Beware! Cats Like Warm Places

This is an old photo of our Mutchka.  Mutchka died of natural causes in 2007 at the age of 18.  Wasn't he beautiful? We rescued him when he was only 1 month old. Dumped in our neighborhood by an obviously terrible person.

There is a reason I am showing you this particular photo. Back then we had a cable box on the top of our old console television. As you can imagine it emitted some heat.  Mutchka found this very inviting. 

Which brings me to today's topic of cat safety around heat sources.

You may notice your cat finding that spot where the afternoon sun comes through a certain window. They look like they are sunbathing.  Yep. That's what they are doing. And when that sunbeam moves across the room you most likely will see your furbaby get up and move to that new area.

They love to get into your clean clothes that are still warm from the dryer.  They like to lie near the fireplace.
They like to cuddle under the blankets, with or without you, when it's cold.

Off topic fact: Cats spend most of their time sleeping. In the wild they are vulnerable to predators when they are sleeping. When they cuddle to you in bed it gives them an extra sense of security.

The average body temperature for a cat is around 101 degrees while a person's is 98.6.  It's important to know that a cat can only sweat through their paw pads. They can also pant to regulate their temperature.

Depending on the type of coat they have they experience heat in different ways. Short-haired cats tend to seek warmth more than long haired cats.

I'm strictly going to talk about indoor cats today and discuss ways to make sure your kitty stays safe.

Things and situations to consider>>To avoid overheating/burns/singed whiskers
*Fireplaces
*Space heaters
*Stoves
*Broken air conditioners during hot summers/ hot room
*Heating pads

A good pet owner should always know signs of overheating which can include: panting, rapid breathing, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, wobbly on their feet

Always make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water available. Monitor their water intake and urination.

If you suspect a problem get to your veterinarian ASAP. 

Overheating left untreated can lead to heat stroke, organ failure, seizures and even death.

Make sure you have your Vet's phone number in your cell phone's contacts or posted in place where it can be easily found by everyone in your household.

Hope you and your pets have a wonderful and safe Christmas🐈

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How To Build Steps For Your Elderly Cat

 

Well today is Fanny's 17th birthday!!!!!

One thing we have to remember, as our fur babies get older, is that they can get arthritic just like us.  You may notice they avoid jumping up on objects.  Or they seem stiff when getting up from a long nap.
We have a high bed that Fanny can not get up on by herself.  She tries but it is difficult and sometimes she doesn't quite make it. (Thud!)

I decided she needed steps so she could sleep on her favorite corner of the bed. I looked on Amazon and they were priced from $30-$185.  

I thought about it and decided I didn't want to spend the money.  Instead I thought about the many empty boxes I had in the garage. Why couldn't I try to build my own.

Here's what I did. 
First I found various sized boxes. If they are empty they may not handle your cats weight.  I overstuffed the boxes with my "hoarded" plastic bags from the grocery store. I used packaging tape to seal them.

I had some black cloth I had been saving for some reason. Hmmm. I found a purpose for it.

I also had some "Grip" shelf liner. I covered the black cloth with the liner.  I figured the that would provide good footing for her so she wouldn't slip. 

I just secured everything I did with some tape (to the bottom of the boxes) but you could use a glue gun or staple gun.  Whatever you find is easiest.  Just make sure everything is secure and doesn't slide.

Fanny's first time using the new steps. She did not hesitate.

He we go. Step two and three. No problem so far. I think she likes it.

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!
After I took this photo she actually went up and down the steps a few more times like she was really enjoying her new found freedom. She doesn't have to cry and beg to be picked up and placed on the bed. 

I know, I know.  It doesn't look professional.  Of course it doesn't.  I'm not a professional cat steps builder.  But if you want to save money, I hope this gives you somes ideas.

Please share and/or leave a comment.  I'd love to hear if you have come up with any ideas to save money on cat supplies, etc.

And don't forget to go to my Facebook Author Page and check out Fanny's book.

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