Why Cats Need Breakaway Collars

Breakaway cat collars are designed so when the collar has pressure the buckle will open and the cat will be released from the collar.  Breakaway collars are essential for all outdoor cats.  It protects the cat from getting hung up on a branch or fence post.

There are many types of breakaway cat collars, some are plain with bell and identification tag and others are reflective which allows motorist to see the cat on the street and the pet owner to view the cat in their yard or in a dark room. 

Cat Breakaway collar with bell

Both indoor-outdoor cats need breakaway collars with an identification tag.  These collars are helpful especially if the cat wanders off and gets lost.

Example:  A few years back there was a tornado and all of our cats got outside from a broken window.  Luckily they all had their collars on and identification tags and all were returned to us.

When it comes to cat safety I usually buy breakaway collars in bulk.  I look for them when they are on sale and buy as many as I can.  All cats that go outdoors wear a breakaway collar that has their identification tag.

Cat Collar - Size and Fit
Make sure the breakaway cat collar is the right size.  Measure your cats neck and then buy a collar that is one inch larger. If your cats neck is 8 inches get a 9 inch collar.

You can adjust the collar to fit your cat's neck.  Proper fit is important.   I do not put the collar on tight; a collar that allows two fingers to fit in-between your cat’s neck and the collar is a good fit.  Also make sure that the collar will move freely from side to side on your cat’s neck.

Cat Collar Safety Tips:

1. Allow the cat to get use to the collar by putting the collar on the cat while they are in the house.  Once the cat is use to the collar they will not try to get it off.
2. Get a Reflective Safe Cat collar that is visible up to 600 feet.
3. Thin safety collars are good for cats that are not use to collars.  Allow the cat to get use to safety collar before going outdoors.  Make sure it is a good fit and that the cat will not be able to get paw up under the collar. 
4. Collars with bells are good especially for birds, they will know when your outdoor cat is close.  Bells will also give you an idea as to where your cat is.
5. Okay to buy small dog breakaway collar (toy breed) for your cat.

Breakaway Collar Warnings:

1. Never glue the buckle on a cat collar shut. 

1. Check collars with bells to make sure the bell is attached securely.  If it is loose it is better to remove the bell as your cat may swallow it.

My Garage Keeps Outdoor Cats Warm in Winter

 Feral cats and outdoor cats need protection from the winter weather.  One way to keep the cats warm in winter is provide them with a section in your garage for shelter. 


As a colony caregiver to 10 feral cats, I provide the cats with igloo cat houses and insulated kitty tubes that are overstuffed with straw.  I set the cat houses in my garage shelter  

Straw Cat bed in Heated Garage Shelter

 
Tonight's weather forecast is calling for two feet of show and I need to set up the garage shelter so feral cats will be warm.  I will provide extra straw bedding for the cats and heat the garage during the night hours when the temperature drops to the single digits with a wind chill of -5.  

To heat the garage overnight we are setting up the kerosene heater in the center of the room.  The cat igloos are off to the side a good 7 feet away from the heater. 

The feral and stray cats have been coming into the garage through the kitty door that I installed and are accustomed to the heater as I use it often during the winter when I am doing hobbies.   The cats will sneak in and hide while I work in the back of the garage.

What I like about this kerosene heater is that it heats up a 1000sqr foot room and it is easy to ignite the 1.9 gallon fuel which provides heat for 10 hours.  Whenever we light this heater either my husband and I will spend the night in the garage,  We will work on crafts or I will tend to my greenhouse garden but we never leave this heater unattended.


Tonight the cats in the garage will be warm and cozy. I will ignite the heater at 11 pm and it will heat the garage until 5 am. My husband is working in the garage during that time frame to make sure that the cats are safe.  Then the sun will come out and the rays will heat the southern side of the garage. 

Feral Cat sleeping in straw bed inside garage shelter

During the day we will use an electric garage heater. The heater is mounted to the wall and it provides heat to the back section of the garage. The heater has a built-in thermostat and will turn off when it reaches that temperature.  

This garage heater will take the chill out of a space of 500 feet. I can work comfortably in the garage as long as I have a polar fleece jacket on and the cats are comfortable in their beds of straw.

Garage Ceiling-Mount 5000 Watt Electric Heater

Note from Author:

My husband and I are feral cat colony caregivers, we feed, trap, and get the cats medical care.  Some cats are socialized and adopted into forever homes and the other wild feral cats live in a colony.  We watch over the cats and we protect them from harm.  We work together to save the feral, stray, and abandoned cats in our community.

Setting up Winter Shelters for Feral Cat

Today while hiking in the woods I observed one cat busy digging a hole close to fallen branches.  I suspect that is where the cat intends to ride out the storm. 

Normally the feral cats can be viewed lying in the sun or scratching on a stump but today the forest cats were scarce.  I suspect they are hunkering down in their thicket dens because of the severe weather alert for blizzard conditions.

When I returned from my hike in the woods one of the colony volunteers greeted me.  She had bought a bale of straw for the cat houses. We went to the garage and took steps to block the arctic winds with heavy thermal blankets.  

Cat sleeping in straw bed inside garage shelter

We covered the walls and the windows with this insulation. My old garage provides a dry shelter where there are straw insulated beds, cat houses and kitty tubes for any outdoor cat; stray, abandoned or feral.  There is a kitty door and any cat is welcome to the shelter.

A few of the cats that are terrified of humans and other cats will not go into the garage shelter so for them we have set up outdoor cat houses and tubes, however there are a few  cats that prefer a more rustic shelter and for them I made a shelter more to their liking.  

I turned the wheelbarrow up against the side of my garage, covered the top with plywood to block wind and water and then covered it with logs and tree branches to make it look like a forest thicket.  There are logs on both sides and in the center three feet of straw.  This man made shelter is a very popular winter resting spot for the feral cats. 

 
 The other cat shelters are set in safe areas in my yard.  I set the outdoor cat houses in areas that are away from human and dog traffic.  A few were tucked behind the ornamental grass garden, and one was set behind the evergreen shrubs.  The wooden cat houses that were donated in the fall are hidden from view also however and one serves as a feeding station as it has a metal over hang. 

View this YouTube video to learn how to make an insulated cat shelter from a beverage cooler:

 

Adopting a Shelter Cat

Before you go to the animal shelter to adopt your new cat it is best to get your home and the cats safe room ready.  The safe room is where you will keep the cat while they get acclimated to your new home.  It is not wise to release a new cat into your home and expect every animal to welcome them.  It takes time and it is less stressful on everyone if you socialize the new cat with home and other pets. 

 What Cat is Right for You

Decide on the type of cat that would be best for your family.  Do this by reading cat magazines and cat breed books.  Familiarizing yourself with the many breeds of cats, by learning more about the cat's characteristics and mannerisms you will be able to adopt the cat that is suited to your lifestyle.  I adopted a blue point Siamese cat.  This cat is sweet, loving and I was able to teach to retrieve a toy mouse.  The cat has a lot of energy and his characteristics and mannerisms may not be a good fit for all families.   The animal shelters have all breeds of cats as well as alley cats so it is best to read up on cats before you adopt a cat from a shelter.  Another thing to consider is the hair length of the cat.  A long haired cat will need to be brushed on a regular basis whereas a short haired cat does not need as much care.

Choosing a Shelter Cat

When you arrive at the shelter tell the worker what type of cat you are looking for; particular breed, age of cat, color, hair type.  If you want a kitten then you will be taken to the kitten room.  If you want a mature cat that tends to sleep more than play then the worker will show you where you can find this type of cat.

Approach the cats in the crates slowly and refrain from talking loudly.  The cats know that you are there, there is no need to announce your presence.  Stand directly outside of the crate and speak softly to the cat.  Watch to see if the cat comes to greet you.  Does the cat rub on the bars?  If so pet the cat through the bars and continue to talk softly to the cat. Does the cat purr?  If so then this cat likes you and would like to bond with you.  Ask the shelter worker if you could get a closer look at the cat.  They will take the cat and put them in an area where you can interact with the cat.

Shelter Cat Checklist

Before you adopt the cat or kitten from the shelter, check the cats medical records.

Has the cat been tested for Feline Leukemia and other contagious cat viruses.

Is the cat current with vaccines?

Does the cat need to be wormed for intestinal parasites?

Does the cat have fleas, ticks or ear mites?

Does the cat need to be spayed or neutered?

Make an appointment for a wellness check up for the new cat.  All new cats must be checked by veterinarian before you socialize them with your pets. Bring the cats paperwork from the shelter with you and give to your veterinarian.  This paperwork will help your veterinarian to determine what medical care is needed for the adopted cat.

Notes from SGolis:

The cats in the back of the crates that will not look at you may be afraid of humans or they may be lonesome for their previous owner, take in consideration that these cats may have been surrendered by a lifelong master that may have had to go to a nursing home.  Read the chart on the cat to learn more about the cat.  The cat may be shy because they are lonesome for their master.

I have adopted a mature cat that had been surrendered by the family when the cat's master had died.   The cat was mourning the loss of their master.  I took the cat and socialized it for 30 days.  The cat was sweet and loving and was the perfect match for my friend who had recently lost her cat.  Cats may suffer from heartache however they do have the ability to forget the loss and they will love again.  They just need time to acclimate to their new home.

Whenever I bring a new cat into the home I will set up a safe room and treat the room with a Feliway diffuser.  I plug the diffuser into electrical outlet and it emits a scent that is soothing to the cat.  It is a good way to keep the cat happy and comfortable in new home.  

Adopt the cat that chooses you, they will do this by rubbing on you, purring and talking to you.  Cats are good judge of character and they can sense the type of person that you.

Outdoor Cat Cottage and Garden Ideas

An outdoor cottage with a plant friendly garden for your cats will provide your pets with an area where they can play and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. 

Cats love being inside when it rains or when it is cold outside. However, when the sun is out and it is warm weather, cats all dream of going outside to play in the yard. 

Normally I allow my 5 cats to lounge on my sun porch however they are always scratching at the door to get outdoors.  From the looks on their face I know that they would prefer to roll around on the grass and watch the birds and butterflies.

I talked it over with my husband and we decided to install an enclosure and cat garden for our cats. Our yard has a privacy fence, however wildlife still enters our yard so we needed to install a cat enclosure, which would serve the purpose of a cottage for our beloved kitties.  

My husband did a cost estimate; he totaled up the price of wood and all supplies needed to make the enclosure and decided that it would cost less to modify a chicken coup kit. 

What we like about the chicken coup is that it made from quality lumber and galvanized wire that will keep our cats paws inside and will prevent outdoor cats or dogs from having access to our cats. Also there is a covered shelter for the cats where they can go to get a bite to eat or drink of water and to rest.

My husband thought the Ware Manufacturing Premium Plus Chick-N-Pen that we bought at Amazon.com was a  good savings because for him to buy products and then install it would would end up costing him more plus time and labor.

We set up the outdoor cat enclosure for our cats in a shady area in the yard that was close to our flagstone patio.  This location would allow us to interact with the cats while resting on patio and I could also view the cats from the kitchen window.  

 Before installing the outdoor cat enclosure, I designed a garden for the cats.  This garden would be inside the chicken coup. 

Installing Outdoor Cat Enclosure

After we finished the design for the cat garden we then set up the chicken coup around the cat grasses and other cat friendly plants.  Assembly was easy and because the grass was planted as a seed under soil we did not worry about walking on it. 

Tips:

• We insulated the indoor section so that the cats would be protected from extreme heat or cold.  The shelter is where the cats could lie or get a bite to eat or drink. We needed to modify this section so that it was comfortable for cats.
• The cat grass grew in and was rather tall.  We did not clip it back because it provided the cats with a fun area where they could hide.
• In the summer we provided the cat's with an oscillating fan on the outside  of the coup to provide the cats with air circulation.
• The cats loved going outdoors to play in their cat garden and enclosure.  We would allow them to spend the morning outdoors but on days when the heat was extreme we brought them indoors. 
• Clean sandbox daily and change the sand one to two times monthly. 
• If you have a small yard you could consider a small safety playhouse for the cats.  This cat enclosure will provide your cats with fresh air and will keep them safe provided stray dogs do not enter your yard.  It is best to set up the this playhouse in a yard that has a fence or in an area where you can keep a watchful eye on your cats.  This cat playhouse is not recommended for cats with claws or for aggressive cats that do not like to be confined. 
• Be creative and paint your cat cottage so it will be eye appealing for your neighbors.

 

 

Setup Cat Room - Socializing New Cats

Setup a room for your cats and benefit by knowing that they are in a secure area.  This cat room will provide new cats with comfort and security.  The cat room can be an over-sized crate-cage or it can be a separate room or closet in your home that is for cats only. 

When I am away from my home or when I have guest coming to my home I will put my 5 cats in the safe room and shut the door.  I then know that they are out of harms ways and that they won’t sneak out an open door.  My cats enjoy their time in their room.  In their minds I am certain that they think of it as a playroom.  When it is time for me to go to work, I will open the door and use my clicker to call them.   All of the cats will run into the room and sit patiently for their treat.

Setting up Cat Room

Make a list of the requirement for the room; no furniture of value; add a chair, futon or old sofa to the room, cover the floors with Berber carpet or tile and provide the cats with heat and air-conditioned.   A room with a window would be nice as all cats enjoy looking at the world outdoors. 

Choose a room that will provide your cat with comfort.  Consider a large closet.  Remove everything from the closet; leave the shelves as cats enjoy climbing.  Install a cat climber to the backside of the door; I saw one at amazon.com that was quite nice.  The  multilevel climber will provide your cat’s with hours of enjoyment.  

Cats like to hide so provide them with cat furniture that allows them to hide. Buy them a cat playhouse or multilevel hideout.  My kitty safe room is 9 x 11 and the cat hideout provides my 5 cats with an area where they can hide or sleep in peace. 

Make sure there is a ceiling light, as well as heat or air.  The closet must be large enough to allow the cat to move around and to be comfortable.  Consider changing the closet door to a clear glass French door with kitty door or leave the door cracked so kitty can go in or out.   That way the cat can see out into the other rooms and you can check your cats without disturbing them.  

Know that the cat safe room is a blessing especially if you have company.  You put the cats in the room and you do not have to worry about a exterior door being left open and cat getting  out.

Add to the cat room the following products;  litter box, scratching post, cat tree, toys, bedding, cat food and water bowls.  Choose bouncy cat toys like a spring with a ball attached or plastic balls with bell for them to chase. 

Tips:

• When you cannot supervise your cat then put their room. 
• Use the cat room as an isolation room for all new cat’s coming into the household.
• If cat gets sick, isolate them from other cats by keeping ill cat in this safety room.
• Set up a cat crate /cage if you do not have a room.
• If your cat is accustomed to having free run of the entire house, spray the cat room with Feliway behavior modifier (Chewy.com has the best prices on cat products.)  Feliway behavior modifier will keep your cat happy, by making feel less anxious.  It is fantastic for calming a stressed out cat.

Here is a video that will show you how to set up a cat room.  Know that it is best to keep this room intact because your cat will return to this area because it is their safe space.  

Here is an excellent video that will show you how to introduce your new kitten to your cat.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips for Cats

8-wk old kitten in tree

Cats are naturally attracted to Christmas trees and the heat from the lights so when it comes to decorating your home you will need to train your cat boundaries.  Stop your cats before they have a chance to hide, climb, mark or use your tree as a scratching post. 

Christmas is the time of year when pet owners need to step up their pet training or else the cat will take over and make a mess of the holiday tree or they may get tangled up in the lights.   Learn some basic tips that will keep your tree and cat safe this Christmas.

Step 1
Stop your cats from climbing up the tree or using your Christmas decorations as their private playground.  Keep your tree safe from the cat by securing it to the ceiling. Achieve this by installing a ceiling hook above the tree and then tie clear fishing line to the top of the tree and then loop the line through the ceiling hook and secure with a double knot.  
Step 2
Purchase unbreakable ornaments and attach them to the tree with ribbon.  Buy thin ribbon that coordinates with your Christmas theme and put the ribbon though the ornament loop. 
Tie the ornament to the branch with a bow.  The ornament is securely attached to the tree and you need not worry about it falling to the floor. You just prevented a serious accident by keeping your cats safe from harm.
 Step 3 
Teach your cat to stay away from Christmas tree with SSSCAT Cat Training.  This product is a harmless motion activated compressed air spray with an alarm that scares you cat every time they get close to the tree.  SSScat repels the cat up to three feet.  Your cat will quickly learn the house rules. 
 Step 4 
Another way to keep cats away from the Christmas tree is to buy Contech stay away motion detector.  It is basically the same principal as the SSS cat spray training however the quality is better as you have two different repellents; sound with the odorless compressed air spray or sound only.  The spray is long lasting as you get 200 sprays per can. 

  

Tips:

Fill live tree water tank with pure water.  Do not add any preservatives or chemicals to the water.  If you cat does not drink the water then your dog will.

Your cat can harm themselves in the light wires.  It is best to buy artificial tree that has the lights securely attached to the branches or you should use plastic straps to secure lights to branches.  

Warnings do not decorate Christmas tree with tinsel. 

Cover the extension cords and light strands on the floor with PVC pipe this is a good way to prevent your cat from getting tangled in the cords.

Supervise your cat while they are in the Christmas room, chances are they will be the perfect pet.  Cats usually experiment with the Christmas tree when their owners are away.