Archive for the ‘Cat Care’ Category

A Letter from Your Cat: Your Feline Diva’s Guide to Choosing Cat Treats

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Hello my lovely human,

It’s me once again, your delightful feline, with some vital advice about cat treats. Yes, cat treats, those wonderful morsels I simply can’t do without.

You know this. However, I feel you need a little reminder because while I’m sufficiently satisfied with my food (for now), I’m feeling a little bored with the variety of treats. Frequency is also an issue, but we’ll get to that.

Let’s move on to the advice. I’ve worked hard on this, so consider it your (insert queen-like voice here) “Feline Diva’s Guide to Choosing Cat Treats.”

Your Feline Diva’s Guide to Choosing Cat Treats

1. Taste is of vital importance
Allow me to point out THE number one factor when choosing treats—taste, specifically MY tastes. You don’t know what I prefer you say? Well, yes my tastes sometimes change, but that’s no excuse. And really, you should know me well enough by now to read my subtle hints. But for now, I will skip the subtlety and be clear on some of my favorites… liver, catnip (duh), and salmon or any kind of fish. Chicken is OK too.

2. Variety keeps things interesting
I hear from my feline friends about the new types of cat treats they’re having, yet I’m not getting them at home. What do you have to say for yourself? I know you read about cat nutrition and healthy ingredients, etc., etc., but surely some of these treats fit the bill? Yes, organic and low-fat is fine, just bring one home and I’ll run it through my 10-point taste test. No guarantees it’ll pass.

3. Coat medical musts with delicious goodness
If I must take that nasty medicine, at least put it in those Pill Pockets or another tasty treat. Just make sure it’s extra delicious. Also, I prefer clean teeth and nice breath as much as you do, so I wouldn’t be averse to a few dental treats. They’re not just for dogs after all.

4. High frequency vs. moderation: the eternal cat-human dilemma
I know what those experts are telling you… give treats in moderation to avoid obesity, etc. This is one area where we’ll never agree, so how about a small agreement? (You would call it a compromise, but that word isn’t in my vocabulary.) I will agree to moderation as long as the treats are extremely delicious and given in a variety. Happy?

I think I’ve covered all of the key points… taste, variety, deliciousness, and moderation paired with deliciousness. All of this is to remind you of your responsibility to keep me happy with all of the indulgences to which I’m accustomed. Don’t forget!

Your loving and graceful cat diva.

Preparing Kitty for Your New Baby

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Is your kitty the feline baby of the family? If she’s used to getting attention and having full run of the house, take special care to prepare your feline child for the arrival of your human child. Focus especially on consistency, boundaries and environment. Here’s how…

Consistency: Stick to a Schedule
Like a child, your cat prefers consistency, which may be a challenge in the midst of the chaos brought by a baby. To help her, set your kitty’s schedule for playing, grooming and feeding before the baby arrives. (A timed feeder may help.) Also, if you give your cat a lot of undivided attention, consider drawing back gradually before the baby is due. Once the baby is home, make sure you keep your kitty on her schedule as much as possible.

Boundaries: Access to the Nursery
Will your cat be allowed in the nursery? If not, keep the baby’s room closed or install a gate to restrict access well before the baby arrives. If your cat does enter, remove her gently rather than scolding her.

Environment: Sights, Sounds & Smells
The arrival of a baby brings many new sights, sounds and smells that will seem to assault your cat’s senses. Use these tricks to help her get used to them early. First, introduce new smells by leaving a few baby items near kitty’s food bowl for a few days. After she investigates them, it will seem like she’s being rewarded with food. Also, use some of the baby lotions, powders and shampoos on yourself so they’re associated with your scent.

The arrival of a new baby is a joyful event. Make sure it’s a pleasant one for your cat as well. Remember to praise your cat for behavior you want to encourage and if you’re worried about scratching, consider nail caps like Soft Claws, a safe alternative to declawing.

Cats on a Plane or in a Car: Traveling with Your Cat

Friday, July 15th, 2011
Cats don’t often enjoy the thrills of travel. But there may come a time when your feline friend has no choice but to arrive by plane, train or car. When that time comes, be sure you’re ready to follow the rules and keep your cat safe. Consider these tips before you go:

Do your research
There are many rules and policies in pet travel. Airlines, car rental companies and hotels all dictate if and how they’ll allow your feline travel companion, so it pays to research in advance. Airlines, for example, often request a health certificate dated within 10 days of your flight. Hotels might also charge a non-refundable pet fee.

Update her shots
Minimize health risks for your cat by updating her shots before you leave. Once your vet gives her a clean bill of health, ask for a certificate and proof of vaccination. You’re likely to need them during your trip.

Use an airline-approved pet carrier
Whether or not you’re traveling by air, a pet carrier is vital. They’re required on planes and trains and they’ll keep your cat secure in a car. For safety, choose a metal crate or plastic kennel that meets airline requirements. It should also be large enough for her to stand in and be comfortable. If you’re taking her on board the plane in the cabin, you might want to use a soft-sided carrier instead.

Bring the right supplies
To help your cat deal with the stress of travel, add familiar toys and blankets to her crate. Take her litter pan, scooper and litter disposal bags, along with her food and water bowls as well. Don’t forget her leash and collar, which you’ll need for her bathroom breaks.

Sedation
Although it may seem more humane and less stressful to sedate your cat for travel, we don’t recommend it, unless it’s advised by your vet. Tranquilizers can interfere with your cat’s ability to regulate her temperature, which may lead to further distress. Your safest option is to get your cat accustomed to traveling in a carrier instead. Try practicing with her at home using these tips.
With careful preparation on your part, your kitty cat can navigate the skies or the road like a travel pro. Be sure to give her extra TLC when she arrives!
Traveling soon? Stop by Pet Supermarket for cat carriers and travel-ready cat supplies.

Kitten Grooming

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Keep Your Kitten in Pur-r-r-fect Condition
You’ll find that cats are a lot easier than dogs in the grooming and maintenance department because they do a lot of the work for you. Bathing a kitten is rarely needed, as she will do an excellent job herself.

Brush Brush Brush
Daily brushing or combing can be an excellent way to bond with your kitten, as well as eliminating stray hairs. Most kittens love to be brushed, so this will become a pleasurable activity for both of you. Pet Supermarket carries a complete line of brushes for long and short-haired kittens, as well as grooming gloves. Our experienced associates can help you choose one that works best for you and your kitten.

Bright Smiles
The first step in dental care for your pet is to help her learn to accept having her mouth and teeth examined. Start early, examining your kitten’s mouth once a month and eventually brushing her teeth two to three times a week. Pet Supermarket sells superior dental products for cats young and old.

Perky Ears
Regular ear care is one of the most overlooked areas of cat health. Good ear care consists of a weekly inspection and, if necessary, a cleaning. If you inspect and clean your kitten’s ears on a weekly basis from the time she is 8 weeks old, it will become a routine part of her life. Use treats during and after the cleaning to keep the experience positive.

Cleaning Ears
To examine your kitten’s ear, hold the tip between your thumb and forefinger and gently roll it up so you can see the inner part of the ear. Gently wipe the inside of the ear with ear-cleaning pads available at Pet Supermarket.

Remember: Pet Supermarket carries a large selection of brushes and other grooming aids, and our experienced associates can answer any questions you have about keeping your kitten perfectly pretty.

Kitten Health

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Making Your New Kitten Feel at Home
Caring for a new kitten is a joyful experience. But to help your kitten settle into her new home requires a few basics from you:

  • Bedding — Human company, warmth, and ample food will make her comfortable and help her adjust. Kittens love to sleep in beds, as they provide both comfort and security. The best beds are either fully washable or have a washable and/or replaceable cover.
  • Litter Box — Kittens need a litter box that is the right size for them. If you get a small litter box for your kitten, make sure you upgrade when she gets bigger. Overall, the bigger the box, the more comfortable it will be for your cat. Put the box in a quiet, private place. Make sure it’s accessible from different directions so your cat doesn’t feel trapped, and avoid areas with loud noises (the laundry room, for example). Keep the box far from the cat’s food and water dishes.
  • Litter — We carry various types of litter: clay litter, clumping litter, silica gel litter, and organic or eco-friendly litter. Pick one that works for you and your kitten, but keep in mind that if kitty doesn’t like the scent or texture, she may decide to go elsewhere. One way to find a cat-approved litter is to provide boxes with three or four different litters and make a note of which one she uses most. This way, your cat will be trained quickly and easily.
  • Toys — Kittens scratch furniture as a form of exercise and territorial marking. The best way to redirect their natural tendencies is to offer suitable alternatives. A scratching post or play set will provide a safer and more attractive substitute to the couch. Pet Supermarket offers a wide selection of scratching posts and toys to satisfy your kitten’s playful instincts and provide hours of fun for both you and your pet.

Remember: Pet Supermarket has everything a kitty needs to stay healthy and happy. Come in and see us today!

Kitten Nutrition

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Help Kitty Be Healthy with Her First Bite
Good nutrition is the basis for your new cat to live nine healthy, happy lives. Feeding quality kitten food will give your kitty a great start and build strong bones, a shiny coat, bright eyes, and supple skin.

Your Kitten Deserves the Best
Choose a premium food made especially for your kitten’s unique needs. She will need to eat kitten-formula food until she reaches maturity, at about one year of age.

Naturally Good
We carry a variety of premium, natural and holistic kitten foods that offer a perfect mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates along with essential vitamins and minerals to give kittens the balanced nutrition they need every day. Our associates can help you choose a food that will help your kitten grow up to be active and healthy.

Now’s the Time
Kittens can be fed free-choice, which means food is available at all times, as much and whenever they want. You can feed them dry kitten food or nutrient-dense kitten-formula canned food—however, the free-choice method is more appropriate when feeding dry food, which will not spoil if left out. Also, make sure fresh water is available at all times.

Snack Time
And don’t forget that every kitty loves a tasty treat. Find your cat’s favorites by trying different flavors. Pet Supermarket carries only the best pet foods and treats made from nutrient-filled natural ingredients.

A Bundle of Fuzzy Fun All Your Own

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Cute and Cozy
Kittens are perfect pets that find amusement in the simplest things. Provide your kitten with proper care and lots of love and you’ll have a friend for life. Kittens love to cuddle up with their owners and take a catnap. They also enjoy being pampered by humans and show their affection to their owners by purring and frisky playtime.

Action Time
Like any young animal, a kitten is curious, energetic, and full of surprises. The best way to keep her safe and active is to play with her often. You’ll enjoy picking out toys and treats for your new friend and seeing which ones make her jump for joy.

Kitty Perch
Kittens are also avid spectators who love to see what is going on around them. Pet Supermarket offers a wide variety of cat furniture to give your kitten a place to watch the action.

We Have It All
At Pet Supermarket you can find all the kitten supplies and accessories you will need to make your new feline friend feel at home. Our pet-loving associates are always happy to answer your questions and explain our wide range of products.

Our mission at Pet Supermarket is to provide you the food, toys, treats and supplies to give your new kitten a happy and healthy life. We’ll be sending you additional emails in the future with kitten tips and product recommendations. If you have any specific questions, feel free to visit us and ask. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cat Grooming

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Keeping Your Cat in Pur-r-r-fect Condition
You’ll find that cats are a lot easier than dogs in the grooming and maintenance department because they do a lot of the work for you. Bathing a cat is rarely needed, as she will do an excellent job herself.

Sleek and Shining
Daily brushing or combing can be an excellent way to bond with your pet, as well as eliminating stray hairs. Most cats love to be brushed, so this will become a pleasurable activity for both of you. Pet Supermarket offers a complete line of brushes for long and short-haired varieties of cats, as well as grooming gloves. Our experienced associates can help you choose one that works best for you and your cat.

Dental Care
The first step in dental care for your pet is to help her learn to accept having her mouth and teeth examined. Examine your cat’s mouth gently once a month and eventually brush her teeth two to three times a week. Pet Supermarket sells superior dental products for cats young and old.

Perky Ears
Regular ear care is one of the most overlooked areas of cat health. Good ear care consists of a weekly inspection and, if necessary, a cleaning. If you inspect and clean your cat’s ears on a weekly basis, it will become a routine part of her life. Use treats during and after the cleaning to keep the experience positive.

Ear Cleaning
To examine your cat’s ear, hold the tip between your thumb and forefinger and gently roll it up so you can see the inner part of the ear. Gently wipe the inside of the ear with ear-cleaning pads available at Pet Supermarket.

Remember, at Pet Supermarket we carry a large selection of brushes and other grooming aids, and our experienced associates can answer any questions you have about keeping your cat sleek, beautiful, and healthy.

Cat Health

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Making Your New Cat Feel at Home
Caring for a cat is a joyful experience. But to stay healthy and content, your cat needs a few basics from you:

  • Bedding — Human company, warmth, and ample food will make her comfortable and help your cat adjust to her new home. Cats love to sleep in beds, as they provide both comfort and security. The best beds are either fully washable or have a washable and/or replaceable cover.
  • Litter Box — Cats need a litter box that is the right size for them. Overall, the bigger the box the more comfortable it will be for your cat. Put the box in a quiet, private place. Make sure it’s accessible from different directions so your cat doesn’t feel trapped, and avoid areas with loud noises (the laundry room, for example). Keep the box far from the cat’s food and water dishes. At Pet Supermarket we carry liners, scoopers, and mats that will help make keeping her box clean quick and easy.
  • Litter — We carry various types of litter: clay litter, clumping litter, silica gel litter, and organic or eco-friendly litter. Pick one that works for you and your cat, but keep in mind that if she doesn’t like the scent or texture, she may decide to go elsewhere. One way to find a cat-approved litter is to provide boxes with three or four different litters and make a note of which one she uses most.
  • Toys — Cats scratch furniture as a form of exercise and territorial marking. The best way to redirect their innate tendencies is to offer suitable alternatives. A scratching post or play set will provide a safer and more attractive substitute to the couch. Pet Supermarket offers a wide selection of scratching posts and toys to satisfy your cat’s playful instincts and provide hours of fun for both you and your pet.

Remember: Pet Supermarket has everything a cat needs to stay healthy and happy. Come in and see us today!

Cat Nutrition

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Your Cat Can Be a Hearty, Healthy Eater
Good nutrition is the basis for your new cat to live nine healthy, happy lives. Investing in quality cat food will give your cat energy and build strong bones, a shiny coat, bright eyes, and supple skin.

The Basics
In general, cat food consists of water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. But how close your cat’s diet comes to that of its wild cousins depends on what formula the cat food manufacturer uses.

Nothing But The Best
That’s why at Pet Supermarket we offer a full line of premium, natural, and holistic cat foods that provide a perfect mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates along with essential vitamins and minerals to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Special varieties for overweight or senior cats are also available. Our associates can help you choose a food your cat loves and which will keep her healthy and active for many years to come.

When And How
When it comes to feeding, cats respond to consistency in time and place. It’s usually best to feed your cat twice a day. This helps regulate your cat’s blood sugar and metabolism. It also helps build and maintain the bonding between you and your cat because cats respond to the action of a human feeding her. Cats are not good at digesting milk sugars like other animals, so don’t give her a saucer of milk or table scraps. But do make sure fresh water is available at all times. Use heavy dishes made of plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel to keep your kitten from spilling its food or water. We have a wide selection of bowls and feeding mats.

Yummy Treats
And don’t forget that every cat loves a tasty treat. Find your cat’s favorites by trying different flavors. Pet Supermarket carries only the best pet foods, and treats made from nutrient-filled natural ingredients can be part of a healthy diet.