Taking Care of Kittens - A Wonderfully Tough Responsibility

It is safe to say that a lot of people love dogs, though some others are just not the dog-lover type. They may prefer to pet turtles, birds, hamsters or maybe even wild animals, while some others, just loves cats or kittens. Personal likes and dislikes differ, but there is one thing that's certain: pets provide us with more than just companionship.

Kittens have wild instincts. However, they make wonderful pets. They are versatile, affectionate, intelligent, sociable and independent. Taking care of kittens may sound easy, but it requires a lot of responsibility. This responsibility leads you to raise various questions about caring for kittens.

Cat-proofing your home

Kittens are playful animals. So, cat-proofing is essential. Make sure your home is safe for the kitten. Always keep the doors of your dryer, cabinets and low cupboards closed. Kittens love to sleep in dark, warm places. They also love to nibble, run around and just play with anything. Keep them away from breakable valuables and don't leave things on the floor that might be hazardous to the kitten.

Milk, food, and drinks for kitty

Kittens generally have small stomachs. They need to eat every few hours, and they need to constantly have clean, fresh water available to keep them hydrated. A diet rich in protein, calcium, taurine, and other nutrients are good for cats. They may be fed with dry food, canned, or both, but don't give them dog food since it it not rich in taurine, which is good for their eye development and helps prevent heart disease. Cow's milk may be good for us but for kittens, it's a no-no.

Quality time with kitty

The first few weeks of a kitten's life should be treated as a very precious moment in your relationship. Cuddling, petting and playing with them is highly essential. Do not let your kitten play with your finger for it will only give her the idea of finger biting, scratching, and the like. Play with your kitten gently and enjoy her soft purrs!

Veterinary care

The first visit is important and critical because the vet will perform a hands-on physical exam on the kitten. Fecal float determines worm infestation. Kitten vaccination is crucial from the first few weeks of age. At about 9 weeks, the 3-way vaccine will be given. This is the modern method of giving a 3-in-1 shot against feline calicivirus, herpes virus and feline panleukopenia. Booster shots will be given at 12-14 weeks old. Rabies vaccine are only given when cats are at risk or in some areas required by law.

Caring for kitten may be tough, but the rewards are priceless. Companionship, constant love, acceptance, and reduces stress!

Taking care of kittens is a fulfilling experience. Choose from your favorite cute kittens and unravel the reality inside!

Cat Furniture Must-Haves for Every Cat Owner

If you're very fond of cats and plan to own one or have one right, it would be best to make it feel right at home. When your family plans to get a new cat, it's just like agreeing to have a new family member. Just like having a new family member, you should make sure that they are comfortable and at ease, being in their new home. What better way to do this for your new feline than getting cat furniture to make it more comfortable.

So what cat furniture must you have if you have a feline pet at home?

Cat condo

This cat furniture can be quite helpful to have in your home. Especially if you want to avoid having other furniture damaged through scratching and other cat behaviors. It is otherwise known as a feline tree, gym and climbers because it also allows your cat a place to spend all their unspent energy.

Aside from having a typical scratching post for your cats to have somewhere they can aim their claws at. A feline condo can also have multiple branches that allow your cat to climb, jump and do other exercises. Some designs even have swings built with the cat condo.

There are different sizes of cat condos available via the internet or pet shops that offer such furniture. A larger sized feline condo is ideal if you have multiple cats at home. You can either choose to have an indoor or outdoor type of cat condo.

Luxury cat beds

When it's sleeping time, your cats would go for the softest and most comfortable place they can find. If they have access to your bedroom, then this where they would probably end up during the night. It can be quite a nuisance when you cat enters your bedroom and sleep on your bed. In order to remedy this, you should get a luxury cat bed for your little kitty.

This type of feline furniture offers comfort and warmth for your cat. Most luxury cat beds are made of several layers of fabric, making it soft and comfortable. The multiple layers of fabric also prevent the cold from the floor to reach your cat. More expensive designs even have built-in heaters that are very helpful in keeping your cat warm during the cold seasons.

In getting a bed for your cat, make sure that it is large enough. The bed should not only be able to accommodate your cats when they sleep, but it should also give them adequate space for stretching.

Litter box

It is an unavoidable circumstance that your feline pet will need to take care of its own business after digesting its food. When this happens, it would be quite bothersome to have it on your floor or on your furniture. This will leave you cleaning after your cat. If you don't want this to happen, then a litter box for your cat is a must have. It provides a place where they can eliminate their waste from their body. This can prevent messy feces lying just about anywhere in your house and makes cleaning much more easily.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com which sells cat carrier and cat bed as well as a host of additional products.

How To Recognize Pain In Cats

Cats are masters in hiding pain and discomfort. They won't complain or draw attention to the problem like a human will. As a result, cats can suffer from an ailment for a long time before we notice something is wrong.

Luckily, there are other signals that can tell us our cat is in pain. As cat owners, it is important that we learn how to read our cat's body language and behavior so we can quickly recognize pain and get appropriate help.

Why Do Cats Hide Pain?

Hiding pain and discomfort caused by injury or disease is natural cat behavior. This instinctive reaction is part of feline survival strategy. In a wild cat colony a weak cat loses status and power. This means the weak cat will have to survive on less food, have to give up the best hunting grounds and drinking places. The cat will be chased away from the safest sleeping spots. Stronger cats in the colony pose a threat to its survival. This is one reason cats hide weakness.

Another reason cats hide pain has to do with their feeding pattern. Cats have to eat every day. Wild cats have to hunt every day. Even when they are sick or in pain they still have to hunt to ensure their survival. Since our house cats are descendants of wild cats, they show the same behavior.

Know your Cat's Normal Behavior

When cats fall ill or when they experience pain they will show subtle or sometimes drastic changes in behavior. They can even adopt completely new behavior.

Often cat owners don't notice something is wrong until the cat's behavior changes so drastically that it becomes disruptive. For example, the cat suddenly acts aggressively or starts doing its business outside the litter box. Even then, some owners think their cat is just acting out - behaving badly. More often than not, however, they don't associate the cat's behavior with discomfort.

Behavioral changes associated with different types of disease or pain can differ in cats individually. Likewise, not all cats suffering from a certain condition will show the same behavioral changes. We need to distinguish between changes in normal behavior and completely new or abnormal behavior.

Changes in Behavior?

Changes from normal behavior can include being


less playful
more withdrawn
less clean (changes in normal grooming behavior of fur, which can lead to matting and "felting" of the fur)
less active
more withdrawn
eating and/or drinking less
sleeping less (or other changes in your cat's sleeping pattern)

Examples of new or abnormal behavior can include


constant attention seeking
spraying indoors
doing its business outside the litter box
growling or hissing
anxious behavior
constant grooming (especially if the grooming is concentrated in one place, which might be where it hurts, or near where it hurts if the cat can't reach)
showing more aggression toward people or other pets
avoiding physical contact
restlessness
attacking the food bowl, which could indicate dental problems
heightened sensitivity to noise
frequent purring for no reason (when a cat purrs with its whiskers drawn backwards, it is not showing contentment but fear or pain)

Remember, this list is not definitive. Any change in behavior can potentially signal illness or pain.

Changes in Body Language and Posture

Changes in body language and posture are another way for cat owners to recognize potential problems. Just like humans show discomfort by facial expression, cats can appear worried or depressed. Sometimes a cat might huddle in a corner or under a table or bed. This can be a sign of pain or illness, or of general distress.

A change in your cat's posture can give you a clue as to where the cause of discomfort is. A cat that holds its head or ears turned sideways is probably suffering from ear ache. Likewise, a cat that keeps its back curved could be suffering from either back ache, arthritis, or abdominal pain.

Even the fur can tell you about your cat's health. A healthy cat has smooth fur. Fur that is standing on end or appears matted could point to physical pain as well as emotional problems like stress and anxiety.

Treating Pain and Caring for a Sick Cat

As soon as you notice pain or discomfort, you should take your cat to your holistic veterinarian - the sooner the better. Long-term pain can have serious consequences for your cat's wellbeing. Prolonged pain causes stress which can severely weaken your cat's immune system. Prolonged pain can also result in neurological changes with far-reaching consequences like insensitivity to painkillers, enduring pain even when the cause is no longer there, and intense pain with physical contact.

When caring for a sick cat it is important to have a warm, secure resting place. It is human to want to comfort your cat, but it is much better for your cat's well-being to have some peace and quiet. Let your cat take the initiative for physical contact.

If your cat has a problem walking, make sure to put down extra litter boxes with low edges. Also, supply plenty of drinking water. If your cat is almost immobile, place a feeding bowl close to the resting place, but don't limit your cat's activity unnecessarily. Cats also like high hiding places even when they are ill. Make sure favorite places can be reached by using a stool or narrow wooden planks. You might have to get creative here.

We cat lovers know how difficult it can be to recognize pain or illness in our feline friends. Only when we know what is "normal behavior" for our cat will we also notice when any change occurs. And that's worth knowing.

www.NaturalWonderPets.com Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural remedies for dogs and cats. Please visit our web site for BOGO Specials and My Rewards program on 100% Natural herbal, veterinary remedies for your best friends. See also www.NaturalWonderRemedies.com

Kitten Care

So you have new kittens! Congratulations! Baby kittens are adorable and, if you decide to keep any of them, will being you years of fun and happiness!

Our cat gave us three kittens recently, and we've decided to keep them all. I've found that experience is the best teacher, so this article will give you tips on what to expect in the first four weeks after the birth of your kittens!

Immediately after their birth, they should begin to nurse and will stay close to the mother cat. Staying close to her ensures they are fed, safe and are kept warm as kittens are unable to retain body heat for the first few weeks. The mother cat should be nursing her kittens about 70% of the time for the first two to three weeks. If all is well, she won't leave them often; she'll leave to eat, take care of business and stretch. Continue to provide fresh water and food and keep it nearby. Kitten food is especially good for nursing mothers as it provide extra calories and nutrients that they will all need.

During this first week, it is acceptable to hold the kittens, but do so only for a short time. Allow them to become accustomed to your scent and to being around humans. The mother cat will be very protective of her kittens for several weeks, so a few minutes per day should be sufficient in establishing the kitten to human bond as well as getting them socialized.

During the second week expect more of the same. The kittens will still stay close to their mom, but when she is not around, they will sleep curled around each other for warmth and comfort. They will begin to move around some, but they are still deaf, blind and unable to walk. They will sleep most of the time. Their eyes will begin to open, but they will not be able to see well.

During the third week, their eyes should be almost fully open and will remain blue for another several weeks. They still remain deaf and with limited mobility. They won't nurse as much, but neither will they do much else but eat and sleep, however, they will begin to take a few wobbly steps.

During the fourth week is when the fun begins! Their eyes will be fully open, they can hear and they are able to walk well, and possibly may be able to run a bit. They will begin to explore the area around them, and will be interested in playing with toys.

They will be playing with each other, and it will seem rough, but their play is instinct and important for them. They will appear to suck their paws, but this is a form of play, and it's adorable! They will bite, swat, tumble over each other and explore much during this fourth week. You can take great delight in just watching them and interacting with them with play and toys.

Canned cat food may be offered during this week, though the kittens will likely not take an interest for several weeks yet. Their sole source of nutrition continues to be their mother for the first six to eight weeks.

During the first four weeks you will see tremendous growth and changes in your new kittens! From completely helpless, immobile, deaf and blind to able to see, hear, run, jump and play in just four short weeks is amazing and fun to watch! Have a great time getting to know your new kittens!

LifeWriter is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

3 Super Strategies For Feline Kidney Treatment

Similar to some other health problems, the initial essential step in the treatment of felines with poor kidneys (such as chronic renal failure, or CRF) is to diagnose them properly. The next thing is to determine which feline kidney treatment mix will be effective for your much loved cat. Here are some of the most useful approaches.

1. Supplement Fluids

This is the more effective therapy for felines whose kidneys are ill, and it's the minimum interfering one. Cats having serious renal failure take in a lot of water, however they simply cannot drink enough to balance the exact quantity lost through those organs. The good news is, subcutaneous fluids can help keep toxins out of the mammal's bloodstream and improve its general wellness.

Maybe you might even consider hospitalizing your cat for a couple of days, so that it can easily be given fluid medication intravenously. Following that you'd simply need to provide subcutaneous fluids for the feline kidney treatment, in your own home. Making this latter procedure easier, you could consider the new "port," which you'll be able to semi-permanently set inside the animal's skin-thus making the procedure much more hassle-free. It's highly recommended that the veterinarian put in such ports, as she or he offers enough knowledge to get it done.

3. Holistic Attention

With the latest popularity of holistic medicine skyrocketing, feline kidney treatment is often a method that your four-legged friend can benefit from it. Most importantly that no treatment in the world can produce original kidney cells, after the formation of scar tissue has occurred. However, different therapies such as acupuncture, flower essences, and homeopathy can help felines to feel better and experience an improved quality of life.

3. Supplements

Many types of such products can serve as a feline kidney treatment. In particular, research has discovered that antioxidants as well as omega 3 fatty acids are useful when you are taking care of CRF. "Biosuperfood" is a digestible algae that contains each of these ingredients. You should also consider feeding your cat foods that are effective in removing toxins in the kidney.

Even so, understand that good quality diet starts out with food. Arguably, we can link many health problems to poor nutrition. Thus, talk to your animal's veterinarian about choosing the nutrition which will provide the best nutrition, and in particular meet the special needs involving pets that suffer from CRF.

Any time felines are afflicted by ailments such as CRF, it may seem to you that the end will come too soon. Nevertheless, by using these simple yet effective treatment options, you can provide your precious feline with a much healthier life for months and maybe even years!

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Cat Aggression Problems - How to Deal With Psychotic Kitty Behavior Without Losing Your Mind

Is your special little friend and companion developing serious cat aggression problems? Unfortunately, this is a common problem for many feline owners and it can be a nerve wracking experience to see your once cuddly buddy viciously attacking another cat in the house or even you! In order to counter this, its necessary to be able to observe and learn exactly what kind of aggression issues kitty is experiencing. Narrowing down the source of aggression is the key to eliminating aggressive cat behavior.

Feline On Feline Aggression!

If your cuddly buddy is flipping out and beating the tar out of the other cats in the house, it could be a case of social aggression resulting from dominance issues. This is especially true if a new cat/kitten has been introduced and has up set the social structure. Dominant cats will almost always seek to make sure a new cat knows his place. If the new feline is also dominant, this could make for some brutal fights if left unchecked. Cats experience these sort of cat aggression problems need to be watched carefully, especially if the rival cat is nearby.

Feline On Human Aggression!

Probably one of the most disturbing manifestations of cat aggression problems is when your loving and gentle kitty goes berserk and attacks you. This is an unfortunate circumstance and could be caused by several things. Your cat could simply be under-stimulated and asking for attention. On the other hand if the attack is accompanied by growling and hissing, something has genuinely upset kitty. This could be health related or your cat taking out his frustrations towards another situation on you. In any case, your cat/kitten will need to be closely monitored to find out what is upsetting him.

Is There A Way To Stop Cat Aggression Problems?

Yes, very rarely is there a situation where a cat's aggressive behavior can't be fixed. The key is understanding and pinpointing the source of your cat's problem. Once that is discovered eliminating this bad behavior is quite simple. However, cats can be extremely hard to understand sometimes due to their subtle nature. Also some cats don't communicate as well as others.

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So I Know What Kind Of Aggression Problem My Cat Has. What Now?

Now its time to take action and put an end to your cat's bad behavior once and for all. The type of aggression problem your cat has will determine what must be done. The guide featured in the link below will show you exactly what to do and how to do it. Your cat's aggression problems will be over before you know it!

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Cat Symptoms - You Do Not Want to Dismiss These Four Common Sick Cat Symptoms

The information you are about to read targets 4 common cat symptoms in all honesty could bring to light an extremely crucial health problem, and may be cause to visit with your vets office. In cases of dealing with some cat symptoms it is always better to to be on the safe side.

The realty is that, cats are fairly able to take care of themselves, and believe it or not they can recover from a small illness before you ever even realize that they were feeling sick.

I want to make it clear that it is easy, to miss some cat symptom, your cat will bounce back from with ease. At the same time it is also possible, that more cat symptoms could indicate that your kitty just might have a problem sickness as well as a underlying condition as the reasons why.

Just before we take a look at 4 common cat symptoms, It needs to be said that it is crucial to keep a close watch on your cat's behavior, and whether or not cat symptoms are brought to your attention, if so you need to take action right away.  Cat Symptoms #1. Vomiting - This is not unusual in cats. The on going issue of hairballs are I am sure you will agree, the upmost common contributor of your cat vomiting. Ok now, cats tend to get into all kinds of things, no news flash here, and this the norm when we talk about cat symptoms.

Let me also say that they may have allergic reactions items such as flowers and other things that may cause your cat not to feel well. Never take the cat symptom of vomiting as just a hairball, stay alert at all times. Non stop vomiting can lead to the condition of dehydration, which is always serious and can result in the possibility of you cat dying.

Cat Symptoms #2. Diarrhea - A cat symptom like this can indicate of a important condition than plain indigestion. Problems such as dehydration is possible, so don't allow this condition to be taken lightly and get your feline friend to a animal hospital.

Cat Symptoms #3. Lack of Eating - The cat symptoms refusing to eat and also not looking to drink for long periods at a time, is not normal behavier in most cases and has to be taken as a sign of a potential issue of bad health. Alot of ill cats often will stop eating and drinking, this could very well be your felines way for attempting to to tell you of a illness.  Cat Symptoms #4. Sluggishness - Cat's do sleep a whole lot, on the other hand they should not seem overly tired. Lethargy is a flashing red light of some kind of health condition. It is no news flash that cats can sleep alot, so it could be easy to miss a illness if they are sluggish. Lets say your feline is normally crazy and exploding with energy, but all of the sudden begins sleeping through out the entire day, this is one of those cat symptoms that may be a problem.

The info in this article is not meant to make you panic about your feline friend, but to bring attention to cat symptoms that even I admit have missed or plainly ignored once in a while. Fact is that cats are for the most part strong animals, and have the ability to bounce back from small problems very well on their own from sick, ill cat symptoms.

My hopes is to bring attention to those times, when cat symptoms of illness which may indicate a crucial problem that needs a pet hospital visit. The more we can our cat healthy by noticing crucial cat symptoms of illness the happier your cat will be and I know that is what you desire the most.

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Clipping Cat Claws

It's just a fact of life: cats are born with claws, just like people have fingernails and toenails.

Clipping a house cat's claws is a hassle for any cat owner. Do you have a natural affinity for cats? Would you like to turn your love of these furry fellows into a profession? You could do this with your new business! You could charge 20$ per cat whose nails you will clip.

Unfortunately, cats don't also have those handy opposable thumbs that allow you to cut and trim and file your own nails. This leaves the task of cat's nail care to its owner and caregiver. It is recommended that cat's nails be clipped once or twice a month (especially before bathing it). If you are a pet owner, you know how difficult it can be to trim a cat's nails. Most people give up and resort to taking their precious feline to the vet and end up paying huge fees for each visit. Some just let their poor pets suffer because the trip to the vet and the prospect of doing it themselves are both options that are not going to work for them. Rescue them with your welcome and affordable services.

You will want to perform this service at the pet's home so that your customer will not have the inconvenience of loading their unhappy cat into its carrier and hauling the loudly protesting animal to an unfamiliar location. No cat really likes the process of nail trimming, so your customers will also be grateful to you because their cats will not be resentful of them!

You will need to have a steady but firm hand as well as basic clipping supplies. Never use human nail clippers. Only use clippers specifically designed for pets or cats (be sure to bring a backup pair, just in case). You will need to hold the clippers in your dominant hand and the cat's paw in your other hand. Since cat's claws are designed to retract, be sure to extend the claw outward before you clip it. You will do this by holding the paw and placing your index finger on the pad of toe where you are going to clip. Place your thumb on the top of that toe, press your finger and thumb together. This will extend the nail for you to cut. Locate the vein that runs through the cat's paw and be sure to cut just above that vein. Be sure not to cut too closely to the vein (the area of the nail that is pink) or the cat may have some bleeding and be in pain. Then you will have a very unhappy cat and likely an unhappy customer on your hands as well! If the cat has black or dark nails, just cut the nail just beyond the point where it starts to curve downward. Be sure to clip the end off each nail on both the front and back paws. Once you are done cutting their claws make a habit of giving the cat a special treat while petting and praising it for putting up with you, after a while they will know the routine and give into your procedure in the future. It might even be a good idea to try to play with the cat before and after for a few minutes also.

For your own protection with new cats that aren't sure about you or your service, you may want to be sure to wear protective clothing and use a collar and leash to keep them from running and hiding from you. Encourage the cat owner to work with you so that their dear cat isn't traumatized by the whole ordeal and you aren't clawed by their cat.

You will likely want to advertise your services by running a visible advertisement in your local phone directory, also list your business with an online business directory and advertise also by printing up flyers, then post them in places where people with cats are likely to visit. Among these places should be elementary pet stores, schools, and day cares. Be sure to include popular lunch places and coffee shops too! Most post offices and grocery stores also have bulletin boards that they will allow you to place an advertisement onto. Be sure to take advantage of any public bulletin boards in your immediate area to find the people who are looking for you and your services.

In no time at all, you will have built up a large clientele base (since cats need their nails clipped at the very least once a month!), you will find many by word of mouth as they witness your professional services in action!

Over time, as your successful business grows, you could even expand into cutting the nails of other creatures like rabbits, dogs, and large birds!

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Important Tips For Dealing With Your Aging Cat

As cats age, they require more and more attention and loving care from their owners. Though cats tend to lead uneventful, happy lives, disease and discomfort increase as they age. Listed here are a few conditions and diseases to keep an eye out for that are common in elderly cats, in addition to a few tips in caring for your cat to aid in their graceful and comfortable aging.

Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.

A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!

Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.

Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.

Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.

Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.

Feline UTI - Identifying the Problem by Home-Testing

Household pets such as cats and dogs can develop urinary tract infections, which are sometimes difficult to identify. The early symptoms are such that the only way an owner can recognise the problem is take note of the frequency of the pet's urination, any evidence of blood, and a change in smell of the urine and general well-being of the animal. If left untreated, feline and canine UTI can seriously compromise your pet's health.

Feline UTI can develop if crystals are formed in malfunctioning kidneys. The animal will excrete these in urine but there will be no visible signs of them. This situation may continue till the urinary tract infection actually sets in and leads to further discomfort for the suffering pet. It should be noted that those cats that have already had UTI are more prone to developing the problem again. An owner may sometimes not catch the problem till it is well advanced. It only becomes noticeable when the pet stops using the litter box for instance.

There is a way, however, that cat owners can manage this aspect of their pet's health at home. It involves keeping a regular tab on the pet's urine but reduces both stress for the animal and worry for the owner to a minimum. No training is needed, testing can be done whenever there is time and as often as required, and best of all it is easy to do.

Start with organising the following items:

1) Non-absorbent litter (available with veterinarians) or clean gravel of the kind used in aquarium (available in pet stores);

2) Urine pH test kits- containing testing strips (can be ordered in; look for information at pet stores).

An additional useful arrangement could be having the litter box in a separate area (not in your kitchen), one that preferably affords the pet some privacy. Take care to note down the approximate times that the pet uses the litter box. This may take a few days of pet watching to work out. Identify a convenient time when you, the owner, can carry out the testing.

When they are ready to go about obtaining a sample, owners need to know that the cat litter box must be cleaned well before filling it with the gravel or non-absorbent litter. Also, fresh cat urine gives the best indication of the presence of infection. As it ages, cat urine will produce higher pH readings, and indicate a problem where there may be none.

When the pet's urine is still fresh, a pH testing strip may be dipped into it, the excess moisture shaken off, and the results compared with the chart found in the testing kit. A reading of 6.4-6.6 is normal but any higher or lower will mean having to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Testing your pet monthly is a good option, as the impact of changes in diet and lifestyle will show up while testing. Remember that this test only provides an indication, and is not definitive. Only a proper urinalysis can accurately confirm feline UTI.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

http://www.PetsNaturalRemedies.net

Ways to Prevent Feline Leukemia

When a cat has feline leukemia, his immune system will be compromised. Apart from this, he also develops anemia, abnormal tumors and other diseases such as cancer. He will most likely live around 3.5 more years, as a majority of FeLV-infected cats do.

If you are a cat caregiver, it is essential for you to know how you can prevent the spread of the disease among cats in your foster cat home. Knowledge and understanding of the disease, as well as other contagious diseases, can certainly be a big factor in lengthening the lives of cats.

Licking is one of the common forms of transmission as FeLV can be acquired through licking. Moreover, placenta-transmission (i.e. mother to baby) is also another common form. Kittens are more vulnerable to the condition because their immune system is weak until they reach 4 months old, thus resistance to the disease is also not that strong.

The sad truth is that it takes awhile for symptoms to become evident. In fact, it could take months, or even years, before the symptoms show. Unless, you get your cat tested, it is unlikely that you will find out if he has FeLV, during the first few months that he has it.

How can you keep your cats safe from this rather deadly disease? Below are some of the things that you can do. Actually, these are what you SHOULD do, if you want to keep your cats free from FeLV, and this is particularly important if you have a foster cat home.

- First, keep your infected cats separate from healthy ones.

- Second, have your cats vaccinated. But before you do so, please bear in mind that the vaccines do not work for all cats.

- Third, test your cats, especially those that you own (if you have a foster cat home).

- Fourth, do not get more cats until the preceding fostered cats already have new owners.

- Fifth, make sure feeding plates are separated and always disinfected.

- Sixth, clean and disinfect their litter box at least two times a week.

- Lastly, if an FeLV-infected cat gets a new home, see to it that you inform the new owner of the cat's condition and educate him on how he can take care of the cat.

If you are a foster cat caregiver, you are taking on a huge responsibility of ensuring that the cats are kept healthy. This is particularly important if you also have your own cats, on top of the foster cats. Always see to it that you have your cats tested for FeLV and other transmittable diseases.

You run the risk of spreading diseases if you have many cats in your home, but if you have a good understanding on the dos and don'ts, then you should not have a problem keeping every cat safe and healthy. Additionally, you might also want to consider getting cat health insurance plan as the management of feline cancer or other diseases brought about by feline leukemia entails costs that may really hurt your budget.

Visit Feline-Leukemia.Net for more information on Feline Leukemia virus and how to manage Feline Leukemia.

A Good Cat Owner Should Be Informed on Cat Health Issues

For many cat owners, providing a good cat health care can be a challenge. since felines, including cats, can be secretive or don't want to be disturbed, determining issues with regard to cat health is not easy. It can be very stressful not only to your cat, but also to you as the owner especially when ingoing a prolonged state requiring a long term treatment, medical care and medication.

Cat Health Care Issues

Normal issues of the health include vary from minor problems like tape worms and ear mites to more moderate issues such as flea infestation and allergic to bites of flea. All of these issues can be notified by taking your pet to the veterinarian for yearly checkups, shots and buying a good flea preventative.

Helpful Preventative Measures

As a cat owner and cat caregiver, one of the first things you can do to encourage good health is to have your cat neutered or spayed. Felines that are not altered and come into contact with other male felines run the risk of not only unwanted pregnancies for the females.

Additional Preventive Measures

You can also do some other things to encourage your cat health like provide your cat with good quality food, whether dry or canned, that is rich in vitamins that are needed by cats. Moreover , exercise is a must for your cat if you don't want it becomes overweight. Although kittens have an abundance of energy, they tend to slow down as they grow old. Thus, finding ways to keep your feline active is also important.

So as to keep your cat active, you can do all or some of these; buying a carpeted scratch post for clawing exercise, using a collar and leash and walking around the yard.

Answer all questions of yours in regard to cat health [http://catmypet.com/cat-health/understanding-the-cat-health-issues/].

If you are looking for more information about cat, get other articles by Beth Stacey. Please visit her website at Cat My Pet [http://catmypet.com/].

All About Cat Behaviors and What They Mean

Cat behavior is more difficult for most people to understand than dog behavior, because they communicate so much differently. If you experience behavior problems with your cat, like biting, scratching, excessive meowing or avoiding the litter box, eliminate any physical causes and then patiently retrain your cat, to try to eliminate the undesirable behaviors. Remember, there aren't bad cats, just uninformed cat owners.

It's best to deal with problem cat behavior one step at a time, lest you frustrate your cat with too many do's and don'ts. That would make it difficult for her to learn just what you want from her. Start with the most serious problems first, like chewing electric cords. Take care of one problem before you start work on another.

If your cat behavior is problematic because she is seeking more attention, you probably are hearing excess vocalization from your feline. She has underlying causes for this behavior, and they may be emotional, physical or both. Make sure she doesn't have some pain issues before you punish her for excessive meowing. She might be in heat, or there might be another physical cause.

If your pet's cat behavior includes being aggressive towards people, this may have been caused by poor training when she was a kitten. Or it could be a fear response, and she may have been mistreated or neglected when she was young. You, as your cat's caregiver, will need to learn what you can do to prevent aggression, how to take care of it when it occurs, and how to slow this behavior down.

Cats are territorial animals, so expect some uproar if you introduce a new cat into your home. Sometimes they will settle down quickly, and sometimes you will need to separate them - as unpleasant as that idea might sound. Usually, after the first few cat-fights, your felines will fall into a pecking order, and the fights should be fewer then.

If you experience cat behavior in the areas of destructive chewing and scratching by kittens and cats, it is a dangerous habit for them and it causes damage to your belongings. Address the causes before you start flinging slippers at your cats - they may be expressing boredom, curiosity or even a deficiency in their nutrient levels. If your cat scratches you or your furniture, check out all your options before considering de-clawing. This is no more humane than removing your own fingernails would be. You can even buy thin plastic claw-covers in bright colors, to keep your cat's scratching from destroying anything else.

Many cat behavior problems are actually related to health issues, or caused by the inadvertent miscues of your cat caregivers. Make sure to give your feline the benefit of the doubt, and work patiently with her when correction needs to be administered.

Visit the About Animals website to learn about cat vomiting and cat illnesses.

Your Cat's Health and Well Being

If you haven't had the pleasure of owning a pet cat before, you may not know that you can run into some cat health problems. Some can be prevented easily, while others begin genetically.

One of the most common problems with your cat's health and well being is the terrible hairball. Cats keep themselves clean by cleaning their fur with their tongues. Loose hair is removed and swallowed. Sometimes, instead of passing through the cat's digestive tract, the hair forms into a ball in the cat's stomach. Cats with hairballs develop a hacking cough, gradually expelling the hairball. Hairball prevention is easy: groom your cat daily to help remove the loose hair. You can also get cat food that helps prevent hairballs. If you look at your local stores, you may also find cat treats that can help with this problem.

Urinary tract infections are another feline health problem. This infection happens more frequently in un-neutered male cats, though it is seen occasionally in females as well. If your cat has suddenly developed an aversion to his litter box, it could be due to a urinary tract infection. Another clue is that your cat's urine will smell unusually strong if he has an infection. A trip to the veterinarian is the cure. He will also recommend cat foods that may help prevent the infection from coming back.

Cats are prone to several viruses as well that can be very dangerous to their health and well being: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) are the most common.

FIP is a cousin to the Corona virus, and is a very serious condition as there is no known treatment. The problem lies in the test. Cats that test positive for FIP may not have it, since Corona virus gives the same result on the test. A vaccine for FIP does exist, but many veterinarians do not believe it is very effective. Fortunately, this disease is not as simple to contract as some of the others.

FIV, also known as cat AIDS, isn't necessarily fatal. Some pet owners are afraid that they can catch HIV from an FIV-positive cat, but it is not possible.

FLV is easily preventable through vaccination if the cat has not been exposed to the virus yet. While FLV is not always immediately fatal, once this disease has been contracted, the cat usually does not live for long. If you have a pet with FLV, do not bring other cats into your household. It is contagious.

Many cats also become a host for worms. Hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms are the most common parasites that infect pet cats. Sometimes, they can also get heart worms. Symptoms that may indicate worms is weight loss, with the inability to gain it back; flea infestation; or white specks in the stool that looks like rice. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet for a test. Worms are easily gotten rid of with a few doses of worm medication. If left untreated, the cat can waste away and die.

If your cat likes to play outdoors, examine him frequently for ticks. If you find one on your cat and he has been moving more slowly than usual or acting lethargic or as if he is in pain, he may need to be tested for Lyme Disease. Your veterinarian can take care of this test and the treatment. Lyme Disease is given to both people and animals by ticks.

Your cat's health and well being is very important if you want to have many happy years with him or her. Caring for your cat properly is easy with a few regular trips to the vet.

If you want to read more stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com

How To Protect Your Furnishings From You Cat's Destructive Scratches

If you find that your window screens, chairs and rugs are looking like someone had a fight on them, your cat is probably the culprit. Cats can cause havoc to furnishings and can destroy your beautiful home with their sharp claws. So how can you solve this problem? To nip the problem in the bid, you must understand why she scratches in the first place.

Historically, felines were deadly predators who relied on their sharp claws to climb up trees and hunt their preys. However, today, cats have become domesticated creatures and don't need to hunt anymore. But since old instincts never dies, so they still sharpen their claws.

Also, you need to understand that cats need to scratch to release some innate energy. Scratching is also a cat's way of cutting her nails, since it removes the old outer part of her claws. Scratching releases special scents from the glands in the cats' paws to help them mark that spot as theirs.

If you are sick and tired of your cat's frequent scratchings, you have an option to de claw her. However, this is an expensive and unnecessary surgery and you may want to try some alternatives instead.

Here are some solutions to prevent cat scratching

1. Provide your feline friend with scratching pads or posts.

Scratching pads are made for cats to scratch so instead of scratching on your furniture, they scratch these pads or posts. You can buy them or if you prefer, you can also make your own simple scratching post. You can do this by using a 2 foot high section of a 4 by 4, a 2 foot by 2 foot piece of heavy plywood plus a carpet remnant.

Once you have a scratching post or pad for your feline, make sure that you place it right next to her favorite piece of furniture. Observe her for a while. Once she get used to scratching the post, you can move it a bit further from the furniture. But you must take care to do so only gradually.

2. Use a pet repellent spray on the furniture

If your kitty still scratches away your furnishings despite having her own scratching pad or post, then you can resort to pet repellent spray such as Bitter Apple. Of course, take care to test the spray on a hidden part of the upholstery first in order to be sure it doesn't discolor the fabric of your furniture.

A good way to avoid spoiling your furniture by spraying is by covering it with aluminum foil or tape that is placed sticky side up. Your kitty will be repelled and should willingly turn to her scratching post instead.

3. De clawing

This is the measure of last resort. If your kitty still insists on scratching, de clawing may be the only option left. As long as she does not leave the house, this should be a safe option. However, de clawing is a painful and risky surgery so think more than twice on this one.

Note: You can get more info on cats breeds. Also, check out these resources: cat vitamins and cat pain relief products

Cat Health Care - Obesity

Many a pet owner has laughed to themselves about their little chubby kitty and how cute he or she is. Few people realise, though, that cat obesity is a major threat to cat health care and that it is on the rise. If your cat is a bit pudgy then, it might be time to think about a trip to the vet and a weight loss programme.

Chubby cats often endear themselves to owners and others alike, and it is not uncommon for several well meaning neighbours on the same street to all be feeding the same pet. Unfortunately, despite these people's good intentions, feline obesity can significantly reduces a cat's life expectancy and make him or her much more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes and a variety of other serious ailments. That is to say that obesity in cats is as dangerous as it is in humans.

A healthy cat should have between 15 and 20% body fat and weigh between 3.5 and 4.5kg. A trip to the vet will confirm the figure for your pet. Any more than that and obesity is likely. Obviously, there are many factors that can affect a cat's weight, so if you suspect your cat is overweight do see a vet first to rule out any underlying conditions and for advice on cat health care.

Ultimately, though, as with humans, the most likely cause for overweight cats is eating too much and exercising too little. Once your vet has confirmed your pet has a weight problem, speak to kindly neighbours who may be feeding your cat and explain how their well intended behaviour is jeopardizing the cat health care. You should then work to reduce the amount your pet eats. Do not simply take things into your own hands; seek the advice of a vet who will ensure the diet you give your cat is healthy. A diet of lean protein from chicken and turkey, for example, will encourage weight loss by speeding up metabolism. To ensure the diet is not too difficult for the cat, feeding more frequent smaller meals will avoid hunger.

Lastly, increasing physical activity is harder for the cats than dogs, since they don't go on regular walks with their owners. It is possible, however, to encourage your cat to spend a little more time than usual outdoors or to increase the time you spend playing with them in the house.

Dietary change in humans and cats alike can seem daunting, but the process need not be too difficult if small steps are taken one at a time. These simple tips coupled with the advice of a good vet could promote cat health care and allow your pet to go on living a healthy life for many more years, so now is the time to check your cat's weight.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs, animals and pets, including cat health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/cats/ for more information.

Great Gifts For All Cat Owners

Did you ever wonder what kind of gift you could provide to someone who is a cat lover? I agree, if you are not a cat owner yourself this is not an easy question to answer. After all, what else does a cat need than some food, a place to sleep and maybe a litter box? But who wants to give a pack of cat food cans or a litter box for his friend's birthday?

Now, let me provide you with some ideas that are a bit more original and fun than the ones mentioned above:

* Picture frames: That's always a good idea. All cat lovers like to have framed pictured of their little feline friends. You even could think about giving away one of those digital picture frames. That way, your friend could have an entire series of cat pictures displayed in one place. The only disadvantage of digital picture frames is that they are still a bit expensive. On the other hand, prizes have gone down quite a bit lately and now you can get the smaller format frames for about $15.

* Catnip: That's really a funny gift with a very special effect on your kitten. Catnip contains aromatic oils that make felines appear to be drunk and very hyper - which is always great entertainment for cat owners and guests. Catnip is made from a natural plant and absolutely safe for cats to consume. These kind of substances are also often found in toys and playing balls.

* Books: All cat owners love cat books, yet most of them don't have any. That's a great opportunity for you to provide a nice surprise. There are hundreds of different books - just have a look at Amazon. You can buy books on the different breeds, on how to train a cat, on how to properly take care for a kitten... and on hundreds of other subjects.

* Hair Ball Remedies: Almost all felines have hairball problems. Fortunately, nowadays you can get various remedies to eliminate hairballs. Hairball remedies usually come in gel form and they are available in different flavors: malt, fish, chicken...

* Grooming Supplies: There exist all types of cat grooming supplies, such as: clippers, brushes and combs, which can help to make an already good looking cat look even greater. When you do a quick search on the Internet, you will be surprised how many different grooming products actually exist: Tear stain pads, herbal ear care, herbal shampoo, herbal conditioners, hair remover, fur busters, grooming gloves... and the list goes on and on.

As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities to make a cat owner and his or her feline friend happy. I hope, the gift ideas mentioned above will help you in choosing the right gift for your cat loving friends.

Cat-illnesses.org shows you how you can protect your cat or kitten from the most common cat illnesses. Find also a wide variety of information on cat vitamins, cat breeds, cat caring and other subjects.

3 Quick And Easy Tips in Maintaining Your Cat's Litter Box

You certainly know why taking good care of your cat's litter box is as essential as taking care of your cat. A litter box that is very dirty will promote bacteria growth which will have a direct health impact to your cat and your family. It also produces unpleasant smell that can drive your cat away and "encouraging" it for not using it again. With that in mind, this article provides you 3 simple "idiot-proof" tips in maintaining your cat's litter box.

Tip #1: Scoop any visible waste

Cats are hygienic. Do you see how they often lick their coat to keep their selves clean? The same goes with their litter trays. Once they use it, they don't want to step on any feces scattered on the litter. In fact, these poops may have a possibility to stick on their feet and once your cat steps off the litter tray, it might be scattered on your carpeted floor, which is a no-no. When this happens, you must attend to the litter tray and the soiled floor. Tougher cleaning is needed if your floor is carpeted. But by scooping the feces after your cats have excreted them, you can avoid such hassle.

As the owner, your job is to scoop out visible wastes. This will not only please your felines but will also avoid nasty odors from spreading inside your home. Scoop them out immediately right after your cat finished defecating. You can also scoop litters that have clumped due to your cat's urine.

Tip #2: Don't use strong chemicals in cleaning

When you clean a litter box, use a mild powdered soap and water. Chemicals like liquid bleaches interact with plastics, thus, leaving a strong odor that cats might hate. See to it that you rinse the litter tray a lot of times so that the soap and cat waste are thoroughly washed away.

Rinsing it with warm water can kill germs and eliminate strange odors but boiling water can melt your plastic litter tray instantly. Wipe the plastic tray with a clean cloth or let it dry before filling it with litter. Sometimes, fragrance in rags can be transferred to your cat's litter tray so assure that the cloth you will use for wiping doesn't have any smell.

Tip #3: Choose a Litter Box that suits your Litter-Kicking cat

If your cat kicks litter box after doing its business, then you should choose one that will not allow the litter to come out. Cats kicking litter after defecating is just natural and you cannot change it, ever. If you would not opt for a litter tray that suits these types of cats, then you will have to sweep the location from time to time, which is obviously impractical.

An example of a litter box that can block flying litters is the high-walled litter box. They are the cheapest available in pet shops. The walls can block the litter once the cat starts to dig and kick it. Litter box with lids and flap covers can also do the trick. Such boxes are not fully covered that the cat will not think it is being imprisoned while defecating or urinating.

Just make sure to open the flip all time so that the fouls smell will not be trapped in the litter box. You should also be meticulous enough to clean these kinds of litter boxes as some wastes can be stuck on its corners. Being a responsible cat owner, keeping your cat healthy and happy is what should come first. By applying simple tips above, you are dramatically reducing the chance of your cat getting disease due to dirty litter tray. Secondly, you make your cat litter tray longer shelf life i.e. you save the money in the long run.

Abigail Lee is the author of a special report, 'How to Get Your Cat Says"Yes!" to Its Litter Box'. Other than showing you the 5 easy steps to encourage your cat to utilize its litter box, she is covering almost everything you need to know about litter box. Visit [http://www.easycatproblem.com/litterbox] for more insider tips.

Pet Cat Care and Health

It is often said that there are two kinds of people in the world-those who love cats and those who do not. Cat lovers are often portrayed as introspective, introverted people seeking a companion that is equally introverted and self-interested. While this stereotype may hold true for some cats and cat owners, the only real "rule" for who and who should not own a cat involves who and who is not willing to devote themselves fully to offering the best in pet cat care and health. Because kittens are so cute and in plentiful supply, many people are tempted to impulsively attain a cat, operating under the impression that cats are "independent" and can "take care of themselves." For your future cat's sake, pay attention to this pet cat care advice before falling in love with the perfect feline.

Learning how to care for a cat isn't rocket science, but it's also not as simple as some people think. The first thing you want to be absolutely certain of before you decide to get a cat is that you are giving it a forever home with you. Not a "you clawed the sofa so you're out of here" home or an "I'm moving and don't want to bother finding a cat-friendly rental so I'll take you to the pound" home, but a permanent home with a person who can devote as many as 20 years of their life to cat pet care. If you're ready to accept this commitment, then consider opening your home to one of the thousands of cats whose past owners failed to make this commitment--adopt your kitty from the local animal shelter. Many cats and kittens are euthanized every day simply because there aren't enough loving homes for them all. Save a life and get your new best friend all in one go!

So now that you've decided a pet cat is indeed something you're ready for, it's time to create your pet cat care and health checklist. To ensure that your cat stays as healthy as possible, you'll need to find a regular vet where you'll take your cat for his or her yearly check-ups, vaccinations, and any other medical issues that may arise. Hands down, the easiest way to keep your cat healthy is to keep your cat indoors. While most cats enjoy being outside, they're just as happy, and far safer, curling in a sunny window or on a screened-in porch. Cats who spend a lot of time outdoors will inevitably end up in fights with other cats which usually result in costly abscesses. They also run the risk of being hit by a car, contracting Feline leukemia or FIV, being attacked by a dog, or being shot, poisoned, or trapped by a cat-hating neighbor.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to allow your cat outdoors, you'll need to be certain that you're prepared for the cost of having your cat spayed or neutered. A bonus of adopting from an animal shelter is that many shelters "fix" their pets before placing them in new homes. Regardless of where your new cat comes from, you must make the commitment to have your cat altered, whether to prevent diseases of the reproductive system in females, to prevent territorial "spraying" in males, or to prevent litters of kittens from further increasing an already tragically large cat population.

Another easy way to ensure your cat's continued health is to feed him or her a quality diet of premium dry cat food. The difference between a few dollars per bag could mean the difference between less veterinary bills down the road. Search for a cat food that offers chicken or fish (not meat by-products or corn) as its primary ingredient. Keep a small amount of dry food is in your cat's dish at all times, as cats will usually nibble throughout the day, and always keep your cat's water dish clean and full. If you want to offer your cat a little more variety in his diet, try roasted chicken, cooked fish, and cooked vegetables such as green beans. Do not, however, offer your cat milk or other dairy products as many cats are slightly lactose intolerant.

Obviously, much of what you learn about pet cat care and health will come to you in the many happy years you spend with your cat, but hopefully, this has been a start. Commit to providing your feline companion with the best you can offer and he or she will reward you richly-with unconditional affection and unrivaled devotion.

Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

Good Cat Care Means a Happy Cat

Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about your cat's care, the better you will be able to meet your cat's physical and emotional needs. The stronger your cat's health and the better your cat's attitude is, the more you will be able to enjoy your cat's unique personality and the more pleasure you will take from the relationship. Good cat care will make your cat more affectionate, and can dramatically reduce any behavior problems that he or she may be displaying.If you want a richer and fuller relationship with your cat, then take the time to care for your cat properly.

Having a cat is a two way street. The better the level of care that you can provide for your pet, the more energetic, affectionate, and well behaved it will be. By giving your pet optimum care, you will make it more agreeable to the training and behavior modification techniques that can take the headaches out of pet ownership. Good cat care often translates into a better cat that will react to commands more willingly than a cat who does not receive enough attention, affection, and care. The more you learn about how to care for your cat, the better the level of health and happiness you will be able to bring to your feline friend. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between you and your pet will be, and that bond often serves as the core of obedience training.

By educating yourself about cat care and practicing the best, tested feline care techniques to provide your cat with optimum attention, you can make sure that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat is, the happier it will be able to make you. A cat that is well cared for is a cat that will be interested in active playtime and in calm relaxation. The better your cat care abilities are, the more fully you will be able to share time with your cat doing all of you pet's, and your, favorite activities together. Great care provides a strong foundation for your bond with your cat. Good care and attention can help you grow closer with your beloved pet by making sure that he or she is always up for spending time with you. This is why cat care is an important part of your emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn't getting the right kind of care, from the best kind of diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat may develop behavior issues that can make him or her feel like a problem child. However, the positive side of this equation is that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome issues ranging from constant meowing to weight issues to destructive tendencies. Good cat care means a happier and healthier pet, and even a problematic cat who receives enough of the right kind of care can become a pleasant companion.

Bruce Walls is a cat owner and writer about Cat Care.

Cat Health Care - 3 Common Health Issues in Cats

Cats are independent creatures happy to purr in your lap for a while only to jump down to investigate the food bowl or conduct one of many daily grooming sessions. Most cat health issues arise due to conditions the cat encounters outside your home or contagious diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. Cats confined indoors have fewer heath problems but there are some issues that are common to all cats.

Hairballs

Cat hairballs are seldom dangerous but can be messy and annoying. The problem is most often seen in cats with long, thick fur. When grooming, the cat ingests loose hair. Much of the hair may pass through the digestive tracts with no problem. However, the cat's fur can also form into a ball in the animal's stomach. For the feline, this is uncomfortable and he may eat grass in an attempt to force vomiting to relieve the discomfort.

Once the cat regurgitates the hairball, he feels better but his owner may not appreciate cleaning up the mess. Most cats will have a hair ball incident a few times during their life while some pets seem prone to chronic problems with cat hairballs.

Laxatone comes in several flavors for picky cats. This gel acts as a lubricant to keep the cat hairs from sticking together when they are ingested. This decreases the vomiting by helping the hair pass through the digestive system naturally. Petromalt is a similar hairball remedy that makes the hair easier to digest.

Frequent brushing will remove much of the loose fur on your cat before his grooming and licking causes him to swallow it. A habit of daily brushing of your long haired cat combined with a hairball remedy can greatly reduce the frequency of vomiting caused by cat hairballs.

De-Worming and Parasite Control

Untreated hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworm in cats can seriously harm the health of your pet. Cats may develop chronic diarrhea, anemia and weight loss and young kittens may die from the dehydration and blood loss resulting from parasites.

It is not only possible to treat worms and parasites - the treatment is simple and cost effective for pet owners. Cat worm medicine should be given to your cat on a regular basis. You may think the cat in your home is not exposed to worms but you would be wrong. Almost all pets have worms at some time. The problem of worms in cats is especially important in newborn kitten care. Kittens may be born with worms in their little system and worming small kittens is standard health care for cats.

Worm medications such as Drontal or pyrantel pamoate may be in tablet or liquid form and are given by mouth. This may sound easier than it is as cats are notorious for their resistance to taking a pill and will even ignore food when they know it contains medication. The quickest way to ensure your feline actually swallow his worm medicine is to administer a liquid with a small syringe that releases the medicine in the back of the cat's mouth. Swallowing is then his only alternative.

Cat Dental Health

The idea of cat teeth cleaning or feline gingivitis is a relatively new addition in the field of health care for cats. During health exams, the cat's teeth received only a cursory inspection in the past. Now we know that dental health in cats is as complex and problematic as the health of teeth and gums in humans.

Cats eat and salivate and both of those can lead to tooth and gum problems. Plague builds up and forms tarter on the feline teeth when joined with minerals in the cat's saliva. Cat teeth can decay and gums may become inflamed and infected.

Feline gingivitis is common and uncomfortable. If your cat has bad breath or is drooling, this may be an indication of infection causing pain in his mouth. Bacteria growing as infection in the animal's can move through the blood stream and attack organs such as the liver, kidneys and the heart.

Evaluating the dental health of your cat will require the expertise of your veterinarian. It may take help to open your cat's mouth wide enough to clearly see the back teeth where dental problems will be most visible.

Dental examinations are also useful in routine health exams. Gums that are constantly inflamed may be a problem of feline gingivitis or a symptom of a serious problem in the immune system. Drooling may indicate pain from an infected tooth but may also be a symptom of a growth in the mouth or throat.

By following basic guidelines for feline health care you can provide your cat with an active, comfortable and happy life as a valuable member of your family. Treat common cat health problems quickly as they occur to avoid secondary infections and life threatening emergencies.

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Analysis of Cat Behavior

The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior of your cat

is that your pet is not a human. Cats are not rational beings and their

actions are not based on emotion. Changes in his behavior are not stemmed

from any repressed anger with you; your cat is not trying to get revenge on

you for being away from home too much or bringing a new baby into the house.

Negative changes in cat behavior are typically cause by stress or anxiety

for the cat. It is easy to see why pet owners tend to conclude that the

cat's feelings toward them are causing the behavioral differences; it is

human nature to correlate two unrelated events. In reality, there is a

missing link: your behavior may cause the cat physical anxiety, thus the

cat's behavior alteration is based on physiological changes in his body.

One common complaint among cat owners is that their cat has suddenly chosen

a new favorite place to deposit wastes instead of his litter box. This

could be a result of a few factors.

First, it may be a medical problem.

Cats are prone to urinary track infections that make it extremely painful to

urinate. Cats then associate the pain of urination with the litter box, so

they do not like to visit their designated urination station. If your cat

has stopped using the litter box, your first step should be to take him to

the vet and have a thorough check-up run on him. Cats also have natural

preferences for certain textures and smells, so if you have recently changed

the type of cat litter you use, the cat may be showing that he does not care

for the new feeling or smell of his litter. In avoiding the litter box, the

cat may have become attached to new textures and locations around your

household, perhaps the soft living room rug or bedroom closet.

The best

strategy is not to punish the cat; he will not understand. Rather, have a

medical check up, switch litters, and continuously reintroduce the cat to

his litter box. Reward him for using it, just like he was a kitten again.

To relieve any anxiety your cat may be feeling, carefully analyze any

changes that have occurred in his life as of late. If a new baby or

roommate comes into the house, your cat may feel threatened, so be sure to

give him extra attention. If you suddenly have to spend more time away from

home than normal, consider getting a second cat so that your cat does not

spend his days alone. Although the cat is not having emotional reactions,

his body feels different due to changes around him.

Be in tune with what may be causing your cat to feel anxious, analyze the situation, and do the

loyal owner duty of relieving his stress.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who offers advice on cat health, cat supplies, and cat names

Feline Fine - Cat Care For Cat Lovers

Dogs, as it is often said, are a man's best friend. But whilst they may indeed be a very loving and loyal companion to have around, the large proportion of cat owners in the UK would probably argue that their moggy is every bit as faithful a friend, and also a fully integrated member of the family unit.

Indeed, most people are fairly clear on whether they are a 'cat person' or a 'dog person' and normally have quite specific reasons for their opinions. But regardless of what camp a person sits in, most people would probably agree that cats require a lot less maintenance than their canine counterparts.

For instance, cats quite often tend to take care of their own hygiene, which can be of great help for those pet owners who perhaps have their time occupied with more important day to day tasks. But, and as many cat owners will have experienced, they also have a tendency to wander off, particularly if they are living in the countryside. It's fair to say, however, that cats are reasonably independent creatures that are more than capable of taking care of themselves.

The down side to this independence is that when cats do stray away from home it can often be for long periods of time, but regardless of how many lives cats are supposed to have, this can still cause a great deal of worry for any feline-loving family.

Of course, when a cat does disappear for days on end, it is merely doing what comes naturally. It may be hunting, looking for a mate, or it may simply have wandered into a neighbouring garden where it has become acquainted with another, perhaps overly-generous, cat lover. Either way, it can be difficult to determine a cat's reasoning for straying and more than often you begin to consider the worst has happened.

As a result, it's not too uncommon to see posters placed around a neighbourhood, offering a description of the missing moggy in question, and perhaps even a small reward for its safe return. However, the cat may even wander home eventually of its own accord, and at times possibly a little bedraggled and worse for wear.

Moreover, even the littlest of scrapes or cuts can become infected after days of roughing it, which can lead to a great deal of expense if a vet's help is needed. But as is the case with anything in life that we hold dear to us, it is possible to provide a little protection should the need arise, and many people choose to take out pet insurance for such occasions.

Having pet insurance in place will ensure that a mischievous moggy isn't cause for a financial catastrophe, as protection is usually offered not only against the cost of veterinary care, but also for reward and recovery costs too. And as a fully integrated member of the family unit, that's probably the very least a cat deserves!

Janine Barclay is a freelance writer and member of the NetPressArticles.com editing team. NetPressArticles.com is a high quality, free article directory [http://www.netpressarticles.com/] and press release submission [http://www.netpressarticles.com/] directory.

How to Avoid Cat Dental Problems

Your cat can not get take care of her teeth all by herself; it is your responsibility to see that your cat gets the proper preventive care that they need. What are the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before you go to bed at night?

More than likely you answered brush your teeth. If it is something that you do for your personal health then your cat needs it too. You should begin brushing your kitten's teeth right away. You can buy feline toothpaste. Ingredients in human toothpaste can be harmful for your kitten so it is very important never to use your toothpaste on your kitten.

Remember that this is a new experience for you and your kitten both. Get the kitten use to brushing her teeth with your finger first (never try to force a feline toothbrush into their mouth at first you may break some teeth. It is important that you brush your kitten's teeth at least three times a week.

If you have an older cat that has never been introduced to the tooth brushing process there is a good chance that they will not take to it if you try to start it now. Tooth brushing is just like any other trick, you will have far more success they earlier that you get started. If you don't see any problems with your adult cat's teeth, call around to your local pet boutiques, a lot of them are starting to offer scraping services. They will clean away any built up tarter on your cat's teeth.

50 percent of cats over three years of age have some kind of dental problems. In order to make sure that your cats dental problems don't turn serious or even deadly; take the time to set up and appointment with your vet. Similar technology that human dentist used are now being used by vets.

Vets can now clean your cat's teeth using a rotary scalar. A scalar cleans the surfaces and just below the gums where most feline cavities occur. After the cleaning that cat's teeth are polished and seal, these steps help to prevent the onset of any dental diseases. Depending on how serious the problem is your vet may suggest surgery in order to repair any problems.

It is easier to understand the importance of proper dental care if you have ever seen a cat that can not eat solid food. There is nothing more pathetic and sad than having to sit back and watch the cat that you love waste away to nothing because they can't eat because of all the pain they are feeling. It is never too late to get your cat back on track with their dental health. Do not be afraid or ashamed to take your cat to the vet. That is what they are there for. You want your cat to be a part of your family for many years to come, do not over look the small health risks that can shorten your cat's lifespan.

For more free information about cat health issues and to find out how to get cheap pet insurance with a few simple steps go visit http://www.petinsurancepro.com

Cat Puzzles - Feline Inspired Puzzle Games

Do you love cats and even have a few feline companions at home? Then it's just natural that you always nurture and take care of them, at times it seems that your love for them even transfer to objects like stuffed toys, pictures, and cat puzzles. Have you ever tried finishing a jigsaw puzzle or even a wooden puzzle toy that has a shape of a cat? You might find these quite interesting and enjoyable since you love your pet and there are plenty of these toys and puzzles.

You can find these in hobby and toy novelty shops since they are pretty old school and they are relatively affordable. When you are done with them they can also be display ornaments around your home, most likely displayed in the living room.

Another thing that's good about puzzles is that they can be good for your brain and can make you even keeled in your everyday thinking, like finishing a 500 or 1000 piece puzzle of a dark brown tabby cat or a Siamese cat.

There are also wooden puzzles that form a cat and they vary in designs like a cat hidden in floral rosettes those sleeping in a mat, just choose the ones that you like best, you won't run out of a recreational activity thanks to these cat puzzles.

Now you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to cats, you have your own cat pets that can keep you company and you have feline inspired puzzles toys you can play at your leisure!

Here's a page on cat puzzles that you can check out for more details.

If you're interested in learning more about this topic, here's a helpful article on cat puzzle toys.

Feline Friends Living Longer As Cat Health Care Improves

Our feline friends are living longer than ever before just like we are. This is thanks to improvements in nutrition and cat health care. Nowadays, almost everything that is possible in human medicine is possible in cat health care, although very advanced treatments can be incredibly expensive so cat health care insurance is always a good investment.

The longer and healthier lives that out furry friends are benefiting from are thanks to preventative medicines, increased awareness on the part of cat owners of the need for regular checkups and better quality nutrition. Cat food has come a long way in recent years, with the quality of shop bought food improving and many cat owners providing special diets at home. Whilst some breeds of cat are naturally inclined to live longer than others, the trend is visible across every type of pet cat. It is no longer unusual for a cat to live to be over eighteen, and sometimes well into its 20s. The extension of pet cat life expectancy has been reflected on cat food packaging: in the past, senior cat food was labelled for cats of seven years or over and geriatric for cats over twelve. These days few people use the term senior for a cat under ten.

The most important cat health care advice that owners should take on board if they want their pet to benefit from a long and healthy life is probably to monitor their pet's weight. Healthy sized and even slightly thin cats live significantly longer than their more portly counterparts. Also, a whopping 70% of cats suffer with periodontal disease by the age of four. Tooth and gum problems in cats can have far-reaching consequences including heart, liver and kidney problems, so regular teeth cleaning goes a long way.

Keeping aging cats active, mentally and physically is vital too. It is estimated that the vast majority of senior cats suffer with arthritis, so play and exercise will keep joints lubricated, minimising pain. Play will also keep brains active, avoiding feline equivalents of Alzheimer's.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs and animals, especially cat health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/cats for more information.

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

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.

Find a non-prescription treatment that is proven safe and effective for treating your cat dandruff problem. Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky SNIP clinic where they provide affordable, natural alternatives for treating your pet. Visit Kate's site today to find more options for treating your best 4-legged friend naturally at http://www.Coolest-Cat-Care.com/cat-dandruff.

Stop Your Cat from Biting People

We all love our cats but our number one complaint is when our cat bites or nips us. It is estimated in the USA that 350,000 feline bites a year require medical attention due to infection. What can we do to try and prevent cat bites.

Most pets will act completely out of sorts when getting aggressive and biting us. By monitoring our feline friend's behavior and looking out for trigger signs we can often prevent a cat bite before it happens. You may actually be responsible for your pet getting aggressive and biting. Follow these helpful tips to stop your cat biting you.

Cats often see aggression as a form of playful behavior. Remember that your pet will seldom show signs of aggression unless provoked by you. A animal will often prefer to escape rather than bite. Biting is often a reaction to being in new surroundings. Therefore if you have visitors, take care to introduce them slowly to you feline friend and ensure that if your pet wants to run away it can.

A pet that exhibits signs of excessive biting is often feeling unloved. Take time out of your busy schedule to spend time with your pet. Make sure he or she feels loved by petting and stroking your cat. Developing a bond with your pet will ensure trust and may lead to less cat bites.

Remember that a animal has a usual routine and is most unlikely to break that routine unless provoked or ill. Therefore make sure that when playing with your feline friend that you establish some rules. For instance, make sure that your cat is not encouraged to being aggressive by making slow hand movements when stroking.

At the end of the day our cats want to feel loved and not threatened. Play with your cat and develop a bond which will ensure that cat bites become a thing of the past.

You are kidding me! NO, 90% of cat owners buy the wrong cat brush. Make sure you are the 10% who get the right cat brush. Those 10% use Furminator for cats! You owe it to your cat to groom him or her properly.

Cat Spraying - Can I Stop it?

Did you ever notice that rude behavior your cat has been doing? During the first few months after my daughter's cat, Miming, came to live with us, a new male stray came every morning. Soon, he decided to come live with us too. And for that few months thereafter, I was having fits almost all the time.

The cat never seems to tire of annoying me by depositing small amounts of urine, from our mailbox, to my daughter's swing set, car hood, on my furniture, on my porch, on kitchen counters, on doorways and even window panes! It drove me nuts; I kept on following her with a Lysol on one hand and alcohol on the other. It was being O.C., I know. But it just wouldn't stop.

Is this a litter box problem? My veterinarian disagreed. The doctor informed me that this act is called Feline Spraying or Cat Spraying. It is when a cat is seen backing into an area, with tail high and quivering and a little crouching, as it SPRAYS its urine.

Apparently, urine spraying is a communication system for cats. My tom (male cat) started spraying when he reached sexual maturity, and this occurs between 5 months to a year old. This is his way of marking his territory and letting other cats know that my house, this area, this particular boundary is owned by him. Talk about being possessive, huh?

Sometimes though, my veterinarian pointed out, that cat spraying may be due to stress. He may have felt some threat that he needed to mark his territory around my place. Additionally, the spraying could have also been done by Miming, my daughter's female cat. Cat spraying is common to unneutered males. However, female felines can also do cat spraying if they are in heat and they want to let the male cats know that they are.

I was determined to stop this behavior, despite the fact that this may be a natural occurrence in homes with cats. Since I do my living, baking and catering, it is my utmost rule to keep the house, particularly my kitchen, clean and tidy. Does this mean I should give up taking care of kitties?

Fortunately for my little girl, the veterinarian said it's not necessary. The easiest way to deal with the problem is to consider having "Tom" neutered or spayed, which I did. Statistics showed that at least 90% of neutered male cats stopped spraying after the process, 78% of which stopped immediately and 9% stopped in a few months. There were about 13% that did not stop spraying even after being neutered.

If this procedure didn't work for my Tom, the doctor suggested giving him anti-anxiety drugs. So, I have learned that felines can suffer from undue stress and that can cause this urine spraying.

Did you know that Clomicalm and Valium are some drugs being administered by vets to address cat spraying problems? However, as with people, these uppers have certain effects on our pets. Some cat owners reported a change of behavior of their cats on anxiety medication.

Another alternative suggested is the use of diffusers and sprays. These new pheromone products (e.g. Feliway) offers us cat owners the chance to help our cats manage cat spraying. By spraying 'friendly' pheromone in places where Tom sprays, which lets the cat know that cat spraying is not allowed in this area. Additionally, the product is available in plug in diffusers which could work best for felines doing cat spraying around the house.

As this cat spraying may be due to stress, it is important to reassure Tom that there is no need to be anxious, and no need to feel threatened.

Did you know that problems in the household and human stress can also affect cats and cause them stress? Just like children, our cats need special attention and a bit of shelter from the stress we grown-ups are so accustomed to. Reducing these in our homes could significantly help in stopping our cats from spraying.

More so, cleaning the areas where our cats have sprayed proves to be not just an O.C. practice, but a good O.C. one. This helps in removing the odor and communicating to Tom that urinating in these areas are a big No-No. To effectively wash the areas clean, it is advisable to use a laundry detergent and mixing white vinegar and water, spraying a little onto the surfaces to remove any unwanted smell.

If your cat should continue spraying despite being spayed or after following the above suggestions, it is best to consult a cat behavior analyst. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a good one in your area and help your cat get over cat spraying.

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