Holistic health care for cats is a movement that is gaining popularity among veterinary surgeons and owners alike who wish to consider alternatives to traditional veterinary care. Reports suggest that cats are falling ill far more frequently than before; many experts think this is partly due to the diets owners give their cats, and partly due to the onslaught of vaccinations and drugs that are now used to treat all kinds of feline illnesses and conditions.
Holistic veterinary surgeons believe that prevention is better than cure. It is far more important to maintain the well-being of your cat, rather than concentrating on relieving signs and symptoms of illnesses. Holistic practitioners assert that symptoms hint at an underlying health condition and left untreated, your cat's health could be severely compromised in the long run.
Holistic and traditional vets are now of the opinion that a raw diet is far preferable to the standard canned and kibbled cat food that is available on the market. Studies have shown that cats fed on raw, wholefood diets are more robust and have greater resistance to the illnesses generally associated with age related degeneration.
Holistic vets believe that cat wellness treatments are not only about the treatment of disease but about prevention as well. By building up your cat's immune system with the correct and natural diet, and supplemented with suitable therapy, your cat will have a far better quality of life. This translates into a better groomed and happy cat, with improvements in the condition of your cat’s fur, general disposition, better dentition and a lifelong freedom from allergies and infectious diseases.
Rather than resorting to intrusive injections or applications of harsh chemicals to treat fleas and ticks, holistic vets can provide natural alternatives which are just as effective against these parasites yet cause little or no harm to the cat. Holistic vets rely on preparations of nosodes rather than vaccinations, believing that these preparations that use a microscopic portion of diseased tissue will help to stimulate the cat's natural immune system into building up stronger defences. This holistic treatment is based on the similar premise that smallpox vaccinations in humans use the smallpox virus to build up defences in the immunity system.
The range of therapies are as wide as those available to human clients of any homeopathy or natural health clinic. Statistics from numerous studies conducted do show benefits that can be gained from these therapies. Holistic vets promote alternative natural remedies in place of traditional treatments, and provide holistic therapies, aimed to promote and care for the overall wellbeing and happiness of the animal.
Many sceptics might be surprised to learn that homeopath and acupuncture are established and successful forms of treatment for many feline conditions. In addition, cat owners report drastic improvements and increased rates of recovery in their animals. Other alternative forms of treatment would include osteopathy, physiotherapy and healing. The trend of holistic healthcare for felines is gaining momentum and the public have displayed positive interest in this branch of veterinary care.
Author: Moses Wright
Friday, May 15, 2009
Holistic Cat Health Care - Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Cute Cat Names ... And How To Find Them
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for queens. If you want your cat to have a more original name, you have to use your imagination. Or get some expert help.
Muffin. Kitty. Snowball. All stupid names that no self respecting cat would have - if it weren't for the stupid human who gave it to him!'
These lines come from the hilarious, but now sold out Garfield Book of Cat Names by Jim Davis. The famous cartoon cat is a self declared enemy of silly names. In the book he gives advice on how to give your kitten a name to be proud of.
Popular tom cat names are Max, Sam, Charlie, Buddy, Toby, Rocky, Buster, Casey.
Popular cat names for females are Lady, Kitty, Chelsea, Molly, Maggie, Sadie, Abby, Dakota, Sasha.
There are also names that are just right for males and females, like Shadow or Smokey.
Although some people think cats ignore them when called, cats do listen - and very well. If you say its name often and clear it will soon recognize it. And if you consequently call your kitten's name, it will associate the sound with food, play and other pleasant activities.
If your kitten comes from a planned mating between pedigree animals, you need to register the name. There are strict rules for this. Professional cat breeders are happy to tell you more.
Still, finding the right and preferably cute name is not easy.
Your family members will want to agree with it, and of course it should not sound silly once your cute little kitten becomes an adult cat.
Colors often give inspiration, or the coat. During the Clinton administration almost every American knew Socks, the First Cat of the United States, and it's not difficult to understand why Clinton's cat got this name.
A cat's personality may also give a hint for a good name. This works best with older cats that you took from a shelter, because they usually have a clearly developed personality.
Celebrity names are also a good bet. There are cats that are called Elvis Presley or Marilyn (after Monroe). Best advice: choose a timeless celebrity. This week's Top-20 star may be forgotten tomorrow. But your cat certainly won't.
Author: Marc de Jong
Cat Health Problems: Your Curiosity Could Save Your Cat!
Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.
Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.
There are many websites out there on the World Wide Web that specialize in cats and cat-related issues, including cat health problems, cat health symptoms and cat health insurance. The expert, of course, is your veterinarian, but if you keep yourself informed and actively involved in your cat's health life you could well save your cat from any health-related discomfort. Early detection of any ailment is the only way to help your cat live happier and longer.
You can start with a web search or you can ask your veterinarian to recommend a website that he or she may also find useful. There are websites that offer access to databases full of all the information you could ever need about your cat's health needs.
Information on common illnesses or illnesses specific to certain breeds can be found online, which can also help you to be aware of the potential health problems that your pet could face.
But keeping informed about your cat's health is not based on just negative information. You'll find positive information and advice on nutrition, vitamins, pet toys and supplies to keep your cat happier and healthier.
The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems.
Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections. Fighting can lead to various wounds. Eyes are particularly sensitive to feline fights. A sure sign of a cat's health ailing is if he or she stops eating and isn't interested in playing. Wounds should certainly be treated immediately, but if your cat is eating and playing as normal, then you've no real need to worry.
Fleas are also a common problem with cats, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
Cat health insurance is a popular choice these days and it is something to consider, albeit carefully. There are insurance companies online that specialize in pet insurance. You can get a quote online and even pay online. The positive aspects of having cat insurance is that if you cat does fall ill or have an accident the insurance will cover part or all of the veterinary bill. Some insurance companies even say they'll cover the cost of advertising for lost cats. As with all insurance packages you should read the fine print before paying for anything.
Author: Dean Erickson
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cat Toilet Training: Make the Cat More Loveable
Cats are very lovable creatures. They are tame, cuddly and are indeed beautiful. Most cat owners want them to be indoors, to keep them safe and clean always. However, keeping cats indoors poses the problem of dealing with their wastes. Thus it is necessary to toilet train the cat.
Toilet Training Essentials
- Cats should be trained early on. It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.
- Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name. This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.
- Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.
This can be bought in pet shops. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters. - Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.
- For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.
- Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.
- When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.
The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat. - However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected immediately. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.
The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.
Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.
Author: Anita Hampton
Your Cat And Ring Worms
Ringworm is a very familiar form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn't caused by any enter of worm. It's actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that nosh on extinct tissues found in the apparent of the skin, diffusion them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain category of fungi known as M Canis that is found with virtually 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated things like bedcovers, 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 simply develop it this way.
If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should forever use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can simply reduce the disease, especially if you permit them to go slim. They can simply come in phone with a contaminated point or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to figure their immune structure up, and meantime they are more liable to get mutual disease such as ringworm.
The most usual symptoms of ringworm in cats are difficult or kaput hairs, or locks debit around the head or the paws. Ringworm could easily be identified by a piece of flaking skin on the body that appears irritated and angry. There will also be ruined hairs around the square of peeling skin. This corner is very precise, and you should never try to converge it, as it will hurt your cat.
If you observe 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 liniment or pills. What he describes however, will reveal on how momentous the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is routinely spread into the coat, topically. You should forever use what your vet prescribes on a daily root, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing processed will take time, routinely 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 feel your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even while it's a mild disease, ringworm can effect in earnest evils due to the lengthy recovery time and detail that it's contagious.
Author : Joshua Simms
The Importance Of Appropriate Cat Food
Part of the responsibility of pet ownership is the care and feeding of our animal friends. For cat owners, appropriate feline care can greatly increase the health of our cats and extend their lives significantly. Subsequently, choosing the appropriate cat food – based on breed and size - is of the utmost importance in taking responsible care of our cats.
Cat food comes in a dizzying array of choices; as we browse the shelves, we hardly know where to start. The most important thing to remember when choosing a cat food is that each particular brand is specifically designed for a particular stage in a cat’s life. So a food that is appropriate for a kitten is not appropriate for an older cat. Read the packaging to determine what cat food is meant for your specific age of cat.
That being said, there are still quite a lot of ingredients and nutritional contradictions when it comes to cat food. A reputable veterinarian will be able to tell you what is essential to the health and longevity of your cat. It is important that you follow these guidelines when making a selection of cat food based on the nutrients it offers.
To narrow it down even further, when it comes to choosing between brands, look for those that carry an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal of approval. This ensures that this particular brand of cat food meets with the nutritional guidelines as set forth by the AAFCO.
Other things to take into consideration when it comes to cat food are the size and health of your cat. Stay within the feed guidelines – as recommended by your veterinarian – for your cat’s size. And if your cat has any existing health conditions you must be sure to take this into consideration when asking your veterinarian about appropriate cat food.
Cat food can be found anywhere from your grocery store to your local large retail outlet or pet supply store. The pet stores tend to carry a larger selection and offer a more competitive price so if you have one close by it is worth checking out.
Feeding your cat the most appropriate cat food for them is an essential part of an overall program for good health and long life.
Author: Michelle Bery
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Choosing A Cat Name
Welcoming a baby into a home comes with the joy and responsibility of naming the new addition – of forever assigning a label by which the world will refer to him. When it comes to our pets, the responsibility can feel just as important. Choosing names for our pets is a time-honored family tradition whereby we gather together to weigh in on the choice, basing a name on our pet’s very special personality. Choosing a cat name can be exceptionally difficult as cats come with their own subtle personalities that can initially be hard to identify.
Of course, for those of us who had cats in our homes as we were growing up, picking a cat name can be a bit easier; perhaps there’s a special cat that will forever hold a place in your heart after whom you wish to name your new cat. Perhaps there’s a name you’ve always admired but works best when paired with a unique cat; perhaps there’s a distinctive family name that is traditionally passed down to your pets or a name that’s meaning is something special for you; and, of course, there is always the consideration for particular names popular in different cultures.
Then of course there is a cat name that describes the look of your cat – a white cat, a fat cat, a small cat, etc; a cat name that relates the gender of your cat; or a cat name that describes the personality of your cat – whether friendly, funny, shy, etc. It may take a while to discover just what that personality is, especially if you are bringing home a kitten. It is totally appropriate to wait until you get to know your new cat before choosing a name that best fits him/her.
These days, the Internet can be the greatest resource for finding the perfect cat name. You can take a casual browse through the names or look for something specific. Take the time to find the cat name that best reflects the personality of both you and your pet – it’ll be with you a lifetime!
Author: Michelle Bery
How To Do Cat Litter Box Retraining
Cats stop using the cat litter box for a number of reasons. Once you discover the reason why and correct it, you may need to re-train your cat to use her box again. Despite what you think, you can train a cat! For most cats, it's not hard. They instinctively want to use a place with sand-like material to do their business.
To re-train your cat back to her good litter box habits, confine her to one room. It's hard to say exactly for how long, but most cats are back in the habit within a week.
Pick a nice sunny room for kitty. Set up a clean cat litter box, food, water, toys, and bedding for her to sleep on. Be sure to put her food and water as far away from her litter box as possible.
Keep kitty in this room while you're gone. Many cat owners purchase kitty DVDs for their cat to watch all day long while they're gone. These DVDs feature birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters that dart around. You can set up the DVD to play in a continuous loop all day long. These videos are also available in VHS tape format.
Let kitty out under your supervision. If she looks like she's heading for her favorite corner to make an illegal dump, get her back to her room immediately, and place her in the cat litter box. If she uses it, praise her.
Generally, cats "get it" very quickly. For one thing, they get lonely being in a room by themselves. For another, it's a cat's natural inclination to use a litter box. As long as you've corrected the source of her problem with the litter box, she'll go back to using it.
If you can't let your cat out and supervise her, be sure to visit kitty often. Sit in the room with her, and keep her company. Watch the DVD with her!
Confinement is not cruel if it's done properly. If your cat won't use the litter box during her confinement period, then the cat urine odor damage is limited to one room. If after a few days, your cat is still not using her cat litter box, please consult with your vet. There may a deeper issue that you simply can't tell from observation.
Author: An Article by Nancy E. Wigal
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Cat Health – How To Keep Your Cat Healthy
For the most part, the only basic things you need to do to keep your cat healthy is provide shelter, healthy and nutritious food, and plenty of water. Of course, like all living things, cats will get sick sometimes no matter what.
As a cat owner, you’ll you need to make sure you provide your beloved feline with only the best food. Premium cat food is ideal, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years.
You also need to pay attention to your cat's behavior, so you'll recognize symptoms of sickness and can take her to the veterinarian immediately. Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.
Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not she is feeling under the weather. Acting sluggish, laying around, lack of energy and refusing to eat are all signs that you must rush her to the vet immediately. Her coat is a good thing to keep an eye on also. If you notice that her coat is dull and patchy, or if you notice abnormal shedding, you need to contact your vet as soon as possible.
Diarrhea and vomiting are fairly common, even with basic sickness. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is also pretty common, as most cats have hairballs from time to time. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have her checked out as soon as you can..
To ensure that your cat isn’t exposed to various diseases, you need to make sure that she stays up to date with her vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent. The disease strikes cats very quickly, and leaves you as an owner very little time to find treatment.
Feline leukemia is another fatal disease, but can also prevented early on with the proper vaccinations. Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread very quickly among cats. There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful to not expose other cats around a cat with feline leukemia.
Another problem that is most common with outdoor cats, is worms. A cat with worms will typically have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite. There are many different kinds of worms, including hookworm, tapeworm, and ringworm.
Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the intestinal walls.
If you take proper care of your cat, chances are she'll be healthy for years to come. You should always make sure she has high quality food, and never misses any scheduled checkups with the vet. If she gets the proper vaccinations when she is required to get them, she should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Take the proper steps with your cat now to prevent anything from happening in the future.
Author: Liz Barton
"How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them"
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats.
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats.
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is the medical term for what many cat lovers call a "kitty cold." Indeed, the symptoms match those of a human cold, sneezing and discharge from the nose. While they seem similar, the human and cat version of this infection are different, and one species cannot be infected by the other. However, URI is highly contagious among cats. If you have a multi-cat household and notice URI symptoms, isolate the cat immediately.
The best treatment for URI is time and loving care. Use a warm, moist cloth to keep your cat's eyes and nose free of discharge. You might need to warm her food to enhance the smell to encourage your cat to eat.
URI symptoms, which include a decreased appetite, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Watch your cat carefully; not eating or drinking can lead to dehydration. Also, if your cat becomes extremely lethargic, it may mean the URI has turned into something more serious.
The symptoms of URI may last a few days to several weeks. Cats with URI may also be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. Monitor the cat carefully; a growing lack of appetite and fever can lead to dehydration. Not eating can lead to liver problems. Lethargy can mean a minor URI has become a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. If you notice this occurring, or if the discharge becomes very thick and yellowish-green, contact your veterinarian. Severe URIs may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that has many variations. Usually, each variant is species specific; feline Chlamydia is not transmitted to humans. In cats, the bacteria usually infects the eye, causing conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Feline Chlamydia
- Anorexia (loss of appetite; may occur as the disease progresses)
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever (may occur as the disease progresses)
- Pneumonia (in young kittens 2 to 4 weeks old, which could be fatal)
- Runny nose (rhinitis)
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes due to conjunctivitis (either one or both eyes)
Panleukopenia is a condition in which a cat's white blood cell count drops dramatically. Since white blood cells are vital to the cat's defense against disease, this condition leaves cats vulnerable to deadly infections. The virus is transmitted via body secretions. Feces are particularly common transmitters. It can be carried in water or on shoes.
Panleukopenia is often referred to as a number of different terms, such as
- Panleukopenia (often shortened to "Panleuk" in verbal discussion)
- FPV (Feline Panleukopenia Virus OR Feline Parvo Virus)
- FP (Feline Panleukopenia)
- Feline Distemper
- Feline Infectious Enteritis
- Feline Infectious Gastroenteritis
- Feline Agranulocytosis
- Cat Plague
- Cat fever
- Show fever
- Psuedomembranous Enteritis
- Maladie du jeune chat
- Feline Typhus
- Feline Tyfoid
- Colibacillosis
- Agranulocytosis
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a variety of diseases, one of which is leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells. Infected cats often appear healthy in the early stages of the disease. The illness may take months or years to cause death. For a long time, FeLV was the most fatal disease among cats. Today, although vaccinations are available to protect cats from this disease, it continues to be a leading cause of death, as there is no treatment.
FeLV is usually transmitted through cat fighting with each other. Because large quantities of the FeLV are shed in puncture wounds and cat saliva associated with fighting result in the injection of PeLV into other cats. Other less frequent routes of viral spread include sharing food and water bowls, cats grooming each other, and transmission from mother to kittens before birth.
Author: NS Kennedy
Tips On How To Properly Care For You Cats Health
Just like humans, cats feel miserable when they are sick. As a pet owner, it is your primary responsibility to keep your feline friends healthy and happy. With proper care and nutrition you will have a friend for life in the form of your pet cat.
Here are some tips on how you can properly care for your cat's health:
- Feed them properly.
Every cat has a preference when it comes to food. There are several types of cat food available in the market. Try each one until you find out which variety your cat prefers.
However, you can still try to mix the variety of cat food you prepare so that your pet will have a nutritious and balanced diet.
Commercial cat foods have been well-researched so you do not need to worry about the nutritional value of what you are feeding your pet.
Also, supply your pet with a lot of clean water to drink. Having an ample supply of drinking water will lead to a healthier animal.
It does not matter if you serve dry, canned or moist cat food. Just make sure that you preserve the freshness of the food that they eat.
You would also want to opt for a healthy and natural cat food. Remember that it should be made of quality ingredients. - Remember that even domestic cats are natural hunters.
Mice can serve two purposes in your cat's life: prey and dinner. Hunting for mice would preserve their natural abilities to hunt and seek prey.
If you decide that you do not like the idea of your cat regularly "hunting" for dinner, make sure that you provide them with a proper diet. This will result to your cat ending up just chasing and running after their prey for satisfying their natural hunting urges. - Watch out for unusual behavior.
If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, then the cat might not be at its best condition.
Try to look out for the following symptoms:
- being lethargic or less active than usual
- shedding of the fur or coat
- it has waxy ears
- looks poor and unhealthy
If you see these symptoms, you might want to change the food that you are serving your cat.
Better yet, consult a professional if you see your pet being less active than usual. Your pet might have a sickness or disease, and as a pet owner and cat lover, you would not want that to happen.
Author: Ann Kristin
Friday, May 1, 2009
"Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy"
- Lock things up that could cause harm
- Keep the washer/dryer door closed at all times
- Honk the car horn before starting it up
- Use fire carefully
- Keep all upstairs windows closed or screened
- Store string away tidily
- Keep floors free of small things
- Be constantly aware of what your cat is doing
Curiosity gets most cats in trouble at some point in their lives. As your cat's caregiver, keeping her safe sometimes seems like a "mission impossible." With a little foresight and action, however, you can create a "home, safe home."
When you're trying to provide the best home possible for your cat, it pays to think like her. Put on some old clothes and get down on hands and knees and take a look around. Is that shiny crystal vase on the shelf a tempting target? Remember that cats will jump onto shelves and tables.
That dangling drapery cord would be fun to leap and grab. What's in this big pot? In case you need help identifying what might catch a cat's eye, here's a list of common household items that are often the cause of cat injuries:
- Roach and ant traps
- electric and phone cords
- cigarettes in ashtrays
- open doors and windows
- rubber bands
- housecleaning chemicals
- lit candles
- Christmas trees
- ornaments
- paperclips
- rocking chairs
- uncovered toilets
- trash cans
- human medications
- chocolate
- anti-freeze
- unattended boiling pots
- electric stove burners
- plastic bags.
Cats find plants irresistible as playthings. They love to pounce on them and shred them with both their claws and teeth. Although they are carnivores -meat eaters-they sometimes eat plant material. For these reasons, it's important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk. The following are some common house and landscape plants that are toxic to cats:
- Philodendron English ivy
- caladium dieffenbachia "elephant ear"
- poinsettia
- mistletoe
- azaleas
- holly
- berries
- boxwood
- wisteria
- hydrangea
- oleander
- chinaberry tree
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit with your own. Include a week's worth of food as well as any medication your cat takes on a regular basis. A photo of your pet is also good to keep with your emergency supplies, in case you are separated from your cat during the event, you'll have a way to get the word out to locate her.
A collar with an identification tag is one of those things that you might never need, but will wish you had if you need it and don't. Even if your cat is strictly and indoor pet, the unexpected could happen. A door or window is left ajar, or a natural disaster creates an opening in your home through which your frightened feline escapes.
Your cat's identity tag should include the following information
- Pet's name
- Owner's name and address
- Telephone numbers (day and evening)
- Medical problem requiring medication
- Veterinarian's name and number
- Current Rabies vaccination information
- Reward offer should pet become lost
Many people have their cats micro-chipped for identification. A small silicone chip containing the owner's contact information is painlessly inserted under the cat's skin. Most animal shelters automatically scan lost pets to read the owner contact information. However, if your cat is found by an average citizen an identification tag will speed up your reunion.
Author: NS Kennedy
House Cat Training - Litter Box Rules
In order to achieve successful house cat training you need to follow some specific rules concerning the cat's litter box. Cats do have a tendency to use a litter box. But you don't want your cat soiling the house right?
First you must make sure that the litter box is made of a washable material. Plastic would be fine. The sides of the box should be low enough for your cat to enter and high enough to contain the litter.
Ok now let's point out some basic litter box rules for a successful house cat training:
- Keep the box in a quiet and safe place but don't hide it! Your cat should able to find the litter box easily.
- When you notice your cat using it's litter box give it some kind of reward afterwards. Keep rewarding the cat until you're sure it uses the litter box regularly.
- Another effective house cat training method is to keep the litter box relatively clean. Do not over do it! Scoop the box daily and wash it weekly.
- If your catch your cat accidentaly soiling your house do not punish your pet. The punishing method will not work with cats. It will only make them afraid of you. Try to find out why your cat didn't make use of the litter box and try to figure out a solution. House cat training is not always easy.
- Try not to change the brand of the litter. Cats do not like changes and may respond by soiling the house.
- Try not to use scented litter as many cats hate that. They prefer their own odors inside and around the litter box.
If you follow the rules above and your cat is still soiling your house then maybe there's a medical problem affecting the animal's behavior. Maybe your cat is displaying some kind of aggression that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Try to clean the soiled area as good as you can to show the cat that that area should remain clean.
You can also consult a professional veterinarian or you can buy a house cat training book to get some answers on cat training.
Author: M. Markella
Cat Health - Common Problems
No matter what breed of cat and no matter how well you look after your cat, like us humans, they will suffer from common cat health problems during the course of their life. As a cat owner, you will need to be aware of the most common problems, some of which can be avoided with the right awareness and by taking basic precautions.
The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems.
Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections such as the common cold and like humans they can usually rely on their own immune system to deal with it. However, if your cat is off its food and appears listless and in some distress then you should consult your vet for appropriate medication.
Cats, particularly Tom cats do fight a lot. Often with other cats and sometimes with dogs and more dangerously with the dreaded fox. This can lead to various wounds which will need treatment from a vet to avoid infections setting in. Eyes are particularly vulnerable.
Fleas are also a common cat health problem, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems cat health problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet will have medication to deal with these issues.
Another common cat health problem, mainly associated with Tom cats that have not been neutered, is urinary tract infection. If your cat stops using the litter box, or the urine is particularly strong smelling then these are clear signs and your vet should be consulted without delay.
Although not normally a cat health problem on its own, hairballs or fur balls are very common and can lead to problems under certain circumstances. Cats naturally swallow fur from their constant grooming and although it will normally pass through the cats digestive system, there are times when it gathers into a fur ball and may become lodged in the digestive tract or intestine with serious consequences if not treated quickly. Symptoms are not eating properly, constipation and listlessness. Often a cat will cough up a fur ball if it gets caught in the throat. You can help prevent hairballs or fur balls occurring if you brush your cat regularly.
Feline leukemia used to be a very common cat health problem and was often fatal. These days, however, with modern vaccines available the disease can be prevented. Always have you cat vaccinated if there is a risk of infection because this is a highly contagious disease.
The main message here is to monitor you cat's health, visit the vet regularly for check ups and take advice from your vet on suitable vaccinations.
Author: Richard G M Taylor
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