Cat Furniture - A New Product

By Joseph Starr

I moved into the house where I currently live almost 50 years ago and planted a 7-foot Pin Oak. Over the years it has grown and is now very, very, very tall and since it's located on top of a hill it is a bird-magnet. Birds come in mega-droves to nestle into its branches. Being a city boy, I thought they did that so they could aim their poop better onto my neighbor's cars, but an outdoorsman told be that birds like heights so they can see all around them. Whether they are being territorial or simply keeping track of possible predators in the area, he wasn't sure.

Cats are the same way. They like to get on top of things. Lacking furniture to climb onto and survey their domain, many cats snuggle onto a window sill and spend hours there. So there is justification for seriously considering buying cat furniture so they can be happy and contented. And look at the human furniture you probably own. What did you spend on that sofa you love to couch-potato on? How about the recliner? Does it have a built in massager, too? You don't have a strong argument for not spending about $300 for furniture on that love of your life, your cat. And, would you rather the cat climb on your furniture or on his/her furniture?

I searched the net for appropriate furniture to buy and came across a few items that looked promising and one that looked outstanding. Since cats like altitude, let's consider a cat climber or cat tree. My number one choice would be the Catvantage product. See it at catvantage.net. The product has won two editor choice awards in 2007, from Pet Product News International, and Cat Fancy. In 2008 it won 2nd place for best-in-show at the Global Pet Expo. It's a pole from floor to ceiling - kinda like a pole lamp - with steps for the cat to climb up to a big-enough-for-a-cat perch at the top. (For you Greenies out there, the pole is made out of recycled polyvinychloride, and most of the other parts are from recycled materials also.) I really like the clean, sharp, modern, design. It's not intrusive and will fit seamlessly into your existing habitat.

In fairness take a look at some of the competition. On the internet look up the Jungle Club House and draw your own conclusion. Notice especially the design, the height, and the price. At the Sitting Pretty website check out the CozyCat Furniture. They offer a pretty elaborate Tree Mansion for $1895. The same website has lower cost cat furniture, but for my money they look pretty ugly from a design standpoint. At Kittykornercatfurniture you can see a cat climber which is similar to the Catvantage product. I've found that the products that are lower in price than Catvantage typically don't give you the up-to-the ceiling perch for your cat and the designs are blah.

There are many climbers and trees to look at. So take your time. But please buy your pet some furniture of his/her very own that s/he will enjoy for many hours.

Joseph Starr writes on a variety of articles to keep his brain from fogging over. For more stuff about cats see his blog at http://joescattalk.blogspot.com/

Your Cat's Health and Well Being

By Rebeca Rambal

If you haven't had the pleasure of owning a pet cat before, you may not know that you can run into some cat health problems. Some can be prevented easily, while others begin genetically.

One of the most common problems with your cat's health and well being is the terrible hairball. Cats keep themselves clean by cleaning their fur with their tongues. Loose hair is removed and swallowed. Sometimes, instead of passing through the cat's digestive tract, the hair forms into a ball in the cat's stomach. Cats with hairballs develop a hacking cough, gradually expelling the hairball. Hairball prevention is easy: groom your cat daily to help remove the loose hair. You can also get cat food that helps prevent hairballs. If you look at your local stores, you may also find cat treats that can help with this problem.

Urinary tract infections are another feline health problem. This infection happens more frequently in un-neutered male cats, though it is seen occasionally in females as well. If your cat has suddenly developed an aversion to his litter box, it could be due to a urinary tract infection. Another clue is that your cat's urine will smell unusually strong if he has an infection. A trip to the veterinarian is the cure. He will also recommend cat foods that may help prevent the infection from coming back.

Cats are prone to several viruses as well that can be very dangerous to their health and well being: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) are the most common.

FIP is a cousin to the Corona virus, and is a very serious condition as there is no known treatment. The problem lies in the test. Cats that test positive for FIP may not have it, since Corona virus gives the same result on the test. A vaccine for FIP does exist, but many veterinarians do not believe it is very effective. Fortunately, this disease is not as simple to contract as some of the others.

FIV, also known as cat AIDS, isn't necessarily fatal. Some pet owners are afraid that they can catch HIV from an FIV-positive cat, but it is not possible.

FLV is easily preventable through vaccination if the cat has not been exposed to the virus yet. While FLV is not always immediately fatal, once this disease has been contracted, the cat usually does not live for long. If you have a pet with FLV, do not bring other cats into your household. It is contagious.

Many cats also become a host for worms. Hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms are the most common parasites that infect pet cats. Sometimes, they can also get heart worms. Symptoms that may indicate worms is weight loss, with the inability to gain it back; flea infestation; or white specks in the stool that looks like rice. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet for a test. Worms are easily gotten rid of with a few doses of worm medication. If left untreated, the cat can waste away and die.

If your cat likes to play outdoors, examine him frequently for ticks. If you find one on your cat and he has been moving more slowly than usual or acting lethargic or as if he is in pain, he may need to be tested for Lyme Disease. Your veterinarian can take care of this test and the treatment. Lyme Disease is given to both people and animals by ticks.

Your cat's health and well being is very important if you want to have many happy years with him or her. Caring for your cat properly is easy with a few regular trips to the vet.

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

The Truth About Conventional Treatments For Cat Urinary Infections

By Laura Ramirez

It never fails. Mainstream veterinarians are quick to prescribe antibiotics for cat urinary infection but the infections just keep coming back. Antibiotics may get rid of the immediate symptoms of urinary tract infection in your cat but beyond that are they effective? Many pet owners are turning to safer, natural solutions and it's easy to understand why.

I don't doubt the fact that cat urinary problems must first and foremost be diagnosed by a veterinarian. If you notice any changes in your cat's behavior, such as if he is drinking more water than usual, he seems to be in pain when urinating, or he is urinating more frequently, go to a veterinarian immediately to rule out any serious causes.

A tumor, bladder stones, struvite crystals, or serious disease can cause a cat urinary infection. Your veterinarian may have to perform a surgical procedure in order to cure the problem. Otherwise, a special diet may be necessary in order to dissolve the crystals or stones.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in order to get rid of your cat's infection. Not only are antibiotics difficult to administer, they also have dangerous side effects. Not to mention the high doses required to treat cat urinary problems may actually aggravate the infection.

Another reason why pet owners should start straying away from antibiotics for treatment of cat urinary infection is that their overuse has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Over time bacteria are going to evolve to the point that we won't even be able to get rid of it anymore if we keep using antibiotics anytime our cats have an infection!

The best way to take care of cat urinary problems before they spiral out of control is with natural treatment. A healthy diet and lifestyle and avoiding exposure to toxins and chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides can go a long way in helping your cat reach an optimum state of health so urinary tract infections don't become a problem in the first place. Along with these lifestyle changes, administering a homeopathic remedy can be very helpful in maintaining optimum bladder functioning and overall good health. Homeopathic remedies come in granule form so they are easy to give your cat.

Now it's time to start putting these tips to use. Conventional treatment with antibiotics may be a quick fix for cat urinary infection but they are only a temporary solution. Furthermore, the dangerous side effects of conventional treatment can actually put your cat's health at risk. If you want your cat to be healthy and infection free without putting his health in danger, make lifestyle changes and give him a homeopathic remedy. By doing so, you will help your cat recover permanently so he can stay healthy for years to come.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

Cat Urinary Blockage - How to Spot, Treat and Prevent It

By Laura Ramirez

Boy, did I learn a valuable lesson. I once took my cat to the vet because he got very ill. I didn't notice that something was wrong until he simply wasn't acting like his jolly self anymore. He was near-death by the time we arrived to the pet hospital but boy am I glad I made it in time. That experience taught me the importance of early diagnosis. It is essential to spot the early signs of cat urinary blockage before the problem progresses to the point of no return.

The symptoms of a blockage in cat are a change in the frequency of urination, painful urination, no urination at all, or blood in the urine, to name a few. Your cat may groom his genitals and cry while doing it to express how much pain he is in. Your cat may avoid urinating in the litter box because he associates the litter box with painful urination.

Cat urinary blockage may also cause incontinence in your cat because the bladder gets full and urine leaks around the blockage. If your cat stops urinating altogether, it is important to take your cat to the doctor immediately. If your cat doesn't urinate for even 3 to 4 days, it can be fatal.

If your cat has foul-smelling urine, it could also be a sign of infection. To check if there are symptoms of a blockage in cat such as blood in the urine, have your cat urinate over a light-colored surface so it is easier to spot the traces of blood.

Even if you only recognize mild symptoms of a cat urinary blockage, you should take your cat to the veterinarian for diagnosis. If there is a more serious problem that is the underlying cause, you can get your cat the necessary treatment. However, most cat urinary tract blockages result from an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. In order to address these issues, some important lifestyle changes must be made. Regular homeopathic treatment can also be very helpful in restoring balance to your cat's bladder and overall health.

In order to treat the symptoms of a blockage in cat and prevent recurrent infections, make some changes to your cat's diet and lifestyle. Make sure your cat eats only raw, unprocessed foods. Avoid commercial cat food, especially dry food, which is full of artificial chemicals. Give your cat plenty of fresh, clean water to drink and make sure he always has access to a place where he can empty his bladder. Holding it in too long can lead to blockage.

Now that you are armed with this information, come up with an effective, holistic treatment plan for cat urinary blockage. By doing so you can address the underlying issues that caused the infection and keep them from ever becoming a problem again. Relying on quick fixes like drugs will only suppress the symptoms temporarily. Make lifestyle change and the use of a homeopathic remedy the center of your treatment plan so you can help your cat achieve permanent recovery

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

A Quick Home Remedy For a Cat's UTI - Some Facts You Must Know

By Laura Ramirez

If you're like me, you've probably attempted to put together some herbs or other home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of your cat's UTI. A quick home remedy for cat's UTI may seem like a dream come true but unfortunately homemade remedies are simply not as effective as homeopathic formulas prepared by experts.

It sounds tempting to be able to concoct a home treatment to relieve cat's UTI. It's cheap and it seems safe. However, you have to keep in mind that many herbs have side effects just as dangerous as those of prescription drugs. If you want to avoid putting your cat's health at risk, you shouldn't try to prepare herbal remedies on your own.

Homeopathic remedies are rigorously tested in scientific laboratories in order to ensure safety and effectiveness. The same certainly cannot be said for a quick home remedy for cat's UTI. Unless you are an expert herbalist or homeopath, I wouldn't recommend attempting to make your own home remedy. Not only could it be dangerous, it could just end up aggravating your cat's infection.

A homeopathic remedy is the closest thing to a home treatment to relieve cat's UTI because it is affordable, widely available, and safe. A homeopathic remedy can be used regularly without any risk of side effects. It is convenient because it is widely available for purchase over-the-counter. In fact, you can easily order homeopathic remedies for cat's UTI online. There is no need to visit a veterinarian to get it.

Most importantly, homeopathic remedies are far more effective than a quick home remedy for cat's UTI. The latter's effectiveness is questionable at best. If you want to use a remedy that is safe, natural, and proven to deliver dramatic results, your best bet is to purchase a tried and tested homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are also easy to administer because they come in a granular form that is very palatable for cats.

Your next step? Take this information and shop around for an effective homeopathic remedy for UTI in cats. While it may be tempting to try to cut costs and go natural by concocting a quick home remedy for cat's UTI, remember that homemade treatments are not proven to be effective like prepared homeopathic formulas are. So instead of wasting time and money trying to invent your own homemade remedy, leave it up to the experts and use a homeopathic remedy that is guaranteed to help your cat recover quickly and permanently.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

A Guide to Feline Urinary Tract Disease and Its Treatment

By Laura Ramirez

Are you plain fed up with taking your cat to the veterinarian for feline lower urinary tract disease? Although it is a condition that affects a relatively small percentage of cats, it is a common reason for cat visits to the vet and can be serious if not treated in time. Prevention is the best medicine in most cases but there are ways you can treat an infection in its early stages at home before it spirals out of control.

The symptoms of feline lower urinary tract disorder are a change in the frequency of urination, painful urination, blood in the urine, incontinence, and more. The condition can be very painful so it's important that you treat your cat to relieve him of the symptoms.

Conventional treatment of feline lower urinary tract disease aims at suppressing the immediate symptoms of the infection. The problem with this line of thought is that the infection can return because the medicine doesn't get to the root of the problem. For this reason and the fact that conventional medicine has serious side effects, many pet owners are turning to alternative treatment methods.

Alternative treatment of feline lower urinary tract disorder aims at getting rid of infections by treating the problem holistically. A homeopathic remedy may be administered in order to alleviate the symptoms of the infection and strengthen the body's natural healing system. Dietary and lifestyle changes may be made in order to address the lifestyle factors that could be causing the infection.

A diet rich in raw, unprocessed foods is an important factor in treating and preventing feline lower urinary tract disease. Many commercial cat foods are full of chemical ingredients that can aggravate the symptoms of cat UTI and lead to an accumulation of toxins in the urinary tract. Furthermore, in order to detoxify properly, your cat needs to have plenty of fresh, clean water to drink.

To maintain a healthy bladder, a healthy flow of urine, and a strong immune system that can fight off infection, it is important to give your cat an all natural, homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are gentle yet highly effective and they don't have any of the dangerous side effects associated with conventional medications. They are 100% safe to use for extended periods of time and for that reason they make an excellent addition to any preventive treatment plan.

Make no mistake about it. Lifestyle changes and homeopathic remedies are the way to go in treating urinary tract infections in cats. Conventional medicine only suppresses the symptoms of the infection without getting to the root of the underlying cause. If you want to get rid of feline urinary lower tract disease and keep it from coming back, use natural treatment methods. They are safe, inexpensive, and provide long term results.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

7 Ways to Know Your Cat is Having Feline Urinary Problems

By Laura Ramirez

Tell me, does this sound like your cat? Is he frequently urinating, grooming his genitals, and urinating in inappropriate places? These are signs of feline urinary problems and you need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Here are 7 ways to know if your cat is having urinary problems so you can seek treatment before it is too late.

1. Is your cat whinier than usual? If your cat is crying often, this could be a sign that he is in pain. Often feline urinary tract infections are difficult to detect because cats have a high tolerance to pain but if your cat is whining more than usual and you notice other signs of infection, take your cat to the veterinarian.

2. The first sign of feline urinary problems is a change in normal urination patterns. If your cat is urinating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a problem.

3. Has your cat stopped urinating altogether? If so, get to the vet immediately because a complete blockage can be fatal if not treated in time.

4. If your cat is constantly dripping urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Feline urinary tract infections cause frequent urination and incontinence.

5. If there is blood in your cat's urine, he is most like suffering from feline urinary problems and needs to be taken to the vet immediately.

6. If your cat is grooming his genitals more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection, especially if it is accompanied by crying.

7. If your cat is urinating outside of his litter box in inappropriate places, feline urinary tract infections are most likely the cause. Your cat is probably urinating outside of his litter box because he associates the pain accompanying urination with the litter box.

Do yourself and your cat a favor by keeping these signs of feline urinary problems in mind. Quick diagnosis and treatment are important in order to keep your cat out of harm's way. Better yet, preventive treatment through the use of homeopathic remedies and implementation of lifestyle change are the most beneficial ways to keep urinary tract infections at bay. If you spot the infections early enough, you can take care of them at home and won't ever even have to go to a vet. After all, prevention is the best medicine and homeopathic treatment can maintain your cat's bladder health as well as combat infection. The ultimate goal is permanent recovery and it can be achieved most effectively with lifestyle change and homeopathic treatment.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.