Pet Bucket Blog

To most of us, the idea of walking a cat on a leash seems absurd. Cats are, after all, free-willed creatures that don’t respond well to discipline. Our feline friends will, however, answer to treats and praise, making leash training a viable option for some cats. Leash walking doesn’t just benefit your pet by allowing him to get a safe taste of the outdoors, but can also help him get more exercise, remedy boredom-related behavioral problems, and comes in handy during trips out of town or visits to the vet.   The first step towards training kitty to join you in the great outdoors is finding a harness that fits him properly. The two main types of harnesses are leads, which are made up of several straps that fit snugly around your cat’s neck and back, and vests, which are pieces of fabric worn exactly as the name suggests. Vests velcro or snap shut and give your cat more coverage, making them a good choice for felines that might be able to wriggle out of their leads. The harness should be snug, but not too tight— as a general rule, you should be able to fit a finger or two under the strapped harness, but no more.   Once you find the proper equipment, you want to introduce it to your cat slowly, using food for positive reinforcement. Leave the harness near kitty’s food dish, for example, or allow him to sniff it, following immediately with a treat. After practicing these simple steps, try slipping the harness on your cat, again using treats for positive reinforcement. You can also feed your cat in his harness and, eventually, he’ll be comfortable enough to let you fasten it. Don’t fret if your feline freezes up or walks in a weird way initially, as this is natural. He’ll eventually get used to his harness and begin to walk around in it. This is the time to attach a leash and following your cat around the household, using a slack lead. Continue to reinforce this activity with treats, and eventually you’ll both feel confident enough venture outdoors.   You cat will likely be wary on his first trip outside, so take slow, steady steps. Carry your leashed cat outside and place him on the ground, letting him explore at his own pace in a quiet area. Remember to never push your cat beyond his comfort zone— leash walks are, after all, meant to be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Some cats are naturally skiddish or shy and may not be good candidates for walks, so it’s important be mindful of how your pet responds to training. If he seems happy to continue, however, remember to always conduct leash training with a hungry cat who will respond to treats, and to always end each training session on a positive note, meaning its time to call it quits when your cat drops to the ground twitching his tail, for example. With some practice and patience, many owners will find they have a happier, more relaxed cat after some time outdoors.

Every cat owner has come home to find his favorite feline sleeping in shoeboxes, dresser drawers, or behind the sofa. It’s common knowledge that cats love to sleep in strange spaces, but few know why their pet prefers staking out the flowerpot to naps on the couch. Cats are always on high alert — even while sleeping — making these odd places prime spots for a snooze.   Part of why cats prefer sleeping in small spaces is that they are less likely to be pestered there. In the wild, these spots provide a safe retreat f away from predators. So, by nestling between neatly folded sweaters or inside a paper bag, kitty is ensuring he has the safest spot to sleep. Cats also love napping in slightly-too-small shoeboxes because these tiny spaces help keep them warm. Any owner who’s seen his cat sleeping in sunny spots or burrowing under blankets knows that cats enjoy the heat, and cardboard boxes provide an extra bit of insulation during an afternoon nap. Similarly, you may find your cat napping in the bathtub or sink when he needs to cool down. There may be other reasons your feline friend sleeps in peculiar places, though. Cats are curious by nature and this inquisitiveness can drive your pet to explore new nooks and crannies, such as opened dresser drawers. Pregnant females may look for a spot to nest and end up in strange areas, such as behind the sofa, when a litter is born. Cats searching for some fun may choose unconventional hiding spots, such as under a piece of furniture, as a prime spot to attack unsuspecting feet as they pass.   Though hiding is generally considered normal behavior, there are some cases when it can be a cause for concern. Hiding may be a sign of stress or illness, for example, and some cats become more antisocial as they age, which can be a sign of dementia or brain tumors. However, if you’ve ruled out any sickness or recent upset to your cat’s routine, then lurking in odd spots is likely just part of his nature. Remember, cats are creatures of habit, so your primary concern should be whether your cat has undergone any major behavioral changes. Most cats that hide do so habitually, and will often return to the same spots. So, if kitty has always been keen to sit under the couch instead of on the cushions, this is likely just part of his shy personality and nothing to worry about.

Everyone knows cats purr when they’re happy, but only the experienced feline aficionado knows cats also purr when feeling frightened, threatened, hungry or injured. A trip to the vet or hurt companion can cause kitty to purr as much as relaxing with his cherish person or grooming a fellow feline, then, making it important to pay attention to context to determine why your cat is purring.   Purring begins in your cat’s brain where rhythmic, repetitive nervous system activity sends a message to the muscles in his larynx. This causes the larynx, or voice box, to twitch anywhere from 25 to 150 vibrations per second. When your cat inhales and exhales, this prompts his vocal cords to separate, producing the comforting sound and vibration we know as purring.  While vets are not entirely sure why cats purr, they generally agree it is a soothing exercise for felines. Some compare the behavior to our own smiles: People smile when they’re happy, but also when they feel nervous or want something. In the same way, then, a cat’s purr can be an anxious behavior or attempt at grabbing our attention as much as it can be a sign that all is well. If your cat is relaxed, with his eyes closed and tail still, he’s likely giving you a big grin. But if he purrs around mealtime, for example, the purr is more likely a grab for attention than a sign of satisfaction.   The function of your cat’s contented vibrations could go even deeper, though, according to some scientists who have studied the behavior. The frequency of purring falls within the range that helps promote tissue regeneration, leading some to believe that the behavior could very well have healing properties. They theorize these vibrations are beneficial for bone growth, pain relief and wound healing, and possibly even for repairing muscles and reducing swelling, which may explain why cats have been found purring next to an injured companion. This is good news for pet owners, who can also benefit from the healing vibrations. Studies have found cats to be the best pets for relieving stress and lowering blood pressure — and purring might just play a role in that.   It’s worth noting that not all cats in the animal kingdom can purr. While domestic cats can create the soothing vibrations, their cousins who roar cannot purr because the structures surrounding roaring cats’ larynxes aren’t firm enough. While roaring species make these loud noises to protect their prides and territory, smaller cats are more likely to hunt alone, spending long periods resting in between chases. They mark their territories with scent glands, and reserve purring for time spent lying around, which may help stimulate bones so they don’t become weak during the rest.

Many cat owners have experienced the strife of introducing a new cat to the household or trying to curb problems such as spraying or scratching. Some swear by pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, as catchall solutions for cats’ stress-related problems. Others claim the products are costly with little to no effect. When considering pheromone treatments to solve kitty’s conundrums, then, it is worth understanding a bit more about these products and how they work.   Pheromones are natural chemical signals that animals produce to communicate with other members of their species. Scientists believe they are important in coordinating social behavior and that pheromones convey different “messages” to individuals of the same species. Synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, aim to mimic natural pheromones. Specifically, Feliway imitates the pheromones your cat leaves behind when he rubs his faces against you or your furniture. Known as feline facial pheromones, or FFPs, these chemicals mark his territory as safe and secure. Feliway’s goal is to mimic FFPs with feline facial pheromone analogues, of FFPAs. And while some cat owners have reported tremendous success with Feliway’s FFPAs, others doubt their effectiveness.   Feliway users report mixed results in which some cats, especially those under one year old, did not respond to the pheromone treatment, while others are noticeably more affectionate and relaxed. Success stories report that Feliway has helped eased fighting between cats and reduced the symptoms of stress, which include nervous or anxious cats; cats who have taken to spray-marking the home; and cats prone to hiding. It is also useful for pets undergoing stressful changes to their environments, such as new arrivals or home redecorating.   Feliway is available as both a plug-in diffuser and spray. To reap the full benefits of an FFPA diffuser, pet owners should use it in a mostly closed-off environment, generally their homes, and should note that larger or multi-story houses may require more than one diffuser. Once plugged in, Feliway takes anywhere from several hours to several weeks for results to show. Spray-on Feliway may be useful for cat owners looking to alleviate stress or behavior specific to one area, such as carriers used to take cats to the vet or cats’ favorite furniture for scratching. Frugal owners may shy away from the product, but the only way to know if kitty will calm down with the help of Feliway is to try the product.

As all pet owners know, when their pets are sleeping, they sleep hard. It might be a dog sleeping upside down on the couch or a cat stretched out at the most uncomfortable angle possible, just to ensure that its entire body is in the splash of sun on the floor. Waking up the pet isn’t easy when it’s in a warm spot, taking a nap.   But after watching your pet snooze much of the day, you may start wondering whether the animal is sleeping more than it should. Then if that same pet is spending much of the night prowling the house and keeping you awake, you may start to wonder if the pet is sleeping enough.   Finding the Right Amount of Sleep   It’s important that you understand whether your pet is receiving the right amount sleep. When a pet is not sleeping enough or is sleeping too much, it could indicate an animal that is suffering from some sort of illness or disorder. The amount of sleep that each pet needs will differ for numerous reasons.   ?Activity. A pet that doesn’t have much of an activity level may sleep more than average, in large part because it’s bored. To keep this pet healthy, you need to ensure the pet starts getting more exercise and sleeps less.   ?Age. An older pet will begin sleeping more than it did in its early adulthood, while a young animal will also sleep more than the average.   ?Instinct. If you have a pet that normally is a nocturnal type of animal, such as a cat, it may sleep more during the day, when you can see its activity level. But it may quietly be awake throughout the night, when you cannot see what it’s doing, meaning you may think it’s sleeping too much.   ?Job. Some pets are working animals, where they may volunteer at a hospital or work with humans as a police animal or a companion animal. The more the animal works, the more it will mimic the sleep patterns of the human with which it works.   ?Predator. Animals that are natural predators, such as dogs and cats, will tend to sleep more. Those that aren’t natural predators, such as horses or rabbits, will tend to sleep less. Figuring Out an Average   Because of the reasons listed above, discerning the amount of sleep each type of animal needs is a bit of a challenge. Additionally, an animal in captivity will sleep a bit differently than an animal in the wild, skewing the average.   ?Least sleep. Pets that need the least amount of sleep include horses at about 3-4 hours per day and cows at 4-5 hours per day. A fish doesn’t need much sleep either, but studying sleep patterns of fish is extremely difficult.   ?Similar sleep to humans. A human requires about 8 hours of sleep, which is similar to rabbits (8-9 hours) and primates (9-10 hours).   ?Most sleep. A dog will require 12-14 hours of sleep per day, while a cat may sleep 14-16 hours of sleep daily. Rodents and parrots also sleep about 12-14 hours per day. If you have a reptile or a turtle as a pet, you may notice it sleeps much of the day during the winter, which is a time when it would be hibernating in the wild.   While it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of sleep your pet is receiving, it might be even more important to pay attention to a change in the animal’s sleep pattern. If an animal has a sudden change in sleep habits that cannot be explained by an environmental change or by an instinct to hibernate in the winter, it could indicate a potential illness, so be aware of your dog’s health. For example, arthritis in dogs can be heavily disruptive to sleep patterns. An altered sleep schedule could be an early indicator of a problem such as this. Check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about any change in sleep patterns!

When it comes to the indoor-outdoor debate, many cat owners are wrought with guilt over keeping kitty cooped up inside. After all, outdoor cats live a more mentally and physically stimulating life with the freedom to hunt, climb and seek out the sun. However, free-roaming cats face dangers such as car accidents, predation and exposure to diseases that indoor pets do not. Moreover, indoor cats can live a healthy, fulfilling life when equipped with the right accouterments, making it important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether your cat will spend his time inside or out.   When it comes to disease, the indoor-versus-outdoor debate seems like a no-brainer. Experts estimate that there are more than 50 million stray cats living in the United States, and many of these feral felines carry diseases that can be passed on to your pet. Feline AIDS, distemper and leukemia are just a few of the serious and potentially fatal maladies your pet can contract. Parasites such as ticks and intestinal worms are another cause for concern when kitty ventures outside. Though indoor cats can contract parasites, outdoor cats are at a much higher risk of infection, which can cause symptoms from skin infections to severe vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, outdoor cats can face busy roads, wild animal attacks, and contact with toxins such as antifreeze and are the culprits behind millions of songbirds’ deaths each year.   If you do decide to let kitty venture outdoors, there are several steps you can take to reduce risks to his health and safety. Keep him up to date on vaccines and ensure your pet has been spayed or neutered. Outfit your cat with a collar that includes an identification tag in case her gets lost and a bell that will alert songbirds to any oncoming attacks. If you live near a busy road, it is worth considering teaching your cat to walk on a leash.   On the other hand, if you keep your cat indoors, there are several ways to ensure he has a healthy, satisfying life. Providing your feline friend with a companion — another cat, or even a dog in some cases — gives him an outlet for play, exercise, grooming and affection when you’re away from home. Cats also enjoy toys, such as laser toys or kitty “fishing poles,” that are both physically and mentally stimulating. Playing with these toys for a few minutes each day gives your cat an outlet for his natural hunting instincts. Indoor cats also need appropriate surfaces for scratching, so ensure your pet has several scratching posts spread around the house. You can create a stimulating indoor oasis for your cat by providing climbing places, hiding spaces, perches in sunny spots, and in-house entertainment such as bird feeders or birdbaths within view of windows.

If you’re frustrated with a cat that has taken to thinking outside the box when it comes to kitty litter, you’re not alone: At least 10 percent of cats develop an elimination problem at one point during their lives. Once your cat cultivates an aversion to his litter box, it can become a chronic issue. What’s worse, his new favorite place to do his business could be your living room carpet or prized sofa. If kitty’s gone AWOL when it comes to his litter box, the first step toward solving the problem is finding its underlying cause.   If your cat is uncomfortable with his litter box or can’t easily get in, chances are he’ll avoid it altogether. Make sure his litter box is cleaned thoroughly once a day and that the litter isn’t too deep— just one or two inches is enough. Cats prefer larger boxes, so make sure your feline friend isn’t feeling cramped by choosing a litter box roughly one-and-a-half times the size of the cat using it. Your cat may avoid his litter box because he doesn’t like the type of litter you’re using, so try switching to a clumping, unscented litter or the litter your cat used as a kitten. Most cats are averse to covered boxes and kittens and older cats with arthritis find it hard to climb in and out of high-sided boxes, so keep these factors in mind when choosing a litter box.   Another common issue is the litter box-to-cats ratio in multi-cat households. Be sure to provide one box per cat, plus one extra. Location can also cause major litter box woes, as cats that can’t easily get into their boxes or don’t feel safe there might forgo them altogether. Make sure the box is in in a quiet, but not cornered location so kitty can see other pets or people approaching and plan an easy escape route. If your cat has an aversion to a self-cleaning litter box, trying a more traditional box might do the trick.   The best way to curb litter box problems is to prevent them from the outset, so make your cat’s litter box as appealing as possible by following the guidelines above. If your cat’s already eliminating outside his box, try placing the litter box in his preferred spot and slowly inching it back to the desired location over time. You can also deter your cat from using inappropriate elimination surfaces by making them less appealing— by placing your cat’s food bowl there or using upside-down carpet runners, tin foil or double-sided tape in the area where your cat has eliminated in the past, for example. Pay attention to your cat’s behavior so you can catch any problems before they become bad habits. If in doubt, seek your veterinarian’s guidance, as some litter box issues can be caused by serious medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones or feline interstitial cystitis.

Many cat owners have experienced the frustration of coming home to a seemingly endless barrage of meowing. Certain breeds, such as Siamese and Bengal cats, have a reputation for unnecessary “talking,” but the truth is any cat can take to excessive meowing. If kitty’s communicating too much, try to figure out the cause first. Once you know why he’s wailing, you can appropriately address the problem.   Cats call out for any number of reasons, and these reasons change as kittens mature into full-grown felines. Youngsters will meow for their mother’s attention when they’re hungry, uncomfortable or scared. But as your cat grows, he uses his voice to communicate with you, his owner. He might meow to greet you when you come home, for example. Your cat could also call out because of stress, which can happen after introducing a new pet, moving house, or any other major life event. Older cats tend to meow more when they feel confused or disoriented. Sometimes, your feline friend wants to communicate basic needs, such as an illness or hunger. Or, your cat may simply be seeking attention.   Don’t just ignore persistent meowing without ensuring there isn’t a problem first. Older cats can bump into objects in the dark, a problem easily solved by leaving a light on at night, and persistent meowing can be a cry for help when your pet is sick, trapped in a room, or out of water. If your cat is stressed, try to determine the source and help him adjust to the change, or offer extra attention if you cannot change the situation. However, if your cat is meowing for more self-satisfying reasons, the most important step in solving the problem is to not give in: Don’t reward kitty with a treat if he cries every time you walk past the food bowl, for example. Only give him attention when he’s quiet, reinforcing positive behavior— but still be sure to spend time with your cat daily. Remember, loneliness can be a catalyst for caterwauling, so seek ways to improve your cat’s life. If you can’t give him enough attention, consider hiring a pet sitter or engaging him with alternative activities, such as placing a bird feeder outside the window for your cat to watch. Don’t punish your cat by shouting, throwing objects or spraying water, as this rarely works to quiet him, but does create a distrustful pet. Continue rewarding quiet behavior and ignoring meowing, and eventually your cat should catch on and trade yowling for purring. If your cat seems to cry for no reason, consider a trip to the vet, as pets are often masters of hiding illnesses.

Declawing cats is a hot-button issue among veterinarians and pet owners alike. Onychectomy, as the procedure is formally known, is regarded as a serious surgery and involves not just amputating a cat’s claws, but also the small bone that comes before his first knuckles. This isn’t just a painful process for your pet, but removes your cat’s first line of defence, can alter his sense of balance, and may even leave him with long term complications like lameness, behavioural problems, and chronic pain. The Humane Society and ASPCA suggest declawing only as a last resort after all other avenues to curb scratching have been explored. Some countries go even further, banning declawing outright as a form of animal cruelty. With cats’ claws the issue of such hot debate, the question remains: Why does kitty scratch your prized possessions in the first place? Clawing is a cat’s way of marking his territory. Both through the visual markings and scent left behind from glands on his paws, your cat stakes out his space in the house with his claws. Clawing can also serve as a form of exercise, stretching and working your cat’s front legs and spine, keeping him in prime condition for hunting. Finally, scratching is a natural action that loosens and removes the outer shell of the claw, revealing a sharp, healthy surface underneath.   Scratching is in your cat’s nature, but there are several alternatives to declawing if your cat is ruining your furniture or trim. You can trim the tips of kitty’s claws once or twice a month to make them less destructive— remember, though, only exclusively indoor cats should have their nails trimmed, as outdoor wanderers may need their claws to defend themselves and for climbing. Even with shorter nails, your cat can continue to claw, so it’s important to provide him with an acceptable alternative. Look for objects with similar textures to the surface your cat is currently clawing and place them at a comparable height. A range of commercially available scratching posts exists, or you can fashion a DIY scratch pad by attaching a square of loop-weave carpet to the wall. Remember, cats won’t use posts that don’t provide enough resistance and new scratching posts should be introduced in areas of the house that your cat frequents to encourage use. Try to provide one scratching post for each cat in the household. Others methods to deter clawing include cat adversives, such as aluminium foil or double-sided tape, placed over scratch-prone areas; trying Soft Paws, small latex caps that you or your veterinarian can glue onto the tips of your cat’s claws; or using Feliway, a product that mimics cat pheromones to help deter your cat from scratching to mark his territory.   Clearly, there are many avenues to explore before taking the plunge into declawing your cat.  As with any surgery, declawing comes with inherent risks such as pain, infection, and nerve trauma and should only be considered as a last resort.

Cats may be the most popular kind of pet in the world, beloved for their companionship and antics. Unfortunately, a common issue that arises from owning a cat is destruction of furniture. A cat's claws need maintenance, and they do this by scratching. In the wild, feline ancestors would use tree bark for this. In the home, they need replacements of some kind, and furniture often comes under attack as a result. There are ways to prevent or change this behavior, and here are some of the best ideas for protecting your furniture from a cat's claws.   Ensure An Alternative   As mentioned, a cat needs to maintain her claws. They do not scratch out of malice but out of necessity. Though they are not 'sharpening' their claws, they do need to shed the nail sheaths. Such activities also help mark territory, as they deposit scents on the object. Scratching is also good exercise, helping the cat to stretch almost like a yoga routine.   A cat does not have the choice to not scratch. This means that you have to provide alternatives to the furniture. The scratching post is the obvious one, but scratching beds are great as well. They can also enjoy thick ropes, tree branches, and similar things. It is best to provide many pieces of cat furniture, especially if you have several cats. You should still provide such scratching furniture if the cats may go outside.   Help the Cat Understand the Alternative   Cats are famous as creatures of habit and these habits can be hard to break. Some will instinctively use the provided scratching posts. Some will need to be shown where it is and what it is for. It can help to place the new scratching post near the furniture you wish to protect. You may also show the cat what it is for by taking her forepaws and gently rubbing them against the post -- she will often get the idea. You can then move the post by degrees to the desired location.   Encourage your cat with praise, petting, and treats when they use the proper places to scratch. Cats are stubborn creatures who respond better to the carrot than the stick. Rewarding them for good behavior is effective. Punishment for bad behavior rarely works.   Discouraging Scratching   One of the quirks of cat behavior is that they understand the world in a different way from humans. A cat will identify that a person has sprayed them with water, for example. But they will not learn that the behavior is bad. Instead they will learn to do it when they won't get caught. On the other hand, if a cat thinks she has been punished by 'the universe' in general, she is more likely to stop. This makes it more effective to set up a trap of sorts.   You can still discourage the behavior somewhat by squirting a cat with a water gun or a gardening spray can. However, it is more effective to use a motion-sensing air can and place it next to the object you wish to protect. These are available for a low price. When the cat approaches, the sensor will see them, and a harmless puff of air will be blasted at them. This will cause great surprise and usually a hasty retreat. And because it is something that 'just happens', the cat should soon learn not to attempt to scratch.   Armoring the Furniture   You can protect your furniture in a couple of other ways as well. A plastic cover of some sort will prevent damage while you help your cat adjust. You can also apply double-sided sticky tape to the furniture. Most cats strongly dislike the sensation of stickiness on their paws. This will lead them to seek other places to scratch, which you should have provided for them.   Claw Caps   If your cat proves determined to scratch the furniture no matter what, there is another option. Claw caps are small plastic covers which are affixed to the pet's front claws with the use of special glue. Usually you would trim the cat's nails (always be careful to avoid the quick of the nail!) before applying them. These soft objects ensure she cannot harm the furniture or indeed your skin but do no harm to her. The claw caps will fall off in time so be vigilant for when they need replacement.   Avoid Declawing   Declawing cats used to be a popular way to protect furniture, but it has begun to fall out of favor in recent years. This is because it is now often regarded as a cruel and mutilating procedure. The operation is the same as removing a human's fingers from the middle knuckles. It does far more than just taking away their claws. It can lead to psychological distress, an inability to defend herself against other animals, and chronic pain. Declawing leads to much more misbehavior than it prevents. In many countries the procedure is banned except where a vet deems it necessary for the cat's own health.   No matter how bad your cat's scratching might be, they should never be subjected to this procedure. There are always alternative ways to change their behavior.  So no matter how bad your cat's scratching might be, they should never be subjected to this procedure. There are always alternative ways to change their behavior.   Remember that your cats are unique, living beings. They have their own mannerisms and habits, and changing these takes time and effort. Use gentility and encouragement to help them learn what you do want them to do instead of trying to teach them what you do not want them to do. You can also use various things like spray bottles and claw covers to help protect your furniture while you and your pet work on their furniture scratching. As long as you are patient and caring, your cat will soon come to learn what to use for their claw care.