Pet Grooming Orange County

Houseplants and Your Cat

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Adding plants to your home can be a magical experience. Not only are plants beautiful, but they purify your indoor air, making it much easier to breathe inside your home. Unfortunately, many cat owners are reluctant to add plants to their home. Our feline friends often make it more challenging to maintain other living things. Thankfully, there are many ways to safely introduce plants into a cat-friendly home!

Cat-Friendly Houseplants

Preferably, our cats would not chew on our plants, but oftentimes cats will chew on or eat anything they please. Many common houseplants are actually toxic to cats, so chewing can have major consequences. Fortunately, there are a number of houseplants that are non-toxic to cats.

Green, leafy plants are one of the most common additions to the modern home. While common plants like golden pothos and branching ivy are toxic, there are many safe plants that you and your pet can enjoy. Consider ferns such as the Boston or Kimberly Queen, or palms such as Bamboo, Parlor, or Ponytail. If you’re looking for low-maintenance yet beautiful green plants, you can find the non-toxic spider plants or rattlesnake plants at your local grocery store.

Many people like succulents, but pet owners must steer clear from jade and aloe. Instead, succulents such as Echeveria and Hawthoria Zebra are great non-toxic alternatives. Most cacti are also safe for cats, but be careful with these. Many cacti (and even succulents) have spines which can get stuck in your cat’s fur or skin. 

Flowers are always a beautiful addition! In a house with cats, opt for orchids, sunflowers, or roses. Many common flowers are toxic, including lilies, daisies, and begonias. Keep any bouquets with these flowers far out of your pets’ reach.

Other than looking pretty, many cat-friendly plants are actually functional! You can grow herbs like basil and thyme without worry. These plants will happily sit in the window alongside your cat. Furthermore, if you have a problem with flies or gnats, you can find some help in a Venus fly trap! These carnivorous plants are completely cat-safe. Contrary to popular belief, it is not safe to grow catnip in your home. While cats may enjoy little bits of dried catnip in their toys, they can easily overdose on fresh catnip.

Placement is Everything!

While your houseplants may be safe, cats are not meant to eat plants. For your carnivorous cat, eating too many greens can cause severe vomiting and/or diarrhea. The best way to avoid this is to put houseplants far out of reach. Invest in some hanging planters! If you choose to place plants on high shelves, make sure your cat cannot get up there. You want to be sure they cannot knock over the plant, scattering vase or pot shards across the floor. Make sure your cat has many other perch spots so they will not be tempted to snuggle up to your plants. And be forgiving! Your plants will survive some cat scratches, just like you.

At Claws N Paws, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. You can find professional grooming services for both cats and dogs at our day spa, or devoted boarding services at our cats-only facility right next door. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.

Traveling With Pets

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As the year continues, people everywhere are beginning to make plans for the holidays. Many of us are preparing to travel. However, those of us with pets must make special provisions. The decision to travel with pets is never easy and takes very careful planning.

Road Trips

Traveling by car is the preferred option for many pet owners. Owners can monitor their pets from the car at all times, and they can intervene in case of emergency. However, the car does pose some challenges.

On long trips, make sure pets are secured in a crate or carrier. While dogs can usually roam free in a car, they may become restless over time. Furthermore, dogs that stick their heads out of the window can become injured from flying objects or particles. They may also take in far too much cold air, damaging their lungs. Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving, it is best to keep your dog safely inside the car. Never keep a pet in the back of a truck, as they can easily jump out into the road.

You should take frequent stops. Take your dog for a short walk, or let your cat roam around the parked car for a bit. Remember that your pet will need to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom, just like yourself. Account for them at every pit stop, and never leave an animal in the car alone.

Always travel with a human buddy when travelling with pets. That way, you can split the responsibilities of driving and taking care of your pet. When you make stops, someone should always stay in the car to take care of your pet.

Flying

Going on a plane with your pet can seem scary, but it is more common than you think! The most important thing to do is read up on your airline’s pet policies. If you have any questions, call ahead of time. This will make your time at the airport much less stressful.

It is safest to bring your pet into the cabin with you. Most airlines allow small dogs or cats into the cabin for a fee. They will require a special airplane carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. For some airlines, you may have to submit health or immunization records. Always call ahead of time, as there are usually limits to how many pets can be in the cabin at a time.

If your pet must travel with the luggage, be aware of the risks. Look up your airline’s safety ratings for transporting pets. Use direct flights and always try to be on the same plane as your pet.

Leaving Them Home

Of course, you have the option to keep your pet home while you travel. Ask a trusted person to watch them, or utilize a boarding facility. Pet boarding facilities are specifically designed to meet your pets’ needs.

At Claws N Paws, you can find safe and comfortable cats-only boarding, as well as professional grooming services for cats and dogs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Managing Your Allergies to Cats

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Cat allergies are very common, but that doesn’t mean they have to limit your pet options. In fact, many of the biggest cat lovers are allergic to cats. It’s all about management; while taking the proper precautions, humans with minor allergies can learn to live with a beloved feline friend.

What Causes the Allergy?

Many people believe that they are allergic to their cat’s fur, but this is not entirely true. Actually, they are allergic to the protein Fel d 1, which transfers through the saliva. When cats lick their bodies, they transfer this protein onto dry flaky skin called dander. Dander falls when the cat sheds their fur. Most often, allergic owners experience itchy skin and red, watery eyes.

There are some ways to gauge your cat’s ability to spread Fel d 1. For instance, male cats create more allergenic secretions and thus are more triggered to people with allergies. Furthermore, intact males produce more than neutered males. Finally, adult cats produce more than kittens. 

Hypoallergenic Breeds

Some breeds of cats are actually hypoallergenic. They produce less Fel d 1, meaning that they are safer to their allergic human companions. Hypoallergenic cat breeds are as follows:

  • Oriental shorthair
  • Balinese
  • Siamese
  • siberian 
  • Cornish rex
  • Devon rex
  • Javanese
  • Sphynx (hairless)

Of course, the best way to gauge whether you are allergic to a cat is to meet them. Schedule an in-person appointment, but be sure to mention your allergies to the facility. They can work with you to keep your dander exposure to a minimum.

Living With Cats

Of course, we cannot always choose our breeds. This is especially true for those of us who do rescue; the cat that needs our help may not always be hypoallergenic. Thankfully, there are ways to navigate living with both cats and allergies.

First, designate one area of your house a “pet-free” zone. Wash or replace all bedsheets, blankets, curtains, etc. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Keep in mind that allergen molecules are one-sixth the size of pollens. They will not disappear overnight; rather, this is a gradual process.

Then, invest in some air cleaners. These should be distributed throughout the house. Clean surfaces and carpeting often, and wash your linens frequently. Not only will this limit allergens, it will help with any pet smells.

If your cat has fur, brush it often. This removes dander and loose fur in a concentrated environment rather than all over the house. If you are the one with the allergies, delegate this task to another housemate or professional groomer. A frequent professional groom can also remove more layers of fur, decreasing your chance of exposure.

At Claws N Paws, your cat or dog can find quality professional grooming from a dedicated team of individuals. Going out of town? We also offer cats-only boarding right next door in our separate facility. Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding are currently open with provisions in place protecting our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Fall Grooming Tips

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As the weather begins to change, so do our attitudes. We may begin to reminisce about the end of summer, but we also remember what we love about the fall. Your pet also notices these changes! Whatever their feelings towards autumn, you can ensure a safe and happy transition with these specialized fall grooming tips.

Recovering from Summer

What fun summer is! Outdoor walks are a great way to bond and exercise with your dog, but they can also expose them to harsher conditions than usual. Their paws are particularly sensitive. Pavement and asphalt heats up dramatically in summer and can actually leave burns on your dog’s feet. Check out their feet; are they dry and chapped? If so, they may benefit from some light pampering. Grab some paw pad balm or petroleum jelly and slather it on their feet. While it is soaking in, give your dog a chew toy to keep them occupied. If their pads are actually cracked, schedule an appointment with your vet. In the meantime, you can use some ointment and gauze to create a temporary fix.

The summer sun can also wreak havoc on your dog’s coat. It may bleach or frizz certain areas, giving your dog a scruffier appearance. Thankfully, this is all temporary. The bleached and damaged bits all fall out eventually to be replaced with your pup’s natural coat. However, a professional grooming session certainly helps speed up this process. Groomers use special brushes to remove dead hairs and special conditioners to smooth out more damaged sections.

Maintaining a Routine

The most important part of grooming your pet is consistency. Many pet owners skip baths during the colder months, but more time indoors does not necessarily mean your dog is clean. In fact, that “dog smell” comes from oils that occur naturally on your dog’s skin. This is completely independent from the amount of walks your furry friend goes on. Furthermore, the beginning of fall tends to stir up a lot of allergens. Baths are a great way to clean pollen and dust from your dog’s fur.

You should also stay vigilant with brushing. Dogs’ coats change with the weather, and shedding is much more manageable with a regular brushing routine. Of course, brushing depends on your dog’s fur. Because of mats, long-haired dogs need to be brushed more often than short-haired dogs.

Professional Grooming

There is nothing quite like a professional groom. A trim here and there will keep the coat neat and tidy at all times. If you’ve been scheduling regular grooming sessions, keep it up! If not, the fall is a perfect time to go for a first visit. The groomers will assess your pet’s needs and work with you to determine the best courses of action.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you can find professional grooming services for your cat or dog. Our passionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to you and your pet’s specific needs. We are currently open with safety precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

The Purrfect Communication

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Cats are extremely comforting creatures. This is especially true when they are purring; the gentle sound and feeling of a purring cat is the perfect cure to a stressful day. It is the most common sound a housecat can make, yet humans know relatively little about its causes and uses. In some cases, the mystery of purring can actually limit our reception of it.

How Does It Work?

Purring has always stumped scientists. We know that cats can purr during both inhalation and exhalation, unlike meowing which only occurs during exhalation. Currently, the most common consensus is that purring begins in the brain. The brain sends a message to the voice box, which begins to vibrate. Animal behaviorists liken this to opera singing. When your cat purrs, place a finger on their throat. You will be able to feel the vibrations.

Is It Limited to Housecats?

Many people believe that purring is solely a way for domestic cats to communicate with their human counterparts. However, this is not true. Cats in the wild, including bobcats and mountain lions, purr to communicate with other animals. Even animals like raccoons, hyenas, and guinea pigs can purr. Alternatively, roaring cats like lions and tigers cannot purr. This is because their voice boxes (meant for making loud, booming noises to communicate) are much too loose to vibrate.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Most pet owners assume that their cats only purr when they are happy. In many cases, this is true; the most common reason for purring is to express contentment. Content cats will appear relaxed. Their eyes may be half-closed, and their tail will sit relatively still.

Sometimes, cats purr to express other emotions or even needs. A hungry cat may purr to get your attention. Usually, this urgent purr accompanies mews, also referred to as feline crying. This taps into early kitten behavior. When they wish to nurse, kittens cry to get their mother’s attention among a full litter.

Purring can bring comfort to both cat and owner. Like a toddler sucking its thumb, some cats purr to provide relief in stressful situations. In fact, studies suggest that the low vibrations of a cat’s purr can actually help them heal faster. These vibrations trigger processes that lessen pain, ease breathing, heal bones and wounds, and build muscle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your cat’s health and happiness is always important. Our grooming salon provides professional services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, you can find cats-only boarding in our specialized facility. Missing the comforting purr of a cat in your home? We have several kittens and cats readily available for adoption at the moment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.

Canine Epilepsy

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Sometimes, our pets’ behavior comes out of nowhere. When a dog does something unexpected, it can be a scary experience for both the pet and their owner. Seizures are one of these occurrences. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatments of canine epilepsy can bring comfort and clarity to such an unprecedented situation.

What is Canine Epilepsy?

While there are other causes of seizures in dogs, idiopathic epilepsy is the most common. “Seizures” occur when brain cells experience an abnormal surge of electrical activity. A dog has “idiopathic” epilepsy when brain activity appears normal but cells are more predisposed to sudden surges. By definition, even experts cannot determine the underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnosis appears in approximately 1 in 111 dogs.

What Does A Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can look a variety of ways, but they are recognizable to the trained eye. During a seizure, many dogs experience abnormal motor activity such as facial twitches or limb movements. They are often fearful, and they may lose ability to control bodily functions. Seizing dogs may salivate, vomit, urinate, or defecate.

Although seizures are caused by neural excitement, most occur when a dog is asleep or resting. In some cases, dogs may experience seizures during exercise or emotional arousal, but this is much less common.

Despite their violent nature, seizures are not painful to your dog. At most, they may experience confusion or panic. Never try to intervene if your dog starts seizing. Let the seizure run its course before acting.

When Should I Call the Vet?

A short, single seizure is not necessarily dangerous to your dog, but you should still contact your vet after the first seizure. The vet will ask for a detailed history, looking for potential head trauma or exposure to toxic substances. They may administer blood, urine, or heartworm tests to rule out other causes. If they cannot find any other causes, they may diagnose your dog with idiopathic epilepsy.

Usually, vets only administer treatment for severe regular seizures. Treatment includes anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide, and it will most likely continue for life.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to both cats and dogs in Orange County, California. Claws N Paws is currently open with various provisions in place to protect customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.