How to Find Your Missing Cat

By Larry Chamberlain

Okay, your cat is missing. Naturally you are worried and want to find your pet as soon as you can. Keep in mind that cats do not usually leave home and most often a missing cat is found, but it is best to start your search as soon as you realize that your cat is not around.

Before you search the outside world make certain that your cat is not inside your home. Have you checked everywhere? The basement, loft space, that spare bedroom that never gets used, your shed and garage? How about closets? In the refrigerator, yes cats can become shut in refrigerators, you open the door to take something out and without you noticing your cat slips in. Check also your washing machine, dryer, anywhere at all that your cat could have slipped into.

Alright, you are certain that your cat is not on your property. Is your cat an "indoor" cat that has somehow got out? Then your pet is not likely to be far, sure she or he will be curious about all the new sights and smells and will likely take time to sample them.

On the other hand your pet could have been threatened and chased by a dog, another cat or some other animal. Search the area around your home. Look in neighbors sheds and garages, ask permission of course, and ask your neighbors to help you search.

Don't forget to look up! Cats that are being chased tend to bolt up trees. They are extremely good at climbing up, you know this from your cat climbing your drapes, but because of the way they are designed, they are not so good at climbing down.

So there is your missing cat high in the branches, the threat has gone but your cat can't climb down. Sure she may cry out, but maybe not. So look up trees just in case.

Look also in any small space that your cat could possibly squeeze into, and cats can squeeze into some very small spaces to get away from an attacker. Again don't assume that your cat will cry out, even if you are calling her name. She may be very frightened and confused and prefer to stay where she is safe if she thinks that the whole world is her enemy, so you have to look, using a flashlight will help.

If your cat is an unaltered tomcat then he could have roamed a long ways off in pursuit of doing what comes naturally. He won't come home until he has had his way, and sorry to say, as an un-neutered tom will think nothing of dashing across busy highways to get what he wants, there is the possibility he won't make it home. This is only one of the many good reasons to have your cat, male or female, neutered.

If you are satisfied that your missing cat is nowhere close to your home you will need to widen your search. Enlist help. Also ask people who are regularly in the area, mail carriers, people who walk their dog, moms taking kids to school, if they have seen your cat.

Cats are often more active at night so that may be a good time for a search even in the places you've searched in the day. But don't search alone at night.

Post flyers around the area that your pet was lost in, these can be very successful. Include a photograph of your missing cat and some information, but withhold some. Give your phone number but not your address. If you offer a reward do not state how much on the flyer. Don't forget to regularly check that the flyers are still in place.

Why should you withhold some information? Because unfortunately there are lowlife that will claim to have found your cat, when they have not, for a chance of the finders reward. Never hand over reward money before you have your pet back safe and sound.

Check with cat rescue centers and shelters. Don't wait to do this as many shelters are so overwhelmed with stray and feral cats that they can't keep them long. Your cat may have been wearing identification, but tags, and indeed the collar itself can come off. Don't just phone the shelters, visit them, your cat may be hard to identify from a description given over the phone.

Check with all local veterinarians too. It just might be that your missing cat has been injured and taken to a veterinarian's office. You will also need to contact the highway department or any other agency that deals with road kills. It would be better to know if the worst has happened.

Have you, or any of your neighbors, had anything delivered to, or collected from, the home recently? It is not unknown for cats to investigate delivery vehicles and get taken away. Check with the delivery company just to make sure.

When you have searched everywhere for your missing cat, search everywhere again. Remember that, although sadly some cats are lost forever, most often a missing cat is found. But you must not give up hope too soon and keep searching. Likely your cat will be back with you before you know it.

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Spaying Or Neutering Your Maine Coon Cat

By Daniel Coburn

In many cases, when you purchase a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder or a shelter, you will be required to sign an agreement. That agreement may cover a great deal of territory, but one area is almost always covered - spaying and neutering. The breeder or shelter may require that you have the cat altered by the time it reaches a certain age.

Kittens can be spayed after they have reached four months of age, but your veterinarian may prefer to wait until it is six months old. Many Maine Coon breeders do their own spaying and neutering, before the kitten is adopted, and often suggest spaying and neutering at around fourteen weeks of age.

The reason that veterinarians have postponed neutering and spaying is that anesthesia is used, and in the past, using anesthesia on kittens was tricky. Today, there has been a great deal more research done on this and the practice has been perfected - enabling veterinarians and breeders to spay kittens earlier in life.

This practice cuts down on the possibility of someone adopting a kitten, and failing to get it spayed or neutered later. Maine Coon breeders worry about this especially, since they want the breed kept pure, and they do not want any unplanned litters. This is also an effort to prevent inbreeding between siblings at an early age. This is the only benefit of early neutering.

There are those who object strongly to EAA, or Early Age Altering. These veterinarians and associations believe that EAA leads to an increased risk of fracture to long bones, obesity, a negative effect on overall growth, changes in behavior, and an increase in disease risk. They also feel that using anesthesia on kittens is too risky.

Spaying and neutering overall is not cruel to the animal, and they actually experience minimal pain. In most cases, they only experience mild soreness for a day or two. Spaying is usually more expensive than neutering. In case you are not aware - and many people are not - females are spayed, and males are neutered.

If you want to breed your Maine Coon kitten at some point, this is something that you will need to discuss with the breeder - often before the kitten is even conceived. The breeder generally charges a much higher fee when breeding rights are given to the new owner. Note, however, that only kittens that come from titled parents have any real monetary value. So, if your kitten doesn't have titled parents himself, you need to look for a litter that does come from titled parents.

Unless you plan to breed your Maine Coon, it definitely needs to be altered. Otherwise, a male will constantly be 'spraying' to mark his territory and a female will keep you up days and nights when she goes into heat. Also note that when you enter shows with your Maine Coon, you must specify that the animal has been altered, and he or she will enter class divisions specifically for altered Maine Coons.

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Getting to Know Your Cat

By Clark Tran

Spay or Neuter a New Cat
Millions of cats are euthanized each year in shelters due to the overcrowding of animals. Cats can easily have over 10 kittens in a given pregnancy leaving owners with problem of trying to find homes for these kittens. There is an easy remedy to this problem and that is spaying or neutering your cat. Not only is this the responsible thing to do but it is better for your cat. If unspayed female are more at risk of developing the following conditions: breast cancer, pyometra, tumors of the uterus & ovaries. While unneutered male cats run a risk of developing testicular cancer.

The Price of having a cat
When people see a cute kitten they immediately decide to adopt it. Once home they realize they have made a mistake. They are not prepared for the responsibility of a cat, not all members of the family are happy to have a cat, resident pets don't adapt well to the new addition or it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle. The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Checking the health of your new cat
When a household decides to adopt a cat, be it from the shelter or a breeder a great deal of time should go into selecting the right animal. Have questions about where the pet came from, how they have interacted with the staff, do the pet have a behavior issue, etc. If you are buying from a breeder, ensure they are registered with an appropriate cat council. When visiting the cattery check out the overall health of the animals. Always have everything in writing, including the final cost of the cat, health guarantees etc.

Buying purebreds from pet shops or backyard breeders
If you are buying a cat from a pet shop or a backyard breeder there is probably little chance that a proper screening of genetic problems has taken place. Pet shops generally charge more for purebred kittens than a registered breeder would. Not only this, but they most likely won't have certified paper to ensure their authenticity and health. As a result, you may be buying a cat that could have substantial medical bills in the future or even pass away suddenly.

Seek veterinary help
People don't realize the seriousness of a medical condition & fail to take appropriate action & get the cat to a vet. This may be due to the lack of knowledge they posses or funds. Cat owners should look into the cost of having pet health insurance or a special Cat Fund prepared in case of emergencies.

Flea Control Product
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, cats should be treated with a cat flea treatment only such as Frontline. Pet owners think they will save money by sharing their dog's flea control product with their cats. This can prove fatal as cats are extremely sensitive to pyrethrins & pyrethroids which are often in dog flea products. The use of these on cats can result in death.

An appropriate diet
Cats have very specific dietary needs and as such need a balanced diet. There are many commercially available brands of cat food available which will fulfill your cat's dietary requirements. Don't attempt to feed your cat a home-made diet or other human consumed foods unless you have spent a great deal of time researching, as certain food s can do more harm than good.

Your roaming cat
Some owners feel that having your cat roam outside the home is beneficial for them. In actuality it may do more harm as free roaming cats & their lifespan is considerably shorter than that of indoor only cats, or cats with limited/supervised access outside. Outdoor cats run the risk of being highly stress by been hit by a car, attacked by another cat or dog, plus many other dangers they encounter which is very traumatizing.

Declawing VS not Declawing
Declawing has been a heated debate for many veterinarians, cat advocates, and owners alike. Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Declawing is not for everyone and cat owners should have all the facts before making this decision.

Litter Box Maintenance
Cats will use a litter box only if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or pleasant to the cat's feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Don't try to over clean the box with disinfectant or bleach as cats are very sensitive to these and other chemicals. It is also recommended to have an automatic litter box to help in reducing the maintenance. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem and call your veterinarian.

For more information on this subject or any additional pet health articles please visit http://www.entirelypets.com

Cat Poisoning Symptoms - Drug Poisoning

By Jackson Franklin

Unintentional overdose with veterinary medications and accidental ingestion of both human and veterinary pills are a common cause of poisoning in cats. Veterinary products, in particular, are often flavored to encourage a pet to take them, and will be eagerly consumed if they are discovered.

Curious cats are often attracted to dropped or rolling pills and may chase and try to eat them. Many people give over-the-counter medications to their cats, without veterinary approval, to treat a variety of symptoms; they believe that what works for people works for cats. Unfortunately, this is just not true.

Cats are unusually sensitive to many medications. Drugs given to cats in human dosages are almost always toxic - and some human drugs cannot be given to cats in any amount. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are very toxic to cats. Cats do not have the necessary enzymes to detoxify and eliminate these drugs.

Specifically, they are lacking the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase. This enzyme breaks down drugs so they can be metabolized. Without it, ingesting certain drugs can lead to the accumulation of dangerous substances in the animal that are left behind when the drugs are metabolized.

Cat poisoning symptoms develop quickly and include abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting, and weakness. Other human drugs that produce a variety of toxic effects and are commonly involved in accidental poisonings include antidepressants, antihistamines, nonsteroidal pain relievers, sleeping pills, diet pills, heart pills, blood pressure pills, and vitamins.

All instances of drug ingestion should be taken seriously. If you suspect your cat has swallowed any drug, immediately induce vomiting and coat the bowel as described. Call your veterinarian for further instructions. A specific antidote may be available for the drug in question. Also call a poison control center.

All medications should be safely stored in childproof containers and in closed cupboards. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication. Follow instructions exactly for frequency and dosage. Never assume that a human drug is safe for pets!

For more cat poisoning symptoms, treatments for minor poisoning, and phone numbers for 24 hour poison control hotlines visit http://www.2cathealth.com/cat-poisoning-symptoms.html

Make Cat Food - Safe, Natural, and Delicious

By W. P. Allen

How you ever thought of how to make cat food? Maybe you have thought "why would I want to?" Wouldn't it be easier to go to the store and buy a bag of commercial cat food?

There are those people that have noticed that their cats have become couch potatoes or overweight after eating commercial food for a certain period of time.

Many people will tell you that homemade food is much better for your cat, and you should certainly follow their advice.

When preparing your own food in the house, you will immediately notice a new expression upon the face of your feline. You will witness a great difference in their enthusiasm rather than them being the lethargic couch potatoes that they have been for some time.

Not only this, but because of the pet food recalls of 2007 and 2008, there have been thousands of pet owners worried about what goes into commercial pet food. It is thought that commercial cat food also has serious deficits in its nutritional content.

Because there are extreme temperatures involved in the processing plant, saturated animal fats are added to the food to make it taste better. As well as this, coloring, preservatives, and other chemicals are added. Pets begin to get the same problems as humans who consume junk food, when eating commercial food. These health problems include diabetes, obesity, lethargy, and even early death. For this reason, when giving our feline friends commercial cat food, we are slowly killing them.

So, what should be done? We, as pet owners, should make cat food at home, knowing exactly what ingredients are being added.

It is important to remember that cats are natural born hunters, and they would generally eat raw meat, which does in actual fact contain all of the nutrients that they require. Those cat foods that are made in a rendering plant by adding chemicals, coloring, fat and "meat by-products" that do not in actual fact contain any meat, will not, nor will they ever be, a natural diet.

It is greatly important to us as cat owners, to see our felines active, fit and healthy. It is certainly recommended that you take control of your cat's diet and health. Spend a little time and effort and make your own cat food. Do not let your cat die of ignorance.

Therefore, in conclusion give your cat the life that he deserves by ensuring that he is not fed commercial cat food that is full of rubbish. Take the time to make cat food for your feline friend and provide him with a healthy and long life.

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Should Cats Be Kept Indoors Or Outdoors?

By Paul Kramer

Should you allow your cat to go outside, or should you keep him as an indoor only pet? This is a topic that many owners disagree about. Some cat lovers insist on keeping their cats inside all the time, while others feel that they are depriving their pets of the fun of roaming free after being trapped inside the house all day.

The major disadvantage to keeping your cat indoors is safety. Cats who wander outdoors often get into serious trouble or may even be killed. If your pet is roaming on his own, you have no control over whom or what he encounters. The outside world is a big place with many hazards, and your cat could run into trouble.

An indoor only cat will not have to face the dangers of the outside world, such as poisonous fertilizers and pesticides, antifreeze, motor vehicles, threatening people (who could steal or injure him), dogs, wild animals (such as skunks, raccoons, snakes, bees and wasps), weathers hazards (frostbite or heatstroke), and even other cats.

A cat who is allowed to stray can come into contact with another sick cat (or other animal) and pick up parasites (such as fleas and ticks) or diseases (such as feline leukemia or rabies). If an outdoor cat is not spayed or neutered, he or she will likely contribute to the cat overpopulation problem.

Meanwhile, ID tags could save your cat's life. If he gets lost, the collar and tag will let someone know where he belongs. Most pets who have IDs find their way home after a brief separation. The ID tag should have your name and phone number on it, along with your cat's name. You can order them from pet supply catalogs or from pet supply sites on the Internet. Some pet supply stores and department stores have automated machines that make engraved ID tags in a few minutes.

Cats that are kept indoors do not have to worry about any of these hazards. As a result of their safe, controlled living conditions, they live much longer. As a responsible owner, you owe it to your pet to do what is best for him, and the best way to know that your cat is safe is to keep him inside.

To learn more about whether cats should be kept indoor or outdoor and the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com 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 Owners' Guide - Part 1

By Jovan Johnson

Most cat owners never ever think about getting a guide for there cat. This is what you don't want to do. So if you're here reading this you are that much closer to a happier cat. there are a couple of things that you will learn in a cat owners guides that will be really helpful for you.

Whether you have a new kitten or you have one or more cats in your home already, a cat owners manual is the best way to make sure you are looking after all your kitty's requirements and to make sure you understand how your cat thinks and why he does what he does.

Here are some basic cat owners guideline tips:

Food

I know this is obvious but the right food is really important. Don't put yourself in the position of bringing home your cat with no food. Try to buy wet food for your cat that has meat and also buy low in fillers and corn

Litter Box And Liter

This is really important because you cat will find another place to go potty. Try to use scoopable litters, they are really handy and it makes the clean up really easy. Don't buy cheap litter is not worth it believe. Cheap litter is to dusty and messy and on top of all that it's bad for your cat's lungs.

Toys

Cats are so curious and active you have to give them toys to keep them busy. You should have a variety of toys and you can find most of them at your local pet store. Don't worry about spending a lot of money on toys because they are cheap. Cats will play with anything so make sure you introduce these toys to your cat asap or you will have your cat messing up your house.

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