Meow Meow Meow…what does it all mean????

December 21, 2015November 1, 2015 Diane Weinmann Uncategorized cat, meow

Cats have wide range of vocalizations to communicate with other cats, but seem to reserve “meows” primarily for talking to their people. What exactly does your cat want? Are they cat-cursing at you, praising your taste in bed linens, or just bugging you for the heck of it?

Meows are usually demands: let me OUT, let me IN, pet me, play with me, FEED me! As the cat becomes more passionate and insistent, their meows grow more strident and lower-pitched. Meow demands most frequently take place in the wee hours of the night, when owners want to sleep.

Cats normally sleep 16 hours a day, and are most active at night when mousy prey is about.

Your cat will go through the motions of mouse-patrol whether there are outside or indoors. It’s perfectly normal. In the summer I bet you appreciate them finding those pesky flies and insects that make their way into your home!

Have you ever heard a meow that sounded like they were actually saying words? A long time ago, my brother-in-law had a cat that would meow and he drew it out so long that it sounded like he was saying “help me”. Freaky, right????

Now if you want to have an in-depth discussion with your kitty, contact me, Diane Weinmann the animal communicator at Dianefortheloveofanimals @yahoo.com

Raising a Long-Lived Cat

December 14, 2015October 14, 2015 Diane Weinmann Animal Health cat, cat's health, long lived cat

By Dr. Becker and comments by Diane Weinmann

Many kitties today are, thankfully, living into their late teens and early 20s. Just as with dogs, a cat’s longevity is often quite clearly linked to lifestyle and environment.

Tips for keeping your cat in tip-top shape include:

Feed a balanced, antioxidant-rich, and species-appropriate diet that includes omega-3 essential fats, such as krill oil. Moisture is your cat’s best friend, so encourage adequate hydration by offering a variety of water bowls around the house or a drinking fountain, in addition to minimizing dry food. If your cat is addicted to poor quality food, add a whole body supplement such as Standard Process Feline Whole Body Support. When I took my classes to become certified in canine nutrition, I learned about Standard Process products. I can’t say enough good things about the company and the work they do. Please consider what they offer for your pet.

Keep your pet’s body and mind active with regular exercise and mental stimulation (for example, puzzles and treat-release toys). Think of creative ways to enrich your cat’s indoor environment and if your kitty never touches the earth’s surface directly (most housecats don’t), consider a grounding pad to help reduce the buildup of EMFs.

Refuse or strictly limit vaccinations, veterinary drugs, and chemical pest preventives.

Provide your kitty with a SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplement, and offer periodic detoxification with the herbs milk thistle and dandelion, as well as supergreen foods in the form of fresh “cat grass” or sunflower sprouts to nibble on. Chlorophyll, chlorella, or spirulina can also be offered in supplement form to enhance your cat’s detoxification processes.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to be safe for cats and can improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older pets. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs and may also reduce hairball issues. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support, if your cat will voluntarily eat it.

Set aside time each day to interact with your kitty. Make sure meals are provided on a consistent schedule, along with playtime and petting/lap time. If your cat tolerates being brushed or combed, work that into the daily schedule as well. Cuddle with them, take them out for a walk (even in a special stroller is fun for them), show them new and interesting things like leaves, non-toxic flowers, boxes, tissue paper and bags to enrich their lives. Usually the most mundane things you already have in your household will intrigue your cat—you can consider it a game between the two of you to see what you can find in your house that would be safe for the cat to interact with without spending extra money. It would be a win-win situation!

The good news is that despite their relatively short lifespans, cats live in the moment and know how to make the most of every day. It’s our job as loving guardians to make sure they are given that opportunity.