By : Carol Osborne
accommodates your cat's needs, by creating an environment that provides a natural lifestyle for your cat.
This involves learning to read your cat's "body language" and requires consistency, lots of love and plenty of patience. For most cats, training is well worth the effort and helps prevent many behavioral problems from developing later in life.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are lucky enough to start out with a kitten, teaching her good habits from day one is your best bet. The minute she walks through your door, by giving her a toy to play with, a post to scratch and a litter box to use, you are teaching her what is appropriate to play with and scratch and where it's acceptable for her to do her business.
Using positive reinforcement helps achieve the best results. Observe your cat's natural behaviors; figure out what she likes the most; a toy, treat, or love and use that to reward correct behavior.
If you see your kitten doing something dangerous use negative reinforcement to stop her right away so she doesn't hurt herself. For example, if she's chewing on a toxic plant immediately redirect her attention to an appropriate toy or activity. Your kitten must not associate you with the unpleasant stimulus or she might blame you or become afraid of you. This way, she'll blame the item used i.e. the whistle or water.
Despite our best efforts, problems arise that can not be prevented and require treatment.
Medical conditions that may be responsible must be eliminated first by your vet. Generally a thorough physical exam with or without laboratory tests is required. Referral to a Behavioral Specialist is the next step. A written, detailed history is essential. An at home visit is best, but telephone consults are an option. Behavioral specialists try to pinpoint the exact problem and the stimulus (what triggers the bad behavior) then make recommendations accordingly.
Methods used for behavioral modification vary according to the specific problem. A variety are available but a combination of physical (termed behavioral redirection) and medical intervention work best to resolve most problems. Physical methods, used include positive (toy, treat, love) and negative (loud noise, bell, whistle) reinforcements and obnoxious stimuli. Obnoxious stimuli are strong odors, like perfume that cats dislike. They are used to get cats to avoid certain items, furniture and areas by making them smell bad.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
Four types of medications may be prescribed depending on the specific problem.
1. Antianxiety i.e. Valium
2. Mood Altering i.e. Buspar
3. Antidepressants i.e. Clomicalm
4. Mood Elevators i.e. Prozac, Paxil
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
It is important to try to prevent the cause of the stress as much as possible; this is not always possible. If your cat is injured in a fight, then Arnica Montana 6c (leopard's bane) can bring relief.
BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
Use the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy which is made of flowers: cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and star of Bethlehem to help calm down a stressed cat. Dose: 2-3 drops in mouth or food two to three times a day or 4 drops in the water if you are not going to be home.
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 blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
Fleas and Your Cat
By : Carol Osborne
common cause of itching and skin irritation in cats. Over 90 percent of all skin allergies in cats are due to fleas.
The allergy is actually a reaction to a protein component of the fleas' saliva. When these "allergic cats" are bitten by a flea they itch themselves until their skin is raw.
Most also end up with areas of hair loss and secondary bacterial skin infections. In addition, fleas suck blood, cause anemia, and transmit tapeworms.
FACT: Fleas can jump 3-feet high
SIGNS YOUR CAT HAS A FLEA PROBLEM
- Itching head, neck and ears.
- Flea dirt
- Hair loss on head and neck area.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Signs of fleas include itching, especially on the head and neck, and tiny black specks that look like dirt. To confirm that this "dirt" is flea dirt, place it on a cotton ball moistened with water. Flea dirt will turn red because of the blood it contains.
Once your cat has been diagnosed with a flea problem, you need to treat all of the pets in the home and the home itself. In your house, vacuum the carpets and throw away used vacuum bags so that flea eggs do not hatch in the bag.
For your carpeting, try an insect-growth regulator like Pyriproxifen or Methoprine. These are hormone analogies and prevent the flea larvae from developing into an adult. These last up to 18 months.
As an alternative, you can sprinkle sodium polyborate powder, which is "borax", onto the carpet, then vacuum. This will protect against fleas for up to one year. Be sure to wash your cat's bedding with hot soapy water.
Finally, bathe all the animals living in your home. Use a flea shampoo with pyrethrins or d-limolene as the active ingredient.
In your yard, natural products that contain nematodes provide the best protection. Nematodes are live microscopic worms that eat the larval and pupal forms of fleas and 250 other outdoor pests. Methoprene (used in Acclaim 2000) and Pyriproxifen (used in Indorex) are also available as yard sprays. One application can last from six to twelve months.
FACT: Constant itching may be a sign that your cat is allergic to fleas.
WARNING
Fleas can life up to one year in your home and yard. If your cat is allergic to fleas, one flea bite sets up a reaction that can cause itching for up to 14 days. Fleas also bite people and other pets. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is often the primary problem for cats, dogs and people.
Cats are very susceptible to toxic reactions from flea control products containing traditional insecticides such as Organophosphates and Carbamates. Be sure to read labels and only use products specifically approved for your cat.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
Today, prevention is the key to flea control. Many new products are available that last up to 30 days or more and are safe enough for kittens but must be prescribed by your vet. Program is a tablet given monthly or that contains Lufenuron which causes fleas to lay sterile eggs which do not hatch therefore, environmental contamination is also prevented.
Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution are also preventative products available in a liquid form, which are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades at 30-day intervals.
Advantage kills fleas.
Frontline kills adult fleas on contact and prevents ticks on cats and dogs. It has an alcohol base, which has occasionally caused problems in cats.
Revolution is used to prevent fleas, heartworm disease and ear mites.
Regardless of the product used, prevention should start in the spring, when the outdoor temperature reaches 65-70F on a regular basis.
Fleas live primarily in the environment and not on your pet. They only stay on your pets long enough to get a blood meal, then jump back down to the ground and lay more eggs. The presence of just one flea on your cat means that thousands more are nearby, that's why prevention is so important.
FACT: In cats, fleas prefer the head and neck. Fleas bite the ankles and lower legs in people.
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 blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
common cause of itching and skin irritation in cats. Over 90 percent of all skin allergies in cats are due to fleas.
The allergy is actually a reaction to a protein component of the fleas' saliva. When these "allergic cats" are bitten by a flea they itch themselves until their skin is raw.
Most also end up with areas of hair loss and secondary bacterial skin infections. In addition, fleas suck blood, cause anemia, and transmit tapeworms.
FACT: Fleas can jump 3-feet high
SIGNS YOUR CAT HAS A FLEA PROBLEM
- Itching head, neck and ears.
- Flea dirt
- Hair loss on head and neck area.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Signs of fleas include itching, especially on the head and neck, and tiny black specks that look like dirt. To confirm that this "dirt" is flea dirt, place it on a cotton ball moistened with water. Flea dirt will turn red because of the blood it contains.
Once your cat has been diagnosed with a flea problem, you need to treat all of the pets in the home and the home itself. In your house, vacuum the carpets and throw away used vacuum bags so that flea eggs do not hatch in the bag.
For your carpeting, try an insect-growth regulator like Pyriproxifen or Methoprine. These are hormone analogies and prevent the flea larvae from developing into an adult. These last up to 18 months.
As an alternative, you can sprinkle sodium polyborate powder, which is "borax", onto the carpet, then vacuum. This will protect against fleas for up to one year. Be sure to wash your cat's bedding with hot soapy water.
Finally, bathe all the animals living in your home. Use a flea shampoo with pyrethrins or d-limolene as the active ingredient.
In your yard, natural products that contain nematodes provide the best protection. Nematodes are live microscopic worms that eat the larval and pupal forms of fleas and 250 other outdoor pests. Methoprene (used in Acclaim 2000) and Pyriproxifen (used in Indorex) are also available as yard sprays. One application can last from six to twelve months.
FACT: Constant itching may be a sign that your cat is allergic to fleas.
WARNING
Fleas can life up to one year in your home and yard. If your cat is allergic to fleas, one flea bite sets up a reaction that can cause itching for up to 14 days. Fleas also bite people and other pets. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is often the primary problem for cats, dogs and people.
Cats are very susceptible to toxic reactions from flea control products containing traditional insecticides such as Organophosphates and Carbamates. Be sure to read labels and only use products specifically approved for your cat.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
Today, prevention is the key to flea control. Many new products are available that last up to 30 days or more and are safe enough for kittens but must be prescribed by your vet. Program is a tablet given monthly or that contains Lufenuron which causes fleas to lay sterile eggs which do not hatch therefore, environmental contamination is also prevented.
Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution are also preventative products available in a liquid form, which are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades at 30-day intervals.
Advantage kills fleas.
Frontline kills adult fleas on contact and prevents ticks on cats and dogs. It has an alcohol base, which has occasionally caused problems in cats.
Revolution is used to prevent fleas, heartworm disease and ear mites.
Regardless of the product used, prevention should start in the spring, when the outdoor temperature reaches 65-70F on a regular basis.
Fleas live primarily in the environment and not on your pet. They only stay on your pets long enough to get a blood meal, then jump back down to the ground and lay more eggs. The presence of just one flea on your cat means that thousands more are nearby, that's why prevention is so important.
FACT: In cats, fleas prefer the head and neck. Fleas bite the ankles and lower legs in people.
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 blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/
Cat First Aid: Cuts, Scrapes and Wounds
By : Carol Osborne
common accidents is a cut or laceration that causes bleeding. Bandage material, cleaning agents and anticoagulant powder (for nails that have been cut too short) take care of most minor wounds. Larger wounds should be seen by a vet.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
If a cat is bleeding the principle is the same for pets and people. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. It is best to use gauze or a clean bandage, but anything available -- including your hand -- will do if necessary. Release the pressure after a couple of minutes.
If the bleeding stops, access the wound. Use clippers or scissors to remove hair from the area, then take an iodine-type soap and clean up wound. Rinse it out again with hydrogen peroxide. If there is a lot of hair surrounding the wound, before you clip the hair; coat it with water-soluble KY jelly. The hairs will stick to the jelly and not to the wound and will be much easier to wash away. Cover minor wounds with gauze and reassess them the next morning. Always give your vet a call just to be sure.
If the bleeding doesn't stop, continue applying direct pressure to the wound while on your way to the vet. For foot wounds, once the cat has been treated by your vet, placing a clean sock over the paw helps keep the dressing clean. Use adhesive tape to secure the sock in place.
If you think your cat might bite you because he is hurt, scared, and in pain, protect yourself by wrapping her head in a towel. Don't leave the towel on too long or wrap it too tightly.
FACT: An Elizabethan collar helps prevent cats from traumatizing a wound but most cats don't like them.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
HERBAL REMEDIES
Calendula (Marigold) lotion- 6 drops of Calendula tincture in 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to the wound, cover with gauze, and tape the gauze to the skin. This will decrease pain.
Calendula-hypericum ointment applied to a minor wound will promote healing. Leave the wound open.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Calendula 6x is often recommended for superficial wounds. One tablet twice daily promotes healing.
Arnica decreases bruising.
If the wound becomes infected, Hepar sulphuris helps to heal the infection.
Rescue Remedy, 1-2 drops in your cat's mouth or food or water dish is calming and will help him/her to relax.
Comfort. A little tender loving care (TLC) can help calm your cat and spead the healing process.
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/
common accidents is a cut or laceration that causes bleeding. Bandage material, cleaning agents and anticoagulant powder (for nails that have been cut too short) take care of most minor wounds. Larger wounds should be seen by a vet.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
If a cat is bleeding the principle is the same for pets and people. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. It is best to use gauze or a clean bandage, but anything available -- including your hand -- will do if necessary. Release the pressure after a couple of minutes.
If the bleeding stops, access the wound. Use clippers or scissors to remove hair from the area, then take an iodine-type soap and clean up wound. Rinse it out again with hydrogen peroxide. If there is a lot of hair surrounding the wound, before you clip the hair; coat it with water-soluble KY jelly. The hairs will stick to the jelly and not to the wound and will be much easier to wash away. Cover minor wounds with gauze and reassess them the next morning. Always give your vet a call just to be sure.
If the bleeding doesn't stop, continue applying direct pressure to the wound while on your way to the vet. For foot wounds, once the cat has been treated by your vet, placing a clean sock over the paw helps keep the dressing clean. Use adhesive tape to secure the sock in place.
If you think your cat might bite you because he is hurt, scared, and in pain, protect yourself by wrapping her head in a towel. Don't leave the towel on too long or wrap it too tightly.
FACT: An Elizabethan collar helps prevent cats from traumatizing a wound but most cats don't like them.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
HERBAL REMEDIES
Calendula (Marigold) lotion- 6 drops of Calendula tincture in 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to the wound, cover with gauze, and tape the gauze to the skin. This will decrease pain.
Calendula-hypericum ointment applied to a minor wound will promote healing. Leave the wound open.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Calendula 6x is often recommended for superficial wounds. One tablet twice daily promotes healing.
Arnica decreases bruising.
If the wound becomes infected, Hepar sulphuris helps to heal the infection.
Rescue Remedy, 1-2 drops in your cat's mouth or food or water dish is calming and will help him/her to relax.
Comfort. A little tender loving care (TLC) can help calm your cat and spead the healing process.
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/