Cat Lovers

Protect Pets During Summer Holidays

2009-02-24T21:23:00.002+07:00

Holidays are a lot of fun but the noise and chaos can frighten pets. Some pets may get aggressive or become traumatized. Animals can become overloaded when cities shoot off fireworks. Holidays like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, can be very hard on pets because most animals are extremely sensitive to noise. A couple of things you can do to help your pet during these times include;

Create a safe space for the pet. Bring outdoor dogs inside. Allow your cats to hide under the bed or in closets. Don't force your animal to be social, allow them to hide.

Consider using non-addictive relaxers like "Rescue Remedy". Or, if your pet has bad reactions to noise and chaos, have your veterinarian prescribe some tranquilizers. Begin giving rescue remedy or tranquilizers a few hours before the noise is about to start.

Limit your pet's exposure to children and other animals at this time. When your pet is anxious because of noise and chaos, they may exhibit signs of aggression. A normally docile cat or dog may bite or attack a child or other pets when it's overloaded with fear and confusion.

If your pet hides in a closet or under the bed, leave them alone. Some people try to baby their animals. Usually, pets just want to feel safe. If your pet is anxious and comes to you, by all means provide comfort. But, if your pet is hiding, don't go after it. It will come out when it's more relaxed and ready to be social.

These tips also work well if your pet is afraid of thunder or lightning storms.

www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Garvey

Cat Labor Signs - 7 Ways To Tell That Your Cat is About to Give Birth

2008-11-26T16:48:00.004+07:00

So your cat has been pregnant for awhile now and been getting rounder and rounder. Suddenly, her whole demeanour changes and you're standing there, wondering if this is really it -- is your cat in labour?

Are her kittens coming?

How can you tell?

Just what are the signs of labour you should be looking out for?

Cat lovers the world over do their very best to make sure that their beloved pets receive the best care possible.

But when our feline friends become ill -- or in this case, are due to give birth to kittens -- we begin to feel very anxious and out of control as we realise that we simply don't know enough about the situation.

After all, we can't all be vets! You need to know what to look out for and you need to know fast.
Your cat is due to go into labour around the 64th day of her pregnancy, although it is very unlikely that you will be able to be that accurate in your calculations. Instead, you will have to rely on your ability to read the signs of the stages of pregnancy and of her impending labour.
Firstly, you are likely to have noticed that your cat's appetite will have almost doubled in the past few weeks and you will be able to see her kittens moving around in her abdomen quite clearly.

Also, she will have been displaying nesting behaviour -- looking for a safe, warm and quiet place in which to give birth. Hopefully, you will have already provided a suitable nesting box for her to use, otherwise you may find that she has chosen to give birth in the middle of your bed!
Then, as your cat nears the start of her labour, her appetite will reduce dramatically. It may even disappear completely.

A further sign of your cat's labour is that she may become particularly clingy and want to be around you constantly, seeking your affection.

As she gets closer to the time that her labour begins in earnest, you may find that your cat starts pacing about, appearing nervous or particularly excitable.

Another very distinct sign that your cat is very close to going into labour is that she will begin to 'call' to you. Even if you have never been present when a cat is giving birth, you won't be able to mistake this particular sound!

As the time approaches, you will see your cat repeatedly licking her bottom as she reacts to changing sensations in her body as it prepares for the birth of her kittens.
And finally, when your soon--to--be mother cat starts to feel the first twinges of her labour, she will appear to be uneasy and will repeatedly go in and out of her nesting box, 'treading' on the nesting material that you have already provided.

When you see this last behaviour, you can be quite sure that your lovely cat is entering the first stage of the birth process -- your cat's labour has begun.

In conclusion then, when you find yourself faced with a heavily pregnant cat and are wondering just when things will start to get moving, the foregoing, seven signs will give you a good guide to follow.

www.howtodeliverkittens.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jane_Tompsett

Cat Diseases Every Cat Lover Should Be Aware Of

2008-11-26T16:39:00.003+07:00

If you own a cat, and want to keep it happy and healthy, you will need to take your cat to the vets on a regular basis for immunizations to protect it from diseases. There are many diseases that cats can contract including Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):

This is a cat disease that is caused by the coronavirus infection. There are many different strains of the coronavirus that can make your cat sick, but most of them do not produce the serious kind of illness. The FIP-producing kind of coronavirus invades and grows in certain white blood cells in the cat's bloodstream. The infected white blood cells then travel through the cat's body where an intense reaction can occur in the tissues. Infected cats can pass the virus on to other cats through the saliva and feces. Saliva can get into the water and food dishes, toys, clothing, bedding and surfaces they lie on. The virus can survive for several weeks but can be inactivated by common household detergents and disinfectants. Owners of multiple cat households should use one part household bleach to thirty-two parts of water (4 oz. of bleach to a gallon of water).

Symptoms of FIP are those of a mild upper respiratory disease in that the cat will sneeze, have watery eyes, and a watery nasal discharge. Sometimes the cat will have a mild intestinal disease. Usually cats completely recover from FIP and can also become virus carriers. Unfortunately a few cats can develop the lethal disease several weeks, months, or even years after having the disease for the first time.

Symptoms of the lethal FIP are anemia, depression, fever, and weight loss. The cat will develop kidney failure (increase it's water consumption and urination), or have liver failure and become jaundiced, or have pancreatic disease and show signs of diarrhea and vomiting and diabetes. It may also have neurological disease, which manifests itself in loss of balance, behavioral changes, paralysis and also seizures. It may have eye disease, which includes inflammation of the eyes or blindness. Because there can be so many different symptoms FIP can be difficult for vets to diagnose.

Cats that are very young, or are older than 10 years, or cats that are in poor physical condition are all prone to FIP.

The first FIP vaccine (Primucell PIF) was introduced in 1991.

FIP has not been documented in any other species other than the feline population.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):

The virus that causes Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the same retrovirus family of viruses that includes the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), the is different in many ways including the shape of the virus and genetically.

FIV is spread basically through bite wounds; thus cats who are outdoor cats allowed to roam freely are prone to this infection. Sometimes an infected mother cat can give the infection to her kittens while passing through the birth canal or through the milk when nursing.
A cat may have the FIV virus for years before showing any signs of illness. The virus will render the cat more susceptible to diseases caused by common bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or fungi found in everyday environments that normally do not affect a healthy cat. The cat with FIV will have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of FIV infection:

In the early stage of the infection the virus is carried to nearby lymph nodes where white blood cells are produced and the virus is spread to other lymph nodes throughout the body resulting in a temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes, which if a vet is examining the cat at this stage the vet may notice the swollen lymph nodes. There is usually a fever while the lymph nodes are enlarged.

The health of a cat with FIV will deteriorate progressively and the owner may notice a loss of appetite, poor coat condition, an inflamed gum (gingivitis) and inflamed mouth (stomatitis), and chronic skin infections, a urinary bladder infection and upper respiratory tract infection is also usually present. Slow but progressive weight loss is very common, followed by severe wasting late in the disease. When a cat has FIV, it is prone to get different kinds of cancer and blood diseases. Some cats with FIV may have seizures, and behavior changes as well as other neurological disorders.

The diagnosis is made with a simple blood test.

There is an FIV vaccine.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is also a retrovirus, just like FIV, and HIV the human immunodeficiency virus. In the U.S. approximately 2 to 3% of cats are infected with FeLV.

FeLV is spread through the saliva and nasal secretions, but can also be spread by contaminated urine, feces, and in the milk of infected cats. It can be spread by a bite, or by sharing of litter boxes, or feeding and water dishes. An infected mother cat can give the FeLV to her nursing kittens. Cats in multiple households where there is an infected cat are at risk, as well as cats that are allowed to go outside unsupervised, where an infected cat can bite them.

Symptoms of FeLV are loss of appetite, slow and progressive weight loss, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, persistent fever, pale gums, gingivitis, stomatitis, skin infections, urinary infection, upper respiratory tract, persistent diarrhea, seizures, behavior changes, and also eye conditions.

www.bestcatbook.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jason_Burton

Cat Eye Health Care Tips

2008-11-05T16:55:00.003+07:00

The health of your cat's eyes is very important to the health of your cat. So, it is extremely important to monitor your cat's eye health and to take action immediately upon realizing there may be an issue. Use the following tips and if the problem is persistent or severe, consult your veterinarian.

Keep Your Cat's Eyes Healthy

One sure way of making sure the health of your cat's eyes health doesn't become a problem is by keeping your cat well groomed and cleaned. Watch for some of these things to help prevent any cat eye health problems.

- Keep your cat's eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.
- Before bathing, flea treatments or doing anything that may introduce chemicals to your cat's eyes you should apply a neutralizing ointment.
- Keep hair out of your cat's eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
- Clean tear stained fur around the eyes.

Signs of Cat Eye Health Issues

Healthy cat eyes are always moist and clear, if you see any of these following symptoms there may be a health issue.
- Reddish colored inner eyelids
- The third eyelid roams across the eye and/or stays across the eye
- Unusual discharges or matter forming on the eye or in the corners of the eye
- Excessive tears and/or signs of excessive tearing around the eyes

Cleaning Your Cat's Eyes

Dilute some baby shampoo with water at a solution 1 part shampoo and 20 parts water. With a cotton ball, gauze pad or cotton swab soaked in this solution gently wipe away any discharge or dirt residue by massaging the eyeball. Clean around the edges of the eye thoroughly. Once you have sufficiently cleaned the area, wipe away the shampoo with clean water and cotton ball or gauze pad.

If there are any formations of discharge residue inside the eyelids themselves, drip sterile saline eye drops from above the eye and carefully remove with a tissue or cotton ball.

Apply Medication to Your Cat's Eyes

If you are giving your cat eye drops, gently lift your cat's head up and apply one or two drops of the eye medication. Space multiple treatments out by around 10 minutes, this will allow the first treatment to absorb.

If you cat eye health professional has recommended the use of an ointment be sure to use only a very little at a time, too much will result in irritating the eye. Apply it to the corner of the eye, or to the eyelid and gently rub the eyelid around your cat's eye to evenly distribute the ointment.
Hopefully these quick tips will go a long way in preventing any potential cat eye health problems and allow for you cat to remain A Happy Cat.

www.ahappycat.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Matt_Ryan

How the Experts Buy Cat's Toys and Grooming Supplies

2008-10-21T20:46:00.001+07:00

Every cat needs to have a set of toys. Cats and kittens are very inventive and have been known to entertain themselves with items found around home. There are many types of pet toys available, so you are guaranteed to find several that your cat will love. Depending on your budget, you can buy mechanical or battery operated toy mice or birds, or simple low cost toys like a catnip mouse.

Amazon.com Widgets

Before you buy any toy, be sure that it is safe for your cat. Examine all toys before you bring them home, and make sure that they do not have any small pieces that could fall off or be clawed off or chewed off, because they could become a choking hazard. Avoid toys with small parts like bells, glued on plastic eyes, pompons, small foam balls (your cat can chew off foam and swallow it), marbles, feathers, or anything small enough to go down your cat's throat. Never let him play in or around plastic bag, it is not a toy. The bag's handles could slip over your cat's head or wrap around his throat, and he could suffocate. Safe choices include ping pond balls, small plastic balls, paper bags with not handles, cardboard boxes, balls of paper, rolled up socks, and catnip mice.

Rotate the toys every few weeks to keep your cat interested. If you discover that a toy is worn or cracked, replace it with a new one. Leave the toys out while you are at work or gone for the day so that your cat can play when you are not home. They will help to keep him from becoming bored.

Now, let us discuss a little bit on cat's grooming supplies. Although cats are very clean animals who groom themselves every day, they need some grooming assistance from time to time. When buying your pet supplies, purchase a brush and comb designed for cats. If you have a long haired cat such as Persian, you need to buy a brush and comb designed for grooming long haired breeds. Smaller, softer brushes and combs are also available for kittens.

Other grooming supplies you should have on hand include cotton balls, mineral oil, a small pair of scissors, pet shampoo, a towel, a toothbrush designed for cats, feline safe toothpaste, nail clippers made for cats and a styptic pencil.

Instead of relying on metal ID tags, some owners use microchips to identify their pets. A veterinarian can inject a microchip directly into your cat or kitten. The chip does not harm him, and it can be inserted at about eight weeks of age. It is a permanent form of identification, and it cannot become lost or removed by the cat

As a conclusion, sharing your home with a cat or kitten can be a rewarding experience. You will take on new responsibilities, have new challenges, and become an important part of your cat's daily life. In return, your feline companion will give you enjoyment, loving affection, and brighten your days for many years to come.

www.callpetmeds.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Paul_Kramer

Cat Toys

2008-10-21T20:19:00.002+07:00

You have a great responsibility by owning a cat. It just does not mean you should just take care by feeding it but it means that you have to buy them some toys so that they can enjoy themselves. Having a toy is essential for cats, because if it has nothing to play or get its attention to, when it has an urge to scratch or bite, it will turn its attention to your expensive household things like furniture or even electronic goods. And also watching your cat play with its toys gives great satisfaction and pleasure to you as a pet cat owner, so do not hesitate to gift your cat a good lovable toy you think your cat will take pleasure in.

There is a great demand for cats and it seems to be increasing day by day. Also the market for their accessories is growing. So you will not have to be concerned about not finding a suitable toy for your pet cat. There are many different types of selections that you can decide from. There are expensive toys, cheap toys and simple toys also. Some of the toys are even battery operated toys which move around in your house and it is enjoyable to observe your pet cats follow and chase after them.

If you cannot afford to buy your pet cat a fine toy, do not be sad. There are now many types of cat toys which you still get without compromising on your wallet or budget. To give you an example, cat fishing poles which are created out of very light weight bendable and flexible poles are available which can hang an object by the end of its string pole. You may move the pole around while sitting and your pet cat tries it’s very best to seize the thing which is hanging on the end of the pole. This simple toy can be a very enjoyable thing both for your pet and yourself.

The cat’s basic nature is to always go after mice. You may purchase for your pet cat a good toy mouse which is created out of fur and which is not dear. Your pet cat can now begin pouncing on the toy mouse and also throw it into the air. It gives great pleasure for the cat also. Even toys which have ringing bells attached to it will also bring great delight to you and your pet because cats adore the sound the toy will make and thinking that the toy is a prey, chase and play with it.

Toys that are squeaky may not be really fit for cats, as cats don’t have much stamina to press and squeeze the toy to bring out a sound. Also take care that when buying toys which make sound, they are not very loud, otherwise when you want to relax, your pet cat may make so much noise while playing with the toy, that it may disturb you quite a lot while you are relaxing.

www.petsupplies4ypc.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Stephen_Pappalau

Good Cat Care Means A Happy Cat

2008-10-16T18:33:00.002+07:00

Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about cat care, the better you will be able to meet your feline’s physical and emotional needs. The stronger your cat’s health and the better your cat’s attitude are, the more you will be able to enjoy your cat’s unique personality. Good cat care will make your cat more affectionate,

and can dramatically reduce any behavior problems that your cat may be displaying. If you want a richer and fuller relationship with your cat, try improving your cat care.

Having a cat is a two way street. The better the level of cat care that you can provide for your pet, the more energetic, affectionate, and well behaved it will be. By giving your pet with optimum cat care, you will make it more agreeable to the training and gentle behavior modification techniques that can take the headaches out of pet ownership. Good cat care often
translates into a good cat that will take commands more willingly than a cat who does not receive enough attention, affection, and care. The more you learn about how to care for your cat, the better the level of health you will be able to bring your feline friend to. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between you and your pet will be, and that bond often serves as the core of obedience training.

By educating yourself about cat care and practicing the best, scientifically tested cat care techniques to provide your catwith optimum attention, you can make sure that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat is, the happier it will be able to make you. A cat that is well cared for is a cat that will be interested in active playtime and in calm relaxation.

The better your cat care abilities are, the more fully you will be able to sharing time with your cat doing all of you pet’s, and your, favorite activities together. Great cat care provides a strong foundation for your bond with your cat. Good cat care can help you grow closer with your beloved pet by making sure that he or she is always up for spending time with you. This is
why cat care is an important part of your emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn’t getting the right kind of care, from the best kind of diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat may develop behavior issues that can make your pet feel like a problem child.

However, the positive side of this equation is that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome issues ranging from constant mewling to weight issues to destructive tendencies. Good cat care means a happier pet, and even a problematic cat who receives enough of the right kind of care can become a pleasant companion.

About the Author: For more Cat Care information please visit
"The Cat Care Compendium" Located at: http://www.cat-guide.com
This Blog created by Doug Rogers shares with readers helpful cat
care information for all cat lovers.

Source: www.isnare.com

Cat Health And Cat Care Of Cat Skin And Cat Organs

2008-10-16T18:29:00.001+07:00

Cats have a dry skin just like humans. The fur on their body
protects them from exposure to elements such as dirt. For pet
cats that have dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing or
soap-free products. Cats normally develop skin problems such as
Seborrhea. The best way to treat this disorder is to use
medicated shampoo.

Sensory Organs:

Cats have the great qualities. They are better than human
beings in seeing things and hearing sounds around them. They
smell and feel the nature very well. Due to these abilities,
cats were often mistaken to possess black magic. The current era
does not suspect cats of having an influence over the
supernatural powers. It is necessary to know cats' sense, which
may help in understanding their behavior much better.

1. Sight: Cats have a good night vision. Where there is no
enough light, cats see much better than humans. However, they
are not able see in complete darkness. This ability comes at the
cost of daytime vision, which is beneficial for nocturnal
predators. Actually, cats fail to see distant objects at
daytime. People know little about the colors that cats see
visibly. Science says that, they can identify some of the colors
than humans do. With their eyes, cats detect faster movement of
things in their surroundings. On the other hand, it is hard for
them to pay attention on slow moving objects.

2. Sound: Cats have very sharp ears. Even when fast asleep,
cats trace the noisy sounds of small rodents. Their ability to
hear sounds is three times as high as that of human beings. Cats
move their large ears sideways to capture the sound more
accurately. For this, they first locate the place from where the
sound actually comes. While chasing the target, they sometimes
pause to listen and determine the location of their prey.

3. Smell: Cats largely depend on their sense of smell. They
always sniff their food before eating. Smelling things is the
essential part of feline communication. There is a mechanism at
the top of their mouth, which makes possible for them to analyze
smell. With the help of this mechanism, cats twist their lips,
open their mouth, and express disgust over certain things.

4. Taste: Cats use this sense to decide the foods good for
them. They are truly carnivores. As such, their sense of taste
best lies in recognizing fat and protein. Unlike dogs, cats
prefer to stay away from sweets. In addition, cats do not
respond well to the taste of salt. Experts suggest the reason
behind this as, cats get enough salt from the meat food.

5. Touch: Cats have touch receptors all over their body. These
receptors are nerve cells that transfer sensations of pain,
pressure and temperature from any point to the brain. The nerve
cells are concentrated mainly on their front paws and face. The
hair, covering body of cats, help them to stay alert even on the
slightest touch of air passing by.

About the Author: Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free
ebook on Cats and Kittens at http://www.catandkittenzone.com .
Cat and Kitten Zone also has a Cat and Kitten Forum, Cat Breeder
Information, and a Cat and Kitten Blog with daily news on Cats
at http://www.catandkittenzone.com. Go to
http://www.catandkittenzone.com

Source: www.isnare.com

How To Train A Cat Not To Bite

2008-09-24T13:40:00.001+07:00

I'm pretty sure you're reading this because you're sick and tired of your cat biting you. And your probably wondering what you can do to stop this bad behavior. Let me teach you how to train a cat not to bite you again. "How do I get my cat to stop biting me and finally regain control of my household," follow these tip and you will be well on your way.

Tip 1

Teach your cat that handling is enjoyable and that petting feels good. The best way to teach your cat not to bite is to handle it when it is relaxed. Then after a little practice you and your cat will know when to play and when not to play.

Tip 2

If you have a cat that does not like to be rubbed what your need to do is pace yourself. Start rubbing in small areas when you cat is relaxed and after a while you will be able to rub your cat from head to tail without being bit.

Tip 3

Cats have sensitive areas that they don't like to be touched, and these parts tend to be the tail, ears, and paws. Be very careful not to touch these parts of your cat until you and your cat is okay with the rubbing.

Tip 4

Another way to never get bit again by your cat is to wait until it gives you signs of relaxation. The main sign is when you cat lays on her back and allows you to rub her while she's on her back.

Tip 5

Give you cat treats every time she lets you rub her and display good behavior.

www.qalto.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jovan_Johnson

My Cat Bites - 3 Possible Reasons

2008-09-24T13:23:00.000+07:00

Your cat is biting you when you play with him? At first its a bit of a giggle, but then he crossed the line and you happened to forget that your cute little kitty is in actual fact 4/5 wild animal. Take away the collar and let him go without food for a couple of days and see how cute he is then.

Why is your cat biting you? Could be a number of reasons.

One in particular, may well be that you are using your fingers as toys, it doesn't take much to activate his hunter instincts, just try dragging a piece of string in front of him for a few seconds and watch his stance change and his pupils dilate to the size of quarters. Your cat is still fairly wild and always will be, he just puts on his civilized demeanor when he is in the house. Try using a toy with a decent reach or some string or something that will keep your fingers away from his mouth.

Another reason he could be biting you is actually out of affection. Have you ever seen footage of tigers or lions playing? If a human happened to be one of them, he would not last five seconds, yet they are still just playing. Cats, both big and small, are tough as old boots and what seems like a bit of fun or affection to them will more than likely be blood loss to you. If he seems to be getting a little too wild, don't scorn him and send out the wrong message, just take it down a few notches

Another classic reason why your cat bites, is that it is basically annoyed or p-ssed off. Look for its body language, is its tail thrashing? Is its fur on its back up a little? Is it moving away and banging up against the nearest solid object? All these are indicative of displacement gestures and are sending the message that it is getting angry and that it could well be time to stop playing for the time being.

www.cattrainingtips.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Dave_Nevard

Cat Bites - What Should You Feed Your Cat?

2008-09-24T13:21:00.000+07:00

Generally, pet health begins with the food you give them. If you offer your cat a diet high in fat and preservatives, or even worse, people food, they will not develop a healthy internal system and chances are that they will develop a terminal medical condition. So pet health begins with what is in their food bowl. Provide a balanced diet that is high in protein; remember, in the wild, they eat raw meat and tissue, so provide them a diet that is high in protein relatively similar to a diet they would receive in the wild. However, just providing raw meat to your cat, while they may be satisfied, will not satisfy their nutritional needs. They need additional vitamins and nutrients that raw meat alone cannot provide, so pick a cat food that is a well rounded meal.

As we do, cats need a balanced, nutritional and well rounded diet. To guarantee that you cat is getting a balanced diet, the food given to them should be high in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It should also have such vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C and Niacin to make certain that proper pet health is obtained. Cats also need two essential amino acids, taurine and arginine, that aid in development and preservation. Cats will not survive with a solely vegetarian diet, so refrain from giving your cat all vegetables. Cats require animal meat to get hold of the arginine and taurine to properly function. A diet low in these essential amino acids will result in your cat's death.

A raw diet is the best for animals, particularly where felines are concerned. Animals in the wild are used to ingesting raw meat, so their internal organs are designed to handle raw meats. Do not worry about feeding them raw meat. With the rise of contamination in pet food, pet health care has become of major importance. Just make sure if you change your pet's diet, that is includes all the nutrients they will need to have a happy and healthy meal. They have certain nutritional needs that must be met to ensure proper pet health. Feeding your pet a diet which will increase their pet health means that your cat or dog will live a long and healthy life by your side. Giving a kitty a raw meat diet is not advisable either. If you want an organic diet for your cat, it is best to consult your veterinarian to help design an organic diet for your cat. By asking a veterinarian, you can ensure that your kitty is getting the proper nutrients it needs to ensure the best for your pet's health. While protein is the main constituent of their diet, raw meat does not have the absolute composition of nutrients that your cat can receive from dry food or a well balanced organic, physician designed diet. If you wish your cat to have a more organic diet, there are plenty of resources that can aid you in drawing up an organic diet for your feline that has the entire, essential nutrimental requirements it needs for a joyful, fit lifestyle.

www.bestcoolpets.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Gary_Pearson

Why Does My Cat Bite and Scratch When Playing With Me?

2008-09-24T11:50:00.000+07:00

Playing with kitty - that's why we become cat owners, isn't it? But what happens when play turns to pain, when kitty starts biting and scratching and drawing blood? Animal behaviorists call this play aggression, but who cares about the big words? What really matters is how you can get rid of it? First, you need to know what causes cats to become aggressive when playing with you. Once you know what causes the problem, you can learn how to fix it.

Play aggression normally occurs in kittens which are taken away from their mothers too early in life. A normal kitten, raised with littermates, quickly learns to bite and scratch with less intensity. They learn that playing rough will either cause their playmates to retaliate or to stop playing. You can recognize this behavior from the kitten's posture. It lashes its tail, flattens its ears and its pupils dilate. This is soon followed by biting and scratching.

To correct this behavior, you need to redirect your kitten's attention to another acceptable object. Drag kitty's toy along the floor, or throw the toy around and let kitty chase after it. A good choice for this would be a ping pong ball or something similar which bounces nicely. A soft, stuffed toy the same size as your kitten is also good. This lets kitty wrestle with it, closely simulating the way young kittens play with each other. Encourage play with this wrestling toy when your kitten starts to play rough.

You need to keep things under control. Set up 3 or 4 consistent times everyday to play with your kitten. This conditions your kitten so that it knows not to bother you at other times.

When playing with your cat, do not encourage it to chase after your hands and feet. This can also cause play aggression. In addition, if your cat tries to play with you outside your scheduled playtimes, you should ignore it. Otherwise it will start ambushing you when you climb down the stairs, or go around a corner, or when you go to bed. That would be an accident waiting to happen.

Sometimes, just ignoring kitty does not help. In this case, try using some kind of noise maker. You just want to startle it, grab its attention and break its momentum just before it pounces on you. Never physically strike your cat. A painful strike will make your cat afraid of you and avoid you. On the other hand, a harmless strike will just encourage it to continue its behavior. Either way, this is not what you want.

To enjoy playtime with your cat, you need to contain its aggression. Follow these tips consistently and with patience, and you will be able to have fun playing with your cat.

www.CatTraining.KelvinMart.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Katherin_Towers

Cat Care Tips - Breeding Your Cat

2008-09-12T11:37:00.000+07:00

The cat population of the U.S. is exploding. Many experts recommend spaying your cat instead of breeding it.

While this is a viable option, the fact remains that many cat owners wish to have a litter of kittens from their pet. If this is your desire, there are a few things you should consider before breeding your cat. It takes time and patience to properly breed cats. You will need to choose an area to have the litter and it should be kept clean on a regular basis. You will need to keep a close eye on your kittens and monitor their development.

Breeding a litter of cats is very time consuming and requires a great deal of space. It is not recommended that you attempt to breed cats if you have a small house or apartment. You should also be sure that your family is in agreement if you want to breed your cat as cat breeding will place a burden on all members of the household.

Kittens are curious by nature and they love visiting all the places in your house. As a cat breeder, you should think and act responsibly, including having a plan to have owners ready for the kittens you don't plan on keeping. Also consider the unexpected, such as someone who originally wanted a cat but later changed their mind once the litter is born.

You need to be aware of any potential problems that may occur during the birthing process. You should be aware of what to do in situations such as an early delivery or in cutting the umbilical cord.

Other factors could come into play such as how to proceed if a c-section is required. Do you have the proper supplies? Do you know what to feed a pregnant cat? These are all critical points you should know before attempting to breed a cat. Cost is an important factor as well. Food and vet expenses can quickly add up. In addition, there are de-worming and vaccination medicines to consider.

The bottom line is that if you want to breed your cat, be sure that you obtain the necessary knowledge and be financially prepared before hand. Be patient, careful, responsible and always be ready for the worst thing that can happen.

www.sumostrawberry.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com L.K._Reid

Tips on Providing the Best House Cat Care

2008-09-12T11:24:00.000+07:00

Tips On Providing Cat Care

The best cat care is extremely important to a kitten so that they can grow up to be healthy throughout the rest of their life. The best house cat care is one of the most important subjects for responsible and loving cat owners to be aware of. It involves prevention, understanding, and sometimes treatment of a possible life-threatening disease. The best house cat care is also affected by lack of exercise and poor diet. You can love your house cat into a state of being unhealthy without enough exercise and proper nutrition.

Talk to cat owners who may have an older cat. Ask them about cat health care for their older cat or consult your vet. What are the problems and what are the right foods and nutritional needs? That will fall under the term older cat care. If your cat does not receive the proper food and nutrition, they may have problems with their health. Talking about best house cat care health in advance will make it easier for everyone when the time comes.

Natural cat food is always a welcome one for all pet owners. There are brands of cat food that contains no chemicals and has lots of white meat and vegetables. The prices of these products will vary, but cat health is most important. A balanced diet of the correct protein and vitamins will be priced higher than the "store brand".

Heat and humidity degrade nutritional value, so do your best to buy fresh food. Once opened, for good cat health, his dry cat food should be stored in a sealed pet feeder container to preserve freshness.

Bad breath is an unhealthy sign of possible gum disease. Your cat should have strong white teeth without odor. The most popular opinion seems to lean toward dry cat food for best cat health care. It will give your cat strong gums, good healthy teeth, and that will give them clean breath.

As for soreness in your cat, heat is a good soother. Heated cat beds or a heated throw will give much relief to this painful complaint. Massage is often beneficial but should be administered with care. Your vet will give you complete direction as to how long to do it.

Allergies to fleas are another potential house cat problem. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as hot spots. Fleas carry many diseases and can transmit these to your cat. Fleas carry the tapeworm cyst inside them and your cat's health could be in danger because during routine grooming he could swallow them. One way to help eliminate this problem and provide good house cat care, is to keep your cat indoors at all times. Not only with it help with a flea problem, but will prevent ticks as well.

www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doris_Canova

30 Tips To Keep Cats Out Of Your Garden

2008-08-14T18:34:00.000+07:00

Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, scaring your birds away, or getting up to other mischief? Here is a list of 30 deterrents you could try:

1. If a Tom starts to mark his new territory you could mark over it yourself although it may surprise the neighbours!

2. You can buy repellent pellets from garden centres that smell like citrus fruits, which apparently cats don't like.

3. Or you could use the real thing lemon or citrus peels work for a bit but you have to keep replacing them every three or four days. Not good for a big space unless you really really like lemonade.

4. You could try planting Coleus Canina which emits a foul odour when a cat rubs itself against it, but I'd imagine you'd have to cover quite a large area (depending on the size of your garden) for it to be effective.

5. Lion dung is said to keep them out but it may smell even worse than cats poo, but it's good for the roses.

6. Small sticks pushed into the ground so that approximately six to 12 inches are sticking out of the ground like spikes. They must be close enough together to prevent cats snuggling their bottoms down between them to poo.

7. Get a dog.

8. Some say Jeyes disinfectant fluid around the edges of the garden works but the fluid is actually quite poisonous to cats and will kill them in fairly small amounts.

9. Spray water at them, not from a hose, from one of those spray bottles from a garden centre or use or a super-soaking water gun for cats further away.

10. I have heard that they don't like garlic.

11. A friend suggested moth balls worked for her.

12. Sprinkle black pepper & chilli around the garden, harmless to animals but an effective deterrent apparently.

13. Getting a cat yourself often works. Its very unusual for a cat to poop in its own garden, and other cats won't really come near another cats area, unless it likes them, and then it wont poop 'cos it respects the area!

14. Catch the cat and rub its nose in it (not so it smudges all over the cat, just near it) then put the cat in next doors garden, or wherever you wish it to poop from now on.

15. You can buy some pet repellent spray from the DIY stores. It is harmless to animals and children.

16. Solid toilet blocks (used in public loos usually) crumbled around.

17. Scatter citrus peel (oranges & lemons) around the garden.

18. Place pine cones around near garden borders.

19. Plant geraniums, marigolds and petunias, cats apparently dislike those plants.

20. Grow spiky plants near areas you want to keep cats away from.

21. Ask local cat owners to provide an inside litter tray for their cats to discourage outside toileting.

22. Or if the cat owner doesn't want/can't have inside trays...Ask them to dig a pit in their garden, several feet deep and 2 foot square and fill with peat. Then all that is needed is for this outside toilet to be dug over frequently.

23. If you have bare soil cover it with gravel or slate chippings etc, it will discourage digging.

24. Keep your lawn short. If you let your lawn get to 3" ish high, they will poo in it and not bury it.

25. Place a small length of hosepipe in amongst your plants, cats and birds don't like snakes!

26. Invest in a bag of coffee (grounds), and spread around the garden.

27. Plant some lavender. It works for some and smells divine and for some reason the cats hate it.

28. Olbas oil (the one you put on pillows for blocked noses) works pretty well.

29. Water 'Scarecrow' that squirts water at things it detects moving, including you!

30. If all the foregoing makes you despair then go the high-tech route and buy yourself an ultrasonic cat repeller.

They have a motion detector built-in, can be mains powered and emit a high decibel tone that only cats can here. Problem solved.
I use one at my house and found it excellent. Didn't hear any noises from it and it didn't bother the dogs next door either. I'd recommend the mains powered one rather than using batteries, they never seem to last for very long, but battery power does give more flexibility.

It has a PIR which means that it is only emitting 'noise' while the cat is in range so the cat cannot 'learn' to tolerate it. This also saves batteries (if you use them). There is an alternative of purchasing a mains connector if the battery option doesn't work out well.

They only activate when a large enough object passes by, humans included , and only go for a short time so small mammals are OK. There has been no reduction in bat activity where we live and no signs of them being mis-directed either. The cat repeller is fantastic. Not a single cat in the garden at the moment, and when they appear they skulk along the wall and don't stay. I really recommend this investment.

www.petthings.googlepages.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Cliff_Harvey

My Cat Was Allergic To Its Food

2008-08-14T18:30:00.001+07:00

We have six cats - I have used EFT on all of them at various times (mostly surrogately and sometimes tapping on them around their faces) with great success. But my big ginger cat, Uti (so named as he has a kink or u-turn in his tail) still seemed to have issues.

I used EFT surrogately on his abandonment issues (he was taken to a pet shop at a very young age), his embarrassment issues (he didn't know how to wash himself as the other cats do and consequently slurps loudly when washing himself), his inability to dig holes when using the indoor litter tray or outside in the garden (he would go sitting on top of the litter and then spend many minutes vainly trying to cover it up, getting agitated in the process). He was terrified of thunder and would sit paralyzed when he first heard the thunder ... so if he was out in the garden he would just sit there and get soaked by the rain, unable to move an inch.

All the issues above were sorted by using EFT, mostly surrogately and sometimes also by tapping him lightly just above his eyes - he was not keen for me to tap on his face. When we first got Uti he was used to eating fairly cheap dry cat food and seemed to have no problems with the food. My cats all eat premium dry food and all are thriving on it - apart from Uti.

He started pooping in the office, in the bedroom, in the bath - anywhere but where he should be going. To be blunt, the smell was appalling - as was the texture.

I did some surrogate EFT (tapping on me on behalf of Uti) for his digestive system.

Even though I have issues with my digestive system I am still a great cat

Even though my digestive system doesn't feel right, I am still a great cat.

It seemed to help for a while. Then the pooping got worse and every night he would go in my husband's bathroom ... the smell was so strong that it woke me up at 3 or 4 in the morning! My husband threatened Uti with leaving the household ... I did all the clearing up but that was not the issue.

I was very puzzled as every other time I had used EFT on my cats (as well as with other cat and animal clients around the world) EFT was successful.

One early morning after another cleanup, I was lying in bed wondering what else I could try. Then suddenly 'allergy' came into my head. While on my daily walk, I tuned into Uti (I tap on the karate chop point and say 'tuning in to Uti ... tuning in to Uti ... want to chat with Uti now'). I asked him how he was feeling (I actually carry on a conversation out loud when I walk, sometimes quite surprising to other people out walking their dogs or going to work!) and he said that he was definitely allergic to the food. He said he wanted the cheap stuff back (gimme the cheap stuff back) as he was fed up with his insides gurgling plus the fact that he felt unloved by my husband.

I did a couple of surrogate rounds (tapping on all the points on myself) using the setup, Even though this food is too rich for me I am still a great cat... I tapped on the various points saying: this rich food ... don't like this rich food ... want the cheap food back ... not getting the cheap food back ... I can eat the rich food now ... it's easy for me to eat the rich food now ... my system is fine with the rich food now.

Even though I am allergic to this rich food I am still a great cat. I tapped on: allergic to the rich food ... not allergic to the rich food ... easy to eat the rich food now ... allergic to the rich food ... not allergic to the rich food any longer ... safe to eat the rich food now ... easy and safe for me to eat the rich food now

I did a final round on Even though I am allergic to this rich food, it is easy for me to let go of the allergy now. I tapped: I can let go of this allergy now ... I can easily let go of this allergy now ... it is safe for me to let go of this allergy right now ... I let go of this allergy now ... I safely let go of this allergy now ... I easily let go of this allergy now ... I safely and easily let go of this allergy right now .

I heaved a big sigh and went back home and looked at Uti. His eyes seemed calmer and he was looking very sprightly and he didn't hide under the dresser as he usually did.

That night before I went to sleep I did some EFT on me, in case I was focusing on what I thought was going to happen: Even though part of me thinks that Uti might poop in the bathroom again tonight, I now know that he is fine.

I think this part is very important when dealing with our companion animals as I have found that our thoughts are very closely tied in with what is happening in their lives - also the more you think that something is possibly going to happen, you then focus on it and surprise (not!) a self-fulfilling prophesy!

Next morning ... nothing in the bathroom! Uti was up and about, went outside, ran up a tree (unheard of for him) and generally seemed much calmer and peaceful. Over the next few days he stuck up for himself more, didn't run and hide under the dresser if one of the other cats looked at him - in fact he batted a couple of them himself, just with one paw as if to say ah so this is how it feels to stand my ground.

I waited for a few days and then we had another incident in the bathroom. This time it didn't seem to smell so bad ... and when I got up to investigate, Uti was sitting in the bathroom next to it as if to say 'here, check it out ... much better!' And it was. No more nasty liquid, normal stools in form and smell.

That was the last time he has pooped in the house. He has lost some weight, plays a lot more, stays out sitting in the sunshine or under a shady tree instead of just spending all his time asleep on our bed. It is now six months since I did the allergy EFT on him - I wanted to make sure that I had finally got to the core issue regarding the food.

EFT actually saved Uti from having to leave our house. My husband is happy with him again and most important, Uti is happy with himself.

For many years I have been interested in the welfare of animals, companion animals and especially farm animals. Being vegetarian for over 45 years and vegan for nearly 10, I felt drawn to helping those that had no voice.

Several years ago, I discovered EFT, when I found I had breast cancer. EFT helped me tremendously to solve the emotional issues that I had rationalized many years before, issues that I thought were resolved but as I found with using EFT, were not!

I decided to train further and found I had great empathy for animals. I tried EFT on my own cats for various issues and was amazed how quickly the issues were resolved! I tried EFT on other animals... I was surprised to find that I had success with them!

I then decided that I didn't want to do this... it was too strange, too weird, but with some pushing from my EFT teacher I continued to expand my knowledge about surrogate energy healing.

At this time I was also expanding my human EFT practice and was having wonderful success.

I now teach humans how to use EFT - on themselves and on their animals - and hold regular training courses in Johannesburg. I also have many international clients (human and animal!) and communicate with them by phone, Skype and e-mail. That is one of the many great things about using EFT... you don't have to be there in person, face to face. Although face to face works great too!

www.stuffbusters.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Maureen_Cram

Homeowners - Learn How to Remove Cat Urine

2008-07-29T14:12:00.001+07:00

For cat owners, learning how to remove cat urine is something that's important to learn. As we all know, the odor and stains from cat urine can be overwhelming at times and getting rid of the cat is certainly not an option. You can try your best to train your cat to use the litter box, but the truth of the matter is that cats have a mind of their own sometimes.

When cats age they start to have more accidents and can't help it. Unfortunately as they age their kidney function also reduces causing their urine odor to be especially potent. If you rent your current home it very important that you remove all of the cat urine before you move out or you could end up with a big bill for cleaning. Finding a permanent solution to cleaning cat urine is important. Of course you could call a professional to clean your flooring and furniture each time your cat has an accident but of course this is not practical. If your cat had just one accident per week, this could really add up to a lot of money.

If you own your home it's equally important that you keep your home free of cat urine odors and stains. If ever you want to sell your home, there's no guarantee that a prospective buyer is going to be tolerant of your cat urine issues. If they are not cat owners they certainly will not understand why your home smells of cat urine. Professional cleaning is quite expensive and unless you have money to spare, this is most likely not an option for you.

What you really need is a lasting solution to your cat urine issues. Even though your cat thinks that they run your house, you can't allow the cat urine issues to take control. You can have a nice home, free of cat urine stains or odors.

www.removecatodors.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Blake_Hygate

What Removes Cat Urine?

2008-07-29T14:10:00.000+07:00

Owning a cat can be a very rewarding experience for both the cat and the owner. Both need love and affection and a cat makes a wonderful companion. So how could your wonderful pet cause such a problem with urine stains and urine odors in your home?

Cat urine is one of the things that most cat owners will have to deal with at one time or another. Cat urine has two distinct problems which make it a challenge at time to own a cat.

The question of "How to Remove Cat Urine" comes up quite often. Cat urine leaves behind stains as well as odors that are very difficult to get out of carpet and furniture. If have guests visit your house frequently, it can be embarrassing if you cannot get the cat urine stains or odors out of your furniture and carpet. There are products that will remove cat urine stains easily, but some of these products contain harsh chemicals that are not good for you cat or for children. Generic items like vinegar or baking soda also work sometimes, but vinegar also leaves behind another odor in place of cat odor which isn't very pleasant.

Hiring a professional furniture or carpet cleaner can get very expensive since it needs to be done several times per year. It is possible to buy products that are specifically formulated to remove cat urine but these products can also be very expensive and you have to continue to buy them over and over again.

Why not look for free ways to remove cat urine? If you do a bit of searching on the internet you will be able to find credible information that you could buy one time for a low price and they techniques that these books teach will keep working over and over again, so that you can reduce your costs dramatically.

http://removecatodors.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Blake_Hygate

Ear Mites Treatment - The Right Way

2008-07-24T14:57:00.000+07:00

A common parasite that affects cats are ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis. These are small, crab-like creatures that infect the ears of animals, namely cats who spend time outdoors. Ear mites can be uncomfortable and itchy, but since they are easy to see, are easily diagnosed. If your cat has ear mites, it will look like there is oily black dirt in his ear. The mites feed on tissue and debris and live on the surface of the ear canal.

If you notice your cat scratching their ears or shaking their head and see dirty ears, it is likely that you cat is suffering from ear mites. It is important to treat your cat for these parasites. They are very contagious among cats and if you have multiple cats, it can spread quickly. If one of your cats gets ear mites, meticulously check all of your cats for this problem. Also, ear mites can be passed to and from other species including dogs. Ear mites can also affect humans, so treatment is imperative.

Ear mites can cause inflammation in the ears. If they are left untreated, these pesky parasites can lead to bacterial and yeast infections and can rupture the eardrum. Often, ruptured ear drums in cats can lead to seizures and eventually deafness. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, take your cat to the vet. There are treatments that can help your cat get rid of the ear mites.

In order to prevent ear mites, you can keep your cat indoors and use regular flea treatment. Your vet can prescribe a number of different flea prevention methods. Most of them are applied monthly and are successful in preventing mites, as well as killing fleas and their eggs.

When you take your cat to the vet for ear mites, there is a kind of prescription ear drop that can be used to kill the ear mites. This is typically applied to your cat's ears two to three times a day for several days. If you've never treated ear mites before, it would be good to have a vet demonstrate how it is done by treating the cat the first time. Then you can do the last few applications at home.

The prescription ear drop will kill the ear mites and will also defend against a second outbreak. If the cat already has an infection caused by the mites, an injections can also be given by the vet.

Ivermectin is another treatment for ear mites in cats. This is a rather new way to treat ear mites. The FDA, however, does not approve this treatment for treating ear mites. Many vets find Ivermectin to be very effective for treating ear mites but should tell you that it is not officially approved for this use. This medication is the same medicine used to treat heartworms in dogs.

There is a treatment that can be done at home if you are extremely careful with your cat's ears. This treatment should not be used though if the ear mite outbreak has produced an ear infection. If your cat has an ear infection, he or she will usually have a strong odor in the ears. For treatments at home, use a small amount of baby oil or mineral oil to clean out the cat's ears. Put a small amount of the oil in an eyedropper and drop into the cat's ears. Next grasp the base of the ear between your thumb and finger and rub together for a about 5 seconds. Then take a clean tissue and gently wipe out the cat's ear out. Do not try to stick your finger too far down the ear canal. This treatment should be continued twice a day until the cat's ears are clear of the black mite.

When treating your cat for ear mites, it is very important to seek the advice of your vet before beginning any treatment. Most of the time, your vet will want to examine your cat before proceeding with any course of treatment. A thorough exam can rule out more serious problems like ear infections that should be treated differently than ear mites. Often, your vet will ask that you bring your cat back to the office for another exam after the treatment is complete. This is to make sure that all of the ear mites are gone and reduces the chances of re-infection.

www.777-now.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Ron_King

Cat Ear Mites and Other Ear Problems

2008-07-24T14:52:00.001+07:00

Ever noticed your cat shaking it's head or scratching madly at its ear? Well it might be time to check your pet's ear to make sure that they don't have any unwanted visitors like the ear mite.

It is very important to make sure that your cat is free from ear motes as they are not only contagious to other cats in the home but can also infect other animals who live in the same environment. It is also important to keep your cats ears healthy as they rely on their hearing to listen out for their prey and to be able to protect them selves from being crept up upon and being attacked by other cats. Their ears also help them with balance when climbing trees etc. that if not functioning properly could cause all sorts of nasty accidents.

Ear mites are small spider like insects that love to make the inside of a cat ear their home. Unfortunately they cause infections and can cause damage to the eardrum causing a permanent loss of hearing. They are passed from one cat to another, this could be simply sharing the same sleeping places to close contact with other cats whilst grooming or playing together. The mites can also live for a while in the general environment so even if your cat hasn't come directly in contact with another cat, there is still a possibility of them being passed on by your cat simply passing through a place where another cat with mites has been previously.

It is therefore wise to check your cat's ears on a regular basis for any signs of infection of the mite itself. It is possible to see them with the naked eye and they look like small white dots against dark earwax. You may even get some indication that your cat has a problem in the ear by noticing vigorous head shaking or excessive ear scratching by your cat or you may notice a build up of excessive earwax that is very dark in colour and has a strong odour. It is always wise to make sure that these symptoms are caused by ear mites and not some other medical condition, so always get a vet to check the ears if you do suspect something is wrong.

If ear mites are correctly diagnosed it is important to kill them off before the infection becomes any worse or that it spreads to other animals. The vet will wipe away a lot of the earwax along with some of the mites that can be seen, he will then administer some eardrops that will be able to get deep into the ear canal. These drops will have to be administered for a three-week period to ensure the total eradication of the ear mites.

It is also important that you treat the cats fur at the same time with a flea powder, this will kill off any dormant eggs which may have lodged themselves in the fur. All the cats bedding and usual sleeping places need to be thoroughly washed and cleaned and the home should also be treated with a flea powder for the home. This will prevent any further re-infecting of your cat after treatments stops.

Other general care for your cat's ears should include:

Protecting them during the summer months from sunburn with a non-toxic sun cream. This is very important for cats with light coloured ears. These areas are very prone to skin cancers and many cats in hotter climates end up having to have their ears amputated.

Make sure the ears are clear of any debris such as grass seed. If debris is left in the ear it can cause fungal or bacterial infections

Watching for any signs of imbalance or apparent dizziness in your cat. This could indicate an inner ear problem that will need urgent treatment by a vet.

www.our-happy-cat.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Tilmouth

Cat Ear Mites Require Care

2008-07-24T14:47:00.001+07:00

A fairly common problem for cats is ear mite infestation. Homeless cats are more susceptible to them then their well cared for counterparts. Ear mites can grow into a problem with thousands of the pest in quick succession.

Ear mites transfer to other cats easily. In a multi-cat family, it is easier for ear mites to spread. Once one cat is infected, each cat must be treated individually.

Ear mites are easily treatable if action is taken quickly. If left untreated the condition can worsen causing bacterial or yeast infection to establish. Serious infestations can cause rupture of the ear drum and needs to be treated promptly by a veterinarian.

Cat ear mites are white microscopic organisms that are not easily seen by the naked eye. A type of feline ear mite called, Otodectes is found in mainly living in the ear. What is many people don't know is that mites are not only able to live in the ear canal but also other areas of the cat. They can move to different parts of the feline body. Unlike ticks, ear mites do not dig down and borrow into the skin. Instead they move within the ear and live off skin and discharge leaving the ear lining red and sore. In response to this irritation, the cat's ear will create more additional earwax.

To relieve your cat of ear mites it is good to know that there are four developmental stages of development of mites. It takes three weeks to the mite to complete its cycle starting as an egg and ending as a full-grown adult. The first stage is as an egg. Stage two is four day later it emerges as a larva. The larvae will nourish themselves for a while, eventually molting into stage three, the nymph. The nymph stage contains two sub-stages, the protonymph and then the deutonymph. Each sub-stage consists of a period of feeding with a period during which they molt. Throughout the deutonymph sub-stage the nymph does not have a set gender; even so it will actually breed with a mature male. Then if it evolves into a female, she will already possess eggs and begin laying them. Otherwise if it turns into a male, he will merely breed with other deutonymphs. The final stage is the adult, which survives about another 60 days. During her lifetime, an adult female might deposit eggs in the cat's ear every day starting the whole process over and over in a never-ending cycle.

There are a few symptoms your cat may display when it is suffering from mites. Some of the symptoms your cat may display are the continued head shaking or scratching of its ears. There may also be a foul smell coming from your pet's ears. You may be able to see reddish brown waste matter that looks like coffee grounds left by the mites in the cats ears. Finally, a veterinarian may be in order to perform a thorough examination.

Ridding you cat of ear mites does not have to be a monumental chore. Routine cleansing of the ears will help control mites. Have your veterinarian examine your cat and any other pet you have. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention and ask them about the various available treatments they recommend.

Knowing the dangers of letting mites establish an infestation makes managing mites a significant factor of cat care to the responsible cat owner. Observing your cat and watching out for any symptoms that might alert you to a problem. Developing proper grooming habits by devoting extra time to tend to your cat's ears will help in eliminating mites.

www.catcarezone.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jay_Grey

How to Prevent Cat Litter Box Problems

2008-07-16T14:49:00.003+07:00

Cats are undoubtedly one of the most popular pets and anyone that has one knows that a cat litter box is probably the least attractive thing about your pet.

Cats are known to be finicky about food but the can also where they "do their business". Thankfully, most cats will use their litter box religiously if it is kept clean and they are introduced to it properly.

Through the years, specialty pet supplies firms have developed the cat litter box. The principal aim of the cat litter box is to provide the cat with convenient and hygienic restroom where it should urinate and excrete stool.

The cat litter box

The cat litter box, for many years already, has been providing great comfort to the cat and to the pet owner alike. For the cat's part, the simple and cute furniture will eliminate the need to search further for a place to do its elimination rituals.

For the part of the owner, unwanted urine and stool in the most unexpected places of the house will be prevented. Thus, the cat litter box makes up for a good symbiotic relationship between the cat and its owner.

There are numerous types of cat litter boxes sold in the market currently. Through the years, manufacturers have been modifying the type of litter they put into the litter box. The preference of the cat, according to experiences and observations, has been the topmost consideration when one decides what type of litter they put into the cat litter box.

Preventing cat litter box problems

Inevitably, cat litter box problems can not always be avoided. By instinct, cats are very hygienic and will find a safe and discreet place for their bathroom activities. You must probably have observed that even without training, cats dig for a place where they would eliminate, and after they are done, they dig further to cover the urine and the stool. For them, they need to cover their waste for protective reasons so that predators will not be alerted to their whereabouts.

Basically, if you have just bought a cat litter box, all you need to do is to place the bo in an accessible place of the house. Do not put the cat litter box in places where the cat will not like it. Pet owners usually have cat litter problems if their litter boxes are placed in the basement, in the attic, in the garage or in anyplace not easily accessable.

Buying the right and preferred cat litter box will also be necessary. In the past, cat litter boxes with clay litters had become popular but experiences of cat owners indicate that cats do not prefer clay a litter substrates.

Buy cat litter boxes that are containing littering materials that are as fine as sand. This would facilitate for easy digging. Also, make sure the litter is at least two inches deep. Deeper than that, the cat will only have the perception that it is just a trap.

Because the market is almost saturated with different types of cat litter boxes, make sure you invest in one that will surely be of great use. Make sure the furniture is big and tall enough so the cat will be comfortable using it.

There are covered and uncovered cat litter boxes. The cat's preference will be the basis for choosing between the two. Normally, cats prefer the open space one, but there are also some that are more comfortable in the covered cat litter boxes.

To help avoid potential problems, make sure to clean the cat litter box regularly. It is not imperative to clean the furniture daily, but you could just scoop out the stool and urine every other day. If you do so, you need to change the litter substrate every three weeks.

Take note that if the cat finds the litter box unhygienic, it will opt to do its elimination rituals elsewhere, much to your annoyance.

Bear in mind that like you, cats want their restrooms to be as clean and as comfortable as possible. Buying and maintaining cat litter boxes will be greatly beneficial, and would surely help keep that harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

www.catlitter.topicgiant.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Lee_Dobbins

Cat Peeing Outside of Litter Box

2008-07-16T14:41:00.000+07:00

Is your cat peeping outside the litter box? Is your bed starting to really stink? Well there are some basic things you can do right now to help your cat start using the litter box again.

Cats can stop using the litter box for any number of reasons. Some of these could be stress, medical, or behavioral. Some cats get stressed out when new cats or people are brought into the house. Some cats can even get stressed out when there are changes in the household routine. Can you identify any of these as possible causes as to why your cat has started peeing outside the litter box?

Some cats pee outside the litter box to mark their territory. Once a cat has urinated somewhere it can be very hard to get the scent out of the carpet or bedding. You need to really clean that area good because cats have a great sense of smell and if there is any scent left of their urine they are likely to urinate there again.

Medical problems may be another reason why some cats pee outside the litter box. Some cats can have urinary tract infections or feline lower urinary tract disease. Both of these conditions can be very irritating to the cat and cause them to not use the litter box. If you suspect your cat has one of these conditions you need to seek veterinary help immediately.

Other causes of peeing outside the litter box could be due to hormonal or metabolic conditions. Older cats can get a condition called hyperthyroidism and this can lead them to urinate outside the litter box.

www.1catbehavior.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Luke_Blaise

Cat Urine - Your Newest Living Room Accessory

2008-07-01T12:34:00.001+07:00

Cat urine. What a lovely addition to your carpeting! There are two basic reasons why your brand new carpet has been graced with parfum de cat urine: 1) Your cat is trying to tell you he has a medical issue that's causing him pain; or 2) your cat is marking. The first is physiological and the second is behavioral. Cat urine can be deposited on vertical or horizontal surfaces.

Possible Medical Problems Behind Cat Urine

Often your cat will squat or spray cat urine practically right in front of you because he's trying to tell you that something's wrong. Medical reasons why cats deposit cat urine on walls or floors include:

Urinary tract infection. This is the most common ailment.Clogged anal glandsDogs aren't the only ones with anal glands! (Just be glad that humans don't have them, and that we don't have to get to know one another by sniffing each other's rear end!) Your cat's anal glands may become plugged over time, and he may need them expressed at the vet's. You don't want to be in the same room when it happens. Both ailments require a trip to the vet (your cat's very favorite pastime) and quite possibly antibiotics.

Cat Urine Marking Behaviors

Leaving cat urine on the carpet or walls is not Tuffy's way of misbehaving, being spiteful, or exhibiting jealousy. Here are the real reasons:

Not being spayed or neuteredIf you have several cats and some of them aren't fixed, those who are fixed may spray cat urine in response to those who aren't. Also, Prissy Miss is just as likely to spray cat urine as Mr. Boy is.

Conflicts with other cats in the homeA cat may spray cat urine to establish dominance. The flip side of this cat urine coin is that the cat who is bullied may spray cat urine as a way to alleviate his anxiety. He may even be simply relieving his bladder if the dominant cat is aggressively defending the litter box as his own territory!

Encounters with outdoor animalsIf your cat has encountered another cat while venturing outdoors, he may instinctively mark his indoor territory with cat urine when comes back in. Even if your cat never ventures outdoors, just seeing another cat near your home can trigger him to mark you hallways with cat urine.

New objects in the environment

When Tuffy graces your new boyfriend's shoes with his cat urine, he's not trying to tell you that this fellow doesn't pass cat-standards, he's simply marking some more territory. This is especially true if your new guy's shoes smell like another animal. It's important to note that punishing cat urine marking behavior is ineffective, even if you do it immediately following the incident. Your cat will be extremely confused, because he's simply trying to relieve pain or engage in perfectly natural instinctive behaviors.

www.coolest-cat-care.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Rieger

The Persian Cat

2008-06-25T12:48:00.002+07:00

Persian is one of the oldest cats in existence, with records of its presence dating back to times of Pharaohs in Egypt. It is generally believed though that the cat originated in Persia, now known as Iran. They were brought over to Europe centuries ago though it was not until the later half of the nineteenth century that their fame truly began to spread. In United Kingdom they are called Persian Longhairs or simply Longhairs. A felid without an established pedigree is referred to simply as Domestic Longhair Cat.

Over the years, through selected breeding the appearance of Persian cats has changed quite a bit from the time when they were first introduced to the rest of the world. Their traditional doll face has been developed into a shortened muzzle and flattened high nose. Coat has become more and more thick and long with a variety of colors and patterns include silver, gold, tabby, solid and bicolors. Body is cobby with short and strong legs and round head. Eyes are big and expressive and ears low and widely set.

Though they are highly sought for their beauty, the Persians also suffer from some health issues. Their long silky double layered coat frequently gets matted and requires regular washing, drying and combing to prevent tangles and hairballs. The modern flat-faced Persians frequently develop respiratory problems owing to their flattened nose that obstructs breathing as well as the tear ducts, meaning that their eyes and nose require daily wiping to clean away crusts. Some Persians develop Polycystic Kidney Disease as well. Responsible breeders though are making efforts to preserve the health of this splendid cat above all.

Persians are the most gentle and docile of all cats. They are very affectionate and tolerant animals who fare best in a peaceful, loving environment. It is best to keep them as indoor pets to free their long exuberant fur from parasites even as they have been occasionally reported by some to be surprisingly good hunters.

www.ailurophiles.blogspot.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Omer_Ashraf

New Trends In Cat Accessories

2008-06-21T11:58:00.002+07:00

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.

To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.

The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

www.petpetsupplies.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Dominic_Lee

Cat Owner Tips

2008-06-17T17:41:00.001+07:00

There are many does and don't when you have cat or for that matter any pet. Cats have not one similarity to dogs and they tend to show a little more attitude (or personality). Cats can be trained and we just need to know how to do so. Here are a couple of cat owner tips that most cat owners don't know:

Use Pet Foods, Not Human Foods

Don't make the mistake of trying to feed kittens any type of Human infant cereal. Most human infant cereals are "grain" based, and in the wild, Kittens are weaned on raw meat (ie, the mothers will bring fresh kills back to the nest for the kittens.) So, kittens really don't quite know what to do with that mush that smells all wrong. NO, I don't suggest you try feeding the kittens raw meat, my point is that cats are carnivores and their food should be meat based, not grain based. So do feed your kitten's healthy cat food instead.

Neutering Your Male Cat

You will be surprised on how many people actually refuse to have there male cats neutered for various reasons, but soon they will change there mind and that mostly because it calms your cat. It is preferable to have your male cat neutered at about their 6th or 7th month of life; it is not too late to have your adult male cat altered. Behaviors like fighting, urine spraying and roaming will be dramatically reduced. Neutering must be done only by a veterinarian, and requires general anesthesia. Post-op care involves monitoring, keeping the incisions clean and dry, and keeping your male cat inside. The incisions heal within three to five days. Check with your vet for more details.

Find a Top Notch Vet for Declawing

I can't lie: there is a lot of negative press detailing the horrors of declawing your cat. I know that some of that press stems from bad experiences with less than qualified persons performing the surgery. Some of the bad press is from animal rights activists. Regardless of your political views on this topic, you should make certain you have an experienced and reputable vet. In my personal opinion I recommend not declawing you cat. If you worried about him scratching up your furniture or your expensive drapes you can have him trained. If you going to do it don't accept second best with your own health or the health of your children; don't settle for second best with the quality of your vet. Ask questions.

Poisonous House plants

Beware of the plants that you have in your home they can become very bad health problems for your cat. Cats tend to like to lick or chew on house plants and not all house plants okay to chew on. The Berries on Mistletoe are poisonous to cats and humans. Other dangerous plants to cats include: dieffenbachia, poinsettia, English ivy, crocus, lily's, and others.

Low Cost Medical Advice

And the last cat owner tip that I have is if your cat happens to get sick or injured and needs veterinarian cat care, but your budget is not going to allow for an really expensive vet. Call your local animal shelter/dog pound, humane society, ASPCA, or rescue organization. They have lists of low cost vets in your area, and can even help pay for vet bills in some cases.

www.catownertips.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jovan_Johnson

Cat Doors and Dog Doors

2008-06-10T09:57:00.000+07:00

Cats and small dogs can easily pass through the pet door. The door's flap is made of LEXAN, a transparent, highly-durable, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic for long-lasting safety and to allow you and your pet to see out the door easily.

Cat flaps these days are designed in such a sophisticated manner that they do not allow any other creature to enter the house except the pet cat. If there are very small children in the house then the cat flap should be secured so that the child does not crawl out of the house through it.

Dog doors generally must be bigger than cat flaps and therefore are often constructed differently; except in rural areas they tend to give access to fenced -in yards or gardens rather than the neighbourhood at large. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. A quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons. Dog and dog owners both enjoy the freedom that comes with a dog door. There is no more excessive barking when he or she needs to be let out at night.

Dog containment may be a dog fence, a dog pen or a dog crate. Dogs that spend too much of their early life confined in an unclean area - where appropriate space for bladder relief isn't consistently available - may learn to tolerate pottying indoors. Unless you've rescued your dog from such grim circumstances, however, he would probably prefer to potty outside.

Patio pet doors come with a security lock. This is a simple yet effective pin lock that will lock your current sliding door to the patio pet door. Patio door installation is so simple and easy. At the same time, it won't cost you big bucks since patio pet doors of any size and color are offered in very reasonable prices.

Dog doors for walls, patio pet door, pet door for through a door, doggie door, electronic dog door, and cat door for through glass. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. Selecting a quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons.

www.BestPetDoor.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Tsuyoshi_E._Suzuki

Removing Cat Urine In Carpets

2008-06-02T23:19:00.000+07:00

99% of the time our cats are our best friends and we share a mutual love and trust. However, every now and then they put our love to the test by using the carpet as a litter box. If this tale sounds familiar then you will need to know the best solutions for removing cat urine in carpets.

Cat urine is can be destructive on several counts. First, the components of cat urine iare powerful enough to stain your carpet. It also gives off the terrible odor that just doesn't seem to go away. So the quicker you tackle the problem the more chance you have of saving your carpet and getting rid of the cat urine odor.

First things first. Unless you tackle your cats behavior problems, your stain and odor troubles will continue. Why? Because once your cat picks a spot, they will return again and again unless you correctly clean the cat urine and understand how to stop your cat from continuing to urinate on your carpet instead of the litter tray or outside.

Therefore, simply cleaning the carpet and removing the odor is not enough. You need to STOP your cat from using the house and start using the yard!

There are some short term measures you can take such as purchasing a cat urine cleaning product or a cat urine odor remover. However, this will only help you this once. What about the next time? Buying separate odor and cleaning products can become expensive and that doesn't include the cost of a new carpet!

Fortunately, there is a solution that will show you the best methods for cleaning carpet stains, remove nasty smells and best of all show you how to stop your cat from urinating in the house so you will no longer have to worry about removing cat urine in carpets again.

www.caturineremoval.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Rachel_Stevens

Common Cat Health Skin Problems

2008-05-31T17:17:00.003+07:00

Cats have internal health problems that cause skin conditions in cats. Pruritus affects the skin of cats because of the nerve fibers that control sensations such as pruritus, pain, temperature and touch. In cats, pruritus affects the grooming habits and some scratching is associated with this skin condition. When a cat has excessive grooming habits it may lead to hairballs, military dermatitis, changes in color of the fur and alopecia.

Different Pruritus Lesions That Cause Cat Health Skin Problems

Alopecia is a systematic disease that comes from allergies, malassezia, fungal infections and demodex. Hypereosinophilic syndrome has no known causes, but does have signs such as vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea along with anorexia and eosinophilia. Eosinophilic dermatitis comes from hypersensitivity and mosquito bites. This usually affects the ears, feet and face of the cat.

Ulcers and erosions due to trauma, affects the neck and head of the cat and comes from food allergies, parasites, ringworm, tumors and atopy. Military dermatitis affects the back, neck and the tail. This condition is caused by allergies, infections and parasites. Nodules, affects Siamese cats and is very rare but comes from mast cell tumors. The last pruritus lesion that affects cat health skin conditions is crusting and scale lesions. This comes from ringworm, immune disorders and SLE.

If the pruritus is severe, medications can only relieve the pain temporarily. Once the treatment is finished, the itching reoccurs and causes pain to the cat. It is best to eliminate the problems causing the pruritus than it is to keep a cat on continued medication. If your cat has an allergy, tests can determine what is causing the problem, then treatments will help prevent further pruritus on the cat. Some methods of treating pruritus are topical treatments and antihistamines along with prostaglandins and antimicrobials and in some cases corticosteroids, which are not as safe for cats because of the side effects.

Topical Treatments And Antihistamines for Pruritus

Shampoos and moisturizers that contain anti-inflammatory medication help to reduce environmental allergies and alleviate the pruritus lesions. In some cases, hydrotherapy works for environmental allergies as well. An antihistamine prevents the release of histamines. When given before the release of histamines, antihistamines block impurities from causing pruritus. In some cases, antidepressants are given with the antihistamine treatment for further prevention. Antihistamines are only about thirty percent effective in treating pruritus on cats. Because they are safer than corticosteroids, they are still prescribed to treat cat health skin problems.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone may cause side effects, but are used as a last resort if the cat does not respond to other medications that are safer. Some of the side effects may cause hunger and thirst, which could result in an overweight cat with kidney failure.

Prostaglandins and Antimicrobials

Prostaglandins help to stop the itching as an anti-itch medication. This type of relief works well after the onset of pruritus. Antimicrobials are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications that protect the cat health skin from pruritus if the underlying cause is from bacterial or fungal infections.

www.aboutcathealth.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Judy_Wellsworth

Cat Peeing Outside of Litter Box

2008-05-28T16:07:00.000+07:00

The Common Cat Health Teeth Problems

2008-05-26T16:19:00.004+07:00

Teeth are very important to cats. If they lose their teeth, they have no way of eating. A cat's natural instinct is to chew their food as where if a person loses their teeth they can puree food for nutrition. Checking your cat's teeth regularly and keeping them clean should prevent breakage and lost of teeth. Proper check ups at the vet clinic where they look at the teeth will help if you cannot check the teeth yourself.

If the cat develops bad breath or has a strong order coming from the mouth, they may have an infection of the gum or teeth. In some cases, accumulation of food particles between the teeth will cause an infection and the same if food gets under the gum. Cats normally do not like to open their mouth for cleaning or anything else, if you suspect a problem, a veterinarian will clean the teeth and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary.

The teeth need to be free from tartar and plaque, while the gums need to appear a pinkish color to be healthy. A red gum or pale pink could indicate a problem that may need treatment. Cat health teeth problems occur in cats because it is so hard to check their mouth. If you use you thumbs to lift up the lips, you see the outside of the teeth, if you need to see inside, sooth the cat and then try to open the mouth with your index finger and thumb.

Cat Health Teeth Brushing
Brushing cat's teeth might pose a problem if not started when they are young. Special toothbrushes will work to brush the cats teeth, but also a rag with baking soda will work just fine to clean the teeth. Flavored toothbrushes and toothpaste will help with getting the cat to open up their mouth and corporate. Although teeth cleaning is important, a cat that is older and set in their ways, may post a problem when trying to brush the teeth.

Cat health Teeth Rinsing
Rinsing the cats mouth out with an antiseptic mouthwash might prove to be more difficult then brushing the teeth. The best way to rinse a cat's mouth is with a rag saturated with the mouthwash and squeezed into the mouth by lifting the lips. Make sure to use a mouthwash that has been approved for cats as they may swallow the liquid. This might help clear up a slight infection before it gets worst.

Cat Health Teeth Chew Treats
Many chew treats help fight against tartar and plaque built up in a cat's mouth. These specially formulated chew treats taste good and cats feel they are receiving a special treat instead of fighting with them to brush or rinse their teeth. Chews come in different favors and sizes along with soft or hard for better cleaning. The abrasive surface of the cat chews works to scrub the teeth as the cats chew them. This treatment needs to be done regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build up.

www.aboutcathealth.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Judy_Wellsworth

Cat Bad Breath

2008-05-21T21:17:00.003+07:00

Cat bad breath is not so different from human bad breath: it tends to be caused by the activities of bacteria in the mouth that break down proteins and release sulfur compounds into the air. Sulfur smells bad, so breath that contains sulfur compounds smells bad also. In cats, the bacteria that cause the problem tend to be associated with a buildup of tartar on the teeth. Tartar is a coating composed of food particles, bacteria, and minerals.

To cure cat bad breath, it's helpful to try to remove the tartar that has built up on the cat's teeth. Some pet foods are formulated to help reduce tartar by producing mechanical friction that scrapes tartar off, or by including an enzyme that helps to dissolve it. Pet treats are also commonly marketed as tartar fighters in one way or another. If the buildup of tartar on the cat's teeth is extensive, it might be necessary to pay to have a professional cleaning. When the tartar is removed, the cat bad breath should go away.

Some people are able to clean their cat's teeth at home. Animal toothpastes are available in meat flavors - the mechanical brushing is important for removing tartar, but some of these toothpastes also contain enzymes that dissolve the tartar, so just getting it on the teeth regularly will help a bit to cure cat bad breath. Toothbrushes and tooth scrapers are also available. It is a fortunate cat owner whose cat will tolerate this kind of attention: start early with your cat to prevent the buildup of tartar in the first place, and avoid cat bad breath later.

Another approach is to try to decrease the number of bacteria in the cat's mouth that are producing the bad smell. Just as chlorhexidine and other antibacterials are helpful for humans, these substances can be added to a pet's water or sprayed directly on the teeth to combat cat bad breath. Alternative products are also available that treat the problem by fighting the bacteria. These remedies don't remove the tartar however, so they won't permanently cure cat bad breath - a combination of a bacteria-fighting product, with a mechanical means of tartar removal might be the best approach.

Keep in mind that, like people, cats sometimes have an odor in the mouth that is not coming from the mouth: kidney and liver disease are two things that cause cat bad breath. Take you cat to your veterinarian if your cat has a consistent problem, so that a complete examination can be done. Even if the problem does originate in the mouth, treatment under the watchful eye of a veterinarian is important because problems in the mouth can lead to other serious health problems later. If you cure cat bad breath now, you may avoid trouble in the future.

www.badbreath-cure.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com R._Drysdale

The Reality of Cat Health Insurance

2008-05-20T12:22:00.005+07:00

Currently valued at $88 million and chalking up growth of at least 45% annually, the pet health insurance market clearly is a diamond in the rough; there are more than 136 million dogs and cats in this country-but less than 1% of them have insurance (versus 14% of dogs and 5% of cats in the U.K.). As Americans discover more about the true nature of cat health insurance and how it can save them time, stress and money, that 1% will grow exponentially. Even now, large employers are beginning to add pet health insurance options on their employee health packages. Cat Health Insurance is a real solution and is here to stay.

Take for example, if your kid were to break his leg and require emergency hospitalization. Your costs would look something like this:

Emergency room care $3,500.00

X-ray bill $ 500.00

X-ray technician diagnosis $ 950.00

Doctor's bill $1500.00

Bill for your room in ER $7500.00

Total $13,950.00

Now that's an intimidating number!

BUT! Thank God, you have insurance coverage, so really your co-pay bill will be about $250. BIG DIFFERENCE!

This very simplistic example can happen, and does happen every single day for cat owners across the United States. The extremely unfortunate truth that you would not like to admit even to yourself is, at that price without insurance to help, would you not consider having to put your cat down rather than suffer through paying such an outrageous vet bill? Tragically, many cat owners do just that. The sense of loss, guilt, helplessness and sadness in that kind of decision is unbearable.

That is why we want you to "go on offense" and take control of your cat's health. It is that kind of decision that we see as "your opponent." Stop and think about what you would do if you were faced with that situation. And now decide what you want to do today about preventing it from ever happening.

Here is a more comprehensive breakdown of what can be covered for cats:

CATS

Covered:

Leukemia

Ear infections

Infectious diseases

Respiratory system

Musculoskeletal system

Bladder Infections and Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)

Nervous system

Skin rashes

Gastrointestinal upsets causing diarrhea and/or vomiting

Cancer

Diabetes

Hospitalization

Eye problems

Cardiovascular system

Urogenital system

Endocrine system

Blood and lymphoid system

Abscesses

Abscessed, Diseased or Broken Teeth

X-rays, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests to diagnose or treat an injury or illness

Gastric torsion (bloat)

Euthanasia of your cat when you and your vet agree it is required for humane reasons, resulting from injury or illness

Prescriptions drugs for a covered illness or injury

Some of the typical exclusions for cats include:

Preventative care or routine checkups

Pre-existing conditions or injury that existed prior to the effective date of the policy

Costs from breeding, pregnancy or nursing

Holistic, homeopathic herbal, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments

Experimental treatments

Organ transplants

Special diets or foods

Behavioral problems and treatments

Grooming or grooming supplies

Flea, heartworm or parasitic preventative treatment

Elective procedures

Costs for illnesses or injury arising out of organized fighting of your pet

Intentional injury to your pet

Health certificates or vaccination tags

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO GET A FREE QUOTE?

Here is a list of the basic information you may need to provide about your pet:

• Name of cat

• Breed (if applicable)

• Pet's date of birth

• When did you get your cat?

• Where do you live? Usually a zip code will do

Note: If you have an older cat, the pet insurance company may require additional information such as previous medical history and any pre-existing conditions.

www.Pet-Insurance-Information.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Brandon_James

10 Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips

2008-05-14T13:00:00.002+07:00

1. Keep your pregnant cat indoors.

Don't expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.

2. Give your kitty the right food.

It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.

3. Do not give any medication during pregnancy.
A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.

4. Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.
A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.

5. Find a home for your kittens - before they are born.
It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You'll have more time for that before they are born.

6. Use non-clumping litter for her box.

Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.

7. Keep other cats away from her.

You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn't like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.

8. Buy enough food for your kitty... and you.

You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.

9. Check which vet is available.

Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there’s no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.

10. Get the right information about cat pregnancy.

Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus... there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.

www.pregnant-cat-care.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_De_Jong

Removing Cat Urine Odors

2008-05-11T14:27:00.000+07:00

Once smelt, never forgotten! Removing cat urine odors is a problem faced by most cat owners at some point in their life. As soon as you smell the distinctive, repugnant odor of cat urine you know you are in for a difficult time trying to get rid of the stench. Get this wrong or use the wrong cat cleaning products and you could be faced with an extremely smelly home for weeks or even months.

Unfortunately for you, cats are attracted to cat urine and once your cat has found their new litter tray, they will keep returning to the same spot to mark their territory. Therefore, it is imperative you clean it right the first time to remove the cat urine odor and prevent it from becoming a long term problem.

There are a few options available, some better than others. One is a home remedy using baking soda, cornstarch and drops of essential oil. This may help in the short term, but does not offer a permanent solution.

Another way to get rid of the smell is to place an onion over the affected area. The onion absorbs the urine odor without leaving a strong onion smell. Again, this might get rid of the cat urine odor, but does not clean the area and kitty will soon return to the same spot and the process begins again.

Fortunately, permanently removing cat urine odors is not difficult if you have the right tools and direction. There is a process that attacks cat urine removal on three fronts. It can get rid of the smell, provide a permanent cleaning solution so that your cat will not return to the same spot and also show you how to combat the underlying problem of stopping your cat using your home as a litter tray.

www.caturineremoval.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Rachel_Stevens

Taking Care Of Your Cat

2008-05-11T14:15:00.002+07:00

Cats are pretty self-sufficient pets but they need tender loving care just like you do! Here are some ways to improve the life of your clever companion.

Grooming – Cats are basically clean animals and have their own bathing routine, licking their fur and paws, with the wet paws reaching wherever the tongue can’t reach on their body. This eliminates the need for bathing your cat, barring some kind of extreme situation. Brushing your cat will help keep its coat shiny and clean. A daily brushing will decrease the incidence of hairballs and cut down on the amount of shedding.

Handling - We have all seen the tigress picking up her cub by the scruff of her neck. Do not do this at home!! Cats should never be picked up by their front legs or scruff. Instead, support the hindquarters with one hand and gently hold your cat with the other hand against the chest, under the front legs. Some cats love to be held and others don’t, so watch out for scratching and wriggling escape movements!

Housing - It is important for your cat to have its own sleeping and resting place. When it’s not sleeping with you, that is! Cats like to have a soft, warm towel or blanket in a cozy basket or other appropriate cat bed. Wash the bedding often.

Litter Box - Indoor cats need a litter box. You can place your cat’s litter box in a quiet location that is easily accessible for your cat. Good places to keep your cat’s box are bathrooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms or basements. If you live in a duplex apartment or multi-level home, it is advisable to add an additional box on each floor. If you need to move your cat’s box, please do so gradually, a little bit each day. Your cat becomes habituated to it’s litter box site and you don’t want it getting confused and eliminating on the floor in the box’s wake! Cats are sensitive to the condition of their litter box, preferring it clean and smelling good. The best way to ensure your cat has a fresh litter box (and will use it) is to scoop out solid wastes every day and, once a week, dump the stinky contents out, wash the box with mild soap, refill and your cat should be happy.

Playing - What you’ve heard is true, cats love to chase mice! To thrill and delight your cat, provide your cat with toys that resemble live prey. The best toys are those that jump around and dance and look alive, this way, your can will act out its natural predatory instincts on the toys rather than your wrists or ankles. Small laser beam toys are also great to play with, just don’t shine it in the cat’s eyes. This makes for hours of fun. Your cat will jump on walls, furniture or wherever you shine it, running after the moving spot of light all around the house. Another stimulant for a cat is the well known catnip plant which is sold at all pet stores stuffed inside toys and on its own. Catnip causes cats to be in a state of ecstasy, rolling around on the toy or leaves for ten minutes or so. 50-60% of cats react this way and they love it. Catnip causes no harmful or permanent effects and can be administered to kittens three months and older.

www.theworldsbesthomepage.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Eric_Hartwell

Common Cat Ailments

2008-05-09T16:40:00.002+07:00

Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Sometimes it seems like cats and hair balls go hand in hand. Even a short haired cat will occasionally develop a few. If you have a medium to long haired cat, brushing and combing is essential to preventing this and other common cat ailments. Aside from helping your cat look like a show piece, brushing will help remove dead hair that your cat would swallow in the course of washing.

In order to prevent hair balls, you may also want to add a teaspoon of fish oil to cat food once a week. This will help any hair that the cat ingests pass through the digestive system. You may also want to try feeding your cat a teaspoon of bran or canned pumpkin each day. If your cat is feral, it may chew on grass or other plants to help manage this and other common cat ailments.

Fleas can wreak absolute havoc in your cats life. Not only are they itchy, they can spread diseases. Some cats develop physical allergies to fleas, while others will experience emotional and mental distress. Similar to hair balls, routine grooming will help keep fleas to a minimum. Flea collars are also readily available to treat this and some other related common cat ailments. There are also environmentally friendly fur rubs that will deter fleas and give your cat a pleasant odor at the same time. If your cat is highly intolerant of fleas, you may also want to ask your veterinarian about flea inoculations.

If you notice your cat scratching inside his/her ears, some other common cat ailments may be present. Similar to fleas, ear mites and wax buildup can be very annoying and disturbing to your cat. They also rank well near the top when it comes to easily treated common cat ailments. Chances are your cat's veterinarian will notice ear mites and wax during annual checkups. The medication for both conditions is fairly easy to administer, and will provide a great deal of relief to your cat. It is important to treat ear mites early, as they can do a great deal of damage to your cat's hearing and long term health.

Finally, few people realize emotional and mental distress are common cat ailments. As an example, if you move out of one home and into another, a grown cat may find it difficult to adapt. There are many stories of transplant cats taking to their paws and returning to their old home, even if it is thousands of miles away. When you own a cat, it is important to realize that they have very stringent rules about their physical territory. They will guard their "property" much as a human owner might. While we cannot see the cat version of fences created by stool and urine markings, cats most certainly recognize the territories of others of their species.

As with humans, cats can suffer from a wide array of ailments that start off with very subtle symptoms. Aside from yearly check ups, it is very important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in what time the cat eats, or engages in other occupations. That said, for the most part, if you adopt a kitten or full grown cat, you can look forward to at least one decade of living with a happy, healthy companion. That said, common cat ailments should not be overlooked or ignored.

www.findapetonline.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com CS_Swarens

Cleaning Cat Urine

2008-05-09T16:19:00.000+07:00

Again, natural cat behavior that we don't like, for obvious reasons. As previously stated scenting is one way cats communicate. Cat urine is particularly pungent and occurs manly in unneutered tom cats although all cats, both male and female, neutered and unneutered may spray from time to time. Spraying communicates a cats age, identity, sexual identity and activity. Spraying cat urine also marks a territory. This occurs especially if their are other cats around and your cat feel under threat. Offensive cat behavior ? Well, only to our nose and pocket.

But smells and stains can cause distress especially if they occur inside the house, so the following may offer some comfort, but remember, a cats sense of smell is far more intense than our own and I am sure that, in some instances, a cat would complain about us if they could !

Joking aside, cat urine can be most unpleasant. It leaves a very strong smell and depending on your cats diet, sex and age, can leave deep yellow stains that are very hard, though not impossible to remove. If bedding, cushions or deep filled materials are fouled it may be all but impossible to remove the smell although it may fade with time.

Carpets ~ It is always best to treat the offending area as soon as possible. Use paper toweling or a clean cloth to absorb as much of the cats urine as possible. Use a blotting action, do not rub. The more cat urine you can remove before it dries, this less odor will remain. Continue this action until most of the urine is removed. Then pour over a small amount of clean water and repeat the blotting action. Do this once or twice more. There are many commercially available cleaning agents on the market for cleaning odors and stains but you may not have these available at the time that the offense is committed. Some common household products could help.

Baking soda ~ sprinkle over a dampened, not wet, surface. Massage into the fabric and allow to dry, then vacuum or brush away the residue.

White vinegar ~ vinegar is a very good cleaner/odor neutralizer and disinfectant to have around the house anyway. A 3-1 mix (3 parts water to 1 of vinegar) should do the trick but you may want to adjust this as desired. Lightly soak the offending area, cover well with dry paper towels then with cloth then newspaper, (make sure the newspaper stays within the area covered by the toweling and cloth). Put something heavy over this and remove after a few hours. Use a vacuum to brush and raise the pile of the carpet.

Furniture upholstery ~ remove the fabric if at all possible. Use a blotting action to remove as much of the cat urine as possible. Wet thoroughly with clean water and dab again until most of the liquid is removed, repeat. Rub the soiled area in a circular motion to remove further liquid, then dry with a hair dryer on a cool setting working from the outer edge inwards.

Wooden flooring ~ wash with clean water, then several times with white vinegar, then again with warm soapy water. Blot until dry.

When using vinegar/ vinegar solution, always test a hidden area prior to use on the stain

If you have cat urine on your clothes try apple cider vinegar. Add ¼ of a cup to your regular washing powder and proceed with your normal wash cycle. Of course this method applies to any fabric that can be washed in your machine.

As stated, there are many commercial products available for removing cat urine. As cat owners it is always preferable to have these to hand. Unfortunately, life is often not quite that obliging. The above ideas may help to solve the immediate problem.

Carpets and flooring may need the additional help of a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.

Specialized pet stain/odor removers and enzyme/bacteria cleaners should be applied as soon as possible to any soiled areas, this will also discourage puss from repeating the indiscretion Always read the label prior to use.

I hope the above suggestions have been of some help. There are many ideas circulating to tackle this problem, some good some not so good and some best left alone if you don't want to remove most of your furnishings along with the cat pee!. Again let common sense prevail and always try a hidden area with any solution, be it home made or shop bought, prior to treating the stain.

www.catsbehaviour.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jenny_Harper

Basic Cat Care Information

2008-05-05T17:00:00.003+07:00

If you are wondering how to take care of a cat, the good news is that it is quite easy. Cats require food, water, shelter, a litter box, some toys and a warm, comfortable sleeping place. Before making the decision to get a cat, you need to realize that they can live for up to twenty years and make sure your decision is the right one. A lot of cats end up in cat rescue centers when their owners realize they can't care for them any more, don't want to care for them any more or fail to get their cat spayed or neutered, which results in unwanted kittens. If you have decided to add a feline friend to your family, here is some useful cat care information for you.

What Do I Need for My Cat?

If you are considering getting a cat, it is best to buy the accessories first and also find a good veterinarian for cat vaccinations and for any other medical needs which might crop up. The accessories you will need are:

* A bowl for cat food and one for water

* Wet or dry cat food

* A litter tray and a pack of cat litter

* A cat brush or comb

* Cat toys (homemade ones are fine)

* Medication for fleas, ticks and parasites

* Cat health insurance (if you are worried about veterinary fees)

Indoors or Outdoors?

Knowing how to take care of a cat includes knowing about the risks of allowing your pet outdoors. It is a mistake to think that all cats need to go outdoors. In fact there can be dangers outdoors, such as other cats and dogs, toxic plants and traffic. Many cats who have always been kept indoors are as happy and well-adjusted as outdoor cats. If you choose to let your cat outside, you should buy a cat collar with a name ID barrel.

You should also consider getting her micro-chipped. If your cat is micro-chipped and gets lost or injured, any veterinarian can scan her and the microchip will provide your contact details so the veterinarian can contact you and let you know your cat has been found and brought in. If you plan to travel with your cat, a microchip is also a necessity as it provides information about vaccinations your cat has been given.

Veterinary Care

A veterinarian for your cat is a must. You need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a check up as soon as you have her. She will also need vaccinations throughout her life and medical care on occasion. Your veterinarian will be able to answer any cat care information questions you have. Your veterinarian will probably advise you on flea and parasite care. Most people prefer to give their cat an anti-flea spray every few weeks or you might opt for an anti-flea collar.

How to take care of a cat is something that you should partly know and will party find out along your journey together. Cats make wonderful pets. They are funny, playful, loving and extremely lovable. Once you know the cat care information basics, the rest will fall into place naturally.

www.ourcatsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Thomas_Kellerman

Cat Litter Box Training

2008-04-29T15:57:00.002+07:00

Cats are clean creatures and naturally want to cover their tracks by for instance burying any mess they make and with most cats preferring to do their business on loose and grainy substances it is not surprising that they quickly learn to use a cat litter box. But when their preferences include other favourite areas within your home the problems begin.

The main reasons why cats choose not to use the litter box are that they disapprove of the location of the box or they have an aversion to the box itself, its contents or even or some dissatisfaction with the depth of the litter. The cat litter box may be in the wrong location, perhaps not private enough.

Some other reasons maybe:

• The contents of the box may not be satisfactory to the cat, scent of the contents for instance.

• The cat litter may not be emptied often and the litter box is not cleaned often enough.

• The cat has experienced painful urination or defecation in the box because of a medical condition.

• The cat is often disturbed whilst using the box.

• The cat may associate the box with punishment if it is often being placed in the box after soiling elsewhere in the house.

In the event of mishaps it is important to thoroughly and properly clean the soiled areas. Strong smelling household cleaners however, will not help. You will need specifically for this purpose an enzymatic cleaning fluid to eliminate the odour or deter your pet from re-marking the area.

To help with litter box training try some different approaches but your patience will pay off in the end and improve your cat's behavior:

• Ensure that the litter box is kept clean at all times, to scoop at least once a day and renew the cat litter completely every four to five days. If the box smells unpleasant to you, then you can be pretty sure it's offensive to your cat as well.

• Try placing a new box in a different location, with a different type of litter. Your cat may have decided that her old litter box is unpleasant, or is not in a private enough location and so a different box with different contents in a different location will ensure the cat that doesn't apply the same negative associations to the new box.

• Make sure that the litter box isn't anywhere where there is noise that may disturb the cat, or in an area of the home that your cat doesn't frequent.

• Try to encourage your cat to use the box after meals, suggesting to the cat the purpose of the box, limit the cats area of straying if it tries to leave the box, pat the sand to gain the cat's attention but do not try to manipulate their claws through the sand that will become a natural reaction for them once they have appreciated your intentions.

Once that you begin to succeeded in your efforts a small treat or praise may be appropriate but if you are tempted on the other hand to become cross if things are not going to plan although a slight correction may be necessary, overdoing it by becoming loud and irrational will only have the opposite effect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com George_Potter

5 Ways to Stop Your Cat Peeing Problems

2008-04-29T15:44:00.003+07:00

1) Make sure something isn't seriously wrong with your cat. If you cat has suddenly started behaving in this way it might be worth taking him/her for a checkups with the vet. Cats are very good at hiding little illnesses and urinary tract infections can produce unpleasant reactions for that cat. The most common is that he/she will equate going to the litter box with a pain sensation. Thus the cat may be peeing elsewhere to try and alleviate this pain.
2) Have there been any changes to the household? Cats, like people hate sudden changes in their environment. if these changes are severe enough, cat peeing problems can develop. If a new cat has entered the household, your cat might feel threatened and ill at ease when using the litter box and thus might seek refuge in another part of the house to do her business. To solve this, give the cat a room in the house (or even a section of a room) that the other cat is not permitted to enter. By building up trust in this section of the house she will feel more confident in using the litter tray.

3) Your cat's preferences might've changed. As a young kitten the cutesy litter box you bought for her might have been sufficient, but as she has grown her tastes and needs have changed. If the litter box has a lid try removing it. It is often the case that by peeing elsewhere your cat is trying to tell you that something is wrong with her environment and it is up to you to find out what.

4) Try and stay one step ahead. Cat peeing need not be the bain of your life. When you cat pees somewhere unusual try moving the litter box to where she had her last movement. Cats are contentious, and will often return to the scene of an accident. If the cat then subsequently finds that the mess is gone and instead her familiar litter try is in its place than she may start using the litter try instead.

5) Train your cat to use a human toilet. If you have plenty of time on your hands this method could be the answer to your cat peeing problems forever. The easiest way to train your cat to use a human toilet is to use 'incremental training'. This involves slowly changing your cats behaviour towards the actions you desire. This process can be done over a month or two. The most important thing to remember when doing this is to take the process very slowly and entirely at your cats pace. Firstly you need to start by slowly moving the litter box closer and closer to your toilet. You need to move it slowly over the course of a week or two to help your cat get used to using the litter box next to the toilet.

This process is painfully slow, and may well take a lot longer than a few weeks, but it is well worth sticking to. Once your cat has been using the litter box next to the toilet for a couple of weeks, slowly start to raise the litter box up, a little each week until the height is the same as the toilet seat. This process is fraught with difficulties, not least how to convince your cat to climb ever higher for its litter box. My solution is to be creative. Try and carefully construct a ramp that you cat can climb up or some stacks of books. The last thing you want is for your cat to associate going to the loo with having to jump ever higher.

This can exacerbate cat peeing problems! If all goes well you can move the litter box on top of the toilet and then insert a litter box that sits into the rim of the toilet. (this will put your toilet out of action for a few days so please only do this if you have more than one toilet!!). Once your cat gets used to this, carefully remove it and hopefully, if all has gone well, your cat will now be independent!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com John_Sanderson

Grooming A Long-Haired Cat

2008-04-29T15:38:00.002+07:00

A long haired cat ought to be groomed on a daily basis, this helps keep the coat tangle-free. Use a soft brush to groom the coat first. Work your way from your cats head to his tail brushing in the direction that the hair is laying. Gently brush his belly and tail. Then use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through the hair.

If your cat has any knots or matted hair, gently ease the knot out with a comb or brush. Holding the knot in one hand whilst brushing with the other will prevent any pain to your cat from pulling on the coat. Long haired, flatter-faced cat breeds need their eyes cleaned and dried weekly or even daily. Fluid cannot drain through the tear ducts properly and they are therefore prone to weeping.

If your cat starts getting fussy and giving you signs that she has had enough, you can groom the sides of her face. You can also give your cat the occasional treat.

If you think your cat may have fleas, you can end the grooming session with running a narrow-toothed comb through the coat. Grooming should not aggravate your cat, but be a pleasurable experience that can build trust and confidence. Start grooming sessions gradually with short sessions so your kitten or cat does not become bored. Never restrain your cat if they become stressed during a grooming session. Instead stop the session and try again later when they are more relaxed.

The result of grooming your cat whether it is a quick weekly brush or a daily intense grooming session is a happy cuddlesome cat. Your cat will look good and feel great.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Paul_Hegarty

Living With The Cat

2008-04-26T16:18:00.002+07:00

There are very different ways to get your living-room-tiger. Perhaps you heard the miaou of a little baby cat at your garden door and just opened it. From now on you will have a new housemate!

Or perhaps you did inform yourself on one of these cat exhibitions, felt in love with a Persian cat or an Egyptian cat. Perhaps you visited friends, where a little tiger jumped on you lap
Of course there is also another possibility, the neighbors dog's constant barking made you lose control and you shouted "In my home there will never be a dog!" Cats hear this, believe me!
Perhaps you are only one step away from buying a pet because your little son or daughter have been working on you for a while. It is also possible, that you are feeling lonely in your new flat. There are thousands of ways to Rome and you have decided to buy a cat.

Many people read books about cats, pets, how to treat them, because they want to avoid mistakes with the new housemate. These books have titles like "The cat and I" or "The new pet" and they all tell you almost the same. If you don't have any experience with cats, it makes sense to spend four Dollars and buy one of these books.

It doesn't make any difference, if you buy a pedigree cat or you found your new friend somewhere on the street, where they use to show up every now and then.

They all need some treatment and attention, need to be feed twice a day and if ever possible, at least once a year they should see the vet.

Now when the little cat is ready to start his life in your home, you should need to do some preparation to make the cat feel at home and to make you stay feeling at home. A side of a fix place to feed the cat - perhaps in the kitchen - it also needs its pet-toilet. If your little cat had had the chance to stay at least twelve weeks with his mother, he should have learned already how to use it. If no so, you will have to give your cat the first little lesson. But stay calm, it is no big deal to make your cat get used to the pet-toilet and he will never forget and he will also like to use it. At this point let me say something very important, the cat will have to have access to the pet-toilet at any time he needs to use it, so please don't look it away over the day. Keep the access clear and don't change the place without showing it to the cat. That avoids little accidents; the cat could feel a shame for.

You do not need to spend much money on a luxury pet-toilet, at the beginning a big plastic bowl will do. Buy some white cat sand at the supermarket, put everything in its place and wait until ten minutes after feeding your cat. Then it should start to look for a 'useful' place. Take it and set it into the pet-toilet. Show your cat, how to play with the sand. The rest is nature.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Regine_Hehn

Elderly Cat Care

2008-04-26T16:09:00.002+07:00

Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.

Feeding Time

Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to them. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.

Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.

Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.

Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.

Grooming Elderly Cats

Another element of proper care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.

It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.

Vet Visits and Medication

When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.

Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.

Pet Insurance

Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll them into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.

The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.

Activities of the Elderly Cat

The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.

Most cat experts agree that a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com David_Beart

Cat Sitter Tips

2008-04-26T15:46:00.002+07:00

There will be times in your life when you have to leave home, and you can't always take your cat with you, no matter how well behaved he or she may be. If you must travel out of town, make sure that your cat's health will be in good hands while you are gone. You'll need a cat sitter. Make sure that you leave the sitter with as much information about your cats as possible so that you can rest assured that they are safe and healthy.

In the best-case scenario, your cat sitter will be someone you already know. Neighborhood teens make good cat sitters, as do relatives. You can also call a pet sitting company if you don't have anyone else in mind. Whoever takes care of your cats, make sure they are trustworthy and will show up at your house every single day at the correct times. If you have multiple cats or other pets, or if you will be gone for over a week, it may be a good idea to have someone you trust house sit and stay overnight in your home.

Before you leave, create an easy-to-read sheet of important information. Start by listing your cats-include their names, fur color, special diet and medications, likes and dislikes, and favorite hiding places. You should also include step-by-step detailed instructions for cat care and the numbers for you and for your vet. Also, notify your vet the name of the person who will be bringing your pet in for emergency care.

Make sure that everything needed to care for your cat is out in the open and easy to use. For example, don't forget to leave a can opener out for your cat sitter! If any of your cats fall ill or are injured, your cat sitter will need to call a vet and possibly even take your cat to the vet's office. Have the phone in an easy-to-locate place and leave cat carriers by the door. Also make sure that all cleaning supplies are easy for your cat sitter to find, including litter box materials.

If any of your cats need vet care, you will have to pay the vet bills, of course. Leave a $20 bill (or more if you'll be gone longer) for your cat sitter to specifically be used for the cats. Call your vet to alert him or her that you will be out of town. Give your vet your credit card number, the phone number where you can be reached, and the name of your cat sitter, with the assertion that he or she will act in your place until you return home.

Following these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your vacation and know that your precious babies are being well taken care of.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Florence_Lilly

Super Cat Urine Prevention Tips

2008-04-21T11:42:00.001+07:00

Many times cat owners are at a loss as to why their cat doesn't use their litter box. Here are some great tips that can help you solve the problem.

The litter box is the first thing you should check. It should be in a quiet, private area of the house. Many people put them in their basements and leave the door open a little as this not only creates a private environment but also keeps odors to a minimum in the rest of the house.

Some use a closet but if you do this be sure and keep the box clean to reduce odors in such a confined space and don’t forget to leave the door open!

Another placement possibility is under a table. Many people find a place without carpeting is best from a maintenance point of view as tile or cement is a lot easier to clean.

Ask yourself if you changed the litter box in any way:

* Has the box been moved to a high traffic area recently?

* Does the box need cleaning?

* Is a new litter being used or does it have too heavy a scent (clumping and unscented is best).

* Has the depth of the litter in the box changed? Some cats like their litter deep, others shallow.

* Your cat has outgrown the box and needs a larger one.

* The box is too hard to enter and exit. This can be an issue for older cats.

Do not put food and water near the litter box. Cats like these two areas kept separate (don’t you?).

If your cat has picked out a particular room to soil try closing the door to that room if you can or cover the target area with furniture.

Put a bowl of food over the target area as cats like to keep their eating area away from their “bathroom”.

Take your cat to the Vet on a regular basis.

If you have more than one cat get each one of them their own litter box.

Have you recently moved? A cat might smell an area where the previous owner’s cat urinated.

Let the cat alone while it goes so it can have some privacy.

If it is a new cat in your home it could take from three to eight weeks to get adjusted to the new environment. Be patient!

Was there a recent addition or loss to the family? A new baby, spouse? This is usually temporary until the cat adjusts to the change in their environment.

A change in your schedule can throw off your cat's schedule as well and cause problems. Try and phase in major lifestyle changes gradually.

NEVER EVER punish the cat by kicking, hitting, chasing, screaming or rubbing their nose in their urine (remember the smell doesn’t bother them). Cats cannot make the cause and effect connection like we can so punishment after the fact is useless and will only make matters worse.

Cats are naturally very clean animals and they know where they are going. It is important to remember this and try and help your cat overcome any stress or anxiety they might be having in a caring and loving manner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Mike_Taylor

Cat Eye Health Care Tips

2008-04-21T11:37:00.002+07:00

The health of your cat's eyes is very important to the health of your cat. So, it is extremely important to monitor your cat's eye health and to take action immediately upon realizing there may be an issue. Use the following tips and if the problem is persistent or severe, consult your veterinarian.

Keep Your Cat's Eyes Healthy

One sure way of making sure the health of your cat's eyes health doesn't become a problem is by keeping your cat well groomed and cleaned. Watch for some of these things to help prevent any cat eye health problems.

- Keep your cat's eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.

- Before bathing, flea treatments or doing anything that may introduce chemicals to your cat's eyes you should apply a neutralizing ointment.

- Keep hair out of your cat's eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.

- Clean tear stained fur around the eyes.

Signs of Cat Eye Health Issues

Healthy cat eyes are always moist and clear, if you see any of these following symptoms there may be a health issue.

- Reddish colored inner eyelids

- The third eyelid roams across the eye and/or stays across the eye

- Unusual discharges or matter forming on the eye or in the corners of the eye

- Excessive tears and/or signs of excessive tearing around the eyes

Cleaning Your Cat's Eyes

Dilute some baby shampoo with water at a solution 1 part shampoo and 20 parts water. With a cotton ball, gauze pad or cotton swab soaked in this solution gently wipe away any discharge or dirt residue by massaging the eyeball. Clean around the edges of the eye thoroughly. Once you have sufficiently cleaned the area, wipe away the shampoo with clean water and cotton ball or gauze pad.

If there are any formations of discharge residue inside the eyelids themselves, drip sterile saline eye drops from above the eye and carefully remove with a tissue or cotton ball.

Apply Medication to Your Cat's Eyes

If you are giving your cat eye drops, gently lift your cat's head up and apply one or two drops of the eye medication. Space multiple treatments out by around 10 minutes, this will allow the first treatment to absorb.

If you cat eye health professional has recommended the use of an ointment be sure to use only a very little at a time, too much will result in irritating the eye. Apply it to the corner of the eye, or to the eyelid and gently rub the eyelid around your cat's eye to evenly distribute the ointment.

Hopefully these quick tips will go a long way in preventing any potential cat eye health problems and allow for you cat to remain A Happy Cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Matt_Ryan

Cat Health Problems And Tips That Matter

2008-04-21T11:33:00.002+07:00

Keeping your pet healthy requires a few cat health problems and tips that help with this matter. Annual check ups and vaccinations come to mind when people think about keeping their pet healthy. If you your cat has excessive licking, it may cause a problem or there may be an underlying problem. Controlling hairballs and preventing ear mites are a part of these cat health problems and tips that matter. Give your cat the best care and receive all the love and companionship they offer.

Getting the Annual Check Up
The most important thing with cats is the annual check up that is needed to check the health of the cat and receive the needed vaccinations. The check up will consist of listening to the heart, checking the reproductive system and digestive system. Some vets may check for other things, as the cats get older. Stool samples usually receive testing for worms and other parasites or other medical concerns. Blood samples help to check for any health problems, which helps catch health issues early.

Always Vaccinate Your Cat
The vaccination of your cat needs to be completed every year. The cat receives rabies shot every two years and distemper shot every year. Because of fetal cats roaming everywhere you need to have these shots for your cats. Health problems and tips find this issue a top priority because we need to cut down on the many deaths every year of cats dying of distemper. Only use vaccines that come from a vet or you may find that the vaccine can cause the disease to develop instead of preventing it from developing.

Your Cat Has Excessive Licking
Many reasons exist for excessive licking in your cat. One might be a skin allergy that irritates the cat and they lick excessively to try to sooth the pain. Another reason might be stress. Cats that are stressed seem to lick excessively to clam themselves. Health problems and tips for this problem may be to provide a calmer environment, or give the cat a safe place in the house. If the licking persists, tests may tell you and your vet why.

Health Problems and Tips for Hairball Control
Although cats of all lengths of hair have hairball problems, longhair cats seem to become affect more. Brushing and grooming the cat daily may prevent a build up of cat hair in the stomach thus preventing vomiting that comes from hairballs. If you have too many problems, a visit to the vet might help.

Health Problems and Tips with Ear Mites
Ear mites are little parasites that live in the ear of a cat and cause a smelly dark discharge. If you catch the ear mite before it reaches into the inner and middle ear, you can treat this condition yourself for about twenty-one days. Preventing this parasite from invading the ear, you might use a mullein mixture to protect against ear mites. Keep your cat’s ear clean and always check for ear mites weekly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Judy_Wellsworth

Are Your Cat's Teeth Healthy?

2008-04-17T10:53:00.002+07:00

If you have a cat, then its health and happiness will be very important to you. People spend a lot of money on food, treats, toys and sometimes even clothing for their pets. They also invest in grooming, training and medical care. Another thing that is very important which many people forget about is having healthy teeth.

A huge 80% of pets have dental issues after the age of three years because of this oversight. These dental problems can include broken teeth, gum disease, tartar buildup and bad breath. These troubles can lead to the loss of teeth, difficulty in eating and an unhealthy and unhappy cat.

If left untreated, dental disease can result in complications. Dental issues can affect the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract and even the joints of your pet. Bacteria builds up in the mouth when your pet has a dental problem and this can cause infection to spread to other parts of the body. Regular preventative dental care can prevent these side effects.

There are products on the market that can help with dental issues such as specially formulated foods, toys and even cat toothbrushes and toothpaste. These items are very useful in fighting dental problems. Any cat lover, however, will tell you that cats do not like being made to do anything they do not want to. You must begin slowly and try not to scare the kitty. You need to offer a lot of love and perhaps treats. Although it might well be treats that caused the tooth decay in the first place, a cat will understand that if it lets you clean its mouth, it will get a reward, so it is more likely to hold still while you do what you need to.

It is easier to begin a tooth brushing routine with a kitten than an adult cat but you can still introduce an older cat to good dental habits. Rubbing the teeth is preferred to brushing the teeth, according to many veterinarians. You can wrap a piece of gauze around your finger and rub the cat’s teeth with that. Alternatively, let the cat chew its toothbrush. This will dislodge a lot of the tartar and plaque before problems can arise.

Your cat should be willing to accept having its teeth brushed after a while, when it has got used to it. To brush the cat’s teeth, you should hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and apply it to the area where the cat’s gums meet its teeth. Repeat until all the teeth are clean on the cheek side. Cleaning the surfaces of the teeth inside the mouth is slightly more tricky as the cat has to open its mouth but eventually your cat should calm down and let you without too much protest. Cleaning a cat’s teeth twice a week should be sufficient.

If your cat does not let you brush its teeth or if you can see brown tartar stains or bleeding gums, you need to take the cat to the vet. They will give the cat a general anesthetic and clean the teeth both above and below the gum line to get rid of tartar and plaque. When the cat’s teeth are clean, the vet will polish them to remove any microscopic pieces of plaque and to make the teeth smooth since this will discourage further plaque from sticking.

Dental care should be as important to you as it is to your pet. Regular tooth cleaning is essential and if you treat your cat’s teeth right, they should last a lifetime and your cat will be healthy and happy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com David_P._Lee

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

2008-04-17T10:44:00.002+07:00

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with anything from a minor cold to a major ailment.

As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure you feed your cat premium cat food so he can be his healthiest and also watch your cat closely for signs of sickness so that you can get him to a vet right away. Hopefully most ailments will be minor, but in some cases getting your cat expedient veterinary help can be the difference between life and death.

Some things to look for include:

Your cats coat – is it full and shiny or dull and patchy? Is he shedding abnormally? If so get your cat scheduled for a vet visit.

Behavior – is your cat acting sluggish and not eating? Any change in behavior warrants a trip to the vet as it is better to be safe then sorry!

Diarrhea or vomiting – If your cat is doing either of these for more than a day, I would get him to the vet as soon as you can.
Coughing – Some cats routinely cough up hairballs, but if your cat is coughing for no reason then you should have this checked out.

Swelling or lumps – when you pet your cat, take the time to feel around for any unusual lumps or swelling.

To insure that your cat doesn’t fall victim to disease, you should make sure he has all of his vaccinations as recommended by your vetrenarian. The most devastating but easiest to prevent disease that affects cats is infectious enteritis, or feline distemper. This is a virus disease that strikes quickly and leaves little time to enact treatment.

Feline Leukemia or FeLV is another deadly disease that can be prevented through early vaccinations. This disease poses no threat to humans but can be spread between cats. These days, it is treatable and some cats can live a long life with Feline Leukemia although you would want to be very careful to keep them away from other cats so as not to spread the disease.

One health problem in cats, particulary those that go outdoors is worms. A cat with worms usually has a lackluster coat and can either have a large appetite or none at all. There are many kinds of worms, and cats are susceptible to all of them. Cats can get worms from lice or fleas or in the organs of the rodents that the cats eat. Typically the cat ingests the eggs which mature and attach to the intestinal walls. Feeding your cat a bit of garlic every once in a while can protect him against worms.

Keeping your cat happy and healthy is really a simple matter of caring for him properly and making sure he gets the appropriate veterinary care. Make sure your cat gets all the recommended vaccinations and you give him the proper treatments to repel fleas and other pesky pests. These simple steps will keep your cat happy and healthy for a lifetime!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Lee_Dobbins

Cat Weight Management

2008-04-13T18:59:00.002+07:00

Obesity is the most common health problem for cats. A cat is considered obese if it weighs 20% more than its optimal weight and if the extra weight is a result of the accumulation of fat. If a cat is anywhere from 1 to 19% heavier than its ideal body weight, then it is considered overweight and not obese. In order for a cat to maintain good health and have a long and happy life, the cat must maintain a healthy weight.

Determining If A Cat Is Overweight Or Obese

There is no magical body weight that is appropriate for all cats. The breed, general size, and age of the cat all have a factor in how much it should weigh. To determine the optimal weight of a specific cat, it is best to consult a veterinarian. However typically, a cat whose ribs are difficult to feel because they are covered with a layer of fat is overweight or obese, depending on how thick the layer of fat is.

A cat is also considered to be obese if it has a moderate or thick layer of fat that covers all of its bony areas. Some obese cats even develop a bulge under the abdomen, which is sometimes referred to as a "skirt." If the cat doesn't have a noticeable waist and if the back appears broad when viewed from above, the cat is obese.

How Obesity Affects

When a cat is either obese or overweight, it runs the risk of developing a variety of health disorders such as aggravation of osteoarthritis, decreased stamina, diabetes mellitus, Hepatic lipidosis -- which is fat deposited in the liver, joint stress, lower urinary tract disease, and non-allergic skin diseases.

An obese or overweight cat might also have breathing problems, develop a decrease in immune function, and even have difficulty giving birth.

Pre determiners for Obesity

Some cats are more likely to become overweight or obese than others. Typically, however, cats are just like humans. If a cat eats more calories than it uses, it will gain weight. The excess energy it gains from the calories becomes stored as fat.

Purebred cats, though, are less likely to become obese than mixed breeds. In addition, cats that are neutered have a tendency to gain weight more easily than those who are not, probably in part due to the fact that non-neutered cats have the disposition to roam in search of a mate. In addition, the metabolic rate of a neutered cat decreases by about 20%. Therefore, a neutered cat needs less food in order to maintain its ideal body weight.

Cats under two years of age are less likely to be overweight or obese than cats that are between the ages of two and ten. This is because cats between these ages need less energy. On the other hand, geriatric cats, which are older than ten, have a tendency to be underweight. In addition, certain medications can make a cat more likely to gain weight, as some medications will cause an increase in appetite and other medications cause a decrease in metabolic rate. Some medications that tend to lead to weight gain in cats are cortisosteroids, cyperoheptidine, and amytripyline.

Treating Obesity In The Cat

It is not healthy for an overweight or obese cat to lose weight too quickly. In fact, rapid weight loss increases a cat's likelihood of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is a fatal liver disease that causes fat to be deposited in the liver. Instead, an overweight or obese cat should lose weight steadily and gradually. In fact, it can take up to a year for a extremely overweight cat to reach its ideal body weight in a healthy manner.

If you are trying to help your cat lose weight, it's best to consult a veterinarian who can help you create a healthy eating plan. The veterinarian will ensure that your cat is still getting enough protein. Since cats are carnivores, it could be lethal to your cat to cut out meat. They need a lot of protein and not very many carbohydrates. If you feed your cat a similar diet, your cat will be able to lose weight without losing lean muscle mass.

To help an overweight or obese cat lose weight, it should also be encouraged to get plenty of exercise. This is particularly true for older cats with slower metabolisms, neutered cats, indoor cats with restricted activity, and cats on medication that affects weight. Pet owners can encourage exercise by playing with the cat frequently. For more direct exercise, a cat harness can be purchased to walk the cat around the house or up and down stairs. Feeding bowls can even be moved to areas that require more walking and, of course, cut down on the portions of food an overweight cat receives.

Maintaining Weight

In order to keep your cat healthy and at an ideal weight, you might want to purchase special "light" or low calorie food. This food will still taste good and keep your cat happy, but will also help to maintain lower weight as it is specially formulated for cats who have slower metabolism or are less active.

For free ezines, ecourses, and ebooks click Free Info Products Click for Ron King's Articles For Authors OR Cat Information

Copyright 2007 Win-Win Marketing. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.comRon_King

Walking The Cat is A Rewarding Training Exercise

2008-04-13T18:53:00.002+07:00

Ever think about taking your kitty for a walk? Most people think nothing of taking their dog for a walk but many would never consider taking their family cat for a walk. Well I'm here to tell you that it can be done. With a little bit of encouragement and some patients you will have your cat strolling along with you in no time.

You may believe that your cat should stay in all year round. Perhaps you're worried your cat will get lost or wonder out into traffic. It could be you fear that your cat will attack a small animal such as a bird or a chip monk. But I believe that your cat would benefit greatly by the experience of being outdoors. It will relieve them of boredom and the exercise they receive is beneficial.

To remedy your fears you can control your cat by providing a safe controlled outing by getting your cat use to a harness and a lead.

Harnesses and leads can be purchased at a known pet stores or department stores. If you can not find one meant for a cat, a small harness made for a small breed dog like a Chihuahua, will work fine.

Let your cat inspect the harness and leash when you bring them home. When the cat no longer seems interested in the harness, it's time to try it on for size. Start leaving the harness on for small increments of time and then increase the time it is on slowly. Five minuets is a good starting point and work up from there. Within two to three weeks your cat should be use to wearing the harness.

Next you should try to take your cat outside with a lead attached. A good start is by sitting outside with your cat and let it explore and get use to being restrained. The next step is to try to encourage your cat to take a few steps with you. Food tidbits can help tremendously in getting an unwilling kitty to move with you.

You might find after you get you cat to walk small distances with you that he actually enjoys going outside and will start waiting at the door to go out.

Once you are walking your cat you will both be getting:

Exercise - Good Share a closer relationship - Great Seeing the astonished faces of the people who see you "walking the cat" - Priceless.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jay_Grey

6 Cat Training Tips You Must Have

2008-04-11T17:06:00.002+07:00

Here are some some quick and easy training tips for your cat. The following tips, tricks, and techniques cover a variety of situations that most cat owners encounter. Not only that, these tips will no doubt trigger some ideas of your own.

The key to effective training is consistency. Whatever you choose, be sure to do it on regularly,
otherwise, you'll be sending your cat mixed signals. And that will only make it that much harder to train her. Forget about cat training in 10 minutes!

Below are six "must have" tips that will get you through your initial phase cat ownership.

1. Cats really don't care that you punish them. It's true. If you've owned a dog, you know that
punishing him will help change his behavior. It doesn't with cats. Bottom line. Don't waste your time. They'll sit there purring at you and just perform that same behavior again. It's the cats nature.

2. Use a form of positive reinforcement. As you become a seasoned cat owner, you'll discover that it's difficult to catch your cat in the actual "crime". It's far easier, then, to reward your cat when you see her performing a right behavior. Keep some cat "treats" on hand. Feed one to your cat whenever she is doing something positive, like using the litter box or using her scratching post.

3. Keep plenty of toys, either store bought or make shift, around the house. Much of the "bad"
behavior of cats is simply because they're board. The cat is by nature a predatory animal. Remember the scene in the Disney movie, The Lion King, where little Simba gets "pouncing lessons." When you think your cat is literally bouncing off the walls and tearing down the curtains, their only practicing their predatory skills. Provide them with alternatives and they will tame down, at least some.

4. Learn the value of a spray bottle of water. In some instances, spraying a cat with a harmless water
bottle is enough to get their attention and stop the bad behavior. A simple spray bottle that you use for misting plants is really all you need. When the cat misbehaves, you squirt him. Soon, he'll know that he can't do that.

5. Make sure you cat has "a room with a view" You know what they say "curiosity killed the cat."
More appropriately, an irate owner went berserk over something a bored cat got into. Much of the bad behavior of your cat is simply due to his innate curiosity. Make sure he has a ledge or window sill that he can sit in comfortably to check out the birds and squirrels in your yard. If your window sill isn't large enough for him to sit for extended periods, you can buy an extension at the pet store. Or, if someone you know is handy, you can make your own.

6. Spend quality time with your cat. As a training technique, this may sound a bit unorthodox. But, it's really a savvy move on your part. The more time you spend with your kitty, the better you'll be able to communicate with her. Cats definitely have a form of communication skills that involves more than just "talking." The better you know your cat, and just as importantly, the better your cat knows you, you'll be able "to read her mind". You'll just "know" when she's considering an improper move. And she'll know when you disapprove just by reading your body language and the look on your face.

These ideas are only a small start when you're training your cat. As you and your cat will begin to know each better, you'll discover a language of your own. It may be through speech, you talk and they meow. But more than likely, the two of you will eventually be able to read each other's body language. Your communication will begin to grow and will form a bond of your own.

Michael Moyssidis is a caring and devoted cat owner. For more tips and information about Cat Training in Ten Minutes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Michael_Moyssidis

Cat Care Tips - #1

2008-04-11T16:51:00.002+07:00

A badly behaved cat may have a medical condition

If your cat is not behaving correctly then he may have a medical condition - this will need attention. You may not be aware of this, but many cats who display behavior problems are often suffering from some type of illness. For example, a cat who has had diabetes for a while will drink lots of water and urinate almost constantly all over the place. Though this may seem like a behavior problem to a pet owner who is not aware of his cats medical issue, it is a serious occurrence that the cat cannot help unless he is properly treated.

Use spray water bottles to help train your cat

This is good technique. However, do not get too trigger-happy. Your only goal is to give a light squirt to your cat whenever you see him doing something wrong. Although you are the one shooting the water, he doesn't realize that. All your cat knows is that whenever he approaches the couch he feels shocking spurts of water hit the side of his head or body.

Neuter your cat for better behavior

The truth is that cats whom fight a lot are that way simply because they have not been neutered. When females are not pregnant, they are in heat virtually nonstop. Males on the other hand, are constantly seeking a mate. These two combinations will undoubtedly cause a lot of friction and fighting. However, once a feral cat has been taken in and neutered, this fighting stops.

Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free content resource

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Eric_Hartwell

Cat Food Allergies

2008-04-10T12:49:00.002+07:00

It is difficult to tell if you are giving your cat the wrong type of food or not. According to the latest studies and reports, cat food allergies are quite common these days. This is often due to the types of cat food available which contain many ingredients, often of poor quality that you would reject in your own diet. Typically, these products will contain lots of beef offcuts but also fish and dairy products have been found to make cats sick and activate cat food allergies.

As your cat usually cannot communicate to you which foods are making him or her sick, the only alternative is for you to be vigilant and observe the animal's behaviour closely. By being very alert to your cat's welfare, you can take appropriate action and even save your pet's life due to the worst of cat food allergies.

The Tell-tale Clues Of Cat Food Allergies

Cat food allergies are normally identified when you see various visible symptoms such as your cat's skin flaking or drying out. If you notice more flaking than usual or your cat often scratching its skin, then you should investigate why as this may be due to cat food allergies. Scientists reckon that there are a few specific ingredients in cat food that can cause mass hair loss or moulting in cats. Because there are so many ingredients in cat food and it can be hard to nail down the offending food, it is better to change cat food and see if there is an improvement. Just switching a brand can often help.

Cat food allergies can also manifest themselves in loss of appetite for your cat or other digestive problems. If your cat turns his nose up at a certain food, then it is best to try something different. Also, observe your cat's toilet habits. Usually a cat will defecate once every day, probably in the morning, or perhaps twice a day. If, suddenly, your cat has especially soft stools or different frequency in toilet habits, this may coincide with a change in diet and introduction of cat food allergies. If so, restore the original diet for a while before trying something different.

Remember, if in doubt, take your cat to the vet for solid medical advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Richard_Smith

Tips For Choosing The Proper Cat Food

2008-04-10T12:45:00.002+07:00

Not all cat food is created equal. Cats respond in a much different manner than do other animals to certain chemicals. These can be in drugs, foods, plants, and other substances where the cat may contact or ingest these chemicals. A cat’s physiological response is quite different than that of other species of animals. This means your cat has to be watched more closely than might other pets.

Animal diseases are on the rise, and it is believed that this is due to the decrease in proper nutrition. One study watched young animals in a laboratory setting. The animals fed cooked and processed foods appeared at first to do well, but began to have specific health problems as they aged. A control group of animals feed a completely raw, specially constructed diet did not have the problems with aging as did the experimental group. They concluded that cats fed a raw meat diet, formulated to their specific needs, fared better and were healthier. However, other studies have shown that cats did better on a commercially formulated diet that was balanced to their specific needs. This may be in part due to the fact that the individually formulated diet might not have been consistent with the balance a cat needs.

Animals observed in the wild do not have the same diseases that domesticated cats do. They thrive and live long and healthily unless they succumb to a predator. Of course, this may in part be due to the survival of the fittest – the strong, healthy animals survive and the weaker ones, suffering from disease, are easily captured. Still, studies done in controlled environments have shown a greater incidence of disease in animals fed commercial, processed diets.

Additional studies have compared dry food to canned food, finding canned superior. Dry food protein is too concentrated in plant-based protein. Cats’ digestive systems require animal-based protein for good health. Also, dry foods are low on that vital nutrient, water. The cat can compensate by drinking more water, but they seldom drink enough. In addition, dry food also has high carbohydrate content. Cats do not need so much carbohydrate. When they consume a diet high in carbohydrate, they are at risk for obesity and the resultant tragic, often fatal health problems.

The conscientious cat-owner will read the labels. Cat foods should contain a minimum of preservatives, cereal and grain fillers, and meat by-products. The main ingredients should be chicken, not chicken by-products, or turkey, not turkey by-products. The food should contain mainly muscle meats, not meat by-products.

Feed your kitty wisely and you will enjoy a long, healthy life with a fun, energetic playmate and companion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Marci_Smith

Feeding Your Cat

2008-04-10T12:43:00.000+07:00

Feeding your cat is a simple endeavor. With loving attention and care you will discover which foods your cat likes best. Buying name brand and upmarket cat food will ensure the best nutrition, health and longevity for your furry friend.

Cats can be fed in two ways. You can either leave out a bowl of dry food for your cat to eat at its leisure or feed it wet/canned food once or twice a day and dispose of the uneaten remainder after 30 minutes. Kittens need to eat more than adult cats. When your kitten is 6-12 weeks old, feeding it four times a day is optimal. A kitten that is three to six months old needs to be fed three times per day.

Adult cats need to be fed smaller meals, two or three times each day. Kittens sometimes refuse to eat or don’t eat enough. To help them out, you can heat up the cat food or feed your kitten human baby food (turkey and chicken for babies six months and older), eventually phasing out the baby food as you mix with cat food over a short period of time.

Cats need to drink plenty of clean, fresh water. Make sure their water bowls are washed on a daily basis and refilled at all times.

Feeding your cat a saucer of milk is detrimental to them as the digestive system of cats and kittens are not suited for cow’s milk, sometimes causing diarrhea.

Most cats love treats and it is acceptable to offer a special snack to them every now and then. Treats can also cause weight gain in cats, which is unhealthy, and should be given to them sparingly. Some cats go crazy for fruits and vegetables such as peas or carrots. You will have to experiment to see which people food treats your cat enjoys.

Some cats will eat like pigs! If this is your case, terminate the “free-feeding” method (when you leave out dry food all day for your cat to eat when it’s hungry) and start your cat on a more precise feeding schedule. To avoid an upset and hungry cat, gradually trim down its meals slowly. If your cat eats too fast and vomits after eating, you can put out a few pieces of dry food and monitor the speed of its intake or place a few clean rock mix in with the food. Make sure the rocks are big enough that it won’t eat them accidentally but not too big that it will ignore them. The cat will eat slower as it has to figure out which is the actual food in the bowl, making feeding time a slower operation.

If you have more than one cat or have a house full of cats and one of them requires a specific diet (ask your vet), it is a good idea to put them on a morning/night feeding schedule and supervise the eating process. Some cats are more aggressive and hungrier than others and they may finish off their own bowl and move on to another cat’s dish. If this happens, organize different feeding rooms for the greedy ones so every cat gets its proper share of food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Eric_Hartwell

10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

2008-04-08T10:12:00.012+07:00

Back in the ancient times, the cats are already around. They are even placed in elevated positions in civilizations like Egypt.

Today, any one can enjoy owning a cat. There are no restrictions at all in owning them, unlike other pets that require high maintenance and are subject to state or federal regulation.

A cat can also help you forget an exhausting day at work or at school. It can cuddle up to you and purr. It makes you feel protective over the cat.

Caring for a Cat

Any cat lover out there does not need any reason or question for owning one. Yet, for those who do not have a cat they may think that this is a tremendous task.

Actually, cats are the easiest pets to own. Cats are the perfect companions. They do not require much from the owner. They only have to be regularly fed. They also need a shelter.

Cats can be toilet trained too. A simple tray and a few training sessions can dispense with the problem of dealing with their dirt, especially for indoor cats.

Getting Your Own Cat

Having a cat in the household will definitely be an experience you do not want to miss. Again, they can be easily maintained in the household, so there is no need to worry.

All you have to do is to pick one type that will best suit your personality. There are a big number of cat breeds out there to choose from, not to mention those that have been cross-bred.

Each breed has its own distinct characteristic and personality. This can affect how they will behave, how they play and even if they will require further maintenance.

The best thing to do is to pick the best breed for you. Here are the top 10 breeds that you can choose from.

1. Persian Cat

The Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds in town. They are known for their long and fluffy hair that can grow up to 3 inches. They also have beautiful colors that range from white, black, gray, orange or a combination of these colors.

Persian cats require more maintenance in terms of their hair. They also need comfortable environments and they have to feel secured.

2. Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are also very popular. They have markings in their hair that make them very distinct. They also have slender bodies and very elegant posture.

A Siamese cat always wants to be the center of attention. They want to be cared for. They tend to get too noisy or cry a lot if they want to call your attention.

3. Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon Cat, or as some would say Mancoon cat, is one of the oldest breeds of cats. Everywhere in the world, there is one you will find as they can withstand warm and even cold climates.

One will be a very loyal addition to the family. They are fun-loving. Their good-natured personality will make them very safe with kids.

4. Ragdoll

Another wonderful breed for soon-to-be pet owners is the ragdoll. This cat has medium length of hair. They are very gentle, easy-going and affectionate.

They are perfect for any household. They only have to be kept indoors, away from the aggressive animals.

5. Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are shorthaired. They have big yellow eyes and very satiny hair. Stroking their hairs are enough for grooming.

Burmese cats tend to be vocal like the Siamese. They only have softer voices. They can get really bonded and trusting with their owners.

6. Manx

The Manx cats are very distinct because of their peculiar backs that end in a shortened tail. Their structure gives them a very rounded look that makes them more adorable and cuddly.

Manx cats are very intelligent and playful. They are even considered as social cats as they love people very much. They can even be playful even around water, making it easier to groom them.

7. Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are known for their proportioned bodies and their furs. Some even claim
that their furs are hypoallergenic, although this is still subject to be confirmed.

These cats are intelligent, loyal and very affectionate. They are almost dog-like in their
personality.

8. Somali Cat

Somali cats are long-haired cats that wee from the Abyssinian breed. They have fluffy hair and bottle-brush tails.

They are perfect for owners who want an active, intelligent and playful pet. They can also get very curious. They also shed little hair and thereby perfect for those who do not want too much grooming time.

9. Russian Blue

This breed of cat has blue to bluish-gray coat. They usually have green or dark eyes.

Russian Blues are very playful and intelligent. They also bond really well with their owners but they are very shy to strangers.

10. American Bobtail

American Bobtails are distinctly recognized for their tails that are shorter than the ordinary type and look like it has been specially bobbed. They can have short or long coats. Their eye colors can also vary.

Conclusion

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world. They are the beloved pets in most households and neighborhoods. So get your own cat now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Lee_Dobbins

Cat Chat - How To Really Talk To Your Cat

2008-04-08T10:09:00.000+07:00

Having a pet cat is wonderful. But did you know it can be even more fulfilling? Learning how to truly communicate with your cat will strengthen the bond between you beyond you wildest imagination. Here are a few principles to help you feel like you can read your cat's mind.

1. Meowing

Much like a mother knows the meaning of her baby's different cries, a cat lover can learn the difference between his kitty's meows. Each cat is individual, so the only way to really understand what he means when he meows is to pay close attention. When a cat is nervous, for example, he may meow with short, quick sounds. Oftentimes, his meows will be longer and more sustained when he is feeling relaxed and happy. But your cat may or may not follow this pattern. Begin to notice his behavior when he is meowing, and you will soon learn to tell what his distinctive meow patterns mean.

2. Purring

Undoubtedly, you already know that your cat purrs when he is feeling happy and content. Many a cat owner first fell in love when holding a purring cat on their lap. But have you noticed that your cat purrs at other times, too? Have you just passed it off as odd, or have you really paid attention to the reason behind it? Cats are the only ones in the animal kingdom who make this distinctive sound, and if you start to listen, you may notice that your cat also purrs when he is nervous, uneasy, or even in pain.

These are just a few ways you can begin to communicate with your cat. As you can see, each cat is as individual as its owner. You will need to pay close attention and take note of your own cat's patterns to learn to truly communicate. When you do, you will find that living with your cat is a most rewarding experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Aaron_Michaels

What Every Cat Lover Should Know About Cat Health

2008-04-08T10:02:00.002+07:00

Our pets can sometimes be as close to us as members of our family, that’s why cat owners will want to know as much as they can about cat health. The following are the major things to know about caring for your cat in a loving way:

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your pet eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as you cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed pet.

GROOMING: Longhaired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less than once a week.

LITTER: The litter box can be a danger to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s letter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

ELDERLY CATS: Some diseases occur because your pet gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and may need special diets.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching an area a lot try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

DECLAWING: Choosing to declaw can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

PARASITES: Parasites like ringworm, heart worm and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

STRESS: Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, purchase a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Part of managing cat health is making sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze are inaccessible to your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

MOUTH: Cat’s often have mouth diseases and this can impact cat health. Cat’s are just as prone to gingivitis as humans and cats can also develop. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether you cat goes out of doors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Cat health is an issue that concerns us all and hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your cat’s life safer and healthier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Peter_Lenkefi

Cat Care Tip - The Most Important Cat Owners' Manual

2008-04-05T08:42:00.001+07:00

You are going to get a new family member and it's a new kitten. So you will need to have a checklist of everything that you need for caring that kitten. So just think of this checklist like a "cat owner manual".

1. Cat food is the most obvious choice. It may sound simple and basic but sometimes we just find our in a situation where they are not enough cat food for our pets.

2. Cat litter box is the next most important choice that you have to make. You will need to scoop the poop every day and change the litter too. You will also need to wash the litter box once a week.

3. Cat toys are great things to have. But is it a little bit too early for your kittens now? However, most often than not, your kitten will start playing with something else rather than the toy that you bought. This is because your cat is absolutely thrilled at anything he can get its hands on whenever he is in the playful mood.

4. Reliable vet is another important decision you will have to make. A good and reliable vet will definitely make sure that your cat receives the best medical care possible. You can try asking your friends with pets or just call the local animal shelters for any good recommendations on a reliable vet.

5. A brush for grooming your cat is vital. You two can build better bonds when you groom him. A brush also helps to control his shedding so that he will have less fur to groom himself. This is definitely a good thing for your cat because with less fur, this will reduce the risks of hairballs going into his digestive systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kelvin_Westly

Basic Puppy And Kitten Care

2008-04-05T08:39:00.003+07:00

Congratulations on your new puppy or kitten! Having just adopted a kitten myself about four months ago, I envy you (most) of the adventure ahead. Of course there will be times when you think, "Doesn't he ever sleep? Doesn't she ever stop moving?" The answer, actually, is not for about a year.

Before you bring your pup or kitty home, or as soon as possible if you've already brought her home, you will need some "stuff" to take care of your new pet. Remember, puppies and kittens are not dogs and cats, not for quite a while.

First off, puppies and kittens EAT. Our kitten, Sundance, eats so much we can pretty much bet that if he's not standing on our laps or running under our feet, he's eating. We can practically hear him growing, he's getting bigger so fast.

For the first year, a puppy's or kitten's job is, pretty much, to eat, sleep and grow. They do this because when they evolved, in the wild, being small and cute was not a competitive advantage, and they needed to grow up, be strong, and defend themselves.

So, you're going to need to have plenty of food. Remember that babies need baby food; don't give the little ones adult food. They need specially formulated food for their growing bodies, to make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need and not getting things they don't need.

Just like human babies, feline and canine babies need toys, and a safe place to play. Playing is an important part of their emotional and physical development, just as it is for people babies, and having safe toys will keep your baby from getting into things he or she shouldn't, or at least help.

Of course, no matter how many great toys you provide, they'll always find something they're not supposed to have. One day Sundance actually pulled a pushpin out of a bulleting board with his teeth. I caught him and put the bulletin board up higher, but it underscored for me the importance of kitten-proofing our home.

Be sure you put electrical cords up out of reach or tape them down, don't leave chemicals like cleaning solutions or antifreeze out where they could be tipped over and leak, don't leave sharp objects around, and the like. Fortunately, unlike with people babies, you probably don't have to secure the doorknob, but you do need to make sure your baby is safe at home.

Finally, you'll need to housebreak or litter-box-train your pet, and you'll need supplies for that.

If you have a puppy, a crate the correct size is the perfect training tool, because they love their crates, feel comfortable there, and also will not do their "business" in their sleeping area. By having a crate, using it when you can't be with your dog and taking him directly outside after leaving his crate or eating, you can quickly teach him where the bathroom is.

Litter box training is similar, except that instead of putting the cat in a crate, you will take the cat to the litter box after meals, and he or she will quickly pick up on what's supposed to happen there. Sundance was basically litter-trained when he came to live with us, and after a couple of times being shown the cat door and the litter box, he's never had an accident in the house.

Being prepared before you bring your baby home can make the whole new parent process a lot easier, and is well worth the effort.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Angie_D._Dixon

Gifts for the Cat Lover

2008-03-31T09:54:00.001+07:00

What do you get for the person who loves cats? If this is your question, I think I can help you out. Below, find helpful ideas for choosing a feline-friendly gift for someone in your life.

Cats love to claw up everything. They will use your leg as a scratching post if nothing else is available. This gift idea is for the owner but the cat will get the most use out of it. How about cat scratch art? This is artwork that resembles scratching posts. Cats use them as a sort of new age scratching post that is more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional scratching post.

Cats were revered in Ancient Egypt. They were thought of as sleek, beautiful, and noble creatures. Purchase some cat statuary for your cat lover. Select pieces that fit the décor of the home. Black is usually a safe bet. It blends well in any room.

Cat images also make great jewelry. If you have the money, diamond cat jewelry will make someone very happy. For the female recipient, look at necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. Pieces can even be custom made just for them.

Does the cat lover have any collections in their home? If they do, add a miniature cat to the mix. I know people that like to collect crystal. Jewelry stores sell Swarovski crystal in many animal shapes. You are sure to find a unique cat, maybe one that is the same breed as the cat they own.

For the home, think about household items with a cat lover theme. For the kitchen, there are candy dishes, cookie jars, dinnerware, drinking glasses, and table placemats. Choose one thing or everything.

Bedding and bath accessories feature feline images. Purchase matching washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels depicting various cat breeds.. While you're at it, find a shower curtain and other bath cat accessories. The same goes for the bedding. For a die-hard cat lover, your gifts will be a treat. These cat lover gifts can be made into a gift basket. Add some soaps, aromatherapy products for the human and the cat and you've got a beautiful gift.

If you are afraid of going overboard, choose something more subtle. Stuffed animals can be gifts for a variety of occasions. A small stuffed cat for the bed or a cat throw pillow is simple but still lets people know that your friend is a cat lover.

As always, if you tend towards the traditional type of gift, here are a few more ideas. Picture frames with cats printed on them can be used for photos of kitty and their owner. Fleece throws, rugs, refrigerator magnets, and clothing are still good ideas for gifts.

Gifts for cat lovers that are well thought out and show your interest in giving a gift that will feel just right for them. When the person being gifted loves cats, give them a gift that speaks to that side of them. Show your respect for their "feline nature" with a cat lover gift from the heart.

This article may be reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any newsletter, blog or website. as long as the article remains intact and links are clickable. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and remain with the article along with functional clickable links and be included with every reproduction of this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Fran_Gratton

Cat’s Best Friend

2008-03-31T09:53:00.001+07:00

They say a dog is “man’s best friend” . . . but they left out the animals that are best friends for many, many people—Cats! I say we need a cliché for our fuzzy friends, too! Cat lovers everywhere, take a look around on the internet for helpful hints on how to choose cat care products, how to take care of your cats and kittens, and what kinds of cat accessories, cat toys and other items for your cat.

A cat lover’s cat is like any other member of the family. If you are like me and your cat is very important to you, your cat becomes a member of the household very quickly—almost like a child. After adopting a cat there are many types of cat accessories, cat supplies, cat toys, cat furniture and much, much more, that you will need to have—and check out our website if you want only the very best for your cat.

I have always owned cats—almost my entire life—and as much as I love dogs too, my cats bring another kind of joy to my life. However, when you are caring for cats and kittens, there is much to know, especially when caring for newborn kittens.

There are a wide variety of cat supplies you will need when caring for a cat. Not only are my cats special to me, but they love my friends, and other animals as well. I like to watch them play and have fun, and there are several types of cat toys, cat collars, leashes, cat beds, cat furniture and even cat clothing and cat jewelry to choose from.

You may like to dress up your kitty with cat clothing that is comfortable and looks adorable too! Or perhaps you just want some cat jewelry, such as rhinestones on your cat’s collar. There are thousands of options on the market today, and many can be found in the internet.

When you love your cat or cats, you love to watch them play and be happy, and you also want the best possible cat accessories. Whether necessary—like a litter box, or unnecessary, like a giant piece of fun cat furniture for your cat or cats to enjoy—you want the very best for your cat or cats.

Loving these cuddly and beautiful creatures is easy to do. So, so much for “man’s best friend.” My best friend (and perhaps yours too) is a soft, playful and fluffy kitty with a personality all his own. You never know quite what to expect when you have a cat—but you can count on the pleasure that your cat will bring into your life. Look around online and find out what kinds of items and ideas will enrich your life even more as you see your cat become happier too!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Anne_Clarke

Cat Trees - Every Active Cat Needs One

2008-03-31T09:52:00.001+07:00

Every active cat needs a place where it can run, scratch, jump and play. Now, there is one of two places that it can do that, either on your furniture or on marvelous cat trees. If you know any better, you will purchase a few of the second option for your house so you can keep from having to replace the first because your cat destroyed it.

Cat trees provide a great spot for your cat to take out all of its frustrations and you might not think it, but there is actually a lot of variety when it comes to this particular furnishing for your cat. One is crafted out of some type of wooden material, usually plywood, and will be covered in some kind of sturdy fabric, usually carpet, that can withstand your cat clamoring all over it. Now, what is great about them is that they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles from ones that are really simple with just a few platforms and perches attached by just one or two intersecting poles to extremely elaborate ones that have juxtaposing poles that connect perches and platforms, plus, towers, and cat condos as well if your kitty gets tired and needs to take a breather. Some will even have hanging toys built right into them along with sisal poles and if you really want to pamper your cat, some will even have hammocks built right into them.

With all the cat trees that are available, it is easy to find the perfect one for your cat, or cats. But if they already have a nice place to play and you still feel like treating them to a nice treat, there are still a lot of accessories that you can buy for them. Like, if you want to give them a nice place to sleep, turn to a plush cat bed. Or, maybe you want them to have something nice to scratch on, then a great option for that is a scratching post. Basically, there are just a lot of cat accessories to choose from and some of the other items out there include jewelry, different toys including feather ones and others that have cat nip in them, ornamental water and food dishes, perches that you can place in the window so your cat can sit and stare outdoors, and a ton of others, all of which are sure to please.

Now, if you are interested in purchasing some cat accessories or cat trees, do not make a run for the nearest pet store to check out the different options. Instead, just log onto your computer and do some comparison shopping on the World Wide Web. You can easily browse all the different options and in no time will be able to find what you want without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

So, if you want to keep your furniture from getting ruined by your feline friend, then you should invest in some cat trees for your home. There are plenty of options available, making it a breeze to find the perfect one for your home and pet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jennifer_Akre

Cat Furniture - A Great Way To Tire Out Your Kitty

2008-03-31T09:50:00.000+07:00

It is the middle of the night and your cat is running around the house like there is no tomorrow. You tell it to stop, you play with it a little bit, but nothing works. Now, before you jump the gun and think your cat has behavioral problems, take a quick minute to look around and see if your cat has things to jump around and play on. If the answer is no, then all you need to do is buy some cat furniture, which is a great way to tire your cat out during the day so you can get a good night’s rest.

When it comes to cat furniture, there are many different options to choose from. For example, maybe you want an area where you cat can both sleep and play, then a fantastic option for you are kitty condos. Not only would one provide a nice area for your cat to get 40 winks, as seen by a lovely enclosed sleeping areas, but one would also be a great way for him to get rid of that aggression. He can scratch, paw, and jump on and off of it all that he wants without fear of it getting ruined because they are made of durable materials, like wood and carpet. Or, if you just need a spot where you cat can jump on and just have a good time, then the perfect choice for you are cat trees or cat gyms. All of these options are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly into your home

Along with the kitty condos, cat trees, and gyms, there are also other cat furniture options available including scratching posts, platforms, perches, and steps and ramps along with plush cat beds, which is a nice choice for if you want your cat to rest in comfort and style. And, maybe you already have all the cat fixtures that you need for your space, but you still want to get something new and fun for your cat. Well, there are a ton of cat accessories to choose from that allow you to do just that. For example, did you know that you can get jewelry for your cat? Yep, you can and other wonderful accessories like toys, fun feeding gadgets, and even decorative cat carriers. To see the many options, do not get in your car and drive to the local pet store, instead just log onto the internet and do some online shopping.

So, if your cat is driving you crazy at night, then it is probably because he does not have a place to play and get rid of his energy during the day. For a great way to tucker that little guy out, purchase some wonderful cat furniture, it is a fantastic way for your cat to get rid of that excess energy. Get some today so you can have a good nights’ rest tonight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jennifer_Akre

Cat Furniture - A Fabulous Way To Pamper Your Cat

2008-03-31T09:48:00.001+07:00

Your cat is a member of your family. You want it to be comfortable, well fed, and happy just like your spouse, son or daughter. So, instead of having your cat turn to make shift places to go about its daily routine, why not purchase it some wonderful cat furniture, which is a great way to pamper your feline friend.

Like with any pet, a cat needs to eat, sleep, relax and exercise. What is so fantastic about cat furniture, is that it is available in a wide variety of designs and styles that allows your cat to do just that. For example, maybe you are sick of your cat sleeping on the end of your bed every night. It probably does that simply because your bed is comfortable and a nice way for both of you to get a good night’s rest is to purchase a cat condo for your cat. It can come in different sizes to accommodate more than one cat and is a nice spot for them to tuck away for the evening. If you want your cat to get some exercise and get rid of its energy, one fantastic choice for you would be to get it a cat tree. They have platforms, weaving tree like branches, and are covered in carpeting so your cat can climb, jump, and scratch to its heart’s content. Some will even come with attached toys for yet another way for them to stay active and healthy. There are also other furniture options available including scratching posts, cat houses, custom made cat beds, cat gyms, steps and ramps, window perches, litter box hiders, and really, the list can go on and on.

Along with all the different kinds of cat furniture, there are many cat accessories that you can treat your cat to as well. Like, fashionable collars, beautiful jewelry, decorative water and food dishes, and attractive cat carriers so you can transport your kitty from place to place in style. And, to top it off, there are a slew of toys that you can get for your cat so it can play and have a good time by itself, or with you, for hours. Some toys include hanging toys, ones that can shoot around the floor shaped like mice, some that can tickle and tease shaped like feathers, ones made out of sisal rope that are perfect for them to claw at, and others that can hold cat nip and cat treats where you can has to use its brain to figure out how to get at it. Just like the furniture, there are many to choose from. One easy way to check out all the cat furniture and cat accessory options is by logging onto the Internet and doing some online shopping. Its fast, an easy way to comparison shop, and you do not even have to leave the comfort of your own home.

So, just like your family members, you want your cat to be comfortable and happy. A great way to do just that, is by purchasing some cat furniture, and cat accessories for it. Get some today, every time that your cat purrs with contentment, you will be glad that you did.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jennifer_Akre

Diabetic Cat Food Recipes

2008-03-31T09:46:00.000+07:00

If you have ever lived with someone developing diabetes as my own father did, you will be aware that they suffer certain symptoms which are:-

1. Excessive Thirst

2. Excessive hunger

3. Excessive urination

4. Weight loss.

Your cat will show just such symptoms, if you notice these you should take it to your vet as soon as possible for a check up. So what IS diabetes?

Briefly just this. The cells in our cat's body just as in ours, require energy. This energy comes from glucose and we get that from the food we eat. This food gets broken down, some of which becomes glucose and enters the bloodstream and is used by the cells for energy.

Insulin - a hormone, lets this glucose move from the bloodstream and into the cells. Unfortunately in diabetes there is little or no insulin and without that the glucose cannot get from the bloodstream and into the body cells. The cells don't get glucose and think they are starving just as we would and your cat does.

So what do both we and our cats do? We eat and eat to satisfy our hunger. The situation is made worse because the glucose we store in the fat and muscles of our bodies, normally for emergencies, gets released into the bloodstream to feed the cells. It becomes a vicious circle as more glucose enters the bloodstream but without insulin will not get into the cells. The glucose levels in the blood climb higher, with still no insulin it has nowhere to go.

The cells of course cannot get their sugar so even more fat and muscle are burned to feed them, so we and our cat have a huge appetite but also a weight loss

Why the excessive thirst? As explained, all that extra sugar in the blood has to go somewhere. Our and out cat's kidneys are designed to prevent glucose been lost in urine. In diabetes there is so much sugar in the urine the kidneys become overwhelmed, so sugar is excreted in the urine. For this to be successful it has to be of the right consistency and in the form of liquid. The result? Large quantities of water are drunk and so of course equal amounts of urine are produced. It will seem as if your poor cat is drinking buckets of water but with no satisfaction.

So rule No 1 is if you see any of these symptoms in your pet take it to your vet. The disease can be treated with diet, exercise, insulin or some combination of these.

Is there anything you can do?

Don't let your cat become a "couch potato"! Do not give your cat "treats", most are groaning with calories. Remember the domestic cat came out of the savannahs of Africa and was and still is a natural hunter, its diet raw meat. Sadly the whole lifestyle of the cat is changing, many do not even have a garden, many are literally housebound. The result, as for us, is that they become overweight, eat far too much, become bored and lazy. They have no stimulation and their natural instinct to hunt is suppressed.

Our own two cats exercise outside constantly and hunt too. OK so we do have to clear up some grisly messes once in a while! Cats have a dual personality, a wild side that loves to hunt and roam and a domestic side to them where they just want our companionship. Sadly many owners are now too frightened to let their cats outside the house thinking it is too dangerous. Over all the years we have owned cats we have never lost one except to plain old age or disease (before we found out what went into commercial cat food and started making our own)

You can feed your diabetic cat yourself, we think it's the best way and always use lean meats, low carbohydrate, NO SUGAR and add a few vegetables

One important thing to consider is to keep meals regular just as would happen to one of us with diabetes. There is hope so don't despair!

Don't forget, though, that cats have different nutritional needs to humans so it's the diet principles ones follows not the actual diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Frank_Temple-brown

Organic Cat Food Recipes

2008-03-31T09:45:00.000+07:00

As a child I remember tales of my mother's family cats, with Uncle Tom being kept in the dark that it was his sister's cat that had enjoyed his favourite bird. Cats and birds shared the house; cat in house = bird in cage; bird free in house = cat outside screen door; I don't remember any of our cats dining on our birds though mother lost several budgies by going outside forgetting they were on her shoulder.

A long preamble perhaps but when animals are an integral part of your life one tends to treat them as family. So that, as one becomes more conscious of how one lives, by respecting the planet, eating healthily, not wasting food surely the same thing applies to how we feed our pets. I guess the principles of a healthy diet for a cat would be an organic, holistic one. Cats are carnivores - observe the number of mice that one has to dispose of, usually just the liver and intestines to be fair - our cats are thorough, unless they play with them first of course, in which case its mouse eradication from underneath grandfather clocks, heavy chests of drawers and the kitchen sink. So if one has a plentiful supply of mice a lot of problems are solved - pest extermination naturally, fresh raw meat, especially bone. However most cats have managed to domesticate humans and prefer a more varied diet. Trawling through many web sites night after night the main principles of a Healthy, Organic diet for your cat is:

Feed the diet that nature intended for your carnivore - as close as possible to the form and nutritional composition that your cat would eat in a natural setting. The diet that I choose to feed is very basic. Some of the elaborate and complicated recipes found on the internet are enough to cause anyone to abandon the idea of making their own cat food and that is a shame. It does not have to be that complicated and involved. The diet of a wild cat is pretty basic - they eat whole carcass prey, often leaving the stomach and intestines behind. In the wild, your cat would be eating a high protein, high-moisture content, meat-based diet, with a moderate level of fat and with only approximately 3-5 percent of her diet consisting of carbohydrates.

Cats are designed to obtain most of their water with their diet since their normal prey contains approximately 75 percent water.

Look for a muscle meat (preferably, not an organ meat like liver) as the first ingredient. A muscle meat is "chicken," or "turkey," etc. Not "chicken by-products" or "chicken by-product meal," or "chicken broth" or "liver". "Chicken meal" is technically a muscle meat but the term "meal" denotes that it has been rendered (cooked for a long time at very high temperatures) and is lower quality than meat that has not been as heavily processed. A "meal" product is more commonly found in dry foods. By-products can include feet, intestines, feathers, egg shells, etc. and are much less nutritious than meat.

Meat from known organic sources

Table scraps only as occasional treats

Variety

Definite No-Nos:

- Alcoholic beverages

- Chocolate

- Coffee

- Grapes & raisins

- Mouldy or spoiled food

- Onions, garlic & chives

- Poultry bones

- Salt & salty foods

- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit

- Yeast dough

Don't forget, though, that cats have different nutritional needs to humans so it's the principles ones follows not the actual diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Frank_Temple-brown

Organic Pet Food For Greater Vitality

2008-03-31T09:43:00.000+07:00

If you are already a convert to the organic food way of life then you will already know the major benefits of eating this way:

Meat, fruit and vegetables free of chemical pesticides which can number up to 20 different types in ordinary produce; Higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and fibre;

A much improved taste experience making eating more enjoyable and you feeling more alive and healthy than before. If you are enjoying these benefits then is it not time you offered them to your pets? Just in the same way we can opt for organic food, now you can offer a range to your pets for their approval.

What Organic Pet Food Is Available?

Taking a look around the internet you will readily see offerings for organic dog food and also, maybe to a lesser extent, organic cat food. Several suppliers are very active in organic pet foods and typically this is what they have to offer: All organic pet food products are made with human grade organic ingredients which can include: chicken and other meats, organic cereals and organic rice as well as organic vegetables.

It is stated on one site that the ingredients are exactly the grade of food that you as a human would not hesitate in consuming. After some searching you will find that what you already buy for your pet will probably be available in an organic form of some description.

Typical products available are:

Tinned organic dog food, organic kibble organic dog treats, tinned organic cat food, there is even a company that is offering organic canine cookies.However, do not be tempted to get carried away with the treats just because they are organic, remember that moderation is advised and always read the product labels.

Added Advantages

Many of these foods are also hypo-allergenic and gluten free, meaning that if your pet is suffering from allergy or digestive problems then there may just be an organic pet food solution out there that will help ease its suffering.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Virginia_Louise

That Pet Food Ingredient List

2008-03-31T09:33:00.000+07:00

The ingredients list on the label is where the pet owner makes up his or her mind about whether they like what they read. Those who do or do not want to feed a certain ingredient can look to make sure it is included or excluded.

Some prefer to say no to animal by-products, which may contain heads, feet, viscera and other animal parts not particularly appetizing, and from various species. But protein quality of by-products can actually be quite good, so that may not necessarily be the main bone of contention.

Meat and animal derivatives - sounds tasty, doesn't it? This tends to be seen as an ingredient at the cheaper end of the pet food market, and as a source of protein. In the UK Meat and animal derivatives are legally defined in the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2005. They are sourced from animals which have been inspected and passed as fit for human consumption and are the parts of the animal which are surplus to the requirements of the human food industry in the UK eg. heart, lung, or muscle meat, which may not be traditionally eaten by people in this country.

Cereal by-products - Headlines such as 'May 4, 2007 -- Cereal Byproducts Company is announcing today that the FDA has determined that there are melamine and/or melamine derivatives in the rice protein concentrate produced by a single source Chinese supplier' do nothing to give confidence to consumers!

Cereal by-products, a cheap source of carbohydrate and vegetable protein by their name and definition are 'by-products' of the human food industry, not usable for human food and could come via bakery/breakfast cereal or similar production. They will possibly be mixed sources of cereal, and may be lower grade than the straight cereals used in premium brands.

Meat Meal is another ingredient that some pet owners don't like the sound of. By-products of the human food chain (carcases with some meat protein remaining) are rendered (heat processed), which removes the fat and water from the product. Meat or poultry meal can contain parts of animals not normally eaten by people. You probably don't want a detailed description (if you do try this one at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendering_%28food_processing%29]Wikipedia!)

Suffice to say, this is a huge business converting waste animal tissue into stable, value-added materials for several industries as well as for pet food.

The article from Wikipedia interestingly points out that rendering is one of the oldest stablished recycling processes - taking what would otherwise be waste materials and makes useful products such as fuels, soaps, rubber, plastics, etc. At the same time, rendering solves what would otherwise be a major disposal problem. As an example, the US recycles more than 21 million metric tons annually of highly perishable and noxious organic matter. In 2004, the U.S. industry produced over 8 million metric tons of products, of which 1.6 million metric tons were exported.... food for thought, perhaps!

The UK Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) states that it uses those parts of the carcass which are either surplus to human requirements or which are not normally consumed by people in the UK. Companies which are members of the PFMA operate their own quality assurance policies including strict specifications for material supplies, routine testing of all incoming materials and the use of vendor assurance schemes (and audits) to monitor their suppliers. The British pet food industry also uses sources of meat and meal from the UK, USA Canada, Australasia and various European countries. All materials imported must comply with the strict British legislation.

UK manufacturers only use materials from animals which are generally accepted in the human food chain. They do not use horsemeat, whales or other sea mammals, kangaroos or a number of other species not eaten by humans. It does use beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, shellfish, rabbit and game. The PFMA practice of only using materials derived from animals passed as fit for human consumption is now incorporated into the Animal By-Products Order and PFMA member companies using animal material derived from the UK are recommended to only buy from and sell to companies registered under the Animal By-Products Order.

When looking at an ingredient list, a pet owner also has to decide whether or not their pet has an intolerance to a cereal or protein type - this seems to be a growing problem.

Some consumers try to avoid pet foods with synthetic preservatives, such asbutylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin, in particular, has been hotly debated. Current scientific data suggest that ethoxyquin is safe, but some pet owners avoid this additive because of a suspected link to liver damage and other health problems in dogs.

The Natural Alternative

Many products today are preserved with naturally occurring compounds, such as tocopherols (vitamin E) or vitamin C. However, these products generally have a shorter shelf life than those with synthetic preservatives, especially once a bag of food is opened.

Comparing foods with different ingredients is difficult. Take protein content for example. Let's say we have two foods which have the same percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber and moisture. But one protein or carbohydrate type may be more digestible than another, so that complicates our comparison. For example:-

Food A contains 25% protein that is 60% digestible and food B contains 25% protein that is 85% digestible. That means of food A the body is able to utilize 15% of the protein content, but of food B 21.25%. Logically, to meet the body's requirement of protein, you'd have to feed more of food A than of food B, and the body of the dog eating food B will have to work less to utilize it.

Meats such as poultry, fish and pork all have a high digestibility, as do cereals such as rice and corn. Wheat, soya and oats are less digestible and logically therefore you would have to feed more to get the same nutritional benefits.

Although manufacturers are happy to tell you that the meat they use is human grade and comes from the human food chain, let's be clear that this is not the best fillet steak or free range chicken breast. Meat producers make as much as possible producing for the human market, because it is more profitable- what is left is what you would probably not want to buy if it was put for sale in the butchers or supermarket!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com John_Birch

Prepare Your Own Pet's Food

2008-03-24T12:43:00.000+07:00

With all the worries about tainted pet food, you may ask yourself if there's another option to give your cat or dog the nutrition it needs. A better option? Making food yourself for your pet.

For owners that want the best for their pets, cooking the pet food 'from scratch' can be a fine option. While not as easy as store bought food, it is a great way to better control what your cat or dog is eating, and improve their nutrition.

Humans, cats, dogs,, and every other animal have specific nutritional requirements. And while store bought dog and cat food is simple to use, it might not be the best in all cases.

Many dog and cat foods are not made for the pet's requirements first, but expense first. This means using cheaper and poorer quality ingredients. For example, many cat or dog foods use vegetable matter for filler (like the wheat gluten involved in the pet food crisis of early 2007). While this does lower costs, it is not the natural protein dogs and cats are made for - meat.

Although it is possible for dogs can go without real meat, cats can't. Various specific nutrients are required by cats, and are most easily found in meat. So, unless you are prepared to do a serious research into nutritional needs, and carefully monitor your pet's eating habits, you'll need to ensure there's sufficient meat in their diet.

While pet food you buy now will be safe, cooking your own will result in better, fresher, food for your cat or dog. One disadvantage is that preparation will take more time than buying. As well, since the large companies preparing the food can make it cheaper in bulk, you may be forced to spend more for the food you make yourself. But the benefit is a much healthier meal for your dog or cat.

Roughly speaking, a cat's diet should be about fifty-fifty for meat and carbohydrates (such as brown rice or vegetables). In contrast, a dog can do quite well on about 25% meat, and 75% carbohydrates.

A vital thing to be careful of is giving your dog or cat your food. For example, onions and garlic are actually posionous to cats, and cause anemia. Tomatoes have a chemical that causes extreme stomach upset in cats. Chocolate of course has been shown to be dangerous to both dogs and cats. And as well, grapes and raisins are to be avoided by dogs.

You can browse the Internet for specific recipes. Always make sure the recipe makes sense, and the ingredients are good for your pet. Ideally, if the Internet site discusses how they themselves use the recipe, you can read how well it goes over, and of course if their pets enjoy it. This will keep you from working on an untried recipe, or a recipe your pet won't enjoy.

So some work, just a smidgen of care, a small expense, and time, you can prepare a meal for your pet that exceeds the fare usually available. And although it is a bit extra, the advantages of a much healthier diet for your cat and dog cannot be ignored.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

Do You Need to Supplement Your Cat's Diet with Vitamins and Minerals?

2008-03-24T12:37:00.002+07:00

Despite obvious physiology differences, your cat is not that different from you. Just as humans, cats require vitamins and minerals to survive. Whether or not you need to supplement your cat's diets with vitamins depends largely on their diet and current health status.

The vitamins that cats need include both fat soluble and water-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are essential to a cat's growth and for the efficient processing of fats in the body. These vitamins ensure that a cat's bones are healthy and that they have sufficient protection from disease. Cats are prone to cuts and vitamins can help to repair wounds quickly. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins E, D, A, and K. The water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) and vitamin C.

Vitamins are easily absorbed in a cat's system. Minerals, on the other hand, require that the cat's system is healthy for proper absorption. Any slight infection can affect a cat's ability to absorb minerals. The minerals that cats require the most include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium chloride.

The good news about foods for animals is that they are formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of the animal. Feeding your cat food is typically all that is necessary for them to obtain all the nutrients they need. However, there are some things that can affect the amount of nutrients in cat food. For starters, cat food can lose some of its nutritional value. This often happens if the food is kept on a store shelf for a significant amount of time.

If a stray cat has made its way to your doorstep, the condition of the cat may warrant the need for vitamin and mineral supplementation. Stray cats, especially abandoned kittens are susceptible to infections and diseases. The first step you should make when attempting to care for a stray cat is to have a veterinarian inspect the cat for diseases. The veterinarian will give you instructions for caring for the stray cat, including vitamin and mineral supplementation. You should follow the instructions given to you. An excessive amount of a particular vitamin or mineral can cause a toxic reaction in a cat that could be fatal.

Why not check out our nutrition guide at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html

and also what supplement we personally use for our nutrition needs at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/what-we-use.html

John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition advice and a quality nutrition book for newsletter subscribers.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

How to Cure Bad Breath in Your Cat

2008-03-24T12:36:00.000+07:00

Does your cat suffer from bad breath (also known as 'feline halitosis')? If so, you know how uncomfortable it can be when friends who visit are repelled by your cat's breath. Even more important than the social implications, however, is the fact that feline halitosis can be an indication that your cat may be suffering from some dental or digestive disorders.

Any changes in your cat's diet can create digestive problems for your cat, so this should be the first consideration. If you've modified your cat's diet, a change back to its original dietary regimen may resolve the problem.

If your cat's diet has not changed, the next step would be to check inside your cat's mouth. Bad breath is most often caused by the uncontrolled growth of bacteria in the mouth. This is true for humans as well as for our canine and feline companions. When we chew our food, bacteria in the mouth break down the proteins in our food, and this in turn causes sulfur and other chemicals to be released into the air through our breath. Ordinarily, it's the smell of the sulfur that is so offensive.

So where does this excessive bacteria come from? It is generally the direct result of poor oral hygiene, resulting in the growth of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This can be as much of a problem for cats as it is for humans.

When your cat's bad breath is rooted in its dental hygiene, look for those cat foods and special treats that contain enzymes whose purpose is to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat's teeth. You can also have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally by your veterinarian, but this strategy provides only a short-term solution. To prevent the problem from recurring, you will need to make some modifications to its diet. Your vet may suggest other approaches as well, such as prescribing an antibacterial mouth spray to prevent the onset of gingivitis (gum disease).

A more proactive approach would be to periodically brush your cat's teeth. There are special toothpastes and brushes made for this purpose, including electric tooth brushes, which are the most effective in preventing the buildup of tartar. If possible, this would be a good habit to develop while your cat is still young.

The best time to clean your cat's teeth is shortly, but not immediately, after a meal. Wait for about half an hour or so after the meal so that your cat does not associate mealtime with having its teeth brushed. Such an association would create some anxiety around eating, and possibly cause it to not eat properly or to develop digestive problems.

If your cat's halitosis does not stem from either a change in diet or from a buildup of tartar and/or plaque on the teeth, then the problem may in fact be much more deeply rooted. There may be a more serious dental issue such as a tumor, an abscess, or other types of dental disease. Feline halitosis can also be a symptom of other non-dental diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, lung cancer, or feline leukemia. Your vet can help you make these determinations and provide you with the best course of action. Exhibiting bad breath is no more normal for a cat than it is for a human, so it's imperative to take appropriate action if your cat suffers from this problem.

For more information and articles on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit http://www.healthy-cat-supplies.com
Kat Bartone is a writer, musician, computer technology teacher, internet marketer, and blogging enthusiast. She lives in Massachusetts with her cat Zoe.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kat_Bartone

Cat Food:Your Kitten's Diet

2008-03-24T12:34:00.000+07:00

Kittens will need a kitten food to ensure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need to grow. When it comes to feeding your cat there are many options. There’s dry and there’s canned. There’s kitten and cat. In general cats need only four main nutrients. They require a meat based protein, taurine, water and various vitamins and minerals. Kitten food includes all of these just more to give the kitty the necessary energy to grow and be healthy and this is the main difference between cat and kitten food.

For the first five weeks, the kitten will be nursing from its mother. At week five the kittens can start to be weaned. They may continue to nurse until they are eight to ten weeks old. Pet owners should feed the mother a kitten food to ensure that she is receiving all the necessary nutrients that she needs for herself and her kittens. All animals have a higher nutrient requirement when they are pregnant. At week five, the kitten can begin to eat canned kitten food with its mother. The first ingredient on the package should be either chicken, beef or lamb.

Kittens will need kitten food for their first year. At six weeks of age, the kittens should be receiving four small meals per day. At twelve weeks, they can have more food divided into three meals. At one, the kittens may be switched to adult food and fed twice daily. Cats are capable of knowing when they are full, so you can leave a bowl out of dry food throughout the day.

The biggest debate amongst cat owners is whether or not they should use wet, canned or dry food. The answer is both. Kittens and cats need wet food because it contains water. They may not drink enough on a regular basis and the wet food ensures they stay hydrated. The dry food ensures they have something to eat whenever they are hungry. It also helps to scrape the teeth and keep them clean, which prevents dental diseases.

The kitten’s diet should consist mostly of canned food, as it is more nutritious. Keep track of whether the kitten is on track by weighing the cat on a regular basis. You also do not want to allow them to get into the habit of overeating or eating table scraps. Table scraps are high in fat and it also throws off their balanced diet that they receive through their regular food.

Kevin Lampard is a successful affiliate marketer who regularly makes a healthy living from the internet. Did you find those tips on buying your first kitten helpful? You can learn much more about cats at http://www.thecatguide.co.uk

Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kevin_Lampard

Raw Feeding Your Cat-Is It Really A Healthier Diet

2008-03-24T12:24:00.001+07:00

Popularly know as BARF diet for bones and raw food or biologically adequate raw food diet, the natural raw feeding diet has been drawing increasing interest in the cat lover community.

One of the many people that support a raw feeding diet is Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, author of “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to the Natural Health for Dogs and Cats,” Rodale Press. He states that a cat’s health is improved by feeding a raw diet and that many of his clients have been feeding their cats raw meat successfully for many years.

When you are deciding what type of meat to feed your cat, Dr. Pitcairn suggests meats that can be easily found and prepare; many of his recipes use ground lean meat because it is high in protein but low in fat. In preparing the meat, Dr. Pitcairn says that 1 pound of ground meat equals roughly 2 cups. He warns that you should not feed raw rabbit, fish or pork as they can carry particular parasites.

Some of the meat type that he recommends as interchangeable are: turkey or giblets; chicken or giblets; beef, chicken or turkey liver; mackerel; tuna; beef, chick or turkey hearts; lean ground beef; duck, among others. Dr. Pitcairn recommends a varied diet and using more than one kind of meat in each meal.

On the other hand, a strong supporter for homemade food, Ann Martin, author of “Food Pets Die For,” New Sage Press, does not favor the raw food diet. The main concerns of a raw diet are bacterial and chemical contamination.

Citing the research of Jeff Bender and Ashley Robinson, veterinarians at the Department of Clinical and Population Sciences at the University of Minnesota, about an epidemic of food poisoning in a cattery. The food poisoning was caused by Salmonella that was thought to be traced to the 4-D meat (dead, diseased, dying or debilitated) in cat food. She is against feeding a raw food diet because of the potential for bacterial poisonings such as this and notes that these bacteria can also be found in meat intended for human consumption. Freezing the meat, she explains, destroys some but not all bacteria.

While Dr. Pitcairn disagrees and says that in over 17 years of practice, he has not seen any food poisoning in raw diets used by his clients. He comments that though it is not impossible that a pet may become ill, he believes they are less vulnerable. However, he leaves it up to the cat owner and suggests that if you do not feel comfortable feeding raw food, do cook it but realize that some of the nutrients will be lost.

Currently, there are still little substantiate results to support or go against raw feeding, and like what Dr. Pitcairn suggested, it’s totally up to the cat owner. As a cat owner who is truly concern about your cat’s health, you can try raw feeding and observe your cat’s response. You can then judge and decided for yourself if raw feeding is suitable for your cat.

Source: http://www.Ezinearticles.com

Diet Tips for a Healthy Cat

2008-03-24T12:09:00.001+07:00

Most of us know that feeding our cat is not really a chore at all. Dump the food in a big bowl or dish, and the cat will eat when it's ready. Unlike a dog, cats tend to not overeat and therefore are more easily manageable than most other house pets. However, we need to be careful when assuming that the food that we are feeding our cat, and the manner by which we feed our cat, are the best choices for our cat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy diet for your kitty.

Feed your cat based on their activity.

Is your cat an active cat or does it to lay around the house all day waiting for its next meal? If your cat is overweight and not very active at all, leaving a bowl full of food is probably not the best idea. It is at this point that you should begin to manage how much you feed your cat, what you feed your cat, and how often. By taking charge of your cat's feeding habits, you will be able to increase the life and longevity of your cat by making this simple and easy choice. A simple "Here kitty kitty kitty" will make your overweight and hungry feline run for the bowl to eat your rationed healthy amount of cat food.

Watch the weather!

Simply put, the environment in which your animal lives directly affects and influences their energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet's energy needs and drinking habits. Make sure that on hot days water is readily available and that you feed your cat more canned food then dry. The water content within the canned food will help the cat retain water if it is not able to get to the water dish on a regular basis. If the weather is cold, make sure that you are feeding your cat very nutritional cat food that is not full of filler so that your cat will have more of the necessary nutrients to digest to ensure that it stays healthy.

Cat feeding times

Although discussed previously, there is much more to say about having a specific feeding time for your cat. Not only does this allow you to feed your cat nutritional canned food, you will also know that it will not be left in the open. Preservatives are nice, but let’s not take any chances with the food left out.

Also, by having specific feeding times, this allows you to monitor your cat's diet by providing the food at regular times. It is a kind of portion-control feeding, however, most cats will simply eat until they have what they need.

Bottom line: keep a bowl full of a regular dry cat food and monitor the intake of canned food to ensure that your cat does not get overweight and is as healthy as it can be.

Buy the best

Though this sounds economically wrong, the truth of the matter is this: cheap cat food usually is cheap because of the added fillers that are put into the food.

As a general rule, cats need a daily regimen of protein found in meat, fish, or poultry. They also need an essential amino acid called Taurine and various other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

If you have looked at a label for cat food, you will notice that wheat, rice, and even corn is used as filler for both canned and dry cat foods. Make sure that the cat food that you choose has the proper amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals and not as much filler. The price of the cat food usually justifies its quality. And, as an added benefit, cats usually only eat as much as their bodies need. Therefore, your cat will probably eat less of the expensive of cat food because it contains more of the nutrients that it needs and not as much filler.

Avoid food addictions

Cats are said to be finicky animals. Whether this is true or not, cats have been known to develop a certain affinity toward particular brands and types of food. This could become a problem, especially if your cat develops a food allergy to certain ingredients and preservatives that may be contained within that cat food.

In order to avoid this, it is recommended that early in a cat's life that it gets used to having different varieties of cat food and different flavors. This way, the cat is less likely to develop an affinity for a particular brand which may inevitably lead to the cat developing a food allergy because of the lack of variety in its daily diet.

Overall, by avoiding cat food products that have chemical preservatives like BHA, cornmeal, and other carbohydrate fillers, you should be able to maintain your cat's health at an optimal level.

Nick Bulka operates a number of pet-related sites. For more information on cat care, and a great selection of cat furniture, cat trees, and cat condos, visit [http://www.cat-scratch.net]The Cat Tree Store
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Bulka

Why You Should Consider Herbal Products For Your Cat

2008-03-24T12:05:00.000+07:00

Cat owners everywhere are choosing to pamper their loving feline companions with all-natural herbal products instead of conventional veterinary medicine. The holistic philosophy teaches that a natural diet and lifestyle are best for sustaining a healthy, long life. Herbal holistic medicine was popularized for use in people, but it didn't take long for cat lovers to begin taking care of their feline friends in the same manner. Herbal products are being successfully employed to treat and prevent health issues targeting cats. Holistic treatment utilizes natural products from our environment instead of synthetic medications. It also treats the animal as whole, as opposed to focusing on one specific area at a time.

Herbal products to take care of your cat typically come in liquid or powder forms. You can mix the product with food, feed it to your pet with a dropper, or mix it in their water dish. Herbal products exist for every ailment and chronic condition your cat might face. There are also herbal products which serve as vitamins to promote general health for your cat. Holistic veterinary practitioners have discovered herbal remedies for your cat for everything from dental hygiene to intestinal health.

For example, if your cat suffers from anxiety when going to the vet or traveling in the car or any other potentially stressful events, there are herbal products which will soothe and relax it. If your cat suffers from allergies, there are herbal products designed to ward of the symptoms. There are herbs for your cat to help it maintain healthy teeth and clean gums. For upset stomachs and digestion problems, give your cat an herbal product made just for such issues. Herbal products will aid their digestion, relieve gastro-intestinal inflammation, and improve their bowel movements. Tonics are available which will stop chronic vomiting. To make sure your cat has healthy eyes, you can find herbal products to help their vision. Herbal remedies exist to help your cat deal with the itching, swelling, and pain from the bites and stings. Herbal products for the skin and fur maintain coat health and decrease shedding. If your cat has joint pain and inflammation or circulatory problems, there's relief in the form of an herbal product made just for such issues. Even the seemingly unavoidable hairballs can be eliminated with laxatives and all-natural organic herbs.

Aging cats can be rejuvenated with herbal remedies. An herbal remedy which targets the thyroid gland can help when your cat has become chronically sluggish. These remedies will make your cat more alert and lively. Such herbal products also improve their coats and will address weight issues. Since overweight cats have more health problems, keep your cat slim with an herbal product designed to help them lose weight. Cats commonly experience urinary difficulties, and there are herbal products which will relieve them of such troubles. Another issue commonly afflicting older cats are joint problems. Have no fear, there's an herbal product for your cat which will have her springing onto countertops in no time.

So you may be wondering what exactly is in all these new-fangled herbal remedies. Well, being all-natural you have nothing to fear. These medicines contain well-known ingredients such as dandelion, milk thistle, garlic, echinacea, and gingko. People have been taking these so-called new remedies for centuries, and now you can give them to your cat. In addition to herbs, these holistic products may also employ mineral products such as silicon dioxide, which is a natural dewormer and gets rid of other parasites as well. Another interesting substance employed by holistic veterinarians is lignite. Lignite is a by-product of the coal industry which is not only safe for you cat, but it serves as a detoxifier that helps your cat eliminate harmful chemicals.

Contact a holistic veterinarian for further information to find out more about improving and maintaining your cat's health with holistic herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as
feline herbal products at http://www.shop4petstuff.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Gregg_Hall

Cats Claw Medicinal Herb

2008-03-21T13:16:00.001+07:00

Cats claw is a large woody vine with small thorns at the base of the leaves. These thorns resemble the claws of a cat – a fact that has given rise to its name. The thorns help the vine to attach itself to neighboring trees and climb up to heights of 100 feet. Cats claw is grown mainly in the Amazon rain forests, tropical and jungle areas of South and Central America, and in parts of Asia. Countries where the Cats claw vine is found include Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. Peru has recognized cats claw as a valuable medicinal resource and given it protected status.

Cats claw has a long history of use that extends to over 2000 years in central Peru and other South American countries. Recent research has confirmed many traditional beliefs and uses. Traditionally Cats claw herb has been in use to treat a variety of diseases including asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, bone pain, urinary tract inflammation, gastric ulcers, hemorrhages, irregular menstrual cycles, cirrhosis, abscesses, diabetes, tumors and cancer. Cats claw herb has also been used to heal deep wounds, and to help in recovering from childbirth. Some tribes have also been known to use the Cats claw herb as a contraceptive, though this seems to require a very large dosage.

The use of Cats claw since the 1990s as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS shows its acceptance by modern systems of medicine as a serious contender in strengthening the immune system. In combination with AZT, Cats claw has been used in clinical studies of possible treatments for AIDS. Apart from cancer and AIDS, the herb's immune stimulating effects have made it useful in preventing strokes and heart attacks, reducing blood clots, and for treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Cats claw contains many groups of plant chemicals that account for its curative properties. These include oxidole alkaloids that are responsible for its antileukemic and immune stimulant properties. Other groups of chemicals and compounds are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. A third group of compounds known as carboxyl alkyl esters contribute to its anti-cancerous and cell-repairing properties.

Medical researchers worldwide are very interested in studying Cats claw. The interest in Cats claw herb, which contains several groups of chemicals and compounds that bestow it with many curative properties, was natural, and has resulted in the preparation and marketing of several Cats claw extracts in many European countries. Patent applications in the US are pending for extraction methods of immunity strengthening drugs from Cats claw. With more researchers joining in from Spain, France, Japan, Germany, and Peru, the curative properties of this herb appear to have gained overwhelming acceptance by modern medical practitioners.

The inner bark and roots of Cats claw are used for the preparation of medicines. Cats claw is available to the consumer in the form of capsules and tincture. The tincture is prepared from pure Cats claw extracted in distilled water and 40% alcohol, and can be taken under the tongue or in water or juice. It is recommended to use 60 ml of tincture twice per day, or as required.

About The Author : Patricia McDougall http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Cats_claw_herb_s/86.htm

Protect Your Cat Against Sunburn And Skin Cancer.

2008-03-21T13:13:00.001+07:00

We are all used to seeing the many advertisements on our televisions about protecting ourselves and our children from the summer sun, but do we ever think about protecting our pets? Probably not. However cats and dogs can get sun burnt too and with the same terrible consequences that causes, including the possibility of skin cancer.

Cats who are outside a lot during the summer, especially those with light coloured fur are particularly at risk from the effects of the sun and the heat. So before we let our pets outside on a summer’s day we must make sure we provide adequate care for them, just as we would for our children and ourselves.

Areas particularly at risk on your pets are their ears. They often have a much lighter covering of fur and this makes them much more likely to burn in the sun. Add this to the fact that cats will often spend hours laying in the sun and the risks of skin cancer rise dramatically. Often in Mediterranean countries you will often see a lot of cats with both their ears missing. This is because that the region receives a lot of hot sunny weather and skin cancer on cats has become so common that owners will often ask the vet to remove the cats ears to reduce the risk of them catching skin cancer. Another method used is to have the ears tattooed all over in black; this helps to reflect the sun and provides protection.

Of course there are other simpler methods to protect your pet from the effects of the sun. Simply remember when you let your pet out on a hot summers day, make sure you rub a high factor sun cream onto the ears and areas which are not as covered with a thick layer of fur. Some breeds have a very thin covering of fur all over, and it might be safer to keep these breeds inside on very hot sunny days.

Also make sure that you provide plenty of fresh water for your pet which is readily available all through the day. Perhaps have several bowls of water dotted about the garden in a cool spot. Of course making sure that there are plenty of shady places that your pet can keep cool is essential. The affects of heat stroke can come on very fast and if not treated promptly can be fatal. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke i.e. is panty very heavily and seems to be wobbly on their legs and disorientated. Cool them down immediately in a bath of cool water and then take them immediately to a vet.

About The Author: Kate Tilmouth. http://www.our-happy-cat.com

De-clawing Your Cat

2008-03-21T12:17:00.002+07:00

Removing your cat’s nails is not the only choice in your battle against cat scratching. There are many alternatives to this surgical procedure.

The claws of a feline serve many purposes, most of which are overlooked y owners who just want to protect their belongings. Claws are not just a device for scratching. They are a multi-purpose tool that cats use for many things, such as balance, climbing, defense, kneading, playing, and self-expression.

The act of de-clawing itself involves more than you may think. De-clawing not only removes the nail itself, but also the first knuckle on each toe of the paw. This removal of bone is very painful for the animal, especially since it has to walk on its paws in order to sustain itself. The surgery itself is related to disfiguring, dismembering, and disjointing the animal, resulting in severe pain. It is much more closely related to an amputation, as often the digits of the toe are removed. Upon removal of this end digit, sensory and motor nerves are cut and destroyed; they do not grow back for months. The cat is left to walk on the stub end of the remaining second digit, experiencing considerable pain.

Understanding the physiology of the cat may make this horrific the process easy to comprehend. Cat’s nails are unlike those of humans. They are more similar to the human finger, as the feline nail is a movable digit, attached by muscle. Ligaments and tendons attach to the claw, giving it strength and motor function.

There are several alternatives to the procedure of claw removal:

* Scratching Posts. If scratching furniture is the problem, provide your cat with an adequate scratching post for which to scratch on. Make sure it is as tall as your cat at extended stretch. Do not purchase carpeted posts as your pet will have a hard time differentiating between what carpet she can and cannot scratch. Praise your pet when she uses the post to encourage the behavior.

* Discourage Wrongful Behavior. Each time your cat uses the scratching post, praise her and spend time playing with her near the post. When the animal scratches at the wrong area, say her name followed by the word “no,” and move her to the post. Try dangling a toy in front of the post. When the cat goes for it, she will end up scratching and playing at the post.

* Trim the Claws. Keeping the nails clipped will minimize the need for her to scratch, as well as lesson any damage she can do. Use clippers especially made for cats, and enlist the help of a second person to hold her still. This can be done once per week.

* Nail Covers. Plastic nail caps have been manufactured to aid cat lovers in their attempts to protect their belongings. The plastic sheaths are attached to freshly trimmed claws with glue. They are replaced every month, or as needed.

De-clawing your cat is unnecessary if the proper measures are taken. In fact, the United States and Canada are the only countries where this procedure is performed. It is considered inhumane or illegal in most places.

Adult Cats are Fun Too - Adopt An Older Cat

2008-03-21T12:05:00.002+07:00

You’ve finally made the decision to adopt a cat, you’ve dreamt about it for quite some time. Visualising your cute new little kitten playing around the floor and looking up at you with those big baby blues. What could possibly go wrong, after all it’s only a tiny kitten. But have your really thought about how much time, effort and trouble a kitten really is. A kitten is packed full of energy and curiosity and will cry for attention, scratch the furniture, bite and urinate everywhere until it is litter box trained, and will run around the house getting into all sorts of scrapes and trouble. And it’s up to you to look after them 24/7. If you’ve got the time and dedication to look after a kitten, great, but if not, why not think about adopting an adult cat.

A lot of potential adopters seem to think of an adult cat as second best, as if they are defective or worn out like a second hand car. That’s just not the case. Most adult cats have found themselves in animal shelters from no fault of their own. They may have out lived their owner, their owners may have moved to somewhere that doesn’t allow pets, become lost or someone in the family may have become allergic to them. The reasons are far to numerous to list them all. The cats themselves are perfectly healthy animals, bristling with fun and energy and simply looking for a caring loving home.

Adopting an adult cat has many advantages. Remember an older cat has already developed its personality. So you will know what kind of pet they will be and whether or not they will suit your family. Many people go for the cute little kitten; only to find out that they grow into a very shy and non-playful cat that likes to spend all it’s time away from the family. That’s fine if that’s what you want, but too many people decide that this is not for them and returns the cat to the shelter. Rejection is a very harsh punishment for the cat just because you didn’t take the time to think about what sort of cat would be the right pet for your family.

An older cat will also be less demanding of your time than a kitten and will require less supervision, well after the first few weeks anyway. They will be able to spend time alone when you are out of the house without getting into too much trouble and hopefully will already be litter trained.

There are also many benefits for older owners in adopting an adult cat. Adult cats are much calmer and more likely to want to spend some quiet time sitting on your lap for strokes and purring. Studies have shown that cats can have a real health benefit for humans in reducing their stress levels and blood pressure. I can’t image an energetic curious kitten being as good for your stress levels somehow.

Many worry about health problems and vet bills for the older cat. Usually when you are adopting a cat from an animal shelter they will be able to let you know if the cat has any underlining medical conditions and what it is likely to cost. Many will even provide you with free medical treatment for your cat if they over 10 years old as an incentive for more of the older cats to be re-homed.

Cats can live well into their late teens and even early twenties with all the advances in food nutrition and medical treatments. So that 12 year old cat waiting in the animal shelter for a good home is still a good bet and will still be able to provide you with many years of fun and love. Our own cat is now 14 years old and still behaves like a playful youngster and keeps us entertained for hours.

It can be a very rewarding experience to adopt an older cat, not only because of the pleasure they will give you over the years but also in the knowledge that you have provided a loving home for what was probably a very frightened and confused cat, who had no idea why he had lost his family.

About The Author : Kate Tilmouth http://www.our-happy-cat.com

Herbal Products For Kitty

2008-03-21T11:50:00.002+07:00

Many cat lovers want to pamper kitties with natural, holistic herbal products instead of conventional store brands or even at times, costly veterinary medicine. The herbal practitioner focuses on natural diets and lifestyles as the preferred foundation for your cat’s optimum health and age for your cat. Here are tips to help with choosing herbal products for kitty:

1) Herbal products and treatments like those for treating and preventing health issues for pets, feature natural products from the environment instead of man-made materials and medicines.

2) Many herbal products for pets are offered in either liquid or powder forms. You puy them and then either mix the products with food, give them to your pet with a dropper or syringe, or you can mix it with liquid like water.

3) There are herbal products that act as treatments for a variety of ailments and chronic conditions, some that are vitamins for promoting good health, some for dental care, for relieving constipation and other medical conditions. There are also herbal products for cats that have allergies, and cats that needs calming – like before heading off to see the veterinarian, pet groomer or before traveling in cars or airplanes. OYu can also find herbal products to help with vision care, and teeth and gum cleaning.

4) Try a herbal purifier to detoxify your cat’s system, relieve your cat’s diarrhea and help with soft stool issues and diarrhea relief. Try digestive relief herbal products for upset stomachs or weak digestive systems with your kitty. And check out gas relief herbal products to help with digestion, to relieve inflammation (of digestive tracts) and to help with intestinal issues, gas pain and pressure.

5) For itch relief, try skin and coat herbal products. And for joint pain and inflammation plus good circulation, seek out herbal products for joints.

6) To help with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea due to motion sickness, seek out herbal products for motion sickness relief. To help kill parasites and aid your kitties’ digestive system, seek out help from herbal products to help, too.

7) Check into getting Echinachea in herbal form to help your pet’s immune system and to help fight off infection.

Regardless of your pet’s situation, when in doubt, ask first. And make sure to read directions thoroughly before giving herbal treatments and other products to your pet. Always think safety first for your pet!

About The Author: Renske Buursma http://yourhealthypetsonline.com