Cat Not Eating? Why Cats May Not Eat

By Garry Chaples

Reasons Your Cat May Not Be Eating:

Stress - Cats can experience stress from even the simplest of changes around your home. If you recently moved residences, cats can have difficulty adjusting. Introducing a new pet into the home can also be very stressful for a cat. Other changes around the home that give cats stress and possibly cause them not to eat are moving furniture in the house, or even moving the food bowl to a new location. Cats love routines, and any changes to those routines cause stress.

Other Cats - Cats are very territorial, and may lose their appetite due to a territorial dispute with another cat. If your cat is an outdoor cat, perhaps a new cat moved into his territory, thereby upsetting him. A new cat introduced into your home can upset your indoor cat.

Illness - If your cat seems lethargic, hides from you more than usual, and in unusual places, or goes for more than 24 hours without eating, then a trip to the veterinarian is probably in order.

Food Issues - If you have recently changed cat foods, or if the current food changed formulations, your cat could be reacting to the change in diet. If it is an outdoor cat, he may also have found food elsewhere.

There are a number of other food-related issues that could explain why your cat is not eating, and they deserve more explanation...

Cats were initially bred in Egypt, so therefore, they are instinctively desert-dwellers. Since there is little water in the desert, cats depend on getting their liquid nutrition (water) from their food. Sure, cats have been domesticated to where they will drink water from a bowl, but instinctively, they depend on getting it from their food.

Have you ever had a cat that died from kidney problems? I have, and I've learned that it was probably caused by feeding my cats a diet of dry, crunchy brown things. Sure, cats will be fine for a number of years eating dry food exclusively, but it takes a toll in the later years.

Try a variety of canned foods for your cat. They are much more easily processed by the digestive system, and they will help your cat live a longer, happier life.

For more information on feeding your cat, visit my pet food blog at http://www.thepetfooddude.blogspot.com For more cat behavior tips, sign up for the FREE Cat Behavior Tips Newsletter at http://www.TrainYourCatNow.info

Cat Meowing Constantly? Why They Do It, and How to Stop It

By Garry Chaples

Medical Problem - You first need to rule out an kind of medical problem with your cat. If the excessive meowing is a recent event that is out of character for your cat, then it may be a good idea to get your cat checked out at the veterinarian. Instinctively, cats do not usually "complain" much, unless there is a real problem.

Something Has Changed - Cats like routines. If you have recently moved residences, if you have recently added a new pet to the environment, or if you have recently lost a pet, that could cause excess meowing. Give your cat some extra attention to reassure her that she is still an important member of the family.

Necessities Not Being Met - Check the food and water bowls, and don't overlook the litter box. Cats can be very picky about the condition of their litter box. If it is not clean, your cat will not be happy, and may even refuse to go until the litter is cleaned, or worse, find a new place to go that is cleaner. If you have recently changed the type of litter being used, your cat may disagree with your decision, and vocally let you know about it.

Boredom - Cats need some playtime too. Most cats sleep the day away while you are at work, and need a little exercise at some point. Take a couple minutes to play with your cat. Fishing pole, or string toys, are good, or perhaps something with some catnip in it. My cat loves to chase the little red light from a laser pointer, which is great, cheap entertainment for our family too!

How to Stop Constant Cat Meowing

Do Not "Reward" the Behavior - Sometimes, cats are just looking for attention, even negative attention. The best way to fix the problem is to simply ignore your cats excessive meowing (not easy I know,) then, when she quiets down, reward the quiet behavior with some attention. If that does not work, then try using a squirt bottle, or a firm "No!" with a clap of your hands.

Spend Some Time With Your Cat - Sure, cats are "lower maintenance" than dogs, but they do like some attention. A little play time, chin scratch, or a good daily brushing will go a long way to having a happy, quiet cat.

Daily Maintenance - Make sure your cat has a fresh supply of food and water, as well as a clean litter box.

Some cats are just more vocal than others. Your cat may simply love you and be asking how your day was. Usually, just a little care and attention are all that's required to cure an excessive cat meowing problem.

For more cat behavior tips, sign up for the FREE Cat Behavior Tips Newsletter at http://www.TrainYourCatNow.info For help in finding unique or hard-to-find gifts, the author of this article also publishes the website http://www.OnlineShoppingFAQs.com

Mange on Cats - A Mite Infestation

By Elsa Albro

Mange on cats is a parasitic infestation of the skin. Common symptoms include hair loss, itching and inflammation. This skin condition is classified by the type of mite that causes it.

We are not talking about the common ear mite; ear mites do not cause mange. The pests that cause this condition are microscopic spider-like parasites that live on feline skin.

HEAD MANGE

Feline scabies, also known as head mange, is a skin ailment caused by the head mite. This parasite reproduces only on felines and cannot live for more than a few days off the host.

These mites cause intense itching around the head and neck. Due to the incessant scratching, besides hair loss and bald spots, the cat may actually mutilate itself causing open sores and infected skin. Other symptoms include gray to yellow crusts around the face, neck and edge of ears. And, in extreme cases, the result is thickened wrinkled skin. Head mange is transmitted by animal-to-animal and is highly contagious.

Treatment:

Clip the hair around the affected areas and bathe in a mild shampoo to loosen the crusts. Then dip the animal in a 2.5% lime sulfur dip weekly. In order to reduce the severe itching, use a cortisone product. Infected sores should be treated with a soothing topical ointment.

CHEYLETIELLA MANGE

This skin condition on felines does not itch as much, but is known as Walking Dandruff due to and unusual amount of dandruff on the back, neck and sides. These large reddish mites are also highly contagious, and can not live more than two weeks without access to a feline.

Humans can easily become infested and will have symptoms of itching and a rash that looks like insect bites.

Treatment

All cats and dogs should be treated with either a shampoo containing pyrethrin or the 2.5% lime sulfur dip, weekly, for at least two weeks beyond the apparent cure. Humans will improve as soon as the cat is treated.

TROMBICULID MITES

Commonly called Chiggers, are parasitic only in larval form. Cats pick up these barely visible mites prowling in grasslands in late summer or fall. These red, yellow or orange specs tend to clump in areas where skin is thin; between toes, around ears and mouth. Chiggers larvae feed by sucking on the skin which results in severe irritation, patches of raw skin and scabbed, draining sores.

Treatment

Chiggers can be eliminated by one application of the pyrethrin shampoo or lime sulfur dip. Antihistamines or corticosteroids will control the intense itching. Prevention is the best medicine; keep your pet indoors during chigger season.

DEMODECTIC MANGE

This non-contagious skin condition is common in dogs, yet rare in felines. The demodex mite is a normal resident of a felines skin, seldom causing more than a mild, localized infection. Most often this skin condition is seen in young cats causing a couple areas of hair loss, crusty sores and sometimes an infection. Usually within three months it clears up.

Treatment

If these symptoms do not clear up within a couple months, it is best to seek the guidance of a veterinarian.

SARCOPTIC MANGE

Similar in symptoms and treatment to head mange, this disease is rarely seen in cats, yet common in dogs.

Treatment

It is always best to seek guidance from a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Mange on cats can be avoided if your pe remains indoors. However, regular grooming can prevent many of these disorders caused by mites.

For more information on your favorite furry pets, visit: lovefatcats.com.

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What We Love and Don't Love About Cats

By Doris Canova

The emotional life of cats, in some ways, may even be richer than a person's, because they have no inhibitions about what they feel. In a short period of time, a cat can go from contentedness to anger to desire to affection. True, studies show that people with pets live a bit longer and have better blood pressure than non-owners, but in the literal sense, we don't really need all those dogs and cats to survive.

One of the things we love about cats is watching them play. Kittens love playing but don't know yet how to control their sharp claws and teeth. Also children can unknowingly be a little rough with a kitten and may cause it harm. Kittens that are obtained after 12 weeks may be more difficult to manage. The experiences of kittens during their first few months of life are important in helping to shape their temperaments and personalities as adults. Your kitten will need time to adjust to her new environment, and understanding this is the first step in getting off to a positive start.

One of the things we don't love is hair shedding but hair shedding is considered a sign of health in the cat, because sick cats do not shed. It happens for different reasons, but basically it depends on the time your cat spends outdoor or whether your cat is purely an indoor cat. Hairballs can be prevented with certain cat foods and remedies that ease elimination of the hair and regular grooming of the coat with a comb or stiff brush. Cats expend nearly as much fluid grooming as they do urinating. Long-haired cats obviously are more high-maintenance than its short-haired counterparts. You'll need to at least bath them once a week and brush their long manes frequently. Owners should wipe away the moisture that is emitted from the eyes at least once in the morning and at least once in the evening hours. Persians should also be bathed frequently.

Hunting is something you may or may not like about cats. Cats are fun to watch as they pretend to hunt by attacking toys, each other, or miscellaneous items and this is something we like. They may hunt for real and present you with a dead mouse "trophy" and this we have mixed emotions about. On the one hand we are glad to have the rodent eliminated, but then and again, we don't want to know about it. Hunting has become central to cat's behavior patterns, even to their wild like playing for short bursts of intense exercise punctuating long periods of rest. Hunting mothers generally pass all their hunting abilities, including the ultimate killing of their prey, onto their kittens. Non-hunting mothers, by contrast, often pass along the hunting skills except the ability to kill.

Scratching is another thing about which we may have mixed emotions. On the one hand, scratching behavior seems enjoyable to the cat, and even declawed cats will go through elaborate scratching routines, with every gesture of great satisfaction, despite the total lack of results. Then again, without a scratching post your furniture or draperies may suffer.

One thing is that generally speaking, smaller pets mean less responsibility, but even a tiny goldfish needs love and care, but then and again, smaller pets also have a shorter life span -- which means you or your child will experience an early grief.

Generally, cats are naturally well-behaved creatures, unlike dogs, who want to please you; cats want to feel they are the ones in total control of their lives which some people love and other people hate.

As the saying goes, "everything has its price" and yes cats do have things that can potentially be annoying, but I feel the benefits far outweigh the bad side. For me, there is nothing that is as comfortable as having a purring cat lying on my lap on a cold winter night in front of the fireplace. No matter what has gone wrong during the day, it is all forgotten during this daily ceremony.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Please visit our site today for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - http://www.besthousecatcare.com or our blog for more information - http://www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com

Tips on How to Make Your Cat's Indoor Life More Interesting

By Connie Limon

Cats that live free in the wild or anywhere spend much of every day "hunting" for food. Indoor cats have life easier......or do they? We probably need to find more creative ways to provide cats with some of the same kind of stimulation free living cats enjoy. It is very much a cat's instinct to hunt for food; however, our indoor cats usually have their food put literally at their paw-tips.

What can a cat owner do to provide the indoor cat with more food hunting stimulation?

• Buy food puzzles or cat toys that allow the insertion of bits of food or treats

• Special fountains make drinking water more interesting

• Timed feeders allow you to vary the times at which they will dispense food for your cat

Make your own food puzzle:

• Start with a clean yogurt container with a lid

• Cut a small hole in the side

• Make sure the edges of the hole are smooth

• Put some dry cat food in the container and roll it along the floor

• The cat will learn it has to continually roll the container so the food will spill out, piece by piece

You can also hide your cat's food in several locations around the house instead of putting it in one spot. It is much more entertaining for your cat if he or she has to hunt for its food every day. This helps to satisfy the cat's basic instincts of hunting for food. Don't allow your cat to see where you have hidden the food. Start with hiding small amounts of dry food under a paper cup or a plate in various locations. Another interesting option is to use an egg carton. This way the cat will have to scoop bit by bit out of the wells.

Mental stimulation using tricks:

Tricks are not just for kids! Tricks are not just for dogs! You can teach your cat tricks much in the same way dogs are trained. Many cats can be trained to fetch or perform other simple tricks using conventional training methods or clicker training. There are many books and videos to help you learn how to train your cat. Trick training will help your cat avoid boredom and also provide another way for owner and pet to interact and bond.

Socializing is another worthwhile way to spend time with your pet. What you can do:

• Spend some time every day just sitting and petting your cat

• Everyday, brush your cat's coat

Even though cats have the strong reputation of being solitary hunters, they are also social creatures that do indeed enjoy human company. They need attention from their owners. Studies show interaction between humans and pets helps make people healthier and calmer. Enjoy the experience. The time spent with your pet is just as therapeutic for you as for the pet.

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 http://www.camelotarticles.com

Changing Your Cat's Food Successfully

By Connie Limon

Cats may not welcome a change in their food. If you need to change the food consider the following tips:

• Be sure to introduce the new food gradually for the most successful change. This way the cat is eased into the change.

• Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of old food

• Change the amount of food you give over the next three days by gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food

• In the end of this weaning process, you should be feeding the new food 100%

• During the first two days of the weaning period, do not give the cat treats or table scraps

Negative affects might include:

• Your cat picks out the new food and just eats the old food

• The cat refuses to eat

Don't be upset if this occurs; just continue with the weaning process until you are feeding the new food 100%. Cats can miss meals for a couple days with no adverse effects.

Also be aware of how you bring in the new food and present it to the cat. Introduce the new food using a pleasant voice and don't demand your cat eat the new food right away. Just stay calm and positive about the entire process. Cats can read your body language even if you cannot understand what they say to you.

I have been reading a lot about raw diets and I have decided not to try them for my cats. I am going to stick with the commercially prepared dry cat foods. I fear bacteria from raw diets will cause sickness in my cats.

One of the biggest challenges in switching diets is when there is a switch from moist food to dry food. My cats do just love the Fancy Feast moist foods, however, I fed them this all the time, they would not have firm stools and the feces sticks to their coat around the anal area, which is something they hate to have cleaned away, so I avoid giving them too much of the moist food and stick with the dry food.

If you have a cat on moist food and you want to change him or her to the dry food, try mixing the dry food with a little warm water if the cat resists changing over. You can even put the moistened food in the microwave for a few seconds. If you mix the food with water is sure to throw out the uneaten portion after 20 minutes. This prevents food spoilage. Apply this same rule to canned food. When you have your cat accustomed to the moistened food, wean him or her onto the dry food.

If you notice your cat is not eating the cat food as usual, take a look at whatever else you are feeding before you decide the cat is a finicky eater. Do you give just a few table scraps or treats throughout the day? This can really make a difference in how much cat food is eaten. Extras can drastically change the cat's normal intake of cat food. Consider how you feel after eating too much candy or potato chips. Are you really interested in a three course meal? Neither is the cat interested in the nutritious food if you fill him or her up with treats and this and that throughout the day.

It is not true that cats need variety in their diets. They normally eat to meet their energy requirements. Their ancestors ate meat in the wild. Domesticated cats thrive on routine and really do not tire of one particular flavor of food. However, there are different formulas to address different needs such as obesity and hairball remedies.

Always keep plenty of fresh water out for your cat and provide a comfortable place to eat away from a lot of family confusion. For mental stimulation you might try hiding a few dry kernels of cat food under a small cup and place the cups in different areas to stimulate the hunting instinct. In the wild, cats spend most of their day just hunting for their food.

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.

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 http://www.camelotarticles.com

Cat Carriers - How to Choose the Perfect Carrier For Your Cat

By Claudia Escobar

Cat carriers are an essential item for any cat lover. You need one to transport your cat from one place to another easily and safely. You need a carrier to take your cat to vet, to the groomer, and to the boarding facility. A carrier is especially necessary for those long trips either by plane or by car. Fortunately, you can easily find a wide selection of cat carriers online as well as at brick and mortar pet stores.

So how do you choose the right carrier for your cat? Of course, price is going to be an important factor. But there are other elements to consider, too. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pet carrier for you and your kitty:

1.) Make sure your cat fits comfortably inside the carrier. Most cats don't like being confined, so choose a carrier that provides your cat with enough room and ventilation.

2.) Choose a carrier that is made of long lasting and easy-to-clean materials. In the long run, buying a good quality carrier will save you money as you don't have to replace it as often. You can find cat carriers made of different materials, including hard plastic and nylon.

3.) Ask yourself, what do you need the carrier for? For example, if you are traveling by car or plane, make sure that the carrier you select is safe and secure. Many airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers.

4.) Do you want a soft carrier or a hard carrier? These are the most common types of carriers and they both have their pros and cons. It all comes down to your cat's needs, safety and comfort. Soft carriers are perfect for small to mid-size cats while hard carriers are better for larger and heavier cats. Regardless of the type, make sure the carrier is secure and comfortable for your cat.

5.) If you want a more sophisticated carrier, then consider pet strollers and carrier backpacks. Many of these pieces are easy to handle and store away. They are also great to take your cats on "walks" around the neighborhood.

Other things to consider: The latch of the carrier's door should lock firmly and securely. You don't want your kitty jumping out of the carrier at the worst possible time and place. Also, many soft carriers come with a small mat, if yours doesn't bring one place a soft blanket so that your cat can lie down comfortably.

© Claudia Escobar is a cat lover who loves anything cat-related. For more on cat carriers and gift ideas for cat lovers visit her site at http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com If you would like to reproduce this article please feel free to do so, provided that you publish the article in its entirety and include this resource box.