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3 Siamese in the cat house

3 siamese in the cat cave

1st day feedback shortly after delivery:
We picked up the cushion this afternoon. As soon as we put it in the Poopoopeedo at home, three of our six cats were already in it.
The fleece fabric is nice and warm, which they love, and the cave itself is also wonderfully warm. Just right for our Siamese. Sometimes it can’t be warm enough. The latex cushion makes a high-quality impression on me. So, like our cats, I am completely satisfied!

 

Day 2:
It’s absolutely conceivable that there are cat magnets in the cushions, because so far the cats haven’t been able to get out :-)) Wonderful!
By the way, I’ve been browsing your website for a while because I had my eye on the cat cuddle bag, but then I decided to focus on converting the Poopoopeedo. So you will definitely be hearing from me again.

 

Day 3:
I don’t think I need to mention that the three of them are back (or still) in the den, sleeping and snoring :-)) In the meantime, I even have to put their food bowl inside. Well, what don’t you do…..

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium-sized, very dignified and intelligent dog that quickly commands respect with its calm demeanor. It is native to southern Africa and shows no signs of shyness.

Cats and the heat – cooling down your furry friend

getigerte Hauskatze mit weißer Brust liegt im schattigen Gras

In the heat of summer, a cool shady spot under trees is ideal for your house cat.

Cats and heat. How do I cool down my cat?

As descendants of steppe dwellers, our cats love warmth and summer. Unlike their ancestors, heat is not all that good for your cat. Hot summer days are a big challenge for your house cat. You can read here how you can make life bearable for your house cat in summer and cool down your cat.

How do cats cope with high temperatures?

As a rule, cats react to heat with lethargy. They move much less in hot weather and look for a cool, shady place to retreat to. This only helps to a limited extent when it is too hot. Cats have far fewer sweat glands than humans and therefore cannot regulate their heat balance by sweating. Like dogs, cats try to cool down by panting. They also groom themselves more often because saliva moistens their fur and provides evaporative cooling.

Our tips will help you to make your house cat as comfortable as possible in hot temperatures.

Keep your fur moist to keep cool.

As already mentioned, cats use the evaporative coolness of their saliva to cool down. Help your house cat by moistening a washcloth and stroking your cat’s fur. It also helps to stroke the cat with wet hands every now and then. The positive side effect is that the cat grooms itself less and loses less fluid through saliva.

Make sure there is a shady and cool place.

Outdoor cats will independently find suitable, shady places to retreat to in the garden. It is a little more difficult for house cats in the house. A cool place in the basement or on the tiles in the bathroom is a good option. There are also special cooling mats for animals. These are self-cooling and dissipate heat very well. Airing out in the early morning and late evening also helps to cool down the living room. Shade the apartment during the day with roller shutters and blinds. Ideally, your house cat has a balcony secured with a net, where it can find a shady spot under plants. Please pay attention to the plants, as many of the widely used ornamental plants are poisonous to our cats. Here you will find an article on the subject of poisonous plants and a list to download. Setting up fans is not suitable. Cats can quickly catch conjunctivitis from the constant draft.

Adjust the outdoor time to the outside temperature.

If possible, cats should stay indoors during the worst of the midday heat. The risk of suffering heat stroke or sunburn is greatest in the strong summer heat at midday. If possible, make sure that your cat only stays outside in the early morning and late evening. Most house cats sort this out on their own, just make sure that the cat has access to a cool place in the house at all times.

How do I recognize heat stroke in my cat?

If the body temperature rises above 39°C and the animal shows restless behavior, this indicates heat stroke. Dark red gums, heavy panting and apathetic lying on the stomach are further signs. If you see these signs, you should see a vet immediately.

The right food is also important so that the cat can tolerate heat better.

As is well known, cats don’t like to drink much. That’s why it’s advisable to offer wet food on hot days. This will help with fluid intake. During particularly hot days, your house cat needs less food than usual, as calorie consumption drops due to reduced physical activity. Give your pet food in small portions spread out over the day. Clear away any leftovers straight away. The food spoils quickly on hot days and you will otherwise attract flies.

How do I encourage my cat to drink?

Drinking on hot days is much more important than the right food. To ensure that the cat drinks enough fluids, place lots of water bowls in and around the house and apartment. If your cat doesn’t like drinking, you can put some tuna infusion in the water bowl to add flavor. Unseasoned chicken broth also flavors the water and encourages drinking. Some house cats love to drink from indoor fountains or the faucet. A water fountain in the living room also ensures a good indoor climate.

Are insects and parasites more dangerous in summer?

Check your outdoor cat daily and remove ticks, fleas or mites immediately. Other insects are also unpleasant in summer. But don’t use insecticides because cats are very sensitive to insecticides. It’s better to equip your home with fly screens to keep the stinging pests outside.

Why is my cat unclean?

Why is my cat unclean?

Is your cat messy and no longer using the litter tray? This behaviour can have various causes and in this article we give you useful tips. The first port of call should definitely be the vet, …

Which plants are poisonous to cats

Rote Kurzhaar-Katze in hochgewachsener Kräuterwiese

It is important to know what plants are poisonous to cats in order to provide them with a cosy and safe home. In our article, we have listed in detail which plants in the home can be dangerous for house pets and which are harmless. You can download these lists at the end of the article.

 

There are many plants that are safe for kitties and some that are a real joy for cats. You might think that Mother Nature has arranged it so that animals automatically recognise which plants are poisonous for cats and which are not. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is safer not to rely on your pet knowing what is good or bad for them. Only put up cat-safe greenery decorations. Outdoor cats are better at recognising plant dangers, but here too, safety first!

 

These are toxic plants for cats:

There are a large number of poisonous houseplants. To keep our kitten safe, it is worth going through all the plants and sorting out those that are poisonous to our tiger. You can give them to your parents or friends the next time you visit, provided they don’t have any four-legged friends. There are different opinions about orchids. As there is an incredible variety of orchids, they have not yet been reliably analysed. We do not recommend orchids as houseplants in a cat household.

Which cut flowers are poisonous for my cat?

In principle, all cut flowers, unless they come from your own garden, are not good for our velvet paws. Cut flowers are usually heavily sprayed with pesticides and, even if they are not dangerous themselves, they are secondarily poisonous for the house cat. The most dangerous cut flower is the lily. Everything about it is poisonous, even the pollen. Tulips can cause stomach and intestinal irritation and trigger stomach cramps. The daffodil (yellow narcissus) is a popular herald of spring. Like the snowdrop, this cut flower also triggers convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia and colic in our cats. Make absolutely sure that your house cat cannot drink water from the vases. This is also poisonous in most cases.

 

How do I recognise whether my cat has been poisoned?

If these typical symptoms occur in your pet, it is very important to react quickly and consult a vet immediately. In the worst case, poisoning with plants can be fatal.

 

The symptoms of plant poisoning are

  • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Breathing problems
  • Cramps and colic
  • signs of paralysis
  • Difficulties in coordination
  • extreme salivation
  • increasing weakness

 

Which plants are suitable for my pet tiger?

There are a variety of suitable and non-toxic plants for cats for the garden, balcony and indoor areas. Please look out for toxic fertilisers and ask whether the plants have been treated with chemicals when you buy them.

 

Healthy nibbling fun for cats

The easiest way is to buy ready-grown cat grass from a pet shop or DIY store. Please make sure that it has not been fertilised or treated with pesticides. You can also simply buy wheat, barley and/or oat seed from an organic market. In a sheltered, bright and warm place, you can let the seeds sprout with a little soil and water. This way you have grown a healthy snack for your cat yourself.

A great overview of suitable and unsuitable plants can be found at www.botanikus.de

Stress in cats – recognising and avoiding

Katze faucht stressbedingt

Stressed cats are not happy animals. How can stress be recognized and avoided?

Stress in cats: How can it be recognized and avoided?

Cats are sensitive souls and creatures of habit. Changes in their environment, strange people and animals are just three triggers that can cause stress in cats. Every animal reacts differently to stress, including your pet. One seeks silence and withdraws. The other rebels and shows his stress through uncleanliness. Watch your cat closely. Only if you know your animal well can you immediately analyze the stress symptoms and provide the necessary relaxation.

 

 

How do I recognize stress in cats?

Like us humans, every cat reacts differently to stress. However, there are signs that occur quite frequently.

 

  • Increased cleaning
  • conspicuous withdrawal
  • loss of appetite
  • unusual aggressiveness
  • constant restlessness
  • sudden uncleanliness
  • pronounced meowing

 

What can cause stress in cats?

Unfortunately, hunger, thirst and lack of attention are not the only worries a cat has. Anyone who knows anything about cats knows that the main trigger for stress in cats is change. Cats are creatures of habit and love a regular daily routine. A change in the type of food, a new roommate with two or even four legs, even the food bowl in a different place stresses our cats. The loss of a loved one often leaves its mark. Moving and/or renovation work can be particularly stressful. Loud music or television with cinematic sound can stress cats that are sensitive to noise.

 

 

What helps to reduce stress in cats.

  • Once you have identified the cause of stress, it is important to eliminate it. If this is not possible, e.g. because a newborn has moved in, the following will help:
    Always give your cat access to its usual feeding place. Do not change any food during this time.
  • Nothing should change in the litter tray either, neither the location nor the cat litter. Make sure that the litter tray is always clean so that the animal continues to feel comfortable.
  • If a move is planned, it helps if familiar objects such as the cat’s sleeping area or scratching post are already in their new place. Move the old things first. Only when the cat has acclimatised should you think about buying a new cat bed. It also helps if your velvet paw can slowly get used to its new home.
  • Are frequent visits from strangers a stress trigger for your cat? Then give your cat the opportunity to withdraw. Your cat also needs time to get to know the “intruder”. The animal should never be pressurised, but should always decide for itself whether it wants to make contact or not.

 

This is how you can help your cat relax.

Our velvet paws live and love three-dimensional spaces. Cats love to be in higher altitudes. A cat tree, shelves and cupboards are often used. From there you can observe their habitat from a safe distance.

Give your cat enough space so that she can retreat. A quiet place that cannot be seen or a quiet cave where she can hide are very suitable for this.

Engage with your loved one at least twice a day. Cats that move around a lot and have enough to do are more relaxed. Give your cat lots of attention and play with her extensively so that he feels safe during this stressful time.

 

A cat moves in – the best tips for settling in

The time has finally come: a cat is moving in. You can look forward to some intense and exciting weeks. Whether it’s a kitten or an old cat, a pedigree cat from a breeder or from animal welfare, the new family member will take your heart and your home together by storm.
It is difficult to give precise instructions on how to acclimatize a cat. There are great settling-in tips on how to prepare for the arrival of a kitten. With our experience, the settling-in phase will go smoothly.

A cat moves in - the best tips for settling in

3 little Kittens in Credo Cat Basket

How old should the cat be when it moves in?

In order to experience good socialization, a kitten should live with its mother and siblings for at least 12 weeks. Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found that cats should live with their mother and siblings for the first 13 weeks. Then they develop into friendlier creatures with fewer behavioral problems. It therefore pays to wait patiently for the cat to move in.
However, the separation from mother and siblings should not be underestimated. The separation is not easy for the young kitten and the mother. To give the kitten some comfort in its new home, it is advisable to prepare a blanket that smells of its mother and siblings. You can bring the blanket together with the mother and siblings for some time so that the scent is transferred. The blanket will help to calm the little kitten in its new home. If possible, adopt two kittens from the same litter. This makes separation easier and most cats love to live with a conspecific.
Conversely, it is a good idea to introduce the cat to your scent before you move in. You can bring the breeder or the owner of the mother cat one of your items of clothing. This will help the kitten get used to your smell.

A cat is moving in: How do I get them used to their new home?

Whether a kitten or an older animal, a cat moving in is exciting for every age group. You can prepare a few things so that the many new impressions don’t overwhelm the cat when it moves in. If possible, prepare a room (not a transit room) in which the new resident can acclimatize alone. Ideally, secure the entrance to the room with a puppy fence or net. After moving in, the cat can observe what is going on without having to leave the room. The cat’s room should have everything the new arrival needs. A litter tray, a cat basket, a scratching area and food and water will be needed when the cat moves in.
As soon as you arrive home with your cat, leave the transport box open in the cat’s room. Ideally, the room should not offer too many hiding places. Leave it up to the kitten to decide when it wants to leave the box. If the new family member still hasn’t ventured out after several hours, you should help. Lure the animal out with a treat or toy. However difficult it may be, give the kitten time. The kitten first has to get used to the new noises, smells and impressions. Cats are curious and will soon explore the room on their own and seek contact with the other housemates. With these settling-in tips, the move in will go smoothly.

How long does it take for a kitten to settle in?

Let the new roommate set the pace. First he has to get used to the unknown people and the unfamiliar surroundings. It is not easy to interpret and assess the new impressions correctly. As soon as the kitten feels safe and secure in the cat room, it will want to explore the rest of the house. Cats also have very different characters. Some are more alert, while other kittens are not so brash. You can be sure that you will soon wish you had a shy representative in the house rather than the extroverted explorer it may have become.
Do not pick up or hold the kitten against its will. Wait patiently for the moment when it comes to you on its own. We are still not allowed to pick up our Gisela after 8 years together. She hates it and doesn’t want to be carried around at all. She comes for cuddles very often, but only when she wants to. Always at the wrong time, of course. And what does the cat lover do then? He takes the time to look after her, of course.
Surround your new arrival with as many things as possible that he knows from his old home. The blanket that smells of his mother and siblings, the same familiar food and cat litter. Do you want to make changes? Do this carefully and only when the cat has already settled in.

A cat moves in: How do I get two cats used to each other?

If the new roommate will be part of a cat community, it makes sense to prepare the existing pack for the arrival of the new member of the same species in good time:

Bring along a sample of the new cat’s scent (blanket, cloth, cushion) so that the animals already living in the household can get used to the new arrival’s scent.
As soon as all the animals in the household have arrived, take turns stroking both animals. Do not wash your hands in between so that the cats’ scents mix.
The room where the first cat prefers to spend time should not be the new cat’s arrival room. The animals should be able to sniff each other first through the puppy gate or partition. Separation also prevents the new arrival from unknowingly entering the territory of the cat already living in the household.
Place the two cats’ food bowls opposite each other, separated by the barrier. This will give the “foreign” smell of the food a positive imprint.
Please pay particular attention to the first cat during the arrival period to avoid jealousy.
If the reunion is imminent, it is important that you are in the same room. If the situation gets out of hand, you can intervene if necessary.

A cat is moving in: What accessories are needed?

Cat litter tray

Normally there should always be one more litter tray than there are cats in the household. It’s best to let the cat decide whether it should be a toilet with a lid or not. Some animals love a cave, which also has the advantage that the smell stays in the toilet. Other cats, however, need the free space above them.
In any case, the lower bowl of the toilet should be relatively high. The litter can be poured in generously and there is still enough space at the top. Because if the cat buries its droppings with passion, not so much litter flies over the edge of the toilet.
There are also different preferences when it comes to litter. Try out what your house cat likes best. Gisela prefers fine clumping litter. When we buy it, we make sure that it does not contain any fragrance additives. We can’t imagine that this strong scent is pleasant for cats’ noses. A carpet under the toilet that picks up the crumbs from the paws has also proved its worth. This way, the cat litter pellets are not carried around the whole apartment.

Scratching post

It doesn’t necessarily have to be a complete scratching post. It is enough if you offer your kitten a surface to scratch on. Whether sisal, needle felt or something similar, you should also test out your cat’s preferences here. The cat will use the scratching surface provided for it if it is comfortable for it. Our first cat, Mrs. Schmitt, preferred needle felt and scratched on nothing else, Gisela only sharpens her claws on sisal.

Sleeping place for the cat

We now know that cats are individualists. Whether a cuddly cave, a cat house or a cat basket is the chosen place to sleep, cats prefer to choose it themselves. Observe the kitten for a while. You will recognize whether it prefers to sleep in seclusion and quietly or at a lofty height with an overview. For a relaxed nap, a cozy cave or a hollow in the pillow may also be an option. Our Gisela is showered with places to sleep and has to work hard for her food as a prototype tester. No matter where we are in the house, she always sleeps near us. In the office alone, she has three pillows and baskets, all of which she sleeps on equally. Of course, this is not necessary for your cat, but it shows that there is not just one favorite place.

Feeding and drinking bowl

For our Gisela, two feeding bowls have proved their worth. One for wet food, which is fed at a certain time of day. A fumble box for dry food, in which food is available throughout the day. However, Gisela has to use skill and patience to get the individual treats out of the fumble box. This keeps her mentally fit, food is not automatically available and has to be worked for.
Place several water bowls in different places, but none next to the food bowl. Cats tend to drink very little. When they feel thirsty, they will prefer to eat rather than quench their thirst. You will be surprised which watering places they prefer.

Transport box

To transport your kitten safely, you need a transport box. It’s up to you whether you want it with the opening facing upwards or forwards.

Food adapted to age

There is food to suit every age. I cook wet food for our Gisela myself and freeze it in portions. She loves it. We buy very different dry food so that she doesn’t get used to one taste. Is the kitten still so small that it can’t cope with the bowl? That’s because it hasn’t figured out the head-bobbing trick yet. You can start feeding with a spoon. Slowly lower the spoon towards the bowl until it is able to eat from the bowl on its own. A small kitten initially needs four to five smaller meals. We have found that cats do not need a feeding time. Dry food, which she has to work for, is always available. Gisela gets wet food once or twice a day. This prevents food cravings and you personally do not have to be at the bowl at a certain time.

Brush

Not only long-haired cats need regular grooming, short-haired cats also love to be brushed. For one thing, the winter coat comes off more easily in spring and the cat loses significantly less hair. It has also become a wonderful ritual between us, Gisela loves being stroked with the brush. You can find an article on grooming here.

a cat-shaped toy out of wool felt dashes over the smooth floor

little felt cats are dashing over the floor

Toys

It is important to buy or make toys where no parts can come loose and be swallowed by the kitten. Our felt cats are very popular. These run noiselessly over smooth floors and can be maltreated wonderfully.

 

Here you will find useful tips on how to keep your new cat busy.