Visited one of our biggest fans: The Whole Cat and Kaboodle (www.thewhole-cat.com) in Kirkland’s Houghton Neighborhood. When I walked in, Nancy the owner (with the ever helpful Daria) was trimming the claws on a gorgeous cat that was less than pleased to have this done. Actually, I’ve never heard such a human- like sound coming from an animal but: Nancy was so soothing in voice and manner – I couldn’t help but be impressed! 

Open 2 years in May 2015; The Whole Cat and Kaboodle is going well as a grooming and boarding location with the most inviting “hang out and playroom” for us humans to enjoy visiting with the cats. Kudos for facilitating adoptions for 120 cats that are now enjoying their permanent homes!

Helpful informational cards are available to take home courtesy of #TheWholeCat. Here’s a brief overview of the cards I saw:

A PURRFECT LITTER SYSTEM (thanks for the shout out for DooKashi, step #5!)

• A nice big litter box, one per cat of course…we like high sided boxes
• A single ingredient litter such as corn, soy, pine or pea fiber
• A great litter scoop such as the Litter Lifter – love the design with uninterrupted beveled tines.
• A nice big litter mat to collect litter and prevent tracking
• A scoop of #DooKashi added to the box after cleaning helps to neutralize odors and pathogens and extend the life of the litter/
• A hit of cat Attract Litter Additive keeps kitty coming back to the box every time
• Lastly, consider investing in a new litter box every year. Plastics are porous and harbor odors and bacteria.

NEW KITTY CHECKLIST:

• Healthy Food: choose a variety of human grade quality canned food – maybe even try a little raw! 2 ounces of food per pound of cat until they are 10 months to 1 year old, then cut back to 1 ounce per pound.
• A BED: it’s good to have a place to call one’s own
• Cat Tree: especially great when introducing kitty to a home with other cats
• Litter Box: new kitty, new box ALWAYS!

FOUR “MUST KNOW” facts about cats

• 1.Cats are obligate carnivores meaning: they are designed to THRIVE on the fuel of clean meat. They can digest grains and veggies but can’t really use them.
• 2.Cats are crepuscular by nature meaning: cats are designed to hunt and eat at dusk and dawn. Feeding 2 moisture and protein rich meals per day is best for their digestive systems
• 3.Cats are designed to get moisture from their prey (food). Cats eating only dry food tend to be about 10% more dehydrated than cats on a canned or raw diet. Dehydration leads to headaches, crabbiness, kidney disease, dandruff and more.
• 4.Cats are prey animals. We tend to think of them as predators because they are hunters. But, they are also hunted. Cats feel best when they can be invisible – hide their waste, keep super clean, sleep in high places or under things. Most behavioral issues stem from this important fact.

Stop by The Whole Cat and Kaboodle or, visit www.thewhole-cat.com and see more helpful cat hints. And of yes: meet Nancy! .