Winning Tactics For Recognizing Feline Urinary Tract Infection

By Tina Matsunaga

By the time you finish reading this; hopefully you will have some winning tactics for recognizing feline urinary tract infection. If your cat has been sick before, hopefully the vet has given you some ideas already. If your kitty has never had an infection, it is still a good idea to be proactive and prevent illness before it happens. Unfortunately, this malady is not rare, and it can totally ruin a loving and companionable relationship.

Before you ever understand what is going on, your cat will probably exhibit disagreeable behavior, if he or she has a feline urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, the first reaction of some pet owners is to punish first and ask questions later. Your kitty cannot tell you when something hurts. Hopefully, with better understanding of the symptoms, you will get to the vet and get medication before it becomes unbearable for both of you.

If you pet has a cat urinary tract infection, chances are these symptoms will become very apparent:

• Urinating outside of the box


• Going potty a dozen times a day


• Straining to go potty


• Licking the opening often


• Lethargy

Urinating outside of the box goes against cat nature to be clean. Therefore, if he or she is making messes on the carpet, furniture, or even the bathroom sink, do not get mad, go to the vet. The behavior is call for help. Your pet is probably suffering from a feline urinary tract infection, and has no way to understand the litter box is not responsible for the pain.

If your kitty still manages to make it to the litter box, but the visits are becoming absurdly frequent, it is time to get him or her checked out. If you delay, it is likely the box will soon become associated with pain. Then, not only will your cat be suffering longer, but you will be cleaning up a lot of messes and probably losing patience with your furry friend. Both are classic symptoms of urinary tract infection.

Hopefully, before behavior gets out of control, you will notice that your cat is straining to go potty. Unlike defecation, it should be quick and simple to eliminate. If not, something is definitely wrong. If it is not a cat urinary tract infection, it can be something even more threatening to the health of your pet. So, it is imperative to seek medical help right away.

Maybe your kitty has not gotten to the point of exhibiting the other symptoms, but is licking the opening often. Although cats are notoriously clean, this is not normal behavior and can be a sign of a feline urinary tract infection. Again, it is time to go to the vet.

Finally, although cats are known to sleep many hours of the day, lethargy and loss of appetite is often a symptom of illness. No kitty can resist chasing a string, cuddling, or purring when being petted. However, if pain has become a constant, it may be another sign of having an infection.

Do yourself a favor and take your pet to the vet right away if you suspect a feline urinary tract infection. Delaying can mean unnecessary pain for your cat, in addition to ruining a companionable relationship, when kitty starts to eliminate all over the house. Recognition and quick action will make you both happier.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. For more information on feline urinary tract infection, please go to http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

Tips on Feline Urinary Tract Infection

By Tina Matsunaga

Boy did I learn a valuable lesson about recognizing the symptoms of a particular health problem for cats. Unfortunately for a gorgeous calico cat, it was too late for an amicable resolution. Therefore, I want to give you some tips I have learned on feline urinary tract infection.

First, the health issue is not limited to female cats. In fact, older male cats are more prone to suffer the painful malady of cat urinary tract infection. With a smaller urethra, it is easier for bacteria to get caught up in the system, along with potential blockages from other illnesses.

Therefore, it is extremely important to recognize the symptoms and take your furry friend to the vet without delay, if you notice any of these behaviors:

• Bloody Urine


• Strains to go potty


• Urinates outside the box


• Licks the area often


• Seems lethargic

Bloody urine is a classic sign of feline urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, if you are seeing visible signs of blood in the elimination, your cat has probably been suffering for a long time. Even if you cannot see it, a vet can detect microscopic blood cells in the urine. Chances are your kitty has already been exhibiting one or more of the other symptoms for quite a while.

Straining to go potty is not normal. It is not supposed to be like defecating. So, if your cat seems to spend a long time in the litter box, with little sign of elimination, it probably means there is a health problem. In addition, it is not normal to go 10-15 times a day. In people and cats, this is a sure sign of an elimination problem. It is time to check for feline urinary tract infection.

Urinating outside of the box is not normal cat behavior. Generally, kitties like to be clean and neat. So, if your pet has decided to go potty all over the house, in weird places, or maybe even the kitchen sink, it is time to go to the vet. Sadly, your poor cat probably has a feline urinary tract infection and associates the box with pain and misery.

Licking the area around the urethra is common if your kitty is suffering from a cat urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, your pet cannot tell you he or she is in pain. Therefore, the only relief is to lick and clean often. It is up to you to notice when your cat is not acting normal.

Seeming lethargic is not normal in kitties. Sure, they sleep a lot, but that is not what I mean. When you cat seems to have no energy or interest in normal activities, it can be the sign of a big problem. For example, you cat may be suffering from a feline urinary tract infection and not even be tempted by normal play, like chasing a string. Even an older cat usually cannot resist that temptation!

This is the easiest way to determine if your pet is living with a feline urinary tract infection With observation, you can usually tell if a cat is sick. So, if you think your furry family member is hurting, do not delay. You and your cat will both be a lot happier.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. For more information on feline urinary tract infection, visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

More Tips to Improve Cat Urinary Tract Health

By Tina Matsunaga

I do not know about you, but I will bet your cat is an important member of the family. Most pet lovers feel like they have a companion or even a baby. In fact, some people treat their cats better than other parents treat their children. No joke! Our pets are wonderful. Unlike people, they are never judgmental and they are fiercely loyal. However, one big problem is universal. Our beloved furry friends cannot articulate when they do not feel good. So, in answer to one of the common maladies, here are more tips to improve cat urinary tract health.

• Always have fresh water


• Provide the right food


• Keep the litter pan clean


• Be proactive


• At the first sign of trouble, see a vet

I am sure there are even more ways to ensure cat urinary tract health, but in my studies, these five items are paramount, leaving no room for debate.

Always have fresh water available for your feline. Although it may be easier to get a larger bowl and fill it less often, it can be harmful to your friend. Food crumbs get in the water, and stale water tends to grow bacteria. Not good.

Providing the right food will also help prevent urinary tract infection in cats. I know it does not make sense. However, kitten chow has a lot of extra nutrients that a grown cat does not need. In fact, instead of keeping kitty healthy and strong, cat urinary tract health can be compromised. Instead, it is important to provide the right food for the age group, with no chemical additives to muck up his or her plumbing-literally.

Keep the litter pan clean to help prevent bacteria from hurting your cat. If necessary, clean the box 2 or 3 times a day, or purchase one of those automated litter pans that scoops the mess away. In addition, personal experience teaches that kids are not always the greatest at keeping the kitty box clean. Although the surface stuff may be gone, foul waste is just below, waiting to plague your cat.

Be proactive, especially if your kitty is prone to having urinary problems. In addition to keeping a clean box and plenty of clean water, here are a few things that might also help improve cat urinary tract health, and hopefully prevent a repeat infection:

1. Cantharis pellets


2. Vitamin C


3. Cranberry Juice


4. Home Cooking


5. The sneak attack

Cantharis pellets given 2 at a time, 2 or 3 times per day, is said to be a homeopathic way to reduce the pain associated with urinary problems. However, after reading about the source of the pellets, I will ask a vet before giving a dose.

Vitamin C is great for colds. Surprisingly, it is also credited with improving cat urinary tract health. However, it is important to monitor the cat before settling on a regular amount. Two much of a good thing will cause diarrhea. But, to work properly, giving as much as the cat can safely tolerate will be most advantageous.

Cranberry juice is also good for kitties! Actually, I should not be so surprised. Doctors have recommended the same natural preventative for people. For some reason, infection causing bacteria clings to the juice, to be flushed with the urine. However, does a cat even like juice? If your pet has trouble with urinary infections, it is worth a try.

Home cooking is another option for pets having questionable cat urinary tract health. Commercial brands often have chemical additives that may be upsetting your kitty. Therefore, some pet lovers are opting to provide home-cooked options. After all, in the good old days, pets ate the same food as the family.

The sneak attack is an additional resource for getting extra liquids in the diet. Since you cannot explain the importance of drinking a lot, for optimal urinary tract health, it may be necessary to get a little sneaky. For example, soak some food in chicken broth. Even a finicky feline ought to love this yummy treat.

In conclusion, it is up to you to take a proactive approach to cat urinary tract health. If your kitty is prone to infections, it is important to prevent as much pain and misery for your kitty and you.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. For more information on cat urinary tract health, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

How to Avoid Urinary Tract Infection in Cats

By Tina Matsunaga

Are you frustrated with your feline friend being sickly and going potty everywhere but the litter box? Are you spending all your spare money going to the vet, and all your spare time cleaning up the messes? Are you about to give up on your pet and send him or her packing? Before you do something drastic, you need to know how to avoid urinary tract infection in cats naturally.

Anyone who has ever had an infection of this type surely has some idea of how a poor kitty must feel. Unfortunately, a pet cannot communicate pain, or if there is some sort of a problem. So, the only means of preventing a urinary tract infection in cats is to try some natural treatments like:

• Fresh Water


• Chemical Free Food


• Food Soaked in Liquid


• Cranberry Juice


• Clean Litter Box


• Watch for Signs of Infection

The easiest preventative measure for a urinary tract infection in cats is simply fresh water. Having a great big bowl of water may be a lot simpler, but it can be a problem. The water can end up with food particles or be growing some sort of bacteria. Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure kitty has clean, fresh water to drink, and plenty of it.

A lot of the store bought brands of cat chow has chemical additives. The purpose is probably to keep it from going stale, if it sits on the store shelf for any length of time. However, your cat may be sensitive to anything other than wholesome food, which will ultimately affect overall cat urinary tract health. In addition, it is not wise to feed a grown cat with kitten chow. The extra vitamins and minerals are not needed and can cause buildup and blockage in the body.

Even with fresh food and clean water readily available, you cannot force your kitty to drink, if he/she is not thirsty. Therefore, you may have to get a little tricky and add something like chicken broth to the food. Hopefully, it will be a tempting treat and your cat will get more liquid in his or her diet.

Actually cranberry juice has the same medicinal effect in preventing urinary tract infection in cats, as well as their human companions. If you have a cat like mine, he/she will probably think you are offering people food, which is always better. Only you will know that it is another tasty preventative measure.

Unfortunately, no matter how much you pamper your baby to improve cat urinary tract health, it may be all for nothing, if you do not keep the litter box clean at all times. If cleaning it 2-3 times a day is simply not possible, and then maybe one of those automated boxes will do the trick.

Finally, be proactive and watch for any signs of urinary tract infections in cats. Your kitty cannot come tell you when something hurts of she/he is not feeling well. It is simply incumbent upon you to take notice of this odd behavior:

• Licking the Opening


• Going Often


• Straining


• Lethargic


• Going in Inappropriate Places

If your cat does any of the above for more than a day, it is time to get a checkup and possibly seek treatment for urinary tract infection in cats.

So, there you have it! With a few simple proactive measures, you can help your pet avoid urinary tract infection in cats. Before it gets to the point of your furry friend being in lots of pain, while driving you crazy making messes, go to the vet and get some help. Your kitty and you will both be a lot happier.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. For more information on urinary tract infection in cats, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

A Guide to Preventing a Cat Urinary Tract Infection

By Tina Matsunaga

Let us face it; a cat urinary tract infection is unbearable for everyone in the household. Not only is the kitty miserable, but it is absolutely nasty to have to clean up all of the messes that are frequently deposited all over the house, sometimes in the oddest of places.

If you have ever had this sort of malady, you know exactly how awful it can be. The sensation to eliminate never goes away; however, the task is never completed. In addition, there is the burning pain. No wonder a cat will neglect the litter box. In his or her little mind, it is the culprit causing all of the discomfort associated with a feline urinary tract infection.

So, if you do not want to sacrifice the loving relationship between you and your feline companion, it might be helpful to consider some home remedies for preventing a cat urinary tract infection before it has a change to cause pain for everyone. Even if your kitty has never had a problem before, a few of these suggestions will promote better health anyway:

• Clean, Fresh Water


• Chemical Free Food


• Age Appropriate Chow


• Clean Litter Box


• Cranberry Juice


• Broth Soaked Food

Clean, fresh water is probably the single most important element for promoting good urinary health. It makes sure the kitty does not hold stale urine long enough to grow bacteria, ultimately casing a cat urinary tract infection. While it may be easier to get a great big bowl and fill it every few days, it can cause problems. Polluted with food crumbs and microscopic bacteria, it can be harmful to a cat prone to infection.

Chemical free food is better for your kitty. Of course that makes sense. But, few animal lovers know it can actually compromise the ability for your cat to fight off a potential health problem. Unfortunately, most of the store brands have additives that can be hard on sensitive stomachs. So, many owners have opted to feed kitty what the rest of the family is eating, like in the good old days.

Age appropriate cat chow is not just an option, it is a necessity. Owners of multiply cats will often give mommy the same kitten chow as her baby. Unfortunately, the extra vitamins and minerals the kitten needs can have the adverse cause of promoting a cat urinary tract infection with buildups and blockages.

A clean litter box is paramount to maintaining good urinary tract health. Imagine how it would be to go potty in a toilet that is never flushed. The mental image is disgusting, but that is basically what a pour kitty has to do, if the litter is neglected. If scooping the box a couple times a day is not possible, an automated box that self flushes or rakes through the litter may do the trick in avoiding feline urinary tract infection.

Cranberry juice is also a great natural remedy in the effort to avoid a cat urinary tract infection. The medicinal value of the drink works the same in cats as is does in their human companions. A bacterium adheres to something in the liquid and is flushed out during elimination. Especially for kitties prone to infection, this can be a yummy natural solution.

Broth soaked food is also another sneaky way to add more liquid to the diet, making sure your pet is going potty more frequently. Since it is impossible to tell your feline that drinking plenty of water will help him or her avoid a recurring cat urinary tract infection, it is a tempting and yummy way to sneak in some more liquid. What cat can resist chicken broth?

In conclusion, whether your pet is a frequent sufferer of a cat urinary tract infection, or you have heard the horror stories and want to take a proactive stance toward better urinary health, now you have some healthy ideas. Your cat is a member of the family. He or she is counting on you to take good care and recognize when illness is lurking. Hopefully, with this information, you can both look forward to many wonderful years together.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. If you want more information concerning a cat urinary tract infection, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

Thinking to Become a Cat Owner

By Steve Millerman

There is no point in waiting till next February to begin with your cat's teeth care, as it is your primary duty to care for your cat oral hygiene. In case you are wondering out of 12 months why is February mentioned, it is because two august bodies, The American Veterinarian Medicine Association or the AVMA and the United States American Veterinary dental Society or the AVDS, have decided to do something special during this calendar month.

These two groups tagged what used to be the love month as the cat dental Health calendar month ass they both aim and carry out steps in educating cat owners like you about how to care for the oral needs of your family pets every 24-hour interval. But these groups know how crucial this is for the family pets and their owners. In fact, their desire is to make every month a cat oral health calendar month, for every type of cat you may have.

Did you know that about 85 percent of the old pets have dental diseases? It may also interest you to know that this is one of the largest health-related problems which any cats suffer from, and in case such periodontic complaints are ignored, this could led to more serious outcome. In case such troubles are missed it is likely that the dangerous oral bacteria from the cavities would gradually invade the blood also. As a result, this will infect other major organs that will cause more complications that may lead to your pet's death.

Taking care of the teeth

Cat teeth need to be cleansed everyday, and you have to take this as your duty. This may not be practicable for you to do alone, so get some other household member to open the cats mouth and you can then clean its teeth comfortably. Your cat cat may not find this process very welcoming at the beginning, but it is meant for his own good. As both of you are getting used to the procedure, why not try to use fish-flavored toothpaste to make the task attractive for the cat? It makes sense to be in regular touch with your veterinarian regarding oral care of your family pets. Check whether your cats gum and teeth are clean, and if necessary, use floss to help you with the cleaning job.

It is likely that you do care a lot for your cat, and this time let the care show. Teeth care for the cat should begin at an early age, to preclude future ill health, as the cat ages. If you have endured painful teeth, you can guess what pain the cat must be going through when his teeth have problems. Neglecting proper dental care for the cat could eventually lead to diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys and the liver. Be mindful about your cat's teeth care and just following the above mentioned simple rules will keep your cats smiling all the way into adult age. By doing the necessary actions, you are preparing your family pets to have an easy life as it grows older.

Steve Millerman is a specialist in Cat care. If you want more information about Cat care, visit http://newcatcare.com

How the Experts Deal With Cats That Do Not Like to Eat Cat Food

By Paul Kramer

Your cat has the same sensory organs that you do eyes, ears, nose, taste buds, and the organs of touch. But her senses work differently than yours do and a normal healthy cat have a better sense of smell than you have.

In fact, she lives in a much richer world of scent and uses scent to communicate with other cats, to sense danger, to navigate, and to locate prey. Certain smells undoubtedly give her pleasure as well.

On the other hand, you are much better equipped than your cat is to distinguish different flavors. The average person has some 9000 taste buds on the tip, sides, and back of the tongue, 18 times as many as the paltry 475 on your cat's tongue.

So, fragrance plays a much more important role than taste in stimulating your cat's appetite. As she ages, your cat may lose some of her ability to sense smells, and food may lose some of its appeal.

If she becomes finicky about her food as she advances in age, you may be able to revive her appetite by increasing her food's fragrance. You can do this by adding warm water or salt free broth to dry food or by warming wet food slightly, but do not make the water or broth too hot.

Cats with certain medical conditions often benefit from specific dietary changes. Specially designed foods are available that are designed to help cats with a wide variety of health challenges, and your vet may recommend such a food at some point in your feline's life.

Throughout your cat's life, a good quality food is one of the best investments you can make in her health and well being. Your cat is indeed, at least in part, what she eats. Your nose has about 5 million odor sensing cells. Your cat's nose is about 40 times as well equipped, having about 200 million of the odor sensing cells.

During the supposedly humorous photos we see of fat cats, excess weight is no laughing matter. Studies show that obesity is hard on the heart; lungs, pancreas, kidneys, joints and muscles, and it can lower your cat's life expectancy by 30 to 50 percent.

To learn more about the different types of Pet Food for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://callpetmeds.com/cat-food-supplements-c-12.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.

5 Tips to a Healthy Cat

By Merle Zunigha

Cats constantly rate as one of the most popular pets in the world. In fact, for many people, cats become a member of the family. It is easy to see why. Cats can be affectionate, independent and easy to take care of. However, you cannot ignore your cat. You need to know your cat's habits and behavioral tendencies. This is especially true concerning your cat's health. If you know your cat, it is easier to tell when something is wrong with your cat. Lack of energy, reduction in appetite and bathroom habits going bad are all early signs of illness. If you know your cat well enough, you'll know when something is not quite right. Here are 5 tips that can help you identify health concerns early.

Tip 1 - Keep an Eye on Your Cat's Weight

This is an important part of caring for your cat. Just like it does in people, obesity in cats leads to many diseases such as diabetes. You should regularly weigh your cat. This can be done at the veterinarian's office or at home. You don't need technical equipment to weigh your cat. Bathroom scales will be OK. If your cat won't go onto the scales, weigh yourself holding the cat and then weight yourself without the cat. The difference in weight would be the weight of the cat. If you notice any major change in weight and shape of your cat you should notify your vet as this could be an indication that something is not right with the health of your cat.

Tip 2 - Watch Medications

A lot of cat illnesses will cause the cat owner to seek medication and other solutions to get them back on track. Make sure you follow your vet's advice in this area. Some people attempt to administer their own medication to the cat. On occasions, dog owners may be advised to give their hound half an aspirin but this should never be attempted with a cat. Aspirins can be fatal to your cat. Make sure your cat receives any medications, including yearly vaccinations, from the vet. Also, make sure your vet shows you how to safely administer any medicine.

Tip 3 - Grooming

Make sure your cat is groomed at regular intervals. Cats are good at trying to keep themselves groomed, but occasionally they will need help from you. Regular grooming helps keep their hair from matting, removes loose hair and helps keep the skin free from diseases and parasites.

Tip 4 - Feeding of Cats

Diet is a staple to good health care for cats. Many veterinarians are now recommending that you feed your cat canned food rather than dry cat food. There are three advantages for serving canned cat food. First, dry cat food contains too much plant protein as compared to animal protein. Cats are different from dogs or even humans. Cats are strict carnivores. They need a lot of animal protein and cannot take plant protein and convert it like dogs or humans do. Second, the amount of carbohydrates in dry cat food is too high and third, the water content in dry cat food is too low.

Tip 5 - Clean Litter Area

Most cats easily learn to use a litter box. Sometimes, however, a cat may suddenly stop using the litter box and go on the floor, bed, or other location. Although this may occur because of an aversion to the litter box itself, it may be the result of a urinary tract infection. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, check with your veterinarian.

As you become more familiar with your cat's habits and behavior, it becomes easier to identifying potential concerns before they can grow into major problems. Knowledge of your cat can improve the quality of your cat's life and provide you with a friend for a long time.

Merle Zunigha has owned, or rather more correctly has been owned by, cats for over 30 years. His first cats were two stray kittens that had been chewed on and had whiskers singed. His latest cat, Nibbles, recently passed away after 18 years of friendship. If you would like more information go to his website Common Cat Illnesses at http://www.commoncatillnesses.com

Tips To Solve the Cat Litter Box Problem

By Lara Lee

If your cat is not using its litter box, it is a very normal experience and almost every cat owner encounters it once in a while. When you have to undergo the unpleasant act of cleaning its pee from outside the box, you really dread and wonder as how to set things right. You will surly not like to face this situation.

You must remember that there are some reasons why this can happen. As for example, your cat may pee outside owing to some medical issue. Another reason can be that you did not train your cat properly as how to use the litter box or it can also be caused if there is some issue with the tray. Your cat may also not use the litter box if it has encountered some bad experience while using it. Emotional or physical stress can also lead to this situation. If you have changed your house recently, your cat may not be familiar with the new place and pee around instead of the litter box. Some older cats also tend not to use the litter box owing to weakness or laziness.

Here are some tips that can help you in this situation:

If you notice change in the toilet habits of your cat, you must take it to the vet since the issue can be pertaining to its health. The possible medical reasons for your cat can be an infection in the urinary track, illnesses like blocked anal glands, worms and parasites, diabetes and tumors. These reasons may be troubling your cat and forcing it to act this way.

Another thing that you need to do is to check out the tray. You must make sure you clean it frequently, at least once or twice a day. Replace the litter and wash the box with warm water and some detergent. In case if you own more than one cat, make sure there is a litter tray for each one of them.

You can also place multiple litter boxes for the convenience of your cat. In case if your cat pees outside the box, you can discourage it by your reaction or place it inside the box repeatedly to teach it the right way.

Did you know that your cat may not know why you are trying to correct him? Click here to learn how to make him understand. This will remove the frustration and rapidly increase the speed of your cat's learning.

Cat Litter Box Training - How to Encourage Faithful Little Box Use

By Lara Lee

It is very natural for cats to bury their waste. For this reason, a litter box is a very good option for it since it can dig the litter, excrete and cover it. Because of this, you do not essentially need to train your cat similar to the way you train your child with regard to its waste management. This natural way will ease a lot of work for you. Litter box is always the best choice for your cat's toilet; there are many problems associated with other modes of toilet.

Although most cats are instinctively driven to make use of the litter box, but you can also litter train stubborn cats. Whether you have a new untrained cat that is not familiar with toilet habits or an older cat who may be avoiding to make use of it anymore, you have many ways to develop the litter box usage amongst them.

To begin with, you must have fixed feeding time for your cat. This will help you to know when your cat needs to use the toilet since mostly they feel the need few minutes after eating. In case if you have an older cat, it would be not so easy to ensure its potty timings. Still, you can observe its habits for a few days and it would help you to make a guess eventually. Younger cats should be feed 3-4 times daily and 5-15 minutes after it is done, you should provide it with a litter box. If it displays rigid behavior, you will have to work with patience and place it again and again in case if it does not remain in the box. Dealing with it in a lovable manner will help. If you would show annoyance, it would do no good; in fact, it might get scared and run around the house. Shouting on this bad behavior may also build negative emotions within it and it may never want to use the litter box. So deal with the situation vigilantly. Once it uses the litter box, it is advisable to show her love or to reward her with some tidbits.

Another essential aspect to keep in mind is that the litter box should be of the appropriate size so that your cat fit in it comfortably.

Did you know that your cat may not know why you are trying to correct him? Click hereto learn how to make him understand. This will remove the frustration and rapidly increase the speed of your cat's learning.

Halloween Safety For Your Cat

By Karen Mckee

There are a few things we can do for our feline friends on Halloween night to keep them safe. I know some of these things seem real simple, but with little ghosts and goblins caught up in the excitement of trick-or-treating, our cat friends can be overlooked. This year Halloween is on Friday night, which means there may be more children out and about because parents don't have to get up the next day to go to work. Typically, this is also a night teenagers cherish to go out with friends, and being Halloween, may have a later curfew than normal. Keeping all this in mind, I have found it best to put my cat, Misty in my bedroom with food, water, and her litter box, with the door closed, so she doesn't slip out of the house when I'm busy at the door.

If your cat is the outdoor type, then please bring them inside for the night! Sadly, there are people out there who find fun in hurting poor defenseless animals. Why take the chance? Put them in your basement, bedroom, rec room, somewhere out of the main flow of traffic to your front door where you'll be busy looking at all the incredible costumes kids have access to these days.

Keep in mind, that at the end of the night when your little ghost and goblins come home, candy must be checked! I usually put an old bed sheet on the living room floor and have one child at a time empty their treat bag on it. I then sift through each piece. When Misty (my cat) comes into the room, anything on the floor is automatically hers, so I watch for anything unwrapped that she may make off with and claim as her own. Chocolate is deadly to cats, so make sure there's none in reach of your cat.

Because Misty is one of my "kids" I usually go to the store and buy her a new toy to occupy her while my two are sifting through and trading their candy.

Black cats are particularly vulnerable to abuse this time of year. Because of the stigma attached to them as "superstitious" or "magical" they take the brunt of abuse. I lost my 5 pound cat named Licorice on Halloween about 10 years ago, do to neighborhood teens who had nothing better to do. I really don't want to see anyone else out there go through this heartache. It's so unnecessary. Keep your cats inside away from harm. It takes two minutes to secure them in a room with a door where you know they're safe. Better to be safe than sorry.

Keep yourself, your little ones and your feline friends safe and happy this Halloween night.

Karen Mckee - proud pet owner of Misty.

Knowing What to Do About Cat Health Issues

By Gloria Gangi

Providing your cat with excellent cat health care can be very challenging. Felines generally don't like being bothered so to determine the cat's health problem may not be as easy as you think. Letting a cat health problem go unattended can cause extreme stress on the cat as well as require long term medical care in the future.

How To Prevent The Unwanted

To promote good cat health as a cat owner you should have your cat spayed or neutered.

A cat that has not be de-sexed can come into contact with male cats and run the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, but this is not the only problem they can also be exposed to diseased cats that have not had their shots and may be suffering from little or no attention by a cat health care provider. Males who have not been altered are also at risk of becoming infected by insanitary cats which when caught in a fight can be injured. These types of injuries can develop into contaminated wounds.

Cat Health Care Problems

When looking at your common cat health issues you can include problems such as tape worms, ear mite's flea infestation in addition to reactions to flea bites. If you take your cat to a vet on a yearly basis and purchase a good flea preventative, these problems can be addressed. More serious cat health problems can range from urinary tract problems that can be a long term issue, colon problems requiring lifelong medication, feline leukemia and dental troubles which require tooth removal.

Other Things You Can Do

Exercise is a must for felines as you do not want your cat to turn into an obese feline. As kittens, they have plenty of liveliness but as they age, they are inclined to slow down so it's fundamental to discover ways to keep your feline active. Using a collar and leash and walking around the yard, purchase a carpeted scratch post for clawing exercise, sprinkling catnip on a throw rug or towel that will keep them busy, finding safe cat toys that interest your feline and playing with them are all things you can do to help keep your cat active. Give your feline first-rate value food, both dry and canned, that is high in the types of vitamins a cat requires can help sustain a healthy cat. Annual visits to the veterinarian to have a record of the continuing cat health care being provided for your pet will alert the doctor of any changes in the health of your cat.

For more information on how to take care of your cat visit: http://www.catkittyclub.com

Cat Care - Tips on How to Recognize the Symptoms of Disease in Your Cat

By G D Williams

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

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

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease by cat owners. It is a acknowledged fact, that it is the leading cause of death amongst cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and what is yet worse, is that the symptoms are very much like other diseases so it is really hard to diagnose.

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

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

Worms are also another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you do not need to do anything to make it go away. It will in time clear up but it may just take a few months.

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

The symptoms of most of the above diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg, a reduction in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly while at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests, at your local veterinary surgeons.

Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples and ask for input from you, about any observation you have made. When the tests results come back, only then will the proper treatment be administered to your cat as each case is different, so what worked for another cat may not have the identical positive effect with yours.

Your cat will always be healthy if you give it constant attention. This is done by giving it leading quality natural food, giving it fresh water daily, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it for frequent visits to your veterinary surgeon.

If you miss any of these simple steps, then something wrong is certain to happen to your cat and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of your cat and if you do nothing about it, it is just going to make matters far worse. So you require to observe proper cat care and watch out for any symptoms.

This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming authority on Pet Health. Did you find this article on Long Term Cat Care helpful? You can find out a lot more Free information and help about Cat Care by going to Caring For Your Cat.

Regular Cat Walking - Have You Walked Your Cat?

By Ernesto Maitim

Are you someone who loves to see your cat always staying inside your house, curled up on its favorite corner? Definitely you can not keep your cat inside your home forever. You have to release it and let it enjoy what the outside world has to offer. If you can, why not get into the habit of regular cat walking? More than the physical benefits that your pet will get, walking will certainly boost your animal's overall development.

Taking your cat for some leisurely walk will be great for it. Indeed, the animal is bound to benefit immensely from this physical activity. To engage in this activity in a regular manner will not only keep your cat fully exercised, so would you. Imagine the health benefits that you and your beloved animal can derived from such activity.

Another positive effect on cat walking is that it is exposed to new things. Remember, cats can become quite bored. Boredom consequently can lead to it becoming irritated. It is therefore good that we do not bore our cats by limit their walking and loitering areas within our homes. Confinement will also cause your pet to become depressed. Cats will appreciate it if they will be allowed to enjoy ample time outdoors. This is one way of pampering your pet, by letting it enjoy the warmth of the sun and not keep it in the seclusion of your home.

Pet cat walking is a great form of physical activity and probably one of the best exercises that your animal can perform. If it stays at home all day, everyday, it will tend to become obese. Obesity is a cat disease than can threaten the good health of your pet. Walk your cat and you will help it develop and maintain a very healthy life.

For more about pet cat care, cat health and other cat articles, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog site.

Proper Pet Cat Care - What Your Beloved Cats Need

By Ernesto Maitim

Cats have especial needs, which should be provided to them if you want to have them as pets. What they need are the simple and basic pet cat care, such as cat food, basic cat items such as bedding and litter container as well as cat grooming tools. Likewise, what pet cats need is the attention and affection that you can provide and share to these lovable animals.

One of the most basic pet cat care is the nutritious and enriched cat food. Nothing fancy, only the simple but full of nutrients and vitamins that the animals need for maximum growth, body building and development.

Cats can become voracious when it comes to food, and so as pet owners it is a must that you watch their diet. 4 meals a day is enough for the young cats. However, as they grow older, you should have the meals reduced to 2 to 3 small meals a day. Sufficient water should be given to your cats. It would be great if you can concoct yourself the cat food of your pet in order to assure the nutritional value and as well as the freshness of the food that they take in.

Another important pet cat care is providing your beloved animal with cat grooming. Definitely you must not neglect this aspect of caring for your cats. Regular and proper grooming should be given to them. Time comes when you notice that cat fur is getting thicker and longer. You then must take time out to trim it or at least brush the hair regularly. Bathing is also desired as you see your pet becoming unkempt.

Likewise, you must also make sure that your cat does not have fleas and ticks problems. Parasites should be taken care of by using safe anti tick and flea products. It should be noted however that not only should you take care of the parasites on your cats but also on the surroundings and furniture on your home as they are very likely to be infested too.

Pet cat care can be very meticulous but if done properly and regularly, it turns out to be not that difficult to do. The important thing is that you provide your pet with the best care and attention that you can.

For more about pet cat, cat health and care and other cat articles, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog site.

The Eight Most Common Ailments in Cats

By Debra Guevara

Cats have common afflictions which affect their health adversely. Most do not cause death but some do. The good news is that most of the illnesses are curable through preventive medicine. This is why it is imperative to have that annual physical and to visit your veterinarian whenever you cats behavior changes suddenly or drastically.

The top eight afflictions are:

1. Hairballs

Cause: Dirt and hair gather on the cat's tongue and gets swallowed. The hair and dirt stay stuck in the cat's digestive tract building into a ball of mucus.

Treatment: Usually a cat can cough up a hairball but at times a hairball can travel to the intestines where it causes serious even life threatening problem. Keeping your cat groomed, serving hairball formula cat food and treats, and regular visits to your vet are the best prevention.

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Cause: Infections and substandard food.

Treatment: Medicine given by your veterinarian and cat food designed to prevent UTI from starting in the first place.

Symptoms: Watch for fowl smelling litter boxes or urinating outside the litter box and infrequent urinating. Male cats that have not been neutered get UTI more often than female cats do.

3. Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV).

Cause: Virus

Treatment: A vaccine given before the cat is exposed to the disease. Cats that are exposed are highly infectious and have only a short time to live.

4. Feline Immune Deficiency Virus (FIV).

Cause: Feline HIV (AIDS) Virus

Treatment: Unknown cure but no cat has died yet. Feline Immune Deficiency Virus can not be caught by humans.

5. Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

Cause: Virus in the family of the Corona Virus

Treatment: No known Cure. This disease is highly dangerous but is not spread as easily as other illnesses are. There is a test for FIP but the test results are not trustworthy. Even though there is a vaccination for this virus a number of veterinarians and scientists believe the final conclusions to be uncertain.

6. Common Cat Worms. The most common types of worms are: roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Heartworms are not usually found in cats but can be a source of problems.

Cause: Environment and fleas.

Treatment: Medicine provided by your veterinarian that is relatively inexpensive. If left untreated worms can kill.

Symptoms or Signs: Tiny white specks similar to rice will appear in the stool of your cat. An infestation of fleas may precede worms, weight loss or being unable to gain weight can also indicate the presence of worms.

7. Fleas and ticks.

Cause: Exposure to untreated areas outdoors.

Treatment: Flea dips and baths, and medication given by your vet. Ticks should be removed by a veterinarian and the cat should be treated with medication to treat Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease: slowed movements, inactivity, behaving as though they are hurting all the time.

8. Feline Obesity.

Cause: Too much food and too little exercise.

Treatment: Cats need to be under the care of a veterinarian when starting a diet. Their liver can be damaged if not supervised. Obesity is serious and leads to diabetes which affects the organs of the cat's body and can be fatal. Prevention, a healthy diet and exercise are the best treatments. Cats do live with diabetes but many require insulin and dietary supplements for the rest of their lives.

The best way to keep your cat healthy and happy is to practice good preventative careand make sure you visit your veterinarian at least one time a year.

Debra Guevara, Owner http://www.petfoodfreebies.com Visit my website for your free sample of organic pet food. Visit my blog My Pet Notes @ http://mypetnotes.blogspot.com/ Copyright © 2008 Debra Guevara All Rights Reserved

Cat's Nutritional Requirements

By David P. Lee

Walking into the pet store today offers you wall to wall choices for a variety of pets. When you head towards the cat section there are numerous choices for buying food and other items. It can be hard to determine the proper healthy diet your cat needs. To be a great pet owner you need to have good nutritional choices to help maintain a long ill free life for cats. A bad choice can lead to aging and even death in your feline.

What do you need to know about helping your cat remain healthy? Well there are several options. First of all a feline is a carnivore. Cats have always needed the nutrition of meat in order to survive. In fact in the wild cats will hunt their meat, for example just look at lions and tigers. Your domestic cat should not be any different with regard to offering protein in the meal. Water is also an important source of nutrients. To maintain healthy weight water is needed.

Vitamins such as A, D, E and B complex are needed in a cat's diet. Niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine are additional components that are needed in the cat's food. Taurine is an amino acid that helps promote health, but it is something they are unable to create enough of in their system. This means that you need to provide the nutrients in their food. Vitamin K is essential to helping break down other chemicals in the body.

Calcium, like humans is essential for bone growth and health. If you don't offer a cat enough calcium they may be underdeveloped or even have bone density issues later in life. You don't want to overdo the vitamins and minerals, as that can also have adverse effects.

In some of the cat foods offered in stores there are bad dietary options. Some of the foods will not have enough minerals or they may have too much of one mineral. Like human bodies, cats do need to break down the minerals in their bodies. So keep in mind when offering copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and selenium that they are given in an appropriate amount and with other minerals to break down unwanted excess. Food is not the only thing to be concerned about when talking about the health of cats. Cats need exercise, typically not as much as dogs, but you still need to make sure they are getting it.

To ensure that your pet receives the exercise they need, offering them plenty of different toys to play with and cat furniture, cat tree to climb on is essential. The kitty towers and scratching posts are not to keep them off your furniture as much as they are to give the cat exercise. Sleep is another aspect to be concerned with. Typically a kitten is going to need more play and less sleep. As the cat ages you may find they have a pattern of sleep and play time. Sleep requires a comfortable area they will be happy to sleep in during the day, especially if they are not allowed on the furniture.

Pet owners are extremely important regarding their cat's care. You are the only one able to ensure that they have what they need to survive. It is to your benefit to make sure they have the nutrients, minerals, and supplements needed. You can prepare the meals yourself if you wish. This is arguably a great option because you know there are no harmful chemicals or by products in the food.

Check out all the great products and articles that your pets will love. Dog lovers will want to check out training for German Shepherds.

Your Cat and Flea Allergy Dermatitis

By CS Swarens

As a cat owner, you are fully aware of how annoying fleas can be for you. But, do you realize just how problematic they can be to your beloved kitty? The reality is that a flea bite can result in more than just a small, itchy spot for your cat. In fact, a flea bite can potentially lead to far more serious skin issues that can make your cat truly miserable.

An Unrelenting Foe

As any pet owner who has experienced a flea infestation can attest, fleas can be an unrelenting enemy that is quite difficult to get rid of. Not only are they hard to remove from a home that has become infested, they are also relentless when it comes to annoying you and your pet. This is because the flea uses its specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin in order to siphon out blood. After piercing the skin, the flea injects its saliva into the skin in order to prevent the blood from coagulating. This way, the flea can easily and freely feed from your cat without the blood clotting.

The Effects of the Flea Bite

Flea bites are irritating to any pet or human but, unfortunately, some cats are even more sensitive to flea bites than other cats. In fact, some cats become very sensitive to the saliva the flea injects into their skin. When a cat develops this hypersensitivity, it is referred to as flea allergy dermatitis and leads to severe itching. In addition to being very uncomfortable for your cat, the allergy will also cause your cat to scratch the area feverishly, which can further irritate and damage the skin. In fact, a cat that has developed flea allergy dermatitis may experience all of the following problems:

• Small hives where the fleabite occurred, which may heal or may develop into a small red bump that ultimately crusts over.

• The development of raw, hairless areas where your cat has scratched and chewed itself. The areas, which are referred to as hot spots, may also weep.

• The development of areas that are red, hairless and scaly can lead to bacterial infection. The skin pigmentation may also change in the impacted area.

If you notice these signs of flea allergy dermatitis in your pet, it is important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible in order to have the situation evaluated.

Treating Flea Allergy Dermatitis

The most important step you can take to prevent flea allergy dermatitis is to simply keep your kitty free of fleas. There are many products available on the market that can help keep your cat flea free, but you also need to focus on keeping your home free of fleas. Using flea powder when you vacuum, for example, can help keep your home free of these pests.

If your cat's skin has already become irritated by the dermatitis, your focus should include using medication to help alleviate the irritation your cat is experiencing. Again, you should work closely with your vet in order to find the right medication to help bring relief to your precious kitty.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for cats for sale. Research cat information.

Bloody Urine and Your Cat's Health

By CS Swarens

Have you noticed blood in your cat's urine? If so, it is important for you to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough examination. There are many potential causes of bloody urine, with some of them being potentially fatal. Therefore, receiving prompt treatment is essential to your feline friend's long term health.

What Causes Blood in a Cat's Urine?

There are many different illnesses and problems that can lead to blood in a cat's stool. Some of these include:

• Bacterial infections in the genital tract or the urinary tract

• Cancer in the genital tract or the urinary tract

• Clotting disorders

• Exposure to poison, such as rat poison

• Stones in the urinary tract

• Parasites in the urinary tract

• Problems with medication

• Trauma

• Urinary tract abnormalities that have been present since birth

• Vaginitis

What are the Effects of Bloody Urine?

While bloody urine can be a sign of illness, the bleeding can actually lead to additional problems for your cat if it is not properly treated. For example, your cat may develop anemia because of the blood loss. This could then cause your cat to become weak and to collapse. Your cat may also have difficulty with urinating, may strain to urinate or may only be able to pass small amounts of urine at a time.

How Will the Vet Diagnose the Problem?

If you notice blood in your cat's urine or if it seems to be exhibiting any of the problems associated with bloody urine, your vet will need to perform a series of tests in order to determine what is causing the problem. Tests that are typically performed include:

• Abdominal x-rays

• Clotting profile, which will include a count of platelets

• Complete blood count

• Vaginal smear examinations

• Serum biochemistry test

• Ultrasound of the abdomen

• Urinalysis

• Urine culture

• X-ray studies using contrast die

After completing these tests, your veterinarian will likely be able to determine what is wrong with your cat and will be able to properly treat the problem.

How is Bloody Urine Treated?

Since bloody urine can be brought on by a number of different causes, the treatment method will depend upon what caused the problem to occur. If the blood was caused by a bacterial infection, for example, your veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic and will then monitor your cat's health. If the blood was caused by stones, on the other hand, your veterinarian may recommend dietary changes. You may also need to administer certain vitamins or put your cat on a fluid treatment program in order to make sure it is properly hydrated and receives the nutrition it needs to fend off its illness.

Regardless of the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian, it is important for you to be certain to administer all of the medication as prescribed and to follow the veterinarian's treatment plan. This way, your cat can heal as quickly as possible and will be back on the road to good health!

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for cats for sale Research cat information

How to Provide the Best Quality of Life For the Geriatric Cat

By Connie Limon

Older cats are prone to aches, pains and health issues just like their human owners. Such problems come with advancing age. The average lifespan of the cat has increased and chances cat owners will see age-related issues have increased as well.

It is not uncommon for the vets to recommend some tests for senior cats to make sure the internal organs are functioning like they should. Cats don't always show signs that they are not feeling as well as they did in their younger years. Some tests can let the vet know something is wrong with the senior cat long before he or she shows or feels signs of illness.

If the senior cat is healthy, it is probably a good idea for your vet to at least have yearly blood work done. You may actually save your cat from experiencing problems of illness when it is caught in the early stages.

Always visit the vet if your cat displays any of the following:

• Increased or decreased water intake and urination

• Weight loss

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Failure to groom

• Appearance of a growth or mass

• Any changes in activity level or normal daily habits

One of the most important things you can provide your vet is an accurate history. It is important to be able to detail any changes or symptoms the cat is displaying.

Conditions more common in senior cats include:

• Renal (kidney) disease

• Gastrointestinal diseases

• Arthritis

• Hyperthyroidism

• Neoplasia

Renal disease, common to senior cats, can be picked up on a yearly blood screen before outward signs appear. Some kidney problems will cause symptoms such as increased water intake and increased urination. You may notice you need to fill the water bowl more often or empty the litter box more often. Kidney disease is not necessarily a death sentence even for the senior cat. There are medications and treatments that can greatly enhance the quality of life for your senior cat.

Overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism is another common problem in the senior cat population. Symptoms might be loss of weight, even though the cat's appetite increases or that the cat's sleep-wake cycle changes. Overactive thyroid gland is another condition that is now easily diagnosed and treated. However, if this disease is left untreated or undiagnosed a host of other problems may appear such as:

• Cardiac disease

• Gastrointestinal problems

• High blood pressure

• Blindness

• Even death

Many cat owners dread hearing their cat has neoplasia. This is also unfortunately a common problem in the senior cats. It is a disease that is very difficult for vets to diagnose. Diagnosing may call for extensive diagnostic testing.

Arthritis is another common disease in senior cats. Signs of arthritis in cats may include:

• Decreases in activity level or ability/desire to jump

• Limping

• Weakness

• Decrease in appetite

If you notice any of the signs of arthritis, avoid over-the-counter human medication. These medicines can be very hard for the cat to metabolize and may actually even damage their internal organs. There are new veterinary medicines for the treatment of arthritis that can be used safely in cats.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.

Written by: Connie Limon. I raise the beautiful, emerald green-eyed shaded and chinchilla silver Persian cat from champion and grand champion lines. For more information about us and to be added to our contact list, please visit http://www.fairydewsilverpersian.vpweb.com For a variety of reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

Helping Cats Adapt to New Babies in the Home

By Connie Limon

There are usually three major concerns of new or expectant parents when it comes to mixing pets with their family. Those are:

• How to prevent pet behavior problems when the baby arrives

• How to introduce the baby to the family cat

• How to keep the baby safe around the cat

It is not uncommon for pet owners to assume jealousy is the cause of problem behaviors associated with the arrival of a new baby; however, this is not always the case. Cats become stressed by significant alterations in the environment. Family interactions between each other can cause distress for the cat. Stress is usually the main cause of the problems. The following changes all affect the cat:

• Changes in feeding

• Changes in exercise routines

• Changes in play schedules

• Changes in what the cat is allowed or not allowed to do

• Changes in how the pet gets attention

• Inconsistencies in the way the owner interacts with the pet

• New structures and odors in the home

All the above can lead to problem behaviors in the cat.

Cats do not instinctively know how to act around children. Children need to learn to interact with cats as well. Most cats accept the new arrival without a lot of fuss; however, there are always exceptions to this rule. Some cats will not accept a new baby in their family. In addition, cats can be unpredictable around children. Their behavior can range from total avoidance to intense interest. There is good news in that most problems can be avoided with some forethought, planning and training.

The number one rule to follow is: Limit the amount of changes the cat will have to experience because of the new arrival.

Cat's reactions to babies can be:

• Adapts quickly to the new baby either by ignoring it completely or seeking baby out for investigation or social contact with some cheek rubbing, etc. Of course, you want to monitor all the contact, the cat may decide to check out the new baby in ways you would not approve of such as a quick scratch down the cheek, maybe not even meaning it to be malicious.

• Other cats may respond with inquisitive, playful and affectionate overtures toward the new baby.

• All cat and baby interactions need to be closely supervised.

• It is rare that cats spread any kind of disease to humans. Most problems occur from a scratch or bite that can be avoided with close supervision.

Three basic considerations for helping cats best adapt to new babies include:

• Adapt the cat's schedule so it is prepared for the arrival

• Adapt owner interactions with cat to be similar to what will happen when the baby arrives so there is not a lot of sudden change.

• Adapt cat's environment slowly to prepare for baby's arrival. For example, if you will need to keep the cat totally separate from the family unit during certain times of the day, then start this routine before the baby arrives. If you will need to change the cat's feeding station, play times or anything else concerning the cat's schedule, do this well in advance of the baby's arrival so the cat is well accustomed to these changes.

• Most families have the baby's room and furniture already in place before baby's arrival. This is more important from the cat's point of view. Be sure to have all new pieces of furniture in place well in advance of baby's arrival. Some cats are stressed by new structures and new odors. Give your cat time to adjust to baby's necessities.

• Cats may be a little fearful or anxious of strange sounds. Try to record baby noises of cooing, screaming, and crying and replay the sounds for the cat to become well accustomed to new sounds of baby.

Written by: Connie Limon. I raise the beautiful, emerald green-eyed shaded and chinchilla silver Persian cat from champion and grand champion lines. For more information about us and to be added to our contact list, please visit http://www.fairydewsilverpersian.vpweb.com For a variety of reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com