By : Helen Schikkein
The other day I was watching a local news story on television about a woman that had 32 cats in her home. The cat photos in the story were very disturbing. I love cats and have two of my own. Cats are a wonderful addition to a home, but 32 of them! In the cat photos that accompanied the story the kitties were thin and some appeared deformed. These were definitely not cat photos that would be included in anyone’s collection.
Being a cat lover I personally have a large selection of cat photos. Some of the cat photos I have taken myself of my own furry friends, and others I have collected from various sources throughout the years. Cats seem to have a great effect on people. You either love them or hate them. I have several friends that hate cats, so they go out of their way to find cat photos the depict cats in dangerous situations, or doing stupid things. Some of my husband’s favorite cat photos depict hundreds of cats in a variety of sizes sitting in a room. The captions on these cat photos were definitely written by a cat hater. In this collection of cat photos is one caption that reads “so many cats, so few recipes”. The friend that sent the cat photos with that one included knows that I collect recipes so he thought this was extra humorous.
Along with the funny cat photos I also have a wide variety of pictures of cats that are sweet and dignified. The great thing about cat photos is that cat lovers and haters both enjoy looking at them. As I was looking through several cat photos the other day I noticed that I had many that showed cats sleeping in a variety of positions and in a variety of places. I guess this is not surprising considering cats sleep about 20 hours out of every day. I thought it would be fun to make copies of the sleeping cat photos and spread them throughout the guest bedroom. Nothing looks more relaxed than a cat sleeping, so I thought these cat photos would lend to a good nights rest. I am still trying to convince my husband that this is a good idea.
This year I sent out holiday cards that included cat photos of our Siamese and long haired cat. I sent these greetings to the pets of our friends and signed our cat’s names. Several of our friends fear that I am tuning into a weird cat lady and that they will be seeing me on the news some day with cat photos of hundreds of cats in my home. They say it is a fine line between cat lover and weird cat lady.
Article Source: http://animalarticles.com
More digital photo tips at: www.digitalphotographyfacts.org.
Are These Five Killers Chasing Your Cat?
By : Romi Matsushita
As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms.
Fleas
Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.
Fleas could also transmit other infectious agents to both you and your pet. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.
You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy, or you see bites on human members of your household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped to the naked eye. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks.
To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Make sure what you use kills both the adult mature fleas, as well as the eggs left behind, usually on carpet and bedding. Nothing is worse than to think you have conquered the problem, than several months later to have your family and pets attacked by blood hungry new hatchlings.
Hairballs
When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them for you, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors. Any cat owner who has had the thrill of watching their pet suffer through the process of hacking up fur balls will be highly motivated to prevent new ones from forming.
The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Overactive thyroid
Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looks ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office.
At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision.
Diabetes
Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.
The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals.
Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water.
We all want to keep our cats healthy and with us for as long as possible. Understanding and being on the lookout for these common ailments will allow the discerning cat owner to take action before a small health problem turns into something more serious. Using good observation skills to evaluate any potential change in your cat's condition will allow you to take simple steps to keep your cat healthy, happy, and disease free. If you notice a continuing pattern of symptoms that may point to flea infestation, hairballs, an overactive thyroid, urinary tract disease, or even diabetes, timely consulation with your vet will allow you both to plan the best course of action. Your happy, healthy cat will thank you.
Author's Resource:
Romi Matsushita craves constant close contact with her calico cat. Find great tips, articles, and cat care advice at www.cat-advisors-online.com Article Source: Article Dashboard
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms.
Fleas
Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.
Fleas could also transmit other infectious agents to both you and your pet. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.
You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy, or you see bites on human members of your household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped to the naked eye. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks.
To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Make sure what you use kills both the adult mature fleas, as well as the eggs left behind, usually on carpet and bedding. Nothing is worse than to think you have conquered the problem, than several months later to have your family and pets attacked by blood hungry new hatchlings.
Hairballs
When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them for you, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors. Any cat owner who has had the thrill of watching their pet suffer through the process of hacking up fur balls will be highly motivated to prevent new ones from forming.
The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Overactive thyroid
Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looks ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office.
At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision.
Diabetes
Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.
The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals.
Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water.
We all want to keep our cats healthy and with us for as long as possible. Understanding and being on the lookout for these common ailments will allow the discerning cat owner to take action before a small health problem turns into something more serious. Using good observation skills to evaluate any potential change in your cat's condition will allow you to take simple steps to keep your cat healthy, happy, and disease free. If you notice a continuing pattern of symptoms that may point to flea infestation, hairballs, an overactive thyroid, urinary tract disease, or even diabetes, timely consulation with your vet will allow you both to plan the best course of action. Your happy, healthy cat will thank you.
Author's Resource:
Romi Matsushita craves constant close contact with her calico cat. Find great tips, articles, and cat care advice at www.cat-advisors-online.com Article Source: Article Dashboard
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cat Spraying – What Is It - Why Do Cats Do It And How Do You Stop It
By : Mike
If you own a cat chances are you have had a spraying issue at least once. Spraying is a different type of urination problem in that instead of peeing on the floor or in a litter box your cat will go on an upright surface like a chair leg or door jamb usually at nose level for other cats to smell. It is important to know that in some cases a female cat will also spray urine directly on the floor.
The primary reason a cat sprays is because felines are very territorial animals and like to mark their turf by spraying urine to let other cats know who owns that little piece of the world. Think of it as an invisible but smelly No Trespassing sign.
Many times a cat will spray because of behavioral problems like anxiety, stress or a feeling of being threatened by something or someone.
Here are some common behavioral reasons a cat will start spraying urine:
* If personal items are being sprayed it is usually a sign that your cat has some issues with the person.
* The addition of a new cat or even having too many cats for the size of your house can cause spraying problems.
* If you notice things being marked near windows or screen doors where your cat can see outside it’s a pretty good chance there is a cat hanging around your house or passing by frequently.
* If the cat is put into a stressful situation like someone new moving in (a new baby) or being introduced into a new living environment they might feel the need to spray.
Constant spraying can also be caused by physical problems such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Your Vet can perform a simple urine test to determine if your cat has FLUTD and it is very treatable illness.
To eliminate spraying you need to get into your cat’s head and discover what is making them spray as medication from a Vet will only offer temporary relief. Spend time watching your cat to see if you can discover what is triggering the spraying. This could take some time so be patient and remember to not punish your cat as this will now make the problem go away and may aggravate it.
While you are observing your cat to determine the cause of the spraying you might want to put some lemon juice where your cat has been spraying as cats do not like the smell of lemons and this might stop them for a bit. Remember that lemon juice is acidic so you want to be careful and not put it on surfaces that might be damaged.
A final option is to have your cat neutered as they have a tendency to spray less often than un-neutered cats. You should always discuss the benefits of neutering with your Vet as their can be other health issues to consider.
Cat urine spraying and the resulting odor are problems that can be controlled provided you take the proper steps and work with your cat to solve them together.
Author's Resource:
Visit Cat Urine Remover for more information about how to get rid of cat urine.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
If you own a cat chances are you have had a spraying issue at least once. Spraying is a different type of urination problem in that instead of peeing on the floor or in a litter box your cat will go on an upright surface like a chair leg or door jamb usually at nose level for other cats to smell. It is important to know that in some cases a female cat will also spray urine directly on the floor.
The primary reason a cat sprays is because felines are very territorial animals and like to mark their turf by spraying urine to let other cats know who owns that little piece of the world. Think of it as an invisible but smelly No Trespassing sign.
Many times a cat will spray because of behavioral problems like anxiety, stress or a feeling of being threatened by something or someone.
Here are some common behavioral reasons a cat will start spraying urine:
* If personal items are being sprayed it is usually a sign that your cat has some issues with the person.
* The addition of a new cat or even having too many cats for the size of your house can cause spraying problems.
* If you notice things being marked near windows or screen doors where your cat can see outside it’s a pretty good chance there is a cat hanging around your house or passing by frequently.
* If the cat is put into a stressful situation like someone new moving in (a new baby) or being introduced into a new living environment they might feel the need to spray.
Constant spraying can also be caused by physical problems such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Your Vet can perform a simple urine test to determine if your cat has FLUTD and it is very treatable illness.
To eliminate spraying you need to get into your cat’s head and discover what is making them spray as medication from a Vet will only offer temporary relief. Spend time watching your cat to see if you can discover what is triggering the spraying. This could take some time so be patient and remember to not punish your cat as this will now make the problem go away and may aggravate it.
While you are observing your cat to determine the cause of the spraying you might want to put some lemon juice where your cat has been spraying as cats do not like the smell of lemons and this might stop them for a bit. Remember that lemon juice is acidic so you want to be careful and not put it on surfaces that might be damaged.
A final option is to have your cat neutered as they have a tendency to spray less often than un-neutered cats. You should always discuss the benefits of neutering with your Vet as their can be other health issues to consider.
Cat urine spraying and the resulting odor are problems that can be controlled provided you take the proper steps and work with your cat to solve them together.
Author's Resource:
Visit Cat Urine Remover for more information about how to get rid of cat urine.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.