Sometimes it seems like all the really good treats are on the dog side of the pet food isle at my local supermarket. But I finally found a treat that my finicky felines really like - Yummie Chummies. These are a salmon-based cat treat from Alaska. The treats not only taste great but they are high in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids including omega-3 and omega-6.

Arctic Paws is the manufacturer of Yummie Chummies and has been in business since 1997. They also offer a salmon oil supplement that can be added to your pet’s food. The lip-smakin’ good taste of the salmon oil appeals to your kitty’s discerning palate and you can be happy that the all natural product provides needed oils to smooth your cat’s coat and limit hairballs.

The company website claims that the treats can be used in pet shows to get cats to do tricks and pose beautifully for the camera. I tried this, but all I got was a cat’s tail flipoff - oh well.

Posted by Barbara.

Cat owners know that their cats communicate with them and with each other. They “talk” using different tones and intensity and with body language. It is estimated that cats have more than 20 different verbal communications and that is just the beginning of their ability to communicate with you if you “listen”. For example, my cat meows plaintively when he wants to be fed and then jumps on the counter waiting for a head-to-head tap. Cats do this as a sign of affection which increases noticeably for my cat when food is about to be offered. To gain additional insight into cat communication, you should watch their body language.

Beginning with their ears. Cats move their ears up in a raised position when then are curious about something - a noise or an object. However, if they move their ears backward or close to their head - be careful. That cat is feeling threatened, is protecting itself, and may attack. The ears back position may be accompanied by an arched back and can be followed by aggressive verbalizations or hissing.

Rubbing against your body. Around the cat’s nose whiskers, cheek, chin, and chest area there are glands that secrete a scent unique to your cat. That scent is placed onto objects or people when the cat rubs against them. This is one way a cat marks his territory. You should be flattered. Your cat is saying, in effect, “I like you. I want other cats to know that you are mine”.

Looking at the other end of your cat - his or her tail also gives you an indication of their mood. If the tail is raised upward, the kitty is happy and satisfied. If the end of the tail is loose and curved forward over its back, it is past happy and into joyful. However, if the tail is moving slowly side to side or is still, that is a cat that may be getting ready to pounce. If you watch your cat in the yard or even on the window sill when an object of prey such as a bird is visible, you can see this focused tail motion. A dropped tail may indicate disgust or retreat.

Understanding your cat is fun and will help you synchronize your behavior with their needs and feelings. The longer you’re around your cat, the better you will be at interpreting their communications. It is even okay to talk to your cat - you may be amazed at what they seem to understand about you.

Posted by Barbara.

Even your much loved, indoor kitty can get fleas. Fleas can hitchhike in on your shoes, your other pets, or live in your carpet or furniture. Fleas are the most common external parasite bothering our pets. The dermatitis that results from allergy to flea bites is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats. You can treat the problem preventively or situationally.

Flea infestations are serious business for you and your cat. Your cat can suffer anemia from the blood loss, caused by flea bites. Fleas are also vectors for some other diseases. You, too, can be bitten by fleas, causing a red, itchy bump.

If you select situational treatment, meaning after your cat shows signs of fleas; you should watch your cat for signs of itching or greater than normal bathing. If you aren’t sure if fleas are the cause, use a flea comb and look for the tiny black dots on the comb. This is flea dirt or more accurately excrement. If you rub the dots with a damp towel, you may see the dots become red or pink - this is residual blood from your cat.

To treat your cat, you should use a product that works on all stages of a flea’s life: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Wash all bedding and vacuum the furniture, including under the beds, chairs, the carpet, and crevices - especially crevices because fleas are sneaky critters. You can use a flea comb on your cat along with bathing with a flea shampoo. I do not recommend flea collars for cats as they can be caught and choke your cat, as he tries to get away. You can also use topical treatments on your pet’s coat.

Preventive flea treatment includes products given monthly before fleas are apparent. Program® and Sentinel® (Lufenuron) from Novartis are two preventive flea products. They are available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension. These are prescription drugs you get from a veterinarian. Frontline ® & Frontline Plus ® Flea & Tick Control for Cats are available over-the-counter. They are topically applied and kills fleas and ticks in under 48 hours. You can learn more about your flea control options and order products from Drs. Foster and Smith or from your vet.

Posted by Barbara.