cat food

The Controversy of Declawing Your Cat

2012-01-27T12:22:00.001-08:00

Declawing your cat is a very controversial subject. This is because most declawing procedures are quite brutal and can cause lasting damage to your cat. A standard declawing procedure actually amputates the cat's first joint on every toe. This causes a lot of pain, and can also cause the cat to lose their natural gait.

Declawing cats is actually illegal in many countries, including England. There is an active campaign in the United States for its ban as well. In Australia they say it is a cruel and unneeded procedure. Obviously there are some strong feelings on the subject.

So, why do people still get their cats declawed? Often, it is simply a case of not knowing. Many people do not understand just how brutal this procedure really is. Also, there are many veterinarians who downplay the procedure, and offer two-for-one deals with declawing and neutering. When people see the procedure offered so nonchalantly, they assume it must be completely safe.

Another reason why people still get the procedure done is because it can be nearly impossible to train some cats not to scratch people and furniture. Declawing may be a last resort, but it is better than giving up the cat, many people rationalize this way.

So, if you have a cat with a scratching problem, what should you do about it? There are actually a few options. The first is to simply train the cat not to scratch bad things, and giving it a good thing (scratching post) to scratch. There is obviously more to this method, but you can find it with a quick Google search. Another option is claw caps. These are plastic caps which glue onto your cat's claws so that they do not do any harm when scratching.

Most of the time, these alternatives will work if you are willing to spend some time working on them. I do not think these cats should be placed in shelters, but I also do not think they deserve to be mutilated. Make sure you do your research into these things.

There is a new, alternative procedure, which uses a laser to remove the claw. This has been deemed safer and more humane.

Scratching in cats is a natural, instinctive behavior, we have to accept that cats are going to scratch and work around it. We need to alter our lives to suit the cat, not the cat's body to suit our lives.

How to Choose a Safe Product for Our Feline Friends

2012-01-25T00:09:00.001-08:00

I've often encountered questions like what is the safest cat food or cat grooming product to use on pet cats. With an enormous number of products being sold out there, it could be quite confusing to know which one is really safe for our cats. Being owned by 4 finicky cats and having years of cat care experience, it is through trial and error that I have learned which products are really safe.

Now it is easy to get swayed by your friend or acquaintance saying "Hey, this is the best cat food. My cat loves it!" or "This is the best shampoo, it works for my cat." What you have to remember is their cat is not exactly like your cat. Certain shampoos, food or other products work specifically for a special breed of cat. You have to take into consideration that cats come in different varieties such as long and short hair kinds, exotic and mixed breeds etc. If you share the same breed or type of cat, chances are the effects of using the similar product may be the same but not in all cases. There is also the age difference, individual metabolism of the cat, temperament, etc that you do have to consider before you really decide if that is safe and good for your pet.

Trying on a new product, let's say like cat food, is basically a trial and error process. In my experience, my cats did not prefer the expensive brands that market themselves as fully nutritional for the cats. I ended up spending so much on a particular brand of cat food that they didn't want to eat. The lesson here is before investing your money on a new brand of cat food, read the label and read a lot of product reviews about it. You may come across some other cat parents who claim their pets experienced vomiting or some adverse medical condition after consuming the product. This may or may not happen to your cat but it does pay to put attention to it. Every cat has their own preferences when it comes to food, so what may work for one cat won't work for the other.

The best thing to do is to check the ingredients on the label and see if the product has the approval of EPA and FDA. Avoid cat food products that are rich in grain and fillers. A cat's metabolism is not built to digest ingredients made out of these and it can cause bad effects on your cat's health in the future. When it comes to grooming and pet products, avoid those that contain harmful ingredients like essential oils such as tea tree and Pennyroyal. These ingredients are not only harmful, they are toxic and can cause severe effects, at worse feline death.

If you must try a new product, buy them in small packages first. Observe your cat for at least one week to see if they do like the food or if the shampoo or Flea powder that you used is causing any good or adverse effects on their health. Most importantly, check with the FDA website for the products that they have approved to be safe for use. It pays to do your homework when it comes to cat care and safety. Ask your vet if the product is safe to use or consume if you are not confident enough with what you have researched so far.

An Honest Review On Cats' Physiology

2012-01-24T04:01:00.001-08:00

Cats have a particularly flexible skeleton of more than two hundred and thirty bones, in which the forelegs can turn in almost any direction without strain, the head can turn almost completely through one hundred and eighty degrees and the spine is very mobile, especially the tail which can bend in any way it wishes. The skeleton is linked by more than five hundred well-developed muscles, which are especially strong in the lumbar region and the legs, to give them a powerful spring, and in the neck shoulders, to enable them to strike their prey. The cerebellum, that part of the brain which coordinates muscular movement and controls balance and direction, is also highly developed, giving the cat very fast reactions and enabling very rapid movement of its' lithe and agile body. The cat thus has the power and the fluidity of movement it needs to be a successful predator, but its chest cavity is small for its size,and consequently it has a small heart and lungs, which means that it is easily tired. In fact a cat's life consists of bursts of great activity interspersed with comparatively long periods of rest and recuperation. The space saved by the small chest is taken up by large digestive organs to allow for the alternating periods of gorging and fasting which make up the life of a carnivore in the wild. Like man, the cat has a collar-bone; it is the only domestic animal to have one-though it is small and does not hamper freedom of movement. Its limbs and digits, however have developed in a quite different way.

Its legs have similar components to those of human limbs, but its wrists and ankles appear to be halfway up the leg-only when a cat is sitting does its hind "foot" rest on the ground in human fashion. Its elbows and knees appear much closer to the body. The leg joints are arranged at closed angles which, coupled with their muscle power,gives them the ability to make great jumps. The cat walks upon its toes, of which there are normally five on each forefoot and four on each hind-foot, although extra toes are not uncommon. The soft fleshy pad of paws absorb any sudden shocks and protect the cat's weight-bearing bones. With their downy covering, and the tufts of fur between the pads, the paws make a cat's stealthy tread very quiet indeed-but by no means inaudible to other cats. Naturally outdoor cats wear off the down on their paws, which become tough and leathery, but do not lose their sensitivity, which is acute, or more so,than that of out fingertips. Although the cat's digits have not developed into the versatile fingers of the human hand, its front paws are used for an enormous range of activities. They will hold things down and lift things up, cupped they become a scoop, clasped together they will lift things between them, they can be dipped into cream at the bottom of a jug where no tongue can reach, they can test temperature and texture, pull, pummel, swat, fondle and clout, as well as act as a sponge for washing places where the tongue cannot stretch. Although a cat will normally carry things in its mouth, it will often first pick them up with its front paws which are much more flexible than most people imagine. The rear paws do not have such flexibility, but they are larger and stronger, and are used in fighting as well as providing the pushing power for running and jumping.

A Complete Review Of The Cat's Behavioural Patterns

2012-01-23T17:56:00.001-08:00

If it is in cover it will freeze at the slightest smell, sound or movement that suggests danger or quarry and focus its senses to give the best possible information on its cause. Stealthily it will investigate the situation further, often following a roundabout route to ensure that it is undetected. It will move in short, sharp bursts with its body kept close to the ground, unless it knows itself to be behind good cover. As it approaches its quarry it will conceal itself as much as possible, moving slowly and pausing frequently to check the situation. Taking up position ready to attack, a tremor will run through it as it prepares every muscle-all quickly stilled if the moment is unpropitious or frozen into concentration the instant before it springs. Then,suddenly, it will pounce with outstretched paws, teeth and claws grasping the creature at the same time. Mice and other small rodents form the greater part of the cat's prey, although other mammals, birds, reptiles and even garbage are also eaten. Rather more unusual, in view of the widely held belief that cats do not like water, are those cats who have taught themselves to fish. There are many recorded cases of cats having learned to scoop fish out of ponds and shallow streams with their paws. Some cats have been reported to dangle the tip of their tail in the water to act as a lure for the fish.

Almost all cats seem to be partial to insects-especially grasshoppers when they are available, although a surfeit can make them sick. Flies too are easy meat.As a cat concentrates on a fly which has settled upon the window pane it will often let out an involuntary chatter like a machine-gun rattle-a noise also made at birds, particularly if they are not accessible. Is this sound the expression of excitement that cannot be contained, a sportsmanlike challenge or simply an explosion of frustration at the creature being out of reach? Perhaps all three-and a warning for the prey as well! Although cats reared together will learn to share their home, they nevertheless have strong feelings about territory and will resent any encroachment by an outsider.

Even among themselves a dominance pattern will usually emerge which is most evident in appropriation of sleeping places and the maintenance of feeding privileges. Out of doors,although the cat does not rely upon the prey within a certain area, it nevertheless lays claim to its own territory, even if it is restricted to a garden or back yard, and will not happily tolerate intrusion unless deference is paid to its proprietorship. These territorial limits, usually marked by spraying urine-although a pet trained to a litter tray may not do this-can be very rigid. A cat may accept another on the garden wall or on a common path through the shrubbery, but will chase it out if it dares to go a step beyond. Human territories are far more difficult to establish. How do you prevent a cat from, for example, going up stairs, sitting on a particular chair or jumping on the table. Humans do not consciously mark forbidden territory with their smell, but token "defence" or repulsion from a certain place will have its effect for future occasions when you are present. Like all animals cats have patterns of behaviour to prevent violence, adopting aggressive warning action or submissive postures, according to the circumstances, and they will often adopt these when faced with a human challenge as much as with another animal.

The Best Dry Foods for Diabetic Cats

2012-01-18T17:43:00.001-08:00

Owning a diabetic cat proves to be a rather frustrating affair for several people, especially when it comes to finding the proper diet for them. Considering that you may not have the slightest idea on what to feed your cat, you will have to look for a lot of resources that can educate you on how to provide proper cat care.

There are definitely a lot of processed foods available, and these don't really amount to a whole lot of health benefits for your furry feline friend. In such cases, you will have to make some extra effort in finding the best choice with which you can feed your cat. Below are just a few of these choices to consider:

Royal Canin - This is dry food which is specifically made for diabetic cats. This actually promotes the reduction of the effects of diabetes. Its manufacturers invested a lot of time and effort in the research of providing cats with such a condition not only a healthy but also delectable diet. This type of cat food is filled with a lot of protein content as well as a low carb count, which is essential in keeping them as healthy as possible. Royal Canin is a brand that is officially approved by several veterinarians all over the world, However, it is extremely important that you get a prescription from them in order to buy it. The reason for this is that this cat food is highly effective and is meant to be fed only to cats that are diabetic. In a nutshell, Royal Canin affects the way your feline friend reacts to insulin, so it is essential for you to closely observe them after starting on a Royal Canin diet.

Purina - Though considered to be rather expensive, this type of dry cat food is proven to be highly beneficial for your pet. This comes in a can, and offers a lot of benefits which aim to improve your cat's condition. It is infused with omega fatty acids and is also rich in Vitamin E. This means that your cat's skin and fur will be a lot healthier than before. You will also need a prescription to purchase Purina.

These are just two of the best dry food options for cats with diabetes. If you want to ensure proper cat care, purchase either of the two and see just how beneficial it can be for your lovable feline pet.

How To Set Up Your Home For Your New Ragdoll

2012-01-18T07:43:00.001-08:00

Before you can bring home your new Ragdoll kitten, you must make sure that your home is ready to receive it. You would want to ensure that your new addition to your family will find its new home welcoming, safe and comfortable.

Here is a breakdown of 5 places in your home that you should kitten-proof:

Bathroom

The bathroom can be place of danger for any kitten because more often than not, water can be left unattended in a bathtub or in a bucket. If your Ragdoll kitten gets thirsty, it may wander to the bathroom and try to drink from the tub or bucket. Your kitty could possibly fall into either the bucket or the tub so to avoid that, be sure to keep your bathtub drained and have a lid to cover buckets filled with water. Always keep the toilet seat covered, too.

Outdoors

Cats, by nature, love to explore and the outside world is just as fascinating to them as the inside of your home. However, Ragdoll kittens should not be allowed to go outside the confines of your home or apartment. You should also check which plants you have in your home that can be poisonous to your new pet. Do what's necessary to keep them away from it.

Kitchen

As a place where you cook and prepare food, kittens love hanging out in the kitchen. You have to be watchful of your new Ragdoll kitty around kitchen appliances, their wires and other electrical appliances. Try to keep your sink drained of water to avoid having your pet fall into it. Keep cleansers, soaps, liquids and powders that they can open and spill or even ingest in high cupboards or cabinets with child-safety locks to avoid poisoning.

Living Room

Ragdoll kittens like to play on the floor but will also like to play on sofa, chairs and tables. It would be best to have a scratching post or a cat tree around so they have a proper place to relax or have fun. You should also put away your favorite breakables in another cabinet that is far from your new kitten's reach.

Bedroom

To avoid choking, personal items that include needles, pins and other small objects should be kept in a drawer. Your Ragdoll kitten is curious about everything and will try to taste or swallow those small items. Curling iron, blowdryer and other accessories should also be hidden away after use to avoid burning and other accidents. Cats also find laundry baskets appealing so it would be good to have a cover for your laundry pile.

Effective Techniques in Calming Your Pet Cat

2012-01-16T15:41:00.001-08:00

Although it is hard to believe but cats can be stressed also like human beings and they need an avenue to de-stress themselves to return to their normal routine and to feel good.

What are the causes of cat stress?

Like human beings, there are things and events which serve as stressors for cats such as:

- Traveling
- House relocation
- Visiting the veterinarian
- Presence of other cats within their territory
- Scary noises
- New pet in the house
- Strong scents
- Fleas

- Loss of companion

Like humans, cats also show signs of stress like scratching on the furniture, their tails become full, persistent urinating in places other than their litter box, loss of appetite, overeating, irritability, persistent meowing, bedding, eating of plants, unusual behavior, frantic running around and biting. If your cat shows these symptoms, then you should de-stress your pet immediately because like humans, stress is harmful to their health also.

Some pet owners bring their pets immediately to the veterinarian due to fear that something bad will happen to their beloved pets. Nevertheless, there are other ways that you can de-stress your cats without bringing them to the veterinarian. Some pet owners fear that stress in cats will cause detrimental health effects like hair loss, urinary problems and eating disorders. Before you initiate a move to de-stress your pet, you should evaluate the stressors first.

Ways to de-stress your pet cats:

- If the stressor is other pets in the house, then you should keep the cat away from other pets or cats.

- Avoid feeding or doing immediate fix when your cat is violent or stressed because it reinforces their bad behavior. However, you can give them reward for their good behavior.

- When stressed, you can speak to them in calm voice and avoid yelling at them because it will make them more stressed.

- You can give your cat her favorite cat food to calm her down. You can also massage her to relax her and to help her to sleep.

- You can provide a hiding place for your cat to give him some privacy when relaxing and resting. Bear in mind that cats too need to cool their anger down before they can interact and can socialize with other cats and other people. You can either give her a cat box or a quite room which serves as their resting haven.

- If your pet is stressed with loud noises, you can turn off loud music and put on soothing music to calm her down.

- You can give your cat her favorite toys to play, to distract her or to give her exercise.

By following these simple tricks, you can de-stress and can relax your stressed cats in no time.

Why Do Cats Urinate in the House?

2012-01-09T12:06:00.001-08:00

There are many reasons why your cat might be peeing in the house, anything from cleanliness, change of territory and the scent of another cat. Let's look at why cats urinate in the house and what you can do to make it stop.

Making your cat stop urinating on the carpet is easier than it seems. Many cat owners cannot keep an eye on their pet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so it becomes difficult to see what they are doing, where and why they are doing it. I want to run through some real life situations that have happened to me, and how I stopped the constant urinating on carpets.

Why do cats urinate in the house, and what you can do to make it stop.

One of the many reasons cat owners find themselves in this predicament is down to health issues. A couple of years ago my male cat was starting to pee just outside his litter tray, and then over a few days, he spread to other rooms and before I knew it, the house was starting to smell of urine. He had never done this before, he was always clean and never missed the spot when it came to doing his business.

Over the next couple of days, I made more of an attempt to follow him, only to find he wasn't peeing as normal. The short story is, he had a urinary infection, and the vet mentioned that he might be associating the pain he felt when he urinated to his litter tray, and so he avoided going in. I don't want to scare you, but if this sounds like something that could be happening to your cat, then either give your local vet a call, or take him in for an examination.

If the above is not something you think is happening, then lets run through another couple of reasons of why cats urinate in the house.

A change of territory is also another reason for random urinating, as they are simply marking their new home with their smell. You may see this happen for only a couple of days, but if it continues, then there might be other issues to look at.

Cleanliness is something I must mention, because it has happened to me in the past. If you have an indoor cat which uses only a litter tray, then having a dirty box is something of a no go area for many cats. Daily cleaning is essential, and the urinating in carpets will start to fade within days. Make sure your cat has easy access to his tray when it is cleaned.

These simple steps above may sound obvious, but many people have busy lives and forget that the simple things are usually the problem. If you think your cat has health issues, then don't waste anytime in having the vet give him a health check.

How to Clean Cat Urine From Furniture

2012-01-07T00:04:00.001-08:00

If you are having problems with your cat urinating on your furniture, then having a surefire way of cleaning away the stain and smell is essential. Are you embarrassed because your house smells of stale cat urine, and whatever you do to get rid of the smell does not work? Lets look at some easy ways to clean cat urine from furniture.

I would first like to explain what not to use to clean up, after your cat has urinated on the furniture or carpet. You may think that using anti-bacterial spray is a good way of getting rid of the smell, but you would be wrong. These types of spray can actually attract cats back to the affected area. Cleaning solutions that contain ammonia will also attract your cat, as cat urine contains ammonia also.

What can I use to clean cat urine from furniture?

There are many solutions that you can make from home, and you will probably have the ingredients in your home, so you can get started right away. The following is a tried and tested way of cleaning away cat urine stains, and also the odor.

You will need an equal solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water. The best way to use this easy to make solution is placing it in a spray bottle. You can also make the solution in a small bucket and simply apply with a cloth, both work well. You may want to test the solution on an area that cannot be seen first, to make sure it doesn't affect the furniture material.

If the cat urine is fresh, use paper towels to soak up as much of the urine as possible. This will prevent the cat pee from being spread over a larger area. Once you have soaked up as much as you can, simply spray the area with the white vinegar and water solution, soaking the area. Once the solution has soaked in, either use a gentle brush or soft cloth to work it into the fabric. This homemade spray also works well on carpets too.

You may find a couple of treatments are needed to clean away the stain and stale odor for good. Once you have tried this easy to make solution, you will finds it works better than anything you can buy in your local supermarket.

There is a problem with this however, and that is you are not getting to the root cause of why your cat is urinating on your furniture or carpets. There can be many reasons for why they are doing this, and its important to get to find out the problem, instead of constantly cleaning up after they have an accident.

Tips About Detoxing - For A Healthy Cat

2012-01-06T14:03:00.001-08:00

Diet is definitely an important part of any detox program, be it for you or your favorite pet. This is because many of the foods that our pets and we eat contain chemicals and ingredients that are toxic to our bodies. With commercial pet food, toxins found in the food will cause more damage to your pets than you would believe. This is because pets are smaller than we are, and their organs have to work a lot harder to get rid of toxins. It is important to detox your pet if you want it to live a long life. Still, one of the things that people often forget about detoxing any animal is that diet is only half the equation.

Diet Detox - The First Steps

It is true; however, that diet will count for a major part of your pet's detox. If you do not stop most toxins from entering your pet's body, you are not able to actually get rid of the toxin build up. The first thing that you are going to need to do is to wean your pet off commercial pet food. Commercial pet food has a slew of ingredients that take a major toll on a pet's digestive system, including ingredients like diseased animals, road kill, and fillers that actually are not quality protein for a cat.

Food is a good start, but you are forgetting another thing that your pet regularly ingests - water. The tap water that comes out of your faucet might have toxins that you do not know about. You need to purify and filter your water; otherwise, your pet might be taking in fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals. Because a cat is so much smaller than humans are they are more susceptible to these chemical toxins that over time will cause disease and death.

Just Like Humans, Animals Need To Get Rid Of Their Toxins

Animals and humans both get rid of toxins the same ways - through their body's naturally occurring functions. Skin, muscle tissue, and fat trap the toxins and will only be removed through exercise. The easiest way to get your pet detoxed is to help them sweat out the toxins. Engage your pet in an hour or so of play a day.

Another major method of toxin elimination comes in the form of your digestive system. Unfortunately, even the most active animal cannot get rid of the toxins that get stored in their bodies through digestion. With small animals, the amount of toxins they get from food often gets stored in their livers, kidneys, and sometimes even in their intestinal tract. Without help, those toxins will never get out. Both humans and pets alike occasionally will need a boost from herbs and nutraceuticals that kick the digestive system into overdrive.

It is also a very good idea to get liver support supplies for your pet while they undergo detox. Detoxing will put the liver under a lot of strain due to the amount of elimination that occurs. This also applies to the pet's kidneys. There are some very effective herbal tonics available from quality online herbal stores.

You Need To Avoid Toxins Outside Of Food, Too

Food is not the only source of toxins. You will need to make sure that your pet avoids chemicals that you often use. This includes outdoor pollution, chemical cleaners, flea products, and even pet shampoos. As a basic rule, if you think that a chemical or product is not healthy for you, than it is not healthy for your pet. Learning more about detoxing your pet can help you prevent an early pet death, and it can make your pet's detox a lot more effective.

Signs That Your Cat Has a Bladder Infection

2011-12-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

You arrive at home exhausted after a full day, wash your face, and start dinner but instead of the appetizing aroma of dinner you smell the unpleasant stench of urine. After a quick search you notice a puddle in the hall and what seem to be pinkish urine stains on the carpet. Your cat has uncharacteristically failed to use the litter box once again. Could these be signs your cat has a bladder infection?

Having experienced this scenario above first hand I can tell you that the summary above is a pretty good indication that something is medically wrong, with one of the most likely possibilities being infection of the bladder.

According to the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health "The signs your cat has a bladder infection include frequent urination, painful and difficult urination, and urinating in inappropriate places. There may also be blood in the urine. This may be more noticeable at the end of the urine stream. Rarely, cats with a bladder infection may show no signs at all."

While good information, most cat owners who have seen this condition up close and personal will tell you there likely will be quite a few other revealing signs as well.

Other signs that your cat has a bladder infection are: licking the genital area for relief, redness or rawness in the genital area, howling when urinating, scooting across the floor, fatigue, uncharacteristic hissing when touched in the hind quarter, and isolationism.

Another sign that often signals the presence of a bacterial bladder infection is excessive water drinking.

The cause

Bacteria which has gains access through the urethra and made it way up the urinary tract to the bladder where it is flourishing is the cause. This occurrence can be a byproduct of a weakened immune system, possibly due to age, or another disease or condition altogether. Examples of other diseases and conditions would be stones in urinary tract, urinary tract cancer, urinary tract trauma, diabetes, and diminishing kidney function. In other words anything that either impedes the flow of urine, weakens the immune system, or alters urine pH to a point where bacteria can flourish.

What next?

A veterinary visit will likely be in order, complete with a urine analysis and bacterial culture, to confirm your suspicions. Additional tests may be required as well to rule out stones or other possible causes. Once bacterial infection of the bladder is confirmed your veterinarian will likely treat the condition with a round of antibiotics.

My veterinarian normally prescribes either Clindamycin or Amoxicillin but yours may favor another antibiotic depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Additionally, bladder infections, especially in older cats, have a very high probability of becoming chronic, or recurring, especially when the infection is not treated successfully.

To avoid this many pet parents have chosen to add a homeopathic remedy containing such ingredients as Berberis, Cantharis, and Staphysagris combined with adequate exercise, easy access to a clean litter box, plenty of filtered water, and a high quality natural diet free additives. These types of treatments can be used in conjunction with conventional forms of treatment, as a standalone treatment in mild cases, or as a preventative measure to prevent infection down the road.

Changes in Cat Behavior Come With Age

2011-12-20T00:46:00.001-08:00

Aging in cats creates special needs, just like it does in people. But unlike people, cats are not able to tell you what those special needs may be. We may miss or overlook actions that need our attention. Being observant to changes in our cat's behavior can play a vital role in their aging process.

Diet

One of the biggest issues with elderly cats is diet. You may feel that if you buy commercial food labeled for seniors you are doing the right thing. But that's not necessarily true. In many brands, there is almost no different between adult and senior food composition, even though their nutritional needs are not the same.

There needs to be a good balance between the nigh-moisture diets they receive from fresh or canned food and the dry food that they still need to receive.

Another important element of aging is weight. When felines stop running around and jumping from one piece of furniture to another, they don't burn as many calories. This means that you need to make adjustments in the quantity of food you're providing. Obesity is a serious concern!

Are Supplements Needed?
Many people have questions about supplements and if cats need them. Some people feel that the proper diet will offer all the vitamins and minerals that the cat needs while others argue that a senior cat can benefit significantly from the addition of a supplement in their diet.

A wise choice is to add a nutritional supplement containing enzymes, probiotics and antioxidants to your cat's food. These additives can be helpful for aging cats for generally the same reasons that they benefit people.

A favorite supplement is probiotics which help your cat absorb nutrients more efficiently and aid in proper elimination of by-products, thus promoting gastrointestinal health. They also provide a stronger immune system that is better able to fight off degenerative diseases.

In addition to probiotics, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and alphalipoic acid help stave off degenerative diseases such as arthritis and cancer and help support brain function.

Elderly cats are prone to constipation so extra bran could be helpful. Increased glucosamine could help with arthritis while antioxidants will offer overall protection against aging. If your cat is having certain health problems, your veterinarian may recommend specific supplements.

If your cat has digestive problems or is not eating as much as he should, he is almost always going to benefit from added vitamins.

Dehydration is Dangerous

The importance of your cat getting enough to drink cannot be stressed enough. Elderly cats are quite susceptible to dehydration. Sometimes the effort of walking three rooms over to get a drink of water hardly seems like a good idea to a cat that has arthritis. Keep a few bowls of fresh water scattered around the home so they are easily accessible. Cats that don't consume enough water are prone to kidney disease and urinary tract crystal formation.

A Little Help, Please!

Your senior cat will not be able to tell you but it may hurt him to jump down from the bed or get up to that sunny window he loves to sleep in. When you start noticing him spending more time near the ground, you may need to buy cat stairs or a ramp. This will ensure he can still enjoy his favorite places.

Although cats are vulnerable to a long list of minor or serious health concerns, early detection and awareness can go a long way to helping make their senior years more enjoyable for both of you!

Keep Your Cat Healthy and Safe With Outdoor Cat Perch Houses

2011-12-19T14:45:00.001-08:00

Most cat owners know that a feline companion can be just as territorial as their canine counterparts. In the wild, a cat is mostly a solitary animal. Although it is not uncommon to see them in defined families, they will vigorously defend their personal space. A cat's instinct is to wander and explore, in search of mental stimulation. Denying them this opportunity can result in a multitude of behavioral issues. Outdoor cat perch houses are a great way to give a safe haven, prevent behavioral problems, and give them a home of their own.

Cat behavior is characterized by periods of intense activity and restful slumber. In fact, most will sleep close to 12 hours a day. When awake, they often yearn to roam their territory. Important psychological factors are the ability to hunt, make friends, play, and have a defined zone that belongs to them. Cat houses offer a type of home base, a safe place where they can return and sleep.

There are dangers inherent to a cat living outdoors. Cars and other animals pose a great risk to their health and safety. A cat's territory is defined by the distance that they must travel to meet their psychological and physical needs. These risks increase based on how far they travel. Outdoor cat perch houses, if well designed, can keep a cat closer to home by providing an opportunity to play and explore their space.

Undesirable behaviors in animals are usually the result of unfulfilled instinctual need. For cats, this is especially true. Owners struggle with inappropriate elimination, property damage resulting from scratching, and aggressive tendencies. Assuming that any medical issues have been eliminated as a cause, many of the "acting out" cats simply need greater mental stimulation. Cat houses address this issue by incorporating fun elements into the design.

Cat houses outdoor advantage is that it is built specifically with feline preferences in mind. Cats love to climb and hide, so elevation is important. The addition of an enclosed house offers a spot where they can sleep away from prying eyes. It should be easy to clean and keep up. Cat houses outdoor weather proofing is also an important issue. It should withstand rain and snow. The roof construction should prevent leaks, and insulation is a nice added feature. Regardless of the style, an outdoor cat perch house is an easy way to do something good for a pet.

Learn How to Stop Your Cat From Damaging Your Furniture With Scratching

2011-12-18T18:44:00.001-08:00

Everyone who has owned a cat at a certain point is quite familiar with all the damages cats can cause with their claws. Actually, the cat's claws have numerous functions: felines use them for climbing, tractions, quick turning, moving, accelerating, defending themselves and even cleaning themselves after they have used the litter box. If you don't believe this, just watch your cat playing with a toy to see how they use the claws to pull, grip and change directions. All these activities are part of the feline natural behaviour.

Scratching is part of the cat's everyday routine. One of the reasons why cats scratch is because this activity helps the feline keeps their claws sharp. Also, scratching provides good exercise for the cat and it makes the muscles of the front paws stronger. Cats that live outside scratch on trees but indoor felines don't have trees at home, so they use alternatives, such as carpets and furniture.

Provide a Scratching Pole

Indoor cats need to have a surface where they can demonstrate their natural scratching behaviour. That is why you should provide them with a scratching post. This is a construction usually made of wood or
compressed cardboard covered with carpet or sisal rope. There are various kinds of scratching posts: basic ones that are cheaper and more sophisticated with numerous condos, boxes and levels that are more expensive. You can also make such a construction by yourself at home.

It is essential to start training your cat using appropriate scratching areas at young age. One way to achieve this is to rub catnip on the scratching area you want the cat to use. This is a good start for the proper development of the habit.

In case you have delayed this training or you have a new cat that is not trained, you will not be surprised to see them scratching on your furniture and causing severe damages. The training will be quite difficult in this situation but it is not impossible. You can get a scratching post and provide treats when the cat uses it.

During the training you can use different tricks to protect your furniture. One way is to cover the furniture with throws or sheets. You can also wrap parts of the furniture with tin foil or stick shelf paper. Another alternative is to use a natural repellent spray that is repulsive for your cat.

Claw Trimming, No Declawing

Another way to limit the damages on your furniture is to trim the claws of your feline. But this procedure should be conducted very carefully because you may cause pain or bleeding if you cut too deeply. Your cat should be very used to you and should be fully relax in order to successfully trim their claws. It is recommended two people to be involved into the procedure. One of them will hold the cat while the other will clip the nails as quickly as possible. If you don't want to do this yourself, you can take your cat to the vet.

It is not recommended to declaw your cat because this procedure is actually very painful surgery that affects the future life of the feline. Your cat will face numerous challenges without claws. The feline may get clumsy and won't be able to defend effectively. Very often the procedure of declawing causes very aggressive behaviour, so may vets refuse to perform it.

According to a popular opinion cats are animals that can't be trained. However, this notion is absolutely wrong. Of course, the training requires time and patience but you can achieve proper feline behaviour, so that you won't have to worry about your furniture.

5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Aging Cat Live Healthy

2011-12-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

The longevity of cats varies according to each cat. If your older pet is overweight, the chances of living a long, healthy life is not going to be good, as overweight cats are susceptible to a lot of diseases, like diabetes and heart disease. Cats can live anywhere from 12 to 20 years. It has been recorded that one cat lived 35 years.

Elderly cats are similar to elderly people. They get hearing loss, arthritis, failing eyesight, gum and teeth problems, dehydration, weight gain, constipation, gray hair, cancer, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, lack of exercise, kidney failure, and many other similarities.

There are some things you can do to ensure that your aging cat has a long, healthy life.

1. Arthritis - If your older cat gets arthritis, and has trouble jumping up or walking, you can make them more comfortable by trying the following. Put a piece of memory foam in their bed. It softly protects your aging cats bones, as a memory mattress does with older people. Also, many veterinarians recommend Glucosamine for aging cats, as it helps the pain. Call your veterinarian to find out the proper dosage that is good for your older cat. When your aging cat uses the litter box, put a small step so they can get in and out of it better. Sometimes they stop using the litter box only because they do have a hard time getting in and out. This is a proven fact.

2. Exercise - Your aging cat probably sleeps all day, but they do need some exercise, because as in humans, use it or lose it. It is a good thing to take time to play with them. Find a toy that your cat really likes and spend some time playing with them everyday. If your cat does not respond, keep trying, it will make a difference in your cats attitude and health. Exercise also helps to keep your cats weight down.

3. Gums and teeth - 75% of cats have some kind of dental problems. There are many flavored types of toothpaste for cats that you can use to brush their teeth. You can be sure that if your older cat has bad breath, that they could need their teeth brushed or there could be teeth or gum problems.

4. Grooming - As cats age they tend to groom themselves less and less. Also, that can be a real problem with fur matting of long haired cats. Invest in a good grooming brush and softly brush their coat. It will not only make their coat nice, but it will relax your cat as well. They will love the extra attention, and also the company. When you do this, it shows your cat that you love them.

5. Diet - As your pet ages, they lose their sense of smell and taste, among others and the food that you have been giving them is now becoming tasteless. For older cats who eat dry food, try adding a little warm chicken broth occasionally to their food. If your cat has diabetes, giving them a high protein diet has been known to reverse diabetes in some cats.

It is a good idea to take your aging cat to the veterinarian once or twice a year to keep a check on their health.

Can You Walk Your Cat On A Lead?

2011-12-17T22:43:00.001-08:00

As a cat owner I hate to be parted with my beloved tiger and ginger boy. I can't wait to get home to see them at the end of the day. I even get excited when I have a night out cancelled so that I can cosy up with them indoors. My little feline angels are a big part of my family. They're there when I need a furry cuddle. They pick up my moods and comfort me whether I want it or not. Sleep on my head at night and sit on my stomach at 4 am for no apparent reason. I love all of their kitty traits, so why not have them join me in everyday life as I do with my dogs?

Well to start with I would have needed to begin their lead training from kitten hood. There's no way they could cope with being out as adult cats now. It would cause them serious stress and possibly lead them to have panic attacks. Obviously as a kitten they don't have any preconceived ideas of what they are or aren't allowed to do, so this is the ideal time to try. Be prepared for being stopped every 5 minutes as it's still a very unique thing to see on the streets these days.

Patience will be required and don't forget that a cat and a dog have very different characteristics. A dog tends to be more loyal and will want to please their owners. Cats on the other hand, as we're all aware, are their own bosses and have a wild streak in their DNA anyway. So don't expect complete obedience all the time and be realistic as to where you will be able to walk your cat. I certainly wouldn't be taking them shopping and expecting them to cope with being out on the streets with me for the day. However a trip in the car to visit friends or a trip to a small local park, aren't out of the realms possibility.

Choose a light comfortable body harness, preferably not a collar as they will easily wriggle out of a collar. The lead that attaches to the harness must be light weight (not a dog lead) and have a very strong clip. I would suggest one that is approximately 5 feet long. Now that you've bought your items you'll need to familiarise your cat with them. Start by leaving the harness next to their sleeping area for a few days. Encourage them to sniff it, play with it, anything to get them used to the smell and feel of it.

The next step is to get it on them. The best time to fasten the harness on is just before feeding. The chances are they will be more focused on dinner coming than what you're doing. Put it on loosely, feed them and then see how long they will tolerate it. Distract them with a game to keep them occupied and then repeat the same procedure each day, slowly fastening it to comfortably fit your cats body. Hope fully you will find the harness stays on longer and longer each day.

Then you will need to start introducing the lead. Again leave the lead near your cat so they can get used to it and let them play with it if it helps. Now you're ready for your first walk. Start indoors and be patient. Use encouraging words as you begin to lead your cat around the room. Just like a puppy learning leash training they will need to hear from you that they are doing well. Don't yank the lead but keep it short so that they learn to stay close to you. Of course a cat outside on the lead will have many attractive things catching their eye. Birds, other cats, trees to climb, so getting them used to a small length on the lead is a good idea.

If you have a back garden start their outside walk there for about a week. Then if they seem comfortable being on a lead you can progress to a small trip outside. Don't start off on a main busy road, remember this is a whole new world to them. Go somewhere calm and quiet for a small amount of time and build up over the weeks. Hopefully in time you will have a cat that can join you for walks on a lead.

Cat Pancreatitis

2011-12-17T12:42:00.001-08:00

The function of the pancreas is to help balance blood sugar, and it also provides digestive enzymes to initiate digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. One indicator of acute pancreatitis is the marked elevation of amylase and lipase in the blood. This happens as a result of these enzymes escaping from the pancreatic ducts and becoming resorbed back into the blood. Symptoms include gastrointestinal disorder, vomiting, acute abdominal pain and lack of appetite.

Inflammation of the feline pancreas is a very poorly understood condition in the veterinary community. It is difficult to diagnose, and the direct cause is rarely discovered. Unfortunately, discussions of the causes of this disease in veterinary references do not consider the effects of constant poor nutrition. As with many chronic conditions of the cat, this condition is usually associated with a poor diet that is far too high in carbohydrates, (the typical dry kibble diet).

Cat pancreatitis can also be a precursor to diabetes. The pancreas is overburdened by a constant diet of grains, or a variety of other foods that are high in starches, and this organ simply cannot maintain optimal function when it is faced with these inappropriate foods. Inflammatory damage to the pancreas can destroy the ability of this organ to perform its normal functions. An additional factor which can negatively impact the pancreas is the presence of toxins in the form of food pollutants of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and vaccines and drugs administered by the veterinary profession.

Treatment of cat pancreatitis is usually, mistakenly, the same treatment that is prescribed for dogs - a diet that is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates. In fact it should be noted that the true carnivore's diet should be low in carbohydrates and high in proteins. Although the jury is still out on whether to keep dietary fat under control, it is a good idea to feed meats that are relatively low in fats.

A complete amino acid profile is essential, in the form of fresh, raw, lean meat. Foods that are high in processed carbohydrates must be avoided at all costs, in order to avoid further damage to an already debilitated pancreas. The cat may require supplementation with insulin injections or enzymes added to the food until the affected organ can resume secretion of these vital substances.

Inflammation of the pancreas is usually the result of poor nutrition in the form of dry commercial diets. The solution to avoiding further flare-ups is a species appropriate diet, high in proteins and low in carbohydrates.

Cat Water Fountains

2011-12-17T02:42:00.001-08:00

I became the owner of two kittens when someone whose cat had a litter could not find homes for two of them and I could not say no.

Living near woods, I thought I would raise the two of them to be outdoor cats and allow them to hunt for their own food. We lived in an area where there were mice, squirrels, rabbits and other animals for them to catch. Fresh water was always available to them from the streams and lakes nearby.

The cats and I were always together, both outdoors and indoors. We wandered in the woods together and they would drink from the nearby streams and lakes. Indoors, they would keep me company as I was at the sink and they would help themselves to the running tap water.

I started to investigate Cat Water Fountains when I had to be away from home for more than a day. My main concern was how the "boys" would get fresh water in the winter when the water froze. I could not leave the tap running all of the time.

I thought that the Cat Water Fountain would be the next best thing to a running stream. I wanted them to get used to the fountain and let it run whilst I was still at home. They were not interested in the fountain as I was still there to turn on the tap. They had me trained to turn it on whether I was at the sink or not. I decided not to turn the tap on and see if they would go to the fountain instead. It took some time but eventually, they started using the Cat Water Fountain. I now could leave home without the worry of where they would get fresh water.

I was convinced that the Cat Water Fountain was the best option for the cats in my absence. I used to watch them at the streams and observed how keen they were to drink from running water. A constant flow of water is exactly what the fountain provided. The water would not be stagnant and non-stagnant water is certainly a healthier choice.

I was extremely pleased with my decision to purchase a Cat Water Fountain. I was able to travel for a few days at a time and not have to worry if the cats were getting enough fresh water. It was a perfect solution.

About Cats and Dogs, Where Do They Go When They Die?

2011-12-16T16:41:00.001-08:00

Of all the animals in the world, dogs and cats are the most revered. Dating back longer than this old man can remember they have been beloved in every country with a large majority considering them family members. Living as long as 25 years, it is easy to understand the long term relationship we develop with our pets.

How much do we really love these little fur balls, we spend about we spend about $16 billion per year on pet food, toys, grooming, and we spend about 20 billion in Veterinary bills alone for everything from shots to pacemakers. Actually, if it happens to us, it happens to our pets. Based on these numbers, I am not sure who gets the best care.

There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States; there are approximately 86.4 million owned cats. That is about the same number of America's uninsured by health care. I wonder if Obamacare is repealed, could there be a compromise to keep the President happy by converting Obamacare to pets. Oops, sorry, I take that back, our pets deserve better care than that offered by Obamacare.

The downside to caring for our pets is the enormous amount of animals that must be euthanized each year. We hear daily of cases of animal abuse that are shocking and incomprehensible. Our laws provide little justice for these abused animals and the perpetrator's usually walk with a small fine, and for shame, they lose the animal to the shelter where if they cannot be adopted, they add to the number euthanized. Laws requiring all dogs and cats, except registered breeds, should enforce spaying and neutering. Animal abusers should pay heavy fines of $5000.00, pay all veterinary fees, court costs to prosecute, and any other fees associated with taking care of the animal(s).

I have had both dogs and cats. The hardest and saddest time is when they get too sick and are suffering. I much prefer my animals die at home, but too often I have to have the put to sleep. I mourn my pets and miss them dearly.

I believe in God and I would like to believe I will see my treasured pets again when I die...that is if I end up in heaven. I want to believe they have souls and do not just lie in obscurity. The probability of them having souls is unsubstantiated; with most arguing the only ones who have a soul is man. I have never had a pet come back to let me know there is an afterlife for them, but then I never had anyone I know come back either. Therefore, I chose to conclude I will see my pets when I die and I actually look forward to saying here kitty, kitty or here boy and watch them come running. I want to believe because it makes death a little less fearful. If you abused animals, and they do go to heaven, eternity is a long time to be bit in the butt every day, all day. That would be justice.

Feline Diabetes

2011-12-16T06:41:00.001-08:00

Poor eating habits can and do contribute to the cause of diabetes in humans and this is also the case with dogs and cats that are fed high carbohydrate dry or canned food diets.

Do commercial pet food companies cater to the optimal health of our feline companions? Do they help us to nurture our cats with the best products for vigor and longevity? Do they have the best of intentions to honor and respect these animals? Does their mission adhere to the dignity and love that these sentient beings deserve? Or do they simply bow to the bottom line, to business as usual? And do these multinational corporations threaten the very existence of our chosen pets? According to Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, "All pet food companies have enormous investments in their current dry formulations and the long-term purchase of ingredients that will make up those foods. All have huge dry cat food plants and a customer base that they will not willingly convert to better types of food with smaller profit margins. The ingredients and macronutrients of the different forms of cat food are dictated by the requirements of food technology, not the science of feline nutrition." It is money, not ethics that determines the constituents of the dry commercial cat kibble, that has been touted as a complete and healthy 'food'.

Consider the significant and growing population of cats that are faced with debilitating chronic illness, due to the dry junk foods which they are fed on a daily basis, for a lifetime. One case in point - feline diabetes. The cat has developed over the millennia, as a meat eater. It is not adapted to eating a diet that is high in carbohydrates, but rather a diet that is mainly protein. Our domesticated feline has too often become obese, due to the consumption of cereal based foods, very often resulting in cat diabetes. Today, about one percent of cats will be diagnosed with feline diabetes, and in most cases the diagnosis is completely preventable. Some of the causes which have been determined by the veterinary professionals include pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and obesity. In actual fact it is usually diet that is the culprit. Cats, in their wild environment, do not contract this illness because they do not hunt a diet that is grain-based! The cat has a unique metabolic machinery designed for high production of energy from protein and near exclusion of carbohydrates as energy source.

Obesity is not the culprit, but merely the result of incorrect diet. Obesity is just a warning signal that the cat's diet is biologically inappropriate. A fat cat is not a healthy cat.

The cat's satiety signals have evolved in an environment of wild prey consumption, and are prompted through the eating of meat. These signals are prompted only when the cat has consumed enough of a protein/fat-based diet. These satiety signals have not evolved through the consumption of carbohydrate intake. This results in the cat exceeding its nutrient requirements. Energy requirements are met with the consumption of carbohydrates, but these energy requirements can be readily exceeded. The result is that the consumption of these inappropriate nutrients creates glucose overload, and makes insulin levels spike repeatedly, which puts a strain on the pancreas. The pancreas will ultimately become exhausted, because it was not designed to produce the quantity of insulin needed to handle a high glucose diet, and diabetes will result.

There is good news!

According to the information that we have gleaned from the holistic veterinary community, there is light at the end of the diabetic tunnel, particularly in the case of the feline form of this disease. Most cats can recover from this ailment, insulin shots can usually be reduced and ultimately eliminated, and the diabetic cat can be returned to a balanced state of health. The exhausted feline pancreas has the ability to recover remarkably well to the point of once again, making its own insulin, once the high carbohydrate diet has been eliminated, and replaced with a high protein/fat intake. This is very exciting news! Diabetic cats can be cured of this illness.

One important note here: It is very important to monitor glucose levels when making any kind of diet change, for the diabetic cat. An overdose of insulin can be life-threatening, therefore, insulin levels must be lowered in accordance with glucose levels, and this can be accomplished, using a standard glucometer at home.

If your veterinarian is recommending that you feed a dry kibble, diabetic diet, perhaps it is time to take matters into your own hands, inform your vet about the dangers of feeding this inappropriate food, and if you must, go your own way for the sake of your companion animal.

Diabetes in our feline population can be blamed almost exclusively on dry commercial pet foods.

White Lions: Myths and Reality

2011-12-15T20:41:00.001-08:00

Rumors of pure White Lions have existed in the African oral tradition for centuries, but have often been dismissed as superstition.It has been part of African folklore and according to legend they were children of the Sun God, sent to earth as gifts. And the only place on earth where they have actually materialized is the Timbavati region.

According to scientists these lions are not albinos. Their white color is due to a recessive gene known as the chutiya or color inhibitor gene, different from the albinism gene. The chinchilla mutation, a recessive gene, gives white lions their unusual colors. They first came to public attention in the 1970s when Chris McBride published his book "The White Lions of Timbavati". Described in the book are three lions Temba, Tombi and Vela which later were given to the National Zoo in Pretoria, South Africa.

According to the Global White Lion Protection Trust website: "There are only an estimated 500 white lions worldwide - in captivity. Regarded by African tribal elders as the most sacred animal on the African continent, this rarest of rarities have been hunted to extinction in the wild by trophy hunters and poachers who pay astronomical sums to shoot them for pleasure. They have also been hunted in captivity in a notorious malpractice known as 'canned lion hunting.' No law protects them from being wiped off the face of the earth."

GWLPT states that these animals are not yet appropriately classified as "endangered species". "Presently, they are listed as Panthera leo, under CITES Appendix II, and, therefore, fall under the classification of a "Vulnerable Species", i.e. species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but, that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Appendix II means that White Lions or their derivatives (e.g. animal parts) can be sold, hunted and traded. In reality, every permit issued to hunt a lion (Panthera leo) can be used to hunt them. Since they are currently not in the wild in their endemic range, they are critically endangered."

The last white lion was seen in the wild in 1994, but now they are back to their native land and cubs have been born in the wild again.

A National Geographic documentary titled "Return of the White Lions" tells the story of their return to native Timbavati region thanks to Linda Tucker (CEO and founder of GWLPT) and their efforts to reintroduce these animals back to the wild.

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/nat-geo-wild/wild-all-videos/ngc-return-of-the-white-lion.html

What to Do When You Think Your Cat Has a Fever

2011-12-14T04:39:00.001-08:00

If you think your cat may have a fever, do not panic. First, we will figure out whether or not he actually has a fever. Then, we can give you ways to treat your cat and make him feel better. Fevers are a high body temperature, generally caused by pyrogens in the blood. Pyrogens are present in the blood when an infection, virus, or other illness is present. It notifies the body that it needs to fight something inside. This also means that, generally, fevers do not occur on their own, but instead are the symptom of a larger illness. It is a good way for you to figure out that your cat is ill, as cats generally don't show many symptoms of illnesses.

If your cat has recently been laying in your bathroom, or in any room with tiling on the floor, it is likely he has a fever. This may seem like an odd sign, but the tiles feel cold to the cat, who is now just trying to cool himself out of an uncomfortable heat. If you have noticed this, or if the cat is very lethargic, then you should feel his ears. A cat's ears will feel very warm to the touch if the cat has a fever.

After you have determined that the cat likely has a fever, you should actually take the cat's temperature. This is not easy and cannot be done alone. If you are uncomfortable doing this, bring the cat to the vet instead. You will need a pediatric rectal thermometer. The cat's normal range is between 100 and 102.5 degrees. I would be worried if I saw over 104. If the cat has a fever over 106, bring him to the vet immediately.

Although the vet will treat your cat's illness which is causing the fever, you may wish to do some things for the cat to make him feel better in the meantime. Do not give the cat human fever reducers, such as Tylenol. These can kill the cat.

Most fevers are due to a viral infection. Although these may go away on their own, it is helpful to go to a vet to get advice and possibly fluids to prevent dehydration, which is the leading cause of death in cats with a fever. You will need to watch the cat closely to make sure he isn't dehydrated and that he is eating and drinking. If he refuses food for longer than a day, take him to the vet.

Why Does Your Cat Need To Detox?

2011-12-13T18:39:00.001-08:00

This modern world has many luxuries for both cat owners and cats. Unfortunately, there are many health drawbacks due to chemicals found in both human and cat food. These chemicals cause cancers, illnesses, weak bones, and even cause premature death in both people and animals. If your cats mean a lot to you then you will help them detox. Here are some of the first steps that you can take to detox your furry friend.

• Change their diet for the better. Use filtered water or certified spring water instead of water straight from the tap. Do not choose substandard commercial pet foods. Feed them a raw food diet using human-grade ingredients instead. Better yet, ask an expert in raw food diets for animals, what they would suggest for your pet. Both tap water and commercial pet food have chemicals and ingredients that seriously harm your cat's long-term health.

• Consider investing in some herbs known to cleanse. Both cats and people will eventually need some help cleansing their body of all the toxins that build up over their lives. Sometimes, you and your pets can use the same herbs to cleanse. These herbs often spark the liver, kidneys and digestive tract to work their best.

• Get away from pollution. You do not want your pet becoming sick because it ate the neighborhood's chemically laden grass. If you want to keep both your pet's health, as well as your health, stay away from areas having a high level of air, water, or ground pollution.

Why detox and what will that do for my cat? This is a common question of pet owners and here are a few major reasons why it is worth the effort.

• Your cat will live a much longer life, and it will be a much happier one. This is clearly the most popular, and most obvious, reason why so many pet owners are choosing to detox their pets. If you want to keep your furred friend around for years to come, the best way to do it naturally is to help them detox.

• It is natural, nearly effortless, and it is inexpensive. You do not need high-tech veterinarian equipment to improve your pet's health with a detox session as long as you put in the effort to change a couple of things about the way you and your pet live.

• If you knew what was in commercial pet food, you would want to make sure that your pet detoxes immediately. A simple introduction to the commercial pet food industry can show horrors to pet owners. Rendering plants extract the fat and protein from euthanized animals and sick animals. Then label poor quality animal parts under names like "bone meal" or "animal by-product." Majority of the commercial pet foods have artificial coloring and preservatives added to the poor quality food. Do you really want to let those kinds of things into your pet's tummy?

The average pet owner does not even consider the potential chemical hazards in or around their home. Cats are smaller than humans are so small chemical exposures have a huge effect on their health. A good rule is treating your cats as you would your babies when it comes to chemical toxins and food.

Discover 8 Reasons Your Cat May Be Spraying In Your House And Using It As Their Own Private Toilet

2011-12-13T08:38:00.001-08:00

Have you ever found yourself with a cat that suddenly begins to urinate everywhere in your house? This practice, called spraying is, by far, one of the most terrible of all cat behaviors. If you are like me and hundreds of other cat owners, you have asked yourself this question, why in the world do they do it?

The first reason and the most basic of all is, they are marking their territory.

We sometimes forget that our cat is an animal, they are territorial creatures and marking territory is done by spraying. An outside cat, could be spraying a territory that is blocks around your house, an inside cat may spray urine in a few rooms of your house or the entire house. That is why it is so important that your cat have a "spot" in your house that they know is theirs.

Among the many reasons cats spray, another is when they are in heat.

All cats have a really good sense of smell and are easily attracted to the odor of spray. In the cat world, cats in heat, spray to attract the males that are around. It is virtually impossible to stop spraying in this situation and the only way to avoid this, is to have your female cat spayed. Spaying is usually an immediate solution to the problem, and another of the benefits is that it helps keep the cat population under control.

Keep in mind that cats will begin urinating outside of their box, for a number of reasons especially when they are under stress, which can occur in a variety of instances.

Your cat is sick.

No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, all your efforts could be in vain if your cat is sick.

Since most of us look at our pets as small lions and tigers, it is hard for us to believe that they could get sick. But a cat is just like any other animal on this earth, they can and will get sick.

If you see your cat's behavior changing, they are not eating, you find throw up after they eat or if they just aren't acting normally, be sure to take them to your Vet for a check up

Maybe another cat has been brought into the house.

Make sure the first cat gets as much attention as they did before

There is a possibility that you have moved or changed their litter box.

If you have to move the litter box, make sure to put your cat in it a number of times each day until they know where it is.

Perhaps you have moved to another house.

When it is possible, take your cat to the new house a few times before the actual move and let them know where their new cat box area is.

If you have had your cat for some time, it is a good idea to look at what has been happening within your family for the past few months that could cause your cat to be upset and cause them to urinate where they shouldn't.

If you have just gotten a new kitten, some training will go a long way toward letting the kitten know where they are expected to urinate.

Older cats are prone to diseases and problems, the same way as older people.

Their joints can become stiff and painful, their eyesight can become cloudy or they may become blind, they can lose control of their bladder and bowels. No matter how active your cat has been, at age 9 or so, old age can set in very quickly. This should be one of your first considerations, when a cat's toilet pattern changes.

Cats are wonderful companions, full of life and love for their owners. When their litter box practices change and they start using your home as their personal toilet, there is usually a very good reason. Check out all the possibilities for their change in behavior before you decide to get rid of your cat. A little investigation will save you a lot of grief and maybe even save your cat.

Pet Meds for Helping Your Sick Cat

2011-12-12T22:38:00.001-08:00

When you have a sick kitty, your entire world grinds to a halt.

You cringe every time you see your beloved cat not acting like itself. You miss the times when your cat plays with its favorite toy, rubs against your legs, or lies next to you in bed. You become frustrated by having to clean up vomit, feces, urine, or other substances that seem to appear out of nowhere all around your home.

And when you take your cat to the veterinarian's office, it almost seems like the cure is worse than the ailment. You have to wrangle an uncooperative cat, pick it up while avoiding its claws, shove it into a restrictive pet carrier, and drive all the way to the vet clinic. Often, you are subjected to horrifying screams and yowls on the trip to and from the vet. It may sound like you are torturing your poor kitty instead of trying to help it get better.

Then, after all that rigmarole, you discover that your cat will require medication in order to heal properly - which brings its own set of problems with it.

In the first place, it is not even guaranteed that your vet will have the required medication in stock. This forces you to take additional time out of your schedule to make a return trip to the pet clinic and pick up the medicine when it does come in. And if your cat's ailment is serious or chronic, you will have to repeat this process (perhaps many times) in order to get refills of the medication. To make matters worse, you are probably paying a premium on the medication because it is being sold by a clinic.

While there is no guarantee that your car will never get sick, you can do something about how you obtain the medicine needed to cure what ails it: order the pet medications over the Web.

Once you get the initial prescription from your veterinarian, you can submit it to an online pet medication supplier, order the meds, and get the drugs shipped right to your door. No more return trips to the vet! Plus, the same meds will usually cost less if you order them electronically because you're not paying for the profit margin, which may be charged by a pet clinic.

Here are some of the medications you can order online for your cat:

Acarexx Ivermectin Otic Suspension. This is designed to treat ear mites in felines. It is a topical medication, which can be rubbed directly on the cat's ears.

Advair HFA Inhaler. Believe it or not, many cats do have asthma and have to deal with problems like restricted airways and inflamed throat areas. This medicine helps manage feline asthma symptoms with a convenient inhaler delivery system.

Amantadine capsules. These capsules are commonly prescribed for the pain associated with neurological or arthritic conditions. They also help with the post-surgical discomfort that accompanies declawing.

B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment. Veterinarians frequently prescribe this ointment for bacterial infections in the conjunctiva or the cornea of the eye. It's a mixture of Bacitracin Zinc eye ointment with Polymyxin B and Neomycin sulfates.

Calcitrol capsules. This is one of the preferred medications for cats who suffer from chronic renal disease. It's also used to treat hypocalcemia, which is a shortage of calcium in the blood of felines.

Cefa-Drops. Cephalosporin is a popular choice to combat feline bacterial infections which develop in such areas as the skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract. This medicine is conveniently formulated into a liquid that is often easier to administer than pills.

DermaCool HC. If your cat is constantly itching and scratching to the point where it is becoming harmful, this product may help alleviate that behavior. This easy-to-apply spray is designed to fight the effects of dermatitis and pruritus.

Famotidine tablets. This histamine-blocking agent inhibits the formulation of gastric acid in your kitty's stomach. That's why it's often prescribed for cats who are dealing with duodenal ulcers, reflux, or gastritis.

Glipizide tablets. Sometimes, a special diet and increased exercise regimen is not enough to keep diabetic cats healthy. This medicine helps to lower a kitty's blood sugar levels to their normal range.

Methimazole tablets. If an overactive thyroid gland is not addressed, it can have adverse effects on other feline organs. This drug is intended to combat hyperthyroidism, especially in older cats.

PanaKare powder. If your cat is experiencing problems with digestion due to pancreatic issues, this medication will help. It comes in a powder form so it is easy to mix in with your kitty's food.

Keeping up with your cat's medications can be an irritating stressor in your life. So why not eliminate that anxiety by ordering your pet meds online and arranging to have them shipped to your home? It's the smart way to take care of your kitty.

For Your Cat's Safety - Why You Should Confine Your Cat to Your Property

2011-12-10T20:35:00.001-08:00

Cats love being outside for the fresh air, the freedom and to enjoy the sunshine as well as the chance to run around and get some exercise. Aside from the possible legal implications of letting your pet cat roam free, there are dangers to you cat and its health.

There is much debate about confining cats to your property based around the impact that they cause to the environment when running free.

Research has shown that aside from disease, the majority of incidents involving cats occur at night. Whether its a traffic accident, harm to surrounding wildlife (Pet cats kill an average of 16 mammals, 8 birds and 8 reptiles every year. 900 000 pet cats by 32 wildlife each per year = 29 million wildlife (DPI Australia)) or an injury to your cat from a fight. This has lead local councils to actively encourage owners to keep their pets inside at night to prevent harm through injury or disease whilst protecting our endangered wildlife in the surrounding community.

Recent studies from the US suggest that town cats are more stressed than rural cats because their territory is smaller and they spend much of their time protecting it against rivals. They also found that city cats crossed the paths of at least 10 other felines a day, and half had to deal with rivals entering their home to steal food.

As part of the study, scientists have used miniature cameras and GPS trackers to find out where and why cats do their business. Perhaps not surprisingly, they've found that they pee in neighbours' yards to mark the edge of what they consider their territory. The behaviour was revealed when tiny cameras and GPS trackers were fitted to nine pets for eight days.

It found the average moggy spends 12 hours a day snoozing in a favourite resting place, usually where it can keep an eye on its territory.

As a leading example of these laws being passed in Australia, The Cat Bill 2011 has been tabled in parliament in Western Australia to provide for the control and management of cats as well as promoting the responsible ownership of cats.

The bill covers the following topics: Registration and tagging, Microchipping, Sterilisation, Transfer of ownership of cats, Changes to recorded information, control notices, Seizing cats, Dealing with cats at management facilities, Restrictions on breeding cats, Becoming an approved breeder, Administration, Delegations, Particular powers of authorised persons, Warrants, Infringement notices, Objections and review, Legal proceedings, Regulations, Local laws.

There are many different options for confining your cat to your property ranging from small cages through to a run or enclosure down the side of your house. These can be built from net, wire, fencing or a number of other options. A quick search of the internet will show you the many different options available either professionally installed or there are countless D.I.Y. instruction guides.

Having a Cat Enclosure or Cat Run allows your cat the freedom of being outside whilst protecting them from potential dangers... Here is a summary of some of the benifits of confining your cat to your property.

Cats Live Longer
- They don't go missing
- They don't get hit by traffic
- They don't accidentally get locked in sheds/garages
- Cats are protected from rapidly spreading Feline Aids & Feline Panleukopenia (Cat Plague)
- Cats are safe from pesticides in neighbouring gardens
- Your pet is protected from feral cats

Happier Neighbours
- No cats roaming around in their gardens
- No digging up their plant pots
- No cat mess in their garden
- No cats catching birds that are welcome visitors in their garden

Environmentally Friendly
- Hunting of wildlife isn't possible if your cat is confined
- You have total control over what your cat eats

Lower Cost
- Less chance of injury occurring from traffic or cat fights
- Less chance of your cat picking up disease or infections
and this means lower vet bills!

Owners Get to Spend More Time With Their Cat
- Quality time with your cat in your garden
- Totally safe environment

Healthy Treats For Your Cat At Christmas

2011-12-10T10:34:00.001-08:00

Cat owners love to give treats to their furry companions. Watching the look of relish on their faces while they eat, listening to the appreciative purr, and getting that "blinkie-eye" which says "I-wuv-you" is worth the expense. Unfortunately, commercial treats have risen in prices over the years while additives have been known to cause health problems.

Avoid giving a cat unhealthy treats by making them in the kitchen from available and natural products. The process is no more difficult than making cookies. Here are cat treats anyone can make in his or her own kitchen.

Meat bites: Combine one egg, two tablespoons finely ground oats, three ounces of leftover non-spiced meat or sausage, and a pinch or two of catnip. The last ingredient is optional, of course. Combine in a bowl and mix well. Spray a broiler pan with non-stick spray and using a half-teaspoon measuring spoon, roll mixture into balls. Broil for approximately five minutes, or until the outside is crisp. Allow to cool and store in airtight container.

Liver treats: Use liver pulverized in a blender or baby food without onion powder. Combine one-half cup powdered milk, one-half cup wheat germ, one teaspoon honey and three ounces liver. Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a pan with non-stick spray. Use a half-teaspoon measuring spoon and roll into balls. Flatten with finger or fork. Bake for eight to ten minutes. The treats should have the consistency of fudge. Store in an airtight container. A zip lock bag or vacuum bag works well also.

Senior chicken soup: For older kitties that have trouble chewing crunchy treats, finely shred a half-cup cooked chicken. Dissolve a bullion cube in one-half cup warm water and pour over chicken. Top with one tablespoon finely grated cheese (the kind kitty likes most), mix and serve.

Cheesy balls: In one bowl, combine two tablespoons olive oil, one-half cup finely grated cheddar or cheddar jack (whichever cheese kitty likes most), and one egg. Mix well. In another bowl, combine one-half cup whole-wheat flour and one-half teaspoon catnip (or one teaspoon fresh; more is okay). Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture a little at a time and mix well. The consistency should be soft dough. Preheat oven to 300. Using a half-teaspoon measuring spoon, roll mixture into balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool, and store in airtight container.

Tuna nips: Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and preheat oven to 350. In one bowl, combine one can tuna in oil (do not drain tuna first) and one large egg. Mix well, mashing the tuna into tiny bits. In another bowl, mix one-half cup each powdered milk and whole- wheat flour. Add one-half teaspoon dried catnip. Mix the dry ingredients into the tuna mixture. Add small amounts of water until mixture is a soft, sticky dough. Drop one-half teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely and store in airtight container.

Making cat treats saves money, but also gives the owner peace of mind by knowing that kitty is receiving treats without potentially harmful additives or preservatives. It is also a great way to take care of leftovers any time of year. If children get into the treats, they will not be harmed

7 Reasons Cats Won't Use the Litter Box

2011-12-10T00:34:00.001-08:00

Many pet owners choose felines due to their easy nature, sociability, and ease of care. However, some felines don't always follow the mold. In most cases, caring for a cat requires little to no potty training, but in some instances, a cat will exhibit difficulties in learning to go where it should.

How Do Cats Know to Use the Litter Box?

For most cats, learning to use the litter box is a simple and natural process. Suggested as an inherent instinct dating back to their domesticated days in Ancient Egypt, a cat's ability to discover and use litter for covering their waste is considered similar to their ancestors using sand.

Why Won't My Cat Use the Litter Box?

As cats are a finicky species, knowing exactly why he or she isn't using a designated litter box may come through a process of elimination. Start with the most obvious and work your way through the following list:

1. Is the litter box clean? Cats like to cover their feces and if litter is too wet or already full, chances are your cat won't think twice about using it.

2. Do you have multiple cats? As cats often use urine to mark territories, more than one cat in a home can cause confusion around the litter box.

3. Where is your cat's litter box located? Make sure your cat's litter box is placed in a location where he or she can easily access it, have plenty of privacy, and isn't near areas with a lot of noise.

4. What type of litter are you using? Avoid using large grain cat litters and lean towards clay or clumping brands.

5. Is your cat under stress? Changes in environment, such as a new baby, rearranging furniture, or thunderstorms can make a cat act out. While avoiding stressful situations isn't always possible, giving your cat extra attention may help their anxiety.

6. Is your cat sick? Conditions like kidney infection and incontinence could be causing your pet to urinate in places that he or she would not normally go.

7. Is your cat marking? Marking is a normal activity that most cats do. Unfortunately, once a cat has urinated somewhere other than his or her litter box, chances are good that he or she will continue to do so. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly and remove any trace of your cat's odor.

My Cat Still Won't Go in the Box

Sadly, there are some instances when a cat may suffer from mental retardation and will not ever be fully litter trained. While rare, most cases of mental disability derive from a long history of inbreeding. However, there have been cases where cats have shown signs of retardation due to blunt force trauma to the head or through asphyxiation. In these cases, potty training is unlikely.

If you feel that your cat may have serious mental or physical health issues that are preventing him or her from using the litter box appropriately, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Cat Food - 7 Tips On What To Avoid Feeding Your Cat

2011-12-09T14:34:00.001-08:00

Serious pet owners have heard about why they need to make sure that they feed their cat a proper cat diet, and why they need to avoid bad commercial cat food. If you are buying cat food from major retailers, you might be in for a big surprise. The cat food that you find labeled "Premium Cat Food" might not actually be as great for your beloved cat as you would believe. The fact is that the pet food industry has many dirty little secrets that they just do not want consumers to know. Before you pick up that next bad of cat chow, learn a little bit more about the industry and then make your decision.

1. The pet food labels that you see on shelves use weasel words to trick you. Weasel words are words that sounds very promising, but do not actually mean anything informative. Words like "premium," "choice," and "quality" are slapped on labels, and according to the rules, it's perfectly legal to do so as long as they don't make a guarantee about the ingredients in the food, or the food itself. Premium is a word that is purely and simply, a marketing term. It is on the label to encourage you to buy, and does nothing more than that. Bad commercial cat food sounds a lot more appetizing with the right labels, after all.

2. Reading the ingredients can tell you if the cat food in question is worth buying. Low quality pet food will often have "meat and bone meal" as a primary ingredient. In simple terms, "meat and bone meal" is a mixture of animal intestines, diseased tissues, bone parts, and sometimes even the remains of euthanized cats, dogs, and sheep. Meat by-products and animal digest also have similar ingredients. This is why many pets get sick from bad commercial cat food.

3. There is less quality control in pet food than in human food. Just like with the food that you eat, there are different levels of pet food quality. Each bag of pet food comes with a guaranteed analysis of the ingredients in the food, where you can learn about the percentage of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The analysis does not tell you about the sources of the protein and some of the pet food manufacturers to use low-nutrition sources like chicken feet to add a higher protein rating to their pet food. In addition, many of them use euthanized animals due to illness in the pet food. A proper cat diet is difficult to get if you do not know this simple trick.

4. The best cat food has quality human grade ingredients. This should make common sense, but it often does not. Many pet food companies will say that they use human grade ingredients, but only use one or two ingredients worth human consumption. In order to make sure that your pet food is 100% human grade, it is important to choose APHIS European certified food. When European countries import pet food from the United States, they demand that all ingredients are human grade. Use that little law as a way to keep yourself from buying bottom tier food.

5. Healthier cat food has healthy bacteria in it called probiotics in human food. In order to make sure you have a proper cat diet, you need to make sure that the bacteria in your cat's intestines actually is present in the numbers recommended. Check the label for Acidophilus. If it is not on the label, you need to find healthier cat food for your pet's immune system or add probiotics and enzymes in the food.

6. The preservatives used in pet food are cancer-causing chemicals. These preservatives include such dangerous ones as BHT and BHA and both chemicals cause cancer and general malaise. When picking your pet food, make an effort to search for natural preservatives such as Vitamin E or natural mixed tocopherols. A proper cat diet will be free of BHT.

7. Chelated minerals are easier to process. Your pet needs minerals like copper, iron, and zinc in their diet. Minerals are difficult to absorb, whether you are human or animal. Using a process called chelating; science has made it easier for animals to get the minerals that they need. Healthier cat food will have chelated minerals listed in the ingredient statement.

Many pet food manufactures out there seem to have no problem selling low quality pet food to pet owners and sacrificing the health of millions of pets. If you want to avoid buying bad commercial cat food there is something that you can do. You can always choose a high quality cat food instead of the ones that you see lining most store shelves.

Keeping Your Cat Safe During the Holiday Season

2011-12-08T18:33:00.001-08:00

The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration. Many of us decorate our homes with garland, holly, pretty plants and of course Christmas trees. All of these things are irresistible for cats and kittens. Cats are interested in anything that twinkles or moves. Things such as curly ribbon, blinking lights and tinsel moving in the breeze attract the interest of any kitty. With all the hustle and bustle of the season we tend to be distracted by the shopping, decorating, wrapping and frequent visitors and sometimes fail to pay close enough attention to our cat.

Cats find all of this intriguing and enjoy the extra attention they get from the visitors, they are also attracted to the tinsel that sways with the slightest air movement and those lovely poinsettias that we have on display for the season. Tasting the poinsettia plant can make your kitty very ill. The sap of the plant can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive tract. Ingesting large amounts of this plant could be deadly. If your cat has ingested the plant, you should contact your vet immediately.

Tinsel adorns most Christmas trees, it's tempting to bat and swat if you're a cat and of course once wrapped on the paws cats tend to remove it with their mouths and possibly swallow this finely sliced foil. Once lodged in the intestines of your cat, he or she may require surgery to remove it from their stomach. Avoid the use of tinsel if you have a resident kitty.

Kittens have a tendency to chew on Christmas tree light cords, if you have a kitten maybe forego those twinkling lights this year. Even if the tree lights are not on, with the cord plugged into the wall there's still harmful voltage present. Kittens have sharp teeth that can penetrate the cord(s) causing electrical shock and even death.

Christmas tree balls are often made from very fragile glass. The slightest breeze will make them sway when hanging on the tree. Kitty takes a swipe at that nice swaying ball and the next thing you know it hits the floor and breaks! Cats are rarely satisfied after breaking the ornament, they have to try to bat the pieces, usually lodging a fragment in their paw. Of course they try to lick it off, ingesting the tiny piece of glass. Glass when ingested will require a veterinarian immediately.

Ever notice how your cat loves to help you wrap gifts? How about that ribbon that curls? They just love it don't they? Truth be known, curling ribbon can be just as deadly to your feline friend as tinsel, as it reacts in a similar manner when ingested.

While your fur baby is probably having a swell time playing with these things, the twinkling lights, poinsettias, curling ribbon or Christmas tree balls are not cat toys. If you have them in your home for the Holiday, please, please be sure that your cat is amused with cat toys and not the decorations that are on display.

At CatToysForLess.com we are all about keeping your cat healthy and happy. If this article has helped to save one cat from harm this Holiday season, the time spent to write this will have been well worth it. Don't forget the cat toy gifts for under the tree and please keep your feline friend safe during this season to be jolly.

Cat's Best Friend

2011-12-07T22:32:00.001-08:00

For at least two kittens in Iowa, dog is cat's best friend. About 3 months ago, a litter of kittens only weeks old, was put into a bag, sealed inside, and thrown onto a road. Cars ran over the bag until a yellow lab called Reagan discovered it. He dragged the bag with the kittens inside to his home where he made a fuss until his owner opened it. She said she could hear the kittens' cries inside, but could never have known or anticipated what she found. She pulled two living kittens from the bag, covered in the blood and guts of their litter mates who had been crushed by traffic.

This kind of animal cruelty is extreme, but unfortunately not uncommon, according to the animal sanctuary where the kittens were brought. Whether people are desperate because of the economy or some other reason, animals are being left to suffer and die more often. These kittens had no chance- they were too young to survive on their own and the bag was sealed shut to prevent escape. Whoever did this wanted the kittens to die. If the cars hadn't run them over, crushing 2 or 3 of them (it was hard to tell just how many kittens were originally in the bag), they would have either starved or suffocated to death, taking days to slowly die. It's a miracle the two kittens survived the road, but even once they were rescued by Reagan they weren't expected to make it. It's amazing that 3 months later the kittens are perfectly healthy and ready to be adopted.

Desperation is something that I understand as a human being. I've made bad decisions before when I was desperate (you'll try just about anything to dry a laptop after spilling a full glass of water on it), but I could never imagine doing something so awful to a living thing. Ignoring, for the sake of argument and my faith in humanity, that these kittens were victims of deliberate animal abuse, if you wanted your unplanned or unexpected litter of kittens to die or not be your responsibility anymore there are a bunch of ways to go about remedying the situation without such blatant cruelty. Iowa has animal shelters just like every other state and all you have to do is drop them off. Most shelters and pounds have night drop areas in case you're too proud or embarrassed to show your face as you surrender the kittens (or you could just say you found them), or you could drop them off in a box even in the parking lot where a worker would surely discover them.

Worst case scenario? The kittens are kept warm and fed a little food until they die on their own or are euthanized. Best case scenario is they thrive and are adopted by someone who does want them. Dropping an animal off at a shelter (or a pet store or a sheriff department or anywhere other than a road) is no cost to you and you're not depriving the animal of any chance it could have. And if you just wanted them dead for whatever reason there are much faster and more humane ways to go about killing a kitten. Did the person who did this think that they'd be dead in one fell swoop of an unsuspecting tire? Did sealing them in the bag make for easy clean-up later? Less guilt for whoever would drive over the bag?

It's depressing that a dog, who although we love and esteem and value we still consider beneath us mighty humans, rescued kittens that a person wanted to kill in such a barbaric manner. No one has to resort to animal cruelty: there are better options, even for the same end goal. I'm glad it worked out for these two lucky cats and I certainly hope they're allowed to live happy, healthy lives with someone who won't leave them.

Hey You! Can I Get a Cat Tree Please?

2011-12-07T12:32:00.001-08:00

My cat is doing what?

If you're like most people, you probably assume that your cat spends most of its day sleeping. And, for those few minutes out of slumber, eating. Sleep, eat, repeat. However, this is far from the truth. Some studies show that these two activities actually fall to the bottom of your cat's entertainment list. If this is true, then what is your cat doing all day? Along with window gazing and interacting with their other furry friends, the majority of your cat's time is spent climbing and exploring the ins and outs of your home. Adventure is what they want. Sleep is what they do when you're home, no offense.

When catnip just won't do

Now that you've come to terms with the fact that your perception of your cat has been, well, less than accurate, it's time to focus on what you can do to help enhance their life. Two words: cat tree. Also known as a cat condo or cat house, these fun-filled jungle gyms are a cat's best friend...when you're not at home that is. And, I'm not just talking a box with a blanket in it. I'm talking about a luxury suite where your furry friend can enjoy some adventure and mental stimulation. Now think about your days spent at home, bored with nothing to do. You go crazy in the first hour. Have to get out, have to do something. This is exactly how your feline feels. They desire, and need, stimulation and entertainment. A cat tree can provide both. In addition, your cat will discover a place of comfort and a secret hide-out in their new found haven.

Cat tree nitty-gritty

Since your feline can't really tell you what it is they want, you'll have to be the decision maker when purchasing your cat tree. There are multiple size, color and feature options to consider. Let's begin with size. The bigger the better...done. Well, not necessarily. You'll want to have a predetermined location and measure how much space you have available. The general size range is 30" to 76" giving you a wide range of options. Since window gazing ranks high on the list, you may want to consider finding a location near a window for added entertainment. Along with size comes additional features. Sure the larger trees can hold more features, but that doesn't mean that the smaller options aren't sufficient. Multiple levels is a plus, as this provides more room for climbing and will give your feline that "king of the mountain" opportunity. Cats are by nature observers, so you can never go wrong with giving them some added height.

Other features to consider are hammocks, hanging toys and sleeping hollows or hanging tunnels. A sleeping hollow is an enclosed cocoon for your furry friend to escape to or enjoy a cat nap. Similar to that, a hanging tunnel is a semi-enclosed area, giving them another option for their ever-changing mood. A hammock will provide a comfortable place to rest and keep a watchful eye when your feline doesn't feel like escaping. And toys, don't forget the toys. Be sure your tree includes a hanging toy to swat at or even a scratching post. Toys will keep them entertained and a scratching post will keep your favorite love seat in one piece! Finally there is color. Obviously not a feature that your feline would even consider, but this is in fact another piece of furniture going in your home so you'll want to choose a color that matches your existing dcor.

7 Tips for Welcoming a New Kitten Into Your Home

2011-12-02T12:18:00.001-08:00

The day has finally arrived and that oh so small bundle of fur has arrived in your home. It is there looking up at you and all of sudden you realize that you have assumed responsibility for another real, living breathing creature. Those small eyes are so trusting and already it believes that you fully know how to care and look after it. You on the other hand are not really sure where you should start. Here are 7 tips that I hope will help you:

Tip 1. Prepare before the kitten arrives. There are some essential items that you should get hold of before arrival day. Your new kitten will need some very basic supplies to be in place before you bring him home. Your kitten will need food and water dishes that are clean, preferable ceramic. You will also need a litter box that is accessible to a small kitten that is located in a place that will give your kitten privacy from other household animals or small children.

Tip 2. Simply relax. You will be surprised how quickly you and your kitten will get used to each other and your little ways.

Tip 3. Confine your new kitten to just one room of the home for the first day (preferably the one with the litter box in it). After a few days, allow the kitten to explore another area of the home. Make sure that you have kitten-proofed each area before allowing the kitten in it. This means no cleaning products, no small objects that a kitten can get lodged in the throat, and no poisonous plants. Every few days expand the area of the home to include more space until eventually your kitten is allowed to explore all areas of your home.

Tip 4. Get used to looking where you are treading. Kittens are very small and it is easy to tread on them if they are scampering around the floor, so be aware.

Tip 5. Be careful when you close doors and cupboards. Kittens are inquisitive little creatures and they can easily get shut in if you do not know they are there.

Tip 6. Kittens generally love to be handled and played with. Spend time playing with your kitten each day. If you have to be out of the home for any lengths of time make sure that your kitten has some toys to occupy itself whilst you are away.

Tip 7. Provide your kitten with some kind of bed or sleeping area where it can go and feel secure. Kittens and cats like having some kind of wall around them which is why many choose to sleep in corners. Alternatively, a simple cardboard box with towelling or a blanket in the bottom can provide an excellent bed for a kitten, but make sure it is easy for it to get into.

The first few weeks that a kitten enters your home is going to be a learning curve for you both,. However before very long there will be a real bond between pet and owner.

Eliminate Unwanted Animal Visitors in Your Home With a Microchip Cat Flap Door

2011-12-02T02:15:00.001-08:00

Outdoor cat owners love to give their cats independence by allowing them to move about freely from indoors to outdoors. Feline owners can choose between magnetic, infrared, and microchip cat flap doors. While the magnetic and infrared options work for some cat owners, these door have a set of benefits and disadvantages. The magnetic doors require a collar, which many cats tend to lose or get snagged on things, making them poor choices for outdoor cats.

With a door that reads microchips, no collar is needed as the door simply reads the microchip embedded underneath your cat's fur. A door flap that works in conjunction with your cat's microchip helps eliminate unwanted animal visitors and doesn't require you to purchase numerous collars or worry that your pet is stuck outside because they lost their collar.

Disadvantages of Regular Cat Flap Doors

While any sort of flap door works to let your feline have independence and control when they go in and out, if the door doesn't lock and have the technology needed to recognise only the cats that should be entering the home, you may find yourself dealing with neighbours cats coming in, or even random animals like squirrels or raccoons. Some people have reported that random cats come into their home using the flap, either eating their pet;s food, messing up their home, or starting fights with their cat. This is not only dangerous, but it's a nuisance to deal with an unwanted animal staking its claim in your home and bringing in potential infestations, such as fleas or other feline illnesses.

Many of the animal doors available on the market allow you to unlock them and leave them open, but no way to prevent other animals from using the door and entering your home. Microchip cat flap doors look and act like regular doors, but the microchip technology allows the door to recognise only the kitties whose chips are programmed into the door. If the neighbour's pet tries sneaking in for an extra bite to eat, the door won't open.

A Microchip Cat Flap Door Reduces Worry

When you have a regular cat door, you feel confident that your pet can enter and exit as needed while you're out. With the confidence that your cat's needs are met while you're gone comes the worry that another animal will enter your home causing trouble or wrecking your home. A door that has the technology to recognize only the cats that live in the home and refuse entrance to other animals will not only protect your cat but give you peace of mind while you're out. A microchip cat flap door may be just the right combination of technology and simplicity to please both you and your cat.

Cat Urine Odor: Top Ways To Stop It Fast And Remove the Smell

2011-12-01T16:13:00.001-08:00

Cats are wonderful companions, but when they start to urinate in the wrong places, such as in your carpet or on your couch, then your companion becomes not so wonderful. In this article I will show you the top reasons why cats urinate inappropriately, the top ways to solve this, plus my most effective at home remedy to eliminate the odor. You'll find out how to prevent this from happening again, keeping your home free from the unpleasant odor of cat urine.

Cats choose to urinate outside their litter box for a variety of reasons. Some cats will urinate due to a medical condition called feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD); in this condition there is pain and inflammation. Kidney disease can cause increased drinking and urination, while diabetes can lead to increased drinking and bladder infections. Some cats have issues with the litter box, as it may be the wrong type of litter, or are located in a place with too much traffic. In other situations, cats will urinate due to behavior; such as the stress of being inside, anxiety with another cat, or just because an unfamiliar new 'object' is present.

Litter box problems are best treated by changing litters to one your cats prefers ( such as clumping clay litter), placing them in more private areas in your home, and by having more litter boxes available. The litter must be cleaned regularly, as cats will be averse to using it due to smell, and not being fresh.

Medical conditions require a diagnosis at your veterinarian starting with an analysis of the urine. Kidney failure and diabetes require specific diets, medication based on test results, and in the case of diabetes, insulin can be needed. FLUTD, or bladder inflammation can respond to conventional and alternative treatments. These include: canned food increasing moisture content, supplements to decrease inflammation, such as Glucosamine, and/or anti-anxiety conventional medication such as amitriptyline. The cat glucosamine dose is 100mg per 10lbs of body weight daily.

Cat behavior urination requires you to decrease the stress causing your cat to urinate in the wrong places. Behavioral urination occurs more often in un-neutered/ unsprayed cats; if this is the case with your cat then have them spayed or neutered. Top holistic remedies to decrease anxiety in your cat include the pheromone called Feliway; it is available as a spray or plug in diffuser. Bach Rescue Remedy may make your anxious cat feel calmer and more secure. Place 1 drop twice daily in your cat's mouth. Try this for 3-4 weeks. Valerian may decrease anxiety in your cat, but it must be given for 2 weeks. The dose is 50 mg per lb of body weight of the dried herb or 1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily of the extract.

Removing the smell of cat urine is key to preventing this from happening again. Cats tend to go back to the same area that they have urinated on in the past. There are a number of commercial urine odor removal products, but I have found a particular home recipe very effective. If the urine is fresh, soak up as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Mix up this recipe for odor neutralizer (may lighten fabric so test a spot first) 1 cup hydrogen peroxide ( 3%), 1 tsp baking soda, 1 quick squirt liquid dish soap. Mix well and completely saturate on carpet/fabric that has been urinated on, and let air dry. Some people find mixing in a spray bottle and spraying it on is easier. Wait 24-48 hours then vacuum your carpet/couch, or wash your peed on shirt.

You can stop your cat from urinating in the wrong places in your house if you follow my above suggestions, a successfully remove the foul odor. If your cat is drinking more than normal, or urinating frequently with blood, then have a veterinarian determine the cause. If feline urinary tract disease is found, follow the basic principles of increasing fluid in your cats diet with canned food, decrease inflammation with supplements such as glucosamine, and decrease stress in your cat with remedies such as the natural pheromone, Feliway. Use my advised home recipe to remove the smell of cat urine, and if you follow all of
the steps, this may never happen again.

Santa Loves Cats

2011-12-01T06:10:00.001-08:00

How do I know that Santa loves cats? Well, this little story is about one of our cats and his Dear Santa letter that he wrote last year leaves no doubt in my mind that Santa loves cats!

It began with one of our cats and his letter to Santa. He was telling Santa that he was very good throughout the year (NOT!). He asked Santa to bring him a new cat tree. He has been asking for a Pussicat Magic Kingdom cat tree for the past few years. Santa brought a Molly and Friends cat tree one year and an Armarkat cat condo another but so far the Magic Kingdom hasn't arrived yet. Of course there are always the treats and toys but just not what he was hoping for.

He doesn't give up easily and continues to ask for his Magic Kingdom, he seems to remember the being nice part in October and it usually ends right after Christmas! Apparently Santa does know who is naughty and who is nice. This cat is sort of set in his ways and when he puts his mind to something, he doesn't quit until he gets what he wants!

Last year the Magic Kingdom didn't arrive and he (Santa) brought this boy a new cat bed! When the presents were unwrapped, he was a bit disappointed but took an immediate interest in his new bed. Before we could find the right place for it, he was in it and sound asleep!

I swear he did not get out of that bed, not even to eat for two days. He curled right up in it and just slept and slept. We actually had to take him out of the bed several times to eat and take care of business and each time we took him out, he had a bite to eat, went to the litter box and then got right back into that bed. I guess being nice sometimes was greatly rewarded. This year he has been more nice than naughty!

I must admit if I could fit in it, I might try it myself. It is so soft and the cushion on the bottom is plush covered memory foam. It contours to his body making the ultimate comfort sleeping lounge. The newness wore off a long time ago but he continues to run for his bed when he wants to nap. He said this cat bed was the best thing since cat cookies. He also said that Santa hit the nail on the head and this cat bed was better than any cat furniture he's ever had!

A sneak peek at his Dear Santa letter this year and the Magic Kingdom is not on his list of wants. Go figure... Santa loves cats, this I know! How do I know? My cat told me so!

Cats With Diabetes - Causes, Symptoms and Helpful Treatments

2011-11-30T20:07:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in humans, but did you know that cats with diabetes are also on the rise? Diabetes is due to inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas, or an inadequate response of the cells to insulin, and without insulin, the body cannot utilize glucose; elevated blood sugar levels are the result. In cats, excess glucose is eliminated by the kidneys, producing frequent urination. To make up for the water lost, diabetic cats will drink excessive amounts of water. Other symptoms may include sudden weight loss (or occasional gain), ravenous or absent appetite and weak back legs.

Cats with diabetes can be treated, but the disease is fatal if left alone. The cat must go on a low carbohydrate diet, which is a critical component of treatment. In many cases it is effective on its own. Low carbohydrate diets have the ability to reduce the amount of insulin needed. Therefore, it keeps blood sugar normal. So how do you put your cat on a low-carbohydrate diet? Carbohydrate levels are highest in dry cat foods, so cats are best off with canned food. Canned food can sometimes be prescribed for diabetic cats, but veterinarians sometimes recommend commercial canned food as well. A veterinarian can help you decide which type of food is best for your cat.

Diabetes mellitus isn't just treated through diet, sometimes cats need more changes to their lifestyles. They may need to be injected with insulin to be kept healthy and there are some oral medications that can be given; however, they are mainly used when insulin is not an option for some reason. This is because they typically have more unpleasant side effects. To establish insulin therapy, veterinarians may administer blood and urine tests and physical examinations. It is important to never adjust insulin therapy on your own because it can cause complications.

There is currently no evidence that suggests diabetes can be prevented in cats. One way to lower your cat's risk of developing diabetes is to implement a pet weight management plan and make sure that you are promoting healthy diet and exercise. Obesity is definitely a risk factor in diabetes but it is also known that some breeds are more prone to diabetes than others. It may not matter how healthy your cat is, he/she may just be susceptible to the disease because of genetics.

The best way to prevent complications from feline diabetes is by keeping a close eye on your cat. If he/she doesn't currently have diabetes, watch out for the symptoms, especially frequent urination and increased thirst. If your cat already has diabetes, be sure to regularly visit the vet, administer proper treatment and watch out for symptoms of diabetes complications. Complications that may come about from feline diabetes include: diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and cataracts. It can also lead to various problems with the skin, liver, kidneys, joints and body infections.

Mythology Of The Cat

2011-11-30T10:03:00.001-08:00

Most of the lesser complex animals, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles probably have a worldview along the lines of 'it just is' and accept whatever comes along - go with the flow. But once you consider the relatively higher and more complex animals, like birds and mammals, then brain complexity becomes such that to a greater or lesser degree, intelligence and the ability to think and figure things out has to be taken into consideration.

For those of you who have companion animals, or even those of you who have just watched animals at a distance, you may have wondered how those animals view and perhaps even think about life, the universe and everything. That is, each animal must have some sort of personal worldview; a perspective or point of view probably forever beyond our understanding - usually but not always.

I'm picking on cats in this particular case because I've owned cats nearly all my life. This essay could just as easily have been dogs or horses or some other domesticated mammal.

So what are cats? Can we identify with them? Can they identify with us? Well, domesticated cats are playful; curious; adaptable; selfish; they dream; they like variety though they can also be creatures of habit; they can 'think' things through and make decisions; they have a vocal language and a body language; they display emotions; they have memory and therefore somewhat a sense of history; they have the same sensory apparatus as we have; they have their own likes and dislikes whether it be food; a place to sleep, where they want or don't want to be scratched or rubbed or petted; and, in short each cat has their own very unique personality. Cats are certainly very self-centred, perhaps a bit more so than typical adult humans, but certainly akin to human infants and toddlers whose worldview is very self-centred with a near 24/7 gimmie, gimmie, gimmie; I want, I want, I want. Cats, at least those intersecting with humans have a gimmie/I want aspect to them, and like infants/toddlers the 'pester' factor can often reach extremes. In short, cats really seem to be mini albeit furry versions of humans, especially infants/toddlers. But, how close might that version really be?

For starters, and perhaps like all animals, the cat probably has a worldview something akin to it being the centre of things - the be-all-and-end-all - and that the entire environment the cat finds itself in is there to provide for all the cat's requirements. From the domestic cat's point of view, the world owes it a living! How else could the cat view things? One's self perceptions tend to revolve around 'I am the centre of the universe' because you are most intimately bound up in your worldview with yourself and not as intimately with anything else. Therefore, anything else, in a self-centred worldview must be subservient. Of course the cat often finds out the hard way that parts of that external reality have differing opinions. That never seems to shift the cat's worldview however that it is 'top dog'* and deserves all the best that comes its way - which might not be all the 'best' that nature could provide but the cat doesn't know that.

Cats certainly have no comprehension, perhaps like toddlers, of being in the way, underfoot, in danger of being trodden on or sat upon, while helping themselves to whatever piece of household geography suits their fancy. One could conclude from their selfish (from our point of view) behaviour, their worldview must be one of 'supreme being' and 'rank has its privileges', and such a worldview will persist at least until such time as their tail gets stepped on or they get tossed out of the easy chair! They still probably see themselves as supreme beings - it's their worldview of you that's now somewhat changed.

The average head of the household and cat owner is probably somewhat of the opinion or has the rationale that 'I pay the bills, therefore I call the shots and what I say goes'! Cats can probably understand 'head of the household' in that in cat society, as in all animal societies, all cats are not equal - there is a hierarchy and one cat alone will be 'top dog' as it were. But there's nothing in a cat's worldview that corresponds to money or bills or economics or finance. Everything is a free lunch, be it sunshine or the electric/gas/wood heater you, the owner, pay for. Even if the cat goes outside and catches and eats a mouse, it's still as free a lunch as far as the cat is concerned as the food you put in its food bowl. So that bit about 'I'm the boss because I pay the bills' has no meaning or significance to the cat since the concept of 'bills' is foreign.

Cats have no mythology about shopping. The post Xmas sales and weekly specials at the supermarket are alien concepts. So is that nearly supreme abstraction to humans - time. Birthdays are a non-event with no realization when they occur and with no relevance in any event. Ditto all those other special points in time like holidays we humans are obsessed with. Cats don't make a habit of staying up late on New Years Eve. It's of no consequence. Weekends are no different than weekdays.

Equally the cat has apparently no worldview of tomorrow or of the future (though it has a memory of the past). It doesn't save for a rainy day. I've never observed a cat hide away a few of its dry cat food pellets for a future emergency or a midnight snack. A cat is very 'now' oriented. A cat probably has no concept of death, far less an afterlife. I've always tended to have two cats at a time on the theoretical grounds they have companionship when I'm not around. As such, one cat will finally get to go to that great 'litter box in the sky' and as such the surviving cat (for a while at least) will be without its companion feline 'friend'. I've never noticed however any real change in the behaviour of the surviving cat. The demise and removal of the other animal has apparently all the relevance of my tossing an empty can into the recycling bin. Now if I tossed out the cat's favourite easy chair that would probably cause more of a reaction!

It's difficult to teach a cat anything that isn't already hardwired into its little grey cells. I mean you don't tend to have guard cats, seeing-eye cats, or cats that sit up, stop on command at the corner, beg, and play fetch, etc. when their human owners say so. The cat's worldview is quite foreign to such concepts, though there's little difference between a cat's IQ and a dog's IQ. Maybe that's why the saying 'dogs have masters; cats have slaves'!

So those are several significant differences between the worldview mythologies of the cat relative to humans (or even dogs, who, are well known to 'grieve' upon the death of a fellow companion dog or of their owner. If I died, my cat's loyalty would shift quick-smart to the next human who fed it).

I noted above that cats dream and why not. I judge this because often when they are sound asleep I frequently notice their paws and mouths twitching as if in response to something going on inside their head. I assume it's not some abstraction that occupies this assumed dream state. It's probably related to visions of chasing and eating fat mice and plump flightless birds! There's no way of telling for sure, but that's what I suspect. If they dream, they dream practical cat-related things.

I've never gotten the impression that a cat ponders anything at anytime but practical matters that have a direct bearing on it in the here and right now. An obvious example is that any cat always finds itself on the wrong side of a door, and you are expected to correct that state of affairs as often as is necessary - which is very often indeed. No wonder people install cat flaps! Anyway, things like philosophy and religion and the arts and mathematics and anything abstract not only isn't considered and immediately dismissed, the cat probably can't even conceive of such things in order for them to be dismissed as of no relevance to the cat's worldview. There's no creativity in their little grey cells whatever. I very much doubt whether any cat has pondered whether or not it has free will. My cats don't respond to cat art, like the pictures of cats on calendars. Music soothes the savage beast but with one minor exception all my cats have been oblivious to whatever type of music CD I'm playing, be it classical or jazz, country & western or film scores; vocal or instrumental. That one exception is that I once had a cat that would react to whistling within a song that emanated from the speakers. Still, cats probably therefore never have to endure that annoying experience of having an irritating song play endlessly, over and over and over again inside their head!

If the cats were of a human frame of mind, they might conceive of something like: In the beginning the great cat deity, lets name it Bastet (also spelled Bast, Baast, Ubasti and Baset) after the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, created not only the domestic feline, but all that's part and parcel of their world. In the beginning Bastet created the ever pristine litter box; the ever full food and water bowls, and lots of birds and mice for felines to chase, catch and snack on. That's of course according to the mythology of the cat, if the cat had a human's imagination. Well actually, not. No cat has imagined any self-contained mythology about the origin and evolution of cats. If cats have a worldview mythology outside of the concepts of self and now, then it probably centres on what strange companions humans are. And I'm 99% sure that while such human activities might be fascinating, they are equally incomprehensible.

Translated, whatever mythology our domestic feline companions come up with that explains to their satisfaction their worldview, it will bear little resemblance to actual human activities on behalf of the animal, like the concept of money to pay for the goods and services it receives. The cats have no conception of livestock (slaughtered as pet food), of biological evolution (that provided the birds and mice and the abilities of the cat to chase, catch and snack on them), of the infrastructure that gets them their fresh water (and other goodies) that ends up as the end product in their water bowls, etc.

So while I have no idea what worldview mythology my cats have (and they probably aren't the exact same - each cat's worldview will be in part unique) it's wrong.

However, we can speculate; take scenarios that are part and parcel of their world, natural or otherwise, and try to figure out how they see and interpret things through their eyes.

So what goes through a cat's mind when it's not immediately concerned with me; now - when it's not in immediate need of catering to various biological requirements and functions? The cat is just sitting, wide awake, alert, observing, but what is it thinking? Does it have to be deep in thought at all? Probably not I suspect. In fact, it's more likely as not they are observing just for the sake of observing - always on the lookout for something to chase and eat (that's probably just hardwired into their brain), or for something that might chase and eat them.

I mean my cats are interested in birds; I'm interested in birds too - but for totally different reasons. On the other hand, my cats are interested in a clean litter box, but what goes through their minds when every time they go to the litter box it's pristine, even though it wasn't in that condition a little while back for obvious reasons? Do they associate that 'it wasn't then but now it is pristine' phenomenon with a cat deity or with me or neither? Cat food appears on demand in bowls they eat out of, yet they have no comprehension of the chain of events between manufacture, distribution, the need for money to purchase, transport, open and pour into those bowls that food. So how do they account for the food that somehow magically appears before them? Do they have a food bowl mythology? Or, perhaps it is a phenomena that just is, and they think no more about it than a fish ponders the nature of the water it swims in. For some reason I find it very hard to picture my cats deep in thought wondering about all those whys and wherefores associated with the food they consume.

Well we have some idea what a cat's worldview mythology is (me; now), and isn't (nothing that's abstract) but you, the owner, aren't an abstraction. How do you fit in to your animal's mythology?

Cats must have a field day with respect to inventing a mythology that accounts for the strange habits of those creatures they share their environment with - humans. For example, my cats see me getting dressed every morning - I'm putting on the fur. Since cats don't need to dress, this behaviour must be really weird to them. Ditto making the bed or washing the dishes. The cats must be totally freaked out by my habit of deliberately getting wet via a daily shower or bath. What activity could repulse a cat more than that? Yuck! How do cats explain the dwelling they reside in along with all the stuff it contains? I know where it all comes from, but how do they account for it all? Do they even bother to try to account for it? Part of that all is my personal computer (PC). They see me typing away on this PC but I'm sure they have no comprehension of what this PC device is or why I'm pecking away on it instead of paying attention to them. When I go out of the house, shopping say or off to the club for a few cold beers, do they wonder where and why? Do they worry that I might not come back, because if I don't they will find themselves in a pretty pickle. Or, is the fact I'm away of no interest and no consequence and causes no speculation? Since they don't seem agitated when I leave, I suspect they have no comprehension of the possibility that I might not return, being hit by the proverbial bus instead.

So, do my cats develop a point of view, a worldview mythology to account for birds (a natural part of their environment), litter boxes (not so natural), and PC's (totally unnatural)? I suspect they don't. These things just are and don't require any mythological interpretation to otherwise explain them.

Cats like to lie and stretch out in and soak up the warmth of the Sun. How do they account for sunshine and this warmth since presumably they know nothing of stellar astrophysics, nuclear fusion, photons, etc.? Might it be, if it be at all, that our cats conclude that in the beginning that great cat deity Bastet created the Sun to give pleasure and warmth to them, but, Bastet hides the Sun at regular intervals (at night) so as not to totally spoil us cats? Probably not I suspect. The warmth of the Sun probably just is (like the water is to the fish) - in fact they might not even make the connection between the Sun, sunshine, and the warmth that gives them.

Conclusions & Summary: So what is a domestic cat's worldview mythology? Well, if the cat could speak, it might say something like this: "It's all about me; it's all about now; everything else just is and if it doesn't affect me now, it's not relevant." The more I think about it, the more I draw a parallel between a cat being an eternal toddler (me; now; everything else just is, albeit interesting and worthy of exploring), but at least without the temper tantrums!

*The standing observation or joke is that a dog thinks to itself that 'my human feeds me and plays with me and looks after me, therefore he must be a god'. The cat thinks to itself that 'my human feeds me and plays with me and looks after me, therefore I must be a god!' There's an awful lot of relevance in that observation IMHO.

Thank Goodness for Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds!

2011-11-29T23:58:00.001-08:00

Thanks to hypoallergenic cat breeds, everyone can enjoy the affection that a purring friend can offer. It is a fact that humans live longer, healthier and happier lives when they have an animal companion. Unfortunately, allergies trouble a large percentage of the population but that doesn't mean they can't have a feline friend in their life.

What's the Difference?

If you are like many others, you are probably wondering what the difference is between these cats and the ones that make you sneeze, wheeze and give you watery eyes. Simply put, these breeds produce fewer allergens.

Fel D1 is the allergen found in a cat's saliva that causes the reaction you experience. When your cat licks his coat, allergen-laden spit becomes airborne after it dries. At this point, it looks for a warm, moist environment like your nose, sinuses, throat and eyes. Cats that produce less of this irritating allergen are considered hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic Cats

• Devon Rex - These cats are active, playful, intelligent, affectionate and are ideal companions for humans and other pets. The Devon Rex is easily recognized by its curly coat, large ears and a wedge-shaped head.

• Sphinx - These cats do need frequent baths because their natural oils produce a gummy buildup on their skin. Although these cats are hairless, they do still have the ability to evoke allergic reactions. The Sphinx is a hungry cat with a fast metabolism and an abundance of energy.

• Balinese - These cats certainly don't look like they would be hypoallergenic but they are! The Balinese looks like a Siamese only smaller and they have a longer, silkier tail. These cats love to hangout in high hiding places and they are considered the smartest of all breeds.

• Javanese - Playful, vocal, intelligent and people-oriented are all words to describe this breed. They are slender with blue eyes and beautiful markings.

• Oriental Shorthair - These cats demand attention and can be extremely vocal if they are ignored. They are sleek and sturdy and come in over 300 colors and patterns.

• Cornish Rex - Their very short coat has curly washboard waves. They are not truly hypoallergenic but most allergy sufferers are less affected by them. They are extremely affectionate, playful and have an average lifespan of 15 years!

• Siberian - At least 75 percent of allergy suffers are unaffected by the Siberian, despite its long, beautiful coat. The Siberian is big and powerful, athletic and energetic and possess a dog-like devotion to their human companions, including children.

Bringing a Cat Home

It is strongly recommended to spend some time with a cat before you purchase or adopt it. Just because one person is not affected by a breed does not mean that you won't be. If you have children who are allergic to cats, they should spent time with the feline first as well. It is unfair and very stressful to the animal to bring it home and then return it. Everyone should have a pet, thanks to hypoallergenic cat breeds, this is possible!

Longhaired Cat Breeds - Some of the Most Stunning Felines Available

2011-11-29T13:53:00.001-08:00

There are few people who will argue that long-haired cat breeds are some of the most beautiful felines in the world. Even someone with allergies or who is not necessarily a cat person can appreciate the sophisticated elegance that a long, shiny, silky coat can offer. If you are looking to add one of these stunning creatures to your family, below are some popular favorites as well as a few rare varieties you may be interested in.

Persian

Nearly everyone is familiar with this breed that's been around for centuries. With their round heads, full cheeks and snub noses, they are quite easy to recognize. These are muscular, medium to large-sized cats with fluffy, luxurious coats. Due to their gentle personality, they prefer quieter homes and they like to stay near the ground. You will rarely find a Persian on your kitchen counter!

Turkish Angora

You are not likely to forget the first time that you see a Turkish Angora; these are cats that can take your breath away. This breed was first referenced back in the 16th century in France. They are often called the ballerina of cats and with their elegant and slender bodies, pointed ears, flowing tails and silky hair, it's easy to see why. Despite its delicate appearance, this is a cat that loves to play and is extremely acrobatic.

Selkirk Rex

This is a new breed, originating in 1987 in Montana. It's a medium to large with a muscular body, large round eyes and tousled hair that makes the look a lot like woolly sheep. The Selkirk Rex is loving, laid back and loves to cuddle.

Ragdoll

Developed in 1960 in California by Ann Baker, the Ragdoll is one of the largest of all cat breeds. They have sturdy, long bodies, a silky texture coat and they actually don't shed much except in the spring and fall. This blue-eyed breed is friendly, relaxed, quiet and like their name implies, they go limp like a doll when you hold them.

Birman

This sacred cat of Burma has a stocky build and a thick coat that rarely gets matted. Its front paws have white gloves while the back ones wear a lace pattern. Their ears are wide, eyes are large and tail is muscular. This is a talkative, active breed that thrives on attention.

American Curl

Native to America, this medium-sized cat is easily recognized by its happy expression and ears that curl out and then backwards. They have a minimal undercoat so grooming is a breeze! Interestingly, they are born with straight ears that don't curl until they are about 16 weeks old. These cats are fabulous companions, they are friendly, intelligent, curious and get along with children and other pets.

Maine Coon

There are many legends that surround this ancient breed. They have a heavy, water-resistant coat and a very bushy tail. This breed is available in an array of colors, patterns and eye-color. These are affectionate, social breeds but due to their overly independent nature, they are rarely considered a lap cat.

Norwegian Forest

These are large, muscular cats that are much faster and agile than what you might expect based on appearance. Their coat is dense, eyes are almond-shaped and expressive and tail is flowing and long. This is one of the most mild-mannered, resourceful and intelligent of all long-haired cat breeds and it can easily adapt to its environment.

Caring For A Stray Cat

2011-11-29T03:23:00.001-08:00

Years ago my aunt, a huge animal lover, started to receive late night visits from a gorgeous ginger stray cat. Due to disgusting abuse by his previous owners he had no teeth or claws left and was very under nourished and extremely frightened. My aunt being very sensitive to animals saw that he was so hungry that his fear was overridden by a desperate need for food. He would let no one else near him except for her and if food was left out by someone else, he would know and leave it to go stale. She really had an amazing gift with animals.

Eventually he trusted her enough to allow her to stroke him, but nothing more. He was content to live a wilder life if it meant he was safe from humans. We really are a disgrace to this planet.

So how do you help stray cats? How do you gain their trust?

First of all you need to know the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. It's not always easy to tell because in time a stray cat will revert back to its natural instincts, which is the same as a feral cats behaviour.

Obviously a stray cat will have been abandoned by their owners or may have got lost. They might have a collar, but if not you should be able to tell by the quality of their coats if they have recently become strays, rather than being a feral cat. If you can, take a photo of it and check with your local vets if anyone has lost their cat. Don't just assume you can take someone else's cat, in a lot of areas it is illegal. Also there could be a very good reason for them getting lost and there may be a family trying to find them. Usually you can take responsibility and become a stray cats owner after about two weeks of notifying the local animal shelters, vets etc.

A feral cat will be much less inclined to engage with you and will be more likely to show you aggressive, wild behaviour. You're also less likely to see them for any length of time, as any sign of a human and they're off. Can't blame them for that!

Feral cats have been born into the wild from either feral parents or stray cats that have become pregnant. They tend to live together in casual family colonies and are able to survive in urban and rural areas. They aren't always popular as like other wildlife they will rummage through your bins for food. So be warned, your neighbours may not take kindly to you starting a feeding programme for them.

So, if you want to help a stray cat the first thing to do of course is feed them.

An adult stray that is under nourished will build up quickly on kitten food. However switch back to adult food as soon as you see an improvement. They will need the nutrients from adult food once they have initially recovered.

Try wet food as well as dry. See what their preferences are.

Buy new cat bowls as they won't like the scent of other pets.

Always provide fresh water every day.

Feed them at night to start with, but leave dry food out in the daytime in case they start to gain courage and come to your garden more often. They need to feel they have a safe place to come to.

After a while try to be present when you know the stray is going to turn up. Place the food down, step back and speak in a soothing tone. Don't attempt to stroke the cat. Let it feed and leave if it wants to. The main point is to slowly gain trust. You know you can never rush a cat.

On the next occasion offer some food from your hand. They may or may not take it, persevere and try again next time.

If no one claims the cat and you decide to rehome this stray then capturing it in the most humane way is your next step. You may not be able to do this, so it's a good idea to contact your local animal shelter and they may be able to send someone to help.

Once you've done that go straight to the vets for a thorough check up. Deworming, flea and ear mite treatments and neutering must all be done.

If you have other pets keep the new cat in one room until they've settled down and slowly introduce them.

Once you've taken responsibility of a stray cat and brought it into your home, be prepared for the settling in period to take some time. You don't know what they've suffered, be patient. They will probably want to stay by your side as much as possible. In time this should calm down but remember they may be a little apprehensive of this new home.

Pamper them with new cat toys, cat bed and stand. You may want to try using a feline facial pheromone spray or diffuser to help calm their nerves.

Should I Change My Kitty Litter?

2011-11-28T17:22:00.001-08:00

Should I change litters? Does my Sphynx cat like his/her litter? Is she allergic to it? He pees or poops outside of the box, is this because she does not like the litter?

This is a question we have heard too many times, so I thought I would put some information out there for everyone to help understand, when, why and how to change your kitty litter brand.

How do I know if my Sphynx does not like his/ her kitty litter?

Your Sphynx places two of his paws on the edge of the box and the other two in the litter while going to the bathroom.

Your Sphynx does not dig a hole first or she does not like to cover her pee or poop

Your Sphynx shakes his paws after stepping out of the litter box

Your Sphynx scratches the floor or carpet just outside of his litter box

Your Sphynx pees or poops just outside of his litter box

If you see your Sphynx showing any of these signs of disliking his/ her litter, it is your job to figure out what he/ she does not like about the current kitty litter brand you are using. This is a process of trial and error, and could take a few weeks. So patience is a virtue.

Also just because your Sphynx exhibits one or two of these acts, does not mean he dislikes his kitty litter, if she is going in the box, leave well enough alone!

Here is an easy test, Just put another litter box next to the one he is currently using but put a different type of litter in the new litter box. If he uses the other kitty litter, you know which one he likes best. Leave both litter boxes in place until he gets used to using the new litter, then discard the old litter and fill that box with the new litter.

If your Sphynx does not like the new litter, then you will have to try another litter product. Keep doing this until you find one your Sphynx prefers best.

If you want to change litter brands for your own personal reasons or you feel your Sphynx does not care for your current brand, this is simple, first start by adding a little of the new litter into the litter box containing your current brand, then approximately over a course of about a week, gradually add a little more of the new to the old litter while eventually eliminating the old litter completely.

Try to stick with similar types of litter, for example clumping with clumping litters and so on.

If your Sphynx begins avoiding the litter box at any time during this transitioning process, add more of the old brand back in and change the percentage of old and new brands more gradually.Again this process can take time so have patience.

On another note, if you have more than one cat and one litter box this could also create problems which never existed before with urinating or pooping outside of the box. if changing litters does not work the other question is, do you have enough litter boxes in the home? A good rule of thumb is 1 box per cat.

Top Four Home Remedies for Treating a Cat Urinary Tract Infection

2011-11-24T22:55:00.001-08:00

As a pet owner, you can usually tell when something is wrong with your cat. Changes in diet, activity, behavior and sleep patterns can all be signs that your cat is having health issues; these changes also play a key role in figuring out what the problem is. This means that if your cat is acting different, and you suspect a cat urinary tract infection, you have probably noticed things like:

Obvious pain when urinating, including crying when urinating

Blood in the urine, small amounts of urine, or no urine at all

Excessive grooming of genitals

Urinating outside the litter box

Spotted urine in the box like raindrops

Starts spraying or a puddle away from the litter box

If you have noticed that your cat is showing these behaviors, then he or she most likely has a cat urinary tract infection, and needs treatment. There are two options for treatment - you can take your cat to the veterinarian and get him or her on medication, or you can use a home remedy. If you are on a budget and your cat's UTI (urinary tract infection) does not seem too bad, then you may want to try home remedies for cats before going to the veterinarian. Following are the top four home remedies that are best for treating a cat urinary tract infection:

Store bought remedies. Medications such as Better Bladder Control and UTI Free are available to purchase from pet stores for treating cat urinary tract infections, and are both safe and effective.

Home remedies. Cranberry juice is effective at treating cat urinary tract infections because it stops bacteria from sticking to the lining of the bladder. Vitamin C is also effective at treating cat urinary tract infections because it strengthens the lining of the bladder and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Prevention. When treating a urinary tract infection it is also important to make lifestyle changes to make sure it does not happen again. This includes encouraging hygiene by providing more than one litter box, keeping all litter boxes clean, making sure your cat gets enough exercise, and always providing bottled water. Bottled water is free of chlorine and fluoride that can be toxic to cats over time.

Provide a healthy diet. Urine pH changes from your cat's diet and with certain foods can give your cat's urine high and unsafe pH levels. High pH levels lead to urinary tract infections. To avoid this, feed your cat a well-balanced diet and do not allow him or her constant access to food. Stop feeding your cat dried food because it is one of the reasons your cat has urinary tract infections. You can also try feeding your cat foods that support urinary tract health. Pro Plan, Purina and Nine Lives are just three of the many brands of cat food that sell cat food that supports urinary health. My best recommendation is to convert your cat from commercial pet foods to natural whole raw foods.

You should always check with your professional pet caregiver as to treatments and dosages for your animal. I always like to buy standardized tonics so I do not have to worry about giving it too much at one time.

Tips For An Easier Relocation With Your Cat

2011-11-24T12:55:00.001-08:00

Moving from one house to another is already difficult in itself. If you have your cat with you, it can get even harder. You have to take care that your pet will not be stressed about the move. There will surely be some discomfort because of the change in environment and territory, but this should be the stress that your cat will feel.

To avoid causing too much harm to your pet, there are several tips that you have to take into consideration.

First step is for you to plan. Not only will you be thinking about what you will be doing when you get to your destination. The bulk of this endeavor will be on what you will be doing while you are on the road. First and foremost, know how long your travel will take. Will it take you days or just a few hours?

Of course, you have to know the roads and routes that you will take. As much as possible, take the fastest route. You are not the only one who yearns to end the journey. Your cat might feel very stressed when it is inside a moving vehicle.

Also include in your plan the type of transportation you are going to take. For a plane ride, you need to know the requirements for you to be able to get your cat ride the plane. Have all the requirements ready some time before you have to fly. When you are doing the travel by land, consider whether you are using public or a private transport. The length of time for travel can differ in both.

Know the journey. This will include being aware of what things you are going to encounter along the way. For those who will travel miles inside their car, you might be able to experience a change in temperatures. Sometimes, moving from one place to another after a long travel can already make you feel this. A change from warm to cold temperature or vice versa will be taxing for your pet.

While still on the road, do you have to stop or rest somewhere? Will there be hotels that you can sleep in for the night. It will likewise be beneficial for your pet to be able to get out of its cage.

Bring all that you need. For a long journey, make sure that you bring with you enough food and water. Traveling in humid or warm conditions can easily dehydrate your pet. So, make sure that you bring a lot of water. For the food, don't give it too much at one time. Only give it small portions when you are traveling.

Place your cat in a carrier. For your safety and for the safety of your pet, you have to place it inside a carrier. This will allow you to drive without having to keep an eye on where your cat is. If you are going to travel by plane, you will be required to place your cat in a prescribed carrier and have it checked in.

The Impact of Brain Aging on Cats

2011-11-24T02:54:00.001-08:00

A significant number of cats that have been alive for several years and are considered old in terms of cat years and age may experience certain signs of aging. And these signs may be closely related to how they function intellectually and cognitively.

If you are an owner of an old cat, you might be able to see a few or all of these signs in your aging cat. The first one is a decreased interaction by your pet. The cat would rather stay in a corner and waste the day away. You will only observe your cat on top of your fridge, your window or on its bed.

Not only will there be a decreased interaction of your cat with you. If you have other pets or other animals, there might also be a considerable decrease in interaction of your cat with these other pets. It would seem that your pet is no longer interested to play with its friends.

When this happens, do not force your pet to play with you. Let it sleep or rest. Older cats might easily get tired and would prefer not doing anything.

When it's feeding time, you can notice that your pet no longer rushes to you unlike during its younger years. You might have to leave its food beside it and it still won't be very excited. However, you should be able to differentiate signs of brain aging with a loss of appetite. Of course, you have to consider the age of your pet. Aside from that, a cat whose brain is aging will still eat its food, albeit on smaller amounts. A cat that has a loss of appetite might have to skip several meals without having the urge to eat.

Even though your cat was potty trained when it was younger, you might see it urinate or defecate outside of its litter box. This can be a problem for a lot of owners. Cleaning the house almost every day when this happens entails a lot of work.

For cats that are faced with challenges like a wall in front of them, they might not be able to solve that particular issue. A younger cat might have easily tackled and got over the problem. The older cat will seem to work slowly and might not know how to react and proceed with the situation.

Your cat might get less excited. Even if there is immediate trouble near it, it will not spring up as quickly as it used to. This can be attributed to the fact that it has lesser awareness of stimuli that is present in the environment that it is in.

Sometimes, you will notice that there are differences in the times that your pet is awake or is asleep. There can be days when it sleeps the whole day. Sometimes, it will be away during the day. At other occasions, your pet will be awake at night and be sleeping in the day. These inconsistencies are definite signs that your cat is manifesting signs of brain aging.

Time For Cat Play

2011-11-23T16:54:00.001-08:00

Watching your cat play is very entertaining. They like to play by themselves, and they like to play interactively with a human.

Kittens are fluffy bundles of energy and playing is essential to their growth. Playing helps them develop their physical coordination and balance, and some toys even help them develop problem solving skills.

Kittens are happy little creatures and very curious. They can find the simplest item to entertain themselves. As your cat grows into a cat, you may have to have interactive play time to stimulate their playing instincts, or they will become lazy.

Cats like to be on the hunt like wild cats do. Wild cats are truly looking for food, and you can simulate this desire in your domestic cat with interactive toys. These toys encourage your kitten or cat to jump, chase and run to win the game. Allow them to win once in a while and let them catch their prey, but don't allow them to win all of the time. If they always catch their prey, or if the hunt is just too difficult, they will loose interest and not play at all.

Kittens and cats claws and teeth can wound your skin, so keep them from interacting too close to your face, especially your eyes, and your hands. If you get bit or scratched, cleanse it immediately with an antiseptic like alcohol or peroxide. This is especially true if your cat goes outside at all, but even indoor cats can cause infections.

My husband was bit and scratched several times as he waved his hand trying to get a feral cat out of a shelter. He ended up in emergency about 15 hours later with a very aggressive infection. He was given high doses of antibiotics for 3 days. If he would have waited until the next day before getting help, the situation could have become very serious for him.

Cat toys can be as simple as an opened paper sack or an empty box. They love to play with a skein of yarn or a wadded up piece of paper or foil. Holiday or birthday time allows many fun places for them to play and hide as presents are opened and left on the floor. They also like to bat milk jug rings around your kitten floor or any smooth surface.

A fun interactive toy is tying a piece of folded paper to string and drag it around the room. For more fun, raise it in the air or hide it around furniture or a door way. This gets you moving as well as your cat, and it helps to eliminate their boredom.

Getting your cat to play also helps to eliminate obesity. Older cats suffering with obesity is one of the biggest problems of an indoor cat.

Toys that cats like to play with are varied, and should be changed often so your kitty doesn't get bored with any particular one. It may take several tries to figure out what they like to play with. As cat lovers we know that cats are finicky little creatures, and what they love to play with today, may not be their toy of choice tomorrow.

Here are a few toys that are fun for your cat and you - whether you are watching or interacting with them.

Crazy Circle Cat Toy - This toy has a ball that they bat around inside a ring. They can hit it back and forth, and chase it as it goes round and round. Try as they may, they cannot dislodge the ball from the ring. Some rings even have surfaces in the center on which they can scratch.

Laser Toy - These lasers can be pointed on the floor, furniture and any surface you don't mind if they jump upon, because they will try to chase it. Cats love to chase these lights. CAUTION: Do not shine the lights in your feline's eyes.

Catnip bubbles - I use to love to play with bubbles as a kid, and now you can blow bubbles and let your cat try to catch them. These bubbles have catnip scent, and they are safe for your cat and easy on any surface on which they land.

Kitty teasers - These are feathered objects dangling from a stick. They are very interactive as you move the object, they run and jump and chase it.

Peek-a-boo box - These are square wooden boxes with holes all around them. Place a small toy or treat inside and they will try to get the objects out of the box.

Don't forget the usual variety of balls and furry little mice. Avoid purchasing or making any toy that can shred easily or break apart into many small pieces. Don't give them a reason or opportunity to chew or swallow any toy or its parts. It is often wise to watch them play so you can make sure they are complete safe.

Enjoy your feline. Keep her safe. You will have hours of entertainment as you watch them play.

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

Massage For Cats

2011-11-23T06:53:00.001-08:00

If I wasn't human I would love to be a cat.

What a hard life they have. Sleeping, eating, sleeping, washing, sleeping, eating. You get the gist.

So what better product for your pampered pet than the CatIt Senses Massage Centre? Or if your cat is not keen on this type of product perhaps you can learn kitty massage.

So is massaging your cat beneficial? There are people who will think that massaging a cat is stupid. They get stroked, that's enough isn't it? Well, just like humans all animals benefit from massaging for psychological reasons as well as physical. Massage stimulates the nerves in the body, the muscles, circulatory system and lymphatic system. It enhances range of motion, increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells, relieves muscle spasms and helps to flush away toxic compounds, such as lactic acid, that cause pain. The other point is this is a lovely way to bond and gain the trust of any new pet you bring home and you will also feel a great sense of relaxation too.

Obviously not all cats will want you trying out your amateur massage skills on them, but if you take just a few minutes a day when your cat is relaxed but not sleeping, you will soon find out if this is for them or not.

You probably already have a rough idea of certain techniques. Don't forget, it's the masseurs intent that makes massage different from just simple stroking of your cat, and any animal can sense if you're really interested.

A good way to begin is to talk to them in a soothing tone, stroking them in their favourite places so that they feel relaxed and comfortable with you. Then start from the top of their body working your way down and apply a small amount of pressure using the palms of your hands or your fingertips on the areas that you usually stroke your cat. For example - the back of the neck, the shoulders, the base of the tail and down their spine. In time, if your cat grows to like being massaged you can move to the sides of the stomachs and their legs. This will take time and trust and I would suggest only doing a few minutes a day. Just like humans have different preferences so do your pets. They may like firmer pressure in one area and lighter in another part.

Cats either love having their tummy's stoked or they hate it. If they allow you to massage their stomachs do it very gently and be prepared for them to suddenly change their mind and swipe your hand away. Even with you they may feel too vulnerable to let the massage progress to the belly area. Another place to avoid is the hind legs. Cats hate to be touched there, but if in time they become relaxed enough to allow this, do it very lightly and for a small amount of time. Watch for their reactions and remember their favourite spots.

You may find that it's easier to use a massage centre first. It will show you which areas your cat prefers and what kind of pressure they enjoy. Of course they may ignore it completely and play with the box that it comes in instead. The Catit massage centre comes with catnip to entice them to use the centre. I found that my cats needed more to start off with. We all know how untrusting cats can be until they're good and ready, so extra catnip is a good idea. The Catit Massage Centre should appeal to your cat's sense of touch. It comes with a variety of massage pads, so why not pamper your cat with a purely luxurious experience.

For any animal with joint pain and arthritis you should always consult your vet first and of course don't massage your cat if she is pregnant or sick.

Creating a Cat-Friendly Household

2011-11-22T20:53:00.001-08:00

When you decide to have cats inside your home, you do not only begin to burden yourself with the responsibility of feeding and keeping it healthy, you will also be responsible with keeping it safe. One way by which you can ensure the safety of your pet in your household is through your household furniture.

Inspect your house. If you have kids, you might have experienced how to child-proof your home. The techniques necessary will be a little similar for your pets. The first thing that you need to do is to assess your living space and the space that you will allow your cat to have access to.

You have to check each and every room. You will be looking for possible physical hazards that can cause physical injuries. You also have to look for poisons and related substances. Look under couches, under your bed, and even on higher places as your cats can reach those too.

For a more thorough process, you can list down the things that you need to change to increase your pet's safety.

Look for hazards. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you also have to look for specific hazards. Take note of electrical supplies that are exposed and can be reached by your pets. Have covers for electric outlets. These electrical devices will not only endanger your pet but can also be a cause of fires and electrical emergencies.

Then, there can be small items lying all around your house. You also have to remove these things and keep them away from your cats. Your cats can play with them and accidentally or intentionally swallow them. Either way, your cat could suffocate or choke.

Electrical cords and other strings should be well installed. Avoid those that are freely lying around your house. Likewise, your cats can play on these and they might be strangulated when they are unfortunate enough.

Remove and add as necessary. Sometimes, there will be a need for you to take out some furniture from your house. You can dispose of them entirely. Or, you may keep them in a room that you will keep your pet from accessing.

The items that you can add will include toys and scratching posts. Instead of letting your cats play with household items, you can provide them with more appropriate pet supplies.

Organize your house. When you keep small items in their appropriate containers, you can easily avoid accidents. Your kid's toys and your pet's toys should not mix. Make sure that you clean up after your kids have played. You have to keep their toys and prevent your pets from playing with them. Not only are you protecting your kids, you are also protecting your kids.

Don't leave human food for your pet to access. Some pets can be very mischievous and climb on your dining table to access your food. This can mean that you will be wasting your food as it is already contaminated by your pet. Furthermore, if there are ingredients that are harmful to cats included in your food, you are also putting your pet in danger.

Cat Health - Tips for a Better Vet Visit

2011-11-22T10:52:00.001-08:00

There are pet owners who want only the best for their pets. But since their knowledge regarding pet care can be limited, they will need the help of a veterinarian and so, preparing for your vet visit is an important task. Here is what you need to do:

The most important thing that you need to take into account is your pet's comfort. And comfort can be easily provided if you have a carrier. This container will ensure that your pet is safe inside an enclosed container. Whether you are using your own private vehicle or you are going to take public transport, the carrier will make it easier for you to carry your pet. More importantly, your pet will be comfortable inside.

You do not want to have a cat freely roaming in your car. It will be unsafe for your cat and also dangerous for you. Also, it is not advised that you place your cat on your lap even if you are not the one driving the car. Your pet can still get away and might cause some trouble.

However, take note that there are some pets that will feel uneasy inside the carrier for the first few minutes to even hours inside it. When it is their first time to be placed inside a carrier, try to make them feel comfortable first before transporting them. It may be helpful if you can make them get a feel of what it is inside the carrier for a few hours or even days before you make your vet visit.

In choosing the type of carrier, you can consider durability, price, and design. The material will help dictate the durability of the product. For design, it will be based on your own personal need. You also have to think about the size of your pet. Lastly, it might be better to have a top loading carrier. It may be easier to place your pet in it. Another option will be for you to make them get inside their carrier voluntarily by having those that open on the sides.

To make your cat become accustomed to a car ride, take them on a few short rides before the long one to your vet. A few minutes every day will make your cat feel comfortable in a moving vehicle. And when you have to travel for a long time, avoid feeding your cat at least an hour before you have to leave.

When you notice bad behavior, verbal corrections can get their attention. And of course, when you see that they are behaving very well, you can give them rewards.

If you can, set vet visits at regular intervals with the least frequency. As much as possible, you want to help your cat avert the stress of transport and being in a strange environment. When it is not very necessary, schedule checkups and other activities on the same day or the same visit. And of course, if you have a choice, settle for a vet that is close to where you live.

Cat Nutrition Guide - Maintain and Enhance Your Cat's Health

2011-11-22T00:52:00.001-08:00

Cats, like all other animals, need a balanced diet in order to keep healthy. They need to consume an adequate amount of water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins. If they don't, they could end up with health problems. One way to enhance your cat's nutrition starting today is by implementing a probiotic such as Fortiflora this will not only improve the absorption of nutrients your cat takes in and put them to work more effectively, a probiotic will work to support a healthy digestive and immune system.

Water:
Water is the most important part of a cat's diet. Since they are so small, they can become dehydrated easily. An average weight cat should consume about 60-80 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight. This actually depends on the weather and how active the cat is; to sustain cat nutrition, you should provide him or her with moist food that contains water. You should also make sure it has drinking water available to it at all times. A drop of only 10% of the water content of a cat's body will make it seriously dehydrated, so monitor your cat's consumption carefully.

Protein:
Protein is also essential for cat nutrition. It helps to build muscle, repair tissues and supply your cat with energy. Not all protein is the same; in fact many protein containing foods have different amino acid content. Your cat needs to consume all of the amino acids every day, so it's important to provide them with food that contains complete protein. Talk to your veterinarian if there are any concerns with this. It is known that dogs can survive perfectly fine on a vegetarian diet but cats cannot because their bodies do not make as many amino acids.

Fat:
Even though too much fat can be harmful, the right amount will provide benefit to your cat's diet. It is also a source of energy and helps the body to absorb fat soluble vitamins. Fat insulates the organs, therefore keeping your cat warm. It is also helpful in maintaining healthy fur.

Carbohydrates:
Unlike humans, cats do not require very many carbohydrates in their diet. Most cat foods, especially dry foods, contain more carbohydrates than they actually need. It can be used as an energy source, but excess carbs will be stored as fat and contribute to obesity. Some cats do not tolerate carbohydrates well, so keep an eye on yours if you feed it carbohydrate.

Minerals:
Cat nutrition cannot be maintained without minerals. Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are needed for healthy bones. Other minerals provide the body with a number of other benefits. Most manufactured cat foods are fortified with minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine and selenium.

Vitamins:
Vitamins are also needed in a cat's diet. They are involved in several bodily processes. Some vitamins are stored in the body and some are excreted through the urine. Therefore, some are needed in higher amounts than others. Most cat food are also fortified with vitamins.

Fiber:
A cat's diet does not need a huge amount of fiber, however, a small amount is helpful for the colon and digestive system. Again, it is important to note that Feline Fortiflora will also encourage the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria that aids in digestive processes.

To sum it up, cat nutrition can be maintained through a proper, balanced diet. Other ways to improve their health is by making sure they exercise and live in a healthy environment. Always talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's health or nutrition.

Cats Needs - Protein and Others

2011-11-21T14:45:00.001-08:00

There are different food sources for cats. But, only a selected part of these sources will truly be beneficial to the health of your cat. The most common food source that your cat needs is protein. Along with protein, there are a few more vitamins and minerals that you need to include in your pet's diet.

The most vital nutrient that your cat needs to have in its diet is protein. This is essential for the development as well as the repair of body cells. Your cat can grow better and at a normal rate if the right amounts of proteins were given. When your pet encounters injuries, this nutrient will help in the repair of torn tissues.

You can merely rely on commercial food products. The information on how much protein is contained per serving or per container of food should be made available on the product labels. Make sure that you check these labels. The protein levels should be at adequate amounts. Specific food sources include chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and many more. Avoid giving your cats raw foods especially raw eggs.

Water is a nutrient that helps regulate a body's electrolyte levels and the overall health. Your pet's body normally contains 60% to about 70% water. Aside from giving them dry food which may contain some water, particular water sources should also be offered.

Make sure that your pets are well hydrated especially during the hot summer months. The choice to have canned or wet foods might also be a good idea when you want to provide as much to water to your pet.

Then, for the regulation of body heat, the most needed nutrient is fat. It also provides your cats with the needed energy. Your pet will likewise require fats in their diet to ensure that hormonal balance is achieved. You should be aware that fats are not entirely harmful. When they are given at appropriate amounts, they will be more beneficial than dangerous.

Just like in any other type of food, it may be quite hard to calculate the exact amount of fats in a raw food source. If you want to be sure about the amount of fats that you are introducing to your pet, you might have to settle for commercial products that provide detailed product and nutrient information.

In addition to fats, you will need to provide carbohydrate sources for energy. Carbohydrates and fibers in the digestive system allows for normal bowel movement. They also allow for normal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients from the food that your pet ingests. These are mostly obtained from cereals, bread, and related food products.

Then, your pet will require vitamins. There are several vitamins that will be essential for the normal development of your pet. Just like in humans, your pets need to maintain the right amounts of vitamins present in the body. Anything less than the normal levels of vitamins might result in adverse reactions. Likewise, when levels are too high, there will be significant signs and symptoms that will be observed.

How to Potty Train a Kitten the Best Way?

2011-11-17T20:25:00.001-08:00

Most people considering adopting a kitten are nervous about the prospect of potty training it. Anyone who has owned a dog knows how difficult potty training can be, and unfortunately these people mistakenly assume that potty training a kitten is just as hard. Unlike dogs, kittens are naturally inclined to use the bathroom in a litter box if they cannot go outside. Though accidents do sometimes occur, learning the best way to potty train a kitten will reduce the number of messes you have to deal with during the litter-box training stage.

Invest in Multiple Boxes

If you have more than one kitten, or are planning to let your kitten have the run of the house right away, invest in multiple boxes. One of the primary reasons new kittens have accidents is that they simply can't find the litter box in time. Having two or three litter-boxes in easy to access locations will ensure that your kitten always has a box close when they need to use the bathroom. Remember; once you have placed these litter boxes in your home don't move them. Your kitten or kittens will get confused if they go to a place associated with a litter-box only to find an empty space.

Don't Use Scents

New cat owners are often attracted to scented kitty litter. What better way to deal with a box than mask the smell right? However, even if you think scented kitty litter is the best way to deal with multiple boxes your kittens won't agree. Strong fragrances will actually repel a kitten and make them avoid the litter box. When they smell an odor that they don't associate with "bathroom" they will assume the litter box is for something else now, and will start using the bathroom in other parts of the house.

Clean the Litter Boxes

When you are trying to potty train a kitten, you must keep the litter boxes extremely clean. While older cats may tolerate a box that is less than fresh, a kitten will not be so forgiving. Your kitten does not want to stand, or walk, in their own urine or feces. If you let the litter-box get dirty, the kitten will not use it. If you want to avoid accidents, and bad odors, keep the boxes in your home spotless. Even though you might not like cleaning the boxes, chances are you will like scrubbing kitten urine out of your carpet even less.

Owning a kitten is a fun experience that your entire family will enjoy. However, potty training your kitten is an important responsibility and you must do your part to make sure your kitten has a clean, safe, place to use the bathroom.

Is Your Cat Going Through a Change in Behavior?

2011-11-17T10:24:00.001-08:00

If you have a cat, change in behavior is always a cause for concern. Sometimes it is absolutely nothing but a temper tantrum and redirected aggression but other times, it's something much more serious. If you are dealing with behavioral changes, this is something that cannot be ignored. Cats don't act out or differently for no reason.

Are there Changes in the Home?

Before jumping to conclusions and stressing that your feline friend is seriously sick, you should evaluate the home environment first. Have there been any changes? Did you get a new pet or lose one? Keep in mind that if you recently had to put a pet down or one passed, this vacancy affects the cat just as much as it affects you, even if you don't think the two were ever that close.

You also want to consider if there are any new people in the home like a baby, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc., or if you've lost someone. Once again, vacancy takes a toll on your cat. If you have a teenager who has left for college or if you recently gone through a divorce, this could account for changes in behavior.

Early Signs of Illness

If there have been no drastic changes in your living environment and your cat is offering different behavior, a vet visit is definitely warranted. In fact, even if there have been changes at home, it still does not hurt to go ahead and have your cat checked out if he or she is acting different. You could dismiss the behavior as them being upset but it could also be random timing and there could be serious health concerns present.

It is important to understand that early warning signs of a serious illness can be so mild that they often get overlooked, especially in a busy household. Small changes in behavior may seem insignificant and sometimes even adorable so they get dismissed until eventually they seem like normal behavior. In the meantime, a disease could be rapidly progressing.

Common Cat Behavioral Changes to Watch For

• Overly-friendly - If you have a cat that has always been a little independent and never really craved too much attention who suddenly turns into a lap cat crying to be petted, there could be a problem.

• Withdrawn - Is your cat suddenly staying away from everyone when they were once friendly? This is definitely a cause for concern.

• Urination - Cats who are ill or in pain will often start to relieve themselves outside their litter box. This could be the result of a long list of health problems.

• Thirsty - Is your cat drinking a lot more than usual? This could be a sign of diabetes or a kidney problem.

• Behavioral Traits - Cats that all of a sudden start scratching at things, drinking from the faucet or rubbing their ears are all examples of changes in behavioral traits that should be checked out.

It is important that you always take the time to be observant of your cat; change in behavior should never simply be dismissed no matter how insignificant you may think it is!

A Cat Bed For Every Cat

2011-11-15T18:22:00.001-08:00

As the cat lovers we are, we know that cats love to sleep. Cats sleep up to 18 hours each day, and can find a place to sleep in almost any room. Some cats every enjoy curling up in a bathroom sink.

Our family felines often sleep on our furniture and on or in our beds and leave behind the tale tell sign - cat hair. How often have we said, as we are trying to remove the cat hair from our furniture, "If only we had a cat bed that she would want to sleep in!"? The good news is, there are many cat beds to choose from that will be just what you and your kitty are looking for.

You need to take the time to evaluate your cat's sleeping habits. Does she like to curl up or stretch out? Does she like to look outside? Does she like to cuddle up under blankets, clothing or inside a box or sack? Does she have arthritis and needs more support? Is she an outside cat only? Fortunately, there are cat beds to meet her needs and desires.

Cats often like to sleep curled up and they can find comfort in round beds. These beds have different size heights of walls around the bed ranging from approximately 2" to 4", and some have a tapered front for easier access. They are usually 16"-18" in diameter. They can snuggle down inside and sleep for hours. This style of cat bed is made from polyester foam and it will have a removable cover for washing. Some circular beds also have hoods for more snuggle time.

If your cat likes to prop her head up while sleeping, the beds with sides or bolsters could be the right bed for her. These beds have many designs anywhere from looking like a sofa, to just a cat bed with a 3-sided bolster.

For cats who like to stretch out, a nice rectangular pillow or platform style bed would be the perfect bed for her. They come in various sizes and fabrics. These beds can be fluffy fiber fill like a pillow, or orthopedic foam. Some styles can be thrown directly into the washer, and some have removable covers that can be washed.

Some indoor cats love to look outside and/or sit in the sun as the sun comes through the window. For these little darling kitties, there are beds that attach to your window sill to give your kitty a viewing perch and sun. These window sill beds come in several designs; just a platform, platform with bolsters, platforms with hoods, and/or heating elements. I know one cat that has a window sill bed, and this is his favorite place to be.

If your cat just wants to be near you and on your furniture or bed, a throw might be the right choice. These throws are great furniture covers and help eliminate the cat hair from the furniture. Also many cats love to curl up in a blanket, under clothing, or just wrap themselves in a throw. Some throws also have heating elements to keep your little feline nice and cozy and comfy.

Some cat beds are designed to look like pieces of furniture like a sofa or chair. Some are elevated on short legs like a glamorous cot. You have to decide how you want the cat bed to fit in with your dcor.

If your cat is strictly an outdoor cat or likes to sleep in the garage, or you are kind enough to want to provide warmth for a couple of feral cats, you can make an easy, inexpensive bed. I bought large clear plastic storage containers, removed the lids, and turned the container on its side. I then put down old towels and blankets inside the bin to provide comfort. If you don't have any old blankets, I purchased a very inexpensive fleece blanket, cut in into thirds, folded the blanket and placed that on the old towels. The cats have enjoyed this comfort for several years. In a larger container, after I laid it on its side, I put a sweater container in it and put the bedding in the sweater container. This container has short sides and easy for the kitty to step into. She can also snuggle down inside the short container and be more protected from the wind. I put the containers in a place that will block them from the wind and rain, as much as possible. I have a change of bedding that I use to so I can be washing one set, and they still have a place to sleep.

There are also cat beds designed especially for the outdoors and they are heated. You would want to place these in an area to keep them away from the weather elements also.

As I have mentioned, several cat beds have heating elements to keep them warm. You can also purchase separate heating elements and place them under the bedding so your kitty in not sleeping directly on the unit. Of course, any of these units can be turned off during the warm months.

Cat lovers know the independence of our lovable felines. They do have a mind of their own, and they decide what they like. It is not easy to train a cat. Try to provide a place where they are comfortable, and that will probably be somewhere near where you spend your time. A cat bed can create a place of comfort, security and safety. Some beds have a pocket in which you can place catnip to encourage her to sleep in the bed.

A good quality cat bed can last for years. Also check out some small dog beds because they can be just the right size for your cat. Whatever design you choose, make sure that the surface can be cleaned easily. Cleaning them often will rid the fabric of bacteria, body odor, and maybe even flea larvae.

Your cat will love you for their new bed. Putting the bed in the room where they can be near you is what they really want. Enjoy your happy, contented cat.

Cat Urinating Everywhere - Medical Issues That Can Cause This

2011-11-11T23:50:00.001-08:00

Do you find your cat urinating everywhere? Do you find yourself walking into patches of urine which should really be inside the litter box of your pet? If so then there are many reasons why your cat will be peeing all over the house and these are easy to diagnose and stop from happening again and again. One of the problems which are the first you need to check out is medical problems.

Cats just like any other animals and being can pick up infections which can make them ill or in this case urinate all over the house.

For example urinary tract infection is one that affects the bladder of your cat and will have them urinating everywhere, you may even find blood in this too which should be the first sign to contact your vet.

Another type of infection is one which blocks the urethra of your cat which can make urination harder for your cat to do. This too can cause blood in your cats urine which again means to call the vet.

If you think that your pet is urinating too much and outside the litter box or if they are straining to pee or even if you find blood then you should go and get your cat checked out! These medical issues need to be handled by your vet straight away as they can be life-threatening to your pet which is the last thing that you want to happen. Don't worry if you find that your pet is one of the ones to have a medical issue as these are easy to treat by your vet and could be the main reason why your cat is urinating everywhere.

If your pet doesn't have an infection then great! But that still leaves you trying to figure out the problem.

If you find urine everywhere but the litter box and notice your cat avoiding the litter box completely then they may have litter box aversion. This isn't an infection it is just a way to tell you that they don't like the litter box. Cats are very fussy and will refuse to use a litter box for various reasons:

The location- the location of the box could be somewhere that is too cold, too hot, too noisy or even somewhere where they can't have privacy (they don't have bathroom doors like us)

The litter- The litter can be a material that is uncomfortable to your pet, it could be too rough, too soft, it could smell weird too

Space- If you have more cats then something that may happen is that one will mark their territory on that box meaning that others can't use it which is why each cat should have their own.

Cats are very fussy animals and like their litter boxes to be to a certain standard otherwise they won't use it at all

Effective Herbal Supplements for Cats

2011-11-11T13:49:00.001-08:00

Herbs are effective supplements but one must keep in mind that cats are small animals and many herbs can cause damage to them. I want to make this very clear that even herbs that help cure certain ailments begs moderate usage with small animals. Their livers cannot process excessive chemical loads like a human and caution always is the key.

I do not recommend going to the health food store and buying human products for your cats. This may work in some cases but the best information and treatment will come from a certified veterinary naturopath or certified holistic expert. Today you can go to certain natural pet websites and get various herbal remedies already designed and tested for cats.

With that in mind, the following herbs demonstrate healing or prevention from these illnesses:

Bladder and urinary tract infection:

Berberis vulgaris is a widely used homeopathic remedy and known for its positive effect on the bladder and urinary tract. This remedy also helps to support healthy immune system functioning.

Cantharis is often recommended for its ability to support a healthy flow of urine and soothe the bladder.

Staphysagris is a proven natural remedy also recommended for urogenital health and as a known prostate tonic.

You can find these individually but I recommend getting them in combination at one of the better online natural pet stores. This combination does well to heal and sooth the bladder and urinary tract.

Dry hacking, sneezing and coughing:

Plantagois is a homeopathic remedy that is for soothing the throat. It also helps to support clear, healthy chests, noses and throats.

Byronia is a proven natural remedy that is very effective when used to soothe the throat and keep chests clear.

Echinacea purpurea is one of the top-selling ingredients used to support the immune system. Clinical trials have proved its benefits in supporting the immune system.

These herbs when combined with some tissue salts sooth the throat, nose, chest, and boost the cats' immune response. This I recommend buying at an online natural pet store.

Immunity boosters:

These are the most publicized herbs but few articles explain that some of them can cause other medical conditions depending on your cats' health and the concentration given.

Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous) known in traditional Chinese medicine and recent research has highlighted this remedy to support the functioning of the immune system. Astragalus also helps to support vitality and a healthy appetite and support a regular water metabolism.

Mistletoe (Viscum album) used to support normal blood pressure and support a healthy immune system. Viscum album has been widely tested in both human and animal studies with many positive findings.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) known for its excellent benefits for immune functioning, and is effective as a tonic for the lymphatic system. Regular use can help to keep your pet healthy.

Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera) is one of the most important Ayurvedic tonic herbs, (Ayurvedic medicine also called Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems and it originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years). It helps to support growth, health, and vigor that can help to nourish the blood and support healthy hemoglobin levels.

Milk Thistle (Sylibum marianus) has a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the therapeutic benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and its positive effect on maintaining healthy liver functioning would have a direct impact on the overall systemic health of your pet, as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body.

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tormentosa): The natives of Peru use cat's Claw for hundreds of years. Cat's Claw boasts many therapeutic benefits, among them its supportive role in maintaining immune system strength and widely researched for its ability to support healthy cells.

In summary, there are many herbal treatments available for cats from natural online pet stores. I do not recommend buying herbs individually unless a certified naturopath or holistic expert directs you. Some veterinarians specialize in holistic medicine. Herbs are an effective and natural method of treating ailments and diseases. In the wild, animals instinctively know which plants and grasses help them. This is just a few of the herbal remedies available and is not an all-inclusive list.

How to Get Rid of Cat Litter

2011-11-11T03:44:00.001-08:00

If you have considered bringing a cat into the family, you hopefully have read up on the proper methods of cat care. Whether you live in a house or apartment, you likely will keep your cat indoors - yet, however you decide to care for your new feline friend, you'll know you need to get a litter box and stock up on plenty of litter for use. This means cleaning the box on a regular basis, or else foul odors could permeate your home and make things unpleasant.

Of course, removing the used litter from its box and replacing it with a fresh batch is simple enough, but what do you do with the mess once you are finished? Let's first take a look at the steps involved in replacing the cat litter, which you pet may use several times in the course of a day.

Pet owners may offer different opinions on how often one should scoop the mess from a litter box before replacing the contents entirely. This will depend on the number of cats you have, but for the sake of argument let's say you have one cat and one box. A good suggestion - if you want to keep the environment as fresh and clean as possible - would be to scoop waste once daily and change out the litter once a week. With more cats, of course, you will want to pay more attention, but your nose is likely to tell you when it's time to clean!

In looking for a good brand of litter, you may wish to consider an extra strength brand design to accommodate multi-cat households. You may find waste clumps more easily, allowing you to scoop without problems. Always use gloves when handling litter and waste because you will be dealing with urine and feces. Remove soiled litter to a trash bag, seal the bag, and dispose of in an outside can.

When it is time to replace the litter completely, make sure every last bit is removed from the box into a heavy duty trash bag, and wash the box with detergent and hot water. Do not add more litter until the box has completely dried.

Caring for a new cat requires a great sense of responsibility. You will be charged with making sure the litter box is fresh and changed regularly. Be mindful of when your cat uses it, and you will know when to change it.

Herbal Remedies for Cats With Kidney Disease

2011-11-10T17:40:00.001-08:00

Unbelievably, there are herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease that are inexpensive, effective, and natural. Cat owners looking to make sure that their pet is in good health often turn to herbal remedies as a way to make sure that their pet will live to see another day, without having to deal with side effects. If your favorite pet is ill, you want to do everything in your power to make sure that your cat gets better. These are some of the herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease.

· Cleavers- Used in cats as blood purifiers, these herbs will help ease the strain on your pet's overworked kidneys. They are so well-known and effective; they have even found their way in commercial cat remedies and medicines.

· Water - Well, this is not an herbal remedy, but it is crucial to a cat's health. Make sure that you give your cat copious amounts of water with any of the remedies that you use. Water will help flush out all the toxins from your cat's kidneys, and help prevent more damage from occurring. Tap water contains fluoride and chlorine that is toxic to your cat even at low concentrations.

· Dandelion - This particular herb is a blood purifier in both humans and animals around the world. It is rich in many vitamins, including A, B, and D, and promotes kidney health in both species.

· Burdock- Burdock is a herb that does not get as much credit as it deserves. This herb is a systemic cleanser, a blood purifier, and aids kidneys during detoxification processes.

· Golden Rod- Is a blood purifier, this herb is a medicine used for kidney problems in many species for centuries.

· Marigolds - These yellow flowers are for their beauty and used for their medicinal qualities for centuries. Marigolds are one of the better herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease.

In addition to the herbs, I like to give them some omega 3 supplement in the form of cold fish or salmon oil at 500 milligrams to 1 gram per day along with 10 milligrams of Coenzyme Q. Giving your cat the herbs individually is dangerous because some of the herbs can cause conditions or ailments that could affect the health of your cat. I prefer to buy a premixed cocktail that properly portioned for small animals. This is found at natural online pet stores.

The best way to make sure that the herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease will work for your companion is to pair it with a special diet designed to reduce strain on your cat's kidneys. A rich raw meat diet is what your cat needs now, and commercially produced cat food will only do more strain on your cat's body. If your cat is not quite ready to handle raw meat, try to change your pet's diet gradually.

Processed food has a negative impact on the efficacy of herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease, and it is easy to see why this is the case. Aside from being cooked meat, commercially produced cat food is also high in sodium and phosphorous. Neither mineral is beneficial to a cat with kidney disease, nor is it conducive to the detoxification process that needs to happen to make your cat feel better.

Before administering any natural herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease, it is highly suggested that you consult with a veterinarian, naturopath, or holistic expert. A cat that has a pre-existing condition might react very poorly to any herbal remedies for cats with kidney disease. They can give valuable advice on how to treat a cat with kidney disease using natural remedies.

How to Choose the Best Cat Carrier

2011-11-08T05:28:00.001-08:00

Just about everyone needs to use a cat carrier at some point in their time owning a cat. This may be to take them to the vet, to take them to be boarded, or if you are moving house. It is not generally a good idea to let your cat run loose in a car, no matter how well-behaved they are.

There are many different types of cat carriers available. The cheapest ones are simply made from cardboard! These are made to only be used once and are generally only recommended for small kittens. Most big cats will either be too heavy for the cardboard, or will scratch/chew through it.

I think the moderately priced cat carriers are generally the most appropriate for most people. These are ones which are made from a high quality hard plastic or soft fabric. These are well-made, and can carry a larger cat (15+ pounds), and do not hurt your hand while you carry them. It is up to you whether you prefer a soft carrier or a hard plastic carrier.

If you are carrying the carrier quite far, you may wish to buy one which has wheels, much like wheeled luggage, as this makes it easier to transport. If you are traveling by plane with the cat, I recommend a climate-controlled carrier. These are much more expensive, but many cats have become ill or even died from being held in cargo holds which do not have heat. If you need to fly with your cat, I highly recommend this.

For other long travels, you will want to make sure that the carrier has room for a food and water bowl. This way the cat can eat at his leisure. You may also want to put in a puppy wee-wee pad, since the cat may not be able to use the litter box for some time. I always put in a towel or old blanket as well, this helps the cat stay warm if he becomes cold. I also make sure that the blanket carries my smell or the cat's smell, to make it more comforting.

Remember that traveling is very stressful for your cat. You will want to do everything you can to make it as easy as possible for him. Make sure that he is comfortable and well fed. In the car, talk soothingly to the cat, it will calm him down hearing your voice.

Litter Training a Kitten

2011-11-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

One of the first things you need to do when you get a kitten is to litter train him. Litter training a kitten is a whole lot easier than litter training a cat as it hasn't had the chance to get into bad habits.

When a kitten is tiny, it's handy to have a crate or cage where you can shut him up safely at night and when you're out of the house. Make sure that he has something soft to sleep on like an old towel or blanket as well as food, water and the all important litter tray. The cage is now his own little territory where he will feel safe and secure.

When I've raised tiny kittens, I've found that a seed tray is big enough initially to use as a litter tray and a seed tray doesn't take up too much space in the cage. You'll easily be able to tell when the kitten is growing out of it and needs a full sized litter tray.

Litter training a kitten is usually quite easy as cats are very clean creatures. When your kitten comes to stay, gently put him in the litter box straight away. He may not need to use it but it's amazing how he will immediately seem to know what it's for.

Continue to pop the kitten into the litter box at intervals throughout the day if he doesn't go to it of his own accord. If he does have a little accident in the wrong place, just pick him up and put him in the litter tray anyway, even if it's too late.

Feed your kitten regularly and after meals take him to the litter tray; he'll soon learn to do his business there.

In the last couple of years I've raised two kittens. The first one was only three weeks old and in her first few days with us, she did have a little wee in the wrong place a couple of times but the second one, who was five weeks old when we got him never had an accident at all and immediately took to his litter tray.

If you're raising a very tiny kitten which is still being bottle fed, you may need to encourage his first toilet. Take a piece of damp cloth or kitchen paper and gently massage his little bottom. He may just wee a small amount at first and his excrement will be a bit like the consistency of toothpaste. After the first occasion, he won't need any further encouragement.

Do make sure that the litter box is cleaned at least daily as a fastidious kitten won't use a dirty tray and will do his toilet elsewhere.

Litter training a kitten isn't hard but you need to be vigilant while he's tiny and confine him to a small space when you're out or at night so that he isn't tempted to ignore the litter tray.

How Do I Know My Cat Is Sick?

2011-11-01T23:55:00.001-07:00

If your darling cat is sick, it cannot talk to you, so you would surely like to know how to recognize it, as prompt treatment will benefit your cat. It can recover more quickly and the vet bills will be less for you.

There are things you can check your cat for at home.

Take your cat's temperature rectally. Use a safety thermometer as most people would find this procedure equally unpleasant. You will find it much easier to do this with an assistant. A cat's normal temperature will be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, in Celsius this will be between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius. If you take it when the cat is healthy, you know what it normally is, as this varies from cat to cat.

Enjoy watching your cat when it's healthy and get to know its personality. This helps you identify when it is feeling under the weather. If your cat normally runs away when strangers appear and suddenly does not bother - this could be a big clue that all is not well with your cat. Your cat's favorite toy goes unplayed with and your cat does not stir much from his or her favorite sleeping space.

Also check the gums, which should be pink. Do this when the cat is healthy to know which color they normally are. When the cat is ill and the color changes drastically, you will recognize it as a symptom of cat illness. Again the color can vary significantly when compared to another individual cat, when healthy. It is easy to check for a reference when your cat is sleeping on your lap when it is healthy. You can just lift up the sides of the mouth where the whiskers are, you can peek at the gums and check the condition of the teeth.

Check the fur - it should look healthy and have a sheen. You know how it feels normally when you stroke your feline friend. Look to see if your furry friend is eating properly. If not, this is cause for concern.

If your cat suddenly acts strange, or is off its food, it may also be ill, especially if nothing has changed in the environment like the addition of another cat.

If you notice anything unusual and are in doubt a visit to the veterinarian is definitely advisable, so your cat can play and have fun again.

The Causes of Cat Dandruff

2011-10-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cat Evolution

2011-10-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Caring for your cat

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

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

Worming

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

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

Can Natural Supplements Prevent Disease in Cats?

2011-10-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Tips for Helping Fearful Cats Adjust

2011-10-17T23:09:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

Fleeing

Hiding

Freezing in place

Losing control of bladder and/or bowels

Releasing anal glands

Not using the litter box

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

Leave Him or Her Alone

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

Keep Fear Stimulus to a Minimum

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

Make a Routine

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

Talk to the Pros

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

Don't Give Up

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

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

2011-10-11T05:36:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

1. Cats don't like change

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

2. Cats don't like changes in aromas

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

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

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

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

Is Your Cat Using Her Litter Box?

2011-10-07T11:35:00.001-07:00

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

Cat Litter

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

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

Cleanliness of the Litter Boxes

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

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

Litter Boxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why your cat decides not to use the litter box.

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

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

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

Clean the area where the elimination occurred.

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

Things to remember:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-10-07T01:35:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Your Cat Can Train You To Be A Better Owner

2011-10-06T15:35:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Pregnant Cat - The Signs To Watch For

2011-10-05T19:35:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natural Pain Remedies for Dogs and Cats - The Secret to Using These Remedies

2011-09-30T19:17:00.001-07:00

There are many types of natural pain remedies for dogs and cats. The secret to being able to use these remedies successfully is that you have to understand how the herbs work and also what is going on with your pet. Natural products are not necessarily safer than medical products, nor are they magical cure-alls that can be applied without any knowledge. In this article we are going to discuss a few things you should do in order to assure yourself that the natural pain remedies for small animals that you're using are being administered correctly.

1. The first thing to do is find a vet who understands your desire to find natural pain remedies for dogs and cats. If your vet thinks that all herbal products are garbage, you should try to find another vet to talk to about this issue.

Many people have found lots of success using herbal and homeopathic products to help their pets. Similarly, some people have ended up hurting their pets because they did not know the first thing about natural therapies before they began giving their animals herbal teas and tinctures. This is why you want to find a vet who understands herbal treatments.

2. The second step is to explore the options for natural pain remedies for small animals that are suitable for your animal and their ailment. Some remedies are wonderful for dogs but toxic to cats, so you need to make sure that the product you get specifies which animal it is for.

Furthermore, some products are great for one type of pain but not for another. St. John's Wort might be fabulous at reducing inflammation and pain from irritated nerve endings, but it might not work if your dog is suffering from a painful skin allergy. In the latter case, I think Nettle Infusion or the homeopathic Apis mellifica 30C might be a far better option, as long as your vet approves it.

What you also need to do while you are searching for natural pain remedies for small animals is to study about the herbs and homeopathic remedies themselves. Do you understand why Nettle Infusion would help with a skin allergy? If not, don't give it to your pet.

You should study the herbs so that you know what they are treating. Why exactly does the homeopathic medicine Ruta graveolens 6Xwork for some inflammatory conditions and not others? Why does Turmeric work better for swollen joints than swollen lymph nodes? Would Turmeric be safer than the homeopathic medicine Caulphyllum 6C, which is also good for joints?

If you don't understand these basic differences, you may not be in the best position to be administering these herbs to your pets. No matter what, you need to speak with a vet before giving your pet any treatment.

Some Types of Natural Pet Pain Reliever

2011-09-29T23:09:00.001-07:00

If you have a dog or cat, you are aware that their sense of well-being strongly affects your own, and vice-versa. When you are sad, your dog is going to be by your side with a consoling expression, just waiting for you to play with the ball again. In the event that your dog is in pain or upset, you are going to have a hard time feeling good yourself. In this article we will discuss some types of natural pet pain reliever for your pet, and problems that could happen.

The problem with administering your own medicine to your pet is that you do not always know how they are going to react, and you cannot ask them direct questions, such as whether or not a certain dose of an herbal formula has hurt their stomach or not. This is why you should talk to pet professionals if your pet is having a serious problem. Ask them about what types of natural pet pain treatments are available that can be used safely.

Although some traditional veterinarians will warn you against using any herbs, this is sometimes just due to the fact that they have no experience with them. You can make a point of finding a vet that has homeopathic or alternative medicine experience and ask them to help you find the best natural pet pain reliever for your pet's condition.

There are some herbs that are generally safe for dogs and cats that you might consider giving to your pet is as a temporary pain reliever. If the condition is chronic, you should try to work with someone to make sure that the dose you're using is okay to use long-term. Some of the herbs that are used as natural pet pain reliever medicines are Skullcap, Saint John's Wort, and Feverfew. In terms of homeopathic medicines, there are many to choose from for your pets. Some of the most common ones for arthritic pains are Caulphyllum 6Cand Colchicum autumnale 200C. You might also try Ruta graveolens 6X if your pet is suffering with a sprained ankle or inflamed tendons. But please, do check with your vet.

Each of the herbs mentioned above can be used as a tincture or as a tea. For most dogs, a tea is preferable because it contains no alcohol, so their liver will not be affected. If your dog has pain that is from inflammation, you might use oil with Arnica or St. John's Wort and put it topically on the site of inflammation.

The tincture could also be applied topically, but it might be best to then combine it with oil such as almond or jojoba that can be absorbed into the skin. This would be referred to as "carrier oil". This herb is used for people when we have sciatica and it is a very powerful anti-inflammatory, especially when nerve endings are involved. Just make note of any reactions that your pet's skin may have to the tincture or oil that you use, and make sure that your vet approves your treatment before you start administering it.

The danger of using anything every day is that any potentially negative side-effects could be dramatically increased. This is why you should speak to your pet's doctor if your pet's condition is chronic or not. If your pet's condition is confined to their skin, such as a rash from poison ivy or other allergy, you could try the homeopathic medicine Rhus toxicodendron 200C, which may be able to help.

Buy Pet Medication Online - Best Cat Flea Control

2011-09-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

There are plenty of cat flea treatments which you can buy in your local shops but probably not all in the same one. However, if you buy pet medication online you can check out all the alternatives from the comfort of your own home.

Cat flea protection is an absolute must if you don't want your can and your home to become infested. Not only is an infestation bad for the health of your cat but contrary to popular myth, cat fleas do bite humans too. If you let fleas get out of control you will find them hopping around in your carpets and all your other soft furnishings and once that happens, you will probably need to employ a professional pest control person, leading to expense that you can well do without.

Anyway, things needn't come to can because cat flea protection is easy to buy and quite easy to administer.

Of course, you could use a traditional flea collar but my vet always says that collars of any kind are dangerous for cats. This is because if the collar gets caught on a tree branch or in undergrowth it can strangle the cat. Elasticated collars are also bad as they can ping back and break a cat's jaw; so collars really should be avoided.

This leaves spot on cat flea treatment, Frontline probably being the best known of these, flea powder or a flea spray.

If you want to use flea powder, you need to make sure that it's spread all over the cat's fur and worked it. This treatment needs to be repeated every couple of weeks and you need to have a very patient cat to be able to administer it.

I used to use an aerosol spray which came in an orange can but my cats learnt to recognise the can and they would run at the sight of it. When the reached a closed exit door, I would hastily run my finger the wrong way along the fur on their back, use the spray and open the door fast, so that they could make an escape. This was effective but deeply unpopular.

I have also tried a pump action spray which my husband bought by mistake. It was impossible to hold any of my cats still to undergo this so the mostly unused spray was donated to a cat rescue charity.

My favourite is a spot on cat flea treatment, Frontline being the most effective. It protects against ticks as well and seems to last longer than Effipro, which is another popular spot on cat flea protection. However, that's just a personal choice.

If you want to buy pet medication online, it's worth checking out both effectiveness and price before you purchase. Read the reviews and choose whatever seems best value for money while protecting your pet and your home from the dreaded fleas. The prices are very reasonable online compared with vets' prices.

15 Symptom Checklist For Identifying Cat Urinary Tract Problems

2011-09-02T09:37:00.001-07:00

Cat urinary tract wellness is a very important part of pet health. Granted it is only piece of the overall puzzle but an important one because your cats urinary system is responsible for filtering and eliminate toxins in the form of urine. Without this under-appreciated bodily function your feline would not be able to survive for very long.

So when cat urinary tract problems occur it is important to recognize them early enough to avoid a serious, even life threatening, crisis.

The most common types of cat urinary tract problems often are bladder related. This type of urinary tract system problem generally includes the bladder not emptying fully/correctly or a bacterial infection which has gained access through the urethra,

I would like to tell you that there is one obvious cause, but in truth that is simply not the case. As my veterinarian likes to put it "Cat urinary system problems are a mix of clinical symptoms that may have more than one possible cause."

Is your cat experiencing any of these 15 clinical symptoms?

*Visiting the litter box more often than normal

*Squatting in the litter box for an extended period of time

*Unable to urinate or only passes a small amount of urine

*Strains or cries out in pain when attempting to pass urine

*Total or partial loss of bladder control

*Cloudy urine

*Urine stream may contain blood, especially toward the end of the stream

*Urinating outside the litter box

*Hard, distended abdomen

*Increased in water consumption possibly sleeping next to the water bowl

*Constant licking of urinary opening

*Foul urine odor possibly reminding you of ammonia

*Fatigue/Lethargy

*Vomiting

*Depression/Social Avoidance

My personal experience with cat urinary tract problems is that increased water consumption and fatigue/lethargy tend to precede many of the other symptoms. If you recognize these symptoms early enough you might be able to fend off the crisis by adding a moderate amount of blueberry/raspberry/cranberry juice to your cats water in combination with a homeopathic pet urinary tract supplement.

On the other hand if your cat is straining when urinating, squatting repeatedly without urinary success, or crying out in pain you could be looking at a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Once at the clinic your veterinarian will likely want to first palpitate the hind quarter of your pet in the area of bladder checking for soreness and sensitivity. He may also examine the urethral opening for blockage. The next step will likely be a complete physical exam including a urine analysis, blood work, ultrasound, and radiographs.

He will be looking to rule out possible cat urinary system culprits on his way to establishing the true underlying cause. Examples of possible causes would be urinary tract infection, a urethral plug, bladder stones, a tumor in the urinary tract, congenital abnormalities, incontinence from excess water consumption, a weak bladder, spinal cord problems or possibly something as simple as too much stress.

By getting your veterinarian involved early you will be doing your part to make sure that a cat urinary tract problem such as an obstruction or advanced bacterial infection is not allowed to rupture the bladder or damage the kidneys. Both which can prove to be fatal if not effectively treated right away.

Kitten Care - Should I Put an ID Tag on My Kitten?

2011-08-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

Once a kitten comes into your home you may consider attaching some form of identification label on your new pet. However, there are a couple of problems with this. Firstly the standard cat collars needed to attach a disc or capsule will almost certainly be too large for a kitten to wear. Additionally kittens grow at a very fast rate and any collar could quickly become too tight around their necks. Another point is that kittens should not really be allowed to wander away from the home during the early part of their lives.

As the kitten grows so will its curiosity and it is then they will want to investigate the great world beyond your front door. This is the time to consider fitting your kitten with a means of identification. There is large range of options when it comes to choosing something to attach to your cats collar. Probably the most common is the engraved metal tag. These are available from pet shops and engravers and unless your cat loses the tag, (which does sometimes happen) or you move will last the cat's lifetime. Another popular option is a small metal or plastic cylinder in which you can insert and secure a piece of paper containing the important information. If you use one of the methods relying on paper written information you will have to ensure that the container will protect it from water. You should also use permanent ink that is unlikely to fade over time.

The next question is what information to put on the identification label. All that is needed is either yours or the cats name and a telephone number. If you are writing the information make sure that it is easy to read, possibly using block capitals is best especially if your writing is not always easy to decipher.

An alternative to a collar and tag is to have your kitten or cat implanted with an ID chip. This is a simply procedure which your vet can do for you. Quite often owners will have their cats micro chipped at the same time they are being neutered, ideally between 6 to 8 months. The details of all micro chipped pets are retained on a computer and should a chipped animal be found they can be quickly reunited with their owners. The major advantage of the micro chip is that once the chip is implanted it is for life and there is no fear of the cat losing its ID information.

. In summary there is no need for a kitten to be tagged while it is small and confined to the house and supervised in your garden. However, once it becomes a little more curious and brave you should seriously consider either giving your kitten a collar and tag or having them micro chipped.

Preventing Cat Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

2011-08-25T00:56:00.001-07:00

No one likes to vomit and the same goes for your cat.

Little surprises that they sometimes through up and leave for you on your light coloured carpet, of course are a chore to clean up.

Cats are known for grooming themselves a lot. It's roughly estimated that a cat will spend up to 1/3 of its waking life washing itself. When your cat washes herself miniature hooks pull the loose hair out and go in to the digestive system. The occasional hairball is usually nothing to worry about, it's when it becomes more frequent that you should worry.

Nature has designed a carnivore's stomach to digest fur and hair. Any wildlife programme you watch will show meat eaters stripping fur and flesh and consuming it all together. The issue is the breeding of long haired animals, Persians, Birmans, Maine Coon and other medium to long haired cats. This doesn't mean that a short haired cat won't have problems as well.

When a cat grooms, the hair sits in the gut and usually passes through. However if there is a problem in the stomach the hair will collect, become thicker and come back up the wrong way!

As a kitten you probably never really saw any hairballs from your pet, however as your cat grows so does their ability to groom themselves better.

Frequent brushing with a good quality cat brush should be a daily procedure for any responsible animal owner. If you're going to have a long haired cat as a pet then make sure you are taking the time out to groom them correctly. Your pet shop should have a mixture of good, quality cat brushes and combs. Brushing alone isn't enough, combing is necessary too. A brush tends to collect fur from the top where as a long, wide toothed comb will get through thick, long hair and remove dead hair from the root. The thickness is just as much a problem as the length.

Also the issue of flea treatment will be easier to deal with if you can lessen the amount of dead fur that your pet has to carry around.

Hydrating your pet is a must for helping with hairball problems. Cats are notorious for liking to drink in different places. So having fresh water readily available in all your cat's favourite places, as well as at the feeding area, will get your cat used to drinking more. This will start to lubricate the digestive system and help to flush the hair through rather than clumping in the stomach. It's a well known fact that cats love to drink from running water. Have you ever seen them sit in the bath catching the dripping tap water? If you have a difficult cat then you're more likely to entice them into drinking by purchasing a fountain type water bowl.

Certain brands are now selling hairball control food. Where this is good in terms of high fibre content it can cause problems if your cat doesn't drink enough water.

Always check with your vet first and ask for their opinion on dietary changes and supplements.

Introducing A New Kitten

2011-08-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

Want a new kitten for a friend? If you want to have a loving kitten, or if this is your first time caring for new kitten, it's vital that you simply follow these recommendations on taking care of cats, and of course, utilize them. This article shares basic kitten care information, so read on.

Kittens are playful and heart capturing creatures, so long as you know all about taking care of kittens properly. For those who already own a kitty, and those who would like to guarantee that they have a loving cat, here's some cat care information. Make certain you understand your kitten and are truly caring for a new kitten the proper way. Follow the rules shared right here and see how your relationship with your cat becomes more fulfilling.

From the second you arrive home with your new kitten, it is best to carry it directly to its personal space, and its new litter box. It is important to give it time to adjust to its surroundings, adjust to you, and to the other folks in the household. Why does the new kitten need to have an area of its own? Effectively, for it to really feel comfy, it needs its personal space whether or not it's a separate room, a small basket, or a bit of mat. So a tip on taking good care of cats is to have a space prepared even before you bring your kitten home. For your pet to adjust to you quickly, it is recommended that you simply murmur soothingly to it, pet and stroke it gently, and before you even realize it, you will start to own a loving kitten.

One important piece of information every kitten owner should know is that permitting cats to go outside is highly recommended. Nevertheless, should you live in a high traffic area, or if the neighborhood isn't that safe for felines, you may elect to have your kitten remain indoors. If your kitten is to remain indoors, it's a must to follow this part on caring for your cat. Be certain that it has sufficient play time so that it will hopefully still get exercise inside your house, and so that it won't get bored. Cats, like people, need some change in their daily life. Make sure to provide toys like balls, colorful toys or strings, things that squeak, and so on. Kittens like to play, and you may make your kitty completely satisfied to stay indoors when you give it toys. Very important to your new relationship with your cat is taking time with the kitty each day. This will ensure that you will have a loving cat in your home.

Kitten Care - Feeding Tips

2011-08-23T18:49:00.001-07:00

Considering a cats life span can easily reach 15+ years, it's extremely important that you set your kitten up from the start. Obviously your kitten will have been started on her mother's milk. This is a special condensed milk called colostrums. It contains antibodies to help fight disease and is also very high in essential proteins.

What Exactly is Colostrum?

The colostrum, also known colloquially as "the first milk", is a type of milk produced by the mammary glands of all mammals in the last period of pregnancy and the first 48 hours after giving birth. The 87 growth and 97 immune factors of colostrum have enormous curative capacities in: fighting viruses, bacteria mycosis, parasites, protecting the digestive system.

Also, the colostrum restores all the body tissues and muscles, stimulates the nerve cells and brain activity, regulates the blood sugar and cholesterol. Colostrum heals the heart and brain's lesions and has a role in detoxifying and protecting the cardio-vascular system.

All these amazing effects of this "miraculous milk" are essential to any new-born mammal in the first hours of life.

So, just as you would make sure you feed your newborn baby with all the nutrients it needs, the same goes for your new kitten. Whether you've bought your kitten from a breeder or a rescue centre, make sure you check with the seller exactly what your kitten has been raised on so far, and stick with it.

Don't buy cheap kitten food or milk, you want to have the best start for your new addition and she'll need all the nutrients she can get, as she'll be 75% grown when she reaches 6 months.

It's advisable for your kitten to stay on kitten food until they are 12 months old, then, gradually move them onto adult brands by mixing small amounts in with the old kitten food. Also make sure you feed your kitten little and often, their stomachs at 8 weeks old will only be the size of a walnut.

After weaning, your kitten should be having four small meals a day. Eventually this should be reduced to two meals a day by the age of six months.

Varied Diet - Good Idea or Not?

We all know how fussy cats can be, so introducing your kitten to tiny amounts of wet food and dry strips of meat will help get your kitty used to the idea of variety in her diet. It will also help with hydration and teeth cleaning. However stay away from giving her raw meat as food poisoning and tummy bugs are very serious problems for a young cat. Always cook the meat right through and again, keep the amounts very small.

Once she has reached 6 weeks old she will no longer need kitten milk.

Water should always be readily available and DON'T feed your kitten cows milk. It's for calves not cats!

Cows milk has high quantities of lactose.

Your Kitten may love the taste but it will cause digestive problems and feline diarrhoea.

Dry or Wet Food?

Just like us, cats are all very different in their characters and tastes.

You may find as your kitten grows she has a preference for wet or dry food.

Be careful though as kittens eyes are usually bigger than their stomachs.

So follow the instructions on the pack for dry food, as they have a habit of over eating.

Both have nutritional value and you will come to know which suits you and your kitten through trial and error.

A good tip is to find out which food your kittens mother was eating whilst she was nursing them.

Dry food will help with, dental health, stools with less odour. (Always keep water available with dry food).

Wet food, on the other hand is closer to a cats original diet and usually contains 80% water.

If in any doubt make sure you consult your vet.

http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

Choosing A Cat Bed - What Should You Know

2011-08-17T02:17:00.001-07:00

When buying a cat bed for your kitty to sleep in, there are things that you should know about before purchasing one. Several things need to be considered, in order for the cat mat of your choice to be perfect for your cat. By choosing the right cat bed, you can allow your pet to have a comfortable place to sleep in at night. This can minimize the chances of your pet cat to disturb you in your sleep, as it finds your bed more comfortable to sleep in compared to other areas in the house.

Right size

Imagine yourself sleeping in a small bed without any room to roll or move around while sleeping. It's uncomfortable having your movements restricted because of the size of your mat. If you feel as such, then surely your pet also feels the same. In getting a cat bed, you should make sure that you get one that has the right size for your kitty's comfort.

Not only should the bed be able to allow your cat to sleep comfortably, it should also have space large enough to allow your feline to stretch.

Right height

Different cats have different needs in terms of cat mat. If you have small kittens or older cats that move slower, it would be more appropriate to get a cat bed with a much lower height. This can allow the kittens or your old cat to move in and out of the bed entrance with ease.

You should also consider the height of the wall of your cat bedding. Cats feel more secured when they feel that they are hidden from sight. The walls of your cat bed are the best one that can provide them with this kind of feeling. You should make sure that the cat bed that you've got has a wall that is just the right height. It shouldn't be too high, nor should it be too low.

Right comfort

Cats often go for much softer beds. You can provide your cat with the utmost comfort by getting a bed that is made up of comfortable fabrics like cotton, wool and/or feathers. The softer the bed, the better it is for your cat. You should also make certain that the material the bed is made from does not pose as a threat to your cat. Synthetic materials made in some fabrics can cause allergic reactions with your cat. In order to avoid such problem, you should make sure that they are hypoallergenic, before using them.

Right durability and quality

The mannerism of cats often shows that they love to scratch and bite different things. When they see a scratch post, the wooden post usually tears up a bit. The same goes for the cat bedding that you are going to purchase. Since it may be exposed to biting, scratching or other mutilations, you should make sure that you are getting the cat bed with great durability and quality to withstand the damages that may be follow after.

Different Types of Cat Beds Available

2011-08-16T16:16:00.001-07:00

There are times when your pet kitty will try to look for a comfortable place to sleep in. They can go into your room and sleep in your bed. When this happens, it can disturb your sleep, especially if you're not comfortable sleeping with your pet cat. In order to remedy this, you can get a cat bed for your feline.

There are several types of cat bedding that are available in the market. You can simply visit pet shops or, more conveniently, browse through the internet for different kinds of cat beds. You can certainly find a type that is most suitable for your pet cat.

Luxury cat bed

This is a type of cat bed that can provide your feline with utmost comfort while they sleep. Although a bit pricey, they are made with different layers of fabrics, which secure warmth and comfort for your cat. The multiple layers of fabric make sure that the coldness from the floor does not reach your cat. It also is also large enough to accommodate your cat as it sleeps and allows it enough space to stretch. This can also be the best choice to have when you are keeping more than one cat.

Other than the multiple fabrics, there are luxury cat beds that have quilted surfaces that provide added puffiness to it. With the added puffiness and the soft make, it would be a very comfortable bed for your kitty.

Cat basket

This type of cat sleeping area can provide quality comfort for your cat, as well as add to the design of your home. This is ideal for cats and even for small dogs. With added pillows and heat pads, it can become a very cozy place for your pet to sleep in. Willow baskets are very sturdy and can last a long time. Aside from pillows, you can also add cat blankets within the basket. They can add to the softness of the bed and provide warmth for those cold evenings.

Cat window mat

If your cat is one that is fond of snoozing or staying along the windowsill each day, getting a window mat for your cat is a good decision. This can allow your windowsill to be transformed as a padded bed for your kitty. Your cat can comfortably lounge on your windowsill all day with comfort.

Cat radiator beds

These are cat sleeping space that are perfect for the colds seasons, and if you have a radiator at home. Since most cats like to stay in a warm area when they sleep, it might become a bother if they often come into your room to sleep. Placing a cat bed above the radiator would be the greatest way to provide a warm and snuggly place for your cat to sleep in. This can prevent your cat from coming in and out of your bedroom and disturbing your sleep during those cold winter seasons.

So whatever you pick out, you should make sure that it would bring your cat comfort and is suited for your kitty's needs.

Do I Need A Cat Tree?

2011-08-16T06:16:00.001-07:00

The simple answer is no. You don't need a tree if you don't mind your cat scratching and clawing up other potentially valuable furniture and/or carpeting. Most cats develop routines where they have their favorite places and items to work their claws on. If you haven't provided your kitty with a scratching solution then you can't be mad at him or her for following its natural instincts to scratch and claw.

The best method is to offer your cat multiple areas to fulfill their scratching desires especially if you have more than one animal. Cats are actually very personable and like to be near their owners. You may notice some items in areas that are frequently occupied that your cat will continually return to for scratching. We have a couple larger cat towers in our main living room and a smaller condo with single pole and platform in our bedroom that our cats use regularly.

When picking out your cat tree or cat tower, one of the main differences between the cat trees is the scratching area. Some are covered with carpeting while others are wrapped with sisal rope. We used to have a couple with carpeting, but, after a bit of use the carpeting starts to either run and fray or tear away. You then end up with this post that has unattractive strings hanging off it. The sisal rope is much more durable than the carpeting for your cat to scratch on.

One other consideration might be the color you choose for your cat tree. For the most part the only two considerations will be to either match the cat tower to your decor or to your cat. If you choose the latter, your cat, you will spend less time cleaning because the hair that your cat sheds will blend in better with the fabric. You can also buy cat furniture to only match your home decor. This may cause you to clean your cats furniture more often due to unsightly hair.

To summarize, you should get your cat at least one scratching post, or cat tower as a solution to its scratching needs. There is nothing wrong with having more than one especially if you have more than one cat as I have found. The most durable and suitable scratching material I have found is the sisal rope wrapped furniture. If you match your tree color to your cat you will spend less time cleaning it.

Best Carrier for Traveling With Your Cat

2011-08-15T20:16:00.001-07:00

Many people are very close with their pets, especially those that own cats and/or dogs. They are so fond of their pet that they take it with them while they are travelling. If you are one of the many that loves to take their cat travelling with them, then getting a cat carrier is a necessity for you. Whether it is a long trip out of town or just a couple of hours ride, you should have carrier that is comfortable for your pet as you are travelling.

In choosing the best carrier for your pet cat, you should first consider the mode of transportation that you are going to take. If you plan on travelling somewhere by riding a plane, then it would be best to have a hard cat container. This type of cat carrier is much safer for your pet compared to other container types. To make it more comfortable for your pet, you might consider lining the inside of the container with paper lining or a mat. The hard surface in the inside of the container may not be cozy for your cat.

Aside from lining the inside of the container, you might also consider placing a piece of cloth or foam inside the carrier. This can allow your pet to have a comfortable area to rest upon during the long travel. However, above all else, you should make sure that the container that you are placing your cat in is one that is approved by the plane management. Make sure that you inquire whether or not the container is approved or not for plane travelling.

If you are travelling by car, then you probably want to get one that is much softer and much smaller than a hard container. Although quite useful and handy for plane travels, a hard container can take up so much space. This can be an inconvenience, especially when you are travelling and have limited space for multiple baggage. In a situation like this, it may be more convenient to use either a soft carrier or a cardboard carrier.

The advantage of the soft carrier is that it can be folded. Although it may not be as tough as a hard container, it can do the job of allowing your pet to stay in whilst travelling. However, if you are only travelling for short distances and would want to have the least expensive type of carrier for your feline, then a card board carrier may just do the trick for you.

Aside from picking out the best carrier for your feline pet, there are other things that you need to consider first. First is how comfortable your cat can be within the container. Before travelling, place your cat inside the container for some time. This can allow them to get used to the feeling of being inside the container, thus lowering the apprehension that they feel.

Secondly, if you are going on a travel where you are separated from your cat for hours, then it would be best to feed them a bit before travelling. However, make sure not to give them too much to minimize the needed cleaning afterwards.

What You Can Do For Pain Reliefs for Cats

2011-08-15T10:21:00.001-07:00

Indeed cats exhibit flexible qualities that enable them to move around and jump with great height; cats like humans experience muscle pains and join pains that may make them inactive during play. Affectionate and loving, clingy and flexible--- these are just some of the qualities of the feline group that make them very adorable in the eyes of many people. Like dogs, they need exercise such as a walk in the park or playing with soft cushioned balls as they roll over and over on the floor.

But like humans, when cats grow old, they experience joint pains as well and this may sadden cat owners. Fortunately there are a lot of choices from which cat owners could pick to remedy joint pains experienced by cats. There are prescriptive drugs while some are in the form of herbal supplements. However, before making a choice and before administering the chosen medicine, cat owners should be able to contact their cat's veterinarian and consult the matter before buying a pain reliever. Veterinarians need to see what medication is best for your cat. The decision of the veterinarian may depend on the cat's condition, the cat's age and the like.

Regular clinical visitation is best to monitor your cat's health condition. It is also during this time when it's best to ask your veterinarian what he can advise or prescribe to treat join pain for your cat. Knowledge on medicine for joint pain relievers is an advantage for the cat owner. Some pain relievers could actually be fatal to your cat, this kind of pain reliever may be too strong for the cat hence it may cause sudden death. Overdose may also be one of the factors contributing to a cat's death. Cat's liver may not be able to manage the chemical compounds in very strong joint pain relievers since their livers are not as good as humans' liver. Animal doctors who are knowledgeable and have credible experience know how to handle these problems and they would surely not give something bad and disadvantageous to your cat's life. However, there are possible natural pain relievers for cats that may be advised as effective and safe for use.

Chronic arthritis is one of the most common joint pains that your matured cat may be experiencing. Since some heavy medications used in treating this may trigger some changes in the lifestyle of cats affecting their behavior such as being too sleepy and quite inactive in play, changes in appetite such as sometimes your cat may lose appetite resulting to becoming think or sometimes, otherwise making them quite obese-looking for their size. Irritable behavior may likewise exhibited by your cat. This is why playing with them may not be a really good idea anymore. More of these side effects may be researched through online and in books to help you understand what your cat is undergoing during this condition. Natural alternatives however provide an option such as acupuncture as they have been proven to be effective by humans to relieve them from pains using stainless needles to reach and stimulate the nerves of your cat.

Making Luxury Cat Beds

2011-08-13T18:20:00.001-07:00

Just like people, your pets also need a comfortable place to sleep in. This is especially true for cats. Felines often try to find the coziest place to sleep in. They usually spend most of their time sleeping, so it would be quite ideal to get a bed that can allow them to comfortably snuggle in. One way in which you can provide your pet with comfort is by purchasing a luxury cat bed for your feline pet. They can provide your pet with utmost comfort while they sleep.

What makes luxury bed better than ordinary cat cots/beds that are being sold in the market?

Size

Ordinary cat beds may not have adequate size to allow comfort for your feline pet. Luxury cat cots have great size that can allow your pet to sleep in comfortably and have a wide area to stretch as it wakes up. Having a large cat bed is also the best one to have when you have more than a single feline at home. They usually tend to snuggle together, making it uncomfortable if you provide them with a small cheap cat mat.

Soft and comfy

Cats love to sleep in soft and cozy beds. The luxury cat bed provides your felines with a soft and cozy bed, compared to cheaper pet beds. They are stuffed with soft materials, plus they have added thick padding on top. This makes the cat mat much softer for your pet. Aside from the soft and comfy feel that the bed of your kitty has, you can also choose to get one that has added puffiness. This is by getting a luxury kitty bed with a quilted surface.

Warmth

Cats don't usually sleep on the floor since it is quite cold. If your cat doesn't have a cat bedding yet, you can often find them sleeping on your rug or other warm places. With a luxury cat bed, you can be sure that the coldness of the floor wouldn't be able to reach your kitty. This type of cat bedding is made up of several layers of fabric that is designed to give utmost warmth, comfortable enough for your cat. If that isn't enough, some beds are even designed to have a built in heater for your pet.

However, if the bed of your cat is exposed to sunlight during the day, you may want to shut off the heater. Leaving it turned on may result to a level of warmth, uncomfortable for your feline.

Feeling of safety

Cats want to feel safe as they sleep during the day or night, especially if you intend to sleep in another room. That is why luxury beds are often designed to have covers that can allow your kitty to feel safe and protected as they sleep. If you are not comfortable with the idea of completely enclosing your pet cat, then you can have cat beddings that are designed to have depressions at the center or more like of a doughnut. This can allow your cat to have the sense of security, without being completely hidden from site.

Different Types of Cat Litter

2011-08-13T08:20:00.001-07:00

In life, there are many important choices that you must go through from day to day and choosing the right type of litter for your cat is one of those essential choices. Why is this so important you may ask? It is because choosing the right cat litter is important in keeping your cat healthy, happy, and your house smelling clean. Back when some of the first litter boxes came out, sand was one of the main fillers that people used, but since then, many different materials have been used and experimented with that have found to be much more absorbent and effective at containing the smell from your cat's waste.

There are several popular types of litter that are used by cat owners today. First is the traditional clay based litter. This is great because it is very absorbent and helps with reducing urine odor, but this needs to be replaced very frequently. This means that you will have to spend more to buy more litter more often and that you will need to replace the litter at least twice a week.

Next we have the very popular scooping/clumping cat litter. The main benefit that this litter has over the traditional clay litter is that you will not need to replace this litter as often as the traditional clay litter. Why is this you ask? This is because when the litter gets soiled, it clumps together and makes it easy to only take out the soiled pieces of litter instead of having to replace the whole litter box. This will make taking care of your litter box much more convenient, but it is still important to remember that you need to change your whole litter box every two or three weeks to keep your cat healthy.

One of the newer cat litters that people are using is called the Crystal based/Silica gel litter. This cat litter is very effective because it has high moisture absorbency, so this type of litter only really needs to be changed once a month. However, this litter makes it very hard to see when you should change it and cat owners fear that this cat litter could be unhealthy for their cats when they lick it off their paws. In addition to this, some cats will just refuse to use this cat litter because of the lumpy texture because cats prefer to use cat litter that has a finer consistency, similar to sand.

Finally, there is bio-degradable cat litter. This litter is great because it is easy to flush and is very low dust so it is great with cats that have asthma. Unfortunately, the cost of this type of litter is quite expensive and deters a lot of owners from purchasing it. After looking at all of the options, clumping cat litter is becoming more and more popular in the United States because of the need to change the litter box less frequently and that is less of a mess. However, if cost is not an issue for you, biodegradable cat litter could be the choice for you. Whatever litter you decide to choose, make sure to clean your cat's litter box frequently to help keep them healthy.

Check us out at http://www.Whiskervent.com

Resources:

http://www.cat-urine.net/cat_litter.html

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/preventing_litter_box_problems.html

Ways to Stimulate Your Cat's Mental Health

2011-08-12T22:20:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons keeping your cat indoors is a good idea. The dangers associated with roaming free are enough reason to make sure your kitty stays inside and protected from the great outdoors. Not only are moving vehicles a concern, your cat could encounter other animals carrying a disease or virus. Your cat could let curiosity get the best of him and end up in a compromising situation he cannot free himself. Keeping your cat indoors is a choice more and more people are opting for when it comes to their feline friends.

Although indoors is the safer solution for a cat, what about the kitty cat's physical and mental health while inside? Exercise and mental stimulation are both important factors to your cat's happiness. There are a variety of ways you can get your cat mentally stimulated and moving around so his well-being is not compromised.

Flash Light

Chasing a light is an easy and affordable way to get your cat moving. Simply grab your handy flashlight, bring your cat into a dark room, and move the light all around the wall and floor. This will get your feline moving and jumping while he is trying to 'grab' the light. This inexpensive game can keep your cat occupied for hours.

Under The Sheets

Grab a toy, a stick, or one of your cat's toys and move it around under a throw rug or your bedspread. Your cat will perk up immediately and try to attack the little varmet you are wiggling around. If you have a long pole/stick with a furry toy on the end, this works great because you can have the furry toy poke out a little to tease your cat and make him go absolutely nuts.

Hide n' Seek

Cats love to sneak up and attach prey and also love having to find their prey. You can bring out these instinctual qualities to get your cat moving and allow him to act out his natural tendencies. Once you get your kitty started with a chase game, he will understand what you are doing next time and it will be easier to engage him quickly. For beginner kitties, crouch behind your couch or doorway; as your unsuspecting cat comes around the corner, jump out and startle him. Use a gentle pounce so you don't scare him from playing again. Once he understands you are playing, run in the other direction and find another place to hide. Like a small child, your cat will get excited, anticipating your next move as he approaches towards you.

These are just a few ways you can give your cat some playtime and improve his mental stimulation. Once you try a few suggestions you will be coming up with some of your own creations. You will be amazed at what just thirty minutes a day of playtime can do for your pet!

Cat Furniture Must-Haves for Every Cat Owner

2011-08-12T12:20:00.001-07:00

If you're very fond of cats and plan to own one or have one right, it would be best to make it feel right at home. When your family plans to get a new cat, it's just like agreeing to have a new family member. Just like having a new family member, you should make sure that they are comfortable and at ease, being in their new home. What better way to do this for your new feline than getting cat furniture to make it more comfortable.

So what cat furniture must you have if you have a feline pet at home?

Cat condo

This cat furniture can be quite helpful to have in your home. Especially if you want to avoid having other furniture damaged through scratching and other cat behaviors. It is otherwise known as a feline tree, gym and climbers because it also allows your cat a place to spend all their unspent energy.

Aside from having a typical scratching post for your cats to have somewhere they can aim their claws at. A feline condo can also have multiple branches that allow your cat to climb, jump and do other exercises. Some designs even have swings built with the cat condo.

There are different sizes of cat condos available via the internet or pet shops that offer such furniture. A larger sized feline condo is ideal if you have multiple cats at home. You can either choose to have an indoor or outdoor type of cat condo.

Luxury cat beds

When it's sleeping time, your cats would go for the softest and most comfortable place they can find. If they have access to your bedroom, then this where they would probably end up during the night. It can be quite a nuisance when you cat enters your bedroom and sleep on your bed. In order to remedy this, you should get a luxury cat bed for your little kitty.

This type of feline furniture offers comfort and warmth for your cat. Most luxury cat beds are made of several layers of fabric, making it soft and comfortable. The multiple layers of fabric also prevent the cold from the floor to reach your cat. More expensive designs even have built-in heaters that are very helpful in keeping your cat warm during the cold seasons.

In getting a bed for your cat, make sure that it is large enough. The bed should not only be able to accommodate your cats when they sleep, but it should also give them adequate space for stretching.

Litter box

It is an unavoidable circumstance that your feline pet will need to take care of its own business after digesting its food. When this happens, it would be quite bothersome to have it on your floor or on your furniture. This will leave you cleaning after your cat. If you don't want this to happen, then a litter box for your cat is a must have. It provides a place where they can eliminate their waste from their body. This can prevent messy feces lying just about anywhere in your house and makes cleaning much more easily.

Cat Nutrition and Making Cat Food at Home

2011-08-12T02:19:00.001-07:00

Home-made cat food is one of the healthiest ways you can choose to feed your cat, but only if you do it exactly right. Making nutritionally complete cat food requires a great deal of information relating to what a cat's dietary needs are and how you can best provide for them.

Providing your cat with proper nutrition goes a long, LONG way in preventing so many of today's commonly seen feline diseases. There are many inappropriate "cat diets" available on the pet food market, including veterinary feline diets, and these inappropriate diets are largely responsible for creating a myriad of the health problems that exist in our feline friends.

Cats are obligate carnivores: they are NOT meant to eat dehydrated diets, they are NOT meant to be eating grains, they are NOT meant to be eating significant amounts of carbohydrates, they are NOT meant to eat fruits & vegetables, they are NOT meant to eat significant amounts of seafood, and they are NOT meant to obtain their protein from soy! These unnatural ingredients in dry cat foods (and some wet foods too!) are inflammation inducing and result in a myriad of gastrointestinal disorders, skin reactions, and other health problems in our pet cats.

Also, the dehydrated nature of dry cat food is responsible for the production of highly concentrated urine formation in cats that eat dry diets; studies have proven that cats who eat dry food do NOT drink the equivalent in their daily water intake to cats who eat canned food and hydrate themselves via their diets (canned foods are approximately 75% water content). Chronically highly concentrated urine causes bladder inflammation (idiopathic feline cystitis), kidney, ureteral, and bladder stones, urinary crystals, and predisposes to urinary tract infections. Urinary crystal and stone formation can cause sudden urinary tract obstruction which can be acutely fatal.

As mentioned at the beginning of this page, making your cat a nutritionally complete homemade diet is the best way that you can feed your cat. However, this is a somewhat time-consuming endeavor, and I recognize that not every owner is able to provide their cat with this type of feeding regimen (including myself at this point in time!). As such, I have decided to provide you with a summary (below) of various cat-feeding scenarios from best to worst. If you are unable to provide your cat with a homemade diet, as so many of us are, then scenarios 2 and then 3 are the best ways to feed your cat(s):

FIRST - THE IDEAL CAT DIET

* Nutritionally complete (and plentiful in moisture content!) homemade diet specifically formulated for the feline obligate carnivore: free of vegetables, fruits, grains, soy, seafood, artificial preservatives & flavoring, and toxic packaging contents.

* Owners are able to brush their cat's teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

A CLOSE SECOND

* Owners are unable to do a homemade diet, but feed 100% canned cat food that is devoid of soy protein, contains no de-hulled grains, no seafood, and no significant amount of fruits & veggies.

* Owners are able to brush cat's teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Note 1: While many canned diets don't contain the unnatural grain and soy products that most dry diets do, some wet foods do possess these ingredients... you must read labels carefully!

Note 2: An alternative to a healthy canned food diet, is a nutritionally complete raw diet (eg. Feline's Pride) that is partially cooked prior to serving in order to reduce the bacterial load (zapped for 5 - 10 seconds in the microwave: ensure that it's not too hot before giving it to kitty!).

A CLOSE THIRD

* Owners unable to do homemade diet and unable to brush cat's teeth, but feed 95% of daily caloric intake through canned food (devoid of soy, de-hulled grains. etc.), and feed 5% of daily caloric intake through dental kibble to help minimize plaque and tartar build-up.

Note 3: If your cat has any gastrointestinal issues, including frequent hairballs, or has any dermatological issues and/or other inflammatory problems, you should consult your veterinarian and discontinue all dry food.

FOURTH - A POOR DIET

* Dry cat food diet, or mostly dry cat food diet.
* Not suitable for a feline (this includes grain-free dry diets as well!).
* You should consult your veterinarian and immediately begin to transition your cat onto a wet food diet, and/or a homemade diet.

Note 4: Just because a dry feline diet is advertised as "grain free" does not mean that it is an appropriate diet for your cat. There are still many shortcomings in dry, grain-free diets, not the least of which is the fact that they are devoid of moisture content!

HOMEMADE FELINE DIETS SHOULD INCLUDE:

* meat source (chicken, rabbit, duck, etc.)
* ground bone from meat source
* water (in addition to the water content in the meat
* fatty acid supplementation
* salt
* vitamin E supplementation
* vitamin B complex supplementation
* taurine (an amino acid) supplementation

Note: Taurine supplementation is crucial because taurine deficiencies lead to serious health problems in cats, and taurine can ONLY be obtained through diet. Cats are unable to create taurine endogenously by using protein building blocks they possess from ingesting other amino acids.

*** Please note that there are many cat food recipes available online that recommend including rice, pasta, or other such carbohydrate sources in homemade cat food. I do not advise supplementing extra carbohydrates (meat already contains carbohydrates) for healthy adult cat diets, particularly from these types of sources because they are unnatural for cats (for instance, pasta is full of wheat gluten) and will defeat much of the purpose of feeding a homemade diet. ***

It is important to know that if you are embarking on creating a homemade diet for your cat(s), it is essential that it be done correctly. Feeding cats just cooked meat does not provide them with a nutritionally complete diet, and will result in nutritional deficiencies. If you are going to feed your cat(s) a homemade diet it must be done correctly. For the best cat food recipes available please refer to the excellent resources listed below.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Cats Beware! Human Foods That Are Toxic to Felines

2011-08-11T16:19:00.001-07:00

There are many known foods that are safe for most humans to eat that are very harmful to kitties!

It may come as a surprise that something as seemingly innocuous as an onion or a chocolate bar can be toxic to your cat, but the reality is that many food types contain compounds or have metabolites that are extremely dangerous to cats.

(Metabolites are substances produced by the metabolism, or breakdown, of the ingested food. So, in some instances, the food itself may not be toxic, but once your kitty has digested and processed the substance, some of the resultant products may be toxic to your cat.)

Why do these foods and their metabolites produce toxicity in cats? Every species has different metabolic capabilities, but in general, the two main routes of clearing substances from the body include liver (hepatic) and kidney (renal) excretion pathways. Cat livers are not the same as human livers!

Cats, in particular, have very different hepatic excretion abilities from humans, and are, in fact, considered to be deficient in one of the most important enzymatic pathways that exists; therefore, there are many substances that we humans can metabolise and safely clear from our bodies that cats cannot, and so are highly toxic to cats.

We've put together a list of all of the common foods that have documented toxicity in cats. These are foods that you should never feed to your cat, and that you should be very careful to keep safely tucked away in cupboards and refrigerators, well out of your agile kitty's reach.

Foods That Can Be Toxic To Cats:

Chocolate - The very worst culprit! Perhaps one of the most enticing and most dangerous foods in your kitchen (to cats and human waist-lines). While dogs are much more prone to ingesting chocolate than cats, cats do eat chocolate too, and are unfortunately even more sensitive to its toxic components than dogs are!

Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, both of which are called methylxanthines and are very toxic to cats. The amount of methylxanthines in chocolate varies considerably depending on the type of chocolate, but the general rule of thumb is that the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the higher the concentration of the toxic principles.

Chocolate toxicity can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, tremors, and even death.

Coffee & Coffee Beans - As you have already read above, caffeine is classified as a methylxanthine and is very toxic to your cat.

Symptoms of coffee toxicity will be similar to those listed under chocolate toxicity, and so always be wary of where you have located your coffee mug and your coffee beans! Don't let your inquisitive kitty try to achieve a caffeine high, because it will have detrimental results.

Onions - While onions are extremely tasty and are quite healthy for human consumption, the opposite is true for cats!

Onions belong to the plant genus, Allium. The toxic principle in onions is N-propyl disulfide, and it damages cats' red blood cells. The destruction of red blood cells in this manner results in hemolytic anemia, and it occurs if cats eat onion in any form: raw, cooked, or powdered onion.

Clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy, and pale gums.

Garlic - Although garlic is a great asset to human health, the same cannot be said for our kitties!

Garlic is also a member of the Allium genus, and has similar, although less potent, toxic effects as its big brother the onion.
Symptoms of garlic toxicity are the same as listed above for onion toxicity.

Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit) - Citrus fruit make a lovely snack, and are also a tasty flavor addition to any human meal, but citrus is toxic to cats.
Citrus fruits contain essential oils and psoralen toxins that cause vomiting, sometimes light sensitivity (photosensitivity), incoordination, weakness, depression, tremors, and seizures.

Moldy Foods - Moldy, spoiled foods are a danger to everyone in the household, but cats that may snoop around in kitchen garbages are going to be at higher risk for the ingestion of these toxins than human household members.

Moldy foods can contain toxins such as penitrem A, roquefortine C, and verruculogen that are produced by fungi. These toxins can cause vomiting, anorexia, tremors, incoordination, seizures, and possibly death.

Alcohol - Alcohol and kitties should never be mixed! Alcohol toxicity can result in vomiting, incoordination, stupor, depression, and sometimes coma, seizures, and death. Always make sure to keep your wine glass safe out of reach from your kitty.

Avocados - While avocados are considered to be a miracle fruit for humans because of their many health benefits, it is best that you not try and share these benefits with your cat.

Avocados contain a toxin called persin; while persin can cause death due to cardiotoxicity in birds, rabbits, goats, and even in dogs when avocado is ingested in significant quantities, there is no documentation to support that this occurs in cats.

However, there is evidence that avocados will cause gastritis in our feline friends, which may result in symptoms of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. And since we cannot be certain that avocados do not cause cardiotoxicity in cats as well, it is advisable to keep these fruits and all guacamole far far away from them!

Grapes & Raisins - While there is not yet any evidence of grape and raisin toxicity in cats at this point, it has been recently discovered that an unknown toxic principle in grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.

Even though there is no documentation of similar occurrences in cats at this point, since there is much to learn about grape & raisin toxicity, it would be wise to keep your cats away from these tasty little fruits. Until we know more, it is best to err on the side of caution.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

Does Your Cat Deserve The Very Best Cat Tree?

2011-08-11T06:19:00.001-07:00

Is your cat special? Is your kitty one of a kind? Does your fur baby deserve the very best cat tree available? Is your cat purrrrfect?

For those kitties that are elite, unique, one of a kind, special and priceless we would like to introduce you to Molly and Friends Cat Furniture. Handmade in the USA with love, Molly and Friends comes in a variety of colors, several styles and is shipped fully assembled.

We've introduced to you to other outstanding cat tree manufacturers that make custom products in the USA. Molly and Friends is one of the best cat trees that money can buy. Crafters of the finest in handmade premium cat furniture the United States has to offer, Molly and Friends is one of the best cat trees that money can buy. When you buy Molly and Friends cat furniture, your specific color and model is made according to your order. A bit pricey and for elite cats only, it's the only cat furniture that is shipped fully assembled. You will not need to compare the parts to the parts list, and assemble, just bring it in and watch your cat climb the tree! Each piece of cat furniture is hand made with an excellence in quality. The cradles and perches or play boxes are made sizable enough for the biggest of kitties to curl up or stretch out comfortably. The minute you bring it in the house, your cat will literally be all over it!

From the Molly to the Sequoia, beautiful and sturdy, even multiple heavy weight kitties won't tip them over.

The models that are two tiered and below are shipped via UPS, the larger trees are shipped via truck (a big 18 wheeler truck!). When purrrrchasing a Molly and Friends, it is important to consider how you will take delivery of the larger trees. You will need access for a large truck to deliver to your home. If that is not an option, you may need to make arrangements to meet the truck at a local shipping center and transfer the item from the truck to your vehicle. Make sure that you are able to lift the tree and your vehicle can hold the size and weight of it.

On average, your order is built to your specification in less than 10 days, plus a few days for shipping. If you want the very best in quality and workmanship, Molly and Friends is worth every cent that you pay for it. It is not uncommon for these trees to last many years. Your fur baby will reward you with purrs and extra lap sits when they see this beautiful and comfy cat tree.

How to Make Your Home Safe for Cats!

2011-08-10T19:49:00.001-07:00

Having a cat, or cats, is very much like having small children, only these furry little children are capable of accessing all areas of the household, including the highest shelves and narrowest nooks and crannies! Like small children, there are many household items that pose dangers to your cats, so it is important to completely cat-proof your home before bringing a kitty in to live with you and then maintain the safe environment.

Medications & Vitamins

Many household medications, prescription medications, and vitamins are extremely toxic to cats.

Just because many of these bottles have child-proof lids doesn't mean that they are safe to be out on the counter if they fall onto a hard floor the lid and/or bottle can break.

Also, child-proof lids can be closed improperly which means that even if just knocked over on the countertop, the lid may come off.

Coated tablets can be particularly enticing to cats.

Secure medicine and vitamin cabinets are essential, and always replace medicine and vitamin bottles to their proper storage place once finished with them - take your medications and/or vitamins promptly - don't leave them sitting on the counter where they can be ingested by your feline friend!

Household Cleaning Products

Just like medications, many household products are very toxic to cats.

Always have products in a secure cupboard.

When using cleaning products, shut your cat out of the room where you are working and keep the door closed and windows open until all remaining fumes and damp areas have been eliminated.

Do not use 'drop-in' toilet cleaners that are placed in tanks.

House Plants & Fresh Flowers

Many, many plants and flowers are extremely toxic to cats!!!

If you have a kitty, it's imperative that you not bring an unknown plant or flower into the household without accurately identifying and checking its toxicity information first!

If you have a green thumb and wish to have indoor plants or vases of fresh flowers around your home, you should not leave to go plant shopping without taking a list of non-toxic household plants with you.

Also, if your kitty goes outdoors, use caution when planning your garden - avoid toxic flowers such as lilies in the garden.

Lilies are fatally toxic to cats - it only takes a bit of pollen landing onto a cat's hair-coat from brushing past the plant which gets ingested later during a grooming session for the result to be deadly acute kidney failure!

Long, Skinny, Stringy Things!

These are what we refer to in the veterinary world as "linear FBs" when they are ingested by cats - ie. linear foreign bodies

Linear foreign bodies are such items as sewing thread, dental floss, string, ribbon, broken elastic bands, and strips of fabric

Linear foreign bodies can be fatal, and quickly become surgical emergencies once ingested.

The intestines become bunched up on the object like an accordion in their effort to contract and push the object through the intestinal tract.

When the intestines become knotted up in this fashion, blood supply to the intestines is then compromised, toxic bacteria are released in to the abdominal cavity, and the patient goes into shock.

Don't allow your cat to play with ribbons unsupervised.

Use a sturdy, lidded garbage can in the bathroom, and always ensure that your dental floss is entirely within the can when thrown out

(It used to be recommended that cat owners flush dental floss down the toilet, but this has created significant sewage problems, particularly because many new floss types are composed of non-biodegradable material.)

If your kitty is particularly frisky and knocks over your garbage can, keep it in the bathroom cupboard where it is off limits.

Keep all needles and threads away from your cat - after a sewing project, clean up the area carefully, looking for any stray pieces of thread that may be lying around.

Cats are particularly prone to eating strings that have been used to tie up meats such as chicken or turkey - be sure to throw these away in a safe and secure garbage bin that will not be 'broken into'!

Windows & Balconies

Cats are notorious for jumping/falling out of windows!

Even if you live in a house in which the highest window is two stories above ground, it's still essential to ensure the windows have very secure screens in place.

Cats are more prone to suffering greater injuries when they fall from lesser heights than those that fall from greater heights (6 stories and above).

Balconies are another cause for "high-rise syndrome," which is the term used when a cat falls from a height greater than 2 stories - the term includes the cat's injuries sustained from the fall.

Just because a balcony is high does not mean that your cat will not jump or fall off of it - loud noises or construction may startle them so that they reflexively back away off of the railing or between the railings. A bird flying past can create a great enough stimulus that they leap for it instinctively.

Balconies should be fenced from the balcony floor to the bottom of balcony above so that jumping or falling off is an impossibility - there are many types of aesthetic fencing options available that will pass most building standards because they are visually unobtrusive.

Food Items

Moldy food can be toxic to pets because it can contain neurotoxic organisms.

Chocolate is highly toxic to cats and must never be left out on tables, counters, or even on shelving well-wrapped - chocolate should be safely stored in a sealed container in an inaccessible cupboard.

Onions and garlic are toxic to red blood cells and can cause anemia - onions, garlic, and products/foods containing onion or garlic powder should not be accessible to cats.

Rising bread dough is toxic because if ingested the heat of a cat's body will cause it to continue to expand and it will produce ethanol.

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney toxicity, and while it is not understood why yet this occurs, it has been more and more frequently documented.

Miscellaneous

Other miscellaneous household toxins that should not be kept in the home include moth balls, cigarettes, liquid potpourri, pennies, and silica packets.

Never allow your cat access to a room where paint, paint strippers, refinishing solvents, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, or other volatile agents are being used.

Small, sharp, shiny objects.

Items such as needles, thumbtacks, safety pins, stud earrings, nails, screws, etc., make for very enticing play items for cats however, they are also extremely dangerous when accidentally swallowed, and should never be kept in kitty-accessible locations!

Broken glass, ceramic, or porcelain can be injurious. Even the most dexterous of us are guilty of breaking a glass or two on occasion, and the key to preventing injury to our beloved cats involves thorough cleanup!

Sweeping broken items does not remove all of the tiny shards of material that are barely visible to the naked eye and can easily lodge themselves in cats' paw pads.

Vacuuming the entire area where the breakage occurred, including a wide radius around the area is the most certain way to avoid injury from glass shards.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

Cats Beware! Toxic Substances in Your Home

2011-08-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

It may come as a surprise that there are likely a myriad of common products in your household that are toxic to your cat, but the truth is that these items are everywhere. It is essential to know what these potential hazards are so that you can make sure your cat does not suffer any accidental contact with, or ingestion of, these substances.

Some toxic household items are intuitive; anything that possesses a warning label that denotes toxicity for humans should be assumed to be toxic for pets as well. Just because a product does not warn specifically that it is toxic to cats does not mean it isn't harmful to felines! In fact, it is typically a safe assumption that anything toxic to humans is even more dangerous to cats because of their smaller body size and different metabolic capabilities.

So, while some health hazards to your cat (like those described above) simply require common sense, other household hazards are not always so intuitively identified as toxic items: liquid potpourri may sound (and smell!) like a lovely addition to any home, but is actually highly toxic to your cat! There are many items that owners are surprised to learn are toxic to their cats.

Additionally, it is imperative to remember that cats are NOT small humans, nor are they even small dogs! Many toxicity events occur when well-meaning owners try to alleviate their cat's symptoms of illness by treating their cats with their own medications (aspirin, Tylenol, and so on), or with medications prescribed to their dogs... these medications, and many other human and canine medications are deadly to cats, so NEVER try to treat your cat at home. Always seek the guidance and care of your veterinarian! And never assume that because a medication is safe for your dog that it is also safe for your cat.

Every species has different metabolic capabilities, but in general, the two main routes of clearing substances from the body include liver (hepatic) and kidney (renal) pathways. Cats, in particular, have very different hepatic excretion abilities from humans and dogs, and are, in fact, considered to be deficient in one of the most important enzymatic pathways that exists; therefore, there are many substances that we humans can metabolise and safely clear from our bodies that cats cannot, and so are highly toxic to cats. The bottom line is: cat livers are not the same as human livers!

Note: This article is simply providing a sampling of the most common toxic substances that result in visits to the emergency clinic -- you may very well have other toxic substances within your home that are not on this list! It is always important that you be cautious about anything you're unsure of. If you have any suspicion that your cat may have ingested a dangerous substance, you should call your veterinarian immediately. If it is after hours and your veterinarian's office is closed, call the emergency clinic closest to your home, and have your cat seen by a veterinarian. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline 24/7 at 1-888-426-4435.

Common Household Items That Are Toxic To Cats:

Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen is extremely toxic to cats! Even one tablet can be lethal if ingested by a kitty, because cats are deficient in the enzyme needed to safely metabolise and excrete (rid the body of) acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen causes liver failure in cats and destruction of their red blood cells, a condition called methemoglobinemia which results in impaired oxyenation of organs and body tissues. Methemoglobinemia from acetaminophen ingestion is fatal if not immediately treated because red blood cells are like small lifeline taxis that travel all over the body delivering oxygen molecules to cells and then carrying away the waste product, carbon dioxide.

Symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, weakness, depression, difficulty breathing, muddy (brown) colored gums, blue colored gums, face and paw swelling, and death.

Never administer acetaminophen to your cat, and always keep it safely locked away in a medical cabinet, even though it may be in a childproof container (childproof bottles can easily break open if your cat knocks the bottle down from a shelf or counter).

Aspirin - Cats are very sensitive to aspirin, as they are to all NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), because they are deficient in the type of enzyme necessary to safely excrete NSAIDs from their bodies.

Aspirin toxicity in cats often occurs in several common scenarios: when owners administer aspirin to their cats with the intent of treating their cats' illness, when cats find open or spilled bottles of aspirin in the home, and when cats come across a flavored, tasty, chewable supply of NSAIDs that belong to the pet dog. If you own a dog, always be sure to keep your dog's medications, as well as your own, far out of the reach of your curious kitty!

Aspirin toxicity causes gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration and bleeding,and acute kidney failure. The process of GI ulceration can progress to intestinal perforation when ulcers develop across the full thickness of intestinal walls; leakage of intestinal contents into the abdomen causes systemic infection and quickly results in death if left untreated.

Symptoms of aspirin toxicity that result from the associated GI and kidney damage can include: rapid breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, digested blood in the feces (melena - feces appears black and extremely odiferous), increased thirst and urine output, lethargy, seizures, coma, and death.

Ibuprofen - The mechanism and symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity is similar to that of aspirin and the other NSAIDs (please see above).

Never administer ibuprofen to your cat, and always keep it safely locked away in a medical cabinet, even though it may be in a childproof container (they can still break open if your cat knocks the bottle down from a shelf or countertop).

Prescription Drugs (Antidepressants) - It is very important to keep all of your prescription drugs locked away. Prescription drug toxicities are quite commonly, and antidepressants in particular are an increasingly frequent source of toxicity seen in cats.

Symptoms of antidepressant ingestion include dilated pupils, vomiting, increased respiratory rate and heart rate, increased body temperature and blood pressure, agitation, hyperreactivity, disorientation, wobbliness, tremors, and seizures.

Other prescription drugs that are toxic to cats include anti-cancer medications, pain medications, oral hypoglycemic drugs (used to treat diabetes), decongestants, muscle relaxants, birth control pills, and vitamin D analogues.

No matter what types of medications you use at home, whether they are over-the-counter or prescription drugs, make sure that they are all safely kept in a medicine cabinet that cannot be opened by your cat. Never leave a pill out on a countertop, dresser, table, or nightstand while you run to get a glass of water with which to swallow your medication. Never leave a medicine bottle out in the open after taking your dose; even though the medication may be in a childproof container it can still break open if your cat knocks the bottle off of the counter!

Liquid Potpourri - Liquid potpourri and simmer-pot scented oils are common household adornments, but they are also common sources of serious cat toxicities.
Cats may lick scented oils from heating pots, they may end up with liquid potpourri in their fur from small spills, and they may accidentally drag the tip of their tail through the pot while brushing past. The potpourri on their fur is then ingested while grooming themselves later.

Liquid potpourri contains essential oils and detergents that cause ulceration, swelling, and pain when it comes in contact with mucous membranes: this means that cats' mouths, tongues, throats, stomachs, and intestines become ulcerated and painful after ingestion of potpourri. Ulcerations can become full thickness in the throat, causing esophageal perforations (a tear, or hole, in the throat), which can result in chest complications that can cause death due to respiratory and cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of potpourri toxicity include depression, drooling, difficulty eating, oral ulcers, anorexia, vomiting, bloody vomiting, digested blood in feces (melena - feces are black in color and very odiferous), difficulty breathing, and intense abdominal pain.

It is best not to have potpourri items anywhere in your home since cats are agile, curious, and are more than capable of jumping up onto shelves where you might be trying to keep potpourri out of their reach. Cats are masterful at accessing the inaccessible, so avoid the risk altogether by keeping oils and potpourris out of your home!

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) - Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol poisoning is often fatal, and cats are even more sensitive to this type of toxicity than dogs.

Ethylene glycol is found not just in radiator antifreeze, but also in many paints, brake fluids, solar units, shoe polish, inks, dyes, screen cleaners, and toilet winterization products for campers and cottages. Antifreeze is, however, the most common cause of ethylene glycol poisoning in pets.

Ethylene glycol causes multiple phases of organ damage and related symptoms. First, cats may appear inebriated and act 'drunk.' However, even during this first stage of toxicity they may become comatosed and die. If the first phase is survived, symptoms of the second phase can include rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and seizures. In the last phase of ethylene glycol poisoning, calcium oxalate crystals are formed. They destroy the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure and death. Symptoms of acute kidney failure include anorexia, vomiting, depression, increased urination and, later in the process, little or no urine production.

It is imperative to keep antifreeze and all other products containing ethylene glycol far away from your cat. If veterinary treatment is not initiated within the first several hours post-ingestion, then permanent kidney damage and/or death is inevitable.

There are several newer antifreeze products available now that are manufactured with a safer ingredient, propylene glycol: Sierra, Prestone Low Tox, and Texaco PG. These products are slightly more expensive than regular antifreeze, but are much safer for pets and children, and are also far more environmentally friendly!

Rodenticides - Rodenticides are used to eradicate mice and rats from residential and commercial buildings. The problem with rodenticides is that the same mechanism of toxicity that kills rodents, also kills cats and other animals that are unfortunate to come into contact with it. Cats are particularly susceptible to rodenticide poisoning because they may accidentally hunt and catch mice or rats that have already ingested the toxin.

There are three main categories of rodenticide so toxicity varies depending on the type of rodenticide ingested:

- Anticoagulant rodenticides are very common and cause death by bleeding. Cats that ingest anticoagulant rodenticides may appear normal for several days, but will then begin to display symptoms that correlate with internal and external hemorrhaging. Signs that owners may observe can include bruising, pale gums, weakness, external bleeding, difficulty breathing, lameness, neurological signs (incoordination, tremors, disorientation, seizures) from bleeds in the brain or spinal cord, and death.

- Bromethalin rodenticides cause weakness, tremors, seizures, limb rigidity, paralysis, and death.

- Cholecalciferol rodenticides cause acute kidney failure, and symptoms include weakness, depression, anorexia, vomiting, increased urination and thirst, and death.

If you have a cat, never use rodenticides, and if you think your neighbors are using rodenticides, either do not let your cat go outside (particularly if he or she likes to hunt!), leash walk your cat, create a safe outdoor enclosure for your cat, or talk to your neighbors about safer options such as humane mouse and rat traps.

Mothballs - Mothballs are used to keep moths from damaging clothing, linens, and other susceptible items in home that have moths in them. Unfortunately, mothballs are very toxic to cats, and should never be used, even if you have a moth problem in your household. There are other non-toxic solutions that you can implement instead.

Mothballs typically are composed of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, and while these two active ingredients have different mechanisms of toxicity, they do cause some similar symptoms when ingested by cats: vomiting, weakness, lethargy, seizures, difficulty breathing, and collapse.

If you have a cat AND you have moths, do not use mothballs. Consider non-toxic alternatives: cedar balls and cedar chips, airtight storage containers, lavender sachets, and make thyme, rosemary, and clove sachets.

Toilet Water, Tank Drop-Ins - Many cats like to drink out of the toilet, so using automatic toilet cleaners if you own a cat is a bad idea. Tank drop-ins are generally composed of corrosive detergents that cause mucosal irritation, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Insecticides - Insecticides (ant poisons) can be composed of many different active ingredients. Often insecticides are flavored with food ingredients to lure ants in, and they also end up luring curious cats in too.

Symptoms of insecticide toxicity are usually mild, but it is still best to avoid having insecticides in your home.

Glow-In-The-Dark Items - Glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces, toys, and other such items are very attractive to cats.

Cats can come in contact with the main ingredient, dibutyl phthalate, if there is a leak or if they bite into the object while playing with it.

Toxicity symptoms are relatively mild, but include vomiting, nausea, and behavioral changes such as aggression, agitation, depression, and hiding.

Silica Gel Packets - Silica gel packets that come with new clothing, shoes, foods, vitamins, medications, electronics and other such store-bought products are used as dessicants to prevent moisture damage to the purchased items. They also make very tempting little toys to cats because they are the same size and shape as many cat toys.

Symptoms of silica toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, and abdominal discomfort.

Throw silica packets away as soon as you unwrap new products, and do not allow your playful kitty to play with them.

Toxic Substances for Humans (Disinfectants, Drain Openers, Bleach, Paint, Paint Remover, Varnish, Detergents, Fertilizer, Herbicides, Gasoline, Lighter Fluid) - Anything that possesses a warning label that denotes toxicity for humans should be assumed to be toxic for pets as well.

Just because a product does not warn specifically about toxicity to cats does not mean it isn't harmful to felines! In fact, it is typically a safe assumption that anything toxic to humans is even more dangerous to cats because of their smaller body size and different metabolic capabilities.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

Practicing Good Kitten Care

2011-08-09T23:48:00.001-07:00

Kitten care may be daunting for the first time kitty owner. There are a lot of associated factors to know about kitten care. Care can be merely about keeping an eye on the kittens but may also be more involved with bottle feeding (if the queen is not around) through to socializing your kitten. You will need to learn these things in order to raise your kitten effectively. Kitten care should be fun. You will notice that in the early days, your kitten is a totally helpless little thing to begin with.

With care, your kitten will grow into a strong, intelligent, and caring feline. Kittens will grow quickly and in those very first six weeks, they will develop the fastest during their entire lifespan. This particular phase is crucial. There are some things that you ought to not really do at this stage of the kitten's existence.

Diet is vital and certainly you should never feed the kitten just any food and especially, as some owners do, dog food! The food needs to be especially designed for a kitten with the essential nutrients and vitamins needed for good health and growth. The diet you give is an essential party of kitten care. Avoid giving your kitten any food off the plates or offering processed food that we humans eat - for example; tuna from a can.

If you want a social cat then try bonding with the kitten early on with lots of cuddles and love. Let the kitten experience the joy of human company early on and the chances are you will have a loving and sociable cat to enjoy. Obviously there are no guarantees with this as cats are cats and some plainly enjoy their own company but it is important to try and socialize the kitten as best you can.

When deciding on toys, make sure that you do not give your kitten stuff that it can easily choke on. Long bits of wool or string should be played with only under observation and never left alone with the kitten.

For teething purposes and fun for your kitty, consider getting a simple plastic straw that will be of endless amusement to the feline and a fantastic tool for the teething. There are some great kitten toys available from your pet store or online and these are made with thought to a kitten - avoiding the dangers of toxins in the materials or any parts that may shred and become a health issue.

Kitten care is not difficult and most of it really is about common sense. However, if you know you have kittens on the way from your now pregnant cat, best you get some more information and teach yourself some basic kitten care

How to Tame a Wild Kitten

2011-08-09T13:48:00.001-07:00

Actually, taming a kitten is not that difficult. It doesn't matter whether it's wild or not. All kittens are innocent, naive and just starting out with no knowledge. They are in "learn mode," just as youngsters of other species are.

The variable factors to consider are age, health, environment and whether the mother cat is present. A kitten born outdoors without benefit of human contact will of course become a wild adult, and taming at that time would be difficult, it not impossible. This is even more difficult if the mother is wary of humans and won't let you near her kitten(s). If that is the case, the taming process will include her, too. But for now, let's assume the kitten is alone.

Since even a wild kitten can be overcome by a human, a good first step after capture is to get a health evaluation.

Once the little one is certified healthy, you can begin by keeping him or her in a cage. It must be large enough to allow room to move around comfortably and still have access to a bed, litter box and food dishes. If you've acquired the kitten from a wild environment, the cage is the best way to start. This decreases the size of their known world and gives them the opportunity to examine it and get used to it, but more importantly, to learn that you are the giver of all things...food, water, warmth, security and comfort.

If there is more than one kitten, they can be caged together for security and comfort if they are very young. If older, it's better to cage them separately so you are the primary caregiver. This will help the kitten get used to you and eventually bond with you.

Since a wild kitten has no experience with being touched by humans, the cage experience will help you to demonstrate that your touch can be comforting and trusted. Just don't betray that trust.

Begin by reaching into the cage either with a gloved hand, or a brush, such as a simple one-inch or two-inch paint brush. When the kitten bites or scratches it, you'll see why you're using it. The kitten needs to get used to being touched. Gently stroke along the back and the head, imitating the licking movements the kitten would normally receive from its mother. In time, as the little one learns that your hand is a source of comfort and that you bring nice things, like food and water, you will be able to use your bare hand. Work with the kitten many times a day to help him become accustomed to you.

Since kittens learn quickly, you should be able to hold one in both hands in less than a week if you've been working on gaining trust. But this is not a sign that it's time to let him run loose. He will need to stay in his cage for at least another week, perhaps two, at least at night when you're getting some sleep. If left loose in the house too soon, you may have a time locating him the next morning.

Once he's accepted that you are in charge and taking good care of him, it's time to play with him to help build a bond of trust and enjoyment of each other's company.

You may have to experiment with the types of toys that interest the kitty, but in general, they enjoy batting at things, and "attacking" something dangled or dragged along in front of them.

You can also leave a small stuffed toy in the cage while he's still confined, to give him something to play with, snuggle with, and to look at when you're not around.

When cleaning the interior of the cage along with the items in it, you will have to put the kitten into another cage, or pet carrier, or have someone hold him firmly but gently while you quickly clean things. If there's still a chance of being bitten, use heavy gloves to move him into another container until his cage is ready. However, small kittens are quite easy to manage by simply grasping the skin on the back of the neck, as the mother does when moving one.

Realistically, if everything goes well, you can expect to tame a wild kitten within a few weeks.

How to Cut Your Cat's Nails

2011-08-09T03:48:00.001-07:00

Trimming your cat's nails is a great way to:

Decrease damage to your furniture.

Prevent your cat's nails from getting caught in carpeting or other fabrics (which can result in injury from a torn claw).

Ensure that cuddling with your cat isn't painful when they're kneading!

Prevent injury to your other cats and yourself (and your clothes!) when engaged in play.

Additionally, as cats age, the outer sheaths of their nails don't loosen and shed as effectively as they do when they're young (those little translucent bits cat claw that you find sporadically around your home).

Older cats frequently suffer from ingrown claws if they're not trimmed - the claws become overgrown, start to curl under, and will pierce right through their digital pads and paws. Older cats need their nails trimmed!

Nail trimming may seem like a daunting task, and indeed it may never be a procedure that your cat will relish, but nonetheless it's quite feasible with some practice and a little training. Unless your cat goes outdoors and requires their claws for self defense, it truly is best to keep your cat's claws trimmed at a moderate length.

When possible, training your cat to tolerate 'pet'-icures should be done starting from kittenhood. However, even if you adopt your cat at a more mature age, it's still possible to train your cat to better tolerate manipulation of their paws. The more practice you get at trimming your cat's claws, the easier it will become. So have patience, and remember that practice will make perfect. As you become more proficient at this task, the event will become less stressful for your cat. The less stressful nail trimming becomes, the less they'll protest and, as a result, it will become even easier to accomplish.

Paw Manipulation

Start training your cat to accept having their paws handled and manipulated one or two weeks before you actually trim their claws.

While cuddling and stroking your cat, begin to touch their paws, including both the digital pads and the nails, and occasionally unsheathe the claws.

When your cat doesn't resist the paw manipulation, praise them and reward generously with treats!

Practice this every day with all four paws, and once your cat is relatively comfortable with having their paws touched, then attempt the first actual nail trim.

Restraint & Physical Approach to Nail Trimming

It's important to know that frequently 'less is more' with cats when it comes to restraint.

Many owners are (understandably) anxious about restraining their cats and about ensuring that they can't get away from them while they are trimming their claws. However, when less restraint is used, cats are less likely to wish to escape.

One method of restraining your cat effectively and in a manner that doesn't increase their stress levels, is by making a 'kitty burrito.' (Ultimately, it's best if minimal restraint is used, but during the learning curve, it's acceptable to ensure that your cat cannot escape from you and further complicate the process.)

A 'kitty burrito' is made by placing a towel on the floor, placing your cat on the towel in a lying down position, and then wrapping the towel around your cat like a present, or a burrito. Then you can sit with your cat parcel on the floor between your knees or in your lap!

Remove one paw at a time from the burrito for nail trimming.

If not using the 'burrito' technique, simply ensure that your cat is facing away from you; approach your cat from behind so that you are then working with your cat facing away from you.

This can be done while your cat is on a table or on the floor, but generally speaking it's much easier to accomplish the nail trim when sitting on the floor with your cat.

Drape your arms over either side of your cat's chest in order to prevent them from running away. Your cat is facing away from you so they'll be unable to back away (because they will back into you).

This position means that your cat can neither run forward nor backward, and it allows you to easily manipulate their front paws.

When you are trimming your cat's left hind paw claws, turn your kitty slightly so that they are oriented to the right.

it is easiest to keep your right arm draped across your cat's neck and side of their chest (left) that is facing away from your body, and the clippers in your right hand.

Your left arm should be draped across the hind end of your cat, the side of your cat (left) which is facing away from you, and the (left) hind paw grasped in your left hand.

When you're trimming your cat's right hind paw claws, you reverse what you did above. Orient your cat to the left, drape your left arm across the front of your cat's neck and right side of their chest, and drape your right arm across your cat's right rear limb.

Since your right hand will be holding the clippers and doing the nail trimming, you will have to extend your left arm further across your cat's body so that you can grasp the left rear paw with your left hand.

Some cats need almost no restraint whatsoever for the 'pet'-icure procedure, but for many kitties having their nails trimmed is objectionable, and not the equivalent of a relaxing human pedicure!

Types of Nail Trimmers

There are three main types of nail trimmers:

Guillotine type nail trimmers

Scissor type nail trimmers

Human nail clippers

Human fingernail clippers are often the easiest type of nail trimmers to used in cats.

Where to Trim the Claws

In order to clip your cat's claws you gently squeeze each toe between your thumb and forefinger to unsheathe the claws.

You'll notice that your cat's claws are likely clear in color - this is a very handy characteristic of most cats' claws, because you can easily observe the "quick," or the pink, vascular, and innervated portions of the claws.

Some cats do have darker (black) colored claws, which does make it more difficult to know where to trim... it's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to dark claws and position the clippers conservatively!

Clip your cat's nails approximately 2 mm away from the quick.

If you accidentally clip your cat's nail at the quick, it will be painful and will bleed, which may cause your cat to be more averse to having their nails trimmed again in the future.

Fortunately, there is no reason to panic about the bleeding; the bleeding will stop on its own in about five minutes, or, if you have silver nitrate (styptic) pencils or powder handy you can stop the bleeding by rubbing the tip of the pencil on the end of the bleeding claw.

However, styptic pencils/powder can cause a stinging sensation while being applied so many cats object to it's use.

Holding & Using the Clippers

When positioning the clippers to cut claws, the cutting action should occur from the sides of the claws.

The cutting shouldn't occur on the top and bottom of the claws because this crushes the claws, which makes trimming them more uncomfortable because they can splinter painfully.

If using human nail clippers the two blades should be gripping the sides of the claws.

If using scissor type trimmers, the same principle applies - the blades should be positioned on the sides of the nails.

If using guillotine type trimmers, the blade should be facing you, rather than your cat.

The screws on the trimmer should be facing your cat.

If this position is reversed, and the cutting blade is facing your cat, you may accidentally cut through the quick.

The claw tip should be placed into the hole of the guillotine and the handles of the trimmers can be facing downward or upward toward the ceiling, whichever position is most comfortable for you. To then cut the claws, squeeze the handles together and this action causes the blade to advance through the claws.

Dewclaws

Don't forget the dewclaws when trimming your cat's nails!

Dewclaws are your cat's vestigial 'thumbs' and are located on the inside aspect of each front limb, just a couple centimeters up from their paws.

Dewclaws don't get worn down with usage like your cat's other claws do, so if neglected dewclaws easily become ingrown - they start to curl under, growing around in a circular shape, and then they proceed to pierce right through their legs, causing severe pain and infection.

Cats do not have dewclaws on their hind limbs.

Polydactyly

Don't forget to trim all extra claws if your cat is a polydactyl!

Extra claws are particularly difficult to trim, and you may want to bring your cat to your veterinarian so that you don't risk accidentally cutting your cat while attempting to trim them.

However, if you feel comfortable trimming your cat's extra nails, and have the technique mastered, then continue to do so - trimming these extra claws is very important since like the dewclaws, they can easily become overgrown and start growing into your cat's paw.

Hind Paw Claws

Hind paw claws generally do not need to be trimmed as frequently as front paw claws. Similarly to our own toe nails, they don't seem to grow as fast, and they also get ground down more than front claws from regular daily activities.

Post Nail Trim

Don't forget to have lots of treats beside you for when the 'pet'-icure is finished! Lots of praise and positive attention will help to enforce that cooperating with the nail trimming process will pay off in the form of goodies and TLC!

Like anything else, the more practiced you become, the easier the claw trimming will be, and the fewer objections your cat will make.

If you have any concerns or feel that your technique needs more refinement, look at our practice video and then try again when you and your kitty are relaxed.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

Cats Beware! Household Items That Are Dangerous to Felines

2011-08-08T17:48:00.001-07:00

The items mentioned below are not toxic to cats, but are products that pose significant health threats to cats when ingested, including death. The list is composed of commonly seen foreign bodies that frequently require surgical extraction from cats' stomachs, intestines, or other anatomical locations. If you suspect that your cat may have ingested any of these materials (or others not listed here), you should seek veterinary care for your cat immediately.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Foreign Bodies & GI Linear Foreign Bodies:

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are inappropriate (non-food) objects that are ingested, and linear foreign bodies are string-like objects that are ingested. Foreign bodies are occasionally passed through the GI tract along with food and exit the body harmlessly in feces. However, many foreign bodies become lodged in the outflow tract of the stomach, or somewhere further along the intestinal tract, where they cause obstruction or partial obstruction of the intestines, necessitating endoscopic or surgical removal.

Cats do not typically suffer from as many obstructive GI foreign bodies as dogs, because generally they do not chew on as many non-food items as dogs. However, cats are notorious for ingesting linear foreign bodies because of their play behavior tendencies, and linear foreign bodies are incredibly dangerous, and often fatal.

Cats will commonly swallow linear objects such as thread, string, or yarn, and their intestines are typically incapable of passing them through their systems. Sometimes threads (or other linear objects) will catch underneath cats' tongues causing a deep laceration where the thread is lodged, while the rest of the thread that is not anchored to the tongue gets swallowed into the gastrointestinal tract.

The intestines will become 'accordioned' or bunched up (plicated) on the thread, and then become quickly compromised and lacerated, leaking intestinal contents and bacteria into the abdomen, and sending the cat into shock. Death ensues in an extremely painful manner unless emergency veterinary care is sought immediately.

Symptoms of a linear foreign body, such as a needle and thread, include poor appetite, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and depression. If you suspect, or know, that your cat has ingested a foreign body call your veterinarian or closest veterinary emergency clinic right away.

Below are some of the most common linear foreign bodies seen in cats:

Needle and Thread - A very attractive combination to cats; what cat doesn't love to play with small shiny objects, and long stringy items?

A needle and thread is one of the most common linear foreign bodies that cats ingest, and they are extremely dangerous. Needles that get swallowed will often lodge in the stomach, or may make it further down the GI tract into the small intestine.

Always clean up carefully after yourself if doing sewing, knitting, crafts, and any other activities that create tempting foreign bodies for your cat!

Yarn, String, Fishing Line - All of these commonly used materials are very tempting for cats to play with and chew on.

Many cats will actually swallow these materials, and like the needle and thread, they quickly become life threatening linear foreign bodies that require surgical extraction.

Dental Floss - Dental floss is a common feline foreign body.

Always throw dental floss away into a covered garbage bin, or better yet, don't use traditional dental floss if you own a cat! Use the new dental picks, or dental wands! They are both convenient for you and safe for your cat.

Butcher's Twine - Butcher's twine is the cotton string used for tying up meat products, and this is a particularly type of linear foreign body to see in cats because the twine is tasty and infused with meat juices!

Make sure that when you unwrap your meat and remove the twine that you throw it away in a covered garbage that is inside a cupboard that your cat cannot access.

Rubber Bands, Hair Elastics - Common items that cats love to bat around and play with: dangerous when swallowed.

Holiday Linear Foreign Bodies (Tinsel, Ribbon, Easter Basket Grass) - A beautiful addition to any Christmas tree, tinsel is unfortunately also very attractive to cats, and some kitties may go so far as to ingest tinsel; consider alternative decorations rather than risking your cat's safety over the holidays.

Be very careful about collecting ribbons and Easter basket grass into the garbage right away during the holidays. Your cat may be having the time of his or her life playing with these items, but if swallowed these items could also cost them their life.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com