It is so important to know what to expect on a yearly basis in terms of budget. Not to mention what the cost is over a lifetime of owning a pet. Having five pets I am fully versed in the costs of pet ownership! But it is heartbreaking for both pets and their owners to have to make the decision between keeping a pet or paying rent. A decision no one should be forced to make. So read on to find out what to expect before you bring a pet home and also for budget cutting tips!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

You’ve Made The Decision To Get A Pet

Congratulations! You have made the decision to get a pet! You are now likely doing some research and finding out more things such as the right breed/animal for your household and what to expect in terms of behavior and training once they arrive! But have you thought about the cost of the first year? Or the years after that? Or increasing costs once they enter their senior years?

Even the size of a pet alone can have a big impact on your budget. Got a big dog? That is a bigger food bill. And a bigger medication bill since many are dosed according to weight. I won’t even tell you what it costs to get Grace a monthly allergy shot…Not to mention it can cost more to find a dog walker willing to take on a large dog. And while you might be head over heels in love with that little pug face, you should be prepared for more health issues over their lifetime.

It sounds like a lot to consider. But by doing your research and knowing where you can save costs it can help you to prepare for a lifetime of joy with your pet! Read on to find out more!

Startup Costs

Yes there are costs you are going to incur before that new little fluffball even crosses your doorstep! The first being the cost of acquiring your new pet in the first place! If you are looking for a new kitten or puppy on a budget, a rescue or a shelter should be the first place you visit. Besides their adoption fees being fairly reasonable you will also be giving that pet a chance for a new life! You can read more on the importance of adopting a shelter pet HERE.

If you are going the purebred route be prepared to pay MUCH more out of the gates unless you consider a rescue. And don’t let that tempt you to go for the too good to be true deal on a purebred puppy or kitten. Because there is a higher chance it is coming from a puppy mill and you will likely end up incurring more health problems and vet bills down the road. If not immediately…Read HERE on what to look for in a breeder…and what to avoid…

Kitten and Cat Supplies

To be prepared to welcome a cat into your new home, at a minimum you will need to have food and water bowls, food, a kitty litter box and litter. I would also recommend a scratching post (unless you like the look of shredded furniture and rugs as they get used to sharpen kitty claws!) and some treats and toys. Kittens in particular are a bundle of energy! Tiring them out with toys leaves them with less reason to do acrobatics off your curtains!

You will also need to have a carrier to bring them home as well as take them to the vet. A collar with identification is also a good idea in case of escape…which they are masters at! And a brush helps to limit the amount of cat hair floating around and prevent matting in longer-haired cats. You can also look at a cat bed…But I have found mine are just as content (if not more so) to cuddle up on an old comfy blanket or sweater.

Puppy and Dog Supplies

If you are getting a new puppy you might find yourself needing more in terms of supplies than with a kitten out of the gates! Besides the same bowls/food/toys you are at a minimum going to need a crate, collar and leash as well as poop bags, chew deterrents, puppy pads and training treats. You can read more on what to expect with a new puppy HERE.

And you have to think about what that puppy could destroy…I had to rip up all of the upstairs carpet since Grace ever so kindly decided to use it as a giant puppy pad…Or the massage chair that had the wires chewed through and went to the curb…

The First Year – How To Budget With A Pet For Initial Vet Bills

Besides the initial checkup with your vet once they come home, there are many more vet bills to be incurred in the first year. Particularly if you have a kitten or a puppy! They may need to be dewormed, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and more. And if you have a female the spay is more expensive than it is to neuter a male since it is a more invasive/involved surgery. If your new pet has other issues (diarrhea is a common one…) there could be more costs to consider as well. Oh right, don’t forget about flea, tick and heartworm medication…

How To Budget With A Pet For Emergencies

Puppies and kittens are also mischievous and playful by nature! You can expect them to get themselves into all kinds of situations that could require an emergency vet visit. Be prepared to have something put aside for the “just in case” scenario. I have been fortunate with my pets so far! But went into panic mode when Benson chewed the hooked end of a hanging planter off…And I ended up sticking my entire hand down his throat to retrieve it…

How To Budget With A Pet For Food

And of course now that your new pet is home you need to keep them fed right? Sure the grocery store food might be a cheaper option than a better quality one at a pet store…However, the hidden cost is that your pet may not be getting the proper nutrition and it could impact their health and teeth down the road. Which of course leads to more vet bills…Dental care for pets is NOT cheap.

How To Budget With A Pet For Toys

Cats and dogs of all ages need enrichment. Which means you will be wanting to have some toys on hand! But beware many of the cheap toys which can be hazardous to your pet’s health! Rope toys can unravel and be ingested and create blockages that require surgery. Hard rubber balls can be swallowed and choked on. And other toys that get torn apart can have parts that can also be dangerous when ingested. Best bet is to get something more durable even if it’s a bit more…

How To Budget With A Pet In Terms Of Ongoing Annual Costs

Regular vet visits, vaccinations, parasite control and of course food costs will be ongoing. If you have a dog and work outside of the home for more than four hours a day you are probably going to be looking at a dog walker or doggy daycare. Which can add up in a hurry. You will likely also need to be replacing collars, leashes and toys due to regular wear and tear. With my Berners and their growth rate over the first two or so years of their life I went through many before they were even worn out!

But outside of emergencies, you should have a pretty good idea what to expect and budget for once they get older. Although recent upticks in inflation are making this more difficult.

Budgeting For The Senior Years

As much as we hate thinking about it, our pets will eventually enter old age. Which means we need to keep a more watchful eye on their health. I know with two of my cats getting into older territory we are now doing bloodwork at our annual wellness visits. And I am taking them back more frequently to address age-related issues. If you want to keep your pet comfortable as they age, put aside a bit extra if you can in case of age-related issues requiring vet visits. I think there is nothing sadder than seeing senior pets living out their last days in a shelter…

Creating Your Budget

Now you should have a good idea what to expect over the lifetime of pet ownership. And it’s important to make sure that you know how to budget for them.

Thinking Outside The Box When Preparing A Budget For A Pet

In terms of vet bills, you can get a wide variety of costs at different vets. Do your research before choosing a vet and when you have found a few to narrow it down to get referrals for the best option. For a neuter or spay your local humane society may be able to do it for a substantially lower cost than you would find at a vet. But make sure to call early because they can end up getting booked up pretty early…You don’t want to wait too long and end up with an oops…Or a male cat that sprays anything and everything in your house…

With so many pet stores out there (both online and in real life) it can be overwhelming. But many of them have sales that you can take advantage of. It may take a bit of careful planning but finding that great sale or coupon could be extremely helpful to a tight budget.

Also think about learning how to groom your pet at home since professional grooming can add up quickly! In terms of treats, consider buying a mold and making your own treats at home! It is also not only a great way to make nutritious treats but also great in terms of savings!

Budget With A Pet – In Conclusion

Knowing what you are facing when you get a pet is an important first step to ensure that you are fully prepared! With the additional first year costs with a puppy or kitten, if that seems out of reach for your budget you can always consider rescuing an older animal!

You can find a summary of the costs of owning a cat or kitten on the Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations webpage HERE and for a puppy or dog HERE.

In the US you can find the ASPCA’s table of pet ownership HERE.

If you find yourself in a dire situation reach out to some pet charities and see if they can help with some donations before considering rehoming or giving up your pet. After all, your pets are a part of your family.

The post How To Budget With A Pet first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

And guess what? Did you guess I was too late?

Sprinting from my office down the hallway, a quick glance into my daughter’s room revealed Miesha sleeping soundly on my daughter’s bed. Moving on, Whiskers stared at me wide-eyed from the floor at the bottom of my bed as I burst into the bedroom at full speed! Not him, and he skittered off to the side…and there it was. My sweet old gal Bubbles, sitting in the middle of my freshly washed bed proudly presenting me with a GIANT hairball! UGH.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

What Are Hairballs?

Hairballs are long and cylindrical mats of hair, tube like in their appearance. When you find one, you may notice food or liquid (mucous) with it as well. They obtain their cylindrical shape when they pass through the esophagus. If you didn’t see (or hear) your cat throwing it up, it could almost be mistaken for cat poop at a glance! But generally they are some sort of color related to the color of your cat. Pleasant, right?

How Do They Form?

Cats are fastidious in their grooming habits. I think outside of sleep, this is the number one thing mine spend their time doing. And unless you have a hairless cat some of that hair is going to be ingested as they lick and clean themselves, since their tongue has tiny backward hooks that catch the hair as they lick (why your cat’s tongue feels rough when they give you “kisses”). If that hair doesn’t get passed in their stool, it can collect in the stomach and intestine.

Once enough hair has gathered and clumped together, it irritates your cat’s digestive system…and let the awful retching noises begin! Whiskers in particular has another tell, and before the hacking begins he generally runs through the house yowling at the top of his lungs and I kick into action and grab the paper towels! I have to be careful not to get too close or give chase though, as this sends him running to hide and do it somewhere I can’t reach.

Are Cat Hairballs Normal?

Having cats my entire life, I’ve never had one that has not thrown up a hair ball at one time or another. The cats I have now aren’t too bad. Whiskers, being a long-haired Ragdoll, definitely has his moments though. Miesha rarely throws up a hairball but pukes everywhere more due to her highly stressed out nature.

When Cat Hairballs Are A Problem

While most of the time a cat throwing up a hairball is nothing out of the ordinary, there are times that you might want to pay more attention. If your cat grooms itself obsessively it could lead to more hairballs. And you may need to look at ways to divert that behavior and reduce your cat’s anxiety. Like more play!

Also, if your cat is throwing up more hairballs than usual it could be indicative of some sort of gastrointestinal problem or blockage which requires a vet visit ASAP. This is usually accompanied by lethargy and/or loss of appetite. Other reasons for more frequent hairball production could be allergies or a skin disorder. With all of my cats, I noticed as they aged they tended to shed more which led to more surprises to step in.

What Can You Do About Cat Hairballs?

Brushing

While you’re not going to be able to prevent all hairballs, there are some things that you can do to lessen hearing the horrific sound you’re about to be presented with one. Frequent brushing can help remove dead and loose hair from their coats.

Most of my cats LOVE to be brushed with a fine wire brush. But my odd little cat Miesha does NOT like it and twitches her head all over and runs away! With her, I found a glove brush is just the right thing. And while these work fine on short hair, they don’t get deep enough into long coats so a longer bristle brush is what I use on Whiskers (I use the same one on my Bernese Mountain dogs Grace and Benson…You can read some of their stories HERE and HERE).

Diet

You can also get special cat food and treats designed for reducing hairballs. Your vet may also be able to prescribe a lubricated medication for hairball prevention in your cat! This will help assist the hair to pass through their system. Adding more fiber can also keep their digestive system healthy and more capable of passing the hair through. In the worst cases where a blockage has occurred, surgery may be the only way to remove a hairball.

So hairballs aren’t the end of the world. They sure sound like it though when your cat is yacking one up! If you like this post, be sure to follow us and check out other posts!

The post Cat Hairballs: What You Need To Know first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

The Unpleasant Return Home

Even while I was away I figured things were fine. I was getting cute texts and photos and nothing was ever said otherwise. What I found on my return home was FAR from fine. The dogs were stressed and disheveled, and two of my three cats that were declared “in the basement, I don’t know, I haven’t seen them” were actually outside and missing.

They finally, nervously came home and were scared to come in initially. They were hungry. The house was an absolute disgusting mess. This was complete with water and mold in the basement, stains on the marble countertops, rotting fruit in the sink, ripped sheets and much more.

I declared I would never, ever leave my pets alone with a sitter again! This was a referral from a friend’s ex-wife. What could go wrong, right? She came to visit the dogs several times and walked them both with hers and with me there in case she needed help. She knew the layout of the neighborhood and the schedule. I thought I had the perfect pet sitting and house sitting solution!

What I Learned

What I learned is that not just anyone can look after your pets. My Bernese Mountain Dogs Grace and Benson, while good, are BIG and can be a handful if they so choose (Read THIS story to see what I mean)! They need a firm hand on walks! And you need to constantly reinforce good training habits with them or Benson will rip your arm out of its socket going after a squirrel!

The sitter last summer tried suing me for this very reason for physiotherapy, and also claimed to fall down on my property and live with mold (that she created…) and got town council and lawyers involved…After causing thousands of dollars of damage to my home and neglecting my animals…Oh, and after coming to walk them to get to know them ahead of time.

So this time around I decided that I needed to take a different approach and go the professional route or at least ensure that I had someone that would actually be competent with my pets. And hopefully not let the house and garden go to ruins (the sitter last summer did a walk around the yard with me to see what needed taking care of…declared in her email to lawyers that she was not hired to be a gardener when everything was dead upon returning home).

The Dogs

There is no question that it takes someone with big dog experience to watch Grace and Benson. When the lady that came told me that her family has a Bernese that she watched. It made me feel good about leaving the dogs with someone who knew the breed.

Boy, was I wrong! I’m not sure what kind of experience she really had! According to walkers, friends and neighbors the dogs were barely getting out and never at the same time. And as mentioned above, they were stressed out. Berners are a sensitive breed. Any amount of yelling or harsh discipline towards them does not help and makes them shut down. You can read more about Bernese Mountain dogs HERE.

The Cats

The cats are super easy. If you meet their basic needs (food, shelter, water) they pretty much take care of themselves! Asking where the cats were and being told they were in the basement I headed down to find them. Miesha was the ONLY cat in the house! Panicking, I ran outside and frantically started calling Bubbles and Whiskers since they had been out for who knows how long!

Bubbles, who is a treat fiend, showed up first when I went out shaking treats. She was scared, hungry and had lost weight. Looking at the house nervously, I managed to coax her over to me, gently pick her up and carry her inside. She looked around frantically and retreated to hide.

Calling and calling (Whiskers doesn’t like treats, weirdo!), there was no sign of him. Finally after dark he showed up wild eyed and looking everywhere! It took some convincing, but he finally came back in the house as well. And I had my family back together again.

The Next Vacation Looming…

After not travelling anywhere but home for the past two years due to the pandemic…I did something crazy…I booked us a trip to Mexico this spring! After being conditioned to just stay inside and stick close to home, just hitting the “BOOK NOW” button was a huge feat…Then it hit me…WHAT was I going to do with the animals…

Boarding

I considered boarding with the dogs. However, I am not a fan of confinement during boarding which immediately crossed a lot of places off the list. My dogs are really comfortable at the farm outside the city where they go for day trips though. And they have spent the night there before. They are welcome to roam their home for their stay. However, they aren’t booking boarding at this time.

I could also have considered placing them in someone’s home in the city but the dogs don’t do well in strange environments and Benson will end up pooping everywhere…inside and out…as he did in the RV and at my parent’s house when I took him home two summers ago…And even if I boarded the dogs, I’d still need to find someone to check in on the cats because boarding with them just isn’t an option.

An Alternative Solution

All this led me to start getting online and doing more investigating. And one option that really seemed worth checking out to me was a take on house swapping. You set up a profile, pay an annual fee and put up a listing for your home and your pets. I went with Trusted House Sitters and set up a profile and a listing for the dates we would be away.

The idea is that someone who is either visiting your area or in your area even comes to stay in your home. In exchange for free lodging, they take care of your pets and your home! They do background checks, ID checks and you can see references and reviews. Depending on what level of membership you sign up for there are other perks such as content insurance and lounge access at airports! You can even sign up to pet sit for someone else when you are travelling!

Within a matter of two days I had a sitter lined up for the pets and the house! I have been very pleased with the process so far. I have been diligently working on filling out the Welcome Manual and am optimistic for a good experience! I’ll be sure to write an update post-trip!

Considerations

Cats

There are so many things you need to take into consideration if you are leaving your pet! I was just far too trusting and didn’t do enough due diligence. The first thing to consider is the type of animal you have! Most cats are MUCH more comfortable at home! When we first moved into our home I didn’t find Whiskers for three days!

Many cats without medical issues will be fine left at home alone with sufficient food, water and access to kitty litter for a couple days (think a weekend). It is worth having someone stop by every couple of days to check in though just to make sure all is well.

Dogs

Dogs, on the other hand, need more hands on care (I know I’m stating the obvious as dogs really are just like children who never grow up!). Only you know your dog and what they will tolerate in terms of boarding and care. At a very minimum they should be up to date on their shots and healthy. Will your dog do well if they are crated for periods of time? If so, then you should have a good amount of options available.

If not, you could consider in home sitting or having your dogs visit a dog sitter’s home for the duration of your trip. My dogs are most comfortable in their own environment which is why I find it important to find someone who is able to come stay with them in their own home.

Age or Other Conditions

Age of the animal also makes a difference. A young kitten should not be left at home unsupervised for long periods of time because they can get into so much trouble! You know, chewing wires, shredding curtains, getting caught up in something…And older cats and dogs can also need extra care which is where in home sitting situations may be a better option. If your animal has any medical needs an in-home sitter can ensure they are getting the proper care and attention they need.

What To Look For

Experience

Does the pet sitter you are considering have the appropriate experience with your animals? Cats generally are easier than dogs since they are pretty much self-sufficient once their basic needs are met. They may have some attention and grooming requirements. If they have medication requirements, you may need a pet sitter who is experienced in administering medications including pills, drops and injections (i.e. for diabetic cats requiring insulin – you can read more on feline diabetes HERE).

Dogs on the other hand are much more dependent on their caregiver. They require exercise and attention. They may be more laid back or very energetic! My dogs are gentle giants, but I still need someone with experience handling large dogs or it can be an issue as I mentioned above. If you can, try to have your pets meet your pet sitter ahead of time to see how they react with and handle your pets.

References

Reference checks are important! You want to find out what experience the other pet owners had first hand. This is where I really like Trusted House Sitters since you can see reviews from previous pet siting visits right from the pet owners easily on the website. Be sure to have a list of questions to ask so you are getting all the information you need! Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.

Are They Insured?

Liability insurance helps cover issues such as accidents and negligence (such as damage to your home or injury to your pet). They could also be bonded to protect against theft, which also includes having a background check. Having some sort of insurance provides you with additional peace of mind.

If I had done a proper search and found either a pet sitter with insurance or a company that provides coverage I would not have had to worry as much when I came home to find damage to my home last summer. I am just thankful that my animals (when they were all back home) did not have any injuries. The cats that were left outside easily could have been killed by a predator with the foxes and coyotes in the neighborhood. There was also an instance of the leash being let go as Benson chased a squirrel and ran across a busy road.

Additional Certification or Training

Does your pet sitter have any additional certification or training? Like pet first aid? It is important for you to know that your pet will be looked after properly in case of an emergency or if a health issue arises!

Make It A Success!

We all want a pet sitting experience to be a success for all parties involved! There are a few things that you can do ahead of time to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Pet-Sitting Manual

Be prepared with a pet sitting manual! Be sure to provide as much information and be as thorough as you can with regard to:

1. Feeding schedule
2. Exercise schedule
3. Special needs
4. Likes and dislikes
5. Personality
6. How to look after your house
7. Where to find things in your neighbourhood
8. What to avoid

By giving your pet sitter all the information ahead of time it can head off problems down the road and make things much more smooth for your pet and your pet sitter!

Meet Ahead of Time

Meeting your pet sitter and having them interact is important as well if you are able to arrange such a meeting ahead of time. You can see if your pets are comfortable with your pet sitter and vice versa. This helps you determine if they are a good fit.

In Conclusion

I have learned a lot through my experience what to look for (and what not to do) when bringing someone into your home to look after your pets. Hopefully after reading this you have a good idea as well what you think would be the best solution regarding finding a pet sitter for your pets!

Let me know in the comments below what you have found works for you!

The post How To Find The Best Pet Sitter For Your Pets first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Kittens

It’s no secret that kittens are funny little creatures! They steal your heart with those big eyes and ears and then sometimes turn out to be pint sized terrors! They can go from walking normally to jumping and hunching, skidding sideways ears back then taking off at lightening speed! Then OH THERE’S A TOY flopping all over with it, and in the next second racing across the backs of the furniture or scaling the curtains!

Right then and there you know that you are in for it! But then they cuddle up on your lap or in the crook of your neck, start purring and fall into a deep sleep. And you’re in love. You never really do know what’s coming next or what is behind their funny behavior but cats can develop some pretty interesting habits over the years!

Tosh

When we lived in Calgary we found a kitten in the middle of winter, a stray. She was so tiny and it was SO cold that my brother and I just couldn’t leave her out there! We already had a dog, Mack, but no cats at that point in time. My mom couldn’t help herself. The baby kitten was here to stay! We named her Tosh (Mack ‘n Tosh…get it?). But she was a WEIRD cat! She did things we have never seen any other cat do!

This was my mom’s cat through and through. She would make her partner at the time BLEED every night in the middle of the night! If she tried to shut the door that cat would hurl her full body weight against the door…over and over…Until someone opened the door! She learned to flush the toilet. She dragged full bowls of water across the entire house! She was a hunter. We always found piles of feathers tucked around the house! She was a different kind of cat that’s for sure!

Attack!

This seems to be a common theme when it comes to cats! I had not one, but TWO cats who made one boyfriend in particular bleed! My cats always seem to really attach to one person and if they feel the need, protect their person! Or maybe it’s jealousy. Who really knows??? They are cats after all!

The first was my boy Carmichael. He lived with my parents and was devastated when I went to university. One time, my boyfriend came to visit and was sleeping in my bed, Carmy crawled up under the covers and BIT his feet until he bled! Carmy slept curled up to me at night, and I think he was more than a little peeved someone was in his spot!!!

Gizmo was the second. The same boyfriend! And the boyfriend who got Giz for me in the first place…He would wait in the hallway for him to get up and go to the bathroom in the night and launch a full scale ATTACK on him! I’m talking fully fluffed up, ears pinned back, eyes dilated and growling and hissing like a maniac! But looking back I guess those cats were picking up on something I had clearly been missing at the time…So it could just be jealousy but I really believe cats can sense when something is off as well.

You Can’t See Me!!!

Have you had a cat that pretends they are invisible when you call their name??? Whiskers, who is a huge fluffy white Ragdoll, does this! He likes to prowl around the yard. And if ANYONE says his name he hunches up and peels off in the opposite direction! Like NO you didn’t just see me! But he’s pretty impossible to miss…

My mom’s cat Emmy does this too! If you say her name and call her over it’s ears back, hunched up and peeling off to another part of the yard or house! I’m not sure why some cats don’t like to be acknowledged at times! Makes me think they are up to something…Like you are interrupting their plan to take over the world or something.

Hairspray and Perfume

I know of several cats that go WILD for certain hairsprays and perfumes! My mom’s cat Chubby would act almost crazy and amorous if my mom wore one particular perfume! His eyes would go HUGE and he would rub and lick and BITE her! I’m not sure what they put in that stuff but clearly the boy loved it! She had to only wear it on certain occasions because of the state it would put him in!

And some hairsprays seem to really attract cats too! I have had cats (when I wore hairspray…those days are long gone along with the 80s) climb behind me and almost seem to NEST in my hair! Kneading, licking, rubbing and making a proper mess out of it!

Split Personalities

This seems to be a trait of the vast majority of cats I have known! Loving and cuddly one minute and in full ATTACK mode the next! But while there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why they act the way they do, their body language can be a big cue! If they tense up, ears go back, pupils get big and their whiskers move forward they could be thinking of ways to inflict some sort of pain!

As one of my friends puts it with his cat Riley “He might (swat), or bite, or sit there purring, he’s a warrior poet!” I’ve learned to read my cat’s body language relatively well, so scratches and bites aren’t as common but they definitely still catch me off guard sometimes!

Sticking Their Butt In Your Face

Ok, I don’t know of a single cat that DOESN’T do this! I’ve woken up to cat butt in my faces more times than I can count. But it’s actually pretty interesting WHY they do this! It’s actually a good sign and a bit of a greeting of sorts, like ok go ahead and give my butt a good sniff. Ew. Cat equivalent I guess of hugging. Another way your cat shows it’s happy even if it’s kind of gross haha. You can read more on signs of a happy cat HERE.

Walking Across Your Computer…Or Pushing Your Book Away

Jealous much??? Your cat wants you to pay attention to THEM instead of whatever else you might be doing at the time! I always have an animal it seems trying to either get on my laptop or push it right off my lap! If I’m reading before bed you can bet Miesha will crawl up on my chest between my head and my book! And if I’m baking or doing something in the kitchen Whiskers will wind his way through my legs yowling the whole time! It’s already bad enough maneuvering around the dogs!

So maybe give what you are doing a bit of a break if you can and give your kitty some love!

Get Out of the Bath!!!!

Who has had a cat that seems to get upset or concerned when you are having a bath or shower?? Miesha will prowl the edge of the bathtub and meow the whole time at me! So much for relaxing…and she’s usually knocking everything in her path off into the water too! I’ve had books, bottles, glasses and coffee knocked into the tub!

Your cat is actually expressing their concern for your wellbeing! They don’t see you as a person. Cats, being as self-centered as they are, figure you’re just a big weird cat. And water is BAD! My mom’s cat Emmy does this too and it drives my mom just about nuts!

Instinct

A lot of the behaviors we see out of our cats are due to instincts that have never really gone away. They are much further behind the domestication train than dogs are! Wired actually has a pretty good post on why cats react to their owners like they do. Likening us to a “huge, unpredictable ape”! You can read the full article HERE!

Does your cat have any quirky behaviors? Be sure to share them in the comments below and check out the rest of the blog for more cat related posts!!

The post What Is My Cat DOING? Odd Cat Behaviors! first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Purring

Purring indicates that your cat is happy!! My tortie Miesha will purr if you simply look at her and say her name! Bubbles and Whiskers will give you a purr if you give them some rubs. But never on the belly…NEVER…read more on why cats hate belly rubs HERE!

And at meal times Bubbles will rub all around your feet any time you even look like your headed to feed her and purr like a mad cat!

But did you know that purring can also sometimes mean that something is wrong? Cats that are hurt or in distress will also purr to comfort themselves. So if something seems a little off and your cat is purring take note and see if you can find out what might be wrong with your kitty.

Vocalizing

Besides purring, some happy cats can be chatterboxes! Any time I am talking to my Mom her cat Emmy is always chattering in the background! Emmy is a bit of an odd cat to say the least. She was rescued by my Mom from a local farm and was underweight and had open wounds on her back legs. She follows my Mom around all day now meowing and chattering at her! I think this shows she is happy in her environment and letting everyone know it!

Of my three cats Miesha is the most talkative! Besides purring when you say her name, she will also meow at you at the top of her lungs when greeting you! Whiskers and Bubs are a little less talkative. Whiskers gets the loudest when you let him inside and Bubbles will chatter around meal times.

One more thing to note here is how exactly they are vocalizing. A higher pitched tone when communicating is generally a sign of a happy cat. As soon as you hit those low notes you’d better hide your toes and fingers!

Eating Well

Yes, a good appetite is a sign of a healthy and happy kitty! So I guess Bubbles is a very happy cat haha since she is obsessed with her wet food and bedtime treats!

A cat that has a good appetite is happy and content in their environment. If your cat is not eating it can be a sign that something is off. And that it’s time to take a deeper look into their health. When my old guy Gizmo quit eating I knew something was off. I took him to the vet and his belly was full of cancer.

But don’t let your cat eat to the point of being unhealthy! An overweight cat comes with a whole host of health risks. If your cat is overweight you can read the article on helping them lose weight safely HERE.

Rubbing

Most cats will show they are happy by rubbing…On your legs, hands, furniture. Miesha will come up and give me head buts and rub all over my face if I let her! She is an extremely affectionate cat and lets you know when she is feeling good!

But cats have scent glands on their face and can also be transferring their scent onto you and objects! In essence, they can also be claiming you and everything they rub on as their property! You can read more on cat’s scent glands in Cat Behavior Associates article HERE!

Relaxed

A relaxed cat is generally a content cat! Besides having a generally relaxed appearance, a cat may also roll over and show you their belly. This is a highly sensitive and vulnerable area so take it as a huge compliment if your cat is showing you their tummy!

Healthy Appearance

A cat that grooms itself and keeps itself in good shape is a happy cat! My cats groom themselves fastidiously! And sometimes in the middle of the night…While sleeping on my pillow beside my ear…Love that slurping noise…

With one of my old cats, Gizmo, I knew that something was up when he was getting on in years. His coat got duller and patchy. This is a cue to take a look at their overall health and wellbeing. If your cat is not taking care of their appearance there’s a good chance that something is up. Even something as simple as being overweight and not being able to groom areas around their back end.

Kneading

When your kitty is really getting into it, besides purring they may start kneading you like crazy! This is also known as making donuts! I have had many claw pokes as a result of kneading…But you can’t get mad at your cat for it, they are just showing you how incredibly happy they are in that moment!

Besides kneading on you, they may knead objects, bedding or clothing or simply make the cutest little donuts into the air! When Miesha came home she took to my bathmat as a surrogate Mom I think. She would spend hours in that bathroom kneading the bathmat and suckle on it! It’s a comfort thing.

Playfulness

Happy cats love to play! Even with Bubbles getting on in her years she still loves to chase a laser pointer around the house! Give her a catnip log toy and she will spend a good amount of time kicking the snot out of it with her back legs. She is definitely slowing down from her younger years when she was a bit of a wild child. But she still gets that mischievous look in her eye!

Miesha will rip around the upstairs when she’s feeling perky. And Hamish and Whiskers run top speed through the house from top to bottom! Sometimes all I have to do is say Whiskers’ name and he hunches up and rips off.

Using The Litter Box

We don’t really think much about it when they are using it properly. But cats that use the litter box without any troubles are usually happy! I always know when Miesha is stressed because she will use my bed or laundry basket as a bathroom…And when Bubbles came to live with me she was a fearful and angry cat who peed on my bed and made me bleed more than once.

Cats who don’t use their litter box can have underlying health or behavioral issues. With Miesha I have pheromone sprays and plug ins that calm her. I also use a kitty litter with pheromones to encourage my cats to use their litter. You can read more on why cats don’t use their litter box HERE.

Body Language

Check out your cat’s body language for more cues that they are happy! If their ears are back and their eyes are dilated you’d better quit what you are doing right now!! Their tails can also give you signals. A twitching tail and ears slightly back are signs that your cat is somewhat annoyed. Keep doing what you are doing and well, you’d better get out the first aid kit!

So ears forward and tail up are good signs! But cats being cats, this can change from one moment to the next so just be sure to pay attention to what they are telling you.

Putting all this together I can say that my cats are happy! I know Miesha can get a bit stressy and doesn’t care much for the dogs. But she’s always been a bit of an oddball right from the time I brought her home! In general, everyone is healthy, well cared for and content.

What does your cat do when it’s happy?? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How Do You Know If Your Cat Is Happy? first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

But have you ever wondered exactly why catnip has an affect on cats? I hadn’t given it much thought really before but it piqued my interest!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

What Is Catnip?

Catnip is part of the mint family of plants. Its scientific name is nepeta cataria. And some other names for catnip include catwort, catswort and catmint. It is a perennial in certain planting zones (zones 3-7 – find your plant hardiness zone in Canada and the US in the Old Farmer’s Almanac HERE), and originated in Asia and Europe.

The term ‘catnip’ is thought to come from a cat’s response to it! And I’m sure every cat owner knows how their cat reacts to catnip as it is not only sold in dried form but spray form and in many (many) cat toys! Mine in particular love the long ones that they can kick the snot out of with their back feet…

Nepetalactone

The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone. This is the oil found in the catnip plant’s leaves and when smelled by your cat produce the changes in the behavior that we all know too well!

When the catnip is smelled, it produces a sexual response that is similar to a female cat in heat since catnip imitates the feline sex hormones! Cue the rolling around and affectionate kitty cat…This is also a reason why many cats don’t react to catnip until they hit sexual maturity.

Also, both female and male cats can experience the effects of catnip.

What Effects Does Catnip Have On Your Cat?

Catnip can have a variety of effects on your cat! My mom had a cat, Chubby, who would roll around on his back. But as soon as you got close to him he would absolutely shred you! I still have the scars…My Bubbles just eats a bunch and goes to sleep, sometimes swiping at her sister Miesha. Whiskers has a few sniffs and gets wild and runs through the house! The effects of catnip on your cat if sniffed include:

• Affection
• Aggression
• Playfulness
• Sleepiness
• Relaxed
• Rolling and rubbing

The effect that catnip has on your cat also depends on whether it is ingested or just sniffed. If ingested it is thought to be beneficial to your cat’s digestion! Much like how grass acts as roughage when they eat it. You can read more on why cats eat grass HERE. It is thought to mellow out your cat if ingested versus being inhaled.

Is Catnip Safe For Your Cat?

Catnip is safe for your cat! Your cat cannot overdose on catnip, although if ingested it can potentially cause digestive issues. If this turns out to be the case you can give your cat a catnip spray or catnip that is encased within toys. My one cat Chester got a hold of a bottle of catnip once and punctured a hole in it…I got home from work to him lying in a GIANT puddle of concentrated catnip and COMPLETELY out of it!

It took him a while to snap out of it after being exposed to so much, but it didn’t have any other effect on him! And in general the effect of catnip wears off rather quickly, after about ten minutes. I think Chester laid in it long enough for a continuous high though…who knows for how much of the day…

And no, catnip doesn’t affect all cats. I have seen estimates of anywhere from 60-80% of cats are affected by it, and that it can be influenced by hereditary genetics. I’ve never had a cat before who didn’t react though…

Can People Have Catnip?

Yes people can have catnip! There are actually a variety of uses for catnip for people in addition to those for our furry friends.

Catnip tea has been used as a mild sedative and have a calming effect on people. No, you won’t experience a “high” like cats will! Other benefits for people include:

• Aid with headaches and migraines
• Aids with the digestive system
• Sleep aid
• Used in the past to help with colic in babies
• Treat cramps

Types of Catnip

I tried growing fresh catnip in my garden but never had much success with it. In addition to fresh catnip, you can also find it in dried form, concentrated spray form and in cat toys.

Fresh catnip is stronger than dried catnip so you won’t need to give them as much. Catnip also loses its potency as it ages so if you have a large quantity you may want to consider freezing it in an airtight container.

The sprays are generally much more concentrated than in its powder form. I like to use the sprays sparingly on scratching posts and cat trees to encourage the cats to use that instead of carpets, chairs, couches…

Let The Play Begin!

So there is really no harm in giving your cat catnip! Aside from the effects on your cat, I was interested to learn how it can be used for people as well! And it provides us with and endless source of entertainment to watch our cats rolling around and playing like kittens again!

As I mentioned above, my cats in particular have always been drawn to the bigger, longer catnip toys that they can wrap themselves around, bite and kick with their back legs at the same time! And I’m not sure why, but my cats tend to really like the Our Pets Cosmic catnip brand!

However, don’t give your cats catnip more than once a week or they could become desensitized to its effects. You may already notice that they are less reactive to it immediately after having it.

Be sure to check out some of our favorite toys for your cat!!

The post Find Out What Catnip Does To Your Cat first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

I know my cats well enough to know what will and won’t be tolerated! Bubbles may take a pat or two before deciding to latch on with all four paws, claws extended, and bunny kick the snot out of my arm while biting HARD! For anyone wondering what a cat “Bunny kick” is you can read Pam Johnson-Bennett’s post on it here. Miesha will tolerate being touched just about anywhere! And Whiskers usually is ok with it. But not always!

If I don’t know a cat well, you can bet that I’m not going to fall for that trap if they decide they trust me enough to show me their belly!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

What It Means When A Cat Rolls Over For You

If a cat is getting rubs and shows you their belly CONGRATULATIONS! This is the ultimate sign of cat trust! It means that your cat looks to you as their leader and feels safe showing you the most vulnerable spot on their body!

When you think about it, cats are much more instinctual still than dogs. Part of this instinct means that they protect vulnerable spots like their bellies. They are trusting that you will not hurt them and are comfortable showing you this area.

But it does NOT necessarily mean that they want you to actually touch their bellies! Unlike dogs…most dogs would do anything for a good belly rub!

So Why Don’t Cats Like Their Bellies Touched?

Yes your cat feels safe and secure and is showing you their belly. But their instinct tells them to protect this vulnerable place! This is a good reason for your cat to contort into a twisting and kicking ball of rage targeted at the offending hand!

They may also get overstimulated by touching the stomach area, similar to the spot at the base of the tail! This would be a reason why you may get a few pets in before the snap and attack!! .

There was this one time I was breaking down cardboard from moving boxes in my backyard and a cat showed up! She seemed friendly enough and was weaving and rubbing under my arms as I was cutting the boxes. I guess she must have rubbed under my arm near her tail area because all of a sudden hissing and growling she spun around and latched onto my hand! Good thing I was wearing gloves or I would have been raked for sure!

Warning Signs

While not necessarily limited to belly rubs, cats will definitely let you know when they have had enough! If you don’t know a cat well, I would highly suggest leaving any exposed bellies alone as cute and fluffy as they might be. And soft…so soft. Nope, stop!

If you know the cat well enough you can try with a couple short pets to see if it is tolerated. Just don’t push your luck! If you notice signs such as a twitchy tail, flattened ears, growling or are started to get stiffer in their body language it’s time to STOP!

If you don’t stop this could lead to some shredded limbs. Not fun. If you have young children make sure that you supervise them with the cat. You can also teach them what the cat’s body language is telling you.

I know my nephew would make a beeline for my mom’s cats as soon as he got there, and he got scratched more than a few times! I think the pain of hurt feelings was worse than the actual scratch though. But he soon learned to approach slowly and observe the cat’s body language before giving any pets.

Other Behaviors

Some people find it funny when they touch their cat’s belly and the cat goes into attack mode. If you start to repeat this behavior with the cat they may start to associate your hand with a threat. This can lead to them biting you unprovoked! Or even starting to attack other parts of your body. Or someone else’s body.

So even if it is a bit of a game to you, it’s definitely not for your cat. You don’t want them thinking that it is acceptable behavior to bite and attack people! Respect your cat’s space right from when they are a tiny kitten!

Showing your cat that you respect their space (even if they don’t respect yours) goes a long way to strengthen the bond you have with them. And this bond can be incredible! You can read about the bond my Mom’s cat has with her and Zoey’s story of survival HERE.

If you are one of the lucky ones that has a cat that loves having their belly rubbed that’s great! I know sometimes I have even been unable to resist the lure of that baby soft fur though…and have the scars to prove it!

Are there any other behaviors that your cat has that you find funny or would like us to write about? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

The post Why Do Some Cats Hate Belly Rubs? first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

And of course, if you are a dog lover you likely have tried to have ground rules on who’s allowed (and not allowed) on the couch…and the bed…and the chair…and at the dining table…If you have carpet, dog beds, rugs…all of this can absorb the odor from your dogs. You may be “nose blind” to the smell but your visitors crinkling their noses when they step through your door.

Lingering Odors

Even items such as dog and cat toys, bones and food can all leave lingering odors in your house. With five animals (not including my eleven year old daughter), having a house that doesn’t smell like dog (or cat) is important to me. I also don’t want to be mopping my floors several times a day though either…

All of my animals also shed! Profusely! They have definitely kept me on my toes but I have learned some tips along the way to keep your house looking and smelling clean!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Hair Control

Keeping up with my furry and ever shedding crew can be quite the challenge! I found I was sweeping multiple times a day to keep the dog and cat hair. Otherwise it would form rather formidable sized hairballs that would tumble through the house any time you walked anywhere! But sweeping simply was not enough in my case. There would end up being balls of hair rolling behind the broom and I could never get all of them!!

Get The Right Vacuum

Vacuuming is pretty much the way to go for me. I have a Bissel pet vacuum that I LOVE! It comes with attachments to clean upholstery and it can even get the long, fine white fur of Whiskers off surfaces! It does a great job of getting ALL the hair!

Carrying it up and down the stairs can be a bit cumbersome, but overall I am really happy with this one! The canister is very easy to empty. I find it works MUCH better than a much pricier option in stores. That only worked for two years…I have had this one for many years and it is always up to the challenge!

Vacuum Your Pet!

Grace also LOVES to be vacuumed! Benson isn’t so sure, but he tolerates it! If you can work with your dog at a young age to get them used to being vacuumed, this can be a great way to get the hair directly from the source and helps to keep your floors cleaner! My mom had a cat who even liked to be vacuumed…

For the main floor of my house, I am now giving serious consideration to a Roomba. These seem to be a very popular option with other Bernese owners which scores high points with me since I know how much they shed!!

Don’t worry, I will definitely let you know how it goes although I can already imagine Grace attacking it (or just letting it bump into her bottom) and Benson will more than likely be scared of it! (Read more on Benson the Scaredy Cat here!). I’m imagining some pretty funny video clips…And then the cats, not even sure what they will think…

Brushing

Brushing your pet often will also help to capture any excess hair before it hits the floor! All of my animals come running when I bust out the brush and I have to take turns on each of them. It takes me some time, but definitely saves me from extra work on the floors and keeps my house cleaner!

Having dogs with undercoats, I use an undercoat rake which does a GREAT job pulling the dead undercoat from my dogs. I don’t use it as often on them as I do the regular brushes (always after a bath though) as the blades can cut their fur if it is used too much. Brushing my dogs 2-3x a week does a good job cutting down on what ends up on my floors!

Mud and Dirt

What dog doesn’t love to roll around in some mud??? Regular readers will know the story of how I tried (and failed) at growing grass and had a giant mud pit for a backyard for many months. Any time they would go out, they would track dirt back into the house. And I always dreaded when it rained or when the snow would thaw…My house was wall to wall mud! Literally, it was on the walls from when they walked by them and rubbed on them…

Investing in a couple good absorbent door mats helped this considerably! I couldn’t do too much about the water, but I was amazed at how much of the dirt and mud it managed to grab off their feet! Usually I try to be diligent about wiping their feet. However, their patience is considerably less than I would like it to be. By the time the second paw was done they were usually wrestling out of my grasp.

Wrestling with a wet Bernese Mountain dog (or any other wet dog) is no easy feat! If you have tried you know exactly what I am talking about! There are some great washable options available if you love rugs as well.

Feeding Areas

My dogs and cats are MESSY eaters (and drinkers!). The cats always seem to throw food all over the place somehow from their bowls! And my dogs drop it on the floor while they are eating it and seemingly forget about it once it hits the floor. When the dogs drink, a considerable amount ends up outside their mouths rather than in!

There are feeders that you can buy that help contain some of the mess! You can also find bowls with non slip mats around them or ridges that catch any kibble that might be dropped. Take a look at ones that are enclosed to keep the mess to a minimum as well!

To protect my beautiful hardwood floors from the water I ended up buying one of those hard plastic floor coverings that people put under office chairs! It’s tough so it stands up to the dog’s claws and attention. I had tried a few other waterproof mats. In my experience, they bunched up, held the water on them and got destroyed really easily. I am really happy with the option I have now though, and it’s a breeze to wipe clean!

Uh Oh’s and Accidents

You have a pet. Whether it be a dog or a cat, accidents can and do happen! My cats vomit about once a day. And ALWAYS where I seem to step on it! The bottom of the stairs seems to be a particular favorite…My dogs, although house trained, also have accidents from time to time. There was a period after Benson got fixed that I would wake up to a main floor full of surprises…Poor guy really doesn’t handle any amount of stress well.

After using regular paper towel forever, during the Great Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Frenzy during the first round of lockdowns, I couldn’t find paper towels ANYWHERE. And I was running dangerously low if the dogs had another bout of diarrhea in the house overnight…

What I did manage to find were the ones that you find in public bathrooms that come on the giant rollers. And guess what…these worked AMAZING! They don’t get “mushy” and soggy like regular paper towels and are MUCH tougher so you have less of a risk of sticking your fingers in something you really don’t want to! And they work great on windows and cupboards as well since they don’t leave any fuzz behind! I always have these in my house now if I can find them.

Oh The SMELL!

Dogs and cats and unpleasant odors come hand in hand. And sometimes the odor simply seems to permeate into just about everything! Especially if your dog, like my Gracie, loves to jump up on the couch after being in the lake…

Bathing your dogs regularly keeps them smelling fresh and clean! You don’t want to use shampoo too often as it can dry out their skin, but even a rinse can be a great way to remove dirt and keep it from ending up on the floor! We go to the beach every day and a quick rinse before we come in the house keeps some of the sand from coming in.

Febreeze fabric spray works GREAT at getting the smell out of cloth surfaces! I use it on their couches, the door mats, dining chairs…it’s a great way to give the smell in your house a little boost! Don’t spray too much on though, or your surface will be wet for a very long time after…as my daughter learned…but hey my pants smelled great for the rest of the day!

Pet beds can be another source of smell, so be sure to buy one that is easily washable or wipes off easily. I have made this mistake…And when Benson was a puppy he thought the doggy bed was the PERFECT place to go potty so I threw a few beds out that were not easily washed.

Candles and plug in air fresheners smell great, but I don’t use them in my house. I would have to keep them very high up to avoid a tail or two being singed, and my cats are OBSESSED with candles and I don’t want them burning their paws or whiskers. And the plug-in air fresheners, while smelling nice, were the cause of a fire that burned down my Dad’s home so I stay away from those now!

Air fresheners that don’t need to be plugged in can be a good choice. I also have a diffuser for essential oils that I use but you have to be careful with these as well as some of the oils are toxic to dogs and cats. Sprinkling baking soda on surfaces before vacuuming can also help cut down on odors and is great at helping keep kitty litter smells to a minimum.

DIY Deodorant For Dogs

Of my two dogs, Grace in particular can get a nice stink going, especially on a hot summer day! There were a few days last week that she smelled so bad you caught a whiff of her before you actually saw her come into a room…I couldn’t bathe her because she was on drops for an ear infection, but man did she smell!

Buying odor deodorizers to spray on your dog can be an option, but you can also whip one up yourself pretty easily! They do a nice job masking the smell until bath time…Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full of warm water and you can add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oils. Not too much though or the smell can be overpowering! You can also add a small amount of coconut oil or witch hazel.

Start in small amounts to be sure that your dog doesn’t have a reaction to the mixture and speak with your vet about it first. You can also use this spray to freshen surfaces! But take some caution with essential oils because some can be toxic for your pet. To learn more about the risks of essential oils read the AKC’s article on it here.

Do you have any other tips for keeping your house clean when you own pets? Let us know by dropping a comment below! And be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more tips!

The post How To Keep Your House Clean With Pets first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

You definitely are not alone if you have asked yourself this question! First of all, don’t worry! It is completely normal behaviour for both cats and dogs! And for the most part it is not harmful to their health either, so no need to panic if you see them doing this.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Instinct

Some dogs and cats may simply like the taste of grass and be adding a bit of roughage to their diet! It is instinctual behaviour and I have even seen some reasoning that it could be that before they were domesticated they ate grass to induce vomiting to rid themselves from parasites. But roughage is good for your cat and dog’s digestion, and grass contains fiber which can also help on the other side of things!

Boredom

I think Grace and Benson will mow down on the front lawn sometimes out of sheer boredom! If they have not had enough exercise and I tie them on their leads out front, they can’t get very far and don’t have much to do. But they’d rather still be with me if I’m doing something out in the yard than in the house alone! I have to be careful to watch what they are grazing on out there though as I do have some plants in the front garden that are toxic.

Illness

While my dogs rarely throw up after they have eaten grass, my cats ALWAYS seem to puke after eating it! I really don’t think that the grass itself has anything to do with illness. Cats just puke. Seemingly ALL THE TIME! And always where I end up stepping in it!!! This seems to be something that happens with increasing frequency as they age and I just chalk it up to being a cat. Puking is just one of the things they do whether or not it has to do with eating grass! Although my cats will eat any plant that looks grass-like as well, like my palms…and then puke THAT up!

Grace has had a couple of times where she will just jump up and look frantic and eat ANYTHING in her path! It really freaked me out the first time she did it because I had no idea what was going on and she was eating hair, dead leaves, paper…then ran out to the backyard to puke it all up…So it wasn’t due to eating grass in particular but she wasn’t feeling well already and was eating whatever she could to help her get it up…It has only happened one more time since then but it is still an unsettling experience and I have to run around with her to make sure she isn’t eating anything that could potentially hurt her!

Behavioural

Who knows, but it could just be that your dog eats everything and grass is no exception! I am SO lucky with my two because they don’t seem to care to eat much and I have seen lots of stories about other Berners with sock obsessions…But they do like their grass! And for whatever reason Benson has a favorite tree on one of our walk routes that he absolutely MUST stop and strip a branch off every time we go by…and it’s pretty much only that ONE tree!

Dietary Deficiency

There is some thought that a dietary deficiency can cause dogs and cats to look for it elsewhere and that perhaps it is a reason behind their behaviour when they eat grass. Besides fiber, grass contains cellulose and enzymes. So a lack of fiber, minerals or enzymes in their diet could be leading them to eat grass. Grass is also made up of 70% water! If you suspect that dietary reasons are behind the behaviour you can take a look at their diet to make sure that they are getting enough minerals and fiber for proper gut health!

A Word of Caution

Knowing what is on your lawn is one thing. But how do you know what other people are putting on their lawns? Unless you can spot a sign that says a lawn has recently been treated with chemicals there really is no way to know if there is something harmful on that grass. The chemicals lawns get treated with can make our pets really sick if they ingest it, so besides being respectful of your neighbours it is important for our pet’s health and safety to keep them off other people’s lawns.

When It Becomes a Problem

If you notice your dog is obsessively eating grass and vomiting, you may want to get them to the vet for a checkup. This is where it extends beyond simply nibbling to excessive behaviour. You may also want to keep an eye on your pet because they can end up picking up an intestinal parasite from eating grass. If you notice an increase in the frequency they are eating grass, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody stool call your vet immediately!

So the next time you see your cat or dog chewing on a blade of grass, for the most part it is normal behaviour! I know Grace simply cannot resist the siren call of a lush and healthy lawn and if I can’t keep her away from it, and she will lie down to savor its coolness and delicately strip a few pieces of grass to chew on while watching the world go on by.

If you want to try growing some grass for your cats, you might want to also check out this grow it yourself kit on Amazon! But keep in mind they will eat it as soon as they see it so try to keep it out of reach until it is long enough that it won’t die like mine did!

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I’ve had cats most of my life.  The first one was a part Persian long-hair kitten my sister acquired on the sly.  It didn’t take long for my mother to discover the source of the bleating noise in my sister’s bedroom.  Though she swore she wasn’t taking care of any animals, my mother crumbled pretty quickly.  Pierre Elliot Trudeau (it was 1967) was part of our family for 19 years.  I would like to say I helped with training him but mostly I interfered.  I was 4. 

The Carrot and The Stick

I once heard someone declare that you could only train a cat with ‘the carrot’ meaning by treats and positive reinforcement.  If you tried to use ‘the stick’ the cat would ignore you or run away.  It sounded good and I have to admit I may have repeated it a few times.  After two cat-less years, we adopted a kitten, the training process started, and I remembered that statement.   Here’s the correction:  getting a cat to do something requires ‘the carrot’, getting a cat to stop doing something does require ‘the stick’. 

For example, if you want cats to stay off of your counter tops and kitchen table, getting up on these surfaces has to be associated with something unpleasant.  The first step is to run towards them shouting one word and clapping your hands.  Please don’t start reasoning or explaining, they are not teenagers.  DOWN is my word of choice and I repeat it at top volume until they are well clear of the forbidden area.  DOWN (always shouted) becomes the word they associate with unpleasant behaviour from their human.   A spray bottle filled with water, one that isn’t used for anything else, should be employed a few times.  Getting wet added to the loud noises and agitated human reinforces the unpleasantness.  Leave the water bottle on the forbidden space until they stop going there. 

Human Training

Here’s the human training part.  Be brief.  If you chase the cat all over the house, it will just think you are a lunatic and not associate the unpleasantness with a specific area.  Be consistent.  Everyone in the household needs to follow the same routine, or the cat will learn to avoid a human (the shouter) but not an area.  And be realistic.  If you leave the butter on the counter overnight, you are sending mixed signals.  If the cat is allowed in every room of your house but not on any of the furniture, the scope of your ‘no go zone’ is too big and too complicated. 

My mother didn’t think animals belonged in the house.  Her compromise was to only allow our outdoor cat into the kitchen, where he had a bed, food and water.  It might seem like a big task to impress this territorial restriction, but it came down to one tightly focused area with one required behaviour – don’t go through this doorway.  Making that specific space unpleasant (the area just across the threshold) was simple to do.  Training the cat was easy.  The hard part was to keep us kids from carrying him to our rooms.  The cat was well aware this was forbidden.  We kids were a little slower on the uptake.

Positive Reinforcement

Getting a cat to do something you want is a little harder and only involves positive reinforcement – the carrot.  I wanted our new cat, Hamish, to come when I called him.  We live in an area rife with coyotes and missing cat posters.  I wanted to be able to call him at dusk and know he was safe in the house during the predator-filled night.  First, I taught him his name.  Name is a bit conceptual to a cat so let’s say I wanted a word he associated with himself.  I would repeat ‘Hamish’ over and over while I gave him affection, stopping the former when he’d had enough of the latter.  I never said any other words at that time.  And I did feel a bit silly.  When he started going outside, he was on a harness with a 15 metre rope.  Every time I carried him back into the house, I gave him a treat, shaking the bag vigorously and saying his name.  Soon, I just had to open the door, call him and shake the bag.  Then, I called him, didn’t shake the bag, but still gave a treat.  When this was 95% successful, the harness came off.  I called him every couple of hours just to reinforce the behaviour.  Et voila!  I have a cat that comes when called.  He still gets the occasional treat but that’s mostly because I’m soft.  The behaviour is now ingrained.

Again, it’s up to the human to be consistent and have a feel for when you can move to each step.  Just don’t make negative associations around the behaviour you want.  Don’t call the cat for a pill or a nail clipping; don’t do unpleasant tasks around the door, or within 15 or 20 minutes of coming inside.

Cat Training vs. Dog Training

Again, be realistic.  Cat’s have less capacity for non-situational behaviours than dogs.  If I went four houses down the street and called my dog, he would come to me.  If I called the cat, he would go to the house we live in, or maybe come close enough to see me but not come to the strange door.  It would be confusing and weaken the behaviour.  Cats aren’t laser-focused on their human; we are part of their ecosystem and they need consistency in that system.   If I start calling the cat from different places in the neighbourhood, the cat would have to decide if he was required to go to me or to the door he always goes to.  It’s a big decision and, oh look, there’s a squirrel… 

Another part of being realistic is limiting the number of behaviours you want to prevent or encourage.  There is a border collie in England that has demonstrated it understands 300 unique words.  Your cat is not going to compete with that.  It can’t or won’t or some of both.   Think of them as having a small amount of brain space for you and what you want, and the rest is occupied with instinct and independence. 

So, why even bother?  It seems like a lot of work!  In my case, I wanted to protect Hamish from danger and myself from worry.  Years ago, we lived on a busier road and our cat was trained to stay away from it.  It involved lots of shouting ‘CAR MONSTER’ every time a vehicle went by during the outside training time, and we truly looked like idiots, jumping around on the sidewalk, but that cat died of old age.   It’s worth trying keeping them safe.

Why can’t a cat just be left to do whatever it wants, especially an indoor cat?  Well, it’s still an arrangement where I provide a lot of benefits for some adjustments on the cat’s part.  I want to be comfortable with housing this animal and for me that means, my food preparation area is cat-free.   For someone else, it’s being able to sit on a fur-free sofa.   I want visitors to be comfortable in my house, and not have a cat jump on their dinner plate.  When a non-cat person (there are some) sees that this isn’t a frighteningly unpredictable wild animal, that there is some relationship and communication between human and feline, and that their food is free of fur, they soften a little.  And that’s not a bad thing.

The post How To Train Your Cat (And Yourself) first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.