Cats

Ho Ho Ho it’s Christmas Time. The cruellest thing you can do on Christmas. A Dog is not a Toy. Why it is a bad idea to give an animal as a Christmas Gift.

December 18, 2019 by Melanie Leave a Comment

The unwanted Christmas Gift we all been there.

Christmas Time is a hectic time, and everyone rushes to get the presents and things ready to spend time with family and friends.

It is a time where thousands of Christmas present will be returned the next day. We all been there. Receiving a Gift we didn’t really want.

An embarrassing pullover from Aunt Megan, an ugly pair of socks, a tie or a useless electronic gadget. All of those items are easily returned or just put in a drawer and forget about it. Some even end up in the daily trash.

Giving a pet as a Christmas Gift. A bad idea for both the future pet owner and the pet.

The best advice for First-Time Cat Owners. Tips and Basic Supplies you need for your furry friend.

October 19, 2019 by Melanie 6 Comments

The First Time Cat Owner Guide. Everything You Need to know.

Congratulation, you finally decided to get a cat. There are a few things to consider when you are getting a cat. One of them is making your House/Home /Appartement cat-proof. That is very important.

I tell you my story in the end. It is a sad story.

Now that you are a cat owner of one or several cats you need to think about how you can make the life of your furry friend as easy to settle in as possible.

Yes, you heart right having pets comes with responsibilities and you need to provide the proper for care for the needs of your cats.

What it means is thinking about the living condition, proper healthcare, grooming, feeding etc.

Regarding your cat’s living conditions, this will be largely influenced by your own lifestyle. If you live in an apartment in a city, then your cat would be living solely indoors.

If you live on a farm, then your cat may live solely outdoors or live both indoors and outdoors.

Cats and Hairballs. Natural or common Remedies, help your cat get rid of them.

July 15, 2019 by Melanie Leave a Comment

My Cat has Hair Balls. Should I worry or is this normal.

You are deep asleep, but there is this funny noise that wakes you up. The sound is like someone is choking.

Well, you have a head cinema in your head, and you get up to look at where the noise comes from.
As you just about to reach the stairs, you feel something warm and slimy on your foot. Yes, you stepped into something wet, warm and slimy. Oh no, you know you stepped into cat puke in the middle of the night.

Cat and Hairballs.

Cats and newborn babies. Your Cat is not dangerous to your newly born Baby. Cats are great with kids.

March 27, 2019 by Melanie Leave a Comment

We are having a baby what we do with our cat? Many new parents ask this question.

If you are having a baby and a cat, there is nothing to worry. Both are great together, in actual fact cats love kits. Follow a few rules and all is fine.

Many times, I see friends who love and have cats, long time before they are married. When they get a partner and they get married the four-legged friend is welcomed into the family.

I have been asked many times by friends how did I do it with my cats, dogs and my kids?

The most common question is if cats and newborn babies get along or do cats smoother the baby?

To answer the question of how I do it.

We always had cats and dogs, and when the kids arrived, we made sure we introduced them properly into the family that included all our four-legged friends.

This old wife’s tale is still around that cats, and newborn babies do not get along. Or cats suck the breath out of babies. This is really not true it is an old wife tale.

I know a lot of Pregnant women who worry a lot when they have a cat and a new baby arrives. They worry about Feline toxoplasmosis. If you had a cat before you are pregnant you are properly already Immun against it.

The cat came first then the baby. Cats love a routine.

When you have a newborn baby and a cat that was there before then you must introduce the cat and baby like you would introduce a new cat to your old cat.

If you are having a baby, grandchild, nephew or nice congratulations and if you also have a cat again compliments both will be so good together if you follow a few rules and don’t neglect your cat.

Paying attention to your resident cats and preparing the proper introduction is half of the battle in preparing you, your cat and the child for a joyful and peaceful time together.

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Cats love the warmth of a body. This is no surprise.

Kitties love to sleep on your lap, your feet, tummy, your head or any other body part. They are drawn to people.
Sometimes cats are drawn to infants due to the milk breath of your baby, as cats are curious from nature and they might sniff your infant out or just to see where the smell of milk comes from.

Seldom will cats sleep in the Crib of the baby as when it cries the noise is not pleasant to the ears of your cat and it might scare your cat?

There are exceptions, and those usually are cats who sleep in the bed of the baby or on top of the baby.

Yes, that is dangerous, and you should never leave the cat and baby unsupervised.

If your cat has the habit of sleeping in the crib of your infant, and you are not comfortable with it then keep the cat out of that area.

Some people suggest using aluminium foil as the cats do not like to walk on it because of the sounds. Well, all I can say my cats don’t mind aluminium foil and will scratch it when they can get it.

It might work for some cats, I guess it depends on your cat.

Why is it essential that you do a Cat and newly born Baby introductions?

You must understand that your cat was there first. As you properly got her when you are single or already in a relationship your cat has never been exposed to an infant, toddler or young children.

Your Kitty has always been around adults.

For your cat, those small humans with that funny noise are like aliens to your cat.
Alone the smell, sound, and look are different, compare to the adults your kitty is used too.

Children, babies, infants are a similar size to a cat’s level and move differently and more erratically.

Your Cat might switch to stranger-danger mode, and there are only two options then either your cat becomes freighted, and hides or it becomes defensive and tries to chase away the scary creature.
None of those options is good.

Preparation Before the Baby Comes Home.

During pregnancy start already to prepare your cat beforehand.
There are nine months for the pregnancy, and that is a great time to prepare your four-legged friend for the newborn baby.
Cat lovers know that cats love the status quo.

Decorating the nursery.

When you decorate the nursery be sensitive to your cat especially when she used or had access to that room before, for sleeping or just for taking a break. ( cat beds for your cat)

Make those changes in steps. Don’t change all in one time.
Essential for your cat is let your cat investigate the new things, at least it will not feel left out.

One thing you need to be aware off is that your cat will properly love to sleep in the bassinet or starts playing and smashing around the babies mobile.

Install a baby gate to keep your cat out when you are not able to supervise your cat.

A good protector for preventing cats sleeping in the bassinet or crib is a plastic carpet protector, the side with the nubs goes up to use on top of the mattress. Cats do not love that, and it will prevent them from sleeping in the baby bed, bassinet or crib. Whatever you call it.
Another tip is using Aluminium Foil around the bed or crib. That sound and feeling cats do not like either. (I have tried it but my cats love it and scratch the foil, on the other hand I have friends they swear for that. )
It is a good idea to tape or record the sound of an infant and play it when the kitty is around, that way your cat gets used to the sound and you can see in advance what to expect. It is said that cats use sounds to communicate and an infant cry sounds similar to a kitten in distress. It might be unsettling for some cats to hear this.
If your cat is investigating the sounds and the cat is acting calm reward your cat with calm praise and some treats.
In case the opposite reaction is the case, and your cat gets upset then play your cats favourite game with her before you turn off the recording, that way your cat associates the play and happy time with the infant cry and sees it as a benefit rather than a thread.

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Preparing in advance your Baby’s homecoming. Let your Kitty get used to the smell.

Start using or wearing baby powder and baby lotion around 6 weeks in advance. Your cat will associate these smells with something it already knows and loves.

Another thing is you need to change your routine once the baby arrives, try to replace some of the basic routines in advance so your cat is used already to some of the routines and your kitty will not get upset when you pay attention to a stranger that has a weird smell and sounds scary.

Do not exclude your cat from this happy and enjoyable time, it will only make your cat confused and sad.

A stressed cat will potentially act out in unacceptable ways like avoiding the litterbox, scratching and biting.

The Time when the Baby Arrives.

Soon as the baby is born to bring something home from the hospital a t-shirt, a blanket any worn clothing from the baby.

Cats communicate through scent, and your cat will identify the scent than as a friend smelling similar to them. This is one of the reasons why they cheek rub against you or your legs.

It makes the smell familiar to your cat before your kitty gets to know your baby.

This is an advanced introduction. It is necessary, and you should not skip that.

I used the baby socks and petted my cats with the socks. The cats started to play with the socks and Minka used to grab the sock and sleep on it.

I always had to get them as I used to put the socks then inside out on my kids to wear them when I brought them home.

It is an old trick as the baby smells than like the cat and your kitty identifies your baby as part of the family.

Cats and newborn babies can be good together.

In general, cats are really good with babies. Bringing home, the baby, do it reasonably and don’t make a big fuzz about it. I know it is a big thing don’t make a big deal about the introduction.

The idea is that you want to let your kitty know this is normal, and an expected part of its life.

It is crucial that you do not force the introduction. If your cat is interested and wants to sniff allow it but be there to supervise it. Let the cat smell the baby’s foot with the scented socks on it.

It is an important part to allow your cat to look, smell, sniff, touch that little alien that is so very different from the adult alien to see there is nothing to fear.

Do not forget to praise your cat when it behaves confidently and calmly. After a while, the cat will treat the baby as one of the family members.

There should be no problem. I used to make a special cat play treat time when I was feeding my kids.

I was tossing treats and used a laser beam toy at the same time.
This way your cat will associate with the baby presents a great time.

As time goes on and the baby grows you must teach your child to respect the cat, too.

It is essential for your kitty to have a private retreat or an escape area where it can withdraw when it becomes too hectic.

It is important that cats and newborn babies treat each other under your supervision with mutual respect.

Only in this way you can be sure that your baby is growing up alongside your special cat.
This relationship will last a lifetime for both.

I know the opinions are different, but cats and kids have special relationships. When a kid grows up with pets, it is a blessing for both. Learning from an early time on to care and respect animals is important in growing up.

Cats and newborn babies are a great combination, and the old wife’s tale is just an old wife’stale.

Having a cat and a baby, is an adjustment no doubt but it is a blessing for the whole family. A cat is part of the family; it should not change because a baby arrives. (learn to understand your cat)

I agree that it is an adjustment, but it is nothing impossible. There is no need to give your furry friend away because you are having a baby. Feline Toxoplasmosis the misunderstanding

I have raised 3 kids with 4 cats and 3 dogs and my kids have learned to interact and respect animals.

It is the greatest gift you can give your children together on their way to grow up. It teaches them responsibility, love, respect, and compassion.

I hope you enjoyed reading Cats and newborn babies. Your Cat is not dangerous to your newly born Baby. Cats are great with kids.

Are you a mom with a cat and a baby? If so how did you introduce your cat to the baby if you have more tips please let us know and comment below? Share this blog with your friends and family. I will be happy and grateful if you share it on social media. Join our Facebook page. Thank you.

All Yours
Melanie

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Feline Toxoplasmosis Short, Quick, Demystified. The Fear To Lose Your Cat.

March 18, 2019 by Melanie Leave a Comment

Feline Toxoplasmosis in Cats. Don’t give your cat away because you are pregnant.

When Woman get pregnant and they own a cat, a lot to think to give the poor little kitty away because of the worry of contracting feline toxoplasmosis. This is not only illogical but also bad for the animal and pity for the offspring. Science today knows a great deal about the transmissible diseases from animals to humans. There are not many, and you can easily avoid these few.

It is also unlikely that a cute cat will hurt the baby or toddler. With a few changes in daily routines and habits and some empathy with the animal psyche, there is no jealousy at all.
Who distributes his favour evenly and gives each “his” special attention, creates by itself domestic harmony?

Hygiene problems are only a problem if you make them one.

Hygiene problems you can get under control quickly, everyone in the family has to take a bit of effort. Taking away a cat because you are pregnant is not necessary as you will see in this article.

Yes, I agree that Feline Toxoplasmosis can be a threat to your unborn child, but with common sense and care, you can have it all. Being a mother of 3 kids, 2 dogs, 4 cats and 3 Horses, I know what I am talking about.

Been there and been through it.
I was inspired to write this article about the misinterpretation of feline Toxoplasmosis and to inform worried pregnant woman about the truth.
This is a real story and happens 8 months ago. I realised a lot of people just repeat things they have no idea about, but because too many friends repeat the same, we start to believe it.

The Story starts here …

We are looking after some stray cats in our condo. Recently I found we had a newcomer a tabby cat and this cat was not a stray cat. She was a house cat, and it looks like abandoned by the owner. How sad I thought, and I wanted to find out who was this cat belongs too, as I wanted to talk to the cat owner for the reason to abandon a cat and maybe convince them take her back.

Destiny had it that I am sitting with our strays feeding them and a lady I knew from the condo comes around, she was pregnant, talking to me about the cats. She made some small talk before she wanted to know if we see the tabby cat around.
I ask her if it is her cat and she said yes, her gynaecologist recommended to let her cat go due to the toxoplasmosis and because she knows I feed the cats she thought her cat is in good hands.

Unfortunately, she misses Abby, her cat and she worries about her. I ask Alicia ( that is her name) to meet with me and my friend a veterinarian. She agreed, and we went for a coffee 2 days later.

Educate yourself before you go through drastic changes.

My friend had an educational talk about pregnancy, cats and toxoplasmosis with Alicia. We meet another 2 times as it was hard to convince her that her gynaecologist been misinformed.
Let me tell you it took a long time and I will tell you the outcome in my blog.
What do you think Abby stayed on the street or went back to her owner.?

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It can live in a cat’s intestines and be spread through its faeces.
It also can live in dirt and on some food we eat. ( like, Vegetables, raw food, raw meat, ) source https://familydoctor.org/condition/toxoplasmosis/

Our domestic cat is the man host of Toxoplasma gondii. Although the animal itself usually do not get sick, they can transmit this parasite to humans.

Note: Another Farm animal like dogs, horses, sheep, goats, etc. can also transmit the disease.

What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?

In most cases, people do not show signs of toxoplasmosis. The immune system will attack the parasite and prevent the illness. You may have flu-like -symptoms such as …
body aches
fever
headache
fatigue
swollen lymph nodes (glands in your neck).
It all depends on your immune system how intense the symptoms will be. Sometimes you have it and don’t even know you had it.
Once you had it, you are immune to it. I remember when I was pregnant, I was tested, and the Doctor looked at me and said you don’t need to worry you have every antibody in your body you can think off. I had 3 dogs, and 3 cats at the time and all our 3 kids are well and healthy.

Most Women have Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii.

Most women have antibodies. However, the infection is no reason to panic, because usually, we do not even notice that we have infected ourselves.

In exceptional cases, flu-like symptoms can be treated well with antibiotics. In fact, there are two risk groups that the parasite can be dangerous to an unborn life in the womb and people suffering from immunodeficiency, such as.

AIDS, or those, e.g. after a transplant, must be treated with drugs that suppress the immune system.

In pregnant women, the pathogen can cause an abortion or severe disability in the child;
In people with a weak immune system, the toxoplasma can cause inflammation of the brain.

Persons in these risk groups should be examined in the case of a suspected toxoplasma infection and treated if necessary, prophylactically with antibiotics.

The parasite can only harm the unborn life if the mother becomes infected with the pathogen for the first time during pregnancy.

This means that the child of a woman who has already undergone a Toxoplasma infection before pregnancy and could produce enough antibodies is usually protected from the disease.

Therefore, all women who want to have children should be tested for these antibodies.
But even if a pregnant woman has not yet developed anti-toxoplasma antibodies, it does not necessarily mean that the cat must leave home.

The best protection and information about this matter you will get from your veterinarian. Protect your wallet from high medical bills. Get the best Pet Plus Membership now. Click here

The Danger of feeding raw food to your cat when you are pregnant.

Cats become infected by eating raw meat. In other words, home cats that have consumed only boiled food or convenience food all their lives are likely to be free of Toxoplasma gondii.

Indoor cats that have never been outside usually are also free from Feline Toxoplasmosis.
For safety, one can have the excrement of the animal examined for the pathogen. Many adult cats with clearance have usually already undergone an infection with the parasite and formed antibodies against it.

If the vet detects a sufficient number of antibodies in the blood of the cat, it is considered immune and usually does not transmit toxoplasmas.

Exceptions are sick cats: Let the veterinarian advise you individually and examine the faeces of the cat.

If no toxoplasma are found in the stool of the cat, the likelihood of transmission is extremely low. With a release, you should have the droppings examined at regular intervals.

Also, pregnant women without toxoplasmosis antibodies should comply with special hygiene rules in these cats, e.g. cleaning the cat toilet should be done by the partner or another person in the household.

It is good to know that the pathogen needs at least 48 hours of maturation outside the cat’s body to become infectious – if the litter box is thoroughly cleaned with hot water within this time, the risk of infection is relatively small. Another critical measure is the good old hand washing after each contact with the cat and before each meal.

If you follow these hygiene rules, there is no significant danger to your own cat. However, the risk of infection is often forgotten by the consumption and processing of raw food and by contact with soil, which can be contaminated with the pathogens.
Note: The pathogen is found mainly in three to four days old cat droppings, in garden soil, in the grass, on unwashed fruit and vegetables and in raw meat.

Tips for pregnant women with Cats.

If you are planning a child of your choice, get tested for toxoplasmosis antibodies. If the doctor detects antibodies in your blood, your child is protected. You do not have to take any special protective measures, at least concerning toxoplasmosis. However, the hygiene rules mentioned below are also suitable for the prevention of infections of other pathogens.
Even those who have unexpectedly become pregnant should be tested immediately for toxoplasmosis antibodies. There are tests with which the time of the infection can be approximately determined – if the infection is back for some time, there is no danger for the child.
Precautions for pregnant women without toxoplasmosis antibodies:
Have your cat examined for toxoplasma antibodies at the veterinarian? If the cat is immune, it poses no danger.
Faecal examinations for toxoplasmas are recommended for free-range cats, kittens and cats suffering from immunodeficiency. Let your veterinarian advise you individually.
Free-roaming cats are particularly at risk of coming into contact with toxoplasma. Your cat can bring home toxoplasma gondii also when they are out roaming around. Therefore, pay particular attention to hygiene when handling your outdoor cat and wash your hands after each contact.
Feed your cat only boiled meat or convenience food.
Do not eat raw meat yourself. Be careful when processing raw meat (including fresh ham or other raw sausages) for cleanliness: rinse all kitchen appliances immediately after use and wash your own hands. Make sure that raw meat products do not come into contact with already cooked dishes.
Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Do not eat raw dairy products. In particular, raw sheep and goat’s milk can be dangerous. However, pasteurised dairy products are safe.
Only do gardening with sturdy gloves and wash your hands every time after that.
The cat litter box should be cleaned regularly every 24 hours. The parasite will only become active after 24 hours. ( let someone else clean it during your pregnancy)
If possible, the partner should take care of the cleaning of the toilet, or you should use gloves as well.
Avoid contact with sick cats, unknown kittens or unknown free-runners.
Note: The pathogen can enter the body only through the mouth or an open wound.

All in All Feline Toxoplasmosis is a disease you can deal with…

If all this information is not enough to reassure you, and you want to exclude even the smallest residual risk for your peace of mind, talk to your veterinarian and I am sure he/she can recommend and effective diagnostic procedure that can be very sure to find out if a cat at all is a risk for feline Toxoplasmosis.

Both faeces and a blood sample are examined. Explaining how this is done and evaluated would go too far in this article. Just contact your veterinarian.
I hope that now you can realistically assess the risks discussed and you are better prepared for unsustainable advice.
There is no need to give your cat away when you are pregnant. If so then you should not have a dog either, and you should not come in contact with any outdoor animal either.
Your cat and baby will have a bond later on that will be so beautiful and precious that you are wondering why you have been worried.

Back to the ending of my story.

My friend the veterinarian and I talked a lot and tried to convince Alicia, but my dear friend an animal lover and veterinarian was too much worried about Abby not being able to defend herself as a true indoor cat on the streets with the other street cats, she looked worried and you could see to scared to eat. So she took matters into her own hands and took Abby into her care.

Alicia did not know that, and one evening she came and asked me did Abby got killed because she could not see her anymore before I could answer she raised her hands and said “Thanks Lord you heart my prayers.’

Shocked and stunned for me, it was clear that Abby will not go back to her.

When I informed my lady friend the veterinarian, she was upset and told me that Alicia will never get back Abby she will keep her. Abby lives happily with my friend and her other cats, she tested Abby for feline toxoplasmosis, and the results are negative. All this worry for nothing.
Alicia got tested for Feline Toxoplasmosis, and it turned out she was immune. She came back to me looking for Abby, but for her prayers, she was gone.
I told her that she could have avoided all this when she would have been taking the steps a couple of months ago and she still could have Abby. Now Alicia has Twins and always is looking for Abby, but without a real commitment.

We chat from time to time and how life is without a cat and all is so much easier. I ask her if she would donate the things she has for Abby to our local SPCA and she told me no, I have thrown all into the rubbish. I ask her why and she said she is happy Abby is gone as it was a hassle to her as she was a wild cat.

Well, if it was not clear before for me and I still felt doubt about my friend keeping Abby now I am convinced and happy that Abby has a true home that cares and loves her dearly.

Feline Toxoplasmosis is not a reason to abandon your cat,

Feline Toxoplasmosis is not a reason to abandon any cat. When you get a pet to consider it is for a lifetime and it can not just be disposed of because it is an inconvenience. Pets are part of the family for a lifetime.

What about you, what is your experience with pregnancy and cats? Do you have a feline friend who has or has been tested positive for feline toxoplasmosis?
Share with us your experience.

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All Yours

Melanie

Read my other blogs

Feng Shui and Pets

Do you speak Cat?

Does my Cat have the Flu?

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