Cat Supplies - How to Find the Right Stuff For Your Cat

By Jennifer Akre

There is an overwhelming amount of cat supplies on the market. When you bring home your kitty for the first time, you want to make sure he has everything he needs. Trying to determine which of the thousands of products you truly need, can be a task. While shopping in your local pet store, you can get lost in the isles of the many needed and unneeded cat supplies that fill the shelves.

You should not need to purchase much for your cat, he is pretty self sufficient for the most part. There may be purchases that you want to buy for him, but the list of needed items is pretty short.

What Does Kitty Need?

Feeding:

Of course you will need to purchase cat food. You can find cat food in the dry form or the wet form. In most cases, if you have started feeding your cat dry food, it will become their preference. You will need dishes to put the food and water in, any type bowls will work.

Treats are not needed, but may be wanted for your kitty. Having special treats around for kitty is a good idea for rewards and just to let him know you care.

Grooming:

Your cat really does not require grooming; he will do most of it himself. You can purchase brushes, bath wipes, and even cat shampoo, but they are not needed. You will not give your cat a bath, unless he gets in to something that makes it necessary. There are clippers for his nails for purchase, but you should not attempt this. The over abundance of cat supplies related to grooming can be ridiculous, as cats groom themselves.

Training:

There is little training required for your cat. House training only requires a few cat supplies, such as: litter box, litter, and a scoop. Simply by placing the litter box in an area of privacy and showing the cat where it is is usually enough to house train him. There are training pads available for purchase as well, if your kitty needs a little more motivation to use the litter box.

Playing:

You need to keep your cat entertained and the cat supplies are limitless for this task. There are many toys you can purchase that can be interactive between you and the kitty or that can be used on his own. Little plastic balls with bells in them can keep your cat occupied for hours. The toys section is all geared towards keeping your cat healthy and happy.

A bored cat can lead to a ransacked house, your kitty needs exercise, and chasing a ball or throwing a stuffed mouse in the air will allow him the exercise he needs. Your cat is a hunter by nature and will enjoy having a cat house to play in; he can hide and then plan his attack on your feet as you walk by. You kitty will spend hours working his claws out on a scratching post, and this would be better than on your sofa. When looking at all the cat supplies, choose the ones that are best suited for your kitty, keep him happy and healthy and stimulated for play.

Author Jennifer Akre is an entrepreneur who runs different online specialty stores providing consumers with products and information on how to furnish and decorate any indoor or outdoor space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both practical, appealing to the eye, and comfortable for your companion. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous outdoor or indoor area for your pet by using practical cat supplies and soft puppy beds. Either would be a nice purcahse.

Preventing and Treating Cat Urinary Tract Infection

By Einar Eskeland

Cat urinary tract infection refers to a group of symptoms that indicate a bacterial infection in a cat's urinary tract. Some of the most common symptoms are bloody urine, difficulty in urinating (such as straining or minimal urination evident), urinating outside the litter box and an excessive licking of the genitals. This condition might also be known as cystitis or inflamed bladder. This is a potentially serious condition, just as it is potentially a benign condition that will take care of itself. You don't know how severe the condition is until a veterinarian can diagnose the animal.

What causes this disease? Bacteria are usually not present in the urinary tract, so a proliferation of bacteria is what is causing the infection. What causes harmful bacteria to appear? It is often the result of another disease or condition altogether. It could be caused by bladder stones, a chemical urethral blockage, urinary tract cancer, urinary tract trauma, kidney failure, or even from an unknown cause. Cat urinary tract infection is most common in middle-aged cats.

What are the most common symptoms for feline urinary tract infection? Most owners know when their cat is acting strangely and so naturally becomes more observant of the cat's lifestyle, behavior and eating habits. Two of the most telling habits include urinating outside the litter box and showing unusual thirst. Why does your cat, ordinarily a housebroken animal, start suddenly failing to reach the litter box? This is because the cat is associating the litter box with pain, as it is having difficulty urinating because of the condition. Unfortunately for kitty, the only thing that will alleviate its pain is getting antibiotic treatment and changing its eating and drinking habits. You are the perfect person to convince kitty of this needed lifestyle change! (And it's unlikely that kitty will resist your all-powerful arm)

After taking note of the cat's history and any observations you have stated, the vet will be interested in getting a urine sample. Based on this information he or she will instruct you further, perhaps advising you to give the cat antibiotic drugs or even holistic alternatives, if the cat may be too sensitive to stronger medications. However, even if your cat recovers in record time after treatment, there is still much work to be done.

Caring For Kitty After the Vet Visit

After your cat returns home you must watch it and make sure that recovery is not only fast but also for the long-term. You will also be responsible in making some lifestyle and dietary changes. Cats who suffer from feline urinary tract infection will require a higher quality of food, perhaps even a carefully blended diet of necessary nutrients. These may be available at the veterinarian's office or from an online retailer.

A cat will also require lots of water if it is going to recover from this condition. Cats are not as active as dogs and so do not naturally drink as much water. Furthermore, cats are a hunting species that are almost camel-like in their ability to retain just enough water to survive. In fact, ancient hunting felines actually acquired most of their water from hunting prey.

You may have difficulty teaching your cat to drink more water. You have to use your imagination here. Create more opportunity for the cat to drink, whether it is setting up multiple dishes throughout the house, buying a kitty fountain, or giving the cat lots of wet cat food as well as fish or chicken flavored broth along with dry food.

For more help with cat urinary tract infection, including information on treatment and diagnosis, 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/

Got Questions About Cat Urinary Tract Health?

By Einar Eskeland

Do you have questions about cat urinary tract health? Cat urinary tract health usually refers to feline urinary tract disease. This may develop into a serious condition that affects both male and female cats, and usually in the middle age years. (Kittens rarely have such a condition) Urinary tract infection in cats starts with a bacterial infection in and around the bladder and urethra. As the infection spreads it gets progressively worse, when minerals clump together in the urethra preventing urine from passing.

Why does this condition happen? There is no sure explanation for cat urinary tract health problems. It's easy to speculate that bacteria or contamination is the sole cause of the problem, though most vets would look beyond the peripheral. Some common beliefs include that bad diets result in unhealthy pH in the urine, or that a cat is not drinking enough water every day. Other factors may be stress, a lack of exercise, breeding propensity, allergies and obesity.

What are the symptoms to look out for when trying to catch problems with cat urinary tract health? If you see that the cat is having difficulty urinating (as evidenced by small volume) then this is a probable sign. In addition, if you notice your cat licking its genital area excessively or urinating in areas outside the litter box, then you may have reason for concern. You should also be observant as to any changes in the cat's behavior such as decreased appetite, decreased appearances (preferring to "hide") or any blood in the urine. Last but not least, a cat meowing out in pain is obviously very indicative of an internal problem.

What can you do to improve cat urinary tract health? You may have noticed that stress is one of the causes of the condition, and while you wouldn't think that a cat has much stress to worry about (likely your cat doesn't work as hard as Morris the Cat had to during the 1960s) distressing the cat can be problematic. Cats get stressed according to even very subtle changes in surroundings, like severe weather, changes in family dynamics, home relocation, new houseguests, or even new cats they see in the neighborhood.

Water intake is very important. The more water the cat drinks the less the urine stays in the bladder, thus minimizing the risk for infection. However, unlike dogs, cats usually don't like to drink a lot of water. The feline species used to roam the desert and so evolved into almost camel-like creatures that can maintain a stable life with only a minimal amount of water. In fact, hunting cats derived most of their water from eating their prey. The domestic cat is used to eating dry foods and thus do not gulp down water-certainly not enough water to resist urinary tract infection.

What can you do increase your cat's water intake? Canned wet food is good start, as is using ceramic dishes instead of plastic. You should also rinse all of the cat's dishes daily with fresh, clean water. If your cat has more opportunity to drink then it might just take those opportunities, so leave more than one dish of water lying around the house. Some cat owners have even bought more attractive and refreshing kitty fountains just to motivate the cat to drink more.

It is important to visit a veterinarian when you first notice the symptoms so you can proceed with helpful treatment. The vet will give you relevant information on a cat's diet, drinking habits, and any other conditions that might be related to cat urinary tract health.

For more information on diagnosis and possible treatments of urinary tract infections in cats, and optimizing cat urinary tract health 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/

Understanding Feline Abdominal Distension

By CS Swarens

If your cat's abdomen has become larger, it may be suffering from abdominal distension. This term refers to an enlargement of the abdomen that is caused by problems other than obesity. There are actually several possible causes of abdominal distension, with treatment for the condition varying according to the cause of the disorder.

Causes of Abdominal Distention

One possible cause of abdominal distension is the accumulation of fluid. This accumulation can be caused by a number of different health issues. These include:

• Blood from an internal hemorrhage

• Urine from a urinary tract tear

• Exudate, a fluid caused by infection

• Transudates, which are fluids that are leaked from vessels

Abdominal distension can also be caused when an organ becomes enlarged, such as the spleen, liver or kidney. Your cat may also experience abdominal distension due to injury, during pregnancy or due to tension in the abdominal area or other organs.

Symptoms of Abdominal Distension

In addition to having an enlarged abdominal cavity, there are other signs and symptoms (some extremely serious) that are commonly associated with abdominal distension. Some other symptoms your cat may exhibit include:

• Change in urinary habits

• Change in bowel habits

• Decreased appetite

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing

• Diminished activity level

• Loss of fat

• Loss of muscle

• Sudden weakness

• Vomiting

• Wretching

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away so your cat can be examined. Failure to act quickly can lead to an increase in the severity of the condition, unneeded surgery, or even death.

Diagnosing and Treating Abdominal Distension

Diagnosing abdominal distension involves determining the cause. As such, your veterinarian will likely complete a number of different procedures in order to determine the specific problem. These procedures include:

• Abdominal ultrasounds

• Abdominal x-rays

• Abdominocentesis

• Biopsy

• Blood tests

• Chest x-rays

• Physical examination

• Specific tests on organs

• Urinalysis

After determining the cause of the abdominal distension, your doctor will be able to effectively treat the disorder. If the distension was caused by fluid in the abdomen, the fluid will be drained or your veterinarian may choose to administer a diuretic to remove the fluid. If the abdominal distension is caused by organ enlargement, the veterinarian may need to perform surgery to investigate further.

If the abdominal distension is caused by liquid accumulation resulting from diseases such as heart failure or cirrhosis, the veterinarian will need to take steps to treat these diseases while also draining the fluids in order to alleviate the pressure.

Abdominal distension is usually caused by a very serious disease or disorder. Therefore, it is essential for you to seek medical treatment for your cat right away if you notice abdominal enlargement. Quick action on your part to seek treatment will increase the likelihood your precious kitty will get through the disorder safely. Waiting too long, on the other hand, can lead to devastating effects for you and your feline friend.

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 cats for sale. Research cat information.

Tips For Feeding Your Kitten

By CS Swarens

If you are the proud owner of a cute and cuddly little kitten, it is important for you to know how to feed it properly. After all, your kitten has to get proper nutrition now so it can grow up to be strong and healthy.

The Mother's Milk

During the first ten weeks of life, it is essential for your kitten to feed from its mother's milk. During this time period, your kitten will also grow substantially. In fact, most kittens weigh around three ounces at birth and they gain ½ ounce every day. By the time they reach the ten week mark, most kittens weigh around two pounds - that is a full ten times what they weigh when born. If the average human baby were to grow this quickly, he or she would be about 80 pounds when just ten weeks old!

Starting Solids

Once your kitten is three to four weeks old, you can start to introduce solid foods. The kitten's mother's milk should still be the primary food source, but solids should be offered as well. Since your kitten still will not have all of its teeth and will have a tender tummy, you should stick with canned foods when first introducing solids. By the time your kitten reaches ten weeks old, you can start weaning it from its mother milk and feed more and more solids.

After Weaning is Completed

Once your kitten is fully weaned from its mother's milk, it is important for you to maintain a properly balanced diet. This includes providing your kitten with protein, minerals and vitamins. If you are purchasing commercial cat food for your kitten, be sure to purchase food that is specifically formulated for kittens. This way, you can be certain it has the proper nutrition density. Some of the most important nutrients to include in your kitten's diet include:

• Calcium

• Essential fatty acid

• Phosphorus

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D

• Taurine

• Thiamine

• Zinc

Of course, the food you feed your kitten has to taste good. Otherwise, your kitten may turn up its nose to the food and may not get the proper nutrition. If you take steps to provide your kitten with a variety of different foods, this will also help prevent your kitten from growing into a picky eater.

As your kitten grows older, you should also try to vary the types of foods that you feed to it. Rather than feeding only dry food or only canned food, alternate between the two or offer a bit of each type of food each day. You might also feed dry food to your kitten that has been softened with some warm water in order to make it easier for your kitten to eat it. In addition, feel free to feed your kitten as much as it wants to eat up until it is about eight months old. Your kitten is growing quickly and needs plenty of nutrition to help it grow!

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 kittens for sale. kitten information.

Bengal Cats - What Makes Them So Popular

By Anne Moss

Quite a few cat breeds boast a wild feline look: Norwegian Forest cats resemble huge arctic feline predators; Pixie Bob cats look a lot like American Bobcats; Abyssinian cats wear the wild agouti coat pattern with pride. In fact, one of the reasons we love cats so much is the distinct uncultivated touch in their appearance and character.

However, not many breeds possess a documented wild heritage like the Bengal does. Bengal cats are indeed direct descendents of Asian Leopard cats (Felis bengalensis), bred along with domestic cats in carefully thought out breeding plans. As such, it is a relatively new breed, not as yet recognized by some major cat breed associations such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

However, it is by no means an obscure or little known breed. As a matter of fact, Bengal cats have fast become one of the most popular breeds around, with Bengal breeders and breeding programs outnumbering those of most other breeds. What made the Bengal such an instant hit in the cat fanciers' world? Here are three things that stand out about this cat breed, which may make you consider turning into a true Bengal cat's aficionado:

Rich Coat - Little Grooming

The Bengal has a smooth rich coat that does not require any out of the ordinary grooming rituals. Some brushing is always recommended, for bonding purposes if nothing else, but the coat remains bright and beautiful even without that additional care. The coat has a distinct "undomesticated" appearance, curtsey of the Bengal's wild heritage, and some cats are said to have an actual golden glitter over their coat.

Variety of Coat Patterns and Colors

Bengals always display the tabby markings pattern, but that does not mean a uniform look. Bengal cats come in various shades of brown, with various yellowish and reddish tinges. There are even white "snow" Bengals that support a light silvery tabby pattern (some of them even have blue eyes). With their tabby patterns ranging between blotched (marble) and spots, the most spectacular Bengal cats present the viewer with a display of leopard-like rosettes. The rosettes, the joy and pride of many a breeder, can be anything from a largish bi-color spot, to a fully developed and clearly marked rosette.

Bengal Purrrsonality

Ultimately, cat lovers seek out the companionship of a feline, and not just good looks. And this is where the Bengal cat truly stands out, creating a huge appeal to ailurophiles everywhere. They are anything but ferocious or feral: Bengal cats today, adopted into loving homes, have to be at least four generations removed from their wild ancestors. These kitties are sweet and loving, yet incredibly agile, intelligent and active. These curious felines tend to explore their surroundings and seek out human interaction at all times.

This unique combination of dazzling looks, idiosyncratic heritage and above all brilliant personality all contribute towards making the Bengal cat one of the most popular cat breeds in North America today.

Anne Moss is a professional cat writer who manages several large cat websites. You can read more about Bengal cats here: http://www.thecatsite.com/Breeds/55/Bengal-Cats.html Check out the extensive Bengal cat breeder listings on Meowhoo.com here: http://www.meowhoo.com/Breeders_and_Showing/Breeders_by_Breeds/Bengal/index.html Have questions about Bengal Cats? Check out the active cat forums at TheCatSite.com This article is copyrighted and may only be re-published with the following byline intact and containing active links.

Cat Problem With Antibiotics

By Harvey Glick

Cat problems with antibiotics are usually due to the possibilities of the specific animal's sensitivity to the drug and the allergic reactions that can result.

Antibiotics fall into two general categories. Those that are bacteriostatic (or fungistatic), inhibit the growth of microorganisms, but don't kill them outright. Bacteriocidal (or fungicidal) drugs destroy the microorganisms.

The classification of bacteria is based upon their ability to cause disease. Pathogenic bacteria are capable of producing a particular illness or infection. Nonpathogenic bacteria live on or within the host, but don't cause illness under normal circumstances.

There are several reasons why cat problems with antibiotics exist and result in their not being effective.

These reasons are:

The misdiagnosis of an infection

There are times when signs of inflammation (heat,redness and swelling) can exist without infection. Sunburn is a good example. Infection can be presumed to exist when someone sees inflammation and a discharge of pus. Usually there will be an offensive odor. Other signs are fever and elevated white count.

An inappropriate selection of an antibiotic

An antibiotic must be effective against the microorganism. Sometimes a choice can be mistakenly made on the basis of the character of the illness. Antibiotics are graded according to whether the microorganism is sensitive, indifferent or insensitive. Unfortunately laboratory findings do not always coincide with results in the host. In any event, antibiotic culture and sensitivity testing is the surest way of selecting the best agent.

Inadequate care of the wound

It is important to drain abcesses, clean dirty wounds and remove foreign bodies before applying antibiotics.

The route of administration

Some antibiotics have to be given on an empty stomach, and others with a meal. Some antibiotics are not absorbed when taken with antacids or milk. In severe infections antibiotics are given intravenously, or by intramuscular injection, to avoid this problem. In the treatment of urinary tract infections, other substances may have to be given by mouth to change the acidity of the urine and assure that the antibiotics won't be inactivated.

The dose and frequency of administration

The total dose is computed by weighing the cat, then dividing the dose into equal parts and giving each at spaced-out intervals. When the total dose is too low or not given often enough, the result is less favorable.

Other factors that need to be taken into account when computing the daily dose are the severity of the infection, the age of the cat, his overall health and stamina, whether he is taking another antibiotic, and whether he is taking other drugs which could depress his ability to fight infection.

All drugs should be viewed as poisons and antibiotics are no different. The side effects could be more dangerous than the disease. Antibiotics should never be given without justifiable indications. Common complications of antibiotics are allergy, toxicity, the possibility of a secondary infection occurring and the emergence of resistant strains to the antibiotic.

Cat Problems with the use of antibiotics should be carefully monitored by the veterinarian and owner, in order to increase it's effectiveness.

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