How To Best Change Your Cat's Food To A New Brand

Cat owners may have many reasons for wanting to change the food they feed their pets. Oftentimes, it is needed because of a medical condition and was recommended by their veterinarian. Another reason may be that your ca’s current food is no longer available for sale. No matter what your reason is, transitioning cat food needs to be done slowly to ensure your cat doesn’t get sick or have any adverse reactions.

Why Gradually Change Cat’s Food?

When you suddenly change the food your cat eats, it could cause stomach issues such as reduced appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Cats are creatures of habit. Changing their food too quickly will not end very well. Starving your pet into eating new food they don’t like will not be good for their health. They can end up developing a “fatty liver” or hepatic lipidosis. This could be life-threatening and painful to your cat.

Changing Your Cat’s Food Safely

The best way to transition your cat’s food to a new brand or type is to gradually make the change over a week or more. When you gradually increase the new food each day and gradually decrease their old food at the same time, the risk of your cat getting sick or having digestive issues will be significantly reduced. In some cases, you may not have the ability to change slowly.

If your cat is picky about what food they eat and you are changing their food, the best cat foods to transition with are ones that are similar to their old foods. Begin by adding small amounts of the new food to their current food and watch how they respond. Give them 30 minutes to eat what they want and remove the bowl. If all goes well, you will have successfully transitioned to the new food effectively and safely in just a week. We’d highly recommend Solid Gold cat food if your cat doesn’t have any prior preferences.

Some cats may not make the change easily because they are very picky about what they eat and don’t like changes. These cats will require more time and patience on your part. The changes will need to be slower in this case until they get used to the taste and texture of the new food. It is best during the transition to set aside specific feeding times to ensure they are hungry enough to eat what they are given. If you allow for free-feeding when transitioning, your cat may take their time and pick out the old food and leave the new food.

Progressively Changing From One Kibble to Another

Many cat owners find themselves unsatisfied with the way one kibble is suiting their pet. Some are concerned about the quality. Others worry that their cat’s health may be at risk. Unhealthy weight gain/loss, hair loss, changes in behavior, and more are symptoms of malnutrition. If your cat is suffering from any of these problems, it’s a good indication that it’s time to begin experimenting with a new kibble. This should be done in 10% increments to slowly allow the cat/pet to adjust to the new food. Speeding up this process will result in a much higher chance of diarrhea or other things. To assure that your cat maintains proper health, this transition should be made over the course of at least one month.

Transitioning Your Cat To Wet Food From Dry

It can be more difficult to transition your cat from dry food to wet food. Unfortunately, some older cats and those with teeth or digestive issues will be required to make this change for their health. Changes that result in significant texture changes will be difficult for some cats. There are a few tricks to take into consideration for making the change easier. Try to sprinkle some of their dry food kibbles on top of the new wet food during feedings.

This process will allow your cat to get used to the smell of wet food while gradually making the change. After a few days, mix the dry food in with the wet food. You may also choose to grind up the dry food and mix it with the wet food to get some of the flavor mixed in. This may make the new food more palatable for your cat and entice them to give it a try.

If your cat is not giving in to the new wet food easily, try a little exercise or playtime for 10-15 minutes before feeding time. This will get them hungry and more likely to eat the food they are given. It can help them accept new food faster. Any food transition, whether wet or dry, will need to be done carefully. Pay attention to your cat's behavior and note any changes to your veterinarian.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

How to Help Cats Adjust to a New Home

When planning a move, you go through many different stages and almost all of them are followed by stress. Unfortunately, you are not the only one that goes through the relocation struggles. Your family and pets also go through it. Nevertheless, moves can sometimes be very difficult for your kids. And of course, let’s not forget about your pets. So, you are not the only one that needs to adjust to a new home. Sometimes cats may go through a very difficult time during and after a move. As a cat mom or dad, you are responsible for your beloved furball. You are their number one supporter and they will need your help during this tough time.

Things that you can do to help your cat adjust to a new home

We must put it out there from the start. Just like people, cats have different personalities and attitudes. Therefore, no two cats will react to a move in the same manner. However, one thing is certain. They all need love and attention from their owners. Moving with cats is rarely a piece of cake, so here is what you can do to make things easier for your furry buddy.

Let your cat familiarize with your new home gradually

Cats are animals that are very much connected to their surroundings. They love the familiar and they might be shocked once you change their home. Introducing them immediately to the entire home at once might be a bit much. Your cat will adjust to a new home much better if you take things slow. Start with one room. Place the litter box, cat furniture, cat toys and everything else your cat loves into the chosen room. This will be your kitties’ new nest, at least for starters. Once you notice that your cat is feeling nice and cozy in this room, you can slowly expand the familiarization with the rest of the house.

What about kittens?

We went over what to do with grown cats when moving, but what about the babies? Moving baby cats or kittens is a totally different story. When bringing a kitten into a new home or around new people, a two-week quarantine is always a great idea. They are super cute, but they are also very sensitive and fragile. Thus, they need extra love and care.

Once you choose the first room your cat will get to know, make sure their bad is in it. This will give your cat a clear indication of where to start their adjustment.

Respect your cat’s feelings

Once you move into your new home, your cat might go into hiding. Another option is the lack of interaction. While you want to cuddle and snuggle, your cat might want to do the opposite. As silly as it might sound, respect your cat’s mood. Are you used to running around the house and jumping with your cat? Just having good old fun. Well, that type of exercise with your pet was in your old home. Give it some time to get comfortable. Once it does, you can bring back your favorite activities.

Make sure your new home is cat-friendly

Before your cat starts adjusting to a new home, you must make sure your new space is not only comfortable and cozy for you, but also for your little friend. As a cat mommy or daddy, you must think upfront what your cat needs to be safe and happy. Check your new home for everything that can be a hazard for your feline buddy. Do you have any hazardous or sharp items left lying around from the move? Is there a crawl space that a cat can use to get outside? Do you have any poisonous plants in the garden? Do your best to think one step ahead.

What every cat parent wants is for their furry baby to be cozy and comfortable. For that to happen you might need to put in some extra effort.

Tag your cat

Unfortunately, pets sometimes get lost. It causes both you and the pet massive heartache. In case that occurs, you want your cat’s information to be up to date. If their microchip contains your old info, there is no guarantee you will get your precious kitten back. So, once a friendly neighbor or a pedestrian finds your pet they will know exactly on which door to knock if your information is up to date.

Your kitten might love being outside, so if you insist on taking it out for a walk we recommend that you use a leash. Exploring on their own might not be the best idea.

How long will it take your cat to adjust to a new home?

This is a very simple question, that is regrettably very difficult to answer. Yet, there is a simple explanation of why the answer varies. Every cat is different and therefore you cannot predict their reaction to your move. That is why you need to keep a close eye on it after you move. Would you keep a close eye on your kids after a move? You sure would because you are a loving parent. Well, the same goes for your four-legged children. Make this a priority. It will be hard for you because you will be overwhelmed with unpacking and settling in, but you cannot backseat this obligation.

Don’t avoid using your cat carrier

It is no secret that some cats hate being put in a cat carrier. Thus, it might break your heart to hear their displeasure once you close the door of the carrier. Just remember, it is for their own safety and protection. Just to be on the safe side, put your cat in the carrier once the moving crew arrives at your home. So, kitty’s movement should be restricted during loading, transportation, and unloading. Once the moving crew leaves your new home, it is your call whether you will let the cat out right away. Before you open those doors and let your baby out, make sure it is safe.

Signs that your cat is under severe stress

In the end, you will need to put in some effort to make sure that your cat adjusts to a new home. It is important that you are able to recognize if your cat is not being their usual self. Most common stress indicators are:

• Extreme vocalization 

• Excessive scratching 

• Hiding or dodging interaction 

• Panting 

• Runny nose or/and eyes 

• Unusual aggression

These are the most common indicators that something is not right with your cat. However, you will know best if something is wacky because you know your cat best. As mentioned, cats love things that they recognize. They give them comfort and make them feel safe. One thing that your cat knows best is you. Even if it is for a few minutes a day, pay attention to your cat. What needs the most is your love and support.

Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Growing Kitty Week Nine - Twelve

Almost Time to Bring Kitty Home

Now that we are ending the major developmental stages in a kittens life, it is time to prepare them for their new home. In weeks nine through twelve, we will go through what is necessary for them to leave the nest. 

Livin' It Up

Now the kittens are fully weaned, litter box trained, and look more like adult cats. They won't be having any major growth spurts in the next few weeks but rather filling out and gaining muscle tone. Their baby teeth should all be in place and their eyes should be changing to their permanent color. They are moving their body more similar to an adult which includes a hunting like behavior and pouncing on their fellow litter-mates. Also, they start reacting to certain substances like cat grass and catnip. This is the time you really can interact with them and introduce them to other pets and friends. Cat trees are also recommended at this time because their nails should be at the point of needing cut. This shouldn't be much of an issue as long as you have messed with their paws enough as young kittens. I think the easiest way is to grab a friend and one hold while the other cuts, or since I am alone most of the time when doing this I just sit them in my lap for a mani-pedi. 

Vaccines and Surgery Time

Most say that 10 weeks old is safe for spay and neuter and this is true. However, we like to spay and neuter our kittens at 12 weeks. The reason for this is because when the kittens get taken to the vet we do not want them to think the vet is a bad place. This being said we like to give the rabies vaccination, spay or neuter, blood work, and any other vaccine or testing all done at the same time while they are under anesthesia. When they wake up they will not remember all of the extra things done so it's not so bad. They get a cozy home for the night with a treat and get to come home the next morning. By 12 weeks all of our kittens will have had their FVRCP vaccines, spayed or neutered, first-year rabies vaccination, dewormed, microchipped, and the first month of Revolution for prevention. Between 13 and 14 weeks the kittens should be ready for their new home. We keep them for an additional ten days to see out the healing process of surgery but other than that they are ready to go.

My New Home

When adopting a kitten, it is important to have your home ready for your new baby. Depending on where you are adopting your kitten from you will need to check with your breeder, veterinarian, or local shelter to help prepare for the new kitten. A few things you might ask would be:

• What type of food has my kitten been eating? This is important. If you all of a sudden change the type of food they are eating it can easily upset their bellies and cause loose stool.
• How often is my kitten being fed and what times? Remember the kittens do best on a schedule so for the first few weeks try and gradually adjust them to your lifestyle and what will work best for you long term. 
• What kind of litter is my kitten used to? Make sure that the kittens only use a natural non-clumping litter. 
• Can I have some sort of toy, blanket or towel that my kitten has had to keep my kitten comfortable when coming to its new home? When your kitten arrives at its new home it is going to be much different from what it has been used to. Smell, noises, tastes. It is nice for the kitten to have something that is familiar to it from before so it can help calm their nerves and realize its new home isn't so bad after all. 

These are just some basic things to ask for when adopting a new kitten. We also recommend that you keep the kitten in a small area at first so it doesn't get lost. Keep a litter box, food, and water dish nearby so it isn't scared to use the potty or get something to snack on. It is also important to keep the kitten warm. Being in a new environment can cause the kitten stress. When kittens stress their immune systems can weaken making it easier for them to catch a cold or get sick. Staying warm can help with that and we use small heating pads for all of our kittens. They like it nice and cozy. And most important have fun with your new kitten. Once it gets settled in it will be full of energy and wanting lots of attention! 

I will go into more detail about preparing your home for your new kitten in a later blog post but this gives you a pretty good idea. 

What are some of your favorite kitty toys?

Until Our Next Cat Convo

-Amanda

Growing Kitty Week Six, Seven, and Eight

Happy New Year!

Hello 2018. Just wanted to say Happy New Year to all of our friends, followers and fellow cat lovers! This year we have some awesome things in store that we can't wait to share! Cheers to a New Year!

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Week Six, Seven, and Eight

We are starting to wrap up on the major developmental stages so I am combining these next three weeks together. Many things are still changing but not as in depth as the first few weeks. 

Week Six

In week six the kittens are running, playing, pouncing, and entertaining everyone around including themselves. They are learning how to do things on their own so mom gets a little break. Kittens should be eating four small meals a day and fully trained to use the litter box. Their teeth are coming in nicely and their eye color can start to change this week. Vaccinations are considered safe at six weeks of age but some vets prefer to wait until 8 weeks. We vaccinate at 6, 9, and 12 weeks, that way by the time the kitten is ready for its new home it is fully vaccinated for the first year. 

Week Seven

The Kittens should be completely weaned by this time. They can groom themselves as well as each other which makes their sibling bond stronger. They should be mostly self-sufficient but run to mom and each other for comfort and relaxation. At this time, it is also important to start messing with their paws and ears as well as introducing them to grooming. Running water and using normal household items are good to start at an early age. These noises can be frightening so this will help ease them into the idea of bath time. 

Week Eight

Week eight has a lot going on. This week they should be weighing in around 2 pounds which is said to be safe enough to spay or neuter them. We like to alter the kittens at 12 weeks just because most things can be done at one time which makes it less stressful on the kittens. Their teeth should be aligned where they need to be and are as sharp as ever. Kittens are completely weaned and will start to look more like adult cats. They will not grow nearly as fast as in the prior weeks, but will more or less start to fill out and develop muscle tone from all that horsin' around. Kittens should be kept on a routine just like children, sleeping and eating around the same time every day. Socializing is still very important and if a kitten is unsocial at this age it will be very difficult to get it to come around but it can be done with some time and patience, especially with higher generation savannah's. 

Show us some of your growing kitty pictures!

Until Our Next Cat Convo

- Amanda

Growing Kitty Week Five

Well Hello Week Five

Week five the kittens are becoming more and more dependent. They are starting to eat solid foods and should be mostly litter box trained now. Running and playing with their litter mates is on top of the priority list. 

Mom I Got This

Starting at week five moms will start weaning their kittens. This will be a slow process over a period of several weeks so mom still needs to be around. Kittens should be introduced small amounts of wet food. The food needs to be a high-quality food that mom should already be accustomed to. Make sure it is specified for kittens or all life stages and the ingredients are things you can actually read. It is always best if the first ingredient is meat like turkey or chicken and not a byproduct. With Savannahs, we recommend a high protein food but all cats are obligate carnivores so more protein will never hurt any domestic cat. The kittens will watch and learn from their moms when it comes to eating wet food. They will mock what she does as she is the best teacher.

Spaz-tastic

Kittens are very rambunctious and their balance is much better now. They are running and playing with all of their litter mates and mom even joins in on the fun. They are very curious and are getting into anything and everything. Kittens also are trying everything they can get in their mouths so it is important to have any harmful substances put away. This would include any cleaner or chemical, small objects as well as any clumping litter. Don't forget that the kittens need to have a natural litter that will not upset their bellies if ingested.  

See Me Now

Week five the kittens eye sight is completely developed. They are stabilizing on all four legs and using their tail to balance them out. They can now retract their claws at will so make sure you start playing and massaging their paws so they are used to nail trims. They are about 18-20 ounces now and their premolars are starting to come in making it much easier to chew that new solid food. Socializing the kittens is still very important and should have playtime for at least 2-3 hours per day. 

What type of kitten food do you feed your babies?

Until Our Next Cat Convo

-Amanda

Growing Kitty Week Four

Week Four 

Week four has loads of growth. We are growing in size, our senses are completely developed, and we can walk with our tail up!

All Our Senses

During week four, kitten's senses are said to be completely developed. Their eye sight is now as good as their mothers so they can see the world around them. Bright lights do not tend to bother them as much as they venture around to new places.  They can also hear much better which means they do not get startled as easily and can detect a playful sibling about to pounce. Sense of smell is such an important part of a cat's life and during this week they can smell what's cookin' on the stove... well in our case what's cookin' in the bowl. 

Up Up and Away 

Kittens ears are now fully upright big and tall. They can play and pounce a bit more gracefully now while holding their own tail up! During the fourth week, the kittens are usually weighing in at around a pound but expect a big growth spurt. Their teeth are coming in nicely and will start using them more and more every day.  Momma's are starting to leave their kittens for longer periods of time. They are learning to groom themselves but mom always comes in to add the final touches.  You can also introduce a small bowl of water for them to play in..... I mean drink from. Kittens are very curious at this age, they are busy exploring and working out the details of their surroundings.  

Play with Me

Again, during these weeks, it is extremely important to socialize and interact with the kittens. This is when they learn that this big giant thing, we call humans, is nice and fun not frightening. Laying or sitting on the floor with them is a great way for them to come to you on their terms. It builds their confidence around each other, you, and new fun toys. By the end of the play date you end up being this super awesome kitty jungle gym and the kittens can't get enough!

Have you ever experienced being a kitty jungle gym?

Until Our Next Cat Convo

-Amanda

Growing Kitty Week Three

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Welcome to Week Three

Week three is full of exciting things and a big leap for the kittens. In week three we can hear, smell, walk, play, and potty on our own! 

Potty Time

In week three mom get a little "me" time. Their work with the kittens is becoming easier and easier by the day especially when it comes to potty training. Kittens digestive systems are developed now and this allows them to defecate on their own. Now, mom still helps out when needed especially in the grooming department. Mom shows the babies everything they need to know and that's including bath time. By watching their mom groom herself, and their litter-mates the kittens pick up on this activity which teaches them how to clean and groom themselves. At this time, you should start introducing the kittens to their litter box. You should ALWAYS use a non-clumping, natural litter when they are kittens. Think about it... Since mom is teaching them to clean up after themselves, they know that after being in the potty box they need to clean up, including their paws. Now, if you have a clumping litter + kittens cleaning their paws = clumped litter in their bellies! This is NOT something you want your kitten to go through, it is much easier to get a natural litter like pine pellets or non-clumping clay to keep your kitty happy and healthy. 

Can You Hear Me?

Kittens ears are now standing in the upright position and their ear canals will be completely open. Your kittens are hearing new things for the first time and they may get startled by loud noises since their hearing is yet to be fully developed. Try and keep it down a notch so the kittens feel comfortable in their environment. 

Let's Play

The little fur monsters are now starting to move about and play with their litter-mates. Their movements are still wobbly and aren't completely stable but this will improve throughout the week. This is the time to start socializing. Starting at week three, to week seven, is the most crucial time for socialization. It is recommended that you play with all the kittens for a few hours out of the day to ensure they are getting the most out of that human interaction. The babies LOVE toys so get stocked up and play with them as much as possible. Although kittens still cannot retract their claws, you never want to use your hands to play. They don't stay little forever! This will teach them the bad habit that your hands are toys, and as they grow its not so fun for you anymore. Toys are for playing, hands are for feeding and petting. At week three they can even start to purr so don't be surprised if you hear a little something when settling down after playtime. 

Changing Appearances

Kittens bodies are also changing a bit at this time. If you notice your kittens beginning  to chew on things you may consider some plastic chew toys. Their teeth are coming in and the chewing helps ease the discomfort. You can also tell the gender of the kitten at this time, so if you do not know how to tell GOOGLE it. HAHA just kidding. The males will have what would look more like a colon ( : ) they have a hole instead of a slit and it is farther away from the rectum. Most male kittens will not have visible testicles this young but that doesn't mean they won't. The females will have more of an upside-down colon ( ; ), sorry I can't figure out how to make it upside down but you get the idea. Their vaginal opening is more of a long slit rather than a hole and its much closer to the rectum. But for real... if you can't figure out just google it.

Another thing that changes is their fur, especially in Savannahs. The kittens go through what we call the "Fluffy" Stage. All kittens fur will get fuller and fill in but Savannahs they get really fluffy and their spots are disguised and often have a grayish color on the tips of the fur. We believe they get this trait from the Serval. In the wild, Serval kittens develop much like the domestic cats and at week three they start to roam and play about. Their coat changes to that fluffy grayish color to disguise them from nearby predators while playing outside the den. When the kittens are about six months old their mothers have taught them how to hunt on their own and can protect themselves from nearby danger. During this time, their coat loses the fluff and becomes more pronounced again. Savannahs are very similar in this aspect. 

Do you have any special techniques to help socialize your kitten?

Until Our Next Cat Convo

- Amanda

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Growing Kitty Week Two

Quick tid-bit from me

Hey all! Sorry I have been a bit behind. I am sure most of you do not know but unfortunately, I suffer from an autoimmune disorder. It seems like once you get diagnosed with one they just keep on coming. Anyways, I have been down the last few weeks and have been trying to recover. I started some new things and I am feeling much better so hopefully I can get back on track! Plus, I have all my kitties that take care of me!

Thanks for bearing with me.              #snapchat ;)

-Amanda

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Week Two

This week is week two and big things are happening. Ears, eyes and nose, oh my! The developmental changes in week two are significant and we are here to tell you all about it. 

Look at me grow

At week two the kittens grow at an amazing rate of around 10 grams per day. This is a lot for its tiny little body so it needs plenty of milk, sleep, and lovin's. Momma kitties need a ton of nourishment at this time to help support not only her nutritional needs but her kittens as well. She should be fed a high-quality food to ensure she is getting the most out of her food so those babies can keep growing.

Sniff, Wiggle, Sniff, Sniff

Kittens are starting to smell new and interesting things. Since their sense of smell is only a little on the working side, they will get hissy with unfamiliar smells as well as sounds. They are starting to recognize who their siblings are and interact with them more and more. Even an occasional hissy fit over their favorite nipple. 

Bright eyed and bushy tailed 

Hey mom, can you see my eyes? At about 10 days old the kittens eyes will start to open. Some will open sooner than others and maybe only one at a time. By the end of week two their eyes are typically wide open and can start to see objects, although still very blurry. During this time, their eyes are extremely sensitive so keep those bright lights away and let them adjust in a dim environment. Did you know that all kittens are born with blue eyes? Since their eyes are still developing they acquire that blue color. By about a month old their eyes should start changing to their permanent eye color and continue to develop until they are around 9 months old.  

What eye color does your kitten have?

Until Our Next Cat Convo

-Amanda