JoannaFoss-family-pets

My lazy cat...

2010-07-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

Sneezing Cats - What Does This Mean?

2010-07-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

A sneezing cat is not unusual. Just like humans, they can get something stuck up in their noses or their membranes can become inflamed or irritated and sneezing is the quickest and most efficient way to clear it. Some breeds just sneeze more often than others. No one really knows why, but breeds with short nasal passages and flat faces, such as Persians, end up sneezing more than other breeds of cats.

In many cases, an allergen is the culprit. Approximately 15% of all cats have some form of allergy. Most likely, these are due to:

Insects - Fleas are the most, as the flea's mouth saliva can trigger an allergy. Even when the fleas are killed, itching can continue for some time.

Airborne Allergens - The same allergens that give us hay fever can cause allergies in cats too, including pollen, grass and mold.

Food & Drugs - Cats can be allergic to certain foods and medications, including some vaccinations.

If your cat is sneezing because of an allergy, you may notice other symptoms as well, including your cat constantly licking his paws, rubbing his face or coughing. These aren't always present, but may be. Your cat may also get hives that appear roughly half an hour after exposure to an allergen. The hives can appear anywhere on your cat and go away after a day. The cause of hives can include insect bites, new foods, a drug or vaccination or insecticides used to treat your lawn.

If you suspect the sneezing is caused by an allergy, try to determine the cause first. If you've changed something in the home - the cat's litter or food, used an insecticide around the house, etc., - eliminate them and see if your cat feels better. If it's the food, your vet may recommend a little Milk of Magnesia to clear the tummy out more quickly. Benadryl and cortisone treatments can also be employed. A veterinarian needs to administer these. Don't try to do it yourself.

If your cat is suspected of having an infection, isolate him from any other animals as the infection can be contagious. You'll probably also want to keep the kids away as well, as some bacteria and even viruses can be spread through contact to humans.

An abscess in the upper jaw can also cause sneezing. It can spread into the nasal passages, causing them to swell and close.

Another cause can be dust and mites. When stirred up in the litter box, these can be inhaled by your cat or get into the fur. Keeping the litter box clean is the best way to solve this problem and don't use the litter in the bottom of the bag - it's usually mostly dust. Cat like a clean box and this may even eliminate some behavioral problems as well, such as spraying or going to the bathroom elsewhere in the home.

Finally, you'll want to check your cat's nose to see is something is lodged up in it. This is particularly true if your cat is sneezing constantly. They may be trying to expel the object. If you're unable to get the object out or if it appears to be too far up the nostril, you'll want to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, especially if it is stressing your cat out or they are having trouble breathing.

As usual, keeping track of your cat's personality and knowing his behavior is a good way to tell if something is wrong. If your cat sneezes occasionally it's not a big deal. But if he suddenly starts sneezing when they never did or the sneezing just gets worse, it could be a symptom and not just a sneeze.

Caring for Cats can prolong their life, make them more comfortable and save us unnecessary medical costs. Learn all the symptoms and treatments.

http://www.cat-health-care-guide.com/

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

Cat Behaviour - Biting

2010-07-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

By Richard_Shelmerdine

If you are experiencing cat behaviour such as biting then I think I can help you out. I have a couple of cats and at the start they would nip and bite at me. They were not even young either so it could not have been that. I had to find another solution to this cat behaviour. Biting is a common strange cat behaviour. Here is what I did to diagnose cat behaviour such as biting and stop it in its tracks.

I wondered - I wondered to myself why had my cat all of a sudden started displaying this weird behaviour and started to bite? I realised that the home had become a lot more stressful recently from the cats point of view. Things had been moved around the house and they felt uncomfortable in their new environment. They had also started getting stressed because my little brother and sister would come around and scare them all the time.

What to do? - What I would do is decide to train the cats out of this behaviour by a mixture of techniques that would stop them biting. First thing I did was use pain against them. If they ever bit me I would punish them by not giving them a treat and squirting them with water. This does not harm a cat obviously but it makes them think "I will not be biting him again". Cats hate getting wet!

On the other side of the coin I also gave them pleasure if they did not bite me. For example if they did not bite me when I gave them by hand I would give them a treat. You have to use both pain and pleasure to teach your animals great habits that will serve you for your life. Do not be nasty obviously but you have to be strict and set down the rules in your house.

I find it saves you so much time in the long term if you simple take a couple of weeks to train your cats to stop biting your hand. It is a really worthy investment.

Another thing that I found is that sometimes cats display weird behaviour like biting simply because they are bored. Giving them something new like a toy. or a scratching post can work wonders. Maybe even sit them down on your knee and stroke them. This can create a bond between you and they will probably not dare bite you again.

I'm willing to bet that you're looking online for information about how to stop biting cat behaviour. I feel for you because there is a lot of conflicting information out there and it's hard to separate the good stuff from the bad. If you're ready to stop those noist cats fighting once and for all click here for - Biting Cat Behaviour

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No more bad cats... Click Here!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can Cats Find Their Way Home?

2010-07-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

By Jeff_T._Brantley

Cat owners often find it necessary to allow their pets to explore the outdoors, rather than keeping them contained in the home. The cat is often let out in the morning before the owner goes to work and is waiting at the door step when the owner arrives home. The humans often wonder how cats can find their way home when there is so much to see in the world.

Though it seems it would be easy for the feline to get distracted by all the outdoor creatures and locations to investigate, the cat has its priorities in line. Wild cats in early times were forced to travel great distances for a meal but needed to find their way back home in order to avoid becoming prey. In addition, the animal could plot new routes from one point to the other once it developed a familiarity of the terrain.

The cat has the ability to make mental maps, observe the terrain, and use its senses of smell and hearing. Some even believe that these animals make use of the position of the sun and magnetic fields in order to find their way. This has been studied but has yet to be proven and the ability for a cat to find its way home from hundreds of miles away is very unlikely.

Inside cats that are accidentally let out of the home will frequently follow the same path and end up in the same spot each time. If they escape on a regular basis, they may become braver and venture further into the outdoors. In most cases, they will be scared and will not want anyone to pick them up or touch them.

If the cat goes missing, check the area within and surrounding the home and then walk through the neighborhood. The cat may be hiding in a bush or shrub in the neighbor's yard and if it is scared, it may emit a high howling sound. Look under parked cars and if the cat is still not found, wait overnight to see if it comes home on its own. If the cat is still missing, place posters on telephone poles throughout the neighborhood.

Cat owners often wonder how their cats can find their way home if the animals have never been outdoors before. The cat makes use of its senses and instincts in order to make a path and then retrace its steps. Before long, the kitty will be safely snuggled in the lap of its owner after having a nice meal of cat food.

It is also important to ensure your cat is well taken care of. For more information on one product that can help, the CatGenie 120 Sanisolution, click on the following link: Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_T._Brantley

Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

2010-07-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

By Scott_Yoder

Dogs and cats are sensitive animals that remember and react to past experiences. Putting on your coat or the sound of keys are stimulus that tell your pet you're leaving.

Separation anxiety disorder occurs when dogs and cats that are left alone exhibit severe distress and destructive behavior.

This condition is diagnosed as part of a panic response, but it's not entirely understood why it occurs only in some pets. Also, it is a mistake to believe this behavior is "punishment" from your pet for being left alone, and this belief can give you the wrong indications about how to deal with the problem.

Most dogs eventually learn calming cues and how to distract themselves without tearing up furniture or forgetting their house-training. Time and calm guidance are the keys to getting your pet to this stage.

Additionally, herbal supplements can help lessen feelings of anxiety and naturally calm dogs and cats that have problems with separation anxiety.

How do I known my dog or cat has separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a result of you leaving, and problem behavior usually beings right after you head out the door. Common behavior in dogs and cats that are signs of this disorder include:

• A habit of always following you at home

• Overly energetic greeting behavior

• Inability to cope with being alone even for short periods of time

• Anxiety and frantic behavior as you prepare to leave

Dogs and cats that are left alone for the first time may display these behaviors. It can also be triggered by a change in routine such as the loss of someone familiar or a recent trip.

What are the remedies for separation anxiety in pets?

Most pets begin to get over separation anxiety when they learn that even though you leave, you will also return. According to the U.S. Humane Society, the following actions do not help with separation anxiety in dogs and cats:

• Punishment

• Obedience training

• Crating

• Leaving on the TV or radio

• Getting another dog

The best thing you can do is establish predictable routines and teach your pet cues that help them understand that when you leave you are not disappearing. Consider:

• Setting-up a designated room your dog or cat feels comfortable being left alone in

• Using chew toys or other items your pet can play with alone

• Using a command or cue that communicates to your pet that you'll "be right back"

• Leaving dirty laundry so your scent will be a reminder and comfort

• Exercising your dog before leaving

Separation Anxiety Treatment and Medication for Pets

Prescription medications are available to help with separation anxiety, but avoid anything that sedates your dog or cat.

Herbal supplements are a holistic approach that helps lessen anxiety and tension to help dogs and cats cope with being left alone.

These remedies use natural, calming agents such as chamomile, passion flower, or ginger, and also contain vitamin and mineral supplements. The calming effect of natural supplements is useful in establishing a routine in which the compulsion to behave in a frantic manner is gradually decreased.

Holistic Pet Info Holistic Pet Info provides information and products on holistic care for dogs and cats. Visit us to learn how to manage your pet's health with natural pet products like nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal and homeopathic remedies. See our natural calming remedies for Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

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

Shock in Cats

2010-06-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

By Frank_Will

Shock in cats is not only one of most horrifying situations you will ever face as an owner, it is also a life threatening situation. Any situation or condition that affects your cat's heart, their blood vessels, or their blood volume can cause this potential killer in your cat. It can affect perfectly healthy cats, weak cats, and cats of any age as it does not discriminate.

The actual causes of shock include blood loss, dehydration, heat stroke, blood infections, as well as some types of poisoning. There are also several types of shock, but by far and away there are two forms that affect the vast majority of cats. Both will have different types of symptoms and if do suspect that your cat has gone into shock, every minute that passes places them in greater danger.

The two most common type of shock in cats include Anaphylactic and Septic shock.

What is shock?

Shock in cats is technically defined as a lack of blood flow to your cats organs and tissues. When this occurs, it deprives both oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and as a result allows waste products to build up in your cats body. Once this occurs, it can cause serious damage to your cat and if it is not treated, it can rapidly take their life. Each type of shock will have a different set of symptoms, but there are signs that will be common with either type.

The major warning signs that you can watch for that your cat is going into shock include a very sudden paling or muddy appearance in their gums, as well as a rapid change in their heat rate. This change may be a very sudden weakening or just the opposite; a very rapid heart rate. If your cat suddenly starts breathing at over forty breaths a minute, they are going into shock.

However, there is one other very common sign; your cat cats temperature will suddenly drop. When your cat starts to go into shock, their rectal temperature will drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit but taking their temperature is probably the last thing you will think of in this emergency situation. However, if you can, it will confirm it; it you can not, quickly feel both their legs as well as their skin in several places. It shock is occurring; they will feel very cool which as any owner knows is extremely uncommon in cats.

Anaphylactic Shock:

The first common cause of shock in cats is referred to as Anaphylactic shock and is a very serious and generalized state that is usually caused by an exaggerated allergic reaction to something. It is most often caused by a foreign protein that could include a drug, insect saliva, or something else that is toxic. It is also referred to as anaphylaxis, and is characterized by a very sudden drop in your cats blood pressure.

It can also cause a very sudden development of hives which than causes a sudden difficulty in breathing. When this occurs in humans, we associate it with bee stings or fire ants. Anaphylactic shock starts within minutes of this exposure, and the symptoms will progress very rapidly in your cat. Your cats immune system will immediately release regulating compounds that will cause their blood vessels to swell which sets off a chain reaction so to speak.

This reaction causes your cats blood pressure to drop which than starts damaging other tissues as well as organs in your cat. Once this occurs, your cat will become very excited and restless as they are developing a severe itching on or around their face and head, and will experience severe facial swelling. They will as a result of this become very weak, start to gag and cough, and their heart rate will sky rocket. Their gums will also begin to turn pale; they may also vomit as well as suddenly start to salivate excessively.

However, the symptoms may become so bad that they can not walk and will collapse. If they go into a seizure it may be too late to save them.

This form of shock in cats has so many potential causes that you may never find the exact cause unless it happens again. However, one of the most common causes is a recent vaccination that your cat may have had. Most of the reactions to vaccinations are quite mild, but if your cat is allergic, it can cause shock. Prescription medications as well topical flea and tick treatments can also be the cause of anaphylactic shock, but it does not end there.

Bee stings, spider bites, local or general anesthetics, and drugs made from animal products may also be the cause. It may also be mold, pollen, or even a new type of food you have given your cat. The only way to prevent this type of shock from re-occurring is to find the actual cause and than eliminate it.

Septic Shock:

This form of shock in cats, also known as sepsis, is a very serious physical condition that is associated with a generalized bacterial infection. It most always develops as a complication of some type that will over-power your cats immune system. It causes your pets blood to flow very slowly which than causes low blood pressure. This form of shock is more common in young cats that have not developed a strong immune system, or older cats that may have a compromised immune system.

Septic shock has two sets of symptoms; early and late. The early symptoms will be a very sudden rapid heart rate that generally will produce bounding pulses. It also may cause reddened moist tissues in your cats body as well as a severe fever. The late symptoms than start to set in and they can include a very weak pulse, pale gums, as well as your cat turning very cool as the result of a lack of proper blood circulation.

It will also lead to a difficulty in breathing, fluid build up in your cats tissues, as well as small pinpoint areas of bleeding in their skin and moist tissues. If it is severe enough, it may also cause gastrointestinal bleeding and extreme weakness. The cause of septic shock is usually from bacterial infections in the lining of your cats abdomen or their heart. Urinary tract infections, a previous surgery, pneumonia, or bite wounds may also be the cause.

Summary:

Shock in cats can and does occur very rapidly and understanding the type and symptoms may ultimately save your cats life. If you think you cat has gone into shock, seek immediate medical attention. But there are also some things you can do to help. Quickly check your cats gums; if they are white, they are in shock, if they are pink, they are not. Place your cats head sideways, and try to pull their tongue if possible to clear their airway.

Elevate their hind legs and try to stop any bleeding if possible until you cat get some help to take your cat into emergency. But perhaps the most important thing you can do is to wrap your cat with a blanket or towel to reserve their body temperature. Every minute is critical in saving your cats life at this point.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets

http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

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

Cats Health Concerns of Ear Mites

2010-06-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

By Chris_Weber

Cat health concerns of ear mites are extremely common in felines. If you notice your cat has red itchy ears, you know it could most likely be one thing. Ear mites are a parasite that live inside the ear and cause a lot of discomfort for felines. It is almost like fleas, but inside the ear.

It is mostly common in outdoor cats. Ear mites are very contagious and can be spread to other felines and even other animals, but not humans. Your cats health concerns are vital, so it is important to know the signs and how it can be treated. If your cat shakes their head a lot, itches their ears, or you notice the inside of their ear looks red, swollen, or dirty-your cat maybe suffering from the mites.

They are easy to catch so they are easy to treat. You probably would not want to wait on this treatment, it can be very inexpensive, but at the same time if not treated, it could get a lot worse. You can either take your feline to the vet, or buy an at home treatment at your local store.

It is important to keep the cat restrained in maybe a towel because this can be painful on their sore ears. You want to take a long q-tip and swab the inside of their ear with the ear mite treatment. You will want to dig in the ear pretty good to swab out all the parasites, but not too far. This usually takes about 2-3 treatments every couple of weeks or so and pretty soon your cat will thank you!

Author Chris had a hands on touch with this whole topic of cats health concerns of ear mites. His kitten got ear mites and it became somewhat of a scary thing. He now enjoys doing research on cat health, just to keep somewhat on top of subjects that commonly come up with owning a feline.

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

Cats That Eat Too Much Or Too Little

2010-06-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

By Nathan_Kidwell

Much like with humans, cats that eat too much often end up being over weight, often to the point of obesity. Then on the other hand, you have finicky cats that will literally starve themselves to death if you do not find a food that they like. While this may seem rather crazy, believe it or not, it is true.

Did you know that obesity is by far the top nutrition based problem for cats? I guess this is no big shock considering how many fat kitties you see running around nowadays. In fact nearly 5 out of 10 cats are over weight according to the latest statistics.

Cats that are over weight are prone to many different problems, such as joint and ligament problems, tendon problems, breathing problems, and even diabetes as well. Also, cats that are extremely over weight, or obese, even have trouble when it comes to properly grooming themselves. This can eventually lead to skin problems over the course of time, if the cat does not lose enough weight to properly groom it's self.

Another thing that obese cats are far more susceptible to, is a serious (or in some cases fatal) condition with the liver, called hepatic lipidosis. This serious liver problem is actually common for obese cats that end up not eating for a long period of time, as strange as that may sound. So with that being said, you should never under any circumstances to try get your cat to lose weight by starving them, also known as "fasting".

As far as the more finicky cats out there, that sometimes suffer from the exact opposite problem that obese cats are faced with, they are a whole different story. The finicky cat can quite literally starve themselves to death, which is why it is extremely important that you find a cat food that they like, and will actually eat on a regular basis. Unlike most cats, which will literally eat just about anything that you place in front of them, these more finicky kitties only eat certain kinds of foods, or even certain brands of foods if they are really particular about what they eat.

Some of the things that you can try in order to get your cat to eat more (or eat at all) include things such as heating their food up before you give it to them, or trying different brands of cat food. Also, you should certainly try using non dry (canned) cat food, and if they will not eat that, then do the opposite and try giving them dry food.

Also note that you cat may actually be eating more than you think, which is often the case when you leave dry food laying around all the time. Your cat may come and nibble at the dry food 10 or 20 times per day, but you may never actually see them eating, since they will spend very little time at their food dish. And when cats eat in this manner, they will rarely accept any food that is given to them, since they are pretty much already full, due to snacking multiple times already, though out the day.

This article was created for you by Nathan, who truly enjoys writing. Nathan also enjoys creating websites in his free time; his newest website is all about the exciting bunk bed tent setups and Bunk Beds With Trundle beds.

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

3 Surefire Ways to Keep Unwanted Cats Out of Your Home

2010-06-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

By James_A_Winsoar

While we all love our feline friends, some are meant to stay outside. Namely I am referring to the ones that are not part of your family. If you own a feline friend, then you know what I mean when I refer to 'unwelcomed cats'. We love, snuggle, pet and adore our own animals. However the neighbor's cats down the street that seem to be a bit overwhelming from time to time are a different story. There are a few options we have in this respect though.

The first option that comes to any pet owners mind is an electronic cat flap. This is a hanging door that is installed in your own homes front door that allows the cat's unlimited access to the outdoors as well as back in with no assistance from the owners. The great idea behind this is the fact that the cat wears an electronic device on the collar that triggers a sensor when they near the cat flap that unlocks it only for their entry. This eliminates the entry of any other cat into your home. Basically it is your cat's house key.

There are various types of electronic cat flaps on the market including ones that work with magnetic or infrared collars, which are fine except that cats tend to lose the collars. Thankfully however there are new types of cat flaps that now work with your cat's pre-existing microchip implant - the one that is normally used for identification purposes incase your cat went missing. Now that chip can be used in place of the electronic collar tag previously used with older electronic cat flaps on the market.

If you are not enthused with making a hole in your door then there are other options available for you. A more manual approach is a small water gun or spray bottle. Whenever an unwelcomed cat comes around and tries to make the dive in the door be prepared to squirt them with one squirt of water from the squirt gun and a stern 'No'. They will leave as quickly as they came.

You can always rely on Grandma's theory of using a tin can with some rocks inside. It is advisable to keep this next to the door and readily available. When you have a cat making an approach on your property or nearing your door shake the can loudly enough to scare the cat off. Remember that your own feline counterpart will probably hear it as well and be scared to. So immediately after shaking the can pick up your kitty and love on her letting her know it was not intended for them but for the other cat.

There are some sprays available on the market these days; there are huge concerns with these however. If you are using any type of spray there may be an adverse reaction to your very own cats. Your own animals could be allergic and there is always the possibility of it not deterring the unwelcomed cat but your cat themselves. I personally do not suggest using a spray with chemicals in it I cannot pronounce. Think of it this way. The average cat's nose is approximately 9 inches off the ground. That is very close to breath in a chemical sprayed on the ground. Especially when you really do not know 100% what it is they are inhaling.

When making the decision to become a pet owner, you must consider every avenue and circumstance. There is teaching, training, health and hygiene that are vital to the health and well being of your animal. The reason it is so important to keep unwelcomed cats out of your own cats area is simple, you may very well care for your animals properly but do you know about the other cat? No one wants to take that chance with a family pet, because after all they are only pets for so long before they become family.

James Winsoar is the Managing Director of Microchip Cat Flaps, a company that retails the Pet Porte brand of cat flaps that work using your cat's pre-existing microchip implant. He regularly answers customers questions regarding cat behaviour and cat health. Email james@microchipcatflaps.co.uk.

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

Cat walking again having lost its paws!

2010-06-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/10404251.stm

Famous Cartoon Cats

2010-06-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

By Kum_Martin

Some of the most popular cartoons feature cats and that is why these felines are celebrities of a different kind. All animated cats have been given their own personalities that make them lovable and at time laughable characters. Nonetheless, even the cartoon cats have their own fan following and collectibles that people all over the world want to own.

Listed below are some of the most famous cartoon cats in the history of animation:

The Aristocats is about pampered and spoilt cats that are sent away by the villain of the movie to get his hand on the family wealth. The cats then try to find their way home; and in the bargain figure out that life is more than soft pillows and delicious tuna and salmon. Also, the cats figure out that alley cats are not always clawing, biting and fighting.

Cat in the Hat is a character by Dr Seuss. It is very popular among children and the character is present in 6 books. A lovable character, who brings just disturbance and bedlam where ever he goes, is known for his wacky dress sense. The cat wears a striped red and white hat and a red bow, and carries an umbrella with him.

If you love animated cats, then you will definitely adore the fat orange cat. Have you figure out who we are talking about? Garfield started out as a comic strip and then captured the hearts of people when he was brought to life through animation. The lovable and sometimes mean Garfield is renowned for his laziness, compulsive eating and hating diets and Mondays. The story of Garfield is usually centered around his relationship with the family dog, Odie, and his owner, Jon.

Tom is the other half of Tom and Jerry. The cat and mouse captured the audiences' heart with Tom's eternal chase to catch Jerry. Nonetheless, one also realizes that the two cannot live without each other and share a real friendship.

Besides the above mentioned cartoon cats, there are many other animated cats that have become celebrities due to their antics.

About Author:

Kum Martin is an online leading expert in entertainment industry. He also offers top quality articles like:

Hilary Duff Biography, Tyra Banks Biography

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

10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats

2010-06-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

By John_W._Wylie

It is no secret that dogs and cats often get compared to one another. Perhaps it is because they are both popular pets or because dogs often chase cats that the two groups are always compared. Regardless, the result of all these comparisons is that people end up choosing sides with the dog lovers on one side and the cat lovers on the other. People really aren't allowed to stay neutral on this issue. For my own part, I am a supporter of dogs. To further my argument, I have put together a tongue-in-cheek list of the top 10 reasons why dogs are better than cats. Enjoy!

1. Dogs are more obedient than cats. Independence is not normally a good thing in pets.

2. It is much easier to teach dogs tricks than cats.

3. Dogs show unconditional love. Cats, not so much.

4. Your kids can be a little more rowdy with a dog than a cat.

5. Dogs learn to use the restroom outside and don't require a litter box.

6. Dogs don't always have to be brought indoors to protect them.

7. Dogs will play fetch with you.

8. Dogs will protect you when an intruder arrives. Cats will hide under the bed.

9. Dogs can help you get into shape by having you take them on a walk.

10. Finally, cats are really good at one thing: wanting you to get a dog instead.

As you can see from my top 10 list, there is really no question about it. Dogs rank supreme and are better than cats in a number of different ways. Now, don't let cat lovers fool you. Dogs are the way to go. Many people enjoy adding a dog to their family each year, maybe this is the year you add one to yours.

It is also important to make sure your dog is well protected. For more information on one model, the Innotek IUC-5100, click on the following link: http://www.dogfencedirect.com/.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_W._Wylie

Caring For Puppies - Raising a Puppy and Crate Training

2010-06-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

By Thomas_McCormick

It is normally easy to train a puppy to a crate providing you do it correctly. This starts with picking the correct crate as there are many types and sizes to choose from. I always recommend picking a crate size that the puppy will grow into. Pick a size that will fit your dog breed at maturity. Next choose a crate that is durable like metal or good quality plastic as they are less likely to chew on them.

An added benefit to crate training your pup is that you can incorporate potting training to go along with it. Typically a dog will not soil where they are confined for a period of time. Therefore with a few dog training techniques you and your pup will benefit two fold.

Once you have brought the crate home it is time to introduce it to your pup. First put a doggy blanket or bed in the crate for comfort along with a couple chew toys. Then leave the door open so your pup can go in and explore this new found den. Never close the door for the first couple days while your pup learns to appreciate this space. The idea is to get him or her use to a quite place where they can chew their toy and sleep without being interrupted.

An extremely important part of this training is to develop a schedule where you regularly take your pup outside to go to the bathroom. Dogs by nature are creatures of habit and fit into routines every easily. It is important for you the dog owner to develop this routine every few hours and stick with it especially in the beginning to avoid bad habits from developing.

Next once your pup is comfortable with their new den, little by little start closing the door for short periods of time while the pup is lying inside. Do this only for a couple minutes to start and then gradually increase the time. Some dogs react different than others to having the door closed, but again the idea is to slowly get them used to the crate and that they know you will let them out in due course.

When your pup has become comfortable with the closed door policy start leaving the room for short periods of time. Listen and see how they react and slowly increase the amount of time until your pup learns to appreciate its quite time in the crate.

By following this advice your pup should be crate trained and sleeping at night within a couple weeks. Remember to follow through with your potty routine however because this takes a bit more time and patience.

Remember that training is an exercise that teaches your canine how to understand what we communicate to them. By taking the time to reward good behavior you are likely to have better overall results. At the same time you do not want to reward bad behavior or allow your pup to control you. This typically leads to unacceptable behavior problems that are best avoided with good training techniques. We at dog information blog are here to inform dog owners and appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

To learn more about your dog, visit our dog information site.

Looking for a great dog lover gift? Visit http://gonedoggin.com/

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

Golden Retriever Puppies Adoption Info

2010-06-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

By Nelson_Williams

Responsible adoption ingrains a sense of belonging in a heartless waif's heart and in turn fills the adopter's with a feeling of immense satisfaction. If you are one of the many Golden Retriever fans and want to get a cute little Golden pup home, consider adopting one. Yes, there are many Goldens that have been rendered homeless for some or the other reason. Adopting Golden Retriever puppies would not only fulfill your dream of getting home the fabulous Golden Retriever, but would also help you do a good deed.

As you begin the process of Golden Retriever puppies adoption, you should inquire with the local animal shelters and rescue societies. You can also go for the online puppies adoption services. Some sources that might help you: adopt-a-golden-retriever.adoptapet.com, freedoglistings.com, vast.com, gotpetsonline.com, American humane society.

But before you actually bring home a pup, you must bear in mind that a pup needs a lot of love and care and patience. You will have to devote long hours in looking after your pup till it attains the age where it can be on its own. Also, you will need to train and discipline your pup so that it grows into a well-mannered dog. Golden pups are super cute. But they are super active and energetic too. So you might end up finding your shoes, furniture, carpet and other things in the house soiled or chewed up. You will have to be really patient with them, until they learn how to behave.

To begin with, the first thing you will want your pup to know is where and when to empty its bladder. Pups can't really 'hold' as their bowel movements are not fully developed. You will have to regularly take your pup out after every meal and at frequent intervals. It is believed that a pup can 'hold' for 1 hour for every month of its age, i.e. a 2 months old pup will need to excrete every 2 hours. Every time you take it out, you should command the pup to 'empty out'. Be sure to do it at the same time and at the same place every time. The pup won't understand or obey initially. But Goldens are intelligent and learn fast. A few days of training will make it into a habit.

Also, you should have plenty of puppy toys to keep your pup busy. By keeping it occupied you will indirectly make it understand that it should not play with other things in the house. It is advisable to have small 10-15 minutes training sessions with your pup, 2-3 times a day, to make it understand and follow commands like 'sit', 'stay', 'go', 'come', 'no', 'heel', etc. This will ease up the process of disciplining the naughty baby into a well groomed one.

If you have small kids in the house, ensure that they don't abuse the pup for fun or out of irritation. Also, you should take care that the pup doesn't harm the baby if it's very young.

Apart from being a reservoir of love and patience, you will also need to take some concrete steps to ensure the health and well-being of your pup. It is a must to get your pup thoroughly examined by a vet at frequent intervals and get it vaccinated as prescribed. It is advisable to get a pup medically examined before adopting so that you know if the pup has any health problems or requires any special care. This will also ensure that you don't end up adopting a diseased puppy.

Go ahead, adopt responsibly and relish the golden moments of seeing your Golden growing up.

Nelson Williams brought home their first Golden Retriever when his twin daughters were babies. Both are now in college, and the Williams family have bred, adopted, raised and cared for more Golden Retrievers than they can remember. With years of experience and tons of research, Nelson writes about things you should know before you attempt a golden retriever puppies adoption. The Williams live in Vermont and are happy to offer you their 'Golden Retriever Mini Course', for FREE at: http://www.goldenretrievertrainingcenter.com/.

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

Dress Up Cats and Dogs

2010-06-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

By James_V_Lunden

Dress up cats and dogs for holidays, special occasions, inclement weather or just for the fun of it! People love their cats and dogs. We spoil them, coddle them, we take way too many pictures of them and we love every second of it. Our friends sometimes roll their eyes at us but we know secretly they love it too.

For Pictures and Fun

It is always fun to take pictures of and with our pets. If we are going to take the time to take the pictures why not dress up cats and dogs to make it even more fun. Of course before we go ahead and dress up cats and dogs we have to make sure that our beloved pets will not rip off what we buy within seconds.

It is a good idea to test how our pets will react to being dressed up. Buy something inexpensive or borrow something and see how they handle it. You can dress up your pet with something as simple as a bow, or go all out with actual clothes. It is important to see how your pet will react to something on their heads, bodies, paws, etc.

For Inclement Weather

Many pet owners like to protect their cats or dogs from bad weather, such as when it's too cold, or even raining. Many pet owners like to make sure their pets are warm and dry. There is a great selection of jackets, hats, booties and raincoats for cats and dogs.

Again, make sure your pet will be comfortable wearing these items before spending too much money on them. Once you know that your adorable cat or loyal dog will like the clothes you chose then you can go out and buy a wardrobe to dress up cats and dogs with!

Find out more on dress up cats and read many interesting articles on pet care.

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

Cats and a Therapeutic Touch

2010-06-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

By Barb Wilson-Meyers

Over the years I have had a lot of cats. Some have been my favorites and others have been pets because I did not have the heart to give them away. I have lived on a horse farm for a long time so cats have a way of multiplying and before you know it you can easily become overrun with furry felines. My numbers became so great at one point I had to bite the bullet and have mass spaying and neutering done. From that point on the numbers started to cut back to within reason. The irony was that the ones that I lost first were my favorites and most of these losses were not due to attrition but due to getting killed on the road. I never was able to figure out why getting them fixed made them more prone, it seemed, to meeting an untimely death.

After becoming interested in Therapeutic Touch (TT) all of my animals that is the horses, the dogs and the cats all became fair game for me to practice my new found healing talents. I found that the cats usually responded quite differently to energy work then did the dogs and horses. As with the other animals some took to it very readily and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it while others, being "cats" wanted no part of it, "thank you very much." This did not surprise me, as cats seem to have a way of being entities unto themselves much more so than other animals. Some love to be cuddled and made a fuss over while others seem to merely tolerate their humans, quite often with disdain, and only then when it suits them.

One of my cats in particular did seem to really like Therapeutic Touch. He was a black and white Domestic Short Hair, quite small for a male and quite thin seemingly by nature as he did have a good appetite. His name was Andy. Andy was strange in that once when I was in picture taking mode and snapped a photo of him it developed with a definite glow surrounding him. This prompted me to assess him as one does in the TT procedure and found that his energy field was quite phenomenal. It was then I discovered that Andy really liked a TT treatment so much so that whenever I performed Therapeutic Touch on anyone in the family Andy would appear and lie close by awaiting his turn.

Over the years I have actually performed Therapeutic Touch more on my animals then I have on humans. Of all of my animals the cats proved to be both the most challenging and the most rewarding because usually with the other animals a practitioner is able to win them over but I have not found this to be so with the cats. Dear little Andy was indeed the exception.

Barb Wilson Meyers is a Registered Nurse and Therapeutic Touch Practitioner who is interested in the use of Therapeutic Touch with animals and is also the owner of Hoodsland Internet Sales of Gifts and Collectibles. For more articles involving the use of Therapeutic Touch with animals and to receive a discount on any purchase made from Hoodsland please visit: http://www.hoodsland.com/blog/articlespg2.htm For animal stories and to receive a discount on any purchase made from Hoodsland please visit: http://www.hoodsland.com/blog

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barb_Wilson-Meyers

Why Train Cats?

2010-06-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

By Luke Blaise

Before training your cat, you should remember that cats are naturally independent creatures and do not crave attention like dogs do. So if you are planning to train your cat to meow on command, or to play dead, then might consider getting a dog instead.

Instead of training your cat tricks, it would be more reasonable to train your cat to use the litter box, or to use a scratch post instead of your antique furniture. A cat owner must at least understand the limitations and preferences of a cat before getting one.

First off, you must understand that cats, just like any other trainable animal learns from experience. Constant repetition and behavioral manipulation using a well balanced reward and punishment method. Whenever your cat does something you want, give it positive reinforcement in the form of a treat. But if your cat does something that you do not want it to do, give it negative reinforcement, like a slightly strong flick on its ears.

As experience is your ally when training a cat, one must begin as early as possible. Early as possible meaning when it is still a kitten. Whilst training a kitten has a longer effect on it, training an adult cat would be a great deal trickier as it has already learned a previous schema from its own past experiences.

So when in training a cat, always remember to use the correct method of reward and punishment. And of course take in mind that cats are proud and independent creatures that scarcely crave for attention from an owner.

Got cat behavior problems? Then learn how to solve them quickly and efficiently at http://www.problemcatbehaviors.com/

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

Cats' Health - The Causes of Itching

2010-06-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

By D J Bromley

Most cats scratch themselves on occasions and it is often part of the cleaning ritual. However, if you spot your cat scratching itself on a regular basis then it needs to be investigated. This is especially true if the cat scratching concentrates on one particular area.

Continual scratching in one particular part of the body can cause skin trauma and bleeding which can then lead to infection. So it is important that you investigate the cause before it becomes serious. The first step is to inspect the area to see if there is any obvious reason for your cat scratching. Using a flea comb you should brush your cats fur to see if there is any sign of flea infestation as this can often the most common cause of cats scratching.

Some cats seem to be able to ignore the presence of fleas whilst to others they cause intense irritation. A cat can become sensitive to the saliva from a flea and develop a flea bite allergy. This can be painful and cause the cat to persistently scratch the area. You may well have to take your cat to the vet to have the skin infection treated and have your cat disinfected.

Another cause of scratching is ear infestations caused by ear mites. These tend to go well down inside the ear canal. Your vet may use an aural scope to look for the little devils. If your cat starts shaking its head a lot or scratching at its ear you should take it to the vet as soon as possible. Thee sooner treatment starts the less likely it is that the problem will become severe or recur again later.

The problem with mites and fleas is that they will easily transfer from one animal to another so if you discover that one of your cats has fleas or mites you should treat the others as well. Ear mites can transfer between cats and dogs, especially if they are in close proximity to one another.

There are a variety of treatments for the removal of fleas including treated collars, powders and sprays. One of the easiest and most effective flea treatments is called Frontline. This comes in a small plastic pipette and you just squirt the fluid onto the cats neck in a couple of places. This is a very quick and effective treatment which should be repeated on a monthly basis to keep your cat flea free.

To learn more about cats and cat health visit Cat Lovers where you will find much to interest cat lovers.

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

Treatment for cat fleas

2010-06-14T03:25:00.000-07:00

I purchased from my vet a flea treatment for my cat. This medicine is very handy, as it protects your pet against:

flea
larvae
hookworm
roundworm
heartworm
otodectes

I got one pack that lasts for 3 months- you apply the liquid once a month to the neck. Cost: £21.17

Dog and Cats Beware

2010-06-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

By Tim_Frymyer

Pets. You have to love them. They are so cute (most of the time) and so innocent. Now, I'm not talking about guard dogs or pet alligators, but you know - dogs and cats. I watched a video the other day where a dog was walking all over the house on his back legs. That was his thing and it was adorable, if not completely surprising.

Something else that surprises me is the smoking culture. After treating thousands of patients for smoking related diseases over the last 20 years, I still find myself not quite fully prepared for what I'll discover about them. Now, mix in the culture of pet owners and you have a tossed salad of betwixing attitudes and behaviors.

Point number 1

Most smokers want to quit smoking. Many try and fail, but try again they do. They find a number of reasons to motivate and trick themselves into quitting. Listen, I'm all for telling or convincing yourself whatever you have to, in order to become free of nicotine and tobacco. I applaud them for trying and trying again. Without a doubt, smoking is absolutely one of the hardest things to stop.

Point number 2

People who love pets, well, they love pets. Many will do amazing things with their pets. They'll dress them up in little hats and shirts, feed them food which is healthier than what is served at their own dinner tables, or sometimes, pet owners will even give their little loved-ones jewelry; as if Fido needed a diamond studded collar, er rather, necklace. That is what makes pets so great. They are part of your family, they love you unconditionally and they usually don't care if you smother them with affection.

Now when these two cultures meet you discover just how passionate pet owners can be. A recent story was published in the USToday that spoke to the dangers of second-hand smoke in pets. The results are impressive. Pets who are around second-hand smoke develop respiratory problems, while pets in smoke-free homes, do not. When veterinarians approached the pet owners an interesting result was found. Many of these smoking pet owners (37%) said they would choose to stop smoking when faced with the proposition that their behavior might be injuring their pets.

I find this amazing because many of these smokers were approached by physicians and family members numerous times, in hopes they would stop smoking. Yet, when the pet became in danger, the cigarettes couldn't get thrown out fast enough. I'm fascinated how people build such strong attachments to their pets, some even stronger than their own family children.

I'm not here to judge any part of our culture or any person. I have always had a pet and loved each one with a passion that was difficult to explain. They were, in essence, a real part of my family. I would never do anything that might hurt them or put them in danger.

So, am I surprised by this report? I can't say I am. But part of being a writer is observing the world around you and discovering how it all fits together. That is something I'll never tire of.

If you have a pet and would like some stop smoking help, please look for it.

Tim Frymyer is a licensed respiratory therapist who is dedicated to keeping the public up to date on the latest stop smoking information, as well as, taking care of his little "Digger" - a spaniel/spitz mix.

Learn ways to stop smoking, tips to stop smoking, the benefits to stop smoking and find out detailed information about the many stop smoking aids available on the market. The information can be accessed on his website: http://www.stopsmokinghelper.org/

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

Hernias in Cats

2010-06-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

By Frank Will

Hernias in cats are a lot more common than most owners realize and can be an extremely painful ordeal for your pet as well as life threatening. A hernia is described as a bulge or protrusion of an organ in your cat through the structure or muscle that contains it. There are several different types of hernias, but the most common types are those that occur in your cats abdomen.

When this does occur, part of their intestine will protrude through the abdominal wall. If this occurs in another part of your cats body, it is basically the same thing, but it is called something different.

The most common hernias in cats are diaphragmatic hernias and they come in two types. The other two are less common and include hiatal and umbilical hernias.

Diaphragmatic hernias:

By far and away the most common of all hernias in cats is referred to as a Diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm of your cat is a very large muscle that separates both the chest and the lungs from the liver as well as several other abdominal organs. As this large muscle contracts and then relaxes, it enlarges and then compresses your cats chest cavity. When it performs this motion, it forces the air to move in and then out of the lungs, and both the breathing capacity as well as ability to breath depends on this function.

However, there are some circumstances that can cause this process tear or rupture, and the result is a

Diaphragmatic hernia.

Acquired Diaphragmatic hernia:

The first type of this form of hernias in cats is acquired, which means that something has caused it to develop. In most all cases, a cat with this type has had some type of trauma that results in a rupture of the diaphragmatic muscle. It is usually the result of a very severe fall or some type of a blow directly to your cats abdomen. When this does occur, the contents from the abdomen such as your cats stomach and liver are violently forced against their abdomen, which will cause a tear or worse yet, a rupture to occur.

Once this opening does occur, it opens the way for several organs to herniate through this opening. This can include your cats stomach, liver, or intestines, and they will then enter the chest area which places pressure on the lungs. This now places the diaphragm in a compromised position as it can no longer expand or contract properly. Most of these injuries occur as the result of your cat being struck, usually by a car, and you may have no idea that it has happened unless you witness the event. However, there are several symptoms that your cat will show you with this condition.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia:

The second type of diaphragmatic hernia is congenital, which simply means your cat was born with the condition. When this does occur, kittens are born with an incomplete diaphragm muscle. However, this form of hernia is not the result of any type of an injury, it instead was never properly formed, but the end result is the same. Although this condition does occur, it is not very common and can easily be diagnosed by your veterinarian as kittens will show similar symptoms.

Symptoms:

This form of hernias in cats can show a myriad of symptoms, depending on which organs have actually become affected. However, there are four major symptoms that will occur in most every case. The first will be a gradual difficulty in breathing that is accompanied by rapid breathing. This is the result of the pressure that is occurring on your cats chest. The next symptom is coughing, which is perhaps the worst sound from your cat.

Coughing in cats is very abnormal and if you ever hear it, you need to take it very seriously as something is terribly wrong. The final of the four basic symptoms will be a sudden intolerance to any type of exercise because of the difficulty in breathing.

However, there are other symptoms that can develop depending on how other organs are affected. Your cat may start to vomit, become constipated, and than develop diarrhea. If the distention is severe enough, your cat may suddenly become anorexic, as they will completely stop eating. If it is extreme, your cat may actually collapse and then go into shock. If this does occur, it is now not only a severe condition, it is also life threatening.

The actual risk to your cat will all depend of the severity of the diaphragmatic hernia. If the opening or rupture is very small it can go unnoticed for years and your cat will live a very normal life. On the other hand, if the opening is large enough, if it is not treated, your cat may die as a result.

Hiatal hernias:

This type of hernias in cats is not anywhere near as severe as the diaphragmatic form. They can also be congenital, but in most all cases they are also caused by a trauma or what is known as a gastroesophageal reflux. This is a situation where there is backward flow of your cats stomach contents into their esophagus. This type of a hernia can cause esophagitis or an inflammation of the esophagus.

Symptoms:

The symptoms with this form of hernia will start with vomiting and usually develop into blood appearing in the vomit as the esophagus becomes damaged. Your cat may also develop a difficulty in breathing, but nowhere near as severe as with the diaphragmatic form. Drooling may also occur, which is perhaps the most telling sign that your cat has developed a hiatal hernia. Although drooling is very common in some dog breeds, it is very uncommon in a cat. If they begin drooling, they most likely have this form of hernia.

Umbilical hernias:

The final form of hernias in cats is referred to as Umbilical, and are extremely common in dogs but quite uncommon in cats. It is a situation where the abdominal contents of your cat protrudes through there abdominal wall at the area of their umbilicus. Again, if this type of hernia is small it is usually not a major problem at all for your cat. However, if it is large enough, it will have to surgically redone by your veterinarian in order to protect against intestinal loop strangulation, which can very quickly take your cat life.

There is one major difference; unlike the other types of hernias, this form has no actual known cause.

Summary:

Hernias in cats can very easily go unnoticed by many owners unless you understand the symptoms. Vomiting and a difficulty in breathing can easily be confused with an entire litany of other potential health risks. However, coughing and drooling are not totally segmented to a hernia, but they are almost always signs that your cat has a hernia.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets

http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

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

Pet Furniture and Cats

2010-06-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

By James Cropper

Pet furniture has probably been around since people have had pets. It may not be what you are thinking of. Pet furniture can also be human furniture. If your pet uses it, then the stuff qualifies as furniture for your pet. Animals that live with you love to share your furniture with you. Many people have differing opinions about this. Some even try their hardest to keep the animals off the stuff they have in the house. That may work with dogs, but cats are a different story.

Some people will buy their pets their own furniture. They may buy used stuff from goodwill or a garage sale. Some people may even buy designer stuff to keep their pet in a life of luxury. They may opt for a nice stool covered in leather. Cat furniture can also be made from wood, metal, bamboo or anything else a manufacturer can think of that a cat would like.

If you buy furniture just for your cat, The stuff will still have to be dusted and cleaned. In fact, it may need more attention than your own furniture. If you have a cat that has long hair and sheds, you will need to constantly clean that hair. Otherwise, you will end up with a cushion of cat hair. If you have a blanket on this furniture for your kitty to lay on, washing it regularly will be a must. You may want to buy the cat furniture that has covers that can be easily removed and thrown in the washer. If you choose to go with the luxury version of the cat furniture, The covers will most likely need to be dry cleaned.

Cats are playful little creatures. They like to run around and chase things. They will even chase things that are not even there. You may want to take this into consideration when buying furniture for your pet. You do not want a lip that sticks out on any of the stuff that your cat will bang its head on when running and playing. Also check to make sure there are no sharp edges either.

You may not think there is a lot of cat furniture made to purchase. There is. This stuff is specifically made to be jumped on, attacked and assaulted by the cats claws. There are houses made for cats that are kept indoors. These are made for the sole purpose of playing and to be used as a scratching post for your feline to sharpen its claws. These cat houses also serve the purpose of giving your pet a place to relax. It can cuddle up in one of the little rooms. It is actually a cats version of a playground.

There is also cat furniture made that goes outside. When you decide to purchase a piece that is meant for outdoor use look for the following things. It must be able to withstand natures elements where you live. Make sure you can clean it easily. Being able to hose it off and scrub it with a little soap and water should be all it takes to clean it. Since it is outside, other critter may want to move in to it. Your neighborhood raccoon may see it as a home for itself. Other neighborhood cats may play on it and start marking it with urine. So keep it covered when your cat is inside.

The last thing is to make sure the cat furniture you buy is the right size. Cats can squeeze into tight places. They can also get stuck if it is to tight. Make sure whatever you buy has big enough opening for your size cat. Also make sure that the piece of cat furniture you buy will fit in your house where you want to put it, or in the spot you have picked out in the yard.

Not only does pet furniture come in leather, but you can also get a some really nice leather cat collars to match the furniture. You can them and more over at the pet supplies site. Head on over there now where we connect you with the people that make the stuff for pets.

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

Feeding Our Cats With Homemade Foods

2010-06-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

By Ryan English

Our cats need a lot of nutritious foods. We can get these nutrients from commercialized products and other means. The ones that we get from the market may be a very good one to purchase knowing they all have the essential nutrients. Though so, no matter how the manufacturers tend to say that they are healthy foods, it is not all good for our cats. There are some chemicals that may be harmful to them.

One example is the canned ones. In order for them to be preserved and last longer, they need to put lots of preservatives in them. We all know how bad preservatives can be in our body same as with the animals. Even though advertisements tell us that it does not contain preservatives, honesty they all do; because if they do not have those, then they cannot preserve them.

One way to avoid too much chemicals to give our pets is to simply cook their food. If we make them ourselves, then we can be sure that they get all organic materials. It is very easy to do as long as we know the right ingredients for it and make sure we know how many percent of each of the vitamins and nutrients our cats need.

Cats are carnivores. This means that they eat all meat. Now we all know how processed meats are these days. Everything that is sold in the market either is preserved or came from a farm but they have been processed. Most farms today are using modern scientific methods to keep their meats and poultries in very large packages.

But there are still people and markets that are selling natural and organic meat. We have to choose those types to feed to our cats. We can use chicken meat with the bones still in place. Pork meats can also be used provided we know that they are organic.

After purchasing the meat, we have to shop for the other ingredients. We have to know the right calculations of the vitamins and nutrients our cats need. For example is the amount of protein and calories they need in one serving. It will sometimes depend on the current weight of our cat. If they weigh more, then more is needed.

Organic foods will not only keep our cats fit and healthy, we can also avoid them from being too fat or obese. The amount of hormones people put in processed meat can harm the metabolism and whole being of the cat. Make sure that even if you give commercialized foods, it won't be too much, and the organic and homemade foods have to be given more often.

Those are the importance of homemade cat foods.

Related Articles

Homemade Cat Foods

Proper Cat Diet

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

Cats - Worms Prevention

2010-06-02T02:46:00.000-07:00

By Ryan English

There are times when our cats get worms. This may due to a number of reasons. The important thing is that, if this happens, we should be ready of what initial response we should do. We have to understand that if our pets are infested with any kinds of diseases including the presence of worms in their tummies, it will harm not only the cat itself, but as well as the other people in the house where the cat lives.

There are things we should keep in mind when these things happen. We have to consult them right away with the vet. If we see some unusual signs and symptoms from our pets, we should immediately get them to the vet. Even if we are with our pets for a long time, there are still things that are hard for us to understand. The cat will not tell us what is wrong with it or it is feeling bad. We will only notice this according to their behaviors but still would not know what the problem is. The vet will give tests and examinations to see what the problem is with our cats.

Once the tests are done, and it has been declared that our cat really has worms, we have to ask for a cure right away. The vet will prescribe medications for the cat to help get rid of its worms. After that, we have to go home and make sure you give the prescribed medications on time.

While the cats are still being cured, we should not be in direct contact with them. The bacteria of the worms and the larval eggs can spread onto the area and it will get inside us. Also, if they will take out their wastes, we have to make sure that we dispose them properly. The eggs from the worms can even spread onto the soil and the time we get in contact with it, we can be affected with much more dangerous illness.

The best way to prevent all of those from happening is to keep our cats from getting in contact with dirty things. When the cats go outdoors, they tend to get in the garbage. They will eat the rotten foods in there together with the worm eggs. That is how they get infested. We need to keep them inside the house as much as possible and not allow them to go outside.

We also need to be careful of the foods they eat. We have to make sure that they are still fresh. Another way they can get parasite worms are from interacting with stray cats from outdoors. One of those cats is already infected and it may spread onto our cats. Those are all the ways that we can prevent and cure the presence of worms on our pet cats.

Related Articles

Preventing Cat Worms

Stray Cat Adoption

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

Caring For Cats in a Small Apartment

2010-06-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

By Izrul Fizal
Cats by nature are inquisitive, curious and nosy as well like to be perched up high. All of those uniquely catty attributes require a spacious landscape. What do you do when all you have is a small apartment to accommodate your cat? With the current state of the economy many people have to downsize or relocate due to mortgage arrears and or financial set backs.

Many loyal furry friends all across America have to adjust to a new and smaller reality. Relocating can be an uncomfortable experience for your entire family and that includes your family pet. To help you during your transition or if you have already relocated, there are ways of caring for cats in a small apartment that your perfect pet will greatly appreciate.

No matter how beautiful and modern your small apartment may be, it is for certain that your cat is not impressed with the square footage. A simple toy found at any local grocery store or pet store can occupy a lot of your cat's time. Another advantage of getting a toy for your cat is; it can provide your pet with the opportunity of much needed exercise. As, your cat runs tirelessly around in circles enjoying their cat and mouse mind play, your cat will begin to forget all about their small playing grounds. When deciding to purchase a toy for your feline, always consider the possible noise, danger and messy havoc the toy can have in your life. Do not get a toy that is too loud, potentially dangerous for your cat or you, or that may cause damage to your home. Be careful and cautious when picking that perfect toy for your kitty.

A comforting gesture towards your cat is to build your cat their very own personal cat space. A cat space can be built in any cozy area near the location in your apartment you most frequent. The cat space should include a puffy and wide pillow or small comfortable pet bed. To add a personal flair you can drape or lay a piece of your clothing on or near the pet bed or pillow. Your clothing can be a small shirt or scarf, anything small and petite that carries your scent will do. Your cat will be comforted by recognizing your scent and assume that they still control the environment where you most dwell.

Cats love to endlessly look out of a bright window. If you are currently looking for a new apartment for you and your cat, this may be a suggestion you may want to consider. Cats with their inquisitive and nosy disposition must experience a feeling of euphoric Utopia looking out of a window. All the vivid colors, distinct moving creatures and large moving objects entertain the curious mind of a cat. With some creativity and love, caring for cats in a small apartment can be fun and possibly form an even stronger bond between you two.

The importance of caring for cats is undeniable. How would you like to learn the easiest way to enjoy a deeper relationship with your cat than you ever dreamed possible?

Check this one out at http://www.caringforcatsinfo.com/ and you will be surprise how easy it is to transform your cute little cat within seconds.

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