Monday, September 29, 2008

Cat Health Made Easy

By Madeleine Innocent

It's probably true to say that most people who enjoy the company of cats in their home are particularly conscious of providing good cat health care.

Optimising good cat heath care will not only provide your cat with the potential of a long life, but also of a healthy, carefree one, too. It's very satisfying to see your cat happy, healthy and enjoying life.

What is the single most important thing you can do to ensure the best cat health?

Is it immunising your cat against all the common or known feline diseases?

Is it keeping your cat indoors, away from potential hazards such as fighting or car accidents?

Is it having them sterilised?

Perhaps it's in keeping their sexuality entire?

Could it be ensuring their teeth are clean?

What about providing a loving, secure and safe home?

There are probably as many opinions about what's important in cat health care as there are people!

Important though some of the above are, I don't think any of them are as important to optimise good cat health as something that they do every day.

Eating!

Diet and nutrition are of top priority in maintaining the health of your cat. To my mind, this is the single most important aspect in maintaining good cat health.

You may be feeding your cat a top cat food, recommended by your vet. You may feel that, with all the advertising, proprietary brands are the best cat food. But are they?

We all know that advertising makes hollow promises, as the advertiser is more concerned with making money than giving you the facts.

But surely you can trust your vet. Can't you?

Did you know that the top pet food manufacturers financially contribute to veterinary colleges? I may be old fashioned, but to me that means the colleges aren't completely impartial. After all, you don't bite the hand that feeds you.

I suspect, that since you have reached this article, you're searching for another way to improve your cats' health, other than that recommended by your vet - which is invariably everyone's first choice.

Contrary to popular belief, and to most vets who sell processed food, it is the processed food itself which wreaks such havoc with the health of your cat. Cats evolved by hunting animals and consuming most of it immediately.

Their digestive system has evolved to cope with this. Cooked, processed and the very low grade meat by-products which are the basis for the majority of proprietary cat food on the market, is the single, most damaging factor in the deteriorating health of your cat.

If your cat gets all his nutrition from raw food, you will see a remarkable transformation in a matter of days.

But you need to get the balance right. You need to get the quantity and variety right for a good, all round balanced diet. Otherwise you could run the very real risk of one or more deficiencies. A serious deficiency can be fatal.

And you need to know about the de-toxing effect a change to a good diet entails.

When I first started introducing raw food to my cats, it was fraught with difficulties. I made mistake after mistake. After studying and applying various other therapists ways, I finally worked out what worked and what didn't. What they said was right and what just couldn't work.

So I wrote a book about cat health, based on my own experiences. I wish I'd had it before I embarked on that particular adventure.

When you address this so very important aspect of cat health, the spin off is enormous - professional therapist fees are cut back drastically.

Is there anyone alive who doesn't love a win-win situation?


Madeleine Innocent has been a homoeopath, a natural health therapist, for the past 8 years. She treats both people and animals and finds that when the diet of her patient is addressed, to one that is more in keeping with natural laws, at the same time as the treatment, enormous strides in the resultant good health are made. To underestimate a good, natural diet is to play Russian roulette with life. http://www.naturallyhealthycats.com

American Short Hair Cats

By Wendy Pan

The American shorthair cat is in the feline popularity top ten of breeds according to the Cat Fanciers Association of America. It is totally understandable because they are beautiful animals. More athletic, larger and leaner than most cats they have wonderfully soft and touchable fur in eye-catching patterns. Descended from the British short hair cat and brought to the New World in the ships of the pioneers and settlers they got the name American short hair cat in 1966 without even applying for a green card. They are the most welcome of immigrant workers ever to come to America and they do not agitate for the vote or drain the social security system. For American short hair cats are republican through and through, independent, self-reliant survivors that are evolving in a symbiotic relationship with their American human pets.

American short hair cats are an extremely healthy breed that requires little or no maintenance. They get whatever they do need by being attractive, easy-going and affectionate. The male American short hair cat is quite a bit bigger than the female, coming in at ten to fifteen pounds when mature. Mature females only weigh eight to twelve pounds when they get to adulthood at three years of age. American short hair cats can live fifteen to twenty years, like most felines, and often only needing only yearly vaccination boosts, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and it goes without saying plenty of TLC. These cats have long tails and incredibly lithe slender bodies.

The American short hair cat is not defined by color or a distinct pattern because they come in more than eighty different colors and patterns. These range from the rich brown-patched tabby to the sleek blue-eyed white version. The breed also has wonderfully shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van. Probably the most recognized American short hair color is the silver tabby, with its dense black markings set on a sterling silver background. It's the specimen that gets to eat all the good meaty food on the commercials and get all the girls in the movies.

The American short hair cat is a superb example of present day evolution since they first came to America as working cats. They were needed on board ship to control the vermin population. So their instincts for hunting remain sharp to this day. This despite of being provided for by humans with food, shelter and tick collars. They are not owned by people, but retain the ability to fend for them selves come what may. American short hair cats are, beautiful to look at, unquestioning loving companions to humans and independent sentient creatures in their own right.


Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about american shorthair cats, please visit American Shorthair Cats for current articles and discussions.

How to Let Your New Adopted Cat Meet With Your Other Pet Properly Like the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If you have other cats or dogs, it is not a good idea to turn your new cat loose with them. Either keep your cat in a different room while he learns about his new home, or try setting up a large cage in one of the rooms and placing him in it.

The cage should be set against a wall so that he can retreat to a safe position when his new friends come to make his acquaintance. You can expect some hissing, growling and raised hair on both sides.

This is normal so do not worry. After all, this stranger has invaded the property if your other pets so such reactions are only natural. After the noises and fluffed tails have subsided, either within a day or two or some weeks, open the door to the cage and let him out, but only with you standing guard.

Do not ever leave him unprotected while you are away from home until you are absolutely certain that all your pets are mixing well together. You might find that your own cat, who was the leader of the pack, makes a sudden shift in the pecking order and allows the newcomer or one of your other cats to lead the pack.

You might also find that your other pets react to this intrusion by developing bad habits of their own. They may be more forceful in their play, use the carpet for a litter pan or even mark their territory by spraying. Neutered males and spayed females are both capable of spraying when provoked.

On floor level, you no longer appear to be a giant and he is more likely to approach you. Drag a piece of ribbon or string slowly in front of his hiding place and he may creep out. Most important, let him comes to you. A sudden move to scoop him up will only send him back into hiding.

Until he feels secure enough to move about his room without fleeing when you enter it, you should not give him access to the rest of the house. But as soon as he does feel at home in the room and with you, open the door and let him explore on his own.


To learn more about the different types of Cheap Pet Meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://callpetmeds.com/Dog_Medications.html where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

How to Bring a New Adult Cat Home the First Time Like the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If you are adopting an adult cat, you should be aware that it will take time for him to feel secure in his new environment. Be patient as he will come around eventually and you can reap the rewards of having an adult cat, and you will have bypassed most of the training.

If you have acquired an adult cat, transport him home in a carrier, where he will be safe and secure. Do not be tempted to let him loose in the car. He will most likely be fearful and could scratch or bite you while he is trying to hide.

Once home, do not turn him loose in the house. Your primary concern in to ensure that he has a safe refuge away from people and other pets. Unlike a kitten, he will not cry for his siblings, but he will probably seek out a hiding place in his room.

Provide him with water and food dishes and a litter pan in his room. If he hides under a piece of furniture, place a cat bed or small blanket there for his comfort. He will not use a pillow or cat bed in the open until he feels secure.

Cats do not like changes. They especially dislike moving to a new house or being confronted with any new furniture in their old one. So your adult cat has a double burden to contend with because he has lost both his old home and his old furnishing.

There is no yardstick by which you can measure how long it will take for your cat to feel comfortable. Some will come around within a few days and others may take weeks or even months. Patience is the key to helping him adjust.

Avoid talking loudly and do not make sudden movements. Cats dislike noise and raised voices almost as much as they dislike a new house. Do not pick him up against his will and do not force him to come out of hiding. This will frighten him and he may not be able to trust you again.

As long as he is easting food, drinking water and using his litter pan, you have won half the battle. If he is too afraid to come to you, try sitting quietly on the floor and talking softly to him.


To learn more about the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://callpetmeds.com/Understanding_Your_Cat.html where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

Cat Urinary Tract Health - The Truth About Urinary Tract Infection in Cats

By Laura Ramirez

As a loving pet owner, cat urinary tract health is a subject you'll want to learn more about because it is common for cats to have bladder-related problems. In this article, you'll learn more than just how to spot a urinary tract infection, you'll learn how to prevent one in the first place.

Urinary tract infections in cats (UTI for short) are usually caused by bacteria or bladder stones. This condition can be excruciatingly painful and if left untreated, can spread to the kidneys, making your cat very sick and endangering her life.

Since the only way for your cat to let you know something is wrong is through her actions, watch for uncharacteristic behaviors. Your cat might have a UTI if she:


  • Licks her genitals for an unusually long time
  • Refuses to go in her litter box
  • Refuses to eat or drink

More obvious signs that your cat has a UTI are difficulty urinating, going more frequently or blood or crystals in her urine. You can check to see if your pet has a full and painful bladder by gently pressing your fingers against your cat's stomach and feeling for the bladder. If she howls in pain, take her to the vet.

Standard Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection in Cats

If your pet has a UTI, the vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Although drugs will work, the problem is that cats are very sensitive and just like in humans, antibiotics may have adverse effects. You should also be aware that drugs do not heal the condition that caused the infection in the first place.

Preventative Measures Restore Cat Urinary Tract Health

Rather than drugs, consider herbal remedies which are just as effective. Even though these remedies are natural, they work like antibiotics to eliminate bacteria and soothe inflammation. Better yet, natural preparations create a healthy climate in the bladder that discourages the growth of bacteria. Best of all, once your cat has completely recovered, you can continue to use this remedy to maintain a healthy balance in the bladder, so your fluffy feline friend will never have to suffer like this again.


To learn more about natural remedies that support cat urinary tract health, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com

Laura Ramirez is the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting. She is the publisher of Family Matters Parenting Magazine and has been a pet lover all her life.

How to Keep Your Cat Happy When a New Cat Moves in - My Cat Just Wants to Be an Only Child

By Jeanette Barron

Two years ago my cat and I moved from a 3 cat household to a one (my cat Luna) household. Luna was one happy cat and I was her hero. Her paradise only lasted 1 year.

Max needed a home and he came to stay. She didn't mind him too much, he was older, 6 to her 7, and he was a gentleman. He didn't eat her food, nap in her bed, didn't take up any of her walking/grooming time, and every now and then he consented to play. She could live with him.

Six months after Max, her peaceful, comfortable way of life came to a screeching halt. Tiger became her new little brother. Tiger was 8 months old. He demanded attention from everyone. He jumped on everything and everyone, including dogs and other cats. He stole her food, slept in her favourite place and just generally sent her life into an upheaval. Sadly for Luna, Tiger is here to stay.

I have tried to make sure Luna does not feel displaced by Tiger. She is, after all, my #1 girl, and will always have first place in my heart. These are a few of the things I have done to ease her transition from only cat to cat with a bratty little brother.

1. Keep Her Sleeping Place Sacrosanct

Luna's bed is for her alone. Her sleeping place is not the same as her napping place. She tends to use different areas of the house for naps, as do the other cats. Those places are for whoever gets there first. Her bed is where she spends the night and no one else gets to take that place.

2. Luna Gets Her Food First

The 3 cats get both wet and dry food. They all eat at the same time, in the same area. In the morning and evening when I divide up the wet food between the 3 of them, Luna has her dish put in front of her first, then the other two get theirs. Because Tiger still gulps down his food as fast as possible and then tries to eat from the other cat's plate, I stay in the room to stop him stealing their food.

3. Luna's Routines Stay the Same

Cats have rituals, at least mine do. Every evening before bed, Luna would get groomed. Every morning after eating, Luna went for a walk. Sometimes, with Tiger flying around the room playing attack cat, it wasn't easy but we stuck to our grooming schedule. For her, the walk is the most important, not only is it about getting outside where there is grass to eat and things to see, but it is away from Tiger.

Eventually Tiger is going to calm down, he already has to some extent, and he will stop jumping on her, chasing her and nipping her bum, and she will learn to like him. I hope.


My blog about my cats: http://beautifulfelines.blogspot.com

Training Your Cat to Harness and Leash: http://www.catsread2.info

Cat Urine Marking

By Carol J Miller

Urine-marking or spraying occurs when a cat backs up to an upright surface or new object and projects a spray of urine backward onto it. The amount of urine is usually fairly small, and cats who urine-mark may at other times use the litter box. While objectionable to people, urine-marking is a normal territorial behavior for both male and female cats. The behavior is usually associated with intact animals, but spayed and neutered cats will sometimes engage in it--even those altered before the onset of puberty.

WHY DO CATS URINE MARK?

Cats urine-mark to attract mates and also in response to environmental changes and stress. In multiple-cat households, marking may occur to delineate territory in response to the stress of social conflicts with the other cats. In some multiple-cat homes, more than one cat may be urine-marking. Cats will also urine-mark inside as a territorial response to the presence of other cats they see outside the home.

WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO STOP MY CAT'S URINE-MARKING?

First, spay or neuter your cat. After confirming with your veterinarian that nothing is medically wrong with the animal, thoroughly clean soiled areas with an enzymatic cleaner designed to remove urine stains and odors. Keeping frequently sprayed or new objects out of reach may also help. In a multiple-cat household, it is also imperative that you make an adequate number of litter boxes in multiple locations throughout the home available. There should be at least one box for each cat and one additional box. Scrupulous attention should be given to litter box cleanliness. Boxes with "clumping" litter should be cleaned daily and emptied and washed weekly. Finally, make sure that the litter boxes are large enough for digging and covering behaviors without making the cat feel cramped.

New treatment options include the use of a synthetic pheromone spray or diffuser, which mimics the scent of cheek gland pheromone in cats. Pheromone therapy can be effective in decreasing urine-marking in reaction to stimuli such as changes in the cat's environment, including a recent move or the introduction of new pets.

Punishment during or after the fact will not deter future urine-marking behavior and may make your cat fearful and anxious around you. If you see your cat back up to an object, clap your hands or make a loud noise to interrupt the behavior, preferably out of sight of the animal.

WHAT IF THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM OTHER CATS?

If conflicts between household cats appear to be triggering urine-marking, efforts should be made to resolve them. This might include separation and introduction sessions using food rewards or helping establish territorial boundaries in the home. Allow the urine-marking cat to have access to a room or area alone, without the presence of any other cats, where the animal can stake out a territory for a short period of time daily.

If free-roaming cats outside seem to be the trigger for the urine-marking, limit your cat's ability to see the other animals by blocking visual access out windows and doors. Moving furniture away from windows and modifying windowsills so your cat cannot sit on them may help. Stopping any activities that might attract free-roaming cats to the property, such as feeding them or maintaining a birdfeeder, may also help eliminate urine-marking behavior. Also keep your cat safely confined indoors, especially since outdoor access often triggers urine-marking. If urine-marking continues, talk with your veterinarian about a course of drug therapy coupled with behavior modification.

Urine-marking can be a persistent behavior, but consistent efforts should diminish or eliminate it and help keep your home a happy one for all your family members.


 

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