Sustainable Tails

Welcome back into another exciting edition of Sustainable Tails! Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of pets and explore an array of topics about the fur babies we love. This week we’re discussing cats and trees, feline periodontal disease, and shelter euthanasia. Let’s get into it!

Cats Have Difficulty Descending Down Trees Headfirst

Cats, masters of vertical exploration, possess a remarkable ability to ascend trees with finesse. However, the mystery lies in their inability to descend headfirst. Unlike squirrels or certain birds, a cat's retractable, curved claws are optimized for gripping and climbing upwards. Descending headfirst would require an opposing configuration, making the process inefficient and precarious. Instead, cats adopt a safer strategy—backing down or sideward descent.

This technique allows them to leverage their powerful hind leg muscles and maintain control over their descent. Nature, in its ingenious design, has equipped cats with the ideal tools for vertical ascent while guiding them to descend in a manner that ensures their safety. Next time you marvel at a cat's acrobatics, appreciate their evolutionary adaptations that turn every descent into a carefully orchestrated dance of agility and survival.

Cat Fact Corner

The prevalence of periodontal disease in cats is relatively high. According to various veterinary studies, it is estimated that up to 70-90% of cats over the age of three may develop some degree of periodontal disease. This makes dental problems one of the most common health issues in cats.

Preventing Feline Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease in cats can range from mild gingivitis to more severe conditions involving inflammation, infection, and tooth loss. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve a cat's oral health and overall well-being.

Start by introducing a dental care routine early, including regular tooth brushing with feline-friendly toothpaste. Incorporate dental treats and toys designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Feed a balanced, high-quality diet, and consider dental-specific diets that promote oral health. Provide dental check-ups with your veterinarian to detect and address any emerging issues.

Routine veterinary dental cleanings are essential, removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing may miss. Monitor your cat's oral health for signs of trouble, such as bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating. Additionally, avoid feeding cats human food high in sugars.

By combining at-home care with professional veterinary attention, you can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease in your feline friend, ensuring a healthier and happier life.

https://www.plymouthvet.com/services/cats/blog/dental-care-cats-purrfect-ways-help-prevent-dental-disease#:~:text=A%20good%20dental%20care%20routine,process%20with%20patience%20and%20treats.

Pet Poem Place

Little Jack Horner

By Kelsey, Age 10, Texas USA

I have a dog named Charlie,
But we call him Jack Horner.
He sits in the corner,
And eats his food.
I love my little puppy named Charlie,
He is definitely not mean and rude!

Tips To Reduce Pet Euthanasia In Shelters

Decreasing the number of pets entering shelters and facing euthanasia involves a combination of proactive measures and community engagement. Encouraging responsible pet ownership is paramount; this includes promoting spaying and neutering to control populations and prevent unplanned litters. Education initiatives should highlight the lifelong commitment of pet ownership and the importance of adopting from shelters.

Implementing accessible low-cost spaying and neutering programs, alongside vaccination clinics, addresses financial barriers and ensures comprehensive pet care. Community-driven initiatives, such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for feral cats, help control populations while promoting humane treatment.

Fostering a culture of adoption through awareness campaigns emphasizes the rewards of shelter pets, potentially reducing the stigma associated with adoption. Collaboration between shelters, rescue organizations, and veterinary services facilitates a network of support and resources.

Ultimately, legislative advocacy can play a role in promoting animal welfare standards, enforcing responsible breeding practices, and penalizing neglect. By combining these practical solutions, communities can actively contribute to reducing the number of pets entering shelters and facing euthanasia, fostering a compassionate and responsible approach to pet care.

Bonus Tips:

• Purchase special elastic collars for cats that minimize their chances of being snagged on a tree limb or a fence.

• Make sure your pet has the proper tags, vaccinations, and licenses for your area, including your up to date address and phone number. This includes “indoor” pets that sometimes escape or get loose from home and wind up in shelters.

https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/animal-shelter-euthanasia/#:~:text=56%20percent%20of%20dogs%20and,are%20reunited%20with%20their%20owners.

Pet Of The Week - Lula

We are happy to introduce our faithful subscribers to this adorable princess, Lula. This 10 year old half toy/half mini poodle is 10 pounds of loveable fluff and is a very outdoorsy pup. She has beautiful apricot coloration on her ears and her feet, with the white, curly haired poodle hair coat covering the rest of her body. She is happy to be around her family who adores her, whether that be playing fetch, camping, boating, hiking, and, of course, riding in the car.

Lula is very affectionate with a playful demeanor, and for those of us who know her, to know her is to love her. She tends to get a little excited around disc golfers and barks a little bit, but aside from a few transgressions, she is simply a beloved part of Sustainable Tails’ Pet Of The Week family. Thank you to subscriber Chris for submitting this sweet picture of Lula, and congratulations to you, Lula, for being Pet Of The Week!

Homemade Dog Food - Easy And Delicious

Animals Helping Animals

Well, that’s a wrap for this week. Please be sure to share this growing community of pet lovers from around the world with your friends and family. We send you an unobtrusive email once a week right to your mailbox. That’s all there is to it! We welcome any and all input from all of our subscribers. Send us topics you’d love to know more about, or just drop a line to say hello. There are exciting things coming as Sustainable Tails grows in popularity!

Sustainable Tails is dedicated to helping you create a harmonious and eco-friendly life for you and your pets. By embracing zero-waste and pet-friendly grooming products and sustainably exploring the outdoors together, you're not only enhancing the well-being of your furry companions but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Thank you for joining us on this weeks adventure. Continue to spread the word on what we are doing here, and always know your comments and participation in our community are welcomed with open paws. We’ll see you right here next week, so continue making sustainable choices and cherishing each and every day with your beloved pets!

Joshua McCarty

Founder, Sustainable Tails

P.S. Have a topic you’d like us to cover in our next newsletter? Share your ideas and questions with us. We’d love to hear from you!

P.P.S. Take a peek over at our partner website for an ever growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly pet supplies and accessories, as well as many other pet friendly products!

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https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/animal-shelter-euthanasia/#:~:text=56%20percent%20of%20dogs%20and,are%20reunited%20with%20their%20owners.