by
Chris M Jones
Obese – Meaning cats that are 20% or more, heavier than their ideal weight.
Overweight - Meaning cats that are between 1-19% heavier than their ideal weight.
• It is estimated over 50% of the UK’s cats are overweight.
• 20-30% of these are Obese.
• Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight.
• Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
• In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day.
• Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they strictly feed on animals in the wild.
• Cats naturally eat raw meat; it is perfectly acceptable to feed raw meat in captivity.
• Cat’s teeth are designed to tear meat, not crunch on dry biscuits. Dry food should not be fed to benefit the cat’s teeth.
• Water is a very important part of the cats diet:
o A cat’s prey is generally 75% water.
o Dry food usually has no more than 10% water.
o Tinned food usually has approximately 75% water.
o Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats. Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water.
o It is important for water to be a part of the food, as they have a very low thirst drive and will not drink as much as they should.
• Cats excrete the enzyme ‘amylase’ from the pancreas. Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates; it is lethal to feed too many carbohydrates, but a small 3-5% carbohydrate level is ideal.
o Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate.
o Starch is a digestible carbohydrate.
o Un-used carbohydrates are stored as fat.
Causes of Obesity
• Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats.
• Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets.
• Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight.
• Cats often eat when they are bored.
• Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese.
• Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight.
• Disabled cats are more likely to be overweight.
• Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight.
• A neutered or spayed cat usually has approximately 20% lower metabolism due to being less active. This means they require approximately 20% less calorie intake.
• High energy cat food should only be fed to energetic cats. This will not make un-energetic cats more energetic.
• The temperature at which your cat is kept at will affect its metabolism. Cats that live predominantly outdoors will need more calories to maintain a higher body temperature. Cats kept in a centrally heated house will need a lower calorie intake.
Effects of Obesity
• Obesity shortens life expectancy.
• Obesity can cause the following conditions:
o Diabetes mellitus – Sugar diabetes
o Lower urinary tract disease – Several disorders involving the bladder and urethra.
o Lameness – Due to arthritis or muscle injuries
o Non-Allergic skin diseases – Due to being less able to groom.
o Hepatic lipidosis – Fat build up in the liver.
o Cardiovascular disease
o Lower stamina levels and exercise tolerance
o Higher risks when using anaesthetic
o Dystocia – Problems giving birth
o Pickwickian syndrome – Strain on the lungs due to excess fat, making it harder to breathe
o High blood pressure – Leading to heart failure
• Overweight cats are 4 times more likely to develop Diabetes mellitus
• Obese cats are 7 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
• Overweight cats are 3 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
• Obese cats are 3 times more likely to get non-allergic skin diseases due to being less able to groom.
• Obese cats are twice as likely to die at middle age, between 6 and 12 years old.
By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Jones
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/281298/fat-cat-facts.html
Cat Training Techniques & Information
by
John H. Rogers -
The most popular form of cat training is that of learning them how to use the litterbox. This is especially important for indoor cats, but is also ideal for an indoor/outdoor pet. Many people are surprised to know that cat training can also involve an actual toilet, which will eliminate the expense and odor associated with a litterbox. This type of cat training will consist of several weeks during which time the litterbox is elevated and moved until it is near the toilet. The move should be gradual so as to not cause the cat a great deal of confusion or, even worse, cause him/her to misplace the litterbox. During this type of cat training, the litter can be suspended above the toilet using either a small bowl or box. At the conclusion of cat training involving the toilet, the cat will be able to use the toilet by perching over the bowl.
Cat training for indoor cats may also involve the implementation of a scratching post, which will prevent them from ruining furniture or carpet with their nails. While it is very possible to trim the nails, great care must be taken so as to avoid cutting a vein if the nails are cut too short.
It is best to begin cat training as early as possible. If you have a kitten, start early and teach him/her the basic behavior that is expected from an indoor pet, such as not clawing the furniture and how to use the litterbox.
Experts believe that cats can and often do bond with their owner. In fact, cats are thought to be able to initiate eye contact in an effort to convey a message or may even mimic the actions of their owner. The bonding process is especially important while you attempt cat training. As with any pet, training can be very daunting and often stressful to the owner. It is much easier to instill cat training techniques on a kitten as opposed to a cat, which is something that every pet owner should consider prior to selecting a new addition to their family.
Cat training is the best way for indoor pets to live a happy and healthy life with their owner. A cat that is not properly trained will not understand what is acceptable and what is not, which is why cat training is so important to both the cat and his/her owner.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Want to learn more about car transport? Make sure you visit our site at: www.cartransportguide.info for access to additional car transport tips and information.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/280364/cat-training-techniques-&-information.html
John H. Rogers -
The most popular form of cat training is that of learning them how to use the litterbox. This is especially important for indoor cats, but is also ideal for an indoor/outdoor pet. Many people are surprised to know that cat training can also involve an actual toilet, which will eliminate the expense and odor associated with a litterbox. This type of cat training will consist of several weeks during which time the litterbox is elevated and moved until it is near the toilet. The move should be gradual so as to not cause the cat a great deal of confusion or, even worse, cause him/her to misplace the litterbox. During this type of cat training, the litter can be suspended above the toilet using either a small bowl or box. At the conclusion of cat training involving the toilet, the cat will be able to use the toilet by perching over the bowl.
Cat training for indoor cats may also involve the implementation of a scratching post, which will prevent them from ruining furniture or carpet with their nails. While it is very possible to trim the nails, great care must be taken so as to avoid cutting a vein if the nails are cut too short.
It is best to begin cat training as early as possible. If you have a kitten, start early and teach him/her the basic behavior that is expected from an indoor pet, such as not clawing the furniture and how to use the litterbox.
Experts believe that cats can and often do bond with their owner. In fact, cats are thought to be able to initiate eye contact in an effort to convey a message or may even mimic the actions of their owner. The bonding process is especially important while you attempt cat training. As with any pet, training can be very daunting and often stressful to the owner. It is much easier to instill cat training techniques on a kitten as opposed to a cat, which is something that every pet owner should consider prior to selecting a new addition to their family.
Cat training is the best way for indoor pets to live a happy and healthy life with their owner. A cat that is not properly trained will not understand what is acceptable and what is not, which is why cat training is so important to both the cat and his/her owner.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Want to learn more about car transport? Make sure you visit our site at: www.cartransportguide.info for access to additional car transport tips and information.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/280364/cat-training-techniques-&-information.html
Cats Without Their Claws
by
Mike Ricigliani
The only sure thing in football is that there are no sure things - especially where heady, self-sure prognosticators are involved. The fact of the matter is I like it when so-called 'experts' have to totally eat their own words when all of their crystal ball gazing goes bad.
Such appears to be the case with all the starry-eyed football buffs who proclaimed (with no real basis) that the Carolina Panthers would be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season's end. Evidently, the addition by subtraction strategy appeals to the experts. The Panthers showed the door to DT Brentson Buckner, LB's Will Witherspoon and Brandon Short, two Ricky's (WR Prohel and CB Manning) as well as fading RB Stephen Davis. The only impact players they were able to add were two middle-of-the-road DT's in Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis and the highly overrated (not just to fantasy owners) WR Jeyshawn Johnson.
The front office is not the only area that has struggled of late, either. With the help of their two new defensive tackles and more disciplined approach, the Cats allowed a whopping 252 yards on the ground */in their season opener alone/*. In that game against the Falcons they did manage to hold Michael Vick to 140 yards passing yards on 10 out of 22 passing - hardly an accomplishment considering Vick's career averages. In spite of his lack of accuracy, though, he did manage to throw for two touches and pick up 48 yards on the ground.
Things hardly improved for the Panther's defense this Sunday against the surprising Vikings. They allowed 522 all-purpose yards, including a solid 19 for 31, 243 yard performance by Brad Johnson and a 16-yard TD pass for Ryan Longwell on a field goal fake. The run defense was better, but still allowed 140 yards on the ground to a team that went over 100 rushing yards seven times last season - only one of those instances was against a team that went to the playoffs (Chicago). Last year against Carolina, the Vikings only managed 82 yards on the ground and 171 through the air.
What about the offense? Have they faired any better than their counterparts on the other side of the ball? Not by a long shot. Carolina running backs have averaged a dismal 4.0 yards per carry over the first two games. As a team they have gained a total of 172 yards on the ground in that span. While DeAngelo Williams didn't get any carries in week 1, he was the lone bright spot in the running game against the Vikings, gaining 74 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Jake Delhomme and the passing attack, while steady, have been less than spectacular. The most telling stat about the Panther's success through the air is that they are 5/26 on third down conversions. A 19% conversion rate just won't cut it in this league. The return of Steve Smith from a hamstring injury should help, but major strides are needed to improve the overall execution of the passing game, and by extension the offense as a whole.
Not all is doom and gloom, though. The Panthers are about to get some major help (aside from the imminent return of Smith) from the NFL scheduling department. Their next three games are at Tampa Bay (another team that is off to a horrific start) and against New Orleans and Cleveland at home. Drew Brees could continue his impressive play of late and give them trouble, but the other two of those match-ups seriously favor Carolina.
Article Source: www.articleonlinedirectory.com
Even with better days on the horizon, the Panthers have a fair few issues to iron out before the Super Bowl talk can begin again. Over the last two years no team that has started 0-2 has been able to advance to the playoffs. It will take equal measures of preparation, execution and just plain luck to break that trend.
-------------------------
About the Author:
-------------------------
Mike Ricigliani is a writer for NFL Directory - a directory of NFL websites. http://www.NFLdir.com
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/311621/cats-without-their-claws.html
Mike Ricigliani
The only sure thing in football is that there are no sure things - especially where heady, self-sure prognosticators are involved. The fact of the matter is I like it when so-called 'experts' have to totally eat their own words when all of their crystal ball gazing goes bad.
Such appears to be the case with all the starry-eyed football buffs who proclaimed (with no real basis) that the Carolina Panthers would be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season's end. Evidently, the addition by subtraction strategy appeals to the experts. The Panthers showed the door to DT Brentson Buckner, LB's Will Witherspoon and Brandon Short, two Ricky's (WR Prohel and CB Manning) as well as fading RB Stephen Davis. The only impact players they were able to add were two middle-of-the-road DT's in Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis and the highly overrated (not just to fantasy owners) WR Jeyshawn Johnson.
The front office is not the only area that has struggled of late, either. With the help of their two new defensive tackles and more disciplined approach, the Cats allowed a whopping 252 yards on the ground */in their season opener alone/*. In that game against the Falcons they did manage to hold Michael Vick to 140 yards passing yards on 10 out of 22 passing - hardly an accomplishment considering Vick's career averages. In spite of his lack of accuracy, though, he did manage to throw for two touches and pick up 48 yards on the ground.
Things hardly improved for the Panther's defense this Sunday against the surprising Vikings. They allowed 522 all-purpose yards, including a solid 19 for 31, 243 yard performance by Brad Johnson and a 16-yard TD pass for Ryan Longwell on a field goal fake. The run defense was better, but still allowed 140 yards on the ground to a team that went over 100 rushing yards seven times last season - only one of those instances was against a team that went to the playoffs (Chicago). Last year against Carolina, the Vikings only managed 82 yards on the ground and 171 through the air.
What about the offense? Have they faired any better than their counterparts on the other side of the ball? Not by a long shot. Carolina running backs have averaged a dismal 4.0 yards per carry over the first two games. As a team they have gained a total of 172 yards on the ground in that span. While DeAngelo Williams didn't get any carries in week 1, he was the lone bright spot in the running game against the Vikings, gaining 74 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Jake Delhomme and the passing attack, while steady, have been less than spectacular. The most telling stat about the Panther's success through the air is that they are 5/26 on third down conversions. A 19% conversion rate just won't cut it in this league. The return of Steve Smith from a hamstring injury should help, but major strides are needed to improve the overall execution of the passing game, and by extension the offense as a whole.
Not all is doom and gloom, though. The Panthers are about to get some major help (aside from the imminent return of Smith) from the NFL scheduling department. Their next three games are at Tampa Bay (another team that is off to a horrific start) and against New Orleans and Cleveland at home. Drew Brees could continue his impressive play of late and give them trouble, but the other two of those match-ups seriously favor Carolina.
Article Source: www.articleonlinedirectory.com
Even with better days on the horizon, the Panthers have a fair few issues to iron out before the Super Bowl talk can begin again. Over the last two years no team that has started 0-2 has been able to advance to the playoffs. It will take equal measures of preparation, execution and just plain luck to break that trend.
-------------------------
About the Author:
-------------------------
Mike Ricigliani is a writer for NFL Directory - a directory of NFL websites. http://www.NFLdir.com
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/311621/cats-without-their-claws.html
Your Cats Health
by
Lee Dobbins
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with anything from a minor cold to a major ailment.
As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure you feed your cat premium cat food so he can be his healthiest and also watch your cat closely for signs of sickness so that you can get him to a vet right away. Hopefully most ailments will be minor, but in some cases getting your cat expedient veterinary help can be the difference between life and death.
Some things to look for include:
Your cats coat – is it full and shiny or dull and patchy? Is he shedding abnormally? If so get your cat scheduled for a vet visit.
Behavior – is your cat acting sluggish and not eating? Any change in behavior warrants a trip to the vet as it is better to be safe then sorry!
Diarrhea or vomiting – If your cat is doing either of these for more than a day, I would get him to the vet as soon as you can.
Coughing – Some cats routinely cough up hairballs, but if your cat is coughing for no reason then you should have this checked out.
Swelling or lumps – when you pet your cat, take the time to feel around for any unusual lumps or swelling.
To insure that your cat doesn’t fall victim to disease, you should make sure he has all of his vaccinations as recommended by your vetrenarian. The most devastating but easiest to prevent disease that affects cats is infectious enteritis, or feline distemper. This is a virus disease that strikes quickly and leaves little time to enact treatment.
Feline Leukemia or FeLV is another deadly disease that can be prevented through early vaccinations. This disease poses no threat to humans but can be spread between cats. These days, it is treatable and some cats can live a long life with Feline Leukemia although you would want to be very careful to keep them away from other cats so as not to spread the disease.
One health problem in cats, particulary those that go outdoors is worms. A cat with worms usually has a lackluster coat and can either have a large appetite or none at all. There are many kinds of worms, and cats are susceptible to all of them. Cats can get worms from lice or fleas or in the organs of the rodents that the cats eat. Typically the cat ingests the eggs which mature and attach to the intestinal walls. Feeding your cat a bit of garlic every once in a while can protect him against worms.
Keeping your cat happy and healthy is really a simple matter of caring for him properly and making sure he gets the appropriate veterinary care. Make sure your cat gets all the recommended vaccinations and you give him the proper treatments to repel fleas and other pesky pests. These simple steps will keep your cat happy and healthy for a lifetime!
About the Author: Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.epet-center.com where you can find lots of articles on cats, dogs, fish, birds and ferrets. Read more about how to keep your cat healthy at http://www.epet-center.com/catarticles1.html
Source: www.isnare.com
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/478/your-cats-health.html
Lee Dobbins
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with anything from a minor cold to a major ailment.
As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure you feed your cat premium cat food so he can be his healthiest and also watch your cat closely for signs of sickness so that you can get him to a vet right away. Hopefully most ailments will be minor, but in some cases getting your cat expedient veterinary help can be the difference between life and death.
Some things to look for include:
Your cats coat – is it full and shiny or dull and patchy? Is he shedding abnormally? If so get your cat scheduled for a vet visit.
Behavior – is your cat acting sluggish and not eating? Any change in behavior warrants a trip to the vet as it is better to be safe then sorry!
Diarrhea or vomiting – If your cat is doing either of these for more than a day, I would get him to the vet as soon as you can.
Coughing – Some cats routinely cough up hairballs, but if your cat is coughing for no reason then you should have this checked out.
Swelling or lumps – when you pet your cat, take the time to feel around for any unusual lumps or swelling.
To insure that your cat doesn’t fall victim to disease, you should make sure he has all of his vaccinations as recommended by your vetrenarian. The most devastating but easiest to prevent disease that affects cats is infectious enteritis, or feline distemper. This is a virus disease that strikes quickly and leaves little time to enact treatment.
Feline Leukemia or FeLV is another deadly disease that can be prevented through early vaccinations. This disease poses no threat to humans but can be spread between cats. These days, it is treatable and some cats can live a long life with Feline Leukemia although you would want to be very careful to keep them away from other cats so as not to spread the disease.
One health problem in cats, particulary those that go outdoors is worms. A cat with worms usually has a lackluster coat and can either have a large appetite or none at all. There are many kinds of worms, and cats are susceptible to all of them. Cats can get worms from lice or fleas or in the organs of the rodents that the cats eat. Typically the cat ingests the eggs which mature and attach to the intestinal walls. Feeding your cat a bit of garlic every once in a while can protect him against worms.
Keeping your cat happy and healthy is really a simple matter of caring for him properly and making sure he gets the appropriate veterinary care. Make sure your cat gets all the recommended vaccinations and you give him the proper treatments to repel fleas and other pesky pests. These simple steps will keep your cat happy and healthy for a lifetime!
About the Author: Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.epet-center.com where you can find lots of articles on cats, dogs, fish, birds and ferrets. Read more about how to keep your cat healthy at http://www.epet-center.com/catarticles1.html
Source: www.isnare.com
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/478/your-cats-health.html
Your Cat's First Vet Visit
by
Kurt Schmitt
So you've got a new cat, and she needs a checkup. On your first vet visit, your vet will take the lead and give you some basic information, and probably will go through a fairly standard routine.
Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you have any questions.
Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and you've been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have you.... you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What questions? Well, the ones that you'll forget if you don't already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.
Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It's important, therefore, to get your vet's take on some of these issues.
Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you'll probably have some specific ones of your own.
The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for your cat.
Here are some subjects to create your questions around...
Vaccination options: there are options for both type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your vet recommends for your cat.
Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table scraps?
Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common mistakes to avoid.
Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures your vet has now, should you need it later.
Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly affects your life, and the life span of your cat.
Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for advice.
Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in your cat early, and may save her life one day.
Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions, more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet about the health of your cat.
About The Author
Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and the author of "7 Questions to Ask Your Vet... A Guide for Cat Lovers." For the answers to all your cat care questions, visit http://www.cat-lovers-only.com.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/1036/your-cats-first-vet-visit.html
Kurt Schmitt
So you've got a new cat, and she needs a checkup. On your first vet visit, your vet will take the lead and give you some basic information, and probably will go through a fairly standard routine.
Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you have any questions.
Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and you've been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have you.... you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What questions? Well, the ones that you'll forget if you don't already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.
Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It's important, therefore, to get your vet's take on some of these issues.
Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you'll probably have some specific ones of your own.
The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for your cat.
Here are some subjects to create your questions around...
Vaccination options: there are options for both type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your vet recommends for your cat.
Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table scraps?
Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common mistakes to avoid.
Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures your vet has now, should you need it later.
Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly affects your life, and the life span of your cat.
Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for advice.
Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in your cat early, and may save her life one day.
Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions, more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet about the health of your cat.
About The Author
Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and the author of "7 Questions to Ask Your Vet... A Guide for Cat Lovers." For the answers to all your cat care questions, visit http://www.cat-lovers-only.com.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/1036/your-cats-first-vet-visit.html