You Can Heal Feline UTI With Natural Foods

Feline UTIs are cat diseases that are distressing and painful, but are at the same time preventable and treatable. Look at the feline urinary tract infection problem at a deeper level, and you will discover that the cause is most often the food your cat eats. You can cure urinary infections quite easily with prescription antibiotics to clear out the bacteria that cause it, and prevent them by a change in diet.

Carnivorous by nature, cats must have meat in their diet to stay healthy. A feral cat subsists on small meals of raw meat that he gets from killing small prey like rats and moles. Most commercial pet foods contain only meat by products and carbohydrates.

The latter are simply not digested by their bodies and are positively unhealthy for them. For a busy household though it is the quickest option that is also the most attractive as well as the cheapest. So unfortunately from their youngest days, felines are given commercial produced pet foods that have everything but what they actually need. These may well be the actual, though not the immediate cause of infections for pets.

So once you decide in favor of a diet change for your cat in fighting Feline UTI, there are some things you need to find. Locate a pet food store in your neighborhood or perhaps merchants who supply high quality meats. They can be different from the ones you have been opting for so far and can include the meats like rabbit, duck and mutton. However, be cautious in your selection; be sure that the quality of the raw food is high. Giving your cat raw meat that is not really fresh is sure to ruin your chances of converting her food habits.

So now you get to the problem of what will happen when your pet actually sees the raw meat in front of her. Whether she will even look at raw food will be anyone's guess. Cats that are good mousers may be quite partial to an offering of raw rabbit and chicken, and can be easily introduced to the regular addition of it in their daily diet. Not so cats that are fussy eaters and small eaters. Changing them over may be tough or simply impossible.

There are options in these cases, and your best option would be to use canned food instead of dry pet food. These foods contain more moisture and a higher proportion of meat rather than only its by-products. Remember that raw meat too has much more moisture than cat biscuits, and this is what your pet needs. The moisture helps to keep their kidneys well flushed and clear of toxins. Cats do not drink much water and this added wetness of the food is all-important.

Finally, if you are successful in introducing a raw food diet, take care to ensure that the food is fresh or recently thawed. Don't give your pet too much either, as raw meat will spoil quickly and cannot remain in her bowl for long. It should be finished in one go, so this will call for some experimentation before you fix on an approximate quantity that can be thawed and eaten at once. Dealing with feline UTI can be a battle, but one which can be won.

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

Feline Kidney Disease - What Are Some Common Causes and Symptoms?

Feline kidney disease is one of the most common cat ailments. It usually occurs in older cats, but it has been known to happen at almost any age. Although not all causes and symptoms of cat kidney failure are well known, veterinarians have been able to identify some of the reasons why the disease occurs, some of the things to watch for, and a few things that can be done to help prevent it in your cat, and help him to live a longer, fuller life.

Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats

One of the most frequent contributors to the development of feline kidney disease is lack of enough water in the diet. Remember that cats originated in Africa, and are genetically evolved to live in a very dry climate. In such a habitat, most of the water in the diet comes from the prey that the cat hunts and eats. As a result, cats do not tend to drink enough water. Many cat owners feed their cats strictly a dry food diet, which can cause them to become dehydrated over time. This is hard on the kidneys, and if continued can help to cause kidney disease.

Another thing that has been linked to disease of the kidneys is when the cat has dental or periodontal problems. Good hygiene is a very important part of taking care of a cat's teeth. If the teeth or gums get swollen with infection, the toxic substances leach into the cat's bloodstream and eventually get into his kidneys. Although the kidney's function is to filter out toxins in the blood, the antibodies produced to fight the infection can accumulate over time, causing disease and lasting damage.

Finally, there is some indication that the vaccine for feline distemper may be related to development of swelling in the kidneys, which probably contributes to the cause of disease. Keep in mind that your cat does not need distemper shots every year. Talk about this with your veterinarian to make sure you have the latest information about vaccine recommendations. In fact, as your vet will probably tell you, if your cat has feline kidney disease, he should not be given any shots whatsoever.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats

It's a good idea to watch your cat for any signs of kidney trouble. Early detection can be extremely valuable, and would allow you to get a head start on any treatments put in place by your vet. It is generally recommended to start testing your cat's blood for signs of kidney disease once he reaches the age of about seven. In addition, you can do your part at home by observing your cat's behavior and appearance.

One of the first and most noticeable symptoms of the disease is an increase in drinking and in urination. Keep an eye on your cat, especially as he ages. If you notice him drinking more water than normal, or visiting the litter box to urinate more often, you should talk to your veterinarian. She will most likely recommend a blood test for your cat, so that any disorder can be positively identified. There are several conditions that can cause increased drinking and peeing, so it's important to find out what is going on in your cat's case!

Other symptoms that occur as a cat's kidney disease becomes more serious are lack of interest in eating, weight loss, vomiting, and worsening quality of his coat. These symptoms normally start to happen only after the disease has progressed significantly. So again, do your best to detect any signs of problems in your cat, and see your veterinarian right away if you notice something wrong. With feline kidney disease, time truly is of the essence!

*** In honor of my beloved Felix, who passed away from kidney failure on November 4, 2009 ***

All the best to you and your feline friends,

Beth

I am a life long lover of cats who has shared my various homes with more than twenty cats over the years. I always enjoy learning from my cats and sharing what I learn with others. Please visit my blog at Our Cat's Place for the latest tips and articles.

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures

"Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?"- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.

Jean Burden, beautifully defines the feline beauty. "A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem." Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember 'Snowbell' - the cat of "Stuart Little".

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet. Cat supplies can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.

Cat supplies is a general term that covers a variety of important cat care products. These topics could be used when undertaking an online Internet search for good value cat supply products for your pets - cat-grooming supplies, cat pet supplies, cat training supplies and discount cat supplies.

Cat Grooming:

Cat grooming is in fact a long program of cat health care that covers the entire life span a cat. It includes feline care, feline health care, feline diabetes care etc. It also includes practices like kitten care, giving a hygiene bath, general cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas and insects and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. Cat owners should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Like children, infant cats, known as kittens, require some extra special attention. A kitten is delicate and should be handled with care. It also needs to be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Cat Grooming Supplies:

Cat grooming supplies play a key role in the process of maintaining a happy and healthy cat. Supplies for your pet may include a special cat home or house, cat doors, cat furniture, cat carrier, cat beds, heated cat beds, cat toys, cat collars, designer cat collars, jeweled or jingling cat collars, cat odor removers, cat clothes, special cat jewelry, cat food, cat tonics & supplements and cat medication.

Cat Beds:

A cat bed is a bed specially designed for the sleeping comfort of a cat. It should be the most pleasurable place for a cat where it retires to take sweet dreams. Good cat beds are actually quite important for maintaining good cat health. An improper sleep may very much affect the general health of your cat - thus the masters of cats should be very careful when buying cat beds. A cat bed and cat bedding should include a cat bed mattress, cat bed sheet, cat pillows, cat throw pillows, cat blankets and cat quilt or duvets.

Cat beds are available in numerous styles and include designer cat beds, heated cat beds, luxury cat beds, wicker cat beds, leather cat beds, etc.

There are number of designer cat pet beds available on the market for purchase, both in physical pet stores, and also online. Many pet bed manufacturers now sell their cat beds online, through their official company websites.

Paul MacIver writes articles about pets and Pet Health [http://www.information-spring.info/?cat=12]. Visit Ultimate Pet Supplies [http://www.ultimate-pet-supplies.info] to read more about cats and kittens [http://www.cat-furniture-online.info/], pet products and supplies. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, this resource box is included and all links are intact.

Feline Leukemia

There is nothing more dangerous for cats are coming down with feline leukemia and it is usually deadly and a very sad way to die. It basically causes cancer in the lymph nodes of cats and can spread rapidly, somewhat like cancer in humans. So far reports indicate that feline leukemia can not be transmitted to humans or other cats, but some say it can be given to other cats, the jury is still out on that one.

Cats will catch feline leukemia when they are exposed for a long time to infected feces or saliva and it thrives in cold and damp places. Drinking water with other cats that are infected can cause the disease to spread to a normal healthy cat. Fleas and mosquitoes is another way that a cat can get it. Some cats will catch feline leukemia others will not. Strong healthy vaccinated cats usually will not get it while the weaker ones might.

Some cats will carry the virus and no one will know it, and end up giving it to other cats in the home. This why it is so important to have your cat or cats vaccinated.? This prevents the leukemia from spreading as well as preventing the disease to get to the cats. If you let your cats out try to keep the stray cats in the neighborhood from coming around the house, as they might be carriers. Always keep fresh water handy for your cats, change it every day. They like fresh water and not stale just like us humans do. Watch what they eat, as cats are natural hunters they can bring home some awful prizes for their masters.

You can spot feline leukemia in your cat or others by watching them closely; if they start to vomit and have a fever or their lymph nodes are swollen they might have leukemia. Take them to your vet as soon as you can. The vet will be able to determine if your pal has it or not. By preventing feline leukemia will surely allow your buddy to live a long and playful life, just like you intended them to do. Your cat is your buddy and your friend and you must take care of him as he depends on you to help him live out their years in harmony and grace. They will love you forever and will give you hours of fun and love.

Richard likes to also write about modified car insurance on one of his new websites. You may also find the information on tow truck insurance interesting on my new site.

Preventing and Treating Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Cat urinary tract infection refers to a group of symptoms that indicate a bacterial infection in a cat's urinary tract. Some of the most common symptoms are bloody urine, difficulty in urinating (such as straining or minimal urination evident), urinating outside the litter box and an excessive licking of the genitals. This condition might also be known as cystitis or inflamed bladder. This is a potentially serious condition, just as it is potentially a benign condition that will take care of itself. You don't know how severe the condition is until a veterinarian can diagnose the animal.

What causes this disease? Bacteria are usually not present in the urinary tract, so a proliferation of bacteria is what is causing the infection. What causes harmful bacteria to appear? It is often the result of another disease or condition altogether. It could be caused by bladder stones, a chemical urethral blockage, urinary tract cancer, urinary tract trauma, kidney failure, or even from an unknown cause. Cat urinary tract infection is most common in middle-aged cats.

What are the most common symptoms for feline urinary tract infection? Most owners know when their cat is acting strangely and so naturally becomes more observant of the cat's lifestyle, behavior and eating habits. Two of the most telling habits include urinating outside the litter box and showing unusual thirst. Why does your cat, ordinarily a housebroken animal, start suddenly failing to reach the litter box? This is because the cat is associating the litter box with pain, as it is having difficulty urinating because of the condition. Unfortunately for kitty, the only thing that will alleviate its pain is getting antibiotic treatment and changing its eating and drinking habits. You are the perfect person to convince kitty of this needed lifestyle change! (And it's unlikely that kitty will resist your all-powerful arm)

After taking note of the cat's history and any observations you have stated, the vet will be interested in getting a urine sample. Based on this information he or she will instruct you further, perhaps advising you to give the cat antibiotic drugs or even holistic alternatives, if the cat may be too sensitive to stronger medications. However, even if your cat recovers in record time after treatment, there is still much work to be done.

Caring For Kitty After the Vet Visit

After your cat returns home you must watch it and make sure that recovery is not only fast but also for the long-term. You will also be responsible in making some lifestyle and dietary changes. Cats who suffer from feline urinary tract infection will require a higher quality of food, perhaps even a carefully blended diet of necessary nutrients. These may be available at the veterinarian's office or from an online retailer.

A cat will also require lots of water if it is going to recover from this condition. Cats are not as active as dogs and so do not naturally drink as much water. Furthermore, cats are a hunting species that are almost camel-like in their ability to retain just enough water to survive. In fact, ancient hunting felines actually acquired most of their water from hunting prey.

You may have difficulty teaching your cat to drink more water. You have to use your imagination here. Create more opportunity for the cat to drink, whether it is setting up multiple dishes throughout the house, buying a kitty fountain, or giving the cat lots of wet cat food as well as fish or chicken flavored broth along with dry food.

For more help with cat urinary tract infection, including information on treatment and diagnosis, visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a Norwegian medical doctor and homoeopath. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, health, evolution and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance.

http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com/

Finding a Reliable Cat Urine Remover

Cat urine smell is caused by the proteins that are present in it. For instance, a carpet that has cat pee on it will dry up but leaves the distinctive cat urine smell. This is because these proteins form crystals which are reactivated by the moisture in the air. When it does, the urine odor can leave a room smelling foul and unpleasant to say the least. Feline urine odor can be removed by using natural products or a store bought preparation specific for the problem. You have to choose a feline urine remover that does not contain ammonia because cat urine contains it. Cats will gravitate towards the source of the smell when nature calls and then, they'll pee on the same spot. Other removers will just mask the smell of cat pee. After a while, when the smell of the cat urine remover wears out, the odor of the urine will still be there to haunt you.

For most people who love pets, cats would probably be among their top ranking choices. Having cats as pets have a lot of advantages but the pungent aroma of cat pee is definitely not among them. For cat owners, cat excrement is part of the package. You have to take the bad as well as the good. Cats are divas, though. They like their space sparkling clean. If they find it less than what they think they deserve, they'll find some other place to pee. Two of their most common preferences are either your brand new carpet or your newly bought sofa set. The cat urine odor on these house fixtures should be cleaned up totally. Otherwise your cat will think you don't mind because the cat urine smell is still there. If you happen to catch your cat peeing on your carpet, it would be useless to scold it. The most that you can do is to blot the stain with some highly absorbent cloth or paper towel. Use warm water on another towel to blot the stain again. Don't rub, otherwise the cat urine will seep deeper into the carpet, making the odor harder to remove.

Feline urine odor can be removed using a mixture of three parts water and one part vinegar. Apply it on the stinky spot, taking care to saturate it very well. Dry the spot thoroughly and sprinkle baking soda on it. Make a solution of 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of dish detergent. Hydrogen peroxide can discolor your carpet so make sure to try the mixture out on a less conspicuous spot. If it doesn't cause the carpet to discolor, sprinkle the mixture over the stinky spot and work it in. You can use your fingers or a hairbrush to do this. When you're satisfied that the urine smell is removed, let the carpet dry. You won't be able to tell if all the traces of cat pee odor are gone unless the carpet is completely dry. If you can still smell it on your carpet, you may have to repeat the process.

If you don't have much time cleaning up your cat's mess using natural methods, a reliable cat excrement remover can be found to get rid of the stink. You cannot just let feline urine pollute your place and leave it odorous. You need a reliable cat urine remover to solve the problem for you.

You can check out the various products available online or at pet stores to see what suits your needs best. You can also read about your options from cat urine remover reviews available on the web.

Having a pet cat is rewarding and fun. Just be prepared though for your feline's call of nature. Managing these problems can be made easier with a support group. Exchange thoughts with all the cat lovers in the world sharing the same problem as with all cats at cat urine remover.

Log on to http://AntiMicrobialAgents.org/ to learn more about which of the natural and commercial cat urine removal products and techniques work.

Feline Acne - Not All Cats Are Puurfect

There's this old lady (Mrs. Mann), who lives next door to my mother, and believe it or not she has 11 cats. Her place is not like one of those homes that you see on reality TV shows where cats are run amok fouling up and stentching out the house. Everything is neat an tidy and the lady obviously takes great care of her feline companions, but it's the awful howling and wailing that's disturbing my mother's sleep at night.

Most of the moggies were pretty well behaved until about a month ago. Okay, so there was the occasional cat fight outside the bedroom window, but that was more not than often. Anyway, my mother suggested her neighbor check to make sure her wailing whiskers were healthy and not crying because of medical problems. According to Mum, Mrs. Mann looked a little upset at first by such a suggestion, as if to insinuate she wasn't taking care of her animals. My mother went on to explain that many cats can have latent problems that are not always apparent from just looking at the animals and that it might be a good idea to get a vet take a look.

Mrs. Mann did as my mother suggested and it appeared that one of her cats had feline acne and it was this one that was doing all the wailing at night. In fact, it was having a knock on effect among the other pets because when the troubled one started it's crying they all joined in. A kind of cat's choir if you like!

Apparently, it was the introduction of a stray that was the culprit. A lost and crying kitten on the way back from the shops one day was more that old Mrs. Mann could bear, and she took the kitty home with her to join the rest of the family.

Whenever taking a stray cat into any home, one of the first jobs should be a trip to the local vets to get the animal checked over. Even our well groomed moggies can pick up fleas, worms and all manner of other cat complaints, so just imagine what kind of health problems an unchecked stray could bring into the home?

Mrs. Mann's big heart cost her a big cheque as she had to get all of the animals checked over in order to find the culprit. Feline acne is not always obvious and can sometimes look like a couple of other complaints that mimic the condition, which are ringworm (dermatophytosis) and demodecosis. These were ruled out by the vet and feline acne was diagnosed as the problem. This was somewhat of a relief for ole Mrs. Mann as demodecosis could have spread through all the animals, and then she really would have a job on her hands.

Demodecosis is extremely contagious among cats and the way this is treated is by using a kind of lime sulfur dip and it can prove to be a very uncomfortable treatment for the cat.

In this case, the feline acne was treatable by a topical treatment which was a benzoyl peroxide shampoo. There are other treatments but the vet will usually advise what to use on a case by case basis. Vitamin A ointment (Retin-A, Rx), metronidazole gel and mupirocin ointment are perhaps the other most common recommendations.

In some cases a topical treatment alone is not sufficient, and it's necessary to use systemic antibiotics or corticosteroids, but once again, the veterinary surgeon is the one to advise here.

Andy Maingam is a proficient writer and webmaster of PickingPets dot com where he has articles on Dogs and Choosing a Large Fish Tank. He also has other ?pet? related to pieces on the site.

Unlocking the Secrets of Cats - The Hidden Traits of Your Feline Friend May Be the Most Important

Many of us have wondered aloud about the secrets of our cats. The way they flick their tails, the inflection in their purr. What does it all mean?

Let's face it - more than any other common household creature, cats are without a doubt the most guarded about their feelings. When it comes to needs, wants, likes, and especially dislikes, our furry friends often have a tough time communicating with us. So how do we pet owners go about unlocking the secrets of cats?

Well, first of all, we have to listen! I can't begin to count how many times I've seen pet owners making the same mistake with the cat they love: they only behave in a way they think is best for the cat. They very rarely take stock of how the cat responds. A perfect example involves whether or not your feline compatriot enjoys being petted on the stomach. Watch how they respond to this treatment. If they begin to growl (not purr!), its probably best to stick to bestowing your love and affection solely on their head and back.

We also have to understand that very few cats are exactly alike. They all have their own preferences when it comes to a variety of things. If you're a cat owner with more than one feline slinking around the house, take care to develop behaviors for each of them separately. Don't adopt a one-size-fits all attitude.

Remember, the secrets of cats are worth unlocking! You just have to pay attention!

Nick Ocheltree is the proud owner of 8 cats, each of a different breed. He has written and published several e-articles on the understanding of feline traits and attributes, and is glad to bring his knowledge to the ezine articles community.

Secrets of Cats - A site detailing some of the lesser known traits of our feline friends

Complete Cat Training - Helpful hints to consider when training your feline friend

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.

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/].

Feline Dental Care - Why Clean Your Cat's Teeth

There is more to being a loving cat owner than just feeding and playing with your little feline friend, a lot more. You have to do those things to, but you are also responsible for ensuring your cat's health, and that includes taking care of your cat's dental needs. Sure, you take your cat to the veterinarian when you are supposed to, and of course, he cleans and checks your cat's teeth when you are there, but you should really be performing cat dental care at home as well. When it comes to your own dental care, you couldn't go to the dentist twice a year and then walk around the rest of the time without ever brushing your teeth, or eating a breath mint...well, technically you could, but you would probably have a severe case of halitosis, not to mention be missing a few teeth sooner or later! Just as you can't get by with that kind of dental care, neither can your cat!

When it comes to cat dental care, it is very similar to your own dental care. Food and plaque build up on your cat's teeth and gums, and if left to sit there for long periods of time, will slowly start to eat away at your cat's teeth, leading to tooth decay, oral infections, lost teeth, and even gum disease. All of these conditions are very detrimental to your cat's health, impacting his ability to eat properly, leading to poor nutrition, and even more health problems, all that could be avoided with some general cat dental care.

When you take your cat to the veterinarian, he is placed under general anesthesia for his dental care, so it may take him some time to get used to you messing around in his mouth at first. At the veterinarian, your cat gets his teeth cleaned, and examined for any potential problems. Most of the time, this doesn't get too expensive, unless you have neglected your cat's dental care, in which case more extensive dental care may be required. So, not only can you protect your cat's health by performing home dental care, you can also save yourself a lot of money in veterinary bills as well! Just another reason why you should take the time to clean your cat's teeth, just once a week will make a big difference.

You can brush and care for your cat's teeth at home, and should do so on a regular basis. Talk to your veterinarian for his suggestions, and follow his instructions. You can purchase small cat toothbrushes that fit on the end of your finger from your local pet supply store, and toothpaste designed particularly for feline use. If you have not brushed your cat's teeth before, he may not be very happy with this procedure. You should start by letting your cat get used to having your finger in his mouth, and once he accepts that, then move on to getting him use to the toothbrush, before you even try to brush his teeth. Once he accepts the toothbrush in his mouth with minimal fuss, you can add the toothpaste and start brushing his teeth.

If you don't have the time or desire to care for your cat's dental needs at home, you should take him to the veterinarian for regular dental care, as his teeth still need to be properly cared for. If you have pet insurance, it may not be as expensive as you think, definitely not as expensive as having to have major cat dental work done, which is what will happen if you neglect your cat's dental needs.

So, whether you provide your cat's dental care at home, or you have your veterinarian do it on a regular basis is up to you, but it is part of your responsibility as a pet owner to make certain your cat's dental needs are being met, however you choose to do it. Don't put your cat's health at risk just because you don't have time or want to brush his teeth!

Jean Morgan is a writer of articles concerning pet health and the owner of http://natureshealthypet.com For a free pet treat recipe book visit http://natureshealthypet.com

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

The Three Main Explanations for Cats That Spray, and What to Do About It

Cats that spray is one of the most common and notorious feline behaviour problems. There is a variety of possible causes and remedies. But prevention is even better.

Most cat owners will at some point face the issue of having to toilet train cats. When adopting young kittens this is the first thing to do. The reason is that it's easiest to litter train a cat while it's young. But this isn't always possible. For example, you might have to move from a place with outdoor access for you cat to one without it. This would bring up the issue of litter training an adult cat. This can be done successfully with just a little patience.

On the other hand, sometimes a well-behaved cat will start avoiding its box.

Health:

As with any change in a cat's behaviour, a responsible owner should consult a vet immediately. Some of the possible medical causes are very serious, such as:

colitis

inflammatory bowel disease

diabetes mellitus

hyperthyroidism

kidney disease

liver disease

feline lower urinary tract disease

arthritis

anal sac disease

The discomfort and/or pain associated with such health problems can make the cat think that it's litter box is the cause. It will try to get relief by going elsewhere. Any treatment for the underlying health problem would automatically take care of the litter box problem too. On another note, a number of these diseases are quite advanced by the time a cat owner can notice anything. For that reason alone, no time should be lost in seeking veterinary treatment.

If a cat is an un-neutered male, he is most likely just marking his territory. (Females are less notorious, but they might also display the same behaviour.) Neutering should put a quick stop to the problem. On the other hand, if left for too long, a cat might just continue spraying out of habit, even after he's been neutered. Neutering (and spaying) also helps reduce the overpopulation and subsequent suffering of so many other cats.

Stress/Change:

If a cat suddenly starts "thinking outside the box" after moving into a new home, there might be more than one cause. Possibly there was feline resident there before. In that case the newcomer is just superimposing its own scent. Specialized enzyme based cleaners will dissolve both traces of the previous cat and the fresher urine. This is important because cats like to go back to the same spot if they can smell it.

Or it could simply be the stress of the actual move. Felines, just like humans, don't particularly enjoy the upheaval. One should also always make sure that the cat knows where the litter box is in the new place. A lot of affection and possibly some natural calming remedies can help a cat settle a lot more quickly. Again, removing all traces of urine is essential to preventing repeat performances. Other sources of stress can be the loss or addition of a partner or other family member, or of course a pet. In all of these cases affection and patience will go a long way.

Litter/ Litter Box:

The litter box itself and it's content can have a lot to do with a cat's rejection. Many of the fancier types of boxes are mainly created for the benefit of the human. Enclosed litter boxes might not only be awkward to use for some cats, but they can also trap and magnify odours. Regular cleaning is no less important with closed litter boxes, just because the human can't smell them from the outside. If anything it's even more important. Otherwise it's extra unpleasant for the cat and might provide an excuse for going elsewhere.

Similarly to box designs, scented types of cat litter might appeal more to the human than the cat. To a cat's refined sense of smell such artificial scents might just be overpowering and off-putting. It's recommended to try a few natural neutral types of litter instead. Usually at least one of them will be received much better.

On the other hand, the problem might not be any of the above. It could be just what happens to all of us when we see and smell a neglected public toilet. We'll give it a miss and go somewhere else. Even the most conscientious cat people might sometimes forget to clean out the litter box. Keeping on top of it can make all the difference.

Sometimes cats that spray might need a little refresher course. There are fairly extensive courses on how to litter train a cat. The basic concept is to shut the cat into a room with its clean litter box until it uses it. Sometimes a whole day or several sessions are required. Rewarding the correct behaviour will reinforce it in the cat's memory.

Amy L Watson owns Solve Cat Problems, under the pseudonym Kat Summers, and has over 20 years' experience in keeping cats. She is the main author of http://www.solvecatproblems.com/when-they-think-outside-the-box-cats-that-spray/, a site providing information on cat care and training.

Cat Problems - Dandruff

Like humans, cats can have dandruff too but this problem is more common among cats with diabetics. Researchers have found out that in every 200 cats, there is 1 cat which is suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the more serious cat problems. So if you want to prevent cat dandruff or to improve your cat's dandruff condition, you can apply the tips below.

Many cat problems actually arise from the food it consumed. The cause of cat dandruff is no exception. It is this poor nutrition that a cat consumes that causes the problem. So instead of going for the cheaper generic brand, go for the ones with higher quality. Cat food with higher quality can cost a little more but this range of food can provide better nutrition for your feline friend.

Besides giving higher quality cat food, you may also like to let your cat take those fish oil food supplements. Studies have shown that fish oil is effective in improving cat dandruff condition. In addition, canned food with tuna which is rich in Omega 43 fatty acids is great in correcting the dandruff problem.

How do you know if your cat is suffering from dandruff or other skin problems? What are some of the symptoms related to your cat's skin care problems? Below are some of the symptoms you can look out for.

o Excessive thirst

o Excessive urination

o Losing weight consistently

o Appetite increases

o Dehydration

o Inactive

o Lethargy

o Shaggy fur

o Weak hind legs if condition gets serious

Although dandruff problem is more commonly suffer by cats with diabetics, such problem may also be due to other risk factors like old age, steroid injection and neutering.

Extra attention should be paid to your lovely cat during cold weather. The skin of your cat can become dry when it gets too cold. Once you detect that your cat is suffering from skin problems, you should consult your veterinarian immediately to start the treatment.

Cats may be allergic to certain external factors and these allergies may lead to skin problems. The external factors such as food they consume, pollen grains from plants, cleaners and other sources may cause allergies to cats. With so many sources, sometimes owners have hard times figuring out which is the real cause, so to play safe, it is best to use natural care products for cleaning your house.

As much as possible, confine you little feline at home to avoid it from roaming in the street like an alley cat. The top layer of their skin will become dry and flake off when consistently exposed to the hot sun. The worst that can happen is skin cancer, so if you have to let your cat out, do it in the early mornings or late evenings when the sun is not hot.

Another cause of skin problems are fleas and ticks. Regular grooming can help to prevent your cat from infested by these tiny creatures. The hair should be combed with brush or comb especially designed for them. Some of these tiny fleas and ticks can be pulled out, while some may have to be flush out by formulated powders.

If the skin problem persists even after you tried to correct it, you are advised to consult your vet. Some skin disorders like Cheyletiella are best to be taken care of by the professionals.

Cat dandruff and other skin care problems must be treated immediately. It is always best to prevent such cat problems from arising in the first place. Learn the basic cat care know how and make sure your cat has its regular check up. When everything is in place for you cat, the chance of suffering from dandruff and other skin care problems will be brought down to the minimum.

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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!

Are you searching for natural remedies for treating a feline kidney treatment at home. You are invited to visit us at http://Cat-Bladder-Problems.com to watch our free video on kidney disease in cats and download an eReport on treating your pet with natural remedies.

Furniture Your Cat Needs

A Scratch Post And All The Other Stuff A Cat Will Feel At Home

If you have decided to bring a cat into your home, you have to bring in some necessities which will make it easier for new feline friend to feel at home, too. Let's start with a place to sleep. Now this is up to you. There are different kind of articles available. Some even use the carrier as a place to sleep for their cat, just put a soft blanket inside and you have to wait if you cat will choose this place as her bed. Let's be honest - you can buy the most expensive cat bed on the market, but your furry friend might have something completely different in mind, when it comes to his place of rest. The bed should at least be big enough for the cat, even though as you see in the photo below, cats find a place to sleep in the smallest box. below you see some suggestions of what kind of beds are on the market. Your cat will let you know where she likes to sleep. Cats also have the tendency to change their places to sleep.

Like the lion takes care of his claws by scratching a tree, so does your "indoor tiger" something where he can scratch his claws on. If you don't provide him with a scratch post or a scratch board, he soon will take something else, probably your sofa. So if you want a cat, you also have to provide a piece of furniture for the manicure of your feline friend. There is a huge selection of different kind of scratch towers, scratch posts, and scratch boards. It depends on how much space you have, or you want to offer your cat, and then, of course, how much you want to spend. The scratch post must have a wide base, so it won't fall when your cat wants to use it, especially if you have a bigger cat, like our 20lbs. Odie. An unsafe scratch post is a waste to buy as it won't be used by your cat. The scratch furniture should be preferably in the room where most of the activities are going on during the day, so most of the time the living room. If you have the space and want to splurge your cat, especially when you have more than one cat, buy a bigger scratch tree. Cat trees give your cats all the chances to scratch, play, and sleep. There is a huge selection in different sizes and colors, if you want to have the cat furniture fit to your other furniture. For people who don't have the space or don't want to spend so much - can this really be??? - just kidding, you have smaller options, which fit every space and pockets.

A carrier for your feline friend is absolute necessary. I can tell you stories about bad behavior of cats, when it comes to sit them in a carrier. I believe it is the easiest way, when you can train your cat from his young years as a kitten. Even riding in a car might then not an issue. So far I was unfortunate, when it comes to cats and cars. The cats make the strangest sounds, as if they are about to die. Anyway, a good and sturdy carrier is a must have. As it is with the scratch post, so it is with the carriers. The selection is huge and it should depend foremost on your cats size. Beware to buy a bigger one if your cat is still growing. You don't want to buy another one later or listen to your cat's lamentations. Make sure your carrier closes tight, as cats are strong, especially when they are frightened, sitting. Most carriers usually open from the front. I have very good experience with our latest carrier, which opens to the front and the top. It makes it so much easier to place the cat inside the carrier and get her out again, like for a visit at the vet's office. Before investing in a carrier, shop around and make sure it is suitable for your furry friend. It also should be easy to clean and to lay something soft inside, which makes it more comfortable for your cat. Below a few examples of different carriers. Of course, the price also varies.

And last, but not least, there is the litter box. The search for the right litter box is, in my opinion, easier than the search for the right litter. Fortunately, there are meanwhile some pretty models on the market. Made out of easy-care plastic, for example, or in silver with glitter, or something fitting to your furnishing. Whether with or without a cover depends on your cat's or your preference. Both variations have advantages and disadvantages. Without a cover your cat has a lot of fresh air and space above her. With a cover she might feel undisturbed and she can scratch as much as she likes, the litter stays mostly inside the litter box. The important point you should remember, always give your cat enough space, so she won't feel cramped in the litter box. Next comes to find the right spot to place the litter box. Of course, the first choice should be a bathroom, if space is sufficient. The box should be placed in a discreet spot outside of the major traffic. The pet stores and supermarkets offer a variety of different cat litters, silicate, pellet, pine, clay, corn, wheat, scented, unscented, clumping. You see the range of products is huge. You might have to try some different products to find the right one for your cat and the one that clumps well and absorbs the smell.

After you have prepared your home for your new friend(s), enjoy the fun a cat will bring to your life. If possible, adopt a cat from one of the several adopt centers around the country. Those cats will be thankful that you have brought him or her out of a desperate situation, sitting the entire day in a small cage. Open your home for a feline friend, you will NEVER regret it!

More about cats at ====> http://www.all4thecats.com

Living With A Cat With Diabetes

Learning your kitty has diabetes can be overwhelming at first. You may be wondering how in the world you'll ever learn everything you need to know, and how you're going live with a diabetic cat.

When your kitty is first diagnosed, he'll more than likely need to be hospitalized for a few days until his blood sugar levels are stabilized. Then you and your vet can work together to develop a long-term treatment plan.

The most important thing you'll need is a good working relationship with your vet. You'll have many questions about managing diabetes, and your vet is the best person to answer your questions. You need to feel comfortable talking to him or her. Being satisfied with the answers you receive is very important. If you don't understand something, keep asking questions until you do.

Developing a treatment plan you can live with is essential. The biggest reason pet owners put diabetic cats to sleep is because the owners don't understand how much time is required to treat and monitor this disease. It's not because the kitty doesn't respond to treatment well. To manage this disease successfully, you'll need to work out a schedule that you can actually stick to. Plus your kitty needs to tolerate it, too.

Most people are horrified at the thought of giving their furball a shot, but it's not that difficult. Your vet will show you how to give the injections. The needles used are very small, so it won't hurt your furry friend much at all. It's scary at first, but believe it or not, most kitties would rather get a shot than have someone give them a pill! Giving your buddy his shots every day will soon become part of your daily routine.

You may feel guilty and wonder if it's your fault your kitty developed diabetes. You may feel angry about having to deal with this condition, or sad that he has it. These feelings go with the territory. You'll need to accept that you'll feel these emotions sometimes. But try not to dwell on your feelings or your buddy's illness too much. It's best to move forward and learn how to live with it.

Finding a friend or a relative who can give you emotional support is important. A fellow pet-owner, who understands what you're going through, will be more sympathetic. Look online to find support groups and forums for owners of pets with diabetes.

Some people won't understand why you're committed to taking care of your kitty. They'll make comments about wasting time and money on a "silly cat." It hurts to hear comments like that, especially if they come from well-meaning relatives and "friends." Don't worry about trying to explain anything to them, as they won't understand anyway. Don't waste your time and energy. Just smile and change the subject or wander off if they persist in bugging you about it. Your good friends will understand!

Vet bills can be a financial strain, so be upfront with your vet. Very few of us have unlimited funds, so you may need to work out a payment plan with him or her. Your vet can show you how to check your kitty's blood sugar at home, and how to give insulin shots if necessary. If you can learn how to do these things, you can probably keep your vet bills lower, especially after your cat's blood sugar is stabilized.

There's so much information about feline diabetes online that it can be overwhelming. Concentrate on learning what you need to know first. The more you can learn about this condition, the better off you and your furball will be. There is no cure for this disease, but if properly managed, it's neither fatal nor progressive.

Can feline diabetes be controlled with natural remedies? Visit Tips For Controlling Feline Diabetes Holistically to learn how to help your cat.

Darlene L. Norris has been owned by many kitties over the years. Now I've combined my love for cats and my life-long interest in herbs and healing at my new blog, Cool Cat Care Stuff. Information on natural remedies for cats can be hard to find. Stay up-to-date on the latest herbal and homeopathic treatments for your feline friends!

Cat Health Problems and Solutions

Are your feline friends getting the treatments that they should to avoid health problems? You might say he or she gets their shots, but do they get the necessary prevention for other cat health problems? To find out more about health problems for your feline friends, you can find it here in this article.

The health of your fluffy kitten is going to be your responsibility to take care of which means that you will need to know about the problems that they can have. There are plenty of diseases and parasites that kittens can get. So it is important to find the right medications for your cat.

What do we mean by medications? We mean prevention for heartworms. Heartworms in a kitten or older cat can cause death within only a few years. The heartworms that attack the heart eat at the heart resulting in a shorter life span. Fortunately, there are many different types of medications that can help stop the worms from getting into the heart. Prevention can also help here. Watch your cat outside and clean the litter box out each night. Make sure you visit the vet on a regular basis.

Does your furry ball of joy have a lot of hairballs? If there is a problem with hairballs, you can find help in the food you buy them. There are plenty of new foods that can help them fight against hairballs and reduce the hairballs they have to endure.

When you avoid most of these health problems, you will have a healthy cat. However, there are more health problems that you need to know about. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one thing that is common in most friendly felines. You will come across situations where your pet has a UTI because of the litter that you are using.

You should know by now that you need to take your furry friend to the vet. The vet will give your pet the right medication to help him or her get through the UTI. UTI occurs often with the males and rarely with the females. UTIs can be the death of your cat if you do not get them looked at.

Another bad health problem that cats can get is feline leukemia. This is the most common cause of cancer and may harm your cat's immune system. It can cause death to your furball at home. That's why it's important to get your cats the proper vaccines to prevent this problem. The problem with feline leukemia is to make sure that there are no other cats around because it is very contagious and it can be given to other cats.

The responsibilities you have as a pet owner is to make sure you give your pet the right care. Taking your bundle of joy to the vet can prevent him or her from suffering any prolonged problems with their health. Cat health problems can be handled easily when you get to it before the problem starts. In order to find additional information on how to help your kitten avoid the health problems mentioned in this article, you should check out the Internet for more information that pertains to these health problems. The pet you have at home needs to be in perfect health and needs to be loved by you.

If you want to get some FREE solutions to some of the more common cat health problems, then please click here: cat health problems

Tips on Finding a Quality Boarding Kennel for Your Cat

Every cat owner who has gone on vacation has been faced with the dilemma of what to do with their feline friend while away from home. Sometimes you luck out and are able to find a family member, friend or professional cat sitter who is able to take care of your feline. Other times neighbors and friends may be unavailable and you will need to explore another option: Cat boarding.

Putting your cat's care in the hands of a stranger can be an uncomfortable thought. But it doesn't have to be. Finding a kennel that will provide the care and attention your feline deserves will require a little homework as well as personal visits to each facility under consideration. One of your best sources to find a great kennels is referrals from friends or your veterinarian. Once you've been referred to a couple of kennels, take a tour.

Accommodations

When you are visiting the kennel be aware of all elements of the boarding facility. Here are some questions to keep in mind:

• Do the grounds appear well-cared for and litter-free?

• Is the building well-maintained?

• When you enter the facility are you warmly greeted?

• Is it clean? Does it smell clean?

Ask to see the cat boarding area. It should be in a separate area from the dog kennels. It should be well-lit and each cat should have his own enclosed area. Each cat should have adequate area that separates the food and water area from the litter box. Find out the type of cat food that the facility carries - can you bring your own food?

Find out if there is any type of specific air ventilation system. At some boarding facilities there are vents within each area that circulate air every 15 minutes. This type of air circulation reduces odor and germs from the cat boarding area.

Aside from the essential physical requirements of the facility speak to the staff regarding their training and experience. Check to see if the boarding facility tracks how each cat is eating and eliminating. This is critically important as that is a baseline measure of the cat's health. Do they have staff that can administer medication if needed? Ask if the facility has a protocol if your cat becomes ill. Oftentimes cats take a full day to acclimate to their surroundings, but a top-notch facility will know if your cat is just adjusting or if there is something more serious going on.

Once you are satisfied that the facility offers safe and clean surrounding and that the staff is knowledgeable, relax! While cats are particularly finicky, they also enjoy a change in scenery. Enjoy your vacation and let the professionals care for your beloved feline!

Tracy Mason, co-founder of PetSuites of America, is the author of this article on cat boarding and pet kennels. PetSuites is a pet boarding kennel specializing in pet grooming, daycare and more.

Understanding the Most Common Cat Urinary Problems

Male feline urinary blockage is one of the most common male cat urinary problems. This medical problem occurs when organic materials block the urine passage of the animal in the urinary tube known as the urethra. The usual materials that lodge in the urethra are kidney stones or formed mucoid material. This blockage is more common in male cats than in females because the urethral plugs occur on the part of the urethra in the penis. This part of the urethra is very narrow on male cats and usually makes it more prone to the said blockage.

Male feline urinary blockage requires surgical correction to prevent complications. Most cat owners are not aware that this problem is usually fatal to their pets. Male feline urinary blockage prevents the urine from getting flushed out of the animal's body. When urine accumulates, it may release toxins that could kill the animal in a matter of days.

The said surgery is known as the perineal urethrostomy. Perineal urethrostomy is done by creating another opening below the cat's anus. This opening will serve as the new urine excretory passage. Usually, this surgery is irreversible but it is very effective in preventing the growth of a tumor or even the death of the animal.

After the surgery, some complications like bleeding, or the development of bladder infection may occur. This must be immediately consulted to a veterinarian to prevent further damage.

Perineal urethrostomy is not the only solution to treat male cat urinary problems. Sometimes, a veterinarian may prescribe certain medications to dissolve the stones. Also, urinary blockage is not the only probable urinary tract illness that a cat can have.

Apparently, all urinary tract illnesses show the same signs and symptoms. Some of these symptoms include the frequent and uncontrollable urination of the animal, the presence of blood in the urine, and the repeated grooming of the animal's genitals.

Whether these are the symptoms of urinary blockage or not, you cannot be sure unless you consult the problem to a veterinarian. After a urine analysis, the real problem may be evident and the proper treatment can be started.

Most of the time, urinary blockage is not the diagnosis because the most common type of urinary problem is urinary tract infection caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. This male cat urinary problem is more common than male feline urinary blockage, and is easier to cure.

A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics that the cat must take for seven to fourteen days. A variety of natural and herbal solutions are out in the market, though veterinarians still prefer the use of antibiotics.

After the antibiotic treatment, the urinary tract infection may recur. Pet owners must remember that the original antibiotic prescriptions will no longer be effective because bacteria have a tendency to develop immunity to drugs they have been previously exposed to. The veterinarian must prescribe another antibiotic for the recurring infection.

Like bowel-related problems, urinary tract infection is usually caused by unhealthy lifestyle and improper nutrition. Since these animals are part of our families, we must always remember to take care of them like the way we take care of ourselves and of our loved ones.

To find out more about a well-researched, natural treatment for Urinary tract infection in pets, please visit pet-urinary-health.com.

Puneet Aggarwal is a regular writer on Pet problems and suggests natural alternatives. If you have any questions, you may visit his website.

What Are Feline Tapeworms?

When you think of a tapeworm, you may think of a cute, little, wriggly worm that makes its way into your cat's feces. But, it doesn't just stay in the feces. The problem with feline tapeworms is not that they are living in the litter box, but that they are living in your cat's gastrointestinal system.

Feline tapeworms are one of the most dangerous maladies that can strike kittens and cats, and are so tremendously dangerous because they often go undetected for a long time. Because our cats can't tell us when they are in pain, we don't know that they are suffering every time they eat, and that they are also dealing with problems like anemia and infections. But, that is what a tapeworm will do.

As it eats away at the intestinal lining, it creates small wounds and that continue to bleed. When a cat eats, they bleed more, and the blood ends up in the stool. That is why you should look for bloody stool in the litter box. You may also find that the odd worm or larvae comes out in the stool, too, so watch out for those.

Feline tapeworms absolutely have to be eradicated from a cat's system as soon as possible before they cause more troubles. The wounds that they open up can lead to serious problems, and those can lead to death. Those same tapeworms may also make their way into the systems of your dogs, your children, and even you! So, taking care of your cat's health benefits everyone in your healthy.

Look out for the signs of tapeworms early and often, and if you see any sign of your cat having trouble eating, losing weight, losing fur, or bleeding, you should take him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Gina Davis is a writer and researcher on products for households such as remedies for feline tapeworms. You can save time and money by getting a FREE in depth review of dewormers and many others including discounts and best prices at Gina's blog: catparasite.com

Cat Distemper Symptoms

If you are a pet lover and treat your cat like your child, you need to be wary of cat distemper symptoms and take immediate action, if you see any. Known as cat distemper or Feline Panleukopenia, this disease is a nightmare for millions of cat lovers around the globe. It affects all animals belonging to the cat family, including endangered species of big cats.

However, dog lovers need not worry because this disease does not spread to man's best friend. It is quite a rampant infection, especially in cities and it spreads from cat to cat through contact with an infected animal. Nevertheless, it is not necessary that keeping a cat away from direct contact with an infected animal will do the trick.

The disease can also be contaminated through the infected animal's secretions or any article that has been previously contaminated through contact with the infected cat. Human beings are safe from Feline Distemper, but they also act as carriers of the infection.

If your hands or clothes are contaminated with secretions of the infected animal, another cat coming near you will be exposed to the disease and get infected. Fleas are also carriers of this infection. If you notice cat distemper symptoms in your dear pet, you can be rest assured that the infection has found its way into your cat's body through one of the sources mentioned above.

Since kittens do not have a highly developed immune system, they are at the receiving end of cat distemper symptoms. Thus, one needs to be extra careful when dealing with kittens because they tend to get this disease very often.

The usual cat distemper symptoms include high fever and loss of appetite. However, in some cats, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration are also indicators of feline distemper. As soon as you notice these symptoms, you must rush to the vet because this disease is a killer. Till date, there is no specific treatment for the disease, but early detection and use of supportive fluids and antibiotics can go a long way in ensuring that the cat lives.

The best way to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease is vaccination. Kittens, sometimes, inherit a short-lived immunity from their mothers but it is nothing permanent. The first doses of the vaccine should be given when the kitten is six to eight weeks old. The vaccination needs to be repeated when the kitten is twelve weeks of age and sixteen weeks of age. This completes the dosage but an annual booster is required to ensure that the cat remains immune to the disease.

Keep your cat away from strays and other cats until its vaccination is administered properly. Even in instances where you rescue cats or bring new ones home, avoid bringing them in contact with others before vaccination. Take care of your cats and ensure that you take them to the vet immediately in case you see any cat distemper symptom.

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Feline Vaccination - Do You Know All The Facts?

The majority of pet owners are aware that sooner or later their furry friends will fall sick. Given the ubiquitous nature of cat health problems, most kitty owners opt for feline vaccination as a means to avoid potential illnesses. However, not all vaccinations are truly necessary or effective in cats. Believe it or not, some may even be harmful to your pet. If are thinking of vaccinating your kitty, it is important to understand the pros and cons of feline vaccination.

This article describes why feline vaccination is necessary, how to choose the right vaccine for your cat as well as the potential risks involved.

How To Choose the Right Vaccine

Irrespective of the various kinds of cat health problems today, it is not necessary to vaccinate your cat with all available vaccines. Instead, the choice of vaccines should depend on factors such as the environment in which your cat is living along with the extent of exposure to disease.

Moreover, the consequence and risk caused by any infection should also be taken into account before vaccinating your cat. The age and overall health of your cat will also play a large part in determining whether or not to opt for a particular vaccine. Similarly, it is important to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of the vaccine before opting for it.

Why Feline Vaccination Is Necessary

According to veterinarians, kittens ingest an antibody called colostrums along with breast milk that is fed immediately after birth. This antibody suppresses the stimulation of the immune system of the cat, and thus external stimulation by vaccination is recommended. This is largely the sole reason for vaccinating kittens at a young age. Moreover, certain vaccines such as the one for rabies has an ability to last up to one year and are often recommended.

Risks Involved in Feline Vaccination

While most vaccines that are available today are safe, they are not totally free from risk. Many cats will experience pain in the area of vaccination accompanied by a mild fever, as well as a decrease in appetite and movement. Sometimes, the area of vaccination may even swell. Often, certain vaccines can also cause serious cat health problems, including cancer. However, you do not need to panic as these are extremely rare cases.

Whilst feline vaccination is an important aspect of taking care of your pet, it is important to take the advice of your vet before going ahead with it.

Visit our website today for more information on feline vaccination or if you have any other cat questions. Remember to sign up for your 7-part Healing Your Pets At Home mini-course, absolutely free for a limited time only!

7 Ways to Know Your Cat is Having Feline Urinary Problems

Tell me, does this sound like your cat? Is he frequently urinating, grooming his genitals, and urinating in inappropriate places? These are signs of feline urinary problems and you need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Here are 7 ways to know if your cat is having urinary problems so you can seek treatment before it is too late.

1. Is your cat whinier than usual? If your cat is crying often, this could be a sign that he is in pain. Often feline urinary tract infections are difficult to detect because cats have a high tolerance to pain but if your cat is whining more than usual and you notice other signs of infection, take your cat to the veterinarian.

2. The first sign of feline urinary problems is a change in normal urination patterns. If your cat is urinating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a problem.

3. Has your cat stopped urinating altogether? If so, get to the vet immediately because a complete blockage can be fatal if not treated in time.

4. If your cat is constantly dripping urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Feline urinary tract infections cause frequent urination and incontinence.

5. If there is blood in your cat's urine, he is most like suffering from feline urinary problems and needs to be taken to the vet immediately.

6. If your cat is grooming his genitals more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection, especially if it is accompanied by crying.

7. If your cat is urinating outside of his litter box in inappropriate places, feline urinary tract infections are most likely the cause. Your cat is probably urinating outside of his litter box because he associates the pain accompanying urination with the litter box.

Do yourself and your cat a favor by keeping these signs of feline urinary problems in mind. Quick diagnosis and treatment are important in order to keep your cat out of harm's way. Better yet, preventive treatment through the use of homeopathic remedies and implementation of lifestyle change are the most beneficial ways to keep urinary tract infections at bay. If you spot the infections early enough, you can take care of them at home and won't ever even have to go to a vet. After all, prevention is the best medicine and homeopathic treatment can maintain your cat's bladder health as well as combat infection. The ultimate goal is permanent recovery and it can be achieved most effectively with lifestyle change and homeopathic treatment.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to www.pet-ut-health.com.

Cats and Vets - How to Make the Visit Less Stressful

Taking a cat to the vet can be a stressful exercise for both feline and human. First, there is the cat carrier situation. Getting your friend to actually go in it can be a struggle in itself. Then, there's the transportation issue. If you go by car, someone will need to hold the carrier and do the comforting. If you use public transport, and your cat happens to be rather vocal, you'll usually get a lot of attention from complete strangers. The vocal protests might carry on in the waiting room, and your cat's behaviour with his vet tends to be unpredictable. Some might be peaceful and allow the vet to do their thing. Some might go into panic mode, dash around the room or bring out the claws. Finally, there's the worry that the next time you bring out the carrier, your feline will rapidly make himself scarce because he'll know what's in store for him.

How, then, to go about the visit with the minimum of hassle? The answer rests in a good amount of preparation.

If you have a cat carrier ready, you can place it in the living room to allow your cat to get used to it. It's best to leave it open - curious as felines are, he'll want to investigate and move in and out of it of his own free will. If you place the carrier there the day before the visit, or preferably a few days beforehand, he won't automatically see it as a threat.

Try not to show you're worried or stressed. Animals are very good at picking up on this, and if he feels you're worried he's more likely to get worried, too. Stick to your usual patterns; cats love their routine.

It's best when scheduling the visit and travel, to add a decent amount of time for the "getting the cat into the carrier" situation. The least stressful way is to lure your feline into it through play or with some food or a treat. If this does not happen, try to gently pick him up and place him in the carrier. Miracles do happen; there are times when this works.

If it doesn't, and you have a wriggling cat on your hands, possibly resisting the carrier by placing all four paws against the edges or attempting to turn into a ball of fur with teeth and fangs, you can try the towel method. You'll need two people for this - one to hold open the carrier (this person should also be prepared to close it as rapidly as possible) and one to gently approach your feline. Try to carefully wrap the towel around his body and paws. Do not cover his face, as this could cause problems with his breathing and increase his panic levels. Ease him into the carrier, semi-close the carrier whilst leaving enough space to pull the towel out of it (this should be done with care, as you don't want to topple your cat or get him tangled up; he needs to be able to extract himself from it), but do not leave enough space for your cat to leap back out again.

If at all possible, avoid public transport. Public transport might be better for the environment, but if a car is available it's best to avoid the walking around (which can rock the carrier and make your cat uncomfortable). Also, the additional noise of so many people around might cause anxiety. Make sure you have someone to hold the carrier, or if someone else is driving, you can hold it and comfort your feline by speaking to him in a soft and reassuring manner.

It's not unlikely that your cat might relief himself out of fear and stress. This is natural, so it's best to place something at the bottom of the carrier, to absorb it and to keep the carrier as clean as possible. Something soft might also give him comfort and decrease the risk of him sliding around. An old, soft towel or other piece of fabric is ideal, so long as you don't mind the possibility of having to throw it in the bin after the visit.

Do not be too concerned if your cat makes his discontent clear, and at the top of his voice. Yes, he's protesting, yes, he's unhappy, but the calmer you are, combined with soothing talk, the less stressed he will be. Don't worry about other people. Those in the waiting room will be sympathetic. They all love animals!

The actual visit with the vet can be unsettling. Even if visiting for a check-up, it can be stressful. It's helpful to keep in mind that the vets know what they're doing, and that they tend to have a true love for animals. If you need the support of your partner or friend, it's nothing to be ashamed about. The vet will understand.

If your cat does act up, it's nothing to be embarrassed about either. There's no need to fret, as your vet knows that all animals react differently to being handled by a stranger, in a strange environment. You can help by trying to comfort your feline and by settling him as best as you can.

Once home, your cat might ignore you. Don't worry, he'll come around again. After you've cleaned the carrier, it can be helpful to leave it around for another few days, especially if it doesn't seem to overly distress him. He might just get back to investigating it, and once he realises that being in it does not automatically mean a repeat of the visit, he might just be less scared the next time you bring it out.

Good luck!

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Choosing a Healthy Cat - Seven Ways to Check For an Unhealthy Cat

Okay, so you now know the breed or type of cat you wish to own. How do you go about finding a cat that is healthy and will hopefully remain healthy for many years? There are seven signs ways to check for an unhealthy cat before you make your final decision.

It is heartbreaking to choose a cat or kitten that you love only to find out it is ill. You have decided which breed you want and know all of the illnesses that breed may carry. Now you need to visually inspect your choice. You may end up spending hundreds of dollars on an unhealthy pet if you do not do your research before purchasing your cat.

Below may be seven signs of an unhealthy cat:

allergies or upper respiratory disease-itching, runny or crusty eyes
blindness or poor vision-eyes cross unnaturally or two different eye colors
birth defects-crossed or malformed eyes, kinked tails, missing body parts or teeth, overshot or undershot teeth
diarrhea, foul smell or redness in rear end-giardia, parasites,worms
frequent urination-crystallization or urinary tract infection
gingivitis-gums bleeding or red along the teeth and/or cysts or lesions in the mouth
head shaking-ear mites or infection

I visited several shelters and pet stores to find the perfect cat for me. The shelters were kept clean and most of the kittens appeared to be in good health. The pet stores were usually well kept and volunteers were taking care of the cats and the adoptions. However, there were some underlying problems.

I fell in love with a butterscotch medium hair kitten at the animal shelter. My intuition told me to wait. So I went back the next week to see if the cat was still there. There were no kittens in the shelter. Every kitten had been removed due to upper respiratory disease. I was heartbroken and decided that adopting from a shelter may not be a good idea for me.

My friend and I visited the pet stores to see what was available. I found many kittens and cats that met my criteria. I would wait for the helpers to remove them from their cage. Some felines were strays, some were given away due to the owner moving or a new baby was allergic to the cat or for some other reason.

Most of the cats were frightened and extremely nervous due to being kept in a cage and from people knocking on the windows. It was hard to tell how friendly they were due to stress. Sometimes there eyes were runny. If the cats came in pairs, then they had to be adopted in pairs. Some unfortunately had special needs.

So, I decided I would try a cattery. Maybe I would have better luck and have some type of guarantee if I purchased a cat from a breeder. I thought I chose a local reputable cattery that I could visit and I thought I found the perfect cat for me.

She was beautiful and her personality fit mine. She sneezed once but the owner said, "cats do that, just like people, and do not worry". We stayed for awhile to make sure we felt comfortable with the owner.

The kitten's birth parents were on the premises. We waited until I felt the kitten bonded with us. The kittens were all very well socialized and were allowed to roam freely. I felt comfortable knowing how the cat had been fed and taken care of since birth.

The kitten came home with me that night. I purchased her on Sunday and made an appointment on Tuesday for a veterinarian check as dictated by the contract. Monday, my kitten, started sneezing again along with crusty eyes. She was so sick Monday evening. She slept on my chest and was soaking wet.

Tuesday the Doctor informed me she had an ear infection, gingivitis, giardia. All of the illnesses could be treatable but she may have a feline immune system disorder. I called the original owner. I was within the contract time specified but the owner of the cattery would not take her back. She told me I didn't love her.

The cattery owner said that she had her tested for any feline disorders known to that breed. The cat was checked twice by a Vet and had all the shots required according to the law. She said those types of things spread quickly throughout the cattery so she would have isolated it.

However, I returned the cat after discovering from another Vet that she had tritrichomonas foetus not giardia. This is a severe parasite that may be outgrown but untreatable. She was given the only known possible antidote for the parasite and one week later she was sick again. Her ears never did clear up completely.

The owner promised me a new kitten but refunded the money to me. I was a bit taken back. She accused me of over-medicating the cat and did not want to give me another cat. However, I owned no other cats and the disease is transmittable only through felines. She was only given the medication the doctor ordered. The owner would not reimburse me for medical expenses.

I felt my freedom of choice was violated. Especially if the owner knew that the kitten had a disorder and did not disclose this to me. I have the records to prove that the kitten had this disorder since I picked her up. I was not given the opportunity to choose to take a sick or healthy kitten... I paid a lot of money for a purebred kitten and I also fell in love with the cat. My rights were seriously infringed upon.

I would not have purchased the kitten if I had checked just a few of the signs above. I should have trusted my instincts but the owner reassured me that it was just a sneeze. I spent hundreds of dollars and could not enjoy the poor cat for months due to incontinence.

I went to work volunteering for a pet clinic and found a perfectly healthy little boy that I adore. His name is Eli. He is a joy and has no health problems. They regularly take in orphans that are dropped off at the doorsteps. The kittens are isolated for a few weeks to make sure they have no problems. Then they place them up for adoption.

Even though you do check the signs above, it still does not mean you will have a healthy cat or kitten. I have lost two in the last five years due to crystallization and diabetes. It will, however, increase your chances of bringing home a well companion for many years. Hopefully, you will check some of the signs of an unhealthy cat before you bring it home.

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Feline Cystitis And How To Manage It Naturally

Feline cystitis is a common disease. Your cat develops tiny crystals in the urine which makes urinating painful. Normally there is much straining, with only a few drops of urine passed at a time. This may be blood stained. Crying out is common. This unpleasant, painful and unnecessary condition can be prevented and cured with a system of natural cat health care.

These tiny crystals form a blockage in the urethra, the passage through which the urine passes from the bladder. Because male cats have a more narrow urethra, they tend to be more affected than females.

This is a serious condition, because urine elimination is essential. If it has reached the stage where the cat is frequently trying to urinate and little is expelled, then you need to seed immediate treatment.

If the cystitis is in the early stages and your cat is passing urine, then by taking drastic and immediate changes, it is likely that you can turn the condition around.

These measures include totally changing the diet to a quality, natural one. It is the commercial cat food that is the cause of most of the cystitis in cats. It doesn't really matter what the brand is, what the price tag is or where you buy them from. Practically all, even those that call themselves 'natural, 'organic', 'special' or whatever, can be the cause of the problem.

Although few mainstream veterinarians agree with this idea, you will find that all holistic animal practitioners do.

Just this action alone can cure many cases of feline cystitis and will prevent recurrences in most cats.

It is worth remembering that disease only occurs because the immune system is compromised. A quality, natural diet is one of the best ways to boost the immune system. With this in good working order, cystitis and other diseases just won't happen as your cat can easily fend them off.

All veterinary medicines are liver toxic. This means all are instrumental in lowering the immune system. If you change from veterinary treatment to a natural treatment, such as homeopathy, you will find you have a much healthier cat.

Homeopathy works not by treating the specific disease as such, but by raising the immune system. This then stimulates your cat's own immense healing powers, resulting in better health. And this normally extends way beyond curing the cystitis.

By addressing the cause of the feline cystitis, means you have a far better chance of fully curing the problem.

To download a free report on tips on having a healthy cat, please click on the link below.

For your free report on how to have a healthy cat naturally, click on What is Making Your Cat Sick