Avoid Cat Health Problems With a Regular Wellness Exam

By Dr. R.J. Peters

While an indoor cat can easily live to about 20 years of age with proper care and the safety of the indoor environment, we must remember that our pets still age faster than we do. This means your cat is already in "middle age" by the age of 4, and is considered a "senior" by 7. Because their time line runs faster than ours, it doesn't take as long for some diseases or conditions to develop, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

A wellness exam by your veterinarian at an early age helps to establish a "wellness profile" which provides a baseline to measure against for the rest of your pet's life. A typical exam should consist of a consultation first, so you can report facts about your cat's behavior and habits, since you are the most reliable source of this information. You likely spend every day with your pet, so you will be the first to notice any changes in these routines.

The next phase of an exam will be physical, as the vet tests the major systems, such as circulatory, respiratory, muscular, elimination, dental, skin and fur, ears, etc. This should be followed by laboratory tests to be sure there are no hidden problems internally, including blood, urine and stool samples. These can be used to rule out parasites and certain infectious conditions.

A good vet will then counsel you about appropriate preventive care, which should include information about vaccination, nutrition, dental care, and general health care guidelines specific to cats. Unless you are into professional breeding (as opposed to accidental, or "backyard breeding"), it's extremely important to spay and neuter, as this will also help to prevent certain forms of cancer in your cat.

If you want your pets to be with you as long as possible, follow these guidelines to help maintain their health and well being.

Dr. R.J. Peters has an extensive background in health care, animal care, journalism, computer repair and systems administration. Visit http://www.theproblemcat.com for more articles and information about cats.

Cat Litter Box Problems

By Connie Limon

Sometimes a cat will not like the location of his or her litter box. This can occur for several different reasons:

• Some kind of pain at the location of the box

• Something that has caused the cat to be afraid at the location

• An odor around the location of the box

Where is the best spot to put a litter box?

• Most cats prefer an easily accessible spot, but one with privacy

• Avoid placing the box near a noisy appliance like the washer, dryer or furnace

• Experiment with types of boxes: some cats like the privacy of closed boxes, and most like large boxes, but some like small ones.

In general, cats usually dislike having to eliminate near where they eat, so avoid putting the food and water bowls near the litter box.

Stress or anxiety as a source of cat litter box location must always be considered, but is not as frequent a cause of house soiling. It has been said that one cannot have too many litter boxes. A household of three cats would probably fair much better with four boxes.

Specific kinds of stress such as separation anxiety, previously seen only in dogs, but now believed to occur in cats also, usually occurs when there has been a prolonged absence of the owner, typically 8 hours or more. The house soiling typically occurs 8 to 12 hours after the owner's departure. This behavior can also involve diarrhea and destructive events, and can be treated in much the same way dogs are treated. Training through graduated departures with a lot of skill, time and patience as well as medications help separation anxiety disorders.

Some owners report cats that are naturally shy or fearful. This type of personality may not want to come out into the open to go to the litter box. If there is an identifiable cause such as a certain person, cat dog, object or sound, try to remove or modify it. You might also try using a litter box in a "safe" location for the shy and fearful type cat.

Overcrowding

Some cats may enjoy the company of 20 other cats, while others are unhappy with just one other cat in the household or any other kind of animal. It is actually not natural for cats to live in social groups all the time as they spend most of their time in solitary circumstances, getting together for breeding and sometimes raising kittens together. Cats usually see all living objects, including people in the home as part of the social group. Adding to the group in any way can be upsetting to a cat. One way of solving a multiple cat home environment is to provide plenty of nesting spots vertically like cat trees and shelving so as to give each cat a place of its own away from the others.

For new kitten owners, there are a few things you can do to help avoid house soiling problems. They include:

• Make the litter box location easily accessible, private and in a low traffic area

• Try to provide at least one litter box per cat

• Use finely-grained, non-scented litters

• Do not put food and water beside the litter box

• Scoop the litter box at least daily

• Change clay litters at least once weekly

• Change scoop able litters every 6 to 8 weeks

• Avoid frightening the cat in the litter box, trapping or catching it there

• Never punish a cat for house soiling

• Make changes to the litter box filler or location very gradually

• Call your vet when house soiling occurs to rules out any medical problems that may be causing the problem

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.

Source: The Winn Feline Foundation Online

Written by: Connie Limon. I raise the beautiful, emerald green-eyed shaded and chinchilla silver Persian cat from champion and grand champion lines. For more information about us and to be added to our contact list, please visit http://www.fairydewsilverpersian.vpweb.com For a variety of reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

The Ultimate Sisal Cat Scratching Post - A Review

By Amy Yang

Cats have very particular tastes, I have found with my own two cats. One of my cats is large, I think he is part Maine Coon, so the scratching post I use has to be able to withstand his large size and strength, even when he feels like climbing the post. My cat also likes to scratch and stretch several times a day, so the scratching post also has to be very durable. Out of all the posts I have tried, the best one is the Ultimate Sisal Cat Scratching Post.

Durability

One of the best attributes of this post is its durability. My large Maine Coon mix cat scratches long and hard and this post holds up. It is still looking like it did the day I bought it!

Height

At 32 inches high, the Ultimate Sisal Cat Scratching Post is perfect for my Maine Coon mix because it is tall enough for him to fully stretch out when he is scratching. When he was younger, he was able to climb on it as well. For smaller cats, they can climb to the top of the post. With the addition of the optional perch accessory, it provides the cat an extra place to sit and watch the house and activities going on.

Decor

The best thing that I like about this post is that it does not look like the traditional scratching post. I have had comments from visitors on how good the post looks and it fits in great with my decor. I have natural woods for my furniture and the natural wood coloring of the post matches perfectly!

Stability

My cat is still growing and he is now at close to 15 pounds, a big cat! So stability of the scratching post is super essential for my cat to be comfortable using his post. With its wide base, it does not budge when my cat decides to climb it to the top. He loves it!

Without a doubt the Ultimate Sisal Cat Scratching Post is THE best!

Mickey, the author's cat, has a review of this post as well. You can read what he has to say here: http://www.squidoo.com/sisalcatscratchingpost Amy Yang, the author, also has a blog of the best cat products she has come across. See what products she has on her blog at: http://bestcatcareproducts.blogspot.com/

How to Get Your Cat to Use His Scratching Post

By Amy Yang

We all know cats have claws and that they all need to scratch. Some cats are really good at picking up on the fact that they should scratch only on their scratching post, but others, well, they could use some enlightening! There are only three major steps involved in teaching cats, even stubborn ones, to only use their scratching post when they feel the need to stretch and scratch.

Step 1: Caught In The Act

The first step, and this is the most critical step, is to catch your cat in the act! The second you see your cat start to make the motions of scratching on something inappropriate, give him a firm No!. You have to be serious when you say that! Cats are very smart and they, like kids, know how to manipulate and they know when you do not really mean what you say. So, mean it and feel it! When you give the firm No!, try and make eye contact with your cat and give him a very stern look! If that does not work, you can try a spray with a water bottle or shaking a can with some pennies inside.

Step 2: Redirect Your Cat's Energy

Once your cat stops, entice him over to his scratching post and show him what he is supposed to do. That's right, get down to his level and start scratching the post yourself! This may feel funny, but your cat will appreciate it because he will understand what you are showing him. Some suggest that you physically move your cat over to the scratching post, but if you think about it, it does not teach your cat that he needs to move himself over to his post when he feels the urge to scratch. By encouraging him to come over to his scratching post, it teaches him that when he wants to scratch, he should make his way over to his post instead of waiting for you to come pick him up and plop him next to his post.

Step 3: Praise, Praise, and Praise

Cats, like kids, thrive when they know that they are doing what you want of them. And the best way of showing them that they are doing the right thing is to give them praise when they do something right. Once you feel that you have praised enough, praise some more, and then finish off with some more praise. Your cat will reciprocate by doing more of that is required of him. And you will feel good that you have taught your cat to be a model pet!

The author's cat, Mickey, has a review of the Ultimate Sisal Scratching Post that any cat will love. Read Mickey's review by following this link: http://www.squidoo.com/sisalcatscratchingpost Amy Yang, the author also has a blog featuring the best cat products she has come across. View the products at her blog by following this link: http://bestcatcareproducts.blogspot.com/

Is Your Kitten Being Eaten Alive by Fleas?

By Stan Beck

Fleas are nasty little blood-suckers that can literally suck the life out of your sweet, little kitten. Check your kitty's fur often - if you find one flea, you can be sure there are others.

Gross Fact...

Did you know that a flea eats 15 times its own weight in blood!?!?

So what does this mean?

Every flea that is living on your kitten is removing your kitten's precious blood supply. A diminished blood supply means that your kitten will be dehydrated and lethargic. A bad flea infestation can quickly kill a kitten, so it's important to get treatment quickly when those little 'buggers' are discovered.

How can I detect whether my kitten has fleas?

Often times, you can see the fleas crawling on your kitten if you kitten have a light colored coat.

However, if you kitten has a dark coat, try this little test...

Fill up your sink with lukewarm water and gently put your kitten in the water. Then, lightly brush your kitten's coat, making sure that the brush comes in direct contact with its skin. The idea is that you want the fleas or dried drops of blood to fall off into the water. If black specs drop off into the water and they turn red, then that shows that your kitten is being eaten by fleas.

My kitten has fleas! What can I do?

The safest way to kill fleas on a young kitten is by bathing them in lukewarm to warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Dawn dishwashing liquid is very effective at killing fleas and is used by many cat breeders.

First, dip your kitten in the warm water, then take it out and apply generous amounts of the Dawn dishwashing liquid and massage it in to its coat. Be very careful to avoid getting the soap in your kitten's eyes.

The fleas will start jumping off to get away from the Dawn dishwashing liquid.

Note: Make sure your kitten does not catch cold - if you have a heat lamp overhead, that can be very helpful.

For more enticing information and photos about kittens, please visit http://Kitten-Pictures.com

Life With Cats

By Rebeca Rambal

Living with a cat is not for the weak. Of all of the creatures on the planet, the cat is pretty sure they are royalty. Perhaps their ego comes from being related to The King himself? Yes, I am sure that's it. Imagine a dialogue with the king that goes something like this: "Your human wants you to sit in their lap? Unheard of!"

I smile as I think of the young kitty explaining that it's not that bad and the lion responds, "Since you are so small, an exception can be made, just be sure your human knows it is only to be tolerated, not enjoyed! Isn't that just the way it is?

You come home from a long day at work expecting to pet Geisha and relax, only to find Her Highness cannot be bothered at the moment. But that proud countenance is just what you love about her.

Life with a cat begins humbly enough with a tiny ball of fur gently suckling her mother. You are in awe of the silky soft bundle, just itching to hold the mewling creature, an impulse quickly deterred by a low growl from momma kitty. But soon enough, your little pudgy cat is weaned and ready to accept you as her human. Oh, yes, you are their human, they are not your pet! You excitedly go to the pet store to find that Geisha will have more stuff than you ever did! They have kitty condos, royal pet beds, designer food bowls, expensive carriers, and more toys than you could ever imagine. One look in those huge green eyes and out comes the plastic. She licks your hand lovingly and you simply melt.

Home at last. Your furry bundle takes off like a bullet heading straight for the heirloom drapes you just hung in the living room. Kitty Olympics here we come! She rounds the coffee table in a mad dash, back feet spinning on the hardwood floor, will she make it? And UP she goes! That may well be a world record kitty vault! Over the couch and through the chairs to the kitchen counter, the exploration continues until no inch of her new environment has been left untouched. Just when you think you might have made a mistake getting such an energized kitty, she lands in your lap and promptly rolls and then kneads herself comfortable while purring gently as you stroke her fur. Whew! What an introduction!

Well, day one is winding down and with Geisha safely asleep on top her three story condo, you ease off to bed quite satisfied that life with cats, while exhausting, is a good fit. Curling up nice and snug under the covers, you pick up The Shining and lose yourself in the pages.All is quiet, and the moment the maniac goes crazy with the chainsaw you feel a sharp pain in your big toe!Jumping three feet in the air and throwing Mr. King against the wall, it takes a few seconds to discover the culprit of your attack! Geisha pokes her little head from beneath the bed looking about as frightened as you! Laughing until tears roll, you pick up your new friend and realize that your life will never be the same.

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

Home Remedies For Cat Dandruff

By Michael Gentleman

Cats can get dandruff for a variety of reasons: advancing age, illness, exposure to dry weather/heat or being overweight can contribute to cat dandruff. Sad to say, some cats are lazy about their grooming or may in fact have an illness that makes it hard for them to groom.

In that case, a trip to the vet is needed. Barring illness, these home remedies reduce your cat's dandruff. A good place to start is with a good combing of the cat. In addition to loosening any persistent flakes, this will also stimulate blood flow to the skin and make your kitty feel good! You can also try giving your cat a bath, but be sure to always use a shampoo designed especially for cats and ensure that the shampoo is completely rinsed out of the fur, otherwise more problems could occur. There are some great oatmeal based cat shampoos that can work wonders!

Combing and washing the cat is a good way to check for any parasitic infections, namely fleas or fur mites. These parasites can cause or exacerbate any existing skin conditions your cat may have so it is a good idea to regularly check your cat and its environment for evidence of these pests.

What kind of diet does your cat have? Is she only eating dry food? While dry food is great for your cat's teeth, try adding in some canned cat food. The additional oils in the wet food will help to keep the skin a bit more moisturized. On the advice of your veterinarian, you can also supplement your cat's diet with fish oil or sunflower oil, which will improve the luster of their coat and will aid in getting rid of dandruff. Your vet may prescribe a product called DermCaps, which is an oil based, fatty acid supplement for cats.

As mentioned above, dry air can cause problems for cats. Try placing a humidifier in a safe location (where kitty can't pull it down onto herself) and see if that helps. Exposure to moist air should have a positive affect on your cat's skin and coat. If your cat's dandruff isn't responding to the above recommendations or is showing signs of illness, a trip to the vet is in order. Keeping your kitty healthy, happy and pretty is a great way to show your love for your pet!

Mike writes about cat dandruff with product reviews. If you are interested in cat dandruff treatments then visit his website for further information and solutions. http://catdandruffguide.com/.