Pet Grooming Orange County

Hungry Hungry Kittens

By Leave a Comment

 While cats are fairly easy pets to care for, they may be more confusing at a younger stage in life. Kittens can be difficult to understand, and you may feel unprepared to feed your new furry friend. The right diet can ensure a healthy transition into adulthood. Thankfully, there are several ways to identify your specific kitten’s best possible diet.

Your Feeding Pattern

If you have owned a cat before, you may be used to the typical routine of one meal in the morning and one meal in the evening. This pattern is satisfying for adult cats, but kittens have different needs. Instead, kittens prefer to snack; they may want four smaller meals a day rather than two.

You may be inclined to give your kitten primarily dry food, but consider adding canned (wet) food to your schedule. Canned food is closer to a cat’s natural diet, and thus is important to your kitten’s healthy growth. If you are giving your kitten dry food, you should make two of their daily meals canned.

Ingredients Matter

Kittens grow a lot in a very short amount of time. Because of this, they have different nutritional needs than adult cats. Like adult cats, kitten diets should have a high fat content. However, to facilitate healthy growth, your kitten should get about 30% of their energy from proteins. Look for protein-based cat foods where meat is the first ingredient. Foods claiming “complete and balanced nutrition” mean that they have all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. This means that your kitten can survive on this food alone without supplementation. Until your cat’s first birthday, you will want foods specifically formulated for kittens.

A Little Something-Something

Many pet parents like to give their kittens extra treats, and kittens love to snack. It is generally okay to give your kitten cat treats, as long as they do not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake. This means only a few treats per day.

Sometimes, cats enjoy table scraps, but take caution with these. Your favorite cartoon cats may love a saucer of milk, but your kitten may disagree. Milk causes diarrhea in older kittens, who have since weaning lost the enzyme to break down milk. Raw meats, eggs, or fish can contain harmful bacteria causing potentially fatal conditions. Cooked, unseasoned meats or eggs are the best thing to give your kitten under the table.

Your new best friend may be waiting at Claws N Paws Day Spa. We currently have two kittens up for adoption. Previously, these boys lived in a large foster home and have become closely acquainted with small and older children, other cats, dogs, and rabbits. Because they have grown up together, these brothers would love to find a home together. For more information, any inquiries, or to schedule a meeting, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Taking Care of Your New Kitten

By

At this time of year, many kittens are looking forward to going home for the holidays. Many families are also preparing themselves for their new additions. However, many new pet owners do not know how to prepare for a kitten coming into their home. While kittens are great pets, it can be difficult to know exactly what they need or want.

Kitten-Proofing the House

Cats, especially kittens, are extremely playful creatures. Any cat parent will tell you that their pet gets into everything. While you cannot eliminate damages, you can limit them. Start by cleaning up; keep children’s toys, hair bands, jewelry, etc. tidy and in their places. Some debris is more dangerous than others. Loose strings, such as yarn, balloon strings, and thread, can be fatal if ingested. Move anything particularly messy or breakable up high. All plants (particularly toxic plants) should be up high but not on a ledge, as they can fall and leave shards all over the floor.

Common home products can be extremely toxic to pets. Keep all roach or ant traps out of your kitten’s reach, as they contain real poison. Lock all Tylenol (acetaminophen) up; it is also toxic to cats. Cleaners, bleach, and other cleaning products also contain harmful ingredients that will cause major distress to a cat or kitten.

Introduce Them to the Family

While you may feel ready for your new kitten, everyone in your house may not share the sentiment. Children are not always equipped for a kitten. To encourage a safe homecoming, have a long conversation with your children about responsibility. Remind them that kittens are delicate and defensive. If children mishandle them, kittens can lash out or experience injury.

Kittens can seem abrasive to other pets in the house. They are more playful than other cats, and much more moody than dogs or other animals. Monitor their interactions, and limit them if you have to. Eventually, your pets will learn to coexist.

Adopting a Kitten Now

At Claws N Paws, we currently have four kittens up for adoption. All of them were once homeless and have been rescued and fostered since their discovery. They are anxiously awaiting their first homes for the holidays!

At Claws N Paws, we provide grooming services to both dogs and cats. Right next door, our cats-only facility provides boarding services to cats and kittens. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005!

Merry Kittens!

By

At this time of the year, many parents choose to expand their families with a furry friend. Why not look into getting a kitten this holiday season? Kittens are a great way to encourage compassion and responsibility in your children, as well as add just a little extra joy to your home.

Why a Kitten?

At the end of a long year, many children are feeling restless. Stay-at-home orders mean that kids in 2020 spend most if not all of their time indoors. For the developing mind, this can be boring and quite lonely. Kittens deal with the same feelings. Unlike older cats, rescued kittens may not be quite used to the indoor lifestyle.

Of course, young kittens are not always the best option for children. Young kittens are fragile and more likely to bite, as they are both teething and still learning their boundaries. In a home with young children, it is best to go with an older kitten. Older kittens have the same energy as younger kittens, with more of the discipline. They are larger, meaning that they are less likely to get lost, stuck, or injured.

Kittens at Claws N Paws

At Claws N Paws, we are currently overflowing with adorable kittens. We currently have two litters: two eight-month-old boys and three six-month-old girls. The boys were found alone outside and brought to Claws N Paws. At their age, they are nervous being in the shop but quickly warm up in a home. They spent months in a foster home with other cats, dogs, rabbits, and children. Because they are bonded, we would love to see these two brothers go to the same home! The girls were rescued out from under a car by some of our foster parents. Despite a difficult past, these three kittens are extremely loving! After their brother was adopted, they are all anxious to find their own forever homes.

If you are looking to adopt for Christmas, you are in luck! We will be open right up until Christmas, and owner Christi is willing to bring kittens to you even on Christmas morning. This will ensure that children will not see or hear their new furry friend before Christmas day. When you’re at Claws N Paws, give your availability and we will work to your schedule.

Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding is located in Fountain Valley, California. To schedule a meeting with a kitten (or two), call us today at 714-962-1005. We can’t wait to see you!

Your Cat and Your Christmas Tree

By

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!

By

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

By

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.