Cat Lovers

Protect Pets During Summer Holidays

2009-02-24T21:23:00.002+07:00

Holidays are a lot of fun but the noise and chaos can frighten pets. Some pets may get aggressive or become traumatized. Animals can become overloaded when cities shoot off fireworks. Holidays like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, can be very hard on pets because most animals are extremely sensitive to noise. A couple of things you can do to help your pet during these times include;

Create a safe space for the pet. Bring outdoor dogs inside. Allow your cats to hide under the bed or in closets. Don't force your animal to be social, allow them to hide.

Consider using non-addictive relaxers like "Rescue Remedy". Or, if your pet has bad reactions to noise and chaos, have your veterinarian prescribe some tranquilizers. Begin giving rescue remedy or tranquilizers a few hours before the noise is about to start.

Limit your pet's exposure to children and other animals at this time. When your pet is anxious because of noise and chaos, they may exhibit signs of aggression. A normally docile cat or dog may bite or attack a child or other pets when it's overloaded with fear and confusion.

If your pet hides in a closet or under the bed, leave them alone. Some people try to baby their animals. Usually, pets just want to feel safe. If your pet is anxious and comes to you, by all means provide comfort. But, if your pet is hiding, don't go after it. It will come out when it's more relaxed and ready to be social.

These tips also work well if your pet is afraid of thunder or lightning storms.

www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Garvey

Cat Labor Signs - 7 Ways To Tell That Your Cat is About to Give Birth

2008-11-26T16:48:00.004+07:00

So your cat has been pregnant for awhile now and been getting rounder and rounder. Suddenly, her whole demeanour changes and you're standing there, wondering if this is really it -- is your cat in labour?

Are her kittens coming?

How can you tell?

Just what are the signs of labour you should be looking out for?

Cat lovers the world over do their very best to make sure that their beloved pets receive the best care possible.

But when our feline friends become ill -- or in this case, are due to give birth to kittens -- we begin to feel very anxious and out of control as we realise that we simply don't know enough about the situation.

After all, we can't all be vets! You need to know what to look out for and you need to know fast.
Your cat is due to go into labour around the 64th day of her pregnancy, although it is very unlikely that you will be able to be that accurate in your calculations. Instead, you will have to rely on your ability to read the signs of the stages of pregnancy and of her impending labour.
Firstly, you are likely to have noticed that your cat's appetite will have almost doubled in the past few weeks and you will be able to see her kittens moving around in her abdomen quite clearly.

Also, she will have been displaying nesting behaviour -- looking for a safe, warm and quiet place in which to give birth. Hopefully, you will have already provided a suitable nesting box for her to use, otherwise you may find that she has chosen to give birth in the middle of your bed!
Then, as your cat nears the start of her labour, her appetite will reduce dramatically. It may even disappear completely.

A further sign of your cat's labour is that she may become particularly clingy and want to be around you constantly, seeking your affection.

As she gets closer to the time that her labour begins in earnest, you may find that your cat starts pacing about, appearing nervous or particularly excitable.

Another very distinct sign that your cat is very close to going into labour is that she will begin to 'call' to you. Even if you have never been present when a cat is giving birth, you won't be able to mistake this particular sound!

As the time approaches, you will see your cat repeatedly licking her bottom as she reacts to changing sensations in her body as it prepares for the birth of her kittens.
And finally, when your soon--to--be mother cat starts to feel the first twinges of her labour, she will appear to be uneasy and will repeatedly go in and out of her nesting box, 'treading' on the nesting material that you have already provided.

When you see this last behaviour, you can be quite sure that your lovely cat is entering the first stage of the birth process -- your cat's labour has begun.

In conclusion then, when you find yourself faced with a heavily pregnant cat and are wondering just when things will start to get moving, the foregoing, seven signs will give you a good guide to follow.

www.howtodeliverkittens.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jane_Tompsett

Cat Diseases Every Cat Lover Should Be Aware Of

2008-11-26T16:39:00.003+07:00

If you own a cat, and want to keep it happy and healthy, you will need to take your cat to the vets on a regular basis for immunizations to protect it from diseases. There are many diseases that cats can contract including Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):

This is a cat disease that is caused by the coronavirus infection. There are many different strains of the coronavirus that can make your cat sick, but most of them do not produce the serious kind of illness. The FIP-producing kind of coronavirus invades and grows in certain white blood cells in the cat's bloodstream. The infected white blood cells then travel through the cat's body where an intense reaction can occur in the tissues. Infected cats can pass the virus on to other cats through the saliva and feces. Saliva can get into the water and food dishes, toys, clothing, bedding and surfaces they lie on. The virus can survive for several weeks but can be inactivated by common household detergents and disinfectants. Owners of multiple cat households should use one part household bleach to thirty-two parts of water (4 oz. of bleach to a gallon of water).

Symptoms of FIP are those of a mild upper respiratory disease in that the cat will sneeze, have watery eyes, and a watery nasal discharge. Sometimes the cat will have a mild intestinal disease. Usually cats completely recover from FIP and can also become virus carriers. Unfortunately a few cats can develop the lethal disease several weeks, months, or even years after having the disease for the first time.

Symptoms of the lethal FIP are anemia, depression, fever, and weight loss. The cat will develop kidney failure (increase it's water consumption and urination), or have liver failure and become jaundiced, or have pancreatic disease and show signs of diarrhea and vomiting and diabetes. It may also have neurological disease, which manifests itself in loss of balance, behavioral changes, paralysis and also seizures. It may have eye disease, which includes inflammation of the eyes or blindness. Because there can be so many different symptoms FIP can be difficult for vets to diagnose.

Cats that are very young, or are older than 10 years, or cats that are in poor physical condition are all prone to FIP.

The first FIP vaccine (Primucell PIF) was introduced in 1991.

FIP has not been documented in any other species other than the feline population.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):

The virus that causes Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the same retrovirus family of viruses that includes the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), the is different in many ways including the shape of the virus and genetically.

FIV is spread basically through bite wounds; thus cats who are outdoor cats allowed to roam freely are prone to this infection. Sometimes an infected mother cat can give the infection to her kittens while passing through the birth canal or through the milk when nursing.
A cat may have the FIV virus for years before showing any signs of illness. The virus will render the cat more susceptible to diseases caused by common bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or fungi found in everyday environments that normally do not affect a healthy cat. The cat with FIV will have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of FIV infection:

In the early stage of the infection the virus is carried to nearby lymph nodes where white blood cells are produced and the virus is spread to other lymph nodes throughout the body resulting in a temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes, which if a vet is examining the cat at this stage the vet may notice the swollen lymph nodes. There is usually a fever while the lymph nodes are enlarged.

The health of a cat with FIV will deteriorate progressively and the owner may notice a loss of appetite, poor coat condition, an inflamed gum (gingivitis) and inflamed mouth (stomatitis), and chronic skin infections, a urinary bladder infection and upper respiratory tract infection is also usually present. Slow but progressive weight loss is very common, followed by severe wasting late in the disease. When a cat has FIV, it is prone to get different kinds of cancer and blood diseases. Some cats with FIV may have seizures, and behavior changes as well as other neurological disorders.

The diagnosis is made with a simple blood test.

There is an FIV vaccine.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is also a retrovirus, just like FIV, and HIV the human immunodeficiency virus. In the U.S. approximately 2 to 3% of cats are infected with FeLV.

FeLV is spread through the saliva and nasal secretions, but can also be spread by contaminated urine, feces, and in the milk of infected cats. It can be spread by a bite, or by sharing of litter boxes, or feeding and water dishes. An infected mother cat can give the FeLV to her nursing kittens. Cats in multiple households where there is an infected cat are at risk, as well as cats that are allowed to go outside unsupervised, where an infected cat can bite them.

Symptoms of FeLV are loss of appetite, slow and progressive weight loss, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, persistent fever, pale gums, gingivitis, stomatitis, skin infections, urinary infection, upper respiratory tract, persistent diarrhea, seizures, behavior changes, and also eye conditions.

www.bestcatbook.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jason_Burton

Cat Eye Health Care Tips

2008-11-05T16:55:00.003+07:00

The health of your cat's eyes is very important to the health of your cat. So, it is extremely important to monitor your cat's eye health and to take action immediately upon realizing there may be an issue. Use the following tips and if the problem is persistent or severe, consult your veterinarian.

Keep Your Cat's Eyes Healthy

One sure way of making sure the health of your cat's eyes health doesn't become a problem is by keeping your cat well groomed and cleaned. Watch for some of these things to help prevent any cat eye health problems.

- Keep your cat's eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.
- Before bathing, flea treatments or doing anything that may introduce chemicals to your cat's eyes you should apply a neutralizing ointment.
- Keep hair out of your cat's eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
- Clean tear stained fur around the eyes.

Signs of Cat Eye Health Issues

Healthy cat eyes are always moist and clear, if you see any of these following symptoms there may be a health issue.
- Reddish colored inner eyelids
- The third eyelid roams across the eye and/or stays across the eye
- Unusual discharges or matter forming on the eye or in the corners of the eye
- Excessive tears and/or signs of excessive tearing around the eyes

Cleaning Your Cat's Eyes

Dilute some baby shampoo with water at a solution 1 part shampoo and 20 parts water. With a cotton ball, gauze pad or cotton swab soaked in this solution gently wipe away any discharge or dirt residue by massaging the eyeball. Clean around the edges of the eye thoroughly. Once you have sufficiently cleaned the area, wipe away the shampoo with clean water and cotton ball or gauze pad.

If there are any formations of discharge residue inside the eyelids themselves, drip sterile saline eye drops from above the eye and carefully remove with a tissue or cotton ball.

Apply Medication to Your Cat's Eyes

If you are giving your cat eye drops, gently lift your cat's head up and apply one or two drops of the eye medication. Space multiple treatments out by around 10 minutes, this will allow the first treatment to absorb.

If you cat eye health professional has recommended the use of an ointment be sure to use only a very little at a time, too much will result in irritating the eye. Apply it to the corner of the eye, or to the eyelid and gently rub the eyelid around your cat's eye to evenly distribute the ointment.
Hopefully these quick tips will go a long way in preventing any potential cat eye health problems and allow for you cat to remain A Happy Cat.

www.ahappycat.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Matt_Ryan

How the Experts Buy Cat's Toys and Grooming Supplies

2008-10-21T20:46:00.001+07:00

Every cat needs to have a set of toys. Cats and kittens are very inventive and have been known to entertain themselves with items found around home. There are many types of pet toys available, so you are guaranteed to find several that your cat will love. Depending on your budget, you can buy mechanical or battery operated toy mice or birds, or simple low cost toys like a catnip mouse.

Amazon.com Widgets

Before you buy any toy, be sure that it is safe for your cat. Examine all toys before you bring them home, and make sure that they do not have any small pieces that could fall off or be clawed off or chewed off, because they could become a choking hazard. Avoid toys with small parts like bells, glued on plastic eyes, pompons, small foam balls (your cat can chew off foam and swallow it), marbles, feathers, or anything small enough to go down your cat's throat. Never let him play in or around plastic bag, it is not a toy. The bag's handles could slip over your cat's head or wrap around his throat, and he could suffocate. Safe choices include ping pond balls, small plastic balls, paper bags with not handles, cardboard boxes, balls of paper, rolled up socks, and catnip mice.

Rotate the toys every few weeks to keep your cat interested. If you discover that a toy is worn or cracked, replace it with a new one. Leave the toys out while you are at work or gone for the day so that your cat can play when you are not home. They will help to keep him from becoming bored.

Now, let us discuss a little bit on cat's grooming supplies. Although cats are very clean animals who groom themselves every day, they need some grooming assistance from time to time. When buying your pet supplies, purchase a brush and comb designed for cats. If you have a long haired cat such as Persian, you need to buy a brush and comb designed for grooming long haired breeds. Smaller, softer brushes and combs are also available for kittens.

Other grooming supplies you should have on hand include cotton balls, mineral oil, a small pair of scissors, pet shampoo, a towel, a toothbrush designed for cats, feline safe toothpaste, nail clippers made for cats and a styptic pencil.

Instead of relying on metal ID tags, some owners use microchips to identify their pets. A veterinarian can inject a microchip directly into your cat or kitten. The chip does not harm him, and it can be inserted at about eight weeks of age. It is a permanent form of identification, and it cannot become lost or removed by the cat

As a conclusion, sharing your home with a cat or kitten can be a rewarding experience. You will take on new responsibilities, have new challenges, and become an important part of your cat's daily life. In return, your feline companion will give you enjoyment, loving affection, and brighten your days for many years to come.

www.callpetmeds.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Paul_Kramer

Cat Toys

2008-10-21T20:19:00.002+07:00

You have a great responsibility by owning a cat. It just does not mean you should just take care by feeding it but it means that you have to buy them some toys so that they can enjoy themselves. Having a toy is essential for cats, because if it has nothing to play or get its attention to, when it has an urge to scratch or bite, it will turn its attention to your expensive household things like furniture or even electronic goods. And also watching your cat play with its toys gives great satisfaction and pleasure to you as a pet cat owner, so do not hesitate to gift your cat a good lovable toy you think your cat will take pleasure in.

There is a great demand for cats and it seems to be increasing day by day. Also the market for their accessories is growing. So you will not have to be concerned about not finding a suitable toy for your pet cat. There are many different types of selections that you can decide from. There are expensive toys, cheap toys and simple toys also. Some of the toys are even battery operated toys which move around in your house and it is enjoyable to observe your pet cats follow and chase after them.

If you cannot afford to buy your pet cat a fine toy, do not be sad. There are now many types of cat toys which you still get without compromising on your wallet or budget. To give you an example, cat fishing poles which are created out of very light weight bendable and flexible poles are available which can hang an object by the end of its string pole. You may move the pole around while sitting and your pet cat tries it’s very best to seize the thing which is hanging on the end of the pole. This simple toy can be a very enjoyable thing both for your pet and yourself.

The cat’s basic nature is to always go after mice. You may purchase for your pet cat a good toy mouse which is created out of fur and which is not dear. Your pet cat can now begin pouncing on the toy mouse and also throw it into the air. It gives great pleasure for the cat also. Even toys which have ringing bells attached to it will also bring great delight to you and your pet because cats adore the sound the toy will make and thinking that the toy is a prey, chase and play with it.

Toys that are squeaky may not be really fit for cats, as cats don’t have much stamina to press and squeeze the toy to bring out a sound. Also take care that when buying toys which make sound, they are not very loud, otherwise when you want to relax, your pet cat may make so much noise while playing with the toy, that it may disturb you quite a lot while you are relaxing.

www.petsupplies4ypc.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com Stephen_Pappalau

Good Cat Care Means A Happy Cat

2008-10-16T18:33:00.002+07:00

Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about cat care, the better you will be able to meet your feline’s physical and emotional needs. The stronger your cat’s health and the better your cat’s attitude are, the more you will be able to enjoy your cat’s unique personality. Good cat care will make your cat more affectionate,

and can dramatically reduce any behavior problems that your cat may be displaying. If you want a richer and fuller relationship with your cat, try improving your cat care.

Having a cat is a two way street. The better the level of cat care that you can provide for your pet, the more energetic, affectionate, and well behaved it will be. By giving your pet with optimum cat care, you will make it more agreeable to the training and gentle behavior modification techniques that can take the headaches out of pet ownership. Good cat care often
translates into a good cat that will take commands more willingly than a cat who does not receive enough attention, affection, and care. The more you learn about how to care for your cat, the better the level of health you will be able to bring your feline friend to. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between you and your pet will be, and that bond often serves as the core of obedience training.

By educating yourself about cat care and practicing the best, scientifically tested cat care techniques to provide your catwith optimum attention, you can make sure that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat is, the happier it will be able to make you. A cat that is well cared for is a cat that will be interested in active playtime and in calm relaxation.

The better your cat care abilities are, the more fully you will be able to sharing time with your cat doing all of you pet’s, and your, favorite activities together. Great cat care provides a strong foundation for your bond with your cat. Good cat care can help you grow closer with your beloved pet by making sure that he or she is always up for spending time with you. This is
why cat care is an important part of your emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn’t getting the right kind of care, from the best kind of diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat may develop behavior issues that can make your pet feel like a problem child.

However, the positive side of this equation is that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome issues ranging from constant mewling to weight issues to destructive tendencies. Good cat care means a happier pet, and even a problematic cat who receives enough of the right kind of care can become a pleasant companion.

About the Author: For more Cat Care information please visit
"The Cat Care Compendium" Located at: http://www.cat-guide.com
This Blog created by Doug Rogers shares with readers helpful cat
care information for all cat lovers.

Source: www.isnare.com

Cat Health And Cat Care Of Cat Skin And Cat Organs

2008-10-16T18:29:00.001+07:00

Cats have a dry skin just like humans. The fur on their body
protects them from exposure to elements such as dirt. For pet
cats that have dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing or
soap-free products. Cats normally develop skin problems such as
Seborrhea. The best way to treat this disorder is to use
medicated shampoo.

Sensory Organs:

Cats have the great qualities. They are better than human
beings in seeing things and hearing sounds around them. They
smell and feel the nature very well. Due to these abilities,
cats were often mistaken to possess black magic. The current era
does not suspect cats of having an influence over the
supernatural powers. It is necessary to know cats' sense, which
may help in understanding their behavior much better.

1. Sight: Cats have a good night vision. Where there is no
enough light, cats see much better than humans. However, they
are not able see in complete darkness. This ability comes at the
cost of daytime vision, which is beneficial for nocturnal
predators. Actually, cats fail to see distant objects at
daytime. People know little about the colors that cats see
visibly. Science says that, they can identify some of the colors
than humans do. With their eyes, cats detect faster movement of
things in their surroundings. On the other hand, it is hard for
them to pay attention on slow moving objects.

2. Sound: Cats have very sharp ears. Even when fast asleep,
cats trace the noisy sounds of small rodents. Their ability to
hear sounds is three times as high as that of human beings. Cats
move their large ears sideways to capture the sound more
accurately. For this, they first locate the place from where the
sound actually comes. While chasing the target, they sometimes
pause to listen and determine the location of their prey.

3. Smell: Cats largely depend on their sense of smell. They
always sniff their food before eating. Smelling things is the
essential part of feline communication. There is a mechanism at
the top of their mouth, which makes possible for them to analyze
smell. With the help of this mechanism, cats twist their lips,
open their mouth, and express disgust over certain things.

4. Taste: Cats use this sense to decide the foods good for
them. They are truly carnivores. As such, their sense of taste
best lies in recognizing fat and protein. Unlike dogs, cats
prefer to stay away from sweets. In addition, cats do not
respond well to the taste of salt. Experts suggest the reason
behind this as, cats get enough salt from the meat food.

5. Touch: Cats have touch receptors all over their body. These
receptors are nerve cells that transfer sensations of pain,
pressure and temperature from any point to the brain. The nerve
cells are concentrated mainly on their front paws and face. The
hair, covering body of cats, help them to stay alert even on the
slightest touch of air passing by.

About the Author: Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free
ebook on Cats and Kittens at http://www.catandkittenzone.com .
Cat and Kitten Zone also has a Cat and Kitten Forum, Cat Breeder
Information, and a Cat and Kitten Blog with daily news on Cats
at http://www.catandkittenzone.com. Go to
http://www.catandkittenzone.com

Source: www.isnare.com

How To Train A Cat Not To Bite

2008-09-24T13:40:00.001+07:00

I'm pretty sure you're reading this because you're sick and tired of your cat biting you. And your probably wondering what you can do to stop this bad behavior. Let me teach you how to train a cat not to bite you again. "How do I get my cat to stop biting me and finally regain control of my household," follow these tip and you will be well on your way.

Tip 1

Teach your cat that handling is enjoyable and that petting feels good. The best way to teach your cat not to bite is to handle it when it is relaxed. Then after a little practice you and your cat will know when to play and when not to play.

Tip 2

If you have a cat that does not like to be rubbed what your need to do is pace yourself. Start rubbing in small areas when you cat is relaxed and after a while you will be able to rub your cat from head to tail without being bit.

Tip 3

Cats have sensitive areas that they don't like to be touched, and these parts tend to be the tail, ears, and paws. Be very careful not to touch these parts of your cat until you and your cat is okay with the rubbing.

Tip 4

Another way to never get bit again by your cat is to wait until it gives you signs of relaxation. The main sign is when you cat lays on her back and allows you to rub her while she's on her back.

Tip 5

Give you cat treats every time she lets you rub her and display good behavior.

www.qalto.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jovan_Johnson

My Cat Bites - 3 Possible Reasons

2008-09-24T13:23:00.000+07:00

Your cat is biting you when you play with him? At first its a bit of a giggle, but then he crossed the line and you happened to forget that your cute little kitty is in actual fact 4/5 wild animal. Take away the collar and let him go without food for a couple of days and see how cute he is then.

Why is your cat biting you? Could be a number of reasons.

One in particular, may well be that you are using your fingers as toys, it doesn't take much to activate his hunter instincts, just try dragging a piece of string in front of him for a few seconds and watch his stance change and his pupils dilate to the size of quarters. Your cat is still fairly wild and always will be, he just puts on his civilized demeanor when he is in the house. Try using a toy with a decent reach or some string or something that will keep your fingers away from his mouth.

Another reason he could be biting you is actually out of affection. Have you ever seen footage of tigers or lions playing? If a human happened to be one of them, he would not last five seconds, yet they are still just playing. Cats, both big and small, are tough as old boots and what seems like a bit of fun or affection to them will more than likely be blood loss to you. If he seems to be getting a little too wild, don't scorn him and send out the wrong message, just take it down a few notches

Another classic reason why your cat bites, is that it is basically annoyed or p-ssed off. Look for its body language, is its tail thrashing? Is its fur on its back up a little? Is it moving away and banging up against the nearest solid object? All these are indicative of displacement gestures and are sending the message that it is getting angry and that it could well be time to stop playing for the time being.

www.cattrainingtips.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Dave_Nevard

Cat Bites - What Should You Feed Your Cat?

2008-09-24T13:21:00.000+07:00

Generally, pet health begins with the food you give them. If you offer your cat a diet high in fat and preservatives, or even worse, people food, they will not develop a healthy internal system and chances are that they will develop a terminal medical condition. So pet health begins with what is in their food bowl. Provide a balanced diet that is high in protein; remember, in the wild, they eat raw meat and tissue, so provide them a diet that is high in protein relatively similar to a diet they would receive in the wild. However, just providing raw meat to your cat, while they may be satisfied, will not satisfy their nutritional needs. They need additional vitamins and nutrients that raw meat alone cannot provide, so pick a cat food that is a well rounded meal.

As we do, cats need a balanced, nutritional and well rounded diet. To guarantee that you cat is getting a balanced diet, the food given to them should be high in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It should also have such vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C and Niacin to make certain that proper pet health is obtained. Cats also need two essential amino acids, taurine and arginine, that aid in development and preservation. Cats will not survive with a solely vegetarian diet, so refrain from giving your cat all vegetables. Cats require animal meat to get hold of the arginine and taurine to properly function. A diet low in these essential amino acids will result in your cat's death.

A raw diet is the best for animals, particularly where felines are concerned. Animals in the wild are used to ingesting raw meat, so their internal organs are designed to handle raw meats. Do not worry about feeding them raw meat. With the rise of contamination in pet food, pet health care has become of major importance. Just make sure if you change your pet's diet, that is includes all the nutrients they will need to have a happy and healthy meal. They have certain nutritional needs that must be met to ensure proper pet health. Feeding your pet a diet which will increase their pet health means that your cat or dog will live a long and healthy life by your side. Giving a kitty a raw meat diet is not advisable either. If you want an organic diet for your cat, it is best to consult your veterinarian to help design an organic diet for your cat. By asking a veterinarian, you can ensure that your kitty is getting the proper nutrients it needs to ensure the best for your pet's health. While protein is the main constituent of their diet, raw meat does not have the absolute composition of nutrients that your cat can receive from dry food or a well balanced organic, physician designed diet. If you wish your cat to have a more organic diet, there are plenty of resources that can aid you in drawing up an organic diet for your feline that has the entire, essential nutrimental requirements it needs for a joyful, fit lifestyle.

www.bestcoolpets.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Gary_Pearson

Why Does My Cat Bite and Scratch When Playing With Me?

2008-09-24T11:50:00.000+07:00

Playing with kitty - that's why we become cat owners, isn't it? But what happens when play turns to pain, when kitty starts biting and scratching and drawing blood? Animal behaviorists call this play aggression, but who cares about the big words? What really matters is how you can get rid of it? First, you need to know what causes cats to become aggressive when playing with you. Once you know what causes the problem, you can learn how to fix it.

Play aggression normally occurs in kittens which are taken away from their mothers too early in life. A normal kitten, raised with littermates, quickly learns to bite and scratch with less intensity. They learn that playing rough will either cause their playmates to retaliate or to stop playing. You can recognize this behavior from the kitten's posture. It lashes its tail, flattens its ears and its pupils dilate. This is soon followed by biting and scratching.

To correct this behavior, you need to redirect your kitten's attention to another acceptable object. Drag kitty's toy along the floor, or throw the toy around and let kitty chase after it. A good choice for this would be a ping pong ball or something similar which bounces nicely. A soft, stuffed toy the same size as your kitten is also good. This lets kitty wrestle with it, closely simulating the way young kittens play with each other. Encourage play with this wrestling toy when your kitten starts to play rough.

You need to keep things under control. Set up 3 or 4 consistent times everyday to play with your kitten. This conditions your kitten so that it knows not to bother you at other times.

When playing with your cat, do not encourage it to chase after your hands and feet. This can also cause play aggression. In addition, if your cat tries to play with you outside your scheduled playtimes, you should ignore it. Otherwise it will start ambushing you when you climb down the stairs, or go around a corner, or when you go to bed. That would be an accident waiting to happen.

Sometimes, just ignoring kitty does not help. In this case, try using some kind of noise maker. You just want to startle it, grab its attention and break its momentum just before it pounces on you. Never physically strike your cat. A painful strike will make your cat afraid of you and avoid you. On the other hand, a harmless strike will just encourage it to continue its behavior. Either way, this is not what you want.

To enjoy playtime with your cat, you need to contain its aggression. Follow these tips consistently and with patience, and you will be able to have fun playing with your cat.

www.CatTraining.KelvinMart.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Katherin_Towers

Cat Care Tips - Breeding Your Cat

2008-09-12T11:37:00.000+07:00

The cat population of the U.S. is exploding. Many experts recommend spaying your cat instead of breeding it.

While this is a viable option, the fact remains that many cat owners wish to have a litter of kittens from their pet. If this is your desire, there are a few things you should consider before breeding your cat. It takes time and patience to properly breed cats. You will need to choose an area to have the litter and it should be kept clean on a regular basis. You will need to keep a close eye on your kittens and monitor their development.

Breeding a litter of cats is very time consuming and requires a great deal of space. It is not recommended that you attempt to breed cats if you have a small house or apartment. You should also be sure that your family is in agreement if you want to breed your cat as cat breeding will place a burden on all members of the household.

Kittens are curious by nature and they love visiting all the places in your house. As a cat breeder, you should think and act responsibly, including having a plan to have owners ready for the kittens you don't plan on keeping. Also consider the unexpected, such as someone who originally wanted a cat but later changed their mind once the litter is born.

You need to be aware of any potential problems that may occur during the birthing process. You should be aware of what to do in situations such as an early delivery or in cutting the umbilical cord.

Other factors could come into play such as how to proceed if a c-section is required. Do you have the proper supplies? Do you know what to feed a pregnant cat? These are all critical points you should know before attempting to breed a cat. Cost is an important factor as well. Food and vet expenses can quickly add up. In addition, there are de-worming and vaccination medicines to consider.

The bottom line is that if you want to breed your cat, be sure that you obtain the necessary knowledge and be financially prepared before hand. Be patient, careful, responsible and always be ready for the worst thing that can happen.

www.sumostrawberry.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com L.K._Reid

Tips on Providing the Best House Cat Care

2008-09-12T11:24:00.000+07:00

Tips On Providing Cat Care

The best cat care is extremely important to a kitten so that they can grow up to be healthy throughout the rest of their life. The best house cat care is one of the most important subjects for responsible and loving cat owners to be aware of. It involves prevention, understanding, and sometimes treatment of a possible life-threatening disease. The best house cat care is also affected by lack of exercise and poor diet. You can love your house cat into a state of being unhealthy without enough exercise and proper nutrition.

Talk to cat owners who may have an older cat. Ask them about cat health care for their older cat or consult your vet. What are the problems and what are the right foods and nutritional needs? That will fall under the term older cat care. If your cat does not receive the proper food and nutrition, they may have problems with their health. Talking about best house cat care health in advance will make it easier for everyone when the time comes.

Natural cat food is always a welcome one for all pet owners. There are brands of cat food that contains no chemicals and has lots of white meat and vegetables. The prices of these products will vary, but cat health is most important. A balanced diet of the correct protein and vitamins will be priced higher than the "store brand".

Heat and humidity degrade nutritional value, so do your best to buy fresh food. Once opened, for good cat health, his dry cat food should be stored in a sealed pet feeder container to preserve freshness.

Bad breath is an unhealthy sign of possible gum disease. Your cat should have strong white teeth without odor. The most popular opinion seems to lean toward dry cat food for best cat health care. It will give your cat strong gums, good healthy teeth, and that will give them clean breath.

As for soreness in your cat, heat is a good soother. Heated cat beds or a heated throw will give much relief to this painful complaint. Massage is often beneficial but should be administered with care. Your vet will give you complete direction as to how long to do it.

Allergies to fleas are another potential house cat problem. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as hot spots. Fleas carry many diseases and can transmit these to your cat. Fleas carry the tapeworm cyst inside them and your cat's health could be in danger because during routine grooming he could swallow them. One way to help eliminate this problem and provide good house cat care, is to keep your cat indoors at all times. Not only with it help with a flea problem, but will prevent ticks as well.

www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doris_Canova

30 Tips To Keep Cats Out Of Your Garden

2008-08-14T18:34:00.000+07:00

Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, scaring your birds away, or getting up to other mischief? Here is a list of 30 deterrents you could try:

1. If a Tom starts to mark his new territory you could mark over it yourself although it may surprise the neighbours!

2. You can buy repellent pellets from garden centres that smell like citrus fruits, which apparently cats don't like.

3. Or you could use the real thing lemon or citrus peels work for a bit but you have to keep replacing them every three or four days. Not good for a big space unless you really really like lemonade.

4. You could try planting Coleus Canina which emits a foul odour when a cat rubs itself against it, but I'd imagine you'd have to cover quite a large area (depending on the size of your garden) for it to be effective.

5. Lion dung is said to keep them out but it may smell even worse than cats poo, but it's good for the roses.

6. Small sticks pushed into the ground so that approximately six to 12 inches are sticking out of the ground like spikes. They must be close enough together to prevent cats snuggling their bottoms down between them to poo.

7. Get a dog.

8. Some say Jeyes disinfectant fluid around the edges of the garden works but the fluid is actually quite poisonous to cats and will kill them in fairly small amounts.

9. Spray water at them, not from a hose, from one of those spray bottles from a garden centre or use or a super-soaking water gun for cats further away.

10. I have heard that they don't like garlic.

11. A friend suggested moth balls worked for her.

12. Sprinkle black pepper & chilli around the garden, harmless to animals but an effective deterrent apparently.

13. Getting a cat yourself often works. Its very unusual for a cat to poop in its own garden, and other cats won't really come near another cats area, unless it likes them, and then it wont poop 'cos it respects the area!

14. Catch the cat and rub its nose in it (not so it smudges all over the cat, just near it) then put the cat in next doors garden, or wherever you wish it to poop from now on.

15. You can buy some pet repellent spray from the DIY stores. It is harmless to animals and children.

16. Solid toilet blocks (used in public loos usually) crumbled around.

17. Scatter citrus peel (oranges & lemons) around the garden.

18. Place pine cones around near garden borders.

19. Plant geraniums, marigolds and petunias, cats apparently dislike those plants.

20. Grow spiky plants near areas you want to keep cats away from.

21. Ask local cat owners to provide an inside litter tray for their cats to discourage outside toileting.

22. Or if the cat owner doesn't want/can't have inside trays...Ask them to dig a pit in their garden, several feet deep and 2 foot square and fill with peat. Then all that is needed is for this outside toilet to be dug over frequently.

23. If you have bare soil cover it with gravel or slate chippings etc, it will discourage digging.

24. Keep your lawn short. If you let your lawn get to 3" ish high, they will poo in it and not bury it.

25. Place a small length of hosepipe in amongst your plants, cats and birds don't like snakes!

26. Invest in a bag of coffee (grounds), and spread around the garden.

27. Plant some lavender. It works for some and smells divine and for some reason the cats hate it.

28. Olbas oil (the one you put on pillows for blocked noses) works pretty well.

29. Water 'Scarecrow' that squirts water at things it detects moving, including you!

30. If all the foregoing makes you despair then go the high-tech route and buy yourself an ultrasonic cat repeller.

They have a motion detector built-in, can be mains powered and emit a high decibel tone that only cats can here. Problem solved.
I use one at my house and found it excellent. Didn't hear any noises from it and it didn't bother the dogs next door either. I'd recommend the mains powered one rather than using batteries, they never seem to last for very long, but battery power does give more flexibility.

It has a PIR which means that it is only emitting 'noise' while the cat is in range so the cat cannot 'learn' to tolerate it. This also saves batteries (if you use them). There is an alternative of purchasing a mains connector if the battery option doesn't work out well.

They only activate when a large enough object passes by, humans included , and only go for a short time so small mammals are OK. There has been no reduction in bat activity where we live and no signs of them being mis-directed either. The cat repeller is fantastic. Not a single cat in the garden at the moment, and when they appear they skulk along the wall and don't stay. I really recommend this investment.

www.petthings.googlepages.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Cliff_Harvey

My Cat Was Allergic To Its Food

2008-08-14T18:30:00.001+07:00

We have six cats - I have used EFT on all of them at various times (mostly surrogately and sometimes tapping on them around their faces) with great success. But my big ginger cat, Uti (so named as he has a kink or u-turn in his tail) still seemed to have issues.

I used EFT surrogately on his abandonment issues (he was taken to a pet shop at a very young age), his embarrassment issues (he didn't know how to wash himself as the other cats do and consequently slurps loudly when washing himself), his inability to dig holes when using the indoor litter tray or outside in the garden (he would go sitting on top of the litter and then spend many minutes vainly trying to cover it up, getting agitated in the process). He was terrified of thunder and would sit paralyzed when he first heard the thunder ... so if he was out in the garden he would just sit there and get soaked by the rain, unable to move an inch.

All the issues above were sorted by using EFT, mostly surrogately and sometimes also by tapping him lightly just above his eyes - he was not keen for me to tap on his face. When we first got Uti he was used to eating fairly cheap dry cat food and seemed to have no problems with the food. My cats all eat premium dry food and all are thriving on it - apart from Uti.

He started pooping in the office, in the bedroom, in the bath - anywhere but where he should be going. To be blunt, the smell was appalling - as was the texture.

I did some surrogate EFT (tapping on me on behalf of Uti) for his digestive system.

Even though I have issues with my digestive system I am still a great cat

Even though my digestive system doesn't feel right, I am still a great cat.

It seemed to help for a while. Then the pooping got worse and every night he would go in my husband's bathroom ... the smell was so strong that it woke me up at 3 or 4 in the morning! My husband threatened Uti with leaving the household ... I did all the clearing up but that was not the issue.

I was very puzzled as every other time I had used EFT on my cats (as well as with other cat and animal clients around the world) EFT was successful.

One early morning after another cleanup, I was lying in bed wondering what else I could try. Then suddenly 'allergy' came into my head. While on my daily walk, I tuned into Uti (I tap on the karate chop point and say 'tuning in to Uti ... tuning in to Uti ... want to chat with Uti now'). I asked him how he was feeling (I actually carry on a conversation out loud when I walk, sometimes quite surprising to other people out walking their dogs or going to work!) and he said that he was definitely allergic to the food. He said he wanted the cheap stuff back (gimme the cheap stuff back) as he was fed up with his insides gurgling plus the fact that he felt unloved by my husband.

I did a couple of surrogate rounds (tapping on all the points on myself) using the setup, Even though this food is too rich for me I am still a great cat... I tapped on the various points saying: this rich food ... don't like this rich food ... want the cheap food back ... not getting the cheap food back ... I can eat the rich food now ... it's easy for me to eat the rich food now ... my system is fine with the rich food now.

Even though I am allergic to this rich food I am still a great cat. I tapped on: allergic to the rich food ... not allergic to the rich food ... easy to eat the rich food now ... allergic to the rich food ... not allergic to the rich food any longer ... safe to eat the rich food now ... easy and safe for me to eat the rich food now

I did a final round on Even though I am allergic to this rich food, it is easy for me to let go of the allergy now. I tapped: I can let go of this allergy now ... I can easily let go of this allergy now ... it is safe for me to let go of this allergy right now ... I let go of this allergy now ... I safely let go of this allergy now ... I easily let go of this allergy now ... I safely and easily let go of this allergy right now .

I heaved a big sigh and went back home and looked at Uti. His eyes seemed calmer and he was looking very sprightly and he didn't hide under the dresser as he usually did.

That night before I went to sleep I did some EFT on me, in case I was focusing on what I thought was going to happen: Even though part of me thinks that Uti might poop in the bathroom again tonight, I now know that he is fine.

I think this part is very important when dealing with our companion animals as I have found that our thoughts are very closely tied in with what is happening in their lives - also the more you think that something is possibly going to happen, you then focus on it and surprise (not!) a self-fulfilling prophesy!

Next morning ... nothing in the bathroom! Uti was up and about, went outside, ran up a tree (unheard of for him) and generally seemed much calmer and peaceful. Over the next few days he stuck up for himself more, didn't run and hide under the dresser if one of the other cats looked at him - in fact he batted a couple of them himself, just with one paw as if to say ah so this is how it feels to stand my ground.

I waited for a few days and then we had another incident in the bathroom. This time it didn't seem to smell so bad ... and when I got up to investigate, Uti was sitting in the bathroom next to it as if to say 'here, check it out ... much better!' And it was. No more nasty liquid, normal stools in form and smell.

That was the last time he has pooped in the house. He has lost some weight, plays a lot more, stays out sitting in the sunshine or under a shady tree instead of just spending all his time asleep on our bed. It is now six months since I did the allergy EFT on him - I wanted to make sure that I had finally got to the core issue regarding the food.

EFT actually saved Uti from having to leave our house. My husband is happy with him again and most important, Uti is happy with himself.

For many years I have been interested in the welfare of animals, companion animals and especially farm animals. Being vegetarian for over 45 years and vegan for nearly 10, I felt drawn to helping those that had no voice.

Several years ago, I discovered EFT, when I found I had breast cancer. EFT helped me tremendously to solve the emotional issues that I had rationalized many years before, issues that I thought were resolved but as I found with using EFT, were not!

I decided to train further and found I had great empathy for animals. I tried EFT on my own cats for various issues and was amazed how quickly the issues were resolved! I tried EFT on other animals... I was surprised to find that I had success with them!

I then decided that I didn't want to do this... it was too strange, too weird, but with some pushing from my EFT teacher I continued to expand my knowledge about surrogate energy healing.

At this time I was also expanding my human EFT practice and was having wonderful success.

I now teach humans how to use EFT - on themselves and on their animals - and hold regular training courses in Johannesburg. I also have many international clients (human and animal!) and communicate with them by phone, Skype and e-mail. That is one of the many great things about using EFT... you don't have to be there in person, face to face. Although face to face works great too!

www.stuffbusters.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Maureen_Cram

Homeowners - Learn How to Remove Cat Urine

2008-07-29T14:12:00.001+07:00

For cat owners, learning how to remove cat urine is something that's important to learn. As we all know, the odor and stains from cat urine can be overwhelming at times and getting rid of the cat is certainly not an option. You can try your best to train your cat to use the litter box, but the truth of the matter is that cats have a mind of their own sometimes.

When cats age they start to have more accidents and can't help it. Unfortunately as they age their kidney function also reduces causing their urine odor to be especially potent. If you rent your current home it very important that you remove all of the cat urine before you move out or you could end up with a big bill for cleaning. Finding a permanent solution to cleaning cat urine is important. Of course you could call a professional to clean your flooring and furniture each time your cat has an accident but of course this is not practical. If your cat had just one accident per week, this could really add up to a lot of money.

If you own your home it's equally important that you keep your home free of cat urine odors and stains. If ever you want to sell your home, there's no guarantee that a prospective buyer is going to be tolerant of your cat urine issues. If they are not cat owners they certainly will not understand why your home smells of cat urine. Professional cleaning is quite expensive and unless you have money to spare, this is most likely not an option for you.

What you really need is a lasting solution to your cat urine issues. Even though your cat thinks that they run your house, you can't allow the cat urine issues to take control. You can have a nice home, free of cat urine stains or odors.

www.removecatodors.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Blake_Hygate

What Removes Cat Urine?

2008-07-29T14:10:00.000+07:00

Owning a cat can be a very rewarding experience for both the cat and the owner. Both need love and affection and a cat makes a wonderful companion. So how could your wonderful pet cause such a problem with urine stains and urine odors in your home?

Cat urine is one of the things that most cat owners will have to deal with at one time or another. Cat urine has two distinct problems which make it a challenge at time to own a cat.

The question of "How to Remove Cat Urine" comes up quite often. Cat urine leaves behind stains as well as odors that are very difficult to get out of carpet and furniture. If have guests visit your house frequently, it can be embarrassing if you cannot get the cat urine stains or odors out of your furniture and carpet. There are products that will remove cat urine stains easily, but some of these products contain harsh chemicals that are not good for you cat or for children. Generic items like vinegar or baking soda also work sometimes, but vinegar also leaves behind another odor in place of cat odor which isn't very pleasant.

Hiring a professional furniture or carpet cleaner can get very expensive since it needs to be done several times per year. It is possible to buy products that are specifically formulated to remove cat urine but these products can also be very expensive and you have to continue to buy them over and over again.

Why not look for free ways to remove cat urine? If you do a bit of searching on the internet you will be able to find credible information that you could buy one time for a low price and they techniques that these books teach will keep working over and over again, so that you can reduce your costs dramatically.

http://removecatodors.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Blake_Hygate

Ear Mites Treatment - The Right Way

2008-07-24T14:57:00.000+07:00

A common parasite that affects cats are ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis. These are small, crab-like creatures that infect the ears of animals, namely cats who spend time outdoors. Ear mites can be uncomfortable and itchy, but since they are easy to see, are easily diagnosed. If your cat has ear mites, it will look like there is oily black dirt in his ear. The mites feed on tissue and debris and live on the surface of the ear canal.

If you notice your cat scratching their ears or shaking their head and see dirty ears, it is likely that you cat is suffering from ear mites. It is important to treat your cat for these parasites. They are very contagious among cats and if you have multiple cats, it can spread quickly. If one of your cats gets ear mites, meticulously check all of your cats for this problem. Also, ear mites can be passed to and from other species including dogs. Ear mites can also affect humans, so treatment is imperative.

Ear mites can cause inflammation in the ears. If they are left untreated, these pesky parasites can lead to bacterial and yeast infections and can rupture the eardrum. Often, ruptured ear drums in cats can lead to seizures and eventually deafness. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, take your cat to the vet. There are treatments that can help your cat get rid of the ear mites.

In order to prevent ear mites, you can keep your cat indoors and use regular flea treatment. Your vet can prescribe a number of different flea prevention methods. Most of them are applied monthly and are successful in preventing mites, as well as killing fleas and their eggs.

When you take your cat to the vet for ear mites, there is a kind of prescription ear drop that can be used to kill the ear mites. This is typically applied to your cat's ears two to three times a day for several days. If you've never treated ear mites before, it would be good to have a vet demonstrate how it is done by treating the cat the first time. Then you can do the last few applications at home.

The prescription ear drop will kill the ear mites and will also defend against a second outbreak. If the cat already has an infection caused by the mites, an injections can also be given by the vet.

Ivermectin is another treatment for ear mites in cats. This is a rather new way to treat ear mites. The FDA, however, does not approve this treatment for treating ear mites. Many vets find Ivermectin to be very effective for treating ear mites but should tell you that it is not officially approved for this use. This medication is the same medicine used to treat heartworms in dogs.

There is a treatment that can be done at home if you are extremely careful with your cat's ears. This treatment should not be used though if the ear mite outbreak has produced an ear infection. If your cat has an ear infection, he or she will usually have a strong odor in the ears. For treatments at home, use a small amount of baby oil or mineral oil to clean out the cat's ears. Put a small amount of the oil in an eyedropper and drop into the cat's ears. Next grasp the base of the ear between your thumb and finger and rub together for a about 5 seconds. Then take a clean tissue and gently wipe out the cat's ear out. Do not try to stick your finger too far down the ear canal. This treatment should be continued twice a day until the cat's ears are clear of the black mite.

When treating your cat for ear mites, it is very important to seek the advice of your vet before beginning any treatment. Most of the time, your vet will want to examine your cat before proceeding with any course of treatment. A thorough exam can rule out more serious problems like ear infections that should be treated differently than ear mites. Often, your vet will ask that you bring your cat back to the office for another exam after the treatment is complete. This is to make sure that all of the ear mites are gone and reduces the chances of re-infection.

www.777-now.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Ron_King

Cat Ear Mites and Other Ear Problems

2008-07-24T14:52:00.001+07:00

Ever noticed your cat shaking it's head or scratching madly at its ear? Well it might be time to check your pet's ear to make sure that they don't have any unwanted visitors like the ear mite.

It is very important to make sure that your cat is free from ear motes as they are not only contagious to other cats in the home but can also infect other animals who live in the same environment. It is also important to keep your cats ears healthy as they rely on their hearing to listen out for their prey and to be able to protect them selves from being crept up upon and being attacked by other cats. Their ears also help them with balance when climbing trees etc. that if not functioning properly could cause all sorts of nasty accidents.

Ear mites are small spider like insects that love to make the inside of a cat ear their home. Unfortunately they cause infections and can cause damage to the eardrum causing a permanent loss of hearing. They are passed from one cat to another, this could be simply sharing the same sleeping places to close contact with other cats whilst grooming or playing together. The mites can also live for a while in the general environment so even if your cat hasn't come directly in contact with another cat, there is still a possibility of them being passed on by your cat simply passing through a place where another cat with mites has been previously.

It is therefore wise to check your cat's ears on a regular basis for any signs of infection of the mite itself. It is possible to see them with the naked eye and they look like small white dots against dark earwax. You may even get some indication that your cat has a problem in the ear by noticing vigorous head shaking or excessive ear scratching by your cat or you may notice a build up of excessive earwax that is very dark in colour and has a strong odour. It is always wise to make sure that these symptoms are caused by ear mites and not some other medical condition, so always get a vet to check the ears if you do suspect something is wrong.

If ear mites are correctly diagnosed it is important to kill them off before the infection becomes any worse or that it spreads to other animals. The vet will wipe away a lot of the earwax along with some of the mites that can be seen, he will then administer some eardrops that will be able to get deep into the ear canal. These drops will have to be administered for a three-week period to ensure the total eradication of the ear mites.

It is also important that you treat the cats fur at the same time with a flea powder, this will kill off any dormant eggs which may have lodged themselves in the fur. All the cats bedding and usual sleeping places need to be thoroughly washed and cleaned and the home should also be treated with a flea powder for the home. This will prevent any further re-infecting of your cat after treatments stops.

Other general care for your cat's ears should include:

Protecting them during the summer months from sunburn with a non-toxic sun cream. This is very important for cats with light coloured ears. These areas are very prone to skin cancers and many cats in hotter climates end up having to have their ears amputated.

Make sure the ears are clear of any debris such as grass seed. If debris is left in the ear it can cause fungal or bacterial infections

Watching for any signs of imbalance or apparent dizziness in your cat. This could indicate an inner ear problem that will need urgent treatment by a vet.

www.our-happy-cat.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Tilmouth

Cat Ear Mites Require Care

2008-07-24T14:47:00.001+07:00

A fairly common problem for cats is ear mite infestation. Homeless cats are more susceptible to them then their well cared for counterparts. Ear mites can grow into a problem with thousands of the pest in quick succession.

Ear mites transfer to other cats easily. In a multi-cat family, it is easier for ear mites to spread. Once one cat is infected, each cat must be treated individually.

Ear mites are easily treatable if action is taken quickly. If left untreated the condition can worsen causing bacterial or yeast infection to establish. Serious infestations can cause rupture of the ear drum and needs to be treated promptly by a veterinarian.

Cat ear mites are white microscopic organisms that are not easily seen by the naked eye. A type of feline ear mite called, Otodectes is found in mainly living in the ear. What is many people don't know is that mites are not only able to live in the ear canal but also other areas of the cat. They can move to different parts of the feline body. Unlike ticks, ear mites do not dig down and borrow into the skin. Instead they move within the ear and live off skin and discharge leaving the ear lining red and sore. In response to this irritation, the cat's ear will create more additional earwax.

To relieve your cat of ear mites it is good to know that there are four developmental stages of development of mites. It takes three weeks to the mite to complete its cycle starting as an egg and ending as a full-grown adult. The first stage is as an egg. Stage two is four day later it emerges as a larva. The larvae will nourish themselves for a while, eventually molting into stage three, the nymph. The nymph stage contains two sub-stages, the protonymph and then the deutonymph. Each sub-stage consists of a period of feeding with a period during which they molt. Throughout the deutonymph sub-stage the nymph does not have a set gender; even so it will actually breed with a mature male. Then if it evolves into a female, she will already possess eggs and begin laying them. Otherwise if it turns into a male, he will merely breed with other deutonymphs. The final stage is the adult, which survives about another 60 days. During her lifetime, an adult female might deposit eggs in the cat's ear every day starting the whole process over and over in a never-ending cycle.

There are a few symptoms your cat may display when it is suffering from mites. Some of the symptoms your cat may display are the continued head shaking or scratching of its ears. There may also be a foul smell coming from your pet's ears. You may be able to see reddish brown waste matter that looks like coffee grounds left by the mites in the cats ears. Finally, a veterinarian may be in order to perform a thorough examination.

Ridding you cat of ear mites does not have to be a monumental chore. Routine cleansing of the ears will help control mites. Have your veterinarian examine your cat and any other pet you have. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention and ask them about the various available treatments they recommend.

Knowing the dangers of letting mites establish an infestation makes managing mites a significant factor of cat care to the responsible cat owner. Observing your cat and watching out for any symptoms that might alert you to a problem. Developing proper grooming habits by devoting extra time to tend to your cat's ears will help in eliminating mites.

www.catcarezone.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jay_Grey

How to Prevent Cat Litter Box Problems

2008-07-16T14:49:00.003+07:00

Cats are undoubtedly one of the most popular pets and anyone that has one knows that a cat litter box is probably the least attractive thing about your pet.

Cats are known to be finicky about food but the can also where they "do their business". Thankfully, most cats will use their litter box religiously if it is kept clean and they are introduced to it properly.

Through the years, specialty pet supplies firms have developed the cat litter box. The principal aim of the cat litter box is to provide the cat with convenient and hygienic restroom where it should urinate and excrete stool.

The cat litter box

The cat litter box, for many years already, has been providing great comfort to the cat and to the pet owner alike. For the cat's part, the simple and cute furniture will eliminate the need to search further for a place to do its elimination rituals.

For the part of the owner, unwanted urine and stool in the most unexpected places of the house will be prevented. Thus, the cat litter box makes up for a good symbiotic relationship between the cat and its owner.

There are numerous types of cat litter boxes sold in the market currently. Through the years, manufacturers have been modifying the type of litter they put into the litter box. The preference of the cat, according to experiences and observations, has been the topmost consideration when one decides what type of litter they put into the cat litter box.

Preventing cat litter box problems

Inevitably, cat litter box problems can not always be avoided. By instinct, cats are very hygienic and will find a safe and discreet place for their bathroom activities. You must probably have observed that even without training, cats dig for a place where they would eliminate, and after they are done, they dig further to cover the urine and the stool. For them, they need to cover their waste for protective reasons so that predators will not be alerted to their whereabouts.

Basically, if you have just bought a cat litter box, all you need to do is to place the bo in an accessible place of the house. Do not put the cat litter box in places where the cat will not like it. Pet owners usually have cat litter problems if their litter boxes are placed in the basement, in the attic, in the garage or in anyplace not easily accessable.

Buying the right and preferred cat litter box will also be necessary. In the past, cat litter boxes with clay litters had become popular but experiences of cat owners indicate that cats do not prefer clay a litter substrates.

Buy cat litter boxes that are containing littering materials that are as fine as sand. This would facilitate for easy digging. Also, make sure the litter is at least two inches deep. Deeper than that, the cat will only have the perception that it is just a trap.

Because the market is almost saturated with different types of cat litter boxes, make sure you invest in one that will surely be of great use. Make sure the furniture is big and tall enough so the cat will be comfortable using it.

There are covered and uncovered cat litter boxes. The cat's preference will be the basis for choosing between the two. Normally, cats prefer the open space one, but there are also some that are more comfortable in the covered cat litter boxes.

To help avoid potential problems, make sure to clean the cat litter box regularly. It is not imperative to clean the furniture daily, but you could just scoop out the stool and urine every other day. If you do so, you need to change the litter substrate every three weeks.

Take note that if the cat finds the litter box unhygienic, it will opt to do its elimination rituals elsewhere, much to your annoyance.

Bear in mind that like you, cats want their restrooms to be as clean and as comfortable as possible. Buying and maintaining cat litter boxes will be greatly beneficial, and would surely help keep that harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

www.catlitter.topicgiant.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Lee_Dobbins

Cat Peeing Outside of Litter Box

2008-07-16T14:41:00.000+07:00

Is your cat peeping outside the litter box? Is your bed starting to really stink? Well there are some basic things you can do right now to help your cat start using the litter box again.

Cats can stop using the litter box for any number of reasons. Some of these could be stress, medical, or behavioral. Some cats get stressed out when new cats or people are brought into the house. Some cats can even get stressed out when there are changes in the household routine. Can you identify any of these as possible causes as to why your cat has started peeing outside the litter box?

Some cats pee outside the litter box to mark their territory. Once a cat has urinated somewhere it can be very hard to get the scent out of the carpet or bedding. You need to really clean that area good because cats have a great sense of smell and if there is any scent left of their urine they are likely to urinate there again.

Medical problems may be another reason why some cats pee outside the litter box. Some cats can have urinary tract infections or feline lower urinary tract disease. Both of these conditions can be very irritating to the cat and cause them to not use the litter box. If you suspect your cat has one of these conditions you need to seek veterinary help immediately.

Other causes of peeing outside the litter box could be due to hormonal or metabolic conditions. Older cats can get a condition called hyperthyroidism and this can lead them to urinate outside the litter box.

www.1catbehavior.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Luke_Blaise

Cat Urine - Your Newest Living Room Accessory

2008-07-01T12:34:00.001+07:00

Cat urine. What a lovely addition to your carpeting! There are two basic reasons why your brand new carpet has been graced with parfum de cat urine: 1) Your cat is trying to tell you he has a medical issue that's causing him pain; or 2) your cat is marking. The first is physiological and the second is behavioral. Cat urine can be deposited on vertical or horizontal surfaces.

Possible Medical Problems Behind Cat Urine

Often your cat will squat or spray cat urine practically right in front of you because he's trying to tell you that something's wrong. Medical reasons why cats deposit cat urine on walls or floors include:

Urinary tract infection. This is the most common ailment.Clogged anal glandsDogs aren't the only ones with anal glands! (Just be glad that humans don't have them, and that we don't have to get to know one another by sniffing each other's rear end!) Your cat's anal glands may become plugged over time, and he may need them expressed at the vet's. You don't want to be in the same room when it happens. Both ailments require a trip to the vet (your cat's very favorite pastime) and quite possibly antibiotics.

Cat Urine Marking Behaviors

Leaving cat urine on the carpet or walls is not Tuffy's way of misbehaving, being spiteful, or exhibiting jealousy. Here are the real reasons:

Not being spayed or neuteredIf you have several cats and some of them aren't fixed, those who are fixed may spray cat urine in response to those who aren't. Also, Prissy Miss is just as likely to spray cat urine as Mr. Boy is.

Conflicts with other cats in the homeA cat may spray cat urine to establish dominance. The flip side of this cat urine coin is that the cat who is bullied may spray cat urine as a way to alleviate his anxiety. He may even be simply relieving his bladder if the dominant cat is aggressively defending the litter box as his own territory!

Encounters with outdoor animalsIf your cat has encountered another cat while venturing outdoors, he may instinctively mark his indoor territory with cat urine when comes back in. Even if your cat never ventures outdoors, just seeing another cat near your home can trigger him to mark you hallways with cat urine.

New objects in the environment

When Tuffy graces your new boyfriend's shoes with his cat urine, he's not trying to tell you that this fellow doesn't pass cat-standards, he's simply marking some more territory. This is especially true if your new guy's shoes smell like another animal. It's important to note that punishing cat urine marking behavior is ineffective, even if you do it immediately following the incident. Your cat will be extremely confused, because he's simply trying to relieve pain or engage in perfectly natural instinctive behaviors.

www.coolest-cat-care.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Kate_Rieger

The Persian Cat

2008-06-25T12:48:00.002+07:00

Persian is one of the oldest cats in existence, with records of its presence dating back to times of Pharaohs in Egypt. It is generally believed though that the cat originated in Persia, now known as Iran. They were brought over to Europe centuries ago though it was not until the later half of the nineteenth century that their fame truly began to spread. In United Kingdom they are called Persian Longhairs or simply Longhairs. A felid without an established pedigree is referred to simply as Domestic Longhair Cat.

Over the years, through selected breeding the appearance of Persian cats has changed quite a bit from the time when they were first introduced to the rest of the world. Their traditional doll face has been developed into a shortened muzzle and flattened high nose. Coat has become more and more thick and long with a variety of colors and patterns include silver, gold, tabby, solid and bicolors. Body is cobby with short and strong legs and round head. Eyes are big and expressive and ears low and widely set.

Though they are highly sought for their beauty, the Persians also suffer from some health issues. Their long silky double layered coat frequently gets matted and requires regular washing, drying and combing to prevent tangles and hairballs. The modern flat-faced Persians frequently develop respiratory problems owing to their flattened nose that obstructs breathing as well as the tear ducts, meaning that their eyes and nose require daily wiping to clean away crusts. Some Persians develop Polycystic Kidney Disease as well. Responsible breeders though are making efforts to preserve the health of this splendid cat above all.

Persians are the most gentle and docile of all cats. They are very affectionate and tolerant animals who fare best in a peaceful, loving environment. It is best to keep them as indoor pets to free their long exuberant fur from parasites even as they have been occasionally reported by some to be surprisingly good hunters.

www.ailurophiles.blogspot.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Omer_Ashraf