Outdoor and Indoor Plants That Are Toxic To Cats

What Plants Are Safe For Cat And Ones That Are Toxic?

Whether you have an indoor cat or an outdoor kitty you’ll want to pay attention to what plants you have around. Indoors, make sure to have cat-safe plants and flower and outdoors be aware of what’s around your house or apartment. Here is a list of safe and not so safe plants and flowers to keep your kitty happy and healthy.

Safe Plants And Flowers For Indoors

Bamboo is a great choice for an indoor plant that is safe and pretty. Our top choice for safety!

Spider Plants are easy to grow and are easy to care for. They are cat-friendly and do not require much sunlight.

Palms brighten up the indoors and just like the spider plants require little watering and sunlight. There are many varieties and most pet and cat safe.

African Violets are a beautiful indoor flowering plant that takes little water and sunlight and is 100% safe.

Christmas Cactus is a great choice with vibrant flowers and again low maintenance.

Phalaenopsis Orchid is the most common Orchid you’d see in a flower shop and are a fantastic choice.

Safe Outdoor Plants And Flowers

Catnip is, of course, the safest and favorites for cats. It grows easily and is wonderful for their digestion track.

Asters are a great cover for cats to hunt critters or a spot to hide in. Totally safe!

Cosmos is a whispy growing cover plant great for pets and cats.

Scented Geraniums come in many varieties. Perfect for pets and bright and vibrant flowers.

Sunflowers are beautiful and pretty harmless for felines. Bright and pretty easy to grow they are a great outdoor flower.

Impatiens come in many colors and flower shapes. Your cats will be fine around these flowers for sure.

Toxic Indoor Plants For Cats

Asparagus Fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern or lace fern). Stay away from any of these if you have a cat!

Dieffenbachia is a common household plant but very bad for pets as it contains a chemical that is a poisonous deterrent to animals.

Dumb Canes can be found it a lot of houses but not a good choice if you have a cat or dog.

Amaryllis are a bright beautiful house flower that can really hurt your kitty cat. Not good!

Cyclamen is another beautiful flower that grows well indoors but do not be fooled by its looks. This one is no good either!

Poinsettias are a favorite plant during Christmas but should not be in a house with pets!

Poisonous Outdoor Plant To Cats

Ivy is common around houses and building but very bad for cats. If you have any growing around the house beware.

Aloe Vera can be very useful to humans but for cats, it can cause problems.

Elephant Ear grows easily and is a great cover plant but not very good for cats.

Lilies are also common and come in many varieties but can cause harm to pets.

Daffodils are stunning and also pretty common around houses but should be avoided.

Morning Glory can be a fantastic flower to have on a porch or in a garden but toxic to cats.

Signs Your Cat Has Ingested A Toxic Plant

If your cat eats or comes in contact with any of these plants or any other dangerous items, you will need to seek immediate veterinary assistance. We also recommend that you take part in the toxic plant with you for easy identification to help with treatment. If your cat experiences any of these signs, get them to a vet immediately.

• Difficulty breathing (if the airways are affected)
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing (if the mouth, throat, or esophagus is affected)
• Vomiting (if the stomach or intestines are affected)
• Diarrhea (if the intestines or colon are affected)
• Excessive drinking and urinating (if the kidneys are affected)
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (if the heart is affected)

From ASPCA:
Also, be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Plants listed as either non-toxic or potentially toxic with mild GI upset as their symptoms are not expected to be life-threatening to your pets.

If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, or if you have any further questions regarding the information contained in this database, contact either your local veterinarian or the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

 

By: Andy Harms
www.bowchickameowmeow.com

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Why You Should Get A Rescue Cat

Why Get A Rescue Cat You ask?

Let’s face it, everyone loves kittens! From their cute innocent expressions to their uninhibited play, kittens are just plain fun to have and watch grow up. About 82 percent of kittens get adopted, but as they get older the likelihood drops, and once they pass around 18 months old, only 60 percent of cats get adopted.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) there are about 93.6 million pet cats in the country, and approximately 33 percent of households have at least one cat. In fact, only about 2 to 5 percent of cats entering shelters are later reclaimed by owners (as compared to about 30 percent of dogs who are reclaimed), according to HSUS.

So Then How Do You Choose?

I think that’s a personal decision for sure but in my opinion, kittens are great when you have kids. Kittens get in trouble and kids get in trouble but as a kid growing up it was wonderful watching our kitten become a cat. I remember it very well even at 40. Kittendom is only a fraction of a cat’s existence, but if you get to experience how adorable it is, you’ll never forget that part of your life. I also think you need patience with a kitten because with very sharp teeth and claws they need to be trained just like a puppy. Litter box training is a must and teaching them to use scratching posts instead of furniture. Then there are shots and getting spayed or neutered.

From Jackson Galaxy:
“Please, please, PLEASE never purchase a kitten from a pet store! No matter what the salesperson tells you, it is a stone cold fact that pet stores get their animals from only two places: irresponsible “backyard breeders” who couldn’t be bothered to spay their cat; and commercial mills, where cats spend their lives in cramped, dirty cages with little human contact or veterinary care, solely for the purpose of bringing two or three litters a year into an overcrowded world. Yes, there are kitten mills, although puppy mills are much more common. Persians are common victims of kitten mills. (See Purebred Cat Rescue for more info.) ”

“Kittens from either mills or pet stores are likely to have parasites, hidden genetic and health problems, and significant socialization deficiencies. People are often taken in by those pitiful little faces and want to save them, but every well-intentioned “rescue” from a pet store condemns one more mother cat to a horrible life. Suppliers do not care why you bought it–they only know that you just put a big wad of money in their pockets.”

I can’t stress this point enough!

Are You Older Or Do You Have Grown Up Kids?

Maybe adopting a rescue kitty is a better answer. Usually, the cats already have their shots and are litter box trained. Most rescue cats are grown and have been around people so they are a great company. Most are already spayed or neutered leaving with less of a headache. There is usually an adoption fee which helps pay for the cats shots and spayed or neutering.

The average lifespan of a cat is 13 to 17 years, but a lot of cats have been known to live over 20. The main benefit of adopting from a rescue centre is that you get a guarantee of its health: they’ve all been through health checks, been seen by a vet, had their blood taken, had vaccinations, been microchipped and neutered, and if there’s anything like dental work needed they’ll have that done before they’re re-homed. If there are ongoing medical conditions we’ll make you fully aware of that too.

Animal shelters

From Humane Society: “Shelters are filled with healthy, affectionate cats and kittens of every color, shape, and size imaginable, including many purebreds for which you’d pay a breeder hundreds of dollars. Most shelter cats are mixed-breed, each of which has a unique look—a splash of color, a quartet of irregular “socks,” a certain twinkle in the eye—all his or her own.”

Rescue groups

“Yet another way to bring a cat into your life is to contact a rescue group, which is an organization devoted to placing cats into caring foster homes until a permanent placement can be found. Many groups take any type of cat; others are devoted to specific breeds.”

“There are cat rescue groups across the country. They typically accept cats from people who can’t or don’t want to care for them anymore, and then go to work finding good, “forever” homes for them. That might even include transporting cats across the country into the arms of their new owner.”

“Rescue groups also often cooperate with animal shelters, placing some of the shelter cats into foster homes to open up much-needed cage space for new arrivals.”

“It’s easy to find rescue groups in your city or state by doing an Internet search, talking to the staff of your local animal shelter or asking a few questions at veterinary clinics in your area.”

As For Us, We Adopted

My wife and I adopted an 8-year-old calico about 6 years ago and another one about 5 years ago. I have had kittens growing up but I have seen how many cats are forgotten about at shelters ( Cue the Sarah Mclaughlin Music ). We couldn’t resist getting shelter cats and they are two of the sweetest cats ever. If you don’t really have time for training a kitten and paying for everything adoption is perfect! Rescuing a cat is so rewarding and they are always grateful. I’d highly recommend finding a shelter in your area. Thanks for reading!

By: Andy Harms
Bow Chicka Meow Meow

10 Best Cat Gifs EVER!

These are our nominations for best cat gifs ever! I know there are probably better and funnier ones out there, these are the ones we liked! Hope you enjoy and comment below in your favorite one.

#1: The first one is just plain CUTE!

#2: Slowly stealing the food as not to alarm you.

#3: This one is just crazy!

#4: Is this cat ok?

#5: Ahhh cats and cucumbers!

#6: Wow does that kitten want cereal!

#7: No kisses I said!

#8: OMG nothing to be said just adorable!

#9: Chasing the red dot is dangerous!

#10: Who the hell are you?

 

By: Andy Harms
www.bowchickameowmeow.com

15 Cats Trying To Help You Not Do Stuff!

We love cats even if they can be a little annoying. We own two calico girls and Miss kitty wants breakfast and dinner ON TIME. She will bug and holler till she gets fed. The other one Kitten (Named for her adorable meow) will come in bed and sit on my chest while I’m trying to watch TV.

All cats have their little quirks but here are some we found that is just too funny! Enjoy!

15: Coming in at number fifteen is a cute kitten obviously trying to help someone read!

14: This one just wants to watch you as you read!

13: This one is all too familiar with my cat! Once again great choice on where to sit.

12: This cat just wants to help with the landscaping. Great job keeping him company!

11: Ahhh what a little helper during tax time!

10: I think this one just wants to make sure your wrists are nice and warm.

9: I guess this kitten thinks you need less screen time!

8: Going for a walk? I’ll come keep you company.

7: Cats are very clean so they like helping with brushing. Great job!

6: Keeping you entertained while your bathing.

5: Having trouble with work? this cute kitten is there to help you not solve it.

4: Not sure what’s happening here but I’m sure the kitty is just trying to be helpful.

3: Someones trying to style hair. Fantastic job!

2: Nuber two just loves to help you play Xbox. A supurb job there!

1: Number one takes the cake because nobody likes to wake up with a cold head in the morning!

 

As you can see cats really just want to help. You may think they are invading your personal space, but really they just love to help a bit too much at times. I don’t mind if Kitten tells me it’s time to stop watching TV or Miss kitty keeping me on time. I hope you enjoyed this blog post! Leave a comment about how your cat tries to help you with the everyday thing!

Thanks for reading!
By: Andy Harms
www.bowchickameowmeow.com

Indoor Vs Outdoor Cats

When you get a cat there is always one question you have to ask yourself. Indoor cat or let them run around outside. I’ve had both and these are a few pros and cons. I think caring for your cat with regular veterinarian visits and keeping them up to date on shot is the key to being a good owner. But the choice whether to leave the door open to outside play or to make that not an option is a tough one.

The first, and most important, thing to keep in mind when considering where you will allow your new friend to find adventures is that the decision should be based on BOTH considerations for you and considerations for the cat.  There are definitely things that should be thought about from both sides of the relationship.

Pros For Outdoor Cats

• Outdoor cat certainly gets more natural exercise whether it be chasing a butterfly or stalking a mouse or mole. Outdoor cats tend to be a bit more active outside which is a great health benefit for your feline friend.
• Outdoor cat tends to not scratch furniture or urinates in inappropriate places in the house since most of that is done outside.
• Outdoor cats have less aggression towards other animals and even humans. Due to outdoor cats getting to be around more animals and humans they tend to be less aggressive.
• Two words: Rodent control! Having an outdoor cat can keep small critters away from you and your house as cats are excellent hunters. Their natural diet does consist or mice, moles, and birds so it’s perfectly natural for your cat to have an outdoor snack or meal. Don’t be surprised if your cat’s not hungry after a trip outdoors.
• I think outside cats have less stress due to outside stimulation and play.

Pros For Indoor Cats

• Indoor cat stays healthier and cleaner. Indoors are in a controlled environment so cats are not likely to be exposed to dangers such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. Outdoor cat and eat grass or plants treated with weed killers and pesticides making them dangerous for kitties.
• Traffic and cars! House cats are safe from any large moving dangers outside.
• Indoor cats have more of a controlled diet and are less likely to have stomach or intestinal problems.
• More domesticated and less “wild”. Indoor cats are more relaxed.
• Inside cat usually outlive outdoor cats. This one’s easy as there are far fewer dangers in a house than out in the neighborhood.
• Outdoor predators like hawks, eagles, or dogs. Indoor they are safe from these treats.

So which ones best?

While an indoor cat can be quite happy, the best compromise on the indoor/outdoor issue is to build a secure enclosure in your yard. Or, if you already have a perimeter fence, look into cat-proof add-ons that will keep your cat on your property and bar entry to other cats. Alternatively, you might tether your cat with a harness and leash, but only under supervision, to be sure the leash doesn’t become tangled around his neck or prevent him escaping from other animals that might enter the yard or swoop down from above.

I think where you live is a big factor whether to go indoor or outdoor. In a more rural setting cats have fewer dangers of cars and harm from poisons or toxins. Cat owners that are in a city, their cats are more prone to being hurt or harmed by machines or toxins. Another huge thing is having your furry friends spayed or neutered. For outdoor and indoor cats this can help with unwanted and risky behaviors. Male cats can be very aggressive towards other cats if they are not neutered. Female cats can get pregnant. Indoor cats cat can live to a ripe age of 17, but really getting your cats vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to keep your pets healthy.

If you do have an outside cat, there are ways to keep them a bit safer like installing a cat fence or keeping the cat in a harness and on a leash. If you have an outdoor cat it is recommended that you get the cat microchipped so if they do go missing you have a better chance of getting them back. The kind of cat you have makes a big difference as well. Munchkin cats would probably not be suited for outdoors as well as a short-haired cat in colder weather. Some cats are made for warmer weather and other cats are well suited for colder winter climates.

Keep Your Cats Happy

Regularly playing with indoor cats can keep them healthier and happier. Also limiting their food and giving them healthier wet foods like chicken, turkey, and fish. Outdoor cats need for vet checkups since they are more prone to disease. Brush your cats regularly. This helps keep stuff out of their fur is they are outdoor and keeps shedding to a minimum for indoor. My personal opinion is cats should NOT be declawed especially if you have an outdoor cat. They use the claws to defend themselves and climb things to get out of danger. Indoor cats use their claws to scratch their bodies and if they do get outside on accident a declawed cat would be vulnerable. Giving your cats a comfortable sleeping area can add to their happiness. A pet bed or a cat cave makes them feel safe and relaxed.

In Conclusion

Either way, you go there are pros and cons and you have to decide as a pet owner what is more important to you. Freedom and adventure or the safe and controlled environment. It’s not an easy choice, but for me, I prefer an indoor cat since it’s less complicated and you always know where they are. I think it’s important to understand the needs of your cat on an individual level and to provide for those needs accordingly. Not every situation is black and white. Use your own best judgment and make the decision that’s right for your cat.

 

By: Andy Harms
www.bowchickameowmeow.com

What cat toy is best for your cat?

No doubt about cats loves toys. You can locate articles about household items which may be utilized for your cat to play with but are they really safe and you don’t want your cat having fun with these? There are all kinds of cats fun toys you may buy your cat to play with. However, suppose I could show you a few cool cat toys and games which cost you nothing with things you have in your home?

Cats can never have enough toys. Whether they are big, small, noisy or fluffy, cat toys will continue to keep your furry friend entertained all day and are a wonderful way to exercise them both physically and emotionally, whilst still having fun.

Kittens are especially lively and at this young age, it’s crucial for them to develop a variety of abilities and learn how to behave upon their natural instincts, all of that may be done through play. Or even maintained entertained or satisfactorily, cats can develop bad habits or, in more severe cases, a competitive behavior. This means they’ll likely be more likely to use their claws on your furniture as well as you. For exclusive cat beds, you can visit our site.

Instead, consider playtime as bonding time between you and your cat and also a chance to get to know each other better. Additionally, it is an efficient means to combat your kitty’s behavior problems, if they have any, as well as help them be much more trustful towards you.

There is a wide selection of cat toys accessible to choose from. Here’s a quick breakdown of your alternatives, if you are not sure which ones would be best for your moggy;

Loud playthings

Toys with sound effects are instant attention-grabbing to cats. Whether they truly are squeaky or have a bell attached, your cat will probably learn that when they toss their toy will soon be rewarded with a great.

Cosy toys

These toys have been frequently coated in matters like feathers to resemble other tiny critters such as rodents or birds that your cat can stalk and roll around with. cats like to chew on those toys or run around with them.

Active playthings

Toys that hold or move treats require your own cat to make a certain action in order to receive a reward. Breeding balls really are a solution to exercise your cat since are toys attached to a stick that require your furry friend to chase around as you feel it.

Catnip playthings

Catnip is just a sort of herb that is completely safe for the cat to use. Although only around 70% of cats have been believed to answer catnip will have fun and respond in manners like rolling and massaging following exposure. The herb is non-addictive and may be substituted it into your kitty’s bed or on their favorite toys – catnip toys are also available and are a special cure for catnip fans that are feline.

Be sure to have plenty of cat toys lying around to keep your cat amused and ensure they are happy, healthy and feel part of the family room.

By: Andy Harms
Bow Chicka Meow Meow

What Are The Zoomies

Have you ever seen your cat get a sudden burst of playful energy and wonder what causes it? We call them the zoomies, and I’m sure if you’ve owned cats you’ve seen them. Some have called them midnight crazies or fur and blur as well but what really causes them to go nuts at the weirdest times?
One of the causes I’ve read is called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). I really love when our two calico cats get these and they make for hilarious videos and photos. These huge bursts of energy are different for every cat but none the less very entertaining to watch especially if you have two or more cats like in the video above. I know our cats will chase each other all over the house or climb the cat tower and scratch at invisible aliens.

Do not be distressed when your cat starts knocking over your CD collection or brushing things off of counters. These things are to be expected. Your cat might even decide to trip you as you’re going to the fridge for a little midnight snack. Always expect the worst! It’s the cat crazies! If the crazies bother you because you’ve fallen flat on your face, don’t worry, in a very short while your cat will be sleeping for the next 22 hours.
The most likely cause of FRAPs is your cat probably just needs to spend some energy, and quick and crazy is the way to do it in the cat world! This is why kitten or young cats are more prone to “frapping”.  It is actually quite normal for cats to go from a calm and disinterested state to an intense and very active state. This is, in fact, one of their favorite hunting techniques! The surprise effect works, doesn’t’ it?

Those energy bursts can be somewhat annoying, especially when they happen late at night. The best way to manage them is to prevent them from making sure that your cat gets to spend a lot of energy in the evening playing hunting games with you. You could also reward those crazy periods at most appropriate times by responding to your cat zooming around with his favorite toy to chase. He will most probably welcome the opportunity to chase a “real prey” instead of an imaginary one.

Crazy episodes also frequently happen just after cats “have done their business”. Two theories explain this behavior. First one is simple: Cats simply feel better after they relieve themselves, and they “celebrate” by running around and enjoying this “lighter” feeling. The second one is linked to a strong survival instinct: Cats want to run away from their feces as quickly as possible so that predators cannot link the smell to them. Either way, there is not much you can do against those crazy FRAPs episodes! They only last a couple of minutes, so your best guess is to just enjoy the entertaining show!

There can be several medical or physiological origins of the midnight crazies. The first, and perhaps most serious, the medical cause is feline hyperthyroidism. If you have a middle-aged to an older cat who suddenly begins staying up late, losing weight, acting jittery or behaving oddly, have her checked by your vet.

Dogs can get a condition known as Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, which can lead to sleep alterations and unusual behaviors. Arthritic pain, flea and tick bites, kidney and liver disease, toxins and brain tumors can also cause strange behaviors. Finally, age-related dementia and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) should be considered whenever a senior pet begins bolting or acting abnormally.

Changes in sight, hearing and smell may also contribute to bizarre behavior. I’ve seen dogs with failing eyesight or hearing snap at imaginary flies, bark at invisible enemies and flee fantasy foes. The bottom line is if your dog or cat suddenly starts darting about, springing awake when they usually rest or acting abnormally, seek veterinary advice.

As for me, I love watching our cats go crazy and chase invisible beings around the house. People that come over and do not own cats are usually pretty shocked to see cars racing around at 2 or 3 in the morning, but most cat owners find this hilarious and a good sign their cat is getting extra energy out.

By: Andy Harms
Owner of Bow Chicka Meow Meow

10 Amazing Cat Facts

Cat Facts

Did you know that a physicist once made his cat the co-author of his paper because he’d accidentally written “we” instead of “I” throughout his work and couldn’t be bothered to change it? Also, believe it or not, the British Government has a position called “Chief Mouser To The Cabinet Office” that can only be assigned to a cat. And although this may not surprise you, a study once proved that cats are more than capable of recognizing their owner’s voices, but simply choose to ignore it.

The Facts

#1-A house cat’s genome is 95.6 percent tiger, and they share many behaviors with their jungle ancestors, says Layla Morgan Wilde, a cat behavior expert and the founder of Cat Wisdom 101. These behaviors include scent marking by scratching, prey play, prey stalking, pouncing, chinning, and urine marking.

#2-Cats use their whiskers to “feel” the world around them in an effort to determine which small spaces they can fit into. A cat’s whiskers are generally about the same width as its body. (This is why you should never, EVER cut their whiskers.)

#3-Grapes and raisins, as well as onions, garlic, and chives, are all extremely harmful foods for cats. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure — although the reasoning behind that isn’t clear. Meanwhile, onions, garlic, and chives wreak havoc on your cat’s gastrointestinal system and can cause anemia.

#4-Spaying and neutering can extend a cat’s life. The Banfield Pet Hospital study found that neutered males live an average of 62 percent longer than unneutered cats and spayed females live an average of 39 percent longer than unspayed cats.

#5-Cats use their long tails to balance themselves when they’re jumping or walking along narrow ledges.

#6-If you keep your cat active during the day, he will sleep better at night. If you’re not free-feeding your cat, you can also help her get a good night’s sleep by providing her with a substantial evening meal.

#7-While it is commonly thought that the ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats, the oldest known pet cat was recently found in a 9,500-year-old grave on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This grave predates early Egyptian art depicting cats by 4,000 years or more.

#8-A cat can’t climb head first down a tree because every claw on a cat’s paw points the same way. To get down from a tree, a cat must back down.

#9-The term “puss” is the root of the principal word for “cat” in the Romanian term pisica and the root of secondary words in Lithuanian (puz) and Low German plus. Some scholars suggest that “puss” could be imitative of the hissing sound used to get a cat’s attention. As a slang word for the female pudenda, it could be associated with the connotation of a cat being soft, warm, and fuzzy.

#10-Some cats have survived falls of over 65 feet (20 meters), due largely to their “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell it where it is in space so the cat can land on its feet. Even cats without a tail have this ability.

 

By Andy Harms
Bow Chicka Meow Meow

Best Cat Videos

This is just adorable!!

Awww I just love kittens!

Cat helps a blind dog get around. Awesome!

I think kitty therapy could be a great thing.

That is soooo clever!!

That is really cool of him to stop and help!

What a cool game for cats and super cute!

Build an awesome cat fort. Great idea!

Best Cat Memes

Been there lol

LoL

My kitty does this!

If I were a cat I’d be confused too

Hahaha classic!

LMAO

This is just cute

LoL

By: Andy Harms
Bow Chicka Meow Meow