By : Mayoor Patel
Many of us have busy lifestyles that leave us with very little free time. Why spend that precious time cleaning out a dirty litter box? Instead, you can invest in a self-cleaning litter box that will cut way back on the amount of time you have to devote to cleaning up after your pet. Here are a couple of the reasons why this type of litter box just makes sense.
First, we all know that a litter box means the presence of some pretty bad odors. The only way to effectively deal with that is to clean the cat box out often, right? Well, not if your cat's liter box is self-cleaning. These wonderful devices come with sensors that trigger a cleaning process when your cat steps out of the litter box. A small comb sweeps the hard waste into a compartment, where it is stored until you have time to clean the box. Just about all of these types of litter boxes recommend that you use crystals instead of clay litter. The reason for that is the clay will often clump, making it harder for the comb to sweep the waste into the compartment.
Another perk of the self-cleaning cat litter box is that it is very effective in containing odors. The silica crystals help to absorb liquid, eliminating the strong ammonia scent of cat urine immediately. The hard waste also has the liquid extracted by the crystals, which kills the odor from the waste. This means you can go away for a long weekend or even a business trip that lasts a few days and not come home to a nasty smelling home or a frustrated cat that has lived with a dirty litter box.
With no odor and a clean area for your cat to return to next time, a litter box that is self cleaning means less work for you and a more pleasant place to practice good hygiene for your cat. Why not visit your local pet store to day and check into one of the self-cleaning cat litter box models in stock? Most pet shops will carry at least three or more types that you can choose from, as well as some larger models that will accommodate some of the bigger breeds of cats. Once you have given the self-cleaning models a trey, you may find this type of litter box to be ideal for you and your cat.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website cat-litter.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Why Silica Cat Litter is a Good Option
By : Mayoor Patel
When silica cat litter first came on the market, many cat owners were a little dubious that the product would really be much of an improvement over clay and other types. However, silica brands of cat litter has made a number of converts since it was first introduced. Here are a couple of advantages to using this type of cat litter that may be of interest to you.
One of the most attractive things about silica in general is that it is a porous material. What this means is that the silica will quickly absorb all liquids that come in contact with the substance. From the perspective of being used as a form of cat litter, the silica crystals will easily absorb the cat urine as well as the liquid contained in the solid waste. What this means for you and your home is that the strong ammonia scent of cat urine is banished from your space, and the smell of cat waste is also neutralized once the liquid is absorbed. Your home will smell fresh and clean because it is in fact fresh and clean. For your cat, this also means that the litter box will appear fresh and more inviting to your pet as well.
Silica cat litter is also the litter of choice with automatic cat litter boxes. Because those automatic boxes rely on a comb that moves across the tray to move solid waste into a holding compartment, any type of clumping cat litter will just defeat the purpose. The silica does not cling to waste, making it possible for you to use an automatic litter box and thus only have to tend to the cleaning process once a week or so. Less time cleaning the litter box means more time to spend with your pet.
Silica litter can be purchased at most supermarkets, as well as national pet shop chains. From the perspective of cost, you will not find the price to be very different from that of most national brands of litter. This means you can get a higher quality litter and still not pay any more for the product.
While silica cat may cost a little more, the price is more than offset by not having to buy so many air fresheners and deodorizers in order to mask the cat litter box scents. Plus, your cat will be happier with the hygiene of the litter box itself. Why not pick up one of the silica blends of cat litter today and give it a try?
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website cat-litter.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Silica Cat Litter
When silica cat litter first came on the market, many cat owners were a little dubious that the product would really be much of an improvement over clay and other types. However, silica brands of cat litter has made a number of converts since it was first introduced. Here are a couple of advantages to using this type of cat litter that may be of interest to you.
One of the most attractive things about silica in general is that it is a porous material. What this means is that the silica will quickly absorb all liquids that come in contact with the substance. From the perspective of being used as a form of cat litter, the silica crystals will easily absorb the cat urine as well as the liquid contained in the solid waste. What this means for you and your home is that the strong ammonia scent of cat urine is banished from your space, and the smell of cat waste is also neutralized once the liquid is absorbed. Your home will smell fresh and clean because it is in fact fresh and clean. For your cat, this also means that the litter box will appear fresh and more inviting to your pet as well.
Silica cat litter is also the litter of choice with automatic cat litter boxes. Because those automatic boxes rely on a comb that moves across the tray to move solid waste into a holding compartment, any type of clumping cat litter will just defeat the purpose. The silica does not cling to waste, making it possible for you to use an automatic litter box and thus only have to tend to the cleaning process once a week or so. Less time cleaning the litter box means more time to spend with your pet.
Silica litter can be purchased at most supermarkets, as well as national pet shop chains. From the perspective of cost, you will not find the price to be very different from that of most national brands of litter. This means you can get a higher quality litter and still not pay any more for the product.
While silica cat may cost a little more, the price is more than offset by not having to buy so many air fresheners and deodorizers in order to mask the cat litter box scents. Plus, your cat will be happier with the hygiene of the litter box itself. Why not pick up one of the silica blends of cat litter today and give it a try?
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website cat-litter.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Silica Cat Litter
Ear Problems in Cats: Causes and Treatment
By : Carol Osborne
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that their ears are uncomfortable by scratching, shaking and/or tilting their heads.
CAUSES
Ear mites are most common in ear problems adult cats and puppies. These microscopic mites have hairs on their body that irritate the ears. They are also responsible for the itching and the dark brown, coffee-like residue. Mites live primarily within the ear canal. They can also live outside of the ear and on other parts of the cats body, they do not infest your home.
* Trauma to the ear from foreign materials like plant seeds or over-aggressive cleaning can also cause pain and inflammation of the ears.
* Flea allergies can occasionally involve the ears.
* Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust are not common in ears. Ear infections associated with allergies often recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is determined and treated.
SYMPTOMS
* Scratch ears often.
* Shake or tilt head.
* Odor and/or discharge from ears.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Diagnosis involves examining a sample of the ear discharge under the microscope. This is called a Cytology and will identify the problem. The most effective treatment will be determined according to whether mites, yeast or bacteria are present.
* Ear mites can also live outside of the ear, on other parts of your cat's body. Flea control products can help to manage this problem.
* Instead of using eardrops to treat mite infections, you can now purchase a new topical treatment called Revolution (selamectin), applied onto the skin at 30 day intervals, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites for cats and dogs.
* To prevent ear problems, check your cat's ears regularly. Only use products recommended by your vet to clean your cat's ears, and never clean any deeper than you can see.
* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may require a culture to pinpoint the exact agent responsible and the medication best suited to eliminate the infection.
NOTE: An otoscope is designed and illuminated to allow complete visualization of the ear canal
HEMATOMA (BLOODCLOT) OF THE EAR
* Hematomas usually occur as a result of self-inflicted trauma to the ear. Many cats vigorously Itch their ears because of a persistent underlying ear mite problem. A blood vessel in the earflap ruptures which causes bleeding into the earflap tissue. Treatment usually requires surgical
removal of blood clots and drainage of blood under anesthesia. Hematomas tend to recur until the underlying problem is eliminated because the cats continue to traumatize their ears by itching. Many ears scar down into an abnormal appearance.
TREATMENT
Milbemycin, is the active ingredient in Sentinel, a tablet given monthly to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats. Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, approved in cats, a monthly product that kills ear mites and walking dandruff mites, and prevents heartworms and fleas. New monthly flea preventative products have replaced ear drops to treat ear mites.
COMPLEMENTARY EAR TREATMENTS
Yeast Infections: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water (50:50) makes a good ear cleaning solution for yeast.
Bacterial Ear Infections: Garlic can be added to the diet only occasionally, continual high doses can cause anemia:
* Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
HERBALEAR REMEDIES
* Mullein (Verbascom thapsus)
* Mucilage or Sapenins have a demilucent effect.
* Use topically for bacterial ear infections.
* Calendula makes an effective ear cleaning solution: Mix one teaspoon of Calendula with a teaspoon sea salt and one cup of water.
* Calendula Oil is soothing to red inflamed ears. Apply two drops into ears once daily.
* To eliminate ear mites, Yellow Duck (Rumex crispus) two drops every 3rd day for three to six weeks.
HOMEOPATHIC EAR REMEDIES
For red, irritated ears try Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one pellet every third day for two weeks. Withhold food ten minutes before and after treatment. Sepia officinalis (30C) two whole or three crushed pellets by mouth twice a day for three days then once a week, until the ears are healed. Helpful with itching and head shaking.
VESTIBULAR (MIDDLE EAR) DISEASE
Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections can spread to involve the middle ear. The middle ear houses nerves, called Vestibular nerves, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. If these nerves are irritated, cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger and often fall over. This is called Vestibular Disease. Some cases are associated with ear infections and rarely brain tumors are responsible but the cause in most cases is unknown or idiopathic. The term Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is used in these cases.
DIAGNOSIS
X-rays are initially used to evaluate the middle ear. The bone housing the middle ear is called the Tympanic bulla and is located within the brain. The series of x-rays taken in this case, is respectively called a "Bulla Series". A CAT scan or MRI are more sensitive imaging techniques that may be necessary to allow visualization of this area of the brain if the x-rays are inconclusive.
Typically, most cases of Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome occur for some as of yet unknown reason in the spring and fall. Cats suddenly tilt their heads and begin staggering, for no apparent reason. Cats generally improve within 72 hours and symptoms usually resolve in a couple weeks. Occasionally the head tilt persists.
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/
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that their ears are uncomfortable by scratching, shaking and/or tilting their heads.
CAUSES
Ear mites are most common in ear problems adult cats and puppies. These microscopic mites have hairs on their body that irritate the ears. They are also responsible for the itching and the dark brown, coffee-like residue. Mites live primarily within the ear canal. They can also live outside of the ear and on other parts of the cats body, they do not infest your home.
* Trauma to the ear from foreign materials like plant seeds or over-aggressive cleaning can also cause pain and inflammation of the ears.
* Flea allergies can occasionally involve the ears.
* Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust are not common in ears. Ear infections associated with allergies often recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is determined and treated.
SYMPTOMS
* Scratch ears often.
* Shake or tilt head.
* Odor and/or discharge from ears.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Diagnosis involves examining a sample of the ear discharge under the microscope. This is called a Cytology and will identify the problem. The most effective treatment will be determined according to whether mites, yeast or bacteria are present.
* Ear mites can also live outside of the ear, on other parts of your cat's body. Flea control products can help to manage this problem.
* Instead of using eardrops to treat mite infections, you can now purchase a new topical treatment called Revolution (selamectin), applied onto the skin at 30 day intervals, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites for cats and dogs.
* To prevent ear problems, check your cat's ears regularly. Only use products recommended by your vet to clean your cat's ears, and never clean any deeper than you can see.
* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may require a culture to pinpoint the exact agent responsible and the medication best suited to eliminate the infection.
NOTE: An otoscope is designed and illuminated to allow complete visualization of the ear canal
HEMATOMA (BLOODCLOT) OF THE EAR
* Hematomas usually occur as a result of self-inflicted trauma to the ear. Many cats vigorously Itch their ears because of a persistent underlying ear mite problem. A blood vessel in the earflap ruptures which causes bleeding into the earflap tissue. Treatment usually requires surgical
removal of blood clots and drainage of blood under anesthesia. Hematomas tend to recur until the underlying problem is eliminated because the cats continue to traumatize their ears by itching. Many ears scar down into an abnormal appearance.
TREATMENT
Milbemycin, is the active ingredient in Sentinel, a tablet given monthly to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats. Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, approved in cats, a monthly product that kills ear mites and walking dandruff mites, and prevents heartworms and fleas. New monthly flea preventative products have replaced ear drops to treat ear mites.
COMPLEMENTARY EAR TREATMENTS
Yeast Infections: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water (50:50) makes a good ear cleaning solution for yeast.
Bacterial Ear Infections: Garlic can be added to the diet only occasionally, continual high doses can cause anemia:
* Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
HERBALEAR REMEDIES
* Mullein (Verbascom thapsus)
* Mucilage or Sapenins have a demilucent effect.
* Use topically for bacterial ear infections.
* Calendula makes an effective ear cleaning solution: Mix one teaspoon of Calendula with a teaspoon sea salt and one cup of water.
* Calendula Oil is soothing to red inflamed ears. Apply two drops into ears once daily.
* To eliminate ear mites, Yellow Duck (Rumex crispus) two drops every 3rd day for three to six weeks.
HOMEOPATHIC EAR REMEDIES
For red, irritated ears try Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one pellet every third day for two weeks. Withhold food ten minutes before and after treatment. Sepia officinalis (30C) two whole or three crushed pellets by mouth twice a day for three days then once a week, until the ears are healed. Helpful with itching and head shaking.
VESTIBULAR (MIDDLE EAR) DISEASE
Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections can spread to involve the middle ear. The middle ear houses nerves, called Vestibular nerves, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. If these nerves are irritated, cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger and often fall over. This is called Vestibular Disease. Some cases are associated with ear infections and rarely brain tumors are responsible but the cause in most cases is unknown or idiopathic. The term Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is used in these cases.
DIAGNOSIS
X-rays are initially used to evaluate the middle ear. The bone housing the middle ear is called the Tympanic bulla and is located within the brain. The series of x-rays taken in this case, is respectively called a "Bulla Series". A CAT scan or MRI are more sensitive imaging techniques that may be necessary to allow visualization of this area of the brain if the x-rays are inconclusive.
Typically, most cases of Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome occur for some as of yet unknown reason in the spring and fall. Cats suddenly tilt their heads and begin staggering, for no apparent reason. Cats generally improve within 72 hours and symptoms usually resolve in a couple weeks. Occasionally the head tilt persists.
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/