Pet Grooming Orange County

The Problem with Fleas on your Cat

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The Problem with Fleas on your CatFleas on pets

Fleas can quickly take over your home and your cat. Fleas bite both people and pets, causing welts and intense itching. These tiny pests are not only difficult to live with, but they can also cause some serious problems as well. Let’s discuss the problems associated with fleas on your cat.

Tapeworms

Fleas are an essential part of a tapeworm’s life cycle. If your cat swallows an infected flea, it will end up contracting these intestinal parasites. Tapeworms can cause serious problems for your cat including malnutrition and intestinal blockage. These problems aside, the sight of tiny wriggling tapeworms on your cat or in their litterbox will be enough to send you running to your vet for medication. However, treating the tapeworm infestation is only a small part of the battle, as long as your cat is still coming in contact with fleas, they are subject to re-infection.

Anemia

A cat that has a severe flea infestation is not only suffering from the intense itching these pests can cause, but they can also cause your cat to die. Every time a flea bites your cat, it takes a little of its blood. If your cat has a large number of fleas on it, they can consume so much blood that your cat becomes anemic. Even though cats of any age can become anemic from fleas, the most likely to suffer are young kittens and elderly cats. Controlling fleas can protect your cat from this life-threatening situation.

Allergies

Cats that are repeatedly exposed to fleas can develop a flea allergy causing them to react strongly to every single flea bite. Cats with flea allergy scratch and lick constantly. Their skin becomes red and inflamed causing obvious distress. Flea allergy can also cause your cat to lose fur and develop sores. In severe cases you might see cracked, crusty brown patches that ooze clear fluid or pus.

Dealing with fleas can be an ongoing battle, especially in California where the weather is ideal for fleas all year long. Fleas must be dealt with aggressively and quickly to avoid serious problems for your cat. In order to ensure that fleas are dealt with properly, your cat and home must both be treated.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of orange county’s pets since 2001. We can help you rid your pet of fleas. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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Cleaning Pet Stains with Household Products

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Cleaning Pet Stains with Household Productsduchess

If you have pets then you probably have had to deal with pet accidents. When not cleaned properly, pet accidents can leave behind unattractive carpet stains and odors. Even though there are several retail products available to clean up pet messes and remove carpet stains, these products are often expensive and contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your pet. Pet stains can be cleaned with common household products. These highly effective, inexpensive and natural ingredients remove pet stains quickly and eliminate the odor that is sometimes left behind.

Vinegar

Vinegar works to break up the ammonia in pet urine, killing bacteria and neutralizing odor. To clean up pet messes with vinegar start by blotting up as much of the pet stain as possible then pour the vinegar directly onto the stained area. Use a scrub brush to work the vinegar into the entire area, making sure that it reaches the underside of the carpet as well. Let it sit for ten minutes and then blot with a clean towel. Allow the area to air dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to absorb pet stains and eliminate odors. Using a clean towel, blot up as much of the stain as possible. Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the entire area. Allow it to sit for fifteen minutes and then work in the remaining baking soda with a scrub brush. Prepare a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water and spray the vinegar solution over the stain. Work the solution in with a scrub brush and then blot up any excess wetness. Once dry, use a vacuum to remove any leftover baking soda.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove pet stains, however it can sometimes cause discoloration of the carpeting. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before attempting to clean carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide. Before cleaning, you will need to absorb as much of the stain as possible with a clean towel. Sprinkle a thick, even layer of baking soda over the entire stain. Next, soak the stain with hydrogen peroxide. The baking soda will bubble up. This reaction is completely normal. Allow it to sit for five minutes and then absorb the leftover peroxide with a clean towel. After the area has dried, use a vacuum to remove any leftover baking soda.

We hope this information has been helpful as we strive to provide education on all aspects of pet care.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming for both dogs and cats. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

Common Cat Haircuts

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Common Cat Haircutsclaire_anderson

A cat’s coat is important for a number of different reasons. It keeps the cat warm and allows it to regulate its temperature. Most of the time a cat will keep its fur groomed on its own. However, sometimes the fur might require extensive grooming and clipping. Grooming a cat’s fur can contribute to the overall health and comfort of the cat, especially if the coat has become matted. There are many different grooming styles for cats. Let’s take a closer look at the most common cat haircuts.

Stripped

Also known as shaving or clipping, a stripped grooming style involves shaving the cat’s fur close to its body. This style of grooming is necessary if your cat’s fur is extremely matted.

Lion Cut

The lion cut is a grooming style where the cat’s body is clipped short but the fur on the head, feet and tail are left alone. This type of haircut is extremely popular for cats as well as some breeds of dogs.

Sanitary Haircut

A sanitary haircut does not affect the overall appearance of the cat’s fur. In fact, most people will not even notice that this type of haircut has been given. A sanitary haircut is a functional haircut. Cats with longer fur sometimes get excrement stuck in their fur. A sanitary cut trims down the fur in such a way that this will not become an issue.

Partial Haircut

A partial haircut involves clipping the fur on the cat’s inner thighs, armpits, chin, tail and sanitary area. The fur on the cat’s back, sides and tail are left as they are. This type of grooming neatens up the cat’s appearance.

Peekaboo Haircut

A peekaboo haircut involves shortening the fur on the cat’s underside and blending the length into the longer fur on the cat’s back. While this type of haircut gives the cat the appearance of a full coat, it reduces the work necessary to maintain the cat’s underside which can easily become matted and full of debris.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming Orange County’s cats and dogs since 2001. Our experienced groomers understand that grooming can be stressful for cats and know how to reduce that stress while providing them with excellent care. We will be happy to discuss with you which type of haircut is best suited for your feline friend. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule your next grooming appointment.

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Is your Cat Over-Grooming Itself?

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Is your Cat Over-Grooming Itself?11_07_07

Cats groom themselves for several different reasons. The most common reasons are to remove dirt and debris from their coat, to regulate their body heat and to remove themselves from a stressful situation. However, sometimes the grooming becomes excessive. If your cat is over-grooming one particular area or if it is beginning to remove its fur, your cat could be suffering from something more serious such as fleas, allergies or too much stress. The best way to determine why your cat is over-grooming itself is to consult with your veterinarian. Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons that cats over-groom.

Fleas

Both outdoor and indoor cats can come into contact with fleas. Fleas attach themselves to a cat’s skin and suck their blood. When a flea’s saliva comes into contact with the cat’s skin, it can cause an allergic reaction. The cat will over-groom itself, sometimes removing its fur, to relieve the itching. Eliminating fleas on your cat and in your home is the only way to stop this type of over-grooming.

Pregnancy

Female cats that are pregnant will constantly groom their genitals in order to prepare themselves for the impending birth. Although this type of grooming might seem excessive it is completely normal.

Stress

One of the leading causes of over-grooming in cats is stress. Stress grooming, or psychogenic alopecia occurs during an extremely stressful period in a cat’s life such as a move or the introduction of a new pet. During stressful times, a cat might focus on one specific area and lick the spot excessively, sometimes removing its fur or causing injury. Cats that suffer from this type of condition typically focus on their abdomen and the inside of their legs.

Ticks

Like fleas, ticks can cause a cat to obsessively groom one area. Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to a cat’s skin and drink their blood. This can cause an allergic reaction that leads to over-grooming.

Food Allergies

Cats commonly develop allergies to the ingredients in commercial cat food such as chicken, fish, corn, wheat and beef. These allergies can appear without warning in cats as young as five months or as old as fifteen years. Giving a cat the same food every day for several months or several years makes it more likely that your cat will develop allergies. When a cat develops a rash from food allergies it will obsessively lick at its paws, legs and stomach.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming dogs and cats in Orange County, California since 2001. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

Dealing With a Stinky Dog

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Dealing With a Stinky Dogbath

We’ve all come across a stinky dog. Sometimes the cause is simple such as dog breath or wet fur, sometimes the problem is caused by an underlying medical issue. Stubborn dog smells can signify allergies, ear infections, skin infections, problems with diet or other issues that require a diagnosis from a veterinarian. While some common dog smells can be treated at home, if the problem persists or is severe, it’s imperative that you schedule an appointment with your vet.

Dealing with Dog Breath

Bad breath is typically a sign of plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. You can help to keep your dog’s teeth clean by offering chew toys and by having your dog’s teeth brushed every time they visit the groomer. Occasionally the smell is from an infection caused by foreign matter that has become lodged in the gums. If regular teeth brushing does not solve the problem, it is wise to have your dog’s teeth checked by a veterinarian.

Dealing with Smelly Ears

Dogs that have droopy ears often have problems with ear infections and smelly ears. This is because moisture gets trapped and wax builds up, providing the perfect home for bacteria, ear mites and fungus. If there is no infection or open sores you can use diluted vinegar, colloidal silver, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to clean the ears. If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, a veterinarian can prescribe medication.

Dealing with a Stinky Coat

A coat that is naturally oily can trap odor causing debris, but shampooing too often can dry out your pet’s skin and lead to allergies and infection. Regular grooming every four to six weeks is ideal for dealing with a stinky coat. Your groomer should only use soap-free shampoo. Between baths you can rub baby powder, baking soda or diatomaceous earth into your dog’s coat and then brush it to keep it odor free.

Dogs with thick undercoats have a hard time getting completely dry after getting wet. A damp undercoat can smell terrible. These types of dogs should be professionally groomed to ensure they are completely dry after their bath.

Other causes of dog odor include full anal glands and urine soaked fur. Always have your groomer check and express your dog’s anal glands when necessary and trim the fur around their genitals to keep urine and excrement from sticking to them.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help you keep your dog odor free! Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment today!

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten

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Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten11_02_07

Adopting a cat or kitten is a very exciting time. Most people cannot wait to introduce their new family member to friends and family and they immediately begin fantasizing about years of happy companionship. However, how you introduce your new cat or kitten to your household can have a huge impact on how well your new friend makes the adjustment. It is extremely important that you learn the basics before bringing home a new cat or kitten.

Cats are creatures of habit that like things to remain predictable day after day. When you adopt a cat or kitten you take them from a familiar environment and put them into a noisy moving vehicle and expect them to adjust to a completely new environment with new people and sometimes other pets. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible for your new friend you must take things slowly and give your cat plenty of time to adjust to its new surroundings.

Before bringing your cat or kitten home

  • Make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your new pet examined. Ideally you should schedule this appointment for immediately after you pick them up.
  • Make sure that you have a sturdy travel crate for your new cat to ride in.
  • If possible, arrange with the rescue group to take something familiar home with the cat or kitten. This might be a blanket or towel. Place it with them in the carrier on the ride home.
  • Before adopting, find out what type of food and litter the cat has been using. Purchasing the same brands will help to eliminate a lot of stress and upset stomach for your new pet.
  • Before bringing your new cat home, place its food, water and litter pan in a quiet room that can be closed off.

Introducing your new cat or kitten to your home

  • Place your new cat or kitten in the room that you have prepared. Keep the room closed off and allow your new pet to explore undisturbed.
  • Allow the cat to come out of the carrier on its own and approach you when it is ready.
  • Leave the carrier open in the room so that your new friend can go back inside if it feels nervous.
  • Introduce other family members slowly. Have children sit down and show them how to gently stroke the cat’s fur.
  • Children must be taught never to chase the cat or bother it when it is eating or using its litter box.
  • If there are no other pets in your home, allow the cat to explore the rest of the house after two or three days.

Introducing your new cat or kitten to other cats in the home

  • Before introducing your new cat, make sure that it has been tested for parasites and diseases and that it has received all of its vaccinations.
  • Keeping the new cat in a quiet, separate room is extremely important if you have other cats. They will usually sniff each other under the door. Do not be alarmed if there is some initial hissing.
  • Rub a towel over each cat in turn to get them used to each other’s scent.
  • Feed them on opposite sides of the door to your new cat’s room.
  • After a few days, take the new cat out of its room and put your other cat in the room with the door closed. Allow your new cat to explore the rest of the house for a few hours each day.
  • Allow your cats to meet slowly by propping open the door only enough that they can see each other and put a paw through.
  • After a few days, try to feed the cats in the same room but at opposite ends of the room. Monitor them closely and separate them after mealtime.
  • Every day move their dishes closer together until the cats are eating side by side.
  • Once the cats seem comfortable with each other open the door all the way.
  • To avoid litter box issues, provide one more litter box than the total number of cats in your home.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats and kittens looking for a forever home! For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

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