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How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Active

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A closeup shot a fluffy black and white cat playing with a blue knitted mouse

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is always looking for ways to educate our readers, pet owners, and staff on ways to improve the lives of our feline friends. So we are dedicating our latest blog to the cats out there who want everyone to know how to keep your indoor cat happy and active!

We Speak from Personal Experience


As a multi-cat household, our cats have a variety of personalities, but one common trait is that our cats get bored and need to be stimulated.

We have the typical cat trees with hanging balls, toys with feather, lights, movement, and tunnels. But when we notice the cats knocking pens off the desks, rubbing up against us for much needed attention and affection, leaving us “presents”, and lying around more than usual, we know we need to step up our cat game and provide some more indoor stimulation.

Aside from the empty Amazon box that they love more than the toys we bought for them, here are some fun ways to keep your indoor cat happy and active, prevent boredom and obesity, and eliminate behavioral issues.

9 Tips for a Happy Cat

1. Provide Plenty of Toys

Cats love to play and having a variety of toys helps keep them mentally and physically engaged. Interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, and motorized mice mimic the movements of prey and encourage natural hunting instincts. Rotating toys regularly prevents boredom and keeps your cat interested.

2. Create Vertical Space

Cats love to climb and perch in high places. Investing in cat trees, shelves, or window perches gives your cat a chance to survey their environment from above, which provides both exercise and mental stimulation. If space allows, a cat tower with multiple levels and scratching posts can be a great addition to your home.

3. Engage in Interactive Play

Spending time playing with your cat strengthens your bond and helps them burn off excess energy. Wand toys with feathers or cat safe strings, balls, and puzzle feeders are great tools for interactive play. Aim for at least two 10-15 minute play sessions a day to keep your cat engaged and active.

4. Offer Scratching Posts and Pads

Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. Providing multiple scratching surfaces, such as posts, mats, or cardboard scratchers, helps keep their claws healthy and prevents them from scratching furniture. Place scratchers in areas where your cat naturally likes to scratch.

5. Introduce Food Puzzles and Treat Dispensers

Instead of simply offering food in a bowl, use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to make mealtime more engaging. These tools encourage problem-solving skills, slow down eating, and provide mental stimulation. You can also hide small portions of food around the house to encourage foraging behavior.

6. Give Them a View of the Outdoors

Even if your cat stays indoors, they can still enjoy watching the outside world. A window perch or cat hammock near a window allows them to observe birds, squirrels, and other outdoor activities. You can also install a bird feeder outside the window to provide extra entertainment.

7. Provide Safe Outdoor Access

If possible, consider creating a safe outdoor space, such as a catio (a secure outdoor enclosure) or leash training your cat for supervised outdoor adventures. This allows your cat to experience fresh air and new sights while staying protected from dangers like traffic and predators.

8. Offer a Cozy and Enriching Environment

Cats love cozy hideaways and soft bedding. Providing cat caves, blankets, and enclosed spaces helps them feel safe and comfortable. Additionally, rotating new scents (such as catnip, silver vine, or fresh herbs) can add excitement to their environment.

9. Keep Their Routine Consistent

Cats thrive on routine, so maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and bedtime helps them feel secure. A stable environment reduces stress and promotes a happy, well-adjusted pet.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your indoor cat stays happy, active, and healthy. A well-stimulated cat is a content cat, and with the right enrichment, your feline companion will enjoy a fulfilling and joyful life indoors.

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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On this day filled with love and affection, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would like to wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

And what better way to kick off today than with Valentine’s from some of our beloved guests!

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Dogs of The Ranch

Blue wishes you a most delightful Valentine’s Day! Blue represents all of the pittie dogs and pups who have endless love and affection to give all day every day. Who can resist Blue’s sweet charm and puppy dog eyes?

Dolce wants no none to be left “behind” on this Valentine’s Day. He represents the German Shorthair Pointers and all of the Ranch Dogs who have no problem being behind the scenes. These goofballs are fine not to take center stage and have all of the confidence to be photographed from all angles. If you look closely enough, you might even see the resemblance of a heart amid all of those mass muscles and spots!

With eyes this affectionate, how can you not fall for Lula? Lula represents all of the Ranch pups who speak with their eyes and melt our hearts. How can you not fall in love with someone so sweet and ready to give hugs with those giant paws. Lula, you had us with your brows. May all of your Valentine wished come true!

Ah, Pretzel, no one ever wants to be dumped on Valentine’s Day. That is why we count on you to make sure you do your “doodie” and keep us together. Pretzel represent our self-confident puppers whose high-energy antics and agility skills keep us on our toes. You know what’s better than this sweet Pretzel? Lots of pretzels covered in chocolate and dipped in sprinkles.

Valentine’s Wishes from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with love from your fur babies, and may you shower them with the affection they deserve.

We feel so lucky to be able to spend Valentine’s Day with your dogs and soak up all of the love and affection they provide to us this day and every day!

Human Foods that are Safe for Dogs

If you want to spoil your dog this Valentine’s Day, here are some human foods that are safe for dogs as well as some foods that you should avoid. Remember, chocolate and alcohol is toxic for dogs, so keep the chocolate covered strawberries and champagne for you!

Natural dog food Hungry brown dog lying near its bowl full of meat food looking at camera, top view

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Pet Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

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In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way pet owners approach feeding their dogs and cats. More and more, people are opting for homemade pet food over commercially produced kibble or canned options.

This trend has grown in popularity due to various factors such as concerns about pet health, a desire for transparency in ingredients, and the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with mass-produced pet food.

With an emphasis on nutrition, quality control, and personalized diets, homemade dog food has become a preferred choice for many pet owners seeking the best for their furry companions.

Health Concerns and Quality Control

One of the primary drivers of the popularity of homemade dog food is the growing awareness of the potential risks associated with commercial dog and cat food. While many high-quality brands exist, there have been instances of recalls, contamination, and the discovery of harmful ingredients in mass-produced pet foods.

These issues have led to a shift in trust, with many pet owners now preferring to control what goes into their animals’ meals. Homemade pet food provides an opportunity to choose fresh, natural ingredients that can be tailored to the dogs’ and cats’ specific health needs.

Additionally, some commercial dog and cat food products are filled with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality meats that may not be ideal for a pet’s health.

Homemade meals allow pet owners to focus on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, reducing the risk of exposure to undesirable ingredients.

With the rise of dietary concerns such as obesity, allergies, and sensitivities in animals, many pet owners feel more comfortable preparing their own food to ensure their dogs and cats are receiving a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Personalized Nutrition

Another factor contributing to the popularity of homemade pet food is the ability to customize meals based on the specific needs of individual dogs and cats. Each animal is unique, with different dietary requirements depending on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any medical conditions.

Homemade pet food allows pet owners to create personalized meals that meet their pet’s specific nutritional needs, ensuring optimal health.

For example, senior dogs and cats with joint issues may benefit from recipes that include ingredients like turmeric or fish oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarly, dogs or cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies can avoid triggering ingredients, such as grains, dairy, or common meat allergens, by creating customized meals at home.

For active dogs or working breeds, owners can focus on high-protein meals to support muscle growth and energy levels.

This level of personalization is difficult to achieve with pre-packaged pet food, making homemade options an attractive alternative.

Transparency and Control Over Ingredients

Pet owners are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they buy, and this extends to dog and cat food as well.

Homemade pet food offers transparency and control that commercial pet food simply cannot provide. With homemade meals, pet owners can choose organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that their dogs and cats are eating food that aligns with their values and preferences.

Additionally, by cooking their pet’s food at home, owners can avoid any unwanted surprises and know exactly what their pets are consuming, which builds trust and confidence in the meals they provide.

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Dog Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

The popularity of homemade pet food is expected to continue growing as more pet owners seek healthier, safer, and more personalized options for their dogs and cats.

With an increasing focus on transparency, high-quality ingredients, and nutrition, homemade dog and cat food provides a viable and often superior alternative to traditional commercial pet food.

As the trend gains momentum, pet owners are embracing the opportunity to take control of their dog and cat’s diet and health, ensuring their beloved pets live longer, healthier lives.

Pet Preparation Tips in the Event of a Disaster

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In light of the horrific firestorms occurring in Los Angeles, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to express our heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy and to remind pet owners to be prepared in the event of a catastrophic event.

No pet owner wants to think of having to leave for safety without our pets, and in the event there is little to no warning, it’s best to have everything your pet needs prepared in advance.

With some careful planning and preparation, you and your pets can have a better chance at surviving a catastrophe.

Prepare Your Pet for Disaster

To prepare for a potential disaster, pet owners should create an emergency plan that includes assembling a pet emergency kit, identifying a safe area in the home, and taking steps to ensure their pet’s identification and safety. Key aspects of pet disaster preparedness include:

Emergency Kit:

  • Sufficient supply of pet food and water
  • Medications and prescription details
  • List of allergies or intolerances
  • Copies of vaccination and medical records
  • A durable carrier or leash
  • A collar with an up-to-date ID tag with visible and legible contact information
  • Pet bedding and favorite toys
  • A pet first aid kit
  • Recent photos of your pet
  • Can opener
  • Flashlight
  • Reflective collar and or leash
  • Towels
  • Extra blankets

Identification:

  • Microchip your pet and keep contact information current
  • Ensure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your latest contact details
  • Collect all veterinary identification and assemble together
  • Keep an ID card with pet’s name, age, breed, gender, color (dogs can change colors in emergencies-think soot after a fire on a white dog), any identifying marks, or behaviors, shot history, list of medications or injuries

Safe Area:

  • Designate a safe room in your home where your pet can stay during an emergency provided you do not need to evacuate. Make sure the room has food, water, bedding, toys, and the comforts of home until you can resume operations
  • Keep all doors and windows shut to avoid the chance of escape
  • If flooding is a concern, provide access to elevated surfaces

Evacuation Plan:

  • Identify a friend or family member outside the affected area who can be contacted in an emergency
  • Practice evacuating with your pet and emergency kit
  • Know the location of pet-friendly shelters in your area

Important Information:

  • Keep your veterinarian’s contact details easily accessible
  • Note any special needs or medical conditions your pet may have
  • Post a glow in the dark sticker/notice next to your door/on your window with the number of pets and their location during an emergency

Update all information, food, water, bedding, medication, and supplies at least once or twice a year and make sure all perishable are not outdated.

By preparing in advance, you can ensure your pet’s safety and well-being during a disaster.

Wrapping Up a Year of Fun at The Ranch

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2024 has been a fun and productive year at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. From birthday parties and holidays to twinning and bedtime stories, The Ranch sure gets a kick out of our guests. Here are some of our favorite activities from 2024.

Puppy Bowl 2024

Puppy Bowl is one of the most popular events at The Ranch. Bigs and Littles compete for the coveted title of Puppy Bowl winner with prizes given for MVP and more. Dogs go all out to bring the football past the goal line after a morning of warm ups and “pup” talks.

Here are some of our best players!

Puppy Training

Our certified trainers make training dogs look like a walk in the park. But most owners know that it takes a special kind of person to train a dog. Here is our latest success, Jayce, who is showing off his stellar leash walking skills. Just look at the confidence in this sweet baby’s face!

Seeing Double

When one dog isn’t enough, we twin! Here are some of our adorable twins!

Story Time

The Ranch loves to read bedtime stories to our pups who board with us. We make our dogs feel right at home.

Halloween

Our dogs make Halloween one of the best holidays at The Ranch. Their creative disguises get better year after year. We can’t get over how well they model for the camera! This year, we added bobbing for apples, and that activity went over very well with many willing participants.

Bacon Bubbles

Bacon bubbles! We think this is the dogs’ favorite activity. Mix bubbles and bacon together and you have a rip roaring good time! Add some cute photo souvenirs with some plush bacon and you have an event that sells out every year!

Birthday Celebrations

Our pups at The Ranch become like family to us. As such, we love to celebrate their birthdays! Here are a few recent birthdays of some of our favorite guests.

The Meows Have It

The Ranch isn’t complete without our feline friends who add so much to our family. Take a look at our happy campers!

Caught on Camera

One of the best parts of The Ranch is capturing the day-to-day antics of our guests. Here are a few of our favorite photos!

Happy New Year!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish all of you a very happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year. We can’t wait to see you all next year and hopefully meet some new friends.

November is National Senior Pet Month

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November is National Senior Pet Month, a month devoted to honoring senior pets, focusing on their needs, and raising awareness for senior animals who need homes.

According to Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Senior Pet Advocates, pets are living longer due to the advancements in veterinary care, foods, and medicines. As pets age, their needs change, so the month of November has been dedicated to drawing attention to our beloved senior pets.

At What Age is a Pet Considered a Senior?

The age a pet becomes a senior varies according to their size and breed. However, the average age of a senior dog is determined to be around 7 years while a cat is considered a senior at 11 years of age (source).

By this age, pets are calmer and more settled into a routine. The days of chewing apart furniture, shoes, toys, clothes, plants, and anything they can get into their mouths is over, and senior pets are more satisfied being on a comfortable bed alongside their owners and partner pals.

Medical Needs for Senior Pets

As pets age, their needs change and senior pets require additional care including, but not limited to, “…more frequent examinations, diagnostics, and nutritional and behavioral counseling.”

Senior pets are more prone to developing certain diseases and conditions as they age. These include:

  • Arthritis: A frequent cause of chronic pain in older pets, arthritis occurs when a joint becomes unstable, leading to abnormal bone movement.
  • Cancer: A leading cause of death in senior pets, cancer involves an overgrowth of cells that can overwhelm the immune system.
  • Dental disease: This painful condition often goes unnoticed in senior pets due to its gradual progression.
  • Kidney disease: Common in older dogs, this condition can result in incontinence and changes in body odor.
  • Heart disease: Especially prevalent in small senior dogs, untreated heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure.
  • Cognitive dysfunction: Similar to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans, this condition affects mental function in older dogs.
  • Diabetes: A common issue in older pets, diabetes occurs when the body can no longer properly process glucose.
  • Cataracts: A frequent condition in older pets, cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, creating a whitish appearance over the eye. Cataracts can result from trauma or infection and may lead to blindness if untreated.
  • Glaucoma: A common issue in senior dogs, especially in certain breeds. There are two types: primary glaucoma, caused by poor drainage of eye fluid, and secondary glaucoma, which occurs from physical injury to the eye.
  • Corneal Ulcers: A genetic condition that typically affects middle-aged or older dogs. If untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss.

It’s crucial to monitor any changes in your pet’s behavior or signs of health issues and consult a veterinarian promptly. Many conditions can be treated or managed, helping to enhance the quality of life for senior pets.

Adopt a Senior Pet

Our shelters are full of senior pets looking for homes. If you could fill your heart and home with a senior pet, you would be giving a displaced dog or cat a second or third chance at life.

Senior pets don’t need as much time and attention as younger pets, are more settled and some say, more appreciative. Their personalities are already developed, some are already trained, and all you have to provide is food, shelter, water, love, and companionship. It’s a win-win for all!

If you are looking to adopt a senior, check your local rescue organizations and shelters. Bring home a Senior Dog and do your part during National Senior Pet Month.