Kerry's Cat Minding Services - Townsville Region

31/12/2023

Happy New Year to everyone.......

29/12/2023

How To Create A Cat Friendly Home.....

Creating a cat-friendly home requires an understanding of normal cat behavior and how humans may inadvertently create stress for feline companions. This is important not only because it is nice to keep our pets happy, but also because multiple studies now show that stress can lead to a variety of chronic medical conditions. Ensuring that our pets are well adapted to an indoor environment is a vital part of preventative medicine.

What are the stressors in an indoor environment for cats?
Other cats: Multi-cat households place cats in an environment where they are required to live with feline strangers.

Cats that sleep together, mutually groom and seek each other’s companionship are obviously not stressed by each other’s company. However, this is rarely the case. Aggression is obvious when it results in screams, torn ears and flying balls of fur. More commonly, aggression results in a chronic, low-grade tension that can result in stress-related behaviors like obsessive grooming, overeating, urine marking and feline lower urinary tract inflammation (FLUTI).

Cats and human companions
Cats are becoming increasingly popular pets in part because they are relatively independent and are good at taking care of their own needs. For a busy household, a cat easily fits the bill for a low maintenance pet. People do, however, want to have an affectionate companion.

By nature, most cats prefer frequent, low intensity encounters with their humans, like a rub on the leg, a jump on the lap or a flop across the computer keyboard. Humans, however, prefer less frequent, high intensity interaction. We like to pick cats up, hug them and kiss them. This can create stress for cats—and their primary strategy for dealing with it is to run away.

It is important to socialize kittens from a young age to the way humans interact (for example, holding, hugging or kissing). If this is not possible—either because the cat is older or simply refuses this type interaction despite attempts at gentle socialization—it is important to respect the cat’s natural behavior and avoid highly restrictive handling. Instead, we can have short periods of greeting and petting and use our voices to interact.

Cats and boredom
Cats are naturally inquisitive, active and very attuned to their environment. By keeping cats indoors, we inadvertently diminish their options in regard to exploration, climbing, hunting and responding to an ever-changing environment.

Allowing cats outdoors is not a good option in areas of high density housing, cars and predators. Instead, creating an enriched indoor environment that allows cats to continue to practice these behaviors is recommended.

How can we minimize stress in the feline home?
Vertical space is a wonderful way to enhance a cat’s environment. Cats love to observe from on high knowing they will not be disturbed. Cat trees can also double as areas to scratch and mark with their claws.

Puzzle feeders require action on the cat’s part to eat. These items can be purchased at any pet supply store, but are also easy to make at home. To create a homemade food puzzle, simply cut small holes into a small cardboard box or plastic bottle and fill it with your cat’s favorite food or treats. Hiding treats around the house and using a laser to guide the cat to the treat is also a fun and interactive game.

Interactive play multiple times a day with a feather toy or ball will provide short bursts of activity that simulate the natural behavior of a cat observing and hunting prey. During non-interactive periods, a simple box can be thoroughly entertaining and provides a nice place to sleep. Toys should be rotated regularly to maintain interest.

Privacy, choice and a hygienic environment are also important factors to consider. All cats have territories within the home and need places they can hide, both high and low. Each cat also needs his/her own set of resources away from the other cats in the home. This means his/her own litter box, feeding station, water station and one-on-one time with their favorite human. These should be provided even if the cats seem to use each other’s resources.

Remember that cats should be left alone when they are resting, as this is when they are most vulnerable.

Litter boxes should be provided for each cat and in different locations. Most cats prefer to have the litter box kept in an area away from their feeding and water station. Cats also like quiet privacy to eliminate. This is another time when they are quite vulnerable. If the litter box is located in another cat’s territory, in a noisy or a busy location or if it is dirty, the cat will be less willing to use it.

For obviously fearful or stressed cats, a feline pheromone diffuser may be beneficial. I have four diffusers that burn all the time. This has made a big difference to my multi cat household. Everyone is chilled out to the max.

Many cats adapt very well to the indoor life that we ask them to live. If we are willing to understand normal cat behavior and provide a few key ingredients, we can go a long way toward keeping our indoor cats stress-free and healthy.

28/12/2023

Why You Should Adopt A Rescue

The Truth is there are many adorable and affectionate cats and kittens up for adoption at your local cat shelters and rescue organisations. Choosing to adopt a rescue cat means that you will be saving a life and providing a loving home for a deserving little kitty. Better yet, there is bound to be the perfect feline companion just waiting for you. Rescue cats have wonderful personalities that will give you years of love and companionship.

So, if you're thinking about rehoming a cat or kitten, here's why it matters. You'll be saving a life

One of the main reasons to adopt a rescue cat instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store is that you are literally saving a life. There are millions of cats and kittens in need of homes and by adopting one, you free up space in a shelter or rescue organisation for another animal.

You'll be helping to reduce euthanasia rates.

There are far too many homeless cats and kittens in the world and many of these animals are sadly euthanised because there aren't enough homes for them all. Adopting a rescue cat helps to reduce these numbers and ensures that one fewer animal passes on. So, if you're thinking about adding a feline to your family, cat and kitten adoptions are definitely the way to go. Rescue cats have personality galore. You're not only helping a furry friend, but you're also making a new best friend for life. Rescue cats make excellent companions because they are grateful for everything and are always delighted to see you. Furthermore, you can usually tell which rescue cats have had difficult lives because they are extra-affectionate and loving. Shelters and rescue organisations typically provide a wealth of information about each animal in their care, which means you will find the perfect match for your family.

They are already toilet trained.

Adopting an adult cat comes with a few advantages – for one, they're typically already toilet trained. This means you don't have to deal with the hassle of teaching your new furry friend how to use the litter box – it's one less thing to worry about. Another great perk of adopting an adult cat is that they're typically low-maintenance and don't require as much attention as a kitten.

There are often kittens for adoption too!

If you want to adopt a kitten rather than an adult cat, most cat shelters will have kittens available for adoption. Kittens are especially great for families with children because they are playful and energetic and they can provide hours of entertainment. Just be prepared for the fact that kittens require a lot of attention and care.

When adopting a cat or kitten, always make sure to ask the shelter about the kitty's personality and whether it has been socialised with other animals and children. It's also important to find out what kind of food they are used to eating and whether it has been dewormed and vaccinated.

Here is a photo of one of my rescue kittens.

22/12/2023

19/12/2023

Willow supervising feeding time with my pet sitter. She said she sits there every night supervising. She is so cute.

18/12/2023

RAGDOLL CATS

The Ragdoll is one of the world’s most popular breeds of cat, but it is also a relatively new breed. Ragdolls are born completely white and their face, ears and tail darken as they age. Their large, wide-set eyes are a striking blue colour. Their coat is quite long and silky, and lies smoothly on the body. They are one of the larger cat breeds, with a muscular body, well-developed cheeks and medium-sized ears.

Ragdolls are extremely laidback and placid – they were named after their tendency to go limp when picked up because of their relaxed nature. They are playful and quite easy to train, and will greet you when you arrive home and follow you around the house.

Ragdolls love the company of humans and never stray too far from their family; however they are strictly indoor cats and should only be allowed outside if on a leash or in an enclosed area. They have been known to be almost dog-like in their sociability, and get along great with other people, children, and pets. Unlike many cats, the Ragdoll doesn’t like to be left alone.

Ragdolls weigh between 4.5 and 9 kg and live up to around 15 years.

30/11/2023

BRINGING A NEW KITTEN HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME:

Prepare your cat’s living space.
A new cat or kitten will need a quiet, comfortable and secluded space of his own for as long as it takes him to adapt to his new environment. This is because it’s recommended to gradually introduce a new cat to your home, starting ideally with just one small, quiet, uninhabited room, away from noise and foot traffic. Providing too much space initially can be overwhelming and even frightening for a new kitten.

Before bringing him home, determine where his space will be; preferably a spare bedroom, the laundry room, or if there isn’t a dedicated room he can use, a blocked off space in the corner of your living room. Set up this room or space with a cat bed, litter tray and a small amount of food and water, positioned as far away as possible from the litter tray. Remove anything breakable of potentially harmful from the space, such as wires that could be chewed.

A few hints for when you bring a new car or kitten home. Adult cats will take some time to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Some adult cats take a lot longer than others. My cat Boo who has since passed took a year to settle in fully.

29/11/2023

Why Do Cats Eat Cat Grass?

Cat grass is rich in essential nutrients that promote healthy development in your cat's body. Tummy trouble - Some theories suggest that cat grass helps your cat to regurgitate hairballs, getting rid of the fur from grooming that clogs their digestive tract. It is easy to grow cat grass from seeds or it is available from Plant Nurseries. I grow cat grass for the cats all year round. Give it a try your Indoor Cat will love it.

18/11/2023

Our cat Ace.... he turned 11 yrs old the other day. He was my first foster and my first foster fail.

15/11/2023

What are the benefits of having a house cat?
On average, indoor-only cats live ten to fifteen years longer than cats who go outdoors. In addition, indoor cats have better daily health, suffer drastically fewer illnesses, infections and injuries, and avoid the risk of predators, poisons, or becoming lost or stolen.
Safety. Another benefit of a cat house is that they provide your pet with an enclosed environment, which gives them an element of safety. If you're a cat owner, you may be familiar with cat hiding behaviour, which cats do because a secure space can make them feel safe. My cats love their cat house, this year we have put a little grass extension onto the side of the cat house and the cats love lying in the grass and we have also planted cat grass in there and they just love to graze on their cat grass and then of course come inside and throw up on the carpet or mats. Why don't they do it on the tiles where it is easy to clean up. The cats enter the cat house day and night when they want to go outside, through a tunnel which is connected to a sliding window and then travels down the side of the house where it goes into the cat house. I will put up a picture of the tunnel and a few photos of my cat house.

15/11/2023

We will be available to Cat Sit from 29th December, 2023.
Indoor Cats Only:
We are a mature and trustworthy retired couple who have vast experience with cats especially indoor cats, having had cats since we were children to now. We have fostered cats and kittens for local pet rescues over the years but are no longer fostering. We have a great understanding of cats as we have indoor rescue cats of our own varying in ages from 11 years to 8 months. We will travel to your house once or twice a day. Our prices are as follows: $30 for one visit per day and $50 for two visits per day. We will care for your indoor cats while you are away, as your pets feel more comfortable in their own home. We also water pot plants, collect mail and put bins out for collection. We will spend time with your cats each visit. Please contact us for any further information. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553176066270

We are a mature retired couple who have extensive experience with cats.