Our sweet fluffy friends love to explore. Whether they’re roaming the garden or the neighborhood streets, their adventures can bring home with them a few unwanted visitors.

Ear mites are a common ailment amongst cats, and can also be passed to humans if not intercepted quickly. 

Worse yet, these tricky little pests like to cling to furniture and bedding. And even if you don’t have a cat of your own, coming into contact with an infected cat can put you at risk too.

While these mites are a nuisance, they can be treated, and like anything, it’s always best to catch it early! 

In this article we take you through the signs and symptoms of ear mites in your cats so you know what to look out for. As well as the best ways to treat the mites, including some home remedies to try, helping you to rid your home of ear mites for good.

Shall we get going then?

Key Takeaways – Home Remedy for Ear Mites in Cats

• Ear mites can be picked up from your kitty exploring outside or visiting popular animal areas (like the groomers)
• They can cause a huge amount of itchiness and discomfort for cats, so catching them early is vital
• Signs and symptoms of ear mites in cats include: scratching, shaking their head, dark brown substance building in ears, inflammation and irritation, plus more
• Some home remedies for ear mites in cats include: organic honey, Vaseline, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, olive oil and coconut oil

Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites are unpleasant little parasites that cling to your cat’s ears and cause itchiness and discomfort. 

They set up camp in the ear canal and sometimes even branch out to the surface of the skin. 

Cats will often pick ear mites up outdoors, like in grassy or woodland areas, or in other animal-frequented locations such as the groomers or pet shelters.

Ear mites are not life threatening. But they are extremely uncomfortable and can cause your cat a considerable amount of distress and irritation.

Ear mites can be passed from your cat onto other animals and even humans. So it’s vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of ear mites in your cat, to stop the spread of these nasty little critters.

Signs and Symptoms of Ear Mites

Some of the main symptoms to look out for that may indicate your cat has been infected with ear mites include:

• Ear scratching 

• Shaking their head

• Scratches, cuts and hair loss surrounding the ears

• A dark brown substance building up inside their ears – this may look like coffee grounds

• The flap of their ear has begun to droop 

• Visible inflammation and irritation

• Pus and visible signs of further infection

• Strong odor emanating from the ears

If left untreated, it is possible for an ear mite infestation to result in bacterial infections and the tearing of the eardrum. This can lead to further complications such as partial or full hearing loss. 

Once you are able to recognize and identify the signs and symptoms of ear mites in your cat, the quicker you can intercept the issue, get it treated, and have your kitty happy, healthy and up to their old tricks again.

Traditional treatments for ear mites

If you think your cat has ear mites, the number one priority is to consult your vet to ensure a proper diagnosis and to rule out any other conditions or health issues. 

Your vet will likely prescribe a course of ear drops to help clear up the mites. They may also offer further guidance and advice on how to stop the spread of the mites and decontaminate your home from these unwelcome guests.

After diagnosis, your vet will typically clean your cat’s ears and prescribe a course of systemic or topical treatment solution. This is to eradicate the mites and ensure your cat’s return to comfort. 

It is vital that you complete the vet-recommended course of treatment, even if it looks like the mites have cleared up. By not fully completing a course of treatment, it can result in a re-emergence of the mites. And then you and your furry friend are back to square one.

While it is always recommended to consult your vet with any concerns, particularly when it comes to infectious conditions such as ear mites, we know some pet parents prefer not to use chemical treatments on their fur baby.

In that case, you can try researching a holistic vet in your area (which we talk about in our article: Holistic Veterinarians for Cats Explained.) Alternatively, there’s natural home remedies for ear mites in cats.

So here’s some of those natural home remedies to treat pesky ear mites, and also provide your cat with more comfort and relief from the unpleasant symptoms mites bring with them. 

Natural home remedies for ear mites in cats

Here’s a few home remedies for ear mites. So you can eradicate the mites and offer some soothing relief for your cat’s symptoms.

Organic Honey 🍯

Honey is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, and is often used as a natural antiseptic, helping to heal cuts and wounds. 

Not only that, honey contains beneficial antioxidants and is safe for cats to ingest. This makes it a great treatment option for any pet parents whose cat likes to sample things they shouldn’t!

Only ever use raw or organic honey (unpasteurised). This is because store brands are often predominantly sugar syrup and do not contain the beneficial properties of natural honey. 

Get a cotton ball and put it in a small amount of raw or organic honey. Then, rub the honeyed cotton ball in your cat’s ears and allow the honey to sit for 20 – 30 minutes.

After this time has passed, wipe the honey away gently with some warm water. 

This process should be repeated twice a day until the mites have completely cleared up.

• We recommend: Nature Nate’s Raw Honey

Vaseline 🧊

Not just a family favorite lip balm for the colder months, Vaseline has also proved an effective treatment for ear mites. 

Also known as petroleum jelly, this product has intensive soothing properties. It also boasts effectiveness as an antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory treatment, aiding the recovery of minor burns and cuts. 

Apply the Vaseline twice a day to your cat’s ears. Repeat the process until the mites have been eradicated. 

While this is a very soothing product, be wary around cuts and abrasions. The thick texture of Vaseline can actually trap bacteria and dirt in the wounds, which can then result in further discomfort and complications. 

Be sure to keep any cuts and wounds well cleaned, to reduce the risk of further infections. 

Also be aware that cats should not ingest Vaseline. So take any necessary precautions to make sure your cat doesn’t get a taste of their treatment. 

• We recommend: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

Apple Cider Vinegar 🍎

Renowned for its health benefits amongst humans, apple cider vinegar can also be a beneficial ear mite treatment for cats. Not only does it help kill off bad bacteria, it can also reduce an animal’s blood pressure and cholesterol — pretty magic stuff, huh!

Fill a spray bottle with a half portion of the apple cider vinegar and half a portion of water and shake it up. You must dilute the vinegar.

Ensure that the spray feature on the bottle is gentle, to avoid the vinegar getting into anything other than the ears.

For 10 days, spray the affected ears with the solution once or twice a day. Keep an eye on the progress of the healing. 

Do not use this solution if your cat has open sores. The high acidity of the vinegar can be extremely uncomfortable if it comes into contact. 

Be wary to keep the solution away from your cat’s eyes. And watch for an allergic reaction in your feline friend, as some cats have an adverse reaction to apple cider vinegar.

• We recommend: Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Aloe Vera 🌱

A super soothing natural remedy, aloe vera is a firm favorite amongst humans for aiding in the healing of burns and calming skin irritations.

Apply the aloe vera to your cat’s ears until the mites have gone – easy as pie!

It is important to be aware that the aloe vera plant is toxic for cats, and so it is vital to ensure that your cat does not ingest any of the plant itself. 

• We recommend: Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Olive Oil and Coconut Oil 🥥

Not just a delicious dip for breads, olive oil is also antibacterial and can help reduce inflammation. 

Coconut oil has also become something of a health super-substance, known for its skill in fighting off bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also aids in weight loss and helps to lower the risk of heart disease. 

Warm up your oil to a comfortable temperature – it must not be too hot. Then get a few drops and gently massage it into your cat’s ears. 

Repeat this process several times a day, for up to 10 days. 

Last Tips for Ridding Your Cat of Ear Mites Naturally

So, what have we learned about how to rid your sweet kitty of these bothersome critters?

• Ear mites are unpleasant parasites which affect the ears of both animals and humans. They can be passed from one host to another.

• They can cause intense itchiness and discomfort, as well as inflammation, infection, and in some cases torn eardrums and subsequent hearing loss.

• The treatment of ear mites should be taken seriously as the mites are pretty infectious. When treating ear mites, it is vital to complete any course of treatment prescribed by your vet to ensure total eradication of the mites.

• If you are ever in any doubt regarding ear mites in your cats, consult your vet to receive a full and correct diagnosis. Do this before proceeding with either medical or at-home treatments.

• Natural remedies such as raw or organic honey, Vaseline, apple cider vinegar and olive oil or coconut oil can be great home remedy options. Especially if you prefer not to use chemical treatments on your cat.

So there we have it! Help your kitty keep those pesky mites at bay with appropriate vet prescribed treatment. Or if you prefer a more natural approach, give one of these home remedies for ear mites in cats a go.

If you liked this topic, then you may want to check out our article on Homeopathic Remedies For Cat Wounds too.

The health and happiness of our sweet boy Yoda is always top of our list, and so we make sure to keep a close eye on him and check regularly for signs and symptoms of ear mites.

Catching things early is often the key to a quick and full recovery, and so the sooner you intercept the symptoms the quicker your cat will be back on their feet and causing mischief.

As always, we love hearing from you. And we’d love to know if you have any safe and natural at-home remedies for ear mites, especially if they have proved effective for your kitty. Get in touch and let us know.

Stay safe out there, furry friends!

The post Home Remedy For Ear Mites in Cats appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Maybe you’re planning to adopt a three legged cat, or your kitty is about to undergo a leg amputation, or you’re simply curious to learn more about tripod cats.    

Whatever your reason — welcome!

Today we’re going to cover everything you need to know about caring for a three legged cat, including the practical adjustments and lifestyle shifts you need to make for the tripod in your life.  

🐾 We, too, have a tripod cat! Yoda became a tripod after receiving life-saving amputation and radiation therapy to treat FISS cancer.

Here’s an idea of what we cover today: 

The Ultimate Guide to Tripod Cats 

• Limb amputation may be necessary to retain your kitty’s quality of life
• Caring for a tripod cat doesn’t need to be hard — but may require a few practical adjustments
• If your kitty’s leg is amputated, there are proactive actions you can take. They’ll help to make the post-op adjustment process as painless as possible
• You’ll need to keep your three legged cat active. This is to ensure it doesn’t gain too much additional weight through inactivity or overeating
• There are certain long-term lifestyle changes you need to make, including how far you allow your tripod kitty to independently roam

Let’s begin by looking at the essentials of what you need to know about three legged cats…

What You Need to Know About Tripod Cats  

So, what does tripod mean? The definition of tripod refers to “a vessel resting on three legs”. 

A tripod cat is a cat that has three legs, with either it’s hind or foreleg missing. (They’re also occasionally referred to as ‘tripawds’.)

A lot of people consider tripod cats to have special needs, but this isn’t strictly true. Three legged cats can live as active and rewarding lives as their four-legged companions. They don’t necessarily need any additional veterinary care either. 

In fact, three legged animals are just as feisty and full of life as they are with four legs.

For example, you’ll often see a 3 legged cat running about with no problem at all. As it’s interestingly the slower gait of walking that occasionally proves to be more challenging.

Our very own fluffy boy Yoda is a tripod cat. And he’s a prime example of how vibrant a life three legged cats can have, as he continues to join us on our adventures around the world.

Caring For a Tripod Cat

First thing’s first. We want you to know that the quality of life for a tripod cat can be just as good as that for a cat with four legs.

If you’re currently deciding whether your kitty should undergo amputation surgery, this may be a very emotional time for you. And we’re sending all of our love and squeezy hugs your way.

But if you’ve been advised that losing a limb via amputation for your cat could save their life…

The pros can most definitely outweigh the cons.

(We’re not going to heavily focus on cat leg amputation complications in the article. Instead, we want to instead emphasize the possibility of your kitty continuing to live an exciting, fulfilling life post-amputation.)  

Inarguably, there will be a number of changes both you and your feline buddy will have to make if they have a limb amputated. And these changes may indeed be permanent.

Other changes may be simple shifts to help your kitty regain their stability and confidence. Especially as they adjust to having three legs.   

So if you’re wondering ‘Is taking care of a tripod cat hard?’ we would say…no! It’s actually very easy to adapt to taking care of a 3 legged cat.

There will be differences in caring for a three legged cat. However it’s nothing that’s not manageable, if you’re committed to giving your kitty the best quality of life possible.

If you’re completely new to the world of tripod cats, you may want to check out the Tripawds community. This is a dedicated space for dogs and cats who have had a leg amputation, and has loads of free resources for you to dive into. 

Adjusting to Three Legs

Especially for the first month post-amputation, your kitty will need lots of supervision and care during this adjustment period.

It goes without saying that adult cats who have grown up with four legs may take longer to adjust to an amputation than, for example, a younger cat.

Yet cats are incredibly resilient. And the speed they bounce back from life-altering surgeries can be amazing. 

(Just like our fluffy boy Yoda, who is a cat with back leg amputation. We were blown away by how quickly he adapted to having three legs!)

That said, here’s a few nuggets of wisdom on caring for a 3 legged cat during their initial adjustment period:

• Keep on top of pain relief — ensuring your kitty is as pain-free as possible post-surgery will do wonders for helping their adjustment (your vet should supply this medication)
• Provide non-slip surfaces, like carpet runners and other non-slick surfaces — this is essential as they relearn how to balance on three legs and will help to minimize any trips and spills
• Ensure food and water bowls are in easy reach — so they won’t have to travel too far
• Provide a low-sided litter box — as this will be easier for your kitty to access 
• Discourage access to high places — especially places where your cat has previously been used to jumping up and reclining on, such as cabinets
• Move furniture to aid navigation and mobility — you can rearrange furniture and provide steps or a cat ramp to help your kitty access places without having to jump or strain themselves
• Be ready to assist with grooming — as your kitty may have trouble twisting/reaching certain spots on their body, they may need a helping hand to keep these areas clean 
• Give them space from any other pets — your other pet pals may notice a change in your kitty’s scent and come to investigate. Slow reintroductions will help them to adjust to your cat’s changed scent and minimize any stress.

The period of adjustment can also depend on the reason why your kitty’s limb was amputated. For example, if it was due to a car accident, there may be lingering feelings of distress to deal with post-surgery. 

In comparison, if like us you needed to surgically remove your cat’s leg due to a FISS there will be different emotional challenges involved for your kitty. And this can change largely due to their own temperament and personality. 

We don’t say any of this to worry you. Only to highlight that it’s not simply the physical rehabilitation you may need to deal with. But your cat’s emotional and mental wellbeing too. 

Activities and Exercises for Tripod Cats

If your cat is undergoing amputation surgery, you should limit their movement for the first 10—14 days post-surgery.

We had to keep a strict eye on Yoda, who needed to wear a cone for at least 3 weeks and not jump up/down on anything. For that reason, I put his bed, plus food and water, and a small litter box, inside a soft-sided pet pen.

This is to allow the wound to heal properly. But once everything is properly healed, there’s lots of opportunity to engage your cat in stimulating activities. 

Gaining weight can impact the mobility of a tripod cat. It can also contribute to future arthritis in the remaining limbs. So it’s important to keep them happy and active to keep those pounds off. 

Likewise, some cats may become frustrated after losing a limb. This could be because they’re now unable to do certain activities or actions they could when they had four legs — or to the same ability.

If this frustration and aggravation builds, your kitty could become depressed. Signs of cat depression include refusing to groom themselves and becoming more aloof, despondent and lethargic.

On the flip side, they may turn to eating for comfort too, like Buba the cat did.

To tackle this, there’s a number of activities and toys you can try with your tripod cat. To keep them stimulated, help them to adapt to the balance changes in their body and also to make food time more active.   

Toys for tripod cats

• these feather wands
• this tower of tracks cat toy
• or this flopping fish toy

Food toys for tripod cats

• this interactive cat feeder
• this food tree
• or this interactive treat puzzle cat toy 

Scratchers for tripod cats

• try this scratcher ramp
• this SmartyKat scratcher chaise
• or this 3-sided vertical cat scratching post  

Overall, if you continue to shower your feline friend with lots of support and love, we’re sure their confidence and optimism will only grow with time.

The Lifestyle of a Three Legged Cat

Keeping your cat indoors: yay or nay?

A number of resources suggest keeping your tripod cat indoors.

This is due to their increased difficulty in escaping hazardous situations (such as other cats, dogs, cars, or other wildlife).

However, if you do want to allow your kitty to explore outdoors, you will need to closely supervise them. But there’s no reason why they can’t go out into your garden. Especially if they have clear exit points and you’re close to hand to keep them safe. 

If taking your fur-friend further afield, we would recommend purchasing a harness for a 3 legged cat.

Take a look at The Kitty Holster — which even suits cats who have undergone a front leg amputation. 

Adjusting to the amputation

Your fluffy kitty may also experience a form of ‘phantom limb’. This is where they continue to attempt to scratch themselves with their missing leg.

You can help by keeping an eye out for these moments and scratching the spot that’s frustrating your kitty.

The amputated area or stump may continue to be a sensitive spot for your cat. And they may initially be reluctant for you to touch this part of their body. Take your time in desensitizing your cat to experiencing touch here.

Avoiding overeating

As we mentioned before, your kitty could turn to comfort eating during their adjustment to having three legs. In these instances, you may want to look for low-calorie foods to prevent excessive weight gain.

You can also prevent overeating by distracting your cat with games and toys. 

Prosthetics for cats

Recently, there have even been developments in prosthetics for cats. Three legged cat prosthesis is gaining recognition with projects such as these, which are seeking additional ways to support kitties that struggle with adjusting to being a tripod.

Temporary and prototype prosthetics are still currently being developed and tested, due to COVID-19 delaying progress. So keep an eye on this spot!

Resisting lifestyle adjustments

Lastly, don’t be surprised if your cat resists some of these lifestyle shifts. This is a major adjustment for them and as we’ve all experienced, our kitties can sometimes be stubborn!

Jane wrote an article about how her own ‘tripawd’ kitty Molly resisted changing from her old litter box. We do love Molly’s commitment to sticking with what she prefers!

Tripod Cats: The Wrap-Up 

So there you have it — the essentials of tripod cats, including how to help your cat adapt to being three legged after a limb amputation.

Our Yoda is just as happy as a three-legged cat as he was a four-legged cat. He still walks outdoors on-leash, climbs our seats inside the van, jumps on our bed to snuggle with us, and he still enjoys and gets the zoomies!

As we said at the beginning of this article, it can be a highly emotional topic to think about. Which is why we’re so glad that you’ve taken the step to educate yourself on what life for tripod cats can look like.

Head over to our Instagram if you’d love to see our own tripod boy Yoda’s latest adventures. 

Do you have a tripod cat? If so, what’s your experience of caring for them? What advice would you give to someone who’s adopting a tripod or their cat will soon become a three-legged friend? We’d love to hear from you!

The post Tripod Cats — The Ultimate Guide to Caring for a Three Legged Cat appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Feral cats are the feline homeless.

They live their entire lives outside, are usually born in the wild or abandoned very young and have often had minimal contact with humans. It’s hard to keep an accurate record, but scientific data estimates there are around 70 million of these feral cats and kittens wandering around America. 

As animal lovers here at Fluffy Kitty, we know what it’s like to start worrying about any feral visitors you receive. Especially if you encounter them surviving in cold weather or in a seemingly unsafe environment.

You might start to wonder how you can help – can feral cats be tamed? Can feral cats become pets? And how do you care for a feral kitten? 

The good news is that yes, some feral cats can be domesticated and even become a loving pet. But this is a long and often tricky process, with lots of uncertainty and several important steps that shouldn’t be missed. 

So if you are worried about your local feral friend, we’re here to answer all the commonly searched questions that you might be asking. Including:

• What to do when you encounter a feral cat
• Next steps & options for their wellbeing
• A step by step guide to taming feral cats
• Emergency care for feral kittens

But let’s begin with an important question – what is considered a feral cat?

How to Help Feral Cats & Kittens?

Sometimes, we can be unsure if a cat is truly feral, or if they are actually simply a lost pet or a wandering opportunist looking for some extra meals! So how can you tell?

We’ve created this handy table which can help you distinguish between the 3 kinds of feline wanderers, and you can read a detailed breakdown of all three in our blog post: Should I Feed This Cat? A Guide to Feral, Stray, & Neighborhood Cats.

As you can see, generally feral cats have a healthy (if lean) weight, as most are highly adaptive natural predators. They’ll also usually present quite clean, as they are used to their own grooming routine.

However their paws will be rough and calloused from their outdoor lifestyle – if you can get close enough to see them! Yet the biggest tell-tale sign of a feral kitty is that they will tend to be afraid of humans, and may seem skittish if you try to approach them. 

Now you can be sure it’s a feral cat you have encountered, what can you do to help? This is a complicated question, because feral cats present us with a complex set of problems. 

The Problems Around Feral Cats

1. Wildlife

As these cats need to hunt to survive, their presence can have a damaging effect on local wildlife. Research suggests that around 2 billion birds, mammals and reptiles are killed by feral cats each year in America, many of which are on the endangered species list. Feral cats are simply trying to survive, but with their numbers growing these figures could rise and local biodiversity will suffer even further. 

2. Overpopulation

Studies show that female feral cats have an average of 1.6 litters each year, with around 5 kittens per litter. Males are responsible for an average of 7 pregnancies per year too! So that’s a lot of kittens being born, who will likely follow in their parents footsteps. With the current estimated figure of 70 million set to grow year on year, neutering is an urgent priority to keep feral cat populations from surging. 

3. Welfare 

Sadly, the same research found that 80% of kittens born in the wild will die before 1 year of age. Both they and their parents suffer from the constant threat of starvation, disease, fighting and other traumas. This suffering is hard to comprehend as feline lovers. 

4. Shelters Aren’t the Solution

Shelters struggle to keep up with the demand of surrendered pets as it is, so adding feral cats to their numbers is unsustainable. Plus, as these ferals often are not socialized, spayed or neutered, shelters will struggle with the following:

• The feral cats may become extremely distressed, suddenly placed in an unfamiliar and restrictive environment 
• The result could be antisocial behavior, which distresses other shelter animals
• Unneutered males will leave strong, foul odors to try and mark their territory 
• These feral cats could bring fleas and parasites into contact with other animals
• Without the time to socialize or tame them, these feral cats are unlikely to be adopted
• This could contribute to a rise in euthanasia rates if shelters fill

So What Should We Do When We Encounter a Feral Cat?

With the above in mind, how can we actually help feral cats? 

1. TNR

Many experts agree that one of the best ways to help feral cats is through neutering. Trap Neuter Release (TNR) is a process of transporting feral cats to a veterinarian, who will examine, neuter and sometimes earmark and vaccinate a feral cat. They will then release them back to their familiar surroundings. 

While releasing them does not address some of the larger issues of wildlife damage, neutering can be hugely beneficial for these kitties. Not only will they avoid the suffering of constant pregnancies and reduce overall population numbers, but neutering also reduces in-fighting between cats too.   

To read more about the process of TNR, and how to catch a feral cat for the process, you can read our full guide here. 

2. Volunteer monitoring

Another way to help feral cats, especially after releasing them from a TNR program, is to become a volunteer community monitor. 

By offering food, water, healthcare and outdoor shelters to feral cat communities, monitors can reduce fighting, starvation & weather related risks for feral cats.

This can also help to improve wildlife diversity by reducing the predatory needs of feral cats, meaning they’ll be less likely to kill such large numbers of animals. 

3. Adoption or Donations

Of course, in an ideal world, adoption would remove the issues feral cats create, whilst also improving their quality of life and health. 

However, adoption isn’t always viable for cat lovers, especially if they are already at capacity with the number of pets they can care for, or simply can’t provide the right kind of home for a feral cat. And that’s ok! Even a small donation to a local feral organization can be just as useful and more achievable for you. 

Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated?

It’s also worth mentioning that full in-house adoption simply won’t be possible for some feral cats. They may find it just too distressing to be around humans, and they may simply wish to live an outdoor life. 

However, if you are determined to help this poor kitty as much as you can, try following the steps below and see how far you can get with your feral friend. Never push them beyond their limitations, for both yours and their safety. But with a heap of time, plenty of patience and these top tips below – you could end up with a new best feline friend in the end.

How to Tame a Feral Cat

Start with food

Begin by building some sort of routine around food for your new feline friend. So offer some good quality cat food to them at the same time and in the same place every day. See how close they are willing to get for the food – perhaps even onto your porch or patio. 

Slowly increase proximity

While they eat, see where their threshold is for proximity to you. And each day, inch a tiny bit closer. And we mean inch! Remember building their trust is going to take a long time. 

Ignore them

Don’t make eye contact or attempt to approach the cat, as this could easily spook them. Instead stay very neutral and keep your gaze soft and indirect. After a few weeks, you can eventually build up to speaking in a calm and reassuring voice to see how they react, and get them used to the sound. 

Try playing

You could build further trust by playing with a flirt pole, or a catnip filled toy. See how the feral cat reacts and whether they seem to enjoy this. 

Make contact

Once you are able to sit closely with the cat as they eat, try hand feeding them. Always let them approach you, and let them sniff you before feeding. This way they may begin to associate your hand with positive things. In-between feeding, you could attempt to gently touch the cat, rewarding them with food for accepting your touch. It’s best to wear gloves for this!

Once the cat is comfortable with touch, you could then attempt to take them to a veterinarian before welcoming them into your home. They may have fleas or other parasites, so if you have children or pets it’s best to not let them simply enter your home straight away. 

If you have the all-clear from your vet, you could move onto the next step and prepare a quiet, secluded and cat-proofed room in your house for them. Add a cat tree, some water, some bedding, a litter box and a few toys to keep them happy, as well as somewhere they hide to make them feel safe. 

While you may have a few accidents to begin with, generally many cats pick up the concept of using a litter box fairly quickly.

Pop in a few times a day to give them food and check how they are doing. Go back to basics here, and keep interactions brief until your new cat seems more comfortable with his or her new surroundings and is willing to come out and say hello. 

If all goes well, you’ll need to build the cat’s confidence around the house with small socialization sessions and brief explorations. Time and patience is key!

If the cat seems very distressed with constant vocalization, or simply hides for weeks on end, it might be time to reconsider whether they are cut out for life as a pet. There’s no shame in adopting an exclusively outdoor pet and simply keeping an eye on them. They will still be immensely grateful!

What about feral kittens?

Kittens are generally much easier to adopt and socialize, as they are still learning about the world and quickly adjust to new surroundings. 

Therefore, if you encounter a feral kitten that’s old enough (around 8-10 weeks), you can begin the above steps to bring them into your home. 

Caring for a feral kitten takes lots of patience and gentle handling to teach them about being a pet, so be slow and steady with your socialization process. You could even read our full Kitten Care Guide to get you started.

Emergency care for feral kittens

What about if a really young kitten comes across your path? 

If the kitten is extremely young, you’ll need to know how to take care of a kitten without a mother. 

• Ensure Mom Isn’t Around – As hard as it is, it’s best to try and leave the kitten/s for at least an hour, to see if their mother is simply away hunting. Taking young kittens away from their mother isn’t ideal and should only be done if they are truly orphaned. 
• Feeding – Very young kittens need to be fed about every two to three hours, once they reach around 4-6 weeks you can start to elongate this to 4 hours. Use a specially formulated kitten milk replacer and bottle. 

What to feed newborn kittens in an emergency?

Evaporated milk, goats milk, yoghurt and egg yolks can be used as emergency kitten formula. Feed slowly and gently, in a standing position. 

As soon as you can, use a kitten milk replacer and specially-designed bottle. This KMR package is perfect. 

If you are worried about feeding or the health of any newborn kittens, contact your local vet for advice. 

• Bathroom Breaks – Without mom to help them, you’ll need to use a warm, damp cotton cloth and rub gently over their genitals and anal area to help little ones to relieve themselves. After every feeding, they should need a pee break, but if nothing is happening they could be dehydrated – so check with your vet, if so. After 3-4 weeks they should be able to do this alone. 
• Bedding – Use a simple cardboard box with some blankets to keep the little ones comfortable, or you can buy a cat pen to keep them secure. To keep them warm, you can wrap a warm water bottle in a few blankets and place it in the box.
• Immunity – Be sure your hands are clean and handling is kept to a minimum for the first 4 weeks as the kitten’s immune system develops. 

Taming Feral Cats – The Wrap Up

Taming feral cats is a mammoth task, one that requires an enormous amount of time and patience. But any help you can offer these poor felines is a fantastic way to do your bit for your local community, the wildlife and the wellbeing of the cats themselves. 

Do you have a local feral friend? How do you try and help them in small ways? Let us know 🙂

The post Taming Feral Cats & Kittens: How to Befriend & Help Feral Felines appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

But it’s also a little overwhelming right? They are so small and delicate, and they need so much love and care – it’s tough to know where to even start. 

Then there are all the questions that start running through your mind…

• When do kittens stop nursing from their mother? 
• How much food should I feed my kitten? 
• How long should I keep my kitten in one room?

So whether you have a pregnant mom on your hands, or are planning to welcome a new kitten into your home once they are old enough to leave their litter – we’ve got you covered with this special kitten care sheet.

We’ve created this as a kind of kitten care 101, to help you give them the best possible start in life, and you’ll learn when to expect certain milestones on your kitten’s journey to becoming an adorable adult fluff ball. 

Kitten Care 101

We’ll cover:

• A week by week kitten development timeline
• What to get for a new kitten
• Feeding, grooming and healthcare essentials 
• How to help them adjust to a new home

Let’s dive into this full rundown of how our kitties become the beautiful felines they are today!

Kitten Development Timeline

1 – 3 weeks

• Kittens are born with their eyes and ears closed. They also don’t have any teeth yet. Unable to regulate their body temperature, at this point they are very dependent on their mother for warmth and care. So if you see any little explorers, it’s best to put them gently back with mom.  
• In week 2, those ears and eyes will open. But they won’t have full vision or hearing quite yet, so any bright lights or excessive sounds should be avoided. You might want to keep an eye on any yellow/green coloured gunky discharge here as eye infections are common in little kitties. You may start to hear a few little meows too!  
• Week 3 is when ears will unfurl and teeth start coming in. Those blue eyes that kittens are born with may start to change color, and so will their sense of the world around them. And guess what – purrs are incoming!

It’s a good idea to weigh kittens frequently when young. Any kittens that aren’t gaining weight, or are losing weight, should call for a trip to the vet. 

3 – 5 weeks

• Now it’s time for more activity, so expect those first shaky steps and some light play with their brothers and sisters. This is the real beginning of exploration, so you might want to up your proofing to ensure you have no escapees. Mom might start to leave them a little more, and they could take some sips of water – carefully supervised of course!
• In week 4 balance begins to improve, and confidence will increase. This is a good time to introduce a litter box – preferably a shallow, low sided one. They can learn how to use it by watching their mom. But do still expect accidents!
• By week 5 their eyesight is fully developed and they can start on small amounts of food at this point or soon after. They’ll need a very smooth consistency, almost like soup, to be able to eat. Try mixing some kitten formula with tiny amounts of cat food. 

6 – 8 weeks 

• It’s playtime! By five weeks of age, kittens are confident enough to start really playing and exploring. This is an ideal time to start socializing with them. Gently handling, playing and introducing them to other people and pets will help them become quickly accustomed to the world. Prioritize experiences with new sights, sounds and smells. 
• First vaccinations are usually around the 6 – 8 week mark, as well as deworming medications, so be sure to book a trip to your vets.  
• While they still will be nursing, they will now start to be weaned onto solids. Slowly transition them to around 4-5 meals a day, slowly firming up the consistency of the food too. 

9 – 12 weeks

• By this point they should be pretty much fully weaned, and feeling much more confident when mom isn’t around. 
• It’s recommended that they shouldn’t be separated from mom until around 10 weeks. This is because they are learning valuable skills from both her and their littermates until this point. So, in order to give each kitten the best chance of becoming a well-adjusted cat, it’s best to wait until at least ten weeks before welcoming them to new homes.

12 weeks +

• Kittens are now small cats! Their graceful elegance will replace those wobbly first steps. 
• At sixteen weeks old they have reached sexual maturity and may be able to reproduce, so spaying or neutering should be done not too far from this point.

Usually they will have been introduced to their new homes by now. So now, let’s look at how to settle a kitten into your family, and how to continue giving them top notch care!

Bringing Home a Kitten _ Checklist

What to Get for a New Kitten

We are often asked what supplies do I need when I get a kitten? Below is a simple list of the things we’ve found super handy for young kitties:

1. Cat Carrier

A mesh, airline-approved cat carrier always comes in handy. Whether it’s for trips to the vet, car journeys to visit family or travels abroad when they are older, investing in a good one will pay off in the long run. Read our guide to the Best Cat Carriers!

2. Cat Bed

You’ll need somewhere warm and inviting to help your new fur friend adjust and feel safe. Something like this Self Warming Cat Bed will help remind them of mom’s warmth. We’ve also got a collection of eco-friendly beds we love, that can keep your kitty feeling comfy and sustainable at the same time!

3. Food & Water Bowls

Stainless steel is the easiest, most hygienic and super long lasting option for food bowls. This Double Stainless Steel Pet Bowl with Silicone Mat is a great way to keep your new kitten’s mess to a minimum, helping to secure those bowls in place.

4. Kitten Food

While Hollywood might have us thinking cows milk is the way to go – your kitten will thank you for choosing something much healthier and more appropriate for them! You can read our guide to the Best Kitten Food and how much you should feed your kitten, to find the right schedule and sustenance for your new furball. 

5. Litter Box

You’ll want to choose a litter box that’s easily accessible and easy to clean for those first few months to a year. We’ve got plenty of litter box reviews if you just search in the sidebar above, but if your kitty is on the move with you then Nature’s Miracle is a great option. They are sustainable, disposable boxes that are easily accessible and great for adventure cats. 

6. Litter

Litter can be a tricky subject, especially if you are trying to be more sustainable. So we’ve broken down the best Eco-friendly Cat Litter Choices in this handy blog post.

7. Collar & Tag

It’s super important to have identity tags on your kitten, especially if you plan on letting your little one outdoors. For kittens, you’ll need to start with something light and safe. The Pawtitas Recycled Cat Collar is a great sustainable option with reflective strips and an all important breakaway feature, helping to keep your little explorer safe.  

8. Toys

What do kittens love? TOYS! Playing is a fantastic way to bond with your kitty and helps them grow in confidence in a new environment. I always look for toys that will really enrich my kitty, and listed some of my favorites here.

9. Scratching Post

It’s really important to allow your kitty to perform natural behaviors in a safe way, like scratching. But this doesn’t mean they need to tear up your sofa! A good scratching post will appeal to their sharpening instincts and keep your house safe too.

10. Cat Tree

These go a long way in helping keep your little furball entertained, especially if you need to WFH. They offer a sense of safety for your young one too, as cats like to observe the world from above to feel more secure. Here’s our guide to the Best Cat Trees. 

11. Grooming Supplies

This will obviously vary depending on the breed of your cat, but any kitten can benefit from brushing. It helps keep their coat in wonderful condition, especially for longer hair breeds. Start with something soft, like the gentle side of this Greenbone All Natural Bamboo set, which includes a more proactive side for when your kitty is used to regular grooming. 

12. Health Care Supplies

It’s great to keep health care essentials in stock, to better support your kitten’s health. This means you’ll never have to run out for an emergency trip to the pharmacy or pet store. It’s wise to keep a cat first aid kit on hand. 

Helping Your Kitten Settle In

Find a Great Vet

Before getting your kitten, find a veterinarian that you feel aligned with. They’ll be a critical part of your kitten growing up! Make an appointment for your kitten’s first exam before your little one comes home, so you can quickly get them seen and checked over on those first few days. 

Start in One Room

Keeping your kitten in just one room to start with can help them adjust. But how long should I keep my kitten in one room? Answer: Once you notice your kitten feels happy, confident and seems curious about the rest of the house rather than hiding under the furniture.

Keep a Calm House

Keep the house quiet and don’t invite over every single friend to meet your kitten straight away. Give them a chance to just adjust to you and being away from their littermates first of all. 

Allow Them to Come To You

While it’s tempting to cuddle your new little furball non-stop, be mindful that they will most likely need some time to get acquainted with you before they want to get up close and personal. Sit quietly in the room and let them come to you. Allowing interaction on their terms will help them feel more comfortable. 

Proof Your Home

Be sure there’s nothing dangerous at kitten height and cover loose cords or plugs that might be tempting playthings! It’s wise to keep eyes on your kitten when they are exploring, to ensure they don’t get into any trouble. 

Also Read:

• 7 Proven Ways to Cat-Proof Your Home
• How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Stay Close

Until your kitten hits around 16 weeks, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. So make some time in your schedule to just be with your kitten and help them feel really secure before slowly building their alone time. 

Become Adventurous

Once your kitten is fully vaccinated and seems happy at home, it’s a great time to start building the life you want to have together. If you are interested in traveling you could start taking them on short car journeys, introduce them to your bicycle or bring a harness & rucksack into the picture for future hikes. Short, positive training sessions can help build a true adventure cat!

We hope this kitten care guide week by week helps you feel confident and ready for your new furry arrivals.

By giving them a caring & solid start in life, you have the best chance of helping them grow into wonderful companions. 

Oh…and please do share photos of your little fluffers! There’s nothing cuter than a kitten!

The post Kitten Care 101: How to Care for a New Kitten (Week by Week) appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Whether it’s just for your own sense of achievement, to hang on the wall, or to share with the world as a cat-fluencer on the old ‘gram — here’s a guide on how to take cat photos that are truly captivating! 

Capturing our Fluffy Yoda has been a huge part of our bond with him, and sharing his personality is something we always strive to do when we share our photos. So we’ll be sharing some of our special tricks, as well as some creative cat photography ideas for you to experiment with!

Let’s start with tip number 1…

How to Take Pictures of Your Cat

1. The Best Camera for Cat Photography

Of course, in photography, your camera is going to be pretty important! 

The goal here is to capture your fur friend’s unique personality traits or the mood they are in at a certain moment. To do this, you’ll likely want a camera that can keep up with you (and your cat!)

Of course, if you’re simply looking to take better photos to add to your memory scrapbook — any relatively new phone will work wonders, as these cameras are already such good quality. 

If you are wanting to up your game on Instagram, and maybe even get a following as a cat influencer, you’ll want to think about boosting the quality of your photos. To do this in a relatively simple way (without wading too deep into the world of DSLR cameras) you’ll want to look for a phone with a ‘telephoto lens’.

A telephoto lens will allow you to really capture your pet’s face and eyes in detail, without the bulkiness or hassle of a full camera setup. If you are an iPhone user, these models have a telephoto lens:

• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max

If you’d rather not invest in an expensive new phone, you can actually get telephoto lens attachments for iPhone and Android instead! Though these are a little more fiddly, of course. 

Additionally, if you really want to up your game or are even thinking of taking your pet photography professional, then you’ll want to invest in a DSLR. 

One of the best cameras for cat photography is The Sony A7iii. It’s used by a lot of pet photographers because it’s not super heavy and is small enough to pack easily for shoots, but it still has great dynamic range and low-level capabilities too. 

Lens Recommendations:

• If you want a good all-around lens that can handle action shots, then look for one with a fixed aperture of around f/1.8 and 85mm in length.
• If you want to create softer backgrounds and dreamier shots, look for a 105mm or 135mm. 

2. Best Settings for Cat Photography

Sometimes we get lucky with just a click and shoot, but how cool would it be to know how to maximize your chances of great cat photos every time?

That’s where settings come in. Having the right settings can make a great photo EXTRAORDINARY! So what should you be looking at?

• For Phone/iPhone:
  • Flash – Keep it off!
  • Burst mode – Useful for capturing action shots, burst mode allows you to take lots of shots in one go. 
  • AF lock – This is really great for portraits, as it allows you to lock in the focus and exposure on a certain area of your photo — like your kitty’s eyes, for example. Hold your finger on the main focal point on your screen and you’ll see a yellow box appear. From here, drag the little sun up or down to adjust the brightness to your liking.
  • Portrait mode – From the iPhone 11 upwards you have a handy tool in ‘portrait mode’. This clever tech recognizes pets, allowing you to take amazing portraits, creating those lovely in-focus cats and a gently blurred background!

• For DSLR:
  • Action – To get those action shots down, turn your camera’s ‘shutter priority’ or ‘sports mode’ on if they have it. Or simply make sure you are working at a shutter speed of around 1/1000s or faster.
  • Autofocus – If your target is slinking, pouncing, or prancing, turn your autofocus onto ‘continuous’ mode. This tells your camera to continue to adjust the focus as you move and capture all that glorious movement — for example, your cat in the process of a jump. 
  • Focusing In – For portraits, try using the ‘single point’ or ‘expanded point’ focus settings. This gives you control over where you want the focus to be aiming, instead of letting your camera search on its own. This can be really helpful when your camera just wants to focus on that shiny nose too!

3. Think About the Eyes

“The eyes are the window to the soul” is very true, especially with our beloved pets. It’s a clue into our kitty’s emotions, character, and individual magic. So always see how you can make them the feature of your cat photos— even if it’s using their POV!

One of our favorite tips is to try to capture a ‘catch light’ — that special sparkle or reflection in your cat’s eyes. Try this by placing them in a position where the light falls on their eyes gently. (This can help with your focusing too!)

4. Think About the Angles

Cats are not the tallest animals, so we have to think about the angles we use in creative ways to avoid them looking like furry blobs! Try these cat photo ideas:

• Eye-Level – Photographing cats from eye level can help capture those expressive eyes and that inquisitive spark we love. Especially if you lure them towards you with a toy. This also means you’re looking at the world from their point of view, which can make for a really cool backdrop. 
• From Below – Our fur friends are pretty good with heights, right? Yoda loves climbing furniture, his tree, and…well…pretty much anything else he can! So it’s really cool to emphasize this wild and natural behavior by taking your cat photos from a low angle, as your little lion surveys their kingdom!
• From Above – The aforementioned height issues come into play here, so unless you’re going for a comic angle, be careful not to squish your feline friend into a furry blob by playing with alternative bird’s eye views. Perhaps try using an interesting background or capturing those catchlights in a new way.

5. Think About Lighting

Play around with lighting to find a style and mood that suits your cat. For example, many photographers love how that afternoon Golden Hour looks, whereas others think clean morning light works best.

It’s not great to shoot in bright sunlight, as you’ll likely have issues with brightness and contrast. Often a cloudy day can produce better photos, as there’s a softer light source to work with.

You can experiment with a backlight if you’re feeling up to trying something super creative. This can make for a beautiful glow, but you’ll need to make sure that you have a good light source on your kitty’s face too, otherwise they might get lost. 

6. Getting Their Attention

While you might like a far-away stare from your kitty to express their intelligence or sense of whimsy or calm, now and again you might want something more energetic or direct. 

Play on what you know about your kitty here, to get them in the right mood. Perhaps their favorite toy, an assistant with a flirt pole, or some new catnip could be the secret weapon to a slinky action shot. You could even try tossing some treats to get some pounce shots too!

If you are outside, you could try rustling paper or dry leaves to fire up their curiosity, or just follow them as they naturally explore a new surrounding. 

7. How to Get Cats to Pose for a Photo

If you want to get some specific shots or have a creative concept in mind, you might be wondering how to get cats to actually pose for pictures!

To get reliable poses, you’ll need to start clicker training your cat. We have a dedicated post on this, with some ideas for tricks you can train too. Once your cat has the concept of clicker training down, the sky’s the limit!

You could train them to hug you or your other pets, to stand on a platform, or even bow for their fans.

8. Cat Photography Props

Using clothing and props can create adorably cute or hilariously funny photos that stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s the yearly Christmas card or a sentimental portrait — get creative!

Here are some of our favorite cat photography props:

• Christmas Tree Costume – For next year’s card!
• Lion Mane – Because all our kitties have a wild side!
• Harry Potter Costume – Because there’s nothing better than a feline student at Hogwarts. 

9. Get Creative With Location

I think something that really grew Yoda’s following is the locations we photographed him in. Taking him along on our travels and sharing that with the world helps to inspire others to include their cats in their wanderlust plans, so finding an exciting backdrop can really energize other owners. 

So if you can leash train your cat, why not take them out to a new spot with a seriously cool backdrop and get snapping?

Even if you’re staying indoors, be creative. Is there a new spot in your house that can add a different dimension to your photos? Maybe even getting some action shots on some cat steps!

Whatever it is about your cat that makes them unique, build this into your locations. Have the world around them reflect who they are inside. 

10. Be Patient & Stay Safe

While we might be desperate to get the perfect shot, often that’s the last thing on our cat’s mind. So it’s a good idea to remind yourself to be patient and take a break if your kitty seems resistant, scared, or tired. 

Be sure that any costumes are safe and do not irritate your kitty’s skin. Always make sure they are safely leashed when outside (you can always edit out a leash afterward.) And as always, keep their health and happiness first, don’t put yourself or them at risk just for ‘the gram’! 

Bonus Tip — Top Accessories for a Better Cat Photo:

There are a few accessories that can help to fire your imagination for creative cat photography, or that are simply practical lifesavers when you are trying to get a shot while on the road or on a particularly gloomy day. 

Here are some of our favorites:

• Phone tripod – Want to know how to take cat photos without anyone to help? This tripod has your back! 
• Backdrop – In case you want to get some seriously beautiful portraits and focused portraits or start offering portraits to other wonders too.
• Ring Light – For dewy portraits even on gloomy days. 
• Camera Strap – For when you are out on the road, to keep your camera safe and your hands from cramping (plus it’s super cute!)
• Camera Bag – If you’re serious about your gear and your travel photography with your kitty, you’ll want to invest in a camera bag to save your back from giving out.
• Picture Frames – For when you find those perfect cat photos.

The Wrap Up — Creative Cat Photography:

We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to take better cat photos. Taking great photos is such an amazing way to capture beautiful memories together. So please do share any special pictures with us on social media. You can tag us @fluffyyoda 🙂

Do you have any photography tips for us? Any prop ideas we can use? Let us know down below!

The post How to Take Better Photos of Your Cat — 10 Top Tips appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Many of Nashville’s hotels welcome dogs; however, not all allow cats. Moreover, hotels have different policies regarding whether you can leave your furry friend unattended in the room or take them into the common areas.

To save you from spending hours searching for the most cat-friendly hotel in Nashville, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to stay.

With these pet-friendly lodging options in Nashville, you can enjoy the vibrant culture and top-class music scene of this pet-friendly destination without worrying about your kitty!

​​10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Nashville, TN

Virgin Hotels Nashville

Virgin Hotels is one of the most pet-friendly places to stay in Nashville, providing a luxurious stay for two-legged and four-legged beings. Located just a stone’s throw from Broadway, you’ll be in the center of the action, allowing you to enjoy the best offerings of music city.

You’ll find no discrimination against pet owners here, as the hotel allows cats and dogs to stay for no additional fee, regardless of their size or breed. You can take your kitty around the hotel, too, providing you keep them leashed or in their carrier.

The 4-star hotel goes above and beyond to accommodate your furry companion’s needs. They supply pet beds, bowls, and of course, a few treats. What’s more, they will even give you a gorgeous bandana for your kitty or pup to wear.

You’ll surely love Virgin Hotels as much as your pet! The fantastic facilities include a rooftop pool and terrace, restaurant and bar, and pool and table tennis tables. Check out the hotel’s availability here.

The Hermitage Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere to pamper your four-legged friend, head to The Hermitage Hotel. At this luxurious downtown hotel, it’s not just you who will be treated like royalty.

The Hermitage Hotel offers a unique Pampered Paws Program. This includes a nightly pet turndown service with a mat, towels, and treats to tuck your pet in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The $75 pet fee also includes room service with organic pet food, so you don’t have to prepare your kitty’s meals. If that’s not enough, pet chauffeur, excursion, and walking services are available for an additional cost. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a side-by-side massage with your kitty, book this lavish Nashville hotel.

Kimpton Aertson Hotel

Kimpton Aertson is another of the top pet-friendly hotels in Nashville Music Row with no pet fee. In addition, there’s no size limit for pets that can stay or a maximum number of pets per guest. So if you’re traveling with one, two, or ten furry friends, this hotel won’t turn you away.

Although not all rooms can accommodate pets, the hotel dedicates specific floors to travelers with animals. What’s more, the hotel will provide you with water bowls and waste bags to help you dispose of your pets’ waste.

The stylish hotel has an outdoor pool and lounge where you can chill with your cat while on their leash and harness. There’s also a modern American brasserie and upscale bar on site. Click here to check the rates and availability. 

The Cadence Nashville, Operated by WhyHotel

The Cadence by WhyHotel is a top choice for those traveling with pets. They offer spacious studios and apartments with separate living rooms and kitchens, meaning your kitty has plenty of space to explore and run around.

The Cadence welcomes pets but charges a pet fee, starting from $150. While the cost is a little steep, we find it’s totally worth it if you’re staying in Nashville for a while. The huge apartment-style rooms ooze a homely feel. So, your fur child will feel much more at home here, as opposed to in a standard hotel room.

You can opt for a room with an enclosed balcony with wire fencing. However, if you choose a balcony room, be sure to keep the door closed as it’s not totally cat-proof. You’ll have access to the outdoor pool, fitness center, sun terrace, and lounge area with billiards tables. Check for availability here.

Holston House Nashville, by Hyatt

Holston House in Nashville welcomes animals of all shapes and sizes for no additional fee; however, there is a limit of two pets per room. The hotel also provides a pet bed, bowl, and treats for your fur baby.

The deluxe king room is a top choice among pet owners. It features a cozy couch and soft rug that will make your kitty feel right at home.

While kitty is napping, you can take a dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar.

Check out the current availability of Holston House here.

Hayes Street Hotel

The 3-star Hayes Street is another of the best pet-friendly hotels in Nashville downtown. Two cats or dogs weighing under 50 pounds can stay in your room for a fee of $40. If you’re traveling with more than two felines, simply call the hotel beforehand as they are very accommodating.

There are various feline-friendly rooms available at Hayes Street hotel. We love the king’s suite with a separate lounge room and an oversized comfy couch for your kitty to sprawl out on. All rooms also have mini-fridges so you can keep your pet’s food fresh.

If your kitty gets restless in the room, you can bring them to hang out at the onsite bar on their leash and harness. Book a pet-friendly room at Hayes Street Hotel here.

Thompson Nashville

Thompson is another of the best dog and cat-friendly hotels in Nashville, with two floors accommodating travelers with fluffy companions. They allow a maximum of two pets per room, and you’ll need to sign a pet agreement upon check-in.

During your stay, you’ll be able to leave your kitty in your room as you go out exploring. You’ll also get supplies like food and water bowls to use during your stay.

The rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views, stylish hardwood floors, and modern amenities. Click here to see if the Thompson Hotel is available during your trip dates.

JW Marriott Nashville

The JW Marriott in Downtown Nashville is one of the tallest buildings in the city, with stylish, modern, and pet-friendly rooms. The carpeted rooms are cozy and spacious. They also feature floor-to-ceiling windows revealing mesmerizing vistas that will steal your cat’s attention all day.

The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, spa services, and an impressive buffet breakfast spread. You can bring up to two pets with you for a fee of $100 per stay, but they are not permitted to join you for brunch!

You can book your stay at JW Marriott here.

21c Museum Hotel

21c Museum Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel in downtown Nashville that accepts pets in their dedicated pet-friendly rooms. You’ll need to pay a pet fee of $75 to cover deep cleaning after you leave and sign a pet waiver form upon check-in.

There’s a wide choice of accommodation available including the King Room with terrace. This is the perfect option for pets as they can enjoy supervised outdoor time on the enclosed patio. There is even some grass for cats to graze on! Book your stay at 21c Museum Hotel here.

Drury Inn & Suites Nashville Airport

Drury Inn & Suites is a welcoming and affordable choice if you need pet-friendly accommodation near the airport.

Both cats and dogs are allowed here at a maximum of two pets per room. There is a fixed pet fee of $40, but service animals can stay for free.

The rooms at Drury Inn are spacious and feature warm, carpeted floors and comfy armchairs. In addition, the suites have a large lounge area with a couch and flat-screen TV. So, you can have a cozy Netflix night with your fur child ahead of your flight the next day!

Drury Inn is a fab choice if you stay one or two nights. However, it’s not ideal for extended stays as you cannot leave your pet unattended in the room nor bring them into the common areas. Check rates and book your stay here.

Our Favorite Picks

As you can see, there is a wide choice of hotels that allow cats in Nashville.

Our favorite cat-friendly hotels in Nashville are Virgin Hotels Nashville and The Hermitage for the thoughtful additional touches they include for people traveling with cats.

Be sure to check out our ​​Nashville Pet-Friendly Destination guide to discover the best activities and places to take your furry friend during your stay!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest!

The post Top 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Nashville, TN appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

We don’t know about you, but we are always on the lookout for new ways to enrich and entertain our Fluffy Yoda. On this blog, we love to research the best accessories for our kitties’ lives, from the best beds and trees to treats and toys. 

And catnip toys have always been a hit. Twitching tails, dilated pupils & hours of fun — most of us have some experience of our kitties playing with this funny substance. 

But what actually is catnip? What is it about this mysterious plant that makes our cats go so wild? 

And then there’s silvervine, a less well-known stimulant that’s causing waves in the cat world. So we’re wondering… Do cats love silvervine like they do catnip?

Let’s take a closer look at the compounds of these plants, their side effects & their safety. Plus, we’ll be giving you the ULTIMATE list of the best catnip and silvervine toys to buy for your kitty’s playtime. Because that’s what we all love best, right? 🙂

Quick Facts:

• Both catnip and silvervine are species of plants that emit chemical compounds found appealing to many cats
• These compounds can mimic the sexual pheromones in cats, and elicit a range of positive effects in cats
• These stimulants are most effective on mature cats, kittens often do not seem to respond
• Some cats can react negatively to stimulants, especially aggressive cats, so be sure to supervise first experiences
• Around 70% to 80% of cats respond to catnip 
• Around 80% of cats respond to silvervine, with 75% of those who do not react to catnip finding silvervine stimulating 
• Combining catnip and silvervine, or refreshing toys with refills, can help to keep the excitement going for longer

Let’s start with the old favorite — catnip. 

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, known scientifically as ‘Nepeta Cataria’, is a herb from the mint family.

It’s a super common plant in parts of North America, as it grows very easily here. It has feathery, light-green foliage, with little flowers similar to lavender. Cute right? 

The name ‘catnip’ seems to have emerged from the reaction cats have to this plant. But as well as entertaining our feline friends, catnip leaves are also often used to make tea and are used in natural bug sprays. 

What Does Catnip Do to Cats?

Cats have an extra scent organ than us humans, called the ‘vomeronasal gland’ and it’s located in the roof of their mouth. This special scent gland transmits scents straight to their brain…scents that we can’t even smell! 

And there’s an oil found within the leaves of catnip, called ‘nepetalactone’. It’s the smell of this oil that affects our kitties, as it mimics feline sex hormones! Both male and female cats will then react as if they are ‘in heat’ or ‘high’, as the powerful pheromone-like smell takes over.

Each cat will react differently to catnip, with some seemingly unaffected by the scent. Kittens are often uninterested until they reach maturity, for example. For some cats, it may take 30 minutes to see the effects, while others will have an instant reaction. 

The effects of catnip can include:

• Increased affection
• Visible relaxation
• Meowing and vocalization
• Increased playfulness
• Heightened prey drive
• Hyperactivity & drooling
• Rubbing, scratching, and licking the catnip source

What Is Catnip Used For?

What many owners see is a happy, playful and engaged cat, who can spend a few hours enjoying a toy or playing with their human. This is why catnip toys have become a very popular method of enrichment. 

If a cat has a positive reaction to catnip, some vets suggest it as a way to decrease anxiety or a natural pain relief method. For example, if your cat struggles with separation anxiety, a catnip toy could ease them through this alone time. 

Is Catnip Bad for Cats?

Are there side effects to catnip that could be bad? Yes. As with any stimulant, catnip isn’t for every cat. 

The molecules that carry catnip’s scent, called ‘terpenoids’, can be toxic. However, they are usually harmless in the quantity in which they are present in catnip.

Still, the ASPCA warns that high levels of catnip can be toxic for this reason. Even in safe amounts, some cats can also experience vomiting and diarrhea or unsafe levels of sedation when coming into contact with the plant. 

It’s also a possibility that your kitty could become a little too stimulated, and become hyperactive, aggressive, or destructive. It could make them a danger to themselves, or even to you!

How to Use Catnip:

• Do Start Slowly – For this reason, be sure to introduce catnip to your cat slowly, in small amounts, and observe their reaction carefully. 
• Do Get Creative – If your cat has a positive reaction, you can invest in some catnip toys (see below!), sprinkle the dried leaves around, or spray liquid catnip on an existing toy. 
• Don’t Go Overboard – Too much exposure to catnip can make your cat nauseous, overly drowsy, or even overstimulated. So know when your cat’s had enough. 
• Don’t Give To Aggressive Cats – As mentioned above, aggression can be heightened so avoid giving catnip to cats with these tendencies. 

Best Catnip Toys:

YEOWWW! Variety Pack 

These toys have rave reviews, with owners claiming their cats have been enjoying them for years! Being so hard-wearing, they are a great investment piece that will reduce your need for other toys. 

This variety pack is ideal for multi-cat households and the shapes make pouncing super fun. Check out some of those Amazon video reviews for some great footage of just how enjoyable they are!

Hand Knit Wool Catnip Toys 

These gorgeous little toys are made of 100% wool and knitted using ancient Inca Indian techniques. Chilly Dog, the manufacturer, directly employs two families, championing Fair Trade. So both your cat and you can feel great about playing with them!

Each toy is handmade, and according to reviews, they can withstand the tearing and clawing of a great play session. The catnip is 100% natural and very effective, plus these yarn toys are naturally biodegradable. The random characters are super cute too!

SmartyKat Fish Friends

If your cat needs a little encouragement to start playtime, this fishy trio creates a textural experience most cats will adore. Made with crinkly materials, feathers, and ribbons, they’ll appeal to your kitty’s wild side!

Made with 100% chemical-free and pesticide-free catnip, they’re also super lightweight — which reviewers say their cats love because they can bat and chase them easily. So if your kitty loves to run around the hallways, these could be ideal. 

KONG Refillable Carrot with Feather

This handy refillable toy allows you to top up or refresh the catnip inside as and when your feline friend seems to have become accustomed to the scent. This way, you can reuse the same toy for as long as it lasts, while still keeping your cat entertained. 

Feathers are usually a big hit with most cats. So if your kitty needs a little encouragement, you could try this interesting, textural toy to get them excited. 

Beco Catnip Cat Toy

Beco is a fantastic company for eco-friendly pet supplies. This catnip stuffed toy has a soft, yet durable outer, made from recycled plastic. Giving trash a second life and encouraging its collection and reuse — which we love! Plus strong double stitching ensures you won’t be throwing it away any time soon.  

They use premium North American catnip, which reviewers say is super potent and encourages hours of play!

So that’s a wrap on catnip. Now, what about the new kid on the block?

What Is Silvervine?

Though catnip is the best-known cat stimulant, many other plants can alter our felines’ moods and behaviors.

One that’s being talked about a lot is silvervine, also known as ‘matatabi’. This plant comes from areas of Japan and China. It produces a kiwi-like fruit and beautiful silver leaves and flowers — giving it its beautiful name. 

Silvervine produces the chemical compound ‘nepetalacol’, which cats seem to have positive reactions to. Interestingly, this is a slightly different compound to the ‘nepetalactone’ found in catnip — despite being similar to write! 🙂

Do Cats Like Silvervine?

Yes! You’ll notice a similar effect with silvervine as you do with catnip. Many cats will become relaxed, playful & happy in its presence. 

One study found that almost 80% of the domestic cats responded to silvervine, which seems to be slightly higher than the rates for catnip. In fact, in the same study, silvervine elicited a response in 75% of the domestic cats that did not react to catnip. Interesting!

Is Silvervine for Cats Safe?

Currently, there seems to be no issue with toxicity or adverse effects to silvervine.

However, it’s important to watch your kitty for any signs of distress or illness when playing with stimulants, especially for the first time. 

It’s fascinating, but it seems that cats generally do not become aggressive in response to silvervine. It can also be used to help multi-cat households interact more positively with each other, as long as there are enough toys to go around of course!

How to Use Silvervine:

As with catnip, it’s best to keep it as a treat. Offer the toy to your cat only a couple of times a week for no longer than a few hours. This way, they will get the maxim effect and still find the toy exciting. 

Silvervine comes in a few different forms:

• Fruit – The fruit contains the highest amount of smell, so will be likely to turn your kitty a little wild!
• Stem – This is the vine wood that’s usually found in stick form, for playing and chewing on. 
• Powder – Use a small pinch on a favorite toy, scratching post, or wherever you want to encourage play.
• Toys – Silvervine is growing in popularity and is often found in many toys (see below for some awesome toy suggestions!) 

The Best Silvervine Toys:

Silvervine Sticks

These sticks are entirely natural and unprocessed, making for both eco-friendly and safe cat toys — which we love! As well as being perfect for batting and chasing, chewing these sticks can help to reduce your kitty’s dental plaque and tartar, freshen their breath and ward off gum disease.  

Silvervine Wall Ball Toy 

Made of 100% natural materials, these ball holders can be stuck to your wall and silvervine balls installed to provide a sensory experience for your cat. They can rub, sniff, chew & lick to their heart’s content!  

As well as providing dental benefits, these balls can be replaced when your kitty needs a refresher, providing a potentially more eco-friendly and wallet-friendly option than constantly buying new toys. 

Organic Silvervine Beer Bottles

These beer bottle toys can provide both endless humor and endless fun – as they are refillable and perfectly shaped for a funny photo! So you’ll be able to refresh them to get a great photo of your kitty drunk on catnip or silvervine!

Created with organic crushed fruit from pure wild growing silvervine, without any additives or preservatives. Customers rave about their quality and durability too!

Cattraction Silvervine Kicker

If you want to see how your kitty reacts to catnip and silvervine combined, try this toy out for size! Packed with plenty of ways to play, the Kicker is designed to appeal to your kitty’s hunting instincts. Includes a long plush center, feathery tail, crinkly body, ribbons & strings.

This toy contains a natural, yet potent combination of silvervine and catnip. Set to excite and engage your kitty, holding their attention while you are busy or need to get some work done! 

The Wrap Up — Silvervine vs Catnip

Silvervine is already super popular with cat lovers in Asian countries and is growing in popularity here, mainly due to its lack of side effects and reduction of aggression. 

It’s also becoming clear that more cats seem to respond to silvervine than catnip, so you’re more likely to get bang for your buck too!

Whichever stimulants you use, be sure to use them as a treat, switch up their usage for maximum effect and make sure your kitty is happy using them. 

Happy playing! 🙂

The post Silvervine vs Catnip  — Which One Is Best for My Cat? appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Whether you’re looking for humor, advice, or a bedtime story — we’ve picked out our favorite feline reading for you to browse.

Here’s the purrfect mixture of the best cat books for toddlers, non-fiction cat books on behavior and wellness & those giggle-inducing reads we love for the cat-centric home’s coffee table!

The 18 Best Cat Books for Cat Lovers

If you’re a first-time cat parent, you may be overwhelmed with all the things you need to know about your kitty. Our selection of cat books for beginners can be a super helpful resource. 

With so many books on the market regarding cat health and behavior, we’ve narrowed down the choices to the ones we think are worth every penny! The best information to guide you on everything from feline nutrition to purrfect playtime.

Then there’s those smile-inducing gifts and premium options for feline-friendly cat decor!

And of course, as bedtime stories stay ever-popular, if you and your family are feline lovers, I’ve picked out the coziest, cuddliest options for those special nighttime moments. 

Here’s our pick of the best cat reads to brighten up your day! 🙂

Non-Fiction Cat Books

Meow: A Book of Happiness for Cat Lovers 

Definitely a showy coffee table number, this gorgeous book is lined with amazing photography and iconic quotes. A lovely lifestyle piece for a decor flourish, it’s also an excellent read for that evening wind-down while you cuddle with your furball. Or an amazing gift!

The Tribe Of The Tiger

This New York Times bestseller is written by the amazing anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, inspired by the sight of her house cat scaring away two large deer! You’ll learn all, about the links between our domesticated felines and their wild cousins — looking at the subtle similarities and differences between them. It’s AMAZING!

The Cat’s House

Bob Walker and Frances Mooney built the ULTIMATE cat’s house, installing runners, levels, scratchers, and all kinds of amazing features for his felines to enjoy. Get some interior inspiration and enjoy the documentation of everything they created in this quirky read. We’re loving the cat bookshelf!

Fiction Cat Books

When You Love A Cat

An adorable short story, this book encapsulates everything we love about our feline friends. The way they choose us, their highly intelligent nature, and the honest and strong bonds we experience with them. Perfect as a meaningful gift, or as a reminder of your own bond with your fur friend. 

I Am A Cat

This beautiful story was written by one of Japan’s most beloved authors – Soseki Natsume. A quirky and interesting look at Japanese society in the 20th Century, all from the perspective of one noble house cat. Perfect for anyone who likes a bit of classic literature!

Mort(e)

This tense, sci-fi story is a firm favorite among avid readers. In a world where cats and dogs, among other animals, are fighting against humanity – we have an insight into their minds and discussions. Morte the cat falls in love with the dog next door, and when the war comes to their doorsteps — drama unfolds! A total page-turner and perfect for reading under the covers.

Funny Cat Books

I Could Pee On This

If you’re looking for some light-hearted fun, I Could Pee On This is a quirky, witty, and hilarious poetry anthropology all from a cat’s perspective. Sharing some honest and eye-watering truths about sharing a home with our feline pals, and exactly what they might think of us! Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or simply a gift for you — you’ll be guaranteed some laughs. (Just so you know — there’s some adult language in this one, so it’s probably not a bedtime story kind of read!)

My Life In A Cat House

Gwen Cooper grew up as a dog lover. But after adopting her very first rescue kitten — everything changed. Soon one rescue cat turns into five! And in eight stories full of laughter and love, this book shows that life with our furry companions is never boring!

The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat

The Instagram sensation himself, Grumpy Cat, has written a book! In a world filled with inspirational quotes and productivity hacks — Grumpy Cat is the perfect antidote. Telling truths the way only our cat’s know-how, this guide gives you a cat’s perspective on life, love, friendship, and more. The photos alone are enough to have you cracking up!

Cat Advice Books

How To Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language

If you’ve ever wondered how to read a cat’s behavior, this is the book for you! Dr. Gary Weitzman, one of the best authors for cat books, is a widely loved veterinarian. In this amazing book, he explains the ins and outs of understanding your cat’s behavior, and what they are really saying to you every day. 

Clicker Training For Cats 

Looking for cat training books for beginners? This amazing guide to clicker training is a fantastic guide to getting the most out of your bond with your cat. Teach your furball to come when called, play without biting, do some cool party tricks, and more!

Playtime for Cats: Activities and Games for Felines

Want to ensure you give your kitty the happiest time indoors? This amazing resource on enrichment for cats is chock full of ideas to get you started. With cute photos and accessible solutions for modifying your cat’s environment — all their sensory needs will be met!

Cat Books For Kids

Collecting Cats

Full of surprises and colorful illustrations, this cat-centric story is a perfect bedtime read for little animal lovers. They’ll enjoy picking out all the different moggies on each page, oodles of laughter and surprise awaits — especially with the twist at the end!

They All Saw A Cat

In this gentle, rhythmic story, rising storybook talent Brendan Wenzel takes young readers on a walk alongside a curious cat. Igniting curiosity and imagination, it’s the perfect cat book for toddlers in your life. 

A Kid’s Guide to Cats

An amazing informative guide to looking after cats, designed specifically for children who are keen to welcome a feline into their life. With colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand photographs throughout, it not only covers all the basics but also has some fun DIY toy ideas included too! The best kids cat care book we’ve come across for sure. 

Bonus Book Picks

NAKEYS: An Adult Coloring Book

I love coloring books, for the soothing and creative mood they put me in. And for all the hairless cat lovers out there, this looks like such a fun book to dive into. Plus, a portion of the profits from the sale of this book goes toward the research of HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) — which is lovely too. 

Shop Cats of New York

Maybe it’s the wanderlust in us, but this photography book looks AMAZING. Shop Cats of New York introduces forty of New York’s favorite felines—all of who have an extraordinary story to tell. They inhabit New York City’s most legendary and coziest spots—the Algonquin Hotel, a whiskey distillery, Bleecker Street Records, and a host of yoga studios, bookstores, and bike shops in between. How cool would it be to dive into this on a chilly day?

Cats on Catnip 

Because what’s not to love about our furballs feeling happy and carefree on their favorite herb of choice! Professional pet photographer and self-confessed crazy cat man Andrew Marttila captures a range of the cats’ silly and expressive personalities as they react to their catnip trip. Super fun!

The Best Cat Books — A Feline Reading Roundup 

There you have it, our top cat books for kids, big kids, new owners & everyone in-between!

Which one is your favorite? And which would make the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life? 🙂

PIN IT FOR LATER

The post The 18 Best Cat Books to Read Right Meow appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

To have a happy feline family, the kind you always dream of, you’ll have to really consider whether a kitten is the right choice. 

And if they are, you’ll need to do everything you can to make their introduction and transition as smooth and stress-free as you can, to maximize your chances of long-term relationship success. 

So we’ll be answering your happy family faqs about building a happy feline family, including the best approach for introducing a kitten to your older cat. 

Getting a Senior Cat to Like a New Kitten

Should You Get a Kitten if You Have an Older Cat?

Will an older cat accept a kitten? 

Do older cats even like kittens?

Well, the decision needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. When you are thinking about whether your older cat will accept a kitten, take the following into account:

• Personality – You know your cat and can have a gauge of their sociability and likelihood of acceptance. A relatively sociable and naturally easy-going cat is probably more likely to accept a new playmate, as opposed to a shy and nervous cat. 
• Aggressive tendencies – Have you seen your kitty in the company of other cats? Do they enjoy playing without excessive fear or aggression?

If your cat has a history of hostility to other cats — hissing, growling, or marking territory if others enter your yard — then obtaining another cat is probably not a good idea. Especially a young kitten, who might be injured by an aggressive older cat.

• Age – A senior cat may not enjoy a young kitten bouncing around all over the place, whereas a young cat might love an exciting playmate. In general, adult or adolescent cats tend to like kittens much more than senior cats do.
• Matching – Matching by personality is considered a good idea. For example, if you have a very timid cat, consider choosing a similarly chilled kitten to mesh with their lifestyle. 

If you are unsure or worried that a kitten might not be the best option for your new cat, you could always explore adopting or rescuing another adult. Usually, rescue organizations can help you with the matching process, and facilitate a trial period. 

This way, you can be 100% sure they will be a happy family before making a lifetime commitment to the new kitty.  

Here are some quick tips to get us started!

1. Kittens suit younger, adolescent cats much more than a senior cat
2. Multi-cat households can prevent boredom & loneliness
3. Matching personalities will boost your chances of a successful pairing
4. The first impression is huge, so prepare for a new kitten properly by following a step by step introduction process
5. Introductions should be made slowly over several weeks, and supervision should encounter all meetings for the first few months
6. Using dual play toys and calming pheromones can build a strong bond
7. The chronic stress of fights between cats is not healthy for you or your pets, and sometimes separation is the more humane option

Benefits of Multi-Cat Households

Contrary to what many memes, GIFs & cat videos might lead us to believe, cats are very social creatures. Though they can often like their own personal space, they are a family-oriented species, used to living within a close circle. 

Cats that get along well will sleep together, groom each other & even share food. This is often the case when two kittens are kept together from the same litter, or two shelter cats from the same environment are adopted together. Some are even tolerant of other neighborhood cats or welcoming a new cat into their space. 

Some of the main benefits of a multi-cat household:

• Loneliness will be reduced
• For 9-5 workers, your cat will be less likely to develop any separation anxiety
• Enrichment will increase with dual playtime 
• Company can help a cat suffering from the loss of a sibling mate or other pet
• More cuddles for you!

However, this isn’t true for all kitties. We all know those feline divas who are higher on the needy, jealous & protective side of things—our sassy ride-or-die pets we love so much! It’s also important to understand that even seemingly tolerant kitties can struggle with a new addition. 

Of course, the main drawback of a multi-cat household can be conflict. Daily fights and increased stress or anxiety create an unsustainable environment for any pets.

So if your cat is an adult, and is firmly established as the only pet in the household—think carefully before introducing a new feline friend.

Tips for Introducing Kittens to Older Cats

You’ve weighed up the pros and cons, you’ve studied what you know of your Fluffy Kitty and you’ve decided — you are ready to welcome a kitten. 

Congratulations! Now it’s time to set yourself up for success. Which means TAKE IT SLOW. 

Moving too quickly, or with a lack of preparation, is a recipe for chaos. While it can be tempting to see your cats together and exciting to introduce them, rushed introductions leave both kitties feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behavior and fights breaking out.  

And, sadly, once cats feel this way about each other, it can be really tough to change their minds. First impressions really count for felines!

So how do you prepare an older cat and kitten for a happy life together? Here’s our step-by-step guide to a slow and careful introduction, maximizing your chances of peaceful, pleasant co-existence. 

1. Prepare Their Space

Find a space for your kitten to acclimatize, which also keeps them separate from your resident cat to start with. Often a less-trafficked room or ensuite bathroom makes a great kitten room for the first week or two.

2. Purchase The Essentials

To decrease competition or guarding. Make sure to start your kitten off with their own litter box, scratching post, and bed. 

3. Start With Smells

Present your older cat with something the kitten has played with or slept on. This way, like a feline handshake, your older cat can slowly become acclimatized to the kitten’s smell. 

4. Swap Bedding

Next, swap bedding between the two separate sleeping areas, to further this scent introduction.  

5. Close The Gap

After a week, start to feed and play with each kitty near the door or barrier that separates them. This way they will start to get each other’s scents more clearly. 

6. Reward Interest

If you see your older cat calmly investigating the barrier, then reward them with a yummy treat. This can start to build some positive associations before the first meeting. 

7. Sight Introduction

If you can, switch now to a baby gate or something similar (tall enough that it can’t be easily jumped) for feeding and play sessions with your older cat. Start far away and harness your older cat if you need to, encourage calm behavior, and place attention back towards you, to encourage them to relax in the presence of the new addition. 

8. Move Closer

Move a little closer to the door with each session. Over a week or so you should be able to move closer and have your older cat remain calm. 

9. Swap Over

If the above steps have been successful, try swapping the cats for an hour or so a day, giving your kitten a chance to explore and more scent swapping to occur. 

10. Supervised Meeting

Now you can allow your kitties to interact freely through the gate. Watch for signs of stress or aggression, and if they seem relaxed move on to the next step. 

11. Remove The Barrier

Begin allowing them to share some space, but be sure to keep your supervision on high alert, for at least a month.

As you can see, welcoming a new kitten is a lot of work! 

But if you follow the steps above, your chances of success and a happy feline family will be the highest they can be. So it’s absolutely worth taking the time to complete these steps slowly and thoroughly. 

Toys to Help Foster Play Between Older & Younger Cats

There’s nothing better than seeing your feline playmates getting along, and running a happy multi-cat household is such a joyful experience. To boost that bond, and streamline your life as an owner, here are a few amazing accessories we love: 

• Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser Kit – This handy diffuser emits an odorless copy of the ‘harmony marker’ pheromone. This can help your cats to feel comfortable, and maintain a harmonious bond, especially in those early days. 
• Go Pet Club Tree – This brand does some amazing multi-cat trees. Big enough for all the family to enjoy, with plenty of levels for a game of chase, as well as hidey spaces for some alone time. 
• Eenk Cat Toy Tunnel – Perfect for adventurous playmates who love to whizz around together, this interactive crinkle tunnel is sure to get them excited. 
• FURminator deShedding Tool – To keep your house from being overrun by fur, you’ll definitely want to check out FURminator’s range of amazing groping supplies. 
• 2 in 1 Laser and Feather Toy – To keep both cats active and stop them fighting over toys, this dual function fun station can keep them both engaged. 
• Multi-Cat Cave – This bed has dual sleeping arrangements, for those kitties that like to be close…but not too close!
• Donut Cat Bed – If your kitties really are besties, then this donut bed is big enough for some shared snuggles.

My Older Cat Is Hissing at My Kitten — What Do I Do?

Are you worried your older cat hates your kitten? 

Is an older cat growling at the new kitten? 

This is simply a sign you have moved too fast. If you notice that any negativity is creeping in, don’t be afraid to take a step back and slow down your introduction. 

Other signs of stress to watch for:

• Hiding
• Running away or avoiding
• Curved walking or hugging walls
• Tense muscles
• Dilated pupils
• Hair standing up along the back
• Puffed tail
• Ears pinned back
• Hissing or yowling
• Changes in litter tray usage or refusal to use the litter tray

To try and repair the relationship, you need to backtrack! Go back to step 1 and set up a safe space for your kitten. Be prepared to move at the pace your older cat feels comfortable at, as this is your best chance to create a calm relationship.

What If It Doesn’t Work Out?

All cats are individuals, and sometimes two individuals just can’t get along. Especially when it comes to pairing a kitten with an older cat.

If you are really finding the new transition isn’t working, don’t be afraid to reach out to your vet, or a qualified behaviorist to see if they can help. 

You want both kitties to have the best life possible, and the chronic stress and tension caused by incompatibility aren’t good for them, or you.

In some cases, it may be more humane to keep them permanently separated, or find another home for them to enjoy. 

We hope this guide gives you the steps to create a successful, happy partnership in your household!

Do you have experience introducing an older cat to a kitten and vice versa? What’s your top tip for welcoming a new kitten?

The post Happy Families — How to Get an Older Cat to Like a Kitten appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .

Our motto here at Fluffy Kitty is “the best for your beast”, and we personally believe that it isn’t the size of your home, but the size of your heart that matters! 🙂

Think of it this way: a cat could be sad and lonely in a 10,000 square foot mansion, or content and well-cared for in a tiny studio apartment! It all depends on their enrichment, social time & environment. 

We’ve lived in all kinds of spaces with our furry traveling companion Yoda. From hotel rooms to campervans and villas — we have seen first hand that a cat can be perfectly happy in an apartment. Your fluffball can thrive, in fact – as long as you go the extra mile to make their world as enriching and exciting as you can. 

So we’re here to help, with the paw-fect guide to apartment living for cats, including:

• The best cat breeds & choices for apartment living 
• Cat proofing your apartment & balcony
• How to enrich, challenge and excite your indoor kitty
• The essential accessories all apartment cat owners will adore!

But first up, let’s discuss the big question at hand…

Can a Cat Live in an Apartment?

To keep a cat healthy & happy, we need to meet all their basic needs as owners. This includes:

• Providing regular, healthy meals with a constant supply of fresh water
• Providing clean and comfortable environment
• Supply stimulation, exercise opportunities & social interaction
• Providing healthcare, vaccinations, neutering & worming
• Ensuring they are not left alone for extended periods of time (more than 6-8 hours) 

If we can achieve all of the above, then apartment living is absolutely an option for our feline companions (or roommates!). With plenty of windows, some extra attention & enrichment work on our part – apartment kitties can totally have all their needs met. 

In fact…

Is Being Indoors Better for Cats?

While our wildcats do love to run around, explore & survey their territory, this doesn’t necessarily have to be an outdoor territory. 

In fact, there’s a whole host of reasons why keeping your cat indoors is often a better option – including keeping them safe from accidents & diseases, as well as helping the wildlife population recover from over-predation. 

You can read Our Top 10 Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors for more information on the benefits of indoor living.

However, there are a few things to consider when bringing your fluffy kitty into an indoor environment, that can help them adapt and adjust to this way of life…

Best Feline Choices for Apartment Living

• Adopt an already indoor cat – a cat that has always lived indoors will easily suit your apartment lifestyle, and be more than happy without yard access. 
• Adopt a senior cat – senior cats are often waiting for loving homes in shelters across the world. These low energy bundles of love are usually happy to relax in a cosy apartment, and make great companions.
• Consider lower energy breeds – if you are looking for a kitten, think about opting for a lower energy breed. While all cats are individuals and breed choice is no guarantee of personality type, some breeds such as Ragdolls, Scottish Folds & Burmese kitties tend to have more mellow dispositions. 
• Consider Playmates – if you can afford the cost, you should think about adopting or raising two cats together, so they can keep each other company (and entertained!). Ask local rescues or shelters if they have an already bonded pair, as this is a fantastic solution for you and the shelter too!

Can My Outdoor Cat Become an Apartment Kitty?

Whether it is due to a change in your circumstances or a wish to keep them out of danger – turning an outdoor cat into an indoor cat is possible. While this can be a tough transition, plenty of kitties can learn to adapt (and even love) a life indoors.

• Gradual change – if you can, slowly increase the cat’s indoor time to get them used to the idea of indoor living. 
• Time – be sure to give them plenty of time to adjust. It can take months for them to feel fully settled, but with lots of patience, extra care and oodles of attention – you can get there!
• Extra enrichment – follow the steps below to help your cat learn that apartment living can be super fun (while being much safer too).

So once you have your kitty settled into their new home, how can you make sure they have all their needs met? 

Let’s delve into our top tips for making apartment living for a cat totally purr-fect. 

How to Live With a Cat in an Apartment

1. Cat proof your pad

Cat proofing an apartment is super important, especially if they will be spending a few hours alone there while you work. We all know how much our fur-babies love to explore, so those expensive ornaments might not last long & that open window can be a real cause for concern!

• Invest in closed storage – keeping things tucked away in lidded storage boxes or behind doors is a great way to ensure your cat isn’t getting into anything they shouldn’t.
• Invest in wire covers – especially if you have a young kitty who just wants to play! You can slip a wire cover like this one over any wires that might look like a tempting mouse tail… 
• Screen windows – we all love a nice breeze and some fresh air, and so do our kitties! So make sure your windows are screened to prevent any accidents or escape attempts. 
• Audit your greenery – house plants are all the rage, right? But be sure yours aren’t on the toxic list! There’s some great ASPCA approved options out there for replacements if needed. 

2. Keep them active & engaged

Your second most important concern is your kitty’s wellbeing. 

As natural hunters, with no outlet for their energy, a cat can easily become bored, frustrated, and even depressed indoors. So it’s our job, as apartment dwelling owners, to make the space as enriching as possible for our paw-pals!

Also Read: Top Tips for Keeping an Indoor Cat Active

• The 30 minute rule — as a minimum, apartment owners need to factor in half an hour of playtime a day. This makes a world of difference to your kitty’s daily life, plus they are way more likely to be more snuggly & more content. 
• Try clicker training — a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, so why  not try some clicker training to test your furry Einstein’s skills? Not only is it a great party trick, but it will increase your bond too.
• Invest in engaging toys — to keep those hunting instincts happy, we’ve got the ultimate catalogue of the Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats to give your indoor kitty the boost they need. (P.S – toilet rolls and empty egg cartons are an eco-friendly option and provide hours of fun too!)
• Try a tree — Cat trees with scratching posts are fantastic sources of enrichment for your fur-pal. We’ve listed our favorites here, with lots of options for small spaces. 
• Go vertical — Cats adore perch spots and climbing opportunities. And since you don’t have much horizontal space, you can work with your vertical space instead! Follow our DIY Cat Climbing Shelves Instruction Guide for an ace way to excite your cat’s indoor space. 

3. Explore the great outdoors

Indoors doesn’t mean boring – no way!

If you want to give your kitty extra enrichment, then you can still explore the great outdoors together in safe and secure ways. 

• Convert your balcony – a balcony can be an amazing feature for your fur friend to enjoy, but it’s best they are either for supervised play only. Or go a step further and create an amazing catio out there! There’s all kinds of options for different spaces and budgets.

Check out our post on CATIOS! 5 Awesome Cat Outdoor Play Area Ideas

• Harness & leash training – dogs aren’t the only ones who love to explore the outside world by our sides. Learning to leash walk your cat can give them an amazing sense of adventure, and provide you both boredom-busting days out together. 

Check out our Leash Walking Guide

4. Cleaning & contentment

In a smaller space, to keep your kitty feeling comfortable & content, extra litter cleanliness is going to be a big must. 

Your mission here is a 2 parter – location & odor control.

• Choose the right litter – as smell is probably your number one priority in a small space, check out our 10 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control. If your feline friend is on the messy side, you can think about investing in a quick clumping and dust free litter to keep the clean up time quick & painless! 
• Choosing the right location – if you have a cat-proof balcony this can be a great option, or if not the bathroom is usually preferred. More often than not, it’s simply a case of trial and error to find the best option for you and your kitty. We’ve also got some apartment-ready litter boxes below.

5. Cat apartment accessories

Because life is always better with accessories, right? 😉

Over the years, we come across some life-saver gadgets, small space hacks & clever ideas that make all the difference for apartment living. Here are our top picks:

• Litter Box Furniture – in a small space it’s such a bonus when items serve a dual purpose. And a litter box is no exception! That’s why we love the Unipaws Enclosed Cat Litter Box that doubles as a piece of furniture. There’s a smaller option for those studio dwellers (or this planter version is super cute too.)
• Window Perches – to help them get those all important views of the neighbourhood. I like this Kitty Sill Cat Window, which provides a nice long lounging post. 
• Lint Roller – a great investment for smaller shared spaces especially if your cat likes to cosy up on your favorite throw (or favorite jacket!). The Furminator is a reusable tool which means you can keep it for a lifetime too.  
• Toy Organizer – in a tight space, I love to keep everything organized in storage baskets. It’s so much easier to have a home that feels calm & not cluttered this way. And how cute is this Cat Basket?
• Food mats – sharing an apartment space means it’s super important to keep a tidy feeding area for your kitty. That’s why a food mat can come in handy, to contain any excess mess and keep those odours under control. This Recycled Rubber Placemat is made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials (green tick!) & wipes up easily (double green tick!).
• Cat grass – why not add some cat-friendly greenery to your household plants? This Organic Cat Grass can help to add important natural nutrients and fiber to your kitty’s diet and help them feel a little more wild!

We hope you enjoy this guide to apartment living for cats!

Do you have an urban kitty that lives up high? How do they enjoy their apartment space? We’d love to know 🙂

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The post Apartment Living For Cats – Keeping Them Happy & Healthy appeared first on The Fluffy Kitty .