The post Are Emotional Support Vests Necessary for Cats? Recommendations &; FAQs by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are categorized apart from service animals and‚ therefore‚ are subject to their own rules‚ regulations‚ and requirements. They’re essential animals who provide comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions. To qualify for an ESA‚ animals in the United States are generally required to get a prescription letter from a mental health professional documenting the existence of a mental health condition. While ESAs aren’t required to wear vests in public‚ having a service cat vest that identifies the animal as an ESA may smooth things along in some situations. How Are Service Animals Defined? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)‚ a service animal must be trained to provide an individual with a disability with assistance linked to the disability. Common examples of service animals include guide dogs for individuals who have trouble seeing and dogs trained to help those who suffer from seizures. The ADA currently doesn’t recognize cats as service animals. ESAs receive protection from the way they’re treated in other laws‚ such as the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act; they’re not directly referenced in the ADA‚ but many states and localities have laws that apply. Image Credit: Sari ONeal‚ Shutterstock What Are the Factors to Consider When Selecting Vests for Cats? Keep in mind that cats performing emotional support duties are likely to be engaged in activities for long periods‚ so they need to be comfortable not only wearing a vest but keeping it on for a few hours at a stretch. Breathable fabrics that aren’t too heavy are great options since they won’t cause cats to overheat when the mercury rises. Most harnesses fasten around the neck and under cats’ bellies‚ right behind their front paws. This setup ensures any tugging or pressure when leashed is distributed throughout the cats’ torsos instead of being concentrated on the neck. Careful measurements should be taken to ensure the harness fits properly to prevent cats from getting loose. How to Get Cats Used to Wearing Vests Cats can often be trained to wear vests and harnesses relatively easily. Start off by allowing them to just get a good sniff of the contraption; after a day or so‚ try putting it on them for a short bit and make sure to provide lots of treats during the interaction to ensure the cat develops positive associations with wearing a vest. End the encounter before things become frustrating. Keep going until the cat is comfortable wearing the vest for extended periods like they would if sporting it in public. Cats should always be supervised when wearing harnesses to ensure they don’t get caught on something and end up injuring themselves or getting stuck. Image Credit: Goldeneden‚ Shutterstock How to Train Cats to Walk on a Leash Because keeping cats comfortable and under control while acting as ESAs is critical‚ leash training can make it easier for them to navigate public places safely. Once the cat is okay wearing their harness‚ you can attach the leash and practice walking with them indoors. You can take your cat outside and practice walking around the yard before going on a long walk. Treats are useful in encouraging cats to participate in activities involving vests and leashes. Remember to keep training sessions short and sweet to prevent your cat from becoming bored and losing interest. Are There Other Options for Transporting Cats? Hard and soft-sided traditional carriers can make it difficult to get around with a cat in tow‚ but there are alternatives‚ such as buggies and backpacks‚ that often make it easy to hit the road with a furry companion. Cat Strollers Cat strollers are ideal for larger cats who are a bit too heavy to carry comfortably for long periods. Most have sturdy mesh covers that keep cats safe and sound while allowing them to watch what’s going on outside. There are also designs that attach to bicycles‚ making it easy to take cats longer distances. Keep in mind that cats should never be left in carriages unsupervised since it’s possible for them to knock the buggies over. Image Credit: Friday Ivo‚ Shutterstock Cat Backpacks and Wheeled Carriers Cat backpacks are another option that can work quite well. Remember that many have weight limits‚ so not all products work for particularly large cats. Wheeled carriers are helpful when you travel through airports‚ but it’s essential to ensure the airline accepts the brand you select. Conclusion An ESA isn’t required to wear a vest in public‚ but having one alerts others that the animal is involved in a support role. ESAs provide comfort to individuals with mental health diagnoses‚ and they play different roles than service animals‚ who are trained to do specific things for individuals with disabilities. Cats aren’t on the roster of permitted service animals‚ as defined by the ADA. ESAs are covered by the Air Carrier Access and Fair Housing Acts Sources Umassmed ADA ADA Guides Loc Anti Cruelty Adata Featured Image Credit: goldeneden‚ Shutterstock The post Are Emotional Support Vests Necessary for Cats? Recommendations &; FAQs by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Can You Use Kitty Litter for Oil Spills? Alternative Uses‚ Tips &; Tricks by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Kitty litter has several uses other than making it possible for cats to use the bathroom indoors‚ including providing emergency traction to help cars get moving on snowy days and cleaning up oil spills. Kitty litter is handy because it soaks up liquid‚ which makes it incredibly versatile. It’s also easy to find‚ relatively inexpensive‚ and a great product to have around as it can be useful in so many situations. Kitty litter can be used to absorb oil‚ but it’s most effective when used to soak up fresh spills. When it comes to spills that have been around for a while‚ using a product specifically designed to remove old oil stains is easier on concrete surfaces and ultimately requires less effort. While kitty litter works reasonably well when absorbing liquids‚ it’s not the best option for removing stains from substances such as concrete. How Do You Use Kitty Litter to Absorb Oil Spills? If you have freshly spilled oil in your garage that needs cleaning‚ just cover it with kitty litter and let nature take its course. Allow the litter to sit for a few minutes‚ and then sweep everything up. After you’ve removed the oil‚ you can move on to working on the stain if any of the oil has had time to soak into the concrete. Kitty litter isn’t designed to lift stains‚ so it may not be the best option for getting rid of deeply set spots on porous surfaces. Brand-new spots that haven’t had time to become set in can be removed with soap‚ water‚ and a gentle scrub brush. Image Credit: Seika-Chujo‚ Shutterstock What Are Some Other Ways Kitty Litter Can Be Used? Kitty litter is kind of like duct tape; it’s one of those incredibly versatile products that can be used for several tasks. Keep in mind that there are sometimes more efficient ways to accomplish many of the tasks kitty litter can be used for‚ so it’s not always the most efficient way to address situations long-term. Keep reading to learn more about a few ways to use kitty litter that doesn’t involve cats. 1. Traction Kitty litter is a great product to have around if you live somewhere where there’s snow and inclement weather. A bag of cat litter thrown in the back of your car can provide an extra weight that may add stability in icy conditions. While having a properly winterized vehicle is the first step in staying safe while on the road during cold months‚ kitty litter can provide emergency traction if you get stuck in snow and ice. Keep in mind that kitty litter can get muddy when mixed with snow and can only be used for short periods before becoming slick. 2. Odor Absorption Kitty litter can be used in many of the same ways as baking soda to control odors. Adding litter to the bottom of trash cans can keep nasty smells at bay. Putting some in a container and leaving it in the attic or basement can eliminate musty odors. It can also improve the stench of boots and sneakers. You can make a sachet by throwing litter into an old sock or pair of nylons‚ tying off the top‚ and placing it in your shoes. You can also add a kitty litter sachet when putting away tents and suitcases that don’t see much use to keep them smelling good from season to season. Image Credit: Zahra Malikha‚ Shutterstock 3. Moisture Absorption Kitty litter is helpful in soaking up grease. Some sources suggest it can even be added to the bottom of barbecues to soak up fat drippings from steaks and other meat products. It can also help when drying out cell phones that somehow end up wet. It takes a few days to see results‚ but kitty litter may be more efficient than using rice to dry out wet electronic products. Kitty litter can also be used to dry out the paint in a can so it can be discarded without creating a total mess; just add litter to the can and let it dry out‚ but make sure to follow local regulations regarding proper paint disposal. Conclusion Thanks to its absorbency‚ kitty litter can be used to absorb fresh oil spills. It’s not the best option for tackling stains that have been around for a while; commercial oil removal products work quickly and effectively on stubborn spots. Kitty litter can be used to deodorize sneakers and help cars stuck in the snow get going again. It’s also relatively inexpensive and usually easy to find‚ making it a fantastic product to have around the house. Sources Fair Field Health Homes And Gardens Miami County Recyles Concrete Network BobVila  Featured Image Credit: lermont51‚ Shutterstock The post Can You Use Kitty Litter for Oil Spills? Alternative Uses‚ Tips &; Tricks by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Why Does My Cat Cry When I Leave? Possible Causes &; Solutions by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. While cats are often considered not to be terribly interested in people‚ they’re sensitive‚ loving creatures that become deeply attached to those they share their lives with. Companion cats develop bonds with their people that resemble those formed between babies and their caregivers‚ so it makes sense that some have difficulty when their source of love‚ affection‚ and security is unavailable. Because the presence of their favorite person also helps cats manage anxiety‚ some find being left alone simply overwhelming. Cats that cry when their favorite person leaves home are often suffering from separation anxiety. What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like in Cats? Cats with separation anxiety often pee and poop outside of the litter box and spend lots of time crying and yowling. They may also groom themselves excessively and engage in destructive behavior when experiencing anxiety due to being left alone. Female cats are more likely to demonstrate their distress through grooming issues‚ and males are often more inclined to become destructive. Many cats that develop separation anxiety like to spend lots of time with their favorite person and follow them from place to place to get their human companion’s attention. Image Credit By: g3gg0‚ pixabay Are There Factors That Predispose Cats to Develop the Condition? A few traits appear to increase the likelihood of cats developing the condition‚ including being only pets and routine changes such as moving or being adopted by a new family. Many cats become distressed when their favorite person has a schedule change due to a new job or longer commute. It’s also more commonly seen in female cats and those that are exclusively indoor pets. Kittens that were hand-raised or orphaned sometimes grow into cats with anxiety issues when left alone. Since cats are masters at hiding signs of illness‚ behavioral changes are often the only clues that something may be off‚ so consult your veterinarian to ensure there’s no underlying physical condition that may be causing the behavior. Are There Ways to Help Cats With The Condition? There are several ways to encourage cats to be happy‚ healthy‚ and mellow‚ which can sometimes help manage stress and anxiety. There are also options‚ such as working with a behavioral therapist‚ that may be helpful in particularly complex situations. 1. Activities Enrichment activities can keep cats busy when left alone‚ which may decrease the stress they feel simply by giving them something else to focus on. Soft music designed specifically for cats may help provide a calming environment and something to keep pets company as the day goes by. Puzzle feeders that require cats to work for their treats can keep them occupied with something they love (snacks) long enough for them to forget to be upset that you’re leaving. Image Credit: socreative media‚ Shutterstock 2. Keep Things Mellow Help your cat feel comfortable when you leave and come home by making the activities around your departures and arrivals non-events. Giving cats something to do while you’re getting ready may distract their attention from anticipating the stress of being left alone. 3. Reward What You Want to See Punishment never works with cats‚ and it can increase their stress‚ which may exacerbate the problem. Because cats are so sensitive and interested in pleasing their favorite people‚ rewarding what you want to see is generally the key to getting them to move in preferred directions. Consider giving your cat praise and treats when you “catch” them hanging out by themselves and otherwise behaving confidently when you’re home. You can also give them treats and cuddles when they stay calm when you come home. 4. Create Routine Cats sometimes become stressed when their favorite person’s routine changes‚ and they’re unavailable to provide love when pets have come to expect cuddles and fun. Try to create and stick with a routine so your cat can spend their day knowing they’ll have cuddle time right before bed or after the dishes are put away. Image Credit: Lukasz Pawel Szczepanski‚ Shutterstock 5. Relaxation You may be able to teach your cat to stay relaxed during your departures‚ in part by regularly giving them praise and treats when you see them being mellow. Start small and reward them when they’re hanging out and appear relaxed. Eventually‚ up the ante and introduce a cat bed that your cat can begin to associate with being cool and laid back. Once your cat has the hang of being nice and relaxed while hanging out in bed‚ practice leaving and rewarding them for remaining calm in their bed as you exit the room. 6. Professional Help If you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to make progress when it comes to being able to leave your cat alone‚ consider reaching out for help! Your veterinarian may be able to provide guidance on behavioral modification techniques‚ and they can also evaluate whether medication may be helpful in your cat’s specific situation. There are also veterinary behavioral therapists who can help. Conclusion Cats that become upset and cry when their favorite people leave may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety often causes cats to eliminate outside of the litter box‚ groom themselves to the point of excess‚ and engage in destructive behavior. Solo indoor cats and those that were weaned early can develop the sorts of intense attachments that lead to separation anxiety. While a veterinarian should always evaluate cats to rule out other causes for the behavior‚ a few things may improve the situation‚ such as providing fun things for your cat to do and implementing routines‚ which often increases cats’ sense of comfort. Sources Cell Pet MD Pet MD Web MD AVMA Journals Featured Image Credit: SoNelly‚ Shutterstock The post Why Does My Cat Cry When I Leave? Possible Causes &; Solutions by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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