Cat Health - My Top 3 Tips For Keeping Your Cat Healthy.

By Poppy R Smith

Your cat is your best friend. My cat is my constant companion. If she's not asleep on her favourite chair she is following me around or curled up on my lap. If she gets sick and has to stay at the vet's I'm lost without her. The house feels empty. She's 15 now and still well and active. It hasn't always been that way - she's had cat health problems all her life. At any time she can suffer from colitis or cystitis. I have to remain constantly vigilant to prevent her from becoming ill again. How do I do this? These are my top 3 tips for keeping your cat healthy. I'm not a vet or qualified in any way - this is my own experience of owning cats for many years.

Tip 1. Make sure you handle your cat (or any animal) every day. Run your hands over them. Know what their coat and body feel like. If any unusual lumps appear you should be able to spot them quickly. My cat developed a horrid weepy lump on her shoulder a few years ago. This had to be removed by the vet. Because I'd spotted it early it was a simple procedure and she has been fine ever since. My cat loves to be picked up and cuddled. If her reaction changes in any way this can be a sign that she is becoming unwell. If your animal is in pain she may whine when you pick her up or hold her body rigidly. You will soon get to know your cat's normal reaction to being handled. If your cat doesn't like to be picked up, try to stroke him and run your hands over him when he is eating.

Tip 2. Know your cat's behaviour. Than you can look for changes in behaviour that might indicate a cat health problem. A cat I owned many years ago was normally aloof and unfriendly. When he was ill, the opposite would happen. He would climb on my lap, look me straight in the eye and miaow - trying to tell me he felt unwell. The cat I have now is the opposite. She is normally talkative and friendly. If she goes quiet and sits in a corner - this a change in behaviour that tells me she is not feeling well.

Tip 3. Feed your cat a healthy diet. For my cat this is the number one factor for keeping her well. In my experience most cat food is too rich for most cats. The expensive, one helping, food in a sachet or carton is designed to make you feel you are a wicked owner if your cat isn't being fed on specially created food for the sophisticated cat. My cat is fed on one brand of light, dried cat food. It is a properly balanced diet. Any change from this immediately makes her ill. I have used changes in diet to help the cat health problems of other cats too. Two cats I looked after a couple of years ago had, to be delicate about it, a wind problem. They were fed on expensive, tinned food. In their six months with me they were fed the same dried, light catfood as my own cat. Their wind problems disappeared. A colleague of mine had two cats with cat health problems. Both were addicted to fish. They wailed inconsolably if they didn't get fish. One was bald down his back legs and belly. The vet was at a loss. I persuaded their owner to change their diet completely. To take them off fish and expensive sachets. Just feed them a cheaper, less rich, variety for a balanced diet. Within months the bald patches on the male cat had grown fur and the female had slimmed to a more normal size.

If you want more in depth information on cat health, you need to find a book written by an expert in the field. My cat, Poppy, has her own website. She has a page on cat health where she has found information written by just such an expert. Head on over and take a look

Cat Food Coupons - Get the Right Food and Get it Cheap

By Nadav Snir

Cats, as individual as they can be, need to be fed. Domestic cats cannot go outside and hunt their food, since they are used to be fed by their owners and there is not enough food outside. For this reason, you need to purchase good food for your cat. The key word here is "good". You don't want your cat to starve or be ill, so you must match the food with your cat. There are some indicators that will help you choose the best food for your cat.

First, match the food with the age of your cat. Cats in different ages require different foods, and you must match them, otherwise your cat will suffer. For example, kittens require different nutrition than adult cats, and senior cats are at a completely different scale for caloric intake. Make sure to match the food with the age of your cat to make sure that he or she stays healthy.

Cat breed is also a factor for consideration when buying food. Although cats do not vary as much as dogs in sizes, different breeds still require different nutrition. It is not very hard to select the right food for your cat according to breed, since most foods are good for all cats. However, you should still make sure the food you purchase is good for your cat.

Taste is a critical factor for cat food. Cats are much more picky than dogs and people about their food, and if they do not like the food, they will not eat it. Test different tastes and always stay on guard for changes in your cat's taste. Also remember that variety is very important, so your cat will not become "addicted" to one taste of one company.

Money also determines the type of food you can buy for your cat. However, there are many ways to bypass this obstacle. One of them is to use cat food coupons that can be found on Great-Info-Products.com. This way you can save hundreds on your cat food shopping. About the author: Nadav Snir is a pet owner who raises seven cats in his home. To find out more about pets, visit his site: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Pets/index.html

What is Feline Urinary Tract Infection?

By Einar Eskeland

Like most mammals, cats are also prone to urinary tract infection, which by definition refers to a bacterial infection inside the urinary tract. Once bacterial multiplies painful symptoms start to occur. While mild urinary tract infection can be cured with the animal's immune system, severe cases of feline urinary tract infection require veterinarian attention. Some of the most telling symptoms for feline urinary tract infection can be found in the cat's potty habits. If you notice that the cat is over-urinating or under-urinating or urinating outside of the litter box, then this may indicate a serious problem. You are looking for any sign of difficulty in urination, as in a blockage.

Sick cats have also shown peculiar behavior in bathroom habits; what we humans would call "psychological" trauma. Cats may decide to stop using the litter box if they are interrupted or if urination is painful. They associate pain with going in the litter box. So, naturally, they will start to "think outside the box" when it comes to relieving themselves, hoping for a less painful experience. Therefore, if you notice cat urine in other areas of the house in a housebroken pet you should be very concerned.

What are other symptoms of feline urinary tract infection to look for? Obviously crying meows while urinating are indicative of a painful experience, though not all cats will show pain in the same way. Be mindful of bloody urine or the cat excessively licking itself. If you suspect feline urinary tract infection based on these or other unusual symptoms then you should not delay in taking your cat to the vet. Once the vet looks at the animal he or she will make a diagnosis based on medical history, observation and urine samples. In order to get a urine sample, the vet will either use a special brand of special non-absorbable litter or have to perform a cystocentesis if the cat is too nervous to urinate. (This involves inserting a needle through the abdomen and into the bladder to collect a sample)

What Kind of Treatment Exists for Feline Urinary Tract Infection?

What are some common treatments for cat urinary tract infection? If the urinalysis shows any evidence of a bladder infection, then the vet will give your cat antibiotics and maybe even medication, provided the cat is not extra sensitive to such substances. The more severe the case, the more complicated procedures will be suggested. However, do not fear that the vet will push unnecessary surgery on you. In fact, most feline urinary tract infection conditions are treated with special dieting, regular check ups and antibiotics to relieve pain and or prevent secondary infections.

One major issue is that cat urinary tract infection tends to relapse, even after an initial healing. Therefore you should focus on prevention as much as cure. One way you can do this is to make sure that your cat gets plenty of fresh, clean water. This may be problematic in some cases so try flavoring smaller volumes of water with tuna or salmon juice to make it more appetizing to the cat. Cats also love fresh running water so buying a pet drinking fountain may help to increase the cat's intake. If the cat has been urinating outside the litter box, you should break this habit immediately. If and when the cat goes outside the litter box, clean the area thoroughly and use an odor neutralizer to eliminate the scent. That way the cat will avoid coming back to this area. Lastly, you can look into a product called Feliway, which is proven to help cats overcome kitty stress, which contributes to feline urinary tract infection.

For more information on bladder treatment in pets visit the website http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com.

My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a norwegian medical doctor and homoeopath. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, health, evolution and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance. http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com/

Identifying Urinary Tract Infection in Cats

By Einar Eskeland

What are the symptoms of reduced cat urinary tract health in general, and urinary tract infection in cats in particular? Urinary tract infection is slightly different in cats and dogs, though both conditions can be defined as bacterial build up and multiplication. By in large, cats are less prone to UTI than dogs, however, they also recover at a slower rate. Dogs are active by nature and careless in hygiene at least when compared to cats. Because of this cats drink less water than dogs, so part of the problem will be increasing your cat's water intake. A urinary tract infection in cats may involve a basic infection that slowly spreads throughout the body or perhaps urolithiasis, which is a condition where stones are formed from accumulation of crystals in the urine. If left untreated this condition could block the urinary tract making urination difficult or impossible. In this case, the cats life is at stake, and needs immediate veterinary attention and examination.

Obviously, if you notice your cat having difficulty urinating, this could be pointing to possible UTI or otherwise reduced overall cat urinary tract health. Most cats urinate in the night when they are at their most active. When dogs show signs of UTI, they usually over-urinate; cats are often the opposite in that they do not urinate enough. (However, over-urination is not a good sign either). Cats are more subtle creatures so you might have to take a closer look to notice excessive grooming of the genitalia, blood in urine and the cat's sudden tendency to urinate outside of the litter box.

While howling in pain is obviously a symptom of something wrong, remember that cats have a high pain tolerance and will not necessary cease all friendly behavior. A cat in pain may still eat, purr and snuggle just to get attention. Therefore, you have to take note of other symptoms even if the cat is not screeching in pain. Most cat owners have an elevated sense when it comes to detecting abnormal kitty behavior. Going with your instinct may be the best option, since no cat has ever been hurt by taking one extra trip to the vet for a consultation.

When urinary tract infection in cats is present, cats will tend to avoid urinating in the litter box. Why? Because as the cat experiences pain during urination, it is associating the experience specifically with the litter box. Hence, in the little kitty's mind, if it goes outside the little box, such as in a smooth bathtub or tile floor, then perhaps the pain will be lessened.

Treatment and Preventive Measures

When urinary tract infection in cats is apparent, then you must take your cat to the vet to get a professional diagnosis. Remember that if these symptoms are present in your cat, then it may actually have more conditions than just UTI alone. Don't conclude that just because you think it may be urinary tract infection that you can give the animal human dosage without a doctor's advice. It could bring about some harmful side effects.

What treatment is appropriate for urinary tract infection in cats? Homeopathic bladder infection treatment supplements may be helpful, as well antibiotic or anti-microbial medication. Homeopathic or holistic treatment may be advisable if the cat is sensitive to stronger medications. After administering immediate treatment, it will be important to increase the cat's water intake and increase the quality of its diet. Cheap cat food is out and so are dirty or chemical-infested water resources. Cats do not drink as much as dogs or other domestic animals so it's wise to think creatively when it comes to increasing your cat's liquid intake.

You can help your cat overcome urinary tract infection if you strive to make improvements in the pet's overall health. For more information on treatment for urinary tract infection in cats visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a norwegian medical doctor and homoeopath. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, health, evolution and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance. http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

Cat Urine Odor Air Purifier - 7 Best Features to Choose

By Debbie Davis

A cat urine odor air purifier is an important and effective tool to have if you are to enjoy your cat and keep your home smelling fresh and clean. With so many purifiers available on the market today, it's often difficult to make a decision without feeling you're making a mistake. Here are 7 features that will help you choose the right purifier for your cat and your family.

1. Effective Filter Choose an air purifier that has a filter that specifically targets cat urine odor. Be sure to read about the filter make-up or call the company for information about it before purchasing. Cat urine is tough stuff to remove, and if a filter, regardless of how well made, is not designed to remove odor, you are still going to have the smell in your home.

2. Long Filter Life Check to see that the filter life is more than 6 months or a year. This will save you time and money (eliminates constant purchasing and changing of filters) but will still remove the odor effectively.

3. High Powered Motor To keep up with the odor, your air needs to be filtered 24 hours a day everyday. This will give you time to find and neutralize your cat's mistakes without suffering a decline in air quality. And unless you are able to find the spot and neutralize it, without the purifier the odor will remain. So the motor needs to be tough enough to run all the time and should be a permanent split capacitor, rated for continuous high RPM (revolutions per minute) and long life duty.

4. Safe Housing Steel casing with a baked on powder coat finish means that your purifier will only produce fresh air as a by-product. Some purifiers that have plastic housing tend to off-gas harmful fumes when the motor heats it up. Also check to make sure that the paint is a lead free paint.

5. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

So you've done your homework and the purifier you're purchasing seems to be perfect for your situation. Choose a company that offers a 30 day money back guarantee. This will give you a chance to try the purifier in your space with your cat and see if it is effective.

6. Long Term Warranty Make sure the manufacturer of the purifier offers a substantial warranty on both the purifier and the filter. This gives you added protection against part or filter defect.

7. Replacement Filters Readily Available

Make sure that authentic replacement filters are readily available, so that when you need a replacement, ordering a new one is quick and easy.

An excellent resource for an air purifier to remove cat urine odor from your air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Pet Machine Purifier at http://purerair.com/austin_air_pet_machine.html

How to Control the Smell From the Litter Box

By Mikael Rieck

You want it somewhere that the kitten can easily get to. If you make in hard to access the kitten will find places that are easier for them to get to, when they need to relieve themselves. Another mistake in litter box placement that most new owners tend to make, is trying to hide the litter box away in a small room. This will actually make the smell worse. Smaller rooms in houses tend to be less ventilated, when there is no air flow it is harder for any of the smell to escape.

After you find the perfect spot it is now time to choose the litter that you plan to use. While some cats have no problem adjusting to a litter switch there are those that rebel and will start using the floor. Try to pick one and stay with it, it makes life less stressful to your cats. The best odor control litters are going to be a little more costly, you have to decide if the little extra money is worth a clean smelling house.

A secret a lot of people discovered is getting a clumping multi cat litter even if you only have the one cat in the household. Any litter that you buy can be made better buy adding a little bit of baking soda to it.

Never wait until the litter box is full before you scoop it. Not only does the waste itself add to the odor of your home, but the longer that it sits there the more of a scent it will leave on the rest of the litter. As soon as you see that your cat had used her box, remove the clump immediately. Drop the clump into a bag (get scented diaper bags. They are cost efficient and take the freshness level one step further.) At least once a day check and make sure that you haven't missed any clumps that the cat may have buried deeper in the box.

Every time that you scoop out a large number of clumps you should add a few cups of fresh littler to the box. Keep in mind that you do not need a large amount of litter in the box at any given time, the more you but in the bigger the mess the cat will make when he or she is digging around. It is a good idea to completely change the littler box once a week taking the time to clean the pan itself before refilling the litter.

Taking a little extra time everyday will ensure that you will keep your cats litter box odor under control. There is no reason to deny yourself or your family the experience of bringing a cat into your home. Having a cat doesn't mean that you have to give up the freshness that is important to you. Cats are very self sufficient, they are easy to litter box train. All you will have to do is scoop and change the litter and you will have a fresh clean smelling home and all the stress fighting benefits of having a cat in your home.

For more free information about pet health issues and to find out how to get cheap pet insurance with a few simple steps go visit http://www.petinsurancepro.com/.

How to Calm Down Your Kitten

By Mikael Rieck

The kitten is tearing up your house, biting your feet, scratching your furniture and running around chasing its own shadow so loud in the middle of the night that you can't sleep. It is ok, before you bring in the priest and try to expel the evil; it is just a stage, it to will pass.

Think of your kitten as a toddler. You would never expect a toddler to sit perfectly still and be constantly calm. In fact if this happened you would probably think something is wrong and schedule a doctor appointment immediately. The same thing should be said about your kitten, it is healthy for a kitten to be playful, if at anytime she starts acting weak or lethargic it is impartitive that you seek veterinarian help immediately.

If you do not have kids yourself, you have seen other parents with their young children at the park, the kids are running around like crazy and the parents are allowing it. It isn't because they are irresponsible parents; it is because they have learned a valuable secret. The more the kids run around the more energy they expel, meaning that they will be tired sooner.

Your kitten is the same way. Play with them, take the time to wear them out and they will be calm when it is time to settle down. Every hour that you are home with your kitten you should commit at least ten minutes do doing nothing but playing with your kitten. Go to the pet store and purchase a toy, or even get a sting and have her chase it. Use your imagination, not only will this time together be a great bonding experience but it will also tire out your little ball of energy.

If your kitten is doing more than being playful, it is important to stop bad and hurtful habits before that kitten grows into a cat. Let's use climbing the curtain as example. If you have tried wearing them out and they are still not breaking the habit of climbing the curtains it is important to take incorporate a punishment. Get a small spray bottle and fill it with water, every time that kitten is one the curtains spray her soon she will associate the bad behavior with the water and she will stop doing it.

As your kitten becomes more at home with your family the wildness with slowly wear off. It is important to let her know that you see that she is behaving. Reward her for lying calmly when it isn't play time. Giving your kitten a treat for being good with make her want to do it more. The most important thing that you can do is remain patient. The kitten is just a baby and does not know how things work. You have to tell her what her boundaries are.

Yelling at your cat is not the answer, they will not respond to it. Let them play and play with them. Much to fast you will have a full grown cat on your hands, and you will be missing the entire cute little kitten things that they use to do. Take responsibility; make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into before you bring the cute little ball of fluff home. More times than not kittens get abandon because the owners weren't prepaid for how to deal with them.

For more free information about pet health issues and to find out how to get cheap pet insurance with a few simple steps go visit http://www.petinsurancepro.com/.