Cat Dandruff - The Symptoms and Treatments

By Tim Bock

Dandruff is a common skin condition in cats. It's important to catch skin problems early, because if left untreated they will get worse. Since cats are unable to tell you what's wrong, it's important to observe your cat's state of being. The first step is recognizing the signs and symptoms.

The following are the symptoms that may indicate dandruff in cats:

- Increased appetite

- Excessive thirst

- Excessive urination

- Dehydration

- Depression

- Muscle wasting

- Lethargy

- Weight loss

- Poor grooming

There may be a problem - so now what?

In most cases skin conditions can be traced back to poor nutrition. All pets need a health supply of vitamins to maintain a healthy coat of hair. The following are 3 things you can do to improve you cat's diet:

- Purchase good quality foods: Most cheap generic cat foods are lacking in the essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy coat of hair

- Food supplements: Give them to your cat on a daily bases. Make sure they contain plenty of fish oil.

- Feed your cat canned tuna: This contains a lot of Omega 43 fatty acids, which is proven to improve cat hair.

It's not an exact science

Other factors that could contribute to poor skin in cats include excess exposure to cold or heat or allergies. If improving your cat's diet doesn't work, you should consult your vet. By going over the exact symptoms and routine of your cat, he or she will be able to advise you on the best treatment solution for your pet.

If your cat is suffering from dandruff, you need to read: Cat Skin Care Dandruff as soon as possible. This is an excellent article that will give you more information on treatment solutions. http://www.easycatcaretips.com is dedicated to helping people take care of their cats.

Cats Constipation Problems and Solutions

By Rod Snyder

This article is about cats constipation problems and solutions.

Constipation in cats is more common then many people realize.

Before we get into what to do about constipation in cats we need to look at the causes. Then we'll discuss some of the signs to look for and then cover some solutions and also what not to do.

OK, the causes. Here's a list of several possible causes.

• A diet that is unbalanced (This often the cause)

• Dirty litter box. (Always make sure to clean the litter box out regularly

• Dehydration. (Always have fresh water available and monitor how much they are drinking.

• A Foreign object of some type that is caught in the intestines.

• A noticeable change in their daily routine.

• Change in eating habits, as in not eating at all or eating very little.

• Tumors

• Change in grooming habits such as excessive grooming.

Some of the signs you can watch for are:

• The coat (fur) may look different. Out of condition, unkempt.

• Cat may seem very lethargic.

• Straining or crying while trying to defecate in the litter box.

• No stools for more than one day.

• Small amounts of stools that are very hard.

• Stools may have blood on them that could be caused by a broken capillary.

Some solutions for treating constipation in cats are:

If the cat is still passing some stools but they are very hard and if the cat is eating and drinking normally and seems to be healthy otherwise, you can try adding a small amount of fiber to their food. (some recommend adding canned pumpkin or bran to their food)

You may want to check the food your feeding them. Not all cat food is created equal, and many cat foods fall far short of what your cat needs.

If you don't know for sure what the problem is, then a trip to the vet is recommended.

Diet is one of the main causes of constipation in cats (just like humans) but isn't always the case. If the problem is more involved, it needs to be diagnosed and treated right away.

Cats constipation problems can be very serious. Our veterinarian has a glass enclosed case with objects they have removed from cats and dogs. I was amazed at some of them. Many could definitely cause the intestines to be blocked.

We know you love your cat and want the best for them and after all, they are counting on you to take good care of them.

Visit http://catbehaviortips.com now for great tips, secrets and resources on cat behavior, training and cat health. You and your cat(s) will be glad you did.

Do You Really Need Cat Food That Contains Vitamins, Minerals and Water

By Paul Kramer

Vitamins promote good health in a variety of ways. A high quality feline diet provides vitamins in the proper amounts and in balance with one another. However, light, heat, moisture, and rancidity can easily destroy the chemicals that make up vitamins, thereby reducing the nutritional value of your cat's food.

For that reason, it is essential to protect stored food from heat, light and moisture, and to use it before its expiration date. As important as they are, though, more is not better when it comes to vitamins.

In fact, an excess of some vitamins can make your cat ill. Too much vitamin A, for instance, can damage her bones.

Minerals are vital to strong bones, healthy cell tissue, and properly functioning organs. High quality feline diets provide minerals in the proper balance.

As with vitamins, though, too much of some minerals can cause serious health problem, including kidney stones and skeletal problems.

Dietary supplements may seem like a good way to ensure your cat's proper nutrition, and some supplements are good for some cats. However, excess vitamins and minerals in the diet can cause serious problems.

If you feed a high quality cat food, supplements should not be necessary. Ask your vet before adding supplements to your cat's diet.

Water is an essential part of your cat's diet. It keeps her body properly hydrated and helps her organs function. Senior cats are particularly subject to dehydration, so you must make it easy for her to take in enough water every day, particularly if she eats dry food.

Your cat gets some of her water indirectly from her food and some directly by drinking. She should always have easy access to clean water. If her mobility becomes limited as she ages, help her by placing water bowls in all parts of the house that she frequents.

Knowing the basic principles of proper feline nutrition is a helpful step toward keeping your cat healthy throughout her life.

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/Pet_Medications_Tips.html where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

Cat Food That Contains Fat, Proteins and Carbohydrates - Does Your Cat Really Need It

By Paul Kramer

Complete proteins, which are found in meats, fish and eggs, provide all the amino acids that your cat needs to maintain good health. Incomplete proteins, in contrast, lack some amino acids that cats and many other animals require.

Most plants provide incomplete proteins. Cats have much higher protein and fat requirements than do people, dogs, or many other mammals. As true carnivores, their diet should consist of about 30 percent protein.

Cats also require taurine, an amino acid found in meat. Taurine deficiency causes blindness and can lead to fatal cardiomyopathy. Taurine occurs in trace amounts in some vegetables, but the amounts are too small to support feline health; this is why vegetarian diets are not suitable for cats.

Fats are found in meats, milk, butter, cheese and vegetable oils. Dietary fat makes food taste better. More importantly, fat provides energy, protects internal organs, insulates against cold, and transports vitamins and other nutrients within the body.

Although fat tends to get a bad rap, it is vital to good health. In fact, studies have shown that as cats age, they lose their ability to digest and absorb dietary fat, and as a result, they need to eat fat that is more easily digested to maintain their weight and energy.

And unlike dogs and people, who need fewer calories as they get older, your cat's caloric needs remain pretty much the same throughout her life unless she becomes less active. If your cat loses weight or if her skin and fur become dry; ask your vet about a change in foods or about the addition of fatty acid supplements.

Carbohydrates or carbs are found in foods from plant sources. Carbohydrates provide energy. Although your cat is carnivore with high protein needs, she does need some carbs in her diet as well.

As a conclusion, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet is fundamental to your senior cat's well being and longevity. Older cats are particularly subject to dehydration, so make it easy for your senior to take in enough water by placing water bowls in all parts of the house.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Food for your cats, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://callpetmeds.com/Cat_Ownership_and_Care.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.

Getting Another Cat?

By Luke Blaise

You might be thinking about getting another cat but it is not a decision to be made lightly. Many people get another cat not thinking through the decision all the way. Your neighbor or friends might be wanting you to take their cat, but before you cave in you need to consider several things.

1. Will your current cats accept your new cat? Cats can be very territorial, and a new cat in the house can upset a delicate balance that might take a long time to reestablish. You can't tell for sure how your current cats will accept a new cat until they actually meet. The best way to introduce new cats is to isolate them in a room for a few days so the cats can get used to new smells, and then after that only allow supervised interactions for the first couple of days.

2. Why is this person trying to get rid of their cat? Does this cat have a behavior problem you are not aware of? The number one reason cats are surrendered are due to behavior problems, like urinating on the bed and scratching furniture. If this cat does have a behavior problem are you willing to take the time to work with the cat in fixing this problem?

3. Do you have the financial capability to care for this cat medically? Veterinary bills can add up quickly especially for older cats. Before accepting a new cat be sure you consider your financial situation.

4. Do you have space for this cat, just considering litter boxes? Most cat experts recommend having one more litter box than you have cats. This means if you have three cats you need four litter boxes. Do you have room for four litter boxes?

5. Does this cat have any health issues? Many diseases are silent but deadly. Diseases like feline leukemia virus can be carried by seemingly healthy cats and can spread the disease to your cats. Before accepting new cats be sure to have their health status verified by a veterinarian.

Giving a new home to a cat that needs one is a great thing to do. But you need to make sure your situation is right for accepting a new cat into your house. By thinking through all these steps you can make the right choice.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Boredom - Stop it With This Simple Technique!

By Luke Blaise

Cats almost always seem bored. The older a cat gets, the more boring its life seems to become. Well there is a way to help prevent this from happening.

Think about this for a moment, if you had the same five toys to play with everyday wouldn't you become bored too? Well instead of giving your cat access to all the same toys everyday, what you need to do is create a toy rotation.

It is easy and simple to create a toy rotation. Just take away a few toys and only let your cat have access to one or two toys a day. Then the next day, take those toys away and give back some of the other ones.

By only giving your cat access to one or two toys a day and then switching them on a daily basis you are adding variety to your cat's life. Novelty in an animal's environment stimulates learning and activity.

Some cats won't play with toys at all. So in order to help get your cat more exercise, you need to get down and play with your cat 15 minutes or so a day. Nothing better stimulates your cat's interest more than human interaction.

This daily interaction can be enhanced with toy rotation. Also this is good for you as well, because it forces you to come up with new ways to play with the toy of the day.

By incorporating a toy rotation into your schedule you can help stimulate your cat and help to keep your cat in shape. Also you will get some exercise out of it too and even more quality time with your cat.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Behavior - Changing Your Cat's Behavior Early

By Luke Blaise

Many people have cat behavior problems, and it is often the most common reason cats are given up to shelters. People often don't seek help for cat behavior problems until after weeks or months of the problem.

Most cat behavior experts will tell you that the longer a certain behavior goes on the harder it is to change it. Normally most people don't realize this until it is too late. One of the first things you should do if you notice an acute behavior change in your cat is to seek veterinary guidance in case there is a medical cause to it.

Many feline medical problems are manifested as behavior problems. Often times if a cat is not using a litter box and urinating around the house it could be due to a urinary tract infection. Sometimes the problem could be as simple as the cat is getting too old to use the litter box and a different litter box with lower sides will do the trick.

Even after the medical problem has been resolved, a cat behavior problem can persist due to the learned behavior during their illness. If a cat learned to urinate around the house will it has a urinary tract infection, it may continue to do so out of simple conditioning.

By getting on top of cat behavior problems early you can make your life and the life of your cat easier. Remember changing your cat's behavior often comes down to consistency. Remember a good veterinary exam can rule out a possible medical cause of a behavior problem.

Cat Behavior 101