Helping owners and pets get to know each other better
Category: Fur Fun with Cats
Hi, Welcome to Fur Fun with Cats!
All related Cat posts can be found here, this is to make it easier for you, to find what you need for your Fur Baby.
I hope you find what you are looking for. I started this blog to help owners get real, veterinary based information. Plus having some fun along the way!
Too many times have I read misleading information online. I also experience many confused owners in the clinic as a result of “Dr Google”.
I genuinely want to help. I’m putting a lot of time into this website, in the hopes to create something great for owners everywhere!
Please leave me comments let me know if you need a post on something.
Is your dog hopping? Or lame on one leg? It is likely that they are in pain, or something is not functioning properly. The best thing to do if your dog is consistently hopping on 3 legs is to have your vet assess them first.However I have written some ideas and tips to prepare you …
Are ginger cats always male? No, although ginger cats are more likely to be male there are some female ginger cats. Are Ginger Cats Always Male? No! Why Does It Seem We Only See Male Gingers? The ginger colour gene is attached to an X chromosome, because of this ginger males are more common. They …
The Bengal cat is a large, athletic, and often wild-looking breed. They are fiercely loyal to their owners. They are a large sized breed, that have extroverted personalities and are surprisingly agile considering their bone structure. Bengal Cat Charted Guide: Breed Size/Weight Range: Longevity: 9 – 13 YearsMale: Large – 12lbs+/ 5kg+ Female: Large – …
Christmas shopping can be hard. If the person your buying for is a dog lover then we have got you covered. From laser engraved wine glasses to funny t-shirts. Take a look at out top selections for 2020 Find The Perfect Gift For A Dog Lover You Know Know someone that loves wine and their …
I personally adore this idea! What a great way to have your dog in your bedroom but not actually on your bed. Giving them a special place near you and also the practicality of it being bedroom furniture at the same time genius. Check them Out! Bedside Woodend Dog Bed With A Comfy Dog Mattress …
Click Here To See Which Breed Best Suits Your Star Sign Best Dog Breeds – The Most Popular The most popular dog breeds of 2020 Include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, and Beagles. Labradors have held the top spot for best dog for nearly 30 years! What makes these breeds so popular? Click …
What is staph? what do you do about it? and better how can you prevent it in the future. See my dog skin staph infection tips in this post You’ve been to the vet or suspect your dog has a skin infection. Staph infection is likely, but can’t be confirmed without cytology by your vet. …
If your dog has upset stomach issues regularly, It could be food allergies. Regular upset stomach episodes are a common symptom of food allergies in dogs. My Dog Has Upset Stomach Episodes – What Are Food Allergies? A Food allergy Is an immune system reaction, usually occurring after a dog eats certain types of food. …
If your dog has eaten or showed interest in oranges, you are probably wondering if it’s ok for them to ingest them? Can dogs eat oranges safely? Yes, dogs can eat the fleshy part of oranges. Full of vitamin c, potassium, and fiber. While dogs are able to eat and digest orange flesh, it is …
Wondering how old your cat is? Cat years to human years is possible to covert. See my 8 different life stages and how they convert into human years. Like us on Facebook and Pinterest. Cat Years To Human Years – Cats At 4 Months Old Baby Stage – 0-4 In Human years. This has got …
This has got to be the cutest stage, at this age cats are just adorable little fluffballs. Generally weighing in at just 2kg or 4.5 pounds. Kittens at this age gain about 500g/ a pound a month.
Cat years to human years
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Vaccinations need to be completed through your registered Veterinarian during this life stage.
Regular worming and flea treatments are also Important. A well-balanced diet is crucial for your kitten’s growth. What you feed them now lays the foundations down for their future. Talk to your kittens vet about a well-balanced growth diet.
Consider pet insurance why your kitten is young, if they develop any health conditions that require treatment for the rest of their life having insurance is very helpful.
Also any accidents or injury cover is useful. Read policies and plans carefully, having hereditary conditions covered is a good plan, and especially in their early year/s.
Ideas To Keep Your Kitten Stimulated:
Puzzle games, moving toys, scratching posts and a comfy bed to sleep in are all your kitten needs to keep themselves busy and well rested.
This is the ‘fun stage’ your kitten will love to explore and play during this life stage. Now weighing in at 3-4kg+/ 4-5 pounds depending on breed.
Now fully vaccinated your cat can start to explore outside and play with some bigger toys like a cat tree.
Hopefully you have them covered with good pet insurance. Although young and not prone to illnesses the same as in their later years. If your kitten was to develop a lifelong health condition or injure themselves. You will be thanking yourself for being organized with insurance.
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Flea and worm treatments are still important to keep on top of. DE sexing your male or female cat is recommended to prevent unwanted litters. Microchipping your cat is also a priority, this way if they get lost and are found a vet has a way to find and contact you as the owner.
Now exploring outside consider a bell collar for your juvenile cat to protect wildlife and birds. Although we want our fur babies to explore and enjoy nature, this way we can prevent them from harming it at the same time.
If you plan to keep your cat inside for longer or permanently, then check out these great cat tree options to help keep them stimulated and busy while inside. Cat tree options for any cat.
Now an Adult, your cat is well and truly involved in its world. They are finished growing but will still fill out more and continue to gain muscle. You may notice a change in fur color or density changes at this age.
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Keep up with vaccinations when due, flea and worm prevention is a must, your cat may require regular grooming if they have a medium or long coat.
Keep your cat on a balanced veterinary recommended diet. Now fully grown they can swap to an adult life stage diet, talk to your vet about which diet is right for their breed and size. Good nutrition can prevent health problems down the line so it is an investment in their future.
If not already done de-sexing is a must unless you are planning to breed. Preventing unwanted litters and also stopping a male cat from creating them is essential. Talk to your vet about getting your cat de-sexed.
Cat Years To Human Years – Cats At 2 Years Old
Twenties – 20-29 in human years.
Adult cats require less work than kittens, they now know their way around and are settled into their environment. Fully grown and weighing an average of 4-5kg.
You and your cat now have memories and a bond, unlike when they where little and you where creating them. See some resources below to help you learn about your adult cat:
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Keep up with vaccinations when due, flea and worm prevention is a must, your cat may require regular grooming if they have a medium or long coat.
A yearly health check with your vet to go over, diet, teeth, body condition, and having their heart checked via stethoscope is always a great idea. Make sure to book your adult cat in for an annual check over. This is also a perfect opportunity to stock up on flea and worm products.
Keep your cat on a balanced veterinary recommended diet. At this life stage, a veterinary recommended Adult food is needed. Good nutrition can prevent health problems down the line so it is an investment in their future.
Keep in mind now your cat is de-sexed they are more prone to weight gain. If keeping the pounds at bay is proving to be a struggle talk to your vet about neutered diets, these diets are lower in calories and designed for de-sexed cats.
Cat Years To Human Years – Cats At 5 Years Old
Thirties – Forties – 30 – 49 In Human Years.
A 5-year-old cat is still in the “Adult” life stage. They are accustomed to you and their environment. Have their routines, likes, and dislikes. To which you are well aware of. Still weighing an average of 4-5kg your active cat is well and truly part of the family.
A middle-aged cat should be fit as a fiddle. If you have been following this guide from the beggining the your kitten de-sexed on time, kept on good nutrition from the start, and has had regular flea and worm control. You have organised vaccinations when due and an annual check-up with the vet to look over you kitty.
Give yourself a pat on the back your an amazing fur baby Mumma/Dadda that is one lucky cat.
Feel like spoiling your adult cat further? Then take a look at these luxury cat gifts
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Keep up the good work, schedule needed vet visits. Don’t forget to protect your cat from flea and worms, and remember prevention is cheaper than dealing with an infestation in your home.
Continue with good nutrition, it is an investment in their health. We are what we eat and that goes for your cat too.
During this life stage your cat will start to enter the geriatric life stage, aww I know that’s probably hard to read. Don’t we all wish they could stay 6 months old forever?
Nutrition wise their needs might change if they become less active then moving to a senior diet is a good idea. Also a yearly blood test with your vet is a great idea. This helps keep an eye on their basic liver, and kidney functions.
Detecting any health concerns or issues early makes a big difference in both treatment or management so don’t skip an annual check-up with your vet.
Now officially a senior fur baby, you may have noticed your cat start to slow down in their daily adventures. Generally senior cats are just quieter versions of themselves.
Congratulations on taking care or your cat for 10 years!
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
Annual checkups and blood tests are a must. Older cats are prone to renal failure, diabetes, and more. Catching them early can help with treatment and management options tremendously.
A senior based diet is often lower in calories and proteins. Higher in omegas for joint health and mobility. If not already consider switching your senior fluff ball to a more suitable diet.
As always keep up with flea and worm treatments. Don’t miss vaccinations when due. Joint supplements aren’t necessary if your cat is on the right diet. So always check with your vet before adding something new and potentially expensive.
Wow well-done fur baby owner, you have cared and nursed your cat into the centurion life stage.
Now sadly in their final life stage its all about great TLC from here. Which to get this far you are an expert in. Lucky cat.
Important things for owners to do and look for during this life stage:
TLC, vet checkups, and blood tests are a must. Older cats are prone to renal failure, diabetes, and more. Make sure to keep an eye on food and water intake. Activity levels will decrease so monitoring mobility and assessing your cat regularly is necessary.
A senior based diet is often lower in calories and proteins. Higher in omegas for joint health and mobility. If not already consider switching your senior cat to a more suitable diet.
As always keep up with flea and worm treatments. Don’t miss vaccinations when due. Joint supplements aren’t necessary if your cat is on the right diet. So always check with your vet before adding something new and potentially expensive.
If your budgets restricted or you have an older cat then these ranges are for you. Not only are they affordable but they don’t have too many levels so are ideal for an older possible arthritic cat.
Also if space is tight and ideally you are looking for something that will tuck nicely into a corner.
Do you or your friend have an energetic young cat? Or is your cat an indoor cat and you want a fun entertaining cat tree to keep them stimulated and busy.
Do you work long hours and like knowing your cat has something fun to play with while you are out? Then take a look at these cat adventure trees.
Evie the cuddly Burmese cat has an incredible survival tale. Prompting us to share this Burmese cat rescue story.
Shortly after moving with her owners to a new rural property, Evie went missing.
The owners had intended for Evie to get used to her new home for at least a week or two before going outside. However, “Evie is incredibly smart and quick’ her owners say. “She loves being outside”.
After only a few days of being in their new home, Evie found her way outside an open door.
Evie had never lived on a rural lifestyle block location before. “One of the dogs quickly spooked her before we could get her inside and that was it, she was gone” the owner’s relay.
“We didn’t panic for the first day or two, Evie is an intelligent cat and she also has a lot of sass”
Evie had been known to sulk with her owners, especially if something didn’t go her way, generally hiding in her igloo and occasionally disappearing for a little while.
‘We were hopeful she would make her way back once she had cooled off”
Still, every-night we searched, called for her, and we put food out for her. In case she decided to come back in the calm of the night
After 2 days, Evie’s Owners decided she was now defiantly lost. They were devastated.
We did everything called vet clinics, spread pamphlets, advertised everywhere we could, and called all the local cat shelters. Nothing.
Evie was nowhere to be found. ‘We felt sick every night and especially when it would rain’ Her owners said.
“We got desperate, we created pamphlets, begging if someone had found her and decided to keep her. Could they anonymously come forward and let us know”
‘I couldn’t stop checking roadkill every night wondering” ‘We just needed to know if someone had her and that she was ok’
Burmese Cat Rescue
8 long weeks of torture had passed, when the owners got the best phone call they could ever have hoped for.
A couple had come back from their holiday in Europe, to find a very skinny and pissed off Evie locked in their garage.
They Took Evie to the nearest vet clinic, as she was very malnourished. Evie was micro-chipped so it didn’t take long for the vet clinic to track down Evie’s Owners.
‘ It was an amazing feeling, the relief is indescribable, We had never given up, we just felt she was still out there and thankfully we were right”
Evie was very underweight and dehydrated. She had I/V fluids at the vet clinic before finally coming home.
“She was so hungry!, she slept in the food bowl waiting for her next small meal”. Evie’s owners had to feed Evie gradually in small amounts so her little stomach could get used to small volumes of food again.
Evie The First Night We Brought Her Back Home
We know many people don’t end up getting their precious fur babies back, so we wanted to share our story.
Do you have any amazing cat rescue stories? Leave me a comment below. Lets spread the warm fuzzies.
If you’ve ever adopted a cat or had to re-home one yourself. You’ve probably asked the question do cats remember people??
Do Cats Remember People??
The answer is yes of course! but the next question is for how long? A recent study proved that cat’s short term memory, although better than dogs is still not great.
So if a cat was with a person or family for a very short period of time, then the likely answer is no they won’t remember them long term.
Do cats remember people??
Do Cats Remember People forever?
This is a much trickier question. There have not been many studies done on a cat’s long term memory.
It is believed that if a caring connection was formed for a longer period of time 6months +, then it is likely a cat will be remembering a person for much longer.
Looking For A Epic Tree? Or An Indoor Adventure Playground For Your Cat? Click Here To See More.
Do Cats Remember Being Mis-treated?
For those of you who have adopted a cat who was previously abused or mistreated. The likelihood of them remembering the abuse is believed to be high.
It all depends on how long the abuse went on for. How painful and traumatic the situation was.
As I said earlier 6 months + of a caring relationship is enough to stick with a cat’s long term memory.
However negative relationships have a nasty habit of sticking with us and unfortunately animals, and including cats more easily.
Cats remembering their abusive pasts can lead to behavioral issues and fears of strange things so be patient with them.
It is unknown how long a cat’s long term memory Is but it is believed with time these behaviors will improve and memories will fade.
Amazing Cat Gifts – Are You Looking To Spoil Your Cat Check Out These Awesome Gift Ideas. Click Here
Do Cats Remember Peoples Faces?
Although cats have excellent visual recognition, it is not how the recognize us. They identify their close contacts and owners via smell and sounds.
Did you know cats rubbing themselves all over you, is how they mark you as theirs? Cats have ‘ scent glands’ in-between their whiskers which is why they rub themselves on furniture and people. It’s a cat’s way of marking their territory.
Most cats will identify their loved ones by the sound of their voice. So do cats remember people? Yes but their faces? Not so much.
Take a look at over 100 different names, you’re sure to find the perfect black cat name for your dark fur-baby.
Welcome to Fur Fun with ME! Hi, we love helping owners get to know their pets better! As a qualified vet nurse with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’m passionate about everything to do with your fur babies and here to help. I started this blog as a side hobby to help easily get information out to owners and their precious pets
Cat vs Dog, Dog vs Cat, it is a big question, and luckily one that can be answered easily.
There are a lot of differences between cats and dogs. Which makes deciding which is better for you more straight forward than you might think.
catcat vs dog
Cat Vs Dog – How To Decide 1:
Are you looking for a best friend or more a quiet flatmate? Dogs are more like mans best friend where a cat will come and go as they please.
So just ask yourself, what is it you are wanting from the relationship when deciding cat vs dog?
Some prefer the idea of the quiet cuddly comfort of a cat. Others are looking for someone to take on life with, a companion to go for a run with, or walk the tracks.
Cat vs Dog – How To Decide #2
Do you have a busy social life? are you out in the evenings wining and dining with friends? Then a cat is the better choice for you, cats are good at being alone for long periods of time when compared with dogs.
As long as a cat has a cat door to get outside, food, and water. You can leave them for a guilt-free evening, knowing they have everything they need.
Leaving a dog at home for long periods of time isn’t a good option, dogs love the company. A life of being left home alone is not a life you want to sign a dog up for.
So if you prefer to hibernate at home whenever you’re given the chance. Then no issues with having a dog or cat. Both will be more than happy to join you.
Cat Vs Dog – How to Decide #3
Do you like to exercise? are you a runner or a walker? If so then a dog is for you!
A constant companion for your adventures and one that will be just as enthusiastic about it.
If you enjoy getting out and about on tracks and beaches then you can’t go wrong with an energetic furry companion by your side.
Rather the company of a good book than the great outdoors? Then a cat to snuggle on your lap paints the perfect picture. Although dogs are also happy to cuddle, they need to exercise, so if your not one for daily walks, consider a cat instead = )
Cat vs Dog – How To Decide #4
Can you handle a little bit of mess? Now arguably both cats and dogs are capable of creating a ruckus.
But I believe the overall winner has to be a dog. Between shedding hair, toileting, chewing, and bringing in the dirt they outnumber cats. On the mess front anyway.
However, cats are not mess-free and can cause mischief as well. If you’re not the best with the mess, but want a companion then a cat might be the better choice for you.
Mess doesn’t worry you then a dog is still on the cards. Dogs create a lot of entertainment through their mess making.
Cat vs Dog – How To Decide #5
Still struggling to decide??
Well, consider this, are you a person that likes to host? or do you prefer you’re own company? If you love having guests around all the time. Then a cat would be better for you.
Generally dogs like attention and when guests arrive it can cause a lot of excitement.
If you don’t like the idea of your guests being slobbered over or a dog causing a commotion every time the doorbell rings. Then I would say a cat is winning this cat vs dog discussion.
If your a person who has doggie lovers for friends or the thought of hosting numerous dinner party events makes you nausea’s. Well there is no reason to worry about getting a dog.
To Sum This up…
Deciding is easy you just have to ask yourself the right questions! I hope this post has helped you come to a decision.
If you found that you’re suitable for both a cat and dog in your life. Why not just get both? The more the merrier I say.
Always consider adopting a dog or cat, there are so many fur babies that need homes.
Also consider buying your pet supplies from Entirely pets as they donate a percentage of every purchase to a Best friend Pet Adoption Program, A great cause to help pets find homes.
That all depends on personal preference. Its an ongoing debate between cat and dog lovers globally. Personally I am team dog!
Why you should get a cat instead of a dog?
Depending on your lifestyle and accommodation one may be better suited than the other. Cats are believed to be more affordable but dogs are preferred as better company.
Who is smarter cats or dogs?
It is believed by recent studies that dogs are indeed smarter, studies have shown they have more brain neurons when compared with cats.
Ever wondered where the line between a cat lover and crazy cat lady is?
I normally write about a lot of serious pet stuff but it has been a tough week and it feels right to do something fun.
Please don’t take this too seriously it is meant for a laugh.
1. Your A Cat Photoaholic
Now I’m not talking about the 5 photos you took of your cat looking cute over the last month or so, but if this has become a daily occurrence then your crazy cat lady ranking is high.
If you have more photos of cats on your devices than anything else you might need to tone down your cat furtography.
Even more, crazy cat lady points go to the people that have photos of other people’s cats clogging up their phone memory too.
2. Your Cat/s Have More Luxery’s Than You Do.
We all love to spoil our furbabies but there is a line between sane and insane.
If your cat has multiple beds, brushes, toys, water bowls / fountains, and 20 different types of food in the cupboard, you are definitely an amazing owner and also a crazy cat lady haha.
Maybe clear the cat stuff you have saved in your shopping carts at least for a little while anyway = )
3. You Have More Than Two Cats..
You know what they say about 3’s are a crowd, well more than two cats in one household is getting a little bit much.
Cats like their space anyway so stick to two and you can stay behind the cat lady line.
4. You Make Things From Your Cats Hair.
Yes people this is a thing and its defiantly in the realm of crazy cat lady.
Do I really need to explain why? just put the cat grooming’s away people.
5. Your Cat Has More Followers Than You On Instagram.
I was going to write making them their own account. However, I then realized I follow quite a few cats on Instagram, haha and so I had to change this one.
If your cat’s profile is getting more action than your own, then perhaps its time to just accept your fate and claim you crazy cat lady thrown.
There are worse things to be in life and besides cats are amazing!!
Here Is Some More Posts for your inner Cat Lady fetish Fix
Fleas, why do you need to prevent your pet from getting them? Also fleas on humans? Is it possible? Well, let’s go over why it is! So important to prevent fleas.
This post is part of my ‘Itchy Skin’ series so I will also explain how fleas can cause severe skin issues in some animals.
If you haven’t seen my ‘Itchy Skin’ posts you can find them here:
Small flightless insects that survive as external parasites on your pet.
Fleas live by consuming blood, from their hosts.
Fleas On Humans
Fleas on humans? is it possible? Well yes, it is.
However “fleas on humans” doesn’t mean they are living on humans
The type of fleas your pet gets can indeed land and bite humans, but humans can not host them. This is due to our lack of hair.
Different types of fleas exist and I can’t cover them all in one post If you are concerned about Human Fleas check out this post here
How Does My Pet Get Fleas
The most common way is the environment. More likely from another animal they meet or have played with.
Fleas can jump from one host to another so it is easy for them to pick them up from somewhere like the dog park.
Why Is It Better To Prevent Fleas?
Prevention is best when it comes to fleas. Yet it is a struggle to get owners to comply with regular prevention treatments.
Flea treatments can be costly but nowhere near as costly as an infestation in your home.
Once a flea has landed on an animal it takes mere hours, for them to establish themselves (Lay eggs), feed, and start to breed.
Within 24 hours, your pet has established them into their and your environment.
So, the couch they lie on, the bed they sleep in, carpets they walk over and any other pets they come into contact with. Are now infested also.
Eggs and larvae will settle themselves into your household. Furnishings and carpets are infested as they begin to breed and feed on any available host.
Other pets in the household, will now also be hosting and contributing to the infestation around the home.
This is why simple prevention is better than the risk of an established infestation in your home.
How does this relate to my dog’s itchy skin?
So how does all this tie into my “Itchy Skin” Journey? If your not familiar with the multiple skin-related posts I have been releasing you can find them here:
Flea allergy or Flea allergy dermatitis is the added fun when your animal is also allergic to fleas. Their saliva to be exact.
An allergy to fleas causes a more extreme reaction to them.
Extreme itchiness, rash, hair loss, skin infections, and more.
If your dog has been continuously itchy and suffering from skin issues. Fleas allergy should be investigated.
Even if you can’t find any fleas on your pet. It doesn’t take a lot for them to get exposed and a reaction to start.
Again your vet needs to be involved in figuring out if this is the cause of your dog’s skin issue.
However, simply preventing the fleas from your pet is often a way to figure out if its the cause of there itchy skin.
You keep them protected against fleas and the skin issues go away. Boom! diagnosis and treatment all in one!
How Can You Prevent A Flea Infestation?
So, how do you stop this from happening or stop your dog from having allergic reactions to them?
You can’t stop fleas or allergic reactions but you can stop them from living on your dog!
Veterinary recommended flea treatments are the best. Often over the counter options available at your general store are not strong enough and often don’t last as long as they claim.
In my experience, Bravecto is number 1. It covers not only fleas but all common external parasites that can lead to skin issues in your pet.
It is also one of the most cost-effective for what you get. It is available in both a 3-month tablet and a 6-month spot-on treatment.
I recommended the 3-month tablet option as it has a proven (Studied/science-based evidence) claim for mites. The spot-on as far as I know does not have this yet.
At least for the first few treatments, the chew is what I would recommend, then you could move to the spot-on for convenience after you have ruled out other parasites like mites as well.
In Conclusion
Fleas on humans – Fleas can bite humans and breed in their environment. It is uncommon for humans to host fleas due to our lack of hair.
It is best to prevent and avoid a flea infestation in your home.
Prevention against fleas is a common way to treat and diagnose if your pet is allergic to fleas.
My number 1 recommendation is bravecto for flea prevention.
But please always consider Veterinary recommended flea treatments. General flea treatments available at general stores just don’t cut the mustard, in my opinion.
I’ve been hesitant to do a product list but I love spoiling my fur babies and I figured you guys must too. I didn’t want to pick products I wouldn’t use or want myself.
So rest assured these Cat Luxury items are ones i do and wish i had for my fluff ball.
Feel like loving your cat?? Take a look at these luxury treats to spoil your fluff ball with today.
These are luxurious items for your cat, so if you feel like giving them the royal treatment, you’ve come to the right post, take a look below.
The Bengal cat is a large, athletic, and often wild-looking breed. They are fiercely loyal to their owners. They are a large sized breed, that have extroverted personalities and are surprisingly agile considering their bone structure. Bengal Cat Charted Guide: Breed Size/Weight Range: Longevity: 9 – 13 YearsMale: Large – 12lbs+/ 5kg+ Female: Large – …
