Pets Best Insurance Blog

Blog posts Categorized under ‘Cat insurance’

What did that doggy eat?!

Posted on: August 23rd, 2011 by

An owner tries to stop a dog with pet insurance from eating a toothbrush.

Posted by: H.R.
For Pets Best Insurance

It’s no surprise that pet owners want their companions to be healthy. And with the advancements in veterinary science and research, our pets are now able to live longer, happier and healthier lives. But many of the life-enhancing and often life-saving procedures are complex and very expensive. Pet owners who opt to purchase pet insurance plans often find that their financial burden is alleviated when their pet becomes ill or injured.

Many of the top pet insurance companies report certain pet health conditions/injuries ranking as the most expensive to treat. Gathering data from subscribers’ claims, they’ve determined the average costs for these procedures. Many pet owners can’t believe that they might have to pay more than $1,000 for a single pet health issue. But the reality is that often the total vet bill may be even higher.

Ingesting Foreign Objects
Stomach and intestinal problems resulting from ingesting foreign objects are some of the most costly pet accidents or injuries that owners experience. Foreign object ingestion covers any item that a pet consumes that is not food. Even small things swallowed by pets can cause serious and even fatal internal injuries.

You’ve probably caught your dog trying to eat something he shouldn’t, and many dogs will eat some unbelievable things. One vet reported a dog that ate an entire bed sheet! Another common item dogs seem to frequently ingest are rocks. Though cats are less likely to eat something just because it’s there, they can easily swallow string, bits of their toys and even plants or other decor.

Symptoms of Ingestion
The most obvious symptoms that your pet has eaten a foreign object are lack of appetite, vomiting (even after water) and diarrhea. Diarrhea can be a sign that his intestines are blocked. He may look unwell. If you think your pet has ingested something harmful, get him to the vet ASAP– if you have dog or cat insurance, foreign body removal can cost far less.

Diagnosis
Your vet will first feel your pet’s abdomen for obstruction. If a foreign object is a possibility, X-rays will show some objects, but other items like plastic and cloth may not be visible. Sometimes an ultrasound may even be required to make the final diagnosis. In the worst cases, exploratory surgery is needed.

Treatment
Sometimes by inducing vomiting, the object will come up if it’s still in his stomach. Items can also be removed with an endoscope. Sometimes, if the item has moved to the intestines, abdominal surgery may be necessary.

Prevention
Make sure your pet has appropriate, safe toys, put them away when not in used and check them often for missing pieces. Obviously, pick things up off the floor that you wouldn’t want your dog to ingest.

Cost
Vet costs can vary depending on location as well as the severity of the foreign body diagnosis– but can often be upwards of $1,900.

For more information about how dog and cat insurance can help you afford the best healthcare for your pet, visit Pets Best Insurance.

Caring for your new kitten

Posted on: August 12th, 2011 by

A kitten with cat insurance plays in a food bowl.

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

Congratulations on making the informed decision to add a new kitten to your family. Cats are wonderful animals, and owning one (or more!) can be a fun and rewarding experience. Aside from ensuring your new kitty has the best food, toys and cat insurance, there are a few other things you might want to know. Here are some guidelines to help your kitten get off on the right start to a long and healthy life:

Introducing a New Kitten to it’s New Environment
Kittens love to investigate and explore new surroundings, but giving them free range may be a bit overwhelming and unmanageable for them at first. Initially, confine the kitten to one room for a few days, and then slowly allow access to other areas of the home.

Introducing New Kittens to other Pets in the Household
Most kittens receive a hostile reception from other household pets, especially from an established cat. In general, cats do not like changes and can become territorial and aggressive. Thisis why introductions need to be made slowly. During the first few days when the kitten is isolated in a room, try switching out items like bedding and toys so the cats will get to know each other by smell. Then carefully allow supervised interaction.

Hissing, spitting and growling are natural and are the ways in which cats will establish the hierarchy among themselves. The use of a synthetic pheromone (a feel-good scent) spray or diffuser can be very helpful in reducing stress among the cats during this introduction phase. Pay extra attention to the established cats to reassure them that they are not being replaced. Provide sanctuary spaces for the established cats with separate food/water and litterboxes so they can escape to a quiet area where they won’t be bothered by the kitten. Of course, you want to make sure that your kitten has seen the veterinarian first before mingling with the other cats. Researching pet health insurance companies is also a good idea.

The introduction period will usually last 1 to 2 weeks and will have one of three possible outcomes.

1. Bonding will occur between the existing cat and the kitten. They will play together, groom each other and sleep together. This is more likely to occur if competition is minimized and if the existing cat is lonely for companionship.

2. The existing cat will only tolerate the kitten. Hostility will cease, but the existing cat will act as if the kitten is not present. This is more likely if the existing cat is very independent, has been an only cat for several years, or if marked competition occurred during the first few weeks. This relationship is likely to be permanent.

3. The existing cat will remain hostile to the kitten. Fighting may occur occasionally, but very rarely will get serious. You can minimize this by reducing competition for food/water and affection. Offer several feeding areas and different litterbox locations, as well as plenty of perches and resting spots so each cat can have their favorite area.

Slow, supervised interaction between a new kitten and a dog is recommended to prevent injury. Never leave a kitten or new cat unattended with a dog until you are convinced that the dog will not harm them. Pet insurance is also good to have because accidents can occur between pets who interact– even if they’re just playing together.

Introducing a New Kitten to Children
Children can unknowingly injure a kitten by playing too rough or handling them improperly. Additionally, kittens can bite and scratch a well-meaning child unexpectedly. Teach children to be gentle and to handle the kitten properly. Teach them the warning signs that suggest that the kitten is hurting or doesn’t want to interact. These may include hissing, ears flattened to the head, biting, growling, scratching or crying out.

Socialization/Play Behavior in Kittens
The socialization period for kittens is between 2 and 12 weeks of age. During this time, the kitten is very impressionable to social influences.

If it has good experiences with men, women, children, dogs, other cats, etc, it is likely to accept them throughout life. If the experiences are absent or unpleasant, it may become apprehensive or adverse to any of them. Therefore, during the period of socialization, expose your kitten to various types of social influences. Direct exposure to other cats should be kept minimal and done with caution since kittens are more susceptible to disease until fully grown and vaccinated. Some cat insurance companies will help cover the costs of routine care, including vaccincations.

Stimulating play behavior is important for kittens. Stalking and pouncing help with proper muscle development. If given sufficient outlet for these behaviors with toys, your kitten will be less likely to use family members for these activities.

The best toys are lightweight and movable. These include wads of paper, small balls, feather toys, and laser pointers. Toys that contain catnip are safe for any cat. Kittens should never be allowed to play with string or ribbons in case of accidental ingestion. Any other toy that is small enough to be ingested should be avoided. Never play rough with your hands or allow the kitten to bite and scratch you. This will teach it to be aggressive to people as an adult.

Disciplining a Kitten
Kittens (and cats) do not respond well to physical punishment. Hand clapping, using shaker cans or small horns, or other loud noises can be intimidating enough to inhibit undesirable behavior. However, remote punishment is preferred. Remote punishment consists of using something that appears unconnected to the punisher to stop the problem behavior. Examples include spray bottles, squirt guns, throwing soft objects in the direction of the kitten to startle it, and making loud noises. This way the kitten associates punishment with the undesirable act and not with you.

Household Hazards
“Kitten-proof” your house because kittens will try to get into everything! Some common hazards that can be swallowed include paperclips, coins, marbles, string, ribbon, dental floss, tinsel and Easter grass. Some plants are toxic. The most common are those belonging to the lily family like the Easter lily.

The dryer, washing machine and dishwasher also provide an unexpected and life-threatening hazard for kittens. Be sure you keep the doors to these appliances closed at all times and always check before turning them on.

Feeding
Always feed a well known name brand kitten food. Stay away from generic or store brands. Price is closely linked to quality, so stay away from the cheapest brands if possible. They can be less nutritious with more fillers, so your kitten will actually need to eat more volume to get the same nutrition that they would from a smaller portion of a higher quality food.

The most nutritious foods are the high protein, grain free foods available at most pet stores. Canned food is recommended in addition to dry. By offering both, you help to ensure your cat won’t be a picky eater. Canned food is also a great way to provide extra moisture to help prevent from dehydration. Always offer some canned food to smaller kittens as their teeth are tiny and it is difficult to chew kibble.

Cats prefer to eat small meals throughout the day. Free feeding or multiple meals throughout the day are best for a growing kitten. Once they are adults, some cats will do fine with free feeding, but many will eat too much and become obese. Your veterinarian can help guide you as to the best feeding regimen for your adult cat.

Try to stay away from feeding table scraps as much as possible so your cat won’t develop bad habits. Many cats and kittens are lactose intolerant, so don’t get into the habit of giving them dairy products on a regular basis. A very small amount of milk or cheese once in a while as a treat is OK.

Litterboxes
The general rule of thumb for the number of boxes you should have is one box per cat plus one additional box to minimize competition and inappropriate urination/defecation. Use the largest size boxes possible so adult cats can comfortably squat and dig around in them. Clear plastic storage boxes with 4-6 inch sides that are sold at many stores are perfect.

Cats typically don’t like hoods or covers on the boxes. They may feel trapped or vulnerable with covered boxes, and the odor trapped inside may be intolerable for your cat. Choose several locations around your house for the boxes that are quiet and non-threatening. Most cats prefer clumping litter because it tends to feel softer. If you choose clay litter, pick one that is dust free and fragrance free so it’s less irritating to your cat’s lungs. Cleanliness is critical for avoiding problems! Scoop boxes at least once or twice daily, and dump the entire box every week or two depending on litter type. Even clean looking litter will eventually absorb odor.

If your cat does start urinating or defecating outside the box, don’t assume it is a behavioral problem. Many medical conditions can cause this behavior, and it is always safer to have your cat checked by your veterinarian rather than just assuming your cat is acting up.

Kitten questions! Are you ready?

Posted on: August 4th, 2011 by

A kitten with pet insurance plays in a cat bed.

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

We’re in the middle of kitten season with the majority of kittens being born between spring and fall. Who can resist these cute little balls of fur? It’s easy to fall in love with these adorable, cuddly creatures, but before you bring a new kitten into your home there are a few things to consider, aside from which food, toys and cat insurance to purchase.

First and foremost is whether you’re ready and able to make the commitment that comes with pet ownership. As a cat owner, you are responsible for providing proper food, shelter and health care for your cat’s entire life, not just when it is small and cute. Cats are not disposable. I hear way too many sad stories about cats being left behind to fend for themselves when the owners move away, cats being dumped out in the countryside when they’re no longer wanted, and cats being surrendered to local shelters as adults because they’ve lost that kitten cuteness factor.

Three to four million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. Please be a responsible pet owner and be part of the solution to pet overpopulation, not a part of the problem.

Kittens are also an expense, especially during the first year of their lives. Work their general costs into your monthly budget, and be sure that you have a small fund set aside for routine or wellness care, particularly if your kitten will be going outdoors when it’s older. You can also look for a pet insurance company that offers wellness care coverage.

Improvements in both dog and cat insurance over the past ten years have made it more worthwhile than ever. There are more policy options available, and you have a much better chance of finding a policy that covers what’s important to you and your cat at a price you can afford.

It’s also important to consider your current home situation. Do you have a dog? Many dogs and cats that live together learn to be friends, but some breeds are “cat chasers”, and some kittens may be too playful and interactive for some dogs. Your veterinarian can help guide you as to what might be the best fit for your unique situation if you decide to open your heart and home to a kitten.

Do you already have any cats? If so, how many and what are their ages and genders? You would not want to bring a new kitten into a household that has a single geriatric cat. Senior pets do not always appreciate the rambunctious antics of a crazy kitten! In these cases, if possible, it would be better to get two kittens that would be more likely to bond to each other and not bother the older cat.

Cats that have lived alone for a long time are also less likely to accept a new pet quickly. It’s necessary to be able to provide a separate room for each cat with separate food and water dishes and separate litter boxes, especially during the introduction period. Sometimes it’s helpful to add a kitten of a different gender to help maintain peace in the household.

If you’re starting with an empty nest, also consider getting two kittens. If you work long hours or are away from home a lot, the kittens will provide each other with plenty of activity and companionship. Some cat insurance companies, like Pets Best Insurance even offer multiple pet discounts!

Something lurking in your lawn

Posted on: July 21st, 2011 by

A kitten with cat insurance sits in the lawn.

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

It’s that time of year again to be on alert for various “invaders” from the plant world. As temperatures soar and rain is scarce, grasses and weeds dry out and seeds begin to scatter. This can mean trouble, by way of cheat grass, for cats that roam outdoors. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consider pet insurance for your cat since cheat grass can be very dangerous and costly to remove.

Cheat grass is one of the more common and invasive weeds found in many parts of North America and especially in the West. It is also known as June grass, Downy Brome, grass awn, foxtail, or by the scientific name, Bromus tectorum.

The danger for cats lies in the invasiveness of the dry seed pods found in late summer and early fall. These pods have one-way microscopic barbs that allow the seed to work its way into fur, skin and mucous membranes, but not work its way back out, much like the one-way movement of a porcupine quill. These annoying and troublesome weeds have been found in the skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth , rear end, and between the toes; basically anywhere on the body.

Many times they will even migrate deep into tissue. They can even work their way through skin into body cavities such as lungs and abdomen, causing life-threatening infections. Cats are better at grooming and removing them from their coats, so we most commonly see them in their eyes and ears.

We have seen several cheat grass cases in just the past two weeks. One cat patient, without cat insurance, had two grass awns in her eye and suffered severe ulcerations from the barbs scraping against the cornea of the eye. Do not underestimate the potential seriousness of this common problem.

Cats will show signs relating to where the awn has penetrated. Cheat grass in the ear typically causes scratching at the ear and head shaking. Cheat grass in the nose can cause intense sneezing fits and nasal discharge, and awns stuck behind the third eyelid usually cause squinting and rubbing of the eye, sometimes with severe swelling of the inner eyelids. Cats with an infected grass awn penetration will show signs typical of an infection: lethargy, anorexia, pain or signs of drainage. Any time you see your cats showing any of these signs, have them checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Since most cats that go outside roam freely, it can be difficult to keep them out of grassy fields and roadsides where cheat grass grows. Keep your own yard free of these nasty weeds and try to identify any neighboring areas where they might exist and can be controlled. Keep long haired cats trimmed and free of mats. Check your cats after they have been outdoors. Daily skin and foot inspections plus quick removal will reduce or eliminate potential serious and expensive problems. For more information about pet health and pet insurance, visit www.petsbest.com.

Cat health: Environmental enrichment

Posted on: July 6th, 2011 by

A cat with pet insurance sits on a ledge.

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

We all want the very best for our cats, and that is why many of us choose to keep our cats indoors. This ensures their safety by reducing the chance for pet health problems like injuries and disease, but it also produces some potential health risks of its own.

Cats in the wild are very active day to day, and are mentally stimulated on a continual basis by their surroundings. This is very different from how the typical indoor cat lives. Lack of exercise and minimal mental stimulation can cause physical and emotional stress. Science has found a connection between chronic stress and disease in humans as well as in pets. Chronic stress is thought to play a role in some of the common inflammatory diseases of cats such as interstitial cystitis (sterile inflammation of the bladder) and inflammatory bowel disease (chronic vomiting or diarrhea). Your pampered, well-loved indoor cat certainly may not seem to be under stress, but his or her health could be telling you otherwise. Because these conditions are often seen in indoor cats, it’s still important to consider cat insurance for your indoor pet.

Environmental enrichment is a way of making your home more like the great outdoors for your cat. There are 5 basic categories of life needs that all cats have: territory, food/water, sleeping area, entertainment/exercise, and litter box.

Meeting theses needs for your indoor cat in the most natural way possible to help reduce stress by replacing the stimulation and activity that he would enjoy as an outdoor cat. The goal is to look at how cats act in the wild, and try to simulate that in the home environment. Let’s take a brief look at how this applies to each life needs category.

Territory is of utmost importance to most cats, especially if they share the house with other pets. Even though some cats are very social, they are independent by nature and need a space of their own where they feel safe. Competition among cats in the same house is one of the most common causes for behavioral problems such as urine spraying, defecating or urinating outside the litter box, and destructive scratching. Each cat should have his or her own space, complete with a separate litter box, separate feeding station, and a separate space to spend time or sleep. Even though some cats may be OK with sharing space, you still need to provide this option.

Cats in the wild hunt for their food and may eat up to 20 small meals a day. This is where they get most of their exercise as well as water requirements. By keeping cats indoors, we have created a situation where they must only walk into the next room to eat. They no longer have to work for their food and are much more sedentary than their outside counterparts. They tend to consume too many calories for their activity level which can easily lead to weight gain and obesity with a greater risk of developing diabetes. Although many pet insurance companies cover diabetes, it’s important to monitor your pet’s health through food as well. I currently recommend a diet of mostly canned food to help ensure they get enough moisture and protein. Having fresh water available at all times is still critical, and many cats prefer moving water. This can be offered in the form of a fountain or fish tank bubbler placed in a bowl.

In addition to the proper food, cats need a sleeping place that is quiet and safe. Many cats like to be alone when they sleep, either curled up in or under something or often high up where they are safe and can watch their surroundings. Providing a choice of sleeping areas is ideal. If your cat chooses somewhere to sleep, there is probably a reason. Try to be accommodating if possible. Cats have a sleep and wake cycle that constantly fluctuates. In the wild, cats hunt multiple times a day, so they must nap often to maintain that activity level. It is ideal to provide a number of suitable and attractive napping spots to help keep them happy.

Many indoor cats are lacking in exercise and entertainment. This is easy to encourage, and the sky’s the limit in thinking of inexpensive, creative ways to get your cat moving in both body and mind. Many cat insurance companies, like Pets Best Insurance, provide cat health and exercise tips on their websites. Scratching posts or climbing areas are desirable for helping to remove old nail and to provide for full body stretches, muscle flexing, and physical as well as scent marking.

Offer your cat a variety of scratching options including horizontal and vertical scratching toys as well as different substrates such as sisal rope, carpet, cardboard and wood. The scratching post should be placed in a busy part of the house so the cat is more likely to use it, and placing one near their favorite sleeping spot may increase compliance, as cats like to scratch and stretch as soon as they wake up.

Multiple perches near windows will encourage more jumping and movement during the day. Provide access to shelving or bookcases if possible. Cats have a natural tendency to want to watch their surroundings while feeling safe and hidden at the same time. Plant some flowers that attract bees and butterflies outside windows or install a planter box. Consider a bird feeder, birdbath or squirrel feeder also.

You can feed your cat up off the ground to encourage jumping to get to the meal. Make sure cats with arthritis can still comfortably reach the bowl. Changing the location of the food dish on a regular basis will help keep them active and forces them to “hunt.” Try to hide small portions of your cat’s food around the home on a daily basis. A play-n-treat feeding ball is a fun toy that cats must chase and knock about in order for kibble to be released. It can increase your cat’s activity and stimulate the mind.

There are videos you can play during the day designed just for cats. Play some soothing music while you are away. Cats get bored with toys easily, so rotate the toys every 1-2 weeks. Don’t offer the whole collection at once. Some easy and cost-effective toys to add to the rotation would be: paper grocery bags to play in, large cardboard boxes filled with crumpled paper to hide in, rolled up paper or tinfoil or tape, plastic milk rings, paper Q-tips, catnip stuffed socks. Interactive things that involve both play and exercise include dragging a shoelace on the floor, laser light pointers (never point at eyes), hang a toy from a doorknob, throw dry kibble across the floor as a treat, toss a ball across a hard floor surface, treat balls, playing hide-n-seek with your cat, a ping pong ball in the bathtub, or non-toxic cat bubbles.

Many cats like to chew on grass or houseplants. Offering a source of greens to chew on can help with this natural desire and is safe. Catnip, catmint or wheat grass can all be purchased or grown indoors. I recommend organic to reduce exposure to pesticides. Remember that greens are not a nutritional requirement and may make some cats vomit. There are also some plants that can make cats sick if ingested, so be sure to research which are safe to have in your home.

Some people introduce their cats to a harness, which allows them to be outdoors in the fresh air but under supervision and safe. Screened porches or patios, outdoor enclosures and special fencings are other options available. Remember to consider flea control during summer months if needed. Some pet insurance companies will even help cover a portion of these costs.

You may want to consider adopting a companion cat if you only have one. This can help provide company and a playmate. Slow introduction is important to make the new addition work.

In the wild, cats void in a new, clean spot every time. The litter boxes we provide are not at all like what they would choose outdoors in their natural environment. The goal is to make sure the cat box is the most attractive place so they will not be tempted to go somewhere else in the house. Attractiveness to a cat includes cleanliness, safety, and convenience. There are some basic rules to follow to help keep your cat happy. Following these will help prevent behavioral issues such as urine marking or defecating outside the box.

-Have a minimum of one box per cat and at least one box per level of house.

-Place the boxes in separate locations around the house to provide options.

-Use unscented, scoopable litter, preferably low dust.

-Don’t place the box near noisy appliances or air ducts.

-Scoop the box at least 1x daily and clean the entire box monthly with unscented soap and water, not disinfectants or cleaning products.

-Litter box covers trap odors inside and may make your cat feel trapped so remove them.

-Offer the largest boxes possible. I prefer plastic storage containers to actual cat boxes.

Remember to think like a cat! Consider how a cat behaves naturally in the wild and then try to enrich the home environment to provide similar opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. Your cat will be happier and healthier for it!

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