By: Tristan Andrews
No cat wants to be dirty, and it's up to you to ensure that your cat stays clean. Grooming is very important, as it helps your cat remain clean and healthy. Grooming starts with brushing, as brushing helps to keep the cats hair from becoming hairballs. Brushing will remove loose hair, and help prevent the risk of hairballs. A lot of cats have trouble dislodging hairballs. If the cat isn't able to get a hairball out, it could result in a blockage of the intestines. Blockages are very serious, and can quickly become life threatening for your pet.
Cats that have long hair need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, while cats with short hair need to be groomed on a weekly basis. When you brush your cat, you should always watch for lumps in the coat and skin irritations. You should start brushing along the cat's back, going from his head to his tail. Do this a few times on one side, and then switch to the other. Each area should be brushed a few times in the direction of the way your cat's hair is growing.
When you brush your cat, you should always avoid brushing his face and paws. If a cat doesn't like to be brushed, you can still groom him using another tool. The grooming glove is an excellent alternative to the brush, as most cats don't mind it at all. Starting out young is the key to grooming, as it will get your cat used to brushing and grooming. Some cats that have started grooming when they were kittens grow to love it, many of which often look forward to their grooming time.
When brushing your cat, make sure that you check his ears, eyes, teeth, and claws. His eyes should be bright and clear with nothing residing in the corners. His ears should be clean, pink in color, and no sign of ear mites. Ear mites result from dirt built up in a cat's ears, and can result in the ears shriveling up and your cat losing his hearing. Ear mites are very annoying for the cat, and hard for you as an owner to get rid of. The best way to get rid of them - is to ensure that your cat's ears stay clean and healthy.
Each time you groom your cat, you should always aim to go a bit further with your examinations. When your cat remains still, you should always praise him and give him a treat. If your cat doesn't cooperate and starts to struggle, you shouldn't fight with him, but instead let him go and try the next day. Once your cat gets used to grooming he will look forward to it each and every day.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
Tristan Andrews writes useful articles about cats and kittens. Discover and explore the feline world. Find out how to better care for, train and live with your cat at www.i-love-cats.com
Is It a Medical Cat Peeing Problem or Is It Cat Spraying?
By: Rona Limsy
Many cat owners are puzzled when their cats start to pee all over the house. It can be quite a nightmare trying to remove the smell of cat pee! But more importantly, you may be very worried that your cat is having some ill health or disease.
Before you get sick with worry (or overly frustrated), do take a minute to see if your cat is having a medical peeing problem or if your cat is in fact spraying to mark its territory.
You can tell the difference between a cat's normal peeing and spraying by this:
If your cat is peeing normally, it would squat to do it and this usually lasts for a few seconds. However, if it is spraying, it would give out a short quick spurt of urine at different parts of the house (and this is usually done standing).
There is always some trigger that causes a cat to spray. Usually, it has to do with a feeling of insecurity and anxiety that your cat is having. Some common triggers are:
1) A new cat or another pet has been introduced into the family
2) A new baby has arrived in the family
3) A visitor is staying over at the home
4) A new partner/spouse to the cat owner
5) New stray cats in the neighborhood
6) Stray cats entering the house
7) If you have always had a cuddly relationship with your cat but now you don't have the time to spend quality time with it because you are busy or your cat is left at home alone more often than in the past.
If you identify any of these triggers as possible causes of your cat peeing, then focus on removing the triggers or taking more time to shower love on your cat so that it feels secure and less anxious. If removing the triggers still does not work, you may need to consult a cat behaviorist for help.
Here are some signs to help you determine if your cat has a medical cat pee problem:
1) Smelly urine accompanied by blood. Cat may be peeing much more frequently than normal or it has trouble holding in urine. It may also be licking the vulva or penis.
2) Large quantities of urine. Cat is experiencing excessive thirst, mouth ulcers, weight loss, bad breath, anaemia or vomiting
3) If it's a male cat and it's straining to pee, accompanied by vomiting and mournful howling
4) If it's a young animal and it's pee is very pale. It is also having difficulty growing and strengthening itself.
One or more of these signs could signal kidney and bladder stones and infections. If your cat is showing any of these signs, it is urgent that you bring your cat to a vet immediately.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
For solutions to your cat peeing problems, visit www.My-Pet-Cat.com
Many cat owners are puzzled when their cats start to pee all over the house. It can be quite a nightmare trying to remove the smell of cat pee! But more importantly, you may be very worried that your cat is having some ill health or disease.
Before you get sick with worry (or overly frustrated), do take a minute to see if your cat is having a medical peeing problem or if your cat is in fact spraying to mark its territory.
You can tell the difference between a cat's normal peeing and spraying by this:
If your cat is peeing normally, it would squat to do it and this usually lasts for a few seconds. However, if it is spraying, it would give out a short quick spurt of urine at different parts of the house (and this is usually done standing).
There is always some trigger that causes a cat to spray. Usually, it has to do with a feeling of insecurity and anxiety that your cat is having. Some common triggers are:
1) A new cat or another pet has been introduced into the family
2) A new baby has arrived in the family
3) A visitor is staying over at the home
4) A new partner/spouse to the cat owner
5) New stray cats in the neighborhood
6) Stray cats entering the house
7) If you have always had a cuddly relationship with your cat but now you don't have the time to spend quality time with it because you are busy or your cat is left at home alone more often than in the past.
If you identify any of these triggers as possible causes of your cat peeing, then focus on removing the triggers or taking more time to shower love on your cat so that it feels secure and less anxious. If removing the triggers still does not work, you may need to consult a cat behaviorist for help.
Here are some signs to help you determine if your cat has a medical cat pee problem:
1) Smelly urine accompanied by blood. Cat may be peeing much more frequently than normal or it has trouble holding in urine. It may also be licking the vulva or penis.
2) Large quantities of urine. Cat is experiencing excessive thirst, mouth ulcers, weight loss, bad breath, anaemia or vomiting
3) If it's a male cat and it's straining to pee, accompanied by vomiting and mournful howling
4) If it's a young animal and it's pee is very pale. It is also having difficulty growing and strengthening itself.
One or more of these signs could signal kidney and bladder stones and infections. If your cat is showing any of these signs, it is urgent that you bring your cat to a vet immediately.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
For solutions to your cat peeing problems, visit www.My-Pet-Cat.com
Your Female Cat In Heat? How to Tell When She Is and What You Can Do
By: Rona Limsy
For many new cat owners, the first time a cat goes into heat is usually a worrying situation. As a cat in heat exhibits behavior which may be similar to a sick cat or a cat in pain, many cat owners think their cat is unwell, when in fact their female cat is simply in heat.
Are you surprised if I tell you that your female cat will be in heat for most of her life, until she is spayed? A cat reaches sexual maturity by 5 months of age and from then on, will be in heat for the rest of her life, unless she is spayed, old or unwell.
The only time a healthy female cat is not in heat is when she is pregnant. She will stay in heat until she is mated. Once she is mated (usually with several toms), ovulation takes place (shedding of the egg from the ovary, 1 egg per kitten). Pregnancy lasts between 56 to 63 days.
Cats go into heat more often during the warmer months, from February through September. However, in countries where there are no seasonal cycles, a female cat can be in heat throughout the year in between pregnancies!
SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT IS IN HEAT
There is a distinct change in behavior when your cat goes into heat. You will find her meowing and yowling in a tone you have never heard before. She may also not eat as well as her usual appetite and may act as if she's in pain.
Some cats in heat are excessively friendly and will roll around on the ground when you play with her or pet her. When rubbed on her back, she will raise her hindquarters and tread with her hind limbs.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAT IS IN HEAT
This really depends on what you are keeping your cat for. Is she a pet companion for you or are you keeping her in order to breed cats?
Keeping Your Cat As A Pet
If you are keeping her as a pet, do consider spaying her. The main considerations for doing this is whether you have the resources to take care of a new litter of kittens every few months. Are you able to find her kittens good homes and if not, are you able to take care of them yourself? Many kittens are put down by humane organizations because cat owners are unable to take care of them or to find homes for them.
If you are decide against spaying, then simply allowing your female cat outdoors will attract a roaming tom cat that will mate with her. Your female is likely to mate with a few toms before she goes out of heat. Do be prepared for the fights (which will probably keep you up for quite a few nights) happening between 2 or more tom cats for the right to mate with her!
Keeping Your Cat To Breed
If you are keeping your cat for breeding, try to delay the mating until she is at least one year old. Breeding is usually better if a cat is allowed to mature first.
If your cat is pedigree, make sure to keep her indoors. Tom cats from miles away (some of dubious pedigrees) are attracted by the yowling of a female cat in heat and will wait outside your home for the first chance to mate.
Consult a registered breeder to arrange for a suitable mate for your female cat. Do take a look at the tom before sending your cat to him. Ensure that the tom is vaccinated and certified free from disease.
It is advisable to bring your cat to the tom, as some toms may be distracted by an unfamiliar environment. Your cat in heat may also attack toms that are suddenly introduced to their territory.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
For more information on giving the best cat care, visit www.My-Pet-Cat.com
For many new cat owners, the first time a cat goes into heat is usually a worrying situation. As a cat in heat exhibits behavior which may be similar to a sick cat or a cat in pain, many cat owners think their cat is unwell, when in fact their female cat is simply in heat.
Are you surprised if I tell you that your female cat will be in heat for most of her life, until she is spayed? A cat reaches sexual maturity by 5 months of age and from then on, will be in heat for the rest of her life, unless she is spayed, old or unwell.
The only time a healthy female cat is not in heat is when she is pregnant. She will stay in heat until she is mated. Once she is mated (usually with several toms), ovulation takes place (shedding of the egg from the ovary, 1 egg per kitten). Pregnancy lasts between 56 to 63 days.
Cats go into heat more often during the warmer months, from February through September. However, in countries where there are no seasonal cycles, a female cat can be in heat throughout the year in between pregnancies!
SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT IS IN HEAT
There is a distinct change in behavior when your cat goes into heat. You will find her meowing and yowling in a tone you have never heard before. She may also not eat as well as her usual appetite and may act as if she's in pain.
Some cats in heat are excessively friendly and will roll around on the ground when you play with her or pet her. When rubbed on her back, she will raise her hindquarters and tread with her hind limbs.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAT IS IN HEAT
This really depends on what you are keeping your cat for. Is she a pet companion for you or are you keeping her in order to breed cats?
Keeping Your Cat As A Pet
If you are keeping her as a pet, do consider spaying her. The main considerations for doing this is whether you have the resources to take care of a new litter of kittens every few months. Are you able to find her kittens good homes and if not, are you able to take care of them yourself? Many kittens are put down by humane organizations because cat owners are unable to take care of them or to find homes for them.
If you are decide against spaying, then simply allowing your female cat outdoors will attract a roaming tom cat that will mate with her. Your female is likely to mate with a few toms before she goes out of heat. Do be prepared for the fights (which will probably keep you up for quite a few nights) happening between 2 or more tom cats for the right to mate with her!
Keeping Your Cat To Breed
If you are keeping your cat for breeding, try to delay the mating until she is at least one year old. Breeding is usually better if a cat is allowed to mature first.
If your cat is pedigree, make sure to keep her indoors. Tom cats from miles away (some of dubious pedigrees) are attracted by the yowling of a female cat in heat and will wait outside your home for the first chance to mate.
Consult a registered breeder to arrange for a suitable mate for your female cat. Do take a look at the tom before sending your cat to him. Ensure that the tom is vaccinated and certified free from disease.
It is advisable to bring your cat to the tom, as some toms may be distracted by an unfamiliar environment. Your cat in heat may also attack toms that are suddenly introduced to their territory.
Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info
For more information on giving the best cat care, visit www.My-Pet-Cat.com