How to Use Natural Home Remedies for Cats With Fleas

Cat owners are becoming aware of the toxic chemicals in the spot-on vial flea treatment. It's convenient just squeezing the tube between the shoulder blades on your cat. But your cat pays the price. Pesticides are the main ingredient and it causes cancer, kidney disease, liver failure, heart failure and more. There are home remedies for cats with fleas that are safe and effective. You will need to do a little more work, but your cat will love you for it.

Fleas live under your cat's fur dining off their blood, biting and producing hundreds of fleas. Can you imagine that many fleas biting and sucking your cat's blood? It causes vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, loss of appetite, loss of fur and a dull coat. A small kitten has little chance of survival if not treated quickly.

Fleas are attracted to the old cat, sick cat and kittens the most. If you have fleas outside, they will surely make their way inside your house any time of the year. Most people think the fleas are gone in the cold winter months, but it's not true. Cats are warm-blooded animals and fleas can live on them all year around.

The best way to check for fleas is to use a flea comb and add warm soapy water in a container, grab a paper towel and run the flea comb through your cat starting from the top of her head working downward. Dunk the comb in the water, wipe it with the paper towel and if you notice a substance that looks like black pepper, then it is flea dirt and your cat has fleas.

Cedar Oil spray is 100% safe and all natural with no chemicals. Dilute it per instructions, then lightly mist your kitty completely and run the flea comb through her. It might take a couple treatments depending on how severe the fleas are. Check your cat with the flea comb two days after you treat her.

You need to do more than just treat your cat. The fleas are in your carpet, furniture and bedding. Vacuum thoroughly and wash all the bedding, including cat beds. Borax kills fleas by dehydrating them. It is available in the laundry isle at your local grocery store. Sprinkle it on, grind it in with a squeegee or dust mop and leave it. Use it on your furniture also. It won't hurt the furniture or carpet. Make sure you cover cracks and corners.

You may notice scabs or scratches on your cat, so once the fleas are gone, purchase Aloe Vera Gel at the health food store. Apply it to your cat twice daily until she is healed. I have used home remedies for cats with fleas for 7 years and my cats are flea free. I treat the cats and the home year around.

Inside or an Outside Cat? Which Is the Best Option?

Cat owners today generally don't let their pets run wild and catch mice for a living. Most owners have these pets as family members and an essential part of their livers. They receive the very best of veterinary attention. Domestic cats live long, healthy lives. Some estimates that the average life span of an indoor cat is about 14 years. But if that cat is an outside cat, the lifespan is reduced by 4 years. These pets are allowed to roam free and this wandering has risks. They are exposed to the hazards of life. In rural areas of America, coyotes and other wildlife often kill cats. The urban pets are often in danger of being in a traffic accident. These accidents happen because most cat owners spend long hours away from home.

Cats are considered to be independent with little need for supervision. However, even a vaccinated pet is in danger of catching diseases. No vaccine is 100 percent effective at preventing diseases. There are risks posed by exposure to other cats. The #1 disease of outdoor cats is an abscess resulting from a bite wound. In some instances these bite wounds become infected. The cat will have large volumes of pus accumulate beneath its skin. The cat will have a heightened temperature and feel miserable. Antibiotics and sometimes surgery are often necessary to cure the infection. In addition, the cat is in danger from stray cats. Feline AIDS and distemper, are transmitted from unvaccinated cats. The pet owner must consider the risk of rabies from these strays, not to mention the coyotes mentioned above.

There are a few benefits for an outside cat. Some pets that have experienced being outdoors may want to continue going out. They may consider being inside all of the time a boring period of incarceration. Sometimes indoor pets may develop neurotic habits, such as wool sucking and psychogenic alopecia, while others become reclusive.

Which is the best choice? Neither, it is best to consider a compromise. If your cat is constantly looking out the window longingly, take him out for a walk or build an enclosure. If you take the cat out, you may make a 'fashion" statement by placing the cat on a leash. However, If your cat is in danger you can quickly retrieve the cat, and return home. If you chose to build an enclosure, the cat should be able to come and go as they please. A cat enclosure could simply be an area on your deck with a cover to keep the cat on the deck. Your choice will have a significant impact on your cat's life.

Can You Really Get Cat Scratch Fever?

Ever been licked, bitten or scratched by a cat? Did you feel tired, feverish, had chills, a headache and a backache within a week or a month later? You could have had cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease (CSD). You could even have these symptoms within 2 months of the cat scratch or bite. The scratch or bite site will be inflamed, and you could develop an eye infection. Most cases occur in the fall or in the winter. There are estimates that 22,000 cases occur each year in the United States.

Children are the ones who exhibit the worst symptoms and in some cases need to be hospitalized. Although people of all ages can get CSD, for children 10 years and younger CSD is one of the most common causes of chronic swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in children. 25% of the these infections result in severe systemic illness.

The best way to avoid the disease, if you own a cat, is to keep the cat free of fleas, especially if the cat is a kitten. The disease is caused by a bacteria that is particularly carried by kittens in their blood. Since it is a blood borne bacteria, fleas also carry it. It is best to keep your cat clean because flea feces also carry the bacteria. If your cat is infested flea feces are probably in its fur. Studies have shown that approximately 40% of domestic cats carry the bacteria at some time in their lives. Infected cats do not show any signs of illness. So you cannot tell which cats can spread the disease to you. The Centers for Disease Control recommends several actions that you can take to prevent cat scratch fever.

Number 1 - Avoid "rough play" with cats, especially kittens. This includes any activity that may lead to cat scratches and bites.

Number 2 - Wash cat bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly with running water and soap.

Number 3 - Do not allow cats to lick open wounds that you may have.

Although an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure, if you are bitten or scratched by a cat, you may still become infected. Some people may get infections with pus and pronounced swelling where they were scratched or bitten by a cat. The disease generally clears up without medical treatment within one month. The CDC also recommends that you contact your physician for make sure that the fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, are not symptoms associated with a more severe condition.

Your Health Depends On It - Train That Cat to Stay Off the Counter

Have you ever noticed the cat's behavior when it is in the litter box? The cat may circle, like a dog, scratch at the litter, dig and then settle down to do its business. After the cat finishes, it scratches and digs some more, covers the droppings, and then leaves the box. The cat's paws are full of litter dust and waste matter, so it sits and licks them clean. Or at least as clean as a cat can get it. The cat's paws are still full of the bacteria from the box. And every surface that those paws touch are also receiving this rapidly growing and spreading bacteria. So if the cat jumps and lays around on the kitchen counter it is getting a good dose of bacteria. When you prepare your family's meal or the cat's food you could be giving everyone a large unhealthy dose of bacteria.

If you want to be healthy, you need to keep that cat off the counter. Letting the cat lay on the counter is providing an opportunity to dine on the contents of the litter box. Cat's love to look down from heights, you can accommodate them by providing another place to perch. Purchase or build a multilevel scratching post so that your pet can climb and lay around. You have to use an appropriate way to train the cat to stay of the counters and tables. Don't train your cat by spraying it with water or shouting at it. Some cats may resist you aggressively, and you will have a tug of war with it. Others may associate you with an unpleasant spray of water and loud noises. The cat could develop a neurosis and avoid you. Also, the cat could simply chose to continue jumping and lying on the counter when you are not around to bother it.

An alternative training method is to use something to make the "experience" less pleasant, but not traumatic. You could use a something sticky or noisy upon the counter or table top. If the cat jumps on the counter and its paws stick or it hears an unpleasant noise like the crinkle of aluminum foil, it probably will not jump on it again. Sticky tape or a strip of aluminum foil stuck to the counter will make the cat jump down. The cat will associate the noise and the stickiness with the counter. Or you could also use something that does not smell good to the cat. Cats don't like citrus smells. A lemon dishwashing detergent or a commercial cat herbal spray, may keep the cat away.

You should also keep the counters and table tops free of temptation. Don't keep food on the counter and the table. The cat may be jumping on the counter to help himself to a quick meal that could make him sick. It is best that cats stay off the counter. The counter and the kitchen table or not good cat perches.

Cats on Catnip - What's Up With That?

If you own a cat, and have not exposed your kitty to the wonders of catnip, you, and your cat, are missing out my friend! Watching a cat that is enamored with catnip is quite an entertaining event. Cats that are affected by catnip generally roll around, kick and lick, drool, and growl, and just act plain whacky for a few minutes. One might suspect they have snuck in the liquor cabinet.

What exactly is catnip, and why does it make my cat crazy?

No way to make this explanation entertaining, but here it goes...catnip is the common name for a perennial herb called "Nepeta cataria", a member of the Labiatae (mint) family. Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, catnip is now found in much of North America and Canada. The active chemical in catnip is nepetalactone, which simulates the affected cat when it is inhaled or smelled. Kitty will usually have a reaction for ten to twenty minutes, until he becomes acclimated, when he will no longer respond. However, if you re-introduce the catnip a few hours later, he could very well enjoy once again. What is still unknown is what actually happens in the brain of a cat which causes this behavior.

It appears that the reaction to catnip is inherited; therefore, up to 30% of all cats are not affected by "the lure of the nip", which is unfortunate. And some cats, who do respond, do so by displaying sedate or droopy behavior. In addition, most young kittens, less than 6 months old, and older cats, generally have a lesser reaction or no reaction at all. So bottom line, when you bring that kitten home, there's really no way to tell whether she will respond favorably to catnip.

Is catnip safe?

For the most part, catnip is not harmful to cats, nor is it addictive. However, some cats have had some stomach upset when a large quantity of catnip had been ingested. If your cat does have an adverse reaction after ingesting, just limit the catnip use to socks or toys where it can be contained.

Where can I find catnip?

Cat nip is easily accessible. Most pet stores sell a variety of dried catnip, or organic catnip, which could be healthier for your cat, as well as catnip toys, oils, etc... Another option would be purchasing a catnip plant, or you can grow catnip yourself.

Over time, nepetalactone will degrade, therefore the fresher the catnip, the more potent. If you place your catnip in a container or plastic bag, and store in the freezer, it will maintain its potency longer.

Happy "nipping"!

Crunchy Cat Food Helps Prevent Plaque and Dental Problems

The percentages are high that adult cats will have a plaque and dental problems at some point. Prevention is a cat's guardian best tool. Crunchy dry food along with daily brushing will be the best tools for the guardian of a kitten/cat to use to prevent gingivitis.

I use the term guardian instead of owner, because no one owns a cat. All cat guardians know I am telling the truth. Cat's rule in their world and we just get what they decide to give us.

PLAQUE FIRST STEP TO DENTAL PROBLEMS

When a cat is feed a diet of soft food only, it increases the chances of dental problems. Food becomes trapped in the areas among the teeth and at the gum line. This is the first step for bacteria to develop and turn into plaque.

Plaque left untreated will turn into gingivitis and gingivitis turns into periodontal disease. This does affect the quality of life for your feline friend.

Dental problems can lead to heart failure, damage the kidneys and liver. Cats are great at hiding their pain so they may have a sinus infection, toothache, or an ulcer on the gums and you not know it. Even, arthritis and diabetes can be traced back to dental problems.

Dental problems left untreated can and will lead to major health issues for your cat.

CRUNCHY CAT FOOD FIGHTS PLAQUE

Crunchy food helps to break down plaque already present and also helps prevent plaque from building up on the cat's teeth. It helps to stimulate the gums around the gums and increases blood flow to that area. This helps prevent plaque buildup and that helps to prevent gingivitis the precursor to periodontal disease.

Crunchy food helps keep out the buildup of food between and around teeth and this helps keep bacteria from attacking the gums. The bacteria may start in the gums but it will travel all through the body to become the root problem of other diseases as I mentioned before.

The dry crunchy food should be small bite size pieces. I recommend that you should read the package and make sure that it's made with animal contents instead of mostly grain. Cats are carnivorous. They are made to eat meat products.

I buy organic holistic food for my cats and they just love it. I am not only feeding them good food to prevent teeth and gum issues but good quality food that helps all their body. I do not mind spending a little more for the food because I know I will be saving a huge amount at the vet's by avoiding periodontal disease and related disease caused by periodontal disease.

Moist canned or package food is treated as a huge treat at my house. Yes, they get a little but as a treat only. I make sure that even their moist food is organic and holistic. Their main diet is dry crunchy food.

SIGNS OF PLAQUE BUILDUP AND DENTAL PROBLEMS

Bad breath is usually one of your first signs of dental problems. It is not the only sign nor is bad breath always due to dental problems. Your vet should be consulted for a correct diagnosis.

Cat's favorite hobby is grooming itself. If you notice your cat not grooming along with bad breath start looking for other signs of dental problems. This could include smelly coat, runny nose and weight loss.

These systems could also be sign of a broken or cracked tooth and other problems.

Knowledge is power, so consult your vet sooner and not later when you notice any of these symptoms being displayed by your kitten/cat.

PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION

I cannot say this word often enough. A good diet and brushing your cat's teeth are the best defense to dental problems. Your feline friend will have a better quality of life and a longer life span if you start today taking care of its teeth and gums.

By taking a proactive roll against dental problems instead of being the cause of them will help the cat and you in the future.

Gingivitis May Be The Cause Of Your Cats Bad Breath

Gingivitis and bad breath are the last things on our mind when we pick up that small ball of fur and fall in love with the cutest and most loveable kitten in the world. We fall in love with their color, personalities and other unique qualities they have.

Kittens need to be about six to eight weeks old before they are ready to leave their mother. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth and about six to seven months they will be replaced by 30 permanent teeth.

Cats are carnivores!!! The only time they eat plants is when it is in cat food we feed them. Cats left on their own, dine on a meat diet. Their teeth, not even the molars, have grinding surfaces.

I think, cats have the sharpest teeth in the world. When my cat takes a nip at me at bath time it is like I have been mass attacked by needles. I feel sure that if she wanted to she could rip a plug right out of my hand or forearm.

Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontal disease in cats, dogs and even humans. By the age of three years about 70% of cats, without proper dental hygiene, show signs of having gingivitis or periodontitis.

The first sign that your cat may have a problem is bad breath. Bad breath is not a joking matter in your feline friend. It is a system of a root condition and one condition may be gingivitis.

Gingivitis is easy to prevent and easy to treat if caught early. The best prevention is to brush your kitten/cats teeth on a daily basis. Yes, you read this correctly. Brushing your cat's teeth will save it many hours of pain in the future and you a lot of money.

When you take your feline friend to the veterinarian for a check-up; talk about dental care. They can even show you how to brush your cat's teeth and recommend what tooth paste to use.

Do not use your tooth paste for your cat. It has a foaming agent in it and it will make your cat sick. Cats cannot spit and toothpaste made for us will not only make it sick but may also choke your feline friend. Many types of human toothpaste contain Xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. The verdict is still out on what Xylitol may do to cats. I do not want to take a chance.

Use toothpaste that is made and flavored for cats. If your cat likes the taste and brushing the teeth is a pleasurable experience you will less likely get bit or scratched.

One secret to a healthy pet is healthy teeth and gums.

How to Find a Good Cat Breeder

If you're planning on adding a pure breed kitten to your home, you may be considering getting one from a breeder. How do you know which breeders are reputable, and which are backyard operations promoting unhealthy felines? This helpful breeder checklist can help you identify the best cat breeders and discount individuals who may well be unethical or novice.

What exactly is a Good Cat Breeder?

A reputable breeder is someone who:

breeds cats to better a particular breed, never to profit from selling kittens.

has expert knowledge of the specific breed standard.

registers their kittens and cats with the CFA (Cat Fancier Association).

has a waitlist of buyers, not an excess of kittens.

can explain the purpose of breeding a specific sire to a certain queen.

understands common genetic health conditions and checks their queens and sires before mating.

tests their queens, sires, and kittens for contagious viruses, and supplies the result to potential buyers.

can provide complete veterinary records from their vet.

can provide a copy of the cats' pedigrees, not simply registration papers.

participates in Cat Fancier Association shows.can offer personal references from a veterinarian and other buyers.

only sells kittens to average customers as neutered pets, not as breeding animals.

requires that you sign a binding agreement outlining your rights as a buyer and responsibilities as a pet owner.

asks you questions about your household, lifestyle, family members, other animal companions, and ability to take care of a pet.

will answer your concerns about health and wellness, proper grooming, and behavior after your purchase.

Potential Red Flags

If you're not sure if the breeder you're considering is a good one, beware of these warning signs. Look out for the cattery owner who:

breeds many types of cats.

has litters of kittens readily available constantly.

provides unsigned registration papers, or papers missing the breeder's name.

sells kittens to pet stores or other retail stores.

can't produce veterinary records or proposes that the customer deal with veterinary care.

doesn't allow you to observe the cattery or where the cats are kept.

registers kittens and cats with a registry other than the CFA.

sells kittens to buyers on the web or by mail order.

sells kittens at a young age (6-8 weeks) or as soon as they are weaned.

advertises on the web or in classified ads -- in general, professional breeders do not need advertising since their kittens are sought-after.

If you research thoroughly and inquire before you purchase, you can feel confident that you're not supporting an unethical breeder or kitten mill -- and that you will be adding a happy, healthy kitty to your family.

Your Cat Needs a Bath - How to Bathe a Cat

Everyone knows cats don't like to get wet. The only water they want is the water in their bowl. But once in a while your cat may need to have a bath. If she gets into something she shouldn't have and brought it home, you will have to bathe her. Oily mud is the worst, it'll dry but leaves the oil.

Don't let her know you are going to bathe her, or you will never see her again. If she disappears look under the bed or in the closet, you'll have to wait until you see her again.,.

Dress of the job, remember she has teeth and claws she doesn't mind using. An old long sleeve shirt should be worn and maybe some rubber gloves. Get out at least two towels, if you don't have cat shampoo you can use baby shampoo, flea shampoo, or a mild shampoo and conditioner.

It may take two people if the she is strong and can get out of your hands. Hold on tight.

Put a mat or towel in the bottom of the tub, give her something to hold on to and make her feel more secure.

Put 4-5 inches of warm water in the tub before you put her in, running water sometimes frightens cats. But sure to have extra water in buckets for rinsing.

When you put her in the tub, keep her calm by talking in a quiet voice. Slowly pour the water over her, starting at the neck. Soak her all over using a wash cloth, rinse off any loose dirt.

Use little shampoo and water to wash, start at the neck, lather well, then do the body, legs, belly and tail. Don't get any shampoo in her eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Rubs your hands all over her to work the shampoo in. Give it a few minutes to work.

Rinse thoroughly using first the water in the tub, and finish with the extra water. Be sure to rinse all the shampoo from her fur.

Wrap her up in a towel, rub gently to get as much water off as possible, Don't stop until she is just damp.

If your cat is short haired she can finish drying herself, just keep her out of drafts and give her a dry towel to sit on.

But if you cat is long haired you'll have to use a comb and another towel. Long hairs mat easily when wet, so you may have to comb her until she it dry.

Give her a treat for putting up with the bath and maybe understand that having a bath is a good thing.

Vaccinations Your Kitten Needs

Vaccines help a cat's immune system fight off common illnesses by exposing the cat to the illness in minuscule amounts, allowing the cat's body to develop the proper anti-bodies to fight it off if it comes into contact with that illness. When you bring your kitten to the vet the first time, the vet will recommend certain vaccinations depending on: the age and health of the kitten, whether the kitten is indoor or outdoor, and the number and type of other pets you may have as well.

The most common types of vaccinations include: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline panlleukopenia, Feline Respiratory Disease (Rhinotracheitis, Calicvirus, and Chlamydia), and Rabies. These are all very common ailments in cats which can cause death or severe side effects. These vaccinations are essential, especially for cats who go outside or who are exposed to other animals.

Most cats do not suffer from any side effects from these shots. It is not uncommon for the cat to be less active for a few days after them, but they should not cause any problems. After the couple days, the cat should be fine. Severe reactions are extremely rare. If you notice any of the following symptoms, bring the cat to the vet immediately: vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

If you have a young kitten, they will often be required to obtain a sequence of vaccinations. The reason for this is that a kitten naturally gets antibodies from its' mother's milk. These antibodies are good for the cat, but make vaccinations not work correctly. So, the cat will be given its first set of vaccinations when it is a few weeks old, and then a second one will be given a few weeks later after the natural antibodies have left the cat's system.

There has recently been some concern that Adjuvants can cause cancer or immunological disease later in life. Adjuvants are added to vaccines in order to increase the effectiveness. Most vaccines are injected, but there are nasal spray vaccines available as well. It can take up to 14 days for the vaccine to become effective. If you have any special requests like these, make sure to speak to your vet before having the vaccine administered.

You will likely need to get your cat booster vaccines every one to three years. The vet will decide how often the cat needs the boosters depending on age, type of vaccine, current state of health, and the environment of the cat. These are essential to make sure that the cat maintains its vaccination.

Nutritional Information for Cats

Cats: the Meat eaters

Cats are carnivores, this means that meat and fish should be part of their daily diet, and vegetarianism isn't considered as an option. Their daily diet should contain a high level of good quality meat/fish and animal fat, a small amount of fish oil is great for cats as it's great for skin, and keeps their coat in great condition.

They need the correct balance of vitamins and amino acids. Cats are sensitive souls, and require a balance of around 13 different types of vitamins. Essential amino acid taurine is necessary for healthy heart and eyes. So the complete diet will have the right balance of vitamins and amino acids either from raw materials or from cat food supplements. A decent food manufacturer use protected vitamins to prevent any low quality degraded food processing. By using a high quality food from a well know supplier, there is no need to give your cat and extra vitamins, as too may vitamins can be harmful.

Cats don't drink very much, originating from the desert. Cats are used to living in hot and dry conditions, and due to their desert origins. Giving a cat a wet food they can get all the moisture they need. If their fed dry food, cats should be given water. Cats have a very picky nature and sometimes may not be too keen on tap water, so it might be an idea to collect some rain water, or maybe you could even try bottled water. Or if you were to use tap water make sure it's been left out a while to go 'stale'

Cats can be prone to cystitis. Due to their low intake of moisture, a cat's urine can be concentrated, and so they have a tendency to get cystitis. Pet food manufacturers should be aware of this and their food should be careful balanced to give a slightly acidic urine PH level.

Be careful when changing their diet. If your cat has never eaten dry cat food, then it's important to introduce it over a period of 7 days and mix it in with wet food, then gradually add more and more dry food. This is the case for whenever you plan on changing your cat's food type, but you should bare in mind that changing your food regularly may not be completely healthy for their digestive systems.

Feeding a cat doesn't have to be expensive, but they do have certain requirements to help her live a long and happy life.

What Is A Ragdoll Cat?

The Ragdoll breed originated in the 1960's when an American woman called Ann Baker rescued several kittens belonging to a feral longhair cat called Josephine. Baker then bred two subsequent kittens from independent litters: one solid black female called "Buckwheat" and one pointed male called "Daddy Warbucks."

Using Daddy Warbucks as a stud, Baker bred a sufficient amount of kittens to launch the Ragdoll breed.

Ragdolls come in an assortment of color patterns. The established colors include blue, seal, lilac, and chocolate. These colors come in any of the following patterns: mitted, bi-color and pointed.

Lately, there's been an influx of new colors and patterns emerging in the Ragdoll breed. Newer colors comprise red (flame), cream, chocolate, and tortie. The lynx, or striped pattern, is also a newer trait that's become very prevalent. Just recently, solid color Ragdolls are being bred.

The Ragdoll's longhair coat is rare for a cat. The fur is soft with the consistency of bunny hair. It does not mat. Ragdolls are born all white and acquire their colors and patterns as they grow up.

The body of a Ragdoll is long, robust, and powerful. These are big cats, the only bigger purebred cat is the Maine Coon. While Ragdolls are long, they are not tall. Their legs are squat and stout.

It's apparent that the Ragdoll is a gorgeous animal, but the cats are most famous for their sociable and passive personality. Ragdolls were named after their tendency to go limp when held, similar to a toy ragdoll.

Ragdolls have been titled "a dog-like cat." They are tremendously faithful and devoted to their owners, often following them around the house from room to room. Many Ragdolls love walking outside on a leash, and they can be trained to play "fetch."

This breed is the best family pet. They are very placid with children, and normally enjoy being help. Ragdolls usually are friendly with other family pets.

They have a soft voice and are naturally not loud animals. Though they do have a distinctive tweeting noise they'll make while playing - mostly with another animal.

Since the Ragdoll is so passive and amiable, they are to be only indoor cats. These cats were not bred to comprehend self-protection, and if let outdoors alone, they will indeed become hurt or taken.
The Ragdoll is also an extremely sociable animal, and would not do well if left isolated for the majority of the day. If the condition at home necessitates long periods of time in isolation, it is greatly suggested that another Ragdoll or pet is obtained to keep the cat company. If not, being alone often leads to unhappiness and nervousness in the Ragdoll cat.

If you are interested in buying a Ragdoll for your family, there are several trustworthy breeders throughout the world. However, always use care when purchasing any animal - whether from a pet store, breeder, or humane society.

Ask plenty of questions about how the cats are bred, reared, and tended to. Likewise, it's always smart to go to the breeder's house and confirm the animals are properly cared for.

Furthermore, it's vital to get all essential paperwork when buying a cat from a breeder. This includes official Ragdoll breed paperwork, all medical paperwork, and any genetic testing done on the kitten's parents.

While Ragdolls are usually resilient and vigorous animals, one disorder to be aware of is HCM, or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This disorder has been found in some Ragdoll lines and is fatal.

Always confirm the breeder has tested the parents for the Ragdoll HCM gene before buying a cat. It's better to get a photocopy of the paperwork, instead of an spoken guarantee from the breeder.

5 Reasons Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs As Pets

Cats vs. dogs... Cat owners vs. dog owners. It's a war that has been waged for as long as people and pets have lived together. While some animal lovers are what I would call "ambi-pet-rous" (equally fond of both cats and dogs), there are just as many die-hard fans of dogs, and cat connoisseurs that would have no other pet.

Today, we're going to take the stance of the cat lover, and discuss 5 valid reasons why cats are better than dogs. Now, before all you dog lovers start growling at me, in a future article I promise to take the opposite viewpoint, and give dogs their day.

So, without further adieu, here are the top 5 reasons that cats are better than dogs!

Cats are self-training. Many a dog owner has been faced with the problem of house training their puppy. And some dogs, despite the owners' best efforts, never quite get it. Kittens, on the other hand, take to the litter box like ducks to water. It's a cats' natural instinct to dig a hole and bury it's pee and poo. All a cat owner needs to do is ensure that their pussycat has a clean litter box tucked away in a quiet corner, and that's pretty much it.

Cats are quiet. One of the most frustrating aspects of dog ownership is barking. And barking. And even more barking. Many dogs will seemingly bark when so much as a flea farts. Not so with cats. Although some breeds of cat, such as the Siamese, can be more vocal than others, cat owners definitely do not need earplugs.

Cats are healthier. With the exception of some purebred cat breeds, cats tend to be healthier than dogs. Dogs can suffer from numerous health problems, including such things as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, arthritis, allergies and skin conditions. Cats, on the other hand, are generally healthier and live longer - as much as 25 years.

Cats are low maintenance. Cats self-regulate their feedings. Leave a bowl of good quality cat food down for your kitty, and you can rest assured your cat will eat only as much she needs - when she is hungry. Dogs, on the other hand, can only be fed what they should eat, otherwise they will eat, and eat, and eat (and eat). Dogs wolf down their food and go looking for more.

Cats are self-reliant. It's a rare occurrence that a cat will suffer from separation anxiety when the family is away at work or school. Cats are happy to take a nice nap while on their own, but still enjoy the companionship of their family when home. Dogs and puppies are not good when left on their own. They can become destructive, anxious and neurotic, and very often need the care of a sitter, or someone to be home with them most of the time.

These are just a few of the reasons cats are better than dogs. I'm sure cat owners will have many more. So if you're looking for an affectionate family pet that is lots of fun but not so much work, consider a cat or kitten.

How To Treat Cat Diabetes At Home With These Top 5 Holistic Options

Cat diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed, and currently it affects more than 1 in 400 cats. Diabetes is very treatable, and does not need to shorten your cat's life span. This article will go over the signs of diabetes in cats, along with the various suspected causes. I will review the most common solutions, focusing on the lesser know natural solutions that you can use to treat your cat for diabetes at home.

Most pet owner's first suspect that their cat has diabetes as their cat is drinking and urinating much more than normal. This may be accompanied by increased appetite, but also weight loss. Occasional there is noticeable leg weakness, or dropping down on the rear legs. Some people notice a sweet smell to the breath. If not noticed early, your cat may become very ill with a condition called Ketoacidosis. This requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow the body to utilize blood glucose (sugar). This results in high blood sugar levels causing increased drinking and urination. Some cats are genetically at risk of developing diabetes. Cats that are obese typically are on a high carbohydrate dry cat food, are at higher risk.

If you suspect your pet is diabetic, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Most cats begin with insulin, but with some diet alterations may come off insulin therapy. Ask your veterinarian about Glargine (brand name Lantus) Insulin - it is longer acting and better at regulating difficult to better at regulating difficult to regulate diabetic cats. The insulin injections can be given at home, and at the same time each day. Your veterinarian will show you how to give injections - they are not painful and usually not even noticed. The proper type of insulin, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be determined by your veterinarian.

If your cat is to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), you'll need to be able to recognize it, and respond quickly. This usually happens within an hour of giving the insulin injection. Your cat will be weak, trembling, dazed and may begin to shake or seizure. If you suspect this, immediately give a sugar boost. Have corn or maple syrup on hand and give 1-2 tablespoons. Rub it on the gums if he cannot swallow, then take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Recent studies have shown that cats benefit greatly from higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets. These resemble diets that they would eat in the wild. Changing to a less than 5% carbohydrate, high protein canned food is the single most important change to make. Eliminate the dry kibble, and only feed canned. Some commercial diets in this category include: Wellness Chicken or Turkey; Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Chunky Turkey; Nature's Variety Organic, and raw, frozen diets. This gives your cat the greatest chance to come off of Insulin Therapy. I am finding that we can control diabetes in about 50% of diabetic cats by only feeding a higher protein canned food. One big additional point is that a change to a high protein canned food often means you'll need to lower insulin doses to avoid hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar). Discuss this with your veterinarian.

Chromium is a supplement that makes the cells more receptive to taking up blood glucose (sugar). It may help to lower the dose of insulin. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.

Diabetes affects the other cells in the body, damaging tissue and organ cells. Antioxidants limit this damage. Vitamin E (100 IU per 10 lbs twice daily) and Vitamin C (100 mg per 10 lbs twice daily) are two common antioxidants I would suggest.

One increasingly effective supplement helpful in treating cat diabetes is fish oil. It is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, and fish oil may increase insulin sensitivity. A feline dose is one regular strength capsule per 10 lbs of body weight given once daily. This equates to 1000mg of fish oil daily.

Cinnamon is a tasty spice has been shown to help regulate blood sugar- it is also a potent antioxidant. The active ingredient is called MHCP which mimics insulin to improve blood sugar regulation. The dose is of a teaspoon per 10 lbs daily.

You should now be able to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, and know what to do if your cat is showing these symptoms. You'll now have an understanding of what causes diabetes in cats, and be able to take some proactive steps in preventing it in your cat. Most importantly you can now use a few of the holistic solutions to decrease and potential stop your cat from needing daily injections of insulin.