5 Reasons Why Cats are Better than Dogs

Cats Rule, Dogs...

I've lived with cats all my life, and although I've more recently learned to love dogs too, felines are still my preferred pet.  Here are 5 reasons why.
  1. Cats make better space heaters.  There is nothing like a cat on your lap or curled up next to you in bed to help keep you warm.  Cats are soft and comfortable when used for this purpose, whereas dogs tend to kick and stick their feet straight out so that they take up the whole bed if you don't watch out.  Also, there seems to be a rule with dogs that if they are small enough to fit in your lap, they have to be too vicious to cuddle.
  2. Cats don't harass you to go outside every 5 minutes.  And if yours do, please see my post about why cats should be kept indoors.
  3. Cats don't need as much attention.  In fact, many cats would rather not have so much attention.  They don't harass you to play with them, take them for walks, give them treats, or whatnot.  Most of the time they are fairly independent, but if you're lazing around wanting someone to cuddle with you, chances are they are up for that!
  4. Cats can take themselves potty.  You don't have to make sure to let your cats outside to go to the bathroom regularly like you do with dogs.  Just give them a litter box and they are fairly self-reliant.  All you have to do is remember to clean it.
  5. Cats don't bark.  Usually.

What about you?  Do you prefer cats, and why?

Animal Vaccinations

Distemper is often misunderstood.

I recently noticed my youngest cat becoming more aggressive. She started to hiss at my older cat and to do unusual things like jump on doors and slide down with her claws. I thought about calling the vet and then remembered I never had the distemper vaccine administered to her. I had always heard that the distemper shot helped to calm them. I decided to research the vaccine and realized it has nothing to do with temperament. Distemper is a viral disease passed between felines through contact, usually saliva, and it is usually fatal. Although outdoor cats are at highest risk, humans can also pass the virus to indoor cats with contaminated clothing or by touching an infected cat.

The distemper is a widely used vaccine. It is highly effective and can often be given every three years, instead of annually. Possible side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, sneezing and watery discharge from the eyes. A very serious side effect – the vet should be called immediately - is anaphylactic shock, which includes, difficult breathing, panicked behavior and facial swelling. For this reason, you should watch your cat closely for the first day or two after the vaccine is given. I have heard of cases where the vaccine resulted in renal failure, frequent visits to the vet due to high fever and long recovery times. However, most cats recover quickly from any negative effects. The vaccine should only be given to healthy cats; sick cats may not have strong immune systems and may have further complications.  

While some argue that Distemper is uncommon and, therefore, pets need not be vaccinated. It is important to consult with a veterinarian about recommended and required vaccinations. Each state has different requirements and the local vets should have the most recent information regarding outbreaks of disease.  

Ah, Those Hoity-Toity Persians

"Persians have seven unique color/coat patterns, with myriad variations among each group"

Okay, I love Persian cats.  We had a Persian/Siamese mix who lived to be 19 and I still think of her often.  But they are so stuck up!  Have you ever noticed that about Persians?  In general, most cats are stuck up, but there is a reason a Persian graces those Fancy Feast commercials.  They were made to be royalty, and thoroughly expect to be treated as such.

Hiding under those delusions of grandeur, however, lies a sweet, cuddly personality that makes Persians one of the most sought-after breeds of cats.  While some cats can be standoffish, Persians truly are companions and love to be coddled by their owners.  They make great “kids” when you either don’t have any yet or yours  have moved out.  They do require grooming because of their long hair, which can be a disadvantage for some owners.  Some see the grooming as a bonding process and enjoy spending the extra time with their cats.

Persians have seven unique color/coat patterns, with myriad variations among each group:

  • Solid color
  • Silver and golden
  • Shaded and smoke
  • Tabby
  • Parti-color
  • Calico and bicolor
  • Himalayan

No matter what color it is, you can always count on a Persian to have long, luxurious hair that feels like silk. 

Persians can live anywhere from 10-18 years and weigh 7-12 pounds.  They are stockier than most other breeds of cats, so tend to be on the higher end of the weight range.  Our Mama Kitty was a dainty thing, but she was crossed with a Siamese and weighed about eight pounds.

If you are ready to break out your own can of Fancy Feast, consider getting a Persian for your companion.  They are the ultimate combination of cuddly elegance.

Adopting a Cat From the Shelter

If you are looking to adopt a cat, or really, any animal, it is always a good idea to check out the local shelter.  There are a lot of great reasons to take home a shelter animal to your home.

Saving a Life – One of the best reasons to adopt a cat from the shelter is that you are saving a life.  Not all shelters put down the cats that are not adopted, but quite a few of them are.  Chances are if it is a no kill shelter, they have many of their cats out in foster homes as they do not have the resources to keep them at the shelter.  This is great to know the cats personality before adopting.

Personality – A benefit to adopting a cat from the shelter is that they likely have an idea of the cat's personality and they can help you find one that would be most suited for you and your life.  They can help you find a cat that is laid back, a cat that likes to play or one that likes to cuddle.

Age – Another benefit to adopting a shelter cat is that you can find one that is the right age for you and your household.  If you adopt a kitten, you can expect to have a cat that is going to get into a lot of mischief.  If you adopt a cat that is a bit older, they likely are past that mischievous age that most kittens go through. 

Cost – Depending on your shelter, it may actually be cheaper to adopt from there than it is to get a cat for free.  Chances are you are going to want to neuter/spay your cat, and then there is the cost of the various shots.  These can add up but if you adopt from the shelter, they may have a program with a local vet to get these services for a cheaper rate. 

What's With Jumping on the Counter?

Fellow cat owners, I have a problem.  Well, two of them if we are getting technical.  My cats – we’ll call them Dumb and Dumber for simplicity’s sake – have decided that it is perfectly acceptable to jump on the counter.  While I appreciate the offer to help pre-wash the dishes after dinner, grubby cat prints all over my counters is a real turnoff for visitors, and baths in my sink are really doing a number on the drain.

They are not even subtle about getting on the counter.  We will be relaxing in the family room and hear the telltale “thump!” of paws hitting the floor after an evening snack.  If they hear us walking into the room, they will jump down but hang around as if they know we can’t do anything without proof.The other day, I caught Dumb (whose real name is Wifey because he’s a nag) cleaning out an empty bowl of ice cream.  After I smacked him and told him just what I thought of cats and counters, I went away to brush my teeth.  On my way back, I rounded the corner and there he was again!

It’s not as if we haven’t made our position on the matter perfectly clear.  Between the yelling, spray bottles and general hubbub anytime they are caught on the counter, I know they know it isn’t okay.  So my question to you is, what do you do about the darned things getting on the counter?

The only redeeming quality this pair of hooligans has is their spell over my two-year old daughter.  Anytime she sees one, she squeals in her highest voice, “Kee-y!” and rushes over to grab one.  I just don’t know if the counter antics are worth the momentary happiness for her, because once they are out of sight, they are out of mind, but never out of counter.

Introducing a New Cat

Why Can't Everyone Just Get Along?

A little over a year ago, we introduced a new cat into the family.  My first cat had recently passed away, leaving us with just one, when my sister found this little guy cowering in the gutter on a busy street.  Someone had thrown him out a window while they were driving by, and he was too terrified to go elsewhere.

As he became comfortable in our home, though, another side of him emerged -- no longer scared of everything, he became aggressively playful, with a perverse enjoyment of doing stuff he knew he wasn't supposed to be doing.

Introducing a new cat into a household of cats is much more difficult than introducing, say, a new dog into a household of dogs.  Dogs are pack animals, and tend to work out things like pecking order pretty quickly.  Cats, on the other hand, are by nature loners, so they don't often do well -- whether they are the new cat, or the old cat, though I think the old cat usually has a tougher job of it, especially if the new cat is a young one.

Here are a few quick tips for helping a new cat to settle in with the least amount of fighting possible:

  • Break up fights.  Very very important -- your old cat needs to feel like you aren't going to let the new one push them around.  Remember, your old cat was here first.  She should always get fed first, greeted first when you come in the door, etc.  Do not let her feel like she is being replaced by the new guy.
  • Provide space for both.  Multiple food dishes, water dishes, and litter boxes may be necessary, at least at first, to prevent one cat from blocking the other, or lying in wait to attack.  Allowing each cat their own area, where they can feel safe, is also sometimes a good idea.  When we first got our new cat, his area was the guest bedroom in the basement, where he could hide and it was relatively quiet -- good for soothing frazzled kitty nerves.
  • Give all cats -- old and new -- plenty of attention.  Don't succumb to the urge to pay all your attention to the cute new kitten.  Be sure to give your old cats plenty of attention, and maintain any of their routines that they love -- giving treats, feeding times, and that sort of thing.
  • Give it time.  It's not uncommon for it to take a year or so for the new cat to truly settle in.  It may take even longer before they actually like one another.  Don't get frustrated, assume it's not working, and get rid of one cat!  It's a big adjustment, but most likely they will get accustomed to one another with time.

Introducing another cat can really stir things up for a while, but be patient and try to make all your cats as comfortable and happy as possible, and eventually things will settle down again!

Playing with Your Cat

Just like kids with two legs, those with four legs appreciate playtime as well.  Playtime does not have to be hard or even a lot of work on your part though if you are not as energetic as your cat is.  There are ways to play that will tire them out without a lot of energy on your party.

Wrestle – Sit down on the floor with your cat.  Chances are, they are going to come up to you as they are curious why you are on the floor and then you can wrestle with them.  Keep it light and gentle until you know what your cat is willing to put up with.  Some cats will get right into it and you can play hard, but some prefer the gentle type of fighting. 

Toys – There are a lot of different toys out there that you can buy for your cat and they can end up costing a lot of money.  But some of the best toys are the cheapest ones that you can make at home.  One idea is taking some tin foil and roll it up in a ball and toss it.  My cats love to attack these and it will keep them entertained for a few hours.  Another option would be a toilet paper roll.  One of my cats recently found some bubble wrap and it was hilarious watching her play with it.

Lasers – Cats love chasing lasers and trying to catch them.  Whether you have a laser pen or some other source, this is a great lazy activity for you to use to wear out your cat.   Make sure the beam moves randomly to make it more interesting.

Advantages to Cats

When it comes to house pets, the most popular animals are cats and dogs.   If you are trying to decide which animal would suit you better, here are some reasons why cats are superior to dogs (at least in my opinion)

Walking – A cat does not have to be walked each day, multiple times.  They are quite happy to loaf around your house all day and sleep.  This saves you from having to go outside and exercise each day.  This is especially important for those of us that live in cold climates and who do not want to go outside unless we absolutely have to.

Poop – Need I say more?  You ever have to pick up after a dog?  It’s warm and gross even when you have a bag between you and it!

Laid Back – If you are a person who is laid back and likes to be a couch potatoe in the event, you and your will likely be well suited to each other.  My cats and I spend many evenings hanging out on the couch together.  One of mine will even come sit on my lap and watch TV with me, especially if she is getting some attention from me.  Her biggest competition comes from my keyboard which tends to live on my lap most of the time.

Easy to Care For – Cats do not have a lot of needs in their lives.  Water, food, the litter box and a bit of love and attention and they are happy. 

Aloof – One thing about cats, is that they tend not to be constantly vying for your attention.  Cats tend to just hang back and do what they want to do.  If they do not want to sit on your lap, they won’t.   It is like the saying goes, cats have slaves and you are their slave.

 

Ear Mites In Cats

"look for a grimy dirty appearance"

If you see your cat digging deep into their ear and scratching away, there's a good chance your cat may have ear mites. Another sign of ear mites in cats is the frequent shaking of the head.

 

If you see one of these symptoms, you can examine the inside of your cat's ear for signs of ear mites. The mites themselves are too small for the human eye to actually see without the aid of a special instrument but you can usually see evidence of ear mites if they have established themselves.

What you will see will look like your cat's ear is extra dirty inside. Dark waxy spots. Sometimes you will also see "hairy" material. But basically, look for a grimy dirty appearance.

Some people treat their ear mites at home and if you know your cat is prone to them or another animal in the house has had them before, you may want to go this cheaper route. However, if your cat has never had ear mites before, you may want to take them to the vet because ear infections can be misdiagnosed as ear mites and infections require a different type of medication to treat.

Most over the counter ear mite medications and the medication your vet would give you contains an insecticide called pyrethrin that is usually contained within mineral oil. Before you apply this medication, it is very important to first carefully clean away all the debris in your cat's ear first. If you don't, you will not be successful in getting rid of ear mites.

Should We Let Our Cats Outside?

One of the biggest issues that I keep coming back to again and again is whether cats should be outdoor cats, or indoor only.  I think it depends a great deal on whether you view your cat as a pet or not.

Pet: Indoors only.  Not a pet (e.g., barn cat, mouser, whatever -- you don't have any attachment to them): Outdoors okay.

Indoor-only cats live a lot longer than indoor/outdoor cats -- on average twice as long.  There are a lot of things that can end an outdoor cat's life, such as getting hit by a car, predators such as foxes and coyotes, poison (rat poison, antifreeze, etc.), dogs, cat fights, etc.  Indoor cats, on the other hand, are much less likely to be poisoned, won't be hit by cars or killed by predators, and will most likely live out long healthy lives until old age or disease takes them.

The argument I usually get from people is that it's more natural for cats to let them outside.  I call B.S. on this.  First of all, nothing about domestication is natural.  It's not any more natural to eat food from a can or a bag, poop in a litter box full of chemicals, or get spayed or neutered, yet most cat owners do all three of those things without a second thought.  It might be more natural to let your cat starve to death if they can't figure out how to catch a mouse, but that doesn't mean you're going to do it.

Cats don't understand cars and poison, and most house cats have no idea about predators, either.  Letting your cat outside is like letting your 2-year-old play in the street.  They may be fine, but then again, they may not.  Personally, since I love my cats, I don't want them to leave me sooner than they need to...  And if you have kids, do you really want to set yourself up for having to explain to them why their kitty isn't around anymore?

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