Cremation Urns for Cats - What Size Urn Do I Need?

When you're a cat owner, you're a cat lover for life. Your felines become your friends and they become involved in every aspect of your life. They snuggle with you at night (how can something that small take up so much space in the bed?) and love you during the day. They have their favorite toys and soak up rays of sunshine while you work. They're equal parts independent and loving companion, which makes them such popular pets.

When your cat passes away, it can be a very difficult time for you. Because they've become such an integral part of your life, the grief that you're feeling is completely natural and you'll likely go through all the stages of grief while you cope with their loss. One of the tasks you may want to consider is having your cat cremated and then looking into cremation urns for cats.

Cremation urns for cats are varied and come in a myriad of shapes and sizes to suit your cat's lifestyle, whether they were a bit of a lazy cat or they spent their time chasing anything that moved. But how do you go about selecting the right size urn for your cats, since there are several sizes to choose from when you're browsing sites and looking at cremation urns for cats.

The very simple formula to use in order to figure out what size cremation urns for cats to look at is that one cubic inch is equal to about one pound of weight. This is helpful when looking at urns that are labeled as "small," "medium" and "large."

Generally speaking, you likely won't need to purchase a pet urn that's labeled as anything larger than small. A small pet urn generally holds the cremains of a pet that weighed up to 25 pounds prior to cremation. Speaking in terms of cremation urns for cats that ought to handle almost any of your feline friends unless you had a fairly large cat, which can happen near their end of life when they are less mobile. In that case, you will want to look into purchasing a medium sized pet urn.

When you're selecting the perfect cremation urn for cats, you'll have a lot of decisions to make, from the right material to the perfect color, but the first step you'll always need to take is to make sure that you've selected an urn that's going to be the right size for your feline friend.

Uncover the Mystery of Why Cats Purr

As a cat owner, I love the hypnotic sound of a cat's purr. But, I've always asked myself the question, "Why do cats purr?" So, I decided to do some research on the topic and found some interesting answers.

Weird Science - My Homegrown Investigation

The initial investigation started right here in my own home with my family of cats. I have eleven cats that I have rescued over the years and they are of varying breeds and personalities. Personally, I felt eleven subjects were enough to make a good home-based experiment, wouldn't you agree? Over time and under different circumstances, I began to note when I observed my cats purring and here are my findings.

Happy

My first cat Liberty came into my life after showing-up on my front door step on Liberty Street, which is how he got his name. He walked up to me and started to rub around my legs and was purring. Anytime I'm in front of my computer blogging, my big orange tabby, Neko jumps into my lap and starts to purr... now that's a happy cat.

Content

My little firecracker kitty named Chiwa is always running around, jumping and playing. When she finally settles down and is just lying around on the couch after a nice meal, she seems to be completely content and purring. I've observed her while she is alone and she just purrs away while relaxing.

Hungry

This observation is a little confusing but, here it goes. When Neko and his litter-mate Domino were born to their mother Chloe, I noticed as kittens while they were still unable to see, they would purr. Chloe would then come near, lie down and she would begin to purr. The kittens would then zero in on mom like a radar and start nursing. So, does the mother hear the purring of her kittens and respond to their hungry cries by purring herself which audibly guides the kittens to the mother to feed?

Sleepy

My black cat, Sammy is an athletic and high energy kitty. He's also a teenager and is constantly playing with the older cats and two kittens, Chiwa and Lydia. He runs himself as hard as he can, literally fighting sleep. But, when he comes in and is completely exhausted, he seems to purr extremely loud, then flops down and purrs himself to sleep.

Hurt/Injured

Our toughest cat has to be Oliver (aka Ollie or Mr. Bubbles as we like to call him). He was named after the street that we found him on; he was barely alive after being hit by a car. He had severe injuries to his head causing paralysis and blindness from brain swelling. Also, he had a broken hip, shoulder and tail. We stabilized his body in a stiff cardboard box to transport him to an emergency animal hospital. The whole time he was purring? I believe he was purring because he was injured and scared and it brought comfort to him.

Fear/Scarred

We have a 4,000 square foot yard that is fenced in with special cat fencing to contain our family of cats. Occasionally, a neighborhood stray or feral cat will come around and approach the fence. When this occurs, approximately 8-10 of our cats will gather in a semi-circle about 4 feet from the fence and stare the poor stray cat down. I've noticed that some of our cats will start a pattern of growling and then purring then growling again. They will continue this pattern until the offending stray leaves the area. I believe our cats are nervous or fearful of the stray cat during this confrontation of growling but then have a need to calm themselves to prepare for a fight or to at least make a stand.

Is This An Elaborate Form of Kitty Kommunication?

After all my observations over the years, I've come to a conclusion that this purring must be an elaborate form of kitty communication. There has to be some scientific or biological reason why these feline frequencies are being emitted by our cats under different circumstances. So, I decided to hit the internet to find a scientific explanation.

Real Science - What the Nerds Say

Well, there seems to be some interesting scientific theories that explain the question, "why do cats purr?" Let's take a look at several theories below.

Purr Frequency

The tonal range of a cat's purr is 25hz-250hz, which is 25 to 250 vibrations purr second. They appear to be able to generate the purr from either nerves or blood vessels in their voice box.

Communication

Many vets believe purring is definitely a communication tool for cats and is tied to their emotions to signal different moods, desires and needs. Socially, a cat may purr to signal to other animals that they are not a threat. Some believe that a cat's purr is a sign of friendship or a sign of anxiety. Also, purring may be associated with hunger, if a cat starts to purr, maybe the owner will come to investigate the reason for the purring which usually leads to the owner feeding the cat.

Healing Power

There is scientific evidence that the frequency ranges in a cat's purr can stimulate bone growth and healing. Vets feel that a cat will purr to extend their life by lowering levels of heart and bone problems. Other theorists believe the purring may release a pain reliever in the brain called endogenous morphine (aka endorphins). Endorphins resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being. Also, some say that purring is like that of a cat's mantra of self-healing, vibrating, relaxing sound.

Human Comfort

Some scientists believe that a cat's purr has a therapeutic effect on their owners and can be a healing method for humans. There is evidence that cat owners have lower blood pressure than those who don't own a cat. Many times a cat will lie and arrange themselves on their owner's body over a painful area and the heat and vibration from purring will relieve their owner's pain. Many retirement communities approve cats as a healing animal.

My Conclusion

My observations appear to be somewhat aligned with the scientific and veterinarian community on the reasons why cats purr. I suggest you do your own investigation and observations with your cats and hopefully you'll find the answer to the question, "why do cats purr?"

Get Rid of Fleas in Your House

When you own cats, you are at risk of having fleas on your cats and in your house. The odds are increased if they are indoor/outdoor cats. Fleas are nearly microscopic in size and difficult to eliminate. If you want to know how to get rid of fleas in your house, then you need to understand your enemy (the flea).

Fleas are definitely a nuisance and their bite generally causes quite a bit of itching and irritation of the skin. Some people can have an allergic reaction called dermatitis caused by flea saliva during a flea bite.

It's A Flea... Where's The Danger?

Fleas are certainly a nuisance, but not a danger despite its infamous involvement in the past with the plague. Consequently, for the plague to occur, you need a rodent that carries the plague and a flea that bites the rodent and then bites a human. Personally, I believe mosquitoes to be more dangerous than fleas; a mosquito can spread diseases from far away, whereas a flea is only going to spread diseases that are present around your house. With that said, how many of us have the human plague around our homes?

Once you start seeing fleas in your house, most likely they've already gotten a jump on you (no pun intended) and it will take you 3-6 months to resolve the problem. An adult female flea can lay about 200 eggs per month. Flea eggs will fall off your pet in your house, on your carpets, rugs, sofa, bedding, etc.

There are 4 Stages in a Flea's Life Cycle:

1. Egg

2. Larva (maggoty-like-thing)

3. Pupa (in a cocoon)

4. Adult

Note, getting rid of fleas on your cats isn't enough - you'll have to also rid the entire household environment of fleas in order to protect your cats from them for good. Getting rid of fleas in your house can be a daunting task, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some work.

Tackle The Cat First!

First, you'll want to eliminate the fleas from your cats by bathing them in warm soapy water. Dunk your cats completely in the water up to their necks (never their head) for five minutes to drown the fleas and wash off the flea poop (which is flea larvae food). Have a flea comb ready and be prepared for fleas to start running up to your cat's head, eyes and ears. Use the flea comb to remove the surviving fleas and drown them in the soapy water.

Next, you'll want to gently towel dry your cat and then let them finish drying themselves off by licking. Wait several hours and make sure your cat is completely dry, preferable the next day. Then apply a "high quality" topical flea protection solution on your cat, this will most likely require a trip to the vet's office to purchase, and follow the directions exactly. The two most popular brands of topical flea control treatments that I recommend are advantage and Frontline, which I have personally used on my cats with a lot of success. Never use cheap over-the-counter cat flea protection products or apply dog flea protection products on your cat, it can be dangerous to your cat's health.

Continue to apply "high quality" topical flea protection products on your cat monthly and all year-round to maintain a proper defense against future flea infestation on your cats or in your home.

Treating The Cat Is Not Enough!

Even after you get rid of the fleas on your cat, 95% of the fleas still remain in the environment. Remember the life cycle of an adult flea, it will lay eggs, the eggs hatch into larvae (little worms) which then form into a cocoon called pupa. Flea eggs and larvae can be killed by spraying the house but it won't affect the pupa, flea pupa can survive pretty much anything. Lastly, flea pupa hatch to become adult fleas and this is where a topical flea protection solution on your cat can stop the cycle and kill the adults, preventing them from laying eggs.

Lastly, spray your house with a "high quality" and safe flea spray called Knockout Spray, following the instructions exactly. This spray has been recommended by a 20 year veterinarian and is more effective at direct application than the typical "flea bomb" products that get onto your counter tops and tables where fleas don't live.

In addition to using a flea spray, you'll want to clean all the fabrics in your home using a shampoo. This means bedding, carpeting, upholstery, curtains, and especially areas where your cats sleep and play. Ridding your home of fleas is the best way to ensure you get rid of fleas from your cats for good so they won't return.

How to Care for Your Senior Cat

Like people, your cat will need a bit of extra help as they get older. This could be a change in their eating habits, however more often it's because older cats are more prone to illness. It is important for the health of the animal that you learn proper cat care for your senior cat. This is the only way you can ensure they will live a long and happy life, in fact, with good veterinary care a cat can live up to 20 years.

There are a number of ailments that could set in as your cat begins to age. It's important that if you notice any of these signs, that you get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to preserve your cat's health. Some of the more prevalent clues that could indicate something is not right with your cat's health could include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite or perhaps they don't seem as playful as they were in the past. Either of these could indicate that something is seriously wrong with your cat; thankfully most can be treated easily as soon as a vet has been informed. Just remember to keep an eye out for your cat acting a bit 'unusual'.

Of course, caring for a senior cat isn't just looking out for illnesses that may have presented themselves. There are a number of things that you should be doing on a regular basis in order to guarantee the cat's health:

The most important is that you switch them to a 'senior cat' diet. As a cat becomes older the nutrients that they require will change, actually requiring fewer calories. Your vet may be able to suggest the best diet for your cat; however most supermarkets and pet stores should also be able to offer the same information. If you leave them on the same diet they were on when they were 'younger' it could result in obesity, which has the same side effects as if it presented itself in humans.

Groom your cat regularly! Like humans your cat will be less 'flexible' as it becomes older. Grooming regularly will help combat diseases such as arthritis which often present themselves in older cats. Don't forget to cut their claws often as well, since they will be less active in their older age they won't wear down as quickly and thus can become 'stuck' on various things.

You will need to take your cat to the vet on a regular basis. They will carry out a complete check of your cat's health to ensure that no ailments are starting to present themselves. They will also carry out a dental check to see if there is any pain in the mouth. On top of all this they will also be able to describe some measures that you can put in place to help protect the health of the animal.

Just following a few of these simple tips will guarantee a long and rewarding relationship for you and your beloved pet.

The Traveling Cat - Drugie or Drug Free?

It seems there's a lot of money to be made convincing cats they are turtles in order to take them traveling. Although no one will deny the excruciating pain of watching an anxious, terrified dog hiding under the couch at the height of a thunderstorm or other stressful event, only a cat owner can know the true apocalyptic horror of handling a cat under pressure.

These lovely feline lads and lassies who smile and purr and nap quietly in your lap, who reach out their paw and touch your cheek as if preparing for the ultimate 'I love You' speech, if only they could - will rip your face off in less than 2 milliseconds if confronted with anything remotely resembling a threat. Thus is born the cat calming industry.

There is a reason you don't often, if ever, see a cat happily hanging its head out the window of your neighbor's Jaguar - they are too busy throwing up on the floor. Cats are generally not good travelers and the cat calming industry is lining up to make them so with the pop of a pill. The warning labels on many of these products are many however, "may cause side effects, addiction, drowsiness or impair motor skills".

Well fine, that's describes most of us with a glass of wine - no big deal, it will wear off. Not sure about the addiction part, but whatever, kitty can't exactly sell mommy's Dolce and G. bags on the streets for drugs, can he. Warnings about changes in personality begin to worry me though. Exactly what are they putting in these things, do they come with a straight-jacket, and can I have some please. For research, of course.

Don't let the 'all natural' claim on the label make you feel any more at ease, I'm pretty sure Valerian and St. John's Wort are found in the depression section of the local people pharmacy and are all natural. They are plants and plant extracts, and they are drugs, and you are still drugging your cat - just more naturally. For heaven's sake they're even recommending these things for parties! Not the pharmacy... the cat calming people.

Okay, so on the plus side you can get them in fun shapes (believe me, this is for your benefit not your cat's - despite how adorable he may look chasing goldfish across the television screen in HD, he will most definitely not associate it with a minute, inanimate object in the general shape of a fish lying in your hand). You can also get them in a sugar-free variety (believe me, sugar is not the reason your cat is fat or hyperactive, or sinks its claws six inches deep into the skin of your forearm at the mere site of a pet carrier).

My thinking is, if you absolutely must have your travel hating cat along, if he or she needs any assistance calming down during your trip perhaps it is best left to your vet to decide how to handle this situation and plan well ahead of time. Bring along a few favorite toys, yours or the cats, and a few non-medicated treats.

Is It True That Cats Have 9 Lives?

There most likely aren't any other descriptions to state the very being of kitties other than snooty, noble and stylish. Why would not they be? They are, after all, deemed to be descendants of Egyptian goddesses in early times. They just walk around your house with all the good posture and grace that you'd come to expect from a worshipped deity, save for the very fact that they have wiggling tails and mice attempting to escape from their mouths.

Nevertheless, aside from essence such sophisticated snobs of the household, they're also viewed to have nine lives. While this might look like an impossible trait to have, there is a bit of truth to it. Cats are tremendously nimble creatures which possess other natural abilities that makes them hard to die. Below are just a few of the reasons why many people believe that your pet feline may have 9 lives.

Cats tend to fight a lot - this might not exactly relate to your pet cats inside the household who only get to exchange "fistacuffs" with balls of rubber or yarn. If you think about it, alley kitties are rather brave, seemingly owning every dark alley they loiter around in. Regardless of their lack of size and frame, they really know how to take care of themselves and won't ever run away from a fight with another kitty or some other creature, including human beings. Despite the fact that there are some street dogs which might head their way towards these furry critters of the dark, who do you believe will emerge as the victor in the event that they get involved in a fight?

Cats are very stealthy - Felines have a one-of-a-kind sense of hearing that provides them the capability to anticipate any kind of danger before it can take place, thus steering clear of it. It's with this unique trait that they can stay away from death. If you've seen horror movies with kitties, they are the ones who give away the very fact that a secondary character gets killed off, with their fierce hissing and intense eyes. Whenever they sense danger heading their way, they instantaneously run off to keep away from it at all costs.

Cats never die from falls - They, being greatly supple creatures, have a natural acrobatic ability which may make you wonder why they can never die from a 5 storey fall. In spite of that height, they'd still have a perfect landing and move on to the next challenging situation to be dealt with. Of course, they may break a few bones in those nimble bodies of theirs, but they still go on to fight another day, or at least until they run out of 9 lives.

Grain Free Cat Food - Why The Concern?

There is a good market for grain free cat food, because people belief this is beneficial. It is and it isn't. Most is no more healthy than those which contain grains. You need to understand the whole story before you can decide what to feed your cat.

Grains as such are a part of a wild cats diet. However there are two provisos to this statement. One is that the grain is healthy, without chemicals, not GM, etc. The other is that the grains are only a tiny part of the diet.

In the wild, a cat will consume the whole of the carcass, including the stomach and its contents. The stomach contents of mice and small birds tend to be plant based food such as grain. However, the proportion of the grain to that of the meat is tiny.

The commercial cat food industry is run by corporations. Their only concern is their bottom line, their profit. Everything else comes secondary, although they will go out of their way to try to convince you otherwise.

Because meat is the most expensive of virtually all foods (perhaps bar caviar or truffles), the commercial cat food industry uses very little. To bulk this out, they use a filler. The filler is often grain, but not necessarily, although it will always be a plant based 'food'. It can be anything that is cheap on the world market and in plentiful supply - tapioca, sawdust, newspaper, spoilt grain, crushed nut shells, sugar, fast food leftovers, the list is endless.

Cats are true carnivores. They are not built to digest or utilise complex carbohydrates - plant based foods. Plants contain substances that can and do harm cats.

By feeding grain free cat food, you are making a sideways move, not a move forward. The real culprit is the whole quality of commercial cat food.

As meat is the most expensive food, all the best cuts go to the lucrative human food market. You may consider that what is left over is relatively healthy and that this forms the basis of cat food.

However, what is left over is then used as a cheaper source of human food - the processed meat, the sausages, the canned meat, fast food outlets. Very little of the best cuts of meat are left over.

Generally, the animal protein that forms part of most commercial cat food comes from a source that has questionable quality and nutrition - a rendering plant. Rendering plants are the next stage after slaughter houses where rejects for human consumption go, where road kill is taken, where dead and diseased animals are taken, where butcher leftovers are taken, to 'clean up' the environment.

These are not always processed immediately.

The final straw to break the camel's back comes from all the synthetic chemicals that are used to make the consistency more appealing, to colour, to flavour, to convince both you and your cat this is quality food, to preserve, etc.

Grain free cat food is only the tip of the iceberg. Consider the whole before making choices that affect your cat's health, and ultimately your wallet.

For more information of feeding your cat quality food, click on the link below.

Catnip - What's All the Frenzy About?

The herb Nepeta Cataria, commonly known as Catnip or Catmint, has long been used by humans for medicinal purposes. In teas, tinctures and other preparations, it has been used as a remedy for everything from insomnia to respiratory infections, indigestion, and headaches. Applied topically, it has also been used to treat burns and cuts due to its antiseptic properties and the tannins it contains which may promote healing of skin tissues.

However, catnip is probably best known as that intoxicating herb that drives cats wild. So, just what is this mysterious herb, and are you encouraging substance abuse by giving it to your cat?

A perenniel herb, catnip is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. And though it seems to drive some cats into a frenzy, it is actually quite harmless to them. High in iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A and C, it may even have some health benefits if ingested. For indoor cats that are energized by it, it could also motivate them to get more exercise and help prevent boredom. Ingesting it also provides some of the fiber that outdoor and wild cats get from the greens they consume outdoors.

The effective ingredient in catnip is nepatalactone which is similar to a chemical present in the urine of female cats. Because of this, unneutered males may react more strongly to it than females or neutered males. Kittens under 3 months of age tend not to have any interest in it at all.

The vomeronasal organ is what gives cats a special genetic disposition to catnip. Located above a cat's palate, it is the receptor for the nepatalactone. Therefore, it seems catnip must be inhaled for the nepatalactone to reach their receptors. Crushing, bruising or chewing catnip releases more of the nepatalactone which makes the herb even more attractive to the cats that are affected by it. For them, it can temporarily alter their behavior and mood, though the effect varies from one cat to another. Some may become extremely active, even aggressive, while "under the influence", while others may become mellow and "dreamy" or euphoric. Still others don't seem to react to it at all. The herb seems to affect about half to two-thirds of all domestic cats. It's believed that large wild cats such as lions and tigers also react to catnip.

The nepatalactone in catnip has also been found to repel insects including mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches. Studies in the lab have shown that oil distilled from catnip is about 10x more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, though it has not been found to be as effective when used directly on skin.

Nepatalactone also has properties similar to those found in valerian root which has a mild sedative effect in humans. Valerian is often used in teas and treatments for insomnia in people. Catnip seems to have a slight sedative effect in humans as well. And valerian root may also affect some cats like catnip!

Buying Catnip:

When choosing catnip products for your cat, we strongly recommend going organic. Your cat will be inhaling and ingesting some of the herb, so you want to avoid products that have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals.

The buds or blossoms are the most potent part of the catnip plant, followed by the leaves. The cheaper and most common catnip products sold for cats typically contain leaves with the stems included for bulk. Some even have a bit of hay added as filler, so a bag filled with stems and hay that your cat won't appreciate is not a good value. Unfortunately, many pre-filled toys contain this low quality catnip. So, if your catnip-loving pet doesn't seem to respond to these toys, try refilling them, if possible, with more potent catnip and see if your cat becomes more interested in them.

Storing Catnip:

Nepatalactone is UV sensitive and can lose some of its potency if exposed to light, so store catnip in a covered container that blocks out light. Freezing will also help preserve freshness. (This is best for dried catnip, as all moisture should have been removed before freezing.)

Ask a Vet Online

If you are having problems with your pet or if you have a question about how to properly care for your animal companion, one option you have is to ask a vet online. When you ask questions over the Internet of a licensed and experienced veterinarian, you can get the answers you need to be a responsible and loving pet owner.

Why Ask a Vet Online

There are many situations where it makes sense to ask a vet online about health issues or concerns related to your dog, cat or other pet. For example, some reasons why you may wish to ask questions of an online veterinarian include the following:

• You have a simple question and don't need a vet visit. In many instances, pet owners (and especially new pet owners) will have just one or two simple questions about how to care for their pet. If you only have a few questions that you need answered by a professional, it likely doesn't make sense to make an appointment and drag your pet to the vet when nothing is really wrong. At the same time, trusting random information that you find online isn't a wise choice either since it may not be correct. If you ask a licensed veterinarian, however, you can get the answers you need without the cost or stress of actually going to see your vet in person.

• You have a question and your regular veterinarian is not open. If you have a question at an odd time, such as when your dog or cat is behaving strangely in the middle of the night, there is a good chance you won't be able to get into contact with the DVM who normally treats your pet. While you could always take your animal to an emergency or 24-hour vet clinic, there is a significant cost associated with doing that and it can be a huge waste of time and money if you don't actually need emergency veterinary care. A licensed vet online can answer your questions during the off-times when your normal vet may not be around and may be able to help you to determine if you have a situation where your animal needs immediate medical attention.

• You want to get an additional expert opinion about animal care. If you have a regular veterinarian and he has given you an opinion about something, there may be times when you just aren't sure if he is right. Getting a second opinion for certain medical advice makes just as much sense when dealing with an animal as it does when dealing with human health problems. Of course, you may not have another local vet to turn to or you may not want to drag your animal off to another vet in person. In this case, asking an online vet may be the best solution.

These are just three of many different situations where you may wish to ask the advice and opinion of an online vet. The good thing is you can ask a vet online whenever you have a need to get the professional advice that only a licensed veterinarian can offer.

Natural Cat Health - Can Your Cat Beat It?

Natural cat health is impossible to beat, despite what anyone tells you. There are some very good reasons for this, which are explored in this article. When you are told otherwise, it is a good idea to question why this is being said.

Cats have evolved very well without any help from humans over millenia. They are highly successful and have adapted perfectly to their local environments and conditions. They also have an important role to play in the whole ecosystem of their locality; predators are known to keep the ecosystem in balance and healthy.

The food that cats eat in the wild is the perfect food for all their needs - nutritional as well as physical and mental well being. Disease is almost unheard of in the wild, the only major problems resulting from injuries.

Any weak hereditary trait is quickly removed, as if the kitten manages to grow up, it is unlikely they will raise a family.

For some reason, cats have agreed to join us in our journey of life. I believe this is because they are helping us reconnect to nature. Many humans have so distanced themselves from nature, they are at a huge disadvantage, resulting in both physical and mental ill health.

It is a well known fact that reconnecting with nature not only improves your health, it improves your life span too. Gardening and caring for a pet come high on the list of health benefits. No wonder pets are so popular.

But, if the pets are helping you, then it is your responsibility to ensure you give them the best care, that nurture their needs, that you can.

Natural cat health care provides this, without a doubt. Let's look at why:

The food provided is as close as you can conceivably get to the one they evolved on and so are perfectly adapted to. Interestingly, this diet will also drastically cut down on their desire to hunt. Most hunting is a result of a nutritional deficiency.

Many veterinarians refute this very obvious fact. Their professional associations do so publicly. However, when you realise some important facts, you can easily see why:

Vets make a huge part of their income by selling commercial pet food.

Because commercial cat food is nutritionally deficient and toxic, the cat becomes ill, providing an additional income for the industry.

Veterinary schools do not train their students in the incredibly important aspect of nutrition. Instead they are taught that drug X is used to treat condition Y. There is no training to look for the cause of the problem.

Regardless of their protestations, illnesses in cats are drastically reduced or eliminated when cats are fed a quality, natural diet.

Another important aspect of natural cat health care is the type of health care you use. There will always be occasional problems that arise in domestic cats - so far from their preferred habitat, with little natural selection for breeding.

Most people turn to vets for their cat's health needs. But every veterinary drug, including vaccines, are toxic to the body. This means their immune system will be compromised with each visit, resulting in deteriorating health over time.

A far healthier option, and a far more economical one, is to use natural therapies, in particular homeopathy. Homeopathic treatment works in unison with the body, supporting its best efforts, rather than suppressing the symptoms. Homeopathic treatment has no side effects, is non toxic and cats are very willing to take it, provided you respect their wishes and the selection is a good one.

Make natural cat health care your preferred option to give your cat the best you can.

For more information on this topic, click on the link below.

Cat Urine Trivia - 5 Facts About The Odor And 3 Solutions For It

There are over 80 million household cats in the United States alone, so it comes as no surprise that cat urine odor is high on the list of most searched-for terms. If you are struggling with this issue, here are 5 facts that may help understand and ultimately triumph over the odor.

1. It contains ammonia. And breathing these fumes can cause acute flare-ups for those who suffer with allergies and asthma.

2. It has a higher acid content than that of many other animals. This was designed to ward off predators, and for cats that are still allowed outdoors to find food, this is a huge aid in self-defense.

3. It glows under a black light. This happy fact makes it easier to find the offending spot and neutralize it.

4. It contains 95% water.

5. Urine contains the protein Fel D1 like dander and can also cause a skin reaction for those who are sensitive to it.

So now that you know all of these interesting facts, you're probably still wondering how something that is mostly water can literally cause such a stink, and how you can deal with the odor effectively. Here are 3 steps to take to literally clear your air.

Find and Neutralize The Spot---Finding the spot is sometimes the hardest part. What you can't see can hurt you and as you are probably now aware from personal experience, it can smell really bad. Sometimes the stain is evident, and sometimes you feel the wet spot under your feet--Yuk.

If you are having trouble finding it, use your nose particularly if you think it's on the furniture or the bed. You can also use number 3 above and shine the black light.

Neutralizing the spot will mean that your cat will be less likely to come back and repeat the inappropriate behavior, at least in the same place. There are all kinds of products on the market that are designed to remove the odor. One of the most natural is a solution of white vinegar as immediately after the accident has occurred as is possible.

Keep The Litter Box Clean---As discriminating as we might think our noses are cats have an even keener sense of smell. So keeping the litter box absolutely pristine will encourage your feline friend to go where it's supposed to go when it feels the urge.

Filter the Air---Even the best odor remover can sometimes not prevent a faint smell from continuing to occur especially if there is moisture introduced to the air. As cat lovers it is easy for our noses to turn a deaf ear to the smell because we are around it so much. Relatives and friends are less likely to ignore the smell so continually filtering the air is an effective and low maintenance way to keep the air smelling fresh.

An effective cleaner will not only need a carbon filter, but the carbon will need an additive that is specifically designed to remove the ammonia. A motor that allows 24 hours cleaning, as well as various sized filter for the wide range of particles cats can produce is a good idea as well.

Keeping an Indoor Cat Happy and Your House in One Piece

Having an indoor cat does not mean your cat will be unhappy. If they have never known the outdoors or have had an accident, making it so they cannot go outdoors, then they can be content to stay inside. However there are a few things that need to be taken into account. These are keeping your house clean for yourself and your cats... as cats are very hygienic, and making sure they are happy and do not get bored... which can result in your home, for example furniture, getting wrecked.

Of course your cat will need a litter tray. If there is more than one cat living in the household it is a good idea to buy more than one litter tray as cats hate going to the toilet where others have... and I do not blame them! There are different litter trays that can be purchased but the best ones are the ones that have a hood over them like a cat carrier as then the cats get to go to the toilet in peace, it decreases the smell in the room and when they flick the litter it does not make a mess on the floor as it stays inside.

Your cat or cats will also need space and plenty of it so access to a number of rooms is vital. Without space they cannot exercise so weight gain is inevitable as well as boredom from having no space to have a run around or be nosey around the house. They will become withdrawn and your once happy, cuddly cat will not want to engage with you. If there is a specific room in the house that you do not want them in... just shut the door. With the space around the house they have they should also be given access to a few different beds. One up high so they can see outside and one in a corner so they can curl up and hide away to sleep gives them a choice of what mood they are in. You can also get radiator beds which just hook on your radiator to give your cat an extra warm bed in the winter.

If you do not want your furniture ruined a scratching post is a must. Depending on how many cats you have usually depends on the size or how many you have but it gives them something to sharpen their claws on and mark their territory... which cats like to do a lot. As well as scratching posts some toys would keep your furry friend active as well, especially if you spend half the day out the house because of work.

All these things will help to ensure you have a very happy cat and a very happy human.

Air Purifiers For Cats - 4 Features For Success

Cats bring a lot of love to a home. They can also bring a lot of unwanted pollutants that can irritate respiratory problems and just make your home appear less than inviting. Using an air cleaner can clear the air in your home and safeguard your health if it has the following 4 features.

Carbon Filter---Thank goodness for carbon, because it is well-known for its ability to filter gaseous pollutants from the air. So if an air purifier is to be effective at removing urine smell it must have 10 to 15 pounds of activated carbon.

The added bonus of having carbon is that even though your main concern may be odor from your feline friend, carbon doesn't really care about the source of the odor. It will indiscriminately remove gases, odors, and chemicals that may be lurking in your air from everyday living such as cooking smells from last night's dinner, fragrances from personal products, and smells cleaning products emit.

Filter For Removing Ammonia---Remember when your grandmother used to clean windows with ammonia? That's because it's powerful stuff. And ammonia is one of the main components of urine. That's why cat urine can be such an eye-stinging experience.

In order for any cleaner to be able to remove this smell, it needs a carbon filter that has a considerable amount of activated carbon in it. But carbon alone can't effectively remove it completely.

An additive such as ammonasorb that is specifically designed to absorb the ammonia is what is needed. This additive has been shown to enhance carbon's ability to absorb the ammonia and return the air to your home smelling fresh and clean.

Filter For Dander---Cat dander can be mistaken for particles you sometimes see floating in your air. In fact, the dead skin flakes that your pet is constantly shedding are invisible to the human eye. These flakes are microscopic in size.

But the effect that they can have on someone who is allergic or asthmatic is huge. Constant exposure to high levels of dander can and often does cause sensitivity where there was previously none.

That's why it's important to have a filter that can remove micron size particles. A high-efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter is the best type of filter for the job because by definition, it can remove airborne particulates as small as.3 microns.

This is the type of filtration that is recommended for people with asthma and allergies, and is used by hospitals to insure clean air.

Living with a warm-blooded pet such as a cat probably means that your main concerns center around hair and dander, but HEPA filtration will also remove other well-known allergens such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, bacteria, and viruses.

24 Hour Cleaning Capability---A cleaner can have the best combination of filters in the entire world, but unless it can run all the time, it will constantly be playing catch up. And for you that means your air is not consistently clean. Keeping air quality high all the time is the most effective way to minimize the effects allergens can have.

A split capacitor motor is designed to run safely and effectively for long periods of time without needing a rest. Check the technical specifications to make sure that your unit can clean continuously. Allergens don't take a break and your unit shouldn't have to either.

Have an Outdoor Cat? Plant Them a Garden Paradise

Is your feline in love with your garden as much as you are? Regardless of all your sneaky or tricky tactics to prevent him or her from perusing your plants, they always seem to out-smart you. An easy fix is to provide your cat with their own lush paradise. I know, I know, it seems really silly to grow and nurture plants and a garden just for your cat, but trust me - you will thank me.

Your first step is to decide whether to plant a separate are in your garden or to mix cat-loving plants within yours. If you ultimately choose to mix among your garden, make sure to plant them in the back or in less prominent places. This is primarily due to the fact that your cat will be rolling around, chewing, eating and laying on them. Avoiding wilted, trampled, and nibbled garden plants is probably something you'd like to avoid.

Next is to decide what to plant. Starting off with catnip is a no-brainer. The majority of cats go nuts for this stuff and is actually a very aesthetically pleasing plant. Tiny green leaves appear first then talk stalks of cone-shaped little white or light purple flowers. Plus, it can benefit you - people use it in tea and it is supposed to aid in respiratory infections.

Felines are also in love with grass, of any kind. A popular type is cat grass, which is high in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. An added bonus is cat grass aids in digestion and can reduce hairballs.

A few other plants that are safe for cats are herbs like bee balm, lavender, thyme and flowers like orchids, snapdragons, cockscomb, and many more. Consult a vet or do research before planting your flower bed.

If you want, make a little home for your cat amongst the plants with an enclosed cathouse. Place the litter box behind it so it's out of site but still accessible. Having a kitty litter in the garden will prevent her from peeing on your plants which will in turn kill them. Make sure she also has food and water out there if she is spending a large amount of time in the garden.

There are some plants you want to avoid in your garden all together. Lilies of any kind, azalea, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, paprika plants, ivy, chrysanthemums, figs, mistletoe, daffodils and bulb plants, like onions and rhododendrons can all be poisonous to your kitty.

Also, make sure you don't use any chemical pesticides or soil in your garden. Since your cat will be eating and frolicking in her garden, you don't want her ingesting or being exposed to toxic chemicals. Instead, use organic, pet safe mulch and insect killer. A great brand is EcoSmart which uses herbs like rosemary, peppermint, thyme, and clove to repel pests but be careful as even these essential oils can be harmful to your cat

The Numerous Benefits of a Cat Tree

Cat owners are known for spoiling their pets. One of the best ways to spoil them is by providing them with a cat tree. This is so named because it often resembles a tree, with different levels, or branches, and various platforms at graduated heights. The surface is usually covered with carpet or an acrylic material. They often also come with a scratching post near the base covered with sisal fiber or sometimes hemp rope. They come in hundreds of different designs, making it quite simple to find one that matches the decor of your home or apartment.

There are a number of different reasons that this can benefit you and your cat that go way beyond spoiling your pet:

Save Your Furniture

Cats in general need to scratch and the usual beneficiary of this scratching is your furniture. A cat tree will take their attention away from your furniture, saving it from getting ruined. Cats scratch to either sharpen their claws or mark their territory, so a cat tree can give them a new place to do these things.

Exercise for your Cat

If you have an indoor cat and live in a small space, you probably see your cat running around quickly at the same time every night. Cats need exercise, and climbing is one of the best ways for them to get it. A cat tree often has many levels which will give them the opportunity to jump as well. The cat tree can also help to keep them entertained to give you time to yourself occasionally.

Reclaim your Furniture

Cats love to take your favorite spot on the couch or in your bed. The cat tree will give them new spots to claim that can be their very own. They will probably still steal your spot from time to time, but at least they now have a piece of furniture that's just for them.

Save your Kids

If you have smaller kids you might notice that your cat doesn't like them all the time. Your cat might even scratch them. This can often be because the swift movements of kids scare them and they feel like they have no place to go to escape them. A cat tree will give them a place to go where the kids can't reach them.

A cat tree is one of the best purchases you can make for your cat. If gives them a place of their own where no one can bother them. It's also great if you have more than one cat, because most trees come with numerous platforms where they can all lounge comfortably. You also won't have to deal with buying new furniture every couple of years, or just living with ripped up couches and chairs that embarrass you when guest come over. A cat tree has so many benefits for you and your cats that there is really no reason not to get one. You, your kids, your furniture, and especially your cats will definitely thank you.

Cat Scratch Fever? Tips To Cure This Habit

Most cat owners must hate cat scratching. It ruins furniture, couches, countless toilet paper rolls, curtains - you name it. But an important aspect to note it is, cat scratching is completely normal in the wild but destructive within the home. We must remember that when a cat starts to scratch that antique piece of furniture, they are only acting out of natural feline behaviors. Cats partake in this activity to condition claws, exercise, mark territory and ultimately, because they're bored.

Though this cat practice may or may not get on our nerves, screaming and hitting will never correct this behavior. It will only frighten them. As a responsible pet parent, we need to refocus this natural activity and channel it where we would like them to scratch.

Invest in a scratching post, pad, or similar product! All felines love to scratch rough surfaces that can be torn in pieces. Sisal has become a proven material, ideal for any scratch post. Important to note, cats tend to mark territory with vertical shredding and sisal has the perfect texture and grain.

How to pick out the right scratch post? Well the post should be tall enough so your cat can extend their full body and reach the top; roughly 28-inches should be perfect. If you have multiple cats, larger posts can prove to be useful. But if you are reluctant to purchase a bulky scratching post, considering a scratch pad can also work. Scratching pads can be hung on places like doorknobs, so kitty can still get her stretch, but they don't take up much room.

"Post good, sofa bad"

Try these training tricks to help your kitty adjust her scratching behavior:

Persuade your cat to use the post. Put the post near locations where your kitty normally does his scratching. By making the post more appealing, try rubbing catnip on the base and tower. Because felines to do their scratching when they wake up, placing the post near normal sleeping areas can also be a good idea. Also, placing multiple scratch posts around the home may also be necessary.

Discourage other scratching. Keep in mind, your pet has been scratching certain areas to mark territory and because is a fun exorcise. Preemptively remove the odor of your cat from the area with specially formulated pet deodorant. Next, cover the location with aluminum foil or double-sided tape - this won't feel good to scratch and can dissuade further scratching.

Trimming - not declawing

Always trim your cat's claws. Trimming nails can make scratching much less destructive.

Declawing is NEVER the answer. Declawing involves removing the last joint of the cat's toe. This irreversible procedure is known to be painful and can result in a myriad of complications. A cat's claws are essential for balance and mobility. Throwing off her ability to teeter and jump is counter to your cat's natural motion.

Claws are your pet's first line of defense. If your rationale to declaw you cats is that "she will always remain inside," an accidental slip out the front door will leave her defenseless.

Understanding your cat's need to scratch will help you and your cat sort out alternatives to destroying your couch, curtains and other valuables.