By: Gregg Hall
There are some items which no cat owner should be without. Cats require relatively little maintenance but there are some things which are necessary to have if you want your pet to be happy, healthy, and safe, the first is food.
When your cat is still a kitten, it's important that you feed it food specifically designed for kittens. Their digestive systems aren't fully matured yet, so they can't handle adult food. As it gets older, you can switch to adult formula food, and when your cat reaches its later years you should switch to foods made specifically for elderly felines. Avoid giving your cat milk on a regular basis. While it's one of cats' most favorite treats, milk can give them urinary problems. Also, don't feed your cat exclusively with scraps and people food. Cat food is designed to provide complete nutrition, and giving your cat something else may deprive them of essential nutrients.
You're going to need food and water dishes for you cat, of course. Almost any bowl or dish will work so long as you clean them regularly. You may want to invest in a mat to place underneath the bowls to help contain spills and messes.
The litter tray is an all-important cat accessory. You can train your cat to go to the bathroom outside, and even cats accustomed to litter boxes will do this on their own, but if your cat stays indoors then you need to invest in a litter tray. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some have hoods which give your cat some privacy and protect you from having to see them going about their business. Plus, these hoods help contain odors. There are even automated litter trays which scoop the litter for you.
Cat litter is another important and necessary product for cat owners. Cat litter has come a long way in recent years. Now the most popular brands are designed to clump to make removal easier and better contain annoying odors.
A scratching post is a very good idea if you don't want your cat to tear up your davenport. Cats need to scratch in order to stretch out and keep their claws in top shape. Scratching posts are usually made from rope or carpeting. If you have a larger cat, you'll want to make sure that the scratching post is big enough. There are also pads made from corrugated cardboard infused with cat litter which no normal cat can ignore. These kinds are replaced whenever the cat totally tears them apart, which they will! They're cheap and available at pet stores and your local super center.
Toys are a good idea to keep you cat occupied. Favorite cats toys usually have catnip inside.
Flea control is important, especially if you have an outdoor cat. Collars are effective, but make sure you get one that'll break away or stretch so your cat doesn't get strangled. Sprays work, too, but these can freak out your cat. Medicines which require just a few applications to the back of the neck seem to work best. They subject your cat to very little stress and last a long time.
You'll want to get a comb or brush for you cat. Make sure the teeth on it are rounded so you don't irritate their skin. Grooming your cat will help reduce shedding and encourage a healthy coat.
Cats are a great pet and will provide years and years of happiness and joy for their owners. With just a few essential products for your cat, you'll have a friend for life.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as feline herbal products at www.shop4petstuff.com
Stop and Prevent Cat Diarrhea
By: Stephen Becker
This article discusses why cat diarrhea/vomiting are epidemic, what you can give them to quickly stop routine diarrhea; but better still, how to prevent it.
If Dogs are mans best friend, Felines are females favored friend! Sure men own cats, too, but that is not the point here.
Cat diarrhea (and vomiting) is so common, many say it is epidemic. Why?
Domesticating Cats is Behavioral. Domesticating their diet is The Cause of Declining Health.
To fully grasp the following information, it is important to note that decades of dependency on chemicals and inorganic fertilizers have not only destroyed the top soil (and the subsequent nutritional value of commercial fruits and vegetables), they have seeped into rivers, streams, and found they way into the water table we drink and bathe with. Water puddles likely contain bacteria, discarded food residue, disease carrying bug larvae, as well as human and animal spittle containing any number of pathogenic organisms...
Feral and outdoor cats hunt small animals and birds. Unfortunately, the ones they have been eating over the last 50 years are increasingly diseased, and weakened from various environmental stresses. This seems to make an argument for commercial pet foods, however many pets refuse to eat it.
The problem is so common that many manufacturers have resorted to spraying recycled restaurant grease on dry foods, just to add some flavor!
The ongoing dog food/dog treat recall has provided some insight into what is in dry foods, as well as how pet food manufacturers think. They say they added more wheat gluten because it is a source of protein- only it is not a protein that cats or dogs need, but it is profitable.
Wet pet foods are not any better! They contain heavily processed low quality overcooked meats from animals injected with growth hormones and antibiotics.
Commercial pet foods are both convenient and cheap. But what is the ultimate cost to your pets health and your wallet?
Pet Diarrhea and Vomiting is the Number 3 Reason People Take Their Animals to the Vet
Today, a virtual epidemic of GI related health issues ranging from eating disorders, vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, IBS, spastic colon, to constipation can be traced directly to commercial cat food! According to industry statistics, diarrhea is the number 3 reason people are taking their animals to the vet.
Stress is another cause of diarrhea. Cats prefer peace and quiet to loud noises. Travel also stresses cats, as it often means leaving familiar territory, beyond which are unfamiliar noises and smells, different air quality, humidity, water, possibly even food- any one of which can throw off your cats now delicate GI balance.
Veterinary Care
If you take kitty to a vet, rarely do you have any idea why it has diarrhea. To assure speedy results, they are likely to prescribe an antibiotic with broad-spectrum kill capabilities, and advise you to withhold food or water for 24-48 hours. This is a case where the remedy needs a remedy!
Antibiotics kill all the bacteria- including the ones your cat needs for digestion. One thing you can be sure of, between no food and water, and the side effects of toxic antibiotics ravaging their immune systems, kitty is going to be in for a very rough couple of days. So if not antibiotics, what then? Non-dairy Probiotics!
Cats supplement their diet by eating grass, and especially the soil around the grass roots, which once contained soil-based organisms (SBOs)- non-dairy probiotics.
SBOs are The Missing Link to restoring and maintaining GI health. Without a steady supply of SBOs, proper digestion and elimination cannot take place. Foul smelling gas is a warning sign.
SBOs are highly effective when the diarrhea or vomiting is routine. However, if intestinal inflammation is present, neither SBOs nor medications are likely to restore balance. It is critical to resolve inflammation as soon as possible!
Herbal anti-inflammatories are more effective than steroids to resolve inflammation, but unlike steroids, they do not require weaning off. Unresolved intestinal inflammation quickly leads to immune disorders/diseases.
Have you noticed that the slippery slope to poor health begins with the GI tract? According to The Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain- Fully 90% of All Chronic Disease is Caused by an Unhealthy Intestinal System.
By administering SBOs as a daily supplement, you can prevent most cases of routine diarrhea while preventing 90% of all chronic disease from getting a foothold.
The food you feed your pets needs to be reasonably close to what they once ate in the wild; that is if you expect them to stay healthy. Buy organic chicken, meats, and fish, very lightly saute them and mix 50/50 with pet foods they are eating. Mix with less pet food each day. After one week they should be on 100% sauted food. Next, do the same with raw meats.
Unless your cat/dog is extremely sick, you should see immediate signs of recovery.
A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Stephen Becker is a nutritionaist and President of Vitality Science, where he formualtes scientifically proven remedies and supplements for cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. www.vitalityscience.com
This article discusses why cat diarrhea/vomiting are epidemic, what you can give them to quickly stop routine diarrhea; but better still, how to prevent it.
If Dogs are mans best friend, Felines are females favored friend! Sure men own cats, too, but that is not the point here.
Cat diarrhea (and vomiting) is so common, many say it is epidemic. Why?
Domesticating Cats is Behavioral. Domesticating their diet is The Cause of Declining Health.
To fully grasp the following information, it is important to note that decades of dependency on chemicals and inorganic fertilizers have not only destroyed the top soil (and the subsequent nutritional value of commercial fruits and vegetables), they have seeped into rivers, streams, and found they way into the water table we drink and bathe with. Water puddles likely contain bacteria, discarded food residue, disease carrying bug larvae, as well as human and animal spittle containing any number of pathogenic organisms...
Feral and outdoor cats hunt small animals and birds. Unfortunately, the ones they have been eating over the last 50 years are increasingly diseased, and weakened from various environmental stresses. This seems to make an argument for commercial pet foods, however many pets refuse to eat it.
The problem is so common that many manufacturers have resorted to spraying recycled restaurant grease on dry foods, just to add some flavor!
The ongoing dog food/dog treat recall has provided some insight into what is in dry foods, as well as how pet food manufacturers think. They say they added more wheat gluten because it is a source of protein- only it is not a protein that cats or dogs need, but it is profitable.
Wet pet foods are not any better! They contain heavily processed low quality overcooked meats from animals injected with growth hormones and antibiotics.
Commercial pet foods are both convenient and cheap. But what is the ultimate cost to your pets health and your wallet?
Pet Diarrhea and Vomiting is the Number 3 Reason People Take Their Animals to the Vet
Today, a virtual epidemic of GI related health issues ranging from eating disorders, vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, IBS, spastic colon, to constipation can be traced directly to commercial cat food! According to industry statistics, diarrhea is the number 3 reason people are taking their animals to the vet.
Stress is another cause of diarrhea. Cats prefer peace and quiet to loud noises. Travel also stresses cats, as it often means leaving familiar territory, beyond which are unfamiliar noises and smells, different air quality, humidity, water, possibly even food- any one of which can throw off your cats now delicate GI balance.
Veterinary Care
If you take kitty to a vet, rarely do you have any idea why it has diarrhea. To assure speedy results, they are likely to prescribe an antibiotic with broad-spectrum kill capabilities, and advise you to withhold food or water for 24-48 hours. This is a case where the remedy needs a remedy!
Antibiotics kill all the bacteria- including the ones your cat needs for digestion. One thing you can be sure of, between no food and water, and the side effects of toxic antibiotics ravaging their immune systems, kitty is going to be in for a very rough couple of days. So if not antibiotics, what then? Non-dairy Probiotics!
Cats supplement their diet by eating grass, and especially the soil around the grass roots, which once contained soil-based organisms (SBOs)- non-dairy probiotics.
SBOs are The Missing Link to restoring and maintaining GI health. Without a steady supply of SBOs, proper digestion and elimination cannot take place. Foul smelling gas is a warning sign.
SBOs are highly effective when the diarrhea or vomiting is routine. However, if intestinal inflammation is present, neither SBOs nor medications are likely to restore balance. It is critical to resolve inflammation as soon as possible!
Herbal anti-inflammatories are more effective than steroids to resolve inflammation, but unlike steroids, they do not require weaning off. Unresolved intestinal inflammation quickly leads to immune disorders/diseases.
Have you noticed that the slippery slope to poor health begins with the GI tract? According to The Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain- Fully 90% of All Chronic Disease is Caused by an Unhealthy Intestinal System.
By administering SBOs as a daily supplement, you can prevent most cases of routine diarrhea while preventing 90% of all chronic disease from getting a foothold.
The food you feed your pets needs to be reasonably close to what they once ate in the wild; that is if you expect them to stay healthy. Buy organic chicken, meats, and fish, very lightly saute them and mix 50/50 with pet foods they are eating. Mix with less pet food each day. After one week they should be on 100% sauted food. Next, do the same with raw meats.
Unless your cat/dog is extremely sick, you should see immediate signs of recovery.
A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Stephen Becker is a nutritionaist and President of Vitality Science, where he formualtes scientifically proven remedies and supplements for cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. www.vitalityscience.com
About Cat Breeds - The Popular And The Unusual
By: Rebecca Prescott
Given that adopting a cat is a significant commitment - they live for an average of 15 years - it makes sense to learn more about cat breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular purebreds are the Siamese and the Persian, although both of these have characteristics that may make them unsuitable choices for some people. Fortunately, there are a large number of other breeds to choose from, many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, as they have a low-allergy coat and are generally well tolerated.
Although not as popular as they once were, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good reason. They are extremely beautiful and intelligent, although modern breeding practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards an overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very vocal, however, which can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little bit determined in putting their views across. This is not a cat for the owner who doesn't have a lot of time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are very people-oriented. They love attention, and they love interacting with their owners. They will follow them from room to room, and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.
Unlike Siamese, Persian cats are very even-tempered. They get along well with other dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat households. They also tolerate children well. The biggest drawback - and also their most striking feature - is their amazing coat. A Persian's coat needs daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats need to be sedated to have their coats clipped, so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to be a priority for Persian owners.
The Siberian cat, or croshca, is another long haired feline. It requires less grooming than the Persian, and needs to be brushed only two or three times a week instead of daily. Their coat is different too. Surviving in the deep cold of a Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil coat. Siberian cats are very playful, and affectionate. Like the Siamese, they grow very attached to their owners, so this is something to keep in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian is one possibility for those with cat allergies, as their coats are believed to be hypoallergenic.
Devon rex cats are another option for those allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, slightly crinkly coat that sheds very little. The coat itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned however - devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They are also very fond of food, and have been known to be quite resourceful in finding it even when hidden away. The devon rex is very affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that will follow you around and 'help' with chores.
Feline breeds all have their own distinctive characteristics. This is something to keep in mind as you learn about cat breeds before you buy. Do you have children or other pets? How much time do you want to spend with a cat, and does your work schedule allow it? Getting two cats together (if you don't already have one) is never a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. But some cats still demand more of their humans than others do, though they often give at least as much back.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
If you'd like more www.catborn.com/Breed_information_and_kitten_for_sale.htmlcat breed information, click here. Rebecca writes on topics like cat urine here.
Given that adopting a cat is a significant commitment - they live for an average of 15 years - it makes sense to learn more about cat breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular purebreds are the Siamese and the Persian, although both of these have characteristics that may make them unsuitable choices for some people. Fortunately, there are a large number of other breeds to choose from, many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, as they have a low-allergy coat and are generally well tolerated.
Although not as popular as they once were, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good reason. They are extremely beautiful and intelligent, although modern breeding practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards an overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very vocal, however, which can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little bit determined in putting their views across. This is not a cat for the owner who doesn't have a lot of time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are very people-oriented. They love attention, and they love interacting with their owners. They will follow them from room to room, and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.
Unlike Siamese, Persian cats are very even-tempered. They get along well with other dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat households. They also tolerate children well. The biggest drawback - and also their most striking feature - is their amazing coat. A Persian's coat needs daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats need to be sedated to have their coats clipped, so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to be a priority for Persian owners.
The Siberian cat, or croshca, is another long haired feline. It requires less grooming than the Persian, and needs to be brushed only two or three times a week instead of daily. Their coat is different too. Surviving in the deep cold of a Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil coat. Siberian cats are very playful, and affectionate. Like the Siamese, they grow very attached to their owners, so this is something to keep in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian is one possibility for those with cat allergies, as their coats are believed to be hypoallergenic.
Devon rex cats are another option for those allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, slightly crinkly coat that sheds very little. The coat itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned however - devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They are also very fond of food, and have been known to be quite resourceful in finding it even when hidden away. The devon rex is very affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that will follow you around and 'help' with chores.
Feline breeds all have their own distinctive characteristics. This is something to keep in mind as you learn about cat breeds before you buy. Do you have children or other pets? How much time do you want to spend with a cat, and does your work schedule allow it? Getting two cats together (if you don't already have one) is never a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. But some cats still demand more of their humans than others do, though they often give at least as much back.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
If you'd like more www.catborn.com/Breed_information_and_kitten_for_sale.htmlcat breed information, click here. Rebecca writes on topics like cat urine here.