Cat Lover

Holistic Cat Health Care - Prevention Is Better Than Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:07:00 +0000

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.

Author: Moses Wright

Cute Cat Names ... And How To Find Them

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:59:00 +0000

Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for queens. If you want your cat to have a more original name, you have to use your imagination. Or get some expert help.

Muffin. Kitty. Snowball. All stupid names that no self respecting cat would have - if it weren't for the stupid human who gave it to him!'

These lines come from the hilarious, but now sold out Garfield Book of Cat Names by Jim Davis. The famous cartoon cat is a self declared enemy of silly names. In the book he gives advice on how to give your kitten a name to be proud of.

Popular tom cat names are Max, Sam, Charlie, Buddy, Toby, Rocky, Buster, Casey.

Popular cat names for females are Lady, Kitty, Chelsea, Molly, Maggie, Sadie, Abby, Dakota, Sasha.

There are also names that are just right for males and females, like Shadow or Smokey.

Although some people think cats ignore them when called, cats do listen - and very well. If you say its name often and clear it will soon recognize it. And if you consequently call your kitten's name, it will associate the sound with food, play and other pleasant activities.

If your kitten comes from a planned mating between pedigree animals, you need to register the name. There are strict rules for this. Professional cat breeders are happy to tell you more.

Still, finding the right and preferably cute name is not easy.

Your family members will want to agree with it, and of course it should not sound silly once your cute little kitten becomes an adult cat.

Colors often give inspiration, or the coat. During the Clinton administration almost every American knew Socks, the First Cat of the United States, and it's not difficult to understand why Clinton's cat got this name.

A cat's personality may also give a hint for a good name. This works best with older cats that you took from a shelter, because they usually have a clearly developed personality.

Celebrity names are also a good bet. There are cats that are called Elvis Presley or Marilyn (after Monroe). Best advice: choose a timeless celebrity. This week's Top-20 star may be forgotten tomorrow. But your cat certainly won't.

Author: Marc de Jong

Cat Health Problems: Your Curiosity Could Save Your Cat!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.

Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.

There are many websites out there on the World Wide Web that specialize in cats and cat-related issues, including cat health problems, cat health symptoms and cat health insurance. The expert, of course, is your veterinarian, but if you keep yourself informed and actively involved in your cat's health life you could well save your cat from any health-related discomfort. Early detection of any ailment is the only way to help your cat live happier and longer.

You can start with a web search or you can ask your veterinarian to recommend a website that he or she may also find useful. There are websites that offer access to databases full of all the information you could ever need about your cat's health needs.

Information on common illnesses or illnesses specific to certain breeds can be found online, which can also help you to be aware of the potential health problems that your pet could face.

But keeping informed about your cat's health is not based on just negative information. You'll find positive information and advice on nutrition, vitamins, pet toys and supplies to keep your cat happier and healthier.

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. Fighting can lead to various wounds. Eyes are particularly sensitive to feline fights. A sure sign of a cat's health ailing is if he or she stops eating and isn't interested in playing. Wounds should certainly be treated immediately, but if your cat is eating and playing as normal, then you've no real need to worry.

Fleas are also a common problem with cats, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Cat health insurance is a popular choice these days and it is something to consider, albeit carefully. There are insurance companies online that specialize in pet insurance. You can get a quote online and even pay online. The positive aspects of having cat insurance is that if you cat does fall ill or have an accident the insurance will cover part or all of the veterinary bill. Some insurance companies even say they'll cover the cost of advertising for lost cats. As with all insurance packages you should read the fine print before paying for anything.

Author: Dean Erickson

Cat Toilet Training: Make the Cat More Loveable

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:08:00 +0000

Cats are very lovable creatures. They are tame, cuddly and are indeed beautiful. Most cat owners want them to be indoors, to keep them safe and clean always. However, keeping cats indoors poses the problem of dealing with their wastes. Thus it is necessary to toilet train the cat.

Toilet Training Essentials

Cats should be trained early on. It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.
Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name. This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.
Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.

This can be bought in pet shops. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.
Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.
For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.
Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.
When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.

The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat.
However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected immediately. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.

The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.

Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.

Author: Anita Hampton

Your Cat And Ring Worms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Ringworm is a very familiar form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn't caused by any enter of worm. It's actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that nosh on extinct tissues found in the apparent of the skin, diffusion them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain category of fungi known as M Canis that is found with virtually 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated things like bedcovers, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very simply develop it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should forever use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can simply reduce the disease, especially if you permit them to go slim. They can simply come in phone with a contaminated point or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to figure their immune structure up, and meantime they are more liable to get mutual disease such as ringworm.

The most usual symptoms of ringworm in cats are difficult or kaput hairs, or locks debit around the head or the paws. Ringworm could easily be identified by a piece of flaking skin on the body that appears irritated and angry. There will also be ruined hairs around the square of peeling skin. This corner is very precise, and you should never try to converge it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you observe any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe liniment or pills. What he describes however, will reveal on how momentous the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is routinely spread into the coat, topically. You should forever use what your vet prescribes on a daily root, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing processed will take time, routinely around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you feel your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even while it's a mild disease, ringworm can effect in earnest evils due to the lengthy recovery time and detail that it's contagious.

Author : Joshua Simms

The Importance Of Appropriate Cat Food

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Part of the responsibility of pet ownership is the care and feeding of our animal friends. For cat owners, appropriate feline care can greatly increase the health of our cats and extend their lives significantly. Subsequently, choosing the appropriate cat food – based on breed and size - is of the utmost importance in taking responsible care of our cats.

Cat food comes in a dizzying array of choices; as we browse the shelves, we hardly know where to start. The most important thing to remember when choosing a cat food is that each particular brand is specifically designed for a particular stage in a cat’s life. So a food that is appropriate for a kitten is not appropriate for an older cat. Read the packaging to determine what cat food is meant for your specific age of cat.

That being said, there are still quite a lot of ingredients and nutritional contradictions when it comes to cat food. A reputable veterinarian will be able to tell you what is essential to the health and longevity of your cat. It is important that you follow these guidelines when making a selection of cat food based on the nutrients it offers.

To narrow it down even further, when it comes to choosing between brands, look for those that carry an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal of approval. This ensures that this particular brand of cat food meets with the nutritional guidelines as set forth by the AAFCO.

Other things to take into consideration when it comes to cat food are the size and health of your cat. Stay within the feed guidelines – as recommended by your veterinarian – for your cat’s size. And if your cat has any existing health conditions you must be sure to take this into consideration when asking your veterinarian about appropriate cat food.

Cat food can be found anywhere from your grocery store to your local large retail outlet or pet supply store. The pet stores tend to carry a larger selection and offer a more competitive price so if you have one close by it is worth checking out.

Feeding your cat the most appropriate cat food for them is an essential part of an overall program for good health and long life.

Author: Michelle Bery

Choosing A Cat Name

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Welcoming a baby into a home comes with the joy and responsibility of naming the new addition – of forever assigning a label by which the world will refer to him. When it comes to our pets, the responsibility can feel just as important. Choosing names for our pets is a time-honored family tradition whereby we gather together to weigh in on the choice, basing a name on our pet’s very special personality. Choosing a cat name can be exceptionally difficult as cats come with their own subtle personalities that can initially be hard to identify.

Of course, for those of us who had cats in our homes as we were growing up, picking a cat name can be a bit easier; perhaps there’s a special cat that will forever hold a place in your heart after whom you wish to name your new cat. Perhaps there’s a name you’ve always admired but works best when paired with a unique cat; perhaps there’s a distinctive family name that is traditionally passed down to your pets or a name that’s meaning is something special for you; and, of course, there is always the consideration for particular names popular in different cultures.

Then of course there is a cat name that describes the look of your cat – a white cat, a fat cat, a small cat, etc; a cat name that relates the gender of your cat; or a cat name that describes the personality of your cat – whether friendly, funny, shy, etc. It may take a while to discover just what that personality is, especially if you are bringing home a kitten. It is totally appropriate to wait until you get to know your new cat before choosing a name that best fits him/her.

These days, the Internet can be the greatest resource for finding the perfect cat name. You can take a casual browse through the names or look for something specific. Take the time to find the cat name that best reflects the personality of both you and your pet – it’ll be with you a lifetime!

Author: Michelle Bery

How To Do Cat Litter Box Retraining

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Cats stop using the cat litter box for a number of reasons. Once you discover the reason why and correct it, you may need to re-train your cat to use her box again. Despite what you think, you can train a cat! For most cats, it's not hard. They instinctively want to use a place with sand-like material to do their business.

To re-train your cat back to her good litter box habits, confine her to one room. It's hard to say exactly for how long, but most cats are back in the habit within a week.

Pick a nice sunny room for kitty. Set up a clean cat litter box, food, water, toys, and bedding for her to sleep on. Be sure to put her food and water as far away from her litter box as possible.

Keep kitty in this room while you're gone. Many cat owners purchase kitty DVDs for their cat to watch all day long while they're gone. These DVDs feature birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters that dart around. You can set up the DVD to play in a continuous loop all day long. These videos are also available in VHS tape format.

Let kitty out under your supervision. If she looks like she's heading for her favorite corner to make an illegal dump, get her back to her room immediately, and place her in the cat litter box. If she uses it, praise her.

Generally, cats "get it" very quickly. For one thing, they get lonely being in a room by themselves. For another, it's a cat's natural inclination to use a litter box. As long as you've corrected the source of her problem with the litter box, she'll go back to using it.

If you can't let your cat out and supervise her, be sure to visit kitty often. Sit in the room with her, and keep her company. Watch the DVD with her!

Confinement is not cruel if it's done properly. If your cat won't use the litter box during her confinement period, then the cat urine odor damage is limited to one room. If after a few days, your cat is still not using her cat litter box, please consult with your vet. There may a deeper issue that you simply can't tell from observation.

Author: An Article by Nancy E. Wigal

Cat Health – How To Keep Your Cat Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2009 11:59:00 +0000

For the most part, the only basic things you need to do to keep your cat healthy is provide shelter, healthy and nutritious food, and plenty of water. Of course, like all living things, cats will get sick sometimes no matter what.

As a cat owner, you’ll you need to make sure you provide your beloved feline with only the best food. Premium cat food is ideal, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years.

You also need to pay attention to your cat's behavior, so you'll recognize symptoms of sickness and can take her to the veterinarian immediately. Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not she is feeling under the weather. Acting sluggish, laying around, lack of energy and refusing to eat are all signs that you must rush her to the vet immediately. Her coat is a good thing to keep an eye on also. If you notice that her coat is dull and patchy, or if you notice abnormal shedding, you need to contact your vet as soon as possible.

Diarrhea and vomiting are fairly common, even with basic sickness. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is also pretty common, as most cats have hairballs from time to time. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have her checked out as soon as you can..

To ensure that your cat isn’t exposed to various diseases, you need to make sure that she stays up to date with her vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent. The disease strikes cats very quickly, and leaves you as an owner very little time to find treatment.

Feline leukemia is another fatal disease, but can also prevented early on with the proper vaccinations. Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread very quickly among cats. There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful to not expose other cats around a cat with feline leukemia.

Another problem that is most common with outdoor cats, is worms. A cat with worms will typically have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite. There are many different kinds of worms, including hookworm, tapeworm, and ringworm.

Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the intestinal walls.

If you take proper care of your cat, chances are she'll be healthy for years to come. You should always make sure she has high quality food, and never misses any scheduled checkups with the vet. If she gets the proper vaccinations when she is required to get them, she should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Take the proper steps with your cat now to prevent anything from happening in the future.

Author: Liz Barton

"How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats.

Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats.

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is the medical term for what many cat lovers call a "kitty cold." Indeed, the symptoms match those of a human cold, sneezing and discharge from the nose. While they seem similar, the human and cat version of this infection are different, and one species cannot be infected by the other. However, URI is highly contagious among cats. If you have a multi-cat household and notice URI symptoms, isolate the cat immediately.

The best treatment for URI is time and loving care. Use a warm, moist cloth to keep your cat's eyes and nose free of discharge. You might need to warm her food to enhance the smell to encourage your cat to eat.

URI symptoms, which include a decreased appetite, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Watch your cat carefully; not eating or drinking can lead to dehydration. Also, if your cat becomes extremely lethargic, it may mean the URI has turned into something more serious.

The symptoms of URI may last a few days to several weeks. Cats with URI may also be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. Monitor the cat carefully; a growing lack of appetite and fever can lead to dehydration. Not eating can lead to liver problems. Lethargy can mean a minor URI has become a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. If you notice this occurring, or if the discharge becomes very thick and yellowish-green, contact your veterinarian. Severe URIs may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that has many variations. Usually, each variant is species specific; feline Chlamydia is not transmitted to humans. In cats, the bacteria usually infects the eye, causing conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of Feline Chlamydia

Anorexia (loss of appetite; may occur as the disease progresses)
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Fever (may occur as the disease progresses)
Pneumonia (in young kittens 2 to 4 weeks old, which could be fatal)
Runny nose (rhinitis)
Sneezing
Watery eyes due to conjunctivitis (either one or both eyes)

Panleukopenia is a condition in which a cat's white blood cell count drops dramatically. Since white blood cells are vital to the cat's defense against disease, this condition leaves cats vulnerable to deadly infections. The virus is transmitted via body secretions. Feces are particularly common transmitters. It can be carried in water or on shoes.

Panleukopenia is often referred to as a number of different terms, such as

Panleukopenia (often shortened to "Panleuk" in verbal discussion)
FPV (Feline Panleukopenia Virus OR Feline Parvo Virus)
FP (Feline Panleukopenia)
Feline Distemper
Feline Infectious Enteritis
Feline Infectious Gastroenteritis
Feline Agranulocytosis
Cat Plague
Cat fever
Show fever
Psuedomembranous Enteritis
Maladie du jeune chat
Feline Typhus
Feline Tyfoid
Colibacillosis
Agranulocytosis

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a variety of diseases, one of which is leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells. Infected cats often appear healthy in the early stages of the disease. The illness may take months or years to cause death. For a long time, FeLV was the most fatal disease among cats. Today, although vaccinations are available to protect cats from this disease, it continues to be a leading cause of death, as there is no treatment.

FeLV is usually transmitted through cat fighting with each other. Because large quantities of the FeLV are shed in puncture wounds and cat saliva associated with fighting result in the injection of PeLV into other cats. Other less frequent routes of viral spread include sharing food and water bowls, cats grooming each other, and transmission from mother to kittens before birth.

Author: NS Kennedy

Tips On How To Properly Care For You Cats Health

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Just like humans, cats feel miserable when they are sick. As a pet owner, it is your primary responsibility to keep your feline friends healthy and happy. With proper care and nutrition you will have a friend for life in the form of your pet cat.

Here are some tips on how you can properly care for your cat's health:

Feed them properly.

Every cat has a preference when it comes to food. There are several types of cat food available in the market. Try each one until you find out which variety your cat prefers.

However, you can still try to mix the variety of cat food you prepare so that your pet will have a nutritious and balanced diet.

Commercial cat foods have been well-researched so you do not need to worry about the nutritional value of what you are feeding your pet.

Also, supply your pet with a lot of clean water to drink. Having an ample supply of drinking water will lead to a healthier animal.

It does not matter if you serve dry, canned or moist cat food. Just make sure that you preserve the freshness of the food that they eat.

You would also want to opt for a healthy and natural cat food. Remember that it should be made of quality ingredients.
Remember that even domestic cats are natural hunters.

Mice can serve two purposes in your cat's life: prey and dinner. Hunting for mice would preserve their natural abilities to hunt and seek prey.

If you decide that you do not like the idea of your cat regularly "hunting" for dinner, make sure that you provide them with a proper diet. This will result to your cat ending up just chasing and running after their prey for satisfying their natural hunting urges.
Watch out for unusual behavior.

If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, then the cat might not be at its best condition.

Try to look out for the following symptoms:

being lethargic or less active than usual
shedding of the fur or coat
it has waxy ears
looks poor and unhealthy

If you see these symptoms, you might want to change the food that you are serving your cat.

Better yet, consult a professional if you see your pet being less active than usual. Your pet might have a sickness or disease, and as a pet owner and cat lover, you would not want that to happen.

Author: Ann Kristin

"Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Lock things up that could cause harm
Keep the washer/dryer door closed at all times
Honk the car horn before starting it up
Use fire carefully
Keep all upstairs windows closed or screened
Store string away tidily
Keep floors free of small things
Be constantly aware of what your cat is doing

Curiosity gets most cats in trouble at some point in their lives. As your cat's caregiver, keeping her safe sometimes seems like a "mission impossible." With a little foresight and action, however, you can create a "home, safe home."

When you're trying to provide the best home possible for your cat, it pays to think like her. Put on some old clothes and get down on hands and knees and take a look around. Is that shiny crystal vase on the shelf a tempting target? Remember that cats will jump onto shelves and tables.

That dangling drapery cord would be fun to leap and grab. What's in this big pot? In case you need help identifying what might catch a cat's eye, here's a list of common household items that are often the cause of cat injuries:

Roach and ant traps
electric and phone cords
cigarettes in ashtrays
open doors and windows
rubber bands
housecleaning chemicals
lit candles
Christmas trees
ornaments
paperclips
rocking chairs
uncovered toilets
trash cans
human medications
chocolate
anti-freeze
unattended boiling pots
electric stove burners
plastic bags.

Cats find plants irresistible as playthings. They love to pounce on them and shred them with both their claws and teeth. Although they are carnivores -meat eaters-they sometimes eat plant material. For these reasons, it's important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk. The following are some common house and landscape plants that are toxic to cats:

Philodendron English ivy
caladium dieffenbachia "elephant ear"
poinsettia
mistletoe
azaleas
holly
berries
boxwood
wisteria
hydrangea
oleander
chinaberry tree

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit with your own. Include a week's worth of food as well as any medication your cat takes on a regular basis. A photo of your pet is also good to keep with your emergency supplies, in case you are separated from your cat during the event, you'll have a way to get the word out to locate her.

A collar with an identification tag is one of those things that you might never need, but will wish you had if you need it and don't. Even if your cat is strictly and indoor pet, the unexpected could happen. A door or window is left ajar, or a natural disaster creates an opening in your home through which your frightened feline escapes.

Your cat's identity tag should include the following information

Pet's name
Owner's name and address
Telephone numbers (day and evening)
Medical problem requiring medication
Veterinarian's name and number
Current Rabies vaccination information
Reward offer should pet become lost

Many people have their cats micro-chipped for identification. A small silicone chip containing the owner's contact information is painlessly inserted under the cat's skin. Most animal shelters automatically scan lost pets to read the owner contact information. However, if your cat is found by an average citizen an identification tag will speed up your reunion.

Author: NS Kennedy

House Cat Training - Litter Box Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:25:00 +0000

In order to achieve successful house cat training you need to follow some specific rules concerning the cat's litter box. Cats do have a tendency to use a litter box. But you don't want your cat soiling the house right?

First you must make sure that the litter box is made of a washable material. Plastic would be fine. The sides of the box should be low enough for your cat to enter and high enough to contain the litter.

Ok now let's point out some basic litter box rules for a successful house cat training:

Keep the box in a quiet and safe place but don't hide it! Your cat should able to find the litter box easily.
When you notice your cat using it's litter box give it some kind of reward afterwards. Keep rewarding the cat until you're sure it uses the litter box regularly.
Another effective house cat training method is to keep the litter box relatively clean. Do not over do it! Scoop the box daily and wash it weekly.
If your catch your cat accidentaly soiling your house do not punish your pet. The punishing method will not work with cats. It will only make them afraid of you. Try to find out why your cat didn't make use of the litter box and try to figure out a solution. House cat training is not always easy.
Try not to change the brand of the litter. Cats do not like changes and may respond by soiling the house.
Try not to use scented litter as many cats hate that. They prefer their own odors inside and around the litter box.

If you follow the rules above and your cat is still soiling your house then maybe there's a medical problem affecting the animal's behavior. Maybe your cat is displaying some kind of aggression that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Try to clean the soiled area as good as you can to show the cat that that area should remain clean.

You can also consult a professional veterinarian or you can buy a house cat training book to get some answers on cat training.

Author: M. Markella

Cat Health - Common Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:50:00 +0000

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.

Author: Richard G M Taylor

Improving Cat Food Taste - How to Make Your Cat Like Her Healthy Food

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:21:00 +0000

In order to own a healthier cat, you have decided to change your cat's food diet after much pondering and discussion with your veterinary. But knowing that you own a finicky and choosy cat, you wonder if there is anything you can do to help your cat likes its new diet.

First, you should introduce the food slowly and steadily, sudden and abrupt changes can force even the most easy to please cat reject her food for a day or two even when she is hungry. This is the last thing you want because experts feel that a starved cat is at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, and the fatter the cat, the higher the risk.

Apart some a gradual change of food, here are a list of things you can do to improve the taste of your cat's new food:

1. Add a dash of salt.

2. Food with a strong odor is enticing. Mix a little odiferous cat food or some meat baby food (no onions!).

3. Add some moistened cat treats.

4. Change the texture slightly, if it is ground, add some meat chunks, raw meat, or fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna).

5. Mix a teaspoon of old food, or change out old food, food left out loses preferred odor and texture. 6. Add warm water, homemade beef or chicken broth and warm the dish in the microwave or by steaming.

8. Try adding a different flavor or formula or add a little canned food with beef tallow in it. Mix different consistencies - wet and dry, canned pumpkin, minced sardines, tuna or clam juice.

9. Dab a little on his paw to get him accustomed to the taste as he cleans it off.

10. Top dress with cottage cheese.

Food aside, you can try changing the feeding dishes. Some cats prefer eating from a flat dish (don't ask me why!), some don't like plastic or metal material and prefer ceramic, others might just like heavier dishes that stay put on the floor as they eat.

If your cat is usually not a picky eater, there could be some other reasons why she is not eating as much or showing little interest. She could just be sick - down with a mouth disorder problem which makes eating painful and difficult or maybe a troubled digestive system.

The above cat food taste improvement tips should work fine if your healthy cat is refusing her food. Visit your veterinarian if she refuses to eat the new diet for a day, try not to go beyond 48 hours. The worse possible situation is to go back to her old diet food and change her diet from there gradually.

Author: Moses Wright

Important nutritional information on cat food

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Protein is crucial for your cat's health, and generally comes from fish, meat or poultry. Advertisers will often say their brand is beef, turkey or mackerel flavoured, but it may not actually contain those products, meaning it may not be rich in protein. Always ensure the food you buy but your cat has a sufficient amount of protein in it, irrespective of the flavour.

Cat Food Fact #2 Cat Food with Taurine Taurine is an important amino acid for your cat, and you should also check that the food you buy contains this supplement. Cats control their own levels and indicate these with their appetite. If you cat is eating a lot, the food you are buying may not have enough nutrients for a balanced diet. You can watch your cats weight by buying a nutrient rich food as your cat will eat less and you might even save money.

Cat Food Fact #3 Canned or Dry Cat Food? Cats require a varied diet, including a mixture of canned and dry food. Contrary to opinions that it doesn't matter, buying only one type of food because of convenience or price is a mistake, and can harm your cat's health. When the cat is alone or unattended for a period, carbohydrate rich dry food should be left out for your cat with a supply of fresh water. Tinned food is higher in protein due to the meat content, and contains higher water levels. Both are essential for a balanced diet, and a combination of both dry and canned food will keep essential variety in the diet and prevent the cat from seeking food elsewhere.

Cat Food Fact #4 Avoid fillers in cat food Protein is essential for your cat as part of a balanced diet. Ensure the food you buy is rich in protein, and not overly full of carbohydrates, common fillers used by manufacturers to build out volume. Always read the label, and check for overly high levels of carbohydrate and other by-products in the cat food.

Author: An Article by Jay Moncliff

Cat Toys - Keeping Your Cat Amused

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:31:00 +0000

The simplest things can easily amuse cats. While people may go to the pet store to purchase expensive toys for their pet cats, it is more probable that cats will take favor to a piece of paper laying on the living room floor! Before you go and buy toys for your pet cat, think creatively and see if any old thing in your house could provide hours of amusement to your furry friend. In the end, you will find that you have saved money and provided your cat with the toy it really wants.

Idle cats can be mischievous cats, so cat owners should provide entertainment for their feisty felines to keep them occupied. If your cat is an indoor cat, he doesn't have the ample opportunity to get the exercise an outdoor cat will, as it chases, climbs and runs about. Toys and playtime will satisfy your cat's natural desire to chase prey. And if you join them in their playtime, the interaction will establish a bond between the two of you - something which will be important to you both.

When choosing toys for your cat, keep safety in mind. You don't want anything with string, ribbon, or yarn hanging from it. This could easily be ingested, and you will have to possibly make an avoidable trip to the veterinarian with a medical emergency. Also, remove any loose or small parts. Chances are, a cat will eat anything that falls off the toy. Again, you will have another emergency. Avoid toys that contain dangerous filling such as beads. Remember, your cat does not know any better.

Some common items cats love to play with are inexpensive, and you may even have them in your own home. Plastic balls are a great source of entertainment for cats. They love to push and chase them. Ping-pong balls are wonderful also, as the holes allow the cat to carry them around. Cats love to chase, jump, and pounce. They also like to play hide and seek, and will while away hours with a simple paper bag. Just make sure the bag doesn't have handles, which could be dangerous. Empty cardboard tubes, from toilet or hand paper, or cardboard boxes will also provide activity for your pet.

Soft stuffed animals are also ideal for the cat to cuddle with, carry, or even wrestle. Just make sure it is not bigger than your cat. A catnip filled toy makes a good play item, as the cat is attracted to its scent. It also will leave a scent on your carpet that will be pleasing to your cat and make them happy.

With a little imagination, you can turn many items in your house into play toys for your cat. Add this to some store bought toys, and your cat will be in kitty heaven. Just keep in mind, cats can get easily bored, so rotate the toys every week or so. You can even hide some and let the cat find them. But more importantly, interact with your cat to make the most of his playtime. He will get the exercise he needs, the occupation he desires, and the love he will return.

Author: Matthew Hick

Your Cat And Biting Habits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Cats look cute and adorable. That is until they launch stinging lowly unsuspecting soul beings. Cats require to be educated good deeds. A lot of wounding cat did that is an outcome of uncorrected bad actions.
Keep in brains the cats came from the brutish. Even still now cats have been domesticated and live in close friend with humans, their instincts stay the same. They are intuitive hunters and are equipped with the expected tools intended to rummage a kill.

Cats have greedy instincts

Biting is a part of a cat's security system. They do this when they feel threatened. Since mocking is a cat's way to shield themselves, humans have to be sensitive that their cats don't think they are threatening them in any way when they are singing with their cats.

Remember the cats are greedy by makeup. They exhibit this mannerism by teasingly pouncing and mordant the hands and feet of their owners.

It's important for owners not to tolerate the actions. Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.

Cat owners should not support their cats to think that their hands and feet play stuff. A lot of cat owners who tolerate the deeds have scars to attest this unfortunate misjudge.

Look for the instigate

Sometimes cats exhibit bad manners such as scratching and wounding when they are ill or have an injury. They also do this when they feel angst or concern.

Cat owners necessity to pay close notice to the health of their cats. They also should to sift their cat's environment to assess if theirs something about their surroundings that is causing their cat's bad behavior.

Train your cat

When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and agreement! This encourages the cat to assert a good line. You can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.

Fun activities

Sometimes cats nibble when they get listless. When the cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stopover to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity. Give the cat a toy to play with. This will get the cat's notice, and keep the cat preoccupied.

Cats are wonderful pets to have. Not only are they virtuous creatures- they keep themselves wholesome by pasting their fur. Nevertheless they are also very handy. The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to latch rodents.

Nevertheless first stuff first, cats basic to be trained and trained the policy of the house. Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more piercing!

by : Joshua Simms

Cat Tips - Good Ways in Caring a Cat Well

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Taking care of a cat is sometimes exhausting especially when it related to the cat’s health condition. If you face trouble in this, then these cat tips will be useful for you. There are numerous things you must pay heed to your cat in relation to the cat tips. Check them out to make out what you have to do with regard to your cat’s health.

The Inception of Cat Tips; Take Notice

The list of cat tips says that the first thing to carry out is to understand your cat well. It means taking notice to your cat’s behaviors. If you are familiar with your cat’s typical habits, it will be moderately easy to see any behavior changes. These changes could point toward the health problem presence.

Things to look at for would include any changes in their water and food intake, changes in the amount of waste in the litter box and the level of normal activity. For example, a cat with diabetes will initiate to drink more water, making them to pee more often.

Other Cat Tips

Another common health issue for cats is the development of hairballs. Usually this is not a major problem, but sometimes it is cause for concern. Sometimes, a cat will not be able to remove the hairball and it will get eaten. This could cause an intestinal blockage if the hairball does not pass. You can help prevent this problem by grooming your cat regularly. There are also particular of cat foods that claim to control hairballs.

Next on the list of healthy cat tips is prevention of worms. There are several different types of worms that can come in cats. You can often see them in their stool. Failure in gaining weight may also point to the presence of worms. Get your cat to the vet for cure if you suppose it has a worm problem.

One of the most regular health problem cat tips on our list is urinary tract infection. Common warning of this would include an unusually strong urine odor, and urination taking place in areas other than the litter box. If you expect this is occurring, you need to get your cat to the vet for treatment. You can also try foods that are recommended for this problem.

Aforementioned are some healthy cat tips that will help you in caring the cat. Since your cat could be affected by a lot of health problems, it is very required to recognize your cat’s problem early and treat it immediately. If it is compulsory, give medical handling to your cat. Of course, you would like your cat to be healthy and live a long, wouldn’t you?

Thus, does the above-mentioned information still not satisfy your need in knowing about cat tips?span Explore more the suitable information herein!

Author: Jason Rolances

Secret to Training Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Despite all of the stereotypes, cats are not completely self-sufficient creatures. They still need their human families to feed and water them, and to protect them from the elements and other creatures And despite all of their protests against it, cats need their humans to love them. Adopting a cat can be a very rewarding feeling, as well as a major challenge at times. We want our family life to be calm and warm, not frantic and frustrating, so we need all of the members, including the furry ones, to be at their best behavior.Secrets to Training cats can ensure that you have a gentle, loving pet that does not claw your furniture and pee in your houseplants. Training your cat does not only protect it from potential dangers, but keeps your belongings safe from destruction as well.

Cats claw, scratch, bite,hiss and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys, that is great, but many times they will find something else. Cats that chew on the new divan or the electrical cords are not only destroying property, they are also potentially put their own lives in danger. Young cats will mouth or chew on things for the same reasons that puppies and human babies do- they are exploring their world, as well as teething. Give them substitutes and reward them for chewing on the right items. If an older cat has suddenly developed a urge to gnaw on things other than food or usual toys, then consider whether he is bored, or if it is possible that he has a nutritional deficiency. Secret to training cats can be a very rewarding for you and your furry friend.

Poorly trained kitties will often start using the entire house as their personal litter box. If you have ever walked in the house when the litter box needs to be changed, you know how disgusting that can truly be. If your cat is using items like your bed or favorite chair to potty on, he might be sending you a message. Does he loathe the new litter you bought? Did you move his litter box? Or, have you started spending too much time with that guy or gal in 2A that stomps his feet at kitty when you are not in the room? Although most cats will train well to the box and never have issues, some are more stubborn and this behavior can often be the deal breaker for many families.

A well-trained cat will charm and amuse your guests when they come to your home. He will make your days seem warmer and brighter. Because he knows what is expected of him, he will not have as much anxiety, leading to a calmer more easily controlled cat. Calmer cats are more affectionate because they are not nervous or high-strung. Training your cat allows him or her to focus on good behaviors and the things that make a cat's life a good one; napping, eating and stalking dust motes in the sunny patch by the window. Secret to training cats is patience never hit a cat or you will lose there trust and trust is hard to win back with a cat you will get much farther along by love after all love conquers all. Good luck to you.

Author: Stephen Daniel

Top Five Cat Breeds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Choosing a cat breed can be a bit daunting, especially if you don’t know very much about cats! When considering a cat, you must be sure to choose a breed that will best suit your lifestyle. Some breeds require more physical activity than others, and some require much more grooming. Look below to find the top five most popular cat breeds. You will also find a brief description about each breed’s grooming requirements and personality type.

The Oriental is one of the most popular cat breeds around. This breed is a very intelligent, loyal companion and tends to bond deeply with its family. It has large, pointed ears, and although its body is very sleek, it is still quite a muscular breed.

The American Shorthair is extremely popular with families, as they tend to be very affectionate and friendly. The American shorthair originally was a working breed, mostly for mouse hunting, which explains the agile muscular structure and short hair. They do need a little exercise, but most are quite content being a lap cat.

The Birman breed is thought to have originated from Burma. It is perhaps best recognized by its blue eyes, white body, and smoky-brown face, ears, legs, and tail. Birmans possess a long, sturdy body structure with long, mat-resistant hair. They love to play and are quite gentle. They are affectionate without being too needy.

If you’re looking for a very affectionate, cuddly cat, then a Sphynx may be the breed for you. Although they look like they have no fur, they actually have a peach-like fuzz all over their body. As they don’t have much hair to protect their skin, they should strictly be kept indoors. This breed does require a bit of extra care, particularly with room temperature, as this breed can easily become too cold.

A very mild and gentle cat breed is the Ragdoll, appropriately named such as it can be quite floppy and relaxed when picked up. If you love a cat that accompanies you from room to room, this breed would likely be a wonderful match for you. They are very careful not to use teeth or claws when playing around, so they would also make an excellent cat for children.

Now that you have a better idea about the most popular, yet very different, breeds out there, hopefully you find choosing a cat to be a little less daunting than before. Be sure to remember that lifestyles are important factors to consider; so if you aren’t very active, you probably shouldn’t choose a cat that requires a lot of activity, and vice versa.

Author: Lucky Cat Furniture

Cats and Their Cat Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:52:00 +0000

One thing owners and cats enjoy doing together is play, especially with cat toys. There are several reasons play-time is essential to your relationship with your pet.

Playing lets your cat improve their hunting skills. Your cat will be able to practice looking for the target, creating a sly approach, learn to pounce, and enjoying its victory. All of this is achieved through playing with your cat and their cat toys.
Playing gives your cat an opportunity to get some exercise and be able to maintain a healthy weight which is extremely important to their long term health.
Playing is also a way for your cat to be able to release all their negative energy and prevents them from attacking you or anyone in their vicinity frequently.
Playing strengthens the relationship that you have with your pet, and allows for bonding time.
It also helps your cat overcome its shyness and gain more confidence through interactivity.
Playing with your cat, especially with a new one, helps them to adjust comfortably with their new home, new cat toys, and other surroundings.
Lastly, playing is just plain fun for you and your cat!

Cat toys include so many items in different shapes and sizes. You have so much to choose from to keep your cat entertained.

Ball Toys provide entertainment with the addition of a feather, squeezy center, hair/fiber creating a shag look, wires, glittered pom-poms, mice-shaped, or with cat nip scent. They come in packs of two, three, five or even just one piece. These balls usually measure about 1.25 inches to 2 inches thereby allowing your cat to be able to grab it and play with it easily. It's small enough for cats and/or kittens to grab it but big enough so as not to allow for swallowing and accidental choking.
There are also interactive toys that the cat owner can use. These include items placed at the end of a cord or stick and you, the cat owner, waving around the rod while the cat follows it. Interactive toys also include battery-charged mice that run around with the cat trying to catch it. Some of these toys even have remote controls and rattling sounds.
There are mouse toys available to let your cat practice capturing its target. They usually squeak or rattle and measures from two to four inches.

How should you play with your cat? There are no set rules. There are only guidelines to help the cat owner play with their cats to achieve maximum satisfaction for both parties.

Always change up the toys your cats play. If they see the same toy over and over again, they will recognize it and get bored and tired easily. Keep a few different toys on hand for use. Change it up every time you play with your cat. You don't have to spend a lot and buy every cat toy available. You can even use some items in your home like an old stuffed animal, straw, flashlight, etc.
Do some role playing. Be the target that your cat is looking for. Make your toy act and impersonate a mouse or bird. Pretend its running away and hiding. This creates a chase for your cat and will excite him or her. Be subtle though and do not role play too much or the cat can grow bored or think play time is all the time.
Try to pay attention to the different settings that your cat likes to play. He may like to play when it's dark or when you're alone. Pretty soon, you'll be able to get the hang of it.
Let your cat enjoy his victory and don't let him win too easily. Make your cat work hard for his prize.
Once you do something he likes to do, remember to include it in your play sessions regularly. You cat will definitely enjoy this.

Have fun playing with your cat and their cat toys!

Author: Kaila West

All About Feeding Your Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into you cats tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat's tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight.

Cats are the same, if they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren't sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.

A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.
A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem
Another is whether or not you can feel your cat's ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat's rib cage then you cat is definitely overweight.

Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.

Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it's important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If you can't isn't overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.

The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn't have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat.

Try to get your cat to run around some
Take a walk with your cat
Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around
Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around
Switch up the games that you play with your cat so he doesn't get bored
Even if you are away for the day, leave approved toys out for your cat to play with.
Also, it sometimes helps your cat's activity level if they have another feline companion to play with while you are away

Just because you like to switch your food around because something was cheaper at the store, or a new product looked better, doesn't mean that you cat should jump around from one cat food to another. Pets are funny this way, once they become used to a certain type of food, switching to another brand because it was on sale doesn't always agree with their stomachs.

If it happens that you want to switch your cat's food then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, if so you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. In order to switch your cat's food without all of the digestion trouble you will need to put just a bit more into each meal, this process can take a few weeks before the switch is complete.

Trying to Feed Your Kitten

Dealing with a kitten is completely different that feed a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and nervous system. You can't feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats; they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step.

It's always smart to consult with your doctor before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have smaller stomach than a full grown cat.

Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn't seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don't rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.

There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat's food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if you cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.

Author: Joshua Simms

Taking Better Care Of Your Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:51:00 +0000

A healthy animal makes for a happy pet. If you are a cat owner and you want to make your pet happy, you need to make sure that your cat is groomed properly, fed on time and is given enough love and attention.

Here are some tips on how you can have a healthy and happy cat:

Take care of your cat's health.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your cat is healthy and free from diseases that may even be transmitted to humans.

Visit the veterinarian if you notice that your cat has become lethargic or less active than usual.

If you see them 'shedding' excessively or has something unusual on their coat, immediately consult a professional.

Your cat might have a skin disease, or this could be a symptom of a sickness that you do not know about.

Groom your cat properly.

Cats are in the habit of grooming themselves. You will often see them using their tongue to clean their coat.

In spite of this, you should still do your part in grooming your cat if you want to keep them really clean.

Brush your cat's fur regularly. There are several short-haired cats that need minimal brushing. For this, you can use a comb with soft bristles.

There are also cat breeds which have long, silky furs and this variety needs a much longer grooming time.

Use a wide-toothed comb initially then brush up with a fine toothed one afterwards. You can also use talcum powder in order to separate the hair strands.

Make sure that you brush with gentle strokes so that their skin will not be hurt or scratched.

Cats are also not that fond of taking a bath. But there are times when your cat would need bathing.

This is when they have accumulated a lot of dirt on the skin and coat. Bathing will help eliminate ticks and lice.

Also, there might be substances that could cling on the fur which can be poisonous and it is important for them to bathe.

When bathing your cat, use a shampoo that is specially made for cats. Do not be tempted to use your shampoo because of the great smell...it could have adverse effects on your cat's skin and fur. Prepare the following before bathing:

-a small tub or sink
-slip-proof mat
-water spray attachment
-clean, dry towels
-shampoo
-comb

Adjust the water temperature, then place your cat in the small tub or sink before filling it up with water. It is better to attach a sprayer in the faucet rather than pouring water directly onto its body. Apply a liberal amount of shampoo on the cat's body, and try to avoid the face, especially the eyes and ears.

After rinsing, towel them dry and comb the coat. Bathing time should build trust and create some quality time between you and your pet cat.

This should prevent your cat from making much of a fuss the next time it needs a bath.

Another part of grooming is keeping the eyes, teeth and ears clean. Also remember to keep the paws clean and the nails trimmed. Most cats can't tolerate dirty paws and will lick them clean but they can't yet trim their own nails.

Go to a pet store and you are sure to find products specially made to clean the eyes, teeth and ears. You can also look for a nail trimmer specifically designed to use on your pet cat.

Ask a professional groomer or a veterinarian so that you can learn how to properly clean your cat's eyes, ears, teeth and nails.

Feed them on time.

Another aspect of keeping your cat happy and healthy is by feeding them well and on time.

Your feline friends can learn how to "stick" to a schedule with your guidance and training.

Make time in your busy day to feed them.

Along with homemade and natural cat food, you should give them plenty of clean water to drink.

If you have a lot of pet cats, give them individual feeding plates.If there is just one dish, other cats might not be fed well because dominant felines will take the most part of the food that you serve. And a lot of cats are too finiky to eat after another one.

Shower them with love and attention.

By giving your cats your undivided attention while grooming and feeding them, you are already showering them with love and attention.

In addition to this, make their play time a lot more fun by appreciating the things that they do.

By following these tips, you are sure to have a healthy cat and be a contented owner.

Author: Lynne Gordon

Being Aware of Pet Food Recalls Can Save Your Animal's Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:50:00 +0000

In recent years there have been several pet food recalls (cat and dog alike) that have left pet owners nationwide mystified as to why it has been happening. There have even been a handful of people who are convinced that some of the manufacturers are actually guilty of foul play. Thousands of pets have died as a result of tainted ingredients and even more became seriously ill. Suffice it to say, it has become cause for alarm as these pet owners depend on these commercial entities to package healthy foods and snacks for their animals.
Mycotoxins, which are toxins that are produced by different fungi, have been the major culprit. As a result of these tainted pet foods and snacks being discovered, the FDA has gotten involved and mandated that the commercial manufacturers issue these recalls. The goal of course is that the FDA and commercial manufacturers work in conjunction with one another to prevent further outbreaks of pet deaths and illnesses.

Sometimes, keeping your pet healthy is simply a matter of knowing what to look for as well as knowing what you should avoid. In other words, knowledge of what is going on is your most powerful weapon and could be the soundest way of protecting your pet. Here are 4 suggestions on how to prevent as well as spot potential problems. In the long run, you could be saving the life of your pet.

Always look for an expiration date on the container or packaging before you purchase canned or dry pet foods. In addition to helping you identify items that are about to expire and go bad, this is just a common sense move on your part. Additionally, chemicals that have been added for flavor, as well as preservatives added for longevity of product life can be potentially harmful to your pet. The best suggestion is that you feed your pet an organic food.
If there is no expiration date, check for either a foul odor or staleness. It's not likely that you will get your money back on expired pet food that you purchased, but this is not the key issue - you have a responsibility to not only your pet, but to the other owners and pets out there. So make sure that you report issues like this to both the commercial manufacturer as well as the retailer where you made the purchase.

This is all well and good, but common sense would mandate that you rethink purchasing any consumable for your pet that is lacking an expiration date. Will you purchase food for your family that had an expired date or was about to expire soon? Here's more food for thought. What if that phone call you make instigates more action which eventually leads to another recall? And what if that recall saves the lives of a few thousand more pets?
Symptoms of abnormal or unusual behavior always warrant a call to your veterinarian. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the greater the chance of a quicker recovery. Unfortunately, many more pet's lives could have been saved had their owners responded at the first sign of these symptoms. Never take these situations lightly and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Always keep abreast of media reports regarding pet food recalls. Current news, media reports, and news updates are all over the internet. Simply type in "pet food recalls" into the browser/search bar and start doing your homework.

Here's a final tip. Avoid any information that commercial manufacturers publish regarding their products. Though the information they put forth may be accurate, remember that they produced the pet food or snack in question, and it is the job of that company's market department to "sugarcoat" the situation as much as possible so they do not lose market share.

Author: Jeff Nenadic