Feline kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in domestic cats. And I am sorry to say, there is no foolproof way to prevent kidney disease. However, there are things you can do to stack the odds in your favor. Here are 6 simple and actionable tips that can reduce the chances of your cat succumbing to this deadly disease.

1 Identify and Eliminate Common Environmental Toxins And Poisons.

Lilies

Lilies, especially Easter Lilies and Tiger Lilies, are deadly poison for your cat. And ingestion of even tiny quantities can lead to acute kidney failure. Unfortunately, even if your cat is treated in time and survives, they may still face chronic kidney disease which will shorten their life and compromise their quality of life. Why risk it? Keep these common houseplants and cut flowers out of your home.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze, coolant, hydraulic brake fluid, solvents and numerous other products you may have around your home can cause ethylene glycol toxicity. This is fatal if not treated promptly. Be certain to ensure that these chemical products are securely sealed and stored where your cat can’t knock them over or accidentally knock them off a shelf. Any spills should be thoroughly cleaned immediately. Please read VCA Animal Hospitals’ excellent article, Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Cats for in depth information on the sources and symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning.

Rat Poison

Rat baits are designed to have an appealing flavor for rodents, but they may also be appealing to other animals like your cat or dog. And these baits are every bit as poisonous for them. There are several types of poisons used in rat baits, and only the anticoagulant form has any kind of antidote. It is also possible for your cat to be poisoned by eating a poisoned rodent, although this is less likely. If you feel that rodent control, beyond the kind that your cat itself provides, is necessary, then mechanical traps baited with peanut butter or glue boards would be the better way to go. Installing owl nesting boxes on or near your house can be effective too. For more information, you should check out Vetster.com’s, Rat Bait Poisoning In Cats which discusses the types of poisons used along with symptoms and prognosis.

Final Recommendation

FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE! If you have any reason to suspect that your cat has been poisoned, contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680 immediately.

2 Encourage Your Cat To Drink More

Adequate hydration is super important for healthy kidneys, especially as your cat ages. But many cats seem indifferent to the water bowl. Here are some strategies you can use to increase their intake:

• Make sure the water is fresh! Clean and refill bowls daily.
• Use glass or ceramic bowls. Metal and plastic can add unpleasant tastes to the water.
• Use wide, shallow bowls. These are much preferred by cats.
• Put bowls in multiple locations, so water is always close by.
• Put the bowls away from litter boxes and food dishes.
• Add a flavor boost like a little tuna water.
• Consider getting a cat water fountain especially if your cat like to drink from the tap.

3 Pristine Litter Boxes and Enough of Them

Healthy kidneys need both adequate hydration and thorough elimination of toxins. Cats are fastidious creatures. And they are territorial. To avoid elimination issues, you want to keep the boxes very clean, and you want to have at least N+1 litter boxes to avoid conflicts. So for one cat, you should have two litter boxes. For two cats, you should have three. For 3, four…you get the picture. And they shouldn’t be right next to each other or in a tight place where your cat could feel cornered.

4 Switch To Wet Food

This is a great way to help ensure your cat stays well hydrated. And yes, I know that cats are opinionated about their food. But I was able to switch even my picky eater over to wet food by doing it a little at a time. Though I admit that I still sprinkle a few kibbles on top like croutons for Alphonse.

You can even add special cat “soup” on the side! I’m going to put up a post with my kitty soup recipes in a few days and when I do, I’ll put a link here! Onions, garlic and excessive sodium are bad for cats, so don’t just feed them people soup!

5 Help Your Cats To Maintain a Healthy Weight

I know how hard it is to say no. My cat, Gastón, weighs 25lbs and not all of that is muscle. Obesity is a risk factor for feline kidney disease. Here are a few things you can do to help.

• Play with your cat! Wands and laser pointers are great ways to get even lazy cats moving. Many of my cats over the years loved playing fetch with Q-tips/cotton swabs. Put some catnip in a wadded up piece of aluminum foil and see if you can get them to bat it around the floor. The ideas are endless! They will love the attention, and they will benefit from the exercise.
• Make them work for their treats. There are many kinds of kitty food puzzles you can buy online. But you can also use the bottom of an empty egg carton. You put a treat or even just a couple of pieces of kibble in the bottom of all or even just some of the egg holders and cover with a crushed piece of paper. You can start with only a couple of the spots covered. Or shake the container so they can hear the pieces, and then uncover and show them the treats. They stay busy longer and seem satisfied with fewer treats.
• Don’t Free Feed. I am guilty of this. I feed my cats a serving of wet food twice a day (at least) but then I leave out a bowl of kibble for them to snack on because I wouldn’t want my 17 and 25 pound cats to starve to death while I am at work. Alphonse, the 17lb kitty, isn’t actually overweight, but neither is he rail thin nor in need of a bottomless bowl of kibble. And that is my point. It is not a kindness to give them more food than is healthy for them. I have stopped doing this. Portion control is key!
• Switch to a weight management food. But be aware, your cat can gain weight on any food they are given too much of. Portion control is still key!

6 Regular Wellness Visits To The Vet

Knowledge is power. Simple blood tests can give you early warning of any problems, while they are easy to treat. So you can have your furry loved one with you for many happy, and healthy years.

Introduction

It is so hard to say goodbye to a pet that has been a real friend and a true family member. But even as we grieve, there are still the practical matters of death that must be sorted out. There are a surprising number of options available today. But for a growing number of people, pet cremation seems to be the best, most practical choice.

Modern Era and Changing Attitudes

The backyard of my childhood home was the honored final resting place of oh so many beloved pets. But times have changed, we are more mobile, we are more urban and the “backyard funeral” is no longer a practical or even possible option for many of us. Just as lifestyles have changed, the funeral arrangements for our pets have also evolved.

• 19th Century: The concept of pet cemeteries emerged in the 19th century, with notable examples like the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York, established in 1896. There was a marked shift towards formalized mourning practices for pets. Pet owners began seeking new ways to honor their pets after death in dedicated cemeteries, often with elaborate headstones and markers.
• 20th Century Advancements: The practice of pet cremation as we know it today began to take shape in the 20th century, particularly in the latter half. This period saw a significant shift in how pets were perceived, with dogs, cats, and other pets increasingly being seen as part of the family. This change in perception led to a demand for more dignified ways to handle their pets’ remains.

The Rise of Pet Cremation Services

• Increased Demand: By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the demand for pet cremation services rose significantly. This was driven by several factors, including urbanization (which made backyard burials less feasible), increased mobility of families, and a deeper emotional bond between pets and their owners.
• Professionalization and Specialization: The pet cremation industry has become increasingly professionalized, with specialized services offering various options for pet owners, including private or communal cremations, and a variety of urns and memorials.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: As pet cremation became more popular, many countries and regions began to develop legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure the ethical and sanitary handling of pet remains.

Cultural Acceptance and Continuing Evolution

Today, pet cremation is widely accepted as a respectful and dignified way to commemorate the lives of beloved pets. The industry continues to evolve, with ongoing innovations in memorial products and services. Moreover, the growth of online communities and resources has provided pet owners with more support and options than ever before, reflecting the deep bond between humans and their animal companions.

The history of pet cremation illustrates not only changes in pet memorialization practices but also a broader cultural shift towards recognizing the emotional and social value of pets in our lives. As society’s relationship with pets continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which we choose to remember and honor them.

If you have cats, sooner or later, you will have fleas. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they can cause severe discomfort, skin infections, and even transmit diseases and parasites. Once they are established in your home, especially in the carpet, they can be really difficult to eradicate completely. I’ve never been completely comfortable with the popular chemical treatments. And that is why Diatomaceous Earth became my top pick for flea control.

I was looking for an alternative that was effective while still being safe and natural when I finally came across several posts on Reddit that advocated a multipronged approach that didn’t involve chemicals. It has worked well for my cats and my home for many years. The solution centers around food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – a natural, versatile, and powerful agent against fleas. Let’s look at what Diatomaceous Earth is and how I use it safely to control fleas.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

It’s a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It is formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. When ground into powder form, DE acts as a natural insecticide, capable of eliminating fleas by mechanical abrasion of the exoskeleton and desiccation. No poisons or chemical required. When using DE for flea control on cats, it’s crucial to choose food-grade DE, as it’s safe for pets and humans.

Safe Use with Cats

I have searched and searched for any actual scientific studies on the safety and efficacy of DE for direct flea control on cats. I didn’t find any, either pro or con.

On the great Interwebs, you will find conflicting advice and anecdotal evidence. You have some people who claim to have been using food-grade DE directly on their cats for years without incident. There are other people who claim it is a death sentence just to have it in the house with your cat. I suspect that the truth is somewhere between those two viewpoints. Let’s examine the potential problems so you can decide for yourself.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for your cat to ingest in small quantities. It is even used as a dietary supplement with a recommended dosage of 1 tsp for 7-13 lb cat. However, it is an irritant. That is how it does its job, by being abrasive. So both you and kitty should avoid getting it in your eyes or breathing it in. I wouldn’t use it with a cat with respiratory issues. And as always, you should ask your vet if you have any doubts or concerns.

With that warning out of the way, I have used food-grade DE directly on my cats from time to time without a problem. Here’s how I have applied it safely:

1. Apply Sparingly: Lightly dust your cat’s coat with food-grade DE, avoiding the face and ears. A small amount goes a long way.
2. Massage Gently: Work the DE into their fur with your hands or a flea comb. This ensures it reaches the skin where fleas hide.
3. Repeat as Necessary: Depending on the severity of the flea infestation, you might need to apply DE a couple of times over a few weeks. Always monitor your cat for any signs of irritation or discomfort.

Indoor Use: Carpet and Bedding

DE can be used effectively indoors to combat fleas in carpets, bedding, and other fabric-covered areas where fleas might hide. It can also be used along base boards and behind furniture

1. Clean Before Application: Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove any fleas, eggs, and larvae. Throw the vacuum bag away in the outside trash can after you finish vacuuming.
2. Even Distribution: Sprinkle a thin layer of DE over the carpet, pet bedding, and any areas where your pet spends time.
3. Let It Sit: Allow the DE to sit for 24-48 hours before vacuuming thoroughly. This duration ensures that fleas come into contact with the DE and are dehydrated.

Outdoor Use: Yard Treatment

I personally have only done this once when I had a particularly stubborn infestation. And it was effective. But, DE doesn’t discriminate. It effects beneficial insects as well as fleas. So, please keep that in mind. However, applying DE outdoors can help prevent fleas from making their way inside and onto your pets.

1. Identify Problem Areas: Focus on areas where your pet spends time, as well as shady, moist spots where fleas thrive.
2. Dry Conditions: Apply food-grade DE during dry weather for the best results, as moisture can lessen its effectiveness.
3. Reapplication: After rain or watering your lawn, reapply DE to maintain its flea control properties.

Precautions and Best Practices

Remember, while DE is non-toxic, it can cause irritation to the eyes and to the respiratory tract if inhaled in large amounts. When applying DE, it may be wise to wear a mask and ensure your pets are not directly breathing in the powder. Always opt for food-grade DE, never pool-grade DE, which is treated chemically and not safe for pets or humans.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous Earth stands out as an effective, safe, and eco-friendly option for flea control. Its ability to dehydrate and kill fleas upon contact, while being safe for use around pets and family, makes it an invaluable tool in the fight against fleas. By following the guidelines for safe application, you can protect your cats, your home, and your yard from fleas without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Remember, managing fleas is not just about treating them, but also preventing their return. Consistent use of DE, along with regular cleaning and grooming practices, can keep your home flea-free and your pets healthy and happy. My cats love one on one “Mom time” with a flea comb, so you can get in some bonding while ensuring they stay flea free.

If you are interested in following the still ongoing debate about DE on Reddit, here is a link to a recent thread.

When it comes to our feline friends, ensuring their health and well-being is a top priority for any cat owner. Among the many health concerns that pet parents must consider, heartworm disease often comes up in discussion. So, do cats need heartworm medicine? The short answer is yes, but let’s look into the details to understand why and how we can protect Mr. Fluffypants from this dangerous condition.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) that reside in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Though it is more commonly associated with dogs, cats can and do become infected. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, making it a risk to cats in many parts of the world, especially during mosquito season.

The Risk to Cats

Cats are atypical hosts for heartworms, which means the worms do not thrive as well in a cat’s body as they do in dogs. However, even a small number of worms can cause significant health problems for a cat. Unlike dogs, a test to detect the presence of adult heartworms in cats is less reliable, and there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats. This makes prevention not only the best but also the only reliable approach to protecting your cat from heartworm disease.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats

Heartworm disease in cats can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can be nonspecific or even mimic other diseases. Some common symptoms include:

• Coughing or asthma-like attacks
• Periodic vomiting
• Lack of appetite or weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or decreased activity

In some cases, cats may show no symptoms at all, or the disease may suddenly cause severe cardiovascular or respiratory problems, leading to sudden death.

Preventive Measures: Heartworm Medicine for Cats

Given the serious nature of heartworm disease and the lack of a reliable treatment option for infected cats, prevention is crucial. Heartworm preventatives come in various forms, including topical applications, oral tablets, and injectables. These medications are designed to kill the larval stages of the heartworms, preventing them from developing into adults.

It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best preventative measure for your cat. Factors to consider include your cat’s lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), local heartworm prevalence, and any existing health conditions your cat may have.

The Importance of Year-Round Prevention

While some pet owners opt for seasonal prevention, especially in regions with cold winters, veterinarians often recommend year-round protection. Mosquitoes can survive and remain active indoors, and weather patterns can be unpredictable. Maintaining consistent heartworm prevention ensures that your cat is protected regardless of external conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cats are not the typical host for heartworms, they are still at risk of infection and the severe health issues that come with it. Given the dire consequences and lack of treatment options, heartworm prevention is not just recommended; it’s a necessary aspect of responsible cat care. Regular visits to the veterinarian, combined with a proactive approach to prevention, can help ensure your furry friend remains healthy, happy, and heartworm-free.

For more detailed information on heartworm disease and prevention in cats, reputable sources such as the American Heartworm Society (https://www.heartwormsociety.org/) offer a wealth of knowledge and guidance to keep your pet safe.

By incorporating heartworm prevention into your cat’s routine care, you’re taking a significant step towards safeguarding their health and ensuring many more years of purrs, cuddles, and companionship.