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Cat Tips

National Kitten Day!

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It’s National Kitten Day, have you hugged your kitten today? July 10,2023 marks National Kitten Day, a day to love, hug, kiss, spoil, and snuggle with your favorite tiny feline.

From stripes, tuxedos, Siamese, calicos, long-hair, short-hair, and no hair, kittens are adorably sweet and charming to most people.

Whether it’s their innocent antics at getting into trouble, their soft mews, tiny teeth, pink noses and paws, or wobbly struts, a kitten is one of the most charming and lovable pets.

Cats are More Popular than Dogs

According to the American Humane Society, 95.6 million cats were owned compared to 83.3 million households who owned a dog.

While The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa loves both dogs and cats, some people find cats are much easier to own.

Going out of town? A cat can be left with food, water, and a litter box for a day or two with a neighbor or friend checking on them.

They sleep most of the day, rising around dusk to play or hunt in the wild. But give them a few toys to paw, chase, grab, and bat at, and they are undeniably content.

Throw in a cat tree to scratch on and climb, and you have brought the wonders of the wild into the home while you are away temporarily.

Keep the TV set to the nature channel or better yet, open the blinds to watch real nature in action and your cat is content for awhile.

Better yet, board your cat at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Our felines have their own separate cat condos away from the dogs where they get constant attention in fully climate-controlled areas to perch, play, and relax.

Dogs, on the other hand, need exercise, to be let out to do their business, and can be more destructive when bored and left alone. While a few chewies or interactive toys can occupy them for a short while, a dog needs his person and more attention.

So for these reasons, it is understandable why there may be more cats in households than dogs.

Tips for Getting a New Kitten

We are in the middle of kitten season and an unaltered cat can produce over 180 kittens in a lifetime (source). One of the most healthy acts you can do is spay or neuter your kitten. Unaltered cats are more at risk for disease, marking, wandering, and fighting. Kittens can be altered at 2 lbs which is usually between 8-10 weeks of age, depending on the kitten.

Vaccines such as FVRCP and rabies will protect your cat from unwanted diseases. FeLV is another vaccine that is optimal for kittens.

Micorchipping your kitten is also a great idea. While many people have every intention of keeping their cat inside, invariably, a curious cat may sneak out an unattended door. Microchipping your cat can insure that you are contacted if someone finds your cat.

Now that you have your cat’s health in check, it’s time to provide them with the nutrition and stimulation they need in order to keep them safe, healthy, and well-cared for.

What to Provide for Your New Kitten

A new kitten will need to be kept inside for weeks so that it can acclimate to its new home. Confining it to a small bedroom is a great idea to keep the cat secure, safe, and from getting lost inside a home!

Give your new kitten a place to feel secure and provide blankets or bedding. Offer toys of differing interests such as squeaky toys, balls, springs, boxes to hide in, or simple items it can throw up and chase.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on toys! Even the plastic twist off a milk jug makes a fine kitten toy to bat around for hours!

Feathered wands with bells are fun to swat and bat but avoid yard or string in the event the kitten swallows it.

Cat trees are great for cats to naturally scratch on and will take the place of your furniture. Scratching comes naturally to a cat whose nails need to be trimmed as well. It’s best you provide the scratching post or your cat may choose your furniture to scratch!

Food bowls and water in bowls or fountains should be available 24/7 at first. Provide a high quality food, especially wet food. Cats need water through their diet to avoid a urinary tract infection which can be very painful or deadly.

Give Your Cat Love and Attention and Space

Cats develop their own personalities and often pick their favorite person to love. Kittens will feel more secure if given love and attention, but should also be given space to explore, roam, and be alone.

If you do need to leave your cat for short periods of time, leaving a tv or radio on will give it the feeling it is not alone which will help it from feeling abandoned or developing separation anxiety.

Today’s technology also allows you to set up monitors to watch and talk to your cats throughout the day!

Happy National Kitten Day!

From our felines at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to yours, Happy National Kitten Day! For information about boarding your kitten, reach out to us!

Do Animals Dream? What Do They Dream About?

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Happy Dreams after a day at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The other night my dog, Lola, was sleeping on my bed and she started whimpering. Her feet started moving in a running motion and her eyes, while shut, twitched.

I patted her gently to reassure her she was safe, and I was there to protect her. Her frantic motions and whimpering stopped without her waking up, at least to my knowledge.

Last night, my cat, Turkey (yes, we have a cat named Turkey), was sound asleep on my chest. Suddenly and without any warning to me, he jumped up, opened his eyes, and looked around. He immediately settled back to sleep with no further jumping motions.

These actions, and years of watching my many animals and fosters make motions when they sleep, made me question if animals dream like humans do, and if they do, what do they dream about?

Mammals Do Dream During REM

According to an article in Psychology Today, mammals do dream during periods of REM sleep, our deepest sleep cycle. REM, Rapid Eye Movement, allows for vivid dreams and occurs during the end of the sleep cycle (source).

If your dog or cat is experiencing twitching sensations, it is in REM sleep and dreaming about a sensation it experienced during wakefulness.

So, the dog moving its legs in a running or swimming motion is very likely chasing the ball you threw it, re-enacting the swim it took, or possibly running from something frightening.

In my case, my dogs’ whimpers may have been from a trauma she suffered before we adopted her just a few months ago.

Turkey jumped in fear of something, and for Turkey, that something could be his own shadow, as he really is a scaredy cat.

Animals Dream Based on Their Sensory Factor

Daniel Graham, Ph.D. explains that animals dream based on what senses they use most often. Cats, Dr. Graham said, explore the world visually, so their dreams would be based upon actions, events, people, or animals they see.

Mice, on the other hand, experience the world via smell. So, their dreams are about food, flowers, garbage, other mice, or whatever fascinating item they smelled that day.

Imagine dreaming in smells over sights. That dream experience could be wonderful if you visited a bakery, flower shop, or bread store; if you visited the junkyard or changed your baby’s dirty diaper, you may not want to go to sleep that night.

Should You Wake a Dog or Cat if it is Having a Bad Dream?

Perhaps the phrase, “let sleeping dogs lie” should be rephrased to “let dogs experiencing what looks like a nightmare lie.”

When your dog or cat is experiencing what appears to be a nightmare-legs twitching, eyes blinking rapidly, body shaking, voice whimpering, it’s best not to wake your dog or cat.

The dog or cat may awaken in a dream state (similar to when we wake not knowing where we are or what day it is) and cause injury to you, thinking you are part of its dream (source).

If your dog or cat is having a bad dream, gently call its name until it comes out of the dream state.

No Bad Dreams at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is such a fun, active, and safe place that we can’t imaging your dog or cat going to sleep afraid or experiencing nightmares.

During our boarding sessions, dogs get story time with our friendly and compassionate staff, and then they get tucked into our soft beds!

Cats get purr time when they are boarded, with staff making sure all bedding is soft and clean and nightmare free! Our cats are houses away from the dogs, making their stay quiet, peaceful, and serene.

Book Your Stay at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the premier dream destination for your dog or cat. We would love to have your dog or cat stay with us. Simply click here to make your reservation!

Why Two Kittens are Better than One!

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It’s kitten season, and that means there are an abundance of cute kittens needing furever homes. Shelters and rescue organizations are full of darling kittens in all colors and personalities, each one deserving a home.

The decision of which kitten to choose can often be overwhelming, and an emotional tug-of-war with the heart, especially when there are a pile of kittens sleeping, wrestling, or meowing at you through cages or plexiglass.

The responsible pet owner also knows that consideration needs to be given to meeting the kitten’s needs, from acclimating them to being alone for the first time, providing the emotional comfort they crave, taking the time to play with them, stimulating their playful nature so they don’t get bored and destructive, and keeping them happy and healthy for as many as 20+ years.

So what do you do when you find multiple kittens vying for your affection and attention? What do you do when you just can’t decide between a pair of adorable kittens? You adopt both!

Reasons to Adopt a Pair of Kittens

We can certainly understand the anxiety and concern that may come from adopting a pair of kittens, but in reality, two fur babies is better than adopting just one, and here’s why.

  • Exposing a kitten to a new environment, in this case your house, is stressful and scary for the kitten. A sibling can make the transition more comfortable and soothe the kittens. A well- adjusted kitten means a happy adult cat.
  • Kittens can bond in pairs. Separating a bonded pair is emotionally devastating for the kitten. Sometimes the two kittens depend on each other to bring out the best in the other cat. Or, sometimes a shier kitten can learn from the more outgoing kitten and then you have two well-adjusted kittens.
  • Grooming a friend creates bonding. Cats groom themselves frequently. A pair will often groom each other creating a healthy disposition, a clean cat, and a natural way to keep each other company.
  • Kittens play a lot! Sometimes, kittens play at night which can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. When two kitten have each other to play with, they are less likely to seek attention from you, leaving you to slumber peacefully.
  • A duo of wrestling kittens provides a lot of fun and laughter. This momentum is not only good for the kittens to get exercise, it also provides healthy emotional support for you. Who has a bad day when kittens wiggle their bums and stalk each other?
  • Kittens can share toys and beds! Playing ball or chasing a fluffy toy mouse is equally fun when it’s done with a friend! Cat beds are equally meant to appeal to a pair of kittens who want to nap close together after a long day of playing!
  • Kittens teach each other behaviors that their human owners cannot. Kittens learn how to play and hunt from each other. Have you ever tried to teach a kitten that biting is painful? We feel your throbbing finger! Kittens can correct each other’s behavior in ways humans cannot.
  • Cats live in colonies and are not solo animals. Therefore, bringing home two kittens provides a more natural way to live than just being a solo cat.
  • Your current cat may not like an annoying little kitten. Just as older brothers and sisters can sometimes get annoyed by the needy little brother or sister, your older cat may not appreciate you bringing home a new kitten and expecting them to get along. Starting with two kittens eases the burden of having to introduce a new kitten to your current cat and eliminates the issues that may come with that new dynamic.
  • You have saved two lives instead of one, created double the cuteness, and may have just saved your couch or chair from the destruction of a bored kitten!

Considerations for Adopting Two Kittens

As long as you are able to afford the expense of feeding two cats and the medical costs that come with having multiple pets, it might just as well be in your favor to adopt a pair of kittens this kitten season.

Traditionally, you would want three litter boxes, one for each cat plus an extra. These can be placed around the home, garage, mudroom, bathroom, etc., and when cleaned as they are used, do not create excessive odor or work. Getting in the habit of keeping boxes clean is a huge time saver and game changer!

Need a Cat Sitter? Look No Further Than The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers cat boarding! Vacation in peace knowing your cat will be taken care of and staying in a most luxury cattery. Picture a four-level condo far, far away from the annoyance of dogs! With comfy bedding, soothing music, staff on premise, and cat whisperers who provide all of the love and affection your would provide, you can enjoy a guilt-free vacation!

Click here for reservations!

Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe

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The happiness, health, and safety of your pets is a priority at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Anyone who has been to our facility for grooming, doggie daycare, or pet boarding understands how much we love your pets as well as our own.

As the summer approaches, we thought it would be a doggone good idea to provide you with Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe.

Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Car

No matter how quick you think your errand is going to be and how much you and your pet love going for drives in the car, never leave your pet unattended in a car.

The temperature outside is no indication of the temperature that quickly rises in a car. The temperature inside of a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees even if windows are cracked.

While we know how much fun it is for both our pets and us to spend time together, when it’s hot outside, please leave your pets at home!

Time Your Walks for Cooler Weather

Take walks in the early am or evening when it is cooler. Dog paw pads are sensitive to hot asphalt and can burn.

Also, dogs who exercise in the hot sun can suffer from heat stroke, which can be debilitating and deadly.

Older dogs, those that are overweight, and breeds with flat noses are particularly susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs with heart and lung issues should be monitored carefully.

Possible signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Abnormal breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Collapsing or weakness on feet
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Seizure
  • Bright red gums

If your dog is acting abnormally, especially in the heat, please contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital immediately.

Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather

With temperatures outside rising during the summer, it’s imperative that your pet has adequate conditions to keep them cool.

Basic necessities such as shade, cool water, escape from the elements, and air conditioning will keep your pets safe, happy, comfortable, and thriving.

If you need to leave your dog outside for any length of time in hot weather, give it fresh, cold water, and a way to escape from the sun.

Add fans or turn on the air conditioner when inside the home.

Long-haired animals are especially susceptible to heat even in the 70’s, so it’s very important to take precautions to keep their temperature down.

Dogs pant to cool themselves, as they are unable to perspire as humans do.

So, consider what your needs are to make yourself comfortable and offer the same to your pet, especially as the Tri-Valley is set to experience a heat wave.

Be Careful Around Swimming Pools       

If you have a water dog, you will probably not be able to keep him out of the water. But some dogs can’t swim or tire easily and can actually drown.

Make sure your pet is supervised during any water activity.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy summer.

We hope our summer tips will provide you the best protection to keep your pets around for a long time.

It’s Kitten Season, a Pawsitively Purrfect Time to Add a Family Member or Two to Your Household

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Two little striped kittens with blue eyes on green grass

Spring has sprung and along with the birds and the bees, the flowers and pollen in the trees, comes kitten season. Kitten season happens as the weather warms up and continues until October or for warmer seasons, until the end of the year.

For many households, kitten season marks the perfect time to bring home a new kitten or two or maybe even a momma and her baby.

Believe or not, adopting two cats at the same time is easier than one. Not only will the two entertain each other, but they will find comfort in each other, and what’s not to love about two new cats or kittens!

Choosing the Right Kitten for Your Household

Kittens are cute and playful and fun, but choosing the right kitten for your household is a serious decision. When you consider the lifespan of a cat can reach up to 20+ years, you need to make sure you are committed to caring for that kitten that will turn into an aging cat.

Once you have committed to providing a safe, comfortable, secure, loving environment for your new kitten, it’s time to choose the one or pair that is right for you!

Look for a kitten that has bright eyes, well-kept fur, and no signs of disease or illness such as diarrhea or wounds.

Ask to hold your kitten to see if its temperament is one that matches yours. Often, kittens will want to cuddle up and take a cat nap depending on what time of day it is. But don’t pass up a sleepy kitten and confuse it for not being playful. Like babies, kittens will sleep a majority of the day.

Often, your kitten will choose you! Be open to accepting a kitten or pair that isn’t the one you have chosen based upon a picture or description.

What to Consider with Bonded Kittens

Bonded kittens require the partnership of each other. The special bond between two cats who groom each other, sleep with each other, and play with each other should not be broken; separating bonded cats causes trauma, stress and depression. The pair has a special relationship that requires the other kitten to be a part of its life. Consider bonded kittens BFFs for life!

Adopt a Pair of Kittens Through a Local Rescue Shelter

Local rescue shelters depend on the kindness of kitten lovers to adopt the millions of kittens that are brought into shelters during kitten season. Often rescuers at these shelters house the kittens and can give you more information about their personality, assuring a great match!

Rescue shelters ask a nominal fee for the adoption of a kitten and often give a reduced price for a pair of kittens. The rescue shelter will perform a health check on the kittens, often spay and neuter them, microchip them, and give them shots appropriate to their ages.

When you adopt from a rescue shelter, you make room for other kittens and cats to be put into foster care, saving even more lives.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Offers Cat Boarding

When you need to take time away from your kittens, you can count on The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to board your feline friends. We give all the time, attention, love and care that you would normally do for your kittens.

Cats and kittens are housed separately from their barking neighbors, since we know felines require a bit more of a quiet environment.

Think of our cat boarding facility as a home away from home. The purrfect place to stretch, nap, play, and find the comfort and love they deserve.

Contact us to reserve your cat’s vacation!

Consider Adopting a Pet During the Holidays? Here are Some Tips for Success!

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Cat and dog under a christmas tree. Pets under plaid

Adding a new dog or cat to your family is an exciting time for sure! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a fluffy new kitten or a roly poly puppy?

But even when a new pet is given with the greatest of intentions by the most well-meaning people, the sad truth of the matter is that many puppies and kittens who were lovingly gifted on Christmas get returned to the shelter.

The idea of surprising loved ones with a new pet is great! Until the reality sets in and the new pet becomes a chore to take care of. Or until the new puppy eats Aunt Lucy’s favorite slippers; or gets sick after eating something it shouldn’t; or has accidents because people forget how much work it is to potty train a puppy; or bites someone out of sheer fear of all these hands and faces wanting to get right up and close to the new pet.

If you are considering adopting a pet for the holidays, here are some tips for success!

  • Make certain the person/people you are gifting the pet to want a pet
  • Take seriously the responsibilities of a new pet-remember to consider its needs of food and water, exercise, medical care, training, toys, bedding, collars/leashes, treats
  • Make sure you can care for any medical needs beyond annual vaccinations
  • Give the pet ample time to settle into the family and give it time and space away from festivities. Animals get scared and need a safe place to hide, rest, and acclimate.
  • Consider a gift certificate in place of a pet so the recipient can choose his or her own pet
  • Understand a pet is for life-not just the holidays
  • Prepare in advance for the new pet by decluttering and keeping food and poisonous plants away. Click here for a link to foods to avoid during the holidays. Click here for a list of toxic plants that can cause death or illness to pets.
  • Enjoy this special time! Take pictures and videos and come join us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for doggie daycare, doggie boarding, cat boarding, or dog grooming.

Adoption Fees Waived at Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton

If you are considering a new addition to the family this holiday season, consider adopting a pet from the Valley Humane Society. Adoption fees are being waived for the month of December which allows you even more money to spoil your new pet!

For more information on adopting a pet from Valley Humane Society, check out this article in The Pleasanton Patch.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Wishes all of You a Very Happy Holiday Season!

From our hooman and pet families to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season full of laughter, good food, friendship, health, peace, joy, and memories!

Whether you are staying home or traveling, we want to wish you and yours the very safest and merriest of holidays!