Excercise Tips for your Indoor Cat

by admin on January 24, 2012

How to get your indoor cat to excerciseAre you concerned that your cat has put on some extra pounds and wish to get her to exercise? Unable to do so? A treadmill may not be an option for your cat, but there certainly are ways to keep your cat slim and healthy. Here are some easy tips to ensure a good workout for your indoor cat:

  • Stop the kitty treats - This might lead to guilt on the part of several owners, but one needs to understand that food is not the only type of treat you can give your pets. Start by getting toys which will induce movements in your inactive cat.
  • Use a laser pointer - Studies have shown that cats love laser lights! The constant movement is irresistible to cats and they’ll bounce after the ever-moving light. Remember never to shine the laser in your cat’s eyes, as it can cause damage.
  • Give you cat something to jump on - Provide your cat with empty shelves, window sills, and cat trees for her to jump on. So even if you are not at home to play with your cat there she still has the option of bouncing and jumping. This can keep your cat busy for hours, as she explores all the nooks and crannies.
  • Try a new trick- Keep the bowls of water and food away from each other. So that while moving from one bowl to another your cat exercises and burns calories.
  • Food move technique - At feeding time move your cat’s food containers from one area to another, forcing her to move from one point to another. Treating your cat while moving her food around is essential, and will keep her interested in the game.
  • Use ordinary objects that grabs your cat’s attention - Most cats enjoy playing with paper, balls, wool, bags, boxes, and bags. Place these objects throughout the house, and your cat will prowl around as she hunts and pounces on her prey.

Follow these few simple tips and you will have an happy, healthy cat.

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This is a guest post by Christina Lyttle. She is a pet lover and is especially fond of cats and dogs. She is the owner of Easy Dog Supplies, where pet owners can buy discount pet supplies online.

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The 10 best New York City dog parks

by admin on May 11, 2011

new york city dog parksNew Yorkers love their parks, but they also love their dogs. And since many of us live in close quarters, parks are an ideal place for dogs to run off pent up energy. While there are many parks in NYC, BellaDog Magazine has put together a list of their top 10 dog parks.

  • McGolrick Dog Park & Run – Greenpoint, Brooklyn
  • Madison Square Dog Park & Run – Flatiron District
  • Riverside Dog Park & Run – W 105th St.
  • Riverside Dog Park & Run – W 72nd St.
  • McCarren Dog Park & Run – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • DeWitt Clinton Dog Park & Run – Clinton
  • Carl Schurz Dog Park & Run – Upper East Side
  • Hillside Dog Park & Run – Brooklyn Heights
  • Washington Square Dog Park & Run – Greenwich Village
  • Tompkins Square Dog Park & Run – East Village

To read more about each of the dog parks, see Top 10 Dog Parks & Runs of New York City.

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Cat Food Recall Due to Aflatoxin

by admin on December 19, 2010

Kroger is recalling pet food due to aflatoxin:

CINCINNATI, Dec. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall:  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The recall also includes Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Stores the company operates under the following names are not included in this recall: Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.

Kroger is recalling the following items:

  • Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088128
  • Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071357
  • Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088152
  • Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074580
  • Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071903
  • Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 22 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074566
  • Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074563
  • Kroger Value Cat Food sold in 3 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111000018
  • Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 15 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071559
  • Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111000108

Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus on corn and other crops. If your pet shows any symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian immediately.

The safety of our customers and their pets is important to Kroger. The company is using its Customer Recall Notification system to alert customers who may have purchased these recalled products through register receipt tape messages and automated phone calls.  Customers who have purchased a recalled item should not use it and should return it to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Customers who have questions about this recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900. For more information, please visit www.kroger.com/recalls.

From PR Newswire: Kroger Recalls Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

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October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month

by admin on October 16, 2010

NYC cat sitting and dog sitting company, Katie's Kitty, encourages people to adopte homeless pets during Adopt A Dog MonthIf you’re thinking of adopting a dog, October is a great month to do so since it’s Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. The ASPCA in New York City is inviting people to come out and adopt a dog (or a cat!) next weekend (Oct 23-24) during their special Adopt A Dog Month celebration. Here’s the info:

You’re invited to a very special adoption event! October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, and there is no better place to find a great companion—canine or feline—than at the ASPCA. In addition to all the love, you’ll receive a free gift with your adoption during this weekend event. Come meet the dog or cat of your dreams!

Who: Adoptable dogs and cats
What: Weekend adoption event
Where: ASPCA Adoption Center
424 East 92nd Street (between 1st and York)
New York, NY [map]
When: Saturday, Oct. 23, 11:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Sunday, Oct. 24, 11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

Of course, if you can’t make it to the ASPCA Adoption Center, there are plenty of other places in New York City where you can find a cat or dog companion. Here are a few of our favorites:

If you’ve never adopted a pet before, be sure to take a look at the pet adoption tips from the ASPCA.

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New York City pet sitter. Katie's Kitty NYC cat sitters and dog sitters care for pets in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Long Island.If you will be going out of town for the holidays, we encourage you to book your pet sitting or cat boarding as soon as possible. Here at Katie’s Kitty we have a number of host families in New York City who will care for your cat or dog in their own home, so your pet will not need to be left alone during your time away. We also have cat sitters and dog sitters who will come to your home and care for your pet if you would rather they stay in their own environment.

Regardless of the type of care you’d like for your pet during the holidays – staying with one of our pet sitters in his/her home or in your own home – please give us a call as soon as possible. We want you to have the pet sitter of your choice caring for your pets, and the way to ensure that is to book your pet care services as soon as possible.

If this is the first time you’ll be using our services, we offer a complimentary play date or meet and greet. During this meeting you, your pet sitter, and pet will spend time getting to know each other. You will also go over details of your pet’s care, complete necessary paperwork, and have a chance to ask about the pet sitter and Katie’s Kitty.

You’ll find a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website to help you learn a little more about Katie’s Kitty and how our pet sitting and pet boarding services work.

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Before going out of town and leaving your pet in your pet sitter’s care, you’ll want to do a few things around your home to make sure everything is in order. Here are a few suggestions from PetsitUSA on how to ready your home, and your pet, for your time away.

Preparations for your pet

  • Ensure that there will be enough food, treats, kitty litter, etc. for the time you will be away.
  • Let your pet sitter know where your dog’s leash is kept.
  • If you have a carrier for your pet, let your pet sitter know where it is kept.
  • If your pet is on medication, notify your pet sitter ahead of time. Leave detailed instructions on its use, even if you tell your pet sitter verbally how it’s administered.
  • Put ID tags on each of your pets.
  • Provide outdoor pets with plenty of water, shelter, and a secure enclosure.
  • Leave toys for your pet to play with while you’re away.

Preparations for your home

  • Inform your pet sitter of anything that may be out of the ordinary (sinks that don’t drain properly, toilet that overflows, etc.).
  • Show your pet sitter where the thermostat is and how to operate it. Be sure to leave it set at a comfortable temperature for your pets while you’re gone.
  • If anyone will be in your home during your absence, let your pet sitter know. Because of safety concerns, many pet sitters will not enter a house if they see someone there. Also, be aware that many pet sitting businesses will not accept jobs if they are requested to share pet care responsibilities with others, or if someone else will be in the home while they are caring for your pets.

You’ll find the full article, Prepare Your Home and Pet for Your Pet Sitter, on PetsitUSA.

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Feline’s Pride expands cat food recall

by admin on July 15, 2010

Feline’s Pride has extended an earlier recall of their Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella. Here’s the release that appears on the FDA website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 15, 2010 – Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is expanding its July 1, 2010 voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This expansion of the recall affects those orders placed and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010 (produced on 6/21/10).

[...]

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 am – 4 pm EDT.

The complete recall can be found on the FDA website: Feline’s Pride Expands Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination.

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Cat sitting and cat boarding tips

by admin on July 12, 2010

NYC cat sitterHiring a cat sitter to care for your pets while you’re away means finding someone who will provide your cat with enough care and attention to keep her happy and satisfied, while minimizing stress. Since cats are quite particular, you’ll want to make sure everything is in order before leaving your cat in someone else’s care.

At Katie’s Kitty, we offer both cat sitting in your home and cat boarding in our host family homes. And, while we have the utmost confidence in our cat sitters, we encourage our clients to get to know their sitter and ask questions before leaving. I this way you will be confident your cat will be well cared for. Here are some of the things to consider when you hire a professional cat sitter to pet sit or board your favorite kitty.

Unless dictated by an unforeseen circumstance (such as a hospital stay), do not wait until the week before your vacation or business trip to make arrangements for boarding your pet.

Be sure that you have a “good feeling” about the sitter before leaving your pet with him/her. Get to know your cat sitter!

Don’t assume you know exactly how your cat will be cared for by your pet sitter. Just because you had someone care for your cat in the past, it doesn’t mean your new pet sitter will do things the same way. Ask specific questions about the pet sitter’s routine and their home (if your cat will be staying in their home while you’re away).

Ask for references. Questions you might want to ask are (1) How many times have you used this particular service or sitter? (2) For how long was your animal boarded? (3) When was the last time you used this sitter (or the sitter’s agency)? (4) Would you use this sitter or service again? and (5) Did your pet seem perfectly okay in every way when s/he was returned to you?

Give your cat sitter good contact numbers – for you, your veterinarian, and emergency clinic. If your cat is being cared for in your home, be sure to let your cat sitter know where you keep your cat’s crate, and other emergency supplies.

For more information on what to look for when hiring a cat sitter, please see our full article, Points to Consider Before Boarding Your Pet.

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New York veterinarian sues Mariah Carey for unpaid vet bills

June 28, 2010

New York veterinarian, Dr. Cindy Bressler, is suing Mariah Carey for veterinary bills she says have not been paid. Mariah Carey is no different when it comes to having trouble paying bills, it seems. Even the rich don’t pay their bills. At least that’s what veterinarian Cindy Bressler is accusing Mariah Carey of when she [...]

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Hot weather can be deadly for your pets

June 23, 2010

It’s important to keep your pets’ health in mind during the hot summer months. When we get hot, we can get some water, go indoors, or crank the air conditioning a little cooler.  Our dogs and cats aren’t able to do those things for themselves, so it’s up to us to be sure they don’t [...]

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