Feeding & Caring for Your New Scott
***Due to the rise in adverse reactions after vaccinations, including Rabies, if you would like to vaccinate your new kitten at your vet on your schedule, we completely understand. We will offer a new contract where you may request certain vaccinations at your disclosure, as long we are allowed by law to do so depending on your state. If you would like to request certain vaccinations for your kitten, please let us know early, before they are due for their 1st rounds.***
Just like us, animals need proper nutrients to thrive. I do not recommend feeding your Scott products full of toxins (brands found at Walmart or the like) and try to stay as all natural and organic as I can.
*VERY important** Many household cleaners are extremely toxic and some deadly to cats. Please use only all natural and non toxic cleaners (especially floor cleaners) around your home. Please read these:
https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/lysol-allergy-and-adverse-reaction-
I use Chewy.com for all of our pet needs; they offer free 1-2 day shipping over $49 & offer Auto-ship as well. Also, their customer service is is like walking into Heaven vs the DMV. Trust me on this one.
PLEASE make sure you have their CURRENT food to keep their diet on track. Switching foods will upset their stomachs and can cause bloating and diarrhea!!
There has been findings of GRAIN FREE foods being linked to kidney and heart failure in cats and dogs. Please be careful as to what you feed your sweet kitty.
**UPDATED** Their current wet food updated due to previous upset tummies: As Kittens: https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-mother-babycat-ultra-soft/dp/103132
If they need tummy help: https://www.chewy.com/hills-prescription-diet/dp/186014
Treats: https://www.chewy.com/wellness-kittles-grain-free-duck/dp/134342
Sprinkled on Dry or Wet Food for their tummy: https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/49853
Their current dry food: When Kittens: https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-kitten-dry-cat-food-15-lb/dp/53328
When Older: https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-sensitive-digestion-dry/dp/33851
Cats can be susceptible to crystals and bladder problems. Please read this article: https://catinfo.org/feline-urinary-tract-diseases/?fbclid=IwAR1HKHlOqAcbXrecLD1Dyxnisbkgwi_SymLQKHXJrloJyza4t0opkZD1D2A
**Very important to keep them on Non-plastic water fountains: https://www.chewy.com/pioneer-pet-ceramic-drinking/dp/49050
Some cats are susceptible to kidney crystals, and sometimes they do not drink enough water, please make sure your Scott is on filtered water that removes Fluoride and Chlorine from its water. Also, please add a tablespoon of water to your cat’s food to help make sure they are hydrated. If your cat develops struvites, please buy struvite crystals dissolving food, Royal Canin makes Urinary S/O High Dilution which your vet may suggest. Acid urine = oxalate crystals. It is good to use a ph test in the tap water to see if their water is a bit acidic.
https://naturalcathealth.com/how-to-prevent-struvite-crystals-in-cats/
**Supplements/Vitamins* VERY Important. These make their coats silky, soft, their eyes bright and clear and their weight perfect.** The wonderful people at Kitty Bloom offer fabulous vitamins for our cats: http://www.dogbloom.com/store/p19/Kitty_Bloom_VM_900_3.html If they get stressed and a runny eye: http://www.dogbloom.com/store/p17/Kitty_Bloom_Super_Lysine.html
Some cats will develop runny eye or not act like themselves if they become stressed (especially the stress during flying & traveling in a car). We have had great success with: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3550
We clean kittens’ faces daily after Breakfast until they are old enough to clean themselves. Their eyes and noses and chin areas are gently rubbed with spun cotton rounds and warm water. Any eye boogers are gently removed carefully as to not poke their eye. If the kittens have more “bug” eyes like their mom, we clean extra carefully and gently using cotton rounds and warm water. Daily cleaning keeps your kitten beautiful.
We keep these on hand in the first aid kit:
***If litter in the eye or a scratch occurs:
https://www.chewy.com/terramycin-ophthalmic-ointment-dogs/dp/179181 (Vets will charge over $50 for this same tube.)
https://www.chewy.com/vetericyn-antimicrobial-ophthalmic/dp/133998
***For tummy troubles or after vaccinations, we keep this brand of Probiotics:
https://www.chewy.com/vetoquinol-pro-pectalin-anti-diarrhea/dp/109720
**For Watery Eye Staining *Especially great if your cat has lighter fur around the face. Eye Envy makes amazing products to keep your Scott looking beautiful: http://eyeenvy.com/cat-starter-kit/ ****SOME kitties may have an allergic reaction to this. Stop use if irritation occurs.***
Eye Envy is also wonderful for dogs and they offer safe shampoo and lotions: http://eyeenvy.com/content/EyeEnvyCatalog2015.pdf
About VACCINATIONS: http://catinfo.org/vaccines-for-cats-we-need-to-stop-overvaccinating/
Here is a very informative article about Scottish Folds and allergies. Future and current Scotty Parents need to understand their Scotts: Author: Brian Stephenson
In the modern urban environment pets can suffer from allergies just like humans do. Living in a small indoor environment can easily trigger allergies for anyone, even if you have no pets. But especially if you live with an animal of another species the situation can get worse for both, humans and pets.
This is true for both humans and cats. Scottish folds are no exception to this rule and can develop allergies over time. It is not only the environment of cats that has changed over the years it is also their diet and their genes. Modern cats don’t hunt for food, they just wait for you to serve the dinner.
Furthermore due to selective breeding and the myriads of cat breeds that now exist, rapid change in the genome of some breeds has occur, this can also be a cause for allergies in your lovely scottish fold.
Types of Scottish Fold Allergies:
Just like with humans cat allergies can be divided in Environmental allergies and food allergies. Environmental allergies can be triggered by anything in the environment of your cat, like seasonal changes, or something in your house, like a cleaning product you use.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies come in two forms, seasonal and year-round. Sometimes seasonal allergies can turn to all year-round allergies, we will see this in a moment.
Seasonal Allergies
Cat allergies usually manifest themselves as irritation or inflammation of the skin (aka allergic dermatitis) and in some cases, even not so common the allergy might be expressed as an irritated respiratory system with running nose, watery eyes etc.. Allergic dermatitis can also cause hair loss, open sores on the skin, and scabbing in the irritated areas, because of scratching chewing as the animal tries to relief itself from the itchiness.
If your Scottish Fold shows these symptoms you should visit a good veterinarian to relief the symptoms for the can and help you find the source of the problem.
All-Year Round Allergies
Your Scottish fold can develop all year round allergies in two cases. The first case is if you have an allergen in your house that constantly triggers your cat’s allergy. The second case is a little bit overlooked. It usually happens when your vet doesn’t pay enough attention to your pet’s seasonal allergies and leaves them untreated, or provides only symptomatic treatment and leaves the root of the allergy untouched. Therefore your cat year after year becomes worse and worse, until the seasonal allergy becomes so severe that express itself all year long.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are also quite common among cats. Food allergies usually develop when your cat has a leaky gut and is exposed to a specific allergen for long time. Unfortunately due to cost reduction and owners ignorance we have added to the cat’s plate many things that are not appropriate for our feline friends, things like potatoes, grains, corn, wheat and many more massively (cheap) produced crops.
These ingredients are not digestible and irritate the digestive tract of the cat, often leading to a leaky gut. From this point on, food sensitivities and allergies are inevitable. So what should you do?
Find a vet that is aware of these things and treats the problem to the root not just the symptoms.
Feed your Scottish Fold raw food that contains as less carbohydrates and grains.
Have three or four sources of protein and rotate them so you cat can have variety in it’s diet.
*However, I am always researching the healthiest brands for my cats; this might change if data has changed.*
Litter: https://www.chewy.com/fresh-step-extreme-odor-control/dp/108131
Shampoo: https://www.chewy.com/richards-organics-moisturizing/dp/43603
Play: Cats need to play and love to explore. We keep this cat tree by our windows and they loveeeee it. It helps save the furniture & has plenty of areas for them to sharpen their claws. Caution, people WILL make fun of you and call you THAT cat lady. https://www.chewy.com/gopetclub-72-inch-cat-tree-beige/dp/101916
Toys: https://www.chewy.com/petstages-tower-tracks-cat-toy-10/dp/126531
They LOVE these: https://www.chewy.com/ethical-pet-wide-durable-heavy-gauge/dp/56210
https://www.chewy.com/hartz-just-cats-midnight-crazies-cat/dp/110663
Catnip: https://www.chewy.com/yeowwworganic-catnip-2-oz-tub/dp/130530 (this is like kittykrack.hahaha) jk
Catnip holder: https://www.chewy.com/kong-refillable-beaver-catnip-cat/dp/47834
Harmful to Cats:
The 15 Most Common Household Hazards for Cats:
1. Human Medications – For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards. In 2009 alone, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
2. Insecticides – In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, the APCC’s toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products — such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
3. People food – Grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 poisoning cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders–chocolate–contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
4. Plants – Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
5. Veterinary Medications – Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements. Always consult your vet before giving your pet ANY kind of supplement.
6. Rodenticides – Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage. Animals who ingest poisoned rodents will succumb to the poison, too. This includes your cat(s) and birds of prey.
7. Household Cleaners – Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract. Additionally, cats who lick their paw pads after walking atop a floor treated with household cleansers are vulnerable to poisoning.
8. Heavy metals paint chips – Heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
9. Garden Products – It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction. Cocoa mulch can be poisonous when large amounts are consumed — usually more of a problem with dogs than cats.
10. Chemical Hazards – In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards — found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals–form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
11. Tinsel, Thread, Dental Floss – Cats love string games, and they are quick to pounce on demon string whenever they see it. Fun! However, if your cat swallows some thread, it can cause severe intestinal damage and may require expensive surgery to remove.
12. Mini Blinds – Cats, especially kittens, can easily hang themselves on mini blind cording. Discourage climbing the blinds by firing the squirt gun or shaking a dozen or more pennies-in-a-can.
13. Treated Toilet Water – Keeping an automatic cleanser cake in the toilet is convenient, but it can be deadly if your cat drinks it. The best solution is not to use that method of sanitation. But if you can’t, then train whomever needs training on how to keep the lid down.
14. Rubber Bands – Some cats go nuts over rubber bands, but if swallowed they can be life-threatening. Keep them out of kitty’s reach.
15. Plastic Bags – Cats can suffocate themselves with plastic grocery bags or dry cleaning bags, so stash out of reach.
Cat Hazards
Your cat is curious, sticking his nose into random places. But his exploration may expose him to some not-so-obvious dangers in your home. It just takes a bit of time and know-how to “cat-proof” your house so your kitty stays healthy and safe.
Human Medicines
Some human over-the-counter and prescription medicines pose serious threats to cats, so keep them in a place he can’t get into, including:
Antidepressants
Cancer medicines
Cold medicines
Diet pills
Pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
Vitamins and other supplements
You may have heard that some common medicines work for people and cats. Never give your pet any pills without first talking to your vet, though -- it's easy to give him too much, which can kill him.
Human Foods
Your kitty may beg when you sit down to eat (or try to steal some bites when you’re not looking), but some human foods can be poisonous for him, including:
Alcohol
Caffeine (coffee, soda, tea)
Chives
Chocolate
Garlic
Grapes
Onions
Raisins
Xylitol (found in sugarless gums, candies, toothpastes)
Yeast dough
Indoor and Outdoor Plants
Common houseplants -- and a few others that you may bring into your home -- can be hazardous to your cat's health:
Aloe
Azalea
Chrysanthemum
Lily
Marijuana
Mistletoe
Poinsettia
Rhododendron
Tulip
Insecticides and Other Chemicals
Some chemicals taste especially good to cats. To keep him safe, keep any chemicals locked away, especially:
Antifreeze
Bleach
Detergents
De-icing salts (which pets may walk through, then lick from their pads)
Dog flea and tick medication (pills, collars, sprays, shampoos)
Fertilizers
Herbicides
Insect and rodent bait
More Household Hazards
Watch out for common household items that can choke or strangle your cat. Some may even block his intestines if he swallows them.
Chicken bones
Dental floss, yarn, or string
Holiday decorations, including lights and tinsel
Toys with small or movable parts
If Your Cat’s Been Poisoned
Every moment matters if you think your cat has been exposed to something toxic.
Call your vet. Post the clinic’s phone number in an obvious place, along with the number for the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. They can help you know what to do next.
Collect samples. Take samples of vomit, stool, and the poison your cat ate to the vet with your cat.
Watch for symptoms. Often, cats will show these signs right away. But some symptoms can show up more gradually. Signs to watch for include:
Breathing problems
Confusion
Coughing
Depression
Diarrhea
Dilated pupils
Upset stomach
A lot of saliva
Seizures
Shivering
Skin irritation
Tremors
Vomiting
Weakness
Educate. After your cat recovers, call your poison control center or humane society to let them know what happened, so they can track problem poisons and help prevent harm to other animals.