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Traveling with your pet amid COVID-19 restrictions

8/28/2020

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According to Time, humans and pets have been bonded for at least 14,000 years, citing physical evidence of the human-dog connection. A 2015 Harris Poll study found that nearly all pet owners (95%) view their pets as family members. Our pets provide love and comfort, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes sense we’d want to travel with our pets, especially in uncertain times riddled with travel restrictions.

But traveling with pets today is more complicated. Travel alone places risks on pet owners, as seen by stories of travelers being separated from pets for months at a time. Reuters reports more than 1,000 pets are currently stranded worldwide by border closures and flight cancellations. In May 2020, ABC News reported that one woman trying to move back to Australia with her pets had spent more than $40,000 on travel and living expenses due to being stranded in the U.S. because of pet flight restrictions.

Traveling with pets by air these days can be tough, depending on the type of pet you have and where you’re going, but there are travel options with pets available. This guide provides an updated status on where airlines currently stand on pet travel and how to use a travel credit card to make the most of traveling with a pet, so you can successfully get to your final destination together.

Flying with a pet comes with certain restrictions depending on the airline. (Image by Stock)Flying with your petTypically, flyers have two options for traveling with pets: carrying the pet on the plane or checking the pet as cargo. There are some restrictions on types of pets that can travel on board, including dog breeds. For example, airlines like Delta never allow pit bull dog breeds as carry-on dogs on planes. Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others.

When pets are allowed as carry-ons, most policies only allow small dogs, cats, and potentially rabbits, guinea pigs and household birds. On the plane, a pet must be kept in a ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
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If a pet has met Service and Support Animal Travel guidelines, the animal may be allowed to sit on the passenger’s lap or sit on the floor space below a passenger’s seat. There are no size limits on service dogs, but Service Dog Registration of America recommends contacting the airline if you’ll be flying with one so the airline can make appropriate accommodations. While there’s typically a charge for carry-on pets, there is generally no charge for service and support animals.

A pet counts as one carry-on item. If a pet doesn’t fit in a carrier for a carry-on item, the pet will not be allowed on the plane and must be shipped as cargo, but not all airlines allow pet travel as cargo. There are usually minimum age requirements for pets traveling on board or as cargo as well, which is around eight to 10 weeks old.

Currently, there are more restrictions for pets as cargo due to the pandemic. Reuters reports major airlines like United suspended pet cargo programs because they no longer made financial sense or could be done safely during the pandemic. Instead of shipping pets, airlines can make more money shipping other types of non-animal cargo.

Already, many airlines don’t allow pet cargo travel because of the dangers and horror stories that have accompanied pet cargo travel, since it’s a riskier form of pet transport compared to carry-on pet travel. It’s unknown when — or if — airlines that have suspended pet cargo travel will reinstate it. Presumably, without a coronavirus vaccine, pet travel by cargo is suspended indefinitely.

Pets shipped as cargo must get separate flight bookings. Pets may be shipped on different flights to the same destination and must be picked up at the airline’s cargo station.

For pet safety, some pets will not be transported as cargo to hot destinations in the summer, like Phoenix or Las Vegas. Some airlines, like American Airlines, don’t allow cargo pets that have been sedated.

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If you want to fly with a pet, it might be wise to work with a travel adviser, since flights that allow pets are more difficult to come by these days. If your reservation gets changed, you’ll have to wait until the next flight that allows an animal.

If you fly with your pet as cargo or as a carry-on, look into the airline policies as early as possible. There may be restrictions on how early you can book a flight for your pet, as well as evolving restrictions due to COVID-19. The following pet travel policies were accurate as of July 2020.

How to use your credit card to travel with your pet
Traveling by air with your pet requires fees. You can expect fees of around $100 to $175 each way to travel with a pet in the cabin. For pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo, fees can rise to around $225 each way.

You’ll also have to invest in an approved pet carrier, which can cost upwards of $80. You’ll also have to make sure pets are up to date on vaccines, which can mean vet expenses.

If you’re going to travel with your pet, you might as well reap some benefits for your purchases. A credit card can give you travel rewards for making pet travel purchases since purchases made with airlines usually qualify for bonus points on travel spend. To maximize your earning you want to be looking for a credit card that earns bonus points on general travel purchases. You might also be interested in using a cash rewards credit card to get cash back for pet travel.

If you hold the right airline credit card, you may not be able to get your pet fees covered, but many cards give you a free checked bag when flying.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2x points for every travel purchase, including pet travel fees (as long as the purchase is made directly with an airline or an OTA like Expedia or Priceline), which you can use when booking future travel. Points are worth 25% more when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. The card also has no foreign transaction fees and includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your trip purchase.

If you’re more interested in cash-back rewards, the Citi® Double Cash Card earns you 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, plus 1% as you pay). You can put the money you earn toward covering your pet travel costs.

To maximize your credit card rewards when booking travel with a pet, consider your needs and how you want to be rewarded. You may be able to save on costs by booking airfare with points, whether that’s transferring your points directly to an airline or booking through a credit card’s travel rewards portal. With travel restrictions continually changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be interested in a card that offers trip reimbursement in case something out of the ordinary occurs.

Alternative options to flying with your pet amid COVID-19If you’re not able to fly with your pet, but you need to get somewhere, there are other ways to travel with your furry or feathery friend if air travel isn’t feasible.

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Traveling with your pet by car
Consider taking a road trip with your pet. The best way to ensure safety while on the road is to put the pet in a well-ventilated carrier or crate, or to attach the pet by a safety harness to the seatbelt. Get your pet used to the carrier at home before the trip, so they’re not as anxious once you’re on the road. You can also go on short drives before your big trip to get them used to spending time in the car in a carrier or with a safety harness.

When you’re driving with a pet in a carrier, ensure the crate is secured in the back seat so it doesn’t move around. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current tags. It’s best to have your pet microchipped as well.

You’ll need to have rabies vaccination records for crossing over state lines with your pet. Some states may require this proof at interstate crossings.

Take plenty of pit stops so your pet can go to the bathroom and walk around. Bring your own water and pet bowl for your animal to drink from, in case there’s not a water source close by or the pet is hesitant to drink from an unfamiliar water source.

If you’re traveling with a pet by rental car, be aware of the pet travel policies. Typically, car renters are responsible for any damage the pet causes to the car. To avoid cleaning charges, you’ll need to return the rental vehicle clean and free of pet hair.

Traveling with your pet by ship
There aren’t many cruise lines that allow pet travel for pets other than service dogs. When pets are allowed on cruise lines, they’ll typically be confined to a kennel, not a private cabin.However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people defer travel on cruise ships worldwide because of the spread of coronavirus, issuing a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for cruise ship travel. Passengers who do travel by ship are requested to quarantine for 14 days after returning.

If you do take the risk of traveling by ship with your pet, the Humane Society of the United States recommends checking on your pet frequently in the kennel to make sure it’s protected from the elements.

There may be some small boat lines that allow pet travel. Enquire about specific policies before booking.
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Traveling with your pet by train
Train travel with a pet may be a more viable and comfortable alternative than flying.  Amtrak allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds to travel on trips up to seven hours on most routes. Pets must be in an approved pet carrier and must be able to sit and lie down without touching the sides of the carrier. The pet carrier counts as a piece of carry-on luggage.Amtrak also allows service animals to travel on board. Service animals must sit under the passenger’s seat at the passenger’s feet. Pet owners are expected to feed and exercise their pets at train stops.

The Humane Society of the United States reports some smaller U.S. railroad companies may permit animals on board as well. These include Alaska Railroad and the Connecticut CT Rail Shore Line East. Generally, non-service animals must be able to fit in small carriers at the passenger’s feet to be permitted on board.

Although no specific pet restrictions are noted, it’s a good idea to review Amtrak’s latest COVID-19 policies before booking.

The bottom line
If you have to travel during COVID-19, it’s understandable to want to bring your pet along. Pets are such a meaningful source of joy during stressful times. It makes sense to want to be close to them, especially as travel restrictions evolve. Being separated from your pet because of travel cancellations would be heartbreaking. Plus, it can get expensive figuring out how to reunite.

Avoid complications with pet travel by carefully researching pet travel policies with your preferred mode of transportation. It can help to work with a travel adviser, so you have backup plans in place in case plans fall through.

Ensure your pet is up to date on all immunizations before you travel and that you have the proper paperwork to show vaccination proof available on your trip. Get your pet used to travel beforehand by exposing them to elements like a pet carrier and rides in the car. Always prioritize your pet’s safety and carefully consider the value of travel and how it will affect your pet before you book. With proper preparation, it’s possible to plan a trip with your pet during COVID-19.

Article submitted by our friend Tatiana Rosada Vidal @ www.MillionMileSecrets.com 
Photo #1  by James Yarema on Unsplash
Photo #2  by Timothy Meinberg on Unsplash
Photo #3  by  Li Lin on Unsplash
Photo #4 by  Ben Thai on Unsplash
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How to Give Your Cats the Life They Deserve (Without Breaking the Bank)

4/24/2020

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Anyone who has ever met a cat knows that they deserve the height of luxury. Or, at least, they certainly think they do. Granted, luxury may look different for different cats — for some, it may be an extra-plush cat bed, for others, unlimited access to paper bags — but regardless, they have certain expectations. Many cat owners are perfectly happy to provide. However, giving your cat the life of luxury to which they aspire isn’t always easy on the budget. Here are a few ways you can pamper your cat and your wallet, too.
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Shop Smart

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to pampering your pet is assuming that the more expensive an item, the better it is. The reality is that you can often find great deals on high-quality items through big-box retailers such as Target.

Not only do these kinds of retailers often offer a variety of quality goods, but they also are often able to provide discounts and services that other locations don’t. According to these 17 tips for saving at Target, you can use the official Target app to know when they’re running a sale or have coupons available for the things you need. You can also use Target Restock to get household essentials, such as litter, shipped to your home with next-day delivery. You can’t get these kinds of services everywhere, so take advantage where you can.
 
Focus on Nutrition

Not all cat foods are equal. One of the best things you can do for your cat is to make sure you’re giving them all the nutrients they need. Take a look at the ingredients in your pet’s food; if the first item listed is some sort of grain, you can probably find something better for them.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet needs to be made up primarily of meat. Try to find a food source that lists meat as its primary ingredient. It’s okay for the food to contain some grains and veggies — these are a useful source of needed vitamins — but they shouldn’t be the majority of the recipe.

High-quality food is usually a little pricier, but you may wind up seeing a good return on investment. Cats that get a proper nutrient balance are less inclined to develop expensive chronic health issues. Vet bills and medication can take a big chunk out of your budget, and good food is a great form of preventative care.
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Great Toys

Cats need lots of playtime. Regular hunting keeps them healthy and happy – even if they’re just hunting a laser beam. The great thing is, cats are pretty easy to please when it comes to toys. You may need to try a few different styles of toy out to figure out what kind your cat likes, but once you have the formula, you’re good to go.

If you’re having trouble getting your kitty to play with regular toys, consider trying a puzzle feeder. Food-motivated cats — even the lazier variety — are usually pretty interested in these treat-laced toys. Your best bet is to get a puzzle feeder that has a few different settings and difficulty levels; that way, once they get the hang of it, you can mix it up and keep the fun going.
 
Sleeping In Style

Cats spend most of their day sleeping: 16 hours on average. One of the best ways to pamper your pet is to give them a great place to snooze. Before you buy anything, however, pay attention to where your kitty likes to nap. Do they prefer something soft, or a flat surface? Do they like to be high up or low to the ground? Use these preferences to guide your purchase — there’s nothing quite as frustrating as seeing your fabulous new bed rejected for the box it came in. However, this may happen regardless of which one you choose.

You know your cat deserves the best, and clearly, they know it, too. So, spend wisely, and you can afford to pamper them for many years to come! 

Article by Penny Martin at Furever Friend
​Photo by Philippine FITAMANT on Unsplash
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Cove: A simple, beautiful litterbox made from recycled plastics - From Tuft + Paw

1/15/2020

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Cove Litterbox

Cove is a simple and beautiful litterbox with an integrated scoop, dustpan. Built by furniture designers, engineers, and cat behaviorists. Kickstarter special is $99 (with a super early bird special of $89 on launch day January 14th). 

​https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tuftandpaw/cove-a-beautiful-litter-box-made-from-recycled-plastics
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Story

We’re a small team of furniture designers, engineers, and animal behaviorists and we’re obsessed with cats. Jackson Cunningham is the founder with 10+ years in ecommerce and product development, Steve Suchy is our head of product - with over 10 years experience in high end furniture design. Grace Partridge is our head of brand (ex. Art Director at Article Furniture). Marci Koski is our cat behaviorist.

I knew from the beginning that we needed to launch a beautiful litterbox - but we went through so many iterations - debating between automatic vs simple and ultimately landing on a very simple solution.

If you ask any cat owner they’ll tell you the most annoying part about owning a cat is the litterbox. It’s something that you interact with every day, yet it’s a hassle to clean, and the available options are really bad.

You either get a simple but really ugly plastic bin that looks like it came from the dollar store. Or you get some space-aged robot that's huge, loud, and prone to breaking.

We just wanted a litterbox that was simple, beautiful, and easy to clean. But nothing existed - so we designed one ourselves.

Product Details

Cove is a beautiful litterbox kit with an integrated scoop and dustpan, built by furniture designers, engineers, and animal behaviorists.

After in depth user research, we discovered the most important feature of a litterbox is that it should be easy to clean. Yet many litterboxes have shapes and materials that don't align with this. Cove's shape is incredibly simple and open - there are no unnecessary bends or hard-to-get-to corners. For the material itself, we considered a variety of options, but ultimately landed on plastic because it’s durable and especially easy to clean. 

Most plastic litterboxes are flimsy and have a cheap finish, but Cove uses a double wall and slightly textured outer matte plastic that looks and feels sturdy, and is pleasant to the eye. The inside of the box is smooth, and easy to clean with a single wipe. Contrasting silicon rubber at the base keeps the box firmly planted to the floor and prevents sliding when your cat goes in and out.

One thing we found during our research was that the litterbox tools are as important to user satisfaction as the box itself. Yet, most litterboxes include, as an afterthought, a cheap flimsy scoop that ends up just being tossed on the floor beside the box. Another common user frustration is the litter scatter caused by a cat’s coming and going.

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So we thought – why not engineer a litterbox with well-integrated tools that address the realities of maintaining a litterbox? The Cove includes a brush, dustpan, and hand brush that fit perfectly into an accessible top compartment.

The scoop is sturdy, and the molded silicon rubber grip feels great in your hand. The angle of the scoop edge is designed to slide easily through coarse litter without much effort, and the angled slots have been carefully engineered to allow litter to slide through quickly with minimal sifting. The shape of our scoop matches the exact contour of the litterbox, so you can easily slide it along the edges and corners without missing a spot.

The last thing we want to do is create more plastic waste - so every piece of our product is made from recycled ocean plastics and is completely toxin-free so it’s good for our planet and our pets.

We have some amazing people on our team and we all love cats. Our team consists of a cat behaviorist, a branding expert, an industrial designer, a product engineer, and a cat researcher.

We feel we’re the perfect team to launch this product. Over the past 18 months, we’ve developed countless iterations with constant improvements – we’ve explored a ton of options. Now we have the final product ready to go and we believe it’s the most beautiful litterbox in the world.

Give back program

Re-use program - if customers no longer need a litterbox, we facilitate transportation to local shelters who are always in need of litterboxes. We don’t want to create more landfill and we have a great connections to the animal shelter community.

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Product Features:

  • Integrated scoop, dustpan, and handbrush
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Handbrush helps easily clean up litter debris without need for vacuum.
  • Scoop slots engineered for fast, effortless sifting
  • Scoop contours match exact contours of  tub for full scoop coverage
  • Grippy bottom so it doesn’t slide around and feels nice to hold
  • 6” walls is recommended by behaviorist as a safe height for all cats to get in (i.e. older cats can still step over the walls)
  • Handle on bottom of tub to easily carry/move/clean/rinse litterbox
  • Removable insert that holds tools can be easily cleaned without needing to clean entire litterbox
  • Matte textured plastic is durable, sturdy, and easy to clean
  • Made from recycled plastics which is much better than just making a technically “recyclable” product (ours is both)
  • Re-use program - if customers no longer need litterbox, we facilitate transportation to local shelters who are always in need of litterboxes.

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Recycled Materials

There's a really interesting story angle on recycling as well - we're using recycled post-consumer and post-industrial plastics which was a huge challenge and many consumers don't realize that just because a product is "recyclable" does not mean that it's eco-friendly. It's easy to get a product that's technically "recyclable" but sometimes impossible to find a manufacturer who will actually use recycled materials.

We found so many manufacturers who were willing to make this product for us, but using virgin materials. As soon as we’d ask for “recycled” raw materials, many manufacturers were not able to proceed. I don’t think most consumers are aware of this and assume it’s straight forward to produce products that are made from recycled materials.

Happy to elaborate on this as well because it’s really important to us.


David vs Goliath

Generally, we have a belief that some of the bigger box pet stores and pet product manufacturers have gotten a bit complacent over the last few decades. There hasn’t been much innovation and consumers have kind of accepted a lower level of quality for “pet” products. Do a quick search of “litterbox” on Amazon or Google and you’ll get an idea of this. We’re looking to change that by putting the same level of care into “pet” products as we would into “human” products.


Tuft and Paw Background

I (Jackson Cunningham) started tuft + paw in 2016 after rescuing my own cat “peppers” and realizing how difficult it was to find nice cat furniture. Living in a small apartment in an expensive city, I didn’t want to add tacky plush cat trees in my space.

We started reselling other boutique brands out of our warehouse in Michigan and the response and support from cat owners was inspiring. Soon after, we started developing and manufacturing our own designs.


Jackson is happy to answer any other questions via jackson@tuftandpaw.com 
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Helping kitties all over the city! Thank you!

12/31/2019

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At Kitty in NY we’d like every cat in the city to have a loving permanent home. We’re working to make it easier for all cats to find a forever home. Kitty in the City donates the tips we receive during the booking process (tips on the agency fee) and a percentage of profits to local shelters.

Thank you to all our clients for their generous donations!
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KittyKind is dedicated to matching our cats with their perfect homes and educating the public on feline welfare in NYC. We have an unwavering commitment to caring for and finding the best adoptive homes for our cats, with a special dedication to those who are deemed “special needs,” because of illness, injury, disability, or age.  Each year, KittyKind rescues more than 600 cats and makes a lifetime commitment to each one of them.

​http://kittykind.org/

Brooklyn Animal Action is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of Brooklyn's animals. Working with our communities we find homes for adoptable animals, facilitate Trap-Neuter-Release programs, perform community outreach and education. Since our founding in 2010, Brooklyn Animal Action has found homes for over 3,500 cats (and a few dogs) and TNR'd hundreds more. We believe in working together to create a better life for New York's animals.
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http://brooklynanimalaction.org/contact/

Anjellicle Cats Rescue (ACR) is a 501(c) (3) volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting out New York City’s homeless cats and kittens, with a focus on local shelter animals in immediate danger of being euthanized.
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​https://www.anjelliclecats.com
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Four Essential Strategies for First-Time Pet Owners

11/14/2019

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Getting your first cat is an exciting adventure. After all, they can improve our quality of life and act as an endless source of joy every single day. Yet, we need to be sure that we are ready for that kitty to give it the best life possible. Here’s what you need to know about cats

Research your options

Cats make good indoor companions. They can be left alone for several hours a day provided they have some source of entertainment, like toys and enrichment puzzles. However, they still need socialization daily so make sure you have time for them.  If you adopt a rescue then breed characteristics may be less defined but if you have a purebred please read up on them before you purchase them to ensure that the traits of outgoingness, skittishness, dominance, spontanaeity and friendliness are agreeable to you.


Home Safety and Cleanliness

You’ll need to ensure your cat stay safe in your home.  Look at your house from their perspective to see what they might get into. Long curtains or the cord of your blinds, electrical wires, all pose choking hazards or can cause electrocution. You need to ensure they can't get into your cabinets, as they may eat something poisonous, spill a chemical, or accidentally consume medication that could make them ill.. If you have any plants around your home, make sure they are non-toxic. Cats are curious creatures and may bite at your cut flowers or knock over your decorative pepper plant.

Don’t forget that it’s important to clean up any messes your cat makes as soon as possible to prevent odors or stains from settling in. If you’re planning to adopt a cat, you might want to consider buying a self-cleaning litter box to make cleanup easier (these are available on Amazon for under $75). 


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Know What Their Dietary Needs

If you intend to adopt a kitten or an adult feline, check online for organic cat foods that are perfect for your furball and see what you can get locally or delivered (a 24-pack of organic cat food can be purchased online). You will want foods that focus on actual meat and it’s wise to avoid too much dry food, as cats do not often drink water, which can lead to dehydration.

Create a Lasting Bond

If you have a rescue, it may take time and effort for them to fully trust you. They may have difficulty being alone and might become aggressive over their food. If your new cat is particularly destructive, this could be because they are bored. Make sure they have plenty to stimulate them, especially when they are alone. No matter where you got your cat, or what life they had before, you should give them all the affection they crave. Positive reinforcement, grooming, and play habits can all help cats to trust their new owners.

If all goes well, you will have your new cat for the rest of its life. You want to make that life as full of love as possible — that is what every cat deserves. Be prepared, do research, and make any adjustments to your home to provide the perfect environment for your new kitty.

This article was written by our friend Penny Martin.  Photo by Paul Hanaoke on Unsplash
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Halloween, keep your cat safe

10/14/2019

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Halloween might be your favorite time of the year. Pumpkins, spookie decorations, horror films and candy. But it is a bad month for black cats. We have sadly read and seen the news about violent actions against black cats this time of the year. Some shelters noticed a surge in black cat adoptions before Halloween. That is why 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.

Black cats have had a bad reputation through history. Their darkest period was during the 12th and 13th centuries in Europe, when the supersticion about witches turning into black cats at will started. This belief crossed to America and during the witch-burning era (17th century), witches' cats were put into baskets and burned along the "witches". If you're interested you could read more about this in our article - Celebrating Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th

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 has wonderful caregivers available for your long term cat boarding needs. Your cats will be in a private home while you're away from the city. They will be the only pets in the apartment. We have great options in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens. We also provide cat sitting solutions.  Book now your next cat care service. We'll be glad to help you with your cats.
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You still don't have a cat!?

8/26/2019

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Cats are beautiful and amazing creatures. They will keep you company and will add quality to your life. Cats are very easy to care for and maintain.

  • Housebreaking takes about a minute. Just tuck a litter box with clean litter in an out-of-the-way spot in your home, and voila! Tiger is fully house trained!
  • You don’t have to give up being a clean freak. No need to worry about a dirty, smelly kitty rolling around on your carpet or your furniture. Healthy felines keep themselves clean from head to toe.
  • No guilt trips. Unlike your dog, who will drop his tail and look at you with a forlorn expression when you can’t stop what you’re doing to play with him, if you need to put your kitty off for a bit, she’ll wander away, not seeming to mind. You’ll find her later stretched out contentedly in her favorite napping spot.
  • You can stay warm, even in the dead of winter. As most folks owned by cats can attest, there’s nothing that compares to the coziness of a kitty curled up in your lap​
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If you're planning to add a feline to your family please visit your local animal shelter or cat rescue organization to find the perfect cat for you:

http://www.aspca.org/nyc/adoptable-cats
https://kittykind.org/adopt/
http://brooklynanimalaction.org/adoptable-pets/
https://www.anjelliclecats.com/adopt
http://www.animalhavenshelter.org/
http://www.humanesocietyny.org/adoptions/
http://www.bideawee.org/

And remember that you won't have to worry about your cat when you leave NY for a few days (or months). Our in-home boarding and cat sitting services are the perfect solution for your short/mid and long term needs. We have loving caregivers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Your cat will feel like at home and you will receive periodic updates during the boarding. Book your next service in advance:
http://www.kittyinny.com/rates.html
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Introduction to cats: How to bring home a new cat when you have other pets

8/8/2019

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You’re bringing home a cat you adopt from a shelter, but you already have an adult cat or a dog at home. When you put the two together in the same room, they are immediately hissing or growling toward each other. No matter what you do, it seems that they cannot get along really well. Frustrating, right?
Well, there are some steps you can try yourself for for introducing cats to a new home.

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  • 1. Adopting a Cat
    • 1.1. Be Picky About the Shelter
    • 1.2. What to Buy Before Adopting a Cat
    • 1.3. How to Tell How Old a Cat Is
    • 1.4. When are Cats Fully Grown
    • 1.5 How to Get a Cat to Like You
  • 2.  Natural Behavior of Cats
  • 3. Assessing Your New Cat and Other Pets Behavior
  • 4. How to Deal with Aggressive Cats
    • 4.1. How to Calm Down an Aggressive Cat
    • 4.2. Understanding Cat’s Body Language
    • 4.3. Spending Time with Your Cat
    • 4.4. Ask for professional Support
  • 5. Jackson Galaxy’s Way to Introduce Your New Cat to the Other Cat
    • 5.1. Setting up a basecamp
    • 5.2. Other Side of the Door Feeding
    • 5.3. Introducing the Two
    • 5.4. Play Together with Both Cats
    • 5.5. Warning Signs when Introducing Cats and Resolving the Conflict
  • 6. Introducing New Cat to the Resident Dog
    • 6.1. Pet’s State of Mind
    • 6.2. Setting Up a Safe Haven
    • 6.3. Introduction
    • 6.4. Reward for Calmness
    • 6.5. Play together with Both Cat and Dog
    • 6.6. Resolving Conflict
  • 7.    Conclusion
Article submitted by our friend Lily Clark
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Four Ways to Keep Your Kitty Safe at Home

6/1/2019

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Kittens are delightful creatures that will add lots of joy and silly antics to your household. In order to keep things joyous, however, you want to make sure that your kitty doesn’t get into something or go somewhere that can be hazardous. By following these four precautions, you can keep your new furry little bundle of curiosity free from harm, as well as protect your belongings from damage.

1. Know Your Home’s Hideouts
If you’ve ever noticed how much cats love it when you open a new package from the mail and leave the empty box hanging around, you know that they are extremely curious about small spaces to crawl into. Therefore, it’s important for your kitty’s safety to inspect your home for any areas where they may seek shelter, only to be in harm’s way.

Never start the washer or dryer without checking for your kitten in its recesses—and double-check the fridge before you close the door. Make sure that you see your kitten is in a safe place before leaving the house to make sure it’s not closed in a drawer or another unsafe spot.

2. Avoid Food with Fillers
An unseen hazard, and a potentially long-term one, that is all too common in cat owners’ households is cheap food with fillers and by-products that offer little nutrition (not to mention, these foods can sometimes cause allergy symptoms in pets). Some of these foods may even contain toxins and heavy metals.

Read cat food labels carefully to ensure that your kitten gets plenty of protein and little to none of “empty” (or even harmful) calories from ingredients like corn gluten, corn syrup, and MSG. This will also help protect your kitten from diseases later in life, such as kidney disease.

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3. Eliminate Things that Dangle
Anything that dangles is a potential cat toy and a possible hazard to your kitten. Examples of “danglers” include drawcords for window blinds and electrical cords. Not only do you not want your kitten to be strangled, but he or she could chew on a cord that’s plugged in, pull the object down on top of them, or choke on partially chewed pieces. According to House Method, make sure all wires, electrical outlets, and other safety hazards are secure or hidden to protect your kitten.

4. Remove Poisonous Plants
If you enjoy the organic decor and other benefits of indoor plants, check to see if you have any poisonous houseplants that your kitty might think are a snack to hold them over until you get home. It’s best to remove these plants from your home altogether rather than try to find a safe place for them in your home. Your kitten will undoubtedly find a way to get to them—don’t underestimate their determination or ingenuity when something catches their attention.

Adding a new member to the family is an exciting time, but it’s important to plan ahead and do everything you can to “cat-proof” your home before your furry friends ends up in trouble. Take a look at the tips above and create a space that allows both humans and pets alike to thrive.

This article was written by our friend Kay Carter.
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Noisy Nightime Kitten?

5/23/2019

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It’s important to know that cats are nocturnal animals, and while we thrive during the day, they thrive at night. The domestic cat is believed to have evolved from the African wildcat. These nocturnal predators would hunt their pray late in the night and early morning, and that sleep schedule can still be seen in cats today. If your cat’s keeping you up all night, then here are some quick, easy tricks to help them settle down.

Check for medical causes
Many times, a change in a cat’s nighttime noise results from feeling unwell. It’s not unusual for a cat to have increased or decrease activity when in pain. If your kitty has recently changed their meowing behavior, then you should take them to a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues. Meowing and nibbling are the only ways cats know how to communicate with you—so hear them out.

Feed your cat before bedtime
Cats aren’t afraid to let you know when they’re hungry. They may even do it at the most inconvenient times, like when we’re trying to sleep! So, the best time to feed your cat is right before bed. If they still wake you up late into the night, you may want to try an automatic feeding system. This will let the cat eat multiple times throughout the night and also lets it associate the feeding system with mealtime, rather than you while you’re sleeping!


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Play with your kitten
Often times cats will wake you up to play with you. It seems entirely backward to us because we do all our activities during the day, but cats are very different. They will try and wake you up several times each night to get in some play time. So, it’s very important to plan several playtime sessions throughout the day. When you get up, at lunch time, and at night before bedtime. A tired kitten is a quiet kitten!

Consider using alternative methods
Cats are very much like humans in that they can also have a hard time adapting to new routines. If you have a cat that’s difficult to train or is affected by behavioral problems, there are a few alternative methods you can try. There are several products that can be placed in your cats sleeping area that may help them settle down at night, such as:

  • A diffuser that sprays a pheromone which calms your cat. It plugs into a wall outlet and intermittently sprays an anxiolytic mist
  • Calming scents like lavender, chamomile, and lemon
  • You may also try night chews for your cat, which may contain hemp, melatonin, and thiamine
These are just a few techniques to try to keep your kitten asleep during the night. Just remember that if these strategies don’t work, it’s never a bad idea to take visit your vet’s office and see what they can recommend!

This article was written by our friend Victoria Ward


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Five Steps to Creating a Home Environment fit for a Senior Cat

5/15/2019

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Pets are a special part of our lives, and they are a lifelong commitment. As a cat owner, you already know the joys they bring, but there are extra challenges you’ll face as they age. Yet, you can take steps now to make your home a safe and comfortable environment for them.

Centering Their Lives

Unfortunately, an older cat can find climbing stairs a struggle, particularly if they have developed arthritis. If they live upstairs, then consider putting their bedroom, together with litter boxes and toys, somewhere more accessible. A good place is an area near to your pet's favorite furniture, or where there is little foot traffic from people. After all, cats, like their humans, need peace and quiet to feel safe enough to doze off. This may exclude the living room, but there could be a corner perfect to act as the HQ for your buddy's life. Your choice will matter, as they deserve a place to relax without being put under any physical strain.

Improving Accessibility

Moving your furry friend is an important first step, but their accessories may still not be as accessible as they should be. For instance, some senior cats can stop using litter boxes if they are not adapted to their changing mobility. Likewise, standard bowls might strain joints if your buddy has to stretch downwards to drink or eat, so opted for raised bowls. Even your cat's bed can cause issues, from problems getting in and out to restlessness. Thankfully, there are accessories that you could purchase outright, such as orthopedic beds or elevated bowls, but you can also adapt what you already have. By having suitable tools, you can improve your companion’s quality of life, and move one step closer to creating the perfect environment.

Dealing with Accidents

As our felines age, they may become prone to having accidents. That doesn't have to be an issue, however, as there are pet-friendly solutions to address stains and persistent smells. As a start, use absorbent pads or add extra litter boxes in areas where there is regular marking. To deal with accidents themselves, be sure to collect as much of the urine as practical before applying an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate both the stain and odor. Once everything has been vacuumed, you could then spray baking soda freshener as an added measure against smells. Dealing with mishaps is a process, but it can be highly effective when done right.

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Keeping Them Active

Regardless of your cat's age, staying active is vital to their physical and mental well-being. Getting them moving might involve toys or towers, but a “catio,” or cat patio, could also be beneficial. A catio is located outdoors and safeguards your furball from escape attempts and outside dangers without being too restrictive. It can provide a space to counter boredom and might stimulate instincts by letting them observe birds or play around in fresh air. You could make your own catio, but there are pre-assembled kits which can be set up quickly. With the right environment, your senior cat can stay active and secure.

Making Floors Safer

Carpet-free flooring has become increasingly popular, but it could make it harder for your senior companion to get around. So, consider how well your feline walks on surfaces like laminate, vinyl, or hardwood; if they are struggling or lose balance, you could use slip-free rugs. In fact, some carpet is now designed to diminish odors and be stain-resistant. Of course, you must factor in your feline's habits before choosing flooring, especially if they have a tendency to scratch. This issue can affect other materials, such as cork, which can also be easier on arthritic pets. When choosing suitable flooring, you help your buddy navigate the home safely.

Seeing the changes that come with an aging cat can be hard, but that doesn't alter the love we have for them. So, adapt your house to give them an environment that keeps them safe and healthy. With suitable changes, you can give your cat the support they deserve.

This article was written Penny Martin at Fureverfriend
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Exotic Shorthair - a sweet cat

1/8/2019

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If you're looking for a calm cat like a Persian but easy to care for, look no further, the Exotic Shorthair is what you've been looking for. Their shedding is minimal but they still have a silky, plush and luxurious coat.

A breed with barely 50 years of history, the Exotic can be described as a short-haired Persian. American Shorthair breeders bred to Persians to obtain new coat colors and green eyes. The kittens were so pretty to look at, just like Persians but with a short, dense plush coat. Very fast they have become a popular breed and there are many reasons to explain this popularity.

The Exotic Shorthair is easy-going and affectionate, a gentle cat who rarely meows. They will follow you from room to room and demand attention. They get close to their humans! Exotic Shorthair cats enjoy simple pleasures. They can play with a paper ball and will happily curl up on your lap while you read or use your computer. They don't need much space, which makes them ideal for an apartment, a true companion pet.
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Exotic Shorthair cats meet every standard for the Persian breed except for the coat. The Exotic does not require daily combing, a weekly combing is recommended to avoid hairballs. It is a fairly short cat, a round and muscular physique with lines softened by the thick/dense coat. Their coat comes in every color and pattern. Their faces are identical to the Persians, short and broad with a flattened muzzle. The Exotic retains a kittenish look all their life, with big round eyes, small ears and short nose. Their irresistable looks along with their ease of grooming and their easy-going personality make the Exotic the perfect pet.

Kitty in NY has some Exotic clients. Our caregivers love all cats, your cat will enjoy a home environment while you're away. We also propose cat sitting services for short periods. Contact us with more details about the service you need, we'll get back to you as soon as possible to help you find the best in-home boarding or cat sitting solution.
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Custom Cat Socks!

6/8/2018

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​Now's your chance to get some awesome custom cat socks for 25% off! 

You can quickly and easily put photos of your cat(s) on a comfy pair of socks. They're perfect for gifts to friends and family, but don't forget to get a pair for yourself!

In collaboration with a popular cat blog, Floppycats, these socks are brought to you by a company called OurSock.com. Their team of designers will take care of all the work for you, so all you need to do is upload a photo of your cat, and they'll do the rest.

Here's how to claim your 25% off discount:

1. Go to: https://www.customize.oursock.com/collections/frontpage/products/cat-socks

2. Upload a photo of your cat

3. Use the coupon code: KITTYINNY for 25% off during checkout. 

4. You'll get your socks in ~10 days!
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22 Ways Cats Make Humans Healthy And Happy!

5/17/2018

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By Emily Parker, Catological.com
For thousands of years, cats have captivated humans in numerous ways. From their ability to seemingly always land on their feet to having an attitude exuding confidence in any situation, cats are looked at as very unique creatures. And as more and more research is conducted on how kitties impact our lives, the results are simply astounding. Whether helping their humans have less anxiety and depression to keeping them healthy by having lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, cats can seemingly do almost anything.

Because today's world is so hectic, it's more important than ever to slow down and smell the catnip now and then. When it comes to doing this, cats definitely lead by example. Since they are experts at taking plenty of naps each day and taking things as they come, they can show their humans that even though life has plenty going on each day, it's fine to take it easy now and then.
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And if you're tired of going to the doctor for various ailments time after time, owning a kitty can save you plenty of money and time when it comes to your healthcare. According to researchers, cat owners can save thousands of dollars per year that would usually be spent on doctor's visits and prescription medications. In fact, some studies have shown that cat owners reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels so much that in some cases they have been able to reduce or even eliminate some of their medications.

In many families, autism is a condition numerous children deal with on a daily basis. While there are many great therapies designed to help these children communicate better with those around them, research has shown cats can be more effective at this than almost anything or anybody. In numerous studies, autistic children who owned cats were able to develop better communication skills that those autistic kids who did not own cats.​

Even though each of these facts are certainly interesting, there are many more where these came from. To find out more about the incredible powers of cats, please visit www.catological.com/22-ways-cats-make-people-happier-healthier/.
Kitty in NY helps you connect with cat sitting and in-home boarding solutions:
  • In-home boarding is recommended for longer periods or very social cats who require a lot of human interaction. Your cat lives at the caregiver's apartment. She will be the only pet in the apartment. You may visit and meet the prospective caregiver before you confirm your reservations. Our in-home boarding rates are online (agency fee included).
  • Cat sitting visits to your apartment. Our cat sitting visits include feeding, water refill, cleaning of all bowls, scooping litter box (change of litter when needed), cleaning of feeding and litter box areas, playtime and petting when cats are willing to interact and photo/video updates after each visit. A 30 min visit would be $35 (agency fee included).
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6 Simple Ways You Can Protect Your Cat for Life

4/4/2018

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Your cat provides a daily dose of comfort and companionship, so it’s only natural that you would want to prevent your pet from becoming sick or injured. Luckily, there are simple solutions for keeping your cat healthy and happy every single day. Here are six steps to ensure a long, loving life for your feline friend.

Keep Teeth and Fur Clean
You brush your teeth twice a day, but have you thought about brushing your cat’s? There are a plethora of serious health problems that can be caused by poor pet oral hygiene, including a shortened lifespan. You can prevent these serious issues by regularly cleaning your cat’s teeth.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your vet about routine cleanings and other ways they can help remove plaque from your cat’s teeth. Take a few moments to take care of other grooming as well and check for any suspicious lumps or spots that could be of concern.

Take Care of Pests and Parasites
If you’ve ever had a flea problem, you know how annoying those little bites can be, but did you know that they can also spread diseases? Use a flea preventative or proper precautions to keep fleas off of your pet. 

Also, be sure to schedule regular exams to check for intestinal parasites that your cat can pick up from the yard or other pets. Fleas, ticks and worms are much easier to treat and manage if they are caught early.

You can find more information on cat flea treatments in this article: https://www.reviews.com/flea-treatment-for-cats/

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Find the Right Food
Not all cat food is created equal, not all cats require the same kind of nutrition. Keep your cat’s lifestyle and health in mind when selecting food and treats. There are a wide range of products available to help manage common cat concerns, like sensitive stomachs or skin allergies. Try to avoid feeding only dry food, as this can lead to urinary tract infections, which are a serious issue for felines.

Pay Attention to Litter Boxes
Cats tend to be clean animals, so help them out by keeping their litter boxes neat and tidy through the week. Make sure boxes are large enough for your cat to comfortably move around in and scoop them out at least once or twice a day. In addition to removing unwanted odor and waste, regularly checking your cat’s litter box can alert you to possible illnesses. If you notice your cat isn’t going as often as usual, or if she has trouble going or if her waste doesn’t look normal, it may be time to consult a vet.

Provide Plenty of Exercise and Activity
Obesity is a serious concern for all pets, but indoor cats are especially prone to weight problems. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to more than a few extra pounds, with diabetes, heart disease and joint problems being some very serious side effects of even a little extra weight.

Provide plenty of opportunity for your cat to exercise with cat trees and tantalizing toys. If you and your cat are up for it, you may even consider adding another cat to help increase activity.

Make Sure Medical Costs are Covered
You can develop daily routines to help keep your cat safe and healthy, but sometimes issues still come up. Veterinary costs can be expensive, so take some of the stress off of yourself by investing in pet insurance. Getting insurance for your cat may seem like just an extra expense, but having peace of mind when your cat needs medical help is well worth the minimal monthly costs. Look for a plan that fits your budget and your cat’s needs and take some of the guesswork out of getting routine or urgent care for your pet.

With all of the joy cats bring to our lives, it only makes sense to do everything possible to keep them comfortable and content. A few minor measures can add years to your cat’s life and precious moment to the time you have to spend together. So take these simple steps to keep your best friend happy and healthy for a lifetime.

Author

Ms. Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.

If you need a cat sitting or in-home boarding service for your cat/s, Kitty in NY can help you connect with the best caregivers in your area. Contact us and send more details about your cat and the service you need.
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6 Ways to Make Sure Your Cat Drinks Enough Water

3/20/2018

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All organisms, including our finicky cats, require water to survive. Mother Nature did not design cats to have excellent thirst mechanisms so you really will not see them actively searching for a bowl of water to drink. You cannot blame them, of course, since their ancestors and even their cousins in the wild get their hydration from the very animals that they prey on. You can actually turn this feline predatory instinct to help your cat drink enough water. Here are 6 ways to do just that:

Serve wet or canned cat food

Wet or canned cat foods are rich in moisture with some formulations essentially reaching as much as 80% per serving can. This mimics the moisture composition of their diets in the wild where prey animals typically contain anywhere between 70 and 80 percent water. Giving your Garfield wet cat food instead of the usual kibbles should help address your pet’s need for adequate hydration. Of course, it will be quite painful on the pocket since this type of cat food is exceptionally pricey.
Moisten your cat’s dry food

If you simply cannot afford to go canned, then you can tweak your cat’s dry kibble diet. You can try softening it with a little water just to provide additional moisture. Some pet parents even boil skinless chicken breast themselves and add this natural chicken broth as flavor enhancer to their cat’s food as well as a means to increase the fluid intake of their kitties. Just make sure never to add anything else especially salt. Some would even dilute the broth from a can of tuna in water before adding this into the pet’s dry cat food. Alternatively, you can buy a can of wet cat food and mix a portion of it into your cat’s kibbles.

Invest in a good cat water fountain

Instead of using water bowls, you might want to start . There are two fundamental reasons why water fountains are better than ordinary water bowls. First, they provide a continuous flow of water which actually plays well to the predatory instincts of kitties. They are pretty curious with anything and everything that moves. In case you haven’t noticed, they love dipping their paws in running water from the faucet. The same is true with a cat water fountain. The continuous movement of water will stimulate feline predatory instincts. Secondly, these gadgets provide for fresher and safer water to drink because many of these water fountains come with their filtration systems. Not only are you helping your kitty to drink more water, you’re also making sure that Garfield won’t get sick from drinking.

Take note of your cat’s peculiarities especially when it comes to water bowls

If you think water bowls are still a lot better as drinking vessels for your cat, then just make sure  that you give in to your kitty’s peculiarities. Cats are known for their rather finicky behavior. Some have special preference for ceramic water bowls while others won’t drink unless their bowl is made of stainless steel. The point is that you need to make sure you understand your cat’s unique behavior especially its preferences. After all, this is an important aspect of being a pet parent.

Place multiple water bowls or fountains all over the house

Cats don’t like being disturbed when they are doing something, especially when they are already at their drinking stations. It is critical that you position your kitty’s water bowls in various strategic locations in your house. It’s not enough that you have one drinking station for your Felix. You need to place drinking stations – be it water bowls or water fountains – in areas that are far from your cat’s litter box and feeding area. These drinking stations should be placed near areas where your cat usually spends most of its day. Also make sure to at least every 2 hours to prevent it from going stale. This is also true for water bowls.

Add flavor or something interesting in your cat’s drinking water

You can add catnip into your cat’s water bowl. The mild flavor of catnip will help entice your feline friend to drink. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon or two of the broth from a can of tuna or even the prepared unsalted broth of skinless chicken breast. The point is to add something that will titillate your cat’s senses, making it want to ‘check’ the water. You can also add ice cubes. Since these will float on the water, they will mimic prey. Cats simply love checking out potential prey. In this case, it’s the ice cubes. Besides, it’s a lot more refreshing to drink cool water than one that is warm or hot.

There are many ways by which you can help ensure your cat drinks enough water. The whole point is to understand their unique behavior and use this understanding to tailor-fit your plan to get them drinking more water.

Olivia Williams comntacted us to share one of her articles in our  blog ("Thank you!"). If you would like to read more please follow the link below:
https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/
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Male or female cat?

2/24/2018

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​Which one makes a better pet? Males or females? This is still one of the questions many cat people discuss. There are strong opinions on both sides. After some consideration the bottom line is that personality is what really matters.

Let's review some of the debating points:
  • Many of the arguments are based on non fixed animal behaviors. All indoor only cats should be neutered or spayed. A neutered/spayed cat makes a better pet! Non fixed males tend to roam further and are very territorial (spraying to mark the boundaries). They can also be more aggressive towards new cats and get into fights that can lead to very expensive vet bills. Intact females go into heat every few months, their sole purpose in life is to breed and multiply. It has a toll on her health and her personality won't be loving, all they want is to be alone and have some peace...
  • A neutered male will make a loving pet. They tend to be (by nature) more territorial, but they are usually calmer and happier. Family, breed, early socialization are also important factors. And not all cat owners want a lap cat, some prefer a more independent pet!
  • A spayed female might redirect some of her mother instincts towards the human who shares her apartment. It was not a meditated choice but all my cats have been females. I have had very sweet cat companions and some that were more challenging but all in all, cat people understand cats and respect their personality. That is what makes cats special, each of them will develop a routine, a character, will have good and bad days, like us, humans. When you get a skittish cat to trust you, look for you and to sit close to you on the couch to watch your favorite tv show can be very rewarding!
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  • Males and female cats have different nutrition and space needs. Females tend to be happier in smaller apartments. Males who have enjoyed a bigger territory migh have a difficult time adjusting to a minuscule studio apartment. Levels (shelves, tables, chairs) are a big help, cats understand each level is a new territory which can be of great help when living in a small apartment.

Kitty in NY helps male and female cats. We provide the best cat boarding and cat sitting solutions in the city! Your cat/s will be in good hands while you're away. Contact us and send us more details about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you with your cat.
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Diabetic Cats

1/30/2018

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I should start by pointing this out. The exact cause of diabetes in cats is not known. However, scientists and professionals see a connection between a cat being obese and overweight and it being diabetic. Overweight and obese cats are highly susceptible to developing diabetes. This is probably being overweight makes your cat increasingly less sensitive to the effects of insulin. 

Additionally, you should note that adult and older cats are more inclined to develop diabetes, as they also are prone to being overweight courtesy of their inactive tendencies.

That said, once I owned a cat that was diagnosed with diabetes (it is now no more, passed on of old age). I can still remember my shock and fear when I heard the news. The same is true for every cat parent. Diabetes symptoms include increased urination, lethargy, increased thirst as well as a loss of appetite. You cat will urinate urine that is sticky since it contains lots of sugars excreted from its body. If you do not treat the condition, it may lead to your cat’s death. But with treatment, your cat can lead a long, healthy and happy life like a normal cat. Following the diabetes diagnosis by a professional, you might have to give our cat regular shots of insulin as well as feed your cat on the best diabetes diet for cats to help manage the

Feeding Diabetic Cats
At this point, seeing that you are a caring parent eager to learn everything there is about your cat and the right feeding habits, you know that cats need animal meat in their diet. They require more meat than dogs do as they are not great in breaking down starch and carbs as dogs can. The case is even worse in diabetic cats.

The body of a diabetic cat faces a lot of difficulty in digesting and absorbing the sugar and glucose into the cells. Glucose as such builds up in the bloodstream to harmful levels. It only, therefore, makes sense to feed your cat on a diet with less starch to avoid straining your cat's body.

Research conducted shows that diabetic cats benefit greatly from diets rich in protein as well as fats but low in carbs. Kitten foods are great for this as they are rich in protein. In addition to kitten food, some professional vets may proceed to prescribe starch blockers like acarbose, which prevents the digestion of starch. This drug is, however, acquired only through a vet's prescription.

If you are keen on following a strict low carb/high protein diet for your cat living with diabetes, you should also consider canned cat food.  These are designed to be low in carbs and high in protein in comparison to dry cat food.

Alternate Diet For Diabetic Cats
Aside from low carb and high protein diet, there is yet another diet perfect for diabetic cats. This is the high fiber diet. Cat foods that are high in fiber tend to slow the absorption as well as metabolizing of fat and glucose. This is to mean that on a high fiber diet, your cat will not have a high glycemic right after eating. A high fiber diet is also best to feed to overweight and obese cats. Your cat will have a feeling of being full  for a longer period thus leading to reduced calorie intake. How does a high fiber diet achieve this? Well, for starters, it contains complex carb, which a cat's body tends to break down slowly. The slow digestion causes a reduced spike in glucose levels and the feeling of satisfaction for longer.

But before you jump on the high fiber bandwagon, you should note that the diet has a downside as well. One of which is that your cat may produce flatulence. Also, your cat's stool will increase, and the bowel movements will increase. For this reason, while a high fiber diet is an option, most cat parents, I included, prefer a high protein and low carb diet.

Changing Your Cat’s Diet
It is imperative that you work real close with your cat’s vet. The type of insulin shot will get, the dosage as well as how often the insulin shots will be will be determined by your vet being directed by the blood glucose levels your cat experiences courtesy of the diet it is on. A change in the diet means a change in glucose levels, and as such, your vet will need to make adjustments to the insulin dosage given to your cat.

Weight
Many cats living with diabetes tend to be overweight. A little weight loss could go a long way to making the issue a little better. But I should also point out that some diabetic cats are underweight. But this often occurs when your cat has suffered from diabetes and has gone untreated. Whichever the case, (overweight or underweight), you will need to get your cat's condition treated.

It is also important that I point this out. Diabetic cats still have caloric needs like normal healthy cats do, as such, while you are reducing the calorie intake for your obese or overweight cat by 25%, it is important not to allow the weight loss to go beyond 3% of its body weight every week. At first glance, I thought this was a small decrease, but when you consider the overall small weight of your cat, the margins are suddenly not so small.

Starving your cat can lead to another condition referred to as hepatic lipidosis. This is a condition in which fat collects around the liver, and it stops functioning normally. Aim for a steady loss rather than a drastic weight loss.

Factors to consider when choosing the best diabetic cat food

Below are some choosing tips that will come in handy when choosing the best diabetic cat food for your beloved feline.

Consider the animal content
Before you purchase any cat food, the first thing you should do is check on its labeling for the animal protein it contains. Cats are carnivorous. Their main source of nutrients is animal protein. Sure they may feed on watermelons, potatoes or popcorns once in a while, but their main nutrient source (what their bodies were designed to digest best), is an animal protein including chicken, fish, turkey, and beef. If the food has lots of vegetables and carbs, then it is not great for your diabetic cat.

Avoid Grains in the food
Cats may have an easier time digesting grains in comparison to carbs. However, it is important to note that while grains may be great for normal healthy cats, they are not ideal or recommended for diabetic, overweight of allergic cats. Always stick to a low carb, high protein diet.
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Homemade or wet food
Wet cat food or canned food is considered to be slightly better and healthier compared to dry food. The moisture content in canned foods benefits the cats greatly - especially those that are not great in drinking water as required. In addition to this, I have discovered that my cat, and most cats as well, love wet foods than dry cat food. Wet canned food is flavorful and features a strong scent.
The only downside of wet cat food is that it tends to go bad fast. Additionally, it provides you with control over your cats feeding habits and keeps you from free feeding your feline. If you want even more control, try homemade cat food. With homemade cat food, you will get to choose the exact proteins to offer your cat.
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Consider life stages and analyze nutrients
Pet foods especially the best diabetic foods for cats should have a nutritional adequacy statement. This statement should state whether the food is for your adult cat, cats of all ages of just kittens or pregnant felines. Before you purchase, pay keen attention to this bit. This is because kittens and cats have varying nutritional needs even without factoring in health issues.
Be keen to read and analyze these pet foods. Normally you will be looking at the moisture, fiber, protein and fat contents. Make a quick comparison with other different cat foods to ensure you pick the best diabetic cat food.

Get Help while from a Professional Vet
But even while pet foods bear the feeding guidelines, you should always remember that other important factors come into play to determine the amount of each nutrient your cat needs. A diabetic cat, for instance, requires lots of proteins and reduced carbs. How much of each will be determined by your vet after a close analysis of the health condition, size, age and breed of your cat?
A body condition analysis is necessary. Your vet will also need to determine whether the cat is underweight, overweight or within the range of normal weight. Using these elements, a vet will provide his/her professional and well-informed diabetic cat diet recommendation.
Author
Rebecca Welters created www.pawsomekitty.com. She's passionate about cats and has written many articles on interesting subjects related with cats, their care, breeds, behavior. She contacted us to share her content in our blog. Thank you Rebecca. Visit www.pawsomekitty.com to learn more about cats.

KITTY in NY provides in-home boarding and cat sitting solutions for your cat. New Yorkers have been enjoying our services for over 6 years. Please contact us and explain more about your cat/s and the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.
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How A Pet Cat Improves Your Mental Health

12/27/2017

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It’s not hard to have problems with mental health in this day and age. With emails, social media, and long commutes, you could have problems with anxiety, depression, and more. There are several ways you can address these problems including exercise and medication.

But one overlooked way to improve your mental health is getting a cat. Believe it or not, a pet cat can help you feel happier and less stressed. That’s why therapy cats are getting more recognized as a valid treatment option.
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What Is A Therapy Cat?
Using animals to help people improve their mental health is an old idea, but up until recently, most people used dogs as therapy animals. Sure, dogs are very good at that. But dogs aren’t without their problems.
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That’s why Petful.com explores the idea of a therapy cat. While some cats can be a bit squirmy and overly independent, most cats love human company. After all, cats are domesticated just like dogs. Having a cat around can give you moments of play, relaxation, and mental stimulation needed to improve your mental health.
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Getting Help From Your Cat
But how do cats help you like this? Mental Floss lists many ways cats can help you feel more positive and happy. Having a loving creature like a pet cat can help you better cope with things that cause sadness or anxiety. Even though you cannot exactly talk over your problems with a cat, you can snuggle, play, and feel love and acceptance from them. That can do a lot for your peace of mind.

In fact, owning a cat can lower your stress levels. Humans just find something comforting from spending time with feline friends. Studies show that cat owners have less risk of dying from heart attacks and feel more connected. And because cats eat more fish than other pets, they can be better for the environment — something that can help you feel better as well.

The Establishment explains another reason cats can help improve your mental health: They are good role models for relationships. Cats are interested in you and want to spend time with you, but they are not codependent. They won’t let owners treat them poorly, and when faced with disrespect, they pull away. That can help you learn how to have healthy relationships with other humans.
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Helping With Addiction Recovery
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A cat can help with the day-to-day struggles with anxiety and depression, but they can do more than that. As DrugRehab.org explains, having an animal companion like a cat can help when you are in addiction recovery. Part of why is how pets are non-judgmental. Unlike your human friends, they are not going to ignore you just because you struggle with alcohol or drug abuse. They care about you regardless of any addiction. That can really help you get through a rough time.

Your cat can be a part of a formal addiction recovery program, or you can just pick up a friendly cat at your local shelter. Either way, having a pet cat can reduce your anxiety, lessen feelings of loneliness, encourage your independence, and take your mind off cravings and pain. All of these can help you avoid relapses and be successful in your addiction recovery.
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Get A Pet Cat Today
It’s not like a cat can take the place of a doctor or therapist, but owning a pet cat can help improve your mental health. Whether you’re in addiction recovery or just working through a tough time in your life, search for local pet shelters in your area to find a cat that will help you get through it all.

Author
Ms. Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.
KITTY in NY provides in-home boarding and cat sitting solutions for your cat. New Yorkers have been enjoying our services for over 6 years. Please contact us and explain more about your cat/s and the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.
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How well do you treat your cats?

12/17/2017

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Many cat owners assume that cats are entirely capable of cleaning themselves to a point they never need water or soap. Cat lick themselves, they don't groom. These two words are different altogether.

Cats are not independent or too apathetic to respond to people's assumptions that they need absolutely no assistance in "grooming." By merely covering themselves with saliva, large amounts of shedding hair are ingested. This opens the door to lots of germs and bacteria.

From Feline Leukemia Virus which are spread through cat saliva to Feline Infectious Peritonitis which are transmitted through infected stool, the cat is at a higher risk of contracting much worse if we continue 'assuming' that cats can take care of them.
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Is grooming related to my cats action of peeing everywhere?
Yes but not entirely. Cats have unique smell glands which they use to either to show much interest or stay away completely.  When confronted with an especially interesting or unusual smell, a cat will drop its jaw open and let the scent waft across the vomeronasal organ in a behavior called the Flehmen response.

Scent is very vital to cats, and because of their territorial nature, they'll tend to mark they territory with almost anything. For most domesticated cats, spraying urine everywhere in the house is often the case.

So in case your cat has this habit of peeing everywhere, one of the reasons could be your cat's way of claiming particular spots in your home. The best way to handle this is through training her. You can clean your entire house with detergents not harmful but that which the cat will be uninterested with.

Research has shown that cats which have poor hygiene feel uneasy even at the very call of nature. They don't move to their litter boxes when the need to pee comes, the simply pee where they are. In the next section I am going to explain how and the importance of grooming your cat.

PROPER CAT GROOMING
The connection between cats and their claws is very essential to cats. They use them to scratch, thereby removing the old sheathed nail. This action primarily becomes an excellent form of exercise, especially to indoor cats.

How to clip your cat's nails
These acts as a significant part of keeping your cat well groomed. If your cat's nails grow too long, they can pierce into the paw pad where special scent glands lie. These will cause infections or discomfort.

To clip her nails, just grasp the paw and gently squeeze the pad so that the pins unsheathe. Look at the picture.

Then look for the pink part (often referred to as the quick) inside the base of the nail. Carefully clip off the curved section as you watch for the sensitive pink area. This part usually contains vessels and nerves, so don't cut too close to the quick.

In case you accidentally cut the quick, don't panic, no severe damage might be done. The nail will bleed as the cat will experience a moment of pain. Apply pressure to the end of the pin with a clean piece of tissue or cloth until the bleeding stops

Other than going through all of this, most people ask, 'Is it safe to disclaw my cat?'
Well, scratching is very instinctive. Disclawing the animal can alter with their instinctive behaviour, causing the cat to be stressful and result in undesirable behavioral issues. This answers the question, ‘ Why does my cat pee in my bed '.
Disclawing robs the cat of the ability to scratch and dig. Since they can no longer do this, they seek a clean soft environment to either pee or poop. Even when the litter box is clean enough.

So be sure to exhaust all other possibilities before choosing to disclaw your cat. This amputation can cause permanent change in a cat's behavioural characteristics that could be very disturbing I.e. Becoming very aggressive and eager to bite.


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BRUSHING AND SCRUBBING

How do I brush my cat's teeth?
The process is straightforward and easy. The exchange diet of your cat can make the smell of the cat's breath just a bit unbearable. It can also lead to a condition, periodontal or even dental diseases.

All that can be avoided. You can purchase a cat-sized dental brush at your veterinary clinic or online. Accompany it with some feline toothpaste.

NOTE: Never use human toothpaste as it contains chemicals that may be harmful to your cats digestive system.

If you follow these steps, you won't experience difficulty in brushing your cat's teeth:
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1. Hold your cat in your lap allowing her to get comfortable.
2. Gently raise her lip on one side of her mouth and begin brushing on the outer proportions of her teeth. 
3. Ensure that you brush down away from the gum line. This will loosen any embedded food particles. 
4. On the bottom jaw, brush up, apart from the gum line. Don't worry; the toothpaste is flavored with chicken or fish paste to enable the cat to open her mouth quickly.

Finally, How to wash your cat

Unlike the two grooming methods, washing your cat is the easiest of them all. Be calm and tender with her; this will build and maintain control of her.

Soak her from the neck down to her hinds. Be extra careful not to introduce shampoo in her eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Most cats have an allergic reaction to this.

Lastly, wash your cats face with water or a washcloth. If fluffy, you can opt to blow dry her this makes her coat appear shiny and decent. 

CONCLUSION 

With all the hygienic practices and procedures, most people don't understand why their cats go outside the litter box and pee everywhere. It's all about cleanliness. Ensure that the litter box is clean on a regular basis. Also, take the cat to a vet, who will determine if the cat has any health threatening matter.

Author’s Bio:
Luna Tran is the author of the blog HereKitt.com. She contacted us to share one of her articles with our followers.
I am Luna Tran, a great cat lover who owns three cute cats and have dedicated many years to nurturing and caring cats. Through my blog, I am here to share my knowledge and experience about cats.
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10 Reasons Why Adopting a Cat Is The Best Thing You Could Ever Do

12/8/2017

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Anyone who has ever adopted a cat will tell you that it was a decision that they will never regret making. Cats are incredibly cute and entertaining, you’ve no doubt seen at least a handful of the millions of cat gifs that make up the building blocks of the internet.
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​10 Reasons Why Adopting a Cat Is The Best Thing You Could Ever Do, courtesy of Tuxedo Cat
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Kitty in NY - spreading the love for cats!

11/24/2017

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Kitty in NY has been interested in sharing the love of cats among different online platforms. Our Facebook page was launched a few months after Kitty in NY opened. Since 2011 we have become very popular and our Facebook page has over 3,500 likes. Our posts reach more and more users every day. We have expanded and social media is part of our everyday work tasks. We want our friends, clients and followers to enjoy cat pics and learn more about cats: their traits, personality, cat toys, tools and tips about their care. We are passionate about cats and want to know more about them every day.

If you’re not a Facebook fan you can follow us on Tumblr, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn or Instagram.
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We want to thank all our fans and followers. Your interest and love of cats is the main reason why we enjoy feeding our social media content. It is fun to select the best pictures and topics of the posts. We continue to learn about our beloved feline pets.
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​We'd also like to thank StreetEasy, Izon and NYCityGuide for recommending our cat care services:

StreetEasy
http://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-pet-boarding/
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Izon
http://www.izoncam.com/top-10-dog-sitters-in-new-york-city/

NYCityGuide
http://www.cityguideny.com/article/dogs-cats-tips-NYC

If you need to leave the city for a few cats or a few months our cat sitting visits and in-home boarding service will help you find the best solution for your cat. Contact us with more details about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.
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This Is Why (and How) You Need to Prepare to be a First-Time Cat Owner

10/29/2017

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It’s altogether too easy to walk into a shelter or pet store, fall in love with a cuddly kitten and bring home a bundle of fur. But, that sense of joy can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not adequately prepared for pet ownership. Without the proper planning, home preparations, and knowledge, you won’t be able to provide your new pet with the safe, appropriate home it deserves. You might even regret an otherwise good decision had you been more prepared.

1. If You Don’t Do Your Homework, You Could End Up with the Wrong Pet

How could a pet be the wrong one? Well, for example, if you adopt a long-haired cat and have allergies, you could be miserable in a matter of minutes. Doing your homework to determine the right breed of cat for you is essential to having a long, happy relationship with your first pet.

Thankfully, MSN has curated a list of the best and worst cat breeds for people with allergies. Persian cats, Maine Coon cats, black cats, and Norwegian Forest cats are on the list to avoid. On the other hand, Sphynx cats, Siberian cats, Cornish Rex cats, Russian Blue cats, and Balinese cats are considered more hypoallergenic.

If you are not allergic to cats, you should consider characteristics of the animal you intend to adopt before taking the plunge. For example, kittens need a lot of attention and time to play, whereas older cats tend to be more solitary and low maintenance.

If you’re planning on adopting an elderly cat, here are some useful tips on modifying your home for older pets.

2. If You Don’t Prepare Your Home, Your Pet Won’t Be Safe

You may have friends who spent weeks baby-proofing their homes when their infants began rolling over and crawling. In reality, pet-proofing your home is just as important for the safety and well-being of your new four-legged baby. Even if you are adopting a more mature animal, you should prepare your home for his arrival with time to spare.

Some of the best practices for pet-proofing your home include
  • Using childproof latches to keep your cat from getting into cabinets, closets, or cupboards that contain cleaning products or food
  • Keeping medication, laundry supplies (especially detergent pods), and chemicals out of reach, even if you use childproof latches
  • Covering trash cans or keeping them out of reach
  • Eliminating loose wires or cords from electronics
  • Ensuring your plants are not poisonous​
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3. If You Don’t Consider How to Acclimate Your New Pet to Your Home, It Won’t Feel Comfortable

Of course, you’ll want to play with your pet and get acquainted as soon as you bring it home. But, your pet will need time to adjust to its new surroundings, and you need to help it through the transition. This is especially true if you have adopted a rescue animal who may have been abused or in a shelter for quite some time. 

One of the best ways to help your pet feel at home is to give them their own space. You should have a cat bed, toys, and scratch posts or boxes in a dedicated space. You also should keep its food and water in the same place.  If your cat needs a hiding place, make a cage available to it, and allow them to remain in their cage when guests visit, especially if a dog is a potential guest. 

4. Make Sure Owning  a Pet Won’t Be a Financial Hardship

The idea of a fast friendship with a new pet can easily overshadow the importance of assessing your ability to afford this pet. Do the math first. Can you afford food, toys, vaccinations, and random visits to the vet? If the answer is no, you should forgo getting an animal that you might have to give up. If the answer is yes, then you are in the perfect position to welcome a new cat into your home. 

Becoming a first-time pet owner will be more enjoyable for you and your new cat if you do your homework first, prepare your home, and take steps to acclimate it to your home. This sets the stage for the friendship of a lifetime. 

Author

Ms. Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.
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KITTY in NY provides the perfect solutions for your short and long term needs. Our cat sitting service will help you get away on short business trips or long weekends. A caregiver will visit your cat/s in your apartment. Our in-home boarding service is recommended for mid/long term services, you bring your cat to the caregiver's apartment where he/she will be the only pet. Contact us with more information about the service you need.
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Keep your cats indoors during October

10/8/2017

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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.
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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.
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You still don't have a cat!?

9/17/2017

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Cats are beautiful and amazing creatures. They will keep you company and will add quality to your life. Cats are very easy to care for and maintain.

  • Housebreaking takes about a minute. Just tuck a litter box with clean litter in an out-of-the-way spot in your home, and voila! Tiger is fully house trained!
  • You don’t have to give up being a clean freak. No need to worry about a dirty, smelly kitty rolling around on your carpet or your furniture. Healthy felines keep themselves clean from head to toe.
  • No guilt trips. Unlike your dog, who will drop his tail and look at you with a forlorn expression when you can’t stop what you’re doing to play with him, if you need to put your kitty off for a bit, she’ll wander away, not seeming to mind. You’ll find her later stretched out contentedly in her favorite napping spot.
  • You can stay warm, even in the dead of winter. As most folks owned by cats can attest, there’s nothing that compares to the coziness of a kitty curled up in your lap​
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If you're planning to add a feline to your family please visit your local animal shelter or cat rescue organization to find the perfect cat for you:

http://www.aspca.org/nyc/adoptable-cats
http://www.animalhavenshelter.org/
http://www.humanesocietyny.org/adoptions/
http://www.bideawee.org/

And remember that you won't have to worry about your cat when you leave NY for a few days (or months). Our in-home boarding and cat sitting services are the perfect solution for your short/mid and long term needs. We have loving caregivers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Your cat will feel like at home and you will receive periodic updates during the boarding. Book your next service in advance:
http://www.kittyinny.com/rates.html
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