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All About Dogs and Puppies, Pet Behavior, Pet Tips

10 Tips for Bringing New Puppy Home to Cat

by Jamie May 17, 2021 No Comments

The big question is, can a dog and a cat get along? Short answer – yes. If you follow the tips in this article and introduce them slowly, and carefully there’s no reason why your new pup won’t get along with your cat . They might even become playmates within a few weeks. But you don’t want to rush them because their bonding could need more time.

Bringing new puppy home to cat can be worrisome, but the most important thing is to supervise their initial contact and allow them to get used to each other at their own pace. That said, before their bonding, you need the following tips for bringing new puppy home to cat.

How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat

There are several dog and cats’ friendship, and they are beautiful to watch. A lot of them usually have a rough start, so don’t get worried if your puppy and your cat don’t seem to get along.

Usually, dogs have the strong urge to chase cats, so you should be ready to teach your dog to be calm around kitties. Never allow your pup to chase your cat, regardless of how amusing it may seem. Also, you’ll have to steal your puppy’s attention whenever the cat is around.

While it takes time for the two pets to get along, it is always worth it. And as soon as they start tolerating each other enough to be up close, you’ll watch an unbroken friendship form. But first, let’s take it step by step.

Here are the necessities for bringing new puppy home to cat

1.    Set up Confinement for Your Cat or Dog

Both your cat and your puppy need individual spaces to allow them to adjust. The last thing you need is to force their meeting. Even though they are both aware of each other’s presence, give them separate attention for a couple of days. 

However, the new pet should be the first to be confined. That means keep the pup in a separate room and don’t just allow her to roam around the house.

Also, ensure to stock the room with enough toys, water, and food. Spend time with your new pup so she can get used to you.

2.    Switch Confinement Between the Two

Since your dog has to get familiar with the house, you’ll have to alternate which animal is confined. You can’t keep the pup confined forever, so when she’s out, take your kitty in, at least for the first few days.

That doesn’t mean you’re delaying confrontation; it just gives both pets enough time to get used to each other’s smell first. It allows them to get a little bit used to the idea of their presence, especially if you use the same confinement for them.

You can rotate their shifts every couple of hours. It is crucial that the new pup gets enough chances to explore the house a little. Dogs are more playful than cats, and they sure would want to explore every corner of their new abode. However, your pup should be monitored during her first days, even if the cat isn’t around. Allowing her to roam free will interfere with her potty training. Also, watch the dog for signs of toileting.

3.    Exchange their Scents

It is vital that the kitty and the pup get familiar with each other’s scent. Animals will always react when they perceive strange scents, especially around their home. So, even if you’ve had a new dog in the house for weeks if the cat doesn’t get accustomed to the dog’s scent, vice versa, an unpleasant clash is inevitable.

You can exchange tiny bits of beddings, like blankets or pillows. You can as well swap their toys. Also, try putting one pet’s towel under the food dish of the other. Animals hold food dearly, and this practice will give either of them the sense that the other pet means no harm.

And, no – it doesn’t make the owner of the towel smell like food. That’s ridiculous.    

4.    Keep Both Pets Confined While No One is Home

Never leave your new pup and cat home alone. Even if they both seem less concerned about each other’s presence when you’re around, it doesn’t mean they are suddenly ‘dorm mates.’ Even if they get along fine when you’re around, as long as you just got the pup, don’t leave them home alone.

It takes time to be certain that they’ll be fine alone. If they’re already playmates, still give them a week or more just to be sure. You can confine the dog and allow the cat to move freely. You can also try a little experiment by leaving both of them in a room and watching them from another.

5.    Your Pup on a Leash for Keep the First Introduction

First, don’t attempt an introduction when your pup is all fired up and excited. Timing is important, and the best time to introduce both of them is when your puppy is calm and on a leash. Hold the leash tightly and allow the both of them enough time to study each other. You never know; your puppy might be graceful enough to allow your cat to come close for a sniff.

However, don’t be surprised if you notice aggression or fear from either or both of them. If your cat welcomes her new flatmate with bats and hisses, or the pup looks stiff and growls at the cat, just say to the both of them, “Meeting adjourned!”

Alternatively, you don’t have to separate them immediately. You can distract your pup with her favorite toy or treat. This is more likely to work with your doggie and not your cat because, well, you know, curiosity kills…

Bringing New Puppy Home: How to Adjust

Whether you have a cat at home or not, there are some things you need to know when bringing new puppy home. Puppies are often shy in their new home for the first few days, and they often need your help to settle in.

Also, living with a puppy can be a little demanding, so what next after bringing new puppy home?

●      Introduce Your Puppy Gradually

Experts have let us know that it can take several months for our pets to feel comfortable in a new environment. Even if your pooch is still little, she still needs to get used to where she’s going to know as home. She also needs time to get accustomed to those she’ll be living with.

Furthermore, pups aren’t babies; they don’t need a ‘puppy party.’ So, if you’re looking to invite friends over for one, you’d be doing it for yourself and not your dog. Having so many people around will only scare your new puppy and not the other way around.

●      Get Ready for Chewing

Before bringing new puppy home, know that you’re welcoming a chewing volunteer. Pups and even some adult dogs can’t help the urge to chew on anything close when they’re bored. They’ll move from your furniture to anything dangling in the house.

The best solution to this is stopping by the store to get dogs’ toys before bringing new puppy home. Also, you can prevent them from destroying your couch by keeping a close eye on them when they aren’t playing. Pups that are just teething are more likely to do this when they are bored. So, don’t leave them around the house when you’re out.

Choosing the right chew toys for your new puppy

●      Train Your Pup with Food

Food is what new dogs listen to, not your commands, your belly rubs, or whistling. Dogs will always answer the person with the food. So, you have to make food a currency for them. You’ll need enough time and irresistible dog treats for maximum results.

The reward system is what professional dog trainers use to make dogs familiar with commands and quit bad behavior. So, when your new pup does something bad, scold her, and if she listens to you, reward her with treats. Repeat this in as many situations as possible, and you’ll have yourself a lovely and loyal furry companion.

●      Make a Potty Plan

Generally, dogs need a potty within 15 minutes of eating, exercising, or waking up. Pups can hold their poop or pee for about an hour for any month of age. But some pups can sleep for close to seven hours without going for a potty break.

So, if you can time when your pup needs to do her business, you can use a specific command each time until she’s used to it. And after her business, reward her with a nice treat. If you can’t track when your dog needs to use the toilet, you can watch out for signals like sniffing or circling a particular area. Nonetheless, if she does her business around the house, don’t shout at her. It’ll make her hide when next she wants to do her business.

Final Thoughts

Puppies aren’t problematic; they just want to play, eat and sleep. So, bringing new puppy home should cause less worry. It will take time for your new pup to adjust and move around comfortably, so there’s no need for any rush. Just feed the dog and allow her to roam in her space.

However, bringing new puppy home to cat is a completely different game. Sometimes, dogs and cats never get along, no matter how hard you try.

But with the tips in this post, your dog and cat can become cute buddies, and you’ll forever be proud knowing you did that.

Cats and kittens, Pet Supplies, Uncategorized , , , ,

Ten Tips when bringing new kitten home

by Jamie May 9, 2021 No Comments

Cats and kittens are easy to care for and relatively inexpensive to care for. However, once you know the basics of feeding, litter boxes, grooming, general health, and safety, it is easier to care for your new family member. So, here is the top practical advice and things to consider when bringing a new kitten home.

If you are a new cat or kitten owner or are bringing a new kitten home, you may have many queries about caring for your new feline friend. As you may already know, cats can do many things like they often do fun. They are playful, free, loving, curious, intelligent, and entertaining. Because you need information about cat care, your pet is lucky to have a caregiver.

We’ll start with the tip that your cat loves and is the most important in feline care and management.

Here are the Ten best first-time kitten owner tips:

Tip 1: Assist Your Kitten in Feeling Safe

Since your cat can be nervous at first, make your home as inviting as possible. If your cat is anxious and hides from you, that’s perfectly natural. Cats dislike change in general, so it can take some time for her to adjust to all of the different smells and sounds in your home.

You can assist your cat by providing her with her room or space to escape and feel secure. Put a soft bed in there for her to curl up in. Some cats may prefer an enclosed bed to hide when they are stressed. Add a pair of catnip toys and a fuzzy blanket to the mix.

Is catnip good for my kitten?

Tip 2: Pay a visit to the veterinarian

Find a good veterinarian for your pet, make an appointment for a checkup, and make sure his vaccinations are up to date. It is very important to make sure you microchip your new family member as well. The cost of spay , neuter and microchipping is usually included in the cost of adoption at local shelters. It is imperative REGISTER YOUR KITTENS MICROCHIP NUMBER ON THE NATIONAL DATABASE. If your new cat escapes, keep the microchip number and a picture of him on your computer or another safe place.

Tip 3: Feed your cat healthy and balanced food:

Your food choices have an enormous impact on your cat’s overall health, so you’ll want to make sure you’re feeding him or her some nutritious food.

If you know the cat food brand that your cat is eating previously before adopting it, you must give a small amount of the same food to your cat to be maintained / on a regular diet. Then, gradually change the food to a new diet. It requires a minor adjustment and a gradual transition, preventing stomach upset.

Kittens (cats under one year old) should eat a kitten formula because they are still growing and need a high-calorie diet.

If your cat possesses a significant health problem or is overweight, underweight, or senior, it is best to seek help from your veterinarian and let him choose the right food. For example, if your cat needs to drop some weight, it needs to do so slowly for health reasons.

On average, for a healthy cat or kitten, these types of food found in the grocery store or pet store.

Canned food

Most cats love to eat canned food, also known as ‘wet food.’ This type of food provides high water levels and extra hydration when the cat is used to it.

Canned food comes in various textures and tastes, such as chunks, slices, chunks in gravy, patties, or minced pieces. Some cats have specific preferences others will eat anything.

Dry food

Some people prefer to give dry food or wet and dry food mixture to cats. Like canned food, read the ingredients label and find brands in the first few ingredients with meat. Try to avoid by-products, fillers, and artificial flavours.

Only buy a small new bag unless you’re sure your cat likes it.

How much should I feed my cat?

It depends on the weight and activity level of your cat. Either follow the recommended dose given on the food packaging or consult your doctor.

Kittens (up to year) need high caloric diet to match their active nature.

Tip 4: Choose water bowls and food dishes:

Stainless steel dishes and bowls are ideal for food and water. Unlike plastics, they are odourless and easy to clean. Having more than one dish and cup is a good idea, so you always have a clean handkerchief available to clean the bowl and plates.

Food Dishes:

Cat dishes are best for feeding because they are shallow, making it easy for cats to eat food. Use a dish where the rubber ring is present around their base, so the dish is not pushed around the floor when the cat eats.

Cups of water:

Keep the water bowl in a place where your cat can reach at any time. Cats love fresh drinking water, so change the water at least once a day and wash the cup with warm, mild water at least a few times a week.

To encourage more water use, place the water bowl in two places.

Tip 5: Have a litter box

Here are some things to know about litter boxes and accessories:

Litter Box

You will need at least one litter box for each cat. Covered containers can trap odor, and for some cats, it’s not comfortable, so avoid it.

Whatever box you choose, make sure it is large enough. Small boxes are suitable for kittens, but cats over 10 or 11 pounds can not get in a tiny package. Choose an extra-large if needed.

Box scooping

Scope once or twice a day to keep the box clean for your lovely cat. About once a week, change all the litter and wash the container with dish detergent and warm water or use a disposable litter box.

I have been using Kitty Poo disposable litter box delivery for several years now. It is so convenient and recyclable as well ! You can read my review here.

It can be irritating but check for abnormalities in their feces or urine (such as worms, mucus, or blood). Also, note if there is diarrhea, hard stools, or stool quantity more or less than usual. If you notice something abnormal, call your veterinarian and make an appointment.

Tip 6: Brush your cat

Brushing is painless and does not take much time. Most cats enjoy cleaning because it gives them comfort. In addition, regular brushing removes dead hair, dirt and keeps the skin healthy.

How often to brush?

Short or medium-haired breeds should be cleaned once a week. Like Persian or Ragdoll, long-haired hair should be washed two or three times a week.

Brush type

A regular bristle brush works best for most cats. However, if your pet sheds a lot, you can also use a metal bristle brush to remove more hair. If you are in a good pet store and are unsure what type of brush to take, ask the staff to recommend it.

How to prevent mats:

Mats are rough clumps of fur that form if the coat is not cleaned enough. As the weather warms up, the shedding increases, so it is essential to brush to remove dead hair and avoid mats.

Mats can form any cats’ hair size, but they are more familiar with medium to long-haired breeds.

Once they are formed, they are challenging to compete with. You will need a professional groomer or doctor to remove them.

Tip 7: Bathe your cats

Most cats do a great job of keeping themselves clean. Unless they are dirty from going out or getting old and not cleaning themselves properly, two or three baths a year is usually enough.

Here are some tips for taking a bath:

  • Use a mild shampoo designed for cats and avoid taking soap or water anywhere near their eyes or ears.
  • Avoid flea treatment shampoo (unless your doctor recommends it) because many cats have been affected by certain flea-specific shampoos.
  • After bathing, use a towel to dry it thoroughly, then keep it warm somewhere until it dries.
  • Once the coat is completely dry, a good brush will make it fluffy and beautiful.

Tip 8: Keep your cat’s claws trimmed

You will need a small pair of cat scissors to trim your cat’s claws. Trimming is essential if the claws are long, sharp, broken, or flaky. When claws are significant or not trimmed enough, your cat may snatch your clothing or furniture.

  • Trimming claws two times per month is usually enough
  • The front claws of cats typically grow faster than the back
  • Make sure to use sharp scissors. Once they are dull, they tear their claws instead of trimming, which is painful for cats.

Tip 9: Give your cat a place for the nap

Most cats usually sleep a lot during the day, giving themselves a comfortable place to rest. It could be a comfy cat bed or a soft blanket of its own.

Some cats prefer the sun and warm spots to sleep. Others want to hide in a dark and private place. Consider where your pet often sleeps and make a bed in that area.

Tip 10: Give them Treats

Our furry friend love treats us as much as we do. Here are some of their favourites:

Cat treats:

It’s a good idea to have a treats bag around to reward your cat. Buy treats from where you buy food. There are many flavours to choose from: fish, beef, chicken, cheese, tartar control, salmon, and even catnip.

Cat grass:

Many cats like fresh cat grass. It can be found at some pet or health food stores, or you can buy a kit and grow it yourself. It only takes some days to grow, and your pet is happy to enjoy it.

Conclusion

Cats are lovely creatures. They are adorable and playful. But, we all know cats are obligate carnivores. So, their primary diet must be made up of meat. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. However, raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. As a kitty owner, it is your responsibility to keep your cat healthy and fit by providing the best quality food and nutrition when you bring your new cat home. You can do this easily by following our above mentioned practical advice for a kitten.

A monthly box of fun toys, healthy treats, and other goodies for your cat!

kitten purring, cat behaviors
Cats and kittens, Pet Behavior, Posts

Ways a cat’s purring has a healing effect on humans

by Jamie February 9, 2021 No Comments

From Pain to contentment, purring can be a way to communicate contentment, hunger, stress. pain, or even to promote healing. But how does it help their humans? Studies have shown owning a cat can combat stress, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke..Purring is often at a frequency that promotes physical repair.

Can you hear Pizza’s low purr ?

“Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz.”

Scientific American

How can a cat purring have an effect on humans?

It is very soothing to sit with a cat on your lap and enjoy his unique cat behaviors like purring. Spending time with our pets have been proven to help relieve stress and lower blood pressure in humans. For years we have known owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attacks or stroke by as much as a 40% Some studies even suggest owning a cat can extend your lifespan.

One of the most fascinating facts about a cat’s purr is the sound frequency. A purr is between 25 and 125 hertz. Studies have shown this frequency promotes bone density and healing for themselves and the around them. Purring vibrations at those frequencies can help humans in their healing process.

“According to William R. Thompson, DPT, PhD, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina “Animal and human studies suggest that high-frequency, low-magnitude vibration therapy improves bone strength by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption.” Although it a mystery WHY that works and we have a lot more to learn, a cat’s purring is in a range to provide healing.

A cats purring vibrations can :

  • Releases endorphins that lower stress
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Help heal wounds
  • Improving bone density/fight osteoporosis
  • Improve breathing issues
  • Joint and tendon restoration

Why do cats purr ?

It is a common myth that a cat only purrs when they are happy and want attention. Although cats do seem to exhibit this behavior when they are in a good mood, showing other signs of affection, like rubbing or bumping us with their heads, demonstrating love for you is not the only motivation. In the last 20 years, a lot more in-depth research on the subject, but there is still more to learn. As many cat owners know, we hear that little motor for a variety of reasons.

A purr is a low vocalization that can be used to communicate. Tiny kittens just a few days old begin to purr. It helps mama cat find her kittens and lets her know that they are content or hungry. When we pet, our cats, quite often they get their motor humming.

Besides purring how else do cats communicate ?

Cats also purr when they are stressed, or in pain. Some cats still show kitten-like behaviors and purr when they are hungry to get your attention. My Pizza Cat starts purring in anticipation for his treats, this is perhaps a behavior learned as a kitten. I can hear his anticipation, just like a mama cat would. Often a cat will purr AFTER a stressful event like a dog barking, or when adventuring into new places.

Scientists also now hypothesize that since a cat can spend up to 12-16 hours a day sleeping, the act of purring may be a way to actually engage muscles or tissues. Purring is restorative to their muscles and tendons and conserves their energy. Can cats really give themselves a personal “tune-up” ?

Personal observations

I wonder if a cat’s ability to heal itself so well, is tied to why it is said Cats have nine lives? Compared to dogs, cats get fewer broken bones and fewer heart troubles. Their ability to self heal by purring is quite fascinating.

While the debates, hypothesis, and research continue, I, for one know that it is calming and enjoyable just to take the moment in. If I am having a particularly stressful or anxious day my buddy seems to instinctively know and “snuggles in” and happily purrs away. To know that the cat purring effect on humans actually has healing power is a merely a magical bonus.

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Knead Love Bakeshop – A review you need to read

by Jamie January 27, 2021 No Comments

Knead Love Bakeshop offers homemade pet treats you BAKE AT HOME. It is a fun product if you enjoy a hands-on experience. A great quick project you can do with the kids while encouraging family bonding with your pets. Who doesn’t like to spoil their pets with homemade treats?

dog treats, organic dog treats, healthy dog treats

What is Knead Love Bakeshop?

Knead love Bakeshop offers a variety of “do it yourself ” bake at-home pet treats in a variety of different flavors. It comes in a colorful canister that includes all you need. They offer the following flavors. Although these have been made with dogs in mind, Some flavors are vegan and are safe for other critters like cats. guinea pigs even horses.

Sweet Potato and Chicken ** Peanut Butter and Banana ** Beef Jerky and Cheese ** Sweet Pumpkin and Oats **Cheese and Carrot (grain-free) **

Grain Free Carrot and cheese without added wheat flour.

Convenience/ Ease of use – It’s hard to resist the cute canister it comes in, but there is much more to it. Inside, is everything you need to make the product, AND the canister doubles as the treat container when you are finished baking. They thought of everything.

There is virtually NO WASTE (and no mess- my favorite part) Knead Love Bakeshop even thought of using the canister as the measuring cup for preparing the treats. Amazing!

They use organic ingredients.

Is Coconut good for your pet?

Our Experience -Did it Pass the taste test?

At home, To review Knead Love, I made a batch of Cheese and Carrot treats for the dog and cat at home. The golden doodle loves to play around with her treat ball, so I decided to make very small treats that would fit.

It was really easy to just snip the included pastry bag smaller than recommended and pipe out small shapes. Coconut flour is extremely absorbent and can make a thick easy to work with dough. However, if it is too stiff a little water can be added, but I found it to be extremely easy to work with. I also adjusted the bake time in half, but still just checked on them to make sure they were firm.

The lovely dog quickly ate the new snack. The brat cat did not… he prefers meat. I assume the coconut flour made the treats sweeter than his usual tuna flavored Temptations.

“Dogs are able to taste sweet foods and many dogs actually prefer the taste of sweet foods over any other taste profile”

wag.com

Can Cats even eat Vegetables ?

Our Conclusion

the golden doodle approves

Overall we were pretty happy with this product. They offer a 25% discount if you sign up for a “monthly subscription” and often run free shipping offers.

Free Shipping on all Orders

15% off two PLUS free shipping

Personally, it is important to know what you are feeding your pet. If you enjoy baking, this is a simple, wholesome organic treat that can be a relaxing activity that isn’t expensive or time-consuming.

Aside from the health benefits and unique opportunity to share fresh treats with your pet, purchasing products from Knead Love Bakeshop support a small family run business. Three young siblings wanted to provide healthy alternative snacks for their dog Penny and Knead Love Bakeshop was born. We think that is pretty cool.

We are looking forward to trying their new flavors this month!

April Showers Softpaws