Happy Cat

Aaaaaand, we’re officially open for business again! We’ve done all the COVID precautionary things: done our research to see if science currently thinks this can be safely done (answer = Yes, this is currently about as safe as working from home); bought masks, gloves and hand sanitizer; and updated the client intake form and FAQ page on the website. We’re ready. Bring on the kitties! Yay!

Kitties don’t share very well.....

Fishin’ for kitties. Elsa purrs while she plays.

Aaaaaand, were officially open for business again! Weve done all the COVID precautionary things: done our research to see if science currently thinks this can be safely done (answer = Yes, this is currently about as safe as working from home); bought masks, gloves and hand sanitizer; and updated the client intake form and FAQ page on the website. Were ready. Bring on the kitties! Yay!

Kitties dont share very well.....

Hello friends. The world is a crazy place right now. Today we’re letting you know that Happy Cat services will be unavailable until further notice. Just in case you were still thinking about going away somewhere.... We hope you are all safely tucked up at home. Cuddle your pet, check in with friends and neighbours, cuddle your pet again. Here’s a little stress-reducing video you can use whenever you need. ... https://youtu.be/2I_SEgZYKJQ

Today’s star is Elsa, a sweet and playful bundle of floof, with the most gorgeous tail ever!

Fishin for kitties. Elsa purrs while she plays.

Hello friends, In the last Happy Cat update, from March 2020, we announced that we were pausing our business due to COVID-19 precautions. Its July now, and the world is still in the throes of the pandemic. Terrible times. ... We just wanted to let everyone know that we are still on pause, but getting more and more eager to reopen. Over the next few weeks we will be updating our policies and practices so that we will be able to continue cat sitting, safely for both us and our clients. We really miss the kitties and hope to see you soon. Thank you everyone for the well wishes. Stay safe and cuddle your cat. Its kitten season, so heres a sweet little photo for you.

Hello friends. The world is a crazy place right now. Today were letting you know that Happy Cat services will be unavailable until further notice. Just in case you were still thinking about going away somewhere.... We hope you are all safely tucked up at home. Cuddle your pet, check in with friends and neighbours, cuddle your pet again. Heres a little stress-reducing video you can use whenever you need. ... https://youtu.be/2I_SEgZYKJQ

Todays star is Elsa, a sweet and playful bundle of floof, with the most gorgeous tail ever!

Cat Tip: Purring A happy kitty purr is one of the best sounds in the world, right? Did you know that cats purr for different reasons? Most of the time, a cats purr means that they are feeling comfortable, safe and happy. Their eyes and ears are relaxed, and you can almost see them smile. ... On the other hand, cats can also purr when they are in pain or seriously ill. If youve been wondering whether your kitty might be sick, dont assume that they are fine just because they start purring. This Im sick, please help me purr usually comes with body language signalling discomfort, and can be observed in cats that are self-isolating due to illness. Unless you have other reasons for concern, though, your cats purr is pretty much always the lovely, comforting sound of a happy cat. This quick video (sorry about the ad) is the best of purring: a bundle of kittens purring in contentment. Turn up the volume! https://youtu.be/RM5hQ3Qtf-8

Cat Tip: Cats and Cold Tolerance Most cat owners know that their kitty likes to snuggle in blankets or sleep stretched out on a hot sidewalk in summer. A cat's thermoneutral temperature is between 30 and 38C (86 and 100F). This is the temperature that allows a cat to maintain its normal internal body temperature. Humans (without clothing) have a thermoneutral temperature of about 27C (80F). Temperatures that are uncomfortably warm for us are just right for cats. Cats can ...tolerate colder temperatures fairly well, which is a good thing as most of us don't keep our houses that warm. But they will look for the warm spots, beside heat registers and in sunny windows, that let them be the most comfortable. Other factors that can impact a cat's comfy temperature are age, breed, weight and health. Kittens and elderly cats need a bit more warmth. Cats with long or thick fur, or a chubby tummy, have more insulation and hold their heat better. Sick kitties typically need more warmth, except if they have a thyroid condition which can cause them to want to cool off. Providing a warm place in your home where kitty can relax at the perfect temperature is a good step towards a happy cat.

I would like to thank everyone for supporting the Happy Cat startup in 2019. We had a great first holiday season: wonderful clients and adorable kitties! Im hoping for a slow-but-steady build of the client roster in 2020. Friends, you can help by spreading the word, liking our page, sharing the posts. Thank you again, for helping me get this new venture launched. Its a dream come true.

Hera has overcome her shyness and enjoys a daily pat as well.

Classic Happy Cat moment: When I arrive Juno meets me at the door. At first I thought she was looking for an opportunity to get outside, but now I see that she just wants her hello pat. If shes not done yet she holds onto my hand with both her front paws.

Classic Happy Cat moment: Juno: Just a cat sitting in her kitchen sink. Nothing to see here. Keep moving, lady!

Hera enjoys a little play too, as long as shes in a safe spot under or behind something.

Juno is enjoying the cork-with-feathers toy. Cutie!

And heres Junos roommate, Hera. A lovely, super-soft Ragdoll. Shes a bit timid and an absolute sweetie.

Introducing Juno, a sleek Egyptian Mau. The photo doesnt do justice to her silvery spotted fur. She is super curious and enthusiastic about everything.

Classic Happy Cat moment: Téa: I want to play. Me: Okay, heres a toy mouse. Want to play with that? Téa: No thanks. ... Me: How about a foam ball? Téa: No. Me: A ball with a bell? Téa: No. Me: A fishing rod with danglies? A catnip duck? A cork with feathers? Téa: Nope. Nope. Nope. Me: A long elastic with a knot in the end? Téa: OMG!!! YESSSS!!! Give It To Me!!! See more

Téa sleeps in a perfect circle.

Classic Happy Cat moment: Téas in her happy place, getting a good pat in her bed-on-a-bed.

I thought Tawny might be a little too sedate for playtime, but here she is reconnecting with her inner kitten!

Sweet little Téas favourite things are pats and cuddles. What a love bug!

Shy Miss Tawny actually has a really loud purr!

For all of you fans of Simons Cat, heres a Christmas Short. Merry Christmas everyone. https://youtu.be/nn2h3_aH3vo

I just read this fantastic article on how to help your cat become comfortable with having its nails trimmed. https://ilovepets.co/trim-cats-nail/

Hello friends. I have an update to our policy on vaccinations. I spoke with a veterinarian, and she advised me that most transmittable cat diseases are spread through direct cat-to-cat contact (bites, licking, sharing water, etc.), and that it is highly unlikely that I could spread these diseases from one client's cat to another. So I have revised the FAQ on our website to read that vaccinations are not required. The exception is if your cat has a cold (an upper respiratory infection). These germs can get on my hands and clothes and spread. So it is important to let me know if your cat has a cold. I will wash and sanitize and change to fresh clothes after our visit.

Kitty Christmas Safety The holiday season is full of delights, and also full of hazardous temptations for cats. Keep your furbaby safe and healthy with a cat-friendly Christmas. Here's how:... Trees: Kitty sees an irresistible, sparkly, tree full of cat toys! Please cover the water (which can contain pesticides); use non-breakable ornaments near the floor; make the wires as un-tempting as possible; secure the tree from toppling; and stay away from tinsel. Also be aware that ingested live or artificial tree parts can damage kitty's stomach. Ribbons & Tinsel: Cats love to chew and play with strings, but they can knot up the intestines if eaten, and this can be life-threatening. Don't leave bits of ribbon lying around, and just say no to tinsel. Plants: Christmas lilies are deadly to cats, also holly and mistletoe. Poinsettias are toxic, but not as deadly. Food: Chocolate is the number one food hazard, followed closely by poultry bones. Cats don't digest sugar or milk well, and these will cause tummy upsets, as will the addition of rich, fatty treats (turkey skin and gravy ...). Home Life: Changes to routine can be stressful to cats, as can noisy social gatherings. Make sure kitty has a safe quiet spot to hide out in, and watch the door so your sweetie doesn't escape, Gifting: Please, do not give a kitten for Christmas. Shelters are full of unwanted gift-cats in January. It's just so sad.

Just letting everyone know, that I will only be doing 20-minute visits on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I wont be available for 1-hour visits on those 2 days, but all other days are fair game. The holiday season is booking up fast!

Hello friends. Ive been working hard, and Happy Cat will be officially open for business next week! So excited.

Cat Tip (cats are not like dogs): Eye contact. For a cat, looking them directly in the eye is a sign of aggression. If you are dealing with a nervous or aggressive cat, looking them in the eye is not helpful. Try looking over their shoulder or turning your head slightly. Also soften your eyes and go for the slow blink. A cat that slow blinks back at you is showing relaxation and love.

Whew, just published the Happy Cat Halifax website. I don't have a full testing lab, so I've looked at it on my laptop and iPhone. Hey friends, if you get a minute could you please check out the site on your browsers or devices, and let me know if anything seems wonky? Thank you! https://www.happycathalifax.com/

Very exciting! My pet sitting insurance is in place, business cards have arrived, and I'm putting the finishing touches on the website. (It's not published yet though). Almost ready.

Cat Tip: Belly Rubs (Cats are not like dogs) Cats reserve belly rubs for very special occasions. If your kitty lies on its back, showing you its tummy, this is likely not an invitation for a belly rub. It's a signal that your cat feels safe around you. Try not to break that trust by rubbing its most vulnerable area. Give it a chin scratch or a rub behind the ears instead.

Thank you everyone for all the page likes and recommendations! Such great support. Im almost ready to open. Insurance signing tomorrow and then everything else will come along in time.

Not sure what your cat is trying to tell you? This is a really great video that walks you through all of the important signals your cat is sending with its tail, ears, eyes, body language and vocalization. Learning cat-speak will help you respond in a way that makes sense to your kitty, and may save you from a few scratches as well.