Keeping kitty safe over the Fourth of July

Who's looking forward to the Fourth of July? or better yet, whose kitty is looking forward to the Fourth of July? I know my sisfur is not! Mia doesn't like loud noises which means she will be under the bed most of the weekend. I'm ok with loud noises as long as it's not a fire truck screaming in to the apartment complex with its sirens blaring!

Anyhoo... here are some tips to keep kitty safe this holiday:


1. Turn Down the Volume

Cats and fireworks don’t play well together. If your cat is scared of thunder, she’ll definitely be scared of the nonstop booming on the Fourth of July. Close your windows and turn on a radio — tuned to a station that plays mellow music — to counteract the noise of fireworks.

2. Keep Kitty Inside

If your kitty is normally an indoor-outdoor kitty, don’t let her go outside on July 4 or the surrounding days that fireworks are being shot off in the neighborhood. This will keep her safe from any number of dangers, such as getting lost if she bolts in panic during fireworks displays. 

3. Give Kitty a Place to Hide

Frightened cats will seek shelter, immediately. Many cats will run and hide under a bed or in a closet when the doorbell rings. Imagine what they will do when a bottle rocket goes off nearby. It will help your kitty if you prepare a sanctuary in advance. If you don't have an extra room, try a cat bed inside a closet in an interior room. Another suggestion is to rub a towel or small blanket with her scent and put it in the bed. Show her where it is well in advance of the 4th, so she will know it's her own "safe place." 

4. Make sure kitty has proper, updated ID

If kitty does manage to escape, this will increase the chances of her safe return. If she isn't microchipped, it's a good idea to consider getting it done before the holiday.

5. Get Her a Thundershirt

The Thundershirt, which has been soothing dogs through storms and other anxiety-provoking situations, is now available for cats to provide a sense of safety and well being. Recent reviews show that the device, which is designed to produce a light pressure all around the torso, is working just as well for cats as it has been for the canines.


6. Consider Tranquilizers

No, not for you (although you might want one!), but for your kitty. If your favorite feline is normally the skittish type, you might want to ask your veterinarian about a mild sedative or tranquilizer, just to get the cat through the day. If you're not fond of drugs for cats, there are some natural remedies that have a calming effect. 

7. Spend some time with kitty over the holiday

Try to take time out from the activities of the holiday to spend a few minutes with your cat, every couple of hours, petting her and talking to her. She needs to know you haven't abandoned her during these stressful hours, and the brief break will be good for you, too.

Have a Happy and Healthy Fourth of July pals!

xoxo,

CJ and Mia

 & 

How to Lessen Allergies to Cats

One of the most common reasons a cat is returned to a shelter after adoption is due to allergies humans have to cats (or dogs but this is a kitty blog so we will focus on cats!). Animal dander, a protein mix secreted in animal's skin and saliva, can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergies to dander may take a long time to develop (over 2 years for some people) and the symptoms (similar to pollen allergy symptoms) may linger for months.

Sneezing is a common symptom of allergies.

Here are some tips to help lessen allergies experienced by humans to their cats:

• Keep the cat completely out of the bedroom at all times. This will help because it will keep from dander gathering on bedding. Humans exposed to cat fur for long periods of time such as when sleeping might experience more frequent symptoms.
• Wash your hands or face immediately after petting the cat, or if it has licked you. Don’t rub your eyes.
• Keep the house vacuumed and dusted at least 2-3 times each week. My human doesn't do this as much as she should and is reminded to do so when she experiences itchy eyes!
• Allergy shots. This is something your human can talk to their doctor about. Allergy shots might relieve symptoms for many allergies including pet allergies.
• Important to note that while one cat may cause an allergic reaction, another one might not. Humans shouldn't automatically assume because one kitty caused symptoms, all kitty's will cause allergies.
• Antihistamines. My human will take an antihistamine if she is experiencing symptoms from me or Mia or from the shelter kitties. Even though she has had cats are her life, she still occasionally will get symptoms from us or the shelter. It has more to do with her seasonal allergies than it does us kitties! Her immune system is under more stress when she is experiencing seasonal allergies and that makes her a little more susceptible to allergies from dander that kitties have.
• Add an air purifier.
• Brush cats regularly. Mia and I love to be brushed as do many kitty's!
• Remove carpeting from the home. 
• Wash bedding weekly – yours and the cats! 
• Use allergy wipes, can be purchased at pet stores. 
• Bathe cats if possible (good luck with that! I don't know too many kitty's that like baths!), at least every few months to decrease shedding and dander. Use either a waterless shampoo or a moisturizing shampoo. In between bathing times, use a damp paper towel. 
• Feed a high quality food. Mom feeds us IAMS. 
• Keep snuggle sessions short, and keep away from your nose.
• Important to note that over time, you may build up an immunity to your own cat, but might still be allergic to other cats. 

So kitty's help your humans reduce their allergies to kitty's by sharing this helpful information with them. And if that doesn't work help blame the dog........