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.

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.

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.

• 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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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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​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!

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).

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/

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.

​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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

​10 Reasons Why Adopting a Cat Is The Best Thing You Could Ever Do, courtesy of Tuxedo Cat

​We'd also like to thank StreetEasy, Izon and NYCityGuide for recommending our cat care services:

StreetEasy
http://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-pet-boarding/
​
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.

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.

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​

Many cat owners wonder about this. If my cat is strictly an indoor cat, why should we take him to the vet every year? Regular checkups are an opportunity to check the overall wellbeing of your cat. Potential problems could be detected and be picked up early.

A kitten should complete the regular vaccination schedule. This includes a series of shots and booster shots that last around 12 months (it involves 2/3 visits to the vet). Please talk to your vet about mandatory shots and decide which shots should your kitten receive. New York State Law requires mandatory rabies shots. More details about vaccinations can be found here:

http://www.kittyinny.com/blog/vaccination-schedule-for-cats

KITTY in NY provides in-home boarding and cat sitting solutions. Our cat sitting visits to your apartment are the best option for short term trips and holidays. They are also recommended when you have more than 1 cat or if your cat is very shy. In-home boarding is a good option for your longer term needs. You bring your cat to the caregiver's apartment where he/she will be the only pet. You will receive regular updates during the service. Contact us and let us know more about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.