Dazzling White German Shepherd

September 30, 2020 by Debbie

Imagine if you took a standard German Shepherd and crossed it with a Samoyed or an American Eskimo dog. The result might look a lot like the White Shepherd dog. Who knew such a dog could exist, this brilliantly white version of the German shepherd breed? More to the point, you are probably now wondering about these dogs and have a dozen different questions you want answered. We’ve got you covered on everything about a white German Shepherd you are dying to know.

Is the White German Shepherd an Actual Breed?

There are dozens of dogs in this world born with naturally white or cream-colored coats. The American Eskimo dog and the Samoyed are just two of them commonly confused with the white German shepherd dog. Yet, the white German shepherd dog is actually the result of a recessive gene. Almost all of the white German shepherds and typical colored German shepherd dogs can trace their lineage back to a single German shepherd owned by German royalty. As such, this recessive white gene is present in almost every colored GSD and pure white German shepherd that is alive and well today.

That’s the long answer to your question. The short answer is that the white coat color is a recessive gene trait, much like palominos or tabby cats that have recessive genes that contribute to their coat colors or patterns. While many a breeder for German shepherds may strive to achieve a white German shepherd puppy or two, it really is the luck of the draw when it comes to the recessive gene and getting the biology of the mother and father dog’s lineage to line up just right.

The History of the German Shepherd Dog and Why the White GSD Is Preferred

Any dog lover that loves German shepherds knows that these dogs were bred to herd cattle and/or sheep. The trouble was, the standard color and pattern markings of most traditional German shepherds was that it often became confused with the coloring of wolves in Germany and Austria. In the dark, owners would accidentally shoot their dogs rather than the wolves that were terrifying the sheep. It became almost necessary to force the white gene into every possible white shepherd puppy so that only the white dogs would herd sheep and not be confused for wolves in the darkness.

Because the white shepherd could blend in with the sheep, the darker-colored wolves would stand out in the herd as they tried to take down a sheep. Shepherds and sheep farmers could spot the wolves easier and distinguish them from their white coat dogs. Then they could accurately eliminate or kill the threat of wolves and not accidentally kill their herd dogs.

Another reason why the white fur on a German shepherd dog breed was so desirable was that it was considered rare. It was hard to come by, and most wealthy aristocrats or royalty were the first ones to get these white dogs. If you could get a white version of shepherds without being wealthy, you were most fortunate indeed and considered to have status. Now, they are still a sign of status, but almost anyone can buy a shepherd dog with a white coat when they are found among the litters of shepherd breeders.

Typical Use of a Working Dog

Shepherds, regardless of color, are considered members of the working dog class. They were bred and trained to surround and corral other animals. Perhaps the saddest part of their history was their use in the second world war to corral Jews and prevent them from leaving concentration camps on the threat of death by a dog.

Thankfully, you really have to heavily train a GSD to get it to chase after and/or maim a human. These dogs tend to have very loving and loyal personalities and temperament and do not attack other humans unless they view them as a threat or have been neglectfully treated and trained to attack humans. Their temperament is such that they would rather pounce on somebody and lick him or her to submission than hurt that person.

Variations of the White German Shepherd

After Germany’s shepherds and sheep farmers came to realize how invaluable a white herding dog was, other shepherds and sheep farmers in other countries realized Germans had the right idea. As such, other countries that regularly raised sheep for wool and food began breeding their own recessive white gene dogs, constantly striving to get that one or two white puppies out of each litter. The result was the white Swiss shepherd, or just Swiss shepherd, and the American white shepherd.

Both the Swiss and the American versions are variants of the German version, all with the coat color of white to slightly cream. The coats are double-layered in all dogs, a natural barrier against the harsh and cold winters of Germany, Switzerland, and Northern America. The coats have to be brushed often as these dogs will shed a lot.

Recognized as a “Breed”

We mentioned earlier that the dogs are not technically a breed, but a genetic mutation in coat color. While we stand by this fact, it is true that in 1999 the UKC finally recognized the GSD of the white persuasion as an official “breed”. As such there are a few things that are required in the breed standard in order to be considered a breed unto itself.

Both parents must be white dogs themselves.
Both parent dogs must carry the recessive gene that causes the white fur color.
Both parent dogs must have a history of consistently producing the all-white shepherd puppy.
The adult dog is allowed to have short or long fur, although the long coat is the rarest.

If white german shepherd breeders are going to consistently breed the white dogs, the breeders have to be licensed and register as breeders of white GSDs only. The idea is that the “breed” has to be kept pure, and that cannot happen if any haphazard breeding between white and colored shepherds occurs.

Training White German Shepherds

There is really no difference in how you train these dogs, whether yours is white or black and tan. You have to start when the dog is still a puppy so that the dog is not aggressive when it suddenly thinks it senses danger and wants to move. Remember, it is a herding canine and it has to be given expected tasks daily in order to maintain the dog’s emotional and psychological sense of well-being and purpose.

Obedience classes are a must but these dogs respond very well to training, given their historic background. It is important that your dog respond to commands without resistance so that you can take the dog outside and walk it for an hour daily. It is also a good idea to have a large fenced in yard and spend a lot of time playing with your shepherding dog. They love to fetch and perform tricks, all of which you can practice during playtime in the yard.

Care and Feeding Plus Health Concerns

The white fur of these dogs is not albinism. It is not related to any genetic defect of bodily organs or anatomy either, meaning that most white German shepherding dogs are happy, healthy companions the majority of their lives. Of course, a holistic approach to canine health isn’t bad either.

That said, your dog is going to need almost a gallon or more of water daily. These dogs are medium to large build animals and with as active as they are, they need a lot of hydration. Dogs, unlike cats, are omnivores, which means that they enjoy plant-based foods as well as meat. A raw food diet for dogs includes protein-rich vegetables like edamame and vitamin-rich vegetables like carrots. It frequently looks like a full-bodied stew in your dog’s bowl when you serve it up.

A white GSD of this size should eat at least twice a day, at least one to two cups of food each time. If your dog whines to eat a third or fourth time during the day, break down the three to four cups of food into smaller portions to help your dog feel less hungry all day. The other thing you should know about a raw food diet for dogs is that it contains everything your white GSD needs to reduce hunger and keep blood sugar normal. Your dog feels less hungry less often on a raw food diet.

Finally, a raw food diet processes better in your dog’s digestive tract. It will not bind your dog up, nor will it cause runny stools. If you see either condition in your white furry canine friend, the cause is something else you cannot see (like worms) and you should have your vet check it out.

Grooming Your Beautiful White German Shepherd Dog

As stunning and as impressive as this dog’s white fur, it requires work to keep this coat white. It is akin to anything else in this world that is white; it needs constant care to stay that way. Since German dogs of this breed type love the outdoors, love to run and play, and will frequently roll through or dig in the mud, your white puppy is going to need lots of baths.

Your white-furred dog will also need a lot of brushing. Daily brushing with a wire brush followed by a soft-bristle brush will keep your dog’s double-coat looking its best.

Shepherds have really long, really fast-growing nails. You’ll want to keep their nails groomed frequently. If your dog goes on a lot of walks or has consistent playtime outdoors, where they wear their nails down naturally, they may not need trimming as frequently.

They need their paw pads protected in winter as well. Invest in either a paw pad cream or doggy boots that may just be the cutest accessory on a snowy-colored animal you can buy. He or she will need to walk, regardless of the harshness of the weather, but his/her double-coat has him/her covered.

FAQ

What dog looks like a white german shepherd? Similar in appearance due to their white color is the Samoyed or an American Eskimo dog.

Are white german shepherds good guard dogs? They still have the temperament of a traditional german shepherd, they just have the recessive white gene.

Are German shepherds good family dogs? Yes, they are loyal, committed, and protective. GSD can be very protective of children. They have a natural inclination toward the love and protection of their family.

Does the white german shepherd dog have genetic disorders? No its not a genetic disorder rather a recessive white gene.

German shepherds are usually black and tan, right? The traditional german shepherds are black and tan.

Can a white german shepherd have blue eyes? Any german shepherd can have blue eyes if they have the genetic variation. But it is very rare.

Are white german shepherds more expensive? The average cost of the traditional german shepherd is between $1,000-1,500. The white german shepherd cost is generally at the high end of the scale because they are rare.

Do white swiss shepherds bark a lot? The swiss white shepherd is known for alerting his owners of any kind of threat. They will also scare off anything that shouldn’t be there with their vocalizations.

In the Company of a Mustang Horse

May 30, 2020 by Debbie

If you like or even love horses, there is a good chance that you have heard of the wild mustang horses. A mustang horse, or simply mustang, is one of the last surviving vestiges of the Old West. These wild horse herds have been running wild and free in the Western half of the United States, from Wyoming and Colorado to California, for over three hundred years. The original horses were Iberian horses brought here by the Spanish conquistadors and later Spanish explorers. Some of this horse breed escaped created small bands of the wild horse population and the rest is history.

Well, almost the rest is history. There is a lot more to these Spanish horses than most people realize and it becomes necessary to consider that the mustang population of wild horse, now more than ever, need human help. That said, let’s delve into everything about America’s wild horse, the Spanish Mustang, and maybe, just maybe, you may want to help or own one of these horses yourself.

The Herd Hierarchy

Every Mustang horse herd has a hierarchy. Every herd, regardless of size, is led by one dominant stallion, followed by his mares, and contains foals and yearlings of both sexes. After the males in the herd reach a year old and the mothers wean them, the stallion will chase off the yearling males to prevent inbreeding and prevent any challenges for ownership of the herd and leadership.

Stallion Mustang

Rogue males may roam in a pack together until they find a herd and want to challenge the leader. Older stallions may lose the fight if they are beyond their prime and then the younger studs take over the herd. This could happen several times in the same year. If you see a lone Mustang roaming about, there’s a very good chance that it is a stallion without a herd of his own. However, on rare occasions a pregnant mare about to give birth may roam far from the herd to give birth and return to the herd with her newborn foal the next day. You only have to look at the belly to tell what you are seeing.

The stallion that leads each herd tries to gain as many mares as he can. This is his harem with which he can breed as he pleases. As each mare comes into heat, the stallion will mate with her often to get her pregnant. If another stallion comes along and tries to mate with the mares in the herd, he will be challenged by the leader. The battles between the two stallions are often to the death, or until the defeated stallion gives up and runs away. Many male horses often die in an attempt to gain control of a herd, but that is how these horses keep going.

The Plight of These Horses

For a long time the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, was fighting a losing battle with the elevated numbers of Mustangs and the need to share federal land with grazing cattle. Massive ranches encompassing thousands of acres of land fed the cattle raised on them, but it challenged the health and well-being of the feral horse. Cows will wrap their tongues around blades of grass and pull it up to chew it, while horses chomp it down to the nubs above ground leaving nothing for the cattle. Ranchers were angry enough to shoot the horses, and that just was not working for animal activists.

That is when the BLM got together with other groups and talked it over with the President and other VIPs to determine what should be done with the Mustangs. The Mustangs were a symbol of the American West, a part of the nation’s history and heritage, but the herds had grown to be too large. It was decided that to save these horses’ lives, the herds would require a little thinning out, and preferably without having to kill or slaughter them.

So the plan hatched to resolve this issue was rather simple, and it certainly appealed to hundreds of people for various reasons. Every year the BLM rounds up the herds of Mustangs, corrals them in pens, gives every animal a complete health physical, and then offers them a second chance to be someone’s beloved pet. Anyone who is willing to follow the strict requirements for adopting a Mustang (or feral burro/donkey) can bring their trailers to these events, pick out which feral horse or animals they want to adopt, pay the very tiny adoption fees, and take their animals home with them.

Adopting a Mustang

Everyone who pursues a Mustang adoption has to undergo a rigorous background check. It ensures that adopters are not employers of meat-packing plants, dog food processors, etc.. The BLM will not allow a single horse to go to slaughter for any reason. Once you pass the background check, you have to pay $150 adoption fee for each animal you want. This includes pregnant mares, which end up being a “two for one” deal. You must show that you have a trailer for proper transport, you have a vet on standby at home, and that you have boarding, shelter, and a plan on hand.

Most people want to train these animals to be proper riding horses. It absolutely can be done because the ancestors of these horses were domestic animals. It will, however, take time and patience before you can ride your Mustang, as they have typically grown up feral and are not accustomed to bridle, bit, and saddle.

Additionally, for the first time ever in 2020, the BLM is now offering a program to pay you to adopt a Mustang. The herds need even more thinning out, and if you can prove that you have taken excellent care of the horse or horses you take home with you, the BLM returns your adoption fee as a thank you for your support for the program. If you want to own and cherish an American original and living legend, the Mustang is the best way to do it.

General Characteristics Of Mustangs

Most Mustangs are about fourteen to fifteen hands high. For non-horse people, a “hand” is about four inches, and fourteen hands is about fifty-six inches at the top of the horse’s shoulder where the neck meets the shoulder and slopes to the back. Coming in at just under five feet in height, a Mustang is a medium-sized animal about the size of a large pony. This makes them an ideal riding mount for anyone of small to medium stature, once the horses are fully trained, of course.

Most of them are brown, bay, or chestnut in color. However, there is an occasional gray, dapple, pinto, or black Mustang in the mix. There is also the Kiger Mustang and bim mustang. Most of them will have white facial markings and/or socks/stockings. Very rarely is a Mustang a completely solid color.

They range from about eight hundred to eleven hundred pounds, depending on their height and build. The stallions that lead the herd are never adopted out, but you can adopt a male yearling. If well-cared-for a Mustang can live to be thirty years old or longer, almost a third of a human life.

You are not allowed to sell or give away the Mustang in the first five years. Ergo, you do have to make a commitment to each animal you adopt, regardless of any problems, behaviors, or illnesses the animals have. Additionally, if a Mustang dies in your care, you are supposed to report its death and how it died so that you will not be barred by the BLM from adopting another animal in the future.

Walk on the Wild Side with A Savannah

July 24, 2020 by Debbie

If you were asked to name the largest domestic feline breed, what would you say? Most people who know a thing or two about cats usually say that the larges is the Maine Coon, which is the size of small to medium dog. While they wouldn’t be wrong, they also wouldn’t be right.

The actual answer is the Savannah cat. This breed was originally created in the mid-1980s by crossing an African Serval cat with a domestic feline. Without a doubt, that is no easy feat because most wild cats are not likely to mate with their domesticated cousins. If you are fascinated by this idea, or just exotic cats in general, read on.

The African Serval and the Start of the Savannah Breed

Imagine a graceful, very long-legged feline with leopard- or cheetah-like spots slinking through the high Savannah grasses of Africa as it tracks down prey. That is exactly what the African Serval is. It closely resembles its Cheetah cousins with its long slender legs and spots, and it shares the African plains with its cousin too. However, the Serval is a hunting and killing machine, a fierce predator that will go after poisonous snakes just as easily as it goes after birds, rats, and baby animals that get separated from their mothers and the herds. So why would anyone want such an animal in their home?

It’s the idea of owning something almost wild, much like wanting to own a tiger or lion while still knowing it could maul, maim, or kill you. The big difference here is that the Savannah cat isn’t quite as wild because it’s been bred with a domestic cat. It’s slightly less ferocious and every bit as beautiful.

The Size of the Savannah

If you had an Australian Shepherd, you would know that that is exactly how big the Savannah kitties become. They may start out as cute balls of fluff, but as they grow, their legs get really long. That’s a genetic gift from the Serval, which requires the long legs to see up high through the tall grasses in Africa. The Savannah is a big cat.

Their heads are quite small, with really large ears. The Serval doesn’t have large ears; those come from a domestic cat. What it does have are ears that pivot full one-hundred-eighty degrees like sonar dishes to pick up sounds only wild animals can hear when they hunt. Between the really tall, pointed ears of the domestic cats and the pivoting sonar ears of the Serval, the Savannah gets the best of both worlds.

In terms of body size, the Savannah is sleek when moving, but when it sits down it looks rather fat. The bulk of its body is stretched and in fluid motion when it is not sitting, but it belies a very dense muscular body that becomes apparent when this animal sits. They generally weigh up to fifty pounds, male savannah cats a bit more because of their Serval bloodlines.

Special Considerations If You Want to Buy One

A purebred savannah cat is an exotic cat. These beauties start around two thousand dollars for an F5(feline generation bloodline coding; the larger the number, the further away from its wild cat cousin it gets) all the way to twenty thousand dollars-plus for an F1 Savannah. It is not a cheap animal to purchase, and therefore considered a luxury pet. A savannah cat breeder in the U.S. has a large population from savannah kitten to adult to sell, but you will want to be very careful about the F-rating you buy.

The more docile and less wild and ferocious the Savannah the better, especially if you have children. The National Registry for Cats does not allow for declawing or defanging either, which presents a major concern if you purchase an F1 savannah cat or F2 savannah cat. An F5 is generally the safest around children, but you still can’t keep it around other animals.

Legal Issues of Owning a Savannah

Savannah cat owners need to be aware, in a handful of states, the big cat is completely illegal and considered too dangerous to keep as a pet. In other states, it is only allowed if caged, regardless of its F-rating and distance from its Serval lineage. Still a few more states require that you get a permit to own such an animal, which is often difficult to get because you have to justify why you want one in the first place.

Savannah Temperament and the Need for a Lot of Space

They are still instinctually territorial, so Savannah cats need a lot of room to roam. If your house is tiny, or your property small, these cats are not for you. You should also know that if a Savannah gets out of your house and your yard, it can and will roam several miles from home.

These cats can also jump twelve feet straight up into the air. Your typical property fence is not enough. They can and will climb trees, they love water and can swim, and they are exceedingly clever enough to figure out how to escape. Most people who own a Savannah often build a large outdoor enclosure complete with fenced in roof for these cats to roam when the need arises each day.

Be Prepared for the Wild Sounds They Make

These felines will purr when petted, which is nice considering that the rest of the sounds they make are most unnerving. If you live with a Savannah long enough, their vocals become less unnerving, but initially, it might throw you for a loop. They do not meow like a domesticated cat.

Instead they:

Hiss like a cobra in a very loud tone to scare off anything or anyone they think is a threat.
Growl like a mountain lion to warn you they don’t want to be touched now.
Howl softly when they want your attention or they want to be fed.

If you can adapt to an animal that does not meow when you would expect it to, then you should be okay. You just have to remember that these cats are partly wild animal, and they will sound more wild than domestic.

A Savannah Owner Will Reconsider Having Other Pets

These half-wild animals do not pair well with other pets, not even other domestic cats. Because of their territorial nature and their immense stature, other pets would be in danger. They would view other non-Savannah cats as a threat to their territory, and may even shred them with their long claws. Dogs are a definite no, since the nature of the wild Serval in the Savannah would seek to defend its territory against a natural enemy.

For the Savannah owner, it is best to wait until all other pets in the house have passed away before getting this exotic cat. This is especially true if you have birds, fish, or anything smaller than the Savannah might see as “lunch” instead of another family pet. If your children are still infants or toddlers, it is also a good time to wait as these cats do not respond well to having tails or ears tugged/pulled as in the typical family of a cat owner with a domesticated cat. They are generally well-behaved with elementary school-aged children and older, although some children might still find them intimidating with the sounds these cats tend to make.

Beautiful Himalayan Cat

May 20, 2020 by Debbie

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know that they can exhibit a wide range of emotions, anywhere from sweet and cuddly to crazy and, at times, a bit unpredictable. Himalayan cats are no exception to this rule, but what’s interesting about this specific breed are the differences between one Himalayan to the next. This guide will tell you if you are thinking about owning a Himalayan, or even if you already own one!

An Overview of Himalayan Cats

The Himalayan is a rather large breed of cat, with females typically around 8-12 pounds, and males usually 12 and above. Part of this weight can be accounted for by the Himalayan’s large bones and a heavy coat of fur.

As far as eye color goes, Himalayan cats can have three varieties of color: Blue, Green, or Copper.

Generally, the Himalayan cat is fairly a long-lived feline, averaging between 8-11 years of life. Their coats are long and straight and come in several colors, including chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, black, flame, red, cream, tortoiseshell, frost, silver, golden, brown, fawn, or cinnamon. Brushing and combing of your pet Himalayan’s fur will be very important, as it can quickly mat and cause issues for your pet’s health.

This long hair Himalayan breed is probably not the best bet for those with allergies, as they have very long coats that shed easily.

Interestingly enough, cat breed is recognized by the ACFA, the FIFe, and the TICA, even though it wasn’t even around until the 1930s.

The History of Himalayan Cats

Himalayan cats are, in essence, Persian cats with colored points, and they were developed in the United States in the early 1930s by Marguerita Gorfoth, Virginia Cobb, and Dr. Clyde Keeler.

Genetically, a Himalayan cat is created through the mix of Siamese and Persian cats; from the Siamese side, the Himalayan obtains its color, and from the Persian, they obtain their fluffy coat and build!

That being said, the idea of creating a Persian cat with pointed ears like that of the Siamese had been around for many years and was replicated in England in 1935 after British visitors encounter the Himalayan on a trip to the US. England then instituted a breeding program to produce Himalayans, although the effort was halted during World War II, and later reinstated!

The first cat of this breed to be accepted as a Himalayan was the United States champion Goforth’s LaChiquita in the mid-1950s, where she won the title with the American Cat Fanciers Association. By the time the 1960s rolled around, Himalayan cats were recognized by every United States registry.

As of recent years, many United States registries have incorporated the Himalayan into the class of Persian cats, considering them “pointed Persians”, or sometimes Perisian-Himalayans or Himalayan-Persians. In Britain, the Himalayan has long been known as the Colorpoint Longhair. Coat color definitely varies.

What Do Himalayan Look Like?

Now that you know a little bit about the history of the Himalayan cat, now we’ll delve into more specifics about the breed, including their looks, personality, and how you can make sure your Himalayan leads the happiest, healthiest life possible.

As mentioned above, the Himalayan cat comes in a wide variety of colors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a few defining characteristics.

As far as their build goes, Himalayan cats are medium-sized, although, with their thick coats of fur and large bones, they can sometimes appear as massive as a Maine Coon cat.

Those who observe Himalayans will note they have are an “extreme looking breed”, as their bodies are short and thick, with muscular legs and a short neck. Their tails are short and usually fluffy, and their ears are small.

Himalayans have round heads and large eyes; in contrast, their faces are flat, and when viewed in profile, their noses change direction so you can see the cat’s nose better.

The Himalayan’s fluffy coat is thick and full, and the fur, although lustrous and glossy, is also quite fine.

The Personality of Himalayan Cats

As is the case with many cats, Himalayan cats are generally mild-tempered, except when they exhibit bursts of energy. One second you might find them sleeping in a spot of sunlight, only to have them explode in a fit of running, rolling, and zooming around the room.

At night, your Himalayan will generally sleep beside you, curling up at your legs or even against your back. Likewise, they have been known to love sitting in their owner’s laps, at least while they’re in the mood.

Himalayan cats are also generally friendly with everyone they meet, even strangers.

Care of Himalayan Cats

In order for your himalayan kitten to remain happy and healthy, you’ll have to help them out by encouraging lots of movement. This is especially true for Himalayans, as they are not known for their love of exercise.

To help with this, you’ll need to play with your beautiful cat! This can be done through a variety of means, including interactive toys, chase balls, or even attack catnip mice. This should occur daily, even if your cat doesn’t seem up to play for the day!

Furthermore, this cat breed also needs significant coat maintenance due to their long hair in order to maintain their health. In fact, this breed of cat must be brushed and combed daily in order to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.

Because of their flat faces, this kitty also requires careful cleaning, as tears will deposit themselves onto the cat’s face and stain their fur.

Before becoming the owner of any animal, especially one who can be high maintenance like the Himalayan, it’s important to do a significant amount of research! Although our guide contains the basic information about Himalayan cats, this is by no means a complete guide to caring for your cat! Use this as an outline, and make sure you pay attention to your cat’s specific preferences and quirks. And, when in doubt, it is never a bad idea to ask your vet any questions you may have.

FAQ

How do I know where to find a good Himalayankitten? Always do your research and look for a reputable breeder preferably someone whom you can check references.

What types of Himalayancatbreed make good show cats? Color point is very popular in the cat show circuit.

What are pedigreed cats? Typically they are cats that have been bred to have certain breed behaviors and specific physical characteristics.

Is the Himalayanbreed similar to the Siamesecat? Yes, in that Himalayans can be bred from Siamese and Persians.

Cat Constipation: How To Correct It

June 1, 2020 by Debbie

Our pets often share some maladies with us. Cats develop constipation rather easily when there is a “perfect storm” in their guts. The way that a cat’s intestinal tract works often contributes to constipation, but there are other factors at play. It helps to understand fully how your cat can become backed up and bound and how you can fix it before it requires veterinary level care.

What Cat Constipation Looks Like: Signs and Symptoms

Cats will frequent the litter box and try to go. Their bellies will be hard and slightly swollen when they are backed up, so it’s painful to make the attempt. If you attempt to touch their lower bellies while they are constipated, they may cry out, growl, hiss, and/or slap you with a paw to let you know that they are not feeling right.

Once in the cat box, an affected cat will strain, possibly cry while straining to go, and there may even be blood and mucus in the litter tray but no feces. He/she will repeat this process again and again in an attempt to relieve the discomfort and the urge to go or have painful defecation. However, if your cat is passing a lot of blood and mucus, this is bordering on an emergency situation and you will need to take your cat to the vet right away. If your cat is unable to pass feces in a 24- to 48-hour period, your cat should be looked at by the vet as soon as possible.

Severe Constipation in any animal can be lethal. It can cause intestines to twist and revolve around themselves, thereby preventing a lot of backed-up stool matter in the colon, intestines, and/or twisted sections and swelling with pain. Eventually, that can rupture and kill your pet almost instantly.

As for your cat’s appetite, there is no surefire sign that your cat has constipation or a colonic impaction. Humans are more likely to stop eating when they have constipation, but many cats will continue to eat their cat food even when they are in serious abdominal discomfort. A few cats will have the sense to stop eating while they are constipated, but that’s not always obvious or a good thing.

Preventing Feline Constipation in Your Cat

It is very important to treat your cat’s health and ability to eat and drink normally with care. You can take all of the necessary steps to prevent chronic constipation in your cat if you know exactly what to do. A lot of holistic health experts that treat animals suggest the most common sense approaches to preventing this very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous problem.

Hydration is Imperative ~ Good Clean Water!

For one, your pet should only be drinking filtered or purified water. Tap water in most cities is treated with bleach and other chemicals at the water treatment plants because it is wastewater from thousands of homes and businesses before it is turned into tap water again.

Traces of bacteria in the water remain, even though the treatment facility has done its job “cleaning” the water. Both you and your cat(s) deserve even cleaner, healthier water to prevent various ailments. Purchase purified water in bottles from the store or find a way to purify your tap water before giving it to your cat(s). Keeping the digestive tract chemical-free is imperative.

A Foundational Species Specific Diet

Next, always feed your cat a foundational diet. This is just a fancy way of saying that you should feed your cat a diet that suits his/her nature and not just feed him/her random foods or a mixed bag.

Intestinal blockage can be caused by feeding your cat all the wrong things or attempting to feed your cat a wide variety of things because you think he/she needs variety to enjoy a meal.

Instead, holistic health experts advise you to feed your cat pure meat, and not just any wet food; but quality wet food. Your cat is a natural-born carnivore, thriving in the wild on only meat with the occasional bit of grass to aid digestion. The best foods for cats are is a Biologically Appropriate Diet, for easy eating and digestion for cats of any age. Your cat will also get extra moisture from his/her food this way, thus eliminating the potential problem of recurrent constipation for good and encouraging natural colonic motility.

The Case for Raw Food Diets

Additionally, consider a raw food diet. “Raw” food is made safe for your cat by making sure the animals that provide the protein in these pet foods do not have any parasites or unhealthy ingredients. Most raw food meat diets for pets also avoid GMOs (genetically modified organisms), antibiotics, and other injected agents to treat sick animals so that the food produced for your cat will not pass these things into your cat’s body.

Raw Food and Proper Hydration

A raw food diet gives your cat exactly what it needs; nutrition, extra moisture in its food, a stronger immune system through better nutrition, and greater hydration. When your cat has all of the above, constipation problems become less and less frequent to the point where your cat may not experience this at all anymore.

If your cat did not experience an intestinal blockage or mild constipation but did have issues with straining, this switch in dietary habits will help with that too. Feline species-specific raw food diets provide the proper hydration thus preventing the dehydration that leads to kidney disease.

You should know that in the case of a twisted intestine, no diet will fix that. Only a vet can surgically fix it. At least a proper diet and a good amount of clean water will prevent the usual cases of cat’s constipation and any other medical causes will still require a vet.

A Word About Diet and Exercise for Your Cat

Fat cats have the same or similar problems to humans. Their intestines become looser in the abdominal cavity and tend to hang down because of how cats are on all fours. Human bellies can herniate with excess fat, and the intestines become strangulated. An overweight cat can have intestinal problems related to obesity. Keep your cat on the slimmer side to avoid these issues.

Cats also need to exercise. Some cats will become bored and spend ten to thirty minutes chasing imaginary shadows through your house, but other cats can become lazy. Lazy cats have more issues with constipation than cats that play. Try to spend at least ten minutes two to three times a day engaging your cat in some activity to help him/her go to the bathroom easier and to avoid obesity-related problems.

Create Playtime with your Feline Buddy

If your cat flat out refuses to move, and food seems to be the only motivator, there are toys that will engage your cat with the promise of a tasty treat or tidbit if the cat plays with it. Ask a holistic pet health expert for suggestions on the best treat toys to get your cat up and moving. It will also improve your cat’s mood and that can help your cat move more and move his/her bowels a lot easier.

Supplements for Gut Health in Cats

If you are actively doing all of the above already, but your cat still seems to be having problems, consider adding supplements for gut health. Humans occasionally need probiotics and good bacteria to make their intestines work properly. Canned pumpkin can be a great option for a constipated cat to induce a bowel movement.

It can also act as a stool softener and a natural laxative without laxative dependency. Psyllium husk provided in the correct dosage with the proper amount of water can also be a temporary solution, while you are making the appropriate corrections underlying the cause in the first place.

Holistic Animal Practitioner

Make an appointment with a holistic animal practitioner to discuss what is going on with your feline and then the expert can suggest and/or prescribe a gut health supplement for your cat.