Cat Health Care Tips

By Trevor Kassulke

Taking care of a cat to insure proper health care for your cat is very important. You don't want to inadvertently do something that will make your cat sick or ill. Some well intentioned things that cat owners might do can actually be damaging to cat health.

One of the important things to consider in Cat Health Care is the proper feeding of your cat. The best foods for your cat are the commercially prepared foods, as home prepared diets, especially vegetarian diets, are not properly balanced for cats and can contain too much or too little of the nutrients necessary for cats, leading to illness. For proper care you should be sure that you don't give your cat chocolate or onions. Treats like fish and liver can be given on special occasions. Carbohydrates like rice, pasta, and potatoes can be mixed into your cat's food for variety. However, the majority of your cat's diet should consist of commercially prepared hard cat food since this will help keep the cat's teeth and body as healthy as possible.

It is not healthy for cat's to get too fat, so you need to try to prevent this as part of your Cat Health Care regimen. Feed your cat small amounts a few times during the day, and try to feed it at the same times every day. Also, try to ensure that your cat gets some exercise. Play with your cat and provide your cat with balls and other toys that it can bat around and chase after in order to get exercise. If your cat does happen to get overweight, you should cut out all extra treats and try to get the cat moving around a bit more. However, you don't want to cause the cat to lose weight too quickly or it could be at risk for a liver disease.

Cleaning your cat's teeth is another part of the cat's care. You want to get a special toothbrush from the dentist, as well as toothpaste made for cats. You don't ever want to use toothpaste made for people, as this can make your cat sick. It might be easier to get started brushing your cat's teeth if you start by dabbing a bit of toothpaste on the cat's lips so the cat can get used to the taste.

As a part of Cat Health Care you should also try to keep your cat clean. If your cat's hair should happen to get dirty or tangled, a little bit of talcum powder brushed through the hair should help to take care of this problem.

Trevor Kassulke owns and operates http://www.catcareguidance.com Cat Health Care Tips

What to Get Your Cat For the Holidays

By Roman Brown

The Holidays are fast approaching and just as the pitter patter of young hearts jumps with expectation and delight, the shopping list grows for all our loved ones. For those with beloved felines at home, we have taken a few moments to go over some basic ideas for gifts for your cat.

Just like toy trains, race tracks, and stuffed animals for children, never underestimate the classics when it comes to picking out gifts for your purrrrfect companion. If you have never had one, or haven't bought one in a long time, consider a scratching post. If you have several cats, one of the multi-tiered scratching posts is another great idea. If that's not in the budget, you can also give the old one a good rug shampooing and be sure to sprinkle with some cat nip for true delight.

The common squeaky toy or jingly ball are two more great toys to surprise your cat with over the holidays. Anyone who has had them in the past can vouch that they don't necessarily stand up to the test of time, but that is why they are also usually sold in multi-packs and for a low price. If you care to step it up a notch, there are a handful of items out there designed to make your life easier and give your feline friend a high tech boost. Consider a self-cleaning cat litter box.

There are battery operated mice you can buy for your cat for the holidays. Since it is the holidays, though, why not help you cat get into the spirit. There are holiday inspired and styled hats and stockings you can buy for the cat-sure to look great for family photos or just for fun. No holiday would be complete with all those great treats, though. Don't leave your cat out of the fun, but don't put them in harm's way either, by giving them unhealthy people food. Splurge a little and buy your cat some extra treats for the holidays. From hard and soft pieces, if you're not sure what to get your cat, look online or visit a local pet store. Your cat's veterinarian may also have some good suggestions on what treats or toys are best for you cat this holiday season, based on the cat's age, normal diet, and any special health considerations.

The holidays are meant to be shared among loved ones, and that includes the four-legged members of our families. If at all possible, take them with you on your visits or have someone who will take care of your pet while you are gone for the holidays.

Make sure to visit the spoiled pet for all your cat training needs this holiday season!

Cat Worm Symptoms - Your "I'm Not an Idiot" Guide to Recognizing the Symptoms of Cat Worms

By Kate Rieger

Read this guide and your cat will thank you for recognizing cat worm symptoms before these parasites do her long term harm. There are several types of parasitic worms that can infest your cat like: lungworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and cat heartworm. There's plenty of synthetic parasiticides on the market, but you can opt for a natural approach to treating cat worms.

Some cat worm symptoms can be pretty darn obvious, like when kitty vomits an enormous load of half digested breakfast along with something that looks like short spaghetti. Chances are you're looking at roundworms.

Other times, the problems caused by cat worms aren't as obvious. Perhaps your cat is wheezing - you may think she has asthma or a cold. Every year veterinarians are presented with thousands of cats showing all the signs of a respiratory illness. In fact, a microscopic exam of your cat's feces may indicate the presence of lungworms in her respiratory tract. The presence of lungworms will cause her to exhibit symptoms similar to asthma, but the proper remedy is much different than the treatment for asthma.

If you just adopted a kitten or an adult cat, its a pretty sure bet she came pre-loaded with cat worms. If you haven't made it to the vet for a final diagnosis, monitor her stools in the litter box. A black, tarry or even bloody stool is a sure sign of a hookworm infection. Take her in to your vet for a reliable diagnosis.

Cats that have an advanced case of roundworms may exhibit cat worm symptoms including serious diarrhea, frequent vomiting or both. Blood may be present in the the diarrhea and vomit. The poor creature is trying to expel these bloodsuckers naturally. Unfortunately, the persistent diarrhea dehydrates her. When she vomits she ends up swallowing some of the regurgitated roundworms.

All cat worms are parasites; they suck blood. Cats and kittens are candidates for anemia. The most tragic health threat is an impacted intestinal tract - your kitten's intestines packed with a mass of roundworms. Young cats are particularly susceptible to an intestinal perforation when this mass moves about.

Tapeworms aren't as devastating to your cat's health as some of the other parasites. You can recognize these cat worm symptoms too. Take a look at her anal area. She's probably showing it to you 2 or 3 times a day during your petting sessions. Seize the moment. Do you see small, white, rice-like segments? Well, its not rice - its a segment of tapeworm.

A cat infected by a cat heartworm may be gagging, coughing, have difficult breathing or vomiting. Or she may show no signs of cat worms - she may suddenly drop dead.

So here's your "I'm Not An Idiot Guide To Recognizing To Recognizing Cat Worm Symptoms"

Your cat is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms...

1. Coughing, wheezing or problems breathing;
2. Vomiting a batch of white, short spaghetti-like casings;
3. Gagging;
4. Frequent bouts of vomiting;
5. Diarrhea;
6. Black, tarry stools;
7. White, rice-like casings sticking around her anal area

Its likely your vet will suggest a topical or oral synthetic treatment for purging cat worms. However, many cat owners are opting for more natural treatments using herbal remedies like Artemisia absinthinium (also called Wormwood). This herb is widely used in homeopathic practices to treat cat parasites. Consider it as a viable option to rid your cat's parasites and free her of debilitating cat worm symptoms.

Kate Rieger has been owned by 15+ cats and is a champion of spay and release for her feral cat neighbors. She is partnered with the Kentucky S.N.I.P clinic and together they provide affordable solutions for pet owners. Never one to be short on opinion, she is on good behavior during her speaking engagements at local organizations where she spreads the word about natural alternatives to helping cats live long lives and teaching owners how to treat cat worm symptoms with natural remedies. Drop by and pick up a free copy of her eBook '111 Things You Don't Know That Could Harm Your Cat' that shows you how to protect your cat from conditions that could injure your cat. Pick up a copy and protect your cat today.

The Bare Bones of Cat Ownership

By Debbie Foster

Having any family pet is a big responsibility so you must know all the basic steps on how to care for it. So if you are interested in having a cat, you should know more about cat care. Owning a pet cat is not as easy as feeding it every day. Food is not the only thing a pet cat requires to stay healthy and happy. Just like you and me, cats also need some of their basic needs to be taken care of. Caring for cats is more than just the caring part, you need to know what to do and how to do it. As a conscientious cat owner, here are some things to be aware of.

Some people feed their family cats leftover foods or table scraps, but you should understand that those foods are cleaner. A combination of the two provides the right kind of nutritional food for your pet. It can be affordable if you make it part of the monthly household shopping budget.

Next, they need a home. You should make sure the immediate area will be safe and secure for your pet. Much like the way we take care to remove all potentially dangerous and threatening items from the home area when there is a child in the house. Of course, you'll require a good quality litter box for your cat. These can be very inexpensive or more pricey like the self cleaning type. Cats love toys to bring out their playful side, so you'll want a few of those. Then to further show you care, cozy cat beds are nice. Again, these run from very affordable to more expensive like in the temperature regulated heated cat beds.

Exactly like a baby, your cat needs to get regular check-ups with their veterinarian. It's also important to take them to the veterinarian to have them neutered or spayed unless you purposefully plan to breed. Felines require vaccinations from time to time, and the costs of such shots may vary. Cats also need annual check-ups with their vet. Scheduled veterinary visits, as well as emergency visits from sickness or injury can cost a pretty penny, so be prepared and keep emergency funds available. It's better to plan for the worst than to be regretful in the end. Cat care may seem like a piece of cake initially, but it is a full-time obligation to be a fully responsible cat owner. Before you dream of owning a pet, or actually getting one, please make sure you're able to care for it in every sense.

An animal advocate, Debbie Foster owns http://www.petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more.

The Proper Kitten Diet

By Christine Pinkston

Kittens need an average of fifteen percent more protein to get the proper muscle development. The proper muscle development is important because that includes their heart.

Kittens also need about twenty percent more fat in their diet. If you are feeding your kitten homemade food (this is advisable) make sure that the fat they are getting is uncooked. Cats can not digest cooked fat and in fact it can cause problems in the future.

Almost all cats are lactose intolerant so keep your cheeses and dairy to a minimum. If you have a recipe that calls for a lot of dairy try using lactose free milk. My cats love lactose free milk. Lactose intolerant means that an enzyme in their stomach is missing so they can not properly break down the sugar (lactose) in regular milk.

Cats are mainly meat eaters but adding some vegetables to their diet is recommended. Just be careful what vegetables you add. Stay away from garlic, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Foods from those food groups are poison to cats. Another one to avoid is bell peppers.

Cats, like out in the wild, need raw food without preservatives to get the proper nutrition. For the most part if you feed your cat homemade food, use raw everything. The exception is potatoes and eggs. Both of those need to be slightly cooked.

The average store bought food does not contain the proper nutrition that cats need. When my cat was about three years old he got crystals in his urinary track (this can be deadly if not caught in time). My vet told me that the food I was feeding him was the cause. Now this confused me because I was using an expensive name brand food. My vet told me that most of the store bought food was the equivalent, nutrition wise, of Twinkies.

The more I looked into the ingredients of store bought cat food the more appalled I became, to the point that I did not even want to touch my cats food to feed it to him. In order to give your kitten a diet that will allow him to get the nutrition he needs to grow strong and healthy a combination of homemade kitten food and safe store bought food is recommended. Cat food secrets will give you a safe, easy way to combine homemade food and commercial food, show you what commercial food is good for your cat, and help you to help your cat live his life to the fullest potential. Don't let your cat be a victim to bad commercial cat food learn more about a kitten's diet.

Cat Grooming Tips - What Other People Are Not Telling You on How to Bath a Cat

By Paul Kramer

Yes, cats can be bathed, and cat bathers can survive the process. Most felines do not need to be bathed very often, but occasionally a bath is necessary. If someone in your household has allergies, regular rinsing or bathing can remove allergens from the fur.

If your cat is exposed to a toxic substance such as a garden chemical or household cleaner, a bath will remove the poisons that she would otherwise ingest by licking. If she gets fleas, you can remove them by bathing as part of a comprehensive flea control program.

Here is how to give your cat a bath and live to tell about it. First, brush your cat thoroughly, particularly if she has a long coat. You must remove all tangles and mats, because once they get wet, they will be almost impossible to comb out, and is left after the bath, they will hold moisture, creating a perfect place for bacteria and yeast to reproduce.

For your own protection, you may want to trim your cat's claws, too. Choose a mild shampoo formulated for cats, and use it sparingly and according to directions. Some pet shampoos need to be diluted, and even those that do not are easier to apply and to rinse out if diluted with an equal part of water.

You can find all sorts of special cat shampoos, although for most purposes you do not need anything fancy. No rinse shampoos can be handy because you do not need to wet or rinse your cat with water.

If you do not want to get her wet at all, a dry cat shampoo can be used to clean mildly oily skin. If your cat gets a petroleum product on her fur, use a mild dish detergent, veterinarians recommend Dawn to remove oil.

Rescuers often use Dawn to clean up victims of oil spills. The detergent also will remove skin oils, though, so use a moisturizing conditioner on your cat afterward. Do not use flea shampoos or medicated shampoos without consulting your vet, especially if your cat has any kind of medical condition.

Want Tips On Cat Grooming? All You Have To Do Is Click http://callpetmeds.com/Understanding_Your_Cat.html Now!

How the Experts Do Cat Grooming As a Health Check and Prevent Hairballs From Happening

By Paul Kramer

Grooming sessions are the perfect time to check your cat for potential health problems. After all, the sooner you catch a problem, the better chance that your veterinarian has to fix it.

So, while grooming, look for the following symptoms:

- lumps, sores, or tender areas anywhere on her body or changes in her fur or skin

- excess discharge from her eyes, signs of squinting, or other abnormal eye appearance.

- excess discharge from her nose

- excess discharge or sore or red areas in her ears

- cuts or other abnormalities on her feet

- redness or sores on her gums, loose teeth, lumps in the mouth or drooling

Proper grooming is important throughout your cat's life but especially so in her senior years. As your cat ages, stiffening joints and waning energy may make it difficult for your old friend to groom herself.

The infamous hairball is formed when your cat ingests hair while licking herself. Her stomach cannot digest the hairs, and they gloom together into a ball. As owners know all too well, most cats cough up their hairballs.

Sometimes, though, hairballs cause vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite, and in severe cases they must be surgically removed. You can protect your cat from these problems by brushing her frequently, especially when she is shedding, and by feeding food designed to prevent hairballs. If the problem is frequent or severe, talk to your vet.

When humidity is low, especially in winter with the heat on in the house, you can get quite a charge out of your cat, a charge of static electricity. To reduce the chock, try rubbing a small amount of no rinse conditioner for cats into her fur. You also might consider adding moisture to your home with a humidifier.

Want Tips On Cat Grooming? All You Have To Do Is Click http://callpetmeds.com/Cat_Grooming_For_Senior_Cats_-_This_Is_The_Way_The_Experts_Easily_Perform_It.html Now!

Cat Training Classes - Get Helpful Advice

By Nonye Adeyemo

There are more programs and classes now than ever before, geared towards cat training. These classes are very helpful and both the cats and the owners benefit from them.

Cats respond very well to praise, so when a cat make even a subtle improvement, reward your cat with praise enthusiastically so that the cat knows to continue making progress. Always make sure to give positive reenforcement for good behavior. When a cat knows that if it does something wrong, it will get punished in some way, be it not getting a treat that it loves or not getting to do what it would usually get to do under normal circumstances, it will learn not to things that you don't like. You have to do things in order and you should not rush things. Cats work at their own pace not yours. It is very important to give you cat time to learn new skills or patterns of behavior.

Things like treats are always helpful. When your cat does whatever it is that you want it to do, not only should you reward her with food but you should also smile and show that you are very happy about the cat's progress to that the cat will want to do more to impress you. A cat can do just about anything you want it to do if you take your time and reward good behavior.

Tip # 1: In order to house train your cat, you have to always be consistent with your cat.

Tip# 2: You must always stay calm. A cat can sense when you are really in control.

The Truth About Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health

By Rebecca Shelly

You've probably heard it a hundred times in the past when you would go to the veterinarian, dry food is best, it controlled weight and helped keep the cats teeth clean. Dry food may help with cleaner teeth, but free feeding of dry food is leading to obesity and other diseases. It is not just the quantity of dry food, it is the quality.

We are feeding our cats food which they really were not meant to eat. Dry food can cause dehydration and adding a small amount of water to the dry food can help with hydration levels but the best cat food for urinary tract health are diets high in moisture and are not fish based, but meat based. If your cat loves his dry food which is only about 10 percent moisture, try mixing a moist canned or packet food and gradually increase the moist food until he eating a mostly a canned food diet.

Cats need a natural raw diet of meat, bones and organs (originally this was a mouse or small rodents). Cats crave meat so adding raw meat or changing to a raw food diet would be an ideal cat food for urinary tract health. A healthy diet for the owner of the cat would include grains and vegetables but cats are carnivores and are not meant to eat vegetables, cereal and grain fillers. They are meant to eat meat, bone, organs, along with the fiber, minerals and vitamins, all of which is in the perfect food of a mouse. This is impractical for a domesticated house cat, so commercial products were made.

Now it is thought that the pH balance of urine is the cause of urinary problems, so pet food manufacturers wanting to sell their products have come up with all sorts of additives to prevent urinary problems. The manufacturers of urinary tract health cat food are putting urine acidifiers in the food which can cause metabolic acidosis, resulting in impaired kidney function and a loss of potassium which leads to mineral imbalance. This type of prevention only leads to problems of another sort.

The best urinary tract health cat food would be a diet with raw foods or canned, because although a cat eating only dry food does drink a bit more water than a cat on a canned or raw diet it is still only half of the water compared to a cat eating canned foods. When a cat is only eating dry food the urine becomes very concentrated which can contribute to feline urinary tract associated illnesses.

Cat food for urinary tract health includes raw or canned food, and adding natural immune builders, to support a healthy immune function and an overall balance to keep our pets healthy for years to come.

Rebecca Shelly has been studying alternative cat health applications for a many years. She is a regular contributor to natural pet health sites, discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet health on the market today. For more information on urinary tract health cat food visit http://www.pet-natural-cures.com to learn more about UTI medications and why we choose this natural remedy above all others.

How to Play With Your New Cat

By Dr. R.J. Peters

Those calendars of kittens playing with balls of yarn are cute, but don't let that give you the impression that cats should be playing with yarn... at least not by themselves.

A string-based cat toy should not be used by kitty without your supervision, as many cats will chew on string (or yarn) and swallow it, causing severe digestive tract damage. If it causes a stricture of the intestine, it could mean a painful death.

Cats and kittens love to chase stringy things, though, and it is generally safe to use them for play time. Just put those toys away when you are not present. After all, when cats play in the wild, their "toys" aren't always present, so don't feel you're hurting their feelings by taking them away. It's OK to leave the little fake mice out, or a ball, however.

They also tend to enjoy furry things, such as fluffy bedroom slippers, so if your cat is attacking yours, try to find a fluffy toy for her instead, unless you don't mind your slippers getting a little chewed up.

One of the purposes of cat play time in nature is to teach the young ones some living and survival skills, such as hunting and how to dispatch the prey once caught. It also may teach them how to get along with other cats and how to exert their dominance when needed. These skills may not be learned correctly if you bring home a kitten and use your own playtime methods instead.

For example, in the wild, catching a small rodent requires attention to the tiniest movements and sounds. So you might try tantalizing your little lion with a ball tied to some string, which you gently jiggle behind a chair or table leg, and let kitty attack it when she's ready to pounce. Jerk it away as she approaches, since a mouse would attempt to run away at the last moment, and kitty will learn the art of pursuit while developing quick reflexes.

To help her gain confidence as her skills improve, be sure to let her catch it often enough to encourage her.

You also might try lifting the ball into the air quickly to give her a chance to leap into the air, as if going for a bird. This type of play also helps a cat develop strong muscles and coordination.

Cats also enjoy reaching into things to grasp and remove something. This may come from a hunting instinct also, such as reaching for a small animal in a burrow. This skill can be honed by providing a toy that uses the principle of reaching and grasping, such as a box with holes in it just large enough for the cat's paw and arm, but too small to crawl into. Put fun items into the box for kitty to discover and recover.

Climbing is a natural activity for cats, too, so instead of yelling at the cat for climbing the drapes, it's a good idea to provide something you approve of, such as a cat tree or a tall scratching post. Maybe they will leave the drapes alone...

Lastly, a word of caution: Never use your hands for play. Always and only use a toy. Your hand should represent affection and comfort, so only use your hands for gentle handling and petting. If you allow your cat to play-attack your hands, or feet, you are only helping your cat to become a biter. This is never acceptable, and could lead to some serious injury when the cat becomes a large adult.

If your kitten or cat does attack your hand during play, don't yell or jerk back. This actually excites the hunting instinct, since you're acting like prey at that moment. Instead, freeze. Glare at the cat, and speak sharply, "No!" or, "Ouch!" When he lets go and looks at you quizzically, just ignore him and calmly do something else (such as leaving the room to get a bandaid!). Give him at least 5 minutes to also calm down before you begin a new play session.

For more information about solving cat behavior problems, visit Dr. Peters' web site: http://www.theproblemcat.com/faq.html

New Born Kitten Care

By Debra Atkins

Every so often you may find it necessary to take the place of the mother cat to care for the kitten. This could be due to several different scenarios. First off, the mother cat, for what ever reason may die. This could possibly leave several kittens motherless. Sometimes the mother cat will abandon a newborn for several different reasons. She could be sick herself and unable to attend to the kittens. She could have given birth of too many kitties or the abandoned kitten may be sick and the mother cat also referred to as the queen, will not take care of it. Or worst, someone dumped the kittens and left them to die. Sad but it does happen.

It is very important for the new born kittens to be warm and dry. A chilled kitten will die very quickly. Holding the kitten next to you will give it some warmth. You can use a heating pad on low, or a heat lamp if you use caution. Make sure the kitten has plenty of room to crawl away from the heat source, being it will overheat as well. A cardboard box with old towels will work fine. Do not try to feed a chilled kitten, this is very dangerous. A newborns normal temperature should be between 95°F and 99°F before trying to feed it. To avoid metabolic shock the kittens temperature should not drop below 94°F.

Take a few minutes after the kitten is warm to look at it and check for several different signs of sickness. Are the eyes clear and alert or do they have pus in them or mattered together. Does the ears look okay? Is the kitten active and moving around? If the kitten does not look or act alright, chances are it needs a vet. If this is not your kitten and is just a stray you found, and you do not want to take responsibility, please take a few minutes and call your local shelter. Someone will pick up the abandoned kittens and see that they are either taken care of or put out of their misery.

If this is not your kitten and you do plan to take responsibility, good for you. Next you need to hydrate the kitten. Some pedialyte, the same as given to humans will hydrate the kitten and keep it from going into shock. From the pet stores you will need K.M.R. or the equivalent. Do not use cow or any other type milk. Using an eye-dropper, syringe or a bottle you will need to feed the newborn kitten as many as 12 meals around the clock. Just like a human baby the kitten will want to eat during the night. Instructions on the box of K.M.R. will be very helpful for feeding by the weight of the kitten.

The new born kitten can not voluntarily eliminate feces or urine until around the age of three weeks. They will need to be stimulated by external means. The mother cat will take care of this if she is there, but if not the caregiver will have to help. Very simply, with a warm cloth or cotton ball gently rub to stimulate the urogenital reflex after every feeding and swab the perineal area. Also remember to wipe over the entire kitten to promote and ensure cleanliness. After about three weeks you can start the process of moving the kitten to a solid diet from a dish. Using the K.M.R. and making a milkshake or mush mixture out of the canned or dry kitten food will be a good way to start. Just be sure to use the kitten food and not the adult cat food. You may have to get a little creative in tempting the kitten to start eating. Perhaps with the kitten right at the dish of food, you dip a little on your finger and let the kitten eat it off your finger. As the kitten learns to eat, you can reduce the amount of K.M.R. Kittens will generally eat four or five smaller meals per day. Try not to leave the canned kitten food out in the dish. The canned food will spoil fast. Keep unused portions covered in the refrigerator and can be warmed in the microwave for a few seconds before feeding. Be sure and check that the food is not too hot.

A guide for kitten care care can be found at most of the local veterinarians and pet shops. With the proper kitten care and a lot of patience you will soon have your new friend in very good health.

A Knowledgeable Caregiver Leads to a Happy Healthy Cat!

By Audrey Frederick

What is a healthy cat? Knowing the difference between a healthy cat, one that is "off its feed" or one that is really ill can sometimes be the difference between life and death for a cat.

A healthy cat is bright-eyed, alert and active, wants to play and annoy you, enjoys its food and purrs up a storm. The coat of a healthy cat will be soft and shiny, with little shedding, except in the springtime. The body of a healthy cat will be fairly trim, no sores or rashes, teeth and gums in good condition, no fleas or other parasites, breath should be odor free (except after eating fish) and it should not be coughing, sneezing or have a runny nose.

The inner workings of a healthy cat should follow a normal pattern of regular bowel movements and urination.

A cat "off its feed" will generally exhibit all the healthy cat characteristics except it will not want to eat for a day. I have 3 cats and each one has gone through a day, where food is of little interest (maybe they found a mouse) and they were acting perfectly fine other wise. However, later in the evening or the following day their appetites were back and then some.

A cat that is ill may have many symptoms or just one or two. Some things to look for are lack of appetite that lasts for more than a day. Has your cat's behavior changed? Sudden inactivity may be a sign you cat is not feeling well. Constipation or diarrhea (blood in the stool) that lasts a day or two is also a sign that all is not well internally. Should you see blood in the cat's stool call your vet at once?

The inability to urinate could be a sign of blockage (cats do get kidney stones) or other bladder disorders again if you see any of these signs, including blood in the urine, call your vet as soon as possible. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box, it may have a bladder problem. Some cats think the litter box is causing the pain.

Vomiting can be a sign of fur balls a common cat problem, however if your cat vomits more than once a week, call your vet.

A sudden increase in drinking water or an increase in your cat's appetite is also signal that something is amiss. Should your cat show any of these signs call your vet at once as it maybe a sign of something very serious.

A healthy cat will have eyes that are shiny and clear. Cats have what is known as a "third eye." It should not be seen. If you see a covering coming over the eye it is usually a sign that there is a health problem or the cat is suffering from some stress.

A healthy cat should have a soft velvety nose that is moist, but not runny. If your cat's mouth is not pink and clean looking and its teeth are getting a build up of tartar, have your vet examine your cat as soon as possible.

There will be times when you can treat an ailing cat at home, but the best advice I can give, is call your vet and get his/her advice first and then follow through with home treatment.

I tried to treat my cat, Smokey, when he has a small lesion on his leg with a "petroleum based ointment" not realizing that while he was licking it off, he was ingesting the product and as a result got very sick. A quick trip to an "emergency clinic" (night visit) and many dollars later I learned "petroleum based products" and cats tummies, do not get along very well.

So call your vet when you have the slightest doubt about the correct procedure to follow and even if you do know, it is a good idea to verify it with the vet.

One of the most important things you can do for your kitten is to make certain that it receives its kitten shots. These shots are known as the "3 in 1" vaccinations and are given to a kitten at approximately 4, 8,and 12 weeks along with a rabies shot. The purpose is to protect your kitten from some very serious viruses that can be deadly. My cats get yearly booster shots along with their rabies shot. It is my understanding that some vets suggest the booster shots every two years with some states allowing cats to get a 3-year rabies shot. Talk to your vet and follow their advice. The important thing here is that your cats has these shots.

Bacteria, viruses and bacteria-like organisms cause the majority of cat diseases. Your cat can pick up these things simply by inhaling an organism coming through the wind, coming in contact with an infected cat, eating infected food or water or a bite. Realizing this, keeping a cat inside sounds like the best advice I can give. However, my cats, because of the size of our property and the fact our guys stay within the confines of our fence, they are indoor/outdoor cats.

While I have given you an idea of what a healthy cat should be, never hesitate to call or see your vet, should you have the slightest worry regarding your cat's health.

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

First Time Cat Or Kitten Owner - What to Include on Your Shopping List Before You Bring Them Home

By O'Della Wilson

So, you decided to increase your family with the addition of a kitten or cat? Maybe even two. Congratulations!

It can become a daunting, expensive process of preparation bringing home any new addition to your family. Forgetting one crucial item, can be a potential disaster! There are several things you will need to have on hand before you bring that fluffy ball of fur home.

Here's a check list I have put together that is sure to be invaluable on that first shopping trip:

Food:

I would suggest a small bag or box of two flavors/brands. Like people, animals need some choices for their palette. Personally, I mix 1/2 can of moist food with the dry food. One cup per cat, twice daily. Leftovers should be discarded daily.

Dishes:

I suggest separate food and water dishes, as opposed to the combo dish. This will keep the water from splashing into the food and will also make it less likely for bladder and urinary tract infections. Metal dishes are preferable to plastic, as the plastic holds odor, oils and again is more likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria. The metal dishes will keep the water cooler too. Dishes, especially water, should be washed daily. Unscented dish soap works great.

Treats:

A small bag of catnip and some moist vitamin treats are sure to please.

Litter & Litter Pan:

Depending on your preferences, there are a variety of products that work efficiently in today's market. Some cats will do the choosing in this area. I suggest you buy a tub of the clumping litter and a bag of clay litter. Try the clumping litter first. This has less dust, is easier to maintain, and omits less odor. Litter pans should be scooped [preferably twice] daily and thoroughly cleaned each week.

*Tip - I keep my cats' litter pans inside an 'under the bed' storage tub, placing the lid underneath. This will greatly reduce the amount of litter (kicked, shook, and hurled) finding its way to your floor or carpeting. Please people, do not put the tub under your bed. Remember, that's the type of container to use - to house the litter pan. The pan should be kept at an easily accessible location, preferably out of immediate sight of humans and in a low traffic area. Cats like privacy with the privy too.

Litter Pan Deodorizer:

Make sure the product is safe for your pets. I have heard of people using carpet sprinkles to deodorize their cat's litter pans. This can be very hazardous to your kitten and adult cat. Read the product warning label carefully to ensure it is safe to use with pets. If you are not looking for any aroma remedy, I would recommend using plain baking soda, two or three tablespoons per pan, twice a week.

Box of (quart/gallon size) zipper bags: Use for discards of litter box.

Scratching Post:

I have always had cats - my entire life and never to this date have any of them used an actual scratch post. They prefer your furniture, drapes, and woodwork -- or the following homemade remedy consisting of a box of self-adhesive (10- 1 sq ft) carpet tiles, one brick & cardboard (or wood) box. This can be a very cost effective measure and give your kitten/cat their own personal space. This gives them a sleeping area in addition to a scratch area and 'play' box.

Instructions for brick, box, and carpet tiles:

Make sure the box you use is sturdy and 12 to 15 inches high, 12 inches deep, and 18 to 24 inches long. Attach carpet tiles to exposed outside wall area on either end and inside for flooring. Cover the top of the box with tiles as well. Whether you choose to 'tile' the back of the box will depend on where you plan to place the box. It will make no sense to tile the back if you plan on placing it against a wall.

Cut one carpet tile, to size of brick, for the bottom side. This will prevent damage to flooring for those times you must remove it from the box. Your brick should be porous.

TOYS:

I recommend two or three toys for your kitten/cat to play with initially. One fabric toy that can be tossed easily and a ball no smaller than a golf ball. Refrain from toys that squeak or have bells inside, as these have the potential to choke your kitten/cat. Other items cats love are paper bags, scrunchie hair ties, and string. Always use care with the selection of any toys for your kitten/cat. Ensure string is long enough, thick enough and durable with one end tied to a solid object, avoiding the potential for choking. Scrunchies should be of medium to large in size - never use small or child size.

ROLL DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE:

Cut six inch strips to place on corners of furniture, woodwork, and counter tops. This is the most effective way I have found, to keep kittens/cats off your counter tops and tables. It also will keep them from shredding your furniture with their claws. Cats hate anything that is sticky on their paws. Velcro works wonders too, for areas that require more training, as it holds up longer. Citrus scented [stick on] air fresheners work great too.

Collar and Leash:

Refrain from buying collars with dangling items attached, especially bells. Cats find them annoying and offensive. The more lightweight the collar, the more likely your cat will adjust to this contraption around their neck.

A leash is a necessary evil as well. The sooner your kitten is exposed to leash walking, the easier it will be to train them to use one. The cat owner only realizes in hindsight how invaluable this training can be in emergency situations.

And last, but not least, refrain from buying all those cute toys, clothes, and bedding for your new pet until you learn their individual personalities. Once your new cat or kitten has settled in you can introduce new items, one or two at a time. Too many new and unfamiliar scents will make for a difficult transition to your kitty's new home.

Copyright 2008 All Rights Retained And Reserved

This article written and provided by: O'Della Wilson AKA Alhavakia, published author and freelance writer. http://www.alhavakia.com http://odellawilson.wordpress.com

How to Remove Cat Urine From Carpet - Do This But Not That

By Amy Yang

If you have both a cat and a carpet, then eventually you will need to learn how to remove cat urine from carpet. Urine has to be one of the hardest things to clean out, especially in combination with carpet.

You have probably realized that just blotting it up does not in any way remove the distinctive urine odor. Because it's carpet, blotting it up might take out the urine in the top part of the carpet, but the urine that has been soaked into the carpet pad is still there.

The only effective method on how to remove cat urine from carpet is fighting bacteria with enzymes. It is the bacteria from the cat urine that causes the distinctive odor. Simple blotting will not remove that bacteria. Only enzymes can break it down and completely eliminate the problem.

One word of caution. When cleaning up the litter box or when cleaning small messes, do NOT use anything with bleach! Remember science class in school?

Remember what two chemicals they said NEVER to mix?

Ammonia and bleach!

You should NEVER mix these two together because the combination will produce very noxious fumes that are fatal, as in deathly fatal!

Bleach would be the cleaning agent you're thinking of using and the ammonia comes from your cat urine! A big no-no!

Now back to the how to remove cat urine from carpet with enzymes topic. Not all odor eliminators are created equal unfortunately. Some of the products on the market work to a certain extent but not completely. Some you have to use within a certain amount of days after you open it.

So make sure you read user reviews to make sure it works.

I have been looking into different kinds of odor removers out on the market. I have posted the one that most people have had consistent success with on my website. You can find it by clicking on remove cat urine.

Cat Holiday Safety - 4 Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe During the Holidays

By Debbie Davis

If you own a cat, safety is a continuous and daily commitment that you make as its owner. During the holidays as our schedule becomes busier, strangers (to your cat) come into your home, and as we are required to multi-task more, some safety precautions may fall by the wayside. Don't let that happen to you or your cat. Here are 4 ways to keep your cat safe, especially during the holidays.

Avoid Holiday Plants

Mistletoe and Poinsettias are 2 favorite holiday plants that many people bring into their homes for the holidays. If you have a cat, keep both these plants out of your home. They are both toxic-the Mistletoe more than the Poinsettias, but don't take a chance with either of them.

Clear Away Small Toys

If you are having small children as visitors during the holidays that will bring small toys such as beads, marbles, small game board pieces, make sure your cat is confined to another room or the cage in the same room so it remains safe but feels included in the gathering. Warn children not to feed the cat anything unless you give them permission. After the children have gone, make sure all small pieces that could possibly cause choking have been cleared away before allowing your get to run free again.

Keep Away from People Food

Holiday parties contain a lot of food that is great for people but toxic for cats. Remember your cat can climb to unbelievable heights so make sure that foods that are toxic to cats such as chocolate, tomatoes, green potatoes, garlic, grapes and raisins are contained in pet proof containers. To avoid any possibility of your cat ingesting these foods from the table at a party, or having an unknowing guest feed these foods to your cat, put your cat in his cage with a favorite toy in a room well away from the party, and ask guests who know you have a cat not to go into the room.

Contain Electrical Cords

An increased number of electrical cords are often used during the holidays to light up decorations. Many times they are seen as a new toy to your cat who may be tempted to swat at (and knock over) decorations, chew, or pull-none of which are good. Make sure that you tape cords together to avoid tangling or hanging, or enclose the cords in heavy plastic tubing that can be purchased from most hardware stores and reused each year.

An excellent resource for a HEPA air purifier to remove cat odor, hair, and dander from your home in time for the holidays is offered by PurerAir - the Pet Machine Purifier at http://purerair.com/austin_air_pet_machine.html

How Much Do Persians Cost?

By Dennis Cheesman

When you first consider getting a Persian cat, one of the first things you will want to know is how much you should expect to pay for your Persian. The truth is that there is no pat answer to this question, as the cost of the Persian depends on many variables.

First note that if you find a Persian priced under $200 you probably are not getting a purebred. At the very least, you will be getting a purebred that has no pedigree - and this does happen. The typical cost of a purebred Persian kitten is about $500, but again, this isn't written in stone because many other variables come into play.

When it comes to price, you should know that prices in one area may not be the same as prices in a different area - even if the kittens are comparable as far as bloodlines and such go. As with any type of commodity, the price goes up when there is a greater demand, and the price goes down when there is less of a demand. Typically, the prices charged on the East coast of the United States are higher than those prices charged in the central part of the country or on the West coast.

The time of the year matters a great deal as well. Cats are generally in heat in the early spring and into the summer. This is when the most Persian kittens will be available - Spring, Summer, and even into the fall. However if a litter is born in the winter, you can expect the cost of those kittens to be higher - because there aren't as many kittens available.

If the Persian kitten's parents are registered, this raises the price of the kittens, which will also be registered - or pedigreed. If the parents have won awards, this again raises the price of the kittens, because they are proven to be show quality animals based on their parent's achievements. Show quality Persians always cost more than pet quality Persians.

The color of the kitten and the rarity of that color or pattern can also drive the price up. At the same time, however, if one color is currently more popular than others, which is shown by what the judges seem to favor at the cat shows, the cost of kittens of that color or pattern go up. The health guarantee that the breeder offers will also bring the price up. Good breeders have their kittens checked by a veterinarian, and this also drives the cost of the kittens up.

Overall, with all of these factors in play, one should expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1200 for a purebred Persian kitten. Older cats typically sell for less, and the Persians that you find at Persian rescue centers and Humane Societies will of course cost even less.

You may also visit our Pets site! Where we have more Pet Articles and related resources!

Cat Pneumonia - An Owner's Guide to Pneumonia in Cats

By D Swain

Pneumonia in cats is a serious condition. It occurs when there is inflammation in the lungs. The condition can quickly become life-threatening as it progresses. As the disease advances, your cat will have more and more trouble breathing. It can effectively be treated if caught early enough.

Causes

The inflammation in the lungs is a condition caused by bacteria. However, this is usually the result of a viral infection that affects your cat's lower respiratory tract. Common viruses that can result in cat pneumonia include feline parainfluenza virus and calicivirus.

Symptoms

Pneumonia in cats is easily noticeable as your feline will appear extremely ill. He will stop eating and drinking which can lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition. As the disease advances, your cat will have breathing difficulty. Some cats also develop a fever.

Treatment

As mentioned earlier, cat pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Therefore, treatment involves the use of antibiotics. It's important not to discontinue this medication too soon or the bacteria may become resistant. As you already know, some cats with this condition experience trouble breathing. These cats will need to be provided with supplemental oxygen.

When your cat goes back home with you from the vet, there are a few things you can do to make him more comfortable. Make sure he has a warm, dry place to rest. If you can, you should also be a humidifier in the room. You will also need to prevent your cat from exercising too hard, or he may experience more trouble breathing.

Pneumonia in cats is a serious condition, but it can be treated effectively. There are many other cat illnesses that can affect your beloved pet. It's best to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of some of these conditions so you can protect your cat. So, stop by cat-illnesses.com today to learn about some of these conditions like feline arthritis.

Watch Your Choice of Kitty Litter

By Karen Mckee

What started all this was I took Misty to the Vet for an eye issue on Sept. 14,2008. She had scratched her eyeball and the vet gave me an eye ointment to treat her. She has been fine until about two weeks ago. Misty has been "snoring" at night. Then she started wheezing last week during the day. As her care giver, I used her visit to the vet as a starting point to back-track what had changed in her life.

The first thing I did was wash her "blanky" that was in the cat carrier that accompanied to the vet. My first step was to put the cat carrier and her "blanky" in the closet where she could not access it. Three days passed but the wheezing was increasing. So, I went back and thought about what else I had changed in her life. I bought the same food, but I had run by a local convenience store and picked up cat litter. AWWWW! The cat litter.

For the last 7 years I have used the same brand of cat litter. Three weeks ago I picked up a different brand- I admit only because it was convenient for ME, and guess what! The cat litter was the only change in her life that I HAD MADE ON HER BEHALF. Man do I feel bad!

My husband and I started researching cat allergies on the internet at 3:00 in the morning. WHO KNEW- cats can have allergies just like us!. The first advice was to take a wash cloth soaked in hot water and wash her down from head to toe. Meanwhile, Steve-my husband- was conducting his own experiment in the bathroom. He had taken the cat litter I bought and stuck his hand in it. It came out covered in DUST. Running into the living room, he said "look at this!" I thought OKAY, if Misty is in the litter box and stirring up the "dust" by covering her business, she's not only breathing this dust in, but her paws are covered in it and when she grooms herself; she's licking her paws and swallowing the dust as well.

The solution was not only to change her cat litter to a NON DUST cat litter, but I took a wash cloth, soaked in warm water and washed her down from head to toe. I figured if my husband stuck his hand in the bag of cat litter and it came out covered in dust; then, when Misty washed herself not only was she breathing in the dust, she was also licking it to clean her paws to clean herself.

Man- do I feel like a fool, going for cheap, and convenient on my cat's behalf I may have harmed her. Good news is she's fine now and on the road to recovery.

I guess the point of this article is what's best and convenient for us is not always best for our cat family members who have no voice, and can't tell us what's bothering them. We have to be their guardians and care givers.

Karen Mckee-proud pet owner of Misty

How to Tell If Your Cat is Sick

By John Sommer

It is very important for you to be close to your cat. Know what their normal everyday habits are. Pay attention to how much they eat and how often.

It is important to know these things, because if you don't know them you will not be able to realize if something is wrong and they are acting differently.

If you have a cat that is normally overactive and even somewhat hyper and then one day they just lie around and do nothing there is a good chance that there is something bothering your pet.

Do You Know The Symptoms?

Knowing the symptoms of certain feline illness is also a deciding factor of getting your cat help in time or losing them to a possible disease.

For example knowing that weight loss, frequent vomiting, and increased thirst and urination are all symptoms of feline diabetes would enable you to get them the help they need before it is too late.

Your cat can not tell you that something is wrong. They can't walk up to you and say "I am just not feeling right today." It is your responsibility to take care of them and to know when they are not feeling like they should be.

Pay attention to your cat's liter box, if you ever see that your cat is having problems relieving themselves, than you know there is something wrong.

Checking The Litter Box

If you see that your cat is in the litter box more or less often these are also signs of possible illness. When it is painful for your cat to use his box he will become irritated and his personality will change for the worse. All of these are subtle little changes and it takes a watchful eye to pick up on them.

A cat's coat, nose or eyes are also telling symptoms of problems. A cat's fur is just a reflection of what is going on, on the inside. Their fur should be healthy looking and thick. If you notice that your cat is losing a lot of hair at once or suddenly has bald spots then you need to take them to the VET immediately as these can be signs of almost every problem a cat can have.

If your cat has more eye or nose draining than normal there is something wrong also. If the cat looks like he has been crying have the vet check out his sinus. It is just a mild problem as opposed to kidney failure which also shows through the leaking eyes and runny nose symptoms.

When brushing your cat make a special point out of feeling along the cat's limbs. Any new bumps or lumps could indicate cancer. If there are changes like these then it is better to let your vet determine how serious they are and what risk it inflicts on your cat.

It is very important that you are not too embarrassed to talk to your vet. Never feel like you are over reacting, your vet is there to help you and your pet. They understand that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you live by that motto, than your cat should live a long healthy life.

No matter how old your cat is they are still like newborn babies. If you had any reason at all to think your new baby was sick you wouldn't hesitate to take it to the doctor at every little cough or sneeze.

By thinking like this you create the difference between whether a sick cat recovers or dies. Taking the time to connect with your cat, and paying attention to it will not only build a strong unbreakable bond between the two of you, it could also save a life.

John Sommer is a successful consultant and publisher of The VIP Pet Insurance Guide. He provides valuable reviews of all the major insurance companies and VPI Insurance in general. You can research everything in your pajamas on his website.

Attacking Ankles

By Doris J Canova

Attacking ankles and sudden biting are most often associated with your cat's aggression but there may be a reasonable explanation. Cats have a strong natural desire to hunt and they are taught by their mother how to do it. Now here is where the problem starts. Inside the house, there isn't much to satisfy this desire to hunt. Mice, fleas, bugs of all sorts, spiders and the like are all that the cat has to hunt, and other attractive prey are scarce indoors.

They have to make do with what they have so that may mean that they will hide out and when you least expect it, with attacking ankles and other moving body parts of their human counter parts. In some cases you can provide an appropriate toy to help him with the problem of wanting to hunt something. Remember that cats have this urge to hunt instilled in their being. So when you walk by he may see you as a target, and well attacking ankles is just fun to him.

Toys that work in a lot of cases are furry balls on a string, wand, or attached to a small fishing rod for efficient "casting" and interesting motion as it is reeled in. There are other things you could try like a wind up mouse or a battery operated toy that moves on its own. If your children have a radio controlled car and your cat is not afraid of it that may work to satisfy the urge to hunt. Some people just tie a toy on a string and drag it thru the house so that the cat will attack the object and making it a better target in stead of attacking ankles to bite at.

These activities will also give the cat a lot of exercise which is a good release of pent up energy, and will be especially beneficial if you just happen to have a kitten. Most cats will outgrow this behavior by the time they are a couple of years old. They are much better if given other objects to attack and can get enough exercise. If your cat doesn't respond to any of these suggestions, it might be a good idea to consult with your vet and see if they may have an idea as to why this is still going on and what can be done to stop the cat from attacking ankles.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Best House Cat Care Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com

Training - Cat and Kitten Training

By Nick Earl

To own a family pet is taking on extra responsibility and you must have some fundamental knowledge about its grooming and other needs. This goes for every animal so if you are favoring the feline types, you must know all about cat care. Possessing a pet cat is not as plain as bring one stray cat home and feeding it regularly. If you think that food is the single thing you have to supply for your cat, you are very wrong.

Responsible Ownership

Just like humans cats too have some base needs to be fulfilled which would keep them merrily purring and you have to work hard to get these organized. Caring for cats is more than just caring as you got to know what to do and how to do it. As a conscientious cat owner, here are some things to look out for.

Food Requirement

You might know some people who simply throw left over foods to their cats, but think you and I could not have it. This is not adequate for the family cats so it is time to look at the local pet shop for provisions. Consider what might be the best cat food that you can afford and that almost all cat owners would also recommend. Normally the cat food costs between and per month to Purchase the right kind of nutritional food for your pet. This can easily fit into your monthly family budget if you slow down your movie going outlay or cut out that smoking habit. This can ensure the right measure of food for your cat.

A roof over their heads

Ensure that the environment is safe for the animal, if the cat stops with you. Much like the way we take care to remove all dangerous and hazardous things from the area, when we have a child in the house. You also have to supply a litter box for your pet and the price for this varies from to about 0 for the superb choice litter tray. Keep the cat shelter warm and this adds to your caring list.

How to keep them healthy

Just like any child, your cat needs to be checked on a regular basis by a veterinarian and you also need to take him to the veterinarian for getting spayed or neutering as the process is also called. There are also core inoculations that they have to be given but each vaccine will differ in cost so you have to save up for them individually. To avoid any trouble, ask your veterinarian how much the next vaccination would cost and save up for it, plus, your cat would need an annual examination from the vet.

It makes sense if you save some money for any emergency need like the cat falling sick suddenly or a mishap on the road where the cat is involved. It is better to be prepared for the worst than to be sorry in the end. Cat care may be easy to say but definitely hard to do if you are not prepared for the responsibilities it involves so before you dream of being a care giver to a pet, think hard about it and check your wallet.

To get a step by step blueprint for how to train your cat to behave the way you want, take a look at getting the Complete Cat Training guide, I have personally used this guide to learn all the stuff I now know about training my cats to be well mannered and behaved. Why wait to find out the hard way like I did with my cats, see how to do it the easy way. This article maybe used freely by others, as long as they keep the resource box as is.

Exotic Cat Breeds

By Michael Ron

To some people cats may all seem alike, despite differences in color or size. Certainly cats appear more similar than dogs, which range from the towering Great Dane to the tiny Chihuahua. But cats do have their own breeds within the species just like dogs, and each has its own unique characteristics. Imagine a cat that likes to swim, or one that's related to a tiger! Sounds unreal, but it isn't. Many domestic cats have been interbred with wild species to produce gorgeous and extremely intelligent pets. If you are thinking about a cat why not try one of these breeds?

Bengal

The Bengal breed originated when cat fanciers mixed a domestic cat with the Asian Leopard cat. The result was an extremely intelligent and beautiful pet. Bengals are often gray with striping or rosettes, and sometime have a gold dusting that looks like glitter. Bengals can mature at anywhere from 10-14 pounds, but some males reach larger sizes. Bengals are a very vocal cat, and will chirrup at things that interest them, and yowl when they want something. They also defy the idea that cats hate water. Bengals love water and some will even swim. Like a dog a Bengal will chase his tail, fetch for you, and walk on a leash.

Chausies

The Chausie is a result of mixing a domestic cat and the wild jungle cat (Felix chaus). Chausies are also known as "stone cougars" because their solid light brown hide and head shape are reminiscent of a cougar. These cats are also larger than their fellow domestic cats, getting up to twenty-five pounds in some cases. Like Bengals, Chausies are very intelligent and like to play and walk on leashes. Chausies must be at least four generations removed from their wild ancestors to be legally owned, and some cities have restrictions beyond that. Check with your local government to make sure a Chausie (or a Bengal) would be legal and welcome in your town.

Toyger

Imagine having a tiny tiger of your own! With the Toyger breed, it's now becoming possible. Toygers are actually the result of selective breeding of tabby cats; they have no wild stock in them. The reason the breed was developed was to create a domestic cat that resembled the wild tiger and would remind people about the plight of the great feline. Toygers are still being developed, but the choice members of the breed have dark pumpkin colored fur mixed with horizontal black stripes, just like a tiger! For the most part Toygers will act like other domestic cats.

Ocicat

The Ocicat is another example of breeding domestic cats to achieve and aesthetic look like a wild cat, in this case the ocelot. Ocicats come in also shades, from silver to chocolate, but they all share the spotting that makes them look so like their wild cousins. Some say Ocicats look a lot like the Bengal. Unlike the Bengal however they do not have wild ancestors, and behave more like your regular domestic cat, albeit with a gorgeous coat!

There are many other varieties of cats, some with long hair, some with no hair, and some with just enough. But whichever kind of cat you choose for a companion, remember that you are their guardian and provider. Good luck finding the exotic feline of your dreams!

Puppies Long Island. Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. Their website is http://www.PuppiesLongIsland.com. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it.

Cat Or Kitten - Either is a Good Choice!

By Audrey Frederick

Are you thinking of getting a cat or kitten? Whether you are a newcomer (a person that has never had a cat) or an old cat person (age does not matter) let's explore life living with a cat.

A cat is not a dog. A cat will never react as a dog would when greeting you on your arrival home. However, that does not take away from the sincerity of your cat's feeling for you.

Did you know that cats have been around for about 50 million years and have lived everywhere on earth except Antarctica? There are more than 65 million cats living in American homes. Cats out rank dogs as the number one domestic pet.

Cats are considered to be one of the most intelligent of all domestic animals. Granted they do not do "dog tricks," but with patience you can teach a cat many tricks.

Cats are carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. A cat cannot be a vegetarian, as vegetables do not provide the protein and other vitamins a cat needs to survive.

Having a pet, be it a cat or dog, is rather like getting married. First you get engaged (getting to know one another) then you get married (sharing your everyday life) and then hopefully live happily ever after. That statement gives you an idea of the commitment necessary when you decide to get a cat. This "long term" obligation deserves serious thought.

Cats live a long time. My Mr. Whiskers lived for 18 years. A normal life span for a cat can be from 12 to 20 some odd years. So commitment has to be one of your first thoughts.

Can you commit? Granted no one knows what the future may bring and there are circumstances that may alter your life's plan. The question here is, barring anything unforeseen, are you willing to make the commitment?

If you are looking for a "short term" relationship forget it. The animal shelters and streets are filled with unwanted cats that people have left to fend for themselves.

Having made the decision to get a cat or a kitten. You need to take some time to consider your lifestyle, finances and how much free time you will have to devote to your cat. Yes, cats do sleep a lot, but they need playtime and your time.

Do you have regular business hours or are you on a schedule that is erratic? Cats like routine.

Does your job or current lifestyle cause you to travel a great deal? If you do travel, do you have someone reliable to become the second caregiver for your cat?

Do you currently have another pet? Have you taken into consideration the time it will take to introduce the new arrival to your current pet? Are you on a tight budget? A cat or kitten costs money. There are vet visits, food, toys, grooming supplies and litter to buy.

No matter how tired you are when you come home from work your cat or kitten will need care and some of your time. Remember that your cat has been home all day by itself. I have 3 cats and I work plus I have a husband (all of whom require a great deal of time and care.) I know the value of available time and how it can be frustrating when time seems to be fleeting. Keep this in mind as you mull over your decision to get a cat or kitten.

You have made your decision and you are really going to get a cat/kitten. Where do you go to find your cat? Shelters are a good source, especially if you are looking for an older cat. Shelters usually have a surplus of kittens, too. Breeders are also a great place to look if you are looking for a particular breed of cat. Friends and neighbors often have kittens available.

Do not under any circumstance go anywhere on the "spur of the moment" or on an "impulse" to get a cat or kitten.

Right here and now take a deep breath and make this promise to yourself: " I will take my time, I will not be impulsive. I will visit with each cat or kitten to see which one likes me and which one I am attracted to."

Shelters have rooms where you can visit each cat by itself. Breeders will let you have time to visit and play with each kitten and certainly your friends and neighbors will be delighted to give you all the time you need and want.

One thing to keep in mind is if you are holding a cat or kitten and it tries to get away from you, do not take it. Find a cat or kitten that relaxes, possibly purrs and feels at ease with you. That cat will be a winner and you both will be a happy pair.

If you have decided on a kitten and can afford the time and money, two kittens are better than one. Two will entertain themselves while you are at work and two will definitely entertain you when you are home. Of course, it is also double trouble.

If you are looking for someone a little more settled may I suggest an older cat. By older I mean a cat that is at least one year old or more. Shelters are full of older cats. Many people move and cannot take their cats. Some people for a variety of reasons have to give up their cats. These cats are truly the "pearls" of catdom." These cats will appreciate a new loving home. They will love you with all their hearts. Take your time in picking one out. Again, find one that feels at ease with you, possibly purrs and that you feel comfortable with.

In deciding whether to get a male or female, the choice is really a matter of preference. I currently have 2 males and a female. I find the males more affectionate. My female is very independent. All three are offspring of feral mothers.

It is very important if you are looking for a kitten to be certain the kitten has been socialized. A socialized cat will be one that has been lovingly handled, played with, has been around people and other animals outside the litter and children. A cat that has not been socialized will be afraid of people and literally scared of everything.

My Boots is my 11-year-old Tuxedo cat that was not socialized as a kitten and he is scared of his own shadow. My brother gave shelter to a feral female cat that had 3 kittens. He did not have time to socialize them. I took Boots at 9 weeks, but it was already too late to really make him feel comfortable. Both his mother and father were feral cats and that may be the reason he is so skittish.

In spite of all his problems, when the mood strikes him, he is the most lovable cat I have known. It takes a great deal of patience on my part to deal with his problems on a daily basis, as every day his reactions to some of the same things change. However, my husband and I for some reason love him best.

While you have been in the "getting a cat" thinking mood, you also should have been thinking of finding a veterinarian. This person is going to become an important part of your cat's life and yours.

You need to visit several clinics, talk to the vet (your personalities need to mesh) and find out if the hours they are open coincides with your work schedule.

Once you have your cat or kitten it is a good idea to take your pet to your vet for a check up. This is especially important if you have another cat at home. You do not want to bring home any unwanted diseases or infections. If your kitten has not been started on its kitten shots; this would be a good time to start.

If you are bringing a kitten home be certain to get all the feeding information. It is important that you feed your kitten the food it is used to and hopefully you will be able to keep the same feeding schedule.

A kitten up to 12 weeks of age needs to be fed at least 4 times a day and sometimes more if they are small eaters. Kittens have very small tummies and need to eat often.

Be certain you feed your kitten only food made specifically for kittens. Do not feed adult food to a kitten. Kitten food is made with all the necessary vitamins and minerals a kitten needs to grow into a beautiful cat. From 3 months to about 6 or 7 months feeding your cat 3 times a day seems to be enough. However, it really depends on the cat. Some cats are grazers (mine are) and like to eat small amounts at a time, but often. This is where a good quality dry food is a blessing. Dry food is available for kittens. Be certain you buy a high quality brand and not something inexpensive.

After the 7th month you can begin a twice a day, morning and night schedule. I feed my cats 3 times a day even though they are older. They are used to it and it fits my work schedule. I leave dry food out all the time and feed them wet food (canned or foil packets) at their feeding times. As you and your cat bond your, feeding routines will work themselves out. Kitty will be certain to tell you what it wants and when.

This article is just the tip of the iceberg in the continuing relationship between you and your cat. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com for more information an life with a cat or kitten.

Food Allergy In Cats - The Feline Perspective!

By Abhishek Agarwal

Food allergies do attack Dogs and cats. To own a pet cat does have its rewards and you seem to have a companion when your alone at home. Are u aware that even if your companion is jus four or five months old, it could have food allergy? Majority of cats show symptoms between two to six years. The cats which are affected have concurrent inhalant or contract allergies.

Often, Pet owners get confused between food allergy and intolerance of food. The first one is a result of vomiting or diarrhea which doesn't invite any allergic response. The latter is the true allergy where itching and skin problems are the main symptoms. The only common thing among them is that both conditions are removable when a planned diet is carefully carried out. Be sure your cat doesn't swallow unnecessary things outside or the dirt at home. It might prove to be costly.

In cats, allergic reactions are caused by foods like beef, fish, and dairy products. The offenders are also considered common ingredients in their food. There are antigenic proteins than the rest of proteins. The proteins in food are generally similar and exposure is associated with the allergic responses.

Itchy skin is the main symptom when your cat suffers from food allergy. Excessive scratching; hair loss and military dermatitis are other symptoms too. You wont be able distinguish in case your cat has food allergy if u base your evaluation on physical signs.

Your cat may be suffering from allergy if during the beginning of winter the cat suffers from an allergic reaction. The alternate confirmation that your pet has an allergy is when your cat?s itchy skin doesn't respond to antihistamines or steroid treatment.

Before obtaining diagnosis for food allergy, your cats other problems must be treated and identified. It could suffer from parasite hypersensitivities, atopy, and allergies with flea bites, yeast infections, bacterial or seborrhea. If these problems are solved and your cat still shows symptoms, then probably u should be ready to carry the food trial.

The food trial should have carbohydrate and novel food which will last for 12 weeks. You can have the diet homemade or get it in the market. During the trial period do not give your cats any treats. Make sure it goes through a well balanced diet so that it won?t get sick.

If you observe any marked reduction or elimination of the symptoms, you should carry on with provocative testing, which means the original food must be given. This is important to confirm or prove the diagnosis. Incase the symptoms gets back after consuming the original food, it confirms your diagnosis.

You will have two choices after such confirmation. You can feed the cat a commercial or a homemade diet. The first option requires you to purchase food every time which adds to cost. The second option your cat could be challenged by providing other ingredients that don?t produce allergic reactions. You must be sure about the amount of ingredients.

Whatever you do and choose, you?re doing it only for the cat?s well-being.

Abhishek has got some great Allergy Relief Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 54 Pages Ebook, "How To Win Your War Against Allergies!" from his website http://www.Health-Whiz.com/552/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Food Allergy In Cats - Symptoms, Treatments And Diagnosis

By Abhishek Agarwal

Not only humans' Even animals are affected by food allergy. It mainly affects cars and is rated among the main causes of atopy, flea bite allergies. Cats usually develop allergies from constantly fed kind of foods.

Often cats are sensitive to a certain type of food ingredient. So, an antibody in their intestinal tracts responds, leading to food allergy. Among all other type of allergies, with a 10% ratio allergies caused by food are more prone to cats.

Food allergies affect male, neutered cats and also female ones. It is also a misconception connecting specific breed of cats to allergies caused by food. This condition can initially create symptoms for cats from four months young to eleven years old. But majority of food allergy cases occur between 3- 6 years in cats. These cats are also in connection with inhalant allergies.

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The main difference between food intolerance and food allergy should be learned to correctly manage allergy in cats. Allergy caused by food are taken as true allergies revealing symptoms like itching and skin problems associated with feline and canine allergies. Incase diarrhea or vomiting happens without creating allergic responses, it means that it's only intolerance of food. Cat food intolerance is similar to a human having a stomach ache or diarrhea as a result of consuming spicy food or eating food that is fried. By utilizing foods food intolerance and allergies can be prevented. This doesn't offend the agents.

Many studies reveal that few ingredients of food are the main causes of allergies when compared to the rest. The main common causes in cats are dairy products, fish and beef. Many pet owners would have observed that the following ones are the main ingredients found in foods that are consumed by the cat. Even though few proteins are more antigenic, it still comes in similar forms. So, this reaction depends mostly on the quantity of exposure.

The symptoms of this allergy in cats are most likely the same to most kinds of allergies. But the major ones are excessive scratching, hair loss, military dermatitis and itchy skin. For pet owners it is difficult to distinguish cars that suffer from atopy or food allergy by physical signs. But, they must suspect food allergy if these symptoms begin to take place during winter or through out the year and the cats fail to respond to antihistamine or steroid treatment.

When you figure out the symptoms of different allergies in cats it is very simple to diagnose the allergy. Symptoms of food allergy are similar to that of bacterial, notoedric mange, hypersensitivity to intestinal parasites, seborrhea and yeast infections.

It is necessary to carry out food trials. Elimination and provocative testing diets could be done. One should feed the cat with foods that has carbohydrates, proteins for 11 - 12 weeks without any treats. A typical instance is potato and venison or potato and duck. These foods are commercially available in the market or could be homemade. Young and growing cats have special nutritional needs. Diets made at home containing a carbohydrate and a protein eliminating multivitamins and fatty acids could be fed for 12 weeks. Food trials for kitten are carried out by giving a commercially balanced diet. After few weeks, feed the cat with previous food that they once have consumed. In case the symptoms are shown then it's surely food allergy. Others perform blood testing which is not accurate when compared to trials (food).

Feed the cats with commercial diets from hill or Purina or homemade diets which makes treatment of allergy simple and easy.

Abhishek has got some great Allergy Relief Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 54 Pages Ebook, "How To Win Your War Against Allergies!" from his website http://www.Health-Whiz.com/552/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Home Remedies For Cat's UTI - Effective Treatment Or Hoax?

By Susy Lim

Boy, did I learn a valuable lesson. I used to try inventing home remedies to give to my cat in order to cure his recurrent urinary tract infections. It didn't take me long to realize that a quick home remedy for cat's UTI is simply too good to be true. Home remedies aren't clinically proven to have any effect and by using them, you will only be making your cat a guinea pig for home science experiments. The safety and effectiveness of home remedies are questionable at best.

Rather than trying to concoct your own home treatment to relieve cat's UTI, look for a high quality homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are known to have dramatic results when used in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes. Furthermore, they are guaranteed to be 100% safe.

Homeopathic remedies for cat's UTI are available over the counter and for an affordable price. There is no need to try making a quick home remedy for cat's UTI when you can get something that is really going to work and for an equally affordable price without having to go to the vet. Homeopathic remedies for cat's UTI are widely available online or from holistic veterinarians.

Home treatment to relieve cat's UTI in the form of a homeopathic remedy is clinically proven to work. There have been numerous studies documenting its effectiveness and safety. There are companies that manufacture homeopathic remedies with the highest standards and practices. They are rigorously tested in laboratories so you are guaranteed a high quality product. You can't get the same results quality assurance by making a product at home.

Unlike a quick home remedy for cat's UTI, homeopathic remedies will do more than just suppress the symptoms. They will get to the root of the problem so the infections stop coming back. Homeopathic remedies for cat's UTI soothe and support the bladder, maintain bladder health, maintain a healthy flow of urine, and support immune system functioning. To put it simply, homeopathic remedies promote permanent recovery and overall health.

Believe me, if you want to see lasting results without putting your cat's health at risk, the use of a high quality homeopathic remedy is the way to go. A quick home remedy for cat's UTI may seem like a cheap, easy way to get rid of symptoms but unless you are an expert herbalist or scientist, your best bet is to avoid trying to make home remedies. There are natural treatments out there that are affordable and proven to work. Try homeopathy so you can help your cat get rid of recurrent urinary tract infections once and for all.

Susy Lim is a pet health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies to promote pets health. To learn more about her researches, visit her website at http://www.pet-uti-treatments.com

How to Look After Your Cat

By Peter Mac

Domestic cats know how to take care of themselves, but once you decide to keep the creature as a pet, you ought to be familiar with the know-how of how to look after your cat. If you get a domestic cat when it is still a kitten, chances are that the pet gets accustomed to its environment and gets ruled by other pets and this can mean fewer fights in the house, for you. Luckily for you, kittens often sold to keepers, are already litter trained. This leaves you with the chore of tutoring it to find the right area when nature calls. You may be followed wherever you go, as kitties follow their owners all the time, and you might find the cat climbing up the kitchen counter. With food resting on the kitchen worktop, this could be a unfortunate habit, and to deter the domestic cat from doing this, keep some water handy which you may need to sprinkle on its face.

To keep its claws sharp and trim, the cat needs a scratching post, which you need to keep. If you find that they are scratch elsewhere, use the strategy of splashing their face with water. Other than the scratch post, you must also cut and trim their nails so that they do not grow too much, as this can injure a family member or even damage your furniture. Pressing down their claws on the ground can do this, so that the claws are extended which makes cutting easy. You must study the claws as a matter of routine so that they get used to it as they get older. Kitties usually do not shed hair as much as older domestic cats, but keep combing part of their normal grooming habit, so that they are also used to it, be it long or short hair.

Don't just give your domestic cat anything to eat because their food must be of superb quality which can be found in the pet store. If you are unsure about the make of food that has the best quality ingredients, ask you vet for some recommendations. They will also want a clean bowl of water also so they don't get dehydrated. Aside from feeding the kitty, he or she should be brought to the veterinary surgeon for injections and although they ordinarily get a few while they are young they will have to get a regular one yearly as they get bigger. It is a great decision to keep the domestic cat vaccination record handy in case your veterinary surgeon needs it. If you have a big cat, give them room to adjust to the new surroundings on their own. If your pets quarrel, don't worry or get in between them because this is natural but if things are really bad, then you will have to split them by holding both in some other rooms.

You also need to properly guide and train an older cat, so that it shows disciplined behavior. You can always teach them good behavior with sprinkling them with water and this is why water is so important while schooling a cat. Domestic cats should be confined indoors as research reveals that this can help them live longer, since they have less chance of getting involved in traffic accidents or even contracting a viral transmission from other animals. This is the reason why stray cats, living out-of-doors have a lifespan of only a few years. To take care of our domestic cat does not require a great amount of time or effort, and there are several aspects to it, which can be learnt from Internet research, which would permit you and your pet domestic cat to live happily for a long time.

How to Look After Your Cat!

7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Urinary Tract Infections

By Mark Lunardi

You might disagree with me but hear me out on this. Conventional treatment methods for cat urinary infection only treat the symptoms and not the cause. Anyone with a cat that suffers from recurrent infections knows that it's the truth. Urinary problems can't be resolved by medication alone. Lifestyle changes and home treatments need to be used and followed on a regular basis in order for you to see improvement and correct the imbalance that causes the infections in the first place. Here are 7 ways to safely treat and prevent cat urinary tract infection at home.

1. Giving your cat tap water can lead to cat urinary problems. Tap water is contaminated with chemicals like chlorine so many cats avoid drinking it. This in turn leads to a thickening of urine and a hindered ability to empty the bladder. Give your cat filtered water instead.

2. Feed your cat home cooked food. The harmful chemical additives, preservatives, and coloring in commercial cat food can lead to a heightened risk of cat urinary infection.

3. You need to make sure that your cat consumes a sufficient amount of fluids in order to flush out the bacteria that cause urinary tract

infection. Since it¹s not possible to force your cat to drink water, try soaking food in water or broth before feeding him.

4. In order to relieve the pain associated with cat urinary problems, give your cat cantharis pellets. Cantharis pellets are a 100% safe,

homeopathic remedy that is useful for pain relief and helpful for cats that are straining to urinate.

5. To control a cat urinary infection, pure cranberry juice can be helpful. Look for 100% cranberry juice, not the mainstream cranberry juice

that contains sugar and other additives. Cranberry juice helps because it acidifies urine and flushes out bacteria.

6. Give your cat vitamin C in order to strengthen the lining of the bladder. Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be given in

doses of 250mg to 500g twice a day. Do keep in mind however that vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Figure out what the correct dosage is for your cat by trial and error.

7. Homeopathic remedies that are formulated specifically to treat cat urinary problems can be highly effective. Look for a formula that can help your cat maintain a healthy bladder, a healthy flow of urine, and a strong immune system.

Put this to the test right away. Most cats respond well to these gentle, natural treatments. There is no need to give your cat strong medication every time he gets a urinary tract infection. In fact, medication just treats the symptoms. Cat urinary infection will just keep recurring if you don't treat the underlying cause of the problem. These simple changes in diet and lifestyle may be just what your cat needs in order to get rid of urinary tract infection once and for all and achieve permanent recovery.

Mark Lunardi is a pet health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies to promote pets health. To learn more about his researches, visit his website at http://www.pet-uti-treatments.com/ .