Pet Grooming Orange County

Those Who Wander…

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Cats are free spirits. Sometimes, this means that they do unpredictable things such as wandering around seemingly without purpose. While we recommend that all domestic cats remain indoors, this is not always the case. Understanding why your cat wanders (or roams) outside is important in understanding how to best keep them safe.

Why Do Cats Wander?

Many cats possess an urge to explore the world around them. As humans, we know very little about feline roaming behaviors. We know that they are quite savvy in a constant environment; they remember familiar landmarks and furry friends. Regardless, cats with an urge to roam are near impossible to restrict once they are already outside.

Cats may also wander during mating season. Typically, experts place kitten season in the period from April to October. However, it can begin as early as February. Cats that have not been spayed or neutered exhibit changed behavior during mating season. Females will howl and sometimes act overly affectionate. Both males and females will wander quite a bit more, subconsciously seeking a mate.

Dangers of Wandering

Roaming, while beloved by many cats, has its risks. Domestic cats are usually too small for drivers to avoid or even see crossing the street. Therefore, cars and other large vehicles pose the most major threat to outdoor cats.

Cats may also encounter living risks. Other animals such as foxes, coyotes, and fellow cats also roam the streets. Many of these animals are vicious, and some carry diseases such as rabies and upper respiratory infections. Additionally, your pet may run into some unfriendly humans during their roam.

During mating season, roaming has more consequences. Your male cats can impregnate unspayed females, and your female cats may return pregnant. While kittens seem cute, they require unique resources. Many kittens born in neighborhood conditions will not survive.

Precautions

We heavily recommend that domestic cats are kept indoors. However, if you decide to let your cat roam, there are some precautions you can take. Always make sure your cats’ tags are up-to-date and secured. Their vaccinations should also be kept meticulously up-to-date. These steps limits some of the more common risks to an outdoor cat.

It is also extremely important that your cat is either spayed or neutered. There are behavioral and health benefits to this, but it will also ensure that they will not breed. Even if your cat stays strictly indoors, they should be fixed.

At Claws N Paws, we put your pets’ needs and safety first. We provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs, and we provide cats-only boarding right next door. For more information or to set up an appointment, stop by our Fountain Valley location today or contact us at 714-962-1005.

Dry Food vs. Wet Food

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As pet owners, we are constantly making decisions about how to best care for our furry friends. One of the most daunting decisions can be choosing a pet food. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which food is best. Here, we will investigate the difference between dry food and wet canned food. The information below should help narrow your deciding process.

Dry Food

Dry food is the epitome of convenience. It is easier to store, meaning that you are less likely to run out suddenly. Furthermore, dry food will not spoil in your pet’s bowl. They can snack all day rather than relying on specific mealtimes. This makes it possible for pet owners to go on day-long outings without worrying that their pet will run out of food.

Usually, dry food contains more grains than wet food. This has been the subject of debate among veterinarians and pet owners alike. Some argue that pets are carnivorous and do not need extra fillers in their diets. However, others argue that even wild dogs and cats are omnivorous and supplement their diets with whatever they can find. Ultimately, it comes down to the specific dry food; some rely more heavily on grains than others.

The texture of dry food also promotes dental health. Unlike wet food, which can build up plaque, dry food scrapes it away. This is never a complete substitute for dental care, but it can certainly help along the way.

Wet Food

Wet food is often considered the more palatable of the two. It is heavily aromatic and easier to chew, making it preferable for ill or elderly pets. Unlike dry food, wet food is not typically bought in large containers. This allows for more variation in your pet’s diet, exciting even the pickiest eater.

Most wet foods contain far less grains than their dry counterparts. This leaves room for more proteins and fats, which many veterinarians and pet owners prefer. Wet foods are also more likely to contain synthetic preserves and artificial flavors/colors. For these reasons, many believe that wet food more closely mimics an animal’s natural diet. However, like with dry food, it is still important to check the ingredients list of any wet food you choose.

Dehydration is a major concern for many pets, and many veterinarians are turning to wet pet food as a potential solution. While this introduces a higher water content to your pet’s diet, remember that food can never be a substitute for drinking water.

In Conclusion

Both foods have their values. The perfect food for one pet may be completely wrong for another. Whatever you choose for your specific pet, it is always important to read the product label and reviews. That way, you can ensure your furry friend is always getting the nutrition they need!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by our Fountain Valley location today.

Understanding Feline Asthma

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Every cat is unique! Whether they differ in demeanor or appearance, we love our cats for their peculiarities. For 1-5% of cats, asthma sets them out from the rest. Feline asthma is not cause for major concern, but it is something that should be monitored. Follow the information here to ensure your asthmatic kitty is the happiest they can be!

What Causes Feline Asthma?

Feline asthma essentially occurs as a result of allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis is triggered when a cat inhales an allergen or some other stimulant. The airways in this cat’s lungs become inflamed. When this inflammation is common or chronic, we call it asthma.

Some factors can increase your cat’s risk of contracting asthma. Unfortunately, a number of these are unavoidable. Cats who contract asthma are most commonly 2 to 8 years of age, female, and either Siamese, Himalayan, or mixed breed. However, there are a number of environmental factors that can increase your cat’s specific risk. These include:

  • Frequent exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, pollen, and aerosol cleaning products
  • A stressful environment or circumstances
  • Heart conditions
  • Obesity or sudden weight gain that affects regular respiratory functions

What Are the Signs of Feline Asthma?

A cat with asthma will experience asthma attacks. During an attack, a cat may hunch their body very close to the ground with their head and neck extended forward. They will likely show difficulty breathing, combined with hacking or wheezing. These attacks vary widely in intensity and frequency, but they should be monitored closely. When an asthmatic cat is not having an attack, they may appear weak or fatigued.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Asthma?

If you suspect your cat has asthma, take them to the vet immediately. Unchecked inflammation can eventually lead to permanent scarring on the lungs. There is no single test to diagnose asthma. Most likely, your vet will rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as chronic bronchitis and parasite invasion. They may listen to your cat’s breathing and take allergy and/or blood tests. In some cases, your vet may schedule a chest X-ray.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Many vets prescribe corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. These may or may not be supplemented by bronchodilators, which dilate the airways to improve airflow. Both of these treatments come in oral, inhalable, or injectable forms.

December is National Cat Lovers’ Month, but at Claws N Paws we value our feline friends 365 days a year. Your kitty can find warm rooms, special care, and a devoted staff in our cats-only boarding facility located in Fountain Valley, California. Furthermore, we provide professional grooming services to dogs and cats right next door. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Your Dog Will Go Coco-Nuts for Coconut Oil

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You have probably heard of the seemingly magical benefits of coconut oil. But did you know that your furry friend can also join in the trend? Coconut oil can get your dog looking and feeling great, in one of the most natural ways.

Why Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconut meat. It consists mainly of saturated fats, which may seem counterintuitive. However, coconut oil derives its fat content from medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are classified as a good fat. These are usually associated with energy production, but coconut oil has many hidden health benefits as well.

The Natural Remedy

There are a wide variety of health benefits your pup can get from eating coconut oil. MCTs are known to help digestive processes and boost your older dog’s mental functions. Lauric acid has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil can also reduce coughing and eliminate undesirable odors. It can smoothen your dog’s hair and eliminate undesirable odors.

All of these health benefits come from eating coconut oil. However, it can also be applied topically! Applying coconut oil to problem areas (wounds, bites, stings, etc.) can help them heal faster. Some purchasable products have utilized coconut oil for its positive properties. You can buy coconut oil shampoo for soft fur or certain paw balms to help heal hotspots or blisters.

How to Give Coconut Oil to Your Dog

Coconut oil is safe for dogs to eat, and the best way to do this is to mix it into their food. Always buy unrefined (or virgin) coconut oil, preferably if it is “cold pressed.” Your dog may have specific tastes, so try out a couple brands and types! Small dogs should start with ¼ teaspoon with meals, while big dogs can start with 1 teaspoon. Eventually, you can build this amount up to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds.

However, it is important to keep in mind that coconut oil is not for every dog. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis, it might be best to avoid using it. Some dogs may also be allergic to coconut oil, so make sure to monitor their behavior for a little while after the first taste.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can provide professional grooming services to your cat or dog. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California!

Taking Care of a Senior Cat

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Senior cats are delightful members in any family. Their calm disposition and seasoned personality make them particularly good in homes with young children. However, they take some special care. With these tips, you and your senior cat can enjoy the very best quality of life.

Keep A Close Eye

At this time in their life, a senior cat will likely experience some health problems. The good news is that these are often easy to spot. Look for changes in diet, water intake, weight, and behavior. Your cat will act differently due to their age, but drastic changes may be cause for concern. Some pet owners find it helpful to keep a diary of their cat’s behavior or symptoms. If maintained, this can help your vet identify any potential health issues.

Set the Space

Senior cats need special accommodations. Getting around may get harder for an elderly cat, so easy access to food, water, and litterboxes is of the utmost importance. Because your senior cat is probably exercising less on their own, lots of toys can be a great incentive to get active. Finally, cozy spaces (cat beds, blankets, etc.) give your senior cat a gentle place to rest and recharge. Make sure all of these accommodations are close to the floor and out of loud areas of your home.

Regular Stimulation

Even old cats need regular attention and activity. Try experimenting with some new toys. However, make sure that active situations are not particularly stressful. Even just sitting with and petting your cat can stimulate their mental health.

Keep Them Inside

While we recommend that all cats are kept indoors, this is especially important for senior cats. They are oftentimes much slower to react to wild animals or passing cars. Furthermore, they can get lost more easily. It is always best to keep an elderly cat inside the home at all times.

Regular Vet Visits

Stay on top of your senior cat’s health with regular veterinary visits. Many pet owners choose to go biannually, but your vet can help you determine the best routine. Now may be the time to invest in a comfortable carrier; there is no reason for your elderly cat to be stressed out.

At Claws N Paws, we care deeply about your pet’s best interests. We provide professional pet grooming to both dogs and cats at our full-service grooming salon. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

Thanksgiving Safety for Pets

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With November upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. ‘Tis the season to express gratitude to our loved ones, including our pets! Show them a wonderful holiday this Turkey Day.

Be Careful About Food Scraps

Thanksgiving dinner is well worth the year’s wait. Unfortunately, most of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that can be dangerous for your pet. It is well-known that pets are not meant to consume common toxins like chocolate and xylitol sweetener, but there are many other foods that can make your dog or cat very ill. Anything cooked with onions, scallions, or garlic is toxic to dogs and cats. This likely includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Furthermore, dairy products can cause serious stomach upset; lactose intolerance is common in dogs and cats and is not detected until after a problem has occurred. Salads made with grapes or raisins can cause kidney damage to dogs. Even meats like unseasoned turkey and ham can create digestive problems, particularly if they contain bones. As a result, it is best to avoid giving anything from the Thanksgiving table to your pet.

Some pets are curious and will attempt to sneak food. You can take it as a compliment to your cooking, but do not let them consume it. Due to the severity of these ingredients, we recommend keeping your pet out of the room during prep, feasting, and clean-up. Remember to take out the trash before letting them back into the room.

Traveling

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, make sure you have made accommodations for your pet. If they will be flying with you, make sure to read up on airline rules and safety. Update any tags or microchips to ensure that all information is up to date.

If your pet is staying home, they will still need accommodations. Arrange for someone to watch them, or find a boarding facility. Those located near Orange County, California can find professional cats-only boarding at Claws N Paws. Contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Hosting Guests

You may have taken on the brave task of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home. Your pet might love the extra attention, but make sure the environment is safe and comfortable. Monitor the door (and alert your guests of any pets in the home) to make sure there are no runaways. Supervise any children, particularly those who have not been exposed to many animals. Keep in mind that it may be ultimately safer to keep your pet in a separate room from guests.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service professional grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door is our cats-only boarding facility, perfect for the holidays. Stop by today for more information!