By : Carol Osborne
allergy is an abnormal or a hypersensitive reaction to a food ingredient which is usually a protein. 10-20% of allergies in cats are caused by food.
CAUSES
Beef, dairy products and fish, especially tuna and mackerel are responsible for almost 90 percent of food allergies in cats. These products cause a skin reaction as opposed to diarrhea.
Note: Food preservatives including Benzoic Acid and Propylene Glycol (read labels) are toxic to cats.
Milk causes diarrhea as opposed to a skin reaction. This is called Lactose Intolerance.
SYMPTOM BOX
* Severe itching all over the body
* Itching with small scabs located primarily on the head, neck and ears.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
* 1/3 of cats with food allergies also have concurrent flea allergies, therefore scab like lesions and itching are focused on the head, neck and ears.
* Siamese and/or Siamese cross bred cats less than 2 years old may be at increased risk of food allergies.
* A relatively new dietary option for food allergy therapy involves using Hydrolyzed Proteins. These are conventional proteins broken down into such a small size they are unable to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic diets containing Hydrolyzed Protein are available commercially.
* Purina's Prescription Diet Division offers CNM HA (the HA stands for Hypoallergenic)
* Exclude is a diet made by DVM Dermatologies. It comes in a powder form and is mixed with water to the desired consistency.
* If itching and skin lesions resolve then reappear within 2 weeks of feeding the cat his former food, a food allergy diagnosis may also be confirmed.
The cat's nutritional history should include a complete list of commercial and homemade foods as well as snacks, treats, toys, medications and human foods.
The only way to find out the true cause of a food allergy is to use an elimination diet. A single source of protein is used for 12 weeks to see if the cat's condition improves.
Then new ingredients are added back into the diet one at a time, every five to seven days, until the problem recurs. Using this method, and noting what was added when, if there is a reaction you will know which food ingredient is responsible for the problem.
* For the elimination diet to work, start by using a protein source the cat has not been previously exposed to.
* Ingredients recommended for homemade Feline diets that work best initially for cats include one protein source or a combination of one protein and one carbohydrate source.
For example:
* Lamb baby food
* Lamb (mutton) and brown rice
* Venison and potato
* Use distilled water or boil tap water and refrigerate -- this helps avoid chlorine, which can be a factor.
* If diarrhea is present, avoid foods with wheat barley, rye and avoid milk.
* Food allergies tend to be life long but once you identify the offending allergen, you can find a variety of suitable diets that don't include the problem foods but still provide a balanced diet.
Several "allergen" free diets are available. Keep a daily diary during the elimination phase to keep track of the type of food eaten and any signs that occurred as a result.
If a food allergy is the only cause of the problem, itching should stop and signs should improve 100%. Up to 1/3 of cats with food allergies also have other allergies and therefore, may only respond partially to an elimination diet. Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Inhalant Allergies are the two most common causes and should be ruled out through other testing.
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Vitamin C in high does acts as an antihistamine and may help with itching, if present. Ascorbate powder is a source of Vitamin C -- 100 milligrams 3 times daily is an average daily dose. Check with your vet to be sure.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at CarolonPets.com/ Visit Dr. Carol's Naturally Healthy Pets blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
Cat Health: Exercise, Toys, and Playtime
By : Carol Osborne
Playtime Do Cats Need? Cats needs at least 10-15 minutes of exercise three to four times a day. The exact amount varies with age, breed, health and physical condition.
Indoor cats need to play 3 to 4 times as much as outdoor cats to satisfy their needs for exercise. One hour of playful exercise increases your cat's lifespan by 4 hours.
TIP: If your cat is neutered he is twice as likely to get chubby, so decrease his calories by one third and play more. Be creative think up games that stimulate your cat's natural instincts.
Exercise Is Fun With Felines!
Exercise is integral to life. Not only is it essential for optimal health, it also improves circulation, stimulates vital organs, facilitates digestion and helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Exercise provides aerobic activity that stimulates your cat mentally and physically. Playful exercise is fun too. The more you play with your cat the more trusting and alert he'll become. It is a great way to bond, and it is as good for you as it is for your cat. Most owners end up looking forward to this "special time" as much as their cats do.
Cats have different types of personalities, just like people. Figure out what kind of cat you have-shy, curious, sedate or wild. Adapt the type of play you choose to the personality of your cat.
Cat nip is a perfectly safe herb that many cats enjoy. Once a week, sprinkle the fresh herb on the floor or on a couple favorite toys. Cats generally play, roll and frolic. Your cat will have fun and so will you.
Exercise Goals
Exercise promotes confidence, self-esteem and well being. If you make the commitment to eat right and playfully exercise at least 10 minutes four times a day, you and your cat will look good and feel great! Exercise enhances your health, your looks and your life.
If you and your cat can't exercise, feline massage is an alternative. It's therapeutic and stimulates vital tissues. It's also fun and feels great.
Cats love a ritual-especially before a good meal. Set play sessions for the same time each day and soon your cat will be there eagerly waiting for you.
The love you bestow on your cat and the relationship you share will become a source of continued happiness in your life.
TOYS
Toys provide a positive outlet for cats of all ages. Many are educational, some are interactive, and others are just plain fun. In additional to physical benefits,
they stimulate cats mentally; help prevent boredom, destruction and anxiety. Some toys are also a form of exercise like laser mice and many can be stuffed or rubbed with treats like catnip. Get a variety of toys and rotate them every few days.
GREAT SAFE CAT TOYS:
* Crumpled Paper Balls
* Peacock Feathers
* Empty Paper Bags
* Card Board Boxes
* Pieces of real fur (2 cm X 5 cm)
* Pinecones
* Ping Pong Balls
* A pile of shredded paper
* Empty 35MM film containers (or filled 1/3 with raw lentils)
* The occasional full toilet paper roll (for shredding)
Anything dangling from a fishing line makes a good toy:
Frozen green beans, Walnut shells, Sea-shells,
Plastic lids from bottled water, Leaves at the top of a Celery Stalk, Pipe Cleaners twisted up like Butterflies
TOYS
Cats judge toys based on their size, texture, sound and smell. Small, light weight items like crocheted mice, fish and birds especially with unpredictable, erratic movements are favorites for many felines.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
CREATE INTERACTIVE GAMES FOR YOUR CAT:
Kitty Hockey: throw a couple plastic rings from a milk jug on a smooth floor -- your feline will fly for the puck
Create snakelike toys: then sneak & slither them over chairs and up & down stairs
Make a kitty racquetball court: put a ping pong ball in a small box and cut a small paw sized hole in one end
Create a feline obstacle course: place several boxes upside down or paper bags on their side and cut holes in each to enter & exit
Improve balance & coordination with a multi-leveled cat tree: entice your cat to jump from 1 perch to the next during interactive play sessions
Encourage scratching and stretching with a few sturdy scratching posts covered with hemp or the rough backing of a piece of carpet
INTERACTIVE GAMES
Wiggle a fishing line with feathers on one end over
perches, playgrounds and obstacle courses to get your cat to stretch and keep his muscles toned
FACT: Play is soothing to the soul-yours and your cats.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at CarolonPets.com/ Visit Dr. Carol's Naturally Healthy Pets blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
Playtime Do Cats Need? Cats needs at least 10-15 minutes of exercise three to four times a day. The exact amount varies with age, breed, health and physical condition.
Indoor cats need to play 3 to 4 times as much as outdoor cats to satisfy their needs for exercise. One hour of playful exercise increases your cat's lifespan by 4 hours.
TIP: If your cat is neutered he is twice as likely to get chubby, so decrease his calories by one third and play more. Be creative think up games that stimulate your cat's natural instincts.
Exercise Is Fun With Felines!
Exercise is integral to life. Not only is it essential for optimal health, it also improves circulation, stimulates vital organs, facilitates digestion and helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Exercise provides aerobic activity that stimulates your cat mentally and physically. Playful exercise is fun too. The more you play with your cat the more trusting and alert he'll become. It is a great way to bond, and it is as good for you as it is for your cat. Most owners end up looking forward to this "special time" as much as their cats do.
Cats have different types of personalities, just like people. Figure out what kind of cat you have-shy, curious, sedate or wild. Adapt the type of play you choose to the personality of your cat.
Cat nip is a perfectly safe herb that many cats enjoy. Once a week, sprinkle the fresh herb on the floor or on a couple favorite toys. Cats generally play, roll and frolic. Your cat will have fun and so will you.
Exercise Goals
Exercise promotes confidence, self-esteem and well being. If you make the commitment to eat right and playfully exercise at least 10 minutes four times a day, you and your cat will look good and feel great! Exercise enhances your health, your looks and your life.
If you and your cat can't exercise, feline massage is an alternative. It's therapeutic and stimulates vital tissues. It's also fun and feels great.
Cats love a ritual-especially before a good meal. Set play sessions for the same time each day and soon your cat will be there eagerly waiting for you.
The love you bestow on your cat and the relationship you share will become a source of continued happiness in your life.
TOYS
Toys provide a positive outlet for cats of all ages. Many are educational, some are interactive, and others are just plain fun. In additional to physical benefits,
they stimulate cats mentally; help prevent boredom, destruction and anxiety. Some toys are also a form of exercise like laser mice and many can be stuffed or rubbed with treats like catnip. Get a variety of toys and rotate them every few days.
GREAT SAFE CAT TOYS:
* Crumpled Paper Balls
* Peacock Feathers
* Empty Paper Bags
* Card Board Boxes
* Pieces of real fur (2 cm X 5 cm)
* Pinecones
* Ping Pong Balls
* A pile of shredded paper
* Empty 35MM film containers (or filled 1/3 with raw lentils)
* The occasional full toilet paper roll (for shredding)
Anything dangling from a fishing line makes a good toy:
Frozen green beans, Walnut shells, Sea-shells,
Plastic lids from bottled water, Leaves at the top of a Celery Stalk, Pipe Cleaners twisted up like Butterflies
TOYS
Cats judge toys based on their size, texture, sound and smell. Small, light weight items like crocheted mice, fish and birds especially with unpredictable, erratic movements are favorites for many felines.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
CREATE INTERACTIVE GAMES FOR YOUR CAT:
Kitty Hockey: throw a couple plastic rings from a milk jug on a smooth floor -- your feline will fly for the puck
Create snakelike toys: then sneak & slither them over chairs and up & down stairs
Make a kitty racquetball court: put a ping pong ball in a small box and cut a small paw sized hole in one end
Create a feline obstacle course: place several boxes upside down or paper bags on their side and cut holes in each to enter & exit
Improve balance & coordination with a multi-leveled cat tree: entice your cat to jump from 1 perch to the next during interactive play sessions
Encourage scratching and stretching with a few sturdy scratching posts covered with hemp or the rough backing of a piece of carpet
INTERACTIVE GAMES
Wiggle a fishing line with feathers on one end over
perches, playgrounds and obstacle courses to get your cat to stretch and keep his muscles toned
FACT: Play is soothing to the soul-yours and your cats.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at CarolonPets.com/ Visit Dr. Carol's Naturally Healthy Pets blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
Choosing A Cat Litter Box Is More Important Than You Might Think
By : Dustin Cannon
important part of the life of any cat that spends time indoors. How do you choose one and does it matter which type of litter you use?
You will find that there are many different kinds of litter boxes to choose from. There are even litter boxes that clean themselves. This can be great but owners should still remember to monitor their cat's litter habits. If you decide on a litter box that electronically cleans itself how will you know if your kitty has diarrhea? Sometimes cats prefer a really simple type of litter box and the more complicated litter boxes are not used as faithfully as you would like.
When you are ready to buy a litter box think about the size, age and health of your cat. Let's say you are planning on bringing home a tiny kitten. It would not make sense to buy the largest litter box available. Cat litter boxes that are too big discourage the cat from using them. If your cat is named Jumbo, a small litter box will not be appropriate and once again it may not be used the way you had hoped.
Basic cat litter boxes are rectangular in shape and made of plastic. Often new cat owners will buy a litter box that is too small. One way to judge the size litter box you need is to double the length of an adult cat and the width should be about the same as the cat's approximate length. Own more than one cat? Choose your litter box based on the size of the largest cat.
Covered cat litter boxes serve two functions. Litter, urine and poop will not be spewed around the litter box and the smell can be kept in check. This may sound good to human owners but unfortunately many cats do not share this opinion. Some cats are very uncomfortable in this type of litter box and while the odor is not being circulated around the room it is instead concentrated inside the box. Many felines take exception to this and will not use a covered litter box.
What about the litter that can be used in cat litter boxes? If you were overwhelmed by all the litter box choices just wait until you embark on the actual cat litter shopping. You will find that every cat litter manufacturer will advertise that odor control is a feature of their litter. Some may say their cat litter is dust-free. Some litter is scoop able and some is scented. What is a cat owner to do?
When choosing cat litter think like a cat. A cat likes a litter that he doesn't mind standing on. It should be loose enough so he can dig a hole fairly easily and cover it when he is done. Odor-free is preferable because a cat prefers his own scent he may not appreciate a perfumed litter.
Choose your cat litter boxes and cat litter carefully rather than buying the newest things on the market or the first things you see.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions
important part of the life of any cat that spends time indoors. How do you choose one and does it matter which type of litter you use?
You will find that there are many different kinds of litter boxes to choose from. There are even litter boxes that clean themselves. This can be great but owners should still remember to monitor their cat's litter habits. If you decide on a litter box that electronically cleans itself how will you know if your kitty has diarrhea? Sometimes cats prefer a really simple type of litter box and the more complicated litter boxes are not used as faithfully as you would like.
When you are ready to buy a litter box think about the size, age and health of your cat. Let's say you are planning on bringing home a tiny kitten. It would not make sense to buy the largest litter box available. Cat litter boxes that are too big discourage the cat from using them. If your cat is named Jumbo, a small litter box will not be appropriate and once again it may not be used the way you had hoped.
Basic cat litter boxes are rectangular in shape and made of plastic. Often new cat owners will buy a litter box that is too small. One way to judge the size litter box you need is to double the length of an adult cat and the width should be about the same as the cat's approximate length. Own more than one cat? Choose your litter box based on the size of the largest cat.
Covered cat litter boxes serve two functions. Litter, urine and poop will not be spewed around the litter box and the smell can be kept in check. This may sound good to human owners but unfortunately many cats do not share this opinion. Some cats are very uncomfortable in this type of litter box and while the odor is not being circulated around the room it is instead concentrated inside the box. Many felines take exception to this and will not use a covered litter box.
What about the litter that can be used in cat litter boxes? If you were overwhelmed by all the litter box choices just wait until you embark on the actual cat litter shopping. You will find that every cat litter manufacturer will advertise that odor control is a feature of their litter. Some may say their cat litter is dust-free. Some litter is scoop able and some is scented. What is a cat owner to do?
When choosing cat litter think like a cat. A cat likes a litter that he doesn't mind standing on. It should be loose enough so he can dig a hole fairly easily and cover it when he is done. Odor-free is preferable because a cat prefers his own scent he may not appreciate a perfumed litter.
Choose your cat litter boxes and cat litter carefully rather than buying the newest things on the market or the first things you see.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions