unique cat names: 2013

How to Go About Toilet Training a Cat

If you are a fan of pets, and especially cats, then you have a task of toilet training them. You may be wondering how possible this is, but believe you me, there are even books that have been written on this topic. Toilet training for your cat is necessary nowadays because unlike in the past where people lived in homes with gardens, today, many are living in apartments where there are no gardens or backyards.

Cats would go into the garden, do their potty and cover it up with soil, but now this is not common due to the absence of the gardens. This is where toilet training for a cat comes in. It is not an easy affair, but its is worth the effort. It begins by having some basic skills on how to handle the pet. You need to make a litter box for the pet, and teach the it to use it.

It will require you to be a bit patient with the animal because it is not a guarantee that it will learn instantly. In the beginning, place the box where the pet likes to stay at the most, and gradually with time, move it to the washroom area. Remember that you have to keep emptying the litter box, otherwise the bad smell will suffocate the whole house.

Once the cat is used to the box, it will learn to look for it to ease itself. As you move the box to the bathroom area, trim the edges and start placing it on the seat. Gradually, cut a hole in the center of the box and let the pet get used to this too. Finally, remove the brims of the box completely and leave the flat cardboard on the seat. You will be amazed.

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What to Do When You See Blood in Your Cat's Urine

Is there blood in your cat's urine? If so, there is no need to fret.Most likely the problem is caused by something minor that can be easily treated. No matter what you think might be the problem underlying blood in cat urine you need to take your cat to the vet.

Some possible causes of this problem include crystals and stones, a bacterial infection, a tumor, and ingestion of a toxic chemical. Crystals and stones are commonly an issue for male cats because their urethras are long and narrow.

Cat urine with blood is most commonly treated with antibiotics since the most common cause of the problem is bacterial infection. The problem with antibiotics is that they are known to cause a host of unwanted side effects.

Blood in cat urine, as long as it's not caused by a terminal illness, is best to get rid of with natural treatment. Natural treatments that are helpful include increasing water intake (filtered water, not tap water), feeding your cat a healthy diet, and giving your cat a homeopathic remedy.

Remember that no matter what you need to get your cat checked out with a vet first in order to rule out any serious illnesses or injuries that need immediate treatment. Otherwise, the situation may become fatal. If a mild urinary infection or stones turn out to be the cause, natural treatment is your best option.

Natural treatment is a good idea because it causes no side effects, it helps your cat achieve permanent recovery, and it prevents future recurrence of the problem. Conventional treatments aim at suppressing symptoms fast but they tend to return because the underlying imbalances are not fixed.

Cat urine with blood will probably take a little longer to go away with natural treatment but the results will be permanent. So after the problem is diagnosed, give your cat a homeopathic remedy, up his water intake, and feed him only natural, unprocessed, and/or raw food.

When you give your cat a homeopathic remedy that contains urinary tonics like uva ursi and cantharis, his bladder and urinary tract get stronger. Furthermore, the flow of his urine improves and blockages become less of a possibility. You will notice that blood in cat urine will become a thing of the past with even just a few days of treatment. For full protection however, regular administration is necessary. So instead of rushing to find a quick fix for a problem like blood in cat urine, why not experiment with natural remedies? They are affordable, all natural, and totally safe.You can give your cat a homeopathic remedy every single day without worry of it causing side effects.

Get out there and find a homeopathic remedy for your cat. It will help him maintain a healthy bladder and urinary tract and you won't ever see blood in his urine again.

Jeff Grill is the editor of the Cat Health Guide. See this site more more information on cat urine with blood.

Dog People Get a Cat

Last summer we were introduced to a Burmese cat through a close relative. Michael held the cat and it was like he just melted into his arms. He felt heavy and his coat was so silky. He didn't push away or scratch and bite. He just laid there like a puppy. Up to that point we very much disliked cats. "We were dog people" I had met some mean cats before.

Finding your kitte - When we got home I began searching for all the information I could about this breed of cats. I looked for cat merchandise and red all I could find on cat behaviors and how to blend a cat with dogs. It was a European Burmese cat and from all I read, they are very "dog like"cats.I began searching for a good cattery and found one. To my great surprise, at some point my husband got it, how seriou I was as there was an E-Mail from a Cattery sending us information about kitten's available. Cattery names are registered with the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) which is the equivalent of the American Kennel Club (AKC) for dogs. After watching the kittens grow over the internet we chose which one we waned, we were soo to be cat owners.

Pre Planning-Expenses - Consider all the expense that will come with a cat. Picking out a kitten or cat at the local animal shelter is a much less expensive and may be a more gratifying choice. They usually are spade or neutered with all their shots. Pedigree's have different medical issues depending on the breed. Understanding cat behavior would be new to us. Feeding Bowls, Food, Litter Box, Carrier, Collar, leash, bed, toys, first Vet visit so your own vet can check your kitten out, are all expenses to prepare for.

Floor Plan - You will need to plan where to put the food and water, litter box, bed, toys. The liter box should be in a private place and not to close to the food. The toys should be where you can play with your kitten and enjoy watching them play. They litter may bother some people, because they kick it up when they bury their business. It gets dusty and what they bury smells really bad. Picking up kitty You may be going to pick it up at the airport, going to the Cattery, meeting somewhere or they may bring it to you. Some Cattery's will want to come to your home to be sure the environment suits your new kitty. You will need your carrier, a blanket or some cat apparel, some snacks, a toy or two, maybe the cat collar and leash. I met my breeder and kitty half way at a vet, because he needed one more shot. That worked out well because he had a cold and was started on antibiotics which the breeder paid for.

Bringing Sid home - I brought Sid (Siddhartha Moses Michael) home in his carrier. We had never used a carrier for a pet but I am really glad we bought one for Sid. He loves his carrier and hangs out in there a lot. Seems like strange cat behavior to love being in a cage. He had a URI and was on antibiotics, had the sniffles and watery eyes, seeming or looking like cats cry.We learned through our vet that the weeping eyes was just part of his URI. We had his litter box set up and just showed it to him and that's all we needed to do. We bought one of those automatic ones and it is awesome. I swear he thinks it's a toy. It rakes when it senses he has been in there within 10 minutes. He has that figured out and jumps in what seems like every hour.

Introducing Sid to our two dogs was the next task. This was, we felt, our biggest challenge in introducing our cat to the two dogs and where we would be learning a lot about cat behavior problems. We have a Chinese Shapei named Missy and a long haired dachshund named Lady. To our great surprise, with slow introduction of the cat and dogs, all went very well. Sid, the cat, took to the two dogs very quickly and as stated above, was and still is very dog like in his behavior including how he gets along with the dogs. These two dogs owners feel we have successfully begun to master the art of owning a cat in a home that used to be the palace for two dogs.

Janet Michael

[http://www.sidcitykitty.com]

Cat Bladder Stones - What Are They?

Did you know that cat bladder stones are often accompanied by urinary tract infections? Many owners do not realize that one problem can lead to another. Anyone who has been through it with their pet will attest that a feline bladder stone can be very painful and even dangerous.

Females will experience cat bladder stones more often than males. The reason for this is because the urethra (the tube where urine exits from the body) is shorter in females than in males. It is also much closer to the rectum which allows for more bacteria to enter the urethra, thus leading to more infections. As infections increase, the chance of developing a cat bladder stone increases as well.

While it is very possible to develop feline bladder stones due to infections, owners must remember that infections can be caused in a variety of ways. In many cases, the owner may not even notice the pet has a problem until the symptoms of the infection present themselves. This means that feline bladder stones often have plenty of time to develop before the problem is noticed.

The creation of feline bladder stones is similar to how oysters produce pearls. A small granule develops and onto this minerals begin to cling. As time passes, the particle becomes bigger. Once it gets to a particular size it will begin to irritate the lining of the bladder. If it gets too big, it may block the urethra, reducing the pet's ability to void its urine. If the cat bladder stone is left untreated, it may completely block the urethra which leads to incredible pain and even life-threatening sepsis.

Only your veterinarian can properly diagnosis a feline bladder stone. He or she may recommend antibiotics to fight off any infections, and these usually do the trick. It is important to remember, too, that there are many types of cat bladder stones (struvite and oxalate) and only your veterinarian will be able to determine the type that is causing problems.. Knowing the type is important as this leads to the proper treatment regime. Many types of cat bladder stones can be treated with medications, but others may require surgery (oxalate). Only your veterinarian can decide which is which.

Dietary change and natural supplements can help keep struvite bladder stones from recurring. Products such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare might help to dissolve struvite stones and possibly help with the other type of stone (oxalate). These diets work by limiting magnesium intake and by helping your cat's urine have a higher percentage of acid. You might also consider a switch to a canned cat food. Canned foods contain 80% more moisture than dry and will help to increase the frequency and amount of urination. If you stay with dry cat food, consider one that has a higher level of salt which will cause your cat to drink more.

Natural Remedies that are specifically made for cat bladder stones can also be helpful. Ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis and Staphysagris are recognized natural ways of helping to maintain the PH of a normal urinary tract system which will help to keep a cat bladder stone from forming.

It is also important to keep plenty of clean water available for your pet as this is one of the best ways to prevent cat bladder stones from forming in the first place. Water helps to dilute the urine, which in turn reduces the ability of the minerals to pack together and form a cat bladder stone. Also a clean litter box will help with the spread of infection.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems. See this site for more Cat Bladder Stone treatment options.

Cat Breeding Cycle - What Pet Owners Should Know About the Mating Ritual and For Pregnancy

When the female is fully in season and ready to accept the male, she and the male work this out themselves and there is nothing you can do to hasten the process, she will flirt with him, rub her cheek on the floor and then offer him her backside, holding her tail on one side. He will jump on her and grab the back of her neck with his teeth. This usually subdues her and she will submit. He then straddles her and proceeds to enter her from the rear. He breeds her quickly and, when penetration is achieved, she will let loose with a blood curdling shriek.

The wise male will hurry to remove himself from her proximity before she turns and strikes out at him with her claws. Once he is out of her reach, she proceeds to roll about on the floor for several minutes, making noises.

When she has finished rolling, she will sit up and clean herself thoroughly, preparing herself for a repeat performance. Within about ten minutes, she is back at him again with her coy little noises, head rubbing and flirtatious ways.

He will again respond as before and the process repeats, complete with another shriek on her part. To achieve pregnancy, it is generally best to allow cats to mate over one or two days, although this will depend on the individual cats.

Whereas some males and females can be left together and enjoy each other's company, others will need to be separated as they can turn on each other and fight between mating. There is no truth to the notion that breeding your queen either early or late in her season will result in her having fewer kittens.

There is also no truth to the idea that you can dictate how many males and females she will have by breeding on a certain day of her season. The male determines the sex and the female determines the number of litter.

You might breed her in the middle of a heavy season, and she will conceive just one kitten. Or she might escape from her cage and have the male mate with her just once and she will conceive eight kittens. However, a litter will generally average three or four kittens.

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Cat Breeding Cycle - What Every Cat Owner Should Know About the Frequency of Seasons

The excitement of breeding a cat to meet its standard is addictive and can last for a lifetime. Be warned, though, that very few, if any, breeders actually make a profit. When a female cat, or queen, is ready to mate, she is said to be in season, in estrus or in heat.

When she comes in season, she will emit loud cries, or calls, to attract a tomcat. She will also crouch down and creep about the floor on shortened legs, and may even spray. As her season progresses she will rub against you or an article of furniture, raise her rear end into the air and make alluring little noise.

You may also notice that her vulva is swollen and some clear discharge may be visible. Although the outdoor queen may come in season in spring and again in early fall if the weather turns clement, the indoor queen may cycle in and out of season every few weeks throughout the entire year until she is bred.

This is because of the more or less constant temperature in the home or cattery and the artificial light similar to the sun in spring and summer. Frequent seasons pose dangers for your queen. Many females will not eat when in season and can become dangerously thin.

They also have a greater chance of deploying pyometra. Frequent seasons can also present a problem for your queen if she already has a litter of kittens and should not be bred for some time.

Yes, she will come in season even while she is nursing and very often when the kittens are as young as three weeks. Another pregnancy at this early stage may really wear her down. If you do not want your queen to fall pregnant at a particular time, but want her to remain intact for future breeding, you must either confine her or the stud cat so they cannot gain access to each other.

You can also try to induce ovulation in the queen which may take her out of season in a few days instead one week. Apply petroleum jelly to the end of a clean rectal thermometer and gently insert it into her vagina. Twist slowly and gently and she should soon let out a shriek.

This is a sure sign you have achieved the same result as a tomcat. Immediately withdraw the thermometer and then repeat the procedure ten minutes later and again later that day.

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You've Heard of a Dog Door, What About a Cat Door?

It may be surprising to know all the uses you could put a dog door to, even if you don't have dogs. If you have a pet cat, the dog door can also be used by that. This is also convenient if you have a small dog or a pup - so the same sized door can be used by both. Usually owners install dog doors for dogs but rarely bother to do the same for cats.

Cats are usually looked at as house pets, or to be precise, lazy house pets that would rather not go out. However, getting your cat to do some exercise is a good idea as most have a tendency to grow fat and lazy very quickly. At such times having a cat door to shoo it out of the house and letting it in when it wants can be a great idea. And if your cat is the outdoor type, it will definitely appreciate the quick access to safety when it gets into trouble.

Dog doors for cats can be replaced by a think film of vinyl or strong plastic that is easy for the cat to push its way through. Cats generally tend to use their claws on anything that might seem like a deterring factor, so it is best to have a flap on the door which will open easily even without any pawing. Otherwise you might find the lovely finish of thermo vinyl or aluminum badly scratched! Another mistake is installing wire mead or a net of any sort. Cats can very easily tear through most.

Dog doors for cats are useful in another way as well. Cats are known to go to extreme lengths to get things they want. A cat wanting to get out of the house will resort to extreme measures in the absence of a dog or cat door. This includes jumping on the kitchen counter or even jumping onto the coffee table in a bid to get to the window. All this jumping and the resulting destruction of (often expensive) property can be put to an end with a cat door.

Dog doors for cats can be installed on all the doors of the house, not just the front or main door. This allows your cat access to all the rooms so it can roam about freely. If you want to keep the cat out of a particular room for some time, just lock the cat door. Dog doors for cats come with a variety of locking systems and you will definitely find one to suit your purpose.

A house is quite large and a cat quite small. Therefore it is quite easy for it to get lost in one of the rooms. Consequently, you might find the idea of having cat doors all over the house a little unnerving. However, the idea is to give your pet freedom. Cats are inquisitive creatures and like to snoop around. Keep them cooped up in a room and they will soon become lazy, fat and very boring. A cat that can roam about the house is far more interesting. If you're worried about losing it, tie a little bell around its neck. That way you'll here your cat every time it runs through a cat door.

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Cat Trauma and Burns - What You Should Do When Your Cat is Having These Problems

If your cat has fallen from a height or is struck by a car, the most important thing to do is to prevent him from going into shock or to minimize the effects of shock. Cover him lightly, keep him warm, talk to him in low tones and a soothing manner, and do not rush.

Lift him as carefully as possible as not to worsen any damage, place him in a small container and take him to the veterinarian immediately. Only a veterinarian can treat such injuries, and often anesthesia is required.

Although you might want to try to splint a broken limb, bear in mind that most cats do not tolerate being handled when they are in pain and your best efforts will probably be greeted by teeth flashing and claws striking. You may well cause even more damage.

What about burns? Your cat could suffer serious injury if he jumps on a hot stove or tips over a pan of boiling water. If it is a superficial burn or scald, the affected area turns red and could blister slightly.

If the burn is more serious, the skin turns white and the hairs are easily removed when pulled. To treat minor burns, immediately apply cold water or ice to the affected area for about 20 minutes.

If the burn is serious, you will need to take him to the veterinarian for further treatment. You can help prevent these accidents by keeping pans away from the edge of the stove and by covering gas and electric rings with fireproof lids.

Kitchens can be the heart of the home, and very much your cat's domain. To treat minor burns, immediately apply ice to the area. If the burn is more serious, you need to take your cat to the veterinarian. Always remember, prevention is better than cure.

Your cat will not always land on his feet, and may suffer a fracture from a bad landing. Never try to splint his leg yourself or you could both be hurt.

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Cat Bleeding - What Action Should You Take When Your Cat is Having This Problem?

It is easy to say that if an accident occurs, take your cat to the veterinarian. But what is the veterinarian's office is closed? Or you lived hundreds of miles away from the veterinarian? Here are some things you will need to know.

What about bleeding? Although most minor bleeding will stop of its own accord, if your cat is bleeding heavily you will need to apply a pressure bandage or, in extreme cases, a tourniquet.

Accidents will happen, and the best way to handle them is to be prepared. Make sure you have a properly equipped first aid kit, be aware of the types of injuries your cat might suffer, and know how best to treat them.

Some treatments are straight forward, if your cat is choking; you need to remove the obstruction from his throat. Other accidents, however, require more complex treatment, and this easy reference section will explain how you can best treat your cat in an emergency.

A pressure bandage, which stops the blood flowing at the wound, is used when the bleeding is not too severe. Apply a cold water compress onto the wound and then put on a pressure bandage of gauze and fasten with tape or torn sheeting.

The main point of bleeding will be where your cat is licking. If your cat is bleeding profusely from a limb or a tail wound, you will need to use a tourniquet, which stops the blood flowing to the wound.

To apply, bind a strip of cloth tightly above the wound. A tourniquet should be used as a last resort, and the animal must be taken immediately to the veterinarian's office. If his paw or leg is injured and bleeding, bandage up one side and down the other and then secure it above the joint.

If his tail is bleeding, wrap the bandage tightly. Never use a pin to fasten anything on a cat. Use only tape or torn sheeting. If your cat is bleeding, apply a pressure bandage to the wound. If the bleeding continues, take him to the veterinarian for treatment.

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The Basic Knowledge About Cat Care

If you own a pet, the most basic requirement from you is to take care of it. The responsibilities of a pet owner includes knowing the steps in taking good care of his or her pet's health and everyday life. Different pets have different needs, so if you are a cat lover, you must acquire the knowledge of cat care. Taking good care of your cat is more than just providing it with food daily. There are other areas which a responsible cat owner should look into in order to provide a feline with a healthy and happy life.

Basic Food Requirement - Never ever feed your pet with leftover food as this food were supposed to be prepared for human and cats are not suitable to consume such food. To consume such food would only affect you cat's health. Hop over to any pet store which is nearer to your home and you should be able to find some quality cat food. If you are still not sure, you may also like to consult your vet for suggestion. Most cat foods you find in the pet shop are quite affordable. It may only cost you $10 to $15 a month to give your cat the foods which provide good nutrition.
Ensure Your Cat's Safety - Cats being cats can be mischievous at times so make sure the environment it is living in is safe from substances which are toxic and hazardous. Just like looking after a toddler who is curious of whatever he or she sees, cats are curious of unfamiliar stuff that they come across. So it is always safe to store items which are dangerous out of reach from your pet.
Litter Box - Depending how you toilet-trained your feline, some cats answer to their nature calls outdoor while some are used to doing it in the litter box. Either way, provide your cat with a litter box as you do not know when you would need it. Times like hot summer and freezing winter, litter box would come in handy as you may have to restrict your cat from going outdoor. Make your pet's life as comfortable as possible to let it feel your love and warmth.
Health Care - Regular visit to your cat's vet is crucial to ensure it stays healthy. Cats need their necessary vaccination to fight diseases effectively. Beside the necessary shots, take your cat for annual check ups to ensure it maintain good health. Visiting vet for vaccinations may cost you a little more but the money spent is all worthwhile. Prevention is better than cure. By preventing your cat from catching diseases is better than spending a lot more by curing it. What's more, the feeling of seeing your pet suffer from illness is awful.

Always save for emergencies. Just like having a child, you do not know when you would need the money for emergencies. Accidents might happen and diseases might be caught by your feline, so you really do not know when you would need the money.

Cat care does sound easy and definitely easier than taking care of some other pets, but to do it with good results, you need to put your heart into it. Love your cat like loving your own child. Do give a lot of your love and attention to it.

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Pet Meds - What You Should Know When Your Cat is Having a Fever and Poisoning

Just like you, when your cat is sick he may have a high temperature. To take his temperature, coat a rectal thermometer with petroleum jelly. Gradually, using a slow, twisting motion, insert it about one inch or 2.5cm into his rectum, and hold it in place for a few minutes.

Do not jam or force the thermometer into the rectum. If your cat is running a fever, take him to the veterinarian immediately. He or she will offer medical advice or prescribe medicine to give your cat.

Be sure to follow all instructions carefully. Never give him aspirin or any other drug made for humans as they can be fatal to cats.

What about poisoning? Most household products that are poisonous to humans will also be poisonous to your cat. Make sure you keep all your cleaners and other such substances well out of harm's way.

Even anti freeze could be fatal to your cat if he licks drops of it from underneath the car. If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian immediately. He or she can offer instructions to induce vomiting.

The indoor cat is exposed to just about as many toxic substances as the outdoor one. We often forget that the thriving philodendron plant or blooming wisteria can be toxic to him, so here is a list of some of the common plants that are potentially dangerous to your cat.

They are Anemone, Azalea, Black Cherry, Bloodroot, Buttercup, Caladium, Castor Bean, Clematis, Crocus, Cycad, Daphne, Dicentra, English Ivy, Foxglove, Hemlock, Holly, Indian Spurge Tree, Jerusalem Cherry, Lantana, Liburnum, Lupin, Oleander, Poison Ivy, Sweet Pea and Wisteria.

When taking your cat's temperature, use a rectal thermometer. A cat's normal temperature is 101 F or 38 C with certain breeds such as the Rex and the Sphynx having normal temperatures of 102-103 F. Take your cat to the veterinarian if his reading is 2 degree or more above normal.

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Pet Meds - What You Should Do When Your Cat is Vomiting and Stuck in a Tree

It is not unusual for your cat to vomit, and he may be doing nothing more than ridding himself of a hairball. Similarly, if your cat is vomiting only after meals, he may simply be overeating. Try putting a smaller amount of food in his bowl.

Or if yours is a multi cat household, make sure he has his own food bowl. Your cats may be competing for food and therefore eating too quickly. If vomiting continues, see your veterinarian. Vomiting may be a sign of many illnesses.

You may want to stop feeding him for 12 hours, but give plenty of water to drink to avoid dehydration. Then give him only bland foods available from your veterinarian, for the nest 24 hours. If everything seems fine, slowly reintroduce variety into his diet.

Whenever your cat's vomiting is combined with not eating, not drinking, or not behaving in his usual manner, or if there are signs of blood in his vomit, you should take him straight to the veterinarian. This could signal one of many more serious illnesses, including poisoning, gastritis, ulcers or even feline infectious enteritis or FIE.

One day you may find your cat stuck in a tree, and neither one of you will know what to do. In most cases, when he feels hungry, he will find his own way down. But sometimes, if he is sick or panicked, he will be too frightened to come down.

Try calling and coaxing him into reach with his favorite food, treat or toy. Call your local fire department if you need additional assistance. If all these methods fail, then it is time for more drastic measures, climbing the tree.

Cover yourself with a long sleeved shirt and wear thick gloves for your hands, he will probably scratch and may even try to bite you. Take along a small towel, if you can cover him with that you have a better chance of catching him.

You will need to stay very calm because if he becomes any more frightened, he may climb even higher up the tree. If all attempts at rescue fail, all you can do is leave his favorite food as close to him as possible. Be sure to check on him every often to help him down if he needs assistance.

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Easy to Follow Cat Training Advices

Probably, you've been told that you cannot train your cat or teach him some tricks. It's true that cat's are more independent than dogs but if you know how, you can learn your cat many trick and solve his behavior problems. If you've trained a dog earlier you should know that training a cat is completely different. Cats think very different from dogs and it's why dog training methods fail when applied to a cat.

Usually cat owners wants train their cats to behave properly, not to scratch, bite, use litter box properly. If you see yours cat inappropriate behave you should think about his motivation. Maybe you have changed something in his environment or it's bad from the beginning. For example, if your cat is scratching the furniture provide him with some toys to scratch.

Cats get bored very fast, for example you can play with your dog whole afternoon with his best toy, cat would be bored after ten minutes of playing and it's normal. If you are playing with a furry ball with your cat. Every time he brings it back, give him a food treat and a praise. immediately stop the session.

Let say you want to learn your cat to sit on a command. Take a treat and hold it above your cats head. Say "sit" and push down on the back end. When sit give him a treat, remember give a treat immediately because cat has to associate treat with the action he has just taken.

Walking on a leash is another useful skill for your cat. If you want to get your pet on a walk you have to learn how to do it. Firstly, be sure you use well-fitted, good leash. Walk with a cat looks completely different than walk with a dog. It would be a little bit slower because your cat will stop to eat some grass etc. Praise your cat every time he goes forward when you tell him to do so. Remember to keep a walk short and if your cat gets tired to finish it.

In conclusion, training a cat is completely different from training a dog because cat's are more independent and they walk their own paths. If you want to learn your cat some tricks you have to be consist and determined, these are two most important factors.

It's funny how many dog-training guides there are available. All the information you could ever want on how to teach your dog tricks; how to communicate with your dog; how to understand what your dog's thinking; how to prevent behavioral problems.

Why aren't there more books on how to do all this for cats? After all, cats are just as popular as dogs (if not more so); and, arguably, they're just as intelligent and just as capable of being trained. Visit [http://catobediencetraining.blogspot.com] and learn more about cat training

Cat Spraying

Many people don't want to have a cat because they are afraid of cats marking their territory. You have to know that cats don't spray because they are malicious or wants to irritate you. It's their natural behavior. Spraying is territorial and can also be stress related. Neutering or spaying a kitten at an early age can prevent spraying problems in the future. Your vet will advise you on the best age to neuter your kitten.

Spraying is type of communication for cats, the mark some territory as their own. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones which are like fingerprints, they are unique for every cat. Sometimes spraying is an invitation to love for other cats (they are easily attracted by the odor of urine). In many cases cats sprays also because of stress.

Although, for cats it's completely normal to mark their territory, the smell of urine is awful for people. The most effective method is to neuter or spay your cat. Most cats stop spraying immediately or after a short period of time. It's the best to do it as soon as possible but you should visit your vet because neuter or spaying time is individual for every cat.

What if you don't want to do it? You can use special pheromones in spray (ask your vet) or if your cat spray only in one specific place try to keep your cat away from that place and watch if he starts to spray somewhere else or not. If not, your problem is solved.

If you have some other pets try to separate them from your cat because it can be cause of the problem. Even if your neighbour has a pet and your cat can see it, try to block the view of it.

Maybe there is some other uncommon problem with your cat, if you are not sure visit the vet and ask him for advice.

Now, some useful tip, how to remove the odor. First wash the surface with some laundry detergent with enzymes, than mix half of white vinegar with half of water and spray the place to discourage cat from spraying the same place again.

In conclusion, spraying is normal for cats and it's their way of communication. If you want your cat to stop doing it you have to neuter or spay your cat. If you don't want do it you can buy some special drugs or pheromones.

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Cat Health Care - Why is it Important?

Pet health care is very important when you want to keep your cat healthy. Check ups and vaccinations are necessary from time to time to provide proper care and attention. It is desirable to get an annual check-up to ensure your cat's health and obtain the required vaccinations. This will include the examination of the heart, inspection on the digestive system and the reproductive system of your feline's body.

If your pet is already quite old, then there is a need to check and examine other things. One great way to check if it is experiencing any problems is through a blood sample. This will help you conclude possible issues. While there is a need for a check up, vaccination is also required. Vaccination should be completed every year. Sad to say, your feline friend obtains rabies shot every 2 years and distemper every year. Remember to make use of vaccines that is approved by your vet.

There are a lot of possible health problems that your cat may experience. One of which is excessive licking. If you have noticed that it licks terribly, you should provide a better environment and a safer place. If it still does not work, consult your veterinarian right away. This may be caused by skin allergy or may be under stress. They try to lick excessively to sooth the pain. On the other hand, if he/she has hairball problems, it is advisable to brush and groom it on a daily basis to avoid from vomiting that is caused by hairballs.

The occurrence of ear mites on cats is also a problem. They are little parasites found in the ear and the source of stinking dark discharge. If you want to prevent ear mites from entering into the ear, you can have the option of using a mullein mixture. This mixture is useful in protecting against ear mites. It is always recommended by vets to keep the ear clean and to regularly check if there are ear mites invading the area.

With all of the health problems we have mentioned, it is extremely important to practice proper cat health so that your beloved feline friend may live a long and healthy life. Caring for your cat includes providing more than just medical attention, be sure to love and pay attention to your pet. They will love you for it, and a happy leads to healthy.

Feline Bloody Stools - The Cause, the Symptoms, and the Plan of Action

If you notice feline bloody stool, you might feel the urge to lose it but the first thing you need to do is relax. It is a common problem that most likely has a simple solution. The first step is to understand why this happened. Some of the most common causes of feline bloody diarrhea include a bacterial infection, bowel inflammation, intestinal parasites, or a reaction to taking antibiotics.

Feline bloody stool may also be accompanied by other symptoms, which will help your vet understand what the issue at hand is. Some common symptoms include sudden weight loss, excessive water consumption, exertion while defecating, lack of energy, and frequent bowel movements.

In order to figure out what is causing the feline bloody diarrhea, you need to take your cat to the vet, who will do a series of tests of the stool, urine, and more. If the cause of feline bloody stool is a bacterial infection or intestinal parasites your vet will probably suggest antibiotics. The problem with antibiotics is that they themselves can cause irritation that leads to bloody stools.

Avoid antibiotics at all costs. Instead, seek natural treatment like homeopathy. Homeopathy is very gentle and can get rid of the harmful parasites and bacteria that cause problems for your cat. Homeopathic remedies contain small amounts of highly effective natural ingredients that strengthen your cat's digestive and immune systems.

You also need to make changes to your cat's diet because diet obviously plays a huge role in digestion and feline bloody diarrhea is indicative of digestive problems. Avoid commercial cat food because it contains artificial ingredients that can wreak havoc on your cat's digestive system. Instead, feed your cat raw, unprocessed foods. They are much healthier for your cat and much more delicious too. You will notice your cat's overall health improve after changing his diet and giving him more water.

In order to keep feline bloody stool from becoming a recurrent problem, a lifestyle change for your cat is in order. That's why you need to be sure to improve his diet, increase his water intake, and give him a homeopathic remedy as soon as possible.

Sure, the results of natural treatment may take a few more days than with conventional treatment but the results are permanent. Plus, homeopathic remedies boost your cat's immune system and help him achieve overall good health.

You will notice his energy level increase and he will look much healthier in general. Most importantly, blood in the stools will no longer be a problem for him. Do your cat a favor and give natural treatment shot. There really is nothing to lose.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems. See this site for more information on feline bloody stool treatment options.

Holistic Cat Care For Feline Urinary Tract Infections - Ten Benefits For Your Furry Friend

Let me ask you a simple question: do you know what holistic cat care is? And do you know why natural remedies for pets are the best way to treat feline bladder infections? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.

What Is Holistic Cat Care?

Holistic medicine is a different way of looking at illness. Conventional medicine treats the symptoms of cat urinary problems, but doesn't address why your pet is showing these symptoms.

Holistic practitioners, on the other hand, look at the animal as a whole, not just as a urinary tract. Holistic pet care follows the principle that your cat's body is able to maintain a balance that protects her from disease and helps her to heal herself. If this balance is disturbed, your cat gets sick. The holistic approach is to restore this balance.

Our pets are exposed to many toxins in their food, from the environment, and even in the grooming products you use on them. Choosing to use only natural food and pet supplies will go a long way toward keeping your kitty healthy and protecting her from a feline bladder infection.

Ten Benefits Of Natural Cat Care

Feeding your cat a natural diet reduces her exposure to artificial coloring agents and preservatives which can upset her system. Better nutrition will help her to resist feline urinary tract infections.
A high-quality natural diet will prevent health problems like allergies, digestive problems, and cat urinary problems.
Less stress in your cat's life will help her to stay healthy. Try to identify stressful situations she may be facing. Is she having territory issues with another cat? Is she lonely? Exercise can also help to lower her stress levels, too, as well as keeping her in shape.
With excellent natural pet care, your kitty will live a long happy life.
If your pet doesn't feel well, her quality of life won't be as good. Natural cat care will improve your feline friend's quality of life by helping her to stay healthy.
If your kitty should suffer an injury or illness, she'll heal faster. Ingredients in natural remedies for pets are absorbed better, which aids in the healing process.
By using natural products for pets, you'll reduce your own exposure to toxins. You and your family are exposed to the ingredients in the products you use on your cat.
Natural products are more earth-friendly than conventional remedies. They break down quickly, and don't leave harmful residues in the environment,
You'll save time by not having to take your kitty to the vet as often. With natural cat care, you'll be treating the source of feline bladder infection, not just the symptoms, which will help prevent new feline urinary tract infections from developing.
And, finally, you'll be saving money in the long run by avoiding expensive products that can lead to more health problems for your cat.

The Best Natural Remedies For Pets

It can be overwhelming to try to choose the best natural remedy for your pet from the many on the market. Look for a product that's specially formulated for pets, not people. Deal only with a company that has a great reputation for producing the highest-quality pet remedies. Read testimonials from other pet owners who have used the product, too.

Believe me, once you've started to use holistic cat care, you'll see an amazing improvement in your cat's health, as well as preventing feline urinary tract infections.

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Learn how to avoid feline urinary tract infections, and find the best place to buy herbal pet remedies at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

Help! There is Blood in My Cat's Stool!

If you notice blood in your cats feces, you'll probably just about lose it.After all, it can be frightening to see your cat suffering from a potentially painful condition.However, you need to stay calm and first of all figure out why there is blood in cat stool.

If you notice blood in your cat's feces, you'll probably just about lose it. After all, it can be frightening to see your cat suffering from a potentially painful condition. However, you need to stay calm and first of all figure out why there is blood in cat stool.

In a cat blood in stool is a condition known as hematochezia. It can be caused by a number of minor disorders and in some cases severe ones. Cancer and other terminal illnesses can cause hematochezia.

Symptoms that often accompany blood in cat stool include increased bowl movement, constipation, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive water intake, vomiting, and sudden weight loss. The first thing you need to do if you notice such symptoms is take your cat to a vet.

When it comes to a cat blood in stool can be caused by conditions and diseases like bacterial infections, ingestion of toxic substances, intestinal parasites, cancer of the lower bowel, inflammation of the bowel, intake of certain antibiotics or drugs, a benign tumor in the colon or rectum, consumption of unhealthy food, or clotting disorder.

No matter what the cause of your cat's problem, you need to make sure it is addressed quickly. Most commonly, blood in the stool is caused by bacterial infections. These bacterial infections generally cause urinary infections simultaneously, meaning that your cat may also be urinating blood.

In order to address a bacterial infection that is causing blood in cat stool, do NOT give your cat antibiotics. If you remember, antibiotics are actually one of the causes of blood in stools. You need to use a gentle treatment to get rid of the bacteria. Otherwise, the problem will be aggravated.

A natural treatment that is highly effective at getting rid of blood in cat stool is homeopathy. Homeopathy is very gentle because it uses only minute amounts of natural ingredients to get the job done.

For the best results in treating a bacterial infection that is causing blood in cat stool, use a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi. These tonics will get rid of bacteria that are often the culprit in urinary infections in causing blood to appear in stools.

In addition to treating a bacterial infection this way, make sure that you change your cat's diet and ensure that he gets plenty of water. Stay away from tap water and commercial foods. Give your cat filtered water and natural, unprocessed food for optimal health and healing.

The key in treating blood in cat stool is holistic treatment. You need to address all possible causes. Of course this is after ruling out any serious cases such as cancer or poison ingestion. Once your vet figures out what the problem is, decide on a treatment plan and use homeopathy and a healthy lifestyle to help your cat achieve recovery and health.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems.

Signs, Treatments and Symptoms of Feline Leukemia

FeLV or feline leukemia is considered a retrovirus. This means that the RNA is changed into a c-DNA provirus, and can become a part of cells it has infected, making them able to spread the virus. This affects only cats, and is found worldwide. An infected cat can stop the disease on its own in the first stage only, but if the cancer makes it to second stage it is fatal.

Cats normally do not show symptoms of feline leukemia in the early stages, but some do manifest. These include low grade fever, general sickness and enlarged lymph nodes as well as blood disorders. Other forms of cancer such as anemia, tumor and leukemia develop in the second stage.

Not all cats are necessarily in danger of these symptoms after they are infected, as many felines have a hereditary immunity. Others can develop immunity after having the symptoms for a short time. Either way, immunity can lead to a life with nor risk of infection at all.

At this time there is no treatment for feline leukemia, but viruses infect on regular basis. So most cases of FeLV will result in the cat dying a death all its own, and not related to the feline leukemia. Healthy immunities will neutralize these infections, but this cat cancer is of a type different from all other feline cancers. It specifically attacks the immune system so that secondary infections are a bigger problem and threat to life than the original infection.

Treatments such as chemotherapy and other conventional methods are deemed ineffective for feline leukemia. If the cat responds to the treatment there is still a chance of relapse when the vigor returns. Owners are normally told the common outcome, and are given a chance to go on with treatment or to allow the cat to stay in the hospital with herbal and natural cat cancer remedies where the quality of life can be good for survival.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

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Cancer in Cats and Alternative Treatments

It is hard for cat owners to see their friend suffer from any disease, and the side effects of the medications for treatment. A campaign for awareness of side effects of chemotherapy and radiation is currently being conducted.

As with any disease, cancer has a cause, even though medical science does not know what that cause is. Suspected causes are environmental, vaccine related and diet is concerns for cancer in cats. Certain drugs for autoimmune diseases in cats are even seen to partially be to blame, as they are metabolized in the liver into cancer causing agents.

There are 3 conventional treatments available for cancer in cats. These include chemotherapy as well as radiation and surgery. The chemo and radiation are seen to most as a type of poison that has far reaching side effects. Surgery may not be an option for every case, as cancer is not always detected in time. Once it is diagnosed, it is normally too late to use surgery as an option for treatment.

Natural approaches and alternative medicine says that conventional drugs only treat symptoms and do nothing to aid the cause of the cancer, which is generally a weakened immune system. These holistic approaches say that the healing must come from within, and so they treat the animal completely, and not the cancer alone. Alternative remedies help internal healing and stimulate the self-healing while recharging the cat.

900 cats took part in a 10 year study with a natural diet for health and production of healthy offspring. One set of cats took in only milk and raw meats, while another set was given only cooked food. The set that took in cooked food developed allergies and many other health problems while the next generation was not able to reproduce. If giving only cooked food makes this wild a change in cat health, there is no telling what commercial diets with added stimulants and preservatives will show.

The number one killer of pets is now cancer. The need to understand the internal and environmental agents that cause cancer continues. It makes sense that corrective measures and preventatives should be taken so that the environment favorable to the carcinogens is not able to survive long.

Homeopathic or herbal cancer treatments for dogs and cats as well as other alternative medicines take a holistic or natural approach, and insist on natural diets. The idea behind this is all species have average body conditions that need a certain diet so it is best suited to health. Their vulnerability to disease is aided by feeding them what is easier and more convenient for us.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

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Cancer in Cats - Lympho Sarcoma Symptoms in Cats

Also known as a lymphoma, the lympho sarcoma is characterized as a fast multiplying of malignant lymphocytes. This takes place normally in the lymph nodes, liver, bones and spleen in most cats; although some may have development in the eyes and gastrointestinal tract and skin. The most common malignant cancer in cats, lymphoma in the feline species is growing.

In the young, this is found after the FeLV or feline leukemia virus shot is given, as well as with the feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. This type of cancer in cats affects the spine, lymph nodes and the heart, aorta, esophagus, trachea and endocrine glands' thymus (mediastinal lymphoma) in the thoracic cavity between the lungs.

In the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoma is more common in the elderly felines, where it can occur without the FeLV infection. The young normally have T-cell lymphoma where older cats are generally taken with B-cell lymphomas. T-cells are lymphocytes made in the thymus that tell the immune system to respond to infected or malignant cells. B-cells are lymphocytes that come from bone marrow.

Felines have worse and more severe symptoms than canines. Cancer in dogs may show a more visibly healthy dog, besides swollen nodes. But cats show severe symptoms that depend on the location of the cancer.

Symptoms for gastrointestinal cancer in cats show characteristics of diarrhea, no appetite and weight loss. The most reflected in fluid in the lungs and respiratory problems is the mediastinal lymphoma. When found in the kidney, symptoms of major thirst and urination are seen, and then kidney enlargement followed by failure.

Cancer in the heart leads to the heart no longer being able to pump blood to reduce the swelling of tissues, and the accumulation of fluid in the surrounding layers of the heart causes abnormal muscle reactions. Inflammation in the eye is also seen at times, and is known as ocular lymphoma.

Many forms of cancer are slow healing and can be present without imminent death, even without treatment of any kind. Aggressive cancers are normally given chemotherapeutic drugs, the same as in human cases. The best response is seen in the gastrointestinal cancers, rather that cancers found in more than one place. Cancer in cats is always dependent on past or present FeLV infection. Complete remission is very rare, because it is normally not the completed end to cancer.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

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5 Myths About Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Busted

Feline lower urinary tract disease is one of the unpleasant aspects of being a cat. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the disease, leading to the deaths of many cats.

Here are 5 common myths about feline urinary tract disease so you can separate what's true from what's false and keep your cat healthy and safe.

Myth #1: There is no way to prevent feline lower urinary tract disorder.

Some pet owners make the mistake of believing that they can do nothing to prevent feline urinary problems. As a result, their cats suffer from recurrent infections. You CAN prevent urinary infections in your cat by making sure his diet is optimal and giving him natural remedies such as homeopathy.

Myth #2: Feline lower urinary tract disease can only be treated with antibiotics.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by vets in order to treat UTIs in cats but there are alternatives available. Some pet owners are weary about giving their cats antibiotics because of the potentially significant side effects they can cause. Furthermore, antibiotics are only a quick fix that suppresses symptoms; they don't get to the root of the problem. Homeopathic remedies are highly effective in treating and preventing feline urinary problems. They are much more affordable than antibiotics too.

Myth #3: Feline lower urinary tract disorder only affects male cats.

While it's true that male cats suffer from urinary issues such as blockage more frequently than female cats due to the fact that they are more susceptible to stone and crystal formation as well as the fact that they have prostate glands, female cats also suffer from urinary problems. Both male and female cats would do well taking a homeopathic remedy on a regular basis to prevent the occurrence of urinary problems. Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains proven urinary tonics like uva ursi and cantharis.

Myth #4: Cats that suffer from recurrent feline lower urinary tract disease should eat commercial cat food.

Somehow somebody out there got the majority of cat owners to believe that cats that suffer from recurrent urinary issues should eat commercial cat food, which supposedly has the perfect balance of minerals. WRONG. Cats need to avoid commercial cat food because it alters the pH level of urine and makes them more susceptible to infections. The best diet for cats that suffer from urinary problems should consist of natural, unprocessed food.

Myth #5: Natural remedies for feline lower urinary tract disorder don't work.

You'd be surprised at the effectiveness of natural remedies for feline urinary problems. They are actually much better than conventional treatments because they address the underlying problems that lead to urinary infections and the like.

Look for a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathy is the best natural treatment available because it restores balance at a cellular level, strengthens your cat's urinary tract and bladder, and keeps urine flow optimal. Homeopathic remedies contain only minute amounts of natural ingredients so you don't have to worry about side effects and you can give them to your cat safely every single day.

Remember these myths and the facts behind them so you don't make the mistake of giving your cat the wrong treatment. The effectiveness of homeopathy is real and you can prevent your cat from suffering from feline lower urinary tract disease altogether by administering a homeopathic remedy on a regular basis.

Cats & Cancer - Fibrosarcoma Needs Your Attention

There is a type of cats cancer that cat owners everywhere are worried about called fibrosarcoma or a fibroblastic sarcoma. Fibrosarcoma in cats shows malignancies that form inside the skin, and is a soft tissue cancer that starts because of a vaccination.

Normally these tumors are seen where the vaccines were administered, and whenever your cat has vaccines like FeLV or rabies, you increase the risk of your cat getting cancer. These tumors are hard to treat, and often recur, which is rough because the cat can die from this.

This invasive cats cancer starts in the fibrous connective tissues and can possibly spread to other areas, and there are 3 known causes of this nasty musculoskeletal cancer.

The first is vaccines, and this fibrosarcoma is known as the vaccine induced sarcoma or vaccinosarcoma. The next known cause is old age, whereas most cats that are afflicted with this are already old aged. Normally the affected spots have odd shaped masses inside such as the legs and ears. Younger felines can be diagnosed with cancer that is caused by the FeSV or feline sarcoma virus, which means that there is more than one tumor mass.

Surefire signs of a fibrosarcoma or cats cancer are swelling, and lameness that increases daily. Your vet will do a physical and many tests like CBC and urinalysis as well as a biopsy and x-rays of the lump and lungs with a biochemical profile. This is to check if the cancer has spread any further than just the one lump.

Surgery and/or amputation are possible treatments because the disease normally recurs. Radiation therapy after surgery is the best, as this also helps the disease be checked on a regular basis for recurrences.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

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Cat Urinary Blockage - You Can Stop Recurring Cystitis Episodes in Your Cat

Cats are prone to feline bladder infections brought on by cystitis. Sometimes you hear a cat urinary blockage referred to as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD. This can be a deadly condition, but it is also preventable. You can take some simple steps to recognize the symptoms of a blockage in cat and prevent the onset of a FLUTD.

Cystitis is a condition of FLUTD and it means a inflammation of the bladder. Here are some symptoms of cystitis to be watch for when you suspect a cat urinary blockage. If your cat starts exhibiting these symptoms, you need to take quick action. Blockages must be cleared within 72 hours or the condition is fatal.

If you see your cat is more lethargic than usual or displays odd potty behavior, you should suspect a problem. You may notice you cat licking his genital area a lot more than normal, straining while straddling the litter box, or even urinating outside of the litter box. If he howls or cries while trying to urinate that is a really big clue that something is wrong. Also, if you notice blood in the urine and he begins to vomit. Its time to rush your cat to the vet.

Diagnosing a cat urinary blockage...

Your vet will feel your cat's bladder and can tell immediately if its distended with urine or the bladder may be very small, smaller than is normal. He may press on the bladder to try to get your cat to expel urine. If this doesn't work the next step is to insert a needle into your cat's bladder to extract a sample. The good news is that the needle is far less painful than the cat urinary blockage.

Next the vet will evaluate the content of the urine. The test determines if there are crystals, bacteria, blood, white blood cells and the pH level of the urine. Your vet may even have to take x-Rays to identify stones, tumors or a birth defect causing the problem.

Treatment...

If cystitis was brought on by crystals irritating your cat's bladder, then the nutritional content of these crystals will help your vet determine what path to take to change your cat's diet. Your vet may prescribe a prescription diet. You can also add a pinch of a homeopathic remedy to help your cat recover from the symptoms of a blockage in cat and prevent a repeat bout of cystitis.

If your cat has a bacterial infection the vet may want to prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics are under more scrutiny these days because they cause more long-term problems in the body. If the incorrect antibiotic was prescribed it will often aggravate a bladder infection and make it worse.

Instead of a prescription antibiotic, talk with your vet about taking a natural approach to recovery from a cat urinary blockage. Holistic vets recognize the power of homeopathic remedies containing cantharis, UVA ursi, and berberis vulgaris.

So there you have it. You should be ready to spot symptoms of a blockage in cat and help you cat get over the disorder. In fact, you can get him on a preventative fast tract by adding a little natural remedy to his diet. Always make sure he has plenty of fresh water to drink. Do this and your cat will flush out the toxins in his urinary tract keeping him healthy and preventing a recurring cat urinary blockage.

Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky S.N.I.P clinic and together through education programs and spay/neuter efforts, they provide affordable solutions for pet owners in the Kentuckiana region. While she would like to extend simple, natural care to every pet in the neighborhood she takes it one animal at a time. Visit Kate's site today to learn more about a natural remedy for treating a cat urinary blockage and discover how to naturalize your pet care today. Pick up more free tips to at http://www.Pet-Natural-Remedies.com today.

How to Provide Your Cat With Pain Relief From a Cat Urinary Infection

Cat urinary infection is an uncomfortable and often avoidable infection. You might notice your cat urinating blood or straining to urinate. Cats have a pretty high tolerance for pain so you may not even realize that your cat is sick until he is in the late stages of infection. Cat urinary problems are very painful. Imagine the feeling of urinating small pieces of glass. That is what it feels like for your cat. So while it's important to get your cat to the vet to diagnose the problem, it's also important to provide immediate pain relief.

The most effective way to provide pain relief at home is to give your cat a homeopathic remedy whenever you notice the symptoms of a cat urinary infection. Some symptoms include excessive grooming of the genitals, frequent urination, and foul smelling urine. The minute you notice these symptoms, you should give your cat a homeopathic remedy. In fact, you will probably find that you won't even need to give your cat conventional medicine if you give him a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are known to be very effective in curing cat urinary problems. Unlike prescription drugs, they actually get to the root of the problem and prevent future recurrence of infections. Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains urinary tonics such as uva ursi and cantharis. These ingredients improve the flow of urine, balance the pH level of the urinary tract, and strengthen both the urinary tract and bladder. As an added benefit, homeopathic remedies strengthen your cat's immune system.

After giving your cat a homeopathic remedy for cat urinary infection, you will notice a vast improvement. He will be alleviated of his pain and his infection will eventually go away. The length of time it takes to be healed completely will depend on each cat.

Cat urinary problems are actually quite easy to get rid of with the right homeopathic remedy on hand. Don't waste your time with herbal remedies because they are often harsh and come with side effects. You can give your cat a homeopathic remedy every day without worry of causing negative side effects. For optimal results, give your cat a homeopathic remedy for cat urinary infection every single day.

This will prevent bacteria from flourishing in the urinary tract and keep your cat's bladder healthy. Why make your cat suffer from a painful infection unnecessarily? Prevent UTIs altogether with a good homeopathic remedy.

Cat urinary problems are actually quite easy to get rid of with the right homeopathic remedy on hand. Don't waste your time with herbal remedies because they are often harsh and come with side effects. You can give your cat a homeopathic remedy every day without worry of causing negative side effects.

For optimal results, give your cat a homeopathic remedy for cat urinary infection every single day. This will prevent bacteria from flourishing in the urinary tract and keep your cat's bladder healthy. Why make your cat suffer from a painful infection unnecessarily? Prevent UTIs altogether with a good homeopathic remedy.

Why Does My Cat Have a Urinary Blockage and What Can I Do About It?

If you notice that only drops of urine come out at a time when your cat tries to urinate and he is urinating a lot more often than usual, he may be suffering from a cat urinary blockage.

The symptoms of a blockage in cat are many but some of the most common ones are a complete cessation of urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. There are a variety of factors that can cause cat urinary blockage. Some are prostate gland infection in male cats, stones, a tumor, and crystals.

Crystals and stones are common in male cats because their urethras are long and narrow, making it easier for crystals and stones to form. Male cats also deal with prostate gland infections. Since the prostate wraps around the urethra, when it is swollen it can prevent urine flow. The symptoms of a blockage in cat are quite painful.

Your cat may not exhibit many signs of being in pain so you need to keep an eye out for particular symptoms that point to a problem. If you see blood in your cat's urine, your cat's urine smells foul, your cat only lets out drops of urine at a time, or your cat is straining to urinate, it's essential that you take action immediately. It's important that you take your cat to the vet to diagnose the problem at once. If your cat stops urinating for even a couple of days, he can die. In order to prevent that from happening, immediate diagnosis and treatment is imperative.

Your vet will do some tests to find out what is causing the cat urinary blockage. Once that is figured out, your vet will either have to remove the blockage through surgery, manually, or by dissolving it with a special diet.

Depending on the severity of the issue, you have to choose an appropriate treatment with your vet. However, it doesn't stop there. The symptoms of a blockage in cat may go away after treatment but the problem will only come back to haunt you and your cat unless you make preventive treatment a priority. The best preventive treatment for cat urinary blockage is homeopathy.

Homeopathic remedies contain ingredients that are known to alleviate the symptoms of urinary problems and prevent blockages by maintaining a healthy pH level in the urinary tract and promoting the free flow of urine.

Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi. Also give your cat vitamin C everyday to prevent cat urinary blockage altogether. By taking these simple steps, you will be able to keep your cat healthy and blockage free for the rest of his nine lives.

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Feline Urinary Problems

Feline urinary problems are not only a nuisance; they can be life threatening. In order to keep your cat healthy and safe, it is essential that you incorporate preventive treatments into his daily routine.

Here are 10 things you can do as a pet owner to prevent urinary problems in your cat.

1. Feed your cat small meals on a frequent basis to prevent feline urinary tract infections.

2. Feed your cat natural, preservative-free food that is unprocessed. Avoid commercial foods, which contain too many carbohydrates and minerals. These ingredients can alter the pH level of your cat's urine and lead to infection and blockage.

3. Feline urinary problems can be prevented if you provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. Avoid tap water, which contains contaminants like bacteria and toxic chemicals. Give your cat filtered water, which will help your cat flush out all the harmful germs from his urinary tract.

4. Avoid making major changes to your cat's routine if possible because they can cause stress. For example, moving to a new house is a very stressful experience for your cat. Minimize stress during this type of event by allowing your cat to establish his own territory/resting space quickly.

5. Keep your cat's litter box very clean to avoid the accumulation of germs and to make sure it is inviting enough for your cat to empty his bladder there. Holding urine in for too long can lead to urinary problems and your cat will avoid the litter box and hold his urine in if it is too dirty.

6. Give your cat cranberry juice. Cranberry juice acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder and thus prevents feline urinary tract infections.

7. Try to not have a lot of cats. When cats share their space with many other pets or cats, they feel stressed out and are more susceptible to illness.

8. Give your cat a vitamin C supplement every day. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and prevents infection by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining.

9. To prevent feline urinary problems, make sure to spend enough quality time with him each day. Try not to leave him alone a lot. It might sound silly but cats thrive with companionship and get stressed and ill if they do not spend enough time with their owners.

10. Give your cat a homeopathic remedy on a daily basis. Look for a homeopathic formula that contains cantharis and uva ursi, two highly effective urinary tonics. Homeopathic remedies are essential because they maintain a healthy pH level in your cat's urinary tract and strengthen his bladder lining. They also restore balance at a cellular level and keep your cat optimally healthy.

Keep these tips in mind in order to prevent feline urinary problems in your cat. Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to feline urinary issues because of the recurrent nature of the problem. Don't settle for quick fixes and instead focus on curing urinary issues by following these simple preventive tips.

All About Home Remedies For Cat's UTI

If you are looking for a quick home remedy for cat's UTI, you need to understand homeopathy. There is no use in trying to concoct your own home remedy. Creating an effective home remedy is difficult and complex.

First, it's important to think about why you are looking for a home treatment to relieve cat's UTI. Do you want a natural alternative to harsher conventional treatments? Are you trying to save money? Do you want to do more than just suppress symptoms?

If you want a quick home remedy for cat's UTI, a commercial homeopathic formula is the best solution out there. Homeopathy is gentle, affordable and provides a long term solution. All you have to do is put the pleasant tasting pellets on your cat's tongue twice a day.

Homeopathic home treatment to relieve cat's UTI does a lot more than just suppress UTI symptoms. Homeopathy actually helps to restore balance at a cellular level so your cat's UTI is gone for good.
Ingredients in homeopathic remedies help to promote a healthy flow of urine and strengthen your cat's bladder, urinary tract, and immune system. Some active ingredients to look out for include cantharis and uva ursi, famed as being highly potent urinary tonics.

Despite the pull of creating your own quick home remedy for cat's UTI, you should leave it to the experts. Homeopathic formulas created by registered homeopaths with top quality ingredients are going to be far more effective than something you concoct at home.

By trying to make your own home treatment to relieve cat's UTI, you will be wasting time and money. Homeopathy is an exact science that needs to be done by experts.
The principle of homeopathy is that like treats like. For example, if you were to treat symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes from allergies with homeopathy, you would use allium cepa, a homeopathic ingredient derived from onion.

Since onion causes those symptoms in a healthy person, they actually cure those symptoms when given in small amounts to someone suffering from them. A layperson simply cannot get the doses and combinations measured correctly in homeopathy to create an effective home treatment. If you want to heal your cat's UTI naturally, quickly, and effectively, try homeopathy. It is the only quick home remedy for cat's UTI that actually works. Don't try to make your own home remedy. You can put your cat's life at risk by not treating the infection timely with a remedy that actually works.

Whisker Pain - What You Should Know About This Common Cat Health Problem

Cats do not have whiskers just for looks. Whiskers are very important to your cat. He may use them as feelers to avoid bumping into things in the dark, to measure the width of a space to ensure that he will fit through, and when he is hunting.

Whiskers can also be a bother to him, especially if he tries to eat food out of a bowl. The ends of the whiskers touching the side of the bowl can transfer irritating sensations to his brain, making it hard for him to continue eating.

It is rather like you eating with your head encased in a bag, the sides of the bag rubbing against your face would not make for an enjoyable meal. Whiskers are extremely sensitive. Damage to his whiskers can cause your cat discomfort.

When he is a kitten, his mother might face chewed some or all of his whiskers off while cleaning food from them. Do not worry, this is normal and they will soon grow back. Certain breeds, such as the Rex cats, cannot grow their whiskers at all.

Because of the consistency of their hair, the whiskers break off close to the muzzle. Encourage your kittens to use a scratching pad instead of your furniture and, if they continue to use your furniture attach orange peel to it.

They dislike the smell and will quickly learn to stay away. If you decide to have your cat declawed, you should not allow him to go outdoors unsupervised. Your indoor cat may shed for the entire year. Just accept this and make the time to comb him regularly.

Feed a complete and balanced diet to keep your cat's intestinal tract healthy. Ringworm is one of the few diseases that can be passed from cats to humans, with children being most susceptible.

Little is known about heartworm in cats and the signs are vague. So, if your cat, like the Burmese, is feeling sick, take him to the veterinarian immediately. To prevent acne, try serving your cat's meal in a non plastic food dish. Then make sure you wash his chin regularly to clear away any food remnants.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Declawing - What You Should Know About This Common Cat Health Problem

Once a kitten or cat learns to use furniture and draperies to sharpen his claws, it will be hard to convince him to stop. Start him out right by training him on a scratching post. Show him what to do by holding him near the post and scratching his claws on the surface.

If you are consistent with training methods, and offer your cat a choice of objects on which to scratch, there is a good chance that you may prevent him from clawing your furniture and doing damage.

Another solution to the scratching problem is to have your cat's claws removed. Although declawing is not performed in some countries of the world, it is widely accepted in the U.S. Whether this is because more people in the U.S. live in cities and keep their cats strictly indoors has not been established.

Before you have your cat declawed, ask yourself these questions. Am I planning to keep my cat forever? Do I fully understand that he will be too vulnerable to be allowed outdoors again, unless he can be closely supervised?

A declawed cat may have a hard time climbing a tree to escape a dog and cannot defend himself properly if cornered. If you do make the decision to have your cat declawed, you should be aware that this is an orthopedic surgical procedure that calls for the removal of the claw and the first bone of each toe.

Except in special cases, only the front feet should be declawed. Although your cat will be anesthetized during the surgery, it is likely that he will suffer some temporary discomfort afterward and may be reluctant to stand, walk or jump until the toes have fully healed.

After applying ointment or liquid to your cat's eyes, hold him loosely for a few moments to let the liquid do its job, otherwise, he will immediately rub it out. If your cat suffer from ear mites, put the drops into his ear as instructed by your veterinarian, then gently massage his ear for a few seconds.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Dental Care - What You Should Really Know About This Common Cat Health Problem

Cats rarely get cavities but they are very susceptible to gum disease. It is important to prevent gum disease because, over the years it can lead to bad breath, painful inflammation, receded gums, loose and infected teeth and eventually loss of teeth. It can even cause serious illness.

Have you noticed that when your veterinarian is examining your cat, she may bend down and smell the cat's breath? Mouth odor is sometimes as good a tool as a thermometer in tracking down the cause of a cat's malaise.

Although the mouth odor may be caused by the food the cat eats, it may also be caused by teeth that need either cleaning or extracting, gum infection or stomatitis or inflammation of the inside of the mouth.

Another sign that your cat has a dental problem may be a loss of appetite. His sore gums or infected tooth can keep him from wanting to eat. Indoor cats may be more prone to mouth problems because they do not have access to outdoor grasses (the cat's dental floss) and seldom perform the chewing action necessitated by crunching bones of small mice, birds and rabbits.

Acute stomatitis may be associated with feline leukemia virus or FLV, feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV and calicivirus infection and chronic stomatitis may be due to dental problems.

Feeding your cat dry food may assist in maintaining good dental and oral health. Preventative treatments include massaging the cat's gums and brushing his teeth. If problems develop, your veterinarian can make a thorough examination and treat the cat appropriately.

Check inside your cat's mouth regularly. It is best to begin massaging his teeth and gums when he is a kitten. If you notice any abnormalities, take him to the veterinarian for treatment.

Although it is difficult to stop your cat from chewing wool, you could make his habit less destructive by giving him his own ball of wool. If you have a multi cat household, and one of those cats has a new litter of kittens, you might find that some of the other cats are unhappy with the additional company and start spraying.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Caring For an Elderly Cat - What You Should Really Know About This Cat Health Care

Your cat has been with you for many years, and you have learned to trust each other. Do not let him down now. As he enters old age, you must pay greater attention to his needs and provide plenty of tender loving care.

With improved diets and advances in medicine, cats, just like humans, are living longer. However, old age can vary dramatically from one cat to another. A strictly indoors cat with a good diet and regular vaccinations will probably outlive an outdoor cat, an indoor/ outdoor cat and a feral cat.

It is not uncommon for indoor cats to live up to 18 years or more. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, generally live to around six years, although many may die much sooner and others may live to more than 20 years.

What are the signs of old age? You can tell if your cat is entering old age when he does not jump onto his favorite perches easily, or at all. He will sleep more, and when awake, he will move slowly and with a hint of stiffness.

However, he will not be as prone to arthritis and back problems as dogs, and should remain agile for a long time. Although you may not notice at first because he is adept at keeping to a routine, your cat may start to lose his hearing and eyesight.

It is a good idea to let him see your hand in front of his face before you pick him up, and to call his name before approaching. He may also start to develop problems with incontinence, diarrhea, and constipation.

Some of these are caused by kidney problems or diabetes, while others are simply part of the aging process. You will need to take him to the veterinarian to determine the cause, and then follow the prescribed treatment.

If he has a constipation problem, feeding a food that contains fermentable fiber may help. Bad breath is a sure signal to take your elderly cat to the veterinarian. It could be nothing more than a gum infection or a tooth that needs extracting, or it may signify something more serious.

Do not worry if he has to have some teeth extracted. Many cats continue to eat their normal food, and even crunch dry cat food with missing teeth. The outdoor or aging farm cats may develop skin conditions so you will need to watch him carefully and help him maintain a clean coat.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Weight, Diet and Euthanasia - What You Should Know About Them When Your Cat Gets Older

Pay special attention to your elderly cat's weight. As he ages, he may gain or lose weight, and this could contribute to other aging problems. Use weight trends and body condition to monitor the cat's health.

Some older cats may become too thin and may require a diet that contains more nutrients and calories in each cup of food. Others, however, may tend to gain weight and require a diet lower in fat content.

Old cats in reasonable body condition should be fed a high quality diet that is easy to chew, has more than adequate protein and is lower in calories. These cats may do poorly on some lower protein senior diets because they need protein to keep their muscles in good condition.

What about euthanasia? When your cat can no longer eat or drink on his own, and has lost the will to engage in his normal pastimes, it is time to think about doing the kindest thing you can for him, and that is euthanasia.

Completely outdoor cats and feral cats will remove themselves from their colony and creep off somewhere to die. However, your indoor cat does not have this option. The decision to have him humanely euthanized is difficult.

Not only are you contemplating the loss of your trusted friend, but you could suffer feelings of guilt. Just remember you are truly doing the right thing in putting an end to his misery and suffering in the kindest possible way.

Phone in pet loss support hotlines can connect grieving pet owners with trained professionals who can offer support during their time of mourning. When your cat is one year old, he is similar age to a 20 year old human.

For each year after, simply add for humans' years to every one of his. For example, if he is 15 years old in cat years, he is 76 years old in human years, and may have health problems that accompany that age.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Wool Chewing and Spraying - What You Should Know About These Common Cat Health Problems

Some cats are wool chewers. This is a loose description that encompasses cats who not only chew wool but chew towels, socks and blankets as well. Most chewers are either Siamese or part Siamese and they start chewing as soon as they have teeth.

The easiest solution is to remove temptation by either putting these possessions away or by not letting your cat into areas where they are kept. It is just about impossible to stop a wool chewer from chewing.

And sometimes he will chew on himself. Some cats, and not just Siamese, suck on their tails muck like a baby sucks on his thumb. He may also nurse on himself or other adult cats.

You can break him of this habit by applying a bitter tasting liquid to his tail and other areas where he chews. If you let him chew on his tail unchecked, he could cause mutilation that part of the tail is chewed off.

Spraying is an instinctive natural act whereby cats squirt urine on vertical surfaces, generally to mark territory. It is most common in an unaltered male who will spray to attract females and warn off other tomcats.

Unaltered females spray to a lesser extent, usually to attract tomcats. There is really nothing that you can do to stop an unaltered cat from spraying. A neutered male or a sprayed female may not spray for the same reasons as an unaltered cat, but could spray on occasion.

If you move, change your routine or go on vacation, your altered pet may chow his frustration by spraying on your furniture. Other things that might induce him to spray are the mating seasons, spring and fall, when he can hear and smell unaltered males and females mating.

Another common reason altered cats spray is because you have acquired one cat too many, or one of your cats has a new litter of kittens. They spray because they are stressed. This is an instinctive reflex on their part and you should not punish them.

They will stop spraying when the kittens go to their new homes, or when, in time, they have accepted the addition of the new cat. If spraying continues to be a problem, contact your veterinarian for advice.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Cat Pet Supplies [http://www.catpetsupplies.org/] and Reader Sunglasses [http://www.readersunglassesdeal.com/]

Protect Your Furniture From Scratching Cats

Cats scratch:

· To remove old nail sheaths from the claws
· To exercise and tone muscles
· To relieve stress, frustration and boredom
· To "warm up" for a vigorous play session
· To mark territory

Training tips:

- Place a sisal rope scratching post in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap.

- To introduce the post to your cat try using catnip as a lure. (For most cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun) Rub catnip onto the sisal material and call the cat over to the post.

- Scratch your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat and at the same time teach him where to scratch. After your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat.

- Small kittens can be trained to climb the post by showing them food treats and placing the treats on the top of the post or perch.

- If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, place the post directly in front of it. Temporarily cover the previously scratched areas with a few strips of double-sided carpet tape or clear double-sided tape strips that are designed for this purpose. This will help redirect your cat's scratching activities to the post. By offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, healthy behavior.

Smart and caring cat owners know that claws are very important to cats. Claws give the cat a sense of security, knowing that their defense system is intact. They also allow the cat to grasp and hold objects as well as establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing and stretching.

Scratching products are designed to maximize your cat's scratching pleasure by providing an appealing target for territorial marking, exercise, and a playful warm-up.

By regularly trimming your cat's nails and offering a suitable scratching item, you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, happy and healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a satisfied and confident companion.

Pat Lemmons (aka Miss Kitty) lives in South Texas, has had cats as pets for 10 years. and has a website http://www.kittystoreonline.com for quality cat products at discounted prices. Products range from the most recent technological creations of the automatic litter boxes to the best interactive toys for your furry feline. We have unique cat beds, including heated beds, pet carriers and crates, kitty trees and condos, scratching posts and perches, litter boxes and covers, everything for the pampered cat. A portion of every sale is donated monthly to three local animal shelters.

What You Need to Know About Your Aging Cat and Keeping Your Cat Safe

Age is just a number, right? Well, yes and no. A Human who is 70 years old may act like a young adult, while humans the same age may act like he or she is on their deathbed. Cats are exactly the same way! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or may be achy at a very young. Specific breeds, environments, and genetics play a big role, but in general, a well cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats even live to be well over 30.

There are a number of things you can do, to provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible:

o Have your cat spayed or neutered. Statistics show that altered cats live longer:

o Having your cat fixed causes your cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to fewer dangerous situations and disease.

o Good nutrition is also extremely important make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat's age and traits;

o If your cat is overweight ensure you purchase cat food that:

- Satisfies Hunger (A healthy blend of fiber helps your cat stay fuller longer);
- Helps maintain healthy hips and joints; and
- Calorie Control (11% less Calories than normal cat food is standard).

- If your cat is strictly an indoor cat buy food that:

- Promotes lean muscle mass;
- Supports skin & coat health; and
- Has a magnesium level of not more than 0.098%.

o If your cat suffers from furballs (especially long furred cats) get food that contains:

- Furball preventative maintenance ingredients.

o If your cat is prone to urinary tract infections buy food that is formulated for management of urinary tract disease.

As your cat ages, there are certain medical conditions to take into consideration for your cat. Some include reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures, decreased sensory perception, susceptibility to infection, arthritis and joint stiffness, digestion problems, liver and kidney problems, weaker bones, cancer, muscle weakness, slow reaction, memory loss, high blood pressure, and irritability. As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans! If your cat displays any of the above signs, bring him/her to your vet for a complete examination. Inform your vet of your observations and follow his/her recommendations. After all, you cat is a valued member of your family!

Along with a good diet, ensure your cat gets enough exercise. You can do this by letting your cat outside to play. However, never allow your cat outside unless he/she is well supervised or has an enclosed area to play. You CAN train your cat to walk on a harness and leash. This not only allows your cat to get some exercise, but you as well. Never attach a leash to a cat's collar, this could lead to unintentional strangulation of your cat or if the collar is a breakaway, loss of your beloved pet.

Regardless if your cat is an indoor cat or both, have him/her micro-chipped. Attaching tags to their collars with your information is only useful if the cat has the collar on. Tattoo's become blurry and fades over time, thus reducing your chances of having your cat returned to you. Cats are curious and if there's a way for them to get out, they will find it!

Play with your cat every day, set aside 15 to 30 minutes, this not only persuades your cat to play, it's a wonderful way to bond with your cat. Toys, scratching posts, play stations, are also a great way to encourage your cat to exercise. Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine, but if you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat's sleeping habits.

Preventative health care, of course is very important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with your vet to ensure everything is okay. You should also brush your cat's teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. Grooming your cat is also an excellent way to bond and allows you the opportunity to feel any lumps and abrasions not visual to the human eye. Take immediate action - remember it's easier and less costly to catch it before it becomes a major issue.

Monitor your cat for diet chances, litter box usage, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.

Ensure your place is cat friendly. Keep all products containing chemicals that can be a health hazard to you cat in a safe place. (If necessary, purchase childproof locks, cats are inquisitive and many quickly learn how to open cupboards.)

Never use bleach to clean your cat's kitty litter box. If possible, purchase a steam cleaner for washing your floors. This reduces the use of chemical cleaning products and eliminates the risk of residue being digested by your cat. Remember, cats are very clean animals and any residue left behind from cleaning products can be easily consumed by your cat through self cleaning.

Cilantro and Tarragon

Cat Tales by Cilantro and Tarragon, Inc.

[http://www.thespicecats.com]