When domestic pets, dogs and cats, are not properly brushed, uncomfortable even painful “matting” can occur. Learn how pet matting happens and more importantly, how you can prevent it from happening to your beloved pets!
What is Pet Matting?
Courtesy: EquiGroomer
Pet matting happens when their coat creates densely tangled or twisted clumps of fur. Without proper and frequent brushing, the hair can wrap around itself, including loose dead and live fur (imagine a Brillo pad!).
Matted fur makes it uncomfortable for your pet to lay down, sit or even walk. The tightness of the matts can pull on the skin leading to mild to extreme pain. Even the pet’s efforts at grooming will be ineffective and painful.
With matted fur, brushing can become extremely painful and even cause severe injury to the pet’s skin because of the tight entanglement with live fur. If matting is left unaddressed for too long, the only humane solution may be to shave the entire coat.
Matting also leads to other health conditions and issues. Keep reading to learn more.
Matting: The Negative Side Effects
Not only can matting be uncomfortable and painful for our pets, but matting can also:
Cut off the blood supply to the extremities.
Prevent regular air circulation to the skin.
Cause the underlying skin to become irritated and discolored potentially leading to open sores emitting foul odors.
Contain your pet’s stool.
Contain fly and other pest larvae.
Courtesy: Spike Summers/ Pixabay
Once matting has occurred, you may need the help of a well-experienced groomer to effectively address the matted hair in the safest way possible for your pet. Depending on the coat’s overall condition, dematting may be done. Or in the worst case, the pet’s entire coat may have to be shaved. If shaving is necessary, only use the services of a professional groomer to prevent your pet’s skin from unnecessary cuts and pain.
Dematting Your Pet
Ensure your groomer is experienced to handle matts safely and comfortably with lots of patience to guarantee your pet’s ultimate protection and comfort. Inexperienced groomers or large box groomers may be unwilling to take the extra time necessary to dematt and brush out small sections of hair at a time.
There is one simple, yet highly effective way to prevent matting in your family pets.
Frequent and proper brushing and/or combing of their coat! Gently brush down to the skin to properly groom all layers of the coat to prevent future matting.
Courtesy: EquiGroomer.com
The EquiGroomer design removes pet hair without pulling, discomfort or damage to their coat or skin.
Keep in mind, pets with long or curly hair will require more frequent attention when it comes to grooming. Develop a regular brushing routine early on with your cat or dog. If you cannot commit to regular brushing, have them groomed by a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.
Have you just adopted a pet? How do you plan to cover their medical needs? Your new pet needs pet insurance to cover their medical expenses, especially in the case of an emergency!
Courtesy: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay
Good insurance is for protecting:
Your pet’s health and
Your finances.
Unfortunately, many pet parents don’t know where to begin. For example:
Know your options and which companies offer what you’re looking for. The great thing about pet insurance is that it’s not limited to a network. This means you can buy insurance online and use it in Maine, New York, California or Alaska. It does not rely on networks and accreditations.
In addition, you’ll also want to check for any certifications and/or permits required in your home state. Insurance agents will gladly provide you with the information you request if there’s nothing to hide. If they do not, look at another insurance company.
Courtesy: TeeFarm / Pixabay
2. Check the Coverage Carefully
What does pet insurance cover? Ensure you will be reimbursed for your pets’ medical expenses since veterinary bills can be as high as tens of thousands of dollars! Understand if there are any restrictions based on age, breed or pre-existing conditions.
Note: not all insurance coverages are the same, so check potential coverages carefully!
The services insurance companies for pets will typically reimburse include:
Unexpected injuries and accidents.
Surgery.
Medication.
Unexpected illnesses.
Tests and diagnostics.
Emergency care.
Exam fees.
Again, not all insurance policies are the same or offer the same coverage. Do your due diligence!
Courtesy: Mbfrye / Pixabay
3. Understand the Reimbursement Process
Most pet insurance works through a reimbursement process. This means you will need to pay the veterinary and medical bills out-of-pocket before filing a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Thoroughly understand the insurance company’s reimbursement process before signing on the dotted line. Understanding all the requirements, timeframes, restrictions and limitations of your pet’s insurance coverage will help prevent your claim from being denied for reimbursement.
4. Premiums: Understand Exactly What You’re Getting
The average cost for animal insurance is between $30 and $50 a month for decent coverage. If you want better coverage for terminal illnesses, expect to pay $100 a month. Some pet insurance companies will go as low as $10 monthly for the most basic coverage but do not expect to get reimbursed for major surgical procedures. A general rule of thumb: the higher your monthly premium, the more the policy will cover for your pet.
5. Consider a Pet Wellness Plan
Some insurance companies offer wellness plans as add-ons. A pet wellness plan will cover most routine veterinary services such as neutering, vaccinations, boosters, and screening tests. It is a form of protection, too, because it means diagnosing common diseases earlier, so they don’t become problems in the future. Animal insurance does not automatically include wellness plans, so again, understand your policy’s coverages.
Courtesy: Markus Spiske / Pixabay
The Takeaway
Getting insurance for your pet(s) is part of your responsibility as a pet owner. Your pet is depending on you to provide for their needs. The best time to get pet insurance is right after adopting the pet. When choosing what insurance to get, always consider your budget and the policy’s range of coverage. While cheap insurance sounds practical, you might want to get somewhere near the average, so it covers more services.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth look at the common cat traits!
Courtesy: Cornelazar / Pixabay
A Final Reminder about Cat Traits!
Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, consider the feline’s breed and associated traits (breed-related genetics). Make sure you are truly willing to live with those traits throughout your cat’s life.
Feline aggression can come from boredom and/or pent-up energy. Follow the tips above to help your cat positively deal with his boredom and excess energy through daily play and mental stimulation and enrichment.
If these tips do not make a difference in your cat’s aggression, look for the triggers causing your cat to act aggressively. Removing these triggers, avoiding pushing your cat beyond his comfort zone and enough activity and interaction should help reduce your cat’s desire to aggressively strike out.
If any negative behavior(s) continue despite your best efforts, rule out any medical issues (including stress and anxiety) with your veterinarian and consult a certified feline behaviorist.
(Note: The remaining 2 personality cat traits will be covered in our next blog. So, subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications!)
Litter box issues including inappropriate elimination; and
Excessive grooming.
Keep reading to learn what else they found out about your cat’s traits!
Cat Traits: Why are They Important?
Courtesy: Aleksandr Tarlokov / Pixabay
The most critical reason behind understanding feline traits is their direct connection to problematic cat behaviors.
By clearly understanding these common cat traits, potential cat parents can fully understand what they are getting into when adopting a specific cat breed.
In addition, knowledge about these cat traits will:
Improve a cat’s overall welfare.
Provide answers to unwanted feline behaviors; and
Help identify potential genetic and environmental issues.
Like all living beings, felines possess fully-formed personality traits which also define the cat’s needs.
It’s important to realize when a cat’s specific needs (i.e., personality traits) go unfulfilled, negative behaviors may begin to develop, emerge and worsen.
Next, let’s take a deeper look into the two common behavioral cat traits.
(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs, so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)
Two Common Behavioral Traits
These common traits include:
Litter box issues; and
Excessive grooming.
When choosing a new kitty to add to your home, it’s critical to take into consideration their breed and associated traits “influenced by breed-related genetics.”
Ask yourself, will I be able to live with these cat traits? Keep in mind, inherited traits may be resistant to behavioral modification.
Litter Box Issues
Courtesy: Irina Kukuts / Pixabay
While all cats can exhibit occasional issues with the litterbox, there are specific breeds who are more prone to bathroom issues including the:
Persian.
Bengal.
Manx.
Inappropriate urine spraying (aka marking) is also more common with the:
Bengal.
Sphynx.
Cornish Rex.
Ragdoll.
Burmese.
To encourage these breeds to use their litter boxes:
Keep all litter boxes and the surrounding area clean with daily cleaning.
Experiment with different types and textures of litter to find one your cat likes.
Make sure your cat can easily and comfortably get in and out of the litter box.
Rule out any medical issues including infections or allergies.
Maintain a predictable schedule to reduce any feline stress.
Add more mental and physical stimulation and quality one-on-one time.
Try cat calmingproducts and/or medications or nutraceuticals.
(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs, so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)
Holidays mean family, friends and lots of delicious foods! But don’t leave your dog or cat out of the holiday cheer!
Below are 6 easy homemade holiday treats to share with your family dog or cat during the holidays.
Sad Puppy Eyes and Incessant Meowing … Oh My!
Courtesy: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay
With holiday cooking, baking and delicious smells, your dog or cat will not be far away from the kitchen! So that means never-ending puppy eyes and kitty meows for treats!
And really, who can blame them?!
Include both Fido and Felix in the holiday season with the six easy recipes below! Homemade, do-it-yourself holiday treats are easy and can be much healthier than commercially made treats.
Homemade treats are also a great option to the many holiday foods and ingredients our pets shouldn’t eat! So instead of feeling guilty this holiday season, be ready to hand out pet-friendly treats made in your own kitchen!
Let’s begin with the dogs!
1. DIY Dog Treats: Dog-Friendly Eggnog!
If you are a fan of eggnog, you may be tempted to share some with your K9 friend. Please do not!
Instead, whip up this dog-friendly eggnog (from Gone to the Snow Dogs) you can safely share with your furry, four-legged best friend!
Courtesy: Steve Buissinne / Pixabay
Dog Eggnog
2 small containers of plain yogurt
1 jar of baby food (use your dog’s favorite flavor)
1/2 cup of water
2 eggs
Put all ingredients in a food processor, blender or Magic Bullet and mix until frothy.
Pour into small dishes and top with a dog treat or some healthy blueberries and serve!
Refrigerate any leftovers or pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds for fun frozen treats later.
2. DIY Dog Treats: Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Treats!
This next recipe includes ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Posted by Embrace Pet Insurance from the AllRecipes.com website, this recipe makes about 45 holiday treats your dog is sure to love! Cranberries are a healthy, antioxidant-packed fruit and can be enjoyed by your dog in moderation.
Courtesy: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay
Turkey & Cranberry Dog Bones
3.5 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cooked turkey
1 cup dried cranberries (make sure there are noadded raisins or sugar!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Stir in the turkey and cranberries. Create a well in the center of this mixture and drop the egg into that well. Add the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of the broth over the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add in – by tablespoons – more of the broth.
Knead the dough on a clean, floured surface for about two minutes. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut the treats out with Christmas cookie cutters and place on the lined baking sheet. Bake the dog treats for 25 minutes until browned. Turn off the oven and allow treats to rest in the oven for 30 more minutes. Remove and cool. Refrigerate treats.
WHAT cat doesn’t meow over tuna?! This easy recipe (from Mess for Less) will have your felines howling for more!
Tuna Cat Treats
Courtesy: Taken / Pixabay
1 can tuna in oil, drained
1 egg
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
Dash of parsley (optional)
Bottle Cap for cutting out treats
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a small bottle cap or your favorite cookie cutters.
Place on a baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes until browned. Cool and then store in an airtight container.
2. DIY Cat Treats: Hairball Control Cat Treats!
Courtesy: JackieLou DL / Pixabay
This recipe from VitaCost.com doubles as a tasty treat as well as a treat that can also help potentially dangerous hairballs effectively move through their digestive system! P.S., you can also add some catnip into the recipe!
Hairball Control Cat Treats
1-1/4 cup brown rice flour
1/3 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!)
1 brown egg
3 tablespoons ground flax
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon catnip (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Set a sheet of parchment paper the size of your baking sheet to the side.
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mix thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Let rest 5 minutes.
Unwrap dough; knead a few times. On parchment paper, roll the dough to 1/4” thickness.
Using a pizza cutter, cut narrow strips vertically or horizontally. If the dough starts sticking, wipe off the cutter. Repeat in the opposite direction. When finished, you should have a patchwork grid.
Transfer parchment paper to cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes.
Remove cookie sheet from oven. Using a spatula or your oven-mitted hands, break up the treats. Spread bits around evenly and return to the oven.
Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Or, bake for 10 minutes and turn the oven off; leave in oven for several hours or overnight.
These treats will last 4-6 weeks in an airtight container. For a longer shelf-life, refrigerate the treats. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
If you’re short on time this holiday season, here’s a quick and healthy feline treat recipe (from TheCookieRookie.com) with only 3 ingredients, a quick mix, cutting into treats and just 20 minutes to bake!
Salmon Cat Treats
Courtesy: Congerdesign / Pixabay
10-ounces canned salmon (undrained)
1 egg (beaten)
2 cups whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a food processor, pulse the canned salmon to chop as finely as possible.
Set a sheet of parchment paper the size of your baking sheet to the side.
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mix thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Let rest 5 minutes.
Combine the chopped salmon, egg and flour in a mixer until it forms a dough.
Roll out ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into fun shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until light brown and crispy; about 20 minutes.
Completely cool before serving and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
The EquiGroomer Grooming Tools are modeled after a traditional shedding stone that effectively removes loose hair, dirt and dander from horses, dogs, cats and any other animal that sheds!
Designed to be safe no matter how much or how often you groom your pet, the EquiGroomer will produce a coat that’s shiny, smooth and soft.
Desensitization: Acclimate them to your departure by leaving for a few minutes and then returning. Over time, slowly increase how long you are gone.
Create a routine when you leave; ask your dog to sit, offer a high-value treat and then calmly leave. (Begin this routine during desensitization (above)).
Exercise your dog before leaving.
Add another dog to the household.
Avoid a huge fuss when you leave (or come back home).
Leave your dog with a filled/frozen Kong toy to keep him busy and distracted.
Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!
Desensitization: Give attention or affection to reward a calm cat. Ignore attention-seeking behaviors. Reward signs of relaxation:
Lying down.
Sighing.
A loose/still tail.
Closed eyes.
Before leaving, play with your cat to tire them out.
Keep your cat busy in your absence with enrichment activities:
Cat TV shows,
Puzzle feeders, and
Hide-and-seek for treats hidden throughout the house.
Maintain a consistent routine.
Add another cat to the household.
Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!
Courtesy: Rebekka D / Pixabay
Pet Separation Anxiety: Horses
When separated from other horses (and owners), equines can experience separation anxiety!
According to Dr. Camie Helesi, a renowned equine researcher, separation anxiety stems from wild horses benefiting from strong social connections and bonds. Even short separations can result in equine fear, anxiety, stress and outbursts of panic.
Desensitization: Using short training sessions, work with keeping your horse’s focus on you while slowly moving them away from their companions. Reinforce good behavior and obedience with high-value treats or a groom session at the end to bolster their confidence.
For horses that must be separated, keep them in visual proximity.
Pair anxious horses with smaller ponies, goats or donkeys.
By keeping horses in a group of three, a horse is never left alone.
Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!
If your efforts at easing your pet’s separation anxiety are not working, find an animal or veterinary behaviorist to help you.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition and should not be ignored!
Looking at rare cat breeds? Check out the top 5 most expensive cats in the world!
But check your bank balance first because these rare felines can cost thousands of dollars!
Are you looking for a rare cat breed? Beware, these 5 rare cat breeds can come with a high price tag because of their rarity (or popularity) and low fertility rates.
The Number 1 most expensive cat in the world is the Ashera Cat with a staggering price tag of up to $125,000! Now that’s a lot of catnip!
This exotic – and expensive – breed is a crossbreed between an African Serval (an Asian Leopard) and a domestic cat. Many claim the Ashera breed is really an F1 Savannah (meaning the first generation of offspring).
These felines can weigh up to 30 pounds!
Grooming: The Ashera should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and prevent dangerous hairballs.
This rare feline breed comes in as the second most expensive cat in the world with a cost between $10,000 to $50,000. The Savannah is a crossbreed of an African Serval and a domestic cat.
Known as high-energy felines who need a lot of exercise.
Their low fertility rate contributes to their huge price tag! (Male Savannahs are not fertile after the sixth generation.)
Note: Savannahs are banned in parts of the world including several states in the USA becuase they are not consider “domestic” felines.
Grooming: The Savannah should be brushed regularly to remove lifeless hair and subsequent hairballs. do not bathe a Savannah too often to avoid hurting its skin and fur quality. Every two months should be sufficient or check with your veterinarian or groomer.
#3 Rare Cat: Bengal
A cat hybrid between an Egyptian Mau and Asia Leopard, the Bengal can cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Courtesy: Ishmann000 / Pixabay
The unique feature of this rare cat breed include:
A muscular build.
Big round eyes; and
Coat patterns with brown, silver/grey and black or white.
Unlike many cats, the Bengal enjoys water and swimming.
Note: It is illegal to own a Bengal cat in New York, Seattle and Hawaii.
Grooming: The Bengal should be regularly brushed especially during the shedding season to remove dirt and dead hair and prevent hairballs that can be ingested.
Known as a hairless cat, the Sphynx originated in Canada in the 1960s and was created through selective breeding with hairless cats. (Feline hairlessness comes from a natural genetic mutation.)
May suffer from separation anxiety and craves a lot of attention from their humans.
Prone to irritable bowel syndrome.
Annual heart scans are necessary for the Sphynx.
Grooming: Their very sensitive skin requires regular bathing (every 20-30 days) with a mild or even waterless shampoo for haireless cats with natural ingredients. Also, because of the lack of fur, the Sphynx can become cold very quickly so only wash them in warm areas (especially in the winter) and dry them thoroughly.
#5 Rare Cat: Persian (Price: $4,000 – $5,500)
Courtesy: Cromaconceptovisual / Pixabay
This breed is not only in the top five most expensive and rare cat breeds, but is also one of the oldest cat breeds in the world dating back to the 17th century!
Physical features include flatteneed faces, long flow, abundant and thick hair and chubby cheeks.
Very laid back, Persians can sleep up to 20 hours a day!
Felines can be known to be stand-offish and nowhere as “needy” as their canine counterparts. But do cats get lonely?
Do Cats Get Lonely?
Courtesy: Gundula Vogel/Pixabay
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a definitive yes or no whether cats get lonely. Instead, there seem to be as many answers as there are “experts” and kitties are remaining tight-lipped with the truth!
A quick search reveals a wide array of answers on whether our felines get lonely.
So, the simple answer is we don’t know and probably won’t until felines decide to let us in on this secret!
What Can a Cat Guardian Do If Their Cat Gets Lonely?
There is some good news, there may be signs and symptoms which may indicate your indoor cat is lonely and needs more companionship, interaction and human love. Below we explore the helpful tips to proactively keep your domestic cat from being lonely!
Just like our dogs, cats thrive on a consistent routine. If your routine suddenly changes, your cat may begin to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety or loneliness. Do everything you can to maintain your pet’s regular schedule. If necessary, hire a pet sitter to avoid the development of negative and even destructive cat behaviors as well as feline loneliness.
Keep in mind, any environmental change may also lead to feline stress and negative behaviors. Going on vacation? Keep your cat in their home with a pet sitter they know.
Consider adopting another cat for regular companionship and socialization.
Rotate a variety of interactive cat toys to keep your feline from getting bored and lonely.
Create a cozy spot near a window so your cat can stay entertained with birds, and wildlife.
Remember, not all cats have the same needs. You know your cat best and what they need.
If you’re not sure, find a local cat behaviorist to make sure your cat does not get lonely and is happy and engaged!
Easily remove dead hair, dust and dander from your cat’s coat with the Cat Shedding Brush, and afterward, engage your cat in play with the Laser Pointer and adorable Cat Toy!
Despite the dog days of summer ending on August 11th, heat records continue throughout the United States. Lean how extreme heat affects our pets and how to help.
Make sure any pets in cages are away from all windows. Pull the shades to keep the heat out.
Brush them often to remove old, excessive hair.
If your pet begins to overheat, slowly cool them down and contact your vet.
Keep a closer eye on pets susceptible to heatstroke including: a. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. b. Pets with heart issues. c. Overweight pets. d. Very young or very old pets.
Remember humidity adds to the overall heat index so be extra vigilant!
Know your pet so you notice if they are not drinking enough water and whether they are overheating.
Extreme Heat: 6 Things NOT to Do!
Courtesy: Artem Beliaikin / Pexels
Doing any of the six things below could harm your pet (rather than help) during extreme heat.
NEVER:
Shave your pet!
Immerse your pet in very cold water! This may cause shock and even death and stop all cooling.
Leave your dog or other pets outside!
Exercise your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid hot pavement, asphalt and parking lots. Walk your dog on the grass or dirt.
Leave your dog or any other pet in the car!
Leave pets unattended around a pool!
Always work with your veterinarian on how best to keep your pet cool during heat waves based on their breed, age, overall health and condition.
Courtesy: EquiGroomer
Regularly brush out your pet’s old, excessive hair with EquiGroomer tools to help them keep cooler during the hot days.
0 item(s) in cart
