Pet Grooming Orange County

Your Cat and Your Christmas Tree

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There’s no more denying it—the holiday season is upon us. If you celebrate Christmas, you may be putting up your tree soon! However, many of us know the unique challenges of living with both a cat and a Christmas tree. Cats are known for their curiosity and ability to climb anything they please. Thankfully, there are several ways to cat-proof your tree! This will ensure a safe and very merry Christmas for both you and your feline friend.

Season’s Eatings

Many cats develop strange eating or chewing habits that can prove dangerous to both themselves and your tree. This may determine what type of tree you choose. Is your cat a chewer? If so, you may want to skip the live tree. Firs, spruces, and pines may look and smell beautiful in your home, but their various oils can be toxic to the curious chewer. These toxins may cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, or damage to the internal organs. It may be better to opt for an artificial tree.

Of course, artificial trees are not entirely cat-proof. Most cats will still chew on plastic leaves as if they were real. This mainly becomes a problem when they swallow pieces of plastic, potentially creating an obstruction or blockage. Such blockages are most common in cats with pica, who regularly consume inedible objects. If your cat is a regular chewer or is known to have pica, you should block off your tree with a baby gate or pen.

Your Tree-mendous Climber

Everyone has seen videos of cats climbing or getting stuck in Christmas trees. While these may be cute, your cat can get themself hurt this way. They may fall, rip out a nail, or topple the tree. Blocking off the tree is the safest option, especially for wily cats or kittens. However, studies suggest that cats will avoid orange scents. Try using orange peels or sprays to deter your cat. If toppling is your main concern, anchor your tree to the ground with a heavy base.

Lit for the Holidays

Like moths drawn to flame, many cats are compelled by strings of lights. However, corded lights create an electric shock when chewed. Furthermore, the glass bulbs can be very sharp when broken. It is always best to keep lights and ornaments near the top of your tree. If you have made precautions for climbing, this should eliminate the issue.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services in a comfortable environment. Right next door, let your cat stay a while in our cats-only boarding facility. We are currently open with certain provisions in place to protect our customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

You Can’t Top This!

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Like some humans, many pets are picky. Most pet owners have seen their pet turn down perfectly fine food. Thankfully, there are ways to encourage healthy feeding. Pet owners are turning to pet food toppers, which sit at the top of your pet’s regular meal. These appetizing treats will ensure your pet gets their nutrition without a fight!

What Are Pet Food Toppers?

Pet food toppers can come in multiple forms. There are wet pet food toppers, typically gravies, sauces, or broths. There are also dry pet food toppers, which are usually either powdered or freeze-dried. You can find them in the pet food aisle, and they typically come in small containers or packs. Pet food toppers are designed to be aromatic and enticing for even the pickiest pets. Different companies produce toppers differently. While some focus on meat and other pungent products to get pets to eat, others supply nutrition to supplement a balanced diet.

Most pet food toppers are only meant as intermittent treats, but others can be served as meals. If the packaging claims it meets AAFCO standards, it can be used as part of a balanced diet. Otherwise, it will encourage intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Supplemental pet food toppers should not comprise more than 10% of your pet’s diet.

What Are the Benefits?

Pet food toppers are typically used to encourage picky eaters to enjoy their regular diets. Pets can become easily bored eating the same meals every day. Thankfully, pet food toppers give us the chance to step up that bowl of kibble or canned food. They are also easier to store, meaning that you can experiment with different types or stock up on multiple different flavors at once.

Furthermore, the type of pet food topper you buy can determine its benefits. Some toppers contain extra supplements to bulk up your pet’s regular diet. Many contain probiotics, supplemental proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and more. Your vet may be able to help you pick the very best supplement for your specific pet. Wet pet food toppers can also provide hydration to pets that refuse to drink water. When you tailor pet food toppers to your specific pet, the possibilities are endless!

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California always has your pet’s health and happiness in mind. Our dedicated team of groomers can provide professional, personalized care to your cat or dog. Claws N Paws is currently open with social distancing and mask-wearing procedures in place. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Thanksgiving With Pets

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It is a strange year for holidays. Thanksgiving is no exception—in light of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, many people are scrambling to decide how to celebrate the holiday. Whatever your plans, always keep your furry friend in mind. Like any other holiday, Thanksgiving poses certain challenges to pets and pet parents alike.

Skip the Table Scraps

You may get puppy dog eyes, but don’t be fooled this holiday season. Most Thanksgiving treats can actually be quite dangerous for pets. Potatoes, a common Thanksgiving side dish, are actually part of the nightshade family and can be very dangerous to pets. Desserts with chocolate or artificial sweeteners are toxic. Even meat dishes can be bad for pets; if they are loaded with salt or butter, they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain. If they include garlic or onions, they are downright toxic.

If you want to treat your pet, consider pumpkin. Canned, unsweetened pumpkin has been known to improve pets’ coat and digestive health. Your pet will love the taste of this seasonal treat!

Hide Your Decorations

Pets, particularly cats, are very good at knocking over precious decorations. Place your ceramic pilgrims and turkey art where you are certain your pet cannot reach. Not only does this ruin your decoration, broken shards can be dangerous to both pets and children.

Decorative plants can also prove dangerous in a home with pets. Many seasonal plants like poinsettias are toxic to cats and dogs. For more information on safe and unsafe plants, check out our blog on houseplants.

Keep Them Safe in Your Absence

If you must travel this season, make sure to make accommodations for your furry friend. Will you take them with you or leave them at home? If you choose to take them with you, be careful. Many animals dislike being in moving vehicles, and many airlines are downright dangerous for pets. If they are staying at home, make sure they will be taken care of. Boarding is always a good option for short trips; your pet will feel much safer with professionals taking care of them.

At Claws N Paws, your pet can find quality care and comfort. We feature both a professional grooming salon for both cats and dogs and, right next door, a cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Managing Pet Hair in Your Home

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Animals shed. This is a fact every pet owner knows and understands. Unfortunately, pet hair can be annoying to manage. It gets everywhere, and it often means that friends with pet allergies cannot visit our homes. Thankfully, there are easy ways to manage shedding. This will ensure that you, your pet, and your guests are comfortable in your home. 

The Root of the Problem

Pets shed normally, but excessive shedding may mean inadequate grooming. You can limit shedding by brushing your pet daily, bathing them often, and setting up a regular schedule with a professional groomer. These schedules all depend on your specific pet. For example, short-haired dogs need to be brushed less than long-hair dogs, and cats can manage with less frequent baths.

Excessive shedding may also signal certain health issues. A poor diet does not supply the proper nutrients for normal hair growth. To encourage healthy hair growth, invest in a food with high-quality proteins and fats. Even better, your pet’s coat will feel softer and stronger than ever! Past diet, shedding may be a symptom of a larger condition. Excessive shedding paired with itchiness, skin lesions, patchy hair loss, and other signs of illness should be monitored. Your vet can help you determine the root cause of shedding.

You can also curb shedding by putting your furry friend in clothes. Animals (especially most cats) find this controversial, but a tolerant pet will love a sweater or T-shirt. Not only will they look adorable, the fabric will catch a large percentage of fur.

Keeping It Clean

In most homes, it is unrealistic to expect pets will stay off the furniture. Instead, toss a blanket or a sheet over your pet’s favorite spot. They may even prefer this; it gives them something to cuddle with. Washing a blanket is much easier than cleaning a couch. If carpeted floors or rugs are your concern, vacuum cleaners are a great defense against loose fur. Certain brands produce vacuums designed specifically for cleaning pet messes. For clothing, curtains, and other fabrics, many pet owners find it helpful to have a lint roller handy.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides a wide range of professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Our dedicated team can work with you to determine your best grooming schedule to curb hair loss. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can call us today at 714-962-1005!

All About Pet Insurance

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With healthcare costs rising, many of us feel safer with a good insurance plan. But what about our pets? Pet insurance is out there, but it can be difficult to know how or when to get it. Many pet owners do not purchase pet insurance simply because they know very little about it. Fortunately, information is out there for those who look.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance plans work similarly to human health insurance. Pet parents pay a monthly premium for coverage, which applies whenever your pet needs a trip to the vet. Most insurance plans are for cats and dogs, but there are some which cater to exotic animals.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Unlike human health insurance, there are different types of health insurance based on coverage and your specific pet. Wellness plans cover routine care, checkups, and vaccines. Alternatively, accident-illness plans cover treatment for both injury and illness. There are also accident-only and illness-only plans. Unfortunately, no pet insurance plan covers preexisting conditions. To fully understand your pet’s coverage, you will need to do research on your specific provider and plan.

What Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Because veterinary care is expensive, pet insurance can also be quite pricey. Basic plans may cost as low as $10 per month, but the most expensive plans may reach up to $100 per month. Payment is based on both coverage and your specific pet. Your furry friend’s age, weight, aand breed may factor into the cost. Costs may also vary by location; certain areas pose more environmental threats to animals.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance applies broadly, which means any policy applies to any certified veterinary clinic in the United States. In most cases, you pay upfront. Make sure to keep your itemized receipt; you will send this to your pet insurance provider. Based on your coverage, they will reimburse you a portion of the cost. Know that this is the most common, but not the only, iteration of pet insurance.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s safety and needs are always our first priority. Located in Fountain Valley, California, we provide professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Happy Halloween, Pet Families!

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When the air grows cold, and the fog rolls in, we know that another Halloween is upon us. While we may want to spend the weekend getting our spook on, our pets may have a different idea. This Halloween we also have the unique experience of being stuck inside with our pets. For this reason, this year has the potential to be your pet’s favorite Halloween ever!

Keep Them Inside!

Even if your pet can’t catch COVID, you will want to keep them inside on Halloween. Unfortunately, many people have harmful intentions on Halloween night. Animals, particularly black cats, may be injured or even killed by rebellious teenagers. Make sure all doors are closed, and always accompany your dog on potty breaks.

Create a Safe Haven

Halloween can be overwhelming for pets. Oftentimes, trick-or-treating children and neighborhood parties create a loud environment. Make sure your home feels safe, comfortable, and most importantly normal for your pet. Keep lights fairly low and do not disturb their typical lounge spots. Avoid scented candles, as these are known to create respiratory problems in both cats and dogs.

You can decorate as long as the decorations do not interfere with your pet’s daily functioning; in fact, you can even have some fun with it! Your cat will love batting your Halloween decorations. Make sure they’re not too heavy; long, hanging cloth decorations are perfect for playful kittens!

Dress Them Up!

Like children, our pets can dress up for the holiday. Costume and department stores sell costumes especially for cats and dogs. Your pet may not love to wear clothes, but an unobtrusive costume can be fun for both you and your pet. Try it on them in short intervals. Remember that kittens and puppies will be more receptive to wearing costumes sthan older pets!

Watch Your Snacks

While delicious, Halloween food is rarely pet-safe. Treats with chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are toxic to cats and dogs. You can eat your treats, but keep them away from your pets. If you want to give your pet a seasonal meal, give them some canned (unsweetened) pumpkin. This is both tasty and healthy for your beloved furry friend!

Your pet can find professional grooming and bathing services at Claws N Paws Day Spa! Located in Fountain Valley, California, our grooming studio flaunts a dedicated staff and top-notch facilities. Right next door, your cat can find boarding services at our cats-only facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.