News for You and Your Cat

January 15, 2014

Dear ,

Ingrid and Amber

you may have noticed that our name changed from News for You and Your Pet to News for You and Your Cat with this issue. I felt that this change was necessary since almost all our content at this point is cat-related. When I began writing this newsletter seven years ago, it had a mixed (cat and dog) focus, but over the last few years, that focus has become almost completely feline-centric.

News for You and Your Cat will continue to come out twice a month, and will continue to feature cat health and nutrition topics as well as topics that will help you improve your own health. We hope you'll enjoy our new format, and if you have any topic suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

In this issue, I cover a topic that is a source of great frustration for many cat guardians: how to get your cat used to the carrier. And I also explore why the idea of a fresh start holds such allure for so many of us. Hint: cats know the answer!

Wishing you health, happiness and purrs,

Ingrid.

Website: www.ConsciousCat.com
E-Mail: ConsciousCat@cox.net

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In This Issue

How to Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier

The Appeal of a Fresh Start

Highlights from The Conscious Cat

Upcoming Events

Marketplace

How to Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier

A cat carrier is an important part of your cat's life. For most cats, the only time they're in a carrier is when they have to go to the veterinarian, so the association with carriers is often a negative and stressful one. But carriers can be vital in an emergency, and it's a good idea to get your cats used to the carrier so that they can associate it with a positive experience.

Pick the right carrier

Carriers come in all shapes and sizes, from hard-sided crates to soft-sided carrying cases,and it comes down to your preference and your cat's as to which one you choose. Make sure that the carrier is large enough for your cat to be able to stand and turn around in it comfortably. If you plan to travel with your cat, a larger carrier that can accommodate a small litter box may be a good choice.

Keep the carrier accessible at all times

Make the carrier part of your cat's every day environment. Leave it on the floor and open so your cat can explore on his own and doesn't view the carrier as something that only comes out when it's time to go to the vet's. By being able to walk in and out of the carrier, your cat will stop viewing it as something threatening.

Make the carrier interesting

Place a cat bed or soft blanket inside the carrier. If your cat responds to catnip, periodically sprinkle catnip inside the carrier. Leave treats or favorite toys inside the carrier. Some experts recommend feeding your cat inside the carrier.

Teach your cat the "in" command

Once your cat is comfortable with his carrier, you can use treats to train him to go in. Call him to the carrier, place a treat inside, and say "in." When he goes in to retrieve the treat, praise him profusely. When he comes out, toss another treat into the carrier and repeat. Over time, you should be able to say "in" first, and your cat will go into the carrier on his own. Reward him with a treat while he's still in the carrier.

Practice closing the door

Once your cat seems comfortable with the carrier, practice closing the door. Leave the room for a few minutes. If your cat is calm when you return, open the door and give him a treat while he's still inside the carrier. If he seems agitated or upset, don't give him a treat (you don't want to reward the undesired behavior), and try again later, with a shorter period of time.

Practice picking up the carrier

Once your cat is comfortable being inside the carrier with the door closed, pick up the carrier and carry it around the house. Give a treat once you set the carrier down and open the door.

Take your cat for a practice ride

Take your cat for short practice rides in the carrier. Even a short drive around the block will be sufficient. Reward your cat with treats when you return. The idea is to get your cat to associate being in the carrier and in your car with something other than a trip to the vet's. With the right carrier, and a patient, slow approach to getting your cat used to the carrier, you'll avoid a lot of stress when it comes time for a vet visit, and you'll be prepared for any emergencies. How did you get your cat used to the carrier? Please share your tips!

ŠIngrid King 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by David Martyn Hunt, Flickr Creative Commons

The Appeal of a Fresh Start

The beginning is always today. - Mary Shelley

Ah, the New Year. A clean slate, the promise of a fresh start. It's like the ultimate Monday. Did you have a bad weekend? No worries, it's a new week. Did you go through some challenging times last year? It's January. You can start over.

Unfortunately, for many of us, this "fresh start effect" doesn't last. The trouble with the concept of a fresh start is that it takes us away from living in the moment. It makes us look back over what was, and forward to what we want to be. This is not where life happens. Life happens in the present moment - and that's where the real promise for lasting change lies.

Cats already know this. They live in the moment all the time. I doubt a cat has ever thought "Darn it! The DaBird toy escaped me again! Well, that's okay. Tomorrow I'll make a fresh start. Starting tomorrow, I will catch the DaBird every single time!" They'll just enjoy chasing the toy, in the moment, each and every time.

Perhaps, living in the moment is the only New Year's resolution we need. The power to change anything, be it a bad habit, a bad mood, or a bad situation, happens only in the present moment. By being truly present, we set the stage for lasting transformation.

So rather than looking for that next fresh start, let's take a cue from our cats. Let's make 2014 the year when we start living in the present moment.

Highlights from The Conscious Cat

Should You Vaccinate Your Adult Cat for Distemper?

There is no question that vaccines protect against disease - but they also present considerable risk. Sadly, far too many cats are still being over-vaccinated because too many veterinarians, and cat guardians, still think annual "shots" are necessary. Vaccines are implicated in triggering various immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis). Vaccines are also implicated in [...]The post Should You Vaccinate Your Adult Cat for Distemper? appeared first on The Conscious Cat....ť

Mews and Nips: Dog Adopts Paralyzed Cat

As far as heartwarming stories go, this one is hard to beat. The Orlando Sentinel's report about a 2-year-old dachshund standing guard over a 7-month-old paraplegic cat spread like wildfire across social media networks. The pair was found by Seminole County Animal Services in early October. It was still hot, and someone apparently had dumped [...]The post Mews and Nips: Dog Adopts Paralyzed Cat appeared first on The Conscious Cat....ť

Fascinating Facts About Cat Whiskers

Whiskers are one of the most prominent features of a cat's face, but they don't just look cute, they also serve a variety of important functions. Purrfectly designed by Mother Nature, these touch receptors help cats "see" better in the dark and identify shapes and obstacles. Whiskers can even indicate your cat's mood. To learn [...]The post Fascinating Facts About Cat Whiskers appeared first on The Conscious Cat....ť

Feline Medicine Goes High-Tech

Advances in veterinary medicine make it possible to diagnose and treat medical conditions in cats that would have been a death sentence a decade ago. From chemotherapy to kidney transplants, MRI's to radiation therapy, ICU care to chemotherapy, cats can now receive the same level of medical care as humans. Cutting-edge veterinary care by board-certified [...]The post Feline Medicine Goes High-Tech appeared first on The Conscious Cat....ť

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Upcoming Events

March 12-14, 2014
Global Pet Expo
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April 6, 2014
Purcellville Library
Purcellville, VA

May 8-10, 2014
BlogPaws Pet Blogging Conference
Las Vegas, NV

Please visit the Events Page on my website
for more information and directions.

Marketplace

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