Cat-Advisors-Online

Make Your Cat Smile With Love and Medicine

2008-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Have you found yourself itching madly in the middle of the night? Does your cat appear tormented from some invisible evil on a regular basis? Hey, I think I may have an idea of what you have. You've got fleas!

Advantage
Advantage cat flea medicine will work on your cat or any pet for up to 30 days. What a lot of people don't know is that you have to make sure your pet has not been wet for the last 24 hours before applying the medicine. You may want to give them a bath with cat flea medicine shampoo prior to using the Advantage, but just be sure there is a span of 24 hours before applying the Advantage cat flea medicine.

What Advantage does is it kills all the fleas. Within 24 hours it goes into the blood stream of your pet. If a flea was to bite them then it would fall off and die.

The biggest problem with cat flea medicines on the market now is that they only work on the mature fleas and not the unhatched ones laying in dormant. Or the fleas they may be nesting and breeding inside your carpet. It's always a good idea to use flea powder on your carpet at the same time you apply your flea cat medicine if the problem has gotten out of control.

If you see a flock of fleas on your pet and think that killing them will get rid of the problem, think again. Killing the flees you see is only one part of the problem. Because as new fleas begin to hatch, the larvae settles into cracks in the floor, deep into the carpet and under cushions on your furniture. The larvae that hatches outdoors thrives in sandy soil, under plants and shrubs -- anywhere your pet lies down or sleeps.

How well your cat flea medicine will work all depends on if your cat stays inside or is an outside cat. There are many more fleas outside just hiding and waiting for their prey so getting rid of fleas on an outside cat will be a much bigger problem.

I know a friend of mine who flea bombed her houses and still continued to have problems. The reason for this is that the spray doesn't get under any chairs and most of the time just makes a very big mess.

Most people don't realizes how big a problem just one flea can make for your pet, not to mention you. Listen up and you'll agree... the female flea routinely consumes 15 times her body weight in blood every day. This high protein diet enables her to lay around 25 eggs every 24 hours. Some have speculated that in just 30 days, ten adult female fleas on your cat could produce a quarter of a million offspring. That is a lot of miserable scratching and itching!

Brewers Yeast
Another cat flea remedy I have used and would be my second choice is Brewers yeast. You put a small teaspoon of this in their food. For some reason fleas do not like the smell. This seems to work reasonable well. An added bonus is that Brewers yeast will also provide many vitamins and minerals for your cat.

Water and Vinegar
A water and vinegar solution is also something I have heard along the way. You would spray this on your cat. The vinegar in the solution will burn the fleas and they will hop off your pet. The only problem I see with this being that you still have the fleas inside your home and carpet, and not to mention the worst thing being that the cats hate water and will not appreciate being sprayed down. You may need to do this every few days until the problem disappears. Not the best cat flea medicine, however, it is a low-cost solution.

About the author:
Get smart pet tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as articles like cat flea medicine at About Cats Info.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Improve your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

What Everyone Should Know About Feline Chronic Renal Failure

2007-02-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

Chronic Renal Failure or CRF is one of the most common age related illnesses in cats today. Chronic and progressive kidney failure is typically related to age, other illnesses and environment. Diet can play a part. CRF is always terminal, but with management of the disease, cats can live a quality life for many years after diagnosis.

The most obvious sign of CRF in a cat is excessive thirst, although there may be other symptoms, such as nausea, weight loss, constipation and a generally poor hair coat. Laboratory testing is required to make a definitive diagnosis. Lab results will also give the veterinarian a sense of how advanced the CRF is.

Diet and intravenous fluids are the most common therapies for cats with CRF. Dietary management means feeding a diet lower in protein, salt and phosphorous. Reducing these things will help the kidneys function better. A lower protein diet takes some of the burden off the kidneys for filtering waste, as protein molecules tend to be larger and create a heavier burden on the kidney. The kidneys are involved in electrolyte balance so the lower sodium and lower phosphorus allows the kidneys to maintain this balance more easily.

Intravenous fluid therapy helps keep the cat hydrated. Subcutaneous fluids can be administered at home by the owner and are often well tolerated by the cat. Being well hydrated allows the cat a general sense of well being. The fluids also flush the kidneys, ridding the body of built up toxins.

There are alternative healthcare treatments that may be helpful to a cat with CRF. There are many qualified holistic veterinarians who will be happy to consult with owners of CRF cats. Their specialized knowledge can guide owners towards the therapies that are best suited to their cat’s health needs and temperament. While many herbal remedies may be available over the counter and it is tempting to take the word of a trusted friend, it is not advisable to do so. Herbal remedies are a powerful medication and cats can react very strongly. Dosages and treatments should never be guessed at, but should be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian.

While CRF is considered a terminal disease, life can be considered terminal. It’s hard to hear that your cat’s days are numbered, but depending upon the severity of the disease, they may have many good years ahead of them. Managing CRF is less difficult than it sounds and the cat’s life doesn’t have to completely change. As knowledge and understanding of this disease progress, more and more cats are living longer and longer with their illness.

About the author: Bonnie Koenig
Bonnie Koenig has been a cat owner all her life. She has lived through several cats with chronic renal failure is amazed at the new therapies and new information available on this common age related illness. She and her Siamese cat maintain http://www.mysiamese.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Koenig

Romi Matsushita is always searching for the highest quality herbal remedies for her feline friends, She offers smart tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine, Natural Remedies for cats at About Cats Information. Keep your cat in optimum health with the help of her daily Cat blog.

=================
>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats More info.

=================

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Herbs for Pets

2007-01-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

Let me begin by saying that I am not an herbalist. I do not recommend using herbs as internal medication for your pets unless you have consulted a holistic vet and/or have done extensive reading and research and feel safe treating your pet. There are a lot more holistic veterinarians practicing today than in the past and you should have no trouble finding one if you live in or near an urban area.

The information I share here is strictly a minimalist take on the use of herbs as a natural way to help you and your pet with daily care and common conditions. Herbs can be substituted for many of the topical medications and household chemicals we use with animals. Besides using herbs, be sure that your pet is getting a good overall natural diet and plenty of sunshine. Sunlight is necessary for good health and helps their bodies convert food nutrients. If a regular dose of the outdoors in not possible, use full-spectrum lighting such as Vita-Lites. These are ideal for indoor pets such as birds, reptiles and amphibians.

But back to herbs. Irritated eyes are a common ailment and can be treated with eyebright used as a wash. It can also be administered as a strong tea taken internally to boost the immune system. Or you can make a saline solution for the eyes of 1/8 teaspoon sea salt in ½ cup boiling water. Once the solution has cooled, add 1 drop of goldenseal per tablespoon of the saline solution. It shrinks swollen tissues and disinfects.

Itching: A common cause of itching is fleas and flea bites. Brewer’s yeast can be sprinkled on food, 1 teaspoon per day. BUT, some animals are allergic to Brewer’s yeast, so watch for dry skin that can itch as much as the flea bites. An alternative to Brewer’s yeast is adding a capsule of garlic oil in the food once a week. It helps keep biting insects away and is good for the immune system.

A good herbal flea dip can be made as follows: 2 cups packed fresh peppermint, pennyroyal or rosemary; 1 quart boiling water; 4 quarts warm water – pour the boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with the warm water. Saturate the animal’s coat thoroughly allowing it to air dry. Use at the first sign of flea activity. You will probably need to repeat this treatment every three or four days but it is totally safe.

If you would rather use a dry flea treatment, try an herbal powder made of one part each of eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, rue, wormwood, and yellow dock. Put this mixture in a shaker (like the kind used for parsley flakes). Apply sparingly to your pet’s coat by brushing the hair backward with your hand or a comb. Sprinkle the powder at the base of the hairs, especially on the neck, back and belly. You may use this several times a week. Put Rover outside after the treatment so that the unhappy fleas may disembark in the backyard, not the house!

To rid your carpeting of fleas, after removing the pet, sprinkle Borax over the carpet and rub it in. Wait a while and then vacuum. This is a good, non-chemical alternative flea control. Use once a week until the problem is gone.

For itchy, dry skin, use tea tree oil anywhere except near the eyes or genitals. Aloe is also good for itching. Itching may be caused by the shampoo or flea collar you use. Bathe the animal in all natural shampoo, (available at Barker and Friends, www.naturalbarker.com) and find a natural alternative to that flea collar!

Another skin treatment will control mange and overall skin conditions. Thinly slice a whole lemon, including the peel and add it to one pint of near-boiling water. Let it steep overnight. Sponge the solution on your pet’s skin and let it dry. This may be used daily if needed.

Cuts: Use fresh aloe and scrapes and cuts. It is a natural antiseptic and moisturizer. You can clean the wound with a wash of goldenseal before applying the aloe.

Carsickness: Try a few drops of ginger root extract prior to setting out in the car. For long trips, try an additional dose halfway through the trip. Another herb good for carsickness in dogs is peppermint tea or capsules. It will settle his stomach. Cats don’t tolerate peppermint well, so use only for dogs.

Anxiety, Stress: Our pets live in the same stressful world we do. They also suffer anxiety. Try a combination of extracts of Oats, Valerian and Chamomile or rub a little lavender oil near the muzzle or place some on a cotton pad in his bed or sleeping area. It works on humans, too!

Diarrhea, vomiting: Try powdered slippery elm bark.

Shiny coats: one teaspoon cod liver oil sprinkled over food one or twice a week will improve the texture and shine of your pet’s coat and will provide valuable nutrients.

Vitamin C: 500mg to 1000mg daily can ease arthritis in dogs and cats.

I hope this bit of information will help you realize that there are natural alternatives to over the counter, chemical treatments for ordinary conditions in your pet. Contact your local health food store for herbs and herbal extracts. For more in depth information, read All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets by Mary & Gregory Tilford. It is currently out of print, but I had no trouble finding a copy at my local library and there are used copies available through my Amazon.com link at www.naturalbarker.com. See my Favorite Links page.

Please check out the natural shampoo bar available on my website. It is chock full of herbal herbal oils and promises a safe, natural way to bathe your pets without the risk of irritating, toxic ingredients. It’s called the Critter Bar!

Encouraging Word:

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake…Psalm 46: 1-3

About the author: Sherry Massey
Published by Sherry Massey, owner of Barker and Friends, http://www.naturalbarker.com, a natural dog treat bakery and distributor for Flint River Ranch, the best all natural dog and cat food on the market. Try PET FORCE, all natural enzymatic pet stain and odor remover found under Pet Products at Barker and Friends, http://www.naturalbarker.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Massey

Romi Matsushita is always searching for the highest quality herbal remedies for her feline friends, She offers smart tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine, Natural Remedies for cats at About Cats Information. Keep your cat in optimum health with the help of her daily Cat blog.

=================

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Declawing Cat Information and Alternatives

2007-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Claws are a very important part of feline life. They allow the cat to balance when running to and fro, jump and grab onto a surface, and protect themselves from predators, other cats, and catch prey. Claws also help a cat to stretch, which keeps their joints relaxed, as well as provide them with a source of relaxation and comfort when they stretch. Also, cat claws can be used to dig up dirt or clay and bury their mess once they use their toilet.

Cats are territorial animals, and they mark their territory. Sometimes, people have their cats fixed before he develops the ability to spray an area, but this is not his only method of marking. They also release a chemical in their paws that allows them to mark their area when they scratch the surface. We can't detect it, but other cats can, and this is very important for a cat to be able to mark the area.

Most importantly, the claws of a cat are actually the last digit of the cats paw. When a cat is declawed, the vet actually removes the entire claw, including muscle and the tip of the bone. To make an analogy to human hands, it would be like amputating the tip of the finger up to the base of the finger nail.

Now, the advantages to declawing are obvious. It will keep your furniture free of claw marks, and your cat won't be able to scratch anyone, or ruin rugs. However, if a declawed cat is threatened, it will sometimes compensate by biting instead of clawing, and this poses an even more serious risk of infection than a cat claw.

In fact, due to the traumatic nature of this operation, many vets will not perform it unless there is a medical necessity. For example, an AIDS patient in the latter portion of the disease may not be able to heal any wound or scratch that they get, so a cat scratch could be deadly. If the cat is a well loved family pet, the only option may be to give it away, or declaw it. In this case, a vet may perform the operation. But, this is the exception, and really should be the only time declawing is considered.

Furthermore, the trauma that declawing can cause may change a cats behavior dramatically. Some cats never adjust to life without their claws, and it can also be painful. Remember, this is an amputation, so it is expected that some will not recover emotionally from this procedure. Also, a cat that is used to jumping on furniture may find that it cannot do so anymore. Nor will it be able to claw at any cat toys, and this can cause depression or even aggressive behavior in a cat.

Training your cat is the best alternative to declawing.

And of course, just because you have beautiful furniture doesn't mean that you can't keep it, and your cat’s claws. Start by getting a scratching post, and placing it in an area the cat is familiar with, and enjoys being. Also, a spare piece of carpeting or rug can work well for a cat to scratch on. Our cat happens to love cardboard, so we have several cardboard scratching posts that we add catnip to on occasion, and our furniture has never looked so good.

But what if you get the scratching posts, and they just collect dust?

Well, you need to train your cat to use it. Start by forcefully using the word "NO" when your cat scratches furniture. It's crucial that you DO NOT hit your cat when they scratch, it's cruel, illegal, and bottom line, it won't work! They will be confused, and simply grow to resent you. Instead, tell them no, pick them up and put them by the scratching post.

If your cat doesn’t respond to a verbal warning, a good technique to try is to spray them with water. Most cats don’t enjoy the water and this will get your point across.

Sometimes, they will prefer a horizontal scratching post to a vertical one, and visa versa. If the first one you get doesn't work, try another style, texture, or even room where it sits.

And of course, when your cat starts to use the scratching post, encourage it with treats and affection, this will keep them, and your furniture, happy for years to come.

About the author: Greg Podsakoff
Greg Podsakoff is one of the owners of Hercules the cat and an editor at http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Podsakoff

Romi Matsushita is always searching for the highest quality herbal remedies for her feline friends, She offers smart tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine, Natural Remedies for cats at About Cats Information. Keep your cat in optimum health with the help of her daily Cat blog.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Dogs - Cats - And Natural Herbal Remedies

2007-01-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

Pets are affected by high pollution, poor nutrition, and growing causes for excessive stress, and are becoming more vulnerable to chronic disease and bad health.

Since their ancient origins, natural herbal remedies are making new strides every day, with botanicals (plants) either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by-products that improve health, appearance, attitude, and performance of pets.

People are starting to realize the value of using natural herbal products to prevent, improve, or treat dog, cat and other pet diseases and conditions.

Here is a sample cross section of the many varied conditions that can be helped:

Aggression in Pets:

Aggressive behavior in dogs can include biting, barking, snarling, snapping and raised fur along the back of the neck and the ridge of the spine. Aggression in cats can include scratching, biting, excessive yowling, and lunging, hissing, spitting and destructive behavior.

Anxiety-Stress in Pets:

A trip to the vet, thunderstorms, small children, an abusive situation, change of owner, hair dryers, change of house, the addition of another pet -- are a few of the situations that can cause heightened levels of anxiety in your pet.

Cleanse and Disinfect Pet Wounds:

Products that are formulated to effectively cleanse, disinfect and begin the healing process, while also providing soothing and analgesic relief for pets with a range of skin conditions like wounds, bites, abrasions, paw injuries, etc.

Diabetes in Pets:

Control and balance blood sugar levels and improve insulin production and bio-availability. Assist in the treatment of diabetes-related conditions like circulation problems, eye disease and wound healing.

Increase milk production:

A safe and natural combination of herbal ingredients for optimizing milk production in nursing pets, as well as providing a natural tonic for the nursing female dog or cat.

Fur balls in cats:

Improve digestive functioning, keep bowels regular, prevent constipation and throwing up associated with fur ball obstruction.

Skin and Coat:
Whether a chronic or acute skin condition or just a bit of a help after a bout of illness, this product will quickly help to restore shine and health, as well as healing most chronic and acute skin conditions.

This is just a tiny number of the various conditions that can be helped by the use of natural herbal remedies with very favorable results, and little or no adverse effects on the dog, cat, or other pet.

Check it out and see if you can enhance a pet's health, appearance, attitude, and performance.

About the author: Joe Rote
Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of http://www.aa1info.com/mycustompage0036.htm that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency.

Copyright 2006 Joe Rote
This article may be freely distributed if the resource box stays attached and no part of the article changed without permission.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Rote

Romi Matsushita is always searching for the highest quality herbal remedies for her feline friends, She offers smart tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine, Natural Remedies for cats at About Cats Information. Keep your cat in optimum health with the help of her daily Cat blog.

=================

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Kitten Bad Breath

2007-01-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Kitten bad breath is not a common problem for new kitten owners, but some people do find that their kittens breath smells bad. Not surprisingly, bad breath in cats and kittens can be caused by the same things that cause halitosis in humans - gum or dental problems, respiratory problems, or underlying disease. There are also a few things particular to cats that can cause an unpleasant odor on the breath.

Feline bad breath is often caused by tartar build up on the teeth. Just like in dogs and humans, tartar on the teeth fosters the growth of oral bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds, airborne molecules that smell very unpleasant. Although tartar has not generally had time to accumulate enough to cause kitten bad breath, you should check the condition of your kitten's teeth and gums to be sure there is no tartar or inflammation there. If you see signs of trouble, a trip to the vet is probably in order.

Respiratory problems can also be a cause of kitten bad breath. This is usually easy to pinpoint because it will be accompanied by signs of respiratory illness. Again, like humans and dogs, cats can get viral or bacterial infections of the nasal passages, throat and lungs. In turn these infections can encourage the growth of bacteria and may cause feline bad breath. If your cat has a respiratory infection accompanied by bad breath, the breath problem should resolve as soon as the cat recovers.

Another unusual cause of feline bad breath can be underlying illness - some metabolic disorders and organ problems such as kidney disease can cause an unusual odor on the breath. In most cases, the odor will not the typical sulfur smell of classic halitosis, but may still be quite unpleasant. A kitten bad breath problem that can't be attributed to any other common cause may be a sign that your kitten has a more serious problem that should immediately be assessed by a vet.

One cause of feline bad breath that is particular to cats is feline acne. If your cat has feline acne, you will see black specks or bumps on the cat's chin. These black spots are a buildup of secretions from the animal's glands, and the affected area can also be a site for the proliferation of colonizing bacteria. This unhealthy area can be the source of an unpleasant odor around the mouth, so part of your search for the cause of kitten bad breath should be an examination of your cat's chin. Feline acne can be treated with disinfectants: consult your vet for professional advice.

About the author: R. Drysdale
R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Drysdale

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat and kitten at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats
=================

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Aromatherapy for Pets

2007-01-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to trea mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

******* (c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

About the author: Liz Santher
Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com *******

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_Santher

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Can Herbs Improve Your Pet's Behaviour?

2007-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

The use of herbs and other alternative remedies for the treatment of a wide range of human illnesses has rapidly gained popularity over the past two decades. Herbal remedies are especially popular among patients with chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and gastrointestinal ailments. Also, some herbal treatments appear to be beneficial for treatment of psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. It is logical to think that if an herb or botanical preparation can help a human with a psychiatric disorder, then it might also help a pet with a behavioral problem.

Before going into specifics on what is known about improving animal behavior problems with natural herbal remedies, a word of caution is in order. Clearly, the increasing popularity of alternative remedies is partially due to the fact that some of these products work well. Unfortunately, much of the increased use of alternative therapies is due to hype and propaganda from companies that manufacture and sell such treatments. To separate fact from fiction, it is important to rely on information from objective, reliable sources like the scientific and medical literature rather than from dietary supplement websites and promotional pamphlets.

There seems to be an increasing number of false claims for products labeled “homoeopathic,” which really just means that the “active ingredient” is so dilute as to be almost undetectable. There is little or no scientific evidence that these dilute formulations work. Therefore, the comments that follow are limited to herbs known to have beneficial effects when used in doses that are meaningful.

As always, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian before beginning a new course of treatment for your pet. Following are some indications for use of herbal remedies:
• Barking. Perhaps the best-known herbal remedy for dogs is the use of a lemon or citronella scented aerosol in a collar to control nuisance barking. Although commercial collars of this design are expensive, there is substantial evidence that this can be an effective behavior-modification tool for many dogs.
• Anxiety. Valerian has been tested in humans with some success in the treatment of anxiety and sleeplessness. This herb is available in most health-food stores and in many groceries and pharmacies. Valerian can be useful to control a variety of anxiety-related or fear-induced problems such as restless during car travel, fear of thunder, and anxiety while left alone.
• Forgetfulness & Senility. Another example of an herb that might have a useful role in pet health is Ginkgo. This herb is being tested for the improvement of memory and concentration in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Ginkgo may be helpful in dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or in older cats with random and excessive vocalization.
• Others. Although most reports of the use of herbs are related to human conditions, there are increasing numbers of practitioners interested in their veterinary applications. For example, small studies are looking at the use of Chamomile to treat irritability in dogs and cats, and Cantharis and Staphisagria to reduce cat spraying.

But, Watch Out! Of course it is important to be cautious in the use of any new treatment, and this caution is especially important in the use of herbs, which are not always reliably packaged and labeled. Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe. Think of the natural poison, arsenic, for example. A very common herb, St. John’s wort, can cause sensitivity to sunburn in both people and animals. Several dogs have died from being given excessive doses of an over-the-counter dietary supplement called 5HT (5 hydroxytryptophan – sometimes known as Griffonia seed extract). So, be skeptical of unproven claims, and gather reliable information.

About the author: Rob Lester
For more medical and health advice from a veterinarian, go to http://www.trainyourdogsncats.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Lester

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats More info.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cat Supplements and Vitamins – Does Your Cat Really Need Them?

2007-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

As long you provide a well balanced and healthy diet for your pet, it is rare that your cat would need additional vitamins. Your cat’s nutritional needs can be easily obtained from good quality lean meat and a small percentage of plant based fiber and therefore it is unlikely that you would even need to give your cat fiber supplements. Veterinary experts report that there is an increase in the number of diseases and illnesses reported in domestic cats over the last few decades since more owners turned to cheap, mass produced cat food when it was introduced on the market. Thus, it is worth your while to spend just a little more on a diet which sustain a cat's genetic feeding needs, compared to the alternative of hefty price tags that vets charge.

You should also bear in mind the ingredients and manufacturing process that would affect the supplements your cat takes. For instance, with manufacturers that maintain a policy for only using organic ingredients, there will be greater assurance that the supplements you are giving your cat contain no dangerous chemicals or hormones, compared to supplements manufactured from products from intensively farmed animals or sprayed crops. Although you may have the good intention of boosting your cat’s health with cat liquid vitamin supplements or Brewer's Yeast, it's important to know what vitamins your cat lacks before administering them

Should your cat fall ill, there are many healthy options available to boost your cat's immunity to combat disease. Supplements are also readily available and help improve your cat’s coat and skin as well as boost the general well being of your cat. However as with any other treatment or care, it is essential to consult your vet before you give your cat any supplements.

It would be useful to give the vet a detailed record of your cat’s daily diet to help ascertain what vitamins your feline might be lacking in. The vet would be able to make a more informed clinical analysis on what ails your cat.

Secondly, the dosages for various supplements can vary from product to product and it's important to know if any supplement you're thinking of giving is likely to make any existing condition worse or mask the condition’s symptoms.

Factors such as the age of your cat will be taken into consideration when vets prescribe supplements. For example, with cats that are getting on in years, it may be necessary to think about treatments and supplements for arthritis or bone conditions. This will provide mature cats with a better quality of life in their later years and keep pain under control. On the other hand, kittens would benefit more from products designed to boost immunity and encourage bone growth and density.

About the author: Moses Wright
Moses Wright is the webmaster of CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats More info.

=================

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Holistic Cat Health Care – Prevention Is Better Than Cure

2007-01-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

Holistic health care for cats is a movement that is gaining popularity among veterinary surgeons and owners alike who wish to consider alternatives to traditional veterinary care. Reports suggest that cats are falling ill far more frequently than before; many experts think this is partly due to the diets owners give their cats, and partly due to the onslaught of vaccinations and drugs that are now used to treat all kinds of feline illnesses and conditions.

Holistic veterinary surgeons believe that prevention is better than cure. It is far more important to maintain the well-being of your cat, rather than concentrating on relieving signs and symptoms of illnesses. Holistic practitioners assert that symptoms hint at an underlying health condition and left untreated, your cat's health could be severely compromised in the long run.

Holistic and traditional vets are now of the opinion that a raw diet is far preferable to the standard canned and kibbled cat food that is available on the market. Studies have shown that cats fed on raw, wholefood diets are more robust and have greater resistance to the illnesses generally associated with age related degeneration.

Holistic vets believe that cat wellness treatments are not only about the treatment of disease but about prevention as well. By building up your cat's immune system with the correct and natural diet, and supplemented with suitable therapy, your cat will have a far better quality of life. This translates into a better groomed and happy cat, with improvements in the condition of your cat’s fur, general disposition, better dentition and a lifelong freedom from allergies and infectious diseases.

Rather than resorting to intrusive injections or applications of harsh chemicals to treat fleas and ticks, holistic vets can provide natural alternatives which are just as effective against these parasites yet cause little or no harm to the cat. Holistic vets rely on preparations of nosodes rather than vaccinations, believing that these preparations that use a microscopic portion of diseased tissue will help to stimulate the cat's natural immune system into building up stronger defences. This holistic treatment is based on the similar premise that smallpox vaccinations in humans use the smallpox virus to build up defences in the immunity system.

The range of therapies are as wide as those available to human clients of any homeopathy or natural health clinic. Statistics from numerous studies conducted do show benefits that can be gained from these therapies. Holistic vets promote alternative natural remedies in place of traditional treatments, and provide holistic therapies, aimed to promote and care for the overall wellbeing and happiness of the animal.

Many sceptics might be surprised to learn that homeopath and acupuncture are established and successful forms of treatment for many feline conditions. In addition, cat owners report drastic improvements and increased rates of recovery in their animals. Other alternative forms of treatment would include osteopathy, physiotherapy and healing. The trend of holistic healthcare for felines is gaining momentum and the public have displayed positive interest in this branch of veterinary care.

About the author: Moses Wright
Moses Wright is the webmaster of CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat and kitten at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats More info.:

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

My Cat Won't Eat! – What is Wrong?

2007-01-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Occasionally you may find that your cat seems fussier about its food, only choosing to sample its food before walking away. Perhaps your cat could show signs of refusing to eat whenever you try to set your feline down. Perhaps your pet is not eating at all and seems disinterested in anything.

Being familiar with your cat's habits will help you recognize any behavioral changes and you can work out why it may be unwilling or unable to eat as it did before. Cats are very sensitive to changes in routine and atmosphere and it may be something as simple as your having introduced a new cat to your household and this arouses feelings of insecurity. A change in the arrangement of furniture could also unsettle your cat.

Have you been on holiday recently and left him with a cat kennel, or perhaps hired someone to come in to feed and look after him daily? A disinterest in food might be due to a simple case of depression that will only be relieved once you've coaxed it back into being his old self with some TLC and a few healthy nibbles.

Such minor issues will not present much of a headache for you as they can be dealt with easily. Offering a little healthy treat to tempt your cat or putting a little bit of meat jelly onto its gums just might persuade it to have a little something. You could try offering a taste of something your cat really does like, to see whether it’s turning its nose up at what’s on the menu or if there are other reasons for its reluctance to eat.

With cats accustomed to receiving titbits and carbohydrate rich food, a switch to a more health conscious diet could be the reason for its disinterest in food. A refusal of food may be a cat’s attempt to show its displeasure in being denied its desires. Your cat may be under the mistaken impression that if it waits long enough you may relent and give in.

However, you should also note that putting an overweight cat on a crash diet of low carbohydrate food can result in your cat refusing to eat for more than two days. In such circumstances, a prolonged period of rejecting nourishment is likely to result in liver problems as your cat draws on his fat reserves and doesn't take in the protein which he needs.

In other circumstances, should your cat persist in not eating for more than a day or two, it could hint at an underlying health problem. In such situations, a consultation with your veterinarian is advised.

Your cat might have a problem with its teeth or jaw which makes eating painful or difficult, as would any problems associated with its digestive system. It could be suffering from inflamed gums or a broken tooth, a cut in its mouth, or an abscess in its jaw arising from a deep scratch. Your feline might be experiencing discomfort in its stomach or have an intestinal condition which will reduce its appetite. Your veterinarian will advise on the best course of treatment in these scenarios.

However, by keeping an eye on your cat and its behavior will help you deal with any problems before they get worse or chronic, and both you and your vet can make sure it has a full and happy life.

About the author: Moses Wright
Moses Wright is the webmaster of CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Get smart pet tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine at About Cats Information.

Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat

2007-01-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

Since the risks are very low, most common answer to the question 'Should I spay or neuter my cat?,' is 'Yes.' Unless you have a purebred cat you intend on using for breeding purposes, the reasons for spaying or neutering far outweigh any grounds for not.

The reasons a person would consider whether or not to spay or neuter their cat are numerous. Perhaps the largest and most common reason to spay or neuter a cat is to prevent unwanted litters, thus, lowering the population of unwanted and stray cats.

The surgery to sterilize a female cat is called 'spaying' and involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. It is possible to spay a female cat when she is pregnant, however, the risks in surgery become greater. In a male cat the surgery is called 'neutering', which is the removal of the testicles.

Spaying or neutering should be done shortly after your cat has reached the age of six months. This helps reduce stress on your cat and any early unwanted litters. Of course, it is generally safe to have the spaying or neutering surgery done throughout your cat's adult years.

A common reason some cat owners avoid spaying or neutering their cat is they believe that by doing so they will change the cat's personality and their cat will become overweight. With proper feeding and care, spaying and neutering will not bring about any personality or weight changes.

Other basis you may want to consider when deciding whether or not to spay your female cat, in addition to preventing unwanted or unwelcome litters of kittens, are health related. Spaying your female cat lowering the risk of mammary tumors, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. These health benefits are particularly increased if done before your female cat enters her first heat cycle.

Some behavioral issues in female cats that can be changed or altered by spaying include no more of that noisy howling and smelly urine spraying that comes with a female cat's heat cycle. As cat owners, we can all attest to what revolves around having cat urine in the house.

Neutering your male cat will help lower the risks of him getting testicular tumors and diseases of the prostate.

Roaming is a problem that can keep your male cat away for many days at a time, and while gone he runs the risk of being harmed by non-cat lovers and other cat owners trying to prevent harm to their own cats. By having your male cat neutered, you can greatly reduce this behavior. In addition, a neutered male cat has lowered tendencies to be aggressive towards other male cats.

About the author: Matt Ryan
Matt operates the site A Happy Cat - all about cats http://www.ahappycat.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ryan

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Get smart pet tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine at About Cats Information.

Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cat Behavior Problems - Solving House Training Issues

2007-01-10T00:39:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons why it tends to be difficult to solve house training/house soiling or litter box avoidance issues, is because it's up to you to identify the cause.

The hardest part of solving litter box aversion problems is identifying the cause. Unfortunately, cats are extremely sensitive to change - and if your cat had been using the litter box faithfully and then suddenly stopped, something has changed whether you are aware of it or not.

So the goal is to figure out what's changed.

Here are a few things to think about:

The most important thing to consider when trying to figure out what caused the house soiling problem is: WHEN did this behavior start?

2nd most important: Have you ruled out a health issue such as a Urinary Tract Infection? (The #1 symptom of a Urinary Tract Infection is litter box avoidance)

Other questions to consider that will help you determine the cause:

Did anything at all change near the time when the behavior started? (Try to think of everything, no matter how small it seems)

Have you moved to a new home recently?

Have you introduced a new cat/dog/ferret/roommate into the home?

Have you moved any of the litter boxes? (Maybe he or she has a favorite box to use and that particular one has been moved)

Have you rearranged any of your furniture or added new furniture?

Are you 100% sure this cat is the one not using the box?

If you have multiple cats, are they getting along?

Multi cat disagreements are actually a lot harder to spot than most people think. Just because they aren't fighting doesn't mean they're getting along. One cat may even be "silently" intimidating another, but the owner isn't aware of it.

If you know which litter box he or she usually uses, watch to see if any of the other cats are spending extra time "hanging around" near that box.

If you have any covered litter boxes, pay special notice to any cats that tend to sit on top of the litter box.

One way to retrain a stubborn cat is to confine the cat in a nearly empty room for a day or two, providing only a few toys, a scratching post, water, a bed and a litter box.

When using this technique to house train your cat, make sure you don't allow access to the rest of the house until the cat has been completely retrained and there's no risk of further accidents.

Some people think it's crazy when they realize just how many things can upset a cat's bathroom habits. What they don't realize is that elimination is actually a very complex and delicate part of a cat's life, and it can be easily disrupted.

About the author: Elizabeth Barton
Struggling with cat litter box training? Get more detailed information about solving house training problems by visiting http://www.secretsofcats.com/house-training.html today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Barton

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Get smart pet tips and strategies for taking care of your cat such as cat articles, cat problems, cat flea medicine at About Cats Information.

>Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Choosing A Cat Litter Box Is More Important Than You Might Think

2007-01-07T00:40:00.000-08:00

Cat litter boxes are an important part of the life of any cat that spends time indoors. How do you choose one and does it matter which type of litter you use?

You will find that there are many different kinds of litter boxes to choose from. There are even litter boxes that clean themselves. This can be great but owners should still remember to monitor their cat's litter habits. If you decide on a litter box that electronically cleans itself how will you know if your kitty has diarrhea? Sometimes cats prefer a really simple type of litter box and the more complicated litter boxes are not used as faithfully as you would like.

When you are ready to buy a litter box think about the size, age and health of your cat. Let's say you are planning on bringing home a tiny kitten. It would not make sense to buy the largest litter box available. Cat litter boxes that are too big discourage the cat from using them. If your cat is named Jumbo, a small litter box will not be appropriate and once again it may not be used the way you had hoped.

Basic cat litter boxes are rectangular in shape and made of plastic. Often new cat owners will buy a litter box that is too small. One way to judge the size litter box you need is to double the length of an adult cat and the width should be about the same as the cat's approximate length. Own more than one cat? Choose your litter box based on the size of the largest cat.

Covered cat litter boxes serve two functions. Litter, urine and poop will not be spewed around the litter box and the smell can be kept in check. This may sound good to human owners but unfortunately many cats do not share this opinion. Some cats are very uncomfortable in this type of litter box and while the odor is not being circulated around the room it is instead concentrated inside the box. Many felines take exception to this and will not use a covered litter box.

What about the litter that can be used in cat litter boxes? If you were overwhelmed by all the litter box choices just wait until you embark on the actual cat litter shopping. You will find that every cat litter manufacturer will advertise that odor control is a feature of their litter. Some may say their cat litter is dust-free. Some litter is scoop able and some is scented. What is a cat owner to do?

When choosing cat litter think like a cat. A cat likes a litter that he doesn't mind standing on. It should be loose enough so he can dig a hole fairly easily and cover it when he is done. Odor-free is preferable because a cat prefers his own scent he may not appreciate a perfumed litter.

Choose your cat litter boxes and cat litter carefully rather than buying the newest things on the market or the first things you see.

About the author: by Dustin Cannon
Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat supplies at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com She recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats.

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty: Cat Treats

2007-01-05T22:37:00.000-08:00

Is your cat a snacker? Hungry all the time and ready to devour any treat you put in front of her? Maybe she has gained a few pounds, doesn't seem to get much exercise in and is also growing older. So, what should you do about the cat treats?

One thing you should avoid is giving your cat a treat because you don't have the time for the interaction and attention he craves. It may be easier to toss a cat treat in the direction of kitty and think that you are doing him a favor when what you really need to do is spend a little one-on-one time with him.

Many cats are receiving three or more treats a day. This is not a good idea because in most cases this pattern will eventually lead to obesity. This can then result in a myriad of health problems.

If you read labels and are careful which treats you choose for your cat you can actually find snacks that are healthy and will complete a nutritionally sound diet plan. The key here is substitution and not just addition. There are cat treats that fight tartar, help joints function properly, strengthen gums, and reduce the chance of hairballs.

Cats may also be more likely to show signs of behavior modification when treats are a part of their lives. Remember that the way you give the snack is more important than the snack itself. The treat may not taste any different than the food your cat is used to eating but when it is given in a special way it becomes a real treat.

Many cats will enjoy a yummy treat of lean meats. This is a good choice because lean meats are high in protein and low in fat. Liver is a snack that is relished by many kitties and liver has a high concentration of amino and nucleic acids. Chicken is another flavor craved by cats and it has lots of protein.

There are other cat treats that are not meat-based. These are special treats that many cats seem to appreciate. Catnip is a member of the mint family and while some cats do not care as much about it as others it can be given every day without problems. It may be better to space out the catnip offerings for maximum enjoyment. Catnip has many benefits such as the ability to aid mobility and normalize digestion.

Cat grass is another cat treat that many cats love. Plant fiber is an essential part of a healthy cat's diet and when they don't get it they may try eating other things that remind them of fiber such as shoelaces, or strings. You may need to experiment with different kinds of cat grasses to find one that your cat likes.

Visit with your vet about cat treats and choose the ones that are the most beneficial and safe for your cat.

About the author: by Dustin Cannon
Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat diet and cat food at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Romi recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats More info.:

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Dealing With Cat Hairballs

2007-01-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Imagine this wonderful scenario. There you are, happily petting your cat. The sun is warm and the breeze is gentle. You are sitting on your lawn on the most picturesque of days. Your cat is happily purring in your lap as you sit there listening to the breeze and the low rumbling purr that your cat is making as you both enjoy this magnificent day.

Then it happens. First it begins as a small convulsion. Your cat seems to be coughing as if something has flown down its throat. Soon the picturesque moment has changed to one of grave concern. Your cat begins making very strange noises. He appears to be heaving and seemingly about to go into a seizure. Coughing and sneezing noises are then seen and heard. Moments later, your cat gives birth to something that has been inside it for quite some time: a hairball.

Hairballs are a common problem with most cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat.

The cleaning process is a grooming process that is designed to pull the loose hair from its shiny coat. A cat is able to do this because its tongue is not like ours. It actually has many tiny barbs that enable it to pull the loose hair from its coat. This hair is ingested by the cat in small quantities over time and normally will pass through the cat's digestive system with absolutely no problems whatsoever.

Unfortunately, if a cat is too meticulous with its cleaning, or if it has gotten into "hairy" situations that have created multiple knots in its coat, the amount of ingested hair will create a very easy situation that will allow the hairball to be born.

Hairballs are not inherently bad for the cat, unless they are excessively large or it is a reoccurring problem that seems to have nothing to do with regular grooming. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your cat does not get hairballs is to do a regular brushing of your cat. This is especially helpful for a cat that has long hair. The longer the hair, the more easily the hair can become in tangled and create hairballs within your cat.

If you are unable to brush your cat, another helpful tip would be to use a small amount of Vaseline and place it on the paw of your cat. Instinctively, the cat will want to lick the Vaseline off of its paw and in doing so will ingest the Vaseline. The Vaseline will act as a laxative and help your cat pass the hair more readily through its intestinal system. This is not something that should be regularly done because it may not be healthy for your cat to ingest Vaseline on a regular basis.

Another solution is to take your cat to a veterinarian to get specific laxatives that are designed to help your cat pass hair and hairballs through its digestive tract more easily. You most certainly would want to take your cat to a veterinarian if the hairball problem is occurring frequently. The reason is that it may not be a hairball problem at all but a stomach disorder that needs to be examined by the vet. A common cause for cats vomiting could be as simple as a food allergy.

Caring for your cat does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming event. Most cats can take care of themselves without the need for human intervention for anything other than food, water, and occasional attention. Taking just a few moments a week to make sure that your cat is properly brushed so that excess hair does not have to be ingested by your cat is one of the easiest ways to ensure the health and safety of your cat by preventing excessive hairball development.

About the author: by Nick Bulka
Nick Bulka operates a network of pet related web sites, including http://www.cat-scratch.net, http://www.bestaquariumresources.com, http://www.dogtraininginstruction.com, http://www.petsupplyguy.com, and http://www.pet-guide.us

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat hairball FAQ at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Explore hairball relief remedies specially formulated for cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cats and Kidney Disease

2006-12-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Many people assume that an old sick cat automatically has kidney disease. This is incorrect, and my own cat (Prada's predecessor!) Humpy was living proof of it. A young cat, Humpy developed the symptoms early, and the cause was probably an inferior diet in the 2 years before he took charge of me.

In case you aren't sure why kidneys are important, they are basically the waste disposal systems of cat bodies. They eliminate toxins from the blood and also filter out waste products from the food your cat eats.

The higher quality the food your cat gets, the less work the kidneys have to do, and the less likely there will be problems. This is why I feed Prada nothing but the best. There are many symptoms to watch out for - they include constant scratching, tiredness, constant drinking and going to the kitty litter tray. Note that none of these symptoms is definitive - it could be something else, so don't panic if your cat suddenly gets an itch!

The safest way to determine how well your cat's kidneys are functioning is a BUN test (blood, urea, nitrogen concentration) together with a urine test, and only your vet can do this for you. Once a year is best because the earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix. But what's better than fixing a problem? Preventing it! Here are my top tips for preventing kidney disease and keeping Prada fit as a fiddle.

1) Only feed your cat high biological value protein food. Twice daily is best.

2) A fat cat is an unfit cat. Exercise before food!

3) Give her dietary supplements - crushed garlic that contains potassium is good, as are B vitamins.

4) Plenty of fresh water. Change the water in the bowl regularly.

These tips are helping keep Prada fit and heathy - don't you owe your cat the same? She'd look after YOU if things were reversed!

Please feel free to show your appreciation for my little essay by voting for Prada here - http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=3140. If she wins, you can be sure plenty of winnings will find their way back to rescue cats!

About the author: Jayne Masham
Ms Jayne Marsham is the carer for Prada, a beautiful rescue cat entered in the petmillions Grand Prize Draw. You can vote for Prada at http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=3140

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat disease at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Things To Prepare Before Bringing Your Pet Cat Home

2006-12-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

Purchasing a new pet cat can be a wonderful experience, yet, it can also be a little overwhelming and worrying, too, especially if you have other animals! So just how do you go about introducing your new pet to the rest of the household and do you really know the true needs of your cat in order to look after them properly?

Introducing Your New Pet into Your Home

There are a number of factors that you will need to take into account before you introduce your pet into your home. These include:

* When to introduce The Cat

While it may be extremely tempting to just bring the cat home and put it down onto the floor to roam around freely, if you have other pets it is an extremely bad idea! You simply cannot realistically expect your other animals to get on with this new arrival instantly. It takes time and if you do not introduce the cat into the home with plenty of time, you could face daily conflicts for a long period of time!

So just how is it possible to bring a new cat home and not introduce it to the rest of your pets? Well, the simplest way to do it is to put the cat into a separate room and give it a litter tray, food, water, a bed and plenty of toys to play with. Ensure that no other animal can get into the room but allow them to be able to sniff under the door. It is extremely likely that you will hear a lot of hissing and scratching as the animals sniff each other under the door, but that will fade in time.

* How to Introduce the Cat

As well as keeping the new cat in a separate room, it is a good idea to let the animals sniff each other indirectly. This basically means wiping the new cat with a towel and letting the other animals sniff it and vice versa. All the animals should, over time, get used to the new scent and they will accept it as normal.

Another way is to switch the cat’s rooms every now and again. Let the new cat into the main house and put the other animals into the cat’s safety room in order to let them sniff around. Once you have done this a few times, you can then step it up by allowing the animals to sniff and see each other through a safety gate. Monitor their behavior and obviously remove the animals from each other if they get too nasty with each other. Over a period of time of doing this, you will notice an improvement and eventually you will be able to introduce them into the main house altogether without many problems.

Bringing a new cat home is exciting and it can be very rewarding also. However, you really do need to take certain precautions if you already have other pets. If you follow the instructions above, you should be able to introduce your new pet into your home without much hassle. It just takes time and patience but you will get there if you persevere!

About the author: Jon Arnold
Jon Arnold is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about having a cat as a pet at his web site at http://www.cat-pet-info.com/.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat and kitten at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Top Tips To Keep Your Cat Happy!

2006-12-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Some people think cats are only happy if they have a wide and varied outdoor territory to patrol. If you live in a city, or have no garden, this may dishearten you, but cheer up! It isn't true! Simply playing regularly with your kitty will fulfill most of her exercise and hunting instincts! Here are my top tips based on 5 years of looking after Oakley

1) It's best to start when your pet is just a kitten. If they grow up indoors, they may never particularly want to venture out.

2) If possible, providing even a tiny bit of outdoor space (a small terrace, a screened balcony etc) may be enough. Just make sure your cat can't climb out and possibly fall, or otherwise come to harm. Because animals may try to come IN to the space, you should always be there when your pet is 'outside'. This is the favorite resource for Oakley, who enjoys nothing more than 30 minutes in the sun on a hot day. Beware of toxic plants, escape routes, or other dangerous things that could harm your kitten.

3) try taking your cat out on a leash. If the area is quiet, you cat may enjoy this. Just remember that if you come across any dogs, you are likely to become a 'human tree' for your cat to run up! As a rule, cats don't like leashes, but if you start early enough, they can be trained to it.

4) Treat your cat to a 'cat tree'. Cats love to climb (Oakley does!) and it's great exercise for them.

5) Be sure to play with your cat every day. The best 'lures' are always the home made variety. You cat will much prefer to chase an old bit of cloth on a string that YOU have made for her, rather than an expensive shop-bought mouse or some such. This is just a way for your cat to show affection too - they really do value your efforts to entertain and exercise them!

6) A single cat is never as happy as a cat with company. Even on a tight budget, 2 cats cost little more than 1 to keep, and they will both be happier as a result!

7) Hygiene - clean the litter tray and food bowls every day - cats are fastidious, and after all, how would YOU like to eat from a plate that hadn't been washed up, or use a toilet that hadn't been flushed?!

8) Don't forget collars. If your cat should get out, a collar is the surest method of getting her back. Oakley likes to 'shed' her collar regularly - never give a cat a hard time about this - it's just a little game they enjoy. If you can afford it, get your cat 'chipped'. This makes it much easier to reunite you in extremis.

That's about it for now! If you have enjoyed these tips, or they are useful to you, please feel free to vote for Oakly - http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=1054 is the link. It doesn't cost anything, and you will be supporting animal charities including my favorite cat charity too!

About the author: Mary Dwightman
Mary Dwightman has 4 cats, aged between 2 and 5. The oldest, 'Oakley', is entered in the http://petmillions.com Grand Prize 2007, and you can vote for her here http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=1054.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat and kitten at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

The Keys To Proper Care For Your Pet Cat

2006-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Pet cats can bring joy, amusement, frustration, and unconditional love. There is certainly no denying that they brighten up your day, but do you really know how to best look after the cat in your life?

Why Cats Make Good Pets and the Most Common Pet Breeds

If you are looking for a pet that has its own mind, that is independent, but who is extremely loving at the same time, then a cat may be the perfect pet for you. They require fairly little maintenance compared to a dog, and they also provide plenty of love and affection – often following you around from room to room. Cats can be much more independent than dogs, but in both cases, both will return the affection you show them in spades.

When it comes to the large variety of breeds, you can choose from, some are definitely more common than others are and there are certain breeds that make better pets than others do. These include:

The Persian

The Persian cat is by far the most popular pet cat in America. Hardly anybody can resist its laid-back temperament and its extremely affectionate personality. Out of all of the different breeds, this one seems to form the strongest loyal bonds with its owners and despite their daily grooming needs they do make the best pets for many cat lovers.

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large cat and it has a really affectionate nature. They are extremely gentle and they love being around people. Whilst their coats are quite long, they do not require as much grooming as a Persian cat does. Overall, they are gentle giants in the cat world and they have remained the second most popular cat in America for years now.

The Exotic

This breed of cat is generally considered to be a shorthaired version of the Persian and cat lovers like them due to the fact that they are easier to groom. The breed looks particularly sweet and innocent and it is definitely a favorite amongst cat lovers.

So, those are the top three breeds within America and they are all extremely affectionate and loving. The main thing to keep in mind is that no matter which breed you decide upon, they all need some form of grooming and looking after.

Knowing the Grooming Requirements of Your Chosen Breed

All cats need some form of grooming no matter what breed you finally purchase. Obviously shorthaired cats will need less grooming than longhaired breeds so that could be a factor in your decision when purchasing your pet cat.

Longhaired breeds generally need to be groomed daily, though it is always a good idea to research your individual breed. For example, the Persian needs a lot of grooming and it definitely needs doing daily, whereas the Maine Coon, who is another breed with longer hair, needs less grooming. So, research your breed and ensure that you know what you are letting yourself in for.

Overall cats can make extremely good pets, you just have to do your research and ensure that you are purchasing the right breed for you. If you have small children living in the house, cats are pretty forgiving, but you should have a discussion with them about the fact that a cat is a live animal and could scratch or bite them if pushed too far.

About the author:
Jon Arnold is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about having a cat as a pet at his web site at http://www.cat-pet-info.com/

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Dogs And Cats Need Healthy Teeth And Gums Too

2006-12-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Your pet's dental care is important; it is an integral part of your pet's health. According to a noted veterinary hospital, just as you brush your teeth every day and have them professionally cleaned by your dentist, your animals need the same or similar treatment. A common indication of dental disease in your pet is of course, bad breath. With dogs and cats, naturally, some breath odor is unavoidable at times. However, when the breath odor is really bad, this may be due to the metabolism of some of the bacteria present in the mouth when excessive plaque is present.

Veterinary professionals state that plaque forms when there is a buildup of bacteria and other components of saliva along the teeth and/or gums. It mainly consists of bacteria and is soft at first. When plaque is soft, it can be removed easily at times by frequent brushing. After plaque hardens it is known as calculus--more commonly called tartar. Calculus can build up on your pet's teeth. This calculus is usually below the gum line and can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a major initiator of infections in the gums, which can also lead to infections throughout the body. Oftentimes the teeth become very painful and loose. Some animal may begin to lose their teeth.

Do not allow the tartar to build up on your pet's teeth. Built up calculus can cause severe dental disease. One of the first signs of dental disease is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. The gums will be sore and reddened, and the animal's breath will have a bad odor. There may be some drooling due to the soreness. If you brush the teeth, the gums will probably bleed.

This is where preventative maintenance comes in: The best kind of preventative care for your pet's teeth is simply regular brushing. Occasionally, dental prophylaxis at your veterinarian's office may also be required. A dental prophylaxis (often called dental prophy) is an in-depth teeth cleaning and oral exam performed by veterinarians. In this instance, the animal will be placed under general anesthesia so that the dental prophy can be performed.

Brushing your pet's teeth need not be difficult. Once your pet is used to it, it should not take long to do. Brush your cat or dog's teeth using a soft bristled toothbrush along with pet toothpaste. The toothpaste that we use as humans should not be used with our pets as it may irritate their stomachs if swallowed--which is a possibility. Get your pet used to the brushing when your pet is young; this will make is less difficult in the long run. Vets state that most pets will tolerate brushing no matter what their age. Brush your pet's teeth gently on a regular basis. This will go a long way to reducing plaque buildup.

Dogs, as we all know, love chew toys or other toys specifically designed to help clean teeth. This can be a great help for you and your dogs. For pets, dogs and cats, dry food is the best choice for keeping teeth clean, according to vet professionals.

All pet owners should check with their vets for further information on their pets' general health; other important helpful points, in addition to those stated above, can be obtained from vet professionals who are used to seeing various kinds of pets and therefore, can provide assistance to pet owners.

About the author: L Johnson
Author lives in Illinois; loves animals--especially cats, dogs; and is a home entrepreneur. See information on author's business at: http://mysite.verizon.net/limoore Training a dog? https://paydotcom.com/r/9416/limoore/401261/ Dog Healthcare: https://paydotcom.com/r/4603/limoore/399717/

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on healthy teeth for kitties at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Giving Your Pets Pills

2006-12-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

For many pet owners when it comes time to give your animals medication, whether it be a monthly worming tablet or other pill recommended by a vet, just the thought of knowing the troubles to come can be enough to start you worrying.

For some lucky dog an cat owners though there is no problem at all, they can simply hold the tablet out and their pet will happily eat whatever is put in front of them, others are not so lucky, and what should be a two minute process soon turns into half an hour of scratching, clawing and screaming and that's just the owner.

If you have problems giving your dog or cat tablets here's some tips that may help a little:

For smaller dogs and cats, try wrapping them in a towel or blanket and then hold securely between your knees if possible.

When holding your pets mouth open to administer the tablet, first and foremost, be calm yourself (it's always a good idea to try this from an early age, to get them used to having their mouth held open) and place the tablet as far as possible to the back of the mouth. To ensure the tablet is swallowed you can try dripping water in their mouth which will make them swallow or holding their mouth closed and rubbing under their throat.

Some owners may try hiding the pill in their pets food, and on some occasions this will work, on others the animal will eat everything around it until there is nothing but a lonely tablet sitting at the bottom of their feed bowl.

You can try covering the pill in cheese or other sticky type food substance like butter (never use human chocolate as this can be fatal for animals) or if they have a particular pet treat they like try mixing it with that.

Several brands of worming tablets for example are now flavoured so perhaps try changing brands - as always check with your vet.

You can also check your local vet or pet store to see if there an any alternative methods of getting your pet to take pills - pill pushers for example.

These are just a few tips that you may want to try the next time you need to give your dog or cat a tablet.

About the author: V Brown
Please visit Pet Help or the Pet Help Blog for more pet related articles.

For other family related articles please visit V Brown at Famiy Life

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on How to give medicine to your cat at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

How to give medicine to your cat

2006-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

If you own a cat, you already know how hard it is to get the little beggar to do anything he or she doesn't want to, and that includes taking medicine! Pills and capsules are a particular problem - it's almost impossible to get a cat to swallow a pill, so your only option is to crush it to powder and hide it in the cat's food. Cats have a good sense of smell, so you may have to hide it in a stinky treat, like salmon, for example.

If your cat is too smart for you, you could try getting your vet to prepare the medicine in a liquid form that the cat can't detect. Never forget that you can never count on a cat getting hungry - most cats have several houses in the street to 'stock up on' if the main home food dispensary starts playing up! Why only the other day, Woohoo brought home this fine cat - how could I possibly not feed him too?!

I'm against the use of plastic tubes to force the medicine down your cat's throat. You can traumatize the little fella if you do this - he almost certainly won't want to be your friend for days afterwards! No matter how sophisticated the tube (and some have 'launch mechanisms' etc), your cat will struggle, and this won't be fun.

In an absolute emergency (for example, when you know your cat has eaten something poisonous, and there is no time to call the vet) there is one guaranteed technique that could save your cat's life. I repeat, NEVER use this technique except in dire emergencies. Pick your cat up by the scruff of the neck and angle the cat's head backwards making his mouth face upwards. This is how mummy cats pick up kittens, and they have a reflex to temporary immobility in this position. You can then drop the medication straight down the cat's throat. The cat's usual reaction will be to swallow, although watch out for the cat breathing in - you don't want to pour it down his airways! Once swallowed, you can gently let the cat down. Remember to give her lots of strokes and treats after this kind of thing, because it is kind of traumatic for the cat (and the owner!).

If you have enjoyed this article, why not sign up for http://www.petmillions.com? You can support your favorite cat charity, and get a chance to win a million! You can even vote for Woohoo while you are there! vote for Woohoo!. Just enter his pet id (3151) and away you go! Ta! Jules.

About the author: Jules Henderson
Mr Henderson is the owner of several animals including Woohoo, a tabby cat with a real hatred of medicine! Woohoo is entered in the http://www.petmillions.com contest - please vote for him!

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on How to give medicine to your cat at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

The History Of Cats

2006-11-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered about the history of the cat? Throughout the ages, cats have been both adored and despised by different groups of people. Today, cats are just as popular as dogs when it comes to common household pets. But where did the cat originally come from? And how did it make its way into our hearts and into our homes?

Although bones found in a gravesite in Cyprus dating around 7500 B.C. suggest some type of domestication may have occurred earlier with the wildcat species, it is believed by many that actual domestication of cats began as around 4000 B.C. in ancient Egypt in Valley of Nile. Egyptians found the cat to be a useful creature for protecting its stored grains from the rats, and cats found that rats were to be found where humans were. It was a beneficial relationship for both sides.

Although Egyptians possessed many animals, the cat was the only one allowed to roam as they pleased, but they were also kept indoors when guarding the valuable grain. Egyptians began to view cats as sacred animals, as the symbol of the Goddess Bastet was portrayed with a cat's head. The cat received a highly regarded position in society, and it became a crime to harm or kill a cat. Killing a cat could result in death or a stone beating. The actual death of a cat was an extremely sad event for the family, and many cats were embalmed, put in coffins, and even mummified.

Eventually domestication of cats spread. Nile bargemen kept cats on their ships to control the rodent population, and sometimes when unloading their goods, a cat would wander off the boat establishing new territories for homes. In the Roman Empire cats were used to keep the rat and mice population in check, but were also kept as a pets. Cats became a favorite house pet because of their unique features. And Islamic countries held the cat in great esteem, as the Egyptians did.

The Middle Ages brought about a change of opinion of the feline. Cats were viewed to have magical powers and were thought to be associated with the devil. Their owners were considered witches. Pope Gregory IX launched a war on cats, and even went so far as to label the cat a "diabolical creature." Cats were put to death and sometimes burnt with their owners. This almost wiped out the domestic cat population in Europe, and is believed to have been the reason for the bubonic plague, since the rodent population was able to increase. To this day, superstitions still bestow an ominous power on the cat, as we often think it bad luck to have a black cat cross our paths. It is also associated with Halloween.

The 1800's brought another change in thinking, and the cat once again became the beloved pets they once were. Domestication of cats in the United States did not begin until the European settlers arrived. They were brought over on boats from overseas to control rodent population in the new settlements. The rest is history. Cats now safely inhabit homes across the world, purring with happiness.

About the author: Matthew Hick
Cat Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Inside Cats And Outside Cats

2006-11-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Cats can be either outdoor or indoor pets. Pet owners themselves must decide whether or not they want their cats to be outdoor or indoor animals. Many countries actually ban people from allowing cats to be outdoor animals, especially if the cats are declawed and defenseless in the wild. In the United States, however, the decision is up to the pet owner. There are several things to consider when making a decision. Below, a few pros and cons of these topics are discussed.

If the only issue were the life expectancy of a cat, then keeping cats indoors would win hands down. It is proven that an indoor cat has an average life expectancy of about fourteen years, while outdoor cats have an average life expectancy of about four years. There are a number of factors that affect this. For instance, an outdoor cat is more susceptible to picking up life-threatening illnesses. Outdoor cats are predisposed to abscesses, from bite wounds from fights, which if untreated, can lead to infections and complications. In addition, an outdoor cat could pick up feline AIDS, rabies, and feline leukemia. These diseases are transmitted from cat to cat, and some can result in death.

Outdoor cats are in danger of being run down by cars, attacked by predators and abused by humans, as well as, being subjected to inclement weather. All of these conditions can shorten a cat's life. Also, outdoor cats add to the cat population problem that results in so many cats being put down each year.

An indoor cat is like a part of the family. It is kept warm and safe in the house and receives medical attention that helps to treat ailments and increase life spans. Cats are independent creatures that can tolerate being alone for long periods, while family members are busy with their daily lives. They are not available to predators and are safe from diseases transmitted from cat to cat. Also, since they do not roam on streets, they are free from possible death by being run over.

The believers of the theory that cats belong outdoors believe cats belong in their natural environment. They also feel cats confined indoors are not given the opportunity to chase prey, exercise or have freedom to roam their environment. The indoor cat believers feel cats can get enough exercise through interactive play with their owners, and do not need to chase prey as they kill for fun, not food. These people also believe a cat's natural environment is in the house, since the cat has been domesticated for thousands of years now.

It is believed by many that an indoor cat becomes bored and depressed. But, by showing your cat attention and providing stimulating toys, hiding treats, or providing a companion pet, you can keep your cat occupied. The fact is, by keeping your cat indoors, not only can it increase your cat's life, protect its health and keep it safe, but it can also become a happy member of your family.

About the author: Matthew Hick
Cat Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cat Allergies - What To Do

2006-11-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Having an allergy to a cat can be a very annoying problem. Having a runny nose all of the time, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat can make you want to toss your own cat out the window! However, there are certain things you should know and take into consideration before you disown a feline member of your own family! The very first thing you must realize is that you are not actually allergic to your cat, but rather to its dander.

Cats produce allergens, which trigger allergy problems. The allergens do not originate in the cat's hair, but instead in its saliva. When a cat grooms itself by licking its coat, the saliva gets on the hair. This dries to a dust-like particle, and becomes dander. It is released when a cat scratches, or when it is brushed. They are very small particles that can remain airborne for long periods of time. Oddly enough, they are found in homes that have cats and also homes that do not have cats.

To determine if it is a cat allergy, you should get a skin test from your doctor. If it confirms your worse fears, then the ideal scenario would be to move the cat out. Unfortunately, bonds have probably been formed, and a true cat lover will put up with the symptoms, as opposed to getting rid of the pet. There are some measures you can take to make your life less miserable.

Cats secrete a substance called felis domesticus or Fel d 1, through their sebaceous glands and saliva. Dander gets caught up in soft furnishings and carpeting. You should install vinyl and wood floors, and get rid of that carpet. Remove all curtains or drapes, and replace them with blinds. Also keep the number of soft furnishings to a minimum. Keep the cat off the furniture and have it upholstered if possible. Wipe down the walls on a regular basis. Vacuum twice a week with a vacuum that has a high efficiency particle air filter. Use airtight covers on pillows. The next step is to limit the rooms the cat has access to, and restrict him from the bedroom and living room. Also, ventilate the home, and use a high efficiency particle air purifier to cut down on the allergens. Bathing the cat weekly has also been known to help.

The allergic person should stay away from the litter box, and wear a mask and gloves when brushing the cat's coat. You should refrain from picking the cat up. Keep the cat outdoors, if not all the time, at least some of the time. You can also take allergy medicines containing antihistamines.

A cat allergy doesn't necessarily mean adios to your beloved family pet. About one third of cat owners today have this allergy. It is possible, in time, that the owner will become immune to the allergic symptoms caused by their cat. By taking some steps to reduce the allergens present in your house, you and your feline can live together sneeze free.

About the author: Matthew Hick
Cat Allergies Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat allergies at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com More info on Cat Flee Problems

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Does Your Cat Have Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?

2006-11-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

FLUTD, also known as feline urologic syndrome or FUS, is a common term that applies to an assortment of ailments affecting a cat's lower urinary tract such as cystitis, infection of the urinary tract, kidney stones and the formation of crystals in the urinary tract.

More prevalent among male cats over 12 months old FLUTD is a problem that can keep cropping up in some cats over their lifetime and is usually very painful and potentially lethal if not treated quickly. If you think your cat has FLUTD take them to the Vet as quickly as possible because in some extreme cases death can occur within a day.

FLUTD - Potential Causes

Since FLUTD comprises several different diseases it can be hard to isolate the exact causes but here are some commonly accepted reasons your cat can contract FLUTD:

Most cats usually don't drink very much water and because of this they may not urinate enough to keep their urinary tract cleansed.

Overweight cats usually are not very active and tend to make fewer visits to the litter box so their urine sits in their bladder longer and crystals can form or infections can develop.

Some evidence suggests that having your cat neutered might make it easier for them to get FLUTD.

Cats that are always indoors and use a litter box have a greater chance of having urinary tract problems as opposed to cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Your cat can become dehydrated if you use a dry cat food but you should know that many cat experts recommend dry cat food over moist in most cases.

Even though it might be hard to believe stress can play a major role in a cat's life and this is also felt to be a trigger for FLUTD.

FLUTD - Symptoms

It is important to make note of any change in your cat's daily behavior as this can be a clear sign a urinary tract problem is developing:

Is your cat urinating more frequently?

Are there any traces of blood in your cat's urine? If so take them to the Vet immediately.

Does your cat strain while urinating or is unable to go at all? Do not mistake this for constipation which is the inability to have a bowel movement.

Is your cat urinating outside the litter box or spraying doorways? This might indicate FLUTD but can also be attributed to behavioral problems.

Does your cat have a sudden loss of appetite?

FLUTD - Treatments

If you think your cat might be having some type of urinary problem your Vet can do a simple urine test to check for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

The good news is that FLUTD is easily treated through medicine and changes in your cat's diet. Be sure and follow your Vet's advice and your cat will be healthy in no time.

FLUTD - Prevention

FLUTD related diseases typically go away in a week or two but you do not want to take the chance and wait to see if your cat gets better because doing so can be risky to your cat's long term health.

You need to make sure your cat is drinking enough fresh water and using a water fountain designed just for this purpose might help. If you think stress is the problem you need to find out what the stressors are and eliminate them.

Follow your Vet's advice to the letter.

If there is one central theme to this article it is that you do not want to take risks with your cat's health. If you think they have FLUTD you need to get them to your Vet quickly so a professional diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment prescribed. Do not disregard your cat's sickness thinking it will go away as FLUTD can not only be very painful but lethal as well.

About the author: Mike Taylor
For information on how to remove extreme cat urine stains visit us at http://www.cat-urine-remover.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat urine problems at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Why You Should Consider Herbal Products For Your Cat

2006-11-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Cat owners everywhere are choosing to pamper their loving feline companions with all-natural herbal products instead of conventional veterinary medicine. The holistic philosophy teaches that a natural diet and lifestyle are best for sustaining a healthy, long life. Herbal holistic medicine was popularized for use in people, but it didn't take long for cat lovers to begin taking care of their feline friends in the same manner. Herbal products are being successfully employed to treat and prevent health issues targeting cats. Holistic treatment utilizes natural products from our environment instead of synthetic medications. It also treats the animal as whole, as opposed to focusing on one specific area at a time.

Herbal products to take care of your cat typically come in liquid or powder forms. You can mix the product with food, feed it to your pet with a dropper, or mix it in their water dish. Herbal products exist for every ailment and chronic condition your cat might face. There are also herbal products which serve as vitamins to promote general health for your cat. Holistic veterinary practitioners have discovered herbal remedies for your cat for everything from dental hygiene to intestinal health.

For example, if your cat suffers from anxiety when going to the vet or traveling in the car or any other potentially stressful events, there are herbal products which will soothe and relax it. If your cat suffers from allergies, there are herbal products designed to ward of the symptoms. There are herbs for your cat to help it maintain healthy teeth and clean gums. For upset stomachs and digestion problems, give your cat an herbal product made just for such issues. Herbal products will aid their digestion, relieve gastro-intestinal inflammation, and improve their bowel movements. Tonics are available which will stop chronic vomiting. To make sure your cat has healthy eyes, you can find herbal products to help their vision. Herbal remedies exist to help your cat deal with the itching, swelling, and pain from the bites and stings. Herbal products for the skin and fur maintain coat health and decrease shedding. If your cat has joint pain and inflammation or circulatory problems, there's relief in the form of an herbal product made just for such issues. Even the seemingly unavoidable hairballs can be eliminated with laxatives and all-natural organic herbs.

Aging cats can be rejuvenated with herbal remedies. An herbal remedy which targets the thyroid gland can help when your cat has become chronically sluggish. These remedies will make your cat more alert and lively. Such herbal products also improve their coats and will address weight issues. Since overweight cats have more health problems, keep your cat slim with an herbal product designed to help them lose weight. Cats commonly experience urinary difficulties, and there are herbal products which will relieve them of such troubles. Another issue commonly afflicting older cats are joint problems. Have no fear, there's an herbal product for your cat which will have her springing onto countertops in no time.

So you may be wondering what exactly is in all these new-fangled herbal remedies. Well, being all-natural you have nothing to fear. These medicines contain well-known ingredients such as dandelion, milk thistle, garlic, echinacea, and gingko. People have been taking these so-called new remedies for centuries, and now you can give them to your cat. In addition to herbs, these holistic products may also employ mineral products such as silicon dioxide, which is a natural dewormer and gets rid of other parasites as well. Another interesting substance employed by holistic veterinarians is lignite. Lignite is a by-product of the coal industry which is not only safe for you cat, but it serves as a detoxifier that helps your cat eliminate harmful chemicals.

Contact a holistic veterinarian for further information to find out more about improving and maintaining your cat's health with holistic herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as feline herbal products at http://www.shop4petstuff.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com More info on Cat Aggression

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

What to do with a Finicky Cat

2006-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

In theory, no cat owner should have a finicky cat - as most cats, if they are hungry enough will eat whatever is put in front of them. But as every cat owner knows, cats can be notoriously finicky and if a cat won't eat, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is sick.

If your cat is finicky, there may be other reasons than the actual food. A cat may actually have trouble eating from a bowl that is too small or too light. And some cats don't like where their food bowl is placed - try simply changing its location.

If you have other cats or pets, a finicky cat may be intimidated by other animals. A cat may find it difficult to eat from a bowl placed near a dog's bed, near a noisy appliance or near a busy area of the house. Many dogs will instinctively try to eat cat food when it is placed down.

And consider how long a bowl of cat food has been left out - food left out overnight or in hot weather may be unappetizing to your cat. And cats - even indoor cats - tend to eat less in warm weather.

If you are changing the type of food your cat eats, one effective method is to gradually mix in the new food with the old over a period of several days. On the first day, the serving should consist of ¾ old food and ¼ new food, on the nest day ½ and ½ and so on, until it consists of entirely new food.

If your cat's diet consists of mostly dry cat food, try giving it a treat of canned cat food occasionally, or add a little broth to its food. Some older cats or cats with sore gums or teeth can find dry food difficult to chew.

Variety really is the spice of life - even for cats. A finicky cat may simply just be bored if it is eating the same flavor of food all the time. To prevent your cat from becoming a finicky eater, try to vary the flavors and varieties of food - ideally, starting when your cat is a kitten.

About the author: Laurie Buckley
Laurie Buckley is a long time pet lover and owner. Find more articles and resources about cats at http://www.4yourcatshealth.com

Work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com More info on Cat Aggression

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Kittens that Bite - Can You Stop it!

2006-11-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've got a really soft spot for cats and dogs. And usually I don't worry too much about their unsociable aspects like hole digging and biting and scratching, especially if they are outside animals and working dogs.

But once you allow an animal to live inside your personal space, whether it is in the house or just in the yard - and if you have young children, the animal must learn to live by the rules of household living.

The cat when older does not miss being able to bite its owners and its life is going to be a lot more pleasant when it is an animal that can be trusted around family.

We have had to deal with cats which have come from varied backgrounds. Often they are very bitey when little and if this tendency is not curbed as a young animal it is difficult to do anything with as an older animal.

We never stop being loving to the kitten and we never hit it - but if the kitten bites we do not pull our hand away (they often seem to want to bite human hands) but we grab the kitten by the neck and then gently keep pushing the hand or fingers it has begun to bite into the mouth so that the animal is gagging.

What you are doing is making an association in the mind of the animal with its biting actions and something very unpleasant and (in its mind) possibly life threatening. It is important to overcome this because biting and scratching by animals can be life threatening for young children and older people.

Scratching, has often come about because the animal has been mistreated. It is very important to train your children into understanding that they are to be gentle with animals. When we saw one of the children being hard on our cats, we immediately came over and gently prised the little fingers out of the fur and opened up the hand and showed the child how to gently stroke the animal - telling them to 'Be Gentle' with it. Using the word 'gentle' and using the animals name, the word seems to calming in itself and this way animal realises that it's safety is important to you and the child is being taught respect, even for the lower creatures.

The animal begins to feel respected and safer and therefore learns, most often to keep away from grabbing fingers without exhibiting fear. While the child learns that animals must be cared for, often they then grow up to be animal lovers.

All it takes is a little thought - and a caring attitude and there is harmony at all levels.

About the author: Jilly Greene
Farmer, animal lover, writer, christian. Someone who loves to try and fix the stressful things about life.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com More info on Cat Aggression

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cat Aggression Problems: Learn The Facts.

2006-11-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Cat aggression is indeed a very serious issue if you are a cat owner. And because there are several different types of cat aggression you have to determine which type of aggression your cat shows. You also have to determine under what circumstances your cat is aggressive. Is it an aggression towards you? Is it an aggression towards other members of your family or is it an aggression towards stangers?

If you notice that your cat is behaving strangely or aggressively then the best thing you can do is to pay a visit to a professional behaviorist. The behaviorist will perform certain physical tests (e.g. blood tests) and then will try to determine the type of aggression your cat displays.

To correct your cat's aggressive behavior you might need to make changes to the pets environment or even try certain drug therapies as part of the treatment.

I will now try to explain the most significant types of cat aggression

1. Fear Cat Aggression
This type of cat aggression may appear in cases where your cat is exposed to unfamiliar people or places. Most cats will retreat when feared but some may want to fight! Especially if they are on their own territory. Now if the cat is harmed in any way during such an encounter this could cause serious problems in the future. Cats do not forget easily. The best way to deal with feared cats is to approach them in a friendly and calm manner.

Another reason that will trigger your cat's fears is punishment. Be especially carefull when trying to train your cat. They are really sensitive.

2. Territorial Cat Aggression
This type of cat aggression is usually shown towards people or other animals that approach the cat's territory.

3. Predatory Cat Aggression
Cats like other mammals have the desire to chase and hunt their preys. This behavior may sometimes be directed at people or other pets. This is a very dangerous type of cat aggression and must be treated as soon as possible. The younger the cat the better to try to prevent Predatory Cat Aggression from developing.

4. Social Cat Aggression
Cats are very sociable pets. Researchers have tried to discover the social structure and relationships between cats. Social structures may lead to aggressive behaviors or actions. Your cat may display such a behavior in order to take control of a situation, for example when your cat is challenged by another cat or even by a person. A way to deal with Social Cat Aggression is to take control of all rewards. Teach your cat that an obedient behavior is the way to get the reward. Cats are very smart pets and will instantly realise the rules of the game.

These are some of the Cat Aggression Types and the most significant ones. There other types of Cat Aggression. Aggression can arise at any age. The most importand causes of all types of cat aggression are:

- medical problems
- genetic disorders
- owner behavior
- others behavior
- spoiling the cat
- wrong rewarding methods

Many researchers also claim that cat aggression is caused by genetic propensity.

About the author:
Would you like to turn your aggressive cat into a pussycat? Then this guide titled "Cat Aggression Problems? Get your Cat and your House Back" is what you need. You can also enlist to their Free "Cat Aggression Problems" E-course.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com More info on Cat Aggression

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Handling Aggression In Cats

2006-11-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ouch! The cat just bit me! And all I was doing was petting her. Aggression is not an uncommon emotion in cats, and can be displayed both adults and kittens. This is why all pet owners should know how to handle their cat's aggression. Alpha cats are (the top cats in the pack displaying leadership qualities) should be given special consideration.

These cats use aggression to obtain certain benefits for themselves in preference to other cats. They can turn aggressive over toys, baths, food, space, and the attention another cat might be getting from the owner.

Cats may use aggression as a way to stop something they deem unpleasant. For instance, an alpha cat may jump onto your lap when it wishes to be petted and then bite and scratch when it wants you to stop. This phenomenon is termed petting-induced aggression. It is common in cats that have a low threshold for physical affection. This is also a way that aggressive cats show who is in control.

Surprisingly, kittens can also show a high degree of aggression. Aggression in kittens is a normal biological response termed play-aggression. It is an built-in drive to play rough. Play-aggression usually occurs when your kitten starts growing up and needs to practice its survival instincts. It is, fortunately, a phase that most kittens outgrow.

It is important that you deal with aggression in a firm manner. If, when you are petting it on your lap, an alpha cat bites you, you should make show your disapproval by not allowing it on your lap for a few days. When you do allow it to sit on your lap again, ensure that you are in charge of petting activity. You must initiate and conclude the petting session. After a few days, the cat will learn to accept your role as its owner and may learn to be more patient.

In the case of an aggressive kitten, it is you who needs to be patient. Learn to read your cat's body language so that you do not give it a chance to attack you. You could also get another kitten as a playmate. This gives your cat an outlet for its play.

Learning more about your cat and taking control of its aggression don't just benefit you, the owner. They also allow the cat to live a happier less stressful life.

About the author: Barbara Anderson
Barbara Anderson writes for several online magazines, on family and home topics.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Improve your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Good Cat or Bad Cat?

2006-11-11T07:59:00.001-08:00

All domestic cats develop behavioral problems as their predecessors. They encounter both physical and behavioral changes. Cats are creatures of habit. They do what they need to do as their ancestors did from climbing to hunting to marking their territory. What is amusing to a cat can be an enigma for us. Some behavioral problems may be perfectly natural for a cat. Prevention is easier than cure; there are simple remedies. As a previous feline owner I have experienced most of these behavioral problems. My favorite defense was my infamous water pistol.

Cats will climb as this is one of their instincts. As a cat owner utilize implied corrections such as making a loud noise or use a water pistol. Cats will soon associate this activity with consequences. Satisfy your cats desire to climb by providing a location for this natural activity. Some cats explore certain locations out of curiosity.

Cats claw our personal items to mark their territory and to leave their original scent. Provide your cat with a scratching post to prevent damage to your furniture. Always reward them with treats as a reward for utilizing their post instead of your favorite chair or couch. Another simple remedy is to massage catnip on the post to encourage further use of it. To discourage your cat from returning to an already defaced area you can cover the area with two way tape or plastic.

Cats will stalk and can ambush your ankles from a concealed place. This can be painful! Unfortunately this is a natural predatory activity. Direct your cats need by providing proper toys that will stimulate stalking and capturing their prey. If this is unsuccessful either revert to the water pistol or throw a toy.

I recall my cats had a habit of digging in my plant pots. Attempt to keep your cat away from your plants or cover the soil with marbles or gravel. Cats hate to dig in gravel or marbles. Cats also find satisfaction with chewing on items as the actual house plant. Some house plants are poisonous and can be potentially fatal such as Lily of the Valley, Mistletoe, any flower bulb, Ivy, Rhododendron....just to name a few.

If you want to prevent a cats natural instinct to explore you must implement options. Jumping on counters or tables can be hindered by applying two sided tape or revert back to the water pistol. Offer your pet a diversion.

Outdoors offer multiple interests to a curious feline. When you open a door a cat can dash before you realize what happened. A male that is not neutered will bolt to satisfy his mating needs or they can just exit to satisfy their curiosity with all those distractions. Give them food or a toy. Distract them as you depart. With a male not neutered there is only one option....take him to the vet and get him fixed.

If your attempts at resolving your cats behavioral problems are unsuccessful, consult your vet. Maintain regular checkups to ensure there is not an underlying medical problem associated with their specific behavior. Make your vet your friend as they can refer you to a qualified cat trainer as needed. For clawing and climbing your other option is to have your feline declawed by your vet. Give the title good cat to your cat and enjoy those humerous, mischevious moments.

For further information on pet care visit us at CherishMyPet

About the author: Rose Long
We here at Cherish My Pet only offer quality products for the health, welfare and safety of your pet. We have dedicated our lives to animals. We cater to dogs, cats, ferrets and small animals including parrots. We emphasize the importance of pet safety, training, health, sanitation, accommodations, nutrition, treats, toys, pet first aide safety and even fun gifts for the pet owners....Come visit, enjoy and have fun!

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

How to Use a Play to Promote Good Behaviors in Your Cats

2006-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Tickler wands are one of the best ways to promote bonding with your cat, and by bonding you promote the good behaviors you want to see.

HOW TO USE THE TICKLER WAND
It is not just jiggling the wand, but the way you jiggle it. A flick of your wrist, twisting it, letting the wand bounce with the weight of the toy at the other end - all these work together to make the toy very attractive to your cat. However, once your cat catches it, STOP! Let your cat gloat over it's "kill" for a moment. Your cat will come back again and again to kill the offending critter at the end of the wand. As soon as your cat releases it's grip on the toy, you can start up again. But please, let your cat feel success.

You will offer the wand at least twice a day and let your cat know by calling it by name. Your cat will look over, see the jiggly end of the wand and pay attention. You will see your cat watch it but maybe not attack it right away. Your cat doesn't know for sure what it is, but will be interested enough to find out.

Play with your cat until it tires. Your tiredness doesn't count, here - only the cat's tiredness. The play might be 2 hours or 15 minutes. Doesn't matter. Let your cat tire of the play. Give a treat and a cuddle, and then put the toy up - out of reach of your cat. Tucking it in the chair won't work. Your cat will come by and snag it, trying to play with it. Allow your cat to come to you to ask for the wand, instead.

BONDING PLAY
The bonding happens as you play with your cat. Your cat loves the new toy, but can only have at it when you offer it. That's the bond, right there. Your cat needs to find ways to let you know he wants to play with the toy. You need to pay attention so that you understand your cat's request.

After you've been playing with your cat using the tickler wand for about 10 days, and your cat is playing well, asking for the toy, treats are no longer needed, but always give a cuddle after they play session.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE CAT'S BEHAVIOR?
Your cat will want to please you so that maybe, just maybe, you will offer the wand more than twice a day and won't say "no" when he asks because you are upset. Also, the awareness of communication that you both came to during the play sessions is helping you to train your cat without thinking about it. What a miracle! Your lonely, disaffected cat is now interested in the household! Your cat understands you when you talk - comes to tell you he's hungry, wants to play, wants cuddles! What an amazing turn around...

You will now see it's personality come out. Your cat will be less aggressive, more loving and better balanced. The exercise you give him will help his digestion and weight. Your cat will be more interested in the household, your guests and you. You may find your cat jumping up to be near you, to be in your lap. What a change from the cat you started with! Your cat will be more responsive to the "no" you give it when it's getting into something it shouldn't. When you tell your cat "down" when it gets on the table or counter, it will listen instead of looking at you defiantly. What a joy! It's like having a brand new cat in the house. One who loves you, is affectionate, healthy and smart. Enjoy your new relationship with your cat!

About the author: Morgen Marshall
Morgen Marshall has 2 cats and fosters 3 more. "I've had cats all my life, know them and love every cat I see." She is an online Cat Whisperer who can be reached through her website: http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected easy cat related tips at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Feline Behavior Problems - How to Stop Them from Driving You Crazy

2006-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

A question to all cat owners: Have you ever been driven to the brim of insanity by your beloved feline companion at times when it starts to display "odd" cat behavior problems like scratching on your furniture or what about that all familiar litter box problem like "My cat is peeing outside the litter box". I can see you nodding your head now in agreement.

I bet your next question would be: "How can I solve these behavior problems?"

Well, to begin with, before accusing your cat of exhibiting these eccentric behaviors, which always seems the least bit logical to us as human, we have to first get to understand what is "normal" behavior to a cat.

For example, do you know that:

-Cats are predators in the wild and they need to sharpen their claws to kill preys and to defend themselves from predators.

-Cats by nature are not social creatures? Unlike dogs who like to live in groups, cats prefer to live alone and would not hesitate to defend it's own territory even among it's own species.

-Cats by nature are very clean animals (that's the reason for the constant self-grooming) and may be bothered by anything that is messy, smelly or dirty.

So, do these "normal" behavior explain some of the "abnormal" behavior that you see in your cats?

Cats need to sharpen their claws and since they are kept indoors, their target would naturally be your furniture. Get them a scratch pole and these may very well be able to solve the problem.

As cats are not social animals, you get to see their aggressive nature especially when you introduce them to another cat or human. To avoid this or lessen the impact of aggressiveness, it may help by adopting a slow introduction.

Making sure that the litter box is clean at all times may help to stop or reduce the incidents of "out of litter box peeing or pooing" knowing that cats are by nature a "Cleanliness Freak".

Having said that, there are certain feline behaviors that are indeed "abnormal". Though it's nice to think that we can solve these undesirable behaviors simply by changing one thing, it is often time, more complicated than this and the root of the problem has to be established before a possible solution can be provided.

There are basically 4 categories of causes to the abnormal behavior in cats

1.A Stressful Environment

2.Medical illnesses

3.Improper socialization

4.Genetic Inheritance

Many of the behavioral problems stem from one or more of the above causes. Most animals, including humans and especially cats are creatures of habit and they just simply prefer to do things routinely. This gives them comfort. Any changes in the environment which affects this routine would very often cause frustration to them and lead them to do things, which are deem to be "abnormal" by their owners. One of such behavioral problem seen is the beginning of a series of litter box behavior changes and inappropriate spraying.

Medical illness like diabetes, Feline urinary tract obstruction or even pregnancy may also lead to some behavior changes in cats which may be deem "odd and annoying" to its owner.

Cats' personalities are very often inherited from their parents and certain breed may have peculiar behavior that is different from other breeds. For example, the genetics is one of the main reasons cited for Persian cat litter box behavior.

To find a solution to your cat behavioral problem, cat owners must first establish or eliminate the existence of any of these causes. To do so, cat owners may need to adopt the role of a detective and be an astute observer to your cat's daily life. It is important that cat owners keep a record of what changes in their cats behavior that they have observed and this may include details like, type of changes seen, onset of the change in behavior, duration of the change, full description of the abnormal behavior etc.

With all these useful information on hand, the "SOLUTION" will become more evident.

About the author: Ann Wong
Do you find the above information useful? You can learn a lot more about how to solve your cat behavior problems in "Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems"

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on the cat friendly environment at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cat Training Aids On The Market

2006-11-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

There are many types of cat-training aids on the market. Some of the most helpful training tools are leashes, a scat mat, catnip, toys, and food treats.

Having a simply and lightweight cat leash lets you train your cat to go for a walk or ride in the car. Cats require exercise, and using a leash while taking a walk with your cat outside will provide protection and keep the cat from running off. You want the cat to walk with you, not ahead of you, so train the cat to expect that you will be the leader. Both of you will enjoy your walks much more if this approach is taken.

The scat mat is good for showing cats that certain areas are not open to them. These devices send out pulses of static electricity when a cat enters the forbidden area. There are many sizes and colors of scat mats. Some even come in transparent versions so the cat cannot see that they are on the area. Additionally, scat mats are safe to use. They can be connected if you have especially large areas where you don't want your cat to go. Dummy scat mats do not include the electric pulse and may be used after the cat is trained to provide reminders of appropriate behavior.

Catnip can be used on cat litter to attract the cat to the litter box. Male cats tend to respond more to catnip, which has a scent similar to the urine of a female cat. Catnip comes in different forms for training. Toys that are filled with catnip can help a cat to learn a specific behavior. For fund, catnip in bubble form is available. It is similar to the kind of soap-bubble toy that children play with, but it has an added scent of catnip. The product is safe for your cat and will not harm him or her. Catnip is also available in a powered form that you can rub on your hand. You can even buy catnip seed and plant it inside or outside your home to give the cat a real treat.

If your cat is pouncing on things like it would pounce on a mouse, it may be useful to give the cat a toy mouse. Cats, by nature, will pounce as if they are killing something. Having a toy mouse lets the cat act in a normal way. Some toy mice on the market can be wound up so the cat can chase them. Others may be stuffed with catnip. Training a cat has a lot to do with letting it fulfill its natural instincts. A cat that can perform its normal activities will be a happier and healthier companion.

Offering healthy food rewards is another good tool for training a cat. Many cat treats include vitamins so you will know that the cat is getting what it needs nutritionally. If you are a baker, you might want to try to make your own cat treats. There are even prepackaged mixes available.

Remember to be patient with your cat while it is learning.

About the author: K Snow
Discover more articles and resources offering tips and advice about Training cats and other pets by visiting http://petsize.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat behavior at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

Cats - Loving and Maintaining

2006-11-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

Owing a cat can be a very gratifying experience especially if you've done your homework and understand the tasks involved in having one as a pet.

The First Few Days It is only natural that when you take your new kitten home, it may feel lost and disorientated. It will meow in search of her mother, hide in tiny places, refuse to eat and in general be sad. The way to alleviate this stress is to try and make her feel at home and comfortable all the time.

Cats, like many other pets, like good habits. It is important to keep a clean litter pan as they are very fussy. Feeding should be carried out at regular intervals especially in the first few days. It is wise to check the diet required for particular breeds, as various foods will be composed of different nutrients and vitamins which may apply to some breeds and less to others

Attitude and Training Cats are an independent species and can be very hard to control especially if they have reached a certain age. It is advisable that training starts from the first few weeks. If this is done properly, the sacrifice and time spent to train your cat will serve a lifetime. Here is a short list of some cat attitudes and their meaning:

Biting - starting to having new teeth Constant meowing - hungry, lonely or possibly dirty environment Trying to get out the minute you open the door - need more outdoor time Burying everywhere except the litter box - not pleased with litter box Rubbing of head against you - marking you or your stuff as its territory Scratching against windows - frustration of not getting hold of what's out there Hissing while petting - thank you, but I had enough of stroking and petting for today!

Care Brushing and grooming is very important for your cat. As much as diet is the primary important factor in taking care of your cat, psychological attention forms an important part in the formation and character of your cat's actions. Taking care of your cat, however, does not stop in giving it food and petting it. Reproduction is an aspect one needs to consider when owing a cat. Unless breeding is something you are into, taking precautions such as spaying and neutering your cat are some things to consider.

The experience of owning a cat should be a pleasant one both for you and the cat. Cats are very difficult pets to please and they are very choosy in what they like, but with some research, particularly on the breed one prefers and some good advise, the feeling of having a cat or even many of them, is without doubt an enjoyable and rewarding one.

About the author: Sandro Azzopardi
Sandro Azzopardi is a professional author who writes articles on his web site and local newspapers. http://www.theinfopit.com/science/animals/cats.php

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat behavior at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

The Vets Examination - Things to Expect When Visiting the Vet with Your Pet

2006-11-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Nobody likes surprises, so it's always nice to know what to expect when you take you're pet to the veterinarian. A good physical exam usually begins by weighing and recording so that a continuing record can be formed. An increase or decrease in weight can indicate a problem. Next, the temperature is taken, usually rectally with a normal temperature of 101 to 102.5 degrees for both dogs and cats.

Coat and skin are examined next as poor hair coat or skin can indicate a poor diet or dermatological infection. Coat should be shiny, not brittle and coarse, and the skin, clean and not greasy. While handling your pet, the bones, muscles, and joints, nails, feet, and lymph nodes are checked for any abnormalities. The chest, heart, and lungs are examined with a stethoscope, along with the rate and nature of respiration.

At the head, both ears are examined deep into the ear canal for infections. The visible eye structure and lids are examined and the interior of the eye is checked for cataract formation, and an examination of the mouth and throat for infected gums, loose teeth, tartar buildup on the teeth and any damage or swelling in the throat.

Lastly, at the rear, the anus, anal glands, prepuce/penis or vcalva are checked for any abnormalities, and the anal glands cleaned if they are compacted. During the examination the vet will usually ask the name of your pet's food and any other treats or vitamin supplements, along with any medication you may have given your pet.

A fecal sample will be taken for examination to check for intestinal parasites, such as hookworm and roundworm, and a blood test may be recommended if heartworm is suspected. No checkup would be complete without a flea and tick prevention/treatment with a choice as to who will administer the treatment, you or the vet. While the exam may sound involved and complicated, the entire process usually only takes about 30 minutes and guarantees your pet a healthier happier life.

About the author: Randy Jones
Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest pet supplies, dog collars and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat disease at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cats home page

A Guide to Buying Pet Products

2006-11-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Facts about pets
Australian families who share their homes with pets number among the highest in the world, with 64% of households including pets. In those 7.5 million households, fish top the pet population at over 12 million, followed by birds, at 9 million. At almost 4 million, there are more dogs than either boys or girls under the age of 14 years, and our domestic cat population is approximately two and a half million. If we group horse for pleasure riding, rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards and others together, we can add another 2 million pets.

Pet Supplies Pet association has been shown to have enormous positive benefits on health and wellbeing of Australians. When you have a pet as a member of your family, you will visit the doctor less frequently and use less medication, have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, recover from illness and surgery more rapidly, deal with stress better and be less likely to feel lonely. All in all, it is estimated that pet association saves the Australian health budget almost S4 billion annually.

Around 90% of Australian familles with pets, consider those pets as fully integrated family members and the primary caregiver who assumes responsibility for the pet in the majority of situations is female. Not surprisingly, expenditure on pets, pet care and pet products in Australia is placed at more than $4 billion annually and provides employment for more than 40,000 people. Of this expenditure, two thirds (66%) is spent on dogs and one quarter (25%) is spent on cats. Dogs therefore get the greater amount of attention in pet world.

Care and grooming products
Caring for pets requires time and energy on the part of the caregiver. In today's busy world, time is a commodity in shorter supply than perhaps it once was. There are a lot of products available to help reduce the amount of time needed for pet care. Search Myshopping.com.au for pet care products for your particular animal.

There are automatic feeding and watering products that mean your animal can access food and water when they need it and don't have to depend on you being there to attend to it. Having water readily available for dogs and cats is important because they dehydrate more quickly than humans. Automated pet feeders not only reduce the chore of being there to provide meals for your pets, but add the convenience of timing food releases for animals that may be subject to particular dietary needs. Using an elevated pet feeder can aid your pet's digestion because the pet doesn't have to strain and bend over to access the food. Portable watering and feeding products are useful for those who take their pets with them at work or on the move, and include drinking pouches and feedbags for dogs and cats.

The need to groom your pet depends a lot on your living environment, and whether (or how much) your pet is an indoor or outdoor pet. Grooming could be a daily, weekly or occasionally scheduled activity, and is necessary to keep the animal's coat healthy and to eradicate fleas and other parasites. It is also important to keep dander in check. Grooming products for pets include products for coat maintenance, nail clipping, dental care, bathing and beauty. There is a huge range of shampoos, face washes, and deodorisers and skin care products as well as styling tools and bows and ribbons for beautification. Grooming tools you may require could include a grooming table, heated blower-dryer, combs, rakes and brushes. As well as nail files and clippers.

Accommodation and transport products
As we cram ourselves into smaller and smaller living spaces, we have a need to accommodate our pets in the most comfortable manner. There is a huge range of bedding, mat and cushion products for dogs and cats, as well as cages and aquariums for birds and fish. (Aquariums are also available for hermit crabs and snails). Small 'housing' products such as indoor and outdoor kennels and sleeping tents and bags come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of living environments. Rugs and shelters are also important for keeping your pets warm during cold weather, and insulated or shaded shelters are important during warmer weather. Pet that suffer from arthritis can benefit from pet warming pads, while animals that have motor disabilities can benefit from special ramps and steps that aid them in their mobility.

As a large proportion of pet owners like to travel with their pets in cars or on bicycles, there are a large number of travelling options, including specially designed car seats, harness and soft cages. Some car seats double as a travel suitcase to carry your pet's travel needs or as a bed for a comfortable night's sleep. For the cyclist, there is a range of pet bicycle baskets available with different safety and security features.

One of the reasons that pets help foster better health is due to the time we spend walking, running or playing with them. Searching Myshopping.com.au for leads and collars will yield a tremendous variety of products. Leads that you can belt around your waist give you 'hands-free' control of your dog while you walk or jog freely. Collars not only provide a way to carry your animal's registration tags, but also provide a unique identity for your pet. If your pet is small or has a disability, you can get a pet stroller or a pocket pouch to walk or carry your pet.

Safe and secure enclosures can keep pets from wandering off, while giving them an outdoor experience. Safety pet fences or cat fences are wire mesh enclosures that can be used in backyards or on balconies to keep you pet safe while giving tem the ability to stretch in the fresh air. Portable soft pens, many of which can be coupled together to enclose a larger area, are ideal for containing a pet indoors or blocking off an entrance.

Safety products and toys
There are occasions when both pets and humans need to be kept safe from each other and from other dangers in the home and neighbourhood. These can include muzzles and safety restraints, as well as steps and life preservers to use in shimming pools and at beaches. The elderly pet may need special pet stairs or slings to help with mobility, or a brace that acts as a support crutch.

There is no shortage of toys for your pet available through Myshopping.com.au and may include scratching posts and tunnels for your cat; Frisbees, balls and bones for your dog, mirrors and balls for your birds, racing tracks for rodents. You can even find the more unusual toys along with training devices; clothing articles and pampering products here on Myshopping.com.au just click and search.

About the author: Andrew Gates
Andrew Gates is a writer for comparison online shopping service MyShopping.com.au. MyShopping.com.au helps you compare pet products and buy online from top-rated online stores. You can also read pet products reviews and specifications.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles on Important Cat Items Every Owner Should Have at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Cats and Hairballs

2006-11-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hairballs (or trichobezoars), according to animal hospital personnel, can be a common occurrence when you have cats in the house. Cats ingest hair when they groom themselves. Usually this is not a problem because the hair is excreted in the feces gradually over time. However, in some cases, the hair may build up to a level where it cannot be excreted and must be vomited up. Sometimes, there may be so much hair that it cannot be excreted or vomited up, and can lead to an intestinal blockage.

It is noted that hairballs are generally more common in long-haired or older cats. If your cat is going to vomit up a hairball, it is quite a performance! There will be lots of retching and dry heaving before the hairball is finally spit out onto the floor. (This can be a "wierd experience" for owners watching their cats as they are trying to cough up the balls. After the animal accomplishes this, then you will be left with a lovely mat of wet, soggy hair on your floor!

Note, if your cat gets an intestinal blockage due to a hairball this is a serious situation. You may notice signs of dry heaving, attempts to vomit without production, and constipation. If you suspect an intestinal blockage you should contact your veterinarian because this may require medical intervention.

If your cat is prone to hairballs, you can feed her a special "hairball-reduction" diet. This diet is available from many of the major pet food manufacturers. These are basically higher-fiber diets that will help your cat move the hairballs along her digestive tract. There are also treats that work to help break up the hairballs within the digestive system. The best way to reduce hairballs, especially in a long-haired cat, if through frequent brushing. By reducing the amount of loose hair on your cat for her to ingest, she will form fewer hairballs in her digestive tract!"

Most cat owners are not aware that cats may need special attention and brushing; and may need to make a more conscious effort to brush their cats more often.

Do you want to know how to train a dog? Get more information at: https://paydotcom.com/r/9416/limoore/401261/

Also, a very informative guide to healthcare for dogs can be seen at: https://paydotcom.com/r/4603/limoore/399717/

(Note: Many of these important points above were obtained from a animal hospital which is used to seeing all kinds of pets and providing information to help pet owners.)

See more tidbits of information regarding cats and dogs at: www.soulcast.com/limoore

About the author: L Johnson
Author lives in Illinois; loves animals, cats, dogs. See more tidbits of information regarding cats and dogs at: www.soulcast.com/limoore

Do you want to know how to train a dog? Get more information at: https://paydotcom.com/r/9416/limoore/401261/

A very informative guide to healthcare for dogs can be seen at: https://paydotcom.com/r/4603/limoore/399717/

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore hairball relief remedies specially formulated for cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Cat Health - Common Problems

2006-11-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

No matter what breed of cat and no matter how well you look after your cat, like us humans, they will suffer from common cat health problems during the course of their life. As a cat owner, you will need to be aware of the most common problems, some of which can be avoided with the right awareness and by taking basic precautions.

The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems.

Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections such as the common cold and like humans they can usually rely on their own immune system to deal with it. However, if your cat is off its food and appears listless and in some distress then you should consult your vet for appropriate medication.

Cats, particularly Tom cats do fight a lot. Often with other cats and sometimes with dogs and more dangerously with the dreaded fox. This can lead to various wounds which will need treatment from a vet to avoid infections setting in. Eyes are particularly vulnerable.

Fleas are also a common cat health problem, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems cat health problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet will have medication to deal with these issues.

Another common cat health problem, mainly associated with Tom cats that have not been neutered, is urinary tract infection. If your cat stops using the litter box, or the urine is particularly strong smelling then these are clear signs and your vet should be consulted without delay.

Although not normally a cat health problem on its own, hairballs or fur balls are very common and can lead to problems under certain circumstances. Cats naturally swallow fur from their constant grooming and although it will normally pass through the cats digestive system, there are times when it gathers into a fur ball and may become lodged in the digestive tract or intestine with serious consequences if not treated quickly. Symptoms are not eating properly, constipation and listlessness. Often a cat will cough up a fur ball if it gets caught in the throat. You can help prevent hairballs or fur balls occurring if you brush your cat regularly.

Feline leukemia used to be a very common cat health problem and was often fatal. These days, however, with modern vaccines available the disease can be prevented. Always have you cat vaccinated if there is a risk of infection because this is a highly contagious disease.

The main message here is to monitor you cat's health, visit the vet regularly for check ups and take advice from your vet on suitable vaccinations.

About the author:
Richard G M Taylor
For more information on Cat Health visit http://www.aboutcathealth.info/

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Explore a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Cures for Cats at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Take Two Cats and Call Me in the Morning

2006-11-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a "cat" nurse? No, I'm not talking about Halloween fun at the hospital. A "cat" nurse is the best name I can use to describe an amazing feline phenomenon that I have personally witnessed. They can't do CPR or take your temperature, but make no mistake your cat loves you unconditionally and it shows. It's one medicine that you won't need a prescription for.

It was almost a year ago to the date, my wife Natercia had to have ankle reconstruction surgery after a series of painful falls. The surgery was a success, however, it required my wife to be off her feet for several weeks. Just one day after the surgery I agreed to welcome 2 new family members into our home. We named them Sassy and Shadow. They were 2 of the cutest little kitties I had ever seen. As the kittens started to feel welcome in our home, and my wife adjusted to her new life of staying in bed, I noticed something truly amazing.

Sassy, the female kitten could always be found at my wife's side. I would take Sassy to another room for feeding, but soon after she was right back in bed with my wife. I asked myself, "Could this kitten know that my wife is hurt?" Sassy would not only stay by her side, but she would always know when to give that little bit of loving that she needed. Though at times it seemed like Sassy new more, almost as if she was protecting her or watching over her.

Sassy's brother Shadow also shares this magic. I had been sick with a very bad infection. The doctor had prescribed a very strong anti-biotic that caused me to sleep more than usual. Shadow never left my side, only to visit the litter box and to fulfill his craving for salmon. Having him there with me gave me a sense of security. I had been thinking that cats had this hidden nurse like tendency, but I still wasn't sure if it was just my kittens being extra loving, until my close friend Sharon had a heart attack.

Sharon is a diabetic. After having some difficulties with her sugar and insulin balance she had an episode that put her into a coma for 3 days. Doctors still aren't sure if she had a stroke or heart attack. Though once she had recovered enough to return home she was greeted by 4 of the most concerned little creatures. That first night back at home Sharon could not believe it. All 4 of her cats, which normally wouldn't go near her room at night, slept on her bed with her. She had one at her head, one at her feet and one on each side of her. They did not leave her side all night.

The next morning when Sharon's daughter stopped by to check in on her the nursing didn't stop. When Sharon's daughter sat on the bed to talk with her mother, the 4 cats stood up and acted almost as to say, "Don't get too close to our patient." They put themselves between the mother and daughter.

It has taken me some time to come to some understanding of this, but I can only say that pets communicate on a totally different level. This can also be seen in dogs that protect their owners or run to get help when their owner is hurt. I'm sure that someday science will find a way to communicate with animals. At which time a plethora of questions will be answered. In the mean time we leave it up to faith. You see, all of the cats in this story knew that their owners needed them. That is why it never hurts to have a pet or two in the family. If you too have experienced a "cat" nurse house call please tell me about it. I would be delighted to know that the Order of the Cat Nurse is alive and well in a bedroom near you.

About the author:
Bill Clanton is Program Director and Co-Founder of All Pets Radio (www.allpetsradio.com), an online radio station for Pet Lovers and Pets alike. Having worked in broadcast radio for the past 15 years and always living around pets of all kinds, Bill felt that bringing these two loves together would be a perfect match.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Make Sure Your Yard Is Safe This Halloween

2006-10-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween is fast approaching and safety comes to mind with all the young trick-or-treaters roaming the streets at dusk. Here are some pointers for home owners to help insure the safety of others as they approach your door for their treats.

*Clear your yard of things that could trip up ghostly visitors. Remove and store away ladders, water hoses, flowerpots, rakes, and dog chains/leashes.

*If you carve out jack-o-lanterns and plan to use lit candles, be sure to place the pumpkin well away from the stairs and walkways. Trick or treaters could inadvertently bump into the pumpkin and catch their costume on fire.

*Make sure that any paper or cloth decorations that you hang outside are not near any lit candles. Even a gentle breeze could blow the end of your decoration into the lit flame.

*Keep pets indoors for the evening, especially cats. If your dog needs to go out, make sure you go outside with him or her. Pets get frightened easily on Halloween with all the strange looking visitors coming to their door and you don't want your pet to accidentally bite someone.

*Light your doorway area and steps. It is easy for youngsters to trip and fall when wearing long costumes and masks that may obstruct their view. If your entrance requires people to walk up and down a long or steep flight of steps, be sure to provide lighting here as well.

Most adults usually go over safety tips with the little ones before they head out for their special night of fun, but can neglect checking for possible hazards in their own yard. Take the time this year to look around and remove obstructions and items that could cause injury to others. Then we can all have a safe and fun-filled Halloween this year!

About the author:
(c) 2006. Rose Smith own HalloweenHowl.com a website filled with party ideas, costumes, decorating suggestions, games, graphics, crafts, Halloween safety tips, and more. It's Halloween fun for all ages! Come visit us at: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat advice at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Halloween Dangers - Keeping Your Pet Safe

2006-10-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

Halloween is around the corner. While you and your kids are enjoying the fun of trick-or-treating and Halloween parties keep in mind that it can be a dangerous time for your pets.

One danger is that your pet will get into the candy bowl. Chocolate in any form is dangerous for dogs and cats. As if the candy wasn't dangerous enough, there's also the concern that your beloved pet will swallow the candy wrapper.

The wrapper, if it makes it down to the stomach, can cause blockage in the intestines, leading to either very expensive surgery or death. If you suspect your pet has swallowed any dangerous substance call your vet immediately. The death of a pet is always a terrible thing to experience, but it's even worse if it could have been prevented.

What about pumpkins and decorative corn? Are these harmful to pets? These items are relatively nontoxic but could produce stomach upset if swallowed. If large pieces are swallowed then the intestines could become blocked.

Electrical wires from decorations such as electric lights or glowing pumpkins can also be a hazard for your pet. Be sure to keep them out of your pet's reach so they don't receive a life-threatening shock.

All decorations need to be kept out of your pet's reach. If your dog or cat chews a glass or plastic decoration they could damage their mouth. If it is swallowed, it can do terrible damage to the stomach and intestines.

A carved pumpkin is fairly harmless, but if you add a candle it suddenly becomes a hazard. A cat or dog could easily knock it over, causing a fire that could take the life of family members and pets. Curious kittens are especially at risk for getting burned or singed from candle flames.

Another Halloween favorite is dressing up in costumes. Children and even adults have a lot of fun pretending to be someone or something else. This has carried over to pets, too, and some dogs and cats truly do enjoy dressing up.

If your pets are among those that enjoy it just make sure the Halloween costume does not constrict their movement or their ability to see or breath. Dogs in costume should also be free to bark. Be sure there are no dangling pieces that your pet could easily chew off and choke on.

For those pets that do not enjoy it, dressing up in a costume can cause unnecessary stress. So follow your pet's lead regarding this part of Halloween fun.

During the time children are coming around to your home ringing the doorbell and shouting "trick or treat" be sure to keep your dogs and cats in a separate room. The extra traffic can frighten them and cause stress for your dog or cat.

If your pets are with you as you answer the door, be sure they do not rush outside. That is another good reason to keep them safely locked up in another room.

That leads into the last two warnings about the Halloween season. Be sure to keep your cats locked inside, even if they are used to being outside. Too many cats have been the victims of pranks around Halloween. Sadly, many do not survive the pranks.

Lastly, make sure that your pet has an ID tag just in case they do sneak outside as you open the door to trick-or-treaters. An ID tag is something your pet should have on at all times so if they somehow get lost you will have a much better chance of having them returned to you.

Following these tips will help your pet have a happy and safe Halloween.

About the author:
Carol Stack enjoys writing articles about pets. She lives with her husband, children, four dogs and seven cats in the United States where she enjoys homeschooling and adding to the web site she is creating with her daughter, http://www.christysdogportal.com where you can get more information about taking care of your dog.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

A Black Cat is Just a Cat

2006-10-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

When my old cat died, I decided to pick one out of the Humane Society. They had named the first cat I saw “Batman”, and I fell in love with him on sight.

But when I brought him home, I discovered he didn’t quite have the courage of the comic book hero. I made some mistakes which resulted in a month long struggle to coax him out of his hiding place to join the family.

I renamed him Bear, and he is wonderful cat, but my guests seem a little uncomfortable when he comes into the room. After all, he is completely black.

He is a black cat and some people are afraid of Black Cats…

The Black Cat in History

Historically, black cats have been associated with omens, bad luck and, well...evil.

The poor unfortunate kitties have been used in rituals, and were supposedly the "familiars" of witches. Anarchism has used the symbol of the black cat, as has Wicca, the modern day expression of Witchcraft. Superstition has associated bad luck with having a black cat cross your path.

All-in-all, the black cat has been getting some really bad press for centuries, and all of that is not easily overcome in just a few short lines of this article.

Scaredy Cat

A very highly sensitive cat, our new black Bear was far more scared of us than we were of him, and we made a number of mistakes in the first hour of his introduction that practically destroyed our chances for introducing him to our home.

The process of first finding Bear where he had hidden in the house and gradually coaxing him out of his hiding place to join the family was long and agonizing. It took over a month, and I had almost despaired that we would ever acclimate him.

Patience won out, though…

Superstition Dispelled

Since then, Bear has been rolling around on my lap enjoying his daily pettings, sleeping in my bed, yowling at the females he sees from his perch in the kitchen window and just generally bringing a lot of joy to our lives.

He is here to dispel the notion that a black cat means bad luck. He is one of the sweetest cats you'll ever meet, and there's absolutely *nothing* scary about him. And I can tell you for a fact that no bad luck is connected with Bear. He's crossed my path innumerable times, and so far I haven't experienced anything one might think of as "bad luck".

I have to say, though, that on Halloween night he seems to be scared of his own black shadow. But I try to keep him calmed down and happy to be where he is...in my lap purring as loud as he can!

Copyright 2006 John Young

John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", http://www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Young

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice　at CatAdvisorsOnline.com It's All about cat.

What's the Deal with Black Cats?

2006-10-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Halloween is the time of year when your child is inundated with visions of ghosts and goblins, witches and monsters. It's easy to understand how all these creatures have have earned their scary reputations-they represent unkown forces with "evil" intent, or at least the intent to scare little children every October.

Last week, Lynn, a mother of three young children, was walking with her youngest, when a neighbor's black cat wandered up, looking for some friendly attention. Lynn's little boy screamed in fear, demanding that his mom rush him home, before the "bad" cat got him. They have three cats at home, incidentally, but none of them are black. Apparently, though, he'd seen enough images of black cats, cavorting with all the other Halloween spooks, that he was certain something bad was about to happen.

We humans have always viewed cats as mysterious creatures-they're domesticated, like dogs, but independent and often aloof, frequently preferring to be alone, requiring only sporadic affection. Still, it's easy to see how witches and ghosts became continuing characters in our spooky traditions, but how did the black cat win its icon status in the Scary Hall of Fame? It's actually a status that seems to be peculiar to America.

In ancient times, as in many parts of the world today, the black cat reperesented a harbinger of good fortune, rather than danger. In ancient Egypt, well-to-do households held their pet black cats in high regard, granting them a place of honor in the home, in order to guarantee riches and prosperity.

Legend holds that, in the 17th century, King Charles I of England had a black cat which he believed was his good luck charm, and kept a round-the-clock guard on the prized pet. When the cat died (presumably of old age), the King lamented publicly that his luck was at an end. The very next day the king was arrested and charged with high treason, and was eventually executed.

In the past, in certain English fishing villages, the luck of the black cat-believed to bring fisherman safely home from the sea-was such an important tradition that fishermen's wives paid a huge price to obtain such a pet.

Even today, in many parts of the world, a black cat crossing one's path is considered good luck, the exact opposite of the American superstition.

Historians believe that the Pilgrims are responsible for the black cat's evil reputation in American today. When they emigrated to these shores for religious reasons, the Pilgrims brought with them a deep distrust of any superstition, believing such traditions were evil and dark.

Since the Middle Ages, many in England believed that those who practiced witchcraft used black cats as "familiars", or creatures who could commune with evil spirits, in order to carry out the witches' spells. Such was the fear of black cats that, for many years, in America, it was believed among certain religious sects that the only way to stop an evil spell was to shoot a black cat with a silver bullet.

Even today, most pet centers and animal shelters refuse to sell black cats around Halloween, for fear that they may be harmed or killed.

The next time a beautiful black cat crosses your-or your child's-path, wanting a little affection, try talking to it. If it rubs against your leg and purrs in approval, you be the judge of its intent. It has no idea that it's an object of fear-just like your tabby at home, it just wants a little love.

About the author:
J Gardener, a writer for Imaginary Greetings, Inc. (http://www.imaginarygreetings.com), is an award winning screenplay copywriter and a regular contributing author on many family oriented issues. Imaginary Greetings offers highly imaginative personalized family oriented products and services. To make your family's holiday magical this season, visit http://www.santas-depot.com for the best selection of everything Christmas.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, cat articles and cat trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Abused Cats

2006-10-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Abused cats can be terribly maimed and damaged on the outside. They can even appear quite normal on the outside and all the damage might be emotional.

The emotional damage is harder to repair. A physically damaged cat will still respond positively to a soft voice and touch. They seem to know that the abuse will not continue anymore.

With an emotionally abused cat, you will need to let the cat come to you. Feed and care for it conscientiously. If you have another, more loving cat, the example to the abused cat will be good for it and will serve to draw the cat out.

Screaming, yelling, startling, and indiscriminate use of disciplinary tools, such as a water pistol can cause emotional damaged. Prolonged exposure to this treatment produces a cat that is slow to trust. The cat may turn mean or become lethargic.

If the cat becomes mean, it is actually a good sign. A lethargic cat is harder to reach. The angry cat still cares what happens to it, while the lethargic cat could care less.

The lethargic cat will not play, respond to treats, pats, or a soft voice. Your best bet with the lethargic cat is a companion cat to draw the poor thing out. Eventually, the damaged kitty will ask for a pat or scratch while you are most vulnerable - usually lying in bed or on the toilet. Give confident, gentle snuggling and use a soft voice. Do not make too much of a fuss - but let the cat know you like the new behavior. Move slowly because the cat is still quite traumatized. Once this behavior begins, you are well on your way to a friendly, but still stand-off-ish house cat. It may take a long time, and consistency is the key. Never raise your voice around the cat. It will run. Every instance of veterinary care will be traumatic to it. Try to minimize visits and combine the purposes. Your cat will hide after each visit for as long as it feels upset. Continue to speak softly and care for the cat. It will come out and be friendly eventually. This type of cat has the longest memory for past hurts. If you take on a cat like this, be prepared for a long, intensive period of healing.

The angry or mean cat will run away, fight and scratch. Consistent, gentle treatment and a soft voice are your best bets. If you tame the cat as if it were Feral, you will have the best results. Never trick the cat into a situation where it feels trapped. It will instantly revert to Feral.

Black cats face a serious risk around Halloween. Never leave the cat unattended outside during this time of year. It seems that all the sickos in the world come looking for black cats at this time of year. The unsuspecting and trusting pet black cat may be cat-napped and tortured or killed.

About the author:
Morgen Marshall
A cat lover and trainer invites you to a world of cats. A website dedicated to making the relationship between cats and people harmonious and healthy, For the Love of Cats is a place for people facing difficulties in their relationships with cats to come and find the answers they need and can trust.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat and kitten at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Caring For A Cat Or Kitten

2006-10-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Caring for a cat or kitten begins with a knowledge of basic first aid. This will be very useful especially in emergency situations. If you have a nearby vet clinic that offers first aid training you are doing both yourself and your cat a service by enrolling.

Knowing what to do in an emergency situation will keep you calm so that you can help your cat in an efficient and effective manner. You may be able to limit your cats injuries or help save its life.

Below is a list of first-aid items to help care for your cat when those emergencies may arise.:

• Antiseptic lotion - for cleaning wounds

• Antiseptic wound powder - to treat wounds and promote healing

• Cotton balls - to clean wounds and bathe eyes

• Cotton swabs -to clean wounds and apply ointments

• Pair of scissors with blunt tips and curved blades - to cut dressings to size and for clipping fur around wounds

• Antihistamine -to ease insect bites and stings

• Blunt-tipped tweezers -to remove insect stingers and ticks

• Thermometer -for checking temperature

• Petroleum jelly -apply to thermometer before inserting

• Nonstick dressings and bandages - for bandaging cuts and to keep dressings in place

• Surgical gloves -use when treating wounds

• Heavy-duty gloves -to protect yourself when restraining your cat

• Towel -to restrain your cat

These first-aid items can be bought from a local drugstore, your vet or a pet store. Having a home first-aid kit will enable you to treat minor injuries and keeps you prepared for an emergency. Knowing your cats personality and habits will help you detect any changes in demeanor and behavior, which may be signs that he or she is feeling sick.

If your cats eating habits change this can also suggest that it is sick and a veterinarian checkup is recommended. Caring for your cat or kitten is easier when you are prepared.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about caring for a cat.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hegarty

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat food at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Tips For Feeding Your Cat

2006-10-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Walking down the cat food isle in a pet store could leave you quiet confused as to what food is best for your cat. There are certain nutrients that a cat must have, knowing these nutrients and making sure the food you buy has them listed as ingredients can help make the choice easier.

Other factors to consider are your cat’s lifestyle, age and health. Cats need meat-based food to survive and remain healthy. The reason being that certain substances essential to cats cannot be manufactured synthetically and are only found in meat.

Different types of Food:
• Dry
• Semi-moist
• Wet/Moist

Dry:
Contains little water, is hard and crunchy which helps keep your cats teeth tartar-free. This can be left out all day for your cat without going off. Choose a variety that is low in magnesium to prevent Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (FLUTD), where stones or crystals develop causing painful urination for your cat. Usually dry food contains all your cats nutrient requirements, but do not take it for granted, always check the label.

Semi-Moist:
Contains less water than canned food and often contains vegetable protein. This can be left out for your cat to snack on. Not all semi-moist foods contain the nutrients a cat needs and supplementation may be necessary so that your cat gets a complete diet.

Wet/Moist:
Has a high water content, comes in many flavors and is the food type preferred by most cats. Wet food goes off very quickly and any left over by your cat should be removed and not left out. Wet food easily looses its meaty smell, so if you notice your cat turning up his nose to a meal, this could be the reason. Buying the smaller canned food or food that comes in pouches is often the better choice as there will be less wastage. To help prevent tartar formation you can add a few dry biscuits to the food. Or leave a bowl of dry food out for your cat to eat during the day and feed wet food once a day.

Serve food at room temperature, if you have canned food in the fridge bring it to room temperature before offering to your cat. Always provide fresh drinking water to your cat. Cats do not need to drink cows milk and in fact if you offer it to them, they will likely have an upset tummy as they are unable to digest the milk sugar (lactose). Instead offer a brand of cat milk found at your local pet store.

If you decide to feed your cat a home-made diet it is essential that you consult with your veterinarian as cats require many essential nutrients. These nutrients and requirements vary based on many factors, such as age and weight along with whether or not your cat will be indoors or outdoors.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn more about Cat Feeders.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hegarty

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Create A Healthy Environment for Your Cat

2006-10-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Start by keeping your cat free of fleas and ticks. This is often more challenging in the outdoor cat. Be persistent and try various flea and tick products to find one that gives good results. Remember to also treat and clean your cats bed once a week to reduce fleas. Vacuum your carpets especially where your cat likes to sleep. If your cat or home seem to be heavily infested consult your veterinarian for advice and alternatives.

Cats like to be clean and will usually attract your attention in one way or another when the litter box is overdue for a cleaning. Our cats will whine and fuss in the early morning to be let outside rather than use a smelly litter box. Our cats are also quite happy to use the bathroom floor or shower as an alternative. Thankfully we learned this communication method early on and have managed to meet their need in keeping the litter box clean and fresh. Some cats will scratch around in a dirty litter box and keep scratching for a while with the sand going everywhere. That is there form of communication. Even if the litter box looks clean, is clean of clumped litter, it may still smell of urine and will need a thorough wash and new litter to meet your cats standards.

Observing your cat on a daily basis, knowing its habits and personality will help you detect any changes. Noting any changes in your cat early can prevent future health concerns. Have cuddle time with your cat where you gently inspect its overall condition. Learn to look for any signs of illness such as fever or a dull coat. If your cat is not showing any specific signs, but you know he is simply not himself, there is no harm in calling your veterinarian for advice.

Taking time to create a healthy environment for you and your cat will enhance your relationship, keeping your cat comfortable and content. Remember a healthy cat is a happy cat.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hegarty

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cat health at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cat Site home

Cat Health

2006-10-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Keeping your cat healthy is the key to extending your cats life. Although cats are independent by nature they really do need a good caretaker. As an owner of a cat you take on the responsibility of caring for your cat and making sure its needs are met.

Your cat needs access to fresh water daily. The water bowl should be cleaned out regularly. Feed your cat good quality cat food. Ask your veterinarian whether the brand you feed meets your cats requirements for his lifestyle and age. Obesity in cats is common in indoor cats. If you have an indoor cat and he has free access to food all day, you may try a light variety to slim him down. If you have a senior indoor cat he may need more nutrients than the light food offers, so once again it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian.

Exercise is very important for your cat. An indoor cat will often eat out of pure boredom. Provide a selection of cat toys and cat furniture such as a cat tree, to entertain your cat. Even an outdoor cat can benefit from this. Taking time at the end of the day to play with your cat will help keep it active.

When we have been away from home and our cat has been indoors the entire day, we help him unwind his excess energy with a bouncing ball. As a kitten he learned to jump in the air and catch a bouncing ball and we keep him entertained for half an hour with his attempts. Our other cat prefers to play 'fetch', where we throw a toy mouse for her to run and find. She does not always bring it back, but as soon as I say "are you ready?" She jumps behind our bedroom door and gets prepared to stalk her prey.

Providing a good scratching post is a wise investment. It may well limit the damage to your furniture and it satisfies your cats need to scratch. Keeping your indoor cats nails trimmed is important to keep them in good condition and so that they do not get too long. If you notice your outdoor cat getting his claws stuck in carpet or fabric he may be in need of a trim too. Most outdoor cats are able to keep their claws worn to a reasonable length.

Grooming your cat regularly helps reduce shedding and prevents matted hair. Both long and short haired cats will benefit from a groom. A brush is often a better suited grooming tool than a comb as it does not pull the hair. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks.

A healthy cat is a happy cat. Taking time to meet your cats needs will keep your cat comfortable and content. You are rewarded with a purring companion cuddled up in your lap.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hegarty

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cat Site home

Cat Facts

2006-10-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Cats prefer foods at body temperature—the temperature of freshly killed prey. They also prefer their food cut into ¼ inch chunks (especially when they are sick and need to be tempted.) And did you know that 60% of all cats like cold tomato juice? I’ve tried V-8 and it doesn’t seem to be at all tempting. We use this trick to entice kidney-failure cats to drink more liquids.

Cats are either right or left handed, showing a distinct preference for one paw over the other.

A healthy domestic cat can reach speeds up to 31 miles/hour, but can’t maintain that sprinting speed for more than a minute.

A cat licks their fur to keep cool in hot weather. Like dogs, they sweat only through the pads of their feet.

The cat’s whiskers are specially adapted to act as antennae. They are used to navigate, to detect movement and to judge the width of an opening. Whiskers are also an indicator of mood—when the whiskers are back, the cat is angry, so watch out. Some people think finding a whisker is good luck. I know one woman who is a millionaire that has a cat whisker collection!

Each cat ear is controlled by 32 muscles and can turn 180 degrees. Humans have only 6 muscles, so it’s harder to make our ears wiggle. Cat ears that are facing back or folded down are really ticked off, so watch out.

A cat’s fur has 60,000 hairs per square inch on the back and 120,000 hairs per square inch on the underside—No wonder cat owner’s have to empty their vacuum bags every time! Shedding is controlled by hormones and ambient temperature as well as light—even artificial light. Nervous cats shed more—especially when they get stuffed into a carrier and hauled off to the vet’s office.

Cats are highly territorial. A domesticated cat’s territory encompasses 150 acres. Apparently their acres intermingle as we see about eight cats in our backyard every day as they make their rounds. Only one is ours—there’s lots of neat cat entertainment stuff in our yard.

Jumpability: The human equivalent of the cat’s ability to leap would be jumping the width of a swimming pool.

Sense of smell: Humans have 5 million odor-sensitive cells in their noses—cats have 200 million. Of course this means they can smell when you don’t clean the litter box every day and will “inappropriately urinate” because of this.

Sleep habits: A healthy mature cat spends about 15% of its life in deep sleep, 50% in light sleep, and 30% in awake time. I’ve noticed that part of this wake time coincides with the human’s sleep time. This annoys the cat. This could be why my cat, Dagney, wakes me up about 2 a.m. every morning by sticking her paw in my mouth. Bleck! Cats attain full alertness faster than any other creature.

Milk Drinking: Most adult cats lack the enzymes necessary to digest milk, so if you must give your cat milk, be sure to give them only a couple teaspoons at a time. Yep—too much milk definitely gives the cat gas and sometimes diarrhea. It’s good to coordinate the milk-giving ceremony with your partner so that the cat does not double-dip.

Dieting: Neutered and spayed cats require fewer calories than intact cats do. A good rule of thumb is ½-3/4 cups per cat per day for lower quality foods and 1/3 cup per cat per day for the higher quality foods such as IAM’s, Max Cat, and Nutranuggets. Putting fat cats on starvation diets can kill them because the liver fat breaks down too fast causing a condition called ketosis.

Skin Disease: I’ve noticed in my naturopathic practice that cat’s with skin disease like fish flavors. Cats with liver and kidney disease like Chicken and Giblet or foods with liver and kidney in them. Cat’s with heart disease like heart-based foods. When the condition is repaired, they stop eating that particular flavor of food.

Hearing: Human beings can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hertz (cycles per second), dogs can hear up to 40,000 Hertz, and cats can hear up to 100,000 Hertz. Cats can even hear electrical currents in cords. Pretty amazing, huh?

Psychic: In China, cats have been used successfully as earthquake predictors for years.

Cats are color blind, but only need 1/6th of the light that humans require to see.

Cat digits: Cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back. A polydactyl cat has more than the normal number of toes. Poly means many and dactyl means fingers (your Latin lesson for the day.) Polydactyl cats are known by various names - "mitten cats," "thumb cats," "six-finger cats" and "Hemingway cats." Hemingway cats were named after Ernest Hemingway who shared his home island with nearly 50 cats, including a 6-toed polydactyl given to him by a ship captain; the cats bred and the polydactyl trait became common. Hemingway's colony of cats was free-breeding with the local cat population and the ratio of polydactyl cats to normal-toes cats was about 50/50. There is a high rate of polydactyl cats in Boston, MA and in Portland, OR. I love polydactyl cats as they seem to be very friendly and tolerant of humans of all ages.

Why spay your cat? A single pair of cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 cats in just seven years.

Cats like to hear whispering.

The cat has 26 facial expressions. The same parts of the human and feline brain correspond to emotion.

Cats show the following signs when stressed: Over-grooming, lack of grooming, self-mutilation, vocalization, aggression, listlessness, loss of appetite, depression. The product Feliway is an excellent product to alleviate stress for cats in new situations or in multi-cat environments where they don’t have enough space to make them feel comfortable.

Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone use to control inappropriate urine marking behavior and to reassure cats in strange surroundings.

Cat Communication: Cats interpret a smile that shows teeth as aggression. This may be one reason why a cat will always go to the person who hates cats (they don’t smile at the cat or make direct eye contact!)

Please feel free to use any or all of the above tips as long as the reference box is noted.

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free monthly newsletter. For other articles on pet alternative medicine, see her site at: http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/Veterinary_Stuff/veterinary_stuff1.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denice_Moffat

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cat facts and trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

2006-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. Cat Lovers and Breeders find more information

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_White

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cats' and kittens' health, behavior, instinct and more at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Cat’s Best Friend

2006-10-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles about pet care please visit Cats and Kittens.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

Romi Matsushita works hard not to frighten her cat. Find Quality Reports, Helpful Articles & Great Advice on Cat Health and Cat Care for Cat Lovers like you and me at:
http://www.cat-advisors-online.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

2006-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United States. It is projected that by the year 2010 there will be far more cats than dogs. Noted for their independence, cats can also be loving and loyal to their owners. They adjust well to indoor living, take great care in grooming themselves, and are easily trained to use a cat box. Cats, when they’re not asleep, are observers. They stare into corners and spend hours sitting in windowsills. They don’t bark, they don’t whine; they purr. Occasionally, they scold.

Cats are also predatory, and some are very good mousers. In a flourishing society of condominiums and high-rise apartment buildings, many landlords ban dogs and accept cats. One building manager puts it like this: “As long as the cat doesn’t wander through the halls and annoy others, I don’t see any problem.”

Cats, more than any other mammal, exhibit similar attributes and actions, no matter if they are wild or tame. Lions, tigers, leopards, wild cats, panthers, and house cats look similar and act very much alike--they are all predatory, nocturnal, fastidious, and defensive, but the domesticated cat is much smaller than its wild relatives. How did the wild cat first become domesticated, and where did it happen?

Origin of Cats
Looking back to the Late Eocene epoch (43.6 to 36.6 million years ago), it has been discovered that the “cat pattern” was already well established in the evolution of modern mammals. The earliest cats were easily recognizable as the ancestors of present-day felines. Other mammals had not yet evolved into a recognizable form. Typical cats (subfamily Felinae) appeared about 10 million years ago and have changed very little since that time.

The Anatomy of the Cat
Why is it that cats are able to curl up on the narrowest ledges, squeeze under the smallest spaces, or disappear at will when they sense an intrusion. The anatomy of the cat gives it great elasticity. It has a flexible spine and uses its tail and inner ear to maintain balance. Because of its inner-ear balance, it almost always lands on its feet when it falls and can jump from and to great heights without injury. For this reason, the cat is said to have nine lives.

The Historical Background of Cats
The history of the cat lends itself to drama, controversy, heroism, and mysticism on a somewhat uneven road from its domestication around 1500 B.C. to the present. From the moment the dog became domesticated, humans accepted it as a loyal and loving servant of man. The cat, however, has not been so blessed. It has been an icon of worship in ancient Egypt, a rat-catching hero during the plague years in Europe, and labeled a familiar for witches in Puritan America.

While dogs have been trained to assist humans as hunters, guides, companions, and enforcers, cats have no obvious purpose other than their presence in one’s life. They’re simply not very trainable. Yet, the art of relaxation has been mastered by the cat, and this attribute is assimilated by its human owners. Nursing homes often have a resident cat who is there only to be petted by the residents.

The Cat in Literature and Art
The cat is not as independent as it appears. It wants to be loved and cared for, and the contradictory interaction between humans and cats has been the subject of many children’s books, novels, poems, and plays over the years. From fairy tales to Wanda Gäg’s classic "Millions of Cats" (1929) to the long-running broadway show “Cats,” based on T. S. Elliot’s "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats" (1939), to "The Marble Cake Cat" (1977) by Marjorie and Carl Allen; from Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat in "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" (1865) to B. Kliban’s contemporary cartoon cats, the cat has long been a fascinating subject for both children and adults.

Breeds of Cats
Many people believe that the Siamese cat originated in Ancient Egypt, but it actually is from the Far East and thought to be a domestication of the Asian wild cat. The 30 to 40 recognized distinctive breeds of cats can be grouped into two general categories: the long-haired Persian and the domestic shorthair. Most cats, however, unless they are show cats, are mixed breed.

Cats Around the World
In America, cats as pets have long been popular. In most families where there are cats as pets, there is only one, possibly two cats. They’re not pack animals and don’t adjust well to living on their own outside the home. Stray cats tend to be loners. In other countries, cats are not as pampered as they are in American homes, and are sometimes a source of food.

Marjorie Allen is a free-lance writer/editor, who has had several award-winning books published. She has taught writing and offers initial editing free. Check her website http://marjorienallen.com. Marjorie and her husband spend winters on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and summers in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marjorie_Allen

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on cats' behavior, instinct and trivia at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

How To Keep Your Cat Happy

2006-10-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Is everyone in your home happy? What about your little feline friend? He seems to be unsatisfied. You notice this and wonder "What can I do to make my cat happy?" Perhaps he's not being treated correctly. You love your cat and you want him to be a happy member of your family. Yet, you're not quite sure exactly what to do for that to be. There are three important things you need to remember in order to make your cat feel right at home.

First of all, make sure your cat has things to do. If you don't want him to scratch up your furniture or your curtains, then keep him occupied by playing with him or giving him toys to play with. Yarn, balls, and things that they can move or chase around are good. Spend a little time with your cat so it doesn't get bored.

Second of all, you don't want to keep your cat waiting too long for food. You will know when it's been too long if he starts trying to work the can opener. On a more serious note, cats are animals and hungry animals aren't very friendly, or happy. Keep it on a regular eating schedule, so it makes it easier for you to develop a routine to keep your cat from starving.

Lastly, listen to your cat's meowing; it may mean he's begging you for something. It may be food, it may be attention. Whatever it is, you can't ignore it. Your cat will most likely otherwise stay quiet and hang on the little box or a comfy pillow. If it starts making noise, it's time to listen up.

Suppose you already do all those things and your cat still isn't happy. Do you keep him indoors at all times? Well, that's one thing you shouldn't do. Cats love to be outside or at least staring out the window. There's no harm in letting your cat get some fresh air, especially if you're keeping an eye on him so he won't run away. As mentioned before, you shouldn't ignore your cat. However, you don't want to crowd up his space either. Sometimes he likes to be left alone.

You can tell if your cat is unhappy when he has an unhappy look on his face. If you look closely at your cat's eyes and you see that the pupils are little slits, that means he's angry. Always remember, your cat deserves your respect. Be sure you give your cat just enough attention for it to be satisfied. Don't keep him in doors 24/7. Take him for a ride every once in a while. No one likes to be unhappy.

Lena Goervida was brought up with a cat called Laila by her granny who worked despite at the age of 67. As he had no childhood friend, her only company was Laila. She developed a natural talent that she could communicate with cats. Visit Lena’s website today at www.cathome.info/how-to-keep-your-kitten-free-from-diseases.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lena_Goervida

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on how to make your cats HAPPY! at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cat Site home

The Easy Guide To Cat Ownership

2006-10-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

While the title of this article may be a non sequitur, cat ownership doesn't have to be difficult. Cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, and can provide years of wonderful companionship. Here is an easy guide to making the most out of your relationship with your cat.

Cats are usually perceived as loners who do not need affection. This is not entirely true. They need affection, they just like to pick the times when they want it. This may mean that your cat decides that 4 AM is the best possible time for them to have their head scratched, but you can usually train them to respect your sleeping schedule. The key to a happy relationship with your cat is to accept their idiosyncrasies and learn to work within them.

Cat nutrition is an area that is receiving more attention in the media. Cats by nature are carnivores and most brands of cat food include much more grain than meat products. This can create health problems for your cat, such as diabetes.

If you are concerned about your cat's health, make sure to read the labels on their food. Try to find cat food that contains more meat than grain, even if you have to moved to canned food.

Although cats can be destructive, especially to your sofa, they can be trained to confine their scratching activities to "good" areas, such as their scratching post.

While many people prefer to declaw their cats, this practice is becoming more reviled in certain circles. When the cat is declawed, they are essentially losing a knuckle of their toe joint, a prospect that is certainly painful. If you decide not to declaw your cat, frequently trim their nails to minimize the damage they can cause.

Spaying and neutering cats is just as important as it is with dogs. Even though your cat may never leave your house, they are still at risk for certain problems that can arise if you do not have them spayed or neutered.

Intact male cats are more likely to "spray" or mark their territory than cats who have been neutered. Owners of female cats can certainly attest to the fact that listening to a yowling cat in heat is not a pleasant event.

One of the main issues with cat ownership is proper hygiene, particularly when it comes to the litter box. Once you have trained your cat to use the litter box, try to reinforce their behavior at least one a week to make sure they continue to use their box.

Some cats will prefer an extremely clean box, while others couldn't care less. However, you could personally be at risk for disease if you don't keep your cat's litter box clean.

Your cat may not appear to need as much love as a dog or other house pet, but don't let their cool facade fool you. They need you more than you know and with some boundaries, love and training, cats can be wonderful and giving companions.

What makes us different?

For starters - high editorial standards, original articles and real reviews.

We write about both online and local cat resources from around the world that you won't find anywhere else: cool double-decker cat strollers, cat artists, healing gemstone cat collars as well as cat behavior and pet loss experts who offer telephone consultations.

In short - honest profiles and reviews of interesting cat resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Charles

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on how to become a feline expert at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Peacefully Introducing a New Cat to Your Home

2006-10-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about getting a new kitten or bringing home a stray cat but don't know how to thwart WW III? Sometimes, cats are similar to people in that they like having their space all for themselves. You may have noticed that they don't appreciate other cats or even the smell of them. There are some techniques to try to ensure the smoothest, safest and most stress-free transition between your old pet and the new one.

The first thing is to make sure your new pet is healthy so you'll need to take him to the vet for a checkup. Here, the vet will check for different diseases, treat for intestinal worms, check and treat ear mites and give shots. Also, the vet may recommend flea medicine. Now that he's gotten the "all clear" from his doctor, he's safe to come to his new home.

Your new cat is going through a lot of stressful changes right now: the car ride, the visit to the vet's office, a new owner, a new home with all different smells, and now...gulp, another cat? Because of these different factors, take it slow and easy with him. Put him in a room by himself when he first gets to his new house. Put a litterbox, food and water, his own toys and bedding with a blanket, towel, or old t-shirt or yours. Put some catnip or treats on the blanket to interest him. Let him explore and get comfortable by himself.

After a day or two, take the kitty's blanket (give him another item with your scent) and put it where the other cat can smell it. Look for reactions from him like growling and loud sniffing. Signs that you'll need to take more time before introducing the two include hissing or biting the blanket.

After a few days when your old cat has gotten his scent on the blanket, give it back to the new cat. Again, look for warning signs from him. Wait a couple of days then spread the blanket under the door. This allows both cats to safely get near each other and smell their scents together. They may paw under the door. Put snacks, food, or sprinkle catnip on the blanket on both sides.

If all goes well, allow them to meet but be prepared to throw a towel on them if they start fighting. Given the amount of time they've previously had getting used to each other's scents, there shouldn't be any major conflicts.

Remember to keep giving plenty of attention to your old cat; he's been going through some stressful changes, too! Be patient and loving. This is an exciting time for all of you with years of friendship and fun ahead.

Tina Seay is the author and webmaster of http://www.ForTheCatLover.com; a website that is devoted to cats and the people who love them, there are cat articles, cute cat pictures, funny cat pictures and lots of great gift ideas for the cat lovers on your list.

She is also the webmaster of http://www.LearnSomethingtoday.com a website devoted to improving quality of life with health articles, exercise tips, gardening advice and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Seay
EzineArticles.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your new cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Natural Health for Animals: Nutrition for Dogs, Cats and Birds

2006-10-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Pets today suffer from allergies, skin problems, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, liver and kidney failure, and other serious illnesses. These conditions have been exacerbated by the tainted foods we feed our pets, and the lack of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients in their diets. Commercial grade pet foods may contain harmful additives and processed grains, instead of high quality proteins. These foods weaken the immune system, providing the environment for disease to gain a foothold.

Improving your pet's health is relatively simple. It is a matter of feeding your pets natural, whole foods, and ensuring a proper balance of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients is achieved. I recommend the following basic diets for dogs and cats, try them and watch your best friend grow healthier and happier before your very eyes!

All animals
If you have the means to feed your pets organic foods and filtered water, please do so! Organic vegetables can be grown cheaply and with little effort in your own garden.

The easiest way to prepare vegetables is to use the pulp left over from juicing. I like my carrot, apple, beetroot and celery juice in the mornings, and there are plenty of nutrients left in the pulp to keep the dog and the birds healthy as well! If you don't drink juices (you should, they're great for you!), you'll need to use a food processor, as they should be chopped up quite finely.

For meat-eating pets, try to get wild game meats, as they are generally leaner and free of all the hormones and antibiotics that are present in commercially grown meats. Also keep in mind that diced meat is better than minced. Here in Australia, many pet shops sell frozen diced kangaroo meat in 1kg packs (and 15kg boxes) at very reasonable prices.

Always add a good colloidal or crystalloid vitamin and mineral supplement and some high-grade Omega 3 and 6 oils.

Aged garlic extract, various herbs, enzymes, spirulina, bee pollen and kelp can also be added either on a regular basis or as needed, to ensure the highest level of well-being for your pet.

Dogs
Mix 1/3 raw vegetables (any except onions, which can be toxic to dogs), 1/3 cooked grains (white rice or pasta are acceptable, but whole grains or brown rice are preferable), and 1/3 raw meat. Add a splash of oil and serve - it's that simple!

* Note that measurements are given as proportions rather than amounts, as serving sizes will vary considerably depending on the size of your dog.

Raw bones are also recommended once a day, especially marrowbone or kangaroo tails.

Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are almost exclusively carnivorous, and will do well on a meat-only diet. Give your cat raw meat, fish (whitebait is the perfect size for cats, and very inexpensive), or organic chicken. Feed in small portions twice a day, and remember to remove uneaten food before it spoils.

When allowed to go outside, cats will normally supplement this diet with herbs and grasses, which, apart from self-medicating, also supply nutrients that are not present in meat, such as chlorophyll. Therefore, it is especially important to supplement the diet of indoor cats who are not permitted to go outside with a good vitamin-mineral supplement.

Birds
Birds should always have a good mix of different grains and seeds as well as fresh water available. I also recommend giving birds some raw fruit and vegetables daily. It's nice if you can give them some access to fresh grasses as well.

Some birds, especially parrots, will happily eat a whole apple or another fruit if you just cut it in half. Others need the fruit and veg to be chopped or pureed on the food processor. Be guided by what your birds like, but please, stick to foods that are naturally eaten by your species of bird!

Never give your chickens "layer pellets" as they are made with fish and meat meal - that is, ground up fish, cow and chicken bones - about as far from a natural diet as a chicken can get! Chickens' diet should consist mainly of wheat, other grains and
seeds, fruit and vegetables, grasses, any insects and worms they can capture. Look for "wild bird seed" in your supermarket - it's great to mix in with their wheat and they love it! If you are able to let them out, even if for only a few hours a day, then do so! They will always return to their "coop" by sundown.

Free advice Whether your pet is healthy or has a health problem, try the natural diet recommended above first. Most animals will get better within a few weeks and will not need further treatment. If problems persist, you can send me your questions and I will email you back (I try to respond to all emails) and also publish your question and my answer in the next article. Questions, comments and pet status updates can be submitted through www.9livespetclinic.com or emailed directly to anna@9livespetclinic.com.

About the author:
Anna Fox is a natural therapist who uses nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, bioresonance, and a number of other natural therapies to help pets (and their human companions!) get over their illness and stay healthy for life. More information about Anna and natural pet health is available on the website at www.9livespetclinic.com or by emailing anna@9livespetclinic.com.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. She recommends improving your cats' health with a complete line of psychologist recommended Natural Remedies for cats at: http://www.cat-advisors-online.com

How to choose the right Cat Food!

2006-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don't pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food.

The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.

But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.

First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!

Cats need a high protein diet. Wild cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, while not wild, still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline ancestors. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cats diet, though not as important as protein. Cats really should derive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them.

Interestingly enough, many of the premium brands of cat food, such as Eukanuba and Innova offer exactly what most cats need, and aren't necessarily more expensive in the long run. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.

When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, they cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a nickel a day. Furthermore, because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.

Another aspect of cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between "chicken flavored", and "chicken dinner" is.

Food that contains "chicken meal" can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has "meat byproducts" can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than "chicken meal". Food that is "chicken flavored" only has to taste like chicken, but may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.

And it goes without saying, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected by artificial colors and preservatives in their cat food.

With the vast selection of cat food on the market, it is easy to be intimidated and just pull the cheapest variety off of the shelf. Just remember what's good for your cat and read the labels. Always remember, a little research can go a long way when it come to the health and well being of your cat.

About the author:
Greg Podsakoff is one of the owners of Hercules the cat and an editor at http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your cats' and kittens' diet at: http://www.cat-advisors-online.com

Buying A Cat

2006-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Who can resist a sweet little kitten? You want a cat, but do you know the best way to get one? When it comes to buying a cat, several options are available. You can buy a cat from a pet store, a breeder, from someone you know, or from a shelter or rescue organization. You can even find a cat from an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper.

However, no matter where you get your cat, you should keep a few points in mind. These are:

1. Only buy a cat from some you know you can trust. This is very important. You should buy a cat from a person who you know treats pets well, and who will not lie to you. Often, people sell cats that are less than 6-8 weeks old, knowing full well that cats should not be separated from their mothers at such a young age.

2. The cat you buy should be a healthy, affable, and well-treated creature. You will end up paying hefty bills to your vet if you buy a sick cat. Whenever you visit a seller, check out where the cats are kept. Don't buy cats from a place which keeps cats in an unhealthy or unhygienic environment.

3. Ask for pedigrees, registration certificates, and records of vaccinations and de-worming. Check to see if the cat or kitten is alert and well fed, and find out if its parents are at the same place. Seeing your potential pet's parents will give you a clue as to its personality and pedigree.

4. Keep your eyes open for signs of an unhealthy cat. Cats who are sneezing, have a cold, or are suffering from diarrhea are not a good choice -- even if the condition is only temporary. Do not take chances, request permission to take the cat to a vet before taking it home. This will give you a better idea of the cat's real health.

5. Be alert for fidgety or suspicious answers. Sellers who are honest will not have any hesitation in answering your questions. On the other hand, sellers who have something to hide will be very reluctant to share information.

When buying a cat from a rescue organization or animal shelter, check their policies. It is possible that you may need to return the pet after a few days for some unforeseen reason. Shelters or organizations that won't take a cat back should be avoided. No matter where you choose to get your new pet, make sure to base your decision on sound reasoning, and not just the emotional appeal of a furry face.

About the author:
Dorothy Brown writes for several web sites, on home tips and family topics.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your new cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Some Tips To Help In Training Your Cat

2006-10-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

There are a number of cat behaviors that may indicate your cat has a problem that could require a trip to the veterinarian, or they may just mean the cat needs some training.

A kitten that grinds its teeth could have an improper bite, while an older cat that has started teeth-grinding behavior would likely need to go to the vet to be examined for a medical problem in its mouth, teeth, or gums. It may also help to change the cat's diet, since older cats often have problems chewing dry food. You can switch to a softer or wet type of cat food. Whenever you change your cat's diet by adding wet food, be careful and do it in small steps. Begin by mixing small amounts of the new food with the usual food. Leave the dry food for the rest of the meal, and let the cat eat the mixed food you prepared first. Repeat this procedure until the cat has changed over to the new food. Be sure to take the cat to the vet if you suspect an underlying health problem.

If your cat is rubbing its hind end along the floor, it may not have worms. You should examine its diet and physiology. If the cat is eating its own hair, for example, it will pass through the digestive tract and become uncomfortable to pass. If there is long hair hanging out its bottom, the cat will scoot long the floor to remove it. If the cat does really have worms, you should take it to the vet for a de-worming and an examination. It's important to keep any cat well-groomed, but this is essential for long-haired cats. Grooming will help with the "floor-scooting" problem.

Cats that are too clingy and want attention all the time can be very annoying. You can train your cat to stop this behavior, however. Whenever its behavior annoys you, put it in a room by itself. When it meows, spend a short time with the cat, playing. When the cat no longer cries out at being left alone in the room, reward it with a treat to let it know that this is appropriate behavior.

If you get a new kitten, you must name it, of course. You should train your cat to come when its name is called. Use a simple name, and teach the cat to come when called by using a clicker. It makes a sound that gets the cat's attention. Clickers can be found in pet stores and on the Internet. To teach the cat to respond to its name, put the cat on your lap and say its name, then click the clicker. The cat will respond to the click. Keep repeating this, and give the cat a treat whenever it responds. Bite-sized liver treats are good for this training. Once the cat realizes that the name, the click, and the treat are related, the next step is to reward the cat when it responds to its name without the click. Soon the cat will associate the treat with its name, and come when you call.

Whatever problem you may have with your cat, it can usually be resolved with time, caring, and patience. Be sure to hug your cat often. This ensures that both of you enjoy the relationship.

About the author:
Discover more articles about pets and animals by visiting http://www.petsize.com

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles, and advice at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Adopting A Cat

2006-10-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be.

Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will have to take care of a cat until its death, which could be in 15 to 20 years. In addition, you should be ready to spend a large amount of your time feeding the cat, grooming it, and playing with it on a daily basis.

Keep the following points in mind before deciding to adopt a cat:

1. Prior to bringing a cat home, it is essential to know if any member of your household is allergic to cats. Having to get rid of your new pet would be cruel.

2. Cats are social animals and need regular attention and care. They must not be left alone for extended periods, nor be handled roughly, as this will make them aggressive and nervous.

3. Cat care can take a financial toll. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of your cat's food, toys, medication, and so on.

4. Decide whether you want to adopt a kitten or an adult cat. The only advantage of getting a kitten is that kittens are cute. On the other hand, an adult cat has a well defined personality. Moreover, adult cats are more likely to be litter-box trained and less likely to scratch every bit of furniture in your house.

5. Children and cats can prove to be a bad combination, especially if the child is very young. He or she may mistreat the cat (knowingly or unknowingly) and get a nasty bite in return.

6. A cat requires proper care and medical treatment. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, and prescription medication for any health problems that could occur.

7. It does not really matter whether you get a female cat or male cat; both genders are equally affable. However, always have your cat spayed or neutered. This helps avoid the unhealthy effects of the mating season in female cats and curb aggression in males.

8. Cat adoption is the most humane way to get a cat, due to the large number of homeless felines. However, it helps to remember that sometimes cats from the animal shelter can be prone to stress. Moving a cat to a home environment allows it to relax and show its true personality. Cats are creatures of habit -- they don't like change. It may take them a month or more to adjust to your home.

Keeping these points in mind when choosing to adopt a cat can help you find the feline that is right for you. It's a big decision, don't leave it to chance!

About the author:
Christopher Thomas contributes to several web sites, on home and family topics.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your new cats and kittens at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Crazy World of Cat Blogging

2006-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Does your cat need a blog? Does s/he need a creative outlet? A blog could be the perfect place to further bond with your favorite pet.

Cat blogging might sound strange but there's a large feline community online who blog. I have two cats who blog. Like many online cat bloggers, I find that it's a great use of creativity.

I originally started blogging about my kitten Gemini to keep myself writing. I wanted the daily exercise of writing to practice my grammar and spelling to write regular articles for my websites. I wasn't getting a large number of readers but I discovered others who were writing from the viewpoint of their cat. They had huge numbers of readers.

So I changed. I began writing from Gemini's viewpoint. I left the blog on my website, My Siamese, as a blog about cats, rather than by cats. However, it didn't get many comments. The one written from my cat's view was getting three or four comments a day.

Most of the cat bloggers find that writing from their cat's viewpoint a great way to stretch their creativity. I think writing from the cat's viewpoint allows us to write about a subject that we love, our cat. It creates an immediate character. The events that happen can be just a diary about the daily events, told from a different viewpoint. The events could also be as wild as the writer's imagination.

We have cats who are on their own amazing race. The race is set up where other cat bloggers send a postcard to this cat and then he goes to your city for an adventure. Another cat is a diva. She regularly chats with the stars of the day and comments on the foibles of the rich and famous. Other cats talk about more mundane lives. My own Siamese is planning a presidential run in 2008. We'll see how far she gets in blog-land.

At any rate, cat lovers seem to enjoy blogging from their cat's viewpoint. Even the diaries on Catster.com are more generally written from the cats view. I'm not sure the percentage of cats on Catster who have diaries, but since I've been a member, the listing of cats increases by one to two hundred cats a day. That's a lot of people who love their cats.

Should your cat blog? I don't know. Do you need a creative outlet? Do you want to meet like-minded people? It might be a way to get out there and expand your horizons. Of course, be aware that your human friends might decide you need to get out more.

About the author:
Bonnie Koenig is a healthcare provider as well as a cat lover. She has three cats at home, two of whom blog. Her website, http://www.mysiamese.com is devoted to everything Siamese.

This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected cat care tips, articles and advice on your little feline friend at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Go Back to Cat Blog home

Go Back to All about Cat Site home

Make Your Cat Smile With Love and Medicine

2006-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Curbing Your Cat’s Nasty Natural Enthusiasms

2006-09-09T07:38:00.001-07:00

If your cat’s bad behavior is driving you crazy, here are the best solutions to the most common problems you may be facing.

1. Eliminating Outside the litter box.
Is it your fault or the cat’s fault? Many cats won’t use the litter box if it is too dirty. They just don’t like it. If you think this may be the problem, change the litter box twice as often as you currently do. When your cat goes outside the box, make like a speed demon to clean all the places the cat goes. Spray the areas down with Lysol or something similar with a nice strong smell that will obliterate the blessed odor of you know what. Read more ...

2. Spraying
Male animals of many different species do this to mark their territory, and cats are no exception. Read more ...

3. Clawing people
This is another example of something cats tend to do when they feel afraid or threatened. But again, is it the cat’s fault, or the people around him? If you have a cat that is generally afraid of children, you should do something about it. Read more ...

4. Caterwauling
What is that sound? Who hasn’t wondered or thought that some disaster has occurred after hearing their cat making ululating noises in the middle of the night. Siamese cats actually do this by nature, so you may not be able to get them to stop, but other cats do it because ..... Read more ...

5. Running Outside
Curiousity killed the cat. The cliché exists because it’s so true. Indoor cats get very curious about the outside, what’s BEYOND THE DOOR.....Read more ...

Your cat can be by turns lovable and frustrating. Like children, pets often behave in ways that perplex us. By being aware of what makes your cat do the things that it does, you can learn how to curb its’ enthusiasm for undesirable habits, as well as to accept those you cannot change.

Romi Matsushita curbs her cat's natural nasty enthusiasms daily. Find great cat care tips, articles, and advice on on cat behavior at:
CatAdvisorsOnline.com

Who else wants to avoid these cat claw catastrophies?

2006-07-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Don’t get caught holding the bag when your cat decides to claw houseguests and unsuspecting members of your family.

Even after you have gotten your cat used to using her own personal scratching post to sharpen her claws on a regular basis, there are still times when your pet may suddenly lash out to claw people.

But before you rush to judgement and perhaps punishment, ask yourself to consider the motivation behind such acting out behavior. Cats, like most animals, will lash out when they are afraid. So when your cat suddenly claws people, before you play the blame game with your pet, try to consider both sides of the equation. Is it your cat’s fault, or the people around her who have provoked her or made her frightened?

I was prime witness to just such a situation when the family who gave me my cat Abby dropped by for a spontaneous, unannounced visit. Read more ...

Romi Matsushita works hard not to frighten her cat. Find Quality Reports, Helpful Articles & Great Advice on Cat Health and Cat Care for Cat Lovers like you and me at:
http://www.cat-advisors-online.com

Cat Claw Survival Solutions To The Rescue!

2006-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Cats can be ill tempered and mean on their worst days, but even the most annoying problems have a remedy somewhere. If your cat is clawing your furniture, your carpet, and your legs with the same ferocity, understanding the how and why behind the behavior can help you redirect your feline friend’s clawing instinct to be expressed in less destructive ways.

So why IS your cat clawing everything in sight?

Here’s the jawdropper: a cat’s claws never stop growing. Let me repeat that: They NEVER stop growing. When I found that out, a big light went off in my head. Just like a pet hamster that constantly needs to knaw on wood to keep their teeth from growing too long, what cats are actually doing when they sharpen their claws is removing the outermost layer of their claws. O.K. Kitty Cat, we finally get it!

So what to do? What to do?

The first thought bubble that forms is to scoop kitty up for a little declawing action at the nearest vet’s office. But before you take such a drastic step, keep in mind that once those claws are gone, they’re GONE. Take away those claws, and you’re taking away your pet’s primary form of defense. Even if you have an indoor cat like I do, chances are, sooner or later, a window of opportunity is going to open up just long enough for your cat to slip outside and be vulnerable to attacks from other animals and people.

O.K. So now you know why your cat is actually using you as a scratching post. Let’s move away from the word “using”. In a way, it’s kind of flattering. That doesn’t make it hurt any less. Let’s get your cat to branch out. It’s time to get a REAL scratching post, so that your pet can get into the habit of using it instead of YOU, whenever those claw sharpening impulses may strike.

So how do we get kitty to break her bad habits and start to use the proper place where she can scratch to her heart’s content?

The answer lies in you.

That is of course, IF you are your cat’s favorite person in the family.
If so, then try hanging an article of clothing that belongs to you on your virgin scratching post. The idea is to make the area smell familiar. A day or two should be enough for your cat to become accustomed to its’new scratching outlet.

Don’t want to part with something from your wardrobe? Time to get a little sneakier then. Catnip can be your secret weapon. Sprinkle catnip over the scratching post and watch what happens. This one may be even worth breaking out the video camera for.

This next option sounds a little weird, but believe me, it WORKS!
Try sprinkling the post area with powdered chicken bouillon. The idea is to get the cat to feel friendly enough toward the scratching post to attack it.

While your cat is making the transition to a designated area for scratching, there are several ways to make your cat’s favorite scratching areas a lot less attractive. This will help ease the transition from the old spots to the new.

Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over them. Cover or wrap the areas in aluminum foil. Remember what it felt like when your fingernails went down the chalkboard? Ever try it again? Cats will experience the same thing and be deterred from using the areas. Finally, clean the areas well to eradicate any cat odor. This will go a long way toward removing the aura of familiarity that creates the habit of using the space. Also, just keep the doors closed to make those places inaccessible to the cat.

Now that you know more about the how and why of your cat’s clawing instinct and behavior, take these simple steps and you’ll soon see a resolution to the cat clawing issues in your household. With a little time and patience, your cat’s claw sharpening activities should be limited to its’favorite spot: the scratching post!

Romi Matsushita is a Cat Claw Survivor who has the scars to prove it. Learn more reasons your cat’s claws come out at:
http://www.cat-advisors-online.com

Are These Five Killers Chasing Your Cat ?

2006-05-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms.

Fleas

Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.

Fleas also could transmit other infectious agents. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.

You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy or you see bites on human members of the household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks.

To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Hairballs

When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors.

The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.

Overactive thyroid

Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amount of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looked ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision.

Diabetes

Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.

The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit.

If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals.

Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water.

Romi Matsushita craves constant close contact with her calico cat. Find great tips, articles, and cat care advice at:
http://www.cat-advisors-online.com