Cat Lovers

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

New Trends In Cat Accessories

2008-06-21T11:58:00.002+07:00

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.

To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.

The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

www.petpetsupplies.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Dominic_Lee

Cat Owner Tips

2008-06-17T17:41:00.001+07:00

There are many does and don't when you have cat or for that matter any pet. Cats have not one similarity to dogs and they tend to show a little more attitude (or personality). Cats can be trained and we just need to know how to do so. Here are a couple of cat owner tips that most cat owners don't know:

Use Pet Foods, Not Human Foods

Don't make the mistake of trying to feed kittens any type of Human infant cereal. Most human infant cereals are "grain" based, and in the wild, Kittens are weaned on raw meat (ie, the mothers will bring fresh kills back to the nest for the kittens.) So, kittens really don't quite know what to do with that mush that smells all wrong. NO, I don't suggest you try feeding the kittens raw meat, my point is that cats are carnivores and their food should be meat based, not grain based. So do feed your kitten's healthy cat food instead.

Neutering Your Male Cat

You will be surprised on how many people actually refuse to have there male cats neutered for various reasons, but soon they will change there mind and that mostly because it calms your cat. It is preferable to have your male cat neutered at about their 6th or 7th month of life; it is not too late to have your adult male cat altered. Behaviors like fighting, urine spraying and roaming will be dramatically reduced. Neutering must be done only by a veterinarian, and requires general anesthesia. Post-op care involves monitoring, keeping the incisions clean and dry, and keeping your male cat inside. The incisions heal within three to five days. Check with your vet for more details.

Find a Top Notch Vet for Declawing

I can't lie: there is a lot of negative press detailing the horrors of declawing your cat. I know that some of that press stems from bad experiences with less than qualified persons performing the surgery. Some of the bad press is from animal rights activists. Regardless of your political views on this topic, you should make certain you have an experienced and reputable vet. In my personal opinion I recommend not declawing you cat. If you worried about him scratching up your furniture or your expensive drapes you can have him trained. If you going to do it don't accept second best with your own health or the health of your children; don't settle for second best with the quality of your vet. Ask questions.

Poisonous House plants

Beware of the plants that you have in your home they can become very bad health problems for your cat. Cats tend to like to lick or chew on house plants and not all house plants okay to chew on. The Berries on Mistletoe are poisonous to cats and humans. Other dangerous plants to cats include: dieffenbachia, poinsettia, English ivy, crocus, lily's, and others.

Low Cost Medical Advice

And the last cat owner tip that I have is if your cat happens to get sick or injured and needs veterinarian cat care, but your budget is not going to allow for an really expensive vet. Call your local animal shelter/dog pound, humane society, ASPCA, or rescue organization. They have lists of low cost vets in your area, and can even help pay for vet bills in some cases.

www.catownertips.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Jovan_Johnson

Cat Doors and Dog Doors

2008-06-10T09:57:00.000+07:00

Cats and small dogs can easily pass through the pet door. The door's flap is made of LEXAN, a transparent, highly-durable, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic for long-lasting safety and to allow you and your pet to see out the door easily.

Cat flaps these days are designed in such a sophisticated manner that they do not allow any other creature to enter the house except the pet cat. If there are very small children in the house then the cat flap should be secured so that the child does not crawl out of the house through it.

Dog doors generally must be bigger than cat flaps and therefore are often constructed differently; except in rural areas they tend to give access to fenced -in yards or gardens rather than the neighbourhood at large. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. A quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons. Dog and dog owners both enjoy the freedom that comes with a dog door. There is no more excessive barking when he or she needs to be let out at night.

Dog containment may be a dog fence, a dog pen or a dog crate. Dogs that spend too much of their early life confined in an unclean area - where appropriate space for bladder relief isn't consistently available - may learn to tolerate pottying indoors. Unless you've rescued your dog from such grim circumstances, however, he would probably prefer to potty outside.

Patio pet doors come with a security lock. This is a simple yet effective pin lock that will lock your current sliding door to the patio pet door. Patio door installation is so simple and easy. At the same time, it won't cost you big bucks since patio pet doors of any size and color are offered in very reasonable prices.

Dog doors for walls, patio pet door, pet door for through a door, doggie door, electronic dog door, and cat door for through glass. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. Selecting a quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons.

www.BestPetDoor.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Tsuyoshi_E._Suzuki

Removing Cat Urine In Carpets

2008-06-02T23:19:00.000+07:00

99% of the time our cats are our best friends and we share a mutual love and trust. However, every now and then they put our love to the test by using the carpet as a litter box. If this tale sounds familiar then you will need to know the best solutions for removing cat urine in carpets.

Cat urine is can be destructive on several counts. First, the components of cat urine iare powerful enough to stain your carpet. It also gives off the terrible odor that just doesn't seem to go away. So the quicker you tackle the problem the more chance you have of saving your carpet and getting rid of the cat urine odor.

First things first. Unless you tackle your cats behavior problems, your stain and odor troubles will continue. Why? Because once your cat picks a spot, they will return again and again unless you correctly clean the cat urine and understand how to stop your cat from continuing to urinate on your carpet instead of the litter tray or outside.

Therefore, simply cleaning the carpet and removing the odor is not enough. You need to STOP your cat from using the house and start using the yard!

There are some short term measures you can take such as purchasing a cat urine cleaning product or a cat urine odor remover. However, this will only help you this once. What about the next time? Buying separate odor and cleaning products can become expensive and that doesn't include the cost of a new carpet!

Fortunately, there is a solution that will show you the best methods for cleaning carpet stains, remove nasty smells and best of all show you how to stop your cat from urinating in the house so you will no longer have to worry about removing cat urine in carpets again.

www.caturineremoval.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Rachel_Stevens

Common Cat Health Skin Problems

2008-05-31T17:17:00.003+07:00

Cats have internal health problems that cause skin conditions in cats. Pruritus affects the skin of cats because of the nerve fibers that control sensations such as pruritus, pain, temperature and touch. In cats, pruritus affects the grooming habits and some scratching is associated with this skin condition. When a cat has excessive grooming habits it may lead to hairballs, military dermatitis, changes in color of the fur and alopecia.

Different Pruritus Lesions That Cause Cat Health Skin Problems

Alopecia is a systematic disease that comes from allergies, malassezia, fungal infections and demodex. Hypereosinophilic syndrome has no known causes, but does have signs such as vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea along with anorexia and eosinophilia. Eosinophilic dermatitis comes from hypersensitivity and mosquito bites. This usually affects the ears, feet and face of the cat.

Ulcers and erosions due to trauma, affects the neck and head of the cat and comes from food allergies, parasites, ringworm, tumors and atopy. Military dermatitis affects the back, neck and the tail. This condition is caused by allergies, infections and parasites. Nodules, affects Siamese cats and is very rare but comes from mast cell tumors. The last pruritus lesion that affects cat health skin conditions is crusting and scale lesions. This comes from ringworm, immune disorders and SLE.

If the pruritus is severe, medications can only relieve the pain temporarily. Once the treatment is finished, the itching reoccurs and causes pain to the cat. It is best to eliminate the problems causing the pruritus than it is to keep a cat on continued medication. If your cat has an allergy, tests can determine what is causing the problem, then treatments will help prevent further pruritus on the cat. Some methods of treating pruritus are topical treatments and antihistamines along with prostaglandins and antimicrobials and in some cases corticosteroids, which are not as safe for cats because of the side effects.

Topical Treatments And Antihistamines for Pruritus

Shampoos and moisturizers that contain anti-inflammatory medication help to reduce environmental allergies and alleviate the pruritus lesions. In some cases, hydrotherapy works for environmental allergies as well. An antihistamine prevents the release of histamines. When given before the release of histamines, antihistamines block impurities from causing pruritus. In some cases, antidepressants are given with the antihistamine treatment for further prevention. Antihistamines are only about thirty percent effective in treating pruritus on cats. Because they are safer than corticosteroids, they are still prescribed to treat cat health skin problems.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone may cause side effects, but are used as a last resort if the cat does not respond to other medications that are safer. Some of the side effects may cause hunger and thirst, which could result in an overweight cat with kidney failure.

Prostaglandins and Antimicrobials

Prostaglandins help to stop the itching as an anti-itch medication. This type of relief works well after the onset of pruritus. Antimicrobials are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications that protect the cat health skin from pruritus if the underlying cause is from bacterial or fungal infections.

www.aboutcathealth.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Judy_Wellsworth

Cat Peeing Outside of Litter Box

2008-05-28T16:07:00.000+07:00

The Common Cat Health Teeth Problems

2008-05-26T16:19:00.004+07:00

Teeth are very important to cats. If they lose their teeth, they have no way of eating. A cat's natural instinct is to chew their food as where if a person loses their teeth they can puree food for nutrition. Checking your cat's teeth regularly and keeping them clean should prevent breakage and lost of teeth. Proper check ups at the vet clinic where they look at the teeth will help if you cannot check the teeth yourself.

If the cat develops bad breath or has a strong order coming from the mouth, they may have an infection of the gum or teeth. In some cases, accumulation of food particles between the teeth will cause an infection and the same if food gets under the gum. Cats normally do not like to open their mouth for cleaning or anything else, if you suspect a problem, a veterinarian will clean the teeth and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary.

The teeth need to be free from tartar and plaque, while the gums need to appear a pinkish color to be healthy. A red gum or pale pink could indicate a problem that may need treatment. Cat health teeth problems occur in cats because it is so hard to check their mouth. If you use you thumbs to lift up the lips, you see the outside of the teeth, if you need to see inside, sooth the cat and then try to open the mouth with your index finger and thumb.

Cat Health Teeth Brushing
Brushing cat's teeth might pose a problem if not started when they are young. Special toothbrushes will work to brush the cats teeth, but also a rag with baking soda will work just fine to clean the teeth. Flavored toothbrushes and toothpaste will help with getting the cat to open up their mouth and corporate. Although teeth cleaning is important, a cat that is older and set in their ways, may post a problem when trying to brush the teeth.

Cat health Teeth Rinsing
Rinsing the cats mouth out with an antiseptic mouthwash might prove to be more difficult then brushing the teeth. The best way to rinse a cat's mouth is with a rag saturated with the mouthwash and squeezed into the mouth by lifting the lips. Make sure to use a mouthwash that has been approved for cats as they may swallow the liquid. This might help clear up a slight infection before it gets worst.

Cat Health Teeth Chew Treats
Many chew treats help fight against tartar and plaque built up in a cat's mouth. These specially formulated chew treats taste good and cats feel they are receiving a special treat instead of fighting with them to brush or rinse their teeth. Chews come in different favors and sizes along with soft or hard for better cleaning. The abrasive surface of the cat chews works to scrub the teeth as the cats chew them. This treatment needs to be done regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build up.

www.aboutcathealth.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Judy_Wellsworth

Cat Bad Breath

2008-05-21T21:17:00.003+07:00

Cat bad breath is not so different from human bad breath: it tends to be caused by the activities of bacteria in the mouth that break down proteins and release sulfur compounds into the air. Sulfur smells bad, so breath that contains sulfur compounds smells bad also. In cats, the bacteria that cause the problem tend to be associated with a buildup of tartar on the teeth. Tartar is a coating composed of food particles, bacteria, and minerals.

To cure cat bad breath, it's helpful to try to remove the tartar that has built up on the cat's teeth. Some pet foods are formulated to help reduce tartar by producing mechanical friction that scrapes tartar off, or by including an enzyme that helps to dissolve it. Pet treats are also commonly marketed as tartar fighters in one way or another. If the buildup of tartar on the cat's teeth is extensive, it might be necessary to pay to have a professional cleaning. When the tartar is removed, the cat bad breath should go away.

Some people are able to clean their cat's teeth at home. Animal toothpastes are available in meat flavors - the mechanical brushing is important for removing tartar, but some of these toothpastes also contain enzymes that dissolve the tartar, so just getting it on the teeth regularly will help a bit to cure cat bad breath. Toothbrushes and tooth scrapers are also available. It is a fortunate cat owner whose cat will tolerate this kind of attention: start early with your cat to prevent the buildup of tartar in the first place, and avoid cat bad breath later.

Another approach is to try to decrease the number of bacteria in the cat's mouth that are producing the bad smell. Just as chlorhexidine and other antibacterials are helpful for humans, these substances can be added to a pet's water or sprayed directly on the teeth to combat cat bad breath. Alternative products are also available that treat the problem by fighting the bacteria. These remedies don't remove the tartar however, so they won't permanently cure cat bad breath - a combination of a bacteria-fighting product, with a mechanical means of tartar removal might be the best approach.

Keep in mind that, like people, cats sometimes have an odor in the mouth that is not coming from the mouth: kidney and liver disease are two things that cause cat bad breath. Take you cat to your veterinarian if your cat has a consistent problem, so that a complete examination can be done. Even if the problem does originate in the mouth, treatment under the watchful eye of a veterinarian is important because problems in the mouth can lead to other serious health problems later. If you cure cat bad breath now, you may avoid trouble in the future.

www.badbreath-cure.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com R._Drysdale

The Reality of Cat Health Insurance

2008-05-20T12:22:00.005+07:00

Currently valued at $88 million and chalking up growth of at least 45% annually, the pet health insurance market clearly is a diamond in the rough; there are more than 136 million dogs and cats in this country-but less than 1% of them have insurance (versus 14% of dogs and 5% of cats in the U.K.). As Americans discover more about the true nature of cat health insurance and how it can save them time, stress and money, that 1% will grow exponentially. Even now, large employers are beginning to add pet health insurance options on their employee health packages. Cat Health Insurance is a real solution and is here to stay.

Take for example, if your kid were to break his leg and require emergency hospitalization. Your costs would look something like this:

Emergency room care $3,500.00

X-ray bill $ 500.00

X-ray technician diagnosis $ 950.00

Doctor's bill $1500.00

Bill for your room in ER $7500.00

Total $13,950.00

Now that's an intimidating number!

BUT! Thank God, you have insurance coverage, so really your co-pay bill will be about $250. BIG DIFFERENCE!

This very simplistic example can happen, and does happen every single day for cat owners across the United States. The extremely unfortunate truth that you would not like to admit even to yourself is, at that price without insurance to help, would you not consider having to put your cat down rather than suffer through paying such an outrageous vet bill? Tragically, many cat owners do just that. The sense of loss, guilt, helplessness and sadness in that kind of decision is unbearable.

That is why we want you to "go on offense" and take control of your cat's health. It is that kind of decision that we see as "your opponent." Stop and think about what you would do if you were faced with that situation. And now decide what you want to do today about preventing it from ever happening.

Here is a more comprehensive breakdown of what can be covered for cats:

CATS

Covered:

Leukemia

Ear infections

Infectious diseases

Respiratory system

Musculoskeletal system

Bladder Infections and Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)

Nervous system

Skin rashes

Gastrointestinal upsets causing diarrhea and/or vomiting

Cancer

Diabetes

Hospitalization

Eye problems

Cardiovascular system

Urogenital system

Endocrine system

Blood and lymphoid system

Abscesses

Abscessed, Diseased or Broken Teeth

X-rays, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests to diagnose or treat an injury or illness

Gastric torsion (bloat)

Euthanasia of your cat when you and your vet agree it is required for humane reasons, resulting from injury or illness

Prescriptions drugs for a covered illness or injury

Some of the typical exclusions for cats include:

Preventative care or routine checkups

Pre-existing conditions or injury that existed prior to the effective date of the policy

Costs from breeding, pregnancy or nursing

Holistic, homeopathic herbal, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments

Experimental treatments

Organ transplants

Special diets or foods

Behavioral problems and treatments

Grooming or grooming supplies

Flea, heartworm or parasitic preventative treatment

Elective procedures

Costs for illnesses or injury arising out of organized fighting of your pet

Intentional injury to your pet

Health certificates or vaccination tags

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO GET A FREE QUOTE?

Here is a list of the basic information you may need to provide about your pet:

• Name of cat

• Breed (if applicable)

• Pet's date of birth

• When did you get your cat?

• Where do you live? Usually a zip code will do

Note: If you have an older cat, the pet insurance company may require additional information such as previous medical history and any pre-existing conditions.

www.Pet-Insurance-Information.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Brandon_James

10 Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips

2008-05-14T13:00:00.002+07:00

1. Keep your pregnant cat indoors.

Don't expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.

2. Give your kitty the right food.

It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.

3. Do not give any medication during pregnancy.
A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.

4. Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.
A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.

5. Find a home for your kittens - before they are born.
It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You'll have more time for that before they are born.

6. Use non-clumping litter for her box.

Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.

7. Keep other cats away from her.

You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn't like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.

8. Buy enough food for your kitty... and you.

You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.

9. Check which vet is available.

Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there’s no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.

10. Get the right information about cat pregnancy.

Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus... there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.

www.pregnant-cat-care.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_De_Jong

Removing Cat Urine Odors

2008-05-11T14:27:00.000+07:00

Once smelt, never forgotten! Removing cat urine odors is a problem faced by most cat owners at some point in their life. As soon as you smell the distinctive, repugnant odor of cat urine you know you are in for a difficult time trying to get rid of the stench. Get this wrong or use the wrong cat cleaning products and you could be faced with an extremely smelly home for weeks or even months.

Unfortunately for you, cats are attracted to cat urine and once your cat has found their new litter tray, they will keep returning to the same spot to mark their territory. Therefore, it is imperative you clean it right the first time to remove the cat urine odor and prevent it from becoming a long term problem.

There are a few options available, some better than others. One is a home remedy using baking soda, cornstarch and drops of essential oil. This may help in the short term, but does not offer a permanent solution.

Another way to get rid of the smell is to place an onion over the affected area. The onion absorbs the urine odor without leaving a strong onion smell. Again, this might get rid of the cat urine odor, but does not clean the area and kitty will soon return to the same spot and the process begins again.

Fortunately, permanently removing cat urine odors is not difficult if you have the right tools and direction. There is a process that attacks cat urine removal on three fronts. It can get rid of the smell, provide a permanent cleaning solution so that your cat will not return to the same spot and also show you how to combat the underlying problem of stopping your cat using your home as a litter tray.

www.caturineremoval.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Rachel_Stevens

Taking Care Of Your Cat

2008-05-11T14:15:00.002+07:00

Cats are pretty self-sufficient pets but they need tender loving care just like you do! Here are some ways to improve the life of your clever companion.

Grooming – Cats are basically clean animals and have their own bathing routine, licking their fur and paws, with the wet paws reaching wherever the tongue can’t reach on their body. This eliminates the need for bathing your cat, barring some kind of extreme situation. Brushing your cat will help keep its coat shiny and clean. A daily brushing will decrease the incidence of hairballs and cut down on the amount of shedding.

Handling - We have all seen the tigress picking up her cub by the scruff of her neck. Do not do this at home!! Cats should never be picked up by their front legs or scruff. Instead, support the hindquarters with one hand and gently hold your cat with the other hand against the chest, under the front legs. Some cats love to be held and others don’t, so watch out for scratching and wriggling escape movements!

Housing - It is important for your cat to have its own sleeping and resting place. When it’s not sleeping with you, that is! Cats like to have a soft, warm towel or blanket in a cozy basket or other appropriate cat bed. Wash the bedding often.

Litter Box - Indoor cats need a litter box. You can place your cat’s litter box in a quiet location that is easily accessible for your cat. Good places to keep your cat’s box are bathrooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms or basements. If you live in a duplex apartment or multi-level home, it is advisable to add an additional box on each floor. If you need to move your cat’s box, please do so gradually, a little bit each day. Your cat becomes habituated to it’s litter box site and you don’t want it getting confused and eliminating on the floor in the box’s wake! Cats are sensitive to the condition of their litter box, preferring it clean and smelling good. The best way to ensure your cat has a fresh litter box (and will use it) is to scoop out solid wastes every day and, once a week, dump the stinky contents out, wash the box with mild soap, refill and your cat should be happy.

Playing - What you’ve heard is true, cats love to chase mice! To thrill and delight your cat, provide your cat with toys that resemble live prey. The best toys are those that jump around and dance and look alive, this way, your can will act out its natural predatory instincts on the toys rather than your wrists or ankles. Small laser beam toys are also great to play with, just don’t shine it in the cat’s eyes. This makes for hours of fun. Your cat will jump on walls, furniture or wherever you shine it, running after the moving spot of light all around the house. Another stimulant for a cat is the well known catnip plant which is sold at all pet stores stuffed inside toys and on its own. Catnip causes cats to be in a state of ecstasy, rolling around on the toy or leaves for ten minutes or so. 50-60% of cats react this way and they love it. Catnip causes no harmful or permanent effects and can be administered to kittens three months and older.

www.theworldsbesthomepage.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Eric_Hartwell

Common Cat Ailments

2008-05-09T16:40:00.002+07:00

Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Sometimes it seems like cats and hair balls go hand in hand. Even a short haired cat will occasionally develop a few. If you have a medium to long haired cat, brushing and combing is essential to preventing this and other common cat ailments. Aside from helping your cat look like a show piece, brushing will help remove dead hair that your cat would swallow in the course of washing.

In order to prevent hair balls, you may also want to add a teaspoon of fish oil to cat food once a week. This will help any hair that the cat ingests pass through the digestive system. You may also want to try feeding your cat a teaspoon of bran or canned pumpkin each day. If your cat is feral, it may chew on grass or other plants to help manage this and other common cat ailments.

Fleas can wreak absolute havoc in your cats life. Not only are they itchy, they can spread diseases. Some cats develop physical allergies to fleas, while others will experience emotional and mental distress. Similar to hair balls, routine grooming will help keep fleas to a minimum. Flea collars are also readily available to treat this and some other related common cat ailments. There are also environmentally friendly fur rubs that will deter fleas and give your cat a pleasant odor at the same time. If your cat is highly intolerant of fleas, you may also want to ask your veterinarian about flea inoculations.

If you notice your cat scratching inside his/her ears, some other common cat ailments may be present. Similar to fleas, ear mites and wax buildup can be very annoying and disturbing to your cat. They also rank well near the top when it comes to easily treated common cat ailments. Chances are your cat's veterinarian will notice ear mites and wax during annual checkups. The medication for both conditions is fairly easy to administer, and will provide a great deal of relief to your cat. It is important to treat ear mites early, as they can do a great deal of damage to your cat's hearing and long term health.

Finally, few people realize emotional and mental distress are common cat ailments. As an example, if you move out of one home and into another, a grown cat may find it difficult to adapt. There are many stories of transplant cats taking to their paws and returning to their old home, even if it is thousands of miles away. When you own a cat, it is important to realize that they have very stringent rules about their physical territory. They will guard their "property" much as a human owner might. While we cannot see the cat version of fences created by stool and urine markings, cats most certainly recognize the territories of others of their species.

As with humans, cats can suffer from a wide array of ailments that start off with very subtle symptoms. Aside from yearly check ups, it is very important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in what time the cat eats, or engages in other occupations. That said, for the most part, if you adopt a kitten or full grown cat, you can look forward to at least one decade of living with a happy, healthy companion. That said, common cat ailments should not be overlooked or ignored.

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