If you live in Williamsburg, book Peter today for your next trip out of the city. Contact us and give us more details about your cats and the service you need. We'll be glad to help you with your cats!

If you need someone to board your kitty while you are away, Michelle will be glad to help you. She lives in a studio apartment on W 43rd Street, only one kitty at a time! Contact us and send us more details about your cat and the service you need.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

Monique is a resident of Washington Heights.  She has had a lifelong fascination with cats and has taken care of multiple cats since childhood.  She currently works from home as a certified public accountant.  She currently does not have a cat and is very excited to become a cat caregiver.

If you need someone to take care of your cat during your summer vacation please contact us and let us know more about your cat and the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.

David has been a lifelong pet owner and animal lover, having raised both cats and
dogs since his early childhood. He is, by profession, an IT Specialist, but he began,
over the past few years, scaling back and working from home, which afforded him
the opportunity to make cat-sitting a primary focus. When asked about his general
philosophy, David says:
​
“Because many people view cats as being such self-sufficient creatures, it’s
easy for them to take for granted the notion that they are just fine when left
alone. Being so familiar with them, and having spent as much time as I have
taking care of other people's cats over the past few years, I realize how
untrue this is. It is important for the cats, as well as their humans to have
someone there--not just to feed them & clean their litter boxes, but to
provide a consistent level of companionship and stress-relieving
stimulation, if even only for a brief amount of time every day. This is
something that I feel is essential for a pet owner, and it is work that I
immensely enjoy.”
​

David was born and raised in Brooklyn where he was surrounded by his family’s
cats and dogs until he went away to Stony Brook University for his undergraduate
education. It was then that he experienced the sorrow of losing a pet for the first
time when his American Wirehair mix, Cookie passed away while he was away at
school. David credits this experience, in part, with helping to shape the empathy
with which he approaches the care of another person’s cat(s)--particularly those
with health concerns or of advanced age. Treating your cat(s) as if they are his own
beloved pet(s) is the baseline standard of care David would provide for you. If you
need Cat Sitting service in Brooklyn, contact us with more details. We’ll be glad to
help you!

___________________________________________
REVIEWS

Jessica - by survey
*****
David is AMAZING! He sent beautiful photos and videos and went above and beyond our expectations. He was caring and attentive and even troubleshooted the electric fountain. We’d be thrilled to welcome him back!

Elissa - by survey
*****
David was fantastic! A clear communicator and a caring person. He really made an effort with our cats and spent time with them. He seems very trustworthy and I feel good about leaving my cats and home under his watch.


Olivia​ - by survey
*****
David gave us the gift of peace of mind while we were out of town. I had a lot of anxiety about leaving our cats because of a previous incident with a cat sitter, but David put my mind at total ease. He has such a calming demeanor that I know our cats picked up on and appreciated. I could tell he was very knowledgeable about cats and has a genuine love for them. That makes all the difference for me. Because one of our cats takes medicine daily, we had very specific instructions for their care, and David not only rose to the occasion, he went above and beyond. He asked great questions when he came for the first home visit and sent many daily photos with details on how our cats were doing while we were away. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated all of this. I will definitely be booking with David again. Thank you!​

If you live in Brooklyn, Luis Arturo will be glad to take care of your cat until you return. Contact us and send more details about your cat and the service you need. 

Article written by our friend George @LifewithCatman
Photos by Manuel Keller on Unsplash

Monday May 31st is Memorial Day and many of us have the day off which is great, because we can spend time with our cats or helping cats. There are a lot of great ways to celebrate Memorial Day with your sweet kitty.

1.  Sleeping in
Cats love holidays like Memorial Day because their humans often have the day off and get to sleep in and cats love spending time sleeping with their humans in a big soft warm bed. Don’t rush out of bed on Memorial Day, spend some extra time cuddling with your kitty.
​

2. Time to help cats
You can also take the time off from work to help homeless cats in your area. June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month and Social Petworking Month so use this day so share some adoptable kitties on your Facebook page or other social media. Follow a new rescue group or two. Send out an email to friends and family encouraging cat adoption. You can make a huge difference and help cats find homes.

3.  Spring Cleaning
Having a day off from work means you can do some spring cleaning. Clean your floors and put away any chemicals or cleaners that could be toxic to your cat. Take a lint roller to the sofa! Take a look at your kitty’s belongings. Is it time to get a new litter box? Replace old toys that could be harmful. Donate your old supplies to a shelter and take advantage of all those Memorial Day sales by getting your kitty new clean gear!

​4. Grooming
Use the time off from work to groom your kitty. Give your kitty a bath if needed and brush out her fur to help remove that thick winter coat for summer.

Photo #1 by Felipe Forigo on Unsplash
Photo #2 by Александр Гросс on Unsplash

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats

​Hi! My name is Rachel. I grew up with two cats and no siblings, so I devoted lots of time to reading cat books and magazines to better understand my furry family members. I’ve taken care of cats from kittens to seniors and love seeing their personalities change as they age. I work from home and can ensure your cat gets plenty of attention as well as space for nap time. In my apartment, your cat will enjoy having plenty of room to lounge on a sunny armchair or to chase a ball of yarn around, as well as a windowsill to safely watch the birds and squirrels in our tranquil backyard. I look forward to meeting your cat and keeping them happy and healthy until you reunite! ​

If you are looking for someone to care for your kitty while you are heading out of town, Rachel would be delighted to help you. Contact us and send us more details about the service you need.

___________________________________________
REVIEWS

Keisha​ - by survey
*****
Rachel Gamzon and Kate Kinade have been very gentle and attentive with our kittens and I appreciate the updates and photo(s) that they share with us while we are away.

Francesca - by survey
*****
Rachel was fantastic —Mia had a great stay with her (she didn’t want to leave!) and so accommodating—I really appreciated it during a somewhat stressful weekend to know I was leaving Mia in good hands. I would definitely love for Mia to stay with her again, especially because she went ahead and shared pictures of her when I had forgotten to check in. THANK YOU!

It takes a lot of patience and hard work to make a shy cat accept you. Some cats are shy when they meet humans. It is not clear why, but often rescue cats who have had unpleasant experiences with humans will develop into shy cat. Innate nature, stress, and lack of interaction with humans are also other reasons they are difficult to approach. 

If you currently have the same problem as this, it's a good idea to first read these 9 tips to build your cat's confidence. Because the wrong or too much approach can only make your cat more aggressive and afraid. Here are some ways you can help your cat:    

1. Understanding that it's not your cat’s fault for being timid or shy.
As mentioned above, when you bring a new cat home, that cat may have had unpleasant experiences or lacked interaction with humans. Hence, your cat becomes difficult to approach.  

A cat that hasn't been properly socialized can get scared and can even scratch the surrounding people. Therefore, you must understand the position of your cat. 
Keep accepting your cat as it is. 

2. Give your cat a quiet space. 
Shy cats will need time to adapt. So try to give them space where they feel safe. Thus, they can build their self-confidence while exploring the place. 

You can start by placing the cat in a room that is safe from the reach of people passing, of course, with all the necessities it needs such as a litter box, clean food and water, a comfortable bed, and other necessities. 
After they get used and comfortable with his small space, you can teach him to adapt to a larger space.

8. Be playful with your cat.
The eighth way to make cats comfortable with our presence by inviting them to play. If they are still difficult to approach, you can start sitting near the cage by giving them space. Use a stick or other cat toys you have. Call out their favorite names and let them come closer as they become interested in playing. 

9. Train the cat to spend time in the open room. 
When the cat is comfortable in his private room or near you, invite him to spend time in an open space. 

Real open spaces provide new experiences for cats, such as the sound of a telephone, people talking, or other strange things. 
Therefore, always pay attention to his reaction, whether your cat is still shy or shows his confidence. 

These are 9 ways you can build confidence in a shy cat. We hope it is useful. 
​
Written by Odi from HenloCat.
Photo #1 Juan Goyache on Unsplash
​Photo #2  Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​Now that I’m retired I have the freedom to travel. When I’m gone it’s usually for weeks at a time and thus I am unable to have pets of my own. So it has been a great joy for me to work for KITTY in NY these past 5 1/2 years where I’ve had the pleasure for sitting for about three dozen different cats—each with their own unique personality. I have especially enjoyed getting to know the owners of several of my repeat clients.

Known recently as Taylor Swift's cats, the Scottish Fold cat offers easy care and are comfortable with all members of the family.

Scottish Fold - At a glance

Weight range:                   Male: large: >12 lbs.
                                         Female: medium: 8-12 lbs.
Eye color:                         Blue, Green, Gold, Odd-eyed
Expectations:                   Longevity Range: 9-12 yrs.
Social/Attention Needs:   Moderate
Tendency to Shed:           High
Coat:                                Length: Short, Medium, Long
Characteristics:               Straight
Colors:                         White, Blue, Cream, Red, Silver, Cameo, Brown, Bluecream, Tortoiseshell, Black
Pattern:                       Solid color, Tortoiseshell, Tricolor/Calico, Bicolor, Tabby, Ticking, Smoke, Shaded, Spots
Less Allergenic:                 No
Overall Grooming Needs:  Moderate, High

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with medium sized boning. She is a very round looking cat.

The head is round and the folded ears heighten that illusion of roundness. The eyes are very round, bright and clear. The legs appear round, as does the tail in comparison to its length. The short coat is easy to care for. Some registries allow a longhaired version of the Scottish Fold called the Scottish Fold Longhair. Their longer coats can vary slightly in texture, and require regular care.

Personality:
The Scottish Fold is a sweet, charming breed.  She is an easy cat to live with and care for.  She is affectionate and comfortable with all members of the family.  Her tail should be handled gently.  Some of these cats are known to develop stiffness in the tail that can cause pain if it is mishandled or accidentally handled in a rough manor

Living with:
Care should be taken with the nutrition of the Scottish Fold.  This breed has a roundness about it to begin with and she should not become overweight.​ She is a good eater and is not as active as other breeds, so nutritionary control is critical

The Scottish Fold needs some interactive play with her parent in order to keep in good condition. While the coat is an easy one to care for, she appreciates being brushed as part of play.  As the Scottish Fold ages, play gently with the tail, moving it from side to side, and up and down. If any stiffness is noticed or if she appears to be in pain when the tail is manipulated, she should be taken to the veterinarian to make certain she is not suffering from arthritis.

History:
Cats with drooping ears or folded ears are ancient. The first word of one goes as far back as 1796. In this year, an English sailor brought back one of these cats when he returned from China. The Chinese also contributed the second example of a folded ear cat to the cat fancy history when one was noted in 1938.
​
But the Scottish Fold as we know her today was first born in 1961 in Pertshire, Scotland. There, a kitten with folded ears was discovered in a litter of otherwise "normal" eared kittens. This kitten, named Susie, was then bred to domestic cats and British Shorthair cats to establish the folded ear. To this day, every Scottish fold can trace her ancestry to Susie.
​
While the British established the Scottish Fold as a breed, she has never been as popular there as she is in the United States. Not only did Americans fall in love with this breed, but developed the breed into the beautiful cat she is today.
The Scottish Fold is difficult to breed. The folded ear cat must not be bred to another folded ear cat. Allowable outcrosses, in addition to a straight-eared cat, are the American Shorthair and British Shorthair. If two folded eared cats are bred to each other, the resulting kittens can be impaired to the extent of having difficulty walking. Even with this outcross, Scottish Folds tend to have small litters and not all of these kittens have folded ears.

Photo by Omar Ram on Unsplash

2. Negative Experiences
​Another reason cats may not care for water is because of negative experiences — or lack of experience — with it. If your cat’s only exposure to water was being trapped in a downpour, forced into a flea bath or squirted as a disciplinary measure, it’s hardly surprising that they’re not fond of it.

Felines that aren’t accustomed to water may also shy away from it because cats are creatures of habit and they typically don't enjoy surprises.  Cats that have received regular baths since kittenhood, or those that have warmed up to water on their own terms, may love to join you for a dip. However, trying to force a cat into water will likely initiate the animal’s fight-or-flight response, potentially injuring you and your cat — and making your pet wary of both you and H2O.

Photo credit:  Manja Vitolic on Unsplash

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​We are Sara and Mithat, a cat lover couple based in Williamsburg who are willing to lovingly dedicate their time to your cat friend. 

Sara inherited her cat's love from her mother, a cat lady who raised her surrounded by feline friends. When she moved to NYC, she could not bring her cat with her which is why she decided to get her cat love intake by volunteering at the Brooklyn Cat Cafe' where she gets to help, play and cuddle the kitties in need. 

We are available for home boarding in Williamsburg as well as home visits in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. 

Most pet owners view their pets as family members. Therefore, it can be stressful and upsetting when a pet is sick or injured, especially during non-business hours. While emergency vets are available, they can be expensive and inconvenient.
Online pet care and veterinary services fill in the gaps of pet healthcare by providing quick access to advice and treatment options via video consultations, phone calls, and live chats. Many also provide other types of care including nutrition counseling, behavioral training, and medication.
We reviewed several online pet care and veterinary services to recommend the best of the best, for you and your furry companions.

I. The Best Online Pet Care & Veterinary Services of 2020

Fuzzy Pet Health — Best Overall
Fuzzy Pet Health is designed as a one-stop shop for pet health, with on-demand consultations, advice, behavioral support, and products that supplement regular, in-person veterinary care for your pets.

AskVet — Best for On-Demand Care
AskVet provides 24/7 live chat access to licensed veterinarians, so when pets have an urgent need like illness or injury, their owners can get it addressed right away.

PetCoach — Best for Comprehensive Care
This forum-based platform gives pet owners access to expert advice from veterinarians on a whole range of pet-related topics, including medical and behavioral health issues, grooming, training, and more.

WhiskerDocs — Best Subscription Plan
WhiskerDocs is a subscription-based service that pet owners can use to get supplemental pet care from licensed veterinarians and vet techs, via email, phone call, or live chat.

VetLIVE — Best for Second Opinions
For pet owners who are looking for a second opinion on a treatment or diagnosis for their pet, VetLIVE offers virtual consultations with licensed veterinarians at an affordable price.

II. How We Chose the Best Online Pet Care and Veterinary Services

In selecting our top picks for the best online pet care and veterinary services, we focused on three key elements that are typically most important to pet owners searching for online pet care, including the services provided, whether they are available on an on-demand basis, and how they can communicate with veterinarians.

Availability
As many pet owners turn to online pet care and veterinary services during non-business hours like weekends and holidays, it was important to us to find services that are accessible 24/7, 365 days a year.

Services
When looking for the best online pet care and veterinarians, we took a close look at the scope of services they offer. We prioritized platforms that offered multiple types of services, including consultations, training, nutritional counseling, medication delivery, and more, so you can get all your pet healthcare needs met in one place.

Communication methods
Communication is key, especially when explaining what is ailing your pet. We focused on services that offer multiple communication methods, including video chat, phone call, live chat, and email, as well as the ability to send photos of your pet.

​III. The Top 5 Online Pet Care & Veterinary Services of 2020
​
FUZZY PET HEALTH

Fuzzy Pet Health is a one-stop shop for pet health and behavioral support, products, and check-ups. It is designed to provide on-demand consultations and advice to supplement in-person veterinary care for your pets.

Regardless of where customers live, a Fuzzy Pet Health membership will give them access to personalized advice, virtual chat consults, and regular delivery of flea and tick meds. Fuzzy Pet Health’s veterinarians can also provide prescriptions for parasite medications when necessary.
Virtual video consultations are available for general questions, behavior or training sessions, and nutritional and diet concerns.

Customers in San Francisco and New York get an additional perk — on-demand physical exams. Subscribers in these markets can schedule a check-up at their convenience, and Fuzzy Pet Health will send a licensed veterinarian to their chosen location.

Fuzzy Pet Health offers different tiers of service with a monthly subscription. Their services are available via their website or mobile app.

Price Accepts Insurance
Other Features
Virtual Vet: $9.95/month
Essential Care: $12.95/month
Fuzzy Rx: $24.95/month
Virtual Vet Consultation: $25
In-Home Physical Exam: $150No– Mobile app
– Desktop compatibility
– 24/7/365 access
– More features at Fuzzy Pet HealthPros & Cons of Fuzzy Pet Health Online Pet Care Service
100
Overall score: 95/100

ASK VET

When something is wrong with your pet, you want trustworthy advice as quickly as possible, and it can be frustrating if you cannot reach your regular vet. That’s why AskVet exists.

This service provides access to licensed veterinarians 24/7 via live chat on a computer or mobile device, so if your pet is sick or injured, or you have another urgent concern, you can get it addressed right away.

A consultation with an AskVet veterinarian is $19.99, and on average lasts 20 minutes, although there is no time limit on chats, so you can feel confident that you won’t need to end your session until all of your questions have been answered. Signing up for AskVet’s services is as easy as entering some information about yourself and your pet.
Besides treating common household pets like cats and dogs, AskVet’s veterinarians have experience working with horses, fish, birds, and exotic pets.

PriceAccepts InsuranceOther Features
Per session: $19.99No– Mobile app
– Desktop compatibility
– 24/7/365 access
– More features at AskVetPros & Cons of AskVet Online Pet Care Service
Pros:

• AskVet’s mission is simple — provide a place where pet owners can get access to advice any time of day or night. Therefore, the main perk of this service is that people can use it during non-business hours, and on days like holidays when their regular vet office might be closed.
• Compared to some other online pet care and veterinary services, AskVet also has a relatively low price point of only $19.99 per session, especially considering that there is no time limit on how long a session can be.
• AskVet’s services are available to a wide range of pet owners, as their veterinarians at AskVet have experience with a variety of different animals, including less common household pets like fish, birds, and reptiles.
• Users can connect with a veterinarian and get advice on the go using AskVet’s mobile app.

Cons:

• Because of the nature of telemedicine, especially for pets, there are limitations to what AskVet can do for animals and their owners. They cannot diagnose conditions in pets, and a trip to an in-person or emergency veterinarian may still be required to get the comprehensive care that a pet needs.

What Customers Are Saying
VetLIVE customers say the service has come in handy for questions and advice. “I needed a second opinion, but my schedule wouldn’t allow for another trip to the vet,” says one customer. “ I couldn’t believe how quickly they responded! The VetLIVE doctors are compassionate people that care about animals.”
Scores
Ease of use: 90/100
Convenience factor: 80/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 80/100
Overall score: 85/100

​

IV. What You Need to Know About Online Pet Care & Veterinary Services
An online veterinarian service cannot replace an in-person veterinarian. Most services will clearly state that they cannot diagnose or treat pets virtually, unless they already have an established relationship with the pet.

​This regulation, known as the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which oversees veterinary medicine in the U.S.
In the event of an emergency, an online veterinarian may recommend taking your pet to see an in-person veterinarian for treatment.

This also means that in most cases, if your pet needs medication, you will have to contact your regular vet for a prescription.
These services are primarily meant to supplement the healthcare your pet normally receives from their regular vet, and provide you with answers and guidance in situations when you are unable to contact your vet.

If you’re looking for a cat sitter in Astoria, Amanda will come to your apartment while you’re away and love your cat like her own. She will create a customized care plan to address your cat’s specific needs during your initial meet-and-greet. If you want someone who is detail-orientated, nurturing, and respectful of your home and pet, please connect with Amanda.

___________________________________________
REVIEWS

Jessica - by survey
*****
Amanda was very attentive to the needs of my senior cats. She sent thorough updates everyday and pictures/videos. I came home to a clean apartment and two happy cats. I fully trust her with my cats for my next vacation, and will use Kitty in NYC for all my future cat sitting needs.

Aniva​ - by survey
*****
Amanda was the best cat sitter ever. She is honest and a hardworking individual. Amanda has kept me updated with my cats life and she is amazing. I recommend Amanda in the future.

Omar - by survey
*****
Amanda was fantastic. Very professional, attentive, caring and easy to work with.

Chris - by survey
*****
Above and beyond. Amanda did a great job. This was the first experience I had with "going away" and having someone come in to the apartment and check on Daphne. It was a relief knowing I was in such good hands.

I have two cats at home, one that we flew all the way from back home and another one we adopted here. I like to believe he chose us because one rainy day he decided to hide in our porch and we welcomed him to our home and it has been almost two years now. I'd love to take care of your cat as well as I take care of mine. ​

If you live in Queens, Nathalie would be glad to help you with your cat. She provides cat sitting services and in home visits. Contact us with more information about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.

The term "Tabby" applies to a color pattern, not a breed of cats. The tabby pattern can be found in almost any type of domestic cat. You can find the tabby pattern in different shapes and colors: dots, stripes, swirls or in brown, gray or orange tones, as well as a combination of these shapes/colors. Tabby cats come in four distinct coat patterns: Classic, Mackerel, Spotted, and Ticked.

You can also find the tabby patterns as part of a completely different coat color. "Tabby point" Siamese cats have tabby coloring on their extremities. You can see the tabby pattern on some black cats when they rest under the sun.

The "M" on their foreheads is  the most distinctive feature seen in common on all tabby cats. Wild "cats" like tigers and cheetahs share this "M".

The behavior traits among different tabby cat breeds can be as different and varied as those seen in human beings of different locations. Most tabby fans agree on the following:

• Tabbies are extremely playful by nature. Good hunters, they love to play with their human friends.
• They love to hang around their "family" and are usually more attached to a particular person in the house.
• Gentle by nature. They love being the center of attention.
• Owners say that tabbies are very laid-back. They seem to be more intelligent than other felines.
• Always ready to play. Tabby cats are affectionate and cheerful.

Most people who had the chance to share sometime with a tabby know that there is more than just the color of the cat that's special.

​We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​I've been a huge animal lover my entire life. I grew up with cats and dogs, and I was 5 years old when we adopted our first cat, Tommy. He was an energetic, friendly, gorgeous cat who I was bonded with throughout his entire life. Ever since I got to know Tommy, I knew I was going to be a cat person for good! When I moved out to live on my own, I adopted my best friend, "Twentynine": a sweet, talkative 11-year-old tortie with a big personality. She had been returned to the shelter several times throughout her life because she was very shy and fearful of people and would sometimes lash out if she felt scared, and it took me a while to earn her trust. But with some patience and love, she ended up being the sweetest, friendliest animal I've ever known, and her quirks make me love her even more. Making Twentynine feel safe and loved enough to relax and bond with me has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. Our home together is warm and safe, and there's never a dull moment!

​

My experience with Twentynine, the cats I grew up with, and all the animals I've worked with in the pet care industry, have taught me so much about patience, compassion, and the practical elements of caring for animals. I'm certified in feline and canine CPR and first aid. When I'm not working with animals, I'm finishing my degree remotely at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, or painting pet portraits. I can't wait to meet your cat!

If you live in Queens or Northern Brooklyn, Ry, would be glad to help you with your cat. He provides cat sitting services and in home visits. Contact us with more information about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.

Several years ago, I was at a Thanksgiving celebration with my relatives. Most of the food had made it onto the dining room table, but for some reason all of the people were still in the kitchen or in the living room. We migrated en masse to the dining room and found the cat on the table. He was helping himself to the gravy.

It was obvious that everyone present was a cat lover. Several photos were taken before the cat was removed from the table. And we still ate the gravy.

If my pal Buster were allowed unfettered access to a laden Thanksgiving table I can only imagine the decimation that would occur to the dinner and the dog. Fortunately, cats aren’t as prone to extreme gluttony and subsequent pancreatitis and bloat.

However, cat parents might be wondering which Thanksgiving foods are safe to share with cats — and which foods they should avoid.

Thanksgiving Foods and Cats — Some General Advice
Your cat shouldn’t be up on your Thanksgiving table, but if you want to share some of your Turkey Day feast, here’s what foods are safe for her to eat. 

First, remember that any cat might have specific food intolerances or allergies. So even if something is generally safe for cats, it might not be safe for your cat. Second, remember that moderation is key. If you allow your cat to feast at Thanksgiving to the extent that I do, then your cat, like me, will probably feel ill after the dinner. Unlike with me, however, that feeling of illness might progress to real illness. And some things, as will be outlined below, might be mildly toxic to cats and therefore should be minimized.

Let’s look at specific Thanksgiving foods that are safe for cats:

Can Cats Eat Thanksgiving Turkey? 
Yes. This staple of Thanksgiving happens to be completely edible and delicious for felines. Skinless white meat is most benign, but most cats can handle dark meat or a bit of skin and giblets as well. I remember as a child my father would give a hearty helping of skin, fat, and giblets to the cat every Thanksgiving. I was worried that it could cause heart disease in the cat. I had not yet learned that fat and cholesterol do not contribute significantly to heart disease in cats, and possibly not in humans either. However, the fattier parts of the turkey are more likely to cause upset stomach, so go easy.

Can Cats Eat Gravy?
The cat I mentioned above suffered no adverse consequences from his gravy lapping. However, remember that gravy is fatty and salty. Moderation is key, and the salt could cause problems for cats with pre-existing heart conditions.

Can Cats Eat Mashed Potatoes?
I like to make my mashed potatoes with lots of garlic, onion, shallots, half-and-half and butter. It turns out that garlic, onions and shallots can cause Heinz body anemia in cats. And many cats are lactose intolerant, so the half-and-half could be a problem. However, garlic isn’t cyanide and half-and-half isn’t acetaminophen (which is massively toxic to cats). Most cats could survive a bite or two of my potatoes. And they certainly could tolerate milder, less rich mixtures. But I wouldn’t recommend serving up mashed potatoes to your cat.

Can Cats Eat Stuffing?
Again, garlic and onions could be a problem. And the bread laden with delicious turkey grease might cause gastrointestinal issues. It’s best to keep your cat out of the stuffing.

Can Cats Eat Green Bean Casserole? 
The green beans are no problem, but the canned onions are. This is a no-no for cats.

Can Cats Eat Cranberry Sauce?
Although it’s certainly not a part of a cat’s natural diet, it’s not toxic either. I learned in vet school that cats supposedly are not attracted to sweet items or tart items. My experience, however, has been different. I’m sure that some cats love cranberry sauce. Fortunately I doubt that any problems will occur if your cat breaks into yours, unless it’s so loaded with brandy that the cat gets drunk.

Can Cats Eat Rolls and Breads?
Plain rolls and bread should not be a problem. Garlic bread, on the other hand, introduces a risk of Heinz body anemia.

A Final Word of Caution on All Thanksgiving Foods for Cats:
For the record, I am not advocating that cat owners pile heaping dishes of Thanksgiving food for their cats. In fact, really the only food that I can unhesitatingly recommend for most cats is skinless turkey breast. But if your cat drinks a bit of gravy, or licks a bit of cranberry sauce, or noshes on a roll or digs into the lime Jell-O, you probably don’t need to be worried.Also, remember not to feel too sorry for your cat when you do not share your delicious Thanksgiving meal with her. She already no doubt has plenty for which to be thankful.

Photo #1 by Slavy Darozhkin on Unsplash
Photo #2 by Moon App on Unsplash
Photo # 3 by Andréas BRUN on Unsplash
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We enjoy the fall with pumpkins, spiced teas and lattes, colorful leaves and orange decorations. Unfortunately it is sad that some people prefer to hurt pets during this time of the year. Make sure you keep your pets inside, not only they'll be warmer but the risk of losing your beloved cat increases during this period. Some shelters have a "no black cats adoption policy" before Halloween. They could just be used as Halloween props and then abandoned. Or much worse. Ritual sacrifice still exists, there are stories in the newspapers every now and then describing horrible scenes. Some could be dismissed as urban legends but the possibility is out there.

For all those reasons, please keep your cats indoors during October. Your neighbors might be wonderful but the traffic of strangers around Halloween increases. This makes it unsafe for cats to be outside, specially gentle cats who do not fear humans.
On Halloween night you might want to keep your cats in a quiet room to avoid the constant visits and ringing. Even the quietest and most social cat becomes upset with so much traffic, costumes and excitement.

KITTY in NY provides cat sitting and in-home boarding services. Cat sitting visits are a good option if you leave for a long weekend or a few days. A caregiver would visit your cat/s, taking care of feeding, cleaning and scooping. You will receive regular updates after each visit. Contact us with more details about the service you need.

Photo by Hannah Troupe on Unsplash

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

When I was about 6, my parents took me to the pet store to get our first cat. I don't really remember who wanted the cat, but I was definitely excited. We got "Princess Spunkerella" that day and I never looked back! I was an only child and it was fun having playmates in the house to occupy my time when I was a kid. A few years later, my school's principal was giving away kittens and, after some begging, we got "Angel"... and then there were 2. Not long after my Dad wanted a few dogs so we now had 2 cats and 2 dogs... and then "Baby" came for my 13th birthday and from then on, we always had 3 cats in the house and 2 dogs... and while I don't have dogs in my little NYC apartment, I still keep the cat count higher than 1. "Rufus" and "Minnie" are my little monster twins (actual litter mates), who couldn't be more different!