Teacup Kittens - The World's Smallest Kitten

By Wendy Pan

Not all cats advertised as miniature are teacup kittens. Be aware that the standard size female cat will weight about 11 to 14 pounds. The standard size male cat will weight about 12 to 17 pounds. A teacup size female cat will weight about 3 to 6.5 pounds and the teacup size male will weight about 3 to 7.5 pounds. This is a good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind when shopping for a teacup. Some unscrupulous breeders will try to sell you a cat under ten pounds as a teacup when that weight falls within the normal weight range for a standard cat. When shopping for a teacup do not be fooled by a breeder that will try to sell you a runt or tell you that any cat less than ten pounds is a miniature.

Teacup kittens come in a variety of breeds. These cats are bred to be small by inbreeding. The smallest cat of one breed is mated with the smallest cat of another breed progressively in each generation and with each mating a miniature or teacup cat is born. The result of this type of breeding results in dwarfism. There are two forms of dwarfism where teacups and other miniature animals are concerned and they are achondroplastic where the dominant gene will, through mutation, affect the hormones that control bone growth, and the primordial which occurs naturally. At this point let's cover the most common breeds of miniature (teacup) cats.

The most popular of the teacup kittens is the combination of Persian and Exotic. The MiniPer, a combination of Persians and Exotics was developed in California by Cher Simmitt. The MiniPers are primordial dwarves and their bodies are proportionate in every way except that they are smaller than the standard Persian and Exotic. The MiniPaws are a hybrid and carry the genes of both the achondroplastic and primordial dwarfism. They are small in proportion and have shortened legs thus, causing the legs to be somewhat deformed. They are a good example of the mutation of the dominant gene and its affect on the hormones that control bone growth. .

The Napoleon was developed intentionally by mating a Munchkin with a Persian. They have long coats and beautiful big eyes much like the Persian. The Napoleon is the newest of the teacup breeds.

The Lambkin was developed by cross breeding a Munchkin with a Selkirk Rex. They are called Lambkin because of their soft curly coats that resemble the coat of a lamb. Most of the miniature or teacup kittens are cross breeds of Persians and Exotics and are the most popular and sought after of all of the miniature breeds.

Many people want the teacups because they're cute and resemble kittens. They are easy to hold and carry and most of them are lap cats. However, be forewarned, they may be kittens when you buy them but like all other cats they grow up and lose their kittenish ways. They are after all, cats and cats do not stay kittens forever.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about teacup kittens, please visit Best Cat Scratch Posts for current articles and discussions.

Understanding Feline Nutrition - Like Teens, Cats Are Picky Eaters

By Rob Metras

Ever wonder why Tom was always after Jerry in the classic cartoon, Tom and Jerry? Well the reason is simple: Cat food. You see, cats are meat eaters. And to a cat, a mouse is a tasty tidbit packed full of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Believe it or not, proper feline nutrition is one of the simplest ways to ensure your cat's body functions properly. Feeding your cat right helps prevent obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and a number of other cat illnesses and diseases. Like humans, if a cat's nutritional needs are not met, its' health may suffer.

Outdoor cats satisfy some of their nutritional needs from the critters they catch. Indoor cats on the other hand, are not so lucky. But both need your help.

More than anything else your cat needs a daily dose of fresh water. It also needs fat, protein, carbohydrates, and certain vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy. Protein helps tissues stay healthy. Vitamins help metabolism. Fats help store and absorb the vitamins cats need to maintain healthy coats. And minerals help cat hair and skin to develop properly.

With so many different types of cat food on the market, it seems like feeding your cat right requires a degree in feline nutrition. There is dry food, wet food, cat food to prevent hairballs, and food for different-aged cats. There ís name-brand cat food, store brand, and really expensive brands. So which cat food is right?

Many veterinarians recommend dry cat food over wet. Dry food contains fewer preservatives than wet, does not spoil, and does not usually cause overeating. Feeding your cat higher-priced varieties is typically better as these are more nutrient dense. But even the best cat food will not do your cat any good if the cat does not like the taste. The bottom line? When in doubt about cat care, ask the vet!

Find out for yourself about cats and other pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. Subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give Me Your Cat Feed. I invite you to leave your comments on the blog.

Tips on Behaviour Modification With Cats - Cats Rule!

By Rob Metras

We are usually drawn to cats because of their independent nature, but that same independent nature can cause certain behavior problems that we just don't know how to deal with, and this is usually the reason why so many cats are given up for adoption.

An essential key in getting your cat to change his behavior is to catch the unwanted behavior early on. Most owners let a bad behavior go on to long. The longer a behavior goes on the harder it is to change. The following tips will help you change unwanted behaviors to wanted behaviors.

Go to the veterinarian - When you first notice the irregular behavior, you want to make sure that it is not a medical problem. A lot of medical problems that can affect your cat manifest themselves in the form of a behavioral problem. For example, if a cat stops using the litter box, and urinates in different places of the house, it could be because of a urinary infection. It could also be because the cat is getting older and it is too hard for him to get in and out of the litter box. In this type of case there are simple solutions, but only a vet can tell you if it is a medical problem.

Understand your Cat - Before you want to change his behavior you need to understand what is a normal reaction for your cat. What you might think of as misbehaving may actually be your cats natural behavior. For example, your cat doesn't scratch your furniture on purpose, he does it because his claws are growing. In order to curb a behavior like this you need to get him a cat scratch tower. To get him to use it there are a few things you can do like putting sticky tape on the furniture where he has been scratching. Cats don't like to get their claws sticky. You can also tape aluminum foil there, they don't like the sound of aluminum foil.

Get your Cat away from the affected area - If you are trying to change a cats behavior then you need to get him away from the area in which he is behaving badly. Place things the cat doesn't like in the areas he is misbehaving in. So if he is peeing in a certain area of the house, place oranges in that area. Cats hate the smell of oranges.

Non violence - Whatever you do, use non violent techniques to get your pet cat to change its behavior. Cats love to be praised so you need to use as much positive reinforcement as possible.

Curbing Aggressive Behavior - If you have brought another animal into the house and the cat seems to always be fighting, this is normal behavior for the cat. Cats are territorial. If it's a dog you have brought into the house give the cat preference by feeding him above the dog. That way the dog will know the cat outranks him, and this will make the cat feel more at ease. Lessen aggressive behavior by giving your cat the space he needs. The first thing you can do is to get separate litter boxes, separate food bowls, and separate water. Giving their own space will help them control their aggressive behavior.

Cats can be moody at times, and some cats seem to be moodier than others. Remember when a cat is feeling sick his emotions and his behavior will also be affected.

Find out for yourself about your cats, dogs and pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. I invite you to get our RSS feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me your Feed.

Stop the Cat Scratching and Smell the Citrus - Ways to Protect Your Furniture

By Rob Metras

Cat scratches are considered as the biggest menace in the training of a cat. The cat normally scratches the furniture and other hard surface with its claws and can damage furniture and other surfaces, causing you to feel desperate, especially when nothing seems to deter it from doing it again.

If cat scratching is what's keeping you from getting that cute cat, then don't worry so much. The scratching of the furniture and sofa can be stopped, and you can teach cats to scratch the right surfaces, and keep them away from your furniture and other unwanted scratching surface.

There are a few reasons why cats scratch. They may scratch, in order to leave a visual presence and mark their scent. They want to let other cats know that they are living here and don't want other cats to interfere.

A cats' claws grow in layers and the outer layer promotes the growth of the new layer. The growth of the claw causes some discomfort and forces the cat to scratch on any rough surface. Scratching the rough surface gives the cats claws in shape and this is just another reason they continue to scratch..

Scratching of the hard surfaces enhances the stretching of muscles, creates good blood circulation and promotes a healthy and stable body for the cat. The cat becomes comfortable in the process of scratching and also tends to do it when playing with the other cats.

You may be able to discourage this cat behavior by scolding them to a certain extent, but you can also avoid your cat from scratching in the wrong places by adopting the following techniques.

• Purchase the right scratching surfaces for the cat to prevent them from scratching the furniture and other items.

• Generally cats prefer hard and rough surfaces like wood for scratching. Having the cat Practice on the scratching post or tree lets him be happy and gives you scratch free furniture.

• Decorate the scratch tree or post with toys and catnip. This creates an attraction for them. The scratching post should be lengthy and tall for the cats.

• The scratching materials should be made visible to the cat, so it can scratch these items rather than the furniture.

• Using Sticking tapes and adhesive tapes on the furniture over the scratched areas, causes the cat to stay away from those areas because of the discomfort the stickiness of the tape causes.

• Some noise makes cats uneasy, so bonding of aluminum foil and plastic covers over the furniture or other items frustrates the cat because of the sound caused and they will avoid scratching on these areas.

• Cats generally hate the aroma of oranges. Keeping oranges over the furniture makes them run away from the place. Hanging the oranges over any hard surface also prevents the cat from scratching.

• Training the cats also helps in keeping a scratch free home and furniture.

Following the above techniques will help you keep a scratch free environment and create a peaceful living experience for you and your cat.

Find out for yourself about cats, dogs and pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. I invite you to subscribe to our RSS feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me the Feed. If you do not use a reader have it sent to your email by entering your name and address in the upper right hand corner of the blog.

Providing Indoor Cats With a Stimulating Environment - Cats Just Want to Have Fun

By Rob Metras

Cats are wonderfully inquisitive, intelligent animals. In fact, they posses senses that are much more acute than our own, that is why it is important to offer cats that are restricted to living indoors things that are stimulating and interesting. Indoor cats get bored and then stressed when they do not have adequate stimuli. The worse part is that a bored cat will probably start misbehaving and scratching furniture, urinating in different areas of the house, and start meowing a lot. Inactivity in indoor cats also produces a weigh problem in the cat. The following tips will help you make the cats indoor environment more comfortable and give him something to do.

Before finding stimulation for your indoor cat make sure he/she has the basics. Be sure that he/she has fresh water available and you might want to leave a small amount of dry food out for him/her during the day. If you have more than one cat be sure that you have separate litter boxes for them and be sure that your cat has a warm comfortable cat bed.

Next you need to understand the way your cats natural instinct and behavior works, that way you can recreate their natural environment inside, sans mice. Cats love to jump and to climb. They like to be up high, so offer a cat tree that is pretty high, one that will give them climbing opportunities.

Cats also have a natural tendency to want to keep their claws sharp, and they use something to scratch to do this. Outside they usually use trees, but in the home they may go for the furniture, so you want to have a scratching post to avoid having your furniture clawed at.

If you have ever watched a cat at play, then you know that they love to sprint and pounce on moving things. This helps keep their senses sharp, it gives them exercise and keeps them fit. You can provide different toys and activities for your cat, to keep him/her pouncing. A great game to play with him/her is the fishing pole. Get a stick, a pole or an old fishing pole and tie a ribbon, a plush toy or something fluffy to it and move it around for your cat on the floor.

Use paper grocery bags or boxes around the house for your cat to play with. Cats love to hide and pounce on these boxes and bags, and it is a great way for them to get the exercise they need. If your cat does not understand what the paper bag is for, then help him/her out a bit. Set it on the floor and when he/she comes near it scratch the back of the bag, he/she will soon catch on that it is a game.

Use Catnip! Cats love the scent of catnip, it is relaxing to them. It is a safe substance and the cats themselves will moderate the use of it. You can either grow it yourself or buy it in some cat toys or in a spray. Cats truly prefer the fresh grown catnip though.

Indoor cats are generally deprived of contact with other cats and animals, that is why many sit on the windowsill to see if they can watch other animals. In quiet home environments where there are no other animals, the cat could get lonely. Now there are some special cat videos on the market that can be left on as background noise, and as visual stimuli for the cat during the day.

Remember, if indoor cats are left to their own devices, they may find their own entertainment and that could be dangerous for your furniture and house hold items. That is why if you plan out your cats entertainment you can avoid this type of problem and you both can just have fun.

Find out for yourself about cats, dogs and other pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. Subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me your Feed. I look forward to seeing your comments on our blog postings.

Do Cats Need Winter Boots?

By Rob Metras

It snowed last night for the first time this year in my area of Southern Ontario and it got me to thinking about boots,winter coats and the three kitties that call my place home.

"Get me some proper boots and you won't lack for fur caps , nor for decent meals, nor for anything else" said the puss in boots to the son. When I think of "the puss in boots" from my childhood, I remember all the favorite reading times, and imagining that cat in boots. At the time it seemed strange to think of a cat in boots, but today with all the new and cute pet clothes available the thought is not that strange. There are actually boots for cats and pet owners are using them, but if you are thinking of purchasing them, then you should proceed with caution.

Pet clothes, including pet clothes for cats is becoming quite popular, and a number of different pet stores and pet accessory shops offer different types of clothing including in some cases, winter boots for cats.

The question is does your cat need winter boots? Well, if you live in cold climates and your cat goes outside, he may be able to benefit from winter boots. The problem is that cats have such an independent nature, and their claws are so much a part of the way they sense things that it may be difficult to get the cat to become accustomed to the winter boots.

As pets get older and that includes cats, they need extra help in keeping warm, especially if the cat goes outdoors. As they age when they go out on long jaunts their body temperature may start to drop when they come back in and start to cool down, so winter boots may be a temporary option until the cat warms up again.

There are certain pros and cons to having cats wear winter boots. It's true that when there is snow and ice outside, your pets paws can freeze and the snow can pack in between it's toes, and if there is salt out on the driveways then he can track that salt into the house and onto your carpets. But if you use winter boots on a cat and let him go outside unsupervised you are also taking away his defenses, because a cat uses his claws to defend himself against other animals, and when he has boots on, well, he just isn't able to use those claws as well.

Cat boots can be used as a decorative style or as a way to warm his paws up when he comes back inside, but it's probably not such a good idea to let him out on his own with cat boots on.

The pet clothing fashions are cute and can be used on cats. There are little sweaters and boots available, but should probably be enjoyed at home, and left off if your cat goes outside. The best way to let your cat avoid getting cold is probably by keeping him inside where it's warm and toasty. Most of the time the cat will sniff outside when it's really cold and turn his back and decide to stay inside anyway.

Find out for yourself about acts and other pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. Subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me your Cat Feed. Just remember, that what looks cute for a human might be weird from the animals point of view.

Cat Illnesses - What You Do Not Know Could Kill Your Kitty - 1, Not 9 Lives

By Rob Metras

Here is something that might surprise you: Cat diseases can kill. Feline leukemia, feline distemper, rabies, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and more are serious cat issues. Left untreated, any one can quickly claim your cat's life.

A cat has just one life, not nine, and it is up to you to protect it. Fortunately, protection is easier than it's ever been before. In fact, many of the cat diseases mentioned above can be avoided completely. All you have to do is make sure your cat is vaccinated according to the schedule recommended by your vet.

Contrary to what you might think, vaccinating a cat is not cruel and unusual punishment. The most it will suffer is temporary discomfort. And you would have to agree; that is an acceptable trade-off for a lifetime of prevention.

Keeping your cat indoors is another easy way to protect your cat. Many potentially fatal cat diseases are passed on to healthy cats via bites or contact with an infected cat feces or urine. Some viruses also infect inanimate objects. Keeping your cat indoors reduces your cat's risk of exposure.

No matter how well-developed, natural cat hunting instincts offer little protection against these highly contagious and deadly cat diseases. Even if you have an indoor cat, you have to vaccinate. That is because indoor cats occasionally escape, can be exposed during trips to the vet, and can come into contact with infected toys, food bowls, or brushes.

If your cat is not acting like its normal self, take it to the vet right away. Don't wait it out. Something as seemingly harmless as vomiting can be a sign of something far more serious. The vet spent years learning how to administer proper cat care - You did not. Do not take the risk.

Find out for yourself about pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. Subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me your Feed.

5 Tips on Litter Box Behavior

By Rob Metras

Does your cat's litter box behavior need an adjustment? If your cat has stopped going where is it supposed to go. it might be your fault! Here are 5 cat care tips on litter box behavior that will get your cat going where it should.

1. Scoop more often

Lots of cat owners do not keep the litter box as clean as a cat would like. Cats spend hours cleaning themselves and when it comes to cleaning their litter boxes, they expect the same from you. If you are an occasional scooper, try scooping a couple times a day. Chances are your cat's litter box behavior will improve.

2. Keep it clean

You will probably notice a change in your cat's litter box behavior if you also clean the entire litter box more often. Plastic traps odor, and most litter boxes and liners are made of plastic. Change the liner and litter and wash the litter box with warm water and mild-smelling detergent a few times every month.

3. Take the lid off

Humans prefer a covered litter box but cats do not. When covered they cannot see approaching enemies. And covers trap odor. Uncover the litter box and see if your cat's litter box behavior returns to normal.

4. Give your cat what it is used to.

Switching cat litter brands is the easiest way to make your catís litter box behavior turn from good to bad. The new litter you bought because it was a better bargain might not feel right to the cat. If it does not feel familiar, do not expect your cat to use it. They hate change therefore avoid it..

5. The litter box brings to mind bad memories.

If something bad or frightening happened when the cat last used the litter box, the cat might be scared to go there again. Try moving the litter box someplace quiet and away from doors that slam, objects that fall and animals that harass. Then see if the litter box behavior improves.

And there you have it : 5 quick and easy cat care litterbox tips! Now get out there and scoop!

Find out for yourself about pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. Subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give me your Feed. Opt-in to our newsletter and get valuable tips, coupons, and useful cat and dog information.

5 Tips on Getting Your Cat's Trust

By Rob Metras

Have you ever wondered why some cats are so pleasant and others just seem mean and even threatening? Research has proven that cats are blessed with an effective communication system, and they have hundreds of different vocalizations to get them what they need.

Cats can understand what their owner wants because of the repetition of words and actions the cat owner does in a consistent way. This repetition of action and words creates the relationship between the cat and you the owner.

Earning a cats trust is not as difficult as you might think. In fact taking the time to care, vocalize, and watch the cat builds a strong relationship and causes the cat to begin to trust their owner. Granted it takes a lot of practice, because a cats behavior is not changed easily, but with a lot of practice and trust, the cat will slowly change its pattern and behavior towards you. The following steps helps in maintaining a good relationship with your cat and these steps promote trust between you and the cat.

1. One of the secrets to creating a strong relationship between you and your cat, has to do with caring for the cat. Giving him, or her, the right food, caring for them, and loving them will begin to create a strong relationship between you and your cat. If the cat is always be provided with love, and respect, they will become a very happy companion and friend to you. Strong relationship should be maintained by talking with them softly, watching and responding to their sounds. These actions make them happy and gain their confidence and trust.

2. Be sure that your cat is fed correctly and given the right food. When your cat gets the food he likes, you make him happy and that creates a bond of trust with the owner. The cat should be supplied with high-protein food on a daily basis. Cats are grazers and normally eat four to five times a day and so, they have to be supplied with good and healthy food. The amount of food plays an important role towards the health and growth of the cat. Cats should not be over fed and they should be provided with quality and high grade foods. Healthy cats will always be happier and more cheerful than those that are poorly fed.

3. Cats love to play with toys and cat nips. Getting the right toys makes them happy and more loving towards you. A bored cat will always be unhappy. Providing the cat with the toys like, bells, glossy ribbons, and jingles make them happy and fun to be around. chew toys gives them something to nibble and provides strength for their teeth. A happy cat will have a strong bond with its owner.

4. The cat needs a companion to play with and playing with the cat promotes a sense of security and safety for the cat and results in the development of trust between cat and owner.

5. Making a home with a good bed, litter box and soft towel makes the cat happy and it lets him know he has his own separate space. This bed makes the cat comfortable for sleeping and creates a good rapport between owner and cat. Remember, cats are living beings and they should be supported with love and care.

Find out for yourself about cats and other pets by visiting me at Your New Pets. I invite you to subscribe to our feed to get your content delivered directly to you at Give Me More Cat Love. Visit soon and visit often.

Vaccinating Your New Kitten

By Rebeca Rambal

Your veterinarian will recommend that your kitten come back in two to four weeks for a second dose of FVRCPC and a second FIP and FLV vaccine. If he was wormed at his first visit, he will receive a second treatment. If your kitten is at least 12 weeks old, he will also get his first rabies shot at this visit.

Your kitten needs to come back a third time between the ages of ten to sixteen weeks. He will get a third FVRCPC shot at this time. If your kitten was too young to get a rabies vaccine at the last visit, he will get one this time.

When your kitten has gotten his third set of FVRCPC inoculations, he is home free until he reaches a year of age. At one year old, he will need another FVRCPC vaccination and another rabies. If he gets his second rabies shot within a year of the first, he will then be safe for three years. The FVRCPC needs to be given every year, however. If your kitten got vaccinations for FIP and Feline Leukemia, he will get booster shots for them at his one year visit to the veterinarian.

Vaccinating your new kitten is safe, but some cats do have side effects on occasion. Feline Leukemia vaccinations can sometimes be the cause of a form of cancer that may develop at the site of the injection. This is the main reason many veterinarians do not recommend the vaccine if cats are not at risk of contracting it. Some vaccines may create tumors at the injection site. Most of the time, these tumors can be surgically removed before they spread through the cat's system. This is a very rare side effect; the risk of your cat catching the disease the vaccine prevents is much higher than this side effect. If you notice a small lump forming at the injection site, let your vet know. These lumps are usually a sign of a simple reaction to the vaccine, but in rare instances, they can develop into a tumor.

Vaccinating your new kitten will help keep him or her healthy by preventing many diseases that may be debilitating at best or fatal at worst. It is easy to protect your cat against these dangers to their health with a few short trips to the vet. Do yourself and your cats a favor and protect them with vaccinations.

If you want to read great stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com

Neutering Or Spaying Your New Kitten

By Rebeca Rambal

There are just too many cats that are either homeless or feral, and people are starting to notice that it is important to neuter their pet cats. Cats mature quickly and can reproduce several times every year, so two feral cats can soon produce twenty or more.

Most feral cats are often pet cats who were not neutered or spayed, and released by their owners when they couldn't take care of them any longer. Feral cats live in colonies, and they can spread diseases to any pet dogs and cats in their vicinity. Even if they are otherwise healthy, they may be flea-infested. When the females come into heat, the colony can disrupt the sleep of an entire neighborhood with their crying and fighting. Cats who are hungry enough will raid garbage cans. Feral kittens can destroy landscaping and soil your yard or outdoor furniture.

Neutering or spaying your new kitten in the long run can obviously reduce the number of unwanted kittens that are produced, but it also can provide other benefits. A female cat in heat is very loud. Her crying is quickly drowned out by the fighting and yowling of any local tom cats in the vicinity. Toms that are not neutered tend to roam far away from home if they are allowed outdoors and may get injured or killed. Unaltered tomcats that are kept indoors or outdoors will tend to mark all objects in their territory with urine, which is extremely strong-smelling.

Cats who are unaltered may come down with some types of cancers more frequently than altered cats. These cancers affect the reproductive organs. They are extremely rare in cats that have been altered by the age of one year. Unaltered cats may also catch any of several contagious diseases of the reproductive tract.

Unlike some animals, neutering or spaying your new kitten can be done at a very young age. Some humane societies and rescue groups recommend altering kittens at the age of eight weeks. Many veterinarians, however, suggest you wait until five or six months of age in most cases. The exceptions may be feral kittens who are trapped and then taken to be altered before being re-released to their colonies. By the time they are five or six months old, they may already be pregnant.

However, that doesn't mean that you can't alter your adult cat, it is just better to do it as young as possible.

If you have both male and female kittens in your home, you may want to neuter the males at a younger age, and wait until the girls are around six months old. This is recommended in many cases because the procedure is more difficult for females than males.

Most cats rarely have any problems after neutering, but sometimes incisions can become infected. Be sure to check your cat daily to make sure the incision is healing well. Symptoms of infection are puffiness and redness around the incision site. If your cat is licking or chewing at the stitches, you may need to have the cat wear an Elizabethan collar. This will prevent them from being able to reach the stitches. Male cats can go about their business quickly after the surgery, while females should be kept indoors for up to five days afterwards as they may injure themselves.

As with any type of surgery, there are some risks. In very, very rare occasions, cats might be allergic or have a fatal reaction to the anesthesia. However, statistically, the risk is minimal.

Neutering or spaying your new kitten is really a rather simple procedure. With a little extra care during recovery, your pet will have a happy, healthy life without worrying about unwanted litters and reproductive health.

If you want to read great stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com

The Serious Problems of Kidney Disease in Cats

By MC Raflesia

Kidney disease is a general very disorder in cats. It could be present at birth or acquired. Wastes build up in the blood when kidneys malfunction. Generally cats don't drink nor pee much. This is for the reason that cats' kidneys run extremely hard through their lives concentrating their urine. Thus it is not astonishing that older cats are often seen with kidney disease. Nevertheless young cats may infrequently build up problems too.

Some symptoms of kidney disease in cats are weight loss, depression, vomiting, polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), lethargy, enlarged kidneys, bad breath, weakness, and loss of coordination.

Kidney failure is one of the most widespread health problems experienced by cats, especially as they grow older.

However, in recent years, there have been several exciting scientific developments and nowadays there are ways of slowing the development of the disease. Maybe more significantly, recent treatments could considerably improve the quality of life for a pet having kidney failure.

The widespread problem in older cats is a kidney disease in the form of chronic kidney failure. An upsurge in water consumption and urination is the most obvious symptom. A blood check must be made if you observe these symptoms, since there are a number of conditions that could lead to this. The upsurge in drinking and urinating in chronic kidney failure is because of loss of the kidney's ability to focus the urine. The kidneys have so big reserve ability, and symptoms of kidney failure are not perceived until about 75% of kidney tissue is non-functional. As cats grow old, their possibilities of rising chronic kidney disease enhancing.

It is progressive and also deadly for chronic renal failure in cats. Because the kidney disease in cats engages the loss of kidney cells and replacement by scar tissue Conventional or alternative medical treatment could not reverse its course.

Upsurge of blood toxins and anemia are the most major problems initiated by the loss of kidney function. And these may lead to weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and other signs of illness.

In conventional medicine, there are drugs that may reduce anemia, and phosphate binders to put off phosphorus precipitates from more injuring the kidneys. These may not be palatable, and may lead to unfavorable reactions.

If you want to get some excellent resources on kidney, please visit my site on You and Your Kidney or Kidney Disease in Cats

All Natural Cat Food - Seven Good Reasons Why Nature is Best!

By Madeleine Innocent

Feeding your cat an all natural cat food diet will improve her health, boost her immune system and create a happy cat. If you knew what went into most, if not all, commercial pet food, you would never buy it again. Truly, it's not for the faint hearted.

Most commercial pet food ingredients are cheap, as the better quality food goes for the higher priced human food market. Cheap food can mean anything from high fat content, meat by-products (hair, intestinal contents, chicken feet, rancid fat, dead or diseased animals), to low grade carbohydrates such as sugar, left over fast food or spoilt grain unfit for human consumption to the melamine used to bulk out American pet food imported from China.

None of this is normal or natural cat food and much of it is indigestible, so can you wonder that overall, cats health is on the decline?

What can you do about it?

The first and most important thing to do is change your cat's diet to a homemade, raw, all natural cat food, for seven good reasons.

Cats evolved on raw food over millions of years. They are best able to use this diet over all others.

Raw food contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients, in the right amount, in a balanced form. Cooking destroys many essential nutrients.

Unlike processed cat food, natural cat food is easy to absorb and the cat utilises it efficiently.

An all natural cat food diet ensures your cat has healthy teeth and gums. Despite the claims, no processed cat food does this.

Parasites such as worms, fleas and ticks are minimal when you feed your cat this diet, as the environment of your cat's body is not conducive to them. This is the opposite of processed food which makes your cat's body a feeding ground for parasites.

All natural cat food keeps your cats immune system in good working order, so reducing or preventing many diseases, particularly the serious ones.

A hunting domestic cat is usually doing so to address an imbalance in their diet. A natural diet reduces a cat's desire to hunt.

Whatever the health of your cat is like at the moment, changing her diet to all natural cat food will go a long way to the prognosis of her condition. However, it isn't just a matter of substituting her processed food for raw meat. There are some important rules to follow and tips to consider.

Madeleine Innocent has been a homoeopath, a natural health therapist, since 2000. 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 her treatment, enormous strides in the resultant good health are made. To underestimate a good, natural diet is to play Russian roulette with life. For more information, please click on this website:- http://www.naturallyhealthycats.com

My Cat is Vomiting - When Hairballs Are Not the Cause of Cat Vomiting

By Kate Rieger

Perhaps you have watched your cat gulp down his chow quickly (like a dog!), then drink a lot of water(like a dog!), then he jumped up on the bed for a nap(like a cat). He wakes up and jumps off the bed -- whoops -- your cat is vomiting his dinner all over the floor.

If he gives the mess a disdainful glare and sits down in front of the cat food bowl looking for more food, you don't need to be too concerned. Your cat simply had a load of undigested food in his belly and landed on the floor too hard which caused him to throw up his dinner. While overeating and cat hairballs are common causes of cat vomiting, here are some other reasons why your cat is vomiting and how you should react to them.

1. Swallowing a foreign object, like a plant that irritates the stomach; or dental floss or string, that has tangled itself inside his intestine
2. Pancreatitis
3. Diabetes
4. Hyperthyroidism
5. Kidney disease
6. Inflammatory bowel disease
7. Feline urinary tract infection

If there is blood in the vomit, either bright red or black, get your cat to the vet immediately. This is a sure sign that he has eaten something poisonous.

Cats are not cows, but they do enjoy occasionally eating grass and plants. If your cat is vomiting over and over, but shows no other signs of illness, hold off feeding him for 12 to 24 hours. If he becomes lethargic and won't eat after 24 hours get him to the vet - fast. He may have ingested something poisonous, or even have another illness like pancreatitis.

Cats love to play with strings of all types: dental floss, thread, yarn, tinsel, fishing line. When they swallow the string it has a chance to tangle up inside his intestines and even cause a blockage.

If your cat is vomiting repeatedly and doesn't let up, this is a sure sign that he has swallowed something foreign. An intestinal blockage is life threatening. Get him to the vet.

If you cat is a chronic vomiter - he vomits on a regular basis, but perhaps only once or twice a month, then he may be suffering from irritable bowel disease. If he drinks and urinates excessively in conjunction with cat vomiting, he may be diabetic, have kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, heartworm disease, or event a feline urinary tract infection.

If you are a cat owner whose cat is suffering from entangled intestines, or poisoning, or is a chronic vomiter, your cat needs proper diagnosis by a veterinarian. If the diagnosis requires long-term medical treatment, talk to you vet about herbal solutions for your cat.

Vets are turning more today to herbal solutions for treating the illnesses that cause chronic cat vomiting. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) is an excellent tonic for the entire digestive tract including your cat's intestines, bladder and kidneys.

Urtica urens is used in modern herbalism to promote a healthy metabolism and supports strong thyroid and adrenal functions. Galega officinalis (Goat's Rue) helps improve pancreatic health and maintain healthy insulin levels in cats. Arctostaphylos uva ursi helps maintain normal pH levels in your cat's urinary tract.

If your cat is vomiting and you suspect one of these illnesses, natural herbal remedies play a large part in eliminating disease and maintaining wellness. Better yet, help your cat stick to a simple pet health care program that actually gets him on the fast track to recovery using simple, natural herbal solutions.

About The Author: 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 through adoptions, education programs and spay/neuter efforts, they provide affordable solutions to reducing the pet overpopulation crisis in the Kentuckiana region. While she would like to extend the concept of spay/neuter to some of the human population, she swears she's only into altering cats. Never one to be short on opinion, she is on good behavior during her speaking engagements at local schools, organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and on local and national radio talk shows. 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.

4 Eared Cat - A Strange Mutation

By Ian Pennington

A 4 eared cat can certainly be a very strange thing to see. Most people are accustomed to seeing normal cats with only two ears. It can be very frightening to witness such an odd event. In fact, many folks try to get a photograph if possible of the cat with four ears because it is such an unbelievable sight. Some individuals do not even believe what they are seeing!

Fours Ears Caused by Mutation

Cats with four ears have some sort of mutation, which causes them to grow an extra set of ears. However, it is actually a little more common than one might first believe or realize. It is no different than other weird occurrences that have recently popped up on the Internet or in the news. Some of these weird occurrences include a cow with two heads, a baby with two faces, or a dog with five legs. These occurrences are also due to mutations.

Witnessing a Cat with Four Ears

If one is lucky enough (or unlucky enough?) to witness such an occurrence as a 4 eared cat, one should certainly try to document the amazing experience with a video recorder or a camera so that others will believe the story, too. The local news station may even be interested in covering the story as well.

Not All Sightings are Real

Everyone should be warned that not all photos of cats with four ears are real. Some of the pictures currently on the Internet of cats with four ears have been altered using a simple computer program. Some people even stoop to the level of putting a fake pair of ears on a cat to try to convince others they have cats with four ears at home. Most people who fake a picture of a 4 eared cat are only doing so to gain fame or money from the fake picture.

Cats with Four Ears Merchandise is Available for Sale

Merchandise is available for sale on the Internet and in stores that contains images of cats with four ears. Shoppers can purchase a variety of items with this image on them. These items include t-shirts, coffee mugs, hats, caps, cards, pictures, posters, cups, and bumper stickers. While certainly odd items, these items are being purchased by consumers every single day.

A cat with four ears is truly a rare and exciting discovery for a person to make. It can be an unnerving and unnatural experience to actually see one in person, but it is also a little weird to see a picture of one as well. Remember that not all pictures of the four eared mutations are real, but some really are. Consider it a rare treat to witness this type of scary sighting.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about 4 eared cat, please visit A Cats Guide for current articles and discussions.

Cat Hairballs

By Doris J Canova

Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat's stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.

Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.

According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.

With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract. Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these. Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.

Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.

Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer. Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care. Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.

Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.

As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn't bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.

If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.

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

Selecting a Cat Cage to Fit Your Needs

By D. Goossens

Like most people who own cats, or to be more correct are OWNED by the cats in the household, we want them to be as safe as possible. Many areas are putting restrictions on cats being allowed to run free about the neighborhood and for good reason. Like any pet allowed to roam without restriction, they can be hurt by traffic, attacked by other animals or just generally get into mischief that can be a real problem and can cause some major expense with your Veterinarian. If your community has a local posting board or newspaper, look and see how many missing or lost pets are posted every day and you will quickly realize how heartbreaking, but preventable this can be.

Cats do like to be outside when possible and should be able to enjoy that freedom just like we humans do. A great way to allow this freedom is using a large cat cage. When people think of a cage, they picture in their mind a small enclosure with the cat pacing back and forth waiting on when it's time to be released from their prison, but it does not have to be this way. Large cat cages allow the cat to play in a protected area without the worry of harm from other animals and these cages keep your pet in a controlled area. Some of these cages have shelves, toys, playgrounds, chairs, items that you would have in your home available for your feline friend while in the cage.

When shopping for a cat cage, I suggest the bigger the better. This gives your pet plenty of room to move around in the cage so they do not feel confined. Pay attention to the quality of the metal used in the cage and the size of the openings in the metal. If the openings are too large, the cat may be able to get it's head through and become trapped. Examine the door opening and the security of the door latch.

Consider a modular cat cage system. These systems use panels which can be added or subtracted to, making the cage very versatile. Remove a few panels and you can move the cage indoors when you are away from home to keep your pet in the area you want. Take the cage outside and add a few more panels and you can create a large playground and not worry about where your pet is. A good quality cat cage must be able to do 2 things, keep your pet in the area you want them to be and protect them from other roaming animals. I have seen fabric cat enclosures which may work well indoors, but I would never consider them for use outdoors as they offer no protection from a wandering neighborhood dog.

I suggest people to visit Cats-on-line which has a great selection of quality cat cages and cat products. These people know pets and can help you find the right cage to suit your needs.

Dealing With Feline Aggression

By CS Swarens

Cats have a long-lasting attitude for being a little on the snobby side and for being a bit finicky. While this type of behavior may be somewhat normal in many cats, showing signs of aggression is not a behavior that should be tolerated from your cat. Nonetheless, this is the second most common behavioral issue faced by cat owners today. So, if your cat is showing signs of aggression, it is important for you to take steps to put an end to the behavior so you and everyone else in the house can get along nicely.

Reasons for Aggression

There are many reasons for feline aggression, though most aggression is caused by one of four main reasons:

• Dominance

• Fear

• Territory

• Redirection

Understanding the cause of the aggression is the first step toward putting an end to this undesirable behavior. It is also important to remember that some signs of aggression are related to your cat's natural instincts, such as the desire to be left alone and to protect its property.

In nature, cats are solitary animals who hunt alone. Therefore, if food is not plentiful in your household, your cats may show signs of aggression toward one another. But, it is important to note that even those cats that are fed well may exhibit territorial aggression, this is particularly true of those that are kept outdoors.

Cats may also exhibit aggression if they have to live together within a small area, such as if they are contained to a single room. In many cases, cats living in the same household will divide the house up among themselves. For example, one cat may seem to favor a particular windowsill while another may have a spot that it frequently uses on the couch. This is there way of setting up territorial boundaries in order to live together in a more harmonious manner.

Putting an End to Feline Aggression

Sometimes, cats that once got along with each other will suddenly begin exhibiting aggressive behavior. This usually happens when one cat has been away, such as when one has spent time at the veterinarian, and the cats do not recognize each other. Therefore, it is best to slowly reintroduce the cats to one another so the relationship is not irreparably damaged due to lack of recognition.

If you have cats that have simply never gotten along with each other, there are several steps you can take in order to put an end to the behavior. These include:

• Keeping your cats' nails trimmed

• Neutering all of the cats in the household

• Putting bells on your cats so they are easier to locate and so each cat can hear the other one coming

• Rub your cats each day with a towel that has been rubbed on the other cats in the household so they can become familiar with each other's scent

• Setting time aside each day to spend with each of your cats

If these methods don't work, you may have to physically separate your cats within your home. By slowly reintroducing them to each other, you may be able to finally achieve the level of harmony you want in your home.

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 pets for sale. Research cat information.

Cats Hair Problems and the Importance of Good Grooming

By Charlene Rennings

Looking at your pet cat, have you ever wondered how they get to have so much hair? The answer is because their follicles are unique - each one can accommodate two to three strands of hair instead of one, compared to humans. The density of the hair makes for a nice coat of fur for these lovely pets. But what happens when we encounter cat hair problems with our beloved pet?

Hair loss in cats is normal at some point. Shedding of hair is necessary to make way for new strands. This usually happens during grooming when the cat licks his fur off to keep it clean by his standards. Losing hair is natural because of the rough tongue surface. For the cats with longer hair, regular grooming is necessary so that their hair won't get entangled. They are also more prone to hair loss.

On a more serious note, excessive hair loss could be worst. Take the cat to the vet for an examination in order to detect the problem early. The vet may be able to diagnose a few problems like ringworms and other such parasites, hormonal imbalances, skin diseases, and other diseases, which could be related to circulation.

To help avoid any of the cause of cat hair problems, it will be best to comb the cat's hair regularly to get rid of the dirt, dust, and skin flakes that reside on the skin surface. This will keep the cat's coat tangle-free and the will help promote better circulation in the skin for healthier hair growth.

Your cat can't tell you when it is sick. It is up to you to learn about the various cat health problems and what you can do about it before it's too late. Visit CatHealthProblems.org

Cats Digestive Problems - The Common Causes

By Charlene Rennings

Like humans, our little friends at home - our beloved pets, go through occasional digestive problems too. If you're curious about what the usual causes of cat digestive problems are, this article can help out.

There are quite a few causes of digestive problems in cats. These include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hair balls, intestinal obstructions, pancreatitis, parasites, and parvovirus.

* Exocrine insufficiency

The pancreas is a small organ that is vital for humans and animals to survive. This organ supplies insulin for sugar absorption and secretes enzymes that aide digestion. When there is insufficient supply of these digestive enzymes, food will be absorbed without going through the proper process. This will result to weight loss, soft or poorly formed stools, and constant hunger. Failure to treat it could lead to worst conditions.

* Hair ball problem

Due to regular grooming rituals, cats always swallow a lot of their own hair. Since hair strands do not really get digested well, they get accumulated in the stomach until they get excreted back up again through the mouth when the cat throws up. The hair ball that does not get thrown up is the problem because it could block the intestines and eventually require surgery. Cats can cough them out naturally but if they show signs of struggle, better go to the vet fast.

* Obstructions in the intestines

Since dogs and cats are not really wise eaters, some indigestible stuffs end up in their stomachs. Gloves, small toys, corncobs, thread or strings, and a lot more wouldn't really get past their digestive tracts, which are relatively smaller in size than their mouths. You'll know when there's a problem when your cat tries to throw up but there's nothing coming out.

* Pancreatitis

The digestive enzymes get spilled into the pancreas and they digest the tissues like they're digesting food.

* Parasites

Hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, and other such parasites live in the digestive tracts. When the number gets out of hand, cats will begin to lose weight, have bloody stools, show fatigue, or become very weak.

These are some of the things to watch out for if you want to make sure you avoid having cat digestive problems.

Your cat can't tell you when it is sick. It is up to you to learn about the various cat health problems and what you can do about it before it's too late. Visit CatHealthProblems.org.

Cat Diabetes - When Too Much Sweetness Can Kill

By Charlene Rennings

Cat Diabetes occurs when the hormone insulin in cats fails to balance the levels of glucose or blood sugar in the body.

Glucose is the byproduct of foods which flows into the blood stream right after digestion. In normal body setup, insulin is secreted which converts glucose into energy to be used for body activities. In Type 1 diabetes, there is not enough insulin in the body to perform this important glucose conversion. The total failure of the cells to respond at all in the presence of insulin falls in the Type 2 category of diabetes.

A basic sign for cat diabetes would be frequent urination or polyuria. Excessive levels of blood sugar will be passed into the urine, with the kidney reacting by flushing them out through urination. In parallel with polyuria is polydipsia, the cat will feel excessive thirst. Having diabetes under control will similarly regulate this two conditions. Other major symptoms of feline diabetes are weakness of the rear legs, weight loss inspite increased appetite and lethargy.

Older, obese cats and those of the male gender are the group most affected by cat diabetes. Although there is no specific cause to be pinpointed, possible contributing factors can be hormonal imbalance, pancreatic disease, obesity and genetics.

Diabetes in cats can be determined though urine and blood evaluation. A good news for this kind of disorder is that it is treatable. With dedication and good collaboration with an expert veterinarian, your cat will certainly be a warm companion for a long period of time.

Your cat can't tell you when it is sick. It is up to you to learn about the various cat health problems and what you can do about it before it's too late. Visit CatHealthProblems.org.

7 Ways to Know If Your Cat is Suffering From Urinary Tract Infection

By Ann Matthews

It's unbelievable how clueless some people are when it comes to treating lower urinary tract disease in cats. Mainstream veterinarians are quick to prescribe antibiotics and other strong drugs that suppress symptoms but don't get to the root of the problem. It's about time that people learn how to maintain cat urinary tract health at home through safe, natural methods in order to prevent urinary tract inflammation in cats. Waiting until the last minute to take your cat to the vet can have serious consequences since urinary tract infections can be deadly if they travel up to the kidneys. Here are 7 ways to spot a urinary tract infection in your cat so you can get rid of the infection before it's too late.

1. Is your cat urinating more or less than usual? This can be one of the first signs of urinary tract infection in cats so it's helpful to observe your cat's behavior closely.

2. If your cat has stopped urinating altogether, it is a serious problem in cat urinary tract health. A bladder stone aka urolith can block the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine so it's important to take your cat to the vet for diagnosis if you notice that your cat is not urinating.

3. If there is blood in his urine, your cat is most likely suffering from a urinary tract infection. To check if there are traces of blood in your cat's urine, try to get your cat to pee on a light-colored surface so you can see better.

4. Is your cat drinking more fluid than usual? Thirst due to dehydration can be one of the symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats and for that reason it's important to make sure that you provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean water to drink.

5. Has your cat lost his joy in eating? Is he acting lethargic? Such changes in behavior are sometimes associated with problems with cat urinary tract health, especially when seen in combination with the other symptoms listed.

6. Licking and grooming of the genitals more frequently and crying while doing so are very likely signs of urinary tract infection in cats.

7. An almost certain sign of problems with cat urinary tract health is when your cat urinates outside of his litter box. Cats do this when it is painful to urinate. They associate the painful urination with the litter box and try to avoid it.

Now that you are armed with this information, you will be more capable of spotting and treating urinary tract infection in cats. It is important to keep in mind however that in order to achieve permanent health and healing, you must implement dietary changes that address any deficiency of vitamins or minerals as well as administer a homeopathic remedy on a regular basis.

Just treating the infection when symptoms start to show is not going to help you get to the root of the problem and prevent recurrent infections. As with treating any diseases, drug treatment may be a quick fix but if you want long-term results, holistic treatment is the most beneficial.

If you want to make sure you are giving your pets the best health care available, please take time to read more about the many natural alternatives at my site: http://www.natural-pet-treatment.com BIO: Ann Matthews is a long time pet health enthusiast with Pet Alive who has a real passion for the well-being of all pets