Buying a cat- what you need to know.

Buying a cat- what you need to know.

So,you've decided that you want to have a pet cat. However, before you shop for your kitten, you may need to consider a few important things. After all, finding out that a cat is not for you after you've already grown attached can be heart breaking.

The main reason that people have to find their cats new homes is that they are allergic to cats. If you've never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack. Also, check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic.

Next, you may want to consider your lifestyle. Although most different cat breeds need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day. A bored cat is often a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.  

Don't forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. If you have children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.

Once you decide that a cat will fit into your household, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat. Most people take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet. Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases. Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. Most older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.

Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat. If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific cat  breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue. These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens. If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.  

Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.

Arthritis in Cats

Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments. Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life. On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers - their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities. Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.

Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation. However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing. For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:

·    Stiffness
·    Limping
·    Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)
·    Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump
·    Noticeable Pain
·    Different Gait than Usual
·    Nervousness
·    Aggression
·    Depression

If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.

Causes

Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.

Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic Arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.

The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.

What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet

Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.

Treatments 

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).


There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too. These include:

Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)
Dysplasia
Bacterial Arthritis
Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertabral Disc Disease
Hyperparathyroidism

Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!

Cat Care-5 Common Disease Symptoms To Look For

When we experience pain in our bodies, we can easily tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will be able to bring you to the infirmary. Pets cannot do that merely watching them can tell you a lot of things. which is why owners should practice cat care and be aware of the symptoms.

Discussed below are a a few diseases and their symptoms you should look out for.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease and in fact is the leading cause of death among cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and the worse part is that the symptoms are very common with other ailments, so it is really hard to tell if your cat has this.

There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the version in humans, it is a life long infection that advances slowly and kills the cat.

Cats can also be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is transmitted through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it is unable to survive that long in the environment so it is only transmissible when the infected cat stays with some other cat for a long period of time. 

Worms are another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores.. Since this disease is self limiting, you will not have do anything to make it clear up. It will in time clear up on its own, but it may take a few months to do so.

If you have a overweight cat, then the prospects are it will already have feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease are pretty easy to see and are excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Veterinaries are of yet unsure what is the cause of this, but recent research studies that have been done, have shown that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and particular medications.

The symptoms of most of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than five days in one leg, a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, repeated coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests.

The veterinary will take some blood, urine and feces samples. Any input that you have observed and give will also be helpful. When the tests come out, only then will the proper treatment be administered to the cat as every case varies, so what worked for one cat may not have the self same positive effect with yours.

Your cat should still be healthy if you gave it constant attention. This can be done by giving it leading quality food, giving it fresh water, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making for sure it remains indoors and taking it on a regular basis to the vet.

If you have neglected any of these simple steps, something wrong is certain to happen and you will soon note a change in the behaviour of the cat and doing nothing about it, it is just going to make things worse. So keep proper cat care and look out for symptoms.

For further Free information on Long Term Cat Care try visiting Caring For Your Cat Help.

Cat Eye Care-Why It Is Important?

Cats eyes have often been used in horror films. But as a pet owner, you will know that the cats stare is really the complete opposite of what is portrayed in films. That is why cat eye care, is so very important for you to know.

How do cats say I love you? well this is through their eyes, of course. This is why you should never be frightened by there gaze. So how does this work? First of all, the cat stares at you for a long time. And after that, it blinks its eyes slowly. Some people call this the cats kiss. But you should also know that this is your cats way of showing you that it loves you.

But how do you return the favor? This is easy, all you need to do is follow your cats lead. Stare at it for a long time and then slowly blink your eyes. See? Cats eyes have also be used for romantic films as well.

Do not believe the horror films you see. Cats do not and never have had a third eye. Their eye sight is really far better than a humans. Instead of a third eye, what cats have is a third eyelid. This is called a nictitating membrane.

This inner eyelid protects the eyes of the cat from harm and also from dryness. You will always notice that when a cat is sick, this membrane will be some what closed. This should always alarm enough for you to call your vet or get your cat to them fast as possible.

But this third eyelid will also show once a cat is happy. So you will know what kind of mood your cat is in just by looking at the membrane.

You should always observe the pupil of your feline friend. A change in size of one of the pupils can often be an indication of an inflammation. It can also be a sign of a kind of a neurologic, disorder, this is called Horner's Syndrome. Or worse, it can also indicate tumors or injuries in the central nervous system.

Never believe what others say that cats are color blind. They do see some colors. They may not see them as clear as human do, but its not true that they cannot see any colors at all.

Cats can also see clearly over long distances. There vision is very different from peoples. There vision will blurry if they are looking at objects that are very close to them.

Yes it is true, cats do have the nocturnal vision. But they can not see in complete darkness. Do you see the muscles on their iris that surround the pupils of their eyes? They are constructed in a way that it narrows into a vertical split when they are exposed in the bright lights. And it opens fully when they are in a quite dim light.

This feature of the cat may be traced back to their roots. They can use this feature to hunt for food during the night, that is if they were left out in the jungle or left with no one to care for them.

So you must forget about the horror movies that you have seen. Now it is time to put some effort into your cats eye care. Never let a minor ailments worsen. Always call your vet immediately when you think there is something not right or amiss. You do not want your cat to lose their sight or even worse lose their lives. Just remember it is always better to be safe than blind.

For further Free information on Cat Care try visiting Caring For Your Cat....

Cat Diabetes-And How You Should Treat It

If your cat has diabetes then cat care is important to your pets health. You will need to take the appropriate steps to make sure your pet can lead a normal life. It is unfortunate that pet cats have there own form of diabetes. It is important as a pet owner you learn how this will affect your pet and how you can help your cat lead a normal healthy life.

There are two types of cat diabetes, that could affect you pet. The first type is caused by the lack of  production of insulin, while the second type is the inability of the cats body to process insulin as it should do. just like in humans, diabetes can affect a cat at any age. But it normally appears in a pet in its later years.

Your cat will start to display symptoms that will tell you there is something wrong. These symptoms are very similar to the one in humans, You would start to notice your cat would require more fluid and would also urinate more. Because of your pets inability to process any glucose, then you will start to notice some weight loss.

Other symptoms you may see your cat are vomiting, loss of appetite and general weakness. Diabetic cats also  start to have poor skin and coat condition, as well as breathing problems

If your pet cat starts to display the above symptoms, it would be very wise of you to take your pet to your local vet. This way you can have your cat tested for sugar levels in there blood as well as in their urine. it is better to have both tests done, because any cat that feels under any form of stress, will show a spike in there blood sugar levels. By having both tests done, you will be able to confirm if your pet cat really has diabetes.

There is no cure for your cats diabetes as of yet. There diabetes can be controlled through a various means, and for cats it is done by diet and weight control. Giving your pet a diet high in fiber and carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially if they are over weight.

By using this type of diet, you will control your cats weight and blood sugar levels. There are also some oral medications available that your trusted vet may recommend. These should help to maintain a suitable blood sugar level.

Owners of diabetic cats, also will need to monitor their pets glucose and insulin levels. This is for those pet owners who will have to give there cats insulin injections for their diabetes. But be warned, you need to be carful to avoid giving an overdose of insulin as this will be fatal to your pet.

Cat care and diabetes should always go together, this will ensure that your pet can lead a normal healthy life. If you provide the right care for diabetic cats, then you will still have many happy years to come with your pet.

For further Free information on Cat Care try visiting Caring For Your Cat....

Feliway Refill

By now, you are quite aware of Feliway, the feline pheromone product that does amazing things for ameliorating your cat's stress and changing a hectic cat haven significantly more relaxed and reducing inappropriate urination, at least what we can blame on the felines, that is! You've acquired a diffuser and now require a Feliway refill so as to make the system wholly operational.

A Feliway diffuser refill unit is in a nutshell the essential oils distilled in a liquid form in a vial containing the spray itself. These are usually put together in a 6 pack package, for your convenience. When installed into the diffuser piece and plugged into a wall outlet, the unit heats up so as to induce evaporation, diffusing in the area. Each part can be used to cover approximately 60 square feet. You need to ensure they are not plugged in behind curtains or furniture, because this will stop the evaporate from moving throughout the place and preventing the beneficial effect gained from getting them in the first place. Definitely be sure that the evaporator is cleared to the air on account of the fact the heating element can turn out to be quite warm and you want to ensure this does not become a concern. Used safely, they are quite beneficial to for cat health care issues.

Each Feliway diffuser refill package is good for a time of some 4-6 weeks. It's a helpful method to keep continuous flow of the calming and relaxing feline facial pheromones constantly circulating through your feline-friendly rooms. Using several diffusers placed throughout your veterinary clinic will help to keep the moggy population contented, soothed, and low stress, which helps keep you from going crazy. Due to that fact the 6 pack Feliway diffuser refill, which gives 288mL total measure, and makes it simpler to purchase and have sent. It's much better to purchase en masse, instead of needing to order individual packages with shorter intervals.

The containers are often advertised combined with the diffuser, though it is quick enough to find them available separately also, if you already purchased a diffuser and simply need the Feliway diffuser refill by itself, or of course the 6 pack packages that are also quite usually available.

Tips For Stopping Spraying

Tips For Stopping Spraying

Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a problem.  This problem is known as spraying, and is very common with  all the different cat breeds kept indoors.  Even though it is a very annoying problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.  

Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem, but rather a problem with marking.  Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating.  Pheromones are much like fingerprints with humans, as they are used to identify the cat to other animals.

When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine.  The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his.  Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing.  If you raise your voice or show angry towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying.

No matter what the breed of cat, cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine.  For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love.  Often times cats that spray while in heat results in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months.  Keep in mind that cats not only spray during heat, as some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed.

Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible.  The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors.  If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem.  If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.

The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex.  Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options.  If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian.  He will be able to give you advice, and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery.  There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify.  You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – if for nothing else other than simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave stains all over your home.

Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat

Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat

The population of cats is the United States alone is unbelievable.  Nearly all experts will tell you that you should spay your cat instead of breed it.  No matter what experts have to say, a lot of people want to have a litter of kittens from their cat.  Before you decide to breed your cat, there are a few things that you should think about.

The first thing you should know is that breeding cats takes time.  For the next two months after the litter is born, you’ll need to clean the area on a daily basis.  You’ll also need to watch over the kittens as well, and keep a close eye on how they are developing.  If you plan to breed a litter of cats, you won’t have time for much of anything else.

Breeding cats will also require a good degree of space as well.  If you have a small apartment, you shouldn’t attempt to breed a cat.  You should also make sure that your family agrees with the idea, as it isn’t good for the kittens if you keep them locked up.  Keep in mind that kittens like to see things; they’ll end up going all over your home as well.  

Breeding cats also requires a degree of responsibility as well.  You should always have a plan of approach, including homes for the kittens to go that you aren’t planning to keep.  Keep in mind that things can change, someone who wanted a cat may change his mind once the litter is born.  In this event, you must decide whether or not you can keep a kitten that doesn’t have a home.

Breeding also requires some education as well.  You should be prepared for any problems along the way, as well as what takes place during birth.  From cutting umbilical cords to delivering early, you’ll need to be well prepared.  You should also have the proper supplies, and know how to handle things in the event of a c-section.  You’ll also need to know what to feed pregnant cats, as their diets are very important if you are breeding.

Breeding will also cost money as well, with kittens costing a lot more money than you may think.  The food isn’t the only thing that’s expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive.  Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, you’ll still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well.

In short, there is a lot to think about where cat breeding is concerned. If you have your mind set on it and you want to breed, you should be sure that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand.  You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding – and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.

Cats And Ring Worm

Cats And Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that can be problematical in cat care. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm.  It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases.  Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease.  If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you are caring for cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm.  Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside.  They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease.  Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws.  Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed.  There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin.  This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet.  If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets.  What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is.  If he prescribes tablets as part of your cat care routine, you should give them with meals.  Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically.  You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals.  The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious.  If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves.  Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution.  Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

A look at Siamese cats

An In Depth Look At Siamese Cat Breed

The exotic and somewhat mysterious Siamese cat hails from the country of Thailand.  They had always been a popular breed of cats, some even residing in royal palaces.  Siamese cats, in the past, were trusted to protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits.  These cats were also thought of as bringing good fortune to their owners as well.

During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general.  After that, they eventually made their way over to America.  Now days, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized of the breed.  Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats.

Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some questions what makes a cat a true Siamese cat.  These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout.  The more darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face.  They can weight anywhere between 6 - 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted - which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese.

Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build.  They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities.  Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people.  If you are looking for a cat that is nice and quiet, you wouldn’t want a Siamese cat.  These cats love to play, love to make noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there.

Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe that the world revolves around them.  For this very reason, they can tend be quite dependant on their owners.  They love to play, and crave interaction.  If you leave them alone for too long, they won’t like it.  They like to get attention, love to play, and hate to be left by themselves.

Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they don’t need a lot of maintenance They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month.  If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect.  Their hair is short to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need.  They can get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat.

Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other cat breeds, which is normally around 15 - 20 years, sometimes even longer. As long as you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years and years to come.  Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet.

No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet.  Although the Siamese cat breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent pets that you can spend a lot of time with.  They are great for kids as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them.  As long as you give your pet the attention he craves - he will be your life long friend for as long as you have him.

A Look At the different Cat Breeds

A Look At  the different Cat Breeds

Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves.  In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents.  As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking.  Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries.  There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers.  There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history.  Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history.  These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan.  Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat.  Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper.  Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions.  Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America.  There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats.  They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence.  Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped.  Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be.  Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify.  Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats.  Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes.  Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along.  Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular.  Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs.  No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

Common Health Problems Of Cats

Common Health Problems Of Cats

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing.  No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected.  Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem.  Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.  Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms.  Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats.  All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.  On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.  When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball.  Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.  Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated.  If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.  If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately.  You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair.  You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.  When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause.  Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.  If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet.  Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.  To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed.  Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.  If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.  If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.  Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can.  You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.  If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy.  As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

A Look At Cat Breeds

A Look At Different Cat Breeds

Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves.  In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents.  As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking.  Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries.  There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers.  There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history.  Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history.  These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan.  Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat.  Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper.  Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions.  Persian cats can be very expensive, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America.  There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats.  They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence.  Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped.  Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be.  Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify.  Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats.  Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes.  Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along.  Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular.  Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs.  No matter what cat breed you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

Training a Cat That Bites

Learning to bite and scratch is a main part of a cat's development. These accomplishments are especially essential for cats that live mainly out-of-doors, as they provide their sole means of defense. These two activities will also form the main staple of your cat's leisure time, playing out conflicts with toys, other cats or humans.

If you do not want to be bitten by your cat, the 1st rule of thumb is to train your cat not to bite your hands. If your cat thinks your hands are play toys, their little talons and fangs will soon find their way to your flesh.

However, if it is too late for that rule, there are some steps you are able to take to minimize the damage done from cat biting attacks.

First of all, as you train your cat to behave in new ways, you should trim his claws (don't declaw, as this is severely painful for the cat). This will take a lot of the razor-sharpness away and make your playful encounters less painful.

Once your cat grabs on to your hand, react with a loud and firm, "Ouch!Don't scream, and don't yank your hand away or your cat may think it is playtime and follow it again. Remove your arm slowly from his mouth after your determined "Ouch!"

Most of the time, your cat is scratching and biting because he is bored and would like to play. Using time set aside to play with a different cat toy should help relieve boredom.

Aggression is an inherent aspect of your cat's predatory nature: behaviors like stalking, chasing, leaping, pouncing, swatting, and biting are all common displays, and are always a major component of any play session.

Usually, this does not constitute an issue: it's just how cats like to play, and catering to your cat's innate whims can be pretty fun. When your finished, your cat will give you a break so you can watch som Animal Planet on DirecTV.

Cat Health Awareness and Cat Health Care

You may be the proud owner of a lovely pet cat. In such case you would consider caring for the cat and looking after its health to be your responsibility. It is important for you to provide little time and extend a bit of effort on your part to ensure that your pet cat stays healthy, fit and fine. You may, if you wish, get hold of some good pet cat care books that are available in local bookstores for reference. You can get some useful cat care tips from there.

 

Awareness about cat health needs to be made beforehand if you are planning to get a pet cat. This does not require much learning though. A bit of learning about the normal habits, behavior and temperament of a cat is what is required of you. This will enable you to detect when there is any sudden change in habits of the cat so as to take care of it. Behavioral changes, changes in eating and sleeping habits etc. need to be taken note of to decide whether some health problem has arisen. Usually it is the vet who takes the final decision about health concerns of the pet cat though you can provide preliminary attendance.

 

Problems with cat’s health are quite common and cat owners can appropriately control such problems by gaining knowledge about cat health. This can go a long way to ensure that your pet cat stays healthy and playful. Isn’t it a rewarding experience to cuddle and have fun with a healthy pet cat?

 

Taking the pet cat to the veterinary specialist on a regular basis is of crucial importance. The vet needs to conduct checkups on a yearly or half yearly basis even if apparently no problems are there. Only then can you remain sure that the health condition of your loved feline pet is sound. At other times during the year if it comes to notice that there has been the development of behavior or mood changes in your cat then the vet needs to be approached at the earliest possible.

 

Common problems that cats usually develop are lumps, ticks, black specs in the ears, eye gunk or rashes. These can generally be detected pretty easily and upon detection of these problems the vet is to be immediately consulted. Medical attention can thus be provided quickly, remedial action measures adopted and relief from the problem obtained soon.

 

Grooming of the pet cat frequently is an important health endowing measure. A lot of dead hair gets removed in the process. Getting hold of the special combs available that can help extract ticks and fleas from the fur of the cat provides further help. A trim of the claws of the pet cat may be needed to from time to time to promote cat health. It must be noted, however, that the nails of the cat are not cut too short.

Things To Know About Abused Cats

Things To Know About Abused Cats

Cats that have been abused can appear severely maimed and damaged all over their exterior.  Some may appear to be in perfect shape on the outside, although all of the damage they sustained may be internal or emotional.  Even though physical damage is bad, emotional damage is much tougher to fix.  Cats who have physical abuse will still answer to a soft touch and soft voice, as long as they know that the abuse has come to an end.

When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, you’ll need to wait until the cat comes to you.  You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and not know if you plan to hurt him or not.  If you take your time and let him know that you are nothing to fear, he will eventually come to you.  When he starts to come to you, you can let him sniff you and pet him.  After a while, he will learn that he can trust you and he will come to you when you call him.

Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as flyswatters or water guns the wrong way can lead to emotional damage.  If you continue to use the wrong means of discipline on an emotionally damaged cat, the cat can become mean or lethargic.  When a cat turns mean, it’s not always a bad thing.  Meaner cats are easier to reach, as they still care a bit about what happens to them – while lethargic cats could really care less.

Cats that have become lethargic won’t play, take treats, or respond to anything you say to them.  With a lethargic cat, the ideal way to get him to respond is to bring in a companion cat.  Over time, a lethargic cat will eventually look for attention, normally a scratch or a pat.  When this happens, you should always use a soft voice and snuggle with him.  Never raise your voice at this point, and make sure you let the cat know that his behavior is a lot better.

You should make slow movements around a lethargic cat, as he is still quite traumatic.  Once he is coming around and letting you touch him again, he is getting back to his normal self.  Keep in mind that it may take some time, which is to be expected with this type of situation.  If your cat starts to get upset again or if you raise your voice, he will hide again.  If you continue to use a soft voice and have patience, your cat will eventually get past this.  If you get a cat that is lethargic, you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period.

Angry or mean cats on the other hand, will either fight and scratch with you, or simply run away from you.  With mean cats, the best thing to do is use gentle treatment with a soft voice.  You can never try to raise your voice or use strict discipline, as it will only make the cat meaner.  Never attempt to trap the cat either, as trapping it will only make the cat react.  If you take your time and let the cat know that you are there for him, he will eventually calm down.  

Abused cats are truly a sad thing, although they are out there.  Abused cats can be a sad thing to see indeed, especially those that were physically abused.  Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve.  Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat – you should always be as gentle as you possibly can.

Caring For Persian Cats

Caring For Persian Cats

These days, Persian cats are among the most popular  of all the different cat breeds.  Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features.  They are great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding.  Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.

Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well.  During competitions, they are divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan.  No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they are best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.  

Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat.  If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat.  They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs.  You’ll need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat.  Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it.  Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy.  Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you’ll need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.

The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids.  They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear.  Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners.  They are very playful, yet they don’t require a lot of attention.  They love attention however, and love being admired.  Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all.  They aren’t destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around.  A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.

Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house.  Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well.  You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.  
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis.  If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years.  One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes.  Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean.  This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t get out of control.

When you compare Persians to other breeds of cat, you’ll notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep.  You don’t have to worry about things like jumping or climbing, as Persians don’t like to do either.  All you’ll need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis.  Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy an beautiful Persian cat.

Cat Breeds: Selecting and Choosing Suitable Cats

A cat can make a wonderful pet. However, this may not always be the case and the kind of cat that will be right for you and your family should only be kept as pet to avoid hassles. To find this out it is necessary to learn about the various breeds of cats and choose judiciously. There are a number of cat breeds that are cute and can very easily adapt to living in your home and become excellent pets for you and your family. Some pet cats can be quite playful and can entertain children very well.

 

While proceeding to select the suitable breed certain things need to be considered. There are some breeds that are very loud and noisy while others are quiet. If you don’t mind noisy cats or even prefer them then the Korat, Siamese or Burmese cats can be chosen. Quieter breeds are the Scottish Fold, Somali or the American Curl cats.

 

Again you need to decide whether you wish to keep affectionate and cuddly pets or the ones that remain aloof and are more playful. If you can spend a lot of free time on your pet then the cuddly cats that crave for affection can be opted for. Otherwise it is better to get those that stay aloof.

 

Some cat breeds are friendlier then others. The Himalayan Persian, Ragdoll, Snowshoe, Abyssinian, and Maine Coon cats belong to this group while the Russian Shorthair, Nebelung and Norwegian Forest are less sociable. The inquisitive and mischievous cats that are always looking for amusement are the Siamese, Sphinx, Rex and Balinese breeds. These are best for those who have lot of time to be with their pets and amuse themselves seeing their pets playing some mischief. The Rex can especially be a great source of entertainment. Their silly acts can indeed be very enjoyable to watch.

 

Apart from the behavior and temperament of the cat the appearance and body features are important considerations too. Preference for long haired or short haired breeds counts importantly. Since short hair requires less caring, those who cannot spare too much time looking after and grooming the cat can choose short haired cat breeds.

 

It also needs to be decided wisely whether it is preferable to get a kitten or a little older cat or a full grown one that may have been abandoned. People usually opt for buying kittens from cat exhibitors who are seeking to sell out some of their kitten litter. The older cats can be secured from some place like an animal shelter.

Cat Hairball Prevention

If you're a kitty owner likely you probably are aware of a usual cat health concern that targets felines:  hairballs.  But how much do you know of a hairball's signs, root causes, and therapies?

What Causes Hairballs?

Hairballs are caused by the course exterior of a feline's tongue pulling out loose hair during the process of washing themselves.  The hair is then gulped down and moved into the digestive tract.  Ideally, this hair would not get digested, but would get removed when the cat uses the litter tray or goes outside.  After all, felines are hunters, and are designed to be able to handle swallowing fur, like from some poor rat it catches.   When it congeals into a mass, the kitty will probably end up with the unrewarding experience of barfing it back up.  In some situations however, this might not happen and the hairball may become trapped inside your kitty, unfortunately bringing about serious health issues.

Cat Hairballs and Cat Health

Hairballs are inconvenient on their own, but can also cause many corollary issues, quickly growing dangerous if not removed or resolved with a quickness.  Aside from the unsightly and irritating throwing up, of course, the lodged-in hair can cause intestinal distress and constipation.  Your cat may stop eating and become lethargic as the hairball grows in size, while your pet are still unable to expell it.  Their intestines can become swollen and this can clearly create several unwelcome problems that you'd hate to be stuck with.  This problem could even end up requiring surgery to remove the hairball, which is a disastrously large financial impact and risk to your cat, certainly considering the trivial nature of preventing it in the first place.  Left untreated, it could end up in a mortal affliction.

Curing Hairballs

Kitties naturally try to treat themselves by throwing up.  They can do this by eating grass, which usually makes cats to vomit due to the grass fibers irritating their stomaches.  Other possibilities to treat cat hairballs use petroleum or mineral oil based products meant to grease the intestinal tract so as to ease the natural passage of the hairball.  Products such as Laxatone or Petromalt have been made to prevent hairballs.  They are a semi-solid glop that you give your felines before meals.  This slides the hairball through the digestive process and would also be helpful to relieve non-hairball caused constipation as well.  They have been made available in a variety of flavors like tuna or catnip flavoring.  A dose daily for two or three days, and your concern should be resolved.

Preventing Hairball Recurrence

Preventing hairball recurrence is done by a few varying means, some of them complementary.  One is a half dose of Laxatone or Petromalt two to three times per week.  Laxatone is highly approved by veterinarians and pet owners alike. There are also certain "hairball prevention" diet foods available.  A large percentage of hairball prevention is of course correct grooming.  Be sure to brush your short-haired felines but comb the long-haired cats on a continual basis.  They love it and it's a wonderful way to spend time being sure your cat continues to be happy and healthy.

Are You Giving Your Cat The Right Food?

So you can not resist the graceful charms of the feline species around and want to befriend one of them? Well the most important thing you need to know before proceeding with your pet adventure is: how to provide for all its necessities in a proper manner and the most important consideration relates to supplying the right foods, so that proper nutrition takes place through various stages of its growth.

 

You want a healthy, good humored pet to give you company, right? For that you have to take care of what you give it to eat. Remember, your cat’s well being is the ultimate function of what it eats. Just like a human being’s life span is influenced by what he consumes, the same way, your cat will live a longer and healthy life when fed wholesome, natural foods without the contamination of chemicals.

 

What makes the best diet for your pet cat?

The natural foods make for the best diet for both the dogs and the cats. But what does natural food imply? Natural foods refer to those varieties that your pet would like to have if it was staying in the wild.

 

So far as cats are concerned, they display an essentially carnivorous food habit. Their system calls for high protein intake. Survival of cats on purely vegetarian diet is nearly impossible. By counting the number of your cat’s grinding teeth, and the number of tearing and shearing teeth, you will be able to get a possible ratio of the protein, carbohydrate and fat content that the ideal diet for your cat should consist of.

 

Here is an overview of a healthy diet for your cat.

 

Protein content

An ideal cat diet should consist of 60 % protein. It is better to avoid highly processed, artificial cat food. The protein should come from either organic ground beef or organic chicken--- raw or cooked. You can give eggs once a week if your cat likes it. Let your pussy make a feast on cooked fishes more than once a week. To add variety, give her piece of turkey or rabbit from time to time.

 

It will be prudent to steam or boil the meat before you offer it to your cat. Don’t discard the water after boiling the meat, boil some vegetable in it and your cat will just love this meat flavored vegetable broth.

 

Fruit and vegetable intake

Vegetables should cover approximately 20% of your cat’s diet. Cats generally like the taste of variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower or corn. It becomes easier for you to add variety to your cat’s diet if your cat happens to love the taste of such fruits as melon, mango or apple.

 

The grain content

About 20% of your cat’s diet should comprise whole grains like brown rice---steamed or boiled. Other grains like millet, barley, oatmeal, and amaranth are also good for your cat’s health. You can also offer your cat the boiled grains in a pureed form.

 

Last of all; make sure to give your cat adequate vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also important to supply enough amino acid taurine; deficiency of this substance results in blindness. Also add 250 mg vitamin C to your cat’s daily diet to add to overall cat health.

 

What Is Feliway Spray?

While Feliway sounds like a way to get rid of felines, it is in truth a pheromone scent intended to prevent felines from urinating in inappropriate places. When Fifi decides to pee outside the litter area, you will have a trouble, since cat urine is one of the more awful pet odors. Feliway uses the facial pheromones to avoid litter box issues, but also Feliway has a wonderful calmative effect for calming nervous cats.

How Does Feliway for Cats Work?

Feliway Spray is is constructed from the feline Pheromones combined with an ethanol compound. These exact same facial pheromones are used constantly by all cats to claim their territory. Other cats in the area can sense these pheromones from a distance and be aware of claimed territory. Kitties usually don't to pee to mark territory when it's already been sprayed, so this will cut down on inappropriate urination. Kitties place these pheromones onto objects by rubbing their face or foot pads up on them. If you've ever had your little friend rub their chin against you, now you know exactly what was really happening. When people say their moggies own them, that's most definitely the case. Feliway in a nutshell duplicates this effect.

What Will Feliway for Cats Fix?

• Peeing outside the litter area
• Spray marking of territory by non-spayed/neutered pets
• Helps calm those who are stressed out
• Can stop constant disagreements
• Helping bring in cats to new places

The ordinary view by relieved users on the web are that it's a wonderful product. Keep in mind however that these spraying problems can result from illnesses, so you know that Feliway for cats can't fix everything though it usually eliminate the symptoms. Cats can behave strangely that we may not understand how to correct, but it's a risk-free bet that Feliway will help.

Buy Kitten and Raising A Cat

I came across Cat Ownership 101: Secrets of Buying & Raising Cats the other day and was interested, so I made an investment and purchased it.  It worked out to be a pretty good acquisition, and to be sure at $9.99 wasn't much risk.  It is a simply put but well thought out study of what you must grasp about cat buying and raising kittens.  It's simple to make critical mistakes when selecting a kitten as little family member and become grievous when it turns out badly.  Even just a bit of preparation in advance of the fact goes quite a long way to paving that onward road with wonder instead of sadness.

The book begins with a survey of many of the more common cat breeds.   Do you hope for a energetic cat that will go like gangbusters 24 hours at a time?  Do you want a loving cat that is cuddly?  Are you looking for a timid cat or gregarious one?  Following on is a overview of the benefits and problems of male, female, spaying and neutering, hair type - long or short, pure bred or mixed, and the important question of buying a kitten vs buying cat.  This summary will put you on the road to selecting the breed of cat that's best for you.

From there we move on into some helpful tricks on cat-proofing your abode, assisting your cat or kitten get used to your home and family, adjusting them into the swing of things carefully and consistently.  Cats can get stressed out with change and newness, so rushing them along into unusual places can have terrible effects on the adjustment period.  You will learn all about what supplies you will find helpful to raise your new cat and supplies you must get to make sure everything is prepared.

Another interesting and informative topic is the feeding and exercising.   About not feeding enough to that growing kitten to an appropriate diet for the senior cat and methods to keep them exercising, you have lots of helpful hints listed.  We progress into cat health care concerns there, where you will learn about the common conditions that your cats can be afflicted with, all about visits to the vet, shots, neutering and spaying, grooming tips and what is needed to keep them happy and healthy.

Another main piece of the book involves common feline behavioral patterns.  What does a cat's body language let you know about it's mood?  Body movement patterns supplemented by vocal patterns can help you communicate with your pets, and until they master human language it's going to be your means of choice.  For what reason do they knead us?What could clawing mean?  From here you will read how to help predict why your cats do what they do and help save them from dangerous acts.

Finally, this book concludes with a list of cat related organizations that you must have and a useful glossary of cat related terms and acronyms that refer to cats and detailed meanings you should intuit.  Overall, I was quite pleased with the book and found it wonderfully informative.  I most definitely endorse this handy and useful book, and it's definitely a steal at only $9.99!  Visit the Cat Ownership 101: Secrets of Buying & Raising Cats order page for further details and ordering information. It is a simply put but complex primer for what you ought to grasp about buy kitten and raising a kitten that you absolutely must read!

Feliway electric diffuser

A Feliway plug ins are the most practical method to get a continuous flow of feline pheromones into the air and surrounding areas of your humble abode.  The Feliway diffuser is intended to, as it sounds, diffuse into your rooms the Feliway.  Plug in the Feliway plug to any plugs to assist to atomization of happiness for your stressed out feline friends and they will once again be chilled Cats.

A Feliway diffuser consists of part of a large spectrum of aids for many common pet ailments relating to cat stress.Certainly, Feliway spray is an artificial cat pheromone that relaxes and calms unhappy kitties.  Rooms where your pets sense this scent are understood as peaceful and a haven, quite like travelling to their safe hideaway in the vicinity of the diffuser.  Feliway plug ins work wonders for eliminating inappropriate urination, relaxing felines while in the midst of travel or acclimatization to changed places, when you want to aquaint cats to each other in a cat-crowded household, and generally eliminating disagreements that one often find when too many cats are in too little quarters.  It should be said that this will assuredly contribute to a reduction in the stress level of the humans who may be cohabitating with said felines, too.

While you want to employ the Feliway electric diffuser spray on discrete, individual locations where your pet has urinated (not, of course, the litter box!), the Feliway plug in is used to provide area coverage for a more general sense of calming and relaxation.  The Feliway diffuser goes into the wall socket, and you plug in a bottle of the Feliway spray.  This works exactly the same as plug in air fresheners, except you don't smell it.  By the way, using a spray other than the intended will likely cause issues with the diffuser, as it is designed to work with Feliway spray only and not others.

Used to stop urination or spraying problems, the Feliway electric diffuser needs to go in the location where the urination issue has taken place, and a thorough cleaning of the room accomplished.  Remember, animals can detect traces of their urine well after it disappears from your attention, and you want the Feliway plug in to prevent that.

For mood issues and appetite concerns, you should position the Feliway diffuser in the room that cats are ordinarily in.  It needs to be placed in an clear area so the spray can sufficiently diffuse, so be aware not to put it behind furniture or curtains.  It needs to go out in the open.  A Feliway diffuser can suffuse a area of up to 60 square meters.

For problems with feline integration or aggresion issues in any multi-cat household, you may need to using repeated Feliway diffusers and put them in disparate locations where your felines often hang out.  It is not necessary to smother the whole house with the Feliway diffusers, though certianly the common areas and any areas where particularly discomforted animals typically hide out should be covered in order to get the maximum benefit, with a Feliway electric diffuser each location.

Another issue to keep in mind with the Feliway plug ins is that they tend to heat up in the area of the actual diffuser. Feliway plug in device is designed such that it's surface is warmed to assist the spray to spread into the air.  Keep it away from the furnishings and curtains or draperies, or your felines joy may be the smallest of your concerns.  It's always good to be prudent with your Feliway plug and your household.

Clumping cat litter review

A Review Of Clumping Cat Litter Foes' Arguments

Lately, there have been some people arguing that clumping cat litter is dangerous – even deadly – to our cats and kittens. If this is the claim, should we all instantly change our litter for a different type – maybe a biodegradable one as the articles suggest? What are the real facts in the situation? Let's review the clumping cat litter information. 

The Pet Owners' Claims

Pet owners claim that there are two components of clumping cat litter that cause problems for cats. First, there is the sodium bentonite. This is the “expandable cement” that absorbs the cat urine. It can swell to 15-18 times the dry size. It makes it wonderfully absorbent for a litter box, but the pet owners worry about the litter if the cat ingests it. This is a logical concern, as cats do lick themselves to clean off after using the litter box.

Also, the dust from these litters can give the cats respiratory problems, as they can coat the cat's lungs when they breathe it in. This component, sodium bentonite, is dangerous for humans to ingest, why should we think it would be safe on our cats and kittens?

The other ingredient some pet owners are concerned about is the quartz silica. This substance is a known carcinogen, and not considered safe for humans. It likely isn't safe for the cats, either.

Reviewing these clumping cat litter complaints shows some seemingly valid concerns. What do the opposition say?

The Critics' Rebuttal

The manufacturers of clumping cat litter, upon reviewing the claims of damage, state that they are very careful with their litter, and go to great lengths to keep pets safe. Also, they manufacture some brands of clumping cat litter that are clean, with much less dust. It is wise to choose one of these “dust free litters.

The Scientists Say...

While there are several anecdotal stories and claims, scientists state about clumping cat litter that after review there was “no post-mortum, no hisopathology findings, or any scientific data presented.” They fully believe these clumping kitty litters to be safe. 

Take Home Message

The “take home message” is that each pet owner needs to act in harmony with their gut instincts. If the anecdotal stories scare you, or if you've had a similar situation involving your own pet, you will probably want to change your cat's litter. There are plant-based materials available as kitty litter, made from corn cobs, newspaper, cedar, or pine shavings.
If, on the other hand, reviewing information about clumping cat litter has settled some of your fears, perhaps you don't need to jump ship quite yet.

Cancer and Rabies: Avoid The Risks To Your Cat''s Health

When it comes to cat health there is a lot of information available out there, even down to the health information of different cat breeds. Possibly the most important cat health information regardless of the breed is the common cat diseases your pet may be at risk of getting. There are a few very common diseases all cats can get and we will explore a couple of them here.

It is vital that you are aware of the potential risks your cat may face so you can be prepared should you notice any symptoms developing. There are cat diseases which could easily be a problem, two of which you should familiarize yourself with first.

The risk of cancer

Similar to the occurance in humans, cancer is fairly common in cats. Unfortunately it also has much of the same effects on their organs and bodies. And much the same as it does in humans, the cancer will either develop slowly or very rapidly. Some of these cancers can be treated medically and other treatments are being dicovered all the time. Diagnosing cancer early is crucial to the success of any treatment.

The risk of rabies

When is comes to information about your cat's health you will want to ensure you know as much about the risks of rabies as possible. Rabies is a fatal condition caused by a virus that attacks the brain.

Many people will be familiar with what rabies can do to an animal. Although less common in cats it should still be consider a serious condition. Rabies vaccinations are the best way to prevent this disease. They are safe and effective and should be administered by a vet when the cat is still a kitten.

When looking out for symptoms of rabies it can be quite difficult as they can be similar to symptoms of other diseases. Things to look out for are a change in the cat's temperament, drooling and any drastic changes to appetite. The ideal step to take if you are concerned with your cat is to get professional advice from a vet. The risk of the animal biting either you or a family member is not worth it.

Information about your cat's health is every bit as important as knowing about your own health. Whether you have a dog or cat or pet goldfish, you will need to take the responsibility of finding out all the health risks they may face in their lifetime. To ensure your cat enjoys a healthy and long life learn all you can from experts like veterinarians and trainers.