4petsusa Blog

A Blog About Tips and Information On Pet Health.

As our furry feline friends age they are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism and weakening kidneys, and we must give them medication. Many of us must provide some sort of medication to our feline friends daily and with that of course comes the high cost of keeping those highly curios felines healthy and because one needs to keep these highly active felines healthy one also encounters the challenge of making certain they swallow or take their medication. For many whom are cat owners they relate and understand the challenges of attempting to feed any medications to their cats. Some have attempted to cover the medication in a treat (the problem with this could be that the treat is high in iodine), or some even attempt to wrap the cat in a towel to force the medication and to avoid the potential of being scratched. Although these may be effective to some degree they are not the only options. With some additional research and/or contacting your veterinary to seek further assistance as to what may be the better solution in administering your pets medication, will not only make one’s life easier but it will also make your feline friends life easy as well. Again we believe feeding of medications are readily available, it is just a matter of searching or making that phone call!

If your cat has been diagnosed with “hyperthyroidism” or in layman’s terms thyroid health problems and as a pet owner one has been giving any medications to the cat in form of pills or any other form not easily consumed by the cat, there is good news! Hill’s has developed a prescription diet that has been clinically proven to control the thyroid by lowering the amount of iodine our cats take in, which is the trigger for thyroid problems. Hill’s introduced their Y/D Prescription Diet in September of 2011 and it has made life much easier at home for many pets and pet owners. On average it takes about seven days for your cat to transition from the hyperthyroid medication once they start only eating Hill’s Y/D formula. The Y/D formula diet also promotes healthy kidneys and smoother looking coat. This is essential to older felines because they are more prone to kidney problems and hyperthyroidism. The best part is that now as a pet owner we won’t have to worry about how to make our furry friends take their prescription medication.

You can find this Hills Diet product and many more at www.4petsusa.com.

Make a safe environment for your cat by cat proofing your home.

Things we may never think about that are always around our home can create dangerous situations for our cats. After reading 25 Ways to Cat-Proofing Your Home in CatFancy magazine July Issue, I thought I would share the top 10 which in my opinion of a surprise and never thought of.  Please keep in mind these are only a few of the 25 ways to keep your cat safe in your home which one can obtain by purchasing either a subscription to CatFancy magazine or purchasing the PDF version of the complete article.

1. Large appliances: Washers, dryers, and dishwashers can be a fun and adventurous place for cats to go. They love climbing into places that we may not think of. So remember to always keep lids shut.
2. Hot Surfaces: Our cats are notorious for climbing on kitchen appliances and stove tops. Unlike dogs they are more agile and can climb on to the stove without making a sound. So make sure everything has cooled off before letting your furry felines into the kitchen, or near space heaters.
3. Kitchen Counters:  Onions and chocolate are harmful to cats, leaving unattended food could get your cat sick. Always dispose of bones and trash properly and not leave them lying around for your curious cat to find. Even leaving baby bottles on the kitchen counter can become hazardous for cats that love milk. They may try to break the bottle open.
4. Detergents and cleaners: like baby proofing, keeping detergents and cleaners in child proof level doors is always a great idea.
5. Rodent and insect repellents: Sometimes when we see unwanted rodents and insects we instantly get the bug killing spray and rat traps out. Please remember that our cats can get trapped by the rat traps and can get sick from bug spray.
6. Furniture: Folding furniture can trap cats. Always check for cats before returning furniture to their normal positions.
7. Cords and wires: Phone, TV, and Internet cords are examples for wires that entice cats to come play. Keep cords bond to prevent our furry friends from getting tangled or shocked.
8. Flames: Candles create a soothing environment and warms a room, but candles can also burn paws and singe whiskers. Never leave your candles unattended.
9. Blinds, Drapes, and Curtains: Try to keep drapes and curtains out of reach of young cats, otherwise they will be trying to climb up them. Also try and shorten your blind cords to prevent accidental strangulation.
10. Plants and Flowers: Some plants are deadly to cats; always check to make sure that the plants being brought into the house are feline friendly.

It is our intention to provide you with helpful articles on everything related to your pet as we find and deemed them worthwhile.