My Cat Online

Cat Training Class, Is It Right for You

2011-12-03T06:31:00.001-08:00

When people say they are taking their pet to obedience training classes, others will assume that they mean their dog. More and more people are taking their cats to these classes as well. Cats are great pets. Â They are less time consuming than a dog, more affectionate than a bowl of goldfish, and definitely less creepy than a spider, but they can also be a huge mental challenge. Cats are experts at doing things when there are no witnesses, and that makes training them just a little trickier. The first thing that a feline owner must understand is that reprimands do not work with a cat at all. Cat training classes are more about training the human owners than about training the cats themselves, because it takes some real patience and understanding to deal with the behavior of even the best kitty, and let's face it, those are not the cats that are getting dragged to behavior classes, are they? Â Behavior classes are usually filled with harried owners at the last step before dropping their psycho pet off at the local shelter. Some cats are just nuts, and that is putting it mildly, so what is the kitty owner to do? First, you have to make the decision of what behaviors will and will not be tolerated in your home. The first thing to accomplish should be the litter box, and then other skills can be introduced and perfected afterward. Do not allow your cat to get away with a bad behavior even once or he will be bound to repeat it, and remember although your cat will do several things that are similar to dogs, they are not the same and must be handled differently. The cat training class will show you the proper methods of disciplining your cat, as well as the best reward system to use. Some cats are pure gluttons and will turn themselves into pure idiots for the treats, while others would rather starve to death rather than comply with such frivolity as rules. You have to know your own cats mindset that can help you figure out how best to approach him. Regardless of the method, make sure that the rules are adhered to consistently by all family members or you might find manipulative monsieur le chat playing his hairless wards like a game of chess. Remember, you are the boss, this is your house! Let the cat get the upper, er, paw and all might very well be lost! Cat Training Class

Find out specifically what cat training strategies are suitable for everyone and your own cat

2011-11-16T06:04:00.001-08:00

One of the best cat training suggestion which i can provide everybody shall be to click train the cat. In a similar manner that dogs, ocean mammals, as well as other animals are usually educated with a clicker, so can your own kitten. Consider that your own kitty responds best to constructive encouragement for better behavior rather than strict penalties for unfavorable actions. Click training is a cat training suggestion that will make the cat shortly catch on to what is a convenience to a person not to mention precisely what won't.
Cats tend to be independent and can accomplish what's essential for their grooming along with eliminating in a very neat fashion. However , sometimes, the cat was roughed up and this may cause them to act out. Another great cat training suggestion would be to under no circumstances shout as well as strike your own kitten. This will be counter productive should you be seeking to educate your kitten. Professionals state that this kind of cat training suggestion is necessary to help you have a happy and healthy bond together with your kitty.
When you choose to follow this specific cat training tip and click train the cat, keep the clicker in close proximity anytime you're close to your feline. While you might really need to leave them in your house whilst you go to work, a few minutes of clicker training day after day ought to be sufficient to get the kitty educated in just a couple of of weeks. When you use this specific cat training tip, show patience. The cat is not going to obey the clicker immediately. Nonetheless eventually you might have the ability to demonstrate all your family members and close friends exactly how very well behaved the kitten is!
The clicker cat training suggestion will work by just sounding the clicker while your kitten is in the act of performing activities that you approve of, such as making use of the cat litter box, sleeping in the allocated room, and so on. Never click the clicker right after your kitty is done utilizing the kitty litter box. To get this cat training tip to work, you ought to accomplish this whilst the kitty is actually in the course of using the kitty litter box (as well as other things you agree to).
As soon as your kitten has finished the behavior, prize him or her along with a treat plus sound the actual clicker for a second time. The actual purpose for this cat training tip is to have the cat relate the sound of a clicker with positive conduct. If you continually carry out this cat training tip, the cat is going to be click trained in no time at all.
It's also really important for you to disregard undesirable behavior whenever utilizing the clicker cat training strategy. You don't desire to mess up your labour by confusing the cat. Throughout this training stage, she should mostly hear the sound of your clicker with your comforting words. After this simple cat training tip makes life along with your cat quite easy.

Cat Training - Easy Cat Training Home Study Course

2011-11-04T04:29:00.001-07:00

Many people when they attempt to train their cats find the process very difficult. Indeed they try to train cats based on their instincts or how they learned a dog should be trained. But you probably already know that cats and dogs aren't the same, in fact they are very different. Trying to train a cat based purely on your instincts without the proper knowledge can even have negative side-effects, not to mention the frustration you will go through. So most owners quit training their cat saying it's impossible to do it. If you have a cat or planning to get one I suggest you start training him or her right away without delay. But be smart and do this with the right information. Cats are wonderful pets if they are properly trained, but living with an untrained cat is like sharing your home with an untamed wild beast. So I do recommend you get the right information before you start training your kitty. Anthony Nerman's Easy Cat Training Home Study Course is, I believe, one of the best cat training courses out there. It offers everything you need to know about training your cat, from start to finish, the RIGHT information; because I know there is a lot of misleading information about cat training out there. Do You Want to Discover The Ingenious Training Methods and Highly-Specialized Behavior-Reforming Tactics to Easily Train Your Stubborn and Unruly Into Impeccably Well-Behaved and Loving Cat? Click Here To Instantly Download Anthony Nerman's Easy Cat Training Home Study Course.

Complete Cat Training How to Train Your Cat to Behave the Way You Want It To

2011-11-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

When most people think about animal obedience work, cats arent usually the first candidates to spring to mind. We tend to associate cats with words like aloof, independent, and laid back €“ they seem to focus on doing what they want, pretty much as and when they feel like it. You might be excused for thinking that this isnt really ideal training material! However €“ theres an ever-increasing number of people who are deriving a great deal of pleasure from training their cats in basic and advanced obedience work and tricks (from sit, stay, come to jumping through hoops, twirling, and high-fiving) - and whats more, theyre convinced that their cats enjoy it, too!The benefits of training your catJust because cats typically lead solitary, individual lives doesnt mean that they necessarily want to do so. In fact, many cats are incredibl affectionate and loving by nature €“ they just need you to demonstrate your leadership and initiate the rapport-building process.Cats are often underestimated when it comes to the training process, simply because the average owner has very little need to attempt any sort of training at all. Unlike with dogs (whose ability to learn is very well documented) theres no need to train cats in the basics of pet protocol like house training and bathing. Consequently, relatively few people are aware of their cats abilities in this area. Training your cat is a fantastic way to enrich your cats life:- It builds a strong rapport between you and your cat- Because training underlines your authority (your cat has to do what you want to get what he wants), and it helps to curb dominant behavior- It keeps your cats mind active and stimulated, which in turn improves your cat's health- Its great interactive play, and teaches good social skills- Anxious and highly-strung cats are reassured and soothed by the repetition and routine of training So how do I train my cat?There are two popular methods of training a cat: target training and clicker training. A brief rundown of each:- Target training is where you attract your cats attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of a designated tool. For example, during the beg command, a particular target training tool called a training wand is used to attract the cats attention upwards, and to encourage the cat to rise up on his haunches and beg.






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- Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning (which is where the animal is taught to form a conscious association between a specific behavior and a result.) A small mechanical noise-maker (the clicker) is used by the trainer to create a short, distinct noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior €“ for example, during sit, the clicker is clicked at the very instant that the cats bottom touches the ground. Directly after the click, the cat is fed a small and tasty treat. With repetition, the cat grows to associate the click with the food, and recognizes his own ability to earn treats by performing the desired action on command. The clicker is a particularly valued training tool because it allows the trainer to pinpoint the exact behavior thats being rewarded: without the clicker, its too easy for the cat to form associations between the treat and a completely unrelated behavior (since its impossible to feed the cat a treat at the precise moment that hes performing a trick.)Practical tips for training your cat - Remember to be patient. Your cat is an individual, with his own abilities and preferences. He will pick up some tricks quickly, but may struggle with others. Make allowances for his personality, and dont lose your temper if it doesnt go exactly according to schedule.- If youre free-feeding your cat (leaving food out at all times for him to eat as and when he feels like it), stop doing this. Enforcing a feeding schedule has two main benefits: it increases the reward-value of food treats as training devices, and also introduces a semblance of routine into your cats life (which, believe it or not, most cats actually prefer.)- Train smart. If youre using food treats (which is highly recommended to achieve the desired results) then schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes: your cats natural desire for food at his regular mealtime will sharpen his focus and increase his desire to obey you (so he can get a treat.)- Take baby steps. When training your cat, its best to build up a solid foundation of the basics before attempting to expand his repertoire.- Cats have pretty short attention spans, and low boredom thresholds. Keep lessons short and interesting €“ and always try to end on a positive note. An example of successful cat training in action Training your cat to sit on commandSit is a great basic command for your cat to know, because it serves as the foundation for a number of other, more advanced tricks and commands (for example, stay, beg, and high five.) - Make your training wand extra-effective by smearing the tip in a little tuna oil, and use it to attract your cats attention (wave it around, trail it past his face, etc.)- Once hes come over to you, place the wand just over his head, so that its slightly behind the crown of his head.- He will tilt his head back to keep his eyes on it. When he does this, he will naturally sit down (since otherwise, his neck cant bend back far enough to allow him to keep watching the training wand.)- As he sits down, say the word Sit, which will be the verbal cue for this command (your cat will grow to associate the command with the act of sitting, and eventually will learn to sit down whenever you ask him to.)- As soon as his bottom touches the ground, click the clicker. Its important that you time this precisely.- Directly after clicking, give him a small food treat. Make sure its cut up very small €“ if it takes him more than two seconds to eat it, hell forget why you gave it to him.- Repeat this process a few more times, and over the next few weeks, keep doing so until hes comfortable with whats expected of him. When hes able to sit down on command, you can phase the clicker out €“ but still give treats sporadically (interestingly, if you treat every single time that he performs a command, hes actually less likely to reliably obey that command. Keeping him on his toes seems to increase the likelihood of obedience!)Further Cat Training Tips For step-by-step advice on how to train your cat in a huge variety of other obedience commands and tricks (from stay to play dead to fetch), check out the Complete Cat Training book. It's quite good as its full of training how-tos, as well as a huge amount of detailed information on solving problem behaviors, cat psychology, and how to develop a more rewarding relationship with your cat. To visit the Complete Cat Training website, click the link below: http://www.mybuyortry.com/101-training-tips-for-pet-training-your-cat/

Cat Training and Care Guide

2011-10-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

While conducting your cat training you should always keep in mind that the punishment is not meant to harm your cat so you should take care not to be too aggressive. When he's able to sit down on command, you can phase the clicker out - but still give treats sporadically (interestingly, if you treat every single time that he performs a command, he's actually less likely to reliably obey that command. Consequently, relatively few people are aware of their cat's abilities in this area. Cats are extremely popular pets for a very good reason, because they are smart, loving, and satisfied living indoors. Physical punishment may make him fear you, but it is unlikely to establish the behavior you want. This technique will reinforce the cats training and she will like the attention and the treats she gets. Cats value and look forward to attention and affection that can be gained from training. Remain consistent with the cats training and soon you will find your cat using the litter box on her own. The reason being is that the effect of immediate punishment would be greater than if the punishment is conducted at a later time. For the trainer, there are varieties of modes to punish a cat which can be in the form of words, actions or it can be physical punishment as well. One cat training technique that doesn't work is brute force. This will allow the cat training to ideally strengthen the bond between pet and owner during training sessions from the outset of ownership. So, blink your eyes frequently when you look at your cat. Pain can make any one aggressive, so it's important to consult a vet and rule out any kind of medical issue.Don't react to your cat in an aggressive or even defensive way. The benefits of training your cat Just because cats typically lead solitary, individual lives doesn't mean that they necessarily want to do so. An example of successful cat training in action: Training your cat to 'sit' on command 'Sit' is a great basic command for your cat to know, because it serves as the foundation for a number of other, more advanced tricks and commands (for example, 'stay', 'beg', and 'high five'.)Make your training wand extra-effective by smearing the tip in a little tuna oil, and use it to attract your cat's attention (wave it around, trail it past his face, etc.)Once he's come over to you, place the wand just over his head, so that it's slightly behind the crown of his head.He will tilt his head back to keep his eyes on it. In fact, many cats are incredibly affectionate and loving by nature - they just need you to demonstrate your leadership and initiate the rapport-building process. Call to your cat, then when it comes to you give some good praise and affection, using a proper praising tone of voice. Make sure that you and the other members of the family always use your cat's name. Directly after the click, the cat is fed a small and tasty treat. Basically there are different types of cats training like obedience training; litter training and even aggression training and all of them have different approaches. This makes many people wonder about cats aggression training and how to go about it. Why, because many feline behavior problems, especially in cats kept indoors, are caused by boredom. When he does this, he will naturally sit down (since otherwise, his neck can't bend back far enough to allow him to keep watching the training wand.)As he sits down, say the word 'Sit', which will be the verbal cue for this command (your cat will grow to associate the command with the act of sitting, and eventually will learn to sit down whenever you ask him to.)As soon as his bottom touches the ground, click the clicker. Cat aggression training It has often been seen that cats take more time to adjust to a new home as compared to dogs. Get Cat Training and Care Guide

Almost all Cat Training Complications Tend to be Brought on by the Cat Possessor

2011-09-14T01:37:00.001-07:00

Are you presently generating cat training problems along with rendering circumstances trickier for yourself?
A number of techniques an actual cat possesor is able to do, whilst not perhaps comprehending it, which would have an affect on his or her pet's behaviour and furthermore training in a harmful way. This particular one regularly occurring mistake prevents you towards creating a trusting, amazing friendship with your kitty.
If you happen to believe that training a cat is not difficult & straightforward, you are most likely in for a couple of critical surprises. A lot of cat training troubles may emerge at the time of your own tries towards education a cat. The fantastic news is the fact that these complications can easily be attended to when the cat owner is actually inclined to put in all of the work as well as time to do so. A diligent cat possessor will definitely like to correct these issues for the good of the pet's well-being and happiness also.
Let us examine just what some of those widespread kitty training difficulties are combined with exactly how to cope with these quickly as well as , effectively, and in addition a bunch of issues to prevent. It might appear strange, however , the majority of cat training complications happen to be definitely because the possesor being unsure of the way the feline thinks. They are also tremendously distinct to the other creatures, even though a large amount of cat owners hope to teach them much the same way you should train a canine. This may basically lead to disappointment along with annoyance on the part of the owner together with the cat.
Such as, countless cat training problems happen the moment an owner tends to make an effort to penalize a cat pertaining to something he or she made hrs in the past, and even moments ago.
Felines simply cannot link previous activities with most recent penalties the way a dog might. You would want to catch the kitty during the particular act or possibly search for an excellent other technique to deal with your situation.
Very important cat training advice: If you are training the kitty make use of the kitty litter box, compensate as well as praise him or her lavishly when he or she does. If you wish to teach the kitty to stay right off of the counters, get him back down from there, hang around a couple of minutes, then show him / her attention each time he will be on to the ground. It could be difficult on most people on the grounds that many of us usually instantly incline towards penalties every time a pet will do things bad, but cats and kittens are a completely unique sort of creature that require to get accepted and addressed in the best suited way.
They are rather more likely to react towards compensations you offer and not penalties. Such as, if the cat gnaws on the home plants, add a little bit of chili powder across the basis of the branches and they're going to shortly enough keep away from them. In case they are frequently bumping things over from shelving, add a small amount of tooth paste across the basis of these items to keep them stuck on the shelves.
With respect to other cat training complications, make sure that you also took the feline to the vet for a physical checkup. Concerns while using the cat litter box and even dismissing you out of the blue could possibly be the actual outcome of a number of physical issues.
Ensure you stay clear of making cat training issues

Cat Training - Easy Cat Training Home Study Course

2011-08-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

Addressing Some Common Cat Training Problems

2011-08-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

If you think that training a cat is easy business, you're probably in for some major surprises. There's no end to the number of cat training problems you can experience, from a rebellious cat that purposely does the opposite of what you want to show off his independence to the ones that have too much energy to train. Of course, many cat training problems aren't the fault of the cat himself but are the fault of the owner who may not even realize their own mistakes. The good news is that these problems can be addressed if the cat owner is willing to put in the time and effort to do so. A responsible cat owner will want to address these problems for the good of the cat's health and happiness as well. Let's see what some of those common cat training problems are and how to address them quickly and efficiently, as well as some mistakes to avoid. Raising a cat can bring you joy and pleasure, especially if your cat has been properly trained and is now a well-behaved feline pet. But along the way, you will probably encounter a lot of surprises and not all of them will be pleasant. Cat training problems will crop up as quickly as weeds in a garden. It could be a rebellious creature bent on showing his independence to a cat with boundless energy which gets in the way of training. But most cat training problems do not develop because of the cat; the cat owner is usually the culprit although he may not realize it. Fortunately, these are issues that can be resolved if the cat owner is motivated enough to spend the time and effort in doing so. The cat™s health and happiness depends largely on its owner™s sense of responsibility. And a responsible cat owner will find ways to work out these cat training problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. It might seem strange, but many cat training problems are really the fault of the owner not understanding how a cat thinks. They are very different from other animals, and yet many try to train them the same way you would train a dog. This can only lead to frustration and irritation on the part of the owner and the cat! For example, many cat training problems arise when an owner tries to scold a cat for something he did hours ago, and even minutes ago. Cats cannot connect past events with current scolding the way a dog might. You need to catch the cat in the act or find another way to address the issue. A better approach when dealing with cat training problems than scolding is rewarding. If you're training your cat to use the litter box, reward and praise him lavishly when he does. If you want to train your cat to stay off the counters, take him down from there, wait a few minutes, and then give him attention when he's on the floor. By establishing a reward system, you avoid many cat training problems. It might be difficult on you because we often automatically tend to scold when a pet does something wrong, but cats are a unique type of creature that need to be understood and addressed accordingly. They're much more likely to respond to rewards you give than to scolding. Other typical cat training problems usually have a simple solution. For instance, if your cat chews on the houseplants, put some chili powder on the bottom of the leaves and they'll soon enough avoid them. If they're always knocking things over from shelves, put some denture paste on the bottom of those things to keep them adhered to the shelves. For other cat training problems, be sure you also have taken your cat to the vet for a physical checkup. Problems using the litter box or ignoring you all of a sudden might be the result of some physical difficulties.

How Much Should I Feed My Cat

2011-08-14T04:52:00.001-07:00

Every new cat owner wonders "How much should I feed my cat?" Since all cats are unique, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are some good basic guidelines.How much food a cat needs each day depends on a variety of factors like age, size, and activity level, but a good rule of thumb is that a normal, healthy adult cat probably requires about one ounce of food per pound of body weight per day. The total calorie requirements for an adult cat are in the area of 20 to 30 calories per pound. An eight-pound cat would require about eight ounces of food, or a total calorie consumption of 160 to 240 calories.Most vets agree that a cat diet should include both dry and canned food. The canned food is high is water content, which cats need, and the dry food will help reduce the buildup of tartar on the teeth. When figuring out how much to feed your cat, include both canned and dry food in the total - for instance, you could meet an eight-ounce food requirement with four ounces of canned food and four of dry food.All major cat food brands include feeding instructions and it's important to follow them, because they're written for the specific nutrients that particular food contains. It's also important to consider the cat's stage of life. Kittens actually require more food than adult cats, and pregnant cats need additional food as well.Don't forget to provide clean water for your cat at all times, especially if dry food makes up a significant portion of the diet. If your cats don't seem to want water from a designated water bowl, try leaving some filled glasses of water in cat-accessible spaces (like on the sink in the bathroom). Just remember not to reach for it yourself on a sleepy morning.Most cats like milk, but it should be reserved as a treat, rather than considered the cat's primary drink. Milk isn't a requirement for health in the diet of an adult cat and many don't digest it well. If your cat develops diarrhea after drinking milk, try substituting a small amount of cream. Most cats love it, and the butterfat in the cream is actually good for cats (in small amounts).Feeding twice a day is a good regimen, and for people who are away from home all day it makes a lot of sense - feed before you go off to work, and feed again when you come home. It can be helpful to keep a dish of dry catfood available to the cat at all time. Like us, cats tend to enjoy snacks.Cats can be pretty finicky about cleanliness, and if their food dish smells like yesterday's meal they may refuse to eat. Ceramic bowls are good for cat food because they don't absorb odors, as plastic dishes tend to do. Room temperature is best. Food that is very warm or very cold may lead to digestion problems in some cats.

The Horrors of Commercial Pet Food What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know

2011-07-19T13:09:00.001-07:00

Some of the ingredients that end up in commercial pet foods are truly shocking. What's more, many of these will not appear on the label and others are hidden under umbrella terms such as â€˜meat meal' and â€˜meat by-products'. How can this happen? The pet food industry is highly unregulated. As Ann Martin, author of Foods Pets Die For, writes in her article The Pet Food Industry and its Questionable Practices, â€˜Governments in the USA and Canada regulate the labeling of the food, the name and address of the company, the weight of the product, and whether it is made for a dog or cat - nothing more.'

The meats used in pet food can be extremely low grade and unfit for human consumption. Summarized as the â€˜4 D's' (dead, diseased, disabled and dying), these can include roadkill, zoo animals and infected and cancerous meats.

At the rendering plants ingredients are highly heated and processed, destroying nutrients and enzymes, with strong preservatives added which do not appear on the labels. These include fat stabilizers such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), both of which are known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction and Ethoxyquin, a suspected cancer-causing agent. Semi-moist dog foods may also contain propylene glycol, a relation to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), which can destroy red blood cells.

Pets in your pet food

Though reportedly not the case today, it is well recorded that dogs and cats have ended up in dog and cat food. In his 1990 article How Dogs and Cats Get Recycled Into Pet Food, John Eckhouse, an investigative reporter, wrote: â€˜Each year, millions of dead American dogs and cats are processed along with billions of pounds of other animal materials by companies known as renderers. The finished products -- tallow and meat meals -- serve as raw materials for thousands of items that include cosmetics and pet food.'

Doctor of weterianry medicine Wendell Belfield in Foods Not Fit For a Pet (Earth Island Journal, 1996), reports that â€˜federal and state agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and medical groups such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association, confirm that pets, on a routine basis, are rendered after they die in animal shelters or are disposed of by health authorities, and the end product frequently finds its way into pet food.'

Toxic Grains

The very use of grains in pet food is questionable as grains are ill-suited to the digestive physiology of carnivores. This is especially so for cats who are obligatory carnivores and meet their glucose requirements through amino acids in their diet. Further, the grains used in dog and cat foods may contain mycotoxins, fungi that can cause chronic conditions and even death in both humans and animals. As the grains used in pet food are low grade, they are dealt with last in the handling process and because of this are often left in storage where insects, mites and mycotoxic molds can grow.

The consumption of dead mites can cause skin allergies. If your pet has skin allergies, change their diet first before turning to steroids which can be seriously detrimental to your pets health.

Alfatoxin poisoning, a common mycotoxin that grows on corn as well as other foods, has been reported for over 50 years. Vomotoxin is another mycotoxin found in wheat products. Where large doses of mycotoxins can cause cancer and even rapid death, small continuous amounts may suppress the immune system and damage organs over time, leading to long-term chronic health conditions.

Just recently at the end of 2005, over 100 dogs were killed in the United States because of alfatoxin found in pet food, with some 19 brands of Diamond dog food being recalled. It is likely there were many more deaths than those reported, and as alfatoxin attacks the liver it is likely surviving dogs may develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer in the future.

Toxic Chemicals

The toxin sodium pentobarbital, a chemical is used to euthanize animals and pets, has been found in commercial pet foods. The US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine performed two studies (1998 and 2000) to test for pentobarbital. Of the 74 samples analysed, over half were found to contain pentobarbital. What's more, none of the 43 brands and product lines that tested positive warned of its presence on their labels.

The FDA researchers also tested the food for the presence of dogs or cats but reported none present. It was believed the pentobarbital residues were entering pet foods from euthanized, rendered cattle or even horses.

The FDA say the small amounts of the drug found in these foods were harmless, but not all veterinarians agree. Long-term continual doses, even at small levels may be increase the onset of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Aside from the toxins and base ingredients of commercial pet foods, these harshly processed and high-carbohydrate products in no way match the natural diets dogs and cats would have eaten in the wild. They are species-inappropriate and ill-suited to canine and feline physiology. I recommend healthy, homemade, raw diets or optimum natural, holistic alternatives for the health and well-being of your dog and cat. Before embarking on a raw food diet (otherwise known as BARF - â€˜biologically adequate raw food'), thoroughly research the area first as nutritional balance is essential.

Taking Care of Cats

2011-07-17T06:14:00.001-07:00

Cats are proving to be one of the most popular pets you can own. They are a domesticated animal that date back around 8,000 years and beyond. There are several different breeds of this animal with the most popular being Siamese and Persian. Like any other pet, including dogs, cats can cost money to take care of properly.

You need to think about the costs associated with keeping a cat. Obviously you will need food and

you will need to consider the costs of a veterinarian. You will also need litter for the litter box, which can get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a food dish and a water dish. You should also get your cat some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, pet carrier and a bed. An ID collar is a good idea also, just in case your cat gets lost.

The age of your cat will influence the feeding of your pet. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens, on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks old. At three to six months of age, cats need to be fed three times a day. Canned food is good for cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes needs to be thrown out. Canned food gets expensive very fast and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats love canned food, although it doesn't have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

An alternative to canned food is dry food. You can leave a supply out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on the cat's teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your cat needs.

If you have a kitten, you should only give him food designed for kittens. you will also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. You should avoid giving kittens and cats cows milk, even though they really like it. It can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasions, but too many of them can cause your cat to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it with cat food.

Cats stay fairly clean by themselves. You will need to give them a brushing at least once a day. You don't need to bathe them very often. Brushing reduces the risk of hairballs and keeps your cat's coat nice and clean. If you keep your cat indoors, you will need to have a litter box in the area that is easy for the cat to access. You should scoop it on a daily basis and clean it out once a week. Cats do not like to use dirty litter and will scratch it out onto your floor. They want it nice and clean.

Cats do require some work, but they are great pets that will provide you years and years of

companionship. As long as you take car of your pet, take them to the vet for checkups and generally love them, they should remain healthy and happy pets. A healthy and happy pet makes for a healthy and happy owner. They will get sick from time to time and knowing how to care for them will make a lot of difference.

Cat Food Allergy Symptoms - What Symptoms To Watch Out For

2011-07-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

Most of the time, people may think that they are the only ones who have problems when it comes to allergies. The truth is even pets have their own problems with these reactions and show cat food allergy symptoms.
Just like humans, there are some foods that are not meant to be eaten by your pet cat or that doesn't meet their nutritional needs. Hence, they would give out these allergic reactions as a way to show that they have this problem. The good thing about this problem is you can solve this problem given that you know the symptoms to watch out for. Here are several of the symptoms you have to notice and treat your pet immediately.
Excessive scratching can be related to possible allergic reactions among cats. Humans also experience itchiness in eating foods that have allergens for them so cats may also be the same when they eat foods that are not suitable for them. Too much scratching will now result to the next symptom.
The second among the cat food allergy symptoms is absence of hair on certain skin areas. With continuous scratching, their skin will also fall out excessively and leave these spots. Therefore, even if you don't see your cat scratching that much, hairless spots can be enough to tell you that they've been scratching that much within the body. Depending on the extremity of their symptoms, these hairless spots may also have wounds since they've been scratching it for some time.
Third, you may also notice that your pet has an odour on these hairless spots. Wounds are open lesions on the skin and they can also be infected especially if they have them for some time. This odour would indicate that the wound is already infected or also known as active infection for them.
Once you've seen that these symptoms are present on your pet then it's time for you to get it treated to avoid more serious problems for them. Make sure to bring them to your physician to get them treated especially at instances of active infections. At this point, be sure to remember the foods that your cat ate and tell them to the veterinarian. They may advise you to do elimination among the foods they eat to know what they're allergic to.In conclusion, cats also experience cat food allergy symptoms but as long as you know them, you can get them treated immediately and keep them from these symptoms that prevent them from being active pets.

Dry Cat Food

2011-07-11T02:43:00.001-07:00

Dry cat food is an important part of any pet cats diet. As you know, feeding your cat correctly can affect their mood in a positive or negative way. If you fail to accommodate the needs of your cats diet you will make the cat cranky and probably find yourself in a bad mood as well.Dry food comes in a bag and can be purchased at most any store. Though dry food in and of itself is not enough, it is an important component of the diet. Do not overlook the nutritional value that dry cat food plays when you are purchasing it. Simply reaching for the cheapest bag may put your cats overall health in danger. Take the time to read the nutritional facts on each different brand of food. Purchase the food that makes the most sense for your cat considering age and current health. Some brands of dry food are specifically formulated for older cats while some brands are formulated for younger cats. Whatever the case may be, the best food for your cat can be found by doing a bit of consumer research.Remember to try a few different kinds of food that have good nutritional value. Odds are your cat is going to like one more than another. Just like humans, each cat has different likes and dislikes. If you find a healthy dry food that your cat likes stick with it until they get tired of it. Over the course of a lifetime your cats taste will probably change a few times. Understand when it does and try a few new dry foods until you find one that fits.

Cat Food Analysis

2011-07-04T06:46:00.001-07:00

Since the pet food recalls several years ago, cat owners are more interested in high quality cat food. High quality ingredients especially proteins and few preservatives and artificial ingredients are most desirable.A cat is a carnivore and meat should be its primary source of protein. If the food label says beef, 95% of its ingredients should be beef. If labeled chicken or lamb, only 25% is recommended. If labeled chicken or beef flavored, it may not contain any meat. Food containing meat byproducts, grains and glutens are a less healthy diet.A cat needs more protein than carbohydrates in its diet. Besides meat, protein is added to the food using meat byproducts, animal digest, meat meal and bone meal. With chicken, necks, feet and intestines are used. Although these provide some protein, they are not as healthy as meat. Carbohydrate fillers require a cat to eat more food to get the necessary protein. This can lead to obesity and health problems.Artificial preservatives may have a long term effect on a cat's health. The more common chemicals use are BHA/BHT, ethoxyquin and propyl gallate. Vitamin C or E is a much better alternative as a preservative.Dry cat food stores easier, is more cost effective and makes litter box cleaning easier. Canned food is more like raw food, usually has less filler and carbohydrates and contains water which aids in hydration. Experts recommend that wet food be the primary diet.Another alternative is a raw food diet reflecting what a cat eats in the wild. This can be messy, expensive and time consuming to prepare. It is believed that the food has better nutrients leading to better health and more energy. The right amount of food and supplements is required to insure the cat is getting a balance diet.Some owners use a vegetarian diet for their cats. This can be effective if the diet contains enough protein. There is some concern that a cat's lifespan must be impacted by this diet.There are many types of dry and wet food on the market. From the commercial grade to the premium or natural, the impact on a cat's health will vary. The premium or natural foods cost more but a cat usually eats less making it as cost effective as the commercial grades. The label describes what is in the food and a veterinarian can recommend the best diet.

Cat Nutrition - The Top 3 Reasons Why Canned Food is Better For Your Cat Than Dry

2011-07-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

There has been an ongoing discussion among cat owners about whether dry or canned food is better. Do you feed your cat canned food? Should you? The answer is a big YES, and here are the top 3 reasons why.1. Water Content.In canned cat food, the main ingredient is water. This means that canned food is closer to what your cat would eat in his natural habitat. When a cat kills and eats prey, the animal flesh contains the water required to meet the cat's nutritional needs. This is not the case with dry food.Because cats have evolved to get most of their water from the prey they hunt and eat, they are not well accustomed to drinking water from a bowl. Many cats do not get enough water if they are on a dry food diet, and easily become dehydrated. This can contribute to common feline diseases such as Urinary Tract Crystals, which often lead to kidney and liver problems.2. Animal ProteinMost canned cat foods contain significant amounts of animal protein, and this is generally the second ingredient, after water, and before any carbohydrate content. Canned cat foods do not generally contain much carbohydrate, while dry foods usually contain a great deal.Is this important? Very much so! Too much carbohydrate for a cat can cause all sorts of problems, including a higher chance of developing Diabetes, more likelihood of becoming obese, and greater risk of Pancreatitis. A better understanding of cat nutrition tells us that lower carbohydrate and higher animal protein is a much healthier diet.3. DigestionCanned food is already partially broken down when the cat eats it. This makes it much easier to digest in the cat's stomach and intestines. What this can mean for your cat is reduced incidents of vomiting and intestinal gas, and less risk of Bloat.I know it can seem inconvenient to deal with canned food, when with dry all you need to do is pour a little into a bowl each day. Maybe you dislike the smell of canned food. The tins and bowls are messy and they need to be cleaned or recycled. But once you know what your cat really needs for optimum health, you understand that it's worth it. And think how much more inconvenient it would be if your cat develops diabetes or kidney problems, and you need to give him insulin injections or subcutaneous fluids each day! Not to mention how this would affect your cat's happiness and sense of well being.So keep your cat's health in mind, and consider making the switch if you have not already!

Feeding Your Cat - What You Should Know

2011-07-01T07:38:00.001-07:00

You would think that feeding your cat would be the one part of act pet care that would be easy, but there are so many choices of food out there, that it can be downright confusing. You want to feed your cat the best food, the food that can provide the most vitamins and nutrients so that you can stays healthy and happy for a long time to come. So, how do you know what type of food to feed your cat? How much food should you allow your cat to eat at one time? How many times a day do you need to feed your cat? If you make the wrong choice, you could severely impact your cat's health, so as you can see, feeding your cat may not be as simple a task as you first thought it would be.The majority of the cat food that you can purchase today has been specially formulated specifically for your cat's health. It has the correct amount of vitamins and nutrients, with just the right number of calories, to ensure that your cat stays healthy, and doesn't become overweight. Your veterinarian should be able to suggest the best brand of cat food for your cat, as well as help answer any cat feeding questions that you may have. If your cat has health problems, or is overweight, he may require special food.When purchasing cat food, you shouldn't grab the cheapest bag that you can find and think that it is okay for your cat. When it comes to cat food, you really do get what you pay for. If you can't afford the most expensive brands, that is okay, but you should try to mix it up, maybe buy a more expensive, higher-quality brand one week, and then go for a cheaper brand the next week.Your veterinarian will also be able to tell you how much your cat should weigh, and make suggestions to help you get your cat to that weight. Obesity is a major problem for cats just as it is for people, and significantly raises their risk for developing serious health problems as they grow older.Try not to feed your cat the same type or brand of food all the time. Just as you would get bored and tired of eating the same thing everyday, so does your cat. Feed your cat a mixture of dry and canned cat food, and change flavors often. Most veterinarian's will suggest that you give your cat canned food as much as possible, as it has higher nutrient content than the dry food, and is easier for your cat to digest.You should never, ever give your cat or allow anyone else to give your cat table food or scraps. The food that you eat could cause serious problems with your cat's delicate digestive system, damaging her health, and costing you major money in veterinary bills.You should, however give your cat fresh water each time you feed it. Water is crucial in keeping your cat hydrated, and in helping her digest her food. If your cat doesn't get enough water, it could develop bladder and kidney problems, again detrimental to your cat's health and your wallet.Feeding your cat the right foods isn't really all that difficult, just do your homework and follow your veterinarian's advice.

Facts About Cats' Eating Behavior

2011-06-29T06:44:00.001-07:00

Knowing what to feed your cat can make the difference between a healthy and happy cat, and one that is malnourished and hard to control. There are several misconceptions when it comes to feeding cats, what they like, and what they should eat. Here are some of the most basic facts about cats' eating behavior.· Cats don't eat fruits and vegetables. There are many individuals who believe that cats eat the same things as human beings. This is not true; in fact feeding a cat fruits and vegetables can make a cat ill. Many people believe that wild cats roam the outdoors eating fruits and vegetable types of foods. This is a misconception as most wild cats eat meat, which is what your cat should mostly eat.· Most cats need at least 140g of mouse per day. This measures out to be at least 5 mice a day that cats need in order to meet their caloric intake requirement.· Cats are carnivores. Cats live and thrive mainly off of an exclusive animal diet and don't need the same kind of nutrients that we do.· Many researchers believe that cats can distinguish between the four different tastes; sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Cats do not have a great attraction to sweet tastes.· For the most part, cats enjoy eating things like fish, meats, and other proteins. Sometimes they can exhibit strange eating behaviors such as eating plants or green leafy vegetables they find lying around. Eating plants and greens makes cats vomit which can help get rid of hair balls in their throat. They will naturally eat grass in the wild to help with digestion so don't be too surprised when they start munching on house plants. They're just trying to find a substitute for grass.· The key to good cat food is its nutritional content which should mimic nutritional composition of a "natural" diet for cats. The term natural refers to anything that they can catch and feed themselves. While supplemental food is sometimes needed, the natural foods are best for the health and diet of your cat. Cat food can sometimes be considered natural and contain no artificial ingredients, but it's not really a "natural" food in the same sense of what cats eat in the wild.· A wild cat will instinctively know what they want and like to eat, while a domesticated cat does not. They are so used to being around people and "people" food that they don't really act like cats are supposed to act. As the owner of a cat it is your job to show them what kinds of foods they should be eating by providing for them. When owners don't provide the appropriate foods for their cats, it can lead to malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits.· Cats can lose their appetite just as easily as an adult can lose theirs, and for various reasons. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of illness or something else. It's important to know your own cat's eating behaviors so you can properly assess the situation. Some cats will eat their meals quickly and others will eat slowly and are more reluctant eaters.These are just some general eating behaviors that can be seen in most cat breeds, however in order to really assess the eating habits of your cat you need to pay close attention to them every time they eat. Watch to see if they eat slow, or fast, or what kinds of foods they prefer. Do they eat mice or just hunt them? Are they chewing on plants around the house? Every little thing can make a difference when it comes to eating patterns so watch carefully.

Feeding Your Cat

2011-06-28T12:41:00.001-07:00

Feeding your cat is a simple endeavor. With loving attention and care you will discover which foods your cat likes best. Buying name brand and upmarket cat food will ensure the best nutrition, health and longevity for your furry friend.Cats can be fed in two ways. You can either leave out a bowl of dry food for your cat to eat at its leisure or feed it wet/canned food once or twice a day and dispose of the uneaten remainder after 30 minutes. Kittens need to eat more than adult cats. When your kitten is 6-12 weeks old, feeding it four times a day is optimal. A kitten that is three to six months old needs to be fed three times per day.Adult cats need to be fed smaller meals, two or three times each day. Kittens sometimes refuse to eat or don't eat enough. To help them out, you can heat up the cat food or feed your kitten human baby food (turkey and chicken for babies six months and older), eventually phasing out the baby food as you mix with cat food over a short period of time.Cats need to drink plenty of clean, fresh water. Make sure their water bowls are washed on a daily basis and refilled at all times.Feeding your cat a saucer of milk is detrimental to them as the digestive system of cats and kittens are not suited for cow's milk, sometimes causing diarrhea.Most cats love treats and it is acceptable to offer a special snack to them every now and then. Treats can also cause weight gain in cats, which is unhealthy, and should be given to them sparingly. Some cats go crazy for fruits and vegetables such as peas or carrots. You will have to experiment to see which people food treats your cat enjoys.Some cats will eat like pigs! If this is your case, terminate the "free-feeding" method (when you leave out dry food all day for your cat to eat when it's hungry) and start your cat on a more precise feeding schedule. To avoid an upset and hungry cat, gradually trim down its meals slowly. If your cat eats too fast and vomits after eating, you can put out a few pieces of dry food and monitor the speed of its intake or place a few clean rock mix in with the food. Make sure the rocks are big enough that it won't eat them accidentally but not too big that it will ignore them. The cat will eat slower as it has to figure out which is the actual food in the bowl, making feeding time a slower operation.If you have more than one cat or have a house full of cats and one of them requires a specific diet (ask your vet), it is a good idea to put them on a morning/night feeding schedule and supervise the eating process. Some cats are more aggressive and hungrier than others and they may finish off their own bowl and move on to another cat's dish. If this happens, organize different feeding rooms for the greedy ones so every cat gets its proper share of food.

Facts About Cat Food & Ferret Food

2011-06-27T05:57:00.001-07:00

Until the late 1990s, cat food was one of the choices added to a ferret's diet as it contains a good amount of protein and fat. Essential for the dietary needs of a ferret, and up to now, some people still use it as the main food given to their ferrets.What comprises a good food for ferrets? In order to meet their diet standards, the food given to them must contain at least 35% of protein and 20% of fat. If these two ingredients are contained in their meal, you could be rest assured that your ferret will be healthy and full of energy.The amount and type of food would be dependent on the kind of ferret that you have. If you have a kit (a young ferret) or an adult ferret, then certain factors are to be taken into consideration.Let's start with the case where you got your kit from a breeder. Ask all the information that you need to know about your new ferret, such as brand of cat food or ferret food, vaccination schedules, was your ferret already de-scented and neutered?If you decided to continue using the brand and type of food that the breeder is using, then there's not problem with that. Go ahead and purchase the food from the market or pet shop.In case that you decided to change the brand of food, with reasons such as availability in your area, cost, and/or quality. Then you need to follow a simple rule as you can't just suddenly change your ferret's current diet. Your new ferret will be in a surprise and most probably will not accept the sudden change in their regular meal.What you need to do is to gradually increase the amount of new food added to the old brand that you are going to replace. This means that you need to buy the old food from your area or from the breeder (this is much easier than looking for the brand yourself), and mix it with the new food that you have chosen.In choosing the right kind of food, in regards to cat food, I hope that you choose the highest quality available in the market. You wouldn't want your pet to receive a daily amount of nutrients lesser than the standard amount that we have set in. And this should only be given to adult ferrets.Ferret food is still the best food as it is especially made for ferrets and the amount of nutrients it contains fits the standard or recommended amount. Next thing to make sure is that the food should not be frozen meat, ferrets hate this kind of food and one more thing is that it has lesser nutrients. Always give the best for your ferrets.

Dry Food Versus Canned - Your Cat's Health Is In The Balance

2011-06-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

If you feed your kitty dry food, you may be setting him up for feline diabetes and urinary tract problems. Your furry friend is an "obligate carnivore," which means that he needs to be getting his protein requirements from a meat-based diet, not a grain-based one. His body is not built to digest plant proteins like corn, wheat, and rice efficiently.Guess what most commercial dry foods are made of? You've got it--corn, wheat, and rice. And this includes dry foods formulated especially for diabetic cats. Feeding a kitty with this disease a diet high in carbohydrates has been compared to pouring gasoline on a fire and wondering why you can't put it out.A kitty in the wild eats birds, mice, rabbits, and squirrels, not grains. This meat-based diet contains only three to five percent carbohydrates. Commercial dry foods, on the other hand, contain between 35 to 50% carbohydrates. These excess carbs are stored in your kitty's body as fat. And it's a known fact that fat cells secrete a substance that causes insulin resistance, a factor in type 2 diabetes.Water is another important nutrient. Most kitties don't drink a lot of water. Why is this? Wild cats, large and small, get most of their water from the animals they eat, so felines don't have a strong thirst drive. This can lead to problems when we feed dry food, which only contains about 10 percent water. If your furball eats mostly dry food, he's probably in a constant state of low-level dehydration.High-quality canned foods not only contain about 78 percent water, but their carbohydrate level is around three to five percent. This is much closer to what a cat would eat in the wild, and provides the water he needs.A kitty who eats dry food exclusively may drink more water than one who eats canned food. But when you consider how much water he's getting from both his food and what he drinks, the kitty on dry food is taking in only half the amount of water the kitty on canned food is getting. This is probably one reason why urinary tract infections are so common in kitties.Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of feline death. A kitty who is chronically dehydrated is more than likely headed for kidney problems. Any feline with kidney trouble needs to be fed a high-quality canned food, not dry food.It's important to read pet food labels. This isn't as easy as you would think, since these labels don't really have a lot of information on them. You can get an idea of what's in the food, but not how much of each ingredient. For example, if "rice" is mentioned, you can't tell if the food contains a lot of rice or a small amount. You may need to contact the pet food company and ask for a breakdown of the number of calories that come from protein, from fat, and from carbohydrates. If more than ten percent of the calories come from carbohydrates, avoid that food.Look for a muscle meat as the first ingredient, not an organ meat like liver. Words like "chicken" or "turkey" are preferable to "by-products" or "broth" or "meal." "Meal" is a meat that has been cooked for a long time at high temperatures, which lowers its quality. "By-products" includes yummy stuff like feet, intestines, feathers, and egg shells.There shouldn't be any grain listed, but since grains are inexpensive, most pet food companies include them as fillers. Corn, wheat, and soy should not be among the first three ingredients, as they cause blood sugar to go up quickly. These ingredients are also common allergens, along with yeast.Most of the "prescription" diets contain corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products, and they're also very high in carbohydrates. Be aware that words like "natural," "premium," or "veterinarian recommended" don't mean a lot.It's unfortunate, but many vets don't know a lot about nutrition. Do your own research to prevent health problems for your kitty.Note: If your kitty has diabetes and is being treated with insulin, be sure to check with your vet BEFORE making any changes to his diet. Dietary changes can change the amount of insulin your furry friend needs, and too much or too little insulin will cause serious problems or death.

Details of Some Essential Cat Food Ingredients

2011-06-19T12:12:00.001-07:00

Most people are not aware of the effect of various ingredients on the health of their cat. If people have knowledge about the food they give their cats, they can avoid health problems that are caused due to low quality food. There are many infections and illnesses that can be avoided if you give them food that has nutrients they need.If you are planning to feed your animal friend with packaged food, it is important that you known the ingredients used and the impact of these ingredients on the health of your cat. You can find out the details of the ingredients used by the manufacturer by reading the label. However, your efforts will not yield results if you don't known the pros and cons of the ingredients used.The dietary requirements of cats are similar to that of humans. When the right ingredients are used, the immune power of your animal friend increases and they are less likely to fall. Here are some important ingredients that must be a part of your pet's diet.AntioxidantsVitamins are the most important cat food ingredient as they are an important source of antioxidants. Most vets recommend that you give your pet vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin K as they are a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to improve the immunity system of your pet and to keep them safe from various diseases and their symptoms.ProteinsCats need both vegetable and meat protein for their healthy growth and development. Some of the best sources of meat protein include ducks, pork, egg, pork and chicken. You can give your pet rice, rye, wheat, oatmeal, beet pulp and corn as they are a good source of vegetable protein.Fibers and FatsThe importance of food that contains fiber and moderate amounts of healthy fats cannot be denied. Foods that have high fiber content help in maintaining the health of the cat. Hulls of grains are considered to be the best source of fiber. Giving your cat moderate amounts of healthy animal fats will help in maintaining their skin and add flavor to their food. You can give your pet fish oil as it is an important source of animal fat.So the next time you buy food for your cat, make sure you check the ingredients used. Avoid buying cheap food for your pet as it may be made using low quality ingredients. It is a good idea to buy premium food for your animal friend even if it is a bit expensive.

Choosing an Important Cat Food - An Important Aspect of Cat Health Care

2011-06-17T00:22:00.001-07:00

The most basic duty for a cat owner is insuring that your cat receives proper health care. This includes vaccination shots, bringing your feline to veterinarian check-ups, providing food, shelter, and flea removal medicine. Unfortunately, sometimes the most important elements of proper health care is overlooked. Many cat owners spend countless hours and funds yet neglect one of the most basic needs; cat food.Just like humans, cats need a proper diet. Choosing the correct cat food for your feline is extremely important. To insure you have a healthy and satisfied cat it is essential. Before you go searching for a new cat food, you need to understand why it is so important. You also need to learn what to look for. There is a general guideline for choosing a cat food, but every cat has slightly different nutritional needs.Avoid food laden with preservatives and chemical additives. Most of the research available on the web does not contrast particular brand names. You will need to compile a list of ingredients that are great for your cat, and ones that are to be avoided. You will need to pay attention to the fat, carbohydrate, and protein contents of the food as well.A high protein diet is vital. House cats inherit their protein needs from their carnivorous wild cat ancestors. Carbohydrate content is also an important portion of a cats diet. Even though it is something you must consider, most of their nutritional needs are met by protein. You must remember that, even though carbohydrate content is important, foods high in carbohydrates are not best for them.Premium brands of cat food generally offer exactly what most cats need. They may be more expensive in the short term, but they will save you loads of money in the long term. Your cat will lead a fuller and healthier life. You will also be helping prevent serious complications that can result in the use of a low quality food.Another thing to consider is that the high end cat food generally has a smaller serving size. This is because the high end food includes all of the ingredients needed to keep your feline healthy, unlike cheaper foods. For example, when comparing a leading premium brand of cat food to a lower cost brand the difference for the recommended serving size ends up only being five cents a day!Not all chicken is the same! Try to find food containing "chicken meal". Chicken meal is one of the best protein types you can feed your car. It can not be made from byproducts, it must be made from the flesh, skin, and bones only. Byproducts are lower quality and contain nearly any animal part you can imagine.Examine any food that says "flavor" such as "chicken flavor". These food may not even contain that food in the ingredients. Food labeled this way often does not even contain any animal meat, it only tastes like whatever it is flavored as. Chicken, in general, is better than beef.

Cat Food Review - What Is In A Bag of Cat Food

2011-06-14T23:40:00.001-07:00

Cats have been known throughout the centuries as beautiful and magical creatures. There has been folklore, cat items in Egyptian tombs, and even Cat Woman in movies. These animals are so easy to care for. They can be playful, extremely smart, and so full of love. To keep these cats healthy, their food has to be made a certain way. They have sensitive tummies and are prone to terrible kitty diseases like the dreaded Leukemia. When is the last time the ingredients were checked in a bag of pet food? Read on to review cat food.The first five ingredients on the label should say: What is the protein source? What are the grains? Are there by-products? What are the fat sources? What are the healthy promoting ingredients if any?If two or more grains are found in the top five ingredients in a cat food review this means there is more vegetable protein than animal protein. These grains are harder to digest and so it is eliminated as waste. A cat is not a human who is on a Vegan diet. Cats are animals that must have real protein to have proper nutrition.There should never ever be by products in healthy cat food. By-products are ground up items that come off animals that should never be considered to put in pet food.With fats, it needs to be animal fat to make the skin and fur beautiful and shiny. Vegetable fats and oils do not do the job. The best source to use is chicken. A cat can metabolize animal fats much better.In a bag of cat food, healthy and holistic foods have antioxidants, Probiotics, beet fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.Now, what is in the bag of cat food sitting on the shelf right now? In the cat food review, a person could have their mouth on the ground. Thinking it is a name brand company surely the cat's nutrition would be fine. Well, think again!Within five minutes of reading this article, a person has learned things a cat should be having. Beets help the cat with their sensitive tummy by helping their digestive track. A cat is always nibbling grass because they know from the wild it helps their stomach.A bag of cat food is not designed for all cats. There are different life stages, breeds, personality, living environment, and activity levels in each cat.A holistic pet food company knows cat nutrition inside and out. Everything is certified as holistic cat food. Even the plant and the packaging are designed for optimal health of the pets. Everything mentioned above in the first five ingredients that is supposed to be there in cat food, is. That is a great pet food company.

Cats Can Have Food Allergies Too

2011-06-13T05:46:00.001-07:00

Food allergies can effect many creatures other than just humans. Cats are one of the creatures that you would never expect to get a food allergy. While it can be great to have a pet to keep you company when you are all alone in your house, it becomes your responsibility to make sure that animal stays in good healthy. Cats can show food allergies when they are only a few months old, but it generally takes upwards of 2 years for them to begin go exhibit symptoms. Cats with food allergies may also suffer from contact or inhalant allergies as well.Most people often confuse their cat's food allergies with a food intolerance. A food allergy will have a few different symptoms. These symptoms usually include skin problems and itching. If a cat has a food intolerance it will have diarrhea or vomit after eating. Both food intolerance and food allergies can be cured the same way however. Simply by taking away the cats food and switching it to a much more mild hypoallergenic diet you will completely remove the symptoms.Dairy products, beef, and fish are the most common food types that will likely give your cat allergies. These are also very common ingredients in cat foods. The proteins in these ingredients are what causes the allergic reaction.Itchy skin is the main symptom your cat will show if it is suffering from a cat allergic. This will often lead to excessive scratching and hair loss. Merely by looking at the physical symptoms your cat is showing you can quickly tell if the cat is suffering from a food allergy or another kind of allergy such as an Atopy allergy. A cat suffering from a food allergy will also show symptoms all year round, as opposed to in a certain season.

Cat Dandruff - 4 Steps to Get Rid of Cat Dandruff For Good

2011-06-11T05:28:00.005-07:00

If your cat has a lot of loose dead skin cell flakes caught in his fur, you may be dealing with cat dandruff. Its not unusual for dogs and cats to experience a bit of dry skin during their lifetime, but its important to identify the underlying cause of the problem. Common causes include allergies, diabetes, poor diet, fur mites, and even sun burn. Here's some tips on identifying the root cause of cat dandruff and how to deal with the problem for good.Dandruff is loose dead skin cells from the outer layer of your cat's skin usually visible in his fur. He may even scratch himself bloody resulting in missing patches of fur. The most common causes of cat dandruff are:
Feline diabetes;

Fungal infection;
Environmental allergy;
Food allergy;
Poor diet;
Parasites including fleas, mites and especially the Cheyletiella mite;
Low humidity environments;
Sunburn Four steps to get rid of cat dandruff for good:Step 1: Take a trip to the vet to rule out a serious medical conditions. You are going to need your vet to help you diagnose feline diabetes, a skin fungus or to pinpoint a food or airborne allergy.Step 2: Get your cat on a proper high meat protein diet. You may think your cat is eating high quality cat food, however, commercial pet food companies are good at advertising poor quality cat food as a high-end product. Commercial cat food is packed with vegetable proteins, not meat proteins. Vegetable proteins don't help you cat one bit. Read the ingredients. If corn or soy grains are listed first on the list of ingredients you are feeding you cat vegetable proteins. You want a cat food product, preferably canned, that contains a meat protein as the first ingredient.Step 3: Remove complications caused by a dry climate and sunburns. In a dry climate, your cat's skin (your skin too) benefits by adding a humidifier to your home space. If you have a fair skinned cat, typically white fur feline, give her plenty of places to get in the shade when she is outside.Step 4: Now for the parasites. If you ever hear someone talking about 'walking dandruff' they are talking about the Chyletiella mite. These cat parasites are large enough to see with the naked eye. They are often the cause of skin problems and cat dandruff.You can treat skin parasites fairly easily, but you are going to have to treat all the animals in your household, the carpeting, the bedding and maybe even your family members. Use hot water and Oxyfresh or your favorite detergent to wash cat bedding, sheets, blankets and anything that you cat likes to lie on. Get out the vacuum and go over the carpet 2 or 3 times a week.Finally, get rid of the Cheyletiella mite once and for all using a flea and mite prevention program like Revolution, Frontline or Advantage. You will need a vet's prescription for these products but they are highly effective at controlling fleas and mites.You can help your cat's skin heal naturally using a homeopathic remedy such as Equisetum arvense and Taraxacum officinalis. The herbs are known for their ability to soothe your cat's skin sores and keep his skin hydrated. Fucus vesiculosis is a sea vegetable used in natural remedies to support the thyroid. The thyroid is key to producing hormones that are necessary for maintaining skin and coat. You can even add a tablespoon of olive oil to your cat's food once or twice a week to stimulate natural oil production.So there you have it, how to get rid of cat dandruff for good by ruling out serious medical conditions like feline diabetes, making sure your cat is eating a high meat protein diet, adding moisture to your home environment with a humidifier and eliminating fleas, mites and especially the Cheyletiella mite. Your vet will need to help you to diagnose physical problems and to provide a prescription for flea products like Revolution. However, you can include natural cat skin care products to help your cat heal and provide long term relief from cat dandruff and other feline skin problems - no prescription required.

Cat Care - 9 Treats To Avoid Feeding Your Cat

2011-06-11T05:27:00.003-07:00

Our feline friends are carnivores and as such their digestive systems are designed for high protein diets and not suited to treats fit for human consumption.Digestion is a process designed to break down food that supplies your cat with the necessary nutrients and subsequent energy to live a healthy, energy-filled life. As a cat's digestive system is developed for a high protein diet it has powerful gastric juices that assist in breaking down bones and meat. Their digestive systems do not have the necessary enzymes for a diet rich in plant matter or carbohydrates.As a responsible cat owner, it is important to understand what makes for good cat nutrition and what cat treats should be avoided. The following 'foods' and 'treats' are not recommended for cats:

Dog Food - Dog food does not contain sufficient proteins and taurine, which is an essential amino acid that cats produce in insufficient amounts. Dog food is not nutritionally balanced for cats. Similarly, dogs should not be fed cat food.
Canned Human Tuna - Canned tuna is not harmful provided it is an occasional treat and does not constitute your cat's main diet. Tuna is high in mercury and may result in mercury poisoning. Canned tuna also has a high sodium (salt) content and it not nutritionally balanced.
Garlic and Onion - Whilst a single feeding of food containing onions and garlic is not likely to make your cat ill, longterm, the sulfoxides and disulfides contained in these bulbs damages red blood cells which contain hemoglobin that is the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells. Reduced oxygen supply to the cat's organs can cause severe health problems and in severe cases - death
Tomatoes - Unripe or green tomatoes contain solanine, a toxin harmful to cats. Ingestion of tomatoes can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Grapes and raisins - Whilst the experts have not established what component contained in grapes and raisins causes renal (kidney) damage, cat's that have ingested them have reportedly suffered renal failure.
Chocolate - This sweet treat is a no-no for cats and dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that cats cannot metabolize. Apart from nausea and vomiting, chocolate stimulates the central nervous system, increases the heart rate and may cause seizures and death. The more pure the chocolate the more dangerous it is.
Dairy Products - Whilst there is much debate on the subject of cow's milk for cats, the fact is that cats do not have the right enzymes to breakdown dairy products made from cow's milk (ice cream, cheese). They may suffer from gastrointestinal problems as a result of a lactose intolerance. The question of growth hormone in cow's milk is also a matter of separate debate.
Caffeine - tea and coffee contains caffeine and caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and not recommended for cats.
Alcohol - save the Budweiser and Johnnie Walker for human consumption. Finally, it's advisable to feed your cat a veterinary approved commercial cat food. If you are trained in the field of animal nutrition, organic cat foods or even homemade foods are perfect alternatives, provided they are nutritionally balanced. Give your cat occasional treats - but cat treats designed for cats.

Cat Behaviors - Eating Out Of and Tearing Up the Bag of Cat Food

2011-06-11T05:27:00.001-07:00

We have had a guest cat living with us for awhile and he brought with him some strange cat behavior. One of the things he does is bite and claw at the cat food in the bag, even if the bowl is full. I think its a game to him but it make a real mess. He doesn't stop until he gets it open and spreads it all over the floor.Now he isn't our cat but I figure he needs to live by our rules. We could put the food up but we have two cats now and our cat Sid eats out of the bowl and we can leave the bag of cat food on the floor next to where we feed the cats. It's convenient for us and that's how we like it, were the humans.When training our Sid since he was a kitten we had certain rules in mind and those were the Cat behaviors we worked on teaching him.These are cat behaviors we believe any cat in our house should obey(and Sid Does)

Eat the cat food out of a bowl and not the bag of food

Know it's name and come when called(at least most of the time)

Stay off of the sink

Use the cat box at all times

Don't bite the hand that feeds youWhen it came to the new cat Tabby, he needed some discipline so we started working with him after a period of time at least until we knew he felt comfortable in our home. We used the same tactics that we used with Sid, since they worked pretty well with him. There are many trains of thought for training a cat but this is what we did,

We use repetition when teaching him his name, call him a lot, and everyone be consistent. Don't use similar sounding words when calling your cat. Keep on until you get a response

Teach them the word NO. Again be consistent and get a response. Everyone should use the same word, not stop or don't do that, stick with the same word.

For biting use OUCH or NO and loudly. Make sure your not petting your cat to the point they have had enough. They will bite to tell you to stop. Sometimes they just want to sit on your lap.

We use a water bottle for really stubborn behavior. A quick spray and a loud NO will work very well. All we have to do now is pick up the water bottle if Sid is misbehaving.

With using all of the above we have taught Tabby to leave the bag of cat food alone and eat out of the bowl. He has also learned to recognize his name much better and will come to me sometimes, all are huge strides since Tabby has been an outside cat and his inside manners needed some improvement.

Cat Food Allergies - Signs and Symptoms That Your Cat is Allergic to the Food You Are Giving It

2011-06-10T04:11:00.001-07:00

You cannot exactly tell you that you are giving him or her the wrong type of food. In fact, your cat may not realize how the food that he or she is eating is making him or her uncomfortable. According to studies, cat food allergies is very common among cats in the country. There are many types of cat food being sold in the market today that does not really sit well the stomach of some cats. Most of these foot that cause allergies are meat based products such as those that are made out of beef. In some cases, it containing fish and dairy products could also make your cat sick.Since your cat will not be able to tell you that the food you are giving him or her is making him or her sick, you better be alert to the signs and symptoms of food allergies. You quick attention to the condition of your cat may well save his or her life.Signs and SymptomsAllergies may be manifested in the dryness and flaking of your cat's skin. If you notice that your cat has flakes and that it constantly scratching itself in some parts of its body, it would be wise for you to investigate the cause of this behavior. Experts believe that there are certain ingredients that can cause allergies that may lead to balding of your cat. If you don't want your cat to lose its beautiful coat, you better switch to another type of food and see what happens. In most cases, cat allergies symptoms disappear once you discontinue giving your cat something that caused the allergies.Another sign of cat food allergies is the loss of appetite on your cat. In some cases, you cat may experience irritable bowel syndrome where your cat will have loose stools or constipation. If you notice that your cat is less active that he or she used to be, observe your cat for a day and note the way he or she defecates. If your cat does not eat much, strains when passing stool or pass loose stool, you should take your cat to the vet at once. Cat food allergies can have some serious on some cats so make sure that your cat is okay by taking it to the vet immediately.

Caring For Older Cats - Nutritional Cat Food

2011-06-09T06:15:00.001-07:00

Older or senior cats need and deserve special dietary consideration. They are like us in that things don't always work as well as they did when we were younger.As our cat ages, food moves more slowly through the digestive tracts. The older cat also has a slower metabolism than when she was younger. Quite often the stomach and intestines don't do quite as good a job of digestion and absorption which can lead to malnutrition.Unfortunately our older cats taste buds will start to fail so food doesn't taste as good as it used to. If your cat as lost interest in eating I suggest talking to your vet about some taste enhancers. These can entice our senior feline friends into eating again.Older cats need less protein in their foods otherwise it could cause strain on the kidneys and liver which may already have deteriorated due to age. Protein for older cats should make up around 30% of the meal instead of the 40% you would feed a younger cat. However, do make the proteins of good quality food such as very lean red or white meat, fresh white fish plus some well cooked green vegetables. I would avoid carbohydrates or starchy foods as these can be harder for your older cat to digest. Too much of these can also cause diarrhea and other problems. Make sure your older cat has a diet which includes increased fat levels to provide for sufficient energy for your cat to move around easily.Quite often the older cat's teeth are worn and they can develop gum disease. For these reasons it is kinder to feed them on soft moist foods. You can try adding a spoonful of tinned to some dry food to make easier to eat and it could also cut costs. Alternatively you can soak some dry food in warm water or a broth to make a change in diet. Remember that wet food has more smell and taste which can entice the older cat to eat.I am lucky as we have rain water for drinking but I would suggest having a soft water for your older cat. He doesn't need and can't digest all the chemicals that usually come from a tap. Why not buy your cat some bottled water. It will last at least a day or so and to me is well worth the small cost involved. Keep an eye out for constipation if your cat is not drinking enough.As your cat ages start feeding it smaller meals more frequently. This will put far less stress on the aging digestive system. I would also suggest adding a vitamin-mineral supplement to senior cat's diet daily. I recommend discussing this with your vet.Old age is seldom kind. It doesn't matter if you are human or feline; things start to go wrong when we get older. The best thing you can do for your aging cat is to make sure that his diet provides enough nutrition for his needs, that he has somewhere comfortable to sleep and enough cuddles to make him feel wanted and loved.

Common Male Cat Trouble

2011-06-08T06:56:00.001-07:00

In the field of Emergency Veterinary Medicine, one of the most common problems I saw was the male cat unable to urinate. It is more commonly known as being 'Blocked' or Feline Lower Urinary Disease. There is no absolute specific criteria as far as age, gender, or breed. The main common thread between almost all cases I have seen has been diet. More specifically, its effect on the urine PH. There are other reasons for inability to urinate, like trauma or even genetic deformity. What I want to talk about is being unable to urinate due to crystal formation.It may sound a little different from what I said before. PH versus crystal formation, but they both go hand in hand. If the PH is too alkalotic or too acidic, it can encourage crystal formation. As the crystals form they do not necessarily stay in the bladder but travel down the Urethra to the penis. At any point along the line, a build up of crystalline debris can cause an obstruction. This blockage in turn leads to an accumulation of metabolite waste and can cause renal failure.If this happen, some of the things you the pet owner may notice would be, frequent trips to the litter box, but with little to no results. You may see blood in the urine or small drops around or in the litter box. You may hear him cry out as he is pushing to urinate. This is usually a very painful time as he has a painfully distended bladder. Think about it, have you ever been somewhere without a bathroom and you really had to go. Feeling like your bladder will burst at any minute. Now multiply that feeling times a thousand and that is what he may be feeling.The difference of course is he is not purposely holding urine in. In very unfortunate cases, if not treated or treated to late, the bladder can rupture.But a far more frequent result before a rupture, is cause by the fact that he is not eliminating the waste from the body that is normally passed when he urinates. A build up of these waste materials, as I previously mentioned can cause renal failure. It can also result in an extremely fast heart beat. This is known as bradycardia. The causes of this hyperkalemia and pain. Lets go back for a minute to the fact that he is not eliminating his metabolic waste. One waste product is potassium. Hyperkalemia is in fact an excessive amount of potassium in the blood. you may be asking why the blood and not the bladder. Well if too much is in the bladder it can cause, essentially a backlog in the body to a point of excess in the blood.If the feline was at this point, which many emergency technicians have seen, they may be presented to the clinic in lateral recumbency or laying on their side. With an extremely high heart rate the risk of cardiac failure is increased. He would be considered a critical case. The prognosis at that point is very guarded. This is indeed a very extreme case, where perhaps he has been blocked for possibly six or seven hours. Now that is not to say that he could not get to this point in a matter of one to two hours, but it can usually be more than two.The main thing once the DVM has evaluated him is to get treatment started as soon as possible. The main thing that will need to be done is the actual unblocking. Because this is painful it will be done under anesthesia. That is assuming he is not one of the critical cases. If he is very critical, he may not be a very good candidate for anesthesia. This is something the doctor for your case will take into consideration when they formulates a treatment plan. Another thing they will consider is his medical history. If he has any issues or history of anesthetic difficulties, any medications he may be on, any other medical problems he may have and age. These are only a few of the things you will be asked and are necessary information for the doctor.If all is fairly straight forward, the doctor will formulate a plan and implement it. It will most likely include IV fluids for Diuresis, Pain management, urinary catheterization and collection set, Blood Work and urinalysis, possible antibiotics, and hospitalization for maybe three to five days. At many emergency facilities before any treatment is started, (unless he is very critical) the doctor and in some cases the technician will go over the plans and cost associated with the treatment.The owner needs to always be aware of the treatment costs. With that said, I don't want you to think that every clinic is all about the money. The staff at emergency clinics first priority is the pet. They have chosen this field because of the passion for helping, and empathy and compassion towards all creatures. But all pet owners should be aware that emergencies happen, and it is your responsibility to be prepared. It is true that most day clinics, while having a client relationship with owners will set up payment plans, But at two in the morning when they are not available, it is important to have a backup plan.The last thing I want to discuss is after treatment is done, and he is now urinating on his own. The urinary catheter has been removed and his blood work is looking more normal. When he is discharged from the clinic. The doctor will write up and discuss with you instruction to help prevent this from happening again. There is no guarantee that this will not happen again, but with a diet change and monitoring it will be less likely. It is important that you, the owner, follow the instructions given to you. As I previously mentioned the doctor will want to adjust the urine PH, and make the bladder a little less inviting to crystal formation. Mainly this is achieved through diet change. They may put him on a commercially available diet or a prescription diet that you can only get through a veterinarian. In any case it is important to stick with it and not change it. In most cases your male cat will be on the new diet for the remainder of his life, which hopefully will be many more years.I hope this article has helped. I have only touched on a few informative highlights. If you have any questions, you can call your local veterinarian or the next time you take your pet in for a check up bring it up. I'm sure they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cat Clothes When Shelter and Food Is Not Enough

2011-06-07T05:47:00.001-07:00

When you have pets, you would like to provide them with the best care you can possibly give. When you've crossed out shelter and food off your list, you might be thinking about getting clothing for your pet. Even if your cat already has fur, you can still get him or her a good batch of cat clothes. Maybe you're going out in the cold and you think their fur won't be enough or maybe you just want your cat to be stylish and fashionable. There are many options when you're thinking about getting clothing for your cat.If you want to get cat clothes, you have to be ready to put a little effort into the shopping. Compared to dog clothes, cat outfits can be pretty scarce and even the most stocked up pet stores might not be selling them. Do your search online if you want something less time consuming but extensive. Online, you can find a great many choices as well as clothes in a wide range of price brackets. It's going to be easy to start a collection when you see all the possible choices in the market.You might like to get your cat some cat clothes in the form of cat dresses. Of course, that would mean, your cat is a girl. In this case, there are many styles, colors, and patterns to choose from. You only have to choose one depending on what you like and also what matches your cat well. If you want a cat dress with satin bows, they're readily available online. There might be a very special party coming up and you want your cat to be dress up to the nines as you. When it comes to pet clothes, cat dresses are the perfect choice.If you and your cat like to spend a lot of time outdoors, the cat clothes you might want to stock up on are cat coats. Again, their fur might not be enough for the coldness of the day and also the day you want to go out with your cat might be a bit wet. With a good cat coat, you can ensure that your cat is warm and dry in any kind of weather. If you get coats in a waterproof material, you have the ability to go out with your cat even if the day is raining cats and dogs.

Cat Adoption How to Choose a Shelter Cat

2011-06-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

I've adopted two cats from shelters. The first one was actually for my mother who needed a new animal companion after her dog died, but was getting too old to look after another dog. I wanted to get her a very friendly cat that would enjoy her company and sitting on her lap. I was looking for a cat at least a year old so that my mother would have it for a while.The second adoption was for my own family. We had a 6-month-old Burmese who had just lost his sister. He really needed the company of another cat, so we went looking for a playful cat of similar age that liked being with other cats.In both cases, knowing what characteristics I wanted was crucial. In the first instance, the shelter did not provide much information about each cat's temperament, so I entered the large room housing the adoptable cats and first looked for the ones that responded to me with interest and friendliness. I observed which cats enjoyed being petted. One very quickly rubbed against my hand and followed me around the room as I checked out the others. She was the one! And a great success she was too. She and my mother adored each other and lived together for many years.The second adoption occurred with more technological assistance! My family found her on the shelter's website where her photo and biography were posted. We put her on a list with the other cats of the right age that liked cat company. Although our Burmese was initially defensive about the new arrival, after a couple of days we knew we had made the right choice as they started to play with each other the way the two siblings had done. She loves her humans as well.How can you be sure you'll have similar success choosing a shelter cat? When you get there, look at all the cats and interact with them as much as you can. Read the information available on each cat - the staff and volunteers will have described their temperaments and any special needs. Notice which cats are good with other animals and children if these are requirements. Do you want a quiet or outgoing cat?Ask to hold and play with particular cats. If there are toys to play with, try to engage with the cats that interest you. If you want a mouser, you'll want a playful cat.Often shelter cats choose you! That certainly seemed to happen with my mother's cat. You'll most likely have stronger feelings towards one or two cats. If you can't decide, try asking the shelter staff for help. Tell them what you're looking for, where you live, whether you intend the cat to be indoors or outdoors, how many hours a day the cat will spend alone and so on.If you can't decide, just sit or stand quietly and see which cat comes to you. If worst comes to worst, you can always get two!

Abyssinian Cat Breeders - Abyssinian Cat Breeders Have A Wild Time

2011-06-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

If you hang around Abyssinian cat breeders you will be convinced that must have raised squirrels at some point in their lives. Abyssinian cat breeders and owners say that living with an Abyssinian is like living with squirrels.

Abys have the wildcat look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats. You might think they bear some resemblance to a mountain lion, a mini-cougar. Unlike their wild cousin, they area very sweet and affectionate animals that love to interact with their human families. Images in ancient Egypt show cats with a very similar appearance, right down to the ticked appearance of their coats. In the early eighteen hundreds, the first Abyssinian cats arrived in England from Ethiopia on trader ships

The Abyssinian cat has a graceful tail that is as long as the rest of its body. Although Abyssinians can have coats in several shades, including ruddy, red, blue and fawn, they all are tabbies with a ticked appearance. This means that each individual hair has four to six bands of dark and light color. This cat breed has a wedge shaped face with eyes that are green, amber, or hazel colored.

It is no surprise that such a curious breed is also extremely active. While they will spend some loving time in the lap, do not consider them a lap cat.   You should also put up your breakables, and rethink your decorating.   It may be time to add some cat furniture decor for climbing.

Owners spend a lot of time playing with these 'feline squirrels'.   Abyssinians can scale any fences, rail or wall trim as they explore their surroundings.   If you adopt an Aby, you'll grow accustomed to seeing her cross shelving and even jump several feet in the air.

Did I mention toys? These cats need lots of toys. If you don't provide playthings, your cat will use your belongings to create his own toys. There goes your necklace, earrings and grandmother's ring.

Perhaps more than any other breed you must keep a close eye on your Abyssinian if you allow him to go outdoors.    He is an escape artist.   Plus he has to introduce himself to the neighbors.

This breed's personality means that it needs a lot of attention and affection from its owner. An Abyssinian is the wrong choice for anyone who spends most of their time away from home at the office or traveling. This breed does enjoy playing and interacting with other cats. You could add another Abyssinian to the fray, but an Aby really doesn't make a good latchkey kid.

It won't take long for you to teach your cat a few simple commands. He can learn to come to you when he is called, fetch and chase. This helps keep him trim too.   It shouldn't be a chore to spend time playing and training this agile descendant of Ethiopian wildcats.

As a breed, Abyssinians are very healthy.   The breed can be prone to kidney problems (feline renal amyloidosis), become anemic, have a tendency to develop gingivitis, and develop a degenerative eye disorder (progressive retinal atrophy) which can end up in blindness.

With its short sleek coat, the Abyssinian needs very little grooming. However, they have been known to love water and have fun in the bath -- with or without their human bather.

All Abyssinian cat breeders know, their felines probably won't spend a lot of time in your lap, but they will learn quickly and have a wild time with you and your family.

Adopt a Cat and know the Difference it can Bring to your Life

2011-05-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

Man has been looking for a companion other than his own species since time immemorial. He has domesticated many of the animals including many of the so called dangerous species to work for him or to spend time with him. Among many of the animals that he has domesticated one of the most precocious ones has been this enigmatic animal called cat. It is important to note here that although one of the most surprising as well as the most charismatic and egotistic animal, cat is still the favourite of many of the animal lovers. One thing that can be said with certainty is that the cat despite of its tenacity and temerity is loved and adored by many of the pet lovers and more so by the fairer sex. Women are more likely to adopt a cat than as compared to men.

Just imagine that you have returned home from a gruelling day of work and you are greeted by that sweet meow of your lovely pet and that soft rubbing of the smooth and silky fur. Nothing is more exciting and refreshing than this act of affection and love of a species other than humans. Although if you adopt a cat you might have to face the whims and fancies of this animal, yet the wonders that you would be introduced to are many. In fact you can go ahead and adopt not only just one cat but more. More number of cats at your place would give you a feeling that you have never experienced before. Besides if there are more than one cats at your home, it would be good for them also. They would remain busy among themselves for the time that you are not at your home. And once you are home you would be greeted with more than one meows at a time and can feel more than one coat of fur.

So go ahead and adopt a cat, or more than one number of cats for yourself and you would know the difference that it can bring to your life and work.

Abyssinian-The Facts Every Owner Of This Cat Breed Should Know

2011-05-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

A wild looking cat, the Abyssinian is thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. Though paintings of them have been found in ancient Egyptian art, their exact origins are unclear. Some believe they came from Ethiopia (formerly called Abyssinia) and others believe they originated from areas near the coast of India. Whatever the origins, Abyssinians were imported to England where they were refined by breeders.Abyssinians are average sized cats of a medium build, weighing about eight to ten pounds and living anywhere from thirteen to twenty years. Described as resembling a Puma or a Cougar, Abyssinians have medium length coats that are dense and have markings similar to a tabby cat. The coats can come in several colors, ruddy (burnt sienna), red, sorrel (burnt orange), blue (soft blue and apricot), and fawn (pinkish beige and oatmeal) with even ticking.Abyssinians are described as very independent and intelligent. They are not considered lap cats and hate being confined, but Abyssinians are sociable creatures that will get along well with humans and other pets.Though they purr when content, Abyssinians are not 'talkative cats' and have a soft purr. Abyssinians are high-energy cats and enjoy running and jumping to high places. They also enjoy playing with water and will entertain themselves with nothing more than a running faucet. This breed does tolerate human handling, but is probably not the best choice for children, due to their independent nature. Children may enjoy the activity level of the Abyssinian but will be disappointed when it does not want to play with them.Abyssinians are generally healthy; however, they do have some genetic health concerns. They can develop patellar luxation, renal amyloidosis (a kidney disorder), and retinal atrophy. Some Abyssinian may also have sensitive stomachs making them more likely to vomit but this can be controlled through diet. They are also prone to gingivitis, but brushing their teeth can help prevent this.There is a website that has great information on Abyssinians and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:http://www.dogandcatfacts.comBy Robert W. BenjaminCopyright © 2007You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Canned Food For Feline UTI

2011-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

The benefits of a raw food diet for your feline pets have already been discussed. In brief, raw meat diets for felines, which are entirely carnivorous in the wild, help to prevent the incidence of Feline UTI. Unfortunately, cats themselves may not be able to accept this sort of diet especially if it is new to them. In such cases, canned cat food can be substituted for raw meat.Canned food for pets contains more moisture, and in this sense it is similar to raw food. You may have noticed that your pet cat does not need half as much water as your dog does every day. This is because cats do not normally lap up water, as do dogs.Canned food, therefore, helps by upping the liquid content of the cat's diet, which in turn helps in speeding up digestion, aids in the flushing out of toxins and smaller crystals before they can cause problems, and improves immunity to UTI.Vets may recommend that cats that have suffered feline urinary tract infections be fed exclusively on canned food. This will help in preventing a recurrence of the infection.If you have never purchased canned cat food before, it is worthwhile pausing to look at the large number of alternatives that are available and choosing one that suits your cat's needs, as well one that will be effective in helping prevent UTIs.Here's a look at some of the choices:Meat - Always assess this when first looking at the list of ingredients on a can. All felines are pure carnivores and meat is the food that their bodies can process and use the best.. Thus, chicken meal, meat by-products, and similar products are not the best kind of food for your cat. Instead, examine the pet food section in your store for canned foods that contain a higher proportion of pure protein such as beef, lamb, chicken, duck, rabbit, and turkey. Fish can be suspect as experts feel that seafood can contribute to the problem of Feline UTI. So it is perhaps to go for these only occasionally, or avoid them altogether.Cereals - Wheat and rice can be present in the canned food that you choose providing they are in the unrefined brown form, and do not form the highest proportion out of all other ingredients.Amino Acids and Minerals: Of all the additives that may be present in canned food, DL-Methionine is one that works to preserve the health of the kidneys. This is an amino acid that works to keep the pH balance of urine between 6.0 and 6.8. If this is not one of the ingredients, buy it in powdered form and add it separately to the food. Magnesium should be present only in very small amounts; 0.025-1.0 per cent is acceptable.Berries and vegetables: These promote urinary tract health, especially cranberries, blueberries, corn and carrots. They can also present in small proportions as they provide add fibre to the diet.Remember to ask your vet for advice if you need it. cats will not tolerate a radical changeover, so alter diets carefully and gradually.

Buying Bulk Cat Food

2011-05-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Your cats deserve the best, but the best can be very expensive. Most cats thrive on most good foods that you can buy in any store, and some with health problems may need the varieties that you can buy online or through your veterinarian. Whatever the case, depending on how many cats you have or how often you shop, buying cat food can often become expensive when purchasing some brands. If you love your pets and want the best, but also want to save money, see if you can find bulk cat food in the brand that you prefer for your cats.You can simply buy bulk cat food in a regular store by getting a big bag if you only have one or two cats. This should last them a month or more. Most cats only need one cup of food a day, though you should go by any quantity recommendations from your veterinarian. One half a cup twice a day is what most cats need that are healthy and of adult age. If you buy this size of a bag for just one or two cats, that is all you need to do to buy bulk. For many with more cats, this is just not enough when they want to limit trips to the store for cat food.You can go about buying bulk cat food in any warehouse store like Sam's, Costco, or any other that may be in your area. You can also find sources for this online if you want to have it delivered to your home at some savings. Think about how much your pets eat and then buy what you think might last them for six months. Any more than that is going to go bad and may also go to waste. You can save money buying bulk, but only if you use it and your cats enjoy eating it.When buying bulk cat food, you have to make a few more purchases, but don't worry, they should only be one time purchases. You should find mid-sized plastic containers with airtight seals. These are where you should store your cat food (or your dog food) that you have bought in bulk. If you leave it in a bag that is open to the air in any way, the food is going to go stale before you can use it. If that happens, your pets won't eat it and you have lost money rather than saved money. Put your food into these containers to keep the as fresh as possible. cat food does not go stale fast, but it does happen.You may not think of pet food as a good gift, but it can be. If you have a friend or relative that has cats, you can understand how much it can cost to feed them. You can split your bulk cat food stash with them if you fear you won't use it all and you can share the savings. You can also give some as a gift. Just make sure they understand how to properly store it so that it won't go stale. It is a more practical gift than others, but it is certainly a great idea for the cat lover in your life.

Abyssinian - the Facts Every Owner of This Cat Breed Should Know

2011-05-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

A wild looking Cat, the Abyssinian is thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. Though paintings of them have been found in ancient Egyptian art, their exact origins are unclear. Some believe they came from Ethiopia (formerly called Abyssinia) and others believe they originated from areas near the coast of India. Whatever the origins, Abyssinians were imported to England where they were refined by breeders.

Abyssinians are average sized Cats of a medium build, weighing about eight to ten pounds and living anywhere from thirteen to twenty years. Described as resembling a Puma or a Cougar, Abyssinians have medium length coats that are dense and have markings similar to a tabby Cat. The coats can come in several colors, ruddy (burnt sienna), red, sorrel (burnt orange), blue (soft blue and apricot), and fawn (pinkish beige and oatmeal) with even ticking.

Abyssinians are described as very independent and intelligent. They are not considered lap Cats and hate being confined, but Abyssinians are sociable creatures that will get along well with humans and other pets.

Though they purr when content, Abyssinians are not 'talkative Cats' and have a soft purr. Abyssinians are high-energy Cats and enjoy running and jumping to high places. They also enjoy playing with water and will entertain themselves with nothing more than a running faucet. This breed does tolerate human handling, but is probably not the best choice for children, due to their independent nature. Children may enjoy the activity level of the Abyssinian but will be disappointed when it does not want to play with them.

Abyssinians are generally healthy; however, they do have some genetic health concerns. They can develop patellar luxation, renal amyloidosis (a kidney disorder), and retinal atrophy. Some Abyssinian may also have sensitive stomachs making them more likely to vomit but this can be controlled through diet. They are also prone to gingivitis, but brushing their teeth can help prevent this.

There is a website that has great information on Abyssinians and most other breeds of Cats. It has details that pertain to a Cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandCatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modifiCation except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Buy Cat Food for Cheap

2011-05-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

If you want to buy cat food for cheap there are quite a few things that you should consider doing. Do you know what any of them are? Believe it or not, you can save a lot of money on cat food if you have the right knowledge and take the steps that are outlined below:1. Shop at more than one store. If you never compare the price of cat food at different outlets there is no way of knowing if you are getting a good deal or not. At the very least, get a price check at three stores. Soon enough you will know where to look for the best deal.2. Coupons, coupons, coupons. Did you know that most food manufacturers offer some coupons from time to time? If you are willing to search for these, you should be able to find an easy way to save a few dollars from time to time. Don't overlook the fact that you can find cat food coupons online and in local newspapers.3. Search for sales. To go along with coupons, there are also sales that come up from time to time. If you find a great sale on cat food make sure you take full advantage by stocking up. This could save you a lot of money in one trip to the store.There are many things you can do to buy food for cheap. Three of your best options are listed above. If you follow this advice, you should be able to buy the right food at the right price. This will make you and your pet happy in the long run.

Blue Buffalo Coupons - Where to Find Them and How to Save on Dog and Cat Food_2

2011-05-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Blue Buffalo gives you an opportunity to benefit from discounts and it will always work to your advantage if you know how to find pet food coupons. Their dog and caT food offers only natural food for your pets known to be without any harmful ingredients that can jeopardize the health of your pets.They have dog food would have different varieties for any dog size and age. There are also many different flavors to choose from which can help in case your dog gets bored with one flavour over time. You will find a lot of information on the different types of dog food on their website.They carry puppy food for small and large breeds, adult food for small and large breeds, as well as senior formula for large and small breeds. You will also find special formulas like the wilderness, intended for dogs which are supposed to be in the wild. BLUE's dog food are either dry or canned. You can also find some dog treats which are perfect for your pet's training.caT food from Blue Buffalo Company also comes in dry or canned formulas. They have food for kittens, indoor health, weight control, and finicky feast. BLUE's caT food is known to be made only from finest natural ingredients, containing high quality protein and not protein by-products. Kitten formulas would come in tasty chicken flavor, with all the needed amino acids which kittens need in their growing stage.Their caT food also has whole grains that come from barley, brown rice, and oats, which your cats would need for energy. Your kittens will also benefit from vegetables contained in every bit of BLUE that supplies the needed nutrients that are from ingredients like sweet potatoes, parsley, and whole carrots.Just because their dog and caT food are made from natural ingredients, it can be more expensive than your ordinary brand. This should not stop you from getting quality pet food as you can benefit from discounts with coupons from BLUE Buffalo. There are plenty of ways in how to find blue buffalo coupons. Pet owners like you will get a good discount on BLUE's food products with these.One way is to take the test from Blue Buffalo Company's website. You will get coupons that will give discount of up to $5 per bag for both cat and dog food purchase. The first step that you need to take for you to obtain the coupons is to register at their website and plug in your personal details. The coupons will be sent to you by post. Once you get the coupons, you can redeem your discounts at pet stores which carry the Blue Buffalo Pet Food products such as PetSmart and Petco.There are some who are able to find ways in how to find blue buffalo coupons but do not realize that Blue Buffalo Dog Food coupons do not work for any purchases made on Blue Buffalo caT food. Remember that you have to separately apply discount coupons for caT food and dog food from BLUE's website. You may also find coupons from Ebay sellers.

Blue Buffalo Cat Food_2

2011-05-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Blue Buffalo Cat Food is one of several products on cat food market which is manufactured by Blue Buffalo Company. It is one of the better products available to buy since it doesn't have poisonous elements which can cause cancer in cats. Actually the company was found mainly because owner's dog Blue died because of cancer.All the products include real meat - let that be fish or poultry. Along with meat come wholesome whole grains, healthy vegetables and fruits. Blue Buffalo is the only company which puts something unique inside their food - dark kibbles that are mainly a mix of nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants and minerals). Those are known as LifeSource Bits and they are intended to improve cat's defense mechanisms, guard them from negative environmental impacts and support their specific life period needs. None of the products contain any meat by-products at all. All foods are also free of corn, wheat, soy and artificial preservatives.Blue Buffalo Cat Food products can be found in different size and shapes. They are available in dry and canned formulas. Bags weigh from 2.5 to 12 pounds.Products are organized into different food lines according to cat's weight, age group and sensitivities.Blue line is ordered into several age categories - for kittens, for adult cats and for mature cats. Food in this line consists of white meat, garden vegetables, fruit and whole grains.Blue Longetivity line is meant to prolong cat's life. It also prevents weight problems since calorie consumption is way lower than concurrent products. It provides anti aging nutrients like omega 3, garden fruit and veggies, grains,... Those supply sufficient vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene and B Complex. This line is split into age groups.Blue Basics is a line designed for cats prone to food sensitivities.Blue Wilderness is dry cat food and it is promoted as high protein and low carbohydrate pet food. It's created for outdoor cats as it is made up of complex carbs which are alternative to raw food diet. 45% of healthy proteins is guaranteed.There is also Blue Healthy Gourmet line that is supposed to be cats "fine dining". It's canned food. A few of the products as an example are: Flaked Chicken, Flaked Salmon, Flaked Tuna, Flaked Turkey,...All round Blue Buffalo Cat Food is perhaps the best out there. It is not the most affordable but it's guaranteed high quality. The majority of customers have absolutely nothing but good to say of Blue Buffalo Cat Food products. The latest survey revealed a really high score of 9.4/10: 8.5 for cost, 9.5 for availability, 10 for ingredients and 9.5 for taste.

Blue Buffalo Cat Food

2011-05-19T10:46:00.001-07:00

Are Specalised Cat Foods Like Royal Canin Beneficial to Your Pets Health and Wellbeing

2011-05-18T11:19:00.001-07:00

There are so many advertisements for pet foods that pet owners often get confused. Pet owners can eliminate this confusion by studying the ingredients used to make the cat food. Some pet owners avoid buying readymade cat food from the market because they are not sure of the quality of ingredients used. However, many pet owners believe that Royal Canin cat food is the best food for their kitten as the quality of ingredients used by them is excellent.Felines are carnivorous animals and they eat meat as well as some plant ingredients. These plant ingredients have all the essential minerals and vitamins that your pet requires for growth and wellness. Make sure you include taurine in your cat's diet as cats that are not given taurine are likely to suffer from retinal degeneration, which can cause blindness in your cat. Taurine is known to contain amino acids, which most cats are unable to produce. Amino acid deficiency can also cause heart problems in cats.Readymade pet foods that are sold in the market are available in both dry and wet form. Most pet owners prefer giving dry food to their cats because it helps in controlling dental calculus in cats. Also the prices of dry cat food are less when compared to prices of wet cat food. Pet owners should ensure the food they buy have all the essential nutrients required by their cat. Royal Canin cat food has most essential nutrients which are essential for the growth of cats. Apart from providing your cat the right food, you also need to take your cat to the vet regular check-ups. At times, pet owners get cheap food for their cat, which is not nutritious and can adversely affect the health of cats.Just like any other animal, even cats require a balanced diet. When cats are given the right food, they add a few more years to their lives. Before you buy cat food, you need to understand what ingredients are essential for growth of your cat. You can consult a vet to find out details certain essentials that are a must when you buy readymade cat food. Avoid buying foods that have chemical preservatives, as they may be harmful. Make sure you give your cat the right amount of carbohydrates, amino acids, fat and proteins. Avoid giving foods that have seriously high amounts of carbohydrate content as it will make them lethargic and ponderous. You can instead give your cat a high protein diet.When buying a specalised pet food buy branded products like Royal Canin cat food as they are good for your pets health. Avoid buying cheap and unbranded products as many of them have been linked to a number of health complications. When giving branded food products, make sure you give your cat the requisite quantity. It will be prudent on your part to consult your vet before you start giving your cat readymade food. If you are planning to give your cat homemade food, you can search the internet for recipes that you can make at home.

5 Important Reminders When Choosing Cat Foods For Urinary Crystals

2011-05-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

Are you feeding your cat purely dry food? What if I told you that you are going to make your cat sick sooner or later? Yes, you read it right. Dry cat food is not so good for your feline friend, especially if your cat has bladder problems like urinary crystals. So, what are the recommended cat-foods for urinary crystals?Prior to knowing what cat-foods for urinary crystals should and should not include, what first are urinary crystals? When there is an imbalance in the pH of your cat's urine, and an excess amount of minerals in your pet's bladder, crystals are formed. These crystals can cause alterations in the bladder and may develop into stones.If you have observed your cat displaying symptoms of urinary-crystals, and the veterinarian has confirmed it, you'll be told that one way to treat the problem is through modification of diet. Cat-foods for urinary crystals need to include and exclude several ingredients. If you are looking for the best cat food that would help deal with urinary crystals, here are some things you should remember:
Your cat must eat foods with moisture. Although dry Cat-foods have dental benefits, it is detrimental for the bladder. Basically, cats get their water source mainly from the food they eat so if you only feed your pet dry food, you'll be dehydrating him and dehydration will worsen the urinary-crystals. Include wet cat food as 50% of your cat's diet.
Avoid giving your pet food with high mineral content. As mentioned earlier, crystals form due to excess minerals. High mineral and calcium content should always be avoided.
Cat-foods for urinary crystals should include small amounts of fish or beef broth. High amount of protein are needed too.
When buying canned Cat-food, check for the labels. It should indicate that there are no fillers, food colorings, and synthetic products.
If you are going to make homemade cat foods, do not include processed foods and stick to real meat and fish. Avoid including grains like rice and wheat as the cat's digestive system are not really designed for these.
Supplementing cat foods for urinary crystals with homeopathic remedies will give a more desirable effect. Homeopathic remedies only use natural products like herbs and botanical extracts. Through this, your pet's immune system will be strengthened and bladder functioning will get better. Lastly, homeopathic remedies will help your cat have a healthy flow of urine, a key factor in treating urinary-crystals.

2008's Most Popular Cats

2011-05-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

cats are becoming evermore diverse. They now come in a variety of weird and wonderful shapes, sizes and colors. But which domesticated cats were the most popular family pets of 2008. Here are the top ten: 10. Oriental cat Extremely similar to the Siamese, the Oriental has a more diverse range of colors and patterns, but has the same temperament and body structure as the Siamese. Therefore, like the Siamese, its popularity is predominantly caused by its huge capacity for affection, its intelligence and playful nature. 9. The Birman cat One of the most striking features of the Birman is its long hair, which is beautiful, but needs a great deal of care. Owners agree that the Birman is typically laidback, which makes it ideal for a family with children and/or other animals. 8. The American Short Hair As its name suggests, the American Short Hair does not require as much grooming as some of its longer haired cousins do. It is known for being a very agile and active pet, which means that he, or she, will love to play. However, generally, the breed is very independent, which means it could be ideal for a busy family who are out of the house for the majority of the day. 7. Sphinx cat The sphinx is a cat once seen and never forgotten. It is an almost hairless breed. Despite, the peculiar appearance, the Sphinx is incredibly affectionate, loyal and loving, which makes it a firm favorite among cat lovers. They are good with children and other animals. Moreover, they are intelligent and extremely playful. 6. Ragdoll cat One of the larger breeds of cat, the Ragdoll can weigh between 10 and 20lbs. It should come as no surprise therefore, that he is not the most active of cats. Nevertheless, they are very loving and enjoy spending time with humans. It is wise to bear in mind that the breed has long fur that can become matted if not groomed regularly. 5. The abyssinian cat At number five on the list of popular cats is the Abyssinian, which is made instantly recognizable by its unusual and beautiful coat. The fur of an Abyssinian is ruddy ticked, which means that each hair is marked with alternating bands of color. As well as being incredibly attractive the Abyssinian is known to be very intelligent. 4. Siamese The Siamese is a perennial favorite among cat lovers. It has white, or off-white, fur with pointing on the legs, ears, face and tail. An interesting fact about the Siamese is that the darkness of the coatโ€s points are affected by the temperature that the kitten is when growing. A hugely appealing part of the Siamese is its personality, which is incredibly affectionate and loving. 3. Maine Coon cat Another very large breed of cat, the Maine Coon can reach weights of up to 20lbs. It is affectionately known as a gentle giant, because it has an extremely mellow temperament, which makes it an ideal family pet. However, it has a very think fluffy coat, which needs quite a lot of care. 2. The Exotic Short Hair cat The Exotic Short Hair is sometimes called โ€the lazy manโ€s Persianโ€, because, as its name suggests, it has short hair that does not require the regular grooming that a Persian would need. Other than that, the Exotic Short Hair is very similar to the Persian in temperament and character. 1. Persian Speaking of which, the Persian was the most popular cat breed of 2008. It is easily recognizable, due to its long and beautiful fur. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Persian is a very pleasing companion, because it is mellow, affectionate and incredibly docile. If you are interested in any of the above breeds, seek further information before welcoming a new cat into your home. It is also advisable to find a reputable breeder or consider adopting an unwanted cat from a local rescue center.

Aging Cats - Cat Food Nutrition In The Senior Years

2011-02-03T10:41:00.001-08:00

by Susan Livingstone
in Family / Pets (submitted 2009-10-25)

As your kitty ages, cat food nutrition can be important to the quality of her life. In general, your cat will probably live over fifty percent of her life as a senior. So what does this mean in terms of finding the best cat food to keep her healthy?

First off, how do you know when your cat reaches "senior status"? You might see a sprinkling of gray on her chin; a small cloud forming over once-clear eyes. Perhaps there's a touch of stiffness in what was once a frisky gait. Any of these can be tell-tale signs that your fuzzy feline friend is entering her "golden" years.

The old saying that one year in a cat's life is equal to seven "human" years isn't entirely accurate. Pets mature quickly during the first two years of life, level out for their middle years, and then begin to age more rapidly once more during the final third of their life span.

Technically, a cat qualifies as a senior once she's achieved 7 years of age or more. Factors that have an impact on how individual cats age include body weight, nutrition, environment, and overall health.

Thanks to advances in veterinary care and improved nutrition, cats are living longer than ever, giving those of us who love them many more years of their affection and warm companionship. This longevity, however, means that senior cats, just like their aging human companions, become more vulnerable to a variety of health issues and ailments: weight gain and decreased mobility; heart, kidney, and liver diseases; diabetes; dental problems and periodontal disease; behavioral problems and cancer.

Though advances in animal care, better nourishment and better educated owners have helped improve the quantity and quality of these years, studies have shown that senior cats continue to fight with weight as the result of reduced activity levels and a steady decline in senses, nutrient absorption and the ability to digest fat.

"One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," says Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who pioneered a senior wellness program specifically intended to address the unique needs of aging cats at his veterinary hospital, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City.

As cats age, there is a steady decline in their body's capacity to heal itself, maintain standard bodily functions and adjust to tensions in their environment. Illness and weight changes are common during the senior years. Cats are at risk of weight gain in their adult years due to the decline in activity levels and the slowing of their metabolism.

But by the time they reach 11 years of age, weight loss becomes an even bigger concern. The 11-plus years are especially difficult for cats because their sense of smell and taste tend to diminish at this time, which in turn has an adverse affect on their interest in food. The power to absorb key nutritional elements and digest fat begins to declines, making eating itself less efficient.

The unwelcome result is that more food goes straight to becoming waste product, and less is utilized for energy, causing a drop in lean muscle mass and subcutaneous fat, leading to an often dangerous reduction in weight. As well as providing a healthy and well balanced diet, owners of senior cats should closely monitor their cats' activity levels, weight, food intake, grooming and elimination habits and report anything new or unusual to their veterinarian.

The good news is that owners of senior cats can do a lot to aid their aging felines in the maintenance of an ideal body weight throughout their senior years by feeding them a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs. For example, holistic cat food, nutrition from all natural products and processes, is one excellent option for boosting the flagging energy of any cat, but especially a senior. Switching to a raw cat food diet as early as possible in your cat's life will help to keep her golden years much more vibrant and healthy. When it comes the health of your cat, senior food doesn't have to be any different from the food she's been eating all along, as long as it was the best and most natural food to begin with.

Though many of the changes in your cat are standard to the aging process we all go through, others may appear that can indicate a much more critical issue. Scheduling veterinary visits at least twice yearly is good practice for older cats as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if detected early. Fortunately, if you started your kitty off from the beginning by giving her the best quality holistic cat food, nutrition alone will have played a significant part in helping her maintain glowing health when she enters her senior years.
About the Author

Susan Livingstone built The Cat Bladder Blog because she loves cats, which is just as well since she is basically a slave to their whims. After years of spending money on them, she is now reversing that trend by offering holistic health products, information, advice and help to cat owners everywhere, especially those who need resources for dealing with cat urinary tract infections.

California Natural Cat Food? Is California Natural Cat Food Good for your Cats or Dogs?

2009-10-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

By: Cats Camille
What is California Natural Cat Food made of? Why is California Natural Cat Food so healthy for your Pets? California Natural Cat Food is made only of what is needed for a healthy diet for cats, nothing more. California Natural Cat Food is created with lean meats, essential vitamins and minerals, full meats and tasty extras. California Natural Cat Food has balanced ingredients like herring oil and sunflower oil which have the health supplements Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids which make your cat a shiny coat and healthy skin. California Natural Dry Cat Food combines wholesome and healthful ingredients to provide the perfect key to good health, long life and shiny coat as well as good digestion. California Natural Cat Food? Is California Natural Cat Food Good for your Cats or Dogs? California Natural Cat Food contains NO additives, chemical preservatives, or fillers and has a taste cats love! Not only are most our cats fussy when it comes to eating cat food, but they also need nutrition supplements to make their coat and skin shiny and healthy. There for, California Natural Cat Food has a healthy, nutritious and tasty formula. California Natural Canned Cat Food has the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. California Natural Canned Cat Food uses pure protein sources to satisfy the nutritional need of your cat while providing it with a flavor your cat won’t be able to forget. The entire line of California Natural Cat Food is made with only wholesome, natural ingredients. Even in taste tests, California Natural Cat Food was liked best by cats over all the other leading cat foods. California Natural Herring And Sweet Potato Formula Cat Food California natural cat food is healthy and good! California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato Formula Cat Food provides a unique single source animal protein that will sure to please even the most selective cat. California Natural Cat Food contains 100 percent Herring and Herring Meal, used as animal protein source. California Natural Cat Food doen't have any ground bones, chemicals, or crap inside that could eventually make your cat sick or caus diherria. California Natural Cat Food is all healthy, natural (as already the name says),tasty and healthy,for your cats! Is California Natural Cat Food Good Even If My Cat Has Dietery Problems? Yes, for california natural cat Food can meet the dietary needs of cats that cannot tolerate normal cat food ingredients. . California Natural Cat Food is as good as anything you would demand for yourself. Pamper your cat like you'd pamper yourself! get it here: http://catlovingcare.com/california-natural-cat-food

What is California Natural Cat Food made of? Why is California Natural Cat Food so healthy for your Pets?

California Natural Cat Food is made only of what is needed for a healthy diet for cats, nothing more. California Natural Cat Food is created with lean meats, essential vitamins and minerals, full meats and tasty extras.

California Natural Cat Food has balanced ingredients like herring oil and sunflower oil which have the health supplements Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids which make your cat a shiny coat and healthy skin.

California Natural Dry Cat Food combines wholesome and healthful ingredients to provide the perfect key to good health, long life and shiny coat as well as good digestion.

California Natural Cat Food? Is California Natural Cat Food Good for your Cats or Dogs?

California Natural Cat Food contains NO additives, chemical preservatives, or fillers and has a taste cats love!

Not only are most our cats fussy when it comes to eating cat food, but they also need nutrition supplements to make their coat and skin shiny and healthy. There for, California Natural Cat Food has a healthy, nutritious and tasty formula.

California Natural Canned Cat Food has the right amount of vitamins and nutrients.

California Natural Canned Cat Food uses pure protein sources to satisfy the nutritional need of your cat while providing it with a flavor your cat won’t be able to forget.

The entire line of California Natural Cat Food is made with only wholesome, natural ingredients.

Even in taste tests, California Natural Cat Food was liked best by cats over all the other leading cat foods.California Natural Herring And Sweet Potato Formula Cat Food

California natural cat food is healthy and good!

California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato Formula Cat Food provides a unique single source animal protein that will sure to please even the most selective cat. California Natural Cat Food contains 100 percent Herring and Herring Meal, used as animal protein source.

California Natural Cat Food doen't have any ground bones, chemicals, or crap inside that could eventually make your cat sick or caus diherria.

California Natural Cat Food is all healthy, natural (as already the name says),tasty and healthy,for your cats!

Is California Natural Cat Food Good Even If My Cat Has Dietery Problems?

Yes, for california natural cat Food can meet the dietary needs of cats that cannot tolerate normal cat food ingredients. .

California Natural Cat Food is as good as anything you would demand for yourself. Pamper your cat like you'd pamper yourself!

Get it here for less: http://catlovingcare.com/california-natural-cat-food
CatsCamille is a published author on the biggest article sites on the web! With her cat tips and cat knowledge she has even become a writer on catlovingcare.com follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/catscamille

How To Build A Cat Tree

2009-06-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

No matter what kind of cat tree you want to build, you need to take into consideration the following three things – cost, size, and your construction experience. Don’t let any one of these things stop you from building your own cat tree, but do plan according for what you can manage.

Let’s start with experience. If this is your first time doing a project like this, you might want to look around and check out what others have done. This will give you ideas for your own project. However, if you have done this before, then you most likely have a good idea of what you want.

Beginners should start with a simple cat tree. This will – most likely – keep the costs down and the size of your project small. However, your cat will never know the difference, and will enjoy your hard work immensely – no matter what the size.

And, if you’re concerned about your budget, don’t worry – costs can be kept to a minimum, unless you’re building an extravagant cat tree or you just want to use really high quality materials. For instance, you can find scrap pieces of plywood from a construction site or carpet squares at a discount from a building store. Maybe a friend or relative just got done with a renovation project and there’s left-over scrap materials you can use on your project.

You can also go to your local lumber yard and ask them for scraps or partial pieces of plywood that only cost a couple of dollars, if anything. If you go to a carpet store, you’ll be able to find empty tubes or scraps of carpet for anywhere from a couple of dollars to free. By now, you should be getting the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to build something nice for your cat.

As far as size goes, you can go as simple as a 14” x 14” platform mounted to 12” long center post sitting on a 2’ x 2’ base, all wrapped in carpet or fake fur. On the other hand, you might decide to go with a more expensive multi-story “cat condo” extravaganza – it’s all up to you and what your pocketbook can handle. Also, take into consideration on how much time you want to put into this project. After all, you can always start small and add to it as time progresses.

To build a simple cat tree, all you really need is a square piece of plywood, a wooden post of appropriate width, carpet, wood glue, and nails. Use the glue to attach the carpet to the base and the post, and use nails to attach the two pieces together. You can then use a spring or heavy rope to attach a fun cat toy to the top of the post so that your cat has something to play with.

Whatever method you use – and however much you spend – you can be sure that your cat will love her new home-built cat tree. As long as you build it with love and care – being sure that there are no dangerous corners, edges, or loose parts – your cat will enjoy its tree for years to come.

By: laqu9546a

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The author writes for Learn About Cats, a cat resource site.

Cat Accessories For A Healthy And Happy Pet Cat

2009-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

When it is about taking proper care of the furry little cat of yours, then there is no doubt that you would wish nothing but the best for it. To enhance the living conditions of your much-loved pet cat and to enable its healthy living, pet cat accessories are a must necessity as well as a treat to them. Cat accessories and clothing is an essential feature to ensure the well being and health of your cat. There are various luxury accessories that can be effectively used for expressing the unique personality of the pet. As Internet has really simplified all the processes of life, you can browse through a huge plethora of cat grooming supplies, kitten supplies, cat supplies, cat accessories and pet supplies online.

Looking for great pet food and supplies and cat supplies online will enable you to make your choice from a large variety of products and that too on discounted rates. These days travel accessories for pet cats are quite popular as they need proper accommodation facilities while traveling with you on trips and tours.

Feeding

If you are really concerned about proper newborn kitten care then it is important to choose the right kind of water and food bowls. As young pets are clumsy, you must always opt for those bowls which do not tip over so easily. They should be sturdy and easy to clean as the pets need fresh water every time.

Grooming

When you browse through the pet supplies online, you will find a great number of cat grooming supplies. Dependant over the kind of pet cat, you can choose for the specific products. Some of the basic accessories comprise the brushes, combs, shampoo, clippers, styptic powder, toothpaste and tooth brushes. You may also pt for special fragrances to keep your pet smelling nice always.

Treats and toys

Every pet loves to play a lot, no matter what breed it belongs to. Getting some cute cat toys will certainly amuse your little kittens and even the grown up cats. Just make sure that the toys are of optimum size, neither too big nor too small. Small toys may be swallowed by the pets leading to dangerous repercussions while the larger ones create disinterest.

Bedding

If your pet cat keeps inside for longer durations of time then it is essential that you have a comfortable and good quality bedding arrangement for it. Among the various sizes of cat beds available online choose the one that fits for the size of your pet. You may browse through the ones that are meant especially for the specific breeds of cats so that your pet has maximum comfort while resting on it.

Leashes and collars

These days a great variety of cat collars are easily available online. Ranging from really fancy to designer leashes and collars, theses can be procured to add a quotient of style to the personality of your cat. When you buy a collar or leash for your pet, ensure that it is of the right size and fits in properly. It should not irk the pet and should be comfortable.

So, get these cat accessories for your pet now and ensure their safety, health and comfort to the maximum.

Travis McCarson, the author of this article and the founder of www.thecatmarket.com offers great kitten supplies and cat grooming suppliers through the web site. You can visit the web site to know more about newborn kitten care so that your pets are well take care of. The web site caters to pet food and supplies and offers good discounts as well.

Factors To Consider When Traveling With Your Cat

2009-05-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

Some cats enjoy traveling where others do not; it really depends on your cat's personality. Traveling can either be and easy or difficult task when you have your cat in tow. There are different ways that you can travel and there are also different things that you need to consider with each mode of transportation.

Articleing your Air Travel

Traveling by plane can be quite tricky if your cat hates flying. You might have the option of having them on the plane with your or having to send them below into an air conditioned cargo area especially designed for pet travel. Some airlines allow you to take your cat along in a carrier that can fit below the seat in front of you. You need to specifically ask the airline if this is an option or not, plus you need to consider if your cat will fit into such a carrier.

If this practice is not allowed you will have to have your cat in a carrier and check them into the cargo area. If you plan on traveling with your cat you need to make your reservation far in advance and inform the airline that you will be traveling with a cat. You also have to make sure that your carrier fits the criteria of the airline. You might even be able to have your cat sedated for the flight time frame by your veterinarian to make travel a little easier.

Packing up the Car for a Trip

If you cat likes to go on car trips with you, then traveling a long distance by car is going to be a piece of cake. On the other hand if they detest it, it might not be the most enjoyable trip. Either way, you need to make sure that your cat is ready to travel with you. First, you definitely need a cat carrier when you are driving to help keep your cat safe and so you won't become distracted while driving.

You also need to make sure you cat has their collar on with their identification tag on it. If you cat doesn't like the car, you might want to try getting him used to it in advance by taking your cat out for short trips around the block or down the street. Before you leave on your trip, you need to make sure to pack your cat's bag as well as your own.

You need to make sure that you have their bowls, food, medication, litter box, litter, cat bed, cat toys, and some sort of scratching post so he doesn't tear up the room of wherever you are going. If you cat absolutely freaks out when you put him in the car, you might need to come up with another plan for your cat while you are away.

Not Brining Fluffy on the Trip

If you have the cat that freaks out whenever you try to travel by plane or by car, you will probably have to come up with a different plan. You can choose to leave your cat with friends, at home, or in a boarding place. Whatever you choose will probably depend largely on your cat and their attitudes and ability to adapt. A boarding place will allow you to leave your cat in a place where they will be taken care of.

Unfortunately not all pet boarding facilities are a great place to leave your pet, so you will have to do a lot of careful research before just dropping off your cat. A friend of family member might take in your cat so they can take care of all your cat's needs while you are gone. You can also choose to leave your cat at home if you will only be gone a short time, or have a cat sitter stay at your home with your cat.

Don't ask just anyone, make sure they can be trusted, and make sure to leave them with a list of things such as what food you feed, when you feed, when to clean the litter box, and any emergency numbers as well. For some, this might end up being the best option for their cat.

To read about cat lifespan and ear mites in cats, visit the About Animals site.

What Cat Care Can Mean To You

2009-05-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

Although the phrase cat care may bring to mind thoughts of drudgery or obligation, with the right attitude and a little bit of information, cat care can become an enjoyable part of your day. If you do it right, cat care can be something that you actually look forward to. Helping your cat stay happy and healthy is only as much fun as you let it be, but by learning how to provide the optimum cat care for your beloved pet, you can make cat care routines a treat for both of you.

One important part of making cat care fun is taking enough time to enjoy it. If you whip through your cat care routine with one eye on the clock at all times, you won't be able to fully appreciate the experience of being with your pet. Try thinking of cat care as a chance to relax and escape the hassles of daily life. Put on your favorite album and relax as your complete cat care tasks like grooming your pet and playing with him or her to help you both gain trimness and agility. The process of caring for a pet is an inherently satisfying and enjoyable one so long as you allow yourself to have fun while doing it instead of trying to rush through and minimize the time you take for cat care. After all, the time you spend on cat care is quality time indeed.

Another crucial part of making cat care a pleasurable activity is education. Teaching yourself a bit more about cat care technique can help you be certain that you are offering your cat the most excellent possible care. The more you know about cat care, the better equipped you will be to keep your cat healthy and happy, and there are few things as satisfying as seeing your cat's health improve because of your attention. If you want cat care to be a treat for yourself as well as for your pet, it is important to make sure that you are doing a good job of it. The better you are at cat care, the more fun you will have when caring for your cat.

There are few experiences more rewarding than reveling in the knowledge that you have done a job well, and cat care is no exception. When you improve your cat care skills or brush up on your cat care basics, you are taking steps to transform your cat care from a run of the mill experience to something that you can be proud of. When you provide your cat with the optimum cat care for his or her personality, age, and type of cat, you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment in your abilities that is invaluable, and very enjoyable. In fact, it may feel almost like a treat. When you improve your cat care skills, you can look forward to a happier cat, and to a happier you as well.

Find out more about how to care for your cat. Click here now!

How to Deal With the Behavior Problems of Cats

2009-05-02T02:19:00.001-07:00

Cats are simply adorable. They are cuddly and cute, and yes, they enjoy receiving so much attention. That is why sometimes, cats develop several annoying and destructive behavior and you should know how to deal with behavior problems of cats.

Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.

Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat's behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.

If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:

Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat's face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.

Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.

Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.

Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.

For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.

Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.

Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.

Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.

If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cat's behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit All About Pets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Top Five Cat Breeds

2009-05-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Choosing a cat breed can be a bit daunting, especially if you don’t know very much about cats! When considering a cat, you must be sure to choose a breed that will best suit your lifestyle. Some breeds require more physical activity than others, and some require much more grooming. Look below to find the top five most popular cat breeds. You will also find a brief description about each breed’s grooming requirements and personality type.

The Oriental is one of the most popular cat breeds around. This breed is a very intelligent, loyal companion and tends to bond deeply with its family. It has large, pointed ears, and although its body is very sleek, it is still quite a muscular breed.

The American Shorthair is extremely popular with families, as they tend to be very affectionate and friendly. The American shorthair originally was a working breed, mostly for mouse hunting, which explains the agile muscular structure and short hair. They do need a little exercise, but most are quite content being a lap cat.

The Birman breed is thought to have originated from Burma. It is perhaps best recognized by its blue eyes, white body, and smoky-brown face, ears, legs, and tail. Birmans possess a long, sturdy body structure with long, mat-resistant hair. They love to play and are quite gentle. They are affectionate without being too needy.

If you’re looking for a very affectionate, cuddly cat, then a Sphynx may be the breed for you. Although they look like they have no fur, they actually have a peach-like fuzz all over their body. As they don’t have much hair to protect their skin, they should strictly be kept indoors. This breed does require a bit of extra care, particularly with room temperature, as this breed can easily become too cold.

A very mild and gentle cat breed is the Ragdoll, appropriately named such as it can be quite floppy and relaxed when picked up. If you love a cat that accompanies you from room to room, this breed would likely be a wonderful match for you. They are very careful not to use teeth or claws when playing around, so they would also make an excellent cat for children.

Now that you have a better idea about the most popular, yet very different, breeds out there, hopefully you find choosing a cat to be a little less daunting than before. Be sure to remember that lifestyles are important factors to consider; so if you aren’t very active, you probably shouldn’t choose a cat that requires a lot of activity, and vice versa.

All About Feeding Your Cat

2009-04-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into you cats tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat's tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight.

Cats are the same, if they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren't sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.

• A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.

• A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem

• Another is whether or not you can feel your cat's ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat's rib cage then you cat is definitely overweight.

Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.

Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it's important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If you can't isn't overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.

The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn't have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat.

• Try to get your cat to run around some
• Take a walk with your cat
• Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around
• Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around
• Switch up the games that you play with your cat so he doesn't get bored
• Even if you are away for the day, leave approved toys out for your cat to play with.
• Also, it sometimes helps your cat's activity level if they have another feline companion to play with while you are away

Just because you like to switch your food around because something was cheaper at the store, or a new product looked better, doesn't mean that you cat should jump around from one cat food to another. Pets are funny this way, once they become used to a certain type of food, switching to another brand because it was on sale doesn't always agree with their stomachs.

If it happens that you want to switch your cat's food then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, if so you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. In order to switch your cat's food without all of the digestion trouble you will need to put just a bit more into each meal, this process can take a few weeks before the switch is complete.

Trying to Feed Your Kitten

Dealing with a kitten is completely different that feed a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and nervous system. You can't feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats; they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step.

It's always smart to consult with your doctor before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have smaller stomach than a full grown cat.

Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn't seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don't rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.

There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat's food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if you cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.

To learn about cat worms and cat vomiting, visit the About Animals website.

World Big Cat Safaris launches

2009-04-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

World Primate Safaris is a very successful specialist tour operator that sends people out ot Africa and Asia to track some of the most endangered primates in the world, and at the end of 2008 their sister company World Big Cat Safaris was launched.

Again, World Big Cat Safaris relies on their expert knowledge of the areas they specialise in to make themselves different to everyone else. The 3 tour consultants in the office are ex tour leaders and guides from the various regions of Africa and so their first hand knowledge is second to none.

World Big Cat Safaris are specialists safaris to track the Big Cats of the world. They tailor adventure or luxury safaris with a selection of mobile camps and luxury lodges in some of the best wildlife areas in the world...Safari Holidays are our speciality whether it be a tiger safari in India or an African Safari to Botswana.

World Big Cat Safaris donates a percentage of each safari sold towards the conservation of endangered Big Cats throughout the world. Holidays can be tailored to meet each specific clients requirements including luxury honeymoon safaris, family African Safaris, walking safaris and much, much, more.

World Big Cat Safaris offers a selection of traditional Kenya Safari Holidays to see the savannah game of the Masai Mara. Kenya is at the forefront of wildlife conservation and community led initiatives and is perfect for a honeymoon safari or family safari and beach relaxation.

Tanzania is a prime wildlife safari destination. Your Tanzania Safari can combine the wonderful Serengeti National Park, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and the pristine tropical islands of Zanzibar or Pemba. Your Tanzania Safari should make the most of the fantatsic selection of luxury lodges and camps that are now available throughout Tanzania.

Wildlife in Botswana is the highlight. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park provide the ultimate locations for your Botswana Safari. An expensive safari destination, Botswana provides luxury safari accommodation with unique access to private concessions providing the ultimate in wildlife safari viewing.

Your South African Safari can consist of a multitude of interesting activities including a wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park or its surrounding private concessions, the winelands of the Cape and some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. A luxury South African safari is actually very good value for money in comparison to other African Safari destinations.

Zambia Safaris are up and coming as Zambia is new as an African Safari destination. Your Zambia Safari will concentrate primarily on a few areas, including South Luangwa Valley, Lower Zambezi, Kafue National Park and the renowned Victoria Falls. Walking Safaris are also a highlight with some of the best African Safari guides available on the continent.

A Tiger Safari in India is the highlight of any wildlife enthusiast's career. A typical India safari may consist of the one horned rhinos of Kaziranga, the Asiatic Lions of Sasan Gir National Park and of course the endangered but majestic Bengal Tigers. The best places to visit for your India Tiger Safari include the historic Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and the tiger park of Kanha.

The large predators are what people want to see when they go on a safari and with World Big Cat Safaris they will put you in the best place to maximize your chances of seeing them.............

Detoxification - 5 Vital Foods for Effective Detox

2009-03-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Detoxification or detox for short is one of the liver's most important functions. Your liver has to break down and safely eliminate everyday substances the body produces such as hormones and metabolic waste products as well the more obvious chemical toxins that you consume through our food and water.

It relies on two complicated phases involving enzyme reactions to break down toxins and render them safe for excretion via the bile in the form of feces or into the urine produced by the kidneys. Research has shown that specific foods and nutrients have an inhibiting effect or enhancing effect on these detoxification enzyme systems. Plenty of these foods should be used for the most effective liver detoxification diet. These same foods and nutrients can even be used to treat some common toxicity and immune system disorders.

There are two detox pathways known as Phase I and Phase II. Diet can help regulate and balance their activity for more effective and safe detoxification. For example if Phase I is working well but Phase II is slow the toxins processed by Phase I can build up causing damage while waiting to be dealt with by Phase II.

Many of these intermediate toxins may be more dangerous than the original substance and can have adverse effects on the glandular system, the immune system, and the nervous system causing health problems.

Some of the substances that cause increase in Phase I without the equivalent increase in Phase II are pesticides, cigarette smoke, exhaust and paint fumes, burnt or barbequed food, alcohol, intestinal toxins and certain medications.

Top foods to support liver detoxification:

1) Cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, rutabaga (swede), broccoli, broccoli sprouts, mustard greens, turnips, radish, cauliflower, kohlrabi, collard greens, daikon.

They contain potent phytochemicals and antioxidants that support Phase II activity. They help the liver convert chemicals that could be cancer causing into something far less toxic that can safely be excreted. Broccoli sprout extracts inhibit Phase I but stimulate Phase II. This is beneficial for people exposed to a high level of toxins from paint fumes, cigarette smoke, pesticides and alcohol.

2) Sulfur foods: fish, meat, eggs, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, celery, kale, string beans. These foods are beneficial for Phase II which uses sulphur for its sulfation pathway.

3) Fresh fruit and vegetables: Eating your 5 or preferably more portions a day helps supply the amino acid glutathione needed for Phase II. If you are exposed to a high level of toxins then eating glutathione rich foods is essential. Commercially prepared foods contain very little glutathione. Frozen vegetables seem to retain their glutathione content.

Especially rich in glutathione are cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, avocado, dill and caraway seeds. Fruit and vegetables are high in antioxidants which help protect the liver from free radical damage caused by toxins. Organically grown are best.

Grapefruit and its juice is an exception. It contains a substance, naringenin, which if regularly consumed inhibits Phase I detoxification. Drugs and toxins can stay in the body longer before detoxification causing damage. So if you are taking drugs or are exposed to a high level of toxins do not eat grapefruit or drink the juice.

4) High quality protein: Meat, fish and eggs supply the amino acids needed for the conjugation pathways of Phase II. It is important to eat organically produced or free range meat and eggs to avoid further toxins stored in the fats of intensively reared produce. Fish is best from deep clean waters or organically farmed.

5) Essential fatty acids: Many diets are sadly lacking in the beneficial fats that are
vital for Phase I detox. Avoid all hydrogenated fats found in many commercially produced and processed foods and meals, and heated fats which can damage them.

Eat fresh nuts and seeds and their unheated cold pressed oils. Oily fish may be contaminated with mercury and other pollutants so it is debatable if they should now be included.

No matter how good your diet or how clean your environment you will always be exposed to toxins. Strengthening detoxification pathways through specific foods mentioned above will help you stay well or can improve existing conditions. Its worth it!

To learn a lot more about detoxification get my brand new Free Report at http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com

(c) 2007. Sandy Halliday, a former nurse, is a nutritionist and health researcher with 20 years experience of many different types of detoxification programs. She produces a weekly newsletter full of useful information, tips and reviews of products for effective detoxification.

How To Choose The Right Cat Food

2009-03-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don?t pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food.

The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.

But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.

First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!

Cats need a high protein diet. Wild cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, while not wild, still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline ancestors. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cats diet, though not as important as protein. Cats really should derive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them.

Interestingly enough, many of the premium brands of cat food, such as Eukanuba and Innova offer exactly what most cats need, and aren?t necessarily more expensive in the long run. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.

When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, they cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a nickel a day. Furthermore, because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.

Another aspect of cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between ?chicken flavored?, and ?chicken dinner? is.

Food that contains ?chicken meal? can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has ?meat byproducts? can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than ?chicken meal?. Food that is ?chicken flavored? only has to taste like chicken, but may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.

And it goes without saying, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected by artificial colors and preservatives in their cat food.

With the vast selection of cat food on the market, it is easy to be intimidated and just pull the cheapest variety off of the shelf. Just remember what?s good for your cat and read the labels. Always remember, a little research can go a long way when it come to the health and well being of your cat.

About the Author:

Greg Podsakoff is one of the owners of Hercules the cat and an editor at http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com.

Cholesterol Information - Medication, Lifestyle And Food

2009-03-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

In a seemingly endless barrage you are probably bombarded with facts about cholesterol - foods, lifestyles and medications. For the most, these facts are associated with products you can buy, in other words, commercials - tv, radio and print. On the other hand, what cholesterol information is actually pertinent to avoid heart disease and live a healthy life and where can you find this kind of cholesterol information?

Pertinent cholesterol information can be divided into two parts: information about you and information about everything else. Your doctor will ask you about your important cholesterol information. Understand your numbers get a cholesterol test and find out how much good and bad cholesterol you have. Your doctor can also tell you whether your numbers are too high or too low. Like so many health problems, smoking has a tendency to make high cholesterol even higher.

Your family's medical history is an important cholesterol information factor. If your blood pressure is high, you may already be feeling the effects of high cholesterol. Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can also raise cholesterol levels.

While you may not know the cholesterol numbers of your relatives, their medical conditions can give your doctor a good starting point and a good idea of your potential health issues. Information about your lifestyle is also important. If your diet is good, your weight is under control and you exercise regularly, you may be doing everything you can. If this is your situation your doctor may recommend medication.

To control cholesterol, you need to know what it is. Many are surprised to find out that cholesterol manufactured in the liver and that it's essential for the body to function at optimal levels. You may be surprised to know that you make it yourself and so your body clearly needs cholesterol in order to function so you don't need to add any to your diet. Good cholesterol information includes where to find cholesterol in your food. Because cholesterol comes from your liver, a good rule of thumb is if your food had a liver at some point in time, it contains cholesterol.

That goes for dairy products, too. Cholesterol is found in the fat part of the food. Whole milk contains more cholesterol than non-fat milk. In eggs, the cholesterol is in the yolks. If your food has a nutrition label, look for saturated fat - some if ok but zero grams in best.

Besides meat and dairy, palm and cocoanut oils contain saturated fats. A good rule of thumb regarding cholesterol information is that polyunsaturated fats are not bad for you unless they are hydrogenated. This is done to keep them stable in manufactured foods.

Tip - For more information on cholesterol, check out the links below.

About the Author:

Visit low cholesterol diet or level cholesterol or cholesterol medication for more information on cholesterol.

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Expensive Branded Gourmet Cat Food - Are They Any Better Than Common Cat Food?

2009-02-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

Recently, there has been a surging increase in the production of premium cat foods that looks and taste much more lavish than the basic cat food brands in the market. Commonly known as gourmet cat food, their sales are ever increasing in the ever demanding pet industry.

One of the main reasons for the increase in demand is the need for cat food that is closer to a home prepared quality. As current research support the fact that inferior cat food ingredients are detrimental to a cat's health and are mainly responsible for many feline illnesses that have become much more common over the last few decades, customers are looking for healthier alternative to the traditional cat food diet with more prominence on wholesome ingredients.

With the increase in cat obesity, the other benefits of gourmet cat food is that they usually come pack in smaller packages and therefore less likely to overfeed your cat and become overweight. Owners looking for dietary management as well as convenience would find these smaller packages attractive in both their design and their suitability in helping to control their cat food intake.

One of the more popular brands of gourmet cat food is Purina, they offer a variety of pet food including brands like Fancy Feast cat food and Gourmet Gold that offers both restaurant quality and a wide variety of choices. Purina dm Cat Food is also manufactured by Purina and is targeted at cats with diabetes.

The obvious benefits to these pet food companies is the higher price tag put onto these luxury cat food. Putting more care in the manufacturing, design and presentation means that each pack of cat food can fetch a higher profit. On the other hand, cat owners are willing to part with more money, knowing that they are getting higher quality cat food.

Currently there seems to be an implied understanding among cat owners that the higher the price of the cat food, the better the quality, and the more you care about your cats health. While this belief is generally not wrong, it is not totally right, as a healthy balance diet need not necessary consist of gourmet cat food. With the correct mix, common brands of cat food with a good mix of home prepared food can still create a healthy and balance cat diet.

It is advisable to seek your veterinary opinion if you have any concerns about your cat diet. Your veterinary knowing the condition of your cat would be able to recommend or even prescribe a suitable diet for your cat, be it commercial, homemade or mixture of both.

About the Author

Moses Wright is a webmaster and he provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Illnesses Symptoms on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Improving Cat Food Taste - How to Make Your Cat Like Her Healthy Food

2009-02-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

In order to own a healthier cat, you have decided to change your cat's food diet after much pondering and discussion with your veterinary. But knowing that you own a finicky and choosy cat, you wonder if there is anything you can do to help your cat likes its new diet.

First, you should introduce the food slowly and steadily, sudden and abrupt changes can force even the most easy to please cat reject her food for a day or two even when she is hungry. This is the last thing you want because experts feel that a starved cat is at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, and the fatter the cat, the higher the risk.

Apart some a gradual change of food, here are a list of things you can do to improve the taste of your cat's new food:

1. Add a dash of salt.

2. Food with a strong odor is enticing. Mix a little odiferous cat food or some meat baby food (no onions!).

3. Add some moistened cat treats.

4. Change the texture slightly, if it is ground, add some meat chunks, raw meat, or fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna).

5. Mix a teaspoon of old food, or change out old food, food left out loses preferred odor and texture.

6. Add warm water, homemade beef or chicken broth and warm the dish in the microwave or by steaming.

8. Try adding a different flavor or formula or add a little canned food with beef tallow in it. Mix different consistencies - wet and dry, canned pumpkin, minced sardines, tuna or clam juice.

9. Dab a little on his paw to get him accustomed to the taste as he cleans it off.

10. Top dress with cottage cheese.

Food aside, you can try changing the feeding dishes. Some cats prefer eating from a flat dish (don't ask me why!), some don't like plastic or metal material and prefer ceramic, others might just like heavier dishes that stay put on the floor as they eat.

If your cat is usually not a picky eater, there could be some other reasons why she is not eating as much or showing little interest. She could just be sick - down with a mouth disorder problem which makes eating painful and difficult or maybe a troubled digestive system.

The above cat food taste improvement tips should work fine if your healthy cat is refusing her food. Visit your veterinarian if she refuses to eat the new diet for a day, try not to go beyond 48 hours. The worse possible situation is to go back to her old diet food and change her diet from there gradually.

About the Author

Moses Wright is the founder of FelineDiet.net. More helpful information on Feline Cat Diet, Natural Cat Food and Homemade Cat Food can be found on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live link are keep intact

Like A One-Eyed Cat Peeping In A Seafood Store

2009-02-05T09:46:00.001-08:00

Like A One-Eyed Cat Peeping In A Seafood Store

by: Dean Phillips

Want to be successful in whatever it is you choose to do? Then you need to be focused--just "like a one-eyed cat peeping in a seafood store!"

Guess what that old one-eyed cat see's, when it's peeping in that seafood store? Seafood--that's it! No people, no traffic--just seafood! Now that's what you call "laser-like focus!"

And "lack of focus" is the main reason why most people don't succeed. They don't have that "laser-like focus" that's required for success--that ability to block out everything that's going on all around them and focus on the matter at hand.

I want you to commit this phrase I coined to memory:

"Any success you achieve will be in direct proportion to your focus. The more focused you are, the greater will be your success!"

Here's another example to illustrate my point:

Most people think it was Michael Jordan's amazing talent that set him apart from the other players in the world. And make no mistake, his talent did play a significant role in his success. But what really made Michael Jordan special was his "laser-like focus." He was famous for it. He was totally focused on winning every time he stepped on the basketball court--and he usually did.

It's also no secret that Michael practiced longer and harder than just about anyone else in the NBA--but that automatically comes with being focused. When you're totally focused on your goal, you do whatever you have to do to succeed.

Now after reading this article, I'm sure many of you are wondering, how do you go about getting properly focused for success?

The very first thing I recommend is a complete re- programming of your mind. Because before you can start walking down that road to success, you first have to get your mind right.

In that regard, there are two books I consider absolute MUST reads, if you are at all serious about being successful in whatever it is you choose to do.

The books are, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill and "The Magic of Thinking Big" by Dr. David Schwartz.

Your local bookstore or library should have both books, since they're all-time classics. If not, try Amazon.com. But whatever you do, get those books!

And remember, "Any success you achieve will be in direct proportion to your focus. The more focused you are, the greater will be your success!"

About The Author

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net

Visit his website at: http://www.lets-make-money.net

What kind of cat food should you really feed your cat?

2009-02-02T02:17:00.000-08:00

An overview of the type of cat food that is best suited to you cats biology. Looks into the type of food cats eat in the wild and why that is important in choosing what types of cat food are good for your pet.
What should you feed your cat to make sure he or she will have the necessary nutrition? What is the ideal mix of food to help your cat live to the limit of it's life span? Tp answer these questions, one should look at the diet of a feline in it's natural habitat. In the wild, a cat eats almost exclusively animal tissue. However, they would normally eat the entire body of the animal, including it's stomach contents, which has many nutrients that are simply lacking in an animals muscle tissue. Another question many cat owners have is: Is fresh meat the best possible food for cats? Not necessarily. Fresh meat will not provide a balanced diet for a cat, as they are extremely protein dense while being very low in vital nutrients such as calcium. Alternately, some cat owners have asked, "Is it O.K. to feed my cat an exclusively vegetarian diet?" The answer to that question is a clear cut no. Cats cannot produce the nutrients it needs from an exclusively vegetarian diet in the same way that humans can. Being a highly specialized hunter, it has simply lost that ability during the course of it's evolution. Major skin problems are often the result of a deficiency in certain essential fatty acids which can be found in animal flesh alone. Another problem is that a deficiency of the amino acid taurine, a vital building block for proteins in the body, which can cause both blindness and heart failure. Cats are simply born carnivores. Is it o.k. to give a cat only dry food? According to petshub, the answer is yes, providing that you ensure that fresh water is available at all times. Dry food is generally more convenient, hygienic, and affordable than canned or fresh food. It also exercises the teeth and reduces the buildup of tartar, which can grow into a severe problem in cats that are fed a soft and mushy diet.

About the Author

Aaron Wilmot is an author, editor, researcher and webmaster in the fields of human health and pet nutrition. He is also affiliated with the Healthy Pet Network.

How to Clean Cat Urine & Remove Cat Urine Odor

2009-01-26T04:23:00.000-08:00

By: Stef Rigby
There are some nasty smells in the world and topping the list would have to be cat urine odor. Really I don't think there's much worse than visiting a friend and not being able to enter their house for the foul smell of cat urine, the odor meets you at the door and hits you hard. The stench is in the carpet, the furniture, it’s in the curtains, and it’s up your nose. Someone should really tell this person how to remove cat urine odor.

Cats are creatures of habit. When they find a place to urinate they will return to that same place and continue to urinate there – the fact that it may be your carpet, furniture or curtains really has no relevance to your cat at all. Once your cat finds a place to urinate it is drawn by the smell of its own urine back to that same spot time and again. Cats like the smell of their own urine, they have marked their territory and they’re happy with that.

To stop your cat urinating in the same place you need to remove the smell of cat urine completely, not mask or hide the smell, as it will just come back and so will your cat. It really is simple once you know how and which products to use and more importantly which products not to use. You may think you need a professional remedy for cat urine – but you don’t! You don’t need a cupboard full of cat urine cleaners either. You just need a tried and tested cat urine cleaner

So let’s learn how to get rid of the smell of cat urine.

First We Should Understand the Problem…

• Cats are not big drinkers so the urine is concentrated and very potent and gives the strong cat urine odor.

• Cat urine is made up of several different bacteria strains.

• Urea and Urochrome cause the stains, which can sometimes be invisible.

• Uric acid salts cause the odor by bonding to surfaces.

• Cat urine dries on the carpet and the uric acid forms crystals in the underlay padding. The Crystals are the source of that strong ammonia smelling odor and are also the reason puss returns to that “special place”.

• Cat urine crystals are the hardest part to remove.

• Most household cat urine removers contain ammonia so they are going to make the problem worse not better, your cat will be even more attracted to that same spot to urinate as puss thinks it smells wonderful.

• We need to use a cleaner that will break down the crystals so we can get rid of the cat urine odor.

• Water only spreads the stain and will reactivate the uric acid crystals, reviving old stains and smells.

• Normal cleaners, if they don’t soak the area with ammonia, will mask the odor of cat urine for a short time, but it always returns and so will your cat!

• We need to remove both the stain AND the odor.

How to Clean Cat Urine…

• Soak up the excess cat urine from the area as soon as possible.

• Use a dry cloth or paper towel (I like to use old towels as they are absorbent by nature) – do not wet the area or the urine will spread.

• Blot the area - don’t scrub the carpet – it’s kind of like when you get an ink stain on your clothes, and you scrub it. Does the ink come out or does it spread? Cat urine works the same way in your carpet as the ink. (By the way to get ink out, don’t wet the area or it will set the ink – instead soak it in a bowl of milk – yes I said MILK - and then scrub from the outside of the stain in towards the center, a nail brush is good for this! I just thought I would throw in that tip for you – it comes in very handy when you have kids.)

• Hold the cloth or paper towel over the spot for a while – I find standing on an old towel will absorb a good amount of the cat’s urine quite well.

• Let your cleaning solution soak into the area, again use a dry towel, put it over the urine stain and put some weight on the towel. Put something heavy over the towel and leave it overnight.

• The main objective here is to be eliminating cat urine stains permanently so your cat won’t be tempted back to this spot again.

• You really need to keep your cat away from this area until all trace of the urine odor has gone.

• If your cat keeps going back place some foil over the patch until the smell of the urine has gone.

• You may need to repeat this process until all trace of the urine odor and stains have gone.

What not to use. These are not effective Cat Urine Cleaners…

• Ammonia Might - remove the stains, but it smells too much like cat urine so puss will just keep coming back to the same spot to urinate again and again.

• Water -If used by itself can spread the urine and makes the problem area so much bigger

• Citrus based products - Only masks the smell – doesn’t get rid of it permanently

• Liquid soap - Just doesn’t work – at all

• Bleach - Which smells worse – bleach or cat urine – I think it’s a draw! Plus bleach tends to fade carpet, furniture and curtains

• Carpet shampooing - Only cleans the surface, wont soak down into the underlay padding where the urine crystals are

• Hydrogen peroxide - Only removes the urine odor temporarily – the smell soon returns

• Oxygenated products - Only works on the surface, doesn’t remove the smell from deep down and can cause fading or discoloration in your carpet, furniture and curtains

What to use. How to Choose a Cat Urine Remover…

There are many cat urine cleaners on the market. You’ve probably tried some of them while trying to find how to clean cat urine, and possibly found they don’t work. Why?

The bacterium in cat urine can be very hard to kill, and until you kill the bacterium you won’t be removing an odor. You need an enzymes to remove cat urine. Get rid of the bacteria and you’re one step closer to getting rid of cat urine smell.

There is no big secret on how to select a cat urine remover. You need natural cat urine cleaners. Using a combination of products found in your home. Once you use an all natural cat urine remover, you’ll wonder why didn’t try it sooner.

Getting to Know Your Cat

2009-01-25T04:21:00.000-08:00

By: Clark Tran
Spay or Neuter a New Cat
Millions of cats are euthanized each year in shelters due to the overcrowding of animals. Cats can easily have over 10 kittens in a given pregnancy leaving owners with problem of trying to find homes for these kittens. There is an easy remedy to this problem and that is spaying or neutering your cat. Not only is this the responsible thing to do but it is better for your cat. If unspayed female are more at risk of developing the following conditions: breast cancer, pyometra, tumors of the uterus & ovaries. While unneutered male cats run a risk of developing testicular cancer.
The Price of having a cat
When people see a cute kitten they immediately decide to adopt it. Once home they realize they have made a mistake. They are not prepared for the responsibility of a cat, not all members of the family are happy to have a cat, resident pets don't adapt well to the new addition or it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle. The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
Checking the health of your new cat
When a household decides to adopt a cat, be it from the shelter or a breeder a great deal of time should go into selecting the right animal. Have questions about where the pet came from, how they have interacted with the staff, do the pet have a behavior issue, etc. If you are buying from a breeder, ensure they are registered with an appropriate cat council. When visiting the cattery check out the overall health of the animals. Always have everything in writing, including the final cost of the cat, health guarantees etc.
Buying purebreds from pet shops or backyard breeders
If you are buying a cat from a pet shop or a backyard breeder there is probably little chance that a proper screening of genetic problems has taken place. Pet shops generally charge more for purebred kittens than a registered breeder would. Not only this, but they most likely won’t have certified paper to ensure their authenticity and health. As a result, you may be buying a cat that could have substantial medical bills in the future or even pass away suddenly.
Seek veterinary help
People don't realize the seriousness of a medical condition & fail to take appropriate action & get the cat to a vet. This may be due to the lack of knowledge they posses or funds. Cat owners should look into the cost of having pet health insurance or a special Cat Fund prepared in case of emergencies.
Flea Control Product
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, cats should be treated with a cat flea treatment only such as Frontline. Pet owners think they will save money by sharing their dog’s flea control product with their cats. This can prove fatal as cats are extremely sensitive to pyrethrins & pyrethroids which are often in dog flea products. The use of these on cats can result in death.
An appropriate diet
Cats have very specific dietary needs and as such need a balanced diet. There are many commercially available brands of cat food available which will fulfill your cat's dietary requirements. Don't attempt to feed your cat a home-made diet or other human consumed foods unless you have spent a great deal of time researching, as certain food s can do more harm than good.
Your roaming cat
Some owners feel that having your cat roam outside the home is beneficial for them. In actuality it may do more harm as free roaming cats & their lifespan is considerably shorter than that of indoor only cats, or cats with limited/supervised access outside. Outdoor cats run the risk of being highly stress by been hit by a car, attacked by another cat or dog, plus many other dangers they encounter which is very traumatizing.
Declawing VS not Declawing
Declawing has been a heated debate for many veterinarians, cat advocates, and owners alike. Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Declawing is not for everyone and cat owners should have all the facts before making this decision.
Litter Box Maintenance
Cats will use a litter box only if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or pleasant to the cat’s feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Don’t try to over clean the box with disinfectant or bleach as cats are very sensitive to these and other chemicals. It is also recommended to have an automatic litter box to help in reducing the maintenance. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem and call your veterinarian.

For more information on this subject or any additional pet health articles please visit www.entirelypets.com

Making Your New Cat Feel At Home

2009-01-24T04:29:00.000-08:00

By: Tristan Andrews
So the big moment is finally here! You've just adopted a new cat or kitten from your local shelter or rescue, rampaged through the pet store to stock up on supplies, toys and goodies, and visited the vet for a health-check, shots, and neutering. Now its time to introduce kitty to her new home and the rest of the family. With just a little planning and patience, you can ensure that your cats adjustment period will be as rapid and stress-free as possible.

Home Is Where the Catnip Is: Cats are, by nature, highly territorial, which means that having a place to call their own is extremely important to their emotional well-being. Your new cat is already in a state of stress from having been in a shelter or being given up for adoption, and being brought to a strange new home only increases that stress. Your goal is to help make your new cat feel comfortable as quickly as possible. When you bring your new cat home, confine it to a single room for at least the first few days (with food and litter, of course!). Although this may seem cruel by human standards, it is actually a great kindness to allow your cat to claim ownership of a small new territory at its own pace and without competition.

Some shy cats may hide under the bed for as long as a week; others will be ready to come out into the house and go exploring after just a day. The important thing is to let the cat emerge whenever it feels ready. You should spend as much time as possible in the room with the cat, but you should never try to force it out of hiding. The cat will let you know when its ready to begin exploring more of the house. Be sure to leave fresh food and water out at all times, and check that it is being consumed. Even stressed cats like to eat, so no food for 24 hours or more is possibly a sign of illness and warrants a trip to the vet.

Meeting the Family: Naturally, everyone in the family, especially the kids, will be excited about the new arrival. Children should be invited to visit the new kitty in her room, one at a time. Try to keep your children quiet and seated on these visits, so they do not frighten the cat if he's not used to kids. If the cat is friendly and approaches, have them offer an outstretched hand to sniff.

If the cat accepts this, they can gently pet the cat. As the cat becomes familiar with the child, they may play with a cat toy on a string or stick. NEVER let your children encourage a kitten to pounce on their fingers (or yours, for that matter). It may seem cute at first, but a full grown cat jumping on and biting a hand in play can be very painful or cause bleeding. Teach your children how to properly hold a cat: with one hand under the rump and one hand on the back, held up against their bodies. And don't leave small children unsupervised with your cat.

Reassuring Jealous Cats: Cats are like children in many ways, so its not surprising that your older pet may be jealous of a new arrival. He may be fearful of losing territory or worried that he is about to be replaced. Extra love, attention and patience during this transition will help to reassure your pet that it is still the center of your universe! Be prepared for it to take from a week to a month before the new cat is accepted by the resident cat. Before bringing home your new cat, make sure that both old and new cats are healthy and current on their vaccinations, including Feline Leukemia. Let your cat continue to have run of the house while the new cat is confined, so that he understands he is not being pushed out of his territory. Allow him to sniff or paw under the door with your new cat, and exchange items to familiarize each animal with the others smell.

When the time comes for the two cats to meet face to face, try to give them short periods of contact, slowly increasing the time as they adapt to one another. Be sure to supervise their visits until you're sure they are okay alone, and be prepared for some hissing and growling, which is quite normal for cats that are getting to know one another. Do not yell at or discipline either cat for hissing or growling, and in the unlikely event of a fight breaking out, break it up with a spray from a water bottle or a thrown towel, not your hands. Prevent the new cat from sleeping in any of your old cats favorite places (for example your bed) and provide each with separate food and water bowls and litter pans. They'll probably use each others, but will appreciate having their own. Try to keep your older cats routine intact, and take every opportunity you can to pet and praise your older cat. Above all, be patient, and one day you will find your new cats grooming each other when they think you're not looking!

Friendly Like Cats and Dogs: Most of the same advice applies to introducing cats and dogs. Again, let the dog have run of the house, and sniff at the cat under the door and exchange scented items during the first few days. You may wish to put up a baby gate in the doorway of the cats room or bring the cat into the house in a carrier so the animals can see each other before they actually meet.

Make sure the first visits in the house are supervised, with the dog on a leash if you are unsure about how friendly he will be. Encourage you dog with gentle praise if he is friendly. If the cat runs from your dog, do not allow the dog to chase it, and don't force a cat that seems uncomfortable to be in the same room with the dog. Keep the first visits brief, then extend them as the animals become familiar with each other. Be patient, give them time, and they'll soon learn to get along.

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 http://www.i-love-cats.com

Cat Flap to Stop Bullying

2009-01-23T04:19:00.000-08:00

By: James Winsoar

Are you a cat lover? If so how many cats do you have? Is your cat good at home? Well, Of course, it is really very easy answering such questions, when raised by someone or the other. And what would be the answer if the question falls the other way round, such as, is your cat really secure? Does your cat return home safely at nights, without any rashes or bruises that are indeed created by other cats? Are you sure, that your loveable cat alone eats the quality cat food that you have bought to her with at most care and affection?

Most of the cat lovers would be finding it difficult to answer these questions. Indeed these are the daily problems faced by the cat lovers. These questions make the cat lovers feel worried about their dearest pets, creating a mourning atmosphere in their minds.

Sometimes it's really hard to experience situations when the pet leaves the home and stays lost for two to three days. Is there a remedy for all these hard moments? If at all there is a solution, will it guarantee on the safety and security of the pet? Or are there any permanent solutions for all these problems to come to an end? Will the pet be safe from being bullied by other stray cats? Will the pet be safe in indoor without escaping, if the weather outside is very terrible and violent? The answer for all these questions is so easy, and it is as simple as looking for sweet in a sugar factory. Of course, the answer for this is a big "Yes".

The antidote for all these physical and environmental threats that are literally experienced by the owner and the pet has now come to light. The product is a nascent technology launched in our markets, which can be readily put to working status. It is what we call as PETPORTE CAT FLAP.

Available from http://www.MicrochipCatFlaps.co.uk/ the microchip Petporte catflap is a great remedy for cat lovers and to keep other cats out. It exists to provide advanced animal access systems to make both cats and their owners lives better. This is a Collarless technology, which indeed keeps the pet away from hard and rough collars which leaves a mark on the neck of the pet, Petporte Catflap was invented and patented by one of the Guernsey's leading vets, David Chamberlain, which is just a series of inventions that will be coming onto the market intended to make your life, and your cat's life, more enjoyable.

Petporte is the first Catflap in the world to prevent other cats from entering your home and recognizing your cat without the need for cat electronic, magnetic cat collar attachments, heavy collar tags, restrictive collars and infra red. The owner of the pet need not worry because there are no harmful radiations emitted from the device that makes the pet sick and disordered, this product is highly reliable and secure and there is no danger involved in it at all. Pet Porte, indeed will be friendly equipment for the safety of the pet.

The Pet Porte product is not at all complicated, and it's really very simple and ready for use, most probably the user of this Pet Porte product will not have the need of using a Catalog or working manual, because the whole technology has come to life by the click of two buttons alone, one in red and the other in green. Only the cats which have been previously programmed by the microchip gains access through the highly tensile magic door. In the PetPorte Catflap there are two distinct modes.

The modes of operation that are likely to be used here are the VET MODE and the NIGHT MODE, The vet mode is most commonly used in order to keep the pet indoor due to some specific reasons, And night mode uses a little more advanced technology, in which the magic door gets automated according to the light intensity of the outside atmosphere, thus it remains locked at nights, and of course the pet will always have access through the Catflap when it is outside the house. Thus these multimodal operations make Petporte Catfap unique from all the other Catflaps.

Now, while talking about the initial steps of installation procedures, makes one feel that Petporte Catflap, is designed with at most simplicity and a product that shows a great deal of flexibility.

Programming the Petporte is again a very short and simple process, as there are no complex steps involved, indeed the whole installation is only a single step process. The owner has to just press and hold the green button (beep sound is heard) and then the pet is made to pass through the magic door under the range of the sensor porch (beep sound is heard again).That is all the owner has to do, in order to finish with the programming process, in this same method an average of 32 different cats (approx) can be programmed. There may be a question arising among the users that what actually happens when the pet is made to pass through the Petporte. This is nothing but, when the pet is passed through the Petporte the intelligent sensors present in the body of the Catflap recognizes the existing microchip ID implants, so this method is highly secure and reliable and its clearly evident from this fact that stray cats will never find an entry into the house .

This highly adorable product uses an adapter that is fixed directly to the power supply, rather than using batteries which may die out frequently .The power supply that enters this Catflap is very safe, and its not at all harmful for the pet in any means, here there are no chances of short circuits or earth line problems, even if the pet chews or pounces on the lead insulated cables, as the voltage is very less and it's only around twelve volts. Thus the information in Petporte's memory is left as it is even if there happens to be a sudden power failure.

The major characteristics of the magic door that is used in the Petporte is that its highly tensile and strong as it has the capacity to withstand the pouncing/attacks ,even if it is created by the toughest cat around on the streets. As the door is connected to the main line power, the magic door opens/closes at the blink of an eye, i.e. in just few microseconds, so that you're lovable cat can enjoy its play with the Petporte, even if she/he loves to dash in and out frequently.

The Petporte is friendly device to your pet, and it is designed in such a way that, there will not be any possibilities in which the tail or the paws of the pet getting stuck. Eventually there are no possibilities for other stray cats to enter, thus making your cat feel free and relaxed at all times.

The Petporte Catflap has many salient features which makes it unique and reliable when compared to all the other Catflaps. In fact the other Catflaps such as traditional, magnetic and infrared flaps have their own disadvantages at different situations. Firstly, while discussing about the features of the traditional cat flaps, when used and kept under observation for few days causes many drastic moments. The result is that within one night the owner can see his house ruined i.e. his carpets torn and scrambled, urine all over the wall, the cat food missing from its tray, the pet left with the marks of being bullied-all these are the nonsense created by the non others, but the stray cats. Thus these are the adverse effects caused when traditional type flaps are used.

Secondly, comes the magnetic Catflaps kind of flaps, all the pets which exist with magnetic collars can gain access through the door, this is a major drawback. And the other issue is that, magnetic collars are heavily and tight, that makes the pet feel uncomfortable.

Thirdly comes the infrared Catflaps, these Flaps have sensors both at the transmitting and receiving ends and the door opens only if the sensor in the collar points directly to the sensor on the door. These Infrared Catflaps are expensive too, indeed the amount of complexity involved in these methods are more.

Finally all these demerits or disadvantages experienced when using other Catflaps are in turn changed into an advantage, merit or a positive point when Petporte Microchip Catflap is used.

ADVANTAGES INVOLVED IN USING PETPORTE

The Microchip Petporte Catflap was invented with lots of advantages in it like,

The irritation caused by the collar on a cat can be averted by the use of the cats existing microchip.

With the help of locking mechanism, stray cat can be kept away from dearest cats.

To understand a cat need better, this has been purely invented by VET, therefore the cat needs can be catered much efficiently by use of Microchip Petporte Catflap.

The pains of bringing a cat at nights it's not an issue of a path, by the use of Microchip Petporte Catflap the light level will be detected automatically and thereby your cats can sub sequentially brought into house at nights.

With the presence of Microchip Petporte Catflap, you will be able to know, if your cat inside the house or elsewhere, the beeping system of pet Port will intimate you of the presence of cat inside the house.

The presence of magnetic latch in the Microchip Petporte Catflap, keeps the flap intact when the wind blows thus protecting the cats from getting hurt.

The simple two button operation mechanism Microchip Petporte Catflap, gives a full control over cats world.

Microchip Petporte Catflap allows you to program up to 32 cats of your choice and only the cats which are programmed can be under the scrutiny.

The programmable microchip within Microchip Petporte Catflap prevents the loss of information about cat during a short circuit or power failure.

All of this comes under low voltage intake with no batteries to replace so your cat can always come back inside.

This product is cat friendly where the doors are specially designed and makes it virtually impossible for your cat to get its paws stuck in the door.

Hence the Petporte Microchip Catflap is a divine product that has been launched in the markets in order to quench the thirst of worried cat lovers, and this is a great time for those cat lovers to make full use of this great product. The product has satisfied the customers whomsoever using Petporte , thus making the users feel comfortable and relaxed at nights rather than worrying about their pets , since there is a friend there at the door step giving at most security to the loveable pets.

The PetPorte microchip cat flap is available from http://www.microchipcatflaps.co.uk/

Choosing the Right Name for Your Cat

2009-01-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

By: Jay Schindler
Pet cats hold a very special place in the hearts of their owners. Wouldn't it be nice to give a pet cat the loveliest name one can think of? Wouldn't it be great to give a pet cat a name that would reflect its personality as seen by the one who owns it or a name which would give recognition to the cat's breed? There are actually a lot of names to choose from in books or in the internet. But generally, how can an owner choose a name which he will find fit for his cat?

Many cat owners name their pet cats with human names. Actually, a whopping fifty percent of pet names are those of persons. This primarily is because there are owners who are enamored with a certain name and actually desire to christen someone, or something for that matter, with that favorite name.

Another basis for names is personality or appearance. In this category, examples are Midnight (should the pet be a black cat), Fluffy (obviously, if the cat is fluffy or has long, soft and bouncy coat) and Whitey (of course, if the cat is white). Pet names based on appearances or personality make up an amazing twenty percent of all pet names. However, unlike human infants where the parents can opt to wait for a few weeks to see the baby's personality before naming the child, cats must be named more quickly.

So how does an owner actually name his pet cat? Here are some tips which cat owners can give some thought.

First off, keep in mind that the name that the owner chooses for his pet cat will not only reflect the cat's character but also how the owner views his relationship with his pet cat. As much as it says a lot about the cat, the name given by the owner will tell much about the owner himself. It can then be seen how the name can portray an image of the characteristics of the cat. Many cat names give either a positive or negative impression of the cat. So, it is important to choose a name which will best convey the proper image of the pet.

A cat's name is for keeps. No matter which name the owner chooses, the cat's name should be that for the rest of his life. It is absolutely not fair to change the cat's name every two weeks just because the owner finds another name he thinks he might prefer. If the cat already recognizes the sound of its name it should not be changed.

Although the cat won't mind any name its owner may wish to use, it is just not fair to give the cat an embarrassing name. While the cat would not mind being named "Ooga Booga", it would be embarrassing for the owner to actually use this name. Imagine a person calling out "Ooga Booga" at least eight times a day every time he is looking for his cat. The cat's owner should find his pet a name which he will be proud to use. Also please remember to pick a name which will be appropriate when your cat is full-grown. A large tabby cat with a silly name like Mimi or Kitten seems ridiculous.

A name with two syllables will do best. The response of animals is better to two-syllable names. A cat owner may decide to give his pet a long name as well as a nick name. However, the longer name inevitably would be shortened, and this would probably ruin the effect the cat owner originally sought.

The cat's breed heritage may provide great ideas for names. For instance, if the cat owner owns a Siamese cat, why not name it Siam? If the cat is a Russian Blue, it would be nice to give it a Russian-sounding or Russian inspired name such as Sofia or Chekov.

Speaking of inspiration, there are a lot of things out there from which you can gain inspiration. As was said earlier, the name the owner gives his cat will speak just as much about himself. So why not pick a name for the cat which is derived from the owner's likes, hobbies and favorites? If the owner were passionate about world history, maybe the names Isis, Genghis, Voltaire or Osiris would sound very classy. If the owner were an avid fan of the Greek mythology the names Zeus, Athena, Hercules or Jason would be sure to make a good first impression on other people.

On the more contemporary side, names of characters from favorite movies, cartoon series, TV programs or bands will do just as well. Huey, Louie and Duey would sound cute as well as Bonnie and Clyde. A more posh touch would be naming your cat after signature designers. Tommy, Donna, Karan, Calvin and Gianni would not sound so bad for cats--just as long as they are well groomed as their names imply. Naming cats is not the easiest task there is, honestly. But it can be a lot of fun if these considerations and suggestions are always kept in mind. Then no doubt, that perfect name will come easily. Wouldn't it be great for an owner to call his pet cat a name which is close to his heart and a name he will be proud to call out no matter what time of the day?

To read about tiger facts and cat facts, visit the Animals Facts site.

Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap, a Friend at Your Door Step

2009-01-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

By: James Winsoar

Are you a cat lover? If so how many cats do you have? Is your cat good at home? Well, Of course, it is really very easy answering such questions, when raised by someone or other.
But what would be the answer if the question falls the other way round, such as, is your cat really secure? Does your cat return home safely at nights, without any rashes or bruises that are indeed created by other cats?
Are you sure, that your loveable cat alone eats the quality cat food that you have bought to her with at most care and affection? Most of the cat lovers would be finding it difficult to answer these questions.
Indeed these are the daily problems faced by cat lovers. These questions make the cat lovers feel worried about their dearest pets, creating a mourning atmosphere in their minds.
Sometimes it's really hard to experience situations when the pet leaves the home and stays lost for two to three days. Is there a remedy for all these hard moments? If at all there is a solution, will it guarantee on the safety and security of the pet? Or are there any permanent solutions for all these problems to come to an end.
Can your cat be safe from being bullied by other stray cats? Can your cat be safe in indoor without escaping, if the weather outside is very terrible and violent? The answer for all these questions is so easy, and it is as simple as looking for sweet in a sugar factory. Of course, the answer for this is a big "YES!".
The antidote for all these physical and environmental threats that are literally experienced by the owner and the pet has now come to light. The product is a nascent technology launched in our markets, which can be readily put to working status. It is what we call as PETPORTE CAT FLAP.
The Microchip Petporte Catflap is a great remedy for cat lovers and to keep other cats out. It exists to provide advanced animal access systems to make both cats and their owners lives better.
This is a Collarless technology, which indeed keeps the pet away from hard and rough collars which leaves a mark on the neck of the pet.
Petporte Catflap was invented and patented by one of the Guernsey's leading vets, who wishes to remain nameless, which is just a series of inventions that will be coming onto the market intended to make your life, and your cat's life, more enjoyable.
Petporte is the first Catflap in the world to prevent other cats from entering your home and recognizing your cat without the need for cat electronic, magnetic cat collar attachments, heavy collar tags, restrictive collars and infra red.
The owner of the pet need not worry because there are no harmful magnetic fields or infra red light emitted from the device that could make the pet sick, this product is highly reliable and secure and there is no danger involved in it at all.
Pet Porte, indeed will be friendly equipment for the safety of the pet. The Pet Porte product is not at all complicated, and it's really very simple and ready for use, most probably the user of this Pet Porte product will not require you to constantly refer to the manual, because the whole technology works using just two simple buttons, one in red and the other in green.
Only the cats which have been previously programmed by the microchip gains access through the highly tensile magic door.
In the PetPorte Catflap there are two distinct modes worth mentioning.
The modes of operation that are likely to be used here are the VET MODE and the NIGHT MODE:
The vet mode is most commonly used in order to keep the pet indoor due to some specific reasons. And night mode uses a little more advanced technology, in which the magic door gets automated according to the light intensity of the outside atmosphere, thus it remains locked at nights, and of course the pet will always have access through the Catflap when it is outside the house. Thus these multimodal operations make Petporte Catfap unique from all the other Catflaps.
Now, while discussing about the initial steps of installation procedures, makes one feel that Petporte Catflap, is designed with at most simplicity and a product that shows a great deal of flexibility.
Programming the Petporte is again a very short and simple process, as there are no complex steps involved, indeed the whole installation is only a single step process.
The owner has to just press and hold the green button (beep sound is heard) and then the pet is made to pass through the magic door under the range of the sensor porch (beep sound is heard again).That is all the owner has to do, in order to finish with the programming process, in this same method an average of 32 different cats (approx) can be programmed.
There may be a question arising among the users that what actually happens when the pet is made to pass through the Petporte. This is nothing but, when the pet is passed through the Petporte the intelligent sensors present in the body of the Catflap recognizes the existing microchip ID implants, so this method is highly secure and reliable and its clearly evident from this fact that stray cats will never find an entry into the house .
This adorable product uses an adapter that is fixed directly to the power supply, rather than using batteries which may run out frequently or unexpectedly .The power supply that enters this Catflap is very safe, and its not at all harmful for the pet in any means, here there are no chances of short circuits or earth line problems, even if the pet chews or pounces on the lead insulated cables, as the voltage is very less and it's only around twelve volts. Thus the information in Petporte's memory is left as it is even if there happens to be a sudden power failure.
The major characteristics of the magic door that is used in the Petporte is that its highly tensile and strong as it has the capacity to withstand the pouncing/attacks ,even if it is created by the toughest cat around on the streets.
As the door is connected to the mains power, the magic door opens/closes at the blink of an eye, i.e. in just few microseconds, so that you're lovable cat can enjoy its play with the Petporte, even if she/he loves to dash in and out frequently.
The Petporte is friendly device to your pet, and it is designed in such a way that, there will not be any possibilities in which the tail or the paws of the pet getting stuck. Eventually there are no possibilities for other stray cats to enter, thus making your cat feel free and relaxed at all times.
The Petporte Catflap has many salient features which makes it unique and reliable when compared to all the other Catflaps. In fact the other Catflaps such as traditional, magnetic and infrared flaps have their own disadvantages at different situations.
Firstly, while discussing about the features of the traditional cat flaps, when used and kept under observation for few days causes many drastic moments. The result is that within one night the owner can see his house ruined i.e. his carpets torn and scrambled, urine all over the wall, the cat food missing from its tray, the pet left with the marks of being bullied-all these are the nonsense created by the non others, but the stray cats. Thus these are the adverse effects caused when traditional type flaps are used.
Secondly, comes the magnetic Catflaps kind of flaps, all the pets which exist with magnetic collars can gain access through the door, this is a major drawback. And the other issue is that, magnetic collars are heavily and tight, that makes the pet feel uncomfortable.
Thirdly comes the infrared Catflaps, these Flaps have sensors both at the transmitting and receiving ends and the door opens only if the sensor in the collar points directly to the sensor on the door. These Infrared Catflaps are expensive too, indeed the amount of complexity involved in these methods are more .Finally all these demerits or disadvantages experienced when using other Catflaps are in turn changed into an advantage, merit or a positive point when Petporte Microchip Catflap is used.
ADVANTAGES INVOLVED IN USING PETPORTE
The Microchip Petporte Catflap was invented with lots of advantages in it like,The irritation caused by the collar on a cat can be averted by the use of the cats existing microchip.With the help of locking mechanism, stray cat can be kept away from dearest cats.To understand a cat need better, this has been purely invented by a vet, therefore the cat needs can be catered much efficiently by use of Microchip Petporte Catflap.
The pains of bringing a cat at nights it's not an issue, by the use of Microchip Petporte Catflap the light level will be detected automatically and thereby your cats can sub sequentially brought into house at nights.
With the presence of Microchip Petporte Catflap, you will be able to know, if your cat inside the house or elsewhere, the beeping system of Pet Port will make you aware of the presence of your cat inside the house. You can easily switch the beep off if you want to.
The presence of magnetic latch in the Microchip Petporte Catflap, keeps the flap intact when the wind blows thus protecting the cats from getting hurt.
The simple two button operation mechanism Microchip Petporte Catflap, gives a full control over cats world.
Microchip Petporte Catflap allows you to program up to 32 cats of your choice and only the cats which are programmed can be under the scrutiny.
The programmable microchip within Microchip Petporte Catflap prevents the loss of information about cat during a short circuit or power failure.
All of this comes under low voltage intake with no batteries to replace so your cat can always come back inside.
This product is cat friendly where the doors are specially designed and makes it virtually impossible for your cat to get its paws stuck in the door. Hence the Petporte Microchip Catflap is a divine product that has been launched in the markets in order to quench the thirst of worried cat lovers, and this is a great time for those cat lovers to make full use of this great product.
The product has satisfied the customers whomsoever use the Petporte, thus making the users feel comfortable and relaxed at nights rather than worrying about their pets, since there is a friend there at the door step giving at most security to the loveable pets.
Get yours from http://www.microchipcatflaps.co.uk/ - a website recommended by Cats Protection and Your Cat magazine.

32 year old cat lover from Nottingham, England. Website: Microchip Cat Flaps Ltd.

Show Your Love for Your Cat by Feeding Him/her Nutritional Cat Foods and Avoiding Bad Cat Foods

2009-01-20T23:15:00.000-08:00

By: Ike Lowe

When you visit a supermarket to purchase food for your family and you see a new product that you think might be a healthy choice, your first decision is to read the label to identify the ingredients and decide if the ingredients are healthy for your family.

Don’t you think it would be prudent to read cat food labels and determine whether it’s a bad cat food or a nutritional cat food? A cat food with any of their first five ingredients listed as a carbohydrate is bad cat food and it is harming your cat.

However, most cat owners fail to read cat food labels and as a result, you feed your cats many bad cat foods with harmful ingredients that are causing premature cat deaths.

Since most cat caregivers consider their feline friends as family members, don’t you think you should show them the same consideration? Feeding your cat bad cat food that leads to premature cat deaths is not showing love for your cat.

Cats are carnivores and their physiology demands a meat-based diet as this will closely mimic their natural diet. It’s imperative that you remember and abide by guidelines that will benefit your cat and help him/her realize their longevity. Bad cat foods will not do this but nutritional cat foods will.

Such foods as carbohydrates will damage your cats’ digestive system and cause food related diseases that will severely shorten his life. These are not nutritional cat foods but rather bad cat foods and they are the main cause of premature cat deaths

For your educational benefit as well as your cats’ lives, let’s take a look at some cat foods and examine their ingredients.

Avoderm

Use of Carbohydrates which include;

Oat Bran and Rice Flour also included is

Avocado oil and Guar gum

Oat bran is the outer husk of the oat grain – it is a carbohydrate.

Rice flour is a form of flour made from finely milled rice – another carbohydrate.

Avocado oil is oil pressed from the fruit of avocados. The fruit, leaves, bark and seeds of avocados have been reported as being toxic to cats. The toxic component in avocado is “Persin” which is a fatty acid preservative. Oat bran, rice flour, avocado oil and guar gum are all bad cat food ingredients

Eukanuba

Use of Carbohydrates which include;

Brewers Rice and Corn Grits also

includes Beef-by-Product, Dried Egg

Product, Dried Beet Pulp and Menadione

Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite

Brewers rice and corn grits are starchy carbohydrates with no nutritional benefit to cats

Beef by-product is the parts of the cow other than muscle meat. It could be organs and skin. Its origin is Rendering Plants.

Dried Beet Pulp is free from crowns and leaves extracted from the process of manufacturing sugar. It’s mostly used as a filler in cat food.

Dried Egg Product – Cheap source of protein - waste product of the egg industry. It could include undeveloped eggs, shells and other tissue deemed unfit for humans. Brewers rice, corn grits, beef by-products, dried egg products, dried beet pulp and MDB are all bad cat food ingredients.

Fancy Feast

Use of a Carbohydrate; Wheat Gluten

also includes Meat by-Product and

Menadione Sodium Bisulfite

Wheat Gluten - The tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when wheat is washed to remove the starch. Wheat gluten is a cheap by-product of human food processing, the starchy liquid left after washing wheat. It is used mostly to bind food together. Wheat gluten is included in a number of human food products, as well as pet foods. Contaminated wheat gluten from China has been found responsible for a large number of the reported sicknesses and death of pets from melamine toxicity.

Meat by-product – Is the product that’s derived from Rendering Plants; road-kill, and the four Ds (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) and decaying animals flesh.

I’ve already explained what menadione derivatives are.

Wheat gluten, meat by-products and MSB are all bad cat food ingredients.

Friskies

Use of Meat by-Products, Poultry

Giblets, Poultry and Bone Meal,

Vegetable Gums and Onion Salt,

I’ve already defined meat by-products earlier and we all know what poultry giblets are, correct? In case you don’t know, it’s the gizzards and hearts of chickens and turkeys provided that’s their origin but we don’t really know, they could come from buzzards as their source is not identified.

Bone Meal is another unidentified ingredient. It could come from the five Ds (dead, dying, diseased, disabled and decaying) animals that are products of Rendering Plants.

Vegetable Gum is another carbohydrate and its main purpose is a thickener or binder and it serves no nutritional purpose for cats and it could be toxic.

Onion Salt – No form of garlic or onion should be used in cat foods. Onions contain Thiosulphate which is toxic to cats.

Meat by-products, poultry giblets, poultry and bone meal, vegetable gums and onion salt are all bad cat food ingredients.

The above cat foods and their ingredients are a mere sample of what’s available as cat foods. Now that you have some information to improve you cats’ diet, use it and your cat will appreciate you taking their health into consideration.

Stop feeding your cat bad cat foods that are harming them. Stop buying bad food for your cats and lining the pockets of commercial cat food companies because they are laughing at how uninformed cat owners really are by actually purchasing the stuff they call food and feeding it to your pets.

It’s unbelievable that caring pet owners could actually create a market for bad cat food. If we don’t stop buying bad cat foods and start feeding our cats nutritional cat foods, our cats’ mortally rate will continue to skyrocket.

Since uninformed cat caregivers are the ones that created the market for bad cat food, what do you think would happen to the commercial cat food companies if suddenly cat caregivers became informed and stopped buying their bad cat foods?

They would stop making bad cat foods and begin making nutritional cat foods or go out of business.

Most cat caregivers are not that responsible. They have refused to stop buying bad cat foods and each year the commercial cat food company’s profits continue to increase. At this rate, the pet food industry will never act responsible enough to produce nutritional cat foods.

Because of convenience, cat caregivers buy bad cat foods that are loaded with toxins. A bag of dry cat food is killing your cat but do you care? Do you prefer your convenience over providing your cat with nutritional cat food?

The commercial cat food industry is banking on their research and it suggests that cat caregivers are uninformed relative to nutritional cat foods and they are more concerned with their convenience. Therefore, there is no incentive for the commercial cat food industry to produce nutritional cat foods so they will continue producing cheap and bad cat foods and you will continue buying it and they will continue laughing all the way to the banks and your cats will continue dying prematurely

Cat Care During Cold Weather

2009-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

By Jeff Boo

In spite of the fact that a cat has an external covering of fur coat which is supposed to keep it warm, the fur coat may provides little protection during the cold winter. Have you ever experienced the coldness during very cold weather even with your winter coat on? If yes, you should be able to understand how freezing cold your cat could feel if you leave it unprotected for some time. This is not something that can be taken lightly as the coldness may leads to hypothermia, and when such medical condition get worst, it can be life threatening.

It is important for you to be aware where your feline is during very cold winter. If your cat has the habit of answering to the call of nature outdoor, make sure it is back in the house within minutes. Kittens, cats suffering from any illness or cats with thin covering of fur coat should be restricted from getting out of the house. Try using litter box in the house during cold days. Make sure your feline's fur coat stays dry during this period, and if for whatever reasons it get itself drenched, make sure you dry it immediately even it happened indoor.

It is the best option to keep your pet indoor during cold days. Make sure it cannot find its way out to the cold world because if it gets too far and the visibility is down to a few meters due to heavy snowing, your pet would stand a high chance of loosing its way home. And if it is out in such freezing environment for too long, the risk of capturing hypothermia will definitely be high.

So what exactly is hypothermia? Well it is a medical condition resulted from extreme coldness which could lead to malfunction of organs in the body. If your cat is exposed to extremely cold temperature, frostbite might occur as its body needs to warm up the important organs by shutting down less important body parts. Observe your cat carefully and if its movement starts to slow down, body begins to shiver and breathing becomes shallower, it most probably suffering from hypothermia. Do what it takes to gently warm your pet up or else, it would eventually pass out and die.

To make your cat warm will be good for it but it is best advice not to do it too quickly like putting directly into warm water. A quick sudden increase in temperature will only do more harm. Warm your feline's body slowly by covering its body with warm blanket and providing it with warmer environment. You may also use a hairdryer, but make sure you turn the setting to a lower mode and do not get too near to avoid burning its body. Ensure that your cat has really warm up and that you have covered its body with enough protection from cold before you take it out of the house to visit the vet.

You may have ensured that all doors and windows are closed, but cats being cats still stand a chance of getting out of the house. Remember to check out your pet cat frequently and observe its behavior to see if it is shivering from the coldness. If your feline is showing any symptom of being cold, warm its body slowly by using the tips as mentioned. This advice is crucial to the life of your pet.

Any responsible cat owner will provide the best care for his or her feline. Learn more about the caring of pet cats from the experts at http://www.catcare.expertreviewslist.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Boo

The Adventures of Songha - Wonderful Children's (and Cat Lovers) Book!

2009-01-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

By Glenda Bixler

Cat-Lover Alert! Check out The Adventures of Songha by Linda R. Caterine and bow to the beauty of "The African Queen!"

With a beautiful cover featuring Songha by Robert Knight and fascinating sketches by William Dye throughout the book, Linda Caterine has created both an informative and exciting children's book. If you are a cat lover, like I am-you'll love it, no matter what age!

Songha is a Savannah cat, who comes from Kalahari, an African desert. Her father, Rafu Dubwana, who, now lives in America, is an African Serval Leopard. Once breeded, his daughter, Songha became "one of a kind." This is her story!

If this story is not totally true, it is this reviewer's guess that it is "almost" true and based upon the antics of Songha. You see, there is one important thing that differentiates Songha. She is half-wild and even though her mother was domesticated, her "wild side" just has to come out some time!

So, although she is greatly loved by her human family and by her companion, Simba, who also has a leopard ancestry, Songha has one great desire-to run free and learn about her kingdom! And, indeed, on every occasion possible, she has managed to escape her home!

First, she had to meet George, a long-haired gray Persian, who wanted nothing to do with Songha-not that Songha cared much, except she had seen that the Persian was able to go in and out of the house through a small door! Songha planned on going through that door as well! In fact, she had been quite perturbed to know that George was able to go out, while, she the Queen, was not!

At last Songha made it through the door! But then she was caught by a shape-shifter! The next time, she met Jacques Cousteau and with his guidance, she met everybody in the neighborhood, who later became her friends...and subjects of her kingdom...

Why? Because they saw or heard about her amazing skills-she could do things that none of them could do! And, because she had saved them from "El Diablo!"

Caterine entertains us with poetry and prose as she shares the adventures of Songha:

...No one has seen him to this day
And no one knows his fate,
And now my little Kingdom's safe
There are no more complaints
El Diablo is a "Legend"
And my friends think I'm a "Saint..."

This rare exotic cat will win your heart! She may retain some of that wildness, but who among us does not admire and rejoice in seeing the great cat beasts of the world. This one of a kind cat, now "somewhat" domesticated has much to give to human families.

Come, learn of the Savannah cat-in The Adventures of Songha by Linda Caterine. This would be a wonderful holiday gift for your children...and plan on reading it for your own enjoyment! I know I did!

The Adventures of Songha:

The Amazing Savannah Cat
By Linda R. Caterine
AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-4343-8361-7
66 Pages

G. A. Bixler is co-owner of an online review site of Independent Professional Book Reviewers. She has over 40 years experience in educational administration and publishing. New or well-known, self-published, or small press authors are all welcomed! Compare our prices to other professional book review sites!

http://www.Bookreviewers.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glenda_Bixler

Why Does My Cat Have a Urinary Blockage and What Can I Do About It?

2009-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

By Stephen Jones

If you notice that only drops of urine come out at a time when your cat tries to urinate and he is urinating a lot more often than usual, he may be suffering from a cat urinary blockage.

The symptoms of a blockage in cat are many but some of the most common ones are a complete cessation of urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. There are a variety of factors that can cause cat urinary blockage. Some are prostate gland infection in male cats, stones, a tumor, and crystals.

Crystals and stones are common in male cats because their urethras are long and narrow, making it easier for crystals and stones to form. Male cats also deal with prostate gland infections. Since the prostate wraps around the urethra, when it is swollen it can prevent urine flow. The symptoms of a blockage in cat are quite painful.

Your cat may not exhibit many signs of being in pain so you need to keep an eye out for particular symptoms that point to a problem. If you see blood in your cat's urine, your cat's urine smells foul, your cat only lets out drops of urine at a time, or your cat is straining to urinate, it's essential that you take action immediately. It's important that you take your cat to the vet to diagnose the problem at once. If your cat stops urinating for even a couple of days, he can die. In order to prevent that from happening, immediate diagnosis and treatment is imperative.

Your vet will do some tests to find out what is causing the cat urinary blockage. Once that is figured out, your vet will either have to remove the blockage through surgery, manually, or by dissolving it with a special diet.

Depending on the severity of the issue, you have to choose an appropriate treatment with your vet. However, it doesn't stop there. The symptoms of a blockage in cat may go away after treatment but the problem will only come back to haunt you and your cat unless you make preventive treatment a priority. The best preventive treatment for cat urinary blockage is homeopathy.

Homeopathic remedies contain ingredients that are known to alleviate the symptoms of urinary problems and prevent blockages by maintaining a healthy pH level in the urinary tract and promoting the free flow of urine.

Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi. Also give your cat vitamin C everyday to prevent cat urinary blockage altogether. By taking these simple steps, you will be able to keep your cat healthy and blockage free for the rest of his nine lives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Jones

Tips to Healthy Firm Cat and Dog Stool

2009-01-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

By Rebecca Shelly

Runny stools or diarrhea are one of the most common problems seen in our pets. Digestive disorders can be a result of a change in diet, food allergies, virus, overeating, toxic substances like garbage or rotten food, unknown objects, diseases like cancer, and parasites.

One of the most important things you can do for your pet to maintain firm cat and dog stools are to provide a healthy diet. Never feed your pet chocolates, spicy food, people food or milk. Make sure they have ample water and plenty of exercise to help keep his bowel movements regular and relieve stress.

If your dog or cat has diarrhea that is persistent or lasts more than a couple of days seek medical advice. Your pet can become dehydrated, or there could be a blockage which can be life threatening. Other signs to look for which would require immediate veterinarian services would be fever, pain, vomiting, blood in the diarrhea, lethargy, depression, weight Loss, dehydration and loss of appetite.

Treatment

If no cause has been found that requires medical treatment for your pet's runny stools or diarrhea you may want to introduce a raw diet. Cooked over processed food and pasteurized milk all can be detrimental to the health of our animals. Treating your pet for loose stools could be as simple as giving our pets the diet that they were designed to eat. Gradually introduce raw, unprocessed food in small amounts while reducing canned foods.

To help your pet maintain healthy firm cat and dog stools a homeopathic veterinarian might prescribe plantago major, alchemilla vulgaris or a combination of these and other herbs and botanical extracts. All of these are well known tonics for treating and preventing digestive disorders.

Prevention & Maintenance

Runny stools or diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of something else going on with the stomach or intestinal tract and there are many home remedies to help correct an irregular digestive problem, if no medical problem exists.

If you are now using a regular veterinarian, consider switching to a holistic vet. They are usually more aware of the stress that a vet visit causes an animal. They avoid over-immunizations and help you learn to support your pets' digestive system.

Rebecca Shelly has been researching alternative health conditions for pets for many years. She is a regular contributor to Natural Pet Health a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet health on the market today. If you're looking for an alternative to harsh medications for your pet, visit the site to learn more.

Visit us now to learn more about Digestive Health and why we choose this natural remedy above all others after extensive product research.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Shelly

Holistic Cat Care For Feline Urinary Tract Infections - Ten Benefits For Your Furry Friend

2009-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

By Darlene L. Norris

Let me ask you a simple question: do you know what holistic cat care is? And do you know why natural remedies for pets are the best way to treat feline bladder infections? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.

What Is Holistic Cat Care?

Holistic medicine is a different way of looking at illness. Conventional medicine treats the symptoms of cat urinary problems, but doesn't address why your pet is showing these symptoms.

Holistic practitioners, on the other hand, look at the animal as a whole, not just as a urinary tract. Holistic pet care follows the principle that your cat's body is able to maintain a balance that protects her from disease and helps her to heal herself. If this balance is disturbed, your cat gets sick. The holistic approach is to restore this balance.

Our pets are exposed to many toxins in their food, from the environment, and even in the grooming products you use on them. Choosing to use only natural food and pet supplies will go a long way toward keeping your kitty healthy and protecting her from a feline bladder infection.

Ten Benefits Of Natural Cat Care

Feeding your cat a natural diet reduces her exposure to artificial coloring agents and preservatives which can upset her system. Better nutrition will help her to resist feline urinary tract infections.
A high-quality natural diet will prevent health problems like allergies, digestive problems, and cat urinary problems.
Less stress in your cat's life will help her to stay healthy. Try to identify stressful situations she may be facing. Is she having territory issues with another cat? Is she lonely? Exercise can also help to lower her stress levels, too, as well as keeping her in shape.
With excellent natural pet care, your kitty will live a long happy life.
If your pet doesn't feel well, her quality of life won't be as good. Natural cat care will improve your feline friend's quality of life by helping her to stay healthy.
If your kitty should suffer an injury or illness, she'll heal faster. Ingredients in natural remedies for pets are absorbed better, which aids in the healing process.
By using natural products for pets, you'll reduce your own exposure to toxins. You and your family are exposed to the ingredients in the products you use on your cat.
Natural products are more earth-friendly than conventional remedies. They break down quickly, and don't leave harmful residues in the environment,
You'll save time by not having to take your kitty to the vet as often. With natural cat care, you'll be treating the source of feline bladder infection, not just the symptoms, which will help prevent new feline urinary tract infections from developing.
And, finally, you'll be saving money in the long run by avoiding expensive products that can lead to more health problems for your cat.

The Best Natural Remedies For Pets

It can be overwhelming to try to choose the best natural remedy for your pet from the many on the market. Look for a product that's specially formulated for pets, not people. Deal only with a company that has a great reputation for producing the highest-quality pet remedies. Read testimonials from other pet owners who have used the product, too.

Believe me, once you've started to use holistic cat care, you'll see an amazing improvement in your cat's health, as well as preventing feline urinary tract infections.

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Learn how to avoid feline urinary tract infections, and find the best place to buy herbal pet remedies at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_L._Norris

What Makes Cat Dander a Problem?

2009-01-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

By J Rodgers

Cat dander is a carrier mechanism for cat allergens, which is bad enough. But there are several additional aspects to be considered.

First, even one cat produces enough dander to be a plentiful food source for dust mites. Dust mites serve as a secondary source of allergens through their droppings and their dead, dried up carcasses. Not only should the impact of cat allergens and dander be considered, but also the effects of increased dust mites.

If you've ever noticed dust in a shaft of sunlight the particles you were seeing were typically in the 50-micron size. Under ideal conditions the unaided human eye might be able to see particles as small as 10 microns.

Approximately 75% of cat dander particles are 5 to 10 microns and 25% are 2.5 microns or smaller. Particles that size do not readily settle out of the air. They are also easily disturbed and become airborne.

Cat Dander and House Cleaning are Dangerous

This is a real problem when doing house cleaning or when actively seeking to remove dander. Studies show that vacuum cleaners easily aerosolize cat allergen on floors and carpets to critical levels. In clinical studies of asthma, a nebulizer may be used to provoke an asthmatic response of a 20% Fall in Expiratory Volume (FEV). The quantity of allergen aerosolized would be on the order of 40 nanograms per cubic meter of air. Studies have shown that cleaning and vacuuming produced this same level of contaminant per volume of air.

For asthmatic persons, exposures to cat allergen during household cleaning could result in a trip to the emergency room, or the morgue, depending on their control of their asthma. It is recommended that any household with a cat use a high quality HEPA vacuum.

Effectiveness in controlling cat allergen can vary widely depending on the HEPA vacuum. The best HEPA vacuums keep airborne allergen to a bare minimum.

Cat Dander Damages Lungs

The size of cat dander particles puts them in the category of lung penetrating particles, particles that easily transport to the innermost recesses of the lungs. Since they are not just particulate irritants but immunological irritants, they can do significant cumulative damage.

Chest X-rays of allergic individuals have found that long-term exposure to cat dander results in nodules forming inside the lungs. Reduced lung function and permanent lung damage result from this kind of long-term exposure to an allergenic lung-penetrating particle.

This should be of special concern to parents of cat allergic children, because children's lungs are still growing and are even more sensitive to airborne contaminants. Children also consume larger volumes of air per body weight than do adults, so contaminants have a more pronounced effect on children due to the higher concentrations that accumulate in their bodies.

The particle size of cat dander also presents a challenge because at that size range particles tend to stick to surfaces by molecular adhesion. Molecular adhesion renders particles especially sticky. For this reason, once a surface or clothing is contaminated with cat allergen it tends to stay contaminated until vigorous cleaning has been performed. More than light dusting is required; scrubbing and using chemical cleaners is the best way to remove them.

The stickiness of cat allergen has resulted in cat allergen being found in homes, schools, offices, and government buildings where cats have never been. Riding in on the clothes of cat owners, cat allergen constitutes an all-pervasive background that may be sufficient to cause allergic reactions.

What is the Best Air Purifier for Cat Dander?

A HEPA filter air purifier is the best choice for reducing airborne dander. HEPA's 99.97% filtration at 0.3 micron makes them the perfect air purifiers for pet dander.

The possibility of increased adhesion to lung tissues of lung penetrating particles that have been negatively charged should dissuade the consumer from purchasing a negative air ionizer air cleaner.

Ionic air cleaners that generate ozone and ozone generators should be avoided. Ozone causes increased sensitivity to allergens and makes airborne cat allergen all the more potent to the unwary consumer. Ozone will not clean particles from the air.

Electrostatic precipitators are about 80% efficient with clean, unloaded plates. Efficiency can drop to below 20% in as few as three days due to plate loading, thus requiring constant maintenance cleaning. An allergic person should not perform this maintenance cleaning. Concentrated allergens could provoke a severe reaction if inhaled while trying to clean the plates. Cat allergen can also cause skin rashes in allergic persons who come in physical contact with it.

The only air purifier to remove pet dander safely and effectively is a HEPA filter air purifier.

If you would like to know more about the best air purifiers for pet dander then please allow me to share with you the top ten purifiers featured on my site.

From J Alan Rodgers - The Air Purifier Expert at http://www.Home-Air-Purifier-Guide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Rodgers

Stop Cat Behavior Problems With "Complete Cat Training"

2009-01-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

By Johnny Moon

You Can Correct Your Cat's Behavior Problems

Cat behavior problems can take away a lot of the joy of having a pet cat. And worst of all it can sometimes be very confusing on how you go about stopping those behavior problems. A lot of people are under the misconception that only dogs can be trained and that behavior problems with cats are impossible to fix but that's not true. You just need to know how to go about doing it.

Common Cat Behavior Problems

Excessive meowing, whining, and/or howling.
Aggression (towards people or other cats.)
Jumping onto places he should not (such as a table.)
Getting into the trash.
Urinating or defecating somewhere besides the litter box.
Biting & scratching.
General disobedience.

The Solution

The "Complete Cat Training" guide explains in step by step detail exactly how to stop all of the above behavior issues (and others as well.) It also explains how you can train your cat to follow various commands. Yes, cats can be trained to do "tricks" just as dogs can. It's a misconception that cats are not trainable in this way.

Who Wrote "Complete Cat Training" ?

Paula Robb. Paula is an expert on cats. In specific she's an expert on cat obedience which is why the methods in her guide are so effective at stopping all cat behavior issues.

"Complete Cat Training" Features

Solve all cat behavior problems.
Information on how to teach your cat to be more calm. This is great information if your cat tends to be very nervous and not very social.
Info on how to stop territorial aggression.
Instant online download.

Complete Cat Training is the top ranked guide for stopping all cat behavior problems. CLICK HERE to learn more (including how you can download this guide to your computer right now.)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_Moon

How to Prevent Cat Bladder Stones

2009-01-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

By John Paduchak
Cat bladder stones, or uroliths, are rock-like accumulations of minerals in your cat's bladder or urinary tract. They can irritate your cat's bladder and cause bleeding. They can also lead to a complete blockage of your cat's urine flow. If left untreated, bladder stones can be fatal for your cat.

A cat bladder stone is usually caused by a bad diet or infection. Both of these issues can be easily prevented at home. While there is no home treatment for dissolving bladder stones, you can prevent them from recurring by making some changes to your cat's lifestyle and habits.

Before you resort to these preventive treatments for cat bladder stones however, make sure your cat gets taken to a vet for prompt treatment. Even going 2-3 days without urinating will cause your cat's bladder to burst and could kill him.

The symptoms of a cat bladder stone include blood in the urine and straining to urinate. Your vet will make the diagnosis by doing X-rays. The stones will be dissolved or removed either through surgery, manipulation, or a special diet.

To prevent the formation of cat bladder stones, you should ask your vet to analyze the stones removed for their chemical composition. By doing so, your vet can determine if a special diet can help prevent them.

For example, many stones are made up of magnesium. The obvious step you can take is to give your dog food that is low in magnesium. If a bacterial infection caused the formation of a cat bladder stone, give your cat natural food.

Food that is high in carbohydrates and minerals can alter the pH level of your cat's urine. When the pH level of your cat's urine is not balanced, it can make it easier for bacteria to flourish and stones to form. That's why it's important to give your cat natural food that is high in protein.

Most commercial cat food is grain-based because grains are cheap. Your cat will pay the price however. In addition to giving your cat healthy, natural food, give her plenty of fresh, filtered water. Water prevents the urine from thickening thus makes it harder for bacteria to flourish and stones to form.

Cat bladder stones can also be prevented with the regular administration of a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathy is completely safe and side effect free. Look for a commercially prepared formula that contains ingredients like uva ursi, berberis vulgaris, and cantharis.

Uva ursi is a well-known urinary tonic that helps to maintain normal pH levels in the urinary tract. Berberis vulgaris has a restorative effect on the bladder and urinary tract while cantharis maintains a healthy flow of urine and soothes the bladder.

In order to prevent cat bladder stones, follow these simple tips. By making these easy lifestyle changes, your cat won't have to suffer unnecessarily and you will save a lot on medical bills.

John Paduchak is a pet enthusiast and webmaster of http://pet-bladder-health.com and http://mariespetshop.com Throughout his life, John grew up on a 140 acre farm in upstate NY and had pet friends of many varieties. Now he currently has 3 cats, freshwater tropical fish, & 4 hermit crabs that he shares with his daughter, Marie. A strong supporter of naturopathy for pets he publishes articles on their care and training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Paduchak

Choosing a Cat Breed - Which Cat Breed is Right For You?

2009-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

By Julia S. Tuson
There are so many cat breeds to choose from that it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. The best cat breed for you will depend on what you are looking for in your new companion.

One main consideration is whether you want a cat to have in your home as a pet or one that you let go outside. Furthermore, cat temperament differs from breed to breed. You'll need to ask yourself what personality and mannerism you are looking for in your new cat.

According to the international Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance, there are over 70 different cat breeds. However, the most popular cat breeds are: Siamese, Abyssinian, Burmese, Egyptian Mau, and Persian.

Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 5 in the entire breed of cats. Siamese cats are generally believed to be highly intelligent cats.
The body of the Siamese is a light color and the face, tail, paws, and ears are darker. Siamese cats are short haired, so if you are looking for a feline companion that doesn't require an enormous amount of grooming, the Siamese might just be what you are looking for.

Abyssinian cats
Abyssinian cats are named as such because they were first imported into Europe from an African country known as Abyssinia which later became Ethiopia. Abyssinian cats are very extrovert in nature. If you want a lap cat that will lie quietly and that you can pamper at will, then the Abyssinian is probably not for you. Abyssinian cats are very quiet but playful, friendly, active and curious.

Burmese cats
If you are looking for more of an affectionate cat, a Burmese might be just what you are looking for. The Burmese is of medium size with quite a muscular body.
Burmese cats are generally inside cats as they don't seem to have any instincts to protect themselves from predators. Burmese cat are great with kids due to their quiet and easy going nature.

Egyptian Mau cats
If you are looking for a spotted cat, the Egyptian Mau cat is the way to go. They are the only natural breed that has spots. Egyptian Mau cats are very beautiful and graceful felines that are also extremely muscular. They have beautiful coats that are of medium length and can be found in various beautiful colors. The Egyptian Mau is a very smart cat that is quite active, and extremely loyal to their owners. They are a medium-sized short-haired type of cat.

Persian cats
Persian cats love to sit around and laze away the day with their owner. They are gentle, sweet tempered, and trusting. They need the attention of their owner, but they aren't obsessive about it. Persian Cats are tremendously responsive and a joy to have them around.

So which cat breed is right for me? It all depends on what you expect from your new pet. Choosing a cat breed can be a difficult task unless you know what to expect with each breed. Before picking your new kitten, make sure you know what you are looking for in your new pet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_S._Tuson

8 Ways to Tell If Your Cat Has a Urinary Tract Infection

2009-01-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

By John Paduchak
Boy, did I learn a valuable lesson. My cat was acting lethargic and strange so I got worried and took her to the veterinarian. Turns out she had a urinary tract infection that had traveled up to her kidneys! My veterinarian told me that if I had waited any longer, my poor cat would have died. That was a wake-up call for me and made me realize that in order to keep my cat safe, I needed to learn what the signs and symptoms of cat urinary infection were so I could spot it quickly. Here are 8 ways to tell if your cat has a urinary infection before it's too late.

1. If your cat is cringing in pain while urinating, this is a definite sign of cat urinary problems. It's important to know how your cat normally behaves in order to detect any unusual behavior.

2. Excessive grooming of the genitals can possibly be a sign of cat urinary infection, especially if your cat is crying while grooming.

3. Is your cat urinating more or less frequently than usual? Take note of any changes in urination patterns.

4. Dehydration can be one of the first signs of cat urinary problems so if you notice your cat drinking more water than usual, your cat could possibly be suffering from a urinary tract infection.

5. Let your cat urinate on a light-colored surface. If you see traces of blood in your cat's urine, it is most likely a sign of cat urinary infection. Take your cat to a veterinarian for immediate diagnosis.

6. If your cat is urinating outside of its litter box, it is a sign of cat urinary problems. This happens because your cat associates the pain of urinating with the litter box and therefore tries to avoid it all costs.

7. If your cat has a fever, and tender abdomen when you pick it up this is also a uti symptom you should be concerned about. Lethargy is a sign of the later stages of uti.

8. If your cat stops urinating altogether, it is a serious red flag and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. If your cat goes even 3 to 4 days without urinating, it can be fatal.

In conclusion, if you want to treat your cat's urinary tract infection before it's too late, it's important to keep abreast of these signs and symptoms. Cat urinary infection can be fatal if not treated in time. The best way to treat these symptoms however is at home with a homeopathic remedy before they spiral out of control. Your first step should be to go to a veterinarian and get a correct diagnosis. Then you can administer a homeopathic remedy and make some important lifestyle changes. By doing so, you can kill two birds with one stone and treat the infection while preventing recurrence.

John Paduchak is a pet enthusiast and webmaster of http://pet-bladder-health.com and http://mariespetshop.com Throughout his life, John grew up on a 140 acre farm in upstate NY and had pet friends of many varieties. Now he currently has 3 cats, freshwater tropical fish, & 4 hermit crabs that he shares with his daughter, Marie. A strong supporter of naturopathy for pets he publishes articles on their care and training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Paduchak

Natural Cat Diet For Your Pet

2009-01-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

Instead of giving commercial products to your cat you can stick to an all natural cat diet. Make sure that your cat has a proper feline diet and consider giving your pet all the nutrition they need. There are few different options available to you if you stick in an all natural cat diet.

In fact, you will be doing much better for your cat by providing them with a natural cat diet, because the best diets for cats are natural ones, coming as close to possible as the diet that they would eat in the world.

The reason that obesity rates are up among pets, especially in the United States, is because just as we are with ourselves, we are overfeeding our pets and as a result they are becoming overweight.

When you are planning your natural cat diet, know that cats are naturally carnivorous and have high protein requirements. The classic natural cat diet should be composed of about 60% protein, which should consist of organic ground beef, raw or cooked organic chicken, eggs once a week if desired as well as some cooked fish or other meats such as turkey, rabbit, or organ meats.

The grain content of the diet should be about 20%, and approximately 20% of the cat’s diet should be composed of vegetables which can be anything from lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, corn, or any other vegetables that you find your cat enjoys.

Instead of feeding them highly processed and artificial foods, composed of unnatural ingredients, such as soy meal, artificial colorings and flavorings and harmful preservatives, by giving them a natural cat diet you will be doing them a world of good and will quickly see just how much of an improvement is being made in terms of their health.

There is much more that you should be doing if you want to make sure that your cat is in optimal health, and more than anything this refers to exercise. Of course you generally can’t just tie a leash to your cat and take them outside for a walk as you would with a dog for instance, but there are other things you can do to make sure that your cat is getting a decent amount of exercise.

Cats are like children, they love to play. Buy toys for them or a cat treadmill, so that they can play around house.

By: Immotna Marketing

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Andy Immotna has been maintaining a number of premium membership websites that constantly provides members with highly valuable information - from internet marketing to niche topics. Also visit inf-O-asis.com for more resources.

Causes Of Aggressive Cat Behavior Between Cats

2009-01-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Aggression towards other cats and aggression towards people are the two primary kinds of aggressive cat behavior. Aggression towards other cats is primarily within a family grouping, having more than one cat in your family is prone to aggressive cat behavior. Aggressive cat behavior such as biting and scratching can be handled easily if you know the reason behind it, aggressive behavior between cats have several causes.

Territorial Aggression is very common among cats, because cats are very territorial (even more than dogs, surprisingly) and don’t like intruders into places they feel is theirs, trespassing is prohibited. This is very common in a household where an older cat is expected to welcome the intrusion of a new cat or kitten. It also happens outside, when a neighbor cat dares to trespass into your cat’s yard. This aggressive cat behavior will be noticed by chasing and ambushing the other cat, and a lot of hissing and swatting if there is contact between the two.

Inter-male Aggression happens because of the hierarchy that is natural among animals. It can be part of a sexual challenge for a female or to raise one’s status in the cat hierarchy. While neutered males are less apt to fight this way, they, too, can have inter-male aggression, particularly if neutered later in life. The behavior seen with this type of aggressive cat behavior is body posturing, staring, howling, yowling, and stalking each other. They two can fight, trying to bite each other’s neck or scratch their underbelly. It can all of a sudden stop – the two will separate and move away a bit – and then happen again right away – or they will just walk away.

Defensive Aggression is typical of a situation where the cat is trying to protect itself, like they are saying “don’t hurt me or even look like you will or I’ll hurt you”. For example, if you’ve ever tried to catch a feral cat, once it feels trapped it will attack in self-defense. The behavior seen with defensive aggressive cat behavior prior to an attack has the cat crouching with the legs under the body, tail tucked in, and ears pulled back. If the threat does not go away, the cat will usually attack with nails and teeth.

Redirected Aggression is like the cat is saying “I’m mad at him, so ill hit you”. This is an aggressive cat behavior that is directed to a different breed of cat, for example, if your cat will see another cat out of the front window, he will usually attack the other family cat who was just sitting there.

By: Immotna Marketing

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Andy Immotna has been maintaining a number of premium membership websites that constantly provides members with highly valuable information - from internet marketing to niche topics. Also visit inf-O-asis.com for more resources.

Get Health Insurance For Your Cat Before It Is Too Late

2009-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Cats are curious creatures. One small they want to be petted and stroked, the next they are pleasing a thump at your hand and acting like you are shared enemy number one. Some people ardor the riddle of pet cats and other people dislike them. Love them or odium them, they are a still a normal pet and have an entirety host of potential wellbeing issues that will require veterinary thought and might have their owners considering the pros and cons of pet wellbeing assurance. When cat owners first beget their class new kitten to the vet they should have the kitten vaccinated for distemper.

Cat owners who have a cat that is ingoing into the blonde existence of its life should know that kidney breakdown is the most ordinary hindrance senior cats have to agreement with. Hairballs are regularly the very first thing cat owners think about when they rest to think possible threats to their cat's shape. Hairballs clumps of fleece that can be found in the cat's digestive scheme. Cat owners can hold food additives that will help eliminate hairball. In farthest luggage the cat will have to undergo surgery to have a hairball impassive.

Just like their owners cats can upgrade urinary piece infections. Cats who have an urinary article infection naturally cry when they are using their litter box. If a cat is suddenly "missing" the litter box and having accidents around the house it could be a precursor of an urinary piece infection. Treating the urinary article infection generally depends on the lettering of infection. After doing tests to determine the origin of the infection vets will normally put the cat on an around of antibiotics. If the infection has mushroom to the kidneys or caused an impasse burning veterinary action is needed.

Cats reserved inside do not regularly polish superior respiratory harms. Cats that have a respiratory illness often cough, sneeze, have fluid noses, discharge from the eyes, and are listless. Some cats will run a fever. Just like humans cats that have a higher respiratory illness are contagious and should be kept distinct from other cats. Cats with superior respiratory problems should be encouraged to swig masses of fluids. If your cat develops a fever take him to the veterinarian for a sequence of antibiotics. High fevers, if left natural, can front to intellect damage and fall.

Some cats are flat to getting abscesses. Abscesses wounds, sometimes small, that heal over, trapping infection under the skin. As the pus gathers a bump will emerge on the cat's skin. Cats with abscesses could be full to the veterinarian's personnel to have the abscess lanced (cut open), drained, and an antibiotic cream applied. Depending on the abscess veterinarians might stick a tube to the animal to let the pus drain. When the abscess has been drained, cleaned, and dressed the veterinarian will possibly prescribe a series of antibiotics. Some cats that have abscesses will run a fever. Much pet cats result diabetes. Many pet shape cover plans will help offset the loss of vet bills.

By: Jess Shaw

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Find tips about mountain lion attack and lions habitat at the Lion Facts website.

Bonding Between Cat And Their Owners

2009-01-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well - although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don't agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. You'll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual's manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful - bringing the best out in the cat.

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a "psychic aura" that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn't be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There's little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you'll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong - and simply cannot be broken.

By: Jess Shaw

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Read about lions in africa and biggest lion at the Lion Facts website.

What Can Cause Cat Urinating Problems and What You Can Do About It

2009-01-06T02:05:00.000-08:00

By Ann Matthews
Is your cat acting strange? Is he urinating outside of his litter box or urinating more or less frequently than usual? A cat urination problem can usually be resolved quickly and if left untreated it can become life-threatening so immediate action is necessary.

Cat urinating problems can be health-related or behavioral in nature. Take your cat to the vet if you haven't already to determine what the cause is. If your cat doesn't have an infection or any other health condition, he may have a behavioral problem.

Behavioral problems such as marking can happen if your cat is in heat or if he is under stress. Alleviate stress in your cat's life by avoiding leaving him at home alone and spend quality time with him each day. If your cat is not neutered or spayed, make sure you get that done as well.

A cat urination problem could even be caused by the simple fact that your cat's litter box is dirty. Some cats even avoid litter boxes that have been used just once. Your cat may also be particular about the type of litter used.

De-clawing a cat makes him more likely to have cat urinating problems since claws are their only defense mechanism. They in turn become more territorial and defensive when their claws are removed.

Common health problems that can cause a cat urination problem include urinary tract infection and bladder stones. These problems can be easily alleviated if you take your cat to the vet.

Urinary tract infections and stones are chronic problems so you need to make sure you use preventive treatment. Stones will have to be dissolved with special treatment by the vet but you can prevent their recurrence by giving your cat a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic remedies aim at curing your cat's urinary problems rather than just treating them. Your cat's bladder will be healthier and his urine will flow freely if you give him a homeopathic remedy twice a day that contains urinary tonics such as uva ursi and cantharis.

Unlike herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies are side effect free. They contain only minute traces of natural ingredients that aid your cat's natural healing abilities.

Homeopathy operates on the "like treats like" principle, which means a small amount of an ingredient that would cause the symptoms of UTI in a healthy cat are used to actually get rid of UTI in an infected cat.

To get rid of a cat urination problem, you first have to determine if the cause is medical or behavioral. After doing so, you can help your cat achieve optimal health by treating the problem and making prevention a part of his daily routine with homeopathy.

If you want to make sure you are giving your pets the best health care available, please take time to read more about the many natural alternatives at my site: http://www.natural-pet-treatment.com

BIO: Ann Matthews is a long time pet health enthusiast with Pet Alive who has a real passion for the well-being of all pets

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Is Your Cat at Risk For Feline Bladder Infections?

2009-01-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

By Darlene L. Norris
Let's face it. Until your cat is one of the lucky ones who comes down with a cat bladder infection, you probably don't even think about feline bladder infections. But they can be prevented, with a little care on your part. Here's how.

Does Your Cat Drink Enough Water?

It comes as a shock to many cat owners to find out that their cats are chronically dehydrated. Cats don't always drink a lot of water. This is because your cat's ancestors lived in the desert, where there's not much water around. Cats are meant to get most of their water requirements from their prey.

Did you know that a mouse is more than 90% water? A cat in the wild who is living on the animals he catches and eats gets most of his water from what he eats. This isn't true of our domestic house cats. Dry commercial cat food contains about eight percent water. So if your cat's diet consists exclusively of dry food, he could be heading for trouble in the form of cat urinary problems.

The problem with a dehydrated cat is that his urine is very concentrated. This puts him at a much higher risk of developing cat bladder stones and cat bladder infections.

The best thing you can do is to feed your cat a good quality canned food. Most canned cat food has a moisture content around 75 percent. The problem is that many cats are addicted to dry food, so it can be very difficult to get them to eat canned food. But with patience and persistence, it can be done.

Be sure your cat always has plenty of fresh, clean water available. It's best to use filtered water to be sure it's free of any contaminants. Change your cat's water several times a day so it's appealing to him. You wouldn't drink bad-tasting water with stuff floating in it, and your cat won't either.

Prevent Cat Bladder Infection With Natural Remedies For Pets

Humans have been using herbs to treat and prevent bladder infections for centuries. These remedies are still used on a daily basis in many parts of the world.

Homeopathic remedies have also been proven to be safe and effective in treating bladder infections in people, with no side effects.

Wouldn't it be great if there were herbal and homeopathic remedies for cats that would prevent cat urinary problems? Such a product would have to be made especially for pets, not people. It would have to be safe enough to give your cat every day, along with being effective for preventing feline bladder infections. Most importantly, it needs to be in a form that's easy to administer. Trying to give a cat a pill is not fun, either for you or your cat.

You'll want to purchase this remedy only from a reputable manufacturer who has years of experience in formulating natural remedies for pets. Do your homework to be sure that the company stands behind the safety and effectiveness of its products.

Do your kitty a favor. Prevent the pain and stress of feline bladder infections by using a safe and effective natural remedy for cats.

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Here you can discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help prevent and treat feline bladder infections. Find the best place to buy these remedies at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_L._Norris

Cat Scratching

2009-01-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

By Doris J Canova
Cat scratching is normal behavior for a cat, and you need to re-direct his scratching to appropriate objects. The consensus from the various Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is that de-clawing is cruel and unnecessary. However, if you feel that you must either declaw your cat or give her up, we would rather see your cat stay in her home and be your lifelong companion. Scratching is an instinctive behavior for cats. It helps cats shed small sheaths on their claws, and also is a way of scent marking objects in the house or outside Scratching is also an instinctive method of marking territory. Each scratch leaves secretions from glands in a cat's feet, a scent the gets other cat's attention.

Scratching and climbing are highly enjoyable feline activities and are part of the essence of being a cat. It takes care of his claws and helps keep his muscles toned and healthy. Cat scratching is an innate behavior and because of this, you cannot get your cat to stop the scratching by chasing him away, squirting water, hitting or scolding. Regardless of what you do, they will still need to scratch. Since your cat will want and need to scratch, provide her with a variety of scratching posts and teach her to use them. Scratching is important, biologically, for your cat. So you can't really punish her for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided her with an alternative like a scratching post.

Covering a favored scratching area with tinfoil, sand paper, double-sided sticky tape or plastic carpet runner (pointy side up) makes the surface unappealing to scratch. Once the scratching habit has been broken and the cat has learned to prefer the post, the covering can be removed. Cover that corner of the couch with double-sided sticky tape that is completely unattractive to your cat (the tape can easily be removed for entertaining company). This will repel your cat away from your couch and right there is a post that they will love. Covered with carpet or sisal our cat scratching posts are made only from solid wood, and all they have sturdy bases that ensure stability. Put some of our cat scratching posts near a sunny window or draft-free corner, and your cat will leave your furniture untouched.

You can make your own scratching post by wrap the rope to the top, and drive several nails in to secure it. You can put some carpet on top of the post to give it a finished look, or you could run the rope over the top, and coil the rope to an end there. Wrap the post with the sisal, making sure it is tight and that there are no spaces between each row. You can tap it down with your hammer to ensure that it is tight. Carpet may not be the best of surfaces, it does not stand a lot of laceration, and it may lead your cat to think it is OK to also scratch at your floor covering!

Train your cat to scratch her post on command. Stand by the post with a treat in hand. Training is more commonly associated with dogs and cats are seen to be an easier type of pet to own. However, as many cat owners have found out - owning a cat can actually be an extremely frustrating experience!

Praise them whenever you see them using the new post, and gradually bring it closer to a preferred location, away from his old favorite. You may want to set it up near his regular resting place. Praising her when she goes for the real one? And can you move what you get to a prominent place? Praise him and tell him 'Good Kitty' and stroke him to make it an enjoyable pleasant experience. You will have to be diligent at first and try to catch him in the act of scratching your furniture.

Punishment in both cases is counter productive. Punishment after the fact won't change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won't resolve scratching problems because it doesn't teach your cat where to scratch instead.

You can also try trimming there nails, one or two at a time, reward her with affection or food, and then let her do as she wishes. Cats are not strong on patience or restraint. Trim only the clear tip of the nail. Do not clip the area where pink tissue is visible or the slightly opaque region that outlines the pink tissue. Trim only the clear tip of the nail. Do not clip the area where pink tissue is visible or the slightly opaque region that outlines the pink tissue.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun.

Best House Cat Care

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com

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Understanding Cheap Cat Insurance

2009-01-02T00:11:00.000-08:00

By Jonathan L Walker
Do you own a cat? Then chances are that you have a couple, or even more. With this being the case it is of the utmost importance that you provide them with the protection of insurance. that way they, or it can be cared for in the face of illness or accidents. A cat insurance policy will pay a lump sum if your cat/s ever need veterinarian care. This will provide essential cover which otherwise may not be affordable in the event of something happening to your beloved pet/s.

These days what with the Internet, there are plenty of companies out there that offer affordable coverage packages that protect your pet in all circumstances. It is pretty much down to the owner to decide the level of coverage that they want for their cat/s, and they range from basic cover to really comprehensive cover that protects against just about anything.

You can get cover that provides your cat/s with protection against disease through vaccination, routine-care that will protect against any injuries that your cat/s sustain, as well as any illnesses or emergencies. A good policy will also provide cover for prescriptions, diagnostic tests, x-rays, laboratory fees, and anything else that may be related.

Obviously to be covered for all of the aforementioned you will need to go for a really comprehensive package. There are varying packages where you can pick and choose elements of cover, which will adjust the premium cost that you have to pay, in relation for the protection of your cat/s. therefore it is a really flexible type of policy and it is easy for a cat owner to get exactly the amount of cover that they require.

Due to the fact that cats have an atavistic propensity to develop cancer, the majority of cat insurance policies carry the option to have coverage against the treat of your cat/s developing cancer. This is seen as very important, due to the fact that all cats carry the risk of developing cats, at any stage during their lives.

Prior to choosing a cat insurance policy you need to be aware of the type of cover that you require. Then you need to access all of the different websites in order to decide which company is offering you the best deal in relation to your personal coverage requirements. It is then a case of making sure that you understand the terms and conditions of a policy before you sign anything.

Many people keep cats as pets, but some will ultimately struggle to cope financially should anything happen. Look online for some Cheap Cat Insurance quotes online at http://www.CompareIt4Me.com

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Are You Abusing Your Cat?

2008-12-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

By Ike Lowe

Do you do it out of ignorance?
Please allow me to educate you. This article could very well upset you but I urge you to read it in its entirety because your cat's life hangs in the balance.
The first thing you must understand is that the physiology of cats is very different from humans. Humans are omnivores - meaning that our bodies are well designed to digest fruits, vegetables and meats. Our bodies have long digestive systems therefore our bodies can extract nutrients from fruits, vegetables and meats and benefit from them.
Cats are obligate carnivores their bodies have a short, acidic digestive tract. Their bodies are well suited for digesting raw meat but they have difficulty digesting fruits, vegetables and processed carbohydrates. Prolong use of fruits, vegetables and processed carbohydrates will cause your cat to develop food related illnesses such as; diabetes and irritable bowel disease also known as IBD.
The commercial cat food companies sell large amounts of the cheaply produced, bagged dry cat foods. Cat caregivers purchase this food out of convenience and after viewing misleading ads produced by the commercial cat food companies. Their ads make you think that such things as; fruits, vegetables and large amounts of processed carbohydrates are beneficial to your cat.
When you enter a supermarket or other places that sell cat food and you see bags of cat food with fruits and vegetables on them, this gives you the false impression that since fruits and vegetables are good for humans, then they must be good for your cat. But this is a wrong and dangerous belief.
This is the same as taking a human that's been a vegetarian for many years and changing his diet to a strict meat-based diet. This would wreck havoc on his digestive system. It will cause constipation coupled with deterioration in his health and a premature death.
You do the exact same thing to your cat, an obligate carnivore, when you feed him/her foods their bodies were never designed to digest. Feeding those fruits, vegetables and processed carbohydrates is wrecking havoc on their digestive system and as a result, they are dying prematurely.
Although the commercial cat food companies are responsible for perpetrating these false beliefs on an unsuspecting public, you have the responsibility of ensuring that your cat's food is nutritional.
The commercial cat food companies do it for money. They are part of a multi-billion dollar, mostly unregulated pet food industry. You do it out of love for your cat. I know you really do believe that by feeding your cat what the commercial cat companies tell you is nutritional - is right but that is not true. Do you really know what goes into a bag of dry cat food?
Your cat could be a cannibal without you knowing it. Yes, dead dogs and cats have been known to find their way into pet foods. It is not uncommon for pet food companies to use the four D's (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) animals.
The four D's can include road-kill (dead animals found on the side of the roadways), euthanized animal from Veterinarian clinics, dying circus animals and ill farm animals that are not fit for human consumption and other animals that are riddled with cancerous tumors. You will find these ingredients listed on the bag as meat meal, animal digest, animal by-product or meat by-product.
It's as if the commercial cat food companies thought that the aforementioned toxic ingredients are not enough because to exacerbate the situation, they add known toxic preservatives.
In order to extend the shelf life of their foods, they use such deadly preservatives as; Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT. All these preservatives have been linked to kidney and liver failure in cats.
How can any food that sits in a hot warehouse for twelve to eighteen months be considered nutritional?
It's time for you to break the strangle-hold the pet food companies have on you and your cats. You need to take control of their diets and stop feeding them foods that are harmful. This is not a difficult process. The one thing you must be cognizance of is the fact that cats are carnivores. They should be fed a meat-based diet and by doing so, you and your cat will have many years together.
About the Author: Ike Lowe, Researcher and Cat Nutrition Expert is avid about and writes extensively on proper cat nutrition. His unsurpassed nutritional knowledge boldly comes alive in his riveting must read book. "21 Nutritious Cat Food Alternatives the Commercial Pet Food Industry Hopes You Never Discover" He goes for the juggler of the commercial cat food industry exposing the horrible truth about the toxic ingredients causing premature cat deaths. Get the facts on proper cat nutrition and prevent your cat from a premature and painful death. click here http://www.whatiskillingourcats.com
This is a win win for you and your cat.
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How Safe Are Dog and Cat Vitamin Supplements?

2008-12-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

By Dr. R.J. Peters
If your pet needs to take vitamins, or other dietary supplements, how can you be sure they are safe and effective?

It's the same question asked of human supplements, and just because they are approved by government agencies doesn't necessarily mean they are safe for a particular individual.

The same is true for pet products, but there are certain major differences when considering safety factors.

1. Probably the greatest concern arises from the fact that pet supplements have not been tested adequately. Very little data can be found in this area.

2. Only three nutrients are mentioned in the scientific papers at this time, namely, lutein, garlic and evening primrose oil, and then only in regard to dogs, cats and horses.

3. Studies to date have shown that certain supplements that are safe for humans are not always safe for animals. For example, garlic has not been proven safe for all animals.

4. So far, it has been difficult to study these products, because there are no systems in place to evaluate them. There needs to be a way to quantify dosages, active ingredients, and what's known as "adverse events," or, side effects.

5. There is little to no regulation in the animal dietary supplement manufacturing industry.

6. It's much more difficult to evaluate the more subjective aspects of a particular product. In other words, we can't ask a dog if he feels more energetic than he used to, or if he thinks he's sleeping better now.

7. There have been no studies of sufficiently large numbers of animals to identify any patterns of change or improvement in any area, except perhaps for obvious changes, such as coat condition (shinier, smoother, less shedding) or observable behaviors, such as irritability. Still, such changes cannot be claimed as significant without larger, controlled study groups to evaluate.

While there have been few, and inadequate, studies of pet supplementation by government agencies, such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), there have been many studies conducted by independent researchers. However, these have been criticized as biased or unscientific by the scientific community, and many of the same concerns as listed above apply.

What can you do to ensure your pet receives supplements that are safe and effective? At this time, the burden falls to the pet owner to do the homework. Consult with pet nutritionists, many of whom are veterinarians who have focused on these concerns and have their own clinical studies on which to base opinions.
To learn about one such independent study and the products that were developed from it, please visit http://www.everypetmatters.com/recommends/dogsupplements.html

Dr. RJ Peters also recommends exploring books and other materials on the subject. To get you started, visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/books.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._R.J._Peters

Learn About Cat Beds And What Cat Bed Is Best

2008-12-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

By: Martin Marks

Ecology is the science of relationships between organisms and their environments. When looking for cats, people have to consider a variety of aspects, such as the natural habitat or the environment. To make sure the environment at home is the safest for cats, owners have to make available certain things such as first aid kit for cats and play items for their recreational purpose.

Several people assume that since domestic and wild cats get enough water and food, cats may survive in cold climate because of their thick coats. Although, studies say that in harsh climate, shelter is preferred the most over any other needs. Without shelter, wild and domestic cats develop risk of possible dangers such as frozen paws and ears. Severe climate may harm their respiratory system too. Particularly, in the rains, fur of cats get wet and may cost them their lives.

Types of Shelter:

Styrofoam Cooler Shelter:

A general Styrofoam cooler may provide shelter to cats. This type of shelter is available at grocery stores and in departmental stores as well. It is also available at restaurants that obtain shipments of meat and fish filled in Styrofoam containers.

Plastic Bin Shelter:

Such type of shelter needs two plastic bins of Rubber made type, and they need to have lids of which one has to be big enough so that the lid and smaller bin fit inside it properly. Other than this, some straw for bedding along with a Styrofoam insulation of 4 by 8 foot is required.

Temporary shelter:

An abandoned or homeless cat may survive in a shelter made of commonly available items. A strong container or a heavyweight-shipping crate built with plastic and having resistance to bad climate is the ideal one.

Insulation and Bedding:

There are other ways for providing shelter to domestic cats. An insulating stuff inside the shelter house of cats gives their body the required heat and warmth. It is better to use straw for this purpose. Owners may avoid using towels, blankets or newspapers that suck the body heat of cats. In addition, owners need to change the insulating material for keeping it dry.

In cold climate, cat owners may use a Mylar blanket to line the floor or the interior walls of the shelter. Mylar imitates the body heat of cats. Mylar blankets are available at cheap prices. One more type of blanket that is available in pet stores is the Flexi-Mat Purr Pad.

Other Options to Buy Shelters:

Cat owners who have no time, skill or liking to build shelter for their cats, there is an alternative. Recently, pet stores offer cat shelters insulated with wood of superior quality. Cat owners willing to buy it may go through the web site of the store, for checking the price list or visit the nearest store.

Cats - Adaptability

Cats accommodate themselves in many places. May be an apartment, a mansion, camper or a houseboat, they get used to the environment easily. However, basic shelter requirements of cats include a litter box and provision of warmth. Owners can make available all the necessary items for cats, indoors.

About the Author

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=258113&ca=Pets

Keeping Your Cat Fit With a Cat Exercise Wheel

2008-12-23T18:57:00.001-08:00

By Trevor Kassulke

Obesity is a problem with many cats these days. This is especially a problem for cats who stay indoors all the time and don't have a chance to exercise that often. If a cat has the opportunity to eat as much as it wants whenever it wants to this also can add to the problem. The best way to deal with obesity is to prevent it in the first place. One way to do this is to get your cat to exercise more often through the use of cat toys. One cat toy that is particularly useful for this is the cat exercise wheel.

This Wheel is just what it sounds like. It looks like an extra large version of the exercise wheels used by hamsters and other small animals. They are usually made of metal and measure between 36 and 48 inches in diameter. The one side of the wheel is open so the cat can get into the Cat Exercise Wheel and the other side is either solid or spokes depending on the manufacturer. The wheels with spokes also have a clear plastic piece you can put on that side if you are worried the cat would get hurt by the spokes.

The Wheel was created originally for use by Bengal cats, but any cat can use this type of exercise wheel. Most cats seem to like running on the wheel, but some are a bit unsure of it at first and might need to be coached on how to use it. There are a variety of videos on the internet of cats using a Cat Exercise Wheel if you are interested in seeing how these work and whether or not the cats appear to enjoy them.

If your cat is already obese, it could still benefit from the use of a Cat Exercise Wheel. Usually it is recommended that an owner try to help an obese cat slowly lose about 20 percent of it's weight through diet and exercise changes. A Cat Exercise Wheel is a great way to get your cat to exercise without having to constantly have to coax them with a cat toy. Just be careful not to try to force the cat to lose too much weight too quickly, as this can put the cat at risk for liver disease and other health problems. Slow weight loss is also the most likely to last, as is the case with people.

Trevor Kassulke owns and operates http://www.catcareguidance.com

Cat Exercise Wheel

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How to Stop Cat Scratching Problems

2008-12-21T03:35:00.000-08:00

By Moses Wright

For many, understanding the reasons behind why cats need to scratch has remained an elusive mystery. From the wild cats of the jungle to the domesticated feline companion, scratching has been a means for survival. This predisposed instinct has unfortunately led to the untimely demise of our sofas, window screens, curtains and walls. In order to decide what the best methods for alleviating this problem are, you must first understand why it is done.

In the wilds of the mighty jungle, it was necessary for cats to be mighty hunters in order to survive. Cats instinctively used their claws as a means for support for climbing trees, giving them the opportunity to pounce on their unsuspecting prey. Razor sharp claws were required for hunting as well as fending off other predators. Today, the domesticated cat does not have to depend on their skills as a hunter as their food bowls are always full. However, the instincts to keep their nails hunter ready are still there.

Not only is the act of scratching a way to sharpen claws, it is also a way to trim them as well. In addition, cat scratching is significant in that it is used for the purposes of marking territory. When cats scratch a surface or object, they are also releasing a chemical that is marking their scent, letting other area cats, whether in the same household or general location know that this is their territory. Scratching is also a great way for cats to work out any muscle tension they may have or as a means to release excess energy.

The most common and frequently used method for deterring cats from scratching and damaging our possessions is to have them de-clawed. However, this method does require your cat to undergo anesthesia which comes with some minor risks. Before you make the decision to de-claw, there are other alternatives available for consideration.

Scratching posts are an excellent choice for giving your cat his own personal area to scratch. They are available at pet stores and online. They can come as part of a fancy cat condo or as single models in many colors and styles. A scratching post can also be cost effective as it is a simple project you can create yourself. All that is required is a two foot tall section of a four by four combined with a two foot by two foot section of durable plywood and a small piece of carpeting.

Another inexpensive item available for cat scratching is scratching mats. Regardless of which you choose it is important that you place it as close to your cat's favorite scratching area at first. After your cat has become accustomed to using the post instead of your furniture or walls, gradually move it away from those areas.

Another option for discouraging your cat from scratching where you don't him too is by using a pet repellant spray. All that is required is a quick spray on the area you wish your cat to stay away from. This product, most commonly referred to as Bitter Apple spray, is an unpleasant tasting liquid that gets on their paws after scratching and they do not like the taste.

Although this method is effective, it is wise to test a small area of carpet or upholstery to ensure the repellant does not alter the material in any way. Some additional helpful hints include wrapping the areas in aluminum foil or placing tape on the area, sticky side up. Cats definitely do not like anything sticking to their paws.

As a final result, many people have tried using nail caps. Just as a manicurist would place faux nails on your fingers, these caps are placed on a previously filed down nail using a pet friendly adhesive. Of course, just as faux nails do, these caps also tend to fall off.

If you have tried every alternative and your cat still can not break this habit, surgery may be the only answer. Weighing the positives and negatives to each of the methods, along with consulting a veterinarian will help you make the right decision for both you and your cat.

Moses Wright is a cat lover and likes to help new cat owners learn more about their cat breed. You can find more resources on cat illnesses symptoms and treatments and cat behavior at his site.

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