can hit, like ping-pong or soft balls. Ensure you give them opportunities to jump and climb, such as a safe, designated space in your home.
• Proper mealtimes: Hyper cats tend to be energetic when hungry, and sleepy after a big meal. Schedule their main meals at least one to two hours before bedtime.
• Walking: Taking your cat for a walk or to a protected cat park or cat-friendly beach can help drain their energy and provide them with enriching experiences.
• Companionship: Getting another cat can give your hyperactive cat a companion to play and interact with. However, keep in mind that this may also add more work to maintain harmony in a multi-cat household.
• Calming solutions: Try using calming solutions to help balance your cat's energy levels.
• Address health issues: In some cases, hyperactivity may be due to underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism. If you suspect any health issues, consult your veterinarian.
• Create a safe environment: Provide your cat with a comfortable space to call their own. If they are feeling insecure or anxious, give them space and avoid invading their territory.
• Training and discipline: Do not give in to your cat's bad behaviour. Train and correct their natural behaviour to prevent it from continuing into adulthood.
• Spaying or neutering: If your cat is unneutered, they may be responding to neighbourhood cats in heat. Spaying or neutering can help remove annoying behaviours associated with being in heat.
• Grooming: Ensure your cat is well-groomed, as a cat that can't groom itself may display bad behaviour due to stress.
• Mental stimulation: Provide your cat with mental stimulation through interactive toys or food-dispensing puzzles.
• Outdoor entertainment: Create safe outdoor experiences for your cat by using a harness or providing an outdoor enclosure, allowing them to explore and entertain themselves.

Cat stress relief

Cats can experience stress and anxiety, and it is important for owners to recognise the signs and take steps to reduce it. A stressed cat may exhibit behaviours such as peeing outside the litter box, excessive grooming, hiding, refusing to eat, or aggression.

There are many potential triggers for feline stress, including:

• Environmental changes, such as the introduction of a new household member or a change in the physical environment.
• A change in daily routine.
• A barren environment that lacks stimulation and opportunities to express normal feline behaviours such as hunting, scratching, and territorial communication.
• A poor human-cat relationship due to inappropriate socialisation, too little handling, or punishment.
• Conflicts between cats, which can arise from the introduction of a new cat into the household, or competition for resources such as food bowls and resting places.

Strategies for Reducing Cat Stress

Environmental Enrichment

• Install cat trees, shelves, and platforms to allow cats to explore their space vertically and horizontally.
• Provide fun hiding places, such as boxes or cat tunnels.
• Frequently rotate toys to stimulate curiosity and interest.
• Provide moving toys that mimic small prey, such as wand toys or remote-controlled toys.
• Hide treats within the environment to encourage foraging behaviour.

Pheromone Therapy

• Use pheromone diffusers, such as the Feliway® Optimum Enhanced Calming Plug-In Diffuser, to emit synthetic feline facial pheromones that help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Try pheromone collars, such as the Sentry HC Cat Calming Collar, which release pheromones that mimic those produced by mother cats to calm and soothe kittens.

Calming Aids and Supplements

• Calming treats and supplements often contain ingredients such as chamomile, tryptophan, rosemary, and colostrum, which have calming properties.
• Look for products that contain pheromones, rosemary, chamomile, and/or tryptophan, as recommended by Dr. Zay Satchu, DVM.
• Examples include VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Cats, Purina Calming Care Veterinary Supplements, and NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Plus Melatonin.

Dietary Modifications

• Consider an anti-anxiety diet, such as the Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Calm formula dry cat food, which contains hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan to promote calming effects.
• Include components such as tryptophan, a compound found in turkey that is associated with sleepiness, or alpha-casozepine, an ingredient said to help manage stress in cats and dogs.

Training and Playtime

• Engage in positive interactions and playtime with your cat to help reduce anxiety.
• Try clicker training, which can be a great way to build a stronger bond and reduce cat anxiety.
• Provide a variety of toys, such as puzzles or feather dancers, to stimulate your cat mentally and physically.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If your cat's anxiety is severe or does not improve with at-home interventions, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can prescribe anxiety medication, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or alprazolam (Xanax), and provide additional strategies to promote a calm and harmonious home environment for your feline friend.

Pet odour removal

Cat urine contains uric acid, which can last in carpets, fabrics, and wood for years. As bacteria in the urine decompose, they give off an ammonia-like odour that only gets worse with time.

How to get rid of cat urine odour

The most effective way to neutralise cat urine smell is with an enzyme or enzymatic cleaner. These products break down the uric acid and other chemicals in cat urine that produce the odour.

Carpet

• Blot up as much of the urine as possible with a cloth or paper towel.
• Rinse the area with clean water and remove the liquid with a wet/dry vacuum.
• Do not use a steam cleaner, as the heat can set the stain.
• Apply an enzyme cleaner to the area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Blot the area again with a clean cloth.
• Cover the area until it is completely dry.

Cushions and Mattresses

• Soak the affected area with water and blot up as much of the urine as possible with a towel.
• Pour or spray an enzyme cleaner on and around the area.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then blot with a towel.
• Keep your cat away from the area until it is completely dry.

Clothing

• Rinse the spot in a sink with cool water.
• Wash the clothing with your usual detergent and add 1 cup of baking soda or ¼ cup of vinegar to the load.
• If the urine smell persists, add an enzyme cleaner to the load and wash the clothing again.
• Allow the clothing to air-dry, as the heat from a dryer may lock in the smell.

Wood

• Use paper towels or a cloth to absorb as much of the urine as possible.
• Spot clean the area with water and a damp sponge.
• For dried patches or stubborn areas, follow up with an enzymatic cleaner.
• Allow the cleaner to sit on the area as recommended on the packaging, then wipe clean.
• Clean the area again with a sponge and plain water, then dry thoroughly.

Homemade Cleaner

If you don't have an enzyme cleaner, you can make your own pet odour remover with simple ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and water.

Here's a recipe for a homemade cat urine odour remover:

• Use a towel to absorb as much of the urine as possible.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Pour vinegar onto the baking soda and let it fizz for a few seconds before blotting the liquid with a rag.
• Make a solution with a few tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and a drop or two of dish liquid.
• Pour the solution onto the stain and scrub the carpet fibres, then blot it quickly to prevent discolouration.
• Blow a fan over the area to help it dry quickly.
• After 24 hours, soak the area with an enzyme cleaner and let it air dry completely.

Prevention

The best way to deal with cat urine odour is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Keep your litter box clean and add baking soda to help absorb odours. If your cat frequently misses the litter box, consider taking them to the vet to rule out any medical concerns.

Cat anxiety

Cats, just like humans, can experience anxiety. This can manifest in physical and mental ways and be caused by a variety of factors. It's important to identify the signs of anxiety in your cat and take steps to help them overcome it.

Signs of Cat Anxiety

Cats may exhibit a range of behaviours when they are anxious, and these can vary in severity. Some common signs include:

• Hiding
• Trembling or shaking
• Avoiding eye contact
• Tail flicking or holding their tail tightly against their body
• Increased vocalisation
• Excessive grooming, which can lead to hair loss
• Pacing
• Aggression
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Causes of Cat Anxiety

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of anxiety in cats. Some common causes include:

• Changes in their environment or routine, such as moving to a new house, introducing a new pet, or unfamiliar guests.
• Lack of socialisation at a young age.
• Illness or physical pain.
• Aging-related changes, infectious diseases, or toxic conditions.
• Separation anxiety, which can be caused by a history of rehoming or being left alone for extended periods.

Helping Your Cat with Anxiety

If you suspect your cat is suffering from anxiety, there are several steps you can take to help them:

• Consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and ensure there are no medical causes for the behaviour.
• Identify the triggers or causes of your cat's anxiety. This may involve some detective work, but it's important to determine what specific situations, stimuli, or changes are causing your cat stress.
• Remove or reduce exposure to the identified triggers. For example, if your cat is anxious around neighbourhood cats, use deterrents to keep them away or block your cat's view.
• Provide positive alternatives and enrichment: Ensure your cat has opportunities for play, hunting behaviours, mental stimulation, and a sense of safety. This can include food puzzles and training sessions and providing elevated spaces for climbing, such as a cat tree.
• Transform their environment: Create a space that allows your cat to adjust their behaviours and ease feelings of anxiety. This can include providing peaceful retreats, safe outdoor areas, and a variety of scratching posts.
• Gradual changes: When making changes to your cat's environment or routine, do so gradually. For example, if rearranging furniture, do it one room at a time.
• Comfort: Offer comfort to your scared cat, but be cautious and watch their body language. Some frightened cats may react aggressively.
• Calming products: Try calming sprays and diffusers that release pheromones to help reduce anxiety. However, these should not be the sole solution, and it's important to consult your veterinarian for recommendations on medications or other treatments.
• Anxiety medication: In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your cat cope with stressors. These should be used alongside environmental changes, not as a replacement.
• Behaviour modification: Techniques such as desensitisation and counterconditioning can help your cat learn to cope with their anxiety triggers. This involves repeated, controlled exposure to the fear stimulus at a low intensity, gradually increasing over time.

Cat diet supplements

Supplements can be a great way to ensure your cat is getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy. While a standard cat food diet is usually enough to meet their nutritional needs, some cats may require additional help. This could be due to specific health conditions, food allergies, or simply to boost their overall health and wellbeing.

Types of Cat Supplements:

Cat supplements come in various forms, including soft chews, tablets, water additives, and oral gels, making it convenient for pet owners to administer them. Here are some common types of cat supplements and what they are used for:

• Multivitamins: Multivitamin supplements ensure your cat is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. They can help with overall health, skin and coat care, digestive health, and immune system support.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial for digestive health and can help with issues such as diarrhea and promoting healthy stools.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These supplements are best for cats with joint issues, as they help produce cartilage and protect bones.
• High-Calorie Supplements: Elderly or sick cats may require additional calories to meet their nutritional needs, and high-calorie supplements can help provide extra energy and nutrition.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s are great for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, and they also support the immune system, liver, eyes, brain, and joints.
• Joint Supplements: Joint supplements can help promote strong joints and reduce joint pain and inflammation, especially in senior cats.
• Liver and Kidney Support: Some supplements are designed to support liver and kidney function, helping to maintain your cat's overall health.
• Urinary Tract Health: Supplements with cranberry can help support urinary tract health and bladder function.

Popular Cat Supplement Brands:

There are several reputable brands offering high-quality cat supplements. Here are some popular options:

• Purina Pro Plan: They offer a range of supplements, including FortiFlora, a probiotic supplement for digestive health, and Hydra Care, a liver-flavoured liquid supplement.
• VetriScience: VetriScience provides immune support supplements like Vetri-Lysine Plus, as well as joint health supplements.
• Zesty Paws: This brand offers supplements for skin and coat health, as well as calming bites to help with anxiety.
• Nutri-Vet: Nutri-Vet has a range of supplements, including multivitamins and hairball control gels.
• Vetnique Labs: Their Glandex supplement is a digestive aid that comes in a tasty tuna flavour.
• Protexin: Protexin offers a range of supplements, including probiotics and liver support formulas.
• YuMOVE: This brand specialises in joint care supplements for senior cats, helping to improve mobility and joint health.
• The Missing Link: Their superfood powders blend healthy fats, phytonutrients, and dietary fibre to support overall wellbeing.
• Fera Pet Organics: Fera Pet Organics provides probiotic supplements with organic prebiotics for digestive health.

Things to Consider:

When choosing cat supplements, it is important to consult your veterinarian first to ensure you are meeting your cat's specific nutritional needs. Here are some additional considerations:

• Always check the ingredients and avoid supplements with artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
• Look for supplements that have been approved by organisations like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) to ensure safety and quality.
• Choose a supplement that is easy to administer and that your cat will be willing to ingest, such as tasty treats or food toppers.
• Monitor your cat's health and adjust the supplement dosage as needed, always following the package instructions and your vet's recommendations.

Frequently asked questions