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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENT
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Page 1: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENTi.e.prettylittercats.com/wpm/1123/ContentUploads/... · THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENT • 2 We love cats and their

T H E D E F I N I T I V E G U I D E T O B E I N G T H E B E S T

CAT PARENT

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CONNECT WITH US ON

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENT • 2

We love cats and their parents so much that we invented a way for cat parents to keep tabs on their cat’s health in a convenient, non-invasive way.

When our founder and CEO, Daniel Rotman, lost his treasured cat, Gingi, he dedicated himself to making sure no cat parent had to go through the same heartache..

Because cats are so good at hiding symptoms of illness, Gingi’s condition went unnoticed until it was too late. We are dedicated to giving cat parents the tools they need to detect feline illnesses as soon as possible. But, we’re not going to stop there, we want to give cat parents all the knowledge they need to be the best moms and dads, we created this Definitive Guide to Cat Parenting! We hope you (and your cat) enjoy!

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A Guide for New & Old Cat Parents

Whether you’re new to cats or not, we bet there are a few things you might not know yet... And that’s OK!

One of the best things about being a cat parent is getting to know your cat’s unique personality. If you’re going to be the best pet parent you can be, you have to figure out what your little furball’s quirks and mannerisms mean.

Let’s start with the basics then we’ll get into the nitty, gritty kitty details.

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The BasicsThere are a few key things to always keep in mind when evaluating your cat’s behavior and health.

Even cats who have been indoors, sheltered, and coddled from day one know that it’s their duty in life to protect their territory from other cats.

They don’t handle change well. While humans anticipate — and even look forward to — events like moving to a new home, having children, getting a new job, and so on, cats are not so thrilled about changes to their environment. Anything from a shift in your work hours to a new addition to the family, can really stress them out.

Seriously. No other animal on this planet has commanded as much glossy-eyed attention from humans surfing YouTube as the cat. If you feel compelled to watch, fawn over, take pictures of, and talk incessantly about your cat, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone.

CATS ARE TERRITORIAL

CATS ARE SENSITIVE

CATS ARE ENTERTAINING

O1

O2

O3

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The equipmentLike any creature in your care, feline or otherwise, cats require a few essential items. Make sure you always have these on hand.

BOWLS

GROOMING

LIT TER BOX

NAIL TRIMMERS

LIT TER

One for food and one for water for each cat. Remember how we mentioned cats are territorial? That includes being highly protective of their food and water bowls.

Every cat needs a brush. As a general rule, choose a brush with bristles about a quarter as long as your cat’s hair. That will ensure you pick up those stray hairs without irritating your cat’s skin. Pick up some baby-safe moist towelettes, too, for when Kitty’s ears and face get dirty.

The one downside to owning a cat is you’ll need to have a place indoors for your cat to do his business. You’ll need one box per cat, plus an extra (e.g., 2 cats need 3 litter boxes). Use litter box liners to keep bacterial growth to a minimum and replace plastic litter boxes once every 6 months.

Save yourself a lot of headache — and save your furniture — by proactively trimming your cat’s nails every three to four weeks.

There are many options for litter — like clumping clay and natural medium — that can make litter box cleaning duty feel like torture. That’s why we created a light-weight, no dust, odor controlling, super affordable, health-monitoring option called PrettyLitter.

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TREATS

SCRATCHING SPOTS

TOYS

CAT CARRIER

Giving your cat treats is a great way to bond. But they’re also the best way to bribe your cat. Won’t come out from under the bed? Shake the treats jar. Won’t sit still while you trim her nails? Give her a treat between each clip. Treats help your cat build positive associations with people and situations so she’s calmer and less stressed.

Cats’ nails slough off in layers. When those layers are almost ready to shed, you may notice your cat scratching more often. Cats also scratch to deal with stress. Make sure your cat has at least one horizontal and one vertical scratching spot in your home.

While you may question your cat’s intelligence from time to time (like when she gets in a fight with her own tail), cats are intelligent creatures that need mental stimulation. Pick up a laser pointer, a few crinkle balls, and a stuffed toy you can fill with catnip and your kitty will be in playtime heaven.

At some point in your cat parenting career you’ll need to transport your cat — whether it’s to the vet, the boarding hotel, or a new home. Pick up a cat carrier that’s large enough for your cat to turn around, but small enough to where she feels snug and safe. You’ll need one cat carrier for each of your fur babies, too.

The equipment continued

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TRY PRETTYLITTER TODAY

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Ultralight &Delivered FREE

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cattitudesCats are complex creatures with multifaceted moods. Knowing what your cat’s moods and mannerisms mean can help you help them live a healthy, happy life.

Especially in the early years of life, your cat may be extremely curious. Cats like to explore their environments — both indoors and out. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, watch out. Your little one may be tempted to dart out into the wide-open world at the first opportunity.

Help your cat satisfy her innate curiosity by making sure she has a high-up perch from which she can watch the goings on around your house and give her a nice windowsill to sit in and observe the outside world. Mother Nature is like Kitty TV.

ALWAYS CURIOUS

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behavior continued

There will be times when your cat wants your full and undivided attention. You’ll know your cat is in an extroverted mood when she’s meowing at you to pet her, feed her, or play with her. Then, at other times, you’ll notice your kitty disappears for hours on end, secluded in her favorite hiding spot.

Pay attention to your cat’s vocal patterns. You’ll soon learn which sounds mean “I’m hungry,” “I want to play,” and “Hey, you’re not giving me enough attention.” Uncommon sounds may indicate that your cat isn’t feeling well and needs to see a vet.

When she decides to go into seclusion, don’t disturb her. Like introverted humans, some cats just need some time alone to recharge. If your cat stays secluded for more than a day, then something may be wrong.

INTROVERTED EXTROVERTS

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behavior continued

Cats are extremely territorial — it’s one of those fascinating traits that your adorable domesticated pet has in common with his big, ferocious cat cousins in the wild. In fact, cats can be territorial over something as small as a food bowl or a level on your cat tree, or they can be territorial over an entire plot of land. In other words, your cat may have very rigid rules about what’s “mine!”

Cats mark their territory in many ways: spraying urine, leaving unwelcome “presents” around the perimeter, scratching, or rubbing her face on entryways and key landmarks. Unneutered and unspayed cats are most likely to spray, so getting your cat fixed may

TERRITORIAL

put an end to unwanted spraying.

If you have multiple cats in the home, you may need to add an extra food bowl, water bowl, perch, or litter box to alleviate the territorial tension. Be sure to clean up any urine or feces with a pet enzyme cleaner to ensure there’s no trace of the deposit left over, which could encourage more territorial behavior.

If your cat is scratching doorways and furniture, be sure you have plenty of scratch-approved places for your cat to shred. Place scratching posts and mats near the furniture your cat is scratching and rub catnip or silver vine on the scratching surface to attract your cat.

cats can be territorial over something as small as a food bowl

“ “

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behavior continued

Some cats can lash out aggressively when they feel threatened, when they are provoked, or when they are ill. Unneutered males are the most likely to be aggressive. If you notice your cat’s body and tail are stiff, his ears are turned outward and slightly flattened, the hair on his back is bristled up, or he’s growling, hissing, or moaning, just back off and give them some space.

In many cases, your cat’s aggression will pass once he’s been left alone long enough to feel that the threat or annoyance is gone. However, if your cat’s aggression persists for days or even weeks, there’s likely something more severe going on.

If that happens, don’t worry, there’s things you can do to help. First, take your cat in for a vet check-up. Cats who are ill or females who are pregnant can show their symptoms through aggression as they try to protect themselves in their vulnerable state. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, take a look at her environment for any possible issues.

The culprit could be another cat or pet in the home, a lack of hiding or perching places, or even an uncomfortable litter box. If there are feral cats around your home, you may need to close the blinds at night, so your cat isn’t agitated by them.

Remember: Cats are rarely mean just for the sake of being mean. Aggression is a sign of a deeper problem that can be solved with patience and professional help.

AGGRESSION

Cats are rarely mean just for the sake of being mean.

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PLAYFUL

While cats are masters at conserving energy – hence why they seem to sleep 18 hours per day – they also love to play.When your cat isn’t hiding or chowing down on that delicious food you bought her, it may be time for a play session.

Get to know your cat’s preferences and keep her favorite toys on hand. Some cats are obsessed with crinkle balls (little balls of noisy foil that they can bat around) while others only like cardboard boxes. Try a rotation of laser pointers, soft toys, jingle balls, teaser wands, and simple shoe boxes to see what holds your cat’s attention the longest.

behavior continued

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happy cat = healthy Cat

As a cat parent, it’s your job to know when your feline friend isn’t feeling well and get her the medical care she needs. Keep an eye out for the most common health problems in cats.

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common health problems

make sure she has plenty of water during this time

DIARRHEA

EYE PROBLEMS

Frequent trips to the litter box and loose or watery stool may just be signs of a short-term digestive issue or a more serious problem.

If your cat has diarrhea, start by taking away her food for 12 - 24 hours. If she ate something bad, this will allow her digestive system to process the problem and return to normal. Make sure she has plenty of water during this time as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

If the problem persists for more than a day, if you notice blood in your cat’s feces, or if your cat starts showing other symptoms of illness such as vomiting or fever, take her to the vet right away.

Cats spend their days rubbing their cute little faces on everything, then cleaning their faces with their paws. This can easily lead to eye infections and other eye problems.

Other eye conditions can be caused by viruses, trauma, or genetic disorders. Keep an eye out for any of the symptoms of eye problems, including:

» Cloudiness » Red or white eyelids » Discharge » Eye boogers » Watery eyes » Squinting » Tear-stained fur » A third eyelid

Contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

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FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACK DISEASE

VOMITING

Because cats are highly emotional creatures, they’re prone to stress. Stress can lead to FLUTD, a condition that affects both male and female cats and causes problems with urination.

Cats suffering from FLUTD may show symptoms such as:

» Difficulty urinating » Moaning or crying during urination » Bloody urine (PrettyLitter will turn red) » Urinating outside of the litter box » Excessive genital licking » Changes in mood and behavior » Lack of appetite » Dehydration » Vomiting

FLUTD can lead to urinary blockage, which can quickly become fatal. If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to an emergency animal hospital right away.

Because cats tend to sniff or lick anything they come in contact with (including themselves), it’s not uncommon for them to vomit from time to time. However, even the occasional hairball should be examined to make sure there isn’t a deeper problem at hand.

If your cat is drooling, heaving, or vomits blood or any abnormal substance, contact your veterinarian right away. Vomiting can also lead to dehydration, which can cause further health problems.

common health problems continued

even the occasional hairball should be examined

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common health problems continued

FLEAS

TAPEWORMS

Fleas are extremely common and easy to treat, but they can also be quite dangerous. Severe flea infestation can lead to anemia and other health issues if not treated quickly.

Fleas may be difficult to detect if your cat has long or thick fur. So, keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as:

» Hair loss » Little bits of black debris in your cat’s hair » Excessive scratching or licking » Red, irritated, or infected skin

There are several treatments for fleas, including topical, oral, and hygienic solutions, so talk to your vet about which one is right for your cat to get rid of current fleas and prevent new ones from latching onto your little one.

Tapeworms are parasites that live in your cat’s intestinal tract. They’re often acquired by eating fleas — even a single swallowed flea can transmit the parasite.

Unfortunately, tapeworms are one of those common health problems that you can’t see from outside your cat. However, cats suffering from tapeworms will often lose weight unexpectedly and vomit.

If you suspect your cat may have tapeworms, collect a sample of your cat’s feces and bring it in to your veterinarian for testing. Fecal tests are the only way to detect tapeworms, but if they’re found, the treatment is often quick and effective.

Fecal tests are the only way to detect tapeworms

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Chronic Conditions

In addition to the six most common cat health problems, you should also be aware of the chronic conditions cats can suffer from and the signs that your cat may be ill.

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chronic conditions

As odd as it may sound, cats need to brush their teeth, too. Obviously, you’re going to need to help them out with that. Cats’ teeth will naturally build up tartar over time. As tartar accumulates, the gums will recede and your cat will be at risk for losing teeth or acquiring an infection such as gingivitis, tonsillitis, or pharyngitis.

Cats who suffer from dental disease may stop eating, stop drinking water, lose weight, or show signs of infection such as fever, lethargy, and vomiting. If left

untreated, oral infections can be transmitted to vital organs such as the kidneys and liver through the bloodstream.

Brushing your cat’s teeth at least once per month can prevent tartar build up and give you a chance to notice any lesions or sores in your cat’s mouth.

Most veterinarians carry feline tooth brushing kits and can demonstrate how to give your cat’s pearly whites a quick polish.

DENTALDISEASE

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chronic conditions continued

FELINE LEUKEMIA

FIV

Feline Leukemia, also known as FeLV, is a virus that suppresses your cat’s immune system and can lead to cancer. The FeLV virus can be transmitted through any feline bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, mother’s milk, and to fetuses while in the mother cat’s womb.

Cats suffering from FeLV often have poor appetite, low energy, a dull or rough coat, and pale gums and other dental issues such as gingivitis and stomatitis.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a contagious illness that cats can pass to one another. It causes your cat’s immune system to be weakened, so your cat is unable to fight off infections and other illnesses.

To prevent the spread of FIV, have your cat spayed or neutered as early as possible, according to your vet’s recommendation. Keep your cat indoors and away from feral cats who may or may not be infected. If you ever decide to add another cat to your family, have your new addition tested before introducing him to your current cats.

While there is a vaccine for FIV, it may not be right for all cats. Talk to your veterinarian about your options and protect your fur baby as early as possible.

have your new addition tested before introducing him to your current cats.

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chronic conditions continued

DIABETES

No, diabetes isn’t just a human problem – cats can be diabetic, too. Cats with diabetes struggle to produce or respond to the body’s insulin hormone. This can send your cat’s blood glucose levels out of whack.

Feline diabetes is often caused by:

» Obesity » Advancing age » An inactive lifestyle » Neutering » Steroid therapy

Some breeds, like Burmese cats, are more likely to develop diabetes than others. However, any cat can be affected. Cats suffering from diabetes may show symptoms such as:

» Weight loss » Increased appetite » Excessive thirst » Excessive urination » Dehydration » Weakened back legs

Feline diabetes requires a special blend of treatments that may include insulin therapy, dietary adjustments, and symptom management. However, many diabetic cats can live long, fulfilling lives with the right treatment plan.

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LEARN MORE

at PrettyLitter.com

Less Dust & MessUltra LightweightOdor & Scent Free

The Color-ChangingHealth-Monitoring Cat Litter

I N T R O D U C I N G

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chronic conditions continued

While we’d all like to think that we’d recognize if our cat is overweight or obese, our deep love for our fur babies can often blind us to glaring problems. In fact, some people may find an “extra fluffy” cat even more adorable. But it’s actually a big deal and a major health hazard. Even one to two extra pounds can lead to problems like inflammation, urinary blockage, and diabetes.

Before you think we’re being extreme, consider this: a healthy cat weight is about 10 pounds for domesticated cats. If your cat gains 2 pounds, that’s a 20 percent body mass increase. That would be the equivalent of a 150 pound adult gaining 30 pounds.

Preventing obesity in cats should always be a top priority for pet parents. If your cat is overweight, there are things you can do to help your cat shed the excess pounds (see right).

By preventing overweight and obesity in your cat, you’ll go a long way to preventing disease and enjoying a long, healthy life with your fur baby.

OVERWEIGHT& OBESITY

Make sure your cat’s food isn’t full of grains and carbs. Cats need a low carb diet.

All cat foods have serving suggestions on the packaging. Check your cat’s food packaging to make sure you’re not giving her a super-sized portion. She should get a serving appropriate for her ideal weight, not her current weight.

Help your cat exercise by spending at least 10 minutes each day playing with him. Use a laser pointer, a feather, or any toy your cat’s shown an interest in to get him moving.

If your cat has an underlying condition or is on medications that cause weight gain, talk to your vet about which food he should be eating to keep him at a healthy weight.

LOW CARB DIET

USE SERVING SUGGESTIONS

10 MINUTES A DAY

MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

O1

O2

O3

O4

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Cat care

calendar

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Sometimes it can be hard to keep all the vaccines and regular check-ups your cat needs in order. Here’s the ultimate cheat sheet for keeping your cat’s health in check.

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cat care calendar

6 MON

THS FIRST 6 MONTHS OF LIFE

Cats need the most attention in their first six months of life. As soon as you adopt a kitten, schedule a veterinary checkup. Issues like intestinal parasites and malnutrition can be cured if caught and treated early. As soon as possible, your kitten should be tested for:

In these early months, your kitten may also need to be spayed or neutered and receive vaccinations such as:

Intestinal parasites

Healthy heart & lungs

Healthy joints & muscles

Good vision

Ear mites

Rabbies

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Calicivirus

Panleukopenia

Feline Leukemia

Fleas

Giardia

Feline Leukemia

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Not all cats need all vaccines, so talk to your vet about your state’s requirements and what’s best for your kitten’s health.

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cat care calendar continued

1 yearFIRST YEAR OF LIFE

PREVENTATIVECARE REGIMEN:

In the first year of life, your cat should begin his or her preventative care regimen.

Talk to your vet about which flea, tick, and heartworm prevention methods are best for your cat. Medications like fluralaner make it easy to protect your cat from both fleas and ticks for a full 12 weeks. Start your cat on a prevention regimen early.

Regular grooming should also be introduced early in your cat’s life. While most cats aren’t fans of baths, you can train your cat to get used to things like brushing, ear

cleaning, and dry baths using a damp cloth or towelette by plying her with treats during the process in the early stages of life.

A healthy diet is critical to long-term health, so start your kitty off right with food that’s grain free. Cats require a diet high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs. Opt for food with ingredients you recognize (like chicken, salmon, and peas) and steer clear of ingredients like corn and wheat gluten or anything containing the words “byproduct,” “meal,” “BHT,” “BHA,” “ethoxyquin,” or “PG/propylene glycol.”

Flea & tick prevention

Heartworm prevention

Regular grooming

A healthy diet

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cat care calendar continued

yearlyYEARLY CAT MAINTENANCE

Just like you (should) go see your own doctor once per year, your cat should see her doctor annually, as well.

During the adult years between the ages of 1 and 10, cats can begin to show signs of age-related health problems. While this is a normal part of the aging process, the earlier you and your vet catch these problems, the easier they will be to treat.

Common problems during this phase of life include:

» Arthritis » FLUTD » Heart disease » Feline diabetes

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cat care calendar continued 10+ years10 YEARS & BEYOND

After age 10, cats are considered seniors. During this phase of life, your cat should see the veterinarian every six months (possibly more frequently if she has a chronic condition).

Senior cats are at a greater risk of serious health issues such as:

» Fatty liver disease » Feline diabetes » Feline hyperthyroidism » Heart disease » Vision & eye problems

Get your cat on a regular veterinary visit schedule to ensure any new conditions are caught early and any chronic conditions are managed well.

If your furry friend suffers from any chronic conditions, you may want to consider applying for Pet Health Insurance to help cover the cost of treatment.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENT • 27

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#catparentLet’s be real here: being a cat parent is a lifestyle. And an awesome one, at that!

From having an endless source of cute Instagram pics to having something warm and fuzzy to cuddle on a rainy day, being a cat parent can be a joy. Of course, there are some downsides to bringing a cat into your home, but they can all be managed or mitigated with a bit of creativity.

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lifestyle

While you may be the biggest cat lady (or cat dude) in town, that doesn’t mean you want to forfeit your house to your four-legged friends. To keep your home homey, follow these easy tips:

GET CREATIVE ABOUT WHERE YOU HIDE THE LITTER BOX.

Many cat parents have found easy ways to hide the litter box in a bench, plant pot, or even something as simple as a more sophisticated receptacle, like a sleek hooded litter box.

CAT FUR IS NOT A FASHION ACCESSORY.

So, keep plenty of lint rollers around your home and in your car for the inevitable shed struggle.

THE VACUUM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

While your cat may look perfectly polished, she actually sheds tons of dander onto your floor and rugs every day. Run a weekly vacuum and you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the smell of your home.

KEEPING YOUR HOME

hoMey

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lifestyle continued

GROOM YOUR CAT REGULARLY

to minimize the amount of cat hair floating around your home.

INVEST IN AIR FILTERS. A stand-alone air filter can make a world of difference in your home while changing your furnace filters once every 2 months will ensure your HVAC system is efficient and safe.

COVER ANY SURFACES YOUR CAT PREFERS WITH A CAT BLANKET.

Wash your cat’s blankets in a separate load whenever you do laundry. Since cats tend to pick a few favorite spots, this is a predictable way to keep hair and odor under control.

a predictable way to keep hair and odor under control.

“KEEPING YOUR HOME

hoMey

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vacationingAS A CAT PARENT

lifestyle continued

Who doesn’t love to travel? Well... your cat, probably. While you may enjoy jet setting around the globe, your cat would rather be at home. To make you both happy, keep these things in mind:

If you’re only going to be gone 24 - 48 hours, your cat may be better off staying home. Put a few extra bowls of food and water out, clean the litter box, and ask a trusted neighbor to check in on her half-way through your trip.

For longer vacations, first see if you have someone who can stop by your house once per day to do some cat maintenance and offer a bit of play time.

If no one is available to pet-sit, you’ll likely need to board your cat. Boarding can be an extremely stressful situation for some cats, so it’s best to make your fur baby feel as close to home as possible. Leave her with a trusted boarder, preferably at a cat-only facility, and stock her up with things that smell like home, such as a blanket, toys, and familiar food.

stock her up with things that smell like home

“ “

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It’s an amazing thing to watch a little tiny creature grow, mature, and have a full life. For some people, this means being a parent to both cats and humans alike.

If you’re filling your home with all the adorable things, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration.

First, let your cat and baby get to know each other in a spacious, well-supervised area. Give your cat free reign to come and go as he pleases. When he’s done being social, he’ll leave the room. Don’t force any sort of interaction – your feline friend will be much happier to bond with Baby later.

lifestyle continued

Next, remember that both cats and babies are naturally curious. While your cat will likely just sniff around your bundle of joy, babies are known to grab and pull at anything nearby. If this happens to be your cat’s tail, your baby could get scratched. Protect Kitty by keeping an eye on Baby at all times and protect Baby by covering Kitty’s nails with nail caps.

As your kids get older, teach them proper pet politics. Teach your child from an early age that when a cat leaves the room, runs away, or retreats to a hiding place, it’s best to let him be. Cats who don’t want to play or be picked up are more likely to scratch or nip when their patience is tested.

As with anything, get your child involved in your cat’s care. Nurturing another living thing can do wonders for a child’s brain and stimulates emotional development.

parentingCATS AND KIDS

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lifestyle continued

DON’T SCOOP

the poopThere are tons of reasons why you shouldn’t scoop your cat’s litter. For instance, if you’re pregnant, if you have back or knee problems and it physically hurts you to crouch, or if you just like to keep as far away from that side of your cat’s life as possible.

Whichever reason applies to you, own it. It’s OK. There are better options. Thankfully, brilliant engineers around the world have worked hard to solve this dilemma for cat parents. The fabulous result is automatic or roll-and-sift litter boxes.

Automatic (also known as self-cleaning) litter boxes use a mechanical device to sense when you cat has left the litter box and then comb

through the litter to push any solid waste into a receptacle that’s easily emptied without getting too close to the yuck-zone.

Another option is the roll-and-sift litter box. Rather than using a mechanical system that requires power, you simply roll this box on it’s side to collect the solid waste into a drawer, then tip it back over. Preferably when Kitty’s not inside.

While automatic and roll-and-sift litter boxes are notorious for getting gummed up with traditional clumping clay litter, they work beautifully with PrettyLitter’s non-clumping silica litter.

And best of all, you never have to scoop the poop.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEING THE BEST CAT PARENT • 33


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