Cat Behavior for our Cat Lovers and Cat Sitters in Cohoes
There may be more than one cause of a cat litter box problem, but they come from one of two categories. If you've read my article on the physical causes of this dilemma, then you already know that this problem is either physical, or behavioral. Since your cat can't tell you what's going on, you have to rule out each possible cause, until you are left with the most logical answer. This is known as a diagnosis of exclusion. In this case, it is always best to use caution and assume that your cat has a physical problem, unless your vet says otherwise. So, the first step is to have a consultation with your vet. If your vet has given the all clear, then you're going to have to assume, for the moment, that your litter box problems are behavioral. Let's try to understand our cat's point of view and see if we can think of some behavioral reasons for not using the litter box. 1. Dirty Box - some cats prefer a squeaky clean box, and others are willing to allow it to dirty up a bit. In any case, clean your litter box at least once per day. Depending upon your litter and cleaning method, you should change your litter at least every few weeks. Wash the litter box thoroughly whenever you change the litter. If you have a hooded box, be sure to wash the lid as well. 2. Box Smells - if the box doesn't smell right, don't expect the cat to use it. Your box has to be acceptable to your cat's nose, not yours. Just because you don't smell anything, it doesn't mean your cat thinks that way. If you don't clean the box well enough, your cat will know. If you don't rinse thoroughly, or use a scented cleaner, your cat may detect a smell that says don't go in there. You should use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water to sanitize the box. When you're finished, the box should be clean and dry, and not smell like cat waste, bleach, or soap. 3. Litter Box Odor - some cats simply prefer the odor of one brand or type of litter over another. Even unscented litters have an odor your cat can detect and may not like. Be prepared to try different types and brands until you find the right one for your cat. 4. Wrong Litter Type - brand aside, your cat may be turned off by the type of cat litter you use. Switching litter types too fast can be an issue. When you switch litters, add 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increase the amount of new litter over several days. 5. Litter Box Type - the shape, size, and type of box does matter. For example, some cats may like a hooded box, while others prefer the open kind. Perhaps your cat would like higher walls, or a larger box. If you've recently changed litter boxes, this could be causing a problem. 6. Box Quantity - another cause of a cat litter box problem relates to multi-cat households. Remember the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need. One box for each cat, plus one extra so that there is always a free box to use, no waiting. Having more boxes also keeps each box a little cleaner, which makes your job easier. 7. Location Choice - in some cases, you just can't find a good spot for the box, and you'll have to do your best. If your cat is not pleased with the location of the box, she may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in a low noise and low traffic area. Busy areas like laundry rooms and kitchens are usually not good places. 8. Territorial Battles - territorial arguments are common in multi-cat households, and usually of no consequence. Some cats, however, like to sneak up on others when they're using the box and pounce. If one of your cats is attacked every time he's in the box, he may develop litter box aversion. Follow the one plus one rule for multi-cat households. 9. Stress - if your cat is stressed by a recent move, a new addition to the household, or perhaps simply a behavior shift on the part of a family member, this may be at the root of the box issue. Try to think about what might have changed recently in your cat's life, and then try to ease whatever stress she's under. Cat litter box problems can usually be solved, once you know the cause. The solution doesn't have to mean getting rid of the cat. Your veterinarian needs to first rule out physical causes so you can tackle the behavior side of things. Think like a cat, and you'll be able to solve your box problems.
Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles
Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes Contact Mary or John
Mary@CrittersChoice.com 518-783-2273
Why Critters Choice of Cohoes About Cat Sitting Kitty Humor First Aid Veterinarians Cat Care Articles What To Do when Your Cat is Lost Cat Resources Cat Rescue
Why Critters Choice of Cohoes
When you are traveling your Cats and Home deserve the same attention to detail that you would provide could you be there.
Critters Choice provides a Complete Pet and Home Care Solution.
Full Service Cat Care (Meals, Playtime, Cleanliness) Medications/Emergency Care.
Personal Attention.
Home Management (Mail, Newspapers, Plants, General Home Security (Alarm Systems, Windows and Lighting)
Highly Trained and Committed Staff.
Strong Client Relationships, Superior Care and Peace of Mind are what Critters Choice Guarantees to You in all your Cat Sitter needs in Cohoes..
About Cat Sitting A Little Bit About Cat Sitting Why a Professional Cat Sitter
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CAT SITTING IN COHOES.
America's first cat sitting companies began their businesses over 20 years ago. Now more and more caring cat owners around the world are discovering the many ADVANTAGES of using a PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER when they travel. Now pet owners can leave their cats at home in their own environment. Cat owners no longer need to rely on the neighborhood children who may not be 100% reliable or impose on the neighbor next door who may not have ample time to devote to your pets. Also children and many adults will not notice the early signs of illness that may need veterinarian attention. A RESPONSIBLE PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER knows what to look for. No longer does the Cat or the owner suffer stress involved in transporting to and from the boarding facility during their office hours which may not be convenient for you. Cats stay in their own home and they stick to their normal routine. However, there are some Cats that are much better suited for boarding than remaining at home and a true Professional will advise you on that as well! Most PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTERS will also bring in the mail and newspapers, water plants, set out the trash, open and close the blinds and drapes, turn lights on and off and provide other touches that make your home looked lived in. They also can prepare a special meal, medicate your pet and put the radio or TV on to the cat's favorite station.
A PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER WILL LOVE THEM WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THEM
WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER IN COHOES?
The Main Reasons for using a PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER:
Your cat and you will experience less stress since there are no transportation worries.
Your cat will follow his/her customary diet and exercise routine.
Your cat avoids illness from other animals.
We provide loving, personalized attention to your cat and his/her special needs.
No longer do you need to stop your mail and newspaper, your cat sitter will bring them in for you.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CAT SITTER IN COHOES
The right choices will ensure the health & happiness of your pets.
We will schedule a pre-service visit.
We can schedule a trial visit.
If your cat seems a little anxious or nervous we can schedule a trial visit again at your home in Cohoes before you actually leave. We want you to be completely comfortable so you can enjoy your time away.
When do we visit your Pets.
For our customers with special cats requiring multiple visits we schedule your cat so that we can keep the visits evenly spaced. Cats love a consistent schedule and your cat sitter will provide this.
VALUE ADDED SERVICES
Your cat sitter will collect all Newspapers, Mail, UPS and bring them in Daily. If you wish we can alternate Lights and Window Treatments to make your home look more active. Your cat sitter will water your house plants (additional fee may apply for large numbers of plants). Special Requests are welcome, we will make every effort to accommodate.
MEDICATIONS
Your Cat Sitter will give your pets needed medication as directed by your veterinarian, this will be carefully reviewed and noted during our pre-service visit. It is our policy to always ask for medication updates each time you schedule service.
UNEXPECTED ILLNESS
Should any of your cats become sick we will not hesitate to seek veterinary care. Your Vet is always the first priority, should this not be possible we will seek care from the following.
In Cohoes we use the Cohoes Veterinary Hosp 518 235-1710
In the Albany Area we use Parkside Veterinary Hospital 518-463-0418
In the Colonie, Latham Area we use Capitaland Animal Hospital 518-785-5513.
In the Clifton Park Area we use the Animal Health Center 518-371-3606.
In the event that care is required after regular hours we use the Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic 518-785-1094.
Although emergency's are rare, we have policy and plans in place to serve your pets needs.
FAIL SAFE POLICY FOR YOUR PETS.
What is the first thing you should do regardless of the time?
CALL YOUR PET SITTER AND LEAVE A MESSAGE SAYING YOU ARE HOME.
YOUR CATS ARE GOING TO RECEIVE CONTINUED CARE UNTIL WE KNOW YOU ARE HOME. YOUR CATS WILL NEVER BE IGNORED BECAUSE SOMEONE ASSUMED EVERYTHING WAS OKAY.
KITTY CAT HUMOR
A MAN, A WOMAN, AND A CAT
UNBENDING RULES FOR DEALING WITH STRAY CATS.
The Tiny Pill
CAT LAWS
YOUR KITTY AND YOUR E-MAIL PASSWORD
BATHING YOUR KITTY
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR KITTY HAS A PROBLEM
WHY CATS ARE BETTER THAN MEN
GOD CREATED CATS FIRST
FUNNY CAT STORIES OR JOKES ALWAYS WELCOME DROP US AN E-MAIL
FIRST AID TIPS AND MORE
You should always have a First Aid Kit handy for your pet's. Here are some of the basic items you should have in your kit.
FIRST AID IS A SUPPORT PROCESS FOR YOUR PET, NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CARE.
CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.
YOUR veterinarians phone number, and the phone number to the after-hours emergency pet clinic.
A veterinary first aid manual.
Round tipped scissors.
Tweezers.
Rectal Thermometer.
Syringe, minus the needle (for administering oral medications.)
Gauze.
Adhesive tape.
Cotton Balls.
Latex gloves.
Antibacterial soap.
Aspirin. Bufferin Only (FOR DOGS ONLY)
Cortaid (or other hydrocortisone cream.)
Neosporin (or other antibiotic ointment.)
Hydrogen peroxide. (external use only.)
Eyewash.
Dramamine.
ASPIRIN is a great fever reducer in humans. It works just as well in dogs, Consult your veterinarian for dosage guidance. Only use Buffered NEVER use acetaminophen (Tylenol, Advil, Ibuprofen these are VERY DANGEROUS to animals. NEVER give Aspirin of any type or kind to your Cat NEVER.
DRAMAMINE this motion sickness medicine for people also works in both Cats and Dogs . Large dogs 1/2 to 1 tablet an hour before travel. Small dogs and cats get 1/4 tablet an hour before travel. IF YOUR PET HAS BLADDER PROBLEMS OR GLAUCOMA, OR YOU EVEN SUSPECT THEY DO NEVER GIVE THEM DRAMAMINE WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN FIRST.
CUTS require immediate attention. A steady flow of blood from a wound indicates a cut or punctured vein at the least. Spurting blood indicates a cut artery and must be controlled immediately. Gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze over the bleeding area. This will nearly always control most hemorrhages. Applying ice packs will slow down blood flow and speed clotting. SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE.
BURNS require immediate veterinary care. Any evidence of a burn from hot liquid or an object may be concealed by a heavy fur coat. Carefully trim the hair around the burn to prevent matting and infection, and lightly apply the area with a Cold water gauze. This will offer your pet some relief and helps prevent serum loss. SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY.
HEATSTROKE if you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, place ice packs around your pets neck and head and TRANSPORT TO YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. The ice packs will help lower your pets temperature.
POISON requires a cool head, first try to determine what your pet has ingested, this information will be of enormous value in your pets treatment. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THERE INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT QUESTION TIME IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL.
Veterinarians In Cohoes and the Surrounding Capital district
ALBANY AREA
PARKSIDE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
172 Morton Avenue Albany, NY (518)-463-0418
CAPITAL REGION VETERINARY MEDICAL SPECIALTIES PC
1506 Western Avenue Albany, NY (518) 456-6333
CENTRAL VETERINARY
388 Central Avenue Albany, NY (518)-434-2115
BALLSTON SPA
BATTENKILL VETERINARY
Route 29 & 40 South Ballston Spa, NY (518) 885-2731
BETHLEHEM AREA
EQUINE CLINIC
880 Bridge Road Bethlehem, NY (518)-767-2906
BURNT HILLS AREA
BURNT HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
145 GOODE BURNT HILLS, NY (518)-399-5213
CHATAM (NORTH)
CHATAM SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
RT 203 North Chatam, NY (518) 766-4600
EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER
RT 203 NORTH CHATAM, NY (518)-766-4600
CLIFTON PARK AREA
ANIMAL HEALTH CARE CENTER
1656 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY (518) 371-3606
CLIFTON PARK ANIMAL HOSP
RT 146 Clifton Park, NY (371) 371-5400
HALFMOON VETERINARY HOSP
240 Grooms Road Clifton Park, NY (518) 383-2443
COHOES AREA
BOGHT VETERINARY CLINIC
1165 LOUDON ROAD COHOES, NY (518)-785-0718
CAPITAL DISTRICT ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC (518) 785-1094
222 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110
MONDAY - THURSDAY 5 PM TO 8 AM
FRIDAY 5 PM THRU MONDAY 8 AM
COLONIE AREA
COLONIE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1946 CENTRAL AVENUE COLONIE, NY (518) 456-1613
DELMAR AREA
DELMAR ANIMAL HOSP
910 Delaware Ave Delmar, NY (518) 439-9361
GUILDERLAND AREA
THE ANIMAL HOSP
2 Rocking Horse Lane, Guilderland, NY (518) 456-0851
GUILDERLAND ANIMAL HOSP
4963 Western Turnpike Guilderland, NY (518) 355-0260
JUST CATS VETERINARY CLINIC
2073 Western Avenue Guilderland, NY (518) 869-5779
LATHAM AREA
CAPITALAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
890 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY (518) 785-5531
SHAKER VETERINARY HOSPITAL
223 Maxwell Road Latham, NY (518) 458-9669
LATHAM ANIMAL HOSPITAL
326 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY (518) 785-1481
NISKAYUNA AREA
ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NISKAYUNA
2764 Troy Schenectady Road Niskayuna, NY (518) 785-9731
THE BIRD CLINIC
1718 Union Street Niskayuna, NY (518) 370-3736
ROTTERDAM AREA
ROTTERDAM VETERINARY HOSPITAL
2806 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady, NY (518) 356-5568
SCHENECTADY AREA
AQUEDUCT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2721 Balltown Road Schenectady, NY (518) 346-3467
PAUL T. HARTMAN DVM
1718 Union Street Schenectady, NY (518) 370-3736
SCHENECTADY ANIMAL HOSP
2275 Duanesberg Road Duanesberg, NY (518) 356-4455
TROY AREA
Cohoes Veterinary Hosp
898 2nd Ave, Troy, NY 12182 (518 235-1710)
TROY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
840 Hoosick Road Troy, NY (518) 279-4668
WYNANSKILL AREA
WYNANSKILL VETERINARY CLINIC
Route 150 Wynanskill, NY (518) 283-1127
Cat Behavior
Older Cats
Cat Fleas
Litter box Trouble
Cat Dangerous Foods
Cat Diet Variety
First, cats do not "run away" or "stray." They investigate new places and find themselves trapped, they get lost if driven away from their territory Cohoes is no exception, they are spirited off by circumstances beyond their control, they become ill or injured and creep away to a quiet dark place. But they rarely voluntarily leave their home, even if badly treated. It is imperative when a cat turns up missing to begin an aggressive search immediately. Your cat's life could depend on it.
Try to think like a cat, your cat specifically. Look around and try to imagine what could have happened to account for the disappearance and help you look in the right places.
Cats are excellent hiders. Look first in your immediate area. Check the house carefully. Then check again, even in those spaces where you are certain a cat could not fit (chances are, they can). Listen for sounds of distress (cats explore weird spaces and can be fatally attracted dark places and to vertical spaces -- look behind the water heater, for example, or in that closet or cupboard or attic you accessed a while back). If there have been changes in the environment lately, with nifty new places for a cat to explore, look there. Don't forget to look in your own backyard in case the cat has been injured or gotten stuck somewhere.
Then go door-to-door, taking a pad and pen with you to write down your name and number. Better still, first make up a quick poster with a brief description, a clear photo, and the cat's name and your name/phone and run copies at the nearest photocopy center -- be sure to make your phone number (or at least the "lost cat" part) prominent enough to be seen by a passing car.
Ask your neighbors to look and listen for a cat in their area. Ask them to check their garage or other outbuildings, look in their trees, check their basement. And ask them to call your cat's name and listen carefully for signs of distress. Leave your poster or name/phone with and a description and name of the cat. Tell them you may check back with them later. Then ask permission to enter their property to look for yourself (the cat might be too frightened to respond to a stranger). Most people will gladly cooperate.
Ask neighbors if they have noticed a "new" cat in the area, even if they think it belongs to someone else. Sometimes people "find" cats or kittens and decide to keep them, either assuming they are "stray" or that they are not likely to be claimed by an owner. Children sometimes "find" new pets in this way and carry them home, where the cat is either taken in or put outside by the parent to find its way home again.
Don't rule out neighbor malice. Neighbors, even landlords, sometimes snatch cats and dump them in another neighborhood or worse. It is worth visiting shelters out of your area. It is also worth asking neighbors if they know of anyone in the area who might be trapping cats or who has a history or the potential of wishing cats harm. Be diplomatic.
Check the streets and alleys. An injured animal may not be able to get home or may choose to withdraw into a quiet place. The sooner the cat can be gotten to emergency care the better its chances of survival.
Sometimes cats climb into moving vans or parked cars and are not found immediately. Was such a vehicle in your area at the time of disappearance?
Ask neighborhood kids if they have seen anything. Give them your name and number. Kids can be a great source of neighborhood goings-on.
Talk to your mail carrier and give him/her a flyer or a photo with the cat's name and your name/phone on the back.
Now put up posters around the neighborhood and take them back to those neighbors you have already contacted if you weren't able to supply a poster earlier. Leave posters at vet clinics, local shelters (even those out of your area), and all over the neighborhood. When putting up your posters don't forget to check the "found cat" posters. At the vet's ask if an injured cat was brought in as a "stray" and ask for a description. Vets will stabilize injured cats before they are taken into the animal shelter.
Place a "lost cat" ad in both the city and the neighborhood papers. Also check the "found" ads daily.
If you offer a reward, beware the hostage-taker or bogus calls. (I met a couple whose bulldog pup was held hostage for $100 when they had offered $50 reward; they paid out of fear for the pup's life.)
Check Animal Control frequently (every other day or at least every third day) and be prepared to go down and look at the animals in the kennels; I have heard cases of the lost animal being in the shelter but not reported to the owner (by error, not design). Your description may not be sufficient to help an attendant identify the cat over the phone. Leave a photo at the front desk and ask to visit the quarantine area for sick and injured animals (sometimes overflow animals are caged there as well). Ask if any overflow cats are being held in the dog area. Also, sadly, review the DOA list. If the cat had collar i.d., its chances of being returned to you if found are much great, but don't count on it; the collar could have been lost or even removed. Micro chipping is much more reliable. Bear in mind that some citizens are loathe to take a found animal to the shelter right away and will keep it for several days or longer before turning it in.
Consider using a trained tracking dog. Contact local obedience class teachers and inquire about hiring someone with a dog with Utility Dog certification to locate the cat by scent.
Don't give up. Keep looking in those same old spots, calling and listening. Try new spots; enlarge your search-area to the next block or the next after that. Don't be embarrassed and try not to let yourself become paralyzed with grief and anxiety (I know the feeling). Cats are tough customers and can last many days without food or water. They also can hide very well, remember, and may not be rescued by animal control or a citizen for many weeks after their initial disappearance.
Finally, if you find your cat and he is indoor-outdoor, please give serious thought to converting to indoor-only, to save yourself the stress and very possibly your cat its life. The next adventure may not have such a happy ending. permission to print this article from Sharon Talbert of Friends of Campus Cats
Quality Cat Resources
Messy Beast Cat Resource Archive
Dane County (Not Local but much information Available)
Alley Cat Allies
Paw Print Resources
Crafty Cat
Cat Therapy
Angels Wish
Amby's Cat Resources