Cats do nap a lot. But extended napping could be sheer boredom. Contrary to the assertion that they are aloof and independent, cats do like to engage with their favorite people. Here are some quick fixes to offer your kitty both mental and physical stimulation and, at the same time, boost your quality time together.

1. Tricks and Treats

Believe it or not, felines will work for praise and tasty rewards. Consequently, clicker training works well with cats.

Let’s Start with “Sit”

Hold a treat low above her head, just far back enough so that in order to reach it, she has to sit. Say “sit” as you are performing this action and offer lots of praise when she does. And, of course, give the treat! 

Teaching her to sit on command is a plus to get her to wait patiently for her food bowl instead of winding around your legs and getting underfoot. That way, you are actually spending quality time together at mealtimes. Cats are fast learners and repetition will soon have her sitting on command without the treat. 

Kitty High Five

Photo by Jonas Vincent on Unsplash

Once she’s sitting on command, you can move on to this simple trick that will certainly impress.

To teach the high five “slap,” wiggle your fingers and move your hand in front of her paw on the ground. When she pats your fingers with her paw, click and treat.

When she’s consistently patting your moving fingers, slowly raise your hand off the ground until its up in the air aligned with her shoulder height. When the cat raises its paw, put your hand in the path of the movement and click the instant the paw touches your hand.

Next move your hand slightly so the cat has to aim for your hand with its paw to get clicked and treated. Finally, add a cue such as “high five” or “paw up” when you hold out your hand. Click and treat.

Choosing her favorite treat will of course be an added incentive. Stock up on her favorite Wellness Kittles. They are all natural, grain-free, crunchy and only contain 2 calories per treat so they are perfect for training. Flavors include chicken, duck, tuna, salmon, turkey and whitefish, all with healthy cranberries.

Clicker training can be used to teach cats all kinds of fun tricks including playing Three Blind Mice on a piano. It’s a great way to spend quality time together.

2. Let the Indoor Hunt Begin 

Cats in the wild are used to hunting and working for food. So, set up a treasure hunt in your home by hiding treats and some favorite catnip-filled and kicker-styled toys in different locations. Include toys that roll and wriggle too so that your cat has lots to discover in her own time. This is a great way to prevent boredom and keep felines engaged and ‘on the hunt’ especially when they are home alone.
 
There is also a great selection of specially designed cat puzzle toys and treat balls which are ideal for hiding scrumptious morsels and offer excellent stimulation as felines work out how to retrieve them.

3. Wind It Up with Wands

Wand games are a great way to engage your feline and spend quality time with her too. Actively engage her with a wand toy making sure you always swing sideways like a pendulum so that she doesn’t pounce forward and inadvertently scratch you. A wand should be light weight so it’s easy for you to play with too. Cats are attracted to those with realistic bugs or furry, feathery critters on the end. Games don’t have to be only airborne. Many cats enjoy watching the toy being trailed along the ground so they can pounce on it. When she has the critter firmly under her paw, wriggle the string gently so that it moves. When she releases it, then swing it in the air to start the games again. Often cats will pick up the wand (from the toy end) and carry it over to engage you in more games. If you throw it a short distance, you can encourage her to run after it and retrieve it and bring it back for more. 

4. A Room with A View

Photo by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash

There is nothing like a nice tall cat condo, strategically placed at a window to keep your cats in engaged in observing outdoor activities whether its birds flying by, people walking and even cars coming and going. Apart from the outdoor view, cats really enjoy vertical space as it offers them  a personal space to watch the activity in the room too as well as  a place to escape to from other household pets for a snooze.

5. Leash walks Versus a Cat Stroller

Photo by Emily Nettleton on Unsplash

Training a cat to walk on a leash is a great way to enrich her lifestyle by safely allowing her to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way of revving up her exercise routine.

However, a cat’s personality will play an important role in deciding if she is game for a fresh air challenge. An adventurous cat will probably embrace this opportunity to sniff around outside and even stop and lie down to survey her surroundings. While skittish scaredy cats may resist, preferring the view from the kitty condo instead. It also depends on your neighborhood. If there are lots of dogs out and about on the route, or you live in a neighborhood where coyotes roam even in the day time, consider a cat stroller as an outdoor alternative.  

They are an excellent option for a change of scenery. You can even stop and sit on a bench and let her watch the world go by. Cats, if they are allowed outside on their own will often go and hang out under a bush and watch insects, butterflies and birds from this vantage point. And they can do exactly the same thing from the comfort and safety of a stroller.

It’s also a great way to get you to spend time with her and out and about too!

March 30, 2020

To our fellow pet parents,

Our Wellness family, including all the pets who enjoy our food are located all over the world, so you can trust us to be here for you, as we remain committed to supporting your pets’ nutrition.

I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Wellies who are doing extraordinary work to make sure your pets have their favorite food. Even as the demand on us to supply food is great, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and to ensure that we continue to maintain the highest quality standards of pet food production.

We know this is a concerning time, and so I want to share steps we’re taking to keep our team safe and to continue to deliver the highest quality food:

•    We have adjusted operations so that our non-production employees are all working from home
•    Flexible hours are available for our employees who are managing things like school and childcare facility closures
•    Our production facilities are limited to essential personnel only
•    We are staggering production shifts to protect our employees, setting up additional break rooms and maintaining social distancing
•    While we’re always vigilant about sanitation, we have significantly enhanced these protocols and implemented CDC recommendations to keep our sites and employees safe
•    All of our employees receive paid leave and sick time benefits

Given these important updates, you will continue to be able to find the products you need and your pets enjoy. If we can help you find a product, or if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Consumer Affairs team at 800-225-0904, info@wellpet.com or on social media via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Please continue to support pet specialty retailers, many are now offering curbside pick up, home delivery and online shopping.

Wellness is also supporting the wellbeing of pets through our Wellness Foundation, by supplying pet food where it is needed within the Best Friends Animal Society shelter network. If you are looking for ways to help pets during this crisis, check out this link from our blog for a few ideas.

We appreciate your loyalty to Wellness and our family of brands. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted.

Our dogs and cats are a source of comfort every day, but now more than ever they are helping ground us and give us hope during this crisis. We will get through this together.

Stay well and take care,

Camelle Kent

CEO, Wellness Natural Pet Food, a member of the WellPet family of brands

If you are new to the work-from-home scene, you may be feeling mixed emotions about your new gig, but working from home can be quite beneficial, especially if you have a furry friend!

Think about it. You have the comforts of home, you can dress in your pajamas, and you have your favorite being in the entire universe next to you while you get paid to work, but, and there is always a but, how do you effectively work from home with a pet?

Here are some ways to get yourself into a new working routine when you have pets at home to keep you company:

1. Create a Workspace:

When it comes to a home office, some of us may have more options than others. If possible, try to separate yourself from your pets to ensure you have a functional workspace. Go into a room and use a door as a barrier. This will set a clear message that you are unavailable to play or cuddle. If a separate room isn’t possible, try using a space that is higher up, such as a table or countertop, so your pet cannot disrupt your papers, computer or other materials.

2. Work Time vs. Play Time:

If you have a needy pet, you may have to set some work-from-home boundaries. Just like you normally leave the house for the day, head to your “home office” and shut the door, physically separating you from your pet. If this isn’t possible, set up times to play. Take some time to tire your pet out before you sit down to work, so they will be less likely to bother you. When you get up for a break or a snack, include your furry friend so they learn to understand the difference between work time and playtime.

3. Setting a Schedule:

Working from home is a great option, especially if you get to make your own hours, but sometimes too much freedom can be a curse. Just like working in an office or at a site, set up a schedule to keep you and your pet in a working routine. 

• Meals: This may mean changing meal times, but they will adjust. No matter what you choose, pick a schedule, stick to it, and always feed them before you start your day in the home office.
• Walks: If you have a dog, be sure to pencil in an appropriate time to take your furry friend out. This is a great way for you both to release some energy and spend some quality time together.

4. Treat Tricks:

Working from home means your pet will see a lot more of you than they normally would. With that said, be sure to watch those treats! It can be easy to overfeed our pets when we are with them for long periods of time. Keep a running tally at your desk to keep you and your furry friend on track. For a healthy option, check out WHIMZEES, all-natural daily dog dental treats that also double as a long-lasting chew to keep your dog occupied. 

5. Creature Comforts:

Your pet may simply want to be near you while you work without being a bother, and that’s great to hear! Move your pet’s bed or favorite blanket into your workspace, so they can keep you company in comfort.

6. Don’t Give In:

If working from home is new for your pet, they will most likely try some tricks to get your attention. This could include begging, whining, or scratching at the door. Stay strong, just like when they were small. Set firm boundaries and good behavior will follow.

While we treat our pets like family, it’s still a good idea to set boundaries and stick to them. This is the best way to ensure you can create a working environment that works for you and your pet. At the end of the day, remember to be flexible and work with your furry co-worker to create a space that works for everyone.

It’s also important to remember that change takes time for them just as much as it does for us. Give your furry friend some time and space to process your presence during the day, especially if they are used to being home alone. With these tips, you are both on your way to a happy and healthy working future.

Pets can sense more than we realize. They know when we are sick, they know when we’ve had a bad day and they know when we need some extra love as we traverse a tough breakup. Heck, they can even sense natural disasters before they happen! But when the world hits pause, and we are told to stay in our homes, we enter uncharted territory. How do we combat the fear of the unknown when we can’t leave our homes? Two words–our pets. 

Let’s take a moment to turn away from our fears and toward our furry friends. It’s time we realize all the benefits our four-legged family members have to offer.

It’s Science!

As we approach and experience lockdowns and quarantines from the COVID-19 virus, this new territory can cause our nerves to rattle and our anxiety to rear its ugly head, but this is the time where our pets can shine. Did you know the medical field encourages furry family members based on real data? Scientific research has shown the relationships between pets and their owners decrease anxiety, depression and loneliness and support general wellness. Through a series of testing, scientists have seen pet interactions lower blood pressure and heart rate which reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. Animals causing humans joy is literally science!

Pets also give their owners purpose by providing a consistent support that establishes routine. When we decide to get a pet, we essentially become a parent. Natural instincts kick in and enhance our self-worth by creating purpose through feeding, bathing, walking, and more. Believe it not, this type of stability creates certainty in the brain that fosters mental health and overall wellbeing.

While interacting with animals is scientifically shown to improve our moods, knowing you have an animal friend with you through tough times significantly impacts our hearts and psyches. Pets provide us with a sense of security, especially through difficult experiences. When you go home, you know you have a furry friend you can count on who doesn’t judge or cause emotional harm. Think about the surge of pet-therapy animals that are sweeping the nation ensuring their owners feel comfortable and safe everywhere they go, allowing them to regain a sense of confidence and peace in an ever-changing world.

Beyond pet therapy, everyday pet owners are reaping the benefits of being around their animals. In a survey from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, three-quarters of people who owned pets reported their mental health improved simply from having animals in the home. The institute also conducted a study in which 80% of pet owners said they feel less lonely because of their pet, while

76% of non-pet owners agreed that interacting with animals can reduce the feeling of social isolation. Our animal friends keep our moods elevated and our spirits lifted by offering us constant companionship and unconditional love.

Finding Peace in a Time of Crisis

While it may feel difficult in the beginning stages of this pandemic, there is always a silver lining. We have time to slow down, get grounded and find peace in new ways. For many of us working folks, we only see our animals after a long day away from home. Now, we can find the time to give them the love they deserve, and more importantly, let them love us back. We can’t control the world around us, but we can control our time with our loved ones which include our pets.

Through time at home, we too can benefit from the advantages and benefits our pets naturally offer. You may be stuck in the house, but you are never alone when it comes to your pets. They wake up with you in the morning, help you cook your daily meals and if permitted, they get you out of the house on a daily walk. They are your TV buddy, your reading partner and of course, the best snugglers known to man. When you are feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, stop, drop what you are doing and go to your animal friend for a sloppy kiss or a long hug.

Make sure you reward your pets with some great treats during this trying time. Check out the array of products Wellness Pet Food has to offer. From all-natural food to healthy snacks for dog and cats, show your pets how much you appreciate them and reciprocate their unconditional love. 

After a week of unsettling and uncertain news, if you’re home this weekend and practicing social distancing, the good news is your pets will be right by your side. 
These suggestions for things to do at home are great for when you have some extra time with your dog or cat:

1. Extra snuggle time:

Take advantage of some down time and curl up with your pup or kitty to watch a good movie. Your pet’s affection will help lower your blood pressure, and they’ll love the extra attention. 

2. Some fresh air:

Photo by Gianandrea Villa on Unsplash

If the weather is nice, head out to your porch, deck or yard and spend some time with your dog soaking up the rays. Do you have an enclosure for your cat so they can get some fresh air? If going outside isn’t a good option, you can always open the windows and let the kitty go bird watching.

3. Take a walk:

Even if it’s just a few times around the block, get moving with your pup to help boost your mood, relieve stress and keep your dog healthy and active.

4. Have your pet “help” as you work on a hobby:

Photo by Avi Naim on Unsplash

If you’re planning on using your extra at-home time to pick up a hobby like reading, painting, crafts or practicing an instrument, your pet will be the perfect companion and “spotter.” Pets love to help us by staying close and keeping us company.

5. Playtime:

Break out the feather toy and get a few laughs as you help your cat get out their extra energy. Spill a few of your pup’s favorite squeaky toys on the floor and watch as goofiness ensues. Your pets will have loads of fun and stay active.

6. Treats:

At a time like this, we could all use a few extra treats. While you’re enjoying a snack, give your pup a yummy, long-lasting dental health chew like WHIMZEES for a healthy way to keep them occupied. And for the felines, Wellness Kittles are a perfect low-calorie, high delicious factor treat that they will come running for. 

7. Exercise:

Head outside to play some fetch in the backyard with your dog, and then later they’ll sit next to you (and maybe get in your way) when you try to get a workout in.

8. Organize their things:

It may not sound like much fun at first, but organizing and doing a deep clean of your pets toys, accessories and medications will help keep the home clean and you may even discover something you didn’t know you had. Set aside any items you plan to donate to your local pet shelter in the future.

9. Clean their spaces:

Not just a chore—you’ll see the positive results of your effort in cleaning the crate, bed, food bowls and eating area when your dog or cat comfortably settle into their space and relax (although you’ll be tempted to call them back to the couch to cuddle).

10. More snuggle time:

If you’re staying home for an extended period of time, there will be plenty of opportunities for you and your pets to snuggle up, hang out and slow down. 
Enjoy this time to fully appreciate your pets and the close bond you have with each other. 

What are you and your pets doing at home this weekend? Tag your photos @wellnesspetfood to share.

Keep your pet happy and healthy by providing them with fresh water

As a pet parent, you know that clean, fresh water is vital to your pet’s health and happiness. Water is essential to all living things, and your pup and feline are no exception! Like most mammals, your pet is made up of 2/3 water. Without adequate water, your pet can become dehydrated or even experience severe health issues, including urinary and kidney problems, or even death. Since you know the importance of water to your pet, you probably already make sure that your furry friend always has something to drink. But are you changing their water enough? 

What water does for your pets

Pets need adequate water to ensure proper organ function, joint lubrication and food digestion. Water carries important nutrients to cells of the body. It helps your pet digest his food and absorb the nutrients from his kibble. Water helps your pets move easier by keeping their joints nice and lubricated. Internal tissues and the spinal cord are also cushioned by moisture. Water also helps your pet eliminate wastes through urination and bowel movements. 

Every important body function requires water. Without enough water, your pet can become ill and dehydrated. Some warning signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, pale and dry gums, and dry skin. Your pet may also seem lethargic or depressed of have no appetite if he isn’t getting enough water.

Providing your pets with adequate water

So how much water should your pets drink? A variety of factors, including your animal’s diet, age, environment and health conditions, will influence just how much water your pet needs. Your dog or cat might also drink more water during the summer months. Keep your pet’s water bowl full and watch out for warning signs of dehydration to ensure that your furry friend is getting enough to drink. Some of those warning signs include sunken eyes, pale and dry gums, and dry skin. Your pet may also seem lethargic or depressed of have no appetite if he isn’t getting enough water.

You don’t need to worry about monitoring your pet’s water intake for the most part. Most pets will drink enough water on their own to stay well hydrated, but pets suffering from illnesses such as metabolic disorders, kidney disease and cancer can become dehydrated faster. Pregnant and nursing animals will also need to consume more water. If your pet eats a diet including wet food, he will naturally drink less water. Animals who primarily consume a dry food diet will need to drink more water.  If you’re worried about how much water your pet is drinking, you should consult your vet for advice. 

How often should your change your pet’s water

Pets need constant access to clean water – water should be changed at least once daily. Keep your pet’s bowl fool and make sure to fill with fresh water every single day. It’s also important to keep your pet’s water bowl clean. Microbes from your pet’s saliva can be transferred to the water bowl, encouraging the growth of bacteria. You should wipe your pet’s bowl dry each day before refilling it with clean water. Every few days, wash your pet’s bowl with hot soapy water, or more if necessary. Choose stainless steel, porcelain or glass bowls over plastic. If you use a fountain to keep your pet hydrated, make sure to clean it at least once a week and regularly replace the fountain filters. 

Make sure to keep your furry family member happy and healthy by providing him with daily fresh water and a clean water bowl. Your pet’s health is important, and providing your pet with clean water and help ensure that your kitty or pup will stay around as long as possible.

Keeping your pet happy and healthy is important to you, and we understand you only want to give your pet the very best. Keep your pets looking and feeling their best when you treat them to Wellness Pet Food. When you give your pups and felines Wellness Pet Food, you can be sure that their health and happiness are taken care of, since our food and treats are made with natural ingredients and crafted with your pet’s wellbeing at heart.
 

Read the 10 ways to pamper your pup all day long for #SpoilYourDogDay!

Being the loving pet parent that you are, there is no doubt you love and cuddle your dog every day! However it’s time to pull out all of the stops and indulge your dog for #SpoilYourDogDay. We came up with ten puppy-approved ways to spoil your dog silly!

1) Treat Your Dog to Some Extra Treats

While normally we wouldn’t suggest extra treats, by #SpoilYourDogDay is only one day, so throw a few extra treats your dog’s way. If they are healthy treats that your dog loves, then you won’t feel as guilty pulling them out a few extra times and will be able to enjoy the moment as your dog leaps and barks for joy.

2) Indulge Your Dog with a Doggie Massage

Dogs love and benefit from massages just as much as people by improving circulation. Spoil and pamper your dog by watching a YouTube video (or three or four) and learning how to relax you pup!

3) Go Shopping for a New Toy Together

If you have a playful pup, then there is no time like Spoil Your Dog Day than to visit the pet store and to let your dog find a new toy that makes them want to run, jump and flip for joy.

4) Clear Your Afternoon to Your Dog’s Favorite Things

Time is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone you love. Call the office and clear your afternoon then go pick up your dog for a long, impromptu afternoon of all of your favorite things whether it is dining out, strolling the sidewalk, visiting the park or discovering a new hiking trail.

5) Take a Nice, Long Drive Together

Have you ever noticed how the happiest dogs are the ones hanging out of their owner’s window as they drive down a sprawling stretch of empty roadway? If it’s one of their favorite things, take your dog on an extra-long drive to wherever the heart desires.

6) Upgrade Your Dog’s Accommodations

Don’t you feel like royalty when you get a new mattress or a new set of sheets? Your dog feels the same way. Upgrade his or her food and water dish and bedding to something ultra-cozy and (most importantly) brand new.

7) Go for a Swim Together

One thing about the dog days of Summer is that they are hot, hot, hot. If your dog knows how to swim, take them to a pool or a beach where you can both dive in, swim around and cool off together.

8) Schedule a Doggie Playdate

If you have an outgoing dog who loves hanging out with her friends or at the doggie playground, then schedule a playdate with her favorite canine friends, or take a long afternoon at the dog park. Give her the social hour she deserves.

9) Get a Puppy Pedicure

While not all dogs love visiting the groomer and getting fur washed and nails trimmed, it feels like heaven for some dogs. If your dog loves a spa day, then schedule one on Spoil Your Dog Day and splurge on the deluxe treatment.

10) Let Your Dog Get Dirty

This last way to spoil your dog may be in sharp contrast to taking your dog for a luxury pampering session, but for the dogs that love to get dirty, nothing will please them more than taking them to the backyard or happy place where they can frolic and roll around in the dirt like no one’s watching.

On Spoil Your Dog Day, we at Wellness Pet Food endorse a few extra treats. Treat your dog guilt free with Wellness Pet Food’s WellBites, WellBars or Puppy Bites snacks. All of Wellness’ snacks are made with natural ingredients, just like our other dog food recipes, so your dog gets treated while staying healthy!
 

Content originally published on BestLifeOnline.com.

If there were such a thing as the Nap Olympics, there’s no doubt that a cat would emerge victorious. On average, felines sleep for 15 hours a day, and some can snooze for as much as 20 hours in a single 24-hour period. The only question is: Why do cats sleep so much?

The answer lies in the domestic cat’s ancestry. According to the National Sleep Foundation, cats are crepuscular animals, meaning that they snooze during the day and become alert between dusk and dawn (just like lions and other large cats).

“On average, cats sleep for 15 hours a day, a trait they inherited from their wild ancestors,” explains Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. “While household cats are largely domesticated, they may still have a wild streak in them and may show primal instincts of hunting during these twilight hours.”

So, why do cats sleep so much if they live indoors? Of course, most domesticated cats aren’t exactly being forced to go outside and hunt for their food, but that doesn’t mean that they know that. And since hunting inside the house is out of the question, cats will get this built-up energy out by prowling and playing around the house (typically around the time that everyone else is sleeping, to the dismay of their owners).

Unlike humans, cats tend to remain alert even as they sleep, just in case potential prey (like a mouse) is nearby and they need to act fast. “While it may appear that a cat is sleeping the day away, they are ready to pounce and play at a moment’s notice,” explains Bernal. And, also unlike humans, cats are able to fall asleep almost immediately, especially after a long period of playtime or gallivanting around the house.

As cats get older, it gets even easier for them to fall into deeper and longer sleeps. Typically, kittens and senior cats require the most sleep, while the average-aged cat is able to thrive on a measly 15 or so hours.

Though cats prefer to snooze while it’s still daylight, many a feline will adjust their sleep schedule just to pencil in some behind-the-ear scratches and play time. Sure, cats might be natural predators with a penchant for hunting, but at the end of the day, cuddles trump catching prey any day. And if you’re not a pet owner yet but want to be, then read up on these 30 Mind-Blowing Health Benefits of Pets.

*Wellness has rights to republish this content. Original story linked here.

Essentials oils, which are plant extracts that contain a large quantity of rapidly evaporating oil, have become increasingly popular as natural, organic solutions for a variety of mental, physical and emotional maladies. Research by the scientific community has validated the overall health benefits for humans using essential oils; however, many people presume that that what benefits people also benefits cats.

This is a misconception. Essential oils are largely considered toxic to cats and using them around cats merits a great deal of education and good judgement.

How Do Essential Oils Affect Cats?

Essential Oils (EOs) have not been studied on a massive scale in felines because of the ethical concerns associated with studying a known toxin on a live animal. Existing knowledge and understanding is sufficient and for veterinarians, aromatherapists, and others with expertise in using and administering EOs in cats to concur that they are unsafe. This is true regardless of the type of oil and is especially true for oils boasting insect / pest repellant properties.

Toxic effects of EOs in cats include but are not limited to:

• Triggering an existing condition such as asthma, upper respiratory disease, or skin allergies.
• Irritating eyes (watering) or noses due to aggravation.
• Developing dermatitis.
• Causing seizures.
• Liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure or other organ failure .

In particular, EOs are most dangerous and are potentially fatal to cats if they are administered to a cat’s fur or skin, or if they are ingested. Experts have yet to conclude if oil diffusers are “safe”. Diffused oils are oils that are vaporized or in areosol form.

How to Use Essential Oils around Cats

Currently the only method that is accepted for using EOs around cats is with a diffuser. While some say that they have diffused oils around cats for years with no negative impacts, others are concerned about the long-term lung and organ damage that could prove harmful long-term.
That said, if you do want to diffuse oils around cats, it is recommended to:

• Use for a limited period of time
• In a relatively airy room (opening a window if possible is advised)
• In an environment where the cat has the option to leave

Most importantly oils should always be stored in a safe place where cats cannot be exposed accidentally. If a cat is accidentally exposed because of a spill or by knocking over a diffuser, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately. 

What Are the Sign a Cat has been Overexposed to Essential Oils?

It is important for anyone using oils to recognize the signs that a cat is affected by EO exposure. In the event that you observe any of these signs, immediately take your cat to the vet. Try to gather information as to what kind of oil the cat ingested, inhaled, put their paws in, or got on their skin. Signs of a problem include:

• Mental function changes such as lethargy
• Neurologic changes like wobbling, difficulty walking, weakness, shaking, seizures
• Digestive issues such as drooling or vomiting
• Physical distress like pawing at the face, red patches of skin, difficulty breathing, coughing, low (cold) body temperature, and slow heart rate.

In some cases, death can happen spontaneously after exposure, so it is important to be very careful when using EOs with cats. It is also recommended that EO enthusiasts get their cat tested for allergies or upper respiratory infections issues they may not have been aware of before using oils.

To conclude, it is possible to safely diffuse EOs with cats with discretion and care. Taking steps like consulting with a veterinarian beforehand and making sure to diffuse in a well-ventilated area where your cat can leave are two steps in using essential oils with cats in the safest possible way.

While essential oils have shown to be beneficial for human health, the same isn’t true for cats; however, cats do benefit from a diet rich in natural ingredients made using safe processes such as the recipes created by Wellness Pet Food.

As you make your list of resolutions for 2019, add “spend more time with your dog” to the list because it’s not only a resolution that will be fun to keep, but it will most certainly guarantee you AND your pet are living your best life in 2019. Not sure how to spend more time with your pet? Let us count the ways…

1. Take Your Pet to Work with You

Photo via Zogics

While this might not be doable for everyone, find out what your company’s policy on bringing pets to work is. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, bring your pet to work from time-to-time if your pet has the temperament for such. Your pet will enjoy the bonus pats and belly rubs from co-workers while you’ll have the benefit of added time together. Never mind that animals in the workplace help to lower stress.

2. Make Your 2019 Fitness Plan Pet-Friendly

Whether it’s doing outdoor yoga, jogging or something else, come up with a new fitness regimen that allows you to spend more time with your pet.

3. Run Errands Together

While not all stores are pet-friendly, when you do go somewhere that is pet-friendly, bring your pet along. For example, taking your cat with you on a Saturday coffee run through the drive-through not only allows you to bond with your cat, but it also helps your cat acclimate to riding in the car which will come in handy when you have to take them to the vet.

4. Take More Selfies Together

Get on your pet’s level and take more photos together. This is a great way to capture the memory of a fun day of play or exercise, too.

5. Plan a Pet-Friendly Vacation

Photo via Leio Mclaren for Unsplash

If bringing your pet doesn’t always factor into your vacation plans, try making that change in 2019. Look for pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs as well as destinations where your pet is welcome to join you for most of your fun.

6. Spend Time in the Kitchen Together

Most pets are naturally curious about what goes on in the kitchen anyway, so give them a treat or a snack while you make meals. Just being in the same space can be special.

7. Read More, Cuddle More

Reading more ends up on most people’s New Year’s resolutions list, but it’s often neglected. By making cuddle time with your pet part of your reading regimen, you’re more likely to keep both resolutions.

8. Commit to Pet-Friendly Community Activities

Save the dates for local pet-friendly events in your area (like Barktober Fest) and plan to attend with your pet this year.

9. Schedule a DIY Spa Day at Least Once a Month

Plan a day for you and your pet to primp and groom. For your pet, this means take the time to give them a good bath. Trim their nails. Clean their teeth. Brush their fur and get knots out. You can take this time to examine your pet, making sure there are no changes like lumps and bumps that you should get checked out.

10. Practice New Tricks Together

Training and learning new tricks take time and commitment, so resolve to dedicate just 10 minutes a day to teaching your pet a new skill. After working on it for a while, your pet will have learned something new, and you both will have spent more time together. It’s a win-win.

Your pet’s health and wellbeing is not only about a healthy diet of natural foods such as those made by Wellness Pet Food, it’s also about you and your pet spending social time together exercising, playing and relaxing. Commit to making 2019 a year where you spend more time with your pet, and you’ll both enjoy a happier and healthier 2019.