<![CDATA[PatosGatos

<![CDATA[PatosGatos - Guides]]>Mon, 20 May 2024 23:05:51 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Top 5 Cat Travel Needs]]>Thu, 15 Nov 2018 23:45:31 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/top-5-cat-travel-needs

Whether your just going on a long
drive or flying across the country, travelling with your cat can be
difficult. We have learned some tips
and tricks to easy cat travel.
Make sure you are ready for
your next full family adventure
with this reliable gear.

Cat Carrier

Of course your first need is a portable home for your cat. Our recommendation is this Jet Sitter Pet Carrier. When looking for a pet carrier look for one with enough room for your pet to be comfortable, and a design that you will be comfortable carrying. Carriers like the one shown have hard bottoms which protect the bags shape even when it is being carried. This will make both you and your cat very happy.

Water and Food Dishes

This Combination Food and Water Travel Dish and Container certainly checks a lot of boxes. If you want a compact solution to the on the go life then this is your friend. The bottle is split in half vertically to store food on one side and water on the other. It also includes two silicon collapsible bowls to satisfy even the most minimalist travelers.

Calming Spray

If your cat does not know what it means to "calm down" then you may need to educate them with the
Feliway Pheromone Travel Spray.
Pheromone sprays like this use our knowledge of feline brain chemistry to making them feel more relaxed. These sprays work amazingly with some pets and have less effects on others. We trust Feliway because it is a reputable brand who has been working on this product for some time.

Laser Pointers

This one you have probably heard of but might not think to take with you. After being cooped up travelling your cat will want to run. What better to get them running then a good 'ol fashion laser pointer. Of course any toy that your cat loves will do but not many are as tiny as one of these. Cats also enjoy tehse so much that it may help them overcome some of their anxiety.

Litter Pans

Now onto everyone's least favorite subject.... cat litter. Luckily the Cat's Pride KatKit Disposable Trays make matters a lot easier. These are something we regularly buy if we are taking our cats anywhere. It avoids having to borrow something, going to a store to buy a litter or a box, and most importantly having to transport a dirty litter box.

]]><![CDATA[Cat Door Panel Guide]]>Tue, 31 Oct 2017 15:38:41 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/cat-door-panel-guide

Our cats loooove the outdoors so we let them spend time on the porch to take in the fresh air and eat some of the catgrass we have growing outside. However lately it has been hard to give them the time they need. Cold weather and pollen have made us unwilling to keep opening and closing the door all day. Little kittens, too young to be trusted with such heights, make it so we also don't want to leave the door wide open. Foster kittens are commonplace in our apartment so we needed a longer term solution. We decided to try to find a solution that keeps our older cats happy, and our indoor environment comfortable. This is where the PetSafe Patio Panel for sliding doors came in.

This product comes in a variety of heights and can be used for dogs or cats. It features a small flap at the bottom held closed with a magnet. When you want to block access there is an insert that slides in to keep the cats in. The upper section is clear, so the impact to your view is minimized. There is also a spring loaded top so the height is adjustable within a few inches.

Rockstar's first attempt at using the cat door.

Overall we have been super happy with the cat door panel! The adult cats have learned how to use it and the little kittens can not. It installs very quickly, and any gaps can easily be fixed with a line of weatherstripping on the edge. It’s very secure and we have not had any difficulties with it. One of our cats had it figured out within the first day too! If it is taking longer with your cats then read below to learn how we taught our other cats.

Instructions:

Now mandatory first step is to understand your own cats, and the likelihood that they will jump. One of ours will jump if we are on the 2nd floor. If your cat could and would jump try and cover the flap whenever you aren't watching.
Lift the flap, show them the opening and let them investigate. Hold it for them if they are willing to walk through.
Help your cats through! Cats like to test things before committing, so their first reaction may be to nose bump the door too softly to move the flap. To fix this gently push the flap for them.
If they still don’t understand put them on one side then sit on the other side. Pull out your cats favorite treats and start teasing! You don’t have to be mean just make them hungry. If they're very confused lift the flap and have the treat cross over and then back to your side.

This post uses affiliate links to help support our cats and this blog.

]]><![CDATA[How to Gently Cut Cat Claws]]>Thu, 26 Oct 2017 23:47:36 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/how-to-gently-cut-cat-claws

Everyone knows cats love scratching, but not everyone knows why they do it. One of the big reasons is to keep their claws in shape. Cats use their claws constantly and they need to be maintained. In indoor life our feline friends do not have as many opportunities to shed and trim their nails, but we can do something about that. You can cut your cats nails much like you cut your own, and help them to stay comfortable and healthy.

Step 1: Relax Cat

Cutting cat claws works best if your cat is nice and relaxed. Start the process by sitting with your cat and giving them lots of attention and love. My recommendation is start sitting with your cat in your lap with a blanket separating you. Cats generally love blankets, and this will protect you if the cat gets upset during the manicure.

Step 2: Exposing the Claw

Make sure you are holding your cat securely and comfortably. Gently push on the pad and top of your cat's toes/fingers. This should extend the claw past the fingertip. If they pull away from you as you push than try with less force.

Step 3: Cutting the Claw

With claws out, carefully, but quickly, cut the white/clear part and make sure to stay away from the part of the nail with pink inside. This pink is normal tissue filled with nerves and everything else. I err on the side of cutting less than cutting more.

There you have it, all you need to start cutting your cats nails! Whether you have been asking "Why is my cat scratching my things" or "Why does my cat scratch me when the climb on me" you now have one way to help address the issues you see.

]]><![CDATA[The Importance of Cat Introductions]]>Wed, 25 Oct 2017 00:39:39 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/the-importance-of-cat-introductions

Anytime you search for new cat tips online you are bombarded with article titles telling you that how you introduce your cat will determine her happiness for the years to come. That it is crucial everything goes perfectly and that we must isolate until the kitten reaches perfect security and happiness.
That's a lot of pressure for a new cat parent! And if you have other pets or small humans at home it can feel like an impossible task.
What mainly bothered me was the idea that if i screwed up the introduction I would have an angry unhappy cat, or two cats that never got along.

We became cat parents and started fostering cats all in one go, as the stray cats in our college neighborhood would move in when pregnant. Or sometimes leaves us tiny kitten presents in the front yard. We had no clue what we were doing and we rarely were able to have "proper" cat introductions. We worked hard to make sure everyone got along and spent hours a day playing with the different age groups both separately and together. The more we played and spent time together they more they all eventually got along. Sure some of them hated each other at first and some were instant best friends, but as a group it took work.
The next kitten season we had read and prepared as much as we could and had made a separate space for kitten litters. We again had a few litters of kittens and this time kept them separate in the laundry room. We made sure to come in often and spend time playing with the kittens. They all became friendly with us and with each other so we decided after a month it was time to open the door. And off went the kittens to hide. From here we saw that what we thought was friendliness was really less fear, and as soon as they had more space they started running again. The new space and the cats scared them, and now they had better places to hide.

We continued to try separating the cats until they were friendly. We tried leaving in the back room for longer to make sure they liked us. But every time we found the real way to get them happy and comfortable was to constantly interact with them once out in the real environment, and I realized why I didn't like the idea of isolating until friendly.

Cats are friends and family members, they require constant love and attention. Just like with a kid you try your best to make sure their first interaction is good but the real work comes every day. When we separate the cats until we think they're ready we're assuming they will become friendly, rather than seeing their friendliness as directly related to how much love and attention we give them.

When you do bring a new cat into a house it is important to separate for a short period for health reasons and to allow the new cat to have a comfortable area where they can get used to the scents and sounds. If you are concerned about a possible illness then a 2-week quarantine is usually a safe bet. If you are antsy like us then reevaluate them after a week. Just make sure to be paying attention to all of your pets during this time.

]]><![CDATA[Ten Ways to Keep Your Cat Fit & Healthy]]>Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:53:40 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/ten-ways-to-keep-your-cat-fit-healthy

Exercise is crucial. A 2016 clinical study found that 58.9% of cats in American are overweight! Maybe most people agree with my fiancee when he says "If they are fat, they wont run away," but I think there are better ways to keep your cats at home. As a cat parent you should try and spend between 15-30 minutes a day, broken up into smaller sessions, helping your cat burn energy and stimulate their senses. There are many ways to get your cat to engage in activity, and no one knows your cat better than you do, so get creative. Here are ten suggestions for ways to get your cat moving.

1. Strings
Few things catch a cats attention as easily as strings do. String wands are incredibly fun and easy for everyone to use. You can use any sort of string you find too; shoe laces, ribbons and even loose clothing strings will entertain your cat.

The Cat Dancer - Cat Charmer Wand Teaser Toy

The Retractable Cat Wand

2. Food Puzzles
Food puzzles allow for your cat to eat slower and stimulate their thinking. It takes eating a little closer to hunting than normal. These things are great for really curious cats!

Cat food puzzle for curious cats and cat overeating problems.

Catit Food Puzzle

Pet Intelligence Toy

3. Throw & Fetch
Small colorful objects , specially catnip filled ones, can give a cat hours of entertainment. Often they enjoy when you throw the toy for them repeatedly. You can also try using household items, a few of our cats love playing with rubber bands and hair ties!!

SmartyKat Catnip Cat Toys

Catnip Mice Toys

4. Going on Walks
Some cats are afraid of going outside while others will beg, loudly, for outdoor time. The clean air and delicious grass may be all your cat wants. This does take some training so stay tuned for a guide on how to get your cat walking.

5. Toys That Move
Using battery power you can entertain your cat from the comfort of your couch. These toys move around and make your cat burn energy while keeping their attention.

The Interactive Mouse Hunt Toy

Hex Bug Mouse Cat Toy

6. Laser Pointers
Everyone knows cats go crazy for laser pointers. This kind of toy can help tire out a very rambunctious cat. Up the wall or across the floor, cats will chase that little red dot anywhere.

Light Teaser Wand

7. Balls & Bells
Cats love round things to paw around the house. If the round things also make noise cats are even more excited. It is always fun to watch a cat run full speed while kicking a small ball. Any round or bouncy ball can work, some cats will even use balled up paper bags.

Mylar Crinkle Balls

8. Outside Catio
If you want to give your cat the ultimate outside space then it's time to build them a catio. Make them a screened in play room with lots of high places to explore. Follow an online DIY to get an idea of what you can build around your house.

Trixie Outdoor Run

9. Cat Tower & Scratcher
Cats need to scratch to keep their nails healthy. Give them a place to scratch that is fun and can help exercise your cat. Make sure to make your cat happy by adding high places that they can climb to.

Vesper Cat Tower

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

10. Adopt Another Cat
The best way to get your cat moving is by getting them a playing partner. Adopt a cat and get both of them moving!

We were not sponsored by any company for this article, but we do use affiliate links to help support our cats and this blog.

]]><![CDATA[Scoopfree Self Cleaning Litter Box Review]]>Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:45:39 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/scoopfree-self-cleaning-litter-box-review

My trial of the Petsafe Scoopfree self cleaning litter box started as I was going out of town, and needed a solution to keep the litter clean without asking a friend to do the unglamorous chore of litter scooping. I saw one of these litter boxes and though to myself "Do automatic litter boxes actually work?". Keep reading and I will try to answer that question for you.

This litterbox actually works great for most situations! It scoops after a few uses and is much cleaner to empty. It does pretty well at holding in smell compared to a standard litter box. The constant cleaning even when I am out of the house seems to keep it from getting as dirty during the day. Its also really nice to come home to a clean litter box! These benefits do come at a price of changing refills more often though.

There is always some concern over how much will a cat like it, and I read mixed reviews about complicated litter boxes and cats. I have to say I never had any trouble getting the cats to use it. They definitely jumped the first couple times that it starts moving, but do not mind it at all now. The height is great as well for any size of cat from kitten to adult.

Our most recent question was "Do you have to use their litter?" and unfortunately the answer is yes. If you do use normal litter it will clump and not scoop as well. This is the one negative in my mind. The refill packs are really convenient and I can find them on amazon, but it would still be nice to use normal litter and reuse the tray sometimes. If you are in a pinch waiting on a delivery of refills you can scoop the litter yourself, you just have to race the auto scooper!

Overview of Pros and cons for Scoopfree self cleaning litter box. On the pro side you have a cleaner looking, better smelling, easy to clean litter box that works with most cats. On the con side you do have higher costs from the refill packs

Note: I was not paid to write this post, but rather it is a real review from a real consumer. This post does use affiliate links to help support our cats and this blog.

]]><![CDATA[Catify Your House: A DIY Guide to Making Your Cat Comfortable at Home]]>Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:52:33 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/catify-your-house-a-diy-guide-to-making-your-cat-comfortable-at-home

Cats were never domesticated. They just realized life was easier if they had human companions, who protect them and feed them. Originally this feeding was in the way of attracting mice that the cats could catch, but times have changed when it comes to their diet. Still many cat behaviors haven't changed since then and it can really help for you to take this into account when setting up a space for them.

Here are a few ideas on how to help them feel at home all while getting your craft on!

Cat Shelves

Cat Shelves are amazing because they really help both you and your cats. Almost all cats have a strong urge to find a tall perch where they can watch their territory. By creating a space just for them you also reduce their want to jump on shelves that hold things you love. If your cat knocks things off your shelves or bookcases then this is a must! Since we built our set of shelves we haven't had any problems with our cats jumping on shelves and knocking things off ( which for Momo is impressive).

Building them is simple;

Find a piece of wood large enough for a cat to walk and lay on for each shelf you want to add. I always like having enough to create a staircase like effect up to around 6 ft.
Wrap the top of the shelves in carpet, or thick cloth. This attracts the cats and helps them climb. You do not need much material so scraps of carpet may work. I use a staple gun to attach the carpet along the edge of the boards.
Install L-brackets on the shelves first, then screw them into the wall. I try to drill into the wooden studs in the wall whenever possible, using a stud finder. If that's not an option then wall anchors work as well. Remember to pre-drill holes, as it can be fiddly work to support the shelf and screw in the brackets.

Cat Caves

Cats need cat naps so give them a nice dark place to relax. There are sooo many different ways to make a cat cave. You can cut some holes in a large box, or drape a blanket over a table for a short term solution. A durable and cheap option is to use two wire hangers and a shirt to make a tent like shown above.

Building them is simple;

You start by clipping the heads off the hangars and making a large crossing arch out of them.
Push them through a square of cardboard that acts as the base.
Tape everything solid and cover with a shirt that is also taped up on the bottom.
Make sure the cats can crawl through your collar and voila! For more details you can check out this website with pictures and longer explanations.

If you want to skip all that and just buy one you can get a plushy one like this.

Cat Greenery

Greens are great for your cat, potentially helping with digestion and hairballs. Get creative with your potting and you can also have an attractive addition to your space. These grasses grow quickly and can keep alive for a while if you trim and water them. If your cat has not been exposed to grass then you may need to spray it with water to encourage them to investigate it.

Building them is simple;

Buy a big bag of seeds like this: Organic Grass Seeds.
Pot the seeds in a shallow container with regular potting soil.
Make sure to water and place in direct sunlight. Try and keep the grass trimmed as this keeps it alive longer.

If you want to skip all the planting buy a full kit with soil, seeds and container like this one : Pet Grass Kit.

Cat Scratchers

Cat scratchers vary wildly and cats can be pretty picky on these, but they can provide a great outlet for your cats need to scratch. Many people have luck with simple flat scratchers, but with a little time you can make your own with some sisal rope and something to wrap!

I like to use sisal rope with a diameter of at least 1/4". This is a nice balance between surface and wrapping time.
Next find something to wrap. You can use an existing piece of furniture like a table leg or build some intricate cat tree from scratch. Just make sure it is stable!
The two methods I've used to wrap are staple gun and hot glue.

Hot glue seams to hold it in place as well as needed, and it is less damaging.
The staple gun is nice because hot glue can be fiddly and you have to wrap the sisal quickly after laying down a line of glue. Try not to get the sisal tangled or unraveled as that tends to complicate things.

The best cat scratcher I have made is a bike frame turned scratcher. For this I added a tower of cardboard squares to give my cats for variety of textures. I will post the full DIY for that soon so stay tuned!

Hopefully you have learned some ways to keep your cat comfortable while not breaking the bank! Thanks for reading.

This post uses affiliate links to help support our cats and this blog.

]]><![CDATA[5 Common Cat Behaviors Decoded]]>Mon, 04 Sep 2017 03:17:07 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/cat-behaviors

Picture Why is my cat doing that? Cat Behavior Decoded

Most people think of cats as aloof creatures who couldn't care about much as long as the food arrives on time. In reality research has shown that cats are as expressive and as needy as dogs. The problem is when we try and read them like dogs the majority of cat communication is either misinterpreted or entirely missed.

Every cat I've worked with has had their own unique needs, likes and language. The more cats I work with the more I realize they are needy creatures who just want to be understood.

From the morning meows of " I'm hungry!" , pawing at my leg because they want attention, or Momo's favorite, head butting my phone when I'm talking. Cats are always trying to get our attention and let us know what they're thinking.

Below are some things you may have already known but I'm sure that, like me, you'll be shocked by how much your cats have been communicating.

Slow Blinks

Slow blinking at a cat is a great way to communicate that you are a friend.

Cats are very careful to always stay alert and keep watch on anyone who comes into their domain. Eye contact is something reserved only for those precious enough to deserve the cats attention. And blinking is even more rare, as this is a sign of true trust and affection.

"The slow blink really is an acceptance gesture. They do that when they're absolutely comfortable with you, and they do it with other cats as well."
-Gary Weitzman, a veterinarian and author of "How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language."

Try it out!!
Sit eye level with your cat and make eye contact.
Soften your gaze and slowly blink at them.
A return blink is like a cat kiss !

Tail Rubs

Cats rub themselves and things they want to claim. What a better way to show their love than to claim you?

Cat tails can tell us many things about a cats mood. A tail up in the air is a sign of a happy cat. Kittens walk this way to greet their mothers. So when your cat does this it their way of saying
" You're back! " " I missed you!"

"When cats are coming back from hunting, what we commonly see in the feral situation is they may spend several minutes rubbing up and down, up and down, against each other. They'll also wrap their tails over each other's backs — it's like a human hug."
-Sharon Crowell-Davis, a professor of veterinary behavior at the University of Georgia

Try it out!!
When you get home from work say hello to your cat.
If they come to you make sure to give them pets and attention
When they rub their tail on you it's a hug hello !

Purr Machines

A purring cat getting some nice head scratches tends to really get into it.

Purring is your cats way of overpoweringly telling you they love you. But that is not the only meaning. Research has found cats purr when happy as well as when sick and injured. Purring, it seems, is not just a show of happiness but more a request for attention.

"They haven't got a good way of asking for help — it's not in their language — so they do the next best thing, they do the purring thing," said John Bradshaw, a University of Bristol anthrozoologist and the author of "Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet."

Try it out!!
Next time your cat is purring give them some love.
If they keep purring or purr louder they appreciate it!

Kneading You

Kittens knead on their mom's belly to stimulate milk and give her a nice massage for all her work!

Sometimes called making biscuits, most of us have seen our cats alternating their front paws to push in and out of something soft while looking whimsical and happy. Experts believe kneading reminds your adult cat of when they were a baby kneading on their mom's tummy for milk.

“If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back. Unfortunately, this can be quite painful, since the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in with his sharp nails.”
-PetMD

Try it out!!
If you see your cat kneading on a blanket
take the blanket and place it on your lap.
Any cat will be happy to have a blanket they love & your warmth

Belly Roll

This is my silly cat that likes belly pets. She will roll over on your lap and demand attention.

When your cat rolls around in front of you they are asking for attention. Presenting you their belly is a way to show trust, as this position leaves them vulnerable. This is reserved only for those they trust and love.

"When a cat throws itself on its side and shows its belly, most people misinterpret this behaviour and think that it wants its belly rubbed but will get grabbed by their hand and the cat will bite them.
What the cat is actually doing is showing a greeting behaviour and showing trust. It is actually an abuse of that trust to stroke its belly. What the cat would rather you do is to give it a slight head rub."
-Nicky Trevorrow, Cat Protection’s behaviour manager

Try it out!!
When your cat rolls over and shows your their belly.
Slow blink at them and approach calmly.
Pet the top of their head, cheeks and chin.
AVOID THE BELLY - prove them right to trust you.
Unless you know your cat likes belly pets. one of mine does.

Learning how your cat communicates can greatly improve your relationship. Understanding what our felines are telling us is key to eliminating problem behaviors. As well as to keeping a happy cat in your home.

How does your cat communicate most often? Let us know in the comments

]]><![CDATA[The Ultimate Litter Box: A DIY Guide]]>Sun, 03 Sep 2017 23:11:14 GMThttp://www.patosgatos.com/guides/the-ultimate-litter-box-diy

Our journey to the ultimate litter box began with our first cat Momo, who loves to dig and dig and dramatically jump out of the litter box. All of which was causing a small beach to form around the litter box. We tried using covered litter boxes, but one of our other cats made it very clear she was not a fan. We researched to understand what we could do to help keep our space clean and our cats happy. This led us to think about what can we use to make a tall litter box without constraining our cats.

Step 1

Understand your cats needs!
A litter box should be 1 1/2 times the length of your cat. If you are planning on using the lid then make sure your litter box is at least a few inches taller than your cat, so they are clear on top of the litter. The rest is up to what your cat prefers.
Some cats do not like to be seen in the litter box and some want to make sure they can see everything else. Learn whether they like roofs on the litter boxes or prefer them open by trying it both ways.
We have had the most success with clear litter boxes without the lid. This keeps your cats from being scared of being cornered.

Step 2

Find a box!
The containers can be tricky in that they usually go in terms of quarts or gallons, not inches. On the bright side they are pretty common. They make them in different materials and I try to find something that is softer and more flexible. as this will help when you cut it.
You can see a sample of what to look in clear here or in navy here

Step 3

Cutting a hole in it! There are so many ways to get the cutting done, but some are easier than others.

For the lines I like to use tape. This lets me know where to cut without leaving permanent marks.

Hacksaw: I have used a hack saw successfully on multiple occasions. This method has the most common tool and can work well if you take your time and support the material. I give myself a channel at the top to leave room for the blade by cutting down then coming down again at an angle as shown in the pic above.
Rotary Tool: Some Dremel like tool with a cutting disc can also be used. Just make sure to move slowly and work with the disk spinning away from you in case it wears out. This method gives you the most control and does great in the corners.
- You do not need the fanciest tool, but one with a thinner extension like the one linked. This allows you to get closer to the tote with the cutting wheel.
Hotknife: Another good method is to use a heated tool like a hot knife. This does a great job of cutting without cracking the box and it leaves smooth edges. Do make sure to do this in a well ventilated area and check what materials you are using.

I would not advise trying to use some heavy duty scissors or shears. This can easily crack the material unless you have a very soft container.

Now is also when I like to finish the door edges with either sand paper or a file to get them nice and smooth. Protecting your feline friends and keep it clean and professional.

Step 4

Set it up! Paint it, cover it in wrapping paper, do whatever you like! Then just find a good spot that will keep your cats happy and pour in your favorite litter.

You're done now so sit back and relax!

This post uses affiliate links to help support our cats and this blog.

Homemade DIY Litter Box Gallery

Send us pictures of your homemade litter box and we may feature them here!

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