The Causes of Cat Dandruff

When cats are young they usually don't have any skin or coat problems. But as they age you may notice their coat is not as shiny as before or you may notice the tiny flakes of dry skin or dandruff. Usually cat dandruff is a simple and easy process of elimination that can be corrected on your own. Dandruff in itself is not a disease but a symptom of something that probably needs your attention as a pet owner.

Dandruff, along with increased thirst and/or urination can be one of the symptoms of diabetes. As your cat ages they may have conditions like arthritis, sore gums or teeth making grooming more difficult for them, which can then lead to dandruff symptoms.

Several causes of cat dandruff and what you can do to help;

--If your cat is not grooming often enough, or not at all, because they may be overweight, ill or elderly, you can lend a hand by grooming them daily. This will help stimulate and distribute the natural oils which can help with a dry coat.

--A poor diet which lacks moisture and oils, usually a result of relying on dry food, can cause a deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids, moisture and other vitamins and minerals imperative for a shiny, healthy coat. This cause of dandruff can be helped by supplements and simply supplying your cat with a quality canned cat food approved by the AAFCO (aafco.org) which regulates nutritional levels for animal food.

--Heated forced air in the home during the winter can dry out your cat's skin as well as yours. Try using a humidifier in the home to help combat dry air.

--Sunburn dandruff might not be actual dandruff but a result of sunburn and the skin peeling. You can apply a topical cream, but mainly it's a matter of waiting for the burn and flakiness to subside. In extreme cases kitty should see their vet. Brew and cool some green tea and rinse kitty with it (if they'll let you). The antioxidants in the tea will help soothe and heal the sunburn.

--Mites cause a condition called Cheyletiellosis or walking dandruff. This type of mite is usually transmitted by other pets in places such as shelters, boarding or grooming businesses. It can also be transmitted to humans or from humans to pets, so the whole home, as well as other pets, must be treated to avoid re-infestation. Poor nutrition can lower your cat's immune system making them more prone to mites.

--Seborrhea or scaly skin can be treated with medicated shampoos available at your local pet stores or vet. Seborrhea is caused by abnormal skin cell production making the skin flaky and dry as well as oily and scaly.

If after trying the at home treatments and you still notice your kitty has dandruff you should seek your veterinarians help so that any serious conditions can be eliminated.

Cat Evolution

Cats are loved by their owners for being individualistic & independent, yet they are often accused by non cat owners of being aloof and/or arrogant. Recent studies conclude this is largely due to the fact they have no eyebrows. Some people then perceive them to posses a flaw in their personality, a coldness not seen in other domestic animals such as dogs.

This is of course not true, when a cat purrs and rubs up against their owner this is a definite show of affection, just like the wagging of a dogs tail.

Cats are first thought to have been domesticated by people on the island of Cyprus about 9,500 years ago and originated from only about five self domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) which would have lost their fear of humans and come looking for food when prey dried up due to naturally occurring weather conditions.

Cats are very similar to their lion & tiger relatives. They posses the same strong flexible bones & super quick reflexes & the same retractable claws, making it easy for them to run at their pray & then capture it.

The cat is a nocturnal predator, its eye operates differently to a human eye, making it possible for him/her to see far better than other animals in reduced light situations, due to the fact it has a special layer of cells at the back of its retina, called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back to the cells of the retina, essentially giving the eye another chance at collecting light. Cats have also evolved to hear fainter and much higher frequencies than we can, which is why they know there is a mouse in the cupboard long before we do.

Caring for your cat

As a cat owner you can have a huge impact on the health and well being of your companion by undertaking routine preventive healthcare at all stages of its life - from kitten hood through to old age. This offers the best chance of preventing problems arising or, at least, maximising the detection of any illnesses early on.

Owning a new kitten means you will have to vaccinate at around 8 weeks old, and then again at about 12 weeks. To maintain immunity, all adult cats require annual boosters.

Worming

The most common intestinal worms affecting cats in Australia are roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. Worms are a common cause of ill health in pets and can result in a loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

To protect your cat, common worms can be easily controlled with a routine worming treatment. Kittens need to be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age.

Can Natural Supplements Prevent Disease in Cats?

Did you know that your cat could benefit from herbal remedies just as much as you can? It is true. Most people do not think of using all natural remedies for pet ailments, but it works. These natural remedies save you money over time and your cat will be as good as new. Many of these herbal cures have several positive attributes. In fact, herbs are widely used as natural cures for common maladies. Why are natural supplements better for your cat?

You know exactly what you are putting on or into your pet. In fact, it is probably something you can pronounce.

Herbal remedies are cheaper on average than vet-prescribed medications.

The herbs work naturally, which means they take longer for the desired effect. However, your pet might be more willing to take a natural supplement than a medication-especially if it smells or tastes good.

Herbs such as Echinacea are not only effective in boosting human immune systems, but are also effective in feline immune systems as well.

You probably have some of these herbs on hand already: Ginseng, chamomile, milk thistle, caraway seeds, etc. Holistic medicine for your cat could be in your kitchen cabinet and you probably do not even realize it.

I want to raise caution now because you need some training or instruction from qualified persons such as a holistic veterinarian, certified naturopath, or holistic expert. Supplements and herbs for humans are higher doses than a cat should have and some herbs can cause adverse conditions. There are natural online pet stores that offer expert advice and the herbs and supplements purchased from them will be in proper use levels for your cat.

Natural herbs are widely used to fight illness, diarrhea, vomiting, bladder problems, and even hyperactivity in your cat. Most people do not know that chamomile can soothe a stressed out cat and is extremely effective. Nursing your cat back to health naturally is beneficial and is best when done on a "one at a time" basis; meaning, only introduce one herb at a time to your cats' system. The reason why you do this is to allow the herb to do its action without interaction with other herbs that may interfere with its effectiveness. In addition, since these herbs act as a dietary supplement, make sure that the herbs do not have any side effects that may make your pet's condition worse.

Herbal remedies generally take longer because the effects are slower but are more natural in healing compared to prescription drugs. Taking natural supplements can help your cat stave off illness too. Holistic medicine is another approach to improve your cats' health when caring for a sick cat.

Five Tips for Helping Fearful Cats Adjust

Did you know that according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) even small changes in routine can cause a cat to feel anxious?

Adding new animals to the home, moving, and even small changes in routine can cause anxiety for your cat, which can lead to all sorts of behavioral issues, including fearful behavior. Now imagine how much anxiety fearful cats feel when their adopted into a new family, and are not only moving, but are also being introduced to a new environment, a new schedule, and possibly new cats too.

In cases like this, it's incredibly common for the adopted cat to feel extreme anxiety, and to show matching behaviors. Some cats will show aggression due to their anxiety, but most adopted cats will show fearful behavior during the first few days, which includes things like:

Fleeing

Hiding

Freezing in place

Losing control of bladder and/or bowels

Releasing anal glands

Not using the litter box

The type of behavior a cat shows when it is anxious depends on its personality. While a naturally confident cat is likely to adjust quickly to a new home, naturally fearful cats may need some help from you. If your new pet seems unusually fearful, try using the following five ideas to help your new cat adjust to your home.

Leave Him or Her Alone

If the new cat seems healthy, but refuses to come out of hiding, leave him or her alone for a few days. Provide easy access to food, water and the litter box, and keep an eye on these things to see if there used. If your cat is eating, drinking, and eliminating, he or she will come out of hiding after a few days.

Keep Fear Stimulus to a Minimum

As much as possible, keep "scary" things away while your cat adjusts. For example, most cats are afraid of the vacuum cleaner noise, so if possible avoid using it for a few days while your cat gets comfortable. By keeping "scary" things away from your cat while it adjusts, there will be less anxiety for him or her to overcome, which will speed up the adjustment process.

Make a Routine

All cats like routines, especially fearful cats. So create a schedule for feeding, grooming, playing, etc. When your new cat knows what to expect, he or she will begin to feel less anxiety, which in turn will help him or her adjust quicker.

Talk to the Pros

If your cat is still showing fearful behavior after a few weeks in your home, take it to the veterinarian to rule out medical issues. If your cat is healthy, you may want to talk with your veterinarian about ways to calm your cat's anxiety with training or medication. You might also want to consider talking with an animal behavior specialist, who can give ideas for working with fearful cats.

Don't Give Up

Fearful cats are likely to always have a hard time adjusting to new situations, but it isn't hard to help them handle their anxiety. So even if these ideas don't work, don't give up on your new friend. There are lots of resources available for pet owners who want to help their fearful cats live healthier, happier lives.

Changing Litter Box Brands Can Cause Your Cat to Pee Outside the Box

As a devoted cat lover, I'm certain that you clean your cat's litter box every day, right? I thought so. Because your cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than yours. You can imagine what it must smell like in your cat's bathroom (aka litter box). Whatever aromas you smell coming from the litter box is 14 times less than what you cat has to put up with.

So, yes. A Clean and inviting litter box is a basic essential to getting your cat to use it.

A second complaint of cats worldwide is that their humans change the brand of litter and that makes the box unappealing. I used to buy whatever brand of litter was on sale that week until I realized that my saving a few pennies on litter was costing me much more in urine cleaning products! Why wouldn't cats want the brand of their litter changed? Here are three reasons:

1. Cats don't like change

Cats are territorial beings who like their territories to be predictable and free from threat of any source. You might ask, "Changing litter is a threat to my cat's territory?" And the answer is yes. Cats have no idea that you pay the mortgage or rent on your home. As far as our cats are concerned, our houses are theirs. Would you like it if someone came in and changed the furniture in your home? Well, cats don't care for that either.

2. Cats don't like changes in aromas

Most litters have a fragrance added to them. Even if a litter claims to be "scent-free" it still has some kind of smell. Keeping in mind that cats don't like change of any kind, an abrupt altering of the aroma in their bathrooms can disrupt their usual habits. They may simply not like the new fragrance and pee elsewhere. They could also get angry about the new fragrance, and pee on an item they know is important to you.

3. Cat's don't like changes in the feel of their litter

Every brand of litter has a different texture and feel. Some are comprised of large crystals while others are of a clay material. Your cat has a distinct preference regarding the texture of litter, and some experimenting may be in order. Try out a few different brands and observe if you cat actually digs to cover its fecal and urinary deposits. If not, your cat may not like the feel of the litter. Remember, cats are clean animals by nature and will naturally bury their messes than have to smell them.

Once you find a litter than meets your cat's criteria for smell and feel, I highly recommend that you stock up and not change brands in the future. After all, if a cat can't depend on the predictability of your litter, what can a cat depend on? Sticking to one brand is an easy fix to the problem of peeing outside the box.

Is Your Cat Using Her Litter Box?

Most indoor cats have no problems learning to use their litter box. However, if the situation should arise that she doesn't like the box or want to use it, there could be a problem to solve.

Cat Litter

There are many brands and types of litter on the market from which to choose. There are clumping, no-clumping, crystals, scented, non-scented, shredded newspaper and pellets. Your cat may have preferences. She may have been used to using one type of litter and for some reason you decided to change. Maybe the change was made because the cost was less, a friend's recommendation, or you just picked up a different brand. All are good reasons; it's just that your kitty didn't like the change.

The most preferred litter for your cat and for keeping the litter clean is the un-scented, clumping litter. Cat's also preferred fine to medium texture, and from 1" to 2" in depth.

Cleanliness of the Litter Boxes

Your cat likes a clean litter box, like we prefer using a clean toilet. Most of us do not like using a portable or pit toilet because of the elimination of other people plus unpleasant odor is present. Your cat is much the same way. She prefers a clean litter box without the scent of her elimination or any other cat's waste.

The cat box should be cleaned at least once a day, minimum. The litter box should have all of the litter removed and the box should be cleaned thoroughly, weekly. Use unscented soap and/or baking soda to clean the litter box. If you use a lining, the box does not have to be cleaned each week, but at a minimum of once a month. The lining should be changed every week, filling it with clean litter 1" to 2".

Litter Boxes

You should have one litter box for every cat in your home plus one extra box. There should also be one on every level of your home, especially if you have an older cat with arthritis or a disabled cat that can't run fast enough to get from one floor to the next and to the litter box.

There are several types of litter boxes available to purchase, so just make sure the one you choose is large enough for your cat.

1. One style is an open box with sides of approximately 4" high. These are probably the most common.

2. There are boxes with lids or domes that fit over the box with a front opening.

3. You can find a box that is very deep with a top opening. Cats would have to jump into it to use it.

4. Self cleaning litter boxes are another option. This can assist in the daily cleaning process, but remember that it still needs to be washed once a week and the litter replaced. There is an additional cost because you need to continually buy the bags in which the litter is deposited, those bags needing to be changed regularly.

5. You can also you a clear plastic sweater storage box.

Why your cat decides not to use the litter box.

If your kitty decides to eliminate in a place other than the litter box, do not scold her or punish her because that does not solve the issue. The situation could be the cat is under perceived stress because of several reasons: a change of homes, or being boarded at a kennel; a new person in the home such as a baby; you may have a new routine such as your work schedule; or a new pet, either a cat or dog, has come into the home.

Another factor could be that she may have a medical problem. Cat urinary tract infections are somewhat common, or there may be a blockage, which male cats more commonly acquire. You may notice your cat meowing in pain as she is eliminating or you may notice blood in the urine as you clean her cat box. In this case, a veterinarian needs to be contacted immediately because it could be a very severe issue that needs to be taken care of.

Sometimes your cat may not be comfortable with the location of the cat box. Do not place it in heavily trafficked areas, or next to her food and wash dish, or near noisy equipment such as the washing machine. Give her some privacy when placing it in its location.

Clean the area where the elimination occurred.

Should your cat eliminate somewhere in your house other than in the cat box, please stay calm and not hurt or punish the cat. Clean the area with an ammonia-free deodorizer. Several types can be purchased at a store or online for this very purpose. Since the urine has an ammonia odor, cats may want to reuse this area. You can cover the area with tin foil, or a product that would be uncomfortable for them to step on. Putting their food and water in the inappropriate area will also help because they don't want to do their bathroom duties near their food.

Things to remember:

1. Your kitty does not stop using her litter box to annoy you, or to cause you any kind of grief or problems.

2. Try to figure out the reason for her change, and why she is doing her elimination in another area of the home. She could have a medical issue, which would need to be taken care of immediately, or because of added stress in her life - as perceived by your cat.

3. Do Not punish her, such as rubbing her nose in the waste matter, or hit her, or any other type of abuse. This will NOT help solve her problem, even though you are becoming very frustrated!

4. If you are a multi-cat family, be sure to have enough litter boxes for all of your cats.

5. Place the litter boxes where she is comfortable, and where she can escape should she feel threatened.

6. Some cats will use a cat door so they can go outside and use dirt. I know of one case where this corrected the problem.

7. Use a product called Feliway that helps to reduce your feline's stress. It comes in a spray or a diffuser. Any product that diffuses a synthetic pheromone will help your kitty reduce her stress.

8. Clean the cat litter box daily, minimum. Change the litter and clean the cat box weekly. Don't be lazy by using a product that covers the smell of the litter box.

Always consider the health and welfare of your kitty. She has needs just like you do. She wants your love. She is not trying to be a bad kitty, she just is expressing her discomfort, whether it be her health or because of stress. Be patient and kind to every pet in your home. They are your guests. You invited them to be part of your family. A well cared for cat is a happy and loving cat.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.

What Is The Best Catnip and How Should It Be Given To Cats

Catnip or catmint are common names for a perennial herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae/Labiatae. Catnip was originally cultivated in Nepete, Italy, where it received its scientific name, Nepeta cataria.

Catnip grows up to about three feet high and wide. The flowers are tubular shaped, small, white and speckled with tiny purple spots. Catnip is actually very easy to grow and will thrive in almost any soil. Water requirements are moderate and it does best in full-sun.

Not all cats like catnip, it appears to be an inherited gene and either your cat likes it or couldn't care less about it. Very young kittens and older cats do not tend to be effected by catnip.

Given to the right cat, catnip can cause an amazing reaction! The cat may roll in it, chew it, paw at it and some even eat it. The cat's olfactory receptors, being sensitive to the nepetalactone in catnip, trigger this reaction, so if you are lucky your cat will love catnip.

The "high" or "trip" will last for only a few minutes, then the cat will lose interest and walk away. Remove the catnip for a couple of hours and then give them a little more and they will have the exact same response.

I suggest using catnip as a treat and not giving them a toy with catnip in it. The toys usually have some dried old stuff in them and the cat quickly loses interest, because the toy is always there. It would be better to give them toys without catnip and just keep a bag of catnip in the refrigerator, to keep it fresh, and give them a pinch of dried catnip on special occasions.

Cats are natural-born hunters and if you have ever watched a cat with a live mouse, you know that they love to play with their food! This is why I suggest not giving them a toy filled with catnip and just leaving it in the room. The cat will play with a mouse it as long as it is alive and then either eat, it if he is hungry, or simply leave it and walk away. Just like with the live mouse, the catnip-filled mouse may be exciting at first, but after a while the cat loses interest. Most cat toys have very little catnip in them and it is usually old and has lost most of its potency. Think about it, most cat toys come from China!

Cats want excitement, something different, giving them a pinch of good catnip is more of a treat!

Catnip is not harmful to your cat and they won't overdose on it. It is just a fun way of giving your cat a treat. If you have more than one cat, give each cat its own pinch of catnip to avoid competition.

Catnip is said to be a very distant relative to marijuana, but humans can not get "high" on catnip. However, catnip does make a great tea, which has a sedative effect and is soothing to the stomach. Pregnant women should not take catnip.

Catnip is an easy herb to grow and the higher altitude it is grown in, the more potent the nepetalactone or essential oil content, and the more affect it will have on the cat.

How Your Cat Can Train You To Be A Better Owner

Cats and dogs are definitely different, they're kind of like democrats and republicans with fur. They can't agree on anything, they don't get along, they generally don't like each other, and they have completely different philosophies on the way that life is to be run. For instance, if you take a cat for a walk, you'll never see a cat attracted to one single fire hydrant, quivering with extreme jubilation and excitement, not one, let alone EVERY single fire hydrant you pass on your walk. For that reason, cats must be treated very differently than dogs, or any other pet for that matter.

Take teaching your pet tricks. A dog, for example, will sit down, see the cookie or treat, hear your garbled words, and with repetition, eventually decipher that when you utter a certain sound, if he gives you his paw, he will get the treat. The cat, under the same set of circumstances, will figure out after a while that for some stupid reason, you want to hold his paw so you can give him a tuna snap. He recognizes that within his paw lies razor-sharp claws. After looking at you like an idiot for a while and then yawning out of boredom, he will use the claws inside the paw that you covet so much to slice you to ribbons and take the tuna snap from you.

Just try it once, you'll see. I still have the scar. Didn't keep the tuna snap though.

The fact is, you can train a dog or most pets so that you can live your life with a certain continuity, you can come to expect things from a dog, things that you can count on. For instance, he will bark to go outside to relieve himself. Or she might stand in an ever so cute fashion on her hind legs to get her supper. You can train them to sit, to lie and to fetch. While you might have problems come bath time, you might get aggravated as you chase the wet dog around the house, you will not pry a dog from the ceiling or off of your back each and every time you turn a faucet on in the bathroom. Cats, on the other hand, are a different story completely. Giving them a bath is like going to the dentist.... If the dentist were a complete psychopath with machetes as fingers. Cats must be treated differently if you want to enjoy them... Hell, if you simply want to survive them.

You don't train cats, they train you, and once you come to accept this fact and even learn to take advantage of it, your life will be the better for it.

First off, the cat's perception is that you are there to please them. When they want you to pet them, they let you. When they don't want you to pet them, just try catching and holding onto them without needing a blood transfusion. There's a certain logic to a cat's thinking that you can't deny. While they are our pets (or so we think), we did choose them, find them, and bring them into our house. We owe them. We are responsible for them, and they know it. Dogs haven't figured this out yet, they're just happy to have a sofa to sleep on and a warm place to lick themselves.

So from day one, understand that you belong to your cat. That's just the way it is. Learn from your cat, and if you obey him or her, your life will be fine. The cat will go in the litter box, the cat will play with your stupid ball of yarn to amuse you when it feels the urge. The cat will let you pet him when he itches and will let you feed him when he meows. The cat might even purr on occasion and warm up your heart.

Ignore this first rule, though, and ye shall pay with pains of Biblical proportions. Newspapers and magazines will mysteriously turn into confetti. Shoes will get sprayed. Plants will be chewed to bits. And that's just a warm up act if you don't get the hint.

So now that you know that you belong to the cat, how can you best serve your new master so as not to stir his or her temper?

Start like you do with any pet, spend time with them and let them know that you love them. Don't try to get even by hiding their toys because they aggravated you. They will find the cat nip mouse and the jingling plastic ball and destroy the sock drawer you hid them in, and the pictures on top of the bureau and your pillow to boot.

Believe it or not, cats like routine behavior, so set a routine. Feed them at the same times each day. You'll know if you make a mistake and miss feeding time when you find hair-balls in your soup. If you feed the cat at the same time each day and its belly is full, then you will be allowed to eat in peace.

Also, cats like to be groomed and to be petted when they are in the mood for it. They are really very clean creatures, they will actually train themselves to use a litter box and will clean their fur constantly. If you brush them, pet them and groom them, and keep the litter box clean, you will likely encounter very few problems with their hygiene. Eventually, you will have to bathe the cat, and that's never easy, but if you routinely groom them, you won't have to bathe them too often. The mist bottles they sell that give cats quick, gentle baths work, but the cat will still flee once he recognizes that the bottle sprays wet stuff. In fact, the cat might flee and hide whenever it sees ANY spray bottle once you bathe it with one, but this can be used to your advantage. The cat won't stop meowing, break out the spray bottle. You won't even have to spray the cat, you probably couldn't if you wanted to because the little buggers are fast, the appearance of the bottle will do the work for you. Spray bottles can be good, gentle training tools. You can use them to keep cats off counters, off tables, and out of other places you don't want them to go. Water is your friend, and it is your cat's kryptonite.

Cat nip helps settle excitable cats down, but you can over-use it. Cat nip on occasion and in small amounts is okay, but it does get a cat intoxicated, that's why they become so docile and playful. You wouldn't give your teen whiskey to keep them in line, so keep that in mind. But cat nip isn't bad at all for cats in small doses, they enjoy it, and it can give you some stress free time with your feline.

Lastly, cat sweaters are never a good idea. I don't care how cute you think they'll look, they'll hate it, and you have to get that sucker on them. If you insist on dressing your cat for some reason, you'll need the outfit, a tourniquet, and an ambulance on stand-by. It never hurts to keep a bowl of ice nearby too so that perhaps the surgeons can save whatever limb your cat slices off of you. Doctors can work miracles these days. Or better yet, leave the cat be, they're already wearing a fur coat. Sheesh. Get a chihuahua or a Barbie doll if you have the need to dress something up so that it looks cute.

In all seriousness, treat your cat with love and respect, spend some quality time with it, and remember that you were put on this Earth to serve its every need, and you'll be just fine. So will your happy, free-spirited feline friend! Good luck.

A Pregnant Cat - The Signs To Watch For

If your cat hasn't been spayed and you suspect she may become pregnant there are a few signs to watch for.

The first thing you should watch for is your cat coming into heat. This can happen as early as 4 months old and it can be as often as every three to four weeks. Usually during the summer months there will be more occurrences.

Usually a cat in heat will show certain symptoms, including urinating against objects, this will spread her scent and let any male cats in the area know that she is ready for mating. The urine from a cat in heat usually smells stronger than normal due to the increased levels of oestrogen.

She will also become more affectionate, rubbing herself up against objects, other animals and people.

She will probably start calling, this is a long howl that calls attention to the fact she is in heat. Any unneutered male cats in the area will come looking for her.
She may also go into the mating position a lot, with her rear end raised in the air and her tail upright.

These symptoms will continue as long as she is in heat. If she comes into contact with an unneutered male while in heat then she will mate and the chances are she will become pregnant. It is entirely possible that your cat could become pregnant by more than one father, this often explains the difference in kitten colourings and patterns when the litter is born.

During the first three weeks of a cats pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell that she is pregnant. There are a few signs you can look out for. She may have an increased appetite and show some signs of weight gain, her nipples may become swollen, she will become more loving towards you and she may start getting morning sickness. From around the fourth week of the pregnancy a vet should be able to confirm the pregnancy by feeling around the cats abdomen.

Taking proper care of your pregnant cat will help towards a healthy litter of kittens. There are a few things you can do to help. Make sure she is receiving a proper diet full of nutrition and prepare a nest for her ready for when she is coming close to giving birth.

Most cats handle pregnancy and labour extremely well and there are not usually any major complications. You should always have a number for a vet close by though in case of an emergency.