HOW CAN MODERN LIFE CONFLICT WITH CATS’ NATURAL NEEDS?

Modern life for indoor cats can sometimes conflict with their natural needs. This week we will raise awareness on some of these potential stressors so that you can better understand your feline friend and potentially make some changes so that you can make your cat a happier cat.

Space

Many of us cat lovers choose to keep our cats indoors with limited or no access to the outside. This is just the opposite of what cats prefer!

Find ways to stimulate your cat. Create hiding places, utilize vertical space such as raised platforms and or get some cat grass! You could even teach your cat to walk on a leash.

Autonomy

Cats are rather solitary and want to be their own boss. As pets though, cats cannot decide where and when they can find food for example. Especially if they have to live with another cat mate.

Cats in the wild have their own territories that they patrol in solitude. This does not mean they are anti-social but they naturally have different social interactions from dogs or humans. Make slow introductions, ensure your cat has their own privacy, maximize resources (e.g a litter tray per cat) or try a Feliway Diffuser to help promote positive interactions.

Calm

Cats are calm animals who like routine and don’t like to be surprised. Conversely, our modern lives resonate with variety and loud noises.

Provide your cats with hiding places and quiet spaces in the house. Make sure they know where the "safe" area is so that they can retreat when necessary.

Escape paths

Cats do not like to be constrained. Facing a closed door or window or even another pet or a child in their path represents a challenge for them.

Sometimes obstacles are inevitable, for these moments consider something like Feliway Classic which is a plug in pheromone diffuser. This diffuser releases 'happy messages" to help your cat adjust to some of life's challenges.

Stability

Cats like stability, especially in their home. On the opposite, most of us enjoy travelling and discovering new locations!

Be proactive about helping your cat adjust to changes in their lifestyle. Make their cat carrier a travelling safe space instead of a device that only appears for car rides and vet visits. Create quite areas in the house if you are renovating or having company. In times of change eg moving, provide calming phermones either in a diffuser or spray to help make the transition less stressful.

Is your cat happy? Take the quiz https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Why-Feliway/How-happy-is-your-cat

This post is based on the article from Feliway https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Why-Feliway/How-your-cat-feels-in-our-modern-life.

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Itchy Pet Awareness Month

By CY Mac • 03 Aug, 2023

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! This month was created to help unite pet owners and veterinarians in managing pets with skin conditions. We want to empower pet owners with the resources to identify signs of concern in their pets, and get the veterinary care they need to provide rapid and lasting itch relief. Did you know that allergic/atopic dermatitis (dry, itchy, inflamed skin) is the number one reason for veterinary visits? Even knowing this there are still an alarmingly large number of pets that go untreated by a veterinarian every year, often simply because owners are unaware of what to look for. Your pet’s itch could be caused by: Flea allergy Environmental indoor and outdoor allergens Food allergy Contact allergy Parasites such as fleas and mites Bacterial or yeast infections Remember, all pets will scratch, lick, bite, and rub. But if it is becoming more frequent or excessive, it may be a sign of an allergic itch. Signs of Itch Include: Excessive scratching. Biting, chewing, rubbing or scooting Frequent licking Recurrent ear problems Hair loss Body odor Skin changes Because the frequency at which something occurs is subjective and will vary depending on who you ask, we often refer to the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Itch Scale . It is an incredibly helpful tool for us to be able to objectively measure the severity of itching. Early treatment is always preferred in these types of cases. Severe, prolonged scratching can damage the bond between pets and their owners by interfering with normal activities and increasing stress in pets themselves. It’s not uncommon that pet owners will experience stress, anxiety, and frustration about their pets itch. Especially when they know their pet is uncomfortable but aren’t sure how to help. Check out our Dermatology Page for more information and resources. If your pet is itching for help, don’t wait. Reach out to the M.A.C. team today at 905-208-9933 or at reception@macvets.com to see how to get help for your pet’s itch, fast.

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By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

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Hot Weather Safety Tips

By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

Many people love spending the long, warm days of summer outside with our canine companions, but being outside without the proper precautions in hot weather can be dangerous for our pets. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pup cool in the heat: Adjust your walking routine Aim to go for walks either early in the morning, or later at night when it’s cooler. If you do choose to walk during the day, remember to check the temperature of the pavement. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot for you to walk on it comfortably in bare feet, then it’s too hot for your puppy's paws! Provide lots of fresh, cool water Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, and it is therefore important to ensure there is always water easily accessible. Remember to take some on the go with you, even for just short walks. Provide cool surfaces to lie on A cool, damp towel is an inexpensive and easy solution. Reduce the amount of walking and exercise Even though it is tempting to keep our little ones' routine the same, their safety is more important. Providing activities indoors such as puzzle feeders or long lasting lick toys will help to keep them calm and occupied. Provide water playtime Try setting up a sprinkler or kiddie pool (preferably in the shade) to let them play in while supervised. Prevent sunburn Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt too? Those more prone are those with no hair, with white or thin coats, and dogs with light pigmented noses and eyelids. Applying a pet safe sunscreen or keeping them indoors is best.